Disclaimer: Fate and Persona are owned by different companies and I hold no ownership and all that jazz.
Warning for Attempted Suicide you know the one if you play P5.
They had a sort of volleyball rally today? Hakuno was only paying half attention as she watched the teachers play against the Volleyball team.
She thought it was a bit unfair to put a Gold Medalist against a bunch of kids, but perhaps this is a way for them to entice more people to join? She could hear the weird comments directed towards Kamoshida and felt her face fill with disgust.
She remember worse from a certain Nurs-
Hakuno froze as one of the Second Years got face smashed in by Kamoshida, a spike aimed at the poor kid. With a quickness that surprised everyone including herself she was at the older boy's side helping him sit up, staring daggers at the smug look on Kamoshida's face.
"Heyyyy Kishinami, do you mind taking Mishima to the nurses office?" Hakuno nodded as she struggled to pick up the boy, letting him use her as a walking aide.
Once they were a fair distance away from the court, "Are you ok?" Hakuno whispered to him, "Do you need an ambulance?"
Mishima shook like a leaf… "N-no I'll be fine…"
Hakuno sighed, she didn't know what to do. Being human is tough. Taking him to the Nurses office Hakuno was ushered out leaving her to quietly walk back. Maybe she can leave an anonymous tip to the police?
"Heyyyyyy!" Hakuno thought she heard someone? Sounded sort of like a child… But a quick look around she couldn't spot anyone, she shook her head.
'That was weird…'
Hakuno sighed as she sat in the library, the school day was going to end soon but she wanted to see if they had some specific books…
Hakuno could feel her stare before even hearing her walk up, "Hello again Kishinami," Makoto Niijima stood behind her, "Have you thought about whether or not to join the Student Council?"
Hakuno shifted her bag to her other arm as she reached up and grabbed Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki (The Illustrated One Hundred Demons from the Present and the Past). She had been looking for this for a while. While she could look online, the paper books felt more real to her.
"I have, I am not too confident about joining at the moment…Between tutoring my cousin and studying I don't have a lot of free time."
Makoto nodded, accepting the response hiding away a grimace that Hakuno barely saw, "I see, does your cousin attend the nearby middle school? I understand they are fairly strict with their work."
"No… my cousin is Ann Takamaki…" Hakuno muttered quietly so only the two of them could hear.
Makoto's eyes went wide, "Takamaki is your cousin?" She half whispered, "And you're her tutor?"
The two continued on as Hakuno went to check out the book, the librarian barely giving her a look before handing the book back to her.
Hakuno sighed, "She has a bit of difficulty in her studies."
Makoto nodded, "Yes… I think I heard something about that from the previous year…"
"She is getting better..."
Ann was late.
Hakuno paced around their apartment. Hakuno went home without her because Ann claimed she had to talk to her teacher about something.
But that was hours ago. And it was getting dark, and she wasn't answering her texts or calls.
A chime happened as their front door creaked open, "H-Hey Hakuno." Hakuno ran towards her cousin and wrapped her in a hug.
"Hey hey I'm ok, I just lost track of time." Hakuno could tell she was lying, but was just relieved to see her safe.
"I bought Burgers?" Hakuno noticed the bag in her hands as Hakuno chuckled letting her go.
"Sorry again Hakuno, I got wrapped up talking with the new transfer student." Hakuno racked her brain for a moment.
"The 'Criminal?'" Hakuno asked, seeing Ann make a face of annoyance.
"Yeah, he isn't nearly as bad as the rumors make him out to be. He is kind of sweet…" Hakuno watched the way Ann's face lit up slightly.
"Are you…" Ann froze at Hakuno's innocent comment
"NO WAY!" Hakuno sighed, perhaps Ann might be getting a crush on the boy? Hakuno should make a note to look into his 'criminal record.'
"He just… he helped me through something." Hakuno nodded, feeling a spike of pain, she knew Ann was hearing a lot of rumors… but Hakuno didn't know how to help.
But they are teens, it wouldn't be strange to fall 'for a bad boy'... at least she thinks. She has read a few manga about similar situations. Cute new transfer student gets the popular girl without realizing. Something to keep an eye on.
Hakuno froze. Her heart stopped, she heard the whizz of air. The Victor of the Moon ran down the stairs as fast as her legs could carry, she made a note to work on improving her stamina as she only managed to make it down to ground level before having to attempt to calm her breathing.
"SHIHO!" Hakuno heard her cousin yell as she pushed her way through the crowd.
"CLASS IS STILL IN SESSION!"
Several teachers and what appeared to be third years attempted to push the students back into the school, Hakuno pushed as she was pushed back seeing Ann with the doctors and with Shiho on the stretcher.
Her leg was twisted unnaturally, blood was on the ground, visions of a different black haired girl wearing red appeared in her vision for just a moment. A Man in Blue with a spear by hi-
"I'll go with her!" Hakuno heard Ann say, shocking her out of the memory as she and Shiho both got into the ambulance.
"RETURN TO YOUR CLASSROOMS AT ONCE!" Hakuno felt numb as she and the rest of the students were sent back to class. Hakuno had a vague idea of what she should do but needed some help first.
Hakuno found the student council room empty except for the lone president sitting, her head in her hands.
"Niijima-Senpai?" Hakuno watched as Makoto shot up, her eyes slightly bloodshot.
"Ah hello." She attempted to make herself look presentable. It failed.
"I'm sorry I didn't see you there… The Student Council is disbanded for today.." Hakuno could barely hear the girl as she mumbled.
Hakuno felt the small amount of anger she had towards her fade, she looked broken.
Hakuno took a few steps towards Makoto and placed her hand on top of hers, "It's not your fault.."
Makoto grimly nodded, "I should've noticed… Should have made sure the door was locked, I should have-"
"Makoto-Senpai, this is not your fault. I-" Hakuno knew she had to choose her words very carefully. "I think it was Kamoshida-Sensei."
Makoto's eyes grew wide, "But… but he is a teacher.. I know there are rumors about him…"
"Ann is friends with Shiho… I have seen the bruises on her the few times she has been over, I think Kamoshida is abusing his students."
Makoto swallowed, "It would make sense… Some of the students were complaining about the transfer student and Sakamoto harassing the volleyball members..."
"But I don't know what to do… I have talked to the other teachers and even the principal, but they just glossed it over, telling me not to worry."
The door opened to the council room, "Hey Niijima-Senpai, is it true that the two delinquents are finally getting expelled?" A girl with long black hair interrupted the two and froze when she saw Hakuno holding Makoto's hand and her looking slightly down on the older girl.
"S-SORRY!" The girl quickly ran out a slight blush on her face.
"What was that about?" Hakuno asked, confusion on her face.
"I'm not sure…"
Makoto straightened her outfit, took a deep breath. "I'm going to look into it as much as I can, I can assure you I will get to the bottom of this. If you have any news please keep me informed."
"I have an idea…" Hakuno remembered something Futaba gave her… all that time ago, "At my house.. I have some small microphones." Hakuno watched Makoto's face turn to a slight grimace.
"We can place some in Kamoshida's office, and perhaps a few in the gym?" Hakuno knew that technically speaking, it was either illegal or skirting legality, but reporting it anonymously might get the police to look into it.
And if it was anonymous they would have to make sure there were no ties to either of them.
"..." Hakuno watched Makoto's face, going through several emotions. "We could possibly find some evidence that way…"
"Just think about it…" Hakuno nodded as she brought out her cellphone, "Let's exchange Chat IDs."
Makoto nodded as they exchanged contact info.
Hakuno sighed, at least it was something.
Hakuno hasn't seen Ann sense Shiho fell. She has seen death in the past even dying herself but she hated death. She has ended lives but she never wanted to see more people die. Not in this life.
It was getting late… She had bought some ice cream to make sundaes…
Ring~ Ring~ "Hakuno?" She had decided to call her cousin, at least to see if she was still with Shiho.
"Hey Ann… are you still at the hospital?"
"No no…" The voice muffled, "Whichever one isn't carbonated."
Huh?
"Sorry Hakuno… I'm here with Sakamoto and Kurusu,"
"What about me?" A boyish voice asked, perhaps there are kids around or one of their little brothers? She heard more mumbles and something about a cat?
"The two about to get expelled?" Hakuno asked, hoping that they didn't hear.
"Yeah… We are going to make sure that ain't happening." A male voice said. Hakuno was unsure which of the two it was.
"Just be safe." Hakuno replied, hopefully they don't do anything to crazy.
"I'll be home soon… see you." Hakuno sighed as she sat down with her head in her hands as she tried her best to stay calm.
"Sorry about that… It was my cousin, her parents didn't want to leave her alone so she is with me for the year." Ann said.
"I don't remember you having a cousin." Ryuji Sakamoto mumbled, a small look of confusion on the Blonde's face.
"Is she as beautiful as you~?" Morgana sang, the black and white cat crawling on top of Akira's shoulders..
Ann sighed, "Hakuno is… a year younger than us. Hopefully she won't find out about this." It is strange talking to a cat like 'person', he claims to be human but he is so cute as a cat.
"I still can't believe that happened, that castle.. My Persona." Ann was shocked when she suddenly wore a red Catwoman knock off outfit.
"It's the will of your rebellion, Lady Ann. With it, you'll be able to fight in that other world." Morgana responds on Akira's shoulder. Who nods along to confirm.
"So… if you are telling the truth then we can make Kamoshida have a change of heart and force him to confess his crimes?" Ann asks, deciding now that even if the others refuse to help she is going to do it. Even if it kills her.
"Going all in on this plan is all we got, everything else is being covered by the other teachers and volleyball team." Ryuji points out, "Those bastards are going to keep covering it up even now."
"We are going to have to work together to get through this." Akira points out, "We aren't strong enough alone. We should also at least pretend to keep our heads down, until his heart changes."
Morgana's tail swishes, "We are lacking in manpower… and a Navigator. But going by the shadows currently, we should be fine."
Ann nods, resolute in her decision. "We are going to change that Bastard's heart."
"I hope we get along~! Oh before I forget, we should exchange numbers and chat ID," The group quickly did, Ann still having Ryuji's from years ago. "Now I should get going before I worry Hakuno even more."
"Hopefully Hakuno doesn't ask too many questions, she is super observant. We are going to have to be really smart when we go in." Ann added, "Well, see you three later." Ann barely managed to catch the next train leading to Shibuya.
She collapsed on her seat, 'That was intense… First Shiho… then that strange castle… and finally a way to fight against That Bastard!'
Ann relaxed the fist she was making, feeling the phantom whip in her hand still. She feels like she could pass out for a few days. But she forced herself to stay awake.
Almost home…
Something was wrong with Ann. It's been a few days since Shiho's fall and Ann has been coming home looking exhausted.
Hakuno could tell that something had changed from the day Shiho fell, she couldn't put her finger on it but… Ann somehow seemed more confident?
Strange… Maybe because she thought of a way to get back at Kamoshida? Hakuno felt like Kamoshida was the cause of Shiho's jump, the disgust she felt at the man might be clouding her judgment a bit…
Makoto hasn't gotten back on whether or not she should bug Kamoshida's office either…
Hakuno felt conflicted, She knows Ann has been making friends with 'delinquents'... could Ann be deciding to assault Kamoshida?
Hakuno shook her head, 'Maybe I should go with Ann next time? Just to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble?'
"Hey Ann…"
"Hmm? What's up?" Ann seemed calm.
"Why don't you invite your friends over tomorrow? We can watch a few movies, play a few games. Get our minds off of everything." Hakuno watched Ann grimace.
"Umm" Ann's eyes darted around, "Let me ask them… You allergic to cats?"
Hakuno shook her head in the negative. She thinks cats are a bit cute…
"Ok, Ryuji and Akira will be around tomorrow…" Ann looked nervous.
"Are either of them your boy-" Ann shook her head quickly.
"Nope nope, not having this conversation with you."
Hakuno chuckled as Ann left.
"Yooo, haven't been here in ages." A blonde said as he walked in with Ann. He must be Ryuji, Hakuno remembers being told they went to middle school together and were close… Something felt weird about him…
"Pardon my intrusion." The next was a guy with raven black hair and nearly black eyes still wearing their Shujin uniform. He felt more off than the other two.
"Hello, I'm Ann's cousin Hakuno Kishinami, any preferences?"
They all began sitting around their table as Hakuno began passing out snacks. A tuxedo cat came out of Akira's bag stretching and looking around.
"Wow~ what a magnificent apartment.. Much better than the dump this guy lives in."
Hakuno froze at the fourth voice.
Hakuno took a look around. 'Where is the fourth…'
"So this is your cousin? She is very different from you Lady Ann." The cat came to Hakuno and spoke.
"This is Morgana, he is friendly." Akira said as the cat came over to Hakuno.
"He is a bit loud, and obnoxious."
"Shut up Ryuji!" The cat spoke.
Hakuno grabbed Morgana, "Hey what's the big idea!?"
"Hakuno!" Ann spoke in shock as Hakuno began looking over his collar hoping to see a speaker of sorts.
"Where is it?" Hakuno mumbled, failing to locate anything.
"Hey, don't be so rough with him." Akira said as he gave Hakuno a slight glare that Hakuno ignored.
Both Ryuji and Akira stood up looking down on her as she held Morgana looking for something, anything other than the simple plain collar.
"Why can the cat talk?"
Hakuno watched as their eyes grew wide.
Author's Note: A lot happened in this chapter even if the chapters are getting bit shorter, I got a pretty good idea on what's happening next and a few changes that will happen later. And I lied, not 100% sure if Hakuno would be either Moon or Aeon as both do fit.
Moon with the whole intuition/loneliness/innate magical/psychically-attuned
And Aeon with the whole nonhuman and struggling to find her way in the world.
Will probably switch to once a week on Tuesdays for the current time.