Heart of Justice Chapter 9
4/16
A buzz from her phone took Kyoko's attention away from Mr. Ushimaru's lecture. Noticing Ann had already reached for hers in front of her, the young detective presumed it to be Ryuji. Carefully turning on the screen, she saw indeed a message had been sent by him on the team chat.
[We're meeting up at the hideout after school, right?] Ryuji's message inquired.
[Don't text right now! We're still in class!] Ann had replied.
-Indeed, you could have asked earlier during lunch. Kyoko answered, her gaze shifting between her screen and the teacher as she read the messages that continued to appear.
[Whoa, seriously? You listen to all that crap?] Ryuji responded.
[Yeah, but none of it's sticking today] Ann replied.
[I know, right?] Ryuji answered [Anyway, hideout after school?]
[Where exactly IS this hideout anyway?] Ann answered. Watching her, Kyoko had to give credit to the girl's ability to be so discreet with class going on.
-The school roof. Kyoko answered.
[Wait, we can still go up there?] Ann asked.
[Yeah, I can get us up there. I'll be waiting! Just come on up when school's over, got it?] Ryuji asked.
-See you then. Kyoko answered, noticing Morgana now watching her from within her desk and Ann looking at her with concern.
"KIRIGIRI!" The sharp, angry tone of Ushimaru's voice bellowing from across the room quickly revealed why. The teacher glared at her, tossing the piece of chalk up and down in his hand. "I called on you twice! Is this how you pay attention during my lectures?!"
Kyoko noticed the worry on the other students' faces as Ushimaru's arm began to wind back.
"Hey, girls!" Ryuji said cheerfully as Kyoko and Ann arrived up the stairs, his expression fell as he looked over at Kyoko. "Whoa, what's with the bruise on your forehead?"
"Ushimaru," Ann replied flatly, prompting a laugh from Ryuji.
"Yeah, that guy's chalk-throwing skills are the stuff of legend. Got beaned a few times, myself," Ryuji said.
"I imagine you would," Kyoko replied, setting her school bag down and allowing Morgana to climb out before taking a seat in one of the chairs. "I ask next time please keep team chats at a minimum during classes."
"At any rate, looks like we're all here," Ryuji said as Ann took a seat as well in another one of the chairs, he and Morgana sitting atop some desks. "So, shall we head on in, then?"
"Hang on!" Morgana cut in. "It's still way too early to infiltrate that Palace!"
"But don't we just gotta go in and steal that thing?" Ryuji asked.
"He's right," Kyoko replied. "That place is very dangerous and we barely escaped the other times we've gone in there. If we're planning to fully explore it and find what we're looking for, we would need to be adequately prepared."
"We got those Persona-things, ain't that enough?" Ryuji asked.
"You're underestimating that place," Morgana explained. "We'll die in there if we don't go in prepared."
"And how do we do that?" Ann asked.
Morgana smiled. "I'm glad you asked, Lady Ann!" the cat turned towards the rest of the group. "We'll need better equipment, for one thing."
Ryuji's face immediately lit up. "Like weapons? I got that covered! I know a really kick-ass place in Shibuya!"
"Is that where you got that model gun from before?" Kyoko asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Good guess!" Ryuji replied with a proud smirk. "This guy's got everything. I'm sure we'll have no problem findin' some great stuff there."
"Good," Morgana replied. "We'll also need medicine, fatigue is unavoidable when you're in the metaverse for too long, especially in a Palace. We should probably take care of that first."
"That woman who visited the café last night," Kyoko said. "Sojiro said she was a doctor with a clinic nearby."
"Right! My thoughts exactly!" Morgana said cheerfully. "Let's head over there once we get back to Yongen-Jaya!"
"Umm..." Ann raised an eyebrow in concern. "You really expect a doctor to just... give you medicine? She'll probably want to do an exam, if she finds nothing wrong..."
"I'll figure something out," Kyoko replied, taking up her bag, which Morgana quickly climbed into.
"Yeah, don't worry, Lady Ann! Just leave it to us!" the cat said with as much of a smile as a cat could make.
A back alley clinic. Not prone to rumors at all, Kyoko mused to herself as she entered the doors of the Takemi Clinic. The waiting room was rather small, with about eight chairs and several brochures and charts adorning its dull gray walls. The place definitely looked every bit the kind one would see in movies where criminals and other types of dubious morality would go to get patched up after a run-in with the law, right down to the cheap lights hanging from the ceiling. Two doors, one leading to the bathroom and the other presumably to the exam room stood on the opposite wall, and the woman from the other night sat at the reception desk, now wearing a labcoat over a more simple green dress. Closing the book she was reading, the woman turned her attention to the teen.
"This your first visit?" she asked, before looking her over and recognition coming to her face. "Have I seen you before?"
"Yes. LeBlanc," Kyoko replied.
"I see. Doesn't matter, really," the doctor said with a handwave. "So what brings you here? If it's that bruise on your forehead, I can tell you some ice and a cold washcloth will take care of that."
Kyoko blushed lightly, remembering the embarrassing story behind that and the fact it hadn't fully faded yet. "No, that's... unrelated," she said.
"The what brought you here, Miss...?"
"Kirigiri. Kyoko Kirigiri," Kyoko replied with a polite bow. "I have... not been feeling well, lately... migrane. Nightmares. Lethargy." She hated having to lie. Withholding information was a natural requirement as a detective and a necessity, but outright lying was another matter. Though she had experienced all three at different times, they were for reasons she doubted the doctor would ever believe.
The doctor looked at her, an eyebrow raised in a manner Kyoko deduced as suspicion. "Very well, please head to the exam room..."
Without a word, Kyoko did as she was told and soon found herself in a small room with a simple cot and lab work equipment put on every other available surface and a nearby cabinet was stocked full of bottles. Up to standard but only so within a budget presumably available to a self-employed doctor running her business alone.
"Have a seat right there," the doctor said, gesturing to a nearby stool with her pen as she walked in clipboard in hand and took a seat in a cushioned office chair at the desk. "Now, you mentioned migraines, recurring nightmares, and lethargy?" she asked.
"Yes," Kyoko replied.
"Likely you aren't getting enough sleep, then. A lack of sleep causes an increase in stress, which is causing those symptoms. I recommend sleeping pills. I suppose you want a year's supply to get you through the semesters?" the doctor asked, leaning forward and looking Kyoko dead in the eyes.
A second of silence passed between the two.
"You're not really sick, are you? I'm not an idiot, you know," the doctor said at last. "Let me guess, you heard the rumors about me, right?"
Kyoko gave no response other then her silent stare.
"I thought as much," the doctor answered. "A patient with an ulterior motive. Do high school students these days really have it so rough?"
"You'd be surprised," Kyoko replied, folding her arms.
"Is that so?" the doctor asked. "Fine," she said with a sigh. "I suppose I can prescribe you some medication if you're that serious about it, but only the kind that will help recover your health. You don't seem the type who'll give me any trouble."
"I'm trying to keep my grades from falling. If they go down, I'll never be able to transfer to Hope's Peak Academy," Kyoko replied.
"Hope's Peak?" the doctor asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's quite a lofty goal. And what year are you?"
"Second year. I intend for my third year to be spent there."
"So just one year. Though it does practically guarantee getting into any college you want and finding a successful career, that school's infamously selective and expects a spotless record and a very clear goal in mind from every student that applies," the doctor answered, tapping her pen on her chin. "Of course, what happens after falls on you, for better or for worse..."
"...I'm aware of that. I have my reasons," Kyoko replied.
The doctor let an amused smirk come to her face. "I see. Well, best of luck with that." Her expression then grew more stern. "I should have you know, whatever you want here, all my medicine is original. I have a license to make my own formulas. Some of them are even sold at hospitals. Understand, though, it's your responsibility to take care of yourself, so come by whenever you need to..."
Taking a list from the table and handing it to Kyoko, the doctor turned her attention to her laptop. "Just take a look at those, and find what fits your price range and I'll get them for you."
Before Kyoko could look it over, however, the chime of the front door rang, and a second later, footsteps approached the exam room, the door opened and Kyoko saw a suited man who appeared to be in his early 50s with a briefcase standing there. Glancing back at the doctor, Kyoko noticed she did not look at all happy to see him for reasons other then that he'd simply barged into the exam room like this.
"Kirigiri-san, may you step out into the waiting room for a moment?" the doctor asked, though her tone made it sound more like an order.
Without a word, Kyoko stood up, list in hand, and walked past the man, casting a brief glance at him before making her way into the waiting room. Immediately she heard the doctor's voice and decided to stay put.
"And what can I do for you? Cold? Fever? Athletes foot? Or perhaps... prostate cancer? I'm afraid you'll need to see a hospital about that..."
"Enough of this!" the man's voice cut in angrily. "You're the only one who could have developed that type of medicine!"
"Medicine? I have no idea what you're talking about," the doctor replied.
"Don't lie to me!" the man snapped. "Rumor has it, it's a drug so potent it can give a person unlimited power."
"Oh? News to me."
"Developing experimental drugs, herbal medicines and remedies violates all health regulations!" the man replied angrily. "Are you trying to create some form of super-stimulant? It'd be quite a social issue."
"You're quite persistent, you know that? Word is I'm just a quack," the doctor responded, her tone remaining neutral.
"Yes, and it's a shame the police haven't taken action, but I promise the media will pick up on it eventually!" the man sneered. "Are you out to show me up and ruin my reputation again? You've disgraced the medical community."
Silence. Kyoko leaned harder against the door.
"What's with that look?" the man asked. "It was your mistake, was it not? Your alma matters must be so ashamed to have produced such a failure," he said with a laugh. "But don't expect me to take the consequences of your criminal actions as well! Dispose of your "medicines" immediately and resign! The name Tae Takemi will never-"
The man suddenly stopped talking.
"Hey! Is someone out there?" the man shouted angrily, causing Kyoko to quickly move away from the door and hurry outside.
Morgana sighed as he poked his head out of Kyoko's schoolbag as she made her way down the street. "What a shame. Guess we'll have to come back later. That medicine they were talking about, though, think it's real? May be a big help when we go into the Palace!" he remarked.
Before Kyoko could give a reply, her phone start chiming, causing her to stop in her tracks. Taking it out, she saw Ryuji had messaged the team chat.
[So, you know how I mentioned a store with model guns?] the message read.
-Yes. Kyoko replied.
[You all wanna meet up in Shibuya? I can get there right now I'll show you where it is.] Ryuji replied.
[Not today] Ann answered. [I'm gonna go visit Shiho in the hospital. Think you two can find some stuff for me?]
[I see. How about you, Kyoko? You in?] Ryuji messaged.
Kyoko prepared to type in a response when she noticed the man from the clinic walk past her towards the station. Remembering the list the doctor, Takemi, had given her sitting in her blazer pocket, Kyoko gave a glance back at the clinic. Seemed luck was finally on her side.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Morgana asked.
"I imagine so. No reason we can't go back, now," Kyoko replied, turning her attention back to her phone.
-Let me pick up some medicine first. she messaged.
[Still not done there?] Ryuji asked.
-There were unexpected circumstances. I'll get back to you when I'm ready to meet up.
[Cool! I'll be waiting!] Ryuji replied.
Turning on her heel, Kyoko made her way back to the clinic, discovering Takemi had already returned to her spot behind the receptionist desk.
"What is it now?" she snapped, before turning and seeing Kyoko standing there. "Oh, it's you again. My apologies, thought you were... someone else. I take it you wanted to fill out that list?"
"I was wondering if you have any more... special medicines," Kyoko asked, folding her arms.
Takemi's expression immediately hardened. "Special... medicines? What you see on that list is what I have."
Kyoko responded with a silent stare.
The doctor let out a sharp sigh, though her glare remained in place. "Exam room."
The moment Kyoko had entered, she heard the doctor lock the door behind them. Folding her arms and leaning against the door, Takemi gave the girl a steely gaze, a stern frown present on her face.
"Did you eavesdrop back there? No use hiding it," she said. The silence from the girl before her confirmed her suspicions right away. "Not that I care. I was going to dispose of it, anyway... it was something I got... carried away with."
"Carried away with?" Kyoko asked.
"Just tell me, what would a high school student like you need such medicine for, exactly?" Takemi replied, dodging the question. "You don't look athletic, so what are you up to, exactly? Do you think it will help you with your grades? I should tell you, if you're looking for something to improve your concentration and reduce fatigue, that really isn't the best idea."
The doctor turned and unlocked the door. "I have no obligation to help you. Just get an energy drink or something."
"I already drink coffee," Kyoko replied. "It's not enough."
"Oh really? You'd save a lot more money that way. The medicine's very expensive, more then any high schooler can afford," Takemi replied. "So why not just take my advice or stick to coffee?"
Kyoko's stare didn't waver, though it was evident the doctor wasn't going to budge so easily. "I'll work for it if I have to."
The doctor scoffed. "You mean like part-time help? Sorry, I'm not hiring." She cast a glance over at her laptop, tapping her chin with her pen. "Then again... how do you think you are, regarding your stamina?"
Kyoko blinked in response, curious, but said nothing.
"You're quite the stoic one," Takemi said with a slight chuckle. "I'll explain. I've actually been looking for someone about your age to help me out. So far, I've had no luck, even with the ad I put in the paper... if you were listening in earlier, then I can safely assume you know why."
"Will this get me the medicine?" Kyoko asked.
The doctor smirked. "Straight to the point, but answer me this, do you want to do this or not?"
"Yes."
"As you wish," Takemi replied. "You'll be participating in clinical trials for my medicine. I have one I'm working on right now that requires human testing and if you're still up for it, perhaps we can work something out."
"Very well," Kyoko replied, her neutral stare unwavering.
Takemi blinked in surprise. "You're sure about this?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Give me a moment." with that, the doctor went to her cabinets and took out a bottle and a cup, and proceeded to pour a red liquid into it and held it out to the girl.
"Here. Drink it all. Don't worry about side-effects. My autopsy will tell me exactly what killed you, worst case scenario. Just understand you are participating of your own free will and can still back out from this and take the exit right over there any time you like."
Kyoko stared down at the strange red mixture as she took the cup from her, noting the strong, pungent smell coming from it.
"Well, what's it gonna be?" Takemi asked.
Without a word, Kyoko raised the cup and drank it down, holding it back out to the stunned doctor after.
"I can't believe you just drank that whole thing!" Takemi remarked. "How was it?"
"Sour. Bitter," Kyoko answered. "Now, can we..."
Before the girl could finish her sentence, she noticed the entire room had begun to spin, objects and people becoming pairs, then triplets, as she struggled to fight the vertigo that had taken over her field of vision as up became down and down became up. The doctor's voice became a distant echo as the last thing Kyoko remembered was her face impacting the cold floor before everything went black.
Blackness became dim blurriness. Dim blurriness became less dim, and more clear as Kyoko felt consciousness return to her. Slowly sitting herself up, she found herself laying on the cot, Takemi sitting at her desk taking notes, and Kyoko feeling like her head was in a vice that just now starting to loosen.
"Good evening, did you have a nice nap?" Takemi said with an amused smirk as she turned at the sound of Kyoko moving on the cot.
Kyoko rubbed her temples to get the last of the grogginess out. "Evening?"
"Yup, that was a rather interesting four hours, but certainly very beneficial to my work," the doctor replied, gesturing to the clock on the wall. "You remember anything from the moment you took the medicine until now?"
"No, I don't," Kyoko replied. Four hours?! she wondered, had she been out that long?
"I see. Well, to summarize, you briefly woke from your coma about two hours ago, but were completely dazed for the entire examination, until you lost consciousness again and fell back asleep and remained out cold up until just now," Takemi explained. "Honestly, I can't believe you'd go and drink that..."
A brief feeling of lingering grogginess filled Kyoko's head as the doctor talked some more, something about the taste and its effects.
"Hey, are you listening?" Takemi asked, a little loudly to make sure the girl seated on the cot wasn't about to pass out again.
"My apologies," Kyoko replied.
"Still, thanks to your rather bold move, I got plenty of data that should prove, as I mentioned, very beneficial," the doctor explained, putting her clipboard aside. "At any rate, I'll make good on the agreement, provided you don't want any of this disclosed to anyone. You're prohibited from doing so, understand?"
Kyoko gave a nod. "Then we have a deal?"
The doctor smirked and gave a nod. "Of course. So long as you come here for it, I'll give you the medicine you're looking for, at a good price, whenever you want. Whatever you're using it for... that's up to you. But remember discretion." She reached for a bottle from the cabinet and handed it to the girl. "This one's on me, it's the least I can do for having to put up with those side effects you just went through, but any more you'll need to pay for it. Furthermore, if you're willing to continue the trials whenever I need them, I may even add some extra selections."
Taking the bottle and placing it in her bag, Kyoko stood up, her legs slightly wobbly at first, she turned and gave a polite bow. "I appreciate this, doctor." she said.
"Likewise, I'll look forward to your patronage..." Takemi replied. "I think this arrangement will work out quite well for us."
?/?
"Considering all the actions you've taken, you must have known someone with medical expertise," Niijima explained as she glared at the battered girl sitting across from her.
Kyoko gave no response.
"Who was it? Who treated your injuries?"
The pink-haired girl stared back at the prosecutor, still saying nothing in response as she tried to shake off the soreness wracking her body and mind.
"You think we won't find out? We look into this it won't be difficult, you know..."
4/16
Kyoko could hear the strange, gentle voice speak in her head...
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity
With the birth of the Death persona
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
Shall lead to freedom and new power
She could hear the sound of a chain being broken, though the doctor sitting at the desk did not seem to notice anything.
"...You listening?" she suddenly asked.
"My apologies," Kyoko answered. "You were saying?"
"I was saying teenage test subjects are quite valuable in the medical research industry. As I was saying earlier, continue with the clinical trials as my personal guinea pig for this medicine I'm developing, and I'll provide the medicine for your... academic goals," the doctor replied. "It's crucial that I perfect this medicine, understand? For a number of reasons."
Kyoko had several questions on her mind, regarding the doctor's reasons, some of what she'd said earlier, and several things the man from before had mentioned, but elected not to ask them for now. "Understood," she said, turning to leave, hoping Sojiro wouldn't be too angry.
"Hey," the doctor called out. "Gimme your number. It'll be easier to reach you when I'm done prepping for the next clinical trial."
Taking out her phone, Kyoko's eyes widened immediately and a look of concern quickly formed on her face.
"Is there a problem?" Takemi asked.
Kyoko stared at the lengthy list of messages and missed calls from Ryuji. Right...
"Seriously, you had me worried sick back there!" Morgana protested as he pushed his face out of Kyoko's schoolbag once she was out of the clinic.
"You weren't the only one," Kyoko replied, typing away at her phone.
-Apologies. Unexpected complications. she messaged into the chat.
[Unexpected complications? I waited THREE HOURS and no response from you before I gave up and went home!] Ryuji responded.
-I apologize. We can visit the shop you told me about tomorrow. Still groggy.
[For real, though! No word from you for nearly four hours? And you're groggy? What the hell happened?]
-It's not important. What matters is I was able to get medicine that should work well for us when we infiltrate the Palace. I'll meet you at the Shibuya station tomorrow afternoon. Keep your day open. Kyoko responded, pocketing her phone again.
"Can't blame him for worrying," Morgana remarked. "But we'll definitely make it our top priority to visit that shop tomorrow. I'm curious of what it might carry!" he said with a chuckle as Kyoko reached the cafe and pushed the door open.
"You're finally back," Sojiro said, looking over as he put out his cigarette. "It's already past 8, you know."
Kyoko sighed. Another person she owed an apology to. "I apologize. I was occupied with important matters," she said with a bow.
"I wish your manners extended to at least a courtesy call if you're going to be out this late. Just hope you're not getting into any trouble," Sojiro said sternly.
"I'm not," Kyoko said.
"Well I certainly hope you aren't," Sojiro replied. "If you think you're going to be gone a while, at least let me know. The last thing I need is worrying about an officer dragging you back here with a story to tell."
"Understood," Kyoko answered, frowning a little in embarrassment. It was unlikely Sojiro would have responded well to the reason she was out for so long.
"Good," Sojiro replied, his phone suddenly chimed and he answered, his hard expression once more softening significantly into a gentle smile. "Oh, hey... yeah, sorry about that. A few last-minute customers." he said, looking over at Kyoko as he spoke. "...They just left, I was just about to call. I'll be on my way right now... sure, anything you like."
Hanging up and pocketing his phone, his expression once more hardened when he noticed Kyoko was watching him, but his mood seemed to have improved a little from his conversation, from what Kyoko could tell. "I'll be leaving now. You look a little groggy so you'd better get to bed. I know tomorrow's Sunday but you shouldn't stay up too late..."
Kyoko gave a nod, recalling she'd agreed to meet up with Ryuji tomorrow and headed for the stairs to call it a night.
4/17
"Awesome! You actually made it this time!" Ryuji said with a laugh.
Kyoko closed her eyes and smirked lightly. "I suppose I deserve that."
It being the day off, it had been the first time Kyoko had seen Ryuji out of uniform though clearly his style had changed little, with another band t-shirt now covered with a purple hooded track coat. Kyoko herself had opted for a simple black pleated skirt and heeled boots with a purple longsleeve top, black gloves still on and completed with a black coat, her hair up in a ponytail.
"Anyway," Morgana stated, pushing his face out of Kyoko's bag. "I believe there's a shop in Shibuya we were planning to go to today?"
"Yup! It's on Central Street, so we're gonna have to go through the crossing to get there. Follow me," Ryuji said, already leading the way. The small group had just turned the corner when Kyoko paused at the sound of an orator on a soapbox speaking.
"Everyone, please wake up!" the orator stated. "This country is twisted!"
Ryuji had noticed Kyoko had stopped following and turned, joining her as she watched the man. Aside from her and Ryuji only a handful of people were standing there, others continued on ignoring him.
"While Japanese society may appear to be thriving, many young people have not been as blessed as their elders!" the man explained. "They lack the job opportunities, the savings, or financial security we have had! This has left them struggling! Is it not our duty to change this?"
"People give speeches all the time. Politics're kinda boring anyway" Ryuji whispered next to Kyoko. "C'mon, let's get going."
Moments later, Kyoko found herself staring down the very bustling Central Street. Stores lined both sides, the teen noted a DVD store, a diner, a few general stores, and a movie theater at the end.
"Hey, ya comin'?" Ryuji called, the girl looked to her left and saw him heading into a nearby alley and she followed, soon standing before a darkened store with a green neon sign over it reading "UNTOUCHABLE". The girl looked around and brought her hand up to her chin in thought as she looked at the shop before her.
"So, whaddya think? Pretty legit, huh?"
"Not the word I was thinking of," Kyoko said, noting the blacked out windows and fliers, as well as the fact it was in the back of an alley.
Ryuji's expression quickly fell. "Eh, don't worry about it. We gotta get some gear, right? Let's head on in! You seemed to know how to work a gun back in the metaverse, you know a lot about them?"
Kyoko raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Right, we could just ask the owner..." he said, his voice quaking slightly as he opened the door. Stepping in, Kyoko was greeted with a small, dimly lit interior filled with boxed model guns and army surplus gear and magazines on every shelf and wall. Several fully assembled models sat behind glass cases at the desk or hung on the walls behind it, mannequins wearing Kevlar vests adorned the far wall next to a vending machine, and seated behind the desk reading a magazine was a man she presumed to be the owner.
Kyoko looked back at Ryuji. "Well, you probably, uh, know what you want so, uh... go ask!" he said.
"Very well." Stepping forward, Kyoko cleared her throat.
The manager brought his magazine down and gave her a look, granting the teen a better look at him. He appeared to be somewhere in his early 40s, with graying hair and a 5 o'clock shadow, wearing a black turtleneck, biker boots and blue jeans under a gray trench coat and hat, a pair of yellow headphones clipped over them. He appeared to be smoking a cigarette though the moment he plucked it from his mouth it became evident it was a mere lollipop. This, however, did little to take away from his rather surly appearance. Her gaze briefly turned to the hints of a tattoo on the left side of his neck, which raised more questions about him and the nature of this place.
"Well, what is it? You know what you want, yet?" the manager asked, his tone gruff but not confrontational as he raised an eyebrow at her.
"My apologies. I would like to get some recommendations on pistol models?" Kyoko asked.
"Recommendations? Just buy whatever looks interesting to you." the manager replied, turning his interest back to his magazine as any curiosity of the girl standing before him quickly faded.
"Pfft. Some customer service," Kyoko heard Ryuji grumble behind her, causing the man to give him a withering look that made Ryuji quickly go quiet.
"I was interested in your line of semi-automatic handguns," Kyoko replied.
The man lowered his magazine again and looked at her. "What would such a proper little lady like you know about those?"
Kyoko narrowed her eyes and calmly placed her palm on the desk as her gaze met his. "Do you have semi-automatics or not? I was considering the Glock 30SF, or if you don't have that, then I understand the Glock 19 is always a popular choice, I can understand why with size and weight. Do you have anything along those lines? Preferably ones that look real?"
The manager stared at her for a moment, his expression neutral and unreadable until he finally let out a chuckle. "Not bad, little lady. You plannin' to rob a bank or somethin'?"
"Wh-whoa! That ain't it at all! We just... like how they look! C'mon! You saw me here last week, did I seem the type who could pull that off?!" Ryuji protested, getting a look from Kyoko before she returned her attention to the manager.
"Well?" the girl asked, once more partaking in a staring contest with the man, who smirked in response.
"Heh, a couple enthusiasts, huh? I'm glad to help out fresh faces, then." He put his magazine away as his expression grew stern again. "A few precautions, though. No pointin' them at people, these are very authentic models, so you keep 'em in a bag when you're out an' about, got it? And don't let the fuzz catch wind of you havin' 'em either! I don't need them pigs comin' around here harassin' me 'cause some kids can't show a little responsibility."
"We'll be careful!" Ryuji replied. "...We promise!"
The manager glared, making the boy feel two inches tall. "You damn well better be. Like I said, these may be just models... real guns feel different... but their appearance is very authentic." He looked over at Kyoko. "You handled yourself well. Keep it up you might get to see some of the more top'a the line stuff. For now though, you've got access to the beginner selection. I'll bring 'em out."
"Damn, you're gonna have to tell me more about yourself, sometime," Ryuji said, looking over at Kyoko as the manager went to the back.
"What is there to tell? Being a detective demands an intuitive mind and unyielding resolve from me," Kyoko replied.
"For real..." Ryuji muttered.
"Hey! Be sure you get something for me and Lady Ann, too!" Morgana said, peeking out of Kyoko's handbag.
"Oh, right! Whaddya think? I was gearin' towards maybe a shotgun, something with real MMF! to it, ya know?" Ryuji asked with a grin.
"I'm best with a slingshot. Maybe he has those?" Morgana inquired. "Hmm... wonder what Lady Ann would like..."
"We'll figure it out," Kyoko said as the manager returned with a list and set it before them...
"Ohhhh man! Takamaki's gonna love this!" Ryuji cheered, reaching into the bag only for Kyoko to grab his wrist and give him a glare. "Oh, right."
"Ahhh, Lady Ann's smile is sure to make the price worth it!" Morgana fawned from Kyoko's handbag.
"Tomorrow after school, we meet on the roof. I've already gone over the schedule, school assembly is on the 2nd of May. We have until then to change Kamoshida's heart if we're going to have any chance of avoiding expulsion," Kyoko said. "...Which means we have roughly two weeks."
"Hell yeah! I am SO lookin' forward to bringin' down that asshole!" Ryuji said, clenching his fist.
"Keep in mind," Morgana said, "There's no telling what we'll run into in that Palace, so we should make the best use of the time we've got, but the sooner we steal that Treasure, the better!"
"Agreed, we can't afford to lose," Kyoko replied, her expression growing more stern as she pushed out the thoughts of being sent to juvie and disowned by her family. She shook her head.
"Doncha worry about it! We won't!" Ryuji said with a grin as he took his phone out. "Y'know, it's almost five. What say we grab a bite before we part ways?"
"So long as it's not fast food," Kyoko replied, noting at a Big Bang Burger across the street.
"I swear, those things're poppin' up everywhere!" Ryuji said.
Kyoko's gaze turned towards the diner she'd noticed earlier, that advertised a new coffee. It had been a while since she'd had some. The realization of the purchases she and Ryuji had been carrying, however, made it unlikely they'd be admitted in, at least not without some concerned patrons. Closing her eyes and brushing back her ponytail, Kyoko glanced back over at their remaining option...
"Tune in later tonight for the exclusive interview with teen celebrity idol, Sayaka Mizuno! What does her recent transfer to the most prestiguous academy in Japan mean for her career? Find out at 8! Now, the latest coverage on the mental shutdown cases..."
Kyoko barely concealed a scowl at the Leblanc TV's report as she entered the café, stomach turning lightly from the burger that had been her dinner. It was almost as if the TV was mocking her right now. Fortunately her attention found another thing to focus on as Sojiro got pulled into a conversation by a customer.
"You hear the guy behind the subway incident was acting really weird during the trial?" the customer asked.
"Those psychotic breaks or whatever everyone's talking about?" Sojiro asked, with obvious disinterest.
"Yeah! The driver couldn't even speak or anything! He was completely out of it!" the customer replied, prompting Kyoko to bring her hand to her chin as she thought over the cases she'd gone over with her grandfather. This, she surmised, was something she'd have to give more thought to later.
"What a preposterous story. What idiot believes that?" Sojiro asked, his irritation becoming more and more evident. "You should get going, we're closing soon, you know."
The man scoffed. "No wonder you don't get many customers," he said.
"Thanks for stopping in, please come again," Sojiro replied curtly as the customer got up from his chair, leaving the money on the table. "Thanks for the coffee, at least..."
Sojiro let out a deep breath as soon as the man was gone. "What a pain," he muttered, before taking notice that Kyoko was now staring at him. "What is it?"
"My apologies," Kyoko replied, glancing back at the door. "Slow day?"
"None of your business," Sojiro replied, running has hand through his hair. "Far as I'm concerned, so long as the shop doesn't fail, it's all good and I have no reason to slap on some fake smile."
"I'm inclined to agree. Most can see through fake manners with little difficulty," the young detective replied. "Still..."
"Hey, long as I'm here, the world leaves me be," Sojiro said. "No annoyances or troublesome people to deal with. My own personal hideaway."
"It wouldn't bode well if you lost it," Kyoko replied.
"No, I suppose it wouldn't," Sojiro replied. "Though that'd affect you as well, wouldn't it?"
Kyoko glanced around the café. "Perhaps I could be of use?"
Sojiro was certainly not prepared for that. "You're... offering to help out around here?"
Kyoko gave a faint smile. "It's the least I can do. For you taking me in, and as an apology for coming back so late the past few days," she said. "...If you'll have me."
Kyoko noticed the slightest hint of a smile on the man's face.
"I'll think it over," Sojiro replied. "At any rate, I should probably get going. You got school tomorrow, so be up in time."
As she reached her attic room, Kyoko took out her phone as she felt it hum, noticing Ann had messaged her.
[I visited Shiho in the hospital today] the text read.
-How is she? Kyoko replied.
[She's stable]
[She hasn't woken up, though]
[I'm so worried]
Kyoko's eyes narrowed, her normally impassive frown deepening.
-We'll make him pay. Rooftop tomorrow after class. We're storming the Palace.
A moment passed.
[I'll be there. See you then.]
Placing her phone on its charger, Kyoko took out her sleepwear and began to change.
"Hey," Morgana said, climbing out of Kyoko's handbag. "Since we're going into the Palace tomorrow, this would be a chance to teach you about assembling infiltration tools."
"Hm?" Kyoko looked over at the cat as she carefully removed her gloves.
"Ohhh... those look pretty bad," Morgana said, looking at the girl's hands.
Kyoko blushed, a scowl quickly forming on her face. "That's none of your business," she said.
"Sorry..." the cat's ears drooped in embarrassment as he looked away, allowing Kyoko her privacy. "Anyway, I was thinking I could teach you how to make some infiltration tools. We can clear off this work desk once you're ready."
Nodding, Kyoko slid a new pair over her hands, and a few moments later the work desk was clear with its toolbox placed in the corner.
"Alright, we're gonna start with lockpicks. You never know when you'll need 'em in a Palace. They contain all sorts of things that may help us out, or maybe be worth something here in the real world. Gotta fund our operation and all, you know!" Morgana explained.
"Interesting," Kyoko replied, bringing her hand to her chin. "I wouldn't expect a lockpick to be an overly complicated tool to make, however."
"Don't be so sure!" Morgana said. "There's a lot of care and precision done to it, gotta make sure they can do their job, right? This is especially important when they're made by hand, after all."
"True," Kyoko replied, taking up a spool of silk yarn and a tin clasp Morgana nudged towards her with his paw.
"Alright, take that file and let's get to work! Don't worry, I'll walk you through!"
4/18
Monday morning. Kyoko had worked later then expected perfecting a lockpick but Morgana's coaching did not disappoint. Still, she'd managed to get up in time with no issues and was out the door to endure another unbearably crammed ride on the subway trains. Students whispering about her had persisted all the way up to the school gates that the young detective wished for something, anything to distract her from it.
"Good morning! Come along, everyone! Hurry up and get to class!"
Except him.
Kyoko glared in disgust as she watched Kamoshida ushering students through the gates, putting on that fake pleasant demeanor. It wasn't long before he took notice of her and flashed a grin that practically oozed poison.
"Good morning, Kirigiri," he said, his tone barely hiding the smugness that matched his condescending gaze.
Kyoko frowned, glaring back at him in silence.
"Aw, don't be mad at me," he replied, smirking down at her. "You had your chance to turn everything around and you chose not to."
"Is that what you'll tell Ann after what happened to Suzui?" Kyoko asked darkly.
Kamoshida's smirk faltered noticeably. "...You really should enjoy your time here while you can, Kirigiri. No amount of admirable behavior at this point's going to save you when you get expelled." He rubbed his chin in thought. "The grand-daughter of the great Fuhito Kirigiri, carrying an assault charge and an expulsion that violates her parole and sends her to juvie? I can only imagine the field day the media's gonna have with that!" a cruel grin spread on his face. "When this is over your family's gonna want nothing to do with you!"
Kyoko's frown deepened, her hands slowly clenching into fists and ignoring the discomfort it brought. A moment past and she silently walked past him and went inside.
"Kirigiri, would you accompany me to the guidance office? I need to have a word with you," Kawakami stated as she concluded home room. Kyoko narrowed her eyes, curious of the rather stern tone the teacher had used. The moment she stood up, Kyoko could already hear the whispers.
"Whoa, is she in trouble?"
"Wouldn't surprise me."
"You hear about how she harassed the volleyball students last week?"
"Well, she hangs out with that delinquent Sakamoto, so what would you expect?"
Closing her eyes to filter it out, the young detective followed Kawakami out into the halls as she lead her to their destination.
"Alright, there's something I'd like to ask you-" the teacher began, only to be interrupted by a nearby door sliding open and out stepped a very unwelcome sight for the second time today.
"Heh, nice to see you're on top of the problem I mentioned this morning, Ms. Kawakami!" Kamoshida said with a chuckle as he looked over at Kyoko with a condescending smirk, which Kyoko returned with an icy glare. "I really do appreciate the support!"
Behind him a familiar ponytailed redhead girl emerged from the office as well followed by an older man in a suit. Kyoko recognized the girl as the one from the subway a few days ago, recalling her mentioning being a first-year at Shujin.
"Oh, hi!" the girl said, her face lighting up as she saw her. "Thank you, again, by the way!"
Kamoshida cocked an eyebrow as he looked at the two girls. "Oh, you're acquainted with this young lady, Yoshizawa?"
"Yes," the girl Yoshizawa said with a smile. "She helped me out a few days ago on the subway!"
Kamoshida gave a frown and shook his head. "If you know what's good for you, Yoshizawa, you'd take my advice and steer clear of her. Who knows what effect associating with a delinquent carrying an assault charge could do to your future!" he said in a tone no doubt intended as concerned but Kyoko could practically see the oiliness dripping from every word. The other girl did not seem to notice.
"Mr. Kamoshida, with all due respect, is that really something you should be sharing with others?" Kawakami asked, growing concerned.
"Oh, come, now, Ms. Kawakami," Kamoshida said with an apologetic smile. "We needn't put our students at risk with problem kids, right? I seem to recall you weren't overly thrilled about having her in your class, after all," he said, causing Kawakami to look down at the floor in silence. The man standing behind Yoshizawa and Kamoshida folded his arms.
"Mr. Kamoshida only cares about the new first year's future," he explained. "You know as well as I there are a number of problem students an honor roll transfer like Yoshizawa is best warned of in advance."
"My point exactly," Kamoshida said with a grin. "And this young lady here? She's at the top of the list, despite all appearance to the contrary!"
Yoshizawa looked rather surprised as she looked the girl before her over. "She's the delinquent transfer student I keep hearing about?' she asked.
"If I may," Kawakami said, clear irritation in her tone. "I need to use the guidance office, right now."
Kamoshida gave a chuckle. "Oh, by all means. Wouldn't want to get in the way of guiding a delinquent, after all. Now, Yoshizawa, why don't we head on over to the gymnasium and you can show me how well you live up to all I've heard about you!" he said, flashing a grin at the redhead.
"Yes, considering you are on a scholarship, we have very high expectations for you." the suited man said.
"Of course!" Yoshizawa said, before turning back to Kyoko and giving her a polite bow. "If you'll excuse me..."
As the three left down the hall, Kyoko scowled; she didn't like the way Kamoshida was looking at that girl as she walked past him. If Kamoshida had found a new mark they'd have to get this done quick.
"Please, after you," Kawakami's voice ordered, regaining Kyoko's attention. The girl nodded and walked into the guidance office.
"Take a seat," the teacher ordered, Kyoko complied as Kawakami sat down across from her. "Now, I'll get straight to the point: Did something happen between you and Mr. Kamoshida?"
"Why?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms and a slight frown beginning to form on her otherwise neutral expression.
"Aside from that little exchange earlier, he gave me quite a lecture and your name came up," Kawakami replied. "Something about "a clear lack of supervision"..."
Kyoko's frown deepened. "Do you believe everything he says?" she asked.
"Excuse me?" Kawakami asked, taken aback by Kyoko's statement.
"Have you looked at the students who practice under him? Mishima comes in covered in bruises every day. Sakamoto didn't get kicked off of the track team until Kamoshida took over, and you said he was a good student before that occurred," Kyoko explained. "Furthermore, he spoke openly about my... reputation... in front of that first-year, hardly professional of him. Only a teacher could have also leaked that information so quickly when I came. You surely know who it had to be..."
Kawakami looked down at the table. It was clear Kyoko's words troubled her, but she said nothing.
"You can't tell me you're on his side, sensei," Kyoko said.
"Miss Kirigiri," Kawakami said, looking up again with a more stern look on her face. "I won't jeopardize my career again. Just stay out of trouble, and stay off his bad side, understand? You're free to return to class, now."
Silently, Kyoko stood up and gave a polite bow before heading to the door, turning and glancing back at Kawakami one last time before leaving to meet the others, noting her downcast look as she seemed to pay her no mind.
...Again...?
The bell signaled the end of the day and Kyoko and Ann made their way to the school rooftop. Immediately, the two heard whispers as they passed several students in the hall.
"Takamaki's hanging around the delinquent, now?"
"Kamoshida's not gonna like this!"
Kyoko noticed Ann grit her teeth and begin to walk faster towards the stairs. Once they reached the rooftop, the two girls quickly discovered Ryuji was already waiting for them, leaning back in one of the chairs.
"Sup?" he asked, before noticing Ann's scowl. "Something happen?"
"Let's just say I want that son of a bitch dealt with soon as possible!" Ann hissed.
"Oh, tell me about it! When I came in this mornin', he was outside the gates with this big shit-eating grin on his face, like he was waitin' for me to show up," Ryuji replied. "That asshole, he just wants to rub it in our faces!"
"Indeed," Kyoko said. "I ran into him a few times today, as well..."
"He's obviously trying to provoke you two," Ann replied.
"Yes, there's also another matter," Kyoko explained. "When Kawakami took me out of home room, we came across him, talking to one of the first-years, another transfer student."
"The redhead?" Ann asked.
"You know of her?" Kyoko asked.
"I've never met her, no, but when they're not whispering about you, they're whispering about her. Petite, red hair she always has in a ponytail, honor student with a gymnastics scholarship?" Ann replied.
"Yes, that's her. From the looks of things, it seems Kamoshida may have found a new mark..."
Both Ryuji and Ann grimaced in disgust.
"Okay, SERIOUSLY?! We need to get this done, right away!" Ryuji snapped.
Ann's hands clenched into fists. "No... that BASTARD! I won't let anyone else go through what Shiho did!"
"We've got till May 2nd," Morgana said, climbing his way out of Kyoko's handbag. "But you're right. Once we've secured our infiltration to the Treasure, there's one more detail we'll need to carry out, but I'll explain later. It'll make a lot more sense, then." The cat explained. "Having said that, we have absolutely no idea what kind of physical form the Treasure will be, and there's no way of knowing where we'll find it until we go in and look. Once we're in, I'll be able to get a feel of where to go. If I had to guess, it'd be somewhere hard to get to, in the depths of the castle. For now, our priority is to secure a route to it. If we're gonna pull this off, I'll be expecting great things from you guys!"
"Then in that case, we should get going," Kyoko stated, taking out her phone. "I trust we are all ready?"
"Damn right!" Ryuji cheered, opening his duffel bag and and taking out a sawed-off shotgun model.
"You brought that to school?!" Ann asked, eyes wide with shock.
"Of course I did! Just bought it yesterday! Gotta put it to good use, right?" Ryuji asked with a big grin.
"We got somethin' for you too, Lady Ann!" Morgana said. "Show her, Kyoko!"
Without a word, Kyoko further unzipped her bag and reached in, Ann's eyes widened once more in surprise as the other girl took out what was clearly a very convincing model of a mini Uzi.
"Use it well, Lady Ann!" Morgana said, making as much of a smile as a cat could muster. "It's just a toy model here, but once we take it into the metaverse, it'll work just as well as the real thing!"
Ann slowly took the model gun, waved it up and down a few times then pointed it straight ahead. A smirk spread on her face, before it quickly became a wide grin. "It's perfect! I can't wait to test it out!"
"Looks like we're all ready!" Morgana said, looking up at Kyoko once more. The girl gave a faint smile as she tapped the icon on the app, and immediately the school around them began to twist and reshape itself into a familiar castle. Their mission to change Kamoshida's heart had officially begun.
A/N: Phew! Finally, at long last I was able to bring forth another chapter! I know this one had little action, but the dungeon crawl begins next time!
Kyoko seems the type who'd already be quite decent in Guts and Knowledge, given her training as a detective and what the comes with the career, but as we've seen in DR, she begins rather cold, aloof, and slow with letting others in much of the time which would leave her pretty lacking in Charm and Kindness. She likely would have Proficiency in areas her future career requires of her, but not many others.
Thank you everyone who has been enjoying the story so far and stayed with me.