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“Hey... you wanna dance?”

At the Halloween party, Mayu seemed... off. Of course, that was large in part due to her inebriation and the illness that came with it, but even before she took some of the spiked punch, there was a strange feeling behind her eyes. Something wrong.

“No...” Mayu mutters, her head hanging above a trashcan. Kiriko, who was sitting next to Mayu and readily comforting her as she was sick, gives you a nod. A symbolic tagging in.

“Figured you wouldn't want to...” you say with a sigh, hunkering down and sitting next to her with you back against the wall. “How about... a hug?”

Mayu shakes her head.

You chuckle. “Figured... how about just a chat then?”

Mayu remains silent, which you take as a yes.

“Sorry for not hanging out with you much tonight. I kinda got caught up in talking to Io about... stuff.”

“I'm sure it was pleasant,” Mayu answers coldly. Her voice hasn't been this cold since before the two of you were friends. “Io is a lovely person.”

“Yeah...” you nod. Your conversation with Io was very pleasant. You spoke at length with her about various Halloweens growing up, and how you were always disappointed that your dad couldn't show up. Io in turn shared the fact that she never celebrated Halloween as a kid, as her parents hated the holiday.

“How are you holding up, Mayu?” you ask. You briefly consider placing your hand on her shoulder, but you know she hates physical contact like that.

Mayu gives you no answer, but soon returns to throwing up in the bucket.

“You look like you've been crying,” you note.

Mayu pauses. “I was.”

“You just can't handle some sudden alcohol,” you reassure her. “I know being sick sucks, but it's not the end of the world. By the way... I know I was weird about it earlier, but you do look nice in that cost-”

“Kazuma, I don't deserve this.”

“Deserve what?” you ask.

“This.”

“Mayu, you're not making sense. Come on, let's get you to bed.”

And so, you lead Mayu back to the Class 1 dorms and her room for the night. The whole while she mumbles vague apologies. You hope that she can get undressed on her own in her state, before deciding to retire for the night yourself.

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The next day, you decided to check on something. Days earlier, you had agreed with Mayu to hide your stone in a lockbox and to bury it in a patch of ground behind the back of the dorms. A safe place where nobody but you and Mayu could find it. You don't know why, but this morning you felt the need to dig up the spot and check on the stone. It started as a small feeling at first, but it quickly grew into a powerful pull, a loud screeching within your skull that wouldn't let up until you checked up on it. As you dug up the spot with your bare hands, those niggling doubts and fears in your mind were confirmed... the lockbox wasn't there.

Dammit... well, maybe it's somewhere else! Maybe you got the spot wrong! You dig up another patch... nothing. It has to be around here somewhere, you have to find it! If you don't... the pain in your head won't go away...

You fingers dirty with the soil of the earth, you finally find a patch with something in it... a box. Oh thank god... but as you unearth the box, you see that it's not the same one from before. It's not the strong black lockbox with a red lining... no, this is a simple white gift box. The pain in your head, it won't subside until you find it. Confused, you open up the gift box. Oh god... the pain is unbearable now...

A chain... a rather pretty looking silver chain. One you remember all too well. It's yours, gifted to you in a box just like this one. A note... you hesitate to open it, fearing the worst, but the pain... the pain...

In one quick motion, you grab the note and unfold it, looking down at the words contained within. You... you can't believe your eyes.

“I'm sorry.”

No... no, this can't be happening... this can't...

Footsteps behind you. You spin to face them... it's her.

“Mayu... what the hell is happening?”

He head hangs low, her eye not meeting yours. She places her hand up to her chest and looks away.

“Where is it? Where did you put it?”

She doesn't speak.

“Dammit, answer me!”

“It's...” Mayu begins, choking on her words. “It's in safer hands.”

“Safer hands?” You mutter. “What are you talking about?! The safest hands are my own! The safest hands... no... you didn't.”

More silence. Disturbing, even for her.

“You didn't give it to... him, did you?”

“To Shida...” Mayu mutters, refusing to look you in the eye.

“Oh my god, you did...” you grimace. You apprach Mayu and grab her tightly by the arm, causing her to let out a light whimper of pain. “You gave it to him! How could you do that to me?! Betray me like that?! I thought you were my friend! You're just a traitor!”

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On the verge of tears, Mayu breaks away from you and rushes back to the dorms, but you're not letting her escape this easy. The pain in your head demands it... you have so many more words to share with her. You follow behind her as she enters the dorm, yelling after her.

“I trusted you, and you stabbed me in the back! Just wait until the rest of the club hear about this!”

“We already know.”

You hear Kiriko's voice ring out in a sombre tone as you chase Mayu into the common room... and then you see them. The rest of the club, your supposed friends, sitting around with wooden chairs aligned in a circle.

“What the hell is this?” you ask.

“Kaz... please sit down.”

Kiriko leads you to a chair in the circle, as she sits next to Mayu, who is seated directly opposite you, her hand up to her mouth as she looks away.

Something's wrong... the looks on their faces, the fact that they have Gado and Sae sitting at either side of you, as if you would spring up and try to attack them... what's going on? Why are they looking at you like you were some kind of monster?

“Kaz...” Kiriko begins, sad and hesitant. “We... we have to talk.”

“Yes, let's talk,” you reply. “Let's talk about what Mayu did! She stole the stone! My stone! And she gave it to that demon!”

“And she was right to do it,” Gado replies. “Face it Kazuma... you have issues.”

“Issues?!” you exclaims.

“That's right,” Gado replies. “And you're going to sit down, shut up, and listen to what we all have to say... because dammit, we're worried about you.”

You're confused... is this some kind of intervention? For what? What's gotten into everyone?

“Look Kaz, I always thought you were a good guy,” Gado explains. “But there's a reason I find it hard to trust you around Kuin. Look at yourself... you're unstable. You're so obsessed with that stupid stone, all because of what some hallucinations tell you, that you can flip on a dime. That thing lead to you stabbing Mayu, to strangling Risa... those are your friends! And the more you stay attached to that thing, the more they're in danger of you. I'm a protector, Kaz... and I want to protect you like I do the others, not protect them from you! I don't want to have to cut you down one of these... I want to be able to trust you, but... you're unpredictable. I have no idea what to do with you.”

>This coming from the mystery man.
>This coming from the murderer.
>Say Nothing. Just listen.

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>>806224
>This coming from the mystery man.
Everyone will reveal all.

And never has this picture been more relevant.

>>806224
>This coming from the mystery man.

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>>806224
>This coming from the murderer.
TIME
TO
SUFFER

>>806224
>This coming from the mystery man.
I kinda want him to say nothing and stare daggers, but this also works just as well.

>>806224
>>This coming from the murderer.
This is the choice to get Gado to spill his own beans right?

>>806224
>This coming from the mystery man.

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>This coming from the mystery man.

Gado grimaces. "This has nothing to do with that-"

"Yes it does!" you snap. "You're trying to lecture me about what I've been doing, how about you, Gado? What about the stuff you've done that you're so eager to keep secret? Hell, not just you Gado! What about you, Risa? Anri, you gonna share something with the rest of the group for once? What have you been hiding Io? Hell, how much do we know about Tami?"

"Stop deflecting, you horse's ass!" Gado yells, cutting deep into you. "We're all trying to help you, alright. But hey, if it make you feel any better... my parents died in a fire, and I was raised by a group of mercenaries! Hey, look at that! I'm sharing! Want to know more? Try being a better friend, I might tell you! Now, if you're done asking about me, the other's have stuff they want to share with you."

Gado sits down, as Tami stands and clears her throat. "Look... I know I'm not the best for this right now. I don't know you as well as some of the others, Kaz... but we're still friends. Remember that fake date we had for Takeshi-sensei? That was fun... you were happy. I like that Kazuma, we all do! But... it's like there's another Kazuma holding him back... on that's all weird and obsessed with a stupid rock. I... I know I'm pretty blaze when it comes to killing the bad guys... but never in a million years would I hurt one of my friends. I don't want to hurt you either, Kaz... but you need to take a good look at yourself."

Kuin stands up next. What the hell is she going to lecture you about? What does this little... this little brat know about anything? Kuin clears her throat as she reads from a small sheet of paper. "Kazuma Asai... I'm afraid I have to release you from your position as one of my loyal knights."

So? That doesn't mean anything. It's just a meaningless title used to appease her immature fantasies... so why does it hurt so much to hear Kuin say that, with that frown on her face, looking at you with eyes of disappointment.

"You are a very capable knight, and you're certainly skilled in the art of videogames," Kuin reads. "But...but..."

Frustrated, Kuin crumples up the paper and tosses it aside. "Oh, why can't you be good? I want you to be good! I want you to be a knight, a friend... but now I'm starting to think you're one of the bad people. I don't want to sentence you for execution, just... promise me that you'll be good? Please? I want you... I need you to be good!"

She certainly put it in a simple, childish way... and yet it's the one that's given you the most pause so far. This is... too painful... are they all going to go through this?

Anri stands up next, hesitant to speak.

"Go ahead," Gado says with a reassuring nod.

Anri takes a deep breath, and nods back. "Kazuma, I've had many concerns with you from the moment we met..."

>Let me guess, you think I'm the killer in your stupid case!
>Shut up, Anri. You don't know what you're talking about.
>Say Nothing. Just listen.

>>806253
>Let me guess, you think I'm the killer in your stupid case!

>>806253
>>Shut up, Anri. You don't know what you're talking about.
OH GOD BOOKER I JUST WANTED TO WATCH DB SUPER AND SHITPOST WHY DO YOU HURT ME LIKE THIS

>>806253
>Say Nothing. Just listen.
We're a little shell shocked here from Kuin to call out on Anri.

>>806253
>>Say Nothing. Just listen.
Ouch, Kuin hurt more than I was expecting.

>>806253
>Let me guess, you think I'm the killer in your stupid case!
IT WAS ME ANRI, I KILLED THAT BACKGROUND CHARACTER.

>>806253
>Say Nothing. Just listen.

...Kuin, why...

>>806253
>>Let me guess, you think I'm the killer in your stupid case!

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>806255
>>806262
>>806265
>You think I'm the killer

>>806264
>>806261
>>806258
>Say nothing. Just listen.

Rolling to break the tie

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>Let me guess, you think I'm the killer in your stupid case!

"No!" Anri fires back, with a hint of frustration in her voice. "I don't think that at all. Kazuma... I'm your friend! When we first met you... you saved my life in base! I owe so much to you... and that is why I'm worried. I've seen signs of this in the past... this mental instability. It's not good, it's something we have to look at. We know the cause, and so... Mayu removed it. And she did the right thing. You need to be separated from that stone. It's becoming a dangerous addiction, and I can't sit idly by and watch as one of my closest friends tears themselves apart like this. Kazuma... we're all here to help you."

"It sure doesn't look like it," you mutter.

"Well, shut up!" Sae snaps. "You better believe we're here to help you, just like you helped us! When... when I didn't have anyone around to talk to... you stepped up to the plate, okay? You were there for me, a good pal... and dammit, stop trying to make it so hard for me to be a good pal back. Just accept that we love you, that we want to help you, and that there's nothing you can do about it!"

"Look, I'm new to this group..." Chuichi mutters, "But I'm still your roommate. I still know you, and I've been worried for a while."

"Worried?" you ask. "Bullshit, nothing fazes you!"

"Kaz... there's something you should know," Chuichi sighs. "You talk in your sleep, dude. Not just random mumbling either... dark stuff, sad stuff that I don't even want to repeat here."

"I... I was? No... that's not right," you mutter.

Chuichi shakes his head. "I'm sorry dude... at first I chocked it up to simple nightmares, but as I heard about the stuff you did, and as time went on... I think the rock is doing things to you. Things to your brain. I know I'm usually the guy to take it easy and not stress about anything, but... I can't help it here. I'm real worried about you."

You shake your head. No, none of it is true... you can't be wrong like this...

"No... I haven't done anything wrong..." you mutter.

Risa burst from her chair, clenching her fist with tear-filled eyes. "Nothing wrong? Kaz... you strangled me. Out of the blue, you up and strangled me over that thing!"

"I..." you mutter in shock. "But... you forgave me..."

"No, I recognised you weren't in your right mind!" Risa explains. "And you still aren't! I'm scared, Kaz! I... I want to be able to talk to you, to hug you, to fix your hair and all that other close stuff without having to worry about you snapping on me in the back of my mind. You did an awful thing Kaz... but I know you're not an awful person! Why can't you see that for yourself? Why can't you see what this thing is doing to you. P-please, Kaz... it doesn't take a pair of hands around my throat for you to hurt me."

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Risa leaves you stunned and silent as she sits down, and a hesitant Io stands up.

"Good... Io, I know you can't agree with what Mayu did."

"I... don't," Io admits. "But... only the part where she took it so suddenly. I wanted you to reach the point where you could give it up yourself..."

"What?!" you snap.

"Kaz... look at me," Io does her best to give a reassuring smile as she approaching. "I'm your therapy buddy, right? Well, it's the job of any good therapy buddy to help their buddy out, to give them someone they can cry it out with, work through their problems. You were there for me... and now it's time I was there for you. Kaz... feel your own heartbeat."

You find yourself complying with Io's request. You place your hand to your chest... it's frantic, erratic. It's then you realise just how jittery you are right now.

"Good... no feel mine."

Io takes your hand and presses it to her own chest. A calm, simple confident rhythm to the beating of her heart.

Io gives another comforting smile. "Now keep that in mind when I tell you this. I love you, Kazuma. You're my best friend, you're beyond important to me. And you love me too, right?"

>Y-yes... of course. We're friends.
>No. I hate you, Io.
>Stay silent.

>>806287
>Y-yes... of course. We're friends.

>>806287
>>Stay silent, but nod. This is all a bit much to take in.

>>806293
>>>Stay silent, but nod. This is all a bit much to take in.
This
oh god im dying from suffer

>>806287
>>Stay silent.

>>806287
>>Stay silent.
We should hang out with Sae more, I miss teasing her.

>>806287
>Y-yes... of course. We're friends.
But why would they do this?
Why did it have to come to this?
WHY DOSE EVERYONE NEEDS TO FUCK WITH ME AND MY STONE?

>>806287
>Stay silent.

>>806287
>Stay silent, but nod. This is all a bit much to take in

>>806292
>Stay silent, but nod. This is all a bit much to take in.
I don't really like switching the vote here. But I do believe that they are friends, and Kaz calmed down a bit. So this is acceptable as an option.

Guess we have to prepare for Alice, Kiriko and Mayu next.

>>806287
>Yes we are friends

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>Stay silent, but nod. This is all a bit much to take in.

Io gives a comforting smile. "It's okay, I don't need to hear it. I just need you to trust us, okay? Just... know that we all love you, and we're doing this to help you."

Io leans over, placing her hand on your chest as she plants a light kiss on your forehead before returning to her chair.

"So... who's next?" you mutter.

Alice is the next to stand up. "Hi! Remember when you helped me realise... well, who I was? Now, I'm going to help you!"

"Alice, you can't possibly know what I'm-"

"But I do!" Alice protests. "It happened to me too! Dreamer told me... the stone isn't safe with humans! It's alive, you know!"

"What?" you mutter. "No, that's not true."

"Kazuma, you need help!" Alice explains. "And...you taught me that when you need help, your friends should be there! And so... we're here to help you! And to tell you that you need to get rid of the stone!"

"Why?"

"Because!" Alice exclaims. "If you don't... I'll be very sad! You don't want to make me sad, do you?"

"No... this is stupid," you grimace, the pain in your head letting up. "Kiriko, tell them! Tell them how foolish this is! I've never had any problems with the stone itself... it was just the darkworld messing with my head, but I'm fine now! That stone belongs to me, it's safe with me!"

"No... it's not..." Kiriko mutters.

"What?" you mutter. "Kiriko... what are you talking about? Come on... it's me! We're best friends! You're going to trust them over me?"

"Kaz... I don't want to say this..." Kiriko mutters, "But... I have to do what's right."

"Kiriko... it's mine!" you yell. "It... my father..."

"He's dead!" Kiriko finally snaps, bursting from her chair. "I'm sorry Kaz, but he's gone! I hate to say it... Kankuro was like a dad to me too, but it's time to accept it! You... you need to let go, Kaz. You're tearing yourself apart... and now I don't know who I'm looking at most of the time when I see you! I love you like you were my real brother... but some days you feel like a complete stranger!"

Kiriko is sobbing now, barely even managing to get her words out. "P-please, Kaz... can't you see what's happening to you? I wanted to ignore it, to pretend it wasn't happening, but I can't anymore! Please Kaz... I want my brother back!"

Kiriko falls to her knees in tears, as Io rushes to comfort her, escorting her back to her seat.

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"What about you, Mayu?" you ask coldly, as the quiet girl continues to look away. "You want to explain yourself, instead of letting everyone else do the talking for you? Why'd you do it?"

Mayu continues to look away, as she mumbles something.

"What? You want to speak up?" you yell.

"Because I love you!" Mayu snaps, her voice raising for the first time. "Kazuma, when we first met, I hated you... for reasons that were unfair. But over time... I've come to care for you. You're one of my closest companions, my one true confidante, and I couldn't simply stand idly by whilst you destroyed yourself. Kazuma... I will never forgive myself for what I did to you. But... it had to be done. I understand if you... hate me now. I hate myself for it... it's so much worse than anything you did to me."

>What? No it's not! What I did was much worse!
>You're damn right you should be sorry.
>You're right... I do hate you, Mayu.
>Say nothing.

>>806360
>>You're damn right you should be sorry.
Boo this Mayu

>>806356
>It's alive, you know!"
Scared.

>>806360
>>Say nothing.
Can we break the Mayu?

>>806360
>What? No it's not! What I did was much worse!

>>806360
>>Yeah, you should be- wait, what? No, it's not! It's CLOSE, but...

>>806360
>You're right... I do hate you, Mayu.
We trusted her and she stabbed us in the back.

>>806360
>>806367
Seconded
>Yeah, you should be- wait, what? No, it's not! It's CLOSE, but...

>>806367
>>806371
I'll switch to this. It very much fits in line with Kaz's want for anger and the sudden realization.

Also holy shit Kiriko. That was rough.

>>806369
Switching to this, no way were letting her off with this.
Even if its right on a certain level, she couldnt have done this in a stupider way.

>>806360
>Yeah, you should be- wait, what? No, it's not! It's CLOSE, but...

>>806360
>>You're right... I do hate you, Mayu.
I'll switch to this since silence is kill.

>>806360
>Say nothing.

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>Yeah, you should be- wait, what? No, it's not! It's CLOSE, but...

"Yes... it is," Mayu mutters.

"Mayu, I stabbed you!" you cry. "I... I did something truly awful to you!"

"And my actions were so much worse..." Mayu replies, as you see her eyes begin to well-up, still refusing to meet your eyes. "Kazuma... I betrayed you. You're so important to me, I... I took your trust and I betrayed you! I... I can never look you in the eye again. I will never be able to look myself in the mirror again..."

"Mayu..." you sigh. "I... you were just..."

Mayu shakes her head as tears stream down her face. "I don't deserve to be here. I never deserved your friendship... I am so, so very sorry Kazuma... goodbye."

"Mayu, wait!" you yell, as Mayu rushes out of the common room and into her room. You run to the door and knock on it. "Mayu... please..."

You shrink down, as you hear the sounds of sobbing from the other side, with Mayu leaning her back against the door. You let out a sigh as you place your hand gently against the wood.

"Kazuma... forget me," Mayu tearfully sobs. "I... I'm undeserving of your attention. I'm nothing but a traitor..."

You grimace, as you turn your head to see Kiriko standing by you. "Kazuma... she loves you. We all do."

Kiriko tearfully outstretches her arms. "Please... come here. We... we can hug it out. Like we always do, r-right?"

>Hug Kiriko.
>No... I'm taking the stone back from Ryoji.

>>806412
>Hug Kiriko.

>>806412
>>Hug Kiriko.
Yeah, I'm alright with this.

>>806412
>Walk away

>>806412
>No... I'm taking the stone back from Ryoji.
I'm not saying we keep it, we can hand it off to Akihito or something later, but giving it to the guy that's been tricked by his Archdemon already is a bad idea.

>>806412
>>No... I'm taking the stone back from Ryoji.

........ Only Magic Rock-Chan truly understands you Kaz

>>806412
>Hug Kiriko.

>>806412
>Hug Kiriko
But,
>I'm taking the stone back.

>>806412
>Hug Kiriko.
Then
Whisper in her ear.
>No... I'm taking the stone back from Ryoji.

>>806412

>Hug Kiriko.

>>806419
Alright yeah, going with this, but give a nod as we leave. Alls good but no hugs.

>>806412
>Hug Kiriko

As entertaining magic stone Kaz is, I want the others to be happy.

>>806415
>>806425
>>806429
>>806434
Hug Kiriko

>>806419
>>806433
Walk away

>>806420
>>806423
Taking the stone back

>>806426
>>806427
Hug (lie)

Calling for
>Hug Kiriko
Writing now.

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>Hug Kiriko

You know it won't fix anything, but after all that's happened, all that's been unloaded on you... you just need this. You need this moment with Kiriko, your closest friend, the only sister you've ever known. You're still angry, you're still pissed off... with her, with Mayu, with all of the others... but you need to put it aside for just this moment. You don't know what's going on, you don't know who your true friends are, but you have to just take a moment to collect yourself.

You shamble lifelessly over to Kiriko, as she wraps her arms around your head. You remain deathly silent as she holds you close, giving you just a moment to collect your thoughts, to fix your breathing.

"I... I know you must be angry, but I'm still your sister," Kiriko sobs. "And... don't be angry at Mayu. She's already angry enough at herself... but she did this out of love."

You pull away from Kiriko after a moment, and shake your head. "I... I need some time to myself."

"R-right..." Kiriko mutters. "Just... be safe, okay?"

You rush out of the dorms and begin to wander around the school by yourself. As you walk by, you can feel the stares of other students pressing down upon you as you walk by, your hands in your pocket and your head hanging low. From what you gather from the whispers of the other students, Ryoji left to visit his parents this morning... it's likely he took the lockbox with him. You couldn't get it back if you wanted to.

You find a small clearing in the courtyard to yourself. You sit down by the trunk of a tree and hold you head in your hands for a while, until you are interrupted by a voice.

"Yo, what the hell are you doing?"

You look up to see the purple haired boy, Ninsei, in your class.

"I... was just sitting-"

"No, you were sitting on my damn carrots!" Ninsei yells. "Get up you idiot! You're smashing them!"

You sigh as you rise to your feet. Ninsei shakes his head as he takes a gulp of his milk bottle. "What the hell brings you here anyway? Shouldn't you be hanging out with that stupid club of yours?"

"We..." you begin, but fail to answer.

Ninsei scoffs. "An argument, I take it? Yeah, that happens a lot with families..."

"They're not my family."

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that," Ninsei scowls. "You should be so lucky to be able to deny it. I lost my family, I don't get that privilege."

"Don't you have a brother in this school?" you ask.

Ninsei shakes his head. "That repressed ball of faux inner peace bullcrap isn't the brother I knew. He just wants to sit there and pretend the world is fine, that there's no hurt on the inside, that his past doesn't even exist. When he's changed that badly, is he really my brother?"

>Of course he is. Family is family, no matter what.
>No, I suppose you're right.

>>806472
>>No, I suppose you're right.

>>806472
>Why should I care leave me alone

JUST IGNORE THE QUESTION THAT REVEALS MORE ABOUT YOURSELF

>>806472
>Of course he is. Family is family, no matter what.
>Though I suppose I may not be one to talk right now, the way I hear it.

>>806472
>No, I suppose you're right.

>>806479
You know what? I think I was a little too edgy on this one.

Take out the write in and go with
>Of course he is. Family is family, no matter what.

>>806472
>O-of course he is. Family is family, no matter what.
NO MORE SUFFERING

>>806472
>>No, I suppose you're right
Let us brood milkman

>>806477
Changing to
>No I suppose you're right
>Now go away

>>806500
>So I'm guessin' yelling at him about it hasn't done much? I just got yelled at and it gave me a lot to think about...bastards.

>>806511
Wrong link. Meant to link to >>806472

>>806476
>>806492
>>806507
>>806509
>No, I suppose you're right

>>806479
>>806493
>>806500
>Of course, family is family

Calling for
>No, I suppose you're right.
Writing now.

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>No, I suppose you're right

"Exactly," Ninsei replies. "When I look at Sora, I just see some stranger, some freak who's content with putting on a fake smile and meditating like a weirdo, instead of getting angry over what he should rightfully be angry about?"

"And what makes you any better?" you ask. "Seems you're a recluse yourself."

"I have my garden," Ninsei admits, "But that doesn't mean I don't have my own plans."

"Own plans?"

"Shut up. Why am I telling you all this?" Ninsei scowls. "Get the hell off my grass, you creep."

Ninsei shoos you away from his garden as you walk back through the courtyard. You hear the ringing of the school bells, as you realise that you're scheduled for a therapy session with Akihito-sensei. You don't feel like going today, but for whatever reason, you find your legs moving on your own. You shuffle like a zombie towards Akihito's office, and knock on the door.

"Come on inside!" Akihito's voice calls out.

You creak the door open and poke your head inside.

"Kazuma?" Akihito asks. "Are you okay? You look... drained."

"I..." you mutter, but that's all you can say. No other words can get out. You simply make your way into the office and plant yourself on the sofa.

"Well... I can see that you've had a difficult day. I suppose you'd like to discuss it."

You simply sit in the chair, hanging your head low.

"Well..." Akihito mutters. "Do you remember that homework I set for you?"

"Homework?" you ask.

"Yes, remember? I had you send me this list," Akihito explains, as he pulls out a small sheet. "A list of all the good things you think of those close to you. I haven't looked at it yet, because I wanted you to read it yourself. Do you mind?"

>Read the list
>No... I don't want to...

>>806541
>Read the list
Please, I want to see this list!

>>806541
>>Read the list

>>806541
>C-Can you do it

>>806541
>Read the list

>>806541
>Read the list
It'll be interesting to see how much of the list no longer applies.

>>806472
>He is your family

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>Read the list

You take the list from Akihito's hand and unfold it. You barely even remember what you wrote on this thing... at the time you were just writing from your heart. "Okay... Gado... he's a good guy. Not afraid to tell the truth, to tell someone when they're wrong. Very caring, he's like a big brother. Always looking out for the rest of us..."

You pause, as you look over to Akihito. He nods, urging you to continue.

"Tami... she's a lot of fun. She's always good to have around. Kuin... she's adorable. She makes me feel like I'm a little kid again when I talk to her. No matter what, I always want to play along with her games because... they make me feel better about myself."

You sigh as you read through the rest of the list. "Anri... she's an incredibly smart girl. She always knows what she's talking about. She can be a little awkward, but it only makes me like her more. Sae... she always says what's on her mind, and I can respect that. She speaks from the heart, no matter what, and she's got a real big heart. Chuichi... he's a good roommate. Nothing ever bothers him, and he's always one to go with the flow, with what's right. Risa... she's always got her heart in the right place. She... she's always been forgiving, always a good friend. I can trust her with any of my thoughts..."

"Go on..." Akihito nods, but he can see that your hands are shaking.

"Io... she's a kind and gentle soul. She deserves so much more than she's been given... she cares about being the best person she can be, and she always brings out the best in me as well. Mayu... she's something special. I didn't know what to make of her at first, but I've come to r-realise... j-just what a wonderful person she is. She's one of my closest friends... and I care about her a lot. She... she always does the right thing, and sometimes I think she should be the leader, not me."

The last part of the list are obscured by your tears.

"Kiriko... she's the best friend I've ever had. She's my family, she's always had my back... I love her with all of my heart, and... and I know nothing could ever pull us apart..."

You're trembling and crying by the end, as Akihito scribbles something neatly on his notepad. "I can see that you have some very conflicted feelings right now, Kazuma. Would you like to discuss what you wrote."

You shut your eyes. Your head... your head still hurts... but when you think of them... your talks with Gado, your fake date with Tami, the games you played with Kuin, that party you had with Anri, Sae yelling at you for every little thing, your all-nighters with Chuichi, all those times Risa would comfort you, your festival date with Io, that night you shared with Mayu... the entire damn life you lead with Kiriko... the pain begins to subside.

>Oh god... I love them so much...
>No... that list was wrong...

>>806591
>Run

>>806591
>Oh god... I love them so much...

>>806591
>No... that list was wrong...
>Run

>>806591
>Oh god... I love them so much...

>>806591
Say nothing, just place head in hands and weep.

>>806591
>No... that list was wrong...
>Run

>>806610
Switching to

>Oh god... I love them so much...

That was the general intention with the write-in, anyway. I was just trying to be clever.

>>806593
>>806597
>>806614
>Run

>>806595
>>806602
>Oh god... I love them so much...

>>806597
>>806614
>No... that list was wrong...

Calling for
>Run
Writing now

>>806617
Well, with this added vote, I'll call for a combination to sort out the tie. Calling for:
>Oh god... I love them so much...
>Run
Writing now.

>Making all these drama
Are people purposely going full edge and maximum drama? Why?

>>806624
because it's a dramatic situation and it fits the character maybe?

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>Oh god... I love them so much...
>Run

With your sudden realisation, you find yourself running from Akihito's office and sprinting through the halls. You don't know where you're going, you're just... running. You make it out into the courtyard before you simply collapse to your knees, tears streaming from your eyes. You... you avoided it for so long, but... they were right. You have been obsessed, you've been borderline psychotic as of late, and those people... they're more than just your friends... they're your family. The only real family you've ever had. The stone has been out of your hands, and the world hasn't ended... you still don't trust Ryoji, but... no, none of that matters now. What matters is those crazy people you love. Gado, Kuin, Tami, Anri, Sae, Chuichi, Risa, Io... Kiriko... and no matter how angry you are right now, even Mayu... you love them. They were right.

As the pain in your head begins to clear, you feel the warmth of a blanket being thrown over you. You turn to see Io smiling gently. "Beginning of winter, you know. You'll catch your death staying like that."

Io chuckles gently as she places her hand atop your head, and runs her fingers through your hair. "The rest of us are waiting for you inside. We can drink some hot cocoa to warm up and cry together."

Before you know it, you're throwing your arms around her and hugging Io tight.

"Oh!" she gasps in pleasant surprise, before returning in kind. You just felt the needs to show affection to these people, these precious idiots who are so important to you. "I know today's been rough... I guess you're probably not ready to kiss and make up with Mayu right now, but... we'll take it one step at a time."

Io fixes the blanket around your shoulders to keep you warm as she leads you back to the common room. Risa made the hot cocoa, and you find yourself sitting on the couch in silence. The others are giving you your space, showing that you don't have to speak if you don't have to, but they're all pulling their weight in looking after you. More than a few quick, silent hugs are shared. Mayu's still in her room, she's not ready to come out yet... you doubt you're ready to see her.

As you watch Gado and Kuin work together to make some pancakes, you feel like saying something, but your throat feels so closed up...

>Guys... I love you.
>Stay quiet. You're not ready to say it yet.

>>806642
>Stay quiet. You're not ready to say it yet.
More drama

>>806642
>...Thanks.

Not yet. But it's something.

>>806642
>Guys... I love you.
We've come this far.

>>806648
Going with this one

>>806642
>Are...Are you guys hitting on me?
>Stay quiet. You're not ready to say it yet.

>>806647
Actually, I'll switch to this.
>>806648
We should start with a small step forward.

>>806642
>>806648
This works.

Calling for
>...Thanks.
Writing now.

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>...Thanks.

"Don't mention it," Chuichi casually shrugs. "What are friends for, right?"

"Yeah!" Io laughs as she rest her head on your shoulder. "We'll always be here for you, Kaz. Through thick or thin!"

As Kuin presents the plate of pancakes on the coffee desk in front of you and Gado ruffles your hair, you can't help but smile. As you do, Alice approaches you.

"Hi Kazuma!" Alice smiles, as she plops herself on the couch next to you. "You know... you can trust Ryoji! He won't use the stone unless it's something really important!"

"You... you trust him?" you ask.

"Yeah!" Alice laughs. "He's really special! I know you don't like him, but he's the good guy! I promise!"

"You promise?" you mutter. "Well Alice, I don't trust him... but I do trust you."

"Aw, thanks!" Alice smiles as she hugs you tight.

Kiriko steps into the room, fresh from checking in on Mayu yet again, as she moves over to you. "How are you holding up, Kaz?"

"Better..." you mutter. "It's... still tough, but... thank you, Kiriko."

"Yeah..." Kiriko mumbles. "Sorry for yelling at you."

"Don't apologise," you reply. "It's... something I needed to hear."

Kiriko sighs. "Still... I hate clashing with you."

"Same here," you nod. "It's never great fighting with family."

"Family..." Kiriko smiles warmly. "Hey... it's okay if you're not ready, if you're still mad at her... but Mayu's being really hard on herself... I think she needs you to... I don't know... talk to her, or something."

>Sorry, I'm not ready yet.
>I can't promise anything... but I'll try.
>I can't forgive her... she still betrayed me.

>>806701
>>Sorry, I'm not ready yet.
>>Even if what she did worked out I cant say it was the right thing to do

>>806701
>I can't promise anything... but I'll try.
Remember what Akihito told us on our first therapy session.

>>806701
>Sorry, I'm not ready yet
>I'd make it worse.

>>806701
>I can't forgive her... she still betrayed me.
She could have handled this a lot better without having to lie to us.

>>806701
>>Maybe...not today, though. It...probably wouldn't go well. Bug me about it tomorrow after I've cooled off a bit more.

Because yeah no.

>>806701
>not ready yet

>>806715
She did the right thing though, kazuma wouldn't do it voluntarily.

>>806701
>Sorry, I'm not ready yet.
Tomorrow is another day.

>>806703
>>806711
>>806727
>Sorry, I'm not ready yet

>>806706
>I can't promise anything... but I'll try.

>>806714
>I can't forgive her... she still betrayed me.

>>806715
>Maybe...not today, though. It...probably wouldn't go well. Bug me about it tomorrow after I've cooled off a bit more.

Calling for
>Sorry, I'm not ready yet
Writing now

>>806734
Pretty sure that write in is an expanded not ready yet.

Hope we can forgive her before an Archdemon snaps her up.

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>Sorry, I'm not ready yet

"I get it..." Kiriko mutters. "If you're not ready, you're not ready... Mayu just feels like the worst person in the world right now. She's been bawling her eyes out ever since the intervention. She... she really cares about you."

"I know..." you mutter. "It's... it's just hard. After all that's happened, there's nothing I can say to... to make things right between us just like that."

Kiriko nods and pats you on the head. "I'm glad you're feeling better, little bro. I've missed you."

"I missed me too," you smile.

After pancakes and hot cocoa, you decide to get an early night of sleep. The wake up in a cold sweat like you've done many times before... but this time is different. This time, there was no nightmare. No visions. You woke up out of habit, but all it took was five seconds for you to get back to sleep. You're not done with that stone... but you're beginning to doubt your need for it. You're beginning to doubt a lot of things you once believed to be certain... all you can be sure of now is the love surrounding you.

You wake up in the morning bright and early. You stretch out and let out a yawn. Despite it all... you feel a strange wave of peace. Like a great burden has been lifted from your shoulders. You feel something beneath you, and as you turn your head, you see a sleeping Kiriko, curled up at the foot of you bed, a small smile on her face as she snoozes. You should have figured, there's no way Kiriko wouldn't be by your side after yesterday's events. She won't be leaving your side for a while.

You rise up out of bed and make your way out into the hall. You open the door out in the hall, stepping out into the courtyard to feel the cool breeze against your face... when you see a lone figure standing out in the courtyard, vacantly looking out into the distance, a sword in her hand.

"Mayu?" you ask, approaching. "What... what are you...?"

"Kazuma, I have failed you," she coldly states. "It pains me to know that some day I will likely be forgiven for my actions, when in truth I deserve no such thing."

"But what are doing right now?" you ask.

Mayu pauses. "I'm not sure... but I've been considering taking action into my own hands. To commit the act considered necessary in time of great disgrace... to end it all. To die the death of a dishonourable traitor."

She can't possibly be considering that... you never realised she felt this guilty...

>Mayu... it's okay.
>No. You'll make up for what you did, not take the coward's way out.
>No words. Just hug her.

>>806779
>No words. Just hug her.
NONNOPENOPENONONO!

>>806779
>No. You'll make up for what you did, not take the coward's way out.
Only I'm allowed to stab you.
But seriously, we shouldn't forgive her yet. She needs to earn it.

>>806783
Dude, no that's not how suicidal people work. There’s a line she's about to cross, and I refuse to even consider risking it.

>>806779
>No words. Just hug her.

>>806779
>No words, just hug her

>>806779
>>No words. Just hug her.
Fuck I didn't come here to witness this.

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>No words, just hug her

Mayu may just hate this, but you don't give a damn anymore. You walk up to Mayu and wrap your arms around her. You face hanging over her shoulder while hers hangs over yours. You squeeze her as tight as you can, feeling the heaving of her chest with each deep breath pressed up against you, as she can only mutter in shock.

"K-Kazuma... you... I always told you not to..."

You simply hold her closer in reply.

"Kazuma... I... I..."

You hear the clang as Mayu drops her sword to the ground, and the warm touch of her hands on your back as she squeezes you in return. She buries her face into your shoulder and begins to sob. "I'm s-so sorry..."

The two of you continue to hold each-other close, the cool breeze blowing through Mayu's hair. The side of her cheek against yours works to warm you up. Before you know it, the two of you are sitting down, your arms still wrapped around her as she leans against you. This moment can never last... you know that. Things between yourself and Mayu will still be tense for a long time to come, and you're not sure if things will ever be the same... but that doesn't make this moment feel any less amazing. Because just like all the others... you love her, no matter what. Mayu is your family.

"Kazuma... I've come to care for you a great deal..." Mayu explains. "That does not excuse what I did... in fact, I may have made a horrible decision giving the stone to Ryoji, no matter how much Alice told me it would not be safe in my hands... but I want you to know that I did it with your best interests at heart. I can never forgive myself, and I do not expect you to forgive me... but I simply want you to understand that."

"I understand..." you mutter.

Mayu sniffles as she picks herself back up, and finally looks you in the eye. "Kazuma... it may be a while before we speak again. So... I wish to tell you why I hate your father."

"Mayu, you don't have to-"

"No, Kazuma. You deserve an answer," she tearfully replies. As she does, she pulls a certain silver chain from her pocket, and lovingly places it along your neck. "Kazuma, I hate your father... because he killed mine."

END OF EPISODE 17

Thanks for playing! Let me know what you think!

>>806875
>"He killed mine"
Aaaaaaaaand there it is.

Now excuse me I need to breathe.

>>806882
Remember your air tank this time.

Finally we get confirmation.

Good thread everyone, somehow we got through it with only one threat of stabbing.

AND NEXT TIME IS RYOJI MEETING HIS PARENTS WONT THAT JUST BE A LAUGH BOOKER YOU SICK FUCK

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAZiWvwW6u0

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Short, but dense episode today. Next episode will likely be up Saturday, but may end up being a day or two later due to work. Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
An emotional roller-coaster for Kaz this episode. Where does his future lie now that he's separating himself from the stone? And where does his friendship with Mayu go from here?

>Bonus Player Question
Next episode follows Ryoji and Saki's trip to Ryoji's hometown. What can we expect?

>>806900

>PQ
He'll probably get slightly less dickish, but withdrawl is a painful thing to overcome. As for Mayu? That's firmly in park right now. He's not gonna be coming to her for anything major anymore for a long time...although I DO think he'll REALLY want to know what went down between his and Mayu's pops.

>BPQ
Shenanigans to the nth degree.

>>806900
PQ
Hopefully no more murder, And hopefully nowhere romantic ever, KazXMayu a worst ship, only one worse is KazXSae.
Or really KazXAnyone. Kaz shouldnt pass on his cursed genes is what im saying.

BPQ
As i said before, you are a sick fuck booker.

>>806900
Fantastic episode Booker. And it was everything I could have wanted.

>PQ
His future is riddled with trying to become a better person, coming to terms about his father and mother and preparing to become his own man, not a shadow.

The relationship with Mayu will be very complicated for a while. I believe that they can and will be friends, but as of right now, we are likely back to ground zero. Unless you explain otherwise. At the very least they are at a working relationship.

>BPQ
I expect great shock and sadness from Ryoji when he realises that he forgot Nina again. I also expect that his family is pretty great, and will be very supportive. I also expect that when this is through, Saki will progress the relationship a bit more.

What I hope to not show up is another Yami creation, or really the demon hunters either. That would make this super awkward.

One other thing to note. Alice suggesting it would better in Ryoji's hands has me curious. But it may also answer why Mayu never went to Akihito.

>>806900
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Kaz's friendship with Mayu is probably now at a lower level than it was at the beginning of Season 2, he never really knew her before but now there'll always be that lingering feeling that she'll betray him again.

As for the Magic Mineral? The Kind Man'll call in his favour and our lack of mystical geodes will probably seriously affect our chances of success.

>BPQ
A light hearted dinner with the folks that'll be interrupted by their white haired neighbours breaking the news that their daughter apparently drowned at school.

Arrived just for the last vote that probably didn't even count, just my luck
>>806900
>Player Question
After this episode I am even more worried, before I thought he was just obsessed with the stone because "muh dad" but after this episode that stone is obviously some The One Ring evil shit that is messing with Kaz mind and I don't think Kaz is going to have an easy time.
His relationship with Mayu obviously took a deep hit here but I think that they will be able to mend it with time, I specially liked how both of them are affected by guild for their past actions and that is actually hurting them more than what the other actually did.

>Bonus Player Question
More sads but the good kind of sads. I hope

>>806909
>only one worse is KazXSae.
You seem to be trying to pick a fight here buddy.

>>806900
Missed the second half, but I was around for the early drama and that's what counts. Thanks for running Booker, it was a nice and tense thread.

>PQ
No more crazy rocks trying to brainfuck him, this is a good thing. Probably much more happy times now that we're on the path to be a nice guy and less insane. Bumpy road that hopefully smooths itself out since I think I've had my share of Mayu for a good while. Need to explore those others classmates.

>BPQ
Nothing will possibly go wrong of course. Just a nice happy family meet up with Strangers.

>>806900
>Player Question

He'll probably be trying to be a better person, but I expect him to still clash with his friends. This isn't something you just get over, even with all that happened in this thread.

Is it wrong that I am seriously hoping Kaz will need the magic rock for some reason, and Ryoji will be nowhere in sight?

Also: Dream Dad gonna be PISSED.