Vangran: Thanks, as always good to hear from you. Appreciate the clarification, it just seemed like Shiho and Mishima should have talked about their experiences and it fit so well so I just went for it.
Morgana stood with a groan ''Why are all our exits bad?!''
''It could have been worse...'' Makoto pulled herself up, they had fallen near the Sakura residence once they got around to using the Nav as a shortcut but their landing was far from smooth. The fact that it had started to rain while they were in the Palace wasn't really helping either.
''Hate to see how it could be wo-...'' Ann stopped abruptly, having seen how Yusuke had landed face down with his face very close to her breasts. ''HEY!'' She pushed him off, though she immediately regretted it when he almost hit the wall. ''Sorry...''
''Not again...'' Yusuke groaned.
''What's with all the noise...?'' Sojiro came out, blinking when he saw the group. ''What're you kids doing out here?''
Namine smiled sheepishly ''Hi, Boss...we were just looking to get out of the rain. Not that it worked so well...''
''Clearly...''
''It'd be great if we could have a warm drink. Are you going back to the cafe?'' Ann wanted to know.
''Actually, yeah...'' He started.
''Great, then we'll come with you!''
''I'm not thirsty...'' Yusuke was elbowed by Ryuji, who had realized what the girls were up to.
''Sounds good! I'd just be glad to stay out of the rain.'' He admitted.
''That's fine. I'm not about to send you kids out in this weather anyway.'' Sojiro closed the door, raising an eye when he saw that Namine hadn't moved. ''What's up?''
''Ah, you guys go ahead. There's something I need to talk to Makoto about alone.''
Makoto played along ''Right...we'll catch up soon.''
''Okay, see you there!'' Ann returned.
Once they were gone, the girls headed with Morgana to find Futaba. The girl had passed out and they couldn't wake her...
Makoto bit her lip as she glanced at the girl who they had just returned to her room ''Is this our fault? Because of what happened in the Palace?''
''It couldn't be.'' Morgana refuted. ''If anything, defeating that monstrous cognition is actually good for her.''
''But then...what should we do?''
Namine paused to think, there had to be something. If Morgana thought the events at the Palace weren't part of this, that was good enough for her. They were missing something here, but what?
That line of thinking gave her an idea and she immediately called one person who she figured might be to able help now...
''A house call is gonna cost you, you know.'' Takemi stated.
Makoto blinked ''How much?''
''That was a joke.''
Namine looked exasperated while Makoto was puzzled ''Come on, Takemi-sensei...''
Takemi's lips twitched as she held up her hands ''All right, all right...Her pulse, breathing, temperature, and blood pressure are all normal. No ocular abnormalities either. I'm not sure why but its seems this girl is in some kind of stupor. Furthermore, she lacks muscle for her age. I doubt she has much stamina either.''
''So, basically she's just resting?'' Makoto clarified.
''Sure looks that way.'' The doctor returned.
While Namine talked things through with Takemi, Morgana and Makoto began to think...
''I remember what it was like after awakening Johanna...maybe the same is happening to her?'' Makoto wondered.
''Could be.'' Morgana agreed. ''That's not even counting how unusual the circumstances were...''
''Boss needs to know about this.'' The girl said.
''Can we tell him though? If he gets to use this to tie it back to us...'' Morgana said warily.
''He's going to find out sooner or later, Morgana. I find this better, we can control how much he knows. The least questions, the better.''
''True, true...'' The feline conceded. ''...all right then, let's just hope for the best...''
Sojiro and the others had come quickly once they heard. While naturally concerned, the barista soon wound up throwing everyone for a loop.
''Oh dear...this again.''
''Again?'' Yusuke blinked.
''Yeah, it happens every so often.''
''Say what now?'' Ryuji cocked his head.
''She must've used her energy. It's like she ran out of batteries. I think it happens 'cause she doesn't get enough exercise. She stays like this for a few days whenever it happens.''
''Oh...'' Ann blinked twice.
''What...?'' Ryuji stared at the girl.
''...You're kidding, right?'' Namine had to ask.
Sojiro seemed amused ''That was about the way I felt when I first found out but nope, I'm dead serious. ''I'll make sure she gets plenty of rest. For now, keep an eye on her. I'm gonna close the cafe.''
''Right.'' Namine sighed. 'Of all the the ways for this to turn out...looks like Futaba's full of surprises...'
''It's hard to describe how I feel right now...'' Makoto admitted after a few moments of silence.
Ryuji grunted ''Yeah? Well, I'm feelin' pretty frustrated.''
''At least she'll be OK, we had nothing to worry about.'' Namine offered.
''That is a relief but what do we about Medjed?'' Ann wondered.
''Medjed...'' The voice made everyone look to Futaba.
''She's up!'' Ryuji exclaimed.
But that moment of alertness soon proved to be in fact just that, a moment.
''...Tired. Gonna sleep for a bit.''
''Seriously?!'' Morgana cried.
''Futaba-chan!'' Ann exclaimed. But the girl didn't so much as twitch and it was clear she back to a deep sleep.
''...That was out of the blue...'' Namine trailed off.
''I'll say...How much is she going to sleep?'' Yusuke wondered.
Morgana held back a groan ''Now what do we do?''
''The only thing we can do. I don't see how we can find another skilled hacker...'' Makoto reminded. ''...We have to wait for her to wake up...''
The next day...
''You know, I can't help but wonder what it would've been like if Futaba could have dealt with Medjed right away. Of course, nothing's that convenient...'' Morgana commented.
Namine hummed in agreement ''I think it'll be fine though, we did change her heart in the end. We just have to wait for her to do her part. I'm just glad it's settled...at least she doesn't have to deal with those voices again.''
''I hear you. Man, that was just wrong...it's hard for me to swallow that her own family helped do this to her. Thank goodness for Boss, at least. Seriously, what kind of family actually inflicts pain like this to one of their own?'' Morgana grumbled. Though he soon felt like kicking himself as an answer quickly came to mind. ''Sorry...''
Namine half-smiled and shook her head ''...It's just the truth, I was thinking about that too. I kept telling myself not to and for a while, it worked then...maybe I've just been forcing myself...All that's been going on has me reflecting...''
''I can see why.'' Morgana figured it made sense. After all, Namine and Futaba were in a similar situation. Their families had treated them terribly and turned on them at the time of need.
''Well, I guess I'm not as okay with things as I'd like to be...all I've done for a good while is just press on and keep moving as best as I could and just avoid thinking about what they did.'' Namine admitted with a sigh. Her grandparents had really helped her during the first few days after the trial, which had really been the worst. For a while, Namine really didn't want to even think on those times. She shuddered to think of what would happen if she had to go back to that town. While she did feel more prepared to face the possibility, she did not want to imagine that scenario at all. There was nothing for her there, it truly felt that way. All they had learned and seen had just told her that avoiding the pain of the past was no good and she needed to deal with it for good.
She was more than glad her grandparents were her guardians now. She knew she had done the right thing and their kind words only reaffirmed that line of thinking but her parents had hurt her in a way she never thought they would have. It was hard to look past that, though Yuri and Itsuki had agreed that it would take time for her to feel better.
''In all fairness, expecting anyone to be okay with what you've been through is just too much.'' Morgana pointed out. ''Not even counting that it's only been this long since those bastards flat out turned on you, they were supposed to be the people you should count on the most. I'd be surprised if you were okay with this, it'd take time. The whole situation just shows what kind of people they are, they're definitely not worth your time.''
''You sound like my grandparents now.''
''That should prove that we're all giving good advice, so you better go on and follow it.'' Morgana put in without missing a beat. ''Naturally, that goes double for our work in the Metaverse.''
''Why did I know you were going to say something like that?'' Namine shook her head, both exasperated and amused. ''And I thought it's already been proven that I trust your word, silly. You haven't steered us wrong.''
''It's idiots like Ryuji are the problem. Life would be much easier if he worked hard like you do. '' Morgana huffed.
''...You guys really need to lay off each other.'' The girl stated. ''The insults are only making the situation worse. You guys are really different in a bunch of ways but that's no reason to keep going at each other's throats. We're all different from each other and I think that's great. We're still friends at the end of the day. Everyone does their part on the team and that's just fine...If anything, you'd both be making life much easier if you try to get along.''
The feline pouted for a moment, when put like that maybe they did take things a little far ''...This has to be a two way thing, you know.''
''Oh, don't worry, I plan to talk to Ryuji too.'' Namine stated.
''Fair enough...'' Morgana trailed off, seeing her stop just as they saw Yoshida.
Earlier, Yoshida had texted Namine to tell her that Matsuhita had invited him for lunch at a hotel and he asked Namine to come. Matushita didn't seem surprised at all to see the girl, if anything, he was glad to have the girl join them. Once they were settled and after some pleasantries, their talk soon shifted to politics.
''Kuramoto's been in and out of the hospital. I hear he's not going to run in the upcoming election.'' Matsushita stated.
''I see...'' Yoshida appeared thoughtful.
''He plans for his grandson, who is also in our party to take his place.''
''Unfortunately, this is all beyond me now.''
''Yoshida.'' Matsushita paused. ''Oh, don't worry about us so much, young lady. You should go ahead and eat, it's my treat.''
Yoshida raised an eye when the girl didn't respond and noted that she was staring at the TV nearby. There was a little newsfeed about the members of the Diet and it was currently on Shido Masayoshi. All he heard about the man seemed to be good news but...why did Namine look apprehensive?
Namine couldn't help but wonder why she got this odd feeling because of that man. It wasn't because of their run-in at the Wilton either. Something about him rubbed her wrong...and it was bothering her because it felt like she should know the answer...
''Is everything all right?'' Yoshida asked.
Namine blinked and looked back at them, shaking her thoughts off ''Oh, ah yeah! Sorry...''
''No problem. I invited you along because I wanted to ask you something.'' Matsushita admitted. ''...what do you think of the Phantom Thieves? You've heard of them right? They've become quite popular as of late. I'd like to hear your honest opinion. As a young lady, are you for or against them?''
''I'm for them.'' Namine said honestly. ''I have my own reasons, some of which I can't share especially now...but way I see it, they're bringing out unseen evil to help people.''
''You have a very adaptable way of thinking.'' Yoshida smiled. ''Most people who want to get in politics are jealous of them.''
''They are?'' Namine honestly didn't see why they would be.
''You have no idea. What about you, Yoshida?'' Matsushita asked.
''I'm not. They manage to change hearts, I respect their belief in crushing evil and saving the weak.''
''Isn't that similar to what you advocate?''
''I can't deny that. But that's not why I support them...'' Yoshida stated. ''...I believe they're a group of young people. Young people have experienced cruelty and injustice. They bravely face the societal ills that plague our world without thinking of the consequences. Brave...yet, pitiful I suppose.''
''Pitiful, huh? That's certainly a first...So the former Diet member who was disgraced by scandals is siding with them?''
''...Is that what you asked me here to talk about?'' Yoshida demanded.
''No...the party has decided which candidates it will back in the various electoral zones. One of our main candidates will represent this area, according to the party's election strategy. You have no chance of winning.''
Namine frowned a bit but Yoshida merely raised an eye ''...So you're saying that I should give up my campaign to become a Diet member?''
''I won't beat around the bush. Drop out of the election and become my right hand man. It won't be for naught. I'll put in a motion for you to be reinstated as a party member. And I will perform an extensive investigation into your expense misappropriation accusation.''
''Matsushita...'' Yoshida started.
''Think about it. You'll finally clear your name.'' He looked at Namine. ''I'll see you again soon, Ms. Secretary.''
''He likely has an ulterior motive. If he felt hopeful, he wouldn't ask me to run for the Diet.'' Yoshida mused.
''Hey yeah...That does kind of sound weird considering what he said the other day.'' Namine recalled, thinking of his warning the day she first met the man.
''Exactly...I expect he's trying to take advantage of me. That happens a lot in this world. What would you do at a time like this, Namine-chan?''
The girl was surprised by the question but she answered. ''Well, I wouldn't like it...Knowing you, you wouldn't be satisfied with that, so I'd decline.''
''So you're telling me to take control of my destiny? You're very inspiring.'' Yoshida smiled. ''Thank you for telling me you honest opinion. I won't stop giving speeches. Above all, I wish to continue speaking with you. You have such a fresh outlook on the world.''
''Oh, you think so?'' Namine began to smile. ''Well, I'd like to talk to you too.''
''I'm glad to hear it, the matter is decided then.''
The girl stopped for a shift at the flower shop. It was when the time nearly ended that a surprise came along.
Namine blinked ''Togo-san?''
Hifumi seemed just as surprised to see her ''Ah, hello Hyakuya-san...so you work here?''
''Yup, every now and then. How can I help you?''
''Well, actually...''
Hifumi was taking a walk back after a meeting at the TV station and she had just thought of buying some flowers for her family. While at first she hadn't been sure which to choose, she was pleasantly surprised to find that Namine was more than able to help make a choice she felt was suitable.
Before both girls quite knew it, the shop was approached by quite a few people who recognized Hifumi and were eager to meet her. The commotion kept getting worse until the flower shop owner had enough and intervened to make sure they gave the girl some much needed space. This also proved to be a plus in a way as some of them had immediately chosen to buy flowers like Hifumi just had.
The girl sighed ''I'm sorry about this...''
''About what? Having you around actually turned out to be pretty good for buisness. See?'' Namine lifted the amount of money she got once the crowd dispersed.
Hifumi's lips twitched in a small smile ''...I suppose the results do speak for themselves.''
''Exactly. So don't feel bad, you're not responsible for what they do.'' Namine assured. ''...You know, I remember Haru-chan mentioned how you were famous but wow, that really made it sink in...''
''Yes, it's all just overrated.'' Hifumi exhaled. ''I'm just trying to help my family.''
''Well, that sounds like a pretty good goal to me. Good luck.'' The girl offered.
''Thank you.''
Namine had a thought ''Say, you play shogi in that church sometimes, right? Would you mind if I join you for a game? I'm curious to see what it's like.''
''Not at all.'' Hifumi returned. ''But I'm not really much of a teacher though, I'm afraid you might be disappointed.''
''Ah, don't say that. It'll be fine, we're just having some fun. No harm done.''
''I suppose that's true...it sounds nice.''
''It's settled then!''
Shortly before returning to Leblanc, Namine found a text from Chihaya and so she decided to meet the woman as she held another fortune telling session...
''Good evening. This is the first time you came to my stand, yes?'' Chihaya smiled.
''Y-yeah...um, a colleague of mine recommended you. He said you can help fix my problems...is that right?'' The man wondered.
''Of course! Fate is...absolute...'' Chihaya hesitated for a moment, though both missed her troubled look.
''S-so, um, the thing is...'' Her customer started. ''...I'm engaged to be married. Next spring, I'll be tying the knot with a friend I've had since all the way back in preschool.''
''Wow, that's great.'' Namine smiled.
''It definitely is, congratulations!'' Chihaya said brightly. ''So what's worrying you? Is it the date of the ceremony or perhaps the location of your honeymoon?''
''O-oh, um...it's not like that. The problem is...I'm not entirely sure we'll be able to get truth is, the president of one of our major business partners has offered me her daughter's hand...''
''Ah...so this is what it means to be weighed down by societal obligations...'' Chihaya mused.
''Do, um...Do you think it would be bad if I declined that president's offer? Haha...Hahaha...''
''Please, relax! The divine power will bring us your answer!''
''Yes, I've seen everything.'' Chihaya frowned. ''My...it seems you will face financial ruin if you decline...''
The man looked alarmed ''N-no...does this mean breaking off my engagement is the only option...?''
''Um, Hyakuya-san? This may be a good time to demonstrate your powers.'' Chihaya suggested. ''This man is bound by the fetters of societal obligations. How should we move forward?''
Namine decided not to correct her about the powers assumption this time ''He really wants to go forward with the wedding, I think he should go with that and follow his heart.''
''My! While anyone could have come up with that, it's still wonderful!'' Chihaya smiled. ''Incidentally, what would you say to make him choose his childhood friend?''
The girl looked thoughtful and they figured she was deliberating her answer ''Well, I'd imagine they'd both be sad if he broke it off...''
''That's true...'' The fortune teller agreed.
''I know...and to tell you the truth, I worried about someone taking her...I guess anyone would line up to date such an amazing girl.'' The man looked down.
''All the more reason to go for it then,'' Namine offered. ''If you love her, wouldn't it just hurt you both badly to end it?''
''Yes...yes, you're right! I'm not going to do it! The only one who can make her happy is me! I was a fool to hesitate. I...I'm going to marry her! Thank you so much!''
Chihaya looked at her cards, speaking after almost a minute ''It's happened again...''
Chihaya was mystified ''So, you have altered fate once more...his fortune now states he will be quite succesful. I had questioned your powers but this is the third time...I have no choice, I must accept that fate can in fact, be changed. You've proven that to me. And as a sign of thanks for showing me the truth...I'll provide a special fortune service for you from now on!''
''Thanks!'' Namine returned.
''You're welcome. I never thought it was possible to change destiny...are you perhaps a psychic?''
The girl sighed ''This again? I told you I have no powers.''
''That makes sense.'' Chihaya conceded. ''A change in fate is one thing but purposefully altering one's destiny...?'' She stopped at the girl's curious look. ''A-ah, don't mind me! I was just thinking out loud, I suppose I spaced out there. Sorry, let's just wrap this up for today.''
''If you say so...'' Namine wondered what she wasn't saying here. Well, best to give her sometime until she was up to tell. She understood how hard it could be to confide in others and so Chihaya was free to keep her secrets. But if she wanted her help, Namine made her mind up to do what she could to make it happen. It was what she felt was right for any friend.
Well, let's stop here.
Now that I've got this part settled, I'm looking forward to when Futaba's 'training' starts. I always liked that part. I'm not jumping there right away, there's a few ideas I'd like to get out there first.
I have to say, I'm having fun with this arc so I hope you're all enjoying it too. For now, I'll be getting back to working on my ideas...I might have actually figured out the Okumura issue but that's still a bit tentative. At least I have a start of a plan for that part.
Anywho, thanks for reading so far and I hope you keep it up. I hope you like my work so far, this story turned out to be a lot more fun to work on than I expected. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 9)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 6)
Igor (Fool Rank 6)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 8)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 6)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Caroline and Justine Rank 5)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 6)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 4)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 3)