6/10/18 AN: This chapter has been reworked. New dialogue has been added and old dialogue has been replaced, to reach quality of later chapters.
There is also new plot-crucial details in this part of the story.
It will help with some obscure details that are somewhat explored later.
My heart was pumping blood to my brain.
I can feel the adrenaline rushing through out my body.
But I wasn't sure of what I was going to say.
But I can't...
I'm still so scared...
I don't know what will happen.
What will happen if I say yes?
How will everything change?
How will help Tom?
I'm helping this girl!
Why do feel the need to help her?
She isn't even real!
This is all just a figment of Tom's memory!
Right?
...
Right...?
Yuri was looking at me with great anticipation.
She's practically begging me to say yes!
I gulped and closed my eyes.
Do I need to take a leap of faith?
I already said how I felt before.
And look where that's gotten me!
How will this be any different?
I opened my eyes slowly.
Her purple eyes were looking back at me.
Only this time, they had tears.
Her excited and heightened posture collapsed within seconds.
She started to shake.
Her sobs became audible.
My mind yelled at me to say: Yes!
...
But there was still a small part of me that just said to avoid them.
Avoid these girls.
I'll just draw closer and closer to insanity.
And forget my purpose here.
I looked at the blue blade.
The blood started to dry up, ever so slowly.
And it meant time was running out.
...
I didn't decide.
The small taps of tears falling onto the floor became audible.
Yuri broke down.
She was heartbroken.
She knew my answer.
I started to back off, slowly.
Nothing was guiding my instincts or actions.
I was just moving.
"I'm so sorry, Valkyrie..." Yuri managed to sob out.
"I... I will always love you." She quietly whispered, before going completely silent.
What should I do?
Should I...?
I...
I have to.
I won't be able to live with myself if I leave her alone like this.
Even if I manage to escape this Hellhole with Tom...
Yuri's wails and sobs will always torment me.
It is time to make things right.
I walked up to her slowly.
I knelt in front of her, and gripped the hilt tightly.
I knew what I was going to say.
Yes.
It only thing that can make things right.
I let out a deep breath.
I looked straight into her eyes.
I wanted her soul to see this.
I wanted every fiber of her being to experience of what I have to say.
My hand brought her face up to me.
Her exhausted, crying eyes showed hollowness.
Nothing.
And I intend to bring life to it once more.
"Yes, Yuri." I finally said.
Her galaxy eyes start to widen.
She was confused.
"I..."
I held my breath.
Now.
Now is the time.
"I love you, too."
Silence.
Nothing came out of us after I said those words.
The tears stopped flooding her face.
Her mouth started to quiver.
It began to display a small smirk.
But then, her eyes changed right in front of me.
It those obsessed eyes again...!
Her smirk grew and grew to a point where she grinning at me.
She was grinning at me.
And it wasn't a good type of grin, either.
Her teeth were bared, revealing their pearly-white color.
Perfect...
I mentally shook my head.
Her grin...
She looks like a psychopath...
Like something a serial killer would don.
This doesn't look good...
"You do?!" Yuri hurriedly asked.
I reluctantly nod, slowly.
It's too late to turn back now.
I need to charge!
I sighed.
"Yes, I do. I love you, Yuri. It my fault, I should've realized it sooner..."
Do I actually love her?
I...
I don't know really.
I caved myself in way too far.
There's no chance of escaping this.
Yuri starts hyperventilating.
And I knew I was in for a treat.
I raised an eyebrow at her sudden erratic breathing.
"Yuri?"
She starts to laugh manically.
"Yes! Yes! YES! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
I flinched from Yuri's horrifying behavior.
I felt very uncomfortable.
The unpleasant feeling and atmosphere was slowly escalating.
It was escalating to a point of fear.
Fear of what?
She clutched her face and laid her head back.
Yuri continued to laugh uncontrollably.
It was as if she was experiencing heaven.
Holy shit...
What the Hell is up with her?
Why is acting so...
Strange?
Scary?
Weird?
Nevertheless, I decided to ask.
Of course, I slid a few steps back.
"Yuri... are you okay?" I meekly ask.
Yuri scuttled towards me and grabbed me.
Her eyes frantically searched me, lecherously.
The movement of her pupils seemed as if she was checking every skin cell I had.
Her grip on the sides of my uniform grew tighter and sweatier.
"Yes, I am! I've never felt this GOOD in my life! Everything is so clear now! Everything!"
Yuri then bought me into a bone-crushing hug.
She rubbed her cheek and hair in every possible space of my uniform.
"I just want to touch you... smell you... lick you... just get everything I can from you, in me!"
I grew frightened from her behavior.
I pulled her away brought her up with me.
My hands were placed on the side of her shoulders.
She was shuffling.
"God! I never felt so HIGH in my life!"
I cringed from her behavior.
"Yuri, you aren't feeling okay! Calm down!" I demanded, hoping that it would stop her from being so horrifying.
In an instant, she grabbed my shoulders and pushed me against the wall.
I was surprised from strength, as my back seared in pain from the pin.
Yuri's grin grew excited.
Her right eye started to twitch ever so slightly.
She leaned into my ear.
"I just feel really, really... horny." Yuri sultry whispered.
She started to lick my earlobe.
"My body is ready for you..."
I recovered from the shock of both the strength of her pin and the pain that was caused afterwards.
My hands found her cheeks, causing me to pull her in front of me.
Her tongue was wet from saliva, to the point it was almost drooling.
I felt the cool liquid at the side of my ear.
The contrasting heat in my head and the cooling effect from Yuri's saliva disorientated me.
I managed to scrunch up my face at gave her a disappointed look.
"What's wrong with you?!" I simply asked, keeping my emotions in check.
The most prominent feeling I felt was fear.
Overwhelming fear.
She started to breathe heavily at the sound of my voice.
"HAAH! HAAH! NOTHING is wrong! I'm happy that you're mine! You're mine! All mine! No one will take you away from me! That pathetic child will never take you from me! Neither will that bitch! Hahaha! She's a perfectionist! And yet, she couldn't get you! What a useless slut! Hahahahaha!"
Yuri stopped laughing abruptly and stared right at me.
Her grin disappeared as she focused her pupils at mine.
Her head leaned towards me with frightening and sudden speed.
"YOU BELONG TO ME, VALKYRIE! ME!"
I knew at this point, that my life was in danger.
"Back off. Now." I demanded.
It was a fight or flight situation at this point.
Yuri is completely out of control!
What the Hell happened to her?!
What's with her?!
"Never." Yuri responded.
I stared at her.
I leered at her.
"Then calm down." I simply ordered.
Yuri grew agitated.
Her eyebrows formed an V pattern and she gritted her teeth.
"Why would I EVER stay calm?! When I'm around you, I feel as if I need to crawl all over you just to stay warm! I NEED YOU, Valkyrie! I WILL DIE WITHOUT YOU!"
And in turn, I grit my teeth at the insane girl.
"Get away from me! I am warning you!" I threatened.
If it's a fight she wants...
Then it's a fight she gets.
"NEVER!" She shouted.
I slowly retreat from her.
And in turn, Yuri slowly advanced towards me.
Her posture deemed her calm and methodical.
But her face was crazed and needy.
Her psychotic grin was plastered over her face.
Yuri's purple eyes were focused on mine.
I start to defend myself by taking a slight, but proactive stance.
She tilted her neck to the side, still keeping that nightmare-fuel expression.
"Valkyrieee~!" She endearingly called.
I knew that it wasn't endearing at all.
"Stay back!" I ordered, now holding the knife out.
Get away, get away, get away!
Stop it, stop it, stop it!
STOP!
I continued to back myself to the exit.
"Tell me my darling, what do you love about me? That's one thing I always wanted to know! Do you love me for my body?! OR! Do you love me for who I am?!"
I continue to back away from the insane girl.
"Why are you even asking this?! Why are ignoring me?! Snap out of it! Take a deep breath or something! Just get the fuck away from me!"
She starts to laugh again.
"Hahahaha... why would I breathe in?! Your oxygen is all I need!"
My back finally reaches the wall.
I use my hand to search for the doorknob, in a desperate attempt to get out.
My hand found no exit.
I looked to my side and found that the door was a few feet away from me.
If I move...
Yuri will get me...
Fuck, fuck, fuck!
Yuri was now a few feet away from me.
"Now, as I sign of our love, I want your virginity! In return, you can have mine!" She declared.
Her right eye starts twitching.
My heart was beating erratically, I felt my mind trying to think of multiple escape routes but to no avail.
Fear ran through my veins.
Nothing seems viable.
I felt helpless.
I was truly scared.
"You want my virginity, right?! Do you want mine?! HAHAHAHA! Of course you do!"
"No! I don't want your virginity, Yuri! I don't want to have sex! Now get away from me, or else! I swear to God, I'll do whatever I can to keep myself intact!" I shouted.
Yuri kept grinning at me.
She took a few steps back and closed her eyes.
Her grin reduced to a sadistic smile.
Her hands traced to her chest, as she started to unbutton her blazer.
What is she doing...?
She took off her blazer and took off the shirt underneath it.
Is she...
Stripping?!
What the fuck?!
Yuri continued to strip, until she was down to her lingerie.
She opened her hollowed out eyes.
And in turn, her grin returned.
Without breaking eye contact, she took off her knee-high socks and shoes.
In front of me...
Was a scantily clothed, Yuri.
Her bleeding forearm was still prominently showing.
It continued to ooze blood as she stared at me.
"Did this change your mind, Valkyrie?"
Of course, it didn't.
I was still paralyzed by fear.
She took my unresponsiveness as a yes.
Yuri grabbed a firm hold of her breasts and started to massage them in front of me.
Her dark purple bra kept her breasts in place as she played.
My mind was in a whirlwind of different thoughts.
A small sect told me to drop the knife and play with her.
However a larger part told me to back away.
Back away quickly.
Leave.
I saw her blood cover her breasts.
And that woke me up.
I shook my head.
"No! Argh! This doesn't change my mind! Just... calm the fuck down, Yuri! Please!" I demanded.
Yuri stop playing with herself and glared at me.
"FUCK YOU!" She screeched.
I widened my mouth from her fall from grace.
"Fuck me?!" I yelled, I was growing agitated from the fact that she wasn't listening.
"Gladly!"
Yuri charged towards me with three giant steps.
I didn't hesitate to use the knife.
I nicked her left arm, causing her to recoil away.
She gave a small whimper of the cut I gave her.
"Come near me again and I won't hesitate to use this knife!" I threatened.
Yuri in response just removed her bra and panties, showing no regard of the situation.
She covered her E-cup breasts with forearm and used her hand to cover genitalia.
Yuri's eyes flashed to a state of sorrow.
"Please, Valkyrie! All I want is you fuck me. Fuck me hard! Just violate my body with your dick! I want to feel your warm cum fill my womb!"
I glared at her, horrified by this... this monstrosity.
I was absolutely disgusted from Yuri's fall from grace.
This is a far cry from the reserved and polite Yuri!
She's dirty talking me, just to get me to fuck her!
"What the hell is wrong with you?! Fuck no! I'm not going to have sex with you! And I know for a fact, that this isn't you, Yuri! Please wake up!"
Yuri drops her innocent facade and pins me with monstrous amount of strength.
I drop the knife in surprise of her actions.
I heard the metal clang on the floor.
Yuri looked down onto the floor, pondering her next move.
She slowly looks up with her psychotic expression dominating her face.
"If you won't listen... then I'll force you to listen..."
Now!
"Go to Hell! I won't let a crazed bitch like you rape me!"
With everything I had, head-butted Yuri.
She falls to the ground, landing on her bottom, moaning while clutching her head.
I felt the pain sting my forehead.
I rubbed it as I gave a hiss of pain.
I looked at the whimpering Yuri.
My eyes heated up at the sight of her.
"Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I don't know you. Maybe I've seen your true colors, Yuri."
I rested my hand on the door.
"Now I know that you are a girl that really needs help, like serious help!"
I pointed at her.
"Don't come near me, ever again. You hear me?! Stay the fuck away from me!"
I walk towards the exit.
I never loved her.
"And just so you know."
I turn to face her.
I smirked at what I about to say.
"I know that I don't love you actually." I proudly declared.
I could've left right then and there.
But I felt the compulsive need to watch her squirm.
Squirm at how I rejected her.
Squirm for making me feel scared.
Squirm for making me feel helpless.
And I despise feeling such.
Yuri clutches her head, as if it were giving her immense pain.
In her pain, she starts breathe heavily.
"NOOOOO!" She screeches.
Yuri picks up the knife and stands back from her feet.
I would've been scared a while ago.
But this time.
I don't care.
I was going to make her suffer.
Why am I doing this?
What the Hell is going on?!
I can't control my own actions!
It's like someone is taking over for me!
She starts laughing again, and she threw her head back.
She holds the knife with two hands and positioned in it to her stomach.
I only stared at what she was going to do.
And I knew what she was going to do.
No...
Yuri stabs herself onto her stomach, laughing manically.
No.
Her laughter intensified.
No!
She takes out the knife with a disgusting sound.
The blue blade was now a dark crimson, dripping onto the floor.
Oh my God!
My mind finally felt grounded.
I rush back to Yuri and held her by the shoulders.
I shake her, hoping that she is conscious.
"God! Yuri, what the fuck are you doing?! Have you lost your mind completely?!" I yelled, terrified of her motives.
I look down to see her own inflicted stab wound.
She was silent.
"If I can't have you..." She muttered.
Yuri looks up to me with crazed eyes and a grin.
"NO ONE CAN!"
I heard a another disgusting sound.
The sound of cold steel ripping through warm flesh.
No...
There was something sharp inside of me.
It hurt.
It hurt a lot.
It burned.
...
I look down to see.
Her knife stuck inside of me.
The pain started dissipate slowly, body getting used to the foreign object.
I was at shock.
Yuri...
Stabbed me.
I fell to my knees.
Yuri eased my fall.
She stabbed me.
She stabbed me!
Me!
I felt rage started take over my body.
The pain started dull immediately as I tensed up.
"You-you... asshole!"
I ball my fists up.
Yuri takes the knife out my stomach, exponentially increasing the pain I felt.
"Aagh!"
Her grin grew as she examined the crimson blade at her fingertips.
She looked...
Excited.
Yuri sighed happily.
"It's okay, Valkyrie... After I'm done, we'll be together. Forever."
I mustered all my strength to ready myself an another attack.
I got back up and glared at her.
She lunges at me.
She begins slashing her knife at me.
With a steady glare I dodge every one of her blows by jumping away from the crazed monster.
I'm going to mess you up...
You bitch.
Yuri grunts in a animistic nature, at each swipe she attempts grows hasty and lethal.
"RAAAH! STAY STILL, MY LOVE!"
I parried the heavier attacks she started to do.
She attacks a bit prematurely for me to counter.
I grabbed her wrist and punched her on the face.
I advanced towards her and slugged her again.
This feels...
Good.
I continued to punch Yuri.
Each punch felt as if my life depended on it.
I felt as if my chances to live grew.
It gave me rush I never felt before.
I felt alive.
"Yes... yes... yes!" I mutter incoherently as each of my blows connected.
I started to giggle.
That giggle turned to a chuckle.
A chuckle that soon became full blown laughter.
"Hahaha... hahaha... hahaha! HAHAHAHA! This feels amazing!"
I knee Yuri in the stomach.
I was growing psychopathic.
My mind was slipping to the void.
My vision turned black just for a second.
I ceased my assault and fell to the side.
I rub my head from the pain I started to feel.
My rubs turned to clutching.
I held my head down in pain.
Yuri roared and tried to attack me.
I looked up pushed her to the ground and pushed her armed hand down.
She starts to kick me off frantically.
I pulled the knife away from her grip.
I succeed in doing so.
"I hate you." I simply muttered, as I hit Yuri with the hilt of the knife, knocking her out.
I looked at my hands, horrified from what I just did.
I didn't dare to look at Yuri closely.
I saw a glimpse of her purple hair resting on the floor.
I lean on the wall, exhausted from all that has happened.
I couldn't believe what she has done.
And I couldn't believe what I did.
She was fine a few minutes ago.
What happened?
No...
What happened to me?
Why did start to punch Yuri?
With no mercy?
It felt...
Amazing.
Am I the true psychopath?
Each punch...
It made me feel as if I was going live.
If I kept punching...
Then I would make it out alive.
I was so scared...
I wanted to live...
She wanted to kill me!
I look at Yuri's unconscious body.
My God...
Why?
Why do I have to put with this?!
WHY?!
I punch the wall in frustration, pain stinging my knuckles.
I took multiple deep breathes to calm myself down.
I looked at my stab wound, I was still bleeding somewhat.
Somehow, my rage accelerated my healing factor.
I shouldn't question it...
I put one hand and applied pressure in an effort to slow the bleeding.
Even though Yuri was about to kill me, I took off my blazer.
I walked over to Yuri and wrapped around her self-inflicted wound.
I made a tourniquet and made sure I did it correctly.
I am sorry.
With my other hand, I pulled up my phone and dialed emergency services.
My mind couldn't exactly comprehend the events leading up to all this.
All I felt now, was this numb feeling.
I don't know how to describe it...
But I feel...
Hollow.
*beep* *beep*
I decided to speak first.
"Hello?! is this emergency-"
"Ah, Val." A calm feminine voice greeted.
Monika?!
What the hell?!
I was at complete shock.
What the Hell is going on?!
"Couldn't you tell that there's something wrong with Yuri, Val?"
How does she know about Yuri?!
"Monika? How did you even-"
She interrupted me.
"Well... you never played the game, so it isn't your fault, really. Ahaha... most of this isn't your fault really. You can say..."
I interrupted her.
"How the hell are you talking to me right now?! Yuri's stabbed herself! I need to call the ambulance, right now!"
I tried to hang up by tapping the red button but my phone wouldn't respond.
"Fuck! Hang up, already!"
She giggled again at my useless attempts.
"Ah, don't worry, Val. Yuri's going to be just fine. She won't remember a thing! But you will. I will make sure of it."
Monika's voice grew sinister.
"Know this, darling... You will beg to be mine."
Beg?
To be hers?!
"What?! What do you mean?!" I yelled.
The feeling of fear petrified me.
She sighed playfully.
"Oh, Val... you do know that this all just a simulation, right? It's not even called a memory at this point, really. I guess you can say I made some... modifications on some of the memories."
I sensed her do a shrug at the other side of the phone.
"Hmm... this memory is really something of my own imagination... I have all the power in this place to change everything! To an extent... Ah, what am I saying! Love, you don't need to worry about that! Everything will be just fine..."
The world started to collapse around me, everything was starting to fall into 0's and 1's.
Oh no...
Oh no!
Am I going to die?
Is this it?!
"What the fuck is going on?! Who's doing this?! Wait!"
My eyes widened in realization.
No way...
It was her all along.
It's her!
"Are you the reason why this memory is repressed?!"
Monika just giggles in response.
"Maaaybe!" She playfully teases.
I have never felt this amount of anger, anywhere.
I was literally embodiment of rage.
She's the reason why this memory is repressed!
She's been pulling all the strings!
I remember!
I remember what that voice said, when I had that little scene with Monika back at the closet!
I needed to stay the hell away from her!
Monika is the perpetrator all along!
I didn't realize that my body was now slowly devolving into numbers.
It's her fault!
"God, it makes sense now! You bitch!"
The dissolution ate away my body.
No...
"You aren't getting away with this!" A voice proclaimed.
It's that voice!
"Who's that?!" Monika yelled in panic.
"Tom?" I called.
I was confused too.
Who is this?
"Call me whatever you'd like! It doesn't matter! I'm fixing this all right now! No one will get the benefit of a restart! No one! Not even you, you bitch!"
The dissolution stopped and I saw the bits of code hover around me.
Suddenly, it clumped up.
The date imploded, sending a visible shockwave.
I felt my breath escape me as a blinding light struck me.
But my breathing came back.
I was angry at something...
It was all I can feel, in this void I am in right now.
I was afloat by nothing, drifting to nothingness.
I felt that if I didn't have my rage, then I would feel nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
In other words, I would be hollow.
Rage was the only thing keeping my mind from falling into the void.
I need to wake up.
I felt as if my thoughts were an disembodied entity.
I couldn't understand them.
They were sounds of whispers and incomprehensible voices, speaking another language.
I need to wake up!
My thoughts were growing more audible.
I can understand them now.
Real voices.
Real whispers.
I NEED TO WAKE UP!
My eyes opened up to a theater...
Where am I?
My eyes started to get attuned to the color.
I couldn't understand what was going on.
What's going on?
I started to cough violently.
I heard a feminine gasp to my right.
"Wah! Valkyrie?! Are you okay?!" Yuri asked, almost yelling in fright.
Yuri.
Her voice ceased my coughing almost immediately.
"Yeah, I'm fine... Just had a strange headache there..." I dismissed.
Yuri put a hand over my forehead.
I felt the warm and soft touch of Yuri's hand.
"Hmm... strange. You aren't sick. Are you sure you don't need any help?"
I waved at her dismissively.
"Nah. I'm good. Thanks, Yuri."
I stroked her cheek affectionately.
Yuri closed her eyes and enjoyed the strokes I gave her.
"Mmm." She cooed.
I then stopped stroking her cheek.
And she gave a bittersweet smile.
"The movie's done, Valkyrie. Do you wish to leave?"
I smirked.
"Why wouldn't we? Let's go."
I stand up from my seat and take my hand to Yuri.
She giggled and accepted my hand.
"Thank you, Valkyrie..."
"You're welcome, princess."
Yuri turned red from this.
Princess?
Since when did I call her princess?
I put my arm around her back.
We exited the booth and walked to the exit of the theater.
What happened?
Did I pass out during the fight scenes?
Or something else happened?
Everything seems like a blur...
It's like waking up very early in the night just to go somewhere...
My mind is in a haze...
I can't think clearly...
We opened the doors.
It was sunset, the sky was tinted orange and a air of serenity clung to it.
I marveled at the light tinge the sky gave.
It was a beautiful orange, slowly turning to an ever glowing crimson.
"Wow..." I muttered.
Yuri looked towards the sunset.
"Hm, hm, hm. This city always has the best sunsets." She commented.
I looked towards her.
The light orange light brightened Yuri's image.
She looked hopeful in front of the sunset.
"Valkyrie?" She called, still looking directly at the sun.
"Yeah?"
I was still looking at her.
"What do you see in a sunset?"
I turned my attention to the view.
The orange seemed to get brighter from this.
The sun was ever so slowly dropping into the horizon.
"I... I see the future." I replied.
I felt Yuri's soft fingers hold my hand.
"I also see a future."
We slowly look to each other.
I smiled.
She smiled.
Take her.
For some reason, our heads started to get closer.
Is it now?
I saw her eyes flutter shut.
Does she like me?
I felt my heart thump.
Will be the different?
I felt her hot breathe on my lips and-
*Beep!*
We pull away almost immediately.
I coughed and tried act casual.
Yuri stroked her hair with extreme vigor, unlike anything I have seen before.
I pulled out my phone to check what was the notification.
"Missed call from Monika"
Monika called me?
What for?
"Huh... so Monika called me. I didn't even notice it."
Yuri groaned.
"Why did she even call? Didn't she know that you were busy?" She asked with great irritation.
I shrugged.
"I guess she forgot, or something." I dismissed.
Yuri eye-rolled.
"Valkyrie?"
I looked to her.
Her irritated attitude diminished as soon as I looked at her.
She reverted to her usual timid self.
"A-are we going to r-read at my house?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Sure, why not? What's the time, right now...?"
I checked the time and it was...
6:30.
"Hmm, 6:30..."
"U-um... I-is there something wrong with th-that...? You don't have to read with me..."
I patted her shoulder.
"Nah, it's fine! C'mon, lead the way!"
I started to walk, only to see Yuri crossing her arms.
Oh you've got to be kidding me...
I walked back to her and she extended her hand.
I sighed and reluctantly accepted it.
Fuck my life.
We walked down the sidewalk, hand in hand, without any worries.
She didn't have to worry about Monika.
She didn't have to worry about Sayori.
She didn't have to worry about Tommy.
She didn't have to worry about the simulation.
All Yuri worried about was me being able to read with her.
Great.
I can feel myself inching closer to my breaking point...
I don't know how much more I can take.
All I want to do is...
Go home.
With Tom.
It wasn't long before we were out of the busy part of the city, and we entered the calmer suburban area.
I took a look around and I was amazed by the sheer sizes of each houses-no, each mansion size.
Every mansion was ultra-modern, having a outdoor swimming pool, glass rooms and such.
This looks like a paradise for the elite...
"Wow... this is all amazing." I said in awe.
"I suppose so... my family have lived in this part of the city for quite a while." Yuri remarked.
I turned to her with a raised eyebrow.
"Really? It must been a pain to afford such a property!"
She chuckled.
"Hu, hu... not quite, Valkyrie. My family are one of the elite government officials in the country, therefore we are well off... Money's never a problem."
I pursed my lips, surprised by Yuri's apparent standing in the government.
And I had dreams to reach such places.
I wanted to tell her.
"That's pretty lit, Yuri. When I graduate from college, I-"
But, I stopped myself from saying anything more.
It brings up the real world...
And I can't talk about it...
Can I?
My apparent silence confused Yuri.
"Hmm? Valkyrie? Are you okay?"
She looked to with concern.
I shook my head and gave her a small smile.
"Sorry, I was just thinking."
I took a deep breath and continued my thought process.
"Anyway, I was thinking of being a government agent. I always wanted to provide for my country in any way possible. Sure, I won't be a James Bond, but at least I'm helping my country with it's domestic affairs..."
Yuri suddenly giggles.
I leered at her.
"What's wrong?"
"Your job choice... it suits you perfectly." She explained.
I was genuinely pleased.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"Mhm! You have a such strong moral code, it really fits you."
My small smile grew to a warm grin.
"Wow... Thank you, Yuri. I really appreciate it."
She gives a flashy smile.
Yuri has pearly-whites...
Wow...
"Your welcome, my prince..."
That last part was a bit muffled, but I still heard it clearly.
Prince?
I shrugged it off, probably as payback from calling her a "princess".
Yuri then abruptly stops in front an almost identical ultra-modern mansion, like all the others.
It was somewhat bigger and vibrant.
She then opens the door.
Holy shit...
The amount of decors and aesthetics put into the house almost blew me away.
There were gardens of flowers on both sides of the pathway, having a birdbath on each sides.
The pathway was riddled with small rocks and gravel, giving that pleasing aesthetic effect that any home designer would die for.
There were also white arches placed each garden, giving it a regal effect.
I was utterly baffled.
"This is your home?" I asked with disbelief.
She meekly nodded.
"Y-yes. It is. Are you pleased?"
I parted my mouth.
"Pleased? I am awe-struck! Your home is like a dream come true!"
Yuri flushed.
"Oh." She begins to play with her hair.
"T-thank you..."
Before we get a chance to walk to the door, I-
*Beep! Beep!*
My phone's ringing.
I swear if it's Monika...
"Gimme a minute, Yuri."
Yuri looked irritated.
"Okay... God help me if it's Monika." She muttered.
I take a look at the number... It was from...
Home?! Is it from the real world?!
Without a doubt, I excitedly pick up the phone.
"Hello?!"
I heard a feminine voice.
"Vally?! Where are you? We thought you would be at home!"
My eyes widened at the voice I was hearing.
Mom?!
No way...!
There's no fucking way!
"Mom?!" I called again.
My eyes started to burn up.
"Val? Is there something wrong?"
I turned away from Yuri and wiped the tears tracing down my face.
"No, no. I'm fine, Ma. Sorry for not being there, I'm at a friend's house, I'm hanging out with em." I explained.
"Don't worry! Your friend, Monika has kept me company."
Wait, what?!
What's she doing there?!
"Monika?" I asked, in pure disbelief.
"Monika?" Yuri interjected.
She gritted her teeth from the mention of that name.
I turned to her and shook my head dismissively.
I mouthed the words: "I'm just talking to my mom."
She nodded with a leer.
"Yes, Vally. Monika was standing outside our house waiting. Apparently, she was waiting for you."
I needed to redirect the focus on how she came in this place.
"Mom, when did you come home?"
My mother gave a gasp.
"Ah! We came into the city yesterday night. We forgot to tell you!"
I nodded at the apparent reason.
What the Hell?
"Are you still jetlagged, Ma? Do you need to go to bed?" I asked worriedly.
"Vally, we went to the hotel when we came back, so we're fine! And might I say, it's wrong to keep a lady like Monika waiting!"
I choked up.
"Sorry, Ma..."
"Don't apologize to me! Apologize to your girlfriend!"
My mother always liked to tease me when I'm around friends.
And this tease has struck a nerve.
"Ma! She's not my girlfriend!"
My mom laughed wholeheartedly.
"Hoho! I thought she would be a perfect match for you!"
I cringed.
"No, stop it! Stop it, Ma! You're making me feel weird!" I exclaimed.
My mom let out a sigh.
"Oh, alright. I want you come home now, we still need you to help unpack from our trip."
I sighed.
"Sure, Ma. I was about to enter my friend's house, but sure." I sardonically said.
My mom was amused.
"Oooh. Is it another female friend?"
I looked to Yuri and glanced to the floor.
"Um... uh... Bye, Ma!"
I hung up the phone in a hurry.
I saw Yuri, who was covering her mouth and trying her best not to release any giggles.
I gave a small glare.
In turn, Yuri gave a small giggle.
"It's so cute when you talk to your mother!" She bemused.
I frowned.
"Aw c'mon, Yuri! Don't see it like that..."
Her giggling got the better of her.
"Tee hee! I'm sorry, but it was adorable!"
I rolled my eyes and let her finish her laugh.
Yuri let out a happy breath and looked at me.
"So... are we not going read? Do you need to go home?" She asked with a unsure frown.
And I felt bad.
"Unfortunately, I'm sorry. I'll text you about the chapter I stop at, alright?"
Her frown turned to a condescending smirk.
"That's acceptable."
I nodded.
"Good, good."
She then walked up to me and hugged me.
When did Yuri get this confident?
"I've had fun today, Valkyrie. Lots of fun."
Yuri climbs up to my ear.
"Can we do this again?"
I widened my eyes from her flirtatious moves.
I struggled to formulate words.
"S-sure! Why not?!" I managed to say.
Yuri releases me.
She had happy smile.
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
Yuri puckered her lips and gives a smooch on my cheek.
"Goodbye, Valkyrie! I hope to see you again!" She starts to walk away into her home.
I walk off too.
"Likewise, Yuri! See ya!"
And with that, I broke into a light jog to return home.
After a while, I finally got home.
There was lights on, so that proved my family was home.
I rang the doorbell, despite me having the keys.
I heard light steps on the other side of the door.
"Who is it?"
I immediately recognized who that was.
I smiled.
Mike.
Michael was my younger brother.
We are inseparable, we always are together in family photos and vacations... except for this one.
In other words, we are very close.
"Open up, Mike. You know who I am."
"Okay, okay!" Mike opens the door.
I immediately bring him into a hug.
I heard him give a surprised gasp.
"Val! Hey, what the heck!"
I didn't care.
I needed someone from the real world to hug, or the synthetic world.
It didn't matter.
He was my brother.
Mike returns the hug in confusion.
"Val... you can let go now, jeez."
I let go of him.
I took a hard look at him.
He looks like a younger version of me, with a few minor differences...
No wonder people say that they can see an resemblance.
Wait... he also has those large eyes... he has those non-existent lips, and sharp nose...
My mind took a dark turn.
I felt sullen.
I'm still here...
In this fake world..
Mike spoke up.
"You act as if we haven't seen each in years... Ma and Pa, were only gone for a few days..."
I shrug.
"I know, I know. I never thought I would be a big softie..."
He chuckled.
"Haha! Anyways, I was just playing some games on the console, since I'm too tired... you wanna play?"
"Maybe... Is there any guests here?"
He gave nod.
"Yeah. It's a girl named Monika."
I shivered at the her name.
Great...
"Monika's here?"
"Yep! She was waiting outside like a creep... and whenever she talk about you she has stars in her eyes. Literally!"
That doesn't sound good.
"Literally?" I ask.
"Literally!" He repeats.
He gets close to my ear and looked around in suspicion.
"I think she likes you." He whispered.
I moved away from him.
No...
Fuck!
I really, really hope that isn't the case!
"Urgh... don't say that. I only see her as a friend, Mikey."
He gave a unimpressed look.
"Uh, huh. Sure."
I gave a glare.
"Mike!"
He waved his hand at me.
"Yeah, it's okay. I understand, it's 'complicated', isn't it?"
"No! It isn't-"
I sighed.
I was arguing with my little brother in front of the door.
I rolled my eyes at him.
"You know what? Believe what you want, I don't care."
I walk towards the hat rack to put away my bag.
"Monika and Vally, sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" He chanted.
I'm too exhausted to care.
I saw my dad sitting on the sofa reading the daily news.
I was about to go upstairs, until my dad cleared his throat.
He put down his newspaper and looked at me with a mocking smile.
Great.
"So... you and Monika, huh?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, nice to see you too Pa."
His smile grew more mocking.
"Avoiding the question, eh?"
I arched an eyebrow.
"What? What are you talking about?"
He leaned back onto his seat and relaxed.
"It's okay, Val. I get it, you like her. I'll support you all the way."
I grit my teeth worriedly.
"No! Not you too, Dad!"
He chuckled.
"Oh no, my son! I have fallen to the dark side! Haha!"
I continued to explain.
"I only see her as a sister I never had!"
"Uh huh, and I'm Tom Rogers that beat Dragster in 5.51 seconds."
My dad never did let go of the fact that his idol was a fraud. He admired him like a deity, but after the explanation that the time was impossible to ever reach, he has hated Rogers ever since and ridiculed him every chance he got.
"And besides, I thought the same way for your mother. Until she-"
I put my hand up to stop him.
"Dad! I don't see her that way! I respect her as a friend! Besides, she's a perfectionist. Why would she fall for me?"
He shrugged.
"You tell me. Monika has a really... bright tone whenever she speaks about you. She goes really lovey-dovey, whenever you are mentioned. Butterflies and unicorns, that sort of thing."
My face flared up.
"Dad!"
He sighed.
"Okay, okay! I'll stop, but I still think you two are match..."
"Dad!"
He gave small, but mocking grunt.
"Heh. Fine, no more of that."
A great deal of weight was lifted off me.
"Thanks, Pa."
He nods in response and gives me a wink.
With a shake of my head, I go up the stairs and enter my room.
I open the door to see-
Monika?!
She was laying on my bed with her chest facing downwards.
Her legs, still in their stockings, were swinging side to side playfully.
I saw her green eyes glued to her smartphone, her fingers furiously typing onto the keyboard.
"Monika?! What are you doing here? Specifically, in my room?!
She looked up from her phone and smiled.
Monika jumped up from my bed.
"Oh, hey Val!" She greeted.
I didn't greet her back.
"You didn't answer my question..."
Monika placed her hands behind her back and beamed at me.
"Well, because I felt comfortable in your room! It's kind of cozy here... I like it."
I nodded slowly at her answer.
"Oh... okay. So what are you here for, anyway?" I asked.
She crossed her arms.
"Well... I was waiting for you to come back, duh!"
"But, why?" I pressed.
I smirked, as I expected her to falter.
And she did.
Monika's arms loosened up and she twiddled with her fingers.
Her mouth quivered on what she going to say next.
"You know! Discuss the festival and stuff..." She slowly answered.
Did we?
"We never agreed to do that, Monika."
My statement caused Monika to straighten up.
Aw crap.
"Yeah, we did!"
She shows me a text of our chat.
"Later, maybe tomorrow or at school"
Fuck!
"We did talk about it at school though..." I tried to dismiss.
She tightened her look and put her hands on her hips.
"We did, but it wasn't enough! This fetis-, I mean, Festival is the only way the literature club can expand, so we have to plan it! It has to be perfect!"
I steeled my gaze for a second when she festival.
What?
I was trying to comprehend what she was about to say, but I gave up.
I sighed.
"Alright, you made your point. Maybe we do have to discuss this. But um..."
I nervously coughed.
I motioned her to leave.
Monika didn't pick up the signals I was giving.
"Eh?"
I scoffed at her.
"Can you get out for a bit? I need to change." I explained.
Monika pursed her lips and gave me a cute glare.
"No!"
I widened my eyes.
I was not expecting that.
I thought she would respect my wishes in my house...
"What? Why not?!"
This caused Monika to stop her thinking process.
"Um... well... because!"
This game...
"Because what?" I asked to elaborate.
She didn't budge.
"Just because!" She pouted.
I arched an eyebrow.
Her irrationality was going to win this.
I rolled my eyes.
"Very well. I'll take my clothes and change in the bathroom..."
I reach for my clothes.
"Wait just a minute!" Monika demanded.
I stop.
"Back in the club room, you didn't flex for me!"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, so?" I questioned.
"Soooo, that means you have to change in front me!" She explained.
Monika stood tall, as if she has won the exchange.
But she hasn't.
This again?
She doesn't like to Let Go, huh?
"Err... No thanks. I would rather flex than do... that."
Monika leans in.
"Whatever I say, goes! Do it!"
I rub my forehead in frustration.
"Monika... are you really still going about this... punishment of yours?"
She nods vigorously.
"Uh huh! I won't stop until I get it!"
I tighten my jaw slightly and eyed her.
"Are you really going to embarrass me, until you feel satisfied?"
She nods again.
"Yep!"
I point to the dresser.
"You do realize that my dresser is right next to me, right?"
I walk over to the dresser and check my clothes.
"And?
I take the hanger for my uniform out the closet, which was conveniently near the dresser.
"I can just take my clothes and..."
I quickly took the clothes from my dresser.
"Okay?"
"Well, I can just..."
I reach for the knob.
She widens her eyes.
"Wait, no! If you do that, then I'll... I'll...!"
I turned to her and smirked at her impasse.
"You'll what? Hmm?"
I twist the knob and open the door.
"I'll- Uuuu! I'll get my revenge, Jones!" She yelled.
I waved my hand dismissively at her.
"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say."
I close the door behind me.
I stroll to the bathrooms and opened one of them.
I entered the room and checked if anyone was coming out of the corridor.
Specifically, Monika.
I closed the door and locked it.
Paranoia was driving me somewhat.
Once I did that, I placed a hand on the door and let out a heavy sigh.
Jesus Christ...
Monika is very, very unpredictable.
There's no telling what she will do next.
I placed the clothing and hangar next to me.
I started undressing, starting with my blazer.
I unbuttoned each of the buttons I had and shrugged off the blazer on a rack.
My mind started to drift...
Great!
Well, so much for relaxing after getting back home.
Now I have to discuss plans with Monika...
I shiver at the hint of her name.
I don't want to do any of that...
And I doubt that we are going discuss anything about the festival.
I just want to finish my homework and poems, so I can go to sleep...
I really need to shut my eyes for a bit...
I was naked, so I opened the shower-gate and turned on the water.
All of a sudden, I felt fear.
I thought someone was watching me.
But how could anyone see me?
I locked the door.
I let the cold water make me shiver and calm me down.
God, that feels so much better.
Friday...
That's my break day.
When I get home that day, I'm going to shut myself from the world and think...
Wow. That sounds like mediation...
Anyway, I need to catch my breath.
I can't keep up with the constant barrage of bombs being thrown at me!
It just pisses me off!
So, today, I almost lost my temper at Yuri... and I lost it to Monika...
I chuckle at that scene.
I'm not sure how I even got away with it... It's as if by divine intervention that I got away with all that, almost unscathed...
Now's she here.
To make me suffer.
What is she going to do?
Force me to strip and touch her...
Stuff?
That does fit her demanding and playful personality...
God, where did that come from?!
But, I doubt that'll happen.
Hmm...
What should I do now?
Monika gives obvious warnings.
Warnings that say to stay away from her.
But there's something that...
Attracts me?
No.
Pulls me to her.
I'm not sure what it is, but whenever I am near her.
I feel like my memories of the real world are being altered.
I don't even know how, but I am actually starting to believe the lies I told you Yuri.
Specifically the one where I barely talk to my friends online and stuff.
Who is Monika in Tom's memory?
Hell, I have never met any of these girls before!
Who are they?!
How does Tom even know them?
How come we are barely mentioned?
...
Does that mean this is childhood memory?
Is it recent?
If it is recent, then it has no reason to not include us.
We still have influence over his memory...
Right?
Or did he not even think about us at all?
A text, a call, or notification should remind him of us...
God, I think I am overthinking things...
Grr...
I stopped the water from pouring.
And I left the shower to dry and put on my clothes.
I am going to limit my time with Monika as much as I can...