"Trickster of Fate"

Monday, April 11th [Morning]

Sakamoto Ryuji was not having a good day.

He had been running late after having overslept, something he hated doing. As much as he wished he could just quit school altogether and take online classes, he didn't have the smarts for that and he was already skating on thin ice as it was. His grades weren't doing too hot and lately he could tell that his teachers were starting to get annoyed with him. Not that it was surprising. He always annoyed them, what with his lack of attendance and his aggressive behavior, which landed him in more than a few tight spots. It was bad enough that Ushimaru was starting to get on his case about his hair.

For the record, yes. He did dye it. There wasn't anything special behind it. He figured that, if everyone thought he was a problem child because of what happened with the Track Team and Kamoshida, then he'd give them what they want. It was also slightly the reason why his grades started to fall behind not long after the incident. Not only was his mind occupied, but he constantly had to deal with the scathing glares and insults and the not-so-hushed whispers around him.

He may not have thick skin, but even he knew when to keep his lid shut tight.

Back to the present. It was bad enough that he had overslept, but he soon discovered that it was starting to pour. He was forced to take a minor detour, though he ultimately managed to reach his preferred route in Aoyama-Itchome. On the plus side, he ran into one of the few guys at school who didn't treat him like shit.

"Crap, Mishima. You look like shit."

Mishima Yuuki was a second-year like himself, who almost never wore the blazer on account of it being uncomfortable and tight. As such, he only wore the turtleneck sweater and pants, the former's sleeves rolled up to his forearms. He also had a slight adronygous look to him. Some days, Sakamoto wondered if Mishima was a girl or something. His hair was short and somewhat messy, but he had a pleasant-looking face.

A shame it was constantly marred and scratched with bruises and band-aids.

"I-I don't look that bad." Mishima said weakly in defense, only to wilt under the dyed blonde's glare. "...do I?"

"Yeah. You do." Sakamoto said bluntly before he sighed. "Dammit, I do not want to come to school today."

"Why? I mean, the school year just started a few weeks ago. Honestly, I think Kosei has it worse, since because of that psychotic breakdown incident, they had to push back the Entrance Ceremony."

"Not the point, dude." Sakamoto sighed.

The primary reason he didn't look forward to coming to school was because he would have to see Kamoshida. No matter how hard he tried, even if the bastard was sick, Sakamoto had no chance of escaping him. It didn't help matters when Kamoshida was sure no one else was looking before flashing him the most demented grin, as if flaunting his superiority. It made him want to punch his smug grin off his face, but he knew how that would end up. Worst case scenario, his other leg would get broken.

"Dammit, the sucks..." Sakamoto grumbled beneath his breath. "The rain isn't helping either."

As he lifted his head up, cracking an annoying crick in his neck that had been bothering him for a while, he noticed someone standing not too far away beneath the banner of a store. It was a girl, that much was obvious from her figure and the fact she wore the Shujin Academy girls uniform. However, it was someone he recognized. It would be hard not to, given her exotic features: light blonde hair, light green eyes, and near pearly-white skin with a figure women could kill for.

Mishima also noticed her, though unlike Sakamoto, he wasn't surprised to see her. Given how it was raining, he doubted anyone would want to stick around long enough to get soaked. Still, he did notice something off. "Takamaki-san is running late today, isn't she?" he asked. "Normally, she'd be at school by now."

"Yeah..." Sakamoto agreed. He did find it a little odd. Then again, maybe it was just his imagination. Maybe she was just running late for a few of the same reasons he was? Just as he was about to greet her, he noticed a familiar car pull up towards the curb. The window rolled down, revealing a face that set Sakamoto off almost instantly. Mishima recoiled, noticing the fury in the dyed blonde's eyes. Especially as Takamaki walked over to the car. As she got inside, Sakamoto broke off into a run, ignoring the flare of pain in his leg as he tried to reach it. By the time he did, the car was already pulling away from view. Watching it soon vanish from sight, he scowled and kicked the ground. "Damn pervy teacher!"

Mishima shifted nervously. "Was-was that Kamoshida-sensei?" he asked timidly. The sores on his body started to ache. Sakamoto didn't answer at first. He really didn't had to, since the bluenette already knew the answer. "Come on... If we're late, Ushimaru-sensei will have us both on detention."

Shujin Private Academy was well-known for a wide variety of things. Its reputation, for starters, was one of the most acclaimed academic facilities in the Greater Tokyo area. Kobayakawa had often stressed himself, trying to bolster the school's reputation. Sometimes, the poor man would often go faint from overworking himself. His dedication was to be admired, but some of the student faculty knew that was all the man cared about. The well-being of his students was left to the teachers, and at times, he would push this on the young Student Council President. While his actions had provided the school with a variety of benefits, such as state-of-the-art equipment and overall excellent grades and graduates over the past couple of years, many would argue that his actions would be very...frowned upon.

Not that any of this even remotely mattered to Sakamoto. If he was being honest, the school's reputation and Kobayakawa didn't really matter to him all that much. If there was anything he actually hated the Principal about, it was the fact that he priced school lunches too damn high!

"You really need to cut back on the meat buns, Sakamoto-san." Mishima voiced his disapproval of the dyed blonde's eating habits. "I mean, this is your sixth one today! And we're not even on our Lunch period yet!"

Sakamoto chomped off a large portion of his meat bun, the juices splashing into his mouth with delight as his teeth gnashed together the stuff, mixing it with the soft container it was in before gulping it down with a heave. "Says the guy who drinks fruit juice like its going out of style." he scoffed, causing Mishima's cheeks to turn pink. "Also, blueberry? Really man?"

"H-hey! Don't knock it. Besides, it's comfort food."

"...hey."

"Yeah?"

Sakamoto gave Mishima a strange look. It was bizarre, as if he was genuinely thinking about something. While Mishima knew it was bad of him to think so, his friend really could be dimwitted some days.

"Why do you hang around me, anyway?" he asked curiously, causing him to blink. He was not expecting him to ask that. Especially after so long. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm happy I'm not having to spend my time being so damn awkward around Shiho and Ann, but you do know that everyone thinks I'm a piece of shit, right?"

"And...your asking me this now because...?" the awkward teen asked, slightly confused.

"Well, like I said, people treat me like shit." Sakamoto stated firmly. The worst part was, it was true. You had to be an idiot not to realize it. Every day, a snide comment or remark could be passed in the hallway. On more than on occasion had Mishima heard someone say, There's the Track Traitor again... "The only people who ever really hang around me is Shiho and Ann, and the only reason for that is because me and her know each other from middle school. Why do you hang around me?" Sakamoto took another bite out of his meat bun, this one smaller and shorter than previous bites. "You know, Kamoshida's gonna give you hell if he sees ya hanging around me."

Mishima bit his lip. He was well aware of the fact. Yet, even so, he was willing to put on the brave facade. Every bruise he's suffered so far, he's taken because he had no choice. But it was his atonement. His punishment for being so weak-willed. And maybe, partially, because he wanted to wallow in self-pity for himself. And also, perhaps, because he wanted to be around Sakamoto to remind himself that it was because of him that he was even in this situation.

What would Sakamoto say, if he ever knew the truth?

"...well, I guess it's because everyone treats us both like crap?" he offered weakly, trying his best to put on a smile. "I mean, we both hate Kamoshida. And everyone doesn't spare me as much as another glance."

Sakamoto mulled the answer over before he shrugged, accepting it without much fuss before he finished off his meat bun, only to wince when he realized that he had more than what he was used to stuffed into his mouth. "Oof! Thaghz haut!"

Mishima's laugh was slightly hollow.

Classes had come and went without fanfare. It had only been during fourth period that Sakamoto felt as if he was about to snap. He had nearly forgotten about the fact that the volleyball rally was coming up in a few days, and therefore a few classes had been changed. As it just so happened, Kamoshida was teaching today. Looking at the man's seemingly perfect smile, smug and hiding his true nature, was enough to nearly push him to the edge. His teeth gnashed together, threatening to crack.

"If you keep glaring, he'll notice." the girl beside him chided. Sakamoto glanced at her, glaring almost before he sighed and lowered his head. He had been on edge all day, and seeing Kamoshida again was enough to make him more than a little worked up.

"Whatever..." he scoffed. "So, what's your excuse for hanging back?"

"Small stomach ache."

He raised an eyebrow at her, not buying it in the least. "...seriously?" he asked her in disbelief. "How the eff did he buy that? You are, like, the worst actress ever, Ann."

"Shut up." Takamaki Ann snapped at him, pouting as she pulled her knees up to her chest and looking off to the side. "And it isn't like this is the first time."

And it was true, amusingly enough. This had not been the first time she offered up such a lame excuse, just to get away from Kamoshida's notice. Several excuses, some more unbelievable than others, had been used and still she successfully escaped. In her opinion, playing this game was beginning to grate on her nerves. She was tired of him chasing after her, simply because of her looks. Even if she wasn't a quarter American, she wouldn't appreciate the attention. Especially when she was more than aware that Kamoshida was only interested in her body. She could easily recognize the disgusting look in his eyes any day.

Knowing that, however, brought Takamaki no end of discomfort. Her best friend, Suzui Shiho, was a member of the Volleyball Team. Which was supervised and led by Kamoshida. Every member of that damned team put the man on a pedestal, refusing to believe a single lie or slight. The best case example was when everyone immediately outed Sakamoto when he retaliated after the bastard goaded him.

Aside from Mishima, only Suzui and Takamaki herself were aware of the truth. And it made hearing about the harsh whispers all the more harder. Just remembering it made Takamaki angry.

"Ouch." Sakamoto winced as he looked up, finding a student on the courts to be on the receiving end of a particularly painful-looking spike. They couldn't receive it properly, ending with them being forced to their knees. Their forearms were bright red. "That had to hurt." Out of the corner of his eye, he found Suzui on another court. She was doing fairly well from what he saw, coordinating with her team and delivering a near flawless spike. "Shiho's doing pretty good, huh?"

Takamaki nodded. "Yeah, she is." she noted with a small smile. It shortly faded afterwards as it devolved into a frown. "But, I'm kind of worried."

"Eh? How'd you mean?"

"She's been getting a lot more bruises than usual." she told him, concerned about Suzui's well being. "Not to mention, she's been looking pretty pale these past couple of days. I want to think she's just pushing herself too hard, but..."

Sakamoto's eyes narrowed, looking at Kamoshida. The smug bastard was just watching everyone work, though his gaze seemed to be particularly focused on Suzui in particular. There was a foreign gleam in his eyes, almost unidentifiable. Yet even so, the man's character gave the meaning behind such a gaze away. Immediately, the dyed blonde felt his previous anger snarl back into full force. His fingers curled, veins bulging angrily as he bared his teeth.

"...why don't we hang out after school? Maybe Shiho just needs some time to cool off from practice."

Monday, April 11th [After School]

Suzui Shiho tried her best to hide the bruises that came from an activity besides practice.

They weren't very noticeable, if she was honest. However, they were bad enough that one couldn't mistaken them from having been afflicted by something much heavier than a mere volleyball. They were dark and pulsating and angry. The bandages helped, veiled by the pathetic excuse of "just needing time to heal." And it was not just the bandages that hid them away. Her sweater, her socks: any piece of clothing could hide them.

All except for the one who applied these bruises to her, who added more and more to her with some sort of sadistic pleasure. Cold, rough hands constantly rapping against her body, threatening to break her bones. At times, those same hands violated her body. Touching places that she herself had only touched in short, brief moments of loneliness. The sickening memory was enough to send a cold shiver down her back, her thoughts clouded gloomily by the prospect of being forever beaten and violated by that horrid man's touch.

Why not end it? a cold voice whispered to her, offering a tempting prospect of freedom at long last. It will be quick and painless. Just a sharp pain. Just jump for it. Dive. Fly. And you won't feel anything ever again.

Yet those thoughts were soon washed away when a memory played out in her mind, time and time again. It was a modest memory, almost fleeting and forgettable. A small little classroom, filled with canvases that had already been splashed with colorful liquid. In the middle of it all was a foreign-looking girl, drawing what could only be described as a poor attempt at an abstract. "Your painting sucks." she had said without thinking. At the time, she thought it was extremely rude. However, those words had been the spark of friendship between herself and Takamaki. A friendship that had been the best thing that would have ever happened to her.

But now, someone had come. Someone who wanted to ruin that friendship. Someone who wanted to taint her friend. She couldn't bear of the thought. The idea that such a horrible human being could defile her.

But, perhaps, that act of selfless love may have been a mistake...

Suzui's hands trembled as she closed her locker, resting her head against the cool metal. She sucked in a breath, collecting herself and practicing the same routine. Her mouth shifted, practicing different kinds of smiles before it found the right one. Then she pulled away from the locker, grabbing her bag and left the room behind, entering the crowded halls of Shujin.

Someone was waiting for her.

"Mishima-kun...?" Suzui's heart fell. His presence at times was not uncommon. They were both members of the volleyball team. However, the expression on his face had told her everything and she braced herself with resignation.

"S-Suzui-san..." Mishima swallowed, unable to look her in the eye while rubbing his swollen arm. "Kamoshida-sensei's asking for you again."

The words were much like the tolling of a bell. Again, the voice whispered in her ear. Again, she chose to brush it off. Nodding and solemnly thanking him, she turned towards the path leading to the staircase. The coach was probably in the P.E. Consultation Room again.

Before she could take another step, however, two figures barred her path.

"Yo, Shiho!"

Suzui blinked. Sakamoto's grin was forced, that much was obvious. Not that she would have blamed him. Being the target of so much insults, smiling became almost impossible normally. It was a means of hiding, she supposed. It was odd for Takamaki to have one as well, though. "Ann-chan?" she tilted her head. "Ryuji-kun? What's going on?"

"Are you doing anything right now?" Takamaki asked her, her smile becoming more strained. "We were thinking of heading to Big Bang Burger! Did you want to come with us?"

"Um..."

She shifted nervously. She wanted to come with them. By God, did she want to. But her mind drifted to the back, where she hid away those dark thoughts. The image of that man leering down at her, knuckles bloody, made her blood become like ice. Biting her lip, she looked away. "I'm sorry, but I..."

"C'mon, what's the harm?" Sakamoto pushed. "You haven't been eating well, right? You're looking pretty pale there."

She noticed. She hadn't been getting much sleep lately, either. Some days, she needed to use pills just to try and make sure she slept well without having those awful nightmares. She squeezed the strap over her shoulder that connected to her bag. She didn't want to refuse. But she didn't want to suffer the consequences of not going to see that man either.

"I-I'm sorry. But I need to see Kamo-"

"Forget him." Suzui almost yelped when she heard the snarl slip from Sakamoto's mouth, face twisting for a moment. "I mean, c'mon. You're looking pretty thin. Hey, I know! Why don't we try that challenge they got going on? If we finish it, it's supposed to be a free meal, right?"

"Ooh, definitely!" Takamaki nodded. She didn't notice her at all slipping behind her, grabbing her behind the shoulders. Suzui's eyes widened with panic as she was forcibly turned away from her path, swallowed up by the flow and led on by her friends. "Come on, Shiho! Let's see if we can't overcome that challenge!"

"N-no, Ann! W-wait...!"

Her protests were weak. On one hand, she was glad that she was being pulled away. But on the other hand, she knew the man would not like it. Tomorrow, she knew, he would call for her again. And when he did...

...she didn't want to think about it...

#3: The Prisoners of Shujin

Here's Your Warning!

"Would you like to join the art club, Amamiya-san?"

"An incident at Shujin?"

"Amamiya-kun? What are you doing here?"

The Next Number: Break In...!

Here is your third chapter. I'm glad there's at least a couple of people who enjoy this story. 50 or so people are now following this, and 30 liked it enough to add it to their favorites.

I hope this becomes as popular as my Fate/VRAINS story. Small little hope, but I take what I can get.

As everyone can probably tell by the "Warning," the next chapter will somewhat kick start the Kamoshida Arc. It won't be a time-skip, though. I am covering more of Ren's time at school, especially since he'll be getting to know Yusuke better as well. One of the small little gripes I had about Persona 5 was the lack of you joining a club. Don't misunderstand, I understood the reasons perfectly as to why joining a club was not available, but I felt that it was always a staple for the series in some way or another.

There is something else that someone brought up to me. "FoxOnePie" I believe their username was. I spoke with them in a PM regarding some concerning topics. I figured I might as well address them here. As they told me earlier, the decision to go after Kamoshida is a rather stale one. I chose to have them pursue Kamoshida simply out of a moral choice, rather than for story convenience. I think I speak for everyone when I say that Kamoshida was a disgusting human being. He's a fantastic starting villain, but I still despise the man for what he did. Not to mention the implications of what could happen if Kamoshida remained at Shujin if I had the Phantom Thieves target someone else. Shiho's death kickstarted a lot of stuff, and it was showcasing that "what-if" scenario of what could happen if he was left in power at school.

Of course, there could have been other ways to go about this. They brought up some good suggestions, as well as cons. One of those was the early friendship between Yusuke and Ann. I will explain the reason as to why they became friends at this point in time in the next chapter. The concern "FoxOnePie" brought up was, namely, the fact that the Thieves would learn about Kamoshida through Ann, rather than through Makoto, since she practically lives next door to Ren.

At this point, though, why would Makoto tell Ren, a stranger who goes to another school and someone who is on probation, about what was happening at Shujin? As far as she is concerned at this point in the story, Ren Amamiya is still an unknown she doesn't understand.

Next, there is something I want to ask everyone, and is partially the reason why this chapter is so late: should I change the Confidants somewhat?

Don't misunderstand. I'm not thinking about changing all of them. Some are left perfect as is, such as Takemi and Iwai. Others, however, will have to be changed as the circumstances behind Ren's has as well. The Confidants that I'm thinking of changing are Sae for [SPOILER], Makoto, the Shujin Cast, and others that are still under consideration.

If you have suggestions as to what kind of new Confidants should be done, please tell me either in a PM or in your reviews.

That's it for now. Later, my fellow Phantom Thieves.