HEY GUYS THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH CHAPTER 3 OF LARCENY.
I HOPE EVERYONE HAS BEEN ENJOYING IT SO FAR.
I REALLY APPRECIATE THE REVIEWS/COMMENTS/PMs/FAVS/ALERTS and KUDOS THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN ON BOTH FFNET AND AO3.
THE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM HAS BEEN HELPFUL SOMEWHAT.
ONE BIG SHOUT TO BWBURKE94 ) WHO ACTUALLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT I WAS SPELLING YALDABAOTH'S NAME WRONG.PLEASE FORGIVE ME GUYS.
WILL FIX THAT SOON.
ANYWAYS ON TO CHAPTER 3!
Ren could feel it as he drifted off to sleep, a force slowly pulling his consciousness upward and outward.
It was not a foreign experience. The Phantom Theif knew exactly where he was going.
His eyes opened to a ceiling that was not LeBlanc's.
While examining his environment, Ren did take note of the similarities to his past cell.
The decor still matched the theme of a clustered prison cell with a single bed. Ren tested the strength and length of the chain that had him permanently joined to the iron ball.
"My heart still feels trapped, huh? No escaping it for now, I guess."
The silence was broken by the echoes of hurried footsteps.
He watched with keen interest as the twin prison guards marched to the front of his cell and posed.
"Caroline... Justine..."
Then Ren felt his presence.
There.
Beyond the twin prison guards.
Sitting at a desk that was not rightfully his.
A spot he had stolen.
The Impostor.
His deep baritone voice felt like a wet slap to the face.
"Trickster...Welcome to my Velvet Room."
"Liar!"
"Villain!"
"Charlatan!"
Each accusatory remark felt like an accurate description of the so called 'god' but for the sake of this trial and the future of this world Ren kept his thoughts to himself.
The twin guards continued.
"So you've come to inmate."
"The you in reality is currently fast asleep. You're currently experiencing this as a dream."
"You're in the presence of our master. Stand up straight and show some respect."
Ren slowly stood up and drew closer to the cell's door. It would be best to play the role of obedient inmate for now.
The fake Igor spoke.
"Welcome, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. This place exists between dream and matter, mind and reality. It is a room that only those bound by a contract may enter."
Ren finally spoke up.
"If I may ask, Who are you?"
Yaldabaoth grinned.
"I am Igor, master of this place. Remember it well. I summoned you to speak of important matters, it involves your life as well."
"Important matters?"
"Still this is quite a surprise. The state of this room reflects the state of your heart. To think a prison would appear as such. You truly are a 'prisoner' of fate. In the near future there is no mistake that ruin awaits you."
"Ruin? I don't understand."
"I speak of the end to everything...However there is a means to oppose such a fate."
"And what would that be?
"The answer is simple. Your 'rehabilitation'. You must be rehabilitated towards freedom. That is the only way that ruin can be avoided...Do you have the resolve to challenge the distortion of the world ?"
"Would you have summoned me if you believed I didn't?"
"Good question, a very good question indeed. Allow me to observe the path of your rehabilitation."
The twin guards turned their attention to Ren once again.
Yaldabaoth chuckled.
"Ah, pardon me for not introducing the others. To your right Caroline, to your left Justine. They will be your wardens here."
Caroline folded her arms.
"Try and struggle as hard as you like."
Justine also spoke.
"The duty of wardens is to protect their inmates. We are also your collaborators...that is if you remain obedient."
Yaldabaoth continued.
"I shall explain the role these two will play at another occasion. Now then, it seems night is waning. We shall surely meet again...eventually..."
A ringing bell sounded within the Velvet Room. Caroline took that as her cue to issue an order.
"Time's up! Hurry and go back to sleep inmate!"
Slowly Ren's vision began to darken.
His consciousness was being returned to its original plane of existence. While his final moments within this 'dream' came to a close, he leaned forward and looked Yaldabaoth in the eye.
The 'God of Control' grinned eagerly.
Ren's expression remained blank as the darkness engulfed him.
"Keep smiling you monster. Next time I'm gonna shoot Sinful Shell right up your..."
Ren's eyes slowly opened.
He was back at LeBlanc, and it was now early morning.
The black haired youth took a few moments to contemplate what his next moves should be as he got a few extra minutes in bed.
"I might need to keep a record. Writing things down could probably help me to remember minor details about the past. I can't use any electrical devices, I'd be just be asking for Futaba to hack into it. Maybe I should buy a notebook..."
Ren took note of the time displayed on his phone screen.
"I should start getting ready. Sojiro's always been an early bird and he'll be unbearably grumpy if he thinks I made him late or wasted his time."
TING A LING!
Ren smiled to himself as he could hear Sojiro let himself into the shop.
"Right on time."
Thankfully the bespectacled teenager was fully dressed and ready to go.
He took a few minutes to put some of his personal effects away as Sojiro could be heard downstairs checking things over.
"Probably checking to see if I stole or tampered with anything."
Ren couldn't help but sigh when he thought about where his relationship with his adoptive father currently stood.
It would take some time but he couldn't wait for things to get back to where they used to be and probably even better.
TING A LING!
One of Ren's eyebrows shot up as he glanced at the room's wall clock.
"No one comes to LeBlanc this early on a Sunday. Could it be Futaba? Would he have allowed her to come here while I was still here and basically a stranger?"
There were several hushed whispers as Sojiro and the unidentified visitor spoke. Ren slowly walked over to the stairs and knelt down as he tried to eavesdrop.
The Phantom Thief only managed to pick up a few words from Sojiro and the guest who he had managed to identify as a female.
Sojiro:"Why are...here?"
Unidentified Female:"If you...money...should have called."
S:"I don't...money."
UF:"Then why...have... delinquent...here? I know...paying you."
S:"That's not...business."
UF:"He...dangerous. What if...harms..her?"
S:"I would never...to happen. Don't ..
stupid."
UF:"Well I'm...concerned."
S:"That's fine...but if...concerned...why not ...go see...?"
The woman spoke with a more elevated volume as the sound of shattered glass could be heard.
"Don't start on that again, Sojiro!"
Ren flew down the stairs in an instant. He did hear glass break after all and he wanted to make sure that Sojiro was okay. Plus his curiosity was truly driving him to see this woman for himself.
The Shujin transfer student pretended to not be aware of the secret conversation as he walked into the coffee shop.
"Morning Boss, I heard a glass break. Is everything..."
Ren fully intended to finish his sentence but could not find the words nor any measure of focus.
He had never met the woman standing before him in real life but he recognised her easily...he had seen several pictures of her not to mention a cognitive depiction that beared some resemblance.
"...no way..."
Wakaba Isshiki regarded Ren with a cold hard glare before addressing Sojiro one last time. She gestured to a manilla envelope on LeBlanc's counter.
"Please. Just take it...I have to go!"
TING A LING!
Wakaba quickly fled through the door leaving Ren and Sojiro in a very tense silence.
The coffee shop's owner released a heavy sigh as he spoke.
"Get your things and wait for me at the street corner. I'll get my car after I finish cleaning this up"
Ren noticed the broken glass fragments on a section of the coffee shop floor.
Perhaps Wakaba had knocked it off by accident?
"I could help clean up the glass if you-"
Sojiro silenced the idea.
"I said...get your things and wait for me outside!"
Ren nodded as he went back up the stairs.
"Sure Boss."
The car ride to Shujin was made in an almost painful silence. Ren's eyes may have been on the traffic and scenery but his mind was working overtime as it considered the events of the morning.
"Futaba's mother being alive should by no means be a bad thing...I hope."
Ren remembered clearly the pain and trauma that Futaba had gone through because of her mother's murder. The fact that she was alive meant that perhaps his fellow Phantom Theif did have a chance at a happier life. But it did raise several questions and issues for the time traveller...
"From this moment on I have to assume that there are more major and minor changes to the timeline than I would have expected...I need reliable information, there's no use asking Sojiro even if his mood improves. I'll have to be patient...Do I even know this world as well as I think I do?"
Another thought crossed Ren's mind as Sojiro pulled into a designated parking lot close to the school.
"Wait...does Futaba even have a Palace anymore?"
Before the bespectacled youth could consider the ramifications any further, Sojiro broke his line of thought.
"Hey kid?"
"Yeah?"
Sojiro sighed.
"Sorry for earlier, I was a little bit on edge and took out some of my frustration on you. You didn't deserve that."
Ren smiled, this was one of the reasons he had such a high level of respect for his adoptive father.
He was never afraid to admit his faults or being wrong.
"It's fine boss. We all have bad mornings."
"Hmph. I guess you're right. Let's get this over with, I don't wanna waste my whole Sunday here."
"...just to reiterate any trouble and you will be expelled..."
Ren had truly forgotten how repetitive the Principal's speech had been on this day. Really, was this supposed to be some type of fear tactic ?
A quick glance at Sojiro had confirmed the fact that even LeBlanc's owner had zoned out and seemed to be thinking about something else.
The only thing that made this whole meeting worthwhile was seeing Kawakami again.
The Japanese language teacher was one of the few who had actually encouraged and supported Ren through his academic
journey at Shujin. Even though it did take some time for her to warm up to him, she always stood by him.
A small blush coloured Ren's cheeks as he continued to think about his female Sensei.
"The whole part-time maid thing really drove me crazy sometimes, Kawakami-sensei has always been a beautiful woman but seeing her in that outfit..."
Ren bit the inside of his lip to regain focus. This wasn't the time to think about his huge crush on an unbelievably sexy teacher/maid who cleaned his room and often fell asleep on his bed in very suggestive positions...
Ren bit down harder.
Being a hormonal teenager again was going to be a challenge all by itself, wasn't it?
To his relief the Principal finally ended his verbal tirade .
"Allow me to introduce the teacher in charge of your class."
Kawakami finally spoke and Ren couldn't help but notice how exhausted she sounded.
"I'm Sadayo Kawakami. Here's your school ID."
Just like last time, Kawakami had accidentally placed both Ren's school ID and a flyer from her part time job on the principal's desk. Neither the Principal or Sojiro seemed to have noticed but Ren did.
"We'll what's the point of life if you don't have fun along the way?"
With the speed and reflexes that he had developed during his previous life's adventures, Ren quickly swiped both the school ID and flyer and pushed them into his pocket right before Kawakami's terrified eyes.
"Eeep!"
The Principal seemed surprised by Kawakami's squeak.
"Kawakami-sensei? Is everything ok?"
The blushing woman did her best to retain her composure.
"Uh...um, Yes."
The Principal allowed his look of concern to linger for a few more seconds before continuing.
"Please become acquainted with our school's rules. Any violations will have you sent to the guidance office. If you cause trouble you will be expelled. Understood?"
Ren nodded.
"Yes Principal Kobayakawa."
The Principal turned to Sojiro.
"Please keep an eye on him, Sakura-san. We don't want him causing any trouble."
Sojiro nodded as well.
"I'll make sure to have another talk with him about the situation he's in."
The Principal continued.
"Please find Kawakami-sensei in the faculty office when you arrive at school tomorrow. She'll handle your introduction to your new class. Anything to add, Kawakami-sensei?"
Sadayo was still worrying about the flyer when she heard the Principal say her name, she quickly nodded and spoke again.
"Please find me in the faculty office when you arrive tomorrow, I'll be introducing you to your new class."
The Principal sighed.
"I already said that..."
"Oh...I...uh was just repeating it for emphasis."
"Ah...I see. Well that is all gentlemen. If there are no other questions we are done for today."
Sojiro nodded as he turned to leave.
"Thanks."
Ren said a few words before leaving as well.
"Thank you. I look forward to doing my best here."
The duo of Sojiro and Ren had only made it a few steps away from the Principal's office when they heard Kawakami's voice behind them.
"Uh...excuse me?"
Both males turned around, Sojiro lifted an eyebrow in wonder.
"...did we forget something?"
Kawakami blushed.
"N-n-no...Can I have a private moment with Amamiya-kun? I have a question for him."
Sojiro seemed a bit hesitant but stepped away, Ren noticed that the coffee shop owner had made sure not to go too far from where he and Kawakami were standing.
"He must be suspicious of her..."
Kawakami stepped closer to Ren as she spoke.
"You...uh, accidentally took up a piece of paper with your School ID. I'd like to collect it."
Ren offered an innocent smile.
"Oh did I? Are you sure?"
Kawakami nodded as Ren continued.
"Is it...yours?"
Kawakami shook her head.
"Uh no...it's the Principal's!"
Ren smirked.
"Perhaps I should return it to him and apologize then. I wouldn't want there to be a misunderstanding."
Kawakami shook her head.
"He's very busy right now. That's why he asked me to collect it."
Ren nodded as he pulled the flyer out of his pocket.
"Did you mean this-"
Kawakami swiped the flyer out of his hand before he could even finish asking his question. Ren did his best to hold in the smile that threatened to spilt his face.
Kawakami quickly his the flyer in her pocket as she spoke.
"D-d-did you read it?"
"I didn't even know it was in my pocket."
"Good... I'll see you tomorrow, Amamiya-kun."
"Of course Kawakami-sensei."
The young woman spared one last look at Ren before returning to the Principal's office.
Sojiro spoke softly as Ren caught up to him.
"What was that all about ?"
"She was just telling me about her part time jobs. She was wondering if I'd be interested in using her services."
"Oh yeah? What does she do?"
Ren smiled as he remembered the days of coffe-making, laundry duty and fasioning lockpicks.
"Lots of stuff."
Kasumi's eyes brightened as she recognised one of the persons walking towards her.
"Hey! Ren-senpai!"
The curly haired male and the older man that was accompanying him seemed to be leaving Shujin while Kasumi, Sumire and their father were just arriving.
Sumire offered a sincere greeting as a red tint stained her cheeks.
"Hello Senpai!"
Ren returned their greeting.
"Hey Kasumi, Sumire. I guess you guys are here for orientation too, huh?"
Kasumi nodded.
"Yup. It looks like you just got finished with yours."
The man standing behind Kasumi and Sumire spoke up.
"Girls, is he...?"
Sumire nodded.
"Yes father, he's the one we mentioned yesterday."
The man with dark brown hair stepped in front of his daughters and offered a small bow.
"My name is Shinichi Yoshizawa and on behalf of my wife and the rest of our family, I'd like to thank you for saving our daughter, Sumire. As a parent I shudder to think about what could have happened if you weren't there. My family and I will never forget your act of kindness."
Ren seemed a bit uncomfortable with the man's gratitude.
"Please, there's no need. I was only trying to help."
Shinichi stood up straight.
"Even so, you still saved my Sumi's life."
The Yoshizawa patriarch turned to Sojiro.
"Your son is a good man. You must be proud of him."
Sojiro scratched the back of his head and blushed.
"Uh...well he's not my son. I'm just his legal guardian for the time being. I'm Sojiro Sakura by the way."
Shinichi studied Sojiro for a moment.
"I see. Well Sakura-san I hope you're aware that your ward is an extraordinary young man."
Sojiro side-eyed Ren.
"He's something else alright."
Kasumi spoke up as she grabbed her father's arm.
"We should get going, Dad. We do have an appointment with the Principal and we don't want to be late. Plus you're starting to embarrass us..."
Shinichi nodded as Sumire took hold of his other arm.
"Uh yes, you are right. It was a pleasure meeting you Ren-san. I'd also like to add that my wife has invited you over for dinner sometime. She wishes to meet you as well. She hopes you will accept her invitation soon."
Sumire gawked.
"Mom's what?! She didn't tell us about this!"
Kasumi agreed.
"She can't just invite over a boy without telling us!"
Shinichi smirked.
"Perhaps the both of you wish to challenge your Mother on this when we get home."
The twins looked at each other before grimacing.
They wouldn't stand a chance against her.
Ren smiled nervously as he spoke.
"I suppose I'll have to accept then. I'll let your daughters know when I'm available. Does the invitation also include my guardian?"
Shinichi nodded.
"Of course. To be honest I'm glad you said yes. If you had declined the offer my wife would probably come here...in person."
All three members of the Yoshizawa household trembled in unison.
Sojiro decided to speak up before things got even weirder.
"Right, we should get going ourselves. Good meeting you, Yoshizawa-san."
Sojiro addressed the Yoshizawa twins.
"If you ladies don't mind, keep an eye on Ren. He's a good kid, but he's new and will need a few friends."
Both girls blushed and nodded as Sojiro walked away, Ren offered his own salutations to the Yoshizawa trio before joining Sojiro.
The fedora-wearing man spoke softly as Ren caught up.
"How come you didn't tell me about all of that?"
"It was nothing major. I just stopped her from running into traffic. That's all."
Sojiro studied the young man for a moment.
"You really are a good kid, aren't you?"
Shinichi's voice could still be heard as he walked with his daughters into the school.
"WAIT! Is he also the 'cute boy' that you were telling your grandmother about?"
Sumire groaned.
"Shush Dad! He might hear you!"
Sojiro chuckled as Ren increased his walking speed into an almost sprint. A very obvious blush on his face.
"Well well well. Add 'Lady-killer' to the list too."
Sojiro sighed as he and Ren found themselves stuck in traffic.
"So what do you think?"
"Huh?"
"The school I mean, they're all giving you the cold shoulder because of your criminal record. Think you'll manage?"
Ren nodded.
"Yeah, I'll probably have to keep a higher grade average than most of the students but once I keep my head down and work hard, I'll be fine."
"I hope so. You seem like the type that just attracts trouble."
Ren smirked.
"Oh you have no idea."
Sojiro muttered a soft curse as he looked out his window.
"What's with all the traffic on a Sunday? Is there some kind of event?"
With an uncanny sense of timing, the radio station that had been playing some jazz music had an emergency broadcast about another subway accident that had caused the traffic jam.
Ren narrowed his eyes.
"If I'm remembering correctly, Akechi said this was Shido's method of removing the Minister of Transport. So many lives lost and people hurt...Shido...You're just as monstrous as Yaldabaoth...I haven't forgotten about you either."
Sojiro groaned as the broadcast ended with information about how jam-packed the streets will be.
"Starting tomorrow you're taking the train!"
Ren sighed.
"Yes Boss."
Ren groaned as he climbed into bed. It had taken them the entire afternoon and the early part of the evening to manoeuvre their way through the traffic.
Sojiro was rather annoyed that he didnt get the chance to see any customers and had left after giving Ren a book to record his daily actions in.
The Phantom Theif felt a bit sore from sitting in the cooped up car for half of the day and just wanted to get some sleep.
"Big day tomorrow. If things go smoothly me and Ryuji will be going in to Kamoshida's palace after I meet Ann. I should keep my eyes and ears peeled though. If anything unexpected happens I might have to go in without him. I wonder if i can convince Morgana to come back me the first time?"
Ren felt the hands of sleep tugging at his eyelids and prepared to enter into it's sweet embrace with little hesitation.
RINGRINGRING
Ren narrowed his eyes as his dive into rest was disturbed by the ringing of LeBlanc's phone.
"...Of course. He forgot to flip the stupid sign."
The Next Day
Ren had to admit that he felt a bit nervous as he stood under the store's awning waiting for Ann.
To his relief the day so far was going just as he had remembered it.
Breakfast from Sojiro, while also complimenting the chef. Check.
Packed trains. Check.
Moderate Spring rains. Check.
He just needed the blonde beauty to make her appearance so he could introduce himself.
He had considered the option of trying to prevent her from getting into Kamoshida's car but he doubted that she would trust him enough to follow his advice.
He frowned as he considered the lecherous gym teacher. He took his phone out one more time to make sure that the Meta Nav would be active and ready to capture the keywords that Ryuji would inevitably offer.
"He'll be our first target again. The sooner we deal with him the better... I'm going to need a plan for Suzui as well. I'm not going to allow 'that' to happen again."
Ren's thoughts were interrupted when he spotted bright red leggings out of the corner of his eye.
A soft smile graced his lips as he put his phone away...
To his surprise the part-time model was not seeking shelter from the rain like last time.
She was comfortably standing under a large umbrella.
A large umbrella that he recognised.
A voice he also recognised spoke softly.
"Good Morning, Senpai!"
Ann Takamaki was not alone. Standing on either side of her, protecting her from the rain with their umbrellas was the Yoshizawa twins.
Ren's eyebrow twitched.
"Just too good to be true."
Ann spoke up as the trio of females drew closer to Ren.
"Is he a friend of yours?"
Kasumi nodded.
"Yep, he's a new transfer just like us but Ren-senpai is is second year like you, Takamaki-senpai."
Ann blushed.
"I already told you girls, just calling me 'Ann' is fine."
Sumire shook her head.
"Our parents raised us with the ideology that we should always be respectful to our seniors. We could say 'Ann-senpai' if that's better."
Ann sighed.
"Senior? It's only by a year though."
Ren introduced himself.
"Hi I'm Ren Amamiya."
Ann smiled.
"Ann Takamaki. I'm in the second year at Shujin as well. Did you get stuck here because of the rain?"
Ren scratched the back of his head.
"Uh no...I just got a little lost. Kinda embarassing..."
Ann smirked.
"Nah it's cool. You're new here. There's nothing wrong with getting lost. We're all going to school anyways, you should walk with us."
Ren was preparing an excuse when a white car pulled up to the crowd of students.
Ann's happy demeanor changed as the window rolled down, revealing Kamoshida.
The volleyball coach offered a large plastic smile as he spoke to the group. His eyes lingered on Ann but he also took special notice of Sumire and Kasumi.
Ren felt his blood beginning to boil as the man spoke.
"Hey guys, I could give you all a lift, don't want you to be late for school."
Ren dug his nails into his palm. It would still be his best course of action to allow the girls to go along with Kamoshida so he could meet Ryuji.
But just knowing how terrible this man was still made him a bit hesitant. Could he find an objection strong enough to convince all of them?
Once again this timeline would surprise him as Ann spoke.
"Thanks for the offer Kamoshida-sensei but these guys are all new and I promised to show them the way to get to school. The rain's easing up so we'll be fine."
Kamoshida maintained his smile but Ren could tell that Ann's refusal annoyed him a bit.
"Don't be ridiculous. You can show them the way another time. Just get in already."
Kasumi spoke up next.
"Thanks for the offer Sensei but we're also waiting on some other friends and I don't think we'll fit inside your car without getting our uniforms crumple or dirty."
Kamoshida studied Kasumi for a few seconds before relenting.
"I see. Quite the shame. Well I'll see you all at school. Be careful and don't be late."
Ren did not miss the look that Kamoshida gave Ann before winding his windows up and driving away.
He was happy that no one had to gotten into the lecher's car but this meant that he'd have to abort his plan of going into the Palace.
The bespectacled male discretly deactivated the MetaNav.
Ryuji was tough and he could protect one person until they found Morgana, but he wasn't prepared to bring in Ann or even endanger Kasumi and Sumire.
He'd come up with a plan to get Ryuji and Ann to awaken their Personas later.
Sumire turned to her sister.
"Kas? Why did you...?"
Kasumi shrugged as she looked at Ann.
"Well we just met her today but I got this feeling that Ann-senpai really didn't want to get into that car. Was I wrong?"
Ann tried to deny it but she couldn't find the words, a soft whisper left her mouth as she hung her head.
"I'm that transparent huh..."
The frantic pitter patter of someone running through the puddles on the street distracted the group.
Ren couldn't help but smile at the blond male approaching them.
"Skull...Long time no see, brother."
Ryuji ignored the new transfers and marched straight up to Ann.
"That was Kamoshida wasn't it?"
Ann sighed.
"Ryuji, please I told you to stay out of it."
Ryuji grimaced.
"Stay out of it, my ass. Screw that pervy teacher!"
Kasumi blinked.
"Pervy teacher?"
Ryuji turned around to face the rest of the group.
"Huh who are you guys? Gonna rat me out to Kamoshida?"
Ann slapped Ryuji in the back of the head.
"Will you stop it? Can't you tell that they're new transfers?"
Ryuji cursed softly as he rubbed his head.
"Yeah, well I guess they do look new."
Ren decided to continue the conversation.
"What was this about a pervy teacher?"
Ryuji answered before Ann could stop him.
"It's that damn Kamoshida! He acts like he's the king of the castle but he's just a damn pervert that keeps bothering Ann and the other girls at school!"
Sumire turned to Ann.
"Is that why you didn't want to get into his car, Ann-senpai?"
" I...uh..."
Ren interrupted.
"Whether it's just rumours or the truth, I think you girls should keep your distance to be safe."
Ryuji shook his head.
"Trust me man this isn't your regular high school gossip. This is for real."
Ren nodded.
"Thanks for the warning. I'm Ren Amamiya. A second year transfer."
Kasumi followed.
"I'm Kasumi Yoshizawa and this is my sister Sumire. We're both first year transfers."
Sumire gave a small wave.
"Hello."
Ryuji nodded.
"I'm Ryuji Sakomoto, I'm a second year as well."
Kasumi's eyes widened.
"Wait! The Ryuji Sakomoto? Of course! I do remember someone saying that you went to Shujin!"
Ryuji frowned.
"Huh?"
Kasumi explained.
"I was at the athlete summer camp in Okinawa a few years ago. You were the fatest boy in the track group. A lot of the coaches raved about you. What you been up to now ? What's your current personal best?"
Ryuji deflated a little as he looked away.
"I'm not doing Track anymore."
Kasumi was more than a little shocked.
"Wow really? Did you switch to another sport?"
Ryuji deflated even more.
"No I uh...just don't do that type of thing anymore."
Ann commented as she drew closer to Ryuji.
"I think we should get to school now. We really are close to being late."
Ren agreed, hoping to spare his close friend any more discomfort. The injury caused by Kamoshida would still be a sore topic at the moment.
Kasumi chose to save her questions for another time where she could talk to Ryuji in private. She had to know what happened to a fellow athlete that she had so much respect for.
Ryuji spoke again as he walked away.
"We should take a shortcut."
The group followed the former track-star as he turned down an alley.
Sumire walked at the very back of the group right behind Ren and Kasumi.
She found herself a bit distracted as she pulled her phone out of her bag.
She could feel it vibrating during the group's conversation but had no idea as to what had been causing it.
"Huh?"
Sumire stared down at the large glowing red eye on her phone screen. Hesitantly the red haired twin touched the eye.
"Is this some kind of update?"
The alley exploded with a shower of cosmic purple.
THANKS AGAIN FOR READING!
THAT WAS CHAPTER 3 OF LARCENY.
ANOTHER LONG-ISH CHAPTER FOR ME BUT I WANTED TO SET THE STAGE FOR US TO GO INTO THE METAVERSE.
PLEASE REVIEW/COMMENT/FAV/ALERT AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK.
THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE REVIEWED SO FAR. WILL REPLY TO THOSE AS WELL.
THIS WAS YOUR BOY KINGNIKEN
PEACE OUT.
