Spectra (Ryuji x OC)

21 • Leblanc

7/24 Evening

"We went through all sortsa options on our way here, but... looks like we got no choice but to ask for Alibaba's help," Ryuji says.

"Question is, how do we get in touch with him?" Ann asks.

"He cut off all contact with us after that misunderstanding. Then again, if we manage to steal Futaba's heart, he may attempt to reach out to us once more," Yusuke says.

"But we don't have any clues on what her keywords are," Morgana says.

"Dammit, Alibaba! Where the hell are you!?" Ryuji growls.

"Actually, he may be closer than we think," Makoto says.

"Huh?"

"Hypothetically speaking, even if we stole Futaba's heart, how would Alibaba know that the deed has been done? Would be truly be able to discern that just from cell phone messages?"

"You mean he'd have to meet her in person?" Morgana asks.

Makoto nods. "Alibaba was able to deliver the calling card here. On top of that, he can check on Futaba's condition. However, according to the circumstances he put forth, he's unable to meet with us. This leads me to believe that it would be bad for him if we were to see the two of them together. It seems to me... Yuki was right and Alibaba may in fact be Futaba herself"

"For real!?" Ryuji asks.

"So she's asking that we steal her own heart?" Yusuke asks.

"Maybe she wants us to save her from the scars of her abuse? That would be hard to ask directly," Ann says.

"I'd like to meet with Boss... he lives nearby, right?" Makoto asks.

"I know where his house is," Akira says.

"I agree. It's real late though, what're we gonna tell Boss when we get here?" Ryuji asks.

"We'll say this take out sushi is a gift for him," Makoto suggests.

"But my fatty tuna...!" Morgana says.

"No complaining," Ann tells him.

"Let's all go together," Makoto says. "Boss may get the wrong idea if Akira and I show up alone"

Akira led us to Boss' house but when we rang the doorbell nobody answered, even though the lights inside were on. Yusuke gently pushed on the gate and found that it was open, then we noticed the door was open slightly as well.

Thunder roared in the sky above us and we all went inside to keep ourselves from getting wet.

"Hello, Sir?" Makoto asks when we went inside, but no one answered. "He's not out, is he? The door ahead is open and I can hear the TV"

"I hope he didn't pass out or something... I mean, Boss is kinda old, ain't he?" Ryuji asks.

"I'm a bit worried. Should we go in and check on him?" Ann asks.

"Please excuse us..." Makoto says quietly.

We started on ahead but then the lights went out and we heard a terrified scream. I jumped a little at the sound, grabbing onto Ryuji's arm.