Chapter 6

The Lover's Choice and The Chariot's Heart

Revland had but one thought, run. Run as far and as fast as he can in any direction. Ryuji was keeping pace beside him and they stopped only when their bodies were close to giving out.

"You think we made it?" Ryuji finally asked catching his breath.

"I really hope so… I don't think I can take another hit like the last one."

"Speaking of, how's your chest? Still sore?"

Revland gently felt the stiffness around his chest. It was hard to believe that his ribs were broken no more than an hour ago. He flinched as he felt the bruise that no doubt was there and nodded. "Yeah… whatever Morgana did, he managed to fix everything from the broken bones to the bleeding. All that's left is bruising for the most part."

"So… what was that place? I wasn't dreaming was I? Were We?" Ryuji seemed ready to fly into a panic attack as he started to hyperventilate. Revland placed a hand on the boy's shoulder before he could go any further. "No… that felt too real … hurt too much… to just be a dream."

Ryuji relaxed and started to breathe normally again, "You… you just about died… not just once but twice… how have you been able to stay so calm?" he asked astonished.

Thinking back on it, Revland didn't know why he still felt relaxed even after every that had happened. "To be honest… I don't think it will last... I think when I finally get a moment… that'll be when the panic sets in."

"Are you going to be alright then… do you… want to talk about it?"

Revland met his friend's eyes and saw that, though uncomfortable, was sincere about hearing him out. He let out a sigh as he smiled along with a small twinge of pain, reminding him of his injuries. "I appreciate it but I should be alright for now. I may take you up on that offer later on though." He said, patting his friend on the shoulder.

Both boys remained in a companionable silence as they continued to rest. However it was short lived as a pair of uniformed officers approached them. "Good morning, how are you two doing?"

Ryuji stiffened as he turned to face to two officers recognizing that they were both truant officers. "We-w-we…"

"We're fine officer, thank you for asking." Revland answered to save Ryuji for scrambling.

"Shouldn't you two be in school, are you two from Shujin?" The other officer asked.

"Yes and we were on our way there but got lost for a bit."

One of the officer's gave Revland a skeptical look, "You both got lost for four hours?"

An idea suddenly dawned on Revland. He saw how both he and Ryuji would be able to get out of this without getting into too much trouble. He knew that the officers would never believe them if they tried to explain that they were lost inside of castle for the last four hours, but would believe that they were kidnapped and held against their will by a tyrant.

A little white lie never hurt anyone, plus it will give us an alibi in case someone tries to look into that other world. Some of the best lies are almost always laced with small truths.

"Well officer, at first we were lost but then some guys came out of nowhere and jumped us."

"You're saying you were attacked?" the skeptical officer asked.

"We were. We tried to run but we were outnumbered and they knocked us out. When we came to, I didn't know where we were or how we could escape." Revland continued explaining the events inside the castle, leaving out the parts that would be considered too farfetched or outlandish. When he got to the part where they escaped from the "cell", he told the officer's that he managed to knock out 3 of them and lock up the one that they called the "King". Revland also mentioned that they met another captive by the name of Morgana and how he helped them escape but decided to go his own way when they got out.

When Revland finished his explanation, both officers stood in silence as they thought. Not much to Revland's surprised, the officer that was skeptical from beginning didn't look convinced. "That's quite the story young man, but we don't have evidence on any gang related activity in this area. Are you sure that's what happened?"

Revland was going to answer but Ryuji spoke up. "Y-yeah… that's what happened. I think those guys were trying to kill us and if it wasn't for this guy, I don't think I would be here right now. He even got hurt protecting me so I could have a chance to get away."

"You were injured?" the other officer asked.

Revland hesitated, if he showed them the bruise they might want to take him to a hospital. However, it would add integrity to his story if they saw some physical evidence of an altercation. Revland undid the buttons of his jacket and shirt before lifting the black under shirt that still had some dried blood on it to reveal a large bruise that covered most of the center of his chest. The bruise itself was a shade of plum and appeared on the right side of recovery. Both officers sucked in a breath as they saw the injury as Revland lowered his shirt and buttoned up.

"Are you sure you both alright?" one officer asked.

"You should go see a doctor for that young man." The other said concerned.

Revland noticed that the tone in their voice had shifted from "stupid kids" to "Poor Kids". "I'll be fine, I think I probably did more damage when we both escaped and just started running without a care of where we were going. I'm sure you may have had a complaint or two about that so I do apologize." He bowed and inhaled quickly as he stretched his chest.

I may be laying it on a little think at this point…

"No-no you're fine sir." One officer said consoling.

"I know you two have been through a lot but I do have one more question, you said that when you got away you just ran, do you remember where from?"

Both Revland and Ryuji looked thoughtful and then at each other with an unspoken question. "To be honest, I was just glad to get out that I didn't pay much attention to our surroundings until we slowed down." Ryuji added.

"I see, that's fine. Here..." the officer reached into his pocket and produced a phone, "let us call your school and explain to them what's going on. I'm sure they're very worried about you two."

"Of course officer, thank you." Revland bowed his head slightly and looked at Ryuji. Ryuji looked back and let out a small sigh of relief as Revland's quick thinking started to make a little more sense. Now they could say that they were attacked and had a very real excuse on why they were absent. He managed to not only keep us out of trouble but also made us out to be the victims. Just who is this guy?

After a quick conversation with one of the school officials, the officers offered to escort us to the school which the boys happily accepted. As expected, the school looked like the school that Revland was familiar with. No large parapets or banners hanging from towers with odd sigils.

"There you two are!" a teacher said from the top of the stairs. He stood tall at about 5'10" and was a little overweight. He had well-kept black hair that was neatly combed and was wearing a white long sleeved shirt with black dress pants that was held up with suspenders. He wore a pair of rounded square glasses and a blue tie with white polka-dots. He spoke with a gruff voice that Revland could tell had a tone of authority and knew how to use it. He stared down at the boys and Revland could feel his eyes on him as if he was an insect under a microscope. "Thank you for escorting these two trouble makers back to the school and I apologize for you having to go out of your way for them."

"It was no problem sir, this one here is injured and should see the nurse before he attends any classes today." The officer gestured to Revland. "One of your officials should have a full report by the end of the day. Rest assured we will investigate the area thoroughly for any suspected activity."

"It is appreciated as always. Now Antrie, go to the nurse's office and get checked up then report to Kawakami in the staff office, I'm sure she's tired of waiting. Sakamoto, you get to class."

Just the tone of the teacher's voice alone made Revland want to solute in respect, instead he stood up straight and made his into the school. As he entered, it dawned on him that he didn't have a clue where the nurse's office was and asked Ryuji before they parted ways for the day.


The nurse who looked at Revland suggested that he should go home but gave him the green light to remain at school for the remainder of the day on the condition that he wouldn't do anything too extraneous. She wrote him a pass to the faculty office saying that "Other than the fact he looked like someone tried to cave in his chest with a bat, he was as healthy as a horse." After asking for directions, Revland made his way to finally meet up with Kawakami.

Revland approached the office and knocked. After receiving no answer, he cracked the door open to see if someone was inside. He saw Kawakami sitting at her desk and approached her thinking that she heard him and decided to walk up to her. When he got to her desk, he saw that she was working on some paperwork that, from what he could tell, looked to be a budget chart along with a bank statement. She had a worried look on her face as she was typing into a calculator as her frown deepened with every key press. Revland stood there for about a minute or two to see if he would be noticed but she was so deep in her thoughts that she wasn't paying attention.

I wonder what she's working on…

Revland looked over her shoulder to see the budget chart as well as her expenses. It didn't surprise that teachers made so little, but she seemed to be doing well for herself.

If you're getting by just fine… then what has you so worried…?

He continued to scan the bank statement and found a few large withdraws labeled "Other" that seemed to be the main reason for her distress.

So, you have large amounts of money being withdrawn every week or so… at first it looks as if it was a straight sum, but the amount increases every so often… but never decreases back down to a manageable amount.

"You believe something is a foot?"

Revland stifled a jump when he heard Arséne, Please… don't do that… and yes something seems off. How can a teacher afford such frivolity?

After a moment of thoughtful silence Arséne offered an answer, "Perhaps it's not for her… but for someone else…"

So why doesn't she just stop?

"Better still, is she able to?"

Revland paused for a moment of thought, he went down her bank statement again and found what he was looking for. Two deposits labeled as "income", one was for what he suspected was a teacher's wages and the other was just a little bit more but not by much.

So, she's working two jobs to keep it up… Then I was right when I saw her the other day. She's isn't getting enough sleep, but why go through the trouble?

"Um excuse me, Miss Kawakami?" Revland finally spoke.

Kawakami let out a small squeak as she jumped, flinging her papers and knocking the calculator to the floor. She turned to Revland with an annoyed glare, "First you decide not to show up on time and now you scare the daylights out of me, do you have any sense of shame?"

"Right sorry… I didn't mean to scare you. Here let me help." Revland leant down to started pick up some of the papers and inhaled sharply as he put pressure on his chest without thinking.

Kawakami noticed Revland's reaction as his movements slowed for a moment before he continued to the floor to help her with the mess of papers. Jesus, how long were you standing there? "Are you hurt, where have you been?" She asked as she knelt down.

Revland looked up at Kawakami wondering if she'd actually believe the story of him getting stuck in a castle for the better part of four hours.

Right, she would also believe that I can sprout wings and cast magic.

"I got lost for a bit and then a few other things happened that lead to me getting hurt… but to make a long story short, I'll be fine. Just bruised up is all… you should see the other guy." He smiled faintly at the image of the large bicorn getting torn apart by the small figure that was Morgana.

"So you went and got yourself into trouble, I don't need to remind you that you're on probation. Why did you got out and cause trouble?"

Revland only had to think back to the expression on Ryuji's face when they were still trapped in a cell, "There was someone else, I couldn't just leave him there…"

That caught her off guard, why would a kid with his reputation care about someone else? "There was another person, a student?"

"Yeah, his name is Ryuji Sakamoto. I think they were going to kill us, I fought back and we managed to get away… I took a few hits in the process, even lost my glasses." Revland reflected darkly, remembering their escape from the keep.

"Wait, you've already ran into Sakamoto?" She was so shocked by the look on his face that she immediately regretted asking.

"Yeah, met him on my way here. We both wound up getting lost before everything happened."

"I see… you might want to distance yourself from Sakamoto from now on."

"Why's that?"

"He's a bit of a trouble student, just try to keep your head down."

Revland didn't have to put much thought into whether he should see Ryuji again. "Sorry Miss Kawakami, I just went through one hell of an ordeal with the guy, I don't think I'll be able to do ask you ask." He said with an honest smile.

Kawakami simply stared at Revland, "Antrie… are… are you sure you have a record…?" Oh Shit! Why did I ask that?! God Damn it!

Revland blinked, it wasn't the first time that he thought someone's perception of him had changed but it was the first time that someone had acted on it. "You're the first person to ask…but yeah… I'm sure." He said with a sad smile.

Kawakami felt awful, she didn't know what had possessed her to ask him that. Revland handed her papers to her, making sure that he handed them back face down and stood up slowly. Looking up at him she saw that he had his hand out to help her up. She took it and stood and for the first time since meeting him, she noticed that he was about a head taller than she was.

I never realized how tall he is… and those eyes… why does his sadness hurt so much to see?

Coming to her senses, Kawakami placed the papers on her desk and grabbed a folder that was marked with his name. "Alright now that lunch is over, let's go introduce you to the class… I… should warn you though… it seems like the student body has started spreading rumors of your criminal record. I don't know how or who could have leaked it… I'm sorry…"

What…? Well… so much for a new start…

Kawakami wasn't kidding about the rumors, as soon as Revland was seen in the hallway he started to hear about his more "recent" exploits. Some have even speculated why he was so late, which ranged from stealing someone's purse to murder. He heard from one student that he was part of a gang and the guy he assaulted was supposed to be a hit gone wrong. Another was he just decided to lose it one day and it just so happened that there was someone there to take the beating. It was honestly surprising how many rumors there were.

Not paying attention, Revland almost ran into Kawakami when she stopped to turn and talk to him. "Alright, this is your classroom, 2-D. I don't need to remind you of the need to be respectful when you introduce yourself to the class."

"You don't have to worry about me ma'am." Revland assured.

"Good, let's go say hello shall we?"

She turned to reach for the door and Revland squeezed his eyes shut as his head suddenly began to ache. Placing one hand on his forehead he managed to crack one eye open and sucked in a breath to scream. Just as when he was in the "safe room", he saw the two schools fading in and out around each other making it as though both were one in the same. He squeezed his eyes shut and focused on his breathing so he wouldn't let his fear take control. After a slow count to ten, he opened his eyes to find that the school was normal again but now had a very concerned looking Kawakami staring back at him.

She took her hand away from the door and escorted Revland down the hall, "Are you alright, you're as white as a sheet."

Revland looked down at his now shaking hands and saw that she was right, his hands were pale white so he could only imagine what his face looked like. "Yeah… I'll be fine… just thought I was back in that place for a second there."

"What place?" she asked.

"The one Ryuji and I got away from… the school has a similar layout so I started to panic. I'll be alright in a moment… promise."

"Are you sure, I can call the principal and have you sent home for the day."

"No, I told all of you that I would be here. I'm not here to cause trouble I just want to have some semblance of a normal life so please… just give me a minute to collect myself and I will be fine."

"There's a difference between bravery and stupidity Antrie."

"I know, I think it's called being stubborn."

That made her smile a little and tried to turn her head to hide that fact but Revland had already noticed.

Seeing her smile, Revland felt grounded back in his preferred reality and stood up straighter as his color returned.

Was I just hallucinating or did I see what I thought I saw? Directing the question inwardly.

"There was no illusion nor attack on your mind, I would have noticed. You saw the castle… same as I."

That's what concerns me…

Kawakami asked Revland one last time if he was alright, he reassured her that he was as they walked back to the classroom and entered. They were greeted with the sound of chaotic conversation from around forty students, but all conversation died as they entered.

"Good afternoon class, due to unforeseen circumstances Mr. Antrie was unable to join us until after the lunch period and so will be here for 5th Period on. Please give him a warm welcome."

She gestured to him to speak and went to do so. Before he could say anything he heard the whispers from those in the class.

"Holy shit is that him?"

"You mean the transfer student with the record?"

"I heard he had to leave his hometown because he killed someone."

"Don't make eye contact or he'll flip out on you."

Revland wasn't the only one paying attention, "Quiet down! Don't be rude to your new classmate. Antrie-kun, I won't have any textbooks for you till tomorrow so you will have to share with another student." She then turned back to the class with a glint of fire in her eyes, "For which they will be happy to oblige."

One hand shot up on the right side of the class next to the window and, to Revland's surprise, it belonged to the girl he saw earlier that morning. "I'll share with him Ms. Kawakami."

"Perfect, you can have the seat behind Takamaki-san."

With a nod, Revland walked over to his seat and sat down. Takamaki adjusted her deck so it would be more comfortable for the both of them. As the next period started, she started to whisper low enough to where Revland could only hear. "I know you're lying, unforeseen circumstances my ass. You were just a block away when I saw you in the rain."

"I believe that's why it's called unforeseen, meaning it wasn't intended to happen."

"What really happened, you can't tell me you actually got lost." She pointed to a random spot on the page.

"Believe it or not, it's the truth."

"So a liar to the end, those rumors are true then."

"Which ones? The one that I steal everything that isn't nailed to the floor or the one where I kill people that I disagree with?" he asked coldly.

Ann looked at him in shock as he continued, "And if that happens to be the case… what would that make you?" He gave her a side long glare with his head tilted down to make it seem like he was still reading. "Judge me all you like… you won't have to worry about me."

After Revland focused back on the class, Ann took a moment to reflect on what just happened. She stared down at the book but didn't see the words.

How could he be that cold? That look… I saw the anger… the hate that he felt towards me…

The image of Shiho giving her that same look came to mind. It was back when they were younger. She had insulted her painting and Ann fired back an insult of her own which was far worse than the playful teasing that Shiho was doing.

Oh… maybe I did provoke him… didn't I…?

"I'm sorry…" She said.

"Don't worry about it, I'm getting used to it."

She flinched a little at that, it sounded like something she herself just said to Shiho over lunch.

Now I'm the one believing in rumors I know nothing about… God I'm a hypocrite…

She gave him a small nudge and smiled softly at him, Revland returned the smile and both turned their focus back to the lesson.


The rest of the classes went by without incident. When school was dismissed for the day, Ann went to meet up with Shiho in the courtyard before the club activities started. She couldn't quite shake that image of Antrie's glare out of her head.

I think I pissed him off by calling him out… wouldn't that mean that I was right though?

Walking into the courtyard, she saw that Shiho was waiting for her at their favorite spot. It had the best view, shade in the summer and just the right amount sunlight on cooler days. Shiho seemed to be lost in thought when Ann sat down next to her.

"Thinking of your next big play?" Ann asked.

Shiho started a little and turned to Ann in surprise. It was then that Ann noticed that there was a bruise on the side of her head that wasn't there this morning.

"How'd did that happen?" gently touching her friend's bruise.

"… I got it during practice…" Shiho muttered, lacking the same energy she had that morning.

"Practice? What in the hell does he have you doing, dodging bowling ball?"

Well, you're half right… but it's just the volleyball… this time anyway.

"Oh no nothing like that, took a hit is all. I'll be fine Ann I promise." Thinking back to how she got the bruise, she remembered the harsh words and the anger behind the strike that knocked her to the floor. It hurt so much that it made her want to cry but she knew from prior experiences that it would have just made it worse. She shook her head slightly and turned to face Ann with the most sincere smile that she could muster.

Ann stared at her knowing that there was something that she wasn't telling her. "What's going on Shiho? When we meet up, I always seem to find a new injury. Last week it was your knee, the week before was your shoulder. At this point it would be easier to say what you haven't injured."

Shiho hesitated for a moment trying to find a way to answer that wasn't out right lying to her. "It's… it's just… practice is tougher than usual with the meet coming up. He's just wanting to be sure we're ready." She said not looking at Ann.

Ann knew that some of the volleyball teams practices can be tough and not for the faint of heart but she also knew that there was a difference between what one would consider practice and abuse of power. The memory of Ryuji on a stretcher with his leg broken came to mind. He was saying that the training the temporary track couch put them through was a literal hell. If they failed by just a little, he would push them to the point of exhaustion. Eventually, Ryuji had enough and that was the end result for standing up to "him".

"Just promise me you won't push it too hard alright and be sure to take a break every so often so you can recharge."

"Don't worry, I will…" Shiho said halfheartedly.

"So… what were you thinking about, you were completely oblivious until I sat down?"

"Oh… that… well it wasn't about practice or the upcoming meet… it was… something else… unrelated…"

"Oh, and what would this unrelated mystery be?"

Sticking to her strength, Shiho looked Ann dead in the eye and asked the question that she had been holding back for the last few months. "Ann, I have to know…"

"Know what?"

Hesitating only a little she continued, "I have to know, do you still… like Ryuji…?"

Shiho was staring into Ann's eyes and was holding her gaze, "What? What kind of question is that?"

"Do you still like Sakamoto?"

"Where is this coming from?"

"Ann I need you to answer the question, please."

That cut Ann short, she thought about Ryuji and had vehemently denied having feeling for him after telling Shiho that she in fact did. Turning red, she broke eye contact. "Of… Of course not, who would ever like that idiot."

Shiho let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding. "So… you wouldn't mind if I asked him out then?" She knew that Ann wasn't telling the truth about Ryuji but she wasn't going to sit around and wait for Ann to act on her feelings.

Ann looked back at her in surprise, "You have feeling for Sakamoto?"

Now it was Shiho's turn to blush, it was the first time that she had admitted it to anyone. She looked down to the ground with her bangs covering her eyes, she nodded.

Ann just stared at her friend, it was the first time that Shiho had been able to hide anything from her. Sure, they both had crushes but the look on Shiho's face told Ann that it was something else, something more.

"How long?" She asked.

"About six months…" Shiho muttered.

"How did it start?"

Shiho thought for a moment, another sign that told Ann that she was serious. "After you told me you liked him, I started to watch him… to see how he acts when no one else was around. I saw that, despite what people say about his dad, he tries very hard to help out others. There was an old woman struggling to carry her bag up some stair so he stopped and not only helped get to the top but also called her a taxi so she would get home safely…" She trailed off in thought of that day.

"So… you really do like him… don't you…?" Ann whispered.

Shiho nodded face still ablaze.

"You love him… don't you…?" Ann asked again.

Shiho nodded without hesitation.

Ann felt trapped. As much as she denied liking Ryuji, Shiho described some of the exact reasons why she like him too. Ann knew that what she felt wasn't quite love but, with a little time and effort, it could develop.

"Shiho… when do you plan on telling him… that's what you were thinking about right?"

Shiho nodded again and looked back up at Ann with a nervous glint in her eyes. "I… don't really know… I think I want to tell him after the meet but, then I'd be worrying about it during the meet. But, if I tell him before the meet and he says no… then I wouldn't be able to focus then either."

"What makes you so certain that he'd say no?" Ann asked.

"I don't know… I mean… it doesn't seem like he's ever shown any interest in..." Shiho tapered off.

"In someone like you? Come on Shiho, you're good looking, have good grades, you are exactly what any guy should be looking for."

Shiho stared at the floor again letting Ann's words sink in. "You… you think so?"

"I know so, he would be an idiot to turn you down."

"Well… this is Sakamoto we're talking about here." Shiho said with a smile.

Both girls started to laugh, making Shiho feel like herself again.

"So, when do you plan to tell him? I think you should do it soon." Ann said.

"Wh-what?! What makes you say that?" Shiho asked suddenly flustered.

"I heard that he and that new transfer student got lost and ended up in gang territory. Police were the ones that found them out of breath near the school."

"Oh my god, are they alright?"

"As far as I know, but I haven't seen Sakamoto yet today."

Shiho came to a decision then and stood up, "I'm going to tell him, right now."

"That was fast, are you sure you can do it?"

"You said he was attacked by a gang, if that's true than he might transfer out just to be safe. He might not even be here tomorrow. I'm going to go see if he's still in the school, he's in class 2-B right?"

"I think so, I'll come with you just to be sure. He might be with Antrie-Kun though."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"I don't think so, unless you believe the rumors anyway."

"Yes because someone like him has the ability to kill someone just by looking at them. I think I'll take my chances." A fire was lit in Shiho and there wasn't anything that was going to stop her now that she had purpose. Ann saw Shiho run to the doors that led back in to the school and started to run after her. Before she realized it, she felt something wet on her cheek and went to check. It was water but it wasn't raining outside and it was when it dawned on her that it wasn't water… they were tears. It felt like a dame broke inside of her and rivers started to fall from her eyes.

I really hope you find your happiness… Shiho…


Ryuji met up with Revland right outside his classroom, "Hey, I don't have any club activities so why don't I walk with ya to the station."

"Sure, I wouldn't mind the company." Revland accepted.

"How's the bruise, feeling any better?"

"A little bit but not by much. Right now it's just sore."

"Maybe we should go back and have Mona-Mona heal you again."

"I think his name is Morgana and he said that magic is dangerous when you use too much of it."

"Right I haven't really understood what he was getting at, why would that be dangerous?"

"Well there's a few ways from what I understand. First is the power of the caster, all magic comes at a price, always has and always will. Basic physics: you can't make something out of nothing. So, say you get hurt but the healer has already cast the spell several times that the day and doesn't have the energy, he tries to cast it anyway and the spell fails. What do you think happens to the caster?"

Ryuji looked at Revland with astonishment.

"The caster now has to use something else other than the energy that the body already has. One power source that comes to mind is another person's life force. The spell kills the caster and goes wild without anyone there to control it."

"Okay… I think I get it… maybe. What's the second one?"

"The feeling of invincibility. It's a mindset that make you think that you're well, invincible. If you could heal the broken leg of yours back to as if it never happened in the first place, would you be willing to take another swing at Kamoshida?"

Ryuji thought a moment, "I think I would yeah."

"And why won't you go after him now?"

"Because he kicked my ass the last time."

"Now you start to understand, if we continue to use magic to heal then we could become careless or worse… find the limit on what healing magic can do. Something tells me that it can't bring you back from the dead."

"Some magic can but you don't want to go down that path."

Wait, necromancy is a real thing?

"In some ways yes."

I was thinking more along the lines of resurrection.

"Also possible, but it requires a large amount of skill and a strong connection to the person you are trying to bring back from the void."

Revland thought on that for a moment. So… healing magic is very… very dangerous.

Ryuji noticed that Revland was spacing out and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, you're zoning out on me man. You doing alright?"

"What? Oh yeah, I'm fine. Just talking to Arséne."

"Who?" Ryuji looked confused.

"My persona, he's the one who taught me how to use magic."

"Ooooh, you mean the guy in the top hat?"

"I'm so glad out of all of my characteristics… it's my choice in fashion that stands out…"

"Yeah that's him."

"So…you're talking to him now?"

"In a way yes, he's in here." Revland pointed to his heart and then his head. "He's been around longer than I originally thought, at first I thought I was going crazy and just hearing voices but they were precise instructions that led me to where I need to be." Revland thought back to the night of the storm and how he managed to catch Futaba only after Arséne told him where to go.

"Wait, you said you started hear voices before he showed up?"

"Well more like a voice but yeah."

Ryuji thought back to when they were in the castle and how he thought he heard something talking to him. He never really took the time to figure out what it was but now he was starting to become hopeful.

"Say… do you think I have one of those persona things too?"

"Uhhh… I don't know, the person to ask is back at that castle and right now I would rather be anywhere but there."

"I know I know but the more I think about it the more I start to think that I might be on the right track here… and that is fucking awesome!" Ryuji's yell drew the attention of the other students in the hallway as he suddenly felt embarrassed.

"Well, I want to call it for today. Just want to take the time and let my body heal on its own. If we have to go back in there, which I think we will eventually, then I'd like to be prepared this time."

"Right, I'll go with you. Kinda worried about that cat anyway, think he got away?"

"Honestly… I don't know but I hope so."

The two of them started down the stairs and nearly ran into a girl that was running up. Revland didn't recognize the young woman but Ryuji did. Shiho Suzui stood bent over with her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. "Sakamoto… I need… I need…"

"Whoa whoa slow down a second Suzui, take a minute and catch your breath." Ryuji said concerned.

Shiho stood there for about a minute before being guided to a chair in a nearby class room.

"Friend of yours?" Revland asked.

"Yeah. We've known each other since grade school." Ryuji clarified.

Shiho sat and recovered from her sprint, she moved some strands of hair from in front of her eyes and Revland noticed that there was a bruise on the side of her head. "Are you alright, that looks pretty nasty."

Ryuji also took notice, "Now that you mention it, you're right. You came here on a dead sprint with that kind of injury?"

Ryuji looked back at Revland and marveled at the similarity between the two, Sounds like someone else I know.

Shiho went to cover it but was able to control herself, she was here for one reason and she wasn't going to let this chance slip away.

"Oh, by the way, this is Shiho Suzui. She's a second year just like us." Ryuji introduced. "Suzui, this is Revland Antrie. He just transferred here today."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Revland greeted bowing his head slightly.

"Likewise." Shiho smiled up at him.

Revland remembered that she was wanting to tell Ryuji something, "Suzui-san, didn't you want to tell Ryuji something?"

Shiho nodded and stood facing Ryuji suddenly nervous, "Sakamoto…. Ryuji… I… I need to… tell you something…"

Ryuji also became nervous, the tone in Shiho's voice made it important that he needed to hear every word that she was about to say.

"What is it Suzui?"

She looked at Revland and gave an unspoken plea, Revland immediately understood what was going on and nodded. "I'll be on the other side of the door if you need me."

"Wait, where the hell do you think you're going?" Ryuji asked but he was already closing the door before he could ask. He turned back to Shiho who somehow looked more vulnerable than she was a moment ago.

"Suzui… are you… are you alright?" He asked trying to control the shaking in his speech.

Shiho, for her part, was trying her hardest to not stare at the floor.

This is how they always did it in the books and movies… have to maintain eye contact… even if he says no…

"I'm okay… for now anyway… Ryuji… I have something I need to ask you…"

Ryuji stared at her, not really knowing what to do next, simply nodded.

Taking that as her que she continued, "Do… do… you want to…"

Ryuji is oblivious on the best of days but he was beginning to understand what she was trying to ask or so he thought. "Do I want to do… what?"

One last push, I can do this!

"Ryuji! Would you please go out with me?!" Shiho shouted, she didn't mean to scream it at him but it seemed the only way to get it to come out all in one piece.

Did she just… ask me out… like… to be her boyfriend? … Is she serious…? I didn't know that she felt that way about me…

"Well mate, you may want to say something soon cause that ship is sailing…"

Shaking the thoughts out of his head, he looked into Shiho eyes and saw tears running down her cheek.

"Now would be a good time to give her your answer… Every Captain… needs a first mate…"

Ryuji came to a decision and took a step closer to Shiho. Shiho on the other hand was in a panic and took a step back.

"Please don't cry…"

Shiho looked away and was ready to run past him just so she could get away from this situation.

"I'd be a pretty shitty boyfriend if the first thing I do is make my girlfriend cry…" Ryuji said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.

That made her hesitate for a moment as she looked back into Ryuji's eyes and found that he was grinning like an idiot. "What… what did you just say?"

"I said I'd be a pretty shitty boyfriend if I…" he wasn't able to finish due to his first kiss from Shiho and one that he returned eagerly. His mind raced for a moment but became little more than a whisper.

"Somethings are more valuable than gold my boy… learn it well…"


Author's Note:

You know… for some reason getting this out is becoming harder and harder with each chapter. The first draft of this chapter not only went by a different name and featured some new characters… but it was pretty much just a carbon copy from the game and I wasn't really happy with it. It felt as though I was trying to recreate the game and at that point I would rather just go play the damn thing, not read about it. So, as I originally promised, I started to throw in some originality cause well, the protagonist can actually talk and come up with a plan. I had to scrap some of my outline points to move them down that line to be developed into later story beats.

I haven't uploaded in almost a month and I do apologize for that, I do try to keep an update on where I am in the writing process on my profile page so if your ever wondering what I'm working on then, short of just messaging me, check the main profile page. I do want to say that the ending for this chapter was a little tricky but I'm a sucker for a good love story. I wanted to do something different with Shiho from the beginning so much so that I had discussions with my proofreader at the time on how I should handle her. It was fun to give a character that didn't get a lot of screen time a chance at happiness and would give someone else the resolve to continue on and "hoist the colors" as they say. Thank you again to those of you who have favorited and follow the Unforgiven story, didn't think I would find someone out there that would actually want to read this but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy knowing that you enjoy it.

Take care and I'll see you all in the next chapter… hopefully.