Kasumi
After this morning's rather unexpected secret reveal…
Sora shuffles uncomfortably, looking around at her fellow prisoners. "Um…"
Her gaze seems to linger a second longer on Toshiro and the Ultimate Toymaker himself notices.
He sighs dramatically and shakes his head, "Revealing personal information is so not cute." Toshiro says and narrows his eyes at Monokuma and his human assistants. "Forcing people to reveal confidential information about their friends is even less cute." he scowls and turns back to Sora, putting his smile back on. "I don't hold it against you, Sora. I have a feeling I already know what's written on there anyways." he says. For a second, Toshiro's expression softens. "And I appreciate you for not treating me any differently yesterday." he says and smiles again. "Very cute of you." Toshiro says with a wink.
"Right…" Sora nods and sighs. She looks down at the piece of paper that apparently holds Toshiro's secret. "...Well, uh, Toshiro Haruki is a former Remnant of Despair."
…Well THAT'S certainly worth killing over.
Not that I would, of course.
…Sora quickly took her breakfast to her room when Hitoshi, Kensuke, Takeshi (who seems to be doing much better, fortunately), and Shun looked at her when she sat back down.
But, that wasn't before she tasked me with sending Valentin her way if I saw him again and to keep an eye on anyone that seems like they're about to snap.
But who seems like they're about to snap?
Hmmm…
"Shiro, former Remnant of Despair, buddy, pal," I say as I let myself into Toshiro's cell. "Are you like, gonna kill anyone?"
"I have no plans to." Toshiro says casually as he assembles another toy for his show.
"Damn."
"I'm sorry to disappoint." Toshiro says with a small laugh. "Sora did say former Remnant of Despair, remember?" he says teasingly.
I nod, "Right, right…"
…
…
…
"Ask." Toshiro says without looking up from his toy.
I clench the doorknob of his cell door tighter. "Did you know that Sting killed my aunt and uncle?" I ask.
"..." Toshiro sighs and puts down the toy, looking at me sympathetically. "Only after Ryu confirmed Sting's suspicions," he says. "I'm sorry, Kasumi."
"...Right. Well," I clear my throat, putting a smile on my face. "I'm just making the rounds on Sora's behalf, y'know, so Toshi and Ken and the others don't kidnap her." I say and throw some finger guns at Toshiro. "Nice to see you're sane now." I say jokingly.
Toshiro laughs. "It's good to be-"
"Yo, Toshiro."
Toshiro and I turn to see Kano pushing past me and letting himself into Toshiro's cell. "I have a bone to pick with this little show of yours." he says with a yawn and glances at me. Kano grins. "I have something to say to you too but for the sake of ol' Shiro's temper problem, I'll talk to you later."
I don't like the sound of that.
Also, "It looks like it's too late for that." I say, glancing at Toshiro. He still has his signature smile on his face but it doesn't reach his eyes anymore.
"Oh? You have something to say about my show? After I already asked everybody for their input and am halfway done preparing the characters?" Toshiro asks in a chillingly calm tone. "Pray tell, dearest Kano, what could possibly be so important to say when I'm halfway done with the creative process? Please, I'm itching to hear it." he says.
Oh my. Oh dear. Oh heavens. I think Hitoshi said something about Toshiro losing his temper once before Sting's and Ryu's bodies were found…
I slowly back out of Toshiro's room, the look on Kano's face telling me whatever he had to say before is far less interesting than Toshiro's increasing annoyance.
Yeah, I'm out of here.
But first:
"Have either of you seen Val?"
They have not.
Oh well.
Since I went down B-Wing first yesterday, I decide to go down A-Wing first today.
Of course, I find Juriya in the Medical Ward.
"Good morning, Juriya." I say, lingering near the door. "Have you seen Val around?" I ask.
I'm ninety-nine percent sure I have nothing to fear from her but I know she doesn't like me, so…I'm being considerate. Aren't I so kind?
Juriya looks up from the papers she's looking at. "No." she states bluntly. "But if you do find him before the end of the day, please tell him he grossly misinterpreted what he walked in on yesterday." Juriya says with a small scowl.
What?
I raise an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" I ask. When her expression turns even more sour, I add, "If you want me to pass on the message I'd at least like to know the context."
Juriya sighs and puts her papers down, crossing her arms. "That wretched…Greyface asked for my assistance yesterday. It involved being in a compromising position - which Valentin walked in on." she says. "I'm not into women but even if I were, I would never put myself in a position like that with her." Juriya explains.
I frown. "Compromising position…?"
"I was between her legs-"
"WHAT?"
"I just told you it's not like that-"
"OH MY GOD!"
"Kasumi Yuan I swear-"
After slamming the door in Juriya's face and running all the way down to the Church to take refuge, I unwittingly run into my main target of the day.
"Val! I've been looking-"
Valentin whips around, startled by my presence.
I myself am startled by the frustrated tears spilling from his eyes.
I glare at the only other person in the room. "What are you saying to him?"
Yosuke bristles and glares right back at me. "I resent the implication that I have anything to do with Valentin's anguish." he says. "He came to me. I am merely offering the counsel he desired."
Valentin nods quickly and wipes the tears from his eyes. "Y-Yes, Father Yosuke-"
Fath-? You know what, no, I'm not even going to ask.
"-is speaking truth." he confirms with a shaky breath. "I, um, I wanted - I needed-" Valentin struggles to put his intentions into words.
Yosuke leans forward in his chair and puts a hand on Valentin's shoulder, giving him a look that I assume is supposed to be reassuring. "Valentin sought my counsel as a Father of the Catholic Church." he says and leans back. "He had some questions about the, ah, 'sins' we have been deemed guilty of. Right before you arrived, he was about to ask me something he spoke about with…" Yosuke's expression twists into one of distaste for a second before returning to his usual 'calm' look. "...Candace."
Valentin nods and smiles at me reassuringly (much more convincingly than Yosuke's poor attempt). "It is as he says, Señorita Kasumi. I apologize for worrying you." he says and stands up. Valentin turns to Yosuke. "I am grateful for your insight, Father Yosuke. I will - I will be thinking about our conversation deeply." he says with a small bow. "I will come to you later to continue our conversation…later."
"Very well." Yosuke nods. "God - no, how did you say…Dios te bendiga." he says with a satisfied smile. "God bless you both. Have a wonderful rest of your day. I have business with Armen if you need me."
Yosuke parts ways with Valentin and I outside of the Church while the Ultimate Firefighter and I linger by the door. When Yosuke seems far enough away, I turn to Valentin. "I didn't know you were religious." I say curiously.
Valentin gives me a small smile. "Ah, well, I am no devout Catholic but I was raised with the religion's teachings. I still believe in most of them. Faith in the Lord God when I am stressed brings me some peace." he explains. "I am not openly religious but I understand Yosuke is extreme and pushy about his beliefs. Still, as he is the Ultimate Priest, I was interested in…hum, cómo se dice…picking his brain." Valentin says.
"I see." I nod. "You said you still believe in most of them…?" I trail off, raising an eyebrow.
Valentin laughs lightly, an almost bitter smile on his face. "I know what you are asking - Señorita Candace asked me the same question when she saw my necklace. I disagree with the teaching that h-homosexuality will lead you to burn in Hellfire when you pass." he says. "Señorita Candace and I were talking about how this teaching is apparently a mistranslation. That is what I was going to ask Fath - Señor Yosuke about before you came in." Valentin explains. "But you came looking for me, yes? I can talk to him later."
I nod. "Yeah, you were supposed to go talk to Sora yesterday but you never did." I say with a slight frown, a thought coming to mind. "Is everything alright? You didn't show and you never wanted to talk to Yosuke before and when you did, you were crying."
Valentin looks at me in surprise before shaking his head and putting a much brighter smile on his face. "I apologize for worrying you both, I just…"
"The motive?"
"...Yes. Señorita Greyface more or less c-confirmed that she has my secret and told me what it is." Valentin nods. "I confess, I was…I was intentionally hiding what Hanako and Taro have put down as my secret because I was afraid, but…" he gulps and shakes his head, a look of determination on his face. "No more. You are a kind, open group of people. If Greyface is not called up this evening to reveal my secret, I will reveal it myself." Valentin says, looking confident but still sounding understandably nervous. "It is nothing worth killing for a-and I should not have to hide it!"
I beam, smiling encouragingly at him. "Well alright then!" I say. "Best of luck to you tonight!"
Valentin nods again. "I will be going to see Señorita Sora now." he says. "She is still locking herself in her room, yes?"
"Yup!"
"Then I will get going. See you later, Señorita Kasumi."
"Boring," Harumi yawns and turns to her left. "What about you, Kanna?"
"Me?" Kanna laughs lightly and shakes her head. "I've had a boyfriend for a long time - I've never really been interested in anyone else." she says, waving her hand.
Oh? What kind of conversation did I just walk in on?
"Okay then," Kensuke says, leaning back in his beanbag. "Hypothetically, say these people give us an option to stay here forever without any motives and stuff." he says. "What then?" Kensuke asks, wiggling his eyebrows.
Kanna hums. "I suppose…if we're talking about continuing our lineage…" she thinks for a moment. "I would say…Hitoshi cleans up quite well, don't you think? And he's funny…although his profile did say he doesn't like billionaires - I don't remember how rich my family is." Kanna muses. "But Greyface is also quite amusing…just need to clean her up…" she trails off, muttering to herself.
Harumi stares at Kanna with a horrified look on her face.
It's a bit worrying how frequently I'm agreeing with her lately. Maybe I should get Yosuke to make sure I'm not possessed.
Mai pinches the bridge of her nose. "Both you and Sora have a worrying fascination with that girl…" she says and drops her hand, shaking her head. "Anyways, moving on-" Mai pauses for a minute and turns around, meeting my eyes. "Kasumi, perfect timing."
Oh no.
Nemiko, sitting beside Mai, quickly scribbles something down in her notepad and holds it up so I can see:
RUN
Kensuke smiles 'innocently'. "We were just talking about our love lives - WHY ARE YOU RUNNING!?"
Harumi stares at Nemiko, unimpressed. "You owe me fifty bucks if we get out of here." she says dryly (to which Nemiko sticks her tongue out at Harumi) and turns to Kensuke. "Weren't you saying something about the firefighter guy?"
"You still haven't learned everyone's name yet…?" Mai sighs.
Well, I think it's safe to say they're not losing their minds if they're talking about their love lives…that's normal teenager stuff, right?
As I walk down the hall out of A-Wing, I see a surprisingly distressed looking Yume. As soon as she notices me, however, she immediately shifts her expression into her usual smile - a smile that I'm beginning to think has been forced all along.
"Kasumi! So good to see you." Yume says, stopping in front of me. "Have you seen Yosuke anywhere by any chance?" she asks.
Yosuke?
"You're looking for Yosuke? You?" I ask in disbelief.
Yume lets out a laugh that seems a bit more genuine than her smile. "Yeah, I'm not the most religious person but like, priest dudes are supposed to listen to your problems, right? And keep them secret and shit?" she asks.
I shrug. "I dunno, I'm not into that stuff either." I say. "He left the Church a while ago to go do something with Armen but I'm sure he'll be back, that's his favorite room." I say. "I could listen if you want? I'm no priest but I'm not evil enough to go spilling your secrets to everyone that'll listen." I offer.
Yume's expression softens ever so slightly. She smiles again and shakes her head. "I appreciate it but I'm not ready for that yet, I need to talk to someone I don't care about the opinion of." Yume says wryly and winks.
Before I can open my mouth to speak Harumi shoves past us and mutters, "Fucking loser-"
Yume rolls her eyes and makes a mocking noise. "Stop trying to cut yourself on that edge, we can all tell you're overcompensating so take your hand off your vagina and stop masturbating to your own delusions!"
Harumi stops, her jaw dropping as she turns around to stare at Yume in shock before her expression returns to its regularly scheduled bitchiness. She flips Yume off and continues stalking off down the hall before she goes into the Medical Ward, slamming the door shut.
Yume snorts and puts her hands on her hips. "She'll laugh eventually." she says confidently.
I frown, scrutinizing Yume.
"What?" Yume asks.
"Are you okay?"
Yume blinks owlishly at me. She stares at me for a minute before crossing her arms. "Why wouldn't I be?" she asks then gasps dramatically. "Could it be? Have you forsaken your affections for Sora for me, Yume Nii!?" Yume says much too loudly for my liking and puts her hands over her mouth.
I feel my face heat up. "Come on, Yume." I say, ignoring her comment. "Sora said you were acting weird the other day," I point out. "And you're seeking out Yosuke of all people when your problems aren't even religious. What's up with you?"
Yume hums and looks around the hallway. "If you're that serious about it, let's talk in the Church."
"Thanks, Yume."
"Oh don't thank me just yet, Kasumi Yuan."
"Is this where you confess your love? Or push me onto the bench and have your way with me? I'd also ask if you were going to murder me, but murder isn't very funny so…"
This girl. I'm starting to understand Sora's annoyance with everything and everyone.
Except me, of course. I know she loves me. Heh.
"I know we don't hang out as much as you hang out with Shun and the rest, but I still barely know anything about you. I can name at least one thing I know about everyone here except you." I say. "You talk a lot so how is it that I don't know one thing about you?"
Yume tilts her head to the side, a snide smile on her face. "My, my, Kasumi Yuan, it almost sounds like you're accusing me of something." she says and shakes her head, taking a seat on one of the benches. "But, I'm afraid that's a 'you' problem. I've been saying plenty of things about myself. I'm the world's foremost expert on the subject!" Yume declares.
I frown. "I'm the Ultimate Prankster, Yume. I know a joke when I see one."
Yume scoffs, "Of course they were all jokes. I'm the Ultimate Comedian after all!" she says pointedly.
Oh yeah, I'm definitely starting to understand my dear baby raccoon better.
How do I get through to Yume so I get a serious answer?
"I…you know, I've seen you doing so much to keep everyone happy - well, in a not-homicidal mood in certain cases." I say. "And you came up with that game back when we were separated from the boys and you and Kanna worked together to try and help us all feel closer. That's a lot more work than you pretend it is. You seem off, I'm just worried that all of that work is getting to you." I try.
Once more, Yume just smiles and says, "You don't need to worry about that. That sort of thing is just like breathing to me. It's my life, and I'd never get tired of living."
But the smile doesn't reach her eyes.
Before I can press any further, Yume adds: "I'm the Ultimate Comedian ya'know? It'd be pretty funny if I secretly hated making jokes." she says. "So don't worry about me, I'm fine. I'd be more worried about yourself y'know." Yume says and her smile turns coy. "Girl invites you into her room and you ask if she's okay? I appreciate self-deprecation as much as the next comedian, but there's a limit y'know? Someone might get upset if you keep that up." she says and leans forward with her hands behind her back to emphasize her point.
…
…
…
Yume sighs when I don't respond and stands up, moving towards the door.
"...You aren't just the Ultimate Comedian, Yume. There's more to you than just jokes, just like there's more to Harumi than being a bitch and there's more to Hitoshi being some guy from a ranch." I say. "I care about you, Yume. You're my friend. All I'm asking is if you're okay."
Yume freezes with her back towards me. She stays unusually silent for a while.
"...Are you okay, Yume?" I ask again.
Her back remains turned to me as she finally replies: "...I wasn't joking about somebody getting upset about that." Yume's tone is flat, devoid of any mirth or cheer. She opens the door to the Church, her face remaining hidden from view before she turns to face me. Her face is empty, without a smile or a frown, and her eyes are locked into a lightless stare into nothing, as she continues. "It's nice of you to ask me that…and kinda funny, I guess." Yume says. "Maybe we can talk about it and laugh another time…so see you later." she says and gestures to the door.
…Right.
I leave the Church and Yume shuts the door behind me.
…
…
…
Well that was a rather frightening change in personality.
But finally, I've learned something about Yume…a lot more, actually.
…But I don't know what to do next. Whatever it was that just happened was exactly what Sora wanted me to look out for.
Entering D-Pod, I don't see Valentin anywhere - or anyone else for that matter - so I can only assume he's still talking with Sora in her cell.
I really need to talk to her but I don't want to interrupt whatever conversation they're having.
A shiver goes down my spine as I recall the drastic change in Yume's personality.
I need some fresh air.
Apparently, so do Shun, Greyface, and Kaori.
"Oh, Kasumi! Hi!" Shun greets breathlessly.
Greyface gives me a lopsided grin, also breathless. "Blondie…care for a story?"
Kaori rolls her eyes and puts her hands on her hips. "We just got done playing a game." she explains, gesturing to her and her breathless, sweaty companions. "Greyface lost so now instead of killing us, she has to tell us a story."
My face drops. "You guys are betting your lives against her too…?" I sigh, thinking back to Kanna's very unusual habit with the serial killer. "But sure," I say and turn to the criminal in question. "Someone like you has to have some interesting stories, right?"
Greyface laughs and motions for us to sit down. Kaori, Shun, and I sit down in front of her in a semi-circle and it's then that I notice the redness on their hands. "Just what exactly were you guys playing?"
Kaori yawns and stands back up, stretching. "I'll show you sometime but now that you've pointed it out, it is kinda bothering me." she says. "I'm gonna go get Juriya to fix this up." Kaori says, smiles, and exits the Yard.
"Guess it's just us three then." Shun says and turns back to Greyface. "Go on, crazy lady."
Greyface laughs again and starts pacing in front of us. "Hmmm…what can I tell you that you haven't already heard on the news?" she wonders, tapping her chin. "Ah - have you heard the story of one of my first victims? He's the one who reaaaaaaally set me off…" Greyface says and puts her hands behind her back, standing at attention. "I don't remember his name so let's call him…" her eyes snap towards me. "Katsuko."
…
…
…
…
…
"Kasumi? Are you okay?"
…
"I'm fine."
Shun frowns worriedly. "Are you sure? Your face went, like, completely white." she says and puts a hand on my forehead. "Are you feeling sick all of a sudden?" Shun asks.
I'm feeling very sick, actually.
I look back at Greyface, a sick, twisted grin on her face.
How does she know his name?
"Con-Continue." I nod at Greyface.
"...Very well."
…
…
…
"Greyface, that's the plot of the first season finale of Sun Witch Esper Ito."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Shun pinches the bridge of her nose. "You described exactly what Prince Kirishima did to the main character - that's how the main character learned the Prince was the true villain!"
Greyface crosses her arms and turns her nose up. "Say that again and I'll cut off your thumbs." she threatens half-heartedly.
My, never did I ever think I would see a serial killer become embarrassed.
But still, she did describe that episode of Sun Witch Esper Ito, but why bring up…
…
…
It doesn't matter.
"Well," I stand up. "Thanks for the story but this is enough sun for me, I'm burning up. I'll see you guys at lunch." I say, nodding at Shun and Greyface. Shun waves and bids me goodbye while Greyface just stares at me with an odd look on her face.
Yeah, I've had enough of her for today.
I turn around to leave-
"Kasumi."
I stop.
"I would've done the same thing if I had the chance."
"...Greyface?" Shun questions.
I keep walking.
Going back into D-Pod, I still don't see Valentin so I continue on to B-Wing to give time to let him finish his conversation with Sora.
Surprisingly, I find Luan and Yukiko in the Classroom with Sasaki and Candace.
Luan explains that Yukiko was getting bored holed up in their cell so he brought her here. He also said that if Hitoshi or Kensuke or any of the others tried to touch him or Yukiko that would be the last thing they would do.
Yikes.
"Yes. I was going to go to take her to see Toshiro but he was being in a bad mood." Luan explains. "He says we will not be getting a show because of Kano." he says with a frown. "Disappointing."
Damn.
Anyways.
"So, another lesson, Sasaki?" I ask, turning to the veterinarian standing at the front of the classroom once again.
Sasaki smiles. "Kind of. Yukiko wouldn't understand what I was telling the others yesterday so Luan asked me to teach her about some animals." she says, gesturing to the cute little animal drawings on the board. "Candy is here to practice copying my drawings."
Candace waves at me without taking her eyes off her own paper, hyperfocused on whatever she's drawing. "Figured I might as well find something to do if we're not getting a show from Toshiro." she says.
Yukiko holds up her stuffed narwhal, waving it around to catch Sasaki's attention. "What about Mooney?" she asks.
"Mooney?" Sasaki asks with a confused frown.
Luan smiles softly and pats Yukiko's head. "The name of her toy today." he says. "I believe it is a…a…a narwhal, yes?"
Sasaki's eyes light up. "Oh! Yes," she says and quickly draws out a narwhal. "Did you know the narwhal's tusk is actually an inside out tooth?"
Yukiko gasps and looks down at Mooney. "A tooth!?"
"You know, I think I met a guy with an inside out tooth once…" Candace hums as she flips to a new page and starts drawing again.
Luan seems just content to watch Yukiko listen to Sasaki, a fascinated look on his daughter's face as she takes in all the information.
Unfortunately for him, I'm in a mood to think about anything other than Greyface somehow bringing up his name.
And of course, Sora wants me to figure out who's one push away from going full Ultimate Despair.
"Hey, Luan," I say, taking a seat next to him. "I've always wondered, what exactly is a land artist?"
Luan blinks, surprised. "Oh. Um," he thinks for a moment, trying to find the right words. "I…I…to say it easily, I make big pictures using the ground as a…a medium? And - and they can only be viewed properly from high up usu-usually." Luan explains carefully. "Land art is not being made to last so, ah, it is more of a…in the moment thing."
Huh…I think I get it. Maybe.
I repeat just that to Luan and ask him, "Can you give me an example?" I ask.
"Hrm…" Luan frowns thoughtfully. "I first started out by drawing in the ground with a stick." he says. "Does that help?"
Ooooh.
I nod. "Yeah, I get it. How did you come to be the Ultimate Land Artist?" I ask. When Luan seems to almost flinch at the question, I quickly back track. "Ah, no, that's probably a long story, isn't it? I won't take up that much of your time." I say and think of another question. "What's your favorite kind of medium to use? Like, dirt, sand, snow…I don't know all the ins and outs of land art."
Luan seems more open to answering that question and I learn all about what's easiest to draw and assemble your art on and why you should do this on that and so on and so forth.
When Luan seems to get tired of talking, I stand up and excuse myself after thanking him for taking the time to explain his talent.
All seems well here so I bid everyone adieu and exit the room.
Seeing as how Kensuke is in the Rec Room and Shun is outside, I don't think I'll find Takeshi or Hitoshi in Solitary so I skip over the rather creepy room and head towards the Library.
As expected, I find four of the five classmates I haven't seen since breakfast.
I wonder where Armen is?
I smile at the four boys, my expression reflexively growing wearier when I lock eyes with Harlequin.
"Are you feeling any better, Takeshi?"
Takeshi smiles and I notice the slight bags under his eyes. "I didn't get much sleep last night but yes, I do feel better." he says. "How about you? Harlequin here more or less told us that he had your secret, Kasumi Yuan."
Harlequin gasps and puts a hand on his chest. "I did no such thin-"
"You told us Sting killed her aunt and uncle." Masaki says dryly. "What is that if not telling us you have her secret?"
"I-"
Hitoshi sighs. "Come on man, just give it up. We're not gonna get anything out of lying to each other." he says.
Masaki scoffs. "That's rich coming from you…" he mutters under his breath.
Unfortunately, Hitoshi heard him. His expression falters and he looks down shamefully.
"S-So…" I start awkwardly, trying to change the subject. "What're you guys doing in here?"
"Just hanging around." Harlequin says and grins. "Turns out even ol' Masaki here wants some company from time to time!" he says, patting the aforementioned boy on the head. Masaki just glares at him.
"As he said, we were just hanging around. And talking, obviously." Takeshi says, pulling my attention. "Before you joined us, we were talking about the motive. Now that we know your secret, Kasumi Yuan, what are your feelings about the motive?" he asks curiously.
"My feelings?" I repeat. "I dunno. I'm not…I'm not smart like that, so…" I frown, scratching my head. "Even if I did have any strong feelings about people knowing what…he did, he's not here anymore. What would be the point?" I ask. "And I think the paranoia of not knowing what could be revealed is worse than living with knowing your peers know your darkest secret."
Takeshi hums. "Very interesting," he says. "I wouldn't put yourself down intellectually just yet, Kasumi Yuan."
"Maybe…" I shrug. "My tutor used to say what I lack in academic smarts I make up for in emotional smarts." I say. "What about you? How are you feeling about the motive now?"
Takeshi smiles. "As you said, the paranoia of not knowing is worse than…" he gestures around nonsensically. "...this." Takeshi says and pauses, a thoughtful look on his face. "I feel…at ease, almost," he says.
Harlequin lets out a loud, boisterous laugh. "And here I thought most of our secrets would be about the crimes we committed! Five reveals down and only the resident male ray of sunshine was revealed to be an ex-psycho serial killer." he says and looks at me with his creepy, cat-like yellow eye. "The female ray of sunshine just has dead guardians. How crazy is that! Mine are dead too." Harlequin reveals. "Well, so are my biological parents. Probably. I dunno. And no, I didn't kill either set. The bios just gave me up and my adopted mother killed my adopted father. Crazy, right?." he says and walks up to me, a curious look on his face. "What about you? You were living with your aunt and uncle, right? That's why your secret is about them? What happened to your parents? Did they give you up too? Are they dead? Adults, amirite?" Harlequin rambles.
Fortunately, before I have to deem any of those questions with an answer, the sweet, unsure voice of Valentin speaks first: "A-Ah, excuse me, I have been looking for you, Señorita Kasumi. Señorita Sora wishes to speak to you."
Yeeeeees.
"Alrighty, let's go, Val! Bye guys!" I say quickly and grab Valentin's wrist, dragging him out of the Library behind me.
"H-Hold on, I'll come with you!"
And so, Valentin, Hitoshi, and I make our way out of B-Wing and towards D-Pod.
Interestingly, we find a strangely confused looking Yosuke standing by Sora's cell door.
"Yosuke?" I call as I head up the stairs, Valentin and Hitoshi hanging around the tables on the ground floor. "What are you doing?"
Yosuke frowns. "I finished my prayers for the hour so I wished to come and pass along a message Armen gave me," he says. "But she's not answering her door."
I match his frown, a bad feeling creeping up on me for a second before I shake it off. "Obviously. She doesn't like you. Move." I say, shooing him to the side. "Yoohoo, baby raccoon," I call as I knock on the door. "I'm answering your summons - and Yosuke has a message for you, I guess."
…
…
…
The bad feeling starts creeping up on me again. "Sora?" I call again.
…
…
…
Nothing.
I try her doorknob-
It's open.
I feel all the blood drain from my face and my hands start shaking. "S-Sora?"
Yosuke puts a hand on my shoulder. "Allow me to go first." he says, gently pushing me to the side before entering Sora's cell.
I stand outside, frozen in place.
…
…
…
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…
"It's empty." Yosuke reports. "She's not in here and nothing seems out of place." he says.
What the hell is going on then?
I turn around looking down at Valentin and Hitoshi. "Val, where is she?" I call down.
Valentin frowns. "She is in her cell…no? That is where I left her." he says, creasing his brow.
Okay. Calm down, Kasumi. There's a reasonable explanation for this.
Maybe…
Maybe…
"Maybe she went to Solitary for some reason." Hitoshi proposes, a reassuring smile on his face. "Don't panic, Kasumi."
I nod. "Right. I didn't - I didn't check Solitary when I was going down B-Wing." I say and nod again, glancing at the hallway everyone seems to pretend doesn't exist. "Yosuke, you go check there. We're going back down B-Wing."
Valentin and Hitoshi flank me on either side as I stand in front of the door to Solitary, my hands still shaking as I clench the doorknob.
"Breathe, Kasumi." Hitoshi says quietly.
I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Right. Right. Okay. Let's…" I shake my head and open the door.
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Silence.
The hall leading to each of the three cells is empty too.
I peer into the middle cell and-
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"Sor…a…?"
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Sora
I bet you thought I was dead, didn't you?
I awake to the feeling of water dripping on my face and the sound of that damn gremlin's voice arguing with stupid Armen's.
"For the millionth time, Yuan, she is alive, stop screaming at me." Armen snaps. "Kimidori is on his way to bring Inaba here and Del Rio is guarding the door. Relax."
"She's covered in blood, Armen, how do you expect me to relax!? Why hasn't she woken up yet!?" Kasumi cries. From the direction her voice is coming from and the feeling of hands that are definitely not Armen's, I think she's holding my head in her lap.
God, maybe that person should've made sure they finished the job.
And 'covered' in blood? I don't recall being stabbed - that person just hit me…a lot.
But I got them too.
And I got evidence-
"A body has been discovered!"
"AKIFUMI YATAGARASU DID SHE JUST DIE IN MY ARMS!?"
"Call me that again and there'll be a second-"
"As you should all very well know, after a certain amount of time has passed, the class trial will begin! Please report to the Church A.S.A.P!"
…Shit.
The blurry faces of Kasumi and Armen freeze, shocked.
Armen is the first one to move after I tug on his arm. He looks down at me. "Sugawara, you're awake. Goo - what…?"
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"Go find out who died, Yuan." Armen says looking down at what I have in my hand. "She can't move until Inaba makes sure she even can and we all have a chance to investigate the cell." he says. "...Keep your eye on the people that match that."
Kasumi follows his gaze and nods stiffly. She looks down at me and smiles wearily. "I'll see you later, baby raccoon." Kasumi says and shuffles over to lay my head down on the ground. "Don't bleed out until I come back, okay?"
Kasumi
As I run into the Church, I barely hear the sound of those around me freaking out and asking why I'm covered in blood (I think one of those questions was even an accusation - in hindsight putting Sora's bloody head on my light colored clothes was probably a bad idea) because…
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Laying against the far wall between the pictures of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary…
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With their throat slit and their blood staining their clothes…
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Is…
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Yume Nii, the Ultimate Comedian.
It's only when Shun grabs me by my shoulders and pulls me out of my thoughts that I notice that along with me being covered in blood, she and several others are covered in bruises.
Goddamn it.
7~7~7
A/N yesss bbyyy
sora's fate is still up for debate i haven't decided
but is yume's actually a dead body this time though
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yes
no snake venom concoction to save the day this time
thank you for submitting yume :catch: her full story will be revealed when justice is (maybe) served
