Date: 4/29 – Friday

Location: Rooftop, Shujin Academy

Ever since I got Arséne, I had been interested in learning more about Shadows and Personas and that fact that Zwei wanted to come with me to school that day, I thought that I might as get some information out of him.

As Blake and Sun said, know thy enemy.

I had told Sun and Blake that I would be on the rooftop if they needed me and when I got there, I made sure we were clear before letting the dog out of the bag.

"Why are we here?" He asked as he jumped up onto one of the tables.

"I wanted to get some information out of you." I took a seat opposite him.

"What do you mean?" He cocks his head.

"I want to know more about Personas and Shadows."

Apparently, in every public arena, we present an exaggerated version of ourselves which we hope will make an impression. The character we display in our occupation is not the same as at home. When alone we have no one to impress, but in public, we wear a mask, a persona, so that we might impose a desirable image of ourselves onto others. Every profession has subtle agreements about the manners which are acceptable, and those which are not; and it is expected that the individual will adapt to these requirements without anyone having to openly explain them. A doctor, for instance, is expected to behave as a doctor should, with a patience and sympathy that would be difficult for an ordinary person to achieve; any propensity for impatience or hostility would not be acceptable, and for good reason.

It is then the distinct purpose of the persona to subdue all of the primitive urges, impulses, and emotions that are not considered socially acceptable, and that, if we were to act upon them, would make us look fools. Anyone with any sense at all sees through the façade; but we each participate in pretending that all this is real, so that society might carry on as normal. The difficulty with the persona arises only when one becomes so closely identified with their role that they loses all sense of self. At this point the damage is surely done and they will be entirely unaware of any distinction between themselves and the world in which they lives. The result of an inflated persona, a shallow, brittle, conformist kind of personality which is 'all persona', with its excessive concern for what people think. Such a person will sacrifice themself for the wishes of others without limit — not because they is a saint, but because they do not have the courage to refuse and endure conflict.

If nothing else, the persona is an obedience to expectations; it is the mask one wears to convince themselves, and others, that they are not an altogether bad person. But one cannot go beyond the persona until they have incorporated it into their character those darker character traits which belong to what is called the 'shadow self'. The shadow is everything that we have denied in ourselves and cast into oblivion, or rather everything that the ego has refused to associate with itself, but that we can notice in other people — such things might include our sexuality, spontaneity, aggression, instincts, cowardice, carelessness, passion, enthusiasm, love of material possessions. It embraces all those sins, dark thoughts, and moods for which we felt guilt and shame.

The shadow is necessarily emotional in nature, for it must oppose the rigidness of the ego; it holds its own autonomy, separate from the conscious mind. Therefore, in being instinctive and irrational, the shadow is prone to psychological projection, whereby we attribute to others all our evil and inferior qualities that we do not want to admit are in ourselves. A man who is unconscious of himself acts in a blind, instinctive way and is in addition fooled by all the illusions that arise when he sees everything that he is not conscious of in himself coming to meet him from outside as projections upon his neighbour. When we perceive a moral deficiency in others we can be sure there is a similar inferiority within ourselves. If you feel an overwhelming rage coming up in you when a friend reproaches you about a fault, you can be fairly sure that at this point you will find a part of your shadow, of which you are unconscious. If we observe our resentment towards ourselves and others, and if we consider the moral aspects of our behaviour, then we have the opportunity to bring the shadow into consciousness, and achieve a renewed sense of strength and independence.

With all that said, I sat there and digested it. "I wasn't expecting that much from you, Zwei."

"Well, you said you wanted information about Personas and Shadows."

"I understand, so take Gwen and her friends, how they act when they are here is completely different when they are at home?" He nods. "Alright, so take some random person that we pass on the way to and from school, he will look at us and come up with a whole persona for me even though he doesn't know me and some else could come up with a completely different one and so on and so forth."

"Correct, everyone has a persona, even if they don't realise it." He said scratching his ear.

"So, then my other-self is just my ego and my sins, as you said, but made whole?"

He nods again. "Yep, that's how I see."

"Well, you see, that's the thing, Ozpin said that she was here to help, plus I'm sure that I don't have any masochistic tendencies."

"So, then she not a part of you."

"Well, it doesn't feel like she is…"

"So, we're going to have to keep an eye on her then."

"Yeah, Blake said that she will beat the shit out of her if she gains control over me again."

"Well count me in as well."


Date: 4/30 – Saturday

Location: Doctor Falls Clinic, Yongen

I had gotten another message from Dr Fall halfway through the day asking me to show up for another trail. I wasn't really looking forward to going as the few memories I have of the last time always left my embarrassed, but Blake and Sun told me to go just encases we got another chance to enter a Palace.

So, there I was, sitting there in exam room one with Dr Fall sitting across from me with her stupidly long legs on show like always with a vile of yellow liquid in one hand and a clipboard in the other.

"Here you go…" She hands me the vile. "The effects should be instant this time."

I look at the vile, before looking back to her. "Shouldn't I sit on the bed then… seeing as the last couple of times I passed out?"

"No, you should be fine this time." She said turning a bit towards me.

With her not saying anything else, I had no other choice but to down the substance. It felt like I was drinking thick syrup but without any flavour and I glad when I went down.

"Let's see. Eyes are focused." She leant forward and brought a hand up with her index finger pointing up. "Looking this way." She moved her hand to her right and my eyes followed it. "One, two, three, four…" I watch her move her hand back to grab a pen. "Nothing yet, huh?"

A few seconds later, I felt the inside of my mouth begin to burn and my nose becoming incredibly itchy. I close my eyes and brought a hand up to cover my mouth as I felt like I was going to be sick.

"Oh, there it is. The inhibitory effect is just as I had hoped." I heard her say. "Your weight was the primary reason it took longer to kick in than expected."

I wanted to call her out about my weight but I didn't dare open my mouth.

"Yes, this what I expected from a teenager." She wrote something down on the clipboard. "We're making great progress. Practice makes perfect, right? Ok, just hold tight. Once I compile all the data, we can move on…"

I open my eyes when I heard a phone ring and watch as the Doctor puts the clipboard and pen down and pick the phone up. "Hello, Fall Medical Clinic of Internal Medicine. How can I help you? …An emergency, huh? But we're not a designated hospital… Besides, the head physician here is Cinder Fall… Ah…?" I watch her place the phone back in its receptacle. "Awfully rude to just hang up on a lady like that."

The feeling of throwing up had finally gone when she places the phone back, but the burning sensation was there. "What was that all about?" I asked with a croaky voice.

"Oh, he basically just called the wrong number." Dr Fall said, turning to look at me. "An ambulance driver was looking for a transfer location. All the designated hospitals are full. But to think they'd accidentally call a general practitioner… Must've been a new paramedic."

'Or it could be that guy again.'

"…He seemed to at least know my name though."

'Well, that doesn't sound fishy at all.' I must have had a perplexed look on my face as she looks away and rubs the right side of her neck.

"I've been blacklisted by the larger medical community. They call me the Plague… due to a grave medical error I made."

"A medical error?"

A sigh passes through her lips. "This goes back to my old job… I used to work at a university hospital in the city… I was never actually convicted of anything, but I'm still considered a pariah in the medical industry." She turns her head just enough for me to see one amber eye. "…Does that scare you? Participating in clinical trials run by a doctor like that?"

"I've spent the past few months in juvie." I said more clearly after my throat had regained some composure.

"Right," She chuckles. "You do have that record of yours. Don't you. So, I guess we're both equally shady, hm? Well, it's fine anyway. Being ostracized has enabled me to focus on my own research and development. Regardless, I look forward to working with you."

"Same here Doctor."

"How kind of you, my little guinea pig." She turned to look at me more.

I look away when she calls me that in that sensual tone. 'She tells me off on our first meeting about me flirting and yet she does it more easier than me… but it looks like she is willing to open to me… I wonder if that means our bond has increased?' Feeling my back heat up and the ringing noise, I knew that I spot on. I tried not to make it look like I was being branded.

It's only when her phone rings again does my hearing return and the little pain I got disappears.

"Hello, Dr Fall's Clinic of Internal Medicine… Huh? One order of Teriyaki Chicken?" The Doctor said after picking the phone up and learning back into her chair.

'Another wrong number I see.'

She turns and looks at me with those amber eyes. "You're all good for today. You can go home now. Come again soon, if you're still alive." She said before laughing as I look at her with a raised eyebrow. "I'm joking Ruby, have a nice evening."

"Good day Doctor." I said leaving with a sense that she might know about my scars.


Date: 4/30 – Saturday

Location: Leblanc

After going through what Dr Fall put me though, all I wanted to do was get change and lie down, but as soon as I walked through the door to Leblanc, James spoke up. "Get change and put on an apron, kid."

"Why?"

"There's a few ground rules you need to know."

"Okay?" I raise an eyebrow at that but head up the stairs only to find Zwei rolling around on my bed.

"What do you think you're doing?" I said when I made it to the edge of my bed and I watch him flip over and bury himself under my quilt. I laughed as I sat down. "Relax, Zwei, it's only me."

"Oh, good afternoon, Ruby. You're back late, I take it you spent time with a bond?" The Corgi said after he reappeared.

"Yeah, Doctor Fall had another one of her trails again. It burnt my throat to shit." I said taking my boots and blazer off.

"Well, keep at it, Ruby, we're going to need the medicine soon." Zwei said before diving back under the covers as I start to unbutton my redshirt for a clean one.

"Soon? What have you got planned for us boy?" I asked as I removed my school skirt and walked over to my new wardrobe and pulled out a clean shirt and a pair of jeans and put them on.

"You guys will see soon enough." He said sticking his head out from under my quilt.

Sitting back down, I start to relace my boots. "Spoilsport… anyway, James-san wants me downstairs, so I hope you don't mind being by yourself a bit more."

"Don't worry, Boss has kept me company most of the day."

I pat him on the head after I finished lacing my boots, stand and move toward the stairs. "Okay, then. See you in a bit."

When I made it downstairs, James passed me a green apron and after I put it on and tie it up, I roll my sleeves up.

"Now then, since you're gonna be working in my store, I'll need to hammer the basics… You know what I'm talking about, right?" James said motioning me to come behind the counter.

"It can only be about making coffee." I said knowing that I right.

I saw a rare smile appear. "I'm glad to see you at least understand that much."

"Hey! I was in the top ten back in Yasogami." I stated due to feeling slightly insulted.

"Either way, this store is not the busiest around, but I'm really particular about how we make coffee here. And I'll kick you out with no questions asked if you serve a bad cup, you got that?" James said in that gruff tone.

"Let me tell, Ja-kun definitely does things right with his coffee." A gaudy look customer said from a booth. "It goes so well with his special curry; I can't help but order the set meal every time."

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice James rub the back of his head. "What can I say, each one of my regulars gets an experience personally tailored to them."

"Can you tell me the key to that wonderful flavour, Ja-kun? I'd love to make it at home sometime." The woman said and a smirk is given from James.

"Sorry, that's a trade secret. You're free to try and guess based on the taste though."

"Oh you, keeping secrets from me even though you know your food's already stolen my heart…"

"How about a nice dessert then? It's only three hundred yen." James said about to turn to walk past me.

"Oh no, I'm sorry Ja-kun, but I need to get going." She said standing. "I'll see you tomorrow, Ja-kun." She did a flirty wave before walking out of the café.

"When you run a shop, you get all sorts of customers. Knowing their personalities is absolutely vital. That's what being in foodservice is all about." James said which made me wonder if it's like in every profession.

When the bell above the door goes, me and James turn towards it. "Welco-" James said before taking a step back. "You…"

"Hello there! It's been quite a while, Ironwood-san!" The man said to cheerfully for this time of day. "I heard you opened up a shop, so here I am! It wouldn't have hurt to mention to me though." He looks around but doesn't move from his spot by the door. "Huh, you've got a real nice location here. Right by the station and everything."

James' whole demeanour changed. "Your order?"

"No small talk Ironwood-san? That's cold." Even with how James spoke, the man still had that cheerful tone. "Oh, but this smell… Sure does bring back memories! You're still making that curry, huh? I guess you haven't gotten over her yet…"

'Her…?'

"Your order, sir?" James said in a colder tone.

The man laughs before folding his arms across his chest, "So, pushy. I just stopped by to say hi today… but I'll be back again soon! Bye." He turns and leaves us in the empty café.

I watch James rub the back of his head for the second time in just an hour. "Ugh... I don't know where he caught wind of this place."

"He looked suspicious." I said leaning my hip up against the bar.

"Heh, I guess you have an eye for some things after all." He turns to look at me. "Anyway, if you have time for questions, you have time to be learning about bean types. You're not going to be of use to me if you can't pick up on the ABCs sometime soon. Besides, ladies will love it if you know your coffee. This isn't such a bad deal for you."

"Having Weiss like me more for my coffee doesn't sound so bad."

"Heh," A smirk graces his lips. "if only you were this obedient all the time."

"Hey, I go to school every day and I haven't been causing any trouble." I said feeling insulted, again.

He shook his head. "Either way, I'm gonna teach you right. That way I'll be able to sit back and relax while you work."

"Teach me well, Sensei." I said bowing after I stood straight. 'I feel like our bond has grown stronger.' Feeling my back start to hurt slightly and my hearing turning to white noise, signified that I was right. I stayed bowed for longer then I should only to hide the little pain I was getting after going through this for the second time today.

"Stand up, kid." I heard James say and I was glad that I could hear normally. "You'll be only allowed to brew at night, kid. Can't have a customer drinking a bad cup now can I."

When he turns to look at the clock, I notice that time had flown by. "Well, look at the time." He turns to me slightly. "Let's start closing up. And no slacking off, you got it?"

I nod before following how we closes up.


Date: 5/1 Sunday

Location: Yongen Batting Cage

After everything that had happened the past week, there was a pit of anxiety sitting in my stomach (more so then when I saw Doctor Fall) about whether or not what we had any effect on Taurus. And with it being our last free day before the board meeting that was happening sometime next week, I wanted some alone time to think over what we did and whether it was the right choice or not.

Of course, Zwei understood but still insisted on coming with me to the batting cages to keep on an eye on me, but I concluded that it was down to him being worried as well, be just kept it to himself and not displayed it openly like I did.

After paying the fee to enter, I made my way to the cages and found that no one there was a surprise, but a welcome one at that. Setting my backpack down and opening the flap so Zwei could get out, I removed my blazer and rolled my sleeves up before entering one of the cages with a bat in hand.

At some point, Zwei told me that Sun was on his way here due to James telling him where I was. And I was fine with that, even though I wanted some alone time, the company would be better.

"Hey, bro." I heard Sun say in a meek tone as I took a swing at the ball and watched it fly off and miss the target.

"Hey, Sun." I replied before getting back into my stance, ready for the ball.

"Afternoon Sun." Zwei said as I watch the ball fly out before hitting it. I watch it fly low, hitting the net.

"Hey, how long has she been like that?" I heard Sun say, to which I didn't reply as I got ready for another ball.

"About an hour or so, she hasn't said much since we got here." Zwei said as I took the swing, missed the ball and watched as the bat went flying out of my hands.

"Fuck sake!" I shouted and fell to the fall the floor so I could sit down briefly. I heard footstep run around and towards.

"Ruby, you okay?" Sun said coming to a stop just in front of me and offering his hand.

Taking his offer, I stand and brush myself down. "No, I'm not. After everything we've done, we still don't know if we were successful or not and because of that, I've felt anxious all fucking week and I hate it."

"We could always get Weiss and your toy out if you want to forget everything today… and tomorrow." I felt her lips brush against my ear as my shadow spoke.

Moving away from Sun and her, I went to get the bat. "Piss off, how many times have I said to leave her out of this?"

"I don't know, maybe twice?"

"Well, leave her out of those topics." I said grabbing the bat, hard.

"Wow, you other-self really does sound like a perv." Sun said as I made my way back to him.

"Oh babe, the things I could do to you to make you scream." She said and I knew that it was directed at Sun.

I ignored her comment and stop in front of Sun. "Do you want to bat?"

"Sure." He takes the bat from me and takes a stance, ready for a ball. I heard the ping of the bat as I walk over and grab another one that was lying around. "Honestly, wasn't expecting to do this on the last day as a free man."

"How do you think I feel, I couldn't make it a month without some crazy shit happening." I said as I made my way to a free spot to bat.

"I take full reasonability," We heard Zwei say, which made both of us look at him. "if I didn't have amnesia, then I would have been of more use to you guys."

"I can't blame you for something that you had no control over." I said feeling a ball fly by the back of my head.

"Yeah, you may be annoying to shit, but this is not your fault." I heard Sun say before I heard the ping of the bat.

A happy look crosses Zwei face. "Thanks, you guys."

We made little conversation after, not that we wanted to, it's just that I was concentrating on hitting the ball. So of course, when Blake showed up, I missed again.

"Hey, Boss, told me you two would be here." She said taking a seat next to Zwei, who jumped into her lap as soon as her ass touched the bench. "So, what you guys doing here?"

"Trying to relax and somewhat enjoying the last free day I potentially might get in a long time if we don't hear anything about Taurus next week." I said, knowing that Sun would probably have said something similar.

"I understand, without you two and with Ilia still in a coma, the school will get very quiet." She said before I turned around and took my stance.

Silence fell over us as me and Sun continued to smack baseballs around the batting cages. The anxiety that sat within me had faded and I could help but start laughing as I use my ability to slow time down enough to smack the ball and hit the target dead-on.

They asked what was wrong and all I said was thank you. Thank you for being here and being my friends.

We stayed there laughing and joking till the sky turned orange.


Siding in to cover, I watch as a dozen volleyballs fly past. "Fuck, that was close."

Looking across the throne room, I watch as Zee bounces into cover. His outfit was more red than the normal black.

"Guys? Report?" I said feeling some of the pillar crumble over me.

"My leg is fucked… I don't know how that bastard saw me." Skull said over the earpiece and I had to agree with him there. What made matters worse was that we had no healing items left so one of would have to carry him out.

"Panthers out cold under Skull and I'm not faring better myself, Joker." Zee said before I heard more volleyballs blasting the pillar that Zee was behind.

I was glad that I was able to get a Persona with a healing skill… granted, it didn't help with the big volleyball that Shadow Taurus sent my way, but a healing skill was a lucky get in my books. Selecting said Persona, I sent him to heal Zee. The taste of copper was strong.

"Cheers, Joker. I'm going to try and move Panther farther away." Zee spoke as he began to move.

"Just be careful, boy, we're down by two already." I look across the room and watch him go.

"You're talking to a trained Phantom Thief here…" As he goes silent, I poke my head around the corner to see Shadow Taurus place the wine glass down and raise the hand up, summoning the giant volleyball again.

"Gold Medal Spike!" The daemon baby shouted and aimed the volleyball at Zee, right were Skull and Panther where.

"Guys! Move, now!" I shouted, hoping that they could move fast enough.

"I've got Panther… Bone Head, move." Zee said as I watch him drag Panther to the best of his abilities.

Before Skull could answer, I watch the volleyball clear out the pillar below him and where Zee and Panther was out. And as the balcony that Skull was on falls, I turn away as everything goes silent.

'I'm sorry guys… I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything to help and that I didn't prepare enough for this… this slaughter.' I could feel tears run down my face as I was picked up by my other-self.

"You know what you must do, right?"

I nod my head and wipe my tears away. "I do."

"WHERE ARE YOU, YOU LITTLE BITCH. COME OUT AND FACE YOUR PUNISHMENT!" I heard Shadow Taurus say as more and more of the pillars get taken out.

I take a deep breath before drawing my pistol and a spare that we… I found in this castle and with what willpower I had left, I activated my Third Eye ability and walked out.

"THERE YOU ARE!" He points his riding crop at me and a volley of volleyballs fly out from behind him.

With enough bullets, I manage to take two of them out, but the rest of them sent me to the ground. The last thing I heard was his laughter.


Date: 5/1 Sunday

Location: Attic/Bedroom, Leblanc

I sat upright again as my breath fell short. "What the fuck are these nightmares about?"

Grabbing my phone of the window sill, I check the time and groan after the light hits and read that it was half two in the morning.

'There's no point in asking you about them is there?' I asked my shadow and when she doesn't reply, I shake my head. 'Thought so.'

"Is everything alright, Ruby?" I heard Zwei say and I curse inwardly.

"Yeah… I'm fine, Zwei just a bad dream that's all." I open the touch app on my phone and then place in my bed facing up so it could light the room up.

"So then why do you have a nosebleed?"

I run my tongue along my top lip and bring it back in, and yep there was blood there alright. Throwing my covers off of me, I make my way downstairs and to the restroom with the hope that I could stop the flow.

"What's going on, Ruby?" Zwei said from the door.

"Beats me Zwei," I said turning to him with a clump of tissue in my hand. "my shadow isn't telling me shit."

He sits down and stares at me.

"I'm sorry, Zwei… it's… it's just the second time I've had a nightmare like this." I said sitting on the john.

"The second time? What happened in the first nightmare?"

I sigh and tell him of the first nightmare, how it felt too real for it to be a dream. "…when I awoke, I checked to see if what had happened had happened… and that's when I found this." I lift my tank top up just enough for the scar to be shown.

"And that wasn't there before?"

"Nope, I'm pretty sure I know what scars I have."

"And it's the same as the one in your dream?"

"Yep." He tilts his head at that.

"Can you lift the back and turn around," I drop the front and do as I was asked. "the wounds you received before went clean through, but seeing as your shadows' mark is where the sword would have gone through… yep, I was correct."

"What have you found?" I asked turning around, only to find him sitting where he was before.

"Whatever magic your shadow is using, it sure is durable."

"You saying that there's no scar there?" He nods.

I lean back after letting go of my tank top and move the clump of tissue away and place a cleaner section there before checking again and finding no blood there.

"Well, at least the blood as stopped. Hell, this nightmare seemed tame compared to the first one." I said moving and dispose of the tissue.

"It would look like it… what happened in this dream?" I heard Zwei ask as I wash my face of the dried blood.

I let another sigh out as I dried my face and walk past and back upstairs before I told him. As I sat back into my bed, I turn the touch app on my phone off and place it back onto the window sill. "That's pretty much it, Zwei."

"It's strange that you would have two dreams about dying in the Palace." He said, hopping up onto my bed.

"Having death dreams is new to Zwei, so… just don't tell the others, please."

"I don't understand why you wouldn't, but fine, I won't tell them." He said before lying back down.

"Thanks, Zwei." I said patting him before I, myself lie back down.

I fell into a dreamless sleep that night.


Date: 5/2 Monday

Location: Shujin Academy

After roll call in the morning, we were ushered off into the gymnasium for a sudden morning assembly as one student said as I moved to stand next to Blake. "What do you think this is about?"

"Beats me, we normally have an assembly every other month and the last one was last month." She said bringing one of her pigtails over and start to comb her fingers through.

'She's nervous again… and frankly, I am too.'

"I bet it's about that girl that jumped the other week." I heard from another student and I couldn't help but send a dirty look their way.

I heard someone talk about the calling card that we sent before Sun showed his face. "Sup, guys."

"Morning Sun, you have any idea what this could be about?" I asked, hoping he would.

"Nope." I sigh and wait for the inevitable.

We heard some more talk about Ilia and the calling card before Principal Lionheart walked onto the stage and to the podium.

"Let's begin this school-wide morning assembly. As you all know, a tragic event took place the other week. Thankfully, we have been informed that she has pulled through, but it will take time until she recovers. Everyone here has a bright future ahead and I implore that you rethink the importance of life and-"

The Principal was interrupted by the sound of one of the doors closing. Like a moth to a flame, we all turn to see who entered, only to see Taurus standing there, looking down at the floor. It was clear that the man hadn't done a lot over the past week, seeing as the clothes he wore look liked they needed to be washed and the same could be said about his hair.

"Mr Taurus, what's the-" The Principal started to say but was cut off by Taurus.

"I… have been reborn. And that is why I will confess everything to you all…" He soke in a woeful tone as he walked towards the stage. When he got there, he stood in front of the Principal and faced us without speaking for a few moments with his eyes closed.

"What is he doing?" I heard Blake mutter and I take a hold of her free hand for reassurance.

"You do know that Weiss can see you?"

'And? I'm supporting my friend.'

"I have repeatedly done things that were… unbecoming of a teacher. Verbally abusing students… physically my team, and… sexually harassing female students." The whole room was silent as he spoke. "And I am the reason why Ilia Amitola tried to kill herself!"

He drops to his knees before hunching over, crying. With that information dropped, the rest of the students began to talk about the rumours, now turned truths surrounding him.

"I thought of this school as my castle…" He said looking up with tears running down his face. "There were even students that I sentenced to expulsion, simply because I didn't like them…" More sobs left him and I felt Blakes' hand squeeze mind. "I will, of course, rescind those… I am… truly sorry for putting innocent youths through such heinous acts… I am an arrogant, shallow and shameful person… No, I'm worser than that…" He places his head on the stage. "I will take responsibility and kill myself for it!"

There was a collective gasp from the other students as Lionheart moves around the podium and towards Taurus. "Mr Taurus! Please get off the stage now!"

As every other student was talking about what Taurus has done, I could hear a couple of the other teachers trying to get them back to their classroom, it wasn't working at all.

Blake turns to look at me with a silent question in her eyes. I squeeze her hand in response. 'Kick the bastard down more.'

"Ooh, I like this side of you babe."

"Don't run, you bastard!" She shouted and a small circle of students around us took a couple of steps away. "Ilia's still alive even after all the things that made her want to die! You have no right to run from this!" I was glad that she was on my side as I wouldn't like to go up against her when she's mad.

"You're right… You're absolutely right… I should be punished under the law and atone for my crimes." Taurus said as he pushes himself up back into the kneeling position. "I did horrible things to Belladonna-san, as well. In return for giving Amitola-san a position on the team… I tried to force her into a relationship with me… As of today, I will resign my position as an instructor and turn myself in." He looks around franticly. "Someone, please call the police!"

'So, this means we did it.' I let go of Blakes of hand to rack my fingers through my hair.

"Wow…" I heard Sun say from behind me before a teacher that I've haven't seen before walks by the three of us.

"This morning's assembly is over! Return to your classes immediately!"

There was a lot a chatter from the other students about the calling card being true and whether or not the Phantom Thieves were real. What they didn't know was that three of them were standing nearby. It was funny listening to the other students talking about us and if it was possible to steal someone's heart and how sick Taurus truly was.

The same teacher from before spoke up, but louder this time. "Return to your classrooms at once!"

That seemed to do the trick as that got the other teachers into helping get the students out the gymnasium. As they were leaving, a large portion of students came up to Blake to apologise to her about everything, some even apologised to me and Sun, which was weird and nice. Even Weiss came to apologise along with a brown-haired rabbit faunus. She gave me a strange look as she left with Weiss. Taurus was led out by some of the other teachers and the Principle.

"What did you do to piss that cute bunny off?"

'Don't know, it's the first time I've seen and or heard her speak… you know how my reputation got fucked by Taurus, right? So maybe she still thinks I'm bad news… I hope Weiss can tell her I not as bad as everyone thinks I am.'

"I wonder if she fu-"

'Don't go there.'

It was strange that none of the teachers tried to get us out, but here we were, standing near the exit. "His heart really did change…" Blake said looking over at the stage where it all took place.

"Seems like it." Sun said to my left. He looks at me with a downtrodden look. "But, was this really for the best?"

"I think so, we would've been expelled and I would have gone back to juvie." I said, after all, we did agree to do this.

I notice Sun look past me and turning to follow his gaze, I saw Arc-san walking towards us with two female students behind him. "What the…?" I heard Sun mutter as they stopped just in front of us.

"Belladonna-san… I'm sorry!" Arc said, bowing deeply.

Blake finally turns around at that. "Huh?"

"We all knew… but we pretended we didn't." Arc said standing straight but not looking anyone in the eye.

"Belladonna-san, I had you all wrong," One of the female students said. "I'm sorry that I spread rumours about you!"

"I didn't know at all, to think that Taurus was forcefully pushing himself on you… it must've been so hard for you" The other female student said. "You've already had enough people apologise to you… again, we're sorry…"

"No, it's OK. The same goes for me too…" Blake said looking a little woeful. "Besides, that's all in the past now."

It was then that a teacher showed and ushered us out of the hall. With the teacher and two female students taking the lead with Blake and Sun following behind them, it left me and Arc bringing up the rear.

"I can't apologize enough for what I did to you…" He said just loud enough for me to hear him but I knew my friends heard him.

"Then don't and frankly, if the other weren't here, then I would probably knock you out for what you did." I said with malice as I clenched my fists.

"Wring that shits neck out!"

"I swear that I'll make it up to you someday." He said and I could tell that he was trying to keep it together after what I just said.

"Good luck with that." I said before walking a little fast to catch up to Blake and Sun.

"Looks like Taurus ain't the only one that had a change of heart." Sun said looking back Arc before looking at Blake. "Man, I'm glad for you. Looks like those weird rumours are gonna go away."

"My thing doesn't really matter." She said shaking her head a little. "We made Taurus apologize about Ilia… That's more than enough for me."

"You should tell her about when we get out of here?" I said in a more calmer tone.

"Yeah." She said before falling silent.

The rest of the day was a buzz about Taurus and his confession, so much so that even the lessons didn't continue properly and we were nearly left to our own devices till the end of the day. As soon as school let out, me and Blake received a message from Sun wanting to meet up at our HQ. With my backpack and Zwei on my shoulder, I left for the roof.

When I got there, I told Sun that Blake would show soon as I set my backpack down and let Zwei out and then sat on the ventilation duct as he took one of the chairs. "I totally freaked out when he showed up, but he really did have a change of heart. And we were lucky his mind didn't get messed up either! This was an A+ job!"

"Does this mean that he won't have a menta shutdown even though their Palace has disappeared? I see… So, we only need to persuade the Shadow without killing it, and then send it back to its real self. Our targets won't undergo a cognitive collapse if we do that." Zwei said batting his tail up against my backpack.

"So, we can get 'em to confess with bad stuff?" The Corgi nodded his head. "Hey! That works for me!" He shouts in a glee full manner.

"Do you have to be so loud?" Blake said pushing the door to the roof closed and walking over to us.

"Don't worry about it." Sun said leaning back into the chair more, his tail coming up to and rapping around the gap in the chair. "So, where did you disappear too?"

"I get a message from Ilias' parents." She said and it was easy to tell that there was some good news, judging by her smile.

"And?" I asked wanting to really know if the cute chameleon was doing.

"She's regained consciousness!" She said even louder than Sun before bringing a hand up to wipe at her eyes. "It was only for a little bit, but she wanted to speak to me."

I stand and walk over to her and help wipe the tears away with the end of my blazer sleeve.

"I can't believe that she pulled through." Sun said as I heard some shuffling noise behind me. "Wait! Thirty thousand yen!? That's all a gold medal's worth!?"

I shake my head at Sun outburst as Blake and Zwei start laughing. "Hey, remember that time in middle school? I lent you some money." Blake said stepping to the side of me after I had wiped her tears away.

"There's no way I borrowed thirty thousand yen from you!" I heard Sun say and the scrapping of the chair against the floor.

"Depending on how much she lent you, it could be that much with the interest." I said turning to face him.

"Interest my ass!"

"I'm not saying that I'm taking all it. I mean, it's your fault for not paying me back all these years! It's just common sense!" Blake said and a downtrodden look shows its self on Sun.

"Dammit…"

"Well," I start before pulling the medal out. "you've got to get it from me first. I'm thinking a twenty-five per cent cut, Blake."

"Shit." She said before Sun started laughing

"I suggest on laying low for the time being and keeping an eye on the situation seeing as we don't really know who's been keep an eye out." Zwei said loud enough to get our attention. "However, it would be nonsense not to celebrate a successful mission."

"I guess we could blow this dirty money on something fun if it means that you two won't get any." Sun said looking at me and Blake.

"Discussions among Phantom Thieves are to take place over luxurious food. How about it?" Zwei said and a look of intrigue appears on Blake.

"There's somewhere I've always wanted to go to."

"That place is?" I asked as I felt hunger hit me at the mention of food.

"It's a place Ilia and I have been wanting to go to for a while."

"I owe money, so I can't complain." Sun said, kicking the ground. "You good with that?"

"Food is food to me." I said, I just wanted food at that point.

"I'll call and check the prices later then." The cat said leaning against the tables.

"When should we go? Wanna do it soon, like tomorrow?" Sun said taking his set again.

"Why don't we go on the last day of the holidays? It'll help us when school life starts up again the day after."

"Then… the 5th, on Children's Day." Sun said pushing back on his chair so that he was leaning on the back legs.

I look at Blake and I could tell that something was off with her. 'She must want to see Ilia and we're keeping her here.' "If you want to see Ilia, Blake, then do so. We can talk about all this some other time. Right?" I look to the others.

"Sure." "I don't see why not." They said and Blake looked like she could have cried again.

"Thank you, you guys." She said before leaving.

We left shortly after her, as there was nothing left to do at school apart of studying, but after everything, food and some rest where needed.


Red Rose… online

The Monkey King… online

The Black Kat… online

The Black Kat: It was only for a little bit, but I got to talk to Ilia

I was able to tell her that Taurus admitted to that he did.

She…

She told me she me was sorry.

Looked like she found out that I was flirting with Taurus for her sake…

And there I was, wanting to apologize to her.

Red Rose: Zwei says that it's Taurus' fault.

The Black Kat: I know…

Ilias' mom is thinking about transferring her to another school after she recovers.

The whole sexual harassment and attempted suicide… people will label her after that.

Sounded like Ilia had the same idea too.

The Monkey King: It's gonna get lonely without her…

The Black Kat: It will, but, I think it's for the best… I'm sure it'll be hard if she stays here.

The Monkey King: She's alive, that's all that matters.

Red Rose: Plus, you can see your girlfriend anytime.

The Black Kat: She's… she's not my girlfriend Ruby

But your not wrong.

I think I need to change too.

The Monkey King: That aside, I was surprised you could hold yourself back against Taurus' Shadow.

The Black Kat: You had the whole week to talk about this and you bring it up now.

The Monkey King: Hey! I've been busy okay.

Red Rose: You've been busy, have I told you the week I had last week?

The Monkey King: Fine, I forgot, okay

Can we drop it? Please?

Red Rose: Sure, I was just messing with you Sun

But, seriously, last week for me was jam-packed.

The Black Kat: I can imagine, I did see you run off to who knows where at the end of the day.

And Sun, it wasn't that, I just wanted Taurus to apologize.

Red Rose: Yeah, apparently I can not only form bonds with people, but I can also increase my bond as well.

Think of it like levelling up in video game but without the cool perks.

Also, Zwei says you've so kind, Lady Blake.

The Monkey King: No matter how much of a shit bag he was, finishing him off woulda left a bad aftertaste, huh?"

You sure your not some video game protag, Ruby?

The Black Kat: Thank you, Zwei.

That's not it, Sun. I think revenge is better served if he repents. Realizing what he's done, he'll grovel for forgiveness the rest of his life, you know?

It's starting to sound like it, Ruby.

Red Rose: Some fates are worser than death.

Also, If I was, then it would explain why we can carry so much.

The Black Kat: Yes, and he now has to live through it.

The Monkey King: Holy shit… you two are cold.

It does make sense, now that you've said it, Ruby.

Red Rose: It pays to be cold sometimes, Sun.

The Black Kat: Anyway, it's all settled now.

Can we change subjects, please…?

The Monkey King: There was one more thing I was wondering about that castle.

Red Rose: Hold on, I'll get Zwei…

Right, I've got him. Continue.

The Monkey King: Was Taurus the only one had that Metaverse thing?

Red Rose: It isn't necessarily limited to him. It's something anyone can have if their heart becomes warped from their desires according to Zwei.

The Black Kat: Anyone…?

Red Rose: Okay, Zwei asking if we want to check it out tomorrow.

The Black Kat: Didn't he suggest keeping low and an eye on the situation at school?

Red Rose: He did, but he's saying that this should be fine.

The Monkey King: Nah, let's celebrate first.

The Black Kat: Oh!

I heard some weird rumours about you guys as I left.

Red Rose: What's new.

The Monkey King: Whats new.

The Black Kat: Stuff like, you got together and threatened Taurus with something close to physical violence...

Red Rose: Sun nearly punched him… does that count?

The Black Kat: Sun! You didn't?

The Monkey King: What!? You know how I am towards him.

The Black Kat: Sun, people aren't going to easily believe that the phantom thieves exist,

The calling card's being treated like it was a prank by someone who knows what Taurus was doing.

So, people are going to believe that you two had something to do with it.

Red Rose: People can think what they want to think Blake, most, if not all of the school new what Taurus was doing, we had a verbal confrontation with him that's all, I stopped Sun before he did anything stupid and Arc was there as well so he can back me up.

Not that I want anything to do with that shit.

The Monkey King: I can understand your reasons, Ruby.

The Black Kat: What is your deal with him Ruby?

The Monkey King: He was the who leaked Rubys' recorded all so that he can be on the volleyball team.

The Black Kat: Wow…

That's low.

Red Rose is offline…

Authors Notes

Part II of Anxiety Week and the official end to the first arc of the story.

A little bit of a tap in to Rubys' inquisitive side and what I put is Carl Jung's theories on Personas and Shadows, and after reading his theories, it's so very clear how to it is. Don't get me wrong, I knew of different sides of people, it's just puts everything into prospective.

After talking to Knowledgseeker66, we came up with the idea that Ruby and Sun would spend the last day together before the confession, as it would be there last free day. And I wanted Blake to show as a way to show some short of support to them.

Another bad end dream, this one more planed then the first and it show cases the effect of low SP, in an order chapter, Ruby complains of a severe headache, she would be at about half SP. In the dream, she would be running on very little SP for her nose to bleed. During the game, Morgana has, if I remember correctly, two nightmares of a shadow version of himself, that's all we know of that and it doesn't get mentioned again until the bottom of Mementos. So, I thought, why not make it more of a regular thing, hence why he was awake when Ruby wakes up.

The confession does follow how it happens in game, I know, but seeing as it is the one of the most important scenes in this half, I wanted it to follow along the gain so I could keep pace. I wanted Ruby to still be pissed off at Arc for leaking her record online, and I think that the game is too lenient on Mishima as I think anyone would dislike the guy even after he apologises.

And there we have it, the end of the first arc. If there is anything else you guys or gals want to know about this chapter that I didn't cover please feel free to comment and I'll try to give you the answers you seek without spoiling anything, but in the meantime, Walk Tall and Be Fierce, my Friends.

Authors Notes the second

I've also wrote three one shots, take a look if want, wrote them all in surprisingly quick succession to be honest. I wrote them for the sole purpose of getting better at writing fight and sex scenes.