6) In Matt Oda We Trust

Part 2

Somewhere not far from Mahora Academy, a robbery occurred at a jewelry store. Five girls managed to escape from the store as they have bags that carried the stolen jewelry in them. The clerk went after them with a crowbar in his hand. "HEY! Come back here!" The clerk shouted. He chased after the thieves that they fled around the corner and into an alleyway. As soon as the clerk reaches the alleyway, they were gone. The clerk looked around thoroughly of the alley, but he scoffed when he couldn't find the bandits. He left the alleyway and calls the police for a report.

When they were in the clear, the thieves popped out of hiding. They got together and place their stolen jewelry in the center of the group. One girl with brown hair in a long ponytail looks at all the bags that have the jewelry, and then she smiles evilly.

She then talks to her band of thieves, "Nice work, ladies. Were an unstoppable team when it comes to me and all of us together." The rest of the girls smiled evilly.

"So Mieko, where shall we plan our next heist?" said one the thieving girls.

"I know the perfect place, Mahora Academy," Mieko, their leader, stated.

The rest of the crook girls flinched. "Why there?" said another thieving girl. "It's just an all-girl school."

"Because there's a valuable item held in that school. And I know someone over there I'm dying to see." Mieko grins evilly. "And I'm going to enjoy him."


At the Mystery Club, every girl member, including Negi and Chamo, are enjoying themselves talking to each other and playing puzzles and brain-teasers together. However, Matt Oda is sitting at his podium, with his head lying on his arms, thinking about how unfortunate he was trying to save Makie from the bullies. Nodoka spots Matt's depression and walks up to him.

"Hey Matthew-san, what's wrong?" Nodoka asked in concern.

Matt noticed her, "Oh, hey Nodoka. Well, Makie bumped into these older students, and they mistreated her. I tried to stop them, but due to my phobia, I kind of…well…" Matt paused for a moment, and Nodoka kept staring at him. "…I backed away in fright." Nodoka flinched a little. "I was so eager to help Makie, but all I did was run away like a coward as usual."

"Oh Matt, I'm sorry." Nodoka worried.

"Something wrong, Nodoka?" Haruna asked as she walks up to her.

"It's Matt, he was trying to help Makie from bullies, but he was scared."

Haruna looked at Matt with his depressed look on his face. "That gynophobia of yours, huh?" Matt nodded. "I understand it's hard to get rid of that phobia of yours, but don't sweat it. You still did amazing things with that fear you have, and you never gave up."

"But that's still not enough!" Matt raised his voice, and everyone else got their attention on him. "I am a gentleman and really honest to others and myself, but how can I be a great mystery solver if this phobia keeps getting in the way for me. Sure talking to a man seems fine, but when it comes to women or young girls, I froze solid stiff and feel like I should give up. I feel like such a weakling in front of Makie and the others." Matt looked down on top of the podium's desk. "Sometimes, I wish that I can really stand up and face a girl no matter if they're big or small. But I guess that's only wishful thinking."

The members of the club, including Negi and Chamo, looked at each other for a moment. Then they all grinned. Slowly a few girls walked towards Matt to cheer him up.

"Matthew-san," Konoka starts to talk, "I think you're great the way you are." Matt heard Konoka's kind words and looks at her. "When you saved the other girls and me from those kidnappers, I just met the greatest man that I ever encountered in my life. You might be afraid of me at first, but you are smart and brave to do such a dangerous task like that."

"Konoka…" Matt said in a little surprise.

Chao and Satomi were next. "Matt-san," Chao starts to talk, "if you didn't show up and save our identity crisis by that devious Nami, we would've been arrested by false accusation, and Nami's revenge would've been complete."

"You're superior detective skills save our lives," Satomi continued to talk to Matt. "Even with that phobia of yours, you never gave up on us and continued on to clear our names. And you put that scheming Nami in jail. And that's something we're very proud of you, Matt-san."

Matt widens his eyes a little, "Chao, Satomi…"

"Mr. Matthew Oda," Eva talked, "even though I was mean to you because I took advantage of your phobia, you were the only man who could understand my true feelings and reached out to my heart." Eva blushed a little, "I've encountered many mortals who were nothing more but common beings, but you Matt were extraordinary when you saved me back at the clock tower. That fear may get in your way, but you risked your life to save mine, and that's something a shinzou vampire like me would never forget of your gold-hearted action." Eva smiles at Matt, "Thank you, Matthew."

"Evangeline…" Matt responded with his eyebrows raised.

"Mattie Bro," said Fumika, "I want to thank you so much for saving me from that rabid dog. Without you, I would've been dog meat. You saved my life, and I will never forget your brave act of heroicness."

"And I want to thank you for saving my life as well," Ako followed. "Not only had you saved my life, but everyone, the athletes and the audience, as well from Mako's evil scheme. At first, you were afraid of us, but you kept pushing yourself and moved forward. You thwarted her plans and saved the day. And that's something that no ordinary gentleman can do. You are really a kind and wonderful guy, Matt-san." Makie, Akira, Yuna, and Misora nodded in agreement with Ako's statement.

"Fumika…Ako…" Matt responded. Matt looked at everyone else who are smiling at him. Matt smiled with a sad little expression on his face. "I don't know what to say…"

"Matt, you are a great gentleman, and you know how to shine to all of us." Asuna stated. "It doesn't matter if you are afraid of girls or not, what matters is you cared for us as if we are your great family members."

"She's right, Oda-san," Negi followed. "I always care for my students, also my partners, whenever they get into trouble. I never give up on them and vowed to watch over them until the end. You may not be a Magister Magorum, but with your incredible mystery-solving skills, you were able to become a great hero like me."

Chamo hopped onto the podium and faces towards Matt, "Big Bro is right, Mr. Oda. You posses something special and amazing that all of us can't obtain like you. You really are a wonderful guy to all of us." Every member, including Negi, nodded in agreement with Chamo's statement.

Matt smiled even more and replies, "Thanks, you guys. Those words mean a lot to me." Matt then scratches his head. "Maybe you're right. I may have this phobia, but as long as I don't give up and continue on, I will succeed in not only solving mysteries but saving the people I cared and protect." The whole club smiles at Matt Oda.

Matt smiles back to the club until he jolted when he hears a phone call. He got his cellphone and answers the call. "Hello?" Matt replied. The members and Negi watched Matt listening to his call. "Oh Dean, what's up?" There's a moment of silence. "What!?... When?" Some of the girls were a bit shocked after hearing what Matt said. "Right, will be right there." Matt hangs up the call and turns toward his group. "That was the dean. He said he needs us in his office. Something urgent came up." Matt got off from the podium and stands on his feet. "Come on, everyone, let's move." Matt heads to the front doors and exits, and the team followed him to the dean's office.


Meanwhile, in the music hall, Ayaka just finished playing her violin and starts to exit the classroom. She grabbed her case and is outside of the classroom where Chizuru, Zazie, and Natsumi are waiting for her.

"So, how did your lessons go?" Chizuru asked.

"Great as usual," The class rep replied. "Did Kazumi got what I wanted?"

"She said she's on her way to meet you," Natsumi responded. "She should be here right about–"

"Hey, girls!" Kazumi shouted as she and Sayo were rushing up to Ayaka and the other girls.

"Did you get it?" Ayaka questioned.

"Sure did," Kazumi pulls out a folder from her schoolbag. "Everything you need to know about Matt Oda."

"Great, let's all walk out and discuss this together." Ayaka and the girls walked down the halls together. "So who is this Matthew Oda we heard so much about?"

"Well, first of all, why is his name so English?" Natsumi said curiously.

"Well, check this out," Kazumi replied as she scrolls through the packet, "This Matt Oda fellow came from the United States of America, and he was born there with his English name: Matthew."

"America?" Chizuru said in surprise. "That's really the far west of the world."

"But why is his last name in Japanese?" Zazie wondered.

Kazumi continued with the facts, "Well, according to his profile, Matthew Oda's parents were originally born and came from Japan, and they moved to the U.S. to find better jobs. They were married in the country and gave birth to Matthew. He spent his whole academic years from elementary to college, while his parents died in an accident, and he lives in a foster home."

"Just like what the girls said that hang around with Matt Oda a lot," Ayaka commented.

"Sounds to me that Matt seems to be a normal guy," Sayo commented while flying over Kazumi. "But I don't see what's so special about him besides he is a gentleman and kind."

"That's we're gonna find out Sayo," Kazumi responded.

"Right Kazumi," Ayaka said, "tomorrow, once we're done with our classes and clubs, we'll go right to him and meet Matt Oda. I have the flyer of his club, so make sure you meet me before we all head over to him." The rest of the girls nodded as the group exit the building and outside onto the academic grounds.


At the dean's office, Matt, Negi, and the members are all together hearing what Dean Konoe has to say. Dean Konoe gave the full report, and he surprised the team a bit.

"A robbery?" Matt said in shock.

"Yes, Matt-san," the dean replied, "This crime started a couple of days ago, and they have robbed from many stores and banks. I want you and your team to check out the last place they robbed and try to track them down before the next robbery strikes."

"Will the police know that we are part of the investigation?" Negi questioned.

"Of course, I've already called the police and informed them that Mahora's Mystery Club will be on the case to aid the police. They are at a jewelry store just not far from Mahora's district area."

"Well then, everyone," Matt calls out to this team, "Let's get a move on and check out the site." Everyone agreed, and they left the office.

"You be careful out there." the dean called to the Mystery team.


After a half-hour passed, the team arrived at the jewelry store where many policemen are investigating the crime and a ton of witnesses observing the scene. Matt sees a policeman, who is out in the opening, handling the crowd. He and his team walk up to him and gives the info.

"Excuse me, sir," Matt asked.

"Yes?" the policeman responded as he heard and sees Matt.

"We're from Mahora Academy, and we are the Mystery Club members here to investigate the crime."

"Do you have any proof of your part of this investigation?"

"Yeah, I do." Matt got out his Mahora Academy I.D. card and shows it to the policeman. The officer observed it and blinked in surprise.

"Oh, you're Matthew Oda, the one from the news." The policeman gave back the I.D. to Matt. "Well, it's great for you and your team to be here. Please follow me, the captain of the detective team would like to see you." The policeman escorted the mystery team through the crowd and headed toward the crime scene.

After passing through the crowd, Matt, Negi, and the girls, with the policeman, arrived at the front doors of the jewelry shop. The windows were shattered, the doors falling, and hanging on the side.

There stood in front of the doors is a man in his fifties and is about five feet tall talking with a police officer. He had black straight hair and little facial hair on his chin. He wore a detective's coat, which is all brown and hanging down to the bottom shin of the legs. Matt walks up to the detective and greets him.

"Good day, mister," Matt greeted.

"Well, hello there, young ones," the detective replied. "I'm Detective Sagaru at your service. Are you by any chance the Mystery Club people from Mahora?" Matt and his team nodded in response. "Ah great, I'm glad you are here. We got a big case here, and I heard you mystery people are good at solving these situations. Come with me inside." And the team did as they followed the detective.

When the whole team got into the ransacked store, the whole place was in ruins. The glass cases were shattered, all the jewelry was gone, and the cashing machines were empty. The whole place has been robbed.

The detective makes a command, "Alright, you guys, spread out and see if your crime-solving skills can help us solve this case."

"We're on it," Matt replied. "Alright team, move out and find any clues."

The girls and Negi nodded as they searched the whole place. They looked high and low to find any evidence, but so far, not a single evidence is found. They were about to give up, until…

"Hey! I found something!" Makie shouted to the team.

Everyone heard her and went to Makie. She was behind the counter as she picked up something from the floor and shows to everyone. In her hand is a red ribbon with a tag attached to it.

Satomi took the ribbon from Makie and analyzes it. "Hmm…, this ribbon looks completely undamaged as if someone left it here on purpose," Satomi stated.

"Why did the criminals did that for?" Ako wondered.

"Could it be a bumbling mistake they did?" Konoka wondered.

Matt and the rest of the gang wondered too but still couldn't figure out why. Satomi analyzed the ribbon more and came to a discovery. She looked underneath the ribbon, and there she sees a sticker attached to it.

"Hey guys, hear this," Satomi said to everyone. Everyone carefully listened to Satomi, "This ribbon is made from New York, New York City."

Matt flinched in surprise, "That's in America, the U.S.A."

"That's surprising," Setsuna followed.

"Odd, what's a fashion accessory from America doing here in Japan?" Eva questioned.

The team, including Detective Sagaru, even became more curious by this mysterious clue. Just then, Satomi spotted something hidden in the knot of the ribbon. She pulled it out and obtains a small folded paper. She unfolded it and revealed a small message on the paper.

"Hey guys, I found another clue," Satomi said to everyone.

"What is it?" Yue asked.

"It looks like some sort of message."

"A message?" Fuka asked and raised an eyebrow.

"What does it say?" Fumika followed and questioned.

Satomi carefully read the message, "I'm here and waiting for you, Wimpy Dog."

Negi, the girls, and Detective Sagaru were confused by the message they heard.

But to Matt…, When he heard those words "Wimpy Dog," a vision came into his mind. There he sees a tall and shadowy girl standing right in front of him. Only an evil look of the eyes and mouth were seen from Matt's vision. After the vision, Matt sweated and breathed heavily.

"No, that's impossible." Matt thought while he was breathing hard. "There's no way she can be here. You're overthinking. Snap out of it."

Negi noticed Matt's strange state. "Matt, are you okay?" he asked.

Matt heard Negi's voice, and then he shook his head to snap himself out of his frozen state. "Uh…, yeah…, I was just thinking about the clues we've found."

"Well, it looks like this all we can find here in this broken-down store," Detective Sagaru announced. "We'll continue on with the case and find those crooks ASAP."

"Right Detective," Matt responded. "Keep us in touched in anything comes up on this robbery and the crooks."

"Will do, Oda-san."


Meanwhile, somewhere in Mahora's Restaurant District, the Cheerleaders Sakurako, Misa, and Madoka are having a tropical drink, sitting at a table just outside of a café. The three girls are talking about Matthew Oda so much that he became an addiction to the cheerleaders' minds.

"I wonder if Matt will accept us in his Mystery Club?" Sakurako wondered.

"Who knows… Maybe if we're good enough, he can let us join in like the other girls did," Misa commented.

"But don't forget girls," Madoka interrupted them, "he has that gynophobia he's got, so it might not be easy for him that he can let us join in with just a snap."

"(Sigh)…You're right," Sakurako complained. "I think we wouldn't be worthy. We're just three cheerleaders."

Misa takes her last sip to finish her drink. "Well, let's head back to the academy," said Misa. "I got to get to my clubs."

Sakurako and Madoka agreed with Misa and started to leave the table. But just as they were about to walk away, Sakurako spotted a few shadowy people running towards the alleyway. "What is it, Sakurako?" Madoka asked. Sakurako calmly shushed Madoka and pointed toward the shady people. The other two cheerleaders see the shadow figures as they entered the alleyway.

The three cheerleaders are very curious girls to find out the truth, so they quietly walked toward the alleyway where the shadow people are held. The three crept their heads out from around the corner, and they see a group of young women gathered. The group had a big bag with them as well. Then the cheerleaders began to hear them talk.

"Whew…, what a heist," said the first woman.

"Yeah, we almost got caught by the police," said another woman.

"Well done, ladies," said someone from the shadows. Appearing before the young girls is Mieko, the group leader of the female bandits. "Nice you achieved the mission."

"At this rate, we'll be rich," said the third female crook.

"So, what's next?" said another crook. "We already got a lot of stuff we stole. Should we call it?"

"Not quite," the leader responded, "there's one more thing we need to steal before we can escape this whole place for good. And that is…" There was a moment of silence of the crooks and the cheerleader they are eavesdropping.

"…Mahora's Crowned Emblem."

When they heard that, the crooks and the cheerleaders jolted in surprise.

"The Crowned Emblem!?" The second crook said in shock. "I heard that's worth a lot of money!"

"Yeah, it's the symbol of Mahora's City and Academy." said the first crook.

"The only problem is that it's held at the campus of the academy," the fourth crook stated. "How are we going to nab it with all the security going around at that place."

The leader gave her goons an evil smirk, "You just leave everything to me."

The cheerleaders hid from the crooks and breathed in fright.

"Did you girls hear that?" Sakurako said and panicked.

"Yeah," said Madoka in fright, "they're going to steal the symbol of this whole place."

Misa makes a thought, and then she tells her suggestion to her friends, "Girls, we got to report this to Matt Oda pronto." The other two heard Misa words. "If Matt was able to solve those last mysteries from these lasts months, then he can do it again by capturing those criminals and save the symbol of Mahora."

"You're right Misa," Madoka responded. "Let's hurry back to the academy and warn Matt about this." The other cheerleaders agreed and nodded.

The three then dashed off into the streets and raced back to the academy with all their might.


Later that late afternoon, Negi, Matt, and the girls from the Mystery club arrived back at Mahora Academy safe and sound. Along the way back to the club, Matt begins to think about the criminal that came from America.

"Who in the world would come from America to here, Japan? Is this a world-class thief, or a crook that travels to different places?" Matt begins to ponder even more. Then he pictures the ribbon they found at the crime scene. "And what's with that ribbon?"

But when he thought about the ribbon the team found at the store, a vision of the tall shadowy lady came into his mind. Matt flinched when he imagined that same shady lady again, and he shook his head to remove that horrifying image. After that, he took a deep breath and calms himself.

Asuna noticed Matt in his worried state and asks him, "Are you okay, Matt-san?"

"Huh…? Uh… yes, I'm fine," Matt responded. "I just a little tired, that's all."

"Are you sure?" Konoka asked as she is right beside Matt Oda. "You seemed to be really nervous about something."

"Uh…no, no. I'm just tired, that's all."

"Well…, it is getting late," Satomi stated. "Why don't we head back to the dorms and catch some Z's."

"You're right, Satomi," Makie responded. "If we're going to catch those crooks, we need a good sleep and be full of energy for the capture of those bandits."

"Well then, let's turn in for the night," Haruna suggested.

Everyone agreed, but Matt is still having thoughts of the criminals they're investigating.

"Even if it is 'her,' how will I face her with that evil and bully look she gave back in my younger days?" Matt thought while he has a worried look on his face. "She was the one who gave this terrible phobia. No! You're overthinking again, Matt. There's no way it's her! A good night's sleep will help me overcome this bad situation."

Matt took another deep breath and calms himself again.