Subaru watched curiously as Ryuji told Morgana something he couldn't hear before the latter growled at him and turned away in a huff. ''Ignoring the present blond idiots, Subaru, can I stay with you?''

Confused, the boy clarified that he didn't have somewhere to stay, only for the cat to admit that he hadn't even come into this world before today. It was easier for him to stick with one of them since they'd be working together. Agreeing with the reasoning, Subaru assured that he had no problem with it but he'd ask Yuri and Itsuki first.

"You were all fired up to stay with your precious Lady Ann, eh?'' Ryuji teased, Morgana told him to shut up but he just laughed. To Subaru, he added. ''Ann's guardian won't let her have a pet. She'd pretty strict. Then again, can't blame her, Ann can be a bit of a slob.''

"Don't talk about Lady Ann like that, you brute!'' Morgana snapped.

The boy gave him a dry look ''Let's see if you keep saying that after watching her in action. I remember what it's like when she has a photoshoot...yeesh...'' He shook his head.

Morgana appeared curious at this, realizing that the boy was speaking from experience. Ryuji merely carried on ''I don't have any room for a pet so that only leaves you.''

"...Somehow, I get the feeling sticking you two together is a bad idea.'' Subaru shook his head, taking out out his phone. ''Hold on...''

Yuri and Itsuki were totally onboard with the idea, with the former in particular finding the feline adorable. Morgana disliked being considered a pet but he took it in stride, knowing it was best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"Glad that went well.'' He remarked, sitting besides Subaru. ''So hey, judging by the boxes I'm guessing you guys moved here recently?''

The boy nodded ''I've been wondering-you called the Metaverse another world...what's it really like? Are there more Palaces out there?''

"Probably...actually, going by the nature of Palaces, it wouldn't surprise me at all.'' The cat amended.

"You don't sound sure-I thought you knew plenty about it.''

"I do! I do...it's just...'' Morgana faltered. ''...I don't remember anything before waking up in Kamoshida's Palace. Not even how I wound up there. But I know the treasure's really important-I may not know why but maybe I can find an answer.''

"...I get it.'' The statement made him look up in surprise. ''The thing is, I...I don't remember anything from the last few weeks.''

Morgana looked taken aback ''What happened?''

"I was supposed to come here around two months ago but...the next thing I know, I wake up in the hospital. I have no idea how I got there, it's all a huge blank.''

"Strange...'' Morgana blinked ''...no one ever told you anything?''

Subaru shook his head ''I know my grandparents and uncle did their best to find me but we still don't know what happened. They tried talking to the police but it was no help.''

The feline thought that was suspicious but he didn't doubt that Subaru knew that ''Well, there's no helping that now. But like I said, I don't know how much I can do but I'll help you.''

Morgana smiled ''Thanks, I appreciate it.''

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 Magician Arcana

I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...

Later that night, Subaru awoke in the Velvet Room...

Welcome.'' Igor acknowledged the boy as he approached the cell door. ''It seemed you wished to speak to us?''

The boy wondered how Igor knew but he decided to save the query for another time ''You two seem like you'd know the most about our situation now. It's just...''

Lavenza gave him a reassuring look ''Feel free to speak your mind, we wish to help you.''

"...I know taking down Kamoshida would be for the best but we heard he could die...'' Subaru frowned. ''...he's a terrible person and the school still keeps protecting him. The teachers couldn't change anything and I doubt telling the police would help-not if he's still protected and no one will speak up. We're taking a risk but I don't want that to mean his death.''

Igor appeared pleased ''Then you have nothing to fear, your plan is for the best. So long as you simply take the man's treasure and ensure the Shadow returns to the original Self, he will repent.''

Subaru relaxed ''That's good...Kamoshida's scum but I refuse to look down on anyone's life. We have plenty of reason to hate him but what happens if we go too far? We'd be the same as him-I know we're better than that.''

Lavenza smiled approvingly ''Indeed you are. Never lose that kindness, Trickster, it may become your greatest strength.''

Subaru hadn't even thought about his actions as of yesterday having consequences until he made it to school. A few people passed him near the entrance, giving him odd looks before murmuring to each other. The glances didn't seem to be nearly as hostile or fearful as they used to be...

"What's with them?''

The boy started and turned ''Morgana?''

"Your home's nice but staying there's boring and we're going to the Palace after school anyway.'' The feline climbed up his shoulder before getting into his bag.

"W-wait, what're you...?''

"Relax, relax-I'll be quiet. If I got to sneak around the Shadows, this'll be a cinch.'' Morgana cut in.

The boy sighed ''Fine. But if you mess up, you'll be waiting outside.''

"Got it!''

The feline listened to a few of the students talking ''...Wait, you never said you're the one who saved Ryuji and Lady Ann's friend. That's impressive!''

"Not really. I just rushed in and hoped for the best-if anything, I wish I could've helped before...''

"Oh...'' Morgana's ears drooped. ''...yeah, but you did what you could. Not just anyone would rush to save a girl they barely even know-that was really good of you.'' He tilted his head. ''...But why are they acting so weird? I mean, some of the things they said...''

Subaru promised to explain later as he went up the stairs, sidestepping to let a girl pass him. The girl paused, her eyes glinting in curiousity before a small smile played on her lips ''Well, looks like I get to meet the school's hero today.''

He blinked, honestly not expecting that ''Hero...?''

"After what you pulled yesterday? Totally.'' It was clear his reaction amused her. ''I mean, come on-what did you expect?''

"Ah, nothing-I guess. It's not like I've even considered any consequences...and I'm learning how to tune out the gossip.'' Subaru added.

"Yeah, can't blame you at all.'' The girl spared a disdainful glance at some of the passerby, who he noted were looking down on her. What was their problem with her? ''The rabble just live for their gossip. It's so annoying. Anyway, name's Otonashi Kotone but my friends call me Toni. No need for introductions with you though. I tend to ignore the rabble but you're pretty interesting, you're already making heads spin even in your first week.''

The boy looked amused ''Glad you're enjoying yourself-I definitely didn't plan this...'' Both started at the bell rang. ''...better get going.''

"Yup, see you around!'' Kotone returned, hurrying to class.

Nothing much happened for a while, to Subaru's relief. He was still getting quite a few glances occasionally and it was clear people didn't know what to make of him. The boy gathered his things as class ended, going to catch up with Morgana, who had decided to find Ryuji and Ann.

Subaru started and turned as the door closed. Suddenly, he was hit hard on the head, making him stumble and before he quite knew it, a hand wrapped around his throat before slamming him to the wall. The boy cried out but his struggles to break free pointless as the vicegrip tightened before a fist landed on his stomach, leaving him gasping in pain. All Subaru could see was a pair of silhouettes.

What was going on-?! Why...his vision darkening as his strength faded fast. He cringed as the grip tightened, barely even registering the blow to his side. The boy felt his heart act up in all the stress but before he even knew it, the medicine bottle was snatched out of his pocket before its contents were spilled on the ground. There...there had to be something he could...

Little did his assailants realize that they had roused quite a bit of attention. The few remaining people on the floor began approaching the area. One of them was Ushimaru, who decided to get to the bottom of this. The sound of footsteps brought his attention to the open class door as what sounded like two people hurried downstairs. The man hurried over after them but he could see no trace of anyone present, though a few people seemed baffled by the commotion. Ushimaru headed over to the class, wondering if he could find out what they were after.

The teacher stared, it looked like there had been some struggle going on here. A few desks and chairs were tossed aside and in the midst of it all was...

"Namikaze?!'' Ushimaru half-picked Subaru up, finding that he was unconscious. The boy was unusually pale, he could see a few bruises but what really alarmed the man was his erratic pulse. Knowing what this meant, he searched for the boy's medicine only to find the discarded bottle nearby.

Cursing, the man quickly called an ambulance before picking Subaru up and heading over to the nurse's office. A few students murmured in confusion, two glanced inside the class, leaving them stunned as they wondered what this meant. Among this group was an alarmed Makoto, who quickly came over ''Sensei, what happened to Namikaze-kun?''

"I'd like to know myself.'' He returned tersely, ignoring her confusion as he quickened his pace.

Morgana, who had come to find Subaru, froze at his discovery before hurrying to warn Ryuji and Ann.

The two blondes were waiting near the school's entrance, wondering what was taking their teammates so long.

"Man, I can't wait to get started.'' Ryuji stretched his arms up.

Ann hummed ''I hear you. Let's...'' She blinked at the sound of a siren, bringing her attention to the oncoming ambulance vehicle.

Ryuji looked just as bewildered but a medic hurried past them as Morgana arrived ''Hey, any idea what's up?''

"The thing is...''

Haru, who had been tending to the flowers nearby, gasped when the medic re-emerged. ''What happened?!''

The duo looked equally alarmed at the sight of their friend as he was carried by the medic. ''Subaru?!''

"What the hell? What's wrong with him?!'' Ryuji added as he and Ann hurried over.

"You'll have to ask your teacher, I'm sorry but we need to go.'' The medic returned before closing the door.

Ushimaru wasn't too far away, talking to someone on the phone. ''...yes, that hospital. They'll be expecting you.''

"Oi, Miss Prez, what's going on?'' Ryuji demanded as Makoto joined them, missing Ann's eyes narrowing at the girl.

The brunette quickly explained how Ushimaru found their friend ''We think he was attacked and that caused an episode but Sensei didn't see the one who did it.''

"Wait, attacked?! But why-Subaru never hurt anyone in this stupid school!'' Ann exclaimed indignantly as a worried Haru approached them.

"Yes, I can't make sense of it either. The medics had to hurry since his medication was ruined and the nurse didn't have anything that could help.''

Ushimaru joined them ''I've just spoken to Namikaze's grandparents, they're on their way to the hospital.''

Haru bit her lip ''Is he going to be all right?''

"How could this have happened...?'' Makoto frowned.

"I don't know...but you can be sure I'm going to find out.'' The teacher vowed.

"He's going to be fine.'' The doctor assured Itsuki as Yuri sat by Subaru's side. ''But he's had quite a rough time so he needs complete rest.''

Itsuki stated that he'd get it for sure and thanked the man before turning towards a newly arrived Ushimaru who was leading the five students down the hall ''All right, what the hell are you people playing at?! You claim to want to give Subaru a chance but you've been hounding him since day one! It's bad enough that the word about his record spread out but now this?!''

Ann couldn't blame the man for being furious but she thought it was only fair that he be brought up to speed, so she quickly explained how Ushimaru found him. Taken aback, Itsuki could only apologize but Ushimaru waved it off ''I certainly understand where you're coming from, this is appalling. Especially after yesterday...''

"Yesterday?''

Ryuji blinked ''Didn't Subaru tell you?'' The boy quickly explained about the roof incident.

"Oh...'' Itsuki was stunned. ''...he looked tired and we started making plans for Morgana so...what the hell is going on in this school?'' He shook his head. ''Is that girl all right at least?''

Ann smiled weakly ''We think so. She...she hasn't woken up yet.''

The man sighed, if it wasn't for Subaru's circumstances, he'd really be looking into changing schools for his grandson. ''This is barely any better than what we left behind, dammit...'' The girls were confused but Ryuji gave him a sympathetic look, the man rejoined his wife and they approached the couple.

Yuri thanked Ushimaru for the help but the man didn't feel like he deserved it, barely listening to her as she greeted Ryuji. It was her grandson who really deserved gratitude after yesterday but all the school did was hush the incident up. Kobayakawa waved them off with a few platitudes but it was obvious that he didn't care.

"Um, what did you mean before, Ma'am? Something about what you left behind?'' Haru clarified.

With that, the couple proceeded to explain their circumstances. Ryuji only scowled, he might have heard it before but it still ticked him off. Ushimaru realized that this was the cause behind the odd discrepancy in Subaru's files while the girls looked on in shock.

Morgana's jaw dropped ''No way...''

"This is ridiculous!'' Makoto looked appalled. ''He saved her, besides how can they believe that drunk over one of their own?''

Haru readily agreed ''That's just terrible. Why...who was that man?''

"His name was kept out of the records.'' Itsuki spat. ''That scumbag ruined our boy's life and just got away with it. We know he's someone in power, but that's it. I think he's probably behind...'' He grimaced, thinking of Subaru's disappearance and how scared they'd been when they heard. They couldn't find any sign of him for weeks only for them to suddenly get word from the hospital. He still thought the drunk man was involved, the timing was entirely too suspicious, but there was no proof.

"What a bastard.'' Ann glanced at Subaru in concern, glad that he would at least be all right. She had guessed he'd been through a lot after hearing about the record but to think it was so bad...frankly, she was amazed he turned out like this.

"For such a renowned school, Shujin is looking more and more like a joke. I bet this is going to be hushed up too, can't have the fact that the school has trouble get out.'' Itsuki grunted.

Yuri gave him a sympathetic look ''I know how you feel but we don't know the full situation yet, we can't fly off the handle. But we will do something about this, let's just be patient.''

As they were about to leave, Makoto glanced at Haru ''I have to admit, I'm curious-you always seem to keep to yourself so I never expected you back there. Are you friends with Namikaze-kun?''

"Actually, we've only spoken once but he was very kind to me.'' The girl half-smiled. ''I thought something was strange about the supposed delinquent but I certainly never expected someone like him.'' Makoto totally knew that feeling. ''I wanted to make sure he was all right. He...he didn't hurt anyone but people treat him so terribly again and again. When I think he could've died...and after all that's happened to him and his family-it's just too cruel.''

Makoto nodded, grimacing. She hadn't been sure what to make of the boy who'd subverted everyone's expectations but even a delinquent wouldn't have deserved this. The fact that he could've died because of those incident made her feel ill.

Both glanced at Ushimaru as he went past them. He was on the phone talking to the nurse. The brunette couldn't hear all they were saying but it sounded like the nurse was trying to look into the incident. She couldn't find anything that stuck out in particular, with only the vague mention of a person being seen running away from the school being brought up.

Didn't this mean...?

Haru's next words proved that she was thinking on the same lines ''Nijima-san, does this mean...''

"Yeah...'' Anger flashed in her eyes as she continued. ''...I think Namikaze-san noticed too. It looks like the attacker is someone from school.''

Morgana walked over to Ryuji as they stood out the hospital, picking up on the boy's growing ire ''Hey, I get how you feel-I'm really mad too. But it's like Yuri-san said, there's not much we can do until we get more facts.''

The blond huffed ''Look at it this way. Mishima flat out told us yesterday that he was the one who spread Subaru's record-because Kamoshida told him to do it. Let's face it, how could a student make something like this happen from day one? A teacher would've had no trouble getting to Subaru's file.''

"Then he would've found out about his heart.'' Morgana's eyes widened, the fact that their companion's medicine was ruined had struck him as odd but now...

Ann looked equally alarmed ''He's been treating Subaru like crap all along and everyone's been going with it. The teachers went to talk to the principal after Shiho was taken to the hospital but he's obviously in Kamoshida's corner. That bastard must've heard...''

"...and he somehow set this up.'' Their feline companion growled. ''It might be only a guess but everything falls into place. It's just like yesterday-he pretended that the incident had nothing to do with him when he was the cause. He must've pointed the attacker in Subaru's way.''

"It's just like with that drunk bastard, we got no proof...'' Ryuji spat.

"Not yet, we don't.'' Morgana corrected. ''Here's the thing, Shadows don't lie. We were going to the Palace in the first place, let's see if we can get some answers. I have no doubt they'd know something about this.''

The blond grinned viciously ''Let's do it.''

The following day...

Ryuji scowled as he entered the school. Morgana's theory was accurate, they were able to confirm from the Shadows that Kamoshida was behind yesterday's incident. The grunts only knew that he intended to, in their own words, put a defiant piece of garbage in his place and that it didn't matter what happened afterwards. This was no different than setting their friend up to die!

"Better not scowl that long, your face will be stuck like that forever.''

The boy blinked and turrned at the familiar voice ''Oh, it's just you, Kotone? Whaddya want?''

Toni arched an eye. ''What crawled up your butt and died?'' He only rolled his eyes. ''Fine, be that way. I just wanted to ask...I know how to tune out most of the gossip by now but this one's fishy. Did some thugs really break into the school to attack a student?''

He snorted ''Did anyone see said 'thugs'? You really think thugs would go through all the trouble of getting into this dump just for that?''

"Good point. You'd think people like that would stick out but no one's seen a thing...'' Toni blinked. ''...wait a minute, so the rest of it...!''

"Yeah, it's true. My friend's still in the hospital.'' Ryuji grumbled, missing her eyes widening a little in comprehension. ''But, the only way they would've gotten away with it...''

"...is if they were people from school.'' The girl finished, alarmed as she concluded that it did make sense. ''Damn...what the hell is going on around here...?''

A woman with long black hair and blue-grey eyes in professional clothes strode to the principal's office, her eyes narrow in anger and determination. This was Toyama Natsumi, Subaru's probation officer. Yesterday's incident had brought the happenings in Shujin to her attention and she wanted answers. Once the pleasantries were done, Kobayakawa tried to get into her good graces by lauding the school and assuring that she had nothing to worry about.

If that's a joke, I'm missing the punchline.'' She said flatly. ''You see, Principal, I don't take kindly to the fact that my charge was nearly killed here just yesterday. To make matters worse, nothing was even done about it!''

The man spluttered ''T-that's absurd...this school's a fine institute...''

"Do you take me for a fool?'' Natsumi cut in sharply. ''There's also that incident where Subaru-kun saved Suzui-san when none of you did anything for that poor girl. She's been pushed to that point right under your noses! You're about as subtle as a brick, I know you've been trying to keep everything quiet.''

"I don't like what you're insinuating. I'm only doing my job for the good of the school!'' The man retorted defensively, Natsumi snorted in response. ''We were trying to do your charge a favor but he caused nothing but trouble. He's causing unrest just by being here, the students are all afraid of him. The brat must've gotten into some sort of trouble and he paid for it yesterday. He's just a criminal!''

"I'm sure.'' She returned sarcastically. ''Like he could actually help that some idiot spread the word about his record, right? I've done my research and everyone I talked to mentioned that he'd been well-behaved. That he actually tried to help students. Just because you say he's a criminal doesn't make him one and if you had bothered to get the facts, you'll see that there's more to his situation than meets the eye.''

Natsumi knew that without a doubt. She'd only met Subaru recently due to his disappearance and she quickly saw him for the sweet and polite boy he really was. She still didn't see how he could assault a man given his condition, especially at the time. Most importantly, the fact that Kobayawa was so dismissive of the fact that two children nearly died here was infuriating her.

"Absurd! He tried to slander a good man's name!'' Kobayawa exclaimed. Natsumi knew he was talking about Kamoshida, who she'd briefly encoutered earlier.

Frankly, something about the man gave her the creeps and she didn't see why he was allowed to be a teacher.

"...So you've made your choice then?'' Natsumi was met with stony silence, meeting the Principal's glare with one of her own before leaving. No wonder the school was such a mess with such a fool in charge. One way or the other, she was going to make sure he would regret this.

Well, let's stop here.

I hope it was good. I've been so focused on my novel that I hardly even realized how much time passed since I updated any of my stories but I want to see if I can get back into the spirit of things.

To clarify, Kobayakwa and a number of people in the police know that Subaru wound up crossing Shido so they're not going to touch that deal with a ten foot pole. Kamoshida heard from Kobayawa after the teachers confronted him and naturally, he decided to get back at Subaru for it. He set it up so it wouldn't be connected to him and as long as things stand, he's untouchable. Not for long though...

There were few mentions of the main character's probation officer but I thought maybe we could give them a bigger role so enter Natsumi! Hope you liked her, I've got plans for her but for now-let's just say Kobayawa's really going to be sorry later.

Welp, 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)

Morgana (Magician Rank 1)