Warning: The following chapter contains scenes and discussions of sexual assault, trauma, rape and suicide.
Viewer Discretion is advised.
Chapter 14
The Moon Rises as the Shepperd Falls…
Monica Yuki stared at her note pad with several possible titles scratched out with red ink.
[Delinquent student turned volleyball hero]
Nope, next.
[Vigilante Student violates the lord of the court]
Sounds dirty, Next.
[Local Trouble Maker Plays Ball Surprisingly Well]
Okay, that one doesn't even sound like I'm trying… next…
To anyone affiliated with the newspaper club, this is a common practice for Monica as she attempts to give the piece a good title so the story would be noticed. She has always had an eye for getting scoops, whether it was because she was at the right place at the right time or due to being giving just the right amount of information to make a very educated guess. Whether or not that guess turned out to be accurate is up to your own morals but it's what makes a dull article noteworthy as well as a thrill to pursue… at least that's what it was like in the beginning.
There really hasn't been much in the way of gossip going around the school lately, not anything that she could publish anyway. Sure, there was the crazy ex of some jock that went from snooping to outright stalker and there was even a small scandal regarding the art club and the use of possibly plagiarized work from a local artist named…
Crap, what was the name of the artist… eh, must've not been that important.
After another three or four attempts to name her new article, she gave up and started to doodle in the corner of her notebooks. She thought of the article's main focus, the Rebellious Transfer Student Revland Antrie.
Hey… I haven't tried that one yet… but what would I pair it with?
Drawing a blank, she went back to her basic thought process. Just like everyone else, she heard of all the possible deeds that Mr. Antrie was accused of and, while outlandish, entertained the student body. Downside however is now no one has a clue what he's truly guilty of, originally anyway.
Doesn't seem like the murderous type nor the type to go around picking fights, but I could've sworn he had some kind of violent record… no way to confirm it now… short of asking him directly. She thought whimsically.
She started thinking about how the game ended and how it was the troubled track star, Ryuji Sakamoto, who scored the winning point with guidance from Mr. Antrie. Matter of fact, it wasn't just Sakamoto who followed Antire's lead but the whole team as well. Come to think of it, Sakamoto and Antrie seem pretty close ever since their supposed run in with a local gang after pissing off their leader only known as "King".
What I would give to get an interview with either of them… really don't want to approach them and ask about such a harrowing experience though. Something's should be kept private anyway, especially now that the police are involved.
Her absent-minded doodling revealed nothing more than a bunch of scribbles, let alone anything that resembled a good title. She stood from her desk, stretched out her cramped muscles and decided that a walk might help clear her mind.
The halls were a buzz with news of the game that Coach Kamoshida "Lost" and how it was Antrie that managed to stick it to him. While not completely inaccurate, Sakamoto was the player to score the winning point against Kamoshida. However, knowing how the gossip train blazes its trail, it was simply easier to just let it lie for the time being. Honestly, it was surprising how many students were openly talking about Antrie now that it didn't have anything to do with his record. She could've sworn that she heard some of the younger student, who had a thing for bad boys, where wondering if he had a girlfriend. Truth be told, this is how she gathered most of her intel with a good portion of it being based on nothing more than rumors.
Only yesterday they were saying that he was anything between a thief and a murderer. Now he's known as some kind of an anti-hero for openly defying Kamoshida… kinda… thank God for creative freedom.
She made a lap of the first floor noticing halfway through that Sakamoto and Takamaki were talking to some of the Volleyball players and it looked serious. Getting closer while pretending to be taking notes, she was able to get a few interesting tidbits.
"Those injuries can't be normal man. Seriously, we can help but only if you let us." Ryuji tried to explain.
The student in question was covered in bandages with one rapped around his head to cover an eye. "I don't get what you're trying to do Sakamoto…" he said, deliberately dodging the question.
"He's not unstoppable. We know someone who's looking into how things are ran around here and we can protect you." Ann added in a vain hope to convince the already worried student.
"Takamaki-san… you know better than anyone what he's capable of… if he can't get to you… than he'll use someone else. If you excuse me." He said with an air of finality that carried a sense of warning.
After the student was out of earshot, Ryuji scratched the side of his head in irritation while Ann shock her head in disappointment.
"God Damn It… Why does this have to be so difficult?" Ryuji muttered.
"There's still a few more we haven't tried yet… come on, they're some other players still in their first year we can talk to." Ann said with a forced smile before the pair headed for the stairs. Presumably, to the third floor of the school where the First-year students gathered for their classes.
What are you two trying to dig up… and on who? Talking to a member of the Volleyball team, Kamoshida maybe?
She was so focus on her train of thought, she failed to notice that the hall had grown quiet as someone approached from behind.
"Excuse me, would you happen to be Yuki-san of the Newspaper Club?" the young man asked.
Most people who are startled fall into one of two categories, fight or flee. Monica yipped in surprise and bolted up the stairs and a speed that would have impressed most athletes. Revland, on the other hand, was surprised to have caused such a reaction that he himself was stunned into silence. After a moment, and a quick question to a passerby, he followed the fleeing girl only stopping to ask others if they had seen a girl fitting Monica's description in the area.
Monica came to rest on the roof, catching her breath from the abrupt nature of her… rather sudden departure. While trying to think of who would want to speak to her, the door to the roof clicked open.
Revland slowly walked on to the roof with his hands up in a placating gesture in case she was still on edge. "Easy… I just want to talk… I mean you no harm…"
Her heart was already going a million miles an hour and it somehow managed to go into a higher gear. "What do you want?" She asked in a shaky voice.
"I just have a couple questions. I was told that if there was anything to know in Shujin, you were the one to talk to." He explained.
He's so calm… mellow even, is this guy really the notorious transfer student? Monica thought to herself as her heart beat finally began to slow.
"My name's Antrie… as I think you might have already guessed." He added as he held out a hand in order to shake.
She stared down at his hand for a moment, "Yuki… Monica Yuki…" She said before taking his hand in her own.
Soft but firm… and… warm?
"It's a pleasure to meet you Yuki-San" Revland added.
"Please, you don't have to be so formal with me…" she said, "Yuki's fine."
"Yuki then." He said with a smile.
Small wonder the girls are fawning over him… that… is one hell of a smile… stupid lady-killer…
Distracted, she missed what Revland said and took a minute to rub her eyes, "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
"I asked if it was alright to ask you a few question's…?" He repeated in a more pensive tone.
Gone now was his lady-killer smile and replaced with the look of someone on a mission as the tone of the conversation shifted. Monica was taken aback at the sudden request as things were suddenly falling into place.
"About what?" She asked cautiously.
He took a breath before answering, Here goes nothing.
"Kamoshida." He answered.
Were Sakamoto and Takamaki referring to Antrie then?
"I-I don't know what you mean… what would you want to know about him?" she asked hesitantly.
Revland looked down at the floor, came to a decision, then looked Monica square in the eyes. "I need to know what he's doing to the students here… and put a stop to it… if possible." He said confidently.
Monica stared at him, dumbfounded. Sure, there were the occasional attempts to undermine Kamoshida's authority over the school to some attempts included involving the police. But this seemed different, like he was playing a careful game of poker, only showing his hand a little at a time.
"It wont work, other's have tried… they failed and… badly… they're no longer at this school… some just… vanished and… I-I-I…" She was having trouble keeping it together.
During her first year, a friend of hers published an article on the practices of one Suguru Kamoshida and his treatment towards his students, particularly those who were female. The article gained traction and nearly made it to local new with rumors of the police getting involved. However, the school intervened on Kamoshida's behalf claiming that the article was slander and was to be removed. Her friend was suspended for several days for publishing an article based on lies and rumors. They later found her half dead of a drug overdose in a back ally of Shinjuku with the police writing it off as an attempt of suicide after being suspended. She had her own suspicions but didn't dare voice them in fear she would suffer the same fate.
Revland stood, steadfast. "He's not invincible, I've proven that he can be tricked, manipulated and beaten back. He's abusing his players and I fear its worse for girls on the team… it needs to stop. If you have any information, I would appreciate it."
"You don't understand what you're asking…"
"I know exactly what I'm asking and the amount of risk involve." He reached into his pocket and opened his phone with a few swipes of his finger before showing her pictures of the investigation involving him and Ryuji.
"I know someone that can get the investigation going and keep it that way even if someone managed to slow it down. They found a 'sex dungeon' in one of the nearby buildings and I think I may have an idea on who it belonged to but it's only a hunch with little to no evidence." Revland explained.
"No, you don't understand. I don't want to end up like Lukia… I can't…" Monica was on the verge of tears.
"You have a knack for making woman cry young man…" Arséne chided.
That wasn't on purpose and you know it!
"Listen Yuki, you're right in the fact I don't know what's really going on around here. But what I do know is that I see a lot of innocent people who have been hurt or worse. I watched the skin of a friend pale to near white just at the mere thought of being alone with the guy. I see the bruises on another that she deflects as just injuries from practice and nothing more."
He had her attention now, "I see how this entire school bends over backwards trying to please this guy that deserves no such treatment. I can only imagine what you've been through but I need you're help. I need something to at least get the ball rolling and I know someone who can and will help." He finished as he held out his hand to her palm up.
Monica looked away from him, trying to think of a way out. To tell him no, that it's a lost cost, but she couldn't.
"You… need my help?"
Revland nodded.
"How are you so sure it will work?"
"I don't." he stated flatly.
"Then how do you know this person can help?"
"Because they already have their own suspicions, all I need is somewhere for them to start." He added.
Monica looked to the ground trying to fight back the hope that was crawling from her heart to her voice as it cracked, "You can help Lukia…?"
Revland nodded, "And you."
Monica looked him in the eyes while tears were falling from her own. She reached out with a shaking hand and took his once more, feeling the warmth of his hand and clung to it as she sunk to her knees.
Revland took a step closer to her and knelt down to help her but she waved him off while whipping the tears from her eyes.
She looked up into his eyes as she felt a determination she hadn't felt in many months, "Tell me what you wanna know… Antrie-san."
Yuuki Mishima laid in one of the beds in the nurse's office with an ice pack held to one side of his head.
A short plump nurse with silver hair, soft eyes hidden behind a pair of oversized reading glasses, nerves of steel and a glare that could melt polar ice sat at her desk making adjustments to the files laying there
"I swear Mr. Mishima, you need to take better care of yourself." Nurse Moichi said while perusing through a rather extensive medical history. "I advise you again to consider quitting the Volleyball team and focus more on your recovery."
Before she had even gotten to the end of her lecture, he was shaking his head. "No, I need to stay on the team… otherwise I can't afford the tuition…"
"Yuuki…" she sighed, "There are other ways to earn a scholarship, but I can understand to a point… however this is the last 'practice' injury I'm seeing in this office, you hear me? I don't care what kind of regiment that lunatic of a couch is putting you through, I already told him that I'm not bandaging up his abused players yet here you are with another accident that just so happened to accrue during the game he was involved in."
Yet another attempt to get him to leave the team and another promise of not seeing him after he gets hurt during practice, nothing changes. The nurse will still see him and the team because, at the end of the day, they were still just children in an impossible situation. Only way to truly change anything was having the whole team quit or make the couch resign… with nationals so close, neither was very likely. Though he couldn't really fault her for worrying about him, she was maybe the only friend he had in the entirety of the school.
The two girls in the waiting area was the only change to the routine that the two had established with both of them being relatively attractive.
"Say… you finally manage to get yourself a girlfriend?" Moichi asked in a conspiratorial whisper.
This made him fumble the ice pack as he tried and failed to create a coherent sentence.
"I'm only playing with you." She said with a playful pat on his shoulder.
This calmed him down but only slightly.
"I know you don't have the guts to ask out either one of those two." She added in a playful tone.
Though it may have been true that both Niijima and Suzui were well and truly out of his league, he didn't need the school nurse pointing out his lack of sexuality.
He picked up the fallen ice pack and placed it against his still reddened skin.
Makoto chose that time to approach the embarrassed young man with Shiho right behind her.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you some questions Mr. Mishima, concerning your recent injury among other things." Makoto asked in her official voice that she used while addressing others in the council.
Mishima recognized the Council President and sat up with a dazed look. "What does the Student Council want with me?"
"We're preforming an inquiry into your recent accident and wish to show our concern."
She's done this before, even as an act, it's very convincing… or is she lying…? Shiho thought to herself, I'll ask her about it later.
"Why the sudden interest?" He asked with suspicion in his voice.
"We have heard that some practices have resulted in minor injuries that required no reports but this is the first time I have witnessed such an incident and wished to reach out to you in case you needed to talk-"
"No-I'm fine-thank you-you can leave." He said flatly.
"-to someone." Makoto finished softly. She looked to Shiho with a 'you're up' tilt of head.
"Mishima…" Shiho said in a small pleading tone.
"Suzui… what are you trying to do…?" He asked cautiously.
"I know you get it worse than everyone else, I know he singles you out. We just want to help… and-"
Mishima cut her off, "You think I would betray our team to a bunch of strangers?"
"What's there to betray?" Makoto asked, seeing his slip up.
"Nothing, just drop it." He recovered.
"You know we can't keep this up Mishima, what's going to happen after we make it to Nationals? Will it just keep getting worse till people that can't keep up are removed entirely?" Shiho continued.
"Why would it matter, seems like your quitting the team anyway." Mishima retorted.
Shiho flinched as if she was smacked.
"Suzui's personal life doesn't and shouldn't affect any club activities that she may be part of, why would the possibility of her leaving matter to how the team functions?" Makoto retorted.
Mishima closed his mouth and said nothing.
"You and I both know that's not what has him so worked up. He's never had a problem with others on the team having relationships, the issue is who I'm with." Shiho continued.
"Suzui-san, let me be clear. There is nothing in school policy that states that you need approval from you're the school faculty to do anything outside of school hours. It's why they call it a 'Personal Life'." Makoto stated firmly.
"Mishima, please tell her how you got those bruises." Shiho pleaded.
Mishima said only one word, "Practice…"
"Are you sure you wish to continue with that story, I take it you wish to make it your official statement?"
"I have nothing more to say… leave me alone… both of you…" he said, not looking at either one of them.
"I see. Well, I'll close the inquiry then. Enjoy the rest of your day Mr. Mishima." Makoto gave a slight bow of her head and stepped towards the door before turning to wait for Shiho.
"I want you to know that we won the game, 3 sets to 1. Ryu-, Sakamoto and Antrie-Kun headed the charge and beat him…" Shiho said before leaving with Makoto.
He let the thought sink in for a moment, thinking of the possible ways that Sakamoto of all people could've have beaten Kamoshida.
She said Antrie was also involved…
The very thought of the transfer student's name made him cringe up with guilt. On Kamoshida's orders, he leaked the details of Revland's record to the student body in an attempt to "run him off" as he put it. But he's been here for nearly a week and seems none the worse for wear, other than the run in with a local gang.
Mishima let out a sigh and rolled over to stare at the wall.
"You should've told them the truth Yuuki." Moichi said into her files.
"I don't deserve anyone's help… not after…" Mishima trailed off.
"Shouldn't matter if you've done something that deserves punishment, that fact that you feel guilt means there's still hope for a rescue." The nurse said with a smile. "Isn't that what they say in all those manga you've been reading?"
Mishima sat up slowly and stared at the door to the hallway, debating whether or not he would run after the president to tell him that he wanted to speak to her. The memory of Antrie halted his movement for a moment before coming to the decision that he needed to speak with him first… about everything that he put him through and then ask for his forgiveness… maybe then he'll be worthy of redemption.
"That's… quite the claim Antrie… are you certain you wish to go through with this?" Officer Zenkichi asked in a hushed tone.
"I am, on the condition that all informants remain anonymous." Revland said.
Zenkichi paused for a moment to write down something, "You sure this Yuki girl is trustworthy?"
"She has a personal stake in this, apparently a friend of hers was attacked by an unknown entity and was left in Shinjuku in a sorry state…"
"What's the connection?"
"The friend published an article about you know who and was suspended for it."
"Ah, I see."
"So, is this enough to get the investigation started?"
Zenkichi sighed as only a patient adult could, "It isn't as simple as that but yes. After I pull a few strings, we at the department can open an official investigation into Shujin Academy and its current staff."
"Even though it's really only the one that we're after?"
"It's a way we can put it so we can focus on certain individuals. That way if they say we're looking one person too closely, we say that the whole school is under investigation so there's only so much complaining that they can do." He explained.
"That… sounds a little underhanded…" Revland noted with concern.
"Hey, you said that the straight forward approach has failed in the past. Besides, if things were always so simple then the world would never know conflict."
"Guess you're right, sorry. I've never been involved so in-depth before."
"Don't worry about it kiddo, just stay out of trouble till I can get this thing going. It'll take a few days so just be patient with us."
"It's all we can do at this point, thanks for this by the way."
"Don't worry about it, I'll keep in touch."
After that, he hung up.
Revland turned to Monica who was wearing a nervous smile but still had fire in her eyes.
"It's done, you should be getting a call sometime within the next few days. If they ask for your name, it'll be for official records only. Otherwise, you'll be considered anonymous." Revland explained.
Monica nodded, "Thank you… Antrie…"
"Don't mention it, you want me to walk you to the station?"
She thought about it for a moment but shook her head, "No, it would raise suspicions if we were seen together. I'll be fine."
"I still want you to find someone you trust and stick by them till this is over. Just to be safe."
"I can handle it. Anyway, we have a big job ahead of us so I need to get somethings together."
She turned to leave but before closing the door behind her, she turned to Revland, "Thank you… Revland… Thank God for you…"
Revland stood on the roof and scratched the back of his head, which was a mistake as his arm ached from the activity of the day.
He rubbed it absently as it was a familiar ache and one that he didn't think he'd feel for quite some time.
Not so different from baseball if you think about it…
"The young lady's words didn't phase you?" Arséne asked.
"I mean, in a way… yeah, they did. Never had someone thank God for my involvement before." He said aloud believing he was alone.
"Not so, Sojiro said as much when he thanked you for saving Futaba did he not?" Arséne corrected.
"I mean he never said it as directly. What's your point?"
"My point, as you so aptly put it, is that despite your belief of not being wanted or desired, there's an abundance of evidence to the contrary. The look of wonder and hope in all the eyes of your friends. The gratitude of those you've helped. And, most notably, the adoration of a certain young woman who's heart you've utterly captivated."
"Listen to him lad, he speaks truth…" Hades interjected.
Revland shook his head to stave off a bout of dizziness, "New rule… one at a time… please?"
He felt more than heard the affirmation of his statement and continued. "I hear you Arséne… I think I'm beginning to understand what you mean."
"Good lad, now if I'm not mistaken, you have a make up date to be getting to… after you help at the café."
Revland nodded in assent before heading down to the class room to gather his things.
So far things are going well… just need a little more time…
Things were not going well for Kamoshida today of all days… his day… his time to shine… stolen by pieces of garbage, nothing thing more than trash.
He sat at his desk in his personal office that was the PE department office but since he was the only teacher in the department it was his and his alone… it was as much as he deserved.
He stared down at the file that was given to the school staff as a memo of reference to insure student safety. It contained the photos of the damage that both Sakamoto and Antrie had obtained during there supposed kidnapping. While Sakamoto wasn't too worse for wear it was Antrie's report that caught his eye. From what he was reading, he shouldn't be able to move around as much as he did during the match.
The thought that photo was fake crossed his mind but was discarded almost immediately. While the school nurse was a troublesome old bat, she is anything if not thorough in her work and the two officers found who the injury asked to have it looked at.
However, the photos that were taken of his "private kingdom" is was drove him mad most of all. How did they find it? Who could've told them? Kamoshida kept a very organized list of those that have visited his kingdom and had been very careful when they were release. Normally they don't remember anything before or after their visit so where did he go wrong?
He knew the police had found his palace the same day those brats were attacked but they claimed they didn't know where they ran from.
Two words stood out to him on the report, King and Dungeon.
How could they have known…? How did they find out…? He was sweating from the stress of it all.
Trash shouldn't be allowed to stand in my presence… yet ever since he got here… WHY….
Takamaki has be avoiding him and most of his other prey had been around other people leaving him not much in the way of relief for his… urges…
If there isn't an opportunity… then I'll just have to make one…. I mean, come on, I'm me. Who wouldn't want to sleep with me… they all want a taste… they just don't know it yet…
The question now was, which one was it going to be…?
Shiho and Makoto sat in the student council room compiling information on Suzui's injuries.
"Anything else you wish to add?" Makoto asked.
Shiho thought for a moment before nodding, "A list of names of all the girls that I know he's…" She hesitated on what word to use, "Harassed."
Makoto looked up, "What do you mean by harassed?"
The tone in her voice made it very clear that she wasn't letting her go without a proper answer.
"Exactly what you think it means…" Shiho whispered.
"You mean he's… to you?" Makoto asked cautiously.
"Me, no… at least not yet…"
"Please, tell me what's going on."
Shiho explained that Kamoshida had be using her position on the team as leverage to try and take advantage of Ann. She said that Ann hasn't said anything to her about it but that Kamoshida had been awfully pushy lately and thinks that Ryuji may be the cause.
"And the others?" Makoto urged.
"He invites them to his office than leaves the school but they don't look right… like they're in a daze or something. It's just like everything else around here, everyone sees it but doesn't do anything about it."
Makoto flinched at that but decided to continue, "Someone is paying attention now… I'm sure there's something we can do in the meantime."
Shiho gave her a small smile and nodded, "I guess we can try to spread the word a little."
"Better place to start as any." Makoto said, returning her smile.
She finished adding a few notes to the file and placed it in her bag. "Are you ready to go?"
Shiho nodded and stood from the table, resting her bag on her shoulder.
Both walked out into the hallway as Makoto locked the door and turned to follow. As they passed the faculty lounge the door opened with a tanned skin woman in her early thirties with shoulder length black hair dark eyes and, in Makoto's opinion, way too much make up.
"Ah, just the girl I was looking for. You have a moment to chat Niijima?" Ms. Chouno asked.
"Oh, of course. What about?"
"About your career path my dear, we just need to hash it out real quick." She said cheerily.
Woman must not have a care in the world.
"Of course, ma'am."
"Excellent, Suzui just wait here a moment and I'll be done with her in a moment."
"I'm sorry ma'am, is there no way she could come in with us?" Makoto asked in an almost pleading manner.
Either the peppy teacher didn't notice or just didn't care was really anyone's guess, "Unfortunately my dear, these meeting are between the student and teacher so she'll have to wait out here till you're done." She said in a placating way to give the appearance that she already thought it over.
A small wave a panic ran through the girls but Shiho smiled and waved her in, "Go on and get it taken care of. I'll be here when you get back."
"See, now come. This will only take a minute or two." Ms. Chouno said with enthusiasm.
The door slammed shut and Shiho was left alone in the hall. She walked across from the door and leaned against the wall to wait for Makoto. She thought about meeting up with Ryuji when they got to the train station and maybe they could meet up to work on some homework.
Or as much as we can get done without becoming distracted. She thought with a small smile.
The thought of Ryuji being there at the end of every day made her heart swell and calmed her down during the last few days. The effect that he has on her and on each other, surprised her to no end.
Her fantasies made her blush and hoped the teacher would be done with Makoto soon.
"Suzui… just the girl I was looking for… would you mind coming with me… we need to have a talk…?" Kamoshida said.
Shiho went white as she saw Kamoshida walking down the hall towards her.
"Good e-e-evening sir. What do you need?" She managed to get out.
Kamoshida placed a hand on the wall just above her head as he loomed over her. She could smell the sweat from the game as his eyes traced the outline of her body.
He didn't answer right away, just looked at her. "As I said, I need you to come with me… we have a few things to discuss."
Shiho stood her ground and stared back at him, "Anything you need to say, can be said right here."
Just like Ryuji… don't back down…
"Suit yourself." He shrugged. "You're off the team."
"What?" She asked bewildered.
"YOU are OFF the TEAMA." He said with some heat. "I can't have you being distracted before a big match, I'm sure I can find a suitable replacement by then."
"That's it… after all that, this is what you do?" She asked.
"I'm the couch, it's my team. So, my word is law."
"Fine, so be it. I was thinking about quitting anyway." She said in a matter of fact tone.
She knew she scored when Kamoshida looked confused. "If that's all, I'll be leaving." She turned to duck under his arm as his hand closed around her throat.
"Scream and I'll have Sakamoto expelled along with everyone else in your little group."
"Stop it… you're hurting me…" she whimpered.
"Oh, the sweet sound of obedience…" he took a deep breath through the nose. "I do love it when they beg."
Tears flowed freely from Shiho's eyes as she looked into the dark pits that were Kamoshida's.
"Here's how this is going to go… Bitch… you are going to come with me… and we are going to have our discussion somewhere private where no one will hear a thing… if I can't use Ann against the piece of shit Sakamoto… then I'll use the next best thing…" He said with a sneer.
"I know all about the crush she's had on the brat from the day I first saw her, that hot piece of ass is too good for him. Imagine my surprise when I hear that you two became an item… now that was a juicy piece of gossip let me tell you."
Shiho didn't move, she barely breathed, all she did was hope that door opened before thing when too far.
"So, if Ann won't have me… then I guess I'll kill two birds with one stone by taking something from you that you wish to give to someone you love sooooo dearly… better question is…" he lowered his voice down to a whisper and brought his mouth to her ear, "Where you planning on saving yourself till after you two were married?"
Her eye went wide as she started to struggle. His grip on her throat tightened, "Anymore of that and everyone, Niijima, Takamaki, even that filth Antrie… they will all burn… because of you…especially Sakamoto…"
All the fight went out of Shiho as she went limp, letting out quiet sobs as her only reply.
"Good girl… now… follow me…" Kamoshida purred as he led Shiho down the hall and out of sight.
A few minutes later the door to the Faculty lounge open, "If that's all I really need to walk my friend home. Have a good night." Makoto said as she closed the door quickly to cut off the constant barrage of suggestions that Ms. Chouno was making.
"Sorry about that Shiho. I swear she doesn't know when to mind her-" she turned to find an empty spot where she expected the meek young girl to be standing.
"Shiho?" She called out, "Shiho, where are you?"
Revland sat at the bar in LeBlanc going over his school work for the day before visiting Futaba. Sojiro was on the other end washing a few cups that some customers had brought to the bar before leaving. When he had gotten back in the early afternoon, things weren't too busy but he offered his help to which Sojiro accepted.
The homework wasn't difficult but his mind wasn't with him at present. He told himself that as long he finished everything that was assigned for the week then there wouldn't have any guilt when visiting either of the Futaba's from time to time.
Well… now that's a bit of a predicament…
"Which part, Mathematics have always been a strong suit of mine?" Arséne replied.
Same for me but not what I'm talking about.
Intrigued, Revland felt that Arséne wished for him to continue.
How do I divide my time between the two Futabas? Hang out with one then the other while trying to repair her palace… how complicated did I make this?
"I don't believe you've made thing too complicated. On days you don't plan on being around one, go to the other."
Kinda makes me feel like a two-timing ass…
"That's where I feel like it does get complicated. One doesn't know of the others existence but the other knows everything the one does. Like have two courtships with the same lovely lady."
Thank you for clearing that up Arséne… Revland though with a hint of sarcasm.
"You are very welcome… the answer is 32 by the way."
Revland looked down at the problem he was working on and, after following the formula given, found that he was right.
You're going to have to teach me how you did that…
"In time young one, in time."
His work finished, he packed up his bag and took it upstairs. Placing the bag on the table near the stair, he scanned the room and saw that it could use another round of cleaning. He's been busy with other things that it didn't really bother him yet but vowed to do it tomorrow… or whenever he got time, whichever came first.
He picked up his Rainsong and started heading downstairs.
"Heading out?" Sojiro asked.
"Yeah, promised Futaba I'd come over tonight."
"Did you now…" Sojiro said with squinted eye that made Revland feel like a field mouse under the eyes of a very hungry looking hawk.
Sojiro let the silence hang in the air long enough just to see if Revland would start twitching then abated. "You have your keys, your phone?"
He padded his pockets and nodded.
"Alright." Sojiro said finally. "I'll be over in about an hour… don't try anything fishy you hear me?"
"Yes sir!" Revland said with a mock salute.
Sojiro waved him out of the shop as he made his way to the Sakura house. The walk was as short as every but seems longer than normal.
Might be because it's the first time I'm not in a hurry to get here. He thought to himself.
He opened the gate after checking his surrounding then approached the front door to unlock it. On a whim, he pulled his phone from his pocket to see if the Meta-app was active.
Good, no surprises this time.
"I get the feeling you just jinxed yourself." Arséne chided.
"What makes you say that?"
"One mustn't tempt lady luck, not unless you wish for a shorter existence."
He walked into the main foyer of the home after closing and locking the door behind him. He walked by the stairs and to the dinning area where he played last time he was here. The smell of coffee and curry still hung in the air, making the place feel like a home. He let out a contented sigh of relief as he set the case down to open it. He spent a few minutes tuning and ran through a few exercises to get warmed up. It was at this time he noticed that Futaba hadn't come to greet him yet and wondered where she was.
Upstairs in her room, asleep at her desk. Came a thought as well as a vision of the room containing the sleeping Futaba.
Revland set the guitar in its case and made his way upstairs. He knocked once to no response then knocked again. The door to her room was shut but he knew that it was left unlocked in case Sojiro needed to see her. He didn't know how he knew he just… did.
"Uh, Futaba?" He called. "You alright… I'm coming in."
He opened the door to find her exactly where this vision showed her to be.
Her glasses lay crooked on her face as she rested her head on her desk while using her arms as a makeshift pillow.
That can't be comfortable. He thought to himself.
He thought about moving her but decided against it in fear of waking her up. Instead, he got a blanket from her bed and found a familiar face in a black and white cat pillow that was near her desk. Being careful, he managed to remove her glasses and lift her head up enough to get the well-worn pillow under it. That accomplished, he placed the blanket over her shoulders in just about the same manner to when he wrapped the other Futaba in his coat.
He smiled to himself at the similarities then patted the top of her head before whispering in her ear, "Sleep well and sweet dreams."
The softness of her hair caused him to pause before leaving as she let out a light whimper about the curry getting cold before she nuzzled into her pillow and let out a contented sigh. He saw that she was wearing a light smile as she breathed evenly in her deep sleep.
"Quite the interesting young woman… it's as if she knows you are near…" Arséne muttered in fascination.
How can you tell?
"She seems much more at ease and her sleep seems deeper as well."
You can get all that just from looking at her?
"Not quite, but she does seem more relaxed. Don't you agree?"
Turning back to look at the sleeping figure, he could swear he heard a tiny snore coming from the desk. He smiled again at the sight then lightly closed the door to head back downstairs.
He debated heading back to the shop but decided to hang around for the time being. He picked up his guitar and started playing the first song that came to mind. His fingers danced over the neck of the guitar for the opening of "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. Making sure to keep his volume down, he sang a tale of a man constantly reminding the woman he held so dear that she was wonderful and made him feel much the same way.
He felt the warmth in his heart as he played the familiar song. As the final cord rang, he started another. "Grey Sky Morning" by Vertical Horizons as somewhat of a final good bye to the girl that he well and truly loved.
As he played, Sojiro's words from earlier that morning sprang to mind.
Pick up what you can… and start over… I think I can manage that… with time and a whole lot of patience…
As he finished and was about to start another, his phone buzzed. He quieted the strings and picked it up to find that the chat that had everyone's number was blowing up. He opened his messages to find Makoto and Ryuji were going at it.
[Text log]
Ryuji: What do you mean you lost her?
Makoto: It's just like I said, a teacher snatched me and wouldn't let her in. I was only gone for a few minutes.
R: Have you even tried looking for her?
M: If I hadn't, I wouldn't be talking to you now.
Ann: Where was the last place you saw her?
M: Third floor of the main building, right outside the faculty office. We were just about to leave.
R: How could you let this happen!?
Revland: Slow down, what happened?
R: Where have you been?
Rev: Was working on school work, just noticed my phone blowing up. Tell me what happened.
M: I lost track of Suzui…
Rev: Where?
M: … the school…
Rev: Has anyone seen her since then?
M: It's what I was asking… but I take it that nobody has.
R: She isn't answering her phone…
Rev: Tell me what happened.
Makoto had explained that a teacher had pulled her into a meeting for a few minutes and wouldn't allow Shiho to tag along. By the time she got away, Shiho was already gone.
Rev: This isn't your fault Niijima, I hope you know that.
M: Doesn't seem like it…
Rev: Ryuji, have you called her parents?
R: Yeah, but they thought she was with me.
Rev: Ann?
A: I haven't heard from her since this morning.
Fuck…
Rev: …
Revland was at a loss, he didn't know what was going on or where she could be.
Rev: Alright, we can't put out a missing person's yet… it's too soon. She may be at a club activity and turn up later. As much as I hate to say it… we have to wait.
R: Fuck that!
R: We should be out there looking for her!
Rev: I understand you want to find her more than any of us, but do you even know where to start looking?
R: Could always ask the fucker most likely responsible!
Rev: Do you have proof?
There was a pause in the chat as Ryuji's rant came to a halt.
Rev: I know you're angry but Niijima isn't at fault. We know he MIGHT have something to do with it but have no definitive proof of any wrong doing. I don't like it either, but we have to sit for now. We'll start looking for her as soon as we have more info. Until then, keep together and now more than ever, don't-wonder-alone.
After agreeing and a reluctant assurance from Ryuji, he closed his phone and placed his head in his hands.
We'll find her… we have to.
Sleep didn't come easy for Revland that night. The morning was met with anxious pleas for everything to turn out aright but no one had seen or heard from Shiho. He met everyone at the station but their cheerful mood from the day before was absent.
"Anything?" Revland asked.
Ryuji and Ann both shook their heads.
"I'm sorry…" Makoto whimpered.
"It wasn't your fault Niijima. You couldn't've known this would happen." Revland consoled.
Revland then turned to Ryuji, "We are going to find her, today… alright?"
Ryuji simply nodded, not saying a word.
The train ride was uneventful as the group made their way to the school. Standing on post was of course Kamoshida, greeting each student with a cheerful smile that seemed out of character to Revland and he wasn't the only one who notice.
"He seems in an awfully good mood…" Makoto said.
"Not a good sign…" Revland whispered back.
As if on que, Kamoshida turned his attention to their group and gave them a wicked smile that was so full of menace that Revland was certain that everyone around them could feel it.
The look of someone who just got revenge… what did you do…?
"Good morning sir, you seem in a good mood…" Revland offered.
Kamoshida gave him a quick sneer then responded with a smile. "It's a beautiful day, hard not to be excited."
"I mean, after your humiliating defeat at the hands of a bunch of armatures I'm surprised you're able to smile like that." Ryuji shot back after seeing the sneer.
"Oh… don't worry, I haven't forgotten that." He said coolly, "Just know, you haven't even begun to pay for that… but just you wait…"
Revland placed a hand on Ryuji's shoulder and guided him into the building never taking his eyes off of Kamoshida.
As they left, a thought struck Kamoshida's mind. He knows… the observant brat already knows… I may have to hurry up and deal with him soon.
"And that's how the Judicial system works." Mr. Ushimaru finished.
Revland was only half paying attention to the lecture. He was figuring out that whatever had happened to Shiho was already done and it was too late to change anything. The question now was where was she and whether or not she was alive.
"Antrie!"
His attention came into full focus as a piece of chalk came barreling toward him. On instinct, he moved his head ever so slightly to avoid the object but the student behind him wasn't so fortunate. The chalk shattered into several pieces as it connected with the hapless student's forehead causing him to jump in surprise.
"Pay attention, now tell me the other branches of our government."
"Legislative and Executive." He answered calmly.
Slightly surprised, Ushimaru coughed. "That's correct."
He continued his lecture on how the local government works and, as citizens, their duties thereof. One of the students started to daydream and looked out of the window in the hallway and saw a figure standing on the outside of the fence surrounding the roof. She blinked, rubbed her eyes and looked again. Realizing that she wasn't seeing things, she stood up.
"She gonna jump!" She yelled.
"Quiet down, this is a cla-" Ushimaru started to say but the class erupted in a chaotic dash to the hallway with Revland and Ann right behind.
The outfit alone was enough to identify her… it was Shiho Suzui.
Panic gripped Ann's heart, "No… no-no-no-no Shiho! What are you doing?!" She screamed at the window.
Revland stared wide eyed, "We were too late…"
Wake up damn you, it's time to move. Too late to stop him but not too late to save her! NOW MOVE!
Revland sprinted for the stairs and saw Ryuji running towards him, "Ryuji, ROOF NOW!"
Hearing the urgency in his voice, Ryuji bolted up the stairs at two or three at a time while Revland dashed down at tremendous the ground floor with a roll, he made for the door to the court yard only to find it clogged with students and staff.
"Come on! What the Fuck people!" he yelled frustrated.
There's another way, go around!
Taking off at a dead run, he blitzed passed a confused Ann without so much as a word.
I promised she'd be safe, I told her it would be okay… GOD DAMN HIM! Shiho… please forgive me.
He sped to the opposite end of the school to find that, though it still had students, it wasn't as crowded.
"Come on, let me through!" he yelled.
Once outside he saw that Shiho was still on the roof with a dazed, lifeless look.
"Shiho!" he yelled to her.
"Something's wrong." Arséne warned.
"No shit Sherlock, how'd ya figure?" Revland said not caring who could hear him.
"I don't sense the spark of life in her… it's as if it was taken…"
"What do you mean by that…?"
"I don't need to tell you what you already suspect…" He said after a pause.
Revland pulled out his phone to call Ryuji to tell him to hurry up. Shiho decided that at that moment, it was time to end her pain, the gnawing self-loathing and all the words that Kamoshida had said to her as he force himself onto her. How everyone would think of her as a slut and how Ryuji wouldn't love her anymore now that she was tainted. She couldn't take it anymore, all the abuse, all the pain… the empty promises… it would all be over in a matter of moments.
Revland heard echoes from all around him as something unexpected happened. At the press of a button, reality began to shift and bend around him as he pushed his way forward. Time seemed to slow as he ran for the wall and started running up it, leaving blue azure flames with every step he took.
"Shiho!" he called out as he leapt off the wall as Arséne's raven black wings sprouted from his back.
His form shuttered as he wrapped Shiho in a tight embrace before the both disappeared, leaving behind nothing but a few black feathers that singed the grass with blue fire.
Author's Note
This… was hard one to write. I knew from the beginning that I would have to but still wasn't quite ready for it. Shiho's role in the original story is to be nothing more than a catalyst for Ann's awakening and that's just about it. I figured that, if she played more a role with others of the cast, it would be a driving force with the conflict with Kamoshida.
Speaking of… I can say with the utmost certainty that I wasn't sure how I managed to write such a character. At the beginning of the scene I took a breath and said "Here we go" and didn't stop until the scene was finish. I felt awful and couldn't believe what I had just written, but I told myself that he's going to get what's coming and it wasn't the end of Shiho Suzui. Far from it as you can tell.
If you or a loved one is facing difficulties in life, reach out to them. You have no idea how much the words "are you doing okay" or "Hey, what going on" can help someone while they're in the darkest part of their lives.
1-800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online or dial 988.
Special thanks to:
Luckyhyna, Assassin0Lin, Brrigan, Anime-Niakz
For the recent Favorites, glad you're liking the story so far. Note: for some reason it won't put names in chronological order. I do get emails when someone new follows just know that I'm grateful.
Quartermass,
I'm glad you're enjoying the story and that the stories have sparked enough of an interest to go play the game. To answer your question:
Revland was born in the countryside of Japan to his Mother, Yuu Tsuyoibara (Antrie after marriage) and his Father, Richard Antrie. His mother is Japanese while his father is from Great Britton. Thus, he knows a few things about hunting and a little metal working from his father's hobbies.
Yuu, who's built like a supermodel, is a strong, somewhat hard-headed woman with long black curly hair down to her the middle of her back and piercing green eyes. Richard is lean in contrast to his wife, agile and fit. He's not to be taken lightly and has taught Revland a lot of what he already knows in the ways of hunting. He had a harder time with the metal working but he managed. He has grey eyes and dark brown hair. He's also shorter than Yuu by about six inches.
Current plans are to introduce them later down the line with a few excerpts here and there.
If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.
Until Next Time,
JWS
P.S. persona 5 royal rereleased on all consoles… wondered why there was a sudden influx of readers… and I already bought the ps5 version… I'm going to have to start all over again aint I…
HAPPY HOLLOWEEN!
