War Arc:
Chapter 49: Do not Cross that line
Tatsuya Suou
Evening – 27/11/2012(Tuesday) – Nanjo's Memorial Hospital, Sumaru City
(3 days until War's awakening)
"…No."
Tatsuya, after taking a long time to choose, finally gave his answer.
"To sacrifice everything by myself is fine by me, but I will not cost Matsuya."
Tatsuya turned away from the silent Jun, "You're right, I don't like it one bit. Sorry for wasting your time."
"Good to know," Jun nodded with a smile, "If you had accepted my offer, I would have stop you myself."
"Is that so?" Tatsuya chuckled, returning to the door to see if Maya might have ease dropping on their conversation before he sighed in relief, "I'm taking Maya's home today. She can't have solitude if she stayed here."
"Anything else you want me to help?" Jun asked.
"Tell me anything you remember during our graduation day afterward."
"Roger that."
Although small, he wanted to believe that there's a way. He will never give up on her, nor himself. Hopefully, with the new information he received from his brother, he will understand more about 'vessel' and 'sacrifice'.
All of this will be answered at the base of Babylon's cult.
He glanced at his watch. He should fetch Matsuya from school and have a long talk with him.
However, he changed his plan when he received a message from Eikichi.
"Yo, mind if I take the kids for eating?"
"What the hell…? I guess it won't hurt."
Afternoon - Gatten Sushi, Rengedai
(an hour earlier)
"Sh*t, the school's almost over…" Eikichi said as he observed the surrounding people. That was the hard part of opening a restaurant, there's no break when he needed a break. Maybe he made the wrong decision to open the restaurant today. But then, he wondered how those parents that worked all day taking care of their kids. Those must be the independent kids he heard about.
Still, Mia never used transport unless necessary. Even if she did, she disliked carrying money, only supplied herself with bento and packed foods. To walk here would take her around 2 hours. Moreover, with all the ruckus around the city, some maniacs with their stupid cults will try to kidnap her again.
The old worker at the back was experienced, but he was slow when it came to managing the cashier's seat. All he needed is a cashier and an extra hand to help to be a temporary waiter.
"I'm an idiot! From today onward, I salute all the parents in the world for managing their schedules!" Eikichi made a quick pose when he heard the doorbell ringing.
'Damn customers! I already switched it to 'CLOSED' a while ago! Don't you see the sign?!'
"I'm sorry, but we're closing soon-"
"Woof! Woof!"
"Koromaru, quiet down! We're undercover. Understand?"
Two familiar faces entered the restaurant; a young man with bandaged arms and a dog. If his memories served him right, they were from Tatsumi Port Island, members of the elite force 'Shadow Operative' Tatsuya told him about.
"Hold it right there!" Eikichi shouted, stopping the young man and the dog in his path. Yes, he recognized them as a fellow persona user. In response, the two of them, narrowing their eyes as if to remember, spoke out.
"Wait, aren't you…? Koromaru, isn't he…"
"Woof!"
"I knew I recognized you two! You're from the island!"
"Shhhhh…" The young man immediately tried to cover his mouth, but Eikichi pushed it aside.
"What's wrong?" Eikichi asked in a lower tone to avoid being overheard by the presented customers.
"We're actually undercover right now. Nobody supposed to know we're here," Junpei whispered, "We're currently trying to disguise ourselves and blend into the public. So keep our presence here a secret..."
"I see. Blending into public, like a spy..." Eikichi said. It was that moment, an idea came into his mind when he observed the young man. Joyfully, he grabbed both of the man's shoulders.
"You're perfect!"
"What? I'm perfect?"
"Quick! What's your name?"
"W-What are you-"
"Hurry!"
"Fine! (whispering) Junpei Iori..."
"How old are you?"
"19."
"The interview's over! Congrats, kid, you're hired!"
"Hahhh?!"
In high speed, Eikichi put the apron he was wearing on the new boy Junpei and immediately dragged him to the cashier seat, followed by the confused Koromaru.
"Press this, this, and bam! You're a professional cashier now!"
"Hold it!" Junpei retaliated in confusion, "I never agreed to this!"
"What? You need a cover, like a spy..." Eikichi smirked and pulled him close with his arm, "Come on, help your fellow persona user. Kids gotta listen to their senior, you know.~ Hehe... Cheer up, I pay you based on your hour working here..."
Seeing his mean of escape, Eikichi pretended to be panic as he looked at the wall clock, "Woah, would you look at the time? Sorry, kid. Got some baby girl I need to fetch from school."
In instant, Eikichi disappeared outside, leaving Junpei, hard as stone, all alone with an old, senile co-worker. Koromaru whim at his current situation. Junpei, confirming the reality, finally released his frustration.
"I don't care about the payment! I just want to EAT!"
Evening - Koukai School, Koukai
"That's all for today, kids! Pack your things!"
Anna-sensei shouted as she clapped her hands together, signaling the end of the long practice. Takashi, the lead actor, was too pumped up to quit his practice, seeing as the classmates had already preparing to decorate the stages and ribbon. Tomorrow was the day for everyone to fully finish the setup. Thus, it was best to give their biggest effort today, so that tomorrow won't be needed to be rushed.
But there's one thing that Matsuya found odd today. Mia, the girl he recently had gotten close to, was unlike her usual self. Normally, she was sullen, depressed, and preferred to keep it to herself without bothering other people.
Today, she smiled a lot, that she made many of her classmates terrified of her sudden change. She took her practice seriously, silencing Takashi who didn't find a chance to lecture her. Even as she prepared to return home as she reached her bag, her smile barely faded.
"Mia-chan," Matsuya called out for her to catch her attention, "Did something happen?"
"Hmm? Why do you ask?" Mia said, tilting her head.
"No, I mean... It's good actually! I just... wondered why you're so happy today."
"I did?" Mia thought for a while, "I wondered? Maybe because Eikichi-san agreed to come to my theater."
"Oh, I see. It makes sense."
"Heh, I'm actually excited for the theater now. I hope my real father will see me, though."
"I'm sure your dad will be proud, like uncle Eikichi."
Grrrrr...
He heard a loud rumbling sound from Mia's stomach, which she covered it as her face went red.
"I-I skipped my lunch today."
"Why? Don't you have money?"
Mia shook her head.
"What about bento?"
"My guardian brought for me before, then your parents did the same."
"But uncle Eikichi didn't?"
Mia shook her head. Uncle Eikichi must have forgotten about it.
"You should have told me! I could lend you some money!"
"Is that fine?"
"Of course it's fine! But I guess the cafeteria's closed now..." Matsuya realized, but he remembered another place, "How about we go to uncle Eikichi's sushi restaurant?"
Just as they stepped outside the school, uncle Eikichi and aunt Lisa were already waiting for them at the front gate. For some reason, his heart ached at the sign of someone other than his mother fetching him from school. He actually longed for it.
But he couldn't do that.
"Who is she?" Mia asked when she saw aunt Lisa. It was then he realized that this is the first time they ever met.
"That's my parents' friend. Her name is Lisa, she's the one taking care of me."
The smile on Mia's face faded. She gave a remark that surprised him.
"I don't like her."
"Eh?"
"I don't like that person."
He wasn't mad, but he was curious as to why she disliked the person that Matsuya would regard as his family members.
"Why?"
"I don't know. I just feel like she will say mean things to me."
"Don't worry, Mia-chan. Aunt Lisa can be scary when she's angry, but she's actually kind. Trust me," Matsuya comforted her before calling out to aunt Lisa and uncle Eikichi.
"Hey, you two are closer than I thought!" Eikichi commented, "I thought you were just classmates."
"So you're Mia-chan," Aunt Lisa said as she bent down to see Mia, "Eikichi told me a lot about you."
"Umu..."
Mia hurriedly hid behind Matsuya, trying to avoid her stares when she responded. Even uncle Eikichi noticed her strange behavior, but Matsuya quickly changed the topic.
"O-Oh, I'm hungry! Mia-chan is hungry too, she didn't eat for lunch today!"
"What?! She didn't eat?" Uncle Eikichi shouted before he realized his mistake, "Oh my sweet gas chamber! I forgot to pack your lunch! Please forgive me, Mia-chan!"
Uncle Eikichi bowed to his feet, which made those around him embarrassed as he was watched by the nearby passengers.
"It's okay! Don't do that! Everyone's watching!" Mia tried to pull him away from the ground.
"I'm a failure as a caretaker!" Uncle Eikichi sounded like he wanted to cry, "Please, tell me anything you want. I'll buy it for you!"
"M-Mia-chan wants to eat!" Matsuya suggested, "How about we eat at your restaurant, uncle Eikichi?"
"Oh? You're right! Perfect!" Uncle Eikichi shouted happily, "Come, I will prepare a buffet for you!"
"Hmm, we haven't eaten ourselves, Matsuya-kun," Aunt Lisa said, turning to the excited uncle Eikichi, "How about you let us join you?"
It was obvious that Mia hated the idea of aunt Lisa eating alongside them.
Cloudy - Evening - Kamiya Alley, Hirasaka
Akihiko, standing by the side of a street light while wearing a heavily worn coat and hood, watched a single pub from afar, waiting for Mitsuru to emerge out of there. Trying his best not to expose himself, Akihiko observed around for any presence that seemed out of ordinary and was on his guard the entire time. He sighed in relief when he saw Mitsuru emerged from the pub unharmed. Freshly look with a blonde wig and thick make-up, he was trying his best not to laugh when all the other men were charmed by her.
"So?" Akihiko spoke. Mitsuru nodded.
"It's done. Give it around two hours for the rumors to spread, then Aigis can begin."
"Wait, Aigis? Why not me?"
"You are hard to blend in, Akihiko, so I made the rumors "Messiah followed by the vengeful spirit of ghost woman" instead."
"I hope you're right about this one. I don't want the entire world to know we're just trying to kidnap a messiah."
"Are you afraid of media?"
"I hate the crowds. Come on, who's the guy you're meeting?"
"Someone called Tadashi Satomi. He had urgently busy morning today but was willing to spare some time upon hearing my name. I expected no less from Sumaru's rumormongers."
"One more thing, where's the church again?"
Mitsuru pointed a single direction at the street.
"In Aoba ward."
Evening - Aquarium Center, Koukai
"Urgh, I had to go to Aoba after this."
Katsuya lamented his day as he descended down the stairs. The map showed a few places that might hint an 'X' shape beneath the tourist's floor. After entering the place through the cleaner's room, Katsuya entered the engine's alley, where massive tubes were pumping fresh water non-stop into the tanks. It seemed like a new place entirely compared to the outside.
The first point was the position of pipes, but it was impossible to differentiate the amount of it. There was also a possibility of it being underwater, but Kandori wouldn't be stupid enough to put a diary in a water. His conclusion: it must a place nobody could ever think of going.
"A place you will never go in the aquarium... Where could that be?" Katsuya tried to remember Chizuru's dying words carefully, "Wait, she didn't say 'in' the biggest blue stone, she said 'at' the biggest blue stone..."
Could it be a structure from the outside?
"Sh*t, I'm wasting time here..." Katsuya mused impatiently. He finally decided to leave the underground room, seeking a new clue outside. He followed the tourist's path, checking for any abnormality in his path leading to the exit.
"If we assumed it to be at the 'edge' of the diamond shape building..." Katsuya made a new deduction and tested it, from the inside and outside. Nothing led to anything with 'x' mark. Soon, he reached the end of the tourist's path and saw the path leading to the outside. The exit was huge enough to 'fit a great white shark', or so the slogan said.
"So I reached the end, huh?" Katsuya said as he stepped outside in disappointment. He turned around, looking back at the big aquarium. Chizuru could have meant something else; something too direct and literally. He promised himself he'll again tomorrow after he examined the place again one last time.
Too direct. Finally, something clicked when he observed the exit door and the neon glowing 'EXIT' letters hanging above the door.
"Could it be that she meant... letter 'x', as in the letter in 'EXIT'?"
Overjoyed that he found a satisfying answer, Katsuya snuck back inside, climbing stairs into the electric room, where the power to light up the neon light was sourced. Crossing over the various wires, he went to the neon 'X' letter as seen from the front.
He finally saw it.
A small metal box, hidden underneath the wire box for the letter 'X'. It was a cheap metal box, but its durability was strong enough to withstand rust for such a long time.
"About time!" Katsuya let out a shout. He pulled out the box, where he immediately see words seared on top of it:
The first line, written in Japanese
"TAKAHISA KANDORI"
and below it in English capital letter
"PROJECT LIMBO"
But when he dusted away the dust and dirt, he was disappointed to see that there was a combination padlock on it. Although it was rusty, Katsuya couldn't teared it open without the proper tools.
He needed a hand.
"Who can I trust? Let's see... What about Baofu?"
Tatsuya Suou
Evening - Gatten Sushi, Rengedai
He had already informed Eikichi in advance that he will come and take Matsuya here. But the moment he reached the front door of the restaurant, he froze.
How should he approach Matsuya? What should he tell him? He talked about protecting Matsuya, yet he stumbled on how to do the simplest thing: talking to him. It would please him if Matsuya said nothing, but he will never know what was hidden in his mind if he chose to remain silent. Still, he needed to walk through the door.
"Hide! Hide! He's coming!"
His detective's ears heard Eikichi those words coming from the inside, but the moment he opened the door, the business was proceeding as usual, where Eikichi was dusting the table. Lisa, Matsuya, and Mia were eating their sushi, while the rest of the customers were eating on the table as usual.
However, Tatsuya was no fool.
"Yo, Tatsuya! Took you quite some time! Everyone's here!" Eikichi said as he stood behind the cashier table.
"Hide who?"
"What?"
"You're hiding someone in here."
"What are you talking about?" Eikichi suddenly kicked the floor below him in panic. Tatsuya wasted no time to call.
"You, under the table, stand up."
He didn't expect someone he recognized. It was Junpei Iori, a member of Shadow Operative, wearing his apron as he gave a quick bow.
"H-Hello, sir!" Junpei exclaimed, "I'm working part-time here."
He raised his eyebrows.
"The Kirijo is here, isn't she? And what happened to you? You looked messed up."
When Junpei retold the whole story, Tatsuya was conflicted to feel angry or not that his brother told him nothing about last night incident and everything about Mitsuru Kirijo. Just as he expected, his brother didn't want to involve him in more cases and wanted him to focus more on his family.
"So, you're looking for this man my wife hit days ago. I did not expect that."
"Yeah," Junpei nodded, "We're trying to find out everything we can about him. We want to talk to your wife, but somehow Katsuya-san forbade us."
"What if I give you the evidence instead?" Tatsuya said. From his pocket, he flipped open his phone and revealed to Junpei a few images he took of the damaged area on his car. Eikichi and the quiet Lisa took a turn to see it as well.
"There's no sign of blood on it," Tatsuya said, "With the condition of the car, the victim should at least receive injuries that rendered him unable to walk properly. Yet, my wife claimed that he was running away from the location. If your information is right, there must be something strange about his body that prevented him from suffering such injuries."
"He's special, that should be obvious," Junpei said, "Still, thanks. Maybe we can find out more about him."
"Some advice," Tatsuya finalized, "If possible, though unlikely, try your luck to find someone with an injured right leg, his movement should be obvious enough to know. You won't find him in pubs or bar but try an arcade. Our city is quite strict about underage drinking or smoking. But don't go too deep into any alleys. The underground world is extremely dangerous these days."
"T-Thank you, sir!" Junpei bowed again to the advice he gave. For now, that should be enough. Then, Junpei removed his apron and threw it at Eikichi, "And that's it for today! I'll never come here again! Come, Koromaru!"
From behind the kitchen, an Inu dog emerged with a piece of octopus sausage in his mouth. Junpei prepared to stomp his feet away from them when Eikichi shouted.
"I promised I pay you." Eikichi said, revealing an envelope to him, "Come on, it ain't that bad, right?"
"...Okay, it ain't that bad... yet. Heh…"
Although Junpei put on a serious facade, he still slowly lent out his hand to grab it before dashing out of the shop with Koromaru. All of them sweat-dropped at his action.
"Eikichi-san," Mia suddenly pulled Eikichi's shirt, "What's an arcade?"
"Oh, it's a... Hmm..." Eikichi found himself struggled to explain, "I guess it's a playground where you play all kinds of game."
"That's amazing. My classmates talk about it sometimes, but my guardian never brought me anywhere, so I didn't know," Mia said, which Matsuya joined the conversation.
"It really is! You can play almost everything there! I remember playing it with mommy-"
Tatsuya immediately sensed the change in his voice. Matsuya's face turned dark and all his energy from before disappeared in instant. The atmosphere turned so heavy that Eikichi had to change the topic.
"H-Hey, Mia-chan! Since you want it, how about we go there in the evening?" Eikichi suggested, "I think there's a newly built arcade in Narumi. It opens 24 hours."
"Mia needs to go to school," Lisa disagreed, "Besides, you never know what kind of trouble she will encounter there. Are you going to take responsibility if she goes missing?"
"But I never go missing!" Mia retaliated, "I barely 'disappear' anymore! I'm not a 'ghost girl'!"
Ghost girl? Tatsuya remembered the first time he saw Mia and how she seemed invisible to him temporary.
"I'm not sure about bringing Mia there, Eikichi," Tatsuya advised, "I know you're strong, but Narumi is very far from the police department. There're only 7 police stations there. Trust me, that number is low."
"Okay..." Mia nodded in disappointment. For some reason, her saddened face reminded her of Maya. It left a bad taste in his chest. Matsuya's face remained sad too, probably remembering his mother's condition.
'Did I just ruin the mood for everyone?' Tatsuya thought. He had to think of something.
"*Fake cough* Unless, of course, Matsuya was to follow," Tatsuya added suddenly, "Then, maybe I can watch over you two with better care."
Mia's face lightened up fast, while some color returned to Matsuya's face. It might be better for Matsuya to have some fun in a while.
"Okay! Don't get too excited now!" Eikichi said, "Enjoy your meal first! Wait, you're out of mayonnaise? Wait here, I'll get some from the back."
The moment he entered the back kitchen, he screamed as he cursed.
"That brat Junpei! HE STOLE MY FOOD!"
Eikichi learned a very valuable lesson that day.
Aoba
"I knew I find you here."
Katsuya said as he approached the newly filled room. It was one of the old flat house near the studio, where the house was cheap, but people tend to avoid the area due to the dirtiness from the badly leaking roof. Still, Baofu appreciated this environment well, seeing as it was extremely secluded from the streets and people.
In the room -a small house, to be exact- where the files were left scattered, Baofu sat there by the window, smoking his tobacco pipe in a dangerous speed that Katsuya felt suffocated from seeing him. Next to him was a radio, where wires and speaker making static noise deafeningly. Sitting next to it, he spun the switch carefully to get the right frequency.
"You said you have something *cough* personal to show me," Baofu said. Without further ado, Katsuya revealed the box to him, where he examined it with extra care.
"So, I was right..." Baofu whispered, but loud enough for Katsuya to hear.
"Do you have any clue about this?"
"Perhaps. I was *cough* investigating someone, but perhaps Kandori might be more connected in this case without I realized *cough* it."
"Who are you searching?"
"Searching? Heh, *cough*!" He tapped his chest repeatedly to regain his vocal. Katsuya noticed that, compared to a few days ago, his cough was worsened. The coughing sound was worryingly bad. However, he decided to put it aside when Baofu began.
"A scientist, psychologist, and a doctor; the man *cough**cough* named Karu Juugo. Supposedly die in some sort of explosion over a decade ago in Giza, Egypt. Then, I found out that among the victims *cough* was a man name 'Takahisa'. Took me long enough to revise the entire thing. *cough* Thought it was a coincidence, a similar name. Turns out he's alive longer than I thought."
"Why are you searching for this man, Juugo?"
Baofu suddenly turned silent, with his expression agonizing over some bad memories.
"Naoya *cough* was at Egypt at that time."
"...You have got to be kidding me," Katsuya palmed his face, "Could Naoya be our traitor all along? One of the men of prophecy, betraying his kind? What's his motive?"
"I'll get this open by tonight," Baofu said, "And please, *cough* do me a favor and do not say a word to Ulala. She will try all kinds of trick to prevent me from getting harmed."
Late Evening - The Church, Aoba
Takaya honestly expected more from his room. As the 'one and only' messiah, his room was fairly average. It looked like an attic room. At least, the single window showed a great view to the outside, but Takaya honestly unbothered by such thing. Apparently, it was to show the aspect of humility and modesty of the Messiah.
"What a pile of rubbish..." Takaya cursed, cross-legged on his bed as he searched for an interesting aspect of the room. But afterward, he immediately detected a presence from outside his window.
"The 'Ghost Woman' come to entertain me? What? Don't feel like coming in?" Takaya mocked.
From above the window, a figure entered the room. He recognized that metallic sound too well. Aigis, dressed in a black garment, immediately aiming her machine-gun fingers at him.
"You're going to shoot me? Me, a messiah?" Takaya laughed, exposing his arms and body, "Well, go ahead. See what that will do to you."
"You did not require any bodyguards. Is it because you knew we can't harm you?"
"Standing at the center of the public is the best position of them all. Though in my case, you can't even win against me anyway. I knew something wasn't right when I read that rumors."
Aigis shifted her position and went to the door before locking it.
"I just want information," Aigis said, "I want to know the whereabouts of Sho Minazuki."
"Ah! Him! It took you THAT long to start searching for him? Hahaha! It's way too late. 'We' won't hand him that easily."
"Why him? Why my sister? If there's something he hides, we need it from him."
"About what? You?" Takaya said, "Oh, that's right. The sacrifice for Death, you, isn't? Wait, no...(snickering) Who is it again?"
Aigis was beginning to lose her patience when suddenly, the sound of incoming message rang next to the bed. It was Takaya's phone.
"Urgh... Who would message me this late?" Takaya grumped, but Aigis was quick to control the situation.
"Stay there! I will take the phone," Aigis insisted. She slowly walked to the phone but was caught off guard when Takaya cast a spell.
"Silent Song!"
"!"
With an extremely fast summon, Hypnos cast a sleeping spell on her before jumping for the phone. It was the same spell he used when he intruded into Iwatodai New Dorm and kidnapped Yukari. Normally, Aigis would not escape from such a spell.
However, Aigis showed no sign of bewitched when she caught the phone first before him, surprising the caster.
"I thought you weren't immune?"
"Temporary soundproof protection," Aigis removed her black hood and revealed a small headphone-like device around her 'ears', "We came prepared, unlike last time."
Aigis tapped the phone, but Takaya caught her in midair, preventing her from reading.
"Hypnos!" Using a brute force, Takaya tried to force her away using his persona, but Aigis summoned her strength to at least read the mail in high speed as she was kicked away by Hypnos.
She only managed to read a portion of the long message:
"Will be at Hotel Pleiades, Narumi for the entire night after a few rounds at the arcade. Don't call me until the engagement-(Cut off as the phone sent flying when she crash)
-Juugo"
"Urgh!" Aigis slammed at the wall. The situation was bad, but she found out something about Juugo, the doctor she had met that day.
"That stupid bastard..." Takaya cursed in anger as he read the message, "Always do things whatever it pleases him!"
Sensing the opportunity, Aigis activated her booster and jumped to the window.
"Intruders!"
She heard Takaya screamed before commotions were heard around the church. Thankfully, it was starting to get dark, otherwise, she will be seen immediately.
"Mitsuru-san, I got a lead!" Aigis contacted Mitsuru through the headphone. She had a lead now, in Narumi Ward. Just a little more, and she might catch the suspect.
Tatsuya Suou
Evening - Arcade, Narumi
It's been ten minutes since he entered the arcade along with the kids, Eikichi, and Lisa. Despite Mia's curious stares dragging Eikichi around, Matsuya didn't move much, claiming that he wasn't in the right mood. The arcade was family friendly, lots of games to play, and supervisor to prevent any vandalism to the equipment. Matsuya simply stood by the vending machine with him. It was awkward, seeing as he wasn't sure how to reach his own son.
"Not interested, Matsuya-kun?" Tatsuya tried to start a conversation, earning a peek from him.
"I don't know. I guess I'm tired," Matsuya responded with a little effort.
"...Are you angry?"
"About what?"
"About your mother."
"Huh? No! Why would I be angry?" Matsuya suddenly reacted with more energy.
"Not even once you asked about your mother and what happened to her. When we reached home a while ago, you took a quick shower and went outside. You don't even look at her door, who had just returned from the hospital."
"T-That... Uh..." He's struggling to answer. That much was clear.
"I-I was worried that mommy was angry with me, that's why I don't want to ask anything."
"You afraid that it might be concerning you?"
"Y-Yes..."
"No, you don't," Tatsuya said, "You won't feel that way unless you did something wrong. Or is there something I need to know that you haven't told me?"
He wasn't a good lie-detector, unlike his brother. However, the expression on Matsuya's face was so obvious that it surprised him. He became worried. Focusing on Maya for the past few days, he felt like he wasn't giving Matsuya the extra care he needed. When a child hides something from their parents, it is the first sign of them not trusting their cares. Now, that sign was showing.
"I'm sorry about last night. But, your mother didn't hurt herself because of you," Tatsuya added, "It's between us, that's all. Nothing for you to feel guilty about. If there's anything you want to tell me, feel free to do so."
It was a bait to make him spilled the secret, yet Matsuya clearly resisted the attempt.
"Hey, guys! What are you talking about?"
Out of nowhere, Lisa approached them, which seemed to save Matsuya from continuing the conversation.
"Nothing, just having some family talk," Tatsuya replied.
"Oh. Sorry to disturb you, but how about you join Mia-chan over there? She seemed in need of an extra hand to win something over the crane machine."
"O-Okay! I'll be there."
Matsuya seemed eager to spring away from him to avoid another question, but he didn't want to stop him for that. Lisa took Matsuya's place next to him, where the awkwardness intensified between them, seeing as Maya's conversation remained fresh in his mind.
"Did Maya..." Tatsuya began to catch Lisa's attention, "Did Maya said anything to you?"
"Nothing particular," Lisa responded, "She seemed worried about Matsuya, that is all."
"What about... Matsuya? Did he..." Tatsuya tried to phase it correctly, "...Did he said anything to you that he doesn't want to tell me?"
"No. He's too shy for that," Lisa confidently said, "Though, he looks happy when he stayed over. I mean, Matsuya-kun really likes me. I guess he began to see me like a real aunt."
He gritted his teeth upon those words. Matsuya really liked her that much? No, he refused to think of Maya's words. Let's talked about something else.
"Hey, Lisa, do you remember our graduation days?"
Lisa appeared to be in deep thoughts when she heard the question.
"Why do you asked?"
"Just came to my mind. I still had that photo, you know? Of you, hanging your arms around me."
"*giggle* You hated it until now. You're burning hot at that time, that I had to carry you to the hall. I was so worried when you fainted in the school hallway."
"I did? I didn't remember much."
"Oh, really? Not even when I carried you to the infirmary?"
"...I had no idea. You were so angry when I returned home before giving you the button."
"Heh, and you post it to me the next day; that single button in a letter."
"And you didn't talk to me for weeks after that. You said I ruin the moment when I give it to you after the graduation-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Lisa's face approached him suddenly, grabbing his tie to pull him closer to her face. Her red lips aimed for his, where her lipstick glowed vibrantly under the neon light.
He felt her hand clenching his shoulder. He felt her eyes was closed to enjoy the moment. He felt her lips closing in.
"No."
With a strong force, Tatsuya pushed her away by the shoulders, his eyes burning red in anger.
"Do not cross that line. Do that again and I will not forgive you," Tatsuya threatened. But, Lisa's face was blank like a doll, expressed no anger nor joy. She simply gazed with her eyes slowly went hollowed.
"Lisa, I have a wife and a son. Don't you understand that?" His voice was so close to shouting, but he suppressed it to avoid Matsuya's attention, "We are friends, and nothing more."
"...I know," Lisa suddenly smiled but eerily, "I just want you to pay back for that time, for the button."
Lisa released herself from Tatsuya and slowly walked away before giving her last words.
"I get it already. I know I never had that chance, to begin with."
He didn't believe that almost happened to him. What's on her mind when she said those word?
For some reason, he began to doubt if it was the right thing to let Matsuya stayed any longer with Lisa.
Arcade
Eikichi almost wanted to break the crane machine when he failed at the game for the 12th times. Mia had already given up on the plush toy inside, but Eikichi insistence forced Mia and the watching Matsuya at the side to remain silent.
"Eikichi-san, it's okay. I don't need it," Mia said.
"Uncle Eikichi, you're wasting money," Matsuya advised.
"Well, I want it now! How dare this machine provoke me with its laugh!" Eikichi shouted, "Bring it on!"
"Mia-chan, let's go," Matsuya said, holding her hand and pulled her away from him. They surveyed around the arcade, checking for another game to play when suddenly, Mia froze in one place, stopping Matsuya's track as well.
"What's wrong, Mia-chan?" Matsuya saw her looking at a specific direction.
"That man..." Mia pointed at someone. He followed her finger and saw an adult man playing a shooting game at a corner near the counter.
"Do you know him?"
"I...I think he wears something familiar..." Mia pulled his hand, "Can we get closer?"
"Mia-chan, I'm not sure about this..."
Despite that, Mia dragged Matsuya closer, watching the man in white coat playing the game. Eventually, he stopped, ranking a high score that impressed those who saw him. The moment he turned around, Mia gasped.
"He wears the crystal..." Mia said, "He wears the crystal cross, like the one my father wore..."
"Y-You mean..." He examined the stranger again, remembering the story she told him of his father, "He might be your father?!"
He saw the stranger taking out a pocket watch from his pocket before he quickened his pace to the exit. Mia, of course, went panicked.
"Matsu-kun, there's no mistaking it! He's the one!"
"W-Wait, we need to tell my dad first! We can't just-"
"Father! Wait!"
Despite Mia's scream, the music was too loud to be heard. Mia wanted to loosen her hand from Matsuya to chase after him, but Matsuya gripped it tight, trying to prevent her from missing. Luckily, his father heard Mia's scream.
"What's going on? I heard a scream," His father asked when he came running towards them.
"Daddy, the man in the white coat! Uh..." Matsuya tried to locate the man from the crowds, "There! Don't let him get away!"
"What did he do? Did he steal?"
"Tatsuya-san, please!" Mia pleaded with him, "H-He wear that necklace he father used to wear! He might be my father!"
As expected from his father. In instant, he locked his eyes upon him and gave a chase.
"Stay here! Call Eikichi and Lisa to watch over you guys!" He shouted.
Tatsuya Suou
Arcade
"KJW 451208..." Tatsuya managed to read the plate number of the grey car he rode heading south. Was it Kazuma Kaneda? No, he was her guardian, but then, who was the man in the white coat? Why would her father be here?"
"Tatsuya!"
The door to the arcade was pulled open, where Eikichi, Lisa, Matsuya, and Mia gathered outside.
"*gasping for air* Is it true?! Was it Mia-cha's father?" Eikichi asked.
"How should I know?" Tatsuya shifted his attention to Mia, "What makes you think he's your father?"
"I saw his necklace!" Mia said, "I remember my father wear a cross-shaped necklace around his neck!"
"I'm sure anyone could have gotten the same necklace."
"No, it was the same! It was glowing, a-and his figure is similar to him!"
Mia was extremely aggressive in her approach. Logically, her father could never be in the same city as her, except that he was watching over her from afar. However, why would he go to the same place as her? Was he not aware that his daughter was here all along?
"Please, daddy?" Matsuya pleaded with her, "She missed her father so much."
"Tatsuya," Eikichi spoke, "If you're busy, then I'll-"
"Please don't think I didn't care," Tatsuya cut his words, scratching his head before making his decision, "Alright, but you two kids need to return home. It's late."
"Your dad's right," Eikichi turned to Matsuya, "Let the adult take care of this."
"No!" Mia rushed to Tatsuya and grabbed his leg tightly, "I want to meet my father!"
"Mia-chan, it's not safe," Tatsuya said, trying to pull her away, "If I find your father, you'll be the first to meet him. I promised."
"Mia-chan, let's go," Eikichi comforted her and slowly pulled her to his side, "Don't you have a theater coming soon? So, you can't get sick, okay?"
"Theater?" Tatsuya raised his eyebrows. But then, Lisa cut in.
"Hey, let's not waste time here. It's dangerous," Lisa said, "Come on, the bus station is that way. See you later, Tatsuya."
"...Alright."
After the rest of them left for the bus station, Tatsuya reached for his bike and search. Seeing as the car was heading south, it's unlikely he's leaving the ward.
Meanwhile...
Eikichi still comforting the worried Mia as they took the bus to Rengedai. Lisa decided to leave Matsuya at his house, seeing as Maya was at home. The bus reached for Konan first, Suou Residence, where Lisa and Matsuya left the bus, leaving Eikichi and Mia waiting for the next stop.
"You missed your dad very much, aren't you?" Eikichi said, examining her troubled face. She nodded. Of course, he wanted to see her father again. What right did he have to take it away from her? After all, he's just a temporary caretaker. However, he felt some sort of envy towards her father.
Soon, they reached their destination, where Eikichi told Mia to follow him from behind. The road was dark, and he had to make sure it's safe.
"Alright, Mia-chan. Let's go to bed. It's dangerous," Eikichi said, reaching out for her hand. But Mia refused to respond.
"Mia-chan?"
If only he was more aware of his surrounding, he would have noticed it sooner. Mia was not behind him when the bus door was closed. From a single window of the door, he caught a glimpse of Mia inside.
"Mia-chan?! Where are you going?!"
Mia returned to her seat. Like a madman, Eikichi ran after the bus.
"Hey! Stop the bus! Stop the bus!"
But it was too late. Eikichi accidentally slammed his head on the street lamp. Mia was alone on the bus, and he knew immediately where her next destination was.
Tatsuya Suou
Rainy - Night - Hotel Pleiades, Narumi
"A hotel..." Tatsuya stopped his bike when he saw the car parked near the hotel, "It seemed that there's an event going on..."
Carefully reached the hotel, he saw a bunch of people in a mask entering the building. Seeing as it started to rain, cars were jamming the front gate. It was highly likely that this man might be joining the event. If he didn't act fast, he might lose him among the masked guests.
First, he needed a disguise. A jacket in his bike's bonnet should be enough, but hopefully, there's a stall that sold a mask somewhere without recognizing him. He quickly put on his hood and rushed into the hotel before the rain could ruin his outfit.
Thankfully, there's a shop that sold cheap masks, where he bought a simple red mask and moved to the line of people. All of them were masked, but there was no sign of a man wearing a white coat. The worst-case scenario was that he had to join the event, but without the invitation letter to give at the counter, he couldn't enter. If he used his status as a police, he will ruin his cover.
Fortunately, this was a common problem as a detective. Targeting a drunken man near the entrance, he approached his victim and pretended to help him reach the washroom, at the same time grabbing his invitation letter in his back pocket. With everything set, he lined himself with the others and reached the counter.
"Enjoy the engagement party," The girl at the counter said. Luckily, he managed to join the event and entered his search mode. Reaching the double door, he pushed it open.
The number of guests was massive. The ceiling was two stories high, where balconies from the upper floor were seen with VIP guests enjoying the views. Foods and drinks of luxurious quality were plated on many tables, where guests drank to their hearts contented as they laughed in joy, invested in their conversation. Diamond-emblemed chandelier hanged magnificently above the crowds with a musician bands filling the jazz mood into the room.
Tatsuya, however, didn't once let it distracted him from his original purposes. His sharp eyes tracked every clothes in the hall but failed to find him. He went to the VIP chambers, but the guards forbade him from entering. If he's not here, then he will leave, but if Mia's word was right about the man suddenly in a rush, it could only mean he's in some sort of event that required him to be in hurry, as the main event was about to start in a few minutes.
Finally, probably leaving from the VIP rooms, a man with a yellow hat and a black mask appeared from the corner of the hall, where Tatsuya's attention focused on his shirt and neck. True to his son and Mia's description, he wore a long white coat, with a crystalized crossed shaped pendant hanged tightly around his neck. He's the man he needed.
He was alone near the window, allowing him to gain some private moment with him.
"*cough* You don't enjoy the party?" Tatsuya approached him after tuning his voice. The man, fairly tall and well-built, faced him with a small bow.
"Don't jest! I love this party!" He said, adjusting his hat carefully, "But I will be more delight to see this party end sooner~! What a waste of time."
"You don't like them, the engaged couple of the night?" Tatsuya asked, despite knowing nothing about the engaged couple.
"Hmm? Those two idiots? Haha, a product of foolish ideas. Those two hardly match, yet their insistence on their relationship really prolonged the stupid attempt."
"You hate marriage?"
"Pfff, not as much as I hate ignorant people."
"I take it you're unmarried, then?"
"Marriage is merely an act of reproducing and preserving bloodline, nothing special."
Tatsuya decided to jump into the heart of the conversation, "So you don't have kids?"
The man paused for a moment. From his pocket, he took out a black hat and replaced it with his yellow one. His personality changed instantly to serious, putting Tatsuya on guard.
"You are especially talkative to a stranger."
"Everyone's a stranger here with their mask, aren't they?"
The man didn't respond immediately.
"I guess you may consider that I have many children, and of course 'daughter'. But it is too complicated for you."
"I won't force you to answer."
So, he had a daughter. The likeness of him being the real deal increased. But before he could continue his conversation, Tatsuya's phone vibrated. He intended to ignore it at first.
"Shouldn't you answer it?" The man said, surprising Tatsuya. Noticing the shift of his head with his eyes behind the mask and his phone in silent mode, this stranger had a powerful perception.
"Excuse me," Tatsuya hurried away from him. His opportunity to continue the conversation with him ended there. One more interaction will raise suspicions. Although he was annoyed by the phone, he still intended to answer the phone when he saw Eikichi's name.
"Eikichi, this isn't really a good time to call me."
"This is THE time to call you! Mia-chan's disappeared! She rode the bus back to Narumi! Where are you right now?!"
"Eikichi!" Tatsuya tried to tone down his voice as he scolded, "You can't even take care of one girl! Look, I'm in some kind of engagement party in Hotel Pleiades. You can't enter without an invitation letter. Damn it, I'll try to find her before she reached her father."
"Wait, so he is Mia-chan's father?!"
"Not guaranteed, but highly possible. Eikichi, the main event is starting now. I'll see what I can do."
"Okay, I'll be there myself (loud wind sound) Hey, taxi! Taxi!- Gotta go!"
Tatsuya shut off his phone and turned to where the man was, but he was no longer there when the announcer began.
"Our beautifully engaged pairs have arrived! Give them a round of applause!"
The music was getting louder. The man will have to wait. He had to focus on looking for Mia instead.
"Give it up to our pair: Kazuya Toudou and Erio Kirishima!"
Tatsuya immediately paused his tracks and turned to the balcony, where the spotlight was aiming at the two people standing by. They both wore a mask and dressed in luxurious outfits. However, from their figures and posture, it was clearly familiar to Naoya and Eriko.
'Why are they here?!' Tatsuya thought before quickened his pace to the exit, 'I need to notify Katsuya quickly! If they're here, that means Sudou isn't far! Mia cannot be here!'
"Thank you! Thank you!" The man with a voice obviously similar to Naoya began, "On this night, I hope that our love will last a lifetime, that this event to strengthen the bonds between us. Rejoice!"
He shouted in joy, turning to the quiet woman next to him and unashamedly kissed her hand, "My Eve, I am yours."
"So... am I," The woman said in an emotionless voice. Thunderous applause followed, where Tatsuya quickened his steps.
He was completely unaware of a few figures who also failed to notice him when they entered the hall.
Aigis
Night - Hotel Pleiades, Narumi
"Let me explain our plan again," Mitsuru, dressed in a completely unrecognizable dress, said, "Once we saw Juugo, we'll find out everything we can about him."
"Good," Akihiko, in his tuxedo outfit, said, "If I meet that bastard Juugo again, I'm going-"
"Please refrain yourself, Akihiko-san," Aigis, dressed in rather gothic clothes, said, "We're operating on stealth. We should not draw attention unless necessary."
"Aigis's right. Come on, let's not waste more time."
They proceeded to the counter, where they prepared their invitation letters earlier. Upon reaching there, the girl at the counter was arguing with a little girl.
"I'm telling you, kid, this place is for adults. You can't enter."
"But my father's in here! I saw the Tatsu-san motorcycle outside! You have to let me in!"
Aigis turned to Akihiko and Mitsuru before they approached them.
"Ah, yes?"
"Three people," Mitsuru said, adjusting her empress-like mask.
"I-I'm sorry, but please give me a moment. This girl..."
The little girl, upon seeing them, plead.
"My father is inside! I haven't seen him in a long, long time!"
"Little girl, you have to understand," Akihiko comforted her, "It's not safe for you to be here. Where's your other family?"
She pointed to the inside.
"I-I mean, anyone you might know?"
She again pointed to the inside hall. Aigis, feeling sympathized with her, decided to help.
"Maybe we can find him for you," Aigis suggested.
"Aigis, this isn't our objective," Mitsuru disagreed, but Aigis made her decision.
"But she'll be sad without her father. Seeing someone you care about again after a long time, isn't it great?"
"...Very well," Mitsuru gave up, "What's your father's name?"
"I don't know. I never met him in a long, long time."
"Then how are we going to find your dad that's been missing in a long, long time?" Akihiko asked in frustration.
"H-He wear a crossed shape necklace."
"Anything more?" Aigis asked.
"I saw him wearing a white coat, like the one scientist wear. His hair is black, messy. He wears sandals, I think."
Suddenly, one face appeared on Aigis's mind. She turned to Akihiko and saw that he thought of the same thing.
"Is it possible that...?"
"Come on, Aigis, Mitsuru. We can't waste any more time. Hey, girl, marked our names."
"Of course. Let's see... 'Mitsuhara'... 'Shinji'... What? Hey!"
In the moment of distraction, the little girl from a while ago ran pass the counter and went straight to the hall.
"Guards, stop her!"
The bloated guard, seemly half-asleep, stood from his chair and tried to block her path. But she was fast, rushing through the group of people outside the door and entered. They all sweat-dropped at the incompetence of the guard.
"Should we run after her?" Akihiko asked.
"Mitsuru-san?" Aigis turned to Mitsuru as the decision maker. Mitsuru, releasing a heavy sigh, gave her command.
"As Long as you do not stray from your original mission."
A/N: That should wrap up the chapter for now. Enjoyed my quite fast update compared to my usual update speed. Lisa is not stopping her drama, and Tatsuya is close to finding out about Matsuya's secret. Now that Mia will see her 'father' again, what will happen?
Please wait for the slow update.