Disclaimer:
Praise to Atlus, the company that created the games! I do not own the story and the concepts represented in this fiction!
Author's Notes:
It's alive. For anyone worried, no, I have not canceled this fanfiction. In fact, I'm so determined to finish it that I'm not working on the ten other ideas I have. If I were to give a primary reason for the long delay, work, travel, and just me being a perfectionist. The later chapters got pretty dark, and I kept writing some sections until satisfied. In fact, chapter 31 is downright triggering for some people, so be on the lookout for that.
Since I waited so long to post, I'll do something unique and post two chapters simultaneously. The next chapter will be up either today or tomorrow. I'll be honest: It's going to be pretty dark, so fair warning. Also, I won't be doing [Reviews to Comments] since I want to focus solely on putting out these chapters, editing them, and posting them. Chapter 32 is when I will continue [Reviews to Comments]. Thank you!
Also, if anyone spots any errors, please notify me! I will correct them when I can!
Before
9/16
As Ms. Kawakami drones on about commonalities between Japanese culture and the world, Akira sends the team a text message to convene at Café LeBlanc. Ryuji texts back the question on everyone's mind, and the raven-haired delinquent responds that it's a surprise. Next, Akira sends Haru a message about his plan. The older girl messages back immediately.
[Haru O.] 1132AM: I understand. I will be there!
When lunch break hits, students filter out the classroom while some chatter. In front of Akira, Ann points her finger at Ryuji as he enters the classroom.
"Sup, what's with the message and the café?"
"Lunch break just happened," Akira says. "Did you run over here?"
"Never mind that!" Ann says. "Did you find Morgana!?"
"Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise," Akira says.
Both blondes sigh in mock annoyance.
"Alright, but I want some of your bomb curry for when we get there!" Ryuji demands.
"Oh, mind getting ready that blend of coffee I really like! It's so good!" Ann gushes.
"Yeah, of course," Akira agrees, standing up. "I'll draw the baths, too, and offer back rubs."
Ann and Ryuji share a laugh and follow behind Akira as their list of demands continues to grow.
X
Ann and Ryuji aren't the only ones expecting his cooking. Yusuke orders, in a not-so-subtle manner, a plate curry with his new favorite blend of coffee: Hawaiian Kona. Makoto asks politely while the gremlin known far and wide as Futaba already had their fork and knife ready before he even entered the café.
Observing his work and offering tips, Sojiro sighs and says, "I can't believe I'm letting you kids take charge while I still have customers."
"Customer, singular," Akira corrects.
One of the café's long-term patrons happily sips his coffee, watching the unfolding chaos in amusement. Months ago, Sojiro wouldn't allow Akira so much as breathe while there were customers. Now, he pushes the teen to prepare the coffee and curry so he can talk to patrons, watch the news, or play the crossword puzzle – child labor at its finest.
"Don't get smart with me," Sojiro says. "Just make sure you all take your food and drinks upstairs."
"You hear that, kids?" Akira hollers to his friends. "Upstairs and no messes."
His quip causes Ann and Ryuji to bicker about who is more immature until Makoto straightens them out and orders the group upstairs. Her orders are followed without question.
Sojiro lets out a low whistle. "Well, she's definitely the one in charge."
It isn't long before the low ring from the entrance door hums, and more patrons enter the café.
"Welcome," Sojiro begins, then pauses. "Well, it isn't every day my humble café is visited by two beautiful ladies."
Akira stops stirring the pot of curry to glance at the newcomers. There's Haru, as he expects. What he didn't expect was the raven-haired woman standing alongside her. The same woman who helped him escape the Okumura estate undetected. Appearance-wise, the maid from the estate is almost unrecognizable. Wearing a white blouse, a black blazer, and high-waist jeans, she looks more like a young professional than a maid.
"Hello, young man," the older woman says with a mischievous smile. "I hope you aren't causing any more trouble."
Akira feels a chill run down his spine. He sends a questioning look to his upperclassmen, who responds with a nervous smile.
"What's this about trouble?" Sojiro asks, freezing Akira in place with a glare. "Please, tell me more."
The tension in the room suddenly spikes. Even the long-term patron observes in anticipation. However, the unease disappears as quickly as it arose when the older woman laughs playfully.
"Amusing as it sounds, someone would become cross with me if I got their boy in trouble."
Sojiro quirks an eyebrow at the immediate blush on both Akira and Haru's faces.
"The only thing I can accuse this young man of is monopolizing the thoughts of this young lady here," the older woman continues, gesturing at Haru.
Sojiro chuckles. "Well, I might be proud of this lazy bum if it's that kind of trouble."
"Lazy bum?" Akira mummers, crossing his arms. "Says the guy who relaxes while I care for his customers."
Haru looks at both males awkwardly, at a loss at the friendly banter between them. Meanwhile, the maid enjoys herself at Akira's expense.
"I imagine he's more behaved, Mr.…."
There is an intentional pause in the maid's tone as she fixes Sojiro with an inquiring look.
Sojiro, as unflappable as always, gives the woman a disarming smile. "I'm Sojiro Sakura, the owner of this small abode. How may I help you, miss….?"
"I am Akio Aiuchi," Aiuchi-san responds with a slight bow. "I am a close confidant of Miss Haru. She's told me so much about this café she frequented that I decided to accompany her."
"Really?" Sojiro asks, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Yes," she responds.
Akira gulps. Suddenly, a different kind of tension surfaces as both adults stare at one another, neither refusing to blink or look away. Akira is thankful that Futaba is not around for some reason. Sparing Haru a glance, she appears equally confused by the interaction between both adults, so he decides to speak up.
"Hey, the curry's pretty much done," Akira points out. "Mind if Haru and I go upstairs now?"
"Why upstairs?" Aiuchi-san asks, an edge to her voice.
"O-our friends are upstairs, um, waiting for us," Akira struggles to say, rattled by the intensity of the woman's glare.
"It's the truth. A bunch of the kid's friends is upstairs eating curry. Usually, I'd let them eat and talk down here, but we have customers."
Sojiro gives a meaningful look to the café's long-term patron, who observes the drama shamelessly.
Haru finds her voice and says, "Akio-san, I told you I was just meeting friends. There's no reason to interrogate poor Akira so much. I thought you liked him."
The older woman's amusement at Haru's embarrassment surprises Akira. Somehow, the relationship between them appears closer than just caretaker and employer.
"I can understand being wary of this kid here," Sojiro says with a smirk. "But, for the most part, he's well-behaved. Why not enjoy something on the menu while they spend time with their friends. I promise nothing but the best curry and coffee around."
"Curry and coffee," Aiuchi-san echoes. "What a unique combination. I'm willing to try it."
"You'll love it, or your money back," Sojiro promises with a wink.
Turning to Akira, he says, "Kid, take some curry for you and your guest. I'll take over and do some work."
"Woah, taking care of my mess?" Akira asks. "What's your motive?"
"There is none when some snot-nose brat gives you free labor."
Akira says, "Alright, let me get you a plate and a cup, Haru. I made a batch of Hawaiian Kon and Jamaican Blue Mountain. Which one do you prefer?"
Haru hums in thought. "I haven't tried the Hawaiian Kon. You mentioned before that it has a rich flavor, right?"
"That and it's expensive," Akira points out.
Sojiro nods in approval. "She's got good taste. But he's right, it is expensive. Which is why it's coming out of your allowance."
Akira rolls his eyes at the older male's joke. After depleting the store's coffee beans for practice on multiple occasions, Sojiro has never made him pay.
"Go upstairs with the rest of your friends," Sojiro suggests. "I can care for the curry and wrap up any extra."
Akira nods, removing his apron and stuffing it underneath the counter. With Sojiro's help, he prepares two plates for himself and Haru, a cup of her preferred drink, and gestures for the older girl to follow him. Haru trails behind him as they begin the ascent to the attic.
"Aki," Haru says, carefully reaching for the young man holding their plates of curry.
Akira stops. "Hm?"
"I'm sorry," she whispers, mindful of the myriad voices upstairs. "She mentioned accompanying me, but I never imagined she was being serious."
Akira turns slightly so he's half-facing her. "Hey, no worries. I was surprised, but she just wanted to look after you. You two are pretty close, right?"
"Yes," Haru agrees, nodding vigorously. "She's, um, as close as family."
"Then, she's good in my book as long as she doesn't say anything that causes Sojiro to worry."
"She won't. She means well but can sometimes be a bit mischievous."
"I saw. Anyways, are you ready to officially meet the team?"
"I…" Haru bows her head and, perhaps unconsciously, makes herself smaller. "I'm a little nervous."
"Don't be," Akira says. "I know they'll love you. You've even gotten Morgana's stamp of approval. That's the most important part."
Haru raises her head to give Akira a smile. "Thank you. Is Morgana upstairs, too?"
"He's hiding right now," Akira says with a wink. "He'll pop his head in soon. Come on, everyone's waiting. I haven't told them about you."
Haru nods and smiles nervously.
Akira continues the climb upstairs, and the muted chatter from moments ago becomes strands of conversations Haru can follow. Once Akira reaches the landing of the stairs, numerous pairs of eyes focus on him. Haru hangs back, hidden from view while waiting for his signal to appear before the group.
Akira doesn't waste any before announcing, "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you're all curious about what I've called you here for?"
"Food and info on Morgana?" Ryuji guesses while taking another mouthful of curry.
"Yes, and to introduce – drum roll, please –!"
Akira receives a soft shove forward, nearly spilling the curry if not for his trained sense of balance. He looks behind him to smile at Haru's blushing, pouting face.
"Akira, that's embarrassing!"
Internally, Lamia of the Empress Arcana berates him. At the same time, Decarabia from the Fool Arcana revels in the chaos.
"Haru?" Makoto and Ann question out loud.
"Woah, it's your hot tutor," Ryuji comments. Ann gives him a dubious look.
"I see," Yusuke nods sagely.
"Inori, don't say it," Futaba warns.
"So, the surprise is that you've become the next model for my art."
Futaba does everyone a favor and kicks Yusuke.
Under everyone's scrutiny and bizarre comments, Haru freezes in place. Desperately, she looks to Akira for help. The instigator for the present confusion smiles, putting their plates down on the nearby table. He considers furthering the dramatics of Haru's introduction but decides against it when Lamia throws a fit in his head.
"Everyone, this is my mentor from school, Haru Okumura," Akira says.
At the mention of her last name, the team experiences a sudden realization.
"Okumura?" Ryuji says. "Like, related to Okumura Foods?"
Surprisingly, it is Makoto who answers Ryuji's question. "Haru Okumura, daughter of Kunikazu Okumura and heiress to the Okumura conglomerate."
"Wait, if she's our target's daughter, what's she doin' here?" Ryuji wonders out loud, directing his confusion at Akira.
"Woah!" Futaba whines. "Learn some tack! Don't just blurt out her dad's the target!"
Ryuji stammers in response, looking around the room at everyone's appalled expression. Fortunately, Akira handles the heavy tension with his usual charm and humor.
"How do you guys like the surprise?"
Haru sighs, and Makoto says irritably, "Akira, be serious."
"Ok, ok," Akira acknowledges. "Everyone, I know a lot is happening, but I want you to meet our latest member. As Makoto and Ryuji pointed out, she's the daughter of our latest target: Kunikazu Okumura. She has a reason to be here, but that's her story."
Akira gives Haru a warm smile. "Well, you're up."
Haru steps forward. "Hello, everyone. Um, I'm Haru Okumura, I –"
"Yeah, we've met in Hawaii," Ryuji cuts in.
Ann scolds Ryuji, "Don't interrupt her, rude."
"Yeah," Futaba agrees. "I've only seen her through the camera sneaking out of Akira's room."
The room falls silent at the redhead's bombshell statement.
"C-camera," Akira stammers. "You have cameras in my room?"
"Woah," Ryuji voices.
"I – I kid!" Futaba quickly assets. "It's a joke! I've seen her leave the café a few times before I came in!"
"She's my school mentor," says Akira, "so she comes to help me study. And, have free curry."
"Yes," Haru agrees. "The few times I visited the café, I was to help Akira before his exams. This is the first time I've seen…." Haru pauses to take in the entirety of the attic as if it were her first time upstairs. "His room."
Akira lets out a sigh of relief. Haru was a surprisingly good liar, and her narrative was strangely convincing.
"We're talking about this camera joke later," Akira stresses to the redhead, who appears nervous at being the center of attention.
"Yeah, don't do that!" Ann snaps at Futaba. "That was way too misleading. Gosh, my face is all red!"
"Yeah!" Ryuji agrees. "I almost got up to high-five Joker over here!"
"Why would you high-five him?" Yusuke wonders out loud.
Makoto places her finished plate of curry on the nearby table and claps her hands to get everyone's attention. "Ok, enough of that. And no more misleading comments like that, Futaba."
Futaba bows her head obediently. "Yes, Queen."
"Moving on," Makoto says, "Please continue, Haru. And no interruptions from anyone."
Ryuji nods vigorously and returns to stuffing his mouth with curry.
Haru clears her throat before continuing once again. "As you know, my father is the head of the Okumura conglomerate. Under him, the company is prospering; however, I have heard countless accounts of employee abuse and neglect. Be that as it may, I want to cause a change of heart in my father for a more selfish reason. My father has agreed to an arranged marriage between the son of a prominent politician and me. While, at first, I was ok with this arrangement, I cannot continue lying to myself. My arranged partner is a vile, despicable man, and I can no longer play as the subservient puppet of my father's business dealings. I want to choose with whom to spend the rest of my life."
Haru takes a breath. "I know this a selfish desire and unbecoming of what it means to be a Phantom Thief, but –"
"Who said that?" Ryuji cuts in. "Oh, shit, sorry! Didn't mean to cut you off again, but none of us were thinking that."
"Yeah," Ann agrees, "No way we'd think wrong about you because of that. I don't know your whole situation, but I'd be doing the same in your shoes."
"A daughter rebelling against their father for pursuing one's hope of freedom to companionship." Yusuke nods to himself a few times. "It is such a commendable thing of beauty that it requires an artist's visualization."
"Yusuke only thinks of one thing," Futaba sighs. "But, yeah, I'm with them. Heck, I sought these guys out for something much more selfish."
"You even threatened us!" Ryuji points out.
"Hey, that arc is long and gone! No need to bring it back up!"
"I agree with everyone," Makoto says. "No one should force you to live your life in a way you don't want. Even a parent or guardian."
"So, there you have it," Akira says, facing Haru. "We don't think you're selfish. In fact, we want to help! After all, you're part of the team."
Haru's face twitches from repressed emotions, slowly spilling from her forged façade of strength. "T-thank you so much. I didn't know where else to turn or who I could trust to help with my situation. It's been so long…."
Akira is thankful that Makoto stands to hug Haru, and everyone accepts her circumstances. Ann gazes at her tearfully, heavily affected by the older girl's heartfelt confession. Meanwhile, Ryuji and Yusuke look on with content expressions. However, Yusuke does put his fingers together as if trying to snap an imaginary camera.
Futaba inquires, "Well, if she's part of the team, we've got to help her awaken her persona, right?"
"That won't be necessary," a voice suddenly calls out.
From one of the wood beams overhead, Morgana jumps down onto the wooden rack to the right-side wall and then onto the floor. Once again, a disbelieving silence overcomes the group until Ann cries, the sudden surprise overwhelming her heightened emotions.
"Morganaaaaa!"
"Morgana!"
"Mona!"
"Mona-chan!"
"Asshole!"
Everyone calls out to the feline, but Ryuji surprisingly scopes up the cat and captures him in a tight embrace.
"Hey, let me go, stupid Ryuji!"
"Shut up, stupid Morgana! How could you just disappear on us!"
"Hey," Akira calls out. "Enough of the name-calling shit, please."
Ryuji and Morgana stop to look at their leader and then at each other, startled at Akira's use of profanity. Ryuji puts Morgana down. "Hey, I'm sorry I picked you up, and I'm always startin' shit…."
"No, no," Morgana resorts. "I'm the one who was constantly being unnecessarily critical, and that argument we had…it was all me. Me and my insecurity."
"Insecurity?" Ryuji says.
At this, Morgana hesitates and chooses to address the group instead. "I'm sorry for suddenly disappearing on you like that. I'm also sorry that I broke one of our main rules."
Makoto separates from Haru to give the feline a disapproving glare at the mention of breaking the rules. "What rule?"
"I went to the palace alone, as you know, but I took Haru to the palace by accident. That's how I can vouch for her skills. However, her persona isn't fully awakened just yet."
"That was who was in the palace with you," Futaba muses, bringing a hand to her chin. "That also explains why I felt something off about Haru's persona. It isn't fully manifested yet."
"Yes," Haru nods despondently.
"Don't count her out, though," Morgana insists. "Even while not fully manifested, her destructive capabilities are beyond anyone here, even Ryuji."
"Really!?" Ryuji yelps. He looks to Haru. "Hey, what's your summoned weapon?"
Akira sees Haru almost jump from all the eyes suddenly on her. "Oh, I manifested a two-handed axe for my physical weapon."
A collective shiver runs through everyone's spines. Even Makoto is somewhat startled.
"Woah," Ryuji mummers.
"And what of your firearm?" Yusuke ventures.
Haru giggles. "It's silly, but I manifested a grenade launcher."
"What the F!" Ryuji hollers, jumping to his feet.
"Ryuji, not so loud," Akira hisses.
"Dude, she got a battle axe and grenade launcher," Ryuji persists. "That's so badass! But, isn't that a little too much for ya?"
"Ryuji, you're better off not underestimating her," Morgana says with a hollow look in his eyes. "I've seen her do things with her axe to shadows that make me feel bad for them."
A thief's outfit and armament manifest their user's inner will and personality. Akira feels a sudden chill. Maybe that's something he should talk to Haru about, some deep and internal need for the violence she might possess.
"Yeah, she sounds like a heavy hitter with great DPS," Futaba mummers, appraising Haru.
"DPS?" Yusuke questions.
"It means damage per second, meaning she might be hit harder and faster than any of us when she does awaken."
"Interesting…"
"I hope I meet your expectations," Haru says with a bow.
Makoto smiles at Haru's formal approach to Yusuke and Futaba's eccentric comments. "Why don't you and the leader enjoy your curry before it gets cold. The rest of us need some time to process these surprises."
Sure enough, Ann is still wiping her eyes.
"Meanwhile," Makoto continues, "I'll chat with our little rule breaker."
Morgana gulps. "Wait, what?"
The following hour is a much-needed break from all the surprises dropped on the group.
Haru enjoys her curry while conversing with Ann and Futaba. At the same time, Akira finishes his plate and talks with Yusuke and Ryuji. Makoto joins the girls after she's lectured Morgana, who sits facing the wall for thirty minutes as punishment.
Morgana rejoins the group once the thirty minutes are up and everyone is finished with drinks and food. Akira collects their plates while Makoto helps with the empty mugs, and Futaba organizes his furniture. As the group descends to the café. Akira sees Morgana pat Ryuji's leg and asks him to stay behind. Akira worries they'll argue, but a hopeful part of him thinks they'll resolve their remaining issues.
Once downstairs, the group is welcomed to quite a surprising sight, especially for Haru, Futaba, and Akira. The long-term patron is seemingly missing. Sitting alongside each other at the counter, giggling like schoolgirls, Aiuchi-san and Sojiro enjoy their conversation.
Until Futaba opens her mouth. "Am I getting a sibling soon?"
Sojiro and Aiuchi-san repel like magnets of the same pole.
"Wha – what are you kids doing here?"
"I live here," remarks Akira. "You know, upstairs."
Haru is too shocked by what she just saw and Futaba's comment to do anything but stare at her caretaker.
"Don't get smart with me, kid," Sojiro sighs. He gestures to Akira and Makoto. "Here, place those dirty dishes in the sink. More work for everyone's favorite troublemaker."
"Ryuji's upstairs," is Akira's quick quip.
Everyone laughs at Akira's joke. Yusuke and Ann are the first to depart, citing homework and other responsibilities. Makoto lingers for a few minutes, conversing with Haru, Aiuchi-san, and Futaba.
"Make sure to notify us soon about our project," is Makoto's way of alluding to the palace before she leaves.
"Project?" Sojiro asks, handing Akira a plate to wash.
"Oh, just some community service. Y'know, something to help with my image."
"What image?" Futaba jokes, eliciting a giggle from Haru and Aiuchi-san.
"I'll have you know," says Akira, "that I am steadying completing my rehabilitation and becoming a productive member of society."
Everyone laughs. Soon after, Ryuji walks down from the attic.
"Woah, who's the pretty lady?" Ryuji asks.
Sojiro and Aiuchi-san share a look that puts another baffled expression on Haru's face.
"My soon-to-be stepmom," Futaba explains.
Then, both adults look away.
What a little shit, Akira thinks.
The afternoon passes peacefully. Eventually, Morgana ventures downstairs at closing time as Sojiro leaves, and Akira gives the tables a final wipe-down.
"Sounds like you guys had some fun," Morgana prompts.
"If by fun, you mean cleaning after everyone, then yes, I'm ecstatic."
Morgana sighs. "Have you gotten snarkier since I left?"
"Oh, watching Futaba put Sojiro on blast? Priceless."
Morgana sits on a bar stool and watches Akira work. "To think the boss would sweet talk Haru's maid like that. She looked a lot more unapproachable at the estate."
"Honestly, seeing her today gave me whiplash," Akira shares. "I got the feeling she was more sociable than she let on, but not so…."
"Friendly?" Morgana offers.
"Easy-going is what I was going for," Akira counters. "Sometimes I forget there are adults like that, you know?"
"Perfectly ok, but don't lump all adults together like Ryuji sometimes does."
Akira stops what he's doing and narrows his eyes. "I thought you guys were cool now?"
Morgana laughs in his cat-like way, which sounds like a meow and huff. "We're better now, for sure. We don't know how to talk to each other without throwing a few jabs here and there, but we promised to work on it."
"I guess that's better than nothing."
"Yeah," Morgana agrees. "But, let's talk about the one adult we know is no good. When are we going back in?"
Akira faces the cat, feeling more assured and at peace than he had in days. "Don't worry, leave the planning to me. We'll make it."
And beyond anyone's expectations, time seemed to accelerate until only three days before the deadline.
10/8
Even after numerous visits to the Velvet Room, Akira doesn't know how to feel about fusion.
Executing aspects of himself for greater power feels like the ultimate betrayal to beings who have saved his life countless times. He stares with cold eyes at Lamia of The Empress Arcana. He resolves to take whenever sneer or hateful reproach she might send his way.
But she doesn't. Like many before her, Akira's persona only looks at him in quiet resignation. But there's something else there, too. She expresses melancholy affection just before the twins wrap a blanket over her and Koh-i-Noor, and the heavy blade falls.
The resulting persona is just as powerful as Igor led him to believe: Hariti of The Empress Arcana.
"I am Hariti. I shall become a mask of affection to guard you, like a mother watching over her weak child..."
"Through your connection with the Empress Arcana, this mask shall receive substantial power," muses Igor with a hint of pride.
The persona disappears into wisps of blue flames and fills an empty part of himself that Lamia once occupied.
"Thanks," acknowledges Akira. "That's all I'll be needing for now."
The twins give him a sidelong glance, Caroline with a sneer, and Justine impassively.
"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten the fusion I promised to show you," Akira assures them. "Hecatoncheires with Masukunda, right?"
"We weren't thinking of that, inmate! Stop getting so casual with us," Caroline huffs.
Contrary to Caroline's haughty tone, Justine says, "How very astute of you to remember, prisoner. We await your results."
"Soon," Akira promises, amused at their conflicting natures.
Upon exiting the Velvet Room, Akira blinks a few times. The slight chill from the breeze, footsteps, splashing water, and light drizzle pelting his umbrella helped him acclimate to his surroundings.
A sharp tug on the arm of his jacket hastens the process.
"Hey, you're doing that thing again," Makoto says worryingly.
"Sorry," Akira says. "Just thinking about life and stuff."
Makoto follows Akira's gaze to the empty corner of a building. "Staring at a building in the rain, you're contemplating life?"
"You can find inspiration in the wildest things."
Makoto sighs. "You really need to spend less time with Yusuke. Come on, let's head inside before you get a cold."
Akira chuckles and asks, "Is everyone ready?"
"They're waiting for us at Leblanc now."
"Perfect," Akira says. "Let's do some shopping."
A welcoming jingle welcomes them as they enter Untouchables. Iwai looks up from a magazine to give them a smile. "Hey, see you're too busy with girls to stop by."
Makoto makes a squeak of embarrassment at Iwai's comment.
"No way," Akira refutes. "Been busy with school and whatnot. You know I'm still a student."
"School, huh? Are you sure it isn't some extracurricular activity?" Iwai asks with a secretive smile.
"Nope," Akira replies with a smile of his own. "I'm trying to stay in the straight and narrow."
Iwai laughs. "Alright, enough of your bullshit. What are you looking for?"
Akira and Makoto approach the counter, and Akira produces a list from his pocket. "Think you got stuff that matches these specifications."
Iwai takes the paper and narrows his eyes at the list. He lets out a low whistle. "Damn, kid, you looking to splurge?"
"Something like that. I know this is short notice, but I need these things soon."
Iwai cocks an eyebrow. "How soon?"
"Like in the next ten minutes soon."
Iwai groans, standing up and reaching for a box of cigarettes from his coat pocket. "Shit, kid, you could've called. Ah, it was anyone but you; I would've told them to piss off."
"That's why you should have left this to me days ago," Makoto says, crossing her hands and glaring. "I can't believe you waited last minute to do this. So irresponsible."
Iwai laughs, lighting a cigarette and glancing back and forth between Akira and Makoto. "Kid, she's your girlfriend?"
Makoto's face becomes beat red. "Wha – What? No, we're schoolmates with, um, the same interest."
Iwai looks unconvinced. "Really? Too bad. The kid here needs someone to keep him out of trouble. Anyways, hang tight while I look for everything in the back."
Iwai exhales some smoke and then gives Akira a smirk. "Watch the store for me, part-timer."
"Aye, sir," Akira says, offering a mock salute.
Akira's one-liner strikes after Iwai inhales his cig, causing the older male to cough uncontrollably. Once Iwai steadies his breath, he glares at Akira. The teen looks away bashfully as if the incident never happened.
"Fucking brat," he growls. "I'll be right back."
Makoto shoves Akira lightly as Iwai disappears to the back of the store.
"Since when did you become so close to the shopkeeper?"
Akira gives his senior a sidelong glance. "Oh, I helped him with business a while back. We become close, and he helps me from time to time."
"Helps by getting you models gun and gear at a discount?" Makoto asks incredulously.
"Something like that," Akira says.
Akira is thankful his senior is astute enough not to ask questions he wouldn't answer. They pass the time inspecting the airsoft guns on displays on shelves and the walls. Akira even tries coaxing Makoto into trying her luck with the vending machine that spits out strange military provisions to pass the time. Being used to Akira's tricks, Makoto quickly declines.
Iwai takes longer than ten minutes to return, but what he prepares for them is worth the wait. Even the price, outrageous for most teens, is more generous than they expected. While Akira produces the cash from the numerous pockets of his jacket, Makoto inspects her newest revolver, looking down the sights and checking the cylinder and hand grip.
Iwai doesn't comment on the teen's abnormal actions as most adults would. He watches Akira lay the stack of enveloped bills on the counter with sharp, focused eyes. At the same time, the girl opens the weapon bags to scrutinize each firearm as if they were genuine and with the skills of someone highly experienced.
Iwai doesn't even bother counting the stack of seven envelopes, knowing he'll find his money inside, ready to be deposited. Afterward, as he bid the twosome thanks for their business and watched them exit, he suddenly called out, "Hey, make sure not to do anything too crazy. Kaoru will go gray earlier if he hears something bad happened to you."
Akira and Makoto stop by the door, and the cheeky brat gives Iwai a nod before heading out to face the elements and probably more.
"Damn brat," Iwai mummers, reaching for his box of cigarettes.
X
One benefit to seeing a mythical blue door that no one else sees is that the Velvet Room makes excellent storage. Of course, convincing Makoto to leave the bags behind and to go collect the team without him is a difficult challenge, even with his charisma and many reassurances. But even more daunting is convincing the warden twins without receiving too much sass or a shin-kick from Caroline.
With the numerous loose ends to conquer Okumura's palace addressed, Akira calmly leans back on the subway seat and allows himself a moment of peace. The city is noticeably calm and desolate from the terrible weather. Life seems slow and manageable for the first time in a while.
Akira pockets his phone, mindlessly opening up text conversations between him and his confidants, and thinks of any errands he might have overlooked. Between stocking up on medicines from Tae and making enough coffee to caffeinate an entire school bus of kids, Akira should feel confident. His personas are remarkable, and Haru joining the team has bolstered their strength tremendously. Even so, a ball of anxiety gnaws at his chest at the thought of Okumura's palace.
Some strange sense of dread that he can't put into words prevented him from pushing the palace's completion until so close to the deadline. Now, there's no time. The looming time limit and the team's insistence on pressing forward make Akira think it's all in his head.
Releasing a deep sigh, Akira hopes this invisible worry is not the quiet before the inevitable storm.
10/11
It is a sick joke of cosmic proportions. All around Akira, he hears his friends panic. He is sure he's making similar sounds as black slime oozes out of every orifice of Kunikazu Okumura's body. It is as sickeningly as it is fascinating.
A deep choking of air rips his attention to the girl falling to her knees. The same girl he was planning to confess to today. The same girl who is watching her father vomit black liquid on national television.
The starry sky and the brilliant lights from the castle in the distance do nothing to disguise the sheer dread on Haru Okumura's face.