XXIX. Departures
November 2035
Velvet Room
Once again they found themselves back in the velvet room. This time the other residences were gone. It was quiet with only Igor in the room. Before them was a gourd. The faded red rope looked like it could snap at any moment.
"This is on loan from my master." Igor gestured at the item. "It will help you pacify the fire god."
"A gourd? Our lives depend on a gourd? I know he's like made of fire and those were used to fight fires but that seems like an oversimplification of the issue. Also, it's super tiny compare to him," said Reika.
"This gourd belongs to his…sister if you will, it contains the necessary power. That is not your concern, your concern is if any of you are able to probably wield it. The only two of you who show the slightest possibility of doing so are Amagi Himeko and Onishi Sakura."
"No pressure then," said Himeko as she looked at it. It didn't look all-powerful but maybe that was the point. She looked over at Sakura who looked back at her nervously. Her hands were clasped together. From that Himeko figured she wouldn't take it so she reached out of it. When her fingers touched it felt almost cold, it wasn't at all pleasant.
"Excellent." Igor leaned forward. "I suggest you try to complete this mission rapidly. We do not know how much more time Inaba has."
No one argued, everyone was feeling the magnitude of what they had to do.
Afternoon
No one spoke for a moment as they stood outside of the Velvet Room. As always before a major event, they had planned to spend the night at the Inn. However, now none of them wanted to move.
"Look," Reika was the first to speak. "You guys are awesome and I love you but I will be spending what may be my last day with all of you tomorrow. I kinda want to use what is left of today to say goodbye, just in case….you know?"
"Yeah I get it," said Kotori.
"I think it's a good idea." Sakura looked around at the others. "I want to believe that everything will go well but at the same time I worry."
"We all worry." Daisuke rested his hand on her shoulder. "I think it would be a great idea. We can come together in the morning. Let's meet at the old tracks tomorrow."
The rest of SOTA chorused their agreement. None of them wanted to think this could be their last night but the possibility couldn't be ignored. It would be best to go into this battle with a few regrets as possible.
Reika didn't bother to wait to see what the others were doing to do. She knew what she wanted. The walk to Aya's house was short, especially when she jogged most of the way. Aya herself answerd the door.
"Rei?"
"Hey. can we hang out this evening?"
Her girlfriend's large dark eyes stared at her for a long moment. She wasn't really afraid that she would say no but it's still a bit disconcerting to be stared at so.
"Okay." Aya stepped aside to let her in. "Head over to my room, I'll get some snacks."
"You're the best. She kissed her cheek before slipping off her shoes and heading into the house. Aya was often home alone so she didn't run into anyone on her way to the bedroom. She wondered if it will stay that way.
Aya came back after a few minutes with snacks and the screen bar tugged under her arm. She set everything up on the low table. Reika tugged her to sit in front of her. Aya leaned back into her embrace and she rested her chin on her shoulder.
"Did you want to do something specific?"
"Not really, I just wanted to spend time with you. We haven't been able to do that recently."
"We're haven't." She twisted slightly to place a lingering kiss on her cheek. "I've missed you."
Reika felt guilt twist in her stomach. She loved Aya, she really did and yet she had never truly share with her what was going on. She knew that she knew that something was going on but she had never confirmed anything. It would be too cruel to say anything now. Not when everything could still go so horribly wrong. It was too late to tell her anything tonight but Reika told herself that if they, if she, came out of at the other end she would tell Aya. Maybe she wouldn't be able to tell her the whole truth but she would tell her enough to not hide her in the dark anymore.
"I know, I'm sorry."
Aya shook her head. "It's okay. We will just make tonight extra special." She turned to the screen she had brought to pick a movie.
Reika was glad when she picked something they had seen before many times before. Usually, that meant they would spend more time getting lost in each other than the movie but for now, she just wanted to be close to her. To memorize the way she felt in her arms.
Halfway through the movie Reika hadn't paid attention for a single moment and had been absently tracing patterns on Aya's side. Aya was the only one who had eaten any of the snacks. Ignoring the rest of the movie she twisted in her arms. Reluctantly Reika loosened her grip. Again those large eyes were fixed intensely on her.
"Are you paying attention to the movie?"
"Not really."
"Do you want to do something else?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
Reika let out a sigh, she leaned forward to tug her face into Aya's neck. She wasn't doing a very good job at just enjoying the evening. The last she wanted to do was make Aya worry. Tonight was supposed to be nice. "Yeah…" She trailed off to place a soft kiss on the pair of freckles on her neck. She couldn't see them but she knew they were there.
"That's not going to work."
"What?" Reika pulled back to look at her. A flush had spread around her cheeks.
"You can't distract me with a kiss."
That hadn't been her plan but she was more than happy to pretend that it was. "I think I most certainly can."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, I have a pretty good track record proving that I can." She leaned into so that her lips brushed against her when she spoke. "You do too."
Aya's cheeks flushed darker. Reika knew that if she looked down the flush would have spread down around her chest. Aya hated that it would happen, but Reika was very fond of it. Aya closed the last of the distance between them. Reika signed against her lips. Aya placed her hands on Reika's shoulders to shift her knees to either side of Reika's hips. Reika's hand came to rest on her waist. They keep the kisses slow and drawn out. There was no rush or scrambling of hands, the touches were slow and meant to smooth. They would finish the movie later but for now, Reika took comfort from her girlfriend's soft presence. Reika promised herself that tonight would not be the last time they spent time together. Even if they didn't last they would have more than just tonight left.
Kotori felt strange, so much of what she did was wrapped up in SOTA. She wasn't sure of what to do outside of it. Baking had always been her go-to but she didn't want to do that now. She wanted to make sure she started tomorrow with no regrets. There was only one thing that stood out as something she had regretted. She started to walk. Even though it had been months, Kotori's feet still knew the way.
Thankfully it's Shinji and not one of his brothers that answer the door. He looks surprised to see her, not that she can blame him.
"Kotori? What are you doing here?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a bit."
"Um, yeah sure. Wait a sec." He turned back inside without closing the door. Under a minute he was back. "Let's go to the park."
Inaba had a lot of parks but Kotori knew which one he was talking about. They had always gone to the same little park. It was probably a bit of a stretch to call it a park when it was little more than a playground with a few trees. Kotori sat down one on of the swings like she always had but Shinji didn't stand behind her like he use to. Instead, he sat on the other swing.
"What do you want to talk about?"
"I know it's been a while but I wanted to apologize."
"What?" He looked shocked. Kotori supposed whatever he was excepting her to say it wasn't that.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about how I acted over the summer. I was stressed and stuff was happening. I should have been more open."
"I should apologize too. I said some really shitty things at the end." He leaned back to stare at the stars. "I didn't really think that."
"Think what?"
"That I had to be number one, I didn't really want to make you pick. I just knew it would piss you off. I wanted to make it seem like I dumped you or didn't care before you did. It was shitty and I'm sorry."
"I remember thinking that you wouldn't say things like that."
"I don't, well I won't. Not anymore."
"I'm sorry we didn't try to work things out. I really did care about you."
"Yeah, so did I but I guess neither of us actually cared enough."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Still, thanks for apologizing."
"Thank you too. I kept thinking about talking to you but I figured it would be unwelcome."
Kotori shook her head. "Don't think that. We can still be casual with each other, at least now we can. Things have cooled off enough of the both of us I think."
"Good." Shinji stood. "Let's start that tomorrow."
Tomorrow, Kotori had no idea if she had another day after tomorrow. However, that wasn't something she could tell Shinji. That had been part of the problem over the summer, she hadn't been able to tell Shinji everything. Unlike Reika, she hadn't been able to make it work. She pushed away all those thoughts to smile. "Yeah, tomorrow."
"Have a good night, Kotori."
"You too." Kotori watched him walk away. She felt a lot better about it this time. Talking with Shinji hadn't taken nearly as long as she thought it would. She still had most of the evening left. She started to walk down the street, unsure of where to go.
Soon she came across the soft lights of Batafurai. Through the latticed window, she could see Saya and Hayate talking to Suou as he leaned against the counter. Hopefully, they wouldn't mind if she joined them.
The bell above the door chimed when she enter. Suou smiled when he saw her.
"Ah Ayase, come join us. I shall get your favorite."
She sat in between the siblings. Saya pulled her right into their discussion. While Kotori didn't have very strong options on the evolution of weapons during the Edo era she enjoyed getting lost in the passionate debate. She let herself relax and not worrying about tomorrow.
Himeko stood looking up the path that lead to the inn. She was vaguely aware of most of the other heading off in different directions. For a brief moment, she thought of heading back to the inn anyways. Quickly she dismissed the idea. Unlike most of the others, her family knew what was going on. They would ask questions; questions she didn't want to lie about. She wasn't sure if it would be her father or mother who go after Igor, maybe they would do it together. Even if they didn't any time spent with them would be tainted with everyone knowing tomorrow could be the end of everything. On top of that, it was busy at the inn so maybe they wouldn't even be able to spend time together. She honestly didn't know which one was worse.
Everything that had happened in those rewritten months came flooding back, she felt rooted to the floor. A familiar warm hand pressed against her cheek. Akira stepped into her view. His other hand joined the first to that he was cupping her cheeks.
"Tell me what you need."
His words almost had her cry. It was nearly unbelievable that not long ago he wouldn't have been able to ask her that. She stepped closer to that her forehead pressed against him.
"I don't know. I don't know where to go or what to do. If I go back I don't want them to know, really know what is going to happen but I don't think I could not tell them. They will ask and I will have to tell them. I can't do that to them…to me." She pressed her hands against his shoulder blades. She didn't care that they were in the middle of the street where anyone could see them. She needed him close. Deep in her gut, she felt like everything was spinning away from her. There was nothing she could do to stop it. She hated the feeling. The kisses he placed on her crown did little to calm her nerves. She tilted her face so that his kisses brushed against her temple.
"Let's go." He tucked in her close. She followed him, trying to calm the pit in her stomach.
Akira knew his house would be empty but he was still a little worried that his parents or little brother had changed their mind. After all, they had planned on staying at the inn tonight but were now spread across the town.
He turned from putting on Himeko's favorite instrumental music to see that she has chosen to sit on his bed. He had been worried that since what they had did the last time they had been together alone in his room he wouldn't be able to see her on his bed without being reminded. While he was reminded, it wasn't his primary thought. His primary thought was how to get rid of the haunted look she held. He knew there would be things about her he could never understand but he refused to ever turn away from her again. He still felt guilty about those few weeks. He would do everything in his power to make up for them.
He joined her on the bed. Instantly she tucked herself into his embrace. For one horrible second, he was reminded of the dream he already twice already. Logically he knew that she could just disappear out of his arms. At least not outside of the Twilight but that didn't stop him from tightening his arms around her.
He was nervous and a little scared of what they would face tomorrow but it was nothing compared to the reaction she was having. He wondered if it was what Igor had told her, of the responsibility he had placed on her.
"Tomorrow when you use the gourd I will help you. We can do it together."
She untucked herself from him at those words. "You have no idea how much it means to me that you can offer to do that. I love you so much"
Akira would have blushed if her words didn't have such a final ring to them. "I love you too and we will have plenty of time to tell and show each other after tomorrow."
The soft look she gives him nearly melted his heart. He had no idea how to make it better and it was bothering him more than he cared to admit. He brushed his fingers through the ends of her hair. He would give her anything she wanted, whatever was in his power he wanted to do have. That's exactly what he will do tomorrow. No matter what is coming for them he will not let her do it alone.
Takahito watched his sister for a moment. He wondered if she was feeling the same reluctance to go back home. He had no desire to have their parents try to talk to them. He was pretty sure their father would march himself into the Velvet Room if he knew just what might happen tomorrow.
The thought of tomorrow made him pause. He wondered if it was a bad sign that he wasn't extra worried that they might not make it out tomorrow. Apparently, they had already not made it out before, not that most of them remember that part. Only Sakura and Himeko had any recognition of those events. He turned to look for Sakura but saw that most of the others had already left. Daisuke was still close by though.
Takahito didn't protest when Daisuke slung his arm around the younger boy's shoulders and lead him away from the group.
"Any deep desires you want to take care of?" asked Daisuke.
"No, not really. I meant I don't even fight so I don't feel like I am in great danger. Well, apart from the ever-present danger of being murdered by shadows."
Daisuke huffed a laugh. "Damn, that's pretty clear thinking."
"I did purposely get into this. I followed Himeko and spied on her so I knew what she was doing. I knew what I was getting into, well kind of."
"Really?"
"Yeah, and with Mimir, I can look into the archives of past Persona teams. At least some of it. Ann kept popping up if I dug too dig." He shuttered. "She terrifying enough on a normal day."
"I can see that."
"What about you?"
"I've lived with supernatural things all my life. My mother's family is deeply magical in Germany. I never had much of a gift so I stayed mostly out of it." He shrugged. "Who know it was because I was apparently Japanese magic inclined."
"Is this consider magic?"
"All magic is misunderstood science….or something like that. I can't remember the quote."
"I don't even know it."
"The point is that magic or science can be very similar once you understand it."
Takahito nodded. "Okay."
"But really, not to baby you or anything but you are younger than us, even if it just a few years. A few years means the world at our age. I just want to make sure everything is okay with you."
Takahito sighed. "First my sister and now you?"
"Yes, it's such a terrible burden to be cared about."
Takahito shoved him which only made Daisuke laugh. "I know what you are doing."
"Is it working?"
"No, and I meant what I said. I don't felt in any more danger than I usually do. I don't want to spend the evening worrying about it." He wondered if he was stupid for feeling that way but he couldn't help it. Tomorrow would happen no matter what. He didn't want to spend what could be his last hours, even if he didn't think they would be, full of dread.
Daisuke paused to take a long look at the younger boy. It didn't seem like he was putting on a brave face. If what he wanted was to be distracted Daisuke could help him with that. He might be projecting a little but he hadn't lied when he had told him he had mainly stayed out of his mother's family magical missions and business. It had made him feel rather lonely sometimes. He wanted to make sure Takahito didn't feel like that; especially if tonight was their last night.
"Alrighty then, I know just what we need to do." He placed his arm around Takahito's shoulder once more and lead him to his house.
Daisuke grinned that the awestruck expression on Takahito's game when he took in the gaming set-up. Most things were VR these days but his father was old school. He always said that nothing beat the physical feeling of controllers and he had to admit that he was right.
"Is this all yours?"
"Nah, it's mainly my dad's but we play together a lot and a few games I bought. Inaba doesn't have any gaming cafés so he's made a pretty sweet set-up. Also, we have a ton of snacks. Pick a game or two for us to play and I will get the snacks."
His father found him while he was in the kitchen. His shirt-sleeves were rolled up and his tie was gone. Daisuke recognized that look, his father was deep into his paperwork. He was surprised he had noticed that he had come home.
"Son? I thought you were staying the night at your friend's?"
"That was the plan but we decided to hang out in smaller groups tonight."
"Ah."
"We will try to keep it down."
"Don't worry too much about it, I get lost easily." He ruffled his hair. "Have fun."
Daisuke shook his head at the fact that his father still ruffled his hair. It makes sense since he was ten the last time they had lived together for an extended period of time. He didn't mind it much, he knew it was how his father showed he cared. He looked down the hall where his father had disappeared to. He really hoped that he wasn't going to put his father through the unspeakable tomorrow. Maybe he could convince him to join them for a round or two just in case.
Sakura headed back to the school. Thankfully the baseball team was just cleaning up when she arrives. Despite them all dressed the same it was easy for her to spot her big brother. One of his teammates noticed her first and drew his attention to her. Before she can wave or anything a man stepped up to her. She doesn't recognize him but she isn't too worried. She is surrounded by her brother and his teammates, most of them know her and even if they didn't she doubted they would let anything happen to one of their schoolmates. Also after fighting shadows for over half a year most humans seemed a lot more manageable. Even if they were glaring at her.
"No girlfriends or whatever you call yourself," said the man without introducing himself.
"Pardon?" asked Sakura, unsure of what was happening.
"You heard what I said."
"Coach!" Taro jogged up to them. "This is my little sister."
The coach huffed like he didn't believe it but said nothing. He walked over to where some underclassmen were cleaning up.
"What happened to your old coach?"
"His wife had the baby last night, that coach was bought in just for today." He watched the temporary coach with a frown. "Thankfully the assistant coach will be back in town tomorrow."
The mention of tomorrow made her forget all about rude coaches. She placed her hand on her brother's arm, bringing his attention back to her. "Can you come home tonight?"
"I'm home every night."
"No, I mean straight home. I know you usually eat with your teammates but can you eat with us tonight?"
"I can but I thought you were staying at Amagi's tonight."
"I was but we changed plans. I already told our parents. They are getting fired chicken for the night."
"Sweet." He grin, it was Taro's favorite meal. That's why she had asked for it. It would feel far too morbid to her if she had requested her favorite meal. It would have felt like a last meal if she did.
"So you're coming home with me?"
"Yeah, just let me tell the team."
Sakura was laughing so hard at her Pop's attempts at drawing she was regretting that last bit of chicken. She was thankful that Taro was stuck with him tonight.
"Pop! Come on, draw something, anything that makes sense," begged Taro but the more he drew the less it made sense. Sakura and her Da high-fived when the time when off and Taro still had no clue what was being drawn.
"Dear, let's play a different game," said their Da, taking pity on his son.
"No, I will not let a game conquer me."
He stood to take take the stylist from him. Unfortunately, his husband was taller than him and was able to keep it out of reach. Sakura and Taro grinned at each other, this almost always happened on game nights. When she was little she remembered that her Da would lift her up high so she could reach the pen. She use to think she was so quick and clever to managed to get it away from her super tall father but she knew better now. Now she knew that he had purposely let her do it. He didn't want her falling or getting hurt. Knowing that now didn't make the memories any less cherished. It just reminded her of how much she was loved.
Sakura refused to believe that this would be the last time they got to do this. They would find a way to win tomorrow, no matter what she wasn't going to let any deity tear apart her family or the families of any of her friends. She, and Himeko, had already lost everything once, there was no way she would let it happen again.