Working With Phantoms

The Bridge to Treasure

September 7th

Madran arrived at lunch and sat down with her friends, of which were already deep in a conversation.

"Oh, hey, Madran, we were just talking about where we are in the palace."

Haru then sat down next to Rosana.

"Hello, everyone."

"Hey, Haru, what's up?"

"Nothing much. Uh, Akira, we're almost done, huh?"

"Yep, we are. If Makoto's correct, which I think she is, then we need to make one last push and we'll be at the treasure."

"Great, and with a few days to spare."

"Now, if we are to find the treasure today and have our big day tomorrow, then Haru will need to know about how to do this whole treasure business."

"Oh, don't worry, Akira and Morgana told me already. So, we just send a card telling father of our intentions?"

"Yes, but we remain anonymous as our group."

"I see. Will I have to deliver the card?"

"Actually, let's plan this. So, when we send our card, Philemon brings it to the client. Perhaps, you can wait in your home until Philemon shows up, and he'll help you."

"Ok, perhaps, I can talk this over with Philemon?"

"That would be a good idea."

Haru nodded, and Morgana popped out of Akira's bag.

"Whew, it was getting kinda hot in there. Anyways, we were talking about the treasure?"

"Yes, we were. Morgana, why don't you have air holes punched into the bag?"

"I do, but they're on the other side of it. Hey, Madran, what's been going on in your end of the palace? We've been in this maze of air vents for as long as we can remember."

"We're still ascending that large room, but are on the last few floors until the end. So far, we've taken out all but one of these four top troopers of Okumura's. If I remember right, there was Tokisada, then Quetzalcoatl, and then yesterday, Yatsufusa."

"It sounds like you guys have it easy."

"Yeah, certainly. Walking up a lotta stairs can get boring, but that air vent thing sounds boring, especially if you've been trapped in it for the past three days."

"Indeed. Hey, Suga, do you know if Ryuji's gotten on better terms with his track friends yet? He won't tell."

"Oh, uh, I've only been around a few times, and I've had to stop him from talking about your group on several occasions, but, from what it looks like, their new coach is doing great."

"So, back to how it was before March, huh?"

"Yeah, thank goodness. That Kamoshida drama was... something else, I'll be sure."

"Good. Also, Sheila, any news about Shiho?"

"Hey, is Ann not keeping you updated?"

"No, she's talked a few times about it, but, well, yeah."

"Oh, well, that party idea worked, and Shiho's game."

"Great, I can't wait."

Sheila nodded.

"Also, Yusuke's apparently got a little something planned for my birthday soon."

"My, it must be fun to have an artist boyfriend."