Disclaimer: There are mentions of rape and abuse in this chapter. I apologize if this cause any unwanted triggers in any of the readers.
Take your time
"Guess who." I teased.
My hands covered the eyes of my second favorite male. A chuckle escaped his lips.
"Judging by how far back I'm being pulled from the height difference, I'm guessing my assailant is Homura Kurusu."
I giggled, removing my hands and letting him turn around.
"It's been forever, Goro Akechi."
"Indeed it has." He smiled charmingly, brown hair framing his face nicely.
Goro had grown from the gangly, messy-haired child I'd met at the playground.
That lonely boy would sit on the bench and watch the other children playing, never engaging any of them. One day I decided to forgo playing with Akira to speak with the strange boy, as if something pulled me to him.
I was such an awkward child at that point that the conversation didn't go well. Goro would've run for the hills if Akira hadn't intervened and pleaded my case. Goro was hesitant, but warmed up to us after an entire day of playing.
We were three peas in a pod from that day on.
"It's unfortunate that Akira couldn't join us." Goro's disappointed voice drew me out of my reverie.
"He was drained from school and decided to go straight home. Maybe you two can hang another day." I adjusted my bag and stepped closer to him, shrinking from the influx of people scrambling for the trains.
I had decided to meet up with Goro at Shibuya as soon as school ended.
This outing was exactly what I needed after the bombshell Morgana dropped on us. It showed up in the real world as an actual cat and gave us a solution to our "Kamoshida Problem". The solution involved the Metaverse and had the possibility of killing the gym teacher because a person couldn't live without desires.
Freaking cat.
I didn't want murderer added to my record…but Kamoshida needed to be stopped…
What a choice the cat left us.
"I see…so school life isn't going well for the two of you, I take it?"
"No. Somehow everyone knew about our records…things have been dicey with the students and teachers." I shared with a mild frown.
I experienced my first instance of bullying at the volleyball rally.
A couple of third year girls cornered me in the locker room and "urged" me to stay away from their boyfriends. They wouldn't stand for a tramp like me whoring myself out to the third years.
I wanted to hurt those girls so bad, but I would've been immediately expelled. I couldn't solve my problems with violence.
"That's not possible, your record is private information." Goro held his chin in his hand, losing himself in thought and muttering. "Unless someone leaked it…but who would do that?"
"Hey, hey! I came here to escape my problems, not dwell in them." I whined and began tugging on Goro's school blazer. "Take me somewhere fun, Detective Prince!"
His cheeks turned bright pink. "Ah, haha…you've seen me on television?"
"I sure have. Akira and I managed to catch a rerun the other day and we nearly died from how fanatical your fangirls are." I giggled unapologetically behind my hands at the memory.
The fangirls were so over-the-top with their t-shirts and posters.
"That's all you got out of it? How unflattering." Goro's visage darkened and his maroon eyes dulled. "I'll have to speak to the producers about being more selective with the audience."
Taking pity on the dejected boy, I poked his cheek playfully. "I'm kidding, you were wonderfully eloquent and informative. The streets of Tokyo are much safer with you on the job, Goro."
He paused his pity-party for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. The expression quickly morphed into pleased embarrassment though as he chuckled.
"Thank you, Homura. That means a lot coming from you."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you're the star performer. All those plays and musicals you told me about must have required arduous work. Compared to you, I am quite the beginner."
"Does that make me your sempai?" I quipped, twirling a strand of hair around my finger.
Goro's eyes twinkled.
"I suppose it does. Now where would sempai like me to take her?" He extended his arm out of politeness and so we wouldn't get separated in the bustling crowd. I looped my arm through his and dramatically gestured ahead.
"Escort your master to a restaurant!"
"Homura, please don't say things like that in public. People will get the wrong idea." He reprimanded me with a tight smile that hid his rising irritation.
I huffed, tilting my chin up and imperiously commanded him. "Quiet fledgling, your master didn't give you permission to speak!"
He sighed. "Will you at least go back to the sempai moniker?"
"No."
Goro led me to an upscale restaurant that he frequented. He chose this place after vehemently turning down my suggestion of Big Bang Burger since it was near and cheap. I didn't understand why he detested the place so much.
We were seated at a secluded table in the back, far from the prying eyes of the other rich, snobby patrons. I felt nervous and fidgeted in my seat while Goro looked perfectly at ease, arranging his silverware to his liking and placing a napkin in his lap.
"You must come here often if you're not bothered by this atmosphere." I peaked over my menu, spotting some adults muttering about us.
"I do. I enjoy trying different dishes at the restaurants my coworkers suggest. This place happens to be a favorite of mine and the staff are very accommodating." He set his menu down and glanced worriedly at me. "But we can go somewhere else if you're uncomfortable."
"No, no. This is fine." I turned him down, forcing myself to relax and enjoy spending time with my best friend. "You're such a charmer, bringing me to a place like this. Is this where you bring all your girls?"
Goro didn't miss a beat and easily replied. "Actually, you're the first girl I've brought here."
The admission caused a flutter in my stomach.
A waiter approached the table and took our orders. As we waited for our food, Goro and I talked mindlessly.
He told me about his move to Tokyo for high school and subsequent job success within the police force. The position started as an internship due to his good standing at school and developed into a full-time job once he proved himself a capable detective.
I insisted that Goro had to show me his office one day. The request wasn't outright denied, the detective wasn't sure if his superiors would be alright with it, but he'd ask about since I was so interested.
The arrival of our food put a hold on Goro's tale of a previous bust.
The food looked exquisite, as expected from the price of the dish. Goro's genuine laughter at my starry-eyed expression earned him an adorable pout from me. It wasn't my fault that my parents didn't treat their kids to fancy dinners.
The last time we went out to dinner as a family was after Akira and I got into our previous high school. Our parents were shocked that I got in as well and decided a celebration was necessary.
I couldn't very well end up in a different school than my twin so I actually studied for the entrance exams. Astonishing, what a little extra effort could get me.
"That was amazing…Akira is lucky I'm bringing him some." I gushed, on cloud-nine as we walked the streets.
It was getting late. I needed to get back to Leblanc soon or Mr. Sakura would have a cow.
Goro stopped walking and I turned to see what the issue was. He blankly stared at the ground.
"Your living situation…it's up to standards, right? You two aren't being mistreated, are you?" He looked up, jaw clenched and red eyes holding back pain.
Oh, Goro.
He took my silence as confirmation when it was really a moment of empathy. "I can look into getting your living situation changed. It might take some time, but I'll see it through."
I grasped his arm to stop his diatribe. "We may live in an attic, but it's fine. And Mr. Sakura is gruff, but not unkind."
Our lives took a turn, but our home life was nothing like Goro's experience in foster care…he never really talked about that…or his mother...
Instead, the stories I'd read online about foster life made me want to hug him and never let go.
Goro tentatively held my hand. "That's…reassuring. Don't hesitate to say something if things ever get out of hand."
This had gotten too real. Teenagers shouldn't be worrying about these things.
"I promise you'll be the first person I run to for help, Detective Prince." I joked. Goro sputtered from the abrupt mood change. "You should come up with your own theme song. I could help you with that if you want. Singing is one of my talents as a performer."
"It sounds like you're trying to turn me into some tv character." He fussed.
I grinned, nodding to myself. "That's not a bad thing. You're pretty enough to star in a mystery show. Think about it. Ratings would be through the roof for 'Detective Prince: Goro Akechi'."
My words were having the opposite effect on Goro. He blanched like I'd told him something gross.
"Why are you making that face?! I'm giving you gold here, buddy." I tugged harder on his coat.
"Let me escort you home. It's getting dark and a girl like you shouldn't be walking home alone." Goro treated my tugging like it was nothing and walked forward with me trailing behind him.
Why was he brushing off my awesome idea?!
"Isn't this inconvenient? I'll be okay on my own." I walked faster to keep pace with his longer strides.
He smiled kindly. "Don't worry. I live a few stops away from the cafe, it's not out of my way. Besides, I want to, Homura."
"O-Okay."
Having a crush on my best friend was a weird experience. Even more so now because I was interacting with Goro in person and not through a phone.
It was like getting to know him all over again…damn hormones.
We got on the train and huddled together near the doors where there was space. I used this time to text Akira and tell him I was on my way with dinner for him if he was hungry. He responded after a few minutes.
Big Brother: I knew you loved me, sis. I'm famished.
Big Brother: I ran into Ann Takamaki after I got off the train. We ended up going to a cafe for drinks.
I nearly squealed in shock. Akira went on a date with the girl that kinda disliked us?!
She'd confronted us after the volleyball match and was pretty hostile about us messing with Kamoshida. Her attitude changed my mind about approaching her.
At the very least, I wanted to know what her relationship with the gym teacher was since the man saw her as a sex icon. I assumed the relationship was a forced one…maybe I was wrong since she was so defensive about him.
"Is something wrong?" Goro curiously stole a glance at my phone.
"N-Nothing at all. Just my brother flirting with girls and going on dates." I vigorously shook my head.
"W-What?" That managed to shock Goro. He coughed and regained his composure. "I suppose he is at that age…"
The detective tilted his head down, shaggy hair hiding most his face. "Are you…have you gone on any dates?"
There goes that funny feeling in my stomach again.
"No, unless you count our dinner."
He softly sighed, head rearing back up and his lips tugged up in a radiant grin. I swore I could see sparkles circulating around him.
What the hell?!
"That's good to hear. As Akira's good friend, it's my responsibility to keep any unsavory boys away from you when he's not available." He said with a nod.
"Thanks, Goro. Good looking out." I deadpanned and returned to texting on my phone. He was taken back by my shortness.
That wasn't the answer I hoping for.
Homura Kurusu: What made her talk to you? She was pretty gung-ho about our plans for Kamoshida failing.
Big Brother: Kamoshida has been pressuring her for sex. I overheard her talking on the phone to him and she broke down after I confronted her. That's why we were at the cafe.
Homura Kurusu: That sick asshole! I knew he was a full-blown predator!
Homura Kurusu: This makes me so mad! :( I feel like pulling a Ryuji and punching something.
Big Brother: I hear you. Something has to be done about that man.
I slid the phone back into my blazer as the train arrived at Yongen-Jaya. We exited in silence and I led Goro to Leblanc.
"So this is where you stay." He admired the coffee shop.
The sign had been flipped to closed, though the store lights were still on. The old man was most likely waiting on me.
"Feel free to stop by for coffee one day or to visit us. I'm sure Mr. Sakura won't object to us having company over." I offered and the detective promised to come visit. "Thanks for dinner. I had fun."
I moved to enter Leblanc, only to stop and face Goro when he called my name.
"I have something for you."
"What? Really?!" I stood in front of him, waiting with baited breath as he dug in his bag for the item.
"I thought long and hard about your welcoming gift and I decided that this was perfect for you." Goro held an odd stuffed animal out to me.
The "bear" was dressed in a red and white suit and had blue fur. I gingerly took the gift from him and eyed the animal's dopey smile with disinterest.
"That bear is a limited edition toy called 'Teddie'. He's a little odd at first glance, but he's one of a kind, just like you, Homura. I hope you like it. I felt a normal stuffed animal wouldn't suit you."
My eye twitched.
A part of me wanted to scream how uncute this bear was and that Goro had terrible taste on par with my dad when he tried to buy me something he thought was cute.
However, the apprehensiveness in his smile and his heartfelt reasoning won out and instead of sharing my real thoughts, I hugged Goro and profusely thanked him for the gift.
He tensed from the sudden contact. I could hear how fast his heart was beating.
"I-I'm glad you like it so much…" Goro awkwardly returned the hug, as if he'd forgotten how.
I laughed into his chest from how mortified the boy was from a little show of affection. My laugh was tinged with a little sadness too, on his behalf.
"Homura, you can let go now. People are staring." I held on tighter to him and continued laughing as he flailed about. His hands landed on my shoulders and gently tried to pry me off. "H-Homura! Any of these people could call the police and complain about indecent teenagers in the street."
I reluctantly let go.
"Party pooper."
The detective ran his hand through his hair and readjusted his blazer, recomposing himself. The effort would have worked if his cheeks weren't so pink.
Yeah, I did that. I flustered the great Goro Akechi.
"Good night, Homura. I'll see you soon." He waved goodbye to me as I entered Leblanc.
The bell chime signaled my arrival and Mr. Sakura looked up from the crossword puzzle he was working on. He scowled at me.
"You're later than Akira. Where have you been?"
I crossed my arms and blatantly fibbed. "The Red-Light District."
The old man choked on air and dropped his crossword puzzle.
His glasses almost fell off from how fast he sprung out his seat. "Don't gimme a lie like that! What goes through your head, girl?! You do know you're on probation for underage prostitution? You shouldn't joke around like that."
"That I enjoy sending old people's blood pressures through the roof." I cheekily brushed my hair behind my shoulder.
People had already begun to think the worst about me. What was the difference if one more person did?
"You're a sadistic, little brat." Mr. Sakura rubbed his forehead. "I already explained this to your brother so I'll stress this even more with you. Stay away from any bad influences. Your life's already in ruins, don't make it worse by having destructive friends."
"Yes, Mr. Sakura. I understand." I droned.
"Just Sojiro will do. And next time don't stroll in here so late. Have some consideration for how I have to stay up here waiting for you." He grumbled.
First names, eh?
Sojiro tugged off his apron and put it behind the counter before leaving the cafe with a stern "behave" thrown my way. I went into the kitchen and warmed Akira's food up.
When I got upstairs, my brother was comfortably lounging in his bed. He sat up and greeted me.
"What was with the yelling? You didn't get in trouble, did you?"
I set my bag on the couch and handed the container to him.
"I got chewed out for being late, that's all."
"Alright. I don't see why he yelled at you…well you did get here an hour after me…" The rest of Akira's sentence went unsaid as he drooled from the aroma wafting in his nose from opening the container. "This looks great."
"I know and it's as good as it looks."
It was cute to see Akira react the same way I had, it proved how similar we were.
"I bet you were on cloud-nine from the combination of good food and Goro." Akira teased in between bites. "This must have been really pricey." He mumbled pensively.
"It was." I acknowledged.
"You didn't make him pay for my portion too, did you?"
"No. I used the money we earned from the Metaverse. I'm not a complete brat, you know."
"Yeah, I know. Maybe only seventy-five percent of the time."
"Maybe I should've let you starve."
"I love you, sis." Akira beamed angelically.
"I don't love you right now, bro." I fired back an equally sweet smile, dripping with hidden malice.
"Harsh…" He finished eating and thanked me for the food.
His phone went off as he got up to dispose of the trash.
I hunkered down on the couched started doing my homework while Akira typed away on his phone.
"Do you think Kamoshida deserves to die?" Akira broke the silence with a heavy question.
The lead broke on my pencil as my hand swerved.
I swallowed anxiously. I knew what my answer was and I knew Akira wouldn't like it.
"Yes." I whispered.
As I expected his face twisted with displeasure and he gripped his phone harder.
"He's done repugnant things to many people and he's utterly unapologetic about it. At the rate Kamoshida's going, it won't be long before he crosses another line."
And I had a more personal reason for wishing him ill. That man, or a darker part of him tried to violate me in the Palace.
The Shadow was a reflection of Kamoshida that he didn't want anyone to see…that meant he was willing to force himself on someone.
What if…what if he'd done that to someone already?
"I understand everything you're saying and a part of me agrees with your reasoning…" Akira took off his glasses and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "But, it's still someone's life we're talking about…what right do we have to take it away? We'd be doing something wrong to stop someone else from doing wrong. Does that make us any better?"
I had no right answer to his questions.
Any answer I gave would be childish or selfish. I couldn't reflect and analyze as deeply as my brother.
Akira exhaled deeply before chuckling. "Stealing Kamoshida's desires…can we really do it?"
"We'll find out soon enough."
Take your time
"That hurts!" The blue-haired boy whimpered from Ryuji shoving him against the wall.
Mishima cowered as the three of us cornered him.
Things had gotten out of hand. A girl tried to commit suicide!
"Why'd you run like that? Huh?!" Ryuji demanded.
Akira had to grab ahold of his shoulder to prevent the delinquent from shouting in Mishima's face.
"I didn't run…" He weakly denied.
Mishima's behavior riled Ryuji up more. It took both Akira and I holding on to his arm to stop him from taking his misplaced anger out on the volleyball player.
"Suzui jumped and tried to kill herself!" He raged in our arms.
The volleyball player slammed his fists against his head and fervently shook his head.
"L-Leave me alone…" He squinted away tears.
I yanked Ryuji back and told him to cool off. He chilled out and focused on his breathing while Akira took the lead and approached the bruised, sobbing boy.
"Mishima, if you know anything at all, please tell us. Tell us so something like this won't ever happen again." My brother implored softly.
The gentler approach worked better than intimidation and the boy got his crying under control.
"We're not doing this to hurt you. We just need answers." I added and then nudged Ryuji.
He groaned and scratched his head, mildly apologetic for his behavior. "Hey man, we ain't tryin' to get you busted. We won't say you talked either."
The encouragement got through to Mishima.
"Suzui…" He muttered before breaking down into a fresh batch of tears. "She was called out by Mr. Kamoshida!"
The confession shocked the three of us.
Words spilled like water from Mishima's lips as he shared his secret. "I was called by him a number of times too…to the teacher's room. It wasn't just me or Suzui either. He'd nominate someone when he was in a bad mood…and hit them."
"Another bombshell…" I covered my face.
Line after line. This man held no regard for the students.
"So the physical punishment thing was for real." Ryuji spat hatefully.
"Yesterday, he called Suzui out of the blue. She didn't make any mistakes or anything…Mr. Kamoshida seemed really irritated that day so it must've been…worse than usual…"
"He didn't?!" A hand latched on to my unoccupied one.
I removed my hand from my face and glanced down. Akira had grabbed onto me and was deathly pale.
"I caused this…"He said so lightly that I almost didn't catch it.
I ignored Ryuji's loud expletive and the abrupt exit of him and Mishima, focusing primarily on my petrified brother.
I made him look me in the eye before speaking. "Of course you didn't. Don't be stupid, Akira."
"Yes, I did." He insisted. "I told Ann not to go to Kamoshida's apartment. He must've called Suzui to…"
The word "rape" lingered in the air uncomfortably. My stomach dropped.
"He did that to Suzui to get back at Ann…a-and I caused this…" Akira trembled with guilt and his head lowered onto my shoulder. "Why would he do this?"
"Bro…" I held his head and rubbed soothing circles on his back. "You listen to me, Akira Kurusu. This is no one's fault but Kamoshida's. Don't you dare blame yourself."
How many girls had that man defiled? How many boys had he injured?
Kamoshida was a monster!
"Umm, excuse me." Mishima's subdued voice broke us out of our moment. He poked his head into the room. "Sorry. I tried to stop him, but Sakamoto's gone to find Mr. Kamoshida."
"That's not good. With how riled up he is, he's likely to sock the perv in the face."
Akira removed himself from my shoulder.
"We have to catch up to him. Ryuji could get expelled for violence." He aimed his next question at Mishima. "Where's he headed?"
"To the PE faculty office on the second floor."
"Can you take us there?"
Mishima nodded and we followed him.
The students were too busy gossiping about Shiho Suzui's suicide attempt to pay attention to three students running in the hallways. We burst through the PE faculty office just as Ryuji was going off on Kamoshida.
"What are you talking about? I did nothing." Kamoshida dismissed the deliquent with a flippant wave.
"Don't play dumb with me!" Ryuji kicked a chair into the whiteboard with a volleyball play on it. The board tittered and the gym teacher jumped up to stop it from tipping over.
"That is enough!" He roared.
"What you did…" All eyes turned to Mishima. He flinched from the attention, but continued speaking. "Wasn't coaching!"
"What did you say?" The gym teacher glared fiercely at Mishima, who instinctively recoiled and shielded himself by wrapping his arms around his midsection.
How many times had Kamoshida hit Mishima that the boy had a reaction like that?
"You…you ordered me to call Suzui here…I can only imagine what you did to her!"
"You're going on and on about things you have no proof of…" The gym teacher stalked up to our group.
Ryuji and Akira took a step forward, leaving me and Mishima safe in the back from the teacher.
Kamoshida sneered at them and raised his voice to intimidate his target. "Basically, you're simply making these claims because you can't be a regular on the team, right?"
"That's not what this is about!"
"Even if it is exactly as you imagine it to be, hypothetically speaking…what can you do?" The gym teacher's ugly sneer switched to a smug grin. "We just received a call from the hospital. Suzui's in a coma and her chances of recovery are slim…how would someone like that make a statement?" He sighed in fake concern and shook his head. "There's no chance of her getting better, I hear…the poor girl."
"No…that can't be…" Mishima's eyes became misty.
This wasn't right. This man was treating Suzui's actions like they were nothing.
"You goddam bastard!" Ryuji's fist trembled.
Kamoshida scoffed at him.
"This again? Does this mean we need to have yet another case of 'self-defense'? Or maybe I could run with the other story you so graciously supplied?" He taunted a confused Ryuji.
"What are you talking about?!"
"You admitted to talking to Suzui before she attempted suicide." Kamoshida started weaving a fabricated lie to slander Ryuji and cover himself. "Suzui couldn't bear your continuous acts of bullying anymore, that's why she tried to kill herself by jumping off the rooftop. That's what happened."
Ryuji lost his shit. "The hell are you playing at, you son of a bitch?!"
His fist went flying. Akira's arm whipped out to stop him, much to Ryuji's frustration.
"Don't let him get to you. That's a lie that no one will believe." My brother reasoned.
"But still!"
"Don't Ryuji. Forget expulsion, you could end up in jail for assaulting a teacher." My words got through to him and he lowered his fist.
"Oh? You two managed to stop him. What a surprise." The gym teacher's astonishment was fleeting and he went back to arrogantly posturing. "Little good it'll do any of you. Between a couple of problem kids and a star medalist, it's clear who people will believe."
He turned his back on us and casually sat back down. "Everyone present right now…will be expelled. I'm reporting all of you at the next board meeting."
We all loudly protested.
"You can't make a decision like that!" Mishima panicked.
Kamoshida started writing on a piece of paper, disregarding the shout. "Who would seriously consider what scum like you say? You threatened me too, Mishima, so you're just as responsible."
"He did nothing. You have no reason to punish Mishima." Akira at least tried to save one person from the sinking ship.
"You're defending him?" The teacher swiveled in his chair, gaping at my brother. "Are you loose in the head?"
"I know the concept's hard to understand for a guy like you, but some people don't like seeing others get trampled on." I defended Akira.
Kamoshida started laughing for some reason. When the laughter died down, he stared at Mishima like he was trash.
It was unsettling how similar he acted like his Shadow. How did anyone buy that "nice guy" act of his?
"To think you didn't know why I kept someone so talentless as you on the team. You act like you're a victim, but you leaked the twin's criminal records, didn't you? It's all over the internet, correct? How terrible."
"You…" I uttered, turning towards Mishima. Unpleasant feelings of betrayal churned my insides. "It was you that ruined our reputations? You lying, little, snake!"
I'd become the school whore again because of this boy!
It was his fault that I'm considered dirty by the students and staff. I couldn't go anywhere in the school without hearing the whispering and getting looks of disdain.
It drove me up the wall!
"K-Kurusu…" Mishima stuttered, backing away from me and falling to his knees. "I-I'm s-sorry. He told me to do it. I had no choice…"
"Everyone has a choice and you chose wrong." My eyes stung from how emotional I was getting.
"Homura, stop it." Akira rebuked me for my mistreatment of the snake.
Mishima bowed his head and muttered apology after apology to both Akira and I. Kamoshida laughed merrily from the drama he caused.
"Now, are we finished here? You're all expelled and I've got a report to write for the staff meeting." He spun back to his desk, pen scratching against the paper. "You're done for; your futures are mine to take. Now get out of my office."
"I can't believe this asshole's gettin' away with this!" Ryuji bitched, yanking Mishima to his feet and dragging the boy out the office.
We were right behind him.
"He'll eat his words." I vowed with clenched fists, grimacing from the pain originating from the scabs hiding beneath my gloves.
"Let's do it." Akira was on the same wavelength and agreed with me.
"Huh? Do what?"
"The castle." We whispered together.
"Oh right. We have that!" Ryuji grinned ferally.
We were going to steal Kamoshida's desires.
Take your time
"Alright! Time to bust on through!" Ryuji pumped his fists in the air and walked towards the castle.
"What is this?!" A shrill scream made him trip over his own feet.
Akira's quick reflexes saved Ryuji from face-planting.
Ann Takamaki ran towards us, head frantically whipping around to take in the supernatural scenery.
"How did she get here?" I asked, looking to Morgana for guidance.
It was too busy ogling Takamaki to give me the time of day.
I didn't know whether I should dislike her or give her a break. The girl puzzled me.
One second she was counseling us not to mess with Kamoshida, the next she was begging us to let her in on our payback scheme. I comprehended that she was on an emotional rollercoaster because of her friend's actions, but the contradicting behavior was giving me whiplash.
"Takamaki what're you doing here?!" Ryuji obnoxiously pointed in her face.
His hand was slapped away from her face.
"That voice…Sakamoto?!" She gasped and looked at my brother and I. "And…are you two the Kurusu twins?!"
I could understand her skepticism. Our outfits were out of this world.
Akira opened his mouth to speak, but Ryuji beat him to it.
"Why are you here?" He repeated.
"How should I know?!" Her screaming got shriller. "What's going on? Where are we? Isn't this the school?"
"Could you lower your voice?! You'll alert the whole castle at this rate." I stopped Takamaki's rant.
She advanced on me and grabbed my shoulders, shaking me and demanding to know if this was real.
"Perhaps she was dragged in because of that app thing." I barely registered Morgana's conclusion when Takamaki was shouting in my ear about this being a prank. She froze as the cat went into lecture mode. "If multiple people can enter with the person who uses it, it stands to reason it'll pull anyone nearby."
"We'll have to be careful with the app from now on." Akira advised the group.
The girl snapped out of her stupor. "Wait, so THIS is related to Kamoshida?"
"You gotta leave, right now!" Ryuji pulled her off me and pointed at the exit.
"NO!" She stomped her foot, glaring hotly at him.
"The Shadows are going to find us if you make a scene." Morgana hissed and jumped in front of Takamaki.
She froze back up and shakily gestured at the cat. "No way! It talked?! Oh my god, it's monster cat!"
Morgana choked dramatically, pawing at its chest like it had been stabbed in the heart. "Monster…cat?!"
"There, there. It's just a misunderstanding, Morg." I took my chance to kneel and pat its head comfortingly.
Its head was covered by a mask, not fur. That answered an internal question I'd had since meeting the thing.
"Don't treat me like a pet." Morgana hissed feebly, leaning into my scratches.
How cute.
"You better explain what's going on! I won't leave until you do." Takamaki had taken ahold of Ryuji's scarf and was tugging on it.
"Help me out here, man!" He called on Akira.
"How do we get her out of here though?" My brother made no move to assist Ryuji, stuffing his hands in his pockets and smirking good-naturedly.
"Just take her back to where we came in. That's how it worked last time, right?" Morgana answered.
Akira nodded.
"Ryuji, let me lend you a hand." He placidly took ahold of Takamaki's arm.
"What're you?!"
Ryuji seized the other arm and the boys hauled her to the exit kicking and screaming.
"H-Hey, stop it!" Her eyes desperately sought mine for support. "You're Homura, right? Say something! I deserve to be apart of this!"
"Sorry, Takamaki. This is for your own good!" I waved goodbye to the girl.
"Hey! And just where are you two touching?!"
"Boys." I groaned, clutching my forehead.
Takamaki's shouts disappeared and the quiet atmosphere returned.
She was a lively one, almost on par with Ryuji.
"We better be careful from now on when we use that app." Ryuji ruffled his hair, still flustered from Takamaki's entrance.
"Akira already said that, genius." I reminded him.
"You should've checked the tools you used!" Morgana bounced high enough to whack Ryuji on the head. "Why do I- the one who was just watching know more about it than you do?!"
"Do that again and I'll clobber you, ya stupid, monster cat!"
Morgana's fur bristled.
"Fight, fight!" I spurred them on.
Who would win, I wondered? The cat or the delinquent?
"Cut it out, you two. Phantom Thieves don't fight one another." Akira broke up the fight.
Morgana and Ryuji turned their backs to the other.
"Aww, the babies are pouty because Papa Aki scolded them."
"Shuddup!"
"Homura, a lady like you shouldn't tease so much!"
I cackled at the two boneheads.
"Takamaki found out right when we were startin' off. We gotta deal with this fast." Ryuji stomped towards the castle in a huff.
"Lady Ann…" Morgana dreamily meowed, floating off after Ryuji.
The group stood beneath the infiltration point. Morgana hopped onto the barrel and grinned down at us, getting ready for a prep talk.
"Blondie's still an amateur so I'm counting on you two, Joker and Jester."
Blank stares was the response the cat received. It groaned, pointing at Akira and designating him "Joker". Then it pointed at me, designating me "Jester".
"Could you explain the reason for the name?" I inquired, not following its logic.
Did Morgana see us as jokes?
"Yeah, those are dumb nicknames." Ryuji stated with a snicker.
"Take a page out of Homura's book and don't refer to it in such a lame way. It's a code name." Morgana snapped its sharp fangs at Ryuji and waved its arms around. "What kind of stupid Phantom Thief would use their real name?! I'm not down for that! And there's no telling what kind of effect yelling our real names will have on the Palace."
"So why am I Joker?" Akira threw in after Morgana stopped to breath.
"Because you're our trump card when it comes to fighting strength."
"Not bad. But sis is the real powerhouse."
"She is and since she's your twin that's why I chose Jester, the equivalent to Joker."
I puffed my chest out at the abundant praise. My clumsiness with the broadsword didn't seem so bad when they put it like that.
Just wait until I master the blade. I'll be my own army in terms of strength!
"I accept your choice of code name, Morgana." I said with a pleased hum.
"It's settled." Morgana dragged its large eyes to Ryuji. "Next up is you. You'll be…let's see…" It stroked its chin. "How about 'Thug'?"
"Are you pickin' a fight with me again? I'll choose it myself!" Ryuji adopted a thinking pose. "Hmm…when it comes to me, it's gotta be this mask." He fiddled with the metal disguise. "Honestly, I actually kinda like it. What if we named me after this?"
"Fine…why not 'Skull' then?" Morgana appeared disappointed with the simple choice.
I giggled.
Simplicity suited a guy like Ryuji. He didn't put much thought into a lot of his actions anyway.
"Oh! That sounds awesome. I'm Skull!" He whooped childishly. "What do we do about this one's code name?" He jabbed his thumb in Morgana's direction.
"What do you think? Morgana seems picky." Akira tilted his head at me.
"I like 'Morg'…"
"Really? That's basically his name." He stonily remarked.
I poked him in the side and gleefully watched him rub the afflicted area. "What's your suggestion then, oh great leader?"
"I've got nothing." Akira diplomatically supplied.
Ryuji went with my theme and suggested. "How bout 'Mona'?"
"You're both suggesting your own mispronunciations of his name as code names…" Akira shook his head, abashed by our idiocy.
"If you guys think 'Mona' is easier, I'll go with it." Morgana decided tiredly. "From here out, we're Joker, Jester, Skull, and Mona. We need to be absolutely thorough about using those names from now on."
"Alright! Let's go nab this Treasure thing!" Ryuji hollered.
So began the Phantom Thieves' trial run.
Take your time
"Look, I'll apologize for touching the armor without permission!"
I could hear Takamaki's shouts from outside the door.
This hallway brought back memories of my own escape. I really didn't want to go inside.
"She totally doesn't get what's going on." Ryuji kicked the fallen suit of armor Takamaki had knocked over.
"Let's hurry! We have to save her." Morgana zipped over to the door and pushed it open.
"Wait, you guys should prepare yourselves." I stopped the boys from entering the next room.
"I'm good to go. Our energy is still at a good point." Akira checked with Ryuji, who gave a thumbs up in agreement.
"That's not what I'm talking about…" I struggled to voice what waited in the next room in a sensitive manner.
Morgana's startled meow caused the boys to ignore me and rush into the room.
Here we go.
"This is effed up…" Ryuji averted his eyes from the half-nude girls sprawled out on the floor. "Is that what he thinks of the girls on the volleyball team?"
"Probably what he thinks of all the girls at the school. It's like girls aren't even people to him." I swallowed down my disgust and steered clear of the girl's roaming hands.
The last time I'd been in this room they tried to drag me to the floor and were pulling at my clothes. Their actions were most likely a subconscious function given to them by Kamoshida.
We moved on from the antechamber into the main one where Kamoshida and Princess Skimpy had Takamaki restrained to a cross with guards surrounding her. More naked girls were laying on the ground and the room was pungent with an odd odor.
"Takamaki!" Ryuji ran forward, unconcerned with the swords leveled at him.
Shadow Kamoshida growled. "Just when I was about to start enjoying myself…"
"What's the deal with this guy?!" Takamaki struggled in place.
Ryuji was outraged by her predicament and cursed at the Palace Ruler.
"How many times are you gonna come back?" He spat and then pulled on Takamaki's pigtail, smirking at her derisively. "I bet you're just like those thieves. You came because you're pissed at me, huh? But, ah…" Shadow Kamoshida rolled his head, thinking deeply about something. "I forget that chick's name, but it's your fault she jumped, you know."
She gasped.
"You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me that I had her take your place. She was passable as a runner-up for you."
I tilted from a wave of dizziness that overcame me. Akira steadied me with firm hands.
Oh my god.
He actually raped a student! A tiny part of me held out hope that he hadn't done it…
I felt sick.
"You bastard!" Takamaki screamed, snapping her teeth at Shadow Kamoshida's finger.
He leaned back before she could bite him. The guards aimed their swords at her neck. The boys moved to help.
"Take one more step and I'll kill her on the spot." The boys froze at the Ruler's threat. "Just sit back and enjoy the dismantlement show."
"No don't!" The girl pleaded.
Shadow Kamoshida rubbed his hands together, blushing like a perv. "Maybe I'll start with her clothes…this time I won't be interrupted." His beady eyes roamed over me. "After the scum are taken care of, you're next thief. We'll pick up where we left off."
Princess Skimpy giggled dumbly. "You're such a greedy perv!"
"What're we gonna do?! We can't let this bastard do as he pleases." Ryuji looked to Morgana and Akira for a plan of action.
They cautiously kept their eyes on the guards, formulating our next move.
My fingers itched to wield my weapon and bring it down Shadow Kamoshida. I wouldn't be satisfied until his disgusting face was kissing the ground and he begged for mercy.
"Is this…my punishment for what happened to Shiho?" Takamaki hung her in defeat, giving the guard easier access to her neck for a beheading.
"That's more like it. You should've looked like this from the start." Shadow Kamoshida smiled maniacally.
"Shiho…I'm so sorry…"
"What is up with you?! You sound as pathetic as my brother!" Takamaki looked up at my cry.
"Homura wha-" I slapped my hand over Akira's mouth.
"Suzui's actions are a result of that predator! Quit being a wimp and make him pay for it!"
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!
Akira snatched my hand off his lips. "What she said, only nicer. Don't give in, Ann!"
Her teal eyes sparked with life.
"You're right…letting this piece of shit toy with me…" Takamaki laughed darkly. "What was I thinking?!"
The Ruler butted in, trying to discourage the girl. "It's like I always say. Slaves should just behave an-"
"Shut up!" She shut him down. "I've had enough of this. You've pissed me off, you son of a bitch!"
The air in the room became heavy with power. Takamaki began convulsing and screaming.
It was another awakening and was reminiscent of mine!
"I hear you Carmen. You're right. No more holding back!"
A red mask appeared on Takamaki's face and she yanked her arms out of the restraints. With her hands free, she ripped off the mask. Blue flames exploded from her and a woman in a frilly red and black dress floated behind Takamaki. The blonde's clothes had been replaced with a bright red catsuit.
The boys' mouths dropped as she stole a guard's sword and cut down her doppelgänger. Shadow Kamoshida was sweating bullets while backing away from the girl.
"You know what? I'm not some cheap girl you can toy with, you scumbag!"
"Bitch!" He fired back.
"You stole everything from Shiho…you destroyed her…now it's your turn!" Our group assembled alongside Takamaki. "I will rob you of everything!"
"That's what I like to hear." I applauded Takamaki, readying my broadsword and ignoring the stinging in my hands.
"Sadist." Akira muttered beside me.
"Proud of it." I winked cheekily.
"How dare you! Enough of your insolence!" A bronze guard evaporated into a Shadow.
"No, I've had enough of you. No one's gonna stop me now! Let's go Carmen!" A whip materialized in Takamaki's hand and she gave it an experimental swing at the Shadow sitting on a toilet. It brushed off the attack.
"That's not gonna work! It's resistant to physical attacks!" Morgana cried out.
"Dammit. I'm useless in this fight then." I scowled.
Gloriana had a bless skill with a low likelihood of instantly killing a boss like this. Her weak physical skill wouldn't be much use either.
We weren't suited well for this battle.
"Homura hang back and focus on support. You and Ryuji will have to switch back and forth since this thing's resistant to you guy's skills." Akira ordered, shooting at the Shadow to cover Ryuji, who'd gotten knocked down.
"Roger that. Don't die, bro."
I jumped back, leaving the battle to the party of four.
The fight consisted of the Persona Users firing off their elemental skills to damage the toilet fiend, with Akira dealing out the most hits from him swapping out his Personas due his wild card ability.
Their teamwork was all over the place and I ended up switching with Ryuji after he and Takamaki wouldn't stop screaming at each other for any battle mishaps.
Only Takamaki's fire power proved lethal to the Toilet Fiend and we finished it off with an all-out-attack after she hit it with a crippling Agi.
"Oh shit!" Shadow Kamoshida fled the room.
Wait!" Takamaki moved to stop him and fell to her knees in exhaustion.
"It's no use. Cowards have super speed." I leaned against my sword and tried to catch my breath.
My arms and hands were screaming in agony from swinging around the heavy sword.
God, was I out of shape!
"Why'd you come here, man?! And more importantly, how?!" Ryuji ranted angrily.
Morgana bounced around.
"Hey! Is that how you speak to a woman?!" It leaned into Takamaki's face. "Are you alright, Lady Ann?"
"Lady Ann…" She started pulling at Morgana's face and stretching it this way and that. "What is this thing? Is it alive? How can it talk? And where in the world are we?!"
There she went again with the shrill questions.
Morgana meowed painfully and pawed at Takamaki's hands. Its words came out garbled. "J-Just calm down! Everything's going to be okay; don't worry."
She dropped Morgana and stood up. "How am I supposed to calm down?!"
"Easy. Stop yelling for one." I mentioned.
She faced me, lips moving to speak and then she stopped to stare at her body.
"Why am I dressed like this?! When did I…" Takamaki blushed, covering herself from the boy's gaze. "Ugh, what's with this?!"
"You've got no reason to be embarrassed about the outfit." I nudged my brother. "She looks great, doesn't she, Akira?"
He played with his hair timidly. "Ann does look great in that catsuit. Red compliments her."
"H-How can you say that with a straight face?!" Ryuji's face was even more enflamed than Akira's.
"That's not what this is about, pervs!"
"Well, I'm stumped…" Morgana scratched its head, unable to soothe the new Persona User. "A search party will be coming for us soon. There's no time to explain."
"Let's retreat then." Akira advocated.
"We were just gettin' fired up and you had to go and get in the way…" Ryuji complained, holding out his hand to Takamaki. "Here, gimme your arm." He told Akira to grab the other.
"Sis, use the app and take us back."
I retrieved my phone and clicked on the eye icon, choosing the exit button for us to return to reality. Ripples formed around us and the Metaverse faded into nonexistence.
Geez, what a day!