"And where is Takamaki-chan, Amamiya? I did come hoping to see her too," Principal Kawakami says with the clink of her coffee cup on the saucer.
"She's at a shoot, working at my 'hole in the wall' Cafe isn't her day job Sensei," Amamiya-san replies from behind the counter, brewing a drink for one of the other patrons at the counter.
I stifle a giggle into my hand, unnoticed sweeping by the front door. He was riffing one of her earlier comments. Principal Kawakami came in a half-hour ago and Amamiya-san has been snarking back and forth with her since then. It's been very amusing, if not terribly enlightening. Principal Kawakami has the same ability to reference an event without revealing any real detail about it that Amamiya-san, so despite all my eve's dropping I haven't figured out how the two became such good friends.
"I only called it a hole in the wall because the door looks like you grabbed it off the discount pile!" Principal Kawakami laughs good-naturedly. "Wait, are you grumpy? Don't tell me it's because I embarrassed the unflappable Amamiya in front of his employee?" Amamiya-san smiles, glancing over at me. I grin back, knowing what comes next.
"The door represents a special place, and it represents a safe haven for others who have resided there," Amamiya-san and I say in unison. It's commented on so much we have the answer down pat.
"You say that, but it doesn't mean anything to the rest of the world Amamiya, you know that right?"
"Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be," Amamiya-san replies wryly.
"You and your secrets," Principal Kawakami rolls her eyes fondly. "I know better than to jump down that avenue. How is Takamaki-chan doing, really?"
I make my way to the back of the Cafe to stow the broom as Amamiya-san starts describing Ann-san's latest photoshoot. He always seems to know the details of her events off the back of his hand. I haven't decided if that's because he just knows everything, or because he really loves talking about Ann-san's achievements. I'm leaning towards the latter though, he's not the most talkative person in the world, but when it comes to Ann-san he lights up in a way I don't see most of the time. I close the door the supply cabinet, broom restored to its place, and shelves tidy. Amamiya-san turns to me at the sound.
"Before you come back around, could you grab my cell? It should be in the bookshelf," Amamiya-san calls over to me. I nod and make my way up the stairs to the apartment.
The apartment is as tidy as it was last weekend. Figuring Amamiya-san can wait an extra minute or two, I take a slow walk around. The dark kitchen is super modern, much like my Aunt's condo. It fits Amamiya-san, from the color scheme to the quality knives stored in their block. I'm... pretty sure this is entirely Amamiya-san's domain. Ann-san has proven to be rather inept in the Cafe and I can't imagine that translates to being an excellent cook.
Giggling at my thoughts, I walk around the kitchen island slash table towards the far side of the large area. The modern look continues to the massive sectional that dominates the room. There's a chaise lounge on one end and it wraps around on the other, all around a square coffee table. The big screen tv sits across from it.
Curiosity compels me, and I peer in the cabinet under the tv. The imagine of Amamiya-san playing Xbox just doesn't fit in my mental image of him. Which... would be because he doesn't have one. Actually, the only console I do see in there is a vintage one. Huh. There's a lot of movies though, and by the titles, I'm guessing Ann-san's. Lots of romcoms, some superhero shows... The combination suits Ann-san.
Behind the couch is a flag with the Phantom Thieves logo, almost as wide as the couch. It's a very fitting piece for the den of the leader of Phantom Thieves, the Thieves Den if you will, but it feels like asking for trouble if a cop were to be in the apartment. Then again... He's made it very clear he has no fear of being caught. Honestly, even just knowing him for three weeks I'm positive he'll never be caught, unless he wants to be.
I shrug and make my way to the hallway. I doubt that'd come up anytime soon, anyway. I run my fingers over the board game shelf they have next to the tv and make my way to the hallway shelves. I frown, looking up and down the rows of books. I wonder if Amamiya-san is the reading type, or if most of these books are only here to hide the entrance to the hidden room.
Speaking of... I don't actually know how to get inside there. A quick glance confirms that I was right, when he said: "in the shelf" earlier he meant in the hidden room, not on the shelves. I rest my hands on my hips and frown. What could be the trigger book... Out of the corner of my eye something flashes blue, which is certainly odd. I look over to see a white-spined book titled "Helping People Change".
I smirk, Amamiya-san does not seem like the type for self-help books. I reach for the book. It comes off the shelf and the room doesn't open. Weirder yet, the cover is white with black and yellow lettering, nothing blue. Where'd...
There it is again! I turn to look so fast my ponytail smacks me. A book, two spots over from Helping People Change, titled "Shadow over the Heart". That spine on that book is red though, and even when I pull it out, not a single blue thing on the cover. What was that? Are my abilities acting up again? Is there something up here Amamiya-san should be aware of, like a... Palace or whatever in his Cafe?
Another light catches my eye, but this time it's where I think it is when I look. It's only a streak of sunlight through. I turn around. At the other end of the short hallway that leads to Amamiya-san and Ann-san's room is an open door and through that door is a window.
"Ha..." I half laugh, half sigh. Must have been a trick of the light, I didn't realize the cloud cover was gone from earlier. Totally normal. Well, as normal as looking for a secret room in your employer's house is. Shadow over the Heart sounds similarly on the nose for Amamiya-san's taste in secrets. That said, I'm holding both books and there's no secret room. I must be reading too much into it, maybe... Amamiya-san likes self-help books? He does change people's hearts, in his own way.
I put both back at the same time but freeze halfway through the motion. There's a click as soon as the two books are resting on a corner, ready to be tilted into place. I grin, pushing them in as the shelf next to that one slides open.
"I knew it!" I say far too loudly, pumping my fist. I look left and right awkwardly as if my exclamation will summon Amamiya-san, but he's nowhere to be found. Slipping into the dimly light Hideout, I grab Amamiya-san's phone off of the workbench before pulling the shelf closed again. It clicks into place. I push on it a little, to see if it's locked for sure. With no give to be found, I head back downstairs, very satisfied with my detective work.
"Got it, Amamiya-san!" I say, all but skipping up to him. He pats my head of all things before taking the phone from me. His wry grin makes me think he was testing me, but since I obviously passed I'd be okay with that.
"Appreciate it," He says before turning back to Principal Kawakami. Amamiya-san's lock screen is him and Ann-san during the photoshoot I was at with them. He must have got an advance copy somehow. They look stunning, frozen in a dance move at the top of that fake grand staircase.
"Show off," Principal Kawakami says lightly. Amamiya-san doesn't quip back, which is all but acceptance. He opens his photo gallery and starts showing Principal Kawakami selfies Ann-san's sent him from her recent shoots, along with some of the professional photos. I've seen most of them earlier so I watch Principal Kawakami's smile broaden as she sees each new photo.
"She looks really happy, Amamiya," Principal Kawakami says after a moment. "It's a good look on her."
"Yeah, it is," Amamiya-san replies quietly. His expression speaks volumes about how much he agrees. "You should swing by Monday. She doesn't have a shoot, and I bet she'd love to see you."
"I can't promise Monday, I'm stucking doing interviews for a new staff member... But I'll swing by to catch up with her soon." Principal Kawakami stands, gathering her coat and purse. She puts a bill on the counter for Amamiya-san and turns to me. "Don't let him overwork you, alright? There's a lot you can pick up from Amamiya, but school comes first, got it?"
"Yes, Principal Kawakami," I reply in my most respectful, school voice.
"I distinctly remember a former employee of mine napping on the job despite the exorbitant rate I was paying her to clean..." Amamiya-san's smirks.
Principal Kawakami freezes in place. She turns mechanically, her face frozen into a grin that looks more enraged than happy. "Watch it, Amamiya." She spits out through grit teeth. I think I catch her motioning at me with her eyes, but I couldn't guess why. Though... I think this would be the first clue on how they got to be friends. Did they both know this employee Amamiya-san used to have?
Principal Kawakami sighs deeply, her posture relaxing. "Anyway, I have a weekend to enjoy before half the staff starts brown-nosing me to hire their friends. Thanks for the coffee, Amamiya-kun." With a clatter of the bell on the door, she's gone.
I hadn't noticed before, but the other few customers must have left while I was upstairs. It's just Amamiya-san and I in the Cafe.
"Thanks again," Amamiya-san says to me. He leans against the counter. "Figured out how to get in, did you?"
"Yeah!" I more exclaim than say. I try and cover it with a cough and adjustment of my bangs. "It's a very you type mechanism. Classic, but... Subverted maybe?" Amamiya-san hums, lost in a thought. It takes me a minute, but I frown as I put together what he's thinking.
"You're going to change it, aren't you?"
"Of course I am," he replies with a very Joker-like grin. He stands straight and ruffles my head as he walks past me towards the stairs. "How else will you practice spotting hidden mechanisms?"
"Is that a skill I really need...?"
All I get back is Amamiya-san's grin from the stairs. "Watch the shop for me, I've got to decide what to replace it with. Mona?"
Morgana, whose been half napping on the bean shelf this whole afternoon, rises and stretches out. "It's my time to shine, ey?" he meows out before leaping to the counter then after Amamiya-san.
"..." I sigh. "I wonder if he does this with the other thieves..." There aren't any chores to busy myself with asides from Principal Kawakami's dirty mug which I promptly wash up. I've already swept the store out... Might as well start up the expresso machine and practice my brewing. As if responding to my thoughts, the bell on the door jingles.
"Welcome to Cafe Arsene," I say on autopilot, turning on a heel to the customer. He's not one of the regulars I've met. (Amamiya-san insists he has quite a few regulars I haven't met, despite having worked here almost three weeks, so I can never be sure if a new face is a regular or not.)
The man is dressed in a dark suit, with a light blue shirt and matching black tie. He has simple narrow glasses that have slid down his nose a bit. He's at least as old as Ushimaru-sensei, though he's fit for his age. He's got a goatee and his black hair is slicked back, a bit on the long side. I can spot a bit of grey in it which surprises me, he seems to care about his appearance, so I would have guessed he'd dye it.
He doesn't greet me, first glancing about the entire Cafe. He then makes his way towards me, not sitting in a chair but making a point of standing directly opposite me. It's... a little odd. He glances towards the stairs, and I find myself stepping back slightly. I catch myself before I do, hoping he hasn't noticed I'm unnerved. Maybe he's... really picky about Amamiya-san being the one to brew his coffee.
"Miss, I'm going to have to ask you a few questions," he says. He reaches into his breast pocket and flashes me a police badge. Oh crap. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. Amamiya-san hasn't trained me for this! After the misunderstanding with Maruki-sensei, I knew I should have asked Amamiya-san what to do about this scenario! I dig my nails into my leg, making it look like I'm adjusting my skirt, I'm not going to freeze like I did with Maruki-sensei. I just have to direct the conversation to me getting Amamiya-san and it'll be fine.
As if he could read my thoughts, he continues. "I'll need you to answer quietly, as they regard the owner of this establishment... an Amamiya Ren-san, correct?"
"AH, um..." I stumble over my words. "Y-yes, he's the owner."
"Hmm... yes..." The officer... Detective probably, based on the lack of uniform, trails off. "We have reason to believe this Cafe might be the cover for something, have you seen any suspicious individuals moving through the building?"
"No sir, no one suspicious here..."
"No one in a mask, perhaps?"
Oh no. That's one of those pointed questions. He must know something. "Nothing but um, cold masks sir. Amamiya-san's coffee is apparently quite good at relieving head-"
"I see, I see..." he cuts me off. "Well, that doesn't quite disprove anything. I should be frank, it's in your best interest to cooperate as we believe Amamiya Ren-san is actually the leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts..." I hear ringing as the officer just comes out with it. I can't believe this, I'm going to... lose Amamiya-san, Ann-san... All of these people who really seem to care about me... I'm biting my lip, too hard, I think I might have drawn blood, damn...
"Zenkichi!" a female voice shouts. My eyes shoot open to see a woman Amamiya-san's age punching the detective in the arm. He physically stumbles from the blow, knocking into one of the bar stools. "What are you doing?!"
"You're telling me you guys don't haze all you're newbies like you hazed me?" The detective, Zenkichi probably, exclaims with his hands raised in surrender. "Come on, this was too good to-"
"There is a difference between you and a high school girl, Zenkichi!" the woman half sighs, half shouts. "I am definitely telling Nee-san that you've been bullying a teenager."
"P. Please don't," Zenkichi says in a shaky monotone. "I am very, very sorry."
The woman sighs again before turning to me. She has mid-length brown hair tied in a low ponytail and piercing red eyes. Her expression is soft though, obviously worried about... me, I guess. She's dressed in a white button-up with the first few buttons open, revealing a silver chain around her neck. She's got a suit vest on over that with matching suit pants. Most importantly, there's another chain around her neck from which a police badge hangs as well.
She addresses me kindly, "I'm so sorry about Zenkichi, his sense of humor is as old as he is."
"R-right, um... are you also here to...?"
"Question you? Oh, no, neither of us are here for that." She turns to the staircase. "Ren-kun! You up there? Mona?"
I pause. She called for Morgana, by the name that he uses a Phantom Thief. Even if she was investigating the thieves, she wouldn't think to call Morgana unless she... already knew Mona was a cat in the real world. As if to confirm my theory, she holds up her cell phone. On it is a picture of her with Amamiya-san and Ann-san, along with Futaba-san and a few others I don't recognize.
"You're..."
"Nijima Makoto. Otherwise, Queen of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts."
"And... Does that mean..." I trail off as I look at the thoroughly cowed man who came in before her.
"Oh, yes. Zenkichi Hasegawa. My uh, codename is Wolf," he pauses to collect himself quickly glances to Nijima-san for... permission it looks like, then stands straight. "I'm sorry if I spooked you. I'm uh, the newest member and I may not have gotten the memo on how we handle new members."
Zenkichi actually bows, which is flustering in a different way. I wave him off as the stairs creak in the back.
"You don't have to um, bow, I guess..."
"Why is Gramps bowing in apology to my Barista?" Amamiya-san comments dryly as he and Morgana join me behind the counter. He and Nijima-san share a nod in greeting.
"He had the bright idea to come in acting like he was investigating us and interrogate her," Nijima-san sighs.
Zenkichi doesn't look up at all, "For which I am very, very sorry."
Amamiya-san hums... Then shrugs. "Technically, that is your job isn't it?"
"What?!" I shout before I realize it. All of the thieves in the room turn to me and my face lights up. "sorry," I mumble out.
Amamiya-san chuckles. "Well, did you crack?"
"Not at all," Zenkichi supplies for me while I stare wide-eyed at Amamiya-san.
"I knew she wouldn't," Amamiya-san smiles wryly. "Zenkichi, no bullying my protege, got it?"
"I admit it was a pretty bad joke in hindsight, that's my bad," Zenkichi replies awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck as he stands up again. He adds in my direction, "I really am sorry."
I take in Zenkichi's somber look for a moment and sigh. "Um... Water under the bridge." He looks so relieved I any doubts I had fade from my mind. He seems like a pretty straight-laced man, all in all. There's a shuffle in the corner of my eye and Nijima-san sits down at the counter. Zenkichi follows suit while Amamiya-san motions me to the espresso machine.
"Makoto likes Guatemalan SHB, you brew hers," Amamiya-san says before turning to another one of the machines. I nod in acknowledgment, grabbing the beans from the shelf. Figuring this introduction couldn't get worse, I decide to start the conversation with a question.
"Nijima-san, what did Amamiya-san mean before?"
"Oh, he is technically correct," Nijima-san starts. Her posture is perfect in her chair and her hands are folded neatly before her. She's a far cry different from Amamiya-san roguishness, Ann-san's cheerfulness, and Futaba-san's... Futabaness.
"How to summarize... Well, I always wanted to be an officer, like my father was. Then in high school, I joined the Phantom Thieves, which... threw a wrench in things. I believe in what we can do as the Phantom Thieves, so my original plan went a little... sideways."
"That would... make sense," I say over the sound of the machine.
"Exactly," Nijima-san smiles. "But we met Zenkichi long before I graduated college and between him and Chief Kaburagi, the Thieves had a few allies in the police. Zenkichi was put in charge of what we call the Cognitive Psience Unit, which I later joined. Has Ren-kun explained cognitive psience at all?"
Futaba-san definitely calls them the CPUs. Calling that one now. "Yes, he has," I say after a pause. I bring Nijima-san's cup over to her. Amamiya-san has already finished Zenkichi's coffee and has claimed the nice spot against the wall. Boo.
"Perfect. Cognitive Psience is being actively abused, the actions of Masayoshi Shido and Akira Konoe have inspired copycats for years now. The Cognitive Psience Unit is specifically supposed to deal with cases related to the use of Cognitive Psience, which covers the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as the defacto longest-running suspects."
Nijima-san pauses to take a sip of her coffee. "This is excellent!" I nod in thanks, not wanting to interrupt her story. She takes another drink before continuing.
"So, in short, our unit was designed to target the types of people the Phantom Thieves already target, as well as the Phantom Thieves themselves. But since two of the Phantom Thieves are on the unit, and have the blessing of the Chief of Police..."
"You're in a perfect position, wow" I breathe. "That's amazing, Nijima-san."
"Technically, I'm her boss," Zenkichi chimes in from beside Nijima-san. I look to Amamiya-san who only smirks. That's all I need to know.
"Does that mean the Chief of Police... Kaburagi-san? Is in your confidence as well?"
It's Amamiya-san who answers that one. "She... suspects. Heavily suspects. But she has no proof and never will." There's pride in Amamiya-san's voice, and his Joker look on his face.
"Amamiya's right, of course. Never been a lick of proof, even when I was trying to catch you lot," Zenkichi adds. I flash him a questioning look but he waves it off. "Long story. Besides, even if somehow Amamiya slipped up, which he never has, Sae-san will have them exonerated in a heartbeat."
"Complimenting my sister isn't going to keep me from telling her about your actions earlier, Zenkichi," Makoto says dryly.
"Ah-ha... Wasn't trying to avoid it, I'll take my punishment like a man. Promise," Zenkichi's tone doesn't sound as confident as his words. I don't know Sae-san, but even imagining the kind of doghouse Zenkichi sounds like he's in for elicits a giggle from me. Zenkichi smiles at that. He... kinda reminds me of Sakura-san. Not as cool, or well... anything like Sojiro but there's just... Ah. It's those smiles that Boss gives to Futaba-san. Zenkichi's got a Dad vibe to him.
"Anyway," Zenkichi says with a light slap on the table. "Nijima left out that she's the youngest officer to make Detective in the history of the department, entirely on her own merit."
Nijima-san flushes a little, which is undeniably cute. "Well, I..."
"Brag a little! You've earned it!" Zenkichi adds jovially. "By the way, this is going to count as your quarterly review."
"In what way does that make sense, Zenkichi..." Nijima-san sighs.
"In the way," Zenkichi pauses to down some more of his coffee. "That you're an exemplary officer of the law and I couldn't suggest a single thing for you to do better."
"Zenkichi..." Nijima-san trails off, turning to Zenkichi. He looks away from her with a chuckle.
"Except maybe to respect your direct superior a little more?" Zenkichi's quip earns him a much softer punch to the arm.
"Haha, alright, alright!" Zenkichi winces. Nijima-san's punches must really hurt, judging by his face. "Gotta say though Amamiya, I aught to investigate your coffee for addictive chemicals. You have no idea how much I missed this."
"It's been a few weeks, hasn't it? We've been so busy," Amamiya-san motions to me, "That it's gone quick. You come up with anything in Kyoto?"
"Not a thing," Nijima-san sighs. "I really wanted to greet Futaba with more of her Mother's lost stolen research."
"We'll get it all eventually," Amamiya-san replies quietly. "She knows that too."
Nijima-san smiles at Amamiya-san. "You're right."
"Oh, and speaking of it being a while... Nijima, you're going to the next award ceremony, whether you like it or not," Zenkichi cuts in.
Nijima-san rolls her eyes. "It's not that big a deal Zenkichi, I already have the paperweight from it..."
"What part of youngest detective in department history did you not understand? It was even on your quarterly review." Zenkichi's hands shoot up in surrender as soon as Nijima-san turns towards him. "Easy, easy, I'm not as young as I used to be!"
Nijima-san sighs and turns back to her coffee. Zenkichi does continue, after a moment.
"I am seriously insisting though. I know you don't need applause for the work you do, and that's one of the reasons you're garnered so much respect in the department at your age... But the older crowd is threatened by rising stars like you, the kind that brings about change for the better. Showing up to one of their hand-shaking events and thanking a couple of them for the honor will keep them happy and you off their radar."
Nijima-san turns to Zenkichi, but instead of annoyance, surprise is etched into her features. "That's... really sound advice, Gramps."
"Come on, it's not that odd of an occurrence. I've still got some mentoring left to do before you take over my job completely," he bumps shoulders with Nijima-san.
Nijima-san chuckles lightly. "I won't take your job out from under you... I'll wait until your retirement age first, promise." Zenkichi chuckles along with her.
I look over to Amamiya-san. He's watching quietly as well but also makes no means to move or speak up. I wonder if he feels like he's watching a private moment too. He did say he bartended for a while... Tv always says you can tell a bartender your woes, maybe he's used to this kind of thing. I... can see the appeal. It's a way to experience other people without having to drive a conversation.
He must have sensed me looking cause he turns my way. With a wink to me, he turns back to the officers, "Any leads on the new case?"
"Oh, right," Nijima-san says absently. She takes out her phone and taps a few buttons. Amamiya-san's phone beeps in his pocket, which he promptly pulls out. He starts scrolling through something while Nijima-san puts her phone away. "That's all the notes we were able to put together at the station."
"Which as usual, isn't terribly much," Zenkichi adds as he finishes his coffee.
Nijima-san taps the table as she continues, "Unfortunately, he's right. The seller was good, I doubt we'll get anything on him at the department and it sounds like even Futaba's having trouble. The buyer we were able to id the VPN he used via the endpoints his purchase routed through, but that still leaves every user of the VPN as a suspect, and getting the list of users from the company is going to require some probable cause."
Amamiya-san hums. "We might find something via a jail. Sophia hasn't picked up any yet, so whoever bought the software hasn't deployed it yet." Amamiya-san suddenly stands straight and shoves his phone into his pocket. He shares a glance with Nijima-san and Zenkichi and before I can ask what's going on, the door chimes jingle.
Oh. No idea how he sensed that, but good timing for that conversation to end. "Welcome to Cafe Arsene!" I call out, heading towards the older man to take his order.
"Anyway, for you, Takamaki, and your protege," I hear Zenkichi say behind me. "Tickets the award ceremony. I'm sure you'd love the idea of-"
Zenkichi cuts off and I spare a glance back at the trio. Amamiya-san is wearing his Joker's face and apparently snatched the tickets from Zenkichi's outstretched hand. I giggle then turn back to the customer.
"visiting a police function. That's as good as an RSVP as any. Come on Nijima, we should get back to our beat."
"I'll let you know if I hear anything about that thief in the neighborhood, alright Ren-kun?" Nijima-san says. They walk out, waving to me as I take my customer's order. I spare them a quick wave and smile before doing the job Amamiya-san actually pays me for.
-
We had a surprisingly busy Saturday evening at the Cafe. We've still got a small crowd even now... at Nine Thirty, according to the stove clock. The bells on the front door jangle, as if in response to my thoughts.
"Ren, I'm..." Ann-san trails off as she takes in the three booths still occupied. "Late night?" She adds when she approaches us.
"So it seems," Amamiya-san says after pecking a kiss on Ann-san's cheek. In a lower voice, so the customers can't overhear he adds "one table's got a wedding anniversary, and the other is group celebrating their graduation."
"You're too sweet sometimes," Ann-san replies. She doesn't hesitate to kiss Ren in return, though they don't hold it like they usually do.
"Alright, as for you," Amamiya-san says to me. He turns on his heel and pulls out a takeout container from the fridge. "You are heading home."
"Oh, I don't mind, it's a weekend any-"
"Nope, you're going home at a respectable hour, before the bars let out and drunks are all over the place," Amamiya-san shoves the dinner into my arms. I open my mouth to argue but Amamiya-san gives me a particular look and I know it's not worth it. Besides... It's kind of nice to be worried about like that.
"Okay, I'll head out..." I still say with a bit of a pout. I was hoping to ask Amamiya-san more about Nijima-san, but I never got the chance. I glance back at the two of them while I hang up my apron for the evening. Ann-san's... well, she's usually beautiful but she's looking at Amamiya-san like they're the stars of a drama series. She's settled into his side too, his arm wrapping around her back as they share something with their gaze.
I roll my shoulders as I throw my bag over one shoulder. It's probably a personal thing, not my place to ask. They don't really separate as I return, placing the dinner Amamiya-san saved for the three of us earlier in my bag.
"I'll see you tomorrow then, Amamiya-san, Ann-san!"
"Good work today," Amamiya-san replies while Ann-san waves.
I make my way outside and let the velvet door close behind me. I wait just out of sight of the shop windows for about... 30 seconds, tapping my foot until... There it is, I glance up at one of the apartment windows creaking open. Morgana slips his way through it, leaping down the roof in the same direction as I should be walking.
"Ah, me... meow?" Morgana stumbles a little.
"Would you like a ride this time, or are you going to keep secretly following me home on what I assume to be Amamiya-san's orders?" I say teasingly, unzipping my bag.
Morgana, despite being a cat, manages to look sheepish as he leaps down into my bag. "You've caught on huh?"
"He sends you after me all the time, it's kind of hard not to notice." I swing the bag over my shoulder. Morgana quickly adjusts himself so his front two paws rest on my shoulder while most of his weight is supported by my bag.
"Believe it or not, Ren's a worrier behind all that confidence," Morgana says with a soft kitty chuckle.
"Really?"
"Mwehehe, and don't get me started on Ann..."
-
Morgana and I make our way back to Arsene, well, more like I make my way back to Arsene carrying Morgana, on the ten-thirty train the next day. It's a couple of minutes to twelve when I turn the corner onto the Cafe's street. Unusually, Amamiya-san is leaning against the front door, rather than inside. He's flipping through something on his phone and eating some kind of protein bar.
Fittingly for the legendary Phantom Thief, he looks up the moment I turn the corner. He smiles in greeting as I approach. "Did you get caught, Morgana?"
"I caught all of you, Amamiya-san," I mock a pout and put my hands on my hips. Amamiya-san holds up his hands in mock surrender to match.
"Guess we're busted."
"Guess you are!" I pause for a moment, hesitating on the thought before finally adding far more softly, "Thanks for worrying about me."
Amamiya-san gives me a small smile, lowering his arms to his pockets. I decide to throw him a bone and change the subject.
"So, are we... not opening today?"
"Nope," Amamiya-san replies as he pushes off the door. "We are in need of supplies, so we're taking a trip to the specialty shops in Shinjuku."
"Really?"
Amamiya-san nods. "This is part of your training, don't forget."
"Got it!" I exclaim, chasing after Amamiya-san to the station.
-
Going to Shinjuku has been... interesting, to say the least. It's not a district I visit much, given its reputation. Amamiya-san also made it pretty clear that I shouldn't stray too far from him, despite it being daylight. I only got one of his knowing grins when I asked why I shouldn't, so I'm assuming I don't want to know.
The first store was a specialty bean shop. I recognized quite a few of the labels, and quickly realized the ones we were running low on were the ones Amamiya-san's been having me use for practice. He laughed off my apology. I was also worried we'd be carrying jars around all day, but apparently the shop ships to Arsene directly. Amamiya-san setups up his order and we move on.
The second stop on the list turns out to be a bar. Not a bar supply store, but an actual bar. There aren't a lot of people who indulge in alcohol at Arsene, but there is a smattering of bottles that Amamiya-san keeps handy. I of course, am not allowed to serve or touch them so I'm not surprised when Amamiya-san puts his hand up at the door of the bar.
"For obvious reasons, I'm going to have you sit this one out."
I nod.
"You good waiting out here? Lala runs a tight ship, no one should bother you and I'll be right inside."
I nod again. "You worry too much, Amamiya-san." The comment earns up a wry smile and a nod. Amamiya-san, with Morgana, swapped to his bag, make their way inside. I lean against the door frame, tapping my boot against the other.
I'm told Shinjuku is quite the sight at night, but in the daylight, it just looks like a normal part of the city if you ask me. All the neon signs are off, half the shops are closed, and there aren't even that many people on the streets. Well, not many compared to Shibuya anyway.
The red light district might not literally mean red lights, but it might as well. Seems like every building has embraced red in some way or another, be it in the sign, the paint, or even the doors. Actually... Okay, that's weird.
There's a distinctly not red door, in the alley across the street. It's blue, the exact same shade as Cafe Arsene's door and the door in the Thieves' hideout. Weirder yet, it looks the exact same as the door in the hideout, and that's not even the weirdest thing of all. The door appears to be propped up in the middle of the alley, leading to nowhere. I... glance behind me. The, well, velvet door is in view of Crossroads... and while I know this is somehow related to my abilities and the metaverse, I can't Amamiya-san keeps a door to something terrible inside the Thieves' hideout.
I make my way across the street. It's about time I learned... something about all this Phantom Thief content on my own. Amamiya-san never bothers to explain anything! I reach for the door handle and twist, knowing, whatever happens, will be impossible to expect.
...
It's locked. The door doesn't budge, the knob only jiggles slightly, but it's very clearly locked.
"That... was anti-climactic," I say to no one. I let go of the knob to move my hands to my hips. I said it would be impossible to expect what would happen, but I could have expected this. I sigh stretching my neck as I turn around. Might as well reclaim my spot outside of... Crossroads...
All the people in the street are frozen in place. My head whips left and right, looking for anyone not stuck in place. Is this a palace? I don't see any of the haze that denotes a palace, but maybe they can have different manifestations? I'm about to stamp the ground to see if that ripple effect appears, as it has in the others when I hear a soft click.
"This is well and truly a surprise," a childlike voice says behind me. I spin frantically on my heel, very nearly tripping over myself. There is a girl who looks no more than twelve but with yellow eyes filled with wisdom. She's clad entirely in velvet blue, from headdress to dress. Her hair is a silver color, adding to her ethereal appearance. She stands in the now open doorway of the velvet door.
Behind her, the door appears to lead to a hazy blue room with harsh stone walls and low light. I can't make out any more details, but it's definitely not the other side of the alley.
"W, Who are you?!"
"I would ask of you the same," the girl in blue replies. "Although, perhaps there is no need. You would be my Trickster's latest ally, would you not?"
"Tr...Trickster?"
"Ah, I apologize. I believe he goes by Joker as well."
"Are... you a friend of Amamiya-san's?" I silently pray she says yes because if she's not she's more than likely an enemy.
"I... do believe I have that honor, yes. My name is Lavenza. You could say I am..." she actually giggles for a moment. "Yes, I do believe you could say I am a confidant of his." While her choice of words is unique (though fitting for Amamiya-san), I think I can put her in the allied camp. The thought relaxes me a bit, I didn't realize quite how tense I'd gotten.
"It's um... nice to meet you, Lavenza."
"And I must say the same," Lavenza replies. She looks me up and down. "My Trickster had asked me to look into your gifts, but I never would have guessed you would appear at my Master's door all by yourself."
Her Master huh? I feel like that's a can of worms I don't want to get into quite yet. "Yes, well... It was kind of conspicuously placed in the middle of this alley. And in Amamiya-san's apartment?"
Lavenza chuckles lightly. Amamiya-san must have rubbed off on this girl, she's just amused by my confusion as he is all the time.
"While I cannot invite you in, I assure you that the Velvet Room is a staunch ally of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. In simplest terms..." Lavenza puts her hand to her cheek, thinking. "We are experts on Personas, who advise Joker on his own unique abilities."
I... didn't realize Amamiya-san's Personas were any different. Filing that question away for later, I correct Lavenza. "My abilities aren't like Amamiya-san's, and definitely aren't a gift. They've caused me nothing but trouble."
Lavenza seems a little surprised. She schools her expression with a soft hum, back to the patient smile she's held since appearing. "Perhaps they are closer than you think. You are the first person to see this door without being a holder of the Wild Card, after all."
"Is that... a good thing?"
"Perhaps," Lavenza says through a cryptic smile. "While it pains me, I believe we shall have to continue our conversation another time," she giggles to herself again. "I'm... letting a draft in."
I attempt to fake a chuckle at her... not quite a joke, but whatever she found funny, but it doesn't come out convincing. Lavenza doesn't comment on it. "Is that... something that will happen? Continuing this conversation?"
"I am quite sure we will meet again," Lavenza replies with a small nod. "I look forward to it."
With that, the little girl in blue turns on her heel, re-entering her Velvet Room as the door closes behind her.
"Hey, wait! What about all the..." I trail off. I can hear the sounds of footsteps and voices, the annoying jingle of the pharmacy down the block... Everything's unfrozen, though I stare at the busy street for a moment just to be sure. Amamiya-san chooses that moment to step out of Crossroads, of course. He cocks his head in confusion before waving me towards him.
He's headed towards the escalator down to the underground mall, and I follow. I don't bother running to catch up. I really want to come up with a way I can bring up the Velvet Room to Amamiya-san and get some answers out of him.
... Nothing comes to mind by the time I make it to the escalator. I step on right before a big crowd of tourists, though I almost bump into a bulky man with tattoos up and down his arms in my rush to do so. I brush my bangs out of my face, I dodged a bullet there. Best stay under the radar while Amamiya-san is... Already at the bottom, I can see him waiting for me when I peer around the man.
There's something else too. A... hazy wall not unlike the ones that brought be into palaces. My heart starts pounding, the haze fills the entire hall, there's no way to escape but go up! I spin around and try to make my way back up the escalator. I'm immediately met with a large blond man's stomach which I bounce off of rather than plow through. The man looks down at me over cheap sunglasses and says something in English I don't have the brainpower to process. I turn around again, the wall is closer and Amamiya-san has definitely noticed I'm acting strangely. He looks ready to run up the railings if he has to.
Whatever metaverse thing this is, it's is too close, the escalator draws me closer and closer like I'm a fish on a hook. Morgana has actually started running up the railing between the up and down escalators, but he won't make it in time.
"Meta-!" I scream just as I hit the wall. The rest of the word dies in my throat as I feel the vertigo of shifting between the different realms. Despite having visited palaces twice now, it's still an uncomfortable feeling. As soon as the vertigo ebbs away, I take in my surroundings. I'm... still on an escalator, it looks like it's been rusted to all hell. Everything in the tunnel looks pretty much the same actually, asides from the post-apocalyptic look to it. There are chunks of wall and floor that look like they just fell out, rust on everything metal, and not a single person to be seen.
Well... that much is good. I step off the escalator. Dust kicks up off the floor. I don't see anything that could turn into a shadow, though... I'm not sure what forms shadows can take. Nothing seems to be actively hunting me down, at any rate.
The long corridors of the mall, much like the tunnel down, have been completely redesigned to look like post-apocalyptic ruins. Clothes on racks have all but rotted away, the jewelry store doesn't have an intact piece of glass in it, and Mcdonalds looks boarded up like a fortress. I look back up the tunnel too. The entrance at the top is completely caved in. I had sort of guessed by the lack of sunlight on my back.
"So..." I say to no one in particular as stand around. "Does this work like being lost in the woods? Stay where you are so it's easier to find you? Or..."
I suppose I could try and make my way out of here. I don't know for sure, but if my abilities let me into the metaverse without assistance I can only hope they let me back out. The other two times Amamiya-san collapsed the whole Palace, so I don't know if this theory will hold up but...
Something creaks in the shop closest to me. "Might as well try and find the way out... I'm definitely not staying here."
I make my way cautiously through the well, mall. Despite its makeover, it's still a mall and I don't have too much trouble making my way through the halls. I try to stay on the outskirts as much as possible, not heading deeper into the complex. So far there haven't been any shadows this far out, so even if I don't find the exit I'm doing my part by not getting murdered.
Oh god, I really am in a life or death situation, aren't I? I hope Amamiya-san and Morgana heard me. They probably saw me disappear into thin air. That should be enough to make them wonder what happened, right?
There's a banging from a corner up ahead. I make for the nearest hiding spot I can find, an overturned makeup sample counter. Staying low and trying to keep my breathing from being too loud, I listen intently for footsteps.
I'm rewarded with some, though I'm not brave enough to peer over the side of the cart to see what's making them. I hear breathing, do shadows breath? Or is that my breath I'm hearing?
"St- Stay away from me!" a male voice shouts and I hear a slam.
"All must hand over their desires to the Underground Lord," another voice replies, one that's... garbled. Not quite robotic but close enough. I know I should find out what's happening, someone's in danger and I might learn something about how to stay alive myself but my head won't move, my terrified heart won't let it.
I almost squeeze my eyes shot to just... hope it ends without them noticing me but I catch something shining in the fluorescent lighting. A compact with a mirror that must have fallen out of the stand! This much I can do. I take the compact and, while ignoring the shouts of the man lest they freeze me with fear, use it to peer around my hiding place.
There's a man, pretty much as generic as they come, backed against the wall. He's terrified, grasping at... a police uniform, maybe more like a security uniform, filled out by a shadow. Oh. That's probably where the name comes from. The shadow is reaching for the man, overpowering him. The man has nowhere to run either, I close my eyes when the shadow rears its arm back and thrusts into the man.
There's... no shout. No cry of pain. I open one eye. The man is... he's slumped over, but doesn't look wounded. The shadow is pulling away from him as well, holding a red diamond in its hand. Where did that come from?
"Come, mortal. You will now battle for the Underground Lord," the shadow says. The man straightens up and follows after the shadow. I wait a full minute after I stop hearing their footsteps before standing from my hiding place.
"..." This place is terrifying. I can't believe Amamiya-san and Ann-san are so comfortable here. I'd never, ever want to come back. I already want to leave. I wanted to from the moment I arrived of course but seeing that? What'd that shadow even do to him? Brainwash him? I have too many questions and no cat on my shoulder to answer them, so I decide to keep moving. Actually...
"Lavenza? Your magic door wouldn't happen to connect to here, would it?" I say into the air. No one replies. "Worth a shot."
-
I'm not sure how long I've spent here. I haven't gotten hungry at all, which makes me think it hasn't been long, but it feels like it's been an entire day in this dingy place. The decor change has been universal. Every floor of the mall is the same apocalypse video game design. Not that I've braved the lower floors, of course. The central corridor of the mall actually has a high ceiling, and the upper floors look down over the lower ones.
The lower floors are a real sight though. It looks like there's some kind of arena made of chairs and tables, a throne on top of a mountain of ruined clothing... I don't know what movie this palace is based on, but I never want to see it.
Well, I should correct myself. I think... this might actually be a Jail. The only reason I say so is the man I saw before. He's actually fighting in that dumb arena on the first floor now. Futaba-san said there was brainwashing involved with Jails, and maybe whatever the shadow did to the man is how it works. I don't really want to find out for myself though.
"They don't really come to this floor, which is nice..." I lean up against the door to a Starbucks. There's a cracking sound that sets my heart racing. The door caves inward and I can't stifle the shriek on my lips as I fall through a hole in the floor on the other side of the door.
I land in a cloud of dust and someone, without breaking my spine. I wave away the dust as fast I can, choking all the while. I'm on a pile of disgustingly old, but plush mattresses. The hole must be a shortcut the shadows use or... something.
"Into the Circuit City! It must be a new challenger!" I hear shouted from the hallway.
"Shit!" I bite my lip to keep from shrieking again. I scramble into the back of the store. There's junk everywhere but nothing large enough to block the door with, I need another exit...! I can hear the shadows in the store now, loud despite having no physical form.
There! Around the monitor shelves is a fire exit! I race for the door and slam into it with all the force I can muster. It only sticks a little before giving way and letting me out into the hallway. I look right, then left...
There's a shadow! I sprint in the other direction. My footfalls echo in my ears. I don't even know where I'm running to, I half expect a dead end around every corner. I just keep going in whatever direction catches my eye first. I can hear the shadows gaining on me, and I'm no runner.
I trip over a fallen pipe I missed. I roll like a stone until my back hits a wall. I scramble to a sitting position, but it's too late. The shadows have caught up. One stares down at me, his mask expressionless.
"All desires belong to the Underground King."
"Like Hell!" another voice shouts. My eyes, frozen in fear take in the sight of a woman clad in a grey bodysuit with leather accents slams a gauntleted fist into the shadow. It launches clear down the hallway, slamming into the wall with a crunch. The second shadow looks at the woman before dissolving, transforming into a nine-foot-tall demon woman, each of its six arms holding a sword.
"Stay behind me, alright? Joker's on his way," the woman says over her shoulder. She then dives into combat with the demon. She ducks a slash, hits the wrist of an arm to keep it from slashing, kicks away a third arm, and uses the momentum to propel her fist into the monster's face. It lifts up from the force of the hit, though it manages to land on its feet.
The woman... well, the Phantom Thief is already in the demon's face once again. There's a blow to the knee cap, a punch to a swinging forearm to freeze it mid-swing, and a combat roll to the left to dodge three more blades. The brawler rolls straight into the wall and kicks off it, launching her fist into the demon's side. This hit knocks it into the wall and it screeches in agony.
My savior backflips backward while drawing a revolver. The entire clip is unloaded into the stunned shadow, all in the head and chest. It sags forward, clearly on its last legs. The Thief before me reaches up for her steel mask, tearing it off her face with a burst of blue flame.
"Agnes!" she calls, and her Persona appears. A burst of blue energy explodes on the shadow, enveloping it in the warm energy. When the spell fades, only specs of dissolving shadow are left. As soon as she turns around to face me, I know who this is.
"Ni... Nijima-san?"
"In the flesh," Nijima-san says softly before whipping her head to the side. The shadow she launched away is charging back as a pink-haired woman in dancer's clothes. There's a snap and an almost whispered word.
"Alice."
A little girl, wreathed in the blue flames of a Persona, walks out between us and the Shadow. She giggles, and there's a tearing sound that reverberates through my entire body. There are two sickening squelches, and the Shadow dissipates instantly. The girl turns around. She does a little curtsy, then fades away.
Nijima-san physically shivers in front of me. "Why that one Joker?! You know she gives me the creeps!"
"She's effective," Joker says as he walks up. He crouches down in front of me. "You okay?"
I look at him, then to Nijima-san... then back to him as all of the tension leaves my body and I slump against the wall. "I am now, Joker." I don't have to look to imagine the smile he's wearing.
Neither of them seems to know what to say, so it's blissfully quiet for a moment until a genuine UFO comes from the direct Joker and Nijima-san did. It disappears and out hops Futaba-san. Her Phantom Thief outfit is a bodysuit with green lines on it, goggles, and big baggy pants and I feel like it suits her. She quickly chases away that quiet moment by sliding down in front of me, nearly bowling over Nijima-san.
"You have got to let me do that eye exam!" She crows.
"Oracle..." Nijima-san says in the most motherly tone I've heard in my life, tv included. "This has probably been very traumatic, give her some space."
Futaba-san spins around to be sitting against the wall beside me. "So that's why she needs a laugh or two, am I right?"
Futaba-san's earnest smile actually does cause me to chuckle. "Thanks, Oracle." Then I turn to Ni... Wait, she said her code name yesterday. "Thank you too, Queen, that was... wow."
"She's pretty amazing to watch, isn't she? Like a rock-em sock-em robot!"
I stare at Oracle blankly while Queen frowns.
"You could at least call me something cool, Oracle..." Queen mutters. Oracle outright ignores her, instead choosing to meet my stare with an incredulous look.
"You've never heard of Rock-em Sock-em Robots?!" Oracle basically shouts. "What do they even teach in schools now?!"
"I don't think that was ever part of the school curriculum, Oracle..." Queen sighs.
"Pretty sure Ryuji managed to teach half the class about them in senior year," Joker chimes in. "Kawakami had a migraine so he taught the class."
"See?! This is important to the education of growing children!" Oracle's hopped to her feet at this point. I... empathize with Queen, more than I ever thought I could. "We have to teach everything, right now!"
"Jail first, playing later," Queen replies sternly.
Oracle pouts, but shrugs in agreement. "That won't take very long anyway."
"So..." I say as I stand up with the rest, "How do we deal with a Jail?"
"Well... Wouldn't it be best if we take you back to the entrance?" Queen proposes. Her gaze flickers between Joker and myself.
"Ah come on, she can handle herself just fine! Besides, the faster we get our hint to the Trauma Room, the better!" Oracle throws her arm around my shoulder. "You cool with that?"
Oracle's grin gives me confidence, in some odd way. If she thinks I can handle tagging along... "What Oracle says makes sense, after all. Well, at least the part about the faster, the better."
Queen frowns, but looks to Joker for the equivalent of the tiebreaking vote. Joker's expression matches Queen's at first, but after a moment's contemplation, it cracks into a more fitting jester's grin.
"She's onboard, so am I. That said..." There's a sound akin to shattering glass, though no one seems to react to it. It's quiet, so I'm pretty sure nothing's on its way to kill us. Joker reaches up for his mask and pulls it from his face, summoning a kneeling woman in a red cloak instead of Alice.
"Hold still," Joker says to me before shouting a bunch of nonsense words. Two of them sounded like Karen, but I was distracted by the barriers forming around me and missed the actual pronunciation. Two faint white shapes have pretty much enclosed me, though they move with me as I do. One's square and the other is circular. Immediately following that, Joker says something about heat and there's a burst of color that washes over me. I'm not sure what that one did, but I feel pretty good.
"Think I'm missing any defensive spells, Queen?"
"No, I think that's all of them. Besides anything Al Azif might have?"
Oracle salutes Queen. "All the best for our guest!" Oracle holds the salute, eyes darting between the three of us. "... Aw come on, it rhymes, get it?"
"Oh, yes," Queen replies awkwardly. "Sorry, I must be distracted is all."
Joker turns on his heel, his long coat swishing dramatically. "Let's get moving."
-
It doesn't occur to me until we're waiting for Oracle to scan the arena I saw before from the safety of one of its balconies that Morgana is missing. I'm not worried about him, per se, he's clearly highly competent, but he was with Joker before.
"Hey, Joker?"
"What's up?" Joker replies, still staring down the hallway looking for shadows that might interrupt Oracle.
"Where's Mona?"
"He's with Panther and Wolf on the outside right now," Queen replies from the other side of the room. Must like Joker, she's watching the backdoor to the abandoned shop for trouble.
"Why?" slips out of my mouth before I realize it. Queen doesn't seem offended by it though.
"Well... Oracle mentioned a Trauma Room earlier, has Joker explained those at all?"
"I... honestly know pretty much nothing about Jails."
"Hmm..." Queen trails off.
Joker must have taken that as a hint because he adds, "Something I admit was a mistake. I didn't think her abilities would leave her stuck in one with no way out. We'll resolve that problem after we leave, promise." I'm not sure what he's going to resolve, but I'm still looking forward to whatever he has in mind.
Queen seems satisfied because she sighs and moves on. "Jails are just that, jails. They imprison the monarch in a cage of their traumatic experiences that causes them to become distorted and warped people. The Trauma Room is where the key to those cages is kept guarded."
"And that room is in the real world?"
"Not quite, but good guess," Queen replies warmly. I think she's pleased that I'm following everything, which is a flattering thought. I wish I could see her face, but it's still peering out the back door. "That room is part of the jail, but the Jail separates the entrance to it. It's another security measure that makes these jails work so well."
"So..." I pace back and forth behind Oracle. "Zenkichi, Panther, and Mona are waiting to go through that separate entrance and get the key?"
"Yes," Queen replies quickly. "You catch on quick." Now I'm glad she's got her head out the door, she'd see my flushing.
"Doesn't she?" Joker adds approvingly.
Nice as the praise is, I try to move the topic away from me. "So how do they know where to find it?"
"When we get to the cage, you'll see," Joker remarks.
Oh, now we're back to his whole wait and see thing. If it wasn't for Oracle dropping out of her persona, I'd have called him on it. Well, maybe would have called him on it.
"Ladies and Jokers, We have our Monarch!" Oracle cries out. Queen and Joker move away from their guard posts to join us. "There's a tunnel hidden under the arena. Goes to a dug-out section of the mall and I guarantee you that's where Morikawa is hiding."
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I quickly ask, "Whose Morikawa?"
"The Jail's Monarch," Joker says dismissively. Seems he's not a fan.
"He's a Yakuza leader in Shinjuku," Queen adds. "We're kind of lucky. We wouldn't have gotten to you so quickly if we didn't realize who the Monarch was so quickly, and TPD already had a file on him to get us all the information we needed."
I shiver. I don't think I'd have lasted a minute longer in here without the Thieves. It's a scary thought, and one I banish from my mind with a shake of my head.
"Anyway...!" Oracle calls. "Let's get going already!"
Queen cracks her knuckles and nods. "Right. What's the fastest route to the first floor Oracle?"
"I have the answer to that one," Joker says with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Joker's idea of how we could get down was him grabbing me and using his grappling hook to swing us into the center of the arena. I feel no shame in saying it was terrifying and I screamed like a six-year-old. Queen and Oracle followed close behind, which was good as Joker's flashy entrance attracted company.
The shadows are... less intimidating when Joker and Queen are between me and them. Oracle hovers over my head, calling out directions while Joker shreds through the crowd of shadows with his various personas and Queen pounds anything that manages to avoid Joker. It occurs to me that no one asides from the Thieves themselves have ever seen the Phantom Thieves like this. The public assumes the Thieves are like cat burglars, slipping in to change hearts without any risk to themselves.
That's so far from the truth. The Phantom Thieves fight tooth and nail to help people the way they do. The level of expertise I'm seeing is just that, from experience. They've been active for years, and every single change of heart must be this same kind of challenge. The line of thought reminds me of talking to Maruki-sensei earlier this week, honestly. The Thieves really are admirable people.
I break from my thoughts as Joker motions our group forward. We find the tunnel in no time thanks to Oracle's abilities, and when we reach a giant birdcage that looks like it's been buried underground, Joker wastes no time in touching it. He grunts as if in pain, but he holds his hand to whatever force field is repelling him. I make to step forward, but Queen stops me with a hand across my chest.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine. It's not as bad as it looks," she says.
"Last I checked you still haven't tried it, urgh," Joker grunts as he pulls his hand away. "Oracle, send a message to the other team. Our intel was right, that club is his Trauma Room. We'll be on site for the Change of Heart so have Mona send one as soon as they finish up."
Oracle nods while Queen and Joker settle into banter. I slide down against the dug-out tunnel wall, figuring I can take the moment to rest my eyes. Joker and Queen have settled in as well, from the looks of it, since we have to wait on the other time so I... Oh, man... I didn't realize how much all that running took out of me, sh...eesh...
-
I'm jolted awake as the tunnel shakes violently. I scramble to my feet and spot Joker, Queen, and Oracle running towards me from inside the birdcage room. If the tunnel is shaking where I am, the birdcage looks like it's in the middle of an earthquake and a hurricane. The three Thieves slide their way out into the relative safety of the tunnel and quickly drag me along towards the arena itself. I force myself not to look backward and focus on running. We exit the tunnel just as the whole thing collapses on itself, leaving us in the barren arena to catch our breath.
"Wha... What... What happened?" I pant out.
"You clearly needed the rest so we took out the Monarch while you were resting," Queen says, not the slightest bit out of breath.
"Monarch cages collapse on themselves when the treasure," Joker holds up some kind of golden pin, also not at all out of breath, "has been stolen and the Monarch returns to the true self."
"So... Pah, ugh, cramp..." Oracle grumbles out before collapsing next to Joker. She holding her side and heaving almost as bad as me.
"Oracle, we really need to have you start exercising more..." Queen comments with a hand on her hip. "Anyway, we can make our way out now." Oracle glares at Queen. "As... soon as you catch your breath, of course."
While Oracle and I quell the fire in our lungs, Joker turns to Queen. "So, you think any of what he said will help with to find the ringleader?"
"Hmmm..." Queen taps a finger against her cheek. "I'd have to see if Zenkichi came up with anything in the Trauma Room. Unless the Trauma Room gives us more context I don't think there are any leads to be had here."
"And as the first Jail, we don't have any kind of pattern to figure out either."
Queen nods. "Unfortunately..." she trails off as she chews at her lip.
Joker puts a hand on her shoulder. "Not much we can do, as Police or Thieves, when there's no evidence to work with. We'll just have to give it time."
"I know," Queen sighs.
"If it's..." I finally settle my breathing, "any consolation Queen, you saved my life today."
Queen looks over at me, with her mask off I can see the surprised expression on her face. She quickly settles into a smile. "It does. Thank you." I'm pretty sure I flush a bit, Queen is a very... genuine person. It's a strange descriptor but it really fits her. Ah, or maybe a better way of describing it is she wears her heart on her sleeve.
"Hey, I've got comms from Wolf coming through," Oracle cuts in. Oracle's persona wraps around her while Queen shifts a hand to her earpiece.
"We're all set here, expect a change of heart soon. Any trouble in the real world?"
Joker motions with his head towards the stairs up and out of the Jail. I follow after him, Queen and Oracle taking up the rear.
Queen blinks. "Really?"
...
"Lucky break then. We should have a team ready to scope him up, I'm willing to bet that when he turns the rest of the clan will try and take him out."
...
"No, that's not..." Queen sighs. Whatever Wolf said must have annoyed her. "We'll discuss it later, alright? Is that everything?"
...
Queen chuckles lightly. "I think you're starting to live up to your nickname Gramps. I'll pass it on. Queen out." Joker pauses our ascent for a moment, letting Oracle drop from within her persona. He shares a glance with Queen.
"Well, we dodged a bullet. The Monarch was a Yakuza clan leader, and one intent on eliminating all his rivals. The few people he was able to affect since the Jail activated this afternoon showed very violent activity. They'd have quickly overwhelmed police presence in Shinjuku if the Monarch really got going."
"That's... different," Joker says pensively.
"It is. But Wolf has a swat team making an arrest now. With the change of heart coming, he'll confess and put himself away."
Joker grins over his shoulder. "All thanks to the Phantom Thieves." Queen's only response is a wry smile of her own. ... I'm starting to realize Joker likes pushing everyone's buttons, not just mine.
"Also, Wolf's offering to buy at the nice Sushi place while we're all out this way," Queen adds. Oracle straight-up cheers.
"Sounds more like Mona offering for him," Joker chuckles.
"I think he actually just wants a chance to apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday," Queen shrugs.
"It still could have been Mona's suggestion," I add.
"I wouldn't put it past him..." Queen sighs again. "I assume you're in then?" Joker and I both nod. Oracle was excluded, she's been babbling out menu items she's going to order on Wolf's tab so her choice is obvious. She flicks her head suddenly down a side hallway.
"Oooh, new exit! We can get out to the mall proper from here!" Oracle shouts as she bounds her way over to a kiosk.
"Shortcuts are always nice," Queen jogs after Oracle. I share a look with Joker, and the two of us follow after them.
-
"Go on ahead you two, we'll catch up," Amamiya-san waves Nijima-san and Futaba-san off. They make their way around the next block where the restaurant is supposed to be. We're outside the Crossroads exit to the underground mall, so basically right back where we started. The only difference is the sun is setting, rather than high and the sky.
Well, that and the streets are lit up with neon, and every club, bar, and seedy place on the street has people trying to lure new customers in. Amamiya-san's hovering really close to me and I don't mind it at all. It also helps with the anxiety that he's mad at me for getting lost in that Jail or something. If he was mad, I don't think he'd be glaring off every already drunk office worker that looks in our direction. Well, maybe.
"So... What's up, Amamiya-san?" I cross my fingers behind my back, hoping I'm not banned from the Cafe or anything. He nods with his head so I follow him across the street. I don't even realize we're walking towards the Velvet Room door until we're right on it, because of all the people here. Amamiya-san pushes open the door and draws the both of us inside before I can tell him about this afternoon.
The blue of the Cafe's door is everywhere in this... Jail? We walk out into a cell with the bars removed. Amamiya-san is Joker again, though he's lifted his mask from his face. He makes for the exit of the cell (there's a wall behind us, I'm not sure how we got here in the first place).
There's a circular room with cells and hallways branching out from it. There's a crest of an ornate V set into the rug that fills the center of this room, and a desk residing on top of it. Standing next to that desk...
"Trickster, welcome," Lavenza says with a small curtsey. "What can I do for... Ah, it is good to see you again."
"Hi again," I wave awkwardly.
"You've met?" Wow, Amamiya-san actually seems surprised.
"I tried to open the... Velvet Room's," I look to Lavenza and she nods in confirmation, "door while you were Crossroads this afternoon. Lavenza came out and we talked a little."
Amamiya-san hums. He's calculating something, I can see it in his eyes. Not in a special abilities sense, in more of I'm starting to learn how he thinks way. "It does save me the trouble of introductions."
"Indeed. You have stumbled on quite the interesting ally, Trickster."
"I couldn't agree more, but we do have a slight problem. Whatever her abilities-"
"The Third Eye," Lavenza cuts in. She's got guts, people tend to let Amamiya-san finish his...
"The what?! You know what it is?!" I barely keep myself from shouting.
"Oh, yes. I had to confirm it, but what you've described clearly sounds like the Third Eye talent," Lavenza says like she hasn't just answered a question I've had my entire life.
"As in, the same ability the God of Control gave me when he was posing as Igor?" Amamiya-san asks.
"In... a sense," Lavenza paces in front of the desk. "What that false god gave you was more of a... bastardization of the talent your young friend has. I know not how the Third Eye was bestowed upon her, but I am quite sure that's what it is."
"Can... Can I get rid of it?" Lavenza seems surprised, but I double down. "This 'talent' has been nothing but trouble since it appeared when I was a little girl. I don't want it, I definitely don't need it." Lavenza's sympathetic frown is all the answer I need. Amamiya-san puts a comforting hand on my shoulder too, as if to be the final nail in the coffin of me being free of this.
"It is... not something I believe can be removed. The Third Eye is, how best to describe this..." Lavenza closes her eyes and rocks back and forth as she thinks, which is kind of adorable and a great distraction. "a part of the soul, once it's been bestowed. There are places I could ask if it possible, but... The odds are quite unlikely."
"I believe the Phantom Thieves specialize in winning impossible battles," Amamiya-san adds. "We'll help anyway we can." I look up at his easy-going smile. It's... nice to have someone in my corner.
"It may not be the same, but it is possible you could train your talent properly to gain control over it. You would not be rid of the Third Eye, but it might ease some of your troubles," Lavenza says. She looks so concerned, I feel bad for stressing such a young soul with this.
"Maybe, yeah..." I trail off.
"It is not ideal, I know..." Lavenza sighs. "However my Trickster is quite talented with his version of the talent, he may be able to help you with some of its uses."
I look to Amamiya-san for confirmation of that, and he nods. "I'm self-taught, but I'll see what I can show you." Amamiya-san then turns back to Lavenza. "But, in the meantime. I need you to put the metaverse Navigator on her phone."
"Oh?" Lavenza's big eyes blink owlishly in surprise. "Has she awakened to a persona in some way? Though I believe that spell is designed to replicate to any new persona users you ally with..."
"No, she hasn't..." Amamiya-san adjusts his bangs. "The real Third Eye lets her see the boundaries of the metaverse in the real world. It also lets her enter when she passes through those boundaries."
Lavenza lets out a cute little gasp. I'd swear, she's like a doll. "Oh my. That would prove a problem. Let me see..."
Lavenza takes the massive book that rests on the table beside her into her hands. She actually has to hop to pull it over the side, which makes it yet another cute thing the girl has done in the last two minutes. She cracks open the book before her and it starts to float. The pages move on their own like the thing was possessed, Lavenza's expression focused and her hands motioning left and right as if conducting the pages.
I glance over to Amamiya-san, he's looking at this with a bored expression and his hands stuffed in his pockets. How this isn't amazing to him is amazing in and of itself. I look back to Lavenza, she's settled on a page and a blue magic circle has appeared over the pages. Lavenza pokes at the circle like it's a dial, spinning and sliding parts of it. I have no idea what she's doing despite watching every movement like a hawk.
Whatever she's done is finished with a soft slam of the book shutting itself and falling into Lavenza's waiting hands. "It should be done, Trickster."
Amamiya-san pulls out his phone and shows me an app icon. "Check your phone for this."
I do as asked and find the 'Metaverse Navigator' app installed on my phone. It opens, and a voice says something about keywords.
"Fantastic. Thank you Lavenza," Amamiya-san says to the attendant.
"It is my pleasure to assist you, as always Trickster. The Velvet Room shall always support you for you and your friend's constant efforts to protect this world."
"Anytime, Lavenza," Joker grins before turning on his heel and motioning to me. "Now, how about that sushi?"
I nod to him before turning back to Lavenza. "Thank you, Lavenza. I... hope you can visit the Cafe sometime! I'd love to chat more."
Lavenza's smile is absolutely radiant. "As do I."
I return her smile before jogging off after Amamiya-san. We have what's sure to be a loud, warm, and enjoyable dinner with the Thieves waiting for us.
-
Longest chapter yet! I considered splitting this in two, but it didn't get quite to that point yet. I normally post in the evening butttt you get this one early because I'm adopting a cat tonight! (^^)
Those self-help books? First results on an amazon book search for "Change" and "Heart" XD They couldn't be more fitting. Originally, I was going to include that police ceremony in this chapter too, but I think I'll leave that for a later one =)
We've introduced half the thieves and "where they are now" already! I have a pretty good idea of whose next, so look forward to it =D