As the day passed, King became less frantic and more confused. After the stare he felt from the new transfer girl, it just disappeared. When lunch came around a few of his classmates made their way to attempt to talk to her. Whatever her reaction was didn't matter as he took the opportunity to retreat to the rooftop. He figured she might confront him there but she never came. Lunch ended and with more confusion he returned to class. Now as the day was ending he could only look out the window just barely hearing Moorka's finishing lecture.

"That's all for today. Normal lectures will start tomorrow." He finished as he closed his book. As everyone was preparing to leave, the chiming from the intercom caught everyone's attention.

"Attention, all teachers." It started.

"Please report immediately to the Faculty Office for a brief staff meeting. All students must return to their classrooms and are not to leave the school until further notice." A few groans rang out in the classroom as Moorka made his way to the door.

"You heard the announcement. Don't go anywhere until otherwise." He huffed closing the door.

"He's really getting on my nerves" a female student sneered with a few agreeing with her. Sirens started to rang out as a few more students ran to the window.

Guess it's finally starting huh. King sighs while one student talks to Yukiko about the reporter.

You seem to be carrying a bit of regret. King lightly nods.

Just sucks you know? Like she was fated to die no matter what.'He shakes his head for a second. 'I know I was sick but I wonder if I wasn't would I ha-' A tap on his shoulder snaps him out of his thoughts.

"Wow, you were really deep in thought if you couldn't hear me." The voice calls to him. King's body shifts defensively for a second but came face to face with Nami's smile. "I said it's an interesting first day isn't it?" She said. King's brain stopped for a second. This girl's actions are completely different from the stares he received this morning. Whatever her goal was he just have to keep his guard up.

"I guess so." King said simply. Nami crosses her arms and leans a bit closer to him making King back away slightly. As if looking for something, she just stares into his golden eyes before leaning back with a small smirk. " You're weird Shimi-san." She bluntly states.

King's brows twitches before he starts scratching his cheek. "I get that alot." He sighs looking away. Smiling again she bows her upper body. "Well it's going to be a long year so please take care of me." King stares surprisingly. Her eyes filled with honesty and a smile that could break down even the coldest of hearts. The stare ends when the intercom chimes again.

"There has been an incident inside the school district. Police officers have been dispatched around the School Zone. Please stay calm and contact your parents or guardians as soon as possible, and quickly leave the school grounds. Do not disturb the police officers. Head directly home." It chimes one more time to repeat itself, but he students in the class are already using the time to leave.

"Um... Tanaka-san." A masculine voice called out. King and Nami turned to find a few guys near them. "Are you heading home now? Would you like to walk with us?" King resisted the urge to raise his brow and questioned how bad would it be to give some of them a bottle of water.

"Sorry." She said quickly putting her books in her book bag. " I promised I would go straight home after school today. With quick reflexes, she moves through the three guys before looking behind her shoulder. " Maybe tomorrow, see you later Shimi-san." She said with a small smile before walking out. Outta habit, King put his hand up to wave but quickly puts it back down. Noticing the stares from the other guys, he simply shrugged just as confused as them. He heard them scoff as they walked out as well.

That was something wasn't it? I didn't sense any malice from her at all. Zetsubo said sensing King's puzzled expression.

Really? Was I just so that paranoid that it transferred to you?

Perhaps that maybe the case but still, we should keep our guard up around her. We don't know what she might be thinking. Zetsubo concludes.

King finally finishing packing when he sees Aika about to leave. King's pulse began to rise but he pushes it down. Nami aside, he said he was going to try to change which includes becoming more social. He takes a deep breath before looking at her.

"N-Nakamura-san?" King meekly says. Aika turns to him with a blank stare. Feeling her stare makes him lose whatever nerves he had. He scratches his cheek and looks away. "You're going to work right? Be safe." He finishes lamely. She simply stares at him before nodding and walking away.

She stops by the door before turning around. "Thanks." She bows before leaving. "You forgot to call me Ai-chan by the way." He hears as she walks out.

...

Very well done…

Shut it.

April 13th 2011

The next day proceeds about the same. From his desk, King finds himself looking at the future Investigation Team. From what he could hear, Chie was still grilling Yosuke into making it up to her for the DVD. A sigh escapes his lips, wondering if he could maybe be a part of that somehow. Since he has a persona, Nametame's persona at that, it would be pretty impossible. He chuckled at the thought of being on the team but being the kidnapper at the same time. It be was too weird that's for sure. A buzz went off in his pocket, shaking his thoughts he pulled out his phone seeing it's a message from mom.

Mom: Hey! Sorry, but could you make a food run to Junes for me! I really craving your fried rice. Love you!

King: Ok. Do you want the eggs on top or in rice?

Mom: Top please!

King couldn't help but smile. His new mother was such a child, it's a wonder how she was chief of staff.

"You sure look happy." Nami states. She has her chin resting on her palm, elbow resting on desk. King resist frowning as he fully turns to her.

"I guess?" He shrugs.

She gives him the same smile from yesterday and he can't help but be bothered by it. She could be genuinely trying to be friends, but her hair and eyes along with showing up the same day as Yu makes it hard for him to want to trust her. "What are you planning on doing today?" She asks putting her things away. King starts doing the same, all the wondering if he's being overly paranoid.

"I have to go Junes." He starts as he gets up and make his way to the door. "Got to pick up a few things. So I'll see you tomor-" he cuts himself off when he see her walking by his side.

"I live by Junes so it'd be easier if we go together right?" Nami states looking at him. It takes him a second to process the situation but he realizes she basically wants to take a walk with him. He felt a cold sweat roll down his jaw. It didn't sound like a question. She seemed interested in following him whether he agreed or not. Before he could respond, Chie walked up to them Yu and Yosuke behind her.

"Hey are you guys going to Junes too?" She's pauses then scratches her head. " Oh sorry I forgot I didn't greet you either, I'm Chie Satonaka it's nice to meet you!" She points to the boy on her right. " This is Yu Narukami, he's transfer student like you although guess you already knew that." She chuckles nervously.

"It's nice to meet you Shimi-san and Tanaka-san." He nods smiling.

"Likewise Narukami-san" Nami says while they do the same. Chie then points to her left.

"The dvd breaking jerk here is Yosuke Hanamura. He stomps his foot in annoyance.

"Jeez I already told you I'm sorry!" He then turns to Nami a small blush forming on his cheeks. "It's nice to meet you Tanaka-chan." King stifled a smirk knowing how Yosuke tends to react to beautiful women.

"Same to you Hanamura-san." She bows slightly.

"Since you and Narukami are new to Inaba, Yosuke's gonna treat us!" Chie exclaims. "Let's get going!"

"Wait? Do I seriously have to feed four people now?" Yosuke muttered. King shakes his head.

"I'll be fine. I'll pay for Tanaka-san if anything. Yosuke breathes a sigh of relief

"Thanks dude I really owe you!"

No thank you guys for not leaving me alone with her...

The four sat at a table waiting for Yosuke. King next to Yu. Nami between Chie and Yu while an empty seat rested between King and Chie. Yosuke came back filled with soda, chips and fries but no steak.

"This is the cheap place you were talking about? Chie frowned "They don't even have steak here."

Yosuke side eyed her. "Well when you decided to hop on the freeloader train, I had to change my plans. By the way thanks again Shimi you really saved my bacon. King twiddles his lock and nods. Chie still upset about getting steal didn't let up.

"You still didn't have to take us to your place."

Yosuke sighs irritated. "Dude come on this isn't my place or anything. It dawns on him that neither Yu or Nami would know what that means. "Oh right I haven't said it yet but I moved here from the city about six months back. This location just opened up, and my dad was assigned to manage it. So our entire family came out here." He then hands a soda to the both of them. "Here, to welcome you to town. He hands another to Chie. " Here Satonaka yours is on me too." She takes it smoothly.

"Yeah I know." After taking a sip she looks at Nami.

"So Tanaka-san, what brought you to Inaba?" She asks. Nami chuckles before putting her drink down.

"Oh nothing special, my parents wanted to move out somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the big city." She sheepishly grins.

"Oh you're from the city too?!" Yosuke exclaims. "Seems us meeting must've been fate huh?" He says giving a wink. Chie rolls her eyes and King looks away stifling a laugh. Nami simply smiles while Yu turns to King.

"So Shimi-san, what about you?"

"Huh now that you mention it." Chie leans in. "He's been here longer than Yosuke and no one really knows anything about him." Yosuke crosses his arms at that.

"Well he does keep to himself a lot. Uh. No offense." King's shakes his head.

"It's fine I just don't really have much to say about myself." He admits. "I mean I guess I can say I'm here because my mom was given a chance to lead a hospital." He nods a bit satisfied.

"So I guess we're kind of the same then huh?" Yosuke hums. King cocks his head realizing it.

"I guess so huh. Although honestly I'm kind of glad Junes is here. It's become a lot quieter home. He scratches his cheek.

"Oh that's right!" Chie recognized. "I guess with Junes around, the shops around the central district would close huh." She felt a bit of regret as Yosuke darkened a bit with a sigh

"...You can't blame everything on Junes, can you?

"Sorry, didn't it mean it like that." King starts feeling bad for bringing up. Yosuke's eye shifts up when he notices a girl in light brown wavy hair sitting few tables away for them. She was wearing wears a long-sleeved white shirt, faded navy jeans, navy shoes, and an employee apron.

"Oh it's Saki-senpai." Yosuke says, a face brightening up. "Give me a second." He heads towards her a starts to talk to her about something. Yu asked Chie who that was but King was focused on the girl talking to Yosuke.

Saki Konishi, the daughter of Konishi liquors, Sister of Naoki Konishi, the girl who Yosuke who is hopelessly in love with and... Someone who's going to die in two days.

Two days.

King's eyes darkened. He messed up already by stealing Namatame's power; he shouldn't try to make it worse. Before they made their way over he got up.

"What's up Shimi?" Chie asked. Slugging his bag over his shoulder, he looked back at the trio.

"Sorry about this, but I still have to pick up a few things and make dinner." He glances at Yu. "It was nice meeting you Narukami. Thanks for having me you guys, it was fun. Tell Yosuke sorry I cut it so short.

"Well I guess I should get going too." Nami states getting up. "I promised my parents I'd be home as soon as I got out of school." As she began walking away. Chie looked at Yu.

"You think there's something going on between those two?" Yu could only shrug as Yosuke came back with Saki.

Eggs, Soy sauce, Vegetables and Peppers. King grabbed most of what he needed, all that was left was any a special type of seasoning he usually uses when cooking the fried rice. Walking the aisles he thought how useful Junes is. People really like to blame Junes but it never stopped everyone from raiding the store when it first opened. Deep in thought he failed to notice someone in his path.

"Ah!" A feminine scream was heard as an assortment of season shakers fell onto the floor.

A few people turned to see King over a girl. Two old women in particular noticed who it was.

"Isn't she that girl?"

"You mean from the liquor store?"

"It must be horrible to have a daughter working against them."

"So sad."

"Ah crap! I'm so sorry!" King started as he offered a hand to the clerk. As the clerk looked up, King froze. "Konishi…" He whispered not expecting that he'd run into her again so soon. Saki hesitated but then turned her attention to the all the shakers on the floor. With a sigh she started to pick them up. When he saw that her focus was on the shakers, he bent down to help her. As soon as he reached for one she slapped his hand away. King reeled back to look at the glare Saki was giving him.

"I don't!" Saki vehemently started but the shocked look in King's eyes plus the fact she was still on the clock made her stop. Another frustrated sigh as she gave a strained smile. "You don't have to do that. I'm sorry."

King looked at her, eyes unreadable as he turned anyway from her and started picking up the shakers.

"Hey. Didn't you hear me? I said-"

"I want to help." King said simply with a pained look in his eyes.

Saki was at a lost why he felt so strongly about this. They were just shakers. Did he pity her? She didn't ask for his sympathy! Before any words formed, King already placed all shakers on the racks before offering a hand to her again. As much as wanted to slap his hand away, she knew right now that wouldn't be the best choice. She begrudgingly took his hand as he lifted her.

Now that King got a better look at her face, he saw how tired she really was. He didn't know her personally, but back when he was a first year, he saw how energetic Saki was. She was highly regarded by her peers for her playful yet mature nature. He sees none of that now from her. All he sees is a brooding girl behind a façade.

...

Thou-Zetsubo started.

I know… I shouldn't. He thought sadly.

King bows, apologizing again before heading off to pay for everything, unaware of the confused gaze the Junes employee.

The rest of the night is spent with his mom complimenting his food even though she admits it's a bit too salty. King scratches his cheeks grinning sheepishly yet he can't help but still think about Saki. It only intensified when he saw her show up on the Midnight Channel. It was brief but it looked like she was running away from something. King barely get any sleep that night.

April 14th 2011

As King cross the Plains to school. The image on the TV kept replaying in his mind. Shaking his head he tried anything to keep his mind off it.

So I was thinking. Would it really be stealing if I created a meme before it's time? King asked as he felt Zetsubo ponder.

I suppose it wouldn't be stealing since it was never made. However I'd consider it how'd you say a dick move. King shrugged at that.

I can live with that. Apparently people made money off of them. I think they'll be alright. King thought with a smirk.

"You got a creepy look on your face Shimi-san." Nami called out. King looked to the left as he now saw Nami matching his pace. "I was joking before but you really do space out a lot don't you?" Nami smiled. King held back the urge to cringe. There was that weird feeling again but he shook it off. As much as King hates to admit it, Nami hasn't truly done anything to warrant the cold shoulder. If she really was Izanami she would've done something to him by now.

King frowns messing with his locks. "I can't deny that." Nami's smile widens from the remark causing him to frown harder. Nami giggles before her face becomes serious.

"Hey so did you hear? Apparently someone from our school found the body."

"Is that so." He murmured. His body apprehensively shook. His mind felt like it short circuited. Was he really ok with letting this happen. "I didn't know. I don't really watch the news." He nervously laughed scratching his cheeks.

"You should really be on top of these things since the reporters death. It could happen to you too." Nami said shaking her head.

"I guess." King replied quietly. For a few minutes they both walked without a word. The silence was killing King as it forced him to remember while he was out here, Saki was possibly dying right now. He didn't know her directly but just knowing someone was dying and carrying on like nothing was happening gnawed at him. He pushes the feeling off as he tries to strike up a conversation with Nami. Anything to keep his mind off tomorrow.

The school day is a blur for King. Before he knows it the school day is over and he can hear the students talking about how the victim was hung from a telephone pole. He can hear them talking about how Saki was the one who found the body and he shakes once again. Like hearing that name is a trigger word for his body.

Why do I feel guilty?! It's not like I pushed her in! King grits his teeth as his hands ball into fist. He could barely hear Yu, Yosuke and Chie talking about going to Junes to look at TVs. Tired of hearing about TVs and murders, King quickly pack his stuff and took off not even sparing a glance at anyone.

He spends the rest of the afternoon and night working on envelopes and translating a few papers. Even when his mom called for him he never left his room.

If the TV was sentient, it would be nervous as King's golden eyes bore into it. Only occasionally glancing up at the clock. Every tick felt like a drill in his skull.

Just ten minutes. he continued to chant quietly. Ten minutes and it's all over. It seems wrong to see a man chant for a person's death but deep down Zetsubo already knew how much a mess King was on the inside. He didn't like the notion of allowing someone to die either but her living may change so many things that in the long run would lead to the end of everything.

Suddenly he saw King unwrap himself from the blankets and walk towards the TV. He saw hesitance but then a determined look. King was about to reach for the TV.

Wait thou mustn't! Zetsubo shouted causing King to stop. Listen to me I understand thou but we agreed to try to let everything run it's course! King held back a whine. He knew that doing this was dangerous. He knew it mess up or perhaps even destroy the timeline with this one action.

He knew that.

Screw it. King said simply

Beg thou pardon?

I said screw it! King screamed balling his fist. I can't just keep acting like this is ok. This isn't like a donation where anyone can do it. King looks at his left hand, seeing it faintly glow a light gray. ''m literally the only person who can save her right now. If I was to let her die knowing I could save her. Then I'd be no different than him!

He felt Zetsubo's silence for a bit. If his persona won't help him then he'll just have to find a weapon real quick. He looked at the table wondering if he could fit that through his TV when he heard Zetsubo starting to chuckle.

I art thou but I must really have quite the fool for a master' King could only smirk.

I don't recall seeing Igor in my dreams so I can't be a fool. He eyes are covered as he looks down. Thanks Zetsubo. King looked at the TV once more. No matter what happens, he plans to save someone from her fate.

When King came too, he found himself in the middle of the street. Getting up he found himself on the familiar road of the central district. To his left was the Aiya's diner except it was all yellow. If fact, except for the sky that was a distorted sky painted with red and black, the whole district was filled with yellow. Despite all that King breathed a sigh of relief as he started to run to Konishi Liquors. It was extremely convenient that his TV led them close to this area. Nearing the store he heard a cry. Every nerve of his body stiffened for a second before he broke into a sprint.

I won't let her die this time!

How long had she been running? Minutes? Hours? It didn't matter to her. As long as that thing she saw kept chasing her she would keep running. At least that's what she wanted to tell herself. Her body couldn't keep running anymore as she found herself back at her family store. Even though the fog she could tell that it was different from normal, but she wanted to believe if she came back her maybe her family, her brother, anyone would be here for her. Staggering in she saw the same thing as last time. Her store surrounded by a bunch of barrels covered in a thick blue fog. Hope draining fast she finally collapsed from exhaustion. She tried to move but her body couldn't move anymore.

"Are you finally done running?" A voice called out to her. She just barely managed to turn her head, fear in her eyes and she came face to face with a girl with light brown wavy hair and Yasogami uniform. It scared her because the girl looked exactly like her expect for her yellow eyes and smug grin.

"Didn't you say how much everything is a pain? You want it all to disappear don't you?"

"Stop." She could only mumble as her other self went on.

"Your parents and neighbors always talk behind your back and that Hana-chan! Such a loser right? Just because I was being nice doesn't mean he has to act so desperate." Her other self scowled.

"I said stop." She managed to say a bit strongly. Her other self just chuckled before kneeling down to her.

"But I know what you're really thinking. It's not them you want gone. It's you right? You want to leave everything behind and you'll do whatever it takes to get there." She sees her other self smile widely. "Even use all those guys and wrap them around your finger."

"Enough!" She says even more strongly before even though her body can't move. Her other self ignores her as she continues.

"And why not? If people are going to throw themselves at you why not take advantage. It makes you feel some validation towards life not that'll it amount to much." Her other self walks around the girl leaving her vision as she puts her hand behind her back. "Because despite all that, you just want to run from the fact that you never saw a future for yourself. All your friends would talk about theirs with such glee while you say there not knowing what you want. You don't want to run the store when your parents retire and you don't have an interest in anything. So you want to run but you can't cause it won't change the fact that you'd eventually be a burden to everyone."

Her body trembles with unbridled rage. She feels tears starting to roll down her eyes as she presses her fingers into her palm.

"Shut up! Who are you to tell me who I am!" She screams. Her other self walks back to the other side allowing the girl to see her. Her back is still face towards her.

"What do you mean?" She says innocently. "I can tell you all this because I am you, Saki Konishi. She looks behind her giving the other girl the biggest grin. Saki's pupils narrow and her jaw tighten.

"Shut up! You're not me!" Saki roared. Her other self just grinned even harder.

"Oh you said it again! That's right you're not me and I'm not you!" Saki's other self put a hand on her cheeks as a black mist started to engulf her. "I'll do you a favor and make sure you disappear forever!"

The black mist turned into a bright light as Saki had to close her eyes from the flash. As she opened them her anger dissipated, now replaced with fear.

What she saw was a ten foot green being covered what looked like seaweed. While it's body was hourglass it had the giant face of a white Hannya mask sported with light brown long hair that went down to it's legs. It appeared to be laying on a gust of wind but what shocked Saki was she could faintly see all the boys she used through it including Yosuke. Saki wanted to move. Begged her body to do anything but it refused. The face of the monster never changed but she felt her smugness though it.

"So many boys said your legs were always nice. Perhaps we should start with that?." It's voice beamed. Saki found herself being picked up by the wind and held up side down in front of the monster. It must've been enjoying the tortured look as Saki felt herself scream.

"Oh please keep screaming. As if anyone would miss you." It bought Saki's legs closer too it's mouth as it began to bite down on it.

"I don't wanna die." Saki weakly muttered.

Someone. Anyone. Please save me.

"Persona!" A shout was heard causing the monster to look to the right only to receive a giant fist to the face as it dropped Saki. She felt herself falling expecting to hit the cold hard ground but instead landed on something softer instead. The fog and her tears made everything hard to see but she managed to see someone sitting on the floor holding her. Her eyes widen as she felt a thumb wipe the tears away. Golden eyes staring right at her in fear.

"You?" She questioned quietly. The boy said nothing as he laid her up against the counter and inspected her. She saw the pained look in his eyes as he looked at her legs. She looked down and saw her legs were covered in bite marks. Luckily not deep enough to kill but deep enough to leave marks.

"I'm sorry." He said sadly. "I should've been here sooner." He turned as he saw Zetsubo riding on the monster's back. "I won't let anything else happen to you." The monster roared as a gust of wind covered it's body causing Zetsubo to jump of it's back and disappeared.

"What's your deal?!" It screamed. "You want to side with a worthless bitch who'll use you in the future?"

King's brow twitch at that. What was that all about? Doesn't matter. It doesn't change anything. A gray tarot card floated in front of King as he held his left hand over it.

"Go! Zetsubo Izanagi! He crushed it forming a bright light as Zetsubo rushed out of the light, sword in hand swung down on the beast. It used the gust of wind to evade to the right and flew into the air.

"Fine then! I'll just make you disappear too!" The beast takes out a cloth and swings it at Zetsubo. A gust of wind comes out and as it near Zetsubo it takes the form of a guy.

"The hell?" King replies as Zetsubo cuts it down, dispersing it into nothing. The beast sends out three more as they attempt grab him. Zetsubo manages to cut down one but the other two circle around and grab him. One holding him in a full nelson, the other holding his ankles.

"Get him Saki-chan!" The gust holding him in a full nelson yelled.

"Don't worry about us!" The other yelled. The beast snickered as it held out a hand.

"Don't worry I won't." It beamed as it shot a dark energy ball at them. King tried to recall Zetsubo but the hold from those guys was too strong. The ball hit Zetsubo in the chest as it exploded into a ball of darkness. King's whole body shook as he felt himself falling. He caught himself in a kneeling position as he felt some blood fall out his mouth. He slowly looked up to see Zetsubo was gone as well as the men holding him.

I wasn't expecting a perfect run, but damn that really hurt! King cried. He made a mental note that they were playing by JoJo's rules of stand fights. 'What was that though? A dark attack? I thought those were one shots only. I guess I should count myself lucky.

My apologizes. He heard Zetsubo say. King shook his head as he stood up, looking at the beast.

I wasn't expecting it to be that easy.

"What do you intend to do when I have many guys willing to bow to my will! Did you see how quickly they were willing to die for me?" The beast drooled on. "Do you not see how many people are prepared to bend backwards for me?"

"That's not true!" King and the monster turned to Saki who despite her injuries, tried to get up. She slumped back to the floor as it began to cackle.

"Not true? Do you not see someone prepared to die for you right now?" It then pointed a finger at King. "What would you gain from saving her. Or are you the type who enjoys being stepped on?

When King said no words it began cackling again.

"Shut the hell up." Even though the mask's face never changed it was shocked nonetheless. "I can't claim to know her or what's she's been doing in her free time. He twiddles with his locks a bit embarrassed. "It feels wrong as hell but I'm doing this simply because I'd feel bad if she died." Saki's eyes widen from the words spoken from the boy. The monster however scoffed.

"What a pain in the ass. Fine then I'll make you sure you regret wasting your life on a futureless bimbo!" The monster cried, fanning it's cloth and sending at least eight gust men at King. King quickly summoned Zetsubo who inhaled and then blew a giant gust of ice, blowing away all the gust men.

"Damn even if Zetsubo blows them away and gets close it'll just keep dodging!" King cursed. He didn't have time for this! If he recalled don't the shadow get super aggressive when it becomes clear over here. Speaking of which he's just realized how the fog is just about gone. He really didn't have any time left.

"Come on think! Something to catch it and the wind at once!." He looks around and spots a barrel. Gears turn in his head as a thought pops. "Wait. I think I recall beer blowing up in my freezer back in my pass life." He gasps as turns to Saki. "Senpai! Where can find a barrel full of beer? Dumbfounded she only responded with a huh only for King to shake her shoulders. "Please! I'm trying to save our lives here! She meekly pointed to the wooden barrels to her left by the front door.

"Do you intend on drinking to forget the pain I plan to inflict on you? Don't worry I'll make sure you'll never forget even intoxicated!" It cackled again sending more gust men at Zetsubo.

"Zetsubo!" King yelled.

I understand! He yelled dropping his sword and rushing to the barrels. Quickly picking up two he tossed them at the monster as the gust men began to lock him in place. The monster held out a hand as a dark energy ball started to form.

"That was your plan! To hit me with barrels?! Good job wasting your last chance on a foolish thing. Now die!.

"I hope this works!" King cried "Do it now Zetsubo!"

Taking the biggest breath he felt he could take, he blew the cold wind at the barrels as it made its way to the monster. It scoffed as it stopped charging.

"Did you seriously think I would get hit by this?" It looked down to see King holding a metal pole.

"Well not directly!" King retorted throwing the pole at the barrels. As soon as the pole hit one of the barrels it exploded into hundred of planks. With the other barrel next to it, the explosion intensified as even more splinters cut through the monster body. Throw in the beer that got solidified into liquid shards didn't help as the monster started to scream from all the cuts in it's body. King was currently covering Saki with his body. He was taking a few cuts but that didn't matter as he saw the gust men dispersing from Zetsubo.

"Strike it down Zetsubo!" he roared as Zetsubo with energy, rush for his sword and flew towards it. The monster slowly recovering caught itself looking at Zetsubo about to cleave it in two.

"Wait!" It quickly stammered but it was too late. With a yell from King, Zetsubo swung down into the mask of the monster. "No!" it whined before Zetsubo completely cleaved it in two. It's split body fell to the floor becoming a black puddle. Zetsubo dispersed as King's body almost crumpled.

"I did it." He sighed in relief. His whole body felt sore. He could only hope that nothing else would attack them at this moment. He looked to see Saki, no a shadow version of herself staring at them. She had a blank look in her face and didn't seem intent on saying anything. Saki glared at it as she felt herself slowly stand up.

"What's wrong you had so much to say how much a bitch I am! Why aren't you saying anything! She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see it was King shaking his head. "But she!" She started when King cut her off.

"I know it's hard to admit especially since I'm here, but she's you." Saki was shocked but it quickly turned to anger as she slapped his hand away.

So you agree with her?!" she fumed. King internally sighs. He knows he isn't good with words at times but he had to try this time less her shadow spaz out again. He doubts he could take it on again.

"I didn't mean it like that." King paused, wracking his brain to find the best way to explain it. "What I'm trying to say is that she's just a part of you but it's not all you are. Twiddling his locks he looks away. " I mean the few times I've seen you, you've always been working hard to the point that it looks like you'll pass out. Even with everyone talking behind your back you seem to be looking towards something." King scratches his cheek. "I don't know it just seems really strong of you. I could never do that."

Saki looked at the floor. "Strong huh. I doubt that. I was just trying to run away." She said lamely. King shook his head as she looked at him.

"But you were working hard for it weren't you? I heard from something if something is too much for you now face it later. King paused as he scratch his cheek again. "Then again maybe that can't apply to everything. Ah I'm not good at this." He heard a small giggle as he looked at her. She was giving a small smile.

"You're a weird guy aren't you?" she lightly teased. King's brow twitched as he looked away again.

"I can't deny that." He sighed. When he look up he saw Saki staring at her other self.

"I understand. Ever since I started working Junes my family, my friends, the neighbors. They all thought little of me because I chose to work there. When guys started coming up to me, even if it was for a moment I wanted to feel something positive from someone even if I didn't actually like the guy myself. Guess I got too carried away. I need to apologize to Hana-chan and tell him the truth."

"Hanamura?" King asked as she kept looking at her self.

"No matter how you cut it I was being a bitch all this time but!" she glared at her other self before sighing and smiling a bit at her. "You're me! And I'm you!" The shadow finally cracked a smile as a blue light enveloped her.

"The strength of heart oneself has been made to manifest." She started to speak. She transformed into eight foot green humanoid with light brown hair that flowed to her upper back. She still retained the hourglass body but her head now normal sized now retained a green mask that had two long bottom white fangs. Her body was now covered in a leopard robe whilst leaving her navel exposed. She had a giant white silk wind bag on her back imprinted with golden winds.

"I am Fujin goddess of the wind. I shall blow away any who stand in our path. I will always be watching over you." She stated as she started to disappear.

"Fujin." Saki silently repeated. King crossed his arms in thought. Not that he wasn't glad she has a persona. He was ecstatic but wasn't Fujin a guy in legend? He shrugs believing there's no point in worrying about it.

"It's still embarrassing to face yourself but I never knew I had this inside me." Saki turns to King with a small smile. "Thank you." King cheeks tint with pink scratches his cheek. She looks around as she remembers their current dilemma. "So how do we get out of here?" As soon as she said that King froze. She looked up to see him sweating. "Hey!" she tries to run to him but her body falls. With everything that happened, she forgot that her body was completely exhausted. She sees him put his hands to his head as he starts panicking. "Hey what's wrong" she shouts. Seeing him like this began to worry her. What happened to make him start acting like that?

Shit! I didn't think this through enough! I forgot it was Teddie who got them out in the first place! King screamed in his mind.

Calm down! Panicking won't do anything" Zetsubo said trying to calm him dowm. King looked to his left in anger as if someone was there.

Don't tell me to freaking calm down! How the hell are we going to get-

King's words was stopped by a sudden gurgling sound. They turned to the front door to see at least five of those ball shadows form. All sense of calmness left King as he smashed his card. Zetsubo quickly formed and aimed for the closest ball. However it quickly maneuvered around Zetsubo's swings as it lash its tongue out, hitting it's leg the impact transferring to King's as he screamed clutching his leg. Zetsubo tried to recover but felt another tongue lash to his right hand. Once again the impact transferring to King.

"Zetsubo! Damn! Back away from them and hit them with your ice breath!" King cursed. Zetsubo with his remaining strength jump into the air, took a deep breath and blew out the icy winds, freezing all of them. King felt himself fall on his back with a heavy pant, struggling to stay conscious.

I'm sorry but I can do no more. Zetsubo muttered, kneeling as he faded away.

No. No! Damn it! This was seriously all for nothing! I just wanted to save one person and I couldn't even that! King's head turned to Saki who was stuck in the same position since she fell.

"H-hey don't give up! There's still a way out! If I could-" Saki started but stopped when she started to see him cry.

"I'm so sorry senpai. But I don't know how to get out of this place. King sobbed. "I'm sorry."

"No way..." She whispered as the realization hit her. "Are we going to die?" she asked hoping that maybe he was playing a cruel joke. His silence said everything. Even though she survived her other self she was going to die anyway? Worse someone who she barely knew risk his life to save her and he was going to die with her.

What a fool.

King's ear perked up. Was he hearing things?

As much as I enjoy your suffering, I can't let you die right now.

King head felt foggy but he was sure he heard that voice before.

Feel free to thank me later.

The voice said as King felt his body being picked up by fog. More shadows started to clog the door as the fog enveloped King even more. King struggled as he turned to see Saki wasn't being picked up by the fog.

"Wait! What about her!" he cried. He felt the voice scoffed.

I care not for her. Be thankful you get to live.

King was thankful but to leave someone behind like that? He would actually rather accept death again! King struggled as he tried to reach his hand out to Saki! Please senpai hurry and grab my hand! I can't control whatever is happening!"

"My body... It won't move!" She stammered.

"You have to or you'll die!" King retorted. "After all that you want to go back right?! I know you want to change! But you can't if you don't grab my hand!" King stared fiercely into her eyes. Saki eyes filled with surprise before becoming determined. Slowly but surely she crawled herself towards the increasingly rapid enveloped fog. "Come on senpai!" he cheered. "I know you can reach me!" he extended his hand out as far as he possibly could.

A few inches away from King and Saki's body gave out. She struggled to reach King's hand. With an agonizing scream she tried to stretch her hand out to him. "Come on!" she yelled as her fingers inched closer and closer to Kings.

King felt himself slipping further into the fog, but he held his hand out nonetheless hoping Saki would reach. Just reach he felt a fingertip he felt himself being completely dragged away from the fog. He tried to grip her finger but missed as he felt himself flown back.

No!

King felt himself blown out of the TV and landed dead smack into his bed.

I have to go back! Sadly his body wouldn't move no matter how much he willed it too. He struggled as he turned his head to the clock. It was passed midnight. Left with nothing but the ticking of the clock, he felt himself cry all the way until he passed out.

April 15th 2011

"Hey did you hear the police sirens this morning?" King heard a student say.

"Yea I heard three of them zoomed by." He heard another say.

How King managed to even go to school after last night he didn't even know. Maybe it was cause he didn't want to worry his mom but he pushed himself to slog to school. He believes Nami had walked up to him at some point but he probably brushed her off. When he got there, everyone was reported to head straight to the gym for an assembly. Blankly staring at the floor, he heard some of the students still talking about this morning. He felt tears starting to form but held them back.

I couldn't even save one person. What was the point. he lamented.

He heard someone walk up to the podium. It was as she told everyone to settle down for the principal to make his speech.

I regret to say I have a terrible announcement for all of you. The principal stated hesitantly. Everyone except King gave him their full attention seeing how serious he was.

"One of our third year students, Ms. Saki Konishi of class 3-1 has..." The principal paused. King gritted his teeth as his fist balled up.

Just freaking say it already! Saki Konishi of class 3-1 has…

Passed away…!

"Been in a terrible accident…"

…

"What…?" He murmured too himself. He looked dead at the principal wondering if he heard him right.

"Ms. Konishi was found this morning in a terrible state. The reason behind it is currently being investigated by the police." At this point he saw the students starting to act out. "All right please quiet down." He coughed before starting again but the rest of his speech got drowned out in King's head.

Saki is alive? But how! I failed to rescue her! He was brought out of his thoughts by Nami.

"You looked stress Shimi-san. Did you know Konshi-senpai well?" she asked. King shook his head. She stared at him for a few seconds before grabbing his arm and pulling him away.

"Hey. What are you doing…!" King hissed. Nami turned to him as she smiled.

"Taking you to the rooftop. I figured you could use some air." King tried to resist but couldn't pull away.

"I'm fine thank you! Let go of me!" he yelled.

"Nope!" She simply said. Surprisingly no one noticed the two walking out.

Making it to the roof, Nami all but almost tossed him through the door. King almost tripped but regained his footing. After taking a deep breath he quickly noticed that no one was around but he was pissed. He turned to glare at her. Either she didn't notice or didn't care as she walked pass him and looked out towards Inaba from the railing.

"It's sad isn't?" She started leaning on the railing. "All this talk about a girl who will probably be looked at as a curse should she ever recover. It's a shame how people will see things only they want to see."

King wanted to yell at her, wanted to whine but he felt himself laughing instead. She turned to him as she cocked her head. "What's so funny about that Shimi-san?"

King stifled back a laugh as he then glared at her. "I don't get you. Ever since you got here, you had some weird interest in me. So I need to know. What do you want from me?

Nami began to giggle. "I suppose I've come on too strong haven't I? I felt that I should return the favor you know?" she said before giving a creepy grin. "After all that was quite the handshake you gave me." King's body tensed but it didn't surprise him anymore after what she said about Saki.

I freaking knew it…