Chapter 11

"I don't have anything to talk about with you." Ann leaned on the table between her and Yu. Her eyes unwilling to lift themselves to look at him.

She hadn't spoken for the longest time. Even after Yu brought her to the corner of a nearby restaurant and sat her down. It was in the corner near the window, but since the restaurant was pretty devoid of prying ears or neighboring spies it was the perfect location. Yu had taken the seat across from her, sitting up straight with his hands clasped together and eyes all on her. Dispite her remarks and hostile demeanor he refused to comment, even allow a pitiful expression to come forth. The only thing that mattered was listening to her story and understanding what was wrong. Nothing more, nothing less. No offer of advice. No lies ushering the idea that everything will be okay. No comforting words maybe perceived as condescending.

Sensing his determination, Ann averted her eyes. "It was just an argument."

"With Kamoshida?"

She flinched at the name, staring only at the glass of ice water set before her. He copied her, watching the condensation collecting on the glass. A few beads large enough slipping down the side to drip onto the table. "I'll just listen. I won't judge, I won't remark. Just hear you out. If anything, you can treat me like a brick wall. Like I'm not here. What you say will not leave. After all, a brick wall doesn't share what it hears."

With a snicker she finally looked him in the eye. "Does that mean I can hit you too?"

A memory flashed from within. He and Yosuke. His friend told him to punch him. The two of them got into a punching match, a catharsis for taking out frustrations on each other. The small memory brought a smile to his face. He closed his eyes and shrugged. "If you want."

Ann looked down, the smile still present. "You're a nice guy… You've heard the rumors… haven't you? About Mister Kamoshida? Of course you have. You mentioned it the other day. About how I want nothing to do with him."

Yu nodded, prompting her to continue.

Her finger ran over a napkin sprawled out before her, back and forth over its folds. "That was him on the other line. I avoided giving him my number… for the longest time. He told me to go to his place after this." She took the napkin and crushed it. "You know what it means."

He looked down at the napkin, then back up at her, nodding.

"If I turn him down, he said he'd take my friend off as a regular on the team." Voice breaking, she hunched over and began shaking. "I've been telling myself this is all for Shiho's sake. I can't take it anymore."

He averted his gaze. Not knowing what to do was horrible. How would one even begin consoling her? He's dealt with murder, not this soul crushing torment.

"I've had enough of this… I hate him!" With a deep breath she pulled back the glistening gleams building under her eyes. "But still… Shiho's my best friend. She's all I have left at that sorry excuse of a school!" Tears flung from her face. "Tell me… what should I do?"

His hands tensed, and he couldn't meet her gaze. Situations like this were always so sensitive, so hard. He's only ever heard of them. This is the first he's ever seen. Even in the Investigation Team. If only he could contact his uncle or Naoto, even as Ren and not Yu, it would be doing so much right now.

Wiping away the streams on her cheeks, Ann took a breath of air. "Sorry… I shouldn't have asked. It's not your problem."

His gaze returned to her.

"What… am I saying? I've barely even talked to you before."

"Maybe that's why."

She seemed surprised, forgetting that he could talk. "…You're so weird. Usually everyone just ignores me. Are you really a bad person as the rumor says? You just don't seem like it."

With a smile he shrugged. "Bad to the bone."

With a small chuckle she looked down at her water, cupping it in her hands. "I kinda had a feeling they were all just exaggerations. You seemed lonely- almost like you didn't belong here."

Yu's smile faltered, a shift in his composure. Alone… if only that were it- that were all he felt. Maybe it wouldn't hurt so much.

She didn't notice his change, she just continued staring at the cup in her hands. "We're the same in that regard. Maybe that's why it was so easy for me to talk to you." A small smile turned her lips, but it just as quickly fell. "Is there really no way for me to help Shiho? I wish he'd just change his mind. Like, forget about me, and everything." She fell back into her seat, defeated. "As if something like that would ever happen."

'A change of heart.' Morgana's words bounced inside his ears. Yu swallowed, "Maybe it might."

A halfhearted laugh breathed out with her tired voice. "I wasn't asking for a serious response. But I do feel a bit better now… I'm going to head home." With that she took up her cup of water and slung her bag over her shoulder. She stepped over and stopped next to him. "Don't tell anyone what I told you, ok? I'll try and think of a way to persuade Kamoshida."

He grinned. "I'm just a brick wall."

Her features softened, and she smiled once more. "Well… thanks." She playfully punched his shoulder before turning to leave.

Yu held the beaten shoulder, holding in a chuckle. At the very least he helped. Only a little, but at least it was something. He sat back and stared out the window into the street. Into the golden hue of a setting sun. He should head home too… but he couldn't find the strength to stand. If things continue the way things are, that girl was going to get hurt. Not if or maybe. His heart twanged as he felt himself being pulled toward Morgana. Maybe… a sacrifice is necessary if it means saving everyone.

The images of his old friend's faces popped into mind, causing him to shiver. No. He couldn't. He couldn't go that far. He was nothing like Adachi. He was no killer. He only wanted to be a detective.

\|/

"So, I assume all of you know about the separation of powers? There are three branches in our government." Mister Ushimaru, aka chalk-tosser, drolled. "The National Diet is legislative, the Cabinet is executive, and the Supreme Court is judiciary."

One thing about repeating a year… the same stuff is taught. Yu held back a groan as he rested his head on his hands, trying to stay awake. Not only does he know this, he already knew how the branches worked too. Not to mention his perfect grades back in Inaba. Can't he just skip class today? Like his old friend Ai. It'd be the perfect way to mull over Morgana and his offer.

"Have you made up your mind?" Morgana's head popped out from inside his desk.

Yu leapt up, looking around sporadically, ensuring no one's noticed. Luckily, dull lecture has dulled everyone's attention. The benefits of being a delinquent... Sorry Kanji.

"I get you're trying to keep to your morals, but this is really your only option. I'll... guide you and everything." The 'cat' continued.

He didn't need this pestering. Holding back his anger he leaned down to the cat. "Don't talk."

"Hm?" Chalk-tosser turned around eyeing the class. "Did I just hear a cat just now?"

"M-meow." Morgana slid back into the desk compartment.

Exasperated, Yu dropped his face into his palm.

"Could that rumored cat be somewhere nearby?" The teacher droned silently, eyes narrowing around the now bustling class. "Settle down!" Everyone ceased immediately. "We're in the middle of an important lecture!"

Yu glared at Morgana. The cat cowered back. "I-I'm really s-sorry. I tried looking for the blond, but… I only saw you. I-I don't know how else to get a hold of you two."

Yu sighed, pinching his nose. "It's fine, just a little warning next time. There's been too many surprises this week."

The phone buzzed, making Yu groan. Under the desk he pulled out his phone and checked the screen. Ryuji was texting him again... and now Morgana's fluffy head was out looking at his screen. Rolling his eyes, Yu clicked the message and read.

[Ryuji] It's no use… I can't think of any other way…

[Ren] Concentrate on class.

[Ryuji] I can't deal with that shit right now. I mean, what're we gonna do about Kamoshida?

[Ryuji] Do we just gotta go along with what that cat says?

[Ryuji] Urgh, that damn furball…

"If he only knew I'm reading this too."

Yu lightly poked Morgana's head, ushering him to silence.

A student on the other side of class shot out of his seat, staring out of the window. "Hey… What's that?!" Everyone turned to him.

The teacher scowled, "Enough! This is a classroom!"

The female student sitting behind him looked out the window too, gasping. "Wait… She's going to jump!"

Mishima stood up. "Suzui?"

Ann's face fell, kicking her seat back and staring at the window in horror. "Shiho?"

What?! Yu bolted up to his feet. She looked down when he talked to her, but nothing like severe depression. Why would she be on the roof?

"Hey!" The teacher tried to bring back order. "Stay in your seats! Do not step a foot outside of this room!"

Ignoring him, Ann dashed from her desk and toward the doors. Yu bolting right after her. In the hallway, she pushed a student aside and looked out the window to the aforementioned roof. The look of panic morphed into horror as she spotted her friend on the ledge. She must have climbed over the fence to perch. Now, instead, Shiho had a firm grip on it, using it as an achor. Then she just collapsed, tumbling through the air. Everyone screamed, Ann staggered back, covering her face. The limp girl was only in the air for a few seconds, but to all it felt like minutes of death pulling a soul down to earth. Shiho's body plopped on the ground. Limp limbs sprawled over in the mud as rain pelted the body.

Everyone was just standing there, screaming, shouting, confused, and frozen. Even the loud and feared Mister Ushimaru couldn't get anyone to listen. Ann's tears dropped one by one, splattering over the floor. "No… why? Shiho!" She shoved past Yu and down the hall.

Regaining his senses, Yu caught himself before falling and tore after her. Doing his best to keep up. Ryuji came bolting out of a class and began making pace with him. "H-hey! What's goin' on!?"

"Shiho jumped off the roof!"

"What?!" He turned and noticed Ann tearing down the stairs. "We should head to the courtyard too!" His pace quickened, getting ahead of Yu.

They both jumped down the steps and rushed through the lobby toward the courtyard, but there were so many students standing there they couldn't move through. Even with Ryuji trying to shove his way in, pleading with them, they couldn't make a dent.

Yu grabbed Ryuji's shoulder and pulled him away. "Come on! This way!" He turned around and pelted down the next hall.

They reached the other side of the school and banged out of the second exit, shoving past the students standing there. With less obstacles they easily made it out. They volted over the fence and dashed over the grass to the crowd gathering around in mass. There were already paramedics tending to the girl now placed on a stretcher.

A teacher stepped out behind the crowd and called for everyone to return to class. Ryuji snarled at the sight. How did anyone expect anyone to just stop the panic and move on like this was an everyday occurrence? Yu just ignored the exasperating demands, instead he pushed in his glasses and watched the girl miraculously still breathing. Must have landed on her back or legs considering the lack of damage to her face. It would have spread the force better to ensure life, but he couldn't see the legs to gather whether they were broken or not. Regardless of whether it was true or not, she must be in critical condition.

A paramedic ran over to the crowd, overwhelmed. "We need someone to go with her… Are there any teachers around?"

The teacher behind them backed away, lifting his hands. "I-I'm not in charge of her class though."

Ryuji shot him a look of disbelief, even Yu couldn't mask his shock at the lack of concern.

A second teacher looked away. "We should leave this to Principal Kobayakawa."

What is with these teachers? Did they not care. By the time the principle came she may die.

Ann rushed forward. "I'll go!" Yu relaxed at this. She was most certainly the best choice right now.

The paramedic shot the teachers a look, but waved her forward. "Please hurry!"

Ann rushed past him and dropped next to the stretcher. "Shiho… Why?"

"Ann?" The weak voice of Shiho spoke up.

Yu stepped forward, holding his glasses closer to his face as he strained his ears, drowning out the crowd.

Shiho shook under the heavy blankets, tears streaming out of her eyes. "I'm sorry. I… I can't take this… anymore." Her voice died out.

Ann leaned in, tilting her ear near Shiho's mouth. The crippled girl said something, something Yu couldn't hear, but Ann's face dropped and paled. "Kamoshida!?"

Yu blinked, stepping back. Kamoshida? Kamoshida did something to her? Of course he did, who else would push a girl over the edge? But what did he do? Must have been recent, since he spoke with Shiho just yesterday. Yesterday... wasn't he trying to-.

"No! Shiho!?" Ann's voice broke through his thoughts.

Yu looked up at the scene as the paramedics guided Ann into the ambulance and pulled Shiho with them. The doors shut at the car sped off toward the hospital.

Ryuji looked over at Yu. "Volleyball team."

Yu looked back at Ryuji, eyes glazed over. "Kamoshida."

The panicked teacher finally spoke, now that the ambulance was gone, urging the students to return to class. The two teens ignored the coward as the sight of a certain boy caught their eyes. Mishima watched the ambulance leave in horror, his face not the panic or shock as the others. It was guilt, hard pressured guilt. The boy was just shaking his head, breathing heavily. Suddenly he shoved past the crowd, speeding away.

Ryuji's eyes narrowed, "That guy."

Yu began walking forward, the glean off his glasses hid his eyes from sight. "Let's have a chat with him."

"Yah, let's."

Mishima rushed into the locker room, slamming the door shut behind him. His feet tripping over each other as he leaned against the lockers, his mind in a daze. The doors behind him burst open and Ryuji stormed over to him. The blond teen grabbed Mishima by his shirt and slammed him into the wall.

Mishima flinched. "That hurts!"

"Why'd you run like that? Huh!?"

"I didn't run."

Ryuji's fist shuttered the lockers. The bang echoing like a gun. "She jumped and tried to kill herself!"

"L-leave me alone."

Yu crossed his arms, "Is this a game, Mishima?"

The bruised boy slowly turned. "What are you-?"

His gaze beamed through the glasses. "Everything's fine? Is that what you'll say next? I want the truth. Tell us what happened. I'm not interested in getting you in trouble."

"He's right." Ryuji let go of the shirt, backing away. "We ain't tryin' to get you busted. We won't say you talked either!"

Mishima shrunk before them. "Suzui…" He grabbed his head, shivering. "She was called out by Mister Kamoshida!"

Ryuji and Yu growled, they knew it.

The timid boy continued, "I was called by him a number of times too… to the teacher's room. It wasn't just me or Suzui either. He'd nominate someone when he was in a bad mood… and hit them."

Ryuji scowled. "So, the physical punishment thing was for real."

"But yesterday, he called Suzui out of the blue. She didn't make any mistakes or anything. Mister Kamoshida seemed really irritated that day, so it must've been… worse than usual."

Ryuji pieced the pieces together. "He didn't…" The words wouldn't form in his mouth.

Yu stepped back, his eyes wide. Yesterday Ann was called in to be at Kamoshida's house. She refused… was this the punishment? Did he really hurt Shiho for something so… Yu's hands balled into white fists, fingernails digging into his palms. He knew it was going to get worse. He knew, and did nothing. Why? Because he was scared of what his friends would think? Because he was too selfish? What would his friends think of this!? Him just standing by and letting a girl be… beaten, molested, crying in a dark room as a grown man crushed her underweight. Just the very thought made his stomach churn. He could practically hear her screams, pleas, while he just stood in the hall carrying his bag whilst ignoring everything. He was sick of himself, a failure of the Investigation Team.

"That son of a bitch!" Ryuji tore out of the locker-room.

Yu hardly had time to process it, he only turned around watching the dust settle and the door rattling on its hinges. Yu and Mishima looked at each other then ran after the blond boy. They round the corner. Ryuji darted down the hall and up the stairs.

There wasn't a need to figure out what the boy was doing. Yu wanted to give that bastard a piece of his mind. It would be pointless, though. All he could do was prevent Ryuji from making things worse.

They rounded the stairs and spotted the blond entering a room. Mishima paled as they ran after him. "He went into the PE faculty office!"

Yu didn't pay him any mind. He just bolted through the door, watching as Ryuji panted, glaring daggers at Kamoshida who only turned in his chair to look on with cold indifference. "Huh?"

Ryuji tossed his arm to the side. "You bastard! The hell you do to that girl!?"

The teacher just turned back to his computer, waving them off. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me!" Ryuji kicked a chair off its feet, crashing it to the floor.

"That is enough!" Kamoshida spun in his chair, daring them to continue.

Mishima bowed his head. "What you did… wasn't coaching!"

"What did you say?"

"You… you ordered me to call Suzui here. I can only imagine what you did to her!"

"You're going on and on about things you have no proof of." The teacher slowly stood up from his chair and strolled over to them. Towering over the three. "Basically, you're simply making these claims because you can't be a regular on the team, right?"

"That's not what this is about!" Mishima stomped his foot, finally he looked enraged.

"Even if it is exactly as you imagine it to be, hypothetically speaking… what can you do? We just received a call from the hospital. Suzui's in a coma, and her chances of recovery are slim… How would someone like that make a statement?" He theatrically planted his wrist on his forehead. "There's no chance of her getting better, I hear… the poor girl."

Mishima's strong determination shattered, now his expression was nothing more than crestfallen. "No… that can't be…"

Yu shook his head. "He's lying. They only just left. A proper diagnosis like that would take hours. You're not very good at this, are you? Too use to others making the excuses for you." Kamoshida's flared his nostrils at Yu.

Ryuji stepped forward. "You goddamn!"

Kamoshida quickly looked away from Yu and at the blond instead. "This, again? Does this mean we need to have yet another case of 'self-defense?'"

"You shut your mouth, you son of a bitch!" Ryuji swung his arm back. A hand jutted out and snatched the aggressive arm. Ryuji turned to see Yu. "Why're you stoppin' me!?"

With a shake of disproval, Yu looked over at the teacher. "You're only giving him what he wants."

Yanking his arm back, Ryuji huffed. "But still!"

Kamoshida appraised Yu. "Oh? You're stopping him? What a surprise. There's no need to hold back. Why not attack?"

"Cause I don't want to soil my hand with filth. Rather hard to wash off, you know." Yu narrowed his eyes.

Kamoshida snarled, turning around and sitting back down. "Everyone present right now… will be expelled. I'm reporting all of you at the next board meeting."

"Wha-." Ryuji reeled back.

Mishima stepped forward. "You can't make a decision like that!"

"Who would seriously consider what scum like you say? You threatened me too, Mishima, so you're just as responsible."

"Huh?"

"To think you didn't know why I kept someone as talentless as you on the team. You act like you're a victim, but you leaked his criminal records, didn't you? It's all over the internet, correct? How terrible."

Ryuji turned to look at the boy. "Mishima?"

Yu looked over, too. That explained the guilty look the first day he showed up. So basically, Kamoshida is implying Mishima will be expelled for cyber bullying. Wow, a convenient loose end he's tying up.

Under their gazes, Mishima dropped to his knees. "He told me to do it. I had no choice."

"I know. He's making it a bigger deal than it is. It's not like I was trying to hide it. I'm not a coward like some." Yu shot Kamoshida a look.

The teacher only grinned, laughing as he turned back to his computer. "Say whatever you like, your lives are mine to take. Now, are we finished here? You're all expelled! Now get out of my sight."

"I can't believe this asshole's getting' away with this!" Ryuji glared at the back of the bastard.

"He's not." Yu gave the blond a knowing nod.

"Huh?... Oh right. We have that!"

"Huh?" Kamoshida turned around. Yu could detect a little concern in his eyes. "Have you lost your minds? I don't understand what garbage like you are thinking, but go ahead and try. All you can do is wait for your disposal though."

Yu turned and offered Mishima a hand. The boy was surprised but took it. The three left, not so broken as the teacher hoped for.

Ryuji slammed his hand against the vending machines. "We can't waste any time. We gotta hurry up and go to that world and beat the shit outta that asshole!" Yu and Morgana watched from a distance.

Morgana shook his head. "We're not beating him up. We're simply stealing his distorted desires. Can I assume that you've made up your minds about this- about how he might suffer a mental shutdown?"

"I have." Ryuji sounded despondent. "Someone almost died because of him! I don't give a rat's ass what happens to him anymore!"

Morgana turned to Yu. "And y-you?"

As Ryuji turned to see what he'd say, Yu bowed his head. He decided to ignore a problem, knowing what may happen. No. He did nothing knowing what would happen. The morality he once cherished- trying to save it from the altar, he tossed it into the fire. Now it fueled the chaos and is engulfing everything and hurting everyone around him. Everything he had, he lost. What he had left he killed with his own two hands. How can he ever call himself Yu Narukami? How can he live as him? Why walk a path he could hardly see? No matter how hard he wanted to try, it was beginning to feel impossible.

Ren looked back up at them, pushing in his glasses. "It doesn't matter what I think anymore. Kamoshida is not getting away with this."