Bay 12 Games Forum

"...."
"If you're too flustered to talk to her, that's not my problem. Talk to her yourself."

"Really? Nobody's above help. Least of all myself. Or you."
"Well, I suppose your father would be enraged, ask what kind of child of his would need help from a Mishima of all people and you would continue hating me over a grudge that neither of us have any real part in. And I'd continue....not really caring about a grudge that doesn't really mean anything to us kids."
"But, that's where you're wrong. We're not enemies, Akari. You're not your father. We're a bit more similar than you think. Of course, you probably don't believe that. I also believe you're stubborn enough to go your own way, with or without anyone helping you."

If Kanade picks up on Shiro's family issues, she doesn't show it. Damn actresses.
"Well, by your logic, I shouldn't be helping an Akari. But here we are."
"I see someone in need of help, I want to help them. Even if they do kinda have a hate-on for me, have been looking at me like they kinda want to strangle me and suspect me of having ulterior motives. It's that simple."

---

Kanna looks between Yui and Akihiko.
"....tell us what, Sakurajima?"
"You promise not to tell Otoya, right? It'd kill him if he found out."
"Sakurajima....you had my back after that thing with Sasanuma. You, Tadano, Miyazono and Koga. If there's anyone I owe after Saya, it's you. I swear I won't say a thing. What is it?"
"..."
"...so, you know that tournament Otoya and I did?"
"It was the big one, right? The Eastern Japan Duet Tournament?"
"This is what happened..."
....
A few days ago...
The roar of applause sounded through the auditorium. Beads of sweat ran down Otoya's forehead as he stood, taking a bow, cello in hand.

He looked over at Kanna, sitting at the piano, mouthing something.
_{"Do you think we did it?"}
Kanna slowly nodded. She felt....exhausted. Unnaturally so. Maybe it was just the stress of playing in front of an audience. Or maybe-
No. Not yet. Please. I haven't done it yet. A little longer, then I can rest.
Her limbs were numb, and all she could feel was tingling. Still, the audience was applauding, and it was only right to bow.
I just need to take a bow, then I can get backstage and rest. It'll be fine. Miyazono doesn't need to worry about me.

She pulled herself up. Her legs, numb as they were, had enough strength in them to let her stand. She was thankful Otoya was looking back to the audience; she could get up in peace without him worrying.

It was like moving through a thick jelly. She stumbled towards Otoya, trying to maintain her composure, maintaining a smile on the way. Otoya was turning to face her, a smile on his sweet, sweet face. If she could reach him, so long as she could, it was okay, it was all worth it.

Then, something gave.

Her body fell towards the floor, and the world began to spin.

Ah.

As she lost consciousness, the last thing Kanna remembered, falling to the floor, was Otoya's eyes widening in fear.
....
Akihiko just stared at her. Kanna sighed.
"I told him I was just dehydrated, but....I don't know-"
"Is it serious?"
"....I don't know how long I have."
"Shit."

"Do you know them, Sakurajima?"
Akihiko turns to see none other than Tsukasa Kazami, clad in the red Amamiya uniform, approaching them.
"Kazami-senpai! I....these are some people I know from school."
"I know two of you. Sawatari, you're working with Kanade. And Kasuga...."
Kazami looks him up and down.
"I know your reputation. Kanade respects what you did. So do I."
"Thanks, I guess?"
"Kazami-senpai knows already. I...uh, I know since...is it okay if I explain?"
"Someone close to me is staying here."

Mori notices the cogs spinning in Akihiko's head, however.

---

"Well, as Sakurajima's out, maybe Miyazono should be in the cafeteria! Let's go!"
Saya leads the way.
...
After a bit, Masaru receives a text.
Heading to cafeteria now. Miyazono-kun should have something on Tadano-kun's problem?

"More important than your well-being, Akari? You're rating yourself way too low. Or Kasuga and Akitsuki's time too high."
"It couldn't hurt you to ask, anyway."
Kanade inhales.
"Unless of course, you have others you can come to for help."

---

Akihiko starts heading out.
"Well, I'm going first. Clock's running. Can't leave our clients hanging. Also, I owe Sakurajima."

"Just seeing a friend. That's all."
Kanade nods at Shiro.
"How are you doing? I've never had the opportunity to talk to you outside of formal functions."

Oh, sure, I don't mind that. I changed the wording a little bit; is that better?

yis gud

"The truth about Lady Demogorgia?"
Leviathan pauses.
"I was her handmaiden. I was there that day. What more do you need to know?"
"You....were there?"
"Of course I was. I served my lady loyally. She was kind to us vampires. It was in her service I met my beloved; he was but a young knight serving as part of her guard then."