The darkness around me is writhing around as if it was a living entity. It swallows me whole with anger, though I am its core. I can only lay still as the pain courses throughout my already weakened body. Suddenly, I can see it. A clear shadow standing over me, my emotions going livid as shivers ran through my eyes at the sight. Who it was? Is my question now. Was it the Reaper coming to fix my mother's mistake? to deliver me from my pain? I think not.
My next destination is eternal damnation and fury, all for of divine love that transcended reality. A love even death itself is trying to stop. Everything I had ever done, all in lieu of protecting him. What was I supposed to do? He is restlessly pure while they are bloodsucking heathens. I'm a heretic of the worst kind, for the deity who saved me that day, I'd gladly follow his allegiance to the end. I sighed, feeling the breath slipping away into lucidity. My bones had long been broken, blood long left me. It doesn't matter anymore. It's all come to an end for nothing. I made my mistakes & nothing will change them.
~
My eyes shot open and I screamed. A deep and resounding scream. I wasn't one for fear, for any emotion really. Yet, the intense nightmare I just had was different. I'd had nightmares before, but none as vivid as that one. What was that thing? No, Who was that thing standing over me?
Whatever it was, It didn't matter now. I need to get up, it'd be another day of school. I got out of bed and let my feet hit the cold, solid floor. Even If I had the time to think about it, it wouldn't do me any good to ponder over a nightmare. I walked to my mirror and stared into my reflection, seeing the bags under my eyes. It's nothing I hadn't seen before, yet after that nightmare, the sight of them were bothering me. I walked to the bathroom, letting the tile floor freeze my feet. It was cold as I trudged myself to into the room. I turned on the shower and waited for small trails of steam to rise from it. After that, I stepped in.
Despite the burning water, I was still cold. It felt nothing like lava, just sprays of water rolling off my back. As if my nerves weren't properly connected to my body, pain did not flourish within me from the intense temperature. My body had become permafrost ice, not that I could do anything to stop it anyways. I proceed to wash the cold stone I called a body and got out within a good time. I still had a whole day ahead of me but death and that nightmare were ever looming. It was not fear, no. I hadn't felt fear, just a sense of pure unadulterated confusion and dread. Even within that nightmare, I was still shivering, freezing over. The darkness was writhing around me, but it was not warm. Not that it would've been anyways.
I came back to my room only to shove my uniform on and quickly pack my things for school into my bag. It'd be another day of watching the man I love from afar. Another day of precise planning and scheming just to protect a man who wouldn't give his eyes to me. It's not that I'm mad at him for it, He just couldn't see what he needed. We're all a little blind sometimes, I just need a bit of time to wake him up from the dull life he's probably living in. He could be so much better with me in tow, I could make him see that. However, that would come with time, now if only patience followed as well.
~
(Location: Akademi High | Pathway/Entrance to School | 6:55 am | Ayano's POV)
I watched from a distance as he walked to school, my senpai. A man with black hair and dark eyes, a soft and sweet guy. He was mild mannered and a scholar in everything but name. Most times you could find him with a book in his hand. At this time though, you could find him walking with Osano unfortunately. I always wondered how the two of them even became friends, even in childhood. Osano is obnoxious and selfish, despite it being a faced, it's still off-putting. My senpai, no, Taro was too nice. Even when Osano did things like wrongfully scold him, he apologized thinking he had actually caused trouble. Like right now.
"I can't keep waiting for you, you're slowing me down. How lousy are you that you can't even get up on time?" Osano wasn't serious, yet it took a person who knew tone to tell. "I'm sorry, I am. I haven't been sleeping well. You can leave me behind if it happens again." Senpai was not one of those people, tone must not be his forte or he didn't want to stir the pot. Whichever it may be, I respected the peacekeeping. He was a gentle sort. Osano became remorseful at how abrasive he had been and extended a hand to Taro. "It's whatever, let's just go." He replied, walking faster. I scoffed, not even an apology? Senpai really does need a better friend. I trailed behind them, keeping a good distance from where they were. Being caught or noticed this early would be a problem of the highest degree.
Time passed as I eavesdropped their conversation, nothing interesting, rather it was kind of boring aside from Taro ranting about books, he was insightful. The falling leaves of fall provided our scene as the medium walk came to a close. While I loved hearing Senpai talk, I dreaded every minute Osano replied. I'd endure it again, but maybe with earplugs half in next time. If there was a next time after how I was thinking. I turn my attention to the school gate that had come into view and saw how it loomed over all the students as they went through. Osano and Senpai decided to go to their lockers and I parted ways from my stalking of them. I changed my shoes and proceeded to tread carefully within the building. I looked around at the crowded hallways, I was suffocated. All these peoples, smiling, laughing, joking, and hanging out. I needed to get away from it all.
I made my way up the stairs of every floor, careful to not alert the student council. I quickly stepped from area to area until I could finally see the clear blue sky, until I could finally breathe. I gulped air into my lungs as if i hadn't had any in days and felt stupid doing so, yet I needed it. I scouted around and looked at the usual suspects who hung out on the roof.
All was in place, that was until I saw him. He shouldn't have been there, but there he was. My eyes couldn't help but wander to his figure, just what was Budo Masuta doing on the roof top? Doesn't he have martial arts practice with his club? I stared a bit more until our eyes met. I turned away and folded my hands together over my skirt where I stood. I shouldn't have been staring, what if he comes over? I speed walked away from him and to a railing where I could look over the school gardens, I tried to ignore the footsteps growing ever closer, hoping and praying it wasn't from him.
"Ayano-Chan?" He called and lightly tapped me on the shoulder. I felt myself go rigid, this is what I was trying to avoid. I had known Budo for a touch longer than most, we went to the same middle school and he did know of me back then. One of the main people who defended me when girls and boys tried to harm me. He really loved to play the hero and since it benefitted me, I let him. Would it be possible to use it again? I wonder. "Ah. Budo-Kun. I'm sorry for staring, It's just been a while. Hasn't it?" I spoke politely to him, wary of saying anything too much. He smiled at me but it was sad, slightly off from being authentic. "It has been a while. I didn't mean to disturb you, I just wanted to check if you were okay. You look like you're worried about something." He asked, insinuating that not only did I look terrible but something was going on.
I studied his face and thought back to all the times how he use to defend me valiantly, a true hero in everything but name. He was always there to save those he consider weak, I always found it to be a flaw, yet even flaws have their uses when perfection turns its back. A flaw unexploited is just untapped potential. I remembered this morning, seeing how Osano treated Senpai and felt my already frozen bones rattle. Maybe, and just maybe I could kill two birds with one stone. I softened my face and looked at him with doe eyes. Was I really going to try this? Absolutely, it's not like I had any better ideas. I opened my mouth to speak and closed it again, faking a tragedy of indecision. I took his hand in mine and grasped it with both hands. His cheeks warmed at my action.
"Can I trust you, Budo?" I asked, dropping the honorifics to give the impression that I was serious. He looked slightly stunned but wasted no time in responding. "Of course, Ayano. is there a problem?" He asked, worry apparent in his tone. I looked away to the oriental garden and then back, shaking my head at him. "Not here, we can't talk here, it's too open. We should go some place better." I informed him and he immediately picked up what I put on the table. "The oriental garden? That's fine, let's go." He took one of my hands in his and led me to it without wasting another second of time. As we walked I couldn't help but feel a twang of satisfaction as I racked my brain for what I could tell him that would set off his hero sensors. I truly had done it. I got him, hook, line, and sinker.
~
(Location: Akademi High | Oriental Garden | 7:15 am | Ayano's POV)
As we entered, we made a beeline for a bench across from the martial art club members, they seemed to not really give attention to us. Perks of being with the leader, I guess. We sat down and Budo gave me those eyes. I hadn't seen them since middle school but he pitied me. He felt responsible for whatever he thought I was about to tell him. How sweet, now to use the honey sweet feelings to set a trap for a certain rat. I looked deeply into his eyes, seeing myself reflected. He was focused. "Budo. I'm only telling you this because I don't think I can trust anyone else right now." I spoke, low and somber. A façade I hadn't pulled out in a while. His breath hitched and I knew how invested he was in my words. "I think, I think Taro Yamada is being bullied by Osano. At first it seemed like bickering between friends, but this morning was different. Osano was very rude with his words, yelling at Taro for the smallest of things. I as worried it would turn violent. I was debating on reporting it before you spoke to me." I finished, clinging to him like a damsel in distress.
His features furrowed and his demeanor darkened. After a small exhale, he spoke. "Unfortunately, I've noticed that too. I wanted to report it, I even asked Taro himself but he said nothing was wrong. At first I believed it, but hearing this, it seems like he tolerates this behavior because he doesn't want to start any trouble." He said, upset at the thought and I nodded egging him on. "He's such a nice guy, you know? He probably thinks that Osano is just having a few bad days, he's trying to help at the cost of himself. I just don't know what to do. Schools don't take bullying reports seriously. I'm sure you remember middle school for me, I remember being his shoes." I said praying on his image of me being helpless and trying to associate it with Senpai.
He nodded, clenching his fist. I bit back a smile, knowing I had hit a nerve by mentioning middle school. "Ayano? Would you help me if I decided to take matters into my own hands? You wouldn't have to fight or anything, I just need someone to keep evidence." He asked, and while I really didn't want to be involved, I worked to hard to back down now. "Sure. I don't want to see someone get bullied like I did. I'll do what I can. What's your plan?" I asked, putting on my face of interest. "I'm going to confront him first, just so I can gauge how much of a threat he really is. I need you to record it so if anything happens he doesn't try to twist the story. Types like him always think they're right." He informed me and I agreed without a second thought. I wrapped my arms gently around him and held him at a reasonable distance on the bench, he was surprised by this. "Thank you, so much. It means a lot to me." I told him, and with that? I took my leave.
My performance was over and I couldn't help but nearly smirk at the stupidity of men like him, men with such strength and morals. 'Types like him always think they're right.' I couldn't help but hear that line again. It's just so hypocritical, but I guess he doesn't understand that. Part of me was almost gleeful at getting him out of the way, but Budo as well? He's one of the biggest threats to anything I wanted to do. I was worried how this would play out, yet even if it failed, I know I tried. Although, I have full faith this will work. Budo isn't a man to ignore one in need, especially not when a person he sees as weak comes begging for his help. This was going to happen, and at least one of them are going down.
~
(Location: Akademi High | Second Floor Classroom | 1:35 pm | Ayano's POV)
I decided to enjoy my lunch in the solitude of the upper levels of the school building, doing my best to avoid bystanders. Unfortunately, despite the nice empty classroom I chose to sit in, two girls from different clubs had wandered in. The conversation they were engaging in nearly made me gag on pure principle. "I want a boyfriend, I thought I'd get one in high school but half the boys here are weird." One girl said, sighing and picking up her bag from the desk she sat at. "Mhm. I completely get that. All the good guys aren't even interested in girls right now." The other responded, chuckling a bit at what I assumed was irony to her. "It's weird to hear that from you, you barely even pay attention to guys." The first girl pointed out, still rummaging through her bag.
"Well, you have to be good in school for the boys you like, otherwise you attract all the weird ones. I'm just focusing on studying and reaching top marks. Maybe you should to." She shot back, smiling wide at her friend. Sad thing? It was a solid mindset to have, but it sucked knowing she'd never find a guy to appreciate it in this school. "True. do you think Megamo would like me if I did that?" She asked, cheeks turning a bit pink. I wanted to leave. How could anyone faun over him? There's not much there to care about, though I guess i have no rights to say that. Her friend giggled at the notion, "No, but if it makes you feel better, I don't think he likes anyone. He's so stoic and strict, good-looking, but cold. A guy like that would be hard to even communicate with. How the council members do it is a mystery to me." She finished, looking a little put off by her friends crush. She was right, but understated it. Megamo is a grade A prick, and a rich kid. I don't think it'd be worth it to even consider him.
The first girl frowned, "You're right but I have heard he does have a crush. Apparently he's been looking into student files, someone said they saw him pick up multiple girl's files. And apparently all of them were boring types of girls." She mentioned, finally pulling her phone from her bag and shoving it in her skirt pocket. "That should be a crime, but student council privileges I guess. Also, boring? Do you mean quiet girls? I wouldn't be surprised if that was his type, he seems much more physical than emotional." The other girl commented, pulling out her phone and checking what seemed to be an app that opens with a orange color scheme. "Yeah, quiet girls. I'm kind of jealous that's his type because I could never be someone like that." She frowned, moving to walk out. "Hey, don't be sad. It could be just a rumor, you know how people are." The other commented while the first nodded. They exited the room without even a single notice of me.
Quiet girls, huh? I'm almost sure my file was in that, if it was even true. Yet, I couldn't picture him looking through files of girls he was crushing on. The idea of him even having time for such nonsense was hard to grasp. Everything that man does is for a reason, to do that for a crush is very vapid. Though I doubt it's true, he was strict with everyone and even himself. I don't think he did it, but if he did, no one would know about it. Well, aside from.. him. No one but he would know about it. I pulled out my phone and flipped through the few contacts I had, stopping on the alias of him. I hated having any contact with him, he was just annoying and yet he helped me. Nothing in this world comes for free, I wasn't sure what exactly he wanted from me, but I had no time to investigate it. I glanced at the time, lunch would be over soon and I had no plans to move until then.
~
(Location: Akademi High | Martial Arts Room | 3:45 pm | Ayano's POV)
I stalked my way over to the martial arts room in what seemed like the slowest movement ever. I couldn't wait to get there and see what would go down. Eliminating Osano this early would protect him so well. It doesn't stop the full problem, but if I could just separate the two, I could increase my chances. Osano acts like he owns him and it truly pushes my buttons every time I see them together. I pulled my phone from my pocket like the sword from the stone, ready to wield it well. This was going to go down, i knew that. Now, let's see how much I've learned from over the years. May my results be fruitful.
I slightly pushed open the right door, just a crack to peak in and have a space for my visual evidence. I saw them, staring each other down as if they hated each other. It seems ive done well, but the conversation is where the real fun starts. I angled perfectly and pushed the record button, now It's up to my little heroic puppet to slay the big bad villain. Budo spoke first, no gambits just raw emotions. "Osano. I heard you're bullying another student. I need you to stop. It's alarming." His brash words and tough voice were intentional to intimidate Osano, unfortunately it wasn't working. When you're as hard headed and volatile as him, a tough act doesn't scare you, not one bit. Osano furrowed his eye brows. "And who exactly am I bullying? This sounds like nonsense, and I don't need you to waste my time with this." He scoffed in response and refused to even acknowledge how his actions could be seen as bullying.
"Oh really, so you weren't yelling violently at Taro Yamada this morning? Bullshit, multiple people saw you." Budo was getting worked up by the minute and the crude satisfaction that ran through me was amazing. Osano looked dumbfounded, barely knowing how to respond. Not because he bullied him, but because his actions of being unclear with his feelings have caught up to him. "Look. I'm not bullying him, and whoever said I am is a liar. You're wasting my time with false rumors and I don't care to hear it." Osano is losing his nerve but Budo refuses to let it go in any shape or form. He's serious about his justice. "Of course you'd say that, everyone is lying I guess just because you don't consider yourself as abusive." Budo mocks his response, his posture turning a bit more offensive, as if he could strike.
"I swear on my life, I never did anything to hurt Taro. It's not my fault you're butting into my business and can't see the truth. Maybe, and just maybe if you stopped trying to play hero all the goddamn time you'd be able to see that. Of course, that's too much to expect from you." Osano was being snarky and overall terrible. His demeanor was insulting, presenting the narcissistic persona Budo was accusing him of in the first place. Maybe that's what contributed to it, but I'm sure he just confirmed Budo's suspicions tenfold. Budo narrowed his eyes in what could only be called hatred. I've seen him be friendly to his own enemies before, but he absolutely despises bullies. Therefore? Osano has to go down.
Budo wasted no time in launching punches in the direction of the infuriating abuser. In which, there was the distinct sound of something crunching. Budo had just broken his nose. His surprise allow Budo to take him down once more with a swift kick to the back of the legs and groans of pain from the ginger. Osano fought with panic spread across his face, fear that he'd be badly injured surfacing I'm sure. I continued filming with a hand covering my mouth. The urge to cheer came all too soon. I watched as Budo beat him near knee deep in his own blood, kicking him in the stomach, and punching his arms blocking his face. Osano got lucky and threw a left hook to get Budo off him, but his broken nose definitely hindered him from doing much. "Get away from me!" Osano called out to him, on his knees shuffling away from his attacker with extreme fear. I silently sighed, i wondered if I should step in? Harming Osano this way helps one way, but helping him could have it's benefits.
I got up from my position and threw open the door with a look of wide eyes. "Budo. Stop." I nearly command him, rushing into the room and putting myself in front of this man. My manic actions surprised him, he thought I was indefinitely on his side. I looked to Osano and hoisted one of his arms around my shoulder. He coughed and held his nose with his other hand, trying his best to not topple me over. Budo on the other hand looked shocked, dismayed, and rejected by my actions, as if this was a betrayal. I however had nothing to say or justify to him. I slowly got out the room with Osano in tow, he couldn't speak but his heavy breathing and whispers told me everything. He never expected to be hit and while it wasn't what I imagined either, it worked either way. Playing hero was fine as it'd protect me in the long run, maybe a foot in the door with Senpai too.
I carried on down the stairs carefully and saw a few students give us stares as we passed by at a moderate speed. It seemed as if Osano's nose bleed from the breaking stopped a bit but that wasn't the only thing in pain. Eventually, we reached the nurse's office and I put him down there. The head nurse and assistant nurse stared at me expectantly, as if I needed to explain. "There was a fight between him and another student, I broke it up but it got really serious. Please, will he be okay?" I asked, faking a tone of worry and sympathy. The head nurse immediately starting checking his nose and looking at the small bruises forming on his face. "I'm not sure, We should call the ambulance for his broken nose though." She whipped out her smart phone and dialed the emergency number. The assistant nurse came up to me, his face was worried and looked sad. "Come with me, we have to go inform the teachers." He said quietly, taking me gently to the next room so we could write up a report.
We walked in the and the teachers looked up, a few continuing with their normal work on their laptops. "Excuse me, but there's an emergency. A student has been injured severely and a ambulance will be dispatched anytime now. This student witnessed it, so if any of you could help her draw up an incident report it would be appreciated." He had caught all the teachers off guard with this news and one immediately came over to me to keep me by her side. The nurse smiled and he went to leave the room, disappearing into the nurse's office once again. "Excuse me, What's your name? Could you tell us what happened?" One of the teachers asked me and I nodded, she then lead me to seat in the room and told me to take my time. I guess my exhaustion from carrying Osano looked like worry and fear to them.
"It was the martial arts club leader, Budo Masuta."
~
(Location: Akademi High | School Guidance Office | 4:20 pm | Ayano's POV)
"I see. So you spoke to Masuta about your concerns of Osano's behavior and he took it too far. Is that it?" Ms. Kunahito was a strict counselor who made sure to ask every question. With every one of my answers, she typed away into an incident report without a second thought. Though, I guess this would be second nature to her, she saw troubled students all the time from what I remember. "Yes. I wasn't expecting him to go that far, I swear. He said for me to record it, but I didn't know what to do when they started fighting." I responded to her with all the sincerity I could muster, hoping she'd believe it. She clacked her nails against her desk and closed her eyes for a moment as if to process her thoughts.
"I'm going to choose to believe you, you were the one who helped him to the nurse after all. I'd appreciate it if you be careful around him if you do come into contact with Masuta again. As for that, I have to finish the report. You're welcome to go home." She gave me a slight smile and went back to typing away on her laptop. I lifted myself from the comfy chair in her office and shuffled myself out quickly and without another word to the matter at hand, I just wanted to get home.
I closed the door behind me and saw him waiting there. I should have expected it, he was in trouble with multiple people at the school for his actions, though I was under the impression he'd go to the headmaster's office. His dark hair was falling flat and draping his dark eyes. I decided to not say a word to the "hero" in front of me and just walk off. He stared at me, I could feel his eyes but then it was the sound. Footsteps. Every step I took, he took one to keep up. He wasn't going to let me leave without speaking, I knew that now.
I turned around and hardened a glare. "Do you have something to say?" I asked, trying to be intimidating but he looked mild in manner and had no business looking so confident. He really didn't consider me a threat. He took a breath in, "I'm sorry. I only did this because you seemed scared, I wanted to protect you. To protect Yamada." He reached out a hand and took mine in his, causing me to feel nothing but disgust. He gave my hands a firm squeeze but I pulled away. Much to my dismay, he held on. "Get off me, or do I need to go back in the office and report you for this too?" I said quietly, not wanting to alert the Ms. Kunahito right outside her door. He smiled sadly, "Please. I just need you to understand where I'm coming from, I promised to protect you. So please, don't be afraid. This was for Yamada, for you. I wanted to stop his abuse." He started on a tangent with his eyes looking deep into mine.
His look, I nearly recognized, it reminded me of my own. My longing looks to the man I truly loved, Taro. He looked at me in the same manner and I couldn't bare to look. It repulsed me to be in his grasp, but it wasn't for much longer. "Can you hear me, my heart? I know I did wrong but my intentions were in the right place so-" He started once more as I winced but he was swiftly cut off. A pair of hands separated his grip from me and I trailed my eyes up the arms of my necessary and unsolicited savior. It was none other than him. "Just what do you think you're doing, Masuta?" A cold, strict voice commanded an answer of him and he barely knew how to respond. Megamo Saikou had that effect of people.
"Nothing." He responded, shrinking down in the presence of a student council member. He looked like a deer caught in headlights and found the best course of action would be to surrender himself to the counselor, and not to Megamo. I didn't blame him, I'd pick the counselor too. She'd at least listen to you, Megamo was past hearing out other students, such is his abuse of power. He watched Budo slip into the room and immediately turned his glare to me. I didn't flinch, standing still and reminding myself of just how things worked. The minute I show any concern, he'd latch onto it. Iced over hearts are best left in the snow.
"Go home, Aishi. You've given your statement, don't lurk around." He nearly demanded but he didn't have to tell me twice. I was out of here as soon as I could be. I nodded in his direction, not acknowledging his presence and walking off as we shared a moment of hatred between each other's stare. I couldn't careless, I came here to accomplish one thing, and I did it. A bit of a messy job never hurt anyone. Or rather, a bit of a messy job never hurt me.
~
JFC it's a chapter 1 rewrite and it's so long! I literally can't reason about why it's so long. I'm sorry to anyone who's not gonna be able to finish it. I got a little wild with the scenes and obsessed with how everything sounded. I hope you enjoy it either way. - Lucid <3