Hm... Been awhile since I've actually slept well. Ren sat up and stretched, I'm surprised I didn't have that weird dream. He rubbed the back of his neck, massaging the tension he felt, A bit of bed sores, but nothing I should be complaining about. He breathed out a laugh, getting up.
The teen got dressed, feeling a bit cheerful today. He found it a bit odd, but he felt he already knew the reason of his sudden happiness so early in the morning. Ren grabbed his bag and was about to head downstairs, but before he did, he felt a sharp pain pierce through his head.
Ugh... what the...? He fell to his knees, gripping the side of his head, Not this again... The adolescent sighed deeply, growling with annoyance, No... I'm not letting this migraine ruin today. Ren shook his head, trying to ignore the pain.
"I'm heading out." Ren waved, reaching the door knob, about to walk out.
"Not wanting a quick bite before you head out?" Sojiro said, sliding a plate his way.
"Hm?" Ren looked back, a smile sliding across his face, Huh... I guess my luck is turning around. He looked at Sojiro kindly, "Thank you."
"I had left overs and I don't want it to go to waste. Don't get the wrong idea." He looked away, preparing coffee when truthfully just hiding his kind smile.
"Heh... still... thank you, Sakura-san." He bowed his head, giving him a kind grin.
"Yeah, yeah. Just hurry up and eat." He waved his hand, still not looking at the teen.
Ren cherished the mixed flavors from the curry Sojiro made. He fell in love since the very first bite. It had a bit of a kick the first time around, but that's what made it great.
"That was fast." Sojiro let out a small laugh, surprised on how fast Ren gobbled that down.
"Well, it can't be helped. It was very tasty." He smiled at him happily like a little kid. "Thanks again." He waved as he walked out.
"Mind flipping the sign on your way out? Thanks." Sojiro asked, as he saw Ren leave.
Ren nodded, flipping the sign. He noticed his reflection and was surprised to see a small smile across his face this morning. The young man never expected to see a smile on his face as his day begun. The teen was surprised, but was filled with content, hoping his day will go smoothly like this morning.
The adolescent reached school grounds and waited by the gate. I wonder if she's here already? He scoped out the front of the school, trying to look for a familiar figure, but found nothing. Damn it... I wish I traded contact information with her earlier.
He sighed deeply, wondering if he should look around the school, but before he stepped foot he was poked in the back. He jolted, feeling chills go up his spine. Ren spun around quickly, seeing who it was.
"Morning." Shiho smiled innocently.
"Goodness... Can't believe I got startled by a poke in the back..." He sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"By a girl no less." She stuck her tongue out teasingly.
"Hardy har har..." He gave a look of amusement, sticking his tongue out in turn.
"So how was your walk home? No issues?" Ren asked, curious.
"Yes, father. All was well. No detours. No interruptions. No issues whatsoever. It was smooth sailing." She smiled happily.
"I'm glad." He grinned, ignoring the word father by the feel of relief, placing his hand on her head again.
Right when he placed his hand on her head, a sigh of happiness escaped Shiho. She closed her eyes while a soft smile slid across her face. The young woman didn't put any focus on her expression nor her action. Shiho just admired the feel of happiness, peacefulness and most of all safeness. It's been a long while since she has felt complete ease on school grounds. The young woman would always dread the days when it came to going to school. Yet with the presence of Ren, she felt she could make it through the days just like how Ren feels.
"Shall we go?" Ren held out his hand, giving a bright smile.
Shiho breathed out a small laugh. When she saw the brightness in his beam, she felt as though the sun was finally shining down on her. The adolescent felt completely warm just after seeing that grin. The teen didn't know how her day was going to be, but when she saw Ren's hand reach out towards her, she felt it was going to go well.
When they were getting ready to head towards the school building, they suddenly felt a sharp pain in their head, feeling as though they were being squeezed. They tried to shake it off, hoping the lightheadedness wouldn't last long. The two teens sighed deeply, not even noticing the other felt the same pain. They just buried it away and continued to head towards the school entrance.
They tried to ignore it as the young woman finally linked her hand with his and they both walked inside with a look of content. Once they stepped foot into the school building, they automatically heard rumors spread across school grounds, crashing towards them like a tsunami. They were both struck a bit by the words that grew.
"Can you believe what's going on?" One student whispered.
"Isn't that Suzui-san? One of Kamoshida's top team members? What is she doing with that delinquent?" Another spoke.
"Do you think that transfer student did something to be with her like this?" Another questioned with a wary tone.
"I feel sorry for her." Another said.
"I hope she doesn't get hurt." Another continued.
Shiho didn't want to make matters worse for Ren seeing as to how he was dealing with enough problems. She looked at Ren with a wary expression, wondering how he's taking it. If she saw a look of worrisome or embarrassment, she planned to instantly withdraw. Yet when she looked up at him, he didn't seemed too bothered with how the day started off. He looked like he wasn't bothered one bit. A smile grew on Shiho's face which led her to squeeze his hand as a giggle escaped. Ren was a bit startled, but looked at her with a gentle grin, squeezing her hand in turn.
Right when they both exposed a look of peace and happiness, acting as though everything around them didn't matter, it bewildered the other students. They were taken aback by how calm and content they were even under the pressure of rumors spreading around them as if cornering them in a line of fire. As the two teens continued to walk their merry way, the students still mumbled, but turned away, no longer having them as the breaking news.
"You okay, Shiho?" Ren whispered as he asked.
"Y-Yeah, all is well. How about for you?" Shiho asked in turn.
"All is--?!" Ren froze, feeling a strong chill strike through his body. The teen looked around, trying to find the source of it, but there was no one glaring at him. I must be imagining things... He massaged the back of his neck, trying to release the tension he received from his sudden stiffness, "All is well..." He breathed out a laugh looking at her with a soft grin, not wanting to worry her, "Let's head to class."
"Okay..." Shiho said, following him. I wonder what's bothering him. As she thought that, she suddenly felt the same chill go up her spine. Shiho wanted to search for the cause of it, but didn't want to start her day off with deep concerns if she did find the source of it. The teen stayed on her toes though.
"So this is your classroom, huh?" He asked, opening the door for her, following behind her.
"Yeah. Just like every other classroom." She answered with a small laugh, heading towards her desk.
When she sat down, Ren knelt down, resting his arms and head on her desk looking at her with care. "You going to be okay?" He placed his hand on hers, making her face suddenly turn a little crimson.
She smiled bashfully, hoping not to draw attention towards them. She wanted to pull away, but also not let go of his big warm hand that always comforted her in an instant.
"Yeah, I'm sure I'll be fine." She smiled gently.
"Okay." He gave a crooked grin before looking across the building, "Hm... looks like your friend isn't at school yet, huh?" He noticed no one was in front of his desk.
"No, she messaged me earlier today saying that she has a shoot going on in Shibuya today." Shiho responded, pulling out her notebook and setting it on her desk then picked out her phone, checking the messages again.
"Oh, speaking of messages, mind if we exchange contacts?" He pulled out his phone, holding it out towards her.
"Not at all." She handed hers over to him as she grabbed hold of his. "Hm? What's this glowing app?" Shiho questioned, puzzled since it covered part of his phone.
"Huh?" He peeked over, "Seriously? Again?" The teen with glasses sighed deeply, "Just ignore it." The young man tried to drag the app to the trash to delete it, but it didn't budge. "What the...?" Ren groaned lightly, a little irritated after seeing it grow again. He struggled to delete it once more, it was as if his phone froze.
"Um... Ren...?" Shiho tugged on his shirt.
"Hm? What is--!?" Ren flinched once seeing the whole area change. "Not this again!" His hands turned into tight fists, hoping this was all a dream, but nope, it was all too real.
"What do you mean again?" Shiho trembled, trying to take all of this in.
"I'll explain later. Firstly, let's find a way out of this nightmare." He stood up and looked around the room, "What is this room anyway?" Ren examined.
"A safe room." Somebody responded.
"Morgana?" Ren automatically knew.
Shiho tried to follow the sound. Once she found the source of it... "A-A t-t-talking m-m-monster looking cat?!" She fell back, terrified.
"I am NOT a CAT!" Morgana hissed.
"Yeah... he takes offense to that..." Ren whispered in her ear.
"How can you be so calm about this?!" She looked up at him, shocked.
"Seeing as to how we're in a safe room... I guess I can explain it?" Ren was a bit hesitant, but with the situation they were in, he felt this would be the best time to tell her.
"Then spit it out already!" Shiho shrieked.
"Do you know a student named Ryuji Sakamoto...?" He questioned first.
"Do you mean the traitorous track team member...?" Shiho answered with a question.
"Traitorous track team member?" Ren asked, curious.
"Oh! Um... forget I said that. Continue on your explanation." She bit her lips, zipping it.
"Okay..." Ren said, I'll keep these questions in mind for when I see him next... The teen looked away for a second, trying to sort out how to respond to her, "Anyway... I'd like to say, don't think I'm crazy, but I wouldn't blame you if you did. Because I think I've lost it once I ended up here last." He looked around, dragging on.
"Get straight to the point already!" Shiho raised her voice, shaking by shock of her sudden reaction and by a bit of fear as she examined the area. "S-Sorry..."
"Um... n-no worries..." He laughed a bit, "A-Anyway, this place is--"
"A palace from last I saw." Morgana butted in.
"A palace?" Shiho questioned.
"A palace of someone's distortion. Ones desires I guess you could say." He continued, "This is the true side of ones real view. Ones illusion."
"Whose view is this then?" Her curiosity calmed her down a bit.
"Kamoshida's it appears." Ren replied.
"What...?" Shiho looked over, concerns beginning to rise. "This is how this jerk views our school?!" The young woman shouted.
Morgana and Ren flinched by her sudden change in tone. A little taken aback by the look of her anger.
"Y-Yeah..." Ren responded hesitantly, "I'm still new at this so we're in the same boat on this part."
"Anyway, I'll help you out. Again." Morgana glared at Ren.
"What? This isn't my fault! I didn't say or do anything that could've led us here!" Ren stated. "This app just reappeared on my phone all by itself per usual!"
"Let me see that!" Morgana grabbed his phone.
"Hey!" Ren was a little agitated.
"Huh... it looks like it went haywire." He looked at it, seeing Ren's phone become static, "Did you break it or something?" He looked up at the unruly haired student.
"What? No!" He responded instantly, "At least I think not..." Ren then became curious, looking back.
Did I drop it when I fell earlier? He thought, No... I don't recall anything of the sort. But... The teen felt doubtful.
"Anyway, let's save this for later. I don't want this young lady to get into any danger." Morgana tossed back his phone and headed towards the door. "Follow me and don't be stupid like that blondie okay?" He laughed as he opened the door slightly, peeking out.
Blondie? Shiho question, No, no, no... I should just focus on escaping with them. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind.
"This way. We're not too far from the entrance this time." Morgana smiled, relieved.
Thank goodness... The two teens sighed with relief, but their relief got taken away when a shadow appeared only a few feet ahead.
"Halt right there!" The knight shouted, pointing out his sword.
"Seriously...? This again?" Ren groaned, I hope--?! Well, guess luck is on my side again. For now... He sighed, getting in position to fight alongside Morgana again.
"Wh-What just happened!? Wh-Why did your clothes suddenly change!?" Shiho stepped back.
"I'll tell you once we're safe. Stay back." Ren said before getting in position for the fight, "Ready. Morgana?"
"Always." He responded with a laugh of confidence.
Shiho backed away, leading herself against a wall. The young woman didn't know how to take this. She was scared, confused, but most of all concerned. The jet black haired student was wary on how to handle this. She wanted to be of help, but she didn't know how seeing as to how she didn't have the same ability as Ren nor his ally.
As she did... "My, my... I didn't expect to see my little bunny hopping around here with that thief." A deviant laugh hovered above her.
She looked at the owner of the voice, leading herself to freeze. Her whole body trembled, fear stirring inside her. Her skin went as pale as a sheet of paper and she shook as though a gust of wind went straight through her whole body. She wanted to scream. She wanted to yell for help. But she couldn't bring herself to say anything.
Before any noise could escape her lips, they were shielded by the hand of a knight as they carried her away, following behind the king. Once the fight was over, Ren looked over back where Shiho was, but saw no sight of her. He fell straight into panic mode, but tried to stay calm by the feel of determination.
"Morgana! We gotta find her." He stated looking in all directions, "Any idea what might have happened?"
"My assumptions are the guards." He did the same, "They might have taken her to the cells." Morgana took the lead.
"I hope we find her soon..." Ren prayed as he followed, "So much for a lucky day..."
The two looked all over as they ran through hallways. They finally heard a scream come from the west wing and Ren was the first to bolt. When he turned around a corner, he saw her over the shoulder on one of the knights. He dashed once his eyes set on hers.
"Ren!" She screamed out.
As he ran as fast as he could towards her, the world began to turn back into reality.
"What the...?" Ren ended up slowing down, coming to a halt once the whole castle turned back to it's original form. "No, no, NO!" He slammed his hands against the door, finding himself up at the door to the roof.
The teen looked at his phone, seeing it still going haywire. He clenched his phone tightly, filled with stress, frustration, and all around fear. The only next thing he could think of was to go see Ryuji, hoping he may have the same thing on his phone. Ren frantically looked around and finally caught sight of him near his classroom.
"Ryuji!" Ren yelled out as he ran up to him.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Ryuji asked, curious on what's going on and why he was being so frantic.
"I need your help!" He stated quickly.
"Why? What's going on!? Is it about..." He looked around suspiciously, lowering his voice, "...the castle...?" He whispered.
"Yes! And I need your help!" He responded hastily, "Do you happen to have the same thing on your phone?"
"What thing?" He pulled out his phone.
"That!" Ren pointed out, "That weird app is on your phone, too. Thank God..." He breathed out with a slight feel of relief.
"What the hell...? What's this eyeball-lookin' thing?" Ryuji was bewildered once seeing that on his phone.
"I don't know. It just appeared on my phone after I moved here." He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease his muscles as he tried to figure out what to do. "Seeing as to how you have it too, it must be some sort of link to it."
"What a weird app..." He stared at it, lost.
"But how do we get back to that other world...?" Ren looked at it.
"It looks like tryin' to open it won't do much." Ryuji sighed deeply, tapping on it, "How the hell did it end up on my phone?"
"I don't know, but we need to find a way to get back to that other world." Ren answered.
"...Oh, wait, this is it!" Ryuji said, the app finally opening, "I knew it--it IS a navigation app! There's even your search history!" He lined together. "Oh man, I'm such a genius."
Yes, yes, I get it... Ren rolled his eyes, looking back at it. Now please let's hurry!
"Okay. Let's try usin' it." He looked at it again.
"Yes. But I don't know how." Ren frustratingly said.
"Why? All we're doin' is startin' an app." He responded.
"Okay, then let's hurry this up." Ren responded quickly.
"Why? What's going on?" He questioned.
"Suzui-san and I ended up in that other world. My phone's been acting up since this morning and it brought me back to the real world and..." Ren clenched his hands tightly, looking down, "Left Suzui-san behind..."
"What!?" Ryuji shouted, "We have to go get her back!"
"I know, but how?" Ren looked back at his phone.
The blond headed student clenched his phone, becoming frustrated, "I don't know. I don't know. I don't know! All I know is we can't leave her in the hands of that stupid Kamoshida."
Once the app was opened, it started to speak, "Kamoshida... Shujin Academy... Pervert... Castle... Beginning navigation."
"There we go!" He looked at it like an excited child waiting to open his present, "...Then we went in a certain direction, and-- Hey, what're you--" He looked over at Ren before his eyes grew wide, "...Huh? What the hell!?" The surroundings suddenly changed around them.
"Time to get her back." Ren smiled with an expression of determination as the world began to change.