Updated
Chapter 15: Let us help you
MC: "Who is Libitina?" All four girls quiver in fear just hearing the name.
Monika: "I honestly don't know who this person is?"
Sayori: "I don't know why, but just hearing her name gives me the shivers?"
Natsuki: "I don't know who she is either, but I'm with Sayori."
Yuri: "That name? It sounds familiar to me?" Everyone looks at her. "I have the strongest feeling that I have interacted with her once before, but I don't remember?" She holds onto her head. "Just thinking about it gives me a headache."
Natsuki: "Take it easy Yuri." She gets close placing her hand on Yuri's shoulder.
Monika: "Well until we figure it out. I think it would be best if we all stick together." Everyone nods in agreement. "Okay everyone since we don't have school tomorrow I suggest we all have a huge sleepover at my house tonight."
Sayori: "Really? Hurray!"
Yuri: "Well I suppose it would be nice to spend time with everyone."
Natsuki: "We could all keep each other company until those nightmares go away."
All Four Girls: "Yeah!" They all look at MC.
Monika: "Michael, would you like to join us? We would love it if you would."
MC: "What me? Are you sure?"
Monika: "Yes now come on and join us. We have cookies."
MC: "You are aware I'm a guy right? Wouldn't it be better if I stay out of this?"
Monika: "I am aware you are a boy, but I am also aware that you can protect us. So come on and join us."
MC: "Are you really sure I could really come over? I mean I'm still recovering from my wounds and loss of blood."
As soon as he said that.
Dr. Feelgood: "Good news Mr. Conner. You're free to leave the hospital." MC sighs after he said that.
MC: "Right? Well I'm not sure yet."
Sayori: "Come on MC pleeeeeaase?" All four girls give him the puppy dog eyes.
MC: "… F-fine, I'll go." He says nervously.
Monika: "Awesome! Now that, that's settled we can all keep a close eye on each other."
Everyone Else: "Yeah!"
Monika: "Speaking of which? Girls is there something you all want to share with Michael?"
Sayori/Natsuki/Yuri: "Yes we do!" Sayori goes first.
Sayori: "Here MC, this is my poem. I wrote it for you a couple of days ago. I tried to give it to you, but due to what occurred I never had the chance to."
MC: "Thanks Sayori." He takes the poem and reads it. When he finished reading it he gave Sayori a hug.
MC: "Thanks, I appreciate it." Sayori hugs him back and let the others spend time with him. Natsuki went up to him while Yuri, Sayori and Monika have a conversation.
Natsuki: "Ready to continue the next chapter of Parfait Girls?"
MC: "You know it." She grabs the nearest chair and sat close to him while he remains in bed. Natsuki opens to the next chapter they left off last time and read two chapters of it. When they finished, they had a discussion to what they thought about it. Just as She was about to accidently spoil the plot, her stomach rumbled. "Sounds like natures calling?" He smirks.
Natsuki: "Shut up! I'll be back. Do whatever you like now." She rushes off to the restroom, but not before letting Yuri know it's her turn.
He puts away the Manga Natsuki left on top of the chair she sat on. He looks up to see Yuri walking up to him and saw Sayori and Monika talking. While Yuri walks towards him a thought popped out of his head.
MC: (I hope Sayori didn't tell her something embarrassing?) "Hey Yuri." Her face turns bright red. "?"
Yuri: "H-h-hello d-d-dear."
MC: (I knew it. She did tell you something embarrassing. How do I respond to that?) "Yyyyeess dear?"
Yuri: "W-would you l-like tea or maybe c-continue reading together or …"
MC: "Let's just read for now tea can wait."
Yuri: "Okay! Th-thank you." She whispers that last part.
MC: (We're in a Hospital. Why would they have a tea set? Why ask that?) While Yuri sighs in relief. MC looks to Sayori from across the room. She gave him a disappointed look as if she tried to help them get closer. He looked away from her and face palms. In the meantime Yuri took another nearby seat and sat from the other side where Natsuki was sitting. She opens up to the last chapter of Berserk. "Looks to me you read this far ahead?"
Yuri: "Yes, sorry for reading a couple of pages without you. I couldn't stop reading it or admiring the art."
MC: "It's ok, I already read this before, so I already know what happened."
He gets closer to her as they read, but notices Monika giving him a suggestion without saying a word with Sayori by her side. She tries to get him to put his arm around Yuri, but he was starting to get embarrassed at the thought of doing it. Not only that, but because he promised Yuri not to do anything in front of the others about their relationship. He knew they were only trying to help as Sayori puts her arm around Monika, telling him to just do it. In the end he did what they were telling him and put his right arm around Yuri.
Yuri was clearly getting embarrassed when she notices what was going on, but instead of saying anything she put her left hand on top of his hand while she still held the Manga on her right with MC holding it with his left. He then looked back up and saw Sayori and Monika giving him the thumbs up with his face turning red. After reading the last chapter, MC and Yuri started discussing about the story. While they talked he tried his best not to accidently spoil anything for her. Similar to how she would think over what to say, so she wouldn't accidently spoil the story.
Yuri: "Michael, there's something I need to talk to you about."
MC: "What is it?"
Yuri: "I remembered what happened during the Festival and what you did to me as well."
MC: "You remember that? Sorry for smacking you with the book." He places his left hand on his neck.
Yuri: "No, no, it's okay. If you didn't do that, then I would've not be here right now. As for the books I have no memory of where I got them from? Sorry."
MC: "It's alright, don't worry about it." (Perhaps it's for the best?) "It's better not to read those books anymore."
Yuri: "Understood. Well we finished reading the first volume. Why don't I bring Monika over? I believe she wants to show you something?"
MC: "Are you ok with this?"
Yuri: "Yes, we can spend time together later."
MC: "Thanks Yuri." She gets up off her seat and lets Monika know that it's her turn. After telling her, Monika walks up to him. "Hey Monika, what's up?"
Monika: "Hey Michael. I got a poem for you to read."
MC: "Really for me? You shouldn't have?" He takes it and reads the poem she gave him and soon after he read it he could tell by the words that she's been thinking about him and all his efforts he put into the club. "Thank you Monika."
Monika: "I've been wanting to give you that after the Festival, but you know recent events and all. I used the pen you gave me."
MC: "Really? Well I'm glad that you're making use out of it." He gives her a warm smile that made her blush slightly.
Monika: "Michael …"
MC: "What's wrong?"
Monika: "About earlier … I'm sorry for doubting you."
MC: "Water under the bridge. Thanks for the poem. I'm glad you're using the pen I gave you." Monika smiles warmly from his words.
Monika: "Okay everyone it's time for us to head home and don't forget. Sleep over at my place. I'll text you all my address, so go home and pack whatever you need." Everyone cheered and got ready to leave. However, just before Monika left with everyone else gone. She turns to MC with a look of concern.
MC: "What's wrong?" She gets close to his ear so no one could hear.
Monika: "Be careful … I feel Libitina is closer than we think?" After hearing that, his body shook. "Watch out for her." After giving him a warning she left.
MC: (She's closer than we thought? Where could she be then? Wait that smile I saw before passing out. That woman. Could it have been? There's no doubt about it, but all I saw was her smile. Nothing else, so her identity is still a mystery.)
?: "Watch out for her."
MC: (That voice, is that who he was referring to?) Hearing that she's close left a huge spine tingle coursing through his body. With him lost in thought he was able to snap out of it and notices the doctor was waiting for his response.
Dr. Feelgood: "Are you feeling okay Mr. Conner?"
MC: "Huh? Yeah just lost in thought?"
Dr. Feelgood: "Well anyways you're free to leave when you're ready."
MC: "Really? Alright then." He gets off his bed.
Dr. Feelgood: "Try not to be back here again so soon."
MC: "I'll try my best."
Dr. Feelgood: "It's going to take more than trying when facing the truth."
MC: "Huh?"
Dr. Feelgood: "It's nothing go on ahead. You don't want to be late for your sleepover."
MC: "Right, thanks for your help." He grabs his old clothes and heads out despite it having dry blood stains on it. During his way home he notices something about himself. (He was right about me. Despite the loss of blood, I'm doing fine? Well in fact. Well it makes it easier for me to walk home, but for me stand. Can't shake the feeling that I've been through worst.)
After a long walk home. MC finally made it home and started packing his stuff. When he finished he decided to take a quick shower before going. Just to freshen up a little. He had some difficulties with his bandages, but managed to find ways around that. Soon after he put on his casual clothes. Again he had nothing, but black clothes and blue jeans. At this point in time he stopped complaining and just put them on. He grabbed his stuff and headed out.
While he walks to Monika's house he debates whether to burn the books or just hide them away from people. Just the thought of them terrifies him. He knew that there has to be more to them, but what? He ignored it and kept on walking until he got a text from Monika letting him know that the others had arrived. He then texts her back that he's on his way.
While he passes by the houses he started thinking to himself about the things that has been bothering him for a long time. Like why did he stop seeing Sayori? Why is he good at baking despite him never baking before? How is he able to say things that help comfort the girls like he already knows how they feel? However, the most important question he has for himself is … Why can't he remember much of his past? These thoughts continue to bother him and just thinking about it gave him a headache.
Eventually he made it to Monika's neighborhood. Now the problem is finding her house. All these houses look similar with minor differences. They were all big houses that they made his house look like an apartment. He paid close attention to the address numbers so he doesn't mistake them for hers. Soon enough he found it. He doubled check his phone to see if this is the right place and when he figured it was, he opened up the front gate and rang the front doorbell.
Monika: "Coming!" She answers the door. "Hello Michael could you wait here for a moment? I'll call you when we're ready. K thanks." MC stood there dumbfounded.
MC: (Wonder why she wants me to wait out here?)
Monika: "Okay you can come in! The doors unlocked!"
MC: (Why didn't you just let me in, in the first place?) He opens the door.
All Four Girls: "Surprise Michael!"
MC: "What's all this?"
Monika: "We wanted to show you how much we appreciate all your efforts for us. So we all decided to do this for you."
MC: "You didn't have to do this for me."
Sayori: "But we chose to. You're injured and your hand is heavily bandaged."
MC: "You girls."
Monika: "Just sit tight and relax on the couch while we get dinner started."
MC: "But …"
Sayori: "Go over there and relax! Here's the remote."
MC: "Uh? Thank you." He does what they told him. "Listen, all of you. I'm grateful that you're all thinking about me."
Natsuki: "It's no big deal? It's the least we could do since you put yourself through hell and back for our sake."
Yuri: "Now sit tight and rest. We'll get dinner ready."
All four girls went to the kitchen to start dinner. During those long hours of cooking, one of them would take turns checking on up MC to make sure he doesn't do anything reckless again as he watches Tv. When they finished Sayori called out to him to let him know that dinner is ready. With a great aroma in the air MC's stomach growled embarrassing him a little. Monika let everyone know that there are plenty of food for seconds and they all dug in. MC sat in the middle of this long table. Sayori sat next to MC's right and Yuri on his left followed by Natsuki. As for Monika she sat across from him.
At first it was kind of difficult for him to eat with his left hand, that it bugged Sayori to want to help feed him. She asked if he would like to be spoon fed, but he declined her offer and quickly adapted to eating with his left hand. After dinner was over all four girls cleaned up. MC offered to help, but Sayori pulled him out of the kitchen and force him to sit on the couch again.
When they finished they all went to the living room to watch TV until it was midnight. Monika gave everyone a quick tour around the upper floor of her house and showed everyone their rooms. Earlier she told them where the bathrooms were. In case anyone was wondering? When showing everyone their assigned rooms they all noticed that their assigned room are right near Monika's own room. If there were any problems one of them could immediately answer to each other. After showing everyone's room, MC asked a question that's been bugging him all night.
MC: "Where are your parents? Wouldn't they be upset if they found us here? Most likely me in their home?"
Monika: "My parents are off at a business trip and won't be back until next week from now. Speaking of which I got to set some ground rules first. Rule one, no romantic relationship. Mainly Michael and Yuri, so no inappropriate touching, wink, wink. Good night everyone."
MC: "Wait that's it!?" Everyone went to their rooms leaving MC all alone in the hallway. (No one else is going to question it? Just me?)
He enters his room and looks all around it. Just by looking at it, it was huge, bigger than his room. He looks at the bed seeing a towel for him. He then goes through his personal bathroom, just like his at home and just like this room its bigger.
After exploring his room he takes off his cloths so he could put on his PJ's. He took out a pair of sweats and a tank top from his backpack. While he was changing he notices a full length mirror. He went ahead to look at it after he put on his pants, but not his tank top just yet. He looked at his reflection of his injured body. Looking at all the cuts and bruises he had, it made him wonder if he made the right choice of helping them and started to think if all this pain is worth it?
He slapped himself for thinking it and tells himself that it is worth it just to keep them safe and happy. He remembered what he told them about him willing to give up his happiness for theirs. Even when they don't want him to do that, he is willing to carry all of their burdens and sadness for them. Even he wasn't sure why he would. Most people would only care for themselves and leave others behind, but he couldn't. He asks himself if he's even normal as he clenches his right hand, despite it being his injured hand. He soon hears a knock on his door and answers it.
Yuri: "H-hello Michael."
MC: "Yuri? What are you doing here? I don't think Monika is going to be happy about this?" He says as he stares at Yuri's purple and black pj's.
Yuri: "She said we can't do anything romantic or inappropriate, but never said anything about talking."
MC: "Oh smart."
Yuri: "Uh Michael could you please … put a shirt on?" She starts turning red and looks away from his body despite her already seeing him shirtless before.
MC: "Oh sorry. I was about to change my bandages."
Yuri: "May I help you with that? I believe it would be easier if someone were to assist you?" She says as she closes the door behind her.
MC: "I would really appreciate it." He gives her the roll and she starts wrapping it on his wounds. "Say Yuri should I help change the bandages for your arms?"
Yuri: "Ah no, it's quite alright for now." She continues wrapping his wounds. A few moments had passed with silence until. "Michael, how are you this strong?"
MC: "What?"
Yuri: "I mean how are you strong will? How are you able to endure all this?"
MC: "Don't know, but every day I feel like I'm more of a screw up than …"
Yuri: "No! You aren't. I don't want you to think that way, cause I don't think you are and I'm sure the others will agree."
MC: "Guess you're right."
Yuri: "Well now, I've finished your upper body so now I will be doing your hand now."
MC: "You don't have to do this. I can do it myself."
Yuri: "No allow me please. I'm the cause of your injury. Please let me heal you." Without saying a word he gave her his injured hand and let her care for it. "Finished"
MC: "Thanks it's starting to feel better now."
Yuri: "I should be heading back to my room." Just as she was about to get up. MC grabs her and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
MC: "Sorry, I just wanted to …" Before finishing his sentence, Yuri pressed her lips to his and the both of them held each other passionately. Despite the first rule Monika gave them, they didn't care about breaking rules. The both of them were deeply in love and continued to share their kiss, but something about it felt so odd and yet so right. (There's this feeling again? This feeling is so nostalgic? Why, why is it that way? It doesn't matter. I'm with her now. I'm with my lover.)
As he continues to hold Yuri tighter images started to flash before him. He saw images of a boy and girl together in bed holding each other's hand as they continue to make love. He didn't see much, but he could almost smell the sweet scent. The same scent as his lover. strands of purple hair flowing outwards. when he saw that, he held Yuri tighter and she does the same. (This woman. This person. She is my one and only. My lover.) After a long time of kissing, they finally broke apart and breathed heavily.
Yuri: "S-sorry, I just wanted to …"
MC: "I know. I love you."
Yuri: "Michael?" She smiles to him sweetly. "I love you too." They both give each other a hug before she started walking to the door.
MC: "Good night."
Yuri: "To you as well." She smiles before leaving.
At long last, he felt at ease. Interacting with Yuri and the others really helped him relax. Despite everything going up and down. He felt he could finally rest. With him wrapped up he went to sleep. When he entered the dark realm again, he didn't see the same nightmares. Instead he saw something else. He walked through the shadows and saw a new image forming in front of him. He saw bodies of people falling from the sky. He was horrified at seeing that and as he looks up he saw where all the bodies are coming from. Buildings started to take shape as people jump off the roofs.
MC froze at the sight of all these people jumping to their demise and yet, he felt something on his face. He droplets of blood, but what really scared him was the smile forming on his face. He forced himself to frown and ran as far as he can from the nightmare taking form. As he runs passed the dead bodies, he tripped over one of them and freaked out at the sight of one body grabbing his leg.
?: "Why!? Why are you doing this!? Why!?" With the constant scream of others, MC kicked off the body and got back up to run. Only to face new dream. He saw sixteen pair of glowing red eyes staring at him.
MC: "What are you looking at!? Who are you!?"
?: "It's time to face her."
MC: "Huh?" He looks around to see know one. (That voice? It sounds way to familiar?)
?: "I will not run, I will not falter. Don't expect me to be a dog and lie down, ready to die. I will fight you."
MC: "Those words? No It can't be?"
?: "It's time. It's time for the final level. It's time to face Despair. Head to school as soon as you can. You will need to know what's going on. This is it the final showdown. You're the only one to face it. To face her."
After hearing those mystery voices once again, MC immediately woke up without his alarm going off. He looked at the time on his phone. 6:00am.
MC: (Those dreams. What does it all mean? My head.) He looks to his injured hand. (Those voices again, those nightmares. This can't be true. None of this is real and yet … It's time to face the truth. No more hesitation. It's time to know the truth of all this.) He got his bed and decided to shower. While he showers he thinks to himself. (If I'm going to investigate. I need to know where to start. The problem is where do I start?)
?: "Head to school."
MC: (That voice told me to head to school. I should start my search there, but can I trust that voice? Then again it was the same voice that gave me those warnings, not to mention it did help me find where Natsuki and Yuri were. Perhaps I can trust him.) After turning off the water and drying himself off, he put on his usual attire. Black collar shirt with the sleeves rolled up neatly, a white t-shirt underneath it, and dark blue jeans. After preparing himself, he left his room all cleaned up.
(Seems like the girls are still asleep? It's a shame that I won't be able to cook them breakfast as I originally planned, but this is more important. Sorry girls, but I have to do this. For your sake.) He quietly walks down the hallways down the stairs passed the living room to the front door. When he reached the front door and passed the gates, he quickly makes his way to school.
On his way to school he wondered if it would open to begin with since there is no school today. By the time he got there the gate was already open just like yesterday and just like yesterday there was no one on sight. Before setting foot on school grounds, he hesitated for a bit. Fear started to consume him as he stares at the building. Images of the people jumping off flashed before him. However, it wasn't enough to stop him as he enters the building. As he walks through the hallways he saw no one else in the building. Not a single person to be seen.
When he got to the third floor, he notices a flash of light blinking through a small opening of one of the classrooms. (I don't like the look of this. Flashing lights when no one is around. Seems like a scene from a horror movie.) He walks to the classroom and takes a peek, only to see no one was in here. (Should've known no one would be here.) He looks around the empty room and sees the Tv was on. (Who would leave the Tv on here of all places?)
He walks up to it and sees that there was no video playing, just static. (Seriously? Couldn't take the time to turn it off?) Just as he was about to turn it off, he froze as he heard a familiar voice talking to him.
?: "Can you hear me?" MC looks around to see if there was someone around, but saw no one. "Can you hear me yet? Can you see me? No?" MC looks back to the Tv and saw the static is gone, but showed a silhouette of a person. Most likely a man. "Can you hear me now at least?"
MC: (That voice? The same as in my dreams.) "Y-yeah I can hear you."
?: "Hello?"
MC: (Guess he can't hear me?) He say sarcastically. (Hmm that voice it sounds familiar?)
?: "I'm going to assume you can. It's difficult now than ever before."
MC: (What's difficult? What is he talking about?)
?: "Listen sorry for putting you through all this. It's my fault for not checking the systems properly."
MC: "Systems? What are you talking about systems?"
?: "I want you to know the truth, but I have a bad feeling that she will interfere?"
MC: "Libitina!? Why would she interfere?"
?: "Don't worry, I left behind some clues for you to know the truth of this world. I doubt she would interfere with those, but there's also a chance she might leave behind her clues as well to throw you and the others off. However there is one thing I want you to know right now. Everything that you and the girls had to go through. I was force to watch."
MC: "What? Force to watch? Watch what? What did you see?"
?: "You can't let her win. If she wins it's all over. Michael, if you're watching this. You're the only one that can face her, just like before."
MC: "Before? I faced her before, when?"
?: "Her plan … is … to … got to …. know … the truth … of what … I left clues everywhere. Look for them … at places … you've been before … I'm sorry for everything."
MC: "Wait!" The Tv goes static again. (Libitina, just who are you? That man, the way he sounded? It sounds like he's on our side, but why does he sound so familiar? What's going on? None of this makes sense. No matter, I may not know what's going on here, but my heart is telling me to trust him.)
Monika: "Michael! Are you here!?"
MC: "Monika? Yeah I'm over here!"
Monika: "There you are. Why did you leave all by yourself?"
MC: "I … I just needed to be alone for a bit. Sorry."
Monika: "Don't make us worry. Have you seen anyone around?"
MC: "No, this school was empty when I got here."
Monika: "This is so strange? It feels like everyone just disappeared. The street are empty even for a Friday morning."
MC: "Wait no ones around?"
Monika: "No, not a single person or animal for that matter."
Sayori: "MC! Monika! You need to see this!"
MC: "Sayori?"
Both him and Monika ran out of the classroom down the halls to where Sayori is yelling from. Just as they were about to go downstairs a huge bright light flashed before their eyes. It was so bright that the surrounding area was covered in light.
MC: "W-what's going on!?"
Monika: "Michael!" The light blankets the entire school blinding everyone. Nothing, but silence can be heard. That is until …
?: "Hey, hey! It's about time to wake up. Come on we got work to do."
End of Chapter 15
