The next day proves to be the most boring as of yet. With it being Sunday, there is no school, causing me to have nowhere to be in neither the morning nor afternoon. I spend a majority of the day in my room reading, only going down stairs to eat meals. While down stairs, I ask Nanako to turn on the weather channel. According to the forecast, rain should be present Wednesday through Friday. The fog should come soon. This should not pose any problems, as we have already rescued Yukiko-san. Still, I should remember to watch the midnight channel.
Once school is finally over the next day, I decide to spend a good deal of time in the library with the hopes of studying. Midterms are two weeks away. I refuse to finally return to school only receive anything less than the top score. Perhaps that would lessen the stares I receive in class far too often.
Time appears to have flown by as before I know it I realize I had been there for two whole hours. This was a waste of time. I knew all of this information already, why did I feel the need to review it? I exit the library and make my way down the hall. As I pass the door leading to the field, I hear a lot of commotion. Sports teams must have practice today. I continue towards the main door, trying my best to block out the sounds, when a muscular hand grips my arm. I instinctually kick backwards at the man and wrestle out of his grip. Turning to face my attacker, I recognize him from my class. This is the same man who threatened me to tell him more about the case, Sugimoto-kun. What could he want now?
"HEY, WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?" he asks me, his body language suggest he is prepared to fight back at any moment.
"That was a simple move of self-defense. Now what is it you want from me?" I have no time for imbeciles such as him.
"Oh no, you're not getting out of it that easy." Catching me off guard, he raises his fist and aims for my face. Instincts taking over, I grab the incoming arm and twist it back. He sinks to the ground in pain.
"I hope you realize now that I am not as easy of a target as I may-" I am cut of mid-sentence by a new hand grabbing me and shoving my back hard against the wall. I knee this new assailant in the stomach before examining his face. Don't recognize him. He must be from a different class. Before I can even comment, a third individual appears and pushes the unexpecting me to the floor. He attempts to kick me but I grab his foot causing him to fall to the ground. I stand once more, but my victory doesn't last long when the second man pulls both of my arms behind me while Sugimoto-kun kicks me in the stomach. I close my eyes, expecting another blow, when a voice is heard farther down the hall.
"Hey, get away from her!" The hands holding my arms are pulled away as I fall to my knees. The hit to my stomach wasn't to harmful, but the pain is still apparent. I look up at my protector. Scanning him over, I see that he is a very tall man looking very angry. Behind him I see a blue-haired, shorter boy.
"Dude, we were just having fun," one of my unrecognizable attackers defends himself. Fun? What kind of human being would consider harming a person half their size fun? As my attacks were not very severe, all three of them are on their feet at this point.
"HEY," Sugimoto looks down at me, "this isn't over." Done for the time being, the three walk away laughing at their work. My taller savior attempts to go after them, only to me stopped by the other.
"No, we shouldn't do anything else. If things go too far, a teacher could see and you might be kicked off the soccer team. They aren't worth it." The blue-haired boy turns to me. "You alright?" he asks in a calm voice. He extends his arm to me.
Accepting his hand, I get back on my feet and answer his question. "Yes, their attacks were quite minor. Thank you."
"No problem, we love to help a damsel in distress. Of course, you don't exact fit that very well, do you? You fought back pretty hard for a person being attacked by three men twice your size."
"Hey, what are you talking about?" the other guy questions. "I was the one who pulled the guy away. All you did was stand there!"
"Fine, whatever. Anyway, are you sure you're alright, um…"
"Naoto Shirogane. And yes, I am certainly alright. The worst injury I could have possibly of received from their attack would be a few minor bruises."
"Alright, good. I'm Kou Ichijo, a second year."
"Daisuke Nagase. Nice to meet you."
"The honor is all mine." I respond before a familiar voice enters my head.
Thou art I… And I am thou…
Thou hast established a new bond…
It brings thee closer to the truth…
Thou shalt be blessed when creating
Personas of the Strength Arcana
Hm, it seems this encounter alone has caused a bond to form. Interesting, I never expected to form one with people such as them.
"I suppose I should apologize for getting you both involved in this event."
"What for?" Daisuke asks. "It's not like you did anything to them."
"Yes, I suppose you are correct. I still do not completely understand their motives. But that is beside the point. Thank you once again, but I should get going." I turn to walk away until one of them stops me.
"Wait, where are you going?" Kou asks.
"I plan to go home. Why do you ask?"
"Well, if you've got nothing better to do, then why don't you come with us to Aiya's?"
"I wouldn't want to be a bother to either of you. I'm perfectly fine just returning home."
"What do you mean bother us? We're inviting you," Daisuke points out. His logic is valid. I have no reason to deny their offer, but they may only be giving me the offer to begin with because they feel bad for me. I am not one to be pitied. Perhaps if I go with them I could prove that.
"Okay then, I suppose I'll go with you, but I must ask you to lead the way. I recently transferred here so I am not aware of a majority of locations here."
"You haven't been to Aiya's yet? Okay, now you have to go," Kou orders. "C'mon." On his command, we make our way to what is apparently a Ramon shop. Ah, I do have some memory of seeing this place on my first day in this town. The entire walk there consisted of the other two talking to each other. I walk behind them, allowing them to speak among themselves.
Finally arriving, we sit ourselves down and order our food. When the owner askes for payment, I quickly pull out enough yen to pay for all of our meals. "Whoa, what was that for!?" Daisuke asks astonished.
"You help me, so I figure this is the least I could do." I'm also tired of people paying for me.
"Well, we could've at least payed a little bit. Both of our orders are almost double the size of yours," Kou points out.
"It isn't a bother." I need to talk about something else that interests them. I must seem like such a bore so far. "I think it is a safe assumption that you are both in sports."
"What? Oh yeah, I'm on the soccer team," Daisuke answers.
"I play on the basketball team, if you can even call it that," Kou says sounding less enthusiastic than before.
"What makes you say that?" I ask.
"The whole team just slacks off the entire time. They're probably only joined the team to pick up girls. Most of the players almost never show up to practice."
"Oh, I see." Perhaps I should change the subject slightly. "If I may ask, how is it you both met? You are on different teams, after all."
"Oh, we go way back," Daisuke responds.
"Yeah so far back I'm tired of seeing your face," Kou mockingly adds. Wait, what? What kind of person would say something like that about their friend?
"Hey, the food's here." As the cook brings us our food, Daisuke's grin remains on his face. Is he not taken aback by that comment? Does Kou-kun speak in such a way often? Is this how close friends communicate?
We remain in silence for quite a bit while we eat. A loud sound comes from Kou's pockets when his is about halfway thought his Ramen bowl. "Huh, what is it now!? Hold on, give me a minute." The basketball player walks off to take the call.
"Man, it's probably his parents," Daisuke tells me. The two of us eat in silence, awaiting his return. He doesn't make us wait long, as he is back within a few minutes.
"Sorry, man, duty calls. My parents want me back for another one of those stupid 'high society' things. You two can split what I have left if you want." Is he referring to a high society gathering? Why would he be at one of those? He doesn't appear to be from a rich, high power family. Then again, I shouldn't judge based on appearance alone. I did just meet this man, after all.
"Alright, see ya later. Hope they don't push you too hard."
"Believe me, they will. See ya. You too, Naoto." He runs out the door, leaving us alone.
"I don't mean to pry, but what was he saying about 'high society'?" I ask, genuinely curious.
"What? Oh right, you don't know. His family is - how should I put this? – very traditional," he explains. "His dad, the only male successor, couldn't have children, so he adopted Kou from an orphanage." Oh, he's adopted. "The rest of the story I don't really get. Kou could explain it better. Pretty much, his dad did end up having a daughter. Now they want her to take over at some point, but they still treat him like family and stuff. I don't know much more than that. Kou doesn't really like to talk about it. I do know that they are against him playing basketball; they think it's too 'barbaric'."
"In a way, I can see that. Even so, I wouldn't think it's worthy of such a bad name. Violent, maybe, but not barbaric. That would be taking it too far in my opinion."
"Yeah, he's had to give up lots of 'barbaric' things growing up, but he isn't giving up basketball, not if I can help it."
"I agree with that. Even if they are against it, there is nothing particularly wrong with the sport. He should be allowed to play. I promise to help in any way I can as well."
His eyes light up. "Oh, that would be awesome. He isn't used to defying his parents like this, so he could use all the help he can get. Thanks, man… or woman, sorry."
"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm fine." I glance out the window to see a setting sun. "I should get going soon."
"Oh yeah, me too."
"I suppose I will be seeing you later. Thank you again for before."
"What? Oh yeah, no problem. Those guys are jerks. This isn't the first time they've ganged up on someone like that, either. Do you know why they attacked you?"
"No, I have no idea. One of them grabbed my arm and got angry when I fought back. I suppose I just didn't give them enough time to explain themselves."
"Yeah, well, I'll see you later, Naoto." With that, he runs off.
The very next day after school, I walk past the gym to check on Kou. If I am to keep my promise to help, I should talk to him as soon as possible. When I get there, all of the team members are gathered around the coach and a snotty-looking girl except for one, Kou.
In an attempt to be polite, I wait by the door until he is finished talking. "This is Ai Ebihara. She will be the team manager from now on. She can take it from here." Weird, this girl doesn't look like one who would be interested sports.
Done with his brief speech, he walks towards the doors and subsequently me. "What do you want?" he asks in a harsh tone.
"Oh, I only wished to check on my friend, Kou Ichijo."
"Well, he isn't here, so scram. I don't need nerds like you infesting my gym." He pushes past me with a grunt. I stand there frozen for a second before going out to search for him. Perhaps he is still on campus.
After checking every floor, I finally fine him lying on the school roof. I clear my throat in order to grab his attention. Jumping slightly, he glances up at me before sitting up. "Oh, hey Naoto," he greets me, his voice devoid of all emotion. Daisuke's hypothesis was correct; his parents must have been giving him a hard time.
"Are you alright, Kou-kun? I know we have only just met, but it doesn't seem like you to miss practice."
"Oh, is it over already?" He must be really out of it. Should I seek him some other form of help?
"Yes, I believe so. Apparently your team has a new manager. If memory serves me well, her name is Ai Ebihara."
"Thanks, you didn't have to check on me." His voice has a completely different tone than yesterday. This behavior is rather suspicious.
"I have reason to believe that I do in fact have reason. Daisuke has informed me of your family's culture as well as the fact that they are against you playing basketball." The boy mumbles something inaudible to himself. "I am on your side, you know. I think it is wrong that you're parents are trying to stop you from playing. There is nothing truly wrong with the sport."
"No, it's not really my parents. It's mainly my grandma. And anyway, I'm not sure I should be doing this either." What? No! This is exactly what I'm supposed to make sure doesn't happen.
"What makes you say that? As I said, your grandmother's reasoning for keeping you away makes no sense. The benefits of playing a sport far outweigh the negatives."
"No, it's not just that." He climbs to his feet and leans against the fence surrounding the edges. "There isn't any point to playing anymore. We never play any games, we never do drills, and we never do anything except take shots. I'm tired of doing nothing."
"I believe psychologist would call that an existential crisis," I point out.
"A what?"
"An existential crisis. It is where a person begins to question the meaning of life that it leads them into a depressed state."
"And you think that's what this is?"
"I believe so. Don't worry, I know of a few places you could go to get help."
Somehow, my suggestion receives a chuckle. "Thanks, but I think I'll have to turn that offer down." Behind us, I hear the roof door swing open.
"Hey, dude, you up here?" a familiar voice calls out.
"Oh, hey Daisuke," Kou greets him.
"I've been looking everywhere for ya. The coach said you weren't at practice. Everything alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." He kicks himself off the fence. "I'm going home. See you later." He walks to the door and off the roof. Daisuke tries to go after him but I stop him.
"He may need time in order to work himself out."
The soccer player sighs before asking, "What did he say to you?"
"He… He said that he doesn't truly see the point to playing basketball anymore."
"What!? He can't be giving it up just because of his family!"
"No, he said that that wasn't the only problem. I believe he may be becoming depressed due to the fact that the team never actually competes, causing him to no longer wish to play the sport at all."
"So he's upset because they aren't playing any real games? Then why don't we just set up a real game for him?" he suggests.
"Though that may very well fix the problem, can't imagine that would be an easy feat. Not only would we need another team's agreement, but we also need the other players on this schools team to agree."
"I'll think of something. You just make sure Kou goes to practice tomorrow." With that, he runs off. How does he plan to manage this?
The first thing I do the next day after school is find Kou's classroom. Knowing him to be a second year, I run up to the second floor and wait by the stairs. While up there, I notice rain outside the window. Oh yes, I had forgotten about the weather forecast.
After a few minutes of waiting, I finally spot him. "Oh, what are you doing up here?" he asks.
"I came to assure you go to practice today."
"Seriously?" A confused expression appears on his face. "Well, I was planning to go today anyway. I can't skip all the time."
"Great, shall we go together?" I am quite intrigued by the given situation. Exactly what is Daisuke-kun planning?
"Sure, you can come. I don't mind." He walks past me down the stairs. I quickly follow behind.
Upon reaching the gym, it is apparent that Daisuke followed through with his commitment. He had managed to not only find another team, but get more members for ours as well. "Dude, what is this?" Kou asks astonished.
"It's a game, get ready," his friend responds.
"A game? Really!? How?"
"I wouldn't question it," I advise him.
"Yeah, now go get changed," Daisuke orders.
"Okay…. I do that…" He tentatively walks away from us to the locker rooms.
With him gone, I consider it my chance to question this event's mastermind. "How exactly did you achieve this?"
"Easy, I know some people on the other team and threatened some other students to play for us with dirt I've go on them. I still couldn't find enough people, so I'm playing too. I don't know the rules, but it can't be too hard."
"Wow, that's quite impressive." It would do me well to remember to not do anything particularly embarrassing around him.
Once Kou emerges from the locker room, the game begins. With me being the only spectator, I silently watch with my back to on the wall. Though I know nothing of the rules, it doesn't take an expert to understand how badly our team is doing. With Daisuke not knowing the rules and the remaining team members not trying, Kou is the team's only saving grace. Even though his team is losing, I can tell that he is a better player than anyone else on the other team.
Once that disaster of a game is over, the entire court clears out except Kou, Daisuke, and I. "So, it looks like we lost," Kou redundantly points out. "But still, I feel better now. Thanks, guys."
"No problem, man," Daisuke assures his friend.
"I don't know how to say it, but this has made me feel a lot less… alone right now. Lately, I've just been feeling bad for my parents. They adopted me so I could take over the family someday, but now they have Sachiko for that." Who is Sachiko? Oh, that must be the sister Daisuke mentioned before. "Now I have no purpose for them. It's not like they could just bring me back to the orphanage, so they have no choice but to keep me around. Do they even want me anymore? Should I just leave?"
"Hell no!" the soccer player cuts him off. "What's making you think that!? What, did they say something to you?"
"No, they're just as nice as always. This is just me."
"Do you think that just because they aren't your biological parents they can't be your family?" I ask rhetorically. "I can assure you that is not the case. I'm certain they love you just the same."
"No, that isn't true, not in this family." He slumps over against the wall. "If that was true, then why would suddenly change their mind about basketball." The two of us look at him dumfounded. "They gave me the okay to play a few days ago. They also said I don't need lessons, or to go to any more gatherings. Why would they change their minds? It's because they don't need me anymore."
Daisuke and I sit there in silence for the longest time, not knowing what to say. Finally, I figure something out. "Kou-kun, I have a suggestion." He looks at me with eyes full of curiosity. "Why don't you visit the orphanage you came from?"
He gives me a confused glare. "What would that change?"
"It is as you said; the problem is with you, not your parents. I don't mean that you have done anything wrong, but that you are simply judging the situation too harshly. You're main concern is whether or not you belong with this family, so perhaps learning more of your biological parents will help you understand exactly where you do belong."
Kou sits quietly, pondering the idea, until he finally speaks. "Okay, let's go." Without warning, he pushes himself off the door and towards the exit.
"Wait, what? Now!?" Daisuke askes astonished. Without even looking back, Kou continues on his way.
"We should go with him," I suggest
"Yeah, let's go." We follow him the entire way to the orphanage. He goes inside without us, leaving me and Daisuke stuck outside in the pouring rain. We find shelter and wait in silence for him to come out.
A good 30 minutes later, he finally does looking as calm as ever. "So, how did it go?" I ask.
To my great surprise, he laughs. "I still can't believe you both came out here to make sure I'm alright. Losers." Contrary to his words, he face reveals his true appreciation. "Man, I can't believe some of the people here still remember me. It's been so long, but nothing's really changed. They were all super nice." His carefree smile slowly disappears. "They told me they weren't allowed to tell me anything about by parents." He pulls a letter out of his pocket. "They did give me this. I haven't read it yet but…"
"You should," I cut in.
"I know, I'm gonna." He sits down on the steps, opens the envelope, and pulls out a white piece of paper. How strange, the letter seems to be in perfect condition. They must have taken really good care of it. Even so, how is it that it still looks new? No, I shouldn't try to analyze it. Still, it's odd.
With a deep breath, he begins reading. "Dear Kou-kun… By the time you read this, you'll have grown into a fine young man. Your parents named you Kou because they hoped that you would always be in good health. They considered health more important than fame or money, because it's much harder to keep and maintain. You see, your parents passed away about half a year after you were given up of adoption. They always wanted you to know how sorry they were that they couldn't raise you themselves. They loved you dearly. Kou, you are your parent's ray of hope. No matter how difficult things get, hold your head high, and keep pressing onward. You can't lose hope. They will both undoubtedly be watching over you forever."
We all remain silent for a long time. None of us have the right words. What do you say to a person who just found out their parents are dead? What could one possibly say? Come on, I should know what to say. I've been through this myself. Then again, I don't remember much of that day. Who was it that spoke to me? I don't even remember that detail. All I remember was feeling lost. It that how he feels right now?
"I haven't learned anything…" Kou mumbles, cutting off my thoughts. "I have no idea who they are just that they're dead. I was kinda expecting something like this, but still… I guess I really am alone."
"That's not true," I interrupt. "You still have Daisuke-kun and I, as well as your family back home."
His smile grows back slightly. "You think so? I don't know… Still, I'm glad I at least know something now. Thanks you guys, really."
"We should go, it's getting dark," Daisuke points out.
"Yeah, let's go." On that note, we all depart and go to our separate homes. By the time I make it back, the rain has finally stopped. It looks like I wouldn't be able to watch the midnight channel tonight.
The next day, I wake up to pounding rain on my window. Great, more rain. I check my phone to see the time, but instead see a text message notification.
080-7824-2569:
Hey, it's Kou. Meet me on the roof after school.
Kou-kun? How did he get my phone number? Nevertheless, I should go. He may wish to speak more of the letter.
After school, I pack up in record speed to meet him. Once at the top, releaved the rain has stopped, I find him waiting along with Daisuke. "I'm sorry for the wait," I alert then of my arrival.
"Oh, no worries. We just got here," the blue haired boy assures me before taking a huge breath. "Last night, I did it; I asked my parents whether or not me anymore. They all started freaking out. My mom started crying, screaming things like 'of course we do, stupid!' She's right, I have been stupid lately. I just assumed they stopped loving me.
"You know, it's the people around you who make you who you are. Though they may not have given birth to me, they are my real parents." He pulls the letter out of his pocket. "Still, knowing that my biological parents are dead, I feel empty."
"Hey, maybe we could visit their graves sometime," Daisuke suggests.
"No, I don't even know their names, let alone where to find 'em."
"Yeah, I guess. Whoever wrote that letter, it must have been, like, ten years ago, right? I doubt they'd remember much."
"Ten years ago…" he mumbles while looking down at the letter closer. "The ink on the front, it's smeared. I just noticed." He's correct. It looks almost as if were written hurriedly. Why would the writer be in such a hurry? Unless… No, I need to stop analyzing it, for Kou-kun's sake. Kou runs his finger over the edge of the paper. "The corners are sharp. They could give you a papercut. What does this mean?" It seems he is on the same mental track as I am. He most likely has reached the same conclusion.
"This letter was written recently," I say what we were both thinking.
"Wh-What does that mean?" Daisuke asks himself.
"The head of the orphanage… she must have written it for me."
"H-Hey, it's alright, man. Cheer up. Even if it is fake- No no, that's bad: I shouldn't call it a fake, but…!"
"No, you've got the wrong idea, I'm happy." He lets out a small laugh. "She knew I was depressed and tried to help. Whether the letter is true or not doesn't matter. Someone gave birth to me, another raised me, and now I know someone else is looking out for me like this. I thought I had no ties at all, but know I realize just how wrong that is."
"Ha, took you long enough, stupid," Daisuke jokes.
"Hey, what's with everyone calling me stupid lately?"
"It's because you are stupid, stupid."
"Stupid? I know you are, but what am I?" They're being rude to each other again. I still can't gather if this is a regular event among friends or if it is just them. Even so, they seem to be having fun.
"Still, I guess I am really stupid. All this time, I've been so focused on trying to find who I really am: where I truly belong. In the end, I never needed to look. I belong here, with the people who shaped my life and raised me to be who I am right now. Without you two, I might've never figured it out. Thank you."
"Dude, you can be WAY too mushy sometimes," Daisuke says.
"Seriously, man, you're ruining the moment." Giving it one last glance, he hands the letter over to us. "Here, I want you two to hold on to it for a while."
"Wha- No, I couldn't possibly take that from you!" I attempt to stop him.
"No, take it. It will make me feel better." With his words in mind, I tentatively accept his gift. "Just know that I'll want it back someday, when I feel I can stand on my two feet again. You better stick around until then."
"I'll try my best to do so."
A new voice enters my head.
Thou art I… and I am thou…
Thou hast established a genuine bond…
These genuine bonds… shall be your
eyes to see the truth.
We bestow upon thee the ability to
create Zaou-Gongen, the ultimate form
of the Strength Arcana…
It seems I have maxed out a new bond. I suppose this means that these two are truly strong friends with me.
The three of us sit on the roof for hours, simply talking among ourselves, until the sky is overcome by night.
Author's note
Hey, sorry this chapter took so long. My laptop got a virus, so I couldn't write at all for a bit. That still isn't fully resolved, but I have access to a different laptop now. This chapter also took a while because it was really hard for me to write. I don't know Kou or Daisuke as well as other characters, so it was hard to write for them. In the end, I hope I did at least an okay job. It doesn't help that this is my longest chapter yet. We'll be back to the main story next chapter. It may still take a while to get written due to this not being my laptop, but the gap will hopefully be shorter than this one.
P.S.
I completely made up that phone number. Also, You will get more info on that whole Sugimoto thing later.