A/N:Well this was faster than I thought it would be! First off apologies for this not being the longest just like the last chapter, but in reality Ch.5 and 6 were originally going to be one chapter, but I had so much planned stuff that I decided to split them up so people could have time to read them...Plus all "People Of Tokyo" chapters will be shorter than the main arcs, especially the early ones as it's alot of setup.
Also want to say that I really really wanted to get the Park scene in this chapter, but atlas I just didn't have the space for it here, on the bright side, that will be the first thing shown off next month when Ch.7 is released and it will be the most fluff chapter of the series so far!
But big news! I now have a new poll up for this story! Just like with my Persona 4 story, I'll be posting questions asking you guys who you want to see end up with who, with the poll closing after two chapters(So the one going up right now, will be closed when Ch.8 is released, Joker's Journal and Police Files don't count) I want to say that I have no restrictions on relationships, so I'll have options up for both genders! Only restriction is that Joker will end up with a girl...Said girl will be determined by being the one who doesn't win any of the polls! So if you want someone like Ann to end up with Joker, don't vote for her lol. The Detective King has a poll as well which will switch everyday with this, so if you miss the chance to vote on either one, just wait a day!
First choice is Ryuji by the way
Anyway hope you guys enjoyed! Feel free to leave reviews as always and I'll see you next chapter. See you guys next chapter and hope you all enjoyed!
~Elizabeth
March 9th, 2017(8:49PM)-Police HQ
"Suguru Kamoshida...Arrested on March fifth at Shujin High School, located in Tokyo...Has already plead guilty to several counts of sexual assault, rape and child abuse...Amongst other things...It seems the school had quite the PE teacher…" I laid the document back onto my desk as I looked over the other files I had on my desk before picking another one up.
"Doctor Charles Willy...An american doctor who fled to Japan after obtaining probation for selling drugs and the like...Was arrested on March first at his own clinic after a reporter called the cops and alerted them about his actions...He has already plead guilty to several counts of Drug trafficking and substance abuse…" I then laid that document back down as I let out a sigh as I leaned back in my chair as I heard footsteps approaching me.
"Still looking at the same case files I see." I looked up at the figure who had came over to me as I gave a smile in return.
"Ah Niijima, I hope you are doing well...Yes I'm still trying to draw a connection between the two of them and see if it I can pinpoint exactly how they connect."
"Do you have any reason for this?" I nodded as I opened up a folder and unveiled a certain type of card.
"This is a calling card from the Phantom Thief Joker...Apparently he's now located in Tokyo…"
"Joker? You mean that thief my sister has all of a sudden started talking about? What exactly does he do?"
"It's not surprising you don't exactly know, he's famous with the younger generation...But the others see him as nothing more than a thief...He's wanted for charges of assault and breaking and entering...But the truth is much more...Interesting…" I laid the card down on my desk as I reached inside the evidence folder and produced a picture. "This right here is the only known picture of Joker that has been proven legitimate…
Niijima took the picture and looked it over before she looked back at me "I can see how some people could find him attractive...But that's really it…"
"Again the truth is much more interesting...Joker is known for several things...First is the calling card you see here, always placed after the target has surrendered and pleaded guilty...Second is that every target he has gone after has a criminal past of some kind, and everyone confesses to crimes that they are currently committing...Thirdly, his fame has grown to such an extreme extent with the younger crowd because of his use of social media...He's especially popular with the teenage crowd because of his rebellious nature, which they can relate with...Finally, as I said, every target he goes after pleads guilty, no matter how hard the police had tried in the past, Joker has some of methods that always makes them confess…"
"I see...Would torture be involved?"
"That is the general consensus among the higher ups who wish to simply explain away such a phenomenon...Yet the victims show no signs of torture when they are detained...Furthermore when asked if they were tortured, they simply say no before saying Joker helped them realize the error of their ways…"
"I see...From how you're talking, I assume you don't believe in this theory?"
"Of course not...To much evidence contradicts it, yet the higher ups simply don't realize the danger Joker poses...This is a man who can effectively avoid the cops at will, while also making people believe whatever he wants them to believe...In many cases, a confession from them...While not dangerous now, what if the power goes to his head? He can have people kill themselves, have girls become his playthings, or even try to overthrow our leaders…"
"I think you're overreacting a bit, while it's strange, I doubt he has the kind of 'power' you're talking about…"
"True, to many it would seem this way...But there is one thing that makes me wonder…" I reached inside of my desk and pulled a chart out before handing it to Niijima. "This is an exact copy of Dr Isshiki's research into the mental well being of people...However, many pages are missing...Stolen actually…"
"...Are you saying Joker is using her methods?"
"It's not impossible...The first reported sighting of Joker was September of twenty-fifteen...In the small rural town of Inaba...This research was stolen in August of twenty-fifteen...The dates are very close...A bit uncanny actually…" I took the chart back before placing it back in my desk. "It should be noted that on the day most of this research was stolen, Dr Isshiki committed suicide by jumping in front of a car…"
"...You're not suggesting Joker used her research against her?"
"...No...At Least not yet...But it's something to be wary of...Well, it's getting rather late, I think I'll be heading home for tonight, I got school tomorrow after all…" I got up and started arranging my documents when Niijima came closer to me.
"Tell me...Was this little project of yours approved by the director?"
"...The director is amongst the higher ups who refuse to really care about Joker...So no…" Although it's strange...The director at least handed over some documents...But refused to hand over any relating to crimes the past few months…
"...As long as this doesn't get in the way of your main work, then I have no reason to stop you for now...Although I would be careful, the director may be young, but he's in his position for a reason."
"Haha, of course, always looking out for me aren't you Niijima?"
"Simply watching my peers...Nothing more…" She walked off as I gave a sigh and began collecting my stuff before heading to the exit, while I didn't give her any false information, I had to keep many things to myself…
I left through the exit and was about to turn a corner when everything around me suddenly turned blue, the sidewalk, the buildings, everything...The streets were empty, no signs of people or cars...I looked around as I reached for my pistol and began to speak "Fortify Sp-"
Before I could speak, I heard the sound of heels before hearing the exit open behind me, I turned around as my eyes locked with a small girl with a book who smiled at me and bowed.
"Greeting, my name is Lavenza, it's an honor to meet you Mr Goro Akechi."
March 20, 2017(12:45PM)-Field(Akira's POV)
I stood there with my fists balled as I watched Inori run off, occasionally she looked behind her to wave and blow kisses until she was fully out of view, my glare not leaving until she was fully gone."...Damn it...I let my guard down…"
"Akira...It's my fault as well, I should have known the Yakuza would keep tabs on all the criminals...Especially ones who are often in the news like us…"
"...It's fine...We just have to be more careful...I can just brainjack her and-"
"That won't work...Or atleast it won't work in our favor…"
"What?" Morgana jumped onto my shoulder as he began to explain.
"Brain Jack uses alot of your SP for just one person right? Well what if she's bluffing everything and she's just an agent for the Yakuza themselves? If she's reporting everything to them, then if it will be pretty weird if she all of a sudden doesn't know your Joker, because I get the feeling she's already reported that...Of course that's just one possibility, but it shows at least the risk in attempting that, because if you're wrong once...You're not going to have the SP for another retry…"
I bit my lip as I listened and nodded, Morgana wasn't wrong...I'm dealing with the Yakuza, hell the biggest family in Japan...One wrong move, and I can only last for so long...Damn it…"Right...Let's head back to class, lunch is almost over…"
Morgana didn't say anything as we walked back to the classroom as the few students outside were rushing back in to make it on time...I kept my walk slow so not to run back into Inori on the way back...We were almost in the school when…
"Ackkk!"
I stopped when I heard a yelp come from what seemed atop the roof...Nobody else stopped...I only noticed it because I had activated my thief sense to watch for Inori...I looked up at the roof as Morgana gave me a questioning look.
"Is something wrong?"
"..." I didn't say anything as I kept listening.
'This...What...Deserve…'
'Ack! I'm...Sorry…!'
I scrunched my eyes as I backed up some to see if I could get any kind of view but the fences didn't allow for much…"Akira?"
"...We need to investigate...Mona…" I whispered the words as Morgana's look went from questioning to serious as he jumped off my shoulder and looked up at the roof.
"I'm guessing that's the suspicious area?"
"Yeah, something's going on up there…" I grabbed my bag and slid it off as I began to back up to a safe location as I looked at Morgana. "I gotta change."
"Roger, I'll meet you up there Joker!" Morgana immediately disappeared as I began quickly moving back before finding a huge bush with no one around as I dove in and began to change…
March 20, 2017(12:52PM)-Field
I slid on my outfit from my boots to my jacket to my gloves before finally placing my mask on as I stuffed my school clothes into my bag and left it in the bush before jumping out and onto a nearby tree branch as I looked towards the roof before placing my hand on my earpiece. "Mona, what's going on?"
"Joker! It's one of the girls who was hanging out with Hikari! She's up here with someone I've never seen before and she's kicking him around while cursing him out!" Hm? Just like Hikari herself?
"Roger that, I'm on my way!" I prepared myself as I began moving amongst the trees to hide from anyone on the ground as I turned towards the back of the school to avoid the classrooms as I began climbing up the wall of the school by using the windows that connect to the storage rooms and such.
I finally made it to the roof as I quickly hid behind the storage house and listened "Do you hear me! You're nothing but trash! I asked you to bring me french food for lunch, but instead you bring me some fast food shit!"
"I-I'm sorry! T-That was a-all I could g-get on the way over here!"
"I don't want to hear it!" I heard more kicking and groaning sounds before Morgana appeared beside me, now transformed.
"Mona, who's the victim?"
"Judging by his school uniform, he's from Kosei High School...Seems he's her boyfriend...Well, in title only it seems…"
"I understand...Anyone else?"
"No...The door has been locked from out here...Of course that was your doing…" Oh right...I should come by sometime and fix that…"But I detected two figures right outside of it anyway, it seemed like they're on their phones, but are standing guard nonetheless…"
"I see...Meaning a commotion might draw them out...Alright here's the plan, I'll deal with the girl on the roof, you go ahead and take care of the ones in the staircase…"
"Roger that Joker!" Morgana vanished as I became to come up with a plan on how to handle this before deciding on something…
"Now! When I say French, I mean French! Understand!?"
"Y-Yes…!"
"Yes what!?"
"Y-Yes Mistress!" The girl growled once more and went to hit him with a belt she had in her hand…
Yet she was never able to connect…
Whish!
Piercing the sound of air, my knife threw through the air and struck through her belt as it raced above her head as it whisked the belt out of her hand and nailed it to the wall behind her.
"What the hell!?" She turned to look at her belt and that's when I pulled myself all the way up as I walked across the storage house roof and stared down at her.
"I didn't know lovers used such lethal methods against each other..."
"What!? Who the hell is...W-What!?" She turned around with a look of rage but it vanished as soon as out eyes met, as she suddenly went wide eyed and started backing up "Y-Your...Your…"
I jumped down onto the floor of the roof as I did a mock bow "My name is Joker, The Phantom Thief of Hearts...I decided to pay a little visit when I saw what you were doing to this man right here…"
"I-I…" She didn't say anything as I walked over to the guy bloodied on the floor, barely being able to look up at me.
"It's alright...I'll get you to a hospital soon...Dia!" Not wanting to use much SP, I used dia on him as some of his wounds healed up before he barely nodded. "Now then…Who are you!?"
I turned and looked at the girl, causing her to back up some more as she gulped "I-I-I'm...E-Er...Chinami...Miyanagi…"
"...Chinami eh? I'm sure you have a good reason for hitting this poor man over and over?" I took a few more steps towards her causing her to back up even more before she hit the wall and gulped as she shook.
"W-Whats...W-Wrong with it?"
"Whats...Wrong with it? Do you seriously need to ask that?" My tone of voice seemed to make her even more nervous as sweat poured down from her face.
"I-I mean...I-It's love after all!" I looked over at her bloodied 'boyfriend' before I looked back at her.
"Doesn't seem very lovely to me...The poor man can barely move from how much you've tortured him…"
"W-What are you talking about! T-This is how it should be!" She reached inside her jacket pocket and pulled out a small knife as she flung it towards me "I-It's love dammit!"
I merely raised an eyebrow as I sidestepped her and grabbed her hand and bent it, causing her to yelp in pain and drop the knife "You my friend...Have a very messed up sense of love...And that's saying something considering who I just met…"
"A-Agh! L-Let go! It hurts!" I didn't say anything as I bent her hand back more causing her to scream out more.
"This is barely anything considering what you've done to him…" I let go of her hand as she fell to the floor clutching it with tears in her eyes, making me roll my eyes as I lifted my hand to my earpiece. "Mona, she's subdued, how about the other two?"
"I've taken care of them, both are also subdued." I nodded despite the fact he couldn't see me as I walked over to the door and unlocked it to reveal that both girls were on the floor holding their hands as I saw two more knifes beside them. "As you can see Joker, they were prepared to stop anyone from entering."
"Don't worry, she's the same." I pointed behind me before grabbing the girls by the arms and dragging them to the roof as I placed them beside of Chinami before I looked over at Morgana. "Lock the door, and then get him to a hospital."
"Roger that Joker!" Morgana soon vanished, and in an instant the door was shut and locked and the guys body vanished, leaving me alone on the roof with the three girls. "Now...Lets start with you Chinami…"
She flinched as she looked up at me with sweat beading down and tears in her eyes as she held her wrist. 'W-What?"
"You say you were hurting him in the name of love...Care to explain?"
"W-Whats to explain?! Love Hurts i-is the saying isn't it! I-I was just doing what I-I'm supposed to do! I-I don't know why a Phantom Thief jackass like you has to interfere with it!"
"Is that really it? Some stupid reason like that? Unbelievable…" I wanted to facepalm as I looked at one of the girls beside her. "Are you the same?"
"O-Of course! What other kind of love is there!?" Hm...What the hell? They sound serious...I wonder if it's a desire?...No...Morgana would have sensed it...I don't want to, but I should brainjack one so I can get information out of her regarding this…
"Brainjack!" I lifted my hand and whispered the words at Chinami who seemed to squent as she held her head.
"W-What…? N-No! I-I won't lose my love!"...! What? She's resisting? But how!?
I tried to push it harder but she kept resisting before I finally quit, as she held her head and shook while her friends comforted her...The hell? She resisted...But I also didn't lose any SP...Was it because it failed? Well now what…?
Perhaps I can be of assistance?
I heard a voice as I looked around but didn't see anyone, yet I recognized the voice as…"Lavenza?"
I again whispered so the girls didn't hear me.
Yes, it's an honor to talk to you again Mr Kusuru...Or should I call you Joker? Hehe
"Call me whatever...Can you tell me what the deal is?"
The three girls are a special case...They have the evil of Desires in them...But those desires are not they're own, they've been transferred to them…
"What the hell? That can happen?
It's rare, but it can happen if they are near a certain desire voluntary for long enough...The desire will eventually rub off on them, and soon corrupt their minds…
"So...They need a host basically…" I get the feeling I know who the host is…
"Correct...And until the host has had their desires taken away, weather by you defeating their shadow, or simply using your own powers to rid them of it, they will forever be tainted...Not even your powers can save them currently…
"What? So all I can do is just leave them alone and have them continue to act on those desires? I just had Mona run a guy to the hospital after all…"
Do not fear, for there is a solution to temporarily save them...But you will be time restricted…
"I see...What exactly is it?"
For the duration of one week, I can trap the desires inside of the Velvet room itself allowing the victims to be free and return to their normal life...However they will have the memories of what they done and after one week the desires will escape and return to them even stronger and angrier than before…
"I...See…" That...Doesn't sound all that good, that poor guy was almost beaten to death with how they are now...if the desires got stronger...But I can't just let them go, nor can I lock them up somewhere until the desire is gone…"Alright...Lets get those desires locked up!"
Very well...However I can only open the door, you must be the one to send them here.
"How do I do that?
You are the chosen one destined to defeat the desires of this world, and as such you are the Wild Card! I will grant you a new Persona with new abilities that will allow you to seal the desires away, and thanks to your strong bond with Morgana, you will be able to receive this Persona with all of it's abilities in tact!
"I see...A new Persona…"
The persona is of the Magician Arcana, and will give you the power of Ice...Are you ready to receive him?
"...Yes...Let's do this!"
Very Well...Akira Kurusu...Chosen One and of the Wild Card Arcana, I grant you this persona!
Come forth, Jack Frost!
As soon as the words were said, I felt the air grow cold, even the girls felt it as they went from checking on their friend before clinching themselves for warmth...The air grew a deadly cold as our breaths could be seen, ice started to form on the rooftop...Even the sun seemed to vanish before…
I'm Jack Frost Ho! I know I'm just a Persona, but please take care of me!
I heard the playful yet commanding voice in my ears before my body suddenly became extremely cold making it burn before...Nothing...The cold vanished from my body as I felt power surge through, as I looked up as my eyes now glowed an icy blue, indicating that Jack Frost was now one with me.
You now command the Persona of Jack Frost! With him as your primary Persona, you are completely immune to cold, yet you are extremely weak against Fire...You can change back to Arsene by simply calling for him...But now, Akira Kurusu! Use your new powers to vanish the desires to the Velvet Room!
I nodded as I raised my hand and aimed at all three girls as I felt the spell come naturally to me as my icy blue eyes seemed to light up as I spoke "Sutakora Foot!"
The spell left my mouth as all three girls, who were starting to warm up after the initial frost to indicates Jack Frost's appearance suddenly all screamed before they all fell down passed out as I felt the spell end as quickly as it began.
The desires are now locked away in the Velvet Room! Akira! You have one week to defeat the host before they escape!
"I understand...I will defeat them! Because I am Joker, the Phantom Thief of Hearts!" I heard Lavenza giggle when i spoke, but after that everything returned to silence, signifying that Lavenza had accomplished her business…
I walked over to the girls and looked them over, all three of them were out cold...I used this opportunity to quickly frisk them and see if they had any other weapons, but other than the kind of belt I first struck when I arrived, they didn't have anything.
I pushed myself up as I took my phone out and looked at the time…
"One thirty...I'm late…" Not that it was surprising...It was expected if anything...Still though...Not a good impression on my first day back…"Mona, do you read me?"
"Loud and clear Joker! I'm currently searching around for a hospital or clinic!"
"Huh? Why?"
"The hospital was jam packed! No way I could get this guy in as quickly as he needs it!" Damn...What to do, what to do...Wait a minute, Ryuji said there was a clinic by Leblanc…
"Mona! I know a place we can go! Meet me back here!" Unlike the hospital, it's best if I go along as well so I can meet this doctor...The hospital we can just drop them off but...Not there...At Least not yet….
'Roger that!" I let go of my earpiece as I looked at the girls before quickly running and jumping off the roof before grabbing a tree branch and then sliding down the tree to the ground. Once I was back on land, I used the trees and fence to make my way back over to my bag before taking it with me back up to the roof.
Once on the roof, I quickly changed into my school attire and hid my bag and Joker outfit before walking over to the girls. I sighed as I quickly looked around before propping one on my right shoulder, then another one on my left shoulder before finally taking Chinami and carrying her bridal style.
She barely opened her eyes and met mine before closing them once again as she whispered "J-Joker…"
Assuming that she said that because of what just happened, I ignored any implications of that as I trudged to the door and unlocked it before I departed towards the nurse office.
March 20, 2017-Shujin Academy-Hallway(1:35PM)
I thought the time I had to carry Shiho to the nurse's office would be the only time I would have to experience that…
I was wrong…
I quietly walked through the hallways with both girls on my shoulders and one bridal styled as I heard teachers talking behind the many closed doors, the few that were open I tried my best to quickly get by them to avoid having anyone see me doing this...Again…
And I almost was able to do it…
Until…
I turned a corner and met eye to eye with the one person that would be hard explaining this to. "Hm? Oh hey...Bro...Uh…
My best friend Ruji, who had papers in his hands just went wide eyed as he stared at me holding three girls...Right…"Hey…"
"Uh...What's...Going on here…?"
"It's...A long story…"
"U-Uh...I-I see um...W-Well I was going to say how awesome it is that you're back and um...Yeah…"
"T-Thanks uh...I know this looks awkward and weird but...It's not anything perverted or anything, uh...I just found the three of them passed out and was bringing them to the nurses office…"
"Coming from anyone else, that would sound like a total bluff but...Considering you literally almost died saving Suzui...Yeah I can actually believe that…" Ryuji sighed before shaking his head "Well you're busy so I won't keep you, but after school today, I need to show you something!"
"Hm? Oh sorry I have plans after school today...Tomorrow maybe?"
"Huh? Or sure that works...Trust me though, you're going to love it!" I smiled and gave a laugh as I walked past him but Ryuji stopped me when he held his hand out. "I have to ask you a really serious question though."
"...? Whats that?"
"...Do you…."
"...Yes…?"
"...Like Maids?"
"...Maids?" Uh…? How can I respond to that? Is he planning on taking me to a maid cafe or something?"
"Yeah, do you like them?"
"Uh...I mean I guess?" I don't hate them but...I don't really like them either…
"Alright good...Then you're going to love tomorrow man!" Ryuji held a thumbs up before he walked by me and down the hallway, leaving me confused.
"Maids…? I guess he really is taking me to a maids Caffe…
After dropping the girls off at the nurses office, and coming up with another stupid excuse on why they were passed out, I got the note from the nurse and began rushing back up to the roof.
"Joker do you copy?"
"Yeah, I'm on my way back to the roof, just dropped the girls off at the nurses office!"
"I see, so you freed them?"
"Something like that, I'll explain when I get up to you." I quickly rushed by all the classrooms and up the stairs as I made my way to the roof.
March 20, 2017-Shujin Academy-Rooftop(1:45PM)
I quickly rushed to the roof and when I arrived, I saw that Morgana was using dia on the guy and had also blindfolded him. "Joker!"
"Mona! How is he!?"
"His injuries are trying to act up again so I'm healing hm! I blindfolded him so you can change!" I nodded as I quickly ran and grabbed my bag before throwing my joker outfit back on. "So where is this place you're talking about?"
"It's what Ryuji was telling me about, it's the Takemi clinic by Leblanc!"
"I see...Well are you ready?"
"Of course, lets get this guy healed!"
"Joker wait!" I stopped as I looked down at Morgana "What happened with three girls?
Oh right...I better explain to him what happened...I explained how Lavenza summoned me and told me about host desires and how I had to defeat the host if I wanted to defeat the desires...I also explained how I acquired the persona Jack Frost and how I was immune to cold with him equipped. Morgana just listened and nodded as he kept dia going before I finished. 'And thats it…"
"I see...I see...Jack Frost will keep you immune to cold...But you're extremely weak against fire...Just one little burn could melt your entire skin off...You have to be careful…
"Right…"
"Well then, shall we get going?"
"Of course, lets go!"
March 20, 2017-Takemi Clinic(1:57PM)
Sneaking around in the daytime was never easy…
Sneaking around the public in the daytime with my Joker outfit...Was next to impossible…
Me and Morgana had to take so many back routes, so many detours, that what was a five minute trip for us became a ten minute…
Finally though we were able to reach the clinic and get inside without anyone seeing us…
I walked in and didn't seem to feel anything but saw Morgana and the guy shiver a bit, an AC must be on..Thanks to Jack Frost, I couldn't feel it…
Despite the sound of my boots echoing throughout the empty office, the woman behind the front desk didn't look up from whatever she was reading, even when I stopped right in front of her. I looked down at Mona and signaled for him to watch for anyone else who might enter before I cleared my throat. "Is the doctor in?"
"Hm…?" She looked up at me and she went wide eyed for a moment before her gaze returned to normal "Yeah...You need something?"
"I have this man who needs help, he has several beatings and cuts, I've tried helping him but he needs some actual medical work from an actual doctor."
"...Why didn't you take him to a hospital or something?"
"They were completely full, I didn't have time...Surely you can help him?"
She was silent for a moment before she sighed and placed whatever she was reading down "Yeah, just enter the room on your right there."
I looked to my side and saw an operating room as I opened it and walked in, the doctor appearing from another door that most likely lead to her office as I laid the man on the bed inside of the room.
She walked over to him and looked him over and charted a few things down before she began cleaning up the cuts on him, I looked around the office before just backing up to the door and leaning against it with my arms crossed.
She continued her work in silence for a few more moments before she spoke up "Mind if I ask exactly how he had all this happen to him?"
"...I was investigating Shujin Academy thanks to the incident with the PE teacher when I saw this man being assaulted on the roof, so I rescued him...He was being kicked, hit with a belt, and I also believe being crawled with nails as well…"
"Hm...You done a pretty good job easing the pain, but a lot of these need to be bandaged and the such…" She went quiet again for a few more moments as she cleaned the cuts on him as he groaned in a low voice. "You know who this is?"
"Not at all...Not a name or anything...However he doesn't go to Shujin, that can be easily picked out thanks to his school uniform…"
"Right...Well I'll have to call the school and alert them so they can send someone over...Though I wonder what I should tell them? I doubt they would believe me if I said the Phantom Thief Joker brought him here…"
"...So...You know…"
"How can I not? You're dressed up like him and look exactly like...You're either the real deal or an extremely impressive cosplayer…" I just gave a small nod as she kept working on the guy...It was a bit refreshing just to talk normally to someone as Joker…"Anyway, I can take care of the rest here…"
"...Are you sure?"
"Yeah, no reason for you to just stand there all day...I'm sure you have other things to take care of."
"Very well...Mind if I have your name?"
"...Tae...Tae Takemi...I run this clinic by myself…"
"I see...Well you obviously know who I am, but as a courtesy let me introduce myself as The Phantom Thief Of Hearts, Joker." I placed my hand on my chest and did a bow which she returned with just a wave.
"Yeah yeah...Well if you get any more like him, just bring them here...I'll make sure to take care of them, and I'll even treat them for free…"
"Really? Thats a kind of-"
"However...Only on one condition…"
"...? That is…?" She smirked as she walked over to her table and picked up a pill bottle.
"I've been developing my own medicine, yet I don't have anyone to test it on...In exchange for being my Guinea Pig, I'll treat whoever you bring in for free...In fact, I'll even sell you medicine at cheaper prices than the drug store...I figure you need that stuff often in your line of work."
"Indeed but...What exactly kind of medicine will I be taking…?" She smirked again as she closed her eyes and laid the bottle back onto the table.
"Well thats part of the fun, isn't it?" I felt a bead of sweat roll down my neck...It may be dangerous...But having an ally who can help treat people plus give me discounted medicine could be helpful...Hell she could actually make a really good medicine but...What exactly will I be taking? "Well...Do you accept the offer?"
"..." This could be the only chance I get...It's a bit off putting but…"Only on the condition you never try to find out who I really am…"
"Please, I couldn't less...All I need is a guinea pig, nothing more, nothing less…"
"A-Alright then...Deal…" I extended my gloved hand out as she gave a small chuckle as she grabbed it.
"It's a pleasure doing business with you Mr Phantom Thief."
"Y-You as well...Dr Takemi…"
"Hm...Come by on Saturdays...I'll make time then...Now if you'll excuse me, I have a patient to attend to."
"O-Of course, I'll leave you to your work…" She just nodded as she went back to working on him as I slipped out of the room and went to my earpiece. "All clear Mona, heading back to the school...Ending operation…"
"Roger that Joker...Now you better hurry to class! Schools about to end, and you've been gone since lunch!"
"Right right…" Oh this will be fun…
March 20, 2017-Shujin Academy-Classroom(2:23PM)
I practically ran once I made to the school as I changed in a nearby bush again before rushing inside and into my classroom, gaining a few looks as I rushed down the hallway, pulling out the note the nurse had wrote for me an hour ago.
Once I arrived at my homeroom I stopped as I made sure I looked clean before opening the door and entering. Immediately all eyes went on me and many froze or quickly looked away, still scared from what had transpired earlier, though some like Mishima gave a friendly wave, others like Ann gave a confused but happy look and then there was Inori who...Was actually passed out asleep so it seems I can have some kind of luck today…
Kawakami stopped writing on the board as she raised her eyebrow at me and spoke in a deadpan expression "Please don't tell me you fell asleep somewhere…"
I didn't say anything as I walked over and handed the note to her and after she read it, her eyes went wide.
"Again!? How do you keep finding people knocked out?" The sentence made everyone collectively gulp, which almost made me chuckle "But...Why did it take you more than two hours to come back…?"
"...I found them stuck out back, and it took about an hour to get each one out and then get them to the nurses office…"
"Stuck?"
"Yeah…"
"...Alright...Well...Just take your seat but...This is pretty weird…" I just shrugged as I walked to my desk with all eyes on me before plopping down as everyone nervously whispered before Kawakami sighed and spoke "Well...I have to go give this note to the office...I'll be right back…"
Kawakami laid down her chalk before heading out of the classroom as everyone began chatting amongst each other as Ann turned around towards me "So tell me...Why were you really this late?"
She gave a questioning look, but her tone was somewhat cheery so I simply smiled towards her "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Oh playing that game are we? Well fine then, until you tell me, I'm not going to talk to you~"
"Oh really now? Can you really ignore this amazing face." I gave a mock laugh as I looked at myself in the window and noticed how I was still rather sweaty from that running, messing my hair up...She must really think I look terrible…
"Hehe, well...You might have a point there~" I heard her whisper something which made me do a double take as I looked at her.
"Wait...What did you say?" She must have realized I heard her because her face immediately went red as she stammered a reply.
"I-I said that...That...Y-Yeah I can i-ignore you~ S-Starting now!" She turned away and gave a hmph, making me run my hand through my hair as I started to think...Could she...No...Let's be real here, she loves Joker...Not Akira Kusuru...God All the crazy girls I've dealt with today is making my head spin…
"Hey Kusuru!" I looked beside my desk as Mishima had walked over towards me "How the tryouts go?"
"Huh? Oh right...Baseball...Uh...They went good, really good, coach said I made the team."
"Awesome! Phase one is complete! Oh by the way, I've started work on the website! It should only take a few days to complete, but once it's ready, I'll need you to somehow promote it...Then again, the name I came up with should attract your fans already! It's called the 'Phan Site' and I'm going to allow people to post requests, as well as chat with each other!"
"I...See...Well the name makes sense...I do wonder how many people would actually visit it though…"
"I imagine quite a few...Heck that one video game company, uh...Nuntundo I think? They recently added a new character to 'Super Bash Bros' named after your Alter Ego, so you're pretty popular if anything."
Wait really…?...Do I get royalties for that?
"But anyway...I'll give you some more information when I can!"
"Alright...Oh hey Mishima…" I beckoned him closer as I looked over at the still sleeping Inori and pointed at her "See that girl over there...The one named Inori?"
"Huh…? Oh yeah...What's up?"
"Keep an eye on her for me, will you? She's apart of the Yakuza...She's also seems to be...Spying on me so to speak...So I need you to keep tabs on her...Mostly just research her and her clan and the such…"
"Hm...Alright...Shouldn't be too hard, a lot of Yakuza information is online…"
"Indeed...Just make sure she doesn't find out your associated with me…"
"Roger that…" I nodded again as Kawakami soon returned as Mishima returned to his seat, and the remaining minutes of class flew by.
March 20, 2017-Shujin Academy-Classroom(3:00PM)
As soon as three o clock hit, the bell rung signaling the end of school as everyone got up and quickly began exiting the room as a few glances were thrown my way, I quietly sat in my desk waiting for everyone to leave when I saw out of the corner of my eye that Inori was staring me down as she left, giving more mock waves and kisses which caused a few glances between the two of us, though thankfully that's all she seemed to do...For now at least…
Finally, once enough people had left, I pushed myself up from my seat and looked over at Ann who was still fixing her bag "So, ready to go?"
"H-Huh?" She looked at me with an embarrassed look before suddenly coming to realize what I meant "O-Oh that...Yeah um...Meet me and Shiho there around four...I want to take her out somewhere first...She's...Not been doing fantastic lately…"
Oh right...The bullying...I wonder if I could extract the names of her bullies? Finding them out could allow me Joker...Or...Akira Kurusu, to send them a message…
"Oh...Alright...Well I'll see you there then." I gave her a smile which she returned with a slightly pinkish color as she just nodded and quickly left."I wonder where Morgana is…?"
He's been gone since I returned to class...Back at Leblanc maybe?
"He could be investigating the dead cats around town." I looked over at Mishima who had joined my side...Dead cats…?
"Whats this about dead cats?"
"Apparently a bunch of dead cats have been found in alleyways and parks...They've looked like they've been tortured and were finally killed when their necks were snapped…"
"That's terrible...Are there any leads?"
"The only link that people have is there is apparently an high school dropout living alone named kazuo tsuboi...He's been arrested before for assault and animal abuse, and many of the cats have been found only a few blocks from his apartment."
"I see...So he's the likely suspect then…" I'll have to pay him a visit sometime, if anything I need to know if he's really doing it or if he's being framed…"Thanks for the information, it's possible Morgana is indeed currently investigating that…"
"Hehe, anytime, happy to help whenever I can!...Although if you don't mind me asking, why were you so late?"
"...It's because of those girls...The ones who hang out with the one you told me about...I found one abusing her own boyfriend with the other two standing guard…"
"W-What really? That doesn't sound good if all of them are doing it…"
"Indeed...However I think I know the root of the problem...However I still need to confirm it for sure...I had to rush him to the nearest clinic while also getting those girls to the nurses office...But thats all I can say...For now…"
"Oh of course, keep your information to yourself!...But what are you going to do now? From what I've heard, you're meeting with Takamaki and Suzui today."
"In a little less than an hour I'm meeting them in the park...It's not enough time to fully tackle the baseball problem we have right now...However, I do have one thing I can look into…"
"Hm? Whats that?"
"...Tell me Mishima...Do you know anything about a man named Masayoshi Shido?"
March 20, 2017-Shujin Academy-Hallway(3:03PM)(Ann's POV)
Ugh...Why did I act like that in front of Akira…? Do I really have anywhere I could take Shiho right now? Not really but...Why did I suddenly become nervous around him and try to stall our planned meeting?
I just gave a sigh to myself as I walked to Shiho's classroom, walking by everyone who cast glances at me and were whispering.
'Look it's Takamaki.'
'Ah you mean Kamoshida's bitch?'
'Don't you know? She's sleeping around with that Kusuru guy now.'
'Oh really? She really has a thing for criminals doesn't she?'
I ignored the comments as I walked on, I didn't mind the comments directed towards me, I was used to them, I just wish they left Akira out of it...If only they know what's he's done...No what he's currently doing to help Shiho...They would understand just how compassionate he really is...
I finally arrived at Shiho's classroom and walked inside as the few students left ignored me as I walked over to her "Hey Shiho!"
Shiho looked up at me and gave a smile, the first true one I've seen in a while "Hey Ann...Where's Kusuru?"
"H-Huh? O-Oh um...He said he wanted to freshen up first so...He said he wanted to meet us in the park around four!"
"Huh? Oh...Ok, that makes sense…" She seemed a little down...Ever since Akira saved her, he's been really the only thing that made her happy to talk about...I guess it makes sense, he's the reason she's still…..Alive….After all…"Well...What do you want to do while we wait?"
"O-Oh um...How about we go to that one coffee shop, Leblanc I think it's called? That would be a good place to relax at!"
"Huh? Oh um...Alright…" I need to get my mind off of Akira, going to a coffee shop should do just that.
March 20, 2017-Cafe Leblanc(3:30PM)
We casually walked towards Leblanc with minimal dialogue, both of us kinda on edge for actually meeting Akira after school, though Shiho much more than I was.
After a long walk, we eventually arrived at the cafe and walked inside, the smell of coffee and curry filling the air and making it smell like heaven "Welcome, take a seat."
I heard an old man's voice and when I went to look at him to give a smile and thanks I gasped when I saw who it was "H-Hey! Y-You're Akira's Guardian!"
Shiho quickly looked over at the man as well who looked up from the paper he was reading and raised an eyebrow "Huh...Oh...You're the girl I saw come to check on the kid back at the hospital...Sorry to say he's not home right now, I don't know where the kid is…"
"H-Home?"
"Yeah...The kid lives upstairs...You saying you didn't come here to see him?" Wait...I'm in...Akira's...Home? What!? I-I didn't want this! I-I just wanted to come get my mind off of things! This is the opposite of that!
"U-Um...No...I didn't...Me and my friend just came for some coffee…"
"Oh...I see…" Akira's guardian looked at Shiho for a moment before he spoke "You're the girl the kid saved...Aren't you?"
Shiho flinched at the words but slowly nodded her head "Y-Yes…"
"...I see...Well...Feel free to take a seat…" We both nodded as sat down at the counter and didn't say anything as he made coffee for us, the only sound for a few minutes was the TV…"Name's Sojiro Sakura by the way...But everyone just calls me boss…"
"H-Huh?...O-Oh! My name is Ann Takamaki...I owe alot to Akira…"
"...I-I'm Shiho Suzui...I-I'm the same…"
"Hmph, the kids an idiot to be honest...But I'm glad to see you're both doing better now because of him...By the way, you sure you're not his girlfriend?" My face immediately became red as I quickly shook my head.
"W-What!? N-No! W-Why would you think that?"
"...Well...Think I heard the kid prefers first names…" First name?...Oh...Right...I've been calling him Akira…"Anyway...Here's my special blend, hope you enjoy…"
We both nodded and took the coffee and slowly drank it...It was delicious, no doubt about that but...The weight of being in Akira's home was clearly getting to the both of us, we didn't really know what to say…
"By the way, when you see the kid again...Tell him that some girl called here a few minutes ago...Said she was his future wife or something?"
"H-Huh!? What!?" F-Future wife? D-Does he have a girlfriend?...I-I mean he's not from here s-so it's certainly possible…
"Yeah...Though that's all she really said...Didn't even get a name…" Ok calm down Ann...So what if he has a girlfriend? It doesn't matter if he does...I-I mean I just have to ask him if I really wanted to know...Hehehe...He...Ugh…
I looked at my phone and saw how close it was getting to four as I sighed "Well...We actually have to meet Akira in the park at four...Sorry for not staying long, how much do we owe you?"
"...Don't worry about it, it's on the house…"
"H-Huh? You sure?"
"Yeah…" He gave me a grin as he turned back towards his paper "What kind of guardian would I be if I charged the kids girlfriend for some coffee?"
I blushed hard again as I just shook my head and jumped out of my seat with Shiho following, not saying a word the entire time time we walked...Ugh...Could I have picked a worse place to go to?
Author Responses
Kersplunk: Glad to hear you enjoy her! I've tried my best to make her crazy and insane, while also making her clever and dangerous at the same time! I hope you enjoy the future shenanigans with her! Mishima was a choice I made pretty early on because I thought Ryuji wouldn't really fill the role all that perfect. Glad you're enjoying the Ann/Akira dynamic so far!
DOOT76: I have some plans similar to that! Also I hope you enjoyed the little reference I had to that particular announcement haha.
Psychochiken: Glad you like Inori! Also I wonder who else knows? Quite the mystery isn't it?
TheBeatles211: Sorry to hear, hope you enjoyed everything else as well.
Krumpte: Yeah I was a little uncreative
dangstaBOI: Yeah finals aren't that fun lol Hope you enjoyed Lavenza's continued inclusion into the story! As well as next chapter we're finally going to see some Shiho/Akira scenes next chapter. Inori will be a long term character so we shall see how she plays out over the course of the story.
Lonely Support: I wonder, did they do it at the same time or were they're multiple universes? Who knows? A question to be answered in the future I suspose :3 But indeed Yu is still alive from 4 years ago so it shall be interesting to see if Akira survives as well, people want him to but atlas, changes have to be made sometimes yes? hehehe...
Indeed, Akira doesn't care much for his reputation as much as he does for the few friends he has or people he atleast likes, so ruining his reputation isn't something thats going to bother him all that much. But yes he will be a bit more active in his social like so it shall be interesting to see how that devolves and what kind of relationships he formed. But indeed she is the S girl from the game! Will her role be the same or will there be changes? I guess we can wait and see! Also for Ann, she's getting to the point where she doesn't want to admit she likes him, but is it pure? Or is it just because she's finally found someone else to stand up for her and Shiho I guess we will see in the future.
Inori shall be interesting to follow! Will she become an ally?...An enemy?...Or a mixture of both? Either way, she's a Yakuza...I wonder if she knows Iwai?
Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed!
GraecusWolf: Good luck to Joker indeed, he's going to need it!
