A mixture of emotions unpleasant traveled through my cheeks and pulled me out of my daydream. Shivers traveled along my spine. Akira chuckled, his eyes gleaming with delight. It was one of those moments when the sinister grin spreading across his face mirrored mine in the glass making me aware of the company I was, in—a kindred soul. As though fate had orchestrated the moment Akiras cell phone rang with a sharp and loud tone. He picked up.
With a changed voice said: "Hi Lint! Its been ages! Thought you'd forgotten me, buddy!"
Lints voice emerged as a mellow murmur from the other end of the line starkly contrasting with Akira's flat mocking reply. "Sorry Akira I had to rush with work. Just found a moment of time and wanted to check in with an old buddy...are you free?" Replying to this Akira displayed skill, in deception that it could stand as an ideal illustration—an invented persona's warmth and kindness merged effortlessly. Why not, Lint?. Remember you'll be the one covering the cost because I settled the bill previously.
Once his phone call concluded Akira's behavior revealed the nature of a cunning power-obsessed individual shedding his facade. "Alright alright I'll cover it. Okay bye I'll see you at Drips Cafe, alright?"
"Soon," as he hung up he faced me with an intense glare. "Did you mention anything to him about night?" he inquired softly his voice laced with menace.
I sent back a response wearing a deliberate smile "I'm the devil unseen until I choose to reveal myself.. He called you because you were the one captured on the CCTV tape at that party."
[ LUCIFER-POV ]
Akira's face turned shadowy. His hands curled into fists as he sighed in exasperation "Damn! I ought to consider it more.
Next day.
Akira found himself at Drips Cafe, alongside Lint. They feigned friendship in the intricate manner much like actors executing a meticulously rehearsed scene. While seated they gazed intently into one another's eyes exposing their comprehension. Meanwhile I remained an observer of this game of cat and mouse as it played out. Akira greeted Lint with an enthusiastic handshake a clever tactic he employed to convince others that, beneath the facade was a kind-hearted man. "Lint, my friend how are you doing?"
Lint responded with a courteous and warm smile providing a pleasant counterpoint, to Akiras feigned friendliness. "Kindly have a seat." The pair took their seats. Exchanged glances in silence. I sensed an aura surrounding Lint, a force that felt nearly... Recognizable.
Without skipping a beat Akira, flexible shifted the topic effortlessly and with ease resembling a finely matured honeyed wine. "Lint I caught the news. Heard you're in charge of the new case the nightclub event." Lint responded with narrowed eyes and a piercing gaze "I've told you I was, at that cafe but I left since I disliked the vibe there."
I was shocked. My mind raced with potential outcomes. Why did Akira disclose much? What was his intention? Lints response, a straightforward question was, in fact a cleverly devised snare. "Oh I'm quite aware of that Akira. I watched you on the footage. Why did you attend? You're not usually into those kinds of parties are you?"
Akiras smile appeared straightforward concealing a devised strategy, in his mind. "I went to check out the pub party but the excessive nudity made me uncomfortable so I walked out." Lint expressed both suspicion and keen interest as he said "Yet you did leave, right? My phone captured the night." Let me check the footage, from the exit door...hold on why is it that nobody's present?
A ruthless sly grin gradually spread across Akiras face a grin that unsettled me deeply. "Don't worry it might just be a camera glitch or a wiring issue. Lets eat first." As they dined I sensed a almost imperceptible energy radiating, from Akira, which appeared to intensify steadily.
Suddenly like a flash of lightning slicing through a night it hit me – Akira was plotting something, something massive something that would alter the course of events eternally. I chose to investigate to uncover what was running through his mind and what I discovered was completely unexpected. "Thank goodness I disconnected the wire by tossing the fork at the camera cable. Everything is unfolding as I planned and soon Lint you will witness my new world."
Soon as the phone sliced through the silence Lint's gaze instantly shifted to the device and he answered it. "Hello it's Lint " he responded, his tone as smooth, as velvet. Advert sounding slightly anxious said, "Sir I require your assistance. Sir Kinard has returned from Malaysia to the office. He is eager to meet you." Lint wearing a enigmatic smile that suggested he held a secret said: "Okay I'm heading there now." The call ended abruptly. Lint's eyes locked with Akira's both of them conveying much through a single glance.
One thing that was palpably sensed was Akiras inquisitiveness, which prompted him to inquire: "What is it Lint?" Lint responded in a deliberate and steady tone causing a chilling shudder to travel down Akiras spine. "It appears that our esteemed president of the Kindaiechi Agency has returned from Malaysia. Simply put your father is back, in Tokyo, Akira." The phrases carried importance and meaning lingering briefly in the atmosphere before Akiras faint smile nearly spectral crossed his face seeming to say, "Why not?" Lints gaze, sharp and piercing like blades seemed to penetrate Akiras very spirit as he inquired "How about joining me?"
As Lint rose his actions were fluid as if each step had been carefully rehearsed. Facing Akira he lowered his tone to a murmur: " one final inquiry, Akira, who is Lucifer?" The phrase, though softly delivered struck Akira sharply as if a gauntlet had been thrown down slapping him with nearly the impact of a real strike. Concealing his surprise and unease his pale complexion gave him away. I sensed someone standing behind me a hand resting on my back causing me to tremble. The voice was a raspy murmur appearing to be right next, to my ear. "It would be rather boring if only my friend enjoyed that game."
I turned in a hurry, my heart was pumping, and the sight I met made the blood in my veins turn icy cold.
It was Lucarious, his eyes glinting with a malevolent light, his presence seeming to fill the air with an unspeakable evil.