|| 4/14 Thursday ||
|| Early Morning ||

It was becoming routine for Akira and Mikono to rendezvous at Shibuya Station before hopping aboard the train to Aoyama-itchōme Station. It wasn't long before they found themselves walking down the street toward Shujin Academy. Once again, they found themselves trekking behind two students who were chatting with one another. Unlike the boys from yesterday, the two girls in front of them were talking about the one man they abhorred.

"Did you see Mr. Kamoshida play yesterday? He was so awesome! I think I might ask for his autograph after school."

"I dunno if that's such a good idea... I hear that you shouldn't go near the PE faculty office. People say you can hear weird sounds, like screaming, even though no one's there..."

"What? That's probably just a rumor spread by fans to scare the competition."

Mikono came to a gradual stop in the middle of the street. Akira continued walking, not noticing the distance between him and her growing. When he did realize she was no longer by his side, he stopped and turned around. "Tsutsui-chan...?" He couldn't read her expression due to her face being hidden behind a curtain of inky tresses. He approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. No words were spoken as the two stood in the middle of the street, students walking around them and murmuring to themselves.

When Akira squeezes Mikono's shoulder, it snaps her back to reality and she lifts her head. "Sorry. We should get to school." She began walking away, leaving a flabbergasted Akira behind.

He quickly caught up to her and asked, "Is there something on your mind?"

"I'm just baffled by how many people at our school are blind to Kamoshida's abuse. The teachers, principal, and parents choose to ignore it while most of the student body is unaware of his true nature. I'm afraid of what my parents would do if I told them the truth behind the bruises on my body..."

"He won't get away with it for much longer, Tsutsui-chan," Akira proclaimed.

"I know we'll stop him, but...how many more will suffer before then?" Mikono shook her head and slapped her cheeks. "I need to stop thinking about the negatives and focus on the positives. It's way too early in the morning for this. Sorry 'bout that, Kurusu-kun."

He shook his head. "No. You're right. How many more will suffer before this ends?"

Mikono lifted her head, staring at the school down the road. "Hopefully, no one."

When they reached the steps of Shujin Academy, Ryuji was waiting for them. His hands were in his pockets as he leaned against the stone planter beside the gate. "Dude," he said, directing his gaze toward Mikono. "Where were you last night?"

"Working," she simply replied.

"You were that busy you couldn't text back?"

"I saw the messages, but I was in the middle of giving someone a tour when you guys were messaging the group chat."

"Hold it..." Ryuji arched a brow, crossing his arms. "I thought tours at the museum were only available 'til 3. Did some big hotshot come in before closing and get special treatment?"

"You could say that," Mikono replied. "But he looked normal to me. My mom insisted I give him a tour. I did enjoy his company, though. He was very kind and knowledgeable."

"Uh, "he"?" Ryuji muttered.

The young girl rolled her eyes. "Yes, it was a boy. Y'know, like you and Kurusu. Need anymore details?"

"No..."

"Good, because-" The bell rang, signifying the beginning of the school day. Mikono grinned at the perfect timing of the bell. "We're going to be late if we don't hurry to class."

"Yeah..." The blonde groaned. "I'll see you guys later."

|| 4/14 Thursday ||
|| Afternoon ||

During class, Mikono heard her phone vibrate inside her bag. Curious and confused, she peered into her bag and saw the screen of her phone lit up with messages from Ryuji. She scowled as she snuck her phone out of her bag without the teacher or her fellow classmates noticing. She placed it on her thigh and unlocked it to access the group chat.

Ryuji: So about witnesses...

Ryuji: I was wondering if we could get something outta Takamaki.

Mikono: WHY ARE YOU TEXTING US IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS?!

Ryuji: This can't wait! We need a witness!

Ryuji: So how 'bout it?

Akira: Why Takamaki? Is it because she's with Kamoshida?

Ryuji: No, that ain't why.

Ryuji: Just hear me out.

Ryuji: You guys know how we didn't get a thing outta the volleyball team?

Ryuji: I figured it'd be a good idea to talk to someone who knows them.

Ryuji: Takamaki's BFF's with a starter. A girl named Suzui.

Ryuji: I tried to talk to that girl during break, but I got nothing.

Ryuji: That's why we should have Takamaki talk to her.

Mikono: I'm not so sure about this. What makes you think she won't remain silent like the other members of the volleyball team?

Ryuji: Yeah, true... Sorry. Lemme see what else I can come up with.

Mikono: Don't you dare make this a habit. I'm gonna blame you if my phone is confiscated...

|| 4/14 Thursday ||
|| After School ||

Akira stood up from his seat once class was over for the day and made his way over to Mikono's desk. She was gathering her things together and looked up just as he stepped in front of her desk. He slid his hands into his pockets as he recalled the girl Ryuji mentioned in the group chat. "Maybe we should try talking to Suzui."

"You...want to?" Mikono pondered. "I'm not against the idea, but it's not guaranteed Suzui-chan will step forward."

"It's worth a try," Akira said.

The girl stood up and nodded. "Then let's find Suzui-chan."

With that, their search began. They left the classroom, leaving their belongings behind. They knew no one would help them search for Suzui and would have to rely on only themselves.

It took them a few minutes to find the girl without any help from their fellow students. Suzui was standing in front of vending machine, staring down at her phone. What Mikono noticed when they approached her were her dull and seemingly lifeless eyes. But when she saw the bruise above her left eye, she winced. "Did Kamoshida do that to her...?" She whispered under her breath.

"Only one way to find out," Akira whispered back.

The duo came to a halt a few feet from Suzui. She immediately noticed their presence and lowered her phone. Her dull gaze landed on them. "...What?" She then looked away. "Oh... I'm in the way, aren't I? Sorry..."

"N-No!" Mikono quickly denied the girl's accusation. "You're not in the way, Suzui-chan. We actually were looking for you."

"For...me?" She mumbled, baffled as to why someone would be looking for her.

"Yes," the cerulean-eyed girl smiled gently. "Are we bothering you? Because if we are, we'll leave."

"No..."

Akira stared at the bruise above Suzui's left eye. "Are you hurt?"

"Huh?" She looked up at the boy before immediately averting her dull gaze. "Um, well..." Lifting her head slightly, she didn't recognize him. "Hm, you don't look familiar. Could you be that transfer student from class D? I heard that he became friends with Tsutsui-chan."

"He is. This is Akira Kurusu," Mikono introduced her friend.

Akira bowed politely. "It's nice to meet you, Suzui-san."

Suzui met Akira's obsidian gaze. "Um, this might not be any of my business, but don't let the rumors get to you, okay?"

"Why do you say that?" The frizzy-haired boy questioned.

"Well, I've helped with a similar situation before... My best friend is often misunderstood too, all because of her looks. It's almost the same for you, Tsutsui-chan..." Suzui lowered her head once she realized what she said. "Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to drag on like that. Anyway, I have to go to practice... I'll see you around."

"Do you really have to go to practice?" Mikono asked, frowning sorrowfully. "You don't look well."

"Yes. Excuse me..."

Suzui quickly walks around them and disappears from sight. A melancholic sigh slipped past Mikono's lips. "Suzui-chan used to be full of life and smiled at everyone. Now she's been reduced to a lifeless doll. This has got to end for her sake and the rest of the volleyball team's, too..."

"And yours," Akira adds.

Her eyes widen when an idea came to mind. "I-I think I've an idea!" Leaving Akira behind, she dashed back to the classroom and rummaged through her bag. It took her a few seconds to locate the digital recorder she used to keep a log of upcoming events being held at the museum and how they affected her work schedule. Her eyes gleamed as she checked the storage and realized she still could record up to 15 more hours of recordings.

She turned it off just as Akira caught up with her. He saw the device in her hand and wondered what her plan was. "What're you planning to do, Tsutsui-chan?"

"I'm gonna sneak into the PE faculty office and place this recorder inside, somewhere Kamoshida can't find it. It's bound to capture evidence to prove his abuse is real." She stepped around Akira, but she didn't make it two steps before her wrist was grabbed.

"What if you get caught?" Akira questioned, his hand around her wrist tightening.

"I haven't thought that far ahead, but that's a risk I'm willing to take if this plan does work." She manages to free her wrist and storms off.

Frozen in place, Akira watched as his friend left the classroom. When he was able to take a single step forward, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Wondering who it was, he pulled it out of his pocket and saw a message from Ryuji. He was asking for him and Mikono to meet him in the courtyard. Akira sighed, placed his phone back into his pocket, and grabbed his bag and Mikono's before leaving the classroom.

When Akira arrived at their meeting spot alone, Ryuji immediately noticed the absence of his best friend. "Where's Mikky?"

"She's... Well..." Akira tried to explain the girl's risky idea, but he couldn't formulate the words.

Ryuji, knowing the girl much longer than Akira, assembles the puzzle pieces. He shook his head with wide eyes. "Oh, shit... Is she tryin' one of her crazy ideas?"

Akira nodded without hesitating. "Yeah, she just went to plant a voice recorder in the PE faculty office."

"Dammit!" Ryuji bellowed. "I saw Kamoshida headin' there on my way here! We've gotta find her before that asshole does!"

The two boys spun around and were ready to take off, but they were halted when they spotted Mikono a few feet away. She raised a brow, wondering why both of them were hunched over and in a position to dash off at any second. "What're you two doing?"

"W-We thought you were in trouble," Akira replied with a small stutter.

"Y-Yeah, what he said!" Ryuji pointed at the taller boy.

"Well..." Mikono tapped her fingers together with a nervous smile. "I was able to plant the voice recorder before Kamoshida entered the office. He was suspicious of me and grabbed me, but-"

"What?!" The blonde howled. He stomped over to her and began scanning her for injuries. His eyes landed on a red mark that peeked out from under the long sleeve of her uniform. Slowly, he reached out and grabbed her left hand. He lifted it up and peeled back her sleeve to get a better look at the reddish skin. He glared at her wrist when he could make out a large handprint. "The hell...?"

Mikono yanked her hand out of Ryuji's and hid it behind her back. She took a few steps back and tried to force a smile. "It's nothing to worry about."

"It is!" Ryuji protested. "That shit's gonna turn into a bruise! How're you gonna explain that one to your parents?! It's clearly a handprint!"

"I'll wear a sweater or something else with longer sleeves," Mikono calmly replies. "That'll hide it from my parents."

Akira took a step toward her when he caught sight of blood on her right hand. Just like Ryuji, he grabbed her hand and examined the crimson substance located on her nails and fingertips. "Is this-?"

"No," Mikono denied, interrupting him. "It's not my blood."

"Then whose is it?"

"A student's. She cut her hand when she tripped in the hallway and I offered her help. That's all. Anyway..." She removed her hand from his and looked toward Ryuji, quickly changing the subject as she wiped the blood off her hand. "We weren't able to talk to Suzui like we hoped. Any luck on your end?"

"All of 'em keep sayin' the same shit Mishima was talkin' about!" Ryuji paced back and forth before slamming his fist against the vending machine. "Kamoshida had to have told 'em something! At this rate...it looks like we'll have to go to him directly."

Akira shook his head. "There's no point. I doubt he would tell us the truth."

"I know..." Ryuji sighed dejectedly. "But seriously, isn't there something we can do? No way I'm gonna give in like this!"

"How about a sneak attack?" He suggested.

"That'd be fine if we could do it without gettin' caught, but...if we did, we'd be seriously done for. You got any other ideas?"

"Uh, hello?" Mikono waves her hand around in the air. "I did just plant a recording device in the PE faculty office. Is that not a good idea?"

"It's a risky one," Ryuji stated. "What if they find it and figure out it's yours, Mikky? Imagine what Kamoshida would do to you then!"

"Okay, okay..." She groaned. "We'll come up with another idea in the meantime in case mine doesn't work. Any more ideas, Kurusu-kun?"

"We should call the cops," said boy replied. "It's not the best idea, but it might be the only one we have left."

Ryuji's brows knitted together. "So you wanna tell 'em about about the castle? They'd never believe us..."

"Yeah," Mikono sighed. "They'd probably think we were either drunk or high on drugs if we told them about the castle. You wouldn't happen to have another idea, would you?"

Akira's eyes narrowed as he tried to think of another idea. He thought for a minute before a grin crept on to his face. "Let's punish the king."

Ryuji's eyes widen in bewilderment. "The king...? You mean the other world's Kamoshida? I didn't think of that, but..." He combed a hand through his dyed locks. "Is there any meaning to-"

"I finally found you..." A voice sighed in relief.

Ryuji's face scrunched up in confusion. "You guys say something?"

"That wasn't us," Mikono answered, looking around for the source of the voice.

She and the two boys were startled when a black and white cat with gleaming azure eyes leapt onto the table and began speaking. "Don't think you can get away with not paying me back for helping you."

"That voice..." Ryuji gaped, eyes wide open. "Is that you, Morgana?!"

The cat lowered its head, shutting its eyes. "How dare you, up and leaving me the other day!"

"The cat's talkin'?!"

Morgana opened its eyes and turned, eyeing Ryuji with a scornful gleam. "I am NOT a cat! This is just what happened when-mrow!" The feline was yanked off the table and into Mikono's arms, unable to finish its sentence.

The young girl held Morgana in one arm and scratched the top of its head with a smile. "You're so adorable! This reminds me of the tales of the Norwegian forest cats. They're believed to be fairies or goblins in disguise and their eyes are supposedly windows to the fairy world."

"L-Lady Mikono, please-!" Morgana began to purr as the student stroked its belly. It closed its eyes, enjoying her gentle touch with a smile on its face. After a few minutes, it realized it became distracted and pushed its paws against Mikono's hand to stop her from scratching its belly any longer. "A-As I was saying... It was a lot of trouble finding you three."

"Wait..." Ryuji muttered. "You came to our world?! Does that mean you've got a phone?!"

Morgana remained in Mikono's warm embrace as it explained to the blonde, "You don't need one when you're at my level. I did get pretty lost making my escape though..."

"That aside..." Ryuji closed the distance between him and the feline in Mikono's arms. "Why can you talk?! You're a cat!"

"How should I know?!"

"You guys hearin' this, too?" He looked up at Akira and Mikono.

Before the girl could answer, Akira decided to mess with his friend. "Meow?"

Mikono snorted with laughter while Ryuji glared at him. "This is no time to be jokin' around!"

Morgana leapt out of Mikono's arms and landed on the table, glancing at the three teens. "You guys are having a rough time of this, hm? I heard you mention something about witnesses and a voice recorder."

"Oh, shuddup..." Ryuji grumbled.

The feline simply smiled, ignoring the boy. "You know, I could tell you a thing or two about what to do about Kamoshida." It turned its head and eyed Akira. "You were pretty close just a moment ago."

"God, that condescendin' attitude!" Ryuji growled. "This thing's gotta be Morgana!"

"I think we established that a few minutes ago, Ryuji..." Mikono shook her head with a sigh of disbelief.

"You were still doubting me?!" Morgana shrieked.

"Ack! Quiet down!" The blonde hissed, spotting a teacher and student nearby. The group waited for them to leave before continuing their conversation. Ryuji looked down at the cat. "Does that mean only us three can understand what you're sayin'?"

"Looks like it."

He trailed a hand through his golden locks with a frustrated groan. "What the hell's goin' on...? Anyways, what you were talkin' about earlier... Is it for real?"

"You're quite the skeptic for being an idiot," Morgana huffed.

Mikono swiftly interrupted before the conversation could proceed further. "Before we discuss this any further, we should find a better place to talk. Who knows who'll overhear us here..."

"All right." Ryuji then grabbed the scruff of Morgana's neck and hauled it into the air, shoving it toward Mikono. "Here, Mikky, stick it in your bag for now. It likes you the most and should be just small enough to fit!"

"I don't have my-" Mikono began but was silenced when Akira held out her bag.

He smiled, handing her bag over. "I grabbed it after you left."

"Thank you," she smiled back.

"Hey!" Morgana shouted, wriggling in Ryuji's grasp. "How dare you treat me like-!" The boy shoved the cat into Mikono's bag the second she opened it.

The girl apologized to Morgana in Ryuji's stead before placing the bag on her shoulder. "To the rooftop!"