Chapter 65: A New Start

*Flash Back*

Many months ago. When it was still young. When it was just two members before it became five. Walking down the hallways after classes were over.

Sayori: "Let's see. Where was the library again? Ah there it is." Seeing the sign that says Library. Entering the school's library she found that the place was empty. The halls empty, the computer desk seat less. The sign that says No Eating or Drinking! being stupid to Sayori. (Hmm, where could that girl I've been hearing about be? My classmates said there's this really smart girl who spends all her time here in the library, but I don't see her anywhere?"

She walks down the library and sees that there are more tables at the back all laid out for the student to read and study. She couldn't find the girl she was looking for until she saw a shade of purple near the corner of the room. (Ah that must be her?) She walks up closer and sees the purple head reading a book. (Hmm, purple hair, and purple eyes, tall, and pretty, that must definitely be her?)

"Hey can I talk to you?" The purple head doesn't respond. "Hey listen?" She tries to whisper louder, but the girl doesn't acknowledge her existence. Sayori starts to get kind of annoyed to the point where she raised her voice over the appropriate volume. "Hey can I talk to you!?" She shakes the girl and this time she responded.

Yuri: "Huh?" She looks up to Sayori surprised.

Sayori: "Yay, I finally got your attention."

Yuri: "O-Oh I'm v-very sorry. I d-didn't notice you. I-I didn't mean in a harsh way. Oh dear this is so embarrassing." She hides her face under her book she was reading. (Now she's going to think I'm very rude.)

Sayori: "That's fine. Sorry about bothering you in the middle of your reading. I just wanted to ask you something."

Yuri: "It's quite alright. I tend to forget my surroundings whenever I'm engross in a well written story. I'm sorry for making you stand there for a long time."

Sayori: "It's ok really. Do you mind if I ask you something?"

Yuri: "Y-yes of course."

Sayori: "Perfect, well let's see where should I start? Ah I know. So tell me how often do you come here?"

Yuri: "W-what?"

Sayori: "How often do you come over to the library?"

Yuri: "E-every day. I come here every day."

Sayori: "Even during lunch?"

Yuri: "Y-yes, but after I finish my lunch of course."

Sayori: "Ah I see, well that's good to hear. Can't work on an empty stomach."

Yuri: "Indeed"

Sayori: "Ok, so second question. Do you like anything literature related?"

Yuri: "Y-yes I do. I love to read and write."

Sayori: "Really like what?"

Yuri: "W-well … Sorry, but I can't tell you. If I do then I won't be able to stop talking. I'm sorry."

Sayori: "Hey that's cool. You must be like really smert?"

Yuri: "S-smart, but please don't say that. It's really embarrassing." She start fiddling her hair.

Sayori: "Ok, so next question. Would you like to join a club?"

Yuri: "C-club?"

Sayori: "Yup, How would you like to join the Literature Club?" She strikes a pose.

Yuri: "Literature Club? I didn't know our school had one?"

Sayori: "That's because it's brand new, so how about it? Want to join? We could really use your help and I think you fit in perfectly."

Yuri: "I, I don't know if I can?"

Sayori: "Come on, it'll be fun." She offers her, her hand.

Two days later.

Natsuki: "Hey is this the Literature Club?"

Monika: "Yes it is. Can I help you with something?"

Natsuki: "Cool. The names Natsuki. I saw a flier on the bulletin board, so I thought I check it out."

Monika: "Ah yes welcome, It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Monika the President of the Literature Club. This is Sayori the Vice President."

Sayori: "Hello again."

Natsuki: "Cool to meet you Queen."

Monika: "Heh, heh, you don't have to call me that."

Natsuki: "Hm? Oh hey Yuri. I thought I might see you here too."

Yuri: "Natsuki"

Monika: "Ah you two know each other?"

Natsuki: "… Well we had some classes together, but that's all really."

Yuri: "Indeed"

Monika: "… Well if that's really the case then welcome to our club."

Natsuki: "Thanks"

Monika: "Speaking of which I can't help but notice that it would seem like you have already met Sayori as well?"

Natsuki: "Yeah, she's the second reason why I'm here."

Monika: "Really now? Do tell."

Natsuki: "That girl would not leave me alone."

Sayori: "That's a bit much?"

Natsuki: "Well it's true. Ever since you saw me reading Manga at the roof top. You haven't left me alone since."

Sayori: "But you had the face of heck yeah let's go."

Natsuki: "I did not!" Everyone laughed together.

Monika: "Well it's nice to have you on board. Welcome to the Literature Club Natsuki."

Natsuki: "Like wise." The two shake hands.

The first week had come and go, but the adventure wasn't over. For the next chapter of their lives would change when the fifth arrived.

Sayori: "Hey everyone I brought us a new member!"

*Flash Back Ends*

Hearts beating in unison as the students come by. The long awaited Poetry Performance is now open to the public. While the Literature Club members talk amongst themselves. The students slowly enter the classroom one by one, most likely for Natsuki's cupcakes as they did before. To her surprised however the student who came by took their seats rather than leaving as soon as they got a cupcake. However, the club members are quick to realize that the students coming by are new faces as the ones who appeared last time are not here.

To them it would seem that the ones who came by last time already know that they would fail and would rather not waste time going to a performance where one girl couldn't even perform. Already knowing it was her fault, Yuri started to feel stress building up as more and more show up. Seeing the crowd the girls started to feel nervous and discourage at the sight of them, all except for Michael who remained calm as the students who hated him enter. While this is occurring down the halls of the same floor.

Sebastian: "What's going on here?"

Hina: "What's up?" She drinks a smoothie she got from a booth earlier.

Sebastian: "There's a crowd building up. See?"

Hina: "Oh I see it, but this is a Festival. Doesn't seem out of the ordinary?"

Lily: "Oh Hina check it out. There's a sign of what the club is."

Hina: "The Literature Club? Oh that must be the one that one girl goes to?"

Sakura: "The one Lily and Jane harassed?"

Jane: "Shut up, we were not harassing her. Though I guess we did go too far."

Sakura: "You're learning."

Jane: "Shut up!"

Hina: "Wonder what they're up to?" She takes out her phone to see the schedule. "Babe?" Her boyfriend moves up ahead.

Sebastian: "Do you girls want to go check it out?"

Hina: "If that's what you want then sure. What about you three?"

Lily: "Well I guess that's fine by me."

Sakura: "I don't mind."

Hina: "Jane?"

Jane: "… I guess that's fine."

Hina: "Well that's answer that. Let's go." All five of them enter the room, as they do another follows.

Sky: "Should be here? Ah that must be where the Literature Club is?" (I should go see how Sayori is doing, maybe see her in action. She did tell me about what her club is up to. Might as well check it out?) She soon enters the classroom.

As they enter, Sayori notices Sky walk in. When their blue eyes met, they both waved to each other and smiled as Sky took her seat. While that occurs. When Sebastian entered, Natsuki was surprised to see him again after their fight. When she saw him, she felt a bit of rage growing inside her. Her fists balled up in anger only for her to let go of her rage after remembering that he admitted to the Principle that he started the fight and was kicked off the Swimming Team.

As he enters, Yuri started to feel more nervous when she saw he wasn't alone as Hina and her friends showed up. The very same group of girls that bullied her, all except for Hina as she was the one who stopped them and apologized for their mischief. Still seeing them made her heart beat like crazy as she started to feel more fear of failure.

Unknown to them. Two individuals had entered the classroom. Two who planned to ruin the performance as Johnny and Ronald snuck right in, not to be detected by the Literature Club members. Both men took their seats in the middle of the rows of chairs where the students are to be seated. While they take their seats, two more people arrived to check out the performance.

?: *Sigh* "Why did I let you drag me here?" Said the boy with short brown hair and grey eyes.

? 2: "Come on Clyde, don't be a sour puss. It's the School Festival. We should be having fun and explore the unknown." Said the girl with white hair and blue eyes.

Clyde: "Honestly, you can be a pain sometimes Senna." He takes his seat folding his arms.

Senna: (Aye Clyde. He needs to let it go. He can't spend the rest of his life feeling sorry for himself. I just hope he gets better.)

As more and more students come by. They all start to have a conversation amongst themselves. The conversation, the gossip that made the girls more nervous and uncomfortable. People bringing up last year's events. Talking about how much of a failure the Literature Club is as it only has five members. Three of them not well liked by the school. Michael the delinquent, Natsuki the loli that ruined Sebastian's career, and Yuri the girl who thinks she's better than everyone else and yet couldn't even perform. As they talk, scars started to reopen as Yuri tears start to build up.

Michael: "Yuri …" He places his hand on her shoulder. "Don't cry yet. Save those tears after we rock the house." He gives her a warm friendly smile.

Yuri: "… I'll try my best. For the club."

While they talk the two main guests show up.

Monika: "Oh God." She face palms as the crowd grew louder.

Zackary: "My, how energetic everyone is today?"

Todd: "Maybe because no one expected you to show up?"

Zackary: "Really? I always thought everyone can see me?" The girls start cheering at the sight of the two boys. "Yes, hello everyone."

Todd: (How dumb can one guy be? Thank God he's not a Main Character to a story or something. I'm pretty sure if he was then the story would be boring and possible go nowhere.)

Monika: "How am I related to him?"

Sayori: "Well seems like he's well liked?"

Monika: "Kill me please."

Natsuki: "Who is he again? I forgot who he is?"

Yuri: "That's Monika's cousin, Zackary the Student Council President."

Natsuki: "Oh right I forgot he's a character. Still seems stupid for him to just show up out of nowhere. Like a character who just showed up to move the plot of the story without any real reason to be here."

Yuri: "Natsuki that seems …"

Natsuki: "Well at least I could see some of the resemblance between Monika and him."

Monika: "Can we please stop talking about this?" (Honestly, why does she think it's some kind of story with a lot of plot holes?) As they talk, both her cousin and Ex-Boyfriend take their seats at the front row. (Good thing I left a sign for him. The seat that has his name is his reserved chair. I didn't expect Todd to here too. Those two seem buddy, buddy with each other despite our history together?)

She looks around the whole classroom full of people. (Seems like we have a full house again. Right, it's time to put my game face on.) She adjust her white bow and straightens her uniform before taking center stage. The cheers from her classmates. The boys cheering for the Queen as the girls compliment her beauty. "Hello Everyone. Thank you all for joining us today. Today we hope to give you all a great performance here on The New Year's Festival. Allow me to introduce myself …"

While she give her speech Johnny and Ronald prepare for what's to come.

Johnny: "Ok so here's the run down. When Connor performs, that's when we throw the fire crackers."

Ronald: "Ok I got it."

Johnny: "Good, check to see when he'll perform." His friend looks over the pamphlet.

Ronald: "Says here he's going to be the last one to perform after Yuri."

Johnny: "Yuri? Yuri? … Is it the girl with the huge rack?"

Ronald: "Yes that one. The one who couldn't perform last time. The one who ran out crying."

Johnny: "God it's been that long eh?"

Ronald: "Yeah, so it looks like we're be here for a while. Might as well enjoy the show?"

Johnny: "Tsk! Great, just great. I have to spend God knows how long just to get my hands on him. Stupid club, who in the right mind would want to join a stupid club like that?"

Ronald: "Doesn't seem dumb to them?"

Johnny: "What for real?" Ronald shrugs. (Well it doesn't matter to me. Once Connor is dealt with their club will be put down as well. They need five to operate. Get rid of one and soon they all fall.) He looks up at Monika's happy expression as she gives off her speech. Soon enough she finishes as the crowd claps for her. (It's almost time. Connor, it's time to pay for your dad's sins.)

Monika: "And now, allow me to be the first to start things off." She bows before pulling out her poem from her sleeve. With a nice trick like that, people were amazed by her sudden stunt that even her cousin was surprised.

Zackary: (Guess she took the time to learn new things.) As she read the crowd remained silent as they enjoyed Natsuki's cupcakes. When she finished reading out loud her poem. The crowd roared with excitement with him clapping. "Well done Monika. Well done." He happily claps for her.

Todd: "That's to be expected of her." He claps alongside him.

After performing her poetry, Sayori took center stage. When she saw the crowd she was intimidated at first, but as the Vice President she had a role to fulfil and fulfil she did. She gave a wonderful performance that the crowd cheered with Sky being the loudest. Sayori notices her thanks to her bright blue hair and waved to her before stepping off stage.

Sky: (That was a great performance. To think I was worried. She looked like she was having fun.)

Seeing how the crowd cheered for both Sayori and Monika. Natsuki started to get nervous. She worried that she would make the crowd lose interest. Pinching her cheeks and taking a deep breath, she steps up on stage. Taking the spot light, as she does Sebastian leans a bit off his seat.

Hina: "Babe, you ok?"

Sebastian: "Yeah, I just want to listen more closely." His GF smiles.

Hina: "Let's cheer for her the best we can?"

Sebastian: "Yeah, that sounds good to me."

Hina: (Still feels guilty about the whole thing. Even after admitting he started it all, he still feels like shit. Even though it was his friend's fault. Thanks to them he got punished for it and just ditched him. I hope they get what they deserve for making my honey feel this way.)

After giving her performance not much people cheered for her. Most likely to them knowing what happened a month ago between her and Sebastian. However despite the crowd being somewhat dead, Sebastian and Hina gave their full support to her Natsuki. Seeing them off their seats clapping for her made her blush a bit as when the others saw them clapping they soon clapped too. Feeling a bit nervous, she waved to them before leaving.

Natsuki: *Sigh* "My heart. That was terrifying. Yuri you're up." She flops onto her chair.

Yuri: "… Okay. Oh dear." She looks at her poem. (Is this good enough? Am I good enough? I … I don't want to humiliate them again, but …) Flashes of last year pops into her head. The negativity people gave her, the insults they told her. It was enough to make her want to cry.

Monika: "Yuri" She gives her a hug from behind.

Yuri: "M-Monika?"

Monika: "Don't worry about it. Just give it all you got. No matter what happens, we all agreed that the five of us is just enough to have fun as a club. Don't worry about us, just go up there and show the crowd how amazing you are."

Yuri: "… Okay, I'll give my all."

Monika: "Good. Knock'em dead." Yuri takes to the stage as the light shines down on her.

Lily: "Oh hey, it's her turn now."

Jane: "Wonder what her poem is like?"

Sakura: "… She's scared."

Jane: "What was that?"

Sakura: "She's having stage fright."

Lily: "Wait for real?" She looks up and sees Yuri's facial expression as she begins to read.

Yuri: "… Uh …"

Becoming an emotional wreck. The eyes of the audience intimidating her. The same eyes that always shunned her. The very same she always tries to avoid. She tries to read the first sentence, but the more she attempts to read, the more she felt pressure. While she tries to read, Jason finally shows up.

Jason: (Aw man, looks like I showed up late.) He takes a pamphlet from the entrance. (I knew I shouldn't eat that meat.) He looks up to Yuri and sees how nervous she looked. (Not looking good. This could be bad if she doesn't get over her stage fright.)

As she continues to read, she started to notice some people losing patience again. Fear started to build up again as she starts to lose more of her confidence.

Ronald: "Looks like she's getting scared?"

Johnny: "She still hasn't gotten over that? What a joke."

Yuri: "Th-that is …"

She could feel the tears building up as more and more people look at her with annoyance. All the work she has done, gone to waste. The effort she put in down the drain. How could she face everyone now. She failed the Literature Club again.

[Not Alone by Red]

Jane: "Just imagine everyone in their underwear!" Yuri snaps out of her trance.

Lily: "Jane, what are you doing?"

Jane: "Come on girl! If you got talent then it's a shame that you're wasting it! Come on show us what you got!" Lily gets off her seat.

Lily: "Ya what she said! Give us a great show and read with all you got!" Sakura soon follows.

Sakura: "Ignore the critics and perform with all you got!"

Yuri: "…"

She smiles and soon raised her voice higher for all to hear. Seeing her perform put a smile on Michael's face. The way she spoke, the sound of confidence and class. No one expected her to talk so well. The beauty, the intelligence, and class she had. She was like a star to all who witnessed her. With her performance done she bowed as the crowd started to cheer for her.

Sayori: "Awesome work Yuri!"

Natsuki: "Finally! She did it."

Lily: "Wow that was amazing."

Jane: "I guess I see what people meant now. She is beautiful."

Sakura: "Would you like to say that again?"

Jane: "Ah no, I don't think I will."

Sakura: "That's ok. I got it recorded."

Jane: "What!?"

Ronald: "Got to admit it. That was pretty good."

Johnny: "Y-yeah I guess so, but …" He clenches his hands and looks to his pockets. (Why am I hesitating?)

Yuri: "Oh dear that was terrifying. I thought my heart was going to jump out." She places her hand on her chest to feel the rapid heartbeats.

Monika: "Good work Yuri. You did great out there."

Yuri: "Oh no I haven't. I almost …"

Monika: "I know, but you still gave a great performance near the end."

Yuri: "I did, didn't I?" She smiles in relief as she does Michael walks past them to take center stage at long last.

Monika: "It's Michael's turn now."

Yuri: "Indeed. Last time he didn't get the chance to perform."

Sayori: "He then almost got into a fight with that one meanie."

Monika: "Yeah …" She remembers back to when him and Johnny almost got into a fight in class. (Times changed. He's not the same man he once was when he joined our club. He seems different now. Not by cutting his hair, but emotionally.)

Natsuki: (Time to show us what you got. Time to put everything you learned to the test.)

Johnny: "This is it. When he performs we strike."

Ronald: "Ok" (Forgive us. We don't want to drag the rest of you into this, but this is something we have to do.)

Johnny: "When he starts I'll throw the first one then you follow." Ronald nods to his plan. (Don't worry. In the end I'll be the only one going down. Not you. You still have a future with your skills. Thanks for being my friend for all these years.)

[Song Ends]

Taking center stage at long last. Taking a deep breath as he takes the spot light. Remaining quiet as the crowd lay their eyes on him, not noticing it's him. Thinking back to all the hard work he went through, the demons he's faced. The choices he made. The sacrifices he's made to be here. While he thinks back to his past the crowd starts to talk amongst themselves again now realizing it's him. His reputation being brought up, but choosing to ignore them as he now knows that his reputation could never hold him back anymore.

Zackary: (Michael Connor. One of my cousin's club members. Let's see if she was right about you. Show me the man my cousin spoke so highly of.)

While Michael prepares to read his poem to the audience. Monika, Sayori, Yuri, Natsuki, Zackary, Todd, Jason, Clyde, Senna, Sebastian, Hina, Sakura, Lily, Jane, Sky, Ronald, and Johnny all lean in to hear his poem. A poem that will wipe away all their Despair and fears that plagued them for years. A poem that is his own. A style he made not for himself, but for his friends that stuck with him to the very end. For good or for worse. Just as he finally spoke up. Johnny ready's himself as he takes out the fire crackers from his pocket.

"My Future

When the darkness arrives

When others shun you"

Johnny freezes in place as he speaks.

[The Darkest Blue by Lostprophets]

"For crimes you didn't commit

When the pain of the past haunts you

When you say things that you meant no harm

That is when despair takes place"

Ronald: "Johnny?" He notices him not making his move. As he speaks Johnny sits back down and listens to Michael's poem with him following.

"The loneliness takes affect

The angels fall, but where to?

When I see life, when you see life

All you have is sadness"

Monika: "No that can't be it? That's not the one he's been working on? No it's a brand new one."

"But despite all this hurt

Despite all the pain one went through!

With courage in heart!

With your own hands!

The chains will never hold me down!"

Yuri: "You've changed so much." She starts wiping away her tears.

"When the world is against me

When everyone hates me

So long as one loves me

I will rise from my despair and move forward!"

Hina: "Sebastian?" She looks to her boyfriend with tears running down his face.

"I want to believe there is hope even when others say it's a mere illusion!

If that's the case then I will carve my own miracle

So long as I have this fire in my soul

I will never give in despite the thorny road ahead"

Jason: "You've changed a lot. I'm glad to witness this." He smiles to himself as he continues to watch his performance.

"I will never feel alone

I will never feel like an outcast

I will never give in

So long as my soul burns!

I will never give into Despair!"

Clyde: "Despair … Kaitlyn."

Senna: "Clyde?" She looks to her friend's sad expression.

"The ones who move forward are the ones that find true happiness

Even in our darkest hour

In the deepest abyss

The chains that bind me will never hold me back from rising!

Break the chains and build the future full of true happiness!

Move towards the future!"

Just as he finishes. No one made a sound. That is until, he started clapping.

Zackary: "Amazing! That was outstanding!" Soon after everyone started to clap for Michael.

Sayori: "That was amazing MC!"

Natsuki: "Holy crap I didn't expect his poem to turn out that good?"

Sky: (Sayori … I guess you were right about him after all.) She continues to clap.

Hina: "Sebastian? What's wrong babe?" She places her hand on his thigh as tears running down his face.

Sebastian: "It's nothing, I'm fine."

Hina: "You sure?" She places her other hand on his back and rubs him.

Sebastian: "Yeah … I think I'll be fine now."

Hina: "Really?" He nods.

Sebastian: "I now know what I want to do."

Hina: "Well if you say so? I'll support you all the way."

Sebastian: "Thanks babe."

[Song Ends]

Hina: (I'm glad to see him happy now, but what is he planning to do?)

While they cheer. Todd leaves the classroom with Zackary right behind him.

Zackary: "Hey where you off to? Don't you want to stay and congratulate them?"

Todd: "No it's fine. They're already getting all the attention they deserve. I just need some air. It was starting to get kind of stuffy in there."

Zackary: "Well I suppose that is true. It was quite hot in there."

Todd: "Yeah …"

Zackary: "Do you want to go see what the others are doing?"

Todd: "Yeah that would be nice."

Zackary: "Alright then. Where should we go next?"

Todd: "… Do you want to see what the Chess Club is up to?"

Zackary: "Sure thing. I hear their holding a tournament and if you win you get a prize."

Todd: "Then let's go see if we can pull it off then." He takes the lead.

Zackary: "I'm not good with chess, but it would be nice to see how well I can hold my own." He looks back to the Literature Club. (I'm glad to see Monika is doing well. She has great clubmates and great friends. There's no need for me to worry about her anymore. She's in safe hands.) He follows where Todd is leading.

Todd: (Make my own path for true happiness. Doing something that I enjoy. Perhaps I can do it. I know they will do fine without me. I don't have any more doubts in myself. Time to do something that I'll enjoy.)

While the cheers continue. Walking down the hallways Johnny makes his way out. Only to be followed by Ronald.

Ronald: "Hey Johnny, where are you off to?" He doesn't respond to his question or even look at him. "J-Johnny?" They both stop in place.

Johnny: "I'm sorry." Ronald stood there confused to what he just heard.

Ronald: "J-John…" He looks behind himself to him with small tears building up. "Johnny?"

Johnny: "Sorry for dragging you into all this. You've been by my side for years. You always supported me and listen to me and I never once did the same for you. I've been a really bad friend and brother to you. You must be very disappointed in me right now?"

Ronald: (I've never seen him like this in years. The last time he cried was back when we first met at the orphanage.)

Johnny: "I understand if you do. After all, I'm the one who got you into trouble whenever I did something stupid. All the way back when we first met in the orphanage. I made your life a living hell."

Ronald: "That's not true."

Johnny: "What?" His red headed friend scratches the back of his neck.

Ronald: "It's true that you always get into trouble and I end up being punished as well or at the very least having to clean up after you, but that was by my own choice. Besides, the orphanage isn't so bad. We always have plenty to eat, and we always have enough money for clothes and school utensils."

Johnny: "Yeah you're right."

Ronald: "So don't feel ashamed, because I don't see you that way. You and I are friends and brothers. I'll support you all the way. No matter what path you take."

Johnny: "Ronald, I don't tell you this often when I should, but you're my only real friend. I'm glad to have met you." He breaks a smile as he wipes away his tears.

Ronald: (Maybe we both can move on? The future is bright so who knows what will happen next. All I know is, the way Johnny is. He looks like a complete person now.)

Johnny: "Come on. Let's go enjoy the rest of Festival."

Ronald: "Alright, but …"

Johnny: "Don't worry about the fire crackers. We'll just use them back home, so that way they don't go to waste after all that hard work you did."

Ronald: "Ok" Johnny leads the way with Ronald right by his side.

Johnny: "Man I'm sure am hungry."

Ronald: "I know. I could go for squid."

Johnny: "Ha! Same!" Both smile.

Ronald: (Two men who took two different paths. Are now taking the same path.)

End of Chapter 65