Chapter 10: Aftermath

As the SSK sped down the road, with the others following close behind, Ryuji couldn't stop thinking about that moment. The image of Haru's dead body in his arms, his hands and shirt soaked in her blood, haunted his mind.

"Sakamoto!" Lupin shouted. "Get your head outta the clouds!"

He snapped back to reality, just in time to swerve back onto the road.

Lupin pulled up next to him. "What are ya doing?!"

Ann smacked him hard. "Leave him alone! He just lost his girlfriend."

"In this business, you can't mourn the dead for long. You didn't feel bad for that man, did you?"

"Who was he, anyway?"

"Takeharu Yamakawa. Some religious zealot, bent on getting rid of everyone who he doesn't see as deserving of life, and your boyfriend's killer."

"How did you figure all that out?"

"I traced the SSK back to Ichiro Kurusu, and I knew Takeharu was keeping him as a prisoner after he killed the assassin."

"Kurusu?"

"Yep. Akira's adoptive father."

"Makes sense that he'd do what he did, then."

"Yep."

At that, the group went quiet.

After what felt like an hour of silence, Hecate began to speak to her master. "Since this seems like a good time to tell you, Akira knows about the baby."

Ann's eyes bugged out, but the others didn't know why. "How?! He's dead, isn't he?!" She yelled telepathically to her persona.

"Technically, he's not. Your desire for him to still be alive is powerful enough to keep his soul trapped in the Velvet Room."

"What?!"

"Yes! Look, as much as it hurts, you have to let go. Accept that he's dead, and there's no way to bring him back."

"But I'm carrying his child. I can't raise it alone, and there has to be some way-"

"There isn't, Madame Takamaki." A new voice said to her.

"What the- Raoul?! Why are you here?!"

"Because of your intimate relationship with Akira, you can communicate with both your own persona and his."

"So, because I had-"

"No, it has been possible ever since you two became a couple, you just never thought to use it."

"…"

"Trust me. There isn't any way to bring him back. His body was completely destroyed by the crash. The only part of him left is his soul, and he isn't able to return to this world. Now let him be at peace. I know it's hard, but you have to accept that."

"It's not that simple…"

"I understand, but at least try. Don't forget him, I'm not asking you to, but let him rest."

"…"

"I'll leave you with that. For now, it appears we've arrived."

(Safe house)

The next morning, Ryuji immediately began checking the SSK for any way to trace the location of its original driver, to no no avail. He knew it had been modified, so GPS or other navigation systems didn't seem too outlandish for it to have.

Lupin suddenly called out to him. "Sakamoto, are you sure that you should be doing that-"

"YES! I'M GONNA DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO KILL THAT DAMNED SON OF A BITCH!"

"SAKAMOTO!" Lupin interrupted. "Even if you're upset, stay calm! Otherwise, if you confront Ichiro, your rage could leave you vulnerable. I understand what losing a loved one does to someone. You want to find the man at the top, and make him pay. I just want to make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you're mentally stable."

"I'm fine."

"No Ryuji," Ann said. "You're not. Now go get some rest."

"…sure. I'll do that."

As he went to bed, Lupin turned to Ann. "What about you? Shouldn't you get some rest too?"

"No, I won't be able to sleep even if I want to." She patted her stomach, which was just beginning to bulge. "The baby will make sure of that."

"Ah. Alright, so what would you like to do instead?"

"Well, I should go see how Futaba's- EEK!"

Morgana had walked up to her, with a prosthetic leg constructed by Futaba from junkyard parts.

"What's wrong, Ann?" He asked.

"Y-your leg…"

"Oh, that. Lost it in the crash."

"Aren't you in pain?"

"No, it's been long enough since the crash that I just don't really notice it anymore."

The two continued their discussion as they walked back into the house.

Lupin just looked at the SSK. "As for you, It's about time I see what you can do."

(Velvet Room)

Raoul and Hecate were talking with Akira about the present situation, before Lavenza suddenly ran up to them.

"Trickster!"

"Woah, calm down, Lavenza. What's up?"

"Takamaki is in the care of Lupin."

"No, she isn't," Raoul said matter-of-factly. "I would know."

Lavenza rolled her eyes. "Not you. Lupin III."

"Oh. Never mind then. Please continue."

She turned back to Akira. "Anyway, she may be in danger. I came here to warn your personas."

"Figures. I'm completely useless."

"Not entirely. I have found a way for you to assist her."

"How?"

"It's very simple. I can establish a link between your soul and Ann's mind, allowing you to communicate with each other."

"And that means what?"

"You can be with her, at least in spirit."

"Pun not intended?"

"Akira, you know me. The pun was TOTALLY intended."

"You're a lot more laid-back than you were before."

"All part of becoming older. Since I look like a teenager, I exhibit similar behaviour.

"Makes sense."

"Now, shall we get started?"

"Yes."

"Alright, stay still. This should only take a moment."

After a minute, Akira felt himself starting to connect to his girlfriend's mind. "Ann, this is Akira. Can you hear me?"

It took a moment for her to respond, but she did. "Akira?! How are you-"

"Long story. Basically, I'm now able to talk to you telepathically. Anyway, I have to go. Talk to you later."

"Alright. Bye. I love you."

"Love you too."

He immediately turned to Lavenza, and before she could react, he pulled her into an embrace. "Thank you. Thank you… so much."

After a moment of surprise, she returned the hug. "You're welcome."