"Daaaaaamn!" Ryuji was reacting to the story that Ren, Yusuke, Sumire, and Hifumi told them about The Streets. "All of that happened in ten minutes?!"
"It was ten minutes for you guys, but it felt like several hours for us." Sumire said while rubbing the back of her neck. "There were a lot of ups and downs."
"And that's putting it mildly." Ren said while letting a sigh. "That place was weird..."
"The enemies were strange as well." Hifumi was going to have a hard time forgetting those Shadows. That's what she thought they were, anyway.
"Only you would get into trouble not even 30 minutes into coming back." Morgana shook his head.
"That bird sounds like she deserved everything that came to her." Haru would not budge on that matter.
"But it's great that you helped Guernica." Makoto said with a gentle smile. "To think there are still people who look out for the Phantom Thieves...I'm just glad you all were capable of helping someone who really needed it."
"I am as well." Yusuke said with a fond smile. "Meeting another kindred spirit of an artist...it was a refreshing thing to witness. I could not allow her resolve or talent go to waste."
"Hold on..." Futaba said with a dramatic pause. "Inari actually made a friend? I never thought I'd see the day!" She was both poking fun at him a little, but she was also happy for him as well.
"Wait a minute..." Ann tapped her chin. She was having a thought. "So if I'm understanding this correctly...was the girl who showed up earlier...Guernica herself!?" She gasped as she connected the dots. "She was here and we never even noticed!?"
"We shouldn't say." Sumire glanced away nervously. "She's an anonymous artist, after all!"
"We ain't gonna tell anyone!" Ryuji said with a reassuring smile. "If I knew it was her, I would've said how kickass her stuff is...I mean, I already did, but...!"
"I think she got the message." Ren said with a slight smile. "I really don't know how she does it so quickly, but hearing your reactions to her work must've made her smile."
"You must be beat, huh?" Morgana looked to Ren and the others. "Even though we only just got here."
"Just gimme a bit. I'll perk myself right up with some coffee." Ren was already getting behind the counter. Since Sojiro was still out, he'd be watching the store. Although there was hardly a chance a customer would come through right now. Business was a little slow like always.
"Although, I'm not surprised to hear that Mika was so...Mika." Ann could only describe it that way. Naturally, Hifumi omitted certain details about Mika's participation, only recounting the aggressive parts. "But I probably would've wanted to crush that dumb bird, too."
"Yeah. I wonder what her deal was." Ryuji could only wonder. He wasn't there. But those who were had no idea either, so her presence was simply...confusing.
"Hopefully it's not something we have to worry about." Hifumi said while sitting down. "I could do without that sort of excitement for a while now. I thought we were effectively retired." She joked lightly.
"Guess there's always some business up for us." Ren joked in turn. Although it wasn't the most expected welcoming party back party, he was happy to be with his friends again. The hours passed by as the group reunited. Even though they were going separate directions in their lives, they always found the time to come back to this café. It would always being them together.
.
.
Hours passed by, and the group had to disperse for the time being. They'd simply meet up tomorrow. For now, Hifumi was on her way home, but she had a sudden text from Mika asking her to come over. It was pretty late...but Mika said Hifumi could stay the night and not worry about the trains. As such, Hifumi made her way to Mika's apartment; it was a pretty nice place on a high floor of a building. She knocked on the door once she arrived. "Mika?"
"It's open." Mika replied from behind the door. It was a bit strange that she wasn't going to greet Hifumi herself. Still, Hifumi opened the door and stepped inside, sliding her shoes off at the entrance. There was Mika, sitting cross legged on the couch. There was a table in front of her, which had a strange book on it...
"Why did you call me over?" Hifumi tilted her head, closing the door behind her and walking closer.
"Because I wanted to steal you away from Ann for the night. I know you can't say no to me." Mika said with a smile. She wasn't lying either. Hifumi just gave an exasperated smile in response.
"I thought it was serious..." Hifumi sighed. Of course she would come if Mika said she needed her, they were friends! "Well, Ann did say this was probably the case. She wanted to tell you...not to get too cozy."
"Oh, please." Mika waved her hand. But she invited Hifumi to sit next to her, which she did. "There was something I did want to talk to you about, though. All that stuff in The Streets got me thinking..."
"About art?" Hifumi tilted her head. That book on the table...she recognized it.
"Well, kinda." Mika sighed. "What I'm about to tell you is something I haven't told a soul. But...I know you're the one person in the world that I trust with this."
Hifumi's expression did grow much more serious. "What is it...?"
Mika took a deep breath. "I told you how I used to draw, and how I went to Kosei, right?"
"Mhm." Hifumi nodded attentively.
"Well...all that stuff in the Streets made me think back to my time in Kosei. Hearing what Tao and that weird friend of yours had to say..." Mika sighed and showed the book off. It was...a year book of Kosei High.
"A year book?" Hifumi blinked.
Mika opened it up to a specific page, and set it down. There was a look of apprehension on her face, but she was trusting Hifumi with this. "I told you I'd tell you later, and I'm doing that right now. I know it's pretty late since Kyoto, but...this is the best way to do it. Try and find me."
"Uh...okay." Hifumi nodded slowly. She leaned in, noticing that these were third years. She vaguely recognized some of these students when she was a first year..! "...Were you a third year..? I can't...seem to find you..."
About the reaction she expected. Mika then pointed to the most unassuming girl in the whole class. Short hair, didn't stand out much, a bit meek... "Sango Mikawa."
"Wh-!?" Hifumi's eyes suddenly went wide. She glanced at the girl named Sango, then at Mika. She repeated this a few times before looking at Mika. "T-That's you? I...didn't even realize..."
"Mhm." Mika nodded in response. Hifumi's shock was expected. "I used to be a part of the art program. Sango Mikawa was an unassuming girl. She didn't stand out, didn't get any attention...she was okay at art, but eventually she just realized it wasn't her passion. It was something she enjoyed, but it wasn't something she wanted to do forever. There were a few people who thought she couldn't do anything...and purely out of spite, I wanted to prove them wrong. It's probably no surprise if I said I was a theater kid?"
This explained a lot about Mika. Hifumi was listening to this story intently. Mika was sharing her past with her... "Is that why you picked up modeling?"
"I wanted to do something with myself. That's why I pretty much changed and hid my name." Mika replied, feeling embarrassed about this vulnerability. "I still like drawing, so to speak...but it's not my passion. But when I look at a piece of art, I can't help but notice the effort. That's why I got so pissy in The Streets. I know this isn't making a lot of sense, but..." Mika let out a small, frustrated sigh. She wasn't used to...working through her emotions like this.
"It's alright." Hifumi was patient with Mika. "I appreciate you telling me all this. I understand what you're trying to say. Do you still like art?"
"Eh...It's hard to say. I hardly like showing people my drawings, even." Mika admitted, closing the book. If nothing else, looking at Sango was just a reminder of how far she's come. From nobody special to among the most popular model's in all of Japan. The dirty tricks she used to get there? She'd still use them, and would do it all over again if she had to. "Sometimes I just feel the itch..."
"I suppose I understand that too." Hifumi nodded.
"And this is partly why I wanted to join the Phantom Thieves. Just to proof that I could. Am I rebel like the rest of you? Hardly. I'm no outcast needing a place to belong...I'm just egoistical and prideful. If you tell me to do something I will prove you wrong purely out of spite." She did sound proud of that, at least. "Well, join is a strong word...I do not like all that fighting."
"Trust me. It is an exhausting endeavor even for us veterans." Hifumi could not agree with a statement more. Even if the fighting did have its own rewards, she much enjoyed her time as a normal student these days.
"But this is also why I hate women with bigger egos than me. Not because I'm from some humble beginning or anything." Mika shook her head. "They just have no tact or class! They don't even fake it that well. Like with Alice! I could tell she was a fake the minute she opened her mouth!"
"I thought that was you just being a hater, admittedly..." Hifumi said with a gentle smile.
"It was. But I know fake, we've been over this." Mika waved a hand. She was trying to shift the topic away from herself now.
"You know, if you wanted to see something inspiring...you could always come to Leblanc. There's a really nice painting there." Hifumi offered.
"Eh? In that dump?" Mika tilted her head. She'd only been to Leblanc a single time. She wasn't a fan of the interior. So she didn't notice it whatsoever.
"Hey." Hifumi shook her head. "It's a lovely atmosphere. Give it a simple glance, and see how you feel?"
Mika let out a small, defeated sigh. She was admittedly curious about this Sayuri... "Fine...I can't say no to you, Hifumi-chan. I'll give it a peak. But if I don't like it...I'm leaving." She knew how important that supposed painting was to Yusuke, at least. She wasn't so rude enough to openly trash someone else's art like that.
"Thank you. I think you'll like it." Hifumi placed her hands in her lap. "So, where am I to stay for the night? I've already contacted my mother I would be spending the night here. I don't think she cared for it much, but she knows I trust you."
"I wouldn't leave you to sleep on the couch! My friend deserves so much better than that!" Mika said with a smile. "You'll be the first person to use the extra room I have here! And don't worry about your clothes, I'll give you something nice. We're about the same size..."
To that, Hifumi blushed and waved her hands. "T-That won't be necessary...!"
.
.
December 27th
With the day started, Ren made his way downstairs. Sojiro once again had to do some errands, but he wouldn't be gone for long. Ren was watching the shop, as it was his 'fee' for staying in the attic, free of charge. Not that he minded. It didn't take long for the others to gather within the cafe as well.
"What's up!" Ryuji entered with a grin
"It's empty again?" Ann tilted her head.
"Sojiro was spending the morning complaining that he doesn't get any customers." Futaba snickered.
"...Well. I was happy we got the place to ourselves, but now I'm feeling a little bad." Ann said with a sweat drop.
"I'm sure they'll come rolling in." Ren said confidently. Someone had to have faith.
Soon, Mika and Hifumi arrived at the same time. "Hello." Hifumi waved to the others.
"Fumi! There you are. The witch didn't do anything to you, did she?" Ann said while giving Mika a look. The sparks were flying between them; the rivalry would never die. In both modeling, and the fight for Hifumi's attention.
"It's alright." Hifumi smiled. "Nothing happened. She just wanted a chat."
"And she came back? I thought she hated this place." Morgana said while looking at Mika. These two were glaring at each other.
"I forgot you were here. If I remembered, I would have you kicked out of this place for health concerns, you rotten feline!" Mika exclaimed.
Morgana's back arched and he hissed towards Mika. "You wanna say that again!? I got claws!"
"So do I!" Mika huffed. Hifumi had to pull Mika back, while Haru decided to pull Morgana back.
"They fight almost as fiercely as Ryuji and he does..." Yusuke commented.
"It's stressful." Sumire admitted with a sweat drop.
"So, Mika...what brings you here?" Makoto decided to ask. It was curious as to why Mika came to Leblanc of all places.
"...No reason, just came to look at something." Mika said, eyes subtlety wandering towards the Sayuri on the wall. She didn't want to make it obvious, because she did not feel like getting judged or questioned for it. "I don't intend to stay for long. I keep getting dragged into weird stuff when I'm around you all."
"We aren't fans of it either." Ryuji commented.
It was then that Akechi stepped through the door. The whole gang was now here. "Oh...I see you're all here. I should've expected that with Ren's return."
"Akechi...?" Haru blinked and watched him enter. "What are you doing here...?"
"Rare to see you in here." Futaba commented. It had been months since Akechi stepped foot in Leblanc. Knowing the type of person he was, she could assume he was here for a reason.
"I won't take long. I'm not here for all of you. Is Sakura-san around?" Akechi glanced around the building, with no sight of Sojiro.
"Boss stepped out for a bit." Ryuji answered. "Why'd ya ask anyway?"
"Can someone turn on the TV? That will be easier to explain that starting from the beginning." Akechi said while crossing his arms. Haru obliged by turning the TV on, and the news was covering the same story it had been over the last few days.
"And now, our report on Toshiro Kasukabe. The authorities investigation into the Diet members apparent disappearance continues. Considered by many to be a strong candidate for the Prime Minster, where could he have gone?" One of the reporters remarked.
"A fair contingent of voters look to him as the fresh, new face of national politics. After the scandals of Masayoshi Shido and Owada, many find his absence to be concerning."
"Yes, ever since Kasukabe entered the Diet, his support from the public has only grown. It's no surprise his abense has caused a stir in the political world."
"While illness seems to be the accepted answer and response, this does not stop the rumors from spreading and quickly."
"Oh yeah, they were covering this yesterday." Futaba recalled this news cast. "The net's going crazy about him, too. There are at least half a dozen conspiracies at this point."
"I've been hearing his name a lot on television as well." Haru commented.
Mika was looking up Toshiro on her phone. Immediately, she made a disguised face. "I've never seen a more spineless individual. Maybe he ran away."
"You can't just say that...you don't even know him!" Ann exclaimed.
"I'd say it to his face, too!" Mika rolled her eyes. "And this guy is engaged? I find that hard to believe." She was just skimming information about him; she wasn't really that invested whatsoever.
"Well, that's what I'm looking into." Akechi crossed his arms.
"Already? Didn't you have enough excitement for one day, just yesterday?" Ren asked.
"The disappearance of that man has everyone in shambles. All hands were asked to participate." Akechi sighed while shaking his head. "Personally, I can't say I care much. But at the same time, I couldn't help but want to know the truth of the matter. Especially since I was the only person who actually managed to scourge up a half decent lead."
"This lead being?" Hifumi asked.
"Supposedly, as I asked around, there were a few people who noted that they saw Toshiro Kasukabe frequent this very cafe." Akechi said. When he did, everyone looked at him.
"I think we would've noticed if a politician walked through these doors...!" Ann said.
"I heard his visits were frequent during the summer." Akechi added. "And during that time, we were halfway across the country."
"We wouldn't have had a chance to catch a glimpse of him by then..." Yusuke stroked his chin.
"So I simply stopped by to ask if Sakura-san had seen the man recently. It would be the closest thing anyone has gotten to a clue." Akechi explained.
"Sojiro went out to run some errands...so he'll be back soon. You can stick around if you want." Futaba offered. Akechi wasn't perceived as a threat these days. While he would claim he's far from reformed or atoned...he was doing better, as hard as it was.
"...If it's only for a few moments." Akechi admitted, glancing off to the side. "I don't intend to infringe on your time together."
"Still, someone going missing...I really hope there isn't more trouble brewing..." Makoto couldn't help but voice her concerns.
"Haven't we been through enough? Do we have to go some DLC too!?" Futaba whined.
"Can you PLEASE speak like a normal person for once?" Mika pinched the bridge of her nose. She could hardly stand having a conversation with Futaba...
"We haven't had a group this big in a while." Makoto said fondly. "If there were a few certain people here, it would feel just like summer all over again."
"That sounds nice." Hifumi said with a faint smile.
"You all can have fun. I have things to do." Mika did what she came here to do. She had no intention of staying any longer than necessary. She went to the door and made an effort to open it, however...it wouldn't budge. "Wh...?"
That wasn't the only strange thing going on. The TV was on the fritz too. "As the investigation continues, we'll bring you any updates on Toshiro Kasukabe as they - are - released..." The image on the TV was distorted, and the audio was breaking up and filled with static.
"Hmm? What the.." Morgana tilted his head. This was...very off.
"It...is...now...10 o'clock..."
"Uh...what's going on with the TV?" Ann blinked, unsure what to say or do.
"What's wrong with this DOOR?" Mika was still trying to open the door, but to no avail. Was this place so dingy even the door didn't want to work at times!?
"It is now ten...ten...ten...ten..." The voice on the TV kept repeating itself. At this point, everyone's attention was on the TV.
"The hell!? What happened to the TV!?" Ryuji walked over to the TV, examining it a bit while trying to figure out what was wrong. Everything was plugged in, so what was the issue!?
Haru pointed the remote at the TV and pressed a few buttons. "The remote's not working either."
"Um...what's going on?" Sumire looked between the door and the TV. These things that should've been working, weren't. And shortly after she asked that, the entire building began to shake violently. "Gaaah!?" This caught everyone by surprise as they tried to brace themselves.
"Hold onto something...!" Hifumi cried out.
"Wha-...what's happening!?" Morgana asked the question everyone would like to know. Yusuke was trying to get his bearings straight, but all of this shaking ended up leaving him stunned. A number of cups and plates fall from all the thrashing around, but then...they were all suspended in mid air.
Futaba noticed this and her eyes widened. "W-W-WH-WHAT THE!?"
And upon seeing this, Yusuke quickly shoved his way over to observe the suspended dishes. "They're floating...no, frozen in place!"
"What is this...?" Akechi had a bad feeling about this...none of it felt natural.
"Ugh...my head..." Mika rubbed her head. What an unpleasant experience that was! "Was there an earthquake or something..."
"I wish it were that simple..." Makoto would've preferred that to be the case. But the case of the floating dishes threw that possibility aside.
"Damn..." Ren lost his footing with the violent tremors. When he stood up, he noticed that the door was different than usual. There was a strange symbol on the door that he didn't recognize. He narrowed his eyes and stared at it intently. Whatever was behind that door, was surely the cause of this...