HEY GUYS!
THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH CHAPTER 7 OF POCKET CHANGE.
THANKS FOR ALL THE REVIEWS/COMMENTS/PMs/FAVS/ ALERTS/BOOKMARKS!
EVERYTHING!
THANKS FOR SOME OF THE NEGATIVE THINGS TOO, IT EITHER GAVE ME A LAUGH OR GAVE ME INSIGHT.
ANYWAYS ON TO CHAPTER 7
LET'S GOOOOOOOO.
Shiho sighed happily as she ate another tiny chocolate covered treat.
"You should be really careful, Akira-kun. A girl get used to being spoiled like this."
Akira scoffed jokingly.
"I'm not spoiling you, Shiho-chan. This is a business transaction. You get to taste Leblanc's new menu items for free and I get your honest feedback."
Shiho perched an eyebrow.
"And that required you to invite me up to the school roof, so we could be alone?"
Akira maintained his composure despite the slight reddening of his cheeks.
"It's to make sure that there are no witnesses if you go sugar crazy."
The brunette snickered.
"Oh? Is that the only reason?"
Akira looked away.
"One could also assume that I...prefer to enjoy your company in private."
Shiho nervously took a quick bite of a cookie.
"Ah...Well that assumption could...work both ways..."
Akira awkwardly adjusted the collar of his shirt. Was he the only one that suddenly felt warm?
"I see. That's...good to know."
Shiho smiled.
"It is?"
Akira nodded.
"It is."
Shiho blushed again, her free hand began to inch closer to Akira's.
The bespectacled male pretended to not notice the approaching appendage but made sure to triple check his closest hand's position to confirm it was well within the brunette's reach.
Just a little more...
Just a teeny bit more...
Almost there...
Aaaaaaaaaaand...
SLAM!
The door that led to the roof slammed open with tremendous force.
A frowning Ann emerged from the doorway with Ryuji following close behind.
"So this is where you disappeared to, Shiho?"
The volleyball player winced at the accusatory tone of her best friend's question.
"Uhhh...yeah. Didn't I mention that I was having lunch with a friend?"
"You failed to mention that the friend was Akira."
"Ummm did I have to?"
Ann took that as her cue to take a seat. The blonde beauty squeezed herself into the space between Shiho and Akira.
"I suppose not."
Ryuji took a seat on the other side of Shiho, a little oblivious to the situation.
"Hey guys. Ohhhh snacks! I kinda forgot my lunch at home, you guys mind sharing?"
Shiho handed the plastic container to the blond.
"Sure. You can have some."
The former track star grinned.
"Thanks."
As Ryuji proceeded to decimate the sugary contents of the bowl, Ann continued her interrogation.
"Shiho?"
"Yeah?"
"Your hair's down."
"I wear my hair down sometimes..."
The part time model narrowed her eyes. Shiho barely ever wore her hair down at school.
There had to be a reason...
The volleyball player offered the inquisitive blonde a deceptive smile.
It had nothing to do with the fact that a certain someone had told her that she was beautiful when he had last seen her with her hair down.
Nothing to do with it all.
There was no connection.
None whatsoever.
"Aren't you the one who said I should wear it like this more often?"
Ann frowned.
"I suppose I did."
Akira tried to help.
"I think it looks nice both ways."
Shiho smiled.
"Thank you Akira-kun."
Ann turned to face Akira.
"Akira-kun. Is there any special reason you two are up here?"
Akira smirked.
"We were testing out some snacks I made. She is my official taste-tester after all."
Ryuji paused mid bite to offer his opinion.
"These are great dude!"
"Thank you, Ryuji."
Ann pouted.
"So...I guess you didn't want any other opinions?"
Akira shook his head.
"Actually, I was hoping to share some with you guys...just
later. Remember that whole plan I had about us not hanging out too much as a group since King Kamoshida's defeat?"
Ann gulped as she realized that she and Ryuji had done the very same thing that Akira had advised against.
It was the spur of the moment and her growing jealousy that had provoked her to drag Ryuji along in their search for Akira and Shiho.
Thankfully the Metaverse Mercenary was somewhat forgiving.
"But I'll be the first to acknowledge that we don't have a lot of social options at school outside of this group...I suppose we can all hang out sometimes. Perhaps it would be even more suspicious if we weren't seen together after the posting of the calling card."
Ann let out a sigh of relief.
"Well since I'm already here...I may as well try one of those treats! Ryuji, pass the bowl."
A satisfied Ryuji looked down at the very empty container on his lap.
"Was I supposed to leave some of these for you guys?"
Ann's right eye twitched.
Sadayo plopped down into her soft office chair with a sigh.
Principal Kobayakawa was infamous for his painfully drawn out meetings but today's sessions had been on a whole different level.
Not without reason, mind you. There were a wide range of topics that needed to be discussed by Shujin's staff.
PLUFF!
A small plastic bag seemingly fell from the roof onto Kawakami's desk. She narrowed her eyes at the contents.
"Are those cookies?"
"Among other things yes."
The Language teacher looked up to the roof to see a grinning black cat.
"Morgana?"
The feline jumped down from his hiding spot in the rafters and landed beside the plastic bag without barely making a sound.
"Good Morning Kawakami-sensei."
Sadayo couldn't help but rub Morgana's ears. He was a cutie after all.
The cat seemed to allow himself to enjoy the sensations for a few seconds before speaking.
"Akira asked me to come check up on you. You weren't present for homeroom, this morning."
The brown haired woman groaned.
"I've been stuck in meetings all day. Kobayakawa was already planning to discuss regular things like the curriculum and upcoming exams but the calling cards seemed to ruffle his feathers quite a bit. He's considering even bringing in a private investigator to identify the culprit or culprits."
"Of course. He's the Executioner after all. He won't just sit there and allow someone to threaten his 'King'. Did Kamoshida have anything to say?"
"He wasn't here, he's placed himself on leave. The Principal believes that it's the combined stress of the tournament and the 'malicious rumours' that the calling cards have inspired."
Morgana shook his head.
"It's just as Akira said, the weight of what he's done is crushing him. When that fruit ripens we'll get a confession."
"The board meeting's in two days. If he doesn't confess before that the Principal might move forward with the expulsions."
"Akira's convinced that it will happen right on time. We'll have to trust him as the only one that has experience in conquering Palaces."
Kawakami paused. A natural concern weighed heavily on her mind.
"How long has he been doing this? Risking his life in those Palaces?"
"No idea but to be as good as he is requires time, patience and a lot of practice."
Sadayo nodded before looking back at the plastic bag.
"What are the treats for?"
"He baked them and wanted you to have some."
"Akira...bakes?"
"A natural enigma isn't he? He's quite good at it too. He says it's a peace offering."
Kawakami did not like the sound of that.
"A peace offering? For what?"
Morgana delivered a cat's equivalent of a shrug.
"No idea."
Iwai examined the half naked female figurine in his gloved hands with an appreciative balance of curiosity and scrutiny.
The tiny ruby that was nestled between the statue's breasts seemed to be real.
The airsoft shop owner looked up at the two high-schoolers standing nearby.
"Did you guys rob some kind of kinky museum?"
Akira smirked.
"Something like that."
Iwai seemed to be hoping for a more fulfilling answer. Akira continued.
"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me. Besides do I ask you where most of your stuff comes from?"
Iwai shrugged.
"Fair enough. I'll buy all of it. Forty-five thousand yen."
Ryuji grinned.
"Woah, that's a good haul for us."
Akira folded his arms as he responded to the blond.
"I hope you're investing your share of the profits wisely. You should have a private stash ready in case you ever forget your lunch again."
Ryuji deflated.
"Yeah, good point."
Iwai chuckled.
"Still giving people free financial advice, huh?"
Akira shrugged.
"The value of money is lost on those who spend it all at once. I just hate seeing people waste it."
Iwai shook his head as he presented Akira with a brown bag.
"Here's your payment."
"Thank you kindly. We'll see you another time. Give my regards to Karou."
"Kid...can I have a moment?"
Akira perched an eyebrow before turning to Ryuji.
"Mind waiting for me outside?"
Ryuji nodded before saluting Iwai.
"Thanks again for the help, sir."
"Don't get yourself into any trouble, Blondie!"
Iwai waited for the door to close before talking again.
"I need your help with another job, I know I promised last time would be the final one but I really need-"
"Sure."
"...just like that?"
"You're a good man trying to take care of his son, Iwai-san. That alone earns much more of my respect and admiration than you could ever understand. If you need help, I'll do what I can. "
"...Thank you."
"Your words of gratitude are appreciated but I would prefer some better discounts though."
Iwai smirked.
"Always looking for a deal... I'll see what I can do."
Akira nodded.
"Can we run through the details of this job next week? I have some other appointments this evening."
"Yeah...sure kid."
Akira snapped his fingers as a thought crossed his mind.
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot, I'm gonna need a new set of weapons."
The shop's owner took out a pencil to write the new request down.
"What are you in the market for?"
"Spears with connections to Ancient Greece."
Iwai's toothpick fell out of his mouth.
"What?"
Akira smiled.
"I work with very specific cosplayers."
Akira grunted as he buttoned up his shirt.
"Are headaches suppose to be a side effect of this new batch that you're working on?"
Takemi scribbled away on her notepad.
"Nope."
"Then why do I have one?"
"You misjudged your positioning and hit your head on the wall as you fainted."
Akira narrowed his eyes.
"No I didn't. You're lying."
"Well I am the only other person here Guinea Pig, so who else are you going to ask?"
Akira glanced over to the corner where Morgana chowed down on another bowl of expensive cat food.
The black feline felt Akira's gaze on the back of his head and looked up at his fellow Phantom Thief.
The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Morgana finally spoke.
"She bought my silence with food, I can't betray her trust like that."
"Traitor."
Takemi smirked.
"If I didn't know any better I'd actually believe that you two can really understand each other."
Akira didn't respond.
His gaze was now sharply focused on a suspiciously uneven stack of medical papers on Takemi's desk.
The punk-rock styled woman was known for many things but having a cluttered or untidy work desk was not one of them.
With an agility that the back alley Doctor couldn't hope to match, Akira jumped out of his seat lifted the stack of documents.
A weathered dark orange hardcover book with no title sat under the pile. Takemi watched nervously as Akira examined the book.
"You were reading this to me while I was unconscious?"
Tae nodded.
"Yes, research and studies have proven that not only is the brain is capable of learning new vocabulary while asleep but it also processes certain bits of information easier .I was also hoping to do you a favor and broaden your cultural horizons."
Akira continued.
"Let me guess. The book fell out of your hands and hit me on the forehead?"
Takemi scratched her cheek, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"It was an accident?"
Akira sighed as he looked through a few pages.
"What is this?...Shakespeare?"
Tae mumbled out a response.
"Mhmm."
Akira placed the book down.
" It's cool, just be careful next time. Worrying about you gives me enough headaches."
Tae folded her arms.
"And when have I ever given you reason to worry about me?"
Akira leaned forward, bringing his face close enough for the Doctor to see the worry in his eyes.
"I know you're sleeping here more often than usual. You have bags under your eyes. Your bins are filled with take out and energy drink cans. As a health professional you should know that there are consequences if some of these behaviors continue."
Tae sighed.
"I'm close to a breakthrough, if I can solve this latest problem I'll be much closer to a perfect antidote...you know that saving Miwa-chan is everything to me right now."
"That's why I'm saying this. That book probably fell out of your hand because you dozed off. You may make a mistake with your calculations or the binding process if you're exhausted or not fully focused. There's nothing wrong with working hard or burning the midnight oil from time to time...but you have to get proper rest and decent food. Miwa-chan needs you at your best to get this done."
Takemi groaned before nodding.
"You're right. You're right...I just...really need this to work..."
Akira took the doctor's hand gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"It will, and you know I'm here to help however I can. If you need anything just call."
Tae smiled .
"Thank you, Akira."
Akira furrowed his brows.
"It sounds weird when you say my name."
"Are you finally admitting to the fact that you love your nickname?"
"Never happening, Doc. Let's go Bruno. Thank the nice Doctor for your meal."
Morgana rubbed his fur against Takemi's ankle before jumping up into Akira's open bag.
The blue haired woman chuckled.
"He seems to like me."
Akira shook his head.
"He's just a sucker for free food."
As the Doctor and her 'Guinea Pig' shared a laugh, Morgana rolled his eyes.
It was amazing to note how Akira had missed some of the more scandalous details.
Wasn't it obvious?
He had easily worked out the circumstances of the book falling out of her hands but did Akira not realize that she would have to be directly over him for it to hit his head ?
To be more precise, his head had been on her lap, her free hand busy playing in his curly locks.
And it wasn't just any Shakespeare book that the Doctor had been reading, according to what Morgana had heard from Takemi's it was the tale of two lovers.
Romeo and Juliet.
Morgana was actually feeling empathetic towards the seemingly lovestruck Doctor Takemi, he knew what it felt like to pine over someone.
"I hope she builds up the courage to say something soon cause this guy may never get it."
Futaba shook her head in disbelief. Her eyes were glued to her computer screen but a good portion of her attention was being given to the voice on the end of her ear piece.
"So they both followed you into the Metaverse?"
Akira's response came through clearly.
"Yeah and Shiho awakened her Persona. The Goddess Apate."
Futaba switched her visual attention to another screen, her eyes reading through a list.
"I'll need a profile for her combat prowess and abilities."
"I didn't get to see her fight much, most of the info I have is from the others. You'll have to wait until the Phantom Thieves pick another target."
Futaba snorted.
"That's what they call themselves? That's sooo cool."
"Why am I not surprised that you like that silly name?"
Futaba grinned.
"Because you know and acknowledge how awesome I am."
Akira chuckled
"Yeah, that must be it. Silly name or not they're getting stronger and they didn't die while fighting against a Level Twelve Palace Ruler. That's improvement."
"Are you actually paying them a compliment? Youre getting soft, Wild Card."
"Did you not hear the part about me slicing that Shadow's limbs off?"
Futaba rolled her eyes.
"Soft doesn't mean weak, you big doofus."
"I may be a doofus but at least I never almost burned down my house while making instant noodles."
The computer genius blushed. Why was Sojiro such a blabber mouth?
"The instructions were vague and misleading."
"It's hot water into a foam cup. Where did they lose you?"
Futaba sighed.
"Anyways, your text message said that you needed help. What's up?"
"I need a new target. Something that I can get done in two days."
Futaba was visibly confused.
"I thought you said the Phantom Thieves are gonna wait until things cooled down."
"This isn't for the Phantom Thieves...well it is but they won't be the ones doing this. It will be a solo run."
"Why?"
"They sent their calling card publicly. Once Kamoshida confesses the police and other parties will be looking at Shujin very closely."
"Oh...well there should be quite a few Palaces in Tokyo..."
"No I need something out of the city but not too far away. Think you can find someone by next week."
"Of course. You forgotten who you're talking to?"
"Not at all. We need someone that the media will definitely talk about. You know the type."
"Mhmm. I'll set up my bots to search for persons who have either been on the news or social media a lot for varying reasons."
"Thanks Oracle."
"...I made a folder with some documents I found on one of Mom's old hard drives. You think you could give it a read? Some of the Metaverse principles would be easier understood by someone who goes there often."
"Definitely. I'll come by on my next free day so we can talk in person."
"Thanks Akira. Oh and before you go... what's the deal with this Shiho person?"
"As I said, I haven't really seen her flight yet-"
"I'm not talking about that. Sojiro says she's been dropping by Leblanc quite frequently."
"I...uh..."
"You should invite her other for our next family dinner. I'd love to meet your girlfriend."
"I am not going to allow you to corrupt her with your anime lingo or allow Sojiro to tell her embarrassing stories about stuff I did when I was a kid."
Futaba paused, a very large smile slowly stretched between her cheeks.
"Interesting."
"What?"
"You didn't deny that she was your girlfriend..."
"..."
"..."
Akira only had one idea to save himself.
"...I promise to not ever mention the cup noodle thing again."
Futaba smirked.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
LATER THAT NIGHT
Sadayo checked her phone one last time as she made her way to the job site. She was definitely in the right place and on time.
To her surprise the patrons of Yongen Jaya's mostly subdued night life paid her little mind as she navigated their streets in her uniform.
She doubted that there was anyone in the area that could recognize her but a face mask had been added to her ensemble to assist in hiding her true identity.
She checked the inside of her hidden pocket for the small tin of mace that her boss had given to all employees as a safety measure.
In this day and age there was no guarantee that the client for the night wouldn't be another weirdo or pervert seeking services that some of the maids certainly did not offer.
Her dispatcher had helpfully informed her that the customer, a man using the code name 'Mr.Igor' had been calling in for days trying to find a specific type of maid that would fit into his 'fantasy'.
It wasn't a strange or first time occurrence for a customer to have their likes and preferences. It may have been the first time that Becky had found herself being the one that fulfilled all of the criteria.
"Hopefully, they leave me a good tip. The last guy Victoria's sent me to barely had the flat rate."
Her journey came to an end at the entrance of what seemed to be a restaurant or cafe.
There were a few lit candles inside but nothing bright enough for the maid to see it anyone or anything thing else on the interior.
Just as the instructions had stated, the front door had been left open. The brown haired woman let herself inside and locked the door behind her.
The woman took a few steps inside before removing her face mask.
"Hellooooo Master. Your faithful maid Becky is heeerrreeee."
As Becky walked further in she noticed that one of the booths had been decorated. A nice silky tablecloth and several empty plates. There was also a kitchen overflowing with the scents of a recently prepared meal.
Perhaps her client was going to have her serve him his dinner?
A figure descended the stairs on the far end of the room. Becky produced her finest plastic smile.
"Hello Master! Take a seat and I'll have your meal served in just a moment! Becky is even willing to feed you if you wish!"
The person sighed.
"The offer is rather tempting, but I was actually hoping that we'd eat together."
Kawakami blinked.
That voice...
She was probably hearing things, right?
The figure stepped forward and allowed the candle light to reveal more of their physical features.
For Sadayo it was akin to watching your worst fears and nightmares become one with the harshest of realities.
Akira offered his teacher a small comforting smile.
"Take a seat Becky. I think it's time we had a talk."
WELL WELL WELL
THAT WAS CHAPTER 7 OF POCKET CHANGE.
IT WAS A LITTLE SHORT BUT I'M SETTING SOME THINGS UP FOR NEXT TIME.
THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT.
THIS WAS YOUR BOY KINGNIKEN.
PEACE.