//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - Tragedy Strikes. // Story: Hexan, the Phantom Thief // by Hexan Tronic //------------------------------// 04/15 Fri While walking to school, I overheard a conversation between two girls, who I suspect are on the football team. “I can’t believe Pitchi-senpai missed such an important meeting. I wonder what happened.” The first one asked, I think she is a first-year. “I heard that Mr. Kikku asked to see her…” The other girl says, sounding worried. “You know, I’ve been hearing rumors about how Mr. Kikku and Pitchi-senpai stay late…” The first-year points out. “She always shows up to meetings though. It’s weird she wasn’t at the one yesterday...” They finished their conversation, then I head inside to class. ------------------------ I’m in one of Mr. Ushimaru’s classes, and he is talking about the separation of powers in the government. “When it comes to the separation of powers in our government, they are split into three groups.” He begins. “The National Diet is legislative, the Cabinet is executive, and the Supreme Court is judiciary.” “This division of power provides checks and balances, which ensures no one brance becomes unstoppable.” He explains. That’s when I feel a shuffling at my legs. “Have you made your mind up yet?” Abigale whispers, poking her head out of my bag. ‘Damn it, I forgot about her again.’ I think to myself, looking at her without drawing attention to myself. “No matter how much you guys may hope, I don’t really think there are any other options.” She whispers, sounding sympathetic. “Why tell me this now?” I whisper to her. Then I notice Mr. Ushimaru looking around. “Hm? Did I just hear a pup just now?” He asks no-one, but the class looks around anyway. “Y-Yip!” Abigale says, almost giving herself away. I hope the guy behind me doesn’t notice, I tell on me. “Hmm… Could that rumored dog be somewhere nearby…?” He asks himself. “Settle down! We’re in the middle of an important lecture!” ‘He’s yelling at a pup…’ Then I feel my phone go off. I discreetly pull it out. Before continuing, I quickly write a note, and add some of the ¥en to it, then pass it to the guy behind me, buying his silence. I get a nod from him, then look at my phone. Hayai’s first message says. I ask. He asks me. he finishes, before going offline. “Sounds like he isn’t a fan of me yet, or my plan…” Abigale whispers, having read our conversation. I noticed a student near the front of the class stand up. Wasn’t he looking at the window all lesson? “Hey… What’s that…!?” He asks, standing up. “Enough! This is a classroom!” Mr. Ushimaru says. “Wait… She’s going to jump…!” The girl behind the standing guy exclaims. “Pitchi…?” Puroguramu asks, standing up while looking out the window. ‘No, it can’t be her!’ “Hikui…?” Rirī-san asks, getting up to. ‘Shit’ I think to myself, getting up, grabbing my bag to keep Abigale near. The class is getting riled up. “Hey! Stay in your seats! Do not step foot outside this room!” Mr. Ushimaru orders. ‘Like hell we will!’ I think, ready to bolt out there. That’s when Rirī-san runs out, I quickly follow her out of the room, to one of the windows in the hall, while the class start gossiping. Outside the window, on the edge of the roof, is Pitchi. I can see her as I stand behind Rirī-san, both of us shocked. Then she falls forward, off the edge of the roof, and out of vision of the window. “......!” Rirī-san is shocked silent, hands to her mouth. I can hear Mr. Ushimaru trying to order us back to our seats behind us, but I ignore him. “No… Why…?” “Hikui…!” Rirī-san barely gasps out, pushing me out of the way as she runs down to the courtyard. Before I can follow, I see Hayai running over. “H-Hey! What’s goin’ on!? We should head to the courtyard too!” He says, before we start down the stairs. Unfortunately, the doorway to the courtyard from this side is blocked by a mob of students, chatting away. “Th-the hell is this!?” Hayai asks. “There’s no way we’re gonna get past all these goddamn people…” “C’mon, let’s try goin’ out through the practice buildin’ exit!” He says, leading the way around, past the school entrance, to the passageway to the practice building. And we begin our way through the sea of students. “Hey, lemme through!” I hear Hayai say over the mob of people. “What the hell!?” I hear a male student nearby say as I push my way through. “Outta the way, man! Please!” Hayai asks. We eventually make our way to the practice building. We begin running to the entrance to the courtyard on this side, where there is a thinner crowd of students I see a circular area of students, around some paramedics, with Pitchi-san on a stretcher. “Class is still in session!” A random teacher says, I don’t recognise the voice so I don’t care. I see Rirī-san at the edge of the student circle, and lead the way near her. “Hikui…!” Rirī-san says, sounding very upset. “What the hell’s wrong with these people…!?” Hayai asks, looking at all the students around us, who are taking pictures on their phones.‘I agree, mate.’ “We need someone to go with her… Are there any teachers around?” One of the paramedics ask. “I-I’m not in charge of her class though…” One teacher says, sounding like he is panicking. “We should leave this to Principal Don'yoku…” A hesitant teacher says. “I’ll go!” Rirī-san says, sounding determined. “Please hurry!” The paramedic says. ------------------------ Rirī Bēru’s POV: “Hikui… Why…?” I ask, kneeling beside the stretcher. “Rirī…?” Hikui says, regaining a bit of consciousness. “I’m sorry. I… I can’t take this… anymore…”  “Hikui…?” I ask, leaning down to listen to her weakening voice. “He...He did things… terrible things to me… I just can’t handle this anymore, Rirī…” She says, sounding very weak. “...Huh?” I ask, wondering who she meant, before coming to the only conclusion. “...Kikku!?” I ask in shock. “Ngh…” She lets out, before losing consciousness again. “No… Hikui!?” I say. ‘No, I can’t lose her!’ That’s when she is loaded in the van. Before we take off, I swear that I could hear someone say something. ‘...And we won’t, but you need to wake up first…’ ------------------------ Hexan Tronic’s POV: After watching them get into the ambulance, I turn to Hayai, while I can hear the students gossiping. I also notice Puroguramu-san, nearby. “The football team…” Hayai says, having heard it mentioned a couple of times in the gossiping mess. “Return to your classrooms at once!” The panicked teacher orders, but most ignore him. “Ah… Ah…” Puroguramu gasps out, sounding short of breath, before he takes off. “That guy…” Hayai starts to say. “Hey, wasn’t Puroguramu acting weird?” “He probably knows something, I noticed him behaving odd to.” I say, getting ready to run again. “...We’re gonna make him talk this time.” Hayai says, sounding determined, and angry. Then, we give chase. Behind us, I can hear the principal. “Teachers, return to your classrooms for the time being! Please, do not let any students go home yet!” He orders, as we get inside. ------------------------ We manage to catch him, the corner him at some lockers. “Ugh… That hurts!” Puroguramu-san says. “Why’d you run like that? Huh!?” Hayai asks, letting some anger out on Puroguramu-san. “I didn’t run…” Puroguramu-san says, sound like even he isn’t convinced. Then Hayai hits one of the lockers. “She jumped and tried to kill herself!” Hayai yells. “...L-Leave me alone…” Puroguramu-san whimpers out. “If you know something, just tell us mate. We won’t let anyone know you talked either.” I say. “He’s right.” Hayai agrees. “Pitchi…” Puroguramu-san says, sounding regretful. “She was called out by Mr. Kikku!” “Wait, what!?” Hayai asked, both of us shocked. “I was called by him a number of times too… to the teacher’s room.” Puroguramu-san continues. “It wasn’t just more or Pitchi either. He’d nominate someone when he was in a bad mood… and hit them.” “So the physical punishment thing was for real…” Hayai states. “But yesterday, he called Pitchi up out of the blue. She didn’t make any mistakes or anything…” Puroguramu-san says, sounding puzzled. “Mr. Kikku seemed really irritated that day, so it must’ve been… worse than usual…” ‘He didn’t…’ I think to myself. “He didn’t…!” Hayai says, mirroring my thoughts, before turning around. “That son of a bitch…!” That’s when he takes off. “Ah…” Puroguramu-san says, surprised. I take off after him. “Come on, Puroguramu-san!” I say, running after Hayai. After a moment, I hear Puroguramu-san behind me. “I bet… Tama’s going to find Mr. Kikku…” Puroguramu-san begins, as we follow him. “Mr. Kikku’s probably in the PE faculty office on the second floor.” We follow Hayai up to the second floor, just in time to see him enter a room. “He went into the PE faculty office! Let’s hurry, we have to go after him.” He continues. I nod and we head inside. I can hear a faint voice inside my head before we go in.‘We should destroy that bastard!’ Inside, we see Hayai, standing in the center of the room, while Kikku is sitting down, looking at us. “...Huh?” Kikku asks, giving us his full attention. “You bastard! The hell did you do to that girl!?” Hayai asks. “What are you talking about?” Kikku asks. “Don’t play dumb with me!” Hayai yells, kicking a metal chair over. “That is enough!” Kikku says. “What you did… wasn’t coaching…!” Puroguramu-san says. “What did you say?” Kikku asks, turning the chair around. “You… You ordered me to call Pitchi here…” Puroguramu-san says. “I can only imagine what you did to her…!” He says, looking distressed. “You’re going on and on about things you have no proof of…” Kikku says, standing up. “Basically, you’re simply making these claims because you can’t be a regular on the team, right?” “That’s not what this is about…!” Puroguramu-san says, gaining some fire in his eyes. “Even if it is exactly as you imagine it to be, hypothetically speaking… what can you do?” Kikku asks. “We just received a call from the hospital.” ‘Oh no…’ ‘Kill him!’ The voice is a bit louder now. “Pitchi’s in a coma, and her chances of recovery are slim… How would someone like that, make a statement?” Kikku asks, while shocking us. “There’s no chance of her getting better, I hear… The poor girl.” “No… That can’t be…” Puroguramu-san says, looking defeated again. “You goddamn…!” Hayai begins, shaking in anger. “This, again…?” Kikku asks, stepping up to Hayai. “Does this mean we need to have yet another case of ‘self-defense’?” “You shut your mouth, you son of a bitch!” Hayai yells. He rears his fist back to hit him, but I grab his arm before he can, while pushing past all my anger, and the slowly growing voice goes quiet. “Why’re you stoppin’ me…!?” He asks me. “Because I’m not letting you make the same mistake twice. Calm down.” I say, keeping my voice level. “But still!” He says, still sounding pissed off. “Oh? You’re stopping him? What a surprise.” Kikku says, looking a little shocked. “There’s no need to hold back. Why not attack me?” “...Ohhh. you can’t. Hahaha, but of course you can’t!” He continues, before heading back to his chair. “Everyone present right now… will be expelled. I’m reporting all of you at the next board meeting.” “Wha-” Hayai begins. “You can’t make a decision like that…!” Puroguramu-san says. “Who would seriously consider what scum like you say?” Kikku asks. “You threatened me to, Puroguramu, so you’re just as responsible.” “Huh…?” Puroguramu-san asks, confused. “To think you didn’t know why I kept someone as talentless as you on the team.” Kikku says. “You act like you’re a victim, but you leaked his criminal records, didn’t you?” Kikku states. “It’s all over the internet, correct? How terrible.” Kikku finishes. “Puroguramu…?” Hayai asks. “He told me to do it. I had no choice…” Puroguramu-san says. “So what? I don’t care if everyone already knows that. That’s just one less thing I have to worry about.” I say, patting him on the back, as Kikku turns back to his work. “Now, are we finished here? You’re all expelled!” Kikku says, kicking us out. “You’re done for; your futures are mine to take. Now get out of my sight!” “I can’t believe this asshole’s gettin’ away with this…!” Hayai says.  “Come on, we have stuff to do.” I say, grabbing Puroguramu’s arm and leading him out of the room. I lead him to the school entrance, but tell Hayai first. “Meet me at the courtyard.” When we get to the entrance, I let go of Puroguramu-san. “Why aren’t you angry at me?” He asks. “What would be the point? What’s done is done, and you never wanted to do it in the first place. Why should I be angry at you or some dumb rumors?” I fire back. “Good point… What now?” He asks, wondering what to do. “You just go home. I’ve got a plan in mind for something, but keep quiet alright? I might be able to cancel our expulsions.” I explain quickly. “Now get going and get some rest.” I say, as I walk him to the door, before turning around and heading to the courtyard. Once there, I notice Hayai hit one of the vending machines. I let Abigale out of my bag, before I begin to talk. “We can’t waste any time.” Hayai says. “We gotta hurry up and go to that world and beat the shit outta that asshole!” “We won’t be beating him up! Just stealing his distorted desires!” Abigale points out. “Though I wouldn’t mind beating him up a bit myself. Can I assume you want to go through with it?” “...I have.” Hayai says. “Someone almost died because of him! I don’t give a flying fuck about what happens to him anymore!” “What about you?” She asks me. “I’m all for doing this. He deserves everything he gets.” I say, a bit of malice in my voice. “...Then it’s settled.” She says. “By the way, do you think gettin’ rid of a Palace would be hard…?” He asks her. “You’ve tried it before, right?” “I’m pretty sure I mentioned that I haven’t tried before.” She says. “Oh right, my bad.” He says. That’s when we hear a familiar voice. “Is it true that you’re getting expelled?” Bēru-san asks, walking over. “Everyone’s talking about it…” “That asshole’s at it again…!” Hayai growls out. “So you came all this way, to tell us that?” “Of course not. If you’re going to deal with Kikku… I want in on it too.” She says, shocking all three of us. “I can’t just sit back and do nothing after what happened to Hikui!” “This doesn’t concern you… Please don’t butt your head into this…” Hayai says. “But it does! Hikui’s my-” She begins to say. “I said don’t get in our way!” He yells, causing her to go silent, before running away. “That was kinda harsh, Hayai…” Abigale says. “We can’t take her somewhere like that…” Hayai says. “ I hope she doesn’t torment herself over this.” She begins. “From judging myself, when it comes down to it, women don’t hesitate.” “We just gotta hurry up and deal with Kikku.” He says. “Let’s go already!” After he finishes, we head out to the alleyway, just past the school gate. “Alright, the moment we cross over, we’ll treat each other like phantom thieves, so I hope you’re ready.” Abigale says. “Huh? Phantom thieves?” Hayai asks, confused. “Those who covertly sneak in and stylishly steal Treasure-that is what we become!” She says, sounding excited. “Not a bad plan. Makes sense, if you think about it.” I say, pulling out my phone and turning the MV Radio back on. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask, why do you keep that on?” Hayai asks. “Well, now that I’ve experienced having music play for different events around me, I just feel off if I don’t.” I explain. “Well, alright then.” He replies. “So, we just gotta say the school, Kikku’s name, and… castle? Then we end up in bizarro world.” “...How the hell’s all this work? Someone make it?” He asks. “I don’t really know, but probably best to think about it later.” I reply. ‘Can’t talk about Igor yet, he might think I’ve got a screw loose.’ “True. There’s no point in thinkin’ about it now.” He agrees. “We’ll show that effin’ Kikku!” Once he’s done, I open the app. “Let’s go!” Abigale says. ------------------------ Rirī Bēru’s POV: “They really are going to do something…” I say to myself, eavesdropping on Tama and the new kid. “They’re doing something on their phone? A name… School…?” “Huh…!?” I feel a wave of lightheadedness suddenly, and when I look around, I see that the school looks really different. I also hear, music? “Alright! Time to bust on through!” I hear Tama’s voice nearby, and look where I heard it to see three beings, one in an odd suit, what looks like someone in a modified baseball outfit, and an odd dog/wolf/thing. “What is this!?” I call out, walking over. They look shocked. “B-Bēru!?” The one the the baseball outfit, who I guess is Tama, asks. “That voice… Tama!? And… are you Tronic-kun!?” I ask, taking a guess that the suited guy is Tronic-kun. “Wh-Wh-Why are you here!?” Tama asks. “How should I know!?” I fire back. “What’s going on? Hey, where are we…!? Isn’t this the school!?” “I see. It could be that she was dragged in because of that app you guys have…” The weird creature says. “If multiple people can enter with the person who uses it, it stands to reason it’ll pull anyone nearby.” “For real…?” Tama asks. “Wait, so THIS is related to Kikku!?” I ask, after some thought. “Anyways, you gotta leave!” Tama says. ‘Like hell I do!’ “No!” I say. “The Shadows are going to find us if you make a scene.” The creature says. “No way! It talked!? Oh my god, it’s a monster wolf…!” I say, finally realising what’s talking. “Monster…?” It, or she asks. ‘Maybe I offended her…’ “You guys better explain what’s going on! I won’t leave until you do!” I say, keeping up my defiance. “Looks like we gotta force her.” Tama says. ‘Force me!?’ “But… how’re we supposed to do that?” “Why not just take her back to where we came in? That’s how it worked last time, right?” The creature asks. “O-Oh yeah.” Tama replies. “Can you lend me a hand?” “I’ll feel bad about doing this, but she can’t stay here.” Tronic-kun says. “Well we can’t deal with Kikku if we don’t!” Tama fires back. “What’re you-” I go to ask, before they start getting closer. “We’ll explain after everything’s over!” Tama quickly says. Then both him and Tronic-kun grab my arms and pull me back the way I came. Then I feel a touch somewhere I shouldn’t. “Hey! And just where are you touching!?” I accuse. “Whoa, sorry, I didn’t mean-” Tama goes to say. “...That’s not important!” “You guys seriously-” I begin to say, before we reach where we came from and I’m shoved from behind. “Ah!?” and I feel that lightheaded feeling again. When the feeling stops, I look around, and see the school looks normal, with students walking around and everything. “Ugh, this sucks…” Then I hear a ping from my phone and pull it out, to see a new app has downloaded itself. “Huh… I do recall that creature mentioned an app. Guess I’ll come back in then boys. Now if I could only figure out how…” ------------------------ Hexan Tronic’s POV: Once we let her out, we walked back to the entrance bridge. “We better be careful from now on when we use that app…” Hayai says. “Yeah, otherwise we could pull in some random person who wouldn’t listen at all.” Abigale points out. “Geez, Bēru found out right when we were startin’ off… We gotta deal with this fast!” He says. “That girl’s name is Rirī Bēru, right?” She asks. “She seems like a somewhat strong girl, mentally I mean.” “Anyway, the Shadows have noticed us. You better brace yourselves, got it?” She says. “We’re counting on you, Joker!” “Joker? That a nickname?” Hayai asks. “Don’t refer to it in such a lame way. It’s a code name.” She states firmly. “What kind of lame phantom thief would use their real name!? It’s just not practical!” “There’s also no telling what kind of effect yelling our real names will have on the Palace…” She points out. “Think of it as a precaution.” “So, why’s he Joker?” He asks. “Because he’s our trump card when it comes to fighting strength.” She explains. “Not a bad name, but am I really that good?” I ask. “I’ve evaluated you myself, so I think so. It’s settled then!” She finishes. “Next up is you Hayai. You’ll be… Let’s see…” She begins to think. “Slugger.” She suggests. Hayai takes a moment to think it over. “Not bad, I like it. Thanks Gale.” He says. “Gale?” I ask. “You know, since she needs a codename too, so hers can be Gale.” He explains. “Thanks for the suggestion, Slugger. Alright, from now on we're Joker, Slugger and Gale!” Gale says. “We need to be as thorough in using these codenames as possible.” “All right! Let’s go nab this Treasure thing!” Slugger says. That is the point where we cross the bridge, and enter the courtyard in front of the castle. “Same way in as last time?” I ask, to which Gale nods. Then we head back to the vent. “Looks like they don’t know ‘bout this way in yet.” Slugger points out. “Joker, Slugger… Are you ready? Let’s go!” Gale says, then we head inside. Once inside, we head out into the hall. Once there, we can see into the entrance hall, which if filled with normal and golden guards, who are all looking at the stairs. “Hey, look! Ain’t that…” Slugger goes to say, then we hear Shadow Kikku. “Those intruders the other day were quite entertaining.” He says. “However, I can’t allow that trash to ransack my castle!” “Strengthen the security! Kill them on sight! I’ll reward whoever brings me their heads.” He continues. “Praise be to King Kikku!” One of the guards say. “Death to the intruders!” Another says. “Hey, Gale. Can’t we just beat the crap outta him and call it a day?” Slugger asks. “Look at all those soldiers, it’d be suicide. And I’m sure you don’t want a repeat of last time.” Gale points out. “Besides, don’t you want him to confess his sins?” She asks. “There’s no point in beating him up. We need to steal his materialized desire… The Treasure.” “Fiiiine. So, where is it?” Slugger asks. “It has to be somewhere deep in this castle, and by that I mean far inside, not downwards, though it could be.” She replies. “Let’s infiltrate further in while he’s out here!” So, we leave our cover, and head to the other door in the hall. When I opened it, I’m startled to see a guard behind it, their back to us. I quickly hide behind the wall, avoiding their gaze. “Dammit, there’s a guard over here too…” Slugger says. “Whaddya wanna do? Should we kick it’s ass?” “Hold on…” Gale says. “Hmm… This might be a good opportunity to try something I’ve been thinking about.” “All right, Joker! Are you ready to take it down?” She asks, to which I nod, then run in and slash it with my hidden sword. It bursts into it’s true form, that of the fairy girl. “Remember how I taught you Hold Ups and All-out Attacks? I’ll teach you another use I’ve thought of.” Gale says. “Shadows are beings born from people’s hearts, so naturally, they can talk too.” While Gale is speaking, the girl is glaring at us, but isn’t making a move yet. “In other words, you should be able to communicate with them. Get it?” She asks. “If you talk to them when they’re cornered, they might offer money or items since they won’t want to die.” “In fact, I bet talking has a better chance of scoring something great, as opposed to just offing them.” She finishes. “Well then, let’s do the first step: Knock all the enemies down, and do a Hold Up!” Since the girl is just sitting sit, perhaps frightened of us? I pull out my gun, and fire, knocking her down. We quickly surround her, pointing out guns at her. “Seriously!? You guys are the intruders that King Kikku was talking about…? What rotten luck…” She says, sounding annoyed. “It can’t get much worse than this… What’re you planning to do to me!?” “Well, I’d like an item if you have one.” I say, trying to be nicer, since I’m negotiating. She looks to become nervous at my request. “A-An item? Well… normally I’d be able to give you something… but I just don’t have anything on me. Could you let me go? I promise I’ll have something next time!” She says, sounding desperate. “W-Wait, what? Oh… This isn't how I was planning this to go.” Gale says, sounding flustered at her plan going wrong. “Uh… Anyway, it can’t be helped if that’s the case. Time for you to go to hell!” “W-Wait!” The girl yells out, sounding more desperate. “Sorry, but we’re in a bit of a hurry.” Slugger says. “No, wait up, please!” The girl begs. “Can’t we work something out? Don’t kill me, please! Won’t you please let me go? I could be useful to you in other ways!” “Hmm…” I say, beginning to think. ‘What could we even have her do? I mean, it’s not like she can ignore Kikku’s influence for long, so she can’t be an ally, so what else is there?... I got nothing. Guess we have to kill her.’ “I’m sorry about this, but there isn’t really anything you can do to help us at this point. I’ll make sure it’s quick and painless.” I say, trying to be merciful. She sighs. “I guess this is it then, I mean, at least you’re not going to make me suffer. I can relate to that kind of feeling. I’d probably do the same in your position, given the chance.” She says. The her colours brighten a little. “Whoa, I feel something happening, like something breaking!” “What the…!? What’s going on!?” Gale asks, shocked and confused. Then the girl gets up, hovering in the air while looking at me. “I remember now! I’m don’t belong to only King Kikku, I’m suppose to be and existence that drifts in the sea of humanity’s souls!” She says, sounding excited. “My true name… is ‘Pixie’! It’ll be a pleasure working with you, master, for from now on, I’ll live in your heart!” Then she turns into a ball of energy, that flies into my mask. “What was that just now…? What happened…!?” Gale asks, looking very confused.   ‘Huh… Near where I feel Tasukete, I can feel something else. I think that’s Pixie. I wonder…’ I think to myself, before paying attention to my surroundings. “Wh-What the hell was that about? The enemy go sucked into Joker’s mask!” Slugger says. “I-I have no idea! I wasn’t expecting that either…” Gale says. That’s when another guard comes from the way we came. “Intruders!? Halt!” It says, running over. “Crap, they noticed us!” Slugger says. Then the guard bursts into it’s true form, a pair of the odd, two horned unicorns. ‘I think I should test it now.’ I think to myself, reaching for Pixie instead of Tasukete. Then I felt something change inside, very slight, but I felt it. “Pixie!” I say, taking my mask off, which summons Pixie beside me. I give her I high five, before pointing at the left unicorn. “Zio!” I say, as she casts the lightning spell on the enemy, while I feel a different word come to mind, one that feels calming. “I-Is that the Shadow from earlier!?” Gale asks. “Don’t tell me… Did you take the Shadow’s appearance and powers as a Persona!?” ‘Something like that? I feel a bit more playful while she is “equipped”, so maybe she’s right, but wrong.’ I chuckle. “How about another round of Zio, Pixie!” I say, summoning her again, after which she shocks the other horse down, so I run over. “Hold Up!” The group forms up to intimidate the enemy. Looking between them, I decided to talk to the one on my left. “Hey you, mind if we have a chat?” I ask, a soft smirk on my face. “...C’mon, you don’t have to kill me, do you kid?” The horse asks. “Well of course I do, unless you help me out!” I explain. “Well, in that case, what’ll it be, sonny?” He asks. “Well, why don’t you join my crew, like your friend here?” I say, summoning Pixie, who waves happily. “I dunno about that kid, I don’t know anything about you yet.” He says, taking a moment to think. “So, since you never know when someone could be watching, and a bad rep will spread like wildfire. If I were you, I’d quit before you get too deep. What’s the point in you doing this?” He asks. “Because if I don’t do this, nothing will ever get better. So I do what I can.” I say, toning down the playfulness. “We, you’re sounding mighty responsible there kid, but this Q and A isn’t over yet.” He says. “Ugh… I’m not feeling too well after that beating I took. Mind lending me some medicine? I Hear you might have some that can work miracles, right…?” He asks. “Sure, I’ll help anyone who needs it, so, what kind do you need?” I ask back, to which he nods. “No need to give me anything, that was just a test, and you passed kid. Guess we’re more alike than I thought.” I watch as he goes though a similar change to Pixie, guess I succeeded? “Since I can feel the sea of humanities souls again, I guess that means I’m free from Kikku. I’ll be joining you as a mask, if that’s fine with you. Feel free to call me ‘Bicorn’.” He says, turning into the energy orb and entering my mask. “Holy… Does that mean you can wield multiple Personas?” Gale asks. “H-Hey, Gale! What was that about!? What did Joker do?” Slugger asks, as I search my Persona ‘Stock’ and can feel Bicorn there now, so I decide to run with him for a bit, but now I feel more reserved. “He sealed the enemy’s appearance and powers into his mask, and made it his new Persona…” Gale explains.  “I’ve never seen anyone do that before… didn’t even know it was possible!” “It seems like a good thing for now, but I think we should get a move on.” I say. “Yeah, we should move on. This ability will be a great help in battle though!” She says. “Let’s try and do it whenever the opportunity arises, try to help out too, Slugger!” “Hell yeah! We’ll hold every last one of ‘em up!” He says. “Hehe, I like you even more now! We really have something special on our hands.” Gale says. Now that we are done talking, I decide to lead us through the only other door in the room. Through the door is another hallway, the left path leads to a dead end, while the right leads to two doorways, one bared off, the other just a door. I ignore the bars and head to the door, where I can hear marching. Past the new door is what appears to be a room full of weapons. There are weapon racks with swords and other things on them, and some tables too. There appear to be three guards, and a chest. I head straight, and around the corner of a pillar, which allows me to ambush a guard, so I jump on and rip it’s mask off, which reveals more of the flower beings from before. I take the first move, using a new skill. “Bicorn! Lunge!” I yell out, as I watch Bicorn charge one of the flowers, ramming it with his horns. Then it’s Gale’s turn. “Gādian! Garu!” She yells, as Gādian casts the light wind spell on the damaged flower, killing it, leaving it to Sluggers turn, who runs up and swung his bat twice, before retreating. Before I can get a shot it, it gets a lucky hit on Gale, before I take another turn, having Bicorn use Lunge again, killing the second and last flower. Once we are done, Gale uses Dia on herself, healing the damage she took, before We go after the next enemy. I make my way around the back of an enemy to our right, so I can ambush it, and succeed in doing so, revealing it's true form of the pumpkin guy. I just end up shooting it with my gun and knocking it down for a hold up. “C-C’mon guys, I won’t rat you guys out, ho! Just let me-he live, please, ho!” He says. “Alright, let’s talk. I’d like you to join up with us.” I offer. “Thanks for the offer, but we-he need to learn about each other first, ho.” He says. “...Hee-hom are you here to interrogate me?” He asks. “Have you made an appointment, ho?” “We don’t have time for this, just tell us what you know.” I say. “I actually just learned about it on the internet, ho… You better talk to the person in charge.” He says, sounding glad. “Assuming--but let’s be honest, I’m a hee-hundred percent sure--you came all the way here to see me…” He begins. “How did you find out about me, ho?” “I found a special site which give the locations of targets, and their activities.” I reply. “You seem a little obsessed with my hee-ho activities, ho!” He looks happy. “It seems that great minds think alike, ho… you know, I think I remembered something.” He says, going through the change. “I’m no Shadow of this place, ho! I live in the sea of the hee-human heart!” He says. “I’m Jack-o’-Lantern, ho! I’m you, and you’re me!” When he’s finished, he enters my mask as the ball of light. Since there is only one guard left standing, I sneak around behind it, and get another ambush off. When it’s true form is shown, it’s another Bicorn. This time, I decided to swap to Pixie. “Come on out, Pixie! We have a friend who could use a charge, Zio!” I say, as Pixie shocks the Bicorn, knocking him down, and we perform the hold up. “Let’s not be hasty now sonny, we can talk this out now.” He says, sounding nervous. “Alright, think you could slide us some ¥en?” I ask. “Hmm, I sense a fellow Bicorn within you. I guess I could give you a bit of a bonus.” He says, giving us 560 ¥en, before he walks away. Once we’re in the clear, I hop straight to the chest, and pop it open. Inside is a new cane, this one has a sharper blade, and has a silver tiger head on the handle. I store my previous cane away in favor of this one. Next, we head to the next new door, past which is another hallway, but this one is ‘L’ shaped. Once through the door, we run into another safe room. “Oooh, it’s another hazy-lookin’ door! This is that think! Uhhh, what was it called…?” Slugger asks. “A safe room.” Gale replies. “Let’s head inside so we can discuss strategy.” ------------------------ Rirī Bēru’s POV: “Ugh… I finally figured it out. This is that place form earlier…!” I say to myself, then pull out my phone to look at it. “...What’s up with this app?” “I just said the words Tama said, and I ended up-” I begin to say, before being interrupted. “Princess!?” The voice asks. ‘Princess?’ “Huh?” Looking up, I see three suits of armor running to me, swords and shields held by each arm. “Princess!” The same voice said again, coming from one of the guards. They then pick me up and take me inside. “Aaaaaaaaaaah!” I say, as I’m taken somewhere. ------------------------ Hexan Tronic’s POV: “Hey, aren’t there even more Shadows here than before?” Slugger asks, while we relax in the Safe Room. “Just gettin’ this far’s been a real pain in my ass!” “It’s likely because you guys provoked Kikku.” Gale suggests. “Still… he seems to be awfully on guard…” “Anyways, how’re we supposed to steal that Treasure thing?” He asks. “We can’t be so hasty. First, we should secure an infiltration route.” She explains. “You mean a path to our target?” He asks. “You got it.” She says, smiling. “But to be honest, I think we might want a bit more manpower to go much further.” “At the very least, I think one more person would be great…” She finishes. “Hey, how do you know all this stuff? Don’t you have very little memories?” Slugger asks. “Most of it I got from some books in the school library, before I met up with you two.” She says. “Either way, I believe in you Gale.” I say, smiling. “Still, why was the princess in such an odd place…?” A Shadow outside the room asks. “Princess…?” Slugger asks. “I could have sworn we were pursuing the readings of an intruder…” Another guard says, as Gale goes up to the door to listen better. “It doesn’t matter now. We must take her back to King Kikku!” The other voice says. “Who’s this princess they’re talkin’ about…?” Slugger asks. ‘Perhaps Bēru-san?’ I think to myself. “I’ll look into this, since I’m small and less noticeable.” Gale says, heading out. “And this might take a bit…” He says. “Stuff like this castle and that navigation app are pretty mysterious… but Abigale’s up there as well.” “She’s Gale, remember?” I ask. “Crap, sorry! Slipped my mind for a moment.” He says, looking apologetic. Then Gale walks back in, looking worried. “This is bad!” She says.  “That was fast!” He says. “Your friend… Miss Bēru!” She confirms. “She’s been taken by Shadows…!” “Wait, what? We sent her home earlier.” Slugger points out. “Maybe she got the app the same way you did?” I suggest. “Oh no… Don’t tell me she just walked right back in after we left her…!?” He says. “It most likely took her a bit, but either way, she’s here now, and needs our help!” I say. “Well, let’s go then! We don’t have time to stand around!” Slugger says, as we head back out into the hall, then back to the armoury we crossed through. When we get to the doorway, we hear her voice. “Is this some kind of filming or something!? Who’s in charge around here!?” Bēru-san asks. “Dammit! There are more guards back where we already cleared! So, should we fight Joker?” Slugger asks. “Yeah. The more we fight, the better we get. This shouldn’t take long.” I say, before ambushing the guard just ahead of us. Inside was a pair of Jack-o’-Lanterns. I quickly just knock them down with my gun, and have us All-Out attack them, killing them quick. I feel a bit stronger after that encounter. Quickly ambushing the next enemy reveals a pair of the pink demons from before. I waste no time and just shoot them down, and going into a Hold-Up. “Wait! Stop! I could help, just don’t kill me!” The Shadow I focus on says. “Sure, let’s have a chat. Mind hooking up with us?” I ask. "N-Not at all, but we need to understand each other a bit better before that can happen.” He says.  “You know, you can’t just waltz around here like that. Aren’t you violatin’ the weapons code or whatever, man?” He asks. “Well, what the law doesn’t know won’t hurt it.” I reply, smirking. “Well how ‘bout I tell someone and see what happens then? Hahaha!” He says, smiling. “...So, today’s my b-day and one of my friends went n’ reserved a table at a fancy joint for me.” “It’d prolly be a big downer if the birthday boy didn’t show to his party, sooo…” He says. “Well in that case, Happy Birthday, man.” I say, smiling. “Hearin’ that really lifts my spirits, no matter who says it!” He says, a large grin on his face.  “Man you really remind me of myself kid, and you passed my test. I remember a fair bit now.” “I don’t belong around here, I’m supposed to stalk the sea of humanities souls. From now on, Incubus is here to stay, for I am you!” He says, before turning into the light ball, and flying into my mask. I notice that after the battle, Slugger looks like he is a bit more confidant. With only one last opponent in the room I quickly run to ambush them, revealing two more of the flowers. This time, I swap to Jack-o’-Lantern. “So, you guys are flowers? Well, why don’t you try this. Jack-o’-Lantern! Light ‘em up with Agi!” I say, as the pumpkin ghost appears, and burns one the of the flowers, knocking it down. “ Again!” Then he appears again, lighting the other one ablaze, knocking the second one down, leading to a Hold-Up again. “...W-Wait! I don’t want to die yet!” She says. “Well why don’t you try joining my side instead?” I ask. “You want me to join you? How do I know you’re not lame or weak? I need to figure that out first!” She says. “Why in the world do you carry something like that with you, anyway?” “Do you carry a gun because you think it’ll make you more popular with the girls?” She asks.  “I carry it for self improvement.” I reply. “Hmm… If you say so.” She says. “...Ugh, if this were a movie, right about now, some dashing prince would come save me.” “Well, I’m still here. ...That guy is really keeping me waiting.” She says. “Well, at this rate you’ll never meet him. Life isn’t a fairytale, after all.” I say. “Huh, I guess you’re right. Well no point in me waiting around.” She says. “I’ll join up with you instead. You know, I’m from that sea of souls too. I’m Mandrake, and I’m you from now on!” She says, going into my mask. One the room is empty, we head into the hall leading to it. Once we reach the previously blocked off hallway, we hear a faint gasp. “This way!” Gale says, as we head into the hall of armors. As we pass a knocked over one, we hear Bēru-san again. “Look, I’ll apologize for touching the armor without permission!” She says.  “She totally doesn’t get what’s goin’ on, does she!?” Slugger comments. “Let’s hurry! We need to save her!” Gale says. When she goes quiet, we head through the door at the end of the hall. ------------------------ Rirī Bēru’s POV: I’m still struggling while cuffed to this large, metal X.  “What’s all this about!? Seriously, I’m gonna call the cops!” I yell out, hoping to frighten them. “So, this is the intruder.” A familiar voice says, when what appears to be Kikku walks over, dressed in only a dark red robe, as well as navy blue dress shirt and pants. “Kikku!?” I ask, shocked, but even more so when what appears to be ME walks up beside him, in only a small, two piece bikini, and cat ears. “Who in the world is that…?” “More importantly, what is this place!? Why’s the school turned into something like this!?” I ask loudly. “I can’t believe you mistook my Rirī for someone like her.” Kikku(?) says, then he chuckles. “Are you afraid?” “What is that outfit…? Have you lost your mind?” I ask, incredibly confused. “I do as I please here. After all, this is my castle.. The world of my desires.” He says. “What the-!? Wait… Is this some red-light district!?” I ask, concerned. ‘Wait, how would I have even gotten there…’ “What a lively slave.” He says. “This isn't funny! Enough of the bullshit, Kikku!” I yell out, getting pissed off. “The girl’s decided to tell me off. What do you think of that?” He asks, turning the the weird girl beside him. “Talking back is, like… totally unforgivable…” She says in a mock of my voice! “In that case… she should be executed.” He says. ‘Executed!?!?’ Then a golden guard walks up, sword drawn. “Now then, how should I play with you? Shall I tear you into little pieces?” “Are you kidding me…?” I ask, then I notice some newcomers at the back of the room, but those creepy girls. ‘It’s Tama and Tronic-kun, and the weird creature!’ “This is effed up…”I only just hear Tama say. “Is that what he thinks of the girls on the football team…!?” ‘Now that he mentions it, I thought I recognised those uniforms…’ “Hey, that’s…!” The creature says, looking over and seeing me. They quickly run over. “Bēru!” Tama calls. “Just when I was about to start enjoying myself…” Kikku(?) says. “What’s the deal with this guy…!?” I ask the boys. “You little…!” Tama begins to say. “...How many times are you gonna come back?” Kikku(?) asks. “I bet you’re just like those thieves. You came because you’re pissed at me, huh?” “But, ah… I forget that chick’s name, but it’s your fault she jumped, you know.” Kikku(?) continues. ‘What…?’ “Huh…?” I ask. “You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me, that I had her take your place.” Kikku(?) says, grinning. “You bastard!” I yell out. ‘We need to get free!’ I hear a soft voice say. That’s when the gold guard walks closer. “......!” “No!” Tama yells out, looking ready to run over to me, before the two guards beside me put their swords to my throat. “Take one more step and I’ll kill her on the spot.” Kikku(?) threatens. “Dammit…!” Tama curses. “Why don’t you just sit back, and enjoy the dismantlement show.” Kikku(?) says, a sick grin on his face. “No! Don’t!” I plead. ‘We’re so close!’ “Maybe I’ll start with her clothes…” He says, looking like a pedophile. Then the fake me giggles. “You’re suuuch a perv!” She says in my voice, pissing me off. “H-Hey, what’re we gonna do!?” Tama asks Tronic-kun. The executioner gets closer. “Bēru!”  “Is this… my punishment for what happened to Hikui…?” I ask out loud, feeling defeated. ‘No! Don’t give up!’ The voice sound so faint, I can barely hear it. “That’s more like it. You should’ve looked like this from the start.” Kikku(?) taunts. “Hikui… I’m so sorry…” I say, before I hear someone speak up. “Are you seriously just going to give in? What happened to the girl I talked to at the dinner!?” Tronic-kun yells at me, making me remember that evening. ‘Yes!’ The voice is a bit louder. “Huh…?” I ask, trying to figure out what he means, before I get it. “...You’re right.” “Letting this piece of shit toy with me…” I begin to say, giving of a weak, joyless laugh. “What was I thinking…!?” “It’s like I always say. Slaves should just behave and-” Kikku(?) begins to say, being cut off by me. ‘Make him pay!’ “...Shut your mouth!” I order. “I’ve had enough of this…” “You’ve truly pissed me off, you son of a bitch!” I yell, before the voice I was hearing becomes clear, and the music I could hear since Tronic-kun walked in changes. ‘My… It’s taken far too long.’ The voice says, as I feel a pain, like roaring flames, in my mind. ‘Why don’t you tell me… Who is going to avenge Hikui if you refuse to?’ She asks. ‘Forgiveness was never an option to begin with!’ ‘This is the scream of the other you that you harbour in your heart.’ She continues, the pain getting worse, as the guys just watch. ‘I am thou, thou art I…’ ‘We’re finally able to forge our contract…’ The voice says, almost all the pain going away. “I hear you… Yūwaku suru on'na” I say, her name appearing in my mind. “You’re absolutely right. No more holding myself back…!” I declare, something forming on my face, and I get the feeling I should take it off, but my hands are tied. ‘There you go! Nothing can ever be solved be hiding or restraining yourself.’ She agrees. As I feel the shackles holding me burn away, allowing me to pull myself free. ‘Understand? Then I’ll let you freely use my strength!’ It’s at this point, I grab my mask, and rip it off. Feeling a split second of pain, like my face being ripped off, before I’m consumed by blue flame. When the flames die down, I’m standing in front of Yūwaku suru on'na, though I haven’t looked at her yet, I’m too focused on intimidating Kikku and his little fake. While glaring the duo down, I notice one of the knights nearby, just standing there. So I run up and kick the arm holding his sword, flinging it upward, where I then proceed to jump up and spin, kicking the sword right into the fake me, turning her to ash instantly. After seeing his little doll disappear, Kikku backs away, behind one of those golden knights, looking concerned and fearful.  “I’m just going to say this one, I’m not some cheap toy you can play with how you like, you asshole.” I say, grabbing the sword that killed the fake. “Worthless bitch…!” He says, still hiding behind his knight. “You’ve stolen everything from Hikui… You destroyed my friend…. Now it’s your turn to face the music!” I order, stabbing the sword into the floor upright, giving the creature something to stand on as the boys come up either side of me. “I’ll steal everything from you…!” “How dare you! Enough of your threats!” The golden knight says, before he and two other knights dissolve into a puddle of red and black, before a being rises up, appearing to be a demon, sitting on a toilet. “No, I’ve had enough of your idiocy. No one’s going to stop me now!” I declare, getting into a dancer's stance. “Let’s go, Yūwaku suru on'na!” “How dare you deny King Kikku’s love, you selfish lass!? Pay for this insolence with your life!” The demon orders, glaring down at us from his floating toilet, while the boys and creature line up beside me. “That dirtbag just sees women as sexual outlets! Don’t make me laugh with that ‘love’ bullshit!” I yell back, getting ready to fight. “C’mon Yūwaku suru on'na! Let’s give ‘em hell!” I immediately feel some words enter my mind. After a moment, I decide what to do, pointing at the demon I yell out, while grabbing my mask with the other hand, “Agi!” After which, a fireball flies into his chest, knocking him to the floor. After a moment, I follow the group's lead and surround the beast, pointing the gun that I could feel attached to a belt, at him. That’s when we begin to attack him relentlessly, Hexan with his cane, Hayai with his bat, and the creature with her dagger. I myself pound into him with kicks, as I can feel metal boots on, and decide that I should put them to use, before we end up backing away, as the demon is getting up. I take a moment to rest, as I watch Hexan go up next, and calls his own demon out with a call of “Persona!” Before using the same spell as me, knocking the beast down again, where we again attack it relentlessly. Next up is Hayai, who orders his demon to Lunge in and slam into the beast, which doesn’t seem to do much. After, the creature calls her demon out and summons a small gale of wind around the demon, hurting it, but not much. That’s when the beast has had enough and calls his own gale of wind, but around the whole group, which knocks down Hayai and Hexan, while barely hurting the creature. Then it uses another move, to heal itself with the other word that appeared in my mind, Dia. Once I’ve rested enough, I once again call out Yūwaku suru on'na, and have her use Agi again, knocking him down. I notice that we don’t surround it again, ‘Maybe their leader is down?’, I think, before deciding to use Agi again, which kills the beast. “To think… there would be a woman… who could stand up to King Kikku…” The beast says. “Pff, outside of our school, he’s nothing but a loser with some skills in sports!” I taunt, as the beast disappears. ‘Now I might be able to avenger Hikui…’ I think to myself,  before a moment, I feel a wave of exhaustion. ------------------------ Hexan Tronic’s POV: Once I see the shadow dissipate, and Bēru-san hunch over in exhaustion, I glare at Kikku. “Oh shit…!” S Kikku says, looking fearful, before he books it. I would chase him, but our main goal is the safety of Bēru-san. “Wait…!” Bēru-san yells out, sounding out of breath. “Why’d you come back here, even after we let you out in the first place! And how’d you even return anyway?!” Slugger asks, looking shocked and a little angry. “Hey! Give her some time to rest, she’s probably exhausted from her awakening!” Gale says, looking cross. “How are you feeling, Miss Rirī?” “Miss Rirī…?” Bēru-san asks, looking confused, maybe because of the honorific? “Wait, what is this thing? Is she alive…? How can she talk?” She quickly rapid fires some questions. “And… where in the world are we…!?” “J-Just try to calm down. Everything should be alright for now. Don’t worry.” Gale assures, before Bēru-san uses Gale as an object to brace herself as she gets her footing. “How am I supposed to calm down!?” Bēru-san asks, sounding pissed, before she takes a good look at herself. “H-Huh…?”  I myself finally take a moment to look over her attire. For starters, she has a latex crop top, with a heart shape on top of her bust, while the lower half is designed with the bottom half of a heart, with the tip pointing at her navel. At the back of the top, she has two bat or devil wings, the structure matching the latex, while the rest is a light magenta. She is wearing a dark magenta skirt, with a second uniquely shaped skirt made of latex on top, which has a devil tail, with a heart at the end, coming from the back.She has thigh high stocks, coloured in diagonal stripes of light and dark magenta, while also having hollow hearts of latex at the top. She is wearing black and magenta dancing shoes, which I think are made of metal. She has a pair of what I’ll call arm leggings, with the same pattern as her socks, on her arms. And finally, a pair of smallish dark magenta devil horns. “Why am I dressed like this!? When did I--” Bēru-san asks, sounding distressed, while also trying to cover herself. “Ugh, what’s with this!?” “You should calm down, you don’t look too bad. Actually it’s a pretty good look.” I say, hoping a complement would help. “How in the hell can you expect any of this to help me calm down!?” Bēru-san replies, making me shake my head while she is crouched down to hide herself. “Well, I’m out of ideas…” Gale admits. “But a search party is liking on their way to us now. There’s no time for us to explain anything.” “We don’t have a choice. Let’s retreat for now!” Gale orders, even though I’m the leader. “And we were just gettin’ fired up too. But I guess it can’t really be helped now…” Hayai groans. “Here… gimme your arm.” He says, reaching down to help her. “You take the other side, boss.” I follow his lead, and reach down, and we both help her up, and we carry her out of the castle. ------------------------ Once we get out, we head to the station by the school, and Hayai heads off to get some drinks. After a bit, he comes back, a drink in each hand. “Which one do you want?” Hayai asks her. “Whichever’s not carbonated.” Bēru-san replies. “Uh, I’m pretty sure they both are, actually.” Hayai points out. “Then I’ll just take his one…” She says, grabbing the bottle out of his right hand, while he holds the other out to me. “Here ya go.” He says, as I grab it. “What about me?” Abigale asks, poking her head out of my bag. “Huh? But you’re a puppy, or a fox.” Hayai points out,causing Bēru-san to giggle a bit. “...Have you managed to calm down, Miss Rirī?” Abigale asks. “Um… Abigale, right?” Bēru-san asks. “I really am talking to a puppy… This feels so strange… Oh, sorry! You’re not a puppy, right?” “To be honest, I’m not sure myself.” Abigale says. “To be honest, I’d find it more odd if you weren’t confused, after everything you went though.” “Honestly, I still can’t really believe that all happened…” Bēru-san agrees. “And that power… my Persona…” “It’s the will of your rebellion, Miss Rirī. With it, you’ll be able to fight in that other world.” Abigale explains. “So if what you told me is true, we can make Kikku have a change of heart, right?” Bēru-san asks. “Is it really possible though…? Can we actually force him to confess his crimes?” “The whole volleyball team’s keepin’ quiet about this, while teachers and parents turn a blind eye.” Hayai explains. “And if guys like me or Hexan try to complain, they’re just gonna shoot us down.” “So we’re goin’ all in on this plan, it’s the only option we got.” Hayai finishes. “Then you should let me help too. I want payback for what he did to Hikui.” Bēru-san says, looking determined. “He’s just going on like nothing happened, even after what he did to her… I’ll never forgive him.” “Wait, did you just say, ‘let me help’?” Hayai asks, looking shocked. “You mean you wanna tag along with us?” “Don’t act like I’m a dead weight. Weren’t you watching, I can fight too!” Bēru-san fires back. “Hey, is this the best idea right now?” Hayai asks, turning to me for guidance. “Well, if she doesn’t join up with us, she’ll likely go in by herself, and she might not come back.” I point out. “We are a bit lacking in manpower, so she would be useful.” Abigale agrees. “Damn, that’s right. She can go by herself… I guess it’d be more dangerous turnin’ her down…” Hayai admits. “Rgh, fine…” “Then it’s decided. Well, I hope we get along!” Bēru-san says, smiling. “We’re going to make Kikku atone for what he has done.” “Not just for Hikui’s sake… but for everything he’s done.” She continues. “I won’t let any more people suffer because of that asshole.” “I’ll do whatever it takes!” Bēru-san finishes. ‘I sense a strong fighting spirit from Rirī…I better make a note of this on my phone...’ “Just make sure to let me know when you’re heading back in… Oh wait! We haven't shared chat IDs yet.” Rirī remembers. “Hey, give me your number and chat ID. And, um…” After a moment all three of us pull out our phones and share IDs. “I guess I’ll be counting on you, then.” “Same goes for you guys too, Hayai, Abigale.” She says, smiling happily, before she heads off, probably to go home. “Such a kind woman… Such consideration for others too…” Abigale says. “She’ll likely be a good addition to our team.” “You know, it’d be better if this group could get together quick from now one…” Hayai points out. “True. Our best option would likely be to make somewhere our secret hideout, as a place to meet up and discuss these kind of things.” Abigale agrees. “A hideout, huh…? I like the sound of that.” Hayai says, smiling. “How about the school rooftop? That’s a pretty secluded spot.” “That could work, I mean, I doesn’t seem like many people go up there. Likely even less chance after that girl jumped. For the time being, that would be a great hideout.” Abigale decides. “I wouldn’t be able to contact your from inside a Palace, so I’ll continue to stay with Hexan.” “It’s probably for the best that you stay with Hex, there’s no way I could keep you at my place…” Hayai admits. ‘Hopefully I won’t forget about her again…’. That’s when we hear an announcement about a train about to arrive. “Well, we now have our hideout, so let’s meet there tomorrow!” Hayai says, heading off to catch his train, while I’m left with an unopened bottle of soda. “Alright, let’s head home Hexan.” Abigale says, so I head off to find a train to Shubuya, then home. ------------------------ When I walk into the coffee shop, it’s still open, and a customer is sitting at a booth. “The store’s still open, head upstairs kid,” Roast-san says, when I walk in. As I walk past, I notice she is wearing a dark, almost black, blue leather jacket, with a cross necklace. Under the jacket is a dark purple low cut top with a spider web design on it, while she is wearing pants with plenty of holes up each leg. She also has a studded choker on. The whole outfit seems to complement her short, pink hair. “...Yes?” The punk-rock looking woman asks, mistaking my gaze for trying to start a conversation. “Hey, lay off the customers, will ya?” Roast-san says. “Sorry if he was rude, Doctor.” ‘Doctor? Maybe I should check her place out later…’. “...I don’t mind. He hasn’t offended me. It’s nice to know I’m worth being looked at, even if it is by a younger man.” She admits. “Either way, your getting in the way, why don’t you head upstairs?” Roast-san suggests.I begin to walk past her, heading up to my room. Before I get too far, I hear her get up. “...Thanks for the coffee. I’ll see you later.” She say. “Come back again.” Roast-san replies, then she heads out. “Phew… That’s it for today.” He must have noticed my gaze. “Oh, that customer just now? She’s the head doctor over at that clinic down the street.” ‘That’s right, I recall one on my map…’. “Rumor has it she gives pretty crappy examinations, and also sells some weird homemade medicines on top of that.” He explains. “At least, that’s what I’ve heard. I haven’t been there myself.” “They should really just leave her alone. It’s not like she’s getting in the way of their lives…” He finishes, then we hear a growling sound from my bag. “What was that?” “Uh… Can I show you upstairs, in case a customer comes in late?” I suggest, to which he nods and we head upstairs. Once I’m by my bed, I set my bag down and Abigale climbs out. “So that’s what it was, a hungry pup, or is it a fox?” He asks, confused. “I think she’s a bit of both, not sure what breeds though…” I reply. “Well, why’d you bring her here for?” He asks. “Because I’m not just going to leave her on the street. I’m pretty sure I saw an abused cat on the way home earlier this week.” I reply, making something up. “Well… You did the right thing. And I guess having a pet to look after would keep you on good behaviour…” Roast-san mutters. “Look, this place is a restaurant. Animals are a no-go…” “I’m aware, that’s why I had us move up here. I won’t let her wonder downstairs.” I say. “Fine…” He says, heading downstairs for a moment. “Was that the ruler of this place?” Abigale asks, likely having been asleep while we were here last night. I just nod. “He seemed pretty understanding for someone who keeps you cramped up in this dump.” “Then again, I suppose to normal people I just sound like a yipping puppy or fox…” Abigale says. That’s the point that Roast-san returns with a plate, with a good meal of meat, I think beef from the smell, which he sits in front of her. “Seriously, how hungry is this little girl, it’ll be your job to keep her fed from now on.” He says. “Make sure to wash that dish when she’s finished.” “By the way… have you decided on a name?” He asks. I shake my head, and he takes a moment to look her over. “What about, Abigale?” He suggests, to my shock. “What? She just looks like an Abigale. It’s a fine name.” “Yeah, I think I’ll go with that.” I agree. “It looks like the chief approves of me.” Abigale says. “And to be honest, this place is heaven compared to Kikku’s cells.” “...Remember how you guys asked me about what I am, and I shrugged it off? Well, it’s not that I don’t want to know. But just that I’m not too focused on it.” Abigale explains. “I don’t remember anything about my birth…” “It could be Metaverse distortions that made me lose my true form and memories, or it could not. But it’s the only lead I have.” She says. “I mean, if I was originally just some animal, I wouldn’t be able to talk.” “It’s possible that purging the distortions of the Metaverse my have some effect on me. And I have a pretty good idea on where to start. That’s why I was in Kikku’s castle to begin with.” She explains. “You know, I never got hungry over there…” She says, before beginning to eat from the plate. She soon cleans it off. “Let me make myself clear: Your taking care of me won’t be for nothing. It’ll be give and take. I have a fair amount of knowledge on infiltration tools.” She explains. “Sounds useful.” I admit. “Well, if you want to know more about them, we need to settle on a deal.” She points out. “In exchange for you keeping me here, I’ll teach you about these tools.” “Sounds like a fair deal, so sure.” I agree. “I like your answer. Hehehe… Then it’s a deal.” Abigale says, smiling. ‘Abigale seems rather happy about this. I can feel another link. I should deal with this before bed…’ I think to myself. “I’ll explain the details about them over time.” She finishes that particular conversation. “By the way, the power you’ve used in the Palace was seriously amazing!” She exclaims. “The stronger that power gets, the more reliable it’ll be as a trump card.” “Alright, I’m gonna stick with your wherever you go from today on.” She declares. “Personas are the strength born of one’s heart.”  “Depending on who you meet and interact with in life, I bet you’ll affect your power too!” She says, excitedly. “We might even be able to learn new skills, if we find the right people...” “This will all be covered under our deal.” She finishes. “I expect great things from you. Don’t let me down, OK?” “I guess I’ll continue being carried around in your bag, so I can give advice if you need it.” She says, sitting by said bag. That’s when my phone goes off. Rirī says, sending me a message through IMs. I reply. Rirī says. She finishes, signing off. “So you guys send messages to each other through your phones too? I want you to send stuff for me if I need you too, alright?” Abigale asks, to which I nod. Once I see we are done talking, I grab the plate, since she is finished with it, and take it downstairs to wash it. While washing the plate, and whatever dishes were left from today, I hear my phone go off, so I quickly finish. When I check my phone, I new app has one again installed itself. When I open it, it appears to be called the ‘Confidant’s List’. A pretty simple name. When I open it, it has a list of a fair few people, each with their name, and what I believe are arcana for tarot cards. Hayai Tama - Chariot(1) , Rirī Bēru - Lovers(1), Abigale - Magician(1), Prison Master Igor - Fool(1),... ‘Huh, these apps from Igor a pretty convenient. I’ll make sure to thank him when I’m next in the Velvet Room.’ I think, before writing down two reminders. 1# Thank Igor. 2# Visit Punk Doctor. When I’m finished downstairs, I make sure the door is locked, turn off the electronics that need turning off, as well as the lights. Then I head up and go to sleep.