The sound of a bell was the first thing that Kiku could hear. The moment she opened her eyes, she found herself standing before… A strange wooden house. The land itself looked as though all of the color of the world had been dark and gray.
It felt cold… Almost as though the entire world had been dead.
Kiku tried her best to get warm but no matter what she did, she just couldn't get warm. Without any other choice, she ran into the strange wooden house to avoid the sudden cold air from the winds. And yet, despite the fact she had been in the house, it still felt cold.
The winds grew louder and louder, as it terrified her. Kiku would only put herself in the corner as she placed herself in a fetal position, doing what she could. The air grew colder… And colder, and the world itself seemed to grow darker, and darker as all she could do was whimper.
It soon became pitch black as she could no longer see what was in front of her until----
---She felt a hand on her shoulder… The warmth in her body came back.
The moment she blinked, she could see a light at the end of the hall. She followed the source, as eventually she reached a room. She opened the door, as she looked to be in shock by what she saw.
She saw a beautiful young woman wearing a red dress, sitting on a beaten old stool in front of a canvas. She stepped in, being very quiet as she stepped in so as not to disturb the young woman as she worked. She looked to the painting as she had been stunned at the sight---in awe actually.
It… Even brought tears to her eyes at the sight of the painting. She couldn't put it into words… It was just… Beautiful.
Suddenly the windows opened with a loud--BAM!
Kiku ended up following over. By the time she recovered, she saw a monstrous head come through the window as a strange looking eye looked through making her jump back. A strange distorted laugh came through as it sent a chill down her spine. She saw the woman take the painting and attempted to flee. However the monster grabbed the canvas roughly, practically tossing the woman in red to the floor as she shrieked.
The monster dragged the painting through the window, as it soon disappeared into a cloud mist… That appeared to be made of… Paint?
She could hear the woman in red, crying as the world turned into a dark void. After Kiku recovered from the fall before she stepped to the woman in red.
The moment she was close…
… The woman in red suddenly grabbed her wrist making Kiku jump. She could see tears as she only said one thing to her.
"I BEG YOU… SAVE THEM…"
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RING! RING! RING---Went the alarm, as it startled Kiku awake. She had been the first to wake up as usual; as she sat up, she could see the other guys had still been fast asleep; even Morgana, Shiro, and Dide's chicken and rooster were still fast asleep.
She calmed herself as she could feel her heartbeat accelerate.
As Kiku looked to her hand she thought back to the dream, and the woman in red.
"That dream---Was different from the ones I had before. I'm always used to them showing me things straightforward, heck, sometimes even a few pieces that I have to put together… But…"
The woman in red came in her head again as she thought of her words.
"... For her to address me like that… I wonder what she could have meant when she said them…"
She soon thought of something else from the dream, and not to mention the monster.
"...That painting I saw… Could it be connected to whoever she was referring to… What could the monster want with it in the first place… And for that matter… Why did that painting look familiar?"
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Lunch began as it always did for Shujin Academy.
Since it was a nice day out, Kiku thought she would like a change of scenery by eating outdoors. She found a seat just in the courtyard as she had been sitting on a bench that was provided. She had been waiting for someone as she got her bento ready.
"Hey, Uchiyama-san!"
Kiku jumped before she looked over and noticed a familiar face. It was her new friend, Ayase Futoba.
"Futoba-chan!" Kiku said as she waved. "Over here, I got us a seat."
Ayase went over as she sat right next to her, as she held a sandwich. "Check it out!" She said triumphantly, "I managed to snag the sandwich special today! Pork Floss with some good scallion onions!"
"Is it really that good?" Kiku asked.
"Hell yeah! You can't find a sandwich anywhere else other than Shujin!" She said before she noticed her bento, "Whoa, that looks yummy! Did you make that yourself?"
"No, but my dad did." Kiku said, "He's a really good cook."
"Well, I'm jelly." Ayase said.
"Oi! Ayase!"
They turned to see a student stomping towards here with short pink hair with a dark magenta dye at the end of her hair. She wore the same Shujin Academy uniform as Ayase except her skirt was mildly short as she had shoes, socks and shoes."
"What happened with sticking together for lunch today?!" She soon noticed the sandwich as she said, "AND you got the last sandwich too?!"
"Oh great…" Ayase said with a look.
"Who's this?" Kiku asked.
"My Sister---Shiratori Futoba.." Ayase told her. "She's---the quirky one of the family."
"By quirky you mean beautiful, kind and secretly in a sailor's uniform hero to save the world?!" Shiratori asked. "Then yes!"
Kiku only looked confused by this sort of thing, "...wait what??"
"Ignore her, she's mostly brain rot inside." Ayase said.
"I AM NOT BRAIN ROT!"
"Wha-what?" She said looking even more puzzled.
The sister---Shiratori soon took notice of Kiku as she immediately recognized her, "I know you---You're that transfer Ayase-chan's been talking about."
Ayase turned red, "HE-HEY! DON'T GO SAYING STUFF LIKE THAT!!"
"Yeah! She was like "ISN'T SHE CUTE?!" or something like that!" Shoiratori said.
"Shiratori..": Ayase said. "Don't make me tell Kiku about your---"
Shiratori flinched as she said "I told you! That was one of the guys I had to study!"
"That's a lie.." Ayase said.
"... I think that's the first time someone talked about me in that way." Kiku thought to herself before it seemed to click. She soon spoke aloud, "I'm sorry---Study? What do you study?"
"This!" Shiratori said before she showed her----Romance Magazines?
"The Right Guy for You?" Kiku said, reading aloud the titles, "The Five Steps to Marriage? The Do's and Don'ts for Dating?"
"It's the perfect information to know how to land the perfect guy before you marry them!"
"SHIRATORI!" Ayase exclaimed as she took them and stuffed them back in her bag. "You know that's father's private stiff!"
"So… You study love?" Kiku asked.
"Close!" Shiratori proclaimed proudly, "I'm studying to be a Love Making Guru!"
"A--What?" Kiku said, confused.
"If you can ACTUALLY give advice." Ayase said, making her pout.
Kiku soon picked up one magazine in particular before she read the title, "How Showing Your Body Can Ruin Your Chances of Marriage? I've never heard of these Magazines. Where did you find these?"
"I got it from my dad!" Shiratori said, "He's been hiding these under his bed for some reason, but they're good reference material!"
"DON'T JUST ADMIT THAT!" Ayase yelled.
Kiku soon noticed the year on the cover as it read 1957. Though---For the time being, she thought it best not to point that out as she said in an awkward smile, "Sounds---Nice!"
"And that's why you're never gonna get a boyfriend." Ayase said.
"HEY!" Shiratori shouted annoyed.
"So---You do that research often---Shiratori-chan, was it?" Kiku asked.
"Oh yeah!" Shiratori said. "It's one of my favorite pastimes to know about love!"
"You shouldn't be reading those in the first place." Ayase said.
"Oh yeah! What about your crush on Ken Takakura?" Shitatori asked
Kiku looked surprised, while Ayase's face turned as red as a cherry. "I TOLD YOU NEVER TO MENTION THAT DUMMY SISTER!!" Ayase shouted as she pulled on her cheeks, "JUST FOR THAT I'M TAKING YOUR JELLO SHARE FROM THE FRIDGE!!"
"WELL THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT MY IMPORTANT RESEARCH!!" Shiratori shouted as she pulled on her cheeks.
"YOUR IMPORTANT RESEARCH IS HOW YOU'LL END UP IN JAILS FOR BRINGING INDECENT MATERIAL! YOU SHOULDN'T BE EVEN BRINGING THAT STUFF!" Ayase Argued
Kiku couldn't help but have an awkward smile as she pondered, "I guess---Everyone has their own tastes… Can't exactly argue with that." She soon spoke up, "You two---Must really get along huh?"
Ayase and Shiratori flinched before they looked away from each other in a huff. Kiku only giggled at this though it hadn't been long before she noticed a red notebook in Ayase's hand that read---
"Phantom Thieves Theories?" Kiku said confused, "Is that what you wanted to show me Futoba-chan?"
"Oh yeah!" Ayase said as she showed her notebook. "Ever since that scandal about the gym teacher came out, all sorts of rumors have been going out about the phantom Thieves! Some might say they're ACTUAL phantoms!"
"Oh here we go again with the phantoms." Shiratori said with an eye roll.
Kiku looked a bit nervous at this, "Phantoms? What makes you say that?"
"Come on---That card said it would steal his heart---" Ayase said, "---There's no way a real person would get away with that and actually change someone's heart! My bet is that they're ghosts!"
Kiku looked shocked to hear this though she couldn't help but comment, "Futoba-chan… Do you---Like ghosts?"
"Well yeah!" Ayase said as her eyes sparkled, "My Nana is a real medium ya know! She helps out with people with all sorts of fortunates and exorcizes all the good stuff!"
This time Kiku's eyes sparkled, "Really? That's so cool!"
"..Eh?" Shiratori asked
"You too?!" Ayase asked as they soon held hands. "FInally! I was hoping for a gal pal to talk about ghost and spirits too!"
"Me too!" Kiku said, "I always hoped someday to meet a friendly ghost!"
"Is--there such a thing as a friendly ghost?" Shiratori asked.
"There could be!" Ayase and Kiku said.
Shiratori only had a twitch as she said to her sister "First my crush and now her?"
"Can I meet your Nana?" Kiku asked, "I would love to hear her experience as a medium!"
"Sure!" Ayase said before the two of them hugged.
"... Good lord they're two of them…" Was all Shiratori could say as she was still in shock.
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-After School; Class 2D-
Classes had been dismissed for the day as every student had been getting ready to leave or go to practice for the day. The same had been said for Kai and Ren as they had gotten their bags and books together. "Hey---" Kai soon said to Ren, "---Ya wanna hit up the arcade before heading home?"
"Not today, I promised I would help Kiku-san with studying today." Ren replied.
Kai couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he looked amused, "Really? Well look at you being a ladies man."
Ren flinched before he turned a little red, "It's not like that Kai--" Ren argued.
"Suuure." Kai said with a chuckle, "I'll go see if Haruto wants to hit the arcade."
"See you at LeBlanc." Ren said as Kai left the classroom to catch up with Haruto whom had already exited the room.
Just as Ren went to get out his phone---Mishima soon approached. "Hey." He said, getting his attention.
"Mishima?" Ren said, a bit startled.
"Hope you don't mind but I wanted to ask you something." Mishima said, "Have you seen that Phantom Aficionado Website?"
Ren flinched at this as he recalled, "Oh yeah---I've seen it and I've been hearing a lot of people talk about it. Why?"
"Well the thing is---" Mishima said before he had a smile, "---I'm the one who started it."
Ren looked shocked by this as he nearly dropped his phone out of shock. "So um---" Mishima soon said, "---You guys are… The Phantom Thieves right?"
That time---It nearly gave him a heart attack. How could he have figured it out---Is what he thought. Though he quickly cleared his throat before he calmly responded.
"What?" Ren said, perplexed.
"Oh sorry!" Mishima said, "If things really are as I think, I should keep it a secret. Kamoshida used me and I did horrible things to you guys. This isn't much of a way for me to apologize for it… But if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know!"
"That's great but---" Ren started to say though he wasn't quite sure how he should put it into words.
Though Mishima seemed satisfied, "I'm glad to hear that. In any case it's not just Kamoshida… There are tons of evil adults out there. But I'm sure the Phantom Thieves will do something… They can't let this end after just one target." He soon smiled, "That's why I wanted to make a forum where people could post their problems. They're probably a lot of people who have high hopes for the Phantom Thieves next move. So---"
He soon showed Ren his phone as he noticed there had been a poll of some sort. "---I've also implemented an anonymous poll on the site." Mishima said, "'Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves or not?' I wanna work on this forum so eventually it'll be packed with tons of supportive posts! I'd really like to help out in the Phantom Thieves' acts of justice! Can I please?"
Ren looked even more surprised---Not only because of the fact Mishima figured it out, but because he wanted to help. He wasn't sure what else except---
"Sure… That's alright." He said.
Mishima looked excited, "Thanks! You won't regret it, I promise!"
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-Big Bang Burger-
As the day went by, Ren met up with the rest of his friend group as he told them the news about Mishima and the phansite and needless to say---there were mixed emotions.
"Wait--Mishima is the one that created the Phansite?!" Ryuji asked excited.
"And spreaded the word about us?" Ann added
"He knows Who we are?!" Dide said in a panic as he pulled his dreads. "LIKE WHO WE REALLY REALLY ARE?! HOW?!"
"He told me himself as class ended." Ren said, "Though he doesn't seem like he'll tell anyone."
Dide slumped as he said, "it's so over.."
"Oh don't be dramatic." Morgana said, "Afterall Ren just said he didn't tell anyone."
"IT'S NOT THAT! THERE'S A RULE!" Dide shouted at Morgana. "SECRET IDENTITY 101! IT'S A STAPLE! AT LEAST IN AMERICA!" he groaned as he crossed his arms, "If only Haruto was here, he would understand.."
"Mishima---" Kiku said as she recalled, "---He's one that leaked Ren-kun, Kai-kun and Dide-san's information?"
"Yeah, though to be fair it's not like he did it on purpose---" Ann said, "---Afterall Kamoshida was forcing him."
"Still do you think we can trust him?" Kiku asked worryingly, "I mean---I know Ren-kun said he wouldn't tell but---"
"I think---" Ren said as he took out his phone, "---This is all the proof we need."
Ren soon pulled up the website as they started to look through it thoroughly. "Wow---These comments are insane." Ann said.
"Thanks to the Phantom Thieves, I have the confidence I need to stand up for what's right?" Kiku read aloud, "They're a real inspiration?"
Dide stopped his worrying as he peeped over and read another. "If only we see what they look like, I would thank them for what they did. I believe they're doing the right thing for the right cause?"
He read another. "Thank you, Phantom Thieves! You're the real heroes?"
"Wow,this is just insane!" Ryuji said, "And these comments are coming by the second! Don't you realize what this means?!"
"We're at risk of the birth of a fanclub?" Dide asked.
"Dude, what the heck?" Ryuji said with a look.
"Hey You saw mine!" Dide exclaimed. "You know how crazy they are?! I'm lucky they didn't stalk me today!"
"Minus that! It means we can use this site to find other targets!" Ryuji said, "Like---" He soon skimmed through his phone, "---Oh! This one!"
He soon turned the phone to them showing the contents. Kiku read one aloud, "A guy in an upper class keeps making threats, please change his heart?"
"Police won't help me with my problems---Please help me change the heart of a shoplifter?" Ren read.
"You mean---All these people have a palace?" Ann said.
"Essentially---" Morgana said, "---But I wonder…"
"What is it Mo-chan?" Kiku asked.
"Nothing, just thinking." Morgana said, "By the way, how's your wound doing Kiku-chan?"
"It still hurts a little---" Kiku said as she patted her side, "---But it's recovering. I'm supposed to see the doctor to remove the stitches tomorrow."
"Perfect!" Morgana said, "Then we can put it to the test---AFTER your exams!"
The group looked a bit confused at this before---They each paled.
"AH!" Ryuji shrieked, "I FORGOT THE EXAMS ARE IN TWO DAYS!"
"Please don't remind me…" Kiku said with a disdainful tone.
"...It's So over.." Dide said as he slumped once more.
"Again quit being dramatic." Morgana said. "I mean aren't you a fast learner?"
Dide had a look before turned around and got out his mask as he shouted "OGGA BOOGA BOOGA!"
"MEROW!" Morgana screeched as he jumped onto---
--One of the staff workers making people shriek making Dide pale
"WHO THE FUCK BOUGHT A CAT IN HERE!?" The Manager shouted.
"...Oops." Dide said.
"Don't just say oops do something!" Ann said.
Dide replied, "R-r-right!" he rushed in as he tried to get Morgana off as the group just watched the chaos unfold.
"Geez, those two REALLY don't get along." Ryuji said.
"Though Morgana does have a point, we have exams to worry about." Ann said, "I assume you guys studied?"
Ryuji and Kiku both flinched as they started to sweat. "Oh Lord, you're kidding…" She said as she smacked herself.
"H-Hey! It's not my fault!" Ryuji said, "I---Got hooked on a game last night and lost track of time!"
"Sure--" Ann said with an eye roll, "---And what's your excuse Kiku-chan?"
Kiku twiddled her thumbs before she replied, "... New Manga… Of Black Butler…"
"Really?" Ann said shocked.
"So that's why you were up late." Ren said, "But I don't think I've seen you even read manga before."
"Fu-Futoba-chan introduced me to the series and I've been binge reading---" Kiku replied, as she turned red, "---I--I wanted to put the book down but---I couldn't!"
"So---She asked me to help her study." Ren added, "Still I thought something was bothering you again. To think it was a manga…"
Kiku only gave a nervous laugh before she slumped on the table looking even more dejected, "IT'S OVER…"
"Don't say that---" Ren said as he patted her back, "---It is two days, so we still have time to prepare."
"But what if I get distracted again?!" Kiku asked worryingly.
"I'm with her man, what if I get distracted!?" Ryuji said, "I'm gonna fail for sure!"
Ann soon thought of something, "Oh! I have an idea!"
Ren, Ryuji and Kiku looked confused by this as they looked at one another confused.
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Before anyone knew it, the entire group found themselves standing in Ann's apartment; after they got Kai and Haruto they headed straight over following Ann's directions. They knew she traveled a lot, hell they even know her parents were rich.
But no one ever expected---
---That she had been living in a penthouse!
Upon entering the apartment they had been taken back by the large peculiar space; the living area had been connected to a small kitchen area which had an island table complete with stools. They even noticed a set of stairs that lead up to the second floor.
They had even gotten a clear view of the city complete with its own balcony and pool.
"My God…" Kai said, stunned, "... This is---Insane…
"Holy---" Dide said "---It's hella taller than the one I have in America!"
"Really?" Ann said, "I don't think it's that big…"
"You say that but---" Haruto said as he looked over, particularly towards the hot tub area.
"This… Is very overwhelming…" Kiku said.
"Come on in, make yourselves at home." Ann said as she stepped in the apartment, switching to her house slippers.
The others hesitantly followed suit as they took the house slippers that were provided for them---In a shoe closet nearby.
Kai couldn't help but turn red as he thought to himself, "Shit, shit, shit, shit! I'm actually in Ann's apartment! Her scent is everywhere! Shit, no I shouldn't even be here!"
"I gotta say Lady Ann---" Morgana said, "---You know how to live in style!"
"This is really where you live, Ann-chan?" Kiku said, "It's a palace!"
"Is it really okay for us to stay here?" Haruto asked.
"He has a point." Dide said. "--Maybe i should get a disguise.."
"Don't worry, it's usually just me and the servants in the apartment." Ann said, "My parents often travel a lot so it'll just be us."
"Oh I see---" Ren said.
The group soon paused as they took in the information.
"Wait---" Kai said, "---Did you just say servants?"
As if on cue, four people entered, all of them dressed to impress. Two of them had been butlers and two had been maids.
"Miss Ann---Welcome home." The four of them said as they bowed.
"EH?!" Most of the group exclaimed.
"THEY'RE---THEY'RE REAL SERVANTS!?" Dide exclaimed in shock.
"Wow, they almost look like Sebastian in Black Butler!" Kiku said as her eyes sparkled as she looked to the butlers in particular, "So cool!"
"That's really your first thought?" Ren said as Kiku laughed nervously.
"Oh yeah---" Ann said casually, "---They've always been around since I was growing up."
"THAT'S NORMAL?!" Haruto shrieked before he said softly, "... Rich people can really afford anything…"
"Wait a minute---" Ren soon asked as he looked to Dide, "---Why are you so surprised? Didn't you have something like this?"
"Yeah--ONE Servant." Dide said. "Three's a crowd, Ren!"
"But there's four…" Ryuji said awkwardly.
"NOT THE POINT!" Dide exclaimed. "That's four too many!"
"Huh, you're the first person that ever said that." Ann said.
"Please allow us to take your bags for you." One of the maids soon said as she went over to the group.
"U-Uh, sure. I guess." Kiku said awkwardly as she let the maid take her bag.
"Hey, Aaron-san?" Ann said, addressing one of the butlers, "Can you get us some snacks and bring them to my room?"
"Yes ma'am." The Butler---Aaron said as he bowed his head.
It hadn't been long before the group found themselves in Ann's room which had been up the stairs; compared to the size of the apartment, they were surprised to see that it had been normal. It had been complete with its own TV, a study desk, snack table, a twin sized bed, and a couple of plushies.
Kai had been the only one looking nervous, as the others looked around.
"Ann-chan, your room is so cute!" Kiku said, "I'm jealous that you get to have your own space to yourself!"
"You didn't have one in the foster home?" Ann asked.
Kiku and Haruto shook their heads. "We always shared our space so we didn't get much privacy." Haruto said, "Though we didn't really mind it much, especially since the rooms we had were co-ed."
"That's right." Kiku added as she had a smile, "It was like a slumber party so it was a lot of fun!" Her expression soon softened, "I hope they're okay. They escaped with us but we had to go our separate ways."
"I'm sure they are." Ren said with a reassuring smile.
"Alright---" Ann soon said, "---Let's get this sleepover study session started!"
"H-Huh?!" Kai exclaimed as he blushed, "Sleepover Study?!"
"Yeah---Since midterms are in two days I thought it was best if we all studied together." Ann said.
"But---Kiku-san is a first-year---" Ren pointed out.
"Exactly, we can help her out with any subject she has trouble in!" Ann said, "Like English for example!"
"You're not doing well in the subject?" Dide asked.
Kiku had an awkward smile, "It's not that I am… I just keep mixing up the words…"
"It should be easy!" Dide said before he said with Kai eyeing him. "AND NOT BECAUSE I'M AN AMERICAN! English is basically one of the top universal languages right now next to Spanish."
"Universal my ass." Kai said under his breath.
"What was that?!" Dide shouted
"Nothing." Kai replied.
"Wait---" Haruto said, "---Is this really okay? I mean with your guys situation with Sojiro-san---I mean dad since you're technically not supposed to be out late at night---"
"Don't worry, Dide called him earlier." Ren explained, "He said it's fine as long as we're using the time to study."
Dide added with a smile, "And he's keeping watch of Momodu and Harumi and Shiro!"
"If you say so…" Haruto said.
"Well then---" Ann said, "---Let's get started---AND NO GETTING SIDETRACKED!!"
Ann had immediately turned to Ryuji who looked ready to read a manga he had on hand. He quickly hid it behind his back, "Sorry! I couldn't help myself!"
Dide immediately slapped the manga out of his hand making him shriek, "Ya heard her, No getting sidetracked." he turned to kai as he said "ANd no daydreaming either!"
Kai flinched as he said "WHO SAID I WAS DAYDREAMING?!"
"What did Ann say before?" Dide asked as Kai flinched.
"U-uh, No getting Sidetracked?"
Dide had a look as he said "You passed the first test."
"THAT WAS A TEST?!" Kai shouted, "WHAT THE FUCK MAN?!"
Dide said with a huff, "Now we can get started."
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With that settled, the testing session began. They were going through the pages of their textbooks and notes as the servants tended to them, even serving them dinner. Though---A few of them were having trouble.
"WHY DOES MATH KEEP CHANGING?!" Haruto shrieked, "WHY DOES IT KEEP CHANGING?!"
"WHY CAN'T IT JUST STAY THE SAME DAMN IT?!" Kai shouted as he couldn't help but toss his notebook.
"The world is evolving." Dide said as he was doing his AP Calc. "So is math"
"Wait so, I have to carry the one---Or two---Or five---?" Kiku said as her brain started to steam, and even---started to mumble.
"ButifIreplacetheXandmakeaseven?Orwouldthatmakeitworse?Wait,butthey'remightbeanimaginarynumber---"
They noticed that her brain started to steam even more---And even her eyes bugged out as they could see her attempting to process.
"Kiku-chan?" Ann said as she poked her, "Kiku-chan?"
"Uh-oh---" Morgana said, "---Guys I think she broke."
"Crap! Get the Soda quick!" Dide exclaimed.
"WHAT'S SODA GONNA DO?!" Ryuji shouted.
"DON'T ASK QUESTIONS!!!" Dide exclaimed. "QUICK MAKE IT A STRAWBERRY MELON!"
"THAT'S WAY TOO SPECIFIC OF A FLAVOR ISN'T IT?!" Morgana exclaimed.
"I SAID NO QUESTIONS!" Dide exclaimed as he took Morgana before tossing him as he screeched---
---Though he nearly went out the window, if it wasn't for Ren catching him.
"ARE YOU NUTS?!" Ryuji shouted
"Sorry. Under pressure!" Dide said before he rushed out the room, "BRB GUYS! GONNA GRAB SODA!!"
At this. The group couldn't help but watch in shock.
"..Right I forgot how Dide would crack when someone else is stressed." Ren said. "He calls it Second Hand stress."
"Second what?!" Ann said shocked.
"Second Hand Stress." Kai said, "It's basically what he likes to refer to as his big brother function. I know it's weird but you get used to it."
"Weird?! More like freaky!" Ryuji said.
Dide came practically out of breath as he got Strawberry MELON Soda. "Whew, made it"
"That quick?!" Ryuji and Ann exclaimed.
Dide handed the Soda to Kiku as he said "Here you go!"
Kiku immediately swiped it before she drank up the soda "Thanks Dide!"
Dide patted her head as he said with a smile, "Of course! Now you can focus on your math!'
"HOW DOES THAT EVEN WORK?!" Ann and Ryuji exclaimed in unison.
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A little time had passed as they moved on from math to English, Of course, it wasn't the writing type. Each of the teens had to recite a line in english. Though needless to say---
---Kiku, Ryuji and even Kai had been having trouble.
"Uhhh" Ann said. "You Sure you don't need Dide and I yo--?"
"Nope!" Ryuji said, "We got it!"
"Y-Yep!" Kiku said before she started to read, "Um---Rain---No wait Reign---Or is was it really that thing---?"
"GODDAMN IT!!!" Kai shouted as he tossed his notebook
"..you guys look like you're struggling.." Dide said.
"We're good!" Kai said as he squinted at one word, "There? Or is it---their?"
"HOW SHOULD I KNOW MAN?!" Ryuji yelled.
"Yeeeah, it really sounds like you guys are struggling." Ren said.
Kiku couldn't help but groan as she slumped over the table, "I really can't understand any of it…"
"Don't fret!" Dide said. "Think of this as---"
"if you compare this to a bicycle I'll kick you." Kai said with a look.
Dide soon pouted, "Well when you put it like that it sounds ridiculous!"
"He was actually thinking of that metaphor?!" Ren, Ann, Haruto and even Morgana thought.
"Um---" Ann soon said, before she took a pile of cards "---How about we try flash cards instead?"
"Flash what now?" Ryuji said.
"Flash cards?" Kiku said, confused.
"Oh they're an excellent way to remember things!" Dide said, "I used to use em myself when I was learning German!"
"Wait, you know German?!" Ryuji said shocked.
"It was for a commercial." DIde said, "Plus I was visiting Germany---Very beautiful country by the way."
"Is there ANYTHING that's not on your skillset?" Morgana asked him.
"Aside from doing Taxes, why?" Dide said.
Ryuji slumped over, "Man you really got it made…"
"Wait, do you really think this will help?" Kiku asked.
"It's worth a shot---" Ren said, as Ann handed him half the cards, "---Here Kiku-san, how about you and I do a set?"
"Then I'll help out Kai with this pile." Ann said, making Kai immediately turn red.
"U-Us?! P-p-partners?!" Kai exclaimed nervously.
"Yeah, is there something wrong with that?" Ann asked.
"N-No! Not all!" Kai said "I-I don't mind!"
Dide couldn't help but shake his head as he said, "And you said English was pointless now look at ya."
"Oh shut up Mister I can't talk to a girl!" Kai said as it made Dide flinch.
"I CAN talk to girls. I choose not to." Dide said under his breath.
"Except for that Haru girl?" Morgana asked. Dide only got his mask and looked ready to scare him though---
"Dide! Put that mask away!" Ann said in a scolding manner as Dide jumped.
Morgana sobbed as he said "Bless you, Lady Ann!" He soon hopped into her arms, "You're so kind!"
Dide shook his head as he said, "If we're done, poking at each other--THe flash cards?"
"I guess I can partner up with Dide then." Haruto soon said as he raised his hand, before he rubbed the back of his head, "Though I might need the flashcards in history."
"Oh you can leave that to me!" Dide said before he pulled out---A tower of flashcards, "I got em all right here."
"Um… That's a whole lot…" Haruto said awkwardly.
"It was really handy for me from my jobs." Didie said
"Wow that's amazing Dide!" Ann said.
Dide smiled at this, "Hey if you need any card for your modeling jobs, you can count on me!"
"There is a upcoming shoot after Midterms." Ann said. "I could use the context."
Kai's eye twitched before he gave Dide a look. "That's it--Put 'em up, Dide!"
"Huh? What did I do?" Dide asked.
"You know what you did!" Kai shouted as he hurled at him before Dide took hold of his shoulder and flipped him.
"...Dude, you forget i know Aikido, right?" Dide asked.
"Oh yeah? Well did I ever mention I took lessons in Krav Maga?" Kai said.
"Wait you took Krav Maga too?! Oh damn!" Dide said before they started to fight in a puff of smoke as it made the group jump back.
"Seriously you two…" Ren said as he shook his head.
"Do they always do this?" Kiku said with concern.
"On rare occasions.." Ren said.
"Oh dear lord…" Ann said as she shook her head.
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After they got Kai and Dide bandaged up, and after they were served desert, they moved onto Science. Probably the most difficult subject according to the group. Though---Nearly all of them were having trouble except for Dide and Ren.
"Man! Photosynthesis? Haruto said, "What even is that?!"
"How can you even explain the chemical reaction of---" Kai said before his head steamed, "---HOW DO YOU EVEN SAY THE NAME OF THAT CHEMICAL!?"
Dide peered àt the paper as he said, "liquid Nitrate."
Kai groaned as he banged his head on the table. "Fucking hell this is torture…" He groaned.
"Chin up, Kai!" Ryuji said. "We got the other subjects out of the way. This should be easy!"
"Yeah...easy.." Kai said, "... Might as well just change my name to why and bother…"
Kiku soon finished an equation as she couldn't help but cry tears of joy. "Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed, "I did it! I figured it out!!!"
Ren soon looked to her paper as he fixed his glasses a little, "Uh Kiku-san? You forgot to carry the two there."
Kiku only paled up before she ripped up the paper and proceeded to get a wastebin to burn it with a match---Were it not for Ren, Dide and Ann.
"Kiku...for our sakes please NEVER do that again." Dide told her.
"Yeah I rather not be arrested for arson." Ann added.
"Or all of us in Juvie and Dide deported." Ren added.
"MUST BURN MY MISTAKE…" Kiku said as her face looked to be paralyzed with fear, "... NO ONE CAN KNOW…"
"Okay now she's freaking me out!" Ryuji said as he shuddered.
"Uh---" Ann said as she looked at the desserts, "---How about we uh---Take a little break?"
"Yeah a break sounds like a good idea!" Ren said.
Dide added with an awkward smile, "I guess we take five?"
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Almost a second later they helped themselves to the desserts provided. Kiku had been helping herself to a shortcake as her eyes sparkled.
"This is so good!!!" Kiku said, "It's like an explosion of flavor in my mouth!"
Dide was enjoying an Orange Mango ice cream as he said. "Man! Mango and Orange in Ice Cream? I'd never imagine the combo!"
"This matcha ice cream is really good!" Haruto said as he smiled.
"I can't believe your parents got these all over the world." Kai said as his eyes sparkled as he helped himself to a truffle chocolate mousse cake.
"And I didn't realize you had a sweet tooth for chocolate." Ann said as she was helping herself to some shortcake too.
Kai turned red a little, "Y-Yeah, my sister cooked up some chocolate cake one time---It was really good."
"Well maybe next time---" Ann said, "---I can cook you up a chocolate cake! I may not look it but I can cook a mean pastry."
Kai turned as red as a tomato as he said, "S-S-Sure! I-I-I'll be glad."
Morgana couldn't help but shriek at this as he fainted. "Mo-chan?" Haruto said, "You okay there?"
"L-Lady Ann… Making cake… For Kai…" Morgana said as his paw twitched.
Dide had a look as he said. "Oh relax. Its not like you can eat cake too. Cats are lactose intolerant"
"YOU SHUT UP, BUG BOY!" Morgana shouted.
Dide gave a look before he got the mask as he shouted "OGGA BOOGA BOOGA!"
"MERROW!" Morgana shouted as he jumped and latched to the wall. "WOULD YOU STOP THAT!? YOU'RE TRYING TO GIVE ME A HEART ATTACK!"
"Okay I'm gonna ask---" Ryuji said as he helped himself to some pudding, "---How far did we get?"
Ren, who was helping himself to some cake himself, looked at the notebooks, "We got a few more subjects to review before the big test in two days."
Kiku groaned, "I don't think I'll be able to cram that much in such a short time…"
"Me neither…" Haruto said, "... Might as well just hang up the school life right now."
"Don't be like that---" Ren said, "---It's still two days. We still have time to get most of the information."
"Yeah---" Ann said, "--We can have another study night like this."
Kai flinched as he stammered. "A-An-Another one? As in here?"
"Pretty sure that's what she means dude." Ryuji said as he patted his shoulder.
"H-Haa--Okay…" Kai said as his voice sounded high pitched; though he immediately turned red with embarrassment as he turned his head.
"What time is it anyway?" Ryuji asked.
Dide turned over to the clock and saw---It was already midnight. "Oh my God we've been studying for hours---" Dide said stunned, "---We now have till tomorrow!"
"Don;t worry, Dide." Ren said. "At least we got the majority of the stuff done."
"How about we save the desserts for tomorrow?" Ann said, "Let's get to bed."
Ann soon got the futons as each of the group changed into their nightwear. The group each set up the futons as they made sure there was enough space for them to walk around in case it was needed. Ann of course had her own bed as the group laid in each corner of the room---
---All except for Kiku as she had been next to Ann.
"Sorry Ann-chan, I hope I'm not taking up too much space." Kiku said.
"It's okay." Ann replied, "I just didn't realize I was short on futons."
"This bed is so comfy!" Morgana said as he set himself up at the end of the bed; he soon gave Kai a teasing smile, "Too bad you can't enjoy it!"
"You little cat---" Kai said as his eye twitched.
Dide was about to get another mask but Ren stopped him.
"No Dide, you scared him enough." Ren said.
Dide sighed before he told Morgana in a scolding manner, "Quit teasing Kai, dude. Otherwise---I ain't gonna let you get leftovers for a week."
"YOU MONSTER!" Morgana shrieked.
"Good cats get good rewards." Dide told him.
Morgana pouted before he hissed at him. "Come here Mo-chan, you can sleep next to me." Kiku said as she held out her hands to him.
Morgana's eyes sparkled, "Kiku-chan, you're so kind!"
Dide and Kai couldn't help but give Morgana a look. Dide soon told Kiku as she scratched his ears, "Kiku, don't spoil him. Anymore and he could be a liability for our missions"
"You think so?" Kiku asked
"Trust me. A fat cat could be hard to take in a palace and could be tough." Dide said. "What if Morgana's big steps alert the guards?"
"I AM NOT FAT AND FURTHERMORE I'M NOT A CAT!!" Morgana shouted.
Kai couldn't help but snicker. "That's a good one, man. Oh What's next? The next boss is a scratching post? Or catnip?"
Morgana only growled at the boys as the group snickered. "Guys---" Ren said as he took off his glasses, "--We should get some sleep, it'll be a long day."
"Alright, alright." Dide said, "I'll hit the lights. Sweet dreams y'all!"
Dide soon hit the lights as the group soon laid back in their respective sections. Or----At least tried to as a couple of them were very restless. They couldn't seem to get to sleep until they heard the sound of---
CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH.
"What the---?!" Kai said before he hit the lights. Much to their own shock---
---They saw Ryuji and Haruto eating a bag of potato chips.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Kai shouted.
Ryuji and Haruto ended up getting startled as they choked on the chips. "Owowowow!" Haruto exclaimed as he quickly drank up some water.
"Why are you guys eating potato chips?!" Ren asked.
"Um---We thought it would help us sleep if we ate something?" Ryuji replied with a shrug.
"Yeah, and I found these potato chips over there." Haruto said.
"Dude---Really? You couldn't get something soft like Chocolate chip cookies?" Dide asked.
"I aint trying to get more sugar!" Ryuji said. "That would keep me up at night!"
"Well your loud chewing is keeping US up." Kai said. "And for the record you're not supposed to have any food before bed! So hurry up and get to sleep!"
"Can we at least finish the potato chips?" Ryuji asked.
Dide immediately swiped it from them as he tossed it in a waist bin causing their jaws to drop.
"Bed." Was all; Dide said as he killed the lights again and they went back to sleep. Though this time--
"GOTTA GO!" Haruto suddenly exclaimed as if they were startled. He quickly ran out of the room, accidentally stepping on Ren, Kai and Dide making them shriek.
The girls looked over them, as they saw them twitching. "Uh, guys?" Ann said.
"Are---You okay?" Kiku asked.
"...peachy.." Dide replied as he gave a thumbs up with a shaky hand.
"Y-yeah we're good." Kai said.
Ren groaned as he face planted on the futon, "... I think I'll just pass out now…" Kiku and Ann couldn't help but exchange awkward looks to each other as Morgana shook his head. "This is going smoothly…" Was all he could comment before going back to sleep.
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-The Next Day-
Before they knew it, they found themselves standing at the train station with their uniforms in all. Despite their breakfast as well as a sort of good nights rest, they still felt---EXTREMELY sleepy. A couple of them had been resisting the urge to fall asleep standing like a couple of horses.
"... Man---" Ryuji said as he yawned, "---I feel so tired…"
"Well…" Kai said, as he yawned, "... We did have a bit of trouble sleeping… No thanks to Morgana's snoring…"
"Me?" Morgana said as he had been over Ren's shoulder, "Dide, was the one snoring the loudest!"
"Me?!" Dide exclaimed "Stupid Cat, you made us all tired! Your snoring was the loudest!" JHe was about to put the mask but he groaned as he said, "I'm too tried to do this shit today."
"Don't worry, we still have a day to prepare for the test." Ren said, "Though maybe we could go over sleeping arrangements tonight."
"Agreed." Kiku said before they heard the announcement for the train arriving.
"Maybe we can get a power nap during lunch…" Kai said.
"I can agree to that…" Dide said.
"Yeah maybe a recharge would do some---" Ann said before---She stopped. They were taken back when she looked at the crowd; she looked panicked, and a bit worried.
"Ann-chan?" Kiku said.
"... Is something wrong?" Ren asked.
"I thought I---" Ann said before she was cut off again when someone accidently ran into her. It had been a young man, whom had been wearing their uniform. He looked to drop a series of paint brushes and ink bottles in a plastic bag.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Ann said.
"N-No---" The young man said, "---I should apologize---I couldn't see what was in front of me." He soon kneeled down as he started to pick up the objects that fell to the floor. The others didn't hesitate as they helped in picking up the equipment.
Kiku soon picked up the sketchbook as she noticed the drawing. From what she could see, it appeared to be an anime character. "Wow---" She couldn't help but say as she got the boys attention, "---This is amazing. Did you draw this?"
The young man looked nervous, "Y-Yeah, it's more of a side thing really."
She soon handed it to the young man before she noticed his appearance. Underneath his hood, he had a messy haircut that looked to be a dark color, with some of the streaks of it dyed to a platinum blonde color. His eyes looked to be of a yellow color almost like that of honey. She noticed the badge that had been labeled one, as she seemed to recognize him.
"Hey---" Kiku soon said, "---I know you. You're in my class."
"Huh?" The group said they were a bit shocked.
The young man looked at Kiku before it seemed to click. "Oh… You're the transfer student right?" He said, "I'm a bit surprised that you recognized me. I don't really stand out like the others."
"Of course I did---" Kiku said, "--You're always drawing even when there's a lecture. I actually wanted to see some of your work but---I was a little nervous about asking."
The young man looked surprised though he turned his head off to the side as he turned a little red with embarrassment, "...I--Appreciate it."
Kiku only smiled before the train soon arrived as they perked up. "Well---" The young man said they handed him the last of his things, "---Thanks for helping me out. I guess I'll see you in class---" He soon pondered, "---Um--Sorry, I'm bad with names."
"Oh, I'm Kiku Uchiyama--" She replied as he went to get in the next car, "---What's your name?"
The young man looked hesitant but soon called out as the crowd seemed to become thick; she could hear him call out a name.
"Mirai Kazuyuki!"
"Kiku-san, come on!" Ren said as he took her hand before they hurried on the train on the car behind where Mirai had gotten on. As the train left the station Kiku looked onto the next car where the young man---Mirai had gone on as she smiled a small smile.
"I think… I just made a new friend."
It had been a little while before they got off the train with the crowd, before they headed in the direction of Shujin Academy. Though as they ascended up the escalator… Ann suddenly looked fearful this time.
"Oh my God! That guy got off!" She exclaimed as it drew their attention.
"What is it?" Haruto asked.
Ann silently gestured behind them to a figure that had been further down the escalator. "That guy?" Kiku asked.
"Don't tell me---Is it a stalker?!" Haruto said in a low voice.
"A Stalker?!" Dide exclaimed in a panic.
"I-Isn't this bad?!" Ann asked worriedly.
Kai soon cracked his knuckles, "Just say the word and I'll punch the daylights out of that guy!"
"No!" Ren said, "You'll get in trouble if you start a fight!"
"Then, should we call the police?" Kiku asked.
"Not a good idea, considering the Rep all three of us have." Dide said. "Not to mention, they're gonna misunderstood that I was the prep."
"Would it be a good idea to expose him to the public then?" Haruto asked.
"That's a bad idea too---" Dide said, "---Without proof they'll make it look like they're the victim. Trust me, I've seen it happen before."
"Then what do we do?" Ren asked.
"I got an idea---" Ryuji said as he went ahead of the group, "---Follow me."
They each looked confused, before they quickly followed Ryuji up the escalator, despite the people that had been in front of them.
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Ann stood alone outside of the station as she had a nervous look on her face. Whomever had been following her managed to make it to the top of the stairs. They reached out to her, in an attempt to get her attention though---
---They didn't expect Ren and others blocking their way to Ann.
To their own shock however---They saw her stalker---Had been a teenager like them.
He was a young man who had dark blue hair with parted bangs slightly covering his left eye and gray eyes. He wore a white gakuran-style shirt embroidered with a fleur-de-lis, fitted black pants and black loafers. A silver ring that holds multiple keys is attached to his belt loop.
All of them couldn't help but have a look of confusion, even the young man before them.
"Hey uh---" Ryuji said, turning to Ann, "---Are you sure it's him? Or are you just that self-conscious?"
"Hey, I'm not---" Ann started to say before the young man spoke.
"Is there something you want?" He asked, as the question took them back.
"Uh---Shouldn't that be our line?" Haruto said.
"What he said!" Ann said as she gave him a look, "You were the one stalking me!"
The young man looked a bit taken back before he sighed, "Stalking you…? That's outrageous."
"But---Didn't you follow Ann-chan from the train?" Kiku asked.
"Yeah, don't try to play dumb asshole!" Kai said as he looked ready to hit him, though he was held back by both Ann and Ren.
"That's because…" The young man started to explain before they heard the sound of a car. They looked over and noticed a black sedan pulled up on the curb. The window rolled down revealing an elderly man with long gray hair tied in a ponytail and he has short facial hair. From what they could see, he had been wearing traditional Japanese clothes.
"My goodness---" He said with a friendly smile, "---I had wondered why you left the car. So this is where your passion led. All's well that ends well."