Too Many Losing Confidants

by aboyandhisstarship

Kazuhiko Nukumizo would not describe himself as anyone important, just your average light novel loving background character in the great story called life. and then on his way home one day he heard a Woman calling for help, and did something very foolish. now with an Assault conviction and two years probation under his belt, he will do his best to blend into the bac

My name is Kazuhiko Nukumizu and I am a background Character in the great story called life. I'm fine with that. I was never one for the spotlight, and have been more than happy to spend my life blending into the background and enjoying Light Novels.

Then why you may ask, am I currently on a train to Tokyo with my Sister sleeping on my shoulder and the proud owner of a Felony Assault Conviction, and two years of Probation?

Good question, the answer is rather simple, I'm an Idiot, a very unlucky Idiot, but one all the same. About a month ago I was on my way home from the book store where I picked up a new Light Novel " I may be the Hero, but that does not mean I can't teach a Cooking Class" when I heard it.

"HELP! HELP! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP!" a woman screamed for help just around the corner, when I rounded I saw a man trying to force himself on the screaming woman.

And instead of doing the smart thing, such as calling the cops (not that it would have helped as I later learned) or ignoring it and minding my own business I decided to play the Hero, a role I'm Ill suited to.

So I stepped in, and pulled him off of her, and he stumbled bumping his head off the ground, and with blood dripping from his head he declared "DAMN BRAT I'LL SUE!"

Within minutes I was in the back of a cop car as the Man sneered at me.

After being arrested, they contacted my next of kin, My sister Kaju, since our parents died and or took off, leaving us to take care of each other since I was 7 years old. And Kaju was 6, we are the only family we have in every way that matters.

Kaju was naturally worried about me, and told she would find me a great Lawyer! She did not find me a great Lawyer, according to her none of them would take my case, and so after about 2 weeks in Juvie, my "trial" happened, and I was convicted of Felony Assault, and sentenced to two years Probation, in about 10 minutes.

Expelled from my High School and effectively banished from the town I grew up in, after another week in Juvie, Kaju and I put on some school uniforms, and we're pretty much shoved onto the first train to Tokyo.

Exact details on what exactly my new life will look like are rather vague, with only a destination, being Yongen Jaya and a name Sojiro Sakura to help us figure out exactly what we need to do.

Kaju is keeping her head up even if she did have some words to share about her "Onii sama" being a convicted criminal. Still the big city might be good for her, more opportunities for my adorable sister to grow into someone she can be proud of.

Judging by the uniform we will both be going to the same school, so I'll do my utmost to not taint her future by association. My future is already down the toilet anyway, no college will look at me twice after being arrested and convicted.

But I will worry about that, in two years when my probation is done, in the meantime, it is time to do what I have always done best, blend into the background.

Kaju stirred "Are we there yet Onii sama?" rubbing her eyes and looking up at me.

I pat Kaju's head. "In about 5 minutes we will be in the city, then we will get on the subway."

She sat up stretching "you look up directions yet Onii sama?"

Gee I always thought Kaju had more faith in her Big Brother, I answered "yes of course!"

She looked at me carefully before nodding and saying "this won't be too bad Onii sama, an opportunity for you to make some friends."

The way she spoke she sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than me, very few people will want to be friends with the convicted criminal, but maybe if I'm lucky no will find out, letting out a snort at that thought I said quietly "yea Kaju…it's going to be great."

We got off the train and entered the main square, Kaju bumped my arm. "Don't forget to put on the fake glasses Kaju got you Onii sama, they will help you look more friendly and approachable, and less like a dangerous criminal."

Kaju is really pulling no punches today, but my Adorable Sister is right, when we focused tested the glasses IE we asked my Prison Guard in the room during visitation, he said it made me look less like a violent maniac.

I know I'm a convicted criminal and all of that, but my face has never been described as intense or dangerous before. I mean before this most people would have gone with generic. I'm not exactly the leading man in some Harem Light Novel material, or well generic henchmen in action light novels material now.

But if it makes me seem less threatening, and helps Kaju have a quiet life without my shadow looming over her, then that's fine by me.

Leaving the train station and entering Shibuya was…impossible to describe really. I have seen Shibuya, in Media, Video games, Anime, Manga etc, but to actually see it with my own eyes. The Hordes of people walking around, the noise of ads.

Having spent the last month in prison, and my life before that living in the sticks, it is terrifying, like I'm a very small fish at a shark convention.

Shaking myself off I glanced at my phone showing the directions to our connecting train to Yongen Jaya, my Phone flickers red for a moment, and my maps app closed, and I saw a weird looking Eye app, which I did not download.

While I am an Otaku, edgy eye apps are a bit much for me, then again maybe one of my more normal apps updated. I tapped it, and for a second the world seemed to freeze. I felt something looking at me, before I blinked and the world was back to normal.

Kaju asked "Onii sama?"

I shake my head deleting the weird app saying "sorry spaced out for a second, come on Kaju."

Kaju nods saying "follow Kaju Onii sama, the platform is this way."

Leaving the station we entered the back alleys that will be our new home for some time, honestly in spite of being tight it reminded me a bit of home, lots of old folks walking around discussing the weather. I wondered if that was intentional, some effort to minimize culture shock at least as much as possible. I glanced back at my Phone, Sojiro Sakura wants us to meet him at a "Cafe Leblanc."

Thankfully it was close by, rounding a corner I saw a rather worn sign saying "Coffee and Curry." as well as the store name.

Kaju observed "this is the place, Onii sama."

Pushing open the door where a bell quietly chimes and a man glances from behind his newspaper, he was middle aged, a fashionable goatee and pink shirt, and a look of disinterest plastered on his face.

He sighed "right, they did say that was today."

Kaju bowed lightly and I quickly followed her lead, as she asked "Sojiro Sakura?"

He grunted "yep." before looking at me "so you're the guy huh?"

I say carefully "yes Sir."

He nods "you'll be in my custody for the next two years, I was wondering what kind of punk they would send."

Kaju gasped slightly, and I coughed "thank you for taking care of us."

Sojiro snorts "Well I'm not doing it for free, a customer of mine knows your parents…doesn't matter, Follow me Kid, you stay down here Miss." huh so our Parents are still alive after all. I always suspected but it's nice to get confirmation.

Kaju nodded and Sojiro led me up the stairs into a rather dusty attic, he gestured outwardly "home sweet home, for the next two years, what do you think?"

I glance around the dusty and cluttered room "it's big?"

Sojiro sees right through me and casually adds "up to you to clean it up, you'll be here alone at night, dont do anything stupid or I will kick you out, questions?"

I ask "since I'm living here, what about Kaju?"

Sojiro's expression softened "your sister will be living in an Apartment not far from my house your parents got for her, unfortunately you're not allowed to join her for obvious reasons, I'll keep an eye on her same as you, but I hear you're the trouble maker."

I could not even deny that. Sojiro seemed no more interested in hearing my side of the story as every other adult I had met in the last month.

Sojiro says "put your stuff away, I'm going to show your sister to her new place, I will probably be back in about 20 minutes, so keep it quiet when the stores open, oh and tomorrow I will be taking you to your new school and get you set up, your Sister was directly admitted out of Middle school, but you have some paperwork to deal with. What a waste of my Sunday." he groaned before leaving back down the stairs, his voice carrying faintly "after me Miss, You won't be living in luxury but your folks set you up decently."

I exhaled looking around the dusty attic "home sweet home huh." before shaking my head and rolling up my sleeves, first changing out of the school uniform into some clothes I'm willing to get dirty. Before starting to clean, I do this fast and I can start on that new Light Novel Kaju got me when I got out of Juvie " The Literature club is full of babes , but I only have eyes for my Sister "

After about an hour of cleaning Sojiro came up the stairs "thought I told you to keep it down up here." he then glanced around at the now clean room "huh did not expect you to be cleaning, well good job, I'm getting ready to close up."

I say in a friendly tone "good night Mr Sakura."

Sojiro grunts "just call me Boss, everyone else does. See you in the morning."

And with that he leaves, the lights down stairs turn off, and the door locks with a click.

I lay down on my mattress standing on a series of milk crates and yawn, "Tomorrow is the first day of my new life huh?" I ask myself stupidly, I consider staying up to read more, but figure tomorrow is an important day, I can't afford to be tired.

Plugging in my phone I set an alarm and see that weird eye app again, "must be some kind of stealth marketing thing?" I shrug and delete it again, before closing my eyes to get some sleep.

The first thing I noticed when I came to, was not the gentle sounds of an Anime OP from last year I use as an alarm, but instead was the itching of my palms, The second thing I noticed was music, gentle melodic piano and what feels like a woman singing distantly, unable to make out any words.

Then I noticed something heavy around my wrists, my eyes fling open with a gasp, as I stare up at a dingy ceiling, the walls are padded in some light blue material, and I'm dressed in the black and white striped outfit of a prisoner from way back when.

As I shift the light sound of chains fills the air as my hands and legs are bound in cuffs, even back in Juvie I never rated this high security.

I heard the sound of a mocking laugh from a little girl. My first thought was that this is a nightmare, and that it was some kind of Kaju prison guard.

And then something smacked against metal behind me, turning around and I saw I was in some kind of cell with two little girls wearing uniforms, one holding a clipboard the other holding a Baton, they looked like a strange mix of cute and ridiculous.

With one eye patch covering their left and right eyes respectively, they were likely the last Light novel I read influencing my dreams.

What really stood out in the centre of the room was a "man." wearing a suit with a very long nose and beady eyes, he was sizing me up like I was an odd side attraction.

The slamming sound happened again as one of the little girls, the one with the Baton, demanded "on your feet inmate!"

I struggle over the bars as the man behind the desk looks me over, one last time, and with almost a snort says "Trickster…welcome to my Velvet room."

I glance around "it seems nice?" I say in a friendly tone, I may be dreaming but it never hurts to be polite I guess?

The Baton holding girl sneered at me, but the Man behind the desk raised his hand to stop her comment "you must think this is a dream, and in a manner of speaking it is, the you in the attic of Cafe Leblanc is fast asleep, but I assure you…you are truly here."

I frown, yelling louder than even I expected "what does that mean!?" I dont know why I'm yelling at the figments of this odd dream but here I am. Last time I eat spicy cup noodles before bed I'll tell you that.

The Man answers with a wave of his hand "this place exists between dream and reality. Mind and Matter, this place can only be entered by those bound by a contract, I am Igor, I am the Master of this place."

I exhale "assuming that I'm not in a weird lucid dream…why am I here?"

Igor smirks "I summoned you here to discuss matters of great import, life and death."

Igor glanced around "still the decor is, different then I expected, The Velvet room takes the shape of the state of one's own soul, but you dear Trickster are a prisoner in every sense of the term, both literally and Metaphorically."

I say again "Mr Igor…" trying to get the long nosed being back on topic.

Igor coughs "my Apologies, there is a storm coming Trickster." he says with a look of faint amusement "a great and terrible storm, and ruin is all that awaits you, unless you can complete your rehabilitation, only then can you avoid the end of all things." he answered vaguely

Igor looked at me, his eyes bloodshot and cold. "Do you have the resolve to challenge this broken world, or will you simply allow the end to pass you by."

I blink unsure how to answer, all my life I faded into the background and minded my own business, the one time I didn't it ruined my life.

But I'm only dreaming, maybe my mind is asking me if this was worth it, if after all of this I should have just given up and not helped her. And I already knew my answer to that "Of course, I won't let you down!"

Igor smiled "well then it at least promises to be quite the show, my apologies, I did not introduce the others, to your right is Caroline." he said gesturing at the girl holding the baton, glaring at me like I was something oozing out of the bottom of a trash can. Hand on her hip, Baton at the ready.

Igor gestured to the other girl "and to the left is Justine." the other girl was holding a clipboard and had an almost sad expression on her face as she nodded to me, Igor explained with an air of disinterest "they serve as the Wardens of this prison"

Caroline pointed at me dramatically declaring "HA that's right Inmate! We are your Wardens! So you better not let us down by failing!"

Justine adds clinically "We are Wardens, we exist to protect inmates, but we are also your collaborators." then her tone took on a harsh twitch "that is if you remain obedient." yea this is pretty much how I remember real prison, except there were far fewer angry little girls with batons.

Igor cut in "it is getting late or Early, as time flies, so their jobs will be explained another day, time to wake up Trickster…wake up and smell the ashes."

the next thing I knew I was opening my eyes in the attic, bolting up, looking around, everything seemed normal, Sojiro called "get dressed in that uniform kid, and come down, we got to go to Shujin!"

I exhale muttering "first day in a new city and a funky dream, easy there Kazu, you might be going off the deep end after all." getting up I got dressed and headed downstairs where Sojiro was waiting.

Compared to his old high school Shujin is pretty nice looking, complete with well manicured hedges around the gate, the building gave the impression of being new and modern, which was again in contrast to my old high school, which was barely this side of run down.

I adjusted my fake glasses as Sojiro said "well we are here, look I know this will probably be hard for you, but just keep your mouth shut and your head down, cause any trouble and it's straight to Juvie."

I nod the sinking feeling in my gut only growing "you got it Boss."

Sojiro looked at him "if not for you, then for your Sister kid, this is hard enough for her already."

I nod sadly and Sojiro gestured "Come on, the Principal said he would meet us."

I was led through the awkwardly laid out building, apparently the third years are on the first floor, with the first floor rooms even being labelled with a 3, this seems needlessly confusing, but I'm not really in a position to argue the finer points on building design.

Eventually Sojiro and I arrived in the Principal's office, my first impression was not great. He was fat and wearing a poorly fitted suit, making him almost leak out of his own clothes. He looked at me with an impressive mixture of disdain and curiosity.

Next to him was a short woman, who looked like she wanted to be anywhere else as well as having so many bags under her eyes she would have to pay extra to fly, she said tiredly "Sir do I have to…"

While looking at me with despair, the Principal said with some sympathy "I'm Sorry Amanastu, but your Class is the only one with any free space, dont worry He is entirely responsible for himself. Just do your best with him."

She looked about ten minutes away from dying over work and becoming the protagonist of that one Light Novel I read " I was a Teacher before dying of over work, and now I have to teach the Hero and Demon Lord Math!" It was surprisingly educational, as Light Novels go.

She sighed and said "Hello I'm Miss Amanastu, I'm your new home room teacher, tomorrow come see me as soon as you arrive."

I respond by throwing on my famous " Yes I'm Kaju's only living or at least present relative, so I am attending her Parent Teacher interview." smile, I say "It's a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to working with you." I polished off my introduction with a light bow, which she seemed taken aback by.

The Principle coughed "I'm glad you're responding so well to this, Young Man, just remember one piece of trouble and you're done, now we have some matters to discuss with you Mr Sakura, the Student Council Vice President is outside, she will give you the tour." He finished with a dismissive wave kicking me out of the room. As I left the office, I wondered, should I be hurt that I didn't even rate the Council President, I mean the President and Transfer student is a classic meet cute.

Then again I'm not the leading man in light novel material, still I'm sure she does not know about my record. So maybe I will at least be able to see what kind of person this Student Council VP is.

A quick glance to the left and the right showed no one around, so I move away from the door towards a nearby water fountain, the Water was good, I would need a larger sample size to determine which of the schools fountains is the best, and that's assuming my criteria from back home would even still be apt, since Shujin is likely connected to the city water main as well as being a far newer building(s), and as such distance from things like water tanks as well as pipe ages are non factors.

Still the water is cool, a bit warmer than I would prefer at this time of day, but still decently refreshing, I glance up from my water drinking at the sounds of footsteps, but it's just some jacked guy in sweatpants and a white T-shirt and yellow whistle, a Gym teacher then.

For a moment we make eye contact and my palms start itching, before he looks away with a snort and goes about his business.

Thankfully my palms stop itching, I really should invest in some hand cream or something, they must be rather dry, then I heard an "ahem" from behind me.

Turning around I was met by a girl wearing the Shujin school uniform, her hair was tied up in a bun and her arms were crossed as she asked "Nukumizu?" she asked with a long suffering sigh.

I nod at her, firing the smile Kaju always tells me will be great for making friends. The success rate has left much to be desired, but there is always a first time. "That's me! Are you the Vice President?"

The girl sighed "yes, I am, Basori. Student Council VP." She finished with an air of awkward authority, but you dont get to be a background character of my proficiency without seeing that her authority, felt wrong, borrowed, looks like the Vice President is due for a character arc about obtaining and controlling power and building her own authority in the future. Should be fun to watch.

Still we are only a week into the school year so it won't come up for a while yet, Basori sighs "I can't believe I have to show a Criminal around, what has this School come to?"

Well that's probably not good, so much for my hope that my record would not be known, best guess? One of the Teachers snitched.

Still hopefully it's only the Student Council who know, and they are discreet. I dont even know why I'm holding out hope, I'm not that lucky.

Basori said harshly "you just gonna stare? Or are we gonna get going?"

I adjust my fake glasses and gesture down a hallway "after you Madam."

Basori lightly blushed, declaring "treat me with some respect! You…delinquent!"

I swear I really need to stop listening to Kaju when she says I look cool when I say things like that, I dont even know why I expect my Sister to be impartial. "My Apologies, Vice President."

Basori looks at me oddly before leading me through the school, it is your pretty typical setup for a big city school like I've seen in Light Novels, it's Sunday so not a lot of other students are around, mostly members of various clubs, and even then I didn't see many of them around.

The only one I did see was an extremely tanned girl with something Yellow in her hair jogging past, waving to Basori seemingly not even out of breath saying "Hey Tiara." before keeping going not letting my tour guide get a word in as she sputters "call me by my last name!"

I say lamely add as I watch the girl leave "she seems nice."

Basori wheels back around jabbing me in the chest with her finger "dont get any funny ideas!"

I left my arms in surrender "dont worry about it Tiara."

Basori blushes again, poking me harder and shaking her hand wildly "Treat me with some respect!" Honestly, this was kind of adorable, it reminds me of the few times I had to pick Kaju up from school and she tried to look cool in front of her friends.

Basori glared before closing out the tour by leading me to the middle floor of the school, where Class 2-C was located, or the class I will be in for the next year. Basori declared "thus ends your tour, your caretaker is most likely waiting for you in the lobby."

Before turning on her heels and leaving the classroom. I adjust my fake glasses again and say more to myself than anyone else "man I will never get used to wearing these."

I glanced around the classroom, it seemed nice enough, the desks were new or at least new enough that they were not a patchwork of those that came before, as the more melodramatic of my former classmates would describe the desks back at my old school.

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I leave and head for the Lobby where Sojiro was waiting, he saw me and nodded "figure your way around?"

I laugh with a shrug "bigger than back home."

Sojiro snorted at that "I bet, just dont do anything stupid, keep your head down and fade into the background, and these two years will be over before you know it. Come on, let's head back, if I'm lucky I can still open the store today, and your Sister said she was going to make you dinner."

With that Sojiro and I left Shujin academy and returned to Yongen Jaya. There was some heavy traffic due to a train accident, but we got back to Leblanc in decent enough time.

I changed out of my school uniform, and moved to leave the cafe before Sojiro stopped me. "A couple of things, be back by dark, got it?"

It feels wrong having to leave Kaju like that, but I have no choice,at least she is just a stroll away "you got it Boss, just grabbing dinner, and then I'm coming back."

Sojiro nods in approval before handing over a black book "I'm required to report anything illegal you do, so I want you to log of your daily life in this, in Three Months we are meeting your probation officer for your first check in, so I expect this book to have your daily life recorded got it?"

Taking the creatively titled "Probation Journal" I slide it into my over the shoulder bag, saying "sounds good Boss."

Sojiro snorted before gesturing "have fun with your sister."

As I left Leblanc I took off my fake glasses and slid them into my jacket pocket, there was no need to look friendly and approachable for Kaju. shoving my hands into my pockets I headed down the back streets towards the Apartment building where Kaju was now living.

I climbed the stairs before knocking and Kaju called "Come in Onii sama."

I pushed open the door and entered the apartment. Compared to the house we lived in back home, her new place was objectively worse, a tiny one bedroom apartment, with a small living room just off the Kitchen and a bedroom and bathroom just out of view to the side.

Kaju was cooking wearing an apron and turned around smiling "welcome home Onii sama."

I ruffle her hair saying "Hey Kaju, even if that's not quite accurate."

Kaju pointed her ladle at me "None of that Onii sama, your home is with Kaju, isn't it!?" she finished with a touch of something in her voice.

I smile at her "yea Kaju, you and me against the world."

Kaju bobbed on her feet "good, now Onii sama, you visited the school how was it?" turning back toward the stove adding "and dinner is almost ready."

I ask "need my help with anything?"

Kaju waved her hand "The kitchen is too small, Onii sama, and after dinner you have to return to the Cafe, so just relax, and give Kaju the rundown on our new school."

I feel a bit bad about not being able to help with the dishes, but do as Kaju asks, giving Kaju the rundown of the day's events, such as the school's appearance and general vibe.

Kaju placed food in front of me saying "eat up Onii sama, and Shujin sounds nice." We started eating in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Kaju said "I will be leaving for Shujin a touch early tomorrow Onii sama, since I'm not a transfer student like you, I need to visit the guidance officer and get my high school stuff started."

The whole Kaju not being a transfer student since she is starting her first year, just a few days late has always struck me as weird, like some kind of weird loop hole to separate us, in fact that could even be the case, the less Kaju is associated with the Local Delinquent, the better.

I ask from over my food "are you going to be able to take the trains and get there yourself?"

Kaju looked at me like I had three heads. "It's not Kaju, you should be worried about Onii sama, you better not be late! This is your chance to make a good first impression!"

I chuckle "dont worry about me Kaju, I'll be there perfectly." Kaju looked at me unimpressed, before eating, still staring at me.

This continued for about 30 seconds before she said "I know this is hard for you Onii sama, but who knows, maybe the transfer student will be exactly the social boost you need, just keep those glasses on!" she declared.

I laugh "OK Kaju, I will be sure to wear them, and yea maybe…" I answer in reference to her first point, I had not mentioned that at least the Student Council knows about my record. And that it's not exactly a leap of logic to assume word of that has leaked out to the rest of the school by now.

Kaju has enough to worry about after all, after we finish eating Kaju said "Onii sama, you have to go, you will tell Kaju how your day goes tomorrow, and the number of friends you make." That last part was not a request but I demand, I can tell.

I stand up moving towards the door "sorry I can't help with the dishes."

Kaju just had a wistful look on her face saying quietly "good night Onii sama, see you Tomorrow...oh right!"

Kaju held up my Phone which I could have sworn I had in my pocket saying "Kaju has set up your new Line ID Onii sama and has taken the liberty of adding herself as your first contact."

Before I could Protest or even ask when she had time to do that, she opened the door and half kicked me out with a "Sleep well Onii sama." It feels wrong leaving Kaju alone like that, but my hands are tied. The words my Lawyer told me right before he entered the Guilty Plea entered my mind "should have minded your own business Son."

Shaking off the gloomy feeling I reenter the Cafe where Sojiro gruffs "welcome back, you got school in the morning and I'm not driving you, so you better not sleep in."

I wave with a yawn "sounds good, have a good night Boss."

Sojiro softens a touch saying "night Kid."

I walk up the stairs quickly changing before flopping onto the bed with a groan, for some reason tonight, the mattress feels extra lumpy, as I close my eyes to get some sleep.

I arrived at the station closest to Shujin with a grin, I knew Kaju was worrying for no reason.

Adjusting my fake glasses I leave the station with a grin on my face before I feel the drops, as nearby Shujin students yell about not having an umbrella, just like me.

Taking cover under a nearby awning, well it's official, today is going to suck. To my left was a figure in a Shujin uniform, also hiding from the rain. They were wearing a hood, but it was just blown off by the wind revealing a set of honest to god Pink hair.

And I could tell it was natural, light glinted off the falling rain drops, as she looked at me, yep no doubt in my mind, she was a Heroine, she asked "can I help you?"

Before I could answer, there was the sound of honking and our attention was drawn to a car being driven by the gym teacher from yesterday. As I saw him, my palms started to itch, as he called "Karen! It's raining cats and dogs out here! Want a ride?"

The Pink Haired girl nodded, rushing over "thank you that sounds great."

The car tore away with the teacher not even asking about me, my palms stopped itching and I wonder if he didn't notice me or did not want a criminal in his car.

Still I can't afford to be late, and pulled out my phone to follow my GPS to the school when I heard the sound of panting and huffing and then a hand on my shoulder as a girl said between gasps "Karen…no, what are you doing?"

She asked me throwing her hand off my shoulder like it was a hot stove, "standing here?" I responded dumbly.

The Girl was also wearing a Shujin uniform, her hair a shade of blue, traces of crumbs on her shirt leaned forward "just standing here huh, and you didn't stop her?"

"Should I have? It's raining? She's pretty lucky to get a ride for the last bit." I glanced at my phone for the exact distance, but was interrupted by the girl declaring.

"Yes you should have absolutely stopped her from getting into a car with Kamoshida!" she waved her arms wildly.

I rub my forehead saying "who?"

The girl sighed like I was an Idiot, hey it's not my fault I just moved here. "Suguro Kamoshida?" candidate found.

At my still dumbfounded expression she added "Volleyball coach at Shujin Academy?" Candidate found.

I shake my head "I'm new…so no I'm not familiar?"

The girl nodded sagely "a transfer student huh, should've guessed, look man Kamoshida is bad news, he is some Volleyball superstar or whatever." she rolls her eyes "school worships the ground he walks on even if he is a damn Pervert." Candidate found

My eyes went wide. There was a Pervy teacher in this school!? the same school Kaju goes to! I adjust my glasses "what has he done…maybe we can go to the cops?"

The Girl sighed "maybe, but there is no evidence outside of our words, and the cops won't take our words over that of a decorated Olympian, I swear that he thinks of Shujin as his own Castle."

Candidate Found, Beginning Navigation.

I felt light headed for a second, most likely from the pressure change from the more intense rain as the girl groaned "it's raining and I had to skip breakfast this morning, man I really do not want to be here today, come on new guy, this way."

She led me quickly through the rain towards Shujin, but when we arrived we were not greeted with the normal modern school building, but instead a vast Medieval Castle.

She asked "uhhh you're seeing this right?"

I nod "yea…some kind of Projection?" big city schools must have money to burn for things like that.

She tilted her head "Maybe? Well we can't stay out here."

We climb the stairs into the school's lobby, pushing open the door. I look around saying dumbly "yea this school has way too much money."

Instead of the normal lobby of the school with lockers and various other trappings of a typical school, the large Lobby is now made of marble, with a plush carpet and artwork all over the walls. I found the new decor…rather tasteless, but hey big city schools can do whatever they want with their budgets.

The girl looked around with a blunt but apt "the hell?"

Then figures in suits of armour appeared demanding "stop intruders!"

I glance behind me, to see if there was some nefarious figure trying to break into the school, but no it seems they are talking to us, the Girl snorts "real funny, but we need to get to class…" before she could say anything else she took the hilt of a sword to her chest and dropped.

I threw my bag into the face of one of the Knights and tried to grab her and make a break for it only for a hilt to make contact with my face leaving me in blackness.

When I came to, I was staring at a stone ceiling as someone shook me "You better not be dead."

I was out of it saying "dont worry Kaju…"

I blinked the dots out of my vision and saw the blue haired girl from before we said "Kaju? Who's Kaju."

I got out of bed with a groan, that really hurt "My Sister…"

The Girl nods "right…so where are we?"

I state flatly "I'm not from here, shouldn't you know?"

The Girl grunts "this is no prank, they hit way too hard for that."

More suits of armour appeared at our cell door, opening it before standing aside showing us a man wearing a cape of hearts, and a Speedo. I knew him from somewhere, but did not recall from where.

The girl says "KAMOSHIDA! What the hell is this!?" right the Pervy PE teacher and Volleyball coach, why is he dressed like, well a pervy king?

Kamoshida smirked "Yanami…when I was told someone dared to break into my castle…I didn't think it would be you." he actually licked his lips.

The Girl, Yanami said "Fuck you!"

Kamoshida screamed "you dare to defy the King! The price of trespassing is death! But for the crime of insulting the King as well." I'm really not liking the way he is looking at Yanami.

I step forward "hey let her go!" Kamoshida turned his head to look at me, his eyes fierce and cold, Yanami looked scared.

Kamoshida said "what did you say trash?"

I hold my ground "I said let her go!" moving forward to throw my best, most likely ineffective punch, before taking a hilt to the side of the head again, my fake glasses, which had been resting on my face still somehow, finally went sailing, as I was pinned against the wall, by a Knight, a sword pressed against my neck.

Kamoshida demanded "you want to die first that badly!?"

Yanami said "wait…don't…just let it go…"

I exhale, it was just like before, me and my big mouth, if I kept my mouth shut…. so was it a Mistake then?

Huh, I look up but clearly no one said anything as the voice carried on. Should you not have helped that Woman? Are you just going to let this go?"

"No it was not a mistake…AND I'M NOT LETTING THIS GO." I scream anger and fury filling me, this ass hole was a fucking teacher! And he is treating students like this! Girls like this! He will treat Kaju like this! He's fucking dead!

A pulse fills the air forcing the knights back. I felt an immense pressure on my face like I was wearing something and felt the urge, no, the need to take it off, so I grabbed it screaming in pain and anger, before tearing it off my face in an explosion of blood and pain.

then I felt calm serene even, the pain was gone and I dropped the object to the ground, a name came to mind, a name I felt like I have known all my life, but never said before, "Scarlet Pimpernel."

A being appeared before me, one of shadow formless save for its top hat and flower attached to his lapel of a red jacket, " well well, it has been far too long, you have called upon me in your moment of need shall we make a deal? I shall lend you my power in this time of crisis."

Normally I would read the terms and conditions, but things are a touch messy right now. So instead I answer "please grant me your power."

It clapped its hands "then Go, run wild, trample all those in your path." suddenly a Knife appeared in my hand as one of the knights recovered, and then from the armour came a couple of Pumpkin witches? Honestly now was not the time for introspection.

I charged forward yelling a battle cry, slashing at one of the pumpkin things, killing it, before dodging its fireballs yelling "SCARLET PIMPERNEL."

The last monster explodes in a black streak, Kamoshida looks scared, and Yanami takes this chance to kick him in the balls hard, and grab the cell keys, I grab my fake glasses and book it outside the cell as she closes it and locks it, as Kamoshida is on the ground groaning.

Yanami looks around "man can you believe this place?"

I say dumbly putting my glasses back on "no." before rubbing my head, and she says "huh you're dressed normally now?"

I decided to not take the time to unpack that, saying instead "we need to move and get out of here."

Yanami nodded "yea!" and we started running down the stone path we were on.

OK I'm pretty sure the school does not have a massive dungeon underneath it complete with a flowing river, and a impressive variety of torture devices. Well I can figure out if I'm going crazy later, right now Yanami and I need to focus on escaping.

Taking cover as more suits of armour run past, most likely to free Kamoshida we round a corner right into a dead end, with a drawbridge, with no way to bring it down.

The suits of armour were getting closer and I heard someone say "Hey you two!? Blue hair, and boring looking!"

Deciding not to be offended, I turned towards where the voice came from…and that's some kind of Cat Mascot, I take off my glasses, and rub my eyes again, but nope, it's some kind of Cat mascot.

Yanami asked "some kind of Cat?"

the Cat declared "I'm real! And I'm not a Cat! I'm a Human!"

OK assuming I'm not going crazy, we should just roll with it "you know how to get out of here?"

The Cat nods "yea! Just let me out!"

Yanami nods quickly "you better not be on their side." hitting a button to release the being.

Who stretched saying "freedom!"

Yanami declared "focus! The goons are coming this way!"

The being pulled on the jaw of Kamoshida and the drawbridge started lowering "dont you worry Blue Hair, we will be outta here in no time."

Yanami said sternly "Yanami! That's my name! Not blue hair!"

The Cat grinned "then you can call me Morgana!"

The bridge lowered all the way, before they looked at me, and I coughed right, I should give them my name since we are in life or death peril after all "Nukumizu."

Yanami nodded "nice to meet you, now let's get the hell out of here."

We sprinted across the bridge, and almost made it to a set of stairs before another knight showed up, "Yanami! Hit the deck!" I felt the blue pulse again, as Yanami dove to the floor "SCARLET PIMPERNEL"

The Black energy appeared, hitting the enemy, but not killing outright, oh crap, this is going to hurt, but before the enemy could attack Morgana laughed "Mwahahaha, not bad for a Rookie, let me show you what a real Pro can do, Zorro!"

Morgana summoned a blue creature behind him, and with a swipe of the creature's sword, it killed the enemy.

I glanced down and saw I was wearing a black and white striped shirt, black pants and boots, red gloves on my hands, before in another flash of blue, I was wearing Shujin uniform again, Morgana said more to himself than me "huh I guess it's not stable yet."

Yanami said "can I get up now?"

Right Yanami, I ask "you OK?"

Yanami answered flatly "no."

Right stupid question, Morgana was moving up the stairs saying "come on! exit is this way!"

We were led through the lobby and into a side room "out the vent! Go!"

Yanami asked "what about you?"

Morgana laughed "wow worried about me? dont worry I will be fine." it said with a wink

Yanami grunted "fine, you're going first Nukumizu!"

Right makes sense, I crawl through the vent, arriving outside of the castle, Yanami and I haul ass away from the castle.

You have returned to the real world, thank you for your service.

Yanami looked around the area "did we make it?"

Before I could answer, some cops came over asking "what are you kids doing out of School?"

Yanami sputtered "we just got out of a Castle!"

The Cop said "a Castle? Wait, those uniforms…you kids from Shujin?"

Before anyone can say anything else "we gotta go! Don't wanna be late even more right." I say with an awkward laugh, half pulling Yanami out of view, as she says "wait hey!?"

We went towards Shujin, I was ready for trouble, but instead I was met by the same sight as Yesterday, no Giant castle, but outside waiting was Kamoshida and some other teacher, oh crap.

He looked at me with a smirk before saying "Yanami, showing up late tsk tsk."

Yanami said "shut up!"

The other Teacher said "Yanami! Show some respect, come with me we need to have a talk about your behaviour."

Kamoshida narrowed his eyes at me "have we met before?"

I answered, meeting his eyes "yesterday, at the water fountain."

Kamoshida laughed "right, you're the criminal transfer student, showing up late on your first day…well I can overlook it just this once, just don't make it a habit."

Choking down the bile that rose in my throat I said "thank you Sir."

I walked past but Kamoshida laughed "oh and good luck having a quiet high school career."

Well that can't be good, the guys an ass, but the way he said that…I focus and go toward the Teachers Lounge.

As I go through the hallway I hear whispers all around me " is that him? The one with the record? I heard he beat someone so badly they are still in the hospital."

I adjusted my fake glasses, maybe they were talking about another transfer student, I thought half halfheartedly, arriving at the Teachers room, I opened the door and Amanastu turned to look at me with a tired expression "are you kidding me?"

Yea it was almost the fourth period, I missed half the day… "I got lost?" I tried, no way I was going to tell her I was in a Castle.

Amanastu grunted "it's true you're not from around here…but half the Day…look Classes are going to end after 4th period today because of the train accident, come on, when I introduce you, just keep it simple OK."

I was led to Class 2-C, as she pushed the door open, the room went quiet as she and I entered "alright everyone, this is the new Transfer Student, we had him attend from the afternoon on-wards…because he was not feeling well."

Throwing on my best smile I say pleasantly "My Name is Kazuhiku Nukumizu, I hope we can get along."

The room erupted into whispers " it's him! He looks so ordinary?! He was arrested for assault right? That's right I bet if you get him mad…"

Amanastu said "alright quiet down, Nukumizu, there is an open desk over there, right behind Himemiya."

She pointed at the Pink haired girl I saw this morning, I nodded and moved toward the open desk as Himemiya grunted "lies." most likely in reference to the teachers cover story as opposed to the rumours about me, I adjust my glasses again, and sit down and look out of the window, as 4th period starts.

After class ended Amanastu sighed "Nukumizu, I dont know how your record got leaked, but you will have to manage."

Well I have an idea but no point in sharing "It's alright…"

Amanastu sighed "by the way, you were caught this morning with Yanami…you did not make a move on her did you?"

I choked on some air as I said "excuse me?"

Amanastu shrugged, "I have to ask, we dont need you being a poor influence on her."

As if on cue, Yanami appeared saying "hello Amanastu." she was holding a massive bag of chips, before looking at me "we need to talk, meet me on the emergency fire stairs."

Before leaving, still eating, Amanastu looked at me and I shrugged "I have to go…"

Amanastu shook her head "just stay out of trouble."

Arriving at the emergency stairs, Yanami was leaning against the railing with her bag of chips hanging over the side saying "so you got a record huh?"

I lean next to her "so they tell me." looking out over the school yard where a tanned girl jogged past.

Yanami ate a chip with aggression saying with her mouth full "explains why you were so gutsy in that castle…you do remember that castle right?"

I snorted, adjusting my glasses "pretty sure I will never forget it."

Yanami nodded, "yea it was…yea, well if you remember it, then odds are it was real…I guess?" she sounded rather unconvinced.

I sigh "you know, it might not be a good idea to be seen talking to me." me and Yanami were not exactly friends, but the idea of her turning her back on me hurts slightly for some reason.

Yanami looked over at me and said "why?"

I looked over at her unsure how to answer "why what? Why is it a bad idea?"

Yanami shook her head "it's a bad idea, because you're a dangerous criminal, or so they say, but why did you do it?"

Someone was actually asking, well I'll take the brief warm feeling…I chuckle "does it matter? they arrested and convicted me, that's all anyone needs."

Yanami turned around, her back to the railing "It matters because I asked Nukumizu…"

I thought about it, dumping it on her, the life with just my Sister, doing my best to raise her, the cries for help, stepping in, getting arrested, my time in Juvie, I really thought about it, but I looked at her, and it was clear the way she looked at me. She has a whole life ahead of her, and does not need to hear my sob story.

I looked away fiddling with my glasses again. I say simply "I did something stupid, and I'm paying for it…nothing more nothing less, have a good night." moving to leave the stairs.

She stopped me asking simply "Nukumizu, why are you lying?"

I'm not, I dont regret it, and I would do it again, but it does not mean it was not stupid, I respond saying "come on, I'm sure you have a reputation to worry about it Yanami."

Yanami looked at me, putting her hands on her hips "maybe I dont care, you saved my life Nukumizu!" she held out her phone, and I looked at it confused.

Yanami groaned like I was an Idiot "give me your Line ID dumb ass."

Well that's just hurtful, also background characters should not be getting girls Line IDs this easily, still Yanami was looking like she was not going to let me go, until I give it up.

I handed over my phone and Yanami entered her information before asking "Cafe Attic Boy?"

Right I forgot about that, Kaju forced me to get a new Line ID after my old one was flooded by hate since I'm such a dangerous Criminal, I mean it's not like I had anyone trying to talk to me back home anyway, but If I had known this was the name Kaju was going to choose for me, I would have protested harder, not that I saw her actually do it.

I shake my head with a sigh "My Sister set it up, my old one, was rather unusable…"

Yanami bit her lip "oh no one back home looking to check up on you? No childhood friends to cry on the shoulders of?"

I crack a smile at that, wouldn't that be nice, I joke "yea so many that I could not keep up with them all, so new ID it was."

Yanami frowned seemingly unamused by my joke "childhood friends are sacred Nukumizu!"

That was a specific comment, well I'm sure it will work itself out, speaking of things working themselves out, explaining being late to Kaju and Boss will be, less than fun.

Yanami looked up at me with a bright dare I say cute smile, well it would be cute if there not crumbs all over her face from the bag of chips "Nukumizu, I dont care what anyone says, you're alright."

And with that she departed from the emergency stairs, huh a Girls number on the first day, maybe being the Transfer student is the start of my popular arc after all…I snort "yea right." and started down the stairs, I got to catch my train and come up with my excuses…they are going to be so mad at me.