The midday July heat was sweltering, yet Miyuki still felt a chill running down his spine as he clenched his fists in anticipation. Standing across from him was Student Council Treasurer Momo Ryuju, one of Shuchi'in Academy's "Impossible Girls." If, by chance, someone had happened upon the two of them at that moment- standing alone together in the hallway that led to the student council room- they might have gotten the wrong idea about the events that were currently transpiring. After all, from an outside perspective, it seemed so cliche… a boy, a girl, flushed faces and unexpected declarations made in the confidence of solitude. However, Miyuki himself was confident in the knowledge that if, by chance, someone did happen upon the two of them at that moment, their mistaken impression would be the furthest thing from the truth.
"Let me get this straight. You like Kaguya Shinomiya?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Then why the fuck are ya' telling me about it, then?"
"Because I want you to help me. To become someone who can stand by Shinomiya's side, I plan on running for student council president. However, most of the upperclassmen from the current administration would likely be opposed to my candidacy… which is why I need key endorsements from certain members of the student body if I want to win. As the daughter of a prominent yakuza boss, you're one of Shuchi'in Academy's most influential students, and your approval of my platform will also help sway the opinions of this year's freshmen and galvanize them into voting en masse."
Ryuju crossed her arms, staring at him quizzically. "You've really thought this through, huh?"
Shirogane nodded. "I have. I know that everything is happening on such short notice- what with the assembly being today, and all, but... this is the only way I can become someone worthy of standing by her side."
"What makes 'ya think you're not worthy of the Ice Princess as you are now?"
In response, Miyuki shook his head, dejected. "I've tried talking to her before. She just treated me as if I didn't even exist."
Frowning in contemplation, Momo leaned against the wall. "Huh. You want my advice, Shirogane?"
"Of course."
"It's all over if you let people look down on you. Take Shinomiya, for example. She's only ignoring 'ya because she looks down on 'ya… and she looks down on 'ya because she doesn't respect 'ya."
"I already know she doesn't respect me," Shirogane muttered under his breath. "You don't have to rub it in."
Sensing the hurt in his voice, Momo softened her tone. "Look, Shirogane… here's the thing. You're a member of the student council, you're smart, and ya' don't look half bad, either. But you're a god damn pushover, and look where that got 'ya."
"And where exactly did that get me?" Miyuki snapped, suddenly feeling defensive again.
"It got you here, didn't it?"
Shirogane blinked, confused.
"I've heard about you, Shirogane. Everyone has. You only came to Shuchi'in because your father applied on your behalf- because you didn't want to disappoint him. Your grades are good, but you've clearly got room for improvement. It's like you're holding yourself back, because you're scared of living up to that brother 'ya seem to be so fond of… but at the same time, you're scared of what might happen if you don't. You're too scared to do anything, so 'ya just don't do anything at all."
"You're paralyzed, Shirogane. If you don't respect yourself, there's no way in hell Shinomiya can respect you. But if you act like the kind of guy that women fall for, well… no one will be able to look down on 'ya."
Miyuki's eyes widened. "You really think that might work?"
Ryuju shrugged. "Dunno. It might, it might not. That's just my advice. All I know is that 'ya can't get people to like you without bluffing a little bit."
Shirogane sighed, leaning against the wall. "Thanks, Ryuju. I appreciate the advice."
"Don't mention it. To be honest, I'm kind of relieved. Thought you were going to confess to me, or somethin' lame like that."
Miyuki laughed sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. "As if. Still, talking with you about this sort of stuff is pretty lame, too."
Ryuju snorted, giving Shirogane a friendly elbow in the ribs. "Ya' got that right. I gotta admit, though… you seem pretty serious about this whole election thing- more serious than I thought. Wasn't really expecting that."
"So?" Miyuki pressed.
"So what?"
"Are you going to endorse my candidacy?"
"I dunno, Shirogane," Momo teased in her typical deadpan. "I mean, you're only running for president to impress some girl you like, right?"
"That's not-"
"I get it. Don't worry, Shirogane- I've still got your back. It's just… a lot to think about."
"Ryuju…"
"But I'll think about it, 'kay? Promise. Besides, I already told 'ya not to worry, didn't I?"
And with that, Ryuju turned away from him, heading down the hall towards the student council room. As he trailed behind her, lagging back by a couple steps, Miyuki felt his face slowly shift into a frown of contemplation. So far, it seemed as if he might have Ryuju's support- maybe, he reminded himself- but Shirogane knew that her endorsement alone would hardly be enough to guarantee his victory in the coming election season. Historically, first years at Shuchi'in were less likely to be involved in academy politics, so securing a popular underclassman like Momo certainly didn't hurt his position, but if he wanted to win, he needed at least one of the other student council members on his side to back his bid for presidency.
The vice president and secretary were out. Being Haruno's little brother had yet to lessen the stigma of his impurity, and Miyuki knew that for the most part, the student body saw him as an unfit successor to his family's legacy. The current auditor had once been an active member of the Disciplinary Committee, and after wearing his uniform unbuttoned for the first few weeks of school, Miyuki knew he wasn't likely to receive any help there, either.
That left only the incumbent, but ensuring his support would be easier said than done. Still, if it was for Kaguya, Miyuki knew he would find a way.
"Good grief. What's the matter, General Affairs Officer Shirogane? That's quite the dark expression you've got there."
Miyuki looked up from where he sat, startled. He hadn't noticed the student council president staring at him from across the room- nor had he thought to conceal the troubled look on his face.
Ryuju smirked. "Listen to this, prez. Apparently, he's been getting the cold shoulder from that Shinomiya girl."
"So… business as usual then?" the president quipped.
Momo nodded. "Just 'cause of that, he's been goin' around all depressed and shit."
Shirogane groaned. "Just because of that, huh?"
Hearing his complaint, the president shook his head good-naturedly. "Lay off the poor boy, Treasurer Ryuju. We can't all be as fearless as you… though I must say, the way you refuse to be even the least bit respectful to an upperclassman like myself merits a certain degree of respect in of itself."
Momo rolled her eyes, reclining on the couch as she took a sip from her water bottle. "Whatever."
"Is there anything you need us to do?"
The president shook his head. "No, but I appreciate the offer. As you know, the general assembly is this afternoon. We've already completed all the necessary preparations ahead of time, so I've let the senior members of the council have the day off. You're welcome to leave as well, if you'd like… unless, of course, you have any unfinished business in the student council room."
As he spoke, the president slowly turned to face Miyuki, a bemused smile spreading across his face. The look in his eyes, however, told a different story- one of barely concealed suspicion… a suspicion Shirogane knew had seen once before on that fateful day at Bloodpool Swamp.
The president… could he… know somehow?
Shirogane's mind kicked into overdrive, running through the possibilities. He had lost the element of surprise, meaning the president might be less likely to back his candidacy- especially if he had been led to believe that Miyuki was trying to undermine his authority.
Still, even if this was a trap, Shirogane was determined to spring it.
Become a man who can stand beside Shinomiya, he reminded himself. Whatever it takes.
Full of resolve once more, Shirogane cleared his throat.
"President."
The president eyed him warily. "Shirogane."
"At today's assembly, should I be nominated, I will officially announce my intention to run for student council president following the completion of your term in office. I would greatly appreciate your support."
For once, the president was silent. He clasped a lone hand to his mouth in quiet contemplation as he leaned back in his chair- then, suddenly, he leapt to his feet, adjusting his hat ever so slightly.
"Treasurer Ryuju, if you wouldn't mind stepping outside for a moment."
Momo, still sitting on the couch, scoffed in protest. "I would mind, actually."
"General Affairs Officer Shirogane and I have something to discuss in private."
"So? Whatever it is, I'm a part of the student council too, ya' know."
"Ryuju. I'm sure it'll only take a moment."
Both the president and Momo turned to look at Shirogane, startled by his sudden interruption. Ryuju, for her part, hardly seemed offended as she stood to leave, setting her water bottle down on top of the coffee table.
"Fine. It's not like I care all that much, anyways. See 'ya later, boys."
As Momo disappeared out the double doors of the student council room, Shirogane could hear the president sigh in relief. Moving across the club room with long, purposeful strides, he opened a nearby cabinet and began rummaging through its contents, searching for something.
"Sorry for that unpleasantness, but I wanted to wait until Treasurer Ryuju was out of the room. You understand, don't you?"
Miyuki faltered for a moment before responding, mulling over the president's choice of words.
"...I suppose."
Emerging from the cabinet with a six-pack of soda, the president shot a glance at Miyuki from across the room as he set their refreshments down on top of his desk.
"Would you care for a drink, Shirogane?"
Shirogane's brows furrowed silently as the president wrestled a can free from the plastic six-pack. What is he planning?
"No thanks."
Shrugging, the president cracked open the can and lifted it to his lips to take a drink. "Suit yourself."
"I thought that bringing beverages like these from outside school grounds was prohibited. Weren't we only supposed to use the vending machines?"
The president laughed indifferently. "I figured I had some leeway with these things, what with my position at the academy and all. Besides, I make it a habit to save drinks like this for special occasions only."
"Really?" Miyuki asked, trying to make some semblance of polite conversation.
The president grinned. "Of course. I can't stand the taste."
And with that, the president took another long swig of soda from his half-empty can. Watching him, Miyuki felt as if a menacing aura had descended upon the room. Something about all of this just felt wrong to Shirogane- the president cheerfully drinking a beverage he seemingly despised, the hum of the fluorescent light bulbs growing louder with every passing second, the palpable tension- it was as if an air of claustrophobia had choked the student council room and seized around his throat. Something was going to happen. Something was already happening.
Grimacing, the president wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his jacket. "My apologies, Shirogane. I owe you an explanation for all of this. That day… the day we met at Bloodpool Swamp, I thought I saw something. A 'power' developing within you- awakening, as if for the first time."
The synthetic humming that had filled the air moments earlier reached a fever pitch as a purplish skeletal figure emerged from the president's shadow, standing behind him silently. It was a spindly, synthetic-looking thing, composed of a cylindrical, can-shaped head split in half by a sort of central seam with the appearance of a zipper. Set into its alien skull were two dull yellow eyes with large red X's in place of its pupils. There were two foreign symbols pinned to its chest, one resembling a peace sign, the other looking like a cross contained within a circle. Each hand, attached to its bony yellow arms with a bright cyan wrist guard, bore six fingers, and the whole of its body was covered in a strange, alien series of ridges that emphasized the spectre's unsettling appearance and apparent lack of humanity.
Shirogane steeled his features and averted his gaze, forcing himself to conceal any reaction that might give him away. He could not look at the ghastly spectre leering at him from across the room, nor could he so much as acknowledge its existence. If he did, it would all be over.
If he did, the president would realize that Shirogane could see his Stand.
A single bead of sweat trickled down Miyuki's forehead, betraying his nerves.
This isn't good. The president… has that "power" too? But why would he summon it now?
No. This has to be a test. Right now, he's only suspicious that I might be a fellow Stand user… which means he doesn't have any evidence yet! My only course of action is to play dumb for as long as I possibly can. If I can use this opportunity… I might just be able to buy myself enough time to figure out what his Stand's "ability" is!
"It was only a glimpse, mind you," the president continued, oblivious to Shirogane's complex internal monologue. "But if you want to be the next president of Shuchi'in Academy… I have to be sure of what it was that I saw."
Seemingly finished with his drink, the president tossed it aside as he picked up a second aluminum can. As he did, a second drop of sweat rolled down the side of Miyuki's face and landed silently on the carpet, causing Shirogane to wince inwardly. If the president noticed…
"You've seen something too… haven't you, Shirogane?"
Shit… he knows!
A sinister smile spread across the student council president's face as the creature behind him extended a lone finger towards Miyuki, pointing at him with malice in its vacant eyes.
"However… if this stalemate continues, neither of us will be able to get what we want. You need my approval to stand a chance in the upcoming election, and I need to determine whether or not your candidacy is deserving of my approval. To that end, I propose a challenge of sorts, to satisfy both of our curiosities. The rules of this little contest are simple. All you need to do to win is remove the presidential aiguillette from my uniform. If you can do that, I'll give you my support. Does that sound fair enough to you?"
Still petrified, frozen to the spot where he stood, Miyuki somehow mustered up the strength to respond with a silent nod. In response, the president's smile only grew wider.
"Very well! Show it to me, Shirogane! That 'power' of yours from the lake!"
And with that, the president pulled on the pop tab, cracking open his second can of soda.
Everything that followed was a blur.
There was a quiet, almost inaudible hiss as a flood of pressurized gas escaped from the can- then, suddenly, a shout.
"TANSAN…"
Miyuki could hear the voice of the student council president- somehow both near and far away at the same time- yet it was impossible to tell if the sound had actually come from his mouth.
Just behind the president, the finger his Stand had extended towards Shirogane suddenly "unhinged," splitting in half to reveal a hollow interior, not unlike the barrel of a gun.
It was as if time had slowed down around Miyuki. In an instant, he knew his fate with a horrible, sickening clarity.
The student council president tightened his grip on his hat, lowering it to obscure his eyes.
"-KA!"
A thunderous crack, then a rush of air. A "bullet" of unknown composition shot out of the enemy Stand's outstretched finger, barrelling towards Miyuki at a speed faster than the human eye.
This is bad. This is really bad. If I don't do something…
Shirogane squeezed his eyes shut, desperately trying to concentrate despite the whirlwind of anxiety tearing through his mind.
Focus. Focus! Remember what Dad taught you. I need to summon my Stand! I need to…
Become a man who can stand alongside Shinomiya.
Staring at the sign in silent determination, Miyuki clenched his fist once more, summoning his resolve.
His heart throbbed once more, and the phantom limb from Bloodpool Swamp reappeared, mimicking his every move like a shadow. Unable to help himself, Shirogane yelped, tumbling to the floor in shock. From outside in the hallway, he could hear footfalls ascending the stairs, drawing closer to his room.
"Miyuki?"
Shirogane sighed in relief, recognizing the voice. For a moment, it seemed as if his paranoia had gotten the best of him- irrational though it was. "Dad!"
Dio thrust open the door to his son's room with a flourish, not bothering to knock before entering. "Everything alright, son?"
"Look, there's no way for me to say this without sounding totally insane, but… I think I saw a ghost."
Dio frowned. "I see."
Miyuki could scarcely believe what he was hearing. "Wait, what?"
"I was worried this might happen… but so soon…"
"Dad. What the hell is going on?"
"Miyuki. That 'ghost' you saw moments ago is what we call a Stand."
"A Stand?"
"It is the physical manifestation of your fighting spirit- an avatar of your inner strength, summoned through sheer force of will alone. Think of it as a 'power' of sorts- a rare ability that few possess but many covet. Your Stand seems to have developed quite recently, meaning that you've most likely been summoning it uncontrollably as a result of your subconscious emotional state."
If Shirogane hadn't already been sitting on the floor, his knees would surely have buckled by now. He was hardly of a weak constitution- Shirogane men were made of sterner stuff, his father had told him- but in a matter of seconds, his entire world had been upended.
Miyuki ran a hand through his hair in frustration, struggling to find the words to describe exactly how he felt. "Dad…"
"Miyuki? Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just… this is a lot to take in all at once."
In response, Dio sat down next to him on the floor, putting a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "It is."
"So… does that mean you have this 'power' too?"
"Indeed. This 'power' is hereditary- which means that as my son, it belongs to you just as much as it belongs to me."
"Can you… show me how to summon it?"
Dio nodded, rising to his feet once more. "Here. Let me show you."
Miyuki watched as his father took a deep breath inward, then exhaled forcefully, as if he was releasing something he had kept chained up inside of his very soul.
"The World."
There was a faint ringing in Miyuki's ears, not unlike the aftershock from an especially loud clap of thunder. Shirogane blinked- his eyes closed for a fraction of a second at most- and when he opened them, his father's Stand had appeared.
It was an imposing figure- much like his father- clad in gold, with a formidable helm and what looked like two oxygen tanks strapped to its back. Staring at the massive spectre, Miyuki felt the faintest sense of dread, as if he was staring into the face of death itself.
The only thing amiss about The World was its eyes. Staring into them, Miyuki expected to see a furious, unfeeling gaze filled with contempt and malice- a look of scorn befitting of the Stand's intimidating visage. Instead, he was met with a familiar weariness, one Miyuki instantly recognized as the same sort of fatigue his father took great pains to conceal from everyone close to him.
His father gestured towards the hulking figure indifferently, seemingly immune to its menacing aura. "This is my Stand, The World. Stands can interact with any objects in their immediate range- including other Stands. However, only those with this 'power' can see Stands- those without it are only able to see the result of their actions. Because of this, you have a responsibility to use your Stand wisely- but what you choose to do with it is up to you."
"Focus. Close your eyes, if it helps. Quiet your mind, and find your resolve within. When your spirit has no choice left but to move on its own… your Stand will appear."
Following his father's instructions, Shirogane closed his eyes, searching for the will to summon his Stand fully for the first time.
My resolve, huh…
This "power" first showed itself to me at the swamp. That must be when I first found my resolve… when I first saw Kaguya.
At the time, the only thing I could think of was the distance between us. Shinomiya has affluence, talent, and the resolve to use those things for the sake of others. Compared to her, I'm… nothing.
But with this "power," I can finally close the distance between the two of us!
With this "power," I can definitely become someone worthy of Shinomiya!
But until then… until that day when I finally deserve to stand by her side… I will be what I am. What I always was, before I met her… forever a-
"-SOLITARY MAN!" Shirogane roared.
Responding to his cry, Miyuki's spirit stirred, then burst forth from within him. Its arm emerged first, just as it had before- those same bright blue fingers, the metallic gauntlet, the tubes adjoined to its wrist, all connected to the gaping circular hole in the center of its palm. The hand grabbed hold of Miyuki's shoulder, then hoisted itself upwards, as if it was physically forcing itself out from inside of him- and at long last, the rest of Solitary Man appeared.
More white gold than silver, its form was still definitively metallic in composition, with the faintest hints of aquamarine accents across its body in the form of upside-down hearts acting as armor on its knees, elbows, and shoulders. A perfectly spherical gem- sapphire, the same color as Miyuki's eyes- was embedded in the center of its torso, which shimmered in the rays of light streaming in through the windows of the student council room. Around its waist was a cyan belt with three silver circles containing the numbers 50, 46, and 34 from left to right acting as "buckles" in its center. The tubes connected to its wrists snaked their way up its arms before finally fusing into a single hose that was adjoined directly to the nape of its neck. Its face was framed by a helmet with a pronounced, almost triangular "fin" that jutted out from the back of its head, leaving its eyes and mouth exposed.
The president's eyes widened as Miyuki finally revealed his Stand. Capitalizing on the president's momentary state of shock, Solitary Man dove forward, grabbing a textbook out of Miyuki's bag and hurling it at the bullet in a desperate, last-ditch effort to stall it in midair. However, in spite of the obstacle now blocking its path, the president's shot never faltered, making a resounding thwock as it tore through the hardback cover effortlessly.
Shirogane instantly knew that his plan had only succeeded in buying him a second at most, but a second was all he needed. With the bullet still temporarily trapped by his makeshift obstruction, Miyuki dove to the floor, narrowly avoiding the president's shot by a matter of inches as it ripped through the pages of the textbook and buried itself in the wall behind him, just above his head.
The president raised a lone eyebrow, clearly impressed.
"So… I was right. You do have a Stand, like your brother before you. No matter. You may already possess that 'power' for yourself, but I alone must determine whether you are worthy of wielding it!"
Shirogane grimaced as he staggered back to his feet.
"You knew? So that means… at the lake… you saw my Stand?"
"I was waiting to see what you would do," the president confirmed.
"And if Shinomiya hadn't come… if I hadn't been able to save that girl by myself…"
"I would have intervened," the president finished. "That girl was never in any real danger- I was simply curious to see if you had the resolve to follow through with your little rescue attempt. In times of crisis, a leader needs to have the strength to take action… action that you were rendered incapable of taking on your very first day as a student council member. If anything, you were the one who put her life in danger. You were paralyzed by your fear, and because of that, you were unable to take action. That was a test, and you failed."
"A test?" Miyuki snarled. "Bullshit. That girl was drowning, and you could have saved her. At least I tried to help- you just stood there, watching from the sidelines just like everyone else. Taking advantage of others like that, especially someone in such a defenseless position… it's not something I can forgive so easily."
"That's quite the serious accusation, General Affairs Officer Shirogane."
"Then what about just now?" Miyuki fired back. "You were taking advantage of my relative inexperience as a Stand user, weren't you? If I hadn't been a Stand user… if I hadn't been able to dodge that 'bullet' of yours… what would have happened to me?"
For a moment, the president hesitated, as if thinking things over. "I suppose it is only fair. Tell me… are you familiar with 'dry ice,' Shirogane?"
"It's the solid form of carbon dioxide, right?"
The president nodded, taking a sip from his second can of soda. "That's correct."
"A substance so cold to the touch that it burns anyone who handles it without proper protection, 'dry ice' has many interesting scientific properties- but for our purposes, we need only focus on one. As the solid form of carbon dioxide, 'dry ice' has the potential to gradually carbonate any liquid it becomes submerged in. However, the 'bullets' produced by my Stand are not 'dry ice,' per se, but rather a substance that behaves similarly to 'dry ice' as we know it- albeit with much more 'potent' side effects."
As the president spoke, Miyuki shot a glance at the wall behind him out of the corner of his eye. The hole that had been left behind by the president's first bullet was now empty, and the projectile itself had seemingly disappeared in a rush of steam.
Don't tell me… those bullets are…
"In essence, my Stand allows me to fire 'bullets' made of a substance not unlike 'dry ice' at such a speed that they can phase through the objects in their path. Any liquid that comes into contact with these 'bullets' instantly becomes carbonated. That is the power of my Stand, New Abnormal."
"So if I hadn't dodged that shot… if your 'bullet' had pierced through my skin and entered my bloodstream..."
"I'm afraid the outcome would have been quite fatal."
Shirogane opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. "You were trying to kill me?"
The student council president sighed sadly, adjusting the brim of his hat once more. "Of course. I can't afford to hold back, after all. Believe me, I don't like it any more than you do."
Miyuki felt his blood run cold.
The president… I can't believe I trusted him…
No! I can't afford to think about that now. I have to focus on finishing this fight… for the sake of my future!
The president's 'ability' is even more powerful than I thought… but if I can study it, there might be a chance to exploit its weaknesses!
"So then… those cans of soda… they must have something to do with the 'ability' of your Stand!"
The president took a long drag from his can of soda. "Right again. The first can I drank 'charged' my ability, and opening the second one with the pop tab 'triggered' it. Once I finish drinking this second can, New Abormal's ability will be 'recharged' once more. In essence, a six-pack of soda like this only gives me five shots… but with you, I'm confident I won't need any more than that."
Miyuki stifled a gasp as he realized what the president was implying.
Impossible… in the time that we've been talking, he's almost entirely finished his second can! New Abnormal's '"ability" will be reloaded before I know it! How could I have let this happen?
Don't panic. Stay calm. Since the president has a limited supply of "ammunition," all I have to do is avoid the rest of his attacks. This fight is a war of attrition! I can definitely still win this!
The president sighed, setting down his empty can as he reached for a third from the six-pack. "Now that I've revealed the secret of my Stand's ability, it only seems fair to remind you of the terms of our little wager. If you can remove the aiguillette from my uniform, you win- though I should warn you that getting close enough to do so will certainly be difficult. Of course, all of this stops the second you concede defeat… provided you choose to concede, that is."
Shirogane felt every muscle in his body tense up, enraged by the audacity of the president's offer. Behind him, Solitary Man made a fist, as Stand and user alike summoned their fighting spirits in unison.
The words that escaped from Miyuki's mouth next were spurred on by the fiery resolve that had kept him alive thus far.
"LIKE THAT'LL EVER HAPPEN!"
The president's face broke out into a smile once more, as if he was pleased by Miyuki's response. Grasping the third can of soda firmly in his hands, his fingers closed around the pop tab, ready to pull it at a moment's notice.
"SHIROGANE! GIVE ME EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT!"
"TANSAN-KA!"
Shirogane heard the hiss of the soda can and dove towards the ground, instinctively trying to dodge the president's next attack. As he hit the floor, Solitary Man's hand shot outward, overturning the coffee table that had previously sat in the center of the club room to act as a protective barrier between Miyuki and the president. Once again, New Abnormal's bullet flew just shy of where Shirogane had hunkered down to take cover- though judging by the sound, it seemed as if its shot had struck somewhere close by.
Still hidden by the coffee table, Miyuki finally allowed himself to breathe again.
So far, so good. I managed to dodge another of the president's attacks, meaning he's only got three left! All I need to do now is outlast him, then move in for the kill. This is almost…
Miyuki stopped himself before he could finish the thought, almost as if leaving it incomplete would keep him safe from its terrifying implications.
…too easy.
A faint hissing- not unlike that of the president's soda cans- caught Shirogane's attention just then, causing him to turn his head in search of the source of the ominous sound.
It didn't take long for Miyuki to find what he was looking for.
Sitting on the floor not far from Shirogane was the plastic bottle Ryuju had left in the student council room by accident, knocked to the floor when Solitary Man had overturned the coffee table. As if to confirm his fears, the water inside of Ryuju's bottle began to fizz violently, causing the plastic container to swell uncomfortably as the gas inside of it expanded.
Ryuju's water bottle! New Abnormal's "bullet" must have pierced through the plastic exterior and made contact with the water inside!
The president wasn't aiming for me after all! He must have been anticipating that I would use the coffee table for cover- that way, I would cause the bottle to fall to the floor… leaving it wide open for him!
A horrible creaking sound echoed through the room, and the tiny plastic vessel groaned in agony, threatening to succumb to the mounting pressure from within.
The gas inside of that water bottle… it's increasing the pressure…
There's nothing I can do! It's going to blow!
With an ear-splitting bang, the plastic water bottle exploded into a thousand tiny shards, its fragments flying all over the room. In an instant, Solitary Man was out in front of Miyuki, its fists raised in a desperate attempt to shield Miyuki from the jagged shards of plastic flying towards his face. It succeeded in blocking most of the incoming projectiles, but a few still managed to slip past its defenses- one of them leaving a particularly nasty cut along his left cheekbone.
As Miyuki reeled from the impact from the explosion, he noticed the president hurrying back towards his desk as New Abnormal repositioned itself.
The president… it can't be… he's already going for the fourth can! He's trying to finish me off!
Chugging the third can and tossing it aside, the president leapt towards the six-pack, tearing the fourth can free and cracking it open with a flourish.
"TANSAN-KA!"
The now-familiar battle cry of New Abnormal alerted Shirogane to the president's next shot, inbound and closing fast.
It's no use… I won't be able to dodge it in time. The only chance I have is if I meet this thing head on- right here, right now!
It was a stupid idea- Shirogane was smart enough to know that. But in the heat of the moment, it was the only thing he could think to do. His spirit moved on its own, acting on an instinct so foreign that Miyuki could scarcely believe it was his own, and the raging tempests of his mind fell silent- as if he had drifted by accident into the eye of the storm.
With a warlike cry, Solitary Man swung wildly at the projectile barreling towards Shirogane, punching it out of the air.
"MUDAAAAAAA!"
There was a sickening crack, then a dull thud as Solitary Man's fist collided with the bullet, knocking it aside.
Gasping for air, Shirogane nearly sank to his knees as he clutched his left hand in agony. At least one of his knuckles was broken, shattered by the force of the blow- probably his index finger, if he had to guess- and the skin around it was badly damaged, burnt from the frigid temperature of New Abnormal's "dry ice."
"Any damage dealt to a Stand will be reflected onto its user," the president murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. "I have to admit, Shirogane- I'm impressed. To think that such a desperate, last-ditch effort would actually work against my New Abnormal…"
Tentatively, Miyuki touched his right hand to his left cheekbone, staring solemnly at the blood that covered his fingertips. Watching him from afar, the student council president snorted derisively.
"Yet somehow, despite your admirable display thus far, the reality of your circumstance has slowly settled in. Admit it. One look at the sight of your own blood, and your precious 'resolve' has already begun to waver, hasn't it? In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you can't even remember why you started down this path in the first place. Was it for a girl? I know about your feelings for Kaguya, after all. To appease your father? To impress your brother? Motivations like those are fleeting, fickle things that abandon you when you need them most. Such selfish desires are unbecoming of a future student council president."
"That's not it," Shirogane spat through gritted teeth, wincing with pain.
"Come again?" the president taunted. "Speak up- I can't hear you."
"That's not it," Shirogane insisted. "I'm not just doing this for Shinomiya. I'm not doing this for my father, or Haruno, or Kei. I'm doing this for all of them- I'm doing this for myself. You can disapprove of my motivations- call them selfish, if you like- but you cannot change my course. My desire to become a man worthy of standing by Shinomiya's side may have started me down this path, but the 'resolve' I have found while traveling upon it is entirely my own. For the longest time, I was afraid- afraid of failing my father, of living up to my brother, of becoming my own man. But now I know that this 'resolve' is shining down the path I was always meant to take."
"Shirogane. If you truly possessed the resolve of a future student council president, this challenge would have been but a simple matter for you. Granted, you may have spoken to the strength of your resolve, but words are never enough, and actions always speak louder than them. Are you really so determined to keep on fighting?"
"You said that those with strong convictions are never so easily swayed, President. The fact that I'm still here, despite everything I've been through- the fact that I'm still standing, still determined to fight until the bitter end- that fact alone is proof of my conviction! I cannot be so easily swayed to abandon this path!"
As Shirogane spoke, the gaze in his eyes hardened into something dark and determined- a menacing expression that was mirrored in the identical eyes of his Stand. The fires of his resolve had yet to be extinguished, and so long as that flicker of hope kept burning, Miyuki knew he still had a chance.
After all, he was only just getting started.
"I am Miyuki Shirogane, son of Dio Shirogane, brother of Haruno Shirogane. And I dare you challenge my conviction."
The president's brow furrowed in confusion, evidently caught off guard by Shirogane's seemingly unwavering resolve. But before he could open his mouth to speak, Solitary Man drew back its mighty fist and pummeled Miyuki Shirogane directly in the face, breaking his nose.
STAND NAME: New Abnormal
STAND USER: Student Council President
STAND STATS:
POWER: A
SPEED: B
RANGE: B
DURABILITY: E
PRECISION: A
POTENTIAL: E
ABILITY: A Stand designed to target other Stand users, New Abnormal can fire a "bullet" of "dry ice" that carbonates whatever liquid it comes in contact with. These "bullets" are fired from the fingers of New Abnormal with enough speed to pierce through nearly any material, regardless of its strength- including aluminum, plastic, flesh, bone, muscle, and tissue. However, while New Abnormal's projectiles are impervious to outside influences, they are still susceptible to the attacks of other Stands. New Abnormal's ability is triggered by the consumption of carbonated beverages. To charge its "dry ice" attack, New Abnormal's user must first drink an entire can of soda. Opening a second can with the pop tab triggers its ability and fires the first of New Abnormal's "bullets." Drinking the contents of the second can recharges the ability for another shot. New Abnormal has six fingers, with the thumb presumably being unable to fire these "bullets" of "dry ice." As a Stand that prefers to deal damage from afar, New Abnormal is weakest in close-quarters combat… but getting close enough to finish the fight poses a serious challenge.
STAND NAME: Solitary Man
STAND USER: Miyuki Shirogane
STAND STATS:
POWER: D
SPEED: B
RANGE: D
DURABILITY: A
PRECISION: C
POTENTIAL: A
ABILITY: ?
