P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework)
Chapter 195: This is Halloween
The next day, as Ren was heading to school, there was a message in the Phantom Thieves group chat. She checked it.
Yusuke: Pardon me. I know today is Hallowen, but does anyone have time to meet after school?
Yusuke: I have a lot on my mind, and I want to discuss it with people.
Haru: Unfortunately, I have to decline.
Haru: There’s an important meeting at Okumura Foods, and I'd like to be a part of it.
Makoto: I can’t make it either.
Makoto: I’m helping someone today.
Futaba: And in case you forgot, I’m busy looking through our notes and contacting Riko and Akechi.
Lena: Oh, be sure to contact Goro first.
Lena: He and I have a date tonight.
Ryuji: Oh, nice!
Ryuji: As it so happens, Ann and I also have a date.
Ann: Yeah, but I’m sure we can help you Yusuke.
Ann: So long as it doesn’t take too long.
Sumire: I can be there too!
Ren: Same.
Ren: And I think if we meet at Leblanc, Morgana can also make it.
Yusuke: Personally, I’d like to meet there as well.
Jose: I’d like to come too, but I promised the theater club something.
Yusuke: Will I see you at the Kosei Halloween party at least?
Jose: Yeah…
Yusuke: I guess I’ll talk to you then.
Jose: Sure.
Lena: I can make it too if we can do it before mine and Goro’s date.
Lena: In case that wasn’t clear.
Yusuke: Alright then.
Yusuke: See you after school.
Ren: See you then!
Ren put her phone away, and continued towards school.
Meanwhile, Futaba was looking through stuff, when she decided to hack back into Akechi’s phone.
???: Greeting Detective Akechi!
???: This is Phantom Thief Alibaba.
Goro: Huh.
Goro: I thought she’d have told you by now.
???: Who are you talking about?
Goro: I gave one of your associates a list of people who I suspect to be Phantom Thieves, and you for sure were on it.
???: Well, maybe you just don’t know my associates then.
???: Because I’ve never heard of this list.
Akechi was frustrated, but didn’t feel like pushing this point at the moment.
Goro: Well, in any case, how goes things on your end?
???: We ran into a few complications.
???: But we shall overcome.
Goro: Do you need my help?
???: Perhaps.
Goro: How may I be of assistance?
???: We need to ratchet up the pressure on the director.
???: He’s planning something, and we need to figure out how to undermine him.
Goro: That seems tricky.
Goro: But I may have a solution.
???: Go on.
Goro: I’ve been tracking down his associates, but none of them have been all too helpful.
Goro: So maybe we should just play into his sense of superiority. We make it look like we aren’t accomplishing anything, and then surprise him when you accomplish your next goal.
???: That…actually works with what we’ve been planning.
Goro: May I ask what that is?
???: Do you still want to arrest us after all this is said and done?
Goro: I see your point.
???: It’s not that we don’t want to work with you further…
Goro: I understand.
Goro: To be honest, I have my own goals that letting you in would complicate.
???: I can imagine.
Goro: Still, I like this balance we are striking.
Goro: Perhaps in another time, another place, we could be good friends.
???: Perhaps.
Goro: Well, good luck on your mission.
???: You too!
Futaba cut off contact with Akechi.
“Hm,” Akechi grinned. “I don’t think I was given wrong information on who ‘Alibaba’ was. Still, I can’t let them know that entirely. I do hope that the director can remain more composed than to let it slip when his back is suddenly against the wall. It’s a bit of a risk, but it’s the easiest way to keep The Phantom Thieves off his trail. Sorry Phantom Thieves, but he’s mine!” Akechi got another message, this time from Lena.
Lena: Hey Goro!
Lena: I’m helping a friend after school, but don’t worry.
Lena: I should be back around 5:30-ish, and I have our costumes ready, so you can just come over.
Goro: Can’t wait! See you then!
Akechi put his phone away and continued onward.
Meanwhile, Futaba sighed, relieved. “I can’t believe he bought that.” She then went back to looking through the various notes Riko had given her.
Afterschool, Yusuke, Ren, Morgana, Sumire, Ann, Ryuji, and Lena met up at Leblanc. “Soooo, what’s this about?” Ryuji asked.
Yusuke hesitated. “...I…know it was the right thing to leave Madarame…but ever since then, I’ve felt torn. When I was living with Madarame, I could think of art purely. But now, I’m being confronted with the reality that if I were to survive in the art world, no, in the world in general, I need to think about other things than art. I have to use my art to survive. In that way, I don’t think I can purely see art ever again. It’s all just a means to an end.”
He looked over at the Sayuri hanging up. “The reason I wanted to come here was to take another look. I have often felt inspired by Sayuri. And knowing its true nature, it’s only more beautiful.” He sighed. “But alas, my mind is so cluttered with the poisonous trappings of everyday life that I don’t think I can create something even half as good.” He looked back at everyone. “So, what do I do?”
Everyone looked at Yusuke. “Um, no offense,” Ryuji said, “but can’t you focus on both?” Yusuke seemed intrigued. “I mean, I started running because I liked it. And I thought if I could be successful enough in track, I could help my mom. So I just kept doing what I loved.”
“Yeah,” Ann said. “Doing what you love is wonderful! I admit that we don’t live in an ideal world, and we do need to focus on how to survive, but if you can do it by doing something you love, then there’s no worry, right?”
“I’m not sure that’s entirely helpful,” Morgana said, “but I get the sentiment. It’s like ‘you’re already doing it, might as well go all in.’ And if a Phantom Thief can’t go all in, well…”
“Huh,” Yusuke said. “I understand.”
“I get that it’s not easy,” Sumire said. “And believe me, even with all the help in the world, there will still be road bumps. But if you are determined to strive forward with your dream, then instead of thinking of the road bumps in a completely negative light, think of how you can use them to your advantage.”
“Yeah,” Lena added. “I mean, I left my home to pursue my dreams. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m still trying. And I’m glad you asked us. Being able to reach out is hard, but I know it’s worth it in the end.”
“Everyone…” Yusuke said.
Ren smirked. “Remember: Kosuke told you to be the best damn artist you could be, right? I bet you’d hate to disappoint him. Or us, for that matter.”
Yusuke started to remember Kosuke’s words after they defeated him. He smirked as well. “Yes. And he told me something else. He said I ‘always had eyes on the bigger picture.’ I guess I just lost sight of it once everything changed. I thought I had to change with it, I suppose I still do, but I think I need to change in a way that suits me, you know?”
“Yeah!” Ryuji said. “Being yourself is what a Phantom Thief is all about!”
“I agree!” Morgana said.
“Hey!” Ann said. “Look at you two getting along!”
“Huh?!” Ryuji and Morgana gasped.
“I mean…We just agree here,” Ryuji said.
“Yeah,” Morgana protested. “It’s not like we’re close or anything.”
“Oh, I doubt that,” Sumire said. “After everything we’ve been through, there’s nothing that can tear us apart. And that includes you two.”
“Well…” Ryuji tried to follow up.
“Hm hm,” Lena giggled. “Even if you butt heads from time to time, you’re still good friends in the end, right?”
“Mreeeee…” Morgana groaned, not wanting to admit it, but being unable to lie.
Yusuke chuckled. He took out a sketchbook and started sketching. He soon presented it to everyone. “Behold!” It was a sketch of Ryuji and Morgana being angry with each other, but in the background was them admiring each other. “I call it ‘Tempest Friendship’.”
“What?!” Morgana shrieked.
“You’re…not going to make that into a full painting, are you?” Ryuji asked.
“I might,” Yusuke said. “But I have a lot of other paintings in mind. But this one is nice.”
“I like it,” Ren said. “It’s a commemoration of you getting out of your slump.”
“Yes,” Yusuke said. “But I still need something more. This is nice, but I want my first full piece to be GLORIOUS!”
“I understand the feeling,” Sumire said. “Once you overcome an obstacle, you want to show the world just what you’re capable of.”
“Yeah!” Lena added. “I know you can do it. You can set the art world on FIRE!”
Yusuke chuckled. “Thank you, everyone. I don’t know where I would be without you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” Ren said.
Emperor-Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 8
Lena stood up. “Well, I should get going. I need to meet up with Goro to go on our date.” She opened the door. “Bye!”
“We should get going too,” Ann said. “We gotta make sure your costume fits!”
“Co-Costume?” Ryuji said. “I thought we were just hanging out.”
“On Halloween?!” Ann said. “No way! We’re here to have FUN!” She grabbed Ryuji’s arm. “Let’s go!”
“Ah!” Ryuji said, jolting up. “Alright then. Let’s see what you got!” The two of them left.
“I should get going too,” Yusuke said. “I missed last year’s Kosei Halloween Party due to Madarame. I don’t want to miss any more.”
“Take care!” Ren said. She and Yusuke waved at each other as he left. Once he was gone, Ren looked at Sumire. “I’m sorry I didn’t plan anything.”
“Huh?!” Sumire said. “Oh, uh, no, it’s quite alright. Well, I mean…” She sighed. “This is my first Halloween without Kasumi. We always used to do adorable twin costumes. I really liked doing that. I guess I’m not ready to do something big yet…”
Ren grabbed Sumire’s hand. “It’s OK. Just go at your own pace.”
Sumire smiled. “I guess doing a little something with you would be nice.”
Ren chuckled. “I think I know just the thing.” Ren glanced at Morgana. “Are you OK on your own?”
“Please,” Morgana said. “A black cat on Halloween? I couldn’t be more at home. I bet I can find something JUICY!”
Ren nodded. “Just be safe OK? And get back home at a reasonable time.”
“Right!” Morgana said. With that, the three of them left. Morgana headed off in his own direction, while Ren was leading Sumire somewhere.
Meanwhile, Makoto and Eiko arrived at Eiko’s house. “I’m home!” Eiko called out. No response.
“Is no one home?” Makoto wondered.
“No, my mom and brother are home,” Eiko said, pointing at the shoes.
“Oh. Right,” Makoto said. “Sorry…”
“It’s OK,” Eiko said. “You’re the one rescuing me from this after all.”
Makoto smiled. “Right.” They took off their shoes and headed in.
Sure enough, Eiko’s mom and brother were there. Her brother was watching TV, while her mom was baking. “Hi,” Eiko said.
“Oh, Eiko honey,” Eiko’s mom said. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
Eiko glared at her, but kept her composure. “Um, this is my…friend Makoto,” she said, remaining civil. “The girl I told you about.”
“Hm?” Eiko’s mom said, looking over. “Oh that’s right. You said you were moving in with her.”
“That’s right,” Eiko said.
“Um, hello,” Makoto said, unsure of what to expect.
“Hm,” Eiko’s mom said. “Well thank you.” Makoto was surprised. “I’m glad Eiko found a friend like you.”
“Um…thanks…?” Makoto replied.
“I know she can be a handful,” Eiko’s mom said, “but I’m sure you’ll manage. From what I’ve heard, you’re quite capable.”
“Oh, she’s really no trouble at all,” Makoto protested.
“I know you’re trying to be polite,” Eiko’s mom responded, “but we both know that Eiko is…how you say, rambunctious. I mean, look at Asahi over there. He gets good grades. He’s popular at school. He’s the leader of the soccer team. You can tell he’s meant for great things. But Eiko? She bends and breaks so easily. She’s a follower by nature. She barely gets by, and is only friends with miscreants. Er, present company excluded, of course.”
“Of course,” Makoto repeated bitterly.
“But hey, maybe with you, she’ll turn her life around,” Eiko’s mom said.
“Well,” Makoto said firmly, “I think that’s the first thing you’ve said that I agree with.” Eiko’s mom looked at her intently. “But you’re completely wrong about Eiko. She’s smarter than you give her credit for. A lot braver and a lot kinder too. But I think she’s being stifled by your expectations. So that’s why she’ll be in my care from here on.” Eiko was stunned by Makoto’s fiery rebuttal.
Eiko’s mom glared at her. “It’s going to be like that, is it?”
“I’m afraid so,” Makoto replied.
Eiko’s mom went back to baking. “Well, whatever. It’s not like she’s going to be my problem for much longer.”
“The fact that you think of her as a ‘problem’ is very much the reason she’ll be gone soon,” Makoto said. “Though I doubt you ever really thought of her as ‘yours’.”
Eiko’s mom grew more bitter. “Did you just come here to argue with me?”
“As a matter of fact, I didn’t,” Makoto said. “This was just a fun bonus.” Eiko laughed, while Eiko’s mom groaned. “I came over to help Eiko pack a little, and then we’re going to catch a movie.”
“Hm,” Eiko’s mom said. “Well, if you leave before you can taste my Halloween cookies, there won’t be any when you get back.”
“We’ll probably grab dinner afterwards anyway,” Makoto said,
“Suit yourself,” Eiko’s mom said. “Like I care at this point.”
“It seems the feeling is mutual,” Makoto said. “Eiko?” Eiko nodded, and they headed over to her room.
On their way, Eiko whispered “Don’t worry. Mom’s cookies suck anyways.”
“And she calls you imperfect,” Makoto whispered back. They shared a giggle before entering Eiko’s room to pack up a little.
Meanwhile, Haru arrived at the boardroom. The members there were shocked, and one of them asked “Erm, Miss Okumura, um, what are you doing here?”
Haru answered with “I know I’m still a student, and I’ve not attended many of these, but now that everything has changed, I wish to take a bigger role in the company. I will start by attending these meetings whenever I can. Of course, I can’t make any policy decisions, but I wish to at least have a voice.”
“But Mis Okumura-”
“Let her stay,” an older gentleman said.
“Takakura!”
“What she said isn’t wrong,” Takakura continued. “Although I wish you didn’t have to worry too much about the company at this stage.”
“I don’t mind,” Haru said. “But as I’ve said before, I’ll inform you of my decision once I come to it. In the meantime, I wish to do whatever I can to help.”
“Very well,” Takakura said. There were some whispers around the table about Takakura’s disposition towards Haru, as well as her father. “Anwyas!” Takakura commanded. Everyone went silent. “If we’re all here, let’s begin.” Everyone nodded. “As you may know, things haven’t been going well since Mr. Okumura’s heart was stolen. But he is no longer a part of this company. We are the future of Okumura Foods, and we have to make sure we salvage this sinking ship. We’re doing all we can to make up for Mr. Okumura’s past transgressions, including that new order that came in just a few days ago, but-”
“Um,” Haru interjected. “What new order?”
Takakura looked at her. “We’ve been ordered to recall and shut down Starfall Coffee.”
“How come?” Haru asked.
“We’re not sure,” another executive said. “All we know is that we’ve been told that there’s a major issue with it.”
“By whom?” Haru wondered.
“The Special Investigations Unit,” another executive answered. “It was found as part of the investigation into your father.”
“Huh,” Haru said. I should tell the others that.
“Anyways!” Takaura said, steering the conversation back on task. “While everything we’re doing to correct the mistakes of the past, it’s imperative that we start thinking about the future of Okumura Foods.”
The future of Okumura Foods, huh… Haru pondered. What do I see for the future?
A little later, Akechi was checking his phone. He saw the news of the Starfall Coffee recall. “Hm. I suppose that was inevitable at this rate. I’m sure he’s already figured something else out by now.”
He arrived at Lena’s house. He knocked on the door. Lena answered. “Goro!” she cheered, leaping into his arms.
“Heh heh,” Goro chuckled. Lena looked up and the two shared a kiss. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve whipped up.”
“Oh right!” Lena said, letting go. “Follow me!” She led him inside. They went up to her room. Lena had two mannequins setup with homemade costumes.
Akechi looked at the masculine mannequin. He saw a formal outfit with a really hairy wig and tail coming off of it. “So, I’m a formal werewolf?”
Lena giggled. “No silly! It’s a couple’s costume. We’re going as Beauty and The Beast.” Lena presented her costume on the feminine mannequin, which was an adaptation of her persona.
“I see,” Akechi replied.
“It’s perfect!” Lena said. “I’ve always loved the story! BUT it works for you as well?”
“Does it?” Akechi wondered.
Lena nodded. “Now we can go out and about in public and nobody will know it’s you because you’re covered in hair.”
“I see,” Akechi said.
“ALSO!” Lena said. “I gave the chestpiece a little bit of padding so you don’t need to wear a binder. I know you shouldn’t wear that all the time.”
“Hm hm. You know, that was quite thoughtful of you,” Akechi said.
“Hm hm. Thanks,” Lena replied.
Akechi smiled. “Well, shall we get changed?”
“Oh!” Lena said, stunned. “Yes! Um, do you need help?”
“I think I can manage,” Akechi said.
“Great!” Lena said.
A few minutes later, both of them were changed and ready to head out. “You know, this costume fits me like a glove,” Akechi noted.
Lena giggled. “Well, you did tell me your measurements.”
“Right,” Akechi said. He offered his hand. “Well then, shall we?”
Lena curtsied. “Let’s. She took Akechi’s hand, and the two of them went off to celebrate.
As they left, Tamako looked on, smiled, sighed, and remarked “Tail as old as time.”
Meanwhile, at Ann’s house. Ryuji was in one of the restrooms. “Does it fit?” Ann called out from outside.
“I think so,” Ryuji said. “It’s a little lose, but I imagine that’s part of it.”
“Yeah,” Ann remarked. “Well come on, let me see!”
Ryuji walked out. He was wearing a slightly ill-fitting green tuxedo jacket and pants, with a maroon shirt underneath, a white bowtie with red polka dots, and a large green hat with a tag sticking out of it reading “In This Style 10/6”. “Hah, this was a GREAT idea!” Ryuji exclaimed. “And this costume is AMAZING!”
Ann giggled. “Thanks.” Ryuji looked at his girlfriend to see her wearing a blue dress with a white apron, black and white stripped stockings, and a black hairband over her head, which was all the way down, since she removed the pigtails. “What do you think of my costume?”
Ryuji smiled. “You look adorable.”
Ann giggled again. “Thanks. So, are you ready to paint the town red?”
“Absolutely!” Ryuji answered. “And I believe that we should party even harder than usual. Not only is it Halloween, but I believe it’s both of our unbirthdays.”
“You’re right,” Ann said. They took each other’s hands and went off to celebrate.
Morgana was walking around town. He saw people celebrating by dressing up and being a little more raucous than usual. Still, he didn’t mind. He loved it when people were having fun. Besides, he was on the prowl for information, and tonight seemed like a night where people were a little more loose-lipped .
Morgana was trekking around when he passed by a police station. He noticed they were throwing out their coffee maker. “Why are we doing this again?” one of the officer’s asked.
“Because,” another officer answered, “the SIU told us to.”
“‘SIU’?” Morgana wondered. “I should get closer.” He stealthed his way to the officers talking.
“I know,” the first officer said. “But it tastes so good!”
“I know Okumura’s Starfall Coffee is good,” the second officer said. “But it’s dangerous.”
“How come?”
The second officer looked around. “Don’t mention this to anyone, but I’ve heard that it’s one of the causes of those mental shutdowns we’ve been looking into.”
“WHAT?!” Morgana shrieked. He slipped from his perch and landed in front of the two officers. He was a little nervous.
The second officer sighed. “It’s just a cat.”
“Yeah,” the first officer said. “Imagine if that was a person. But still, that gives me chills. To think a cup of coffee could make someone go insane. Usually if I don’t get a cup of joe, I go insane.”
“Trust me, you’re plenty insane with or without coffee,” the second officer said.
“HEY!” the first officer shouted. They both went inside.
Morgana sighed, relieved. “I guess…this body has its uses.” He stood up and shook himself off. “I should go home and tell Futaba.” Morgana started heading back.
At Kosei, Yusuke emerged from his dorm room wearing his regular clothes, as well as a set of fake cat ears and cat tail. He moved out to where the party was being held.
Upon arrival, he got a few looks. “Hey, Kitagawa!” said one of the other students, who was wearing a succubus costume. “That’s…an interesting costume.”
“Forgive me,” Yusuke said. “I didn’t have enough money for a full costume.”
“No no, it’s great!” the other student said. “It’s so…you!”
“Why thank you,” Yusuke replied.
“Well, uh, help yourself to some punch,” the other student said. “Oh, and take some sweets too.”
“Hm. Don’t mind if I do,” Yusuke said. As he was getting his food and drink, he turned and asked “Oh, has Jose arrived yet?”
“Um, I don’t think so,” the other student said.
“He told me he was doing something with the theater department,” Yusuke clarified.
“Oh!’ the other student said. “Well, you’ll see him soon then.”
“Huh?” Yusuke wondered.
Suddenly, the front of the room lit up. “It’s starting!” the other student said.
“The Kosei Theater Club proudly presents: The Dance to Summon The Pumpkin Prince!” Yusuke’s attention was focused on the makeshift stage. In the middle of it was a big leaf. The various theater kids, dressed as all sorts of Halloween classics, began dancing around the leaf, attempting to summon The Pumpkin Prince.
Soon, two sides formed, and they began giving each other cues to act and react. Slowly but surely, the leaf started to blossom. Once it fully bloomed, there was a pumpkin in the middle of it. The pumpkin slowly got up, turned around, and revealed himself to be Jose in a pumpkin costume. “THE PUMPKIN PRINCE!” the other performers exclaimed. Jose smiled. There was a round of applause.
Later, Yusuke met up with Jose. “I must say, you did an excellent job.”
“Oh, you saw that, did you?” Jose said, embarrassed.
“Indeed,” Yusuke siad. “I feel inspired.”
“Eh heh,” Jose laughed. “Well, I didn’t do a whole lot. They just needed someone short, and I fit the bill.”
“Nonsense,” Yusuke said. “You were the star of the show.”
“Well…” Jose said.
“Don’t be so modest,” Hifumi said. Yusuke and Jose turned to look at her. She was wearing ancient Japanese regal attire. “You did wonderfully.”
“Thanks,” Jose said.
“Pardon me,” Yusuke said. “Are you supposed to be Queen Himiko?”
Hifumi giggled. “You’re the first person to guess correctly.”
“But it’s so obvious,” Yusuke said.
“Well, you look pretty either way,” Jose remarked.
Hifumi chuckled. “Thanks. You know, you look adorable yourself.”
“Eh heh,” Jose chuckled, blushing. “Oh right.” He looked up to Yusuke. “Do you still need help?”
“You need help?” Hifumi wondered.
“Well, I suppose I could tell you,” Yusuke said. “I’ve sorted things out, but more voices wouldn’t hurt.” He explained his earlier meeting to Jose and Hifumi.
“I see,” Jose said. “Well, to be honest, I think I’d mirror what they said. But I would add that doing something like this is a seeminglessly endless task, but doing so is its own reward.”
“If I may,” Hifumi added, “I think the issue you may be having is that, pardon my bluntness, you don’t really have any immediate family members. I know I’m doing shogi for my father, but…”
Yusuke grinned. “I see. While it is true that I don’t have any relatives, I do have friends, and they’re like a family to me. If I can do it for them, then there’s nothing I can’t do.”
“That’s the spirit!” Jose said.
Hifumi giggled. “I could really use courage like yours.”
“Oh right,” Yusuke said. “Do you-?”
“I’ll figure that out later,” Hifumi said. “Tonight, I just want to have fun. Shall we get more punch?”
“Of course,” Yusuke said. The three of them went off to enjoy the party.
Later, Makoto and Eiko arrived at the movie theater. Makoto sighed. “Sorry. I didn’t realize how bad it was at your place.”
Eiko chuckled. “It’s alright. Besides, I loved seeing you put my mom in her place.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to move tonight?” Makoto said. “Because we can skip the movie, and-”
Eiko shook her head. “It’s alright. I can wait until then.”
Makoto nodded. “Well, if you say so. So, what movie do you want to watch?”
“Well, it’s Halloween, right?” Eiko said. “So something scary!”
“GAH!” Makoto shrieked. Eiko was confused. “Sorry. It’s just…I don’t take to horror too well.”
“Oh!’ Eiko said.
“But if you really want to-”
“Shhhhhhh,” Eiko said, calming her girlfriend down. “It’s OK. I can watch it on my own time. Tonight is about us!” Makoto nodded. “So, what do you want to watch? Maybe a Buchimaru-kun movie.”
“Well, one isn’t playing until December,” Makoto said. “And that’s a special event showing off the classic Christmas with Buchimaru-kun.”
“Woah,” Eiko siad. “I was joking.”
“Oh, uh…” Makoto said, embarrassed.
Eiko chuckled. “It’s fine. I think it’s really cute that you’re into it. Most people would feel like they’re too cool for it. But I still like it as well. Granted, it has been a bit…”
Makoto smiled. “Thanks.”
Eiko smiled back. “But, is it anything like that, or Buchimaru-kun specifically?”
“Well, I like similar shows,” Makoto said. “But Buchimaru-kun just resonates with me. Always has.”
“How come?” Eiko asked.
“I’m not entirely sure,” Makoto said. She noticed one of the posters. “Oh look! Like a Dragon is playing! Are you up for some hard-boiled action?!” Eiko was stunned. “Oh. I guess not.”
“No no no no,” Eiko replied. “I, um, I really like that kind of stuff. But I’ve never told anyone because it doesn’t seem ‘girly’ enough, you know?”
“Hm,” Makoto said. “Well, women can appreciate all sorts of things, right?”
Eiko smiled and blushed. “Yeah.”
They went up to the ticket booth. “Two for Like a Dragon,” Makoto said. They got their tickets, and headed in.
Meanwhile, Ren took Sumire up to Shinjuku. Sumire was a little nervous. “Are you sure about this? Shinjuku isn’t known for its restraint.”
“Trust me,” Ren said. “We’re going straight there, spend a little time, and then we’ll be out. Besides, one of my friends runs it.”
“Well, if it’s one of your friends, I trust you,” Sumire said. They held hands as Ren led the way.
They soon arrived at Chihaya’s fortune telling booth. “Ah, hello,” Chihaya said.
“Hi,” Ren said. “This is… There’s no point in me hiding it, is there?”
Chihaya giggled. “I foretold that you were coming with your lover. So unless there is a boy hiding in the shadows somewhere...”
Ren sighed. “No, you got us.” Chihaya giggled again.
“Um, who is this?” Sumire wondered.
“Oh, forgive me,” Chihaya said. “My name is Chihaya Mifune. I��m a fortune teller.”
“I see,” Sumire said. “And a very good one at that, I can tell.”
“Thanks,” Chihaya said. “And your name?”
“Oh, right,” Sumire said. “I’m Sumire Yoshizawa. Ren’s girlfriend.” She bowed.
“Hm hm,” Chihaya chuckled. “So, what brings you here tonight, of all nights?”
“Well, um, Sumire isn’t 100% in the Halloween spirit, but I convinced her to do something a little fun. So perhaps she could have her fortune read?”
“I see,” Chihaya said. She turned to Sumire. “Are you alright with this?”
“Well, if Ren trusts you, I trust you,” Sumire said.
“Very well,” Chihaya said. She and Sumire set up the reading. Chihaya drew three cards. “I see.” She flipped the first one. “The Fool, upright. It tells that you are about to embark on a new journey.”
“Huh,” Sumire said.
Chihaya flipped the second card. “The Faith, upright. This journey will help you realize your true potential and do away with the lies of the past.”
“I see…” Sumire said.
Chihaya flipped the last part. “The Hunger, in reverse. This journey will end once the forces that try to suppress you are revealed to be nothing more than a shadow of lies and deceit. Only then will the truth come to you.”
“Hmmm,” Sumire said. “Well, that was a little intense…” Ren was a little worried. “But it was interesting.” Ren was relieved. “And given your penchant for seeing the truth, I imagine something like that happening.”
“Do you know what it is?” Chihahya asked.
“I have an idea,” Sumire said. “But it’s rather personal…”
“Say no more,” Chihaya said. “Just know I’ll be rooting for you.”
“Thanks,” Sumire said. “Oh, how much do I owe you?”
“Don’t worry,” Chihaya said. “This one’s on the house.”
Ren was stunned. “But, um, you know?” Sumire was confused.
“Don’t worry,” Chihaya said. “It will be alright in the end.”
Sumire looked at her. “Are you also undertaking a journey?”
Chihaya nodded. “And I know I’m coming up to a crossroads soon. I just have to believe in myself.”
“Well, you know I’m here for you,” Ren said.
“Me too,” Sumire replied.
“Thanks,” Chihaya said. “I think I’m going to need it.” She turned to Ren. “Especially from you.” Ren nodded.
“Um, if you believe in Ren as much as I do,” Sumire noted, “then I think things will go well for you.”
Chihaya giggled. “Well, I can’t believe in her as much as you do.” Sumire slightly blushed. “But I can tell that Ren is a force to be reckoned with.”
“Well, Sumire’s no slouch either,” Ren said.
“I can see that,” Chihaya said. “And if the two of you are together, then you’d be unstoppable.”
Ren smiled and blushed. “Thanks.”
Fortune-Chihaya Mifune: Rank 6
“So, do you want to stay and watch some other fortunes being read?” Ren asked.
“You should go…” Chihaya said. “Not that you wouldn’t be interested, but Halloween in Shinjuku attracts more of the bizarre crowd.”
“I think she’s right,” Sumire said. “But I had fun.”
“Well that’s all I need to hear,” Ren said. “Bye!”
“It was nice meeting you!” Sumire said.
“Bye bye you two!” Chihaya said. Ren and Sumire left. They shared a kiss before getting on the train.
Ryuji and Ann were still out and about having fun. "Man, this is the BEST Halloween I've ever had! Thanks for dragging me out!"
"Hm hm, no problem," Ann said. "To be honest, I think this is the best Halloween I've ever had too."
"No kiddin'?" Ryuji said. "Well, I know one thing that'll make it even better."
"You read my mind," Ann said. The two shared a kiss.
As Akechi and Lena were heading back, Lena leaned on Akechi’s shoulder. “Tonight was fun.”
“Indeed,” Akechi replied. “To be honest, I never really liked Halloween before. I didn’t like some of the costumes I was given, but, well, you know why.” Lena chuckled. “And then after getting big, I didn’t have time or couldn’t get a costume to hide me enough” He looked deep into Lena’s eyes. “But tonight was really fun. And I feel like with you, I can enjoy anything.”
“Oh, stop!” Lena said. They were both blushing.
“This is a really nice costume,” Akechi said. “I wonder what you’ll come up with in the future.”
“Right…” Lena said. Do we have a future? Am I going home? She looked up at Akechi. Or is this my home?
Meanwhile, Akechi was distracted with his own thoughts. I can’t let her know I’ll probably be busy. Once the plan is set in motion, I might not have time for big stuff like this. But I’m sure she’ll understand. I just need everything in place.
He looked back at Lena. He leaned in, and Lena met him for a kiss. “Happy Halloween,” Akechi said.
“Happy Halloween,” Lena replied. The two continued onward.
Once Haru got out of the meeting, she got out her phone.
Haru: Everyone! I have some big news!
Haru: The SIU told Okumura Foods to recall its Starfall Coffee venture.
Haru: Something has to be up.
Futaba: Already know!
Futaba: Morgana overheard some police officers talking about it.
Futaba: He said that they heard they were causing the mental shutdowns!
Haru: WHAT?!
Sumire: That’s absurd!
Futaba: Maybe, but nothing about this case is “normal”.
Sumire: I guess you’re right.
Yusuke: Have you talked with Riko yet?
Futaba: Not yet.
Futaba: I was looking over my mom’s notes, and the notes about the director.
Futaba: I lost track of time.
Ren: It’s OK. Now we have something else.
Ren: Something big!
Futaba: Right. I’m on it!
Jose: What else did you find?
Futaba: The director is a very crafty person.
Futaba: His profile is full of twists and turns.
Futaba: I imagine that if he did kill his wife, he’d know how to make it look incidental.
Futaba: As for mom’s notes, I found something interesting.
Futaba: Apparently if you amass enough fame, you can tap into the collective unconscious.
Sumire: Mementos!
Jose: But if whoever killed your mom has these notes…
Futaba: That’s what I figured.
Futaba: We’re not the only ones in there.
Yusuke: Do you think it has anything to do with that body of water?
Futaba: Probably.
Ren: We should check, just to be sure.
Futaba: Right.
Futaba: Anyways, Haru, can you get the schematic for Starfall?
Haru: I don't think so.
Haru: I’m not great with computers to begin with, and I don’t think I’d have access to something like that.
Futaba: Plan B then.
Futaba: Come over, and I’ll give you the Futaba special. I’ll take care of the rest.
Haru: Got it.
Ren: See you all later!
Futaba: Seeya!
Futaba then went to work contacting Riko.
Futaba: Riko!
Futaba: Something big just happened.
Riko: What is it?
Futaba: Did you know that the SIU instructed a recall on Okumura Foods Starfall Coffee?
Riko: I was.
Riko: Sae told me about that.
Futaba: Well, it turns out that it’s because somehow Starfall Coffee is causing the mental shutdowns.
Riko: Oh right.
Riko: The director mentioned that.
Futaba: And you forgot?!
Riko: Forgive me. A lot was happening.
Riko: The fake calling card, Eirs, it was a lot to process.
Futaba: Well, I can’t say I blame you.
Futaba: BUT we have an idea as to how this was being used.
Riko: Go on.
Futaba: Well, looking through my mom’s notes, there’s a special concoction you can make to infiltrate people’s hearts. But you need to get them to ingest the blood of the person infiltrating after they drank it.
Futaba: So I suspect that Starfall Coffee was the means to do just that.
Riko: That seems like a lot.
Futaba: Right, but if this organization is so big to include Madarame, Kaneshiro, Okumura, and Principal Kobayakawa, they may have more numbers at their disposal.
Futaba: You don’t need a lot of blood, you need a lot of people.
Riko: I see.
Riko: Want me to get the schematics for Starfall Coffee?
Futaba: I'm on that on my end.
Futaba: But I do need you to do something.
Riko: What is it?
Futaba: Can you get the file on the murder case involving the director’s son?
Futaba: We suspect that he may have been involved, and that maybe he also murdered his wife.
Riko: Oh my!
Riko: I’m on it!
Riko: Oh, and I have a plan.
Futaba: You do?
Riko: Yeah. I asked Sae last night about what happens if you challenge her.
Riko: She told me that if that happens, she’s confronting the director.
Riko: She believes that once you’re done with her, you’ll meet up with him somehow.
Futaba: So we know where she’ll be.
Riko: And you told me when.
Riko: So all that’s left is to figure out what comes next.
Futaba: Right.
Futaba: Well, regardless, we need a way for Sae to get out.
Futaba: I think I have an idea for that.
Riko: We do need to fish for more information from the director too.
Futaba: Right. Akechi said not to ruffle any feathers until it’s time to strike.
Riko: You’re in contact with Akechi?
Futaba: Tentatively.
Futaba: It’s an uneasy alliance.
Riko: I see.
Riko: Well, regardless, I think I know a way to get some information once things go off.
Futaba: It can't involve us, because we’ll be busy in Sae’s palace.
Riko: Right.
Riko: My plan still works then.
Futaba: Well then, let’s see if our plans can work in tandem.
Riko: OK!
The two of them discussed their plan. Once they finished…
Futaba: Damn! You’re really clever.
Riko: Thanks.
Riko: You’re really smart yourself.
Futaba: Thanks.
Futaba: Now all we have to do is make sure we do well protecting Sae, while also making her see the error of her ways.
Riko: You have my confidence on that front.
Futaba: Thanks.
Futaba: Goodnight!
Riko: Happy Halloween!
Futaba: Happy Halloween!
Riko put her phone away. She began looking through more notes.
Sae came out of her office. Riko looked up. “Oh, how are you doing?”
“I’m feeling great! Sae said. “This upcoming trial will be easy, and soon I’ll have The Phantom Thieves in my grasp. Hm. You know, I saw a bunch of people dress up as Phantom Thieves today. Thinking that they’re heroes.”
“Well hold on,” Riko said. “People dress up as villains too.”
“I guess that’s true,” Sae said.
“Phantom Thieves aside, how do you feel about Halloween?” Riko said. “I wasn’t too big on it as a kid, but when I grew up and could pick what I wanted to dress as, I suddenly got it.”
“A late bloomer, I see,” Sae noted.
“Yeah…” Riko said. “That.”
“Hm,” Sae said. “Well, I’ve always liked Halloween. But lately, I haven’t had the time for it.”
“I see,” Riko said. “It is busy here, huh.”
“Well, there are occasions where things let up,” Sae said. “Last year, I got out of work early and dressed up as a werewolf.”
"Ooo. Spooky," Riko remarked.
“Eh, not really,” Sae said. “It was kind of a last minute thing.”
“Still, I bet it looked great on you!” Riko said.
“Um, yes…” Sae said, slightly blushing. “Anyways, what’s your favorite costume you’ve ever worn?”
“Oh, that’s easy,” Riko said. “One year, I wore this immaculate female Vampire costume. It just felt so GOOD, you know?”
“Hm hm. You didn’t need to add ‘female’ to that,” Sae pointed out.
“Oh, uh, right…” Riko said, nervous. “Well, what about you? What was your favorite costume?”
Sae paused. “Don’t laugh.” She sighed. “It was Makoto’s first Halloween. I wanted to dress up as something spooky, but my parents were worried that would upset Makoto. So they made me wear this Buchimaru-kun costume. I hated it. I was miserable for the first few hours.
But then there was a loud noise. My parents were worried that something bad happened to the neighbors, and rushed outside to check on them, leaving me with Makoto. Suddenly, I was alone with her. Carrying her. I was so nervous. I did my best, but I was so unsure of myself.
But you know what she did? She smiled. That was the first time Makoto smiled at me. My parents came back and assured me that everything was alright. They noticed me taking care of Makoto, and I got to do a lot of things. I fed her. I burped her. I played with her. It was nice.
So that’s why that’s my favorite costume. I don’t know why I’m telling you that. Usually, I say it’s the one time I went as the Black Featherman.”
“Hmmm,” Riko said. “You know, I’m partial to Pink myself.”
“I figured you would be,” Sae said.
“But that story was really sweet,” Riko said. “And don’t worry, I won’t say anything.”
Sae smiled. “Thanks. Let’s go home.” Riko nodded, and the two headed off. As they were leaving, Sae glanced at Riko. Alright Sae. It’s a deal. Once I’ve captured The Phantom thieves, I’m asking her out!
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