Chapter 5: Castle of Lust/Preparations and Confidants
Kazumi and the Phantom Thieves were a bit in shock. They never expected a new partner to come so soon.
Ann, who has awakened her rebellious spirit, ambushed a guard and took his sword to cut in half that fake image of her as Kamoshida's "Princess". She then turned to him:
-"You better know this from the start...I'm not a cheap girl you can toy with, scumbag."-she said.
-"Bitch..!"-Kamoshida said almost speechless as he was hiding behind his guard captain.
-"You stole everything from Shiho. You destroyed her."-Ann said as the Phantom Thieves approached to her as aid.-"You also destroyed my precious treasure! Now it's your turn!"
-"I'll rob you of everything!"-Ann pointed out of him.
-"Insolent woman, you mustn't oppose to King Kamoshida and reject his love!"-the guard captain said as he turned out in a shadow with the form of a musculous skin red demon lazily sitting on a toilet.
-"Love? Don't give me that crap!"-Ann said to him-"Let's go, Carmen!"-the alluring dancer prepared to fight as well.
-"Takamaki-san...Here."-Ace gave her the necklace.
-"What?"-Ann recognized the necklace-"This…Shiho and me promised to do these for our last year in school. Why do you…?"
-"This is Shiho's treasure. Now it belongs to you."-Ace said to her with a comforting smile. Ann nodded and used it on her neck. She could feel her blood burning with passion.
*Fire damage +2*
-"Dance, Carmen! "-Ann made her Persona use the fire skill Agi which hit the weak point of the demon.
-"Mona, Skull, the offensive!"-Ace ordered and they rush-attacked the demon. This demon snapped out of his weak state and attacked Ann with Bufu, an ice skill.
-"Jack-o-lantern!"-however Ace received the hit for her guarding herself in front of her. Her actual persona couldn't resist the attack so she was pushed back.
-"Takamaki-san! Go for the final hit!"-Ace said to her.
-"Thank you!"-Ann ran in front of her and used Agi once more. On his weak stand, the 4 rebels surrounded the demon.
-"To think there will be a woman who could oppose to King Kamoshida…"-the demon said.
-"Ugh. Outside school he's nothing but a pathetic loser!"-Ann said as she flipped her ponytail out.
-"All-Out Attack!"-Ace ordered and the four of them attacked him on a rush. Ann landed and posed with a peace sign while her girly background said "Omg! Wearesoawesome" and the demon disappeared after dying of bleeding.
-"Alright! Well done!"-Morgana celebrated and Ann fell on her knees very tired.
-"Takamaki-san!"-Ace and Skull aided her.
-"Shit..!"-Kamoshida was defenseless without his guards so he decided to run away.
-"He's going for reinforcements…"-Ace murmured.
-"Wait! Don't run away...bastard!"-Ann said as she tried to go after him, but her fatigue was stronger than her.
-"Calm down, Takamaki."-Skull spoke-"Why did you come back here and how!?"
-"Is that the way you speak to a woman!?"-Mona scolded him. Ace said nothing. Ryuji was tactless on top of naive, she thought.-"Are you alright, Lady Ann?"
-"Lady Ann..?"-Ann started to freak out-"What is this cat? Is it real? Where in the world are we!?"
-"Come on. Just calm down. Everything is alright. Don't worry."-Morgana tried to calm her down but she stood up using him as support.
-"How am I supposed to calm down!?"-she exclaimed.
-"These two are seriously bad with women…"-Ace thought as she approached Ann.
-"Takamaki-san, we have to get out of here now. We'll explain everything to you when we are safe."-she said and Ann didn't say a word.
-"Alright. I have the Nav thing ready."-Skull said to Ann-"Here, take my hand."-she did as told and they went back to reality.
The four of them went on a desolated corner of the subway station. Kazumi and Morgana explained to her about the Palace, her Persona and their plan to stop Kamoshida. Ryuji came in a bit later with drinks for them:
-"So which one you want?"-he asked to Ann.
-"The one that is not carbonated…"-she answered.
-"Both are…"-he replied. Ann sighed and just took the cola.
-"Here, Kazumi."-he passed Kazumi the ginger soda.
-"Thank you."-Kazumi took it as Morgana, in her bag, meowed.
-"What about me?"-he said actually.
-"But, you're a cat."-Ryuji said.
-"You can have one of my banana milks later."-Kazumi smiled at Morgana.
-"Uuhm. No thanks."-he said nervous.
-"Ehehehe."-Ann laughed lowly.
-"Have you calmed down, Lady Ann?"-Morgana asked.
-"Yes...uhm...Morgana right?"-she said to him.-"I'm really talking to a cat now."
-"Oh, sorry. You're not actually a cat right?"-she apologized.
-"It's natural that you are confused. We don't expect you to understand it all at once after what you went through."-he replied.
-"Honestly, I can't believe what just happened."-she said-"But, anyways, your whole plan is to make Kamoshida confess his crimes right? Is that possible?"
-"The Volleyball team is keeping quiet about his abuse, same as teachers, the principal and parents. Not to mention, me and Kazumi will be ditched out by the police if we try to confess."-Ryuji explained-"This is our only way."
-"If that's it. Let me help too!"-she said-"I won't forgive him for what happened to Shiho."
-"You mean you want us to drag you along?"-Ryuji said.
-"What? I can fight too, you know?"-Ann said as she crossed her arms.
-"It's fine by me. We lack of manpower after all."-Morgana said.-"Don't worry, I'll protect her."
-"Same goes for you, Leader?"-Ryuji asked to Kazumi.-"I guess I won't oppose if that's the case."
-"Don't say it like it was obvious. I do care about the security of all of us."-Kazumi said at him.
-"C'mmon. You admitted you wanted to be her friend."-Ryuji said as he thrusted his elbow on her shoulder.-"Right?"
-"I-I…"-Kazumi felt embarrassed that Ryuji brought that out of the sudden. Ann smiled to them.
-"I hope we can get along."-she said.-"With your help, I'll make Kamoshida pay for everything he has done."
-"Yes! Let's do it!"-Kazumi said nervous. She could feel Ann's strong sense of resolve. This made the tarot card of "Lovers" to be created as symbol of their new bond.
-"I am thou, thou art I.
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Lovers Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing
That shall lead to freedom and new power."-the card was marked with a star.
-"I'll be counting on you two. So, let me know when you are heading back."-Ann mentioned.-"Wait. We don't have each other's info."-the three of them exchanged their phone numbers and chat ID.
-"I'll be counting on you too Morgana."-she said to the cat before she left.
-"What a kind girl…"-Morgana said-"She is considered with others, so innocent and beautiful to boot...She has captured my heart!"
-"Kazumi."-Ryuji said totally ignoring Morgana's monologue-"It will be better if this group could get together quickly from now on…"
-"Yes. We need a hideout. A place where we can discuss our operations without being heard."-Morgana said.
-"I like the sound of that. What about the rooftop? Nobody goes there as it is closed."-Ryuji suggested.
-"It could work for the time being."-Morgana said-"Also, I can't contact you from inside the Metaverse so I have to stay on this world."
-"That being said, someone has to take care of me."
-"Is that so?"-Kazumi asked-"But Takamaki-san is not here so we couldn't ask her."
-"No need to trouble Lady Ann with this."-Morgana said.-"I'm nominating you, leader. Please take care of me."
-"Huh?"-Kazumi muttered confused.
-"I agree. There is no way I can keep it at my place."-he said. The next train was here and Ryuji hurried to take it-"See you tomorrow on our hideout then!"
-"Wait! I'm not sure if…!"-Kazumi wanted to refuse to the task.
-"Shall we get going? I want to know what kind of place it is!"-Morgana said on her bag as Kazumi sighed on disbelief. Her place was on a restaurant. What will Sojiro say about this?
She arrived at home on the evening:
-"I'm home..."-she said tired.
-"Welcome back. We still have customers so go upstairs."-Sojiro said as he was cleaning the bench.
-"Ok."-Kazumi passed through and saw that the only customer left was a tall handsome guy, probably on college, blue short hair, maroon eyes, black eye liner, and dressing a blue shirt, gothic necklaces, black pants with patches on the knees and his nails were painted in black. He surely was into gothic fashion.
-"Uhm?"-he looked back at her and Kazumi just hurried upstairs nervous. The guy sighed and went towards Sojiro-"Thanks for the coffee."-and left the money on the table.
-"Any time."-Sojiro answered. As soon as the gothic man left, Kazumi approached to Sojiro.
-"Who was that person? He didn't look like one of your frequents."-she asked.
-"Him? He's the head doctor of a walk-in clinic on this neighborhood."-Sojiro explained-"Rumors say that he gives crappy quick diagnostics, cheap homemade medicines… I just think guys like him should be left alone if they are not hurting anybody."
-"A doctor, huh?"-she murmured.
-"Are you feeling sick? You can check out with him if you want."-Sojiro advised-"Don't get too close to him. Remember, not all guys are trustworthy."
-"Hey, are we there yet?"-Morgana murmured to her which sounded like a very light meow.
-"No. It's nothing."-Kazumi said nervous to Sojiro who was silent for a second.-"Are you going to close? I'll be going to my room then."-she ran upstairs and closed the attic door.
She left her bag on the bed so Morgana could get out:
-"What is this? Is it some kind of haunted house?"-Morgana said shocked when he saw her room.
-"Welcome to my room."-she said with resignation.
-"How come you have to live in this crappy room?"-Morgana said in disbelief.
-"Well…"-before Kazumi could explain, Sojiro knocked at the door.
-"Can I go in?"-he asked. Kazumi freaked out.-"No response? Is that a yes?"
-"W-Wait-"-Sojiro entered on the room seeing Morgana on the bed which obviously caused his disapproval look.
-"So this is why I was hearing meowing."-he said.-"Why did you bring it for? This is a restaurant you know."
-"Yes."-she replied with a quiet tone before taking the courage to speak-"I'm sorry but he didn't have anywhere to go…"
-"I'll bring it with me outside before you open and take care of him, so…"-Kazumi asked on a formal manner-"Please let me keep it here!"
-"Uhm."-Sojiro looked at Morgana who just meowed like he was asking him to stay.-"Well, I suppose you'll keep a good behavior if you take care of a pet and it's just for one year…"
-"Fine. Make sure he doesn't go downstairs when I have customers either."-he said before he left the room.
-"Roger!"-she exclaimed nervous before letting a big sigh out.
-"Was that the ruler of this place?"-Morgana asked her-"He seemed very understanding for someone who lets a lady live in this dumpster."
-"It can't be helped. We have our own circumstances."-she said.
-"Here. I brought him some food, make sure to wash that dish."-Sojiro said as he gave her a plate with milk.
-"Sure."-Kazumi let the plate on the bed so Morgana could drink it.
-"By the way have you decided on a name?"-Sojiro asked her.
-"Uh? Well, sort of."-she said.-"Do you want to give him a name, Sojiro-san?"
-"Oh. Am I allowed?"-Sojiro said with a slight smile.
-"Wait, what? I don't agree to this!"-Morgana complained-"Miss Kazumi!"
-"It's being very noisy just now…"-Sojiro said at his meowing.
-"He must be eager to hear the name you're going to give him."-Kazumi said. What was she planning? Well, Morgana was not going to stay there for free after she had to basically vow to Sojiro about it.
-"Is that so? You didn't have any already?"-Sojiro asked to her.
-"I have, but maybe Sojiro-san's suggestion can be better than mine."-she said.
-"Miss Kazumi!"-Morgana exclaimed on despair.
-"Well, then, what about Blacky?"-Sojiro said. Morgana was in blank. There was no way in hell he will accept that lame and simple name.
-"It's way better than the one I was thinking"-Kazumi praised her guardian-"He'll stay as Blacky!"
-"Aghhh!"-Morgana was shocked. How could his leader commit such betrayal?
(This is absolutely not a revenge against Morgana for making the MC go to sleep and the tantrum he gave. )
After Sojiro left, Morgana finished his dish and asked:
-"Why did you do that, Miss Kazumi?"-Morgana said at the point of tears.-"My handsome name…"
-"It's your fee for staying here."-Kazumi said as she petted him.-"Consider it cheap as you will become a human right?"
-"Was that your intention?"-Morgana asked.
-"Just attend to that name when we are close to him, alright?"-she asked him.
-"If that's the price I have to pay…"-he said as he slowly reclined on the bed.-"It's way better than living in one of Kamoshida's cells."
-"..."-Morgana stood silent for a few seconds.
-"What is it?"-Kazumi asked as she took the dish.
-"Remember when you guys asked me what I am? Well, I don't even remember my birth or anything like that."-Morgana said looking upset.-"Maybe the distortions affected not just my body but my memory as well."
-"So you don't remember if you are a human to begin with?"-Kazumi asked.
-"No, but I have to be! I can't be just a cat; cats don't talk!"-Morgana complained.-"But I feel like I'll be closer to know the truth if I stay with you, Miss Kazumi."
-"We can leave the formalisms. Now you're living in my room so, Kazumi is fine."-she said to Morgana with a reassuring smile.
-"Kazumi…"-Morgana said tendered-"But still! I can't just live here by a name! In exchange for you care, I'll teach you how to make infiltration tools"
-"Really?"-she asked.
-"If you agree to make a deal with me, I must."-he said.
-"Then, let's do it."-Kazumi said as she offered her hand to Morgana and he put his paw on it.
-"Alright!"-Morgana exclaimed happy. Kazumi then saw a tarot card appear from her chest again with the inscription of "Magician".
-"I am thou, thou art I.
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Magician Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing
That shall lead to freedom and new power."-a star was marked on the tarot card.
-"Kazumi? Kazumi, what's wrong?"-Morgana asked and she snapped out.
-"It's nothing."-she said-"Why do you ask?"
-"You were spacing out for a minute there."-he said.-"The same happened when we were with Lady Ann back on the station…"
-"Eh? Seriously?"-she did not realize that this happened-"Did the others noticed it?"
-"It was just me now that I think of it."-Morgana said.
-"That's fine then. It's nothing we should worry about."-Kazumi said.-"I space out when I feel like I made a good acquaintance…"
-"Uhmmm…"-Morgana nodded-"Shall I teach you about the tools then? We got some materials from the Shadows we were fighting."
-"You mean those odd things that popped out when they disappear?"-Kazumi asked.
-"Yes, those! We need somewhere you can get your hands ready to work."-Morgana asked as he looked around.-"What about that desk?"
-"Ok. I'll just clean it before we start."-Kazumi retired the dust but before she could continue…
-"Kazumi, Lady Ann is texting you."-Morgana said as he checked on her cell phone.
-"Let me see."-Kazumi sat down on the bed to see the message:
×"Thank you for everything today."
×"You saved me and I didn't thank you properly."
"It's fine."
"You were tired like us when we got on that place on the first day."
×"Seriously, you are so kind…"
×"By the way, the necklace you gave me. What do you mean this was Shiho's treasure?"
"We found the Shadow of Shiho on that palace. She was… having a difficult time and she gave it to us as reward for helping her."
×"Shiho's Shadow!? I wish I could be with you when that happened…."
"It's no use to think about that right now. You can keep it, Takamaki-san."
×"...Thank you. See you tomorrow."
-"You didn't want to tell her about what the Shadow said?"-Morgana asked to her.
-"No. It'll be too much for her."-Kazumi said-"It's fine as it is right now."
-"Talking about too much, maybe you should go to bed after cleaning the desk."-Morgana said.-"You have school tomorrow, am I wrong?"
-"You're right."-Kazumi said.-"I wish we had the weekend free of school like in other countries…".
April 16th…
Kazumi grabbed a seat on the train:
-"You know it will be nice if you could use this time to read books. They make help you to develop skills you don't have."-Morgana said.
-"Quiet!"-Kazumi dropped his head down to the bag-"I didn't pay the pet fare, you know?"
-"Sorry…"-Morgana said as he was squished back.
On the way to school, they heard two girls talking about going to the clinic for prescribed medicine. Morgana thought that they could ask some medicine for the Palaces to the doctor they met on LeBlanc yesterday.
After that, in morning class, Ryuji opened a group chat with her and Ann:
-"Hey, we're meeting on the rooftop today right?"
×"Don't text now, we are in class."
-"Are you really hearing to all this crap with what's happening?"
×"Nah. I'm actually not in the mood."
-"Anyways, hideout after school?"
×"Where's exactly this hideout?"
-"The rooftop."
×"Huh? Are students allowed there?"
-"Nope. That makes it the perfect hideout."
"I agree. Nobody saw us there last time."
-"Hey, Asaka-san!"-the teacher in question caught her red handed texting. It was Mrs. Chouno, a dark skinned woman with brown hair and wearing a flamboyant pink blouse and a black long skirt.-"Are you even listening to the lecture?"
-"Oh crap. I feel a murderous intent…!"-Kazumi thought as Mrs. Chouno throw a chalk at her head hitting her right on the forehead.-"A-Auch…"-Kazumi couldn't help but to hide her forehead on her hands as she reclined down on the table.
-"Young people these days. They don't listen to their elders."-Chouno complained as she went back to the lecture.
-"Did you see that? She hit her right on the face!"-students were rumoring around.
-"Wow. It seems like you need to be more proficient if you want to avoid that hit with ease."-Morgana murmured.
-"I hope this doesn't leave a mark…"-Kazumi murmured for herself as she went back to sit straight.
Shortly after the classes, Kazumi and Ann went to the rooftop where Ryuji was waiting for them:
-"Alright, we are all here! Let's get going!"-Ryuji said.
-"Hold on. We still need to prepare remember?"-Morgana said.
-"Do we?"-Ryuji doubted as they had the full manpower Morgana was talking about.
-"Of course! We are doing a mission of infiltration."-Kazumi said.-"We have to get more medicine for fatigue, better weapons and armor."
-"In that case, I can show you that kick-ass place I mentioned before."-Ryuji said.
-"We'll leave that to you, Ryuji-kun."-Kazumi said as he affirmed in a cheerful tone.
-"By armor you mean accessories like this?"-Ann said as she showed the necklace-"It made me feel more powerful after all."
-"That's right, Lady Ann."-Morgana praised her.
-"In that case, the Underground Mall of Shibuya has an accessory store and we can buy clothes too."-Ann said.-"Although, I don't know how useful they can be…"
-"We can worry about that later."-Morgana said-"Me and Kazumi will take care about the medicine. I think we can find a confident source of quality medicaments."
-"Alright."-Ryuji stood up first.-"Shall we scatter for now?"
-"We can. We'll be seeing that person before it gets too late."-Morgana said.-"Let's go, Kazumi."
-"Uhm? Ok…"-she said as she was wondering what Morgana was planning.
An hour later, they found themselves in front of the clinic of the rumors:
-"Shall we really do this?"-Kazumi said as she was nervous to get in.
-"Are you afraid of that doctor?"-Morgana said.-"Don't worry. I'll scratch him if he does something unnecessary."
-"It's not that…"-Kazumi said.-"I-I haven't stepped into an hospital for three months…"
-"So what? That means you are healthy."-Morgana said without understanding. Hoo boy, if he knew what she experienced before…
-"Fine. I'm doing this just for the team!"-Kazumi sighed as she stepped inside. She saw the clinic was rather small and there was absolutely nobody on the waiting room. The only one was the handsome gothic doctor who was reading a medical magazine on the reception.
-"It's your chance! We have to convince him to give us his best medicine."-Morgana murmured on her bag.
-"Uhm. Good evening…."-Kazumi said in a quiet voice to the doctor who put the magazine on a side.
-"Uhm? Is this your first visit?"-the doctor asked.
-"Yes. I'll like to have a diagnostic…"-she replied nervous.
-"Have I seen you before somewhere?"-the doctor asked uninterested.
-"I just moved here."-Kazumi answered.
-"I see. Well, anyways, what are your symptoms?"-he asked.
-"You gotta convince him!"-Morgana murmured.
-"I-I'm having very frequent nightmares lately."-Kazumi answered.-"I barely get any sleep after them and I can't remember what were they about."
-"..."-the doctor looked at her with an inquisitive look.-"Fine. Please head to the exam room at your right."
After Kazumi made up about a false diagnostic about chronic nightmares, the doctor replied that they could be due to stress and recommended her some painkillers:
-"I think I'll have to refill those…"-he murmured for himself.-"We'll go with sleep pills this time then. Which type of pill you want? Sweet or sour?"
-"I'll like the painkillers. Any of them will be fine."-Kazumi insisted.
-"You should just attend what the doctor says, young lady."-the doctor said as he stopped looking at the diagnostic sheet of Kazumi.-"Actually, you're not here because you are sick right? What is it that you want? Perhaps, it's because of the rumors?"
-"N-No way. I'm really sick."-Kazumi said nervous as her facade was blown up.
-"I'm not dumb you know?"-the doctor crossed his arms-"You do have ulterior motives. I can tell. What is it about?"
-"Well, I…"-Kazumi couldn't absolutely tell him about Palaces and stuff.
-"Ugh."-the doctor sighed.-"Since you are a high school student, you might have your own problems to concentrate and all. I'll prescribe you some medication then."
-"Really?"-Kazumi was relieved by his agreement.
-"Medicine to give you stamina will be fine for now."-the doctor said.-"I have a great supply of those since I have to make them a lot."
-"You make them?"-Kazumi said surprised.
-"That's right. This is my private practice. I'm authorized to do my own medicine and you'll likely see them in other hospitals too as I have my own sellers."-he explained as he searched for a document with the list of medicaments and their description.-"This is all I got for you now."
-"Let me see…"-Kazumi looked carefully at the medicine. She had enough money to buy some as killing Shadows makes you increase money somehow on the Metaverse. She ended up buying some Recov-R 50 and 100 mg, Relax gel, Alert capsule and the most expensive of them, Revivadrin, only two since she couldn't afford a lot.
-"Here you go."-the doctor gave her the medicines in a carton bag.-"I wonder how are you going to use it…"
-"Ehehe…"-Kazumi laughed nervous as she stood up.
-"Anyways, I'll see you next time if you need refills. Take care."-he said as he stood up too and opened the door for her.
-"Thank you, Doctor."-Kazumi greeted him though he didn't seem amused by it. When the doctor closed the door after Kazumi left, she saw an old guy on a suit right in front of the examination room.
-"I'm sorry if I'm in the way."-she said as she let the guy in. He didn't really said anything to her. Talk about unfriendly…
-"We got nice medicine."-Morgana said as he popped out of the backpack.-"That doctor must have been captivated by you somehow...Well done."
-"That's nothing to praise…"-Kazumi murmured to him as she was blushing to his comment.
-"What's the reason of your visit?"-they heard the voice of the doctor inside.-"Whatever it is, you need to take a number in the reception."
-"Enough of this!"-the other man exclaimed.-"You're the only one who could have developed that medicine!"
-"I don't know what are you talking about."-the doctor replied.
-"Don't play dumb. I know you are developing a medicine that can give a person unlimited power."-the man said, catching the attention of Kazumi and Morgana.-"Experimental drugs and herbal medicines are illicit. Not to mention if you get to develop a super-stimulant, it will become a social issue!"
-"Again with false accusations? You're really persistent…"-the doctor answered unimpressed as Kazumi approached to the door to hear the conversation better.
-"The police will not take action, but the media will surely pick up on this."-the old man said.-"Are you trying to damage my career again, aren't you? What a disgrace you are for the medical community."
-"Tsk. Shut your mouth."-the doctor was actually annoyed by this comment.
-"What? Are you going to deny what happened to that girl was your fault?"-the old man accused him.-"This is my last notice. Get rid of that 'medicine' and resign yourself as a doctor."
-"So that the name of Takeo Takemi will never-"-before the man could continue, he noticed Kazumi's silhouette on the blurred window of the door.-"Hey! Who's there!?"
-"This is bad!"-Kazumi thought as she walked away from the clinic.
She stopped after she went around the corner:
-"We're almost caught!"-Morgana said.-"But, that medicine they were discussing about could be of use to us."
-"Do you think he really has one?"-Kazumi asked.-"Although, all these medicines...I have never seen them before…"
-"We should ask him next time when that old man is not there."-he said.
-"..."-Kazumi thought about when the doctor got angry and got curious.-"I hope we can make a deal with him about it. I don't think he'll give it to me so easily."
Her phone rang. It was a message, of Ryuji nonetheless:
-"Hey! About the place I was talking about…"
-"It is a model gun shop in Shibuya. You know how to get there right?"
"I can manage. Where shall we meet?"
-"I'll tell you the spot as soon as you arrive. Tomorrow should be fine."
×"I'm sorry. I can't go with you guys tomorrow."-Ann joined the conversation.
×"I'm going to visit Shiho at the hospital."
-"I see. We'll go then, right Kazumi?"
"Yes."
"I hope it goes well for you, Takamaki-san."
×"Ann is fine, Kazumi."
"Eh? Sure."
-"Woah. Kazumi got a friend!"
"Shut up if you don't want to end like those Pixies."
-"Scary…"
×"See you at school on Monday, then."
"See you ^^"
-" 'Til next time!".
-"You're going to meet with Ryuji tomorrow, so don't oversleep."-Morgana advised her.
April 17th…
Kazumi and Ryuji reunited on the Central Square of Shibuya. Both of them were using casual clothes. Kazumi's outfit consisted of a white turtleneck shirt, a dark blue short sleeve coat, blue skirt with square design, long black socks, dark blue sneakers and a sports bag she brought to carry the guns.
On the other hand, Ryuji was using a black shirt, a purple sports sweater with the number 77 on the back, black pants and white sneakers. He looked at Kazumi when she arrived:
-"What's with that bag?"-he asked.
-"We need to carry what we bought without people noticing, you know?"-Kazumi said as if it was obvious.
-"Oh right. Will you be ok carrying that around?"-he said as he scratched the back of his neck
-"Do you want to carry it for me?"-Kazumi asked.
-"She doesn't need to ask."-Morgana interrupted.-"Aren't you a man? Don't let her carry all that heavy stuff!"
-"That's why I was asking, stupid cat."-Ryuji exclaimed at him.-"Forget it. Should we go now? The place is on a hidden alley of Central Street."
-"Let's go, then."-Kazumi said as Ryuji turned around so she can follow his lead.
-"Please, listen to what I have to say…"-a short old man in a black suit with a color band on his chest said.
-"That politician is saying pretty good arguments but nobody cares to listen to him…"-Morgana said to Kazumi as she and Ryuji got dragged on the crowd close to the crossroad.
-"That's really a shame."-Kazumi said feeling pity on him.
-"People give speeches here all the time. Politics are boring anyways."-Ryuji said as he checked the crossroad.-"Let's go. Don't get lost in the crowd, ok?"
-"Actually, you can just take my hand if that's the case."-he said just about a thought later.
-"Is this fine?"-Kazumi said as she grasped his arm-"I'm not used to boys remember?"
-"You said that like you didn't took Mishima's hands like nothin'..."-he murmured a bit angry.
-"That was...because…"-Kazumi got flustered.-"I was trying to be convincing…"
-"Meowhaha."-Morgana smiled at the two of them.-"Hey, Kazumi. Don't you think the doctor we saw yesterday was really handsome? He was into you enough to give you the medicines for an affordable price."
-"What?"-Ryuji exclaimed in shock while they kept walking towards the business area.
-"Why do you have to bring that up now?"-Kazumi scolded Morgana-"I told you that it's nothing to be praised! Right, Ryuji-kun?"
-"E-Exactly!"-Ryuji said flustered.-"How could you let Kazumi alone with a doctor, cat?"
-"You sound like that was a crime even if it is obvious that a doctor has to attend his patient on private."-Morgana smirked.
-"I... ugh. Forget about it!"-Ryuji sighed as he tried to recover his cool. The cat was just making the situation really awkward. They finally get to the suspicious alley.
-"Here we are. Pretty legit, huh?"-Ryuji said at Kazumi when they were in front of a shop in the middle of nothing more than abandoned bikes. The name was Airsoft Shop.
-"For a gun shop, it is."-Kazumi said.-"Let's go inside then."
They stepped inside. The shady shop was full of all kinds of military equipment and weapons. Only a man was among them, he was old enough to be a father, he had gray hair, a military hat, yellow headphones on his neck, a shaved beard, a long moss green coat, black turtleneck shirt and grey pants.
-"He's the owner."-Ryuji murmured to her-"We should ask him about recommendations. I don't wanna buy something actually real."
-"Right?"-Kazumi murmured back. They headed to the guy, who was on the reception.
-"Excuse me."-Kazumi caught his attention.-"I'll like to ask for recommendations. We're looking for real-looking model weapons."
-"Recommendations you said?"-the guy said serious.-"Everything on this store is just but imitations. Whatever you're interested to buy should be fine."
-"Yes, but…"-Kazumi wasn't sure to say as she didn't know anything about guns and military.
-"Anything else you kids want to annoy me with?"-he asked uninterested.
-"Agh. Such a customer service…"-Ryuji complained.
-"Fine, kid. What do you want? An automatic? A revolver?"-the owner asked pissed off.
-"Automatic? Why are you talking about cars now?"-Ryuji said.
-"Listen. This is an enthusiasts' shop. The clients will be angry if I let amateurs like you in."-the guy said to them in a demanding tone.
-"I'm not an amateur! I bought shit here a couple of days ago!"-Ryuji said.
-"Huh, can't remember you."-The man said in a pesky tone.
-"You bastard…"-Ryuji murmured for himself disappointed.
-"It looks like the nice way won't get him."-Kazumi thought.-"I'll have to be a bit braver. "
-"What about you, girl? Did ya come to shop here or what?"
-"Of course."-Kazumi said in a serious tone.-"Show me your fancier ones."
-"That's more like it."-the owner said with a smirk while he went to the back for samples.-"I don't mind helpin' some new faces."
-"What was that..?"-Ryuji asked confused.-"You got on his soft side very quick."
-"I'll let you see the beginner collection for now."-the owner said as he brought them.-"Remember the precautions. Don't poin' them out to other people. Keep them on your bag when you go outside. Don't forget to take care of them too in case you want to resell or trade."
-"Yes. I'll be careful with them."-she said.
-"You better damn be."-he replied.
-"Looks like I'll have to leave this to you, Kazumi."-Ryuji said disappointed.-"Here's my share. I hope you get me a fancy one."
-"Alright."-Kazumi took the money Ryuji offered to her and saw the catalog. She ended up buying a Granneli M3 for Ryuji, Replica SMG and Leather Whip for Ann, Slingbow for Morgana and a Rebel Knife for her.
-"That's it huh? You better not use it to pull a prank."-the owner said as he charged the price while Ryuji was putting the goods on the sports back.
-"Don't worry. We might be young but we know what we're doing with this."-Kazumi said as she paid.
-"You are a very interestin' enthusiast, girl."-he said with a smirk.-"Maybe if you have the guts someday, I'll show you much better merchandise than these."
After they left the alley, Kazumi sighed and looked at her wallet:
-"It seems like I won't be able to buy banana milks for at least two weeks."-she murmured.
-"Don't worry about the money. We can get more by fightin' Shadows, amirite?"-Ryuji tried to cheer her up.
-"It's not like they give us too much…"-she said.-"Anyways, thanks for showing me the shop."
-"No problem."-Ryuji said-"Are you going home now? If so, I can go with you. This bag is a bit heavy anyways."
-"Eh? I think it should be fine until the station."-Kazumi said.-"It's Sunday, so you might have things to do. I also have things to do as well."
-"Yeah, sorry about that."-Ryuji said in disappointment.
After she arrived to Yongen-Jaya station with Ryuji, she waved him goodbye. Kazumi took the sports bag with her. Weird enough, she noticed it wasn't too heavy as Ryuji said. Maybe he just wanted to be nice.
On the restaurant, she heard Sojiro and a client discuss about the recent subway accident. She went upstairs to be unsuspected but she could hear how the regular customer was a bit underwhelmed by Sojiro's lack of customer service skills. After that, she hid the sports bag under her mattress:
-"That settles it."-Kazumi said as she sat next to Morgana on her bed.-"Now I have to figure out how to bring this stuff to school."
-"Don't carry with this alone."-Morgana advised-"Remember when I told you how your drinks could be brought up from your pocket? We can just leave these hidden in here and they'll appear on the Metaverse when you think of them, since you have them in your possession. That's how cognition works."
-"Is that true? That saves a lot of trouble!"-Kazumi said happy.-"Uhm? I got a message."
It was a message from Ann:
×"How are you doing?"
"All good. We got what we need."
"How did your visit go?"
×"I was going to talk about it."
×"Shiho is stable but it looks like they don't know when she'll regain her consciousness."
"I hope she can recover soon. It must have been scary…"
×"It was. But, I feel like we have to get this through."
×"Kamoshida will pay for this no matter what."
"I agree."-Kazumi wrote and both of them said goodbye to each other.
-"Alright. We're going to the Palace soon."-Morgana said to her.-"We still have some time so do you want me to teach you how to make infiltration tools?"
-"Sure."-Kazumi said as she carried Morgana to the desk.-"How do we start?"
-"For what we have now, let's start making some lockpicts. Palaces have treasure chests with locks so you can use those to open them."-he explained-"Don't be sad if you don't get the whole of it for now."
-"I see."-Kazumi put down the objects Morgana mentioned were useful for it.
-"You might get proficient as long as you persist on this."-he said.
Kazumi achieved to do her first lockpit before she went to sleep.
*Kazumi's proficiency has improved by 2*
April 18th…
Kazumi went down stairs that morning to go to school. There, she found Sojiro already preparing to open:
-"Good morning."-she greeted him.-"Opening early?"
-"Not really. I was checking the storage."-Sojiro replied as he turned out to her.-"You seem busy these days."
-"I am kind of getting used to the city life."-Kazumi replied.
-"I see… Want a cup of coffee before heading out?"-Sojiro said.
-"Gladly."-Kazumi sat down. Ever since her second day of school, she got used to do the breakfast for herself. Sojiro wasn't around at the time she woke up for breakfast so this will be the second time she could eat with company.
-"You want cream or milk?"-he asked.
-"Cream is fine."-she replied. Sojiro left the cup in front of her after brewing it.
-"Thank you."-Kazumi said. She drank a slip of it and then, thought about something that was going around her head since yesterday night.
-"Sojiro-san. Why is this place empty almost every time?"-she asked.-"I heard a customer complaining about you yesterday and…"
-"It doesn't really annoy me."-he replied.-"This café is actually just a place of comfort to me. I enjoy making coffee. I'm not going to wear a fake smile just because."
-"What if you have to close this place then?"-she asked.
-"Well. If that happens, my place to go will be done for and yours too."-he said.-"You know, maybe it'll be a good idea if you help out for once in a while."
-"That makes sense."-Kazumi thought-"But, I don't want to take money from you. You are already taking care of me after all."
-"That can be fixed if we make a deal."-Sojiro said.-"I'll teach you how to brew good coffee as reward."
-"Really?"-Kazumi was somehow surprised. Sojiro's coffee was really good. Who knows? Maybe it will be useful on Palaces.-"If that's the case, I accept."
-"Uhm."-Sojiro smirked.-"You sure are lively, kid. Just like your father mentioned you were a long ago."
-"I was?"-she asked a bit surprised. Did she changed ever since she came to Tokyo? She didn't even noticed it.
-"We have a deal now. I'll ask you to help me some other time."-he said and she nodded.
-"I am thou, thou art I…
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hierophant Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing
That shall lead to freedom and new power."-a tarot card with the "Hierophant" label was created with a star marked on the top.
-"She spaced out again…"-Morgana thought inside of the bag-"Is this really nothing to worry about?"
-"I'll be going now!"-Kazumi said after drinking her coffee and went to school.
During the morning class, both girls received Ryuji's message about going to the Palace since the assembly was going to be held on May 2nd. However, Kazumi thought it was better that they pretended nothing was happening for now and gave the first strike on April 28th.
After school, Kazumi approached to Ann:
-"Ann, do you want to go somewhere today?"-she asked her.
-"That's nice of you, Kazumi but…"-Ann muttered for a second.-"I have things to think about…"
-"I see…"-Kazumi was a bit disappointed to not be able to hang out with her new friend. She just waved bye to Ann.-"That was a bummer…"
-"I know how you feel but Lady Ann has a lot on her mind."-Morgana said to her getting his head out-"If you looked more considerate, she will open a bit to you…"
-"Fine. I'll just go to the library then."-Kazumi said as she head out of the classroom.
-"The library? Are going to consider my kind advice of reading books?"-Morgana asked with a bit of pride.
-"It's worth the try. I was always busy to read books, other than scholarly ones, so I don't really know about reading in my free time."-she said.
When she arrived to the library, she saw the inquisitorial look on everyone. Rumors about her were still strong for what it looked like.
She went in, trying to ignore the mutters of the other students, and saw that the only person who didn't seem interested on anything but his books was a guy on the front table. He had slightly red eyes, brown short hair with a very clean haircut and he was using a black sleeveless coat over his uniform shirt.
After distracting herself with his looks, Kazumi finally took a book with the name "The Pirate Legend". According to the sinopsis, it was the story of Captain Kidd. She booked it with the girl in charge of the library, who didn't look too happy to see her either, and went home.
In Shibuya, Kazumi was going to change lines when she saw a magazine display closeby and one of them with job offers:
-"Uhmm...maybe I should get a part-time job."-Kazumi said.-"I don't have much money left."
-"That will also help you to know the businesses around."-Morgana added.
Kazumi picked up to work part-time in a grocery store called Seventy Seven. She called the owner and he accepted her as they were low in staff.
When Kazumi arrived to Yongen-Jaya, Morgana came out of her bag again:
-"Wait. Let's not go home yet."-he exclaimed.
-"What is it?"-Kazumi asked.
-"Let's go to see that Doctor, I think his name was Takeo Takemi."-Morgana said.-"Maybe this time we can see what that medicine is about!"
-"I suppose I'll have to made up something again."-Kazumi said in disbelief as she agreed to go to the clinic.
In there, she found Doctor Takemi in the reception:
-"Excuse me…"-she went towards him and he looked up to her.
-"What is the reason of your visit today?"-he asked her.
-"I'll like to buy that super medicine you have!"-Kazumi exclaimed nervous.
-"Huh?"-the doctor looked at her a bit confused-"You're the girl from LeBlanc. Normal medicine didn't do the trick?"
-"No. I...have my reasons."-Kazumi replied. Takeo sighed and stood up.
-"For now, just head to the exam room."-he said.
Kazumi did as told and Takeo went after her. When she sat down, he locked the door behind her:
-"Uh!?"-Kazumi got a bit scared. Did she just put herself in something dangerous?
-"So what conversation did you eavesdrop to know about that "medicine"?"-he asked as he crossed his arms. He was blocking the door too.
-"I...I didn't…"-she tried to lie.
-"Come on. It was too obvious. You didn't even try to hide."-he misjudged her.-"Well? Why would a high schooler like you will want a medicine like that? Are you the athletic type?"
-"Something like that…"-she replied.-"But, it is actually for...my study."
-"For study huh?"-he said. He, then, proceeded to unlock the door as he was asking her to leave.-"In that case you don't have anything to do here, use an energetic drink or something."
-"Wait! I really want that medicine!"-Kazumi insisted.
-"What an annoying girl, you are…"-Takeo said as he scratched the back on his neck."-If you want it that much, I would let you know that it is very expensive. It costs as much as a car."
-"That much!?"-Kazumi gasped in shock.
-"So? Are you going home now?"-Takeo said as he was claiming victory over her. But Kazumi was not going to go if getting that medicine will make her team more efficient.
-"No."-she said determined.-"Can I work for it?"
-"Work? Like a part-time help?"-Takeo asked and started to think.-"Are you a person with good stamina?"
-"Yes! I was on a softball team not so long ago."-she asked.
-"That would work."-Takeo said.-"I need a person of your age group for a medicine I am developing. You'll be the tester. Or should I call you, 'guinea pig'?"
-"A tester…?"-Kazumi was not sure now if she was really this determined to get that medicine.
-"How's is it? You want to do it or not?"-he asked.
-"...Fine. Just let me read the contract or something."-Kazumi said resigned.
-"No need for that."-he said.-"I don't develop medicines with potential death risks. I'm a qualified professional you know?"
-"Last time I trusted a doctor, that didn't end well."-she murmured.
-"Did you say something?"-Takeo asked.
-"No. Just talking to myself."-she replied.-"Let's do it."
-"Hold on."-Takeo left the room for a moment. He came back with a very suspicious red liquid on a glass and gave it to her.-"This is the first try."
-"I see…"-Kazumi looked at the glass nervous.
-"Secondary effects are not mortal if you're asking. Just relax for now."-he said as he took a sit in front of her with a document sheet on hand. He was clearly smiling amused to see how will this end.
-"Alright, Kazumi. Let's do this!"-she said mentally to herself.-"You have to have the guts for this!"
-"What is it? Not so brave now?"-Takeo said.-"The exit is right…"
-"Bottoms up!"-she exclaimed before she drank the whole medicine in one try. The doctor looked shocked at her.-"It wasn't that bad…"-she said.
-"Why is everything spinning…?"-Kazumi said and eventually she ended up fainting on the floor.
-"Hey! Hey!"-the doctor tried to make her wake up but nothing was working so he carried her to the patient bed.
About an hour later, Kazumi woke up on the examination room. Doctor Takemi was taking notes until he noticed she woke up:
-"Good evening, guinea girl."-he said in sarcasm.-"Do you remember anything between the time you took the medicine and the time you woke up?"
-"Not really…"-she said-"Did something happen?"
-"Outside from waking up from a short coma and go back to sleep, nothing else happened to you."-he mentioned.
-"I see…"-Kazumi said trying to recover her position.
-"Thanks. I was able to collect good data for this research."-he said to her. He was serious but his gratitude was from the heart.-"When can you come for another clinical trial?"
-"Uhm? Well, certainly..."-she thought about it.
-"Tuesdays after school sound good for you?"-he asked.
-"Yes. That would do."-she said.-"Can we start next week?"
-"Sure."-the doctor said.-"The sooner we finish is better. I have to perfectionate that medicine."-he murmured with a determined look on his eyes.
-"By the way, as part of the deal, I'll provide you with my original medicine at an affordable price."-he mentioned-"I may add more variation, in time. But you have to keep secrecy about the trials I do here."
-"Sure. That's fair."-she nodded.
-"Alright. It's getting late, maybe you should go home."-he said to her.
-"Yes!"-Kazumi nodded and smiled at him.-"See you next time, Doctor Takemi."
-"I look forward to your continued patronage, Kazumi Asaka."-he said.
-"I am thou, thou art I…
Thou has acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Death Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing
That shall lead to freedom and new power."-the tarot card of the "Death" arcana appeared and was marked with a star.
Kazumi vowed in goodbye to the Doctor and he just waved back. After she was gone, a smirk was shown on his face:
-"Heh. What a cute guinea pig I have picked up."-he said as he went back to the reception.
That night, Kazumi went home and cleaned the last part of her room where she found a plant. The plant was poorly treated so she thought some nutrients will leave her new.
With 14 days left before the assembly, the mission to stop the pervert PE teacher had started.
Take your time.