XXIV

Real Friends

"So Mayu-chan, your sister's still sick isn't she?" Mei asked as they started with their bento's, their first period had ended early so they had a chance of enjoying a longer break. They were going to need it as they would be heading for P.E after this and that was going to mean a lot of running.

"Yeah, Saeko-san just isn't feeling that well. I've already explained it to her friends but they weren't exactly happy to hear that they couldn't come and visit her today. They seemed rather disappointed," Mayu replied, still feeling guilty over having given them such an answer. She could well understand the reason behind the decision made by Kouta and Yuka but that didn't take away that it wasn't a pleasant one.

"Is that because of their horns?" Mei asked as she took a bite from a fried egg. "If so what's the big deal about it anyway, does it really matter if she and the others all have horns? I think they are rather cute."

"Mei-san you shouldn't think so lightly about them, you don't know what they have been through just because they have them. Saeko-san especially went through a painful time. Please, I ask you to be a bit more careful talking about that, if people in school were to find out then I don't know how they would react."

Mei grew silent as she thought about it, still chewing on the egg, Mayu did have a point as there were plenty of students who wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of such a thing to further their own popularity. Especially with some of the more popular girls in school, they could be really nasty when they wanted to, besides it was common to pick on those who were different than from what was considered the norm.

"I'm sorry Mayu-chan, I didn't mean to," Mei apologized to said girl, her head hanging a little as she could understand what it was like. Perhaps she did think a little too lightly about them.

"I know Mei-san, I'm glad that you understand. Which is also why they like having you around. They're all happy that you don't make fun of their horns. You treat them like normal people and it means a lot to them."

Mei giggled, holding her hand in front of her. "Well they're normal people aren't they, just because they have those, you know, doesn't turn them into monsters. I know what it's like to be made fun of, I got bullied a little as well during junior high. I felt so ashamed when people found out about it. I got really scared back then because of the things they started calling me."

Avoiding Mayu's gaze Mei voice also seemed to be growing fainter.

"Mei-san, you don't mean because of your… ehm…?" A piece of her lunch was being held in the air by her chopstick, Mayu understood what her friend was hinting at but she found that was also a delicate, not to mention difficult, matter to talk about.

"Yep, because I'm lesbian," Mei almost whispered that last word, casting a few hurried glances over her shoulder to make sure that nobody else has heard it before she continued. "Other classmates used to make fun of me, I was only lucky that one of our teachers understood and notified my counselor. You know I actually hated myself because I was different than the other girls. I thought that I was some kind of freak."

Reaching out Mayu placed her hand on top of Mei's hand. She could feel the shiver that gave away the fear that was residing within Mei. The same kind of fear that was likely residing in all the other girls; the fear of being picked on just because they were a little different from the rest.

"It's okay, I've learned to deal with it and I've learned to accept myself for who I am. That said I still can't bring myself to tell my parents about it, not with everything that is going on." By now Mei was staring through the window, avoiding the gaze of other students as she told her worries to Mayu. "I think her friends should come and visit her." Mei suddenly changed the subject. "They're real friends, right? Then they deserve to see how their friend is doing."

Mayu slowly pulled back her hand, she found herself in a difficult position all of a sudden. Why did Mei have to change the subject? Besides, she couldn't just say that it was alright for Saeko's friends to come visit her. What if it went wrong? She couldn't even make that call herself, it wasn't up to her but to Kouta and Yuka as they were basically their legal guardians.

"Ehm Mei-san it really isn't so simple. It's true that they really care about her but we just can't let strangers into the house on such short notice, please don't think badly of me."

"I was a stranger too when I came to your house to visit you know. You were the only person who knew me at that time. Oh, the look on your family's faces, I don't think they had been expecting me to show up," Mei brought up how it had gone when she had come to visit Mayu at the inn.

"No, they weren't," Mayu said in return as she looked down at her lunchbox. By now they had finished it and their break was also starting to come to an end. "I think it's time for us to go, we should-."

She stopped as she noticed that Mei was pointing to something behind her back. "Ehm Mayu-chan, do you know that girl? I think she wants to ask you something."

Staring at her for a moment as Mayu felt confused, it couldn't be Yuzuka or Azusa as she had met them earlier and explained the situation to them.

Turning around she had to look carefully as there was no girl that she could recognize. "Ehm Mei-san, who do you mean? Which girl are you referring to anyway?"

"That girl near the exit, you see the one standing next to the announcement board, the one with the long black hair with the flower in it. You see her?" Mei tried to guide her, telling her where Mayu needed to look.

I still took a few moments before Mayu was finally able to spot the girl or at least she hoped that was the girl that Mei had meant. It wasn't until she waved her hands that Mayu felt more confident that it had to be her, but why was this girl calling for her?

Pointing a finger at herself she saw that the girl nodded her head in return, guess she did want to speak to her for sure. Though Mayu felt a little hesitant to go but she nevertheless left the table and made her way towards the girl, wondering what this girl wanted from her. Mei was close behind, seeming not intend on letting her friend go alone.

Already Mayu could tell that by the look of the insignia on the girl's chest that she was only a first-year student, perhaps she wanted to see her with regards to joining the art club? That was possible, but why go to her when she could simply go to the clubroom and ask for a form? Something felt odd.

"Ehm can I help you? Is there something you would like to ask me?" Mayu asked as she stopped in front of the girl, somehow she got the impression that this wasn't club related but why else would a first year signal to a second year to come over? She didn't even know who she was though but she got the idea that they had met before.

"I… uhm… senpai," the girl blurted in response before making a quick bow before her. "I'm Saten Hinami, from class 1-B, sorry to disturb you senpai but I have to ask you something really important. Are you Isuzu-senpai from class 2-B right? The older sister of Isuzu-san from class 1-C? The younger of the two Isuzu sisters that people talk about because of her hair?"

With her horns concealed Nana approached the crepe stand together with Saeko. They had finished their chores rather swiftly which only meant that it was obvious that their treat would come that much sooner as well.

"How can I help you?" The man behind the counter asked her as she stepped forward to make her order. Nana knew the man, after all, he has had this stand here for as long as she could remember. Holding up her hand she placed an order for three of his best crepes.

"I'd like to have three of the tropical fruits special with extra cream, please." Those were her favorites and she knew that her sisters liked them as well.

"Alright then, that will be 3,000 yen, please. They will be ready shortly."

Paying the man Nana waited patiently for the crepes to be prepared. Already she was drooling at the thought of them. They had deserved this and she wanted to cheer Saeko up as well, and with these, they could all go to the garden and enjoy the warmth of the day.

That reminded her, she also needed to get a blanket so that Saori could rest on it.

"Here you go ma'am, enjoy your meal," the man replied as he handed her the crepes, all nicely tucked in so that she could take them with her.

"Thank you! Have a nice day," Nana said in return before leaving, taking the crepes with her. Oh, this day was starting to look good to her, already finished with the chores, some really good crepes and also a chance to have an early bath. Now all she needed to do was to make sure she got home safely and with the crepes intact, it would really be a shame if she were to drop them.

"I can't let that happen, not like last time. This time, I'll bring them back safely." Nana made a vow then and there. This time, she wasn't going to trip and she would make sure not to get caught by surprise and trip like what had happened then.

She would also need to pick up the pace, it was already getting pretty warm outside and it would be a shame as well if their crepes were to be spoiled because the ice inside had melted. No, she wouldn't stand for that so she started to walk faster.

"I'm not going to let our crepes go to waste, we've earned these. Saeko-san is going to be pretty sad if I don't come back with them, and I really want to cheer her up," she said to nobody in particular as she took a shortcut. "I wonder how Saori-chan will react to these, she never had one before, right? Would she actually like crepes?"

That was something she hadn't thought about. She had gone out initially to buy one for herself and Saeko but at the last moment had decided to get one for her as well, though with no consideration if she would even like them. Well, she had bought one now. Either Saori would like it or she wouldn't and if she didn't well that did have the positive point of a having a second one all to herself.

"That would be mean of me, she's my little sister too and I need to help her, it's what papa would've wanted." No matter how hard she tried Saori would always remind her of Mariko, being a clone of said girl didn't help. It was so confusing to Nana and it always made her feel reluctant to get near her, somehow she would always say the wrong things to her.

"Papa, why is it so complicated? Why can't this be easier?" she asked, hoping in vain to get an answer. She could really do with one as she had trouble thinking of Saori as anybody else but Mariko. Or at least a part of her that lived on.

That made Nana feel a little better, finding some solace in the belief that a part of Mariko was still alive and had a chance at living a normal life. Hopefully, they could help her by finding a way to end her suffering, and for her to have the life that had been taken from her. Immersed in her own thoughts she kept on walking.

Mayu was surprised when the girl asked her about that, still, not much of a surprise as she and Saeko were not exactly strangers in this school and they had caught the attention of others more than once.

"I am yes and why are you so interested in my sister?" Mayu asked, somewhat concerned that this girl might be up to something. Mei was standing next to her.

"Because I want to thank her for coming to help me a couple of days ago. She didn't need to but I still want to thank her. I've been looking so I could thank her but I couldn't find her."

It was only then that the odd feeling that Mayu had been having made sense, now having a closer look at the girl's face Mayu recognized her as the same girl that had been in the room as well.

"You saw what happened right?" Mayu asked seeking for confirmation. At least this girl could tell her a bit more what had happened, and of course, that was provided she was going to tell her the truth though thus far she seemed to make a rather sincere impression on her.

"Please senpai, I'd like to know where your sister is. I need to see her so I can thank her," Saten emphasized it by making a bow. "Please senpai?"

Even then Mayu felt some hesitation, already she had told the two real friends of Saeko that they couldn't come and visit their sick friend and now this girl who she didn't even know was asking where she was.

"I'm sorry Saten-san but my sister isn't here today. She's sick at home and likely won't be back for another day or two, you can talk to her then if you want." That was all that Mayu was willing to say for now, as she didn't want for Saeko to have to deal with another problem. This girl would have to show that she was sincere and if she thought that she could just go to their house then Mayu would have to disappoint her, Saeko's classmates would come first.

"Goodbye Saten-san, take good care of yourself."

They both left. What had been said to the girl had been said. It would be up to her now how she would go further.

"Mei-san? Do you think that I did the right thing?" Mayu asked expressing her concern over what she felt had been an unpleasant conversation. "Was I being rude to her?"

Mei shook her head in response. "Not really and besides, I think I would have reacted in the same way if I had a little sister. That is, after all, what any big sister would do, right?"

Mayu could understand that and in part, Mei had been right, but what else could she further do to protect her sister? Already she was feeling a little resentful about how she had acted towards the girl. In her mind, she had been too rude even though Mei kept telling her that she had been polite enough.

"Well, we should be going. P.E is going to start soon. I hope that we get to go and have our class outside, that's so much better than being stuck in the gym room you know," Mei commented, making it clear how hot it was going to be inside there and how sticky she was going to be after a good workout. "I don't like being sweaty, you know."

"We should make sure to have a shower after that. We'd look pretty bad if we don't have one and just put our clothes back on like some of the boys do," Mayu pointed out to which she and Mei both couldn't hold it back anymore and burst out laughing.

"Speaking of them have you ever smelled them, some of them just reek. Never heard of any deodorant in my opinion. I'm telling you that boys can be so gross and so terrible if you ask me."

To Mayu, that was a bit too much. Sure some men out there certainly behaved like pigs but there were also those who were the opposite. To each their own she guessed. Making their way through the hallways they were heading towards the classroom.

"I'm home!" Nana shouted with excitement as she closed the door behind her, she had made it back in record time and had managed to keep the crepes intact, which called for a celebration alright.

Sitting down she used her vectors to keep the crepes from falling over as she took off her shoes, ah she was looking forward to this moment.

"Saeko-san, you can come down, I've got the crepes so let's go enjoy them in the garden. And bring Saori-chan with you! Also, bring a large blanket so we can sit on it!" Satisfied that she had done her side of the deal, Nana went through the hallway and towards the garden.

With the way the weather was, she knew she was going to enjoy the afternoon. Getting there, she started to think where the best place was for them to sit down, obviously, they couldn't on the balcony as they would have no shade. However, Nana didn't really like lying underneath the trees as, for some reason, there would always be something that got stuck in her hair.

Gazing a little further she noticed a great spot at the pond. Yes! That was going to be perfect. Sadly, though, it also made her aware that even if she wanted to cool her feet in it, she wasn't going to feel it anyway as her limbs were only fake ones. No matter how hard she tried she could never feel anything or anybody with them.

Looking down at her own feet she wondered how it would feel to be able to walk on the grass. To have the sensation of warm sand between her toes when she was at the beach. These were all experiences and feelings that she would never get to enjoy in her life. Even something as simple as touching somebody else was a thing that was beyond her hope.

Stepping on the grass she felt nothing, the crepes in her hand she felt nothing. She felt nothing other than just being aware that she should feel it. It was a depressing thought and one that kept plaguing her every now and then. The sadness of reality.

Noise came from inside the house, fortunately, which pulled her away from those negative thoughts. Now she would have reasons again to smile and laugh as she would get to spend some time with two of her sisters.

"Ah, Nana-chan you're back already. I didn't think you would be back so soon with them. Were there any people at the shop?" Saeko asked as she appeared in the doorway, already holding a blanket in her hands for them to sit on. "Is this one alright? I couldn't find a larger one."

"It's fine," Nana said as she nodded as this one was likely too large for them anyway but that was alright. "Put it down there, next to the pond, we have some nice shade there and we can hang our feet in the pond," she laughed, still holding the crepes in her hands.

"Oh before I forget, how are you doing? Feeling any better?" she asked as she had a good look, well, from where she was standing Saeko seemed to be doing a lot better than she had been this morning. At least she looked to be in a better mood.

"Nana-onee-san…?" Nana heard the voice coming, already she was holding her breath for what kind of mood their little sister was going to be in today. Hopefully, it was one that wouldn't get angry the moment that Nana would mispronounce her name.

Cautiously Saori's face, mostly covered by the hood, appeared from behind the doorframe. "… Onee-sama, why is Nana-onee-san looking at me…? I don't like it when she looks at me like that" Saori whispered as she eyed Nana back, her eyes betraying an equal mix of curiosity and disgust. "… I don't like it, onee-sama why do we have to go…?"

To Nana, it was more like the sensation of a dagger being plunged into her heart after hearing her say that, guess that meant Saori still harbored plenty of grudge against her. Calming herself down she asked the question.

"How are you feeling, Saori-chan?" And she placed considerable emphasis on the correct name. "Would you like to lie in the garden with your sisters, enjoy the nice day with us? I also have a little treat for you! Don't these look tasty?"

From behind her back, Nana showed the crepes and, although Saori's initial response seemed to bode well, she found it hard to get an idea of what her mood might be. "Does it look tasty to you?"

"It's good Saori-chan, come let us enjoy the outside and get some rest in the shades. You can rest on my lap if you want." Taking her by the hand Saeko guided their little sister further outside towards the spot that Nana had picked for them. Saori smiled as she held her hand.

Glad that their classes were going to be held outside Mayu was waiting for Mei to show up, already looking forward to having a chance to share the same class with her, she was grateful that their teachers had decided that they would be having P.E together.

Gazing at the main school clock she was wondering though what was keeping Mei so long, was it normal for her to be this slow? Maybe she needed to ask some of her classmates. Hearing a shout she understood that would have to wait as their P.E teacher, Matsuyama, walked onto the field. "Is everybody present here?! You all know I dislike students that are late."

The assembled students quickly arranged themselves in a neat line. "Sensei, Suzaki-san's still inside." One of the girls replied immediately. "She's getting changed, sensei."

"Then somebody should go inside and tell her to hurry up, getting late is not acceptable in my class," one of their teachers mentioned, appearing to be somewhat agitated by a student by a student not being present in his class.

Mayu stepped forward. "I'll go get her, sensei." And seeing him nod she left the line, quickly heading back towards the room where she and the others had changed. It was likely that Mei was still inside there, going through the entrance Mayu hurried as she knew that she still had some distance to cover.

Stepping inside Mayu called for her but there came answer, she guessed that Mei was still at the lockers. "Mei-san, where are you? Sensei is waiting for us." Still no reply, that was odd.

Going even further Mayu finally arrived at the locker room but as she was about to round the corner she could clearly hear Mei crying and sobbing as if she was hurt. Perplexed she went further while keeping her eyes open. As she got to the locker room she froze as she spotted Mei.

Even from where she was standing she could tell that something was wrong, Mei moved different than what she normally would, her movement rather slow and sluggish. She had already changed into her shorts, though she still needed to change her shirt but for some reason, she appeared reluctant to take it off.

Hearing Mei moan as she reached for her shirt to try and take it off, Mayu didn't understand why she was moaning? Turning around with her back now facing Mayu Mei lifted it higher and that was when Mayu saw the reason, Mei's back was all bruised. Vibrant red scars were stitched across her back as well like she had been hit, some of them looked fresh to her, maybe no more than a day or two old. It was a horrifying sight and one that terrified Mayu.

Gasping in dismay, Mayu didn't know what to say, how could this have possibly happened?

Taking a step back she accidentally kicked against a locker, the noise echoing around the room.

Mei let out a high pitched cry as she quickly turned around, with tears in her eyes she stared at Mayu. "…. N-N-No… p-please… not you… a-anybody but you… M-M-Mayu-chan…" she stuttered with a trembling voice. "…P-Please… turn around… d-d-don't… look at me… p-p-please… p-please… d-d-don't… think… badly… of… me…"

Mayu couldn't say a word. How could she after seeing this? The back of her best friend was all beaten up and bruised, but it didn't end there, the same applied to her shoulders, arms, chest and even her neck. She couldn't even begin to imagine what Mei must have been through.

Now with her eye-patch also removed, Mayu saw that Mei's eye was black, what was it that had happened to her friend? Mayu was mortified, never could she have imagined this.

"… M-Mei-san… how?" That was all she could ask, no longer thinking about going back to class, no longer concerned that they were going to be late or even what their teacher was going to say. All that mattered now to her was to help her friend.

"... M-M-Mayu-chan… p-please… don't tell… anybody… about this… I-I'll only… get into more trouble… nobody… y-you… hear me… d-don't look at me… it's embarrassing…"

How could she even say that? For Mayu to remain quiet over the obvious fact that Mei was being abused and beaten by somebody? Images and memories of the time when she was being abused by her stepfather came to the front of her mind. No. Mayu was not going to let that happen to her, she would not let this slide away, not for it to go unanswered. She would take action if that was going to be required of her. She would not, could not, abandon her friend.

"I can't," Mayu replied, her hands still trembling from what she had witnessed. "I can't do that Mei-san, I can't let them get away with what they've done to you. Tell me who did this to you? Who's the one responsible? Tell me Mei-san."

Mei shook her head violently. "N-No, you can't!" she cried out, holding the shirt in front of her in an effort to prevent Mayu from seeing her bruises. "It'll only cause more trouble for me! You don't know them! They're going to come after you as well Mayu-chan if you dare to confront them! Please for your own sake don't! I don't want to see you get hurt..."

Clenching her fists Mayu had heard just about enough. How could her best friend even ask this of her? To turn a blind eye to her own misery and suffering? To let those responsible for her pain to go unpunished? To allow them to continue with this vile act?

With her stomach filled for the time being, and enjoying the pleasant sensation of a nice cool breeze, Nana was feeling content with herself. This little moment of rest in the garden had been a great idea.

Rolling over she could see Saori lying there next to her, with her feet dangling in the water of the pond. Their little sister gave off a happy impression, a satisfied smile could be seen on her face. A few spots of whipped cream, leftovers from the crepe, were visible on her face.

Looking a little further to where Saeko sat, Nana noticed that she seemed to be more occupied with cleaning Saori's face. Wiping them off gently, Saeko seemed to take considerable care so as not to touch the burn marks on Saori's skin.

"Saori-chan you should be more careful when eating, you've gotten it all over your face."

Not even responding Saori just gazed at her, her eyes portraying that she was starting to feel sleepy again, her head becoming heavier she just wanted to rest. leaning forward a little she wanted to rest her head on her big sister's lap.

"Just a moment dear, I need to get your face clean first," Saeko informed her little sister as she wasn't yet finished. "Just hold still a little longer, once I'm done you can sleep."

"… Onee-sama… I want to sleep, I'm... feeling… so tired... Can I please, onee-sama?"

Nana chimed in as well, "You should let her. She needs the rest and besides her face is already clean. You should get yourself some rest as well, Saeko-san. You can't keep burying yourself with chores the whole day." Holding her breath Nana wasn't sure on what to say next to convince her sister, Saeko had been like this since they had started this morning with the chores. She just wouldn't stop, it was as if she wanted to try and forget about the rest of her life. "Is it that scary for you to go back to school? Don't you miss your friends?"

Saeko didn't say a word in return, just letting out a painful sigh as she gave it some thought but in the end, she decided not to voice her thoughts or concerns. A part of her wasn't even so sure on whether or not she missed her friends, after all, could she really consider them to be her friends? What if they were making fun of her right now? Laughing over Saeko's stupid question as well as her having ran off? But then they had been looking for her. They had gone to go look for Mayu and asked her for help. They had even asked Mayu if they could come and see her at home.

She didn't have the answer. She wasn't really certain if they were her friends or not but deep inside her heart, she hoped that they were, that the brief glimpse of friendship she had gotten to experience for a short time was real. Blinking away a tear she let out another troubled sigh.

"I can't," Mayu replied. "I'm sorry Mei-san but I simply can't turn a blind eye when one of my best friends is being abused. I'm not going to pretend that this didn't happen, I'm going to help you."

"No!" Mei cried out, "You can't! You don't know them! You'll only get yourself in trouble! Please for your own sake, Mayu-chan don't tell anyone! I beg you! Please!"

The fear in Mei's voice couldn't be mistaken for anything else. She was simply terrified but not for her own life, but rather, for the life of her friend. Just what kind of power did the people who had been responsible for her suffering hold over her?

"You want me to just give up on one of my best friends? How can you even ask that of me? How could I even pretend that nothing happened after having seen what they did to you?"

With tears in her eyes Mayu asked those questions, Mei's refusal to let her help her was hurting Mayu more than anything. She couldn't understand why her friend was so reluctant to accept her help, it pained her not understanding why.

"B-But Mayu-chan…" Mei grew increasingly more silent as it went on, still holding on to the shirt in order to hide her body away from Mayu, other than that she stood almost motionless.

"I want to help you, I know people who can protect you but Mei-san you have to tell me, I'm your friend and it hurts me seeing you like this. You're a good person and you don't deserve to be treated like this. Please, let me help you?" Now Mayu was the one doing the pleading, she found it unbearable to abandon a friend in need. That just wasn't her way.

"I know that you're scared and I can understand why, but if you don't allow any help from others, this will only go on." she continued, speaking from her own personal experience, a painful period of her life but one that did permit her to understand what Mei had to be going through. She found it hard to tell other people about what she had been through, an equal mix of confusion, hesitation, and shame that was likely now also haunting Mei.

Shaking her head Mei responded. "… I-I can't… I don't… want to see you hurt… as well… please… leave… leave me… go away… please… Mayu-chan… please…?"

Mayu gave in eventually, spurred on by the pleas of her friend. She would keep quiet about this for now but she wouldn't let this rest. There was somebody that she would ask for help.

"I understand." And with that Mayu turned around, her head hanging. She just couldn't face Mei at the moment.

"I'll go and tell sensei that you're coming, Mei-san please make sure you hurry so he won't sent another person in," she whispered and with pain in her heart, she quickly left. She just couldn't stay here any longer, it was just too painful for her and as much as she hated to admit it she would have to keep quiet about it for now. Wiping away the tears that had formed she would pretend like nothing had happened. As a friend it pained her to do so but she would until she could talk to him. "Bando-san knows what to do, he always knows…" she told herself as she exited the building and walked towards the teacher, already knowing what she was going to say to him. She would continue to support Mei in any way she could, even lying.

"She will be out soon sensei, she was feeling a little sick."

With him nodding she took her place back in line and waited, when Mei appeared a few minutes later it appeared as if nothing had happened, already a mask of happiness across her face, hiding the pain and misery that had been apparent so recently.

Looking at her Mayu could do little for now other than to offer a prayer and to keep a close eye on her for the remainder of the day.

By the time Kouta and Yuka had gotten back from school, Nana had already cleaned up and was now busy in making dinner together with Saeko. With it being ready they could all just go and sit at the table as they would need to leave again soon as they had an appointment with several teachers as well as Saeko's counselor at school.

Yet for some reason there wasn't all that much being discussed at the table, Kouta and Yuka remained awfully quiet about the whole matter and even Mayu just kept to herself.

Nana didn't know why though she felt that they all likely had their own reasons for doing so, she could ask but for now, she thought it would be better not to ask until later. With Mayu, she wanted to wait until later when they were alone so she could speak a bit more freely about what was bothering her. It would be better that way in case it was something serious.

"Nana-chan, thank you for making dinner. You did well," Yuka commented, nearly taking Nana by surprise as she praised her in having made dinner all by herself. "Will you be so kind to watch the house for us, just keep in mind that Nozomi-chan will appear later today and is going to stay here for the night?"

"We'll be leaving shortly as well, Takebe-san is going to pick us up. I don't know when we'll be back but if it gets too late then don't stay up for us. Just make sure that you lock the door and the windows when you go to sleep," Kouta added to that, looking at the clock it seemed that there wasn't much time left until they needed to leave.

Getting up from the table they brought their dishes into the kitchen, Nana was on duty today, but even so, they already made sure that it wouldn't be too much work for her.

"Now you girls behave yourself while we're gone and remember, no strangers in the house."

As they stood there in the doorway they waited until a knock at the door caught everybody's attention. "Well it seems like our lift has arrived, you girls enjoy yourselves then, bye."

Looking back as they closed the door behind them Kouta and Yuka started to discuss the matters they wanted to talk about with the teachers, anyway, it was likely going to be a late night for them.

"So are you two ready for this?" Mako asked as she led the way, being the first one to go through the main and Yuka following her close behind.

"I'm not really fond of going. To think that school is that lack about this," Kouta remarked as they turned left and headed down the long stairs. At the bottom of them, they would find Mako's car, likely at the parking lot across the street.

"I wonder if they would understand how severe this situation is. Without actually being able to tell them how dangerous Saeko can be, we're likely to be seen as overprotective parents."

Yuka nodded, she had the same uneasy feeling about the matter. "You're right about that but we can't simply let it stay like this. With some luck they'll understand our concern and even if just one teacher is willing to keep a closer eye out, then we'll have made a difference for her."

A single teacher wasn't enough in Kouta's opinion, a single teacher could never be where he or she would be needed. No, they needed more cooperation from the school itself, but with them not being able to explain the exact cause for that it was going to be difficult. People just did not know about the Diclonius and it was better to keep it that way.

"I know, we all know that," Yuka remarked as she noticed the concerned look he was having. "It's frustrating for us all but there's nothing we can do about it. We just don't have the means to change the view of people if the government were to start portraying our girls as monsters."

Yuka was right, it was a fight they would never be able to win. They could never compete with the odds stacked against them. For the few surviving members of the Diclonius race, there was only a life in the shadows, never to be able to step into the light and have the chance to reveal themselves to the rest of the world. That was just the way things were.

"We should cheer up a little, the mood is starting to become a bit depressing. Even if they can't live like that, they can, at the very least enjoy a happy life. That should mean a lot, too."

Mako let out, seemed to want to lighten the mood a little bit. They all needed to stay positive.

Kouta agreed, yeah that did mean a lot. More than either of them could even imagine.

"We should keep going, they're likely waiting for us at the school," He joked, lifting the mood a little bit further. "It would be rude of us to keep them waiting."

Yuka cracked a smile and nodded, grabbing Kouta's hand they went further down the stairs and towards Mako´s car.

Seeing her sitting there by herself on the terrace, Nana carefully approached Mayu while making sure that she wasn't going to spill the tea she had brought with her. Something to drink might help Mayu to say what was on her mind, and at the very least it offered Nana an excuse to approach and stay with her for a moment even if Mayu wanted to be alone for now.

"Mayu, I brought you some tea, I thought you might want something to drink," Nana mentioned as she approached her and placed the tray next to her on the table. "Is there anything else I can get you?" she asked as she wasn't planning on staying if Mayu wanted to be alone. If she wanted her to stay then Mayu would have to tell her.

"Nana-san, would you care to stay with me and keep me company? I really need somebody to talk to, but I want you to promise me that you won't tell anyone," Mayu asked her without even looking up, somehow she gave a rather depressed impression.

Nana nodded her head in agreement before squatting down next to her. Throwing a quick glance across her shoulder to make sure that they were alone for the moment, she gestured that it was alright for Mayu to talk as they wouldn't be overheard.

"I'm serious about this Nana-san, you can't tell anybody," Mayu stressed as she held up her pinky, the motion was clear to Nana. Accepting it and making the pinky promise she listened to what her friend had to say, in return Mayu braced herself as she took a deep breath.

"You know that Mei-san was absent from school for some time right? And that she came back to school a few days ago telling me that she had fallen down the stairs?"

So far Nana could follow what she was saying; these were things that Mayu had told her before. "Did something happen Mayu? Is there something wrong with Mei-san?"

Silent at first, Mayu then explained to her what had happened during P.E , how she had gone back to see where Mei was, the sight of the bruises and scars across her friend's body and back, the pleas of Mei not to tell anybody for fear of their lives. All in all, it was a very emotional confession for Mayu, and more than once she had fallen silent, sobbing and crying as she pulled herself together in an effort to continue telling her tale. If it wasn't for Nana sitting next to her and providing her with comfort and support, Mayu would have likely given up already. To her, it was just too painful thinking about it but she had to tell this to others.

Grabbing her by the hand, red eyes stained by tears, staring at her, Mayu offered her thanks to her friend, "Nana-san, thank you for keeping me company and listening to my worries, it means a lot to me. I don't know who else I could have turned to in this house to tell."

"Why not ask Kouta-san or Yuka-san? Isn't it possible for them to help you? Besides I don't really know what you should do, she did ask you not to go and tell anybody right? Isn't it then best to do what she asked? You know, not telling anybody and letting this resolve itself?" Nana was a little confused by the whole matter, but she did understand that it was very serious and that some really bad people were taking advantage of poor Mei though she didn't know why. "But to be honest I want to help her too, Mei-san is a good friend, and friends help each other, right?"

Mayu smiled as she heard that, already it made her feel better. "You're right, friends do help each other." She had known that she wasn't going to be alone in this but it nevertheless, did her good to have somebody say it, she found strength knowing that others would likely come to her aid as well.

"Nana-san would you like to go with me to find Bando-san? I'd like to ask him for help as well. He might be able to find out who the people are responsible for doing this to Mei-san and how dangerous they might be."

Nodding in agreement Nana felt that would be a good idea but she did say that it would be best to also inform both Kouta and Yuka of the matter, they might just be able to help in other ways. "Mayu, you should tell them, they deserve it. You shouldn't hide from them."

Mayu wasn't entirely happy about that, honestly, she had wanted to keep this with as few people as possible but Nana certainly had a point, also if there was going to be any trouble then it was best to let them know. It was only fair towards the two of them, especially with them having done so much for her in the past. All that was left to do was for them to contact Bando and see if they could coax him into helping them, not an easy task but one that Mayu felt confident about.

Gazing at the stars Mayu and Nana kept on talking, taking a certain comfort and solace in getting to find a nice and calm moment for them to discuss more private matters with each other without having to worry about others finding out, the setting was also rather serene and tranquil, calming their senses.

"I am truly sorry about how the situation was resolved," Akagi confessed to them as he escorted them across the school grounds and towards the entrance, sadly the conversation they had with him and some of Saeko's teachers had not gone as they had hoped. "A shame as she is such a bright girl and I have seen her making progress over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, some of the teachers here take the matter of bullying as an attack on the school's honor."

"That is just beyond pathetic," Mako commented in disgust, no longer willing to bite back on her irritation and downright frustration towards the school, she vented her frustration. "They're teachers, they carry a damn responsibility and them just so blatantly refuse to even listen. They should resign and go do something else if they can't see what's happening."

"Takebe-san please," Akagi cautioned her, "Just because some do not see the same way as you do does not mean that everybody here agrees with that. I'm certain that others would be more willing to aid if you were to approach them. Don't give up so fast."

Kouta wished he could have found some form of comfort in those words but much like Mako the meeting had left a rather sour taste in his mouth. He wasn't so sure on if he really wanted for either Mayu or Saeko to continue going to this school if some of its teachers had such a point of view. Still, they couldn't be rash in their decision.

"Akagi-san if I may ask, is there anything else we can do ourselves?" Yuka asked, refusing to be feeling disappointed, as she addressed the older man. It was like the man had just said far too early for that. "I understand that without knowing the names of the students involved there is little you can do either but if we were to acquire the names could you then have a word with them?"

He pondered on this for a moment, giving careful consideration before offering them an answer as there was a lot for him to keep in mind. "That is certainly possible Ueda-san, but I must stress out that such an approach could have implications of itself. If the student doing the bullying becomes aware of who has given them away it is possible they will increase their effort. Furthermore, unless the student is caught in the act or multiple victims step forward it will be difficult to enact a suitable punishment. The student's parents will likely also get involved."

They all stopped at that being mentioned, he was right. What were they going to do if the bully went after Saeko even harder after being exposed and then there was also the risk that action might not even be taken unless it could be proven that he was responsible for it and they didn't even want to think of how bad it could possibly get if that person's parents were to become involved. They all knew how such an affair could work out for them and it wasn't going to end in their favor, at best Saeko as well as Mayu would likely be forced to leave.

The last thing they could use was to get into an argument with others parents, who knew to what extent it could then escalate? With the girls needed to be prevented from being exposed, they could not afford that. Too much attention was going to undo all of their hard work.

"Do not be down about those possibilities Ueda-san, neither should either of you be. In my experience, this kind of case generally resolves itself in time. I firmly believe that Isuzu-san is strong enough to handle this on her own, I have spoken to her and I can understand your concerns but I know that she is a strong girl. You all have ample of reason to be proud of her, simple belief in her strength."

It sounded a little too romantic to them, besides weren't they already believing in Saeko?

Certainly, he couldn't be implying otherwise. That was simply rude of him, they all believed.

Fortunately, he noticed the concern and irritation. "My humble apologies if I said anything to upset you, I did not mean to imply that neither of you believes in her. Far from it as all of you coming here shows that you all care deeply about her," he stopped in his sentence as he scraped his throat. "What I meant with that is you need to believe that she will be able to resolve this unfortunate situation on her own, I am certain this will all work out in time."

Although it gave them something to think about it didn't exactly make them feel any better, to think that he was saying that it was likely better for them to stay out of this was a bitter pill to swallow. Sadly even to this man, they could not tell him the exact reason for their concerns and why it was so important to have a teacher handle this situation before it would escalate.

Well, it would likely be better for them to let this rest for a night and discuss it later when they had some time to think about it, they could always contact mr. Akagi later if they had any other questions or such. Reaching the car they said their goodbyes. Although keeping their respect it was obvious that to Mako the entire meeting had been less than disappointing.

"My apologies for the way the meeting has gone, I wish it had been possible for you to achieve a more favorable outcome. I hope that it will be possible for us all to resolve this in the best possible manner. Have a safe drive home and good night."

Saying her goodbyes Mako closed the door and started the engine. "I don't like this at all, this is my niece we are talking about." Her hands were gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"I know that but there is little we can do here, we should get some rest and discuss this tomorrow with a fresh set of mind." They would be able to achieve more with that anyway.

"You're right, it won't do us any good otherwise." Letting out a deep sigh Mako switched gears and just drove off. She felt reluctant about leaving it at this but she was also aware that further bickering wasn't going to help them at all, neither was she planning on giving up or for that matter let the matter resolve itself.

She was not going to let her niece have to endure that, furthermore she had a second very good reason, and that was that she wanted to make sure this wasn't going to happen when Kyou and Ryou would go to school as well. She understood pretty well that if somebody would be stupid enough to pick on Ryou that Kyou would be really quick with her retribution. "I'll set you off than at the parking lot, give my regards to Saeko-chan and tell her that I'll come visit her soon enough," she mentioned as she kept her attention focused on the streets, it was already starting to get dark.

"We will. Don't worry about that. Just to have your opinion on the matter Mako-san, would you be okay with it if Saeko-chan were to go back to school tomorrow if she were to feel up to it?" Yuka asked as she leaned forward a little, "I'd appreciate your opinion as well."

A painful question as right now Mako was in conflict but perhaps showing more belief in Saeko couldn't hurt. "If she wants to go then I won't stop her, it's her decision to make and I will respect it even if I could do with punching the little bastard who's bullying her," she replied, a little hint of venom obvious in her voice. Neither of them could blame her for that.

"We understand, we also share your concern," Kouta remarked as he leaned back, not much point in getting any further worked up about it. "Let's go home now, the others are waiting for us."

"I'm really glad that you decided to go back to school today, now I won't feel bad about telling your friends that they can't come visit you," Mayu mentioned as she and Saeko crossed the street, in the distance the school already visible to them. "They're going to be really glad to see you again, I wouldn't be surprised if they'll stay with you for the whole day."

To be honest, Saeko was feeling rather nervous about it despite Mayu's kind words, she wasn't really sure if they were going to be nice to her or how she was going to react. For that matter she didn't know how her friends would react to seeing her again, it was going to be a new experience if they were going to reject her.

Then again she was also dreading at the prospect coming face to face again with Kikuchi, if he was in class then she feared that he might come after her, no, she didn't want that to happen.

She really wasn't looking forward to seeing him again, and then there was also the case with this other girl called Saten who had apparently been looking for her in school so she could thank her in person. It felt rather odd thinking about that, it didn't do much other than feeding her steadily growing anxiety.

Mayu had noticed her sister's sudden discomfort. "You shouldn't worry about it, you'll be fine. Your friends will also keep an eye open for trouble, so don't hesitate to ask them for help." Leaning in a little closer Mayu brought her hand next to Saeko's ear and whispered a few words to her, it seemed to do the trick as the moody look on her face started to disappear.

"For real this time? You promise that?"

Mayu hadn't been planning on this for a while though it seemed that now might not be such a bad time to go with it. Well, she would have to discuss this first with the others. "I do."

Continuing their walk they eventually reached the school, and once have changed their shoes and said their farewells, they each went their own way though it didn't take long for Saeko to be found and taken by complete surprise by her friends as they spotted her in the hallway.

"Saekorin!" Yuzuka cried with excitement as she leaped towards her and wrapped her arms around Saeko tightly, refusing to let go until she had spewed forth everything that was on her mind. "Oh, Saekorin do you know how worried we have been?! I was so scared that you weren't going to come back! I felt so scared when you ran away suddenly! Oh please tell me you're feeling alright again?! Tell me you're going to stay this time?! Please, Saekorin?!" And then there was an entire avalanche of words and questions that Saeko in her confusion just couldn't comprehend no matter how hard she tried, but she certainly felt the meaning behind it all; Yuzuka had been worried sick ever since she had left, only a real friend would do that.

Azusa approached her as well and also gave her a tight hug though it was more modest that the one from Yuzuka who still kept clinging to her. "Isuzu-san, I'm glad to see you're back with us. We've been worried that something might be wrong with you when Isuzu-senpai told us that we couldn't come and visit you. Well, I'm relieved to see you back." Letting go she made a quick bow. Saeko couldn't even begin to express in words how much this all meant to her, to have two people who were truly her friends to be this worried about her being gone from school for a day or two, it truly was a heartwarming feeling she never thought to experience. They were so nice and kind to her, never asking for anything in return other than her company. She felt so guilty about not having come back when she could have. When she should have for the sake of her friends. To think they actually cared this much about her, somebody they had just known for a couple of weeks.

Unable to hold it back Saeko was sobbing. "… Y-You… really are… my best friends… in the whole world… I'm… so sorry I left… so terribly sorry… please… forgive me… please…?"

Loosening her hold by a fraction Yuzuka leaned back a little and looked at her. "Oh Saekorin you're just adorable, here let me wipe those tears away," she mentioned as she let go and reached out for her handkerchief. "A cute girl like you shouldn't cry, you are way too pretty to be crying. Here, yeah that looks so much better on you." Yuzuka giggles slightly.

Saeko froze as she felt the sincerity behind the gesture, the kindness, and warmth behind her gentle touch. Was this how it felt for Saori as well whenever she wiped her tears as well?

Placing her hand upon Yuzuka's made Saeko blush. "… Yuzu-chan, thank you for everything but I can't… I'm sorry but I…."

Yuzuka herself blushed in response. "Ehm Saekorin what are you saying, this is new for me." Pulling back her hand they looked at each other's eyes.

"Oh, Yuzuka-san I'm sure she doesn't mean it like that. It just seems to be Isuzu-san's way of expressing her feeling am I right?" Azusa couldn't help but let out a short chuckle at their little awkward scene, neither seeming to understand what the other had actually meant. And then Azusa continued, "My, my, this is quite a scene if I dare to say so myself. Would the two of you prefer to be left alone for a moment?"

Both of them, Saeko and Yuzuka got bright red in the face as they stared at Azusa in dismay, this was getting really uncomfortable for them now. "A-Azurin, h-how can you say that?" Yuzuka gasped at hearing her friend say that. "T-That's so mean of you. So mean."

Quickly sticking out her tongue she made a gesture back at her though with them being friends neither felt insulted by it. They just kept jesting and taunting each other for fun.

"My, My Yuzuka-san that's quite something coming from you," Azusa let out with her hand covering her mouth as she giggled, hiding her smile though they knew it just fine.

"Whoa, isn't that just a little too childish don't you think girls. All giggling and acting like they're still in elementary, there's no refinement at all from those. To think that such kids go to this school, it would be better if they were back at the kindergarten where they belong right?" A harsh voice called out to them but what was even more perplexing was the little chorus of yes that accompanied it.

Turning around Saeko, Yuzuka and Azusa saw a trio of older girls with a disapproving look in their eyes, as if they were disgusted with her, staring back at them. "Kids like you shouldn't be at this school, you don't belong here." They pointed at Saeko, laughing, mocking her and all that Saeko could do in response was to cringe as she took cover behind her friends as she sought to distance herself from those girls and those eyes gazing at her.

Author's note: First of all I would like to apologize for the mess I made with the previous chapter during the finals edits. It should not have been posted in that state, thank you to those of you who pointed out the matter to me, the chapter has been edited again and posted.

I've gone over this chapter several times to make sure that I won't repeat the same mistake again, still if you spot anything by all means let me know. For the rest, I hope that you'll enjoy the new chapter. Feel free, to review, fave and follow.

Have a good weekend and take care folks.