A/N -

Me, releasing a chapter not in the middle of the night? Say it ain't so!

I forgot to mention in the last chapter, I ended up getting basically an entirely new computer! I'm using that to write right now.

Anyway, BEEFY beefy chapter today. Relatively, anyway. Like I said in the last note, this and the last chapter used to be one - but I split it off because I have a 2k word maximum limit. Plus, it was nearly 2 AM and I wanted to go to sleep LOL.

A funny note, and minor spoilers ig: In my notes and outline, I've referred to this as the "Chapter where Haiji gets beaten half to death", but I ended up cutting that scene during rewrites because I want him as an ongoing antagonist instead of wrapping his thread up now.

Akane nodded, and without another word - pushed Monaca back through the doorway and down the hallway to her cell. It was pretty clear that she just wanted to be alone with her emotions right now.

But, before she left - Akane did everything she could to make Monaca's cell that bit more homely. Helping her out of her wheelchair and onto her cot, before making sure to fluff up her pillow and tuck her in. "I'll be back to check on you later, okay?"

"Okay…" Monaca replied, in a voice kept low to cloak her emotions.

Being the happy-go-lucky person she was, Monaca couldn't help but smile. It reminded her so much of caring for her siblings… She missed them. Memories all too fresh of losing them during the tragedy…

Even though she was weighed down by a heavy heart, Akane got to her feet and headed out the door. She had a little bit of work to do, just final preparations before… She had to go back to Jabberwock island. She really didn't want to leave that little girl all alone, but - it was Monaca's choice at the end of the day.

Wait a second. What was that?

Akane could've sworn she could feel someone lurking in the shadows nearby…

There! She heard someone's footsteps, seemingly sneaking through the door to Monaca's room.

Taking a deep breath, Akane tried to not immediately freak out. Hoping that it was just… Whoever was the little girl's actual caretaker who'd just walked in at an awkward time, or something… But still, she had a bad feeling in her gut. So, she stuck her ear up against the door and listened.

"You made a fool of me at the trial today." Stated an older male voice. Thinking back, it sounded like that… Haiji guy, from the trial. Whatever the case, he was barely masking a great amount of frustration…

Speaking of, inside the room - Haiji was just momentarily biding his time until he figured the coast was clear. Slowly walking forward, to which - Monaca tried to scramble backwards. Keep the distance between them. But immediately ran out of space- running into the wall. Pleading, with tears forming in her eyes - "I'm sorry, B-Big Brother, I didn't mean to!"

"I told you not to call me that. You are not my sister." He grumbled. Reaching down, and grabbing Monaca by the collar. Initially trying to pull her to her feet, since - he was unaware of her having been paralyzed for real during the Towa Tower collapse. Still, after a moment of awkwardness - he hoisted her up in the air, leaning her up against the wall for support.

"I don't give a shit if you throw away your second chance, but I swear to God. If you fuck mine up…Don't worry. I won't kill you. But I'll make you wish I did." As he said this, his face turned into a sick smile. He just couldn't help himself, he loved the expression Monaca had on her face - one of pure, unconstrained fear. One that said she was completely subservient to his will.

Monaca didn't even bother crying out for help. She'd done it a hundred times before, and each time was only met with silence. If anything? It made Haiji even angrier. Why should she try again? She just closed her eyes, and waited for whatever pain was inevitably coming.

Today was her lucky day, though. It looked like her guardian angel had finally clocked in for work.

Akane had heard enough. Really, she shouldn't have even let Haiji into her room after the shit said about him at the trial. Throwing open the door, snarling "You! Get your hands off her!"

Haiji had the advantage since his back was to her, so took a second and readjusted - Pulling Monaca close and holding her in the same sort of way you carry a toddler. From Akane's perspective, it was seamless. Turning around, "What do you mean? I'd never do anything to harm my baby sister." Suspiciously specific denial.

All the while, Monaca was still sniffling with tear stains on her face. "Shh, shhh. It's okay, Minnie." Haiji coo'd. Since he only had the one usable arm, he gave his little sister a soft headbutt - a la a cat's love language.

In a rash action she immediately regretted, Akane rushed forward and reached out to try and snatch Monaca from her older brother's hands. It just ended up causing Haiji to flinch and loosen his grip…Or at least, that's what it looked like from the outside. He let go on purpose.

Anyway, Monaca took a roughhhh fall. The back of her head slammed the cot's edge, the force causing it to flip ass-over-face and completely cover her.

"Monaca!" Akane called out. Effortlessly hoisting the cot in the air as if it was a piece of cardboard, tossing it over her shoulder. "Are you okay?" Asking the obvious question, but- it looked baaad. The back of Monaca's head was absolutely gushing blood. But - she didn't pass out, and still seemed responsive. In fact, this pain was what caused her dam to finally burst - tears streaming down her face. Pained cries and sobs as she writhed in pain.

"Now look at what you've done!" Haiji snarled. Ostensibly looking furious, but - internally? He had this allll under control. He knew that was physically unmatched against Akane, that she could pretty easily beat him to a pulp. But, he still needed to do everything he could to keep word of his misdeeds leaking out any further - doing a bit of damage control. He had to extinguish any chance of a friendship, lest she Monaca tattle.

"Go! Go and get her a medic." He called, gesturing for her to Akane to leave. "You'll be okay, a doctor's coming…" Turning his attention back towards Monaca.

"I- I-..." Akane mumbled, frozen in confusion. Haiji was a master of reframing the narrative and gaslighting, so much that even she was doubting her ears. Did- did she actually hear what she thought she heard? But- that didn't matter now! She crouched down and took off in a dead sprint back in the direction of the cafeteria, hoping to find Mikan Tsumiki - The Ultimate Nurse.

"You got lucky this time." Haiji grumbled. "Now, not a word spoken to anyone." He sat down next to her. Not outstretching his hand, just… thinking. He had a meeting regarding his position at the company in a few minutes, and Akane had given her the perfect idea. Paint her, Makoto, and Kyoko as the latest devotees to Monaca's cult.

Yes, yes… It'd put him back in good standing with the Future Foundation, and put that little bitch right back under his thumb.

–

A few short minutes later, the two arrived back at Monaca's cell - Akane carrying Mikan in a full-on fireman's carry because it was that little bit quicker.

Once she eyes on Monaca, Mikan had to choke back tremendous nervousness. Immediately beginning to look the girl over, clean the wound, and put a bandage on her head. Thankfully, there didn't seem to be any sort of deeper injury - no cracking to the skull or a concussion. Thanking her lucky stars.

"W-Well, I don't see any signs of a deeper injury, j-just a couple of mild abrasions from her fall… But please, keep a close eye on her. I'm leaving for Jabberwock Island in a few hours, b-but I can give you my phone number if you have any questions or it gets worse."

"Cool." Akane replied with a solemn nod.

"Speaking of." Haiji spoke up, levering himself to his feet. "I need to head out for a bit… I got a meeting. I'll be back to check on you once it's done, Monaca." Turning around, staring daggers into Akane - "You better leave, too. I don't think you're supposed to be here."

"O-Okay…" Mikan squeaked, Shoveling everything back into her bag, and heading out. But Akane wasn't one to give up so easily.

She camouflaged herself by climbing up a bit of furniture and hopping into a loose ceiling tile. Once Haiji had left the room and was far enough down the hall that she couldn't hear his footsteps, she dropped back down and once again checked on Monaca. Simply asking, "Are you okay? Do… Do you want to talk about it?"

"God damn it!" Monaca shouted. She just… She just wanted a moment of peace. She thought it was over, but no - no, it was continuing. But even still, she felt… broken. Desperately looking for any source of comfort, she just… Threw all caution to the wind. Crawling over and latching onto Akane's leg in a tiiiight, tight hug - like a leach. "I- I hate him! That nasty, perverted, disgusting, greasy slob!" Monaca babbled, One of her hands banging against the floor.

"I'm not going to let him hurt you again. I promise." Akane said. Unable to stop tears from forming herself. Asking one more time, "I'm- well… Tonight I'm going to head back to Jabberwock island… How about you come with me?"

Monaca momentarily stayed silent. Wiping her nose on the gymnast's leg, before finally letting go… and flopping to her side. As she did she began exhaling a deep breath. Putting up one last fight - "No, I… I… I have to stay. B..Big brother will be mad if I leave…"

"Jabberwock is an island paradise, that greasy slimeball will never able to find you." Akane said, sitting down next to the little girl. "Doesn't that sound nice?"

Monaca sniffled, and eventually… Nodded.