Author's note:

The dates on the last chapter were messed up and nobody called me out on it.

I will try to fix them at some point, June 31st is July first, and the day of the week is Friday, not Tuesday.

Oops.

Enjoy :)


Chapter 29: Shedding Light

Friday July 1st, 20XX Night

"Stupid palace, stupid sand." Akechi shifted somewhat on the train seat, pulling at his pants. When Akechi realized what he was doing, he scowled and stopped himself. He had barely entered the front door of the pyramid, cautious as always, when suddenly the ruler confronted him.

The foolish girl's shadow, confronting him! Akechi had almost screamed at her that he was the one that had killed her mother. No, driven her mother to kill herself.

But she had gotten the last laugh this time. Dumping him down a hole, Akechi's bullet had passed straight through the incorporeal figure. By the time he had crawled out of the sand and exited the basement, he had run out of time.

Swiftly exiting the palace, Akechi had boarded the first train to his apartment. It would still likely be the middle of the night before he found his bed. And for what? Akechi gritted his teeth at that. It had taken skill and his powers of corruption to get out of that hellscape by himself. It was the strongest, most depressing palace he had ever seen.

It was only a combination of exhaustion and years of practice that kept the torrent of emotion from showing on his face. With a disgusted glance around the train, it probably did not matter. The only people travelling were drunks and lowlifes.

And me.

Akechi did not like the implication by association. Even if it was just his thoughts. No matter how good of a reason he had to be travelling at this time. He was not trash.

"Well aren't you a dashing young man! If you're out this late at your age…"

Akechi's eyes flitted over the woman talking to him and struggled to keep the sneer from his face. Words rolling off a slurred tongue, the woman showed enough bosom to make an American blush. A prostitute. One high off drugs and reeking of alcohol.

When Akechi did not reply, only look, the woman took it as permission to continue and slithered into the seat beside him, arm resting on his shoulder. "My last client was a… well a disappointment. But a young, healthy man like you… I'll even half the price."

Akechi's shoulders shook slightly. His cheeks had spots of colour appear on them. Was this what my mother had been like? Akechi did not think so. She had sent him away when she took clients, but she had not been this. This woman was scum.

"Ohh, submissive. That will treat you well tonight boy. You'll remember it for the rest of your life."

Akechi's head turned slowly. Like a rusty door opened for the first time in a century, practically squealing. The woman's face he stared into was probably pretty. It was covered with enough make-up to make it impossible to tell. Her hair had been dyed blonde with green and red highlights at the tips. A curtain that fell below her shoulders, designed to make men take a second glance.

"Hehe, are you wanting to start right here?" The woman ran a hand against Akechi's chest. "Perhaps a small sample before—"

The woman's words transformed into a scream of surprise as Akechi thrust her away from him. She collapsed hard to the train floor, confused and pained eyes staring up at him.

Standing up, Akechi loomed over her. He wanted to spit in her face, call her out for being filth. Instead, Akechi shot her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I'm a bit of a germophobe and panicked. Please forgive me." Akechi managed to maintain that smile until he reached a different car. Eyes smoldering, he found another seat and glared at nothing. Whores with no honour had no right to try and touch him. He would eventually pick a wife, all distinguished men had a duty to pass their genes on.

Eventually. Until then, all friendship, all companionship was a distraction and a crutch he did not need.


Friday July 1st, 20XX Night

Ren swallowed. The others had dispersed. All except one. One whom laid unconscious on his bed, Sumire. With shaking hands, Ren called the number.

Before the first ring completed, the other side picked up. "Ren! Are you okay!? Where is Sumire!?"

Swallowing again, Ren prepared himself for death. He did not think little things liked a locked door or the time of night would save him after telling Kasumi about her sister's condition.

"I am at LeBlanc… Your sister is with me." Ren barely could believe that the voice breaking the silence was his own. It was hoarse and broken.

"…I…" Hesitant pauses came from the phone. Somehow, the silence was worse than the yelling Ren had expected. "I am going to put you on speaker with my parents."

Ren sat down hard on the couch in his room. He had no justifications that he could tell. Nothing that would explain the condition their daughter was in. She may have saved his life in Futaba's palace… but Ren was afraid he would be losing it shortly.

"Ren my boy, are you there?" A man's voice came through. As always, the effect of being on speakerphone distorted it in a strange, hard to define, yet immediately distinctive manner.

"Yes Mr. Yoshizawa." He answered back, trying to keep his voice level.

"It is good to hear you my boy. You should see the goofy grin my daughter is trying to hide."

"S-Shut up!"

Ren almost managed a smile. The jokes would fade when they found out the condition that Sumire was in. Ren put his free hand under his legs to stop it from shaking. His time in the dungeon had sapped Ren of all of his strength. A pounding headache and insane exhaustion had his eyelids trying to close and let him rest.

"Anyway," Shinichi said cheerfully despite the late hour, "Can you put my daughter on the phone?"

"…I am afraid not." Ren answered truthfully. Sumire was alive but would not stir. The others had not been able to convey what she had done in the palace. Ryuji had dubbed it 'god-like' and 'animesque'. No one had disputed him on the claims. Either way, the result had left the girl with absolutely nothing like in the tank. Ren could only hope that sleep would help.

Sighing, Ren continued. "She exhausted herself finding me. She is passed out on my bed."

"…She… My daughter is…"

Ren winced as disbelief warred with the beginnings of anger in the man's voice. Letting his eyes close, Ren said nothing in response.

"Did you… Did you… No, I trust you."

Ren's eyes burst open to bulging. Mouth gaping, Ren could not stop the spluttered words. "You… You actually believe me!?"

"Are you lying to me?"

"…No, sir."

"More than that, I trust my daughters. Tell Sumire in the morning that I expect her to be on time for school and I want a full explanation after that."

"Yes Sir…" Ren replied breathlessly. He did not think he would have been able to deny the man anything at that point.

"Ren?" Kasumi's voice came again, no longer on speakerphone.

"Yes?"

"…Take care of her, okay? And also… Take care of yourself. If you had not gone missing Sumire would not have gone as far as she did."

Does she… know? Ren could not be sure. A spear of guilt split his insides all the same. Kasumi could not know how correct she was. His foolish pride and loathing of waiting had trapped him deep in the dungeon. Sitting in the saferoom, he would have been rescued with far less sacrifice.

"I'm sorry Kasumi. I will try to do better in the future."

Her heavy sigh knotted his guilt more. "What a horrible response… but you sound so tired… I wish… I wish… Never mind."

The line went dead. Sighing, Ren heaved himself to his feet with effort. Walking over to the bed, Ren looked down at Sumire, her body laying limp on his bed. Only a thin sheet covered her body, no more was necessary in the oncoming summer heat. Ren stuck a hand out to caress her forhead but stopped himself. That was inappropriate.

Pursing his lips, Ren instead placed his hand just over her lips, feeling for the small breaths that came. The air tickling his fingers as it came in and out in a regular pattern. Praying that she would wake, Ren went back to the couch.

"I need to stay awake… Make sure she doesn't… get worse."

Almost as if the gods themselves were laughing at him, Ren 's vision went black. Collapsing sideways on the couch, he was out as soundly as Sumire was. His dreams were haunted by small wardens and a man with a long nose.


Saturday July 2nd, 20XX Early Morning

"Hrngh…" Eyes fluttering open, Ren was confused to find two red orbs filling his vision.

"Eep!"

Holding a hand to his head, Joker groaned at the still pounding drums inside of it. They had not relented even the smallest bit since last night. However, he was able to swing his legs down and stand. A vast improvement.

Remembering the pair of red eyes, Ren looked down at the girl on his floor. Mouth mouthing soundlessly, Sumire looked at him wide-eyed behind her glasses. Her outfit and hair were awry. It took Ren only one glance at his own school uniform to deduce he was in a similar state. Half a look would tell anyone that they had slept in their outfits.

Approaching her, Ren offered her a hand. "Are you okay? How are you feeling? I know your father said he expects you to be at school, but I am sure he would not complain if you went home and rested. I can escort you there…"

Trailing off, Ren realized he was babbling. Sumire could hardly answer him if he kept speaking. Instantly after, the guilt returned, and not because he had rambled. Holding a hand to his stomach, Ren did not know how to address the girl in front of him.

My saviour.

He had said that out loud, hadn't he? Frozen in place, Ren could only wait to see what her judgement would be.

"Umm, fine, I think?" Sumire finally replied after a long silence. Refusing to meet his eye, she stood up slowly. "I'm… weak, but I can do school."

Ren nodded gratefully. This worked. Yes, they could go on as before. Nothing happened between them. Not really. Just fellow vigilantes trying to save a girl's life. "It isn't much, but there is washroom downstairs you can try and freshen up in. I'll get you breakfast before you're done."

Sumire paused, those soft red eyes scanning his face, searching for something Ren did not know. He did not know what expression she was making, but Sumire nodded. "Thank you… Senpai"

"…No problem." Leading the way down the stairs, Ren went behind the counter and grabbed some left-over curry. Quickly beginning to heat it, Ren ran his hands through his hair, trying to settle it into place. As usual though, the unruly mess did not look any different from the days where he had time to freshen up in the morning.

In five minutes, Ren had heated the food, distributed two plates, and Sumire had exited the bathroom. Only as she did, did Ren realize that Sojiro was not here. Ren had not seen the man. Exiting the palace had left them on the porch of the house where Ren had carried Sumire to his bed with help. Ren had not thought to contact his guardian.

"Thank you…" Sumire murmured, before taking a bite. She did not comment on the weirdness of curry for breakfast, nor on the events of last night. She merely ate with a single-minded determination that Ren tried to mimic.

His spoon constantly slowed to look at her however. In just those five minutes, her outfit had been straightened, her frizzy hair tied in a ponytail and looking perfect. It was impossible to tell that she had been passed out on his bed for the last six hours.

Still trying hard not to stare, Ren jumped when the front door banged open. A bleary eyed Sojiro stumbled in. Ren was unsure if the smell of tobacco or alcohol was stronger from the man.

"Ren… You're back! How?"

"Uhh…" Thankfully, Ren had had one entire night in the dungeon to think of a story. It was not a good one, but it was a story. "I was looking into information for Futaba. I'm sorry I did not contact you, my phone died."

"…" Sojiro just stood there in a hung-over daze. His eyes slowly moving from Ren, to Sumire, and back to Ren again. "You went… with her?"

"S-She came to find me." Ren told his guardian. "It was so late when we got back I lent her my bed. I was just about to message you, but I thought you would be here to open the store…"

"Burn the store, boy," Sojiro growled. Anger added focus to his eyes. "I thought you had enough maturity to look after yourself. Futaba is in tears thinking she has killed you! Not only that, but you brought Ms. Yoshizawa into your mess!"

"I know." Ren answered simply. "I tried to help and… I screwed up."

"…You got that right." Sojiro snorted and shook his head. "You'll be late for school if you don't go soon. I'm… I'm… going to tell Futaba."

"Sojiro." Ren called after him. "Tell Futaba I will help her… and I am sorry. Take the day off."

"You don't get to tell me what to do," Sojiro growled with no heat. Without a goodbye, the older man stomped out of the café and began to head back home.

"I think he was about to cry…" Sumire spoke with a note of disbelief. "He must really care about you."

"It was probably the alcohol." Ren answered, trying not to blush. Lowering his head, Ren shoveled the rest of the curry into his mouth. Sojiro was right, they needed to leave now to make it to school on time.


Saturday July 2nd, 20XX Morning

Kasumi stood leisurely at the school entrance, phone in hand. Occasionally taking glances at it, she mostly kept her eye on the gate. Surely one of them would tell her if they weren't going to make it…

As she fretted over her sister and sister's boyfriend, Kasumi fended off students. Maybe because she had never lounged around before, all sorts of people were approaching her. Boys and girls from all grades. Every single one of them had a nervous smile when they approached. Kasumi greeted and conversed without ever leaving the entrance unobserved.

All of them thanked her for her time and departed within two or three minutes. Kasumi did not think they fled from her, they just glanced at the swirling mass that tried to not form a line and moved on. She was approached by groups of three or four. None smaller or larger. A weird coincidence but still just a coincidence.

The experience was not horrible but… this was not the day for it. Kasumi's heart still beat wildly, wondering, praying, hoping that they were fine. The phone in her hand was like a fire, scorching her with the possibilities that it possessed. A call, a message… Something.

Kasumi sighed audibly when it finally vibrated in her hand. Smile splitting her mouth, the three girls in the graduating currently surrounding her froze mid-word. Kasumi did not care, she unlocked her phone and opened the message.

Her relieved smile froze and slid off her face. Eyebrow twitching, Kasumi thought she heard her phone creak as her hands tightened around it.

Akechi: Ren has returned apparently.

"Umm, are the students running away from you, Kas?"

"Huh?" Looking up from the useless message, Kasumi's jaw dropped. Sumire was standing there, Ren at her side as if it was the most natural thing in the world. They both looked like garbage. Eyes haggard, their clothes crumpled. Sumire had tried to freshen up, but not well enough to hide it.

Kasumi did not care. Not about where Sumire had gone, nor about public propriety. Dashing forward, she wrapped her sister in a tight hug. "You did it."

"Yeah… I did. Thank you Sis."

"No, this was all you…" Because you did not confide in me. The unspoken words were felt by both of them. Their embrace shifted somewhat but did not release. Kasumi did not care, not as long as Sumire returned. And if she did not, Kasumi would find her and bring her back.

"You're crushing me." Sumire spoke softly.

Kasumi gripped her tighter. "It's your punishment for worrying me."

"…Sorry."

Kasumi held her sister for another ten seconds. Using that time, she composed herself. The worry and exaltation receeded. When it was time, Kasumi pulled away from Sumire and smiled broadly up at Ren.

For some reason, the boy shifted in place. Kasumi had thought she was wearing her brightest smile. It would have had the boys before him pledging their love to her.

"I'm glad you returned in one piece, Ren." The boy had the audacity to gulp. Smile twitching, Kasumi wondered if her hands around his neck would teach him manners.

"Umm, thank you for your belief in me…" Ren spoke hesitantly. The boy took pleading glances toward Sumire.

"Umm, please don't blame him," Sumire pled, putting herself between Kasumi and Ren with considerable effort.

Smile frozen in place, Kasumi glanced back and forth between the two of them. They looked ready for a beating. A beating they thought they deserved.

"I really don't understand you two," Kasumi said. Not wanting to scare them, Kasumi tried to keep her smile on. Even making it brighter. Doing that got low moans of horror.

Wanting to make an exit from the weirdos, Kasumi reached past Sumire to grab at Ren's collar. Her sister's positioning made this so much more awkward. Taking a step forward, Kasumi went up on her tiptoes so her face was next to Ren's.

"Look after my sister, okay?"

"Y-Yes! I-I will do my best!"

"Bye!" Waving farewell, Kasumi stalked back into the school not noticing the students stopping to stare at her. Only when she reached the stairs, did Kasumi realize what she had done. "I stopped calling him senpai… I wonder why."


Saturday July2nd, 20XX Morning

Ren's knees threatened to buckle and send him to the ground. The feel of Kasumi's hand on his collar seemed to linger. The touch of death lingered on him as strongly now as it had when he was in Futaba's palace.

"She… She is truly terrifying." Sumire breathed. She jumped when she realized she had spoken out loud. Ren laid a steadying hand on her arm. The touch was out of line in public. It may have been to steady himself just as much, he was not sure.

"I thought for sure she was going to berate me for… getting lost." Ren sighed ruefully. Running a hand through his unkempt hair, he forced himself forward. His steps were unsteady as the chill of death refused to fade.

Beneath that though, another emotion lingered. One even Ren did not think himself stupid enough to feel: excitement. Kasumi's cold smile filled with death was terrifying, not exciting. He did not have a death wish. He had not wanted to kiss the girl's forehead to seal his promise. He most certainly did not feel a weird sense of guilt as he did not think about these things now.

"Senpai?"

"Y-Yes!" Ren blamed puberty on the shriek. Even if that was now a horror of his past.

"Did you notice how she addressed you?"

"Addressed…?" Ren wanted to say he had been too transfixed by her face to focus much on the words that came out of it. Who on earth would pay attention to the growls of a mother bear before it trampled the oblivious hiker for getting between its cub and her? The slashing claws were much more important at that point.

"She… She called you… called you… by your first name."

Ren took a minute to puzzle out what Sumire was getting at. Her cheeks were blending in with her hair. "You mean Ren. She… may have."

"Urgh, you're no help." Pouting, Sumire sent him a sulky glare. Like he was purposefully trying to not understand. "Even I yesterday…"

"You?" Ren asked. He did not know what she was referring to. Most of their interaction the previous day from his perspective had been waking up to finding her unconscious and then bringing her back to LeBlanc.

"I…"

"You?"

Sumire's cheeks were perhaps even darker than her hair at this point. With her face to the ground, Ren could not see her eyes. "You are making fun of me."

"I am not." Ren answered simply. Simple seemed best today. There were already enough things happening to spin him in circles.

"I… In the pa… pyramid, I…"

Ren did not know why Sumire was so hesitant. Opening his mouth to demand an answer, a bell rang through the school. It was not the five minute warning bell. This was the start of class.

Wide eyes, meeting wide eyes, the two of them finally took in the empty hallway and its meeting. Dashing up the stairs together, Ren sent a farewell nod to Sumire and exited for his classroom. They must have missed the five-minute bell while standing around in shock after Kasumi's departure.

Skidding into his classroom, Ren lowered his head and walked low as Mishima gave the morning address. Slinking into his desk, he found Morgana already there. The cat's tail was swishing irritably in his desk. Ann shot him a quick glance but could do no more. Even Kawakami shot him a glare, but there was enough relief in her eyes that Ren did not think she was angry.

"Yo," the cat whispered. "You made it."

Unable to reply, Ren nodded, pretending to watch Kawakami tell the class that today was a review day. There would be a lot of these moving forward. End of term exams started the week after next.

Settling in for an easy day, Ren searched for his materials. Textbook, notebook, something to write with…

"Y-You know I didn't go with Ann yesterday to leave you alone, right? I just wanted to make sure that she got home safely. You know that…"

Ren gave the cat a confused look. Is that where he had been? Honestly Ren had forgotten. His mind had been a blur after recovering from his own exhaustion. The others departure had hardly been worth a comment. Instead, Ren just nodded. He could hardly reply in a room filled only with the sounds of scratching quills and rustling pages. Only the looming exams could have put them in this mood. Ann was the only student to look up from her pages, casting subtle looks back at him.

"Mr. Amamiya." Kawakami's voice suddenly rang through the classroom. The other students jumped and looked at him. Ren was not friends with them, but they did not treat him as a delinquent, just a stranger. If he was going to do something, they were sure it would have happened already. "I'd like a word outside."

Giving Morgana and Ann one last glance, Ren rose and followed Ms. Kawakami from the room. Once the sliding door clicked into place behind her a tension loosened from her back. Giving an audible sigh, she nodded toward the stairs and went there without preamble.

Left to follow, Ren stared at her in confusion. She knew that he was a phantom thief. They had an arrangement that the other thieves did not even know.

When they were away from the classroom, she finally spoke. "I'm so glad you are safe. Ms. Takamaki said you were safe. I don't think I believed it though until you skulked into the class like a criminal."

"I-I did not…" Ren spluttered. The claim was preposterous. He had just avoided causing a stir.

"It is good to see you," Ms. Kawakami gave him a soft smile and laid a hand on his arm. "Even if you do look like you ran through a minefield."

Ren wanted to protest, but he felt like a child again as Kawakami rubbed his head with a motherly affection. "I am fine. Thank you."

Shaking her head with mock disdain, Kawakami put her hands on her hips. "I don't know what trouble you have been up to but take it easy today and rest up on the weekend. I don't want one of my best students failing the exams due to poor health."

Ren could only blink as Ms. Kawakami walked around him and back into the classroom. Scrubbing his own hair vigorously, he followed slowly. Ren had thought he had a grasp on women, at least a little. Today had ruined all of the confidence he had established. None of them made sense and Ren did not think any one he knew would be able to explain.

Except… "Maybe Sojiro…"

Thinking idle thoughts to himself, Ren wasted the day away. Equations and past events were obliterated by thoughts of red and brown eyes.


Saturday July 2nd, 20XX After school

Judgement.

The word hung over Sumire's head. From the moment she stepped into her apartment, Sumire had begun shivering. The weak feeling had not gone away. In fact, it almost felt worse now.

Head pounding, Sumire sat in the dark, head in her hands as time ticked by. As usual, Saturdays were a half day. Now, Sumire was left with time to brood before her parent's arrived home and passed judgement upon her.

The hours passed with taunting slowness. Sumire half wanted to do something. To do anything, but she could not find the motivation to do one. Only sit there and think about what her future entailed. Senpai had mentioned something about talking to her parents, and that she did not have to do anything. Still…

"Maybe I should call Senpai… ask him exactly what they said…" But her hands did not move toward her charging phone. The old, broken thing had died. Sumire really did need a new one. It was half-functional at the best of times.

More time ticked by in this fashion. First five minutes and then ten. That turned into half an hour, and then an hour. All the while, Sumire tapped the table disconsolately. She simply could not find the motivation. Her stress had almost been forgotten by the time the front door opened.

"Sumire! Thank God, I could barely get anything done at work today, I was so sick with worry."

"Dad, Mom." Standing up, Sumire had barely greeted them before she was pulled into a tight hug from two directions. "Urk!"

Strange noises were all that Sumire managed to get out of her throat. Completely smothered, Sumire could not fight against her eventual doom by hugging. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against her father's chest. Sumire could hear his heart beating rapidly, a near frantic gallop.

"It's so good to see you again darling." Her Mother's soft words.

Sumire was still unable to reply. As minutes passed, the pace of her Father's heart steadily began to fall to a normal rate. When it stabilized, she was released.

Shorter than either of her parents, Sumire stared up at them with a weak smile. "Welcome home?" The traditional greeting was more questioning than Sumire had wanted it to be.

"Welcome home indeed," her Father sighed.

"Oh, don't get grumpy now," her mother poked him in the ribs. "Our daughter is back and safe. Even if she does look like she ran a marathon while fighting off bandits."

"I-I do not!" Sumire protested. "I freshened up and everything…"

Blushing, Sumire lowered her head to avoid her mother's knowing gaze. Her Father had confused eyes, clearly not understanding.

"Soo…" Shinichi spoke slowly. "What did happen yesterday."

I never thought up an excuse… Frozen, Sumire's mouth moved soundlessly. Her parents were looking at her expectantly. Not demanding, but not willing to be slighted.

"Oh Sumire," her mom laid a comforting hand on her arm. "I know you are going through a very difficult time in your life. Boys tend to be a little more… free, with their bodies. I hope you weren't forced into anything that—"

"What are you talking about!?" Sumire gasped at her. Left in a spluttering gaze, Sumire felt the heat in her in her cheeks redouble. "I-I was just too tired to make it home yesterday. That's all."

Her parents shared a knowing gaze that insinuated more than Sumire wanted. Opening her mouth to yell at them that nothing happened, Sumire clicked her teeth together again.

Is this not for the best? It's the perfect excuse…

Wavering, Sumire felt like she was overheating. She needed time to stop. Needed to talk to Senpai. How was she supposed to make this decision by herself?

"I think she's telling the truth…" Sumire's father said suddenly.

Blinking to refocus, Sumire scanned their faces for clues but came up empty. Sweat starting to bead at her forehead, she was starting to regret not accepting their embarrassing assumptions.

"So, what did you do?"

"I just spent all day looking for Senpai." Sumire replied faintly. It was true. It just did not describe the danger that she had been in.

As her parents shared another long-furrowed glance, the front door opened once more. Kasumi entered, hair dark from the damp of a recent shower. Her summer outfit hanging baggy around her.

"Yo, Sumi. Getting lectured about staying out late?"

"Somewhat…" Her Father replied slowly. "I more so wanted to know why. The details there are fuzzy."

Kasumi let out one her famous insolent snorts. Walking over, she flung an arm around Sumire's shoulders. "You mean you want a detailed account of her night spent in Ren's love nest? That's a little… weird dad."

"K-Kasumi," Sumire whined. "I was asleep the whole time!"

"Yeah, but Ren wasn't, was he?" Kasumi smiled menacingly. "Explains why your outfit is so crumpled."

"S-Stop it!" Sumire pleaded desperately. She would not complain if the floor swallowed her at this exact moment. Maybe a stampede of wild animals on the street outside.

"Fine, fine." Letting her go with a shrug, Kasumi walked over to the fridge and began to rummage through it. The girl's stomach was a bottomless pit, especially after working out.

"Please hold on dear, I will help you with supper in just a moment…"

As her mother left as well, Sumire glanced up at her father wondering if she was off the hook. As she stared, he took off his glasses and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"You should take a nap before Supper. You look ready to fall over."

"I… Thank you." Not wasting the escape opportunity, Sumire grabbed her phone and darted for her room. Opening the door just a fraction, Sumire slid through the crack. Taking two steps, she collapsed on her bed. Doing so, she was able to appreciate exactly how weak she was. The terror of before had been enough to drive it out of her mind momentarily. Laying on her bed, Sumire's eyes began to droop as soon as her head touched her pillow.

"Oi, oi, you can't be asleep already!" Kasumi's disbelieving voice reached her from the other side of a fog. A creak from her bed informed Sumire that her sister now beside her.

"Hmm… sleepy."

"But you didn't tell me what it was like!" Kasumi complained. "You slept at your boyfriend's place. Was it nerve-wracking? Did you wake up in his arms?"

In Sumire's mind floated images of the morning. Senpai sleeping innocently on the couch. He had been trying to watch over her and failed. A smile touching her lips, Sumire spoke as sleep consumed her. "It was wonderful."


Sunday July 3rd, 20XX Morning

"Bring it down!" Joker ordered. The others obeyed with surprising alacrity. He was not sure why, but today they followed him with an immediacy that had not been there before. After they had done so well without him on Friday, Joker had expected them to barely listen.

Yet, they obeyed eagerly, every single member jumping in and bringing down the injured Anubis. Coming together as a group, they had been bowling through Futaba's palace with renewed ardor. They had gotten through the chamber of rejection and found themselves in the chamber of guilt.

The names of the sections of Futaba's palace were grim reminders of the trauma the girl had endured. A large number of them had been burning with anger when they solved the first pictograph of the suicide note. The immorality and cruelty of it all turned Joker's stomach. It was not surprising that Futaba had ended up the way she had.

Focusing on the present, Joker waved a hand and led them forward. It was hard for Joker to not grit his teeth as he walked through the identical architecture. After spending a torturous day here with nothing else to do, Joker was sick of the carved stone building blocks and magical hieroglyphs. It made it challenging to keep an eye out for shadows.

Entering a room, Joker gave it one quick glance for shadows and then approached the tablet. As he touched it, the surface illuminated. Like the one before, it gave a code to him: B10011. It was a strange holographic puzzle. Why something like this would be in the dark and destructive pyramid, Joker did not know.

Having taken out the shadows in their way, Joker led the group silently back to where he had to put in the code. When he entered the massive chamber, Joker froze and blinked.

"Why did you stop, dude?" Skull tsked, shoving at his shoulder.

"He is right, we have the solution, now we just need to…" Queen's voice trailed off as well. "We are missing one."

"Yes," Joker agreed. Closing his eyes, Joker called up an image of the palace in his mind. It was a gift from Igor, Joker was sure. His memory was not nearly this good, yet it was almost easy. After seeing the blueprints once, Joker could recall it effortlessly. "There is another room we have not entered."

"Well, that must be where the other code is!" Violet added into the silence.

Joker sent a curious look at Queen. The older girl looked like she was forcefully biting down on her lip. Raising an eyebrow at her, Queen only studiously looked away and waited for Joker to lead them to the new room.

Even while trying not to shake his head in confusion, Joker ended up doing just that. It was being made abundantly clear that something had happened. Noir had mentioned as a side note that her Father was not attempting to marry off at this particular moment. Like that was small and unimportant.

Repressing building envy that he had missed such a remarkable event, Joker focused on his guilt for forcing them to rescue him. Looking at the palace now, it was obvious that the only way out was for someone to open the door from the outside.

Open from the outside.

Stumbling a step, Joker caught himself on the wall. Just in time too, a shadow on the other side was looking this way and would have leapt on him if given the chance.

"What—" Queen cut her words off. Sparing a brief glance at Violet, she backed off and was replaced by the object of her stares.

"What happened?" Violet asked curiously.

"Just thinking about the palace a little more." Joker whispered back, not taking his eyes from the shadow. Thoughts whirling faster and faster, Joker's eyes narrowed into a glare of hate. "Let's kill this thing. I have… a theory."

Not waiting for an answer, Joker darted from shadows and struck out with his grappling gun. Latching unto the shadow, Joker pulled himself toward it and landed on the massive dog's back. With his other hand, he ripped the mask free. Droplets of black energy sprinkled through the air like blood.

They were confronted by two off-guard Thoths when the energy coalesced. Not giving them a moment of respite, Joker brough forth a persona. "Leanan Sidhe!"

Noir was only a step behind bringing forth her persona, Milady. Both of them attacked with the same effect. Psychic lances penetrating into the psyche of the shadows.

Screaming, the monkeys dropped their books and rolled on the ground. Rushing forward as one, the thieves annihilated the opponents before they could rise.

"Whoa, I can't believe I considered them strong at one point," Noir giggled, her face flushed. Oddly, she seemed to enjoy fighting more than any of them. Even Skull's thirst seemed to have slackened.

"They still are," Queen berated her. "One of those nuclear attacks and you'll be the one rolling on the ground weeping."

Noir pouted, but the flush did not leave her face.

Unable to find the humour in the situation, Joker stalked into the last room and found a matching tablet. Nodding, he was hardly surprised when they found the second clue: R01100.

"Well?" Violet confronted him with a frown.

Looking around at the ground, Joker sighed and leaned against the tablet. "I was just thinking about my idiocy, about the doors that open only from the outside."

"So?" Fox asked levelly. Joker was glad no one commented on his idiocy remark.

"Does it not strike you as odd? It is as if Futaba has been locked in the pyramid, not locking others out."

"Locked in… by whom?"

Joker did not have an answer to that. It was a good question, but not where his mind had taken him when thinking about it earlier. "For now, let's move on. These doors… the way they open bothered me."

"You mean the light?" Skull broke in. "Why?"

"We are literally shining a light on the problem," Queen moaned. "It is obvious when you put it that way. If I hadn't been in half a panic on Friday…"

"I still don't follow," Panther frowned, crossing her arms. "So, what if light opens the doors?"

"Futaba is locked away in this dark tomb, where the only way to get to her is shine light on everything in the way." Joker explained. "We are illuminating the palace, or bringing truth to it perhaps."

"The… mosaic," Fox jumped to the heart of the problem that Joker wanted to get to. "When we assembled it, the light shone through it and broke it… but it can't be—"

"No, I don't think it was completely false…" Joker agreed with Fox. Nodding at the artist, Joker often forgot how quick the man's wit was when he was paying attention. The other half he was staring at buttresses and talking to himself about lines. "But, there also must be a lie in it. More than that… Futaba must know that part of it is a lie."

"…What do you mean?" Violet asked suddenly, and sharply. Everyone was looking at him.

"I never really considered it before… but do we honestly think her mother committed suicide and left a note berating her daughter?"

Everyone shifted. Joker understood why. Japan's suicide rate far outstripped its crime rate. Panther was shivering, eyes staring glazed at the floor. No doubt reminded of the moment when she watched her best friend step from the school roof.

"Futaba is not exactly young anymore," Joker continued in a hurry. "Also, she is incredibly bright." He did not go into details, but from wiretapping LeBlanc, to her self-made computer, phone hacking, and scientific books, it was clear that her intelligence was among the very highest.

"So…" Skull intoned, not understanding.

Mona sighed and filled in the gaps. "So, this means that Futaba knows what happened was not her fault, but cannot find the courage to escape it."

"Precisely," Joker nodded. "She asked us to save her. To save her from the tomb that someone has trapped her in. We need to find the truth and… show her light."

Only a few pairs of rolled eyes accompanied Joker's bad joke. The information was still too raw. He wanted to punch something. No, not something, someone. Whomever had forced her mother to commit suicide, composed the fake note and read it to her family members. Whomever had trampled on the young girl to the point that she wanted to die. A girl who clung desperately to them as her last chance of rescue.

"Let's keep moving." Hard eyes met Joker's cold proclamation. What awaited in the depths of the palace restraining the girl was going to be taught a strict lesson.


Sunday July 3rd, 20XX Morning

Sipping his coffee, Akechi had to admit the quality was outstanding. With Ren having been found safely, Akechi should really not have been there. However, the coffee was good, and he was still mulling over what to do. His plans in the pyramid had been foiled and Akechi loathed the thought of returning to that sandy outback.

Still, LeBlanc was cool, had good coffee and was almost as close to the palace as one could be. Better yet, the coffee was free. With a nod of thanks and apology, the Master of the establishment refilled his cup.

Giving him a grateful, smile, Akechi wafted the rich aroma to himself. "Your coffee is exquisite."

Sojiro jumped when Akechi spoke out loud. "Oh, thanks. You know how it is… You practice something long enough…"

Akechi studied the barkeeper. At first, Akechi thought that maybe he knew something. That he was worried the trip into his adopted daughter's palace was not going well. That seemed unlikely. The worry was simpler, parental.

"Is your daughter well?"

"D-Daughter? Oh, you mean Futaba. Technically she isn't mine so…"

Akechi endured the torrent with as much calm as he could muster. That was becoming harder and harder as of late. He could hardly move without something going wrong. Nearly all of it could be tied back to the leader of the phantom thieves, Ren Amamiya.

Coughing, Sojiro tried to recover. "She calmed down when she heard Ren was safe. But… she has not woken since then."

"That's…" Akechi frowned. Assuming she was notified when he came out of the palace, that must be at least thirty-six hours. That simply could not be correct.

"Oh, it will be fine. She's just like a battery. When she runs out of power she needs to recharge for a long time, gets it from her mother."

Akechi forced himself to nod and sip the coffee. "That sounds interesting." What he wanted to do was call the man a fool and lecture him about physiology and the difference between sleep and a coma. That is not what a proper detective would do, however.

"Don't force yourself if tis too hot…." Sojiro warned. "Coffee will still be there when it cools down a smidgen."

The fool actually thought the half frown was due to temperature. Hand tightening reflexively, Akechi gave him the winning smile that had made him so popular. It and its variations had taken forever to perfect. "Why thank you. It is just so good, I can't help but try and drink it."

With a good-natured laugh, Sojiro returned to the other end of the counter and busied himself with some menial chore. Akechi did not see the point. It was a Sunday morning, one of the busiest times for cafes and only two couples beyond him sat here. The regulars Akechi assumed. The elderly people probably walked here every Sunday morning for coffee and a crossword.

Sitting still, staring at his murky reflection in the coffee, Akechi barely noticed the time ticking past. Was this situation worth mentioning to Shido? What would he order Akechi to do if Futaba recovered? In Akechi's mind, the young girl was not worth remembering. She was not her mother, and as such, did not matter. Although that orange-haired shadow smirking at him as he fell…

Ring!

Jerking, Akechi grabbed his phone and held it up. He pursed his lips at the contact's name: Boss. He was not supposed to utter Shido's name, nor even write it anywhere. It was an irritating condition, but Akechi did not want his name associated with his father until he had been brought to his knees.

"Akechi here."

"Where are you?" Shido's deep voice growled from the other side.

"Enjoying coffee. It is quite a brew."

"Grr… My patience with you runs thin boy. The phantom thieves grow in popularity everyday. My stance opposing them grows more precipitous by the day. I heard that your new plan is to allow them to further expand their fame."

"Yes, that is correct." Akechi did not know if Shido was stupid enough to forget that he was in a public place, but Akechi would guard his tongue. "I heard the five-story fall was fatal."

"…" Shido seemed to digest on the other side of the line.

Akechi was not sure how much more obvious he could make it. It was the same reason that he had not disposed of Shido yet. Akechi wanted both of them to taste the sweet nectar of glory. To bask in the radiance of power and influence before he cut the floor from beneath them and watched them tumble. Shido more than Ren, but both would happen.

"I see…Yes, the timing does need to be right. September, maybe early October at the latest. If they can be exposed and arrested at that time, it would be best for the poll results. Too soon and the public's attention may slip. That would be unacceptable, only I can steer the country at this time."

"Yes, that is how we proceeded." Akechi replied. The subterfuge sounded like it got teeth cracking from Shido. Good.

"Not too cocky boy. You may think yourself indispensable, but I am in the process of creating things beyond your powers."

The line went dead. "Yes, I will talk to you later. Tomorrow? Alright. Goodbye." Talking for the patrons' sake, Akechi lowered his phone.

Taking another sip of the coffee, the warm aroma tried to dispel his dark mood. This was the second time Shido had mentioned something in anger. First time, he insinuated he had someone smarter than Isshiki Wakaba, now he was creating something. Akechi had a feeling they had to be linked. Both had been used as thinly veiled threats that Shido would be done with him at some point not far off.

Whatever it was that Shido was plotting, Akechi was not a fan. Either it was boasting meant to put him on edge, or a plot Akechi had to get to the middle of and destroy.

If he could somehow get the phantom thieves to bring it down…

Left ruminating, Akechi sipped coffee and thought. Plans coming together and being revised without a single note jotted down.


Sunday July 3rd, 20XX Evening

Standing behind the LeBlanc counter, Ren shot Sojiro the occasional glance from the corner of his eye. He wanted to talk but had no idea how to bring it up.

They had talked briefly of it before, but Ren needed to know. He wanted to hear about it in no uncertain terms. Who Wakaba Isshiki had been as a person would probably determine the outcome of tomorrow.

Today, after a series of puzzles and challenges, they had reached the peak of the central corridor once more. They had reached the core of Futaba's palace. As far as they could reach until she let them into her room. Now, they needed a calling card and to be let in. Needed her to admit that she wanted to be saved, that she deserved to be.

"You're staring so much I am half wondering if I turned into a pretty girl."

Ren jumped. It was an effort to keep his expression neutral. He thought he managed it, even if he gripped the plates in the soapy water a tad tighter. "Sorry, I just… had a question."

"Sounds serious," Sojiro murmured, "I'll grab some coffee."

When Ren had finished the dishes, he removed his apron and grabbed the cup that Sofiro had made him. Sitting on a stool, he faced his guardian. Far from the intimidating man he had once been, Sojiro's look was more questioning than anything.

"About Futaba's mother…" Sojiro's face tightened. "Did she… Do you really believe that she wrote that note? That she killed herself?"

Sojiro's expression grew pained. "That's a harsh question. Can anyone really believe it when a family member commits suicide? If they do, how do they repress the guilt wondering if it was their fault? I… cannot know. What I do know is that Wakaba loved Futaba. More than anything in the world, she loved her daughter. As for that note…"

The sneer on Sojiro's face spoke volumes. Ren almost leaned away from the expression filled to bursting with contempt.

"I don't believe one word of it. There is no doubt that Wakaba threw herself in front of on-coming traffic, but I cannot guess why. The only thought I have is blackmail but… Maybe I just want to avoid my guilt."

Ren took a sip of the coffee, digesting the revelations. Some of it was familiar, but the essence of the message was clear. Sojiro did not believe the events had played out as reported.

"Sheesh, you got me babbling like a drunk." Sojiro did wince oddly at that point. "While I am, I would say that Wakaba's suicide was as crazy as these changes of heart that fill the news."

Changes of heart. Psychotic breakdowns. Could it be?

Ren sat motionless, considering the possibility. From what he had read briefly, the psychotic breakdowns had only started becoming prevalent a year ago or so. Could it really have been one? And over what? Her research?

Left with questions, Ren thanked the man. "I am sorry for bringing it up again. I was just curious."

"…No, you should know." Sojiro agreed. "You are living here, it is a topic that we cannot avoid."

Ren nodded again, somewhat guiltily. It had still been rude of him to pry so much. But he had needed to know before confronting Futaba. If Wakaba had loved her even a fraction of what Sojiro had said, she must be aware of it. Must understand that she had been set-up. So what kept her locked in the tomb, waiting death?

Ren would have to discover that tomorrow.


Monday July 4th, 20XX After School

Sumire approached the door gently. Rather than knocking, she stepped aside. Senpai gave her a brief look but stepped up and rapped loudly on Futaba's door.

Trying not to flush, Sumire instead found herself staring at Makoto who was staring at her. Giving the older girl an uneasy smile, Sumire received a concerned frown in reply.

Shifting in place, Sumire wished she did not have to be here. Last time she had practically broken the girl's door down to get an answer. Leaving her an inconsolable mess, Sumire had entered the pyramid. It had been cruel, and Sumire kept expecting one of them to bring it up.

"Who's there?" Futba's voice croaked. "Go… away."

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Senpai responded levelly. "Open the door and let us talk, Futaba. I have good news for you."

Slowly, the door creaked open. Barely wide enough for Futaba to see Senpai through the gap. "I am glad… you are alive." The sentence sounded long coming from her.

"I am." Senpai agreed. Moving closer to the door, he put his face as close to hers as he could. "Today, I am, we are, going to change your heart."

"R-Really?" Sumire's heart clenched at the hope put in that one word. "I-I can escape?"

"You can." Senpai assured her. "But only if you open this door and let us in. Can you do that? Can you be brave… for me?"

Sumire tamped down on the jealousy. She knew what Senpai was doing, but he didn't have to make his voice that affectionate as he did it.

"That's… all?" Futaba asked.

"Yes." Senpai nodded.

A long moment passed. Suddenly, one word rang out. "Come."

Senpai flashed them a triumphant smile before pushing open the door and stepping inside. That smile quickly disappeared as Futaba was nowhere to be seen. Her location was obvious at a glance.

"She's hiding in the closet?" Skull sighed. "Seriously?"

"I-I let you in!" Futaba's muffled voice yelled out. "D-Do it!"

"Err… She totally doesn't understand how this happens," Panther shook her head. "Is this good enough?"

"Doubtful," Mona spook, jumping up on the abandoned computer chair. "If we were to enter the pyramid now, we would probably just find another barrier right around the treasure."

"So…" Sumire asked.

"So we get her to come out." Senpai took a step to the closet. "Did you catch that Futaba? I'm sorry I was not clear enough before. You need to accept us into your place. Come out, and we will change your heart."

"Just… give me a moment." The girl's voice trembled. "I… I need to prepare."

"A minute is all I can offer." Senpai replied, his voice firm.

Sumire gulped. What if she did not come out? Could they go in after her? How would her cognition change if they barged in and forced their way next to her? Biting her lip, Sumire crossed her arms and settled in.

No more than thirty seconds later, Futaba spoke again. "Okay, okay… Three, two… Tada!" Jumping out of the closet, her arms were up above her head which was lowered to the floor in an odd sort of prostration.

"Umm, awesome." Senpai spoke stiffly. Skull gave a guffaw while Panther and Noir giggled.

"W-What? D-Do it! I'm ready!" Sumire did not think the girl was ready for anything. Her skin was not the delicate porcelain look that girls prized, it was sickly pale and drawn taut. She looked to have an absence of muscle or fat. There was no way to describe her except as haggard.

"It won't happen here," Senpai explained delicately. "We need you to read something once we are gone, and then wait."

"Here ya go!" Skull proffered the card. Sumire was pretty sure that Fox had done almost the entire thing, however. The quality was on a different level from the original ones.

As the others began to file out, Sumire stepped forward to Futaba. The girl watched her with wary eyes behind those glasses. Seeing her face better Sumire wanted to shiver. The large bags under the eyes, even the eyes themselves spoke of a deep permanent exhaustion.

Oh, those eyes. Sumire had seen them before in the mirror. The dullness that accompanied the darkness swirling inside. Sumire's stomach knotted thinking back on those days. How different she had been.

Everyone had stopped to watch, but Sumire could not stop now. Bowing, she closed her eyes and spat out the words she needed to say. "I am sorry about the other day Ms. Sakura. I had no right to accuse you of anything. When you get better… I hope you can forgive me one day… and maybe even be friends."

Silence greeted her plea. Opening her eyes, Sumire was still facing the floor. Raising her eyes did not work, her bangs were in the way.

"W-What the hell kind of Charisma is that?" Futaba eventually spoke in a voice that was nearly as shocked as when Senpai asked her to open the door. "I must have failed my Wisdom save because I just want to agree with everything!"

"Umm…" Looking back at the others, Sumire was hoping for an explanation. Instead, they all looked as lost as she felt. Only Fox had a tilt to his head as if examining something, Sumire did not think it would be anything helpful to her though.

"J-Just change my heart and I'll think about it!"

"Will do!" Standing erect, Sumire shot the girl a bright smile. Her reaction was to colour and reclaim her computer chair.

"G-Good luck… or something."

"Thank you!" Leaving the room, Sumire did feel better with that out of the way. It had not been as bad as she had expected either. Futaba was a nice girl after all.

"Well then," Senpai said a touch forced. "Shall we enter?"

Consecutive nods later and they were shifting. Sumire did not move, yet she moved. She felt the rush of power as her clothes changed to her phantom thief outfit. Resplendent in her gaudy uniform, Violet smiled broadly. Hair tied back; the useless glasses were gone.

"Are we going, Joker?"

"We just got here…" The boy shot her a strange look, but began to move. The others got their bearings quickly, frowned at the backing sun and tromped toward the nearby pyramid. It really was simply too hot here.

"That was well done."

Violet turned her head to look at Queen walking beside her. She did not think anyone else was close enough to overhear. "What do you mean?"

"The apology," Queen explained. "I could not have managed…"

"I don't think you'll find yourself in the position of needing to…" Violet trailed off. Yes, Queen had needed to apologize before. "I mean, I just did what was necessary."

"No," Queen shook her head, staring hard at her. "It isn't that… you… you're changing. You're stronger now, far stronger than when I met you."

"W-Well I have more experience in the metaverse now. Of course I have improved." Violet responded, still awkward about the compliments.

"That wasn't what I meant… You shine now." Queen tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Stay close to Joker, alright? He will need you."

"Y-Yeah, I can do that…" Violet tried not to blush. Like I would do anything else. Like the man was a lodestone, Violet's eyes were drawn to his back. Just sauntering across endless sand, he had a kind of swaggering elegance. Not boastful, but showy. If he told you he could do something impossible, you would laugh until the moment he did it.

Reaching the entrance to the pyramid, Joker stopped and gave them all an appraising look. Violet thought, or maybe hoped, that his eyes paused on hers a moment more than the others.

"That girl needs us. We don't know what we face, let's go."

Inside, Violet's skin crawled. The security must have been through the roof. Yet, for all the feel of watching eyes and hundreds of guards, the central chamber was open. They were able to run up it and arrive at the locked elevator.

Now, it stood open and waiting. Piling inside, the ancient, somehow futuristic technology whirred to life with a flash of green light. Then, they were there. No sense of moving ever touched her. Repressing another shiver, Violet looked out and gaped at where they had arrived.

It was a scene only possible in the metaverse. An endless abyss stretched beneath them. Violet had the sudden feeling that they would fall forever if one of them tumbled from the stone plinth they stood on. She was unsure if her mind would break first or starvation would kill her. Neither was pleasant to contemplate.

Above them stretched stairs and platforms that led up and up to another of the transporters. There were two clear paths, and unless Violet was crazy… They could swing right there. The grappling gun would let them reach the end without going through the tough, alert shadows stalking the narrow paths they could not avoid.

Don't see it, don't see it, don't see it.

"Well, looks like we have a clear shot to the top," Joker declared. She could hear the smirk in his voice.

Of course he saw it. At least Violet was not alone in shivering when the others followed his finger and connected the dots. "Oh no. Definitely not. Nope, nope, nope." That was Skull.

"Haha, wouldn't it be better to rip apart a few shadows first? Get us warm before the inevitable fight at the end?"

"We do not know that we will fight something," Joker replied sourly to Noir, yet Violet did not think there was much heat to it.

All the evidence so far suggested that Futaba's subconsciousness had generated something that was locking her in here. They just had to prove to her it was beatable, get her to see the truth and get out.

Easy.

Yupp, it would be easy.

"Here," Joker was saying, "I'll go first. That way you will see there is no danger."

Violet knew that seven pairs of disbelieving eyes were staring at him. It reminded Violet of her previous thoughts. He declared that he would do something. Just because he would be successful, did not mean anyone else could do it.

Swallowing, Violet reassessed what they would have to do. Swing there, reattach the anchor… No, that was suicide. It was pointless. Yet…

Stepping forward, Violet pointed at a shadow. "That one is the only one we would need to fight if we take the outside route. How about Joker and I go across and take it from the backside. Then you can collapse from the front?"

The instant assent from everyone else drove home what Violet had just said to herself. Joker and I. She had agreed to swing across the gap. More importantly, she was calling him Joker, not Senpai.

Flinging a hand across her mouth, Violet's eyes bulged. When? When had she started doing this? Yesterday… she had, hadn't she!? And Friday as well! It was all Friday's fault. Once by accident and now it poured from her. How that made sense, Violet did not know nor care.

Hardly noticing the challenging feat she was attempting, Violet cast herself off the edge and manipulated the gun without really thinking about it. Even falling into an endless abyss would have been preferable to enduring their knowing eyes at that moment.

Before she could notice the air rushing past her, Violet had flipped once and landed solidly on her two feet. Placing a hand to her head, she moaned. How could she have not noticed? Why? Just why?

"That was dangerous."

Whirling around, Violet opened her mouth to respond but could not speak. Real anger burned in Joker's black eyes beneath his mask. Swallowing again, she still could not find words.

"Is something… bothering you?"

You know very well! Instead, Violet found different words. "I am sorry for worrying you."

Joker's anger faded somewhat. He nodded, but his eyes did not leave her face. He did not speak, and neither did she. It felt… different now.

They were different now. More equal somehow. Closer, but also further apart. Violet did not know what it meant. What it may mean moving forward.

"Let's go."

That was the same. Nodding, Violet assumed the flank and brought up the rear. For once, it appeared that her plan was working without a single problem. The shadows were still on the lookout, but the others were slinking past without issues. In short order, they would approach the lone guard that they were flanking.

Sharing a look, Joker nodded and moved. Drawing her rapier, Violet was still taken aback watching him work. She had seen it countless times, but there was something infinitely graceful about his movements. A majesty that left her staring at his black coat whipping through the air.

"Groagh!" The shadows spawned, four of them. Two thoth and two lamia. Unpleasant. Incredibly hard for just the two of them. Luckily, they weren't alone.

By the time the shadows were sizing them up, preparing their magics, the others were descending. Leading the way were Skull and Queen. Powerful attacks crashing down upon the shadows. On their heels was Fox. One second the swordsman was behind Skull and Queen, the next he was by Violet, his sword that he had not drawn going back into its scabbard.

Scorched by Noir, Panther, and Mona, the shadows were left to collapse in a confused pool of energy. None of them even knew what was happening until the moment it ended.

"That… Worked well." Joker admitted.

"Yeah, nice call!" Skull gave Violet a thumbs up. "Still don't know how you crossed that gap though… Looking at it from here gives me shivers…"

Following Skull's gaze, Violet almost emptied her stomach. She had crossed that!? There was a massive, thirty-meter gap between the start and finish. Taking into account the change in height… Crossing her arms, Violet was not sure how any realization had made her not notice doing something like that.

"Well?" Joker questioned with his usual smirk. "Shall we find the treasure?"

"Insufferable…" Violet said out loud. Quiet enough she hoped that only Joker had heard it. Only in her head did she add the addendum, but so cool.


Monday July 4th, 20XX Morning

"What… is that?" Joker's voice was cold as he spoke. The question was rhetorical. He had once done an internet search on the woman, he knew that face. Isshiki Wakaba. But only the face was human. It was mounted on a lion's body larger than an elephant and had wings that kept it aloft.

The monster had torn off the outside of the pyramid leaving them exposed under the beating sun. Exposed to the wrath of this monster. Energy rolled off it in waves that curdled Joker's stomach. They could not back down, but they could not win.

"We… We can do this…" Even Violet's voice was uncertain. Joker took a glance at her. When she saw him looking, she tried to give him an encouraging smile.

That she was trying to encourage him left no doubt that they were out of their league. Ever since realizing that Futaba was the treasure of the palace, a fact they probably should have figured out sooner, everything had gone downhill.

"What's the plan?" Skull asked. "I'd offer to bash the pretty face in if it ever bloody lands…"

Joker did not understand Skull's new-found hate towards female-faced monsters. He himself found them slightly odd, but Skull all but growled murder when he had fought a Lamia. Maybe Violet knew.

For now, Joker twirled his knife and did not reply. They were fish out of water waiting for the swooping eagle at this point. However, there was nothing for it.

"We form a circle," Joker called. "When it pauses it front of you, blast it with magic, maybe it has a weakness."

That was doubtful. Joker could not tell from a glimpse a monster's weakness, but he was getting a feeling about things like this. The abomination of how Futaba saw her mother was comparable to any of the rulers of previous palaces they had fought. All powerful, haughty men that did not have obvious weaknesses.

When it passed in front of him, Joker shot a ball of ice at it. His attack struck and got a got a reactionary growl, but that was it. The flight path was unaltered.

"ThieVes ShalL DIE!"

That monstruous voice that the Cognitive Wakaba screamed with gripped his stomach tighter. Joker was half shocked he was not balled up the stone floor weeping. This encounter could only be defined as a nightmare.

As it spoke, it suddenly beat its wings hard and darted up into the air. The massive figure became an untrackable dot as the sun blinded them. Turning, Joker asked swiftly. "Can anyone see it?"

"No." The curt replies came. Skull's more suited to rough bar.

"I cannot see it…" Violet told them. "But it will come from the sky."

Joker gave her a second glance. She had changed, and it was not just in how she addressed him. My saviour. He had said that. Joker remembered and it warmed his cheeks. Half delirious or not, he remembered seeing a woman so resplendent light seemed to leak from her body. As she stood there, head tilted irritably back, Joker saw faint images of that once again.

"Violet," He ordered, suddenly inspired. "Close your eyes. When you tell us to dodge, we will."

"What!?" Everyone whirled to him, wondering if he had gone mad.

Joker spoke over the objections, shouting to be heard. "She had some sort of affinity to light! In this sun, she clearly had the best idea of any of us as to where that monster Wakaba is!"

Oddly enough, the other thieves looked abashed. Every single one of them nodded and murmured apology. All of them except Violet. "T-That's crazy!" The girl spluttered. "Even if I—" Her voice hitched, eyes bulging. "DODGE!"

Joker had started moving when she had gaped in horror. Grabbing her waist, he dove, grappling gun extended and shooting for a corner of the small square area they stood on. Before they were halfway there, the entire pyramid shook from the force of a massive creature landing in the center.

Bringing their slide to a halt, Joker stared back in awe and horror at the site of impact. From what he could see, Skull was in one of the forepaws, arms crushed to the side and the monster lifted him. Panther laid on the ground beneath them from where she had been shoved.

"Grr… I'll fucking kill you!" Skull screamed at its face. Even as he did, the grip tightened. Persona or not, the monster would kill him soon.

Joker's gun was out and shooting at its side and neck. No sooner did his shots ring out than Violet's gun echoed from beneath him. Shooting her a wry smile she could not see, Joker darted forward.

The monster was looking his direction frowning. Knife raised in front of him, Joker was about to jump at it when it threw Skull at him and beat its wings. Stopping to catch his friend, Joker's eyes followed the sphinx as it took to the air. Again, it circled them.

Joker was chilled to the bone now. It was not an idiot. It would divebomb them again and again until they all died. This was no fight, it was a one-sided massacre. Panther rose gingerly, shaken badly, Skull was moaning in pain. The others were slightly better, but Joker's fast reactions had gotten Violet and him off better than all.

"ThieVes! She MURderED mE!"

"Crazy…" Joker tried not to shiver. "How do we fight this?"

"I don't know." Violet responded. Yet, something in her voice told him that she fully expected him to come up with an answer. Knew that he would save them. Joker wished he felt the same.

Rising to his feet, Joker narrowed his eyes at the circling sphinx. It was slight but… had they harmed it? Something told him they had however minor. Although actually defeating it would be incredibly challenging.

"Mona, heal. Queen help if he needs. Everyone else, more magic."

"I'll burn it from the sky." Panther stalked forward, eyes livid. From the way she spoke, Joker would have thought she had been the one almost crushed to death.

As their magics raged toward it, it was definitely Panther's fire that got the largest yelp. Instantly, the flight path changed, the sphinx making a straight line for them. Wondering if they had baited it into melee combat. Joker readied his dagger.

"GRaGh!" Roaring, it halted its flight by grabbing the edge of the pyramid, the entire structure shook from its might. The sphinx's wings beat hard. Air, sand, and even shards of stone whirled by Joker cutting and hitting him.

Holding an arm in front of his face, Joker growled against the massive attack from which there was no cover. It was clearly enhanced by magic and tore into all of them. Poor Skull groaned the loudest, weak to the wind-type attack that now scoured their bodies.

Mona, standing strong against the onslaught instantly called forth Zorro to restore the stamina getting striped away. Healing light combatting tearing wind. As both suddenly faded, the sphinx was gone. There had been no chance to retaliate. Again, that sky drop attack. How? Was it possible to block? There should be something, anything!

"You… You were right." Violet said, frowning. Her eyes were closed but her face was tilted up. She slowly turned in a circle and then stopped, face moving back and forth. "There are slight differences in the light… How did you know?"

Joker did not want to say a wild shot in the dark. A faint hope constituted based on that she had known where it was instantly. "You just have that kind of aura. Is it coming?"

"…Soon." Violet spoke. Loudly, she said the next bit to everyone. "Gather around me! When I call out, run to the far side."

Tense moments passed. People looked up, but it was impossible through the blinding sun. Joker tried to keep his face from the sky. He trusted Violet, there was nothing he could do himself. Only prepare to grab her and dash across the roof as before.

"It is…" Violet trailed off, frowning. Then eyes flashing open, she spun around in a panic. "Behind!"

Joker's stomach sank. Of course. From the sky, it was easy to see their formation. How they were waiting to run in the same direction. Wielding his dagger, Joker slid in front of Violet and spread his arms.

BOOM! With a thunderous crash, Joker thought the pyramid was going to fall apart. Wind far stronger than before blasted him as shockwaves sent him to his knees. Helpless, Joker tried to blink the black from his eyes.

When had he started laying down? Groggy, Joker raised a hand against the bright sun and blinked again. The Sphinx was standing triumphant among a field of fallen. Joker's breath hitched and looked around, no one remained standing. His attempt to shield Violet had been unsuccessful. Her head was lolling against the top of the low rock wall at the edge.

Hand to ground, Joker tried to stand. A number of the others were starting to move. Not realy fast enough thought. None of them would put up much resistance. One by one, the Sphinx, Shadow Wakaba, would crush them like grapes.

"W-What… What is happening!" Joker's head whipped to the side. Shadow Futaba had entered. No. Eyes bulging, Joker gaped as the girl herself walked through her palace. How was that even possible? It did not matter.

"RUN!" Joker screamed at her. "That thing will kill you!"

"Yes, Kill!" The sphinx turned with no interest for them anymore. It's gaze hardened and focused on Futaba. YoU! yOU KilLEd mE!"

"I… I thought you needed me…" Futaba walked another two steps as if in a daze. She gazed up at the monster standing over them. A monster with her mother's face.

Before she could walk any farther, shadows formed around the girl. What would have been nearly invisible inside the pyramid looked almost solid under the brilliant sun.

"You pretty much killed her, Futaba…"

"Some type of maternity neurosis."

"Why does she not say something?"

Horrible. Every word that dropped from their lips was terrible. How old had Futaba been when she had heard this? Seen her family member's mouths twist in disgust. Taking a step away from the girl that had driven her mother to suicide.

"Please… stop," Futaba's plea was made all the more heart wrenching by how practiced it was. A regular routine that haunted by the day and could not be fled from in her dreams.

"You drove your mother to destroy all of research before she committed suicide…"

"Can you even image how important that work was?"

"Urgh, please… Please stop." Falling to her knees, Futaba cradled her head. Even as the words were near on a moan, the girl did not cry. Perhaps there were no tears left to her.

"Futaba!" Queen shouted out. "Your mother loved you! Boss said as much!"

"That's right!" Panther added, both girls still unable to rise fully, yet on one knee. "You aren't to blame! It isn't your fault!"

YoU KilLLED ME!" Cognitive Wakaba screamed, rearing up on her back legs. "YoU kILLed mE!"

"Ah, Ah…" Futaba panted, shivering, unable to move or resist.

"You did not!" Skull cried. "That thing is not your mother."

"Listen to us!" Fox implored. "They are using you. You are being manipulated. False memories have been imprinted upon you!"

"False… memories?" Futaba repeated. Her gaze shifted momentarily to Fox struggling to reach the girl.

"…Enough." Violet's voice punctuated the air, colder than a winter's gale. "I will dispose of this monster and ease your suffering."

Sauntering past them, she appeared to glow as Violet arrogantly took on the massive Cognitive Wakaba. David versus goliath, the sphinx glared down at Violet. It had been forced to recognize the girl that still stood after its beatings.

Oddly, after Violet appraised it, she walked past it, heading for Futaba. In the midst of confused silence, she knelt beside the still cowering Futaba and pulled her into an awkward hug.

"You feel it too, don't you? That blanket of gray obscuring everything. A perpetual darkness eating at your life."

An unconscious jerk of surprise from Futaba gave assent.

"Don't worry," Violet stroked her back, "Some day, someone will help drive it back for you. Someone will help you stand once again."

Releasing the girl, Violet rounded on the monster. Despite barely reaching Joker's chin, she stood regal and imposing. The girl that had once cowered on the side and waited for permission was nowhere to be seen. She had taken charge and commanded the situation better than he could have.

A surge of pride lifted Joker to his feet. He refused to let Violet fight this thing along. "Principality." The name of the persona was practically spat. Joker readied himself, but was still unprepared for the rush of darkness as his mental energy was sapped at an incredible rate. Across the pyramid peak, healing energy suffused his allies. A magic far more powerful than what any of the others could do for healing a large group. The cost was also tremendous.

Without needing encouragement, they all rose. Eyes determined; they would relieve Futaba from her suffering. If that required them to beat down this flying monster with tremendous strength and endurance, then that was what they would do. Futaba may have only been one girl. One girl in a very big world where millions suffered, but she had asked them to help, and they would comply.

"TheN you WiLl die DeFeNDIng Her!"

Cognitive Wakaba took to the skies. Her circling path resumed. It was curious that it did not instantly resort to dropping from the sky.

The sky drop.

Turning to Futaba, Joker crouched beside her. "You need to go back under. That thing will slam the rooftop and probably kill you with the aftershocks."

Oddly, Futaba shook her head. Her eyes kept glancing past him to one or more of the other thieves. "No… You need me."

"Can you even stand?" Joker asked, somewhat harshly. The last thing he wanted to do was tell the girl she was useless, but in a fight… Well.

"Killed me Killed me Killed me!" The monster's shrieking was back, even as magic barraged it. Joker thought they had taken perhaps 20% of its stamina. To do so, faces were growing tight with concentration to fight back the effects of low mind.

"Urgh… Did I?"

As if the question had been a summons, Shadow Futaba was back. Joker stumbled a step back from the real Futaba drawing his knife. The shadow was glaring murder down at the real one.

"Futaba Sakura!" It cried harshly. "Remember! Why did you think it was a suicide!?"

"B-Because of the note…" The real one flinched but answered with barely a pause to the reflection of herself.

To Joker, he saw the confirmation of everything he had suspected. The inner high schooler, knowledgeable and arrogant confronting the girl that had never aged, frozen in time from the moment they had destroyed her with words and accusations.

"And did your mother write that note? Did she ever yell you or tell you she hated you?" The shadow continued to question.

"No…" Futaba answered slowly. Her simpering face began to firm up. Anger starting to replace the hopelessness and desire for death that had lingered. "No, she loved me!"

"You Killed me!" Cognitive Wakaba declared again, trying to dart in and strike at them. That assault was soundly rebuffed by the others. Stiff backs unyielding against the great foe. Blazing with light, Violet's persona mirrored her, a flag planted and marking a line that the shadow could not cross.

The others played their part as well, cycling in pairs of two to cross weapons and blunt attacks. Noir and Queen, Panther and Skull, Fox and Mona. Faces set, they took the blows and retaliated without flinching.

"They used you!" Shadow Futaba pointed at her real self. They now stood a meter apart, the two girls of a height not noticing anything else. "They killed your mother and destroyed her research. They scorned you when you were vulnerable in front of everybody. Well!?"

"And I…" Futaba's eyes seemed to glow with an angry purple light. "Will never forgive them!"

With a small smile, the shadow evaporated, but Joker knew it was not gone, just unnecessary. For Futaba now held everything she needed as her gaze turned to the Cognitive creature and sneered.

"You are not my mother!"

"What denies you is an illusion... A curse put upon you by the heartless..."

Every time Joker heard it, the more sure he was that he would never grow used to it. The seemingly infinite power and majesty that was generated during an awakening.

Futaba's anger rapidly morphed into surprise as she looked around for where the voice had come from. It was both in her mind and echoing through the palace. Joker did notice one difference though. Futaba did not double over in pain, nor did she need to rip a mask from her face.

She has already faced her pain… The thought was sad and all too accurate.

"YoU Killed ME!" Cognitive Wakaba wailed again but made no more attempts to reach Futaba. Something like a note of fear had entered the monstrous distorted voice. "You must die! Die! For this!"

"Will you die as you are told...? Who will you obey...? Cursed words spat out by a seething illusion? Or the truth within your own soul?"

Futaba's voice was strong as she answered. "I trust myself."

"Contract. I am thou, thou art I..."

Joker blinked as a persona like a UFO winked into existence. One second it was not, and then it was with nothing in between. Mild surprise became full-on disbelief as green metallic tentacles descended from the UFO. The way they touched and crawled along Futaba's body… Joker was not sure if he should look away or attempt to rescue her from her own persona. In a moment, that choice was removed from him as she was sucked into the persona entirely.

"F-Futaba!?" Came strangled cries from more than one throat. Joker was not convinced his was not among them.

"I am okay!" Her voice rang out, hardy and hale.

"The forbidden wisdom has been revealed. No mysteries...no illusions shall deceive you any longer."

The persona finished speaking and things… shifted. The world blurring slightly as if two versions of it existed. They settled back into one.

"Please offer me your power to kill this deceiver!" Futaba pled.

"Of course, Joker answered her, tossing the UFO an insolent smile. "That's why we came."

"Hehe," Futaba seemed to giggle with a sadism that could have matched Haru. Her UFO emitted a green light in a cone. At the center of it, slowly coalescing and thickening, stood a massive ballista.

Joker was not sure if he should be surprised or exasperated. The metaverse truly was a wild place. "Skull, man it!"

"Oh ho ho, you got it, Boss!" Exuberantly, he ran over and began to take aim. It was pointless however as Cognitive Wakaba took to the sky with e scream. Syllables disappearing into the wind.

"It is coming!" A green dome of energy surrounded the top of the pyramid. It was just in time to meet the instant skydrop from the Sphinx. This one had the power to shatter the pyramid under it. Instead, the sphinx rolled off the dome with a dazed look.

The dome shattered and Skull did not hesitate. The massive, meter long spear of wood and metal thumped home into the lion's chest almost up to the fletching.

The Shadow released an ear-rending howl of pain and rage as it collapsed to the flagstones. Human-like head lolling to the side, it stared at them with fear and hate.

"Let's end this." Blades bared they dashed forward. Whatever protection the shadow may have had earlier that reduced their damage to a pittance, it was gone. Their attacks took massive chunks of energy from the howls it emitted. Every single one of them drove their weapons in again and again, behaving more like butchers than thieves.

They remained silent, brows furrowed with concentration and a more than a touch of anger. Noir did look poised to break into a laugh that would have sent shivers down the monster's spine.

NoOooOOO!" Cognitive Wakaba cried. "YoU Can't! You… Killed…. Killed!"

"If you would please Joker." Futaba asked. Her voice was calm. Almost. No one could watch this impassively. But Joker did not hesitate. Bringing out his gun, he faced Wakaba's face with no distance between them. Even as they ripped into the monster, they had avoided the too-human face. Wakaba's face.

Bang!

There was no hesitation. A bullet-hole opening was left in her massive forehead. Eyes of fear beginning to glaze as the last of its energy was stolen from it. Collapsing backwards off the pyramid summit, Cognitive Wakaba was dissolving as she fell.

It was not that wonderful, yet sad sight that made Joker lower his gun and jaw to slacken. Where the monster had once been, a woman now stood. She was regal, and exactly as she had appeared in the pictures. A self-possession hung about her. One look and any man knew that this woman would never need a man, or really anyone. A force of nature, unbending in who she is. If Futaba was anything like her mother, she would be a wonderful woman.

"Mom…" That croak made Joker's throat close up. He was sure he was not the only one blinking more than was required in normal conditions.

"Thank you Futaba for remembering the real me."

"Mom!" Futaba cried again. This time Joker was sure he heard sobs.

"Don't come closer!" Wakaba issued a curt command. "You are still needed on that side. There will come a time when we meet again. Stay strong, my daughter."

"Mom… I… I will try." Wakaba disappeared and Futaba collapsed to her knees, hand stretched out toward where Wakaba had been. A few tense moments passed with only wind and snivels.

Then, Futaba gulped, stood up, dusted off her knees and turned for the stairs. "Thank you."

The words were soft, but loud enough for all to hear.

"F-Futaba-chan, where are you going!?" Queen asked.

"Home." The startling answer gave them all pause. Not Futaba however. While they stood poleaxed, she climbed down the stairs and was gone.

"…What the hell?" Skull's question went unanswered until the pyramid shook violently.

"The palace is collapsing," Mona whined. "We need to leave."

"…" Joker took one last glance after Futaba, but Joker was pretty sure the palace was collapsing because she left. Confident that they would find her in her room, he gave the order. "Over the edge! Mona, van form!"

Making a mad dash, they fled the palace, unsure if they had really been necessary at all.