Life will Change
Original Concept: Persona 5
Chapter 11
...
Created by: Atlus/Sega
Written by: wrathie
Consultation: DiLost
Cover art by: Aiwa
Author's Notes: I hate tutorials, but I felt it wouldn't be proper if I didn't try to explain what powers Masumi could have gotten that would make sense in real life and not just in the game. The conversation with Ann took a very long time to write too.
17 April (Sunday)
Le Blanc
...
"I'm heading out, Sojiro." Masumi bowed in greeting to her guardian before leaving the cafe, ignoring how the 'regular' customers commented to Sojiro on him hiring a new helper around the cafe.
"Well - it's a complicated situation. Let's just leave it at that." Sojiro sighed while scratching his head. It was true that the place seemed brighter with having someone else around. Despite all that must be weighing down on her, Masumi even managed to sound optimistic and cheerful as she helped with the cleaning up of the cafe.
Not that she was good at making coffee, but she could learn. Having someone serve the tea even made his stingy regulars buy one more cup of coffee too!
"She's a cute girl too. But she works irregular hours, eh?"
"Like I said. Complicated."
Shibuya
...
"Hey, Ryuji." Masumi, dressed in an extra large sized blue and white sweater with cap, greeted her friend who nodded back to her.
"You made it, Masumi. Did you manage to get us medicine?"
"Yep, it's in a first aid kit in case someone tried to search our bags." Masumi grinned as Ryuji nodded in understanding.
"Great, you know where's the shop right? I was gonna go there myself yesterday, but I thought that it's better we have a girl's touch. I mean, I don't want Ann to get mad at me for picking out the wrong things." Ryuji scratched his head and Masumi agreed.
"If you pick out anything that's odd, both of us will be mad. Let's go now. Morgana's with us too." She jerked a thumb to her bag and Morgana greeted him too.
"Sweet. Let's get going."
…
They spent some time walking through the crowd, conversing about clubs at school and even took some time to listen to a politician speaking about the state of things before heading to the main street - and then to the "Untouchable.
Shibuya - Untouchable
…
"You want a reco- oh it's you." Muhehisa Iwai acknowledged Masumi's presence after Ryuji spoke to him about recommendations and he placed his newspaper away. Apparently he had dismissed Ryuji immediately after seeing him, which Masumi found to be a little rude, but not unexpected at all. Looks were the first and most important point of contact after all.
"I already gave her one, you should pick the same as hers if you're starting out. Unless you have something else in mind? An automatic? A revolver?" Ryuji looked confused and Masumi shook her head.
"Iwai-san's shop is for enthusiasts, he's talking about the types of guns he can recommend to you, right? An automatic is a guy that reloads by itself, as compared to one which you have to reload the bullets yourself. I'm not sure about the difference between a revolver and another gun though." Masumi explained patiently and Iwai-san's expression relaxed to what appear to be a smirk as he leaned forward a little.
"The girl's right, a revolver is a gun with a revolving cylinder for the bullets. My regulars will be mad if I let a casual like you hang around. She's fine as she put some effort into some research." Ignoring Ryuji who looked offended, Iwai addressed Masumi.
"So, you need more bullets? Hope you've been practising." The white lie about picking up airsoft is going to bite Masumi back hard, as she did mention that to Tae sensei too. Technically she has been practising her shooting though (by being in the Castle) so Masumi nodded.
"My grip on it is better and steadier now, but I'm still slow at reloading. I'll need more practise on that. I'm not really focusing on accuracy at the moment"
"Heh, reloading speed huh? That varies depends on the type of airsoft pellets you use with that gun. At least tell me you can assemble your gun now."
As the two discussed, leaving Ryuji more confused than ever, Iwai's demeanor did get less frostier and he even chuckled a little at some intervals.
"Anyway, you know the drill if you're teaching blondie here the ropes. Keep the replicas in your bag at all times, you don't want to get arrested. Don't point it at anyone either." He gave Masumi a small stinkeye that made her blush, but he didn't comment much more than that.
"Don't let the fuzz catch wind of you having them. I don't need them coming around here."
"Got it. I'll give him the drill again before we leave." Masumi saluted Iwai and he chuckled before scowling at Ryuji.
"Now be sure to shut your trap and listen to her, she's got more sense than you blabbermouth."
Ryuji didn't argue against that, he just sighed and nodded, making Iwai-san chuckle again.
"Good lad, you might just turn out well after all."
"I'll be careful." Ryuji promised and Masumi chuckled, bowing to Iwai again for his help. She even managed to pick guns for Ann and Morgana, although the latter was difficult due to his preference for slingshots.
Masumi managed to dig those out from a box placed below the display shelves by accident.
"Nah, come again kids. You lot are better than most of the jerks who come in window shopping at least." Iwai then addressed Masumi, scowling a little as he did so. "Keep yourself out of trouble alright? I'm not gonna be there to pull your ass out of the fire all the time."
Masumi's cheeks flushed and she pointedly ignore Ryuji's curious looks while nodding to him in assent. She didn't need or want to be saved like that ever again.
"Good, now run along kids. I got a business to do."
"Iwai-san isn't that bad of a person." Ryuji commented as they made their way out of the alleyway that housed the "Untouchable". He had bought something too, but what really stretched their budget was getting some armor. It had been tricky, but they managed to secure vests that looked similar to kevlar vests that were stock for enthusiasts who liked role-playing.
To each their own, but it does help their case significantly.
"Well - I gonna split, gonna help my mum out with the housework. Are you going back too then?"
The two of them had spent a few hours looking and asking questions about the models and makes of guns that they had missed lunch. Masumi's stomach was growling softly but thankfully Ryuji didn't seem to hear it.
"Nope, I'll be grabbing a bite and then work part time. Nothing wrong with stockpiling a bit more if we want some upgrades later on. The guns and stuff aren't actually cheap." Masumi smiled awkwardly as Ryuji nodded in understanding. He had pocketed the items he was supposed to use earlier on.
"Well I can drop Ann's stuff for you then? She doesn't stay too far from my place." Masumi gladly accepted before separating from Ryuji.
Convenience Store: Shibuya
…
"Glad you can make it for the shift! Now help with the restocking please?" Masumi hurriedly got to work after texting Sojiro that she'll be taking a shift that'll last all the way to dinner.
She might even spend some time browsing Shibuya too, it's not every day she could justify a night's out like this.
"Excuse me, could you help me buy a ticket at the printing machine?"
"Yes, please follow me!" Masumi chirped with as much enthusiasm she could muster as she guided the pair to the printer set at the side of the convenience store. Masumi was just glad that Morgana had decided to hang around the shop rather than stay inside her bag. It was one less issue that might get her kicked out of the job after all.
Shibuya: Underground Mall
…
"Ah - Ann?" Masumi was surprised, but then again, perhaps not to bump into Ann as she was window shopping at one of the many fashion retailers.
"Masumi-chan, hey." Ann didn't look too interested but she beamed when Masumi greeted her, the blonde girl quickly making her way over to her.
"Are you here shopping?" Her eyes were bright with enthusiasm as Masumi chuckled and shook her head.
"You just finished your shift? I see. I got what you picked for me from Ryuji. I didn't think I'll ever handle one of those, and yet, I kind of like it. Is that odd?" Referring to the shotgun she had manifested, Masumi chuckled nervously but decided to not correct Ann to further any speculations about what they were talking about.
"Nope, I got used to it pretty quickly. You have to if you're aiming to survive. We can't reset you know, it's not allowed." Masumi winked at Ann, who gave an "ooh" in recognition as she blushed.
"Sorry - I'm not used to talking like this, you know? I'm more open about it. But it's a secret right?" Ann winked back and Masumi smiled more easily this time.
"But the kickback is really strong, it's... Satisfying too. Heh. It must sound so wrong."
"No it doesn't. I remember when I first used "it", i felt like I could take on the entire place and win. It's a rush isn't it?"
Masumi commiserated with Ann about their shared experiences as a Persona user for a while and while Ann was happy and excited, it left Masumi feeling conflicted too.
…
"What's wrong, Masumi-chan?" Ann noticed and asked, having felt Masumi's mood swing as they conversed and window-shopped.
"..." Masumi considered carefully, looking unsure but still hopeful as she asked Ann.
"Is it okay if I… confess something to you?" Masumi was still trying to get used to the fact that people trusted her, and so she took a chance to voice something that had been bothering her.
"Sure? As long as it's not a love confession." Ann chuckled at the joke while Masumi shook her head.
"... I'm worried about it, our Personas. You see…" Masumi paused for a moment, but followed up with a rush shortly after.
"It's Medea, my Persona. She says she's who I am, and I'm her. Does that mean I'm her reincarnation? But if that's the case, I, I have different Personas too. Does that mean I am reincarnated from all of them? I, we don't know so much about Personas that I'm not sure what they mean when they say that I am them."
"Hmm… Carmen and I talked a little, sometimes. She was the one urging me to break free from what Kamoshida had over me. I was ready to give up you know? But she didn't, she knew I could do it and I did. She… I think I believe what she said, that she was me, but doesn't mean that I'm her reincarnation or anything." Ann pursed her lips as she tried to explain.
"More like - she's someone very similar to me? That, if I could pass off as her? That we are similar in that sense. But for you, Masumi-chan, I think it's not the other Personas, but perhaps rather Medea is most similar to you."
Ann suggested thoughtfully, not noticing how Masumi's heart sank. So she was like Medea then? The Queen of Colchis that betrayed those she loved and who had done so much outrageous things?
"But it's odd, were you betrayed by those you trusted and loved, Masumi-chan?"
Ann's question made Masumi look up, realizing she hadn't really told her about what happened to her.
"Oh, you don't know…"
Masumi wavered - she shared her story with Ryuji, and Morgana had listened to her confession to Tae sensei. But - telling Ann this… no, she has to believe.
"Can we find a place to sit? It… might take a while…" Ann picked up on the awkwardness of Masumi and nodded in agreement.
Shibuya: Diner
…
It wasn't the first time they had a seat in the diner, but this time the roles were reversed. Masumi even noted with some kind of irony that she was seated in a similar position as Ann was the last time.
"Sooo…" Ann paused, leaning back instead of leaning forward as her cheeks flushed.
"Sorry - I shouldn't be getting so excited like it is some random gossip. This is something big, it's what happened before."
Ann settled down and ticked the checkboxes for her order after Masumi did hers. Masumi herself didn't have an appetite and quickly accepted the cup of cold water that was served to her.
Masumi had asked Morgana to hang around outside the cafe for this talk, and although their Phantom Thief friend had objected, he had agreed after Masumi told him that she was going to tell Ann what happened before.
"Yes… it's the reason, I'm like-" She gestured to herself repeatedly, to be specific her hair and her outfit. "-this… it's not my choice. I had to change my appearance."
Ann nodded in understanding, and Masumi hoped that was the case. Out of everyone in class, Ann would understand. In a way Ryuji would too - but although he has gotten a bit more insightful and sharp, he wasn't exactly the smartest nail in the room.
"I saw your photo ID. It has always puzzled me why you made such a drastic change." Ann crossed her arms thoughtfully, while thinking aloud. "Honestly I wasn't sure. After knowing you, I don't think you're the type to let what other people think affect what you do. But what your appearance, and how you behave sometimes… it's contradictory." Ann then smiled before leaning forward to whisper so only Masumi could hear her.
"And what you did when you saved us, when you stood up to Kamoshida… it really made my heart pound. You were so cool, Masumi."
Ann's words made Masumi blush brightly and she jerked back a little too quickly than she should, causing her to groan as she to hit the back of the seat she was seating on.
"A-Ann!?" So flustered was she that she couldn't help but pout cutely at Ann, who was giggling with laughter at her own side.
"Sorry, sorry - you were being so serious that I couldn't help myself. But, I'm being honest too. I really thought you were super cool when you fought Kamoshida, and that knight thing… it was, I thought that Masumi was so strong. Stronger than I am." Ann reached for Masumi's hands and squeezed it.
"That's how and who you really are, right? Not… like this, and how you sometimes behave in front of the teachers." Ann asked and Masumi sighed, the embarrassment fading away as she answered.
"No, it isn't… if I had the choice, I wouldn't want to… be like this way. Every time Kamoshida tries something, I wanted to fight back, to do something… but I can't, not with what… what happened." Masumi's lips trembled and Ann's expression darkened, but she remained silent and patient, waiting for Masumi to tell her what happened. She wasn't upset at Ann after all, but it looks like it wasn't going to be easy. Not…
"Maybe being here isn't the right place… maybe we should go to your place or mine?" Ann asked kindly and Masumi closed her eyes, trying to calm herself again.
"... I'm good. This is what happened that caused me to transfer here."
"... You did the right thing." Ann said so quietly when Masumi stopped. The blonde looked at Masumi symphathetically as she digested what she had learned about her friend. That explains so much. The Masumi Ann knew had two faces, or if she could borrow the term, two personas.
One was the Masumi that followed society's rules to the book, and did her best to ensure that she did not step out of the "comfort zone" of the majority which decided what should one do, wear, or even behave.
The average person that filled the streets, that was the part of Masumi that she showed everyone in school, class, heck as long as she was aware that she was being observed.
The other Masumi was the one that Ann got to know after Masumi recognized her as a friend, and who she could be herself. This was the true Masumi, someone who had a strong sense of justice - who was emotional and who was more than willing to stand out for the things that she believed in.
The real Masumi hated the fake Masumi, Ann understood that now and if not for it being absolutely necessary for Masumi to maintain that facade, Ann was sure that Masumi would never had behaved the way she had even now.
Ann shivered a little too in disgust, wondering how long and what Masumi had to endure to for her act to be so flawless.
"... If you hadn't - that woman would have been in a very bad place."
"I was almost dragged in too… if I had, then… I don't think I would have met you." Masumi's smile was bitter and Ann's expression darkened. She was of course aware of the… more shadier sides of her side-job, but she had told herself that she would never sully her body to get ahead.
Neither would she respect or befriend someone who would, Ann would view that as surrendering one's body to the whims of the men who underestimated and looked down on her.
Perhaps it's the environment that she was brought up - or perhaps it was her mother who Ann still admired - even while bitterly wondering why they didn't really take care of her.
But Ann has grown up around strong women, her mother was the queen of the walk-way and there were few that could stand up to her. Her caretakers when young had been women who had shielded her from the media spotlight vigorously, and acted as bodyguards too for any of the other models that worked with her parents.
…
It was a little embarrassing too for Ann, for she had been in a similar situation as Masumi - actually, that wasn't right. ANn had been trapped but she had gotten out. Somewhat at least, with Masumi's help. Masumi hadn't had anyone to help her.
"There was no one vouching for you then at all, was there? And, honestly -" Ann grinned as Masumi startled a little from having a hand placed reassuringly over hers.
"I shudder in fear of what you might have done to the guy if he managed to drag you in with the other girl. The Masumi I know would have kicked, bit, clawed and perhaps mutilate anyone who would try to grab a handful without her agreeing."
Ann's words made Masumi snort but she nodded too.
"I wouldn't have let them touched me, without a fight at least… but - it's all over now… I'm just starting to rebuild my life when I saw you in a bad place. I just couldn't let it happen to someone else, even if it's someone I didn't know."
"And the world is a better place for it if there's someone like you, Masumi."
Ann's words took Masumi's breath away as Ann sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"I mean it. It wasn't as bad as how things were with you, but I had no friends besides Shiho. People were either jealous, intimidated, or just didn't want to know who I was besides being this blonde foreigner. Ironic cause I can speak better than some native speakers here." Ann huffed as Masumi nodded. Being a platinum blonde herself, Masumi could empathize. She wasn't as good with Japanese as Ann though! She was just average.
"I had Shiho, but we didn't want to trouble each other that we ended up not having anyone to rely on. Kamoshida isolated and divided us so that we were vulnerable. It was a long game - and one that I had been losing from the very beginning. If I had been stronger like you were - to stand up to him."
"It'll only make him madder, who knew what he would have done." Masumi reasoned, she didn't want Ann to be reckless.
"It would have been better than going through what he did to me, and Shiho. It carried on for months, and… what am I saying. It's supposed to be about you, not me, Masumi." Ann grimaced as Masumi shook her head.
"Sorry for going off track there, but - if only more people were like you… people with bad intentions wouldn't be able to do… well - what they do." Ann made a vague gesture but Masumi understood.
"Others wouldn't help cause they didn't want to go beyond the established rules of the place. The man who went after you was someone that's too powerful, just like Kamoshida was. If they helped, they'll be targeted too."
Ann sighed while Masumi nodded.
"... Hey, hey… we're getting off topic again. Thanks for sharing with me though, Masumi… why all this, all of a sudden?" Ann was curious and Masumi bit her lip before answering honestly.
"Ryuuji and Morgana knew… I wanted you to know too."
"Ah… it goes far beyond Kamoshida huh…" Ann started asking but Masumi cut her off.
"It's not that… I just wanted you to know this… Kamoshida he, he knows, so… he might use it to get others to turn against me." Masumi smiled bitterly. He did have a bigger trump card to play that Masumi was helpless against.
"If he does threaten me with my past… I don't know what I'll do. I… I wanted all of you to know what he could use against me, and that what I did was right!"
"Hey - "
"I wasn't wrong - and what he did, what he did… what he did…" Masumi trailed off, hands clenched tightly that it turned white, but she subsequently jumped when someone slid to seat beside her.
"Hey… you shouldn't even doubt that. You did the right thing. Anyone who knows the truth will get it. It's just that - people will always prefer the more scandalous truth." Ann sighed as she leaned against Masumi while rolling her eyes.
"Amen to that… out of all my friends I knew you would understand." Ann's words reassured Masumi more than she could have imagined would and she smiled back at her friend, her anger and frustration dissipating as fast as it had grew.
"Since we're all gossiping about our past anyway - I want to tell you about mine, and it's a good opportunity too since I was going to tell you anyway." Ann, having settled back to her seat - closed her eyes to prepare herself while sipping on her glass of cold water.
The two of them had discussed more on what had happened in Masumi's old school, and Ann had shared that she had similar issues in the past - only not as bad as what Masumi had gone through. Ann had been angry on her behalf after knowing that Masumi's "close" friends had distanced themselves, but she hadn't gotten comfortable enough to share about her family.
Now - that was a twisted story for another day. Only Morgana knew bits and pieces of her twisted family problems. Masumi couldn't help but finger her thick wrist watch nervously occasionally though.
"I am a model you know. A genuine one. Here." Ann smirked as she watched Masumi looked confused, only for her friend to stare disbelievingly at the soft-copy of the magazine her modelling agency had given her of her first ever fashion magazine cover-shoot.
"That's one of the reason that Kamoshida had such a hold on me, he knew I was a model - and that I couldn't possibly let anyone knew what happened between the two of us. He kept pushing… and Shiho, we talked about it - like you said, and that was one of the main reasons she…" Ann trailed off as Masumi paled, realizing how similar the two of them were - Kamoshida had a big ace in his sleeve that he had played successfully.
"She placed her life before mine, Shiho she, knew that if I had given in - I wouldn't have been able to get out. He would have total leverage with me. I didn't want that to happen so I tried to find ways around it - but if you hadn't talked to me that day, I would have."
"And you wouldn't have been able to get out of it - and he would have gotten Shiho in the end too." Masumi's anger grew and it was showing as Ann's eyes widened.
"Hey, hey - I know, I'm mad too, but don't crack the glass, Masumi-chan." Ann pulled her glass away from her and Masumi blushed. She didn't think she would be getting so angry - again - but apparently since she had been stewing away about her own failings, it wasn't as bad as it was hearing about something new that was just as bad for her friend as it was for her.
"I'm not comparing what happened - and it is a bad lead up, I'm sorry-" Ann waved her hands in apology, she didn't mean to start the conversation this way. "But what I wanted to tell you is that I am a model, a real one, and this is what I have planned." Ann grinned as she gestured for Masumi to lean closer to her.
"I'm going to take you shopping to get rid of all that pent up stress. You totally need a new wardrobe - it'll make you feel better, any girl would be happy with getting new clothes, dressing up, and looking fantastic. Don't try to hide to me about your figure, Masumi, I didn't know exactly why you went out of the way to hide behind those baggy clothes of you, but now that you tell me why, it just annoys me that you got all that and kept it hidden. Even there, you know." Ann winked as Masumi shook her head, trying not to get swept up by Ann's momentum.
"A girl's gonna be proud of their body, and themselves. That's the first step forward, Masumi. It's a crying shame when I know you got a body that's better than mine."
Masumi squeaked at that, making Ann laugh while she spluttered, trying to tell her that she wasn't interested.
"I can't - I don't want to get more attention than I already do! I just want to live out my probation first… plus, I'm really hard up now." Masumi whispered at the end and Ann faltered, scratching her hair awkwardly.
"Ah - well, I'm not exactly that well-off either. But let's compromise. We'll go through our wardrobe, I'll give you some of my old clothes, and you will wear them when we go out sometimes."
"H-Huh? But why? I, I told you that I… I'm not… why are you doing this, Ann?"
"Because I want to fix that low self esteem of yours. You're really an oddball, you know that?" Ann huffed as Masumi looked at her in confusion.
"One minute you're that badass heroine that doesn't care what happen to yourself to help others, the other you're this menacing angry hulk that would kick down doors, take names and won't give any mercy to those that pisses you off." Ann ticked off her fingers. "But all of that comes with you being so submissive and obedient to others, at mercy of expectations of society - despite not really caring about it as said before, insecure with yourself, and so easily giving up at the oddest of times. You are seriously bipolar." Ann called her out on her flaws and Masumi squirmed at her seat.
"... well, when you put it that way…"
"So we're fixing that problem by making you look better first, and you got to learn how to use that pretty face of yours to get out of trouble." Ann flushed as Masumi gave a deadpan look in return. "Oh shush, I know what you mean - but we girls have to use what we have to protect ourselves. If men are going to prey on us anyway - let's just make it work for us."
Le Blanc
…
Masumi didn't persuade Ann down from her suggestion, and if she was to be honest, the idea did appeal to her. Masumi did voice out to Ann that she couldn't possibly repay Ann back for the clothes she might be giving her - for free at that - but Ann wasn't going to hear anything about that. As she walked back towards Le Blanc, taking a path that was well-lit and full with people, her mind couldn't help remember what Ann had told her before.
…
"You saved me, remember? And Shiho too - this is nothing compared to what you already did. And Ryuji - but since he got such a good view of me, I think my debt to him is paid off - with interest since we're working together." Ann mused before waving a finger aggressively at Masumi.
"And don't start with the - I didn't do it just for you - you still put your life at risk to save me, and helped Shiho - twice, putting your life in the line. I owe you - and clothes that is going to just gather dust would do much better in going to a new home." Ann wrung her hands as they walked towards the train station together.
"I already feel bad in giving you hand me downs - so please, just accept it as thanks from a friend, okay?"
…
Masumi sighed, knowing that she was going to wear some of Ann's clothes in the future. With the knowledge that Ann - who is a model, and very fashionable, meant that she was going to… actually dress up like a girl again.
"It's… a good thing." Masumi tried to encourage herself while feeling a little bit optimistic.
Before the incident, she had been just like Ann and girls her age - trying to look nice, having a good grasp of fashion, and she was a girl - it's just that.
"..." Resting a hand on her chest, it has been too long since she wanted to look attractive. Her body was…
"Don't go there." Masumi told herself while Medea's voice started whispering into her ears about how it would be easy now to get what she wanted.
"I wonder if Ann has the same issues with Carmen." Masumi tried to ignore Medea, her "true" self, valiantly trying not to think about what she could do now about what happened to her in the past.
Stepping into the cafe proper, Masumi bowed in greeting to Sojiro who nodded in response. Her legal guardian was sort of "entertaining" his only customer in the cafe. The man had a solitary cup of coffee on the table with several newspapers tossed casually to the side. So - one of the customers that Sojiro always griped about then.
…
"Boss did you hear? Apparently that subway driver from the accident was acting really odd during his testimony hearing."
"You talking about that psychotic whatever thing people're going on about?" The customer spoke loudly to Sojiro even as Masumi hurried walked passed him, placing her bag into one of the cabinets. Before Sojiro could speak, she had stepped into the kitchen and started on the dishes without prompting.
Masumi took some comfort to see that there were at least a dozen cups in the sink, at least there were some customers. But if they all ordered the cheapest drink…
"Yeah, I heard it completely alters your personality. The news is saying the driver couldn't even speak when they tried asking him questions." Sojiro's conversation with his customer could be heard as Masumi washed the dishas and she listened half-heartedly.
"There's no way a preposterous story like that could be true." Sojiro grumbled unhappily as the conversation continued. After a while however, he spoke louder - letting Masumi hear him clearly.
"Oh and sorry, but we're closing soon."
"Hmph, how rude. This must be why you don't get many customers. Your coffee's actually not half bad and you got a cute girl helping you somehow. The beans must be lamenting the sorry state of this store…." The man spoke loudly but stopped in surprise as Masumi swept in with a cloth and a smile. Gesturing towards the table, the customer nodded in surprise as she took the empty cup, wiped the table clean swiftly before going towards the other table.
"A high schooler huh…" The man muttered even as Sojiro spoke gruffly again.
"Thanks for stopping in, please come again."
"Yes, please come again." Masumi placed the tray with his cup down before bowing to him deeply, making eye contact with a bigh smile. This act making the man's eyes twitch. He was obviously going to bitch to Sojiro about the state of the shop, but in the face of her service, he couldn't - not without sounding like a jerk.
Which, he totally was - anyone's patience had it's limit. Masumi wondered how long had the man been staying in the cafe.
"Thanks for the coffee." The man mumbled before leaving, and even leaving behind some tips by telling Sojiro to keep the change.
"Sheesh, what a pain… he was here for hours." Sojiro grumbled while putting the cleaned glasses to the side. Looking curiously at Masumi, he muttered.
"You didn't need to do that. But - good job anyway - he's not a regular, but he might be now." Sojiro mused while Masumi shrugged - it wouldn't be the first time that had happened in her life.
"I worked in cafe's before - it takes a certain knack, and a good outfit. I will be careful with him around." Masumi reassured Sojiro who looked kind of perturbed before nodding his head.
"Prudent. Maybe you will be good for business after all." Sojiro cracked a small grin as Masumi continued wiping the tables and cleaning up.
"How's business? Besides the usual regulars that order one cup and sit for hours." Masumi's question made Sojiro frown but he shrugged.
"It's all good as long as the shop doesn't fail. I'm not going to go wear a fake smile. Not when I have a kid willing to do that for me. My regulars, they might be one coffee drinkers - sometimes two, but they keep me afloat. Honestly it takes time to make good coffee. If I start getting lots of customers, even if it's for takeaway - the beans will really suffer and cry as I won't be able to make them the right way that they're supposed to."
Sojiro seems proud of that, and as Masumi did taste his coffee before and wholeheartedly agreed with him about the taste, she preferred it too. If it got too busy, she'll feel obliged to help out more even if Sojiro might not want to.
"As long as I'm here, the world leaves me be. No annoyances or troublesome people to deal with, it's like my personal hideaway. I'd be kinda screwed if I lost it, but I guess you would be too. So you better don't try and get ideas of trying to help out the store. I'm not going to pay for you helping here." Sojiro waved a finger at Masumi half-heartedly before coughing again.
"Anyway I'm leaving now, food's in the fridge. You can save it for breakfast if you want. Try not to cause any trouble, and I got some cat food for M-Morgana was it? It's in the shelves. I almost used it by accident when I had to serve some finger food." Sojiro grumbled but just smirked when Masumi beamed thankfully to him.
Le Blanc: Attic
…
"We're almost ready to infiltrate the Palace, Lady Ann. We can use the desk back there to make some tools that will definitely help us. Things like lockpicks, smoke bombs and stuff." Morgana instructed as he broke his extended period of silence. Masumi had picked up their partner in crime outside of the diner but he had been thankfully quiet the entire time. Perhaps he was being polite at the occurences? Or perhaps he had just been tired and didn't want to be disturbed? She did spend quite some time with Ann before picking up Morgana afterwards. He had looked strangely content as he sat on the ledge outside of the diner.
"Alright, but are they really… real? I mean, the Palace has been odd, we can bring guns in, but we can't exactly reload them." Masumi's toy gun only had limited ammo, and she didn't think she'll be able to find ways to reload them. Maybe her airsoft rounds could suffice?
"I'll teach you how to make a genuine lockpick. The other items that I will be teaching you to craft are close replicas that would work in the meta-verse." Morgana explained and Masumi nodded.
"Great then. We can pass them off as toys or something… I'm just glad that this… dimensional pocket thing came with the app though." If she had to name one thing that she was glad about having this power from Igor for, it was this pocket dimension that she could store stuff in. The dagger and guns she had purchases were safely store there, along with some of the materials that Morgana had declared to be useful in their endeavor that had dropped from the Shadows they had killed.
"I am glad that I too have access to such a useful infiltration tool. I was able to gather several useful things even in the outside world. Ahem…" Morgana coughed when Masumi looked at him suspiciously. "I did not steal anything, I promise, Lady Masumi. I only took things that were discarded. You would be surprised at what people would throw away. The fools."
Morgana leaped to sit on the desk before gesturing to Masumi with a paw to sit down.
"Let's try making a lockpick this time, we can use it to open chests or doors. It's not always fool proof though, but we should still try to have some. Everyone starts off a little clumsy, don't be depressed if it doesn't go well at first, alright, Lady Masumi?"
Morgana's instructions were hard to follow, but after lots of trail and error, she managed to make a couple of decent lockpicks that she stashed into her wallet. These were helpful in a pinch too while Morgana yawned, tired as well.
"I'll teach you how to pick a lock in the meta-verse when we encounter a chest. Anyway, we'll be heading to the Palace tomorrow, ready yourself."
18 April (Monday)
…
Le Blanc
…
A peaceful morning breakfast for once before heading to school, Sojiro didn't sense anything amiss, only fawning over Morgana much to Masumi's amusement. Her legal guardian sure doted on cats, and he was disappointed when Morgana snuck off the moment his back was turned to get some coffee.
It would severely limit Morgana's movement if he was to capture Sojiro's attention - but Masumi was more amused by Sojiro's "No cats" rule was being ignored by Sojiro himself.
He had warned her about coming back late, but had relented when he said she'll be visiting Shiho again.
"She's the friend that you almost killed yourself to save right?" Masumi wasn't sure but there was a flash of uncertainty that he detected in his tone.
"Well if she is that important to you, I won't stop you. Take care of yourself - and don't forget to visit Tae sensei for your sessions." Sojiro reminded sternly before seeing her off.
Shujin Academy: Front Gates
…
"Good morning, c'mon, hurry up and get to class!" Kamoshida, was at the front gates, waving students into school. Masumi stopped mid-step, consider her options before deciding to take it head on. He won't try anything out in the open like this, with many other students around her. She has to believe that.
As she approached the front gates, Masumi took the opportunity to follow behind a group of male students who were talking to each other. As an additional precaution, she pretended to be looking at her phone as they approached the gates.
Kamoshida however spotted her and called out to her.
"Oi, Kurusu." His tone of voice was sharp and forceful, causing the boys to start while Masumi panicked inwardly.
"Good morning, Kamoshida sensei. Is there anything wrong?" She bowed politely to her while the other students gave them a wide berth. The King of the Palace indeed, and Masumi didn't make any eye contact with him as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"..." His expression was the same cheerful facade that he wore to others, and Masumi felt the hair at the back of her neck raise slightly in fear and disgust as his gaze never left her for a moment, perhaps he was trying to psych her out.
Or studying her figure - again. Masumi swallowed and her hands clenched tighter, fingers digging into her palm in a bid to keep herself from lashing out.
"About what happened a few nights ago…" He started speaking loudly, and Masumi paled - knowing that he was trying to start a rumor right now. Well - two can play that game and she chuckled softly.
"My guardians were glad to meet you, sensei. They were relieved that you cared for my well being. Thank you for meeting us at night, taking time off your schedule." She cut him off quickly and beamed, ignoring how Kamoshida's eyes were twitching a little. She could count that as a win as she bowed to him quickly before he could say more, or refute her claim.
"Thank you for being so considerate." She died a little inside, but as Kamoshida grunted in response, acknowledging her claim, Masumi knew she had won this particular round.
"I should head to school now - thank you for checking up on me." She rushed off, Medea muttering her approval while she stewed in anger. She had to be on her toes, or else Kamoshida might try something else to get to her.
Shujin Academy - Class 2D
…
Masumi didn't say much about what happened to Ann as they greeted each other, only mentioning to her that they should probably find a way to coordinate coming to school together. It was probably safer - or it could jeopardize the whole mission by letting Kamoshida know they might be planning something. Was she being too paranoid?
…
Classes barely started when the text messages started, and Masumi had to fight the urge to look at the messages all the time. Morgana had been let out earlier and was probably scouting the place again. She might insist on their partner joining them in class if things settled down though.
…
"So I saw Kamoshida at the school gate this morning. He was just standing there looking at me with this shit-eating grin on his face." Ryuji's text messages was quickly followed by Ann - she was bored out of her mind too.
"He was probably trying to get into your head. That's super annoying. I can't believe we still have to go to school when Shiho and Masumi's life is on the line." Ann's remark made Masumi sigh, although she did cover her momentary lapse with a sheepish smile towards the teacher who looked confused.
"Honestly seeing that got me even more fired up about this. I'm going to enjoy smashing that smug grin to oblivion with Captain Kidd and you girls."
"We're going today, right? I'm going to put in my all. I got us some more bandages too, and Shiho said she'll try to cover for us." Ann's reply made Masumi add on quickly.
"We'll still have to visit Shiho first before going back to school later in the afternoon. It's best to have an alibi on where we were."
"It's such a pain to travel here and back though…"
"It's important, Ryuji - we can't get caught. What if Kamoshida is trying to follow us? If he finds out like how Shiho and I did…" Ann's message made Masumi shudder, if Kamoshida appeared in the Castle with them, who knew what could happen. She might kill him for real for one.
"The conclusion and release of the findings by Kamoshida is on 2nd May. We got just around 2 weeks to stop him." Masumi typed discreetly below her table while sneaking glances at the teacher's droning in class.
"We just gotta take of business before that then."
"I just hope he doesn't have even more surprises in store for us. I might need to work out a schedule for my work and my study sessions with Makoto senpai."
"Ugh are you seriously going to continue studying? I mean, I'm glad the prez is helping us, but working part time too?" Ryuji's message made Masumi frown as she typed quickly in rebuttal.
"I need to eat too. And medicine don't come cheap, models too for that matter. Besides it'll be doubly suspicious if our schedule change that much. Sojiro will get suspicious, and your family too."
"As long as I got a day's notice, I can plan ahead. I'm not comfortable leaving without Shiho either. We should add her into this chat later. If I blew off all my gigs, they'll suspect something is wrong too." Ann's reply made Masumi relax a little, at least Ann understood.
"Not yet - we don't want her to get in trouble if someone started poking around her phone. We shouldn't be leaving any evidence. What if someone, or worse - he actually took our phones?"
Shujin Academy - Rooftop
…
"It's finally time to set our plan in action, I bet the others are ready to go and waiting on the signal." Morgana stated as they gathered at the rooftop.
Masumi had to grab Ann with her for lunch, not that the blonde minded, and had filled her in on what had happened before class had started.
Ann was of course livid, but relieved when Masumi told her on how she had turned the tables on Kamoshida. The two girls had then visited Kawakami at the staff room to update her about Shiho, and Ann's situation about school.
Kawakami sensei had been sympathetic and had told Ann to take as much time off needed till Shiho could return to school.
It was a stark contrast to what Ann had expected, she had confessed to Masumi afterwards. Masumi wondered if it was due to her presence that Kawakami sensei had been more understanding of the situation, or perhaps it was just because everyone was still worried about Shiho's circumstances, and gave Ann a pass.
Ann's grades were average - but Masumi had another plan for that.
…
"I'm glad for the update on Shiho's situation, and I am relieved that you two are volunteering to collect and submit her homework for her. But… this additional request of yours." Niijima Makoto looked uncertainly at Ann who looked just as confused - and surprised.
"Ann might be taking a few days off school to be with Shiho. She needs the support, and, missing school is bad for her grades after all, if she can't keep up. I'll do what I can to help, I'm visiting Shiho everyday - but it might not be enough. Just once a week would be a great help, senpai!" Masumi clapped her hands and bowed her head while asking and Makoto faltered, looking both pleased and awkward.
"W-Well… if she promises to do her best, a short session might be fine… just for you to catch up with your work, are we in agreement, Takamaki?"
…
Ann had been confused, but Masumi explained to her that it would be good for them to make nice with the student president, plus - Kamoshida won't be able to follow them after school if they ended before volleyball practise. AND - most importantly, gave them some time, and excuse to leave school later than usual.
With their preparations complete, the girls had a quick lunch before going back to class.
Which brought them here now at the rooftop, planning for how they were going to tackle the mission objectives..
"I hope you all understand that our time limit is 2nd May. Or realistically, before 2nd May as it'll take some time for the change of heart to manifest." Morgana explained as he sat on one of the abandoned tables on the rooftop. Masumi's bag had been placed to the side as they gathered after school as planned.
Morgana was honestly impressed at how Lady Masumi was taking care of the nitty gritty details by herself - it was very important that no one else would suspect them as phantom thieves. By altering their normal schedule before the attack or heist was to take place would just make them look suspicious.
Morgana had to wonder what other secrets Lady Masumi had kept to herself if she was this paranoid without his prompting.
Ann sat on the table besides Morgana while Ryuji sat on a chair directly in front of Masumi herself, having snuck onto the rooftop separately to avoid suspicion. Imagine the rumors if one spotted all three of them going up at the same time? It would only arouse suspicion.
"To summarize, we basically just have to go to that castle, or Palace or whatever and steal the Treasure from Kamoshida, right?" Ann asked, brows furrowing as she casually tapped the mock kevlar that she was now wearing underneath her clothes. If only changing clothes were as easy as pulling out her semi-automatic replica that Masumi had handed her today.
"But what exactly is this "Treasure", Morgana? You haven't explained it yet." Masumi asked and they waited for Morgana to explain.
"A Treasure is the physical form of the Palace Ruler's distorted desires. In other words, it's the core of the Palace, once we steal it, the Palace will crumble." Morgana answered reasuredly. "I think." But ended un-reasuredly, to the dismay of Masumi and the rest. Ryuji just looked slack jawed while Masumi wasn't amused at all. They were basically going in blind.
"Well - that's the theory anyway. Having said that, even I don't know what Kamoshida's treasure will be. It can be anything and everything."
"And where can we find it? Seeing that's a treasure, it should be at the most hardest to reach area." Ann reasoned while Morgana shrugged, a weird thing to see from a cat.
"There's no way of knowing that until we go in and find out. But Lady Ann should be right, I've been there a few times and saw no traces of it from where I could sneak into. It should be in the depths of the Palace."
Masumi sighed, scratching her head, it wouldn't be that simple after all.
"Can we even get it out? I mean - we do have… magical ways to keep stuff, I guess." Masumi grimaced, hoping that they won't reach the limit of that mythical pocket, portal thing that all of them discovered they could assess too.
"It's best not to rely on that… although it is convenient, it must have came with that mysterious application on your phone, Lady Masumi as what we discussed earlier. The rest have the same powers, yes? Even I do, to some extent." Morgana looked around the group to see them nodding their heads.
"In any case, our objective is to find the Treasure's location somewhere in the Palace. We have to ensure that we can go about this, with some time to spare so we can avoid any unforeseen circumstances, like the schedule for the investigation being pushed forward, or someone suspecting our activities. We have to be covert, and that means making sure that no one suspects, especially Kamoshida." Morgana looks around the group before Masumi interjected.
"That means we have to carry on with our lives as normal as possible. How's school so far, Ann?"
Masumi's question made Ann pause and their friend bit her lip before nodding.
"As you know - I still want to take a few days off if I can to be with Shiho. My parent's don't mind - they're not in the country. You're worried about my sneaking in to school if I do?" Ann asked quietly and Masumi nodded. She didn't want her friend to be caught coming to school when she wasn't supposed to.
"Knowing Kamoshida… especially if he turns out to be the one to catch you… who knows what he might do."
"Even if he caught me, I won't say anything." Ann insisted firmly, eyes hard but Ryuji got it - surprising the two girls.
"We're not saying that. Masumi's worried what he MIGHT do to you if he caught you, we trust you. I- I mean, we, don't want you to have to do something drastic to stop him, or him doing something to you anyway."
"Let's not take any unnecessary risks, Ann, Ryuji. That means that all of us should try to be with someone at all times, preferably not just among present company. That way he can't suspect us of trying anything together." Masumi reasoned and frowned when the other two looked uncomfortable.
"... Is it not possible?" Masumi didn't know things were that bad for her two friends. They didn't have any other friends in school?
The two of them shook their heads and Masumi pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. Right, the two didn't have the best of reputations after all.
"I can just eat my lunch at the classroom and split after school. No one's going to bother with me as long as I don't approach them." Ryuji offered glumly and Ann nodded her head.
"I think having lunch together isn't that bad of an idea. We are friends, so, maybe a few days a week would be good. We could even hang out at the rooftop so it's something "natural" right?" Ann made quotation marks at her explanation before smirking.
"We could even get permission from the prez too."
"Her name is Niijima Makoto guys… and I can think of a way to get her to agree. Although we might not be able to eat at the rooftop…" Masumi trailed off before shaking her head.
"I'll speak to her again later, worse case we'll have our lunch with her," Masumi gave Ryuji a smirk when he groaned.
"Cut it out, Ryuji - she really isn't that bad once you know her."
"I thought she'll be all business and stern, but she's just a highschool student like us. She's our senior too. I'll be getting to know her a little better, I hope." Ann elaborated and Ryuji just threw his hands in the air in exasperation.
"… for now, shall we head off? I got something to try after all."