Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

I tighten my grip on the phone as people around me start staring, but I don't care because what the hell am I even looking at?

All I wanted to do was look up this sister company Ms Kawakami mentioned, mostly out of curiosity, but seeing this, I just can’t stop thinking about their names.

Toshio and Hiromi. They have to pay for even making her consider this.

This sister company was pretty hard to find even when you know where to start, but still this is even more horrifying than I thought.

Our French maids will provide services like no other, starting with full-body massages to acts of pure sensual relaxation. The tagline alone is enough for me to want to vomit.
A glorified prostitution ring, nothing more. She actually considered this…no, she will never even need to think even about this regular maid service, never again.

The train finally arrives at my station, and as I get off and make my way to my apartment, the mere thought continues to spiral on endlessly.

She would have taken this job to give them their damned money. How craven do you have to be to force an innocent woman into such desperation?

No, Ann, stop it for tonight; there is nothing you can do right now. Just take a nice hot shower and eat something, and tomorrow after school, I will burn them, I will ruin them, I… I will avenge Ms Kawakami.

I mean, in a way that is why I chose to become a Phantom Thief, to help those who can’t help themselves and to avenge those that suffered under the cruel regime of society, just like Shiho, just like Shiho.

The image of her lying on the floor is still etched in my mind. Had she landed only a few metres to the right, she…no stop it. Shiho is alive, Kamoshida paid, nothing to be done about that, now I have the strength and obligation to help those around me.

With the opening of the door and me turning on the lights of the apartment it really dawns on me just how empty everything is without her.

Have I really fallen so much, that I can’t even stand a few hours of silence? Mum and dad posted some pictures of their latest work in Australia, so at least they are still there, not like that matters anyway and we still have this Kaneshiro business too.

Jeez, so many problems and yet, I can’t help but just wanting to rest right now. So much anger just makes me feel the hunger and the loneliness more.

The others can’t know about this, I mean not like there is no real way I can explain how I need to steal the hearts of two pieces of trash that blackmail and exploit my homeroom teacher.

Haha, this whole thing really is such a strange mess, but just thinking of her makes me happy, even just that little smile she had when I left just now. Better to let her rest too.

Ms Kawakami…is it still only a crush?

Well, honestly there is only one person I could ask without risking anything, but should I really bother her when she is still in the middle of her rehabilitation?

Subconsciously my steps have brought me to my room and my desk.

Right, it’s still in there from so long ago. I open the top drawer and under a couple of magazines that I threw in there as cover is that drawing I made.

Shiho would probably say something like: ‘Wow, you actually made something half decent, took you long enough.‘

She always was honest about my lack of skill, dammit I miss you so much and especially right now.

Ok, enough with the pity party; I am no longer like this. My heart is strong, just like Kasumi’s, I won’t stand idly by any longer!

I completely underestimated how hard school could actually be.

All because of them, all because of those two vultures.

I look over to the clock hanging on the wall. Not long now; just another five minutes and the wait is finally over, but I don’t know how much longer I can really endure.

In front of the class is Mr Inui, practically absorbed in his lesson about some historical event from like 10 centuries ago. Seriously, it’s probably interesting, but I just can’t focus on anything, not since the first lesson when Ms Chouno came in instead of Ms Kawakami.

She told us that Ms Kawakami was feeling unwell. I almost snapped my pencil just thinking about the trash again. Five minutes, Ann, five damned minutes, and then all will be well.

“So, in conclusion, the warring states were—oh, my, just look at the time. Anyway, that is all for today; next time we will finish our review of the different factions and warlords that fought for supremacy.”

Finally, now to get the others and get it over with.

I grab my bag and make my way towards the first years and Kasumi’s class, but as soon as I walk down the stairs, I see something I really, and I mean really, shouldn’t have seen.

These parasites are here speaking with Ms Chouno at the entrance.

I clench my teeth and grab the handrail so hard that my right hand starts to hurt again. They actually dare to go to school; they actually dare.

Ok, calm down, Ann, just… breathe and don’t punch these arseholes in their faces.

I continue my walk towards Kasumi’s class as Ms Chouno’s eyes just had to cross mine.

”Oh, that is perfect, Takamaki-san. Do you have a moment?“

Shit, so much for just ignoring them. I let out a deep breath, making sure to avoid eye contact with those two as much as possible.

”Takamaki-san, you wouldn’t happen to know anything about Ms Kawakami? You see, these people here were pretty concerned about her since apparently she wasn’t home, and well… you and her have these tutoring sessions.”

Ms Chouno looks a bit nervous, but she tries her best to mask it. The man looks at me for a moment, maybe with a small glimmer of recognition on his face, but he shouldn’t have seen me yesterday.

”Well, girl, have you seen her?“

“Please, dear, allow me." Now that woman tries to play nice like she isn’t also living scum.

”We are good friends of Ms Kawakami, and well, we are a bit worried; she wasn’t feeling too good yesterday, and well, we really need to talk to her, but as your teacher here just said, she wasn’t home.“

Friends, huh? It's a miracle that her tongue doesn’t immediately rot from spewing forth such venomous lies. But if she isn’t home, well, that…there’s no time for that now.

”No, I’m sorry, I haven’t seen her since yesterday at school, but I am sure she is ok; after all, Ms Kawakami is such a wonderful teacher.“

A bit too sugary perhaps, but since I would rather just spit in their faces, I guess it’ll have to do.

”Typical, that woman. Well, thanks anyway. Come on, we’ll find her soon enough.“

They both leave, none too pleased, but that’s what you get.

Ms Chouno turns to me for a moment, a smile on her lips.

”Thank you for your help, Takamaki-san. I’m sure these people will find what they were looking for, but let that be a lesson to you: kindness and politeness go a long way, especially if you don’t just barge into a school demanding something before so much as saying hello. Now you go and have a nice day.“

”You too, Ms Chouno.“

She leaves me alone with my thoughts, which already begin to spiral down a dangerous path. These two are looking for her, meaning she probably didn’t pay them. Good, but if she wasn’t home or at the hospital anymore, then…hm, I better call her when I get the chance just to be sure.

”Ann, is everything ok?“

I almost jump, startled out of my thoughts by her sudden voice. I turn around to see Kasumi and Ryuji standing there. Oh, wipe that smug grin off your face, Ryuji.

”Yeah, I’m fine, just a bit tired, that’s all.“

“Well, if you’re not feeling well, then maybe it’s better if you sit out today’s Mementos traini-”

“Absolutely not! Sorry, didn’t mean to yell. Ugh, I’m feeling a headache building; can we just go already?“

Ryuji gives me a confused look, while Kasumi looks unsure as well.

”You’re really ok; no need to play it tough, you know?“

”Yes, Ryuji, I am totally fine, just wanting to get started, that’s all.“

”Jeez, chill; it feels like you’re gonna burn me with that look alone.“

”Sorry, just, can we please get going? I want to train and get really strong to really show Kaneshiro what for.“

Yeah, I mean, not a total lie; getting that greedy worm out of the way would be great, but I just want to burn these two and nothing more.

”Alright, you two go on ahead; I still want to return a book to the library and will wait for Makoto.“

”Sounds good to me; let’s go, Ann.“

I nod and wave as Kasumi walks up the stairs. Ryuji gives me another strange look before we both leave the school building.

”So, what’s really going on? Don’t try to hide it; I already told you multiple times you’re terrible at acting.“

We don’t stop walking, but the grip on my bag gets tighter.

”Ryuji, I…it’s nothing really. Just, I got some intel on a really nasty case for the Phantom Thieves that awaits us in Mementos.“

”Right, nothing to really get that upset about; just tell us at the Hideout, and we will agree to deal with it as we always did. Probably a good show for Makoto too.“

”Yeah, but here’s the problem. I want to deal with this one alone.“

Strange how it’s always so easy to speak with Ryuji. Not that that’s a bad thing; it’s one of his best qualities.

”For real? Now that just sounds weird. You do know that we are a team and that we would only do these kinds of missions if we all agreed on it beforehand. You were there when we made these rules, so what’s so different about this one?“

”I can’t tell you about the details. All you need to know is that it involves a couple who are exploiting someone very dear to me for money. If I don’t stop them now, they might ruin my friend’s life, and I just—”

”Right, ok, seems like a case for us, but still I don’t see why we can’t tackle this one as a team.“

”Because I need to do this to prove something to myself, and because I…feel that if I don’t do this by myself, then I would just be another bystander again, just like with Shiho.“

”How is she doing, Ann?“

I look at Ryuji, his smile so gentle, so very unlike him, but right now it feels like the warm sun illuminating me.

"Actually, she's doing great; I wanted to visit her after Mementos. Her physical therapy is doing good; her back is still hurting, but she’s feeling much better overall.”

“That’s nice, so I will probably regret this, but what the hell? A bit of selfishness is probably expected of the great villains that terrorise the city. You have my blessing; you just need to convince Kasumi, Morgana and Yusuke.“

”Not Makoto too?“

”Nah, I’m excluding her for now because she wasn’t there when we made the rules, and she’s a newbie. It’s not like she could order you around as a senior member, hah.“

”Thanks, Ryuji, but it’s probably for the best to not let her hear you talk like this.“

”Yeah, I know; she would probably break my thumbs before I even had the chance to move a single muscle.“

”She really would. Man, she really is scary.“

”You can say that again, but that persona is badass. Wish mine was as cool as that one.“

”Yours is a ship and a pirate; doesn’t that count for something?“

”Captain Kidd is cool, but that bike is a freaking bike.“

”Hey, Ryuji.“

”Yeah.“

”Please, never change.“

Casting out the line again, I gaze over the quiet surface of the water. Well, fishing always gave me this little moment of clarity and calmness, but today it just won’t come.
The fish don’t bite, my nerves are shot to shit, and I feel so damned cold.
And here I go complaining about everything again. Jeez, why does everything always have to end like this?

Since no one’s around, I let out the loudest sigh I can muster as I roll my shoulders. 'Tired' is a nice word for it, but how could I possibly find rest? Why does it always have to happen to me?

Images and memories keep flashing through my mind: my parents' divorce, that time in college when I puked in class, even… Takase.

Urgh, why do I do this to myself?

Ok, enough with the pity party for now; look at the bright side. You have the rest of the week off, exams are still far away and… You actually found the courage to stop this nonsense with the Takases. Sure, they’ll be furious, probably thinking about how they can ruin my life, but…Ann was right.

I look up at the sky; the clouds are moving very slowly, the sun still hidden, but despite the cold wind, the weather is actually pleasant.

Takase I’m sorry that I couldn’t help you. I should have been braver. I should have stood my ground and rebelled against the principal’s orders, but I didn’t. Now you’re gone, and I won’t ever get the chance to see you again, but I won’t stop trying to do better.
Tomorrow I will call this stupid maid service and tell them I quit. But for today, I will just stay here and enjoy a nice stroll through a park later, and then…hm, she was so worried about me; I should tell Ann the good news.

I can’t help but giggle a little bit. She really is quite a unique girl.

From the outside she might look like the typical airheaded pretty girl, but no, honestly that description fits, but it goes so much deeper.
Her interests are what you would expect them to be, her grades are what you think they are, and yet there is something inspiring about her. She doesn’t care what others think of her, she doesn’t pretend to be something she isn’t, and she…actually makes my heart flutter just a tiny bit.

Ok, I’m going way off the deep end there now. Ann is my student, someone I am responsible for, yet she has taken more care of me than I ever took of her.
Dr Maruki said she is strong of heart and mind, but there is something missing. After spending so much time with her alone, outside of school, away from any prying eyes, I think I know what he meant; she is lonely. Her parents are barely there for her; the poor girl has to spend so much time alone, and now that Suzui-san isn’t there anymore, she’s just, well, no, that isn’t quite right. I saw her hanging around Yoshizawa-chan and Sakamoto-san. Hm, the criminal ex-gymnast and the local troublemaker. Strange times make for strange bedfellows, as they say. Still, she seems happy; hell, I even saw her speaking with Niijima-san yesterday, so they even reconciled after their little altercation the other day.

I’m probably overthinking things. She’s gonna be fine. Ann should have nothing to worry about, right? So, why? Why do I just want to go over to her apartment and make sure she’s okay? Why am I catching myself thinking about her so many times? It’s just absurd.

No matter what, she is my student first and foremost; she’s a girl who went through some really terrible things, and I am just making sure that she’s alright. But is that really all?

What am I even to her? I mean, I don’t think I’m only her teacher at this point. Am I her friend? That wouldn’t be the worst. Does she see me as a replacement for a parental figure?
Wow, that was pretty deep, starting to sound like Maruki.

I set down the fishing rod for a moment to take a sip of my water bottle; a drink might be better right now, but I’m not that far gone just yet.

Ok, you know what? So what if I’m something more to her than just a teacher? It probably won’t matter. Hell, if it helps her, then I’m doing my job, so just stop overthinking things and just relax for a second. But I have been trying to all day. Have I actually been on edge for so long that I don’t even know how to relax anymore? I even turned off my phone since I told the Takases that I wouldn't send them any more money.

Oh, dammit, I’m just gonna give her a quick visit later, and that’s it.
Ann Takamaki, hah, she reminds me so much of the girl I wanted to be but never could.
Ok, I’m gonna be honest; if she wasn’t my student, she might actually be my type.

…

Wow, that thought alone is serious trouble. Argh, why does everything have to be complicated?

Just as I pick up the fishing rod again, I catch a glimpse of something fluttering in my peripheral vision. I turn my head to the left to see a little blue butterfly fluttering off into the distance.
Strange, never saw one like that here.

”Right then, we are in agreement. Panther, you go and do your thing, but please be careful."

Violet’s voice is ripe with worry, but it’s too late for that. There is no going back now.

I didn’t think they would agree so easily, but thanks to Skull backing me up, we all came to an agreement. We would all go down Mementos together until we find them, then the others would go back up a level to continue training while I finish them alone.

It's probably for the best, but I'm happy that everyone is so understanding.

”I will. Thank you all so much. This means a lot to me, and I’m sure I will repay you all.

”Of course, Panther. Everyone has their own problems sometimes. Personally I’m just glad that you told us instead of running off on your own.“

”Yeah, it would have been a huge problem if you got lost in here.“

”Indeed, but a personal journey of self-discovery is important, and I still owe you for providing me with this incredible idea for my latest work.“

”Just be careful; the shadows seem a bit restless today. Better to make it quick before you might walk into a trap.“

”Are you really sure you won’t need the extra support? I mean, I don’t have enough experience to be a fair judge, but from the way everyone reacted, I am still not entirely convinced.”

”Makoto, I’m sure. I must do this alone to protect the one I care about, or I won’t be able to live with myself. Sorry, but this is a secret I have to keep even from you all; please forgive me for being so selfish.“

”Hey, it’s alright to be a little selfish from time to time. After all, isn’t it already a selfish desire to want to help people the way we do? I mean, we steal things for selfish reasons, even if it’s for the common good.“ Violet’s words are true, but still this small feeling of guilt won’t leave me, so I simply nod, as I can’t even think of something more to say.

”Alright, let’s get this training exercise started. We have three normal requests and Ann’s special one, plus we have to show Makoto here the ropes.“

”Right, I will be in your care today, and honestly, this all still feels so surreal. This place, these outfits, Personas and—”

”Yeah, that’s always a shocker at the beginning. Now come on and show us that awesome bike.“

”Skull, don’t push her; she’s a lady, so show some class and tact.“

“Oh, shut it, Mona. Bikes are every boy’s dream, ain’t that right, Fox?“

“Well, no, I always found their noise to be distracting, and their shape isn’t exactly—”

”See, bikes are cool; we are all in agreement, and I definitely want to ride it, please.“

Thank you, everyone. Even on such an important day, even with everything going on and the turmoil in my heart, I can smile and laugh thanks to you.
Now to make Ms Kawakami finally smile too.

We drove deeper and deeper into the labyrinth that is Mementos.

Everyone was making the most of their time. Makoto was learning fast and quite well. Her early confusion about how our guns worked was blown away the moment she blew a shadow away with her revolver. You never really think about all those little details; I mean, with Yusuke, he was in it from the word go, truly freeing himself to the bizarre that this whole cognitive world embraces as normality, but Makoto still seems to have some problems with that. Mona does his best to answer all of her questions, just like the day after her awakening.

The fights so far have been nothing special; the usual shadows we already encountered during our last visit are now just a bit more agitated because of Makoto’s bike. So much for stealth, but given the fact that not a single one could even so much as lay a single finger on her, I think stealth can be thrown out of the window for today. Still, infiltrating the bank will be interesting with her around. But it’s kinda hot seeing her ride ahead, charging against the wind and…focus, Ann.

Yes, her butt looks amazing in leather, but don’t just stare at it like that; Ryuji already gave you a look. Just focus on Ms Kawakami’s smile; this is the most important part. Nothing else matters, especially the way Makoto’s thighs clench up when she rams her persona into a shadow. Dammit, Ann, stop this instant.

Think of Ms Kawakami; she brings me calmness, she brings me happiness, and happiness leads to a well-attuned persona or something like that. At least I think Mona mentioned something like that once. Oh, I just hope she’s ok. She didn't answer her phone when I called her earlier.

”Hold up, another distortion ahead.“

Violet stops the bus ever so gently; I've got to commend her for that. She drove well today, which may also be related to the concerned look Makoto gave us when she discovered that we allowed the first-year student to drive. The fact that Makoto is already studying for her driver's licence probably didn't help Kasumi's case.

I swear this girl is basically an adult one moment, and then she sees a Jack Frost and lets out the most girlish squeal I have ever heard.

Anyway, back to the task at hand, I look towards the distortion Violet pointed out. A hole in a wall surrounded by an ominous red glow.

I look down at my phone and the navigation app, and…yeah, this is it.

”Violet, this is it.“

”Ann, are you really sure this is a good idea? I have a bad feeling just looking at this hole. Something feels different about it.“

”Thanks for your concern, but I already told you. This one is mine.“

I get out of the bus and stretch a little before giving everyone a thumbs up.

Ok, time to put that focus to use.

With slow, careful steps I approach the hole. Makoto looks at it for a second before giving me a worried look.

”I know I'm still new, but even I can tell that this one feels weird. Last chance; we can all go in together.“

”No need; there are two people inside there that I need to deal with, just another mission just like that crazy cat lady and that yandere.“

”Ann, good luck.“

”Thanks, and you better get ready; Mementos is a cakewalk compared to a palace. Oh, and you better think of a cool codename just like the rest of us.“

I smile at her as I take the first step into the hole.

These distortions always feel weird, something like a pseudo palace; only instead of a whole giant area that a person controls, it is just a single room hidden from the rest of Mementos unless, of course, you have a name.

Once inside it is very difficult to get out, unless of course you have the treasure of the distortion's origin.

I wonder what they cherish so much to have created this?

No matter, they don’t deserve anything more now than a swift defeat.

I step out of the small passage between the two places and emerge in an opulent ballroom. Nothing else inside but a marble floor and two thrones standing at the end of the room.

My heels echo across the empty hall as the two people sitting in their thrones look up with their piercing yellow eyes.

“Money, money and even more money bring us all of it; it’s your responsibility after all.”

“Clothes, make-up and all these expensive handbags – there is so much I want.”

Disgusting, absolutely revolting. The grip on my whip tightens with every step towards these two.

“Who are you? Are you here to bring us more money from this loser, Kawakami?“

“Hah, she should be grateful that she gets to serve us, ahahahaha.“

I stop just before them. Funny, I thought I would be angrier, but just looking at these two, thinking of nothing else but money, they… they really are just a blight and nothing more.

“No, there will be no more money for you two. In fact, why don’t you both stand up and beg for Ms Kawakami’s forgiveness? It would make my job that much easier.“

“How dare you! You think you can just quit on us like that useless bitch, Kawakami!“

The husband grabs the hand of his wife as both begin to shake violently. Now comes the hard part.

With a small flash of light, both have shed their cognitive forms and have taken on their real shadow forms.

The husband now stands dressed in a royal red tunic with a crown on his head, a sword in his hand and butterfly wings on his back.

The wife, meanwhile, is now standing next to her husband, dressed in a long, flowy green dress with the same butterfly wings on her back.

They look like fairies, like something out of some old English poem.

But it won't matter; turn into whatever you want, you just called this woman I care about a bitch.

“You are an eyesore; begone!“

The fairy king raises his sword, and with a loud crash, lightning strikes down on my spot, but I manage to roll away just in time. Good thing I have seen Ryuji use that move plenty of times already.

Now it’s my turn. CARMEN!

With a loud yell I charge at the king, my whip drawn back as I feel Carmen’s power light up in front of him. I crack the whip right across his chest, and he stumbles back, still holding his sword tightly in his hand.

“Bufudyne!“

Before I can react in time, the fairy queen summons a huge chunk of ice that crashes into my side.

Dammit, with a loud thud, I get swept off my feet and thrown against a wall. I land with the air knocked out of me. Shit, don’t lose now; concentrate, get one down and then finish the other.

My hands are shaking as the cold creeps into me. Not good; I can’t get hit by something like that again. Ice is like poison for my flames, and I already feel my connection to Carmen waver.

Both float closer using their wings as I manage to get back on my feet.

“Hah, a landing like an ugly frog. Now leave our sight.“

The fairy king aims his blade at me. Who to target? Who to target? Fire didn’t seem to affect him much, but if she uses ice magic, it might be worth a shot.

With a quick turn I draw my submachine gun and light up both of them. In the small hailstorm of bullets, both separate and with the queen far from her king, I can’t help but smile just a little bit.

Fighting was never something I particularly enjoyed; sure, shooting a fireball the size of a car feels amazing, but the pain and all these sickening noises are just…urgh. I could really use some cake right now.

“Dance, Carmen, Agidyne!”

Carmen appears behind me, and with a single click of her heel on the floor, a huge pillar of flame erupts just under the fairy queen.

The king can only watch as his queen gets enveloped in a torrent of fire. For a few seconds, the only sound heard is the roar of the great inferno, but as the flames simmer down, a single cry is heard as the queen falls to the floor, her dress scorched, her mouth agape, and her hair smoking; what matters most, however, is that she falls to the floor, unconscious and out of the way.

I look at the king standing there, silent but seething. The grip on his sword tightens as he looks at me with scorn.

“How dare you, you fucking piece of trash!”

He lunges at me with fast and manic strikes. I try to back up and create distance, but his relentless assault is too fast. With no other choice, I try my best to shield myself and dodge whatever strikes I can, but it doesn’t take long before I feel the first swipe cutting into my arm.

Pain spreads throughout my body as I have to let the now damaged right arm simply dangle. Dammit, I have no chance to quickly heal myself. Think, Ann, think.

Shit, I just manage to duck under his next swipe, and with no other option that I can see, I try to kick him in his chest.

That falls flat, however, as he dodges to the side and brings down his sword on my exposed left leg.

With a loud scream I fall down as his blade stabs right through my leg, pinning me to the floor.

He twists the blade even deeper with a sadistic grin on his face.

Shit, shit, shit, this hurts, this hurts, this hurts, this…what do I do?

I can’t use my whip effectively without that damaged arm; the gun is empty, and using Carmen requires too much concentration, which I don’t have, as the pain is getting even worse and worse.

Dammit, they were right; I was a fool for thinking I could do this by myself. What do I do now? Ms Kawakami, what do I do? Please, anyone, please, I… I couldn’t do it; just like last time, I couldn’t do it by myself. I couldn’t help Shiho, and I couldn’t help Ms Kawakami. What a damn failure I am. Tears are starting to run down my cheeks; the pain is excruciating, and that smell of iron and blood in the air is nauseating.

Mum, Dad, I’m sorry. Kasumi, Ryuji, Morgana, Yusuke, and Makoto, I’m sorry that I didn’t listen to you. Ms Kawakami, I… I am so sorry for making a promise that I couldn’t keep. If I get out of this, I...

The king pulls out his sword, and with it I scream once more. Pain and numbness envelop me as I can’t seem to breathe. Strange, I thought I would panic more.

Stubborn pride to the end just because I couldn’t protect Shiho, haha, a fitting end if you will.

“Now to end this, you lowly vagrant.“

I look at the blade aimed at my throat as it hovers above me. But just as he aims to set it down, I see something in the reflection of the blade. Is that a blue butterfly?

(Dost thou still carry the spark of rebellion?)

Time seems to stand still as a strange voice echoes through my mind; it sounds vaguely familiar, a woman’s voice or a girl’s. I can’t really tell.

Yes, of course that will never change; so long as I breathe, I want to keep rebelling against this unfair system.

(Then there is only one thing left to do: speak her name!)

“Sadayo!“

Something sweeps the king off his feet as I see a shadowy silhouette blitz past the looming darkness of the empty room.

(Thou art in need of assistance. Let thy bond carry you on further.)

This strange familiar voice rings out once more, and as the king gets back to his feet, I clamber to my knees.

I see it emerging. A long, almost serpentine creature floating in midair, its snout like that of a wolf, and its blue eyes are looking at me. With graceful movements it floats closer.

(I am Makami; thy bond with the Temperance arcana brought me here to assist you.)

“Great, that’s good, right?“

(Thy heart remains steadfast and seeks justice for those who were wronged; as such, I will remain by thy side so long as thy desire stays pure.)

Carmen appears behind me, without having summoned her. She looks at the long wolf spirit, beckoning it to come closer, which it does before it settles on her shoulders like a scarf.

I have no real clue what just happened, but I think now’s as good a time as any to heal myself.

“Diarama.“

A soft green light envelopes me as the wounds in my leg and arm close. Not yet to a hundred percent, but good enough, I think.

“You will pay for this!“

Finally the king emerges again, charging at me with his blade once again pointed at my throat, but this time I can feel it; victory is in sight, so with both Carmen and Makami at the ready, I look the fairy king straight in the eyes as I smile, thinking about Ms Kawakami at last being allowed to be happy.

“Frei and Agidyne. Dance across the ballroom and leave nothing behind.“

Makami releases a small ball of blue energy. Carmen blows a kiss at the little ball, which grows in size as flames start to dance across its surface, no longer red ones but blue flames. This is my fire of passion.

This combined attack blows the king asunder, his sword clattering to the ground. He lands just next to his still unconscious queen as both change back to the cognitive forms of the Takases.

It's over.

Carmen and Makami disappear as I let out the deepest sigh imaginable. This was way too close, haha. Shit, this might be the adrenaline right now, but I don’t feel even a smidge of pain or fear anymore. Thank god because I thought I would pass out when that fireball hit him. Ok, speaking of him, let’s end this once and for all.

I stumble over to these two lying on the floor, wiping my tears away from under my mask.

Both are awake again but too weak to really move.

“You look down on us too, right?“

He looks up at me, tears now running down his face.

“Without the money and all this expensive stuff, people are gonna laugh at us.”

She, much like her husband, is breaking down in tears.

“Who is laughing?“

I want to hate them, just like Kamoshida, but watching a person break down like this is never easy, even when I know it’s coming or that they deserve it.

“We are terrible human beings. Takase, his real parents were always looking down at us, just because they had these really elite jobs at those big companies. It felt good letting their son work himself to the bone like that, you know.“

“You two really are terrible.“

“Yes, and now I see how horribly wrong this all was.”

“Takase really was a good kid. We…we have to make amends; we need to contact Ms Kawakami and—“

“No, she has been through enough. Forgiveness isn’t mine to give, nor is it hers. The best you two can do is leave her alone, never bother her again, never speak to her again, just…just let her be happy.“

Both of them nod as a white light envelops them. The light turns so much brighter that I have to close my eyes, and when I open them again, they are both gone, leaving behind only a single golden necklace. This must be the first thing they bought with all that money.

I pick it up, and since there is nothing left here, I stumble towards the entrance as I hold the necklace aloft.

I did it. I avenged her. I…no, not vengeance, just justice, justice for you, Takase. Don’t worry, I will do my best to take care of Ms Kawakami.

I know I need rest and that the others would get mad at me, but I can’t put this off any longer; this fight it…yeah, I need to talk to someone about it, and there’s only one person who would understand.

~Knock knock

Heh, it’s kinda fun to knock just like her.

The door opens, and out comes Shiho, looking a bit confused at first, but that quickly changes into a smile, the kind of smile that once melted my heart, but now just feels comfortably warm.

”Ann, that's a surprise. You didn’t text me, did you? I haven’t forgotten. Oh, please don’t tell me I forgot something again.”

”Wha, no, you didn’t forget anything; I was just nearby and thought that I haven’t been here in a while, and, well, um, hi, you look good. May I come in?“

"Oh, thank god. Mum was worried a lot because I seem to forget a lot of stuff; doctors said it had something to do with my short-term memory or something. I forgot the details… that was a joke before you start to panic.”

”Right, thank you.“

At least Shiho seems to be in a good mood; that’s nice.

She waves me inside, and after a quick nod, we both are moving towards her room.

”So, a surprise is nice, but that isn’t everything, right? What’s the big news, Ann?“

”Big news? Can’t I just visit my best friend who I haven’t seen in a while? Why does there have to be news?“

”Ann, you look like you passed out at least three times, and you are sweating bullets. Either you were chased here by a gorilla, or there is something that’s bothering you.“

”Ok, sorry, there is something that I wanted to talk to you about, but that isn’t the whole reason I came here; I really did want to visit you, I promise.“

”Hihi, only joking, Ann. I know that you were serious before, but I also know that you have a terrible poker face, so out with it. What’s happening outside?“

Shiho sits down on her bed, crosses her legs and gives me the biggest smug grin imaginable.

I roll my eyes at her before sitting down on the chair next to her desk. It is wonderful to see her so full of energy again, but I'll admit it has a touch of bitterness to it as well. This is Shiho as she always was and the version I missed so very much these last few months.

"First up, promise not to tell anyone, or I swear I'll—"

”Yeah, yeah, that old thing. Relax already, would you?“

”Fine, Shiho, I… I, um, I have a crush on someone, and I don’t know if it’s something serious or just stupid.”

Her eyes widen as the words leave my mouth; immediately a blush creeps over both of us. Of course it would be difficult to talk to her about this specific thing, but she’s the one person I can trust above everyone else, not like I could even ask anyone else, but she is my best friend, so she should know me pretty well.

”Ok, wow, ok, dammit, ok, give me a second. Wow, Ann, this is, TELL ME EVERYTHING, DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL!“

Shiho paces back and forth across the room as she suddenly grabs my shoulders with this manic look in her eyes. Right, I almost forgot about her little romance fetish.

My eyes focus on her bookshelf just opposite of her desk; in it, filled to the brim, are romance novels and mangas, everything she could get her hands on, and almost every genre imaginable. Straight love, girl's love, boy's love and, of course, love poems.

“Jeez, please stop shaking me, and I’ll tell you.”

She does as I asked her to and sits back down, but her eyes are still full of that hunger for knowledge.

”How does she make you feel? How did you meet? Were there sparks or that feeling in your stomach? Is it someone I know? Is she cute? Oh, just imagining my little Ann being all shy and flustered, ah, ok, I’m calm now.“

After hyperventilating into her pillow for a few seconds, she looks back at me.

”Well, um, for starters I will say that I can’t tell you her name or anything really about her, because, um, it’s a secret, and besides, if I’m just misunderstanding things, then I would just humiliate myself and her.“

“Alright, fine, keep that secret if you want, but answer the other questions then. How does she make you feel?“

”Like I can rely on her, like I can rest my head on her shoulder and just… ah, that’s too weird already.“

”Ann, stay on target. Now how about those sparks? Are they there, like when you touch and stuff? Like, has there been handholding or that accidental touch that is just too embarrassing, but you both are not opposed, and it’s just too awkward?"

Shiho starts to breathe heavily, almost huffing, and I could swear there is steam coming out of her nostrils.

”Now who isn’t on target? But to answer your question, there are sparks, at least a little tingle. As for touches, well, I touched her legs once and hugged her a couple of times, and… Shiho, I got a nosebleed from seeing her thighs.”

”That bad, huh? Ann, I already told you this multiple times, but you are not subtle; getting a nosebleed, you're down bad atrocious. Did she see that?“

"No, thankfully she didn’t, but Shiho, is this love or not? I just don’t know."

Shiho grows quiet all of a sudden, probably lost in thought, but before long she smiles at me again, this time, however, rather shyly.

”Do you remember when we, you know, when we experimented and you said, what was it again?“

“A girl’s taste is the proof that heaven exists, yes, I know. Shiho, I don’t regret what we did; in fact, I’m still thankful to you, but that felt different back then. Now with her, it’s a lot warmer, like I just want to rely on her and she on me and just be together, not like friends, not even as two girls, but as…something deeper. I just can’t describe it, but just today I felt this push, and just the thought of her smile made me stronger, so I’m asking you again, is this love?”

"That kiss we shared made so much clear, and we both got something out of it. I will treasure it as well, Ann. This feeling you are describing sounds like love to me, but there is only one way to truly find out."

“Right, I can’t ignore my feelings or what my heart yearns for. I’m gonna tell her how I feel, but Shiho, what if she rejects me?”

"Then you are gonna come right back here, and we are gonna spend as long as it takes cursing her out, eating ice cream and watching all the cringe teen movies you want, deal?"

”You know you suck at comforting people, but thanks.“

She laughs before lying down on her side, her eyes never leaving me. Shiho…you are in pain, right? That little wince – just know, your back isn't really that great yet, is it?

”Ann, you know you really changed since the last time I saw you. I can’t put it into words, but you seem much more open now; it’s as if all the worries you had have really faded away, and even the look in your eyes is much clearer than before. More beautiful, I would even dare say.”

“I guess a lot happened since last time; for starters, I found her, but then there are also a few other cool things that I can tell you. Uh, I told Ryuji that I’m gay, and he was fully accepting of it. Then there was also this new guy that became part of our little group called Yusuke, a total eccentric starving artist, but he has some real talent like you wouldn’t believe, and then there is, um, Niijima, the student council president.”

Maybe I shouldn’t bombard her with all these things at once, but given the fact that her smile hasn’t faltered yet, I guess it’s alright. She sits back up, and once again there is this quick wince and twitch in her movements.

”Hah, always knew that Ryuji is a good guy. A starving artist also sounds pretty neat, and…Niijima, is she that third-year cutie with that pink cardigan?”

”Nah, she’s the hard ass with the bob cut.“

”Oh, her? Didn’t you always say that she’s a total teacher’s pet?“

"Yeah, but some things happened, and, well, she's a total badass and honestly kinda intimidating, but a good soul trapped in a shit situation. You two would get along well, I think.“

”Right, if you say so, Ann,. Thatreminds me, can I ask you for a favour?“

Shiho suddenly looks pretty sad. I feel a slight shiver down my spine, but I'll do my best to support her, and I mean really support her.

~Knock knock

This is the third time already, strange.

I look at my watch, and it’s almost 8 pm. Where is she? Oh, I knew I should have just called her back, but… I wanted to see her.

Dammit, ok, guess this is it for today. I have to call her tomorrow and… ANN!

Out of the corner of my eye I see her shamble towards me; she looks absolutely defeated, her face is so pale, and those red puffy eyes. Has she been crying?

I run up to her and immediately envelop her in a hug.

”Ann, what happened? Just look at you. Are…are you ok?“

”I'm so glad to see that you're alright, Ms Kawakami.“

”Stop that; worry about yourself for once. Come, let’s get you inside.“

With shaking hands she fumbles about with her key, which I help her insert into the keyhole.

She looks terrible, like on the brink of collapse, and yet… no focus on getting her some rest; anything else can wait.

”Alright, it’s getting late. Have you eaten anything yet? Have you been drinking enough, Ann? Speak to me.”

”Ms Kawakami, there is something I have to tell you. I—”

”That can wait, Ann. There is also something I want to tell you, but for now, let’s get you some rest.“

I lay her down on the couch while I go looking for a blanket, but before I so much as even take the first step, I can already hear her slow, heavy breathing as she sleeps.

She really was quite tired. OK, so what now?
Should I wait? Leave a note?

I carefully put the back of my hand on her forehead; no fever at least. Still, she looks horrible. So pale, and those dried tears. Oh, Ann, what have you been doing?

Guess I’ll wait for a little bit, just to be safe. With nothing better to do now than to let her rest, I sit down in the armchair next to the couch and browse through one of the fashion magazines lying around. She did mention that her parents are fashion designers, but just looking at the pictures I feel a slight headache building. Who would wear some of this stuff? I swear some of it looks like it’s been made from a trash bag.

”Shiho, please don’t leave me…please…“

Seems Ann talks in her sleep, poor girl. Please don’t have a nightmare.

I focus back on the magazine when I feel her moving about; she’s groaning like she’s in pain.

”Shiho, no, please, Ms Kawakami, never leave me, please, don’t leave me…“

Dammit, ok, how about this? I stand up and squat down next to her. With careful slow movements, I let my fingers stroke across her cheek; maybe a little warmth of another’s touch might help.

”There, there, Ann, you are not alone." I whisper as quietly as I can, but it seems to have an effect. Her breathing is getting calmer, and she stopped moving.

”Warm, so warm…never leave me, please.“

”Don’t worry, I won’t. I will be your teacher for now and always.“

”I… love you, Ms Kawakami; please… don’t ever leave me…“

With a satisfied groan, she turns her back to me, drifting off fully into the land of dreams.

I stand back up as the weight still hasn’t sunk in yet.

She is just dreaming; that meant nothing. Don’t think about it.
She is just dreaming; she is worn out, and I was the last person she saw, nothing more. Three random words – they mean nothing, so why am I getting so worked up about them?
Dammit, stop shaking, you damned hands!
This meant nothing; just…calm down.

I sit down in the armchair again as those three words are practically on loop in my mind.

She didn’t mean it, I’m sure. Tomorrow she would wake up and not remember anything, just some dumb dream, that’s all.
Love me? Yeah, right.

Who would ever love a failure like me? Why am I still thinking about it? Maybe I should read another magazine or anything else to distract myself.

Fine, I put down that godawful fashion magazine and look around a little more. Hello, what’s this? I didn’t know Ann was into drawing.

I pick up the small booklet sitting on the coffee table. Drawing portraits, hm, I wonder what she draws. Oh, as soon as I opened the book, a folded piece of paper fell out.

I lean down to pick it back up, but it seems to have opened. Shit, I didn’t mean to spy on her; I just have to put it back in the book, and…why does this look familiar?

…

No, it can’t be. I pick it up and open it fully. This is a drawing of me!

I look over at the sleeping form of Ann. She drew me. Shit, does that… No, no, it can’t be; this is impossible. There has to be a logical explanation for all of this, so just wait a bit longer and… Dammit, I can’t bring this up; for a teenager, her reputation is everything. I can’t let her know that I heard her sleep talking and saw her drawing.

Oh, what a mess you got yourself into, Sadayo, and today was going so well too.

Well, since I’m already at this point, let's just see if her parents left a bottle of something behind, hopefully something strong because these damn hands won't stop shaking.

As I make my way to the kitchen, I see her schoolbag sitting on the counter, that pin still proudly hanging on the side.

Breathe, Sadayo, breathe, dammit. There is an explanation for this, so don’t overthink it. You’re only going to further confuse yourself; just look for that drink and then…shit, I don’t know.

Ann, could you do me a favour and wake up soon? I feel like I could implode any second.

This pounding in my chest doesn’t help either. Dammit, of course there isn’t a drop of alcohol in the kitchen.

Argh, I don’t think herbal tea is gonna help now.

I think the worst part right now is the fact that when I look over at her sleeping, I can’t help but feel that she looks adorable like that.

With a long drawn-out breath, I go back to the living room with no alcohol and no less confusion.

Oh, but there is a blanket on that chair. That’s something at least.

I lay it over her sleeping form before sitting back down. A yawn escapes my lips as I look on.

The sun has already set outside; I should probably just write her a note and leave her to rest, but for some reason I find myself drawn towards this drawing again.

Is this how she sees me? It’s so beautiful, I… dammit, we need to talk as soon as possible.