Stay home and safe, everyone!
Chapter 15: Mementos/ School Life
May 31stDuring the midnight, Kazumi woke up in the Velvet Room of her heart:
-"Welcome back, client."-Victor said to her and made a signal to look at his master, Igor.
-"You have expelled the one who was stained in vanity."-Igor said to her.-"You are a step closer on your rehabilitation now. A delightful thing indeed."
-"Our master is pleased. You should be honored."-Will said to her.
-"However, that mysterious power...What kind of bond have you formed?"-Igor said referring to the Almighty Eye.
-"One that makes me move forward, even now."-Kazumi replied while looking towards him.
-"Don't give such vague answers to our master!"-Will scolded her.-"We are the ones who are helping you, client!"
-"Will, silence. It is not our concern who the bond belongs to."-Victor said.
-"Well, well, what a ruckus has been caused."-Igor said while he closed his eyes for a moment.-"May you be benefited for this bond…"
-"On the other hand, the man's claims are concerning. It seems another has made their way into the Metaverse."-Igor changed the topic.
-"So it is true…"-Kazumi looked down worried.-"Is there anyway to know whether he is an ally or an enemy?"
-"That is beyond my knowledge…"-Igor replied.
-"But you're rehabilitation is going smoothly, that is for certain. May your devotion for your rehabilitation grow deeper."-he said with a vow of confidence towards Kazumi.
-"Understood."-Kazumi said back and she felt their bond grew deeper, which gave the Fool Arcana its fourth star.
In the morning, before going down for breakfast, Kazumi received a call from Yusuke:
-"Hello?"-she asked.
-"Good morning. It's Yusuke."-he said.-"I'm calling about Madarame's state."
-"Is he acting strange?"-Kazumi asked.
-"We can put it like that. He hasn't suffered a mental shutdown, that is for sure."-Yusuke said.
-"Well, that is a relief for now."-Kazumi said.
-"His demeanor has changed a bit."-Yusuke added.-"Could this be the change of heart?"
-"Sure it has to be."-Kazumi said.-"Please keep an eye on him, we still have days to go before the exhibition closes."
-"Will do. I looked into Kamoshida's case out of curiosity and his personality changed so drastically."-Yusuke nodded.-"That's all I wanted to say. I will ask about the being with the black mask in the appropriate time, so Goodbye."
-"See you later, Yusuke-kun."-Kazumi said as she hooked up.
After school, Kazumi received a text message from Ann about how they could go and see Shiho at the hospital so she accepted and they went there together:
-"Yooho! Shiho!"-Ann greeted as they entered on Shiho's room.
-"Good day."-Kazumi said cordially.
-"Ann and Asaka-san. Hello."-Shiho greeted them with a smile.
-"How are you feeling?"-Ann asked.
-"I'm still recovering."-Shiho replied.-"However, it's a surprise to see you two together…"
-"Well, lots of things had happened in the school since Kamoshida confessed…"-Ann replied.
-"I see…"-Shiho looked down.-"I am really sorry...for all the commotion I caused…"
-"Stop that."-Ann said as she seated next to her.-"He paid for what he did. You are here. It's all that matters."
-"Ann…"-Shiho said silently.-"By the way, what can I help you with?"
-"We are trying to look for a way to makes us strong."-Ann said.-"So, we wanted your opinion about what is true strength."
-"Strength? Ann, you two are strong already."-Shiho smiled.
-"I had a feeling you will said that…"-Ann said looking down.-"I mean, Shiho, you were able to resist all of what Kamoshida did to you and smile everyday. I would've broke down very fast in your case…"
-"No, Ann."-Shiho was worried that she was upsetting her.-"That is not what strong is like.
Every single day….I was always telling to myself that this shouldn't be happening to me…"
-"That I did nothing wrong, That he was doing this because of other reasons…That he was doing it just because I wasn't like you, Ann."-she said.
-"Shiho…?"-Ann was surprised to hear such thoughts.
-"I wasn't dumb, Ann."-Shiho looked at her sad.-"I knew that you two were dating back then, but I didn't know why. I was blaming the whole situation in you.
-"You can't be serious…"-Ann stood up in shock.-"Shiho, you had such thoughts?"
-"Yes…"-Shiho just looked in front of her.-"I wasn't strong… I was always blaming you for causing my disgrace but…"
-"Ann!"-Kazumi exclaimed as she saw Ann leaving the room.-"Wait!"
-"I'm sorry, Shizui-san."-Kazumi apologized in behalf.-"I suppose our visit ends here."
-"Please take care of her, Asaka-san…"-Shiho said. Kazumi went after Ann and found her at the bus stop near the hospital.
-"Ann…"-Kazumi called her friend as Ann was covering her face with her hands.
-"This was a terrible idea, Kazumi."-Ann said.-"I can't believe the person I wanted to be strong as, wasn't actually strong…"
-"That is not what you are upset for."-Kazumi said as she stood in front of her.
-"How could you know?"-Ann said in a certainly cold tone.
-"Well...I…"-Kazumi attempted to explain herself.-"Maybe you shouldn't have left Suzui-san like that!"
-"She was being honest with you."-Kazumi said.
-"You're right."-Ann said.-"Shiho was telling me her feelings and yet, I wasn't able to handle it at all."
-"I can't get stronger if I run away. Not only that, I can't afford to lose my friend for something like that."-Ann stood up and cleant her tears.
-"That's the spirit."-Kazumi smiled relieved that Ann wasn't upset anymore. She could felt her motivation to become stronger and such, the Lovers arcana got a fourth star.
-"Oh no, the visitors time is up."-Ann said as she checked the clock.-"I will have to apologize another time. Will you come with me?"
-"Of course."-Kazumi replied.
-"Let's go home for now, then."-Ann suggested and they walked together to the station.
At night, Kazumi received a text message from Mishima about the bully from before, Daisuke Takanashi. The guy decided to contact the Phantom site to ask help against the bully over him; however Takanashi wouldn't be able to put his name on the page without running the risk of being caught. Mishima mention her that she could find the culprit if she went around the entrance of the school, where the bully used to corner his victims. She wanted to deal with it as soon as possible but it was better to not bother with Mementos before Madarame confesses.
June 1stAfter school, Kazumi spent her time reading a book on the library and at night, she visited a second-hand store around her neighborhood where she bought an old TV with a DVD player at a relative price. The old man assured that he will send the TV to her home tomorrow afternoon; and later at night, she took care of her plant and studied on the cafe.
*Kazumi's charm, kindness and knowledge increase by 3 points*
June 2ndAt lunchtime, Kazumi was sitting in the courtyard area drinking her favorite banana milk when she spotted Ryuji walking by with a flyer on his hands:
-"...Hey, Ryuji-!"-She tried to call him over before Mishima took a peek of the flyer Ryuji had. Although Kazumi couldn't hear them well, the conversation went like this:
-"A maid service!?"-Mishima exclaimed surprised as he took the flyer on his hands.
-"You idiot! Don't say it loud!"-Ryuji exclaimed annoying as he got it back successfully.
-"Is it true that they will do anything in their list of services?"-Mishima asked.
-"I have no idea. But maybe there's a way to prove it."-Ryuji said raising the flyer with a confident smile.
-"What way…?"-Mishima could feel something bad was about to happen.
-"You see I found this in my mailbox and one of the guys in my building just so happened to move out. The key is hidden inside the mailbox and the landlord seriously doesn't care if someone goes in."-Ryuji mentioned.-"What about it, Mishima? Are you in like a man or not?"
-"Fine. But this is just for research...Who knows if this people aren't actually in the housekeeping service."-Mishima said with an added sense of justice.
-"What? This is not what is about, man...Woah-!"-while Ryuji was talking, he realized the paper left his hand just to find Kazumi behind him reading it.
-"A maid agency?"-Kazumi said after reading it.-"Wow…That sounds cool..."
-"K-Kazumi!"-Ryuji entered in panic and took the paper from her hands.-"Don't do that! You almost killed me!"
-"A-Asaka-san, pretend that you didn't see or hear anything."-Mishima said nervous.
-"About what?"-Kazumi asked curious.-"Anyways, what is this about maids? Are you two going to see some?"
-"What? No, of course not."-Ryuji said nervous.-"We are decent high-schoolers, Kazumi.
There's no way in hell we're gonna be looking for those kind of stuff."
-"You liars."-Kazumi crossed her arms.-"I want to go as well. I always wanted to see a maid with my own eyes."
-"Isn't it a butler in your case…?"-Mishima murmured.
-"You can't because we are doing nothing of that, right Mishima?"-Ryuji said and Mishima agreed with the same serious expression.
-"What's with that? I want to see if they are as cute and serviceable as they show in those mangas!"-Kazumi said making a whim.
-"Wait!"-Kazumi saw them leaving her alone as they murmured to each other about their meeting. She was in disbelief that they were so selfish with her.-"I will definitely see one…"
And so, after school, she waited in the little alley where the vending machines were. She was waiting for them to get out and follow them:
-"Kazumi...You're not this childish, are you? Is this because of one of your personas?"-Morgana asked trying to put some sense on her.
-"Definitely no. They will pay for making me down a side…"-she murmured in reply. -"Whatever you say, but this will end up in a big embarrassment for you…"-Morgana commented.
-"Come on, Morgana. This is a good Phantom Thieve training as well."-Kazumi said.-"If I can sneak on their plan, I can get to see the maid!"
-"Ah…"-Morgana sighed in response and noticed two students in front of them.-"Hey, Kazumi. Look at those two guys. One of them seems in trouble."
-"Uh?"-Kazumi paid attention and recognized one of the guys.-"Isn't that...Takanashi?"
-"Really? This might be our chance to get the name of that other bully!"-Morgana said.
-"But...I will miss my main objective…"-Kazumi said.
-"Just call a maid by yourself!"-Morgana said.
-"Fine…"-Kazumi replied as she approached silently to the two guys in stretch alley.
There, she heard that the guy was blackmailing Takanashi with a video and using him to take money from other people in the school. The guy's name was Yoshimori Sakoda.
After that, Kazumi waited a bit more for Ryuji and Mishima to get out but they seemed to be already gone. Disappointed, she took the train to Shibuya complaining about how they left her out:
-"Will Sojiro really let me call a maid service to the cafe?"-she asked herself while she was looking at a newspaper for the number of the same maid company.
-"Maybe you don't need to call after all…"-Morgana said as he spotted Ryuji and Mishima near Central Street.
-"There they are!"-Kazumi had her hope back and followed them close. It was like destiny was letting her do her whims.
She followed them up to the apartment complex Ryuji lived and they never realized she was there. After they went inside an empty apartment, Kazumi stayed behind the door hearing their conversation:
-"Well, we're here."-Ryuji said.-"Good thing we got rid of Kazumi…"
-"Yeah…"-Mishima said.
-"Y-You know, I'll take a leak now before we call her…"-Ryuji said.
-"Go ahead. I will go ahead and call her, haha
…"-Mishima said nervous.
-"Why do they sound so nervous?"-Kazumi thought.
She heard Mishima marking the number but:
-"Come on...Come on…"-Mishima said to himself
-"Thank you for calling! This is Victoria's Housekeeping!"-the caller said. Mishima freaked out and hung up as a lightning.
-"I can't…"
-"Huh?"-Kazumi was kind of surprised to hear Mishima saying that he can't do it. Ryuji came out of the bathroom later.
-"Hey! Did you make the call?"-he asked.
-"Of course not!"-Mishima exclaimed nervous- "Hey, Sakamoto. Do you know if high schoolers are even allowed to use those services?"
-"What are you talking about? Why is age important when you request housekeeping?"-Ryuji replied loudly.
-"Then, you call! I don't want this to be registered in my call ID!"-Mishima said.
-"Fine. I will…"-Ryuji said as he put up his own cell phone.-"Oh, but look at that. My calls are expired! Tough luck, hehe…"
-"I can't believe this…"-Kazumi said as she put her palm of the face and knocked the door.
-"W-What? Who's that?"-Ryuji said in shock. -"Mishima...You were joking right now? You really did call one?"
-"I didn't!"-Mishima said.
-"Aw crap. What if it's the landlord?"-Ryuji murmured.
-"Hello I'm from Victoria's Housekeeping~"- Kazumi said with a convincing cute girl tone.
-"You did call her!"-Ryuji said as he approached the door.-"Hi~"
-"Oh, master. You two are a bunch of cowards, aren't you~?"-Kazumi said as Ryuji saw in shock it was her.
-"K-K-Kaz…"-before he could say the full name, Kazumi invited herself in.
-"Excuse me."-Kazumi said as she took her shoes off.
-"Asaka-san? Why are you here?"-Mishima said surprised while Ryuji closed the door.
-"Did you really follow us to here!?"-Ryuji said kind of pissed off.
-"You two didn't want me to come so I did."-Kazumi said.-"It's a shame. I was planning on just seeing the Ms. Maid come in but you two can't even make the call."
-"Th-That's not true!"-Ryuji said.-"Besides, there is no way they will lend a girl a maid, you know? That will be weird!"
-"Then, let me make the call. I'm good imitating voices."-Kazumi said as she took off Ryuji's jacket.-"I will take this too. Have to look like a male when the maid comes, right?"
-"Are you sure you want to do this?"-Mishima asked her and she agreed as she covered herself with the jacket.
-"Sakamoto?"-he looked at him.
-"I don't think we can't stop her now…"-Ryuji said in defeat.-"Besides, she will see why she shouldn't had come here in the first place…"
-"Thank you for calling! This is Victoria's Housekeeping!"-the call agent said.-"I'd take your interested in our services, right?"
-"Yes. That's right."- Kazumi did her hardest tough man voice which made the agent surprised that it sounded so weird.
-"Is this really ok!?"-Mishima murmured to Ryuji.
-"Shhh."-Ryuji just let her keep on it.
-"I see...Do you have anyone to request in mind?"-the agent said.
-"No preferences."-Kazumi replied.
-"Then, the next housekeeper will be available in 20 minutes. May I ask for your address?"-the agent asked.
-"Sure…"-Kazumi said as she proceeded to give the address of the apartment.
-"Shit...This is really happening…"-Ryuji said.
-"See? It wasn't so hard."-Kazumi said with a smile.
-"We are really having maid's 'services'..."- Mishima said.
-"Kazumi, you just wanted to see the maid right? Just leave as soon as she enter. That should be good, right?"-Ryuji asked.
-"Forget it. I was the one who request her."-Kazumi said.-"I will stay!"
-"You seriously don't know what you're doing…"-Ryuji said losing his patience with her.-"What we are doing is for man only. You're a girl!"
-"Then, what are those manly thing you are planning to do when the maid comes here?"-Kazumi said equally angry.
-"Those are...uhmmm…"-Ryuji was caught off guard. It was already bad that she was here yet it will be worse if she knew how much of a pervert he was.
-"The maid is coming here in about 20 minutes, right?"-Mishima said breaking the tension.-"We gotta do something! What are we gonna make her do first of all?"
-"Mishima. This is not the time for that…"-Ryuji said.-"We gotta do something with Kazumi."
-"If you don't let me stay, I will accuse you with your landlord for coming here in the first place."-Kazumi said.
-"Gah! You wouldn't…!"-Ryuji said feeling betrayed. Next, the doorbell rang and the voice of a woman said:
-"Good evening. I'm for the Housekeeping service."
-"She's here...That was fast."-Mishima said nervous.
-"Uhmm...hello?"-the woman waited for their response.
-"What do we do?...I-I am not ready to do this!"-Mishima said in low voice.
-"The door is unlocked. May I come in…?"-the maid said as they saw the doorknob moving.
-"I can't do this either…!"-Ryuji said.-"My stomach's actin' up and my hands are all sweaty!"
-"Come on...You two are not…?"-before Kazumi could speak more, Ryuji opened the balcony.
-"Kazumi, you were the one who request her! Just don't let her figure out you're a student."-he said before getting out.
-"Wait!"-and Mishima followed him.-"Sorry, Asaka-san!"-and closed the balcony window.
-"Hey!"-Kazumi was flustered that they really left her alone after all.
-"Excuse me…"-when she heard the voice of the maid, she pulled up the hood of the jacket to keep up the acting.-"Oh, there you are."
-"Welcome home, Master "-the maid said as she was doing a respectful bow.-"I'm going to fill your tired heart with lovely energy-meow!"
-"Wait a second...This sounds like one of THOSE maids…"-Kazumi thought as she remembered the commercials of Maid Cafes she used to see on the train.-"I was expecting a maid from those mangas about princesses!"
-"I'm Becky. I am pleased to be serving you today."-the maid was taller than her, dressed in a custom maid dress and with brown twintails.
-"I-I see...Nice to me-meow you too."-Kazumi replied nervous with her actual voice tone.-"Oh no…"
-"We're going to get along so well!"-Becky said with a smile.-"But, Master, you have a very cute voice...and that jacket...Are you perhaps in high school?"
-"N-No. I am in college."-Kazumi said with her tryhard man voice.
-"I see. Master, will you like to turn around so I can explain my services face to face?"-Becky requested suspecting something.
-"Ehh? No, this is fine. I can perfectly hear you."-Kazumi excused herself.
-"...You are not lying to me, are you?"-Becky said.
-"Uhmmm…"-Kazumi didn't know what to say.
-"..."-Becky waited for an answer but it never came. So, she just took the hood off.
-"What are you…?"-Kazumi exclaimed as she covered her head with her hands when the hood was taken off.
-"Oh shit! She was discovered!"-Ryuji exclaimed from the balcony.
-"Quiet…!"-Mishima murmured.
-"Oh? Is someone there!?"-Becky ignored Kazumi and went to the balcony.
-"Shit! Run, Mishima!"-Ryuji exclaimed as they went downstairs on the balcony.
-"Mishima? Sakamoto-kun?"-Becky asked as she recognized the voices and turned around to see Kazumi's face.-"And You!?"
-"H-Hello…"-Kazumi lowered her hands as she had nothing to hide now.
-"Did you request for me specifically?"-Becky asked.
-"Request…?"-Kazumi looked at Becky's face with more detail.-"Wait a minute…"
-"Oh no. It's all right. How will you know me, young lady?"-Becky said with a smile.
-"Ms. Kawakami!?"-Kazumi said in shock when she recognized the maid's face.
-"Ugh...Yes, it's me...Your homeroom teacher…"-Becky said doing an apathetic expression.
-"I can't believe I got caught by my own students…"-she complained.
-"I don't understand…"-Kazumi said.
-"I should have taken a job out of the city…"-Kawakami said.-"Asaka, was Ms. Chouno you heard this from?"
-"She has been snooping on all of the teachers ever since what happened with Mr. Kamoshida…"-Kawakami explained.
-"I actually didn't know that…"-Kazumi said.-"But why are you a maid, Ms. Kawakami? Isn't that a bad example for the students?"
-"Look who is asking...Do you know how many troubles you are going to have if someone knows you called a maid service? Even worse, this isn't even your home address."-Kawakami said.
-"T-That is true…"-Kazumi said.-"Let's forget this ever happened! I won't say anything about this in the school."
-"I see we have an agreement here. Don't tell anything to Ms. Chouno and I will do anything for you."-Kawakami said.-"I will say to the agency that you cancelled and we pretend this never happened."
-"Sure…!"-Kazumi said and Kawakami took her leave.
-"I can't believe this…"-Kazumi said as she sat down in the floor.-"Those two...How could they leave me alone into this!?"
-"At this point, I think you have a natural skill to get in troubles…"-Morgana meowed.
June 3rdAfter classes, Kazumi gathered with Ryuji y Mishima in the courtyard:
-"You two...I can't believe you left me alone in there…"-she said while crossing her arms in anger.
-"Don't blame us...You were the one who came uninvited."-Ryuji excused himself.-"I am actually surprised you came to school as if nothin' happened."
-"Ah, yeah...nothing…"-Kazumi murmured nervous remembering that Kawakami could put her on trouble.
-"What's wrong..? Did something actually happen?"-Mishima asked.-"Don't tell me! Did she ask you for our names as well!?"
-"Of course not!"-Kazumi exclaimed.-"I will never sell you out...but it seems like you too will sell me…"
-"Totally not! You are the only light of justice in this town!"-Mishima exclaimed.
-"Hey, hey, you are getting ahead of yourself again."-Ryuji exclaimed as he shut Yuuki up.
-"What about you, Ryuji?"-Kazumi asked.
-"Not at all!"-Ryuji said.-"Look, Kazumi. I'm sorry we didn't tell ya anything about it but you gotta understand that you also did wrong in this."
-"Understood. I suppose I can't hold on you two as friends always."-Kazumi said with a sad expression.
After that, Kazumi walked through the hall towards the library and saw Ms. Chouno talking to Ms. Kawakami:
-"Ms. Kawakami...I already know…"- the dark skinned woman said, which took the attention of Kazumi.
-"Ms. Chouno and Ms. Kawakami!?"-Kazumi reacted nervous.-"I'm getting a bad feeling about this…"
-"I better know what they are talking about…"-Kazumi decided.
-"As I was saying…"-Sadayo tried to excuse herself and noticed when Kazumi walk in front of them.-"Get home safely, Asaka."
-"Thank you, Miss."-Kazumi said as she slowly passed away.
-"Well, I have something to look forward so I will excuse myself…"-Kawakami intended to avoid Chouno in order to not be busted.
-"Wait! I haven't finished yet!"-Chouno forced her to hold on which made Kazumi turn around.
-"There has been a series of scandals in this school and we all have been called into question!"-Chouno continued.-"And yet, you leave work earlier than anyone and you barely make it for the faculty meetings."
-"Explain yourself! Have you been going out at night!?"-Chouno made Sadayo nervous. Kazumi knew she couldn't just watch without doing anything.
-"Ms. Kawakami! About yesterday's..!"- Kazumi exclaimed as she approached to them.
-"What is it, Asaka-san? Do you need Ms. Kawakami for something important?"-Chouno asked.
-"You have another question about yesterday's class?"-Kawakami asked.
-"Yes! I will like to resolve these doubts I have before the next assignment!"-Kazumi said as she went along.
-"Understood. Just let me finish my talk with Ms. Chouno here…"-Kawakami said with a faking smile.-"You see, Asaka's questions are very complicated so I have to teach her at nighttime…"
-"Oh. I see. Teaching students outside of school hours...You are a very dedicated teacher!"-Chouno smiled.-"A teacher like that is exactly what we need in this school! I'm sorry for suspecting you, Ms. Kawakami."
-"Yes...Uhm, no hard feelings…"-Sadayo said.
-"Then, if you excuse me."-Chouno said as she left.
-"She just convinced herself…"-Kawakami said.-"Anyway, that cleared the suspicions so, thank you, Asaka."
-"It was nothing."-Kazumi replied.
-"Can you come with me for a second?"- Kawakami asked. Kazumi agreed and they both went to a corner near the hall towards the sports building.
-"Here. This is the phone number and address of my night job."-Kawakami gave her a paper.-"I am sure you have your questions about yesterday but I can't answer them here. Just call at light and request for me."
-"Ok."-Kazumi said.
-"And make sure it doesn't show up in your call history."-added Kawakami before waving goodbye.
-"Are you gonna call?"-Morgana asked her as Kazumi put the number on her phone and rugged the paper to put it on her pocket.
-"I… don't know…"-Kazumi said.-"What should I even tell her to why I was there?"
-"You are still a coward…"-Morgana sighed.
After that, Kazumi just went ahead to the library to study. She felt the incriminating eyes of everyone around but that didn't stop her from sitting in one of the booths to study in peace since she no longer felt out of place at school.
*Kazumi's courage increases by 3*
*Kazumi's knowledge increases by 3*Later, she went to Shibuya and borrowed a horror movie from the DVD store. The next thing she did was to show Morgana she wasn't a coward and watched that movie the whole night without flinching same as Morgana. The demons they have seen of the palace were even scarier than anything is just a dumb horror movie.
*Kazumi's courage increases by 3*
*Kazumi's courage is now Stauch*
June 4thAfter school, Kazumi dedicated her efforts to work on the flower shop. She knew today she will have the resolve to call her but she needed the money to help out with the cover.
*Kazumi's kindness increases by 3*When she arrived at LeBlanc:
-"Sojiro-san, are we closing soon?"-she asked him.
-"Closing? Yes. Why the question?"-Sojiro asked.
-"You see...I have a friend who wants to talk to me in private and I thought I could bring her to talk once we closed the cafe."-Kazumi made as an excuse.
-"A friend, huh?"-Sojiro mentioned and thought about it for a moment.-"Well, I don't mind if you bring her over. Just remember the rules, understood?"
-"Yes! We won't cause any trouble!"-Kazumi said as she did a small reverence.
After Sojiro left, Kazumi used the yellow phone on the entrance of the cafe to call the Maid Company:
-"Hi~ This is Becky!"-she heard to the other side of the line.
-"Ms. Kawa- I mean, Becky. It's me."-Kazumi replied.-"Can you come to my home tonight?"
-"I see. Well, you know I'll have to charge you this time around right? It's 5000 yen plus the request fee."-Becky replied.
-"Of course. I'll be waiting."-Kazumi said.
-"Really…? T-Then, I will be there right away…"-Becky said nervous.
About half an hour later, Becky arrived to LeBlanc and Kazumi invited her to her room:
-"So, this is your room...huh?"-Becky said as she looked around the at-least-it's-clean attic room while Kazumi was sitting on the chair of her desk.-"Hm. How do I put this…?"
-"Don't worry. I accept criticism."-Kazumi said.
-"No. I think I will reserve my words."-Kawakami said.-"By the way, what kind of girl are you?"
-"Kind…?"-Kazumi wondered.
-"Well, by the way you confronted Mr. Kamoshida, I can say you are an earnest person with a strong sense of justice. You are also kind if you stood up with Takamaki back in the assembly."-she mentioned.
-"That being said...You called a maid service in a room that it's not even your address and requested me today."-Kawakami said deliberately which kind of opposed to what she said a moment ago.
-"Well, I...I called because I thought of maids as the ones in the royalty...hehe."-Kazumi said. She remembered when Ryuji said she got a blame on the situation herself for holding on the boys as friends.
-"It was dumb, I know but...I actually don't have many female friends ever since I came here and my other friends are also tired of me."-Kazumi said with a sad face.
-"I see. That's right, you have a criminal record…"- Kawakami said.-"I wonder what can I do…"
-"Oh, I know! What if I let you skip classes a couple of times?"-Kawakami said.
-"Skip classes? Really?"-Kazumi said surprised.
-"Yes. I know it's tough to not have a place where you belong. But, whenever I give the signal, you can do whatever you want in class."-Kawakami said.-"A warning though, I will change my mind if your grades drop."
-"Don't swear it! I will keep working hard!"- Kazumi said.
-"Well said. It's a fair exchange for keeping my secret, isn't it?"-Kawakami said.-"Do we have a deal, Asaka?"
-"Yes! Thanks."-Kazumi said.
-"I am thou, thou art I.
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Temperance persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing
That shall lead to freedom and new power." - The arcana card of Temperance appeared and got one star.
-"What am I doing here with one of my students?"- Kawakami complained to herself. -"Well, I guess I should get going back to work."
-"Already?"-Kazumi asked.-"Can I call again sometime?"
-"Well, you can request me when you need help with your housework."-Kawakami suggested.
-"Sounds like an idea, but, is it ok for you?"-Kazumi replied.
-"Well, we know each other´s secret now and it will really put my mind at ease."-the woman explained.-"Besides, I´m considered over the hill in this type of job so I am not requested too often…"
-"Over the hill…? How old are you, Ms. Kawakami?"-Kazumi asked making her teacher angry. The woman put her hands on her hips demandingly and said with a raised eyebrow:
-"That's rude! You can't ask me my age! And you have to call me Becky while I am on this outfit!"-she said.-"Are we clear?"
-"S-Sure…"-Kazumi said nervous.-"I´m sorry…"
-"Back to the housework, think about it, ok?"-Kawakami said a little bit calmer.-"I'll really appreciate it."
-"Here. It's the payment for today's visit."-Kazumi said as she handed her the money before Becky left.
-"Well, thank you for using our services!"-Kawakami said back on her character.
-"Skip classes, huh?"- Kazumi thought as she saw her teacher going up the street.-"That will be awesome!"
-"I agree. Yet, at the same time, it's unbelievable that your little whim ended up well for you."-Morgana mentioned.
-"Talking about unbelievable…"-Kazumi checked her phone.-"Tomorrow is the day."
June 5thIn Shibuya Street, one of the big screens was displaying a press conference to Ichiryuusai Madarame:
-"What is with that old geezer?"-a man asked as he saw with a smirk the ugly face of a deeply regretful Madarame.
-"Is he crying..?"- a woman asked with the same tone of fun.
-"I...I have committed crimes that are unbecoming of an artist."-Madarame started to say.-"Plainly put...I..uhm..plagiarized work."
-"I-I tainted this...country´s art world...and even...Sayuri…"-Madarame could no longer face the camera of his shame and covered his face while he started weeping.
-"...H-How could I possibly apologize for...to everyone...what have I done…"-he started to cry uglily.-"Waaah...Aaaaah…"
-"He is crying way too much."-some pedestrian in Shibuya said as the news kept discussing about the conference.
-"...And that was about the press conference Madarame requested just a few moments ago."-the newsman said.-"After reporting to the Art Association, Madarame agreed to turn himself in to the police."
-"Wasn't him on TV the other day?"- a girl in the public asked.
-"On top of charges for abuse of his pupils, Madarame was suspected of claiming works as his own."-the newsman reported.-"Some doubt the validity of his maiden work ´Sayuri´ was stolen, and it was used for fraud."
-"This large scale criminal act have brought shock to the art world and…"-the newsman kept reporting.-"Madarame was taken to a police hospital for interrogation due to his age."
-"That old an is done for."-a pedestrian said. The newsman mentioned that Madarame was likely responsible of his actions as he was healthy psychologically speaking, yet the public just wondered why would he confess his crimes himself.
-"Also, a group calling themselves Phantom Thieves posted a dubious note in Madarame´s exhibit."- the newsman mentioned.-"No suspects have been identified, but police keeps investigating in relation to this accident."
At the mentioning of the Phantom Thieves, people started to rumor about them and spread the already known information of what happened in Shujin. Around the excitement of the pedestrians for these ´heroes´ on the shadows, there was people who were not so amused to their mention:
-"Phantom Thieves, huh?"-a high-schooler, the same that once assisted Sae Nijima, was looking at the screen with certain annoyance and left.
-"The Phantom Thieves again…"-Makoto said with a frown on his face as he was looking the news in Shibuya. He also left towards the subway station.
Meanwhile in the access way of that same station, the rebels were reunited after watching the news:
-"Alright! It was just like what happened to Kamoshida!"-Ryuji exclaimed.
-"And they mentioned the Phantom Thieves!"-Ann said equally amazed.
-"If we keep doing this right, we can change even more people's hearts!"- Ryuji said out loud.
-"Keep your voice down."-Kazumi had to scold him.
-"It's a crowded station and everyone is talking about the phantom thieves. Calm down."- he replied.
-"Fine. But, let's not put our guards down."-Kazumi said.-"With this power, we could do more than change people's hearts…"
-"That's right. We can make this a huge deal!"-Ryuji said.-"I just hope we can keep getting more and more famous!"
-"If we keep doing this, we can keep giving courage to everyone who needs it!"-Ann said with a smile. Then, two police officers walked nearby, alarming Yusuke.
-"We may want to keep our voices down."-he warned the others.
-"Who are they?"-Ann asked.
-"You moron, those are attendance officers."-Ryuji murmured to her. The officers approached Kazumi and the others.
-"Hello there, may we speak with you for a moment?¨"-one of the officers asked.
-"Yes, how can we help you?"-Ann started to act.
-"That monotonous act of hers never fails to send a chill down my spine…"-Morgana meowed.
-"What are you all doing here? Are you friends?"- the officers asked.
-"Well, we were just going for some tea…"-Kazumi excused herself.
-"Yes, that's right. Maybe, we should be out now."-An said keeping her good girl act.
-"Alright. Just make sure to scatter out before it gets too late."- one of the officers said.-"Odd things have been happening lately and the scandal that artist caused has been quite a stir."
-"Understood."-Kazumi said as they left.
-"It's still light out. These guys have way too much time on their hands."-Ryuji complained.
-"...We should be cautious from now on."-Morgana said.-"I mean, look at us. Right after the second incident, both prior victims meeting up in the same spot."
-"It will be fine, nobody worries about that but us."-Ryuji mentioned.
-"Just in case, we should look for another hideout…"-Kazumi mentioned.-"By the way,
Yusuke-kun, did you get anything out from Madarame about the black mask?"
-"Well, I pressed him for answers. But he did not even understand what happened to him to begin with."-Yusuke replied.-"Besides, it is rumored he will be in prison in no time so investigation will be even more difficult to obtain…"
-"So, what are ya gonna do now?"-Ryuji asked him.
-"I'll be leaving that house. I can't draw in such a place anymore."-Yusuke replied determined.
-"Do you have somewhere to go?"-Ann asked.
-"The school dorms. I get a room free of charge thanks to my arts scholarship."-Yusuke said.
-"A scholarship!? Wait, you are that good?"-Ryuji said surprised.
-"Although Takamaki-san´s house will do as well."-he mentioned.-"I will keep in mind any suggestions from you as well, Kazumi-san."
-"Wait WHAT!?"-both girls exclaimed at the same time.
-"Not happening."-Ryuji said.-"Although, you could ask Ann to model whenever you want."
-"Why only me!?"-Ann said as she stepped on Ryuji´s feet.
-"Then again, now that Yusuke doesn't live in that house, it will be easier for us to gather whenever we want."-Ryuji said.
-"For the time being, we better see how things play out."-Yusuke said.
-"It will take some time to find a big target as well."-Kazumi mentioned.
-"We should look like normal students while we look for our next target, ok?"-Ann mentioned.
-"I will talk to Mishima-kun for more targets in Mementos!"- Kazumi said.
-"We will entrust you with looking for our next target, Ryuji."-Morgana meowed.
-"Alright, guess everything is just prep' for now, then."-Ryuji nodded.
The four of her friends left to a side while Kazumi waved them goodbye:
-"Yusuke Kitagawa, eh…"- watching them from the distance after getting on the station was Makoto. He left after finding this meeting of them suspicious.
-"Huh?"-Kazumi turned around thinking someone was watching her but there was nobody.
November 11thSae asked the phantom thief the next question:
-"So after Shiho Suzui, you did it again for someone you barely knew?"- she asked. -"You were sent away twice, almost reported to the police...and yet you wanted to save him?"
-"Moreover, you ended up in a museum instead of a castle this time…"
-"A palace is a palace at the mind of each…"-Kazumi replied.
-"You're still going to maintain this rubbish about changing someone's heart by stealing their treasure?"- Sae asked inquisitive.
-"Whether you accept it or not, it's the truth of the matter…"- Kazumi said without looking at her.
-"Sigh...I will make sure your tale of lies comes to an end once and for all."-Sae said as she took the file next to her.-"Perhaps, you're good girl facade has an excuse for the next target, am I right?"
Kazumi looked shocked as Sae opened the file showing the image of that woman:
-"The Phantom Thieves next target was this woman, Haruka Furukawa."
Take Your Time.
