Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.

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With the Underground Council stripped from power. The ASC now takes helm over the school. But not for long as they decided to settle matters at the sports festival. But is Mari prepared for the upcoming battle? Let's find out in the conclusion of the "Rise of the Student Council" arc…..


-Hachimitsu Academy-


June 12th Sunday

The school was in a gossip storm once more as the news got around. With the recent change of events that surely shook the school from the ground up.

A crowd of young female students gathered around the courtyard, a poster posted on the wall for everyone to see. Many of them looked at it with a shocked and confused look. Some carried worried looks on their faces. Unsure of what to think of this recent change.

One by one, each of the students expressed their concerns but also disbelief.

"No way, you're serious?"

"To think this would happen."

"Well, I mean I guess it was bound to happen…..just think what they did during the previous days."

Many of the students were expressing their concerns. All of which were understandable.

Pushing through the crowds, Satou was just passing by only to find the large poster posted on the wall. She got up closer to the wall to find what had gathered all of the students' attention and led them to be so concerned. Once she was up close to it, she read it:

"Due to recent events that have transpired through the school, the USC will be stripped of power from the school and transferred over to the ASC." - The Chairman

Satou's eyes widened in surprise.

"No way….is this for real…."


-Out on the field-


Sitting out on the field were the four girls. Mayumi was sitting next to a non-talkative Chiyo. Mayumi tries to remain occupied, but keeps sending glances at her friend who remained silent. Meanwhile, Etsuko was too busy watching something on her phone. Paying no mind to anything else around her. While Tsubaki was slurping on some ramen.

Chiyo was laying out on the field. Her back against the ground, letting the blades of the grass brush up against her cheeks. Her eyes looked up at the sky with a pondering thought. She was thinking back to what she had overheard back in the meeting room. The USC being stripped of power and may end up being possibly disbanded. Then there was the other conversation that led to the whole thing about them being disbanded:

"A fair fight between us council. Whoever loses, their council will be dissolved."

"A fair fight….."

"Chiyo?" The girl blinks as she looks towards her friend. "You okay?"

"Hm? O-Oh! Yeah! Of course I'm fine! Why wouldn't I be!" Chiyo said as she flexed her muscles towards her friend with a confident smile.

Tsubaki was done swallowing her food. She looked over her shoulders and looked at the girl. "You're probably upset about the USC being stripped of power."

"Gak! Tsubaki!" Mayumi scolded her.

"What? I'm right, ri-"

"EH!? THE USC HAS BEEN STRIPPED OF POWER OF THE SCHOOL!" Etsuko yelled as she sprang from her position and literally leaned over on Tsubaki's back. "HOW COME I WASN'T AWARE OF THIS!"

"Seriously, you were so immersed in your app that you didn't even hear the word flying about." Tsubaki said with a deadpan expression.

"It's not my fault! And I wasn't on an app! I was watching a video!"

"You were still immersed in it though. So there's that. Anyways," Tsubaki's attention was back on Chiyo, ignoring Etsuko pouting. "I guess you heard about it."

"...y-yeah. I guess you could say that. Well to be honest, I was overhearing what was going on in the meeting room with the teachers. And between my sister and Kate-san. They said that due to recent events, they will be stripped of their powers."

"I mean, with some of the stuff that had happened, it's not a surprise to see this coming." Mayumi said with a side glance.

"But not only that…Kate is trying to disband the USC."

This came as a shock to the group. Both of them looked at the girl with similar expressions.

"SERIOUSLY!? SHE TRYING TO DISBAND THE USC!?" Etsuko pushes onto Tsubaki's shoulders more. Mounting more pressures onto the delinquent.

"Would you please get off of me already."

"B-But what will happen to them!"

"Hold on, calm down! The USC is not going to be disbanded yet. But…" Chiyo thought back to Kate's offer. "She said that they'll settle this during the sports festival. To wager the existence between the two councils."

"Sports festival?" Etsuko asked with a curious head tilt.

"There's a sports festival?"

"Of course there is."

The group turned to the new voice. Seeing Anzu walking towards them with a rather annoyed glare. "Hachimitsu holds one every year. It's a tradition of ours. Well…..it's more of the norm with every school."

Etsuko's eyes started to sparkle as she leaned onto Tsubaki more. Ignoring the groan from the girl. "Do you guys have the one where you run track, jump and take the bread in your mouth!"

"Huh? I….I think."

"What about the one where you dress up in a costume and run to the finish line in that costume!"

"Y-yeah-"

"What about-"

Etsuko didn't finish as she felt a pair of hands grab onto her waist. Her whole body went flying up into the air and before she knew it, she flipped upside down. Her back was hit against the ground. Before she opened her eyes, she was met with a pair of soft bosom smushing her face.

Tsubaki rested half of her body on the small first year face. Ignoring the flailing of the arm from the girl. "Just ignore her for a moment. So what's this about the USC and the ASC wagering their existence at the school."

"U-Um…..well, Kate challenged her to a fair and honest match at the sports festival. But…I don't know if it's gonna be a fair fight. With all that happened during the past days, I feel it's gonna be hard for the USC to fight back."

"Yeah." Anzu said as she took a seat next to them. "It's gonna be pretty tough with the reputation and popularity that the USC are facing at the moment."

Chiyo didn't want to think about it. But it was true. USC has been facing some hard times lately. With Meiko and the Andre incident, now there was Hana with Kiyoshi. All of this was coming down hard on them.

Tsubaki took notice of her expression. "You okay?"

"...not sure to be honest. All of this just feels unfair really. I mean, how does Kate expect Mari to fight back when she's in this state."

"HMMPH! HHMMMMGNJH!" Etsuko is muffled from beneath Tsubaki.

"What is it, Chuuni-san?" Tsubaki said as she raised from the ground. Etsuko rises from the grave with a breath of fresh air.

"I was trying to say! What if this was a trap set up by the ASC!"

"A trap?" They all asked at the same time. Each of them has different expressions.

"Yeah! Think about it! The reason Meiko fell for the trap in the first place with Andre! Kate must've orchestrated the entire scenario and led her into the trap!" She said as she sprang up onto her feet and began to passionately move in motion. "Once the strong maiden fell into the trap of the evil witch, she took the opportunity to show this to the man in the high towers! Smearing the good name of the USC and turning the public opinion against them! Reducing them to nothing more than mere commoners who now walk the school grounds, rendered helpless with no light shining a path for them to their glory days!"

Etsuko finished as she struck a dramatic pose. Her hand on her heart with her other stretched out. As if she was holding out her hand to someone.

Mayumi was left with an embarrassed look on her face with Anzu and Tsubaki giving a deadpan look. Chiyo just blinked at the girl.

Anzu leaned near Tsubaki ear. "Does she have to do that?"

"Just let her imagination run wild." Tsubaki said with a defeated look.

Chiyo thought for a moment. "You know….I think she's right?"

"Huh!?" They all (including Etsuko) looked at the innocent girl.

Chiyo squeaked a little from their voice. "I-I mean, is she not….."

"I just wasn't expecting you to agree with her?" Mayumi responded.

"Same here." Tsubaki and Anzu said at the same time.

"HEY!" Etsuko pouted at her friends.

"Well, I've been doing some thinking. After what happened with Meiko and Andre, there's no way that could all be coincidental. I feel like…..someone was pulling the string during that event."

"An act of tragedy was being created!" Etsuko said.

"Y-Yeah…...what she said." Tsubaki tried her best to ignore the girl.

"But she's not far off the mark."

They turned to another new voice. All of them see Takamoto casually walking up to them with a soft smile.

"O-Oh. Good afternoon, Takamoto-sensei."

"Good afternoon."

"Hold on, you're actually saying that Etsuko may be right on this one, sensei." Tsubaki said, getting another pout from the girl.

"Well, she may be onto something. Wouldn't expect less from our favorite Chuuni-san."

Etsuko wore a proud smug face. She puffs her chest out. "I am the all foreseeing goddess of wisdom! I can foresee what will come in the near future!"

"Hey, goddess, can you see this coming?" Tsubaki asked.

"Huh?"

Before Etsuko knew it, Tsubaki's arm wrapped around her neck and pulled her in close. Her face being pushed up against her bosom. Giving her a noogie on the head. Etsuko gave a continuous noise while being tormented by Tsubaki in a playful manner.

"So…..sensei…what do you think about it?" Chiyo asked.

"About the USC being disbanded." Takamoto already knows about the situation at hand. "Well…..it is to be expected. But I can't exactly do much from the end. This is something between the USC and the ASC. I believe Kate already has Mari where she wants her."

Anzu groaned a little. "I guess that is to be expected."

"However, Kate would have to win the students in their favor. She managed to smear their name. But with their still left of popularity, it's gonna be tough for them to win in the school favor."

"That is true. The USC has been doing some bang up job on protecting this school. But then again…..Kate is also a pretty hard worker herself. At least from what I heard from Mitsuko. So Kate could still have the upper hand."

Chiyo took a moment to ponder. "I…..I feel like there should be something I should do. But…I don't know what to do on my end. I'm not all perfect like my sister. Plus, she's been here longer than I have. So…."

Takamoto noticed her expression and body language. She looked at her fingers that were being pushed against each other's tips. Her feet slightly moved about on the ground. A soft smile graced her lips as she moved towards the first year as she bends down to her eye level.

"You really wanna help your sister out, huh?"

"Well…she's my sister. I can't just leave her like this. And…..I look up to her."

The group looks at the girl. Tsubaki stopped messing with Etsuko as the two looked at the girl.

"The two of us go a long way back. I know we don't talk much as of lately due to her being popular and dealing with council duties. But we're still sisters and I still look up to her. I want to help my sister in any way I can."

"Chiyo…."

Takamoto blinked before smiling. "Then what would you do?"

"Huh?"

The nurse stood up. "What will you do on your end? Even if you two are on different levels. That doesn't mean it can stop you from helping your sister. So ask yourself this, how can you help your sister in this time of need? What would you do? Or rather…what would a little sister do?"

She winked at them as she left with a wave. Leaving them to their thoughts.

"What does she mean by that?" Etsuko asked.

"Not sure. Ugh, I hate it when she gives us the most cryptic suggestions." Tsubaki said with an annoyed sigh.

Chiyo was thinking to herself. Reflecting on what she said. What can she do? Or rather….what would she do to help her sister….


-Somewhere on Campus-


Sitting there was the abandoned clubroom. The room in which the ASC resided last time. But is now being occupied by the USC who are currently moving in.

Plenty of boxes were left outside while others were being moved inside the room. Some boxes were left in the corners of the room that were still unpacked while others were being set in places. Mari was busy setting up the things on her desk while the others were moving around.

The silence lingered on until Hana broke it….

"UGH! I hate this! Why do we have to get this room!? Can't we just go back to our own room!"

"Hana….." Meiko stopped in track as she looked at her friend.

"Just why, damn it! The walls look nasty! This damn room is smaller than our other room! The sofas are stiff! And this is the ugliest room I have seen to date! Why do we get this room!"

Matsuri quietly sighed to himself in the corner. He would figure Hana out of all of them would not like this. But he wouldn't blame her either. He doesn't exactly like this room either, it certainly was a downgrade from the other room. Which he quietly admits to himself was more comfier and roomier than this room. But this was their punishment, so they have to pay the price.

"Calm down, Hana. This is only temporary of course." Meiko said as she set the box down and looked at her with a stern stare. "A setback on our end. But we will get back our position. We simply just need to defeat the ASC at the sports festival. Right, president?"

They both looked at the president who was just…standing there.

"Madam President….."

Mari still didn't say anything. Her hands laid flat on the edge of her desk. Her fingers slowly twitched. Her body leaning with her head hanging low in defeat. Matsuri took notice of her body language and immediately knew what was going with her.

"Madam President…."

"Huh? O-Oh." Mari moved her hair into place trying to make herself look presentable. She faced them. "I am fine. But yes, Meiko, you are right. This is just a m-minor setback on our end. Don't worry Hana, we will take our position back when we win the sports festival."

"I hope so, I just can't stand this room. How could Kate and the others even stand this room?" Hana said with a pout.

"W-We just have to make do with it. So just hang in there." Matsuri said.

Hana gave him a blank stare. "Of course YOUR being optimistic about this."

"He is," Meiko said with a faint blush before coughing in her hand, steeling herself. "B-But he does make a point. We just have to bear with this room until we defeat the ASC."

Hana sighed to herself before pondering in her thoughts. While they do have to wait until July for the sports festival which is not too long away. But the thought of just staying in the room really did not sit well with her. She just wanted to go back to their own room where she would prefer it. But with events of how it is…..

"H-Hey, I know we're trying to stay positive and all, but…..should we be worried."

They all looked at her.

"I mean, with our recent popularity going down, Kate's been smearing our name really dirty and I feel like it's just gonna get worse from here on out."

Meiko bit her lip with a groan. She cursed herself. "I hate to admit it. But she does have a point. With the recent events…..it seems Kate is turning the public view against us."

"Exactly. Should we come up with a plan or some sort?"

Mari gripped her arm with her hand. She shook her head before speaking. "L-Let's focus on unpacking here first. Then we can get to planning against Kate and her own game. Hana, why don't you go and get some tea! Perhaps that could help ease the mood."

"Huh!? Um….s-sure. I guess I can go get some tea. Meiko, wanna help?"

"I'm free to help."

On that note. Both Meiko and Hana left, but before Hana could leave through the door. She looks at Matsuri…..

"You wanna come to?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, I figure you would feel lonely without your girlfriend hanging around."

Both Matsuri and Meiko face flushed red!

Matsuri shook his head. "N-No, no! I'm fine. I'll finish unpacking here!"

Hana merely smirked. "Alright then, I'll make sure none of those perverts go near your girl."

"HANA!" Meiko yelled with her face beating red.

The two of them left the room. Leaving Matsuri and Mari to themselves.

Matsuri sighed to himself. Running his hand through his hair, calming his heart that was beating against his chest.

"You didn't deny it."

"Huh?" Matsuri looked at Mari who looked at him with a surprisingly calm expression.

"You didn't deny that Meiko was your girlfriend."

"Gak! I-I mean! I wouldn't say we're THAT close! We're just…..um….." Matsuri started to feel nervous again. Unsure of what to say to the president.

"Don't worry." Matsuri blinked as he looked at the president. "You're a good young man. While still a boy, you mean no ill will against Meiko."

"Of course I don't."

"Exactly. However, let me make something clear," Mari 's eyes narrowed at the boy. "Make one false move on Meiko or dare upset her in anyways. I will not hesitate to punish you. Understand?"

"Y-Yes ma'am."

Mari simply nodded as she walked over to one of the boxes.

"U-Um….Mari…"

"Yes?"

"...a-are you…are you sure you're feeling fine?"

"Of course. This is just a setback. While Kate may have gotten the upper hands, we can still fight back."

"I mean sure but…you…..haven't been….."

Mari turned to look at him. Anticipating an answer.

"You haven't been yourself lately."

"What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine." She said as she crossed her arms across her chest. "I'm just a little tired."

Matsuri looks at her. Even though her body language was just the usual, something about it was missing. Her tone of voice felt a bit…..softer than the one he met way back then. Her glare felt….a little more than tired. They felt….deflated. He saw this all before…..and it didn't sit well with him one bit.

"Mari…if there is something you want to speak with me about…I'm here for you."

"..."

"I-I mean well. If you want to, that is. But I know how it feels. That everything is not going your way, if everything feels like it's falling out of place. That this feels like something you don't want to talk about with anyone close to you. I get it…I know how it all feels."

"..."

"I…..I'm the same. Well, not all the same but still similar. When I was being picked on by Hayakki, there were moments that I wanted to share this with my mom and dad. Even Ayame and Ritsu…..but…I didn't…I thought that if I did it myself. I could handle the pain…..but it didn't help. It didn't help at all. But I didn't want to worry them. It only got worse when Yoshimiya took the heat for me."

Matsuri choked on his breathing, but remained strong. He noticed Mari was still looking at him. But her expression softened bit by bit.

"I wanted…..I wanted to help her. I wanted to tell anyone about what was going on…..my parents, my sisters, Miyuki…..or Megumi. But I…I didn't."

Matsuri shook his head.

"I'm sorry. I was just remembering back then when I was weak….someone as strong as you possibly wouldn't under-"

He stopped when he felt something in a blur embraced him. His whole body was brought into a warm hug. His eyes blinked outlandishly with a bit of tear built within. He looked to the side on his shoulders, a bulk of raven black hair. Mari was…..hugging him!?

"M-Mari…."

"I do….."

"Huh?"

"I understand…I fully understand how…..how you feel…I….."

For a moment of thought. He could hear her choking on her tears in between.

"I completely understand your feelings…..to be honest Matsuri…..I….I don't know what to do?"

"..."

"I…I didn't want to show this in front of Hana or Meiko. They're both counting on me. They look to me as a leader…..looking to me for answers…..but I….even I don't know if we will take back our position."

Matsuri didn't say anything as he continued to listen. Not breaking up the hug.

"Kate….if only I had predicted her moves….none of this would've happened. Many of the students and the teachers are now turning the other way. They don't look at us with praises…..but they….I hate this."

Matsuri continued to listen.

Mari gritted her teeth. Letting her tears fall from her eyes. "I HATE THIS! I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE IT, I HATE IT! I HAVE LOST EVERYTHING TO KATE! MY PEERS! THE TEACHERS! THE CLUBROOM! AND NOW WITH THE USC HANGING ON TO NOTHING BUT A THIN THREAD! IF KATE WINS AND DEFEATS US! I WILL LOSE THE USC ALL TOGETHER!"

The room grew silent. What could only be heard was the sound of Mari's heaving breathing. Matsuri couldn't see, but he told her she was crying. A lot. Her nails gripping onto his shoulders was enough to confirm that she was desperately trying to find some comfort.

"I *hic* I don't want to lose them…I don't want to lose Meiko and Hana…..I just can't. They're my only friends….."

"Mari….."

"And…" Mari slowly moved away from his shoulders and looked at Matsuri. Her bangs spreaded on her face. Sticking to her cheeks and some almost reaching towards her lips. Her eyes continued to drop tears. " I don't want to lose you."

Matsuri eyes widen with a bit of a glimmer.

"I considered Meiko, Hana, maybe Anzu but I barely did much with her…and you. I considered all of you as my closest friends…..and the only ones I got."

Matsuri's eyes looked longingly at her. As if he was staring at a different person. He wasn't anticipating to hear this from the male hating president herself. Heck, to shed off her defense and let her true feelings out. And in front of her of all people.

"S-Say something…."

"...I…..I don't know what to say to be honest. I wasn't expecting to hear all that from you….but I'm glad you did."

"..."

"I don't know what to plan from here…but I do know one thing. That the real Mari wouldn't let herself get defeated like this."

"Huh?"

Matsuri, mustering courage. He softly touched her forehead with his own. "The Mari I know, while stubborn sure. She still doesn't back away when defeated. She would never let herself be beaten by someone like Kate. The old Mari I know used to be strong, persistence, and always be there for her members. Or do you not remember the times when you tried to investigate me on Yoshimiya?" He said with a bit of a grin.

Mari faintly blushed as she looked the other way. "D-Don't even start with me."

Matsuri chuckled. "Come on. Don't think I haven't forgotten. You were trying so hard to find ways to throw me into prison, you even tried to see if I was going to kiss you with that pocky."

Mari's face became red as she bit her lip. "I….I don't remember such a memory. You're obviously remembering wrong."

Matsuri released a small but rare grin. "No, I'm remembering alright."

"Quit it!"

"Or do you remember the time when you dragged me into the dressing room and wanted me to change you out of your-"

Matsuri didn't have time to finish when he felt a grip on the base of his neck and his waist being held onto. Mari, with all her strength, threw Matsuri to the ground. His head hitting the floor with his eyes looking up. But all he saw was Mari pinning him to the ground with an annoyed glare and her cheeks faintly red.

"That is enough! Here I am releasing all of my feelings towards you and all you have to say for it are a few heartfelt words and then memories of our previous encounter! I'm here seeking help and you're here making fun of me! Wait…was that your goal the entire time? To make fun of me!? It isn't!?"

Matsuri blinked a few times before releasing a stifled laugh.

This only confused and angered Mari more. "Why are you laughing!? I'm right, aren't I!?"

"No, no. It's not that…..it's just…I missed this Mari."

"Huh?"

"The Mari I once knew. Stubborn, persistence but strong and never gives up. That got you fired up again…..didn't it?"

Mari blinked at the boy. Staring at him as if he had the answer. Then it dawned on her. His aim was this all along. "You…you're trying to get me back on my feet again, weren't you?"

"Granted….I didn't know if it worked or not….but it looks like you were able to release all your feelings and get out of your gloomy state. That much I can see." He said with a warm smile.

Mari blinked. Completely wordless. She didn't know what else to say to the boy. But it looked like he was able to bring her back to the real world. She was able to release her feelings of the event that is happening. But it looked like Matsuri's tactic worked.

The crow mistress sighed to herself with a soft smile. "Sometimes, you just confuse me…..but…..it looks like in the end you were able to make me see things more clearly again."

Matsuri released a breath of relief. "That's good to hear…"

"I'm sorry…..I must've been a wreck, wasn't I?"

"No, it's fine. I'm just glad you're back with us."

"Yes….I'm back…"

Mari pondered for a moment before she stood up. Not before helping Matsuri up back to his feet.

"Thank you Matsuri….you truly are a kind young man."

Matsuri smiles back at her. "I'm glad I could help…..somewhat."

Mari could only stifle a laugh. "Well, either way. I'm back. Granted, there is still a chance Kate got the upper hand…..but that doesn't mean I will play to her hands so easily. I'll be back."

"Huh? Where are you going?"

Mari stopped in her tracks as she looked over her shoulder. Giving Matsuri a grin. "I'm just gonna stop by my rival's and give her a clear message."

On that note, she left the room.

Matsuri could only release a small smile. Looks like he was able to get through to her after all. He felt all warm inside, knowing that he was able to be of help to the girl…

"I wonder….if I could've done the same for you Yoshimiya….."

He stopped himself as he looked back at the charm he hung by his belt. Looking at the design of it. The shooting star in the middle as it glows in the middle. The stardust behind leaving a trail.

A soft frown appeared on his lips.

"Do I…..do I even deserve to call myself Yoshimiya friend."


-Student Council Office-


Mitsuko and Gakuto were carrying the boxes inside the council room. For the most part, Gakuto felt a little weird, moving some of the boxes into what used to be the USC office. But with the recent event, the ASC now is in control and the USC has been stripped of power. Both councils moved into different rooms.

"I'll admit, your's truly feels a little weird helping Mitsuko-dono moving into what used to be the USC room. But…."

His eyes caught the sight of Mitsuko bending down. Her skirt rode up, getting a perfect view of her light green panties. His cheeks fainted red, his eyes sparkled at the sight.

"This is indeed a paradise."

"Gakuto?"

"Gak!"

Mitsuko looked over, still bent over. "Are you okay?"

"I-Indeed Mitsuko-dono! Your's truly is fine! Indeed I am perfectly fine!"

Mitsuko just raised a brow at the boy. "Are you sure you are okay?"

"Indeed I am!"

Mitsuko picked herself, her eyes looking around the room. "It's….kind of weird really…"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, think about it. You saw what our room looked like right?"

"I-Indeed. Such ill fitting for such a room for young beautiful girls such as you three." He said with a stern voice.

Mitsuko giggled. "Thank you, that means alot coming from you."

Gakuto's heart skipped a beat as he stared in awe at the girl in front of him. To him, she sparkled and glimmered with her bright smile and cute laugh.

"Mitsuko-dono…your ever so beautiful smile and ever bright and cute personality…"

His mind goes back to what he and the boys were talking about with the wet t-shirt contest. His imagination manifested as he imagined Mitsuko garbed with a blank white t-shirt. She was getting wet by some water. Her skin and shirt are getting soaked. Causing her shirt to be seen through. Her breast poked through the shirt as she pulled down on it. Gakuto could see her tone silk stomach and her green panties.

"Gakuto! Hey Gakuto!"

"Huh!? Y-Yes Mitsuko-dono! Is something troubling you!?"

"Well…..it's just that…..your nose is bleeding."

Gakuto blinked. Not sure what the girl was implying, until he touched his nose and felt a wet spot. His nose was, indeed bleeding. He cursed himself under his breath, holding his nose while facing away from a confused Mitsuko.

"Damn it! Why must I think of Mitsuko-dono with such lewd thoughts! I cannot let her see my disgusting side!"

"You okay?"

"O-Of course I'm okay! I'm better than okay! Why wouldn't I!?"

Mitsuko tilted her head a bit as she walked over to the boy. Just as Gakuto turned around, he immediately flinched when he saw just how close Mitsuko was as she leaned near his face. Her forehead against his.

"You're kind of warm…..you sure you're doing okay?" She said as she looked at him with a concerned look.

Gakuto's heart was racing fast as Mitsuko's face leaned in some more. He took a good look at her eyes that glittered in his view. Her soft pale cheeks and plump soft pink lips that released soft warm air in his face.

"Ahhh~! S-She's sooo close!" He thought to himself. His vision started to go blurry. He felt more blood threatening to rush through his nose. "I must control myself! But she's so close! Just look at how cute she is! How could no one fall in love with such a cute, beautiful maiden such as Mitsuko-dono!"

His heart began to race even faster.

"H-Her lips are so close to mine! D-Do I dare! Do I dare get any closer and seal my fate with her…..b-but if I do, then surely she would be-no! No! I can't!"

"Gakuto-kun?"

He beated faster. He started to hyperventilate.

"Do I dare! Do I dare myself to become closer to Mitsuko-dono! I must! I want to! I want to…."

He unconsciously started to move closer into Mitsuko's face. Surprising her for a brief moment. "H-Hey, Gakuto…."

Gkauto didn't reply as he leaned in some more, his lips almost in contact with hers. He started to feel perspiration prickling down against his cheeks. His face almost matched the same color as Mitsuko whose eyes were wide, looking straight into his soul.

"G-Gakuto….."

He once again didn't say anything as he moved in closer.

"H-Hey Gakuto! W-wait!" She said as she backed away some more, only trip on her own feet.

She started to fall backward. Gakuto snapped out of his trance and reached out for her. His arms managed to wrap around her neck and head. Holding her tight against his body, spinning around so that he could take the fall damage. Both their bodies fell to the floor, wind rushing past by a stack of paper as they scattered over the floor.

Gakuto's back was against the floor, looking straight up at the ceiling with half of his vision being partially blocked by a piece of paper. The boy nearly lost himself as he was unconsciously holding Mitsuko tight against his chest. The girl's face, while hidden under Gakuto's chest. Both of them heaving in and out.

The bespectacled boy snapped out of his trance. "M-Mitsuko-dono! Are you alright!?"

"A-Ah!" Mitsuko quickly broke free from the hug as she shot right up! Sitting right up, on top of Gakuto. "Y-Yes! I'm fine! That was scary there for a moment!"

"I-Indeed! It was almost too scary! I thought for sure one of us was going to get injured there!"

….

The two were in silence. Mitsuko and Gakuto eyes looking into each other once more. Not sure what else to say. Their eyes looked the other way, not daring to see each other.

"That was almost too close for comfort. I almost took advantage of Mitsuko-dono's innocence. Just what kind of man would I be if I were to do that to such an innocent young woman like Mitsuko-dono. What would the others think of me if I were to approach a similar dreaded fate like Shingo-dono? Would they look at me differently? Would they not be my friends anymore…..or worse….what would Mitsuko-dono think of me if I were to do that to her….."

His mind rocked many corners. Thinking of the possible outcome if something like that were to happen. Mitsuko might not even approach him any more if that was the case.

"G-Gakuto-kun…."

"Y-Yes."

"...thank you."

"Huh?" Gakuto looked right at her. "T-Thank me….for what?"

"For saving me of course. I could've gotten injured. And I don't think I ever thank you or the boys for taking care of those three perverts from the other day as well…you're a very kind man."

Gakuto's heart skipped a beat.

"I….This girl…..is truly an angel blessed from the heavens! For I, Takehito Morokuzu, am forever lucky to have fallen in love with such a beautiful and kind girl!"

"H-Hey, Gakuto…"

"Y-Yes, Mitsuko-dono….."

"I was wondering…..um…..this Saturday, are you free?"

"I believe so. Why?"

Mitsuko's eyes slightly shifted the other way. Feeling rather self conscious about something. "U-Um…..I'm going into town to buy books…s-so….I was wondering….if you would…..l-like to come?"

"A-Ah! Going into town to buy books. A simple task, but sure. Your's truly is free to come. But still, to go into town together to purchase a book feels almost like a date wouldn't it." He chuckled to himself.

He stopped himself in his tracks. His heart almost burst out of his chest. He looked at Mitsuko whose face was near red. Matching the same color as his. Both of them were sweating on the spot!

"A-A-A DATE!?"

"N-No! It's just simple going into town and buying a book! B-But I guess you could call it a d-d-date!"

"I-Indeed! U-Um! Y-Yes! Verily! I shall accompany you on your date!"

"G-Good! That's good to hear!" Mitsuko said as she finally got off him. "I should possibly finish up."

"Y-Yes. Let me-hm?" He stopped when he finally took a closer look at the paper that fell from the table and onto his forehead.

He grabs it and takes a good closer look at it. His eyes scanned through the paper. Until something caught him by surprise. His breath got caught in his throat. His hand started to tremble. He could feel a small bead of sweat dripping against his skin.

"W-What is….what is this…..what is this!?"

"Gakuto-kun?"

"!"

"Are you okay? You're acting weird again?"

"I-Indeed! Your's truly is fine! U-Um….question, Mitsuko-dono," He said as he motioned the paper. "This wouldn't happen to be the schedule for the ASC activity plans, right?"

"Oh! Actually that is!" Mitsuko said with a smile. Failing to notice the dread that looms Gakuto.

"U-Um…..you sure. S-Surely this is a rough draft. O-Or a prototype? O-Or one sick joke?"

"Huh? N-No. It's none of those. That's the plan that Kate-chan came up with. She already had some plans in mind for future events. Although it could happen if we kept the position permanently."

Gakuto's heart beated hard. He looked back at the paper. Everything she said was true then! Then the paper he had in his hand was indeed the schedule plan from the ASC!

"No…..this can't be…THIS CAN'T BE TRUE!?"


-Cafeteria-


Kate was enjoying eating away at her lunch with a victorious smile. She had finally got the upper hand on Mari and the underground council. She has taken their grip on the school away from them and has finally taken control.

Kate giggled to herself. "Hehe~. This is almost too easy. I bet Mari is right now pacing in her *new* office. Not sure what to do. Now the shoe is on the other foot, Madam President."

Despite cheering about her achievement, it was still too early for them to celebrate, they still had to settle one last score with the underground council president…..

"Ah. The deal has already been made. I made sure to turn the public opinion against them. I highly doubt she would find anyone who is willing to help her out in the long run…"

However, there is one issue. And something she would need to find a way to deal with before it makes a move on her…..

"Matsuri…I still haven't been able to turn him over….then again it looks like he was able to change Mari's perspective on boys. Just what is it with that boy that makes him special in Mari's eyes? The way I see it, he's just all nice up front. There's really nothing special about him…"

She recalled the event where she tried to have lunch with the boy. "Just because Mari is rich and very talented. But that doesn't mean you gave up right? From what I heard, it's like you never gave up. You worked hard to get where you're at."

Kate cheeks flushed a faint red. "Well…..I guess he knows where I'm coming from….to be honest. I could've gone ahead and let the teachers interrogate him about Yoshimiya….but…"

The more she thought about her action back in the room, she thought of why she defended the boy. She shook her head.

"I-I mean, it's not like I couldn't leave him like that! It would make me look bad! Also, it's not really him I'm after, but I'm aiming for Mari! But then why…..ugh! This is starting to give me an unnecessary headache."

"Oh. Is something troubling you?"

She jumped in her seat hearing the voice next to her ear. She frantically turned around and spotted Mari with a sly smile. Kate quickly fixed herself, trying to make herself more presentable in front of Mari's view.

"A-Ah! Mari! I wasn't expecting you to show your face in front of me again! After I humiliated you yesterday!"

"..."

Kate looked back at her with a raised brow. No comment, huh?

"I-I mean. I would imagine why you would not show your face. But to see you here and now. You possibly must be begging to get your position back. Is my assumption correct~?" Kate said with a bright grin.

Mari didn't say anything again as she just looked at her with her usual glare.

Kate's eyes twitched in annoyance. "Say something already will ya? Are you trying to make fun of me?"

"No. I'm not."

"Ah! Finally! I thought for sure that a cat caught your tongue or something. So, have you come to beg for mercy?"

Just as Kate fork was about to reach the piece of chicken, another fork intercepted hers. She blinked for a moment before tracing to whom the fork belonged to. Her eyes met hers. The two looked at each other in silence with the noise of the students in the background.

"Hey…..what are you planning to do?"

"...I'll admit. You got me when you completely swept the floor from me in the room. No, I expected that to happen given previous events. You may have the control of the council room and most of the grip of the school. But hear me when I say this…..the battle is far from over."

"..." Kate did not say anything as she continued to look at her rival.

"You may go ahead and enjoy your little victory. But I will never grovel to your feet. I will never bow down to the likes of someone like you. Because I will climb my way back towards you and take back my role. Just you watch-"

Mari took the chicken, drew it to her mouth and teared into it. Tearing a piece off while giving Kate a glare.

"I will defeat you at the sports festival. We will settle this once and for all."

Kate only blinked at the girl with a glare as she looked at her rival. A small grin appeared on her lips as she looked back at the girl.

"Oooh~. Then I look forward to our fair and honest match against each other Mari~."

The two looked into each other's eyes. Fire burning within their souls. Their battle will soon come forth and shake the foundation of the school.


-Hallway-


June 13th Monday

7:50am

"Huh? You're thinking of getting the boy's help?" Mayumi asked her friend with a curious glance.

"I mean, I'm sure they're bound to help." Chiyo said with a positive attitude.

"No offense Chiyo," Tsubaki scratched the back of her head with an annoyed grunt. "But I highly doubt those perverts will help out either way. I mean, just think about it, Kate could've easily persuaded those morons to not help Mari in anyways possible."

Chiyo wanted to say something back. But looking back at the boys, they could've easily been manipulated by Kate's words of not helping the USC. But she wanted to believe that there are at least some people out there who are willing to help her sister out.

"I-I mean, it's worth a shot to try, right?"

Etsuko and Tsubaki glanced at each other before looking at Chiyo.

"I mean, if you want. But I still have my doubts. The way I see it, those perverts needs more reason to why they are willing to help in the first place."

"How about we promise them that they can fondle some boobs." Etsuko Said with a small bright smirk.

"Denied." Mayumi and Tsubaki said at the same time.

"Aw! Why not!? It could come in handy! Besides, these are the boys we're talking about here, they're hormonal teenage boys looking to lose their virginity!"

"I-I don't think that's something you should just say out in public!" Mayumi exclaimed firmly at the first year.

"If it makes you feel better, I wasn't gonna pick either way, Mayumi."

"...I don't know whether to feel relieved or just hurt."

Tsubaki looks at the first year. "What the hell are you even going to use…..or whom in this regard?"

Etsuko only gave a small proud laugh. "You'll see my dear friend."

"I don't feel sorry for more, your brain or the boys expectation."

Mayumi just sigh to herself before looking at Chiyo. "Anyways, what are you going to do?"

"I'll think of something, for now I'll speak with the boys. Hopefully they'll help out."

Chiyo looked forward only to find Suzumei-sensei walking down the hall with another student following tow on the side of her. She didn't recognize the student at all. While she does wear the standard female uniform, a white shirt with a red tie and a brown patterned yellow and red skirt. But what made her stand out was her bright cherry red hair that was cut in a boyish style.

"Oh, good morning Chiyo and friends."

"Good morning, Suzumei-sensei."

"Like to chat, but I have to get to my class. You guys should hurry as well. Come along, Megumi." She said to the girl beside her as she followed her.

The group looked at the girl who gave them a side glance before following the teacher to her homeroom.

"Who was that?" Mayumi asked.

"Not sure. Never seen her before." Tsubaki said. "Possibly a new student…..transfer perhaps."

"Megumi…Megumi….I felt like I heard that name before….." Etsuko thought to herself, thinking hard on the name.

"Have you heard of the name before, or are you just mistaking her for another student?" Tsubaki said to her roommate.

"No…I know I've heard of…..oh! Now I remember!" The three looked towards her. "She's one of Yoshimiya's friends!"

"Huh!?" All three of them said in synch.


-Classroom-


8:00am

Matsuri's head was nestled within his arms crossed on top of his desk. Looking at nothing. But his gaze looked like he was thinking back at his conversation with the president. He felt proud that he managed to help bring out Mari's fire back into the game, but at the same time he felt….still felt dissatisfied.

"I guess I should be happy with her and all but…at the same time I still feel guilty."

He thought to himself digging his head more between his arms.

"I guess I haven't forgiven myself just yet with Yoshimiya….I've thought I got over this. Then again….I did take those pictures…..why am I thinking this?"

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Suzumei coming in as she clapped her hands to settle the class down.

"Alright class! Settle down! Go to your seats! I have something important to tell you guys!" The class did what they were told to do as they went over to their seats and settled down for the teacher. "Right then, so before we start today's lesson, I want to introduce a new student to you all. She just transferred here from another school and I want all of you to treat her well."

Matsuri's eyes lazily looked up front. Interested in the new student.

Suzumei looked towards the door. "Go ahead and come on in."

The doors opened. All of their eyes looked towards the doorway. Matsuri's eyes included. And his heart almost stopped. He felt his blood going cold as his eyes went wide for a moment. He trembled in his seat, feeling perspiration dripping against his bare skin.

Walking through the door, a teenage girl came walking in. Wearing the same standard female uniform that the other female students were wearing. Wearing only her white shirt and red tie. She had red-cherry like hair that was cut in a boyish style. She wore a clip on one of her bangs that held up some of her bangs together away from her face.

She walked over to the desk and looked at the group with a stare that looked like she could pose a challenge to anyone.

All of the students looked at her with faint blushes and sparkled eyes. Seeming to gain quite the attention already of the students.

"Now then, would you like to introduce yourself or do you want-"

"It's fine." She spoke. "I'll introduce myself."

"Then by all means….."

The girl nodded before looking at the class. "My name is Megumi Kawakami. I'm a second year student who has transferred here from Atsuhiko Academy. Um…and…..well I'm good at track and…"

She groaned as she scratched the back of her head with annoyance before looking at the group.

"Oh….well you'll figure out the rest. A-Anyways, please take good care of me."

The girls in the class giggled at her delivery. Causing the red haired girl to blush and face the other way.

Suzumei looked at the girl with a curious glance. Taking a glance at Matsuri who was trying his best to not be noticed by the girl. She sighed to herself before speaking to the girl.

"Anyways, thank you for your introduction. Please take your seat…..right behind Hitoyoshi."

Matsuri twitched in his seat. Doing his absolute best not to face up. Megumi took notice of the seat that was right behind the boy who was not meeting her gaze. She narrowed her eyes before gripping her bag.

"Thank you, Suzumei-sensei." She said as she walked down the aisle of the desk that sat in a row.

Matsuri hears her footsteps walking down the hall of desk towards her seat which was just behind him. He felt his heart beating against his chest. Pounding, threatening to burst out from his chest. He felt himself starting to hyperventilate. But he kept himself composed. Not wanting to cause a scene.

He twitched when he felt her presence brushed past him. A cold breeze that caused him to shiver on his right side. He could feel a cold piercing glare stabbing him from the side. He didn't need to look up, he just had to look down and not make himself known. But it was too late, she already knows he's here and she will try to possibly interrogate him about Yoshimiya.

He hears Megumi taking her seat behind him. As soon as she took her seat, the teacher continued her lesson with the class. Matsuri felt his heart beating rapidly. He was about to faint, but he remained strong. It was currently an ongoing struggle within him. Trying his best not to look behind him. But he could still feel the piercing glare from her.

He felt a cold breath within his ears.

"Where can we talk?" She whispered.

Matsuri didn't respond. He felt himself trembling.

"Don't ignore me pansy ass. Now start talking. Where is a place where we can talk in private?"

"...I….I know where….."

"After school. Take me there so we can have a private talk. Just the two of us. I need to ask you some question, and your gonna answer to them straight, you fuckin traitor."

Matsuri felt his heart getting stabbed. He wasn't going to ask how she knew about Yoshimiya's death. He can take several guesses. But right now he needed to do this. And he will surely get what will be coming to him.

Back to the winger again with Matsuri's tale….



And that wraps up another chapter! We have reached the end of the "Rise of the Student Council" arc! With Mari flame reignited once more, and have fully challenged Kate to regain her position once more. But with Mari's current predicament, what is her plan from here on out? And Matsuri faces his past once more with Megumi making her appearance and has her eyes on the boy! All hell breaks loose in the next arc…..

And with that, we are officially done with the "Rise of the Student Council" arc! I'm proud of how far this story has gotten! We have truly gotten far with this Prison School fanfic and I appreciate the ongoing support from you guys.

Another short chapter, but it would make sense since nothing much happened in this chapter. This is once again, the calm before the storm. I sort of like doing short length chapters like this because it isn't necessary for these chapters to be 35-40 pages long or even 12k-13k long. Even though I don't mind writing that much, sometimes it is not necessary. This chapter had a more focus on the aftermath and Mari quickly gets back into the game and fully accepts Kate duel for the upcoming sports festival. Plus, Chiyo will be playing her part as the supporting role by helping out Mari.

And finally, we have another new character entering the chaotic world of Prison School. Megumi is one of Yoshimiya's dear friends and doesn't like Matsuri for reasons. While Matsuri has come far, he will need to put his resolve to the test by confronting Megumi. However, unlike Ayaka, Megumi may be harder to convince. Things will get hard from here on out for our boy. By the way, in case anyone asks, how does Etsuko know about Megumi? She heard about her during her zoom chat with Matsuri's family and Miyuki back in chapter 26.

Before I go, I like to give a shoutout to FangDriver8 for suggesting some ideas for the stories. I might not use them, but thank you for sharing such fun and interesting ideas for my story. And thank you to all my readers who read the story and the continued support!

Anyways, the next update will be on Maiden Heart Crusaders, after that I'll be going on a short hiatus break. Then when I come back, I will update the main story. Just giving the message across of what my plans are so you guys won't have to worry too much. XD

As always, leave a comment for feedback. Stay safe and I will see you all next time!