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“R-Raiden?!”

Yesterday, you can the other students made a trip to the hot springs in town for a nice, relaxing evening. And it was nice and relaxing, all things considered. But that pleasant evening only makes the morning after all the more horrific, when upon your return to school you discover... this. Raiden Yoi of Class 2, Akuro's brother, beaten half to death and hung up on a crucifix by Tsuki and Yami. The scream from Akuro when she saw this... it was heartbreaking.

“Kiddo, you don't want to see this,” Blue replies, trying to hold Akuro back and cover her eyes. “Just look away.”

“NO!” Akuro screams again as she shoves him back with her strength, pressing forward but ultimately collapsing to her knees before the effigy. “Get... Get him down from there! THAT'S MY BROTHER!”

“We're trying,” Green mutters. “We just don't want to hurt him any further in the process...”

“CUT HIM DOWN!” Akuro screams, tears streaming down from her eyes. “He's my big brother! You can't just keep him up l-like this. Oh... oh god, I'm going to...”

Akuro gasps and gags before ultimately being sick on the floor.

Blue makes his way over to Akuro and pats her on the back. “Kiddo...”

“Did someone hurt Raiden?” a concerned Akemi asks, as Akira does everything in her power to block her vision.

“Just don't look, Akemi...” Akira mutters. “He'll be okay. I promise.”

“Akuro,” Agent White says as he places a comforting hand on the shoulder of the agent. “I know it's horrible, but... I want you to look at it.”

“W-what?” Akuro cries.

“You didn't seem to care much for your village,” White explains. “But now you can see what these demons are capable of. What they can do to you, and the people you care about. I want you to remember this. Remember this pain, the hate within you. Let it light a fire in your heart. Can you do that?”

“I... I don't...” Akuro mutters, tears streaming down her face.

“Look at it.”

>Hey, cut it out! Leave her alone!
>This is what they can do, Akuro. Remember that.
>Say nothing.

>>1155481
>Hey, cut it out! Leave her alone!

>>1155481
>>Hey, cut it out! Leave her alone!

>>1155480
About fucking time I can make a thread

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>Hey, cut it out! Leave her alone!

You take a step forward, approaching White as he looms over Akuro.

"Asai, what are you doing?" White asks.

"You can't force her to watch something like this!" you snap. "Can't you see that she's traumatised? Leave her alone!"

White shakes his head. "I wasn't forcing anything, Asai. But I believe it's Agent Yoi's duty to see first-hand the horror that she must face."

"Now's not the time, White," Blue mutters. "The kid's in pain. Just get her brother down from there and we can talk about this later."

"Blue, don't forget who is in charge of this operation-" White begins, before being punched in the face by an angry Blue.

"She's seen enough, alright?!" Blue snaps. "Leave the kid alone!"

Of course the punch did nothing to harm White, but it doesn't stop Green from chiming in. "What do you think you're doing, Blue?"

"It's okay," White replies. "I'm sorry, Blue. Take Agent back to her dorm so that she may recover. We'll transport her brother to the medical area so that he can be treated."

Blue nods, before making his way to the now catatonic Akuro, helping her to her feet and guiding her along. "Come on, kiddo. Let's get you inside."

As he passes by, Blue gives you a solemn nod. "Thanks for standing up to the old man. Good to see the kid has some friends round here."

Green and White cut down Raiden and bring him back to the medical area, as the rest of you are told to clear off. You make your way inside the main building, as Anri rushes back to the dorm with Akuro.

"My god... that's horrific," Risa mutters. "Poor Akuro... poor Raiden..."

Gado shakes his head, as he covers Kuin's ears. "I remember something like that happening back during the civil war..."

Risa pauses. "What... d-did my father do that to civilians?"

"Not first hand," Gado explains. "Not as far as I know. But he at least gave the order."

Risa lowers her head in shame at the mere thought of it.

>It's hard to believe a monster spawned a good person like you, Risa.
>Let's not dwell on that, Gado. Our main issue is the demons.
>You can't really defend those actions, Risa.

>>1155503
>>Let's not dwell on that, Gado. Our main issue is the demons.

>>1155503
>Don't dwell on it Risa, You aren't your Father

>>1155503
>Let's not dwell on that, Gado. Our main issue is the demons.

>>1155503
>Let's not dwell on that, Gado. Our main issue is the demons.

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>Let's not dwell on that, Gado. Our main issue is the demons.

"Right, of course..." Gado sighs. "Sorry for bringing it up, Risa."

Risa shakes her head. "No... no, you shouldn't be afraid to mention it. It's something I should have to live with."

Gado nods. "Well, I'll try to keep it to a minimum. Catch you guys later."

Gado takes Kuin and gets moving, as Risa lets out a sigh, rubbing her forehead. "I can't believe that after what happened... he could still be my friend."

"He's not going to blame you for what your father did," you reply.

"I suppose..." Risa mutters. "But I could never hold it against him if he did."

Risa takes off, as the entire club seems to begin parting ways and heading to their own dorm rooms. As Mayu passes by, she adds a comment. "I do not blame you for your father's actions, Kazuma."

"I know, Mayu. I know."

Mayu nods and moves on, but all you can focus on as she leaves is the small of her lower back... where the scar lies. She may not blame you for what your father did to hers, but she can definitely blame you for what you did to her.

You make your way to your locker in order to grab some books. You last exam of term is today, though you didn't put much effort into studying. With any luck, you'll still keep your place in about the middle of class based on your combat prowess alone. You hunker down on one knee as you pull the books from your locker, and you see a classmate making her way down the hallway.

"Ah, Kazuma!" Hanako exclaims. "I uhh... I was looking for you!"

"Oh hey Hanak-" you begin, but you are quickly interrupted, as Hanako trips up, and finds herself being launched as she falls head-first directly into your own head. The two of you hold the tops of your heads in pain and groan.

"Oh, I'm so, so sorry!" a panicked Hanako apologises. "Wait, this is my locker, I think I have some bandages in here..."

Hanako proceeds to open up her locker... accidentally slamming the door into your face. You fall back, as she lets out another panicked squeak.

"Oh no!" Hanako cries. "I'm such a klutz, I'm sorry!"

Damn her... she's like a cuter and more destructive Takeshi.

"It's fine..." you mutter. "What did you want, Hanako?"

Hananko gives a small smile as she tucks some hair behind her ear. "Well, it seems silly now after I... headbutted you, but... well..."

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"It's okay, tell me what you want."

"Well..." Hanako explains, "I was hoping to take a look into your club. Not to join! I'm just curious since the vast majority of the class appear to be members..."

"Do you think there's something odd about that?" you ask. "Besides, shouldn't something like that be Makoto's job? He is head of the class."

"Well, Makoto has been involved with your club as well even though he's not officially a member," Hanako explains. "I know your club goes on a lot of missions, but that isn't stated within the initial sign-up sheets as an official club activity. S-so... as class president, I have a duty to make sure that the Darkworld Investigation Group is still an active extra-curricular society!"

"Who cares?" you point out. "It's the only club in the school to begin with."

"That's true..." an awkward Hanako admits. "B-but still! When I was elected class president, it meant that I would have to take on the duty of making sure your club is still active, no matter how silly an investigation that is. As such, I... wait, what do I have to do?"

Hanako pulls out a small leaflet likely given to her by Principal Wei, and skims through it, before a bead of sweat runs down her forehead and she begins to panic. "AHH! Oh no! It says I should follow you around for a day!"

You let out a sigh, as Hanako shuffles a little towards you. "Kazuma, is it okay if I follow you around today? I promise I'll be extra quiet and keep... accidents to a minimum!"

>Sure, as long as you don't get in the way.
>Sure, and don't be afraid to speak up.
>No way, every time you show up, I get hurt!

>>1155529
>Sure, and don't be afraid to speak up.
Woooo Whirling Dervish of Destruction Hanako Time

>>1155529
>>Sure, and don't be afraid to speak up.
Ohboy whirlwind of destruction time.

>>1155529
>>Sure, and don't be afraid to speak up.

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>Sure, and don't be afraid to speak up.

"No, no..." Hanako insists. "I don't want to interrupt you or bother you. I promise, you won't even know I'm her-WHOA!"

Hanako begins to trip up, but you move to catch her wrist and pull her back up. "Oh, thank you... What?! H-how did my shoe laces tie themselves?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'll know you're around," you point out. "But I mean it, don't be afraid to talk. You won't be bothering me. In fact, I'd actually like to get to know you a little better."

"You... you would?" Hanako asks.

"Yeah," you reply. "These last couple months I feel like I've come to know the rest of my class a lot better, and unlike some of the few I'm still not close with, like Ninsei, or Kaiya, you're not so... closed off, you know?"

"Ah... I get it!" Hanako smiles. "Okay, you can count on me! My name is Hanako Simada, I grew up in Kingudoro, my favourite colour is blue, I lived with my aunt and uncle because my parents work abroad, I'm the class president, and-"

"Maybe take it one at a time?" you point out. Man, for the most popular and loved girl in class, she's hardly great at conversation.

"Oh... sorry."

"I knew most of that stuff already, anyway..." you point you. "Except with Kingudoro. I had no idea we grew up in the same city."

"We did?" Hanako gasps and claps her hands. "Wow! What part of the city did you live?"

"Just west of Shooting Star offices," you point out.

"Me too!" Hanako exclaims. "I can't believe we never met before! My Aunt and Uncle's house is right by the gas station!"

"My mom lives the next street over!" you reply. "Damn, did we go to the same grade school and I didn't notice? Twin Lions elementary, right?"

Hanako shakes her head. "No, Shooting Star Sisters, the all girls school. I was in the class below Hoshi-senpai!"

Huh, the only person in school who is more awkward and panicky than her.

"You could have been a classmate of Kiriko's," you reply. "Her parents wanted to send her to that place, but she didn't want to be seperated from me."

"Interesting..." Hanako smiles, before giggling a little.

"What's so funny?" you ask.

"Oh, it's nothing..." Hanako continues to giggle. "It's just funny that... well, when we were young we apparently kept missing each other... and now we can't stop connecting!"

Hanako points to the bump on her forehead as evidence of that, and you let out a chuckle. That is pretty funny.

"So... where are you going now?" Hanako asks after enjoying a spot of small talk.

>Going back to the dorms.
>Gonna hang out in the courtyard.
>Gonna spend some time on the roof.
>Gonna head to class and read a little before the exam.
>Going to the library, so beware of Kaiya.

>>1155550
>>Going to the library, so beware of Kaiya
What could she possibly say to scare of Hanako? Time for double death and best girl.

>>1155550
>Going to the library, so beware of Kaiya.
Whoops, forgot the thread would be earlier than usual.

>>1155550
>Going to the library, so beware of Kaiya.

>>1155550
>Going to the library, so beware of Kaiya.

>>1155550
>>Going back to the dorms

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>Going to the library, so beware of Kaiya.

"Oh, that's okay!" Hanako smiles. "Kaiya is lovely!"

"Yeah, well we should-wait, what?!" you exclaim.

"Oh, did I say something wrong?!" Hanako panics, glancing behind her to see if anyone else heard her.

"No," you sigh. "It's just... how are you of all people not terrified of Kaiya?"

"I don't know... I don't scare easy?" Hanako points out. "I mean, the person I'm most afraid of breaking something is always... well, me."

"That's true," you admit. "You really are a... how should I put it... whirling dervish of destruction?"

"Oh, I hope that doesn't catch on..." Hanako mumbles. "But Kaiya's actually really lovely when you get to know her! I know she says strange things, but she has a lot of interesting hobbies!"

You shake your head, finding that very hard to believe.

You make your way to the library, where Kaiya is waiting by the librarian's desk. She appears to be reading a book on the Salem Witch Trials, which she promptly sets down as you enter. "I smell the cold stench of death."

"Well it's not me this time," you point out. "I was in the Hot Springs."

"Oh, I wish I could have gone, but I had to study!" Hanako points out. "Kaiya, you should have joined them!"

Well, that would be an odd sight. Either way, Kaiya ignores Hanako's comments as she approaches you, placing a finger to your cheek. "She is crying," Kaiya mutters. "Screaming. Pain. Suffering."

>Yeah, great. Cut that out.
>Who are you talking about? Who's 'she'?
>So Hanako says you have some interesting hobbies, Kaiya.

>>1155583
>>Who are you talking about? Who's 'she'?

>>1155583
>Who are you talking about? Who's 'she'?

>>1155583
>Who are you talking about? Who's 'she'?
My guess is Akuro.

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>Who are you talking about? Who's 'she'?

Kaiya grins. "You know. The empty husk of a snake."

"Kaiya..." Hanako sighs. "Please don't bother Kazuma with your prophecies."

Kaiya looks back and stares as Hanako, who simply guides you forward. "I promise, she's very nice Kazuma," Hanako points out.

"I'll take your word for it," you reply. "By the way, you can call me Kaz."

"Kaz?" Hanako asks. "I thought calling you Kazuma would be more respectful..."

"Yeah, but all my friends call me Kaz," you point out. "Well, except Mayu, but that's just how she is."

"F-friends?" Hanako turns red in the face. "Kazuma-er, Kaz... this is all moving too fast!"

You raise an eyebrow. "Uhh... okay? You don't consider us friends?"

Hanako gasps. "Of course I do! Don't you know how horrible it would be of me to not consider us friends? It's just... I'm a little weird about saying that out loud with people."

"Whatever, I'm just here to pick this up."

You pull out the book you had been looking for, one that you had caught a glimpse of a few days prior. Some pop culture history, detailing the history of the Red Mask franchise.

"Oh, what's that for?" Hanako asks.

>Roka's obsessed with this thing, and I thought I could understand the guy a little better if I read this.
>I though I could get it for Kiriko, so she could connect with Roka better.
>I don't know, but Kiriko was talking about it. Decided to borrow it out.
>Classes are over, I need something to read while I'm listening to music.

>>1155606
>>I don't know, but Kiriko was talking about it. Decided to borrow it out.

>>1155606
>>Roka's obsessed with this thing, and I thought I could understand the guy a little better if I read this.
Time to learn about Roka

>>1155606
>Roka's obsessed with this thing, and I thought I could understand the guy a little better if I read this.

>>1155606
>Roka's obsessed with this thing, and I thought I could understand the guy a little better if I read this.

>>1155606
>Classes are over, I need something to read while I'm listening to music.
So when Roka tries to show off his Red Mask knowledge do we pretend it actually says something in the book knowing he won't be able to tell?

>>1155606
>Roka's obsessed with this thing, and I thought I could understand the guy a little better if I read this.

>>1155606
>>I don't know, but Kiriko was talking about it. Decided to borrow it out.
Eh it comes down to what I think Kaz would do, and I still dont think he's to keen on Roka

>>1155606
>>I don't know, but Kiriko was talking about it. Decided to borrow it out.

>>1155606
>>I don't know, but Kiriko was talking about it. Decided to borrow it out
>Roka won out
>didn't get to chat up Kaiya about her hobbies
Platinum mad.

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>Roka's obsessed with this thing, and I thought I could understand the guy a little better if I read this.

"Roka Abe?" Hanako asks. "Wow, I didn't think you and he got along!"

"We don't," you answer. "I'm not his friend at all. If anything, we're rivals. But... well, Kiriko's really starting to like the guy. I don't know if it's friendship or, and it makes me sick to suggest it, romantic... but if Kiriko likes him, then I'm going to do what I can in order to understand him a little more."

"Wow... that's really nice of you," Hanako smiles. "You're a really good brother, Kazuma. I wish mine was... oh, I said too much!"

You turn your head to face Hanako. "You have a brother?"

Hanako giggles nervously. "D-did I say that? Heheh... I don't think I did!"

"Right..." you mutter, before making your way to the front to borrow the book from Kaiya.

"I'm sure you're disappointed that the snow cancelled the baseball this week," Hanako points out.

"I don't really watch baseball," you reply. "Kiriko likes it, but I-"

"Not you," Hanako explains, before pointing at Kaiya. "Her."

Your eyes dart towards Kaiya. "You like baseball?"

Kaiya simply smiles. "The cold death seeps into the field, crushes hopes, kills dreams. I can't be too upset."

"Well... that's an optimistic way of looking at it!" Hanako smiles. "I think!"

"Mind your step," Kaiya replies. "Lest you break your neck."

"She tells me that a lot..." Hanako mumbles as the two of you move to leave the library. "It's pretty good, though. Keeps me aler-AHHHH!"

Hanako trips and falls forward, but you handily catch her before she hits the ground. How graceful. She smiles at you and you pull her back up... only to butt heads with her again. Less graceful. "Ow..."

You and Hanako make your way up the stairs towards homeroom, where your last exam of the term will be held. Math. Damn, you're bad at math.

As you make your way to homeroom, you see Mr Kudawa talking to your former homeroom teacher and now janitor, Takeshi.

"I'm onto you," Kudawa mutters.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Takeshi asks.

"You know exactly what I mean," Kudawa states, adjusting his glasses.

Takeshi panics. "Oh... oh no! Look, I ran out of window cleaner a while back and I was too embarrassed to admit that I forgot where the store was, so I've been pretending to wash the windows by holding up a dry sponge whenever someone would come by, I'm sorry!"

"No... no that," Kudawa raises an eyebrow.

"Oh... then oh no! I swear, you don't understand. Me and Tekina have been in love since-"

"Not that either," Kudawa scowls. "I don't think you're half the idiot you pretend to be."

"Oh..." Takeshi replies. "Really? Well, no offence sir, but I think you're giving me too much credit!"

Kudawa glares at him. "I mean it. I think it's all an act."

>I know Takeshi pretty well. Trust me, he really is that stupid.
>Takeshi survived this school for twelve years, I always figured there was some badass under there.
>Why do you care, Sensei? Jealous?

>>1155640
>>I know Takeshi pretty well. Trust me, he really is that stupid.
>>Doesnt mean he isnt also talented.

>>1155642
this

>>1155642
I'll support this

>>1155642
>>I know Takeshi pretty well. Trust me, he really is that stupid.

Voting for this

>>1155640
>>1155642
Supporting.

>>1155642
I'll back it.

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>I know Takeshi pretty well. Trust me, he really is that stupid.
>Doesn't mean he isn't also talented.

Takeshi smiles brightly towards you. "Aw, you mean that? That really means a lot to me, buddy! Bring her here-"

"You can't hug the students," Kudawa points out.

"Oh yeah..." Takeshi remembers. "Well then... pound it?"

Takeshi hold out his fist, expecting you to bump it with your own. You let out a sigh at the sight of it. Whatever, you suppose he deserves one. As your fist meets with his, Takeshi's face lights up and he gets all giddy, almost tripping over his mop bucket in the process. Damn, he's like a less cute Hanako.

"Thanks a lot, little buddy!" Takeshi exclaims. "Good luck in your test! Same to you Hanako!"

"You're wishing them luck in the exam?" Kudawa asks.

"Yeah, why do you think I'm here?" Takeshi asks.

"To clean?" Kudawa points out. "This hallway is filthy-"

"Nah, I'm here to wish my students luck before the end of term!"

"They aren't your students," Kudawa snaps. "Not anymore."

"Oh..." Takeshi mumbles, but all it takes is Kuin passing by to brighten him up again.

"Handyman, your benevolent dictator is about to take an exam!" Kuin explains. "And as always, you benevolent dictator shall ace it! As such, I expect these floors to be stunning and shining bright for my triumphant exit from this pointless test! I demand to see my proud face in my locker after my victory!"

"Without a doubt Kuin," Takeshi smiles warmly.

The test itself is nothing special... and you're nothing special in it. A few stuff you know perfectly, a few questions that leave you totally lost. In the end though, you feel like you did a perfectly average job when you step out into a hallway that is still as filthy as ever, but Kuin's locker is absolutely spotless.

"How did it go?" Kiriko asks the group.

A resounding 'meh' follows from most.

"And what about you, ape?" she asks Roka.

"Uhh..." Roka mumbles, scratching the back of his head. "L-look, tests aren't important! I could still get some of the questions that were just numbers... I think! Why are you bothering me, fly?"

Roka rushes off, as Kiriko pouts. "Ouch... should have figured that'd be a sore spot," she sighs. "Well, I'll catch you later, I'm gonna see if he's okay."

Kiriko teleports down the hall, as Hanako turns to you. "I suppose it's about time you held a club meeting, right? I suppose then I should stop following you. After all, I'm not a member..."

>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.
>Yeah, I'll catch you later, Hanako.
>Nah, let's grab lunch instead.

>>1155659
>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.
She's interested, after all...

>>1155659
>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.

>>1155659
>>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.

>>1155659
>>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.
>.....Wasn't the whole point of you following me around so you could make sure the club was actively doing whatever it was Kiriko and I said it was for?

>>1155659
>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.
She can find out about all the mind warping, world ending creatures we run into.

>>1155659
>Kiriko teleports down the hall
Huh, she really does just spam teleport huh? Has no one talked about demidemon side effects or do people even know about that?


>>>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting

>>1155673
I'm still waiting for the after effects of her super teleportation during the Selene fight.

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>Well, I doubt anyone would mind if you sat in on a meeting.

"Really?" Hanako asks. "I'd be allowed in?"

"Well... yeah," you reply. "Weren't you following me in order to see what the club was up to anyway?"

"I was?" Hanako asks. "O-oh yeah... to be honest, I..."

"You what?"

"Nothing," Hanako replies. "I suppose I just got distracted... enjoying spending time with you."

You and Hanako make your way to the club room, and you open up the door and take your seat. Unfortunately, you and Hanako aren't joined by anyone else.

"Oh, will the others be coming?" Hanako asks.

"I think it might just be me today," you explain. "Kiriko went off to talk to Roka, Risa and Tami are helping Ninsei with his crops, Gado and Kuin are celebrating the exam, Anri might be spending some time with Akuro considering what happened, Mai and Ukon are preparing for the school Christmas party, and Sae... oh crap, she might be meeting her ex-boyfriend today. I'm supposed to be involved there."

"And Takeshi?"

"Well on a day like this we usually allow him to spend some time with Tekina and Akihito," you explain. "So, it's just us."

"I see..." Hanako mumbles. "Well, I guess we should get on with it! Let's hop into this... Darkworld investigation!"

"Well, with recent events we don't do much investigating of the Darkworld itself," you explain. "With our biggest threats on the outside, and most incursions lasting little more than a few minutes after Class 3 upped their efficiency... but our last mission did give us some good insight into Darkworld culture-"

You are interrupted by a banging sound beneath the table. You look under, to see that Alice has just awoken from a nap underneath, and bumped her head in the process.

"Oh, hello!" Alice smiles.

"Hello Alice," Hanako smiles back. "Do you do this a lot?"

"Not under this table, no..." Alice explains. "But I gave one of my best napping spots to my student to try out... I don't think she accepted it, though."

"Well, I guess we do have another club member here after all," you reply. "Any ideas for what we could do, Alice?"

Alice scratches her head in thought. "Hm... there was something... was there? Yes... no... wait, yes... there was! I know! My sister! Let's go meet my sister!"

"Her sister?" Hanako asks.

"Her sister lives in town," you explain. "Alice is... complicated."

"Can we go? Can we?" Alice asks.

>I don't see why not. Come on.
>Eh, I don't think it's the right time. Are you sure you're ready?
>Not while Hanako's here, Alice. It'll weird her out.

>>1155703
>>I don't see why not. Come on.
Well It has to be done
I just wish her sister wasn't such a horrible horrible bitch

>>1155703
>>I don't see why not. Come on.
Right back into the breach we go boys

>>1155703
>I don't see why not. Come on.
Here we go boys, this will be quite a trip...

>>1155703
>>I don't see why not. Come on.
Time to kill an old lady,
We should find Sae after this.

>>1155703
>I don't see why not. Come on.
Tell Hanako to bring a camera, she's about to witness a trainwreck.

>>1155703
>>Eh, I don't think it's the right time. Are you sure you're ready?
>blowing off Sae for not only Hanako but Alice as well
I mean, I should have seen this coming.

>>1155714
it wasnt even a choice, I hope we can catch up with her before or at least after the meeting.

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>I don't see why not. Come on.

"Oh, I didn't realise Alice lived in town!" Hanako replies. "I thought she was a transfer student. Did her family move with her?"

"Well..." you mutter. "This could be a little... confusing. Just follow us."

You, Alice and Hanako stand up and make your way out of the main school building and begin to make your way down to town.

"So, your sister lives here?"

Alice nods. "She lives in a nice old cottage! I remember it, even years later!"

"Years?" Hanako asks. "Now I really am confused."

"Her sister has lived here for... a while," you explain. "Let's leave it at that."

Alice skips ahead down the hill to town, and you begin to rush to keep up. Hanako tries to pick up the pace as well, but of course that ends in her tripping and rolling all the way down the hill.

"Oww..." Hanako groans as you meet her at the bottom.

"Sorry about that," you mutter as you help her back to her feet. "Now, let's get moving."

You follow Alice to your destination, a small, humble looking cottage, not attached to any of the nearby housing. Just a spot on its own... with Alice standing frozen by the gate.

"Something wrong?" you ask.

"I'm talking to Dreamer..." Alice mumbles.

"Who?" Hanako asks, but doesn't get an answer.

"About what?" you ask.

"I don't know if I should go in..." Alice points out. "I'm supposed to be gone... what if I show up and I'm not gone? She's old and I'm not... that's not right, is it?"

>Alice, if you're not ready, we can do it some other time.
>Alice, you need to be brave. You can do this.

>>1155726
>>Alice, if you're not ready, we can do it some other time.

>>1155726
>>Alice, you need to be brave. You can do this.
Already here, let's go full steam ahead.

>>1155726
>Alice, you need to be brave. You can do this.
Let's get this shit show on the road.

>>1155726
>Alice, you can do this, I believe in you. However if you don't feel ready, we can do this some other time.

>>1155726
>>Alice, you need to be brave. You can do this.

>>1155726
>>Alice, if you're not ready, we can do it some other time.

>>1155726
>Alice, you need to be brave. You can do this.

Do it!

File: Charlotte.png (534 KB, 1022x876)

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>Alice, you need to be brave. You can do this.

"I can do this... I can do this..." Alice mumbles to herself as she stares at the door. She then turns to you, wrapping her arms around you and hugging you tight. "Thank you..." she whispers.

You gently return the hug. "Anything for a friend."

Alice smiles as she pulls back, before giving you a light kiss on the tip of your nose. Odd. "My niece said that was polite!" Alice explains, before taking a deep breath. "Okay! Here I go!"

Alice walks up to the door, and you tell Hanako to wait by the gate as you follow right behind Alice. Alice knocks on the door, and after a few moments, the door swings open and there stands her older sister, Charlotte... or was she the younger sister? It's hard to tell for obvious reasons, with Charlotte being a wrinkled a weary as you'd expect, while Alice is still a beautiful young girl. "Hello Charlotte!" Alice smiles.

"Hello?" Charlotte replies, confused. "I... I'm sorry little girl, do I know you? Oh, my vision is going in my old age. Are you one of those students? Why, did I serve you tea before?"

"Charlotte, it's me!" Alice exclaims. "It's your sister!"

Charlotte pauses, confused. "A-Alice...? No, stop it, you horrid girl. I don't know who set you up for this mischief, but my sister is long dead. This is a cruel trick to play on an old woman!"

"But it's me!" Alice protests, as Charlotte backs away inside. "Wait... a song... a song... we used to sing a song... Alouette... gentille alouette... Alouette... what was the last part?"

"Je te plumerai," Charlotte replies, her eyes widened in shock. "My god... Alice, it's really you, isn't it? Am I having a vision? Oh... oh dear..."

"Something wrong?" Alice asks, as Charlotte falls back onto her chair inside.

"I... oh, my chest, you've given me quite the fright. I... still don't understand. This isn't some cruel trick, is it? Was this set up by that horrid little girl with white hair who claims to be my granddaughter."

"But she is your granddaughter!" Alice protests, shocking Charlotte even more. "And my niece! And she's very nice!"

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"Alice, are you some sort of spirit...?" Charlotte asks in fear, tears streaming from her eyes. "I must be going mad..."

"We're all mad here!" Alice smiles.

"That's just what she would say..." Charlotte mutters, clutching her chest. "Are... are you a vengeful spirit, here to hurt me? For my treatment of... of my granddaughter?"

"I'm not a spirit!" Alice places her hands on her hips, before consulting The Dreamer. "Am I? No? No, I'm not! But you need to be nicer to your nice granddaughter! I remember you being nice!"

Charlotte winces, as Alice continues to yell. "Y-yes... of course, please, just... leave me alone..."

"Why?" Alice asks. "I'm your sister, and want to make tea!"

"Just... leave me..." Charlotte weakly mutters, clutching her chest... before collapsing from her chair.

A heart attack.

Thankfully, the ambulance arrived shortly within you calling them. Charlotte proved to be stable, miraculously recovering, before being transported to a hospital the next town over, where hopefully they'll be able to treat her.

"I didn't want to hurt her..." Alice mumbles.

>You didn't. It's not your fault.
>Maybe you should have eased her into it a little more.
>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.

>>1155779
>>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.
Well wejoke about it all the time, but I didn't really expect it.

>>1155779
>>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.
THE FUCKING MAD MAN
BOOKER IS BEST QM

>>1155779
>It's not your fault.
>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.

>>1155779
>Maybe you should have eased her into it a little more.
Man that was great, shame White's going to kick the shit out of us for almost killing a civilian.

>>1155779
>>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.
Kek
since it is almost Christmas in universe I guess this is makes Charlotte DGA's Ebenezer Scrooge Being visited by The Ghost of Alice's past
Now she just needs to wake up and show up at the Christmas Party to make up Chihiro

>>1155779
>>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.
Whoo case closed we done here.

>>1155779
>>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.

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>She'll be okay. Honestly, I think you helped her.

"I did?" Alice asks.

You nod. "Yeah, I think Charlotte learned a valuable lesson from this," you explain. "I mean, it scared the hell out of her, but at least maybe she'll be more accepting of her current family."

"Oh... yay!" Alice exclaims, throwing her arms up in the air. "I helped my sister!"

"I knew you could do it," you smile, ruffling her hair a little. Alice simply hugs into you and gives you another kiss on the nose. She's really starting to enjoy that. Dammit Chihiro. "Thank you..."

You don't break the hug, and neither does she. For whatever reason, the two of you remain glued together, as soon one hand moves onto Alice's hip, while the other lightly strokes her hair. You're not sure why... maybe it's just because this was a big moment for Alice, who knows? Maybe it's just that you've been through a lot too, and being hugged by a beautiful girl is relaxing at a time like this?

The hug is eventually broken up when you remember someone very important... Hanako just saw all of this. You step outside to find Hanako sitting on the porch, a distraught look on her face. "I'm very confused..." is all she can blurt out.

"Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag now..." you reply. "All of the club know this, and so do most of the students, and the Principal... but you can't tell anyone else! You see... Alice is actually the same age as Principal Wei, but she was trapped in the Darkworld for years and didn't age because she was possessed by an Archdemon, but one that's much less evil than Tsuki or Yami. A good one. She came back and posed as a transfer student to get better integrated into our world again. That's why she's so weird most of the time."

Hanako looks you dead in the eye, and continues. "I'm still very confused."

"Yeah... you'll get used to it," you reply.

You check the time on your phone. Crap, Sae is probably waiting for you at the gates. She wants you to pose as her new boyfriend for the arrival of her ex-boyfriend. How the hell do you keep getting roped into these things?

>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?
>We're going to have to wait around for a while before heading back so I can avoid Sae.

>>1155821
>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?
I mean, I don't expect that this date is even going to happen. She's far too rattled...

>>1155821
>>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?
Whooo

>>1155821
>>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?

We P4 Moon now.

>>1155821
>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?

>>1155821
>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?
Let's hope there aren't any cats around.

Booker there better be cats around.

>>1155821
>>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?

>>1155821
>>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?

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>Hey Hanako, you mind keeping an eye on Alice while I meet up with Sae?

"Of course!" Hanako smiles. "As long as you don't mind her coming back with a few bumps!"

You smile back. "Thanks. It was good having you around today."

"Yeah... Kaz?" Hanako begins as you start to walk away.

"Yeah?"

"Umm... I didn't have to investigate the club," Hanako explains. "I just wanted to get to know you more."

"Yeah, I know."

You rush towards the school gate, where you find Sae, munching down a full burger as you approach, as she notices you she jumps in fear, before calming down a little.

"Took you long enough!" Sae exclaims.

"You're snacking a little more than usual," you point out. "Something up?"

"I'm stress eating, that's why, you doofus!" Sae fires back.

"Right... you're also a lot more jittery," you point out.

Sae snaps. "I thought you were a cat!"

"A... cat?"

"Look, just shut up! You're supposed to be my pretend boyfriend, not a damn critic!"

"Hey, I'm just worrie-" you reply, before getting cut off.

"Oh crap, here he comes!" Sae exclaims, as she shoves the burger into your mouth, before throwing an arm over you. "Ah, Tetsuya!" she exclaims as the boy approaches. "Kaz, this is Tetsuya! And Tetsuya, this is that boyfriend I've been telling you about!"

"It's great to finally see you again, Sae-" Tetsuya begins.

"Hey, pay attention to my boyfriend!" Sae snaps. "Don't you know how rude that was? Shake his hand or something!"

"Oh... so you're the guy?" Tetsuya looks at you, unamused. "You're her... supposed boyfriend, right?"

"Nothing supposed about it," you reply. "I'm Sae's boyfriend. So... sorry if you wanted to rekindle things with-"

"Kiss."

"What?" you ask.

"You heard me," Tetsuya replies. "Kiss her. If you two are a couple, why don't you go ahead and kiss?"

"Uhh..." a wide-eyed Sae staggers in thought.

>Kiss her, can't be too hard.
>We don't have to prove anything to you!
>Fine... it's all a charade. I was doing this as a favour.

>>1155863
>>Kiss her, can't be too hard.
This guy. I am prepared for a drill milky punch.

>>1155863
>Kiss her, can't be too hard.
I have a feeling this guy is an asshole.

>>1155863
>Dip Sae.
>Then kiss her.
Go full ham.

>>1155863
>>Kiss her, can't be too hard.

>>1155863
>Fine... it's all a charade. I was doing this as a favour.

>Kiss her, can't be too hard.

>>1155863
>>Kiss her, can't be too hard.
Lets really sell it!

Hype

File: Sae26.png (649 KB, 832x1048)

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>Kiss her, can't be too hard.

You spin Sae around and plant a kiss directly onto her lips. Her eyes widen in shock at the act, and she immediately yells at you as she pulls away. "Kaz, what the hell do you think you-MPH!"

You kiss Sae again in order to shut her up and stop her from giving away the secret. You pull away again, but she's still blinded with rage. "I swear to god Kaz, I-MPH!"

One more kiss, and she finally catches on, placing her hands on your hips and kissing back to keep up the charade. Playing along a little too forcefully though, really trying to show things up to Tetsuya... unfortunately that comes with shoving her tongue down your throat. Goodbye innocence.

You're still reeling after the kiss when Sae pulls away, as Tetsuya looks on. "Well... I guess I'm sorry for ever doubting you," he apologises. "I was a little suspicious, considering that I played a fake boyfriend for her in the past."

"Yeah, I guess that makes... wait, WHAT?!" Sae screams. "Fake boyfriend?! You and I dated for real!"

"Oh..." Tetsuya mutters. "Oh no... Sae, I'm so sorry. I... I thought you realised..."

"Realised what?" Sae snaps.

"Well, for one... I'm gay."

"No you're not!" Sae yells. "You were my boyfriend! You wanted to show people that you had a pretty girlfriend, and I wanted someone to do my homework for me and to eat lunch with! I may have used you, but we were still a couple!"

"No, you have it all wrong..." Tetsuya sighs. "Sae, you were so lonely, and I felt really bad for you... so I started telling people we were dating and I started hanging out with you at lunch so you wouldn't be alone. Your attitude always lead to people trying to mess with you... and I was pretty popular, so people didn't want to mess with you or make fun of your family when you were with me."

"B-but... we held hands!"

"And nothing else," Tetsuya points out. "Nobody knew I was gay back then, but I still never tried to kiss you."

"You..." Sae mutters. "You're lying! Why did you come out here if not to try and put the moves on me?!"

"To check up, make sure you were doing okay in a new school..." Tetsuya explains. "I think you're a good person, but... you always drove people away with your attitude."

"I... no!" Sae snaps. "Piss off, you jerk!"

Sae runs off in a huff, as Tetsuya lets out a sigh. "Sorry I set her off like that. Can you check on her? I'm happy to know that she does have someone here."

You run after Sae, finding her sitting down by the gate, her knees pressed to her face. "I'm sure you got a real kick out of that, Kaz! Yeah, I'm sure you loved smooching me then watching me get embarrassed like that! I'm sure it's revenge for all the times I yelled at you!"

"No, of course not," you reply, as you hunker down next to her. "Are you okay?"

Sae remains silent for a moment, before asking. "Hey... do I really drive people away?"

>Well, I'm still here, aren't I?
>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here.
>Well... yeah.

>>1155932
>>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here.

>>1155932
>>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here
The hype was good. Ex wasn't as bad as I expected, he cool. Still go away.

>>1155932
>>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here.

>>1155932
>>Well, I'm still here, aren't I?

>>1155932
>Well, I'm still here, aren't I?
>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here.

>>1155932
>Well... yeah.
Well she kind of does really. She provoked Nariko just because she wanted a fight.

>>1155932
>>Well, I'm still here, aren't I?
>>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here.

>>1155932
>>Well... yeah.

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>Nah. You can be hard to deal with sometimes, but you've got friends here.

"Do you really mean that?" Sae asks. "You're not just trying to make me feel better, are you? I mean... that girl, the crazy cat girl... the one that beat the crap out of me at the tournament... everyone tells me that she's actually really nice when she's not angry. But.. I pushed her into doing that. I'm still feeling that beating, Kaz... and it's my fault!"

"Yeah... but that's not all you are," you reply. "Look, Sae... you have friends here, without a doubt. I like you, Risa likes you, Tami likes you, Kiriko likes you, Alice likes you-"

"The nutcase likes everyone," Sae jabs.

"Well, she still likes you," you reply. "Sae, come here..."

"Don't you dare hug me."

"I'm going to hug you," you reply.

"I swear, if you do, I'm gonna kill you!"

"No you won't!"

"Kaz, I swear! I swea-KAZ!"

You wrap your arms around Sae and in the riskiest move of you life, hug her tight.

"You piece of crap!" Sae yells. "You jerk! Stop hugging me or I... I'll... I'll..."

Sae sniffles, then begins to cry. "N-now look what you did!" Sae yells at you, before hugging back.

You stick by her side for a while, before Tetsuya arrives on the scene. "What do you want?" Sae glares at him.

"I want to apologise, for leading you on in the past..." he explains. "You're a good person, Sae. I'm happy to know you have friends in this new school. You... you really seem like you belong here."

"W-whatever," Sae wipes her eyes as she rises to her feet. "Why should I care what you think? You're just a jerk, just a..."

Sae hugs Tetsuya tight. "Take care."

As Sae and Tetsuya break away, you're soon joined by another classmate. One that ruins the current mood.

"My, my, what do we have here?" Atasuke asks, winking at Sae's ex. "The name is Atasuke. And yours?"

"Tetsuya," he replies, offering a handshake. Atasuke accepts his hand and kisses the back of it.

"My, you really are a delectable one, aren't you?" Atasuke smirks. "Would you care for some coffee in this cold winter weather, Tetsuya?"

"Sure!" Tetsuya smiles, as the two make their way into town. Looks like Atasuke has another victim.

"Not how I expected that to end..." Sae mutters. "So, what are you doing now, Kaz?"

>I was going to go back to the dorms, check on Akuro.
>I was gonna head back to meet with Hanako and Alice.
>Nothing, you want to grab a bite to eat? Just me and you?

>>1155982
>>Nothing, you want to grab a bite to eat? Just me and you?

>>1155982
>>I was gonna head back to meet with Hanako and Alice. Did you want to come?

>>1155982
>I was going to go back to the dorms, check on Akuro.
>You're welcome to join us.

>I was gonna head back to meet with Hanako and Alice.
>You want to join us?

>>1155982
>>I was going to go back to the dorms, check on Akuro.

>>1155982
I'll go with
>>1155987
We should check in on Akuro, and I don't think Sae is quite ready for Hanako connections.

>>1155982
>>I was going to go back to the dorms, check on Akuro.

>>1155982
>>Nothing, you want to grab a bite to eat? Just me and you?

>>1155990
this

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>I was going to go back to the dorms, check on Akuro.
>You're welcome to join us.

"Nah," Sae shrugs. "Your talk of friends had me thinking... Risa and Tami were going out for coffee. They invited me, but I wasn't going to go to that crap... but now I am. Thanks, Kaz. You're a good pal."

"Thanks, Sae-"

"Crummy kisser though," she replies. "Put a little more weight behind it next time you kiss a girl!"

"I wasn't the one who jammed their tongue down the other's throat!"

"That's what you're supposed to do!"

"No it isn't!"

You and Sae part ways, as you make your way up to the dorms. You knock on the door to Anri and Akuro's room. "Who is it?" Anri's voice calls out.

"It's me," you reply.

The door creaks open, as you're treated to the sight of a pale and distraught Akuro sitting on the edge of Anri's bed, blankets wrapped over her shoulders and a mug of hot cocoa in her hand.

"Agent Blue was with her all day," Anri explains. "But he was called out by Agent White a few minutes ago. I'm afraid I don't know how to handle her very well... I made her cocoa. She hasn't drank any yet..."

"How are you holding up?" you ask.

No answer.

"Akuro, we're your friends. You can talk to us."

Still nothing. She's completely distraught.

>Anri, why don't you try talking to her? I think you can get through to her.
>Well, I'm just going to sit by your side for now. We're here for you.
>I guess you're not ready to talk. I'll go.

>>1156034
>>Well, I'm just going to sit by your side for now. We're here for you.
Wooo stress coma

>>1156034
>Well, I'm just going to sit by your side for now. We're here for you.
>Anri, why don't you try talking to her? I think you can get through to her.

>>1156041
This

>>1156034
>Well, I'm just going to sit by your side for now. We're here for you.

>>1156041
I'll back this.

>>1156041
Voting for this

>>1156034
>>Well, I'm just going to sit by your side for now. We're here for you.

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>Well, I'm just going to sit by your side for now. We're here for you.
>Anri, why don't you try talking to her? I think you can get through to her.

You sit down on the bed next to Akuro, sticking close to her. You consider placing a hand on her shoulder, but instead decide to wait until she's ready to speak. Anri, meanwhile, is flabbergasted by your request.

"Me? But... I..."

"Go ahead, Anri," you nod.

Anri takes a deep breath as she hunkers down by Akuro. "Akuro... I know what you saw must be very difficult to comprehend. I can't begin to think what that must be like..."

Still no answer from Akuro.

"But..." Anri mutters. "Do you know what I've come to appreciate about you, Akuro? Your strength. For better or for worse, I think that you're the most headstrong person I know. No matter what stands in your path, you'll go through it with a tenacity and a determination. What happened to your brother was awful, but I know that you and he will be able to get through it together, through strength."

Finally, Akuro speaks. "Why... why is my brother such an idiot?"

"I don't know," Anri shakes her head. "But he's lucky to have someone like you."

Slowly, but surely, Anri leans in, hugging Akuro tight. This prompts Akuro to speaks a second time.

"Cocoa, you dummy!"

Anri pulls back, as the front of her shirt is stained with some hot cocoa. "Oh dear..." she sighs, before turning to see Akuro giving a small smile, a little light-heartedness being injected into a day of tragedy. "I'm so sorry, I'll make you a new one and-"

"No," Akuro replies, offering up her hand. "Sit here. With me."

Akuro pulls Anri up onto the bed, and you shift to make room for Anri. The two girls hold each-other close under the blankets for a while, as Akuro buries her face into Anri's shoulder to hide her tears from you. Anri pats her on the back and gives her comforting words, as the three of you stay there on the bed.

"Hey, detective..." Akuro mumbles. "I changed my mind. I think I could use some cocoa."

Anri nods. "Right. Kazuma, do you mind lending a hand?"

"Sure thing."

File: Anri33.png (364 KB, 850x600)

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You step out into the hall with Anri, a wide smile on your face. "Well, would you look at that? Looks like you two are actually becoming friends."

"I doubt that she and I could ever be friends..." Anri mutters, with a hint of guilt in her voice. "But that's a story for another time. I don't need help with cocoa, I just wanted to ask you something that might prove to be a sensitive topic."

"Oh?" you ask. "What's that?"

"... I discovered Io's home address."

"Oh."

"Yes," Anri nods. "I figured it would touch on a nerve. I require information from Io regarding Yasunari's last journal entry and the package he ordered, and as such I'll be tracking her down very soon. Before Christmas. Now, you may be my partner, but I don't want you to feel any obligation to join me. I understand how hurt and betrayed her sudden departure made you feel. Perhaps it's better I went on my own, so that you needn't dig up old bones."

>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.
>I'll come. I want answers of my own from her.
>You're right... I think I'll just forget about her. Move on.

>>1156111
>>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.
[CIVIL IO DISCUSSION INTENSIFIES]

>>1156111
>>You're right... I think I'll just forget about her. Move on.
Not ready yet. Need to build the drama. Probably after a therapy season

>>1156111
>I'll come. I want answers of my own from her.

>>1156111
>>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.

>>1156111
>>I'll come. I want answers of my own from her.
Ohboy

>>1156111
>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.
She is our friend.

File: what's_in_the_box.gif (993 KB, 500x223)

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>>1156111
>I'll come. I want answers of my own from her.

>>1156111
>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.
we coming girl

>>1156111
>>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.

>>1156111
>>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.
Trips

>>1156115
>>1156111
>>I'll come. I want answers of my own from her.
Guess I won't win this one so I'll just change to this

>>1156111
>>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.

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>No, I'll come with you. To be honest, I want to see her again.

"Oh," Anri says, looking a little surprised. "Sorry, I expected you to still be angry with her."

"I was never angry with Io," you reply. "I mean... I was angry when she left. But not at her. With her, I was just... confused. Hurt. I didn't know if I should chase after her or just... move on. Forget about her, let her disappear into the fog..."

"What changed your mind?" Anri asks.

"Believe it or not, a talk with Ryoji Shida helped," you explain. "He gave me some advice... but it was ultimately my decision. And at the end of the day... I miss her. I miss my friend. I didn't always trust her, I didn't know her story, but she was always there for me, always had my back... helped me get through some tough times. I miss her smile, I miss her laugh... hell, I even kinda miss how she got herself in trouble with someone nearly every week!"

"You never notice how much you miss something... until it's gone," Anri replies. "Okay then, the two of us will set off in the morning for her hometown."

You nod. "Right... and we'll bring her back, right?"

"Well... that's her decision to make," Anri replies. "But... I hope she does come back. She may have been sneaky and dishonest, but she was always a comrade. Now... I'll take this cocoa to Akuro. I'll see you later."

Anri heads back to her dormroom as you lean against the kitchen counter in the common room. Io... you have a lot of bad memories of her... but for every bad memory, you had three good ones. No matter what, she was one of your closest friends, and you just can't let that go. You don't know why she left, you don't know the true story behind anything she did... all you care about is seeing your friend again.

You let out a sigh. The day seems to be winding down, with nothing to spend it on.

>Read that Red Mask book in the couch.
>Step outside for some fresh air.
>Lie down in bed and take a quick nap.

>>1156177
>>Read that Red Mask book in the couch.
>>Step outside for some fresh air.
Read it outside.

>>1156177
>>Step outside for some fresh air.

>>1156177
>Read that Red Mask book in the couch.

>>1156177

>Read that Red Mask book in the couch.
>Step outside for some fresh air.

>>1156177
>>Step outside for some fresh air
No sleep, sleep is for wimps

>>1156177
>>Step outside for some fresh air.

>>1156177
>Step outside for some fresh air.

>>1156177
>Listen to some of your music

>>1156177
>>Read that Red Mask book in the couch.
>>Step outside for some fresh air.

>>1156194
I do wonder what going to sleep would mean. Who would we run into for that one...Mayu? Mai? Amaya?

>>1156228
All boring, I'll stick to trying my luck with the outdoors.

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>Step outside for some fresh air.

You decide to grab a spot of fresh air. The winter is cold, but it's still a good place to clear your head. You step outside, and place your headphones on. Sitting down on the steps up to the dorm, you listen to some music under the setting sun. Nice and relaxing, a respite from all that's happened so far today. The horrific incident this morning, the exam, meeting Alice's sister, making that important decision... it's a lot to happen in one day. But you suppose you've gotten used to that. You never realised it until now, but... you're becoming some kind of leader, aren't you? So many people turn to you. You can't imagine why, you were rife with your own problems not too long ago... still are. But these people... they trust you. It's a good feeling, to be trusted.

In the distance you see a classmate. You get up and move forward to realise it's Makoto, swinging around a wooden sword in the open courtyard in front of the dorm. You approach him steadily and try to grab his attention. "Hey, Makoto!"

Makoto spins around and gasps at the sight of you. "Oh, golly gee! I was so caught up in training I didn't see you there! Almost whacked this into your face! How are you, Kazuma?"

"Golly gee?" you mutter, before shaking it off. "I'm fine, I was just listening to some music and thinking when I saw you training. I have to admit, you're so straight-laced and nice I forget that you're actually really good with a sword."

"Well, don't give me to much credit, buddy!" The ever-cheerful Makoto beams. "You're a lot better with a sword than I am. Really, I'm only top of the class because I have magic on my side in a fight too!"

"And brains," you add. "At least when it comes to tests. Oh, and behavour. And attendance. Considering the other pupils, I'm glad you and Amaya are around to be tops of the class. There's no a whole lot of responsibility between the rest of us."

"Oh, don't sell yourself short!" Makoto replies. "Hey, you want to spar a little? I'm sure you could teach me a thing or two!"

>Sure, why not?
>Why are you so eager to train right now?
>I'd rather we sat down. I'd like to learn more about you.

>>1156255
>Sure, why not?
>Why are you so eager to train right now?
Exp here we go.

>>1156255
>>Sure, why not?
>>Why are you so eager to train right now?
Is it because you're trying to keep your mind of Chihiro?

>>1156255
>>Sure, why not?
>>Why are you so eager to train right now?

>>1156255
>Sure, why not?
It's not a proper Kaz thread until we job horribly.

>>1156255
>>Sure, why not?
>>Why are you so eager to train right now?

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>1156255
>>Sure, why not?
>>Why are you so eager to train right now?
dont worry guys ill just roll a 100 for you
see!

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>1156255
>Oh, golly gee!
I'm so glad I wasn't drinking anything, would have spat it all over my screen.

>Sure, why not?

>>1156268
You seem to have done poorly, here, take this one.

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>1156268
>>1156273
>33+67
>100
Now check out my Nat 100.

>>1156255
>Sure, why not?
>Why are you so eager to train right now?

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>1156255
>Sure, why not?
>>1156277
Oh please

Rolled 76 (1d100)

>>1156342
the rolls are getting worst.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>1156342
Foolish Anon.

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>Sure, why not?
>Why are you so eager to train right now?

"Well, I thought I could sharpen up on my swordplay skills!" Makoto explains. "What with those bad guys on the move, I'm going to have to be as strong as I can get!"

"Agreed..." you reply.

Makoto hands you another wooden sword. It's a different shape from the Katana you've grown used to, but you can make do. The two of you begin simple, clanking swords together, more as a greeting than any attempt at offence. Soon you kick into things, sparring away with the head of class. What amazes you most about Makoto is he incredible acrobatics, as he bounces and somersaults around, making him incredibly difficult to keep up with. Still you parry each of his attacks and fire back with some of your own.

"Wow, what made you this good with a sword?" An excited Makoto asks.

"Sometimes, when he had free time, my father would train me," you explain. "I also took kendo lessons as a kid. Aced that class. What about you?"

"Well, I'm not nearly as good as you," a modest Makoto replies. "But growing up in the circus does have it's benefits. A few tricks here and there..."

"Not to mention the magic," you add. "So... your family always knew about the Darkworld?"

"Well we didn't know about it one thousand years ago!" Makoto jokes. "But we were original villagers... and we kept that knowledge, yes. It wasn't a lot of knowledge, but we knew of it's existence, and of course of The Elder One."

"Oh yeah, that god of yours..." you reply. "What was it like finally coming to this Academy. I mean... I knew about the Darkworld my whole life too, but it seems like it ran through your family even more."

"Well..." Makoto admits. "Our family wasn't exactly pleased with our decision to attend the school. Most of our family chose to avoid the Darkworld and it's evils... but Amaya and I thought that we had a responsibility to fight those evils."

"Huh... and how did you convince your parents to send you?" you ask.

"We didn't," Makoto replies. "We ran away."

"Oh..." you mutter. "Well, I heard of people running away to the circus, but not the other way around... so, have you seen your family since."

Makoto shakes his head. "Neither of us have."

"Oh, I'm sorry," you reply.

"It's okay," Makoto smiles, before tripping you up, causing you to land on your ass while he taps the wooden sword on your chest. "Heh, look at that! I won!"

"I was distracted!" you protest.

"Oh geez, I'm sorry!" Makoto gasps. "I didn't realise you weren't paying attention while we were talking!"

"No, it's fine," you admit. "You could multi-task and I couldn't. You win."

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You and Makoto sit side by side on the steps, catching your breath. As he readies himself to head inside, he asks you a question. "Hey... do you think either of us will reach our angel forms?"

"Huh?"

"Isamu did it for a while at the tournament... do you think either of us could reach that level?"

"You more than me," you reply. "It involves a lot of being pure of heart. You've got that in spades."

Makoto thinks over it for a moment. "I wouldn't sell yourself short, Kazuma. For some reason, I feel you're closer than most."

Makoto stands up then heads back inside, as you lie back on the steps, placing your headphones back on. What does he mean by that? What makes you of all people closer than most? You're not worthy of something like that... after all you've done, you can't call yourself pure of heart.

Your thought process is interrupted by a certain someone grabbing your attention. Mayu standing above you, before seating herself right beside you on the steps. "Hello, Kazuma."

"Oh... hey," you reply, positioning yourself next to her.

"How are you?" Mayu asks. She's just sitting there... so serene, so peaceful, so...

"I'm fine," you reply. "Had a bit of a crazy day. I'm also going to meet Io again tomorrow."

"That's good," Mayu replies. "I quite liked Io."

Why is she just sitting there like this? Right next to you? No warning, nothing? Then... your thoughts turn to other places.

"Mayu..." you mutter.

"Yes?" Mayu replies.

>Is there something wrong?
>I'm sorry. About everything I did to you.
>This will sound weird, but... is it okay if I kiss you?

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>>1156402
>Is there something wrong?
Nice try Booker.

>>1156402
>>I'm sorry. About everything I did to you.
>Is there something wrong?
Cmon Booker not even I would bite that bait.

>>1156402
>>Is there something wrong?

>>1156402
>>Is there something wrong?

>>1156402
>I'm sorry. About everything I did to you.

>>1156402
>>This will sound weird, but... is it okay if I kiss you?
what could possibly go wrong

>>1156442
Everything

>>1156446
Nonsense anon, it's all in your imagination.

>>1156453
It's never steered me wrong before

>>1156442
You know what it is probably too late but I'll bite.
>>This will sound weird, but... is it okay if I kiss you?

>>1156402
>Is there something wrong?
That third option... not even Kaz deserves that big a trainwreck.

>>1156402
>>I'm sorry. About everything I did to you.

>>1156402
>>Is there something wrong?

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>Is there something wrong?

"No, not at all," Mayu replies. "You seemed to be by yourself, and so I decided to sit next to you, Kazuma."

"Oh..." you mutter. Mayu's always honest, but it's odd that there isn't anything on her mind. There was a lot on your mind the moment she walked over... mainly a lot of guilt. "Thanks."

"I will be spending new years with you and Kiriko," Mayu adds. "I don't know how you feel on that matter. If I am to be honest, I am eager to meet your mother."

"That's fine by me," you smile. "The more, the merrier. But... do you not have a home to go to? I know that your dad is... but what about your moth-"

"I also intend to confess my feelings to Kiriko on the eve of the new year," Mayu interrupts, wanting to change the subject. "I have waited long enough."

"Well... good luck," you reply. "Just... don't get your hopes up too high. I don't want you to be disappointed."

A long silence fills the air between the two of you. Mayu is quite soft-spoken, but you've rarely been this silent with her in the past. You suppose she's just quietly enjoying the fresh air with you.

"Kazuma..." Mayu mutters, causing you to turn your head.

"Yes?"

"You are one of my best friends," Mayu replies. "I do not want to see you saddened or alone or guilty. Seeing that... it hurts me. Because I care for you greatly."

"Mayu..." you mutter. It was so matter-of-fact and straightforward, but to hear that from her made you feel good inside.

"I am sorry," the stone-faced Mayu replies. "I did not mean to make this meeting emotional."

"No, it's fine," you chuckle lightly, as you shuffle just a little closer to Mayu. You throw an arm over her shoulder, and with your guidance she leans back with you, enjoying the sight of the sunset. "You're one of my best friends too, Mayu."

After a hectic day, these are the moments you live for. A nice, peaceful moment with a member of your little family. Some peace within the madness... probably the last peace you'll get. There's the trip to Io's house, then Christmas, the New Years... all the while with a big shadow looming over you. You don't know when you'll next get a moment of peace like this... so you intend to make it last.

END OF EPISODE 37

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LhG3AV14ec

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

Thanks for playing! New thread may be up as early as Tuesday or Wednesday! Follow the Twitter for anymore updates!

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

>Player Question
And so, Anri and Kaz will take a trip to Io's hometown. What do you think lies in store?

>>1156513
Thanks for running Booker
>Player Question
Lies, Tears and Drama

>>1156513
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Lies in Io's makeshift store.

>>1156513
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Drama, but we'll get her back in the end. Then we can proceed to ignore her afterwards.

>>1156513
Thanks for running as always
>PQ
Let the waifu wars (re)commence

>>1156513
PQ
Parental Abuse

>>1156513
>pq

A bitter return to waifus wars.

I will die on this Io shaped hill

>>1156543
>>1156632
Were the waifu wars really that bad, also I don't remember Rei getting the same courtesy of a time out when she was taken out of the picture in S1.

>>1156637
>que dedicated anti Io tripfag

The difference here is that Saki was always better than Rei.

It isn't getting any better than duplicitous qt merchant grill with suspeners.

>>1156682
What about the nice girl who started hating our guts but ended up caring for us. You now the one who is currently winning the Kazbowl

>>1156701
You mean the one who is gay

>>1156736
Not gay, just Kiriko-sexual, and she is about to get rejected so that is no longer a problem

>>1156763
Thats not a thing
I wont argue if Booker does it
But man I hate that concept in fiction

>>1156701
Shes fine. Wouldn't contest that.

Who I actually want to win the kazlympics is Alice, but had mostly lost hope of that happening.

until this thread

>>1156839
I also originally shipped KazxAlice, but decided to change ships because Alice is a best even without ships, not that I would oppose her, or anyone else for that matter as long as she has good chemistry with Kaz.

>>1156736
>>1156763
I'm not really convinced she's gay. I think her fixating on a girl came out of abandonment issues with her father and/or an ulterior motive to be around the son of who killed her dad. Right now I think it's part the former and part an excuse to stick around Kazuma still. I don't think she's too serious about Kiriko other than as a friend and because it's hard to dig herself out of the hole she put herself into pretending to be a lesbian. Can't really go out and say "Hey, actually, I'm not gay at all!"

>>1156929
Well it is true she is too prideful to admit that she lied or to not see something through its end, but I don't think she is merely pretending either. I do believe that she cares deeply for Kiriko.

>>1156952
Yes, and I am not questioning that she likes and cares for Kiriko (perhaps that was not true initially, but even if not it has been true for a very long time). But I think it's a close friend stage that Mayu is confusing for something romantic at most.

Is this the gayest quest of all time?

>>1162156
M-maybe?

>>1162156
Depends on whether you think the main character forcing himself on a homosexual and impaling them with his blade in a fit of rage is gay.

Or whether you think a guy washing his friend's back, while they were both naked in some hot springs, in order to try to get him to forget about his girlfriend is gay.

Or whether you think a girl, who enjoys writing gay smut between her male classmates, comforting her lesbian roommate on their bed is gay.

It's up to interpretation, but either way, Happy Valentine's Day.

>>1162311
I-I don't remember that first part.

>>1162337
When Kaz accidentally Mayu over the dank mineral