Chapter 42: Plans to break the chains

*Flash Back*

Kids playing with one another as the teacher rests. Paint dripping, toys thrown around, the loud laughs of the children. While all of them play together one is seen reading a picture book.

?: "How do I say this word?" Said the girl with short purple hair.

? 2: "Hey what are you doing?" A girl with pink hair appears behind the girl reading.

?: "O-oh t-trying to read this. I-it's hard, but I'm learning." She says shyly.

? 2: "Have you thought about dropping it and playing instead?"

?: "I-I'm afraid that …"

? 2: "… Oh I see how it is? You're shy, are you?" The girl with purple hair nods to her question. "Bet you don't have friends huh?"

?: "N-no, they all make fun of me for reading."

? 2: "I didn't catch your name. Mind telling me?"

Young Yuri: "I-it's Y-Yuri."

Young Natsuki: "Names Natsuki … Could you tell more about this book your reading?"

Young Yuri: "I-if you like?"

Young Natsuki: "Alright then read it to me then." She says pulling a chair next to her.

Young Yuri: "O-ok."

*Flash Back Ends*

Alone in this lifeless home. Struggling to deal with the isolation. For the rest of this week, she dealt with the loneliness at home. Unable to interact with others, unable to touch others, unable to see others. Left alone in this cold environment eating away at her.

Natsuki spent all of her time filled with negative thoughts about herself. All her life she kept her distance from others. Only letting a few near but arm's length ever since joining the Literature Club. She missed the interaction with them despite them sometimes getting on her nerves but enjoying their shenanigans. Never once letting them know she liked them. Never once showing gratitude. Only letting anger or misunderstandings doing the talking. Now regretful of her actions, stood alone.

During her isolation, the others would try to come up with a plan to help her. They hoped to get the boys to tell the truth of what really happened, but as they think of a way to do so, Michael wonders to himself what really happened. What did those bullies say or do? What caused Natsuki to beat them up and how did they get away Scott free?

He already knows that he can't believe in the rumors spreading around the school. He knows this since he would know more about rumors more than anyone else would. After all they were one of the reasons, he felt despair of his own. The more he interacts with the others the more he started to wonder more about Natsuki's life and what really happened.

When Thursday's classes finally reached its end. Michael quickly made his way to the club. With how fast he was moving the clicks and clangs was more than enough to bother anyone. Anyone but himself ignoring the risks he's taking moving so fast.

Michael: (Even when my foot is making progress, I'm still too weak to do anything on my own. Doctor said to take it easy and not to do any exercises just yet. How much longer until I can at least do my therapy? This is dragging too long.) He keeps moving quickly.

Jason: "Woah what's the rush?"

Michael: "Hmm, Jason?" He looks up to see him again.

Jason: "You should relax more. You aren't fully healed to run even with crutches."

Michael: "Yeah you're right, but I can't rest right now."

Jason: "Why is that?"

Michael: "It's a long story."

Jason: "Is it now? Well, you can tell me about it some other time. Try to take it easy from now on, okay?"

Michael: "Right, will do."

Jason: "I'll see you around." He walks past him.

Michael: "Can I ask you something?"

Jason: "What is it?"

Michael: "Do you know anything that happened to a girl name Natsuki?"

Jason: "Natsuki? Hmm, Natsuki?" He thinks to himself. "Oh, the girl who was in a fight with some boys?"

Michael: "Yeah, her."

Jason: "I don't know much of what happened. I wasn't there when the incident took place."

Michael: "I see."

Jason: "Yeah sorry about that."

Michael: "No it's fine. Thanks though."

Jason: "Is this something you want to talk about?"

Michael: "Yeah, but like I said it's a long story."

Jason: "Well if you want to talk about it just let me know. Oh, before I head out here's my number. Just call when you need to. Later man." He walks down the halls.

Michael: "Hey Jason." Jason looks behind himself. "Thanks." Jason smiles and waves to him before leaving and Michael continues his way to the club. By the time he reached there he saw the girls talking.

Monika: "Oh you finally arrived. What took you so long?"

Michael: "Sorry I was struggling to get up through the stairs, you know?"

Monika: "You should really let us help you out?"

Michael: "I appreciate it, but I still need to show everyone that I still have some dignity. So, what I miss?"

Monika: "We're just discussing of what we can do to help out Natsuki by gathering up some info of that day."

Michael: "How's that going?"

Monika: "We found out who one of the students was."

Michael: "Who then?"

Monika: "His name is Sebastian and apparently he's the leader of those boys who bullied Natsuki."

Michael: "Sebastian? Why does that name sound familiar?"

Monika: "It's because he's one of the best swimmers of our school. He's known as Shark."

Michael: "Wait thee, Shark?"

Monika: "Yes him."

Sayori: "Wait who is he again?"

Michael: "He's the number one athlete of the Swimming Team. They say he's fast and with how fierce he looks. They started referring to him as Shark. I heard he's broken a lot of records from previous students who attending this school. All except one being the legend himself."

Sayori: "Who is?"

Monika: "Kai Poseidon Aayan or better yet known as the King of the Ocean."

Sayori: "He's that good?" Monika nods to her.

Michael: "Great so now we're dealing with someone who's the face of our school."

Monika: "Unfortunately, which is why most people aren't talking about it."

Yuri: "Someone who's popular can easily get away with things unlike a no name. It's most likely the principle believed him because he's the face of our school."

Sayori: "Yeah, that does make sense."

Michael: "Tsk! Bastards that can get away with that make me sick."

Monika: "I know how you feel. I'm disgusted too, but there's nothing we can do unless we can get him to talk and I doubt he'll confess now."

Michael: "You're right, but we have to try and show proof that Natsuki is innocent or at least convince the principle to drop her suspension."

Monika: "Agreed, so let's discuss about our situation."

For the remainder of the day everyone took their seats and all made plans on how to get Sebastian to confess he was the one who started the fight. With not much luck Monika decided to end today's meeting, but before everyone could leave.

Monika: "Before we all leave, I have one last announcement to make. Since Christmas is just around the corner, we have school off next week until the week after New Year's Eve, so in others words there won't be any more club meetings until then."

Yuri: "Not good."

Sayori: "Definitely not good."

Michael: "In other words tomorrow is our last day in the club until the break is over?"

Monika: "Yes unfortunately."

Michael: "Damn"

Monika: "Don't worry everyone I'm sure we can think of something before then."

Michael: "I hope." (Natsuki is only suspended and will return soon, but those guys lying and the principle buying it. It really pisses me off. I can't let them win. Not this time.) His grips his crutches tighter. Everyone looking gloomy as they all leave school grounds. Later on, at his house. *Sigh*

Sayori: "Tired from all that thinking?"

Michael: "Yeah and it doesn't help with my foot."

Sayori: "Maybe you should rest now? You've done all you can, so let us handle the rest from here."

Michael: "Wish I could, but I can't just sit here doing nothing."

Sayori: "Yeah I figure as much."

Michael: "What's that supposed to mean?"

Sayori: "Nothing, nothing." She smiles to herself. (I'm happy that he's back to the way he was when we were kids. Always thinking about others before himself.)

Michael: (Maybe I should go talk to Jason? He's a smart guy after all, maybe he knows what to do. No, I shouldn't bother him with these problems. He's got his own things to worry about. I'm going to have to do this on my own, but what can I do? What can I say?)

Sayori: (He's thinking so hard. I should get dinner ready. Can't think on an empty stomach.)

Michael: "You know I just realized something about you?"

Sayori: "What is?"

Michael: "I don't know if it's just me or not, but does your hair seem longer?"

Sayori: "Oh you actually notice?" She starts playing with her hair.

Michael: "Just barley now."

Sayori: "Well you're right. I thought it would be good idea to try out a new hairstyle?"

Michael: "That so?" (Wonder if she got that idea from me?) He pushes aside his hair from his left.

Sayori: "Well I'll get dinner ready and no I will not burn the food this time."

Michael: "Heh, you know me so well."

Sayori: "What are sibling for?"

Michael: (Siblings? Oh, that's right I never really had a sister like this before. One who's supportive and protective. All I ever known is her. I need to stop thinking about her. I got more important things to do. There's no time to waste.)

The following day after the last bell rang as winter break begins. All members of the Literature Club gather for the last time. During his walk Michael heard some voices around the corner. Despite the noise he's making, the voices around the corner continued to talk. When he was about to make a turn, he saw three boys.

Bully: "Well look who we have here? It's Michael Conner."

Bully 2: "And look he's still injured on his foot."

Bully: "Yeah and I heard he can't fight with those injuries, making him an easy target." The two bullies crack their knuckles getting ready for a fight."

Michael: "Seriously?" He grips his crutches getting in position to fight back, until.

?: "Stop" The two bullies turn to look at their third friend. "Don't you guys have any dignity? Fighting someone who can't fight back."

Bully 2: "Oh come on Sebastian. You should know who he is? He had it coming."

Michael: (Sebastian?) As he thinks to himself a boy with tan skin, well built, dark brown curly hair, and ocean blue eyes appear before him and the two bullies.

Sebastian: "I don't care what rumors say he is. Leave him be."

Michael: (So that's him. He's the one who told the principle those lies about Natsuki, but something seems off about him? He doesn't seem like a complete jerk?)

Sebastian: "Come on you two let's get going. We have practice to attend to."

Bully: "Fine, consider yourself lucky Conner."

He walks with his other friend up ahead with Sebastian following them. When he passed by Michael his ocean blue eyes met with his gold eye and whispers to Michael one word.

Sebastian: "Sorry" He continues walking by as Michael looks at him confusingly.

Michael: (Was that really him? The man known as Shark? Sebastian, something about him seemed different from what I heard. I need to know more about what happened that day. I need more info before I become a hypocrite myself.) He continues his way to the club.

Sayori: "Aw man these past few days have been depressing and hard." She says as she lays on her chair.

Monika: "It's only been three days, but I know what you mean." She says as she stretches. "If only we know what exactly happened?"

Yuri: "Agree and those rumors aren't helpful especially when others won't say a word."

Michael: "Yeah, but we can't give up now."

Sayori: "You're right! Come on you guys let's get back to work."

Michael & Monika: "Right!" They both stand up from their chairs in unison.

Yuri: (They're so determine. It's nice to see them care for Natsuki despite her attitude. If only I could be as determine as them. Then maybe I would have solved this problem, but … I don't if I can really say it? I made a promise, but is it worth keeping?)

Sayori: "So what do you think we need to do?"

Michael: "Well it would be easy if we were to hear Natsuki's side of the story, but since she hasn't responded we can't ask her. Not only that, but I think there is also a huge chance her dad took away her phone?"

Monika: "That could be true and we don't know where she lives? She isn't a very open person."

Michael: "True, but personally I believe she can open up."

Monika: "Huh? What do you mean?"

Michael: "Look back to how everything played out. Even when it's for a split second, she always can express herself, but she always tried to hide it. I wonder why she does that?"

Sayori: "Now that you mention it. I wonder about that too?"

Michael: (The way she acts can't be because she was just born to be. Maybe she's like this because of her dad, but then again, I don't know much about her family? The only info I got is her mom died years ago, so that would just leave her dad and maybe if there are other relatives living there too?)

He places his left hand on his mouth. (No matter what I will help you. It's the least I could do after what you've done for me. Natsuki … that strength you have is something I'm jealous of. You may not like to be open about your life, but that is what will set you free.)

Monika: "So all we need is to find out where Natsuki lives and ask her, her side of the story."

Michael: "Not only that we need to catch those three boys in the act and get them to confess that they started the fight."

Sayori: "Ga! Why is this so difficult!?" All three of them continue their conversation as Yuri looks on.

Yuri: (What should I do? How can I be any useful? Come on Yuri say it already.) She continues to think to herself struggling to form words. (I can't. Why can't I? Maybe I really am useless? I can't break that promise, despite it being for the best.) Michael notices her expression and gets up to her.

Michael: "Is something the matter?"

Yuri: "N-no, it's just … I'm sorry I'm not helpful in this situation."

Michael: "It's alright. Don't push it. Just tell me when you're ready."

Yuri: "... I suppose you're right." (Maybe I can, but …)

Later, after their conversation has ended.

Monika: "Well unfortunately we can't stay here much longer. As it hurts to say this, but I have to end today's club meeting."

Sayori: "Say it isn't true?"

Monika: "Unfortunately we must." Sayori starts to look gloomy. "Don't worry we can still talk over the phone or whenever we are available to get together. Until then we have to say goodbye for now."

Sayori: "Ok" She says sadly.

Monika: "I'll see you all till then."

With her last words being said everyone left for home. While everyone comes to terms that they won't be seeing each other at the club any more until winter break is over, they all still agreed not to give up until they help end Natsuki's unfair suspension. During this entire day at home Natsuki would stay in her room thinking about her life choices. Left home with sadness in her eyes and a cold breeze indoors.

Natsuki: (I know I can be mean and rude to everyone, but still. I just want to … Oh who am I kidding? At this point I'm just making excuses. I made Yuri cry for Pete's sake. I'm sorry Yuri and I'm sorry to the rest of you. Damn it why can't I ever say that to their faces instead of coming up with some dumb excuse? Mostly to Yuri. All I ever do to her is be mean to her even when we were kids. Why hasn't she said anything to me? Why hasn't she ever pushed me away? I can't understand her.

You think she would've stopped seeing me or avoid me, but instead she always looks out for me. Why? Why are they so nice to me when I never shown them that level of kindness? Is this a joke? It's got to be. After all they needed members for the club. Maybe they only invited me just cause they needed someone. After they find someone new, they're going to kick me out. Well looks like they can now since I'm suspended. This is what I get for not listening to my dad. This is what I deserve after being so mean to them.) She hears a knock on her door. "What is it this time?" The door opens.

Natsuki's Dad: "Just thought I should let you know before I go to work that your allowed to watch TV again. That's all." He leaves Natsuki alone in her room.

Natsuki: (Yeah right, like TV could help me with my depression.) She buries her face on her pillow.

Throughout these past three days she would continually think about her life. The negative thoughts clouding her mind. The more she remained in her room the more she felt sick. She slowly moved her body so she could stare at the ceiling above. The more she moved her body the more she felt lifeless as the numbness takes effect on her body.

As she continues to stare up at the ceiling a memory starts to form in her mind with those sweet words that was offered to her a while ago.

"You're welcome to come over whenever you want to."

Natsuki remembering those words got up. "That would be nice, if I could leave." She gets off her bed to go get a glass of water.

Day after day. Throughout the remainder of the week everyone in the Literature Club would gather to think of a plan. To most it may seem like a waste of time, but to them, it was all worth it when a friend is in trouble. During this time Natsuki would spend all of her time in bed or watching TV in the living room until her dad gets back from work. When she hears the door unlock, she would immediately turn off the TV and head straight to her room.

Her dad and her don't see eye to eye, but then again, they hardly ever do to begin with. The day they lost someone they cared for they grew apart. One may ask why? Why stay separated and barely ever eat? Is there more to what's going on or are there just some people out there that want to isolate themselves and stave themselves? Perhaps there is.

The weekend has finally arrived as Natsuki checks on the date. December 19 Saturday. With the date of the year in front of her. It was time to do something rather than staying at home waiting for death to show up. With nothing left to lose she went to her room and prepared for what she's going to need.

"This is all I'm going to need." She says as she puts on her pink winter coat and looks over to her dresser where she kept a key inside. The key to her mother's chest. "Still hurts." She says as she heads downstairs to the front door. Before leaving she takes a deep breath as she grabs the doorknob and heads out. When she first stepped out, the cold breeze rushed to her face. Nearly forgetting how the winter snow felt. With no thoughts and no hesitation, she left her home and headed off to her destination. When she arrived at her destination and was about ready to ring the bell, she hesitated. She stood still for what felt like an hour until she finally moved forward and rang the bell.

*Ding Dong*

?: "Coming!" Natsuki stood still as her heart beats increased. It felt like it could pop out at any moment. Her heart raced even faster as she heard the door unlock and slowly opens. "Yes?"

Natsuki: "Hey Michael it's been a while … hasn't it?"

End of Chapter 42