Chapter 4 / Perspective

October 25th, 2011 / After School

Yasogami High Entrance Way

"Well...its been...quite a day..." I rubbed the back of my neck and saw it pouring just outside the entrance. Many had brought umbrellas...and I had as well but that wasn't my issue. You could basically feel the energy in the air...lightning and thunder wasn't too far off.

"Senpai, waiting for something?" Yu asked as he approached with Yukiko next to him.

I shook my head, "No just waiting on Kujikawa. She said she had to go grab something."

"Hmm, I guess that explains why she seemed to be in a rush then. Are you two going to be practicing for the Culture Festival?" Yukiko asked.

"Every night until the performance. I need as much practice as I can as I had to change certain parts in the composition and...well the song has changed so I have to basically re-memorize it. Although it is more additions than anything else," I didn't want to bore them with the details of what I had done. The intro had been extended and the lyrics expanded to be more natural for two people to sing. The outro was actually shortened but felt like it built up and ended more naturally than before. Any rate my main point was that the song had been absolutely overhauled. And because of that I knew only the parts that were relatively the same better than the others.

"Senpai!" Rise called out to me as she came bouncing over. She had a bigger bag than I remember having from before and took her a moment before noticing Yu and Yukiko standing there. "Oh...um hey, Yukiko-senpai and Narukami-Senpai..."

Yu chuckled as he pulled out his umbrella as Yukiko was doing the same, "You two make sure you don't overwork yourselves."

"Oh are you and Yukiko-senpai going somewhere?" Rise asked.

"Amagi's Father is out of town and they need some extra help at the Inn because of a big group they got in," Yu said with a slight shrug.

"The group is very insistent on having a..male server...normally my Father takes care of it...and honestly I don't know why they are so difficult that..."

"Anyway, Amagi's Mother actually talked to me about it when I stopped by the other day when I was in the neighborhood," Yu cut off Yukiko which was probably a good thing because it seemed to get her worked up over it. "Anyway we should get going. I also need to get home tonight at a decent time to have dinner with Nanako."

I nodded as Rise and I watched the two of them leave.

"I don't buy it for a moment," Rise said folding her arms as she watched Yu and Yukiko walking away. I knew what she meant...I didn't think Yu was lying about him being asked to help...but he also wasn't telling the whole truth about it. "I mean they look so comfortable together."

"Do you want to ask them?" I looked over to her.

"No way...I think it would be way more fun to tease them about it, even if it isn't true," Rise said with a smile.

I shook my head, "Anyway...we should probably make our way...going to be a bit wet but...you got your umbrella right?"

"If I said no would you share yours with me?" Rise batted her eyes clearly flirting with me. She was always doing this.

I sighed, "Lets get going." I walked out as I pulled out my umbrella and opened it.

"Aw...no fun, Senpai," Rise pouted as she pulled out her own umbrella she had hid in her bag and jogged to catch up with me. This had been strangely normal...a welcome change considering what I had gone through. Fortunately it also gave me no time to consider what I was actually going to be doing.

We walked in silence with Rise content to just walk within arm distance of me. Her umbrella occasionally clashing with mine. I appreciated how, Rise and I, didn't really need to speak with each other to enjoy the others company. Still I know Rise always wanted to talk more and always jumped in on any conversation I started. Still it wasn't until we were halfway to my place before Rise spoke again.

"How was your day, Senpai?" Rise asked.

"Fine, I guess...the class is pumped for the festival but I'm pretty sure I've been forgotten about, as usual," it wasn't surprising as I never talked to any of them.

"They won't forget you after the festival, Senpai. Even if that is what you wanted," Rise said...mostly just stating the fact. "But you know...I'll be here to support you. I've dealt with that kind of stuff for a while...so if any of your fans get out of hand I can help."

I frowned, "Fans? Me? That's assuming I manage to go through with the performance...or not pass out midway through."

"You need to have more confidence in yourself, Senpai," Rise bounced up in front of me as we were arriving at my place. "When I see you playing that piano...I don't see someone that is nervous...I see an artist...using his chosen instrument to express how he truly feels. And laying bare everything that he is to those that listen."

I scoffed at the idea as I moved past her and slid the door open, "No, I'm the type of person that runs away using my music...not the other way around."

"Think what you want, but I know what I see," Rise said as she stepped in past me and I closed the door behind her. She tied her umbrella up and put it in one of the slots Mom had made for umbrella's. "I'm gonna go freshen up a bit. Meet you in the studio." Rise said after taking her shoes off she moved down the hall to the bathroom with her bag still in hand.

I'm not sure how Rise saw me...but it was obviously different than my own idea of myself. That hardly mattered too much but it was still...frustrating to be sure. How did any of the people I had met have so much...faith in me. I didn't like it. I mean...I should be more accepting...right? Taking steps forward was one thing...but...how could I...

"Kay-chan...everything okay?" it was Mom. Tsukio Nanase...a well known individual in the music industry...and respected for her opinion. I never really knew why though. I had never cared to ask. Had I really allowed myself to really be so blind to the people around me?

"I...don't know. Have I really...been so shut out from everyone that I am so distrustful of people?" I said as I finally put my umbrella away and shut the front door.

"I don't think distrustful is the right word," Mom said softly with a smile as she moved towards me. "You spend a lot of time protecting yourself."

"Protecting myself?" I thought about that for a moment. No...she was right...it wasn't that I was distrustful...I just never allowed anyone close enough to even have a chance to be anything either way. Why? Because it was easier to deal with when no one asked questions. Ah...that's what it was...I was tired of being asked questions about the past. "You're right...All anyone ever asked about was Miyuki...all things...I didn't want to talk about. So I just kept everyone away...so I wouldn't have to face those questions."

"I did the same thing, Kay-chan," Mom admitted which surprised me. "When I moved us here...it was to get away from our neighbors and everyone that I knew. Every time I saw them, it was like they were judging me...judging you. Many blamed me for what happened...for not seeing what was happening. But I was so wrapped up in my work at the time that...I barely talked with Miyuki. Yet that girl had always been there to comfort me. You too, Kay-chan."

Yeah...I remembered that...Mom had been always at work...Miyuki had talked about how she was always trying to do something nice for her Mom. I would often want to help too...because the times I had spent with Miyuki and Nanase...who is now my Mom were the moments I remembered the most fondly of my childhood...the very little that I did remember. "Miyuki always wanted to make you happy...she knew you worked hard...and she missed you."

Mom nodded, "She wrote as much in the journal she left behind. It took us both a long time to deal with what happened. And it isn't something that will ever go away. But you are taking steps, Kay-chan. Risette had a huge impact on you when you first heard her sing...right? That review you wrote is more than proof of that. Kay-chan...Kujikawa Rise...she knows about it doesn't she? You told her what happened."

I suppose considering that my Shadow was also me...then yes...I was the one that told her and the rest of the Investigation Team. "Yeah I guess I did. I hadn't planned to do so...but it happened."

"You may not see it, Kay-chan...but she wants to be there...to be your support. I know its possible that you'll get hurt by this...but you need to do this. Take a leap and trust Rise-chan. Or you'll never be able to move forward Kay-chan," Mom put a hand gently on my shoulder but didn't linger long as she knew how much I disliked being touched. She then moved into the living room as I finally made my way down to the studio.

I understood why Mom said what she was...she could see it...the doubt I had about what I was doing. But I knew she was right...that my new friends of the Investigation Team were right. I had to take the chance or...I just would never move forward. And yeah...there was a good chance I could get hurt as a result of this. Maybe that was the main reason I had been feeling this way. I finally entered the studio thinking that Rise would be here but she wasn't. I moved over to the piano and set my bag down as I went there.

I wonder...would Miyuki have supported me in this? Wait what was I asking? Of course she would...she always thought me playing the piano was good...and she hoped I would get really good. I wonder if I really was any good though. I sat down in front of the piano and ran my hands over the keys as I often did. Then I started playing. I wasn't playing something I wrote...or even what Rise and I should be working on...no...it was "Star Bright"...the demo track that Rise had used that got her to start her idol career. But it was also a track that had never been used on an album or...anything. It was unreleased...but it was one of my favorite songs she had ever sung. It had pushed me to continue pursuing my own music ambitions. Which...just involved me playing music...not much else. But...could I aim for something higher than that?

"And I will be Star Bright

So that I can light up the night

And when you look to the sky

I can lift you up

And together we'll be Star Bright"

Rise sung as she entered the room and I was finishing the song. I turned to her as I saw her smiling at me. "Senpai...you have no idea how happy it makes me to know you've been a fan of mine...and that you know so much more than my normal fans do. Some would die to get a hold of those tracks you have."

"I wish Star Bright had been released...its my favorite song," I admitted. Then I blinked after a moment and realized Rise had changed clothes and...it must have shown on my face because I certainly felt my eyes widened looking at her.

"What do you think, Senpai? I'm going to wear this for the performance," Rise spun to give me the full view. She was in a black dress...ruffled...very gothic lolita in style...but the ruffles were more subdued and flowed better making it seem more elegant. Then Rise had her hair pulled down...it was a much different look for her. She also had on black stockings and long black boots. the dress only went down to mid thigh

"Its..." amazing...wonderful...fantastic...beautiful...sexy...yeah definitely sexy. "...great." Yeah...my actual thoughts were much more than that but I couldn't express it...my mouth refused to really move. But I took a moment to regain my composure but the grin on Rise's face definitely told me she liked my reaction. "But why that?"

"Because you're going to wear what you like to wear...and I want us to match," Rise said simply.

"So...you want me to wear my goth clothes because...wait why?" I eyed her.

"We aren't trying to sell ourselves, Senpai. There is no reason for us to play to the crowd. I mean sure it be nice if people liked our performance...but that isn't why we are doing this," Rise said as she sat down on the piano bench next to me. "But...how do I look in it?"

She was teasing me again. And honestly I didn't trust myself to respond back so I dismissed it, "We should start practice before dinner is ready."

"Aw...Senpai," Rise pouted but she still smiled.


October 25th, 2011 / Evening

Kayane's House

The lights flickered for a moment as a flash of lightning came from outside...accompanied by the sound of thunder. Judging by just the sound...it was definitely close by. And then...the lights went out completely. Fortunately Mom had already pulled out candles just in case. I picked up a lighter and lit the one sitting on top of the piano. Rise was sitting next to me at the piano. She had changed back to her school uniform when we had dinner and we were going to do another round of practice before she went home but now...

"It must be pretty bad outside...and now the power is off," I sighed as I started lighting other candles.

"Good thing your Mom was prepared," Rise said but visibly winced when thunder roared through the room with an immediate flash of lightning.

"I have to be," my Mom said as she entered the room. Although the light from the candles was limited I could tell she was carrying in blankets.

"Oh, Tsukio-san. I didn't realize you were here," Rise quickly apologized.

"Quite alright, Rise-chan," Mom waved it off and approached us. "Kay-chan why don't you take these and take Rise to your room. Your room is one of the warmest in the house and without the power on its probably going to get cold in here pretty quick."

Mom was right, of course. The house did get pretty cold without the heater going. I looked at my phone to confirm the time. "It's already pretty late...and I don't think the storm is going to let up any time soon."

"That's true," Mom looked to Rise. "How about you stay here for tonight? You can use the guest room next to Kay-chan's room."

It wasn't exactly why I had pointed it out but it was a good idea...this definitely wasn't weather you wanted to go home in...or with an umbrella...though I'm not sure if there is actually any stock about people being hit with lightning when holding an umbrella...but I wasn't going to allow that possibility either.

"Yeah...I'll try giving my Grandma a call...hopefully she still has power," Rise said and pulled out her phone and punched in a number. "Oh...hey Grandma! Uh huh, I'm still at Senpai's. Yeah, is it alright if I stay here? I don't think the storm is going to end soon...No, no...you don't have to worry about that. Besides I'll be staying in a guest room," Rise was talking with her Grandmother as if I was sitting next to her and that last part definitely had me raising an eyebrow. This apparently made Rise start to giggle. "No, not you Grandma, Senpai just made me laugh is all. Yes...I assure you everything will be fine. Besides I already have a change of clothes with me. Yes...don't worry. I love you. Uh huh...Bye Grandma." She then hung up and turned to me with a smile. "Grandma thinks you're going to try and seduce me, Senpai."

"The night is young," my Mom commented.

I groan, "Really Mom?"

Rise and my Mother both laughed at me but then another wave of thunder and lightning occurred that shook both of the girls. "Anyway, Rise I had already drawn a bath before the power went out. Why don't you go take one dear while Kay-chan and I prep the guest room?"

"Really...is that okay?" Rise asked.

Mom nodded, "Of course. Kay-chan why don't you take some of these candles to the bathroom so she'll be able to see."

I nodded and got to my feet, "Alright." I grabbed a couple of the candles that I had already lit.

"I'll take these blankets down to your room, Kay-chan," Mom said as I started to walk out.

"Oh, I'll grab some candles too," Rise said grabbing a couple and following me out of the studio.

"This really has turned out to be quite a day..." I said as I moved in to the bathroom with Rise behind me. I moved in and placed it carefully on the far side of the bath tub that was full of hot water. Rise placed her candles closer to the door.

"Today is a lot like when we found out you were in the TV world. It wasn't supposed to rain that night either...but it did," Rise said as I turned back to her.

"I got the general idea of that but what happened exactly?" I asked.

"Its a bit of a long story but if you want to listen...then how about after I'm out of the bath?" she said with a smile.

"Sure," I said and moved past her. "Oh, I'll leave a towel next to the door here for you. Oh do you have a change of clothes or..."

"Oh right, I forgot I don't actually have any pajamas with me," she frowned.

"Well...if you don't mind you can just use one of my shirts and a pair of my boxers..." I said rubbing the back of my head.

"That be perfect, Senpai," Rise grinned.

"Yeah, I'll go grab it so you go ahead and...well anyway I'll just leave it out here for when you are done," I said before leaving. Now I couldn't stop thinking about what she would look like in it. Man...what was wrong with me tonight?


October 25th, 2011 / Late Evening

Kayane's House

RISE'S Point of View -

I watched him leave, somewhat disappointed, trying to figure out Kayane's thoughts was turning out to be my biggest challenge ever since meeting him. Even though I understood the reasoning for his actions most of the time...there was so much more just under the surface...and it was just waiting to be released. I could see it...feel it in his actions. He was so absolutely amazing when he was playing his music. The times when he truly gave himself to the music...that was when the real Kayane showed through...that was when I could see my real Senpai. Things were more complicated than that though.

I closed the door and got undressed and then put my clothes back on the other side of the bath door. Then only lit by candles I stepped into the bath. It was definitely hot but it was so relaxing...after all I was kinda frustrated. He had no idea what he did to me when he played...or even more when he sung. Sure I had been incredibly attracted to Yu-senpai before but...Kayane's mere presence made my senses come alive. He was different from everyone I interacted with...even everyone else in the Investigation Team. The most obvious of the differences was...he couldn't stand to be touched. I understood why...and that just made me want to get closer to him. Naoto had explained it best to me...Kayane associates touch with pain...apparently Naoto had found it in his psychologist evaluation during his trial against his Uncle. I was absolutely determined to help him realize that it wasn't always true.

However...I couldn't stop how my own body reacted to him. I knew I teased others with my sex appeal...that came with the territory of being an idol. But he didn't have that reaction to me...but he caused that to me. If my crush on Yu-senpai had been just a school girls crush...then this was much more than that. He was handsome...he was talented...his voice made me melt every time he sung...and when he played the piano he always completely enraptured me. To put it simply...he was damn sexy. No one...and I mean no one had ever made me feel like this before.

But, I'm not an idiot...we haven't known each other very long and despite what I already knew about him...he still barely knew me. We barely knew each other. At this point I knew more about Kayane than he did of me...and I had been a popular idol for quite a while. But that hadn't been me...well not all of me. Yu-senpai had helped me realize that it was very much still a part of me...just because it was an aspect of myself I put on a stage to sell to people...it didn't discount all the hard work and effort it took to become that. That was why my Persona had changed from Himiko to Kanzeon. It had reflected that change and admission about myself.

I needed to learn more about Kayane...more about what had happened to him. I knew a lot...and I knew the guilt he held in because of it...but I knew that was hardly the full story...that was not all there was to him. He hides himself from the world...and he always shirks away from our interactions when it gets too personal. Tonight...it was a perfect night for us to become closer. I would tell him about how I learned about him...and how we went to rescue him...and what we learned along the way about him.

I heard the bathroom door open. It must have been Kayane placing in the change of clothes for me. I couldn't see him because the lack of light but only a few moments later I heard the bathroom door being slid close once more. Quick...efficient and not disturbing anything in the process. Kayane moved with purpose...to do what he needed, to not get noticed and limit any possible altercations. I had quickly picked up on how easy it was for him to just move to the back...opt out of giving his opinion or saying anything at all. That was where he and I had differed. While I had just wanted to make friends and be accepted...Kayane didn't want friends and sought to be ignored...forgotten. But the more I learned about him...the more I had to make sure that didn't happen. My growing crush on him was certainly helping in that department of thinking about him. I needed to watch myself though...

The problem was I like to be close to people...especially my friends...something I wasn't actually keenly aware of until after I was saved by Yu-senpai and the others and I spent time with them. I felt confident again...and the attention I got from them...the fact that they saw me for who I was went a long way in allowing me to be comfortable with my actions. But Kayane...he made me stop and think about what I was doing...I hadn't been aware that me doing that could make someone uncomfortable...not only that but...be reminded of something so horrible that happened to them.

"Kayane," I whispered...seeing how it felt rolling off my tongue. My thoughts were overwhelmed by images of him...seeing him at the piano playing my song as I entered the studio...more than that...seeing the look on his face when he saw my outfit. I wanted to see more...I wanted him to look at me more...and here I was...at his house...going to be staying over night in just the room next to him. A moan escaped my lips which made me spring up from where I had been laying back and shake my head. "Oh my God...what am I doing?" I muttered, vividly aware of exactly what I had just been doing to myself. I couldn't help it...Kayane just had a way of doing this to me...especially when I caught him playing the piano when he didn't realize I was there. He did that...quite often actually...leaving me wanting...and I knew that he had absolutely no idea he had that effect.

Oh this absolutely sucked...staying here with Senpai so close was great...but at the same time...so incredibly frustrating because of how horribly attracted I was to him. Maybe because tonight I was already damn hor...okay...enough thinking about that. It didn't matter...Kayane would never start a relationship with me...much less anyone else. It was hard to accept...but he hated to be touched...was hesitant to talk about himself...he always shut down when he didn't want to talk...and he never truly let go of himself when someone else was around...that was why I was so taken away when I did see it. Kayane gets so wrapped up in his music when he plays that it becomes a brief window in which I get to see the real Kayane...the one he hides from everyone. I got to see him in such a vulnerable state...on a few occasions now. I wanted him to be that person...I wanted to be there when he becomes that person. More than that...I wanted him to look at me...I mean...really look at me. But...right now...I felt that would never happen. That didn't mean I would stop trying.

This was just how I felt right now...I knew that we may not be compatible to become anything more than friends. I was more than aware of these facts...but I also couldn't stop how I reacted to his presence. Oh man...this was somewhat aggravating.

Either way...I did feel better if not somewhat relieved and slipped out of the bath. As I did, a loud roll of thunder and flash of lightning came which fortunately my footing was solid so I didn't fall. Still it shook me... as I opened the door to grab the towel. I quickly dried myself off and looked at the clothes he left for me. Black boxers and a long black t-shirt...I noticed that his t-shirt also had long sleeves on it...did he always wear long sleeves? My thoughts ventured to a single thought...he was hiding scars. This was only based on what I knew...and I knew that his Uncle had abused him...but I didn't know how severe it had been. It was possible he was hiding something along those lines.

I slipped on the boxer and shirt on... and folded up the rest of my clothes for me to slip into my bag that I had brought all my clothes in. I grabbed my brush from the inside of the bag and started to run it through my hair in front of the mirror. It had gotten wet though I couldn't remember putting my whole head in the water...but from how it looked I had. Well my thoughts had been a bit distracted...Anyway, after I finished brushing my hair I left my bag in there and made my way down the hall. Kayane's shirt was definitely too big for me...and the sleeves kept slipping down past my hands. This made me feel like I was a little kid again...I stopped in front of Kayane's door. "Senpai...you in there?"

"Yeah...come on in Kujikawa," came his reply. Should I mention how Kayane had a deep but very melodic voice? I mean he was a year older than the others...so he should sound older...right? But as a singer he was closer to a tenor than a baritone...but he definitely seemed to be capable of doing either...but I still hadn't really heard the whole range he was capable of singing. Uh...why am I thinking about this?

I slid the door open and stepped into Senpai's room. I expected something here...but it was very minimalistic. But what there was...it was a bookshelf that had only things related to music. There were stacks of CD's and then books on musical theory and I'm pretty sure a lot of books with just sheet music in it. Was it...his only real hobby? Then again it looked like he had a laptop as well so he might have something on there...but I somewhat expected...I don't know...video games or something. Looks like he didn't have a bed but used a roll out futon...he had a small round table with pillows down to sit on. It was kind of nice to see a more traditional style house. Yu-senpai had a futon too but his room was immensely cluttered by just a ton of things that he did because Yu-senpai seemed to have a lot of hobbies. Like making models...or origami or reading manga...it was pretty vast. But I didn't find anything like that here...

"Looking for incriminating evidence, Kujikawa?" Kayane asked as he was setting up another candle by his window before he went back to his table. I hadn't realized that he had several candles around the room making it pretty well lit as a result. Fortunately I could hide my embarrassment of being caught snooping about his room. He was quite content it seem at the table and...taking notes it seemed.

"Do you have any? No dirty magazines hiding under your futon or in your closet?" I decided to tease him. It would be more than normal for a guy Kayane's age...but there was always that other thought in my head. Kayane didn't have those feelings or urges because of what happened. Not it wasn't him getting beat by his uncle that would have repressed those kind of emotions...it was the sexual abuse that his deceased friend Miyuki had suffered that caused it. Naoto said he had actually witnessed it...he had been a key witness to putting Miyuki's Father behind bars. Although the physical evidence had left no room to question his testimony...it also meant...Kayane had been witness to a horrible event. I wish I was able to overwrite those memories with something he would want to remember.

"Close the door behind you," Kayane said seemingly ignoring my teasing. I turned around and did so and was greeted by a poster of...me. This was from my first CD that came with a promotional poster. There was a limited number and I heard the lines for it had been pretty crazy. But...he had no other posters in his room...

Damn you, Kayane. You are not helping me right now. I hope he realizes exactly what he is implying by making me see this. The fact that I'm in his clothes and in his room...and now he he's basically telling me he doesn't need dirty magazines because he has...no...no! That is not cool! Get those thoughts out of my head right now or I'm going to do something so stupid and he'll just hate me...but damn it I am sooo turned on right now. Taking a deep breath I turned around and sat across from him at the table, "What 'cha doin'?"

At the very least I could lead this to what he wanted to talk about and stop myself from thinking about all this.

"Just going over some things...if I'm going to go to college then I really should have made a decision already but honestly...no idea," he sighed and pushed a notebook he had been writing in away from himself, but didn't close it.

I had to mentally chastise myself now...he hadn't been making any implications with me closing the door...he just had a rare poster of me...and from just a glance at his notebook I could tell that he was really undecided about his future. I am being pretty selfish hoping that he would pay attention to me. It wasn't like he didn't pay attention to me...I just was influenced by my own thoughts. I knew it was because I couldn't stop thinking about him that I wanted him to show that kind of attention directly to me. Thinking about it now...he had said he really didn't pay attention to my TV or even concert performances...he really only listened to the music. Wait...my first CD is the only one that had a poster included with it...everything else didn't have a promotion like that. That sounded like the easy explanation of it. Still...that kinda depressed me a little. He had the poster hung up on the door...so that meant he liked it right? That he liked seeing me...right?

"Why not something music related...I mean...it seems logical because you seem so passionate about it," I commented hoping to curve my thoughts away from where it had been for a while. I'm pretty sure my time in the idol industry and surrounded by those people had made me more dirty minded than I cared for. Then again when you are being sold to make money...your sexuality and everything pertaining to it gets broadcast to make more money. I understood how it worked...but Kayane was a fan of mine...a big fan...but to him...I don't think it would have mattered how I looked...it was the music that had made him a fan. I think...that was my main problem here...because it was that very reason as to why I found myself attracted to him. I wanted to know what he thought...more than that...I was chasing him...not the other way around.

Usually guys chased me...trying to impress me to give them a chance to date them or hang out with them. I had actually agreed a couple times...but it was always the same...they all wanted Risette. They would ask broad questions and never ask anything specific about me. No...it was more important that they were with Risette...not a real girl. I think part of what attracted me to Kayane was that he loved my music but also treated me like a person...an individual. He was always polite and mindful of me but I was also aware of why. That was where the contradiction came in. He acted that way to keep people at arms length...but that behavior was also what kept drawing me to him. I've never had to deal with something like this...and it scared and excited me.

"I've considered aiming for something in the music industry...but we'll see. Anyway...I'm still curious...you mentioned..." Kayane was interrupted by the sound of thunder and lightning. "Still hasn't stopped huh? I thought it would have moved past us already."

"Well I heard there was a couple different storms supposed to roll through..." I mentioned. He nodded looking over at me...and then...wait...did he just steal a look at my chest? It was his shirt so maybe he was just interested on how it looked on me. It was kinda tight on my chest because it was a guys shirt and I wasn't wearing a...oh right I wasn't wearing a bra. You know what...if I can somewhat make him as frustrated as I had been earlier I was okay with that. "So you want the full account of what happened leading up to us saving you?"

"Yu-kun mentioned that you guys performed at Junes? And you roped them all in to be your band?" Kayane asked seemingly focusing keeping his eyes connected with mine.

I grinned, "Yeah, it was a last minute thing but I made my demands if I was going to perform." This was it...a chance to have Senpai's complete and utter attention. "Well Senpai...it started with Hanamura-Senpai calling us up to the roof..."


October 8th, 2011 / After School

Yasogami High School Rooftop

RISE'S Point of View -

"Gah, it's freezing up here," Kanji said as the Investigation Team was gathered on the roof.

"Why are we getting together on the roof on a day like this?" Yukiko asked looking to Yosuke.

"Yeah, what's this 'urgent business' about, Senpai?" I didn't mind meeting up with everyone but we're still technically in our summer uniforms and hasn't quite reached the deadline for switching back to the winter uniforms. And today just seemed colder than it had been over the last week or so.

"Seriously! I was busy handing out fliers at Junes," even Teddie was complaining.

"Hey, I saw you hitting on girls just outside the front gate," Chie commented making Teddie shrink back a bit.

"Was there some sort kind of progress in the case?" Naoto asked.

Yosuke shook his head and put his hands together and putting his head down, "I need you guys! You have to help me! You're the only ones I can rely on! Can you please keep this weekend open...!?"

That had my attention...but why? There was something that was going to happen and...

"This weekend...Does this have anything to do with that event at the Inaba Police Station that's been canceled?" Naoto asked.

That's what it was! Before I left I was supposed to be the one to appear...but now they had Kanami to...wait it was canceled...so she couldn't do it...she probably had a really tight schedule to begin with.

"Huh? What're you talking about?" Chie asked.

"The idol Kanami Mashita was scheduled to be the honorary Chief this Sunday," Naoto provided.

"Oh my gaaaaawsh! The famous Kanamin is coming all the way out to the boonies!?" Teddie was never able to hide his excitement...that was for sure.

"So, she's taking on jobs like that already..." I found myself commenting. She must be working pretty hard to be able to be pushed that hard...I just hope it isn't too much work...it stacks up pretty quick. But she has Inoue-san so he'll schedule her just fine. Probably the reason she had to cancel attending it. Or rather he would have canceled it if he felt it was too much. I always appreciated it when he took note of me being worked too hard.

"I have been seeing a lot of her on TV lately. I didn't know she belonged to the same agency as you, Rise-chan," Yukiko said.

"I mean, if she's coming to Inaba now, the agency's obviously trying to use all the fuss about me to their favor," I shook my head. I had made the choice to walk away but...even away they are still using me to their advantage. I guess technically I'm still under contract anyway...

"So what's the big deal about that being canceled, Yosuke-senpai?" Kanji asked. I'm sure everyone wondered because it didn't seem like it was all that big of a deal. It was canceled so why would he need any help?

"There was going to be a big sale at Junes to take advantage of the event, but now it's down the tubes!" Teddie answered.

"It's not a joke!" Yosuke really did look serious about this. "The police took forever to decide on canceling the event. My Dad's really in a fix now. He worked so hard to put this whole thing together, and I can't stand to see him like this...I can't just let it go."

So thats what this was...it wasn't Inoue-san canceling the event...but the police. And they must have done so last minute...after Yosuke's Dad had more than likely spent a good deal of money on the event...that really did make me feel bad. I knew how much money went in to things like this...and having an event canceled means financial loss even if you do re-schedule the event. And since Yosuke's Dad was the Manager of Junes...it would not look good for him.

"I heard the police couldn't prepare for the event because I had gone missing," Naoto said lowering her head to Yosuke. "I'm sorry...This is my fault."

"Nah, it's not your fault," Yosuke quickly dismissed such a notion from Naoto, waving it off. "Don't blame yourself...But yeah, it does seem like that's what happened."

"Okay, so you called us up here. What do you want us to do about it?" Kanji asked.

"From the way it sounds, I've gotta say, I don't think we can be much help..." Chie frowned. I felt like I knew where this was going though.

"I want everyone to help me with a bunch of different tasks. Um...Rise-san...Well, if you could, y'know, do an event at Junes..." Yosuke looked to me with a pleading looke. Under normal circumstances I would brush this off. But I owed them...all of them. Yosuke was also one that had seen everything about me...and was still a fan of mine.

"You want me to substitute for Kanami?" I asked to clarify that was what he was really asking for.

"So...there's no way?" he sighed looking away from me. It must have taken him a lot of courage to ask me because he understands how I feel about this right now. He knows why I stepped away from being an idol. He must love his Father quite a bit. And he had been a good friend ever since they all rescued me.

"Is it really that bad?" I knew it was bad...you didn't spend just a little money if you have a popular idol showing up. But when I saw Yosuke's face fall...I knew it was less about all that but more than likely how his Father had been lately. Yosuke was truly worried about his Father.

"I don't know. I may be his son, but I'm still only a part-timer at Junes," he looked away from everyone. "But...My Dad's being awfully nice for some reason. I think it's possible that he might get fired if this thing falls through. And if that happens, I might have to transfer schools again. Haha...Seriously, what am I gonna do if that happens?"

He was really worried...possibly more worried than he needed to be. I guess there was no hurt in just one performance. "...Singing and handshakes only. No autographs, and nothing that I can't do as a high school student. Otherwise, I'll get in trouble with the agency...and, I'll only do it if you all get on stage with me."

Honestly...this was also a perfect opportunity to show my friends what it was like to perform...to be in front of people. I saw a lot of them look a bit shocked by this.

"Wh-What!? Wait, I'm no idol," Chie put her hands out and shaking them like this was a bad idea.

"It would be troublesome if people came to try to recruit me to be an idol," Yukiko seemed to jump to a different side than Chie and that made me nearly laugh because of it.

"Me, too. I already have an exclusive contract with Junes!" Teddie seemed proud of this but it made me giggle anyway.

"I don't think you guys are worryin' about the right things here," Kanji being the rare voice of reason here. He looked to me, "But if you're gonna sing, what're we supposed to do on stage?"

"I need a band, of course. I'll make this very clear: I can't use pre-recorded tracks," I looked to the others and settled on Yu-Senpai.

"Ah, I get it," Yu nodded.

"Whoa, whoa...! There's no way we can pull off something like that!" Yosuke had doubts...always seemed he was the pessimist in these situations even though he asked for help.

"Well...I have some experience playing the keyboard. My grandfather suggested that I take piano lessons when I was younger. I have one I can bring as well," Naoto said which made me grin.

"You're up for this?" Chie asked her.

"The incident is a result of my actions, after all. I will do whatever I can to help," Naoto wasn't one to shirk away from responsibility after all. Now it was about convincing the others.

"Naoto...Thanks! If it's music you need, I have a guitar! I've never really played it, though. Oh, wait...I accidentally bough a bass once. I think it's in storage," Yosuke seemed to be thinking about it. But honestly this made me worried about his spending habits. No wonder he never had any money...well Chie seemed to be pretty good at getting him to spend money on her...I wonder if there was anything more to that...

"How do you 'accidentally' buy something like that!? I bet you just thought it was another guitar," Chie commented. They really did fight and bicker as if they were dating...

"Hmm, I should have some kind of musical instrument at my place. For dinner parties and such," Yukiko thought out loud.

"Hmm...'some kind of instrument'...? Oh, boy." Kanji shook his head.

Time to push this forward. "Then, it's decided! I'll look for a song I can sing that can use a band arrangement. You guys get instruments and find a place to practice!"

"Got it! Try to pick an easy one, okay?" Chie pleaded with me. She didn't have to worry about that, most of my songs weren't really that hard to play. Only a few of them were a bit more sophisticated...and that was mostly my early stuff...lately my music was...actually I didn't want to think about this. "All right! Now this is happening, I'm getting fired up about it. Let's go ask if we can borrow the music room at school."

"Alright, we'll I'll meet up with you guys later then," I said as I waved to the others and walked off. The real issue wasn't the song. Performing in any capacity might make Inoue-san rush back to try and get me to go back to the business. A part of me did want to go back...Yu-senpai made me realize that Risette was simply another side of me. That realization had even made my persona change from Himiko to Kanzeon...she was even more powerful than before as a result.

To get what I needed I had to head home so I quickly moved down the stairs to the entrance way of the school and put on my shows before rushing out to head to my home. It didn't take me too long to get back and I quickly entered the house and rushed up to my room and grabbing the song sheets I needed for my song, 'True Story'. The song was still on the charts despite me having stepped out on a 'hiatus'. As I went back down stairs I saw grandma tending to the shop but the TV was on. I stepped into the living room and picked up the remote to turn it off but I stopped.

A camera was focused on a guy in all dark clothing and...wait...was that the tofu shop? It was! This was done in Inaba. I had never seen this guy before...and it wasn't in a punk style how Kanji had his clothes...no...this was more goth. They had a mosaic to hide his face...I don't think I had ever seen anyone dressed like that in Inaba...or had I just...missed him all this time? It wasn't like I had been in Inaba for that long. So there was bound to be a few people I hadn't seen or met.

"...this teen from Inaba exhibits all the classic signs of a troubled teen. He wears dark clothing, with outrageous accessories. See the object on his hand...that is known as a claw ring and..." the reporter was pointing out all the details of this guys outfit but shown them all in a negative light. This was really irritating...stereotyping was annoying. They didn't know who he was...he was a teen right? So maybe he just wanted to stand out. I didn't want to make assumptions...that what a lot of people did with me...and it was why I had felt that no one saw me for who I really was.

I ended watching the whole segment and leaving irritated...it was a segment on troubled teens. And what signs parents should look for...but the demeaned that guy in the process. When I finally got back to the school everyone was in the music room waiting for me. My irritation must have shown on my face.

"Hey, you alright, Kujikawa?" Yu asked.

"Sorry there was a stupid news segment about troubled teens...and they showed this guy and totally ripped him apart just for what he was wearing. Worse thing is...he was shown in the shopping district in Inaba," I said and that got everyone's attention. I knew the implication I was making...and really that was also another thing I was worried about. Potentially if he becomes talk around the town...he could potentially be the next victim.

"I see..." Naoto looked thoughtful for a moment. "The set up is similar to all of our cases when we were kidnapped...maybe we can preemptively determine the target before he shows up on the Midnight channel following it."

Yosuke was on his phone, "It was the report of identifying potential problem teens. It says that it takes a focus on teens all over Japan...but they focused in particularly on one that resides in Inaba. Wait...there are some comments on this article."

Yu had pulled up his phone as well and had apparently already been navigating the comments, "Several comments say he goes to Yasogami...and he's a senior."

That made sense to me now...how I was able to miss seeing him completely...seniors were up on the third floor and they almost never are near the freshman classes. "So he's all of our Senpai then..."

"No one seems to know who he is though...they just recount having seen him before," Yu said with a frown. "There is...quite a lot of negative comments on here."

"Dude, who the hell gets the right to say any of this crap?" Yosuke muttered probably looking through the comments. I didn't want to look...I knew how hateful comments can get...especially on an open forum like the Internet. People cared less on if they hurt someone when it is people they would more than likely never meet. But words hurt...regardless of who it came from. I think I understood that very well.

"Well its cloudy out but we don't know if he'll actually be a victim or not. We can try looking in to it later...but for now...let's focus on getting some practice in. We don't have much time," Yu said refocusing the group.

Naoto nodded, "Senpai's right. We have a lead but I don't think it is supposed to rain tonight so we have some time before the midnight channel is shown again."

The rest of the night we focused on practicing...by the end we at the very least had a foundation. Yu apparently had played the bass before so he picked up on his part quickly and spent most of his time helping Yosuke. I had to stick most of my time with Chie and Yukiko helping them understand how to play at all...and at the very least I didn't have to worry about Naoto as she helped Kanji go over drummer basics. Chie was on a trumpet and Yukiko a sax...maybe not the easiest instruments but thats what they wanted. Even if we only sounded just a little okay I was fine with that. But I think everyone had the possibility of there being another victim in the back of their mind.

It was pretty late when I got back home...Grandma had left a note telling me there was dinner in the fridge. I should have told her I would be out late...she was incredibly understanding. I paused at the living room...it was off and it just made me think of that annoying report from earlier. Then I heard it from outside. Rain...it was suddenly raining outside! I frantically pulled out my phone...11:56pm...it was almost midnight...that meant...The midnight channel was going to be on! I automatically called Yu-senpai.

"Kujikawa? What's up?" he answered somewhat casually.

"Senpai! It's raining!" I say in a panic.

"It's what?" he could be heard pulling back his curtains in his room. "I was listening to some music so I didn't notice. I'll call Yosuke and warn him. You call Shirogane."

"Got it," I said and hung up on him. I immediately dialed Naoto's number. "Naoto it's raining out!"

"What?" she was definitely surprised. "Alright I'll make sure to watch the midnight channel. I'll call Kanji-kun...just make sure you watch it."

"I will," I said before Naoto hung up. I stood in front of the TV...it was raining. I never expected it to start so suddenly...what if nobody had noticed it? No...that didn't matter...we had noticed it and now we'd be able to see it.

The clock ticked over to midnight...and the TV lit up...it was the same as Naoto...static...all that could be seen was a silhouette...but I couldn't mistake it...it was the same as the guy in that news special...I had hoped it wouldn't be...that no one would be taken again. I felt myself clench my hand...someone else was going to be pulled into this...someone else was going to be subjected to themselves...Forced to face a part of them they probably wouldn't otherwise. Not unless we could prevent it...not unless we saved him.

The midnight channel faded away and I collapsed to the ground. I knew how hard it had been for me...And seeing this always brought those memories back...I never wanted someone else to be subjected to it...was there anyway we could prevent it? We had to try...


October 9th, 2011 / Morning

Yasogami High School Music Room

RISE'S Point of View -

"It was him...wasn't it?" I asked hoping that what I saw was just me being tired and not another victim.

"Yeah, it definitely was. Still I hadn't expected the midnight channel to happen so suddenly..." Yosuke frowned. "We really need to practice but we can't just ignore this though."

"We'll split the workload. Kujikawa, Shirogane and I will go do the heavy lifting for now. The rest of you can stay here and practice...and don't worry about it. Our first priority is to determine who he is. We'll be back at lunchtime and we can go over what we find then," Yu seemed like he already had a plan for this...that made me feel a lot better.

"That's probably a good idea. We have some decent leads so it wouldn't be as effective for us to drop music practice to all run off. Plus we already made arrangements to perform so we still need to get the practice in," Naoto nodded. "I will head down to the police station for now."

"Alright," Yu nodded. "Kujikawa and I will go check with the staff that is here and see what we can find out there. Everyone else just focus on practice. Let's stay positive...nothing has happened yet."

"Yu's right guys," Yosuke interjected. "Let's just do what we can and we'll worry about it when we need to, not before."

"Right," Chie nodded. "Okay, I'm super pumped for practice today I'm gonna totally nail it this time."

"Me too!" Yukiko seemed fired up as well.

"I won't be out done...you hear me Kanji?" Teddie declared.

"As if you have a chance. Bring it on Ted!" It was probably way to easy to get Kanji fired up but I left with Yu and Naoto out of the music room either way.

"So why down at the Police Station Shirogane?" Yu asked.

"The Police have been sensitive to any media being in the area so they might be aware of who the subject had been in the news special. It might be a long shot but its a place to start. And we don't know if the comments on that thread will be credible source on if he is a senior at our school or not. It's also possible they filmed that segment some time ago," Naoto explaned.

"Senpai...I think I'm going to go into town and ask around. Maybe I'll be able to run into some seniors and see if they saw the news special," I decided it was probably a better use of my time...and I would feel a lot more useful than just being a tag along.

"That's a good idea. Alright, we'll all meet back up here around lunch time," Yu said and we all left in out own directions.

The rest of the morning went pretty quickly. I covered most of the town but only came across a couple of the seniors from our school. And they said they had never seen a kid dressed like who was on the news special. And that even if there was...everyone had to wear their uniform at school. It was a valid point...it wasn't like how he was shown on the news would make him a dead giveaway at school...uniforms were mandatory. But even asking about if there was anyone that modified their uniform to be have any characteristics like what was shown...but they couldn't recall ever seeing anything like that.

So when we returned I felt somewhat defeated. It was lunch time and we had ordered Aiya for lunch and eating it before we finally discussed what we...well didn't find.

"There's nothing new," Yu said plainly. "I asked a few teachers and they all said they had never seen any seniors dress that way...but also school was hardly the time you would see them in their normal clothes."

"I managed to ask some seniors and they pretty much said the same thing...if someone did dress that way they didn't dress any differently at school to indicate it...no modifications to their uniforms or anything to give that kind of indication. So...it seems like he isn't a senior...or if he is then...nobody seems to have seen him outside of school dressed that way," I really felt like it was pointless. I had talked to so many people to only learn that...I hadn't learned anything.

"Yes...I as well turned up with similar results," Naoto shook her head. "As a matter of fact most of it discredited it because they had never had any problems from someone dressed that way. They all said the closest that dressed that way that they had problems with in the past was Tatsumi-san but also commented he had not been a problem for quite a long time. Either way none knew who it was that was in the report. Whoever it was...more than likely kept a low profile...because it is somewhat hard to be relatively unknown in a town as small as Inaba."

"So we don't know anything about him..." Chie let out an exasperated sigh. "How are we supposed to stop the killer if we can't figure out the victim?"

"But...it is on everyone's minds...even if they don't know who he is...many people have seen him," Yukiko pointed out.

"That's true...many I talked to indicated they had seen someone dressed like that before...but there didn't seem to be a link to him being a student here at Yasogami," Naoto said. "It's possible that they take extra steps to not be noticed at school? I can't think of anything else."

Yosuke let out a long sigh, "I guess that means we have no choice but to wait for another rainy night."

"I hate to say it, but its true...we just don't have enough to go off," Yu was clearly not happy about it. "Let's refocus on practice for now. We do have the performance to worry about. Plus its supposed to be clear skies tomorrow so we have some more time to investigate."

That was definitely a relief. We all finished our lunches and moved on to practice...I was immensely surprised by how much better they had all gotten. By the end of the day we were actually performing the song. No, it wasn't perfect and I didn't expect it to be...but considering teh small amount of time it worked out great. The song simply repeated a lot of the same chords so once they knew the variations it was relatively simple for them to pick up on it. I was finally able to push forward and get them all to focus on the song. While in the back of our minds...all of us thought of the guy...our possible Senpai who could be in danger...and we were no closer to being able to find him.


October 10th, 2011 / Late Evening

Rise's House

RISE'S Point of View -

The performance had gone pretty well...but they had only practiced the one song...which was pretty damn good for only one day of practice. And all I did was sing...no time to actually learn a dance when we were more focused on just getting to a point where we could perform. The audience had loved the performance but we couldn't do an encore because we didn't have anything else to give. Then Teddie had taken advantage of the situation and body surfed. Still because of all the commotion and the other guys trying to do it as well we had gotten away from the whole situation.

It should have been better but Yosuke-senpai had thanked us...telling us that it was exactly what had been needed and thanks to what we did we had managed to salvage the day for his Father. A lot of customers came in and sales were apparently pretty high from what Yosuke-senpai had been saying. So it was good that it all worked out.

Still I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that another person could be a victim...so here I was...in the living room, my Grandmother already in bed and me with nothing to do but stare at a TV...clouds had started rolling in this evening...so I had a bad feeling that...

Almost as if I could sense it...I could see out the window that it was in fact raining. I looked to see my phone light up and picked it up, "Hey Senpai."

"Kujikawa...looks like its raining," Yu said. "Also I wanted to apologize."

That caught me off guard, "Huh? About what?"

"I know you've been thinking about this a lot. I wish I could have found something more substantial. I went around asking today but I didn't find out anything new," Yu explained. He wasn't doing it just for me though...I knew he was worried about it. Still I appreciated the sentiment.

"Let's just do what we can. Even if he gets taken then we'll simply just have to be there to rescue him," I pushed my regular cheerful tone to reassure him.

"I'm going to call the others, you just focus on the midnight channel," Yu said before hanging up.

I let out a deep sigh and watched as it ticked closer to midnight. And I felt my insides twist up as a result...I needed to find out more...but...I also just didn't want to see anything at all. It hit midnight...and my TV came to life. This wasn't a blurry picture...this was vivid...colorful...I jumped up to my feet. He had black hair...but his eyes were a vivid blue but all of that was a lie...we already knew that this was his Shadow. But he was wearing clothes that were in tatters...as if it had been slashed or cut by blades...

"Ladies and Gentlemen...welcome to my execution. I have been found guilty of murder so its time I pay for my crimes. It's no less than I deserve after I stood by and allowed it to happen. Stay tuned as this coward finally gets what he deserves...a swift unfeeling death in a prison of cold. And all of you out there will want to watch me agonize every second along the way. I'll be performing my own execution so I hope you stay until the end...but I guess I won't know...cause I'll be dead!" He let out a cruel...unfeeling laugh as the screen faded back to black.

I felt numb...what had I just watched...and...he hadn't said his name...wait...No! This meant he was already in the TV world! I scrambled to pick up my phone again but it was already ringing. This time it was Naoto that was calling.

"First, calm down," it was the first thing Naoto said. "Deep breaths, Rise-san."

I hadn't realized I had been in a panic till she told me this so I took a couple of deep breaths. After a moment I felt more relaxed, "Naoto-kun I...we couldn't stop them again. Someone else got taken."

"Yes...but I don't like the fact that his 'show' was quite different than ours had been. For now get some rest and we'll meet up with everyone tomorrow," Naoto tried to soothe me but I was quite shaken by what I had seen.

"Alright...good night, Naoto-kun." I said finally.

"Goodnight, Rise-san," Naoto said before hanging up.

I headed up to my room and collapsed onto my bed looking up at the ceiling...the way it had looked...the hatred in that voice. Those words...It's no less than I deserve after I stood by and allowed it to happen. There was such unbridled rage in that sentence...for the first time I was scared to know...just what had they gone through? I fell into an uncomfortable sleep...the words from the Midnight Channel haunting me every moment.


October 11th, 2011 / After School

Yasogami High School Rooftop

RISE'S Point of View -

"His name is Ikakure Kayane," Yu said to start us off. "I overheard teachers talking. Soufe-sensei said one of her students was missing...and that it was unusual because he had a perfect attendance record for all of high school. She also called his Mother and found out that he wasn't at home. Soufe-sensei didn't believe he would skip so she seems really worried about him."

"It's all circumstantial but we don't have much else to go off. The speech he made on the Midnight Channel made no indications as to what his identity was," Naoto said but Yu presented them all with a year book.

"No...its him...this is his picture," Yu said pointing it out.

I leaned in...and there was no mistaking it...that was definitely who we saw on the Midnight Channel.

"Wait...Ikakure...Kayane?" Naoto stopped for a moment.

"What is it?" Yosuke asked.

"I think I've heard that name before. Let's split up and try and find out more about him for now. I have something I want to check," Naoto said and quickly left the rooftop.

"She must be on to something. For now we'll split up and then meet up at Junes later. This is just like always, everyone," Yu said which helped me get my focus on track. Everyone then split up, including me. I headed down to teh third floor and saw one of the girls I had questioned just the other day about the news report. I figured it was a good place to start. "Hey...it was Ichide-san, right?"

She smiled, "Oh it's Risette...got another question for me?" she seemed like a kind girl.

"Do you know Ikakure Kayane?" I asked.

"Ikakure? Oh yeah I know him. He's in my class 3-2 with me. But I don't really know him. Hey, Saya...who's friends with Ikakure?" She turned to one of her friends.

"I...I don't know...I don't think I've ever seen him with anyone," her friend seemed baffled as if she had never realized this before. "But Ikakure wasn't here today too."

"Oh yeah...is that why you're asking?" Ichide looked back to me.

"Yeah...something like that," So did he not have any friends? At all? "What's Ikakure like in class?"

"Um...quiet? He doesn't really talk much...at least I don't really remember him doing so. Oh but he's smart," She looked like something in her had clicked in her head. "Remember Saya? Ikakure got first on our last finals...I think he was only like two or three points from like a perfect score. It was pretty impressive. I congratulated him and he was really polite."

"Yeah he's definitely much better mannered than most the other Seniors. He definitely is smart too. I don't think he's ever given a wrong answer when called out in class. But yeah he never talks unless we talk to him. I don't think he's ever tried to talk to any of us either," Saya commented.

"Oh but he's got some broad shoulders and looks like he's in shape...I wonder if anyone has asked him out," Ichide wondered.

"Yeah, and if he asked you, would you say yes?" Saya teased.

"Heck yeah, he's got that tall dark and handsome down...it just seems like it would be hard to get close to him...he never looks like he wants to be here," Ichide admitted. "Sorry Risette, not sure if we're any help...we don't know much about him."

"No you've been a big help, thanks," I said as I headed down stairs to leave the school. I had a feeling that I would get more of the same from other seniors. But if Kayane was the same one that dressed that way in the news report...but he sounded like he was just a shy and well mannered student...perhaps too perfect. Still with all of this I didn't know anything about who Kayane was as a person...and in order to find him in the TV world I needed to know more about him. But Naoto seemed to have had an idea as to who he was...or had heard of him before. Hopefully her lead would give her more information than her.

I spent some time asking a few others but I headed to Junes early to our secret headquarters and found Naoto already there...sifting through some folders.

"You already finished up?" I asked as I sat down. Naoto looked up and had a grim look on her face.

"Yes...I found...more than I thought I would," she didn't sound very happy about that. She closed the folder in front of her. "It would be best to go over it after everyone else arrives. I already sent a message to Narukami-san and informed him that further investigation would be unnecessary."

Was what she found that detailed? Just what had she found? Now I was very curious. I could wait...and instead went and got myself some green tea before the others came back. When I returned the rest of the Investigation Team had arrived.

"Shirogane...should I start with the others first?" Yu asked.

"Please," Naoto said.

"I'll start," I spoke up. "I talked to a couple of seniors. They are in Ikakure-senpai's class. They say he's really intelligent but quiet and reserved. He generally keeps to himself from what his classmates were saying."

"I talked with some Junes employee's and apparently they have seen him come in with those clothes on occasion and one of them remembered checking his ID at one point and it was Ikakure Kayane. So there is no mistake here...this is our guy," Yosuke interjected. "But what Kujikawa says matches up with their description of him. Seemed intelligent and quiet. Also very respectful. Despite what clothes he wore it said nothing about the personality he had."

"Yukiko and I came up with something similar as well," Chie added in.

"Alright then...Shirogane, if you would begin then," Yu said as he sat back in his spot.

Naoto hesitated and placed her hand on the file. "Ikakure was a name I had come across before...not in anything recent but old cases I had studied in the past. It...didn't take me long to find it. Around ten years ago there was a case of domestic violence that was found due to a different case. A girl tied to Ikakure Kayane died at the hands of her Father. As it turns out she had also been significantly sexually abused by her Father. But her journal had indicated that Ikakure Kayane was being physically abused by his Uncle, whom he was staying with."

"Wait, what?" Kanji got to his feet. "What kind of shit is this?"

"It's...as bad as it sounds. Both cases were connected because of the friendship that Ikakure had with the girl Fujikara Miyuki. Details on the case revealed that Miyuki set a trap to expose her Father's actions to her Mother with the intention of then tipping the cops to investigation Ikakure's Uncle," Naoto grabbed her hat and tucking it down. "However when her Mother arrived there was some chaotic moments and her Father aggressively threw Miyuki and her head came in sharp contact with the edge of a table, killing her instantly. Miyuki, however, had written the details of all of it within her journal. They had no reason not to believe what was written as most of it was told in conjunction with the abuse she had taken. The results were exactly what had been described. The physical evidence alone was enough to incarcerate Ikakure's Uncle. There is...some pictures here about the injuries that Ikakure had sustained. I wish I had not seen them, if I'm being completely honest."

So...wait...he had been...abused? It was like my brain couldn't process what it was hearing.

"He used to live in the city, but after both trials were over he was adopted by the mother of Fujikara Miyuki and moved to Inaba to basically start over. His medical records indicate he has been seeing regular therapists since then...and..." Naoto's voice fell softer. "One recorded suicide attempt."

"Is that what that shit was about on the Midnight Channel? The one he stood by and allowed something to happen...he blames himself for the death of his friend?" Kanji echoed the thoughts that probably everyone was having.

"Yes...based on what we know from this...the facts speak for themselves. If you combine this with what all of you heard...it seems odd but actually if someone wanted less attention sometimes the best way to do so is...segregating yourself from your peers by other means. His good grades...good manners...its possible all of that is so he doesn't have to befriend anyone...but also has no enemies either." Naoto was speaking softer than usual...she obviously didn't like this...I didn't either.

"What the hell?" Kanji couldn't believe it.

"That's...horrible," Yosuke muttered.

"So he has no friends because...is he afraid?" Chie thought out loud.

"We...have to save him. We...we can't let him be alone anymore," Yukiko declared.

Teddie had been quiet, "I'm not quite sure what all of that means...someone close to him died but his Uncle did something bad to him?"

"Shirogane...may I?" Yu said reaching over to the folder.

"Senpai...are you sure you want to look?" Naoto asked.

Yu hesitated seeing the look on Naoto's face. "We've already invaded his privacy...but by going to rescue him...were going to see the truth about what happened to him. All of you should be prepared to see something you don't like. I would count all of us lucky to not have experienced something like this...but that's also why we have to be there to support him. But its likely he's not going to want it." Naoto relented and pushed the file to Yu. "You should all see this." He opened it and spread out the pictures contained with in. There was pictures of a young boy...bruises and cuts covering his body...some healed from long ago...some more recent and still healing. It was sickening...his entire body was covered in bruises...just...how badly had he been beaten.

I looked through the files...there was so many more injuries recorded here. Broken ribs...and some that had healed incorrectly because of not being taken to the hospital...and so he spent a great deal of time in and out of the hospital after the trial to correct several things. I felt like I couldn't breath...like something had a grip on my heart and refused to let go. I reached down taking one of the pictures...it was one of the few pictures with his face on it. That expression...a kid should never have to make an expression like this. He was broken...like there was no recovering from what had happened to him. "No..." I found myself whispering.

"All of you should know what I'm saying, right?" Yu put a comforting hand on my wrist and eased the picture of young Ikakure away from me.

"He's spent a lot of time hiding it...probably more forcefully than we ever hid any of ours," Yosuke commented.

"He's going to resist our help," Chie added.

"He needs us...even more than just being rescued," Yukiko breathed softly.

"I want to show him that's its okay to trust again...that its okay to reach out for help," I found myself saying...the image of those eyes haunted me...those were not the eyes of a child...they were more like someone that was dead...someone that didn't know how to live anymore.

"Then we're all in agreement?" Yu said pulling out his phone. "It's already late but the sky is clear so we don't have to worry about sudden rain tonight. We'll meet up here immediately after school and we'll go save Senpai. So everyone, go home and get some rest. We need to be at our best to help him."

We all agreed and we all left, not saying much else...I think we were all still shaken by what we had seen. Ikakure...even if its just a little bit at a time...I want to help heal you. I want to be there the day you are able to open your heart again.


October 12th, 2011 / After School

The TV World

RISE'S Point of View -

"I think with Ikakure missing the police will re-open the case and realize Mitsuo was just a copycat killer?" Yosuke as we all were adjusting after landing in the TV world.

"It's likely. I heard that Ikakure's Mother filed the missing report this morning and she was quite...energetic?" Naoto didn't seem to know how to word it.

"I guess thats why Uncle Dojima left in such a hurry this morning," Yu said scratching his head.

"Senpai...if anything I think your Uncle will use this to re-open the case...he has already indicated that he didn't believe that Mitsuo was responsible for everything. He knew there was inconsistencies with the first cases. They still never appropriately determined cause of death or anything from the first two victims," Naoto was speculating at this point. "I believe he also suspects that those that have been kidnapped were intended to be targets."

"I just know he's gonna catch on to this eventually," Yu groaned.

"Don't worry partner. We'll back you up," Yosuke said.

I know I was supposed to get rest for today...and I did sleep...eventually. But when I did...I had nightmares. I didn't know Ikakure Kayane...but all I did was dream about how much he had suffered. And how I couldn't save him. I stepped away from the others and summoned Kanzeon. "Huh?"

"Rise-san? What's wrong? Can you not find him?" Chie asked.

I dismissed my Persona as I turned back to the others, "No...that isn't it." I hugged myself as I felt an immense cold rush over me. "I could have found him even without Kanzeon's help." I felt it...if only for a moment...two very distinct emotions. Regret and hatred...hatred towards himself. And those feelings had completely overwhelmed me...so much that I had to forcefully disconnect myself from it. But now I knew exactly where he was...and on some level...I couldn't break the connection because a part of me didn't want to...a part of me wanted to know what he felt. And its probably why even now I wasn't letting completely go of it. "We need to go." I didn't wait...I just started walking...I couldn't stay...I couldn't wait...I had to get to him.

"Kujikawa? Is...she alright?" Yosuke seemed to be asking Yu.

"Oh...man...this is bad. I've never smelled something like this before..." Teddie said. "It's really strong...like its pulling me but also trying to push me out."

"Kujikawa, slow down," It was Yu he gently grabbed my arm. "What's wrong? I've never seen you like this."

"You don't feel it," I said simply...not averting my eyes from the direction of out destination. "His regret bleeds into an immense anger for himself. And its cold...so very cold. Senpai...he's so lonely...he wants to call out but he doesn't know how...he doesn't want to get anyone else hurt...he thinks its his fault that she died...he thinks he'll only hurt others...but he wants to reach out...he's so...conflicted...I...I have to get to him Senpai! I can't let him be alone!"

"I got it. We'll go as quick as we can but you need to stay focused...if we're going to help him then we have to be careful and do this right, or we won't be able to save him," Yu quietly reminded me which allowed me to pull my focus back. I dried my eyes, not realizing I had been crying. But we kept moving.

Finally...we had arrived. Was this a house or a prison? Either way...the whole place seemed to be covered in ice.

"Oh...what's this? And who are you people?" A voice greeted us...we looked up to see him resting on railing on a upper staircase. Those golden eyes gave away exactly who he was...he was Ikakure Kayane's Shadow. He was wearing a Yasogami uniform...but it was ripped and cut and places covered in blood.

"We came for Ikakure-senpai!" Yosuke declared our intentions.

The Shadow just looked confused, "Huh? Why?"

"We're going to rescue him," Yukiko stepped up.

"Rescue?" the Shadow laughed...as if the thought was the funniest thing he had heard. "Rescue what exactly?" The Shadows face turned grim. "There is nothing here to rescue."

"That might be the way he feels but we don't give up that easily," Yu said as he walked forward. "He just isn't aware that its what he really wants."

"Oh...I know exactly what he really wants. True solitude...a means to pay for the crimes he committed. Deny life and all others...only by paying the ultimate price will he ever make it up to the actions he didn't take." The Shadow said the words with immense hatred and yet I could feel the despair...the absolute regret hidden in what he said.

"This may be what he wants...but we're still going to take him out of here and show him that life is still worth living, damn it!" Kanji stepped forward ready to deck the Shadow.

"Worth living?" The Shadow laughed once more. "You know what...come on in...if you can make it to the halfway point. Then I'll tell you all something real good." And with that, the Shadow disappeared and the prison bars that had blocked our path was removed. A staircase was in front of us.

"I don't like this," Yosuke admitted.

"He didn't seem resistant to our presence...only confused...as if surprised that anyone would put effort in to help Senpai," Naoto shook her head. "If so that just means we need to press forward with haste."

I summoned my Persona again to sense ahead. "There are definitely Shadows...make that a lot of Shadows." I quickly dismissed Kanzeon again when I felt that pressure threatening to consume me again. "Guys...I can't stay connected to Kanzeon for long...this place it just it wants to connect me to him..."

"Kujikawa...I think I know why...if we can take a moment to talk about it...but only if your comfortable with it," Yu said softly. I looked at him somewhat unsure what he meant.

"What do you mean, Senpai? I don't mind...I mean...everyone here already knows about me and..." I trailed off.

"Why did you become an idol?" Yu asked.

"Because I...was bad at making friends...I had no confidence so I thought it would be...wait...what are you getting at?" I asked.

"Kujikawa...you have taken this more personally than others in the past and I think its because of a similar thread here...but at the same time it is incredibly different," Yu said. "You were alone for a long time...so had Ikakure-senpai. I don't think you've sensed it but that is really what is drawing you here...is the sense of isolation and loneliness. It is not just regret or anger that is here. While you were afraid that people didn't see the real you and felt alone as a result...He is afraid of people seeing the real him...because he feels he'll only betray and hurt them...but he also doesn't want it...its a contradiction that he can't get past."

"Much like my own..." I found myself saying. "I was under the belief that what I had been before an idol was the only real me. And Senpai...he feels that because he never helped Miyuki that...he would never be able to help anyone else. So he isolates himself...because he thinks thats whats best..." Suddenly the emotions I connected to when I summoned my Persona made sense...and why I was drawn to it. "I can't help it...the moment I summon Kanzeon I lock on to Ikakure as if he is the only one here. He's calling for help...he's calling for me...I don't know why but..."

"Don't worry, Rise-chan," Yukiko was next to me and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "It's because you understand that emotions...you're kindred spirits...He doesn't realize he's calling out...or that you're the one that hears his calls. But we will get to him."

"Got it now, Kujikawa?" Yu said as he was pulling out his sword. "It will be hard on you...but you have to embrace what he's trying to show you...because he wants us to understand...he wants someone to be there. Thats what we have to be and do for our Senpai. We have to let him know that he isn't alone...not anymore."

I nodded, "I know." I said as Yu started walking towards the stairs. I promise, Ikakure Kayane...I won't let you be alone anymore. I know how desolate that feeling can be...that your alone and that you'll never have anyone with you. For me I was surrounded by people but I always felt alone. For you...it was always the outside looking in...afraid to take that chance. But I'll come to you...and give you my hand...and if you take it...I will never let you go.


October 12th, 2011 / After School

Kayane's Dungeon (Frigid Labyrinth)

RISE'S Point of View -

The Shadows were no laughing matter...Yu-senpai ended up having to slower than he wanted as a result...they were powerful and plentiful. At one point we needed to go back to take a momentary rest...but we quickly refocused and made the push forward once again. Six floors passed...when we got up to floor 7 we came to a large open room and standing before us was the shadow of Ikakure Kayane.

"Oh you did make it. Quite the gauntlet of baddies to work though isn't it?" he laughed. "Did my taunt from earlier motivate you to come here?"

That's right...he said he would tell us something if we made it to the halfway point. "What is it?" I asked.

He looked at me, "Hmm...you know I like you for some reason. You really connect with this place...don't you?" He chuckled as he seemed to study me. I did my best not to show any reaction but knew that he was right...I really did connect with this place. "Okay kids...quiz time! What is my name?"

"You're Ikakure Kayane's Shadow," Naoto provided.

"Ooh...double right. Seems you have some idea then of who he is. So maybe you are here intentionally. Here I thought you weren't aware you're coming to save a murderer," The Shadow seemed disappointed.

"Murderer? That isn't right...he simply..."

"...stood by and said nothing about Miyuki's suffering that eventually got her killed? His silence and inaction is what made her be in constant danger. Yet she never blamed us...never once accused us of not trying to help her. We deserved it...We deserved her hatred. We were a coward...too scared to even move from our place by the door...constantly scratching and digging hopelessly to try and escape. We did not act and that decision made Miyuki die. Tell me...how is that not murder?" His Shadow got more passionate with hate as he spoke.

"He was only a child and..."

"So quick to justify his inaction. Will making excuses for him really save him the way you want? Such naive sentiments," The Shadow waved them off and sighed. "No one here is deserving of your rescue or forgiveness. He is a murderer that should pay for his crimes."

"Ikakure was a victim! He was a boy who was trapped in a prison with no guarantee that anything he did would do anything. The only one responsible for the death of Fujikara Miyuki is her Father!" Naoto had lost her cool. "You're so clouded by guilt of her death that you've forgotten just what it was like for you and why you couldn't do anything. And no one at any point ever blamed you."

"They all said that...you're only a child...you were scared...you're just as much a victim as Miyuki-san! You can all say that but only because you aren't responsible for someones death! But you know what...that makes me less caring for being responsible for a few more," His eyes gained an odd glow as he looked back at us with a more sinister look than before.

"Everyone watch up...he's...summoning something," I quickly told the group. The Shadow of Ikakure waved his hand as a large Gigas type shadow appeared before them.

The Shadow of Ikakure disappeared as Yu-senpai and the others stepped up to face the new Shadow. Then I was completely startled when something unexpected happened. The Shadows voice connected directly with me.

"I know you...haha...no wonder you've been allowed to keep going. You don't know Ikakure Kayane...but he knows you...Risette," Shadow Ikakure was taunting me now. But...it isn't surprising that he would know an idol.

Was he a fan then? Could I...use that to pull him out of this?

The Shadows laugh echoed in my mind, "Silly little idol. Do you really think even the great Risette can cut through to his heart when it is so covered in thorns? Don't get so cocky...when you alone don't even know if you ever really connected with your audience."

His words froze me but his presence that had entered my mind was now gone. I couldn't let my guard down...or he would slip past my defenses again. Even still his words still remained...because he was right. I had wanted to make friends...to express that to my fans...but I had felt more isolated on stage than anywhere else. How could I hope to do that with Ikakure even if he was a fan? No...I had to try. You can't move forward if you don't even take the first step. Senpai and the others reached out to me...accepted me and everything that I was...I wanted to be the same thing for Ikakure-senpai.

I summoned Kanzeon and focused on the Shadow. Yu and Kanji made it easy with Yukiko providing backup right before Chie came in and landed a powerful finishing blow to the Shadow. It disappeared...and a staircase appeared to head up to the next level.

"This place keeps going up. And this is supposed to be the halfway point? So we got 7 more floors to go up?" Yosuke groaned.

"I neglected to bring this up earlier...because I wanted us to push forward but...we cannot leave unless we rescue Ikakure-senpai," Naoto said suddenly which stopped everyone.

"Oh right...it's supposed to rain tonight," Kanji said and we all realized what that meant.

"We have a good pace...lets just keep moving. We aren't leaving without him...regardless of how late that makes us getting out of here. Agreed?" Yu made no room for question. Everyone quickly agreed. We continued pressing forward.

"I watched it happen you know. Watched as her Father grabbed her...stripped her...groped her...violated her. I could see the tears in her eyes as she tried to make me leave. Me...leave so I didn't have to see it...she was there being violated and she still sought to protect me. Again and again I did nothing as she continued to be subjected to her Father's twisted desires!" The voice of the Shadow greeted us on the 12th floor when we finally reached it. "We watched it happen!"

"Yes...it was Ikakure-senpai's testimony in the case that had gone a long way to help convict the man...However...such an event would cause a significant amount of psychological damage," Naoto said. "We have to hurry."

Shadow after Shadow we defeated...pushing ourselves more than ever. It was a race against the clock. There was no leaving for another day...we had to rescue him today or there would no longer be anyone to rescue. Eventually we did make it...up to the 14th and final floor. As we entered the room...we found him...we had finally found him.

"Fight it all you want. But I will never forget this day. All I could do was watch. I was nothing but a weak and powerless kid. So in the end what was the point in fighting? I wasn't able to accomplish anything. And in the end I couldn't save her. YOU couldn't save her. No...you didn't even TRY to save her," Ikakure's Shadow seemed to grin as the real Ikakure shrank back at the words. "I am to blame for everything that happened. If I had been stronger I could have saved her. YOU could have saved her."

"Miyuki and I knew better than to do anything. We were just kids, there was nothing we could have done. We would have just made things worse in the long run," Ikakure-senpai was justifying what he did...but he wasn't wrong...however his real feelings was that he felt he should have been able to do something. I know stopping him would stop his Shadow from going berserk...but...

Yu put his hand on my shoulder...just a glance and I knew he understood what I was thinking. He nodded...he agreed with me on this.

"No, you just did nothing. You were too weak. In the end it is just better if you never existed to begin with. Miyuki must have hated you, just like everyone else. You deserve every scar on your body. You should just die," The Shadow said it with such...hatred. Di Ikakure...really hate himself this much?

Ikakure-senpai said nothing...but whatever he had been thinking...had been clearly conveyed to the Shadow.

"You had no control? Is that really what you believe? No, you are nothing but a coward that shouldn't continue breathing!" The Shadow was screaming this now.

Ikakure-senpai turned around seemingly unaffected by the Shadow and his anger. "Shut up," he said.

"Running away like you always do," The Shadow seemed...disappointed.

Ikakure took a couple steps but he suddenly collapsed down to the ground. I couldn't stop myself, "Senpai!" I ran out and everyone quickly followed me.

"Ikakure-san!" Yu yelled out. He looked to us...and looked understandably confused about our presence.

"You're all such an annoying bunch. Why are you even here?" The Shadow still held that genuine surprise from when we had first seen him at the entrance.

"We're here to save Senpai!," I said defiantly as we quickly approached where Ikakure had collapsed. The others crowded in front to protect him as I focused on him. He looked at me...and what I saw was the same confusion his Shadow had expressed...he really...didn't believe anyone would come to help him.

"Save him? You must be joking. No one would ever want to save this pathetic excuse for a human being. Shall I show you the true darkness of his heart?" The Shadow kicked something forward...something I hadn't noticed...it was a body...there was only one person it was meant to be. "This girl was named Fujikara Miyuki. Want to know something interesting about her? Or maybe I should just show you the truth?"

The Shadow wasn't taunting us...he was doing this to provoke Ikakure...we all knew that. But none of us attempted to stop it.

"She was a childhood friend. Someone he loved very dearly. She was the only one able to make us forget our uncle. The one that beat us every night. Then one day, I saw something I wasn't supposed to see. The things that her Father did to her, I knew it was wrong. The way he touched her, groped her, kissed her. Guess what I did? Nothing," The Shadow had already told us this...but this was to push Ikakure further. He was twisting the knife in a wound.

"No, shut up! Don't please..." Ikakure pleaded...and his words tore into my own heard to hear the pain behind it. He slowly got to his feet...I stayed close to him...cautious of the next few moments.

"So you're going to speak now? Don't want to share the shame of your life, murderer? What right do you have to speak when you've spent it with your mouth shut!? Blindly accepting everything because you were too weak to fight," The Shadow continued to bare his gaze directly onto Ikakure.

"How can you know all this? Who are you?" Ikakure asked.

As Shadows often did...he laughed. "Isn't it obvious? I'm you." Most Shadows said this with pride...but this one said it with just as much disdain as he had said everything else.

"Me? What do you mean? That isn't possible," Ikakure shook his head. Of course he would reject it...any normal or sane person would...the very idea was crazy...but this place wasn't normal...our world not as simple as we thought.

"Running away still? Even now in a world made by your mind you would still reject the simple truth. No wonder she never trusted you. Or rather, us. She died because of us. We kept our mouths shut, and we could have stopped it. All we had to do was tell the police or even Miyuki's Mother, but we didn't. We did NOTHING." The Shadows words were enough to cut deep to Ikakure. I didn't like seeing this...I could see the pain he had buried coming to the surface.

"No, I was just a kid. No one would have believed me and..."

"That is just the lie that we told ourselves, isn't it? We were nothing but a coward, and because of that we lost her. Guess what she did before breathing her last breath? She told her Mother about what had been happening to us. She saved us a life with our Uncle. But what did we ever do for her? Tell me...what did WE do? The truth is we are the ones that should be dead." The Shadows anger was so tangible that it was like an invisible energy being directed squarely on Ikakure. Naoto said that the struggle had instantly killed Miyuki...so had her Mom arrived and she started to tell her mom everything before her Father got angry and threw her...I could only imagine how bad things got after that.

"Shut up! Shut UP! SHUT UP!" Ikakure wasn't denying it...he was trying to stop from remembering. He didn't want to remember...so he did the only thing he could...he rejected it. "You're wrong...You...you...You aren't me. You can't be me!"

I silently moved behind him as the others prepped to battle the Shadow. Yu moved up to Ikakure.

"That's right, I'm me now. And the first think I'm going to do is kill all of you!" The Shadow lunged forward and as it did Yu grabbed Ikakure and pulled him back as the Shadow began to transform.

"Stay back Ikakure-senpai. Leave this to us," Yu comforted him.

"Who...are you guys?" he asked as he was losing strength fast.

"We'll explain everything later, okay Senpai? But we came here to save you," I said as I took him from Yu and eased him down to the ground. I saw it in his eyes...genuine surprise...like he couldn't fathom what I had just said to him.

"Why?" he asked.

"Get out of my way! I'm doing the world a favor by removing that worthless piece of trash. His Uncle understood that. No wonder he beat him every day," The Shadow appeared fully transformed...large...and dark color but his body...was covered with blades...swords, knives...they pierced his body. "I am a Shadow, the true self. I will kill everyone before the end!"

Ikakure went limp against me as I pulled him further away from the fight. I laid him on the ground as well as I could and put his head in my lap. At least for the moment he looked to be at peace...but as the battle raged in front of us his expressions changed.

"Move! This murderer should die!" His Shadow bellowed.

I clutched Ikakure's head in my lap. "It must be so hard on your own...not feeling like you can get close to anyone. But it isn't that you don't want it...but you're afraid of it. But I won't...I won't let you be alone anymore..."


October 25th, 2011 / Late Night

Kayane's House

RISE'S Point of View -

"You woke up shortly after we defeated it...and well...you know the rest," I said finishing up the details of what had happened. I didn't tell him exactly everything verbatim but it was mostly just what I remembered.

Kayane was facing away from me now...looking out the window as the rain was still falling but the thunder and lightning had now stopped. "Sounds like it was hardly an easy time."

"Well it all happened pretty quickly. And we didn't have much choice," Because if we hadn't...he would have died.

"There is always a choice...but just some prices you aren't willing to pay, right?" he said...still not looking at me.

"Is it really so hard to believe that no one would help you? You looked like you were so surprised when we got to you...that you didn't understand why anyone would help..." I didn't want to believe that there wasn't a part of him that wanted someone to show up.

"Because I was surprised," he shrugged. I didn't like this...he was distancing himself from me again. I moved around the table and sat next to him...making sure not to touch him but I just wanted to be close.

"We're going to be performing together, remember? But you know I'm not going to disappear after that...or even years later. I won't ever let you be alone...no matter how much you try and push me away," I said softly and he finally turned looking at me. But it was my turn to cast my eyes away.

"You can't know that," his voice dropped to almost a whisper. "No one can know that."

"Ikakure-senpai...don't do this. Please...don't block me out. Even if its only me...no...especially if its me...I want you to see me!" I found myself turning towards him and leaning in to him...looking into his eyes...those amazing pristine blue eyes that seemed to glow. Oh man...I am getting carried away again. I took a moment to scoot away from him after I noticed his arm shaking from my proximity. "I want to know you...I want to be close to you."

"You're crazy," he said after a moment. "And incredibly stubborn."

"I'm okay with that," I didn't care what I had to do...but for some reason I wanted to make it clear that I wasn't going to just let this go. "Just know that the more you push me away...the harder I'm going to try."

"That's why I said you're stubborn," he sighed and this time got to his feet. He walked over to the door, "Kujikawa...give me time. I may push you away...I may even hurt you...but its a reflex...but I want to move forward...I don't want to block you out. So if you keep trying...then maybe...it will all work out eventually."

This was what I wanted to hear...I wanted to make sure he was okay with this...okay with me pursuing him. "Senpai...I'm never going to give up on you."

"Don't tell me that...words mean nothing to me," He said before disappearing out into the hall.

Normally I would want to be angry about him saying that. The exception is that I already knew this about him...but at the same time. "You're a liar, Senpai." I pulled over his notebook on his table and flipped the page...seeing a mess of lyrics over multiple pages. "Words are very important to you...you just want to be shown that when someone tells you something...that they mean it."

I turned the page and saw my name halfway through the page. I quickly closed the notebook and placed it back on the table. I got to my feet and walked over to his shelving unit that held a lot of music...I saw a collection of my CD's I was in. I had a couple full CD's but I had also appeared in one off tracks for anime songs and whatnot...so occasionally my tracks wouldn't be on my own album but on soundtracks. "Kayane," I whispered his first name. "I'll show you just how much every word I say really means to me. One way...or another."


A/N:

There are a few suggestive lines in this one but meh, nothing is explicit here. A part of me never wanted to do Rise's or anyone other than Kayane's point of view for a few reasons. Most of it has to do with I wanted to stick with the character that is new to the situation and explore how he figures things out as things occur and not give him the entire knowledge of previous events. It lets me tackle things at a certain pace that would be hard to keep if I kept head hopping to other characters. I had a couple friends that really wanted to see what Rise thought and gave their impressions of how Rise to them seemed to come off. So I implemented part of it and how I had seen her thinking the whole time.

Mostly I did this because I feel like this is a scene that would have happened with all the time they spent together. Plus with me putting the events of Golden in here it also meant there would be a thunderstorm on this day so this scene came together rather quickly as a result. Plus in order to put the golden events together I had to put an actual time line together to make sure nothing was out of place. So in the end I actually had a lot of fun with this.

One thing is we learn that Rise actually knew a lot more about him than she admits...and instead of having her explain it...I thought it would be better to just tell it through her perspective. Which seemed to work out rather well. People will probably not agree with my portrayal of her but a lot of her character beats and development have changed because of Kayane's appearance into the story. So things will change and just as Rise challenges Kayane, the reverse will also be true. As I add new scenes later on I may add more from Rise's perspective depending on the situation and it makes sense. I think people that have already read my fanfiction on deviantart probably have a few ideas where that might be.

Anyway, let me know what you think. Do you like seeing Rise's side...or maybe you don't...or any other comments as always. See you next week with Chapter 5.