Here a start to a sub chapter just for a bunch of days
Disclaimer: I own nothing in this.
Persona 5 Royal Fanmake Gaston Arc Chapter 24
Everyday life 1
The next day Saturday, Aqua was again on the train standing and she overheard two women talking this time.
"I haven't done much of anything on my days off…" A Lazy Woman said, "It's such a pain to put on makeup, and I hate shopping, so I usually end up just lazing about the house."
"Same here. Good things there's home shopping." A Shopping Enthusiast said smiling "They always have the best stuff on Sundays."
"Oh, I know exactly what show you're talking about!" The Lazy Woman said excited "They even sell surgical masks for when you're sick."
"I'll have to check it out tomorrow." The Shopping Enthusiast said "It's so popular they always sell out if you don't call the same day."
Aqua thinks on it, maybe she check it out, if they sell useful items maybe they sell some stuff that can help them in the Palace. She then makes it to the next station and Uzi meets up with her.
"Hey! Phew made it on time…" Uzi said walking up
"Good for you" Aqua said smiling.
The two talk as they wait for the train, Aqua still thinking on when to send the card and they head over to school.
In class they were in History class with there teacher being gold armored robotic being in silver armor knowns as Takanuva. Before being a teacher he was a chronicler and in his class he varies the histories they focus on but mainly Earth history.
"Gaston was really in his element at the volleyball rally the other day." Takanuva said smiling. "You kids are lucky to receive direct instruction from a world-famous athlete like him."
"Sports have been regarded as sacred things that invigorate people since ancient times." Takanuva continued "So much so that a human emperor himself even participated once." He looks at Penny "Penny. Do you know the name of the Roman emperor who participated in the Olympics?"
"Huh?! U-Um…" Penny said struggling at trying to answer.
"It's Nero." Takanuva said and sighs "It's good to throw yourself into your club activities, but you shouldn't sacrifice your studies."
Penny sighs "Sorry…"
"That said, you don't seem too into sports, Aqua." Takanuva said looking at her and Aqua pays attention "Between music, theater and chariot racing, which sport did Nero win when he participated in the Olympics?"
"I think I recall reading he won all of the above." Aqua said thinking.
"Correct. Hm. It seems you've been studying after all." Takanuva said nodding "Nero won many awards in all kinds of competition. Of course they were all rigged in his favor. Due to this and also a lecious side he has become known as a despot." The students were impressed with Aqua answer, even Gatomon. Takanuva then said "That said, recently people have begun revaluating Nero's reigh. Regardless through, he was lacking in sportsmanship. He should have taken a page out of Gaston's book!" He laughs.
"Don't give us that junk. Gason's the real despot." Gatomon said shaking his head.
Aqua nods in agreement and after school she goes to the library to study but unlike last time there were other students there.
"Wait, is that girl really going to sit down and study?" One student murmured.
"Maybe…she's more of a serious student than she looks?" Another student whispered.
"Whoa, don't stare at her." A third chattered "If your eyes meet, that girl is gonna kill you…"
"Don't worry about the noise around you." Gatomon said "Just do your best to concentrate, okay?"
"Yeah." Aqua said as she worked.
Aqua works through the comments showing her guts and earned some knowledge. After that she headed home with Gatomon.
She arrives back at LeBlanc safely at night.
"I don't mind if you use the coffee maker, just clean up when you're done." Vito told her.
"Thank you, Vito" Aqua said nodding. "I think I will use it after I get into more comfortable clothes."
"Help yourself to the beans on the shelves." Vito offered "I'll show you how each kind of bean is different later. All right, I'm heading out to buy some cigarettes…" He leaves.
Aqua gets on an apron after removing her jacket and picked out some beans and brewed some coffee.
"Mmmm! I love the smell of good coffee…" Gatomon smiles sniffing the smell of the coffee.
Once she was done and sips the drink "Mmmmm this taste good."
"The way you're drinking it makes it look delicious." Gatomon said smiling. "This coffee has a lot of thought and love behind it, huh…Maybe it you drink it in the Metaverse it'll heal your wounds too."
"Maybe you right" Aqua said nodding and gathers some of it up marking as Leblan coffee. As noted by Gatomon some of Vito's charm rubbed off on her.
Just then Vito returns from his little shop and seeing her smiles "Looks like you're doing well. Here let me have a sip."
"Sure thing" Aqua said smiling and gets up to let him have a sip while she stands behind the counter
Vito sits down and tastes the coffee "This aroma and soft richness…" He said thinking "You used Blue Mountain, huh…?"
"Yeah I felt like giving that one a try" Aqua said nodding.
"I see" Vito said "To be honest the flavor profile is bland. You should practise more to bring out the roast's full potential. I will say I noticed you're preparing the cup that way I taught you. I'll acknowledge your hard work."
"Thanks and I'll take your critiques to heart" Aqua said with a nod
"You look like a real barista standing at the counter like that." Vito said with a smile. "It seems like you're following all the rules and instructions I gave you." He thinks "I can't believe this kid in front of me is a troublemaker with a criminal record…"
The two remain silent for a while.
"Well, there's no need to have a length conversation about this." Vito said to her "Just keep up with your training."
Aqua nods and Gatomon notes she should take time to learn and keep improving. Aqua agrees and after cleaning up she heads for bed.
Aqua wakes up on Sunday and dressed in her everyday clothes, she remembers that the Home Shopping Network was on today so heads down to see what's on offer.
She sees Leo who was here and looks to her "Ah good morning Aqua, doing well?"
"Yes I am Mr. Galanti" Aqua said nodding.
"Leo is just fine." Leo said chuckling "I often com here to go over some work. I'm a businessman of a certain nature. Right now, I am focusing on the film industry that I am thinking on while enjoying a good cup of coffee…"
"That sounds cool" Aqua said smiling. "Through I am worried about the certain nature of businessman" Was this friend of her parents part of some Mafia?
"Heh, no need to feel intimidated." Leo chuckles "Here in this café, you and me and all others are equals. So feel free to come and talk whenever you see me here. You're young, so I'm sure it'll be nice for an old man like me to talk to on subjects."
Aqua nods and goes to look at the TV. The male host Chris McLain was on screen "Hi everyone! It's time to do some shopping! Here's what's on offer today. First we have the Sping Awake Set! You'll never have to feal falling asleep again! It comes with a caffeine patch and 10 Wide Eye Drops and…10 hot and sour teas! What an awesome deal!"
"But that's not all!" Chris continued with the next one "Our next set is the Share of Spring Set! It's great for those concerned about there health and stamina! It comes 5 Sakura Mochi, 1 Spring Fruit Pack and 1 Party in a can! All in one!"
"Wow! They both such great items, I can't decide which one to get!" Another male host known as Chef said.
"All right! This is a limited item!" Chris said "Today's one and only day it'll be available! And of couse, the price is just right! You won't see this kind of deal ever again!"
"The phones are ringing off the hook!" Chef said indicating to phones
"Only a few remaining! Now's your final chance to buy, buy, buy!" Chris announces.
Aqua thinks and decides to order the Share of Spring Set and calls in. Luckily it was the last one available she scored and will be delivered as fast as possible.
"Well, let's go enjoy the day" Aqua said and heads out to the streets
She walks through Metru-Nui saying hi to people including the old man listening to the radio and the mother and daughter with the dog before going to Vale.
She sees a juce stand selling Aojiru every Sunday, the offer was a Beauty Aojiru and she drinks it and while it was bitter and tasted just as it looked she felt her charm go from existent to head-turning.
"Hmmm, I think I can apply another Part-time job." Aqua and goes to check the florist job was available and calls it up.
"Hello, this is Erika of Celadon Garden. Would you like to order some flowers?" The owner Erika asked.
"I am actually calling about the job" Aqua said.
"Oh, you saw our ad?" Erika said "Thank you. We don't have enough staff, so we need the help. As for what days…We can work around your schedule. Just come straight to the store next time you're available. We're in the Vale Underground Shopping mall. I'll be waiting."
Aqua smiles and after ending the call, she goes to work at the Celadon Garden and met with Erika who was kind and gentle, she did everything for the day so Aqua could learn the ropes. She was payed the agreed payment when the day was done and headed home.
When she was going home she heard people talking about how the damage of the subway accident was repaired nd the state of the country and politicians in general.
But she decides to try out the bathhouse which had a mediciatral bath today which boosts her charm today and was very good to sit and think. When she was done she went home and to bed.
On Monday, Aqua found a seat on the train which allowed her to finish the Pirate Legend book.
"Heh, he always said victory parties for pirates were the best." Aresene said chuckling.
"I love how Captain Kidd was the leader of a ragtage group of outlaws" Gatomon said "You must have learned more about courage after reading Captain Kidd's exciting adventures."
"I did indeed" Aqua said nodding.
"He is also happy following mine and by extension your lead" Arsene said to Aqua nodding.
Soon they got to their station and Aqua goes to the school but stops overhearing two female students talking.
"Hey, guess what!" An Excited Girl said "I'm thinking of going for a career on Quiz Shows! There were showing this moving called Tanktop Millionaire at the theater on Central Street…"
"You mean the one where a boy rises from rags to riches by winning on a quiz show?" A Skeptical Girl asked "Sheesh, you get way too into those stories…How about studying for exams before you think about quiz shows?"
"Oof…You got me there…" The Excited girl said.
"Sounds like that movie can change your worldview…" Gatomon said thinking "Watching movies in the theater sounds like a special experience. What kind of movies do you like?"
"I have to say Action" Aqua said thinking.
"I get you. There's just so cathartic to watch!" Gatomon said nodding. "When I turn back into a human, it might not be so bad to make our debut on the silver screen…Well as much as I want to check out that movie they talked about, we've got to focus on Gaston for now."
"Agreed" Aqua said and goes to class.
In class was a period being taught by Yor who said "I was reading the essays you turned in the other day, and everyone's writhing is so sloppy!"
"'I could care less' indicates that you still have some cares left to give! It's 'I COULDN'T care less'!" Yor told them "I've seen this a lot these days, where people are using a phrase differently from it's real meaning. It reminds me of something I've been hearing politicians saying 'My country, right or wrong' They wouldn't be saying it so stubbornly if they knew how it was originally used…"
Yor looks around and looks at Alexis "All right, Alexis. Can you tell me how its meaning has changed?"
"Huh?! Oh, uh, yeah! I mean…" Alexis said, she was normally a studious girl, but being put on the spot when he mind is elsewhere makes her forget some things.
"Hey, Lady Alexis is obviously panicking!" Gatomon said to Aqua "Be a good friend and help her out!"
"Um…what is she even talking about?" Alexis whispered to Aqua "Politics isn't one of my strong suits Can you give me a hint Aqua? What's that phrase originally meant to convey?"
"You unquestioningly support it" Aqua whispered to her.
"Oh right!" Alexis said smiling "Like, it doesn't matter what they do you'll always support it. But the original meaning is different. So I guess it'd be something like…"
"You have a duty to correct it." Aqua said. Alexis nods and answers it to Yor.
"That is correct." Yor said nodding. "The phrase was originally meant to inspire you to take responsibility for keeping your country on the right path." She turns to the class "The full quote is 'My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong to be set right.'"
"So you can see that original was more about taking personal responsibility for your country's future." Yor continued "Unfortunately, these days it's used more to justify blind support instead of actually fixing social issues…"
"Wow, I was so not ready for that…You saved me! Thanks a bunch!" Alexis said to Aqua.
"Nice! Lady Alexis seems really relieved!" Gatomon said smiling. "You're pretty good at studying, I'm impressed."
After school, Aqua went to the library and returns the Pirate Legend Book and then borrows the Alluring dancer and Ami was still cautious of her. She then thought about the conversation she heard the earlier and decided now was the time to sign up for that video rental membership and goes to the video rental store and sees Larry also working there.
"Welcome! Oh hello Aqua" Larry said smiling.
"Wow…you work at the convenience store, fast food restaurant and here?" Aqua said surprised.
"Yeah, it's hectic but I got it down" Larry said smiling "Anyway would you like to apply to our annual membership? Students only need to pay 4,800 credits during our campaign! Rent all the old DVDs you want with no extension fee! You can only rent one at a time, however."
"We're pretty busy so not having to worry about extension fees is awesome!" Gatomon said
"So Aqua, want to sign up?" Larry asked.
"Sure" Aqua said with a smile as she pays the fee.
"Thank you very much! May I see your student ID?" Larry asked. "Okay, you live in…Metru-Nui…Now just sign here…All set!" He said guidling Aqua through the process.
"Your hands were shaking when you wrote Aqua Strife. You were nervous, weren't you?" Gatomon chuckles.
"Now that you're a member, you can borrow DVD's starting today! Here's what we have for now" Larry said showing her the line up Bubbly Hills, 90210, Wraith, Guy McVer and The X folders.
"I'll take The X Folders" Aqua said interested in watching a series about detectives investigating the supernatural.
"Thank you very much! Please come back soon!" Larry said waving after handing the DVD and Aqua leaves.
She goes to work at Celadon Gardens and had to help a customer get an assorted bouquet and upon doing it very well she was paid extra and her kindness went from Inoffensive to Considerate. After that she went home
When she got back, Vito informs her of a package arrived for her, it wsd her Share of Spring Set and she was happy to have got it. She then went upstairs and got dressed.
"Hey, Vito can I help you out?" Aqua asked him.
"Sure, how about you clean up while I'm going to finish preparing the curry." Vito said and Aqua nods in agreement and goes to get an apron.
A while later Vito was finishing cooking and said "All right, that will do for tomorrow's curry…" He looks at Aqua "Hey, how's it going? You getting any better remembering hot to handle different bean types?"
"Yeah I think so." Aqua said nodding.
"Now then…there are three factors that determine the flavor for a cup of coffee: grind, heat and time." Vito said approaching the coffee siphons "First up is grind. For the siphons we have here, we're aiming for medium-fine." He looks at her "…Are you listening to me? What grind are you supposed to use?"
"That would be medium-fine" Aqua said nodding.
"Well done" Berith said nodding.
"Right. Keep up the good work." Vito said nodding. "It doesn't net much profit given the effort it takes, but hey, money is money. I'm not going to forgive you if you serve our customers lousy coffee though. Just remember that"
"Got it" Aqua said nodding.
Just then Vito's phone rings and he looks at it "Who could this be…?" He answers it "Yes, hello?" He then looks shocked "…How'd you get this number?" He listens "Now? Where?" He sighs "…Fine." He hangs up and looks to Aqua "Sorry, something just came up. We can keep going with the lessons some other time."
"Is it trouble?" Aqua asked concerned.
"I sense some darkness." Berith said concerned as well.
"What, you worried about me?" Vito asked smiling "…It's nothing you need to concern yourself over. Just do the dishes while I'm gone. Oh, and remember to shut off the get before you close up shop." He smiles "It's nice having someone around to help at times like this. Turns out you're actually a harder worker than I though. Keep it up."
"Sure thing." Aqua said nodding feeling the bond getting deeper as she sees the Hierophant card gets a third yellow star.
"Okay, I'm off. Don't eat all our food while I'm gone." Vito told her and leaves.
A while later Aqua was in her Pyjamas and her phone rings. She sees it's from Vito and answers.
"Hey, you get everything closer up?" Vito asked.
"Yep, I did Vito" Aqua said.
"Sorry about earlier." Vito said "Had to take care of some business. But don't worry. I'll put you to work. We've got lots of time on our hands."
"Thank you in advance." Aqua said to him smiling.
"Huh. You're awfully obedient today." Vito said sounding surprised "Well as long as you help out and do your part, I'll treat you fairly."
"Got it." Aqua said nodding.
"Well, just make sure you turn off the stove before you head to bed" Vito told her.
Aqua nods and hangs up and goes to turn in for the night. Tomrrow will be a last bit of prep and then she will be ready for the calling card.
The next day Aqua was waiting for the train and Alexis arrives.
"Ah, good morning…Crowded as ever today huh?" Alexis said smiling.
"Indeed" Aqua said nodding.
"We found the Tresure, so all that eft is to send the calling card." Alexis notes "We have less than a week now until the board meeting…What do you want to do today?"
"I feel I am close to being ready to send it but not today." Aqua said.
"Got it, we do have a little time until the board meeting, after all." Alexis said nodding. "Contact me when you make your decision. I'll be over right away."
Once the got to school she studied in the Library and due to people there she felt her guts improve from Milquetost to Bold. She then went home.
On the way home she got some snacks and went to her room and sets up as she and Gatomon get ready to watch The X Folders.
As they watch Aqua sees the Personas with her watching with them as they watch a story about an investigator who is searching the truth behin eerie, supernatural incidents…
"The atmosphere of this show is so ominous. I'm getting creeped out…" Gatomon said
"Me too…" Pixie said creeped out.
"Yeah, spooky." Mandrake agrees.
Soon they get through about half the series when they decide to pause it for now.
"Phew, that was intense. I could barely breathe through all that." Gatomon said smiling.
Aqua nots feeling she improved her Guts watching that. The two head to bed, tomorrow was the big day for the group.
Next time the Calling Card is sent
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