Hello, everyone! This is a new chapter! Chapter 7! I hope everyone will enjoy this new chapter! Without further ado, let's start!
Normal POV
The very next day, they met up once again after school and entered the Palace to find a way to get an access card to the next floor.
" Hold on..."
" Fortune?"
Aichi closed his eyes as they waited in silence before he opened his eyes again.
" I sense a door close by but it's locked."
" What do we need?"
" An access card. Oracle, is there a strong Shadow nearby?"
" Let me check... Yes. There's one by one of the staircases."
" Then that's the Shadow holding onto the access card. We need to find it."
" How do you know all that?"
" Ever since I stepped into this Palace, Alma's powers have been activating to scan the area of the floor we're at. So whatever he sees is transferred to me."
" Dude... That's cool."
" We don't even need a map for this!"
" Yes but as I said, his range only covers this entire floor, so if we were to proceed to the next floor, his powers would kick in again."
" That's fine by us! Let's find that Shadow first and get the card!"
" Right!"
They ran around the casino as they finally found the Shadow they were looking for after some trouble.
" That guy doesn't look too easy..."
" Yeah. Should we prepare ourselves before this battle?"
Aichi looked at the Shadow before suddenly walking out from behind the wall.
" Fortune, what are you doing?!"
" It's dangerous, come back!"
" It's okay."
The Shadow spotted him as it got ready to attack. That was when Aichi released a white aura around his body.
" It's okay, I'm not here to hurt you. Look, I just want the access card you have there. In exchange, you would have freedom from this Palace. I know you're suffering in here. Your memories are jumbled up. You're a Shadow born from the masses but you can change. I'll help you."
The aura around the Shadow started to dissipate as it transformed into a black mass. Aichi placed his hands around it as it shone in a bright light before disappearing. Aichi looked down at his feet and picked up the access card as he turned to the others.
" Woah..."
" ... Oh yeah. His Shadow was originally the one who spoke to Shadows born by the masses."
" Gaining Alma must've given him the method to do so."
" And Fortune does have a way with words too."
" Hm? What are you guys staring at?"
" On how impressive you were back there. Nicely done, Fortune."
Kai patted Aichi's head as he blushed a little and looked down.
" U-Um... The door is just a few distance back from where we came... Shall we head off...?"
" Okay!"
They went back to the barred door as Akira tapped the card and they entered the door. Once they saw the office inside, there was a Shadow waiting as well. Aichi also did a little talking to it before it disappeared and he had gotten a few Member's cards.
" That's too cool, Fortune!"
" Yes but it drains me to use my aura to soothe their hearts. I'm almost hitting my limit..."
" Don't worry about it. We'll just fight our way through the next time we see Shadows like that so just save your strength."
" Okay..."
" But good job getting these cards, now just leave it all to me!"
Futaba made two Member's cards due to the fake names as they crawled through a vent to get back to where they'd came from. Akira tapped the card as the elevator opened and they headed up to the Member's Floor.
" Overlord, these are..."
" Don't need to ask, Fortune. You don't have to know what they are. Just know that they're not good for you if you get addicted."
" Addicted? Why would I?"
" Well, just promise me you don't, okay?"
" Okay..."
That when when Shadow Sae and her bodyguards appeared in front of them again.
" Sis...!"
" You wanna just get this over with right now, huh? That makes this easy. Bring it on."
Shadow Sae shook her head.
" Do not speak to me as though you are my equal. I am the manager of this casino, as well as its number one player. At the moment, you lack the qualifications to fight me."
" It would seem she looks down on us."
" And what if we would like to battle you, no matter what?"
" I had to win time and time again in order to reach my number one rank. If you want to face me, you must continue to win as well."
" What does she...?"
" It must have to do with the fact that this place is a casino."
" Correct. Do you have the confidence to win...?"
" We might just pull out the rug from underneath you if you aren't careful."
" I don't expect much from you... but I'll be waiting."
With a snap from her fingers, she teleported to the elevator again as it ascended. They looked over to the machines and sighed.
" We've never done this before..."
" I'm not letting Fortune touch any of these things either."
" But how am I going to be helpful if I don't know anything about this 'casino'? You refused to explain to me last night too!" Aichi pouted
" I don't want to ruin that innocent mind of yours, Fortune. It's exactly why I'm so fond of you."
That statement caused Aichi to flush as steam came out of his head.
" Uh... Is he gonna be alright?"
" Don't worry, he's used to it."
" He doesn't look like it."
Aichi was stuttering some incoherent words as they sweat dropped.
" Why don't you guys head to that counter first while I calm him down?"
" Of course you should cause you were the one who caused him to become like this."
" Hmph. Whatever."
They headed to the counter while Kai and Aichi stayed behind.
Meanwhile, Void was watching them once again as 'Aichi' woke up.
" Oh, I'm sorry... I fell asleep too early yesterday..."
" It's fine. I got to see your cute sleeping face after all."
'Aichi' blushed as he turned to looked at the sphere to distract himself. There was a knock on the door as the servants entered to serve them their breakfast. Halfway through the meal, 'Aichi' rushed to the toilet as Void followed after him after seeing the unusual movement.
" Aichi?"
'Aichi' was crouched at the toilet bowl as he turned around to see Void.
" I-I'm sorry, I don't know why but..."
" Are you feeling alright?"
" I-I don't know... I just suddenly..."
" Come on, I'll get the doctor in to check on you."
Void helped 'Aichi' up after that as they walked back to the bed.
At the Palace, they were now searching for the control room that's rigging the dice games that they were playing.
" How is it, Fortune?"
" I sense... Yes, there's a control room at the back of this place. We just need to head to that control room."
" Alright then, let's head there then."
" Right!"
After successfully finding the room and defeating the Shadow, they rigged one of the dice rooms to their favour as Aichi and Kai waited outside.
" I want to go inside..."
" You can't. I won't let you see the things happening inside."
" Is it really that bad for me?"
" Of course. You're so innocent that I don't want that to change."
" I won't change..." Aichi pouted
" I just don't want you to... I want you to stay the way you are, cute and innocent."
" K-Kai-kun..."
" I'm Overlord in here."
" Y-Yeah..."
Aichi blushed as he looked away. Kai took notice and slowly held Aichi's hand, causing him to blush further as they looked at each other.
" You understand me, right, Aichi?"
" What happened to saying codenames?"
" That'll be left aside for awhile."
" Alright."
They slowly leaned in closer as their lips brushed. However, they were interrupted by the door opening as they flinched and looked away from each other, flushing a little.
" We've got quite a bit of coins! Nice job, Joker!"
" Overlord? Fortune? Is something wrong? Your faces are super red."
" N-Nothing..."
" Y-Yeah... It's nothing... L-Let's head to the next place!"
" Are you sure you guys are gonna be alright?"
" O-Of course! We were just a little nervous again!"
" Well, it's not a surprise. I mean, you two just joined and this is your first Palace raid. And Akechi's too."
" Y-Yeah..."
" Now, let's continue onward."
At Void's Metaverse castle, 'Aichi' was being checked on as he gasped at the news.
" But I..."
" Just rest up and not do anything reckless. I'll be coming in for monthly checks to assure Void-sama."
" Y-Yes..."
The doctor left after bowing as Void went over to 'Aichi'.
" How are you feeling?"
" ... I'm sorry..."
" Hm?"
" I'm really sorry...!"
" What's wrong?"
" I can't be useful to you anymore! I'm just a deadweight to you once you need something to take out your feelings on!" 'Aichi' cried
" What deadweight? You should be happy."
" How can I be if I'm pregnant? I'm supposed to be an outlet to take out your feelings on but now I'm just a fake and useless cognition!"
" Aichi, what did I say about those words?"
" ... I... I...!"
Void then remembered what happened two nights ago as he realised what 'Aichi' was upset over.
" Ah... I see." Void thought
" ... Calm down. I'm not angry at you."
" Y-You're not...?"
" Yeah. Actually, I'm happy. This shows that you're real as you can be. You're not a mere cognition. If you were, this wouldn't have happened."
" I am...?"
" Besides, I admit that I did imagine you to be that way. It just went past my mind when I got frustrated. But at least, it shows that you aren't fake."
" Really...?"
" Yeah."
Void touched 'Aichi's' stomach and smiled as he kissed his cheek.
" Congratulations, Mother-to-be."
" Void-sama... I-It's yours too so... Congratulations as well, Void-sama."
" It'll be hard on you but I'll be by your side. Don't worry."
" Y-Yeah."
Meanwhile, at the casino, they managed to win more coins as they decided to retreat for the day to rest. Aichi plopped down on the bed as Kai walked over to him and sat down beside him.
" Aichi? You alright?"
Once he didn't get any response, he brushed Aichi's hair aside to see him sleeping as he smiled. He carried Aichi onto the pillow before tucking him in the blankets and going to make their dinner.
" He's used up quite a bit of strength, I'll just let him rest up." Kai thought
Suddenly, his phone rang as he answered it while checking on the dinner he was cooking.
" Miwa?"
" Kai, you and Aichi didn't come to Card Capital today either. Are you two alright?"
" Yeah. Aichi's not feeling too good so I'm taking care of him. In fact, we might not show up for a few days so don't contact me unless it's urgent."
" Well, this is urgent. You guys just joined the Phantom Thieves? And you're seriously telling us that Futaba and the others were the start-ups?"
" ... Who told you that?"
" Ishida said that Aichi explained to them everything already. This is dangerous, Kai. The police are investigating the Phantom Thieves and you and Aichi might be in danger of being arrested."
" ... We won't. Trust me."
" Kai, don't get us too worried. After the resort holiday we had, Leon told us that a storm is brewing and I don't think Void is the only thing he's referring to. What are you guys doing as Phantom Thieves? I seriously don't get it."
" You don't have to understand, Miwa. Just know that we're doing something about this right now."
" Kai, this isn't just about you! It's about Aichi too!"
" I know that and I will protect him. There is nothing to worry about so just wait for the news."
" ... Stubborn as ever. But come by once in awhile so that we wouldn't worry, alright?"
" Like I care."
Kai hung the call up after that as he continued cooking. That was when his phone rang again as he answered it.
" Nijima?"
" Sorry to contact you this late after just after our separation, but listen to this carefully, Kai-san. Is Aichi-san with you as well?"
" Yeah but he's asleep."
" I see. Look, we're suspicious about something and we need the cooperation from the both of you. Listen carefully and tell Aichi-san too."
" Depending on what you want to say. I'm listening."
Makoto started explaining as Kai's eyes widened a little and he turned the stove off before starting to plate the dishes.
" That's risky. And you want to do this?"
" Yes. We have no other choice. So please tell Aichi-san as well once he wakes up."
" ... Fine. But you guys better be careful."
" We will. Don't worry. We're going to be one step ahead no matter what."
" Got it."
Kai hung the call up before setting the plates on the dining table and waking Aichi up.
" Hey there, sleepyhead. It's time for dinner. Wake up."
" ... Ugh... How long have I been asleep for...?"
" About an hour or so. What's wrong? You don't sound too good."
" I'm fine... Just tired..."
Kai placed his hand on Aichi's forehead as he sighed.
" Looks like you're not running a fever at least. I'll feed you."
" No, it's fine... I'll get up..."
" It's alright. You're still tired from using your powers. Just sit here and rest. I'll get your dinner."
Aichi sighed as Kai helped him sit up and got him his dinner.
" Here. Open your mouth."
" Thank you..."
" It's fine. Besides, I can tell you something better. Just listen to me, okay?"
" Okay..."
Kai fed and explained what Makoto said to him as Aichi got surprised and stopped eating for a bit.
" What?! But..."
" Relax and sit down properly."
Kai pushed him back down on the bed as he continued feeding him.
" This is probably the safest way they could find. I told her about being careful already so let's just go with it first."
" Will they really be alright?"
" I'm sure they will. Don't worry."
As the night deepened, they finished their meals, took a quick shower and went to sleep for the night. The next few days were still about earning the coins to get to the manager's floor after being able to get to the high limit floor.
" We need to get to your sister's trials so that we can go into the high limit floor."
" Don't worry about that. I'll make arrangements and contact you later. For now, let us head back."
They nodded and headed back into the real world as Aichi and Kai went into Card Capital.
" Today ended earlier than expected."
" Yeah. Not like we had a choice."
" Yeah..."
" Brother Aichi!"
" Kamui-kun!"
" It's been some time, Brother! Where have you been?!"
" We were... busy with something..."
" With school?"
" N-No... Ah! Let's have a cardfight! It's been some time after all!"
" Okay!"
Kai suddenly felt his phone vibrating as he checked the messages before keeping his phone again and walking over to Aichi. He whispered something to him before Aichi nodded.
" Brother?"
" Oh! It's nothing! Let's continue!"
" You know, the both of you have been acting strangely ever since the incident at the resort. I know you've been hiding something. Even if I'm a kid, I'm not an balloon head!"
" Balloon head...? Oh. You mean airhead?"
" T-That's it! I'm not an airhead, Brother. Are you and Kai up to something?"
" N-No, really... Let's just continue our fight."
" Okay..."
At Void's Metaverse castle, Void was looking through his cards on a table as 'Aichi' saw this and sat beside him.
" Void-sama, is Vanguard fun?"
" Fun?"
" Yeah. Because you always look like you're having fun looking at the cards."
" Is that so?"
" Yeah. Isn't that why you're building this deck?"
" ... No. I'm building our army. To take over the two worlds, you see."
" I see... I guess I was imagining things then. I thought it would be nice for the child to see what his father likes to do..."
Void smiled and patted 'Aichi's' head as he blushed.
" Well, let him see it then."
" Yeah... Oh! I wanted to talk to you about something too, Void-sama!"
" What is it?"
" Look!"
Holding out his palm, a black mass of mist started forming on his hand as Void's eyes widened a little.
" And where did you learn that?"
" I wanted to be useful to Void-sama one day so I've been trying to draw something out... But for now, this is the best I could do..."
Seeing 'Aichi's' shy fidgets while he was talking, Void smiled once more.
" He's full of surprises." Void thought
" You did great. But I want you to focus on taking care of yourself until the child is born for now. This can wait after the child is born."
" But..."
" I don't need you to be useful for me, Aichi. Just take care of yourself and be a good boy, okay?"
" ... Okay."
" Good. Now go off to sleep, I'll be there in a few minutes."
" Okay."
'Aichi' walked off after that as Void went back to looking through his deck.
The next day, Aichi and Kai arrived at the courtroom to meet Akira and the others as they headed inside and sat down.
" So this is what the courtroom is like..."
" Just being here causes my body to tense up."
" I'm shocked that Nijima-san can think of somewhere this solemn as a casino..."
" So Makoto's sis is that lady who's overflowing with the aura of a capable woman."
Makoto nodded.
" By the way, what's this trial about?"
" A politician who decided to make personal use of government funds."
" I read about that in a magazine! He went on a vacation with his mistress to some fancy hot springs!"
" Aren't politicians supposed to be loaded? Why'd he mess with our tax money...?"
" They're all corrupt."
" Playing with other people's cash is a total no-go."
" This may sound odd but isn't Nijima-san supposed to be busy with our investigation? Does she really have time to be coming to a a trial like this...?"
" Supposedly, she was on this case before being assigned to the Phantom Thieves... Normally, another prosecutor would take her place, but... Sae-san can be a bit of a perfectionist."
" Hey, how're we gonna can Nijima-san to notice us? Did you tell her we'd be coming?"
" I don't think she read the message though."
" Do we have a backup plan?"
" ... Not exactly, but I'm sure she'll notice us eventually."
Sae finally turned and noticed them as Aichi flinched a little. Kai noticed the action and put his arm around his shoulder.
" You okay?"
" She... noticed... I saw her Shadow."
" That's good then. We can infiltrate the Palace and get to that High Limit Floor now."
Aichi turned to Akechi after he said that as he tried to not visibly flinch again and nodded.
" Y-Yeah..."
The court was in session after that. As soon as it ended, they entered the Palace again and started to gather coins for the manager's floor. Once they did gather the amount they needed however, Shadow Sae increased the amount of coins needed again but Akechi had finally revealed that he'd gathered coins and it was enough to cross the bridge to the manager's floor.
" That's the Treasure..."
" Now all we need to do is give that calling card. Let's head back to rest while I send it to her."
" Right."
And that's the end of this chapter! Happy birthday, Aichi! Whew, I managed to finish this before midnight to 7 June! Thank you for reading and the next chapter is the battle with Shadow Sae! I'll see everyone in the next chapter!
