The Aeon Arcana

Tuesday, August 9. Daytime.

Futaba had been in bed for a few days. Finally, on Tuesday morning, you got a call from Ren that Futaba had woken up. You immediately called Akechi to let him know. He immediately came home, filled a bag with things from his office, changed, and then in a suppressed amount of excitement took you to Leblanc. While you were glad he was fulfilling his promise to Futaba, it was still a bit chilling to remember that he was the person who pulled the trigger on her mother. You shook this thought from your mind, as dwelling on it would only cause pain.

The familiar scent of curry hit your nose as you walked into the front of Leblanc. Ren must have been in the kitchen, for the only person you saw was huddled in the corner. They were skinny, wearing an oversized hoodie and a pair of shorts, and had their knees to their chest. You couldn't tell who it was, because of the bizarre giant mask on their head of some sort of animated character, but you had a wild guess.

"Futaba?" You asked as gently as you could.

Futaba's voice came from the mask. "W-what do you want?"

You waved and approached her. "I was worried about you. Are you feeling okay?"

"I-I don't wanna die anymore, if that's what you mean." Her voice still sounded a bit hostile.

Akechi set down his bag on one of the booths and approached Futaba. "Hello, Futaba-chan. Remember me at all?" He was putting on the prince performance of his life. Or was this genuine kindness?

Futaba immediately removed her mask, took a deep breath, and adjusted her glasses. "Do you have it?!"

Akechi smiled and laughed gently. He then retrieved some sort of toy gun from his bag and handed it to Futaba.

"Wow! I can't believe it! They only made five hundred of these!" She looked the toy over and handled it like it was made of glass. "It's in such good condition! Whoa…I'm afraid to touch it…"

Akechi smirked. "I'm glad you appreciate what I've managed to find."

Futaba looked over the booth and at Akechi's bag. "Is there more?"

"Yes, but we can wait until later. I think Amamiya-kun wants to have lunch."

Ren emerged from the kitchen. "He's right. You need to eat something that isn't instant noodles."

Futaba looked a bit grumpy, but inspected the plate of curry Ren had served to her. "Hm…" She took a cautious bite. "I can live with it."

Ren exhaled. 

"I for one enjoy it," said Akechi. Ren placed an extra large helping in front of him. Akechi started eating it immediately.

You let yours cool down first before taking a bite. It was even better than last time. Ren had perfected the dish, the rice cooked perfectly, each grain holding its shape against the savory, fragrant and spiced sauce. You almost licked your plate clean.

"Where's that enthusiasm when it comes to my–"

You whacked Akechi on the arm. "In front of Futaba?!"

Akechi laughed and blushed. "I wasn't going to finish."

Ren picked up a rolled newspaper and whacked Akechi on the head. "You're like a dog. I'll start treating you like one."

"Don't hit Feather Crow!" Futaba cried.

Akechi immediately blushed and looked at Futaba. "How did you–"

"That's your codename isn't it?" Futaba adjusted her glasses. "Crow? Ren filled me in on how it works. Anyway, that's why your name's Crow, right? You're a Phoenix Ranger?" She gasped. "That's how you got all this stuff!! You're a real life–"