Heart of Justice: Chapter 13
4/22
"Hm," Morgana mused from Kyoko's bag that was positioned on her lap as she had managed to claim a seat on the train. "We's should definitely give the library another go, doncha think?" he asked. "Might give us something to read, I mean, do you get bored sitting here?"
Kyoko looked down at her bag, thankfully everyone else was far too occupied with their day to pay her any mind. "I would prefer my mind be given some form of stimulation, so I suppose the answer is yes," she replied.
Her phone suddenly chimed, prompting her to look at it. The chat had begun again, by Kyoko's guess, Ryuji and Ann were also on their way to school as well.
[I made it early] Ann texted.
[Heard some volleyball team members saying Kamoshida called in sick, apparently he's taking time off. That's good, right?] she asked.
[Whoa! It's gotta mean we changed his heart, right?] Ryuji asked.
[I hope so. Still no changes on Shiho, though. I called the hospital as I was on the way to school] Ann's next message read.
[I'm sorry, Ann] Ryuji replied.
[I'm sure she'll be fine, tho! Plus we beat that bastard good! And you said he called out?] he added.
[Yeah. I hope so] Ann replied.
[Kyoko, you there? What do you think?] she added.
Kyoko stared at the screen a moment, turning it to her bag so Morgana could see.
"I don't blame them. But this has gotta be a good sign, it happened right after we defeated his Shadow, and it returned to the Kamoshida of the real world!" the cat said.
-All we can do is wait, Kyoko replied.
-Still, if he called out, that means we did make some kind of change, she added.
[True that! Let's think positive, it ain't over yet!] Ryuji responded.
Kyoko couldn't help but smirk faintly at Ryuji's answer, though her nerves would unlikely be settled until they knew for sure their efforts were not in vain.
Moments later, her station had come up in Shibuya and Kyoko disbanded, only to hear Ryuji call out to her.
"Hey! Kyoko!" he said, rushing over only to quickly become out of breath as he reached her. "Aw... man, I'm still... feelin' it from yesterday!"
"Between fighting a giant demon version of Kamoshida and running for our lives from a crumbling castle, one can hardly blame you," Kyoko replied, folding her arms as she looked him over. "Do you need a drink?" she asked, looking over at a juice and soda stand nearby in the subway then back at him.
"Naw, I'll be... fine!" Ryuji said, grinning and giving a thumbs up as he attempted to stand up straight again. "Can pro'lly just... grab some bread at school or somethin'! Kinda slept in this... morning. Forgot breakfast an'... everythin'!"
"That's probably not a good idea," Kyoko replied. "You'll have more energy for the day if you wake up on time to eat a reasonably nutritious meal."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Ryuji said, scratching the back of his head. "Ex-track star, remember?"
"You've been slacking off?" Kyoko asked.
"Eh... I guess? Didn't see much of a point after, well..." Ryuji looked down at his leg.
"Things can change, Ryuji," Kyoko replied. "For some at least. You remember our discussion when we did laps around the school?"
"Heh, guess you're right!" Ryuji replied.
"All aboard for the Aoyama district!" the announcer declared on the speakers as the subway train pulled up, putting a halt to the conversation.
"That'd be ours," Kyoko said, glancing over at the train.
"Right, we should get going!"
Lunch break had come around after half of the day's dull classes. Ann had chosen to stay in the classroom to eat the lunch she'd brought, while Kyoko had gone to check out what was being sold at the vendors before meeting up with Ryuji in the halls following a message from him.
"Mmmm, man you'd think I'd feel better after lunch, ya know?" Ryuji grumbled as he finished his sandwich.
"Give it time," Kyoko replied, a hint of amusement on her face as she dropped her container in the trash.
"Hey! Couldn't you have gotten me something, too?" Morgana asked from within Kyoko's bag.
"Shoulda asked earlier, Mona-Mona." Ryuji replied.
"There should still be time if we hurry," Kyoko said, glancing over towards the student vendors.
"Oh, excuse me?" Kawakami's voice called out in the hall, catching Kyoko's attention as she turned and faced her homeroom teacher. "Perfect timing, just so you know, we'll be having study hall instead of PE class today. Mr. Kamoshida has called out."
"Wait, he ain't here?" Ryuji asked.
"Did he say why?" Kyoko inquired, her hand brought up to her chin.
"Don't tell anyone you heard this from me, alright?" Kawakami said, looking Kyoko in the eye. "...We've received word he's apparently placed himself under suspension."
"For real?!" Ryuji's eyes went wide, exchanging a glance at Kyoko, apparently Ann's sources were very much correct.
"If I recall, there's a tournament coming up, though, isn't there?" Kyoko asked, feeling it to be the best approach to avoid either of them coming off as suspicious.
"There is, yes," Kawakami explained. "In fact, Principal Kobayakawa went to talk to him about it when he heard about the self-suspension, but Mr. Kamoshida supposedly wasn't making any sense."
"So wait, he's actually SUSPENDED himself? Like indefinitely?!" Ryuji asked, louder then he meant to sound.
"Not so loud!" Kawakami snapped in a hushed tone. "Also, it's likely your expulsions will be put on hold, too."
Kyoko's gaze grew tense. "How would you know of that?"
"Mr. Kamoshida came to me after that prank from yesterday, he seems to think you were behind it and how he was already planning to expel you two... and Mishima... once the assembly comes after next week," Kawakami explained. "...He claims you three threatened him several days ago!"
"Aw c'mon!" Ryuji protested. "Does Mishima really look like someone who could threaten anybody, let alone Kamoshida?!"
Kawakami looked away. "...I suppose not. But two delinquents? Both with a history of assault?"
"B-But Suzui, she-!"
Kyoko grabbed Ryuji's shoulder but remained silent as she glared at him. The boy grit his teeth and let out a sigh.
"...I hope she gets better, Takamaki said she's still in the hospital and hasn't woken up, yet."
A downcast look slowly came to Kawakami's face. "I know... What she did, I don't know why she'd do it, but I hope she'll recover, too." The teacher let out a sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose and turned away. "Look, regarding yesterday, were you two behind it?"
Kyoko's expression returned to its neutral state. "No. I didn't put those up," she replied.
Kawakami gave a slight nod. "I see. Well, that's all you need to know for now. Lunchtime is almost over so be sure you get back to class, soon..."
As soon as Kawakami had left, Ryuji looked over at the teen. "Guess somethin' definitely happened. Doesn't sound like a mental shutdown, either."
"Perhaps we were successful, then," Kyoko replied. "We should let Ann know the details. But otherwise, all we really can do is wait. We'll know for certain after next week..."
A bell rang, signaling students to return to class, and the two parted ways, and Kyoko could hear the faint sound of Morgana's exasperated sigh.
As class ended, Kyoko noticed Ann get up, giving Kyoko a small smile and head for the door, taking out her phone. A second or two later, the young detective's phone chimed.
[Hey guys, I'm gonna go visit Shiho in the hospital. Figure I oughta share some good news. Thanks for letting me know the details about Kamoshida.] a message from Ann said on the chat.
[Even if she hasn't woke up yet, I think it'll make me feel better. If this all works, it'll be one of the first things I tell her once she does!] she added.
"Hm, Lady Ann is as kind and compassionate as ever," Morgana mused from Kyoko's bag as he read the message.
[Hey, do whatcha gotta do!] Ryuji replied.
[What about you? Gonna do anything?] Ann asked.
[Eh think I'm gonna head home. Still totally beat!] Ryuji's message responded.
[Hey! Kyoko! Wanna meet up after school tomorrow? Maybe another run'll get my mind off all this!] he added.
Kyoko gave a slight smile as she read the messages.
-I'll think about it. Get your rest. You earned it. she replied.
[Thanks! Seeya then!] Ryuji answered.
Kyoko brought her hand to her chin in thought as she realized this meant her day was free, leaving her wondering what she could do next. As if to answer that question, her phone once more chimed. Switching it back on, the young detective noticed a different text, this one had come from Dr. Takemi.
[Hey, you're probably out of school by now, right? If you're free, come by the clinic. I have the new medicine ready for testing.] the message read.
The teen looked over at Morgana, who just cocked his head in a manner Kyoko assumed to be a shrug, and typed away.
[About to leave. Be there soon.] she replied. Turning to leave, the young detective left the classroom and headed down the hallways.
"This doesn't go to the stairs," Morgana mentioned.
"I have one other stop, first," Kyoko said, heading towards the library and sliding the door open with another sound. As expected, she had everyone's attention in no time. The only one who seemed to ignore her was the prim brunette, the one Kamoshida had called Niijima, who seemed too immersed in her studies or simply chose to have her attention elsewhere. The student librarian looked rather concerned as Kyoko approached, a stern look on her face as she ignored the whispers and stared the girl down.
"You again? Can I help you?" she asked, adjusting her glasses and looking less then pleased to see her.
"Do you have any collections on famous literary heroes?" Kyoko asked. It was clear the girl was intimidated, and after last time, Kyoko did not care. If anything, it'd get the job done.
"For what?" the student librarian asked, trying to hide how nervous she was behind a suspicious stare.
"Not being permitted or encouraged to join any school clubs due to being a "troublesome delinquent with an assault charge" has left me with extra freetime, my preferred method of filling it when I am not studying is simply reading," Kyoko folded her arms. "Now, wouldn't it make more sense to allow me the chance for such a benign activity?"
The whispers grew into a cacophony, and Kyoko heard a book close behind her and saw Niijima get up from her chair and approach, folding her arms as she stared down the young detective despite them being the same height. "Excuse me," she stated, her tone as stern as the look on her face. "...Makoto Niijima. Student Council President. Are you harassing this young lady?"
Kyoko returned the girl's crimson stare with an iron look of her own. "I merely wanted her to let me check out a book," she replied, her tone not aggressive but making it evident the Student President didn't intimidate her. Still, the other girl stood her ground.
"I already know about you, Kirigiri," Makoto replied. "I don't know what's driven you, whether it's a rebellious phase or something else, but you're already on thin ice for the reasons you stated just a moment ago. You sure you don't want to start anything I would be obligated to report to Principal Kobayakawa?"
Kyoko's gaze narrowed, Makoto couldn't help but feel a slight chill. Despite that stare that seemed to go right through her, the girl before her looked every bit as refined and proper as herself, hardly the type who'd fit the "delinquent" category at all, plus the things her father had told her about the Kirigiri clan... but she had an assault charge that was the talk of the school, and hung out with Sakamoto who had problems of his own regarding assault he wound up paying for, so who knew.
"All of this is entirely unnecessary. I just want to check out a book to fill my freetime with between my studies," Kyoko replied.
Makoto stared the other girl down a moment, ignoring the whispers and closed her eyes with a sigh. "Asami-san? Let her check out a book. I see no reason to make things difficult for her, especially if it keeps her out of trouble."
The student librarian nodded and looked over at Kyoko. "You wanted stories of famous literary heroes?" she asked as she turned her attention to a nearby desktop. "They seem quite popular lately, we have four available right now, but school rules ask you borrow one at a time."
Kyoko gave a nod. "Fair enough," she replied as the student librarian typed away on the computer.
"Stories of the Great Detective, Pirate Legend, The Alluring Dancer, and Zorro the Outlaw are available," the girl explained.
Kyoko blinked. That was a rather curious coincidence. Bringing her hand to her chin in thought, the girl pondered over her options. "I'll take Zorro the Outlaw," she said.
Kyoko could have sworn she heard a faint purr of approval from within her bag.
"Very well, I'll get it for you right away," the student librarian replied, getting up from her desk and heading over to the shelves. Kyoko felt Makoto's gaze on her while she waited and looked over at her.
"I take it you've already read the first one?" the brunette asked, the stern look on her face having become one of intrigue.
"I see you know about my family," Kyoko replied. "Indeed, I've read many stories about famous literary detectives."
"I shouldn't be surprised," Makoto answered as the student librarian returned with the book, her expression hardening again. "You know... my father looked up to the Kirigiri clan. A lot. I hope you're serious about staying out of trouble."
Kyoko showed the girl at the desk her student pass, then placed the book in her bag, feeling Morgana shift to hide himself. "You have nothing to worry about. I only want to serve my time in peace."
The brunette looked her over, Kyoko simply stared back. "Then see to it things stay that way," she said, returning to the table she'd been sitting at and opened her textbook again. "If you're done here, then you should probably leave. I doubt you'd get much done here with how things are, here, right now."
Kyoko noted the other students' attention was still on her, even those who tried and failed to look like they'd since lost interest. Without a word, she turned and left to get to the subway before it got too crowded.
Takemi gave a mischievous smirk as she looked up from the reception desk when she saw Kyoko walk into the waiting room. "Nice of you to make it," she said.
"I don't break promises," Kyoko replied. "I apologize for the subway traffic."
"Don't worry about it," the doctor said, standing up. "...Head to the exam room."
Once more seated on the exam cot, Kyoko glanced down at the mixture Takemi had given her. This one was blue instead of the red one she'd been given previously. "Will I lose the rest of the day again?" she asked.
Takemi gave a soft chuckle. "I made various adjustments to the previous drug based on your trial results, so you shouldn't pass out again. Still..." she gave another smirk. "...I wouldn't make any immediate plans until we know for certain, and I'm afraid there's only one way to find out. Just drink it down in one gulp."
Kyoko gave a nod, and took the mixture as instructed. The taste was sour and bitter, but not so much she would be compelled to spit it out the moment it hit her.
"So, how was it?" the doctor asked.
"It was..." The teen blinked a few times, bringing her hand to her forehead and soon enough fuzzy became blackness...
...Kyoko noticed the small hand on the clock on the wall had moved about two notches as she came to.
"Welcome back," Takemi said with a chuckle. "The reaction went as expected. The extra ingredients were likely what caused you to feel dazed before you passed out. Is there any still lingering?"
"It's starting to go away," Kyoko replied as she sat up, rubbing her forehead.
"Good," the doctor replied, writing down everything on her clipboard. "Now, I'll need to take your temporature and blood pressure, and draw some blood as well. As much as I'd like to perform some motor skill tests as well, that may be a bit much for you right now."
Kyoko let her vision finish clearing and her head to stop feeling like it had weight strapped to it before she spoke. "Probably," she said.
"I figured as much," Takemi replied. "This should all prove helpful in stabilizing the fundamental formula, now, as we're reaching its final stages."
"So you are here..." a harsh male voice snapped as footsteps were heard. Kyoko glanced over as a rather unfriendly-looking policeman entered the exam room.
"What do you want? I'm in the middle of an examination, right now," Takemi said, glaring at the officer. "I told the last one who came in here, if you want to investigate me, then you need to show me a warrent."
The officer scowled. "I'm here because we received a report. I'll need to see a detailed statement of medical expenses and medical records," he explained, a condescending smirk replacing his scowl. "...I trust you have them on-hand, correct? Just as I'm sure you didn't even have the time to hide any incriminating documents?"
Takemi muttered to herself as she rifled through her file folders, Kyoko heard something about a chief of medical staff, then turned her attention back towards the officer, who looked a little surprised as Takemi handed an envelope over.
"Here you go," she said in a curt tone. "This young lady was my only patient today. If this is about her medical expenses, are you here to charge me with improper billing? Without a receipt, I'd say you've been set on a wild goose chase."
Takemi crossed her legs and sat back in her chair, her playful smirk returning. "...And let me guess, the call was anonymous, wasn't it? I'd say someone with a bad sense of humor was pulling a very unfunny prank to harass me, waste you fine officers' time, or both, wouldn't you agree, officer?"
The officer stammered for a reply, then turned towards Kyoko. "And what are you here for, exactly, young lady?" he asked sharply. "Answer me! You don't look sick at all, are you up to something illegal?"
Kyoko sighed, she didn't want to have to do this, but at the moment, it seemed she had little choice in the matter if she was going to help get the doctor out of this mess and make the officer leave. "I'm here for burn injuries," she said.
Takemi glanced over at her, the officer raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Burn injuries...?" he asked.
Kyoko stood up and peeled away one of her gloves, revealing the scars underneath as she turned her hand. "I was trapped in a fire three years ago. I'm fortunate it wasn't worse. I... don't like to discuss it, but it's been a long road to recovery."
"Yes, she was hoping I would have some medications that could help with the tenderness the scarring causes," Takemi explained. "Will that be all, officer? As you can see, I'm rather busy, here."
The officer sighed, realizing he wouldn't win nor avoid admitting that his time had been very much wasted. "Very well, but you're very infuriating, you know that?" he snapped as he turned for the door. "It's no wonder you're called "The Plague."
Takemi's relaxed look quickly faded to annoyance once she was sure the officer had left. "I'm so tired of this," she muttered.
"I imagine anyone would be," Kyoko replied as she slid her glove back into place.
"I do appreciate you covering for me like that," the doctor replied with a smile. "Still, it's nothing to worry about. It's obvious my former superior made the report. I believe you remember him? You eavesdropped on our conversation a few days ago, if I recall? That was him... seems he's doing all he can to put pressure on me by having the police harass me."
Kyoko prepared to speak, but stayed quiet, suspecting this and the nickname the officer used was not a matter the doctor was looking for questions or advice on. "I'm sorry he's causing you all this trouble," she said.
"Don't stress over it." Takemi replied. "...Now... about the rest of the procedure, I do recall mentioning I need some blood drawn and a few other things..."
Kyoko looked down, recalling that discussion and calmly slid off her blazer and rolled her sleeve up.
"That should do it, you're free to go," Takemi said as she finished writing everything down. "You know, speaking of those burns you showed the officer," Takemi turned, seeing Kyoko getting off the cot and getting ready to leave. The girl promptly glanced over at her.
"What about them?" Kyoko asked.
"I imagine there's a lot to that story, but it's hardly my business. I trust you at least received proper treatment for them?" the doctor asked.
"I did," Kyoko replied, putting her gloved hand over the one she'd shown the officer. "...Why?"
"Take this, a free sample for helping me in getting him off my back." The doctor reached over to her desk and picked up a small bottle, handing it to Kyoko. "My own design, based on properties I used for my burn medications. Rub it in under cold or lukewarm water like if you're washing your hands. It should ease the tenderness."
Kyoko's discomfort turned to a hint of surprise as she slowly reached out and accepted the bottle, putting it in her blazer pocket and giving the doctor a faint smile. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, little guinea pig. Now you'd better head home, in case there's any lingering effects. Get yourself a decent meal and you should be fine."
Kyoko heard the sound of a chain breaking in her mind, before she gave a nod and took a breath, making sure she wasn't feeling drowsy anymore and proceeded back to the waiting room and out the door to make her way back to Leblanc, noticing it was getting dark out as she stepped out into the streets. The peace and tranquility of Yongen-Jaya at night was, she had to admit, relaxing as she left the alley.
"Welcome back," Morgana's voice said as the cat came from around the corner. "Took ya long enough!"
"Another clinical trial that resulted in a blackout," Kyoko replied.
"Well, it was a lot shorter then last time, at least!" Morgana said, before noticing Kyoko staring down at him. "Right, we should get back, now. Boss is probably wondering where you are!"
"Most likely," Kyoko replied, crouching down and opening her bag for Morgana to climb into and resumed her trip back.
No sooner had she gotten to the front door of the café when her phone rang. Taking it out, she saw Takemi's name and answered. "Hello?"
"Just thought I'd check in. You still looked a little out of it before you left so I wanted to make sure you didn't pass out on the street or anything," Takemi said.
"I'm well, now, thank you," Kyoko answered. "Thank you again for the medicine, I'll be sure to use it tonight."
Takemi chuckled over the phone. "You're very welcome. Use it in the morning as well. I'm glad I've got nothing to worry about, I'll let you know when I'm ready for the next clinical trial. You have a good night."
"You too," Kyoko replied before heading inside.
"Welcome back," Sojiro said as he wiped down the counter when Kyoko came in. There weren't any customers at the time, she noticed, and Sojiro did not look like he was doing much more then kill time.
"Thank you," the teen replied.
"Hey, you free tonight?" Sojiro asked as he set down the cloth. "It's a slow night so it may be a good chance for you if you want to learn the ropes here."
"I'm not busy, no," Kyoko answered, setting her bag down.
"...So is that a yes or a no?" Sojiro asked, folding his arms and raising his eyebrow.
"It's a yes," Kyoko replied with a faint smile, Sojiro responded with one of his own.
"Well in that case, head on up and change, and we'll get started. I've got a spare apron you can use, trust me you'll need it. Just make sure the cat stays upstairs."
Within moments Kyoko had changed out of her uniform to a casual purple skirt and white long-sleeve blouse with a pair of ankle boots, her lavender mane up in a ponytail and having changed her gloves out for more simple black pair. She'd noticed in her absence a female customer had arrived and was now sitting at one of the booths, having ordered a cup and some curry.
"Here you go, now we can get started," Sojiro explained, handing her the spare apron which the girl promptly tied on as he led her behind the bar table. "Now, as you've probably seen, the store's not the busiest around, but I'm very particular about how we make our coffee, here. Serve one bad cup, and you're out, got it?" he asked.
"I understand, sir," Kyoko replied with a polite nod.
"He means it, you know!" the female customer chimed in. "So-chan does things with coffee no one else does, he's practically a magician with how he always gets it so right!" She took a bite of her curry, smiling as she savored it. "And it goes perfectly with his curry, too! I always have to order both when I visit!"
"Well, what can I say?" Sojiro said with a chuckle. "I always make sure each of my customers gets an experience personally tailored to them!"
"Tell me, I must know," the customer pleaded. "What is the key to your curry's perfect flavor? I'd love to make it at home, sometime!"
"Sorry," Sojiro replied smirking with a shake of his head. "Trade secret. You're free to try and guess on taste, though."
The customer frowned. "You cheapskate, keeping secrets when you know your curry's stolen my heart!" she said, pouting in a way Kyoko suspected was to earn sympathy, or possibly something else.
"Can I interest you in a nice dessert, then? Only 300 yen,"
The woman laughed. "You practically read my mind, So-chan."
As soon as the woman had finished and left, Sojiro looked back over at the young detective. "When you run any kind of business, you'll get all sorts of customers. Knowing their personalities is absolutely vital, especially when you're in the food service."
"Training me to be your successor, Boss?" Kyoko asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.
"Nah, just making sure you don't end up a pain in my ass when you're helping me out," Sojiro said with a joking smirk.
Kyoko's faint smile grew slightly, glad to see Sojiro opening up more.
"Now, I believe I promised I'd show you how to make that cup of coffee, didn't I?" he asked, making his way to the brewers only to pause as the door opened. "Welco-"
Sojiro went silent and froze in place immediately. There was a husky middle-aged man standing at the door, maybe a few years younger then Sojiro by Kyoko's guess, wearing a black hoodie and pants, with a baseball cap. The smile on his face couldn't look more fake in Kyoko's eyes.
"Hello there, Sakura-san! It's been a while, hasn't it?" the man asked in a voice that sounded far too jovial, to the point of being condescending. Kyoko scowled, from Sojiro's discomfort to the man's plastered-on smile it was clear he was not someone Sojiro was at all happy to see. "I just heard about you opening up this place, so here I am! Wouldn't have hurt to mention it to a friend, you know?"
The man walked in, looking around at every detail as his too-wide smile never left his face. "I gotta say, you got quite a nice setup, here! Right by the station and everything!"
"...Can we help you?" Kyoko asked in a flat tone, Sojiro shooting her a look as the man came to the bar table and looked the her over while the teen returned the favor with a cold stare.
"Heh! Takin' in help already? Good to see you're as charitable as ever, Sakura-san!" the man replied with an approving smirk. "And quite the looker, too! I bet business will really go up in no time!" His gaze turned towards Sojiro, who looked absolutely livid and the smirk on his face spread, as pleasant as he tried to make his voice sound, it only came off as purely acidic and passive aggressive. "...and speaking of business..."
"...Your order?" Sojiro asked, his tone ice-cold and a stern glare on his face, looking like he wanted nothing more then to throw the man out, literally if he thought he could get away with it.
"Aw, no small talk between friends?" the man asked, before taking a long sniff of the air. "And the smell, that your curry? Oh, brings back the memories! Guess you still aren't over her, are you?"
Kyoko saw Sojiro's hand clench tightly, looking ready to swing at him if he kept this up. "Your order, sir?" he asked, barely restraining the contempt in his tone.
"Ahh, my apologies. This probably isn't the best time, right? Far be it from me to continue to get in the way of you training some hired help, right?" the man said with a laugh. "I just came by to say hi now that I knew where to find ya. I'll be sure to stop in another time when I'm in the area! Buh-bye!"
With a mocking wave, the man turned and left, letting the door close behind him. As soon as he was gone, Sojiro sighed and shook his head.
"I don't know how he could have caught wind of this place," he grumbled, a scowl on his face as he glared at the door. "...And the way he talked about you, I swear..."
Kyoko folded her arms as she looked over at Sojiro. "Who was he?"
Sojiro shook his head again. "Don't worry about it, it's none of your concern. If he ever comes by again, just... go upstairs and stay out of it, alright?"
Kyoko's gaze had softened, whoever this man was, he was someone Sojiro knew but wanted nothing to do with. It raised a lot of questions but it was clear Sojiro was not in the mood to answer them and she did not want to make things worse. "Very well," she replied.
"Anyway, if you got time for questions, you got time to learn about the bean types," said Sojiro, clearly attempting to get both their minds off of what had just transpired. "You certainly impressed me with your knowledge that morning, but I gotta make sure you've picked up all the ABC's on them before I make full use of you." the man smirked. "I'll be sure to teach you right, that way I can sit back and relax every now and then while you work."
"Is that so?" Kyoko asked giving a faint smile.
"Yup, but of course, I gotta train you first, don't I? Let's get the brewers heated up and I'll walk you through it," Sojiro replied, heading into the kitchen storage. "That's right, kid, you're finally getting that cup of coffee, but let's see if you can earn it," he said with a smile as Kyoko heard the sound of a chain breaking in her mind...
"Now this, is Jamiacan Blue Mountain," Sojiro explained as he watched the coffee brew. "You familiar with this one?"
"A rich coffee with a very strong aroma," Kyoko replied as she watched. The smell was already unlike anything she'd experienced. "I've had it before, but this..." She smiled a little. "I look forward to tasting it."
"It undergoes a rigorous inspection and as a result is harvested in small quantities. That's the secret to its quality, right there," Sojiro explained. "...And it should be ready right about now." he said, setting a pair of cups on the table while Kyoko took the pot from the burner and poured it.
As Kyoko took her first sip once it'd cooled down a little, she couldn't help but be amazed. Indeed, she'd had Jamaican Blue Mountain before, but the previous times felt rather sub-par compared to this cup as she savored its rich taste. Its flavor, its heat, everything seemed almost meticulously calculated to absolute perfection.
"So, what do you think?" Sojiro asked as he finished the sip he'd taken.
"I think you were right about what you said of my grandfather," Kyoko replied as she took another sip. "He'd want to learn your secret."
A smirk came to the man's face as he also took another sip from his cup. "Is that so? Well, this time was entirely supervised. You'll need to learn to do this on your own as well, so just follow what I taught you when you have the chance and there aren't any customers around."
"Very well," Kyoko replied and gave a polite bow. "I appreciate you teaching me."
"Hey, so long as you don't make any bad cups," Sojiro replied as he finished his cup. "And it seems my lessons are already rubbing off on you, so hopefully that means I've got nothing to worry about, do I?"
The ringing sound of the clock on the wall chiming quickly gained his attention. "Oh, that time already?" he mused aloud. "I need to get home, so let's close up for the night."
Once the store had been cleaned up, Sojiro grabbed up his coat and hat. "Thanks for your help, I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Don't stay up too late." he said as he headed for the door.
"I won't. Goodnight, Boss," Kyoko replied with a polite bow as he left, before turning and heading upstairs where she found Morgana laying on her bed.
"I heard some tense words down there earlier," the cat asked, looking up at the young detective. "Is everything alright?"
"It is, now," Kyoko replied. "A man Mr. Sakura seems acquainted with came in..."
"Oh?"
The girl brought her hand to her chin as she glanced out the window at the evening sky. "I don't know his history with Mr. Sakura but it's clear the two don't like eachother at all and Mr. Sakura was trying to avoid him. By my deduction he was trying to bully him for some reason. He also mentioned a woman he claimed he hasn't "gotten over". Hm," she mused.
"He didn't explain?" Morgana asked.
"No. He avoided the subject entirely," her eyes narrowed to a glare. "Had I not been in my current... predicament... I would perhaps be compelled to investigate this man further even against Mr. Sakura's wishes."
"Maybe he's got some kinda secret that guy knows?" Morgana mused.
"Unlikely. And until I come across any reason to suspect as much I have no need to weigh the option, yet. The task of being my guardian for the year would put him in frequent contact with the law so I doubt he is involved in anything illegal..."
"You're probably right," Morgana replied. "And I gotta say, that coffee smell, that was something!"
Kyoko smiled lightly as she let her hair down. "Yes, it certainly was. As was the taste. That's a mystery I intend to fully solve one step at a time if we make it through the assembly after next week..."
4/23
"Damnit!" Ryuji growled as he took several breaths in between a drink from his water bottle. "No matter how much I try to move better, I can't! No one would ever believe I used to be trainin' for the nationals back in the day!"
"You're simply out of practice," Kyoko stated as she took several sips from a bottle of water. "And you still managed to stay ahead of me when we did the lap around the school despite your injury."
"Eh, no offense but that's still nothin' compared to what I used to do!" Ryuji fumed. "...Now I just suck balls at it! God if Kamoshida's heart gets changed and he goes to prison that'll be the happiest goddamn day of my life!"
"I imagine that will be the case for many people at this school," Kyoko replied, folding her arms as she watched the boy finish regaining his breath.
"And what do we have here?" an young, irritated male voice sneered, prompting Ryuji and Kyoko to turn in time to see three boys in tracksuits walking over.
"Nakaoka? Takeishi?" Ryuji asked, addressing a tanned, dark-haired boy and a boy wearing a sweatband.
"Friends of yours?" Kyoko asked, glancing over at Ryuji.
"My old track team buddies," Ryuji said, though he glanced away, trying to hide the embarrassment on his face.
"We're not buddies anymore, Sakamoto," the dark-haired one called Nakaoka stated. "So you got back to runnin', huh? We just spotted you and the Kirigiri girl here lapping around the school from the window.
"Were you expectin' you could come crawlin' back to the track team or somethin'?" the lighter-haired boy with the sweatband called Takeishi asked.
"Hell, no..." Ryuji grumbled bitterly.
"Right," Nakaoka sneered. "This was your old secret training spot, wasn't it?"
"It is," Kyoko replied, glaring.
"Seriously, Kirigiri, why'd you get yourself involved with Sakamoto, anyway?" Nakaoka asked, raising an eyebrow at Kyoko. "You two going steady or something? Guess delinquents with assault problems go together, huh?"
Ryuji let out an exasperated sigh while Kyoko just gave the boy an icy glare as if daring him to press his luck further. "It ain't like that," he grumbled before Kyoko could give an answer. "Look, the hell you want, anyway? If you don't got anythin' to say then leave."
"The only one leaving is you, Sakamoto," Takeishi replied. "This is our training spot, now. Hell, thanks to someone, we even got the damn locker room taken from us!"
Ryuji fumed. He said nothing but Kyoko could see he looked ready to lose his cool at any time.
"It's not worth it, Ryuji," she said. "Don't start a fight."
"W-we weren't fightin'," Ryuji stammered, managing to cool down a little.
"Yeah, wasn't a fight at all," Nakaoka said, his tone less then convincing. "Seriously, though. Sakamoto of all people? Out of everyone in this school, you pick this loser to hang out with?"
"Maybe I don't see him the same way you do," Kyoko replied, glaring back at the boy.
The third boy spoke up. "You should, he's got a rotten temper, probably swing at you the second he loses his cool!"
"Hey! That ain't true, man!" Ryuji snapped, getting in the boy's face.
"Oh yeah?" the third boy asked. "I heard all about how your dad was the same way. Like father like son, huh?"
"That's got nothin' to do with this!" Ryuji shouted, looking ready to lose his temper. "...And you know damn well who was spreadin' that shit and why, so knock it off!"
"Ryuji, calm down," Kyoko said, her tone remaining calm but the glare she was giving the third boy had grown ice-cold.
Ryuji sighed, shaking his head but his posture relaxed. "Yeah, you're right. This ain't worth it..." He looked over at Nakaoka, frowning slightly. "Look, back there... I..."
"Don't give us your excuses!" Nakaoka snapped. "We don't wanna hear 'em! You know all of us were going through the same bullshit with Kamoshida."
"Yes, Ryuji told me about that," Kyoko said. "...How he made you do impossible training exercises, denied you water breaks, and cursed you out any time you made even the slightest mistake or couldn't match his unreasonable demands?"
"He did more then just cuss us out," Takeishi said. "He'd throw shit at us if we slowed down even a little. Volleyballs, basketballs, you name it, then pour out our water bottles right in front of us and make us do it all over again! Anyone talked back? Detention. All 'cause he wanted us gone."
"But you know what? Unlike Sakamoto, here, we endured it. We agreed we'd put up with all of Kamoshida's shit for the sake of the track team. So long as we did, he couldn't disband us," Nakaoka explained. "Then Sakamoto fucked it all up when he went and swung at him!"
"You know Kamoshida went after him in particular," Kyoko replied. "Namely spreading rumors about his home life?"
Nakaoka grit his teeth, glaring lividly back at the girl.
"You think I don't know that?! And that was all it took to make Sakamoto give Kamoshida exactly the excuse he was hoping for and get us disbanded!" The boy stormed over to Ryuji, now inches from his face. "I can't believe I ever respected you, let alone thought of you as my teammate!"
Ryuji simply stared back, frowning but showing no hostility towards the other boy. "...You got every right to be angry, man," he said. "...I dunno what else I can say..."
Nakaoka scoffed. "Whatever. I got nothin' else to say to you. Let's go, guys."
Soon as the three boys had left, Ryuji let out a loud, tired sigh. "Y'know, I was this close to smackin' that guy when he talked about my dad," he said. "Guess I haven't changed at all."
His exasperated look quickly turned to a big smile a second later. "But y'know, you bein' here, you actually helped me calm down! I'm glad you came to hang out with me... dunno what woulda happened if you didn't, honestly... but I guess no point thinkin' about that now, right?"
He held up his hand for a high five. "So... thanks, Kyoko. I owe ya!" Kyoko glanced at his hand, and having tested out Takemi's salve that morning, decided to humor him and raised her own gloved one. As she brought it forward it to meet his, she could hear the sound of a chain break in her mind as they made contact.
"Well, we should probably call it a day, ya know?" Ryuji said with a laugh.
Both their attention was diverted, however, at the sound of the boys from before arguing amongst eachother, in particular the third boy asking Nakaoka why he didn't beat Ryuji up. Kyoko simply shook her head in disgust.
"Eh, probably shouldn't get involved," Ryuji said, folding his arms. "But if that sonovabitch Kamoshida goes down, even if they wouldn't know it, I can feel a little better knowin' I helped make their lives a little easier..."
"That's a good mindset to have, Ryuji," Kyoko said with a faint smile.
"Any rate, better go get changed and head on home," Ryuji said, smirking in response. "It was great trainin' with ya!"
"Likewise."
"Hey, ya free to talk?" Ryuji's voice asked as Kyoko answered her phone outside Leblanc. "Just wanted to thank ya again for helpin' me out back there."
"I think you handled yourself well," Kyoko replied. "While they had their point on the matter, it was unnecessary to continue to trouble you over it."
"Maybe you're right, but it's still my bad either way," Ryuji said with a sigh. "I get pissed off way too easy. It's still somethin' I gotta work on. Last thing I wanna do is cause a scene that gets you pulled into any more bad shit then you already gotta deal with."
"I appreciate that," Kyoko responded.
Ryuji chuckled. "No prob. 'Sides, I'm an outsider, now, anyway! Nothin' to do with me," he said. "Anyways, gonna go. Hope you're not sore from trainin'!"
"...A little," Kyoko replied, she was certainly feeling the burn from it all, and she was rather sweaty from running around the school.
"Well, no pain, no gain!" Ryuji said with a laugh. "Just give your legs a massage before ya go to bed. Seeya!"
Pocketing her phone, Kyoko decided the first order of business would be a bath before she thought about doing anything else for the night.
"...One week left," she mused aloud as she opened the door to Leblanc. One week till she and the others would know for sure if their efforts truly paid off.
A/N: And finally another chapter! Hope you all had a great 4th of July! Stay tuned for next chapter, we will finally see the moment we've been waiting for!
The Fool: Rank 2
The Magician: Rank 2
The Hierophant: Rank 2
The Lovers: Rank 1
The Chariot: Rank 3
Death: Rank 2