[Chapter 18]
The Celebration
(Part I)
I arrive to the club and I notice everyone has left for today while I remain alone. I sigh as I couldn't do much without them and I am still thinking on Jennifer. I decide to sleep early for today and focus on something else for tomorrow.
Sound like a good plan.
I reach my room as I notice a pile of books in my beds and I tilt my head at those books. I don't remember using those books nor books ever residing in this place. I lock the door as I organize the book in the corner until one book caught my eye, a deep dark book with red letters. My curiosity overcome me and began reading the book as I lay down on the bed while the light are off. It seems to be a book about the world's mystery and paranormal. I became intrigue by the subject that I began reading it and I reach a specific topic.
"In Japan, a strange group know as the Phantom Thieves has caused an uproar both inside and out. They are well known for changing people's "heart" which turn bad people into good ones. After a couple of months, they remain silent and no further action has taken involving the change of heart." I read.
I scratch my head at this passage since I can faintly remembering something like this during my childhood, but I shook it off. I continue reading the book throughout the night and finish it as I felt into deep slumber.
August 28
Sunday
Early Morning
I open my eyes at the feel of the sunlight hitting my eyes and turn to the clock to see that it is morning. I yawn long and tiresome as I spend too much time reading that book last night and that major project, I quickly clean myself to spend this free time with someone. This time, I want to speak with Ayakane about herself and catch up from our departure during our childhood.
"Time to call Ayakane." I smile.
I grab my phone to dial Ayakane's number and hoping she is awake, she answer the phone after a couple of rings.
"Hello Luck, what's the matter?"
"I want to hang out with my childhood friend, could we meet somewhere?" I reply.
There is a silent after my respond and I tilt my head with a smile as she didn't expect my choice.
"Sure and I got the place where we could spend the time together. Ever heard of a place call Hyakuman-koku Bento?"
I felt like that place sound familiar to me and then I remember when the students began to talk about it during my walk. It evolve around a strange challenge as well and it sound interesting to me.
"I heard it from some students passing by, is that where we are going?" I ask.
"Indeed, Are you in the club house by any chance?"
"I am, are you going to come here?" I wonder.
"Of course, you don't know the way to that place and I don't want to see you getting lost in the busy streets of New York."
I felt a bit embarrass by that possibility and hearing Ayakane's chuckles made me feel like I really need the guidance.
"Alright I will wait for you in the main entrance of the school and we can go to that place from there." I agree.
"Ok, I will arrive there shortly."
We agree to this plan to meet in the main entrance and I head toward the destination so we can start our friendly meet up. I wait a couples of minutes to see Ayakane wearing some high-quality clothing and looking good. I, on the other hand is still wearing my school's uniform as I didn't expect Ayakane to take this meeting seriously and making me look bad.
"Wow, you really look good on those clothes. You didn't have to go all the way, you know." I nervously laugh.
Ayakane shook her head. "Nonsense, a girl must always dress well and properly when going with a boy." Ayakane smile.
I scratch my head at her respond which isn't wrong per say and I hope she understand my situation. I discard my feelings as I want to know about Ayakane and build a strong bond with her.
"Got it, should we get started?" I smile. "It is time for protagonist and heroine to travel to their destination together! Think of the fun we will have, together!" I spoke excited.
Ayakane nod. "I agree, let's go then." Ayakane smile.
We walk together to Hyakuman-koku Bento as Ayakane took the lead and guiding me to this rather complex streets. I manage to memorize our route just in case I want to come back here and invite people when I have the free time. I grin at the thought and I spend our long walk talking about each other. We arrive to our destination without any trouble and took our seat by ourselves as we waited for our food.
"Hey Luck."
I turn to see Ayakane a bit worry and sad about something bothering her which made me feel worry about her.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling alright? Maybe we shouldn't have come here after all.." I spoke, worry.
"I am okay, I am just worry about what happen when we first meet in school. It always bothering me that I couldn't remember you and I just felt bad about it ever since." Ayakane spoke.
I gently think on that moment and I remember very feel the details of it since it is a bad first encounter with a popular artist.
"You shouldn't blame yourself fully, I am also the one to blame." I reply.
Ayakane gasp with shock at my respond and began to defend me like she always does.
"What! No, it was me that push you away and made you feel like a bad person. I know that feeling very well and yet…" Ayakane pause. "I made you feel something that I hate.."Ayakane mutter.
I see Ayakane's eyes becoming watery as she can't handle strong emotions very well and I need to stop her from blaming herself.
"I know you suffer a lot in the past, but I am as guilty as you Ayakane! I…we couldn't remember each other, so let's start from the beginning. A fresh start." I recommend.
I put my left hand on my cheek with my elbow on the table and extending my right arm to her while giving her a calming smile.
"Hello, my name is Luck Arclight, was your name miss?" I ask, smiling.
Ayakane slowly gasp at my recommendation and smile as she wipe her tears away from her eyes.
"Ok, hello Luck. I am Ayakane Koifumi and…"
Ayakane look down as she try her best to say the rest and I became curious as what her next words will be. Ayakane nod to herself and look with me with strong confidence.
"I want to make new memory with you, with everyone in the club. I want to make up for our loss and try to make some good memories so we will never forget." Ayakane explains.
I see Ayakane giggling and smiling at the thought of all of us making new memories together. I really enjoy that plan and I smile at her courage to speak up.
"You have change quite a lot, I don't see that scare and helpless little girl from before." I scuff with a smile. "In fact, you should feel proud with your result and find someone that can make you happy with that result." I spoke.
"Come now, I am still a bit the same." Ayakane smile. "Did you know? That I don't really like to talk to people and prefer to stay in a quiet and lonesome place just like before." Ayakane said.
"Really? I would of never guess that still remain in you since you handle your fans, interviews, and the camera constantly focusing on you pretty well." I spoke amaze.
Ayakane blush at my compliment and she began to rub her hand underneath the table to hide her embarrassment from me. It is nostalgic to see her acting like her old self and making me feel joyous about those memories from long ago. I knew I made the right choice to speak about with her and fix our distance.
"Thanks, and I am an average girl that like to paint, that's all really." Ayakane smile, blushing.
"If you say so, I still think you made it far from my expectations and I hope you can be my side to help the others." I smile.
"Of course! Always and forever." Ayakane smile.
[Lovers] Lv. 2 Rank up!
We happily regain our old self and we continue chatting like we used to back then which made us happy. We spend the time eating and talking the whole day while the time pass us by rather quickly from this fun. I felt a bit sad at the time flying by until I gasp at the idea of our celebration. I have a plan to celebrate the grand opening of the Paranormal Club and I chuckle at the plan of mines.
"What's wrong Luck? What's so funny? " Ayakane ask.
"I-It's nothing, I need a favor from you. I want you to gather our friends and tell them to meet at our club." I reply.
Ayakane chuckle as she figure me out so easily since she understand me already and I couldn't hide anything from her.
"Another plan huh? Okay, I will tell the rest." Ayakane smile.
"Thanks, I will be right there as soon as I order some take out from here." I happily spoke.
Ayakane took out her phone as she left the room and I order some food for the celebration. Meanwhile, I notice a girl taking orders from people and she look like a high school student from the look of it. I didn't have much time to greet her as my time is running short and I quickly walk to my club.
August 28
Sunday
Evening
I became quite tire from carrying large stacks of food from here to the school, but I need it for them. I push myself toward the club room and I arrive to the club with tiresome leg shaking. I put the plates on the table and making the other worry.
"Wow! Are you okay? Why did you carry all of this by yourself? You should really ask me for help, you know?" Jane sigh.
"Too busy…too tire.." I mutter, struggling.
I took a seat as I felt my body burn with pain and Luke giving me a bottle of water to cool myself down from the sweat.
"Here you buddy, one mustn't do everything alone. Especially when you have friends that can help you." Luke smile.
I chuckle weakly at his explanation and happily drink the water bottle that I really need. I turn to see Jennifer worry about me as I sigh at my struggle and finally making it out. I notice a cute decorative box in her hand and she nervous hand it to me.
"S-Senpai! I made some cookies for e-everyone, so I want you to take the first t-taste. I will apologize if they taste bad….and the weird shape…" Jennifer spoke, nervously.
"Oh! Cookies!" I exclaim.
I open the box to reveal well-crafted cookies of us, I pick a cookie of my head smiling and I became rather stun at the high-quality of this cookies. I couldn't eat such things despite the quality and the delicious smell coming from such delicious cookie. Everyone pick their cookies and their expression is the same as mine.
"Wow….I never thought such little girl could make such quality cookies..I am rather jealous.." Jane mutter, shock and stun.
"Ummm..thank you?" Jennifer reply, unsure.
Jane look petrified at Jennifer's superb cooking skills and she only stare at her self smiling back at her which is quite funny.
"Amazing, you sure are something Jennifer. You could definitely sell well with this, perhaps we could make a plan on selling this at school." Luke smile.
"No, no, no! I-I can do that! It is too embarrassing..I will probably faint from the attention and not playing my games!" Jennifer shyly denies.
Luke smile as he gently pat Jennifer which made her nervous at the proposal and Luke is always think about school and students just like his tittle suggest it.
"You should teach me how to make this, they're cute and they smell delicious." Ayakane smile.
"M-Me!? Teach Ms. Ayakane my cooking!? Uwah! I-I don't know, if you want t-then I could do it." Jennifer smile, while blushing.
Jennifer shyly smile at everyone praise at her cooking while she poke both of her index together constantly due to her nervous. I eat the cookies to immediately craving another but I manage to resist the temptation and close the box very tightly. I remain silent at this dangerous weapon and everyone turn to me.
"This cookies…are dangerous.." I spoke, seriously.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Jane ask.
I grab the box to hide it within my clothing so no mortal should ever pick such dangerous weapon crafted by her tiny hands.
"Everyone…don't panic when you eat those.." I mutter.
Everyone look confuse by my statement and warning but they began to eat the cookie.
"You sound silly Luck." Jane spoke, while biting the cookie. "I mean, a cookie dangerous…hahah…ha…"
Suddenly, Jane tackle me as she search my clothing to look for the box but couldn't and grab my collar as she glare.
"Cookies! Where are those delicious cookies, you cookie thief!" Jane yell.
"Why are you yelling!?" I yell, as I cover my ears.
"I want my cookies!" Jane reply.
As I struggle with Jane, Luke became curious to the effect of the cookie and stare at his cookie.
"I can't believe one cookie can change a person." Luke chuckle jokingly, as he took a bite. "I mean, I have strong wil-"
Luke pause for a mere second and began to laugh while he put his right hand on his forehead at something we couldn't understand.
"We could sell this and conquer the whole school with the power of the cookie! Bow down to the might of our lord." Luke grin.
I stare disbelief at he raise a piece of cookies like he worship it and I knew this will occur from the very beginning. Ayakane became confuse from Jane's rage and Luke's hunger, which made her look at her cookie.
"…."
Ayakane took a bite at the cookie and smile as she enjoy the taste of it like us. She quickly hug Ayakane rather intimidating and Jennifer became flustered by it.
"Teach me how to bake this delicious cookies Jennifer, I will really appreciate if you do." Ayakane playfully ask.
"H-Huh!? A-Ayakane! Don't touch me there!" Jennifer plead.
I became stun at the sight of two little girl doing stuff and I had to get rid of this delicious treats once and for all. I manage to slip past by Jane's bind and rescue Jennifer from Ayakane's lust. I handed back the box of cookies and told her we weren't worthy to eat such godly treats. Jennifer agree to the plan and we return to calm everyone down from this effect.
August 28
Sunday
Night
After lots and lots of screaming, I manage to get everyone back together and focus on the plan as night came. I notice the nigh coming and I quickly turn off the light to begin.
"I can't believe…that happen…" Jane grunt.
"We are forgetting that ever happen." I spoke, sighing.
I took a candle from my floor and light it with a match so we can began our fun for tonight. Everyone is confuse by the weird celebration I am throwing up and we all sat around in a circle as the candle is the only light source in this room. I grin as the celebration will begin and we will enjoy our story.
[Chapter 18 End?]
[Persona]
Luck Arclight
Agnostos Theos (Fool)
Physical – Resist (Shadow Form Only)
Gun –
Fire –
Ice –
Electric –
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear – Wks
Force – Str
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse – Null
Ailments Immunity (Shadow Form Only)
Charm (Special Ailment)
Fear (Non-special Ailment)
Skills
Eiha
Cleave
Zan
?
Jane Hanamura
Bahamut (Fortune)
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Null
Ice – Wks
Electric –
Wind – Str
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
Agi
Dia
Luke Autumn
Herne, the Hunter (Emperor)
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Wks
Ice –
Electric –
Wind – Str
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
Garu
?
Ayakane Koifumi
Siren (Lover)
Physical – Resist
Gun – Resist (Shadow Form Only)
Fire –
Ice –
Electric – Wks
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water – Null
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Ailments Immunity (Shadow Form Only)
Despair (Special Ailment)
Silence (Non-special Ailment)
Skills
?
Jennifer Kunikida
Lyra (Star)
Physical –
Gun –
Fire – Wks
Ice –
Electric –
Wind – Resist
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear – Null
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless –
Curse –
Skills
?
Kae Sakagami
Toyotama-hime (Fool)
?
Compendium
Lv. 3
Tam Lin (Sun)
Physical – Resist
Gun –
Fire –
Ice – Wks
Electric – Resist
Wind –
Psychokinesis –
Nuclear –
Force –
Water –
Earth –
Bless – Null
Curse – Wks
Skills
Zio
Cleave
?
[Team]
Name: Luck Arclight
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Persona: Agnostos Theos
Shadow Mode: Luck's Shadow form will take any scenario seriously and with a cold-hearted attitude if such action is necessary. He will become unfazed by anything as his will is strong and the worst opponent to face, but he still has his kindness for his teammates.
Persona's clothing: Luck Persona's clothing consists of a large white, long sleeved cloak reaching down his legs and barely covering his dark boots and a dark scarf with two trails leaving behind. Luck's body change as he has a pair of dark, feather wings, horns, and a slim dark tail.
Weapon(s): (Right) Claw & (Left) Thin blade
Gun: Revolver
Crystal/Gem: Pink Star Diamond
Gem/Crystal Location: Thin blade's Socket
Name: Jane Hanamura
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Persona: Bahamut
Shadow Mode: ?
Persona's clothing: Jane ends up wearing a black cloak with leather training clothes, dragon rider gear. A shoulder guard on one shoulder, gauntlets, hips and shin guards. Dragon wings are printed on the cloak she wears.
Weapon(s): Two-handed Sword
Gun: Glock 9
Crystal/Gem: Diamond
Gem/Crystal Location: Necklace
Name: Luke Autumn
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Persona: Herne, the Hunter
Shadow Mode: ?
Persona's clothing: A tight white turtleneck sleeveless shirt, a open light grey high collar jacket with only one left long sleeve. The collar of the jacket has black diamond's shape pattern. Dark blue loose pants and the legs are tuck are in a pair of black leather knee high silver tips boots with white belts around the legs. One black long right glove with neon blue and green vines pattern on it. He has a white deer mask that covers the top half of his face and has a pair of white antlers at the top of his head.
Weapon(s): A pair of tonfas
Gun: Dan Wesson DW RZ-10
Crystal/Gem: Green Fluorite
Gem/Crystal Location: Left earring, a vine covering his left ear cuff with the jewel dangling.
Name: Ayakane Koifumi
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Persona: Siren
Shadow Mode: Ayakane's Shadow form will act childish to lower the guard of her opponents and friends; she is flirty toward people as she understands people's desire well and weaknesses while occasionally act very clinging toward Luck. She hates backstabbers and Luck trying to leave her side as she believes he may disappear again.
Persona's clothing: ?
Weapon(s): Bow
Gun: Rifle
Crystal/Gem: bright blue cavansite crystal
Gem/Crystal Location: A chain around neck holding a bright blue cavansite crystal shaped like a small orb.
Name: Jennifer Kunikida
Gender: Female
Age: 15
Grade: Freshman
Persona: Lyra
Shadow Mode: ?
Persona's clothing: ?
Weapon(s): ?
Gun: ?
Crystal/Gem: A milky white opal in the shape of a quartz.
Gem/Crystal Location: Silver bracelet on her left wrist.
[Pact] New!
The Fool – (Rank 1)
Philemon trusts Luck at avoid his unavoidable fate and will lend a helping hand for his unknown reason as of now.
Philemon
A strange man wearing a mask and he seems to be watching Luck's progress from afar for unknown purpose.
The Magician – (Rank 1)
Luck has gotten the attention of the overlord, Zach during his usual routine and manages to strike a deal involving his shadow self-training.
Zach Vermillion
A self-proclaim evil genius that wish to rule the world with his intelligent and rather big ego. He became outcast by his other peers and wishes befriend someone despite his own feelings of others.
The Priestess -
The Empress -
The Emperor – (Rank 1)
Luke realizes his judgment wasn't at fault nor he was weak after realizing this from Luck. He decides to join Luck's cause in order to find the truth in that case, three years ago.
Luke Autumn
A student council president of Morning Star High. He has kindness and care for other as he will do anything to protect anyone from harm.
The Hierophant – (Rank 1)
Robert began to trust Luck as he will success on something he once fail to do and wishes the best for him on his club.
Robert Kennedy
Hard-working teachers that want what is best for his student and teach them the value of life. He seems to be hiding something from his past and relating to the original Paranormal Team.
[New] The Lover – (Rank 1)
Ayakane realize the boy from her past was indeed Luck and wanted to stay by his side to repay the kindness he once show him.
- (Rank 2)
Ayakane has learn that she manages to change slightly and impressing Luck with her progress. They manage to get their friendship back.
Ayakane Koifumi
A rising artist that gotten the attention of many people with her skills with the paintbrush and while she is an introvert person, she can speak with others freely and without hesitation. She has a crush on Luck and afraid to speak up her feelings to him.
The Chariot -
The Justice -
The Hermit -
The Fortune – (Rank 1)
Jane wanted to help and get praise by Luck for gaining his trust but doing so, he felt trust for him which made herself change slightly.
Jane Hanamura
A calm composure girl that want to be perfect on any subject and dislike relying on other and wishes to be rely on. She secretly hates hospital and dislike being tease by Luck.
The Strength -
The Hanged Man -
The Death – (Rank 1)
Shin realizes the similarity between him and Luck as they wish to safe other from the bad guy. He wants to teach him the things he learns so he can accomplish such task on his own.
Shin
A nihilist young man that works for the government as an agent but later realizes that life is a big game of just numbers. He lost interest on life and his own personality as a whole because of his realization.
The Temperance -
The Devil – (Rank 1)
Aihime wanted to keep her secret away from people's ear and strike a dark deal with Luck while gaining her respect from his courage.
Aihime Arashi
A teacher that acts likeable, kind and willing to help others to hide her true personalities from others, as she is prideful, ruthless and very planning of her every action. She is the leader of the dangerous gang known as The Dark King's.
The Tower -
The Star - (Rank 1)
Jennifer spoke with Luck about her dilemma with her other peers and took it hard, but Luck confidently prove her wrongs as she has more potential that she realizes.
- (Rank 2)
After Luck find Jennifer's main problem, Jennifer reject Luck's help and no longer seek his companionship since she will hurt him if he stay with her.
Jennifer Kunikida
A freshmen student that has trouble speaking with others as she has trouble with her shyness and prefer to safely play video games, read manga and talk about anime than normal conversations.
The Moon -
The Sun -
The Judgment –
[Stats]
Comprehension – Ignorant (+4)
Determination – Timid (+5)
Adept – Clumsy (+2)
Affection – Blunt (+2)
Beauty – Invisible (+2)