That Truth be Told.....

Yuzu was already getting her baptism going. She is headed for a bonfire that grows bigger until it is all over her.

"It hurts!" Yuzu shouted as she tried to get out but couldn't.

"You must have to be in there for a day, Yuzu," Lihan said as she tried lowering the fire a bit, but it was still hot and high. "You must survive the process, Yuzu," Lihan said as she added.

"I don't know if I'll be able to hold that long! It really hurts!" Yuzu shouted.

"What's the problem?" Lihan asked.

"It's my neck! I think my necklace has something to do with it!" Yuzu replied as her body started aching more and more.

"Necklace?" Lihan asked.

"It's what Mei gave to me after I got possessed." Yuzu replied.

"Possessed?" Lihan asked. "You never told me you experienced getting possessed." Lihan added.

"You need to remove the necklace, Yuzu. It's only stopping you from getting baptized." Lihan explained, and she then saw a silver necklace with a lavender pendant on it flying toward her.

Lihan took it, and Yuzu stopped hurting.

"I guess this is the reason why." Lihan replied. "Have you ever asked Aihara-san what this is for?" Lihan asked as she added.

"No, why do you ask?" Yuzu asked.

"Because this necklace came from me. I gave it to Aihara-san in case she lost control of herself." Lihan explained.

"She told me it was to stop the possession from starting again." Yuzu answered.

"That's half true. This is the necklace of protection and cage. Once you wear it, you will be able to control the emotion that activates your power in a fight." Lihan explained.

"Then why does Mei need that necklace?" Yuzu asked.

"It wasn't Mei who asked for this, actually. Her grandmother was the one who asked for this, but she died during the 100 year war." Lihan replied.

"My father died too, but I couldn't remember how he died." Yuzu said.

"Of course you won't; we purposely did that." Lihan said.

"We?" Yuzu asked as suddenly the fire grew stronger and wider.

"Yes, we. Your parents asked for my help, of course, and I agreed." Lihan said.

"Do you people really like keeping secrets?" Yuzu asked in sarcasm.

Lihan only kept silent as she sighed.

'You're father died to save Lilian Aihara, Yuzu. But it's not the time you need to learn about that. Not yet.'

Mei kept walking toward her class, and she went inside the room. She had eye contact with Harumin, who only nodded and then looked away.

Mei felt her chest hurt but she kept moving. She took a seat next to Harumin who's really avoiding her. Mei took a piece of paper and wrote something in it.

M- I'm sorry, it's just many things has been happening and I didn't have the time to tell you guys what's happening.

Mei then threw the paper on Harumin table who took it and also wrote something in it.

H- I'm not angry at you or anything, Mei. I just couldn't understand you. You were never this protective of someone, it's just that you've changed ever since Yuzucchi arrived at your doorstep.

Harumin threw the paper back at Mei who was deep in thought, but she wrote something on the paper, trembling.

M- Wh-what are we?

H- I don't know, Mei. You know the answer to that. You just need to let me know what's going on.

M- Can we talk this afternoon after class?

Harumin just took the paper and looked at Mei.

"Sure, Mei-san." Harumin said and Mei only forced a smile at her who just nodded.

Shigeko has a class with both Kiana and Rina, who have been asking where Yuzuko is.

"She had a hangover last night." Shigeko answered them for the nth time.

"Why does Ryn keep bothering you guys?" Kiana asked.

"Don't know, why not ask her." Shigeko replied and took a seat on her place.

"You really are the worst at talking with people you know. You could've told me because she just wants something to play with or something." Khione replied.

"Oh, shut it, it's not as if I couldn't tell that you've been crushing my cousin ever since middle school." Shigeko said.

"I mean, it's true!" Rina exclaimed, and Kiana tackled her.

"Now, now, you don't have to be embarrassed or anything. I'm just not sure if you'll get a chance, but to be honest, if you want to know if you will, you should confess now." Shigeko said.

"I-I don't think I can." Kiana replied.

"It's up to you, haha." Shigeko said as she chuckled.

"You know something, do you?" Rina asked.

"Maybe." Shigeko replied as she smirked.

"Oh come on!" Kiana said. "Does Yuzu have someone in mind already?" Kiana asked as she looked at Shigeko a bit sad.

"I'm not sure but to honest someone is already coming after her." Shigeko replied.

"Who is it? Do you know?" Rina asked. Shigeko shook her head as she lied.

"I-I see, Shi- Hey, Shik. Can I talk to you for a moment." The president asked as she interrupted Khione.

"Sure, I'll see you guys later." Shigeko said as she stood up and went away with Mei.

"So what is it?" Shigeko asked as the two stopped walking.

"C-Can you help me explain later?" Mei asked as she stuttered.

"Explain what Mei? School?" Shigeko asked.

"No, I'm going to explain everything to them this afternoon after class. I was hoping you could be there." Mei explained.

"I see, sure. Is that all?" Shigeko asked and Mei nodded.

"I better get going, the next class is about to start, so....you know." Shigeko said and left, but Shigeko turned around and looked at her.

"Good job!" Shigeko mouthed as she gave Mei a thumbs up with her hands then left.

'Is she really that scared to lose someone?'

Yuzu had just finished two of her baptisms when her body gave up. Now, she's in the hospital ward, getting her rest.

"Do I still need to continue?" Yuzu asked panting.

"No, but you must go back this weekend." Lihan said. "We need to finish your baptism before your real training starts." Lihan added.

"I see, can I stay here for a little while? I'm really tired." Yuzu said as she laid back on the bed.

"Sure, but you'll need to go back in about 30 minutes because your friends might be looking at you at home." Lihan said. Yuzu only nodded as she slept.

Lihan left so that Yuzu could rest. She went to her studies and sat on her desk.

'Haah, just why did this have to happen now?'

Mei waited for the others as she trembled. She kept fidgeting with her fingers until she got caught by Ryn.

"Okogi-san didn't come home today, I wonder why." Ryn said as she smirked.

"It was because of you, *****!" Mei shouted.

"Shame, she wanted to see me so badly." Ryn continued.

"In your dreams." Mei said and she left when she saw Shigeko and the others going out.

"You guys ready?" Mei asked and they all nodded.

"Let's go back to the secret place." Mei said, and they all smirked and teleported someplace.

They went to a dark tunnel and opened a magical door that just materialized in front of them.

"H-Hey Mei, I'm sorry for what I did earlier. I just couldn't watch you getting wrapped up in a person you just met." Himeko said.

"It's fine, I'm the one who should apologize to you guys because I never realized that...you know what I mean." Mei said as she took a seat at the table.

"So, explain." Shigeko said, who still has a bit of a smirk from earlier.

"I'm not sure how to start, but I just don't know where this feeling of protection came from. It's like it just popped out of nowhere." Mei said.

"Beats me, I never knew I had a crush on you til you confessed to Harumin." Himeko confessed.

"I never knew that." Mei said, shocked a bit.

"You know that necklace isn't for protection only, right? A friend gave that to you." Shigeko said and Mei nodded.

"It's also for tracking. I just want to know where she goes, that's all." Mei said.

"But you can't be there for her 24/7, Meimei." Himeko said.

"Trust, Mei. You need to trust Yuzucchi that she can take care of herself without anyone's help." Harumin said.

"I know." Mei said as she sighed.

'I just wish I didn't hear that from Lihan.'

"So are we alright?" Mei asked trembling.

"Yeah, I'm good. I needed to know everything I needed," Himeko said.

"One last thing, Mei. Confess to your feelings. Do you like Yuzucchi or not?" Harumin asked as she smirked while chuckling a bit.

"What kind of question is that?" Mei asked, blushing hard.

"No need to answer; it's written all over your face." Harumin laughed as she smiled, but deep inside she is sad knowing that her ex lover has someone else in mind that's not her.

____________________________

Mei went home finding Yuzu asleep at home. She smiled softly and went to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

'Hah! So many things happening in one day I hope they don't add more.'

After showering, she went down and saw Shigeko playing console on the TV with someone.

"Mizusawa-san. I didn't know you were here." Mei said.

"I came here, and Yuzu-chan told me that I could do anything and she'll just sleep." Matsuri replied.

"I need to have a talk with Yuzu, but Shik, can you watch this kid? I don't want something broken here." Mei said.

"Sure, I can do that." Shigeko said as she kept looking at the TV.

Mei went back up to see Yuzu sitting on the bed, yawning.

"Good afternoon." Mei greeted, and Yuzu greeted back.

"How was school?" Yuzu asked.

"Many things happened today, and I don't know where to start." Mei said as she sat down.

"Choose one then, I can go with both." Yuzu said.

"Well, to start off. we broke up, and I messed up my friendship with Himeko, but we're alright now." Mei explained all at once, being so nervous.

"What? Why?" Yuzu asked, confused.

"Well, I started growing apart from them. But Himeko and I are still going. Harumin and I became distant. I think it's because of me though." Mei replied. "What have you been doing? And I noticed that you aren't wearing your necklace." Mei added as she raised an eyebrow.

Yuzu stopped for a moment as she took a deep breath.

'Well, what should I say?'

"That necklace Mei, it came from your grandmother?" Yuzu asked which shocked Mei.

"How did you know about that information?" Mei asked a bit upset.

"Nothing, I just thought that why would you give someone a necklace so precious." Yuzu said as she trembled a little.

"Well, did you know that Mizusawa-san is here?" Mei asked and Yuzu shook her head.

"So that kid lied, huh." Mei said as she stood up. She went to the door but Yuzu stopped her.

"Wait, Mei. What are you going to do?" Yuzu asked as she stopped her from the door.

"Teach that kid a lesson of course and you're coming with me." Mei said and Yuzu only followed her downstairs.

____________________________

"Harumin, are you really glad for the outcome?" Himeko asked as they decided to stay a bit longer at the Secret place.

"I don't know what to feel anymore, Himeko." Harumin replied and her phone lit up.

"It's your sister." Himeko said and handed her the phone.

Harumin took the phone and read it.

M- Where are you?

H- I'm at Momokino's place, why?

M- I'm just making sure you're alright. Besides you promised me earlier, right?

H- Oh, yeah. I'll be there in a bit.

M- Good, see you later....sis.

Harumin put her phone away and took her bag.

"Going home?" Himeko asked and she nodded.

"Me too, besides dad might be looking for me everywhere now. I'll see you tomorrow at school." Himeko said and also took her bag and teleported.

Mei was in the kitchen helping Yuzu in the kitchen while Shigeko was chuckling behind them.

"What are you chuckling about? Do you have a crush on Mei-san?" Matsuri asked and Shigeko coughed.

"What are you saying?" Shigeko asked.

"You look like you have a crush on her, dumbass." Matsuri said.

"Well, look who's talking. You didn't even realize that Hanako has a crush on you." Shigeko said and Matsuri's eyes widened.

"What? That's not true." Matsuri said.

"Ask Yuzu later and you'll know." Shigeko said as she continued doing her homework.

"So did something interesting happen to Yuzu today? She's awfully quiet." Shigeko asked, and Matsuri gulped.

"Why not ask her?" Matsuri said.

"Do you know something?" Shigeko asked as she raised an eyebrow.  Matsuri only shook her head and went back to playing.

"I see, by the way. Don't you have homework to do?" Shigeko asked when Mei left the kitchen and started setting the table.

"No, it's just introducing yourself, so we didn't do much." Matsuri said.

"Lucky you, we already have homework today that needs to be passed by tomorrow." Shigeko replied, standing up to help Mei set the kitchen.

"Are you staying the night here or going home?" Mei asked Matsuri.

"I'm going home, it seems like I'm not welcome here." Matsuri said. .

"I just said that you need to inform me first because my grandfather will kill me if I just barge in here without letting him know." Mei explained, and Matsuri only went to the kitchen too.

"But I'm eating here. I miss Yuzu-chan's cooking. It's the best." Matsuri said.

"Yeah, it's almost as good as Aun- I'm sorry." Shigeko said and Yuzu only smiled.

"It's fine, what's done it's done. I miss mom too, but I'll try not to cry." Yuzu said and sat down.

"So, what have you been doing these last hours?" Shigeko asked as she took a bite of her food.

"I've been trying to find out how to baptize myself in the library over here, but I couldn't find it." Yuzu replied.

"The maid said you left to see a friend." Mei said.

"No, Matsuri invited me to go to the arcade, so we played for a bit there until it's late...like about 2 hours ago?" Yuzu said.

"Hm. Then how come you have burns all over your body?" Mei asked, and Yuzu was trembling. She was saved by a door opening, and Mr. Aihara went inside.

"Ah, good evening, sir." Yuzu stood up as she greeted him.

"Don't be so formal, just call me dad or uncle." Sho replied kissing her daughter on the forehead.

Mei, I told you not to eat because we'll have a meeting in 30 minutes." Sho added.

"I don't like the food there. Yuzu's food is better." Mei replied and continued eating.

"I see, you should go finish eating and get ready, because we'll be leaving in an hour." Sho said, leaving and heading to his room upstairs.

"I should get going too, I'll see you guys around." Matsuri said, teleporting back to her place.

Harumin was in the bathroom as she tried to escape the meeting when the door opened.

"What are you doing here? Trying to escape again?" Mei asked as she smirked.

"Come on, please don't. I think everyone should hear this, including you. Besides, it seems like you are avoiding me." Kaguro said.

"I just don't want to talk to you after what happened." Harumin replied as she took her things and started walking toward the door when he slammed her on the wall and leaned in.

"Come on, just once. I'm begging you." Kaguro replied, and Harumin tried getting off him but couldn't.

"Let me go!" Harumin shouted as she tried touching her, but the door opened.

Mei punched the guy and kicked his balls hard.

"Watch it!" Mei said, and she went to Harumin to ask if she was okay. Harumin nodded and sighed in relief.

"If you don't come in time. I don't know what will happen to me," Harumin said.

"No worries, just watch out for those people because I may not be there in other circumstances where this will happen again." Mei said, taking her hand, and they both left, heading to the meeting room.

Mei let go of her hand before they went inside.

"There you two are, why don't we start." Sho said as he started explaining.

"What happened?" Himeko asked.

"Kaguro happened." Harumin replied as she whispered.

"You mean the boy who has been obsessed with you since middle school?" Himeko asked and Harumin nodded.

"Luckily Mei was there to save me time before something happened." Harumin replied.

"Let go of your feelings now, Harumin." Himeko said.

"It's time, I guess." Harumin replied and she looked over at Mei who gave her a cold shoulder which she didn't understand until she saw Mei's grandfather watching.

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