A/N: Well I'm kinda sad, I really wanted this to be the last chapter before the next big arc...But I honestly had so much planned that the chapter would be 25-30K long so...I had to split it up...So Yes there will be about 1-2 more chapters before we get back into the Big stuff.
But anyway...Welcome everyone to the newest Phantom Thief of Tokyo!(Man I'm on a roll huh?) When we last left off...Akira had acquired Jack Frost and also learned a bit more about Shadows and the such...
Want to say that this is the last chapter the poll will be up for Ryuji, after the next chapter goes up, Ryuji's lover will be decided and currently leading the poll is...Akechi...Huh...Well you guys still have time to vote!(Just remember that the girl who doesn't get paired with anyone ends up with Akira)
Finally I want to do something a bit weird and that is talk about the ending of this chapter because I know questions galore will be inbound...So while not spoiling anything...I want to say that it is a setup more than anything at this point...It manly does two things...Foreshadow a new story coming soon...And also sets up for the ending of this story/The plot of the sequel...
Now don't worry, this story isn't close to being done(I still have atleast 30 more chapters planned) but I wanted to do this ending because it will become more important as the story goes on...That is all I will say...
Anyway, hope you guys enjoy~
~Elizabeth
March 20, 2017-Shujin Academy-Classroom(3:05PM)
"...Tell me Mishima...Do you know anything about a man named Masayoshi Shido?" I pushed my glasses up as I spoke to allow the lighting in the room to hide my eyes, so not to allow Mishima to read any emotion in them as I spoke.
"Hm…? The name sounds familiar...Oh! He's a diet member! Pretty popular one at that...Apparently he's being talked about as Prime Ministers Abe successor...But so far that's all I know...Why do you need information on him?"
"...From what information I've gathered...He apparently used his influence to falsely accuse someone of assaulting him, and also used his position to make sure his name wasn't leaked to the press and that the case stayed low key…"
"Wait really? Oh wow...I've never heard a bad thing about him...To think he actually did something like that...I'm guessing he's going to be your next big target?" I tensed a little before relaxing...I wasn't worried or anything...I was just...Frustrated…
"...No...Going after a member of the National Diet would be...A fool's errand at this point...I need to wait until not only when I can get more evidence on him...But also when the time is right...Perhaps during a snap election…"
"I see, when the iron is hot and everybody will be going about trying to gather information! It's a perfect scenario if that were to happen but...The last election was just three years ago, and the next scheduled one is next year...It's not extremely likely that we'll have one that close…"
"Who knows...If a certain Phantom Thief were to get popular enough that more people viewed him more favorable than the current government...That would certainly make certain party leaders, especially power hungry ones, be more vocal about a snap election, don't you think?"
"...! That would be quite the feat I must say...But at the same time, someone such as Shido would have to hope on the bandwagon of a snap election rather early, especially if he would want to avoid just being someone who is seen as nothing more than following the crowd...Plus the environment might not be too favorable right now, as the public at that point may call for Narukami to run…"
"..." Narukami huh…
"...Kusuru?"
"...He's nothing more than a relic of the past, a fledgling detective who was overhyped and was nothing more than a government pawn." I bit down on my lip to stop myself from continuing, lest I want to start on a rant.
"It sounds like you two have a history."
"...As I said, a relic of the past...Onto more pressing matters...You think you could get as much information on Shido as you can? The chances of finding something incriminating at this very moment are low, but perhaps we can find something that can be linked to something later on."
"Yeah for sure! I should be able to dig all kinds of information up for you!" I did a nod as I looked at the time...Fifteen after...Hm…
"I'm heading on to the park...Might be able to find Morgana on the way there and see if your theory is right." Even if Morgana isn't investigating the incident, I still have to look into it.
"Alright, I'll go ahead and keep working on everything you've told me so far! I'll text you if I get any new information."
"I appreciate it, I really do." Mishima gave a smile which I returned as I walked out of the classroom and into the hallway, students going to and fro as many were meeting with friends, talking to teachers or going through there lockers.
Many though, stopped and looked at me as I walked by, the majority of them quickly looking away nervously or making disgusted faces towards me, as if that was to supposed to somehow send a message to me.
I just gave a small sigh as I kept walking, it seems my little act had already spread quickly throughout the school...But as long as it kept the attention off of Shiho, I didn't really mind. I kept walking, trying to mind my own business when…
"Hey glasses!" I heard someone yell behind me, making the hallway go silent as I looked behind me and saw a guy with brown hair and about my height looking at me with his fists balled as he strolled towards me, the few teachers in the area seemingly vanished, as if to say that they were off the clock and didn't care what was about to happen...Seems like I need to look into them sometime.
"...Yes?" I gave a casual response as he kept walking towards me, a somewhat smug expression on his face.
"I've heard that you're apparently some kind of bad boy huh? Making a scene in front your class and shit...You think you're top dog all of a sudden because you can look all menacing?"
"...Can you get to the point?" I didn't know what this guy was seemingly all pissed off about, or rather why he seemed to be acting all high and mighty…
"What? Did you seriously try to order me around?" He went to grab my collar but I just did a short hop back making him stumble a bit before composing himself as he glared "Bitch…"
"...I have things to attend to...So if you will excuse me…"
"Hold on!" He ran up to me again, as I once again easily avoid his grasp as he seemingly growled at me. "Nobody tries to one up me, especially a punk ass like you…"
"I would imagine with your level of skill, most people don't even have to try...They just one up you by complete accident…"I gave a sarcastic response to him as I turned around again but stopped as I sidestepped a bottle of water he had thrown in my direction. "...Proving my point…"
"You son of a…" I turned myself halfway around as he started to reach inside of his jacket, causing me to reach up and undo my sleeves when…
"Thats enough!" We both stopped as a voice rung out behind the brown haired guy and when we turned to look, we were both suprised to see Miss Kawakami of all people rushing over to us "What is going on over here!? I was on my way out when I heard a bunch of yelling coming from over here!"
The guy scoffed as he let his arms dangle as he looked towards me "...Just a friendly spat...Thats all…"
"Didn't sound very friendly to me...Also coming from you Takanashi, that's a little harder to believe."
"Tch…" The guy, now identified as Takanashi turned away and began walking but turned back once more and locked eyes with me "This ain't over."
Still confused as to why he tried to instigate a fight with me, I just returned the glare before he turned back around and kept walking, as Kawakami made her way over to me.
"Kusuru...This isn't a very good look...You're first day back and not only do you suspiciously find two people 'stuck' and take two hours to help them...But you also get involved with Daisuke Takanashi, one of the most infamous second years?"
"Infamous?"
"...He's been suspended multiple times for bullying and fighting, and if it wasn't for Mr Kamoshida then he wouldn't even still be here...But with Mr Kamoshida obviously gone now, his time is running out...So if he tries to start anything with you, please just walk away...I really don't want to deal with you when it comes to this stuff."
"...Understood…" Interesting...Kamoshida stood up for him? Well...Now I'm really interested in him…
Miss Kawakami looked at her watch and went wide eyed as I heard her mutter that she was late for something before giving a sigh as she gave me one last look "I hope you do…"
Practically rushing past me after saying that, she was like a bat out of hell as she ran past everyone, obviously in a rush for whatever she needed or wanted to be at right now...Well whatever it is, it doesn't concern me…
I looked at my phone to confirm the time myself...Forty after...I'm going have to rush but I should make it right on time…
I looked back at the other students who witnessed the whole thing and many just looked away and went back to whatever they were doing...It seems my infamous image just keeps growing today…
March 20, 2017-Tokyo Park(4:00PM)
As I practically rushed through everyone, even having to take a few back alleys and the such, I eventually arrived at the park right on time, making sure to straighten my hair and make sure I looked presentable.
I walked through the park as the wind gently blew against me, people of all ages could be seen everywhere…
I initially didn't see Ann or Shiho anywhere, but after just a few minutes of walking. "Hey!"
I heard a voice behind me and when I turned, I gave a small smile and a wave as I saw Ann and Shiho walking towards me...Ann was how she was earlier, a bit flushed for whatever reason but a smile plastered onto her face...Shiho on the other hand was looking all over the place, avoiding eye contact with me purposely it seemed…
I began walking over towards them as I placed my hands in my pockets and kept eye contact until we were just a few feet away from each other. "Nice to finally see you out of school Ann."
"H-Hehehe yeah for s-sure!" Ann seemed on edge for some reason, while Shiho still kept looking around everywhere else "H-Hey Shiho!"
Ann practically forced Shiho to stop her gazing around as Shiho looked at her, before she looked down to the ground. I inwardly chuckled as I spoke "I'm glad to see you're doing well Suzui."
She seemed to jump when I spoke as she looked up me and gulped as a slight tint of red was plastered on her face as she nodded "S-Same t-to you...K-Kusuru…"
She definitely seemed nervous, but I could understand why...Last time we spoke, I was a bloody mess after just saving her from impending death so it was understandable as to why she was acting the way she was. I just gave a small nod to her as I looked back at Ann "Well, should we find somewhere to sit?"
"H-Huh? Y-Yeah! That sounds like a good idea!" I again nodded as the three of us looked around for a few moments before finding a tree secluded from everyone else as we all sat down in a circle.
After sitting down, the girls were still mostly quiet other than a few nervous glances between the two...Again it was somewhat understandable considering the state I was in when all three of us were together but it was a bit awkward at the same time.
Feeling the need to break the silence, I gave a small breath as I spoke "So, where did you guys need to go before coming here?"
"H-Huh?"
"You said you two needed to go somewhere before coming here, where was that...If you don't mind me asking?" Shiho gave Ann a somewhat suspicious looking look, which Ann just returned with a nervous glance before she spoke.
"W-We went to Leblanc! I've heard the coffee there is delicious and was wanting to give it a try! I-I was surprised though when the manager said you lived there though…" Leblanc? Of all places for them to go…
"Ah yeah, I'm sure boss said it in a somewhat disinterested and passing tone...Pay him no mind, that's just how he is sometimes."
"Oh no, he was actually really nice! He even said our coffee was on the house!" After saying that she seemed to get even more red for some reason as she continued on in a faster tone "B-But anyway! Enough about that! Shiho actually has something to give you!"
Shiho gave Ann a look saying 'how could you throw me under the bus' before she looked back down and seemed to fidget a little bit before she glanced up at me...Only to look back down again. "Hehe it's fine, if you want to wait until later to give it to me, that's fine Suzui."
She didn't say anything at first, and I thought that was the end of it before she spoke "N-No...I-It's fine…"
She reached over and grabbed her bag before unzipping the front pocket as she reached inside and pulled out…"A Necklace?"
Indeed, she pulled out a silver necklace with a crane as the symbol "...I-I can't make paper cranes...So...I knew you were in the hospital and I wanted you to get better...S-So I g-got you the only other thing that could convey that…"
She stuttered with her words and was shaking a bit but I just gave a compassionate smile as I held my hand out "It looks amazing, thank you Suzui."
"...Y-You really like it?"
"Hehe, why would I not?"
"B-Because...I-It's just a necklace...Guys usually don't wear them so…" I just gave another laugh as I gently reached over and grabbed it, as she allowed me to graciously take it from her as I put it around my neck and snapped the back of it.
"See? Fits perfectly, I love it...Thank you." I gave another smile and though she was looking down mostly, I swore I saw a smile of my own as she gently nodded and looked away again.
"See Shiho I told you he would like it!" Ann tried to motivate Shiho to stop being so shy but she didn't say anything more as she just nodded, making Ann just sigh before she looked back at me "Shiho's not the only one you got you something by the way."
"Oh?" Ann took a breath and reached inside her own bag and after a bit of rummaging, she pulled out a glasses case and handed it towards me.
"When...That happened...I noticed that your glasses broke...And I know you got them fixed but...I-I just thought it wouldn't hurt to have a spare pair…" I reached over and grabbed them as I opened the case up, revealing an almost identical pair of glasses inside alongside a cleaning rag. "I...Kinda begged the school to tell me exactly what size you wore and everything...I-I hope you like them…"
Ann blushed heavily as she spoke, which in turned almost made me embarrassed, but thankfully I was able to keep it hidden as I nodded "Thank you, really...You didn't have to do that."
I opened a empty pouch on my bag and slipped the case inside of it before I looked back at the two of them, both were now awkwardly looking around, trying to avoid my eye contact.
"I'm sorry I don't have presents of my own to give." They both looked back at me when I spoke a look of disbelief.
"Are you serious? Why would you need to give us presents? You've already done so much to us...From the pep talk you gave me, to doing that act in front of the class for Shiho to...That…" They both looked back down at that statement, making me sigh as I readjusted my sitting position.
"Well...I'm still sorry for not having one for you two...But I will next time I promise." I gave a laugh hoping to lighten the mood but they still kept looking around awkwardly, making me stop my my small laughter as I cleared my throat and tried to move on to another topic "W-Well anyway…"
Problem was...What to talk about…? What could I say that wouldn't be small talk and would also get their minds off of that day…
…
Well…"So Ann...I heard Joker appeared at school!"
As soon as the words left my mouth, Ann looked up at me and after a moment, she gave a big smile and quickly nodded, her eyes looking like she was in a daydream...Even Shiho seemed to have forgotten about what we were previously talking about as she looked up with Intrigue "Yep! Oh you should have seen it! The way he got into the school, and then got on the intercom and...And…"
And from there it Ann relayed the entire story to me of how 'Joker' took down Kamoshida and saved the school from his reign of terror, her eyes getting more and more starry eyed with each passing sentence.
Finally after relaying everything she knew(Along with a few bits of misinformation, such as the fact that 'Joker' swept everyone off their feet) she finished up, her cheeks flushed red as she was much happier than before "It was incredible! I really wish you could have been there to see it all unfold!"
Trust me, I had front row seats…"It sounds like it! I wish I was as awesome as Joker!"
"Well duh! Everyone wishes they were like him!...Oh! Want to see my new Joker merchandise!?" Merchandise…?
"U-Uh sure! I would love to!" A bit worried about what some third party company had created, Ann almost squealed as she dug around in her bag a bit more before pulling out...My mask...Or rather a almost identical copy of it…"A...Mask…?"
"Not just any mask, Joker's mask! You wouldn't believe how hard it was to get this! I had to have it custom ordered and everything, and even then I had to find a site that did custom orders! But it was so worth it!"
Ann took the mask(Which had a strap on it, something mine obviously didn't have) as she put it on her face, covering her eyes as she laughed.
"On this fateful night, your heart has been captured by me, Joker! The Phantom Thief of Hearts!...Hehe, how do you like my Joker impression?" Ignoring the cringe that wanted to come burling out because of that ridiculous 'catchphrase' I just gave a small laugh and nodded.
"It's great! You sound like an actual Phantom Thief!"
"Hehe! What do you think Shiho?"
"H-Huh? O-Oh I-It's good Ann...Hehe…" Shiho gave a small laugh and she did indeed seem to be enjoying herself...Which was good, I'm glad that my exploits can bring some joy to them.
"Yay! Glad you think so! Now I just need everything else!"
"Everything...Else?"
"Yep! The Jacket, gloves, pants, shirt...And of course a black wig! Hard to replicate Joker's hair hehe." I'm a bit caught off guard that you can even find that online...To think I made all that myself and now you can get it on TBay…"Hey, why don't we all do Joker impressions! Here we can even wear the mask!"
"...!" I tensed up a little...This doesn't look good…"T-That's fine...I-I don't think I would fit the role all that well…"
"Oh come on Akira!" Ann took the mask off as she laughed and walked over to me, making me backup a little bit "Hehe, it's fine! I'm not going to judge if you have a bad Joker imitation!"
No, but you might if I have a perfect one…"R-Really it's…"
"Got you!" Somehow evading my senses, Ann quickly plopped down and grabbed me with her hand as she used her other hand to put the mask on my face, and if it wasn't for the strap, then this would feel way too natural. "See now was that so bad?"
Ann gave a laugh as her good mood continued while I nervously tried to keep away from eye contact, hoping she didn't pick up on anything.
"What do you think Shiho, think he fits the mask all that well?"
"...!"
"Shiho?" Shiho didn't answer as our eyes met, making her go wide eyed as I mentally cursed myself as I slipped out of the mask and handed it back to Ann.
"I think her stunned silence tells you this really isn't my style haha…"
"Huh? O-Oh I-I guess…" Ann seemed a little disappointed as she got back up and went back to her old spot with her mask, as Shiho kept looking between the mask and me as sweat rolled down the back of my neck...This could be bad…"Well hehe, how about you try it Shiho?"
"H-Huh?" Breaking out of her stunned silence, Shiho looked at Ann before quickly swinging her head "I-It's Fine Ann...I-I don't think it would look good on me…"
"Oh come on, be a better sport than Akira!" Ann gave another laugh as she proceeded to place the mask on Shiho while I used the opportunity to grab my glasses and slip them back on my face, the mask having knocked them off. "See! You look great!"
After finally getting the mask on her, I heard a sigh come out of Shiho as the mask was now indeed on her. Hoping to keep the good mood going and trying to push back from Shiho seeing me in the mask, I joined in with Ann "Yeah, you look really good in it Suzui!"
Shiho looked at me and gave an embarrassed look as she shot her eyes down and just nodded "T-Thanks…"
Ann gave another laugh as she took the mask off of Shiho and placed it back in her bag, her mood was completely on the high rise thanks to the sudden conversation of Joker, which made me both relieved and nervous. "Hehe, by Halloween, I'm going to have the full set, so watch out!"
"Hm? Going to dress up as Joker?"
"Of course! I was going to last year, but I couldn't find a good costume so I just ended up going as the Star Princess...But I've started early this year so I'll have the best Joker outfit!...Well I also plan on going to Joker-Con In August…"
"Joker...Con?" What the hell?
"Yeah, it's a new convention that's being hosted by my modeling agency! Models from across Japan are invited to dress up as Joker and pose for the Fall Magazine. The public is also invited to come and join in as well, since many costume contests will be held along with the model one!" I...What…
Trying to process this sudden wave of information, I simply did a slow nod in response as no words would form in my mouth.
"You and Shiho should come along as well!...Well you two will have to get your own costumes but it would still be fun!" Yeah sure...I'm sure nothing bad would happen if I 'dressed up' and went to the convention…
Trying to still process this information, I just gave a small sigh as I shook my head and spoke "W-Well maybe...Money isn't exactly growing on trees for me…"
"Oh...Thats right...Guess being on probation means it's hard to get a job around here...Well I'm sure your parents can always send you some!" ...My parents huh?
I always knew this would eventually come up...I just didn't know when or with who...I'm not bothered by it, but I just hope it doesn't ruin the mood we've been able to establish. Taking a deep breath I gave a small smile to Ann as I spoke "I...Don't exactly have parents…"
"H-Huh…?" As soon as the words left my mouth, Ann's smile vanished while Shiho looked up with a confused expression as I gave a awkward sideways glance.
"Well...I guess that's not entirely true...You see...My mom passed away when I was young...And even though my dad remarried, I've never really had a mother figure in my life...Hell I've never really even had a father figure since I haven't seen my dad in two years now."
"T-Two years?" I nodded as I pulled one knee up and laid my arm on it as I took my glasses off and held them.
"...We didn't always get along...He was always away on business trips...And when he was home, he spent it out drinking with his friends...It finally came to head two years ago, when after getting in another drunken argument with my step mom...I hit him...Over...And Over and over again, until he was nothing but a bloody mess."
I felt my hand tighten on my glasses as I let out a sigh to avoid letting the anger take over my body, both of the girls giving me looks of worry.
"...After that, he went on another business trip...And that was the last time I saw him...Me and my step-mom...Well...I call her my step mom but she's really more like a big sister...We did all we could to support the family...But I messed that up when I got sent here…"
"A-Akira I…" Ann tried to make out words but couldn't as her expression was one of sorrow and regret…
"K-Kusuru I-I'm so sorry…" Shiho spoke in a quiet voice as she also gave me the same look Ann did "Y-You atleast had friends t-to help...Right?"
...Friends huh…"Yeah I...Had...Friends...But I fucked that up as well…"
I bit down on my lip as I felt more anger start to come through as I shook my head to push it down...Ann scooted a bit closer as she spoke again "H-Had…?"
"...They were some of the best friends in the world...Weather I was practicing Karate with them or trying to find seaweed to cover up one of them when they lost their swim shorts...I remember every detail...Hell...I even found love for a short time."
Ann stopped scooting and gulped "L-Love…?"
"...Nothing special, just a small time teenage crush...Thats all...It was like a flame...It burned bright red...And then it poofed...Vanished…" I gave a small laugh as I tapped my glasses on my leg as I felt Ann scoot even closer and reach her hand out.
"A-Akira I-I'm-"
"But thats in the past now…" Avoiding her hand as I readjusted my sitting, causing it to harmlessly fall to the ground as I placed my glasses back on and gave a smile "Time marches on, nothing to complain about, right?"
"...R-Right…" Ann look a bit dejected but I ignored it as I tried to keep the conversation going.
"How about you Ann? How's your family life?"
"H-Huh? O-Oh…" Ann gave a somewhat forced smile as she spoke "Well...I don't get to see my parents much because they do a lot of traveling, I'm often pulled along for the rid, it's why I've been to so many countries...I was actually originally born and raised in the USA...My dad was American while my mom was japanese so I've spent most of my life living in between the two countries."
"I see, I see...What about you Suzui?" Shiho gave a surprised look before collecting herself as she spoke.
"M-My parents are both doctors who work in Tokyo...T-They're pretty famous in the medical field, often being invited to parties and the such across country, so like Ann I don't see them all that much...I do have a sister as well but she's currently studying in Europe to become a lawyer, but we video chat every so often…"
"A noble cause for sure, I wish her all the luck in getting her degree."
"T-Thanks." Shiho gave a small smile and a nod, which I returned, but soon after the awkward silence came back before Ann spoke up again.
"U-Um...S-Sorry o-our personal lives aren't as...Um...Extravagant as yours...N-Not that a-anybody would want yours...B-But I don't mean it's bad or anything b-but um…" Ann struggled to get across her message, making me just chuckle and wave her off.
"It's fine,I know what you mean...I highly doubt I'll ever meet someone with as interesting and depressing as a backstory as myself...But I will say I find it quite humorous how all of us don't see our parents often."
"H-Huh? Oh yeah...I guess that's kinda true." Ann seemed to think for a moment before a surge of inspiration hit her "Wait a minute...When you said love, you clearly meant it as the past tense, right?"
"Hm…? Yeah why?"
"W-Well y-you see...When we went to Leblanc earlier...Um…" Ann struggled to find the words as she blushed before she took a deep breath "Boss said...That some girl call and said...She was your future wife…"
"...? Future wife?"
"Y-Yeah so I was wondering...Do you have a girlfriend?"
"...No...Not currently…"
"Y-You don't!?" Almost screaming, Ann blurted out the question as her and Shiho, for whatever reason, seemed to extremely interested in my response.
"No...I don't...But it's weird, who could ha-...Oh…" I rubbed my hand across my face as I sighed 'It was most likely her…"
"H-Her…?"
"...A girl in our class named Inori Yamaguchi approached me earlier today and proclaimed her love for me, so to speak...And since then, she's been harassing me non-stop...So that would most likely explain it."
"I-I see...A-And T-This Yamaguchi girl...D-Do you like her?"
"Please...It's hard to like a someone who hinders you more than assists…
"H-Huh? O-Oh of course...Hahaha...ha…" Swearing I heard a sigh of relief in those fake laughs, I brushed it aside as I tried to move onto another topic when…..
"Having fun on your tea party you little bitch?" Hearing a voice full of disdain and rage, the three of us looked behind as I saw the guy from earlier, Daisuke, staring at me, now out of his school uniform and in what appeared to be gym clothes. "Guess fate must really hate you huh?"
"A-Akira, who's that?" I heard Ann whisper to me as I looked back at her and just smiled.
"That is someone with low self confidence." Making sure Daisuke heard me, he gripped the water bottle in his hand and threw it...But not at me, instead it went by my face and struck the tree, causing water to come out hitting all three of us.
"Agh, my hair!"
"Ah…!" Shiho and Ann both screamed out from the cold water as I glared at Daisuke at the water dripped down my hair and onto my uniform as I didn't move.
"Sorry ladies, if it wasn't for your sugar daddy, you two hoes wouldn't have gotten wet...But since your hoes, I bet you already were wet." Laughing at his disgusting joke, I intensified my glare as I pushed myself up as out eyes met, causing Ann to grab onto my jacket.
"Just ignore him Akira, the three of us can go somewhere else…"I looked down at Ann as water ran down her face before looking at Shiho who had pulled a cloth out of her bag to wipe her face off, her makeup starting to come off a little bit.
After seeing both of them I looked back at Ann and just gave a dark smile "It's fine, I'm a 'delinquent'...Remember?"
"...!" Ann didn't say anything as I turned my head back around as I unbuttoned my jacket and let it fall to the ground, my white undershirt now showing proudly as I took small steps towards Daisuke.
"So...I wouldn't have cared if all you did was go after me...I'm used to it...But to not only intentionally go after my friends...But to insult them in such a vile way...That's a good way to get on my bad side."
He just chuckled as he came up towards me as we both stopped just mere feet from each other "So what the fuck are you going to do about it?"
"...How about I sho-"
"Too slow!" Not even allowing me to finish, he suddenly sucker punched my face as hard as he could, a cracking sound being heard as I took a step back making the girls let out small screams "What can't dodge against that?"
Using a mocking tone, he insulted me as I reached up and felt my face, feeling two things...One was glass and as soon as I touched them, my glasses fell off of my face in a broken mess...The second was blood...And that was because I felt it...Barely missing my eye, a piece of glass had jammed into my skin, already causing blood to pour.
I didn't respond as I pulled the glass piece out and threw it to the ground as blood continued to come out, yet I just wiped it away as I looked at him, as he continued to slowly laugh…
...With the girls present, I can't use Arsene's powers...But for trash like him…"I don't need divine intervention to take you out."
"Tough talk for someone's who's going to look like a bitch by the time I'm done with you!" He took a step forward and swung again, but this time I just hopped back as I avoided it before issuing a jab of mine own as I struck him across the face, instanely breaking his nose as he stumbled backwards "Agh! You bitch!"
"Hmph, if your nose breaks that easily...Then It's not going to be that fun taking you down…" Not even letting him respond, I lurched forward again as my fist struck him once more in the face before lifting my leg up to kick him in the stomach, sending him flying backwards as he rolled across the ground. "..."
"A-AKira…" Hearing Ann whisper behind me, I ignored it as I started walking towards him, blood leaking from his nose like a faucet, as he was hunched over on one knee as he death stared me as I walked over, blood still pouring from atop my eye.
"Now...Still want to mess with me?"
"Tch, don't act like I've never been in fights before." Struggling a bit, he pushed himself back up to his feet as he popped his nose, causing the bleeding to temporarily stop, though it was obvious it was still broken "Been a while since I've fought someone who knew what they were doing though."
As if complimenting me, he took a fighting stance once more as I kept staring him down, waiting for his next move...And like his life depended on it, he lunged forward to knee me in the stomach, only to be caught as I grabbed onto his leg and flung him backwards as he landed on his back as I took my foot and pressed it on his thigh as held onto his leg. "One wrong move and this leg breaks…"
Mixing my Joker voice into my real voice like I had done back in the classroom, I had hoped that it would scare him into leaving...But…"Ha! Like you coul-AGH!"
Not allowing him to finish, I twisted his leg halfway, allowing a cracking sound to be heard as he reached up and grabbed his leg, screams of agony and pain hollowing from him, and I hadn't even broken it. "You were saying?"
"Agh! W-Wait! S-Stop! Please! I was only doing what I was told!"...Hm?
"Doing what you were told?"
"Y-Yeah! S-So Please d-don't break it!" His personality doing a complete one-eighty, I looked back at the girls who were still watching with anticipating eyes before I looked back down at Daisuke.
"Who told you to come after me?"
"I-I can't tell y-AGh!" Crunching his leg a bit more, he started tapping as if he was in a wrestling match as he screamed out "B-Break it if you want, i-it's better than what he can do!"
Raising an eyebrow at this, I let go of his leg as it fell to the ground as he reached over to clutch it, only for me to reach down and grab him by the shirt collar as I pulled him up with one hand "You will tell me...Arsene! BrainJack!"
Switching over to Arsene, which immediately allowed me to feel the cold water on my pants, I used brainjack as my eyes glowed red...The kick to the stomach had sent us far enough away from me to use something like this.
"Now...Who had you come after me?"
"...It was...Yoshimaru Sakoda…" His eyes became lifeless as he answered my command, his mind completely under Aresene's control.
"Why come after me?"
"...You...Were trying to take his turf...He was afraid...The others would be more scared of you...Than him…" Others?
"Who are the others?"
"The other guys...We go after the first years for their lunch money...Homework...Whatever Yoshimaru wants…" So a bully ring huh? It seems the problems keep adding up for Shujin…
"Where can I find Yoshimaru?"
"Right now...He'll be at the fishing pond with the others...Today they were...Exchanging alcohol…" So underage drinking as well…
"I see...Well listen to me, and listen to me well...You will not mention this encounter at the park to anyone, and you will reimburse every single person you have ever stolen from, abused, or done anything to...You will no longer listen to Yoshimaru and when you have done all of that...You will turn yourself into the police...Understand?"
"Yes...Sir…"
"Good...Now get the hell out of here…" Throwing him onto the ground, I turned around and released brainjack as my eyes returned to their normal color. Daisuke slowly came too, and once he had fully regained himself, he suddenly had a pale look on his face as he hopped up and walked away without saying anything to me.
Making sure he was fully gone, I returned to the girls who had kept their gazes on me the entire time and didn't seem to finally snap out of it until I reached down and grabbed my jacket which prompted Ann to almost scream "A-AKira! Y-Your eye!"
Wondering what she meant until I remembered the blood pouring from the cut, I just waved her off as I wiped it off again and gave a smile "It's fine, just a small cut."
"Small cut whatever! I-I'm going to fix that for you!" She reached inside her bag but I just gave a laugh as I buttoned my jacket back up and grabbed my bag.
"I'm fine really, it's nothing-"
"Kusuru…" Hearing Shiho speak, both of us stopped and turned towards her as she kept her gaze down before getting on her feet as she walked over to me. "Please let me...Bandage that for you...It's...The least I can do…"
"Shiho…" Hearing Ann whisper to herself, I looked at Shiho and immediately knew what she meant as the images of that day rushed back. Giving a defeated sigh, I just gave a small nod as I got down onto one knee as Shiho seemed to smile as she grabbed her own bag and pulled some basic medical equipment from it.
"U-Um...I have to spray the cut first and then apply some ointment before bandaging it...It might burn a little…" Giving a small smile, I nodded indicating for her to continue. "O-Ok...Just tell me if it burns too bad…"
Taking a small cloth, she wiped away the blood still remaining before using taking the bottle as she began spraying the open wound, which made me shiver from the cold, making me almost consider switching back to Jack but deciding against it as they might notice.
After the spray was applied, she began rubbing some kind of ointment which indeed make it burn some as she said, but it wasn't nothing I couldn't handle, and right afterwards she took a bandage and applied it to the cut as she gave a small smile.
"T-There...That should do it…"
"Wow thanks, you're pretty good."
"W-Well...My parents taught me basic medical practice…" Looking away embarrassingly, I looked over at Ann who gave a smile and laugh.
"Well, I can't count how many times Shiho has bandaged me up, but I can say she does it right every time, so I'm not surprised she helped you Akira!" Ann gave another small laugh before her expression turned a little down "Still though...To just randomly come up and attack you like that…"
"...It wasn't random...It was planned...Or rather ordered by his 'superior', so to speak…"
"Superior?"
"...He says he works under someone named Yoshimaru...Apparently quite a few bullies work for him and they basically mug the first years and such...Apparently he felt threatened by me, as if I was going to somehow steal his lackeys…"
"I've heard of him…" I looked over at Shiho as she continued "...Apparently...They use the money they steal to fund a ring full of drugs and alcohol...T-Thanks to my parents, I'm around law enforcement and the such a lot and...I've heard they're also suspected of raping prostitutes...However they're not Yakuza...Apparently they owe money to the Yakuza for accidently getting on their turf, so they've lost some members from their little group because they can't get paid…"
Hm...Prostitutes...Rape...Underage Drinking...And drugs...Not only that, but they apparently are in hot water with the Yakuza...So basically...They're good as dead "I see...Well…"
I pushed myself up as Ann and Shiho eyed me curiously as I slung my bag over my shoulder as I spoke "Then I have even more reason to pay them a little visit…"
"W-What!?" I smirked as I began walking until Shiho hopped up and grabbed my arm "Y-You can't! Y-You'll end up being killed or...Or…"
"Hehe...Come on now...If I can recover that quickly from a fall...Then a few idiots aren't anything…"
"...!"
"You of all people people should know that...Shiho…" I turned and gave a compassionate smile as she let go of me as her face was full on red before I turned towards Ann "I'm sorry this is being cut short but...I have a few things to take care of."
"I-It's fine…" I gave another smile and nodded before I looked away as my smile vanished...I won't be going as Joker, not with Shiho and Ann as witnesses...So unfortunately this won't be added to Joker's legacy...However...These guys still need to be taken down...Hard…
I began my walk as I knew where I was going and what I had to do...It wasn't going to be easy, they're most likely armed and I don't want to exert too much SP...But I will take some bullies down...Because If I don't...The Yakuza will…
"...Hey Ann…"
"Y-Yeah…?"
"D-Do you think Kusuru…"
"...T-Think what…?"
"That Kusuru...Is more amazing than The Star Princess…?"
March 20, 2017-Velvet Room(2:23PM)(Morgana's POV)
As soon as the operation was done and the guy we had found was treated, I had to immediately depart as I had received a message from Lavenza to immediately report to the Velvet room as Master requested my appearance.
Immediately rushing as fast as I could, I found a secluded spot before using my Persona to teleport me to the my Master quarters, and though the trip was always a bit of a headache due to the interdimensional travel, I was able to safely appear in the blue hallway leading up to his room, the only light being the blue candles adjourned on the wall.
After making sure I look presentable, I slowly made my way to the blue door and when I arrived, I slowly knocked, awaiting a response.
Soon the door cracked open as Lavenza stepped out of it "It's good to see you Morgana, Master has been waiting ever so patiently."
"Sorry for being so late...I had to help Akira take care of something."
"Oh he is not mad, I assure you...He knows you are simply carrying out the task that has been assigned to you...However, the importance of this meeting cannot be understated…" Sensing the urgency in her words, I nodded as I quickly followed her inside as the blue light engulfed us before my masters chambers were now seen as we came inside.
As soon as I was in front of my master, I quickly did a bow of respect before raising myself up, Master simply nodding when he saw me "Ah Morgana, it's been quite a while, hehehe…"
"Yes master, it's an honor to see you again."
"Hehehe, It seems that the one with potential is progressing nicely...Already he has gained his second Persona and on his current trajectory, he could possibly gain many more soon...You have done an excellent job Morgana."
"Thank you, Master!" I did a bow once more as Master simply gave another laugh before waving to signify for me to rise.
"Now then...I have called you here today for an important and critical meeting regarding the shadows of this world...It seems a powerful and deadly one has resurfaced."
"Resurfaced?" Master nodded as he leaned up and rested his face on his hands.
"Eighteen years ago, in the human country called England...This shadow escaped to the outside world and for years now has been killing many innocent people in it's conquest to fulfil its hunger...Feeding on the desires of humanity, it will never be full...So it's conquest shall continue until the Human World is no more…"
"...I see…"
"This in itself is quite terrible...But the story is much more sinister than that...Twice has this shadow been engaged by residents of this room, once by the Boy from The Twin Worlds...And the second time by The King...Both times this shadow was defeated...But not killed...Returning with more of a vengencance each time…"
"...So this time, you wish for Akira and I-" Before I could finish, Master raised his hand, indicating for me to quiet down as I just nodded and closed my mouth.
"...Even if you and The Trickster were to get stronger and even realize your full potential...You would only defeat the Shadow like the other two...Not fully killing it, and allowing it to come back even more deadly in the future…"
Master swiped his hand across his desk as several cards appeared, each one representing a different Arcana.
"These cards represent the many residents of this room and the people they held close to them...Only when all of these cards, reaching their fullest potential, join together, can they truly defeat this incredible being…But even still, this being has a trump card of it's own…"
Swiping over the table once more to make the cards vanish, Master laid his head back on his hand as he chuckled once more.
"This trump card is very dangerous…"
"What is their trump card…?"
"Their trump card...Is the Lovers…"
"Lovers…?"
"Perhaps the person best to explain this...Is the one that might have been the closest to defeating this shadow, back when it was in it's infant stages…" On que, from the shadows that were behind master, emerged a tall figure...They were dressed in a black suit, with a red bowtie...They had Black Boots on, and a red trench coat and red hat, along with White gloves with a peculiar marking on them. Their eyes were covered behind a pair of glasses, yet it felt like they were looking straight at me.
"Old man...If you didn't speakin rhymes, then we could have had this introduction over with already." My body tensed up at how he spoke to my master, but Master simply chuckled as he waited for the figure to continue. "Well...A cat huh? Every minute this room continues to impress me with it's sheer foolishness."
Master simply gave another chuckle as he looked at the figure and spoke "Hehehe, this room exists between dreams and reality, mind and matter...Everything is not as it seems."
"Hmph, I could have figured that out already." The tall figure looked at me as it continued "This shadow the old man speaks of is a demon that I had encountered several years ago back in my old home...Initially it was nothing more than an ant that needed to be squished...But as I quickly learned, it was something that I had every intention of murdering in the most inhumane way possible."
The figure gave a low evil laugh before he continued.
"As a servant of my master, I was ordered to kill this repulsive being...But not only did it escape my grasp, but it had the audacity to turn my own servant against me, using her as a pawn in it's petty schemes against humanity…"
The figure was clearly irritated as it shared this information, and Master nodded at this before taking over the talking lead. "Indeed...This shadow has the power of the Lovers Arcana, because it took a powerful being and made it it's own spouse...Of course, this arcana is tainted, breaking it's mind before compelling it to join them."
"Hahaha! For her mind to be broken so easily...She should be ashamed to have actually served my master...I swear, when I find this demon, not only will I kill it...I will make sure the police girl understands what it means to backstab me."
Police girl? Is that the powerful being my Master was talking about? "Of course...However, this will not be easy...And as such, I have called all of the residents here to join in on this battle."
As soon as Master finished speaking, footsteps could be heard from another corner of the room, and soon a woman in blue clothing and short hair appeared "Master...I have brought him…"
"Ah...Good work Elizabeth…" Once Master had finished speaking, a boy in a school uniform and blue hair came out, headphones adjourned around his neck...That's…"Hehehe, sealed away for eternity, only to be called to save humanity once last time...Welcome Boy of The Twin Worlds...Minato Arisato…
"..." Not saying anything, Minato simply gave a head nod as Elizabeth walked up beside him and stood still.
Soon after, more footsteps before a guy in blue clothing appeared from another part of the room.
"My Master! I have finally found her and brought her here."
"Theodore, you have done well…" Soon a girl in a school uniform, with brown hair and red eyes appeared...Although compared to Minato she was much older than she looked...I should know…
Our eyes met as I spoke to her "...It's been a while…"
She simply gave a small smile and nodded before My Master interjected "Hehehe, Like your counterpart, you were forced to be sealed...Although unlike him, you were forced to be sealed in the Shadow World...Either way...Welcome Girl of the Twin Worlds...Minako Arisato!"
Minako simply gave a small bow and smile in response, my eyes still trained on her until another pair of footsteps interrupted as another woman entered. "Master...He is here…"
"Hehehe...Margaret, thank you for interrupting his work to bring him to this important meeting…" Once Master had finished, A man with silver hair and a outfit that was fitted with many different pockets and and other accessories entered.
He looked over at me and smiled "Hello Morgana."
"...Hey…"
"Welcome...One of the most powerful residents we have ever had here...It's nice to see you are doing well, The King...Yu Narukami…"
Author Responses
Zuskato Zyus: It's Bash Bros, thank you...Lol, glad you liked that :3
DOOT76: Makoto will be...Interesting, I think you will be surprised at how I eventually write her...I do indeed plan to tap into that Justice Loving side of hers. Kawakami is someone many people are looking forward to so I can't wait to get to her (Hopefully) next chapter.
Poll can be found on my profile :3
Glad you like their relationship!
I actually did reference something that in this chapter lol
GraecusWolf: Aw you give me too much credit :3 I'm not that good of a writer, I just love doing it lol
Kira444: Soon...Very soon...~
Elchabon: Glad to hear :3
Mr Vegerott23: Thanks!
jadasimone16: Well...He has three down so far...Plus all the generic school girls if they count.
Luckenhaft: My plan is for everyone to eventually be shipped with someone, and though Ryuji/Akechi is out there...I can make it work...Also your guess was correct!
DragonNightmare90: Glad you enjoyed! Also for the harem...it won't end as one, which is a bit different than most harem stories I know.
Lonely Support: Akechi is coming for that Phantom Thief Booty...I mean what? Anyway...The director huh? I wonder indeed...
Glad you enjoyed all the plot information with the Persona and the "Queen Bee" effect so to speak...I actually wasn't even considering that Velvet Room effect when i wrote that, but maybe my Brain was working overtime and gave me the inspiration from seeing that in the game like a million years ago...Anyway...Is she as powerful as Kamoshida? Only time will tell...
*Grins with you*
You're the first person to notice that pattern! Here have a cookie :3
Hope the park meeting lived up to your expectations!
Glad you enjoyed :D
