04/17 Sunny After school
Master Daidara has been a very generous man when he offered me a katana. He let stop his shop ever now and again and showed me a couple things each time. I don't thing he minds the company when I drop by early morning or late at night.
You never see modern day blacksmiths like this anymore. His shop is old fashioned and the way he smelt and forges is like from the Edo period. It's interesting to watch him work. I've been hesitant about the subject of employment here, but I wouldn't mind making this a night job or some sort to help him out. Learn how to make weapons and fix my own when it's damaged.
Saki followed me as I opened the door to walk. I looked around and noticed he had a couple more varieties of bladed weaponry all of the sudden. Master Daidara has shifted a couple things around. I noticed a few of his tools sprawled out on the table to the side. Soot and blackened ash from use litter the tools and the table. When I first came here he had a pair of calipers and a single hammer but now I've counted four hammers and his forge is burning hotter than ever. His welding machine as well is humming. He's been working hard today for some reason or another.
"I've past this place a thousand times and never once have I come in here," Saki admitted as her eyes wandered the shop and the many metal based weapons and the like around us. She walked up to my side but seemed to stick close to me. Almost to the point that our shoulders might touch. "What could we get here to help us Narukami?" She questioned lightly with her eyes to the left. She was looking at something so I leaned a bit forward to see. She's looking at a dress of sorts and smiled a bit with a slow shake of her head.
"You like that," I stated more than questioned to suit my curiosity.
"No," she lied smoothly. Honestly it was extremely smooth and I wouldn't have known if not for Yaksini by my side.
The demon of Indian folklore I've just met today looked down upon me with blank violet eyes but they're anything but empty. Behind them housed a primal and fierce determination to preserver in the bleakest of battles and a desire to reap the rewards of the kill. To feast on the spoils left behind and look beautiful while doing it. That's the empress in a nut shell
Yaksini smiled down upon me but it wasn't one born of thoughts I'd call pleasant, I guess depending on perspective. She kneeled down before me right behind Saki and upon her back. Yaksini reached out to the girl but didn't touch her. "Summoner, this poor lost maiden forgot who is she and persists to deny both inside and out." Yaksini clenched her hand into a fist and let it drop to her side. "Help her realize this before it's too late."
With that Yaksini faded away leaving me full of questions like always and something new to interpret. Saki plays a predominate role in all this, my persona say so same with the occupants of the Velvet Room, but what could it be. Being the Magician Arcana what could that mean?
I sighed and leaned back up and gazed upon the special battle dress that hung to the side. "I think you'd be very beautiful in that Saki," I confessed and she drew her eyes towards me. I felt my cheeks warm up and almost averted my eyes. "You need armor in that world and it you want it I can get it for you," I declared and she rolled her eyes.
"This is real life not a dungeon crawling video game," she dismissed her desires and myself dryly and without hesitation.
I glanced back over towards the battle dress. I liked it. Yeah it's a bit RPG Anime-esque but I like the look of it and with that on Saki she'd appeared a fierce goddess of war or maybe battle driven queen. That would be interesting, but I suppose that has to be put on hold. If she doesn't want it I won't force it. I don't have the money for it right now anyway now that I look at it. I've got about 25,000 yen on me from all that shadows I've defeated and the BBM's I've overcome as well. The greater and lethal the monster and more battle experience and money I seem to procure. That Battle Ball Gown though is over 85,000 yen. I'm a bit short.
"But thanks, Narukami." She glanced at that tagged "Battle Ball Gown" a bit more before turning her head away. It's a full suit of armor and armored skirt with armored stockings and boots. That's putting it simply though. "What sort of weapon am I getting," she asked as she looked around for a bit once more. "I know you use like a Katana or something like that right?"
"Yes he does," Master Daidara grumbled as he stood before us. Hammer in hand, covered in soot, and steely eyes on us he stood tall as he gauged Saki first. "Miss. Konishi," he greeted not to my surprise though. In a town like this I'm pretty sure everyone knows everyone and she's made a name for herself already. Saw a dead body, got interviewed, was in the middle of a kidnapping case, and still involved in a homicide and kidnapping investigation. I've had to dodge reporters once or twice trying to talk to me about Yosuke already. It's been a pain in the ass dodging them all.
"Good afternoon Daidara-san," she greeted distantly and I rose an eyebrow at this. I looked between the both of them for a moment. Saki wrapped her arms under her chest to grip her sides and Daidara frowned. Something is going on here. I just hope it's not about the whole Junes thing.
I stepped between the both of them and brought Master Daidara's attention to me. "We need armament," I said and the man grumbled a bit to himself.
"Well kid, what do you need," he quizzed or maybe that was just his tone. Regardless I walked up the step to him. I thought on twin swords at first and fist weapons like claws next. Those doing see those as refine enough for a True Lady to wield.
I thought back to what Saki did before when she fought those shadows. She used her persona a lot to fight them but if not utilized her feet through kicks and spine chilling stomps into the dirt. How she summons her persona is refine almost to the point of arrogant but her physical attacks are somewhat outlandish. She's a fast runner in those boots and took advantage of downed monsters with ease. What manner of weapon would fit best in my opinion would be maybe a flail or maybe a whip like her persona. That would be sort of hot… or maybe I'm playing too many games.
I crushed that thought in seconds. "Some armor of sort and a weapon for Konishi. Can you help me Master Daidara?" I answered him and even used his title as well.
"Sure," he said brightly with a smirk before returning to his forge. "You've helped me out plenty of times already kid so why not?" Master Daidara drew his eyes back to Saki. "I noticed you eyed that Battle Ball Gown on the wall," he indicated what he was talking about by point to that Battle Ball Gown with his hammer. "Caught your interest have you?" The old blacksmith smiled.
He seems to delight in expressions of wonderment his art can excite. He carried the same look in his eye when I first walked in as well.
"Somewhat," Saki said indistinctly but I know she likes it.
"Then how about I fashion something like it maybe to go over what you're wearing currently," Master Daidara suggested and I nodded in approval at this proposition. A battle dress, if at least a bit extravagant like the one on that wall, would be nice to have. "Some armored leggings from thigh to toe maybe would do. You did play competition soccer before right?" Master Daidara revealed and I glanced back at Saki.
"Yeah I did but it was a long time ago," she shrugged. Again that's another lie. It's recent. I can tell from her legs. They're strong but not as strong as Chie's. Chie trains at a martial artist but Saki though is different. Where Chie has some fine sculpted and muscular legs perfect for crushing men's souls via limp kick but Saki seems to be more lean and focused on sprints. She way she kicked down and slide and ran is like a soccer player. I could see it now especially in how she punted one of those big head shadows into the side of a building. Saki was a true bad ass.
"I don't think I'll need all that stuff though," Saki trailed her eyes towards me for confirmation.
"You will with what we'll be doing Saki," I whispered in her ear. "The shadows in Yosuke's dungeon are dangerous. You need to be outfitted."
"Alright," she relented. "I'll take what you can give me."
"Excellent just give me ten minutes. How about you Narukami-kun?"
"Yes Master," I said quickly and walked up to him with my katana in hand. He was nice enough to provide me this Katana and the fact it's a legit Japanese Katana makes this thing worth hundreds of dollars. "Can I have this serviced and sharpened? Can I get that silver cross shaped tsuba you mentioned before as well as upgrade the tsuka for better grip against leather or cloth surfaces?" I reached into the baseball bag and showed him the katana. I had to drop by June's to pick it up first before coming here and with a police escorts why not take advantage.
"You have that Katana still and use a baseball bag?" Saki mused.
"Yep," I said as the master scanned the sword for a moment before grumbling.
"What have you been cutting with your sword boy," he growled as she placed his hammer down and stomped up to me. He took the sword from my hands when I presented it to him. Instead of buying a new sword I decided that to treat this like Diablo by upgrading the same sword and using it repeatedly. I'm a firm believer that utilizing a tool and holding a personal attachment with it can make that tool stronger and maybe sentient. I've seen moments of bags saving people's lives and guns firing saving the user when the weapon was on the ground. I believe if I used my sword enough it can grow stronger than ever before. I can upgrade it as I go as well once I get the money for the pricy ones.
So I've used it in every other instance and it shows with the fact the kissaki stained black from the inky black residue of the blood and fire I've blocked with that sword. The nagasa is in the same shape but also burnt from the fire as well from the circus. The blade's edge has a chip here or there as well from cutting or powering through tough surfaces and shadows. It's taken some damage.
"I've been fighting for my life," I said earnestly and the man grunted.
"Yes, I can see that. I'll change the blade for something more durable but it'll cost you boy."
"I understand," after all a stronger and more durable blade will only make my attacks stronger anyway.
"This will take me a bit more time. You can wait here or leave. I just need 30 minutes," he declared.
"Yes sir." I bowed my head and made my way to the door to leave the man to work. He's capable of making armor much faster than should be possible, but I don't question. It'd be way too much work to investigate this thoroughly. He also doesn't ask me what I use the stuff for or why I need armor so that works out perfectly.
Saku followed as I walked out the shop and waved at the police man that was my escort. He was leaning on his car smoking away. "Want to get something to eat," I asked the girl and she smiled at me.
"I thought you'd never ask," she smiled sweetly at me. My eye twitched at that smile and the implications behind it. "I hear a place up hill has a very nice steak," she leaned inward towards me with that smile growing. "And I'd appreciate it if you took me there to get some. Can you," she asked on the border of falling into the deepest recesses of despair if I say no or the highest reaches of triumphant a woman can feel at succeeding in her goal if I say yes.
Her goal is obvious and it's to get a free meal out of me.
"Heheh," I heard to the side and spotted the policeman snickering a bit at me. He gave a knowing smile like he knows what I'm going through right now. He rose his smoke at me as if wishing me luck. I was half tempted to tell him off until I felt something on my chest. I drew my eyes back down and saw Saki's hand on my chest and her eyes looking dead into my own.
"Can you treat me Narukami?" She said in that pleading voice as well. She's good and got guts to pull this sort of ploy on me.
"Heheh," I heard behind me from the devil on my shoulder. "How you going to get out of this?" The devil being Lilim giggled in my ear.
"I…" I bit my lip with a sigh. "I can?" I questioned and Saki grinned at me with her head cocked slightly to the side.
"Thank you Narukami," she tip toed up and placed a kiss on my cheek. The same from last night.
"No problem," I breathed out and did my best to bury the combination of the embarrassment at being rode by a girl like this shame at being forced tin such a way. I've dealt with the temptress side of girls many times over and even ones more relentless than Saki. I've denied them even when my life was on the line. This wasn't one of those times though, and Saki and I have this connection I'm sad to concede to myself to. The other girls I could care less for but Saki… there's something there. I just got to figure out what that something is.
I buried my flustered shame in myself the best I could and the chuckles of that damn officer didn't help. "Prick."
I walked past Saki to make my way up the hill. Saki followed right by my side. "Thanks Narukami," Saki said almost superciliously like she's gotten ahead of me.
If she wants to turn this into The Game I'm more than willing to turn this around. I've been through this like a year ago when one girl got the best of me and after that it was hell. I suffered more and more of her attempts to squeeze the juice out of me. I learned hard but slow to never give a woman an inch. Not to let them win or get ahead of me. I've lost this round because of my uncertainty but next time will be different.
"Never again," I heard within my mind and agreed with my persona stationed to my right. "Never be weak!" Another one of my new persona I've fused let out in a war cry.
While in the Velvet Room I got a bit excited over the Fusion of Persona and just kept going with the many I came across during my trek. It cost me a good sum of money because they decided to charge me to recall old persona to fuse. I had a lot more money before entering the velvet room. I've acquired many persona in Shadow Inaba, The Television Station, and the Circus of Values. I've fused many to obtain a few new additions I'm a little too eager to try out. This one atop her winged steed filled me with strength I never thought possible.
'Of course,' I declared to the Valkyrie. She heeled up her steed and faded away a moment later. Its official, I'm losing my mind.
Key on my word I walked us up hill to the Steak shop. For the most part the place was a bit bare. By bare I meant empty because no one is here outside the cooks. The food smelled good and the steak on the grill made my stomach lurch. I woke up this morning with Nanako ignoring me mostly and Uncle Dojima was still asleep. I got a call from his partner and told Adachi that my uncle is sick. Adachi was nice enough to say he'd cover for my uncle.
Such a nice guy.
Well it wasn't completely empty. There was a single girl sitting at one of the few tables to sit and eat alone and looking over something. Papers mostly. I noticed one of the papers was a map of sorts she's keen on studying. She's a student at Yasogami High if that uniform she wore meant anything but I'm curious to see any of them walking around at this time. It's afterschool but most students go home, to the park, to the city, to their job, to Junes, or anywhere other than the Central Shopping District. She's here though and I think I recognized her.
Well, whatever. Doesn't matter.
I sat down at the table across from hers as Saki went up to order for the both of us. I pulled my book bag up and placed it on top of the table. I looked around bit but didn't opened my bag until I was sure I wasn't being watched. I reached into my bag and pulled out my miniature DVD player and television. I love the modern day and the fact technology can be this inventive. I placed the stand down and poked the screen. My finger touched the screen and I felt resistance but eventually my finger when through and swirls shown on the screen. I can only fit my arm in this thing, but I don't have to this to walk into. I rose my head phones to my ears and set my phone down. I connected my head phones to the television then rose my phone to my ear.
"Teddy," I whispered through the screen and waited. He should be able to hear me. I left him one when I dropped by Junes earlier today. "Kuma," I whispered a bit louder.
"Tatsujin! Hey," the bear cheered from the other side.
"I need a second and third pair of glasses made. Can you do that for me?" I asked the bear.
"Of course I can. It would by my beary pleasure," the teddy bear said.
"Alright. Signing out." I reached up to the on button and switched it on to clear the screen and finally off the black it out. I replaced the small player to my bag and zipped it up.
Saki got back a moment later with a smile on her lips. "You can pay after we're finished so don't worry," Saki sat down with a plate in each hand. She reached across the table and placed my plate in front of me. I frowned at her little quip and sighed. "Come on Narukami don't be so down. We can eat then save Hana-chan." Saki said happily as she gathered her chop sticks to eat her meal. Beef steak and rice balls? How much is this going to cost me?
"Tell me again why you can't buy your own meal," I asked as I grabbed a fork and knife from a small basket of utensils to the side.
"Because the cute guy always treats the pretty girl," Saki summarized smoothly. "If it's a problem I have an idea." I rose an eyebrow at this and waited for her to continue. "Just think of this as our first date and it's all on you," she grinned sweetly.
My hand crawled up to my forehead and I took a breath. "Whatever," I sighed and Saki hummed with approval.
"I don't let most guys take me out," she admitted as she cut her beef steak into pieces. She looked down to the plate a bit and then up to me. "Most people talk about me behind my back as you know," she muttered with a tired look on her face. "And most guys that approach me are dicks, assholes, or idiots acting like kids," she scoffed at the mention of these guys and I remained silent as she spoke.
Saki silently ate carefully and slowly. She took her time to chew and to swallow. I found myself staring almost as I watched her eat. It wasn't anything too special but the manner in which she ate is interesting. I dare say it's very careful as if she doesn't want to waste even a single grain of rice but also to enjoy the meal given to her. I ate much more like an American and devoured my food without much care but she didn't.
"Are you gonna watch me eats this whole time Naru-kun," Saki giggled once she noticed this.
"I might," I confessed. "I like watching you."
"Ah," she looked away from me and cleared her throat. "That's sweet I guess and weird."
"Well, you did think I was weird when we first met," I reminded her evenly from the mouth of her shadow itself. Saki's cheeks darkened, and I smiled a bit at this.
"I still do. What normal guy can do what you do or even want to," she remarked on bringing up a very good point. Why would any sane or normal man willingly indulge in the life of supernatural fights against shadow versions of people and travel around the Shadow World without hesitation? Who knows? Though the Shadow World I see opportunities for money, travel, and overall gathering more information and influence as I go. I see tools to success, and if used correctly I can overcome the odds and promote my life here and for the future.
"Hmm," I hummed a bit. "Who knows," I shrugged. There's only one way to find out I guess and that's to wait and see how this goes. I do have plans and ideas on how to use this to my advantage. The time distortion as well has my interest and wonder if there's a way to find a space that goes in reverse instead. That'd be interesting.
I struggled but succeeded in keeping the sinister smile from creeping up my lips. I'm my father's and mother's son and we take everything we can and give nothing back unless the return is massive to fit the loss.
"Well I'm happy it's a guy like you Narukami. You're amazing to keep it all together as well as you have and even go back. Aren't you afraid?"
"No," I shook my head. "I'm not afraid of death or anything cliché like that." I've seen it a bit more than I'd like to nowadays. I've defeated dozens of shadows and overcome the odds every step of the way. Why be afraid of something you can kill and overpower as well? I kept this to myself especially with the girl sitting behind me still. Unlike Saki I've have this mystical thing called situational awareness and know to keep certain words to myself. Regardless of whether or not this girl is listening to us it doesn't change the fact there's a chance she's probably over hearing us.
"You must've had an interesting childhood," she mumbled.
"You could say that," I looked away.
"I feel it might have something to do with the thing around your wrist," Saki noticed it and I covered it.
"Don't worry about it," I said distantly. Saki looked up to me but let it go. That's something I'm thankful for.
I finished my meal and sighed as my stomach filled with delicious goodness. The country people out here know how to cook that can't be denied. While Saki finished I walked up to the cooks and paid for the meal with a frown. 1200 yen gone just like that. I returned to find that over thirty minutes have passed since we began our little date. Master should be finished.
"Are you ready," I asked her as she finished her steak. I'm beginning to see where her connections with Yosuke might have stemmed from. Yosuke mentioned it before as well. That's a curious branch between the two.
"Yeah," Saki glanced down to her finished plate. "Let's go."
I grabbed my bag and walked away from the table and walked away from… Souzai Daigaku. I had to look up at the sign right quick to get the name. I need to stop bat the store right quick to get some medicine now that I think of it. Using Dia is nice and all but using the medicines and prescriptions I was given not too long ago helped a hell of a lot more. Saved energy with the same if not added effects. I know this made my sound like a potential drug fiend in the making, and I feel so damn guilty for thinking this, but in the matters of life or death you gotta take those risks for survival.
Saki walked up and took to my side once more as we walked down the hill towards the store. I stopped at the store and said, "I'm going in to get some things."
"Get me some bread then," Saki necessitated earning a glare from me. "I need something to help soothe my stomach. Bread helps," she clarified without her temptress mode on. I guess she's quite serious about this so I guess I can indulge for now.
"Okay," I said and Saki smiled at me. I leaned against one of the windows to wait for me and I walked inside. My target was the drug section and shot to it. Looking around it I took up a couple of the medicines for pain and a couple of the healthy vitamins for the shadow world. I'm going to start researching this medicine stuff to see if I can experiment a bit with them. If I have make a drug that will restore my body and energy as well as prevent exhaustion when I leave then I'll be more effective once I leave the world. I took the medicines and wandered to the beard second next. I grabbed two custard breads, one raspberry and the other lemon, then wandered up to the old lady behind the counter.
"Afternoon ma'am," I greeted the old woman and she smiled gently at me.
"Ah, the handsome boy from before. How are you and your pretty girl friend doing," the old woman asked as she drew squinted eyes Saki's way.
"Well enough," I chuckled a bit as I fell into character as that nice handsome young man that older women are suckers for. It's easier that way to get in their good graces. "I'll be taking these please," I dropped the weaker medicine and bread down on the counter.
"Ah, for headaches from all that studying I bet," the woman laughed a bit.
"Yes ma'am I need something to help me focus," I said lightly.
"Well I hope it helps. I don't get the best stock in until later in the year. I'm cleared out around this time," the woman said. That made since and most of these medicine appear to be made here in Inaba and small time compared to the prescriptions I was provided at the hospital. The shelves are a bit bare as well compared to many others. Who in their right mind buys so much and what for?
"Thank you ma'am," I bowed with a 1000 yen bill in hand for everything and left with my change in hand moments later.
"What you get," Saki asked from her position against the window with her arms crossed under her bust.
"Some medicine." I reached into the bag and pulled out the lemon flavored custard bread. Saki smiled and took it from my hand once I presented it to her.
"You got my favorite flavor as well," she giggled a bit at me. "Bonus points for you."
"Hmm," I grunted without answering to her little quip. I did make a note that lemon is her favorite flavor. I'm not surprised either with her personality. I walked past her back down to the metalwork shop. I listened to the sound of Saki unwrapping the bread and eating it next to me. She looked almost happy to have something sweet to eat and pondered on this. She liked to eat the beef steak and loves sweet things. She likes sour flavors as well. She's demanding and controlling when she desires something. She's sweet when she wants to be. I thought on this but stopped this train of thought. I don't have enough on her yet.
I could hear the hammer blows from the store and they grew progressively louder the closer I drew to the shop. The police man was on his phone looking over something when I reached the shop. "Narukami enjoy your time with your girl," he grinned at me.
"She's not my girl," I denied. I don't have a girl friend or plan to have one. Though my denial didn't seem to stop him from grinning a bit harder at me.
"That glare she has on you begs to differ," he pointed out before turning back to his phone.
I turned my head to look at Saki and like the police officer said Saki had her narrowed eyes on me. "What," I shrugged at her before walking to the shop.
"Boy," Master called once I put a foot into the shop. I walked in the rest of the way and made my way up to the forge. "Your sword is restored and the blade replaced." Master Daidara pointed at the sword on a work bench within a different sheath. Instead of black it's now brown and the tsuka is brown as well. The tsuba as well is sliver instead of gold and in the shape of a four pointed star. I walked up to it and gripped the sheath with my left hand and held it up. The sword is slightly heavier than before. I reached for the tsuka. With a strong draw and smiled at the clean and pristine condition of the blade. The metal was a bit darker than before and the metal's composition different as well.
"You can swing away for a little longer with that but be careful and take care of my art boy," the old man warned with a smile on his lips.
"Yes sir." I sheath the sword and slipped it back into my baseball bag.
"As for you little lady," he got Saki's attention off of me and my sword. Daidara pointed his hammer to the other side of the room at the armor for her. Boots by the looks of it that might run up to her thighs as well as a reinforced Kevlar top, pads for her arms and gloves for her hands. Saki walked up to is and studied the armor silently before picking it up. The leggings appeared to gain the majority of her attention, and she studied them carefully. "They should fit you will and I'd hate to be kicked by you with those on," the master jested.
"Boy," he called for me next. "My fee is on the counter. Leave the money. I have to get back to work on my next piece," he announced and got back to hammering away at something on his anvil. I walked to the counter and groaned at the price of repairs and making the armor but shrugged. 21,500 yen gone just like that. Now I only have so little money left. I need to go grind some shadows but that takes too long as well. I spend hours and got only like 1000 yen once. I need to get a job maybe.
"A battle skirt," Saki noted as he held it up along with a jest for it as well. She's going to need some clothes to go under that as well. That means I have to take her… shopping. God help me. "Do these clothes go with it as well," Saki asked. I drew my eyes towards this manner of dress that seemed come with it.
"That battle dress was a special order I believe I mentioned but I went through a couple attempts to make it. That's one of my attempts and should fit you aptly." The master went back to hammering away at his next piece of art.
"Well there you go," I said gratefully that he made her a version of that dress for her. I'm beginning to think a lot of the armor and stuff he's shown me are left overs of earlier works of art.
Saki picked up her outfit and rolled it all together. "Alright, let's go Narukami."
"Agreed." I bowed to the metal worker but he paid me no mind and went on hammering away at whatever he's making. I walked out the store and the officer looked up from his phone at me once I did. "I'm finished. We'd like to go to Junes to shop around for a bit."
"Taking your girl shopping to huh?" The officer shrugged. "Whatever, I get paid either way." The policeman put his phone away and climbed into his car. I opened the door and did the same. Saki walked around and entered in the back seat with me.
"You could have opened the door for me you know," she grumbled.
"Look princess I'm not a gentleman like that unless I have to be. You got a working arm that's free so you can do it yourself." I would've thought this was obvious, but I guess not. I don't do that sort of stuff and never wanted to. Girls can do everything on their own without guys to help them. My mom is the prime example of this. "Now let's get to Junes and get this over with, okay?"
Saki opted to look at me in disappointment. She snort and looked away from me and out the window of the car. "Jerk," she muttered.
"Damn kid you should be a bit nicer to your girl ya know," the officer said with a bit of sympathy for Saki.
"Sir," I shot at him. "Don't you start." I have persona that do that to me enough I don't need actual people to make it worse.
The police officer rose his hands in surrender and just cut on the car. "Just promise me you'll at least let her shop to her leisure," the man solicited.
"Don't bother," Saki shot out. "He doesn't care about a girl's feelings."
I glared at Saki and she kept up that façade of being hurt but I could see the ghost of a smile on her lips. "I do care about a girl's feelings," I claimed with my arms crossed over my chest.
I looked out the window and saw a flash of her face for a moment. She was the one that made me take martial arts seriously. I've only get one girl in my life get close to me. I only let one single girl out of the millions in this world take hold of my heart. I would've given everything to her. I would stare into her red eyes and fall into that red ocean with ease. She was older than me by a few years, an orphan, and little to nothing going for her as far so the rich caste was concerned, but I didn't care. I have only one memento of her and I'd die to keep it with me. My mistake will follow me. One I won't make ever again.
I fiddled with the beads under my sleeve a bit and shook my head. "Anyway let's go. The sooner we finish the better."
"Sure," the police officer said and pulled out from the side of the street. "Take your time I'll be waiting at the car." I'm curious to notice he didn't mention what happened at Junes but left it at that. Not even Saki knows and best I keep it that away. The less people who know the better.
I pulled out my phone a bit and scrolled down to the number Chie gave me. I bit my lip for a moment before sending her a small text. I sent it I'm moments and went back to my window watching.
We reached the store in little to no time. With traffic I'm pretty sure if we walked we would've reached the store at the same time. "Alright you two I'll be waiting here. Take your time," the officer grinned at us.
"Thanks," I said blankly and climbed out of the car with my sword in hand and bag hanging off my shoulder.
Saki stood up out of the car as well and fiddled with the armor set in her hands. She needs a bag for that stuff. I'll have to get her something. I walked up to her as she fiddled with it and opened my book bag. I forgo my labtop and most of my books today so I've plenty of room to spare. I caught a couple of the pieces and placed them in my bag and grabbed the rest from her hands to keep them free. She blinked at me in shock at my gesture and smiled. "Thank you."
"No problem." I put my sword on my back and rolled her outfit under my arm to carry it smoothly. It's a bit heavy. "Let's do this."
"Right," she nodded and followed me in. We passed by a couple policemen and added security guards in the area. Saki stuck close to me. "Narukami if they find…"
"Shh," I shut her up swiftly and kept walking to the electronics department. I know that if they find the sword I have on my back this will get complicated and fast. I past a couple more police men without paying them any mind at the televisions came into view.
"Hey you!" I heard from the distance. It was for sure directed towards me.
"Narukami," Saki tensed against me. I remained silent and kept moving to the department. I turned to the televisions and threw my sword through the television just as a man came speeding over the corner glaring at us both.
"Shit," I groaned at the face I saw. "Mr. Bad cop?" I greeted the man that played bad cop during my interrogation. He stomped up to me and Saki stood quietly behind me. I met the man half way and look him in the eye since I'm actually a bit taller than him. I love the fact I've got a dad that's like 6 feet 4 inches. Gotta love genetics and towering over most of the native Japanese people I live around.
"What are you doing here kid," the man growled I guess a bit heated from being told off by me on multiple counts.
"I'm here minding my own business for one," I responded in the same blank tone I used during our interrogation. Good times.
"You little smart ass," the cop growled with his breath smelling of stale coffee and undoubtedly beer. Man probably hasn't brushed his disgusting teeth for days now. "I see you and your accomplice are here enjoying getting away huh?" The man sneered.
"I can neither confirm nor deny that statement sir. Now if you excuse me WE," I stressed hard this time. "Have shopping to do and merchandise to look at." I stepped away from the man and up to Saki. "Let's go," I presented her my hand and she took it easily. The man didn't stop us as we walked away to explore the department and made our way out of it to the clothing department instead.
"You know that guy," Saki asked.
"Not personally but I did have to deal with him during my interrogation. He thought I was the one that kidnapped you and tried to squeeze a confession out of me. He failed."
"But not before you mocked him I bet," she assumed and I just shrugged. I'm that transparent I will admit. "What are we going to do? He might be watching us."
I know he's watching us which means we need another way in under his sight. I thought of alternative ways in and remembered a large screen in the clothing section for advertisement. With the large assortment of clothes and racks of clothes we could slip into one with ease without being discovered.
"Let's go look at some clothes," I proclaimed to ensure a couple of the people around me could hear.
"What, we're going shop…" I winked at Saki and she smiled at me once she understood. "That sounds great. I need a new blouse or maybe a new pair of shoes you could get me."
"No problem," I said to keep the character of a boyfriend desiring to make his girlfriend happy. Saki squeezed my hand a bit tighter and leaned into me with a bright smile on her lips. I grinned as well and we kept walking on. She's good. Really good. She must've played this part a lot before I came. Well I'm happy my right hand girl is so capable.
I lead her through the motions as she "shopped" around the clothes sections and progressively led up to the screen. I looked around and we were in the clear. I placed a hand on the screen and waited. A minute later the screen began to swirl and I waved Saki down. She quickly moved to my side and wrapped her arms around mine. I waited for that one moments the cameras were off us then pulled us both into the world with ease.
04/17 The Shadow world
"AH!" I grit my teeth as I hit the ground hard into the misty area. I landed on my back after falling down from the portal. It's a bit reminiscent to the first time I entered the television. I was falling then and hit the ground just like this the first time. Now that I think of it the later times I've walked into this world it was a simple step in and step out. Literally walking in and out. None of this fall crap. Maybe it's because this was a new screen I've entered through. I need new ways to get here still now that I think of it. One at school would be nice that way I don't have to journey to that damn store every time.
"Ahhh!"
"What the Fuuuuaahhh!" I gasped at my body arced upward with my chest and feet coming up before falling straight back down. Saki grit her teeth as she leaned up off of me and rubbed her shoulder. She literally landed on top of me so didn't suffer injury.
"Narukami," she looked down at me through the fog. "Are you okay?"
I looked down to the fact she was straddling me and with her face not too far from my own. This isn't how I pictured our first elopement but it'll do. "I'm just fine," I said nonchalantly as she leaned further back and placed a comfortable weight on my waist.
"That's good. Sorry about landing on you," she said genuinely concerned for me. She stood up to her feet and wiped down her knees and skirt. I climbed up to my feet and gathered the pieces of her battle dress to put under my arms again. I reached into my bag and picked out my glasses and slid them on. "Nice glasses," she said as she tilted her head a bit. "I didn't know you had a sense of fashion," she joked.
"I do when I have to." I looked around the area now clear of fog and free of shadows. I've wandered around this area before and this is part of the Junes store we happened to fall from but I think closer to what was the Television station. The Junes store is in pieces with the electronics department being the back stage of a studio close to the distorted shopping center.
I need to start drawing out a map to help me with his. We happened to be in a room with a photo of a man on it that looked familiar. I was a trucker uniform to the side and the home was a bit cluttered and a mess. Someone that's confused and uncertain of his life must live here. I've noticed that this world reflects the other with ease and the people in it.
"This way," I said and walked out the room.
"Okay," Saki muttered and quickly took to my side. She looked around a bit and her eyes frantically shot from one corner to the next.
"Calm down Konishi," I said with a soft tone.
"I-I'm calm," she said with a shaky voice.
"No you're not," I stated. "I can sense your fear and uncertainty. You need to calm down or you'll attract shadows Konishi."
"How do you even know that," she challenged and I sighed.
"Because I've been in here much longer than you. The shadows are drawn to emotions, both the positive and negative. The ones that attack us are drawn to emotions of anger, anxiety, guilt, embarrassment, and a few more I'm feeling from you right now." I can see the colors of each and coded them accordingly with the assistance of Calliope during the quieter moments between conflicts.
"H-How can you know any of this?" She questioned as she drew a bit closer to me. I passed her armor to her a moment later with a frown on my lips.
"We're in a house. Get suited up in a room," I said ignoring her questioned. I past by her as I handed her the remaining pieces of her Battle Dress and War Boots.
"Ah, sure." She took everything in hand. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yeah. If you need help I can assist you," I suggested.
Saki gave me a sour look. "Yeah so you can get a free peek huh?"
I rose a brow at her and simply said "No." I sat down on the table in this house with my arms crossed and waited for her to get going. "While I wouldn't mind time if of the essence right now. So if you don't mind," I pointed to the room door.
Saki huffed and walked off into random room to get suited up. In little to no time she returned and I smiled inwardly at her.
It was more like a battle kimono than anything. The top portion of the kimono is white and I'm sure stopped at her waist at most. It would only cover her chest and upper portion of her shoulders and sleeveless. She wore red sleeves the started up from her black fingerless gloved hands to the shoulders and down her back past her waist like a skirt. Maybe those are separate pieces. I'm not sure.
A black leather corset of sorts was around her stomach with metal plated inserts in on the sides and back for support with it two falling past her waist down as far as her skirt does around mid-thigh. It broke into four parts with metal support for the front at the groin, the sides of her legs, and finally her rear. A blue obi was wrapped around her waist to keep it together. On her arms are those Kevlar braces and pads for her shoulders leading up to a black leather collar up top. Her legs though… those are metal leggings trailing down her thighs and down to her boots. Her black boots are reinforced with shin guards and plate like braces around them.
Around her neck in noticed something familiar from the past. A blue and yellow starred handkerchief. She still has that thing? Must mean something to her. It looks a bit loose on her neck though. Overall she looks ready to beat the hell out of something.
"So," she said impatiently. "How's it look?" She twirled around and I watched at the skirt barely moved. It's tight to the body and won't hinder her movements much.
"It's very anime-esque, but I like it," I responded then kicked off the table. Saki rolled her eyes at me but smiled a bit. I took her uniform in hand and tucked it into my pack. "Let's get going. Stay close to me," I advised. "And remember to control your emotions. Intense ones may draw shadows we don't want to fight." Fear and desperation drew in that damn Reaper that's for sure. I haven't felt it lately being why I've yet to cross its path again.
"I'll try," she said. I can accept that. Unlike me who doesn't even care enough for feelings and a bit experienced, Saki is still green.
"I'll protect you if you protect me. Agreed?" I held up my hand to her. Saki reached for it and with a strong smile.
"Agreed."
With that I pushed through the door out the house into the fog filled streets of Inaba. I say this because Saki complained about it. She stayed close to me as we wandered deeper into the world. I took her hand in my own and she didn't fight this. I could feel her negative emotions and any shadow looming in the fog could as well. The shadow people in the buildings around us stared down upon us but more accurately Saki. She was drawing them in whether intentional or not. When I took her hand though she calmed down a lot more.
It took some time to hear the clank of our feet on metal but the studio came into view in no time for me. I saw Teddie doing something near my table. Once I passed the first railing the bear quickly shot around. He recognized me with ease and waved at me. "Tatsujin," he called out and trot up to me.
"Hey Kuma," I pat the bear over the head.
Teddie grinned at me. He blinked at me then leaned over and spotted Saki. "Hello again beautiful," the bear announced and waved at her next.
Saki walked up to the bear and studied it a bit. She reached up and placed her hand on top his head right between the eyes. "Soft," she muttered and I looked away with my hand over my mouth. "Hey there, ah…"
"You can call me Teddie or Kuma if you'd like. For you though go ahead and call me Ted," the bear flirted quick openly with Saki.
"Oh, okay then Ted." Saki leaned back up and narrowed her eyes around the studio. "Did things changed here," she asked while struggling to peer through the fog.
"Yeah a bit," I admitted. "Kuma can you get those glasses for Saki please?"
"It'd be my pleasure," he said proudly and reached behind him. "Taadaa," and like magic a pair of glasses appeared in his paw. He presented them to Saki and she looked down at them. The top portion of the skinny frame was dark navy blue and the bottom was a golden yellow almost. Most of it was golden but not the bright kind. It was duller than that with a purple line running along the sides after the multicolored stripes.
"What are these," Saki asked.
"Those are special glasses I made just for you my beautiful battle maiden," Kuma pointed out. "Those will help you see through the fog."
"Really," Saki perked up then slid them on overhead eyes. She blinked and looked around. "Wow this is much better." Saki smiled down at the bear. "Thank you Ted."
"Heehee," the bear tittered from embearessment… Oh man I did not just do that.
"What's that," she pointed up at my weapons table and then a small wardrobe closet that's a bit new.
"That's a weapons bench for Tatsujin and finally a wardrobe that I made for the different clothes he'd bring back."
I smiled and pat the bear's head. "Thanks Teddie." With all the time he has on his hands I'm happy he's making himself useful in such practical ways. I walked up to my wardrobe and pulled it open too… "Is this an entire walk-in closet?
"Yep!" Teddie trot up to me. "This way you can store any number of clothes or sets of armor you bring here or come across." I looked into the near empty space then out the side. This thing is a simple wardrobe that's about seven feet up, three feet wide, and four feet out. How did he manage this and what else can this bear make?
"Teddie you're the freaking best!" I genuinely smiled down at the bear. His cheeks turned a deeper red and didn't even dwell on the science behind how that can work.
"Thanks, but I couldn't make it so you could change inside. I tried but couldn't find the materials to make it work.
"Wait, there's plenty of room to change though. I can walk in," I countered.
"Yeah but apparently the closet doesn't like it when people change in it. I tried and it kicked me out."
"I… What?"
"Yeah the shadows I've used to fashion it doesn't like it and kicks out anyone that tries."
"You made this from shadows?" I'm not sure how to feel about this at all. Like how does that even work?
"Yeah. How do you think I make things here?" Teddie asked and for the life of me I couldn't come up with an answer.
I thought on it and the more I thought on it the more this made sense. I mean the bear has nothing here in the way of materials and I've cut into one building only for it to burst into inky black mess. So the construction and buildings are shadows themselves. Man that puts a whole new spin on the saying "The walls have eyes" and probably ears too.
"So I have to change out here," I stated and shrugged. "Whatever," I've been doing that anyway. I walked into the closet the picked out one of three. I have my riot suit from the television station, some sort of Jedi robe thing as well with metal reinforcements from the circus I got after taking down that damn jester, and lastly from the second level of the circus. It was like American battle armor. Interceptor armor I believe but now a days it's obsolete. I took up the snow MARPAT from a hanger and the vest in hand with its armored leggings as well. I walked out while kicking out the boots placed them on my table.
"Camouflage," Saki asked as I pulled my blazer off. "Wait, are you undressing right now!?"
"Do you want the truth or an answer that'll help you sleep at night," I answered evenly. I pulled my belt up and undid my pants on top of this.
"What the hell!"
I leaned out of the way of a potential slap to my face when I was moments from dropping my pants. "Well I don't have anywhere else undress so either turn around, leave, or watch me drop-trou. I don't care which," I told her and went back to my undressing. Saki clicked her tongue and turned around but I did catch the way she flushed at the thought of watching.
With her silently permission I kept going. I removed everything except my boxers and finally grabbed my green shirt first. I pulled on my black socks and then my trousers. I buttoned it up and grabbed a back rigger's belt for the seven loops on my trousers.
I grabbed my blouse next with my name on my chest on the right side and the key of the Velvet Room on the left pockets. I didn't question how this happened. It'd hurt my head. I slipped on my black boots then grabbed blue bands from my ankles and bloused my boots so the excess fabric of the trousers wouldn't past the second set of crossed over laces. I grabbed my vest and slipped it one with ease. I pat the plates in the vest and clipped the neck guard. Lastly I pulled my black beanie over my hair and stood ready to go.
"Ready," I pat myself down then looked around a bit. "Kuma my sword?"
"Here you go," he rose it up suddenly appearing to my left and nearly scaring the hell out of me. He indeed was holding my sword by the sheath and without the bag. I reached down and took it from his paws.
"Thanks." I tied it down to my hip at my belt and nodded to him. "You ready Saki," I asked her and she didn't answer. Instead she just nodded her head silently.
"She watched you for… gah!" Ted shot to the side away from me and bounced along the floor. In his place was a foot that kicked him hard enough to send him flying.
"Shut up bear," Saki yelled.
I walked up to the bear and helped him up to his feet. "Sorry about that Kuma. She's a bit antsy at times." I poked my cheek. The same one she slapped yesterday.
"Yeah," he grunted. "Cat's got claws."
I snort and stood back up. "Alright we're about to head out. Do me a favor Teddie an stay vigilant. If anyone falls in tell them to stay put."
"C-can I come with you sensei," the bear asked with those pleading eyes of his.
"Tell you what. If we need to save another girl you can come with me from start to finish. For now Saki and I need to handle this ourselves." Kuma looked down in sorrow at being left behind by me. I frowned and pat his head. Kuma so far has been nothing but nice and extremely beneficial towards my explorations so far. This would all be harder if not for him, and I don't wish to disappoint him.
"Alright. Hopefully it's a princess with a dragon," he joked lightly.
"More princess, less dragon." I muttered and he nodded. "Alright. You ready Konishi?"
"Yeah, whatever," she said blankly.
I walked past her to leave and with ease she followed after me. "Good luck Tatsujin! Battle Maiden!"
"Thanks Kuma!" I waved at the bear as we walked out the studio. In my pockets I had my music player and phone and my bag with my medicine, a couple drinks, and the bread on me.
Saki remained silent as we walked through the town. I didn't mind and it made navigating much easier without the distraction. I rose my music player up and put the headphones over my ears. I turned it on and static met me like usual same with the whispers. I turned the first song on my J-pop play list and sighed. "True freaking Story." By the one teen pop star Risette or something like that. I'll admit that she's pretty hot but never openly. I sort of like Kanamin a bit more. She's one of the rising stars and has pretty good… assets.
"I wasn't watching you," Saki grumbled and I hummed with little care. "You don't even care do you?"
"No. It is what it is. It's not like I have something to hide like a nasty scar or birth mark. Look away if it please you."
Saki snickered a bit. "You're impossible."
"Not really," I said thinking back to the words of the group in the Velvet Room. I'm down to four persona now, not including Calliope.
'Lilim," I thought and the little devil appeared on my shoulders. Her arms wrapped around my neck and she purred in my ear. "Here," she whispered before fading away back into my soul.
'Valkyrie,' I thought noticed and heard the clang of hooves on the stone road. I glanced to my left and saw her atop her horse with her lances up and ready for battle. She nodded to me and I returned it before she faded away as well.
'Yaksini,' I thought and heard the sound of swords sliding across each other eagerly. I glanced to my right and saw her walking right next to Saki but focused on the battle to come. Her beautiful visage shined from her near naked form to the pride shown in her walk. She nodded towards me then faded once I acknowledged her.
'Archangel,' came last as his metal armor clad form flew above me and he shifted in front of me. His shine sword was in hand as in his eyes I could see the shine from the persona I fused to make him within. Senri is still with me it seems same with the others lost to the fusion. Archangel rose up his sword as the light of divinity surrounded him before fading away.
I've room for two more and I'm a bit curious of what I might find deeper in the Circus of Values.
We approached the Circus and Saki's expression grew exasperated.
"That's idiot created a circus?"
"The shadows within are anything but funny. Be ready because once we past that spiral portal," I pointed to where the time distortion begins. "They'll be on us. We need to be careful. Are you ready?"
"Uh, sure. If this is actually serious." She didn't seem to take this seriously, but she'll see.
We walked into the field and right off the back had a long path way like that of a tent with red curtains revealing the rooms to use. I gripped my sword and walked forward as Saki followed with cautious eyes.
"This isn't so bad," she muttered as well reached the first bit of stares up to the next floor of the labyrinth. We hadn't see any shadows the first level mainly because of me. I'm stronger than most of them on the first level but the second level has a few that I need to be wary off.
"ROWWWAAH!" I heard along with the sound of a dragging chain and something heavy being dragged.
"What's that!?" Saki looked around and I remained still at this crossroads he found ourselves in. I stepped back behind Saki and it appeared from above. The lion shadow with a ball and chain attached to its collar. "What the hell!"
"Get ready," I stood to her side but still behind her as the lion growled at us. It glared hatefully at Saki and growled. I'm not faster than this thing with my current persona equipped but Saki is different.
"Use your persona!" I suggested firmly but she stood back reeking of fear. The Enslaved Beast took advantage and pounced at her. Saki screamed as it landed on top of her slamming her to the ground.
I drew my sword and rose my hand just as it was about to bite into her. "Archangel!" I said as the card for the Justice Arcana came into being above my hand. I clenched my hand into a fist breaking the card. Archangel appeared with light shining and illumination us all in the area. The Enslaved Beast stopped mid strike and turned its attention towards me. I rose my sword towards it and Archangel mirrored.
"Agilao," I commanded and the angel of war lit up the beast in a blast of fire. The lion shadow roared in agony as it was knocked back and down'd next to Saki. I rose my hand once more and the same card appeared. "Hama," I said and the Archangel rose his shining sword. The golden white cards that I remember well from my run in with Saki's shadow surrounded the struggling beast until the light encased it fading it into nothing. Erased utterly and completely as if it never existed.
I sighed and left my hand fall and sheath my sword. Saki slowly rose to her shaky knees and hugged herself for comfort. She froze and showed fear like I expected. Sad part is that shadow may be one of the most intimidating in the way of ferocious appearance, but it's nothing compared to the strength or presence of the monsters further in.
"So," I said as I stood in front of her. "Are you sure you're ready?" I asked with my arms crossed.