Chapter 3 ~ Long Nose... Egghead...?... CASTLE!?!?
I wake up to see a black ceiling. What the fuck? I look around and see a toilet. I'm also on a prison cot while also being in a prisoner jumpsuit. Oh great, cliche dream where I'm in another universe. Thank you manga and anime for preparing me for this. "Hehehehe..." That was a suspicious laugh if I've ever heard one. My eyes dart to the prison bars where the light shone through. Suddenly, two girls walked to the middle of the bars. Oh shit, their twins. This makes the situation scary now. I walk up to them, finally realizing that my ankle is chained to an iron ball, as my hands clenched on the bars. The twins separate as I see a desk and chair. Someone is on the chair too. "Trickster... Welcome to my Velvet Room."
"So you've come too, Inmate."
Inmate...? What the fuck...
"The you in reality is currently fast asleep. You are only experiencing this as a dream."
I kinda got that. Well, don't you look at that? Manga and anime do help when the time comes. Take that, dad!
"You're in the presence of our master, stand up straight!"
My god, harsh much? Well, I did what you told me to do. It sounds like you're going to slice my head off if I don't listen to you.
"Welcome. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room that only those who are bound by a 'contract' may enter. I am Igor, the master of this place. Remember it well. I summoned you to speak of important matters. It involves your life as well." Hmm, so this is that Velvet Room who people who are tied to a contract enters here. Wait, I didn't sign a contract! Wait, does a contract include a verbal agreement? Because if so, I'm bound to a contract with Nicole, that I wouldn't give up on a future. Wait, how the fuck do I remember something like that? Is it this place? Am I a magical girl? Wait, no. These questions can wait until later.
"Let me out of here!" I yell as the girl who wants to kill me whips the bars, making me jump. "Know your place, Inmate! Who do you think you're talking to!?" An old guy with a long nose, is he a god? Never heard of a god with a nose... "Still, this is a surprise... the state of this room reflects the state of your own heart. To think a prison would appear as such. You truly are a 'prisoner' of fate." He breathes slightly as my hands return to the bars. "Shortly, there is no mistake that ruin awaits you." "You've got to be fucking me sideways!" I yell out as I can see that both girls tense up and Igor raises his hand, making sure that they don't do anything else.
"Haha, worry not. There is a means to oppose such a fate. You must be 'rehabilitated'. Rehabilitated toward freedom. That is your only means to avoid ruin... do you have the resolve to challenge the distortion of the world?" His eyes turned soft yet still keeping its creepy stare. "I'd rather avoid ruin," I mutter as he chuckles, "Allow me to observe the path of your rehabilitation." The twins turn around to face me. Who the fuck are you two? "Ah, pardon me for not introducing the others. To your right is Caroline; to your left, Justine. They serve as wardens here." Finally, I know these lollies names. "Hmph, try and struggle as hard as you like." Caroline scoffs and smirks. "Wardens have to protect inmates. We are also your collaborators. That is if you remain obedient..." Okay mental note, Caroline is a bitch and Justine is kinda nice.
"I shall explain the roles of these two at another occasion. " Okay anime fate dream old nose. The two turn around yet again to face Igor. "Now then, it seems the night is waning... It is almost time. Take your time to slowly come to understand this place. We will surely meet again, eventually..." Just then, a bell rings loudly. "TImes up. Now hurry and go back to sleep." Caroline yells at me, making me angrier. Before I knew it, I was back in the attic. Damn you, Igor. You too as well, Caroline and Justine. Wait, holy shit. I'm magical! This is awesome. Now I'm gonna follow the anime protagonists from before, I have to wait till I can show my powers. Will I look like Sailor Moon? Or maybe Mikan? Whatever it is, I have to keep my pure heart. If I don't, I become a villain.
4/10
Ugh, I have to get changed into my uniform. Sojiro will be here to pick me up so we can go to school. Reluctantly, I get out of bed and remove my nightie. I put on the uniform, having difficulty to button the fourth button. Why did I have to choose a small blazer? I managed to button it but it's tight around my chest. My god, let's just keep it unbuttoned. I can't breathe. I have a turtleneck so I don't have to worry about it much. "You decent?" I heard Sojiro from downstairs. "Yeah, come on up!" I yell back and he comes it. I re-tie the ribbon in my hair as he starts to drone on. "Young girls aren't usually allowed in my front seat. Just seems creepy." was what he muttered. At least he isn't creepy.
It wasn't a long car ride until we reached Shujin. It looks like a normal school but apparently, it's a prep school. Why would a prep school accept me? Meh, it's their choice. We made it to the principal's office as we greet each other. As Sojiro sign the forms, my mind was wondering where this guy's neck was. This is the principal? I wonder how students don't laugh at him. "To reiterate, just so we're clear, you will immediately be expelled if you cause any problems. Honestly, I hesitated on accepting someone like you, but there were some circumstances on our side... You might have done a variety of things in hiding in your hometown, but you will behave yourself here."
Thank you, Egghead (Kubz Scouts reference), for reminding me of my predicament. Plus, what gave you the idea that I did shady stuff back home if I was the treasurer of my school? I'm pretty sure that no one would get to that conclusion if they were a student council member, probation or not. Eh, whatever. I don't care what this Egghead thinks of me. "If you are thrown out from our school, there will be no place for you to go. Keep that in mind. Anyway, this is the teacher in charge of your class." He looks over at the young woman standing in front of me. "I'm Sadoyo Kawakami. Here's your student ID." Ms. Kawakami slips me a card with my face on it as I take it. She seems out of it, what has she been up to?
"Be sure to read the school rules. Any violations will send you to the guidance office. And, if by any chance you cause any problems, I won't be able to protect you at all. That IS your promise, yes, Principal Kobayakawa?" She looks at him, anticipating him to say yes. What the fuck? Kobayakawa? I like Egghead better. "She is responsible for all her actions." Egghead confidently says as he looks at me. "Uniform must be worn with dignity. But as long as you keep it clean, I'll let it slide." I then realize what he meant. This bitch was really looking at my boobs. "Not my fault that this was the uniform given to me. And I am wearing it with dignity, 'Old saggy ass'..." I mutter as I cross my arms. I said that he was an old saggy ass in English so that he wouldn't understand. Anyway, I'm right, the school gave my probation officer this uniform. It isn't my fault that the blazer is a size too small.
All Egghead could do was scoff at my response. Kawakami complained about me being in her class and I started to feel unwelcomed even more. Sojiro got the hint and told Egghead that if it was all, we need to leave. Kawakami informed me to meet in the faculty office tomorrow so that I could introduce myself to the class. I just nodded and followed Sojiro. "I'm sorry we couldn't leave earlier when that principal started talking about your uniform. I know what he was getting at and I guess you caught it too. After that, it went downhill. All they're doing is treating you like a nuisance, even though you're trying to be polite... I guess that's what it means to have a criminal record. Turns out your past follows you wherever you go." Is he... comforting me? I thought that he thought that I was good for nothing criminal. Maybe he, sympathizes with me?
"By the way... if you get expelled now, I won't hesitate to kick you out. Got it?" There we go again. He may be the tough love kind of guy. "I'll be careful sir..." I bow as he 'hmphs' me. "School never changes, huh...?" He sighs and we leave. During the car ride, it took way longer due to traffic. Sojiro got pissed about it and the radio announces the reason why it's busy. Apparently, a subway was derailed at Shibuya Station, greatly affecting the schedule. Shit, I have to take the train tomorrow. "...So how was it? The school, I mean. Think you can manage?" Sojiro starts up a conversation as my mind wanders a bit. "I just want this year to go by quick so I can go to my REAL home..." I pout and looked out the window, seeing all the cars in a line.
I guess Sojiro didn't know what I was saying because he asked, "You want to see your parents and little sister?" "My little sister, no. I'm planning on bringing her with me to my real home. I, don't want to discuss even further... not now..." I trail off as he stops the conversation and continues driving. Once we got to the store, Sojiro drones on for a few minutes, gave me a blank journal, then locks up Leblanc. I got changed into my nightie then heard the public phone go off. Who the fuck calls a public phone nowadays? More importantly, who owns a public phone, to begin with? Reluctantly, I answer the phone. It was Sojiro telling me to flip the door sign to 'Close' since this dumbass forgot.
I doubt that someone will go to a cafe that is locked and the lights are off. Though, better safe than sorry. I look out the window and saw no one going through the back alley so I guess it would be fine if I went out now without getting kidnapped or embarrassed. Quickly, I went outside and flipped the sign and went back in. Damn, it was freezing out there. Out of nowhere, someone approaches the door and I hid behind the register. I got a better look at the person, it is a he for starters. He had shaggy, chin-length brown hair, reddish-brown eyes painted on a pale canvas. He was wearing a tan peacoat as well as black pants and gloves. Come to think of it, he looks like my age.
"Excuse me? Are you aware that you are in a cafe after hours?" He asks and I facepalm. This looks so wrong, it looks like I'm robbing the place. "Can you unlock the door so we can discuss this please?" He asks again as I look reluctant to. "Um, can you please wait a moment? I won't go anywhere, promise! That's the only exit..." I trail off as he nods and leans his back on the door. This is my chance to get some pants! I bolt upstairs and saw the jeans I had on yesterday. Better than going pantsless. I hurry to put it on and bolt back downstairs and see him, still leaning on the door. I open it and he comes in.
"Detective Goro Akechi. Now, why are you in a cafe after hours, ma'am? Do you run this cafe?" Akechi introduces himself, shows me his badge, and asks me. Oh fuck, he's a cop. He's gonna tell Kenny. I'm gonna be more fucked than I am. "Nice evening Detective sir. My apologies but, I live in the attic of this cafe. I was actually flipping that sign there 'Close' before I head to bed." I answer as his face begin to flush. Guess he realizes that I'm wearing a nightie too. "M-My apologies ma'am... it's just that... when you just came in here I just, thought the worse. I'll leave you be now..." He rushes out and leaves. Thank Jesus. With that out of the way, I stumble to my bed and pass out immediately.
4/11
The next day I got ready for the day ahead. I got changed, did my hair so it is semi-decent, and put on my glasses. I basically looked like a normal high school student. The only difference was my red hair and the black ribbon that stood out. I went downstairs and saw Sojiro behind the counter with a plate of rice and curry along with a glass of milk. "Oh, so you're actually going to school? Here, I'll feed you. Just make sure you finish it before the customers start coming in." He says and I look surprised. "Curry...? I thought that if you were going to make me breakfast, you would half-ass it..." I ramble on and when I realized what I said, I covered my mouth.
Why the fuck did I say that? "Believe me, kid. If you weren't my responsibility, I would have half-assed it." He explains as I sit and begin to eat. I can taste complex flavors within the bold spiciness. You know what, I'll thank him after I finish. I have a question for him anyway. "Say, Sojiro... why did you accept to take me in? You don't know me or my parents properly, so why did you?" "I was asked by a family friend of yours. Hearing your predicament, made me want to take you in. I wanted you to at least have a somewhat peaceful year under probation." Sojiro sighs and I smile at him for the answer and the curry I just finished. "Thank you. For both taking me in and feeding me curry, it was delicious!" I stand, bow, and leave. I noticed that the sign hasn't been flipped yet so I flipped it for him.
Now, what were the trains I need to take? I know I take the train to go to Shibuya, but where else... Ginza? Ginza it is then. The train took forever. It was all because of that incident too. I feel bad for all the people on that train as well, I hope it doesn't affect the trains I'm on... Eventually, I make it to the Aoyama-Itchome district. Finally! But wait... IT'S RAINING!? Why? Why does it have to rain now, goddamnit?! Ugh! Rain or shine, I at least have to get away from the station. With that, I run towards the nearest shelter and hid under there. I see students going pass, holding umbrellas, rushing to school. Why couldn't I have an umbrella? Shit...
I go on my phone and see that the app is back on. What the fuck man? Ugh, I delete it later. Just then, someone goes past me and under the shelter I'm under. She wore the Shujin blazer also a varsity jacket under it. Her hood was on her head and she pulls it back. Bushy, blonde pigtails spiral out. I haven't seen a foreigner in ages. She even has bright blue eyes. The girl looks around until she realizes I was staring at her. I expected her to get mad but she just smiled and looked forward. I can't just stare at her all day, it's creepy as shit. I look away as a car pulls over a few feet in front of us.
The window went down as it showed a middle-aged man, smiling. "Good morning. You want me to give you a ride to school? You're gonna be late!" He asks the girl and she accepts. "Um, sure. Thank you." The girl walks up to the car and his gaze turns to me. "Do you need a lift, too?" I don't know you. Fuck off. "Nah, it's fine!" I wave as she buckles up and rolls the window up. Just in time, I catch her sad face. What happened? Out of nowhere, a boy with bleach blonde hair in the Shujin uniform comes rushing past me. "Damn it! Screw that pervy teacher!" he grunts and my head tilts, "Pervy... teacher...?" He turns around and looks into my black eyes.
"What? You into Kamoshida? Planning on telling him I'm bad-mouthing him?" He asks aggressively as I sigh. "Who the fuck is Kamoshida, to begin with?" I fold my arms as he gives me a confused look. "What? You don't know Kamoshida? You're from Shujin, right?" this guy is annoying me now. "I'm a transfer student," I say as he gives an 'oh' look. "Just some advice, stay away from him. He just thinks he is the king of a castle because he's an entitled asshole." We begin to walk and talk. Coincidently, we both get a headache at the same time. This has to be apart of the magical destiny thing again! Then that means, he's my sidekick? Meh, I'll figure it out as this magical destiny thing as I go on.
"What makes him entitled?" I ask as he sighs. "He won the Olympics and since then he is an egotistical bastard. I just don't want you to get involved with him. You're too cute for that bastard..." pink was painted on his face as he said that. The same was with me so I looked away. Wait, why am I acting shy? I was hit on back at 'home' by guys I don't know and never acted shy around them. I just nodded and walked away. So why is this different? The two of us walk into an alley which made me suspicious about the surroundings. Something was wrong, but what was wrong? "What!?" the boy yelped as I realize, I'm way behind him. I catch up and see him gaping at a castle. Wait, what? A castle? Where the fuck is the school!?
"We didn't... come the wrong way, though... yeah, this should be right." The two of us look at the sign out front as it read, 'Shujin Academy' in kanji, hiragana, which made us look at each other and shrug. "I guess we'll just have to go in and ask..." the boy looks ahead as I grab his arm. "Are you sure? Number one rule about horror movies, 'Never just walk into places out of the ordinary unless you are prepared or willing to die'!" I look concerned as he smiles, "Don't worry, they'll have to get through me before they get to you!". My face flushes with that comment and I begin to hold onto his arm as we walk on.
The inside was a massive hall like in those European castles my aunt would take me to. I would call it pretty if there wasn't a self-portrait of a douchebag on the wall by the stairs. "Th-this is weird... where's the school?" The boy asks, making me a little more fearful. "Um... is this our school...?" I look at him as he explains that is should be because of the sign. We question everything as something approaches us. It was a guy donned in a metal suit. More began to surround us as my body got closer to him. "C-calm down! TIme out, man! C'mon, let's run!" he pulls me as more of those guys came. The boy started to protect me but that didn't stop them from knocking me out.
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Hey guys! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! The next chapter is my favorite, I bet you guys can guess why if you played the game, but other than that, I hope you guys like the way I portrayed Akano in the Velvet Room. I want her to be an otaku, but not to the extent as another character later down the line. Anyway, I hope you guys have a lovely day and that you guys continue reading this. I also wish for criticism so if you can, leave some of those criticism positive please. I will take you seriously if it is positive. Anyway, bye-bye!
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