Storm clouds rumbled in the distance as Yuna and Sunny returned to Lyra's the following night. They were sore from their morning training but it didn't seem to hinder them in any way. Sunny had since removed the bandage on his forehead, no hint of previous injury could be found. He was similarly dressed to the night before but this time he went with a fancy blue blazer and a button up underneath. His white pants were fashionable and allowed the blazer to stand out. Yuna wore a deep purple gothic styled dress with a window over her chest. This time she styled her hair in an elegant french braid and used her favourite jade hairpin to sweep her bangs out of the way. A collector edition of the Abibas classics covered her feet.
"You really like that hairpin huh?" Sunny pulled out Yuna's chair for her. The waiter from the night before rushed over to them like he was afraid someone else would serve them. "If I'd known you'd like it so much I probably would have grabbed a few others."
"I probably wouldn't have liked it this much if you did." Sunny raised his brow, confused by Yuna's words.
"How come?" He pushed the bottom of his blazer from his rear and sat down elegantly.
"For being such a badass you're kinda dense dude." Stella scolded Sunny lightly but her expression was overjoyed. "Because you hand picked this specific one for me. Every gift you've ever brought me I could tell you deliberated over. There was always meaning behind them." Yuna leaned in a little. "And I know that I shouldn't think about it too much because you give gifts to all of your friends. What I'm trying to say is don't regret not 'grabbing a few others,' okay?"
"S-sure." Sunny swallowed hard.
Crap. Something dawned on Sunny. I may be dense but I'm not that dense. The idea of dating Yuna had crossed his mind a few times many years ago but he never made any advances. In the last handful of days Yuna had become increasingly more aggressive and seemingly possessive. How did I not realize this? Sunny's heart began to race with anxiety. Does she like me? He thought back to the night before when Yuna managed to sit next to Sunny and somehow force Stella to sit across from her. Memories of everything that had happened since Stella came into his life flooded his mind. I've been off my game. Sunny decided he would apologize to Yuna later but for now they needed to play the game, otherwise they may not catch The Frankenstein Slasher.
The server arrived at the table. "I am aware that the two of you are underage but the owner would like to offer you both an AM Grand Cru as thanks." Yuna and Sunny gave each other a funny look. "For your generous donation last night," the server clarified.
"Jamal, was it?" Sunny asked the server.
"At your service." Jamal gave a court nod.
"I appreciate the offer but I'm going to have to pass, I'm a heart patient." Sunny lied as easily as he breathed.
"That is quite unfortunate good sir… Ma'am I hope you do not suffer from a heart condition as well. After all, such a beautiful people should be allowed to gaze freely into their lovers eyes, without consequence." Jamal had a spring to his words.
Yuna managed to keep her cool but Sunny seemed to be at a loss for words. "I'll have a glass Jamal," she said with a chipper voice.
"As you wish." Jamal performed a flourish and poured the wine into her glass from a ridiculous height. After placing it in front of her he continued, "Would you like to place your order?"
"I'd like the Lobster Fra Diavolo please." Yuna's eyes sparkled.
"Sir?" Jamal looked to Sunny.
"The Kobe Filet Mignon would do nicely, Jamal." Sunny handed their menus back to the tall eccentric waiter.
"Very well." Jamal turned sharply and the tailcoats of his tux swooshed upwards.
Sunny watched him walk away intently. I'd rather have some deep fried chicken tenders and chips. Sunny thought laughing lightly. He turned his attention back to Yuna who had just returned her glass of wine to the table after trying a sip.
"Oooh, it's really good. I'm surprised you didn't cave and ask him for chicken fingers and chips. Then again I don't know if a heart patient can have those, too greasy," Yuna teased Sunny.
"I don't think they are supposed to eat what I ordered." Sunny placed his palm on his head.
Sunny and Yuna shared a lively conversation as the night went on. The food was exceptional like it had been the night before. They witnessed a proposal and couldn't help themselves from watching.
"Man, I'd be a wreck." Yuna said.
"They seem so happy. I'm glad." Sunny had a faint smile.
Yuna flapped her hands as she shoveled a scoop of her meal into her mouth. "Mmmf. Whoa mama! That's soooo good! Sunny, I totally just had a crazy thought. What if she said no?"
Sunny cocked his head to the side. "I guess the poor guy would just have to off himself." The two sat there and laughed at Sunny's dark humour quietly.
She really hasn't changed much. Sure she's grown stronger and taller… But she's the same old Yuna. Sunny thought back to when they first met. Yuna's aunt ran The Fool's Remedy back then, and Yuna would sometimes be there doing her homework.
"You moved in with your aunt when you turned sixteen right?" Sunny asked abruptly.
"Huh? Oh yeah, around that time. Where did that come from?" Yuna's face was stuffed.
"Was just remembering that we knew each other since back before you took over the shop, that's all."
"Well duh. You sure that injury is healed?" Yuna pointed to Sunny's skull with her fork.
"Quite." Sunny smiled warmly.
Just like the night before Sunny paid by waving his card over the sensor on the mahogany table. Once at the bus stop Yuna waited with outstretched arms for Sunny to give her a hug. He leaned in and gave her the best hug that he could. What if I'm not fast enough. Sunny began to doubt his capabilities. I don't have time for this. Sunny squeezed Yuna a little tighter and she whispered in his ear.
"You've got my back right?"
"As many times as it takes." Sunny reassured her.
"And after this is all over. You'll still have my back?" Something in Yuna's voice caught Sunny off guard.
"If you ever need me, I'll be there." Sunny rubbed her back in an effort to comfort her.
"I'll hold you to it." Yuna gave him a peck on the cheek and bounced back lively.
They said their goodbyes and appeared to go their separate ways.
This time Yuna hummed a song she had heard on the coffee shop's radio as she walked down the poorly lit streets. She made it halfway to kill street when a noise caused her to stop humming. Her eyes scanned the environment to see where it was coming from and spotted a wall of bushes moving off to her right.
"Uh oh." She muttered under her breath.
The rustling from the bushes grew more intense and Yuna was on the verge of channeling her mana. She took a step closer and let out a sigh of relief when an orange round tabby cat popped out from the foliage. It rolled around and rubbed against her shin before wobbling off across the street.
"Dammit Barfield." She grabbed at her chest.
If Zipper had been here that wouldn't have happened. Yuna crossed her arms. I wonder what Locke would say if he learned she can shrink herself all the way down to the size of a normal cat and hide her eccentric features with her shadow magik. Yuna grew closer to her destination. Sunny is the one who'd lose their shit. I just loved seeing his expression when he wanted to pet Zipper. Yuna had to stop herself from drooling, she made it. Kill street. She thought. With a deep breath in and controlled breath out she recentered herself. She took a step onto the designated road and felt it. It was subtle, just a slight change in the air.
Yuna faltered and stopped walking. She turned her head from side to side, wondering if she had imagined the feeling. A wave of malice coursed through her body crushing her senses. She began to hyperventilate, and it took every ounce of her willpower to stop her legs from carrying her out of there in a flash. Pressing on at a steady pace she saw the end of the road come into view. It felt like someone had been tying a sailor's knot in her stomach as she made it to the exit. Once there she darted to the right and looked for Locke's Musbang. She saw it's headlights coming and she let out a sigh of relief. She jumped into the backseat before he was able to come to a full stop.
"You alright?" Locke seemed shaken too. "He was there wasn't he?"
Stella phased through the roof of the car and situated herself next to Yuna before redressing.
"He was there." Stella declared.
"Y-yeah." Yuna nodded, taking a water bottle from Locke and chugging it.
"I felt it too. I wasn't even that close." Locke's jaw flexed.
"Wait, where is Sunny?" Stella panicked.
Locke slammed on the brakes causing his beloved beast to come to a screeching halt. "Shit. You scared me." Locke shouted out of his window.
"Yeah sorry about that!" Sunny called back from beyond the high beams. He ran to the passenger seat and hopped in. "That creep was here tonight, no doubt about it." Sunny had sweat dripping from his hair.
Locke adjusted his rearview mirror. "Why didn't he take our bait?"
"Am I not his type?" Yuna attempted to break the tension.
"Oh stop." Stella giggled.
"Did he catch on to Sunny?" Locke wondered.
"Not a chance." Yuna shut Locke down. "I honestly forgot he was out there tonight. If I had noticed him I wouldn't have panicked."
"So why then?" Locke felt his frustration making his mind fuzzy.
He took a set of deep breaths and drove silently out of Oldhaven. Sunny's exhaustion settled in and he leaned his head against the glass to give his neck some rest.
"We still have tomorrow and the next day." Yuna chirped from the back. "I don't know what happened but we can keep doing this day after day until we get him."
"We might need to take some days off too. We don't want Garland to start sniffing around," Locke yawned.
"Doesn't matter," Sunny said with closed eyes. "He'll be there tomorrow."
A shiver ran down Stella's spine. Yuna turned to look out the window as they reached the on ramp for the highway.
"Then tomorrow we fight." Yuna's determination filled their ears.
"Right." Locke said hesitantly.
Upon arriving at HQ the group trudged their way down into the barracks. Yuna's room came up first and to their surprise Licht was leaning against the wall waiting for them. Yuna gave them a curious glance but went into her room labeled '919' quietly. Sunny and Stella filed in behind her. They had spoken about playing a game or two of 'Ultra Slap Sistas' to unwind before bed. Once they were inside Locke grumbled at Licht.
"I'm not in the mood to fight with you Licht."
"I'm not here to fight you, Locke," Licht said amiably. "We're on the same side."
"Are we?" Locke's voice was bitter.
"Just walk with me so we don't disturb them." Licht waved his hand at Locke.
Both men began to head away from Yuna's door. Locke's muscles bulged and Licht's eye twitched.
"I have had ample time to think over the many hours since we last spoke," Licht began. "I tirelessly combed the manuscripts and ran some simulations. After doing so I presented my thoughts to Lilith and now I have something I need to share with you."
Locke rubbed his eyes with his knuckles,"I'm listening."
"I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to utilize the Aeon Dive to eliminate all phantoms. I still believe it is the most clear cut solution to humanity's greatest problem; the phantoms." Locke sighed. "However I realized that you perceived my proposal as a willingness to sacrifice the lives of those young ones to achieve such a dream. I don't know where we went wrong all those years ago Locke, but I do know that I don't burn with the same vengeance I used to. If I can't save everyone without sacrificing someone I don't want to do it. Even if it's the simplest solution."
Locke listened attentively and heard remorse in Licht's voice.
"The reality is, I want to apologize to you. I have no intention of forcing those two into using the Aeon Dive unless they can do so safely."
Locke pinched himself. Then he tried cleaning out his ears. "What did you say?"
"My, you really are getting old," Licht tutted.
"Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me Licht. I'd like to apologize for breaking your door."
Licht's sly smirk returned. "If you feel that badly about it there is some Kinshi I need help with."
"Where, when and what powers does it have?" Locke asked.
"Just outside of the city of Burgnsnatch, immediately, and not it, Locke. They." Licht's smile was dangerous.
"T-they?" Locke looked around wildly. "How? They haven't killed each other?"
Licht nodded slowly. "Four in total. We don't know. I know you're busy but I could really use your help. I've already enlisted Enna and Lilith. We can't send anyone that's not at least a Ravyn-Class operative."
"Both you and Lilith are one step above at Gryphyn-Class. Each half of the Vanguard's Mind." Locke said calmly.
"Correct, Enna and yourself are among the few in the Phoenyx-Class right above us. Vanguard's Spear and Shield." Licht came to a stop. "I'd feel much more comfortable knowing you've got my back. I've also asked Jasper and his crew to come too. If you all said yes we'd be going in with seven Ravyns, three Gryphyns, and two Phoenyx class operatives."
"That's a lot of experience," Locke noted.
"And firepower," Licht added.
"It's not like you to do field work," Locke eyed Licht.
"I think with what you said the other day when The Round Table gathered about Sunny, and the unsettling existence of four Kinshi together, I realized it was time for me to get back out there."
"You're a good man," Locke admitted.
"I do try to be."
"Alright I'll get around. But I have to let Sunny know first."
"No worries. Can you bring that strange friend of yours we talked about recently?"
"I can ask if she's available," Locke said with a puzzled look on his face.
"Fantastic. I'm headed this way, we're leaving in two hours," Licht smiled.
"Alright."
Locke meandered over to his room and once he got inside he dropped himself onto his mattress. Fuck. Locke dug around in his pocket grabbing his phone. He scrolled through his contacts until he found one labeled 'Son.' He pressed the call button and listened to it ring twice.
Sunny picked up and Locke frowned when he heard wheezing laughter in the background. "Sup Locke?"
Locke could hear the smile on Sunny's face. "Sorry to do this to you kid, can you put it on speaker."
"Guys hold on, Locke wants to talk to us." The noise on the other end of the call died down.
"I won't be there tomorrow. You can take my car." Locke voice was heavy with guilt.
"A-are you okay?" Yuna's voice trembled slightly.
"Yeah, I'm just about to leave to handle something with Licht. Don't worry about it though, it isn't that serious." The kids on the other end of the line remained silent. "Who am I kidding? Four Kinshis have been observed cooperating in Burgnsnatch. I'm heading over with Licht and a group of others to eliminate them."
"FOUR?!" They all shouted forcing Locke to rip the phone away from his ear.
"Quiet down would ya?" Locke barked back. "Actually Yuna, can I swing by your place and see if Zipper will come with me?"
"Uhm, sure" she replied.
"Wait, so we're going to be on our own?" Stella could be heard shuffling around.
"You are all very strong and don't forget, Sunny will be there. It will be okay." Locke tried his best to reassure them.
I want to be there for them but the three of them have a higher chance of surviving against one Kinshi than Licht's party against four Kinshi. Locke closed his eyes and waited for the backlash.
"I think you're right," said Yuna. Locke's eyes snapped open. "Sunny or Stella could probably handle it by themself. I thought about it before and even though I've never fought a Kinshi… I felt like we outgunned The Frankenstein Slasher by quite a bit."
"I appreciate the confidence, but don't get too cocky," Locke chuckled.
"Want me to head over after we finish up?" Sunny asked Locke.
"No. I should be wrapping up by then. The city is bigger than Oldhaven but we will work fast. You lot will need to get some rest."
"Isn't Burgnsnatch far?" Stella wondered.
"Three hours or so," Yuna told her.
"Sunny, you can take the phone off of speaker now," Locke said.
"Uh, Okay." Sunny did as he was told and placed the phone to his left ear.
"Make sure to get some rest. I want all of you to eat a good breakfast and skip training tomorrow." Locke sounded serious.
"Okay."
"Take the Musbang. If The Frankenstein Slasher gives you too much trouble I want you to run."
"Yes sir."
"I can't be worrying about you during this mission. So I need to know… Can you do it without the chant now?"
"Y-yes." Sunny confirmed Locke's suspicions.
"Listen to me very carefully Sunny."
"I'm listening." Sunny sat up straight.
"Under no circumstances are you allowed to die. Hear me?"
"Yes sir." Sunny nodded even though Locke wasn't in the room.
"Goodnight son." Locke ended the call before Sunny could respond.
Locke spent the rest of his time prepping for his trip. He assumed he would ride with Licht in his van. Time went by until he had to leave his room and join Licht at the armoury. Everyone Licht had mentioned gathered there ten minutes early then loaded up the vehicles they signed out. The caravan first headed over to Oldhaven so Locke could talk to Zipper. The night was chilly and the storm's booms seemed like thundering laughs to Locke as he walked up the stairs to Yuna's home.