Oki doki, I return :D
Ya know, I've only just sat down to write this and a thought just occurred: I is on summer break at the moment, so I should so put in a half term or something at Fujimori soon! I think I'll do that, oh the possibilities~ So this is the same day as the previous chapter, but earlier... It'll all make sense later, and yes you will get to see what happens at the café. Anywho, on with the story :)

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Chapter Eight- The Darker Side Of Fujimori High

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

As the alarm clock went into sporadics, a brunette teen groaned and rolled over, doing his best to silence the infernal alarm clock. Successfully managing this after about two minutes, he lay there before concluding that some movement was necessary. Deciding that getting out of bed the conventional way was too much effort at this moment in time, the teenager instead opted for rolling out of his bed, landing with a 'thump' on the floor. This woke him up properly.

Shuffling half-heartedly towards the bathroom to wash his face, the teen couldn't help but laugh at the odd angles his hair was currently stuck up in, completely the opposite from how smooth it usually was. Sadly, this moment of laughter was soon replaced by a cold look at his reflection when he saw it. The scar.

He let out a low growl and quickly set about using an excessive amount of hair gel to form his usual hair style, making sure that his fringe covered the right side of his face as usual. Nodding when he was sure that the scar was hidden, Matt Engarde resumed his morning routine, washing and brushing his teeth before proceeding downstairs to grab some toast, which he would always eat on his way to school.

Lately, the MEAG leader had been bored. The reason for this was because of the stunt he'd pulled a wile ago, which ended in the demise of the drama studio. As a result of this, he had commanded his group to keep a low profile for a while to avoid risking any expulsions. He sighed as he thought about his current circumstances; it was dangerous for Matt to be bored. The reason for this was because when he was bored, it gave him time to think. When he was thinking, he would always replay a certain event that happened back when he was in his second year of Fujimori High, and Miles Edgeworth had just started as a first year.

Engarde had issues. Well, that's what his therapist had said. His parents were worried about him and so sent him to have therapy sessions, and it was concluded that Matt had severe anger issues and was a great manipulator of people. However, Engarde never viewed this as something bad. The ability to manipulate people, in his mind, was a huge advantage. This is why by the time he was a second year, he had quite the following. It got to the point where he even had 'loyal minions', and only those that he deemed worthy would be allowed onto his territory: the roof.

The brunette clenched his teeth and stopped momentarily, punching a nearby wall. I don't want to think about this again! Dammit!

He punched the wall one more time before laughing uncontrollably. Once recovered, he carried on walking. Matt couldn't help but let his mind wander back to those events in second year.

A new student called Miles Edgeworth had just joined the school for the new term, along with a whole slew of other first years. However, it was blatantly obvious by the reactions this new first year got that he was something special. It wasn't long before everyone was vying for his attention, Matt included. The tactics he had used were the subtlest of any student; he wouldn't engage Miles in conversation or try and force himself upon him, that was much to crude for him. Engarde used his supposed 'mental issue' of manipulation to get what he wanted.

Just one look at Miles told Engarde that this boy tended to keep to himself and only had a few friends on whom he could rely. If he could become one of those friends, then getting what he really wanted would be much easier. Yeah, he had ulterior motives, but the thing that was different about Matt was that, unlike any other student at Fujimori, he admitted it. That was the thing about Fujimori High, the students who were nice to Miles were, 99% of the time, only being nice because they wanted the president as their boyfriend, or just to fool around with him.

The teen let out a small laugh as he thought, And they say I'm devious and have mental issues! At least I admit I have other intentions, instead of everyone else who surround themselves around him, pretending to be his friend.

Matt had made it to school at about this time, and so started to head to his homeroom as he continued reminiscing about the past.

"Hey Miles, wanna come back to mine after school?" This was the question that the brunette had asked after about two months of subtle manipulation. He already knew what the answer would be, the president was putty in his hands.
"Sure." The silver haired boy smiled at the second year that had been so kind to him. He had thought to himself that it was good for him to make some new friends.

Had things gone the way they were supposed to, then... well it's pretty obvious. Matt would have fulfilled his objective of making Miles 'his.' Unfortunately for him, Edgeworth never made it back to his place...

"Matt Engarde?" The teacher called his name, snapping him out of the past for a brief moment.
Mumbling a quick, "Here," Engarde carried on. Once he started remembering, he couldn't stop. He could feel the hatred rising within him.

The door to the roof clicked open. Matt looked up with curiosity, no one ever had the nerve to just open the door and walk onto HIS roof. When the person who had barged onto his territory was finally visible, Matt simply glared. It was a first year, with spiky, light brunette hair. And he looked seriously pissed off.
"You..." Was all the second year managed.
"The name's Shi-Long Lang." His hazel eyes were glaring at Matt, burning into him.
"What the Hell makes you think you can just waltz onto my roof?"
"Well you seem to be under the assumption that you can just waltz into Miles' life, so I assumed I was allowed up here."
"This roof is my territory, I'll protect it."
The wolf smirked, "Exactly, and I will protect Miles. Do you really think that I haven't seen the game you've been playing? I gotta admit you're pretty damned skilled, Miles is usually totally guarded. But you... I don't know how you do it, but he feels at ease with you. I know very well that you intend to have him go to your place this evening, and I know full well that you don't plan on being this 'nice guy' you've pretended to be." The golden eyes never removed themselves from Matt, he began to get annoyed.
"It's not like I'm forcing him, he's coming of his own free will!"
"Sorry, but he has plans now," the first year said, clearly showing no fear at speaking to Matt Engarde, the toughest kid in the school, with attitude.

"Alright, the register has been taken and it's time for first period, so see you guys back here at lunch." The teacher dismissed his students and the members of class 3-B made their way to their first class of the day. Matt bumped into a few people, not paying attention to his surroundings as his memories were rapidly consuming him.

"Oh I see," smirked Engarde, "You like him don't you, in a way a friend shouldn't."
The first year boy started growling when he heard this.
"So I'm right? I knew it. I don't think you have the right to come here and preach to me, when you're exactly the same!"
"Don't you DARE compare me to you!" Shi-Long practically roared this, causing Matt to bust up laughing.
"You wouldn't be so defensive if you didn't think it was true."
"I am not like you! I actually care about Miles and you just want one thing like everybody else in this damn school! Thank God I joined, or else he'd be taken by a bastard like you!"
Engarde stopped laughing then, a dark grin fixing itself into place. "No matter what you say or do, he's still gonna be taken by me. Tonight. I'll tell you all the details tomorrow."
"Like Hell you will, I won't let you lay a hand on him!"
"Oh? And what are you gonna do about it?" Matt was interested in seeing what this brat could do, although there was no doubt in his mind that he would win. "I bet your bark is worse than your bite..." And as soon as he had said this, the second year launched forward and delivered a powerful punch to Shi-Long. This is when all Hell broke loose on the roof, powerful hits flying back and forth.

"Yo! Engarde! Snap out of it dude!" Matt felt a hand on his shoulder and as he looked around he saw one of his classmates. "We have science first ya know, you're going the wrong way."
"Oh... right." The teen followed the guy who had told him he was going the wrong way and his mind diverted back to the fight.

It was after about three minutes when it looked as if Matt had won, standing over the wolf with a triumphant smirk. "Mutts should know their place," is what he said before kicking the floored boy hard in the stomach. Letting out a yelp of pain, Shi-Long clawed any energy he had left back, and managed to stand.
"I will not let you hurt Miles!" He roared, delivering a devastating swipe across Engarde's right side of his face. Blood started to trickle down, but Matt paid it no heed and began to laugh manically, all too willing to continue the fight. It was another minute before Matt found himself incapable of movement, lying on the ground and gasping for breath. He couldn't believe it, a first year... had a first year really beaten him?
The wolf stood over him, looking at his prey with no emotion in his eyes. "You were always gonna lose because we are nothing alike. You only have wrong intentions, whereas I plan on protecting Miles. Just staying by his side is enough for me."
"Pathetic!" Engarde spat the word, glaring at the first year.
"Maybe, but I refuse to hurt him." Lang reached down and grabbed Matt by his collar. "Now get the Hell off of MY roof, don't even think about coming back, and if you so much as look at Miles again, I will kill you."

When Matt returned home that night (without the president much to his annoyance) and had a look in the mirror, he saw the damage the wolf had dealt. He had left his mark, in the form of scars across the right side of his face. It was from that day onward that Matt started wearing his hair the way he did, and why he decided to become the leader of the MEAG. He hated Lang more than anything in the world, and so becoming the head of the MEAG would piss off his greatest enemy. In truth, Matt was no longer interested in Miles, but in Lang. This hatred, this pure loathing of the wolf... it's what drove him. One day, he would exact his revenge. One day, he would hurt the wolf so badly that he would never want to be near him again. One day...

"Screw this, that day is today!" Mind made up, Matt decided to skip class and made his way to the roof that had once belonged to him, as he knew his target would be there. Because the MEAG hadn't been around to distract him, Engarde couldn't help himself. Fighting Lang would quell his boredom, and allow him to release all the pent up anger he had inside of him.

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"It's been a while since it was just us being able to relax, I've missed it." Miles smiled over to his friend who was sat on the opposite side of the booth they were in. They had decided to go to the café as soon as their council duties were done.

Phoenix beamed back at his friend, "Yeah! It really has been ages. I never thought our workload would ever become so big." The raven haired teen couldn't help but pout a bit as he said this, and he looked so childish that Miles couldn't help but laugh.
"It really has been too long. Seriously, we see each other everyday but we barely get a chance to just talk about... well, just stuff." As Edgeworth said this, the waitress came with the drinks each of them had ordered (naturally, Edgey ordered tea).

"So, anything of interest happen lately? Not school related though, I wanna forget the council for a while." Phoenix was still smiling, just happy for the opportunity to talk with his friend.
"Not particularly," answered the silver haired one, twirling a bit of his fringe around his index finger absentmindedly. "You?"
"Nah, I guess I've been so bogged down with stuff I practically collapse as soon as I get home!" As if to emphasise this, Phoenix lay his head on the table and let out a dramatic yawn. Miles chuckled at his friend before looking out the window, to see what was up with the rest of the world. There was a small construction site a small distance away, with a man wobbling very precariously on top of a ladder.

"That looks dangerous," Edgeworth said to himself rather than directing it at anyone. Wright looked up to see what the silver haired one was looking at. "I'd never have the nerve to climb a ladder like that."
"Well... actually, it's a stepladder."
"Hm?"
"That man is on a stepladder."
"What's the difference between that and a normal ladder? Aren't they both needed for the same objective and fulfil the same purpose?"
"Not you to Miles! I've had this conversation enough with Maya!"
"But..." Miles looked out the window again, "It really is just a ladder."
Phoenix face palmed, No one in this world understands the true nature of ladders!

Deciding to shift the unusual conversation to a different matter, the spiky haired teen said, "Well, we'll be able to relax soon. After all, half term is approaching. Nothing but two weeks of relaxing!"
"Yes, that would be rather nice. I'm actually looking forward to half term."
Phoenix just stared before saying, "Usually you're the one desperate to stay and do more work!" Both teens laughed for a bit before Miles finally said, "Believe it or not Phoenix, I'm actually tired of work and am ready for a break."

Wright feigned shock and claimed that the 'real' Miles Edgeworth would never say such a thing and that this guy must be an imposter.
After a few more minutes of general ridiculousness, Miles couldn't help but smile. It really has been ages since we could be like this... I'm glad we're here now.

"Oh hey, you got any plans for the break?" The question was asked quite suddenly but Edgey just shook his head. "We're not going anywhere on this occasion, so I assume I'll be in the library most of the time."
"What? That's just boring! We should totally do something!"
"Such as?" Miles was interested, it had been a while since he went anywhere just for fun.
"Well... how about we... go to the beach?" Why the beach popped into his head, Feenie wasn't sure. But when he thought about it, it would be awesome! Just him and Miles chilling on the beach, that would be paradise.

Thinking it over for a moment, the silver haired one smiled and said, "Sounds good."
"What? Really? Cool!" The 100 watt smile on Phoenix's face got even brighter, before he blushed as he thought, wait... so is this like a date? He didn't want to get his hopes up, and he didn't have any intention of trying anything when they went to the beach... but just the two of them going there did seem to suggest that this was most probably a da-
"We should invite Adrian along, I'm sure a beach trip would relieve some of her stress. Oh, and of course you can invite Maya and I think Apollo would like the beach as well." Miles was too busy planning the beach trip and so failed to notice Phoenix practically collapsing. So much for just me and Miles...

"And I obviously can't forget Lang-"
"No." The vice president said this coldly and resolutely.
Miles sighed, "Why don't you like him?"
"Why do you like him?" Phoenix shot back. "He's a total delinquent with a blatant disregard for others, he should be the type of person you hate."
"You've got it all wrong, he's honestly not like that." Miles paused before he tacked on, "If you'd only get to know him like I've been pestering you to all this time then you'd know that."
"He's just as uncooperative as me in that respect," Feenie was pouting again.
Deciding that having this debate now would be utterly useless, Miles hastily changed the subject. "Well in any case, the beach sounds good. We can sort out who's invited closer to the time."

A small silence descended and after a while it became unbearable for the council president who just blurted out the first thing on his mind.
"Season seven of the Steel Samurai started airing the other day." He hastily put his hand over his mouth as soon as he'd said this. Really Miles, really? The Steel Samurai was the only thing you could come up with to break the silence? As he was mentally scolding himself, Phoenix chuckled a bit as he said, "No need to blush Miles, I knew you'd be watching it."
"I-I'm not blushing Phoenix!"
"Yes you are," the other laughed, "I'll get you the box-set for Christmas."
"Don't mock me!"
The raven haired teen simply leaned over and ruffled his friends hair affectionately. "It's just like the old days," he smiled.
Blushing slightly more, Miles batted his friend's hand away before saying playfully, "Objection! I am much more mature now."
Phoenix giggled as he said; "You still blush whenever I mention you're a fan of the Steel Samurai so I'm not sure about that."
Blushing on cue, Phoenix winked as he said, "Told you, take that!"

The next fifteen minutes were spent with the two laughing happily and talking about anything and everything. Nothing seemed as though it could ruin the atmosphere, that is until Edgeworth's phone started ringing just as the two were about to leave the café. Looking at the caller I.D, Miles saw that it was Lang (and so did Phoenix as he was being nosy and so peered over his friend's shoulder). Feenie looked away with disinterest, but kept an ear open to listen to the conversation.

"Hey Lang," Miles said warmly.
"Wrong, this is not Lang."
Edgey paused for a moment, confused. A female voice was on the other end and the president seemed to vaguely recognise it but couldn't come up with a name. Sensing the hesitation, the girl spoke.
"My name is Shih-Na. I am the librarian at Fujimori High."
"Ah, that's right. Wait... may I ask why you have Lang's phone?"
"Well... Shi-Long has been in a fight."
"He's been in a fight? Oh my God! Is he okay?" Panic soon took over Edgeworth and Shi-Na certainly didn't sugar-coat her answer.
"He's badly hurt. I am currently with him at the school nurses place and as it is after school hours she is not in at the moment. I am afraid that I know next to nothing when it comes to medical matters and I seem to remember hearing that you were pretty good with first aid. Therefore, please could you lend me your assistance?" Despite Shi-Na's voice sounding calm, Miles could sense a hint of worry in it.

Before he could say anything, he heard Lang in the background. "God dammit Shi-Na! I told you not to call him and you go and steal my phone anyway!"
"Don't be ridiculous, you are seriously hurt! I had no choice but to call him."
Lang was growling, "This is nothing! Now gimmie that phone right now!"
"No, now go and lie back down! You are in no condition to stand at the moment."
"I told ya that I'm fine!"

There was a rather violent shuffling on the other end as Miles was listening with confusion. Finally, a breathless Lang was on the other end of the line.
"Miles? Hey sorry 'bout that, Shi-Na is totally overreacting. There's no need to worry, I'm totally fi- OWWWWWW!"
"Lang?" Edgeworth was growing increasingly worried as he heard the wolf howl on the other end.
"What the Hell Shi-Na!"
"All I did was lightly poke you and you give out that kind of reaction. This proves that you are not okay so stop being such a child and allow him to help you!"

The phone call never ended with a formal goodbye, because Miles hung up after hearing that. He quickly apologised to Phoenix for leaving so hastily but Lang was badly hurt and he had to go and help. He then dashed off in the direction of Fujimori High.

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"Lang! Are you okay?" Bursting into the Nurse's Office Miles immediately saw Lang lying down in one of the beds. The wolf attempted to sit up upon seeing his friend and Miles saw the pain flash across his face with the movement. Shih-Na just looked at the delinquent and ordered him to lie back down again. He grudgingly obliged.

Approaching Shi-Long, the silver haired one gasped as he saw the state of Lang's uniform. It was mostly in tatters, and the white blouse was...

"Oh my God! Is that blood? What the Hell happened!"
Before Miles had a chance to properly freak out over the wolf's current condition, Shih-Na spoke up. "We can talk details later, but I think that sorting out his wounds are of top priority."
"Right, of course." Immediately making his way to the medical cabinet, Miles gathered anything that he thought would be necessary and returned to the bedside once more. The president could feel his hands shaking. Just who would do this to Lang and why? I don't understand... He tried to remain calm and just focus on sorting out the physical problems first. "Lang, please remove your shirt. I need to access the wound properly."
Shi-Long was compliant, removing the tattered and bloody shirt as requested. Miles gasped when he saw the bruises and deep cuts the other had.

"Trust me, it's worse than it looks," the brunette said bravely. Miles didn't believe him.
"How did the cuts get this deep?" He asked in disbelief as he started spreading antiseptic over them. The wolf winced at the stinging sensation but gritted his teeth and did his best to block it out.
"The bastard didn't fight fair," was all that he said.
Deciding not to press matters just yet, Miles continued to tend to every open wound and put cream on the bruises to help calm them down. Once he was finished, Lang slightly resembled a mummy as he had so many bandages.

"Now, are you going to tell me what happened?" Asked Miles. Lang was silent, only speaking to say, "I got in a fight, that's all. I won though, so it's no big deal."
"No big deal? Look at you! How can you say this is no big deal?" Miles was getting worked up, he couldn't stand to think that there were people in his own school capable of inflicting this kind of pain upon one of his closest friends. No matter how much he pressed, Lang refused to give any details. In the end, Shih-Na spoke.

"You want to know why he ended up this way? I shall tell you: It's because he's protecting you."
Miles looked at the librarian blankly. "What?"
The wolf growled, "Don't say it Shih-Na."
She ignored him and carried on speaking. "I don't know if you've realised this, but this school is a dangerous place. There are some people in this school that have nothing but wicked intentions for you, Mr. President. If it weren't for Shi-Long here, then you would have been in trouble long ago. He's always fighting off anyone who poses a threat to you."
"Shih-Na, seriously stop!" Lang was glaring at the third year who still continued to pay no heed.
"The reason he ended up like this is because of you." She said simply. Lang looked like he wanted to murder her for saying that. Miles just stood still and had a completely unreadable expression on his face.

"This is... my fault?" He managed after a moment. That can't be right! How could this be because of me? I would never want this to happen!
"Yes," she said.
"No! That isn't it at all! Just ignore Shih-Na, she doesn't have a clue what she's on about!"
"I'm much more clued up than the president over here."

All the silver haired teen managed to say was, "Why? Why would you fight until you were like this... for me?"
Shih-Na looked at Miles as if he were an idiot. "Because he's in lo-"
Despite how painful movement was, the wolf sprang from the bed and quickly put his hand over the librarian's mouth. "That's enough Shih-Na!"
She scowled, but listened to what Lang wanted. She made her way to the door and before she left she said, "You should be careful Miles Edgeworth. Some of Fujimori's students are not what they appear to be. You should be thankful that you have a friend like Shi-Long by your side." And with that, she closed the door.

"Damn," Lang said under his breath. He looked at Miles who seemed shocked at what he had just been told. "Please ignore everything she said, she's crazy anyways."
The president looked up at the wolf. "Is this... Did this really happen because of me?" He lightly drew his fingertips across the bandages he had put on the delinquent only moments ago.
"No. This fight happened because someone held a grudge against me. So please don't think that this is your fault."
Miles didn't look convinced at all. "What did she mean, that this is a dangerous place?"
The wolf sighed. "Nothing, it's fine. Honestly don't worry at all, nothing bad is gonna happen to you."

Anger suddenly flared up inside the silver haired teen. "Is that because you're just going to take damage that was intended for me? What kind of friend does that make me, that would just stand idly by while you get hurt!"
"It's not like that! Look, I'm sure you're just over thinking things cuz you're tired. Just go home and rest 'kay? Just forget about this, I'm fine."
Miles looked up and saw the wolf grinning. He winked as he said, "Besides, half term is coming up right? You gotta be well rested cuz I ain't planning on just sittin' around for two weeks! We gotta do something."
Despite wanting more answers about what Shih-Na had meant, and why Lang got into such a serious fight, Miles couldn't hep but smile slightly. "Well, I made plans to go to the beach with a few people..." Edgey began, but Lang stopped him. His eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"With Wright?"
Miles nodded.
"Not interested at all."
"Hey! You could at least make an effort to-"
"As if! Me and him... I don't think we're ever gonna get along."
"Phoenix really is a great guy. You should just get to know him."
"Look, have a nice time at the beach, but we can do something else in the break okay?"

Miles just cocked his head sideways as he looked at the delinquent before him, a tiny smirk forming.
"What's with the look?"
"Nothing, but you are going to come to the beach with us."
"Am not!"
"Are to!"

A very childish argument broke out then, with Lang finally giving in and agreeing to go.
"Want me to see you home?" Miles asked, suddenly concerned. Lang laughed, "I ain't infirm or anythin'! I'll be fine, you just focus on getting home and resting up for the epic beach trip!"
The president nodded and smiled. The two of them walked to the front of school together before parting ways to return to their respective houses.

But seriously... did Lang end up like that because of me? If that's really the case then... I've been an awful friend for not realising it at all. As the student council president, it's my job to sort this out! I won't let him end up like that again!

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Soooo... I guess I should explain why this is kinda dramatic. You see, I've been in a dramatic mood! I think writing nothing but comedy has made me yearn for a tiny change, and so that is why this is more dramatic. But don't worry, it will be back to my usual light-hearted comedy in the next chapter ^_^ Seriously though, you guys got off easy. In one of my other fics that started as a rom-com, it's turned into a full on drama with alter-egos and villains and everything O_O Even I didn't see all the twists in that fic coming! Anywho, please review as you know that they put a great big smile on my face :D
Thank you so much for reading~

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