The Arcana ~ The Requiem of Lost Memories

XII- The Hanged Man

1. Foolproof plans

I run down side streets and take shortcuts, feet flying over the rough stone. After this disastrous trial, I have to make haste to save Julian from execution.
I can only hope Asra can give some insight in what might be going on in Julian's head.
"Welcome back, Akiko. You've, ah, got some visitors."
Portia... And Mazelinka.
"It's good to see you, dear."
It pains me seeing them after I failed so miraculously.
There is a squawking at the door as a black shape rushes past me, flying into the shop.
This raven... I've seen him around Julian before.
It perches itself on my shoulder, eyeing me.
"Malak, you windbag! Don't bother her!"
But he stays on my shoulder, managing to look real smug. For a raven, that is.
"We were trying to find you after the trial, but the crowd was too thick."
"Pasha thought we might find you at your shop."
The nickname catches me by surprise. Now that I think about it, they do seem like family.
A story for another day, maybe.
"Tea's ready. Take a seat. You look like you need it."
Asra's right. I'm shaking with exhaustion. When was the last time I slept?
Grateful, I accept a mug of steaming hot tea, and sink into a chair.
"I'll just be upstairs, then-"
"No, wait!"
I leap to my feet, rushing towards Asra, but I catch myself, before I get too close.
"I... In fact, Asra, I... I could really use your help. Please."
"Akiko... Of course."
Faust wiggles herself out of his sleeve, looking as worried as he does and places herself on the table.
I slowly get back to the chair and my steaming mug, as Asra takes a seat as well, the one beside me.
Portia's energetic voice rings through the room.
"So, now that the gang's all here, let's get down to business.
Time for operation: Safe Ilya!
First things first. Did he tell you anything, Akiko?"
I clench my hands around the mug as I have to shake my head.
"No. Not a single thing what is going on in this head of his."
I take a sip of the tea to calm myself, before I speak again.
"But I am going to find out.
Before the trial, I found something else.
Asra... Do you recognise this?"
I tug the book I found in Julian's old office out of my back and place it on the table, in front of him.
"Where did you find this?"
"His old office."
Contemplative, Asra runs his fingers along the cover and starts flipping through the pages.
As he reaches the back pages, where Julian's scribbles are most chaotic, his expression sours.
Closing the book, he draws a deep calming breath.
"I... think I can guess what his plan is. But I want to be sure.
Akiko, why don't you and I go talk to him? I've got a few things to tell him, and I'm sure you do, too."
"Do I ever. Portia, do you know where he's being held?"
"At the palace. Milady wanted to question him while dinner.
Well. While you guys figure out things with Ilya, I'm gonna work on a plan B."
"I'm coming with ya, Pasha. Maybe some of my old pirate tricks might come in handy, eh?"
Malak caws in my ear and then hops off my shoulder, landing on Mazelinka's.
As Asra shrugs on his coat, Faust slithers up around his shoulders, peering over them.
"Alright. Let's get going."

When we're out of the shop, I reach out for Asra's arm, tugging on his sleeve.
"Huh? Akiko, what's wrong?"
"I... Wanted to thank you, Asra. I know I wasn't really forthright with you the last days and... I'm sorry for that. Still you are keeping me company, helping me out, are there for me whenever I may need you... I just wanted to thank you properly for once, for everything you already did. And I swear, even though I will never be able to truly repay you everything, if you may need me, for whatever comes to your mind, I will be there. I promise."
He first blinks at me in surprise, but then a bright smile splits his face as he ruffles my hair.
"You're thinking too much. You don't need to repay me anything, Akiko."
He pulls back, looking a bit more relieved than before.
"But I am glad you value my help so much."
I nod, now smiling too.
"Of course I do. To me, you're like family."
A hint of pain passes his face.
"O-oh, does that bother you? Of course that bothers you. I'm sorry, I'll just-"
Then he laughs, wholeheartedly.
"Again, you worry too much! That doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I'm flattered. I never thought you could ... Like me like this."
"I must admit, I've grown quite attached to you. But if that really doesn't bother you... I am all the more grateful to have you on my side."
My shoulder loose a fraction of their tension.
"Sorry for that rant. Just had to get that off my heart. Phew."
"It's alright. Now let's go talk some sense into Ilya."
"Right at your heels."