//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - Attempts at Interrogation. // Story: Hexan, the Phantom Thief // by Hexan Tronic //------------------------------// ??/?? ??? I once again awaken in the blue prison cell, and for some reason, my phone is still on metaverse radio, but the others seem to ignore it. “Welcome back to the Velvet room.” Igor says, greeting me with his somewhat creepy smile. “I have decided to resume our previous conversation tonight. That is why you have been summoned here again.” “So, what do you think, are you becoming comfortable here?” He asks, keeping his gaze on me. “I guess, I haven’t really been here enough yet to decide.” I reply, keeping an eye on the twins. “Hmm, that will likely be rectified in the near future, but it seems you aren’t really bothered by this place either.” He continues. “Your rehabilitation will determine if ruin can be stopped. Yet, it is highly unlikely that you can accomplish this feat alone. But today, you entered a partnership with someone who awoke to the same power, haven’t you?” “You’re talking about Hayai, right?” I ask. “Involving yourself with others is a crucial part of your recovery. You’ve done well.” He says. “That being the case, I’m not suggesting that you form superficial relationships.” “It cannot be a frivolity, but a ring of those who would, by morals or faith, lend you their strength when you need it most.” He continues. “In other words, they are bonds with those like you, people who have had their place to belong taken from them. The formation and growth of said ring, will, in return, assist your with maturing as well.” “Persona’s are the strength of heart.” Justine states calmly. “The stronger the bonds that surround you, the more power your Personas will gain.” “There are many people in the city who possess talents that a weakling like you doesn’t.” Caroline snarks. “You better get thinking about how you’re going to get them onto your side. We’ll convert the bonds between you into power.” “Indeed. You should be prepared to use even myself, or your ambitions will not come to fruition.” Igor states, then chuckles. “We have a deal then.” He finishes. ‘Huh, I can feel a similar feeling to before with Hayai. Is this the bond Igor spoke of?’ I think to myself, deciding to make a note of this on my phone. “Well, you will come to understand is all, in your own time… Continue to devote yourself to your rehabilitation.” He says. “Now, this conversation’s over! Get lost, Inmate!” Caroline orders. Since it seems I’m done here for now, I decide to go back to sleep. 04/13 Wed I’m walking to school, and happen to hear a conversation going on ahead of me. “How irritating--we’ve barely started high school, and already they’re making us play at a football rally?” A dissatisfied student who appears younger than me, questions. “And why are they pitting us against the teacher team? Kikku’s gonna crush us.” “We get to see his technique live and in person, though. We should totally get tackled!” The other student, who sounds on the Kikku Bandwagon, says excitedly. “Yeah, OK. You’re gonna get destroyed though.” The first student says. “Just look at how banged up the football team is. What the hell goes on during their practices?” -------------------------------------- Ms. Kenkyū is addressing the class. “OK, listen up everyone.” She starts. “As you are all aware, today is the football rally.” “All of you, head to the gymnasium once you’ve changed. Got it?” She orders, then the class heads out to change into our gym clothes, which the school provides. -------------------------------------- We’re watching a match between the teachers, and a team of students, one of which I recognise from my class, before he gets knocked over and the ball stolen. I don’t know much about football, or rugby, whichever they want to call it. While watching, I notice Bēru-san sitting nearby, not looking very interested at all. “She still sticks out like a sore thumb, huh… Hasn’t changed a bit.” Hayai says, noticing her as well from his spot beside me. “Well, this is pretty boring, right?” He asks, to which I smirk at his jab at Kikku’s suggested event. ‘Seems like they know, or knew, each other…’ I think to myself, before both mine, and Hayai’s attention is drawn back to the match. There have been a few more goals and touchdowns since we stopped watching, but now a strange turn of events is occurring resulting in Kikku rolling in mid air, then tackling that same student from before, stunning the student. As Kikku gets off him, he begins checking on the student. “Sorry.” Kikku says, not at all sounding genuine, as he helps him sit up a bit. “Hey, are you alright kid?” Once it looks like he isn’t too good, he calls out. “Someone, take him to the nurses office.” He says, still managing to sound like he doesn’t care at all. He passes him off to another student. “He’ll pay, soon enough.” Hayai says, throwing the ball back over, as it had landing by where we were sitting. “Alright, let’s resume the match!” Kikku says, sounding as enthusiastic as ever. Bēru looks a little troubled. -------------------------------------- After the match, me and Hayai are taking a short break in the courtyard, which has benches, a table, and some vending machines. “That asshole’s actin’ like a king over here too, now that I know what to look for…” Hayai says, looking concerned. “Get to know each other better, my ass. It’s just a one-man show for him to stoke his ego and show off.” “And how he acted like he was worried about Puroguramu? What an abusive d-bag…!” He continues. “You’re right, I noticed that myself. And I never would have if I hadn’t seen that other side.” I say, agreeing with him. “...Well, anyways. Now’s our chance to go look for the guys we saw were slaves yesterday.” He says, sounding confident. “Let’s look for the faces we saw at the castle. All of the members of the team should be here today because of the rally.” “I’ll be sure to find someone who will spill about Kikku’s physical abuse. Just you wait, asshole.” He finishes, getting determined. “So, where are we searching first?” I ask, since I didn’t look at the slaves that much yesterday. “Thanks for helping me out with this.” He says, sounding grateful. “...The first one that popped out was a  guy from Class D, so let’s start from there.” He explains. “That’s your class, isn’t it?” He asks, to which I nod. “Hopefully you can get him to talk without any issues. People have been avoidin’ me lately, so…” He says, looking down. “Oh, but you’re kinda in the same boat, huh.” After that, we head inside, and walk up to my classroom. Once inside, I can see a student in the schools football uniform, with some bandages around his head. We walk up to him, and I decide to start the conversation. “Hey, do you have a minute?” I ask, hoping that by being polite, he will talk. He turns around to look at me, with his one uncovered eye. “What…?” He asks. “Are you skipping out on the football rally? I guess that’s expected from you, transfer.” He says, making me a little annoyed. “Not really, just not interested.” I state, before Hayai whispers in my ear. “Hey, that’s one of the guys who was in that castle.” Hayai then backs away, to let me talk. “You too, Tama!?” The scared looking player asks, sounding a bit shocked. “Ignore him, focus on me, please.” I say, hoping if he focuses on me, he will be more receptive. “What do you guys want…?” He asks. “I know this might be coming out of nowhere, but how did you get your injury?” I ask. “Huh? Why are you asking something so stupid. I got in a fight outside of school, alright?” He says, not convincing me at all. “You sure it’s not Kikku’s doing?” Hayai asks. “Look, I ain’t gonna tell anyone you squealed. Just tell us about how Kamoshida’s abusin’ you.” “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” He says, sounding worried. “There’s no need to be afraid of either of us. I have no intention of harming you.” I say. “I-I’m not afraid, since there’s nothing to fear speaking about. You guys are talking complete nonsense!” He exclaims. “Don’t try n’ hide it! We already know!” Hayai says. “You… You know? You have proof?” He asks. Before Hayai says something to mess it up, I speak up. “We might not have proof, but we have seen it happen. We want to get the side from you and other players before we speak up.” I say, hoping I sound convincing. “While you may be telling the truth, without proof, there isn’t anything you can do. Just leave me alone.” He says, sounding defeated. “...All right, that’s enough. C’mon, let’s go.” Hayai says, walking away as I follow him. We ended up stopping outside the classroom to talk. “That injury ain’t normal! And he still refuses to talk…” Hayai states. “Crap. If we keep goin’ at this pace, the game’s gonna end…” “How about we split up? But I’d need you to send me info on the guys.” I suggest. “That’s sure to be faster, alright then.” He agrees. “I’ll check the Practice Building for people before clubs start. You handle the Classroom building.” “There’s a third-year on the football team that I remember. I think he’s in… 3-C?” He says. “He might be around his classroom. The third-year classrooms are on the first floor.”  “He was gettin’ beat pretty badly at the castle. He might have some injuries here too…” He says, sounding concerned. “Anyways, I’ll hit you up if I find anything. Seeya!” He finishes, heading off to his area. Once Hayai is out of sight, I head downstairs to search. When I reach the ground floor, I notice Bēru-san talking with someone, and decide to listen in from a distance. “Everyone’s been saying a lot of bad stuff about that new transfer student in your class, Rirī...” Her friend says, making me give a small smile, because at least one person is sounding concerned about me. “I know. I hate rumors already, but they’re only getting more and more complex as time goes on.” Bēru-san says, sounding a bit angry. ‘Perhaps she has had rumors about her too?’ I think to myself, staying focused on listening. “I wonder if he’s alright… I hope he’s not letting it get to him too much.” Her friend says. “That’s just like you, Hikui. Always worrying about other people before yourself.” Bēru-san says, giving me one part of her friends name. “Kinda like when you were there for me…” ‘This seems like a good time to leave, I still have people to find.’ I think to myself, before heading off in search of some of the football players. Nearby, I noticed a pair of students talking, one of which is wearing a football uniform, which also lets me see some injuries. I walk over to talk. “Man, cleaning up after the football rally is gonna be such a goddamn pain…” The football player says, sounding irritated, before noticing me. “Eh? Whaddya want?” “Well? Do you have something to say?” He asks. “Well, I was just wondering how you hurt yourself.” I explain. “I not really any of your business.” He states. “Hey, I know who this guy is. He’s that transfer student who’s been hanging out with Tama…” The other guy states. “Oh, I get it. You’re trying to snoop on Mr. Kikku, right?” The player asks. “Look, our football team performs at a national level. Of course our practices are gonna be tough.” “Mr. Kikku’s just dedicated to training us. Don’t believe everything Tama says.” He finishes. “Uh, you didn’t even let me get a word in. This had nothing to do with Mr. Kikku. I was just curious…” I explain, hoping my bluff works. “Uh… Well either way, that just how it is.” He replies, seeming to accept my answer. “Hey, we should stop talking to him. What if he loses it and starts attacking us?” The other guy says, to which I give him a deadpan stare. “If you seriously believed that, you would have taken off already, don’t just use a stupid rumour as an excuse to leave.” I say, sounding annoyed. “W-Well, I heard you come to school armed, so no-one knows what you’re capable of.” He finishes. “Well, I’m glad to say that you’re an idiot. What kind of fool would bring a weapon to school? Especially one on probation.” I point out, breaking down each and every argument. That’s when my phone goes off. “Well, looks like I have somewhere to be, so I can’t stick around to destroy more rumors about me. See ya.” I say, before walking off. Once I’m out of sight, I pull out my phone and see a message from Hayai. He asks. I reply. He says, sounding annoyed. He answers. He finishes, before going offline. I put my phone away, before beginning to make my way upstairs. Once I’m on the third floor, I make my way to the kids classroom. I see him almost right away, and he seems both injured, and a little frightened. I make my way over and get his attention. “Hey, you’re on the football team, right?” I ask, hoping I can keep him calm. “Huh? Y-Yeah… I’m on the football team.” He replies, his voice sounding shaky. “Waddya want?” “I was just wondering where a first year would get injuries like those.” I say, beginning to get really concerned that all these students are being injured like this. “O-Oh, these…?” He asks. “I-It, uh… It happened during practice. I mean, everyone on the team’s got injuries like this.” He explains. “That’s what’s worrying me, kid.” I say. “Though, I have noticed that Puroguramu-senpai has it especially bad though… He gets to deal with Mr. Kikku’s special coaching…” He says, leaking a lead. “O-Oh, uh… Never mind! Forget I said anything!” “What do you mean by ‘special coaching’?” I ask. “C-Can you please just leave me alone…” He says, already sounding defeated. “If you wanna know anything more, just ask someone else…” I decided to give him a break, and take my leave, that’s when the PA system goes off. “Attention, attention.” The speaker says. “All matches have concluded. Please get ready to go home for today…” Then the announcement ending tune plays. “Hey kid, take my advice, and go visit a doctor or something. I’d recommend something like the clinic in Yongen-Jaya.” I say, before heading off, because I felt my phone go off again. Hayai asks. I reply. He finishes, going offline. I decide to head right on down. -------------------------------------- When I got to the courtyard, I notice that Hayai wasn’t there. So, I decided to look in one of the vending machines for something to buy with the money I got in the metaverse. As I was looking, I remember the metaverse radio app, and decide to turn it back on. While listening I heard someone walk up behind me and turn around, expecting it to be Hayai, but then I see Bēru-san. “Can I talk to you for a sec…?” She asks me. “Uh, sure, but don’t take too long, I’m meeting someone.” I explain. “Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.” She says. “Anyway, what’s with you? Like, how you were late the other day was a lie and all.” ‘Huh, seems she caught that, smart girl.’ I think to myself. “And then there’s that weird rumor about you too.” She continues. “Whaddya want with him?” Hayai asks, walking over, and seeming to surprise her. “Right back at you. You’re not even in our class.” She says, sounding aggressive. “...W-We just happened to get to know each other.” He says, not sounding very convincing. “We ran into each other at the school store when I went to buy something to eat. We chatted and ended up becoming kinda friends.” I say, trying to make it less suspicious. “What’re you guys planning on doing to Mr. Kikku?” She asks. “Huh!?” He says, looking shocked. “What are you on about. We have no want to have anything to do with him.” I say, hoping to derail her questioning. I also give Hayai a look to not spoil it, since her back is to me. “Really? Then why did I notice you talking to some of the football team earlier?” She asks me. “Well, I’m new here, and was concerned that so many students looked injured, so I decided to find out why.” I explain. “And I was helping him out, since I’ve been here longer.” Hayai says. “If you wanted to know that, why not ask someone in our class? It would have been easier.” She points out. “With all the rumors going around about me, how many students in the school would give me the time of day, let alone tell me something I want to know.” I fire back, to which she looks concerned. “Are the rumors bothering you that much?” She asks. “Not personally, but it is making it hard to talk to other students, since half of them expect me to attack them if they say something wrong.” I say, causing her to look sympathetic. “I feel sorry for you, I’m kinda in the same boat myself, rumor wise.” She says, seeming to have forgotten our previous topic. “You have my apologies, I’m sorry a girl as nice as you has to deal with that.” I complement. “Thanks. It certainly helps to have a friend. And it looks like you have one.” She says, sounding a bit more relaxed. “Anyway, I better be going, I have an appointment to keep. Bye guys.” She says, then walks off. “She was a bit aggressive at the start there, but you did a good job of calming her down. And quick thinking, for getting her off our trail.” Hayai says, once she is out of earshot. “I guess you two have history?” I ask. “We went to the same middle school.” He says. “Anyways, that’s not what we’re here to talk about.” “I had no luck on my end. What about you?” He asks. “Oh, that’s right, you got a name, right?” He continues. “Yeah, I think it was Puroguramu.” I answer. “Huh…?” Is his reply. “The kid I was talking to mentioned something about him getting ‘special coaching’.” I finish. “...Special 'coaching,’ huh? Sounds like an excuse to beat him.” He says. “It seems likely too. I always see the guy covered in bruises.” “Let’s see if we can catch him before he leaves.” He decides. Then we head off in search of Puroguramu-san. -------------------------------------- We catch him about to leave, by the main entrance. We quickly catch up to him. “Hey, got a second?” Hayai asks, getting him to stop. “Tama…?” Puroguramu-san says, looking shocked. “And you, too…!?” “It’s fine, we just wanna chat.” Hayai says. “Word around the school is that Kikku’s been ‘coaching’ you, huh?” “You sure it’s not just physical abuse?” He asks. “Certainly not!” Puroguramu-san says, not looking very convincing. “What’re you talkin’ all polite for? Anyways…” Hayai goes to continue. “We saw him spike you today. Right in the face.” “That was just because I’m not good at the sport…” Puroguramu-san says, looking dejected. “Then why are you on the team?” I ask. “Because what else would I be doing if I wasn’t part of the team? I’d be nothing.” He says. “...Either way, that doesn’t explain all the other bruises you’ve got.” Hayai says. “They’re from practice…!” Puroguramu-san says, defensively. “Is he forcin’ you to keep quiet?” Hayai asks. “That’s…” Puroguramu-san goes to talk, before he is interrupted by Kikku. “What’s going on here?” Kikku asks, then looks like he wants to say something else, before I interrupt him. “Nothing sir, I was just asking Puroguramu if he has any suggestions about different clubs I could join, since we are in the same class and all.” I say, using my skill at speed talking to keep him from talking. “Then what’s Tama doing with you?” He asks. “I don’t know my way around yet, and he offered to lead me around.” I reply. “Fine then. Carry on.” Kikku says, walking off. “Even if he didn’t say much he’s an asshole. Good cover, Hexan.” Hayai says. “Why’d you cover for me?” Puroguramu-san asks. “Because I’m not about to let you get pulled into more practice today, and I could tell he was going to suggest it.” I say. “Either way, there’s no point.” He says. “Huh!?” Hayai asks. “Proving that he’s physically abusing us… is meaningless.” Puroguramu-san says, sounding defeated. “Everybody knows… The principal, our parents… They all know, and they all keep quiet about it.” “And how do you know this? Did Kikku tell you? Other players?” I ask. “Both, and I believe it, since none of the players parents have commented about our injuries…” He replies. “This has gotta be a joke…” Hayai says, looking shocked. “...Don’t be a pain. You don’t understand what we’re going through.” Puroguramu-san says. “Shouldn’t you of all people know that nothing’s going to help…!?” He says, looking at Hayai, who is silent at that remark. After that, Puroguramu-san runs off home, since I managed to get him out of practice. “Dammit…” Hayai says. “So, what should we do now?” I ask. “...I’ll try one more time to persuade the other guys. That’s… all I can do.” He says, sounding down. After that, we split up and I head home. -------------------------------------- After taking a quick stop in Shibuya, I end up back at the cafe, around evening, and walk inside. That’s when the MR changes again. Once up in my room, I put my bag down, and begin to relax. ‘I’m feeling pretty tired from all that happened today… I think I should get some sleep soon.’ I think to myself, before getting changed, laying in bed, but before I can go to sleep, my phone goes off. Hayai says. He asks. I reply. Hey says. He continues. He says, giving me pause. I ask. He replies. He says. He says. He finishes, before going offline. I put my phone down, and look up and the ceiling. ‘I’m beat from running around all day… I’m going to sleep.’ I think to myself, before letting sleep take me.