Author's note:
Sections are a bit shorter, time is moving pretty fast, so pay attention to that. I think it works though?
My apologies if things have become too explicit these last few chapters. It should stabilize soon.
-asdf
Chapter 37: Summer's End
Thursday, August 11th, 20XX Morning
With mechanical motions, Sumire ate the bountiful breakfast. Their mother had gotten up early to make a fancy meal for them all before her dad had to go to work. It was the first meal that they had together since her return from Kyoto.
People often talked about food tasting ashen in their mouths while distressed. Food this delicious could never lose its taste. Instead, the rich flavours made Sumire nauseous. Her stomach rumbled and squeezed from the stress.
I killed a man…
Clamping a hand over her mouth, Sumire fought desperately to keep the food down. After a long moment of fighting, Sumire swallowed the bile back down with a wince and slowly lowered her hand.
"Are you alright, darling?"
"Getting morning sickness already?" Kasumi added on. It was not her normal teasing voice. It lacked all emotion. If there was anything in it, Sumire would call it resentment.
Once Sumire properly processed Kasumi's words, she shook her head quickly and sighed. Senpai… Sumire had been trying not to think about him. He had rejected her. That was all there was to it.
Eyes threatening to heat up, Sumire slammed her eyes closed, begging the tears to stay put. She could not afford to start crying randomly or throwing up. I am fine. I am totally fine!
"Has something… happened girls?" Shinichi finally spoke up.
"Based on the fact that they both look like girls with broken-hearts, I assume their crass personalities got them dumped."
Sumire's grandmother's words were the final straw. Unable to keep her composure together Sumire began to bawl at the table. It was incredibly embarrassing and not a relief at all. The only good part was that she wasn't throwing up.
"Seriously?" Kasumi scoffed. "How on earth did you get rejected?"
Between sniffles. Sumire glared at her sister. "Me? Did that detective wrap you so tightly around his finger that you confessed to him? I hope he laughed at you."
Kasumi's lips curled into a smirk. "Unlike you, I rejected my suitor."
Glaring at her sister, Sumire felt those old emotions rise up within her. The jealousy, the inferiority. All wrapped up in that black miasma that threatened to swallow her whole.
She's right to laugh at me… A voice whispered inside of her. I'm a murderer.
Tearing her gaze away, Sumire mumbled her words. "Thank you for the meal, it was delicious. Ignoring the concerned gazes of her family, Sumire fled to her room and the peaceful darkness within.
Thursday, August 11th, 20XX Afternoon
Under the fading autumn sun, Kasumi's legs slowly came to a halt as her jog ended. Taking two steps off the path she flopped onto her back on the soft grass. Feeling at her forehead, Kasumi did not find sweat.
Groaning, she threw her arm over her eyes, protecting her vision from the sun. "What is wrong with me?" What was wrong, of course, was everything. Kasumi's phone was burning a hole in her pocket. One unread message that she could not bring herself to open. That was not to mention her despicable behaviour earlier.
"Moping around again?"
That voice… Removing her arm so she could see, Kasumi looked up, arching her back a bit so she could better see the person standing behind her. She had been too distracted moping to hear them approach.
"Akechi…" The relief in her own voice was nauseating. "You're stalking me again?"
"You don't sound very upset to find a stalker standing over you." He replied with a small laugh.
Kasumi, even in the midst of her disastrous week, smiled as well. It lasted for only a moment, but it appeared. "I guess even having a stalker is a plus for me right now."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"…Nothing," Kasumi finally said. If she was going to pour her heart out, it wouldn't be lying on her back in a public park. "How was your trip?"
"Extremely interesting." Akechi mused. "I saw something I was not expecting."
"Ehh? And what was that?"
Akechi leaned down and smiled broadly. "That's a secret."
"A secret?" Kasumi pouted. "What would I have to offer to learn it?"
"Hmm, I suppose if you swear your undying loyalty to me, I would consider telling you."
"Oh, is that it? Hmm, tempting," Kasumi joked.
"Obviously, I have the best secrets after all."
"I bet," Kasumi smiled slightly. "Being a detective must give you access to plenty of amazing stories."
"You could say that."
"I'll have to listen to them at some point." Kasumi said, finding the words to be serious. "Perhaps hearing them would let me finally understand you."
Akechi's smile was broader than Kasumi thought she had ever seen it before. "I look forward to the day that happens."
Growing uncomfortable, Kasumi sat up so she wouldn't have to look at Akechi. "So why did you come track me down?"
"As you said, I'm stalking you."
"Grr…"
"Fine, fine," Akechi said. Then, surprising Kasumi again, he sat down on the grass beside her. "I wanted to check in on you. I heard some disturbing things from Minami."
How!? Freezing in fear for a moment, Kasumi's frantic mind finally made the necessary connections. "I forgot that she had your number. Did she tell you everything then?"
"No…" Akechi paused for moment. "She well… asked me if you were always an insensitive asshole."
Disappointment swirled within Kasumi as she let out a long sigh. It was everything that she should have expected. "I suppose there is no reason to read the message that she sent me then, is there?"
"Now, I wouldn't go quite that far…"
"Hmm?" Kasumi did not want to look at Akechi, but there was something odd here, her instincts told her. Then that wave of melancholic failure swept over her again.
"Can I read it for you?"
"Ah, sure." Kasumi handed over her phone without a thought.
"I'm always surprised to find the newest model in the hands of someone who barely uses their phone. Or maybe there is another one out by now…"
"S-Shut up!"
"Anyway, she just sent you a message asking you not to message her. Want me to delete it?"
Kasumi hesitated, her heart lurching. Is there really that big of a gap between us now? "If she wants a clean break… then just delete her contact."
"Deleted."
Moments later, Kasumi's phone was back in her hand. Akechi was decisive. He did not need a second confirmation. With a cold logic he had cut Minami off. Playing with it, Kasumi could not help but regret the rashness of this. "Would you…"
"Hmm?"
"Would you do the same to me?"
"Huh? Your question does not make sense. Form a proper sentence if you want an answer to something."
Kasumi wanted to glare at him but could not find the energy. Instead, she found herself slumping slightly to the side until she was touching Akechi. "I suppose I was just thinking that I'll do something stupid, and you'll delete me just as quickly."
"Hmm… I only trim the unnecessary parts. I have a hard time associating that word with you."
Kasumi struggled to restrain the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Maybe everything would be okay. Even if she lost everyone else… Akechi would have a need for her.
Thursday, August 11th, 20XX Night
"Ah, sweet success." Akechi reclined on his couch, turning on his TV. He could not stop the smile that kept twisting his lips.
The news was on and displaying exactly what he was hoping it would. Most recent target of the Phantom Thieves in hospital in a coma.
"Owada will never recover," Akechi chuckled to himself. "Dear Sumire saw to that."
While the report was expected, it was not what made him so happy. That was reserved for how well Kasumi had been manipulated. Pulling out his phone, Akechi opened the conversation with Minami one last time and reread the string of messages.
Hi Mr. Akechi, I hope you are doing well. I am afraid I have messed things up with Kasumi. I sent her a message, but she has not replied. Can you tell her how sorry I am? I really want to set things right.
I will contact her and get back you.
Thank you so much!
Smirking at the previous interaction, Akechi typed up his final message to the girl. She had made such a good pawn that it almost made him sad to see her go. She has decided to cut you from her life. My condolences. Sending it, Akechi blocked the number and deleted it from his phone.
Laying it down, Akechi sipped on a glass of red wine as he continued to watch the news, wondering if something new would come from it. Probably not…
"Late Wednesday night, Mr. Owada's three adopted daughters found him in his office where he had barricaded himself since Tuesday, following receipt of the Phantom Thief's calling card.
"Reports from his employees indicate that he was raving about crimes prior to locking himself in and yelling at people who disturbed him. It was not until his daughters arrived from Kyoto and forced themselves into his office did they find him laying on his desk unconscious."
"Hmm, makes sense…" Akechi mused. "We should make sure that Owada's crimes aren't reported on. I doubt anyone will take kindly to this groomer. Maybe this was the best outcome…"
Taking another sip, Akechi's mind started to turn around possibilities to hide the information. Unfortunately, based on this news report, and their blatant use of the word adopted meant that journalists would probably be looking into them. How long until one of them reveals that Owada sleeps with them?
After another few moments of thinking it through however, Akechi's tension faded. It should not make a difference. The phantom thieves were murderers now. There was no getting around that fact. Even if it came before Shido could be known as the most ardent detractor of the thieves, it should still work.
Yes, today has been great. Closing his eyes, Akechi allowed himself to drift through his memories. Featuring primarily was a brown-haired beauty, trying her best to be independent but ultimately failing. Yes, she was falling for him, and Akechi was enjoying every moment of it.
Saturday, August 13th, 20XX Night
Haru waited patiently in her ceremonial yukata. It was a beautiful purple garment that had a silken beauty to it. Haru ran her fingers through the fabric and tried to repress her sigh. It really was a shame what she was going to have to do.
"My My, are you growing bored of the party, Haru. Or is there another reason you brought me here?"
Haru flushed at the casual way that the boy addressed her. Thankfully the reaction was what he wanted. She kept her eyes demurely down as he approached closer in the private room. "I-I just thought that we should talk."
Raising her eyes at that moment Haru stared into the young man's black eyes. They reminded her of Ren's, but unlike her leader's, this man's eyes were filled with a hunger that knotted her stomach. Either way she pushed through with a small smile.
This was the son of an up-and-coming politician. Someone rather like Haru herself. The main difference being her father's incredible wealth far surpassed this man's family's.
He lifted a hand to her cheek, lifting her chin up even higher. "You had a fiancé before… You aren't used goods, are you?"
"No," Haru replied breathlessly, "he was not bold enough to do anything… a trait I doubt the two of you share."
"You've got that right."
He leaned in for a kiss.
Naïve.
Falling backwards, Haru spilled her drink on herself and let out a shriek. The poor fool could only gape in confusion. Before he could recover, the door to the private room burst open. Haru's father was one of the ones leading the small group. Prearranged to be in position.
"What happened here!?"
"H-He tried to kiss me!" Haru wailed desperately, "when I tried to resist he pushed m to the ground…"
"Oh, my darling daughter!"
Leaning into her father's hug, Haru cried pitifully into his shoulder. She wasn't sure if their acting was good enough… If the man had time to recover his wits and protest…
"How horrible!"
"Isn't that Nakamura's son?"
"Like father like son… Should we really be supporting him?"
Haru's smile was hidden in her father's shoulder. Yes, there was the follow-up. He was too stunned to even say a word before men kicked him from the party and his father informed.
"Amazing my daughter. To think I once was going to marry you off for little gain."
"Hehe, I am glad that we finally agree about things." Relaxing into his grip, Haru sighed contentedly. "But father… Is this really necessary?"
"You need to ask? Of course it is. To prepare the way for my glorious ascent, the obstacles must be removed. We will have Nakamura exactly where we want him. Not only is my path forward cleared, but you shall have yours."
"Yes… CEO of Okumura foods… How wonderful."
Haru allowed herself to relax for another five seconds. Eyes closed, taking in her father's warmth. After that, she disengaged and stood up. Wiping her eyes and her fake tears, Haru continued her performance for the crowd.
Sunday, August 14th, 20XX Afternoon
Ren slumped lifelessly against the table at LeBlanc. The television was on, and Ren alternated between looking at it and his phone. Both were displaying the same news. Only Ren's phone got the opinion of countless people commenting whereas the television was transmitting only what the news station thought suitable.
No wonder classic news is dying with younger generations…
Musing on the concept, Ren returned to reading the headlines and what people were saying.
Owada Jun's final writings admit to covering up murders as well as sleeping with daughters. Rampant corruption present in government.
-DAMN! Dude's an asshole, but look at those daughters… Who wouldn't?
-So the phantom thieves did change his heart? He was just too much of a dick to stomach it?
-Honestly, bros vitality was probably sucked out by his incubus daughters. www
-LMAO, if this true I wouldn't care if they had just straight up killed him.
"Why…" Ren whispered. "Why don't you guys hate us?"
Moments later, Futaba strode through the door and flopped onto the table as well, beside Ren. "It feels… weird? Right? Like… Like, I don't even know!"
Ren grunted his agreement. "We screwed up… and everyone is praising us for it. It is weird."
"True… Kyoto wasn't a complete failure… I think."
Ren groaned and covered his head with his arms. "For you maybe. I screwed up everything."
"Oh… Sorry."
The conversation lulled. Neither moved from their prone positions until the door swung open to the twinkle of chimes and a loud voice. "Oh! Sup Ren!"
"What am I? A doll?" Futaba growled.
"Oh Futaba, it is hard to see you behind Ren's big head. Sorry!"
"Understandable," Futaba agreed.
A heavy sigh from a new voice made Ren turn back to look. "You should at least make sure the café is empty before yelling out greetings." Ann stepped forward and jabbed Ryuji in the side, hard.
The boy winced but smiled at Ann and playfully shoved her back.
Was that… a blush? Ren hoped that things worked out for them. Someone who clearly didn't popped his head out of Ann's bag. "How dare you push a lady? idiot!"
"Ehhh!?" Ryuji glared at Morgana. "Ann can take it, unlike a certain furball."
"Oh yeah? Was that a challenge? You can't even pass high school tests! So, I don't think I want to be accepting your judgement on things like this!"
"Eh? That was only one test! Why are you—" Ryuji cut off as Ann laid a hand on his bare arm. There was a silent exchange between them. Ryuji sighed, threw his hands in the air and claimed one of the stools.
"Hmpf!" Snorting, Morgana jumped from Ann's bag and joined Ren and Futaba at the table.
Even before Ann could seat herself, Ryuji was talking. "So that worked great! The information still leaked, and everyone thinks we're heroes!"
"We are heroes," Ann clarified, sliding into the booth. "You all were so dramatic about it, I thought that something horrible had happened. Not only is he still alive, but he even confessed!"
Ren stayed silent, unable to rebuke them now. He had already explained his side and had Futaba on his side of this disagreement…
"Yeah… Maybe you guys are correct…" Futaba mused. "We may have gotten lucky; this wasn't the worst outcome."
Ren gave a hooded glare at the girl. How dare she say that? Did none of them understand that they had destroyed Owada Jun's mind?
"Not ideal at all," Morgana agreed, "but we have learnt something important. We can cause mental shutdowns through destruction of the palace and potentially get both a confession and have them survive."
"Survive…" Ren growled. "You all talk as if he isn't dead. We destroyed his desires! He will never wake from that coma!"
"No way to say it without sounding like an ass but… So what?" Ryuji shrugged. "We're better off without him."
Ren understood. Oh, he knew exactly where they were coming from. How easy it was to read about murderers and want death row for them. Even now, Ren could feel that knot of anger buried in his soul at his own unjust treatment. The slight satisfaction from knowing that at least one corrupt asshole would not be hurting anyone else. But right there beside it was the guilt and trepidation at what they had done. Ren could only imagine Yoshida's disappointed face upon finding out what happened.
Not all politicians were corrupt.
Not all adults were evil. Ren could not lose sight of these things. Just as he was formulating his reply, the shop door opened again.
"Pardon the intrusion…" Polite as ever was Makoto with Haru trailing on her heels and waving. Ren's eyes glued onto Haru and stared, mouth going a little slack. She was wearing make-up and a cute little hair pin. With a knee length coat overtop of a frilly pink dress, she perfectly walked the line between a mature-cool look and cute high schooler.
"Daaaamn!" Ryuji gave Haru an impressive look up-and-down. "Who did you dress up for?"
"That's a secret," Haru winked at Ryuji before scanning over them and smiling.
Did it linger on myself for a little longer than the others? Ren forced away the intrusive thoughts. "Oh, does anyone need something to drink?" Ren finally asked.
"Oh, I have to have your special blend," Haru answered. "No point coming all the way here and not drinking your coffee."
"Sure, anyone else."
After a round of requests, Ren got to serving. It was a pleasant distraction from everything. It was also an excuse to not speak much as conversation took off again.
"Sorry we were late," Makoto apologized. "Have you discussed the new occurrences already?"
"Kind of," Futaba shrugged, still lying on the table. "We're still missing two people though."
"The meeting time was ten minutes ago." Haru said. "If they are this late, then I think it is far to start without them, as you started without us."
Futaba did not reply, instead looking at her phone. "Yusuke says he can't make it. Ran out of money for the train."
"Ehh? Really?" Haru tilted her head. "Isn't the train free?"
"Rich girls…" Ryuji breathed.
"Umm, Haru, how do you board the trains?" Makoto was brave enough to ask.
"I use this."
Ren almost dropped the cup of coffee as he stared disbelievingly at the glossy black card in Haru's hand. It was stored usually in a pouch in her phone that she tapped on the gate.
"T-This is an unlimited pass…" Makoto shivered. "This could have gotten you to Kyoto as well…"
"Oh? Really?" Haru tilted her head. "Oops!"
Oops… Ren shook his head. Then he frowned as he remembered crucial information. "Hold on, Haru. I thought your father cut you off."
She smiled awkwardly, looking instead to the coffee. "Oh, this smells amazing. Thank you, Ren!"
"Yo, you got my juice yet?" Ryuji asked.
"Mine as well!" Ann called out.
"And my dish!" Morgana called out.
"Don't forget my soda!" Futaba echoed.
In that manner, the conversation had moved past Haru's wealth. For everyone except Ren and Makoto at least. Haru was more interested in the coffee and not answering the question.
"So, Yusuke is too poor to make it," Ryuji said, "what about Sumire?"
The room's excited mood dampened significantly. She had not replied to the group chat. Ren had not spoken a word to her since she left him standing stupidly outside the Kyoto inn almost a week ago. He had not been able to come up with a message to send and she had not sent him one either.
"Sumi has her gymnastics to think about," Ann said quietly. "I think she'll be taking a break from the group for awhile."
"Ehh? Seriously?" Ryuji tsked in disappointment. "She should be here and plan our celebration party! I mean, if she hadn't convinced us to raid the bath we would have returned as losers. Never knowing how much we can accomplish…"
Ann nodded solemnly along. "Yeah… She really did push us to the next level. Without her insistence and bravery…"
Everyone was nodding along, praising the absent girl. Hyping up how bold the plan had been and how well it had gone. Ren, standing the counter could not move. Could not participate. Never before had he felt further from this group of people. Did they not see her suffering? Understand Sumire's pain? Do I?
For the first time in a long time, Ren wondered if he deserved to lead the phantom thieves.
Tuesday, August 16th, 20XX Morning
Rapping loudly on the door, Ann waited for an answer. Standing behind her were Makoto and Haru. Today, Ann had dropped Morgana off with Ren. For some reason the cat was growing increasingly more particular about staying with her… Did Morgana realize how annoying he was to have around though? Ann had to be careful not to strip in her room, she couldn't take her bra off around home without feeling awkward now.
"I wouldn't care if it was a normal cat but…" Muttering to herself, Ann debated mentally whether a speaking cat seeing her naked was as bad as a normal human man. Deciding that this was not a route she wanted to go down, Ann resolved herself to text Ren that Morgana would be staying with him again.
At that moment, the door swung open to reveal a beautiful teenage girl in a sports bra and tight black workout pants that cutoff around her ankles. "Kasumi." Ann greeted her with a smile. "How are you?"
"…Leaving," she replied curtly. "Excuse me."
"She was umm… Upset?" Haru said unhelpfully as they now stood in front of the open Yoshizawa doorway.
"Imagine how isolated she must feel…" Makoto whispered, staring at where the girl had disappeared. "Not invited to Kyoto, not told we were coming today, all while feeling that her sister is hiding something. It isn't, err, it can't be easy having a sister like that."
Ann did not miss Makoto's correction. We'll have to address Sae at some point… Ann had heard only snippets about Makoto's gorgeous, badass, older sister detective. Haru likely knew more about the situation as she patted Makoto on the back.
Sighing, Ann entered and loudly called out. "Forgive the intrusion! Sumire, are you home?"
"My my, now who are you girls? No, wait, let me guess!"
Ann stood awkwardly before the woman whose identity was obvious. Shimmering light brown hung in a ponytail that was draped over her shoulder. She was clearly a mature woman but had an air of youthfulness about her. To put it bluntly, if this was a preview of what Sumire and Kasumi would look like… Ren should be on his knees begging right now.
"You are clearly Ann," Sumire's mother declared, pointing at her. "Then the girly one would be Haru, and the confused looking one is Makoto!"
"Girly?"
"Confused?"
Ann smiled awkwardly. Why was I the one that was obvious?
"Come on, thank you for coming. I am afraid my daughters are… err… having some issues."
"Yes, I am afraid that we made Kasumi mad, sorry about that." Ann apologized as the woman led them further into the beautiful apartment.
"Oh, Kas will bounce back. I am afraid that daughter of mine is a bit of a monster. It is Sumire I worry for."
That attitude… Ann did wonder about Kasumi, but Sumire was the current problem who needed fixing. So, following quietly along, Ann waited patiently as Sumire's mother knocked on a room door. "Sumi? Friends are here to see you."
"Huh? W-What?" The door was flung open. "Senpai!"
There was an awkward pause as Sumire looked over them. As a blush crept up her cheeks, Sumire retreated into her room and slowly closed the door again.
"And she's gone," Haru sighed. "I suppose she only opens the door for dark curly-haired boys with dreamy eyes."
"Oh dear," Sumire's mom sighed. "Well, I won't force her to talk to you… good luck."
"T-Thanks…" Ann stuttered. Taking a deep breath, Ann stepped up to the door and forced it open. At least, she tried to. Leaning against it, the door bulged inward, but did not give.
"Urgh!" Came a muffled grunt from the other side.
"Stop resisting and let us in!" Ann huffed, putting her body weight against the door.
"J-Just stop forcing your way in!" Sumire pled. "Five minutes and you can enter."
"Alright, alright." Ann relented and allowed the door to close. Five seconds later, when Ann heard that Sumire had moved away from the door, she opened it.
Perhaps that was a little weird, but Ann would not let Sumire hide from her any longer. After she was one step into the room, Ann froze. "T-This is…"
Sumire had frozen in the process of collecting used plates. The whole room was a disaster of tossed clothes and empty soda cans.
"This is worse than Futaba's room was…" Makoto breathed.
Sumire did not yell, instead she deflated. Putting down what she had been trying to clean-up, she sat on her bed and looked at her lap, red bangs hiding her face. "Go ahead, laugh."
Ann pursed her lips, taking it all in in a moment. "Haru, you sort through the clothes, pile everything that needs to be washed and hang up the rest."
"Got it!"
"Makoto, you collect the dishes and wash them in the kitchen."
"Sure."
"I'll go find the vacuum cleaner and start on the rug." With that finished, Ann turned her back and the room and started on the task that she had assigned herself. It was easy enough to track down and return to the room. In only a dozen minutes or so, the laundry machine was running, clean dishes were drying in the kitchen, and the rug was spotless. Through it all, Sumire had sat there, not looking at them.
"Nice! That's a job done well!" Ann declared, hands on her hips. "Now let's close that door and have a good girl's talk!"
"Why…" Sumire croaked, her voice hoarse. "Why are you doing this?"
"Idiot," Ann sighed, rubbing her head. Smart people always complicated things needlessly. That was one of the good things about Ryuji. He never moped about his problems. He confronted them, loudly.
Striding to the bed, Ann sat beside Sumire looped an arm around the girl's shoulder and pulled her unto herself. "There, there."
Sumire sniffed, but didn't say anything.
"Well, I do believe we found out why she was not at our meeting on Sunday." Haru said lightly, taking the seat at the desk. "Not very hospitable, I must say."
"Haru," Makoto rolled her eyes. "She's had a rough time of it. Honestly, we should have come sooner."
Ann nodded at that. Still, Sumire had an entire family to rely on. So why was she shut up in her room like this? Ann knew better than to ask however and simply continued to hold the girl close, hoping that Sumire would eventually say something.
"How… How did you get my address?"
"Easy," Ann answered, "Ren gave it to us."
"So, I wasn't good enough to visit myself, was I?" Sumire laughed humorlessly. "He had to send you all in his place."
"I can't say I am fond of the implications in your tone," Makoto replied threateningly.
"Oh, come on!" Sumire laughed drily. "Like you all wouldn't accept if he asked you on a date! Well best of luck! Maybe some magical girl out there is good enough for him!"
Where is this coming from? Ann wondered as she continued to hold Sumire. "There was a short time period where I thought he was the one for me," Ann admitted, "but I quickly changed my mind. So, to answer, I would say no."
"I as well," Makoto supplemented, "would decline."
Naturally, their gazes turned to Haru, the only person still standing. The pink-haired socialite shrugged. "I would accept."
Her honesty was probably better than a lie as Sumire sat up a little straighter and stared directly at Haru, ignoring Ann's contact. "Are you going to confess to him?"
Haru considered the direct question. She kept her face cool, displaying no strong emotions or care for the conversation. "Hmm, I see no point in doing so. The only girl I've seen him look at is you, and maybe your sister that one time. He sees me as little more than a fellow thief I believe."
There was a lot in Haru's few sentences. Ann waited anxiously for Sumire's words. Instead, the girl sighed and fell prone on her mattress. "Where is Futaba?"
"Didn't want to come," Ann explained. "Said she couldn't understand our normie problems."
"Normie…? Never mind. I probably wouldn't understand anyway." Sumire fell silent for a brief pause, her mouth still mouthing as she considered her words. "You say he looks at me Haru… but I think that was before. He wants nothing to do with a murderer like me."
"Aren't you just assuming that?" Ann asked.
Sumire let out a hollow laugh. "You have the Phantom Thieves," Sumire spoke in a bad imitation of Ren's voice. "We'll get through this together."
"And he's right!" Ann agreed. "We will! No one blames you for what you did in the palace. We are grateful that you led us in there!"
"I don't want your gratitude!" Sumire yelled, red eyes wild, "I wanted his love! I just… I wanted him to hold me."
"Sumire…" Makoto whispered.
Ann forced herself on Sumire again, holding the girl close to her. She had no words, sorry did not seem cut it.
"I… I shouldn't have said that. Thank you for coming here." Sumire whispered quietly.
"It's fine." Haru said nonchalantly, waving a hand. "Do you want me to make you a coffee to warm you up?"
"No," Sumire spoke instantly, a bolt of terror in her voice. "No more caffeine, please."
"Why did you drink all that soda?" Makoto asked.
"I… I didn't want to sleep," Sumire whispered. "Everytime I drift off, I see him standing in front of me, my blade in chest. The hero that protected his daughters… and the villain who cut him down."
"That is not what happened," Ann said sternly. "You are not responsible for—"
"Not responsible!?" Sumire laughed wildly, "I was the one that forced us to enter. It was my ego and refusal to lose that drove us into the bath. How can you of all people say that, Ann!? You were on the verge of death when we found you coming out."
Ann thought back but felt no fear or terror at those moments. Only a gentle warmth. A belief that she had done the correct thing. Done it while fighting beside someone important to her. "Even now, Sumire, if I could go back to that meeting where you spoke up with the knowledge of what the outcome would be, I would not stop it."
Sumire gasped loudly. "Y-You would force me to bear this burden? This pain? We all know why Senpai abandoned me, I'm a murderer now! I killed a father trying his best for his daughters…"
Haru sniffed disdainfully. "Oh, snap out of it. We tried to change his heart and failed. That didn't mean we were wrong to try. Besides, no real father forces his daughters to sleep him, nor does he try to recruit more. You're being dramatic about this all."
"Dramatic…?" Sumire repeated hollowly. "I murdered somebody, the boy I love rejected me, and my sister despises me. At least I placed first on those exams!"
It was a hard list to reject. Ann personally could not come up with an appropriate response. Searching with eyes, Makoto looked just as hopeless and Haru shrugged. Then, a great idea came to Ann. "Fine. If the only person whose approval you need is Ren's, why don't we just call him?"
Sumire looked unimpressed. "He'll just repeat whatever platitudes he thinks will get me to cheer up."
"Oh, but he won't be talking to you," giving Sumire a wolfish smile, Ann whipped out her phone to call Ren. He picked up on the first ring.
"Ann? How did the meeting go?"
"It was interesting," Ann replied, making eye contact with Sumire the whole time. In the deathly quiet room, every word Ren spoke could be heard. "Sumire said some things that I wanted to confirm you, is that alright?"
"…Yeah, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised you have questions."
Bracing herself for whatever outcome this would have, Ann asked straight out, "did you reject Sumire's confession?"
"I… I suppose so." Ann's hart sank at the words, but Ren rushed on. "All I wanted as to give her what she needed. After the depravity in Owada's palace… I'm not even sure if I know what love is anymore."
"I see…" Ann breathed back. "Do you hate her for sending Owada into a coma?"
"No, of course not." Ren bit back immediately. "I would have cut him down in a heartbeat to save her if necessary. I just… I just feel like we failed. Like I failed."
It was very reminiscent of what he had been saying at their meeting. "You two really are so much alike. Thank you for clarifying."
"No, thank you for listening."
With that, the call ended. Ann looked at Sumire expectantly and was not disappointed. While she remained sitting with her arms locked across her legs, she had a passive, pensive expression. "I… I can get past this. I have before. This time…"
The expectant look she gave the three of them melted Ann's heart. Before she knew it, they were all embracing Sumire. "Yes, this time you will have all of us." Ann whispered into her ear.
Then, at long last, the awaited waterworks erupted, washing away the stored-up emotions and self-hate.
Tuesday, August 16th, 20XX Night
For the first time in nearly a year, Akechi stood in the luxuriant government office belonging to his father, Masayoshi Shido. It had an unrivalled view of the city. A sprawling metropolis interspersed with parks and greenery. From this vantage, it was easy to gain the perspective that everything that happened down in that mess was insignificant. That it could never rise up to trouble one powerful enough to have gained this position.
That, Akechi knew from personal experience, was an extremely bad view to have of the world. Owada Jun had learned that the hard way. Now, Akechi was being taught a similar lesson.
"How could you have let this happen?" Shido growled, repeating his words from earlier. That was before he had left the mark on Akechi's cheek. From the throbbing that refused to fade, Akechi knew he'd have to lay low and heal for awhile.
"It should have been wrapped up." He insisted. "His daughters should have burned the writings when they first read them upon finding his body. It is incomprehensible to me how they reached the public."
"Did you ever once consider," Shido growled, his normal control completely gone, "that they would want to spite their father, one last time? To spit on his unmoving body for the years of pandering that they suffered?"
Akechi did not argue out loud. That last moment in the palace played through his mind. Owada sacrificing himself, those heartfelt screams. Of course, the daughters there were a projection of how Owada thought they would behave. Still… Spite? No, Akechi believed that in this, like so many other things, his father had a blind spot. He was considering what he would do in this position.
Without the full document revealed about what Owada had written in his last hours, Akechi could only guess, however, more than likely, his daughters were honouring their father's final request. A last attempt to absolve his sins before perishing. Even if it ruined their father's legacy and brought them under scrutiny.
"Now," Shido continued, "government trust is at an all-time low while the phantom thieves climb to higher echelons. Our noble martyr has turned into a license for those damn phantoms to start murdering people!"
"It is unfortunate, but nothing that he can't be solved. I think the problem lies with how the news has been reported. Too many are assuming the change of heart was successful and Owada merely collapsed under grief. We need the public to realize that he has undergone a mental breakdown. Note the similarities to the other mental shutdown cases. Connect Owada to the others and pin them all on the phantom thieves."
Shido considered for a moment. Sitting back down at last, he rested his hands on the armrests and tapped out a rhythm. "No. That is too long of a plan. We need to take more direct action now. Supporters have begun to shy away from backing me precisely because of my strong anti-phantom thief stance. Any longer and I will no longer be considered a primary candidate for the elections in December. There is less than four months until that point, the thieves must be gone, and some value extracted by early October."
"Or…?" Akechi dared to venture.
"Or else." Shido glared hard at Akechi. "Your usefulness is quickly evaporating. Get me the phantom thieves."
"You know how hard they are to track. It takes a detective of incredible skill to—"
"Shut it!" Shido roared. "That smirk of yours is disgusting. I believe you know exactly who the phantom thieves are. I expect a concrete plan to capture them within the month. Now leave."
Akechi bowed stiffly and exited. What a stupid move brining me here… Stepping into the elevator, Akechi fell from Mount Olympus to mingle with normal humans again. After exiting the massive building, Akechi turned around and glared up at it.
It won't be long until you take the same journey, Father… only far faster. With that, Akechi left, nursing his sore cheek and dull thoughts. Instantly, another face popped into mind: Kasumi. Oh, how Akechi wished to find her when he returned to his apartment. She was the perfect toy to take his displeasure out on.
In fact, this whole debacle was Kasumi's fault. Akechi had been too overjoyed with the complete success of manipulating the girl and her friend that he had been too lax on Owada. That was clear to him now. He had never expected this outcome and the large mystery remaining.
Where are those writings?
As far as Akechi knew, the police did not have them. Therefore, the daughters somehow kept them, and revealed them to the media? But that did not quite make sense either. "Ah, hell, I'm going to have to interrogate them… Damn you, Kasumi, you better be worth this headache."
Sunday, August 21st, 20XX Evening
"Umm, Sumire…" Kasumi's call-out sounded awkward, even to herself.
Her beautiful red-haired sister froze in the doorway of her room. She had begun eating with them again, but things were still incredibly awkward. It was different than it had been in April. Now there was a separation there that gave Kasumi chills. It no longer felt like they were taking different routes to the same objective but diverging paths entirely.
"Yes, Kasumi?"
They were the first words that Sumire had spoken to her since their fight almost two weeks ago. A simple, direct reply that was filled with caution.
"At practice today, coach announced an optional training camp in Hawaii during September. I got an extra set of sheets for you…"
Kasumi had approached her mother and asked her to give them to Sumire. She had promptly refused. So, here Kasumi was, awkwardly smiling.
"I see… Hawaii sounds fun."
"Y-Yeah, it also lines up with the second-year trip there. So you may be able to visit with your friends."
"Eh? It does?" Sumire's face lost a bit of its guarded expression. "I didn't even realize the second years had a trip like that…"
"Yeah, our school is kind of crazy," Kasumi forced a laugh. It quickly died when Sumire did not join in.
"Kas?"
"Err… Yes?"
"I am sorry that your thing didn't work out."
My thing didn't…? There was no time to consider further as Sumire took the sheets with her and retreated into her room. Sighing, Kasumi ran a hand down her exhausted face. At that moment, her parents popped their heads out from around the corner and flashed her a giant thumbs-up.
"Oh, stuff it." Hiding her embarrassed blush, Kasumi stalked to her own room. Overcoming her embarrassment just long enough to not slam the door, Kasumi slumped at her plain desk. Pulling up her phone, Kasumi spent some time scrolling through things about Hawaii.
"Hmm… Maybe I can practice English while I'm there…" Kasumi wondered aloud. Quickly though, she bored of the search and pulled up what everyone was talking about on a social media site. The news that had broken out of Japan into a world-wide sensation.
Mystery surrounding Politician Owada Jun deepens as eldest daughter disappears.
-Further interference from the Phantom Thieves at play?
"They went after his daughter this time?" Kasumi clicked her tongue but didn't really believe the article's subtitle. Yes, the daughter may be missing, but because of the phantom thieves? Not possible. They liked to announce their crimes and revel in the popularity of the outcome.
Kasumi gritted her teeth in anger. The assholes were probably partying this very moment, soaking in the adoration of fans about how they practically murdered a man and brought a torrent of attention down upon his daughters. "What a joke…"
Kasumi felt a rush of horror remembering how she had initially turned to the phantom thieves to help her solve her issues. Looking back on it, she had been an idiot. Relying on vigilantes only when a person needed them was the greatest hypocrisy. She had solved the problem legally, with Akechi's help.
The same way that the phantom thieves should have been operating. Their blatant disregard for the law had turned into apathy towards human life itself. Did they shed a single tear for the life they may as well have ended? Did they have a single regret beyond not getting to see their target plead their sins on air for all to see?
The government's corruption runs deep…
That line came back to her. "Maybe I should talk to Akechi about this…" Considering it for a moment, Kasumi shook her head. Perhaps it a weakness in her, or maybe she was just a horrible person, but she did not want to reform society. All she wanted was to become the best rhythmic gymnast in the world. She'd leave the big jobs like dealing with the Phantom thieves and fixing the government to Akechi.
Kasumi closed her eyes as she summoned the boys face in her mind. You're the only one who didn't abandon me… You can do it, right? Putting all of her hope and belief into the detective, Kasumi closed her phone and relaxed.
Sunday, August 21st, 20XX Night
Akechi paced along the sterile hallway, heading for the last room. Until now, he had only heard of the place. Never before had he gotten a chance to visit the cells beneath the station. They were hardly ever used, kept secret to the point that knowledge of them wasn't revealed to the public.
Reaching the only door with a guard outside of it, Akechi nodded at him and went to step inside. When Akechi put his hand on the doorknob however, the guard placed a hand on Akechi's shoulder.
"Just wanted to let you know, Mr. Detective that the room is soundproof. If you decide to… have some fun, no one will know."
Liar. Akechi knew that the doors weren't soundproofed. That would be a problem if the captive overpowered their interrogator, and no one could hear. Akechi still understood exactly what the man meant. That he would not interfere or report anything. Which means…
Opening the door and stepping in, Akechi beheld the pitiable sight inside. He waited a moment to assess his feelings about what he witnessed. What he decided on, did not surprise him in the slightest. He felt neither disgust nor empathy. If there was an emotion, it was excitement. Before him was a tool that may allow him to execute his plan after all.
Closing the thick door, he stepped forward and greeted the girl slumped at the table. "Owada Akabara, correct?"
Eyes fluttering, the girl looked up at him with a vapid expression. With her head off the table, Akechi got to see her clothes, or the lack there of. What had once been a summer dress with a flower pattern was cut directly down the front, leaving it gaping. Underneath, there was no underwear to speak of. Akechi spotted the ruined garments flung to all corners of the room. Catching sight of one of her breasts, Akechi clicked his tongue at the bruising and teeth marks.
"Another man come to satisfy himself?" Akabara growled, pulling the ruined garment tighter around herself. "You all disgust me."
"I would guess,' Akechi spoke as he took his chair, "that your treatment was more a result of your refusal to cooperate than any particular desire of your captors."
"Bullshit. Rape is a horrible interrogation technique. Traditional torture and threat of mutilation is far more effective."
Akechi smiled wistfully at that. This woman reminded him of Kasumi. Not identical, more of a second-hand knockoff than the real article. Kasumi would have had the guards bowing as they opened the door for her to leave by this time.
"Well, regardless, I would think either way you are ready to tell us about what Owada Jun wrote down in his final hours of madness?"
"Madness?" All distance in her eyes was gone. Sheer anger had burned away the lingering effects of the drugs they'd injected her with. "I will protect my father's final wish to my dying breath!"
"Why?" Akechi did not need to fake the curiosity in his voice. He was genuinely curious about why the girls didn't hate their father or were apathetic at best. "He forced you to sleep with him for a place to live."
Akabara slumped back to her chair and averted her gaze. Wrapping her arms tighter around her body, Akechi thought for a moment that she would not speak. Eventually however, words began to emerge through clenched teeth, as if she could not stop herself from speaking despite her wishes.
"He never made us sleep with him… Actually, he was hesitant about it at first. The three of us decided we would do something about it, so we drugged him with an aphrodisiac and forced ourselves on him."
The woman wore a small nostalgic smile as she spilt out the disgusting tale. What about the prostitutes then? Why would he try to recruit Kasumi's sister? Things did not fully add up here. Leaning back in his chair, Akechi waited for more information to come.
"He was always gentle with us but grew paranoid that people would find out. He began hosting parties with prostitutes so that people would not grow suspicious. Father claimed that he hated sleeping with prostitutes, that we were his real loves…"
"You don't believe that?" Akechi pressed.
She smiled, finally looking at him again. "I believe every word, detective. I simply told you this story so that you would believe me when I tell you: I will never betray his last wish."
Emotions Akechi hadn't been expecting fluttered within him. Standing up from the chair, he returned her smile with his typical detective one. "I enjoyed this talk, so I wish you luck. I'll be back in a week… If you last that long. Bye bye!"
As Akechi shut the door, he saw that imperfection again. The one that Kasumi did not share. Fear. Yes, she would hold out for a while, but Akechi was confident that she would break eventually.
Wednesday, August 31st, 20XX Evening
"Here you are…" Bowing his head to the customers, Ren deposited their supper on the table. Sojiro's standard curry unleashing an intoxicating smell. The two customers were an odd sort. A pair of women in rough shawls, each with a bandana in their hair. It was a weird look, and the smell that they emanated had been far more noticeable before the curry arrived.
Ren went to leave but paused momentarily as he stared at them digging into the food with barely a word prior. They look so familiar… Ren's memory pricked at him. Still, he could never in his life remember seeing women like this. If he had passed them in the street, Ren probably would have assumed them to be homeless.
"What are you staring at, waiter?" One of them growled. A strand of golden hair falling out of the bandana.
"Orchid…" Ren gasped. There was no way he could forget that condescending voice. The make-up less dirty skin was so different from the flawless warrior in the bath though that it may as well have been a different person.
Both girls tensed up and moved to leave instantly. Grabbing their hands, Ren spoke quietly but urgently as he held them there. "Please don't run. I want to talk to you."
Both girls reluctantly froze, probably not wanting to create an incident. "Talk?" Lily asked hesitantly. "Just don't tell anyone you saw us."
"I will if you can promise me that you can pay for this meal and have some place to stay tonight." Ren replied. Both of their eyes crept down and their shoulders folded in. So they are homeless… "Stay here and wait for close. I'll help you out."
"And the shopkeeper…"
"Don't worry about that." Giving them a wink, Ren left their table. When they continued to eat, Ren breathed out a relieved sigh. It was unlikely they would bolt now. Taking a minute to finish delivering other orders and clearing a table, Ren approached Sojiro who was wiping clean a glass, no more orders to make.
"Why don't you head home for the night? I'm sure Futaba would love to have a chance to eat with you."
"Eh? But…" It was one of the busiest days Ren had seen at the café. A pair of men were at the bar with four of the tables filled with various groups, one of which Ren cared about.
"All of the food is out, and no one is going to order more at this hour. Trust me and enjoy time with your daughter."
Sojiro's face twisted as Ren poked him in the weak spot. "Fine. But listen." Leaning in close, Sojiro half whispered, half growled. "I don't like the look of those two in the dirty garb at that table. They were visibly upset when you showed up. I think they are planning on dining and dashing…"
That's Sojiro's perception for you…
Giving an awkward smile, Ren scratched his hair. "I'll tell you what. If they manage that, I'll pay their bill so you don't lose money."
"Not perfect but…" Sojiro stood up straight and sctrached at his bald spot. "Well, I suppose taking on more responsibility is part of growing up. Good luck, and call if something goes wrong."
"Yes sir." Bidding Sojiro farewell, Ren manned the counter as evening fell and night came. Slowly, all of the customers at the tables finished their meals and came to pay. One by one Ren bid them farewell. With each departure his anxiety grew. The girls had finished their food and coffee long ago and now sat sipping on cold water as they silently waited for the restaurant to empty.
The atmosphere grew more and more awkward as the two salarymen seemed like they were delaying just to spite Ren. They never looked back at the girls or did anything suspicious but still… Who hung out in a café this long!?
Finally, moments before closing time they got up, paid and left. Ren followed them out, waving. Turning back to the door, he flipped the sign to closed and locked it. Returning inside, Ren gave the two girls who were now on their feet, a long hard stare.
Into that silence, Orchid approached, stopping Lily from following with a touch on the younger woman's wrist. "I would ask that you consider me enough for your hospitality and silence. Please don't force yourself on my sister."
"Eh…?"
"I-Is my request really that unreasonable? I swear that I can satisfy you!"
"N-No, just stop!" Ren pled, his cheeks heating. "All I want is to talk to you and hear what happened."
Orchid narrowed her eyes, looking far more suspicious than before. "You are giving us a free meal, a place to stay, and keeping silent about our location for… nothing? Surely you've heard the news that they are offering money for information about our whereabouts."
"I have…" Ren admitted.
"Our father says that men only want three things: money, power, and sex. We can't do anything about power, and you did not turn us in for money, thus there is only one thing you could possibly be after."
"Why isn't it possible that I am just treating you like a human!?" Ren snapped. "Or is your entire worth constrained to pleasuring men!?"
Orchid blushed bright red and strode directly up to Ren. "Don't you dare act like I want this! We've been homeless for nearly two weeks now, scared shitless that the police would find us and take us like our sister! So don't you dare blame me for expecting the worst!"
"…I'm sorry I yelled." Bowing his head slightly, Ren walked past the girl. "Come, let's get you some sleepwear and supplies for the bath."
"B-Bath…" Both girls could not keep the anticipation from their voices.
Smirking where they wouldn't be able to see him, Ren was already up to the top of the stairs before he remembered something very important that he had forgotten. "M-Morgana, you're awake."
"Aww, what a cute cat!" Lily gushed, hearts in her eyes.
Orchid however, grimaced. "There's going to be hair everywhere…"
"R-Ren… You did not hire two prostitutes, right? RIGHT!?"
"Aww, what a cute purr!" Lily rushed over and picked Morgana up. "He's name is Morgana, you said? What a cutie-pie!"
She's a totally different person… Ren sighed, unable to answer Morgana's accusations for now. Going over to his clothes, Ren picked out two pairs of shirts and boxer shorts. "Here, they may be a bit baggy, but they should do the trick."
"W-Why are you giving them clothes!?"
"Ugh, why is your cat so loud?" Orchid complained again.
"Just ignore it," Ren replied. "The cat will leave you alone. And it can be quiet."
Morgana took the hint and shut up. Grabbing his wallet, Ren fished out 20,000 yen and handed it to Orchid. "Come on. It is time for that bath." Ren would not get the tale from them tonight, but tomorrow after school, he would finally learn what happened after Owada's change of heart.