Chapter 33: Summer Days

August 5

With time off from both school and waiting for Futaba to wake up and help with DHORKS, Ren decided to spend his day with Collin, meeting the cherub at one of the local shrines in Tokyo. "Ah, there you are, Ren," Collin greeted.

"Hey Collin. So, why are we here today?" Ren asked.

"Well, the reason I wanted to come here is to pray at one of the shrines," Collin explained.

"Really? Don't you normally do that at church?" Ren questioned.

"You do, but… I want to open my mind to more than just what I was taught," Collin said. "Being with the Phantom Thieves has let me see different ways of living, and I just think that I should try giving my prayers at one of the local shrines." The two went over to one of the shrines, going over to one of the offering boxes. "So, how do I do this…?"

"First, you throw a five-yen coin into the offering box," Ren explained. "Then you ring the bell, bow deeply twice, clap twice, bring your palms together while giving your prayers, then bow once."

"That's a lot of steps just to give prayers…" Collin mused, but shrugged and did as he was instructed. The cherub tossed in a five-yen coin, rang the bell, bowed twice, clapped twice, then clasped his hands together. "…You know, I didn't actually think of who I wanted to pray for… Maybe I'll just make three prayers to be safe." He cleared his throat before speaking, "Dear God, please hear my words and grant your glorious light to protect my friends as we endeavor to bring those that flee from your light to justice… That sounded good. Who should I pray for next?"

Ren thought about it before replying, "How about Loona?"

"Hm… Lord, please give your forgiveness to Loona, for she was born into the unfair world of Hell," Collin said. "Give her guidance and clarity on her path, whether that be to salvation or oblivion… Please let her find a good path…" he whispered the last part. "Okay, and for my last prayer…"

'Who needs a prayer the most…?' Ren thought, before coming up with an answer. "What about… your former friends?"

"What?" Collin's eyes shot open wide in shock.

"You always say that forgiveness is a key virtue, so maybe your friends need some guidance in their lives as well," Ren said.

Collin thought about it, before nodding. "Yes, I think that would work. God, if you're listening… please give Cletus and Keenie the clarity to see how we strayed from your path. Let them find a way back to your domain, as this ordeal will surely help with mine. I do not ask for their forgiveness for the transgressions they have committed against me, nor am I certain that I would accept it… but I do ask that you open their hearts and mind to changing their ways to better understand your teachings."

After giving his prayers, Collin gave another bow before stepping back from the offering box. Suddenly, a yip was heard, followed by a fox suddenly jumping down in front of them. The fox had a wooden tag hanging from its mouth. "That's an ema, a plaque that has people's wishes written on it," Ren explained.

"I think the fox wants me to take it," Collin said. He took the ema and read it out loud. "I want my friend to have a change of heart." Is this a request for the Phantom Thieves…?" Collin looked at the fox, who gave another yip before seeming to nod. "I feel like… this is a test for me, somehow…" Collin said. He looked at ema again. 'This handwriting in in English… and it looks strangely familiar to me as well…' Collin turned his head back to the fox, but the creature had already scurried off.

"You don't normally see foxes this deep in the city," Ren mused.

"…I think it's getting late. We should go," Collin said after some time. "I'll figure out what this ema means. If these are used to communicate prayers, then that fox giving me one must mean that I can answer it…"

Ryuji: Is it just me, or have there been a lot more guys in suits around lately?

Loona: You're not just in the business district, are you?
Makoto: I think DHORKS has more agents out now.

Ann: And the news has been buzzing about them more as well.

Octavia: It is quite a headache, having to increase the wards on our apartment. Wish we had that magic statue that Futaba was using…

Ryuji: The Phantom Thieves are getting insane hate online too. People're treating us like this is all our fault.

Yusuke: They may denounce us if we don't hurry and take care of this.

Makoto: Has anyone come up with a plan for solving the problem?

Ren: Not yet.

Collin: I'll keep thinking of possible solutions.

Ann: We have to do whatever we can.

Yusuke: Either way, simply relying on Futaba will not do.

Ryuji: Well if we run out of options, that might be our only choice…

[***]

August 6

Hifumi: You have more natural aptitude for this than I thought. In addition to skills, you seem to have a lot of ambition. As long as I'm your instructor, I must measure your progress. Therefore, I'd like to take you somewhere after our match today. Would you like to go?

Ren: Let's do it.

Hifumi: Excellent. After our match, I'll take you over to Book Town.

Collin and Ren soon arrived in Jinbocho with Hifumi, where the famous Book Town shopping district was found. "That was a good match. I really do enjoy teaching you… You're such a quick leaner," Hifumi complimented. "Today I thought we'd find you something to help you train on your own. This bookstore is filled with shogi-related books. I've been coming here a lot lately. There's also a curry restaurant just around the corner. I recommend their katsu curry. I always eat katsu curry before an important match… for good luck."

As the three conversed, an almond-eyed girl stopped to stare at them. "Hifumi…" the girl said in shock.

Hifumi turned and looked surprised as well. "…Hello. I hope your match went well today…"

"What are you talking about? Today's our day off," the girl said.

"My apologize. I forgot that there aren't any matches scheduled for today…" Hifumi replied.

"Out shopping with your friends?" the girl asked, looking at Ren and Collin. "Hmph, how nice for you. Which one is your boyfriend?"

"Oh, we're not actually…" Collin blushed.

"Just friends here…" Ren muttered, looking away.

The girl crossed her arms. "I shouldn't be surprised. You are a famous shogi player, after all. Well, I won't intrude. Bye…" She walked off after that.

"Sorry. She was only glaring at you because you're with me…" Hifumi apologized. "She's my senior… I defeated her in a recent title match."

"Must've been the katsu curry," Ren joked.

"Actually… Yes! I did have katsu curry before that match," Hifumi giggled. "The truth is… I'm not very well liked by my seniors… The more attention I get, the more enemies I make, and the more lies are spread about me… Perhaps it's odd to compare myself to them, but… I wonder if it's the same for the Phantom Thieves."

"The Phantom Thieves?" Collin said in surprise.

"People are so divided about them on the internet. Some love them, while others hate them…" Hifumi said. "I can't help but see similarities between us. What do you think about them?"

"They're cool," Ren responded.

"I feel the same way, actually," Hifumi smiled. "it's amazing that they're still doing what they do, even though so many people criticize them… They give me courage. But victories can't be won with will alone… How do they change a person's heart…? I'm interested from a tactical standpoint, and…. Oh, I'm sorry! We really are quite off-topic…"

"It's fine. Talking about things other than shogi is good for you," Collin said.

Hifumi shook her head. "I feel like I've become much more talkative as of late. I usually don't talk this much… You two are much more than just ones I can practice new moves with. You are people I can confide in. Um, if you don't mind this sort of thing… I'd like to go out and chat with you both again."

'I can feel Hifumi's trust in us growing…' the two boys thought.

"Oh yes, there's a book that I'd love for you to ready," Hifumi recalled. "Let's go." The three spend the rest of the night in the bookstore.

'I should tell Octavia about Book Town. I bet she and Shin could come here together…' Ren mused.

[***]

August 7

Yoshida: Could I have some of your time today? You can consider this a formal request. I have something scheduled after the speech, and I'd like you to come.

Ren: We'll be there.

Yoshida: I'll be meeting someone at the sushi restaurant. Hope you all can make it.

"At least Ryuji won't be here to spoil the mood this time…" Loona muttered as they sat down. They were meeting with an associate of Yoshida, a man that went by the name Benzo.

"…However, the government's overall approval rating is dangerously low," Benzo stated, finishing his speech.

"I'll be sure to proceed with caution," Yoshida assured him. "Considering that the grandson of my former teacher is showing me such kindness."

"Yes, well, I'd like to discuss a personal matter. Allow me to be frank," Benzo said. He took a sip of his tea before saying, "I will be running for my grandfather's seat in the coming election."

"I see… Congratulations," Yoshida praised.

"I held a low-level position in the party's executive office, but I'm new to candidacy…" Benzo admitted. "So I was hoping you could educate me on how to run an election campaign."

"Well, I was planning on running myself…" Yoshida said in surprise. "And I don't believe that I'm qualified to teach you."

"I've heard that you've been working harder than anyone else these past twenty years," Benzo refuted.

"Well, I did have a lot of free time after I lost the election. Study is all an amateur can do," Yoshida said.

"Amateur? You're a veteran, If anything. Besides, you have experience teaching them, right?" Benzo asked, gesturing to the kids. "Your reputation has greatly improved around the executive office recently. And my grandfather has expressed his intent on making peace with you now."

"I'd be happy to bury the hatchet with Mr. Kuramoto… But I'm not worthy to join his group again," Yoshida replied.

"I thought you would find these conditions favorable…" Benzo took another sip of his drink. "So I ask that you keep what I'm about to tell you a secret."

Yoshida turned to the kids. "Sorry, could you give us a moment, Amamiya-kun and company?"

"No, I'd like for your favorite pupils to hear this too," Benzo said.

Yoshida gave him a look of confusion, before gaining a serious demeanor. "Wait a moment… is your plan to involve them so that I can't decline?"

"That's a pretty politician-like move," Octavia muttered.

"I simply trust their discretion," Benzo stated. "The Kuramoto group is planning to move forward with a political realignment."

"Are you saying that you're going to secede from the Liberal Co-Prosperity Party…?" Yoshida said in shock.

"With the government in a weakened state, now's our chance. As such, I want to emphasize our unity," Benzo explained.

"And so you've come to me, a former member of the Kuramoto Children… But my views differ from those of the Kuramoto group. And I don't intend on changing them," Yoshida said.

"I understand. However, you won't be able to put those beliefs into action if you don't get elected," Benzo pointed out. He looked to the kids. "Hey, can you all talk some sense into him? You'll benefit as well."

"You should decline," Ren said.

"What?" Benzo said in surprise.

"Yeah, screw this guy," Loona grinned, flipping the bird.

"Definitely," Octavia nodded.

"We've got a good thing going right now," Collin agreed.

"You think so too, hm…?" Yoshida said with a laugh. "You're not intimidated, even by the grandson of a big-time Diet member." He looked to Benzo. "I appreciate your offer, but I must respectfully decline."

"So you're okay with being No-Good Tora forever?" Benzo asked.

"He's not No-Good Tora," Loona growled.

"Call him Mr. Yoshida," Collin added.

"He'll get elected this time," Ren said with confidence.

"Children…" Yoshida said in awe.

"Looks like your chose the wrong politician to follow," Benzo scoffed.

"Maybe… but that's not for you to decide. We still believe in him," Octavia said.

"Try to understand that they have their own beliefs," Yoshida told Benzo.

The young politician shook his head. "My apologize. I made a slip of the tongue. And in front of your secretary, no less. I don't need an answer right away. If you want to show deference to my grandfather… please let me know. I already took care of the bill, so enjoy. Now, If you'll excuse me…"

Yoshida shook his head as Benzo left the building. "What's the point in getting elected if it means sacrificing my beliefs? I bet when push came to shove, Kuromoto-kun intended to lure you in. He probably didn't expect me to remain so calm after he showed his trump card. I feel surprisingly at ease whenever you're with me, like that time with Matsushita." He smiled. "I'm truly indebted to you for all you've done for me, but I must ask that you continue to help me."

The gang felt a deeper bond growing with Yoshida after that. "You know, form the way he was acting, I'd swear Kuramoto-kun was hiding something…" Yoshida muttered. "Ah, my apologies. We're done eating, so let's go home."

[***]

August 8

Hifumi: Do you have time today? I'd like to play a match… I want to test out a move and check up on your shogi skills. What do you say?

Ren: Yes, please

Hifumi: Then I'll see you at the church.

When Ren and Collin arrived at the church, they found Hifumi talking with a woman in a blue dress. "…That's right. Your next opponent will finally be a professional," the woman told Hifumi. "My client's a big shot in the Pro Shogi Player's Association, so I worked really hard to set it up."

"But…" Hifumi tried to say.

The woman noticed Ren and Octavia standing there. "Hm? Are these young men fans of yours, Hifumi?"

"No, Mother," Hifumi shook her head. "They're my shogi friends… I told you about them, remember?"

"Your shogi friend, hm?" Hifumi's mother mused. "Let me just say this. I hope neither of you are harboring any weird feelings for Hifumi."

"Mother!" Hifumi gasped, blushing a bit.

"As I'm sure you're already aware, you are not allowed to day, young lady," her mother said. "You've started to attract a number of new male fans with all of your photo spreads."

"…Yes, Mother," Hifumi nodded.

"You can get fifty guys like him once your famous," her mother said. "I need you to accomplish the things I was never able to. Now, I'm going to work. Don't wait up for me."

"I understand," Hifumi replied. Once her mother left, the three teens sat down at their usual spot. "I apologize. That must have been quite a shock."

"She's scary," Collin shuttered.

Hifumi giggled. "That was quite honest of you. Not altogether inaccurate, though. My father is ill an unable to work, so my mother supports us… My mother used to be a local TV announcer, but she had to quit to take care of my father… My father was a pro shogi player. He's usually calm, but when we played you could really feel his spirit. He never hesitated when making a move, just like a king. I really admired him, so I started playing shogi too."

Hifumi looked away. "But after pouring everything he had into shogi, he suddenly collapsed one day. In my mother's eyes, shogi stole both her dream and her husband… And yet, she tells me to keep playing… She wants me to achieve her dreams. I should be working to help support us. I want to become a professional so that I can make enough money to ease my parents' burden. I do photoshoots and interviews, hoping they'll add some money to our household income… But it's honestly quite difficult for me."

"You should stop then" Ren said.

"I'm happy that you're so concerned about me… But when I think about my mother, I…" She put a hand to her cheek. "No one sees me as a shogi player anymore. They no longer recognize my skills. I'm not playing shogi in hopes of becoming an idol… I simply love my family, and I want to support them through our troubles…"

"It's a noble goal, but you shouldn't burn yourself out either," Collin stated.

Hifumi gave a tsk. "This isn't good. I shouldn't be focusing on such negative topics before a match… Well then, let's play. Today, I'm going to be throwing a lot of offensive moves at you. This will teach you how to escape from disadvantageous situations. Are you ready? That aura… My right eye is twitching. Now! It's time to unleash my hidden evil eye! Now… TO a fair match!"

"To a fair match…" Ren and Collin cheered, though a bit intimidated by Hifumi's confidence.

[***]

August 9

Collin was residing at the church that day, reading through his favorite passages from the Bible when we noticed Yusuke and Ren entering the building. "Oh, Ren, Yusuke! What brings you here today?"

"Yusuke is looking for a way to pull himself out of his slump and things he can get some inspiration here," Ren explained.

Collin nodded. "Yes, there's plenty here that can do that. Feel free to ask me for help if you need it."

"Thank you, Collin," Yusuke said. He turned to Ren to continue their conversation. "Our prior theme, love… It proved to be quite useful for me indeed. After our enlightening session, I once again attempted to paint. However, nothing I put on the canvas was to my satisfaction… Before the gods of art, I am naught but a lost sheep…"

Yusuke's eyes suddenly flashed with inspiration. "Ah yes, lost sheep! I have come here with you for precisely that reason. Our theme today shall be anguish!"

"A-Anguish…?" Collin repeated in confusion.

"I shall paint the anguish Christ felt as he bore the sins of mankind!" Yusuke proclaimed.

"What…?" Collin tilted his head.

"Hm, I have seen various sculptures and paintings on the matter… but merely replicating them will not do," Yusuke said, off in his own world. "Would any believers be willing to model and help me capture the true essence of anguish?" Collin furiously shook his head 'NO' to that offer. "It seems not… Very well. Ren, you will have to model today."

"Do you want me to strip?" Ren asked, getting a gasp out of Collin.

"That is completely improper in a holy place!" the cherub exclaimed.

"Yes, that must be it! This is what I need!" Yusuke proclaimed. "Only a subject as naked as the day they were born can convey the true anguish of birth! Now then… strip!"

"We're all going to Hell for this…" Collin bemoaned covering his face in embarrassment.

"Take it all-" Yusuke stopped himself and shook his head. "Actually, perhaps not. Being found stark-naked in a church would be even bigger news than the Phantom Thieves."

"Trust me, Christianity doesn't need more scrutiny coming from the people of Japan…" Collin sighed, relieved that Yusuke had seen reason.

Yusuke pulled out a sketchpad as Ren stood up near the altar at the front of the church. "Now then, let us begin. Show me a pose that will put the anguish of Christ on full display." Ren stuck his arms out like he was hanging on a cross. "Hm, I see… So this would be… No, perhaps…" Yusuke shook his head. "It seems this is not working. I would like to capture anguish, yet you remain calm and composed. Even the slightest wrinkle can change one's impression of things… I shall not compromise, even for this sketch!"

Yusuke put down his sketchpad as Collin and Ten both looked warily at their friend. "Now, raise your hands higher! More… Give me more anguish! Bring it to its upper limits! Like this!" The artist dramatically raised up his arms and leaned back, lifting one leg at the same time to strike a dramatic pose. Ren copied his pose, while Collin hid behind his Bible to avoid associating with the two. "Hrm, this position… So this is the Passion of the Christ! Forsaken by his disciples, abhorred as a criminal by the public, pierced with nails and hung on the cross… I understand now… This is the true anguish of the Passion! It feels as thouh something is boiling up within me!"

"Wh-What are you children doing!?" a priest exclaimed, looking at the two in shock.

They quickly dropped their poses, and Collin hid further behind his book. "Ah, well… This is an art study…" Yusuke explained.

"Art? …That?" the priest questioned.

"I am attempting to paint anguish, so I decided to use the crucifixion of Christ as a point of reference…" Yusuke clarified.

"So you're interested in the anguish of the crucifixion?" The priest mused. "Hm. While it is true that Jesus' crucifixion on the cross is a symbol of deep suffering… It also bears a much more positive message… One of resurrection, of forgiveness."

"Resurrection? Forgiveness?" Yusuke repeated. "I'm not sure I understand… Those ideas are contradictory to my conception of anguish…"

"It may be difficult to grasp what I'm saying right now… But try to consider that the anguish one may feel today will someday bring forth new hope," the priest said. "Ah, and by the way… I suggest you contain your excitement while here. You may trouble the congregation."

"So those shocking depictions were actually meant to represent forgiveness, not pain…" Yusuke sighed. "Hm, hope from anguish… I'm not sure I understand. I must learn more about the hearts of men… Ren… Do you think I will be able to capture the truth someday?"

"I'm sure you will," Ren replied.

Yusuke nodded. "Indeed. If I do not have belief in my own abilities, I will never come to accomplish anything. Hm… This is exceedingly strange though. Spending time with you has helped me discover new aspects of myself… You are perhaps… a mirror of sorts. If there is anything I can do in return, please let me know… I wish to repay your kindness."

"If you want to study other instances of anguish, I can show you some in the Bible, Yusuke," Collin offered. "Just don't do more weird poses in the church, please…"

"I will take you up on that offer another day, Collin," Yusuke nodded. "For now, let us return home for today, Ren. I bid you farewell." He struck his crucifixion pose again. "Farewell." Ren did the same. "Wonderful."

"Yep, we're going to Hell for this…" Collin sighed, shaking his head at his friend's antics.

[***]

August 10

Loona: Yo Ren. Wanna meet up? I want someone to just chill with, and Via is out doing something else.

Ren: Let's meet up at my place.

Loona: Good, I was dying of boredom doing nothing.

Up in Leblanc's attic, Ren and Loona were playing retro video games, the two having a great time together as they chilled out. Once their current round was over, the hellhound set down her controller and put her hands behind her head. "Oh yeah, that was fun. It's been a while since I could hang out like that. Last time was probably before I came here at Bee's place."

"Is that one of your friends in Hell?" Ren asked.

"Eh, it might be too early to say we're fully friends, but we're mutuals at best," Loona shrugged. She frowned. "Though thinking about it, I was kinda being an ass the last time we saw each other. You see, Bee is the girlfriend of my friend, Vortex, and I was kinda…."

"Jelly?" Ren finished her sentence with a grin.

"Yeah, I was jealous. Vortex is like, super hot, and seeing him with someone as outgoing as Bee… it made me feel like shit," Loona sighed. "Like how am I supposed to compare to a goddess like her? Luckily all this time with the Phantom Thieves has helped me move on from that… Blitz actually came in to save the day, and I did make some more friends there as well."

Loona held up her phone, showing a picture of herself in a red dress alongside three other hellhounds. "Once I get back to Hell, I'm gonna have to make it up to them and throw a rager of a hound party. Heh, maybe even get Bee to host it."

"You said Blitz was there as well?" Ren asked.

Loona nodded. "Yeah, he showed up to take me home, but then some guy recognized him and I convinced him to stay. He actually beat Bee in a drinking contest, but then he started getting super wasted and making out with everyone at the club. Bee actually asked me to take him home… and I kinda blew up in her face…" She sighed, covering her face in her hair. "God do I feel like and ass for that now, especially since I have you guys. I was letting my jealously get in the way of a friend showing concern for my dad, and I was being a total bitch about it."

"You're just defensive of your feelings," Ren said. "And sometimes, defensive people can be overly protective… kinda like your dad is."

"When I took Blitz home that night, he was saying shit like how he was going to die alone and asking that I didn't leave him," Loona whispered. "It's probably the most honest he's been with me without doing his overprotective dad bit… damn, we really are similar, aren't we? I kept pushing people away because of what happened at… that place. You guys just keep me around because I'm a Phantom Thief."

"We don't keep you around for that, we do it because you're our friend, and an awesome one at that," Ren said, making Loona peek out from her hair. "I'm sure that Vortex, Bee, and your other friends think the same way as well. It's good to have some walls so you don't get hurt, but you also have to know when to let them down so others can reach out to you."

"Always with the right words to say…" Loona shook her head. She then noticed a notification on her phone. "Looks like one of my friends just sent me a DM. I think I should keep them updated, huh? And don't worry, doing our Phantom Thief thing is my top priority right now. It's the one job I actually like doing."

"Think about talking to Blitz too, okay?" Ren suggested.

Loona paused, before nodding. "Yeah, all right. Better to message him than have Dad blow up my phone at like three in the morning."

'I feel Loona's heart opening up more…' Ren thought as the two spent the rest of the day talking and gaming.

Confidant Rank Up

Confidant: Collin Pastor

Arcana: Sirius

Rank 6 Description: You went to pray at a shrine with Collin. There he was giving an ema with a request to change a heart…

Rank 6 Ability: Harisen Recovery- chance to cure status ailments inflicted on party members.

Confidant Rank Up

Confidant: Loona Nyx

Arcana: Twilight

Rank 6 Description: Loona told you about some of her other friends from Hell. She also reflected on her behavior and started to take down her emotional walls.

Rank 6 Ability: Harisen Recovery- chance to cure status ailments inflicted on party members.

Author's Note

A lot of Confidants this chapter, but also quite a bit of Collin spotlight as well. Our favorite cherub needs his time in the sun, so it's nice letting him take center stage for a chapter. In his own Confidant rank, Collin gives prayers at a shrine with Ren. I imagine that if this were a game, you'd be able to give different names to Collin for whom he should pray for, in this case Ren picking Loona and CHERUB. Also a surprise appearance by the Fox from "Persona 4"! That's one of my favorite Social Links in that game and I thought it'd be fun for him to cameo. I wonder who wrote that ema that the Fox gave Collin...?

Hifumi, Yoshida, and Yusuke all get Confidant ranks as well. You know I had to do the church scene with Yusuke and have Collin comment on it. I imagine that after this Collin starts giving Yusuke bible lessons that help inspire the artist with new ideas... or Yusuke misinterprets the stories to mean something wildly different from what the text intends. Both are possible if we're being real.

Loona gets a Confidant to round off the chapter, and it has her talking about her friends Tex and Bee while Ren helps his hellhound friend open her heart further. Since I started this story before the "Queen Bee" episode came out, I obviously didn't have these characters in mind prior to writing Loona's character, but I think this Confidant rank helps to incorporate that episode into the canon of Aeon. Just as a reminder, this story as a whole diverges from the canon of Helluva Boss after the Season 1 finale, so while characters from Season 2 have appeared/have been referred to (Andrealphus, Crimson, Barbie Wire, etc), the events of the second season never happened.

Next time will be a very important Mementos Mission, as well as a big question I know some of you have been asking: what happens when a demon has a change of heart?