Chapter 14: One Thing After Another
(Monty/MC's House, Thursday Morning)
As my eyes crack open I'm greeted to Monika's sleeping face. Her peaceful expression and the serene smile warm my tired soul and I scooch closer to her. Giving her a kiss but making sure not to wake her up I smile gently.
"If only I could spend an eternity like this, I would gladly do so. Just you, me, the other girls... " I murmur and gently kiss her forehead this time. Monika shifts and her smile grows but she remains asleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts still. I sigh softly and get up and dressed, heading to the kitchen and beginning to cook the eggs. My thoughts go to the challenges we face and the difficulties; I could already tell my stress was building up just thinking about this stuff.
As I finish making the eggs while my thoughts wander I feel her slender arms wrap around my waist; a rather comforting gesture that I've grown to love. I smile and turn to kiss her.
"Morning. I made breakfast as usual." I smile and earn a kiss on my cheek as a reward. Monika sits down at the table and watches me for a minute as I put the eggs on a plate and slide it over to her before sitting down and beginning to eat. We eat in silence for the most part although I do notice and feel Monika's hand grab mine and gently squeeze it. I end up holding hands with her as I eat before I glance at the clock; about an hour before my alarm goes off. Damn I did wake up early.
"So, any ideas for other things we could try with helping Natsuki?" I ask Monika and she taps her chin.
"We could try to see if some of the teachers or the nurse could help; although I'm unsure how much use they would be." She answers and I frown.
"What do you mean?" I ask and she smiles a bit.
"Well have you noticed how our school life is? We just seem to go from class to class without really noticing the others?" She asks and I nod.
"Yeah I noticed that on our trip to the town too, it was like the faces sorta blended together." I answer and she nods.
"I think they are still suffering from the effects of the game; of course there were people assumed to be there in the original game but we never spoke or saw them. We only saw those in the Literature Club. And now that the coding and game has increased so much... we see those of the Literature Club as fully intelligent people and now we see the background characters as well as the city. But they still don't seem to be fully there; you can interact with them but I don't know if you can give them the same sentience we have." She reasons. I frown in thought at her words; of course it wasn't unfounded logic but it also meant we would practically be on our own in this world.
And how long would this world last? I saw my room through the screen and it looked like nothing changed but... is time still working normally there? Or am I cut off in some form of alternate reality? Will I ever go back?
Do I want to go back?
I mean I have family and a few friends, but without Monika and the others my heart feels... hollow.
I feel my brow furrow and I sigh, leaning back in my chair. This was hard. I'm reminded of how much I despise life sometimes. My head slams against the table softly and I groan. Monika's hand goes to my shoulder and I sigh.
"We'll get through this." I mutter and she smiles somberly.
"Yes we will. We've already saved Sayori to prove it too. We can do this." She reassures and I lift my head up.
"Yeah... you're right." I sigh a little and smile at her before leaning in and kissing the cute club president. She happily accepts the kiss before looking me in the eye with her lovely emerald pools.
"Although if you are stressed or upset, you can talk to me you know?" She offered and I smile a bit.
"You always are. Maybe that's why I took to you." I reply and this makes her cock a brow.
"You know, you never really told me why you fell in love with me to start. You said you wanted to save me but why did you love me in particular?" She questioned as I lean back in my chair.
"Hmmm... I guess when I first started the game I was interested in you, at least for physical appearances. Sure Yuri, Sayori and Natsuki are all cute in their own ways but I... I liked your eyes and your hair. Especially the eyes; they drew me in since they were similar to mine. And when I continued the game and saw how messed up things were for a minute I was very upset, especially in Act 2. But when we reached Act 3 is when my heart wavered. While I don't condone your actions seeing you as all alone and sad spoke to me; I saw parts of myself in your character. And when I deleted you... your words of 'I still love you' clinched it. I know you can't fix what you did but you tried; you even kept yourself deleted. And then you saved the MC/me at the end of the game because you didn't want any more pain. And my heart ached." I clutch my chest softly as I look into Monika's eyes, which were wide and on the verge of a few tears. I smile softly.
"Look... Monika during the game and because of the script you caused me great pain. You tore at my heart, you pulled me to pieces. Yet at the same time you made my heart melt and swoon, you inspired me and captivated me. If there had been a route for you I would have chosen it without hesitation. And now that I finally see the real you I don't regret my choice or my love one bit." I finish my reply and now Monika is crying, although she's doing her best to wipe away the tears and cover them up.
I smile and just let her cry, hugging her a little with one arm as she curls up against me. I feel her plant a kiss on my cheek and I blush a bit before smiling.
"You know, even though that was one of the sweetest things Ive heard I'd rather you not make me cry..." Monika sniffled a bit and I end up chuckling.
"Sorry sorry. You wanted an honest answer though so I gave you one. You know how much I love you." I muse and she smiles.
"Of course, aha~ you spoil me a lot with your words and actions to prove it." She mused before sighing softly and looking at me to indicate that it's time to get ready. I sigh and pull away as I finish getting ready. I grab the collapsible baton and feel it in my palm... it's definitely got some weight to it but it's not overly heavy. I pack that into the front of my bag since I can't really conceal the thing in my pocket as well as my phone charger to prep my phone for later. With one final kiss between the two of us we depart, me heading to Sayori's place to pick her up and start the day.
Meeting up with my favorite childhood friend I smile at her cheerily as we walk to school. She smiles back and talks about random stuff in school and all that before nudging me.
"Psst, Monty." She whispers and I look over at her curiously.
"Hmm? What's up Sayo?" I ask and she gets this serious expression on her face.
"Don't call me by my name, call me by my spy name that I came up with! I'm going by Eagle Two now." She hissed and I just give her a deadpan expression.
"... What?" I repeat and she smiles brightly.
"Pretty smart huh? We should all use code names so that Natsuki doesn't realize we are doing a top secret mission about her!" She expresses with that eager expression of hers. Part of me wants to burst into giggles but the other parts sees how serious she is and doesn't want to break her poor heart.
God why did this game have to make these girls all so adorable? Reality eventually calls and I chuckle.
"Sayori, wouldn't she get more suspicious if we start calling each other by spy names?" I ask and her expression changes to shock.
"Eh?! Really?!" She asks with genuine surprise and I can't hold my laughter back any longer. I end up erupting into giggles. Sayori began to pout and glare at me, hitting my arm lightly in protest.
"W-What's so funny?" She pouted as I tried to stifle my laughter and give her an answer.
"Y-You are too precious Sayori, never change-" I giggle and make the girl blush before smiling a bit shyly.
"E-Ehehe..." She giggles nervously and I smile as I get over my giggles.
"Come on, let's get to school. We'll talk about this later." I state and she smiles before nodding.
School is as expected pretty boring and bland as usual, giving me ample time to think about the plan. I texted Sayori during class and let her know that Monika will be going to talk to teachers or the nurse today so Sayori should meet up with her after for them to look through the records. I text Monika the same idea, telling her to meet with the teachers and nurses privately first before meeting up with Sayori. Both agree to the plan and before I know it the final bell rings and I head to the club.
The club itself goes normally too; I end up hanging out with Natsuki and Sayori giving recommendations on manga or novels to read while also discussing club stuff with Monika. Both Yuri and Natsuki ask about my stab wound which thankfully is feeling much better now; the comfort of the baton in my bag also helps me take it easy. All in all it's a fun club time but the most important parts happen at the end.
"Okay everyone! So yesterday we threw out themes to try and write poems on; I think to start we will use the theme of 'freedom' in our first poem! It's okay if you struggle; what's important is to try your best!" She commented and I smile. She has the natural charisma of a leader, guess that debate team did help to shape her personality... well, if those memories had existed that is. I frown a bit at that thought before shaking it off as Monika ends the club for the day. I notice Natsuki packing up and I smile.
"Hey Natsuki, mind if I walk you home today?" I ask and she pauses before looking at me suspiciously.
"What? Why? Isn't your home closer to Sayori's? You always walk home with her after all." She asks and I shrug.
"Well I need to head that way for some supplies for my home, and I figured it might be easier to walk home with you today anyways." I suggest with a smile. Of course it was a lying but... unfortunately I had gotten pretty good at lying here. Natsuki continues to give me a suspicious look before huffing.
"Fine, but you better not slow me down and you keep your hands to yourself okay?" She snaps and I nod with a smile. Bidding farewell to the other three I take off with Natsuki, heading out of the school and towards a different part of the town.
For a minute an awkward silence hangs over us as we walk and I think it's because Natsuki isn't used to someone walking with her. Glancing over her red eyes are downcast and I frown. I need to think of something to say to bring her mind off of it.
"Hey Natsuki, I won the bet right?" I ask and she looks up.
"Huh? Ah, yeah..." She began and I grin.
"Then... make me your favorite type of cupcake. Any flavor you love. And I'll bring in some manga and we can eat them and read together if you want." I offer and immediately her eyes snap up to me in disbelief and excitement.
"R-Really? W-Well whatever I guess I can do that..." She trails off and I smile a bit.
"Good, because I want to spend time with my friend." I grin and she stiffens at those words. However it seems the tension in the air is gone and she grins.
"Hmph, I'll just make the best cupcakes ever!" She boasts and I laugh.
"Good~! Because... seeing you bake and be happy is amazing. To see you invested in something is a sight to behold; I saw that when we made cupcakes for the festival." I comment and Natsuki blushes a bit, looking away again.
"If you want you can come over again too, I mean I offered before that you can come over whenever you feel uncomfortable you know?" I continued and Natsuki frowned.
"I don't remember..." She began before she frowned and clutched the side of her head while she frowned. Ah, so she suffers the same thing Sayori did. Maybe to a lesser extent since her father is the cause of her issues and not Natsuki herself.
"You.. did. I remember." She said before looking at me. For a moment I see a rare smile cross her lips before being hidden away again behind her indifferent attitude. Well, better than her constantly getting angry. I grin.
"Yeah, see? You can come over and make the cupcakes and we can chill and read manga. I have one I have to show you that you'd love." I grin proudly and Natsuki grins back.
"Oh? You had better not be lying!" She mused and from there the conversation took a lighter tone.
(Natsuki's PoV, Natsuki's Home, Thursday Afternoon)
Monty and Natsuki both walked the familiar path back to her house; she didn't live exactly near the school which is why she had to get a head start early every day or else she would be late. Thoughts of her father and what he did invaded her mind and she felt herself go pale but kept up appearances; she didn't want to concern Monty or the others with this. After all it would just put them in trouble and her father... her father wouldn't take kindly to it. However he wasn't at home right now and for some reason Monty made Natsuki feel safe and warm; maybe it was just because he never seemed to belittle her or make fun of Natsuki and always took her ideas seriously.
Monika and Sayori too; it felt like something was different about them, about this whole thing. But Natsuki felt like... they actually cared for her when they talked to her. An unseen smile crossed her lips at the idea of her friends truly caring and respecting her thoughts before she turned the corner and came into view of her house.
Her blood ran cold. Her fathers black SUV sat in the driveway. He was home early. Turning instantly she moved her hands and pushed Monty back, making him grunt and give her a surprised expression. His confusion was apparent as he looked at Natsuki.
"What's wrong? Why did you push me?" He asked, no anger in his voice but genuine concern. Natsuki bit her lip; what could she say to convince him to leave before her father saw him?
"W-Well I mean... my dad's home and I'll be s-safe from here, so you can go and get your supplies." She expressed and for a moment she saw Monty's expression change to something unreadable, before he nods. He gave Natsuki the sweetest smile he could before turning to walk away.
"Hey, you have my number. If you need anything please... call or text me." He said his parting words and Natsuki felt her chest tighten before nodding and heading towards her house, finally rounding the corner and coming into view. She looked back and didn't see Monty so she continued on, walking up the path to her door.
And then the door opened and a bottle of whiskey was hurled right in front of her, shattering on the path into hundreds of tiny pieces and making Natsuki jump in fear. A shadow loomed at the door and her father came into view, once more filling her heart with terror.
(Monty's PoV, Natsuki's Home, Thursday Afternoon)
I knew immediately something was wrong and that's why I waited for Natsuki to start walking up to her house before returning to the corner and spying on her. I had my phone out and took a picture of the address when the door opened. I switched my video camera on as soon as the glass shattered loudly, making me flinch as I turned the camera to the source; her father.
The man himself looked to be in his mid 30's to early 40's, with dark brown hair kept short with no facial hair noticable. Wearing just a white t-shirt and blue jeans I could see that he had a bit of a beer gut and wasn't in the healthiest condition, but my eyes focused on his arms. His bare arms were built for work and strength; I could easily see that even with the gut he wasn't some pushover. However, what got to me was his red eyes; they were the same glaring red as Natsuki's that stared down at her. His expression from here was easily identifiable as pure rage; this was a man with a temper. I felt my heart pang out and I frowned more.
"What are you doing home?" Her father's deep voice spoke out and Natsuki flinched. She looked away a bit before replying.
"S-School is over dad, I just finished and got back." She spoke. He swayed a bit against the door frame and I realized was was drunk; my free hand clenched into a fist.
"Schools over? But it's not even noon! Don't you lie to me girl!" He growled and I saw Natsuki shrink back even further. However I also noticed her arms shaking but firm; she was trying her best to endure it even through her fear.
My knuckles went white.
"Dad, it's far past noon, it's almost dinner time-" She replied a little quietly, but loud enough for me to hear. However his eyes focused on her with more intensity and he growled.
"Did I say you could talk back to me? Do I need to remind you who's in charge?" He snapped and I saw her shudder again. Her father jerked a thumb behind him.
"Get inside. Now." He growled with finality and Natsuki hurried in, the door closing behind her like the gate to a prison.
I stood at the corner watching Natsuki's door for another minute before pulling away and turning back towards my home. I felt something warm in my hand and looked down only to realize that I had been clenching my fist so hard my fingernails dug into my skin and cut it open; a pool of crimson was forming in my hand as I spoke. I clench my fist and the blood drips down to the ground while I sigh and glance at my phone; the video is recorded and should be all the evidence we need. At least we can save Natsuki for sure now. As I turn to get up however my phone goes off. I look at it and for a minute I frown in confusion; unknown sender.
Opening up my phone to look at the message sends a cold sweat down my back and my body pales.
"No Cheating."
The sound of white noise reaches my ears from down the alley. I look up and see a familiar, terrifying figure.
Glitched MC stands at the other end, the glitched areas around it's body all turned into images of eyes staring at me. In his hands once again is a knife, the long blade glowing maliciously in the light. And with that he begins to advance on me, slowly closing the distance.
My feet are frozen in place as I watch with fear eating away at my heart. As he is about halfway down the alley his glitches change and he raises a hand; my phone vibrates. Looking down my eyes widen as all my video footage is deleted; all the evidence gone in a flash. So... he was going to delete any chance of us saving Natsuki and then kill me to make the game end. To make us all lose.
I remember Natsuki's huddled, shivering frame. I remember her fathers cruelty and anger. Every misfortune and upturn in this hell of a game floods my mind as I open the gates.
I roar out all of my fury, loud and strong enough to actually make the MC flinch. For a second it almost looks like it's afraid of me as i tear my pack off and pull out the police baton. Extending it I charge without hesitation or fear, one hand holding the baton while the other holds the straps of my bag. As the glitched entity gets ready for a stab I hurl my bag into it and knock it off-balance before I swing my baton down on it's hand, HARD. I know that this thing is more resilient than a normal person but it does feel pain; the last time I stabbed it was proof of this. And if it is in any way resembling a human...
the knife falls out of it's hand. My theory was right; it'd react like a human. But now that the imminent threat is out of the way I feel myself slipping into anger and rage as my attention turns fully to the MC. I begin to swing the baton wildly as I have never used something like it before. I impact him over his arms, body, the glitched area where his head would be; anywhere I can hit really. The glitched MC steps back as I swing and tries to block before a fist is thrown for my gut. I jump back but grunt as a follow-up hit impacts my shoulder and I drop my baton.
However I raise my fists with my uninjured one forwards and keep on swinging. I couldn't think of anything but killing this asshole here and now.
The MC seems to have the same idea and now we are brawling in the alley with our fists and kicks. The MC is strong and lands some solid punches in my gut and one across my face. Spitting out some warm liquid i felt pooling in my mouth I grunt and ram him with my shoulder and send his back impacting against the wall hard. I follow up with a solid knee to his gut and make the MC double over before I slam a fist down where his head would be. However he kicks my leg out from under me and I fall back as the MC jumps on top of me. He repeatedly punches my face and I feel my brain get shaken up; it's hard to focus.
Trying to get my head back in order I dodge to the side and bite his hand hard with the next punch; the impact against the ground couple with the bite makes the MC reel back and I manage to regain my posture. I see the baton as I get up and grab it before swinging upwards and landing a solid blow on the glitches head area. It reels back again as I resume my assault. It's punches and kicks hurt but now I'm blocking, moving slowly but surely against him. And for some reason I feel like I *know* what the MC is thinking; it's afraid and desperate and angry just like I was.
I take a punch to my wounded arm and I scream in pain and lose my temper even more. Roaring out in a bloody rage I charge and ram the MC with my torso while knocking him off his balance. Carrying on with the momentum I slam him against the wall and bring the baton up before crashing it back down against where his skull would be. Another high-pitched whine of static and the MC kicks me in the gut, knocking the air out of my lungs as I double back and pull away. Looking up in time I feel the MC's fist smash my jaw and now I'm seeing double as I fall back against the cold pavement.
My body wants to move but now I'm beginning to feel the pain of it all, the adrenaline not being to dull it all out anymore. With effort I get to my feet and I see the MC limping to his knife. He's hurt, I can see technicolor blood pouring out of where his head would be and I can *feel* his pain. But I'm not done. I hurl the baton hard now at the MC and it strikes true, impacting his arm and making him drop the knife in surprise and pain. I close the distance and grab his head before reeling my head back like in the movies and SLAMMING it down against his. My brain rattles in my skull and my consciousness groans. The static is deafening, it's all around me as the MC falls back in pain.
Last time you caught us unawares you bastard, this time I was more prepared.
"GET OUT OF HERE YOU TELEVISION BASTARD! GET! OUT! OF! MY! FACE!" I roar, each sentence accentuated with a punch to the things gut. It's white-noise scream got louder and my ears ached, and as I raised another fist everything went static. The world turned into static for me and I shut my eyes and covered my ears in pain.
And as quickly as things had happened it all stopped. I opened an eye and the MC was gone; not a trace of him remained. I stared and looked around, limping to the edge of the alleys to see if I could spot him; nothing. I waited for a full minute before finally letting out a tired sigh and slumping against the wall, sliding down slowly. Taking out my phone I look at it; the data is gone but the anonymous number is still there along with the text. I snarl and text it.
"Sayori deserved better than you. Next time you come for me or the girls I'll end you."
My anger while subsiding is pretty strong as I send the text, and with that I promptly let out a breath I was holding and block the number.
My body is aching, my fists hurt and I spit out some more blood. I'd need to look at myself in the mirror; hopefully I don't need more stitches. Monika is going to be so angry with me. Sighing tiredly I pick up my baton and pocket it, texting Monika that I'm on my way home. The way is slow and torturous and looking at my arm I can tell that it's bleeding; guess the hit to the stitches was a bit too much for them. It's already dusk when I reach the door to my house but before I even open it the portal swings open.
"Hello darlin-" Monika's smooth voice begins but dies in her throat as she sees the condition I'm in. Her green eyes widen in horror and I gulp, waving weakly.
"H-Hey Monika... s-sorry." I mutter and feel my legs begin to give out.
Soft but strong arms catch me and help me over to the couch as Monika begins to ramble.
"Monty what happened?! Did you get attacked?! Is Natsuki okay?! I didn't think about it I couldn't see you earlier-" She began and for the first time I see Monika losing control; I guess when she's always had some form of control to have it taken from her like this must be shell shock. I lean forwards and my hand squeezes hers, silencing her worry for a moment as I look into her green orbs.
"It was the glitched MC. I got attacked after finding evidence to support Natsuki. It deleted the evidence, but I managed to beat it up. I think it broke the stitches though and I need medical help." I calmly express and this seems to help the club president reign in her own emotions.
We move to the bathroom and I shower to clean up the wounds before sitting down with Monika on the couch; I'm just wearing my pants now as she had prepared the medical supplies while I was busy. Fortunately I don't need any more stitches, the worst of the injuries being the split lip I got and some pretty bad bruises. However most of them are able to be covered up and those that can't will be excused as me tripping and falling hard. Monika works in silence and I take the time to observe her skill; before she had to use a manual to stitch my arm up but now she could deftly replace the stitching without breaking a sweat. She definitely was an avid learner and could probably do any task she set for herself. It's that kind of resolve and dedication that I love about her.
As she finishes up I slip on a loose shirt and sigh before relaying everything I saw; Monika's hands grip herself or her outfit harder when I tell her about Natsuki's father and the MC but after all is said and done she sighs.
"Well, I'm glad you are okay. But if you make me worry like that again I swear..." She threatens with a voice that scares me worse than the glitched MC. I smile nervously at her.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry... but you know I had to go. And while we don't have the evidence we do know that the game is making sure to make things hard for us. How did your time go?" I ask and Monika shakes her head.
"Nothing. Talking to the teachers was ineffective like we thought, and searching through the records didn't bring anything up." She commented sadly and I frown. Back to square one.
"Well then.. I guess for now all we can do is try our best to get Natsuki to open up. But... can you tell me the full story tomorrow... I feel tired..." I yawn, and I hear Monika's distant voice calling for me as I black out.