4/19 Sun - Iwatodai dormitory - Evening
I stayed in the dorm all day, playing video games until Yuka-chan asked me to come to the lounge. Said it was something important. Sanada-senpai, Yuki-kun, and Yuka-chan are down here, looking my way as I make my way down the stairs.
"Senpai, what's going on?" I ask, doing my best to come off as polite.
"There's someone I want to introduce." He opens the door leading outside the dorm.
"Hey, hurry up," he shouts to whoever is out there.
"Hold your horses...this is freakin' heavy," a male voice says, struggling to push something up the stairs.
"You need help?" I ask.
"Nah, I got it!"
The person Senpai wants to introduce enters the dorm with a large purple suitcase.
Yuka-chan's expression goes from shock to horror in a split second as the new guy enters the dorm. "Junpei…!? Why is HE here? Wait, don't tell me...!"
Oh, so this is Junpei. No wonder Yuka-chan looked like she was about to blow a gasket. I don't what I was expecting though…maybe somebody shady-looking?
"This is Iori Junpei from class 2-F. He'll be staying here as of today."
"He's staying here!? You've gotta be kidding me?"
Yuka-chan is getting even more annoyed as she comes to grips with the idea.
"I bumped into him the other night. He has the potential but he just awakened to it recently. So I told him about us, and he agreed to help us."
"You have the potential, for real!?"
Yup, Yuka-chan is not taking this well.
"He found me cryin' like a baby at the convenience store, surrounded by a bunch of coffins. I don't remember much, but man, that's embarrassing! He said that's, ya know, completely normal, in the beginning. Like, bein' confused and not rememberin' anything. Did you guys know that?"
"Didn't happen to me," Makoto responded.
"Me neither," I add.
Junpei scoffs at our responses. "Ah big deal, happens to the rest of us."
Yeah, I think that's just you, man. A knock on the entrance door spooks me.
"I'll get it," I volunteer. I open the door to find nobody out there. Was it a prank? "Not funny..."
As I'm about to close the door I see something leaning on the guardrail. It's a tall metallic case. It reflects the light from the street light above it; it would've gone past my notice without the shine. Approaching it, I see a note stuck onto the case. It reads, "for Kazuki Kei". I don't remember owning anything like this. It looks pretty suspicious, but I don't want to leave it out here if it's for me. Attempting to move it proves difficult. No note to tell me that this thing is freaking heavy! Despite the instant setback of just carrying it into my room, I muster all my strength to get it off the ground, using my back to support the weight.
"Holy hell, this is freaking heavy!"
Stepping with this thing is a challenge in itself, I wobble whenever I take a step. Add in steps and yeah, I'm not feeling too confident about carrying this thing. Somehow, I make it back into the dorm with my mysterious delivered goods. Junpei and Yuka-chan are sitting on the couch. Sanada-senpai got off the armrest chair. He comes up to me.
"What did I miss, senpai?"
"I'm gonna give you the short version. We're going to a place called Tartarus tomorrow."
"What's Tartarus," I ask as I'm trying to keep the case from falling.
"We'll fill you in tomorrow, just get here after school."
"Kay."
Junpei stared at the box, in my arms. "Yo, that's a large ass case, what's in it?"
"I don't know, I think it's something I left at home."
"Oh, ya new here, too?"
"Yeah, I transferred to the school a week ago."
"Two transfers? Dude, what are the odds?"
"Right? Oh, by the way, I'm Kazuki Kei, nice to meet you, Jun."
"Dude, that's not my name."
"Don't worry Stupei, that's your nickname apparently," Yuka-chan said while she was flipping pages in her magazine.
"Really? In that case, I'll call you...Kazu!"
"Kazu… Yeah, that sounds awesome!"
"It's settled; I'm Jun and you're, Kazu."
"Sweet!"
Jun and I fistbump, to Yuka-chan's dismay.
"Well, I gotta get going. I need to get this to my room."
"Alright, I'll catch you later, Kazu."
"Course."
I stumble over to the stairs. Taking a single foot off the ground almost trips me up. There is no way I'm getting up there without help. It's embarrassing, but I gotta ask…
"Umm, can someone help me upstairs? this box is really heavy."
Jun jumps up from the couch. "Don't worry! The strong, reliable Junpei is here now."
"Thanks."
Kazuki room - Evening
I'm on my bed, staring at the case resting on the floor. My body feels tense from the thought of what could be inside it… Well, at this point it doesn't matter. No matter how long I think about it, this thing is still in my room, so I better just open it and see what's inside. I begin to slowly open the box. Opening it all the way, a katana lies inside. An audible gasp escapes my mouth.
"...Oh my god…"
The katana is sheathed in a black and red scabbard. I hesitantly pull out the sword. The blade, reflecting the light in my room, is jet-black. It's strange, when I look at the blade, it reflects my face, but it feels like it's reflecting something else; something deeper inside. The katana is heavy, but not as weighty as the case.
"This is so cool," I giggle with glee.
I always wanted to hold a sword, not just a toy one, but a real, genuine sword! Feels like I'm a little kid again. When I stopped gushing at the sword I calmed myself and I put it away in the case. Right, I think it's time to call it a night. I toss on my pj's, flip off the lights, and plop onto the bed.
As I'm about to drift off to sleep, my phone goes off from on top of my desk. I groan. Getting a call right when I'm about to hit the hay is not my favorite thing in the world. Nonetheless, I get up to pick up the phone.
"Hello, Kazuki-kun."
I perk up, not as bothered by the call. "Fuu-chan? What's up?"
"Nothing... I know it's late, so I'll make this quick."
I take a seat on my chair. "What's on your mind?"
"It's about when we'll meet outside of school." Crap, I forgot all about that. I knew there was something I had to do today, but I got caught up playing Wyvern Quest 9. "...I was wondering, can we meet up next Sunday?"
"Sure. Next Sunday is cool with me."
"Great! We'll meet up at Port Island station."
"Yeah, the station, that sounds good."
"Okay, then I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"Yep, and as fit as a fiddle!."
"I hope so. Please get an ample amount of rest."
"Don't worry, I'm hitting the sack and not waking up until the morning. You do the same too."
"I'll do the same. See you tomorrow."
"See ya."
Her end of the line is disconnected. I close my phone as I grip it tightly. A warm feeling spreads across my chest.
"Sunday... Can't wait."
4/20 Mon - Gekkoukan high - Class 2-E - Afterschool
I stuff all my books after the final bell rung. I got a text message during lunch from Sanada-senpai. It said: "Kei, we need you to come straight to the dorm today, we're making preparations to go to Tartarus." I'm not surprised we're going today, however, I am nervous. After what happened the other night, could anyone blame me? Still, I signed up for this, so I'll smoother it for now.
"Kazuki-kun."
My skin jumps up as a voice snaps me out of my thoughts. "Ahh!" My phone fumbles in and out of my hands before I clasp it tightly.
"Oh…Fuu-chan, didn't see you there."
I try to act collected, but that concerned look on her face tells me she sees right through it. "Did I scare you?" she asks, although worried, she sounds amused.
"No, you just surprised me, t-that's all."
"O-oh..."
"Yes…!"
Awkward, too awkward!
"So, where do you want to go today?" she breaks the silence with a question.
"I...can't, I have to get back to the dorm. It's important."
"I see… It's okay. We can always go somewhere after school tomorrow."
It crushes me to say no in such a roundabout way, but since we're going to Tartarus tonight, I need to be ready. As I head for the exit of the classroom, Natsuki, the girl who was bullying Fuuka, strolls past me, ignoring me entirely. No need to guess where she's going, especially with her possy.
"Hey, Fuuka can I ask you a question?" Natsuki opens.
"W-what i-is it?"
"What's your relationship with Kazuki? Is he your boyfriend or something? I'm dying to know."
My face flares up from such a blatant question.
"N-n-no, we're just...friends!" Fuu-chan denies the claim, her voice more erratic than usual.
"Are you sure about that?"
"W-what do you mean?"
"I mean for all we know, he might be trying to cozy up to you because you're simple and easy. Men can be like that, and you wouldn't even know it, wouldn't you?"
"No, that's wrong!"
"How would you know?"
"I…I just do!"
"Huh? Come on, that's so lame!"
Starting to get sick of this shit already, and I'm tired of her nonsense!
"I have a question for you Natsuki," I tell her, catching her attention.
"What is it?" she asks with a disgusted look.
"Why do you pick on Fuuka?"
"I'm not picking on her. We're just-"
"...Are you jealous of Fuuka?"
Her face goes pale for a moment before a flickering rage fills her eyes. "What!? Why would I be!?"
"Then why do you bully her? As far as I see it: you've been bullying her since last year."
"Yeah, so what!?"
"Let me be a bit more specific then," I say, coldly addressing her without a hint of emotion. You started bullying Fuuka around the time she became an honor student, isn't that right?"
During lunch, I tried to figure out as much as I could about Natsuki and why she was bullying Fuu-chan. A member of a club for the school news was able to help me fill in the gaps on when this all started, so now I have ammunition. I'll use what I know to shut her up for good.
"What's your point!?"
"My point is, you're just jealous of her because she isn't like the other girls here; yeah, she might have a reserved personality but under that, she's smart, kind, and considerate to those around her. Hell, she's taken all this harassment from you for this long without bringing attention to it. So, how about you do her a favor, and leave her the hell alone!"
The remaining students went silent from my outburst. They rush out of the classroom, wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble. Natsuki, on the other hand, seems like she wants to rip my head off or beat me within an inch of my life, but she damn well knows she's not capable of either.
She clicks her tongue, stomping towards the exit. "Screw this! I'm out of here!" Natsuki violently opens the door and shuts it, followed by a thunderous clap. A large breath leaves my lungs knowing she is gone…
I never yelled at someone like that before. My heart is beating faster than a drum and my body feels hot. Yet, it feels…good.
"Hey, Fuuka, you alright?" I ask, somewhat relaxed.
"I'm fine?" she responds, slackjawed. "Umm…"
"I know what you're going to say, and you're right. I shouldn't have snapped like that, but..."
"...Actually…I was going to say…thank you." Wait, what? "I mean, um, I wish we could have settled that peacefully, but…I'm glad you stood up for me. So, thank you."
Her smile radiates a brighter hue than it ever has until this point; more radiant than than the sun itself. It's captivating.
"N-no…problem. That's what friends are for, right?"
Shit, I practically have butterflies in my stomach. Why am I nervous?
"Oh, I almost forgot," Fuu-chan suddenly says. "I have to give you something."
She begins to dig inside her bag.
"You don't need to give me anything."
"But, Kazuki-kun..."
"...I mean, a gift from you would be good..."
"Kazuki-kun..."
"...But the best gift from you would be our friendship."
"...Um, Kazuki-kun."
"Yes, Fuu-chan?"
"I was going to give you this."
Fuuka reaches into her bag to reveal my hoodie.
Silence, nothing but silence as embarrassment hits me like a tidal wave. It's just my jacket… I am dumbass.
"Kazuki-kun, are you okay?"
"What? Yeah, I'm fine."
Other than making myself sound like an idiot, I'm good. I grab my hoodie from her hands. My fingers graze her left hand by a little but enough to have her let go of my hoodie as a knee-jerk reaction. Thankfully, I caught it in time.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to drop your hoodie! I just...I..."
"It's alright, I know you didn't mean to," I assure her, gently dusting off my hoodie.
That said, I take off my uniform jacket and throw on my hoodie. For some unexplainable reason, I expected a swoosh noise like in an anime when put it on, but nope, that didn't happen. Although, there's a faint aroma coming from the hoodie, similar to a flower-scented fragment.
"I washed it for you and used fragment on it. Does it smell weird?"
"It smells great."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Thank goodness. I only used a small sample of it, I didn't want the smell to be overwhelming."
"Do you usually use it?"
"Not really, I had no reason to." Nonetheless, it makes this thing smell better than it ever has before. "Kazuki-kun, do you need to head straight home today too?"
Preparing for Tartarus is important is important right now, both mentally and physically. Besides, I don't want to hold everyone else up. As much as it pains me, I have to go straight to the dorm.
"...Yeah, I do."
"I see, then I won't hold you up. I'll see you tomorrow."
Fuu-chan leaves the room… I know I need to go to the dorm immediately, but maybe I can still make it after walking Fuu-chan home. Besides, Moriyama is probably pissed after what happened, so I'm not too keen on the idea of leaving Fuu-chan by herself.
I barrel out of the classroom, spotting her near the stairs. "Hey, Fuu-chan, wait up."
She turns to face me, surprised to see me. "Is something wrong, Kazuki-kun?"
"No, not exactly, but I was wondering if it's okay if I walk you home for today?"
"I thought you weren't able to?"
"Don't worry, I still have some time before I have to get back."
"Are you sure? I don't want you to get in trouble for me."
"It's okay, I'll make it back in time, so let's get going."
"Okay, let's go."
Fuu-chan and I leave the school grounds. While we were exiting, I kept an eye out for any unexpected appearances; oh, say like...a pissed-off bully.
Fuu-chan plays with her fingers, keeping her eyes straight ahead. "Kazuki-kun, about that conversation in the hospital."
"What about it?"
"I'm really sorry for yelling at you."
I don't remember much yelling coming from her, but I do remember the argument.
"Um, you're forgiven. But to be honest, I don't remember much yelling."
"But I thought I did. That's been bothering me for a while!"
"Man, you worry about the tiniest things."
She slumps her shoulders. "I know, I just can't help it."
"Ah, but–but, it's okay, really! Worrying over that stuff is normal! Don't get depressed! I'm not upset over what happened in the hospital, so cheer up!"
The only part that ever bothered me was how I ended it. I shouldn't have raised my voice at her.
"Speaking of the hospital, how are you feeling?"
"I've been feeling better as of late."
And I'm not lying. The wound on my chest isn't aching anymore, or at least as much. I'll probably get to take the bandages off soon, but I'll keep it on for a few more days, just in case.
"I'm glad you're feeling better, but if you feel any discomfort or anything out of the usual, tell me."
"Oh, you gonna treat me, doctor Yamagishi," I joked.
"I wouldn't go that far. I can do cuts, bruises, and not too serious sicknesses. But I'll still do all I can to help you if I can."
"Are you studying medicine?"
"Just a little bit. I've been studying since I was a kid."
"Seriously!? Are you planning on being a doctor?"
Fuu-chan expression turns bitter, almost resentful at the question. "...I suppose."
"Suppose?"
"I...don't want to be one, but I don't have a choice…" Maybe I should drop the subject "But, Kazuki-kun, seriously, tell me if you're feeling ill or something between those lines. I want you to take care of your body, okay?"
Fuuka had a serious expression that took me by surprise. I didn't think she could make one like that. Nonetheless, I'm glad she's concerned for me.
I crack a smile as I do a salute. "Got it, boss lady."
Iwatodai dormitory - lounge - Evening
I made it back to the dorm. I had to book it since it was getting dark. Opening the door, everyone looked prepared to go into a fight. Junpei has a long cloth blanketing over his weapon. Yuka-chan is putting a bow into a cover as well, and so is Makoto.
"Sorry, I'm late!" I annunciate as I'm taking in deep breaths.
Everyone in the room brings their attention to me.
"Where were you," Sanada-senpai asks.
"I was still at the school, I had to do something."
"It's a good thing you made it on time. Now, get ready, we're going to Tartarus," Kirijo-senpai commanded me.
"Right!"
I rush upstairs, straight to my room. My Evoker is lying on my desk. The clean metal reflects the light from my room. Can't say if this is what it feels like to hold a gun, but I bet it's close. I pull out the metal case with the black sword inside. Seeing it, touching it, even feeling its weight, all of it seems so unreal, yet it's here. In a little bit, I'll be fighting monsters with this thing…
"Okay, I can do this, this isn't a big deal. I got this!"
Gekkoukan high entrance - late-night
We arrived at our destination. Sucks we couldn't take the train here since we practically look like a bunch of troublemakers carrying weapons. With the streets being nearly empty, it made it possible to get her without getting stopped by police. However, the place we came to was…unexpected.
"This is it? This is the place? Why are we here?" Junpei's question mirrors my confusion.
"Just wait a few minutes… It's almost midnight."
Above the school, a bit of the pale moon hovers over the school, as usual.
"What's going to happen to the school?" I pile onto the questions.
"You'll see..."
Maybe I should see what time it is. I take out my phone. It's 11:59 P.M. In a couple of seconds, the Dark Hour will start.
As much as I'm anxious to fight Shadows, I can't help but feel excited. A few seconds later, the Dark Hour came. All my focus is directed at the school. The building rises from its foundation, and different pillars and structures appear out of nowhere to form a giant tower that seems to reflect the dirty green the moon and the rest of the world are giving off. The tower is much bigger than any skyscraper I have ever laid eyes on, reaching heights mankind wishes it could reach.
"So this is...Tartarus."
I can't help but marvel at how frightening this tower is. The mere idea that Shadows roam inside there is enough to strike my nerves.
"Indeed it is," Kirijo-senpai answers, calm at the sight of this thing. My legs are shaking like crazy, I have goosebumps all over my arms. One clumsy step is all it takes for me to fall to my knee.
"Hey, you all right," Jun tries to grab my shoulder but I stop him.
"No, it's fine, my legs were just shaking from the excitement. I'm fine, really."
I have no clue what's going on. Am I that scared? Do I have any idea what I'm getting into?
Kirijo moves toward the school gate. "All right, we wasted enough time, let's get going."
Everybody makes their way to Tartarus, and here I am, still on the ground. Maybe my nerves are weaker than I thought.
"Are you all right, Kazuki-kun?" Yuka-chan asks, obviously concerned over me.
"Huh?"
"I asked if you were all right. Are you?"
"Yeah, 100%!"
I put on a smile so I don't appear distressed.
"You're not a very good liar… I know this is a bit scary, scratch that, terrifying, but you won't be alone in this. Yuki-kun, me, even Junpei will be there, so don't worry. Besides, I saw what you did to that shadow the other night. As far as I'm certain, we'll all be fine, so come on."
Yuka-chan's kind, encouraging words help me build up my courage again. The shaking in my leg lessens, allowing me to get back up once more.
"Thank you, Yuka-chan."
"You're welcome."
"Also, thank you for healing my wound the other night."
"No problem. It's the least I can do for the guy who saved us."
"I-it was nothing, really." I scratch my head, feeling the blood flow to my cheeks. "I'll do my best from now on, so you can count on me."
"I have a good feeling that I can. Both you and Yuki-kun seem pretty reliable."
"What about Jun?"
"Who knows, I just hope he doesn't start acting like this is a game."
"It isn't…but, I can see how he would think that."
"Trust me, you don't want to."
"I won't, you can count on me."
"Okay, I'll be leaving my back to you, Kazuki-kun."
With a firm resolve, I follow Yuka-chan to the entrance of the harrowing tower. Some of the girls in school said Yuka-chan was stuck up, or even strangely aloof, but I don't see that from her. Maybe it's because they don't know her, or at least get the chance to see other sides of her. I wouldn't go as far as to say I know her all that well, but even if it's a bit, I'm glad I can see a side to her no one else does.