4/26 Tue
Upon getting to the school today, we find a mob of students by the notice boards.
“A calling card…?” A disheveled looking guy asks.
“I heard it was already posted by the time everyone got here this morning.” A more excited sounding guy says.
“Sir Takkuru Kikku, the malicious bastard of lust. We know what you are, and how you are all too willing to force all manner of twisted desires on your students, who have no way to fight back. That’s why we have decided to take all those desires from you, and have you confess all your crimes. This will be done by tomorrow, so get ready for it. From, The Phantom Thieves of Hearts.” Rirī says, reading it aloud. “...Wow.” Then she comes over.
‘Not bad, eh?” Hayai asks. “I looked up a bunch of stuff online for reference. I hope it’s enough.”
“Well, yeah, it should be enough. But it isn’t exactly amazing.” She comments.
“While I like the attempt at a logo, it could be better. Sorry…” Abigale comments as well. Hayai just sighs.
“I see what you're saying, but art isn’t exactly my strong suit, but it can’t be that bad, right?” He asks, looking at me.
“Did Mr. Kikku do something wrong…?” A Shy girl asks from the group.
“Does this mean the rumors are true!?” Another girl asks.
“Wait a sec… Is someone going to take something from Mr. Kikku…?” The guy from earlier asks.
“What’s with this strange logo?” The excited guy from earlier asks. “And who are these Phantom Thieves of Hearts people..?”
“...Well it got everyone excited, so it’s good, right?” Hayai asks. Then Kikku walks up.
“Who’s responsible for this…!?” He calls out angrily.
“Look at that. A very predictable reaction from someone who knows what we mean by distorted desires.” Abigale comments.
“Looks like it’s hittin’ him pretty hard too.” Hayai comments.
“Did you do this!? Or was it you!?” He yells at the mob of students, which makes them scatter, then he notices our group nearby. “...Was it you two!?”
“What, you're talking about that calling card thing? No idea, was there when we got here this morning. Got nothing to do with us.” I reply.
“Playing dumb, are you?” He asks, before scoffing. “It’s not a problem, you’ll be expelled soon enough anyway.” When he finishes speaking, we feel a sensation like going to the Metaverse, and see Kikku replaced with his Shadow.
“Come… Steal it, if you can!” He taunts, before everything returns to normal.
“Judging from Kikku’s response… I’m sure we had an effect on his Palace.” Abigale remarks.
“Does that mean the Treasure’s appeared!?” Rirī questions. “We’ll be able to get it today, right?”
“It’s not just ‘today’. It’s ONLY today.” Abigale confirms. “The impact from the calling card doesn’t last too long. And it can’t be repeated either. So this will be our ONE chance to steal the Treasure.”
“A single day should be MORE than enough for the four of us.” Hayai says. Then we head up to the rooftop, and head into the Palace.
--------------------------
When we get in, I start up Metaverse Radio, a new song coming out.
“Let’s go! Don’t let your guard down. Security should have skyrocketed after the card.” Gale says, as we get ready. ‘Gotta grab those chests first…’ I think.
“We got some loot to grab first. Shouldn’t take long.” I order, and with my team's nods, we head out to gather the loot. We head to the East Building Annex safe room, which is close to two of our minor targets, and head out to the corridor that leads to the library.
We got noticed and chased by a Shadow guard, but escaped without battle.
“Gotta be more stealthy than that…” I mutter as I we head back in, and get attacked by the Shadow, revealing a triad of Agathion. With two Garu’s from Gale, and then a crit, I decide to hustle some money out of it, giving extra because I have an Agathion with me.
I do feel a little stronger after the battle, but focus on getting to the locked chests, with the warm up out of the way. I use a few healing items, and we’re on our way.
After a few more encounters, thanks to more appearing after each set, we reach the chest. The chest was guarded by an Incubus and a pair of Silky. They aren’t any trouble. The chest itself holds 2 items, a Bead, and a Chewing Soul, which Gale says is better than a Snuff Soul. We head back to the Safe Room for a few moments, to rest and regroup, before heading out to the other chest that is nearby, at the bottom of a tower, after a bit of healing, at least.
“Well, if we’re gonna reach this second chest, we’re gonna need to go through that cathedral. Again.” Succubus says, looking at the map.
“Yeah, but that shouldn’t be TOO hard, since we know the way around now.” I point out.
“Alright, let’s move. No loot left behind!” Gale says, excited.
We manage to get by without any battles on the lower floor, and reach the upper.
“Damn, we forgot to open this door…” Slugger says, before we take the long way around.
We encounter a Shadow in the hallway and ambush it, showing a trio of Agathion and a Pixie. It doesn’t take long, and we get some money out of the Pixie.
The follow up has a two Silky and an Incubus combo. This, doesn't go as well, but we win.
“Bloody maids…” Succubus mutters after we wake her up, and we head down to the tower, after a bit of healing.
After a quick detour to open the door we forgot, I find a ball with a dull sword in it, and we take off for the chest. There is a Shadow down here, so we just need to wait for our moment.
We make quick work of the pairs of Agathion and Silky that appear, and open the chest, getting a new dagger for Gale.
“Yay! I’ve been needing a new one” Gale says while hugging the dagger’s handle, the dagger itself looking like something a pirate would use.
Making our way up the tower, we find more of the stronger Shadows on the roof. Realizing we would need to defeat some to get past, we ambush the closest one. A pair of horsemen with tridents, and a pair of Pixie. Gale’s slingshot takes care of the Pixie, knocking them both down. Then Succubus uses Dormina on one of the horsemen, knocking him out. Leaving it for me to use my Silky for Bufu on both, knocking both horsemen down. After we All-Out attack them, one horsemen is standing, but he panics, and offers a deal. So, I collect him, learning they are called Berith.
Unfortunately, this leaves me over-encumbered with Personas, again. So we take our time clearing the roof, before making our way back into the tallest tower.
Once back in the Central Tower, we bee-line it for the Safe Room, so we can rest, where I decide to leave Pixie in the safe room, with the rest. With that bit of rest, we head out for the remaining chest, which is in the next room over, past a Shadow or two.
The first is one of the owlmen, which Succubus knocks down with a single bullet. Deciding to take a chance, I try to get him on my side.
“Let’s talk then.” It says. “Looking closer, me can see that you are a young human, not been alive many years.”
“Why fight and put yourself in harms way?” It asks.
“I’m doing it to get stronger, as there are enemies both here and in reality I’ll need to face.” I answer, to it’s glee.
“Get stronger? Say no more, I understand you, young man.” It says, nodding. “Although, I am having a hard time accepting that a human is stronger than me.”
“Perhaps you have a power I don’t have…?” It asks.
“I’d say it’s my intelligence, although the money I have been picking up helps.” I admit, and it smiles.
“Yes, humans are a resourceful lot.” It agrees. “Ah, now I can recall!”
“Me am not a Shadow that belongs here. Me exist in the sea of souls of humans!” It bellows. “Me am Andras. Me power is your power… Use it how you want.” It finishes, before flowing into my mask.
Taking a quick pit stop to leave Silky in the Safe Room, I head back out to go grab the chest. It's a straight shot to the chest, which after opening, has a Balm of Life, and a Pearl.
Heading back to the Safe Room, I use the vent system to head to the Safe Room right outside the throne room, and give Succubus and Gale the Arginades and Water of Rebirths, to restore some of their energy. Then, I look at the collection of Personas that are resting here in the Safe Room.
“We are on our way to take the core of this place, which is likely to cause it to collapse. I recommend you head out of here, and find somewhere safe where I can regroup with you at a later date.” I suggest, looking at them all.
“Where should we go? Do you have somewhere in mind?” Incubus asks.
“Might I suggest the entrance of Mementos?” Gale says, looking at them, and confusing the team.
“That would work. We’ll meet you there at some point boss.” Incubus says, before all my stored Personas vanish in a flash of blue light.
“What is Mementos?” I ask Gale, after a moment.
“I’ll explain it later, let’s just say it’s somewhere else we could go after we’re finished here.” She says, stretching, before heading to the door. “With nothing else to do, are we ready?”
“Of course we’re ready.” I say, before heading out, and down the hall, where we find the Throne Room doors wide open, and the side route we used sealed off.
“Guess there is only one way in.” Slugger says, as we walk in, and see the place is empty, apart from the ‘statues’ and the shape of the roof.
“What the hell’s goin’ on here? The door’s just sittin’ open, and there aren’t any soldiers around…” Slugger mutters.
“This place is probably under manned now that they all got assigned elsewhere.” Gale theorizes. “Either way, we win as long as we can steal the Treasure! Let’s keep going!” She says with excitement in her voice.
With nothing else to do, we head up the stairs behind the throne to the Treasure Room. When we open the door to the vault, we find a large, floating, ornate crown.
“Aww yeah! The Treasure has appeared!” Gale says happily.
“Man, it’s huge!” Slugger says, wide eyed.
“What do you think?!~ It’s just as I said! Now, we can steal it!” Gale says, smiling happily. “Ahh… this shine brings tears to my eyes…”
“...It really pisses me off.” Succubus says after a moment. “Why’s it so pretty? Isn’t this Kikku’s desires?”
“T-Treasure…” Gale slurs out.
“Uh, the puppy’s actin’ awfully excited…” Slugger says, concerned.
“What’s wrong? Is something…?” Succubus begins to say, but is interrupted by Gale jumping onto the crown, where she begins nuzzling it, making happy growl noises.
“You alright Gale? Your way to excited right now…” I mumble, just watching her. Her only response is more happy growl noises.
“Alright, that’s enough you silly puppy.” Slugger says with a chuckle. This wakes her from her state, and she jumps off.
“Oh, um, yeah… Sorry about that guys, I have no idea what came over me.” She says with an embarrassed blush.
“You seemed completely out of it there. Are you sure you're alright Gale?” Succubus asks, concerned.
“I couldn’t stop it either… To think I’d be so drawn to desires like this…” Gale says.
“Anyway, if you're okay, we should get to hauling.” Slugger says.
“Alright. Would you three be able to carry it? I’m a bit small…” Glae says, sheepishly.
“Sure thing, just make sure you keep watch out front.” Slugger orders. “Either way, this was easier than I thought! I thought for sure there would probably be some insane trap or something.”
“So his Palace will disappear when we get this out, right?” Succubus asks. “And Kikku will change too…”
“...That should be the case.” Gale confirms.
“Good. We got our chance then.” Slugger says, stretching before we carry this big thing.
“It’s heavy…!” Succubus says, the least physically fit of the three of us.
“This went better than I thought! Even found three Persona users… “Gale mumbles to herself. “My judgement was correct. Making a deal with you was the right choice, Joker.”
“Nyahaha!” She laughs happily. ‘I feel a bit closer with my puppy pal.’
With that, we head out into the throne room, and we’re halfway out it, before we hear an eerily familiar voice, cheering.
“Go, go! Let’s go! Ki-kk-u!!” The voice says from the throne room entrance, before a football is kicked into the crown, knocking it far out of our grasp, before Kikku jumps over us, and holds out his hand, the crown shrinking down to be easily held in his hand, while the fake Succubus is hanging off his arm.
“I won’t let anyone take this!” Shadow Kikku says arrogantly. “This proves that I am the king of this castle-it is the core of this world!”
“That rat bastard…” Succubus swears. “That’s how he sees me, isn’t it!?”
“Yo, pervert. Were you waitin’ to ambush us? Since you couldn’t get us any other way?” Slugger taunts.
“This just made it easier to find you.” S. Kikku fires back. “I’ll dispose of you myself. Right here, right now.”
“That’s our line, you sexually-harassin’ D-bag!” Slugger exclaims.
“What a selfish misunderstanding…” S. Kikku says.
“HOW is it a misunderstanding?! You were doing things that you convinced others to keep secret!” Succubus yells.
“It’s not MY fault that others around me decided keeping it secret was the best choice.” He fires back. “Adults who want to share in my accomplishments, students who have the drive to become winners…”
“They willingly protect me, so that we all may profit from it.” S. Kikku finishes.
“Profit!?” Slugger questions loudly.
“There are too many imbeciles who don’t understand that!” S. Kikku yells. “Including nive brats like you and that whore who tried to kill herself!” He says with a sneer on his face.
“While it’s true that she was being an idiot, letting you manipulate her, trying to commit suicide, ignoring my attempts to help her…” Succubus begins saying. “And I’m even more of a dumbass for not trying harder!”
“But no matter what kind of fool someone might be…” She continues. “They don’t need your permission to live the lives you asshole!”
“Drop the attitude, you mediocre peasant! There’s no wrong in using my gifts for my gain!” S. Kikku says arrogantly. “I’m a cut above all other humans!”
“Above?! You mean beneath, you sick, perverted demon! You're obsessed with your monstrous desires!” Succubus exclaims, causing Shadow Kikku to chuckle.
“That’s right, I’m not like you, weaklings.” He says, grabbing the fake Succubus while glowing with dark red energy. “I’m a demon who rules this world!” He says, before beginning to grow and transform.
“Wh-What the hell…!?” Slugger exclaims, before S. Kikku laughs, madness in his voice.
This new form of his is grotesque, he is now massive, with four arms spreading from his sides, the muscles along his body look unnatural in the way they are. Each arm is holding an item. A wine bottle that has the fake Succubus as a cork, a riding crop, and a golden knife and fork. He is sitting on his ass, and still wearing his cape. Luckily, he doesn’t appear to have anything down below, as his cape is covering nothing now. As for his face, his mouth is now just jagged teeth, with a long, wet tongue hanging out, with mad eyes looking about. HIs hair is messier than normal, with a pair of demonic ram horns sprouting from it. And finally the crown is on his head. He also has a trophy at his feet, with sets of bare legs that looks suspiciously like they belong to members of the female football team.
“I’m allowed to do whatever the hell I want!” S. Kikku exclaims.
“You’re wrong, so let’s finish this!” I challenge and point at him, which sets him off.
“You goddamn, no-good, shitty brats! Haven’t you been taught not to point at people!? Huh!?” He yells.
“Look! The Treasure’s on his head!” Gale exclaims. “We should try to catch him off guard and take it!”
“Let’s attack him and wait for our chance.” She suggests. “Finally, we can take of Kikku himself. Everybody, let’s do this!”
I start us off with Sukunda, then Ryuji uses Tarukaja on himself. After that, Gale unloads her slingshot on the bastard. Succubus does the same.
On his turn he has his minions at his sides kick footballs at Gale, then Succubus. On my next turn, I use Andras to lower his defense with Rakunda, then Slugger uses Lunge. Gale attacks with her dagger and Succubus unloads another set of bullets into him. Then S. Kikku uses his minions to attack Slugger and Succubus.
Next go around, I use my Succubus with Rebellion on Slugger, who uses Lunge again. Deciding to wait another turn on healing, Gale slashes with her dagger, while Succubus uses an Air Cannon. The next assault hits Gale and Succubus, who gets knocked out.
I use Berith and Cleave on the bastard. Slugger buffs his attack again, and Gale uses a Revivadrin on Succubus, who uses Dia on Gale. S. Kikku attacks with his minions once more, at Gale, before just staring at Succubus.
I use Cleave once more, and Slugger follows with Lunge. Gale uses Dia on Succubus and Succubus uses Dia on Slugger. S. Kikku attack Succubus with his fork, knocking her out, before cutting up one of the legs in his trophy and eating it, appearing to heal afterwards.
“Ngh, that is some good healing.” He says. “Come at me you pieces of shit, I ain’t lettin’ you sleep tonight!”
“He healed himself…? Is it because he at one of the girls inside there?” Gale asks, having noticed what I did. I use the Chewing Soul, knowing I’ll need the energy. Slugger uses Lunge on the trophy, and S. Kikku gets defensive.
“Hey!” He yells. “You don’t know what this is worth, so stop touching it! Don’t do it anymore, got it! I’ve warned you!”
“When someone tells us not to do something, it makes us want to do it even more!” Gale exclaims happily, then uses a Balm of Life on Succubus, who then uses Agi on the Trophy. S. Kikku then swipes us all with his tongue, before he sucks on his bottle of wine, appearing to get stronger after.
I use Sukunda on S. Kikku once more, Slugger uses Lunge on the trophy, and Gale uses Dia on herself. Succubus uses Agi on the trophy, dodges a knife attack, and gets knocked out by more footballs.
I use Rakunda on the trophy, Slugger repeats using Lunge, and Gale revives Succubus with a Revival Bead. Succubus uses a Life Stone on herself. S. Kikku uses the Minion Assault on Slugger, before staring at Succubus.
I use Berith and Rukukaja on Succubus. Slugger uses Lunge again, and Gale uses Dia on Slugger. Succubus uses Dia on Gale, then S. Kikku tries to lick Succubus but misses, then uses an assault on Gale, which hits.
I uses Tasukete and Sukunda on him once more, keeping him slow, while Slugger keeps up his assault on the trophy with Lunge. Gale heals him with Dia once more, while Succubus does the same to me. Then S. Kikku licks at us all, Slugger dodging while the rest of us are hit. Then he hits Succubus with his knife.
I once more use Andras to lower the trophy’s defense and Slugger hits with Lunge. Gale and Succubus use the turn to use Dia on each other. S. Kikku uses his Minion Assault on me, and I dodge, the uses his knife on Gale, stabbing her.
I use Rakukaja on Gale, then Slugger Lunges once more. Gale uses Dia on herself, and Succubus uses it on her too. S. Kikku uses his assault on me, and hits, then stares at Succubus.
I lower his speed once more, and Slugger keeps attacking the cup. Gale and Succubus use the turn to heal me with Dia. Then S.Kikku hits Succubus with a lick.
Me and Slugger assault the cup with Cleave from Berith and Lunge, destroying it.
“No way… This was from when I won the national…” S. Kikku says, looking despondent.
“All right! No more healing for him!” Gale says, as we hold him up.
“You think that you can get away with doing such a thing? Do you realize who I am!?” He yells. “I am Kikku! Don’t you get it!?”
“So what?” I ask dismissively.
“Huh?” He questions, confused. “Like I keep saying! I am Kikku! I’m the king!”
“You look down on everyone.. But you’re seriously lame right now.” Slugger retorts.
“Silence! I won’t let the likes of you have this!” S. Kikku roars.
“You still have energy to say things like that!?” Gale ask in disbelief. “Then we’re going to up OUR game as well!” She says, before we All-Out attack.
“I’m the king! If I’m not, then who is!?” S. Kikku asks.
“We won’t get anywhere with brute force.” Gale says. “What should we do, Joker?”
“We should go for the crown.” I suggest.
“I see. In that case, let’s begin plan B!” She says, and points at a terrace. “Look over at that!”
“While the others are drawing Kikku’s attention, have someone go there!” She finishes. “Let’s steal the Treasure without him noticing!” Then she heals herself, then S. Kikku hits her and me with his knife.
“Let’s take that crown from him!” Slugger says, and I send him up to do it. “Gotcha. Keep him distracted by attacking him!” He says, heading over, and hiding.
“How dare you keep defying me… Looks like I gotta bring out the big guns!” S. Kikku says, after I hit him with Cleave, and Gale heals me with Dia. “Slaves! Bring over you-know-what!”
And with that order, the minions who were chained up behind him are set loose. “Time for my killshot from when I was active and rockin’ it!” He continues. “Killshot… as in, I’ll make the kill!”
Me, Gale and Succubus guard, and take the shot, then I attack with Cleave.
“I’m the one in charge of this school! Nothing gets by me!” S. Kikku says, while Slugger makes his way up the terrace a bit. After a few more attacks and heals, he goes off again.
“You’re misunderstanding it all! I haven’t secually harassed anyone!” He claims. “They came on to me because they wanted to get on my good side!”
“What a total moron…” Slugger whispers, climbing up more. “But at least it’s lettin’ me get closer to the Treasure.” And we attack more to keep his attention.
“You’re quite tenacious…” S. Kikku says. “Ah, I get it! You want to see my killshot again, don’t you!?” With that, we all guard and survive.
Attacking a bit more gets his attention on us.
“Is there one less of you?” He asks. “I knew it! They’re missing! Where’d they go!?”
“Took you too long to notice, moron!” Slugger says with a smirk, before winding up, and swinging at the crown, knocking it off his fat head.
“Nooo! My… my precious!” S. Kikku crys, flailing his arms in desperation.
“Good, Kikku’s shaken up!” Gale says
“We can do this!” Succubus exclaims, as Slugger lays another Lunge into him, which does major damage this time. When it’s S. Kikku’s turn, he seems dejected, and just attacks once with his knife.
After a few more attacks, Succubus gets the last hit, kicking his groin with her bladed boots, which finishes him off.
With him defeated, his crown rolls to the floor, and shrinks down once again. But before we can grab it, S. Kikku tackles it, and tries to run away, right to a balcony.
“What’s wrong? Not running away?” Succubus taunts. “Why don’t you run?”
“Aren’t you a ‘great athlete’?” She continues.
“It’s always been like this… all those goddamn hyenas forcing their expectations on me…!” S. Kikku tries to deflect. “I’m doing this all for them! What’s wrong about demanding a reward for that!?”
“Now you’re makin’ excuses?” Slugger asks. “We’ll do something about that distorted heart of yours.”
Shadow Kikku just groans.
“Scared?” Succubus asks. “Right now, you’re seeing the same view that Hikui did.”
“I’m sure she was scared too… except she had no choice but to jump…” Succubus continues intimidating him. “What will you do?”
“Will you jump? Or would you rather die here?” She asks, before summoning Yūwaku suru on'na, and having her hold two fireballs.
“Do you want to finish him off? It’s your call.” Gale says, while we stand back.
“No, please wait! I beg you… Just forgive meeee!” S. Kikku says, like a coward.
“Shut up. I bet everyone told you the same. But you… you took everything from them!” She says, throwing a fireball at him, and missing on purpose.
“I accept defeat… You want this? Take it.” He says, cowering in fear, before tossing me his crown. “Go ahead and finish me off…”
“You do that… and my real self will go down too…” He continues. “You have that right, since you’ve won...”
Succubus throws the second fireball, and Slugger yell out “Rirī...!” before we see it scorch the floor beside S. Kikku, and she returns her Persona.
“If his mind shuts down, he can’t admit his crimes.” She finally says.
“Practical thinking, Rirī.” Gale says, while we watch.
“I’ve lost…” S. Kikku says, on his knees. “You’re through when you lose…”
“What am I- What am I supposed to do now…?” He asks us, finally seeming to see reason, in some way.
“Figure out a way to atone for your sins.” I say, after a moment of consideration.
“Alright… I will leave now and return to my real self.” He says, beginning to glow blue, and fade away. “I’ll make certain that I-” He begins to say, being cut off as he disappears. That’s when the Palace starts to rumble.
“Hey, just so you know, we don’t have time to waste!” Gale says, already running for the door. “This place is about to collapse!”
“Run!” Slugger says, as we begin running through halls, rubble falling in front of and behind us, causing us to have to climb over stuff as we run. While we do, Gale, in her real world form, jumps up on Succubus, to Slugger, then my shoulder.
While we run, Slugger trips, saying he is fine and getting back up, as the hallway collapses behind us. We only just manage to make it to the exit in time, and arrive in the alleyway outside the school.
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“That sucked…” Rirī says, panting against the wall. Then Hayai pulls out his phone.
“Look at the nav!” He says, sounding shocked. So we pull our phones out too.
“The destination has been deleted.” The nav’s voice says.
“It’s true. We can’t go there anymore.” Rirī says, sounding satisfied.
“What about the Treasure?” Abigale askes, worried. So I pull it out from where I stored it. But it’s now a medal.
“What the…?” Hayai asks, confused.
“...A medal? Wait, where’d that crown go?” Rirī asks.
“What’s goin’ on…?” Hayai asks.
“It means that this medal was the source of Kikku’s desires.” Abigale explains. “To him, this medal is worth as much as that crown we saw in the Palace.”
“Any Olympic medal…” Hayai says, thinking. “So, that perv kept clingin’ to his past glory and couldn’t let it go…”
“But… this means that Kikku’s heart might have changed, right?” Rirī asks for confirmation.
“Most likely.” Abigale says, sounding unsure.
“Our expulsion’s on the line here!” Hayai says.
“This is the first successful example for me too.” Abigale points out. “However, there’s no doubt that this has affected Kikku’s personality quite a lot.
“The entire Palace disappeared, after all.” She continues.
“Ugh, I feel all antsy! Ain’t there a way to check now?” Hayai asks.
“While I’m also worried, we’ll know soon enough.” I say.
“Right.” Rirī says, sounding exhausted.
“Come on, why the gloomy faces? Be happy! We completed this with great success, you know.” Abigale points out, and nuzzles my leg.
“We just don’t know if everything is OK yet.” Hayai says.
“I’m pretty sure it’ll all be fine.” Abigale comforts. “Remember how Kikku’s Shadow said that he’s returning to his self in reality?”
“Takkuru Kikku was a pretty big piece of shit. Still…” She continues. “He did seem to regain his conscience somewhat at the end.”
“I’m sure it worked.” I say, trying to convince my team.
“There are definitely those who have been saved thanks to what we’ve done.” She finishes.
“Yeah…” Rirī sighs out.
“Anyways, I guess we gotta wait.” Hayai finishes. “It all boils down to what’s gonna happen to Kikku… or if we’re gettin’ expelled for real.”
“Let’s be patient and go home.” I suggest.
“Right. C’mon, let’s go home.” Hayai agrees, as we head out for our trains home.
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Walking in the cafe, I’m greeted by Roast-san, as my phone goes off.
<Thanks. I finally got to avenge Kikui because of you guys…> Rirī sends. <I’m pretty sure there was no way I’d have been able to do anything on my own.> She admits.
<So seriously, thank you. I owe you so much.> She continues.
<There’s no need to thank me. But, don’t forget to thank Hayai as well.> I suggest.
<Your right, I should probably send him a thank you message as well.> She agrees. <Anyway, that cognitive world was pretty crazy, huh?>
<What a mysterious place. I can’t believe we actually stole someone’s heart…> She admits. <Speaking of mysterious, there’s also the matter of Abigale’s transformation.>
<When we were escaping, didn’t she turn back into a pup even though we were still in the Palace?> She questions.
“Rirī sure is sharp! I’m impressed.” Abigale admits. “Basically, the Treasure changes the shape of things. Once that’s gone, that power no longer works.”
“Though the real reason I changed quickly back then was because of all my practice there.” She finishes. “How’s that? Aren’t I amazing?” She says, a bit smugly.
<She said she’s amazing.> I decide to reply.
<Oh yeah, I forgot that Abigale is reading these messages too.> Rirī sends back. <I think I feel a little better after talking to you. Thanks.>
<We still haven’t seen any results but it feels like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders.> She continues. <I hope you don’t mind me talking too much.>
<Well, see you tomorrow!> She says, before signing off. With that done, I turn to Roast-san.
“You sure look satisfied… Something good happen?” He asks. “Nothing goes your way in life. Let it get to your head, and you’ll get the rug pulled out from under you.”
“Thanks for the advice. And yes, something good may have happened. Need to wait and see.” I say, with a smile.
“Well, if you're too tired to help clean, get to bed. And don’t lie, I can see how tired you are.” He says. With that conversation done, I head to the tv.
“Pawn to 5-6 on the first move was unexpected. This might just lead to a Happy Central Rook.” An interviewer states. “Ah, is there a special reason why it’s called a Happy Central Rook?”
“Well, the first shogi player to use that move was the kind of person who’s always smiling.” Says, who I assume is a Pro Shogi Player. “That’s really where the name comes from. It has nothing to do with the actual strategy itself.”
“So the name doesn’t clue you in on the strategy. It’s really just named after a shogi player…” The interviewer mumbles. I’ve seen enough and head upstairs.
“You must be exhausted after today. Let’s go to bed.” Abigale suggests. I turn to my journal first. “Recording your daily activities, huh… Well, I hope people start thinking better of your soon.” Then I head up to sleep.