No regrets.
From dawn til noon, the day was a sum of different kinds of uncomfortable. Unwieldy attires, lack of sleep, and the unforgiving August heat made for a particularly awful cocktail. And there was still much of the day ahead. But Futaba was happy, prancing her way to the entrance of the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Centre. For Ren and Makoto, that sight alone made the inconveniences worth it, even if they were basically melting beneath the dark attire of characters they were barely familiar with. Their comrades had also joined the Futaba-entourage to "round out the ensemble", including Morgana, in a strange, slug-like costume.
All of it just to help their little gremlin come out of her summer break slump. For a budding overachiever like Futaba Sakura, downtime could prove a true hazard. The only solace she seemed to derive was the latest release in a long-going franchise of horror video games. But even that could not lift her spirits for long. Thus, enter the 'team's parents' with just the perfect plan.
Ann and Haru were both elated by the idea of attending a convention in full cosplay. Yusuke was intrigued by the ominous aesthetic, and Ryuji looked forward to seeing his girlfriend dress up for the occasion. Morgana merely hoped for the best, considering his feline body. But for all their willingness, nobody had any actual experience cosplaying. It was fortunate that Makoto's friend Eiko was an experienced cosplayer herself. No only did she coach them, she also joined them for the day, nearly completing the cast.
"Come on guys, hurry!" Futaba's face could barely be seen under the wide-brimmed hat of the vampiric aristocrat, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu. No piece of her costume was particularly large, but the totality of it all made for a comically oversized look, especially for Futaba's size. Regardless, her enthusiasm matched the imperious energy of the character she depicted.
"Easy there, Lady Chibitrescu, you're totally gonna trip on your own dress." Of all nine, Ryuji had gotten the more normal-and-comfortable attire as Ethan Winters, the game's protagonist, save for a fake-hand prosthetic that kept falling off every two steps.
"Quiet, you man-thing!" The pint-sized 'Mistress of the House' commanded, her voice fading in the distance as she continued running. And just as Ryuji had warned, she tripped and fell on her face. But before anyone could reach to help her, she was already on her merry feet like nothing happened.
"She... really has a lot of enthusiasm." Makoto remarked, panting a little beneath her hood and the meticulously crafted layers of makeup. Today, she did the part of Cassandra, Lady Chibitrescu's middle daughter, with Ann as the eldest, and Haru as the youngest. The trio's outfits were quite modest, but she still noticed the many gazes on all sides. And out of the corner of her eye, Ren's considerably bushy fake beard.
"It's just as we hoped for." Heisen-Ren said awkwardly, as stray synthetic hairs kept getting into his mouth. His shoulder was already numb from carrying his cumbersome hammer all day. "Can't say the same for this damned heat, though."
"Well, it is to be expected, I suppose." Haru, as Daniela Dimitrescu, tried to maintain her usual composure, but much like her bloodied makeup, it began to run low.
"Let it never be said that art comes without sacrifice." Yusuke smiled through a shining veil of sweat, as an unsuitably lean and graceful Salvatore Moreau. Ever one to think outside the box, he had replaced the bones on his makeshift shambling crown with water bottles. The hooded artist bowed a little, inviting his friends to help themselves to some refreshments.
"This is warm." Bela Dimitrescu spoke through Ann. "It's better than nothing, though. Thanks."
"The first time is always the hardest." Eiko's presence as veiled Donna Beneviento struck a hard contrast with the rest. Even if she wore the same field of colour, she carried herself with confidence and lightness. "No worries, the next time will be much easier!"
Makoto felt somewhat alarmed about her friend's remark. She always looked forward to trying new things and to take strides outside her comfort zone. But she did not think she could ever get used to the nightmare of preparations. Instinctively, she leaned towards Ren's side as per her usual habit. In his eyes, she saw a degree of empathy on her misgivings, but also a familiar shine, a much daring one. Makoto knew it could mean a many different things.
At last, the pack entered the venue. The artificial breeze of the air conditioner greeted them like a sweet balm. But even though they escaped the heat wave outside, they were about to be met with something just as overwhelming, if not more so.
COMIKET was one of the largest fan conventions in the entire nation. It had both the history and the budget to stand an important event in the minds and hearts of many, including Futaba Sakura. In fact, this would mark her first time experiencing the convention. And she would not have it any other way. The girl in white manifested her awe through a long unintelligible sound. And so, she went on to shepherd her friends into the thick of it.
It was almost like coming out of a dark tunnel into blinding light. At first, it was a large hum of muffled sounds beyond the lobby doors. Then, the deafening cacophony of the massive congregation; a sensorial impact through sound and sight. Nobody knew where to even start looking, as the cornucopia of characters and devotees called for their attention on each side. And past the bulwark of people - the usual stragglers at any large event - countless tables, panels and storefronts lay in wait. The allure was beginning to set in.
As for Futaba, she was right in her element. The sheer abundance in her diverse interests far outweighed her usual aversion to crowds. Though overwhelmed, her party decided to follow her example, even if slow and timidly at first.
Ren and Makoto kept Futaba close in their sights as they led the group into the crowded aisle, which made for a somewhat surreal first experience. Dressed in ominous garb, they followed the girl like she was a white rabbit leading them into a strange wonderland. On each side, they all saw something that caught their interest, be it a character from an old TV show, or merchandise neatly displayed on offer.
"Ren..." Makoto uttered carelessly, tugging at her partner's raggedy sleeve. He followed the direction she pointed at and saw rows and rows of trinkets and accessories in black and white. He hardly needed see his girlfriend's face to know there was bright light in her eyes. In truth, he was surprised there was so much Buchimaru-kun merchandise in one place.
"We'll come back, I promise." He smiled behind the gray beard, counting himself lucky about bringing plenty of money.
"Promise?" Her look of youthful innocence radiated even through Cassandra's horrifyingly bloodied makeup.
"Absolutely do."
But although Ren made a mental note of this storefront, they would not return to it for a while. With every gaze and every step, they all fell to the same magic Futaba has loved from so long ago; even Morgana found something to fawn over. The memory of earlier inconveniences vanished at once, and their reason to be here was no longer just to please a friend. Soon, without realising it, the Phantom Thieves resembled middle-schoolers indulging in little obsessions.
But all came to a screeching halt when they arrived at the end of the aisle into a clearing. At first sight, it was as if they ran into a mirror, but their reflection was that of two years ago. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts stood right in front of them, and they seemed every bit as stunned as the real deal. The moment lasted only a few seconds, during which several passersby stopped in their tracks. From an outsider's perspective, it must have looked like the strangest, most uncanny clash, yet all the more exciting for it.
Soon enough, the minutiae beneath the masks became more obvious to Ren and company. The attires did not shine with the same vigour as their Metaverse originals, their Mona looked much taller, and their Joker was a girl with even messier hair than his own. It dawned on them with a flustered shock that their reputation might eventually have led to this.
"Ma choute..." Their 'Queen' spoke to 'Joker', breaking the silence. "It's House Dimitrescu!"
"Heisenberg too, and Donna, and... is that Moreau!?" A much shorter 'Fox' joined gleefully, tail bouncing up and down.
'Oracle' walked forward and picked up Morgana in his Cadou attire. At least in that respect, their navigator resembled Futaba almost exactly. The feline companion might have reacted more aggressively, but the parasite costume hindered his movements.
'The Phantom Thieves' collectively and loudly rejoiced, surrounding the Village's Lords and talking in French among themselves. Through their euphoria and awkward Japanese, Makoto gathered that they wished to take a picture with them. The group was already willing to go along with it, but the small crowd gathered around the encounter made it inevitable. With so many eyes on them, the Lords of the Village awkwardly got into position.
Ren, Yusuke and Eiko gathered in a small bunch as per the arrangement of their characters, while Futaba rounded up her 'daughters'. Ann and Haru were quite used to appearing in pictures, but Makoto still lacked that security. Usually her boyfriend was a reliable aid when a camera was involved, though Ann and Haru did just as well, helping her feel secure within the frame. Finally, Mona jumped atop Ryuji's shoulder in the centre of the picture, grinning wildly before their many unwitting admirers.
For a first showing, it was quite a good one. Not an hour into the event, Futaba already had an experience to last for a lifetime, and so did her companions. Ren and Makoto shared a gaze of satisfaction across their near opposite positions. And in doing so, they noticed something about the other group as they posed for another picture.
They were not merely cosplay enthusiasts traveling abroad for the event - they were indeed the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, at least within the strange and magic world of the convention. From their poses, their eyes, and even the way they carried themselves, they fully incarnated the Personae. Skull and Panther shone fiercely, as Mona and Haru flaunted their crepuscular elegance. Fox and Oracle bickered in powerful contrast, while Joker and Queen stood back to back against a world of injustice. It was indeed like looking at themselves in a mirror through a different scope.
Then the full appeal of the event dawned on them. Like most things in life, the first time was always the hardest. Subsequent attempts encouraged initiative and improvement. And now, it was time to go all out; it was time to join the universe of many. The Lords of the Village loomed over COMIKET, and a valiant hero was to resist their bloodthirsty ambition. That is how the story of the game went, and the Phantom Thieves resolved to make it work.
Their time hence was divided. One half to attend panels, storefronts, and autograph signings; if in an unconventional way, they all took the chance to try things outside their usual tastes. As for the other half, they gave themselves to the occasion, posing for pictures and video recordings. In a way, their cosplaying debut earned them something of a following. The group were not the only ones with this particular set of costumes, but even other Village Lords approached to admire Eiko's handiwork.
Wherever they walked, gazes both fascinated and enticed would follow. And in response, they each incarnated the character, almost to perfection. Ryuji's Ethan Winters showed himself with heroic grit, while Ren's Heisenberg stood the treacherous, vulgar yet sultry Lord of the Factory. Eiko took the demure, yet unsettling poise of Puppetmaster Donna Beneviento, and Yusuke took intriguing liberties with the otherwise uncannily repulsive Moreau. Even Morgana imbued the unsung Cadou parasite with unique charm.
But it was the female-led House Dimitrescu what provoked the most attraction and admiration from on-lookers. Nobody seemed to mind Futaba's 'lackings' when her portrayal was spiritually the perfect image of the Countess; domineering and regal, though still with a certain petty air about her. And her trio of daughters shone with delightful malice, flashing teeth and loudly cackling at the countless prey that surrounded them. But for a moment, it was this precise manic energy what struck Ren puzzled, as he looked on.
Haru and Ann looked lovely, as always. But in his eyes, Makoto continued to steal the spotlight. Beneath the hood, her styling appeared to be the furthest image from the girl he adored. So strange-looking on her, and yet still so alluring. Furthermore, the steely effigy of the Queen shimmered behind the cruel smile and the sadistic glare. Above all, her laughter cast echoes inside of his heart, reminding of every occasion she graced his ears with her joy and relief. And now, so too with this dark cackle of cabalistic emotions.
He did not know whether it was the palette they wore, or simple raw attraction, but he simply could not look away. Nobody would really know of his longing gaze, as his expression was hidden behind Heisenberg's shades and beard. But Eiko could easily tell. Thus she decided to give those two a little break.
Eiko knew Makoto and her friends could easily communicate with Morgana, like they were actually speaking to a person. She would likely never understand his meowing as words, but she knew he would understand her meaning. Within minutes, the two managed to steal the group away from the crowd. And with a bit of coaxing, the unlikely duo even hijacked the role of team's leaders, if temporarily.
"Makoto!" Eiko whispered. "I actually don't know how long the storefronts will remain open. I think you should go check it out while you still can."
"Check what out?" Makoto arched an eyebrow, only for the truth to dawn on her at once. "Yes, you're right. Buchi-kun! I almost forgot... but you don't you wanna come?"
"Oh, I already got what I wanted. Besides..." She caught Ren's arm. "Didn't he, specifically promise to take you?"
"Why, yes. He did." Makoto's Cassandra smiled with uncharacteristic warmth for the she-devil. During the time she had known Ren and the rest of her comrades, she has grown more confident, and more savvy in the nuances of endearment. For once, she caught the exact hint of what Eiko was trying to do. She could not bring herself to turn it down.
"Well then, Miss Dimitrescu. Shall we go?" Ren held out his hand for Makoto to take.
And so they went, leaving their sinister alter-egos behind and simply enjoying themselves as the first day of the convention reached its latter half. The Buchi-kun stand was the first stop for the couple, with more to follow as the glow of orange clouds peeked inwards from the upper dome. Though the event continued at full steam, the scene unraveled into a more fundamental experience, one which they were intimately familiar with.
It was the simple joy of getting lost in the crowd, with all manners of things strange and curious around them. They let the momentum of the occasion carry them on, picking up new sights and sounds here and there. Ren and Makoto never did get to fully know Chinatown years ago, and they would likely not know everything the convention had to offer. But the act of exploring together was its own treat.
At the end, they decided to take a break in a secluded spot outside the convention centre. Cliché as it was, neither of them ever got tired of chasing sunsets or full moons to behold in enamoured silence. Today was no exception, even if the heat maintained its merciless hold.
Though drenched in sweat and running make up, Makoto felt comfortable at Ren's side. She noticed much about him, how peculiar he appeared graying and with facial hair, how tired yet eager he looked. His usual unruly was impeccability in comparison, but this look suited him well. It was truly as if he aged 20 years, and she did not dislike the image in the slightest; it was better than anything she imagined in the past. Makoto then wondered how she looked in his eyes, shrouded in dingy gloom, with a massacre smeared on her chin and cheeks. A ghost of past insecurities whispered a discouraging answer. But maybe, just maybe...
She reached forward and bit his ear.
Ren chuckled and turned towards her with a subtle blush. He knew his girlfriend had certain preferences when it came to romance, but he also knew she had a penchant for surprising him when he least expected it. She relished those moments for the pleasure of turning the tables on him, and so did he.
"The Dimitrescu flavour suits you better than we thought, huh?" Ren said.
"I hardly know a thing about this girl. She strikes me as someone who indulges in wants and needs, though."
"Wants and needs, you say?" He looked at her mischievously.
"Don't judge me." She felt a little warmth on her face. "It's been quite a day, and we're allowed a little indulging, aren't we?" She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Besides, you look better with grey hair than I had pictured."
Assertive as she was, Makoto still sometimes fell victim to a few stumbles, most of which were inconveniently revealing of the contents of her heart. She quickly caught the implied meaning of her words, but there was no taking them back. Now she braced herself for her boyfriend's inevitable remark. But for once, he kept it to himself.
"I can sympathise." Ren smirked, still savouring the delight of the unsaid. "I honestly couldn't take my eyes off of you out there myself."
"Did I look good?"
"You were mesmerising, blood and hood and all." He smirked. "Though, to be honest, I'm kinda curious to how you'd look in white."
Makoto initially thought of Futaba, grinning and running around in the Countess' dress. She figured her underlying Queen self could work well with the character of Lady Alcina Dimitrescu. In fact, that was the initial consensus when preparing for the convention, before they decided to give Futaba the honour. However, there was something odd about what Ren said, or rather, how he said it.
"By white, do you mean...?"
Makoto was unwilling to voice the entire question. Her boyfriend seized that pause of hesitation to steal a kiss. It was itchy at first, but she quickly melted into the warmth of his lips for how long it lasted. When they parted, a little of her fake blood rubbed off on his mouth, but neither noticed it at the moment. All Ren and Makoto saw was the same colossal want in each other. They barely needed to say a thing to tell how badly they wanted to pursue it. However, they still knew it was about time to go back.
Dusk loomed behind them, and everything was red. It was an appropriate setting on their return to the convention for the final displays of their villainous personae. The other Lords and their foil waited patiently, with plenty of bags and purchases in hand. The image somewhat clashed with the spirit of mystery and bloodshed, but they were all fairly used to contrasts by now. The best example was their amused expressions on seeing Heisen-Ren and Cassandra return.
"I trust you got all you were looking for." Haru spoke with a certain subdued, mischievous tone.
"They totally did." Ann joined. "Like, look at all those loads of goodies they're carrying." The 'elder sister' remarked on their purchases, which were scarce in comparison to the rest of the group.
"Oh yeah. Loads and loads. And then some, I bet. Am I right?" Ryuji pushed the teasing far past subtlety. "Huh? Huh?" He was almost elbowing Ren in the arm by now.
"I am confused." Yusuke spoke without his friends' humour. "Was not... Makoto the one supposed to have blood on her mouth?"
Suddenly, the hue of Makoto's face and her crimson makeup could not be told apart. She looked at Ren with wide, alarmed eyes, and saw his usual smirk. Since he would not wipe his mouth, she did it for him in a futile attempt to hide their deed.
"Like the two don't do the same, on a constant basis!" Makoto pointed at Ann and Ryuji in flustered reprimand. "And it was his fault." She landed a playful but firm smack on Ren's lower back.
"That sounded pretty damned strong!" Futaba added. "Next time, you must be Alcina!"
"Agreed." Morgana chimed in. "Besides, we were all kind of thinking that from the beginning."
"Well, I supposed I wouldn't be opposed to it..." Makoto said, remembering what Ren said just a few moments ago.
"Funny you say that!" Eiko lit up behind her black veil. "Because that might actually happen pretty soon at that."
Everybody turned to look at their cosplay connoisseuse with quizzical eyes. Her expression was both guilty and pleased. A very visible statement on its own.
"Eiko, did you do something?" Ren asked cautiously.
"You see. I think we were all too deep into the characters to notice, but... we kind of made a splash. Like, stole the show a bit. Um, have a look at the COMIKET tag on Instawham."
Simultaneously, all but Morgana took out their phones and looked at the site. Their eyes turned bewildered in one flash of the screen. At least for several pages, the Lords of the Village were all that could be seen. They barely could recognise themselves, but it was indeed them, and people were talking in barely contained intrigue.
"This is quite something." Even Yusuke felt a certain enthusiasm.
"You got it, Moreau." Eiko grinned. "This is very, very something! And, I was sort of approached to by someone who seems to be a big name in this thing. And they wanted to know if we'd like to do this again, further down the line... this summer."
"Eiko, did you say 'yes'?" Makoto asked slowly.
Her friend shrugged, smiling ear-to-ear.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Futaba exploded, hopping up and down, and waving her voluminous hat in the air. "This will be the best summer ever! A bloody summer!" The girl screeched a cackle so loud that it led to a fit of coughing.
The reaction from the rest of the party varied, but all were on the same wavelength of enthusiasm. Nobody even thought of reproaching Eiko for accepting the offer without consulting the rest of the group. The only voiced complaint was Morgana, who wanted to be dressed as something other than a Cadou parasite. Ren and Makoto could only watch in mystified silence. They were not displeased by this turn of events, yet they could not shake off the feeling that the two had caused this from the beginning.
They wanted to see Futaba come out of her slump. As a crafted plan, this was a complete success, with the added boon of bringing some excitement and joy for their friends, as well as some leisure for the rest of the summer. All they had to do now is finish parsing their own thoughts on the matter.
"If I'm changing characters, I expect you do the same. You'd better be ready, 'my stupid, precious man-thing'." Makoto whispered to Ren.
The statement took him completely by surprise. He turned to look at his girlfriend, only for her to steal a quick, furtive kiss herself. Flustered beyond comprehension, he could only smile.
Late evening turned out as hot as noon. Alas, no regrets.