Heart of Justice Chapter 37
6/24
Kyoko had made her way into the crowded subways of Shibuya following a message from Yusuke to meet up after, stating he had gained new inspiration on his goals of understanding the heart. While the young detective wasn't sure what he had in mind, but with the group taking the day off before sending the calling card to Kaneshiro and Makoto having confirmed his latest message today being just another reminder with no indication of him moving the deadline closer, Kyoko saw no reason not to indulge his request.
Spotting the tall, pale boy standing in his usual spot watching the crowds, yet paying her no apparent notice, she approached.
"Yusuke," she said.
"Ah, welcome, Kyoko," Yusuke replied, his eyes not turning from the milling people for a moment before looking her way. "I'd mentioned a need to understand the heart in my message..."
"However?" Kyoko asked, folding her arms as she expected there was something bothering him.
As if confirming her suspicion, the boy sighed, looking down at the floor. "Well, the thing is, I'm having a rather difficult time grasping it..."
"Your "slump" as you described it?" Kyoko wondered.
"Yes... even Angie has noted that I seem to be worsening," Yusuke replied. "I feel her observation is correct, and she explained how Atua gives her visions of beauty and divination that she translates to her canvas, yet... I've no such being to grant me inspiration such as that... how then do I reach the truth of pure beauty that I hope to bring to my own canvas?"
Kyoko raised an eyebrow at Yusuke's nonchalant recollection of the other artist's beliefs as Yusuke continued.
"If I only could get some glimpse, an idea, of what I should paint to capture the contents of the heart, as she claims to receive from Atua," he mused.
"The heart, hm?" Morgana mused as he climbed from Kyoko's school bag. "Oh! What about Mementos?"
"I'm no artist," Kyoko said, "...But if you're willing to, there may be merit to that notion. Mementos does, to my understanding, express the collective unconscious."
"Ahhh, yes..." Yusuke's eyes widened in awe. "...Yes, that could very well be it! Desire itself, the root of humanity, springs from that place like a flowing well!"
The boy gave a nod, his mind made up, now. "With that destination in mind, let us make haste!"
"Should we get the others?" Kyoko asked.
"I don't think it's necessary," Morgana said. "We don't have to go that deep. We stay on the higher floors, we should be more then able to handle any Shadows we run into!"
"I'll have my sketchpad ready," Yusuke said. "If I can count on the two of you to keep an eye out for any dangers, I think this may be exactly the inspiration I'm looking for!"
Fox looked at the eldritch surroundings of the Mementos corridor with a smile of approval, his sketchpad and a pastel in hand as Ace and Mona stood guard nearby. They'd driven around, albeit with some difficulty due to Ace having had to take the wheel again without Queen to handle the job, but fortunately it'd not taken long to find a spot Fox was satisfied to begin to put his concept ideas to paper.
"This distorted realm, teeming with Shadows," Fox observed, "...The physical embodiment of the desires of the human heart... remarkable, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?" Ace asked.
"Why, that the very same thing which brought forth the beauty of the "Sayuri" could also produce such utterly morbid fabrications," Fox explained as he scribbled away. "It's as if the heart were an abyss of some kind..."
Ace now chose to look around as well while Mona kept his attention focused on the tunnels, unsure if she could entirely agree with her friend's statement. The painting that Fox's mother had made was one that, despite her own declining health, had conveyed nothing but positive emotion, a warm and loving smile for her child to remember her by and give him hope to carry on in life even if she could not accompany him. Mementos, meanwhile, was dark and foreboding. Ugly and decrepit as it spiraled ever downward the further they went, as though it reflected a very much opposite emotion shared by so many in the troubled society the Phantom Thieves lived in.
Though she believed the heart was capable of both, it made her wonder why, then, did Mementos, a place supposedly made by the collective unconscious, seem to so exclusively bear such an oppressive atmosphere?
"Now, regarding the source of my slump," Fox explained, "I believe I have an idea."
"What's that?" Mona asked, taking a moment to glance back at him.
"You recall when we were in Madarame's Palace, the first time I ever entered it?" Fox replied. "...There, I saw the perversion of my former sensei's heart..." He closed his eyes, shaking his head in disgust. "Looking back on it, now it all makes sense to me how this slump has befallen me..."
"What you saw he'd become, you're afraid you risk falling down the same path if you can't succeed?" Ace asked.
"In a manner, yes," Fox replied, scribbling more down on his sketchpad. "His Palace did not just reflect a duality of the lavish life he kept from everyone through the fruits of his fraudulent crimes, but it is also how he himself saw the art world. The art world I once held such faith in... it had become distorted by greed and other unchecked desires. As a result, from that point forward, my brush has been stayed by crippling hesitation."
He glanced back over to his two companions. "Remarkable, and ironic, isn't it?" he asked. "With Madarame's downfall, Angie's brush has been given new life and passion, but my own begins to wane..."
"She could see that something was hanging over you, Fox," Mona said. "Still, you remember she has faith in you? She respects you as her rival!"
Fox chuckled softly, yet there was sadness in it. "Indeed," he said. "Yet... my own eyes I fear have been tainted by my glimpse into Madarame's depravity. Does pure beauty exist, and can I recognize it anymore to capture it in a work I can call my own? These intense questions distance me further from reality and still my brush... and it brings me a fear that I will fail to live up to that faith the only friend I had before meeting all of you has placed in me so quickly after the bridge has been mended..."
He paused from his sketches, frowning. "...As a result... I have no answer to such a question. Is it a further penance for my past inaction to Madarame's misdeeds? Am I being "tested" somehow, as she said, be it by my own guilt or some divine force like her Atua, for the chance of regaining the spark I once had? If so, how can I pass it?"
"You're hoping something from here will be the solution," Ace replied.
"Something like that," Fox said with an approving smile, his mood improving a little. "Hm, the lingering sense of uncertainty in this place... I feel like it's sharpening my senses," he mused, his eyes suddenly widening behind his mask in awe. "...I think I feel a revelation approaching!"
The boy looked about, then closed his eyes. "Those portals that led to where Shadow Selves we faced here resided have just come to mind as well... inspiration has struck!" he chuckled excitedly as he began sketching more passionately. "Yes, yes! My heart, it's racing, now! The composition alone will be brilliant!"
"Uh, Fox?" Mona asked.
Ace sighed at her friend as he seemed lost in his activity before turning her attention to what she and Mona had noticed take shape before them. It was hardly a revelvation but rather, a wandering Shadow that had assumed the form of a Slime that let out a gurgling bellow once its advance came to a stop just a few feet from them.
"How inelegant!" Fox scoffed, just now noticing it but looking more inconvenienced then alarmed.
"You want us to deal with it?" Ace inquired.
"I can assist. The beings of this place must learn not to disrupt an artist's work!" Fox declared, his katana appearing as Ace summoned her gun, Mona twirling his scimitar.
It did not take long, thankfully, for the fight to end. The Shadow that had engaged them was a weakling as they'd not strayed from the higher floors due to not having the whole team present, and the experiences of two Palaces behind them had certainly also helped sharpen the Thieves' skills respectively as well as they successfully obliterated their foe even when it replicated itself into four identical entities.
"...Hm, seems I have grown to passionate, haven't I?" Fox remarked as he watched the slain Shadows crumble to dust.
"You don't say," Mona remarked, staring up at him and Kyoko shooting a look at him.
"Regardless, I appreciate you both being here," Fox said.
"Hey, I'm just the wheels!" Mona said with a chuckle.
"I couldn't simply let you go alone," Ace replied, folding her arms. "I'd say what just transpired is proof of that."
"I suppose you're right," Fox replied with a light chuckle. "You remind me of Van Gogh's brother, Theo, in a way."
"How so?" asked Ace.
"Ah, something a well-read person like yourself is unversed in?" Fox asked, amused. "Well, the story goes that Van Gogh never achieved fame in his own lifetime, however he had a very devoted supporter and admirer in his brother."
"You think me one of those?" Ace questioned, an eyebrow quirking behind her mask.
"Ace, I'm not oblivious to my... eccentricity," Fox explained, glancing away to his sketch pad he'd left nearby while they had dispatched of their expected attackers. "...And there are not many who are willing to deal with it. If it's possible, perhaps I could ask you continue to aid me in my quest to escape this slump?"
"I will," Ace replied. "Regarding your "passion" back there, it seems inspiration is a strong motivator for you."
"It is," Fox said. "Angie is similar, after all, but I cannot consult divine beings for it. I seek the beauty I wish to capture on my canvas in different places. Still, it may do much to improve what I can do as a Phantom Thief, so I appreciate your willingness to help me."
He paused as he looked down at the obsidian-colored floor and knelt over, picking up what appeared to a piece of paper the size of a business card, though nothing was on it. "Intriguing, and oddly intact considering what carried it." he smirked. "When I see paper, I simply must give it use, if I may?"
"Annnnd he's gone again," Mona mused as Fox began doodling on it for a few seconds before turning it over.
"A satisfactory result, perhaps it will get me closer to the end of my slump-!" Fox's eyes widened as the card shimmered, his sketch having now gained a green coloration to it. "What in the world?"
Ace silently took it from Fox's hand and looked it over, her gaze narrowing with interest as it reminded her of the card that Justine and Caroline had given her after the trip to Big Bang Burger. "I wonder... a skill card? I may have use for this with the Personas I've collected."
"By all means, use it well," Fox said with an approving nod. "...You know, this gives me an idea... we can strike a deal, like Phantom Thieves! I'll continue to hone my craft with those, perhaps they may even help me in climbing out of my slump in the process, in return for your continued assistance you've given me, would that suffice?"
"This talent could be really useful, Ace!" Mona said. "It'll help in making Personas stronger for sure!"
Ace gave a small smile and offered her hand. "Very well, if you feel a need to owe me anything, then do so."
Fox let out a small chuckle, accepting her hand. "Then it's a deal..."
?/?
Kyoko's blurry thoughts were interrupted as Niijima spoke once more.
"Multiple cards were discovered in your belongings, you know," the older woman stated. "Replicas of the same design, too."
Kyoko gave no response, simply turning her gaze towards her while she continued to instinctively nurse her injuries.
"Of course, I mean other then merely the calling cards, which did have a degree of flair to them. I suppose someone who trained as a detective would have familiarity to such a concept, correct?" Niijima continued. "These cards, though, I can't make heads or tails of what they were used for. Still, would I be correct in my suspicions that both would have required someone proficient in the arts to make them? What exactly were you having this person do...?"
Reality slowed to a halt, as Mementos, dimly-lit as it already was, began to fade to darkness around her and Yusuke, who was now frozen in place before Kyoko and the soft voice from before spoke around her...
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 Emperor Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power.
Kyoko heard the sound of a chain link shatter as her surroundings returned to as they once were.
"At any rate, I believe we're done for today. I've already completed some rough sketches of the concepts I intend to use," Fox explained. "I'm confident I can get started on the real thing at my dorm."
"We'd better get on out of here, then! We've been here a while and Shadows might find us again," Mona said, transforming into a bus again. "All aboard, and Ace?"
"Hm?" the young detective asked as she took the driver's seat while Fox took the passenger side.
"...Please drive carefully this time!"
"My train should be arriving shortly," Yusuke said as he and Kyoko made their way towards the platforms, Morgana back in Kyoko's school bag. "Thank you again for all your assistance. The trip into Mementos proved quite fruitful, I believe, with the inspiration I've gained from it."
Kyoko gave a faint smile. "I suppose where else to explore the depths of the heart then a place such as that," she replied, before her expression grew serious again. "Tomorrow, we'll meet up with plans on dispatching the calling card to Kaneshiro."
"Indeed. Once he is dealt with, the debt he has forced upon us and countless others will be no more," Yusuke replied. "Speaking of cards, regarding what happened in Mementos with that card, if you should require my art skills again, just ask and I will gladly assist. I'll be getting started on my new painting tonight in my dorm, and I'll let you know when it's ready... after all, I have you to thank for helping me find the inspiration I needed, despite art not being your area of expertise... I appreciate it."
Kyoko blinked, then gave another small smile and nodded. "...You're welcome."
"I must say, it feels good to regain the excitement of knowing my brush is able to dance once more!" Yusuke replied. "That said, I still would like to depict you sometime... but it'd be after I've truly felt I've escaped my slump"
Kyoko folded her arms, though she couldn't help but feel... flattered. "You've not given up on that, either?"
"As I've said, there's a remarkable mystique to you," Yusuke explained. "...Coupled with an ethereal grace you carry yourself with, both here and as leader of the Phantom Thieves. Once I am certain of my ability to capture true beauty to my canvas again, maybe then, I will feel I can do justice to such a task."
Kyoko was once more at a brief loss for words, thinking back to one of her earlier encounters with him and how he'd struggled depicting Ann due to the pressure Madarame had placed on him and likely his guilt over turning a blind eye to his former teacher's crimes, and the demand he'd recklessly made out of fear of what Madarame would do to him if he could not give him a new piece for the exhibit. "You've been through a lot in so short a time, Yusuke. I can deduce, however, all of us have. Perhaps this is your first step on picking yourself back up."
Yusuke chuckled warmly. "Perhaps it is. I have hope once more, Kyoko. And I hope when such a time comes when I know my hand and my brush can properly bring life to my vision, you will oblige me."
"Nothing nude," Kyoko replied sternly.
Yusuke gave a modest, amused smile. "No, of course not," he said.
A loud hum came behind him as a train pulled up at the platform, announcing it would be departing for Kanda.
"It seems my train has arrived. I'll see you tomorrow at the accessway, then," Yusuke said, turning to board the train, giving Kyoko one last smile back. "I thank you, again. I look forward to showing you the painting once it is ready."
"As will I," Kyoko said, giving a faint smile back as the door closed. Once the train had left, Kyoko made her way to the platforms leading back to Yongen-Jaya.
She paused, however, when her phone chimed with a new message, and saw it was from Iwai.
[Shop's still open. Try and stop by if you're still up for this.] the message read.
Kyoko recalled the gem and a few other things she and the group had procured during their trip through Kaneshiro's Palace. This would provide an opportunity to get armed up some more before facing their target.
"What's up?" Morgana asked, emerging from Kyoko's school bag.
"Airsoft store," Kyoko replied. "By now police will be out, so it's unlikely Kaneshiro's men will be prowling the streets as much."
"True, plus we gotta be ready for anything after the calling card is sent tomorrow!" Morgana said, managing a small smile on his feline features.
-I'm in Shibuya right now. I'll be right over. Kyoko messaged back.
[Okay. See you soon.]
Heading towards the stairs, Kyoko made her way to Central Street.
Kyoko felt a sudden and unexpected chill as she entered Iwai's shop. Morgana had elected to wait outside but asked she browse for some weapons if given the chance. Her brief reaction upon her arrival, however, had not gone unnoticed by the manager, who sat comfortably in his chair with his gray raincoat over him.
"Cold, little lady?" he asked with a teasing smirk. "No matter how the weather is outside, I gotta keep the AC goin' at low temp to make sure the merch stays in good condition!"
"Isn't this a little much?" Kyoko asked, a hint of annoyance in her tone.
"All this rain, and the weather gettin' warmer equals plenty'a humidity. Can't have that in here. If you're cold, bring a jacket next time," Iwai said, setting the magazine he was reading down. "Still, good'a you to show up. I'm sure anything I got for you to do'll be a piece'a cake for a gun enthusiast like yourself. Plus after that friend you brought the other day, I know better then to assume anything with you," he said with a chuckle.
Kyoko recalled how Makoto had been at the shop. The Student President's almost bloodthirsty enthusiasm was certainly unexpected for both herself and Iwai. It had seemed Makoto really had been repressing a lot of emotions under her prim demeanor she'd had prior even without Kaneshiro's crimes in the equation for quite some time.
"Just put me where you need me," Kyoko said folding her arms. "I believe I've shown my worth on that degree at least."
"True, you were a help last time. But let's see how far that proficiency and knowledge you got gets you for real this time," Iwai said with a challenging smirk. "Bein' an employee, I suppose it would be less suspicious havin' you come here so much despite bein' a girl, let alone one your age. Both're a bit outside what my usual customers tend to be, after all."
Standing up from his seat, Iwai slid his hands into his coat pockets. "Now, let's start with bringin' the goods to the back. I expect ya to learn the ropes fast if you're gonna convince people you're a regular employee. I don't need any inappropriate rumors goin' around when I'm 'sposed to be runnin' an honorable business, after all."
"That so?" Kyoko asked.
"Hey, watch it, little lady," Iwai said sharply, though with the hint of a smirk at the corner of his lips, as though Kyoko's remark did amuse him a little. "...Though, to be honest, the customers've been runnin' a little thin lately."
"There has been criminal activity in Shibuya lately, particularly around Central Street," Kyoko replied. "I imagine you've heard about it?"
"Yeah, some kinda blackmail scam goin' on. No surprise the pigs would rather harass me then deal with real criminals," Iwai sneered. "Still, those punks seem to mostly go after high-schoolers from what I hear. Most'a my customers're older then that."
"Is it something else? Has someone said something about your "honorable business"?" Kyoko asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
"...Somethin' like that," Iwai said, his features hardening. "...Some piece'a shit on the internet's been claimin' all my goods're just cheap knock-offs," he explained. "Once you get a bad rap for somethin', it's pretty hard to shake off, no matter how untrue it is."
"..." Kyoko was silent, glancing away a moment.
"What, you tellin' me such a proper young lady like you's dealin' with shit like that?" Iwai asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically with a sharp scoff. "I won't deny you're a strange one, but you really tryin' to say you're goin' through somethin' similar?"
Kyoko's features hardened as well, now, giving the man a sharp glare but saying nothing.
A silence passed between the two, Iwai's features softening a little. "...I see. Guess you wouldn't be doin' all this if you weren't huh?" he asked. "Don't gotta gimme the details, though. Ain't my business n' I don't wanna know..."
"I appreciate that," Kyoko said, folding her arms a little tighter at the thought of what she'd gone through and the toll it'd taken. Iwai noted her discomfort, but said nothing, instead simply letting the stick of his latest lollipop slide from one corner of his mouth to the other as he looked around at the wares on display and the two of them immediately set to work.
"Not bad, little lady, not bad!" Iwai said with a smirk once they'd finished moving everything to the back. "...Seems you know your way around this stuff a bit..."
"I believe you said you've learned not to assume anything with me?" Kyoko asked with a challenging gaze, which made Iwai chuckle in amusement.
"Fair point. Anyways, I 'spose it's only right I fill you in on what's goin' on here, since you'll be helpin' me out n' all," he said. "The whole rumor about my goods n' all that I mentioned earlier? I'm bettin' the one behind it's Tsuda. You remember, right? The name you heard at the diner?"
"Yes, I recall that name being mentioned," Kyoko replied. "Why would he do this?"
"He's pretty high up in a clan I was in," said Iwai.
"Clan?"
"That's right, little lady. A yakuza clan," Iwai explained, folding his arms and regarding the girl in front of him with a serious gaze, indicating how serious he was. "...I'm sure even you know of the Kuzuryu Clan, right?"
Kyoko was silent a moment. Even with what was essentially a form of leverage regarding the gun he'd given her to rope her into this, it was evident the man held some degree of trust in her now that he'd share a secret this intimate with her. The young detective cocked her head slightly, an analytical gaze on her face. "...Admittedly, I had suspected some criminal ties with you, though involvement with the Kuzuryus wasn't quite what I expected. You're saying you're a member of their clan?"
"Heh, you got some nerve, kid!" Iwai said with a chuckle.
"They're the most powerful remaining yakuza clan in Japan," Kyoko replied. "...So I can't deny it is rather surprising news."
"...Be as surprised as you want, little lady," Iwai said, "But don't worry, that's ancient history, now. I've been out for a long time."
"Then why is this person, Tsuda, causing trouble for you if it's been so long?" Kyoko asked.
"Tsuda was my sworn brother back then. He's apparently worked his way up, since," Iwai explained. "Unfortunately, even with me out, I'm a known quantity in the underworld, so I make one wrong step, and I'd have guys crawlin' all over me! Seems he's decided to make use'a that, so now I got some... 'unsavory' business goin' down with him."
"...And that's why you brought me in?"
Iwai chuckled. "You're catchin' on, Miss," he said. "Judgin' from you bringin' back that 'gift' I left ya so fast means you got some real backbone. Then there's the way you handled yourself at the diner like you're a pro actress or somethin'! Not to mention, some pretty little high school girl? Who the hell's gonna put that description as the top suspect of someone snoopin' on Tsuda?"
Kyoko's brow furrowed as she folded her arms again. "...Should I be flattered or offended by that last statement?"
Iwai smirked, his lollipop stick turning to the other corner of his mouth. "Flattered. Means you're below suspicion," he said. "I am a bit curious where you got that set'a talents but it's not my business so long as you can handle this for me, that's all that matters. Hope you ain't havin' second thoughts!"
Kyoko leaned against the display counter, placing one hand on it and another at her hip as she gave Iwai a cold, challenging gaze of her own. "Try me."
Iwai let out an amused laugh. "Holy shit, got a lotta fire in ya, don'cha? You're either brave or an idiot, little lady!" he chuckled. "...I like that. Guess you can say I got a bit of a soft spot for that sorta thing. Hope you got the gist, though, you'll be workin' with that in mind..."
Iwai folded his arms, returning Kyoko's gaze and smirking at her. "So understand I'll be expectin' a lot outta you. We'll see just how long that steel nerve holds out!" he said. "I'll add more to the special menu, by the way, as a thanks!"
With his words, Kyoko heard the sound of a chain link shatter within the recesses of her mind.
"One question, though," Kyoko asked.
"Depends," Iwai said, raising an eyebrow.
"You had a history with the Kuzuryus, and seem to be keeping tabs on people with them," said Kyoko, "...Have you heard anything about why they aren't taking action against the blackmailers in Shibuya? To my understanding normally they wouldn't tolerate this. The yakuza tend to have people come to them first."
Iwai scoffed, giving the girl a disbelieving sneer. "Well, well, I'm kinda curious about how and why you know so much about yakuza inner workings n' all," he said. "I guess it's fair to give you a straight answer, though: No, don't know a thing. Strange as it is and sorry, little lady, but I'm not plannin' on goin' up to 'em any time soon to ask!"
"Fair enough," Kyoko said, frowning in disappointment. It was worth a shot, given what Iwai had divulged about himself. It seemed she'd have to ask Kaneshiro's Shadow directly then when they likely were confronted in the Palace.
"H-hello?" a young, male voice asked as the bell to the door jingled as it opened, prompting Kyoko and Iwai to turn in its direction. At the door was a boy with glasses in a school uniform vest over a dress shirt and pants, and looked a little younger then herself by Kyoko's observation. He appeared anxious, as if unsure if he should even be there, but his attention was on Iwai, who did not look at all happy to see him.
"Didn't I tell you not to come around here?" Iwai asked the boy sternly.
"B-but..." the boy stammered, looking away and clearly unsure how to respond.
"Is something the matter?" Kyoko asked, glancing back at Iwai. This was intriguing to the young detective as it was evident the two knew eachother even before Iwai had scolded him.
"Stay outta this, it's none'a your business!" Iwai said sharply. Noting the boy's discomfort, however, the man shook his head, sighing and his features softening. "...Just go on home 'n get on your studyin', Kaoru. You got entrance exams comin' up, remember?" His tone was still stern, but more gentle then it was a moment ago.
"Okay... I'll... I'll be going, then... sorry to bother you, Dad," the boy, Kaoru, said softly with a nod, though Kyoko noted the look of disappointment and guilt on his face as he left.
The moment he was gone, Kyoko folded her arms again, glancing back at Iwai with an inquisitive gaze. "...Dad?"
"Yeah," Iwai said, sighing and shaking his head again. "That's Kaoru... my son. He comes by from time to time, askin' if he can help out around the store n' always worryin' about what I'm gettin' up to."
Kyoko glanced to the door a moment, her own expression softening ever so slightly as she took note of the store's camera. "Would I be correct in you're worried he'd be here when you're being harassed by the police?" she asked. "I suppose that wouldn't be something anyone would want their kids around to see."
"You catch on quick. I have him helpin' out around here and the pigs drop by to cause trouble like that time you were here, how ya think he's gonna feel seein' that? Not to mention how ya think I'd look in front'a him when they're gettin' in my face accusin' me'a shit when I'm just tryin' to run my damn business?" Iwai asked sharply, his tone growing angrier as he spoke before taking a breath and folding his arms as he leaned against the nearby wall, frowning. "...Honestly, though, wish you hadn't been here for this, not somethin' I wanted to have to tell ya about..."
"It couldn't be helped," Kyoko replied. Iwai's reasons were understandable enough as it made her think of all the trouble and humiliation she'd gotten into when she'd stopped that man from attacking the woman that fateful night.
"Heh, sounds like you know a thing or two 'bout that. Whatever, it's luck'a the draw n' all that, so how 'bout we drop it?" Iwai asked, though his tone was more an order then a request. "...Still, glad we're on the same page about what I expect from ya. Unless you got anything else, you're free to go."
Kyoko gave a small, faint smile. "I have a few things," she said, opening her school bag and fishing out the things she and the others had found in Kaneshiro's Palace. "...About that special menu, what will these get me?"
Iwai smirked, his lollipop stick switching places again. "You really are a mystery, little lady..."
Her shopping done, Kyoko emerged from the store with bags of model weapons Iwai had now made available to her with the expansion of the special menus he'd offered. Thankfully there weren't too many people around, as she could only imagine how she looked as she emerged from the alley and the "Cosplay" excuse was likely only going to carry her so far if she was going to do this regularly.
"Hey, how'd it go?" Morgana asked, coming around the corner and approaching. "I see you got some new gear! We'll be more then ready to bring down Kaneshiro!"
Kyoko gave a silent nod as she set her school bag down for the cat to climb into, her thoughts still on what had transpired back in the shop. Iwai had a son, and it seemed he was either keeping his past from him, or just didn't want him present for when he got harassed at the shop.
She looked down at the pavement a moment. Like Sojiro, it was different then what she got from her grandfather who gave her orders and she obeyed them, never questioning his judgement until she paid for it that night when she chose not to. Even if Iwai was keeping things from his son or putting him at arm's length on some matters, it seemed by her observation and what he'd told her it was out of a desire to protect him from things he had to deal with, and not wanting to look shameful in front of him, which gave the notion Iwai's son looked up to him and Iwai feared his past would ruin that.
None of those things, the more she thought about it, seemed to fit how things had been living with her grandfather, causing her to think back a moment on her conversation with Morgana the previous night.
Iwai's past had certainly taken her interest as well, even if she'd gotten no answers on what had allowed Kaneshiro to last this long without the Kuzuryus intervening. With any luck, she'd find out when they returned to the Palace. With what she'd learned from Iwai regarding his old fellow yakuza member, however, she did wonder what he had planned for her next time he contacted her.
Those thoughts in mind, Kyoko made her way to the subways to return home for the evening. For now, she had stopping Kaneshiro and solving a much bigger mystery to focus on.
6/25
The rain had thankfully let up by the time school had ended, with it being an early day out Kyoko and the other Phantom Thieves were now gathered together at the accessway hideout as planned, arriving at separate intervals to avoid suspicion with Ann and Ryuji arriving first, followed by Kyoko with Morgana in tow. Yusuke had arrived shortly after and Makoto arriving last.
"Oh, good, we're all here," Makoto said with a relieved smile. "So, to my understanding, all we have left to do now is send Kaneshiro the calling card, correct?"
"Yes," said Kyoko. "Once Kaneshiro sees it, then we'll be ready to make our move."
"So, that poses the question of how we send it?" Yusuke asked. "We don't exactly know where he lives, and his men will recognize us if we leave it at his club."
"True. As I mentioned, he has eyes all over Shibuya, so we need to be discreet about it," Kyoko replied. "That said, we may be able to use this to our advantage. If we put them somewhere they will find it, addressed to their boss who wants to have as few people as possible know of him, then most likely they'd bring it to him."
"Hmm," Makoto brought her hand to her chin in thought. "Ryuji, I'll need your help on this. Are you up for it?"
"What'dya have in mind?" he asked.
"We'll need copies. Lots and lots of copies, and we'll need to be up early, before people are leaving for school. I can give sis an excuse," Makoto explained. "We'll come up with the calling card and then just follow my lead."
"We strike tomorrow, then!" Morgana said. "We better be prepped for this! Kyoko's already picked us up some new weapons, too, last night!"
"I'll bring them when we meet up tomorrow," replied Kyoko. "I'll pick up some supplies on the way back, as well. We should be ready."
"We still have time to kill until then, so, Ryuji, I'll let you know when I'm ready. I'll take care of writing it and send it to Yusuke to prepare," Makoto explained. "...Yusuke, meet up with us tomorrow morning as well. After that, we'll print the copies and make our move. During that time we won't draw as much attention and Kaneshiro's men won't be out prowling the alleys just yet. It being Sunday, lots of teenagers will be out in Shibuya so he'll likely have plenty of his men out in the area to see it. Sound good?"
"I'm counting on you, Makoto. Let me know once everything is set. Most likely Kaneshiro's men will bring it to him the moment they see it. Make sure it'll get the attention of his men," said Kyoko.
"Furthermore, one last failsafe I have in mind as well," Makoto said with a smile. "...It'll be impossible for him to ignore it. Leave it to me."
"Then our plan's set!" Ann said. "Tomorrow, that bastard pays!"
As everyone parted ways, Makoto made her way to the subway trains, another destination on her mind she wished to visit first before the big day tomorrow. Taking out her phone, Makoto let out a small sigh as she saw another message from Kaneshiro informing her she had two weeks' time left, and brought up her sister's message window.
-I'll be home a little later. In case you're home before me tonight. she messaged.
[Why?] Her sister's response came fast, and Makoto could feel the chill from it, causing her to pause for what felt like a long time before she answered back.
-I need to see him. Let me do this, please? she finally replied.
There was no response, though it was evident Sae had read it. Makoto could feel a sense of anxiety again, much like she felt under the principal or the night she and her sister had argued. Fortunately, she saw a response was coming so she didn't need to wait long.
[Very well. Don't be out too long.]
Sighing in relief, Makoto made her way to the trains.
"Hey, Dad... it's me," Makoto said softly, approaching a gravestone in the vast cemetery. "...It's been a while, hasn't it?"
A gentle breeze passed through the graveyard, the brunette glanced around despite being the only one there. Looking back at the gravestone, she closed her eyes, slowly dropping to her knees as she read its name and epitaph.
"I'm sorry I've not been here in a while. I've been so busy with my studies, trying to get into a good college, find a career... make you and sis proud..." Makoto paused, unsure for a moment what to say next. "...Can I be honest? Everyone's always told me what I'm supposed to do, and I went along with it, but now I don't even know what I'm working towards anymore. When we lost mom, I know you worked extra hard to support us, then Sis had to do the same after you... God, I miss you so much! ...A-And now more then ever, I try to think of what you'd say to me..."
She paused again, Makoto could feel her fists tighten, her teeth grit slightly, her eyes starting to water as she remembered that night, when she and Sae had been brought to the police station, being filled in on what had happened, but nothing had been done about it in the end.
Finally, the words came to her. "There is some good news, though... I know who did this. I know you were so close to stopping him back then and he couldn't stand for that. I'm going to finish what you started, Dad," she said, a look of firm determination forming on her face. "...Kaneshiro has gotten away with his crimes long enough! He thought it was over when he stopped you, now he thinks he's going to pick up where he left off by coming after me and Sis, like what he did to us wasn't enough and he just had to come back to finish us off... but that's not happening!"
Makoto paused again. "...I know it's going to be dangerous, but I can't keep playing it safe, anymore! I have a chance, now. I have friends who want to help... some of the most amazing people, and tomorrow, Kaneshiro finds out he's not as untouchable as he thought! You deserve this closure even more then any of us, and hopefully it will help Sis, too..."
Standing back up, Makoto turned to leave, but glanced back one last time, a smile forming on her face, now. "...When this is over, I'll be back to tell you all about it... and I hope I can introduce you to a new friend I've made... she actually reminds me of you, a little, and I hope I get to know her a little more after this is resolved."
Making her way back to the stations, Makoto knew she had work to do, now, in preparation for what came next, but now more then ever, she couldn't wait for tomorrow...
Kyoko was beginning to wonder if this was a good idea.
With plans to take on Kaneshiro tomorrow, she'd elected to head straight home and forego picking up dinner, but a message from Kawakami about a special going on with her service of a "Dinner With A Maid" free meal for this weekend only had seemed to offer a solution to that. She'd had plenty left over from her trip to Untouchable the previous day and given her homeroom teacher's situation, she'd decided to make use of it for her.
"...Well, how is your "Dinner With A Maid" special, Kirigiri? Pretty good timing on my part, wouldn't you say?" Kawakami asked, a big fake smile to go with the flashy maid costume she once again had on as she attempted to stay in-character for her job.
Of all the possible things this special could have offered...
Kyoko tried to think of the most tactful response she could offer to what she'd gotten as a meal. Unfortunately, despite her self-control she'd honed on concealing her emotions, her otherwise impeccably neutral expression only barely concealed her annoyance. She wondered if fate itself had chosen to mock her, somehow, once more.
"I gotta say, Kyoko... this isn't what I had in mind when you told me about this," Morgana remarked from his spot curled up on her bed.
"...Instant. Ramen." Kyoko's tone was as calm as ever, yet the degree of irritation was present by the slight furrowing of her brow and folding of her arms from her spot on the sofa that made her gaze convey all the annoyance she'd attempted to subside for the sake of tact that had chosen not to come to mind after all either.
"Oh, some may call it that, but I believe the more appropriate term would be... "High-End Cup Noodles"! It makes a big difference!" Kawakami said with a forced cheerfulness.
Kyoko's unchanging expression and position spoke volumes of her otherwise silent response.
"Well, these are more complicated then the microwave kind. You gotta drain the hot water once, then leave the sauce packet on the lid so it gets warm and all..." Kawakami frowned and let out a deep sigh. "...And what I could afford to bring..."
Kyoko again said nothing, though her expression softened slightly.
"Paying for your sister's medical bills?" she asked.
"Yeah... that's exactly it," Kawakami muttered, glancing away. "I dunno what sort of meals are your usual thing, Kirigiri, but my budget's tight enough as it is thanks to... that..."
Kawakami's mini-rant came to a sudden halt as she did her best to stifle a yawn.
"Sorry," she said, shaking her head in embarrassment.
"Do you need to rest again?" Kyoko asked, her annoyance gone in place of concern recalling the last time Kawakami had been over.
"No, no, I-I'm fine. Just... had this faculty meeting the other day, it lasted extra long, that's all," the other woman replied as she fought off her tired tone. "Thanks to the Phantom Thief hysteria and all, the students have all been so restless, lately! The teachers can't agree on what to do about them, or the Phantom Thieves! It's all the faculty talks about instead of something more worthwhile like our bonus!"
"Have you tried bringing it up?" Kyoko asked.
"...No. I mean... in light of everything with damage control on the Kamoshida scandal, and the money spent on hiring a counselor, Principal Kobayakawa was been talking about cutting our salaries until we have our school's image back on track," Kawakami sighed. "So... no one's willing to say anything out of fear he might decide it more cost-effective to just let go of some of the faculty..."
Kyoko looked down at her untouched meal. She could feel Morgana's concerned look from nearby on the bed as well, even if she wasn't looking at him. "...You think Kamoshida being exposed for his crimes and being punished for them is to blame?"
"No, I didn't... I didn't mean it like that," Kawakami said. "I'm glad he's gone and in prison where he belongs, and the students should never have had to experience the... things he did to them. It's just, sometimes, things... even good things done for the right reasons... they can have consequences to them."
Kyoko sat back, folding her arms again and brushing back her long hair. "...As a trained detective, I'm no stranger to how solving a case can have consequences," she said. "Back then I tended to ignore them entirely. I considered them irrelevant, the truth was all that mattered, after all, to my profession..."
"But...?" Kawakami asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion there was more to this.
Kyoko stared a moment, at Kawakami, then at Morgana, whose attention was on her, as well, before closing her eyes and letting out a small sigh. "...It doesn't mean I don't remember them. Looking back, now... I can see how sometimes innocent people end up paying as well. Just like the opposite, how performing a good deed or trying to help someone can still go wrong..."
The teen glanced over at Kawakami. "Whatever's going on, I'll see what I can do when I have extra."
Kawakami's eyes widened in disbelief. "I... Kirigiri..." She tilted her head, folding her arms. "...Is this by any chance... out of some kind of guilt over that time in your life? Want my advice, that never ends well. Trust me, I..." she stopped herself, shaking her head. "...Nevermind. I guess I can't complain, so long as it's getting more shifts and just... getting paid to do my job..."
"I'm doing this by choice," Kyoko replied, her gaze stern, now. "We can leave it at that."
"Very well, then I'll... heh... do my best for my boss-er... Master... Mistress... no, that sounds like something else entirely. I'll do my best! Gotta earn every yen, after all!" Kawakami fumbled out, putting on her in-character smile again.
A chime rang from Kawakami's phone. As the older woman looked at the screen, Kyoko noticed her expression melt into an anxiety-ridden look of worry. "Ehh... excuse me a moment..."
Immediately getting up, Kawakami walked over to as much distance as she could put between herself and Kyoko and faced away from her before answering. "H-Hello...!"
Kyoko noted the fear in Kawakami's voice that the woman struggled to conceal. Morgana clearly noticed as well with his concerned glance back at her before watching Kawakami as well.
"What?! H-How much?! A-Are you crazy?! I can't possibly...!" Kawakami's attempted hushed tone came out more then loud enough and sounding more then a little panicked. Kyoko could not see her teacher's face but her body language said it all.
Kawakami took a deep breath. "Y-Yes, but..." She paused, listening to whoever she was talking to. "That's... that's true... sure... just..."
She let out a defeated sigh, her form becoming more limp as she pressed her hand against the wall to support herself. "Yes... yes... I understand... my responsibility... you're right..."
Hanging up, Kawakami turned sharply, noting Kyoko's inquisitive stare. "...Sorry about that. It's none of your concern, I'm... eh... I'm just a little behind my sister's medical bills!" she said sheepishly.
"...Miss Kawakami, what exactly is going on, here?" Kyoko asked, her gaze piercing, now. There was something Kawakami was keeping from her, she could tell. "You're talking to a trained detective and to be frank, you sounded as though you were being threatened by the mob or something..."
"N-No! I swear, it's not the mob! It's just... her disease, it's gotten worse and there's a lot of fees and extra charges!" Kawakami insisted. "That's why it really helps when you request me and all! You really think I'd do a job like this if it wasn't?!"
Kawakami's eyes went wide as she abruptly covered her mouth. "F-Forget I said anything about that. You're my student, after all. I shouldn't rely on you... I can't..."
Kyoko's gaze grew sharper. Whatever was going on with Kawakami, there seemed to be a lot more to this, and the young detective was intrigued. Another deepening mystery in the many she'd already found herself immersed in, from this otherworldly mission as a Phantom Thief to the people she was connecting with, Kyoko was beginning to think she'd need to buy a casebook to get all this written down somewhere to keep track of all of it.
"What if I want to?" Kyoko asked.
The other woman paused a moment, thinking it over.
"Well, then how about this... If you're so set on it and really have nothing else to spend that kind of money on, then you can feel free to call me over to handle housework," she said. "...It doesn't have to be through the maid service. I noticed I live fairly close by, so I can stop over if I'm not busy with another shift whenever you need me."
"Hmm, you know, Kyoko, this might free us up a bit when there's laundry or something else around home to deal with!" Morgana offered.
Kyoko brought her hand to her chin as she, now, found herself thinking an offer to her over. Morgana wasn't wrong, and it wouldn't have been proper to rely on Sojiro for too much when he had plenty on his own plate with running a business to worry about. It would have been nice to have an opportunity to try and compile everything she had on all the self-appointed cases she'd intended to solve without anything else to attend to for a while.
"You're certain about this?" she asked.
"I'm positive. It's the least I can do if you're so set on this... whatever your reasons are," Kawakami said, managing a small, but relieved smile and Kyoko heard the sound of a chain link shattering within the recesses of her mind.
"I saw the laundromat on the way over, and this is a café, I believe? The instant ramen... er... High-End Cup Noodles... may have been underwhelming but I am actually a decent cook when I can afford to be! Talented detective or not, Kirigiri, you're still a teenager and should maintain a balanced diet... you've spend enough requesting me, so I'm sure you can afford to make sure you're eating healthy meals regularly."
"I'll see what my guardian is willing to spare," Kyoko replied, giving a faint smile. Sojiro had already headed home so it was a little late to ask, and her stomach gave her a less then polite reminder she'd not had anything to eat since lunch to the point she may have been able to stomach the instant ramen.
"...If anything, I know my way around coffee brews, I doubt I have to explain why," Kawakami said with a slight, sheepish laugh. "Anyway, I should probably get going, and see if I can get some more shifts. Also... I have to admit, for a trained detective and a high school student, I'm rather surprised I don't see a laptop among your things... or any kind of computer."
Kyoko's expression became neutral once more. "I never owned one, myself. My grandfather always had me use his, when he was around to supervise me."
"...I see," her teacher replied, frowning a bit and looking a little concerned regarding Kyoko's statement. "Well, it'd be a good idea to get one, you may have an easier time with school work and studies, something else you could put your money to that instead of me, you know... but I guess if you won't change your mind on that, I remember passing a thrift store on the way over, maybe they have a used one? Electronics seem to be turning up in those places more often and I sometimes buy a few from them to save money."
Kyoko folded her arms, nodding. "I'll keep that in mind."
"At any rate, have a good rest of your night, Kirigiri. Thanks again for using our service!" Kawakami said with a big, in-character grin as she scooped up her overcoat and threw it on as she headed downstairs, Kyoko following behind to let her out before closing and locking up after she'd left.
Returning upstairs, Kyoko took note of the plastic bowl of untouched instant food still on her table, a moment of silence passed and Kyoko's expression hardened as if it were staring back at her, daring her to swallow her pride and not be picky. Even Morgana seemed like he was curious of what she'd do next.
Sighing, she sat down and took up her chopsticks. Tomorrow was day they'd steal Kaneshiro's Treasure and end his reign over Shibuya, she may as well not skip a free and mostly still questionably fresh meal.
By the time she'd finished, and had shared some with Morgana for reasons that had little to do with his own state of hunger, Kyoko had elected another task to make note of would be to ask Yusuke about that cookbook he'd mentioned at the hot pot party when she got the chance...
A/N: Decided to save the Devil Confidant and next Moon rank till after Kaneshiro's defeat, it feels like it fits the storyline better. Also thanks Hierophant52314 on ff.n for the grave scene idea.
Also, October 6th was this past week, I meant to have this out sooner but irl stuff got in the way, so Happy (belated) Birthday to this story's star, Kyoko Kirigiri! Next chapter, the heist!
0 - The Fool: Rank 5
I - The Magician: Rank 4
IV - The Emperor: Rank 1
V - The Hierophant: Rank 4
VI - The Lovers: Rank 5
VII - The Chariot: Rank 6
VIII - Justice: Rank 2
XI - The Strength: Rank 3
XII - The Hanged Man: Rank 3
XIII - Death: Rank 4
XIV - Temperance: Rank 3
XVIII - The Moon: Rank 3
XIX - The Sun: Rank 3
1 - The Councillor: Rank 4
? - Faith: Rank 2
Kyoko's Personas: Shiisaa, Kusi Mitama, Suzaku, Jack Frost, Ame-No-Uzume, Orobas, Flauros, High Pixie, Leanan Sidhe, Orthrus