"Yuri?"
Sayori worriedly waved her hand in front of her distant friend's face. The young maiden had been acting like she was back when they were in the warehouse basement: quiet and unresponsive. She had been that way ever since they rushed Shujinkou to the hospital after he collapsed.
With the amount of blood he was rapidly losing from his reopened wound, Shujinkou was rushed to surgery, leaving the others to wait in the food court for the results.
Sayori was sure that was what caused Yuri to regress to this state. What was worse was the clear amount of guilt the young maiden had on her face.
"Yuri…?"
Sayori continued to try and get her friend's attention until Yuri suddenly stood up.
"Sorry, but I need some time to myself…"
With those parting words, Yuri disappeared into the surrounding crowd.
"Should we be letting her go like that?" Sayori asked aloud.
"As long as she stays in the hospital, she should be fine," Monika replied.
Sayori shook her head.
"Not that. I mean, she looks so… so…"
A sorrowful look crossed the usually cheerful Sayori. The way Yuri looked and acted was very familiar to her.
"…She looks like Shiko did back then… Back when he shut himself away from the world…"
Hearing that reminded Monika of the dream she had back at the warehouse which in turn reminded her of how little she knew about Shujinkou.
But even so… I wasn't wrong to be worried about him… right?
Like before, Monika couldn't tell if she had any right to question any of Shujinkou's recent behavior when he had been trying his hardest to solve their recent dilemmas.
All she could do was look on as Sayori's gaze shifted to Natsuki. Her eyes had been glued to her phone ever since the staff had discovered them on Shujinkou's person.
Like Yuri, Natsuki had not said a word since then and the conflicted look on her face was just as worrying.
"What're you looking at, Natsuki?" Sayori queried.
"Huh?" Natsuki quickly stuffed her phone in her pocket. "N-Nothing. I was just checking on some stuff."
"Like what?"
Natsuki quickly averted her gaze. "Just… stuff."
Before Sayori could say another word, Natsuki suddenly stood up as well.
"I'm going to go stretch my legs," she said before walking off.
Faced with a third friend abruptly leaving mid-conversation, Sayori could only mutter, "Why is everyone leaving…?"
As soon as she was sure she was out of sight, Natsuki pulled her phone out of her pocket and sighed.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Startled by the sudden question, Natsuki hastily shoved her phone back in her pocket and looked up at the inquisitor. Standing in front of her was Mali, sporting her usual innocent smile.
"You look really upset," she said with a giggle.
"Really?" Natsuki replied, unamused by Mali's teasing tone. "I was kidnapped and held hostage for days while being threatened to b forced into human trafficking. Not to mention it happened to my friends too while it was clear that Akui was going to kill Shujinkou just because he has a petty grudge against his dad and even though he essentially beat everyone up, he still had to get treatment from the gunshot wound in his stomach and I have no idea how that's going!
Of course, I'm upset!"
Mali continued to giggle as she looked into Natsuki's eyes. Her eyes were then drawn towards the hand Natsuki had in her pocket. Despite being hidden, Mali could tell that Natsuki was clutching her phone as hard as she could.
"Oh, I know that upsets you. I'm talking about the other things you haven't mentioned," Mali clarified.
Startled by Mali's response, Natsuki could only stutter, "What other things?"
Mali noticed a droplet of sweat crawl down Natsuki's face. It was all she needed to see for the first year to confirm her personal inquires. With a smile, Mali continued.
"You all think I'm just teasing him when I say it and, while I am, I really do mean it when I say Senpai innocent. It's not just that he constantly puts his friends before himself but it just how he acts and carries himself. He always downplays it but Senpai always tries to find someway to get along or at least be civil with anyone no matter how they are around him.
He also almost always speaks in a gentle way. The only times his voice changes is when something gets to him and even then, Senpai never lashes out at anyone and his voice is still gentle and innocent.
He's very open and empathetic to almost anyone and is infinitely patient. Not to mention he's kind and honest almost to a fault."
Mali giggled as she finished her analysis.
"But of course you already know that. In fact, to you, those qualities probably mean the whole world to you."
"I wouldn't say the whole world…" Natsuki argued. "I mean, those are some of the things that makes him easy to be around, but…"
The knowing smile on Mali's face rendered Natsuki speechless. She knew anything else she could say would end with Mali turning it around on her in a very embarrassing way.
"Even so, you know Senpai pretty well," Mali continued. "So much that even though you haven't seen Senpai in forever and knowing the stress and worry that he had to have went through that could cause a temporary change, you still knew right away that something was unnaturally 'off' with him. I mean it's obvious; his innocence isn't radiating like it usually is and he's been making faces you couldn't ever imagine him making. And that worried you on so many levels."
"Of course it's worrying. My friend is obviously acting weird and even though he did it to save us, I can't really see Shujinkou going on a one-man charge against a bunch of criminals," Natsuki pointed out.
"And not just because it's hard to believe he could actually do that right? And then there was the aftermath; look at how he left things when he was done," Mali recalled.
Though she downplayed it in his presence, Natsuki could remember how disturbed she was at all the fallen bodies resulting from Shujinkou's assault.
"How he left things…" Natsuki muttered. "It's not I can't feel too sorry for the guys that held us captive but… how messed up they were… like Yuri said, that pretty much takes effort and Shujinkou's nonchalance about it was just…"
"'So unlike Senpai'?" Mali finished.
"Yeah…"
"I get it. Seeing Senpai act like that is pretty unnerving to me too. After all, his innocence was one of the things that made him so interesting to me. If that was to go away… If the Senpai tonight was the new Senpai for now on then…"
Taking a pause, Mali shot Natsuki an inquisitive stare, once again startling her.
"W-What?" Natsuki stuttered.
"Isn't that how you feel?" Mali questioned. "If Senpai was no longer Senpai then wouldn't that mean you would lose more than just the person you're hopelessly infatuated with?"
"Wha-?"
Mali pressed her left index finger over Natsuki's lips, keeping her from saying more.
"You all may be infatuated with Senpai, but you all look at him differently. And I don't mean that one potential likes him more than the other, I mean the way you look at him reflects the other ways that he's important to you all.
You specifically, I can tell by how you look at Senpai that he's more than just a friend or a crush. He's someone you feel like you can empathize and connect with; a person you can open up too."
Mali's face soon lit up with her usual innocent smile.
"But of course; he's Senpai, right? Of course that's the natural outcome. But there's more to it than that. There's some connection; something that you two have endured that you have in common. Something that you felt you could only talk to Senpai about after the last time you all were all together as a club."
"Last time after…?" Natsuki quickly stepped back, horrified by the implications behind Mali's words. "Were you spying on us!?"
"Not exactly. Plus, that's besides the point."
"How is that beside anything!? You were spying on us!"
"Is that really what matters in regards to that conversation? Besides, I was just bringing it up to note that you and Senpai have something in common. But that commonality can only go so far and it's because of that you couldn't completely open up to Senpai, right?"
"There was nothing to open up about. I told him everything I wanted to."
"If that's so, then why did you look so disappointed when you left? Isn't it because you didn't say what you wanted to say?"
"That's-"
"Actually, you were never planning to open up to Senpai, were you? In fact, you seemed really reluctant to say what you going to say in the first place.
You wanted to tell him the truth, but you also didn't. You looked like you wanted to cover that up by blowing up at him, but in the end, you just couldn't go through with that because you didn't want to hurt him.
That's the same reason you didn't want to be honest with him back then and left him with a small glimmer of hope that things would be okay. Not only that, but you knew it would forever be on Senpai's mind and he wouldn't be able to rest until you felt better. And most importantly, despite your reservations, you really didn't want Senpai involved in your personal life, likely for his own safety and some form of peace of mind."
Mali once again snuck a peek at the hand in Natsuki's pocket.
"Interestingly enough, all those reasons connect to the other reason you're worried about Senpai's current state.
You're worried that Senpai isn't all that different, aren't you? You're worried that deep down the other most important male figure in your life is the same as the first and that the stress of everything that happened just made it apparent. And because of that, you're worried that Senpai will no longer care anymore."
What happened next was just as Mali had expected. She watched as the conflict and confusion in Natsuki's eyes turn into defiance.
With a smug smirk, Natsuki finally replied with, "Heh. Just like always, you have no idea what you're talking about, Mali."
With nothing more to say, Natsuki stepped past Mali, leaving the first-year behind with her accusations.
"…Senpai cares."
Natsuki suddenly stopped in place, shocked by Mali's sudden words.
"With most of his friends dealing with their own issues, Senpai never prioritized any over the other. When his best friend was kidnapped, he was desperate. When he found out you were gone too, he became more desperate.
Even with his deteriorating mental state, the fact that he couldn't get anyone to help him and the threat of death among other things with one being connected to the first, Senpai still put his friends among himself like he always does… Because that's who Senpai is, right?"
That's enough to ease your doubts a little, right? And even if that wasn't enough, then just ask yourself: Would the other guy do the same?"
As she expected, Natsuki didn't say a word. But it didn't matter; Mali had said all she needed to say.
"Don't forget that," Mali advised before going her own way.
The young student traced Natsuki's footsteps back and found Monika and Sayori still sitting where she had left them.
"Ms. President and Vice President are also really upset…" Mali noted. She curiously exchange glances with the two of them before smiling. "Well, I got some news that'll cheer you both up."
Sayori's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Really? What is it?"
"Senpai's surgery has recently finished and now all he has to do is rest," Mali informed them.
"Really? That's great!" Sayori cheered. "Does that mean he's up now?"
"Right after surgery… No idea," Mali shrugged. "I didn't check on him when I inquired on his condition."
"Oh… Well, let's go check up on him!" Sayori suggested.
"…Yeah," Monika nodded her head. "Let's go."
The two stood up and started their journey to Shujinkou's room.
"Wait," Sayori looked back. She was surprised to find Mali wasn't following them. "Don't you want to see Shiko too, Mali?"
Mali shook her head. "No… Senpai needs me elsewhere right now."
Mali smiled another knowing smile before vanishing into the surrounding crowd.
"Shiko needs her somewhere else? What does that mean?" Sayori wondered aloud.
"Hopefully nothing bad…" Monika sighed.
"Eh!? It probably isn't a big deal! Maybe she's just looking for something to make Shiko better faster."
"Probably. Mali's usually vague when it comes to everything so you never know the magnitude of what she's going to do."
"Yeah, like when she found our clubroom."
Sayori closed her eyes as she recalled the events that led to their new clubroom.
"She just asked Shiko whether he would want one or not then went hunting. It was really amazing how fast she found one. And then…"
Sayori quickly covered her mouth. She knew Monika wasn't in the mood to relieve what happened next.
"A-Anyway, we should probably go see how Shiko is doing!"
Sayori took off, happily skipping to her destination.
"Sayori…"
As Monika followed behind, she couldn't help but be concerned about her as well.
Sayori's the same as always. I'm glad about that but…
Monika recalled Sayori's behavior around Shujinkou before he collapsed.
Sayori knows Shujinkou best, so she had to have noticed that something was different about him. I can't believe for a second that she couldn't have. I hope she isn't keeping too much of her feelings bottled up inside.
They continued their trek until they finally reached their destination. Sayori excitedly swung the door open.
"Shiko, you awake?" She loudly asked.
The only answer Sayori received was her own echo. Her eyes were then drawn to a nearby empty bed.
"He's gone…" she muttered.
Realizing what was about to happen, Monika tried to calm her friend down by pointing out, "He's probably…"
"He's gone!" Sayori shrieked.
"He's probably in the bathroom…" Monika weakly pointed out.
Sayori immediately opened the bathroom door and looked inside.
"Sayori?!"
Monika's face went red with embarrassment. If Shujinkou was in the bathroom then-
Then again, it's relatively quiet in there for that.
Sayori soon stuck her head out. The frantic look on her face said everything.
"He's not in here either!" she fretted.
"But if he was… you could have just looked in as he was using it…" Monika pointed out, her cheeks still bright red.
"Where could he be?!" worried Sayori.
Realizing that her point was falling on deaf ears, Monika offered a possible reason for Shujinkou's disappearance.
"Maybe he just went out for some air?" she theorized.
"No…" Sayori said, shaking her head. "I can't see Shiko getting up and moving around so freely right after surgery and even if he did, that's not a smart thing to do."
Images of Shujinkou collapsing ran through Sayori's mind, greatly increasing her anxiety. "He could end up hurting himself again! We have to find him!"
"O-Okay…"
Despite her attempts at levity, Monika was well aware of the possible implications surrounding Shujinkou's disappearance. "Whatever the case, Shujinkou couldn't be far. Let's split up. I'll focus on searching this floor and you ask around to see if he was moved."
"Okay!"
Sayori dashed out of the room, leaving Monika alone with her thoughts.
I really hope nothing happened, Shujinkou…
Soon after that wish, a strange feeling came over Monika. It was like her brain was providing her with some direction of what to do. It was like her previous hunches; just a vague and unknown feeling that constantly pushed themselves on her until she just accepted them.
Not like they've been detrimental, but…They give me a similar feeling to those strange documents. Still I have nothing else to go on.
Letting her instincts guide her, Monika walked out of the room and immediately headed for the stairwell. Climbing the stairs, the hunch she had grew stronger and stronger.
As she continued her ascent, Monika couldn't help but wonder about her concern over Shujinkou's recent behavior. Naturally, she was worried over one of her friends acting differently all of a sudden, especially during a particularly stressful time for everyone. But there was more to it than that…
Everything about the change felt unnatural, and when she thought about it, how she felt about the change was similar to the documents and her hunches.
Then there were his erratic mood swings back at the warehouse complex. His cold-stoic determination being switched to joyful anticipation back to cold determination then to relatively nonchalance over the entire situation was particularly unnerving.
In fact, it reminded Monika how unnerving her conversation with Mali was right before Akui appeared before her.
Something about Mali was strange too. She seemed almost psychopathic then, but she seems back to normal now…
The more she thought about these strange circumstances, the more confused Monika got. Every discovery just created more questions. It was almost like a tease.
A tease…
Her train of thought came to a halt as she soon found herself at the top of the stairs. Moonlight spilled into the stairwell as she the door to the rooftop.
It was really a surprise. She had expected a spacious but empty area, but that'll where she stood was the complete opposite of empty.
A variety of flora littered the roof. Some were on the ground, some were wooden tables and some even sat on top of the few huts spread across the roof. They were most likely used to house spare supplies.
Situated around what looked to be the center of the space was a large greenhouse. But other than flora related items, there were quite a few clotheslines suspense by metal poles. Blankets hung off of them, fluttering along the gentle breeze the night air provided.
I wonder if people use the roof as a pastime.
Monika continued to take in the sights until her eyes were drawn to one particular sight. Standing along the ledge of the roof was…
"Shujinkou?"
The young man looked back. His eyes were dull and lifeless.
"Hey, Monika…" he said in an almost monotone way.
"Um, are you sure that you should be standing there?" she worriedly questioned.
Shujinkou shrugged. "Why not? I've been cheating death and doing other unbelievable things. For all I know, if I fall, I'll start flying."
"Eh… Let's not give that a try, okay," Monika said with an awkward chuckle.
Shujinkou remained silent and turned back around, his dull eyes staring towards the horizon.
"Seriously, Shujinkou, you should get down from there before something happens."
Shujinkou continued to respond with silence. Like when he initially planned to stay behind at the warehouses after he rescued Claudette, Shujinkou seemed unwilling to listen to anything that went against what he wanted.
"Shujinkou… Could you please come down from there?" Monika softly pleaded.
Shujinkou looked back at Monika. The concern in her eyes was enough of an argument to convince him to step down.
"Sorry…" he quietly apologized.
Monika solemnly scratched her right cheek. It was strange how she was the one to do so in such an uncomfortable situation.
"So… I guess you're feeling better if you were able to come up all the way here so soon after surgery," she said.
"Yeah, it's like after Mali treated me; it's like it never happened," Shujinkou replied.
"That's good."
Another awkward silence spliced its way into their brief conversation.
"You know, I think Rei would like this place," Shujinkou suddenly said.
"Oh yeah… Rei does seem interested in plant life…" Monika recalled. "Plus, this looks like a nice place to get away from it all. Is that why you came up here; because you knew what they had up here."
Shujinkou shook his head then looked up at the starry sky. "I just wanted to be somewhere where I could see the night sky. I don't know why, but it's more calming than usual."
Monika looked up at the sky as well. While the sight was indeed something to admire, Shujinkou's reasoning to be up here was curious.
It also reminded her of the end of the dream she had while held captive, specifically the dark aura that surrounded Shujinkou's child self.
Monika scratched her right cheek as she carefully considered her next words.
Without saying a word, she extended her right index finger and lightly pressed it against Shujinkou's chest.
"So, are you feeling better here too?" she asked.
"Here…?" Shujinkou gently clutched his chest. "You think I should be feeling better here too, even little bit, but… nothing's changed here."
Shujinkou closed his eyes and clutched his chest tighter.
"I'm happy everyone's fine, but what was really accomplished? All that was done was taking a horrible situation and reverting it back to a bad one. It was almost like all of this was just one nightmarish detour from an already upsetting route life had set up."
Monika solemnly scratched her right cheek. She shared Shujinkou's sentiments regarding their recent dilemma.
"…But that's not the only thing bothering you, isn't it?" she queried.
Shujinkou opened his eyes. They perfectly displayed his distress.
"…Monika, what do you think about the things I did tonight?" he asked.
"What do I think?"
"Yeah. I mean, do you think that I really could have beat up all those people that was guarding you guys?"
Monika averted her gaze. "I don't know… It's not like I had a moment to see how physically capable you are."
"Your eyes show doubt," Shujinkou pointed out.
Monika sighed. She looked back at Shujinkou and answered, "To be honest, I really can't imagine you ever coming to the conclusion of doing that in the first place, let alone using Claudette's motorcycle to make a destructive entrance. I guess if things came down to just you and Mali, I just thought you two would have went for stealth instead. Plus, there was also the fact that everyone was left like they were barely left alive."
Shujinkou lowered his head in shame.
"I've really been acting radically differently lately, haven't I?" he muttered.
Monika silently nodded her head.
Shujinkou looked up at Monika, his face showing nothing but guilt and remorse.
"…I… I know I've been acting differently lately. I've known that. I was just chalking it up to me being really stressed out with everything getting worse and worse but deep down, I always knew that there was more to it than that and… that scares me.
Me always running off all of a sudden wasn't just because I need some space or because I couldn't sit still with everything that was happening but because I was scared about how I would act around you guys.
But I didn't have time to worry about that because my friends needed help and outside of us, no one seemed to care. And then…"
Monika noticed Shujinkou briefly choke up as he paused.
"…And then there was the assault… out of all the stupid decisions I made this week, that had to be the dumbest and most suicidal one yet. And yet, I was actually doing it. I was taking down everyone in my way; I actually had a chance to do something that would actually help. I should have felt better by then right?
But I didn't. I felt sick to my stomach. I somehow had the strength to easily defeat everyone and yet… I took them down in the most unnecessarily brutal ways imaginable. I broke arms and legs, smashed people's face in with a pipe… and what I did to Nivia… Even after everything, I still don't think I should have went that far if I could have helped it and I know I could have.
But I couldn't have helped myself. It was like something was pushing me to act that way, to be that cruel and I couldn't do anything to stop myself. Part of me was screaming at the top of my lungs to stop while the other part of me fired half with I have to save my friends. Mercy was not an option.
The only thing that's keeping from completely breaking down is that you guys are safe and that I didn't kill anyone, but I can't help but feel like that was cruel mercy."
Tears rolled down Shujinkou's cheeks.
"…I'm scared, Monika. I'm scared that I'll somehow get worse and I'm scared that I'll scare you guys off or that I'll have to forcibly isolate myself. I don't want to be alone with just my imagination again. I don't…"
The sight of Shujinkou's anguished face was like a stab to the heart.
All this time, I was worried about how differently he was acting. I never even considered how he felt about it. I never considered that it may be tearing him up inside…
Without saying another word, Monika grabbed Shujinkou's hands, gently entwining her fingers with his. She then pulled Shujinkou towards her and pressed her forehead against his.
"Monika?"
Shujinkou looked up at Monika with confused eyes.
"…I'm sorry. I wish I had someway to magically make everything better. But I can tell you that you don't have to worry about scaring anyone off," Monika assured him.
"Really?"
Though Shujinkou truly wanted to believe that, something inside wanted him to deny it. But when he looked at the small smile on his friends face, that strange doubt completely vanished.
"Believe me, Shujinkou, it's the only thing I've been sure of for the last few days." Monika affirmed.
"I'm sorry, am I interrupting a touching moment?"
The voice that delivered that question caused a sharp chill to shoot up their spines. The two slowly looked towards the door. Walking towards them was someone, carrying swords on his back was they really didn't want to see again.
"Akui!" Shujinkou gasped.
Despite the jovial outward appearance, it was clear to both of them that something sinister lied beneath that surface.
"You know, seeing you two having such a touching moment after the lady-killer here literally beat my wife's face in just pisses me off more than I already am!"
Shujinkou instinctively moved in front of Monika. Contrary to his brave action, she took note of how his body trembled.
Unlike earlier tonight, Shujinkou wasn't staring down an opponent with contempt or oppressive determination.
He was scared and it was clear he didn't have it in him fight back like before.
While part of Monika was relived for him, another part of her knew that meant they were in serious trouble.
Looking around, it was clear that the only way out of this would be to use the environment to their advantage. But even then, it would all be for nothing if Akui camped out in front of the doorway.
It seemed like there was no real viable solution that would work out for them until a knife wasplunged deep into Akui's gut from behind.
"What the-!?"
Monika looked beyond Akui, shocked to find that the wielder of the knife was Yuri. While that was shocking enough, what Shujinkou said next was even more surprising.
"Yuri, let go!"
As he shouted this, Monika noticed raising Akui his right arm over his head. Dropping it like a guillotine, he slammed his elbow into Yuri's head.
"Yuri!"
Blood trickled down Yuri's head, but instead reeling back in pain, she instead gripped the handle of her knife in tighter.
"You know, I usually like stubborn women, but now… I'm not in the mood!"
Akui continued his assault on Yuri who refused to let go.
"Yuri…!"
Unable to stand it anymore, Shujinkou moved in to stop Akui. Or at least, he tried to.
I… I can't move.
No matter how much he wanted to, Shujinkou was unable to move any part of his body. He was completely paralyzed.
No!
As he continued to struggle against his own body, Shujinkou heard Monika whisper into his ear, "Shujinkou… stay here."
"Wha-?"
Before he could question what she was about to do, Monika ran past him with a blanket flowing behind her.
Once she was in position, Monika effortlessly flipped over Akui, using the blanket to cover his face. Still tightly gripping the corners, she thrust her arms forward. Pulling the blanket in blanket opposite the direction Akui was attempting to go in his attempt to struggle free, Monika had effectively locked him place.
Despite her gambit, she knew it would not last long.
"Yuri, you need to take Shujinkou and run," Monika said as she struggled to hold Akui.
Yuri weakly shook her head.
"Yuri…!"
Monika's desperate plea was cut short the moment she saw tears run down her face along with her own blood.
Suddenly, Monika entire body was pulled back by the blanket in her grip and was rammed into Yuri, the impact forcing the latter to finally let go of the knife.
Before they could get their bearings, Akui picked them both up and slammed them into each other. He then tossed them away in separate directions; Monika landing on a table full of plants and Yuri slamming against the rooftop ledge.
"Oow…" Monika groaned.
She tried sitting up, but every attempt caused her nothing but searing pain. Like Shujinkou, all she could watch.
Akui took the free moment to rip Yuri's knife out of his stomach and returned it to it owner in the only way he found appropriate: throwing it.
The young maiden let out a small yelp of pain as the knife plunged into her abdomen.
The sight of his two downed friends caused something to bubble up inside of Shujinkou. He once again desperately tried to move, but ultimately still found himself unable to.
"You're lucky that I somewhat care about my brother," Akui informed the barely conscious Yuri.
He then turned his attention to Monika, an evil grin crossing his face.
"You, on the other hand, I can use."
Akui approached Monika and picked her up by her uniform; the pained look on her face providing him inspiration.
"I think I'll start by giving you the same treatment your shared boyfriend gave my wife," he said. "What do you literature enthusiasts call it; poetic?"
Monika's eyes widened with horror as Akui raised his left hand and slowly curled it into a fist. As prepared to throw the first punch, a rage induced yell quickly grabbed his attention.
A pair of arms violently wrapped around his neck and pulled Akui away from Monika.
"Natsuki…?" Shujinkou watched in stunned silence as Akui stumbled around with Natsuki tightly latching on his back and punching his head. However, that silence was broken the moment he watched Akui's face light up with amusement. "Look out!"
Akui jumped backed towards a pole, ramming Natsuki into it. Using her clear pain as an opening, he then grabbed her hands, threw her over his head and slammed her into the ground.
Shujinkou could only look on in muted horror as he watched blood fly out of his friend's mouth.
"So, you wanted to be first," Akui chuckled. "Okay."
The familiar look he had on his face frightened Natsuki to her core.
"That's not fair. I haven't got a chance to play with you, yet."
A metal pellet struck Akui's right temple him preventing Akui from following through on his threat. Another one mercilessly bounced off the top of his head and another off his stomach.
Stumbling back in pain, Akui then felt a strange liquid cover him from head to toe as tiny shards of glass slide off of him.
"No cuts? You're pretty lucky, you know?"
Looking up, Akui watched Mali cheerfully wave at him with a slingshot in hand.
"Most people get at least one when it comes to glass," she pointed out.
"Was that your plan? Get the glass to cut me up, then let whatever you poured on top of me cause me unbelievable amounts of pain of even poison me?" he questioned.
Mali giggled as she reached into her jacket pocket. "Those are good ways to incapacitate people, but I thought I would go for something a little more simple."
She pulled out a lighter and presented it for all to see.
"You can't be serious…" Akui fretted.
Shujinkou shared that sentiment. Was Mali really planning to do what he was afraid shed be forced to do?
The knowing smile on Mali's face answered their question.
"Can't I?" Mali said as she lit a flame.
"I knew you were worldly but…" Akui looked over his drenched body. He smelled like alcohol. "You're pretty merciless aren't you?"
"Oh, Akui… Merciless would be letting you continue unabated or my first thought of lighting you up without giving you a chance know what hit you," Mali said in a mocking tone. "But really, I thought for Senpai's sake, I'd give you a chance to get out of this.
Of course, you could continue to do stuff that would upset Senpai or try to grab a human shield, but I can give you two possible reasons why you wouldn't want to do that. Like-"
"Enough!"
Mali curiously glanced over her shoulder. Akuma was standing in the doorway behind her, holding a gun against Sayori's head.
"Sayori!" Shujinkou cried.
Mali looked at Shujinkou then back at Akuma.
"I'm almost surprised that you're here, Teacher," she casually said. "Leaving it all to your brother would have worked much better for your later justification of this moment."
"I'm just here to put in an end to this excessive violence," he argued.
A worried look crossed Mali's face, one everyone knew was fake. "This is a pretty a pretty strange way to end the excessive violence, considering you have a semi-automatic pressed against the temple of Senpai's best friend."
"It certainly got me in a less violent mood," Akui said, roaring with laughter. "Now, toss the lighter over the edge before he squeezes the trigger by accident. Seriously, that's apparently a legit concern with him, especially if add one cop."
Mali continued to stare at her former teacher in silence. His face told a story, but she wasn't really interested.
With a shrug, Mali nonchalantly tossed the lighter off the roof and sat down in a nearby lawn chair.
"I guess it's out of my hands now. Senpai would never forgive me if I did anything that got his friends hurt anyway."
A disappointed look rested on Mali's face as she looked at Shujinkou. At the same time, he could feel the ability to move return to him.
"Okay… On a secluded rooftop with a captive audience, I don't see any better time for the final duel," Akui announced.
"Final duel?" Shujinkou muttered in disbelief.
"Yep." Akui pulled out both his swords and dropped one in front of Shujinkou. "Just a little recreation that'll have a very different result."
As Shujinkou looked down at the sword, he couldn't help but shudder over how nightmarish this situation was. He didn't think anything could have been worse than the moment he watched Hiroko die, but this was very, very close.
His friends being kidnapped then brutalized, he just couldn't endure it anymore. "Stop it…"
"What was that?" Akui queried.
"Please just stop it! I'm not my dad! My friends and I have never done anything to you! I'm sorry for what happened between him and your mother and I'm sorry for the way she treated you two but that has nothing to with us! So please… Please just stop it…" Shujinkou desperately pleaded.
"Yeah, no," Akui quickly answered. "…You're a supposed literature enthusiast; ever heard the phrase, 'I've come too far now'? Besides after everything you've done tonight and my wife; I'm not going to kill you just because your Jomei's kid, I'm gonna kill you because you've pissed me off."
Shujinkou shuddered at Akui's quick and matter-of-fact response. Even though he already went through one murder attempt, hearing someone flat out state in uncertain terms that they're going to kill him in was utterly terrifying.
But that wasn't all. Akui jerked him up by his uniform and added, "And when I'm done with you, I'm killing all your friends, including the ones not here. Then I'm going after your mother and 'Granny' Hisa. And just to be twist the knife further, I'll go after your friend's family as well since we both know that'll get to you restless spirit too."
Shujinkou had a look of absolute horror as Akui dropped him back down. He didn't think it was possible for someone to take an irrational revenge attempt so far.
"And just to get you motivated…"
Akui approached Natsuki and grabbed her by the neck. With a smirk on his face, he threw her over the ledge of the roof.
"Natsuki!" Shujinkou cried.
Without even thinking, Natsuki grabbed a nearby blanket and held on to it for dear life.
Dangling from a high point, Natsuki couldn't help but look down. If she let go, she would definitely die.
Shujinkou rushed towards the blanket, but was stopped by the sharp tip of Akui's sword.
"Not done yet," he nonchalantly mocked.
With one swift movement, Akui sliced the blanket, leaving only just enough strands to support Natsuki's weight.
"I forgot to mention there's a time limit," he taunted. "Can't beat me in time? Then she goes splat. And if any of your friends try to save her during our duel, then your best friend's brain will be blown out.
You get it; it's all up to you now"
"No…"
Shujinkou anxiously backed away from his opponent. This had to be the true definition of madness.
This is crazy! If I fight this guy like this, I'll die! But if I don't, then Natsuki will die! Not only that, but if I die then everyone dies! This is a lose-lose situation!
He foot soon graced the handle of his provided weapon. He looked down at the sword, then at the strands that represented how long Natsuki had left.
But I have no choice. I have to get to Natsuki and Akui is in my way.
Despite his fears and doubts, Shujinkou picked up the sword readied his weapon. After taking a few deep breaths, Shujinkou charged at his opponent.
He thrust his sword forward, but Akui immediately side stepped the attack. He then responded in kind with Shujinkou just barely dodging his opponents attack.
With that one exchange, Shujinkou knew, If I make one wrong move, I'm dead.
Shujinkou rushed forward and continued his assault. Akui effortlessly dodge every swing of his blade, something that would irritate most people in a duel such as theirs, but it didn't for him. There was something else about their fight that upset him.
Shujinkou kept swinging his blade until it was easily stopped by Akui's.
"You don't think I see what you're doing?" he said.
Akui effortlessly knocked Shujinkou's sword out of his hands.
"Slow and sloppy hits, making sure you don't actually hit me… And while I'm dodging, you take the opportunity to try and pull Natsuki up as fast as you."
Akui once again pointed the edge of his sword towards Shujinkou's face.
"Concerned over the lives of a hostage and opponent… That's one thing your father sure had over you. He knew stuff like that would cost him."
Startled by the bloodlust in Akui's eyes, Shujinkou immediately ducked; once again barely dodging Akui's starting attack.
"Heads up!" Akui announced.
Once again relying on instincts, Shujinkou raised his hands in anticipation to Akui's kick. But even with his haphazard defense, the young man was still sent flying a small distance.
Once he hit the ground, Shujinkou noticed a sword coming at him from the corner of his eyes. He quickly rolled out of way and stopped just short of his sword.
Shujinkou's entire body trembled as he felt blood trickle out of the fresh wound on his right cheek.
This is insane! Did dad really beat this guy at almost anything!? How am I supposed to beat him?!
He was snapped back to reality by the sight of Akui flying towards him. His mind going blank, Shujinkou quickly grabbed his sword, stood up and locked blades with his opponent.
Even as he struggled to keep his footing, Shujinkou diverted half his attention to sneaking a glance at the threads. To his horror, one of them was starting to come apart.
No!
Shujinkou struggled as hard as hecould to escape the lock, but couldn't. In fact, he was being pushed down.
"In such a rush? Isn't the hero supposed to save the damsel at the very last moment?"Akui taunted.
That taunting voice and his friend's life hanging in the balance caused something within Shujinkou to snap.
"This… isn't…a… GAME!"
Howling in anger, Shujinkou knocked Akui's blade out of his hand and ran past him.
Gotta get to Natsuk-!
Shujinkou felt his feet lifted off the ground and was forcibly thrown away from his target.
"Gonna need more than that to get past me." Akui taunted.
Shujinkou quickly looked up. The strands were tearing apart much faster than before. If the sight was torturous enough, then his friend's plea for help did.
With no time to waste, Shujinkou jumped towards Akui with his sword over his head. To some's surprise, he drove the sword in the ground, using the distraction to once again run past Akui. But like before, it was useless.
He was once again lifted off his feet, but unlike before, Akui hoisted Shujinkou over his head.
"Hey, you're a comic geek, right? Then I'm sure you'll appreciate this move."
Akui raised his left knee and slammed Shujinkou down hard on it. He then hoisted Shujinkou back up before slamming him down again on his right knee.
Just when Shujinkou thought it couldn't get any worse, Akui threw him against a metal pole before finally letting him slide to the ground.
The pain Shujinkou felt was indescribable. He wasn't sure he could even stand, let alone fight his way to Natsuki.
But glancing at the declining number of remaining strands, he forced himself to try.
Fighting through the immense pain, Shujinkou stood on his feet and charged at Akui. Once he was close enough, he dropped down, sliding across the ground. He slid through Akui's legs but before he could he stand up, he noticed a large shadow blanket him.
Soon a foot dug into his stomach, causing him to cough up blood.
"The school idol isn't the only one who athletic. Plus, sliding under my feet was a very predictable next move," Akui mockingly informed him.
He kicked Shujinkou away, relishing the sight of him landing on a table full of potted plants.
Panting heavily, Shujinkou pushed himself of the table and stumbled his way past Akui.
"Not even going to pay me mind, huh?"
Akui threw a punch that sent Shujinkou flying into metal pole once again.
Falling on his knees, Shujinkou coughed up more blood as he crawled forward. Akui in turn, responded by dropping his foot on Shujinkou's back, digging it in as Shujinkou collapsed on the ground.
The cumulated pain was beginning to become too much for Shujinkou to bear and his vision started to go hazy.
"Natsuki…" he weakly cried.
No longer able to stand, Shujinkou used his arms to pull himself forward. As he desperately inched his way closer to his target, a steel blade suddenly ran itself through his left hand.
The pain he felt was even worse that when Nivia shot him. Once the blade was lifted, Shujinkou tried to move his left hand, but could barely twitch his index finger.
With no other choice, Shujinkou used his remaining hand to pull himself forward, only for it to meet the same fate.
"Looks like you can't do your cheek scratching thing now," Akui smugly stated.
Shujinkou looked up. Even with his blurry vision, he could see how close he was to his target, but also how short a time he had left.
Just... a little… farther…
Shujinkou desperately tried to move his body, but no matter how much he wanted it, his body wouldn't move.
Natsuki…!
Left in such a helpless state, Shujinkou couldn't help but recall how helpless he felt when his sister died.
Even though he had recently accepted her death and how he couldn't do anything then, he refused to accept his helplessness now.
But despite that determination, he still couldn't move. His vision continued to deteriorate until the world around him slowly began to grow dark.
Natsuki… Yuri… Monika… Sayori… Mali… Everyone… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…
As his world went dark, Shujinkou made one single wish.
Somebody… Anybody… Please save them…
As the darkness finally claimed him, Shujinkou lost consciousness.
"Well, this was disappointing," Akui raised his sword over his head. "Time to end this."
Akui swung his blade down, intent on finishing Jomei's son off.
Senpai!
The blade stopped just short of Shujinkou's neck. Droplets of blood trickled from the tip of blade as Shujinkou slowly moved the sword away from him.
"Feels good doesn't it…?" he asked.
Shujinkou slowly stood up, clenching the blade harder.
"Being in control, manipulating everyone around you to achieve your ultimate goal: killing a defenseless kid… I'm sure you'd feel so satisfied after all was said and done."
Akui tried to pull his blade back, but was stunned to find it wouldn't budge an inch.
"You know, I probably wouldn't have cared if you took my life, or at least not as much as what you were planning to do after."
Shujinkou effortlessly pulled the sword towards his side, bringing Akui to his face. The young man's face displayed nothing but disgust and contempt as he stared down his enemy.
"Just remember, I gave you a chance."
Shujinkou violently yanked Akui's sword out of his hand and kicked him into the same metal pole he had been acquitted with throughout the fight.
As Shujinkou prepared his next move, the sound of fabric tearing caused him to freeze in place. He immediately turned around, his eyes widening with horror as he watched the final strand coming apart.
Moving fast, faster than the eye can see, Shujinkou reached over the ledge and grabbed Natsuki's hand before she could fall. Then he effortlessly pulled her up and into his embrace.
He wanted to ask if she was okay, but the look on her tear stained face showed that wouldn't be wise.
The only comfort he could give his friend was to offer a moment to let her to cry on his chest.
"Natsuki…"
Shujinkou wiped the tears away from her eyes and gave her the best smile he could muster.
"Just hold on a little longer. I promise all of this will be over soon."
Shujinkou then shifted his gaze and approached Yuri. She could see a hint of anger in his eyes as they focused on the knife in her stomach.
Shujinkou gently placed his left hand on top of her bloodied head while he just as gently grasped the knife with his right.
Without warning, Shujinkou quickly pulled the knife out of Yuri's shoulder. To her surprise, she felt no pain.
Still not saying a word, Shujinkou casually flipped the knife around and pointed the handle towards Yuri. Stricken by silence, Yuri wordlessly accepted the knife as he retracted his left hand back to his side.
Just like with the removal of the knife, Yuri was surprised by how her head was no longer throbbing. She was also sure that no longer felt blood pouring out from there either.
"Try not to move much, okay?" Shujinkou advised.
Yuri silently nodded her head as Shujinkou walked to Monika. The eyes he bore as he approached her were similar to the ones she saw back at the warehouse complex; somewhat comforting to friends, unforgiving to foes. But something else she noticed was conflict.
He soon extended his hand, and though she was briefly hesitant, Monika accepted it. As she was slowly helped up, she noticed the pain centered around her back slowly vanish.
Once she was on her feet, Shujinkou turned his gaze to Sayori.
"Hey!"
Shujinkou attention was soon drawn to Akui. He was genuinely surprised to find the man he just sent flying stumbling towards him.
"You're still up?" Shujinkou marveled.
"Of course. You and father always think that one good hit ends things then in there," Akui fired back.
An unamused look fell on Shujinkou's face. "So, you still want to go at it…?"
At that moment, Shujinkou felt a sharp pain in his head. He vision flickered black as he suddenly felt a strange urge build up in him. It was the same one he felt when he launched his assault earlier.
The pain soon subsided and a small smirk crossed Shujinkou's face. "Fine then… Looks like you won't get it until I make it so Nivia's considered the pretty one."
The young man then shot a quick glare at Akuma. Though brief, it was clear what Shujinkou was saying: "Do anything to her and I'll make you beg for death."
Akuma could only shudder as Sayori tried to process Shujinkou making such a face.
Shujinkou soon focused his gaze on Akui.
"Life and death have always been a game to you right? Well, here's the thing about games; truly enjoyable ones always have a sudden twist."
At the blink of the eye, Shujinkou was suddenly in front of Akui. Grabbing the collar of his shirt, Shujinkou pulled Akui down to his face. The manic look on Shujinkou's face sent shivers down his spine.
"Don't get scared yet. We're not even there yet," Shujinkou snickered.
Shujinkou then slammed his forehead into Akui's before effortlessly throwing him over the ledge of the roof.
Is he going for a quick kill after all? Akui thought.
"You wish," Shujinkou said as he grabbed a nearby blanket.
He quickly tied one corner around his left hand and, like a lasso, sent the opposite end flying towards Akui. Once it was tightly wrapped around his right foot, Shujinkou furiously tugged on his end, sending Akui hurdling towards him.
Shujinkou curled his right hand into a fist and drove it into Akui's stomach, the force of the impact sending him flying once more. Shujinkou then pulled Akui back towards him only to send him flying again. He continued this assault 10 more times, before finally ending it by slamming Akui into the ground.
Seeing his torturer, writhing at his feet was unnaturally cathartic for Shujinkou.
"What's wrong, Akui? Not enjoying the game you started anymore?" he mocked. "Gotta be pretty embarrassing for such a turn around when you had all the pieces in your hands."
"It's not over yet…!" Akui defiantly shot back as he stumbled onto his feet.
"Really?" Shujinkou chuckled. "I thought you were just obsessed with dad, but in reality, you're a huge masochist huh? Or maybe you just get off when dad constantly beats you at everything? Is that what this is; a desperate plea to get him to pay you any mind?"
"Shut up!"
Shujinkou yawned as the first punch came his way. He could swear he had seen snails move faster.
With a shrug, Shujinkou simply stepped out of the way of Akui's punch. He was sure to everyone he was moving faster than anyone could process.
As he continued to dodge the assault, Shujinkou couldn't help but laugh.
"You're getting pretty upset all of a sudden. Just because things don't go your way, you get throw a tantrum," Shujinkou taunted. "Despite your petty reasons, I thought I was dealing with a strategic mastermind, but you're no different than any other low effort loser. It's no wonder your mom liked my dad better. He may have been a crappy dad, but at least he wasn't a whiny weakling like you."
Shujinkou caught Akui's left fist, squeezing it hard enough to elicit a yelp of pain from his victim.
"So weak that you had to go after his none the wiser son and torture him by hurting his friends and threatening everyone he cared about. Seriously, the only good thing about you is that you aren't your brother."
Shujinkou then turned raised his left hand and captured Akui's right fist.
"Scratch that, your both pathetic in your own special ways."
A cold look soon fell on Shujinkou's face. He released Akui's right hand, raised his left hand and chopped the center of Akui's left arm. Letting go, Shujinkou watched Akui's arm dangle back to his side.
He then followed suit by driving his foot up between Akui's legs. As his enemy huddled over in pain, Shujinkou turned around and dashed towards a nearby clothesline.
He grabbed on and flew over the edge of the rooftop. After flying through the air for a few moments, Shujinkou was soon pulled back and sent hurdling towards his target.
"Metaverse death kick!"
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Shujinkou's feet dug into Akui's gut. In that brief moment, a variety of images flashed in Akui's mind, each greatly detailing the gruesome ways he could die by the hands of "…."
Time returning to normal, the power of Shujinkou's kick sent Akui crashing into a nearby greenhouse. A proud look fell on Shujinkou's face as he heard the sound of shattering glass that resulted from his attack.
Suddenly, Shujinkou felt another sharp pain in his head. "H-Have to save them… It's my duty…"
He shook his head and ran towards the greenhouse. He stopped just short of the human-shaped hole on the side, the sight causing him to question what he was doing.
Quickly discarding those thoughts, Shujinkou jumped through the hole. To his surprise and amusement, there wasn't a body waiting for him. Standing in the center of a dimly lit room filled with shadows was interesting to him.
"What's wrong, Akui? You running scared?" Shujinkou shouted.
From the corner of his eyes, Shujinkou noticed something move within the shadows.
"It's not so fun being hunted down, isn't it, Akui; hunted down the same way you hunted down my friends. Does it hurt!?"
Soon after his boast, Shujinkou ducked as a sword swung overhead. He immediately grabbed the hand the weapon belonged to and jerked Akui's face towards his.
"You really like sneak attacks and surprises, don't you? Why not; it's the only way you could possibly stay ahead. Still, if you love surprises then you're gonna love this."
Shujinkou stretched his right hand outward and a sinister smile crossed his face. "Let's go… Imajitekku!"
Particles of darkness gathered in his hand and formed into a jet black sword. Without hesitation, Shujinkou used his newly acquired weapon to slice Akui's right hand off.
Perhaps it was the shock of having his hand chopped off or the fact it was Shujinkou was responsible for it but despite the sheer pain Akui felt and felt he blood spewing out of his arm, he remained silent. No, it would be more accurate to say he couldn't speak; Shujinkou's gaze was petrifying.
Suddenly, Shujinkou's face softened.
"You know what the really sad part of all this is?" an innocent smile crossed Shujinkou's face and he chuckled. "It's only going to get so much worse for you."
Akui's bloodcurdling screams could be heard across entire the roof. Barring Mali, it shook everyone present to their cores until the screams finally died out.
Not a peep was heard until the sound of shuffling feet headed their way. Shujinkou had returned.
Even more than before, the air around him was unnerving with the droplets of blood on him and his murderous gaze adding to the effect. His hands twitched as they opened and closed, as if they previously held something uncomfortable.
Without saying a word, Shujinkou soon directed his steely gaze to Akuma.
"One left…"
He took one step forward, before vanishing from sight. Shujinkou suddenly appeared before Akuma, pulling Sayori close to him with his left hand and holding the gun that threatened her in his right.
He tossed the gun over the side of the roof and gently pushed Sayori behind him.
"So… got anything to say for yourself, Akuma?" Shujinkou asked. "Like you should have stayed away the first time you blew things? How you should have stayed away from me and my friends? How this isn't your fault at all and your brother's because he escalated things to this point?"
Shujinkou raised his left hand and swatted the backside across Akuma's face, the force of the hit causing Akuma to fall flat on his back.
"I can't believe there was ever an attempt to develop or potentially humanize or just do anything with someone like you," Shujinkou coldly stated. "It's time to bring this regrettable plot point to an end."
He jumped on top of Akuma and held his head up by the neck.
"Nothing fancy or merciful like with your brother. You're going to die and feel each and every bit of it punched out of you."
Shujinkou clenched his right fist and immediately drove it into Akuma's face.
Keeping his word, this was the only thing Shujinkou did. Just a young man fulfilling his duty.
Once he was done, he could focus on the other issue and everything could go back to normal.
Such an outcome was all he wanted.
But…
Despite that desire, Shujinkou's hands still trembled as he continued to ruthlessly punch his defenseless victim and each splatter of blood hitting his face only seemed to make it worse.
Not only that, he could feel something hot fill his eyes as time went on.
Breathing heavily, Shujinkou raised his fist one more time.
"See ya."
Intent on ending things once and for all, Shujinkou went for the finishing blow only for a pair of arms to tightly wrap around him from behind. They slightly pulled him back and drew him into an embrace, halting his attack.
"What the-?!"
Looking back, Shujinkou was shocked to discover that it was Sayori keeping him from landing the final blow.
"Sayori, what are you doing?! Let go!" he demanded.
Sayori violently shook her head. "No!"
"But I have to end this! I have to make sure that none of them can hurt you guys ever again! I… I have to protect everyone… Let me do this!"
"I won't let you!"
Unable to fathom why she was stopping him, Shujinkou could only yell, "Why are you protecting him? He's the reason all of this happened!"
"I'm not protecting him; I'm protecting you!"
"What?"
"If I let you do this, then…" tears streamed down Sayori's face as she hugged Shujinkou tighter. "…then you won't be Shiko anymore!"
"Sayori…?" Seeing his childhood friend shed tears was painful on its own, but realizing he himself was the source behind them was even worse. "I…"
Shujinkou looked around and took in his friend's expressions. It was clear that he was scaring them, one of the few things he was worried about.
Even Mali had a subtle change in her eyes as she watched him.
He then looked down. Looking at the barely breathing Akuma beneath him brought back memories of how merciless he was earlier that night.
He then looked at his right hand. It was almost completely covered in blood.
"I…"
Shujinkou once again clenched his fist, his entire body trembling as he felt the urge to kill conflict with his natural reluctance and intense guilt and regret.
"I… I need to protect everyone. I need to save the day…!"
Tears continued to crawl down his cheeks as he felt the urge to kill grow stronger.
"I… I can't… I won't… I…"
Shujinkou shook his head.
"I refuse to upset them anymore!"
Soon after that declaration, Shujinkou's entire body suddenly went limp, startling Sayori.
"Shiko?"
Sayori glanced over Shujinkou's shoulder. What she saw was absolutely frightening.
"Shiko!"
As expected from someone with eyes their rolled back into their head, Shujinkou didn't respond. Despite that Sayori continued to call for him until one more tear crawled down his face.
"Shiko. Don't…" Sayori hugged Shujinkou's body closer and softly cried, "Don't go away again… Please…"