Subaru woke up before his grandparents, quickly preparing for school. As he picked up the food Yuri prepared for him the previous night, the boy debated making breakfast for them. He found himself faltering though, doubting that it would be any good. He made a note to look into improving his skills sometime.
After a quick visit to Leblanc, Subaru found himself wondering what Wakaba would've thought of all that happened recently. He'd met her years ago around the same time his grandparents were planning to switch jobs...
A bored Subaru leaned back against the bench as he looked around the hall. He hoped his grandparents could wrap things up soon, it had been over an hour now. They had at least promised to show him around the city so he had that to look forward to.
"Ah, now what do we have here?''
Surprised, the boy looked up to find a dark haired woman looking at him, having just been talking to the receptionist. Her mauve eyes glinting wth curiosity. ''Judging by that look on your face, I assume you're waiting for someone.''
He nodded, making to speak before thinking better of it ''...I'm not supposed to talk to strangers.''
She looked amused ''Fair enough. Well, we're both bored, why don't we try getting to know each other?''
The boy thought that over. She seemed nice, the receptionist and a few of the people who passed by clearly liked her. Maybe it couldn't hurt...
He was surprised by how well they got along. The woman introduced herself as Isshiki Wakaba (Subaru wasn't sure why but the name sounded oddly familiar). She was a researcher who had come to meet a friend, someone who worked here. She really was nice and he enjoyed talking to her.
"...and then everyone just ran off after harassing the dog even when it didn't do anything to them.'' Subaru recounted a story from over a few months ago.
"Well, that's definitely uncalled for.'' Wakaba shook her head. ''It was so nice of you to help the dog so much-even getting it to that veterinarian. You didn't have to.''
"That's what he said but I wanted to. They were all so mean, he didn't deserve that.'' The boy huffed, blinking as Wakaba patted his head with a chuckle.
"You're sweet...''
Then a new voice interjected ''Wakaba?''
Yuri and Itsuki had arrived, looking at the two curiously. ''And Ru-chan...'' Yuri carried on. ''...you two met already?'' She smiled as Subaru appeared confused. ''Well, she's one of the people we were looking to introduce you to.''
"Honestly, you two almost talked my ear off about him and you never mentioned that he's so adorable.'' Wakaba smirked.
Itsuki shot her an amused look ''One, you're the same when it comes to Futaba. Two, you were going to meet anyway-why not see for yourself?''
Subaru wasn't really listening to the exchange, having come to a realization ''Grandma, is Isshiki-san that really smart lady you told me about before?''
"Mmhm, you remember Sojiro? He's the reason we met.'' Yuri patted his head before they listen to the other two trade some banter.
The boy tilted his head, now curious about one thing they mentioned ''Um, who's Futaba?''
Wakaba smiled at him ''My daughter-I think you two will get along very well.''
And she was right-they did. Sure, it was a bit awkward at first. Futaba had a bit of trouble believing he wanted to be friends but once he convinced her, they had fun. She was the closest thing he had to a sister.
Keyword being was-he supposed...he didn't want to believe that she'd come to think of him as a criminal too. But then again-he wouldn't have ever thought that everyone in his former home would've just turned their backs on him either. Sojiro was hiding something when it came to Futaba and Subaru couldn't bring himself to try asking again. Not when he dreaded the answer.
It was as he'd been heading to the station when he saw a redheaded girl with similarly colored eyes nearby coming from the same direction. He'd barely noticed her yelp when someone grabbed her before they heard a deep voice ''Come on, sweetheart, I told you there's no need for the trouble, I can just drive you to the school. Just being friendly here.''
"L-Like I said-I appreciate the offer but no...'' The girl let out a gasp when he grabbed her hand.
"No need to hesitate, I'd really like to talk to a pretty thing like you...''
"Ah, please let go...!'' She managed to pull away but the man clearly wasn't to be deterred. ''...I told you, I'm not...''
She was startled when someone grabbed her, pulling her away from the man just as Subaru stepped in front of her.
"She clearly wants you to leave her alone.''
The girl's eyes widened at this, realizing he was here to help her. "And who asked you, brat? How about you mind your own business?'' The man sneered.
Subaru frowned back ''You're making her uncomfortable.'' The latter scowled when the girl stepped closer to him as in assent, avoiding his gaze. ''I would think people would have plenty to say about forcing yourself on a girl so much younger than you.''
He pointedly looked around them, as if reminding the man that this was a crowded area. The latter bristled, clearly understanding the message. But Subaru wasn't done ''Now we really need to be going-we can either forget this ever happened or we can just ask that police officer for help.''
The man stiffened, following his line of sight to the officer in question who was standing not too far away. He hadn't noticed their interactions yet but at this rate...
Growling, the man cursed before storming off, glowering at the two.
The girl let out a relieved sigh, smiling shyly at Subaru ''Thank you so much, Senpai.''
"It's all right...'' Curious at her words, the boy noticed that she was actually wearing a Shujin uniform too. ''...oh, you're a first year?''
She nodded, introducing herself as Yoshizawa Sumire before Subaru returned the gesture. He didn't miss the realization flickering in her expression, which made him guess that she heard the rumors too. Surprisingly though, she didn't mention anything about that, nor did she look even a little bit afraid of him.
"Um, would you mind if I ask a favor?'' Sumire looked a bit nervous as Subaru gave her a curious look. ''C-Could you please come with me to school? After...well, that...I really don't feel comfortable being on my own right now.''
His expression softened ''Sure thing.''
Subaru found that Sumire, while being shy and somewhat reserved, was clearly a kind person. They had talked for a bit, learning about each other.
"You're here on a scholarship? That's impressive.''
"N-not really...'' Sumire looked embarrassed that she let it slip earlier. ''...it's mostly because of Kasumi anyway-I couldn't have pulled it off.''
He gave her a curious look ''Well, I don't think scholarships are given to anyone-ever consider that maybe you earned it?''
"That's like what she said but...''
Seeing that the girl didn't want to keep this going, Subaru decided to change the subject. ''You mentioned something about the school drawing your interests because it has a strong sports program. That reminded me-my...friend...'' Honestly, he wasn't sure if Ryuji would consider him a friend now but he liked to think they could be. ''...said their track team used to be really good. What kind of sports are you into?''
"Oh, Kas and I do gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnastics to be specific, we've been at it for years.'' Sumire trailed off, smiling wistfully. ''Are you into any sports, Senpai?''
"Well, I do exercise occasionally but I'm much more into music. I'm good with some instruments.''
"Really?'' Sumire looked intrigued. ''Wow-like what?''
"Well...''
They continued to talk for a short while before walking in comfortable silence. Sumire took note of the number of glances and muttering from the students passing by, trying and failing not to let it get to her.
"Sorry, I guess being seen with me was bound to cause this.''
The girl gave him a surprised look, clearly not expecting that ''N-no, it's not your fault. We've heard about the rumors...b-but they seem a bit ridiculous. You're really nice, Senpai. Besides, I don't think they're too fond of me anyway.''
Before Subaru could question this, a new voice called ''Sumi, there you are!''
A girl who looked almost exactly like Sumire, only with dark brown hair and matching eyes along with a beauty mark under one of her eyes ran over. ''I know you overslept but you were getting really late. Did something happen?''
"Oh, um...'' Hesitantly, Sumire explained the situation with the man from earlier.
The brunette looked outraged ''What a lousy creep! If I ever see him...!''
"I-it's all right now, Kas.'' Sumire offered as the former continued to grumble. ''Namikaze-senpai put a stop to the whole trouble.''
The girl's anger faded as she looked at Subaru, smiling sheepishly ''Ah, hi-sorry, I didn't mean to be rude...''
"It's okay, I completely agree with you on the creep comment.''
Her smile widened ''Thanks for helping my sister. I'm Kasumi!''
"Subaru.'' He returned, shaking her offered hand.
The three soon had to part ways as it was almost time for class, the Yoshizawa happily thanking Subaru again as they did so. It wasn't long before the duo were approached by Kamoshida, who proceeded to warn them about Subaru, making it clear that he thought he was up to no good and that it was best for them to stay from the 'no good criminal brat'.
Sumire frowned thoughtfully as they approached their class ''Kas, that was...''
"Uncalled for?'' The other girl offered, receiving a nod. ''Yeah, no kidding-what kind of teacher is set so against any student anyway? Ushimaru-sensei's scary but even he doesn't act like that.''
Sumire pursed her lips ''Yeah...it's so unfair. Namikaze-senpai was really friendly. He has only been here for this long and people act like they know him for years.''
Kasumi snorted in disgust ''Tell me about it. I know people gossip plenty here, like they do with us but this is ridiculous. They think he's smuggled ivory and even looking to work with yakuza for crying out loud. Anyone with a bit of common sense should be able to see what's wrong with those rumors.''
As they took their seats, she shot her sister a grin. ''So, while we wait for the teacher-what happened between you two? Tell me everything.''
Around the same time...
Subaru almost bumped into Makoto as he neared his classroom ''Sorry about that, Nijima-senpai.''
"It's all right, no harm done.'' She gave a small smile. ''...I was actually meaning to ask how you're doing here but after those rumors...''
"...Yeah, about that-I don't get it. Why did the word spread out like this?'' Subaru inquired, having been wondering about this for a while.
"I wish I knew.'' Makoto looked annoyed for a moment. ''Someone was being completely careless, this shouldn't have happened.''
Subaru raised an eye as a few passerby gave them dark looks. What really confused him was that Makoto seemed to be a target of this scorn as much as he was.
"The principal's gopher is talking to the criminal...'' A student told his friend.
"Yeah, she's probably just doing whatever he says again. That's all she's good for.''
Subaru frowned, noticing Makoto's pained expression as she tried to steel herself. ''...Are you okay?''
"A-ah, yes...'' She said quickly, biting her lip. ''...um, about what they said...Namikaze-kun, I...''
Subaru, who knew better than to talk such talk at face value, shook his head ''Don't mind them. Sure, you've got your reasons but I'd like to hear them from you, not anyone else.''
Makoto looked on in surprise as the boy excused himself and left, thrown off by the reaction. The more she learned about the new transfer student, the more confused she became.
Kawakami turned to a short boy with bluish hair and grey eyes ''Mishima, can you come with me?''
"W-why?''
"I just need to take care of a little something. Come on, it'll be a minute.''
Still nervous, the boy nodded and followed her to the teachers' office. Kawakami briskly told him to wait there before entering and quickly coming out with a cloth in hand. She surprised Mishima by wrapping it around his shoulder so that it functioned as a make-shift brace of sorts. ''Better?''
"Y-yeah...thanks, Sensei.'' The boy managed.
"It's just a short fix, you really should go talk to the nurse.''
"I...that could take too long, it's just...the rally's today and...I have to participate...'' Mishima muttered, looking down.
Kawakami frowned a bit ''Even like this? It obviously hurts a lot-what happened?''
"Oh, practice...um, just got a little r-rough-it was my fault anyway.'' Mishima stepped back. ''Thank you for the help.''
"...I can't take credit for that. It was Namikaze's idea.''
"W-what?'' The boy looked taken aback. ''No, that...that can't be right-he wouldn't...why...?''
"He never gave me a reason but I'd guess he brought it up to me since you avoid him like the plague.'' Kawakami returned. ''Give the kid a little credit, his reputation's awful but he doesn't seem so bad.''
With that, she turned to leave, missing the guilt settling on Mishima's face.
Subaru had heard a few things about the rally here and there. People were excited for it but was that certain individuals almost seemed...fearful. He had seen a number of them in the Palace so he knew they were members of the volley ball team.
It just made him remember that horrible dungeon they found yesterday, how broken those cognitions appeared. Everything Morgana told them about the other world was on point but he really hoped the not-cat was wrong this time. Because if the Palace really reflected the state of thing in the real world...
Subaru didn't think too fondly of the students, he was still a little upset that people just believed those rumors but he refused to let that get him down. His opinion of Shujin was far from stellar but no one deserved to suffer like this.
His phone beeped with a text, it was from Ryuji telling him that he'd wait for him near the gym. Subaru quickly sent a reply, promising to meet him there.
The boy spotted Ann and Shiho seated on a bench not too far from the gym. Shiho appeared somewhat downcast but Ann was trying to cheer her up.
"...I know you can do it! You'll be great out there. Your talent has been recognized...'' The blonde paused. ''...oh hey, Namikaze-kun...'' Shiho gave him a small smile, though it seemed a tad forced. ''...that was really good of you-what you did for Mishima-kun back there.''
Subaru blinked ''You know about that? Well, it's no big deal. Anyone would've done that-were you talking about the rally just now?''
Ann nodded ''Shiho's a member of the team, she was chosen as part of the starting line up in the first match.'' She missed Subaru's alarm at this news though the boy tried not to let it show. ''I keep telling this dork she's got nothing to be worried about but I guess she's nervous...''
Troubled, Subaru found himself thinking back to the day he met the girls and how weary Shiho appeared. When he put it together with what he came to learn so far...it was nothing good.
"...She's not the only one-I've seen a bunch from the team and they're all tense...'' Subaru paused. ''...Suzui-san, how does Kamoshida-sensei treat you guys? No matter how I look at it, the team just seems drained.''
Ann's expression told him that she had noticed that too. But it was the fleeting look in Shiho's eyes that alerted them both. ''...Shiho?''
"I-it's okay, really!'' She said quickly, smiling at the two. ''Kamoshida-sensei wants us to be at our absolute best so...so the training just gets to be a little intense sometimes. We work hard and we're getting better. It's all under control.''
"See, that just proves what I was saying!'' Ann exclaimed, deciding to capitalize on this. ''All that effort is paying off, you're loads better now. You'll be spiking those goals like nobody's business.''
Shiho giggled ''I don't know about that, Ann...''
"Well, you must like volley ball if you work that hard. For what it's worth, I think she's right.'' Subaru still felt that there was still something off here but he wasn't sure what to do. For now, he could at least offer this much. ''People really shine when they're working on something they're passionate about.''
"I know just what you mean-it's so true!'' Ann chimed in.
"Do you have something like that, Namikaze-kun?'' Shiho wanted to know.
"I...yeah-I've loved music since I was a kid. I just haven't really been able to play lately...''
Both girls could understand why, guessing he was thinking of the arrest and all that followed. ''You're a good person, I think you're proving that more and more Don't let the rumors get you down.'' Shiho offered after a moment. ''Ann dealt with that sort of thing too but we're best friends. I think they're the ones losing out for not even trying to get to know her.''
The blonde smiled warmly at this, touched. Subaru nodded and thanked her. The three headed towards the gym together, with Shiho soon leaving to prepare herself and Subaru approaching Ryuji.
"...He's still playing after all?''
Ryuji blinked and looked at Subaru, who was watching Mishima. ''What's up?'' The former explained how the boy had been in pain earlier, making him grimace. ''Kamoshida must've forced him to play. Bastard doesn't care about anything but himself.''
The boy was clearly having trouble keeping up, he had removed the makeshift brace and continued moving like nothing happened. But he was obviously struggling out there.
On the other hand, Shiho was doing very well. It had taken her a short while but she was able to shake off the nerves and give it all she had. Ann and Ryuji proceeded to cheer her on. Subaru followed suit, glad to see the girl visibly cheer up as she continued to play.
"You know Suzui-san, Ryuji?'' Subaru inquired.
"Oh, yeah-me, her and Ann used to be in the same middle school.'' The latter returned. ''Some idiots back there used to judge her for being half-Finnish but we wouldn't stand for it. I guess...we just drifted apart since we came here.''
"Why?''
"Well, you know...after what Kamoshida pulled...I didn't think they'd want anything to do with me.'' was the response.
Subaru frowned a bit ''That...doesn't seem like them-neither seems to care about rumors.''
"Yeah...'' Ryuji laughed weakly. ''...Ann reminded me of that pretty well-lemme tell ya, that girl is hot but she's damn scary when pissed off.''
Ryuji explained his plan to talk to the volley ball team about Kamoshida, hoping to verify what they learned in the Palace and possibly do something about the man. Subaru wasn't all that convinced it would work. If they really were being abused, then they'd hardly want to speak up about that.
Sadly, he was proven right. Not only did all the students in question avoid them once they realized what they were looking for, they couldn't get anything even from the ones they had spoken to.
"Gah, dammit! Why don't they just talk even a little?!'' Ryuji groused.
"...What they did said plenty though.'' Subaru remarked.
The blond agreed, having noticed the same thing. They had tried to skirt around the matter, merely brushing things off and stating it was all fine. But none of them ever mentioned a word about Kamoshida's practice. Something was definitely up...
He paused, noticing a familiar figure nearby ''Ann!''
The girl turned slightly before approaching them ''Ryuji? What's up?''
"Did Shiho ever talk about the volley ball practice? Like at all?''
Ann frowned as she thought that over ''Actually...no. I always thought it was odd. She was so excited when it turned out Kamoshida was coming to Shujin, so she could learn from an olympic level athlete...''
"And now?'' Ryuji pressed.
"Well, she'd hardly say anything about it. Just that everything's fine and she's getting better-why?''
The boys shared a glance before Subaru responded ''Every member of the team acts a lot like that, Takamaki-san. We were trying to find out why they're all acting so strange-this practice just seems too rough.''
Ann pursed her lips ''Yeah...I asked, but Shiho always says everything's fine. What do you guys know about this?''
"That's the problem!'' A frustrated Ryuji exclaimed. ''There's so much we don't know and nobody wants to talk. Ain't it fishy?''
She nodded, if everything really was all right then they wouldn't be acting so...off. The girl kicked herself for not pursuing this any further. Shiho just seemed stressed enough and she didn't want to burden her friend more but...she really should have pressed the matter further. ''Okay, I...I'll look into this too. Just...let me know if you find anything, okay?'' Ann left after the boys promised her to do so.
"...So what now?'' Ryuji grunted.
"I don't think there's much we can do. Almost everyone left, let's see what we can dig up tomorrow.'' Subaru said at last.
A short while later, on his way back, Subaru happened to spot Shiho in a street-apparently looking for something...
"Suzui-san?''
The girl turned around, surprise turning into relief when she saw him ''Namikaze-kun, did you see Ann anywhere?'' Confused, the boy replied negatively. ''I don't know what happened-we were just talking when she got a call and suddenly took off. She was obviously upset but she wouldn't tell me why-just that we'd talk later...'' Shiho winced and lay a hand on her leg.
Frowning, Subaru lead her to a nearby bench ''You okay?''
"I-I'll be fine, I'm just worried about Ann-that wasn't like her.'' Shiho took out her phone and tried to call her best friend. ''...Still busy...''
The boy wondered if what they talked about with the blonde had anything to do with it. Shiho looked back at him ''...by the way, did something happen? I saw a few of my teammates before and they said something about you and Ryuji looking to cause trouble.''
"Oh, it's just...'' Subaru proceeded to explain their plan earlier, leaving the girl uncomfortable. ''...we're not looking for any trouble-we just want answers. I don't know much about sports but it doesn't take much to see that the team should be much better off than this.''
Shiho struggled to meet his gaze, how long had she been wishing that someone took action about their horrible situation?
"You don't have to say it if it's hard.'' He returned kindly, Shiho apologized but he shook his head.''My point is, anyone has to see that something's wrong here. Ryuji's had suspicions about Kamoshida ever since what happened with the track team. He said he gave them grief for a long time-like he was out to get them.''
Shiho's brow furrowed ''...He told us something about that. We never did figure out how Kamoshida-sensei found about Ryuji's family...''
"Suzui-san, you don't think Ryuji was in the wrong there, do you?''
"Of course not! Sensei...he was going too far. He had no right insulting Ryuji's mother at all. Ryuji may be a hothead but he's kind, he wouldn't set out to hurt anyone if they didn't deserve it.'' Shiho said firmly.
"That's about what I figured too.'' Subaru returned, making her smile for a moment.
"I'm glad...you're the only one who gave him even the semblance of a chance after that day. He even thought we wouldn't have anything to do with him either.''
"I told him it didn't sound like you-you've both been kind to me even after those rumors. What even happened there?'' Subaru asked curiously.
"Oh...'' Shiho couldn't help giggling a little at the memory that came to mind. ''...I wasn't there for the whole thing but Ann basically read him the riot act. She described it as knocking sense into him but I think she scared him stiff for a while.''
Subaru looked amused, thinking that explained the ex-athlete's odd words.
"...Say, Namikaze-kun?''
"Hm?''
"Why...why do you care so much?'' Shiho asked after a moment. ''Everyone's been horrible to you-you have every right to be angry after those awful rumors. But here you are, trying to help us again and again. All for people you hardly even know...''
" It's nothing special. I just don't want to look away from something I know is wrong. Besides, you're a bit off there-I met some people who were actually good to me, like you.'' He countered, surprising her. It was true though, there was also Ryuji, Ann, Makoto, Haru, and even the Yoshizawa sisters. Meeting them just reinforced his decision to take action.''I don't think the students should be left to suffer under Kamoshida so I want to at least try to do something to help.''
Shiho smiled sadly ''...People treated you so terribly but you're actually far too good for this school. Thank you.''
After they parted ways, Subaru decided to go find Ann, wondering what happened with the girl...
It took a while but he was finally able to find her near the train heading to Shibuya, looking saddened as she clenched her fists. She raised her head as he approached, startled ''What're you doing here?''
Ann frowned as he explained about his run-in with Shiho earlier ''Oh-yeah, that was my bad. I'll apologize to her later. I wasn't thinking straight...I still don't know what to do...''
Subaru blinked ''What happened?''
The girl seemed to struggle on whether or not to answer him for almost a minute before she exhaled ''...Can we talk somewhere more private?''
Ann took him to the nearest Big Bang Burger branch and they sat at a table. ''...I didn't even think I could tell someone about this...I just can't take it anymore...'' Subaru shot her a worried look. ''...you know about the rumors, right? Around me and Kamoshida-sensei...''
He nodded ''Ever since my first day-I've never believed them though. What I don't understand is why you're putting up with him.''
"I didn't see any other way.'' Ann informed grimly. ''Ever since he found out Shiho was my best friend...he started blackmailing me. He threatened to take her off the team if I don't do what he says. So I gave him my number and played along...I couldn't let him hurt her. Everyone was singing his praises and the principal always had his back-there was no way anyone would've believed me. Look what happened after Ryuji stood up to him. Kamoshida knows it too-the school's going to have his back thanks to his reputation. Playing his games makes me sick to my stomach but I had no choice...now...''
She lowered her gaze ''...he just keeps pushing and asking for more from me. He just told me to come to his place in a few days or Shiho's off the team.'' Subaru looked on in alarm at this, also catching on to the implication. ''I don't want to...I wish I could just make sure he'd stay away-I hate him! But Shiho's my best friend! I can't let him hurt her-but I don't want to listen to him, I feel so selfish...''
"Don't.'' Subaru returned sharply. ''You're not selfish for not wanting to basically sell your body. I think what you've done so far proves what a good friend you are, not just anyone would go through the lengths you did.''
Ann looked skeptic ''But...I just-I don't know what to do...what can I do?''
The boy bit his lip, unable to answer. He was beginning to understand the way Kamoshida worked his schemes. No wonder no one spoke up. They were convinced he had all the power-and it looked like they were right so far. He didn't buy that no one noticed what was wrong here. Someone had to have known-how could the school let things get so bad? The students were obviously suffering all this time-why should the school's reputation be more important?
"...Sorry, I know it isn't right to push this on you...'' Ann exhaled.
Subaru shook his head ''This never should've happened. I can't imagine what it's like putting up with what you have so far. I wish I could help somehow...''
She gave him a small smile ''...You've done more for us than most in the short while you've been here. You really are a kind person.''
"...Something has to give, Takamaki-san. This can't go on. He's going to get what's coming to him.'' The boy stated.
"I hope you're right, Namikaze-kun. I really hope you're right.''
Thankfully, the day ended on a much more pleasant note, he and his grandparents had a nice dinner together...
"You know, I've been thinking...'' Itsuki said suddenly. ''...why don't the three of us start hanging around the city like we did years ago? There's still some parts we never got around to showing Subaru and we could have plenty of fun.''
"Oh, that's an excellent idea.'' Yuri smiled. Subaru's surprised expression at the suggestion made her heart clench but she knew it wasn't his fault. The arrest and all that followed had hurt him terribly and it wasn't something one could just bounce back from. Both would curse their daughter and her fool of a husband for a long time to come for turning their backs on their only child.
The fleeting look on Itsuki's face told her that he had noticed it too. But he seemed to decide against mentioning it ''Come on, kiddo, we really missed you. It'll be like old times but even better. We'll make sure of that. How's that sound?''
What was really saddening was that Subaru would've welcomed this suggestion without even giving it a second thought before all this went down. He missed the boy who was always so open and happy with them and he knew Yuri agreed. Subaru was trying for their sakes, bless him, but there was no denying that recent events had left their impact on him and they needed to work on that.
The boy's lips twitched ''That sounds great.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast become a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh the chains of activity
With the birth of the Charity Arcana
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...
Well, let's stop here...
I hope it was good. I'm setting up for the next visit to the Palace but there was some changes I wanted to show here. Ann found out by accident why Ryuji didn't talk to her and Shiho as much as he used to so she decided to do something about it. I'll be explaining more about that soon.
Ryuji doesn't know what's really going on with the girls and Kamoshida. Just that he's got something on Ann and they asked him to avoid trouble for now. They're keeping him out of the loop because they know there's no way in hell he's going to take that lying down. The track team incident already got him in enough trouble and they don't want something worse to happen to him. As you can imagine, he's not going to be happy when he finds out.
I have my own plans for the Yoshizawa twins so things are somewhat different with them here. Being the targets of gossip themselves, they've had reason to be skeptic about what's going on with Subaru so they're not going to follow the crowd.
About Subaru...as mentioned previously, he's not okay. And he knows it too. He's been through a lot lately. The weeks he went missing are another problem-there's a really good reason he remembers next to nil about those. The issue is less him doubting that Yuri and Itsuki care for him and more him worrying about being a burden on them. He's going to need time to come to terms with everything and they're determined to help.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)
Namikaze Yuri and Itsuki (Charity Rank 1)