With the route secure, the group have to spend time preparing for that attack, so the next few chapters will everyday class stuff, the jobs unless it is majorly important like say (in future arcs not this one) a Mementos Quest or (which is in this one) important to a confidant they will be skipped over but will have Aqua applying for them.
Disclaimer: I own nothing in this
Persona 5 Royal Fanmake Gaston Arc Chapter 23
Hierophant Confidant
The next day Aqua was on the train heading to school standing where she overheard conversation between two college students.
"There was this overseas drama on TV last night." A laid-back college student said "I only started watching partway through, but now I'm totally hooked. I wanna start watching from the beginning now. I wonder if there's anywhere I can borrow season one…"
"How about the video rental shop on Central Street?" A Shallow College Student said "If you become a yearly member, you can borrow as many DVDs as you want."
"Oh? They're a pretty big chain, so they probably have it." The Laid-Back Student said thinking "Thanks, I'll stop by later."
"The video rental shop on Central Street…" Gatomon said thinking "Oh, they must mean that giant building right in front of the bookstore. Being able to borrow a much as you want sounds tempting. Let's check it out when we have the time."
"Yeah, sounds like a good deal" Aqua said nodding.
They keep going and soon arrive at the Beacon line and were waiting for the train when Alexis walks up.
"Morning, I still feel a little tired from all that hard work." Alexis said, "How about you?"
"Yeah, I am a bit tired" Aqua said nodding.
"We found the Treasure, so all that's left is to send the calling card." Alexis explained "We have some time until the board meeting though. What do you want to do today?"
"I want to think on it more and feel more ready for it" Aqua said thinking.
"I see…. We found the Tresure, but I guess we still don't know what else is there." Alexis said nodding. "We still have time and I don't want to make mistakes just because I was being impatient. I'm glad you're the calm one, Aqua, but let me know if you change your mind."
"I will, don't you worry." Aqua said with a nod.
The two then head for school.
Soon it was after school and everyone was heading home.
"Sending calling card is a make-or-break decision, so really think on it, okay?" Gatomon said nodding. "I'm sure both Uzi and Lady Alexis are uneasy, too. So make sure you talk to them about it, okay?"
"I agree, I will be careful." Aqua said and leaves the classroom.
As Aqua walks through the school she ran into Gaston who said "You again, Aqua…? Where's that worthless friend of yours, huh? Hey, answer me!" Aqua however remained silent and glares.
"Hmph. Dealing with you is a waste of time…" Gaston said glaring "There's no point trying to butter me up now. I'm going to get rid of both of you in one fell swoop. Everyone'll be so happy when you get expelled. I'm sure they'll cheer that trash like you is gone!"
"You sound confidant in that" Aqua said.
"Don't you see? We all want you to go spend your lousy life somewhere else!" Gaston told her "Now get lost already. And don't show your face in front of me again." He walks off.
Aqua sighs and goes to the library and heads to the study corner to get some work done and luckily with the bad weather outside there wasn't a lot of people in the library so she was able to focus on her work. She worked until it was time to head home.
Aqua walks into LeBlanc and looks to see Vito working at the counter.
"Hey, you have a minute?" Vito said to her "There is something I want to ask you. Come here and let's have a talk."
"Sure, what is it, Vito?" Aqua asked approaching him. After all it was a good opportunity to deepen her bond with Vito.
"There's just a lot of things I want to ask you." Vito said nodding. "I'll clean up, just wait there."
Aqua nods and waits but feels Berith focusing as well wondered if there was a meaning to this.
"Hey, how's school?" Vito asked after finishing cleaning up. "You're not causing any trouble, are you?"
"Don't worry, I'm not Vito" Aqua said reassuring.
"Good." Vito said nodding "I've got to report to your probation officer twice a month. It's already a pain in the rear as is, so please don't make me have to write even more junk."
Vito looks serious "Got that? This society is kept in check by laws and authority figures. You can go and get yourself killed if you want, but don't go dragging other people into your mess. The last thing we need is more idiots like you roaming around."
"I understand Vito" Aqua said nodding.
Suddenly Vito's phone rings and he answered it and said, "What's wrong?" He listens and said "Yeah, I'm heading out now. Sorry about that." He listens and smiles "…I know. The usual, right? Okay, I'll see you later."
He hangs up and looks at Aqua "As you can see, I'm pretty damn busy both at work and in my private life." He smiles "If you could lend a hand, it'd really be a great help…"
"Sure, I'd be glad to" Aqua said smiling.
"Now we're talking." Vito said smiling. "Either way, where I grew up, I know how it's unfair to work for free. If you fully agree to help me then…" He thinks "I'll teach you how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Not a bad trade, right?"
"Oh, that does sound interesting." Aqua said intrigued.
"All right. Looks to me we've got ourselves a deal." Vito said with a smile and nod.
Aqua could feel the distance between her and Vito seems to be closing slightly…
Back in the present we see Aqua still interigated by Windblade and the Law Troopers Jess and Jacob.
"You may call yourself a phantom theif, but you're still a minor." Jess notes looking at Aqua's file "Someone had to support you."
"To add to it, they had to do so knowing you were a part of that group…" Jacob added serious.
Windblade thinks and asked "…Isn't the owner of that café an accomplice of yours?!"
We come back to the past where Aqua feels another bond forming.
"I am thou, thou art I…Thou hast acquired a new vow." The Female voice said "I shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captvitiy. With the birth of the Hierophant Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall to freedom and new power."
Aqua gets a new card in the book with Vito's name on it and had a sage like figure on it.
"That is my domain, it is an honor to aid you in gaining new bond with the person." Berith said.
"Glad to here Berith" Aqua said and puts the book away.
"I'll be counting on your help." Vito said to her.
Aqua nods and a while later she was in regular clothes and an apron working while Vito comes back in his jacket and fedora.
"Okay, I'll let you handle the rest." Vito said to her though smiles "Got to say, I'm glad you catch on quick with stuff. Makes my like a lot easier. Just keep doing when you can. And don't cause any trouble, right?"
"I got it Vito" Aqua said nodding.
"Glad to hear it!" Vito said with a nod and smile. "For today though, just make sure you lock the place up. And don't go too crazy with the stuff in the shop. You're staying here rent-free, so you should know not to go overboard."
"Understood Vito I will be careful." Aqua said smiling.
"All right, see you tomorrow." Vito said and leaves the Café.
Aqua finishes up cleaning and heads to bed after locking up.
The next day Friday, Aqua was again on the train and listens in to two students on the train.
"Hey, have you ever been to Gigolo Arcade on Central Station?" A Timid Student asked.
"Gigolo…? Oh, you mean the arcade next to the Kwik-E-Mart?" A Brisk Student asked "I thought it was against school regulations to go to the arcade. Besides, I heard that some delinquent hangs around there. What, is there a game there that you wanna play or something?"
"N-No. I just hear that they sell this overseas juice brand there." The Timid Student said "It's supposed to help with drowsiness…My grads have been slipping lately…But, I'm scared of the delinquent…"
"Why does it seem like products that come from overseas always work? Maybe it's the unique taste?" Gatomon said thinking. "And there's a delinquent huh? Well, compared to Shadows, he shouldn't be any trouble."
Aqua wondered if the delinquent was Uzi. Soon they make it to the school and see two male students talking.
"The school store's always out of yakisoba pan, no matter what time I go." A Food-Loving Student said. "I haven't been able to get any even once."
"Oh, don't you know?" A Well-informed Student said "It's always sold out on Mondays, but there's usually some left over on Fridays."
"Are you serious?!" The Food-Loving Student said surprised. "I'll finally be able to get some yakisoba pan today!"
"Huh, I guess there's a lot in this world you can only get for a limited time or during certain seasons…" Gatomon notes down.
"Now I want some too after hearing that." Aqua said.
"Do you want to try to get some? I'll come with you." Gatomon said smiling.
Aqua nods and heads into school.
After school Aqua was heading home and decided to check out the job offers and as she enters Central Street she felt something.
"Return here whenever you wish. It shall be of your own accord…" Yen Sid's voice is heard in her head.
Aqua was confused and followed the feeling and goes down the alley leading to Soundwave's store and sees a familiar blue gate that was guarded by Galla.
"What the…?" She said and approaches and Gardine shows up and the two go up to her.
"Hey, inmate!" Galla said to her.
"Our master awaits. Please come this way." Gardine said and opens the gate.
Aqua approaches the portal nervous but Galla impatient gets behind her and he kicks her in.
"OW!" Aqua cries out as she goes in
Aqua groans as she was in the cell, in the prisoner outfit, yep she was in the Velvet room.
"So, you've come." Yen Sid said smiling. "How does it feel slipping into the unusual from your usual life?"
"It felt a bit weid, how is this possible?" Aqua said confused.
"Our master has arranged an access point to assist you in coming here directly from the real world." Gardine explained.
"The door you just went through is it!" Galla added to it. "Be thankful, Inmate!"
"This too shall aid in your rehabilitation." Yen Sid said nodding. "Make good use of it."
"I will thank you." Aqua said and leaves the area as she had no need for the velvet room services at the moment.
She goes to the job offers and looks through them, there were three listed one for the Beef Bowl, which she couldn't do as it was at night, one for the flower shop but she didn't think she can do that yet with her Charm. She then sees one for the Kwik-E-Mart and saw no requirements yet she decided on that one.
"Let's call them!" Gatomon said.
Aqua nods and calls the number on the job ad the voice on the end said "Hi, this is Kwik-E-Mart on Central Street. You're calling about the job opening?"
"I am yes" Aqua said nodding.
"Hang on. I'll get the manager." The voice said.
"Thank you for holding, this is Apu the manager." The male voice said "So, you wanted to apply for a part-time job? You're a student right?"
"Yes I'm a student of Citadel Academy" Aqua replied.
"I'll plan your schedule around the days you're available." Apu said "I'm always in the store, so you can come straight here. I look forward to working with you."
"You got the job! Nice going!" Gatomon said smiling.
Aqua decides to go and do a shift. During it Aqua works with Larry, who also worked at Joyful Big Bang Burger, apparently the guy works a lot of part time jobs in the area. She was intrigued by this, but she learned a lot from her at the Kwik-E-Mart job. Once she got paid, she changed out the uniform and heads home.
When Aqua made it back to LeBlanc Vito looks at her and asked "…So. Getting used to the city?"
"Yeah, I am a little." Aqua said nodding.
"…I see." Vito said thinking. "You're the only one here at night, so I'm not going to bother setting a curfew or anything like that."
"Wait does that mean I'm no longer bound to staying here at night?" Aqua asked.
"Yes" Vito said nodding "So long as you're taking school seriously, I don't mind if you stroll the streets in the evenings. But only around these parts, got it? You go back on your word, I'll kick you right out."
"Understood Vito" Aqua said and goes to change out of her uniform and comes back down.
"If you do go out know that I'm the one who has to lock the door so make sure you're not out there too long." Vito added
"Even though you can't go far so sometime enjoy the night life of Metru-Nui." Gatomon said.
Aqua nods and goes to Vito "Hey, need any help tonight?"
"So, you do get it." Vito said nodding "All right, put your stuff down and come back here. It's almot time one of the regulars arrives. She's a talkative one…"
Aqua gets on an apron and works with Vito and serve the customer. Aqua feels Berith being a constant presence here.
"Now then, since you're going to be working in my store, I'll need to hammer home the basics…" Vito explained to her. "You know what I'm talking about, correct?"
"You are referring to making coffee right?" Aqua asked.
"Indeed, an expert in service needs to focus on here to the basics before the advanced lessons." Berith said.
"Yup. Glad to see you at least understand that much." Vito said smiling. "This store's not the busiest around, but I'm real particular about how we do things here." He looks serious "And I'll kick you out no questions asked if you serve a bad cup, you got that?"
"Understood" Aqua said nodding.
"Let me tell you, Vito definitely does things right with his coffee" The Gaudy customer said smiling "It goes so well with his special curry, I can't help but order the set meal every time."
"What can I say, each of my regulars gets an experience personally tailored to them." Vito said with a smile.
"Can you tell me the key to that wonderful flavor, Vito?" The Gaudy Customer asked "I'd love to make it at home sometime."
"Sorry, that's a trade secret." Vito explained "You're free to try and guess based on the taste though."
"Cheapskate." The customer said "Keeping secrets from me even though you know your food's already stolen my heart…"
"How about a nice dessert then?" Vito offered her "It's only three hundred yen."
A while later the customer was gone.
"When you run a shop, you get all sorts of customers." Vito explained to Aqua "Knowing their personalities is absolutely vital. That's what being in food service is all about."
"I see, that make sense." Aqua said nodding.
The door to the entrance opens as someone comes in. Vito turns and said "Welco…" But when he sees who it was his eyes widen and he said "You…"
Aqua looks and sees a woman with light blue skin, purple hair and glasses, She wore a profession blue suit with purple tights and blue heeled shoes. The badge on her suit said Cinch.
"Hello there! It's been quite a while, Scaletta." Cinch said with a smile but Aqua felt like it hides a smirk. "I heard you opened up a shop, so here I am! It wouldn't have hurt to mention it to me though." She looks around "Huh, you've got a real nice location here. Right by the station and everything."
"Your order?" Vito said narrowing his eyes and tone suggesting he wasn't happy to see her.
"No small talk? That's cold." Cinch said feigning disappointment. She sniffs the air "Oh, but this smell…Sure brings back memories! You're still making that curry, huh? I guess you haven't gotten over her yet…"
"You order, ma'm?" Vito said getting more annoyed.
"Haha, so pushy" Cinch chuckles "I just stopped in to say hi today…but I'll be back again soon! Bye." With that she leaves the café
Vito calms down and sighs "Ugh…I don't know where she caught wind of this place."
"That woman seemed suspicious." Aqua said concerned.
"I sensed it too, a great darkness." Berith said nodding.
"Heh, I guess you have an eye for some things after all." Vito said smiling. "Anyway, if you have time for questions, you have time to be learning about bean types. You're not gonna be any use to me if you can't pick up on the ABCs sometime soon."
"I see" Aqua said nodding.
"Besides, ladies love a guy who knows his coffee, but I guess they'll love a woman who can do that too if they're into that, maybe guys too" Vito said with a thought "Anyway this isn't such a bad deal for you."
"I do want people to love me." Aqua said thinking on it.
"Heh, if only you were this obedient all the time." Vito said chuckling. "Either way, I'm going to teach you right. That way I'll be able to sit back and relax while you work."
Aqua nods feeling from Berith her bond with Vito grow deeper. Indeed the Hirophant card earns another star and Aqua now knows Coffee Basics. Soon the clock chimes
"…Oh, is it time already?" Vito said surprised. "Let's start closing up. And no slacking off, you got it?"
"I do, don't you worry" Aqua said as she got to working helping close up shop.
That night, Aqua had finished getting ready for bed when she gets a call and answers "Hello?"
"Hey, it 's me. Guess this number works." Vito is heard saying "I forget to ask for your cell number, so I had to dig it out of your papers. A real hassle, let me tell you. Anyway, you done closing up yet? I'm going to have you handl that from now on, so you better learn now."
"Yep, finished up and all is closed up." Aqua said
"Seems like you're a quick study, so I hope you got the hang of it." Vito added.
"Yep, I got it." Aqua said smiling
"Don't forget it." Vito said proudly "Once you're a little more settled in, I'm going to have you doing more chores….but geez. Not sure how I feel a bout calling up a high school girl's cell phone."
"It's not that bad" Aqua said.
"Anyhow, we'll get the routine ground into you. That way, I might be able to take it easy." Vito explained. "All right, don't' stay up too late."
"I won't" Aqua said and ends the call and goes to bed, tomorrow will be another day.