Realistic or Modern The "Dere" Festival 2 [Filled]

[White Masquerade]

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

(Does not count as a post)




It was finally time. Fireworks could be heard going off throughout the town, signaling the closing hour of the 5th Annual "Dere" Festival.


Police



Walking inside the Karaoke parlor, two cops surveyed the area. With the man behind the counter pointing at room 6, the duo dressed in blue nodded to each other, then walked in.


3 Posts Until RP Begins to End


Cops Arrived At Karaoke Building


Fireworks Can be Viewed & Heard All Over Town



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[BlacklegSanji]

Kenpachi was late getting around to running. He hears the fireworks go off. He leaves the room that he was in and begins to run but as soon as he sees his friends run around the corner two cops enter the building. He still keeps a flat out pace towards the door. The cops must have seen them run off he thought to himself. He thinks to himself for a second before body checking one of the cops who was unsuspecting leaving the other surprised as he runs past him. He draws his sword and runs through the door seeing a couple cop cars. He slashes the tires on the cars. That should by them some time he thought to him before feeling a zap in his back. He fell to one knee before looking at the cop that had just gotten out of one of the cop cars. Kenpachi drove his blade into the ground to help himself get up before feeling something hard hit him in the head knocking him to the ground. He looked up at the cop with the tazzer and one with a baton. He lid there on the ground as one cop pinned him to the ground using his knee. Kenpachi felt the cold metal of the handcuffs clamp around his hands that were now behind his back. Blood started running from his forehead. He looked up to the sky and saw the fire works explode in the air. He smiled. He thought back to what Sekai had said after he had told her that he would by them time. I guess I really did fall for her huh..... She's the same as always, a bitch and she acts like she owns everyone, but really there's just a awesome personality hidden under all of that.... He thought to himself. Guess I'll never get to throw down with Ian or Ken... Those two are honestly two of the closest friends I had way back when, we may have fought a lot but atleast that gave us something to do... Minoru and Kaiyoto they may have been a wuss's but he were pretty good guys.... Kimura.... well there's not much to say about her...... and finally Azami.... I wish I had gotten to know her better, she's a lot like Sekai but she doesn't hid behind a fake persona and she's not always seeking attention, I idol her actually, I wish I had been more like her, more calm and reserved, I wish I had better control over myself.... These were Kenpachi's last thoughts as he struggled to move forwards but was zapped by the tazer again. He passed out. He was thrown into the back seat of the cop car, which had its tires slashed.

2 Posts Until RP Begins to End


Cops Arrest Kenpachi


Fireworks Can be Viewed & Heard All Over Town
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[amended]

Kaiyoto gets up after hearing Kimura's comment, he had failed, Kaiyoto had failed to tell Sekai before the walking blanket told her,

"I-I think I-I-I..." Kaiyoto's voice trailed off and he couldn't finish the sentence. All that night, he had been building up the courage to tell Sekai but he never did; at this moment, Kaiyoto thought it'd be better to get arrested by the cops instead of spending anymore time around the others. He gets out of his car and slinks over to a couple of the officers and holds out his hands,

"Officers, I think I'll go quietly." The officers gave him a confused look before laughing,

"You're that Kaiyoto fella, right? My daughter loves you! Can I get an autograph?" One cop says to him, Kaiyoto blinks several times before realizing what was happening,

"No, yu got it all wrong, I was the one who beat up the guy in the karaoke place!" The cops give him another confused look,

"Just because I'm famous doesn't mean I'm not able to be arrested!" Kaiyoto says, the cops just shrug before returning to their conversation before that. Kaiyoto stands there for a good 30 seconds before walking off towards the edge of the lake.

1 Post Until RP Begins to End


Cops Arrest Kenpachi


Fireworks Can be Viewed & Heard All Over Town
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[ViAdvena]

Right after Kenpachi was arrested, a figure moved from behind one of the cars. The young woman in a black dress steadily approached the cops. From how calm she looked while walking, one would have thought she was just a passerby instead of a part of the group that were involved in all of this commotion. Until Azami directly spoke to them.


“Excuse me Sir,” She addressed one of the cops with a polite tone, who looked confused by her sudden appearance, “Could you please release my friend?” She didn’t see when Kenpachi slashed the tires or when he was being subdued by the police, but his absence was enough telling of he was being arrested. “He isn’t exactly at fault here,”


Her father wouldn’t approve of what she was about to do. She had every chance to just escape with the others to the limo, yet she turned back at the last second. If one person was foolish or self-sacrificial enough to take the blame of your fault, you should just let them do it and move forward, was what her father said. That’s how politics and power struggle works, right?


That’s why she hates political world.


“Aren’t you looking for the one who called the ambulance and started all of this commotion?” She took her phone from her pocket “Well…”


She lifted her phone for them to see. On the screen was a phone call history with the hospital number on the list. The time of call was match with the one that called the ambulance this morning.


“She is right here.”

RP Ending: Give us your Endings!


Fireworks Can be Viewed & Heard All Over Town
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[BlacklegSanji]

Kenpachi's Ending

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Kenpachi woke up in the cop car not long after being arrested to see Azami out side turning her self in. Trying to get up , he found that his hands were bound, so instead of hitting the window with his hands he head butted the window to no avail. One of the cops reached out to grab Azami. "STOP!" someone yell, Kenpachi instantly looking in the direction of the voice. There stood a tall white haired man wearing glasses. "Please release these two, one of them is my cousin and today is a special day for them, It's the fifth dere festival, the first time these two seen each other in 5 years, Please allow them to go to the fire work show along with me. I will explain this to my father later" said a voice familiar to Kenpachi. He smiled to see his older cousin Ena, the son of a high ranking police officer. The Cops let Kenpachi out off the vehicle and allowed Azami to leave. Kenpachi thought to himself maybe I can get a chance to know her better, Kaiyoto likes Sekai any ways so I'll leave her to him. "Hey Azami.... after the dere festival... um.... how should I put this.... Would you like to go on a dat.... I mean hang out sometime....." he said suddenly getting really shy. Kenpachi was then pulled away, just barely hearing what she had said, by Ena and was brought to a car. "Come on me and the boys are waiting for you, we have a stage set up by the fire works spot" he said with a smile.


After a short drive Kenpachi arrived and got on the stage with Ena who played the drums and two other members, a guitarist and a bassist. Kenpachi walked up to the Mic and picked up his own guitar. "Alright folks, I'm a Dorodere attending the dere festival and me and my band are here to play a assortment of songs for you tonight, but we are gonna start it off with a song by Green Day, this one is The Grouch....." The Guitar cuts in "I was a young boy who had big plans, Now I'm just another Shitty Old man!" Kenpachi sang


The night went on and as it faded Kenpachi looked to the sky and remembered the fun he had had to day, and about how everyone had grown up. He walked towards his house, his sword was now back in his possession as a friend had picked it up from him. He laid it down in his garage as he got home. He walked up stairs to his bed room and fell into his bed. He finally thought about what Azami had said to him before finally drifting off to sleep.

[media]

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[/media]



(Hey guys, This was a awesome role play I'm glad I had the chance to play in it, @ViAdvena I basically left Kenpachi's thoughts, whether they are negative or positive up to you. Green Day is Fucking Awesome so of course I had to end it off with one of their songs. This is it for Kenpachi, I hope ever character get's their happy ending, especially @The Doorman I want Ian to burn down the festival so bad. any ways you guys are all wonderful roleplayers and I hope I get the chance to rp with you all again maybe one of you could create a follow up roleplay @White Masquerade Hint Hint Nudge Nudge Hint)

RP Ending: Give us your Endings!


Fireworks Can be Viewed & Heard All Over Town
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[Lucem]

At first, Ken had intended on staying until the police arrived. When it became a matter of remaining at Chai Long's or leaving to watch the fireworks, he couldn't have cared less about the latter. A short burst of flashing lights never really appealed to him and he probably would've left before the event. In any case, if anybody could take on a squad full of officers, it was him.


While he was prepared to merge his fists with Kenpachi's sword, his plans were quickly changed. Rather than becoming swept up in a brawl, he was swept up by the fleeing Deres. Before he knew it, he was in an unknown vehicle and being driven towards an unknown location.


It didn't take long for them to reach what seemed to be a lake, each person filing out of the car one at a time. So, he had ended up here regardless, huh? Well, perhaps it was for the best. He would certainly have a lot of explaining to do if he was found in the back of a cop car.


Removing his cell phone from his right pocket, bracelet swinging a bit with the motion, Ken observed the time left before the sky was set to be lit up. 'Looks like the day will be ending soon...' This day seemed so short, but he was thoroughly drained. He wasn't used to activities like this and it clearly showed.


As the blond looked around at the rest that prepared for the explosions, his eyes fell upon a certain brunette. Along with her, everyone would leave soon, returning to their normal lives. 'But before that...'


Swiftly approaching the Hime, Ken gripped her by the wrist lightly as he had before, but this time pulling her along. "Come with me for a second!" He still had unfinished business with this girl. "I'll be right back," he could hear her say, shrugging free of Kimura's hold.


Taking charge of this situation, Ken made his way to a clearing that was surrounded by a few dozen trees, blocking out everything except for the moonlit sky. 'This should be fine here, right? Nobody should be able to see us here, right?'


Deciding that the location was out of sight, he released his hold on the girl and walked a bit of a distance before turning around. 'I need to make sure she doesn't tell anyone about what I said earlier.' He absolutely could not afford for those drunken ramblings to leak to the public ear.


Although he had a clear thought on what he wanted to say, the area remained silent for a few moments, the two accompanied only by a slight breeze. He simply stood there, staring at her form without moving a muscle. 'What are you doing, idiot!? Just tell her already so this can be over with!'


Another brief, speechless moment passed before the golden-haired boy opened his mouth. "What did you mean when you that the strong ones get hurt too?" Following this question another period of silence fell over the two, Ken having yet to realize what he had just said. However, when he had, it hadn't gone over very well for the boy.


Face beginning to redden slightly, the shocked expression on his face was only hidden by the night. 'What the hell was that!?' That wasn't what he wanted to say! While he may have been curious earlier about the girl's words, constantly nagging at him with questions about her earlier statement, he had tried to convince himself that he didn't care. Obviously, that hadn't gone over so well, unconsciously giving in.


After that, he knew he couldn't change what had been said, so he did all that he could. He waited for an answer, a small, single bead of sweat starting to appear. 'Idiot!'


"So you were awake then.." Sekai looked directly into the boy's eyes while crossing arms and fidgeting from side-to side. There was no use acting like nothing was said; Ken had clearly heard her monologue, and he wasn't the type to just let things go. "Whatever. Fine." Looking up into the sky, she could begin to see the swirl of colors amass, trumpeting the endings of the festival. "But after this we're watching the fireworks. I'm going to do so with Kaiyoto and Kimura. If you want, you can come along. You don't seem all that bad...Anyway, what I meant, was that even the strong ones have hidden pain."


She paused, watching an azure blob shoot up into the sky and burst into a beautiful array of purple streaks. "Even the strong ones get hurt. You're so stupid and naive for thinking anything otherwise. And then you go and live your life by those foolish words?? You are beyond help Ken. I see why you're so messed up." A stop. "I cry every single day when I get home from school. You would think I'd be able to waltz into the arms of two loving parents, but I cant, and that makes me cry even harder. It's like they're not even a part of my life. I'm alone. I've lived alone. I grew up alone. I have always gotten what I wanted. Almost no one has ever told me no. Even if they did, they would quickly change their answer shortly after. I've lived a life most kids dream of Ken. Amazing looks, popularity, and the means to get almost anything I wanted. Yet I can't get a damn hug from my mother! I can't get good grades! I can't stop this empty void getting bigger and bigger in my body every time I wake up and go to sleep! I am NOT happy Ken! This is something I can't just order to be fixed."


Her eyes began tearing upon announcing aloud, what she had only dared to say in her head. "So many people think I'm great. Some fear me. Some hate me. Though no one would think of calling me passive or soft. Thing is, what they don't see, is that I'm drowning in a sea of pain and despair. You don't have to believe me when I say this, but you better give up the tough guy act and open up to the people around you. I thought this meet-up would be a waste of time. Truth is, I've felt more alive in this one day, than in the last 5 years of my life combined." Sekai's face now held a defiant look as more and more bangs could be heard out in the distance. "So I'm going to watch these fireworks with my friends, whether they like me or not."


As the atmosphere became reminiscent to a battlefield, Ken ignored the explosions in favor of Sekai's words. Each syllable seemed to pierce his heart and bring up old memories. While she may have been privileged and even spoiled from an outside point of view, she was deprived of everything on the inside. Despite their beginnings being drastically different, the ends results were far too close to ignore. 'We're the same...'


When he saw the signs of tears that threatened to fall, he bit his lip hard enough to almost draw blood. He hated crying, never being able to stand the act. Not once had he ever shed a tear, but he was certainly feeling a multitude of emotions.


When Sekai had finished, silence had yet again fallen upon the two for a brief moment. "I see..." Fixating his eyes on the sky's celebration, every color of the spectrum reflecting in the lowering piercing of his ear, he was unsure of what to say.


Clenching his hand into a fist, the blond was finally able to come to a decision. 'This is only to pay her back.' She had answered his question and brought up feelings that he knew were better to keep buried. It was only fair if he did the same.


"I haven't exactly had the best relationship with my parents either." The boy struggled to keep his gaze fixated on the brunette, never once spilling his secrets to another individual. "That bastard who calls himself my father left right after I was born, leaving it up to my mom to raise me. Instead of taking responsibility and sticking with his family, he ran back to America and I still don't have a clue why." Even as he spoke, he realized that he still retained the anger, the flame of hatred refusing to die out.


"From that day on, it was just me and mom. She was a single mother living in a cramped dump that was called a house, meant to raise a child on her own. I would've been fine with that, with the two of us being on our own, but that wasn't how things went down..." To this day, he still wasn't sure how he felt about his mother, but it was easy to describe how he felt about her actions. He felt hurt.


"After that man left, she became nothing more than a vegetable, only eating when I begged her to. Instead of her raising me, it was the other way around. I would've done anything and everything for her, almost getting myself killed over putting her needs above mine. At the time, I was fine with it because I still loved my mom, but now, I know better."


Trying to keep the lump in his the throat from rising, he persevered. If this girl could do it, then so could he. "I struggled to keep perfect grades, a job, and my mother alive. As long as it was for her, I would've pushed myself to the limit. So, that's what happened. I lost everything after that, unable to function and provide for the two of us." Nails burrowing into the palm of his hand, he forced himself to spill his guts. "That's when he came back and ruined everything."


This was harder than he had ever anticipated. "When that man came back, my mother did something I had never seen. She got out of bed and smiled. Even after everything I did, I had never once heard her say "thank you" or "I love you", but his mere presence made her shine like the sun. Then, when he had decided he was taking us back to America with him, things took a turn for worse. I refused to go anywhere with him, that bastard having put us through hell, but she didn't hesitate to leave me behind."


Now, he could feel his face getting warmer, but it wasn't like before. This time, the heat felt different. "When she walked out that door, my world had shattered. Everything I had ever worked for had became meaningless. I was alone. No, I was always alone, but I never realized it. I raised myself and a breathing corpse."


When the heat was soon followed by a cool feeling, it was no longer a mystery to as to why this heat felt odd. "For once, I wanted her to show that she cared about me in some way. I wanted her to acknowledge what I had done and treat me like a son." The corners of his eyes overwhelmed by an unfamiliar wetness, Ken tried his best to hold in the apparent tears that threatened to flow. "I just wanted her to choose me..."


Now, it was time for the part his drunken counterpart hadn't gotten into. "After that, I had lost the house, and was a rat living on the streets. With both of those people out of my life, I didn't want anything that connected me to them. So, I did this." Taking the golden strands in his hand, he remembered the first time he changed the color.


"I became numb to everything, only having a bunch of anger I couldn't do anything with. People avoided me afterwards, except for the punks that insisted on beating me senseless. When I realized this, I didn't mind the change. In fact, I preferred being alone. So, on impulse, I did this. There were many more back then and they all hurt like hell." Pointing to the metal chunks in his ear and the healed mark on his lower lip, he began to reminisce about his experience with the paper clip and the blood that refused to stop flowing.


"Soon, I started to fight, keeping the people that used to mess with me off my back. Once they finally got the message that I wasn't to be dealt with, nobody in the school acknowledged me, only fearing me. I pushed it even further, leaving school completely and spending every day fighting some stranger." Initially, there had been a lot of pain, but the injuries became less frequent as he increased his strength and his reputation became what it is now.


"I pushed everyone away. I was convinced that if I ever got close to someone again, I would just get hurt. So, I got stronger. I stopped caring about others and prioritized myself, something I had never done. I didn't need people and they didn't need me. You couldn't get hurt if you were alone..."


Head hanging low, Ken stopped for a moment, hair like the sun casting a shadow over his face. There was a lot of baggage and he had let go of it so quickly for the first time in his life. Everything in his life had been a disaster up until recently.


"But now, I'm not so sure." Keeping his gaze on the ground, Ken was clearly troubled. "After today, I found myself slipping, trying to help others. I was sure I hated everyone, including you, and tried to convince myself of that, but it's not that simple anymore." Nothing was ever simple and he knew that, but he never dealt with something like this before.


"After being accepted by some amazing people a while back and meeting you guys today, I'm not sure about what I want anymore. I'm worried that if I open up again, I'll just be left behind and I don't think I'll be able to handle that. I thought I had everything figured out, but now, I just don't know..."


"Haha, look at you starting to cry you wuss," Sekai giggled through tears of her own. "Look at us. A bunch of strong idiots crying in a forest, on one of the happiest days of the year. We really are pathetic." Wiping the bottom of her eyes, the brunette cleared her throat and struck a superhero pose with arms akimbo. "But the night is not over yet. There's nothing wrong with opening up to others. Yeah, you could get burned, but then again, you could also find someone you've been looking for your whole life. Treasue what you have and the situations you get put in numb-skull."


Pop! A particularly large firework showered the sky. "Now. Are we going to keep on standing here, blubbering like soggy jello, or watch a beautiful display of lights?"





The crimson shade of his face displaying his mixture of embarrassment and anger at Sekai's comment, he denied any truth to her words. "T-The only wuss here is you, idiot!" Ignoring the droplets that had yet to take full form, he refused to believe he was anywhere close to shedding tears.


At the advice that followed, Ken could feel his internal conflict rise. However, it could be said that the difficulty had been lessened. 'Someone I've been looking for my whole life, huh?'


Moving his burning orange eyes to the hovering white sphere above, he let those words sink in. At that moment, his clouded mind had cleared somewhat, revealing a familiar image. Rather than a simple 'someone', it came in the form of the small family that had forced their way into his life. "I think I may have already found that..."


Bringing his attention back to the brunette, it was almost as if his heart skipped a beat. An array of sparkling colors casting their image on soft skin, the girl before him looked almost unreal. Each strand of chocolate was reminiscent to a flowing river. A sudden flash of memory from back at Chai Long's was accompanied by his scarlet complexion.


As he became consumed by the feeling, he questioned it to no end. 'What's wrong with me!?' Ever since he took that drink, he hasn't been the same. His face has become filled with blood more than usual and his heartbeat was irregular. 'Am I still drunk?' No, that wasn't it. As he continued to eye Sekai, he slowly began to piece the puzzle together.


This entire night, the girl had been affecting him in some way, whether it was anger or this new emotion that had welled up in his chest like a bullet wound. Whether it was her words from earlier or the advice that had been given mere seconds ago, she had listened to him, despite the negativity. In fact, he had come to do the same, actively seeking out her next words as if her voice was a drug. As much as he hated to admit it and he held the desire to deny it as much as possible, it became quite clear how he felt about her, the last piece falling into place.


At her invitation, Ken's mouth became like the dessert she had just described. He didn't know why, but he felt compelled to tell her this. Maybe it was her insistence that he open up, but this was something he decided that he needed to do. However, that didn't make it any easier.


"Sekai!" Calling the girl by her real name for the first time since their misadventure began, his cheeks became hotter than the sun's surface, biting down on his lip with his left canine. "I-I..." He was prepared to say it and he wanted to say it, but a certain annoying guy popped into his head.


Kaiyoto loved her, any idiot could see that. He had helped him and even encouraged him to pursue her when he became doubtful. Just because he felt the same now didn't change things. No, he had always felt this way, just not realizing it until this moment. However, he couldn't. He hated to say it, but like the rest of these crazy people, he considered the singer a friend. He couldn't betray that connection.


Swallowing the confession that had narrowly escaped, Ken reverted back to his usual demeanor. "I can't believe you're still hanging around here! Everyone's waiting for you back there, so hurry and get lost!" That was close.


Face switching from his forced irritation to a lighter and kinder expression, something he hadn't shown to the Deres, he picked up from where he left off. "Don't worry, I didn't forget what you said. I'm taking those words to heart, so don't you think I'm skipping out." Scratching the back of his head, something that had become common tonight, he continued. "I'm just going to sit here and think for a bit before I go back. So, just go ahead without me."


Beginning to leave the clearing and travel into his own area, Ken looked back one last time. "Don't forgot to talk to that klutz when you get back. You did agree on it, after all. He'll die without his lovebird." Playfully mocking the relationship of the two was somewhat for him, in a way. It served as a reminder.


Raising his hand into the air as a farewell gesture, Ken grew a sly smile on his face, almost fox-like. "Ciao, princess." With that, the boy began to disappear into the night until he decided to make his way back. "Thank you..."


As he walked off, Ken had mixed emotions. A part of him was glad about what he had done, but he was still left somewhat saddened by his inability to express himself. This conflict differed greatly from what he was used to.


Placing his hands behind his head, Ken let out a low groan. "Ah, whatever!" The groan turning into a brief sigh, he continued to voice his thoughts to the surrounding brush. "I'm not suited for that love crap, anyway." Kaiyoto better not ruin things and back down or he'd be quite the angry fellow. Well, if that idiot needed a push, he'd gladly give him one.


As he approached the bank of the river and laid his back against a suitable patch of grass, Ken sank into his thoughts once more. "Open up, huh?" He had came here to deal with this very issue, debating on whether allowing others into his life was truly a good idea. The Yozawa family was particularly prevalent in his mind.


Since that persistent geezer had refused to stop butting into his life, he had become a part of theirs. Toru, Haru, Shoutaro, and Seikou had all accepted him and welcomed him with open arms. They considered him a member of their family and truly cared about him. However, could he say the same? He couldn't be certain that he wouldn't lose this family and be left on his own again.


As if his thoughts had stirred a sleeping demon, a familiar tone from his pocket was released. Grabbing the phone, he answered without checking to see who it was. "Hel-!" Before he could get a word in, a growl resounded in his ears. "Don't you 'hello' me! I've heard the police reports! As soon as I get my hands on you..." Drowning out the voice, Ken attempted to reclaim his hearing as Toru continued his rant.


"Where are you!? We're driving over there right now!" Ordinarily, the blond would've simply ended the call and left the festival in favor of roaming the streets. However, Ken wasn't his usual, defiant self at the moment.


"I'm at the lake by the festival. It shouldn't be hard to miss." At his uncharacteristically honest response, a brief moment of silence followed. "Hello...?" What happened?


After the silence persisted for a few more moments, the familiar voice returned. "Is this really Ken? What have you done with him? The Ken I know would've been running his mouth off by now. He's really weak, but he acts tough. It's actually kinda cute, like a little dog trying to bark at a wolf. Well, if you could pass along this cell phone to him, I would really appreciate-" Unable to contain himself any longer, his veins threatening to burst with irritation, Ken fired back.


"Shut up, old man! Do you wanna live to see your kids graduate!? You don't have many years as it is, gray-haired geezer!" After he finished with his own angry retort, he could've sworn he heard a snap of realization on the other end of the call.


"Ken, it is you!" Of course it was him. Who else had this voice? While he remained fuming from Mr.Yozawa's words, he almost missed the legitimate question that followed, containing an underlying tone of worry.


"But are you alright, Ken? You sound a little weird. Did you catch a cold? You should be more careful. What would we do if..." Quietly listening to the man's concern, an unfamiliar expression appeared on the blond's face. For the first time in years, he was smiling. The size may have been quite small, but it was a smile nonetheless. 'You could also find someone you've been looking for your whole life.'


"Yeah, I'm just fine." With that, it seemed as if his decision had been made. Whether he would go far and be with them for many years to come or crash and burn, he would never know if he didn't give it a chance. Rather than destroying bridges before they could be built, maybe this could work.


After ending the call, Ken's eyes remained on the explosions. "This is actually kinda nice." With each burst, he began to think of the people he met today and the events that occurred. Come to think of it, he never did sing. Even if he didn't like to use his voice in such a way, it couldn't be helped, could it? If he was going to associate himself with this group from now on, he would likely be forced to join in on the activity at some point. 'This is just practice...'

Spoiler

Opening his mouth, Ken hesitantly began to recite the words that were kept in his memory. Even if he was alone at the moment, it was still embarrassing to be doing something like this. However, it became easier as each lyric passed.


Ken didn't listen to much music on account of not having a way of doing so on his own. As a result, all that he knew came from Seikou. Similar to how he wrote short stories, the young girl did the same wih songs. While it may have just been a hobby, she had a lot of talent. Out of the numerous ones she had written in her spare time, this was the one that had stuck the most. In his opinion, it was pretty ironic.


When his voice had finally settled, Ken pushed against the grassy surface as he rose to his feet. Stretching his limbs to return to his usual functionality, he became satisfied after hearing the various pops and cracks. 'I guess I should get back to the others now.'


Putting one leg in front of the other, golden-hair swaying in the wind, Ken continued until he saw the familiar group in his line of sight. As he approached, quickly reaching the people that watched the colorful lights above, Ken had a thought. 'Maybe this isn't so bad, after all...'

 

[Miyuki]

Present Time:


Upon Sekai leaving her, Kimura was left all alone once more. The little bit of happiness, the person she wanted to be alone with, gone. She made her way away from every single person she could see, eventually ending up on a bridge, not a single person in sight. She sat down against the railing, curling up in her blanket once more, crying. She had her chance, only for it to be stolen away from her, just like everything else in her life. Suddenly, she could hear a creaking sound coming from right where she sat. She'd picked the worst spot on that bridge to sit on; the location of a nearly broken part of the railing. The railing broke, Kimura's blanket blowing away in the wind, just as she begins falling back. Tears were flying off of her face. She already lost everything she had, so she just let herself keep falling, until she was no longer on the bridge. She couldn't help but feel like this was a few years too late to happen.


5 Years Ago:


Kimura was sitting on the bridge, crying to herself as she could hear fireworks through the blanket wrapped around her. She was all alone, not a single soul having bothered to even once see if she was alright. The wind was blowing heavily, her blanket flying off of her face, just enough to let her hair flow back in the wind, her red, tear-filled eyes showing. All she could see was bright lights all around her. They were lights she knew were beautiful, but couldn't enjoy through the blurriness of her tears. She wanted to one day see these lights, without having to let even a single tear flow down her face. She wanted to spend this time with somebody, who didn't care if she had red eyes or not, only cared for her, for who she was. Hey vision becomes a big mess of colors, everything fading from sight.


Present Time:


Her eyes jolted back open, her now hanging from the bridge by a single hand. Her blanket had blown away, leaving but a girl there. She tried to hold on, not even sure what kept her going. Suddenly, images of the two she looked up to most appeared in her head. All she could think about was Sekai and Azami. She tries to pull herself up, though her hand slowly began slipping. She was losing her grip, and quite fast. The last thing that ran through her mind, was Sekai. Lots and lots of memories, her watching Sekai's every day life. She couldn't help but start crying, in what seemed to be her final moments, realizing how stupid she was. If only she'd had the courage to approach Sekai earlier on, she wouldn't be in this situation right now. She'd just given up, her hand slipping, until her fingers were jut barely holding her up.


Kimura could see herself falling into the water. She could feel fear running through her, as she realized what letting her hand slip would actually mean. She wouldn't be able to try again. There would be no do-overs for her, no second chances, and not a single moment more of seeing Sekai. She held on as tightly as she could, her fingers just barely able to hold in place for very long. She was about to do something she could never have seen herself doing up until now; shouting out Sekai's name, like a plead to come and melt away the sorrows of her life. "Sekai...!" At first, her voice was quiet. She began yelling again, each time, her voice getting louder, until it was finally loud enough to be heard. "Sekaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiii!" A single tear was rolling down her face. Her last few moments holding on seemed to last forever, until she just suddenly, lost her grip. Her eyes closed, she slowly began falling, unsure if somebody would actually come and save her from such a terrible fate or not. Even now, all she could think about was Sekai, the girl she'd absolutely admired to the point of being in love.

 

[The Doorman]

Ianari Isana

​

Fifteen Minutes Earlier

"Um... Ian... We need to... We need to talk... I'm working set-up for the fireworks tonight, maybe you could come over to the... Well, y'know. I'm the only one working right now, don't worry, I just really need to talk with you." One thought crossed the mind of the young man at the time, his fingers trembled, still clutching his phone with a gentle hand in the chill of the late night's air, the hair on his fair-skinned arms stood on end, stillness overriding his entire body, and his eyes look onward, blankly into the sky they bore with a distance far as heaven and dared to venture further into the cool night sky, the only warmth in the suddenly sorrowful sky being the stars, each faint twinkle in their fading light striking him blind, he envied their ignorance, for he knew why he was called that night, the end of his secret was imminent,

it was only a matter of time, and this one fact filled Ianari with an angst he'd never quite felt, not in this way... Maybe at school, but this was different... Maybe it wouldn't turn out as expected...


Step. Step. Step. One step forward... Three steps back. That was his life. Every time he succeeded, every time he felt confident... He was pushed down, thrown to the wolves once more to fend for himself with personality bent ever slightly, however, each time it bent it didn't break. But it still bent, and it bent, and bent until it broke.


And when it broke it broke in two, shattered at the core his personality split in two, not clean a cut it was tarnished, his traits were mangled versions of their former selves.


One step forward he went, three steps back he'd go.


Yes, he'd meet over where the fireworks were set up, but the fireworks wouldn't be the only thing working flames that night, no, in fact, the finale wouldn't arrive if he had anything to do with them.


Now

Everyone was finding themselves with the authorities to deal with that night, but the only thing Ianari had on his mind was the work of a true pyromaniac, though he'd done little that night and had only just started to remember who those people were, he was finally going to let loose and show them why he was the Yandere of Yan, oh, he was going to fucking show them what I'm made of, I'll show all of these fuckers what the Yandere is capable of, I'm burning this shit down... The boy's footsteps started slow, but eventually began speeding up, the light in his eyes shifted from depressed to fiery pits of hell, the fireworks above him shook his eardrums and rang in his ears like gunshots, and then like bombs as he grew nigh to the source, the thoughts in his mind looping, the thoughts in his mind looping, the thought in his mind was set on loop, I know what you're going to say, I've always known about this, I've always known this day would come, I knew you were a lying bastard right from the start, you should be burnt at the stake, you awful-...


He wasn't there.

Ianari stood with phone in hand, eye twitching at the empty area before him, well, empty other than the fireworks... Big mistake, Yoshiro... The frown on his face twisted eerily upwards into a devilish smirk, a Cheshire grin, a murderous smile crossed his youthful face and blinded his green eyes, which grew sharp and narrow at their centers, though hidden by the glint on his glasses, which cracked inexplicably and shattered. The racing of his heart shook his hands and pumped blood much too quickly through his mind, making him a tad light-headed as he walked to the area of unlit fireworks. It seemed that there was a long strand following from each, which he walked alongside to find the end, converse turning slightly as he stepped on the fire-proof tarp beneath the winding and wound cord.


[media] [/media] Within the span of around three minutes, to when the show was nearing it's end, he found the open side of the tar-black rope, snide smirk, crude Cheshire grin, malevolent murderous smile widening at the sight, he patted the lighter in the right-hand pocket of his jeans, he didn't smoke, but he'd taken it from his brother, who did. Misoko was likely to just be discovering this act of protective pickpocketing, and saying "Nooooooooooooooooooooo!", and dropping dramatically to the soil.
Ianari gave it a flick, and a flickering flame shot out, almost burning his thumb in the process, "Perfect~" He snickered, the snicker growing to a chuckle, a cackle, a laugh, a bellowing, resounding sound that almost brought the sky to lightning, and he lowered to his knee, reaching down and pulling the thick thread of shadowy hue so that the fireworks fell from their stance of ascent, and brought his right hand, the hand wielding flames, to the ground, where the hand on the left, wielding a strand of pure pitch darkness, dropped it's worldly possession to be lit, and the flame seeped into the tightly twisted, tied, braided string, and ran quickly, though the fireworks still soared into the night sky, the finale had yet to come, and coming it was, quick as a cheetah but bright as a phoenix with the strength of a majestic eagle-feline, nimbly it followed and lit up the line as it did, reaching the celebratory items intended originally for war in a mere 10-20 seconds, the sizzling of the rocket-candles' individual wicks sizzling like bacon on a barbecue, and caught their bright bombs with light. The 59 degree angle the explosives teetered upon would cause an arch with the current and coming wind, and would most certainly head into the crowd in the nigh but far distance, who cheered at the yet unknown of oncoming rain of pure terror, and death, and destruction all by flame and storming sparks that lit the dark sky, the works of future pyre were not meant to have all gone out at once, but no one seemed to notice, in all their ignorance, their utter dullness and stupidity pleased the young man as he took on a full sprint, catching up with his brother as he received the man's text.

Brother Misoko

me

You here yet?

them

Omw

me

KK

them

Here!

me

Kay, I'm right out front!

them

Brother Bear! You comin' or not?

"Duuuuuuh, and I'm right here, silly man." He said with a sweet smile, looking back as the flames erupted from the fireworks as the fell down into the crowd, catching most before they could move.


"You have a fun time, little bro?" Misoko asked, preoccupied and unknowing, as the car had been parked in a way that the flames didn't quite reflect, and the earphones in his ears were blocking the fain screaming and shrieking in the distance as panic fell over the crowd around the bases of the flame armies.


"Eh, I would've rather spent my day watching TV." Ianari entered to the left side, back to the bright flame, a face showing no such amusement as before, he slipped the backpack off of his shoulders as he sat, yanking the zipper to be greeted with a "Mow!" From the sweet, sleepy cat, Nyano, who promptly climbed down into Ianari's lap for the short drive to his home where his brother would be staying with him for at least a month on business.


The Aftermath

The next morning he awoke with his brother glued to a screen with mouth agape in shock, "I-Ian, it's about that festival you were at! H-hold on... Let me rewind it..." Misoko mashed the buttons on the remote in his hand a quantity of times before the news flash came on.

"-African elephants. Last night at the relatively small-scale 'Dere Festival's firework show, the set-up manager for the grand finale, Hiroto Enazawa, set the fireworks to fall into the crowds, while at first seeming innocent, we received information that while cheating on his lover with his ex-girlfriend, who was pregnant with his child, he found himself without either, and in his rage he took his anger out on innocent festival-goers, and is now on trial for murder of the third degree. More on this case as infor-"

​

"Isn't it crazy to know that as we left, this was happening?" Misoko twisted his body to look at his brother over the back of the couch, his red eyes a tad large in opening and the space beneath his lashes lightly darkened by his work-induced fatigue.

"It really is."




And to this day, Ianari Isana has yet to be captured.


End.



​

 

[flapjack]

Minoru Daisuke


As the only one left inside the karaoke building, specifically inside Room 6, Minoru slowly took his time with embracing the solidarity he currently had in his hands. Even with the warning from his fellow Deres to evacuate the area, he still stubbornly remained. More like, ever since that little incident from earlier, he can’t help but doze off onto space that when he regained to his senses, he was the only one left in the room. From what he had heard outside, there were loud footsteps that seemed to be rummaging through the halls, as if searching for something. The blonde figured that it was the police and in no time, he will be caught, so he figured to stay inside and surrender quietly when the police have found him rather than recklessly resist and get killed by them.


While waiting for the cops to slam the door open, Minoru slowly took a sip from the can of cold coffee that the Tsundere had gave him. It was bittersweet, just like the things he experienced for this day, but not that he was against it, though. Minoru smiled at this realization, but was quickly interrupted by the sound of a phone call. Upon looking at the name of the recipient, he realized that it was his brother.


“Hey, Noru-nii! I hope I’m not interrupting anything. So, how are things over there?”


“I’m fine. “ Minoru replied, but from the sound of those footsteps, he figured that it wasn’t a matter of time before the cops storm the room.


“Really? Then, if you’re going to have dinner outside, make sure to bring some for me, okay? I’m too lazy to cook for myself.”


“Got it.”


Just when Minoru was about to bid his goodbye to his brother, cops suddenly started to storm the room he was in and with perfect synchronization, they all said, “FREEZE!” and began to forcefully drag the blonde teen with them.


“Noru-nii?! Did I just hear the famous line of a cop? Are you oka---“ Mamoru shouted from the other line of the phone before he was cut off. Minoru, on the other hand, didn’t bother with defending for himself as the police started to take custody of his phone and his half-drunk can. When they reached outside the establishment, the cops started shoving him inside the police car and took the blonde to the police station.


Shortly, after five minutes

Once the car reached the station, Minoru saw his brother, Mamoru, talking with the cops. Surprised, Minoru quickly got out of the car ahead of the cops and slid between the cops and his brother. “I don’t care if you arrest me, just don’t lay a finger on my brother.” Minoru grumbled darkly.


“Woaaah, Noru-nii, calm your horses. Don’t be rash, you see, I was just talking to the officer here. Explaining that you and your friends did nothing wrong.”


Furrowing his eyebrows, Minoru asked, “What do you mean?”


“Hey now, consider this young lad here as your lifesaver! He handed me a video of your group’s actions from earlier and it turns out that this was a whole misunderstanding after all. We saw how it all started with the white-haired girl being injured.” The officer replied sheepishly and bowed his head as an apology.


Still confused, Minoru turned his attention to Mamoru, glaring as if wanting an explanation.


Mamoru merely chuckled and responded, “You see, I was stalking you from the moment you entered the restaurant, since I was seriously overjoyed about the fact that you decided to stay and interact with your friends, I filmed you and decided to show it to our father as a report of progress! Never thought it would come in handy, though.” The brown haired boy said with glee.


“Really sorry about that,” The officer apologized once more and gave Minoru his phone and can of coffee. “You and your friends are free to go now. I assume that you have taken the white-haired girl to the hospital, right?”


Shoving his phone inside his pocket, Minoru shook his head. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure where she is right now, officer. Maybe with our other acquaintances, though.” Taking a sip of the coffee on his hand, he bid goodbye to the cops and went out of the station, his brother tagging along with him.




“How long did you follow me, Mamoru?”


“Well, I lost track of you guys once you started running outside the restaurant, so I—“ Mamoru was quickly cut off when Minoru carelessly bumped himself against a girl. Panicking that Minoru might run away again while spouting immature nonsense, Mamoru quickly rushed to his brother’s side.


“I-I’m sorry!” The girl bowed her head apologetically.


Rubbing the back of his flushed neck, Minoru anxiously replied, “It’s fine. I should be the one who’s supposed to apologize, not you. So, I’m sorry.” Minoru said as the girl went on her way.


Mamoru, on the other hand, was gaping as the entire scene went through. “Did…Did you just speak to a girl?”


Smiling at the sudden realization, Minoru replied, surprised at his actions, too. “Yeah? I guess they taught me that not all women are ferocious.”


Mamoru laughed, “I'm curious on how they taught you that~! Wait. Who are ‘they’?”


Minoru’s smile widen as he replied,


“My precious friends.”

(I can't believe it's all over now. I can't accept it so I'll live in a fantasy where this rp is still ongoing. That's why, I second Kirito's suggestion! A sequel is needed! At least for my mental health.)

 

[White Masquerade]

~Sekai Shumoda~

​

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pump. Pump. Pump. "C'mon..stay with me girl!" Once more Sekai dipped her head towards the still face, pink lips momentarily locking with ghostly white counter-parts. While blowing deep into the girl's body, the drenched Himedere took a second to take in her features. Kimura was completely soaked too; hair laying splayed across the damp earth in lunar crescents below them. Rising, another set of pumps were delivered, desperately trying to jump-start a frozen heart back into existence. Pump. Pump. Pump.

C'mon. C'mon. C'mon...please...yes...A muted sputter rang out, as the gurgling sound of ejected water brought a soothing relief to the brunette's jittering nerves. "Thank goodness...," she sighed, falling in reverse onto her back, and smiling tranquilly up at the twinkling stars. "See. I wouldn't forget about you Kimura." Sekai heaved in gasps. "I told you I'd be right back right?" Whether the girl heard her or not, Shumoda didn't know; it was just enough that a life wasn't lost today. A gust of wind swept over the riverbank, causing Sekai to shiver as she thought about the day's events. Who knew things would have ended up like this. @kirito1337

Then, there was the lovable Mika. With a heart-felt giggle, Sekai placed both hands on her forehead. It was incredible. Mika was the only one to cause virtually no trouble throughout the night. [/color]Mika, Mika, Mika..you are truly a wonder! Being surrounded by us loud, reckless, rude, and self-centered idiots, you managed to remain calm, put on a smile, and be your same lovable self. For that Mika, you have, and always will, my undying praise and respect. @Stew

Getting back onto her dirt-encrusted knees, the brown-haired Himedere, Sekai Shumoda, placed a quivering hand on Kimura's cheek, giving it a light touch. [/color]"Wake up sleeping beauty. The night is not over yet. There's still one thing we have to do." She paused, soaking in the feeling that came with her next line. "See some amazing fireworks, with some amazing people." With that, the brunette set off, trudging towards the spot where she hoped Ken, and even more so, Kaiyoto, would be waiting there with open arms.





​

End​

​

 

[amended]

Kaiyoto sat by the riverside, unaware of what was going on, he was humming his favorite song to sing when he's feeling down. As Kaiyoto sang, he thought of what he was going to do since Kimura already stole Sekai.

[media]
​

[/media]
But it was around now that a weary-looking Sekai was walking over, Kaiyoto didn't notice her at first as he stared at the fireworks while singing; but he noticed her eventually. It shocked him at first as he got up and ran over to Sekai, he hugs her tight and makes sure to squeeze her for extra warmth,

"Sekai! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Do you have a chill?" Kaiyoto asks in a non-stop stream of questions,

"Did the blanket do something to you?!" He asks in a more worried tone. Kaiyoto finally huffs and simply hugs her,

"I'm sorry that I wasn't there to stop whatever happened to you!" Kaiyoto says, now in a more sad tone,

"Sekai, I'm sorry I wasn't there." Kaiyoto says again, he seemed to be repreating himself, but not because of what happened to Sekai, but because of what happened to himself; for he thought of what would have happened if he didn't have someone to love all this time,

"Uh, anyways..." Kaiyoto says as he backs off of Sekai. Kaiyoto was now wet from hugging Sekai, but he didn't care, Kaiyoto just rubs one of his arms in slight embarrassment,

"Sekai, I know that blanket has been with you tonight like a dog following its master... Wait, that just sounds mean!" Kaiyoto says to Sekai,

"But I've been wanting to talk to you." Kaiyoto takes a big huff before spilling out what happened during his depression,

"Sekai, I've never told this to anyone. But when I was 15 years old, I lost my will to move forward in life; I got mixed up in all sorts of terrible things, and I even started smoking." Kaiyoto says before remembering the cigarette case still in his pocket, he stealthily takes it out and throws it into the lake,

"I was a lost cause, and everyone gave up on me, my parents, my friends, even my brothers and sisters. But as I was slowly destroying my own life, I knew I had to have something to strive for, something to accomplish. I didn't know what I needed to do until I was broke and homeless, I needed to strive for you." Kaiyoto says with a crispness to his voice, Kaiyoto was holding back tears with the strength of 20 men,

"I finally realized that I needed to have someone to love and rely on, someone who has always been there for me through everything!" Kaiyoto pauses,

"So I thought of you." He says with a tenderness to his voice,

"I knew that you wouldn't be too happy if I came back looking like a rotten potato and smelling like I just rolled in smoldering paper. So I got my life back together, I started up my musical career again, all for you." Kaiyoto says, now holding Sekai's hands in a soft manner,

"Sekai, now that I've finally gotten to my goal, I would like to accomplish it." Kaiyoto looks at Sekai's eyes softly before starting to quietly sing a song,

"Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and all the things you do,"


"I came along, I wrote a song for you, and all the thing you do,"


"And it was called 'Yellow'"

"You're skin, oh yeah, you're skin and bones,"


"Turned in-to something beautiful,"


"You know, you know I love you so,"





"You know I love you so..."




Kaiyoto stopped singing and gazed at Sekai, his eyes barely watering,




"You know I love you so."




Kaiyoto says again before softly kissing Sekai, he hugs her while doing the act; the kiss wasn't too passionate or too weak, but just the right amount of affection to convey the sweetness he felt for her.


After Kaiyoto stops kissing her, he simply hugs her, a tear unknowingly slides down his face before he says,


"I told you I'm good at keeping secrets." Kaiyoto says with a smile, he then suddenly remembers something. Kaiyoto has a large smile come across his face as he runs over to his car and pulls out what appears to be a picnic basket. He rushes back over and opens it, he sprawls out the blanket on the green grass and pulls out the rest of the content: A small boombox, a bottle of sparkling cider, 2 glasses, a couple of sandwiches, and some candies,


"I've been wanting to do this with you for a while." Kaiyoto says as he sits with Sekai on the on the blanket, the boombox playing some happy music to accompany such a fantastic moment.


[media]





[/media]


END

 

[kira blackthorn]

Mika smiled looking up at the darkening sky as he walked toward the fire works. This night had been so fun. Hearing the familiar sound of his friends he looked foreward and spotted Keni and kaiyoto. A smile blossomed across his face and he began running forward his hands waving excitedly. "Guys let's watch the fireworks together!"


His friends were so fun.

 

[Miyuki]

Kimura awoke, her eyes slowly opening. All she could feel was water coming out of her mouth, and all she could do was keep coughing. After a bit, her eyes managed to open fully, her first sight being Sekai. She sat up, immediately curling up tightly as the wind blew across her. "C-c-cold..." She stood up slowly, looking at Sekai with a faint smile. "Y-you actually... saved me..."

Kimura coughed a little more before seeing her blanket caught over on a nearby tree. She walked over there, grabbing it and using it like a towel, though leaving her head completely uncovered, as though she didn't mind being seen by anybody at this point in time.

"I have... something to show to you... To you, and... to everybody else..." She took Sekai's hand, lightly dragging her to a nearby stage where people were being allowed to play for the public with a set of drums, a guitar, a bass, and two microphones. "I hope you like it, because this is my first time... doing this in front of other people..." Kimura let go of Sekai's hand at the bottom of the stage, dropping her blanket before going up on it and picking up the guitar, moving one of the microphones over to the drums and sitting down.

The crowd that was waiting for somebody brave enough to try and follow up a group who had just sang earlier, looked at her in confusion. Why a small girl who didn't seem like she could even play stepped on the stage was beyond them. She picked the drumsticks up with her feet, beginning to play. Within moments, the entire crowd could recognize her voice from the songs she'd released anonymously five years back, just absolutely loving how perfectly she played, and alone, at that. Her voice just flowed throughout the entire area, reaching the ears of hundreds, if not thousands of people.

​

Spoiler

"I'd like to thank somebody, for giving me the courage to do this. Sekai, I'll forever love you, be it as a friend... or as another girl, that I seem to have fallen in love with..." She returns to playing a few more songs, though all of them were peaceful. She looked happy, like she'd always wanted to do this, but couldn't until today. She'd never felt so calm before, like even if her songs were bad, she would be able to keep playing, so long as Sekai would listen. The crowd was silent, at peace from them.










The song ended, and Kimura gave a light bow before alking down the stage, hugging Sekai lightly. She gave her a kind smile before moving closer to Sekai, giving her a deep kiss. Kimura didn't care if Sekai loved her or not right now. All she cared about was conveying her feelings of love to Sekai, as best as she could. Kimura could feel every bit of her shyness melting away, what was left of it, at least. It was the happiest moment in Kimura's life, nothing able to even compare. Fireworks exploded all around, and Kimura could feel it the end of her loneliness.

End

 

[Lucem]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_11/image.jpg.9fac617692e98b4945f7b3290569120d.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="34136" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_11/image.jpg.9fac617692e98b4945f7b3290569120d.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p>

~Ken Graves~
​

Once again, Ken found himself watching the fireworks above, following the bursts of lights with lazy eyes that reflected the glow of various colors. However, unlike before, he wasn't alone. This didn't just apply to the festival, but his life as a whole. Now, he was surrounded by several people that he cared about. However, he would keep that to himself. He'd never be able to live it down if the gathered Deres discovered that he actually liked them.


As he continued to watch the dancing lights, his ears picked up the sound of music. Remembering the events from Chai Long's, the identity of the singer was unmistakeable. 'Kenpachi, huh?'


In the past, the two boys clashed on several occasions, leaving each other battered and bruised. A conflict where fists collided with blades was surely a sight to see, especially when it was between a couple of small brats. Despite these altercations, Ken felt as though he was able to understand that guy. In a fight, you were exposed and left everything out in the open. It shouldn't be hard to believe that you would get to know a person better after trying to kill each other a few times. He hated to admit it, but that kendo kid was one of the closest people to him back then. 'Good luck, shitty samurai.' @kirito1337


When the thought of violence popped into his head, the blond remembered the green-eyed Yandere. Ken hadn't spent much time around Ianari tonight and that may have been good for his health. The boy was insane and nobody could argue this, but there was still a part of him that wished he had gotten to know him a bit better. Everyone had a reason for why they ended up the way they did, himself included. He couldn't help but wonder what that reason was for the brunet.


'He's an artist, right?' He had heard about the boy's talent before and would hardly be surprised if his work ended up in a gallery somewhere. He could just see the headlines now. 'Come see the work of the famous "Psycasso"!' @Stew


Finally, there was Sekai. Was there really a need for an explanation on how he felt about her? He hated the girl to a large degree. She was spoiled, annoying, and narcissistic, someone he could never get along with. At least, that's what he had thought initially.


After a rough start, the Hime had shown care towards him, something that he hadn't been used to. She had managed to worm her way inside his head with her infectious words and led him to actively seek her out to learn the meaning behind them. The result was discovering that the blond wasn't so different from the brunette after all. He had come to understand her, sympathize with her, and even...love her. However, as he caught Kaiyoto's sudden action and looked away from the pair, he remembered why he had decided to keep those feelings from leaking out.


He had told himself that he wasn't cut out for romance, which he felt was true, but that didn't mean the feelings he had were any less real. For the sake of this new discovery called friendship, he would bury those emotions and pretend that they didn't exist. Sekai was a person who was free to make her own decisions, whether it came to love or something else, and after looking back on tonight, it seemed clear to him that she had chosen Kaiyoto. It wouldn't be right to interfere, even if he did feel this way. @White Masquerade


Letting out a sigh, Ken reflected on his own actions. 'I guess I still haven't gotten rid of that damn selfless side.' Looking at Kaiyoto and Sekai once more, he shortly returned his attention to the glow provided by the stars and fireworks. 'Well, maybe that's not such a bad thing...'


As he could feel himself about to drift off into unconsciousness, a sudden blaring of a horn caused him to quickly open his eyes. Turning around to find the source of the sound, Ken was met with the sight of a familiar car and an even more familiar brunet. "Hey, Ken! Get over here before I turn you into the police myself! What were you thinking going across town an-!"


Squinting his eyes in an attempt to see what had cut Toru off, Ken was hardly surprised when he saw an older woman's hand connecting with the top of his head. "Please calm down, Toru. We're in public after all."





After Mr. Yozawa managed to stutter out an apology to appease his wife, a head of light brown hair popped out from the window. "Kenii-chan! Over here! Let's go home!" Recognizing the nickname that played on the term for brother, Ken was able to identify the short-haired figure as Shoutaro.


While the youngster nearly jumped out the window to meet with the blond, an older child managed to keep her brother restrained. "Shoutaro, calm down. Onii-san can walk here by himself." The calm voice that greatly contrasted from the previously energetic one could only belong to Seikou.


"I got it! You don't have to yell my ear off, you grey gorilla!" After shouting back at the older male, Ken released a larger sigh than the one from before. Peace and quiet never truly lasted, did it?


Waving goodbye to the others, Ken approached the door, moving inside once the rambunctious child made room for him, only calming down with the aid of his elder sister. Placing a hand on Shoutaro's head in order to mess with the chocolate hair, Ken greeted the siblings, along with the older Yozawas. They couldn't have made a more discreet entrance?


"So, Ken, did you have fun?" Listening to Haru's question, the blond moved his gaze from the child currently attached to his arm. Scratching his left ear, the tip of his finger making contact with metal, Ken gave a somewhat ambiguous response. "I think so..." While he truthfully did enjoy the outing, he wasn't quite ready to let the family in on that.


The mother of two instantly being able to discover the truth behind those vague words, a smile appeared on her face. "That's wonderful. We were hoping that you would be in a good mood when we asked you this." Elbowing her husband, who seemed reluctant to speak for some reason, Haru's words left Ken confused. 'Ask me what? What're they whispering about?'


After a hushed comment, Haru Yozawa finally spoke up. "F-Fine! I understand..." While he still remained in the dark regarding what their intentions were, it was clear that the woman was able to get her husband to speak. She really did have a talent for that.


"Ken, I've been trying to get you to listen to me for a long time now. You're stubborn, foolish, and you make a mess wherever you go. You also look like a failed punk artist with that appearance of yours. Plus, you cause me a lot of problems when I have to stop you from wrecking the town. I mean, just how troublesome can one person b-!" Stopped by a sudden chop to the head, the man's voice slowly died down.


While Toru was dealing with the sudden pain, Ken was trying to prevent the outburst that threatened to release. 'What's your damn point!?' All the man was doing was insulting him. Why did he have to be in a good mood for this?


After clearing his voice to gain the blond's attention once more, the science teacher continued. "The point is, you've been in our family for a long time now. The kids adore you, Haru loves having you around, and I...wish you would stop making a mess whenever you eat!" While Ken was the Tsundere, it appeared as though the older male had trouble expressing himself as well.


"We're glad that you allowed us to help you out and stayed in our home once in a while. Still, we'd like it if your stay could be a bit more...permanent. So, how'd you like to officially join this family?"


At that moment, Ken had been left speechless. Toru was blushing and attempting to look away, Haru was giving a warm smile, Shoutaro was practically jumping with excitement, and Seikou wore a gentle smile of her own while attempting to keep her brother settled. This situation had been completely unexpected.


For a moment, Ken remained frozen. Never in his life had he expect to hear such words. These people truthfully cared for him and wanted him to be a member of their family. In his silence, Ken couldn't say that he didn't feel the same way. Despite how he expressed himself, the Yozawas were the most important people in his life. However, could he suffer another loss? Could he go through the pain once more?


As the temptation grew to refuse the offer and remain alone, something he felt that he did best, the golden-haired boy remembered a few words of advice he had been given. 'You really know how to stick with somebody, don't you?' Even now, he couldn't forget.


The temptation leaving his body, Ken pushed away any doubts he may have had. It was time to stop worrying and take a chance, allowing those burned bridges to be replaced by stronger ones. Lips curved upward, but unlike the light smile from earlier, a full-grown grin was now present on the young man's face. 'It couldn't hurt to try one more time...'


"Yes."

End

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[kira blackthorn]

"Bye Keni." Mika yelled waving bye to his retreating form. He waited until the doors closed until he quit. Turning toward the others he looked up. The fireworks painted the sky in beautiful colors. Smiling he closed his eyes and just enjoyed living.

 

[ViAdvena]

Before, in the karaoke place

“Da…hang out? Me?” Even though she quickly regained her composure, one could see that for a moment Azami was genuinely surprised. Kenpachi looked embarrassed while asking this, which was quite a rare sight. When was the last time Azami saw him embarrassed? Never, as far as she remembered.


“…Sure, why not,” she finally said, “and…” she glanced at the very real katana that Kenpachi brought, “If you carry that thing whenever you hang out, someone really need to look after you,” she shook her head, but her tone was light. Before any of them could say anything else, Kenpachi was hauled off by his white-haired cousin. She thanked his cousin for the help before they left.


Right after Kenpachi and his friends left, another car came and stopped right beside Azami. “Miss Azami,” The driver got out and addressed her, “your father ordered me to escort you home.” He then looked at several police cars that were still there, “…Is something happen?” asked the driver with a frown.


Azami shook her head, “Only some stupid misunderstanding,” She looked at the sky. The fireworks continuously blazing on the sky, illuminating the ground below with various colors. “I would like to go to other place first before going home.”


The other place Azami spoke about turned out to be the relaxing place beside the lake. It was quite a popular spot for fireworks seeing, although not as crowded as the open field in the middle of the town where most of the festival-goers at. Azami could faintly hear the shouting and screams from the middle of the town. What an excited bunch.


From the other side of the lake, she also could hear a band playing a popular song. The lead singer’s voice unmistakably belonged to Kenpachi. That guy…he had changed greatly in the past five years. The volatile temperament was still there, but it’s manifested into something more positive. Also, crazy as he was, he had his own code of honor that remind her a little of samurai of age-old. The Minoru case was an example of it. (@kirito1337 )


Ah right, Minoru, where is he now? The possibility of him having gynophobia never crossed her mind until today. Azami initially thought he had a bad case of stage fright, so her blackmail, which doubled as shock therapy, would be to introduce him to the theater director that was looking for an actor like him. But since it wasn’t the case, the ‘blackmail’ looked more like a treat now…Or maybe not, since the theater director was looking for an actor to play Casanova, which was guaranteed to have many female actresses all over him.


Well then, good luck in curing your phobia, Minoru, she thought. From how he had no problem arguing with her and hugging the blanket girl, apparently he was slowly recovering from the phobia. Although he probably still would get panic attack if a girl were doing something like what Sekai did to him. (@Stew )


Beside those musicians, wasn’t there another person with artistic talent in their class? Kuma...Ianari, wasn’t it? Where he was now? She knew artists were usually eccentric, but Ianari wasn’t just eccentric. He had a certain instability that made even Azami wary. Even in the short time they met, Azami saw something akin to a twig that was millisecond away from snapping inside him. She hoped he didn’t do anything drastic tonight. (@The Doorman)


Her mind then wandered to another boy who looked very normal in comparison with his other classmates. He’s Mika, of course. Compared to the others, he looks like an upstanding citizen. He probably will grow up to be one, too, she thought. From all of her old classmates, Mika was the least to be worried about. He better stayed that way, since their class needed at least one good, sane person to balance things out. (@kira blackthorn )


Then there are other people who weren’t here today. Johny Langley and…who was her name? Azami remembered little of her beside her money-loving way. Well, wherever they were, wish they have a good life. (@Peril )


Her old classmates, Azami didn’t think she could find another group like that in other place. They’re troublesome, and more often than not exasperating, but they’re also very lively, and in some way…cute. Not that she would say it to them; it would be very out of character of her to do that. Out-of-character? Ha, she was thinking in the writing term again.


During her musing about her old classmates, she almost didn’t realize that her phone was ringing. “Hello?” she picked up the phone, “…No, I’m in the festival right now. “ It was her editor, “You finished my script? ...Good to hear you like it. Another one? I don’t think I…” she once again thinking about her old classmates. Each of them was an interesting individual. Each of them had their struggle, and each of them had an interesting life to be told.


“…Nevermind, I think I can.” A rare soft smile appeared on her lips.


She knew what to write for her next novel.

The End

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[White Masquerade]

"Amazing."







(0x/xx/2015)
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