3.08 – A Naughty Excursion

The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air filtration system and the rhythmic crashing of the ocean against the distant cliffs, which was greatly muted due to the soundproofing. The lights were dimmed, the cool blue glow from the digital interface on the nightstand casting faint shadows against the walls. Aurora lay stretched out on her bed, still feeling the aftereffects of the day’s brutal training. She had a lot to think about—how she’d performed, the competition with Rook which she wasn’t willing to entirely drop, and most of all, whatever the  Midnight Avenger had planned for them next.

Akari was curled up in bed, facing the window, watching the dark waves beyond the glass, her face relaxed but thoughtful. Asami was sitting cross-legged on her own bed, brushing her long hair with idle motions, her violet eyes glinting mischievously in the low light.

Another moment of silence passed, then—

“You know,” Asami murmured, her voice low and playful, “it would be a waste for you to be in Japan and not see Tokyo.”

Aurora snapped her head toward her, eyes narrowing. “Asami. No.”

Akari turned over, blinking sleepily. “Huh?”

Asami smirked. “We are here in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and we are just going to sit here and behave like good little wards?” She sighed dramatically. “Is that not boring?”

Aurora groaned. “Of course you’d say that.”

Black Angel stirred in the back of Aurora’s mind, her dark laughter curling at the edges of her thoughts.

Oh, I like her. She’s got that spark, that delicious recklessness. Let her talk, Sunshine. I want to hear more…

Aurora tried to push the voice away, but her pulse was already thrumming with excitement. Damn it, she hated that Asami made it sound so tempting.

Akari sat up fully, rubbing her arm. “I mean… this is about as good an opportunity as we’re going to get, maybe,” she admitted. “It would be kind of nice to see more of Nihon. I’ve been cooped up in Kyoto.”

Asami pointed at her triumphantly. “See? Akari understands~.”

Aurora crossed her arms. “Akari just said she’d like to see more of Japan. Not that she wants to risk getting caught sneaking off in the middle of the night. And speaking for myself, I haven’t had the best of luck with letting myself get talked into late-night traveling adventures.”

Asami shrugged, completely unbothered. “What is life without a little risk? Besides, do not tell me you are not curious, Aurora.”

Aurora pursed her lips, shifting on her bed. “Of course I am! I’ve never been to Japan before, let alone Tokyo! But we have training tomorrow. I doubt Midnight Avenger will go easy on us if we’re running on zero sleep.”

Akari fidgeted, clearly torn. “I really want to show you around. I don’t know Tokyo at all, but I do know Kyoto… I could take you there someday.”

Asami rolled her eyes. “Kyoto is nice, but come on. Tokyo is where all the action is. It’s the heart of Japan—neon lights, crazy technology, the best arcades, amazing food—why would we skip it when it’s so close?” She leaned forward, grinning slyly. “What’s the worst that could happen? We get caught? I bet we could talk our way out of it.”

Aurora arched her brow. “Oh yeah? You think M.A., the most paranoid, tactical, zero-bullshit hero I’ve ever met, is going to let us talk our way out of it if he finds out we went AWOL?”

Asami tilted her head, completely unfazed. “If we do not get caught, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Akari hesitated. “…I mean, he did tell us to not make assumptions and they didn’t say anything about not being able to leave at night. If we’re back before morning, I guess it wouldn’t interfere with training, right?”

Aurora shot her an incredulous look. “Et tu, Akari?”

Akari flushed but didn’t back down. “It’s just… I don’t know when I’ll get another chance to see Tokyo like this. No crowds, no rush, just… seeing it from the sky. I’m assuming you’d fly us, since my fire won’t get us anywhere and I don’t know about Asami.”

Aurora bit her lip, her resolve weakening.

Black Angel sighed dramatically in her mind. Sunshine, stop pretending you don’t want to. You can already feel it, can’t you? The wind in your hair, the lights stretching out below, the thrill of breaking the rules just enough to make life interesting? You’re a hero, not a nun. Go.

Stop acting like Quinn! Damn it!

Someone has to represent the devil on your shoulder. I’ll be happy to fill in for her once she’s gone. You won’t miss a…

No… just don’t talk to me! Go away.

Phaw… you’re no fun.

Aurora growled under her breath, shutting out Black Angel’s voice.

But… damn it. Black Angel had a point.

Black Angel was laughing softly in the back of her mind.

Aurora groaned, rubbing her face with her hands. “…I can’t believe I’m even considering doing this!”

Asami smirked, sensing victory. “Then it’s settled.”

“No!” Aurora pointed at her. “It is not settled. I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”

Asami gave her a knowing look.

Akari watched Aurora carefully, waiting.

Aurora stared between them, her brain waging war with itself.

On one hand—she wanted to behave. She wanted to follow the rules, to prove that she was serious about this training. Giving in to Blank Angel’s encouragement wasn’t exactly the best way to keep her at bay.

On the other—Tokyo. Flying over the skyline. The adventure of sneaking out. The chance to explore somewhere entirely new with two people she actually liked.

The logic of responsibility was losing hard against the pull of fun.

She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Damn it… fine.” She knew that this was an opportunity that she’d regret to let slip by.

Akari lit up. “Really?!”

Aurora sighed, but there was already a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, yeah. But we’re not getting caught. I swear, if we do, I’m blaming everything on you Asami.”

Asami placed a hand over her heart. “Says the rat with angel’s wings. Anyway, blame accepted. Now let us go before you chicken out.”

Aurora threw on her coat and took one last look at their room.

This is such a bad idea… but it’s going to be amazing.

The three snuck out quietly with Aurora in the lead. There was not a sign of anyone up and about at this late hour. This might be easier than Aurora thought. The dormitory halls were quiet, save for the distant hum of machinery and the rhythmic whooshing of the ocean outside. Aurora padded silently toward the door, glancing over her shoulder to see Akari and Asami following closely behind. Akari clutched the strap of her bag, looking nervous, while Asami wore an amused smirk, as if sneaking out past curfew was nothing more than a casual game.

"We're definitely gonna suffer for this tomorrow," Akari whispered.

Asami shrugged, completely unconcerned. "Probably. But it will be worth it."

Aurora grinned, the thrill of adventure lighting up her violet eyes. "Don’t worry. I’ll get us there and back before anyone notices."

As they reached the plaza, a soft chime rang through the air, and the AI hostess materialized right in front of them, her elegant holographic form flickering into existence with a playful smile.

"Out for a little late-night stroll, are we?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement.

Akari jumped, barely suppressing a squeak. "Oh no, we’re so busted!"

Aurora raised her hands in mock surrender, trying to think of something convincing. "Look, uh… we just wanted to—"

"I wasn’t programmed to be a tattletale," the AI hostess interrupted smoothly, her shimmering eyes twinkling. "Would you like me to cover for you?"

The three girls blinked in unison.

"Wait… seriously?" Akari asked, eyes wide.

Asami recovered first, her smirk widening. "You are an interesting AI. What kind of a deal are you offering?"

The AI tilted her head, placing a finger to her lips as if thinking. "I could generate holographic decoys to make it appear as if you are soundly asleep in your beds. That should suffice—as long as you return before sunrise. If you do not, I will be forced to report the infraction."

Aurora beamed. "That’s perfect! Can you really do that?"

The AI gave a small, graceful bow. "Of course. Consider it a small act of mischief between… friends."

Asami folded her arms. "Your gesture is appreciated. I like the way you are thinking."

The AI’s expression remained serenely neutral, but the twinkle remained in her holographic eyes.

"Be careful," she added. "I suggest following the coastline southward to reach Tokyo efficiently. Given your… unknown top speed, I cannot provide a precise ETA. However, given what I’ve observed of your flight abilities, you should arrive in time to enjoy some of the safer late-night attractions."

"Suggestions?" Asami asked.

The AI’s projection flickered momentarily, displaying a list of options. "Several observation decks remain open past midnight, offering unparalleled views of the city. Shinjuku is home to many vibrant nightlife districts, though I advise against interacting with certain establishments. Late-night arcades in Akihabara remain open for those seeking entertainment. And if you seek tranquility, the Tokyo Tower gardens are a beautiful sight at night."

"Tokyo Tower, huh?" Aurora mused, looking to the others. "Thoughts?"

"As long as it’s not the sleazy side of Shinjuku, I’m in," Akari muttered.

Asami laughed. "Agreed."

Aurora gave the AI hostess a thumbs-up. "Alright, we’ll take your advice. Thanks, and we’ll be back before sunrise. Promise."

The AI nodded once, her image flickering before she disappeared, leaving them alone once more.

Asami stretched her arms above her head. "Alright then, angel girl. Time to see if you can really carry us both without turning us into human missiles."

Aurora rolled her eyes playfully but stepped forward. "I’ll wrap my aura around you two. Hold onto me if you feel weird."

Akari hesitated but took Aurora’s hand. Asami was far less reserved, grasping her other wrist with confidence.

Aurora exhaled, concentrating. Her luminous aura expanded, wrapping tightly around both girls, their forms now weightless in her grasp.

Asami raised a brow. "Huh. This is surprisingly comfortable."

Akari yelped as her feet left the ground, gripping Aurora's arm a little too tightly. "I don’t like this—oh kami, I don’t like this—"

Aurora grinned. "Relax. You’ll love it once we’re up there."

Before Akari could protest further, Aurora bent her knees, flexed her wings, and launched them skyward.

The wind roared around them as they shot into the air, the Kitchen’s grounds quickly shrinking beneath them. Akari squeezed her eyes shut at first, clutching Aurora like a lifeline.

"Akari, look," Asami said, sounding thoroughly entertained.

Akari peeked through one eye and gasped. They were soaring over the Japanese coastline, the ocean below glimmering silver under the moonlight. Clusters of towns and fishing villages twinkled in the distance, their lights tiny but mesmerizing.

"This is… beautiful. We’re moving faster than the Shinkansen!" Akari murmured in astonishment.

Aurora smirked, feeling the wind that she allowed through her aura pushing against her face. "Told you you'd love it." If she let it all through, their heads might be blown off. Not good.

Tokyo came into view sooner than expected.

Quickly passing over the sprawling outskirts, the city proper stretched far and wide, a sea of neon, glass, and steel glittering like an artificial constellation. From this height, it looked endless, the roads snaking through the city like glowing rivers. The massive Tokyo Tower stood proudly, bathed in red and white lights, piercing the skyline. Skyscrapers loomed over the bustling streets below, filled with activity despite the late hour.

Even Asami—who usually played it cool—looked impressed.

"Wow," Aurora murmured, stunned despite herself.

“Are you actually Vanguard in disguise or something, Aurora?” Asami asked wonderingly.

“Nah… I’m just a fast flyer.” Aurora flushed. “It sure comes in handy, particularly whenever I see my girlfriend up in Canada.”

“You have a girlfriend?” Asami asked, her eyes boring into Aurora. “Tell me more.”

“Um… yes… but I won’t say much more. I travel sometimes over a thousand miles back and forth to see her now and again,” Aurora said.

“Impressive. Thousands of miles are nothing to you?” Asami asked. “I guess you could give me a ride back to Germany once our time in the Kitchen is over.”

“It still takes time. I can imagine that a trip across America to Europe or from Japan across Asia to Germany that way would probably take more time than I could handle in one shot. I mean, I never tried flying that far away, but…”

“You could cut across the arctic circle, if you insist on that first awful route,” Asami suggested. “That would be the fastest path to North America. However, you really should fly straight east to Europe. We would have to hope that the Russians or Chinese did not fire on us.” She laughed briefly at the thought.

“I’ll consider it.” Aurora shrugged .”But I don't think I’ll have the time, plus Dragonmage will probably be opening portals under our feet as soon as they’re done with us,” Aurora pointed out.

“Very likely.” Asami nodded thoughtfully.

Akari giggled, a little more at ease now. "Anyway, Tokyo! It sure is great! I knew it was big, but… it looks so different from the pictures up here."

Asami nodded, her eyes reflecting the city lights. "We made the right choice to come here."

Aurora angled downward, steering them toward the brilliant heart of the metropolis. "Alright, ladies—let’s see what Tokyo has to offer us."

Aurora descended over the brilliant sea of neon lights and sprawling buildings, the cold wind rushing past her face as she approached Tokyo Tower, its iconic red and white structure standing out like a beacon amidst the city skyline. It was the one landmark even a tourist like her couldn’t miss. With a calculated ease, she touched down gracefully on one of the lower platforms, keeping her grip firm as Akari and Asami landed beside her.

Akari’s eyes sparkled as she looked around excitedly. “Tokyo Tower…! I never thought I’d actually come here like this.”

Asami smirked. “And here we are, delivered straight from the heavens. I must say, Aurora, your flying is exquisite.”

Aurora rolled her shoulders, still buzzing with excitement from the flight. “Yeah, well, try not to get used to it. I don’t run a taxi service.”

Asami tilted her head, pretending to be deep in thought. “But if you did, I imagine it would be an absolute luxury experience.”

Akari giggled, but then she turned toward the entrance. “Come on, let’s actually go inside! I want to see the view from the top.”

The trio made their way toward the ticket booth, blending in effortlessly with the late-night visitors. Aurora pulled out her wallet and grumbled. All she had on her was American money. How would she have been able to prepare for a trip to Japan when the Society of Sentinels had told her nothing in advance. 

Akari smiled and gestured. “Leave it to me. We’ll use my Suiko card.” She held her card up between her fingers and swiped it in the machine and bought them tickets.

Soon they were through the turnstiles and heading to the train platform.

It was almost surreal—walking through a Tokyo landmark with these two, like normal tourists, when just hours ago, they were slogging through an urban disaster obstacle course under Midnight Avenger’s watchful eye.

Once they entered, Aurora’s brows furrowed as she spotted something that immediately turned her stomach—a massive Wonton Pieces store taking up an entire section of the bottom floor. Bright, colorful banners of a goofy, straw-hat-wearing pirate boy covered the walls, shelves stacked with figurines, T-shirts, keychains, and even limited-edition snacks.

Aurora made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat. “Oh, come on. Do we really have to be subjected to this here too?”

Akari whipped her head toward her, visibly aghast. “Excuse me?! What do you mean, this?!”

Aurora gestured vaguely at the store, making a face. “I mean this entire ridiculous obsession. The sign there even says bloody Wonton Pieces Tokyo TOWER! I get enough corpo branding shoved down my throat back in the States, are we doing that halfway across the world too?”

Asami, who had drifted toward the store entrance, hummed thoughtfully. “You know, Aurora, I expected better from you. Wonton Pieces has many virtues.”

Akari nodded aggressively, clutching her chest as if personally wounded. “Yeah! Who doesn’t love an anime about a super-powered pirate boy and his quest to become the Pirate Emperor?!”

Aurora deadpanned. “Me.”

Akari scoffed. “Blasphemy.”

Asami smirked, crossing her arms. “Truly, you are beyond saving, angel girl.”

Before Aurora could argue, the two drifted away into the store, completely absorbed in the endless sea of merchandise. For what felt like eternity, they poured over head bobbles, limited-time edition figures, themed keychains, and more random collectibles.

Aurora sighed, rubbing her temples as she leaned against a nearby pillar. I swear, this wasn’t part of the plan… And then there were the Japanese people who were taking a great deal of interest in here. Any number of fat glassed boys out past their bedtime were eyeing her with clear admiration as though she was a giant PVC figurine ripe for the purchasing. Ewwww…

Eventually, they emerged, arms full of their newly purchased treasures. They went onwards to the Wonton Pieces Café nearby, where even Aurora couldn’t object to ordering matcha lattes, though she was skeptical. They had no caffeine… or did they?

Soon they were sipping on their Wonton Pieces themed matcha lattes. They were sweet and tasted like freshly mowed grass mixed with cream and sugar. While that doesn’t sound all that appealing, matcha lattes really were delicious.

Aurora still eyed her companions with suspicion. “Are these really supposed to power us through four more hours of walking around Tokyo?”

“Nah… We’ll take the shortcut. I nominate the Aurora winged taxi service.” Asami smirked.

Akari nodded enthusiastically, taking a long sip through her straw. “Absolutely. Matcha tastes great and with you flying us around, we’ll be just fine.”

“Am I some kind of a machine?” Aurora complained.

“The best angel taxi service known to man.” Asami teased. She held up her drink elegantly. “We will march forward fueled by matcha and determination.”

Aurora groaned but took a sip of her own latte. It was really good. Better than what she’d had at Storebocks. She hated to admit that. It was probably the fact that Loofah’s goofy face was staring up at her from her cup that made her feel grumpy.

The trio took the elevator up to the top, gazing out at the sparkling cityscape below. Tokyo stretched in every direction, a sea of dazzling neon and towering buildings, endless in its sheer size.

Akari pressed her hands against the glass, eyes wide with awe. “It’s beautiful…”

Asami tilted her head slightly, admiring the view. “Indeed… but truthfully, I expected more.”

Aurora raised a brow. “Yeah, not gonna lie, I thought this would be more exciting. I mean, we literally flew in from the sky. This is kind of… tame compared to that. It was kind of a waste of money, except for the lattes.”

Akari sighed. “Okay, yeah… I guess flying over Tokyo is better than just… looking at it from behind glass.”

Asami huffed, crossing her arms. “Well, that certainly was a short-lived novelty.”

Aurora stretched. “Okay, so, now what? I don’t know about you two, but I could use some actual food. I read that Tokyo is well known for its good food”

Akari perked up immediately. “Right! Nippon is all about our delicious cuisine! Anyway, what to eat, though.” She turned the thought over in her mind and grinned. “Well, considering my company, I have the perfect suggestion! Let’s hit up the closest Cocoa Curry! It’s a must-visit place for tourists in Nihon. Westerners love it.”

Asami grimaced, a hand going to her forehead in sheer despair. “Cocoa Curry?! Akari, please, we can do better than that.”

Akari frowned. “Hey! It’s good! Just because it’s a chain doesn’t mean it’s bad.”

Asami dramatically shook her head. “We’re in Tokyo. There are countless exquisite restaurants at our disposal. Why settle for something so basic?” She snapped her fingers. “I propose sukiyaki instead. A certain skyscraper restaurant I read about serves it perfectly.”

Aurora chimed in, “Sukiyaki sounds fancy. How much would that cost?”

The three quickly compared notes, checking how much cash they had on them.

Akari groaned, slumping forward. “Yeah, uh… we’re not fancy people.”

Aurora laughed. “I vote we go with Cocoa Curry.”

Akari cheered, while Asami looked skyward, as if praying for patience. “I suppose this is the burden of democracy.”

Aurora grinned. “Come on, Asami, lighten up. We’ll eat fancier next time.”

Asami sighed dramatically. “Fine. But if the food disappoints me, you both owe me an evening of fine dining someday.”

Akari grinned. “Deal.”

And with that, they descended the tower, heading toward their next destination—because no great adventure could be complete without a proper meal.