A/N: Hello everyone, I understand I am very late updating and pass the initial date. I had some personal matters to handle that takes precedent over the story as the story is a hobby of mine. But all is good personally. I've just been busy in life, because I stream, write, work etc but I'm balancing it out more recently.
However as promised, I have combined the two chapters, this one is a WHOPPER for you all. As the story will also be ending soon. But don't worry I got my other stories lined up very soon when this one ends in the coming weeks.
Once again, apologies for the month delay. I will do my best to get the next one out in time. P.s I've also been playing Persona 5 Strikers recently which also has taken up some time.
Enjoy. Feel free to review :)
Chapter 53
A day of celebration this occasion was meant to be. Dignitaries from everywhere, anyone whose anyone will be at this event on this magnificent ship. Extensive checking was made by the security on board as the man of the hour breezed on by. Of course, it would be rude to ignore his fellow supporters and guest. They were merely pawns in this game of his to solidify power. They'll be gone once their usefulness runs out. Along with the very associates who exhibit nothing but cheap loyalty.
No one was ever truly loyal to him, they all want something in return. That's how this game always works. He only took the ship out on special occasions or when a "meeting" was called. Anywhere else would be too compromised. Shido could feel the walls closing in, his assets needed to be moved and re-arranged quickly.
"Is my office set?" the balding man asked a servant.
"Of course Sir, to your liking."
"Good. Tell everyone who's not an associate that I am not to be disturbed. Is that clear?"
"Y..yes Sir." The stuttering servant left agreeing to the demand.
Shido was completely alone, not even Loki would bother him right now. He wasn't in the mood to be bothered. Especially given the rumors his men were whispering amongst themselves. Security swore they've seen groups of suspicious strangers eyeing the ship as of late. One particularly looked like the disgraced former Detective. But is he working alone or with the remnants of the Phantom Thieves he had yet to confirm.
"Foolish boy, throwing your lot in with them. Sad such talent will meet the end of a rope," he mutters to himself.
He turns to look at the mirror behind him, a special glass that acted two ways. He can see out but guests can't see in. It was amusing to watch them fall over themselves drunk in the thought of riches.
They're only stepping stones, all will be crushed in due time."
Earlier…..
It was a quiet and hearty breakfast for the Phantom Thieves. They had a lot to check before departing for the evening. Horses groomed and fed, weapons checked and ammo full. Clothes fit the weather as the cold settled in for the day.
Hardly any chatter was heard through the hideout, no jokes, no lighthearted conversation. The light outside was growing dimmer, the evening was arriving.
"Alright, we saddle up in 5 minutes."
"Not so fast cowboy, before you go each of you should take this, you'll need it," Takemi had handed each of them a small pouch. Inside was a small jar of healing cream and some bandages. This will come in handy he thought.
"Thanks, Doc we hope we don't have to use it but glad to have it either way."
On the other side of the room, the Nijima's were saying their farewells. It's not goodbye as long as they see each other again. And Sae prays they will, she has to have some hope this will go their way against a giant like Shido.
"Are you alright Makoto? You seem a little tired."
"I'm….quite fine, just didn't get my sleep last night. Nerves and all," the younger sister lied through her teeth.
"I see. Do still be careful, it can be dangerous when you're unfocused. Understand."
"I understand Sis," Makoto and Sae stood apart awkwardly before Sae took the first step, engulfing Makoto in a fierce hug.
"Trust your instincts out there, and don't get separated. And as much as I'm still warming up to Amamiya, I feel comfort knowing he has your back."
"Thanks, we'll be back soon," Makoto promised.
Yusuke, Haru, the two blondes, and 1 younger Amamiya were patiently waiting outside on their horses. Makoto and Ren were set to follow until one more delay.
"Ah Mr. Amamiya, a moment please."
"Dr. Maruki?"
"I wanted to give you something before you depart." The thought-provoking doctor provided Ren with a pen.
"A pen?"
"A thought. I do not question how you will end things with Shido given the painful history between you two. But what I do know is that a sword isn't always the most powerful option. Death isn't always the end nor is it a satisfying conclusion. But let that decision be yours and yours alone. You write your own future."
Ren thought about the Doctor's words, how will it end for them. Can he kill in a fit of revenge? Can justice convict Shido while they're in his pocket?
"Thank you Dr. Maruki, I'll keep this advice in mind," the elder Amamiya pocketed the item and join the rest of the group. It was time to ride.
The guard's station by Shido's personal dock had lax in guard once the ship set sail. Checking in every passenger, ticket, and the "VIPs". They still had a duty to protect the area from snooty nose kids and sticky fingers. The head guard was taking a drink from his canteen when smoke blew in his face.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" It got in his eyes and mouth, the powdery substance was crawling down his throat threatening a cough to come up. The cloud of smoke was getting thicker and the sounds of his men hacking alerted him. They were under attack, but where was the assailant coming from? And more importantly why was he feeling itchy all of a sudden.
"Sound the alarm!"
"We're trying, but we're a little bit occupied," from what he could see in the smoke was his fellow guards also scratching themselves uncontrollably.
If anyone close walked by it was sure to be an amusing sight, but for the assailants, it was indeed the perfect distraction.
The Phantom Thieves left the horses outside of town while sticking to the shadows on the path to the docks. When the gang of outlaws arrived they were surprised the personal security was not as tight-knit in patrolling as the previous days.
"What a nice little present they gave us, lets not make this harder than it needs to be," Ren said. He and Ryuji grabbed a few smoke bombs with the special "treats" towards the private security. Within minutes the whole patrol was wheezing and hacking trying to get their bearing.
The Phantom Thieves used their limited window to grab the dinghy's," Ryuji grab the oars and row like your life depends on it. We need to be out of range before they know we were here."
"I'm rowing damn it!"
Ren hopped on the second oar rowing with as much strength as he can. The water was quite choppy making the rowing harder for the two. Morgana kept lookout seeing they were still in the clear. The guards hadn't looked towards the water but further in, allowing for the easy escape Futaba promised.
The rest of the gang was staying as low to the boat as possible making a tight fit. The sky was dark and so was the water allowing the journey to Shido's ship undetected. The first task was complete.
It was another 15 minutes of rowing for Ryuji and Ren before they closed in on the port side of the ship. A few guests mingle on the deck but none face their direction.
"Gah! My arms are burning," Ryuji complained while heavily rowing the boat of 8.
"Keep it down blondie, we're almost there." The younger Amamiya scolded the blonde gunslinger who was working up a sweat even in this cold weather.
"Not now Mona, I need to know if you see a middle window open, that's our ticket in."
Morgana checked above him, calling back to the photo they got. The 2nd tier of the ship was a row of windows, all closed to keep the cold air in. All but one.
"Brother, your inside man came through!" He was nervous over this part of the plan, the only variable he wasn't 100% sure about. But everyday people were joining their side and helping them, no matter what the Shido back newspapers said.
"Ryuji, help me row a little closer to the ship. Ann your rope please." The blonde outlaw was trying to keep the boat steady while his fellow blonde thief provided Ren with her rope. Her lasso was modified to fasten a hook at the end, all the easier to climb with.
Ren gave it a few swings before throwing it up. The first attempt had the hook bounce right at the edge of the window. Trying a second attempt, the hook crossed the threshold latching onto the window frame. Giving it a few test tugs, he found the rope stayed in place. He then proceeded to tie the loose end to the hook on the dinghy, making sure they won't lose their way back.
"It's secured, I'll go first."
The waves jostled their smaller boat around as Ren attempted the climb, upper body strength being his advantage. He cleared the first tier without raising the alarm. Continuing the climb as fast as he could, his hand gripped the window ledge holding steady. Just peaking over, he made sure no one was inside the food storage room. Left, right, no one.
Ren signals down to the others that it was clear while pulling himself inside. He hopes he'll have a chance to thank their inside man once again.
The food storage was quite a sizable room with shelves of fresh ingredients. No canned goods insight. "Shido sure throws his money around, do they plan to eat all of this tonight?"
"Probably not," Akechi said climbing through the open window. "If he's generous he might let the servants have the rest. I've been to enough dinners parties where they'll throw it all out instead."
"Wasteful."
The two waited for the others to join them on board. Makoto, Haru and Ann followed after the former Detective. Morgana and Yusuke were next leaving Ryuji to make sure their getaway was still tied before making his own climb.
"Alright, everyone's on board. We need to find out where Shido's hiding."
"Deep inside this fortress is my guess. Surrounded by his loyal subjects," the Phantom Thief artist suggested.
"Same, if he's holding a special meeting, it needs to be outside from the public viewing," said Morgana.
"Precisely, so there's a lot of ground to cover but too many of us. Hate to do it behind enemy lines but we need to split up, blend in a little better. Haru, Morgana, you two take the first floor, try to ask around about who was seen with Shido recently. Haru's presence might get a few raised brows but they'll also be more loose lips around similar statuses. Ryuji, Ann, take the bow side of the second floor, those are usually the living quarters. Yusuke, Akechi will take the stern side, see what you can find. Makoto will be with me, we'll check the 3rd floor. Does everyone understand?" All nodded his way in agreement, this was it.
"Okay, everyone good luck and stay alive."
Bottom Floor, Lounge
The younger Amamiya and Okumura heiress walked down the luxurious ship to the bottom floor. The smell of cigars, brandy, and food invaded their nose. The 1st floor was designed for lounging and smoking. A restaurant adorns the corner of the room. Morgana's clothes weren't tattered, but they've seen better patching.
Haru had to borrow some of Makoto's clothes which were newer, especially her pink blouse. It wasn't the fancy skirts or dress she was accustomed to wearing but it will do.
The two thieves stood by a pillar, heads down in conversation. Morgana couldn't see any obvious guards prowling around but he was watching. They shouldn't be too hasty to act regarding the younger Amamiya. Thankful, he never had wanted photos with his face on them.
"Haru is there anyone here you recognize from your father's social circle?"
The heiress thoroughly tracks the faces in the room, men women, politicians, wealthy tycoons. Of those she saw around the house or on her father's business trips, she could not recall one.
"I don't recognize anyone here," she claimed.
"No worries, let's split up and see what we're working with. Ask around about Shido, I'll eavesdrop around the rumor mill."
"Let us do our best Mona." They broke off to address their respected side of the room.
Haru walked between the cluster of people talking, champagne glasses in hand. No one even batted an eye, to engross in conversation. Haru finds a lady in waiting sipping on the finer taste of life.
"Excuse me, ma'am? Do you have a moment?"
"And who might you be?"
"I'm Ha- a relative of the Okumura family. I was invited here after everything that happen recently."
"Okumura, you say? Bad luck indeed follows you. You're not even wearing proper evening attire," the woman scoffs at the thought.
"Ma'am, I was hoping you can help me. Mr. Shido has graciously invited me on his ship and it would be rude of me to not offer a debt of gratitude."
"Ha! You could be the 2nd richest man in the world and still not get an audience with the man. He is one of a kind, destined to do great things. Everyone on this ship knows that. It's why we are his selected."
"...I see. Thank you." Haru politely left the women uncomfortable by how accepting she was of Shido. Did they truly not care? Haru tried to ask another woman and got the same response. Laughed at thinking she could get an audience with the "Great" Masayoshi Shido. So the Okumura heiress changed up her tactics, now asking if there were frequent areas Shido liked to visit.
"I have never seen him around here, but did you hear about the scandalous rumor regarding —"
"He's probably upstairs gambling."
"I heard he likes to stay coop up in his room."
All responses were useless, speculation that amounted to nothing, gossip that held absolutely no value. She only hope Morgana was fairing better.
The younger Amamiya was not faring better to the contrary. All he overheard was gossip about this scandal and that. He was convinced the only reason they were allowed on board was money, otherwise, it seem they had nothing of importance.
"This crowd is, even more, worse than the Gala," Morgana complained. The crowd largely ignored him. This lounge was becoming a bust, he thought he can take his chances inside the restaurant. It was settled nicely inside the wall, swinging doors letting guests in and out.
Before Morgana could touch the handle he was stopped by the ship Maitre' d.
"Can I help you, Sir? Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, I'm meeting a friend inside. If you'll just excuse me…"
"I'm sorry Sir, but I need to see your membership card before I can let you enter."
Morgana pretends to pat himself down as if he is searching for said card, "Seems I've misplaced the darn thing, I'll be right back." He moved back towards the lounge disappointed. He needs to find a membership card or else be stuck.
He scans the crowd searching for a target to pickpocket. So far no one was reaching into their pockets or purses and pulling out a card. Morgana eyes the lounge area again when he picks up something in the corner of his eye.
A man was stumbling to the bar asking for another drink. He couldn't tell what words followed, but the man reached in his coat and flashed a decorative card. Perfect. With his target in sight, Morgana goes to make his moves on the unsuspecting man. It was a routine as old as time regarding sleight of hand. He would walk with his intention to the bar only to "accidentally" bump into the drunken man.
"Apologies Sir," Morgana would say walking away. The card the man flashed at the bartender earlier now rests in his hand. The victim never even realized his previous key was missing.
Morgana backtracks his way across the room where Haru was, "Come with me, I got a members badge and it should let us in the VIP areas."
"You got a badge? How?"
"Old tricks, let's move." The younger Amamiya and Okumura heiress made their way to the restaurant Morgana tried earlier.
"Sorry for the wait, it seems my guest had a hold of the card this entire time. She didn't even step inside it seems. This is what you needed correct?" Morgana flashes the stolen card.
The Maitre'D confirms the membership with a nod, "Enjoy your meal." The doors were open for them in a fancy manner, the corridors to the tables were just as polished in decor as the lounge they left. A waiter greeted them inside, the place was small and intimate, only a few tables were occupied.
"May I offer you two a table in the corner?"
Morgana looked around and picked out a table with a single flower vase on it. It was unlike the others.
"What about that one?" he points out.
"Oh, um. I cannot give you that table."
"Why not?"
"It's for our special guest only" the waiter nervously explained.
"Then what about next to it?"
"He doesn't like others sitting near him during dinner."
"I see, but given this is a small space already he can make do with friendly diners." The waiter looked lost, unsure if he should allow this guest to sit too close to their special guest.
"...Of course." The two thieves were seated next to the table with the flower vase, waiting for this supposed guest that sits there. They were given a glass of water for the moment trying to stall for time.
"Do you think this special guest is Shido, Mona?"
"I hope so."
It was but a few moments later, the waiter that seated them was chatting enthusiastically to a man in a fancy suit. He was seated at the table with the flower vase as if he always sitting there.
"Would you like the usual for tonight Mr. Ooe?"
"Yes, but first I must ask you a question."
"Sir…"
"Who are these louts and why are they sitting so close!?"
"These louts as you called us have just as much right to sit anywhere in here. Besides we like the view."
"And you're ruining mine. In case you haven't noticed, there's a reason I'm given my own seating."
"By abusing and cheating your way to your seat. I've heard of you Mr. Ooe." Haru spoke up with a hint of disgust in her voice. "The Okumura company was a frequent financial supporter during your campaigns. A poor decision truly."
Haru was well aware of Mr. Ooe before her father died. They never met before today but knew her father constantly donated to help get him elected even though his ideas were less than ideal.
"And who are you?"
"Okumura….Haru Okumura."
"Is that so? A shame about what happened to your father. But perhaps he shouldn't have tried to bite the hand that feeds him. Shido will be in charge once this is all over, he should've been satisfied having a seat at the table.
"How dare you!" Morgana shouted in Haru's stead. Both stood up abruptly, knocking their chairs over.
"You think you can intimidate me!"
"We don't need to intimidate you, you're all talk and no bite. If Shido surrounds himself with the best then let us settle it right here and now," the younger Amamiya brother makes a bold statement. He folds his cuffs preparing for a fight he knows his opponent won't partake in.
"N-Now wait a minute let's talk about this. I got a lot of power of my own, perhaps we can make a deal? Whatever you want, just name it. Money, women, gover —" Mr. Ooe didn't finish his sentence before Haru smashed the flower vase on his head, knocking him unconscious.
"His excessive chatter was bothering me," she explained to the surprised thief.
Ooe was on the ground cold, the restaurant staff and guests were stunned into silence over what happened.
"What's this?" Morgana bends down to check the funny-looking key around Mr. Ooe's neck.
"This does not look like an ordinary key."
"No, and since he's most likely in Shido's inner circle, this key must unlock something, something important. Now we need to know the where what and how many."
Living Quarters, 2nd Floor
Ryuji and Ann were lost. Every corridor, the room looked the same no matter which way they turned. They turn left, right, right again and wound up at the same place again.
"Argh! This place is pissing me off. We should've gone left the last time instead of right. We're just going in circles now!"
"Calm down, we'll just double back and try a different route. I thought I saw a bigger room back there," Ann mention trying to be the calmer of the two.
"Which will lead to more corridors like this!"
"Shush! Keep your voice down as well, you wanna draw more guards to us."
"...Sorry." The blonde gunslinger took a deep breath to reset himself before continuing, They came across a few patrols during this area but thankfully there were plenty of places to hide while waiting for the guards to pass.
The two lovers decided to take Ann's advice of turning left at the juncture instead of their previous right. They made it to the 1st left when they ran into trouble. A guard was coming down the hallway from the direction they intended to go.
Stepping back behind the corner, they would be able to slip past this one easily. Taking a quick glance, Ryuji could see the guard getting closer.
"We're going to get the jump on him," he whispers under his breath. "3…2…1" Right as the guard turns, Ryuji grabs him by his collar swinging him into the wall stunning him. Ann follows up with a chokehold waiting for him to pass out before letting go.
"Let's grab him, we need to hide him in case others show up. "
"What a smart idea from you Ryuji."
"Hey!"
The Phantom Thieves found a supply closet nearby, stuffing the man ungracefully inside before slamming the door shut. They turn back to their intended pathway reaching the juncture that got them lost originally.
"Turning right led us back to the starting point, I say we're trying this left corridor and see where it takes us."
"Left it is." The undiscovered hallway wasn't long and had steps leading to a sort of hub room. There were 6 guards hovering around relaxed in posture. The two thieves dove immediately behind some plants to avoid being seen.
"Shit that was close," Ryuji just peaked over the small garden wall to check the room. They were lucky they weren't noticed yet. The guards were also further into the room away from the door.
"I think I found our exit but," Ann whispered herself.
"But what?"
"It's on the other side, and between that and us is a small army."
"I can take them, it will be a good warm-up."
"Are you crazy!" She harshly whispered this time, "It's 6-1, you'll be their punching bag. We also only brought our sidearms and those bullets need to be saved."
"All the more reason to talk to them like men. Wouldn't be the first time I got into an unfair fight." Ann couldn't help but dive her face into her hands in frustration. " Look they got no guns, and I have the element of surprise. Wait here, I'll clean this area up."
The blonde thief moved quickly and quietly in the shadows and behind corners. It seems the guards on duty were different than the ones they encounter so far on Shido's ship. They were chatting around not paying a bit of difference to their intruder. Ryuji got as close as he could without being detected by them and searched through his inventory.
"Here's to you Futaba," he throws a smoke bomb watching it go off between the half dozen men. Jumping over his cover, he rushes the closes one sucker punching him out. The 2nd guard was in a coughing fit never realizing the uppercut coming his way. Stumbling back he feels another punch to his cheeks before falling down cold.
Losing his element of surprise, Ryuji feels one of them jump on his back attempting to choke him. Falling back, the guard behind him took the brunt of the impact but still didn't let up. The gunslinger threw a few elbow shots to the ribs enticing the man to let go. Flipping over, he punches the guard square in the nose breaking it and another punch for good measure.
Barely catching his breath, he was once again thrown into the frying pan. The last three guards tried to subdue him once they got their bearings. His arms were locked behind him by the largest guard as the second one got a few right hooks and rib shots in. Winding up for another punch to the rib, Ryuji uses the momentum against the man behind him allowing him leverage to kick the guard in front and free himself. Ryuji turns to kick his previous captor in the head downing him for this fight.
"Then there was 2." The smoke had cleared by now as the fight was reaching its conclusion, the odds moving in Ryuji's favor. His back was to the door they needed to take while the guard's backs were to Ann's position. Very poor decision.
They never took notice of the women before the left guard felt the full force of a plant vase smashing against his head. Leaving the last guard distracted just enough to allow Ryuji to slam his face into a wall. In a matter of moments, all enemies were down.
"See Ann, nothing to worry about. Easy fight."
"The bruise slowly forming on your face says otherwise." The man rubs his face feeling the soreness getting bigger and his ego smaller.
Opening the door they fought through to get, the two quickly notice it was a bathing room. But it was unusually warm in this room. Was there a heater nearby?
An attendant runs out of a room from their left, a look of surprise, "Sir, Ma'am, you cannot be here right now. This area is currently off-limits."
"Says who?" Ryuji questions the attendant.
"What's with all this racket, you're interrupting my massage." An older gentleman came out of the same room wrapped in nothing but a robe and funny-looking key hanging from his neck.
"I apologize, Sir, they were just leaving."
"THE HELL WE AREN'T!"
"Such peasants. Your bloodline must be unworthy unlike me. Being around non-royals gives me headaches. Begone."
"What did you—"
"That's enough," Ann had spoken up in an odd accent, she tries to straighten her back as best she could. Raised her chin to give herself an air of arrogance. "I apologize for my uh servant behavior. I too come from a royal line. Ann….Winsor. Please to make your acquaintance." Ryuji was still giving her a funny look but decided to play along for now.
The nobleman was examining Ann with ravaging eyes up and down, soaking in her appearance.
"Yes, Yes your foreign looks and youthful body I can tell you come from a good breed line."
"Why thank you." She attempted a curtsy, something she had only seen a few women do in her prior line of work.
"Why don't you and I have a private chat while your servant waits. It would be nice to meet a fellow noble like myself."
"Of course, just a moment." Ann turns her and Ryuji's back to the older noble so he couldn't read their lips. It was also to stop another outburst from Ryuji.
"Are you mad? What if he tries something funny?"
"I have iron, he doesn't. Besides he seems to be higher up on Shido's food chain. You did your part outside, let me work the room and see what I find out."
"If you're not out in 15 minutes, I'm busting in."
"I'll give you 10,"
When the two thieves separated, Ann made sure to have her best seduction look on her face. Luring him in will be easy. "Where's this private room of yours?"
A slimy smile adorn his face as he directed her, "Right this way."
Ann was led into a velvety soft room. Expensive liquor decorated the shelves, a plate of food half-eaten on the table, and a bed with ruffles in the sheets. A tray of oils lay next to it. He did mention he was in the middle of a massage.
"So….what brings you on this ship? Mr. Shido is peculiar about those he associates with."
"Hehe, well I for one am far above his everyday man. As a man of influence, power is everything. Having the approval of an iconic family holds weight in the world of politics. But associating with him does have merits for myself." He grabs a glass and pours himself some wine before sitting down.
"Oh what type of benefits, my dear nobleman." She follows through her nerves by sitting on his lap. He showed no signs of expecting any dishonesty.
"Continued life of a rich man. All the wine, women, and worldly pleasures I want. All I have to do is swear my allegiance to Shido. Not only would have him on my side spare me but when all is said and done, I'll have a seat at his table forever."
"How smart of you Sir, but I must ask what is this silly little object?" She flashes her brightest smile again along with fluttering her eyes some more. Ann was hardly trying and he was buying all of it.
"Oh, my key? There are only five alike and they're all here on the ship today. Being in Shido's inner circle has its merits as I mentioned before," he laughs to himself.
Ann twist in his lap now rubbing her back on his chest.
"So about the key, what does it unlock, and where can I unlock it, hypothetically of course."
"Why don't we save that for after the fun," the elder nobleman tried to advance things only to be stopped by cold metal on his chin. He was so engrossed he never notice Ann's hidden gun behind her shirt.
"I'll reiterate, you will give me the key and tell me where it goes to, and in exchange, you keep your head and boys intact," Ann threatens, returning her voice to normal.
With shaky hands, he gave up his key to her. "It's the top floor, the door is in Shido's office. All five are needed but that's all I know, we never open it so I have no clue what's inside. Honest." For all talk about his noble status, he folded fast.
"If you think about raising the alarm or trying to come after us, it would be ill-advised. "
"Yes. Yes, I'll do whatever you ask. Just don't kill me."
"Good," she pockets the key still aiming her gun until she cleared the room.
Ryuji was pacing outside almost about to break in when he sees Ann. The attendant didn't know what to do but stayed aside as the thieves talked it over.
"So what happened?"
"He was a pervert but he crumbled very easily. Not only do we have a key but a destination on where and what to use it for. Hopefully, the others find the rest of the keys."
"They will if not already…"
Entertainment Room, 2nd Floor
On the stern side of the ship lay the busiest area and guest location. The entertainment hall was where the gambling, heavy drinking, and cigar smoking defied the clientele
It was also the worse place for Ren to send Akechi. Outside of the Phantom Thieves, he had the second most recognizable face amongst them. The former Detective needed a disguise before entering with the artist.
Akechi found some decoration lining the hallway. The statues themselves appeared to be part of the ship, but the mask on them was thrown on for decoration. He ripped one off managing to clip it through his hair, keeping it in place. He knows he looks utterly ridiculous but he had no choice.
"How do I look?"
"Pointy," Yusuke said honestly. The mask did have a long nose that obscured some of his vision.
"It will have to do for now."
"Once inside the entertainment hall, the scent of smoke hit them hard. It felt like a smaller version of the Leviathan card hall. Poker and blackjack tables were on one end while roulette wheels station on the other side.
"So what is our plan?" Yusuke asked the detective.
"Well, I can tell you we won't find Shido here but there's a good chance someone from his inner circle is nearby. They would be his eyes and ears."
"So we start looking and eave dropping around?"
"No need Yusuke. I may have a pretty good hunch on who we're looking for."
Yusuke was impressed Akechi was able to deduct something so quickly with little information. "Who is it?"
"Shido is a career politician, has been for a while. But in order to stick around this long, you need some good press. It has to be the Newspaper President. He's been with that man during the early years I once read. Doesn't help he owns several local publications."
"So he's most likely responsible for giving us a bad name in the papers."
"I guarantee. They tear us down in the public eye and raise 'Samuel' on the pedestal"
"But how do we know he's even here? Or wasn't here earlier but left?"
"He will still be here, besides he has a gambling problem that Shido feeds him. That I found out through a case when I was snooping around. He may try to hide everything bad but some things still come to light." It had been a while since Akechi saw the appearance of the Newspaper President, though he feels he would remember if they saw him again.
Yusuke and Akechi calmly walked through the crowd of excited guests. The majority of them come from money and influence on some level. Oblivious to the true colors of Shido, all they know was it's better to be with him than against him.
None of the participants at the poker tables looked like him. But Akechi was getting weird looks back, maybe he should've found a more subtle mask. Regardless of how ridiculous he looked, no one had picked up that this was the former ace Detective Goro Akechi walking among them.
"Still do not see him? " Yusuke asked.
"No, but we haven't checked everything yet."
"Perhaps he is not a cards gambler, they are games that require skill and cunningness. Maybe we are looking for someone that relies on luck above skills."
"How did you come up with that deduction?"
"Being a longer-lasting member doesn't mean you're the smartest out of the group, but perhaps the luckiest when it comes to opportunities given. When fortune favors you, you find ways to keep the odds in your hand. It's a game of chance.
".….You know you could've just said you think he's by the roulette tables," the detective said. He appreciated Yusuke explaining how he got to the conclusion but they were also limited on time. "But I can see your reasoning. Roulette is a game of pure luck, no deduction no skills just hope you get the right spin."
The two picked up the pace to the roulette tables towards the back of the room. The crowd was thinning out the further away they went from the main gambling tables. Out of all the few tables dedicated to the game, only one table had a single participant.
His back was to them as he sat starring at the wheel in front of him. The attendant notice them right away assuming they were fellow guests looking to join.
"I'm sorry gentleman, but this table is for VIP guests only."
"Then you wouldn't mind letting us talk to your lone player alone." The attendant wanted to warn them again but was waved off by the man sitting.
He was enjoying a cigar, the smoke billowing out in puffs, "So… what would a wanted man and disgrace detective want with me?"
It was only years of practice that keep the surprise look off Akechi's face, "I guess I do have a distinctive voice, but more importantly where's Shido?"
"Ha, you think I just tell you. Not a smart question Detective." The Newspaper President turned around in his chair, his suit neatly pressed, hair combed and slick back.
"I have my ways of getting an answer out."
"In front of all these people? You'll be lucky to get out of the hall before the guards show up."
"Or you're bluffing," The artist steps forwards towards their target with an air of intimidation. "You lasted this long for a reason, but all luck runs out. Will Shido even need you once he has everything?"
"You're a liability President," Akechi added.
"You think I'm intimidated by your own bluff? Even if I tell you where Shido is, you already lost. You'll forever be hunted down like dogs, even you Detective. Until the days your obituary appears in the papers, you'll always be watched."
"And we'll be ready for them," Yusuke claimed.
"Hehehe, amusing you think a beast with its head cut off would be a threat," the man said taking a puff.
"And if you think the beast head was cut off, I think you need more reliable resources."
"And what did I say about bluff—"
"We're not bluffing," Akechi confirmed. "The leader of the Phantom thieves probably already found where Shido's hold up. And when that happens this whole place is going down. And you being a man of self-value, I highly suggest you tell us what we want to know or else." The former detective was firmed in his command, he could slowly see the fear creeping in the Newspaper President's eyes along with doubt.
"So what will you do? Alert the guards and possibly die in a shoot out, or-"
"You need a key, Shido has a special room where special keys are needed, only those in his inner circle have them."
"Where's the key?" Yusuke questions their target.
"That I won't tell you." The man smiled still believing he had the upper hand. Akechi saw movement in his pocket, reacting right on time.
The Newspaper President tried to stab the former detective but was stopped by quick reflexes. He gripped his target's wrist hard forcing the knife to drop. Akechi could also feel something unusual on the wrist. Pulling the sleeves up higher there was a chain wrapped around the man's arm. Hanging from the bottom was a funny-looking key.
"This should be important."
"Hey!"
"This is ours now, we'll put it to good use," the Newspaper President tried fighting back which was stirring attention from fellow onlookers. Needing a quick getaway, the Detective pinch a nerve on his neck, forcing him to lose consciousness.
"Apologies for the disruption ladies and gentlemen, you all know how drunk guests can get rowdy," Akechi lied trying to get attention off of them. The onlookers around them took the bait laughing at the situation before going back to their own game.
"Where to Akechi?"
"Wherever this special room is. Hopefully, the others have similar success and meet us there."
Third Floor
Just getting to the top floor was difficult in itself for Ren and Makoto. They were the last to exit the pantry room once planning was over. Waiting 10 minutes to buy time, the two decided it was clear enough to exit.
"So how are we getting to the top floor?" Makoto asked.
"Not an easy path. Bet you 3rd floor is crawling with guards." Ren peaked around the corner making sure it was clear before turning, "Clear."
Staying close to the walls, he finds another door not far and checks the handle. "Locked, keep watch I'll be done in a minute." The elder Amamiya takes out his tools and starts lock picking, hearing closely for the right sound.
Unlocking the door allowed them in a different room also containing a window. Ren immediately goes for it letting the cold air into the room.
"What are you doing?"
"I remember seeing a deck on the top floor on the backside, we should be able to climb from the outside then work our way inside," he explained. "There shouldn't be any guards guarding people on a deck. It's winter, who is looking to soak in the weather this time of year." Makoto agreed with Ren's fair point.
"Take the climb slow, I'll go first. Ren climbs out the window, pulling himself up. Using upper body strength, he climbs to the 3rd floor, the railing wet and cold and hard to grip.
Makoto was peeking her head out watching him make the dangerous trek. One slip and he'll be with the fishes. She could see him gain footing on one of the railings as he moves up. She herself starts her climb right after.
The Phantom Thief leader checks under the guard railing space. No foot movement detected. He checks the surroundings again one more time, but no guards. Signaling to his lover below, he moves ahead behind some chairs.
Makoto, taking Ren's advice climbs slow and steady. No rope to climb this time but her own strength.
"Here I got you," Ren came back and grabbed her arm pulling her up and over. "No one is outside but you think one guard should be posted. Inside will be a different story."
"Where too?"
"Let's check the door." There was a door just down the deck's steps. Ren gave it a few tugs but it wasn't budging. He tried to pick this door open to but it wasn't going through.
"Doors no good, it must be locked or chained from the other side. We need to get in some other way." Ren said.
"Can we use this?" The young Nijima sister pointed out a vent on the corner wall, large enough to fit them.
"That might just work, lets see where it goes." Ren pries off the cover staring down the dark dusty pathway. "The smell could be better. At least it's not the sewers."
"Don't remind me..."
He went in first followed closely by Makoto. They weren't sure where they'll exit from but he hope it was close inside. The Phantom Thief leader could see light at the end of the vent, dimly then getting brighter. Voices were heard at the end of the vent shaft.
"What does Mr. Samuel do now. He keeps promising stuff but I have hardly seen a dime."
"Hey quiet, are you trying to get yourself thrown off by speaking badly. You'll get his watchdog on you in a heartbeat!" The two guards were bickering with one another while on patrol. Their arguing took them away from the vent and the Phantom Thieves.
"Sounds like they are gone. Let's move." Ren shoves his shoulder forward dislodging the vent other covers. He and Makoto slowly crawl out checking the room for any unwanted surprise.
They move to another room checking guards before checking another and another. Where were all the patrols? Why were the guards so light?"
Makoto herself was feeling dizzy from the confusion, "All these parlor halls look the same!?"
"But not a dead end, the guards came from somewhere and they can come back. We can trail them to see where they end up at."
The lovers went about retracing their steps hoping to find the same bickering guards they heard earlier. It didn't take long when they here arguing and loud footsteps.
"Hide," Ren whispered. Ducking under the love seat and hiding behind a chair respectfully, they waited for the previous men to pass by.
"I'm telling you we're getting runt work, I'm more useful than this and was promised top patrol work."
"Quit complaining, I'm sure you'll be moved tomorrow night."
Keeping his breathing low and even, Ren eyes Makoto's position behind the chair. They didn't notice her at all. Good. They waited for a beat after the room cleared before trailing after. It appears there was a pattern to all of this.
Moving forward, they took 2 right turns and a left turn, then forward again. Right, left, forward. The unsuspecting guards turn to walk the pattern back when they were met with an incoming fist and kick.
"Thanks for leading the way fellas. We be lost without you." Ren and Makoto stepped over the unconscious bodies to examine where they were now. The hallway led to the other side of the ship's balcony, a lone room that can only be accessed from this pathway. A window furnished the left side of the door, a shadow can be seen moving from the curtains.
"Someone's inside," Makoto pointed out. "Shido?"
"No, doesn't look tall enough from the shadow. Maybe a VIP? Why else would they be stationed away from everyone else." Slowly crouching towards the door, the elder brother takes a quick glance at the windows. He spotted a man at his desk writing, a glass of liquor nearby. Ren tested the lock noting it wasn't locked. Probably wasn't expecting intruders.
He gently opens the door to the isolated man in his room, making as little sound as possible. The man at the desk still did not hear him, lulled and focus by the swaying of the ship. The target in question was writing in a journal of sorts when he hears the sound of a gun clicking.
"If you shout or call for help, I'll put two bullets in the back of your skull." the intimidating voice of Joker came out. "Hands where I can see them," Ren ordered next.
"If you're looking for money all that's downstairs, I'm just a nobody."
"We're not looking for money, but someone. Besides, why would nobody get their own private area of the ship with a fancy room as you have here?"
"If not money then who are you looking for?"
"I know Shido is on this ship, where can I find him?"
"Like hell, I tell you," Ren clogged the man with the back of his revolver.
"Let's try that again," the leader demands. The man finally got a look at his aggressor only to be surprised.
"Wait you're the leader of the Phantom Thieves! But all my reports said you died. You're not alive, shouldn't be alive!"
"Looks like you need better informants, or perhaps our own are great at spreading lies," Makoto mentions.
"I assure you my death was greatly exaggerated. Now, where is Shido? Whether you give him up now or he finds out you're no longer faithful, I'm giving you a 3rd option to keep you alive. Tell me what I want to know and I'll leave you be right here."
It wasn't that hard of a decision, Shido'a main informant was screwed. If he tells the Phantom Thieves he's dead if he crawls back to Shido who finds out he lied, he's also dead.
"Go back the way you came, but on the 2nd right, make a left, that will take you back to the 3rd-floor staircase. Walk up and down the hall, that's where Shido is hiding. Please let me go."
As promised, Ren lowered the gun and stepped aside to let the man go. He soon felt pain to his head as the informant smashed the glass over it, diving to make a run for it.
What the informant wasn't expecting was Makoto's fast reflexes tackling him down. "GET OFF OF ME!"
"I don't think so," She brings her attention to her lover, "You okay?"
"Yeah, just stings. Might be a little blood. That wasn't a smart move my friend, you want to provide the right directions again?"
"I did give you the right decisions."
"Then why you run, we were letting you go," the younger Nijima questioned.
"Fuck you!"
"I think I know why," After righting himself, the Phantom Thief leader found something of interest hanging off the man's neck. It was a strange key.
"Give that back!"
"This is ours now and I may have an idea on what to do with it. Let's tie him up, we don't need him to cause more trouble."
With their VIP guest out of the way, they did cautiously follow the pathway he described to them. A grand staircase as detail greeted the duo. But the most surprising was the others also inhabiting the stairs.
"Looks like we all had the same idea. Though I am quite worried we hardly met much opposition," Detective Goro Akechi walked the few steps to meet Ren and Makoto. Haru, Morgana and Ryuji and Ann arrived shortly after making their way to the same location. They moved to the shadows and out of prying eyes to discuss their findings.
Ann started first, "Ryuji and I found some strange key—"
"So did we," Haru interrupted.
"Same," Akechi presented his findings.
"So we have four identical keys. Where and what are they for.
"The man I grabbed the key from said they're 5 keys on this ship right now and they're used to unlock something of Shido's" the female blond gunslinger explained.
"Excellent everyone, but now we need to find the 5th key. Where else have we not look?"
"We've searched almost every nook and crannies, whoever has the final key must be on the move," Akechi adds.
"We know everyone with a key is a close inner associate with Shido, whatever the key unlocks he trust these people immensely."
"Brother's right, everyone holds some sort of leverage that helps Shido in life, but they're all still clean relatively speaking. Shido's guarantee to have someone that handles the dark side of everything."
The dots were connecting among them and they knew who holds the final piece, and they didn't like it one bit.
Ren and Akechi shared a glance indicating the same thought.
"Loki!"
A/N So we got 4/5 keys! I had to adapt it to keys instead of letters and since the "associates" don't transform into Shadows they're a lot weaker and intimidated. Originally it was split in two with Haru/Mona/ Ryuji and Ann being part one and the others part two but as mention I decided to combine and give you all the mega chapter so you won't have to wait another week. We probably got maybe 2-3 more chapters left including the epilogue so we are coming in fast to the end. I just want to thank everyone again, everyone who has stuck with this story and enjoyed it so long.
Appreciate all of it. Thank you 3
Stay safe, and feel free to review