Chapter 1
Akira Kurusu was tired. His parents, Minako and Shinjiro Aragaki had announced that they would be moving to some town in the country. Thus, he had been unpacking his things all day.
Now 13 years old, they had gotten married a year ago, having adopted him when they were still college students. As they went on their honeymoon, paid for by his very scary Aunt Mitsuru, he stayed with his uncles, Arisato Minato and Mochizuki Ryoji.
There was always something weird about them. It wasn’t that some people threw them dirty looks when they held hands on the street, or that they still lived in the same building Uncle Minato did in high school, it was something different.
Uncle Minato and Ryoji just showed up one day, without any mention of them by anyone else. In fact, his mother had cried when she first saw him, so did many of the other aunties and uncles. Even Auntie Aigis, who he was 99% sure was a robot. (Sometimes he would feel like death, when Uncle Ryoji got upset [though that rarely happened], or he could swear Uncle Minato’s eyes would go from a dull blue to bright and glowing blue, while his mother’s glowed pink.)
Anyway, none of that mattered now. He had been trying for years to sneak up on Uncle Minato, a habit learned after spending years slinking around with that woman who would scream at him for breathing, but it never worked. He had tried everything, from tiny distractions, to meticulous sleight of hand, another habit, this time from living on the streets, pickpocketing with ****-kun, However, now that he’d practiced, nothing would stop him.
As Akira and his parents walked towards the old Gekkoukan High dorm, he took up his position, crouching, and sneaking around. Shinjiro rolled his eyes, while Minako just laughed.
They went into the building, and after spotting his uncle on the couch, the boy crept up on him. He was so close when suddenly, Uncle turned his head, catching him in the act.
“Too predictable Akira. Try and catch me when I least expect it, not when I know you’re coming.”
“Awwwww, yes sir!”
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Akira recalled that moment, and all of his cumulative street smarts as he snuck into his parents bedroom. His uncles had just kind of appeared again, six months after they had settled into Yasoinaba, Inaba for short. His father opened a restaurant called Duo, while his mother opened a small bookstore, much like the one Old Man Bunkichi and Grannie Mitsuko did.
He crept around, eventually finding a key. It felt… blue, like that weird place he went to for Christmas 2 years ago. He can’t remember how he got there, but they were other friends of his parents and 2 uncles that were dressed as blue as the room, an elaborate elevator. He met a young, fancy girl named Lavenza, a painter that reminded him of his dad, a singer and blind pianist who doted on him, a rowdy woman called Elizabeth, and Theodore, who was really nervous every time Elizabeth went near him, for some reason.
He decided to take a walk around town, after of course stealing the key. Suddenly, when he got to the gas station, Akira saw a glowing door of the same blue. He took the key and opened it, to find a limousine.
“Old man Igor? And… Margaret-san correct? You two were at the Christmas party. Although… what is this place?”
“Welcome, Trickster, to the Velvet Room. It is a place between dream and reality, mind and matter.”
“Unfortunately, your journey has yet to start. Please exit the premises.”
“Why do you guys keep calling me that? And who are you? Are you new?” Akira’s gaze landed on a brown-haired girl, dressed like a messenger.
The girl scowled.
“I’m Marie. I have no idea how I got here, and the Nose won’t answer you in any way except cryptically.”
“Nice to meet you! I’m Akira.”
“Hmmmmm. It seems our current guest is approaching. You must leave for now, Trickster.”
“I’m not leaving, when this is so interesting and cool! How are the others? And if I left now, wouldn’t your current guest see me? Who even is your current guest?”
“It seems he has a point master.”
“Very well, I will arrange for Lavenza to take him someplace else. Please distract him in the meantime.
Margaret nodded, exiting the limo. Lavenza appeared, smiling.
“Greetings, Trickster. It has been quite a while.”
“Lavenza!” He ran and hugged her. “Is Marie coming with us?”
Igor grinned.
“Not right now, Trickster. You may see her again, however.”
“Awwww, okay. See ya soon!” Akira lifted one of the seat cushions, delight overtaking him when an exit, exactly as he imagined, appeared.
“Trickster? How-” Lavenza didn’t get to finish as he pulled her hand, jumping into the hole that wasn’t there before.
Igor chuckled.
“Ah, the mind of a child. I look forward to seeing what will become of him.”
“How did he do that?” Marie got frustrated as the Nose only chuckled, but calmed down and smiled.
“I think I like that kid.”
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Meanwhile, Outside the Velvet Room…
“Margaret? What’s going on?” She never walked towards Yu, always waiting for him instead.
“A mess has found its way into the Velvet Room, and we are fixing it. Do not worry, it has proven to be harmless, and will be cleared soon.”
Yu was confused, but didn’t ask any questions. He knew he wouldn’t receive answers.
Later he asked Marie what that was all about, but only got more confused as she waved it off, and started announcing she would try to talk with other humans.
Well, at least she was okay?