(Second Opening Theme: Blue Exorcist OP1-Core Pride Performed by UVERWorld)
Joker nor the others weren't sure what was happening when Kiku, now named Raven, ran up ahead. All they could hear was the sound of loud noises and the sound of blasts coming from further in. Each of them couldn't help but feel a little anxious at this.
"Hey, hey, that sounds bad!" Skull said.
"What the hell is going on over there?!" Gunslinger said.
"... Raven…" Panther said worryingly as she was struggling to hold her pose, "... Do you guys think she's in trouble?"
"Damn it!" Wolf said, "If I wasn't stuck like this I could've gone with her!"
"I know what you mean---" Dayzer said, "---We should be there backing her up!"
"She'll get the switch---" Mona said, "---I know she will."
"Yeah, she promised after all---" Crescent said, "---Though hopefully it's soon---I don't know how much longer I can hold this position."
Joker looked to the path that Raven took; he clenched his hand as the sounds seemed to continue.
"Kiku…"
Just then---The laser grid soon shut off, causing most of the group to collapse; mostly out of relief as they breathed easy.
"She did it!" Mona cheered as he hopped off the display case.
"Oh thank God, I can actually move now!" Panther said.
"... I think I'm just gonna lay here for a bit…" Crescent said as he was laying on his back..
"Same…" Wolf said as he had been laying on his stomach.
Dayzer sighed as he opened the mouth portion of his mask, "Man---I almost saw the light.."
"Guys!"
They looked over as they noticed Raven running towards them. "Raven!" Joker said relieved. Though he and the others were soon taken aback when they noticed----The makeshift sling and bandage. "R-RA-RAVEN?!" Mona shouted startling her.
"W-What?" Raven asked.
"You got hurt again?!" Mona said.
"Good Lord Ki---I mean Raven!" Crescent said, "Are you okay?!"
"Your hair!" Panther shouted, "Why is it short now?!"
"What happened?!" Joker asked.
Kiku looked a little nervous, "Well---I kind of encountered a large shadow that got the drop on me. It was a lot stronger than I thought and I did struggle a bit. That and when they grabbed my hair, I had to cut most of it off to get free."
"AND YOU GOT A BROKEN ARM OUT OF IT?!" Gunslinger exclaimed as she shrunk a little.
"I'm lucky I got away with this!" Raven said, "I honestly thought I was gonna die!"
"Lucky's Right on that part!" Dayzer said. "Geez, this place is no joke compared to Kamoshida's"
"We REALLY gotta work on your combat there Raven." Mona said.
"How did you even get away?" Panther asked.
Raven flinched as she thought back to the Stranger and what they did for her. "I---Don't know if you'll believe me if I told you." She said honestly.
The group looked a bit confused before Joker stepped forward to her.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Joker asked as he placed his hand on her shoulder, "We can go back if you want."
Raven only shook her head, "I can go a little farther in. It doesn't bother me that much."
Joker had been a bit taken back as his expression had been written with worry. Though he had decided to not let it bother him for now, as he told her, "If it becomes too much, just let us know and we'll get out of the Palace."
"Okay." Raven said.
"Still it would be a good idea to see a doctor after we're done here." Mona said, "Sorry Raven for putting you through all that."
"It's not your fault Mo-chan." Raven said as she scratched his ears, "For you guys, it's worth it."
"Aww, Kiku-chan…" Wolf said as he couldn't help but hug her as his tail wagged.
"Wolf!" Raven said as she giggled, "Codenames, remember?"
"Sorry---But I can't help myself right now!" Shiro said as he wagged his tail.
The group couldn't help but smile at the interaction.
"Well as long as you're okay, Raven." Dayzer said. "Then it's fine by us."
"We should get moving." Mona said, "It shouldn't be much further to the treasure now. But just in case Raven, you should leave most of the fighting to us."
"I understand." Raven said.
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Thus the group started to move forward, continuing further into the museum, sticking to the darkness when they noticed shadows had been lurking nearby. Though often they had to stand out and fight when their had been too much of the shadows.
As they were approaching the Central Garden they found themselves surrounded by the Shadows. However the thieves had been quick to act.
"BILLY THE KID!"
"ADZE!"
"JACK FROST!!"
"OKAMI!"
Joker, Dayzer, Gunslinger, and Wolf's persona's quickly took out the Shadows that been surrounding them
Adze soon flew over with tiny spores as it soon turned into charged plasma wisps that sparked into a few, causing them to blow up in their faces with Dayzer standing behind the explosion.
"For you all--there's no dawn for you--ever." Dayzer said
Billy the Kid was surrounded by a couple of Shadows ready to lunge at him, though to their shock, they were riddled with many holes on their bodies before they fell down. Dayzer and Gunslinger couldn't help but high five each other as they themselves were stunned.
"You two are amazing!" Wolf said, "No one would've guessed you work so well together with the way you fight each other."
"Think nothing of it." Dayzer said as he waved his hand.
"Despite our disagreements I gotta admit, he knows how to watch my back." Gunslinger said as he couldn't help but turn a little red.
"Awww---you do care." Dayzer said.
"N-No i don't! You nerd! Shut up!" Gunslinger said as he looked embarrassed.
Raven soon noticed something just up ahead within the Central Garden. "Hey---" She soon said, "---What's that?"
The group looked ahead, noticing a strange red glow. Upon closer inspection, they were taken aback at the sight of a laser grid. Not to mention they had caught sight of a fairly large door that looked strangely familiar to both Raven---And Mona.
"What the hell is this?!" Skull exclaimed.
"An infrared laser grid?!" Crescent said shocked, "They can just be here at a Palace?!"
"Well this is overkill." Dayzer said.
"I'll say---" Panther said, "---There's no way we can get past all of them!"
"This level of security only proves there's something worth protecting up ahead." Mona said.
"Do you think it could be the treasure?" Gunslinger asked.
"It looks that way." Joker said.
Wolf soon noticed something, "Hey---There's a sign here."
The group looked over before Wolf read what was on it aloud, "All personnel: This door can only be opened via the security room that lies beyond it… Please be cautious as it is impossible to open from the outside."
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Gunslinger said pissed.
"God Damn.." Dayzer said
"So what?! It's never gonna open?!" Skull said, "How are we supposed to get past that?!"
"... Maybe there's another way inside?" Crescent suggested.
Joker looked around the area, as he looked dejected, "I don't see anything we can use to get in."
Raven soon noticed the door ahead, as it had blue and golden accents along with peacock feathers. "Wait a minute---" Raven said, "---I know that door."
"Me too!" Mona said in realization, "In fact---I know it's certain! It's the same door you and I saw earlier!"
At this the group looked confused while Raven looked stunned. "But---How can it be the same door?" Raven asked shocked, "That can't be possible, right?"
"It must be the Shadow's doing. It's trying to trick us!" Dayzer said.
"Oh no, it's not a shadow's trick." Mona said, "I'll explain more when we're out of here."
"RIght now?" Joker asked, "Why?"
Mona chuckled before he responded, "Oh---You'll know soon enough." With that, Mona soon took off. "Seriously? After coming all this way?" Gunslinger said.
"We should listen to him---" Joker said, "---Sides---We gotta get Raven to a doctor."
The group looked to one another before they turned to Raven who had an awkward look. Mentally---They all came to an understanding as they quickly left the palace.
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It wasn't long before they found themselves at a familiar doctors office, at least familiar to the boys. The doctor, Dr. Lenard Powell had been currently looking over Kiku while the others awaited her outside. It wasn't long before she came out---With her arm now in a cast and her leg properly bandaged.
"I swear, kids these days are accident prone." Lenard said.
"Sorry for the trouble." Kiku said awkwardly.
"So---What was the damage?" Dide asked.
"It's nothing too serious." Lenard replied, "That gash was only a flesh wound and will heal in a week or so, and as for the arm, it'll take a couple of weeks for it to heal. So I suggest she doesn't do anything rash for the time being."
"Noted." The Boys said in unison.
"Thanks again for looking at her on such short notice." Ann said.
"It's no trouble." Lenard said, "Though maybe you should keep this one from hurting herself. She's a bit clumsy."
"H-Hey!" Kiku said a little offended as she puffed her cheeks.
"We understand." Ren said before he bowed his head, "We're sorry for the trouble again."
Lenard soon patted Ren's shoulder as he said, "Don't worry about it. Just make sure she is more careful. And that goes for the rest of you kids."
"We will---" Dide said as he went to get his wallet, "---Now how much do we owe you?"
"Oh no need for that." Lenard said, "It's on me."
Dide was shocked as he asked. "Really just for us?"
Lenard smiled as he said, "Murdock-san said a good word the first time we met. And you seem like good kids. Though just in case I'm out of contact---" He soon handed Ren a card, "---You can see a friend of mine. She's in your neighborhood and she's good at what she does."
"Tae Takemi?" Ren read on the card.
"She's a miracle worker in medicine." Lenard said, "If you ever feel sick, just go to her for help."
"Noted." Dide said.
"Doctor Lenard? The next patient is ready to see you." A nurse soon said.
"I'll be right there!" Lenard said before he went to take his leave, "I'd better get back to it. Don't let me catch you kids here again."
The teens couldn't help but have awkward looks before they went to take their leave.
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They soon found themselves at a cafe nearby as they had been grabbing a quick bite to eat. All of them brought relief since they traveled through the palace. "It's been a pretty rough day." Kiku said.
"Tell me about it---" Ryuji said, "---You keep getting lucky Kiku."
"Yeah though we can't keep relying on it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again---" Morgana said, "---We gotta get a training regiment."
"Agreed." Shiro said, "I don't like seeing Kiku-chan getting hurt like that. Or anyone hurt for that matter."
"Sorry for scaring you all like that." Kiku said awkwardly.
"Well, on the plus side, you look really cute with your hair short like that." Ann said with a smile.
Kiku looked taken back as she turned a little red, "Y-You think so?"
Dide added, "Yeah! It's a fresh look for you! Right Ren?"
Ren couldn't help but turn a little red as he looked at Kiku. "Y-Yeah---" He said as he avoided her gaze, "---Fresh."
"You okay man?" Ryuji asked.
Ren didn't reply as he hid his blushing face as it confused most of them; Kai and Dide on the other hand seemed to know why he had been acting that way. "Anyway---" Kai said, "---We got a big problem here don't you think? How are we supposed to get through that door if the security is on the other side of that thing?"
"Maybe there's a switch in there we didn't see." Haruto said.
"They wouldn't be that careless." Ren said, "We gotta figure out a way to pass through undetected."
They soon heard Morgana snicker, "Looks like this is where I come in~"
"You sure you're not gonna trip it again?" Dide asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I said I was sorry!" Morgana told him a sneer, "And for the record, I was talking about getting through the door!"
Everyone looked confused at this, even Dide.
"Wait, wait, wait---You mean there's actually a way to get through?" Kiku asked.
"How can you even do that?" Kai asked.
"Don't you remember?" Morgana said, "This shack is the basis for Madarame's Palace. Kiku-chan---Do you remember that door with that padlock we found?"
"Huh?" Kiku said confused before she recalled, "Y-Yeah, but why?"
"Where are you going with this?" Ren asked.
"Think about it---" Morgana said, "---If the door is locked with that, that means there's something in there he doesn't want people to see. It's in the same regards inside the Palace. We're going to open the door in the palace---By having the real door open right in front of Madarame."
The group couldn't help but look shocked---And even Dide did a spit take.
"HUH?!" The group shouted confused.
"We can just do that?!" Ann asked.
"Yup!" Morgana replied, "In simpler terms, we're going to change his cognition that the door is unopenable."
"So---By opening the real door---It would affect the door in the palace?" Ren asked.
"Exactly." Morgana said, "You're catching on!"
"Huh, I underestimated you." Dide said.
"Ya Damn right you did." Morgana said with a smug smile.
"Has that even worked?" Kai asked.
"It does---" Morgana said as the group looked excited, "---I think…"
"AGAIN WITH THAT CRAP?!" Kai shouted, making Morgana jump.
"HEY, IT'S WORTH A TRY AT LEAST!" Morgana shouted.
"STUPID CAT! YOU GAVE US FALSE HOPE!" Dide exclaimed before he got the mask "OOGA BOOGA BOOGA!"
Morgana couldn't help but hiss before he swiped at Dide; though he ended up shrieking when he felt his paw scratch his cheek. "OW!" Dide shrieked, "WHAT THE--?!"
"Would you stop doing that?!" Morgana exclaimed.
"Also you did deserve that one." Ren said.
"OH COME ON!" Dide shouted.
"Wait, hang on---" Ryuji said, "---Even if we could get the door open wouldn't we have to worry about the lock?"
"I can pick the lock." Haruto said.
"Bad idea---" Morgana said, "---Especially since the first time around when you showed up with the guys didn't go so well. And if you get caught you might go to jail." He soon smiled, "Sides---I can handle it. Just give me a hairpin!"
"But you don't have opposable thumbs." Kai said, "Can you really open the door?"
"Don't underestimate what a professional thief like me can do!" Morgana said.
"Yeah it's a bad idea." Dide said, "We need a new plan."
"What if---I help with the lock?" Kiku asked as the group looked shocked, "I can still use my other hand, and with Mo-chan's guidance I can easily pick the lock."
"I don't know Kiku-san---" Ren said, "---Maybe you should take it easy because of your arm."
Kiku shook her head as she gave Ren a reassuring smile, "It's alright. Sides---Even if I just have one arm, I can still be useful. Then after we get the door open I'll take it easy."
The group looked at each other before Ren soon spoke up, "You promise?"
Kiku nodded, "I promise."
At this Ren smiled, "Okay, then I'll trust you."
"Then Kiku and I are on lock picking duty!" Morgana said, "One hiccup though--It's gonna take some time. Especially since she's gonna be working with one hand. We're gonna need a distraction for awhile."
"That---And Kitagawa-san might catch wind of what we're doing and kick us out before we can get the door open." Haruto said.
The group couldn't help but groan at this. "How are we supposed to keep him busy?" Shiro asked.
Ann soon had a thought before she turned red and groaned even more. "Ann-chan, what is it?" Kiku asked.
"I… Might know something that might keep him occupied…" Ann said as her head had been on the table.
"You do?" Ren asked.
"Well how?!" Ryuji asked.
Ann soon looked at the group with her cheeks red as it confused them. "Ann-chan?" Kiku said worried, "What's wrong?"
Ann took a breath, "Okay---Do you know how Kitagawa-kun wanted me to model for his painting?"
"Yeeeessss…." Ren said awkwardly.
Ann soon twiddled her thumbs, "Well… Actually… There was more to it than that."
"What could be more then modeling?" Kai asked.
"Wellll-----" Ann said as her face turned as red as a cherry, "----He kind of said, it was nude painting he wanted to do."
At this…. The group looked completely stunned. Each of their jaws dropped as they were processing the information. Though it wasn't long before---
"EEEEEEEHHHHHHH?!" The group shrieked
"Nu-Nu-Nude?!" Kiku said, "As in---You have to be na---!?"
"Don't say it out loud Kiku-chan!" Ann said as she covered her mouth, "It's embarrassing enough as it is!"
"W-Well---" Haruto said as he fixed his glasses while his face was red, "--That's---Oh wow---"
"F-F-For real?" Ryuji said.
"GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER YOU TWO!" Ann shouted, noticing their expressions.
Kai had a vein on his head as steam could be seen; they noticed his body was shaking with anger
"Uh oh." Dide said.
"That Perverted son of a --" Kai said with a scowl. His eyes soon had a vein as he shouted with his eyes literally on fire, "---I'M GONNA KILL HIM!!!"
"KAI!" Dide and Ren shouted as they quickly held him back.
"Woah Dude!" Ryuji said.
"Mo-chan, Talk some sense into--" Haruto said before he saw Morgana having the same aura
"M-Mo-chan?!" Haruto said, startled.
"How Dare he--!" Morgana said as he got his claws. "Till I get my hands on him I'll--!"
"No! Bad Kitty!" Dide shouted
"LET ME GO, I GOTTA KILL A BITCH!!" Kai shouted as he thrashed.
"Kai! Shh!" Ren said as he covered his mouth.
Dide added as he slapped his head constantly, "Yeah Dude! Chill out!" He got catnip as he added "And you--Relax!"
"Don't think that's gonna--" before Morgana could argue he latched on the catnip as he was in bliss. "Mrrroooow~" Morgana said as his eyes went bug-eyed.
"Wow, it worked." Shiro said, "Cat nip sure is scary."
"What about Kai?" Ryuji said as he could see him thrash harder, "How are we gonna calm him do---"
WHAM---Went Ren's knee in Kai's stomach making him gag, and startling most. The next thing they knew, Kai had been holding his stomach as he had been gagging. "...Damn it Ren… That was too hard…" Kai groaned.
"Sorry, there weren't really many options." Ren said.
"... I think you cracked a rib…" Kai said as his body shook in pain.
"Did---Ren just knee him in the stomach?" Ann asked, shocked.
Dide soon explained, "Oh yeah. Either him or I have to keep this hot head in check by kneeing him the gut. That way it won't cause any problems. Don't worry, he'll be fine."
"Uhh you sure?" Ryuji asked.
"Positive." Dide said. "It was either that or Krav Maga."
"There, there, Kai-san---" Shiro said as he patted his back with his paw, "---There, there---"
"Okay---" Ryuji said, "---If he really wants that from you, then---Sorry Ann but you gotta do the nude."
"WHAT?! NO WAY!" Ann shouted.
"I-In the name of justice, right?" Ren said awkwardly.
"Bu-Bu-But there's no way I can do that!" Ann said, "There's gotta be another way!"
"We don't have many options, no offense." Dide said, "I mean, it's not like one of us could switch with you."
"Yeah, they're a couple of things he'll DEFINITELY notice." Haruto added awkwardly.
"No way…" Ann said as she slumped over.
Suddenly an idea seemed to click into Kiku's head as her expression brightened, "Guys! I think I figured out a way to buy us enough time to open the door and for Ann-chan to keep her dignity!"
The group looked at Kiku a bit shocked, wondering what in the world she could have planned.
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-Later that Night; Cafe Leblanc-
Ren, Kai, Dide, Haruto and Kiku soon returned to Leblanc after the day was done with Shiro and Morgana. They had been going over the plan as Kiku had explained to them earlier that same day. They had a diagram written up on a chalkboard they had available in the attic as they were each wearing their nightwear; with Haruto wearing a regular white t-shirt and lounge pants, and Kiku with a long sleeve lounge shirt with a bear on it with long baggy blue pants.
"This is probably the most cleverist thing you've ever thought of in a long while." Haruto said.
"You think so?" Kiku said.
"And you're sure this is gonna work?" Kai asked, as he wore a simple white t-shirt with a skull design and shorts.
"Not really---But it's like I said, it was the only thing I could think of on short notice." Kiku said, "Sides Ann-chan's dignity's on the line! Of course I have to help out my fellow gal!"
"It's a bit risky---" Dide said as he wore a Yellow-Purple zigzag muscle top with gray pants, "---But I guess it's the only plan we got."
"Don't worry guys---" Morgana said, "---If anything goes wrong I'll keep them safe."
"Just don't go crazy and bite his head off." Dide told him
"Hey! Who do you take me for?" Morgana asked, "I'm not a savage beast like Kai!"
"What did you say?!" Kai said as he glared.
"For the record Mo---" Shiro said, "---If anything happens to Kiku-chan or Ann, I won't forgive you."
Morgana soon said to Shiro with a smirk, "Not to worry my canine friend! As a gentleman I shall protect the ladies with my life if I must!"
"See what you do." Shiro said.
"Just like we planned, we'll meet with Ann and Ryuji after school and head to the Shack---" Ren said, "---Then we'll go to the palace while you and Morgana do what you need to do as Ann is keeping him busy."
"Remember Kiku--" Morgana said, "---We have to time right at the moment Madarame comes home. As long as you follow my instructions we should get the lock open in that time frame."
"... Right." Kiku said with a nod.
"Talk about pressure--" Kai said, "--It's about as stress inducing when our expulsion was on the line."
"Don't remind me." Dide said. "Especally since I almost got deported."
"I guess this is one of those---One shot scenarios." Haruto said, "But I guess it can't be helped."
"We better get some sleep." Ren said, "We're gonna have a lot of work to do."
"On that I can agree." Morgana said.
The others soon got ready for bed, though Kiku soon had a troubled look on her face. She couldn't help but think back to the Stranger again when she looked at her casted arm. She couldn't help but ponder as what they did played back like a tap.
Who were they?
What were they doing there?
How did they enter a palace?
All of the questions kept bubbling up in her head, and none were answered.
She didn't realize how deep in her thoughts she was in until---
"Kiku-san?"
She flinched as she looked to Ren who had been the one to get her attention. "Are you okay?" He asked, "Is your arm bothering you?"
"N-No!" She replied quickly, "It's not, it's just--"
She couldn't help but look at her casted arm again… She just---Couldn't see the point in hiding it as she noticed the worried look in Ren's eyes.
"... It's about… What happened in the Palace today… When I went to the security room." Kiku soon said, as it got the attention of everyone else as they had finished setting up their beddings.
"What is it?" Ren asked.
Kiku took a deep breath to calm herself, "... I---Didn't get out of that situation on my own… Someone else was in that Palace today."
The boys looked stunned at this.
"What?" Ren said, shocked.
"They---Came out of nowhere and defeated the Shadow I was fighting." Kiku explained, "And--This is gonna sound crazy---But I think they were following me. I noticed them before when we first entered Madarame's Palace… I thought I was imagining things until they showed up today."
"SAY WHAT?!" Dide exclaimed.
"Did you see what they looked like?" Kai asked.
Kiku shook her head, "They had a black mask that covered their entire face like Dide-san, but the design was different. They looked like a boy and I think they were about Dide-san's age."
"He's a teenager like us?!" Haruto said shocked, "But---That's impossible!"
"Not really---" Morgana said, "---Just about anyone can have a Persona, as long as they have that rebellious spirit. It could be possible that they found out about the other world on their own like you guys did."
"That can just happen?!" Shiro asked.
"Good Lord--" Dide said, "---Someone else has that power?"
"But---If he was in the Palace when we first entered---Why was he following you?" Ren asked.
"... No idea." Kiku replied, "I tried to find him after I got to the security room---But by the time I did, he was already gone."
"Gone? As in, he exited the Palace?" Kai asked.
"Then---" Haruto said, "---He's like Mo-chan? He can just enter one with the app?"
"Okay---" Morgana soon said, "---Now I'm even more curious about this guy."
"Hang on, isn't this bad?" Shiro asked as the group looked at him, "If this guy has been following Kiku since the other day---Doesn't this mean he wants something from her? You know, like a stalker?"
Kiku couldn't help but look a little nervous at this. However---
"From the sound of it---" Ren said, "---It doesn't seem like he wants to hurt her."
"Why say that?" Kai asked.
"Think about it---" Ren said, "--If he was going to, he would've done it when she was in trouble."
"Ren's right." Dide said, "For all we know this guy whoever he is, he could have struck Kiku when he did but he didn't. Obviously he has his own reasons for saving her life. Whatever they are, he doesn't have any reason to hurt her."
"Still---He was following her!" Shiro argued, "Her! If he's like Mo and can enter that other world at will, then he can come back again!"
"... You---Think I could talk to him? If he shows up again?" Kiku asked the group.
"Well---" Ren said, "--For the time being, we can keep an eye out for him."
"Though it might not be the best idea to talk to him by yourself." Kai said, "Even if he did save your life, we still don't know who this guy is, or if he has some ulterior agenda."
"Yeah so the next time you see that mystery guy, we'll be there by your side." Dide added
Kiku couldn't help but ponder on this, before she nodded, "Okay."
"Let's tell the others about that guy." Kai said, "They need to know about this."
"Agreed." Morgana said, "And Kiku?"
Kiku looked at Morgana before he told her, "Be careful around that guy. Granted he saved your life---But that doesn't excuse the fact that he's still an unknown person. You'll have to tread carefully since this guy took an interest in you."
Kiku's expression softened at this; she couldn't help but think back to the Stranger. Though with Morgana's words in her head, she knew he had made a good point. Though she wanted to say, even though she couldn't see his expression she saw him looking surprised… Almost as if he seemed to know her.
For now, she thought it best not to say anything.
"... I understand." Kiku soon said, "I'll be careful."
The group looked satisfied… Except for Ren, as he noticed the slight change in her expression. His expression couldn't help but be written with worry.
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-The Next Day Shujin Academy-
As the next day came, the Stranger still seemed to plague her mind, even as she walked with the group as they were on their way to school. Ren had been walking beside her as he could see the worried look on her face. He could see her looking to her arm now in a sling as she had been pondering.
"Kiku-san?" Ren said as she flinched, "Is everything okay?"
Kiku stayed silent at this; though he could tell she looked troubled. He seemed to know what was on her mind. "Are you---Still thinking about that guy?" Ren soon asked, "The one you told us about?"
Kiku only nodded in reply before she spoke up, "It's so strange… To know that there's someone else with the ability to use a Persona. That and…"
Ren tilted his head, "... And, what?"
"Don't tell them this, okay? Especially Haruto." Kiku said, "I don't want him to worry."
"What?" He asked.
"That guy…" She said as she recalled the Stranger's actions to her, "... I don't know why… But… He looked at me… Like he knew me."
Ren looked taken aback by this before---
"LOOK OUT!"
A random student soon came in on his bicycle and nearly knocked over Kiku; were it not for Ren who quickly pulled her out of harm's way. Unfortunately though---Her elbow ended up hitting a girl who was just nearby. She looked to have brunette hair that looked to be curled and flashy. Though over her uniform she had been wearing a cashmere sweater---
---That was now stained with the slushie drink she had been carrying.
"Are you okay?" Ren asked to check on Kiku.
"Y-Yeah---" Kiku said as she blushed when she noticed how close she was with Ren, "--T-Thank you."
"You---" The girl soon said as she glared, getting Ren and Kiku's attention, "---Just ruined---MY LIMITED EDITION SWEATER, YOU BITCH!"
"I--I'm so sorry, I---" Kiku started to say as the girl advanced on her, though Ren quickly stood in between her and the girl, shocking Kiku again.
The girl glared, noticing Kiku's appearance and Ren's look too. "You're that little freak that's in class 1D! And you're that damn convict in the second year! Step aside, this doesn't concern you!"
"Actually it does." Ren said. "She said she was sorry. The least you can do is accept her apology."
"Ren-kun---" Kiku said worryingly.
"Hmph! Why should I accept an apology from some lower classmen?!" the girl said. "If Anything, YOU TWO should be apologizing to me for getting in my way."
"Ren!" They soon heard Kai call out as he, Haruto and Dide approached them.
"What's going on?" Haruto asked.
Dide soon noticed the girl, as he immediately recognized her, "Huh? Theresa?"
"You know her Dide?" Ren asked.
The girl-Theresa soon looked at Dide as her eyes soon sparkled as she said "DIDEY!!!!!!"
"Again--not my name." Dide said. "And PLEASE don't use that name, it's VERY close to certain cel--and you're trying to cuddle me again." Dide pushed back trying to get Theresa off him.
"What's happening here?" Haruto asked.
"I'll tell you what happened!" Theresa said, changing her mood as students began to gather around, "That little FREAK ran into me on purpose and made a mess of my beautiful sweater!"
"That's not---" Kiku said as she tried to explain herself, "---That isn't what---"
"Silence you freak!" Theresa said as Kiku shrunk at this.
"Hey! What the hell?!" Kai said as he stood with Ren, "You're scaring her!"
"I'm scaring HER?!" Theresa said, "She did that on purpose ya know?!"
"Like hell she did, so get your head out of your ass and back off!" Kai said, "And for the record it's your own damn fault for holding such a fatty drink!"
"WHAT?!" Thersea exclaimed as she said "Dide! You're a former celeb! Do something about it?"
"No." Dide said as he immediately pushed her off.
"HEY!"
"For your info, these are my friends." Dide said. "Second, I'm not using my former status just to walk over others. Third--STOP SAYING WE'RE A COUPLE!" he got his phone as he said. "Litterally, I had to explain to everyone I'm NOT a two-timering womanizer. I'm damn lucky everyone picked on that."
"... So that explains the angry mob that almost formed the other day." Haruto said awkwardly, "I assumed you had haters like that back in the day?"
"If you don';t count the death threats then yeah." Dide said.
Theresa was taken back but soon glared to Kiku, "You little wrench---This is all your fault you---"
"HEY!"
Theresa flinched as she looked to see a familiar pink haired girl with the same Shujin uniform as Kiku who walked over with her arms sleeves rolled up
"Ayase?!" Theresa said, shocked.
"Futoba-chan!?" Kiku said shocked.
"Quit picking on my friend, you spoiled bitch!" Ayase said as she readied her fist, "Get lost!"
"Still picking fights where it doesn't involve you Ayase?" Theresa said, "I cannot believe you decided to make friends with this freak of nature."
"Takes one to know one jerkface!" Ayase stated.
Theresa growled as she stated to Ayase, "Once a freak lover always a freak lover! Then again I guess that comes with your grandma being a magician!"
The students gathered around couldn't help but say, "Oooooooh!"
Ayase gasped as she said, "Oh-hohoho, You're just ASKING for an ass whupping!"
Thresa mocked her as she added "Oh? You gonna try to beat me up again? After what? Getting in trouble for punching those girls or even starters fooling around with the other guys?"
"BULLSHIT YOU MADE UP THAT DAMN LIE!" Ayase shouted.
"Kick her ass Ayase!" One of the students cheered.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!" The others started to chant.
"What in the fuck?" Kai couldn't help but say softly.
Dide looked around the crowd as he said, "What are we witnessing right now? The only time I've seen stuff like this is in American Schools!"
"I don't even want to know." Haruto said.
"Wait Futoba-chan---Don't---" Kiku started to say worryingly.
"Don't worry I got this---" Ayase said as she cracked her fists and tossed her bag to the side, "---Let's go! you and me bitch! Square up!"
Theresa laughed as she took off her sweater as she shouted "CHASITY!!"
Soon enough a young girl with an ash blonde bob cut with glasses comes running over as she said, "Y-yes, Th-theresa-san?"
Theresa tosses her sweater at her as she shouted "HOLD MY SWEATER! I'D RATHER NOT GET AYASE'S CURSED BLOOD ON IT!"
"Y-Y-Yes Theresa-san!" Chasity said as she folded it as best as she could.
Ayase gritted her teeth as she said "Oh your ass is---GRASS!"
"Oh boy…" Dide said.
Within the crowd as the students chanted, Shiratori soon noticed the commotion along with Ryuji and Ann who had been nearby.
"What in the heck is going on?!" Ryuji said.
"Is that a fight?!" Ann said.
"A fight?" Shiratori said before her face paled up, "Oh no!"
Shiratori soon ran over to the crowd with Ryuji and Ann following behind. She managed to push her way through the crowd before she shouted---
"AYASE FUTOBA!!" Shiratori shouted, "IF YOU START THROWING FISTS AGAIN, SO HELP ME---!"
"Butt off, Shiratori! She started it!" Ayase shouted
"... This happened before?" Ren asked confused which earned an awkward shrug from Kiku.
"..Okay then--" Shiratori said. "...Then I guess I'll burn your Ken Takakura merch"
"YOU DO THAT AND YOUR ASS IS NEXT!!" Ayase yelled.
"OH DON'T YOU EVEN!!" Shiratori yelled.
"Come on!" Theresea said as she rolled up her sleeves. "I'M READY YOU TACKY BITCH!"
"OH YEAH?!" Ayase shouted before she threw a fist across her face, making her cry out. Though Theresea growled before she pounced on her and they started to tumble, and even went as far as pulling on each other's hair. Some of the students soon started to record what was going on.
"AYASE!!" Shiratori shouted with worry.
"Kick her ass! Kick her ass!" Some of the students cheered.
"RIP HER TO PIECES, FUTOBA!" A First Year cheered.
"Hold on, this is bad!" Ryuji said, "We gotta stop it before something worse happens!"
"How!? They look like they're gonna kill each other!" Ann said.
"How am i gonna stop this fight?" Dide asked
Just then a new voice soon cut through the crowd just as Ayase and Theresea had been about ready to pull each other's hair out.
"What is going on here?!"
Immediately the crowd of students quieted down before they looked over, noticing it had been the student council president---Makoto Nijima.
"S-student Body president!" Theresa said .
"Oh crap…" Ayase said. The two girls let go of each other as they raised both of their hands.
Makoto looks around the area as she looks at Theresa before looking at Ayase, noticing how bruised up they were and the few cuts they had.
"Futoba-san--are you picking on an Upperclassman again?" Makoto asked.
"SHE STARTED IT THOUGH!" Ayase shouted, "SHE WAS MESSING WITH UCHIYAMA!"
"... Is that true?" Makoto asked, looking at Theresa.
"W-what?! No! This lil wrench bumped into me on purpose!" Theresa exclaimed, "And ruined my priceless sweater!"
Makoto looked at Kiku as she was still hiding behind Ren. "Uchiyama-san?" Makoto asked.
"I-I--" Kiku started to say though she couldn't find her words, "It---"
"It's just a misunderstanding." Ren soon said as he took Kiku's hand to calm her down, "She didn't mean to bump into her, it was an accident."
Makoto pondered on this as she understood the situation, noticing how scared Kiku had been. She soon turned to the group of students. "Why are you all just standing here?" She said as the students flinched, "Get to class now or you'll be late!"
The students immediately broke apart as most of them practically ran inside the building. Ayase and Theresa were about ready to do the same before---
"Not you two." Makoto said firmly as they froze, "You two are gonna have to come with me to the faculty office."
"WHAT?!" The girls shrieked.
"COME ON!" Ayase shouted. "LIKE I SAID SHE STARTED IT!"
"I'm sorry Futoba-san but you know as well I that it's a part of school policy." Makoto said, "Not to mention fighting on school grounds is strictly prohibited."
Ayase soon pouted at this. "Told you not to start the fight." Shiratori told her.
"Now come on." Makoto told them before she looked at Ren and the group, "And as for the rest of you, get to class before the bell."
"Oh now she decides to be helpful." Ann couldn't help but mutter, which didn't go unnoticed by Dide.
Theresa soon growled before she swiped her sweater from Chasity startling her. She soon turned to Kiku before telling her, "You better watch yourself freak! This ain't over by a long shot!"
Kiku only looked more fearful before she and Ayase went with Makoto; though Ayase gave Kiku a wave, before winking her eye, as if to reassure her that she was gonna be okay. Morgana finally poked out of Ren's bag.
"That---Was certainly eventful." Morgana said.
"Ya think?" Kai said.
"Are you okay?" Ren asked Kiku.
"... Yeah… I guess." Kiku said as she still looked a bit shook up.
"What was that girl's problem?" Kai said.
Dide groaned, "A LOT of things. Trust me. That's one of em and the rest? Well you can make a tv series out of it--litterally"
"Is---She in your class?" Haruto asked.
"... No---But she's a third year like I am." Dide said, "Her name is Theresa Wakamatsu. And she's a REAL piece of work."
"And you know that because…?" Ann asked.
"Because she's one of my stalkers in the school." Dide said with disdain, "The second she found out I was a celebrity she tried to put herself all over me---Not to mention she almost talked me into going to a Love Hotel with her."
At this the group's faces turned red at the words "Love Hotel"; even Morgana.
"Well---That's surprising…" Morgana commented.
"Y--You mean she wanted to---" Ren started to say before Dide immediately shut his mouth.
"I think I said enough about my peace.." Dide said to him
The bell soon rang as they flinched. "CRAP! WE'RE GONNA BE LATE!" Ryuji shouted.
"MOVE YOUR ASS!" Kai yelled.
Thus the group quickly ran into the school at a fast pace. Though---Not all of the students that were out there watching the fight unfold. Some had been indoors… Worrying about their own problems.
One in particular, had been Seiko for another first year… Mirai Kazuyuki. And she didn't look happy with what he just told her.
"You're moving into that Shack!? With Madarame?!" Seiko said shocked, "You're not serious!"
"I am." Mirai said, "I'm gonna go talk to him about it today."
"Mirai, you can't!" Seiko said to him, as he quietly gathered his things, "Don't you know the rumors about that guy?! They're saying he hurts students if they get out of line! And not only that, there's talk about plagiarism! You could be one of them! And if he steals your work---"
"... Kitagawa-san said they're… Just rumors." Mirai said as his hand shook a little, "That's all."
"Like hell they are! Your hand is shaking right now!"
"Sei-chan---You know I don't have anywhere else to go to. My parents want nothing to do with me anymore ever since I told them and I'm running out of money. I'm out of options and I can't stay at the Manga Cafe any longer than needed."
"Mirai please---You're my friend, the last thing I want is for you to get hurt. Sides you know you can't take Kitagawa's word on it. He might not even know what he's saying! He could be a victim for all you know! Trust me, I've seen it before."
Mirai's expression changed at this though she could tell he had been pondering on it. "Listen, why don't I come with you today so I can see for myself." Seiko soon said, "I don't like you being alone there."
"Sei-chan---" Mirai said, "---You don't have to do that---"
"Yes I do---" Seiko said, as she placed her hand on his shoulder, "--Even as we were kids, We always had each other's back. And we still do. So I'm going with you today, and that's final!"
Mirai looked shocked at this but he eventually sighed, "... Okay, I know there's no stopping you when you set your mind on something…"
"Your damn straight!" Seiko said as she patted his shoulder, before the bell rang again, "I'll see you after school, and don't think about sneaking off! You'll know I'll know!"
With that Seiko left to go to her class, while Mirai looked stunned.
"... Even after all this time she's still ambitious…"
(Second Ending Theme: YAIBA Samurai Legend ED-pineapple tart Performed By OTOHA)