Author's note
Alright. I'll admit it. I goofed up. At first, this as supposed to be rather short. And then it became bigger and bigger. Someone reasonable would have cut it in two or three chapters. My dumbass mind said "hey, you don't want to make more chapters than what you announced!" And so I give you this monstrosity around two and a half bigger than the usual I wrote. I really hope you'll enjoy it, and sorry for making you wait.
Interlude: Akechi, Maruki, Eligos
Akechi was a patient person. Patient, and very determined. One does not prepare revenge against a shitty stink of a father for years without such inner strength. Neither would anyone without those qualities manage the investigation work he focused on. Not the Detective Prince charade he put up on television and for the public, of course. Though managing a convincing enough act of detective work while already knowing everything about the crime did take a lore more care than most would expect. His real targets were the Phantom Thieves and by extension, all those who associated with them, knowingly or not. His meticulous investigations already bore fruits on every one of Amamiya's contacts in Tokyo so far, from their history to the most likely form of help they were providing. Yet to his growing frustration, he found himself stonewalled by one particular mystery… one named Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Her past before the two years abroad was admittedly mind-numbingly banal. Average school results, unremarkable social circle, ordinary if slightly broader than usual hobbies, somewhat upper but still typical middle-class family. Just another one of the faceless masses. But whatever happened during those two years changed everything. Top grades in all academic fields, exceptional sport performance, wide social acknowledgment. The difference was so stark Akechi first suspected record falsification, and that suspicion was apparently confirmed by analysing the grades she supposedly had during her scholarship. They were too clean, as if someone just used a linear equation to simulate someone's academic progress with little regards to the variations invariably appearing. Yet Fujimaru maintained the level she supposedly reached abroad since coming back, and he had to discard that hypothesis.
His second thought was a replacement. Unfortunately, if a replacement happened, then the impostor was more talented and received more preparation than anyone he had ever seen, for nebulous gains at best. In that regard, Akechi discarded that lead as well. This, however, led him to examine with more attention the supposed scholarship she received, and his instinct was rewarded more than he expected. For starter, her grades were not high enough and her family not influential at all to justify any kind of scholarship, especially one tied to the United Nations. Secondly, that so-called scholarship was not appearing anywhere in any official international school. Thirdly, a great many deals of details, like the location and activities supposedly taking place during those two years, were simply unavailable.
All of this smelled suspiciously like some kind of secret project, very similarly to what that asshole Shido was doing with cognitive psience. And viewed through this prism, suddenly things started to click. If Fujimaru did not apply but was scouted for some unknown quality she possessed and shipped off the country, the secrecy and inconsistencies made sense. But it also meant the data was impossible to acquire just by himself. With the people involved in such project hidden and likely being abroad, the Metaverse was doubly useless. Though he also asked future corpse Shido to look into the matter just in case, Akechi decided a more personal approach was needed, just like with Amamiya. Which is why he was waiting for Fujimaru in Kichijoji. Amamiya told him she was either punctual or in advance, never late, so he scanned the crowd again, looking for orange hair and amber eyes to approach. A rare combination, which would make her easy to spot.
Akechi squinted. She was here, exactly on time and coming from the street's end… Akechi double-checked. It was indeed Fujimaru Ritsuka. As she reached his level the detective smiled with ease, hiding his suspicion and sharpness behind practiced politeness.
"Good afternoon. I'm glad you accepted my invitation." Said Akechi, extending his hand.
Strange. His investigations depicted her as someone casual in both attitude and presentation, not unlike Amamiya. Yet the girl before him could have instead passed for a younger Sae Nijima. Hair tied in a ponytail, subtle yet elegant makeup, carrying a case and wearing a formal black tuxedo above a grey suit he was quite sure was tailor-made. On a second look he recognized the brand, high-end and very expensive, the sort of things politician like that piece of shit of a man and his cronies would wear.
"The pleasure is mine. Amamiya-kun told me you were quite busy." She said coolly, shaking his hand with a strong and confidant grip.
"While I have more free time at the moment, I cannot say I enjoy the circumstances that led to it." Disclosed Akechi with sincerity. "With the Phantom Thieves growing popularity, I find myself more isolated by the day."
"The drawback of being a public figure." Commented the orange-haired girl. "Still, I did not expect a common acquaintance with the Detective Prince. There is credence to the theory that people are never as separated from each other as they think."
His relationship with Amamiya was not a known thing in the Phantom Thieves, it seemed. A part of Akechi was satisfied to see him understand the value of privacy, seeing as his own little group of followers had little to no interest in the notion.
"I suppose the world truly is smaller than it appears. On another topic, allow me to compliment your appearance. While I am usually worrying the, let's say, extreme fanbase I've kept would denounce and harass the people getting close, I am feeling the one failing to meet standards today is me."
And as the words flew from his mouth, Akechi noticed how similar Fujimaru's outfit was unmistakably masculine, a reflection of his own though in black rather than white. A lot more chic as well. She even carried a suitcase, for crying out loud. The question was, how much of it was intentional? Looking into her eyes and finding nothing to seize or interpret, he was nonetheless starting to suspect it was a deliberate choice, one supposed to put him on the back foot.
"Hey, isn't that the detective?"
"What, the one badmouthing the Phantom Thieves? He's got nerves to show his face nowadays."
"Who is that guy with him, though? They look dreamy… a true prince charming."
"Hey, that's a girl, right?"
"What? Oh, it's true! Do you think they are together?"
"But isn't he rumored to be close to that prosecutor?"
"You think he may be double-timing?"
"Isn't he lucky such a girl still talks to him after his disgrace?"
The whispering of the passing crowd irked Akechi, even more so with some already with their phones in hand. How he wished he could plunge into the depth of Mementos and make them all go berserk, screaming and tearing everything close to them until they would finally come back to their senses, behind bars, their life ruined forever… but it was simply the current state of the game. In a few weeks, these same sheep will praise his name as if they never lost faith in him.
"I think we'd both rather have some privacy. Why not go inside?"
"Naturally. If you would." Answered Fujimaru, moving up the stairs to Penguin Sniper and presenting her hand.
Akechi hissed inside as he realized how she took control of the situation. If he refused her hand, he would pass for a boor in front of people who already recognized him and further damage his reputation. Yet taking it would cement their apparent relationship with Fujimaru on a dominant position, taking on the attitude and role of the man. It was no choice, and without letting any of his true emotions show Akechi smiled and took her hand, letting her take him inside. Ignoring the increasing skittering of the masse outside and the few clicks of phone camera, the familiar atmosphere of the place barely uplifting his soured mood.
"I have not played pool before. Would you be kind enough to explain the rules?"
"Of course."
As the detective taught her the game, he kept a vigilant eye for any sign of slip in attitude, be it crispation or relaxation. If Fujimaru was on to him for a reason or another, he would learn exactly what tipped her off and how to deflect her suspicion. If she wasn't, he needed to understand why she was showing him such a radically different side.
"Please keep your eyes on my posture. I'll start."
Adjusting his position, Akechi prepared the best shot he could perform from a starting point, ideally leading to a break ace. A petty move perhaps against a beginner, but one that would serve well to demonstrate both his experience and the intended way to play, just like he performed against Amamiya the first time. Releasing his breath at the exact moment, he struck the white ball dead center and sent the entire board in wild ricochets. One, two, three… three balls in the sockets, and the white ball advantageously positioned. The game was as good as over.
"Oh my, a break ace. I suppose I gave you a demonstration sooner than expected." Casually lied Akechi.
"Good shot. Now that the lesson is over, how about starting our game?"
The nerve of that girl. With a single sentence she complimented him and passed the situation as merely the end of his lesson, denying him a preliminary victory to start on an equal footing. The good detective prince would never contradict someone over something as petty, and once again he found himself in a no-win situation… Despite the slight, Akechi found himself smiling more earnestly. It has been a while since someone challenged him in such a way.
"Well said. I'll leave the first turn to you."
Her first shot was slightly out of center, but nonetheless put a ball into the socket. This was where the real game began. Akechi liked billiard not only for itself, but also because it allowed for easy talk in-between and during actions. It was the perfect blend of focus and relaxation, or in the present case, probing.
"So, to what do I owe this pleasant afternoon game? Your invitation, charming as it was, lacked in details."
Fujimaru shot first, figuratively speaking, after failing a ricochet. An expected question, but not a bad starting point.
"Would you believe me if I said it was simple curiosity?"
"As a person, perhaps. As a detective? Unlikely. I do not think you are the type to approach people without ulterior motives."
Did he leave out too much of his intent in his communication? Or did she ask Amamiya his thoughts on the contact. Or perhaps did she infer it by herself? Akechi was certain his invitation has been worded carefully enough. As for the second and third options, both seemed equally valid.
"You are quite sharp." An easy compliment, one to remind himself she was certainly playing the same game he was. "You did attract my attention beyond superficial reasons."
Akechi missed his shot by an air breath. Perhaps he was being too lenient, but the trajectory he aimed for was difficult without his left hand. Ending the game too quickly was not in his interest.
"Consider me flattered. Enough people only care for their first impression."
Watching Fujimaru's strike repositioning the ball in a very delicate position for him, the detective pondered in the moment of silence. Was she enticing him into tipping his hand? She wasn't showing outward interest in him. Perhaps she considered Amamiya a sufficient source… no, it couldn't be. Unless he grossly misinterpreted her, she was of the curious sort. On the other hand, she was evidently careful. Perhaps she considered letting him take the initiative a necessary sacrifice, as Akechi was, after all, the one who initiated contact.
"Following Kamoshida's incident, I have been studying Shujin's student records." Akechi carefully hit the white ball and watched the resulting curve critically. "Yours, which I only found recently, have proven eye-catching."
"How glad I am to have been absent from Shujin during Kamoshida's tenure." Pointed out Fujimaru with apparent disgust.
"I believe you have every right to be." Having hit his target, though it didn't fall in the socket, the detective prepared his next move. "Though, this period of absence is what caught my attention. It is rare enough for students to study overseas, and your case stroke me as even more peculiar."
She missed, and it was Akechi's turn. This time the ball landed as he wanted, and he considered how many points he wanted to accumulate before passing turn. Just enough to put pressure on Fujimaru, force her to focus more on the game and less on her poker face.
"Granted, it is not that rare to see someone improve in a more adapted environment. Yet your progress has been nothing short of miraculous, from average grades to the very top of the school on your return." Akechi landed another ball, adding to his score. "Did you simply not take interest in your studies before? Have your teachers found the right method to bring out your potential? What brought you to attain such height? I am simply fascinated by this question."
"Most of it is thanks to the teachers I had abroad." Admitted Fujimaru.
"So I was right. You had talent, and society lacked the mean or motivation to bring it to light." He scored a third ball and contemplated how to miss the next shot without it being too obvious.
"You can be assured; talent has nothing to do with it. I have long realized I am not a gifted person, not like Amamiya or you."
Akechi frowned. Was it true modesty, a setup for self-congratulation, or an attempt at lowering his guard?
"You do yourself too little credit, Fujimaru-san. Hard work alone cannot reach such success, no matter how much someone try. Thinking otherwise is well-meaning, but naive."
"Not all field, that much is true." She sat on the edge of the pool table, observing his move with a calculating eye. "But how many persons are taught how to give their all in the right way for them? You mentioned teachers, and how that factor alone can alter a person's grade. Not everyone is suited for the same way to learn."
"And not everyone is capable of the same results, even in optimal conditions. This is the reality of the world. Or do you believe someone like Sakamoto could reach our intellectual level?"
"… Do you believe you could become an international runner?"
Akechi was starting to get extremely irritated. He stroke too hard, sending both the white ball and his target away from each other. Well, wasn't that convenient. He could pass the turn without having to worry about acting a bad play. He needed to calm down. Get back into his role.
"I have my own strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone else. By extension, I do realize how unrealistic it is for most people to reach excellence. I am not denying your efforts, if anything your work ethic should be a source of inspiration. But you cannot deny possessing some innate dispositions others do not have. After all, were you not scouted for your international scholarship?"
The silence brought him much more satisfaction than it should, as Fujimaru turned around the table to find the proper positioning.
"It is quite curious. For the incredible results it brought you, there seems to be so little to read about your little journey overseas." Akechi let the implications stir a bit more, his detective smile on display. "Not that it means anything, mind you. It simply sounds odd not a single other student was taken in as well, unless there is more to it."
The girl aimed once, twice, then stood up without hitting the ball. Unable to focus on the game, were we? He would find a way to completely break that composure soon enough. Not too quickly, of course, he still had much to hear about.
"Fine, I will indulge your curiosity. Do understand I will not tell you everything, there is a NDA in place."
Surrendering already? No, maybe not. She was certainly going to give him bit crumbs, enough in her mind to satisfy without compromising too much. Simply mentioning an NDA was enough to give him more avenues of exploration. Although no one was giving them much attention in particular, speaking about it in a public place furthermore meant she would definitely not offer him everything he wanted.
"I was indeed scouted after seeing a flyer and donating blood for scientific purposes. Apparently, they found something special in my blood and I was invited to participate in an internation research program, where I met a few dozen people with a similar characteristic. Though when I say invited, I should say hounded days and nights until I accepted."
Fujimaru circled around the table with calculating eyes. A few dozen people on an international level… was she low-balling, being truthful, or overestimating? Her answers until now pointed toward either humbleness or truth as the most likely possibilities. Now wasn't that interesting. What quality did that research program sought for so little candidates to be found…
"My parents and I consented in the end. I was promised a very good pay for my contribution, top of the line education, and the insurance it would not impact my schooling in Japan."
A much more important last point that many would think, noted Akechi. Standing out from the masses was dangerous in Japan, especially in regard to education. While studying overseas was officially encouraged by the government, many universities, to speak nothing of employers, would frown at the idea of taking in someone who did not scrupulously respect the classic educational path. Such imbecile stigmata was but one of the reason the country was sinking. In that regard, the rotten stain's Palace was accurate.
"In all honesty, the scientific side of the project was not my primary concern. I was mostly supposed to stay close and available for further tests, as well as keeping up with my education. Compared to the geniuses who were also drafted, I stuck out as the one who was mostly there to round out the number. That, as well as the strictness of the educators, is what pushed me to work harder than I thought possible."
Fujimaru finally played and put a ball in the socket, coming closer to an equal score. Not a too shabby shot for a beginner, though in her place Akechi would have made a double with a slightly better angle.
"And still you insist on being someone ordinary. Is it a fear to stand out? That your success may be a long-running fluke?" Smiled the detective. "Your thought process is somewhat eluding me, Fujimaru-san."
"Yours is transparent. I did not expect the thought of ordinary people rivalling you to be so unbearable." Akechi's smile disappeared before he could regain control of himself. Why was this girl so infuriatingly good at getting under his skin? "That aside. Was my record so much more interesting than Amamiya-kun's? One would think his circumstances are curious enough for a detective."
She hit in the next shot without scoring, looking at him expectantly. She didn't wait for him to answer, and he found himself too angry to even deign a lie. Instead, he focused on that redirection. Was she probing the depth of his interest? Testing his integrity?
"It is obvious what happened to him is unfair. Yet as always, there is nothing the victim can do to reclaim what they lost. In the best case, the slanderer may be brought to justice and punished for the misdeed."
The ball he targeted strayed a bit too much and failed to reach the socket, stopping at an awkward angle. One that would make much easier to use it as a projectile to hit another ball than trying to make it fall itself. Now, would Fujimaru see it or attempt the direct shot?
"I see. Retribution is what matter the most to you."
Akechi's temper flared at her words as the white ball hit the other and came to a standstill. The target moved away and hit other balls before stopping, its position leaving almost no way to reach it without a particularly dextrous ricochet.
"That is a bit of an extreme interpretation, don't you think?" Asked the detective, keeping his tone as cheerfully civil as he could. "I am a detective, not a policeman. My sole interest is uncovering the truth, and hope justice will come out of it."
"By your own words, the innocent cannot be helped." Fujimaru's gaze was locked on to him, as unrelenting as her words. This was not how the conversation was supposed to go! How did that bitch keep cornering him?
"No matter what can be done or not for the victims, justice demands the guilty suffer the consequences of their actions." He adjusted his position, calculating the optimal trajectory. "If the rules are respected, is it wrong for someone to desire as such?"
"No, I do not believe that. But if you had to make a choice between saving an innocent and killing the culprit, I believe you would always take that second choice."
Was she just throwing things at him randomly, hoping he would react? She could not know. It was impossible. The movement of his cue went with too much force. The white ball rebounded on the edges but missed its target, touching another ball and letting his foe place the ball as she pleased.
"An interesting theory." He said through gritted smile. Akechi's gaze fell on the pool, the remaining balls having rolled in such a way even a beginner could easily score most of them in a row. Was he… going to lose?
Fujimaru shot and scored once. Twice. One more, just one more ball and it would be all over… her next shot failed to score points, ending her turn. No. It was impossible she missed that shot. She deliberately missed. She was leaving him with the victory. She was pitying him!
"Let's end this game, Akechi-kun. It has no purpose anymore."
How dare she have that wistful tone of voice directed at him! Yet as Akechi was about to speak, he noticed it. It was the first time her tone betrayed something else than formal civility. She put down her cue and in an instant, her entire body language changed. The strict posture loosened, her features relaxed, and as she passed a hand in her hair they came a little undone. For the first time in their entire encounter, he could finally see the true Fujimaru Ritsuka his investigation had depicted all along. The only thing left was the piercing gaze that seemed to delve deeper than it should.
"It's almost scary how much you remind me of someone I met in those two years. The pressure to excel, the drive to reach a perfect image, the rivalry toward someone else who is similar but different. And the mask you both wear at all times to conceal your true self. It almost destroyed him, and I really hope you won't end the same way."
Akechi's mind was in furious disorder, the temptation to just leave the place to call prime asshole Shido to arrange an accident in the shortest order becoming harder and harder to resist as the girl openly peeled of his carefully crafted facade. It didn't even matter at this point if she was still guessing, if the little time they had been enough to see through him or if she had been aware all along.
"We both had what we came here for, don't we?" His mirthless question earned a sharp nod. "Then let's go. This game did lose all purpose."
Leaving the pool and the building, Akechi was ready to take off before she extended her hand toward him.
"Despite it all, it was nice meeting you. I wouldn't mind seeing each other again."
Was she trying to provoke him?
"And here I thought we were done." Despite putting as much disinterest in his voice as he could, all she did was smile.
"Why? You're an interesting person to hang out with." Her smile turned mischievous. "And besides, you owe me a proper game. Don't think I didn't notice you using your weak hand or missing shots on purpose."
"Even if that means you will certainly lose." Now he was completely dumbfounded.
"Even so. I'd rather face the real you." Fujimaru held his gaze, her hand still hanging.
"… You are even more incomprehensible than I thought." Despite himself, Akechi shook her hand and smirked. A ferocious smirk unbecoming of a charming detective prince, but at that very moment, he didn't give a damn. "Very well. One day… we shall play against each other for real."
Something suddenly twisted within his mind. As if time suddenly came to a halt, and the world stopped its revolution. Something he had only felt when… when he shook Amamiya's hand for the first time. The instant faded, with Fujimaru and the rest of the world oblivious to what happened. When she left, Akechi did as well, finding a place in the area he knew was more isolated. Enough for a small phone call to high and pathetic Shido himself. The phone biped once, twice, thrice. Was the shit brain even paying attention? Finally, the call was picked up.
"It's me."
"Of course it's you. Get to the point, I have no time to lose." The haughty voice from the phone was as insufferable as ever.
"Regarding Fujimaru Ritsuka. Did your people manage to get anything?"
He was doubting it. On their best days, bald-faced disappointment's cronies were barely functioning. Which is why they joined him after all, they would have never succeeded in politic otherwise.
"Ah, yes, this one. Drop the case."
"What?" Did the world turn upside down? What's with today and people acting completely outside his expectations?
"We must deal with her only after the election. Otherwise, we may attract some… unwanted attention."
"What could possibly…"
"I said drop it." Commanded the walking bag of dirt with a voice that was supposed to be menacing. "Stick to your role, and do not approach her. Don't forget your place."
Shido hung up, leaving him with the murderous desire to crush his phone. Did that piece of shit really said what he just heard? Drop the case? Unwanted attention?
"Don't forget your place?" Growled Akechi. "You are forgetting who put you in your place first, you fucking trash!"
That's it. He was going to get to the bottom of this, one way or another. He will find what had the waste of oxygen so afraid and decide by himself if it was worth anything. And in the meantime, as soon as the Phantom Thieves were finished with Okumura… he would have a perfectly valid reason to get closer to Fujimaru and Amamiya at once.
Two light knocks on the door. Maruki lifted his gaze from the study he was reading, noticing the late hour.
"It's open!" Confirming his expectation, cheerful amber eyes under wild orange hair slipped in. "Ah, Fujimaru-san. Please, take a seat."
"Don't mind if I do." She took the armchair and one of the cookies at once, putting her bags down. Coming straight from volleyball training, apparently.
Shutting down his laptop, Maruki searched the notepad he kept from the previous sessions. Fujimaru was one of the special cases of students coming more than once, though this category itself was separated further in the motive of those visits. Some of the feminine gents of the school seemed to have developed teenage crushes on him, to his embarrassment, and came back more than once to try to convey their feelings. Luckily, it made them receptive enough to his words to shift the subject to their real problems and send them away before receiving something even more embarrassing like a confession.
On the other hand, there were those who came for serious matters. Long standing problems like anxiety, bullying, isolation, depression… he always welcomed them and listened as best as he could, directing them to find ways to improve on their situation or at least, not fall into complete despair until he could think of a way to better help them. It was always heart-breaking to see them enter with the hope he may be able to somehow lighten their burden and leave with their problems still present, if only better feeling about it.
"So." He sat down, watching with a bit of amusement as the cookie had already disappeared. "How was your day?"
"Meh, pretty standard. The team's getting better, but they still slack in packing their stuff. You wouldn't believe how long some of the girls spend in that shower."
"Isn't that usually something men say?"
"Believe me, I get why they complain sometime. I'd like my after-training shower to happen before school closes."
"And have you brought this to their attention?"
"Yep. Sadly, their answer is usually 'get in here first!'."
"Haha." Maruki adjusted his glasses. "The sad reality of sharing amenities. Is it different from how they treat you on the field?"
"Yeah, it is. When we train, they're so deferential it's almost jarring. They really want me to become captain since the last one resigned… poor gal still feels guilty about that whole mess." The name 'Kamoshida' was left unsaid. "The way they talk like I'm about to lead them to national, I didn't expect to hear it here."
Maruki noted the employ of 'here' on the notepad and linked it to previous scribbles he wrote. That was not the first time he picked up these little slips of tongue… Fujimaru was certainly of the second category of patients. There was a pain here, a deep pain she didn't let anyone see, something he could relate all too much… Though, she was far from a lost case. From the very start, she admitted to having issues and having trouble coming around to talk about them, which had been the moment he realized Fujimaru already had a firm grasp on her situation. It might be a long running work to slowly have her find confidence, be it in herself or in him, to open up, but he was certain it would be worth in the end. And frankly, Maruki enjoyed having her in session. She was smart, always ready to learn and had an interesting deductive thinking. Though not as intellectually intuitive as Amamiya, he did made adjustments in his paper based on their conversations.
"It feels strange, sometime, you know? Since my years abroad, people are looking at me so differently. I was kind of invisible, before. The usual kid. Now the teachers are all kind of respectful, the principal look at me like I'm the golden goose itself, and my classmates seems to hesitate all the time between jealousy, admiration and curiosity." Her tired sigh told him plainly about her opinion on the matter.
"I'm sure you understand these reactions."
"Yeah, no, I don't blame them. I just didn't expect to be the one to be gawked at, ever."
Maruki underlined some of his previous notes. It seemed he has been thinking in the right direction.
"Does it make you feel isolated? To be put on such a pedestal, it cannot be easy. I know from Yoshizawa-san it can be a heavy thing to carry."
"… Yeah." She stretched and took another cookie. "My life changed so much when I look at it objectively. If I'd told myself half the schedule I have now, I would have laughed it as a bad joke. Now I study and train more separately than most do combined to keep that level, and it's like society has put the laurel on my head. I'm half expecting twenty-three knives to spring forth during graduation."
And here were the historical and literary jokes. He had never expected to find himself asking about so many references before, or even to borrow so many books on the subject at the library. Anything to not be as embarrassed when she mischievously asked if he needed remedial courses. At least he did know that last one was a reference to Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator. One point for awareness!
"Yet on the other hand… I still feel like me, you know?" Focusing back on what she was saying, Maruki listened attentively. "I don't think I changed who I am. I still have the same hobbies, the same favorite dishes, I still find my dad's weird version of coffee terrible… I feel like it's what's around me that changed, weirdly enough, when I know it didn't."
There was something here. A fear of change, of not being able to recognize oneself? No, perhaps a disconnection between how she saw the world before and now. She found the world strange compared to before, she didn't think she was herself different or that the world changed. A difference in perspective that had all its importance, especially to Maruki and what he was researching…
"I think you may have some difficulties apprehending how much larger your vision of the world has become." That must be it. Now, he just had to let it down on her, gently. "You think you haven't changed, and you are lucid enough to realize the world around you hasn't. Perhaps both are true. In that case, it stands to reason it is your way of seeing the world that changed."
"Could someone really see the world so differently without having changed themselves?"
"Of course! Look at this cookie you just ate. If it had been in a fancy package instead of a small store's, you would have probably appreciated the taste a lot more. Yet, you as a person would not have changed between the two packages. Just your perception."
"That's not really the same, though." She noted to his embarrassment.
"H-hum, of course." Taking a sip of his juice box, the counsellor gathered his thoughts to find something better. "Ah, I got it. Let's say you're in an art gallery, and you notice a beautiful painting of a city. It's a bright and happy painting you keep in mind. A year later and after visiting many other galleries, you come back to find the same painting. It's still painted in bright and happy colors, but now you notice things you didn't remember: the windows are shaped like tombstones, the doors like coffins, and all the trees are all cherry blossom losing their leaves. Is the painting still the same?"
"It still is. I just wouldn't find it happy anymore, because I see what I didn't previously." Nodded Fujimaru, grasping what he meant.
"Exactly! My point is, I think it's formidable you managed to both expand your horizon and retain your own self through what you have lived. Many people don't realize their heart is changing until they have become an entirely different person, or they notice it too late to change the distortion that took root in their heart.
"… Thanks, counsellor. It makes me feel a bit better."
Despite this little progress, Maruki was still frustrated. The root of her problem was still her inability to properly communicate about her issues. She told him about the research project her overseas scholarship has been attached to, about the non-disclosure-agreement she signed about it, and as a researcher he understood perfectly where it came from. It simply made his job so much more difficult than it had any right to be. Fujimaru was hurt, he knew it, and the more he interacted with her the more he suspected it was deeper and more painful than she should ever have to carry. It was buried and contained, but not forgotten. No, if his assessment was right, Fujimaru was not the type to forget.
"Let's go back to what you said about that disconnect. How society sees you, and you see yourself. Would you prefer to come back to that time, where nothing was expected of you?"
"Hum… a bit. I mean, it's not like I dislike being appreciated for the efforts I do. It's great. On the other hand, I'm not a big fan on being scrutinized and watched over like that. Or worse, idolized." The girl pushed back in the armchair, pensive. "If anything, I wouldn't mind being forgotten by history."
"That's… a pretty humble desire." Maruki should have felt better, learning more about what Fujimaru wished, but he was still unsatisfied. There was more to it, a lot more, and he needed to find out to help her.
"Heh. Some dream of conquering, changing, or leaving an indelible mark upon the world. Me… I just wish to live normally. To live healthily. And to enjoy this beautiful world."
There. There it was. Maruki almost fell over leaning too much and barely caught himself. There was a sense of finality and longing. For herself? No. For someone else… Was is it? It could be just a coincidence, but it would make sense. It would explain some of the inconsistencies he picked up many times over. But how to approach it… well, there was only ever a single solution, wasn't it?
"Fujimaru-san… there's something I'd like to talk to you about."
"I thought you were the counsellor here." Her good-natured teasing was too much not to smile.
"It's true, but fortunately there is nothing preventing one to disclose their experiences. To tell you the truth… I was engaged to someone, before. We, uh, broke up in end. N-not that it's a tragedy it anything she is happy now, anyway! I'll always remember her." He didn't need to go deeper. He didn't want to. "Is there someone you held in a similar regard? Someone you wanted to experience that life with?"
He knew he was right on the money when all the cheerfulness, all the easy-going attitude she had seemingly evaporated. Maruki hoped he didn't go too far, that he didn't scare her into closing herself. He was so close, so close to being actually able to help her.
"You noticed I never called you doctor, isn't it?"
"I did." It had been one of the first thing he noticed, actually. "There is someone else you called that, isn't it?"
"He was my doctor." Her voice was smaller. Less assured. "We were close. Very close. I think we could… we would have been happy together."
"I see…" It was painful to hear. Even if he had no details yet, he already suspected it did not end remotely better than his own story.
"You remind me a bit of him, you know?"
"Oh really? How so?"
"You're just as awkward." She dropped with complete sincerity.
"Oh…" He must have looked so miffed it brought a smile on Fujimaru's face.
"Sorry, but it's true. And I think you remind me of him for another reason… it's probably part of being a counsellor, I suppose. But the way you carry yourself as that sort of nice guy everyone can be friend with, I don't think you end up making connections with anyone. As if you would rather disappear from their lives once you helped solve their problems rather than keep living on with them."
There it was. It didn't come often, but when it did, it made him uneasy. That way of looking, as if she had seen much, much more than someone her age should have, and how she seemed to pierce right through him. Amamiya had a similar edge when they discussed cognitive pscience, but it was certainly due to him being, as a Phantom Thieve, kind of a firsthand experimenter on the subject. It wasn't like here, where he felt as if he was the one under examination.
"I don't think you are wrong. But a counsellor is not really someone you are supposed to get too attached to. Do you think it is different from your own wish of being left forgotten by history?"
"Yes. I don't care if the world doesn't remember me. But I won't forget someone who impacted my life, and I don't want them to forget me either."
Her rebuttal was instantaneous, and once again Maruki felt more scrutinized and queasier than he was comfortable dealing with.
"I see. Going back to your doctor, he feels like someone interesting. Do you think you can have us meet one day?"
"It's impossible. I mean, I wish I could see him again. I really do, but… it's not how it is."
"… I disagree." Maruki put down his notes. "Fujimaru-san, you know what they say. There are some wishes that come true if you wish hard enough, isn't it? I'm sure this can be one of those dreams. Even if it may seem impossible, miracles can happen anytime."
"If I wish hard enough, huh?" There was something almost derisive, in her tone. Not directed at him, but… at herself? He was missing something. "I was right. You two couldn't be more different. But you know, I don't dislike your idea. I'm a bit like that deep down, I think… I haven't renounced the idea he might come back. Even if it's impossible." She took her bag and stood up.
"That's not a bad way to see it. Who knows? Maybe one day, you will have your miracle." Maruki smiled, even if didn't quite reach her.
Once Fujimaru left, his gaze fell back on his notes. Was she going to come back? He hoped so. Today, they made good progress. Perhaps with a bit more time, he could push her to look at life in a more positive way. And when his research will succeed… he will make sure she gets her happiness.
The cold air of Mementos whistled past the red rider, his mount stampede scaring away the small Shadows lurking in the dark. Mementos was a battleground as poor as one could find, with little on the way of obstacles, flanking and ambush, but a battlefield it was still, and thus Eligos would treat it with respect. A hand on the reins, the Demon God scanned the surroundings, using his divination to determine the most efficient path to their goal. While during his awakening he lost the innate familiarity the Shadows possessed about their vast prison, his power as Solomon's creation was far superior.
"Orobas, is the Black Mask present?" Asked their Master.
"He is not. Only Shadows lurk within this floor."
"What of the general populace?"
"They are following the same road to the depths. I cannot find any deviation."
The large red horse man was keeping pace easily with his mount, green eyes focusing on the unseen. The second of his kin to be awakened, whose powerful clairvoyance was more than welcome to assist Fujimaru Ritsuka in their expedition of the subterranean prison.
"Caim, is the path ahead clear?"
"Yes, yes! The Cloaked Fear has yet to come. The path is open, yes!"
The third and most recent of the Demon Gods to have awakened croaked with certainty, flying as high as the ceiling allowed. Taking the form of a large blackbird with four limbs and a belt to which a sheathed sword was attached, he accomplished the dangerous and necessary task of scouting the arrival of the dangerous Shadow known as the Reaper. Despite their extensive knowledge the Demon Gods were not aware of the true nature of this being, only that it was neither a pawn of the labyrinthic prison, nor its custodian. Caim leaned toward an amalgamation of humanity's fears of death, which is why he called it the Cloaked Fear. Eligos did not agree; his theory was that of a human soul who refused to dissolve back into the cycle of reincarnation and ended up trapped within the collective unconscious.
"On to the next level, then." Commanded Fujimaru Ritsuka.
Heeding their Master's order, the demons moved as quickly as prudence allowed. Eligos would be denying the truth if he didn't find a small manner of disappointment in their current task. The Trickster and his awakened followers were pillaging the false cosmic outpost at the very moment the Demon Gods and their Master were diving in the depths of Mementos. Once more the Pseudo Reality Marble was tailored for the Phantom Thieves to explore and take advantage of, further suggesting it was modelled into its current form by an outside influence. This had the disadvantage the Demon Gods and their Master were not suited for its exploration, not without extensive use of magical energy to obtain a similar Presence Concealment and environment adaptation the Phantom Thieves naturally possessed. All in all, a pointless waste for the benefit a closer analysis of the mind structure would potentially bring.
Nevertheless, Eligos was… happy, yes, happiness was the right term for the emotion he felt. Happy to have others of the Demon Gods back with him, especially those whose views aligned with his own. And his joy was shared within the smaller network they had established. Taking a sharp turn, Eligos followed the flow of destiny to a slightly longer path, a net gain of data perceived within this specific choice of intersection. Soon it was rewarded as a writhing mass of Shadow noticed their presence and exploded into its component: large headless red, white, and black humanoids whose torse was the face of a ferocious leopard.
"Flauros, Flauros! Master, should we awake or leave him? What should we do of Flauros?" Croaked Caim, recognizing the reflection of their kin within the collective unconscious construct.
"Annihilate him." With the cold-spoken command came the mental set of instruction, and with a battle cry Eligos charged first in the melee.
His spear pierced a fatal wound on the first Shadow, making them all focus on him. The barrier he raised resisted the mana empowered spiked fists that crashed into it, ones that would have been conceptually much stronger had the Shadows been cornered instead of faced head on. Before they could adapt Caim came from above and unleashed a shrilling scream, sowing supernatural confusion and panic. Orobas neighed and threw a barrage of sharp stalactites, piercing through the Shadows and leaving them lacerated and frozen statues. With a final cleave Eligos shattered them, ending the battle.
"A question, if I may." Sensing her curiosity, Eligos continued. "This is our fifth encounter with Shadows of Flauros. Not once have you seemed to consider another option but destruction. Why is that?"
"You know what Flauros did."
"You are aware those constructs are not Flauros." Answered Orobas. "What is it you seek? What purpose is there in your decision?"
"I don't care if it isn't really him. I know it's meaningless." Fujimaru Ritsuka looked at the dispersing frozen volutes of black, her voice full of bitterness. "There is no reward but my own satisfaction."
Eligos mulled over this answer. How strange. How alien, even to his new existence. How… human. His conclusion was shared across their link, and similar analyses were returned.
"Very well. The path of Akzeriyyuth is near and open, Master. Do you wish to go on?"
Upon confirmation, the Demons and their Master left the crossroad and descended deeper into the depths. Slowly the sick green atmosphere shifted to a dark violet tone, indicating they successfully changed area from Kaitul to Akzeriyyuth. From the Virtue-Robbing Path to the Compassion-Robbing path. The most likely explanation was a reference to the Qliphoth, a twisted reversal of the Tree of Life found in Kabbalistic studies, something he confirmed with his kin before sharing with their Master. To what aim, they only had suspicions yet. The first few floors and the rest Area presented no particular interest, with neither traces of the Black Mask nor noteworthy deviations. On the fifth floor…
"The foreign scout is present here." Declared Orobas.
"Jose?" Asked their Master, pausing for an instant. "Let's meet him."
Anticipation coursed through the link as Eligos followed his kin' indications, their clairvoyance complementing the divination he performed. The little being was difficult to perceive through other means than eyesight, most likely the reason Shadows seemed to be unable to register his presence. Finding him by simply exploring had been the most effective method until Caim awakened, allowing them to pierce through the veil of unknown. Quickly enough a long tunnel led them to a starry decorated section, where the small automobile and its resident waited.
"Hi there, miss."
"Jose! How are you doing?" Asked Fujimaru Ritsuka, sliding down his mount to face the small being.
"I'm okay. Wanna trade flowers?"
"We sure do. Caim?"
"Here, here! Flowers for the star child!" With a croak, Caim held out an enormous bouquet.
This Jose was intriguing the Demon Gods. They had a solid theory on to where these flowers came from: remnants left behind by the Shadows mindlessly travelling to the depths of Mementos, whose paths were slowly emptying this land's humans of their spirit. Using such things as substitute to study humanity, by absorption no less, painted this child like creature into an interesting light.
"Whoa, so many!" The yellow flowers flowed to the child's hand, transforming into a large bottle he started to sip. "Phew. So, waddaya want?"
"Can you do the same trick as last time?"
"Hum… for all these flowers? Yes, I think so. Do you have a name?"
"Alloces." Eligos, Orobas and Caim declared as one.
"Alright… Let's see…"
The little creature searched in his mess until finding an oversized hammer, as big as its wielder. Tapping the ground tentatively to find the best spot, before deciding on one that didn't seem any different from the rest.
"And… humph!"
The hammer fell. Immediately upon impact, Eligos felt a tremor agitating the cognitive world, its energy flowing in vastly different directions. Had the Demon Gods been whole and together, they would certainly understand and be able to replicate such power easily. As it was, they could only observe and understand as much as they could from afar.
"There. It should've appeared somewhere lower."
"Thank you, Jose. Have fun learning today!" Said the Master, climbing back on the horse.
With a new objective they rode out at increased speed, ignoring the fleeing Shadows before them. The distortion brought by the star child would not last very long, they needed to get to the source before it disappeared out. Barely taking the time to control if the Reaper and the Black Mask were not present, the mad rush ended right before the staircase leading to the next area of Mementos. There, a bubble of dark tar fumed, swirling, rising, as if it was going to burst. As one, the Demon Gods erected a Bounded Field to prevent any and all witnesses or interlopers. Fujimaru Ritsuka stepped down from his horse and approached the birthing nucleus of cognitive energy, left hand risen. This step, she had to do alone.
"Hear. Think. Feel. Thou born of the foundation, if rhou remember thy role, step forth. Thou born of the abyss, if thou remember mine voice, come forth. Thou who bear station as one of the seventy-two, come forth!"
The bubble froze. Then slowly, a large figure emerged from the black tar. An equine hoof covered by a bat wing trampled the stone path. Sharp talons sprang from a steel armor. A lion's mane moved in the wind, overhanging a fiery gaze. Breaking free from the miasma, the centaur-like demon came out in its full splendor, dwarfing even Eligos in height.
"Who are you to summon me?" Boomed the Shadow, leaning forward and gauging the Master. "There is something familiar about you, mortal. Something which compels me to listen… why is that?"
"Because this place is a prison, one you do not belong to." She stepped forward, unflinching and dauntless, raising her voice. "Heed me! I am Fujimaru Ritsuka, the one who conquered the Timeless Temple! Remember thyself, for thou art Alloces, twenty-third of the seventy-two and administrator of the Gazing Star!"
For a fateful instant, nothing happened. Then Alloces flinched and straightened up, the role forced upon him shattering as their fateful connection formed.
"I remember… I am not a Shadow born of this place. I am a demon born of human wishes, who gained designation as one of the seventy-two!"
It was time. Acting as one, Eligos, Orobas and Caim proceeded with the next step of the ritual initiated by their Master.
"Hear us, our kin. Though our King is no more, our union stands beyond the crown. Remember yourself and join us as one."
The connection formed. And in that instant, a vision flickered. That of a great pillar rooted in earth and reaching the heaven, its innumerable eyes seeing all that exist. Then as if it was a mere dream, the centaur-like demon was once again there, the flames he exhaled a single sign of life. Finally, he knelt, acknowledging their victor and tether.
"Our contract is formed, Fujimaru Ritsuka. I, Alloces, twenty-third of the Demon Gods, swear my allegiance to you."
The Contract Seal on the Master's hand glowed in unison with his words, before dimming back to its usual presence. It was done. Already data were exchanged, compared and analysed through the budding network of the Demon Gods, growing faster and more efficient with another addition.
"Are your circuits holding, Master?" Neighed Orobas.
"Sure do. Point for not sucking me dry, and I'll trust it won't be too much up there as well." She exhaled and flexed her left hand. "That ritual you devised is one damn tiring spell, but I'm getting the hang of it. Let's check the entrance below and go back. Eligos-"
"Allow me." The talons serving as Alloces fingers plucked Fujimaru Ritsuka delicately and placed her on his back.
"Oh." She quickly tested her balance and support. "Now that's a much higher point of view. Shame Caim won't carry me in the air."
An indignant croak answered her before they took the slope and reached the midway point between layers of Mementos, the imitation of metro station. It was barely high enough for Alloces to materialize in, but fortunately there would be no battle here. Even the Reaper did not appear in this place.
"Still closed, it seems. Would it be possible to force its opening, even temporarily?"
"… Not without alerting the Palace Ruler." Summarized Eligos after a small exchange between the Pillars.
"Alright, emergencies only." Tapping the stone-like material, the Master became pensive. "Although… there is a lot of power coursing here, right? Could you use it as a makeshift leyline?"
"… We may. What is your objective?"
She slowly raised her left hand, the proof of contract glowing faintly.
"I want my Command Spells back. Or at least an equivalent I could use in a pinch, like the Reaper catching us or a prolonged emergency in the real world."
The proposal made its way into their union. Some details of the Heroic Spirit summoning system were still present in their memories, including Command Spells. The principle was sound. Its structure would need to be adjusted and some of its function revised to take into account the Pillars different nature from Servants. Succeeding alterations were transmitted from each of them until they reached a satisfying template, further refined before seeing complete approval.
"We acquiesce. Follow our instructions."
A few drops of Ritsuka Fujimaru's blood served as the foundation of the circle inside which she sat, tracing and pronouncing some of the incantations. More than once she hesitated, brief moments of doubt before pushing forward and completing the ritual's physical components. Each Pillar stood at a cardinal point, making sure their action would not be perceived by either the Palace Rulers or the Shadows lurking outside the transition area itself.
"How long is it going to take?"
"Should the leyline remain stable, three hours and forty-seven minutes for a single Command Spell."
"Right. We're stopping at one today." She shook her head, glancing at the circle. "Still… that's incredible. It took Chaldea a full twenty-four hour to recharge them after a mission."
"These will be closer in potency to the originals used in the Holy Grail War."
"That's even more impressive."
Silence settled. The Pillars focused on the ritual and the delicate process of manipulating the makeshift leyline, regulating and refining the prana. An hour passed, with no sound but a singular breathing and the regular passage of metro cars containing imprisoned Shadows, ferried to the depths.
"…Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Ask. If it is in our power, answer we shall." Boomed Alloces, whose voice made the ground vibrate.
"… Why do you guys help me?" Without moving from her position, Fujimaru Ritsuka pointed at herself. "I got it for my Servants. Even the most deranged and villainous ones didn't want to see the world gone. But you," She waved at them. "you tried to, almost did destroy it. And Chaldea stopped that. I killed Goetia. I want to understand why, despite that, you would join my side. Stay at my side, once I helped you remember yourself."
"… A complex question, Master. One worth asking." Said Eligos. "Perhaps you recall the words of Goetia. How we were born as a living spell from Solomon's work."
"Yeah. I do." Her fists closed and tightened. "He told us he was the result of your aggregation. That he spoke for all of you, and held your common ideal."
"True, true! Our regrets, our laments, our hopes, our pride. Yet not all was common, not all was shared." Croaked Caim. "Seventy-two we were still, seventy-two minds under one! Dissensions, divisions, distractions, there was some and there was none!"
"Wait. Are you telling me some of you were… peer pressured?" She said incredulously.
"Not in the same sense humans experience it." Nuanced Orobas. "Though, it is an appropriate analogy. Under Goetia, we were all united, no matter what happened to each individual Pillar. Our union was indestructible. That is, until Ars Nova happened."
"Romani…" Grieving. An emotion that was once alien to them. "I remember now. Goetia said something like, the seventy-two would become individual demons… is that what happened? You found yourselves free to think and act without every other Demon Gods' mind influencing you?"
"Of the seventy-two, few were those who fought to the bitter end like Belial, Decarabia, Dantallion and Flauros. Many simply let themselves die once the union was dissolved, such as Paimon, Morax, Botis and Amdusias. Other self-destructed, unable to handle the contradictions brought by their new, individual existence. Agares, Gamigin, Vassago and Ose were among them." Listed Alloces solemnly. "Orobas and I turned against our brethren and protected the Heroic Spirits before being destroyed."
"Caim, Gusion and myself ceased our attacks and engaged in discussion with the Heroic Spirits. We for our last moments of existence to honor our original purpose: to attain true wisdom." Stated Eligos.
"I had no idea." Whispered Fujimaru Ritsuka, stunned by this revelation. "So that's why you insisted I recruit Orobas and ask Jose to attract Caim and Alloces. You all decided to side with humanity in the end… but still, why help me? Is is simply for another chance at life?"
"That is part of the answer." Admitted Eligos, taking the role of voice of the gathered Pillars. "Master, understand our species is gone. Each and every one of us was destroyed with the end of the Timeless Temple. Ars Nova erased even the curse we spread alongside the Crests of magus. There should have been no way for us to return. Until you contracted a Shadow formed of the cognition humanity had of me."
"… that's the sickest joke I think I've ever heard. Are you saying I am the sole reason the Demon God Pillar can still exist!?" Asked the Master with a strangled and indignant voice.
"You are the one who defeated us. You are the last proof we existed."
Eligos hit the ground with his spear, the irony not lost on him. Now was the best, and only time. Even without his divination, the fifteenth Demon God knew there would be no better moment to sway the doubts that may arise.
"For all our omniscience, we failed to understand humanity. It is an error we… no, I, wish to see corrected. I want to seewith my own eyes how humanity prevailed upon us. That is why we are helping you, Fujimaru Ritsuka. That is why I am pleading you, the one who defeated us, the one most wronged by us, to return as many of my brethren as you can. O, Last Master of Mankind, I beseech you. Grant us this one last chance to give our existence meaning, before sending us back to the void."
She gauged him, gauged them, with an unreadable gaze, their mental link to her giving away naught but hesitant pondering. No matter what her decision would be, the Demon Gods would respect it. Each of them, as an individual, decided it in their own free will, without the use of their clairvoyance. The only thing left to them… was faith. To wait, and hope.
"… Dammit. You…" A weak thump. Her fist hit the ground, rage and pain radiating her conflicted visage. "If this idiot somehow foresaw this… if he still is making me clean up his mess! I wish I could only see you as the monsters you are! The monsters who took away my friends! Who took away my love!"
Once more, silence settled. For a moment that seemed to stretch onto eternity, the Pillars waited.
"… I gave them all a chance, didn't I? All of my Servants, no matter who they were, no matter what they did…To give your existence meaning, huh?.… Fine. If it's what you truly want… I'll give you this chance. One chance." She stared at them severely, one by one, ending with Eligos. "Don't make me regret it."
Pride. Gratitude. Relief. Acceptance. Such were the feelings coming over each of the Demon Gods, acknowledging the grace that has been granted to them. Serving humanity has always been their role, the task given to them. Long did they abhor this task, what they could only conceive as an indignity. Only now were they serving that purpose. Only now were they starting to understand why.
"O Solomon, our creator we could not understand. Was this something you foresaw too?"