I came back and revised this chapter for both continuity and grammatical errors. I've also added some extra bits of dialogue as to improve the overall cohesiveness of the chapter.

If you feel like there is something else I should fix or if there are more continuity errors to be fixed, don't hesitate to say so.

_____________________________________

The start of the next day was nothing really special. There was a volleyball game of Teachers Vs Students, for some reason.
The teachers wiped out the students, and Kamoshida really had a grudge against this one kid who looked beaten up. If I'm not mistaken it's the same one I saw on my first day in class.

Other than that it was just Ryuji insisting that we find the kids who were in his palace beforehand and get them to fess up about the abuse.

I don't think he knows how hard it is to make someone confess to abuse, especially because  Kamoshida likely manipulated them to think it was something necessary in some sick, disgusting way.

All three of us went up to class 2D and saw this kid with the volleyball jersey on looking at the notice board in the class.

When we went up to talk to him, he turned around, and by god or whoever it may be is above, he was so injured, he looked like a chimpanzee attack victim that got off lightly.

Yeah, it is safe to say that Kamoshida is not using just the volleyball to abuse these kids. Maybe not just his hands either.

Talking to him was fruitless, he didn't say anything, and was very scared about the possible consequences of squealing.

Outside, Ryuji once again bitched about the lack of snitches in the school.

Ren suggested we split up so we could talk to everyone before the end of the volleyball rally.

While Ren went to talk to a first-year who had seemingly just joined the team, I split from him as well and instead went to look for someone else I knew was on the volleyball team and was suffering from Kamoshida's abuse.

On the second floor, I saw her, by the doors that lead to the overpass connecting the practice and classroom buildings.

But she wasn't alone, the black-haired girl was currently talking to her best friend, Ann Takamaki.

This could be a good opportunity for me, as both of them are suffering some form of harassment from Kamoshida, if I approach this correctly, I could get both of them to tell me about what has been happening to them so we can attempt to bring down Kamoshida.

Although, I don't think that's gonna happen, not by normal means anyway. The school is corrupt as fuck, and no doubt these kids' parents are in on it. I gotta find a way to solve this, not through here, but through the metaverse.

But it's not time for that just yet.

I neared them, and since I was taller than most, they easily noticed me approaching. I'll try to play the gentle giant, and see if it helps.

"Hello Shiho-san, Takamaki-san. I apologize for interrupting, but can we talk real quick? It'll just take a moment of your time."

They looked at each other, and seeing no reason or excuse to say no, they agreed.

We went down to the first floor, by the vending machine outside.

Shiho was shy from the looks of it, so Ann was the one to speak up as soon as we got there.

"So... what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"I'll be direct with this. I want to ask you about Kamoshida. Everyone in the school knows of his practices or has at least heard the rumors about it, including the corporal punishment."

Shiho looked down at this and held one of her arms nervously. Ann looked ready to tell me to fuck right off.

"I know that Shiho is on the team. And I've also noticed that Kamoshida is enamored with you Takamaki, but it is quite clear the feeling's not mutual. I want both of you to tell me about Kamoshida's abuse. My father works with law, he knows some people, and I can't stand Kamoshida abusing people and strutting around like a fucking king. If the two of you can tell me how he has abused you, it would help build the case against him. Even just getting it to court will be enough to destroy his reputation. I just need to know exactly what he did. It's tough to talk about abuse, but I give you my word, I will not tell anyone in the school about this, alright?"

They looked conflicted, I barely knew them so they really couldn't trust me much, and my word meant nothing. What if I just wanted to fuck with them? What if this was all a facade made to use them to get on Kamoshida's good side?

Stopping to think about it now, I realize that I fucked up. I needed to know them for this to have a chance to work. Or for them to be willing to do enough so this could become an actual court case. 

Since I'm unknown, there are too many unknowns regarding my motivation in all this.

People in this school are snakes. I've noticed that. In their eyes, nothing is stopping me from being one as well.

Ann got up, a fire in her eyes told me she was ready to tell me to fuck right off. Again.

But Shiho stopped her. She had decided to tell me, at least a small bit, about her abuse.

Shit, she could have a crush on me. Or be suicidal. The second one is more likely. 

"Kamoshida is pretty tough on us. He uses both corporal punishments and makes us do almost impossible training sets with no water, failing to complete the training results in more punishment.

He also makes sure to hit us as hard as possible with the ball, although the boys have it worse in that department.

For us girls, he acts like a pervert and requests we wear shorter skirts and shirts to practice even though it is against school rules, and I've only heard rumors... but... He's likely gotten in a "relationship" - Ann flinched at that - with at least 3 members of the volleyball team, I don't know if he tried to make any sexual advances, however.

That's all I know."

I bowed low toward Shiho.

"Thank you very much Shiho-san, you have no idea how helpful that'll be for the case."

"You're welcome, Y/N-san. Have a good day."

She left just like that, didn't even say bye to Ann.

It was just me and her now.

"Are you willing to say anything Takamaki-san? I won't force you to do so."

She bit her lower lip and looked toward the ground out of the corner of her eye.

"No, I can't do anything but tell you about the rumors of Kamoshida being interested or in forced relationships with some of the female students, sorry."

"It's not a problem at all. Have a good day... And, if you happen to stumble upon anything else, do tell me."

"Alright. But can I ask you something?"

"Of course, go ahead."

"Not to be rude, but what's with you? Like, how you were late the other day was a lie and all.

There's that weird rumor about you and your friends too."

Huh... Didn't expect to have this conversation, in all honesty. Might be because I'm sitting behind her ins-

"Whaddya want with him?"

My main man Ryuji to the rescue.

"Right back at you. You're not even in our class."

"We... Just happened to get to know each other."

"What're you planning on doing to Mr. Kamoshida?"

"Huh!?.... I see. I getcha. You're all buddy-buddy with Kamoshida after all."

"This has nothing to do with you, Sakamoto."

"If you found out what he's been doing behind your back, you'd dump him right away."

"Behind my back...?
What's that supposed to mean?"

Ryuji and Ren Look at me and then at each other. I decide to butt in before he runs his mouth even more.

"Ryuji, that wasn't cool, stop. - I turn to Ann, who was still beside me -
Look I'm sorry about what he said, Ryuji is the kind of guy that gets agitated easily, don't take what he said to heart."

"Whatever you guys are doing, be careful, people are already talking about you three.

I don't know what you're trying to pull, but no one's gonna help you.

I'm warning you, just in case, that's all."

"Why's she gotta be so aggressive all the time?"

I look at Ryuji, my eyebrows raised in honest confusion.

"You ever hear yourself speak to her?"

After Ann's exit, we shared the information we obtained, undeterred by her warning.

Ren had gotten a name, Mishima.

I in turn told them about what Shiho told me.

____________________________________

Mishima never revealed anything outright but revealed useful things nonetheless.

Kamoshida is also seemingly watching us closely, as he approached us while we talked to Mishima at the school exit.

Even then, Mishima managed to reveal to us almost everyone in a position of power knows about it. The principal, some teachers, and even the kid's parents.

God this school is disgusting.

_________________________________

Making our way back home me and Ren sat beside each other on the train.

3 feet apart cause we're not gay, but the train is cramped.

Once we arrived at our station and walked toward LeBlanc, Ren turned to me and, to fill the silence, started a conversation.

"So, can you tell me about what happened when you stayed behind in the castle?"

I raised my left eyebrow and sighed.

"Blunt as a bat aren't you? Well, if you must know after you left me there, I hid as the guards searched for me and once I saw my opportunity, I ran for it. Made it outside, made some guards try to kill each other, and made off.

Like a handsome rogue, you could say."

I didn't tell him about most of what happened since I had no patience nor did we have the privacy for me to go telling him all of it.

As we got back home and went upstairs, Ryuji, seemingly reawakening from his slumber like a Lovecraftian monster, decided to start bitching up a storm on the group chat.

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Hey, this don't make any damn sense!

IM-Ryuji (SKL): The principal and even the parents know about the abuse!

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Why ain't nobody speaking up!?

I grinned, this was my perfect chance to be a snarky asshole with just one message.

IM-Ren (JKR): Because volleyball

Fuck.

IM-Y/N: He got a point. Volleyball puts that school on the map since Kamoshida is an ex-Olympic medalist.

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Even then that don't give him the right to do whatever he wants!

IM-Ryuji (SKL): He's beating kids up and all they're allowed to do is endure.

IM-Ryuji (SKL): And that follower of his don't give a shit!

IM-Ren (JKR): What follower?

IM-Y/N: Oh, there you go, again...

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Ann Takamaki, the one that interrogated Y/N, remember?

IM-Y/N: Man, you gotta stop acting like that.

For real, it's stupid.

IM-Ryuji (SKL): What!?

IM-Y/N: Kamoshida is in a position of power, my man. If he tells you to do something you do it. No questions asked. According to Shiho, he's already been proven to have a thing for female students.

Have you ever thought that there might be a reason for Ann to be with him?
Like he may be holding something over her head, something involving her or a friend?

I turn off my phone after that, too pissed off and tired to deal with that shit today.

____________________________________

The next day, Ryuji said he'd interrogate someone during break and get something out of them.

I bid him good luck.

We all met up by the vending machines, Ryuji stood there, frustrated at his failed attempts to "coerce" people into snitching.

"Dammit, what the hell..."

Ren looked at him and simply asked

"Did you find someone?"

Ryuji sighed, his annoyance and frustration reaching the limit of shit he can deal with today.

"Is that what it looks like?
-He slammed his hand on the vending machine beside him-
All of 'em kept saying the same shit Mishima was talkin' about!

Kamoshida had to have told 'em something!

At this rate... Looks like we'll have to go to him directly..."

"There's no point."

Was Ren's calm response.

"I know... But seriously, isn't there something we can do?

No way I'm gonna give in like this!

Can either of you think of anything?"

"Guys, what I'm about to say is crazy but hear me out, yeah?

How about we use the magical place we have access to that is shaped by the way Kamoshida sees the school?

And then, when we get in there, we change the way he sees his actions?"

I said, tired of waiting for either of them to think about this before they do something stupid.

"As in change his cognition?"

"Sharp as ever Ren. I just don't got no clue how to do that, to be honest."

"We could just stumble around until it works."

"I'm with Ryuji on this one. What about you Jo-...Ren?"

Before Ren could answer, another voice interrupted us.

"I finally found you ...."

I saw a black cat wander close to us.

All of us looked around, startled at the sudden intrusion.

Ryuji looked at Ren.

"You say something?"

Oof.

The cat then jumps on top of the table and moves forward to the other end of it with its back turned toward us as if it was mad at us.

"Don't think you can get away with not paying me back for helping you."

"That voice... Is that you, Morgana!?"

"How dare you, up and leaving me the other day!

You even left me alone to search for your friend, who's already gotten out apparently."

"The cat's talkin'!?"

Morgana got pissy and turned to Ryuji. Seems like he hit a nerve there.

"I am NOT a cat! This is just what happened when I came to this world! It was a lot of trouble finding you two. And you! I searched the whole castle for you!"

Ryuji was bewildered but seemed to finally get his mind in order and asked a "Ryuji question".

"Wait... You came to our world!?

*GASP*

Does that mean you got a phone!?"

Gaht damn. This guy, I swear.

"Tone it down Ryuji. We don't want others hearing us.."

"You don't need one when you're at my level. I did get pretty lost making my escape though..."

"That aside, how can you talk? You're a cat!"

"How should I know!?"

"Y'all  hearin' this too?"

"Sure as shit am."

"....... Meow?"

"This is no time to be joking around!"

Ryuji's exasperated response was enough to get a light chuckle out of me, making Ren smile in turn.

"You guys having a rough time of this, hm? I heard you mention something about witnesses?"

Morgana goaded, ignoring us and our jesting.

"Oh, shuddup."

"Y'know, I could tell you a thing or two about what to do with Kamoshida. -Morgana looks at me- You nailed it on the head just a moment ago."

"God that condescending attitude! This thing's gotta be Morgana!"

"The voice is all I need to know it's Morgana."

I answered, already tired of just sitting around and doing nothing about the situation.

Morgana turns to Ryuji again, the same pissy look on its face.

"You were still doubting me!?"

Ryuji leaned forward and told Morgana to quiet down.

Coincidentally, a disciplinary committee teacher passed through the walkway behind us, complaining about having to look for a cat.

Interestingly enough, he mentioned hearing a meow around the area, when Ren was the only one who said 'Meow' some time ago.

Therefore:

"Meow? Does that mean only us three can understand what you're sayin'?"

Ryuji got it. Guess sometimes even a faulty lightbulb can shine brightly. Morgana didn't even seem impressed by his achievement like I was.

"Looks like it."

"What the hell's going on?

Anyways, what you were talking about earlier... Is it for real?"

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

Morgana retorted as quickly as lightning, burning Ryuji like one as well.

"Hey, tell us more... Then again, this probably ain't the best place...

-He roughly picked Morgana up by the scruff and looked to Ren-

Here, stick it in your bag for now!
It should be just small enough to fit!"

We all ignored its protests and shoved him in the bag, moving to the roof afterward.

_________________________________

"Don't be so rough with me!"

Is the first thing we hear from the cat as it jumps out of the bag. Ryuji steps forward and tells it to calm down for a bit.

"Enough of that! You said you know something that we can do about Kamoshida, right?"

Before he shouted very loudly and not at all calmly at it.

"It has to do with what this guy was saying earlier. You'll need to attack his castle. -Without waiting to be prompted to explain, Morgana continued- The castle is how Kamoshida views the school. He doesn't realize what happens in there, but it's deeply connected to the depths of his heart. Thus, if the castle disappears, it would naturally impact the real Kamoshida."

I gasped like a kid getting an all-you-can-eat pass in a candy store.

"Does that mean I get to commit arson??"

"What? No!

A palace is a manifestation of a person's distorted desires, we have to steal their deepest and most distorted desire, and if that were gone...."

"He'd become an honest man."

I sighed at their boring answers, honestly disappointed that I can't cause chaos.

Yet. Just watch me.

"Precisely! You sure pick things up fast!"

Ryuji was more so astounded at the opportunity that had just presented itself.

"For real!? H-He's gonna turn good!?

But... Is that really getting back at him?" 

Ryuji did have a point. Does turning someone good in "We were bad but now we're good" style really mean getting back at 'em?

Are they paying for their sins by simply realizing that their actions were wrong and working to redeem themselves?

Moreover, what line do you have to cross to not be worthy of redemption anymore?

"Kamoshida will become unable to bear the weight of those crimes, and he'll confess them himself!"

Seems like I unzoned myself at the perfect moment.

Seems like the cat is sure that making him realize the weight of his crimes and having to live with that is a worthy punishment.

Ryuji and Ren nodded, seemingly pleased with the possible end result.

I did not nod, however.

"You for real!? That's possible!?"

"And since the palace will no longer exist, he'll forget what we did there as well. Not only will we be able to bring Kamoshida down, but there won't be a trace of our involvement."

"Our? Huh, seems to me like the little cat wants to join us."

"Of course! Someone has to guide and keep you, idiots, from killing yourselves after all."

"So? How do we get rid of the palace!?"

Ryuji butted in, excitement pouring out of him. It was honestly contagious and helped fully bring my mind out of my inner musings.

I looked to Morgana, their countenance showing excitement as well.

"By stealing the Treasure held within."

"Stealing...?"

Ryuji was less excited now.

I was ecstatic.

"I'll tell you more once you agree to go ahead with this. It's my most valuable, secret plan, after all.

If you want to help me out I'll gladly teach you. What's your call?"

Ryuji closes his eyes and sighs.

"Our luck is running dry looking for witnesses and testimonies. Guess we have no choice but to go along..."

I nod, keeping silent and hiding the grin on my face.

Ren answers for the two of us.

"You're right."

"...Good.

Oh right, there's one more thing I should tell you. If we erase a Palace, there's no doubt a person's distorted desires will be erased as well.

But desires are what we all need in order to survive.

The will to sleep, eat, fall in love- those sorts of things.."

"What're you gettin' at?"

"If all of those yearnings were to vanish, they'd be no different than someone who has shut down entirely.

-Shut down? As in, mental shutdown? Seems like someone else knows the metaverse.-

They may even die if they're not given proper care.

So..."

"They might die!?"

Is Ryuji's perplexed response and only response.

"Will you listen to everything I have to say first?"

"Would their death be our fault?"

Ryuji ignores Morgana's plea and continues asking more questions.

"Aren't you determined enough to face these kinds of risks?"

Oh, now this... This I like.

Ren looks at me, his face one of determination.

"What do you think?"

"I'm interested."

Is my answer, Ryuji looks surprised.

"For real?"

"Sheesh, I come all this way, and this is what I get. It's not like anyone will ever find out."

"Ay, ay, you came here to bitch at those two, not at our request."

"Forget about that! We might just kill a dude if we do this!"

Alright, blondie boy has officially had his sense of honesty tripped.

"And if we just go around secretly doin' whatever we want, we'd be no better than Kamoshida..."

"Broaden that up. Because otherwise there really ain't that many people better than Kamoshida."

Morgana ignores me, set on convincing Ryuji.

"Isn't this your only option?

I'll come back later. Make sure you've made your decision by then."

Morgana scampers off. Hope they don't get caught.

"Man, we're getting all worked up for nothing... Dammit!"

"Look man, that deal Morgana gave us? Pretty good. Kamoshida ain't worth nothing but our ruthlessness, all of us know that.

If you want my two honest as hell cents? I'd say we take that offer. We have no proof, no one wants to speak up, and all the authorities in the school are in on it too.

There's no other way to solve this, and if Kamoshida goes braindead by the end of it? Who cares? He's a piece of shit, no one will miss his sorry ass. End of story."

Ryuji still looks conflicted.

"I'll try to find another way. C'mon, let's all get out of here."

On our way out of the school, Ryuji messages us on the group chat.

He still wonders about what the rumors of Kamoshida and his relationship with Ann or Shiho mean, stating he knew them since middle school and that Kamoshida was "Not their type".

Listening in to what the other students in the school were saying, it seems that everyone thinks either Shiho or Ann are in a relationship with Kamoshida. It is disgusting to think about it, honestly.

Ren and I kept walking forward, getting into our train and leaving at the Shibuya station.

On our way to swap train lines, we saw a now familiar face, Ann Takamaki.

She was not happy, quite the contrary, she was outraged and engaged in an argument with someone on the other side of the phone.

"Will you please give it a rest!?
I told you I'm not feeling up to it...

Wait, what!? That's not what you promised! And you call yourself a teacher!?

This has nothing to do with Shiho!

Ah..."

Seems like Kamoshida hung up on her.

Whatever he told her, it sure had an effect, as she squatted on the floor and mumbled something about Shiho's starting position.

Ren and I looked at each other. I mouthed "Go" to him and he nodded walking off toward the station.

I approached Ann, she was, of course, startled by me. Getting up and holding her bag nervously.

"Wait... Were you listening?"

"Not on purpose."

She sighed, aggravated and possibly thinking about how much worse the rumors could get.

"Haven't you heard of privacy?"

Her eyes started tearing up slightly as she tried to hold the tears in.

"I have. I have also heard of abuse."

She flinched. Guess I was too direct.

"Sorry, didn't mean for it to come out like that..."

"...No I was out of line. Sorry."

She answers, her voice not shaky at all and her demeanor professional.

As if she did this all the time.

Ann wipes the tears that threatened to fall out of her eyes.

"So how much did you hear?"

I look her in the eyes.

"All of it."

"I see...

It's nothing at all. -She tries to dismiss it, but her composure cracks a bit right afterward-

Nothing..."

She wipes her eyes again and simply runs away from me down into the station again.

I sigh and look up to the night sky.

Well, she is cute, and I don't want to leave anyone to deal with that alone. Not when I can help them.

I decide to follow her and offer to comfort her.

I see her run further down, stopping by one of the colored support beams of the station, specifically the green one.

I approach her again. She turns around and looks at me.

"Hey..."

"Stop following me... Just leave me alone!"

"Calm down...."

"Why...? Why do you keep worrying about me?

*sob*"

"Look, I just want to talk okay? You're going through a tough time right now, I just want to help you out."

"What the heck...? I really don't get you...."

"There's nothing to get. I simply saw you needed someone to talk to. I am offering to be that person.

Look, there's a Big Bang Burger nearby, we can go and talk there, my treat."

____________________________________

She accepted my offer, we decided to sit in the empty seats in the corner.

"I don't have anything to talk about with you.

It was just an argument..."

"With a teacher?"

Ann sighs.

"You heard every last word then...."

She seems stressed out.

"You've heard the rumors, haven't you? About Mr. Kamoshida.

Everyone says that we're getting it on, but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

That was him on the line. He said after this he wants me to go to his place... You know what that means...

And if I turn him down.... he says he'll take Shiho off the team as a regular.

I've been telling myself this is all for Shiho's sake...

I can't take it anymore...

But I can't refuse!

Shiho's my best friend! She's all I have left at that sorry excuse of a school!

What should I do!?

Sorry... I shouldn't have asked... It's not your problem..."

She sniffles and wipes some more tears from her eyes.

"No, don't worry about it, ok? I'm happy to help. I'll be blunt with you, Kamoshida will not keep his promise either way.

He's a slimy cunt. And he's only trying to use you here Takamaki."

"Call me Ann.

Wait... what am I saying? I've barely talked to you before..."

"That's fine Ann. It's no bother, really. I just like helping people."

"Huh?"

She looked up at me, perplexed, hopeful, and happy, all at the same time.

"...You're so weird. Usually, everyone just ignores me."

"Are you really a bad person? I hear people talking about you and your friends, but... I just don't see it."

"I'm bad to the bone"

I joke.

She chuckles.

"Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Made you chuckle, didn't I?"

She smirked, then went serious again afterward.

"I kinda had a feeling they were all just exaggerations.

You seemed lonely-almost like you didn't belong anywhere....

We're the same in that regard. Maybe that's why it was so easy for me to talk to you.

-She sighs again, rapidly swapping the subject of the conversation.-

Is there really no way for me to help Shiho?"

She rests her head on top of her hand.

"There is. -She looks at me, wanting to hear what I have to say- Ann, it seems to me like Shiho is in a tough place, not because you've been negligent, but because Kamoshida is playing both of you.

You should cut off Kamoshida to the best of your abilities and tell her to do the same. Help her understand that quitting the volleyball team is the best thing she can do now, and offer her a shoulder to cry on. -I point at her for a sec- It helps."

"Yeah... But I wish he'd just change his mind... Like, forget about me and everything..."

She lays back on the seat.

"As if something like that would ever happen...."

"It could happen...You never know when a miracle might happen, right?"

She chuckles again and gives me a beaming, but still partially false, smile.

"I wasn't asking for a serious response.

But I do feel a bit better now.

...I'm gonna head home."

She packs up her things and gets up stopping at my side.

"Ann, if you ever want to talk again... Just ask yeah? I don't turn down a friend in need."

"Huh, we're friends now?"

She jokingly asks.

"Thanks. Seriously. But don't tell anyone what I told you, okay?

-I nod, my face serious and my eyebrows scrunched up.-

I'll try and think of a way to persuade Shiho to leave the team...

Wanna swap numbers?"

I nodded.
_____________________________________

As soon as I arrive back home I see Sojiro doing crossword puzzles while sitting down on a stool.

He looks at me. Anger is visible on his face.

"...You're late. Where have you been?"

"The trains were delayed."

"Ah- Don't gimme those lies.
... By the way, you haven't been hanging around any bad influences, have you?"

"I actually made a friend. A female one."

"Huh. They've gotta be pretty strange to wanna spend time with you.

Just make sure you're careful who your friends are. You don't want them ruining your life.

*Yawn* Look at the time.

Seriously, think about how I feel having to stay up here waiting for you. Even Ren is already back."

I smirk.

"Well,  I'll be going now. Good night yeah?"

"In the future try not to come back so damn late. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

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What did y'all think of that chapter?

It's about 1700 words more than the usual 3300 or so, so I hope you enjoyed it.

Have a good day, evening, or night.

Also...

Mounting was the worst feature added to COD, change my mind.

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