Life will Change
Original Concept: Persona 5
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Chapter 6
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Created by: Atlus/Sega
Written by: wrathie
Consultation: DiLost
Cover art by: Aiwa
Author's Notes: So I'm late by a month. My sincere apologies, life happened. I hope you'll enjoy the chapter and the ripples Masumi made.
Shujin Academy
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Masumi made it to school safely, not meeting up with Ann as her friend had messaged her about going to school earlier with Shiho. She didn't meet anyone else she knew either and she wasn't about to meet up with Ryuji who could be everyone at this point.
Still, Masumi couldn't help but feel like she was walking on air as she had laid to rest a big issue that had haunted her for a long while.
To have people trust her, not just her peers but an honest to god adult, was something she hadn't expected to have. For the longest time it seemed liked it was her against the world, struggling against the cruel reality that her familial circumstances had placed her in.
To have Sakura Sojiro trust her, and for him to take up a genuine role of guardianship in her life was just…
Words couldn't describe how she felt, only that she knew she was very happy and over the moon with her circumstances.
Medea's constant reminders on how life isn't a bed of roses did put a damper on things, but still. Still!
"Speaking of which... I should ask Ryuji whether Captain Kidd could converse with him." Medea was herself after all and it was odd listening to herself speak with herself.
As much as she agreed with Medea's more sadistic comments at times, some of the things that Medea suggested wasn't… right.
As Masumi settled down to class, she wondered too whether it would be a good idea to start reading about Medea and in extension Captain Kidd to know more about them. For they were them after all. That was what Morgana had suggested.
Lunch
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"How about having lunch with us, Masumi-chan?" Ann beamed as she walked over to Masumi's desk and Masumi considered briefly before shaking her head, she had to meet up with Ryuji and if she could find him, Morgana. She had realized only belatedly that there was no way for them to contact Morgana, and being the most conspicuous among all of them, he would be in theory be able to do the most.
Morgana had promised to look around for them as well the day before, and it would be good for her to check on him. Not to mention how she would need to check on how Ryuji was coping as well despite his strong demeanor.
"I have to check up with Ryuji, I promised that I would help him with something. If I'm done earlier I'll come find you and Shiho." Although Ann looked perturbed, she agreed and bid her goodbyes while Masumi grabbed her bag before heading out, nodding friendly to her other classmates who she knew, if only in passing.
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"That bruise above your eyes… is that from practice too?" Ann's excitement in being able to eat with her friend was quickly extinguished when she saw her friend, or rather, the state that her friend was in. She had a large bruise on her face that had been hastily patched up with makeup.
Ann knew Shiho for years, and she had never been someone who would use makeup unless she was being forced to, and to hide a bruise that was still swelling would fall into that category.
"Yeah…" Ann could smell the lie in Shiho and she frowned, looking at her friend and praying that she would tell her what ailed her. They were friends after all, weren't they?
"Are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?" But Ann knew too that she was being a hypocrite if she blamed Shiho for hiding the truth. Didn't she herself had things that she kept from her?
Masumi was right, she should really talk to her about what happened between her and Kamoshida.
She didn't want there to be any misunderstandings after all!
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"Oh!" Shiho's phone ringing caught the two of them by surprise, for Ann she was too caught up in her own thoughts while Shiho was just too exhausted to the point where she was out of it.
"Aren't you going to answer it?" Ann asked hesitantly, her mind creating a link to that despicable individual on the other line. Wait, it couldn't be could it?
Before Ann could grab Shiho's phone to check, her own phone rang and she glanced at it before helplessness enveloped her again.
"B Sensei".
Kamoshida, him again. She had renamed his contact profile on her phone out of spite, it was a small thing but it was something she wouldn't have been able to do before if not for Masumi being who she was.
The words of support from her… friend, had been encouraging, but here she was, being hesitant again. She didn't want to be at his beck and call!
"It's probably just my part-time job, I think." Ann growled in anger as she stood up, looking down at Shiho who was looking at her in confusion. She didn't want to lie to her friend, but dealing with him came first.
"I should get going. I need to take this call… I'll come back soon, okay?" Ann reassured her friend but her heart did skip a beat when Shiho asked quietly.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
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No she wasn't, she wanted to say that, but she bit her tongue to handle Kamoshida for now. She'll tell her everything after this, she would. She have to!
"Uh huh… Let me take this call for now..."
Needless to say, Ann and Shiho didn't meet again for that lunch break.
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"Oh hey, Shiho-chan." Shiho didn't expect to bump into Kurusu Masumi, the girl that she had befriended a day before. Masumi was someone that Shiho had confided, if only a little with and seeing her friend was a welcome surprise.
Ann had talked about how she went to talk to Sakamoto Ryuji before and was surprised that she was friends with a mutual acquaintance of theirs.
"Good afternoon Masumi-chan. You look busy." She was too, her hands were full of bread that she was struggling a little to carry.
"I know… the cafeteria ran out of bags so I had to carry this by hand. They had a last minute sale on red bean buns, so I couldn't help myself." Masumi smiled happily at Shiho and Shiho giggled a little at her enthusiasm. Especially so when she discovered that the red bean paste buns of the cafeteria were disgustingly sweet. Well, it'll be a funny story the next time.
"You look much better than you did yesterday, but not really too. Are you really okay?" Masumi still got the knack of getting right in the heart of the matter and Shiho looked away, trying to avoid those eyes which seem to look through her.
"You shouldn't go to practise if it's causing you injuries. You'll just get more of them." Masumi reasoned but then sighed when Shiho shook her head slowly.
"I'm not going to force you to do anything, Shiho-chan. I'm just a friend concerned about you."
And it was precisely that was so that made it hard for Shiho to just accept as it was. No one had ever dared to point out the obvious after Kamoshida had made it clear to the team. Even those who she thought were her friends had been quickly silenced by the huge presence of Kamoshida.
Even her parents were… and here…
"Here. Have a sweet bean bun! It's on me!" Shiho looked down at the bun that Masumi had given her before she walked away, going up the stairs to another floor. Shiho didn't realize she was staring long after she had been gone when she felt her grip on the bun squeeze it hard enough for the paste to start oozing out of it.
"... Thanks…"
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Rooftop
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If only she had someone who had told her that at her moment of need, a warm hand and kind face directed towards her when she was feeling the lowest.
Was that why she wanted to help Shiho and Ryuji that much? Perhaps, but she wasn't wong if she wanted to help people who had done wrong.
"Well, it didn't work out as I thought it would, none of the guys would even talk to me." Ryuji admitted angrily while biting into the sweet paste bun ruthlessly, before coughing and grabbing the canned drink to wash it down.
"BLEH THAT'S STILL SO GOD DAMN SWEET!" Ryuji's coughing made Masumi laugh as she chewed on her portion of the bun slowly without missing a beat.
She had a sweet tooth and although it was the sweetest bun she had ever indulged in, it didn't bother her that much.
"How the heck can you even eat that… … Ugh, I don't want to know."
"Small bites, Ryuji. But do go on."
Ryuji then elaborated on the many messages he sent and the calls he did to the other members of the volleyball club that he knew.
"At this rate, it looks like we'll have to go to him directly." The declaration was something Masumi dreaded, but had honestly expected, Kamoshida was an adult and had been stringing the entire school for goodness how long.
If he hadn't been able to cover his tracks, or at able to stifle any rumours about his less than legal activities, he would have been busted long ago.
"We should have started with that, it couldn't be helped I guess… I really didn't want to go against him directly." Masumi admitted, making Ryuji pause as he shook his head.
"Why not? I mean, he's obviously wrong…" Ryuji still didn't understand how cruel the world was, well maybe he knew to some extent but he was still optimistic.
"The the victors, the spoils. You don't need to be right to claim victory. Or else do you accept what he did to you as right?"
"Hell no! He's the one who should be punished for what he did!"
"I know, but he didn't, didn't he? He won, and that's why I didn't want to take the fight to him as if it's just you and me, we won't win. It's not a matter of possibility, we won't be able to win at all." The cold hard facts and Ryuji clenched his fists before nodding, exhaling softly.
"I know. But seriously, isn't there something we can do? Can you think of anything? You wouldn't be trying still if you don't think we can win." Ryuji's question made Masumi sigh, shaking her head slightly as one option had been weighing in her mind.
Morgana's explanations of the nature of the Castle that they had attended had shown her the way, but she had been uncertain whether it would work.
Even so, that was their best and only way for a direct assault on Kamoshida without getting in trouble.
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"We can conduct a sneak attack on the castle."
"That'd be fine if we could do it without getting caught, but… if we did, we'd be seriously done for. You got any other ideas?" Ryuji wasn't seeing it, what she meant and she reminded Ryuji about the Kamoshida that he and Captain Kidd had attempted to beat down. The King, the bastard that had created a fake form of Ann and herself.
"You mean that King in the Castle? What good would that do if we wipe the smile off his face? I mean not that I wouldn't want to do that, that King need to be taught a lesson." Ryuji smacked a fist against his palm to exaggerate and Masumi smiled, before jumping when another voice interrupted them.
"Well said, well said. I'm glad to see the two of you were smart enough to find a place where you can gather without prying eyes or ears, the walls have ears you know." The haughty but low voice made Masumi relax, it was the other individual they were waiting for.
"But as Lady Masumi is part of the group, I suppose having some sense would be logical. Your humble knight is here, at your command." Morgana landed between the two of them, settling on his haunches and looking from one to another.
Ryuji had been just as shocked as he was, but was scowling now before shaking his head, no doubt getting used to his antics.
"You sure took your time, Morgana. I was expecting you to report to us earlier about your findings…" Masumi sounded both relieved and disappointed towards Morgana and the prideful Phantom Thief's ears drooped a little before recovering.
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"I was doing utmost for my mission, as it is I've discovered that Kamoshida has duplicate keys of every classroom of the school, as well as the spare keys to all the club rooms and sports facilities. He keeps them under lock and key in his drawer in the staff room, but he also has the registers of all the classes. He might even have the contact details of every student in school." Morgana's chest puffed out in pride that quickly deflated.
"That guy's a creep, but he's prepared for everything…" Morgana paused before addressing Masumi.
"It was a lot of trouble finding you two however, it would be better if we have a place to meet."
It was as if he read her mind and she nodded in understanding.
"The roof would do for lunch time, I can drop by for lunch, but it'll be harder before school starts. Perhaps we can meet near the vending machines outside school?" Masumi suggested and Morgana nodded, knowing the place. Ryuji too agreed, slowly picking up on the conversation.
"Kamoshida that bastard, he's picking his targets and now we know why. He probably thought he could get away with it as my mum would kill me if I dropped out of school, and Takamaki's parents aren't usually at home." Ryuji's growls made sense and Masumi was glad to see her friend actually thinking through the problem as well.
"Targeting vulnerable students, or simply knowing where to apply pressure on their parents would definitely allow him to get away with more than he could have. You picked a dangerous foe to tackle with, Lady Masumi, Ryuji. Still, there are things that you could do regardless. And just like Lady Masumi had suggested, it all has to do with Kamoshida's Castle. You were pretty close a moment ago, Lady Masumi. As expected of an individual with such potential." Morgana purred before explaining.
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"It has to do with what Lady Masumi was talking about earlier, you'll need to attack his castle." Morgana's voice got deeper and more serious as he addressed the two of them, looking and studying at them carefully.
Masumi felt that this topic was more serious than the usual and she paid attention.
"What do you mean?"
"He doesn't realize what happens in there, but it's deeply connected to the depths of his heart. Thus if the Castle disappears, it would naturally impact the real Kamoshida." Morgana's explanation didn't really paint a reassuring picture to Masumi. Was Morgana suggesting they take the Castle out? How? By blasting it with explosives? Medea was powerful, but she hadn't really damaged the surroundings much with her powers at all.
"What'd happen if we do that?" Ryuji asked, tone serious too and he was focused on Morgana.
"A Palace is a manifestation of a person's distorted desires, so if that Castle were no more…"
"His desires would go too?" Masumi answered Morgana's question and her friend grinned back at her, glad that she had picked it up quickly.
"Precisely."
It would be like redeeming him, or at least surgically removing the parts of him that was doing bad… it would stop him from acting on those desires at the very least, it would save Ann and Shiho for sure.
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"He's going to turn good? But is that really getting back at him?" Ryuji didn't understand yet and Morgana looked at Masumi to elaborate.
"If he doesn't have those distorted desires, he won't be doing such things. That's one step at least, but as to how it might be getting back to him…" Masumi wasn't sure what Morgana had in mind but their cat friend didn't seem too offended by it as he elaborated.
"Erasing a Palace essentially means forcing the owner to have a change of heart. Exactly what Lady Masumi had raised. He won't be doing any more of those deeds that he has seen fit to do before. However," Morgana dragged the moment by taking the opportunity to jump on top of another pillar before sprawling on top of it.
"Even though their warped wants disappear, the crimes they had committed remain. Kamoshida will become unable to bear the weight of those crimes, and he'll confess them himself! He'll make himself accountable for what he had done before as it was only his own desires that allowed him to justify what he was doing thus far."
"That's possible!?" Ryuji's exclamation was close to her own response as it made sense, too much sense really!
"And since the Palace will no longer exists, he'll forget what we did there as well. Not only will we be able to bring Kamoshida down, but there won't even be a trace of our involvement. It's a win win solution, and best of all, he would have seemingly reformed himself, he would have no one to blame, not that he could really." Morgana was definitely smirking now as he watched Ryuji's grin return, and Masumi's own smile returning as well.
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"So how do we get rid of the Palace!?"
"By stealing the Treasure held within. I'll tell you more once you agree to go ahead with this. It's my most valuable, secret plan, after all. If you want to help me out, I'll gladly teach you. What's your call?"
Ryuji's and Morgana's exchange brought Masumi back to earth though and there was still one more thing that she wanted to confirm with Morgana.
"Wait a minute…" It was just too nice a set up and solution that she couldn't quite believe Morgana or their luck really.
"Is that really so convenient… why didn't you tell us about this before, Morgana?"
"But our luck's running dry looking for witnesses. Guess we have no choice but to go along with this plan though. It's not like we have any alternatives.I trust Morgana, Masumi-chan." Ryuji leaped to Morgana's defense to her surprise but Morgana bore the question easily as well.
"It's not going to be easy Lady Masumi, I wouldn't recommend it if I thought there were better ways. But it looked like there wasn't at all. Hence my suggestion, but there's still a final catch that you guys need to know before your commit." Morgana sighed as he sat up on his haunches again.
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"... If we erase a palace, there's no doubt that the persona's distorted desires will be erased as well. But desires are what we all need in order to survive. The will to sleep, eat, fall in love, those sort of things." Masumi nodded as she listened to Morgana. His point was that desires weren't all bad after all, you need some to survive. Greed was only bad if it spun out of control, in small doses it would actually motivate people to work harder.
"What are you getting at? You're saying that what he's doing is alright?"
"What Morgana means is that desires aren't strictly black and white, and there's no way for us to separate the bad desires from the good ones, right?" Masumi quickly interrupted Ryuji and Morgana nodded in agreement to her explanation, satisfied that she was picking it up quickly.
"Well said, Lady Masumi. If all of those yearnings were to vanish, they'd be no different from someone who has shut down entirely. They may even die if they're not given proper care if they didn't have any desires. You can can say that their desire allows them to live. You can't live without desires.. So taking all of them is akin to…"
"Them dying." Masumi grimaced as she amended her statement. "Or close enough, they won't be able to do anything then?" Not that Kamoshida doesn't deserve that fate or worse, honestly it might actually be a better way to atone, she would feel much better if Kamoshida was at that state actually.
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"They might die?" Ryuji's shocked gasp was a relief, Masumi hadn't really saw Kamoshida as a human for a while, and so Ryuji's word shook her out of her cold analytic mode.
It was shameful and embarrassing and Masumi shook her head slightly to clear her head as Morgana looked at Masumi as he replied.
"Yes. It's a low chance that it could happen, but it COULD happen. Aren't you determined enough to face those kind of risks? It is high risks for high rewards after all, and it doesn't get higher than this if you want to get off scot free while saving your friends." Morgana's words made Masumi frown, but she understood.
If it was easy, Morgana would have told them about it before, It's exactly because it's insanely difficult and risk did Morgana not raise it before until they were desperate.
Well, they were desperate now and to be honest, if it'll work out… well, even if it doesn't, they probably won't get blamed for it.
"It is still blood in your hands if you fail."
Medea whispered into her ears and Masumi flinched at that accusation, before firming her resolve.
At the very least, if she failed, it's by her own hands.
She won't fail, not when she was given the chance to actually decide her own fate. That's more than what she could do last time and so...
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"Masumi-chan, what do you think? I can do this by myself-"
"I agree. I'll do it, we'll do it." Masumi spoke out confidently without hesitation as she turned to Ryuji while full of confidence.
"We'll get it done, that's all that's needed right? If he's not playing by the rules, there's no reason why we should do the same."
"For real?" Ryuji asked weakly but then Masumi's confidence must have rubbed off him for he nodded too.
"Yeah, you're right. He's going around secretly doing whatever we want, well two can play that game. Especially when he's a coward who won't take his lickings face to face too."
"Huh, I'm surprised. I didn't think you two could make up your resolve so quickly. Then again, this is personal for the two of you." Morgana beamed but then became serious again.
"Still, it is a serious matter that you should really think about even if this your only option for now? I'll come back later, make sure you're committed by then. I want you two to think about the implications and the risks involved." Morgana growled in warning at the end, their flippancy with the situation making him worried. "For it isn't going to be easy, nor will it be safe."
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Shujin Academy
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Classes were a blur, and although Masumi tried to focus on her work, it was difficult as her mind went through the various scenarios in her mind. It was true that she hadn't thought through all the things that could happen if they went through with Morgana's plan.
They had to attack the Castle head on, and their last encounters in the Castle had them almost beaten and captured. If not for Ryuuji, they would have… it would have been.
Masumi fought down a shiver as she came to terms with how dangerous it was going to be, Medea's tempting suggestions weren't helping her desire to get even with Kamoshida, but it did worry her.
She had acted with her emotions again, almost causing her to make a mistake if she had gone through with it.
Medea was her too, and Masumi understood that she wanted this so bad. But to go ahead without thinking it through…
It could be a disaster, quite rightly so. Morgana was right, they really did to think through their options before agreeing.
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Shibuya Station
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"I'm still not used to this…" Masumi sighed as she looked very much ruffled after squeezing out of the trains. It was rush hour after school, and Masumi had asked Ryuuji to sleep on the issue before deciding tomorrow.
Ryuuji had agreed, he had reflected on what Morgana had implied just as she had and he wasn't so sure now.
That was, a good thing. They can't afford to just charge straight into it without thinking like she had almost did.
Masumi had more appreciation for Morgana now, although she wondered whether Morgana had gone through similar issues as she did.
"Will you please give it a rest!? I told you, I'm not feeling up to it."
Masumi paused in her tracks as she noticed a very familiar voice within the midst of the crowd that was gathering around Shibuya station.
"Wait, what…!? That's not what you promised! And you call yourself a teacher!? This has nothing to do with Shiho!"
It was Ann, and she looked close to tears as she ranted to someone over her phone, her bag on her feet haphazardly. She had most likely dropped it in her shock and outrage, and Masumi felt the blood drain from her face before approaching Ann.
Masumi had a sinking feeling in her stomach as to why Ann would behave this way. Her friend wouldn't break down publicly like this, she was one that had kept a cool facade in front of everyone even in the face of Kamoshida's advances. She wasn't impregnable, as Masumi had saw how sad she was as she got into Kamoshida's car, but it was more a fluke than anything else.
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"Ah…"
Ann squatted down in the middle of the crowd, her platinum blonde hair not doing her any favors as she hugged her own knees in desperation. Honestly Masumi was mostly amazed at how she could pick up her voice even now, she supposed she had Medea to thank for that.
"Shiho's… starting position…"
"Ann, c'mon, let's get you to some place with more privacy." Masumi picked up Ann's bags before helping her up, ignoring how stunned she was, guiding her out of the station where she wouldn't be the target of stares and gossip by others.
The last thing they needed now was to have more attention on Ann, and she stopped her initial resistance by rubbing her back. She didn't want her to make a scene now, nor did she wish to take her away by force. It wouldn't look good for anyone of them.
"Wait.. were you listening? Oh Masumi-chan…."
"Shh, shh… hold on, just a bit longer..." Masumi coaxed her with a reassuring smile till they were in a location with less people and she allowed Ann to do what she wanted.
Which was to hug her as hard as she could, squeezing her arms around her waist so hard that she couldn't help but squeak a little. She didn't know Ann worked out! It hurt!
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"... So how much did you hear…?" In the end, Masumi had to endure the pain and suffering while petting Ann's back to reassure her that it was going to be fine, that she was here. And please do not choke her to death.
"Most.. I think I have a good idea of what's going on. Kamoshida, right?" Masumi sighed, knowing she was right without even looking at Ann. It was the only thing that pierced the cold facade that Ann wore all the time,
"Why would you… oh, never mind, you would know, or you could guess..."
Ann's shoulders slumped before she slowly released Masumi, looking at her gratefully.
"I don't know whether I'm lucky or you're unlucky… whatever it is, I'm glad that you found me, and cared for me to do… this." She waved her hands in a vague manner while Masumi nodded, taking a few deep breaths to get her breath back.
"Well that's what friends are for. I'd rather think that I was lucky enough to see you before you make a mess out of yourself. You look to be in a very bad way, who knows what might happen if I didn't step in."
Masumi's imagination might have gotten a little carried away but Ann cringe too, who knows what might happen at her moment of weakness.
"Anyway, let's go find a place to sit and to talk about it? Even if you don't want to… I insist, you're not getting away until you spill." Masumi insisted firmly to her friend, but she didn't have to worry about that as Ann agreed to go with her.
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Shibuya Diner
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Ann took a sip of the iced coffee that she ordered before making a face at the bitterness of the drink, causing her to frown at Masumi who had withheld the creamers and sugars from her. Ann liked her drinks sweet and she looked on unhappily as Masumi took her time to empty the sachets into her own drink before stirring it.
"You're looking a little better at least. Did it help take your mind off the problem?" Masumi asked evenly as she watched Ann slid down a little more in her seat, looking like she bit down on a lemon.
"A little… it's not like it'll go away though." Ann managed to reply after a deep sigh, sucking down the bitter drink despite her distaste for it.
"At least you didn't get me cola, I hate cola…" Ann muttered. "Alright, I'll tell you what happened." Ann inhaled once before speaking softly.
"He told me to go to this place after this...You know what that means." Ann didn't noticed how Masumi had bit down on hard on her straw to blunt the edge of her anger.
Fire stoked her temper and she gripped her cup hard as she listened to Ann elaborate, her voice getting more desperate as she continued.
"If I turn him down, he said he'd take my friend off as a regular on the team. I've been telling myself this is all for Shiho's sake… I can't take it anymore." Burying her head into her hands, Ann fought back tears, a remarkable endeavor as she laid in that position for a while. Masumi didn't stop her, she couldn't blame or fault Ann for doing that. The weight of all of that had to be crushing, it was her own body against Shiho's future.
How could anyone weight that?
"I've had enough of this… I hate him!" At that declaration Ann raised her head before clasping Masumi's hands tightly.
"But still… Shiho's my best friend. She's all I have left at that sorry excuse of a school! Tell me… what should I do?" Ann pleaded with her, and Masumi found herself unable to reply. She didn't look away from Ann, she genuinely wanted to help her but Masumi came up short as she couldn't answer.
"Sorry… I shouldn't have asked. It's not your problem."
"It's not that, it's just…"
"It's difficult to find an answer… I'm sorry…" Ann's smile was fragile as she watched Masumi think furiously for an answer, it showed that Masumi genuinely cared for her and wanted the best answer for her.
Masumi could have just given up, but she was still trying her best to find a solution even after Ann had already given up.
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"Stop, it's enough… you tried, and that's really… more than anything else…"
Ann sighed before letting Masumi's hands go even as her friend protested.
"B-But you can't just give up now, can you? Ann…" Masumi sounded just as, if not more frustrated than Ann was.
"I don't want to, but there really is no way for me to help Shiho? I wish he'd just change his mind. Like, forget about me, and everything. That way it'll solve all our problems." Ann's wistful response was met with a start from Masumi and she giggled despite herself.
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"As if something like that would ever happen." But Ann wasn't aware that it just might be possible, Morgana had just alluded to it and if their furry friend was here, he'll have done it for the sake of his "Lady Ann".
It was literally what they were looking for that Masumi was suspicious, but quickly dismissed it as any form of manipulation from Morgana's part as he had given them time to consider the situation clearly.
"It could happen... Why not?" Masumi tried her best to reply as calmly as she could and that made Ann smile again as she shook her head.
"I wasn't asking for a serious response. But I do feel a bit better now. I'm going to head home now." Ann stood up from her position before reassuring Masumi. "I'm not giving up, I'll… think of a way to persuade Kamoshida. Don't tell anyone what I said alright?"
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Shujin Academy
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"Suzui. Are you leaving…?" The battered form of Mishima Yuuki called out quietly to a retreating figure.
"What is it…?" Shiho looked even worse than before, the haunted look of her eyes was more than a match for the defeated look that Mishima had in his.
Things had only gotten worse after the confrontation that Mishima had with Sakamoto and the transfer student. Mishima had been worried that the transfer student, Kurusu Masumi would approach him to try and persuade him to snitch again.
Only she didn't do so, she didn't even approach him and he truly didn't know how to feel about that. But those are thoughts for another time, he had to pass the message to Suzui about what Kamoshida wanted.
"Kamoshida sensei is asking for you… He's in the PE faculty office."
Why did he feel like he was delivering a death sentence? That feeling was further strengthened when Shiho flinched and she looked like she wanted to just flee the scene.
"What did he say...?" After a while Shiho managed to whisper just as her shoulders slumped, and Mishima felt even worse that he was putting her on the spot like this.
"... I don't know. Well… I have to go." Ignoring the sinking feeling of his own stomach, Mishima beat a hasty retreat, doing her best to ignore how Shiho wanted to burst into tears as she ignored her vibrating phone.
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Cafe Le Blanc
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"You're later than I expected, did something hold you up?" Sojiro asked as Masumi trudged into Le Blanc,
Masumi gave a tired smile at Sojiro's question, she had a very long day, she had gone to work at the convenience store, taking one of the busiest shift all the way till late at night.
"So besides the beef bowl shop, you're going to work at the 7-11 huh? Could be worse, just be careful on your way back." Sojiro reminded her and Masumi nodded in acknowledgement before asking him about what had happened the day before, her study session with Niijima-senpai.
Masumi told him about studying with the Student Council President, causing Sojiro to nod in satisfaction.
"That teacher of yours, Kawakami-sensei? She came through for you." Sojiro continued reading the newspaper as Masumi took a seat on the chair besides the countertop.
"How did you convince Kawakami-sensei, Sojiro-san?" She was really curious about that, and Sojiro just shrugged.
"Oh a little here and a little there." Sojiro pass it off with a chuckle while Masumi sighed, not wishing to push her luck today. She had wanted to check the place that her savior had worked at out, but she was just too tired after her shift ended.
"By the way, you haven't been hanging around any bad influences, have you? Kawakami-sensei told me to look out for you." Sojiro's question made Masumi sigh again, a second in a row too.
"She must be talking about Ryuji-kun. Ryuji-kun helped me out in my first day, I told you I got into trouble didn't I?"
"Hmm… well I hope you know what you're doing." Sojiro didn't seem too happy, nor did he seem upset either. She was glad that he trusted her to deal with her own affairs for now.
"You don't need to worry about Ryuji-kun, maybe I should bring him back one day?"
"You aren't going out with him are you? You work fast if you do." Sojiro looked mildly perturbed but interested at the same time, causing Masumi to laugh, a bit of tension draining out of her body.
"Well, Sojiro-san is quite a charmer himself, I guess it kind of runs in the blood?" Masumi's words made Sojiro snort and he chuckled a little.
"Well… your mother was something else as well."
..
Aware that it was a sensitive topic, Sojiro quickly changed the topic, turning a bit stern as he shook a finger in front of Masumi.
"I'm not comfortable with you getting a boyfriend so early, kid. I know it might be something normal in that generation of yours, but going out with a boy you barely know about. You just met that other kid in less than a week."
"I'm not interested in a relationship, Sojiro-san, that I promise you."
..
And Masumi meant it too, it wasn't that she wasn't interested in boys, or guys in general, but she had more to worry about. Like getting this year over and done with.
"Maybe after the year's up, maybe… but not now, no one would like a girl with a record anyway." Masumi admitted with a sigh while Sojiro rolled his eyes.
"You're selling yourself short kid. But I hope I don't have to intervene and bail you out. Listen, you need to be careful who you hang with. The only one you're gonna hurt is yourself. Look at the time. Seriously, think about how I feel having to stay up here waiting for you."
..
Sojiro's grin was quickly wiped away by how awkward and caring that last line meant and he leaned back slightly to look at Masumi's embarrassed face, face red and steaming before resting her head on the countertop.
Glad to see his charm was still working, even if Sojiro felt embarrassed himself at that slip up. But that was a smooth transition, very smooth.
"I'm leaving kid. In the future, if you're staying late, give me a message or something. Remember to lock the shop up."
..
..
Cafe Le Blanc: Attic
..
"I'm so tired…" Masumi wasn't exaggerating too, it had been a very very long day, physically and mentally. She hoped that Ann was able to work things out with Shiho.
The two's relationship seemed really strained lately, and she knew them only for a few days. Masumi wondered why she was being so perceptive nowadays, maybe she had been too concerned with her own affairs previously.
Now Ann and Ryuji's situation wasn't that much worse than hers, but at least she had a way out. There was nothing good that could come out of their situation, especially for Ryuji as Kamoshida had systematically ruined his reputation.
Masumi laid down on her bed after changing to her pyjamas before starting as her phone vibrated, repeatedly at that.
It was Ryuji and Masumi read her messages before sighing. He still wasn't sure on what they should do about Morgana's final gambit, stealing the desires from Kamoshida's Castle/Palace.
Ryuji was right however, if Kamoshida died, it'll be on their hands. Their hands would be stained in blood, and although Kamoshida probably deserved it, that would make them murderers.
It doesn't matter if they could get away clean or if no one knew, they would know and it would haunt them forever.
Medea silently agreed, causing Masumi to grimace at the voice at the back of her head. Her Persona was… her, wasn't it? The Witch of Colchis, a woman known for betrayal and murder. Did that mean she was capable of murder in cold blood?
"I don't know, Ryuji, but if it came down to it...:"
The words "I might do it", was typed but was never sent for a full minute after she typed it.
"I'll come up w another way."
Ryuji's reply made Masumi shake her head and she quickly deleted her message. Was it bad if she was willing to do that so easily instead of making it a last resort.
Or perhaps she knew they were at the end of the road here, there's nothing left that they could do, not without getting into more trouble at least.
"I'll leave it to you then." Masumi's final reply was both a sign of cowardice and desperation, she really couldn't find another way besides this.
..
Next Day: Shujin Academy
..
"Masumi-chan, what did you think happened to Shiho?" Ann asked worriedly as they did a casual jog towards school. They had waited for as long as possible for their friend, but Shiho was nowhere in sight and unfortunately they couldn't wait any longer else they'll risk the wrath of the staff. And knowing their luck, it would definitely be Kamoshida-sensei who would be the one to pick them up.
Was was worrying was how she had overheard on the way up before meeting Ann that Shiho hadn't been seen leaving after the Volleyball club ended.
Masumi had considered trying to find out more, but they had left before she could work out the nerve to do so.
However even if Masumi was with Shiho, she wasn't confident enough to say she would be able to protect Ann if he tried to cop a feel, or even more. As much as Medea and her own actions at the castle reminded her that she could possibly stop him dead in his tracks, it was the consequences after she did so that was unclear to her.
..
No, it was best to ensure that there was absolutely no reason for Kamoshida to even have a plausible reason to call either one of them alone, or with just the two of them.
Kamoshida saw her as prey, and Ann as a target, there was no possible way he wouldn't try something if he was alone with the two of them.
It was depressing to see how easily she could read his intent and judge the course of action, but it was a curse as well as a blessing that she took full advantage of.
"You haven't spoken to her at all didn't you? Did you leave messages to her at least? Did she reply them? Did she read them?" Masumi's list of questions to her friend made Ann blink but she subsequently shook her head slowly, but not looking guilty at all as she replied.
"I tried calling her but her phone was turned off, I sent her messages and mails, I even called her home but her parents said that she was staying with friends to prepare for the meet." Ann's explanations only made things a little more reassuring, but Masumi wasn't about to take things at face value.
..
There were plenty of loopholes that Shiho could utilize to avoid Ann and her parents, and for Shiho's sake, Masumi hoped that she was using them to avoid Kamoshida instead. Her own experience made her fear for the worse, but she really really hoped that Shiho was resourceful enough to keep herself out of Kamoshida's grasp.
"We'll have to find her at school then, she won't skip classes would she. If it helps we should call her home if she didn't report to school." Masumi replied calmly, knowing Ann was seeking reassurance and strength from her.
The saying goes: Two heads is better than one, but if even one of them was panicking, it was going to be counterproductive. So she had to regain control of the situation and take charge if necessary.
"Are you in the same class as Shiho? You aren't... well, you should just go over to her class if you can." Perhaps she could recruit Morgana to check up on Shiho? Her Phantom Thief partner had a massive crush on Ann after all, he would definitely want to help her.
"Check up on her at class... right, got it. I don't want to tell her... what's going on in public though... I'll ask her to meet me after class or at lunch break. Can... can you be there too? It's not just embarrassing but if she doesn't believe me..." Ann stopped running, slowing to a halt and she her face was red as she tried to look at Masumi but failing.
However Masumi understood and she nodded firmly, placing a hand reassuringly on her shoulder and squeezing it, making Ann smile.
"Thanks Masumi, you're a great friend."
..
"Woah so Shiho didn't come to school too?"
"Yes, we'll need your help to find her. Do you mind?"
"Sure, I'll help, she's my friend too. What do you think happened?"
"Kamoshida."
"What seriously"
"That bastard"
"Trying for Ann isn't enough?"
"gotcha III help."
..
Masumi sighed as she saw the message, Ryuji's typing would get sloppy the more agitated he get, well she couldn't blame him. Ann had messaged her that Shiho wasn't at class today, having slipped out to her class before homeroom had started and returning before Kawakami sensei had started.
Kawakami sensei had looked more tired than ever but had addressed Ann firmly before letting her off the hook and going through Homeroom as quickly and lazily as possible, leaving the class representative to go through the announcements for the week.
Ann had quickly ran out again after Homeroom ended, leaving Masumi anxious in her chair as she looked at the clock. There was about 10 more minutes before class started, Ann was really desperate, not that Masumi could blame her. She was getting a sinking feeling in her stomach too, and Medea was urging her to trust her feelings on this and go to find Shiho, now.
"I wish I could find Morgana though... he could probably help us."
"ya, that furball could probably help out."
"I'm going to ask him if there's a way to contact him faster later."
When they found him, or rather, when he found them. They weren't exactly clear on the specifics of how they would be meeting up, but Masumi was confident that they would be able to find her eventually, but perhaps like what Medea suggested she should slip out too too before it was too late.
She had been with Ann in the morning but he wasn't at the vending machines in the morning too. She supposed she could beg off by saying that she was trying to find Ann after all.
"I'm going to try and find her now." Texting Ryuji, Masumi ran out of class as well, dialing Ann's number as she ran down the corridor towards the third year classroom.
And she had the right person in mind to talk to for help.
..
Shujin Academy: Third Floor
..
"You should return to your class, Kurusu-san." Niijima Makoto-senpai hadn't turned her away immediately, she had listened to Masumi for a while before disagreeing with her.
"But… I'm worried about Suzui-san… Ann confirmed that her parents hadn't seen her at all last night, she might be missing." Masumi reasoned with her, causing Niijima-san to pause before pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I suppose that is possible, but why now and why not inform her parents to make a police report?"
"It isn't 24 hours yet, it'll be after school but Ann believes she never left school… so please, senpai, I need your permission or your company to try and find her." Niijima-san still looked unconvinced but there was still another card to play.
"Or at least help me persuade Ann? She's worried sick, and I wouldn't want her to get in trouble because she's worried for her friend." That seems to be an acceptable compromise and Niijima-san agreed grudgingly, returning to her class to speak to a few classmates before returning to Masumi.
"I am conflicted about this, on one hand I am perturbed that you would come and approach me instead of a teacher, on the other hand I am glad that you trust me enough to enlist my help in this, Kurusu-san."
..
Makoto meant it too, it had been awhile since a junior would approach her for help regarding well, anything,
It made her feel somewhat empowered, that Kurusu Masumi had enough faith in her to enlist her for her help.
"Kawakami-sensei said that you were reliable, and I should approach you for help…. Should I have not done that?" Kurusu seems uncertain at the end, but it was indeed her job to take care of all the students in school to the best of her ability.
"Well I am glad that you at least took the time to approach me before going after Takamaki. Do you have any idea where she went? Classes is about to begin after all…" She was cut off when Kurusu's phone rang and she picked it up immediately after seeing who was calling her.
"Yes, you found her?! Where, wait… what? Okay, we're going there now!"
Without explaining why, Kurusu grabbed her arm and pulled Makoto with her towards the doors, leaving her confused at the rapid change in situation, not to mention how it was an intrusion of her private space.
"Shiho's at the rooftop! Ann found her trying to jump!" Her rushed explanation was enough to increase her urgency as they headed towards the stairs towards the rooftop.
"Should I call the teachers?" But Makoto stopped her before they ascended the stairs to ask that question. Makoto herself was certain that the teachers would be able to handle the situation, but she wasn't sure if Kurusu would agree. Her underclassman was someone who was different from the mould of Shujin, anyone else besides Sakamoto would have agreed with her request.
But not Kurusu, she was someone who was still a stranger to the school, and Kurusu's conversation with her the day before had opened up her eyes on the situation around one of the biggest scandals of the school.
Makoto was a little ashamed of herself that it took a complete stranger to make her reevaluate someone who she should have found out more about last year.
If there were any grievances that Sakamoto had about those charges levelled against him, they had been quickly tossed aside quietly without any recourse given to him.
And although it hadn't happened under her term as Student Council President, the fact was that no one had listened to him at all.
It was… something that shouldn't have happened at all, and with her aspirations, it was like a slap to her face when she found out.
"Senpai has the numbers of the teachers yes? We should check how is the situation out before making a decision. The last thing we want is for Shiho to be overwhelmed or being blamed for something she didn't want to do in the first place." Kurusu was able to calm down and explain to her rationally, which was a relief. If she had been lost to her emotions, Makoto might have taken charge instead.
However the transfer student managed, she was able to keep her head with her.
"Let's go then!"
..
Shujin Academy: Rooftop
..
"What is she doing here?" Makoto supposed she deserved it, from Sakamoto's point of view she hadn't defended him at all, but it still stung.
"She's here to help, it's complicated, but what's going on?" Kurusu appeased him while brushing the subject aside, and although unwilling, Sakamoto did indeed do that.
"Ann's talking to Shiho, I found her first and called her over. Damn am I glad that Shiho didn't notice me the first time. She was really out of it." Sakamoto explained while Masumi nodded. The three of them were huddled at the door leading to the roof top, Sakamoto had not budged since they arrived here.
It makes things easier and complicated at the same time for they wouldn't be able to see the what was transpiring behind that door, easier as it meant that they could plan on how to rescue Suzui Shiho.
"So did Ann succeed? Or are they still talking?"
"Well, it got messy fast. Shiho was at the fence you know? But the moment Ann shouted her name, she just kinda climbed over it. She's at the ledge now…. It's kinda bad. Ann's trying to talk her down, but she's not listening."
"Should I go to talk to her then, senpai?" Kurusu's question came out of nowhere and it itself was something she couldn't answer immediately. Should she?
..
Masumi asked that question to the oldest one of the group, and found the response wanting. Niijima senpai was conflicted, she had been so when she had agreed to help, but this wasn't a time for her to be conflicted. With every moment pass was one moment closer to Shiho jumping, she could see it in her minds eye, the desperation that Shiho was feeling that was driving her to do this would swallow her whole.
Masumi herself hadn't had anyone talk to her at all and that had made things… simpler.
"If senpai doesn't know, then i'm going anyway. Ryuji, you stay here and keep the teachers from barging in, alright?" Kamoshida especially, there was no doubt in her mind that he was the trigger.
"But why? Wouldn't a teacher help Suzui-san?"
"They'll just blame Shiho, and that won't help at all…"
"They won't!" Niijima-senpai's cry of protest was met with an immediate scoff from Ryuuji and Masumi's disappointed smile before she passed by Ryuji, who stopped Niijima-san from passing through with his body.
..
"We should let the teachers handle the situation, Sakamoto!" After Makoto had failed to convince both Masumi and Sakamoto from getting the teachers involved, something which she had bungled, but still….
It was apparent that neither of them trusted the teachers at all, and although it might be understandable in Sakamoto's case, it wasn't for Kurusu.
The transfer student hadn't cause any problems besides reporting for school late, and in all instances she had gotten along relatively well with her fellow students in the few times she had been seen with them during break.
Makoto didn't know what made her decide so quickly that the teachers were the enemy after agreeing for her to call them if necessary.
Perhaps it was a necessary lie for her to cooperate with her then?
"No, we shouldn't. What Shiho needs now is her friends. I think she didn't jump so far was because of Ann. And Masumi is her friend too." Sakamoto answered gravely as he blocked her passage. If she wanted to go through him, Makoto could, but Sakamoto wasn't being a punk that was going against her for the sake of doing it.
"And the teachers might make Shiho jump more… especially one of them…" He muttered at the end, but Makoto caught it.
"You think a teacher caused this? That's preposterous!"
"Sure they all. You could call them if you want, but I won't let them through this door, not on my life." Seeing the determination in his eyes, Makoto believed him.
..
..
Shujin Academy: Rooftop
..
"Shiho, please... please just listen!" Masumi marvelled at the luck that Ryuuji managed to find Shiho before she took the plunge. Her friend had a look of quiet resignation about her. Shiho probably knew it was a point of no return, but she was prepared to go through with it regardless of the cost.
Masumi understood, she had worn that expression before and it sent chills up her spine just looking at it. Was this how she had felt then? Helpless and desperate all rolled into one? She mustn't get caught up in that yet though! She had no doubt that Ryuuji was going to argue with Niijima-senpai about getting the teachers to help, she would have intervened ordinarily but this was important. She had to help Ann save Shiho.
..
"Stay back, stay back from me, Ann. I-I I don't want you to see this." Shiho was standing at the edge of the roof now instead of sitting like Ryuuji described.. She was probably working up her nerve earlier, but with Ann's sudden interruption, caused her plans to go awry.
Well, not so much if she did jump, but Masumi was betting on Ann to convince her to stop. "Tsk, if only I could do more in this form." Morgana groused from his vantage point on top of the structure holding the stairway to the roof. Or was that a building? No matter, she needed to trust Ann to be able to calm Shiho down enough for one of them to grab her.
Wait, Morgana? He was there the whole time? Masumi looked up to see their cat friend flicking his tail at her.
..
"She's been here since the morning! I've been trying to cheer her up, but she resisted my charms!" He meowed indignantly at her, and at any other situation she would have laughed, but priorities, Priorities!
..
Ryuji and Niijima senpai were blocking the stairway to prevent more individuals from coming to disturb the fragile balance they had created. Masumi was glad for that, for if Kamoshida sensei appeared, it would be all over. Then again, if Niijima senpai agreed with the teachers that they needed to get involved, they would break the door down, Ryuji or no.
Masumi did wonder whether Kamoshida would try to get past Ryuji with Niijima senpai backing him up, and if he did try, what would Ryuuji do? He had a protective streak that Masumi hadn't expected and he might just flatten Kamoshida if he tried anything. Not that she won't appreciate it, but he'll be expelled for sure.
..
Masumi hoped she made the right decision leaving the two of them behind though, Niijima senpai was as conflicted as could be and Ryuuji was obviously holding back his frustration at the situation.
Still, his maturity here was a godsend, or perhaps Morgana had just told him what to do.
"Why, would you... it's not important. What's important is that we're here now, we're here for you, Shiho!" Ann pleaded with her, inching slowly towards the fence which separated them.
"I'm here too, we're both here, so please Shiho, look at us. You aren't alone here." Masumi called out to Shiho and it made her look at them, a good sign for she could see how worried they were for her.
"Yeah, Masumi-chan's right, you aren't alone. Whatever happened, we can try to solve it together right? D-Don't, don't do anything rash..." Ann pleaded, her voice breaking as she considered the worst and Masumi swallowed, looking for any possible way that she could bypass the fence. If only she had the same supernatural powers as she did while in the Palace!
..
"Shiho please... we can talk this over, j-just, just come towards me... I'm worried for you, Masumi-chan is too, look! She's here, we can talk about what's wrong."
"No, no you can't, we can't. I, you... I've made up my mind. I can't stand it anymore... Even if it'll hurt you and Masumi-chan, I just-" Shiho shook her head vigorously, covering her eyes and even her ears in a bid to not look at them. It would only cause her more pain to see her friends looking at her, but this was bad Shiho had made up her mind moments after it looked like their intervention could help defuse the situation even if it's just a little.
"It's Kamoshida-sensei isn't it? It's Kamoshida-sensei all this time."
..
"Wh-What?" Shiho's startled gasp gave Masumi the chance to surge forward so that she was in front of the metal mesh fence, Shiho still gaping at her in disbelief.
"Kamoshida-sensei, what did he do, Shiho? What did he do?" She couldn't grab hold of Shiho just yet, but she wasn't jumping either, Shiho was staring at her in a mixture of horror and fascination.
Masumi had prodded an injury that hurt that Shiho couldn't just ignore. That was good, that meant that even if it was painful, Shiho wasn't going to just let it go either.
She might be desperate, but this was something she still cared about and was willing to face head on instead of shrinking away from it.
"Y-You, you knew? How Kamoshida-sensei… he…" Shiho's tears flowed even more now, and her hands busied themselves from trying to wipe her tears away.
"Shiho, what did Kamoshida sensei do!" Ann's cry made Shiho start again and Masumi was relieved to see her right beside her too, pressed against the metal mesh with her hands trying, and failing to push through it.
"He-He…. He…" Shiho stammered, her courage warring against her disgust and Masumi had an epiphany that made her want to throw up as she realized Shiho wasn't just wiping her tears now, she was trying to hide her body against her friends. As if she was ashamed of herself, or her own body.
The facts slowly clicked into place and the blood drained from Masumi's face, how Shiho hadn't been seen by her classmates after meeting Kamoshida-sensei, how Shiho didn't return home and hadn't spent the night at her friend's place.
How Shiho had been at school but no one had seen her enter or leave the compound at all.
"He- did he… Shiho, where were you last night?" Masumi asked slowly, begging Shiho to answer and when she flinched again, this time going closer and closer to the edge, Masumi's breath hitched.
"No, no nono no!" It was Ann's desperate and frantic wailing that broke Masumi out of her downward spiral of shock and revulsion, and Masumi grabbed Ann's hands to offer some comfort before looking up to see Shiho on her knees, weeping openly as the three girls understood what had happened.
..
"Shiho, Shiho… l-look at me." Masumi called out to Shiho, who could only be described as broken, Shiho probably has nothing left to lose now that they knew but that wasn't true.
She still had them, Shiho still had Ann and her and she'd be damned if she let her go just like that.
If Masumi can't get to her, she'd have to get Shiho to go to her for help instead.
"Don't, don't do what you're thinking. You'll regret it, you'll hurt more than yourself if you jump now." Ann's breath hitched as she heard Masumi trying to talk Shiho down but she couldn't do much, only continue sobbing as she blamed herself.
Knowing what happened last afternoon, Ann having refused Kamoshida sensei's demands, it was more than likely why he had moved on Shiho instead.
No, don't think of revenge now, think of Shiho first!
"I... I have nothing left, even my body… he took everything from me." Shiho's spoke quietly, but slowly firmly too. She made up her mind about this!
"He said he wanted to hurt me because Ann didn't cooperate. I… I guess I was able to protect Ann at the end?" Shiho wondered out loud, making Ann tremble before she hurled herself against the fence in desperation.
"No! NOO! SHIHO!" She must have realized too that this was going to be Shihi's final words and as Shiho turned to look at Ann, there was a very thin smile on her expression as she looked at Ann.
"That's okay then. At least I saved my best friend from this." Shiho gestured to herself before closing her eyes, ready to let herself go with the winds.
..
"Are you going to give up like that?" Masumi's words made Shiho's eyes snap open in surprise. Masumi wasn't loud, but it seemingly severed all the background noise around them as she captured their attention. This was bad, Shiho had all but given up after that admission and Ann wasn't going to be much help.
It was up to her, and Masumi crossed her fingers as she said what came to her mind first
"Are you going to give up, just like that? Are you letting Kamoshida win?" Masumi forced her fingers to dig into the metal mesh as she started climbing up, ignoring Ann who gaped at her. Shiho herself was too shocked by her words and only gawked at her.
"Masumi-chan?"
"W-Wha?" Shiho gaped in confusion, her own rhythm disrupted by Masumi's quiet confidence as she approached Shiho that way.
"You won't, right? You haven't lost everything yet. You still have your life, and your limbs." Masumi ignored the pain she felt on her fingers as it proved difficult to scale the mesh but she managed anyway.
"Get down there at once, Kurusu-san! It's dangerous! You'll get blown off!"
"Shit- what the hell, Masumi!"
Wait, when did Ryuuji and Niijima senpai came on the roof? She couldn't focus on the other two individuals but they were supposed to be stopping others from getting on the roof!
..
Looking down, Masumi could see the gathered crowd looking up at them in worry, many of them taking photos. Man this was such a mess but it would get even worse if she didn't help Shiho now.
Masumi continued to keep Shiho rooted to the spot by her actions. Masumi supposed that Shiho wanted to believe she had an answer to her problems. Well, unfortunately she didn't, but she could begin to help solve it if she wanted to.
"If you jump now, you won't have either. Is that really what you want?" Masumi demanded from Shiho, who flinched at the thought.
"What else is there for me? I'd rather die than to… have… he… he just took it away from me! I can't get it back!"
"Your life's the same. Believe me." Masumi needed to gain control of the situation here, and although her fingers were screaming in pain, she didn't stop, pulling herself over the fence in one go before staring at Shiho from the top of the fence.
It was so tall, she could see the crowd of students gathered below her, many of them screaming at seeing her do so. They probably believed she was going to jump too.
Gods it was tall.
"Look below you, Shiho. That's a huge fall… but what if you won't die, what if you just get injured. Would that be worth it?" Masumi swallowed nervously as her body rocked on top of the wired fence. The strong winds could blow her off, but she had to believe that she would be as Shiho was staring up at her, looking very worried for her.
"What are you doing Masumi-chan! That's dangerous! Get down!" Oh she knew that alright, it kind of feel like she was at the other world again and if she was there, this was nothing.
She channeled that courage into her as she slipped down from the fence, letting go to land lightly beside Shiho, shocking the poor girl out of her wits.
"M-Masumi-chan!" She squeaked out in both fear and relief while Masumi wrapped a hand around her shoulder, ignoring how weak her legs felt and how the surge of adrenaline was the only thing that kept her from collapsing.
That was beyond reckless, that was insane, that was...
Probably the only thing that would work for Shiho clung to her like a lifesaver, unable to come to terms with how her friend had almost killed herself trying to save her.
..
It might not be her who was dropping down, but Shiho saw her life flash in front of her in that very instant Masumi slipped down from the wired fence.
Would that be what others would see if she did that? Her mother and father might not be here, but if they knew… it would kill them inside.
Shiho wanted to scream but it was over before she could, her friend could have died and it hurt so much just thinking and seeing it happen.
That would have happened to Ann, wouldn't it? And Masumi, with all of her stubbornness, had chosen to bet everything on the line to help her, to knock some sense into her.
"Masumi-chan… you stupid… stupid…" Shiho gasped as she refused to let Masumi go, her friend was just as reckless as she was and she couldn't lose her in that way. In the back of her mind the resolve in taking her life had broken, she couldn't do it, not when she now realized how it felt to have something like that happen.
..
"She is an idiot!" Niijima Makoto growled fiercely in disbelief after seeing how Kurusu Masumi had managed to defuse and escalate the situation at the same time by that daring stunt she had pulled.
Makoto had wanted dearly to rush over to stop the foolhardy transfer student when she started scaling the wire mesh fence in front of the suicidal student. She took everything positive about the transfer student back, she was reckless and stupid and brash and dumb and-
"Man she got balls to do that…" Sakamoto smiled appreciatively as he whistled, relieved that it all ended up fine. Makoto disagreed however and she whirled to chastise Sakamoto, before stopping as she realized that he too was just as worried as she was, his hands gripping the handle of the door he was blocking so hard that it turned white.
"... She didn't have to do that, it was foolhardy and foolish." Makoto protested weakly this time while Sakamoto shrugged.
"I know, but that meant she cared you know? It might be stupid, but I trust her to know what's she doing. Sides, it's better than not caring, am I right?"
Sakamoto disagreed with her, but she had to concede that point. Kurusu might be stupid and suicidal but she was loyal too, and as she soothed the panicking Suzui down, Makoto knew the danger had passed.
But what should they she do next?
..
"Are you feeling better now, Shiho?" Ann had engulfed the two in a massive hug that knocked the wind out of the two of them. She didn't let the two of them go at all even after Masumi guided Shiho back to the gap that had made it easy for Shiho to sit at the ledge in the first place.
"Mm…" Shiho was obviously lying but put on a brave face when Masumi squeezed her hand to encourage her.
The tangle of girls was eventually interrupted by Niijima senpai as she cleared her throat, causing them to look up at her.
"I know it is difficult, but I would like to understand why you did the way you did, Suzui-san."
Niijima senpai gestured towards the building that led to the stairs towards the school proper. Ryuuji was standing guard there, leaning against the door while giving Masumi a lazy salute, which she returned. Masumi noted to her concern that Morgana was nowhere to be found, he had probably slipped away to not gather more attention.
With all the commotion they made, Masumi was shocked that no one had broken down the door to get in, they probably had Niijima senpai to thank for that as she placed both hands on her waist, waiting patiently for them to reply.
"I convinced the teachers to let me interview you first to spare you more scrutiny. Now please, I would like some answers as to why an outstanding student like you would attempt to take your own life in such a visible fashion."
"Niijima senpai…" Masumi tried to stop her, but paused, shaking her head as she reached out to clutch Ann's hands. Her blonde friend was looking suspiciously at Niijima senpai, she supposed that Ann saw her as a representative of the administration of the school, one that had allowed the harassment from Kamoshida to continue without any avenue of recourse.
"Shiho she doesn't… no, give her some more time." Ann saw Masumi's shaking her head and she relented, accepting Niijima senpai's request. The last thing they needed now was a fallout from someone who was helping them.
"Thank you for intervening, senpai. Shiho, she's not ready to face the teachers yet…" Or ever, especially with regards to Kamoshida.
"I see… I will allow Suzui-san to collect herself first. However I would insist that she does so in the infirmary. We would naturally be contacting your parents however, so I would hope that you be ready to explain yourself to them as well. Perhaps you would wish to speak to us only after speaking with your parents?" Niijima senpai suggested at the end, her features as stern as usual. "Regardless, we only have a limited time for you to decide on the next course of action." Her features did soften at the end however. "This is all I can do to buy you some time and privacy, Suzui, Takamaki. And you, Kurusu, do consider finding a reason for your reckless behavior before they interview you as well."
The last line was delivered with a glare directed at Masumi and the transfer student winced before scratching her head.
"Well it was in the spur of the moment so…"
"Then be prepared for grave consequences, Kurusu-san." The glare intensified and Masumi ducked her head to avoid the visual lashing Niijima senpai was giving with her eyes alone.
"Give her a break Prez- YIII-" Niijima senpai turned that laser sight on Ryuuji, causing him to jump a little before ignoring her gaze as well.
"Such intensity! As expected of someone who is called President!" Morgana's 'encouragement' didn't help, but it was enough to make Masumi relax just a little before grimacing.
Shiho's ordeal wasn't over, in fact it was just beginning.