"Just when I thought this couldn't get creepier...'' Panther groused as they entered another hall. ''...Mona, please tell me we're closing in on the treasure-because I can't wait to give that stupid king a kick where the sun doesn't shine.''
"We're definitely making good progress.'' The feline glanced back at the cause of her current irritation, the statue of Kamoshida leering down at them. They had just finished locating the two orbs needed to unlock the entrance behind it. The orbs functioned as the statue's eyes, frankly Mona felt adding the glowing items made the thing even creepier. ''The treasure's much closer than before...if I remember the map right, we're almost at the path leading to the last tower.''
"I'm super psyched! Come to think of it, Mona, you never told us what the treasure would be like.'' Skull noted.
"I have a few guesses but I can't be sure.'' was the response. ''It's the core of this world and it's hidden where the ruler thinks it's the safest. Remember, this is a first for me too but I'm positive I'll know it when I see it.''
"Well, you haven't steered us wrong so if you say it, that's good enough for me.''
Mona beamed ''Thanks, Joker. You can keep counting on me to guide you.''
The team came across an elevator which seemed to lead to a lower level. One of the first things they found then was a treasure chest. Mona chose to open it, approaching with caution.
His suspicion was proven true when the chest suddenly burst open at his touch, releasing two Succubi and an Andras. Skull recoiled ''Shadows can even hide there now?!''
Mona was just as surprised, originally being left wary due to the lack of enemies around here. Realizing the set up, he brandished his scimitar, calling out a warning to the others. The Andras unleashed blasts of ice magic which they dodged but one of the Succubus took the chance to use Marin Karin on an unsuspecting Skull, the boy freezing as a pink glow over came him. Panther looked on in bewilderment as a somewhat dopey smile spread across his face, his eyes firmly on the Succubus.
"Both of you, stay away from him! He's charmed, meaning they can control him!'' Mona called.
Panther blanched, the Succubus seemingly getting to work as she addressed Skull. But before she got to finish, a number of bullets knocked her down. This also came with the bonus of snapping Skull out of it, the boy blinking in confusion while the others were relieved. ''All right, Joker!''
"Uh, guys? The hell just...''
"Apparently, you were just charmed-like what you see there?'' Panther smirked.
"As if! What do I care about that when we got someone way hotter here?'' The girl stared at him in surprise. ''...I said that out loud, didn't I?''
She was saved from having to respond when Aladdin appeared to cut the enemy that had just been about to attack them. ''I hate to interrupt but we do still have a battle going on.'' Joker put in while Mona looked distinctly unimpressed.
"Sorry...'' The two said in tandem, quickly rejoining the battle with their Personas heading the charge. Carmen's flames burned the downed Succubus while the other dodged and Captain Kidd attacked the Andras, who flew out of the way to use more magic. Likewise, lightning crackled around the Succubus as she unleashed a Zio.
"Zorro, Lucky Punch!'' A gloved fist struck her a moment later, rendering her dazed. Mona seized the chance to strike back while a round of embers hit the Shadows, with Joker and Aladdin wrapping the battle up.
Another encounter with Shadows forced the group to take a different route, they across a long, empty hall. This left Panther weirded out but Skull decided to go right in, only to be stopped by Joker.
The teen cut off Skull's protest with a single comment ''Which part doesn't scream fishy to you after all we've seen?''
Thinking it over, he couldn't refute the logic. Mona didn't miss Panther's suspicious gaze ''Good observation skills, you two. Now, let's see...''
Aiming his slingshot, Mona fired one pellet that went halfway across the hall before a series of blades swept a wide arc over the hall before spears fell from the areas the blades missed. They could all see a particular area of the area shaking and it didn't bode well.
Panther recoiled, glad none of them had gone near there. ''What do we do now? Isn't this the route we need to cross over to that tower?''
Mona nodded as they thought it over ''Talk about a mine field. I don't even want to know what else Kamoshida could have there...''
"Hm...I'm not sure if this would work but...'' They looked at Joker curiously as he summoned his Persona. ''...Aladdin, can you see what's on the other side of the hall?''
'As a matter of fact, yes...ah, there seems to be some sort of switch near the exit. I imagine it might have to do with this set up.'
"It can't hurt to try using it, right?'' Skull wondered how they could even get there though.
Fortunately, Joker had an answer to that. Thanking Aladdin, he proceeded to switch Personas to Slime, asking if it could try reaching the switch for them. Slime seemed to observe the area for a few moments before giving its assent, slowly heading over. Things appeared bad when the spears suddenly fell but Slime seemingly melted into the ground before reappearing ahead. When the blades came, it flattened itself to avoid them. Continuing to take advantage of the fluidity of its body to avoid all the traps, Slime made it to the other side and rammed it. The blades retracted into the walls and the holes were the spears fell from closed up, any signs of the traps disappearing in an instant.
"All right!'' Panther cheered.
"Nice going, buddy!'' Skull draped an arm around Joker's shoulders as the boy thanked Slime, to its pleasure. ''I didn't think we could use Personas like that-how'd you even know?''
"I just thought it was worth a try.''
"You're making good use of your abilities as the Wild Card.'' Mona nodded approvingly. ''Now let's get going!''
It was after they left the new Safe Room they discovered that the team found a terrible surprise.
Skull looked unimpressed ''What're you gawking for, Mona? It's just like that other room with all the junk.''
"...You might want to have a closer look.''
The feline's terse tone alerted them of something being amiss, making the three closer to the aforementioned room. It was full of what seemed to be junk indeed but what quickly grabbed their attention were the statues in the midst of it all.
Skull was rooted to the spot as the realization sank in.
"Wait, isn't that Nakaoka?'' Panther looked over the other statues. ''Gozaka and...that's the track team...which means...'' Her eyes widened at the last statue, one of Skull, most of the statues were in terrible disrepair, clearly falling apart at the seams. But that one was the worst off, cracks spread all over and a few segments had already fallen apart.
Mona was shaking his head in disgust, wondering not for the first time why this man was allowed to be a teacher.
'What failures, the lot of them.' They started at the voice of Kamoshida, unable to find any sign of the palace ruler's presence. 'Useless brats that never had what it takes. All I had to do was show them their place and they fell like flies at my feet where they belong. Those who fail the king are fated to oblivion.'
A part of Panther wondered what this even meant but the curiosity was ignored in favor of outrage ''Why that little...! As if he has any right talking like that after what he pulled!''
Skull hadn't realized how long he'd been standing there until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Brown eyes met concerned green as Joker spoke ''...We've come so far, we're going to see this to the end. He won't get away with this.''
Gratitude surged with in the ex-athlete as he nodded back, unable to find his voice, opting to follow everyone instead.
The team came across two figures surounded by a few knights, none of the team could make out their faces from here but what took them by surprise that the knights were clearly out to kill them.
"Hey, we can't just sit here-those two...''
"...are cognitions, Panther.'' Mona cut in. ''I can feel it. But that's why this is strange, what's going on?''
Closer observation told them that the two were sentenced to death by Shadow Kamoshida for failing an important mission. Listening closely, the quartet learning that they had been ordered to dispose of a criminal insurgent who was becoming a nuisance to the ruler. But their failure meant that he had to do it himself, hence this punishment.
It didn't take them long to realize what, or rather, who this referred to.
"That scumbag...!'' Skull snarled, realizing what must have happened to Joker's cognition. They might have known Kamoshida was behind that incident but that didn't make it any less infuriating. ''Come on, maybe we can find out who they are!''
But it was too late, when the team was able to catch up, it was only to find the knights having already disposed of the pair.
"Intruders!'' One cried.
"You're the brats who were stupid enough to think they can take our castle's treasure! The king will be pleased to know we took you down!''
"Just try it, you bastard! Carmen!'' The crimson dancer gave a wicked laugh as she cast Agi, making her target recoil. Their enemies began revealing their true forms, producing a number of enemies like the ones they had seen before.
Cait Sith scrambled around the enemies with sheer speed, Mona hopped off Zorro's shoulder to deliver a slash that knocked one of the Berith down. Likewise, Skull struck an Angel Shadow on the head while Joker held off a Berith, slashing it twice.
Cait Sith's lightning magic struck in tandem with Zorro's wind blades, clearing out a crowd. Joker winced as his Persona was knocked back by a sudden attack from an Erigor, the Shadow capitalizing on this to hit him and Panther, who responded by healing the both of them. The girl swiftly disitracted the Shadow with a hit to the head, making it turn towards her only for Cait Sith to lunge at it, it tried to swat at the feline and found itself face fo face with Carmen's flames. Finding that Carmen's magic seemed to have little effect, Joker opted to try Cait Sith's Zio, which nearly threw it down.
"Score! Let's finish this!'' Panther smirked and he nodded back.
Seeing Mona aim, Skull ducked and a pellet flew at an Angel, the boy dodged a sstrike from an Agathion and countered with Captain Kidd's lighting piercing through its flames. Mona cut the Angel down, taking another Shadow out with Zorro's Garu. Going through the Shadows systematically targeting their weaknesses, the four soon finished the battle.
"We made it.'' Mona could hardly believe his eyes. It felt like so long ago since he chose to take the treasure and now he had done it thanks to his companions in such a short time. The feeling was amazing.
"Wait, so...which one's the treasure?''
Panther thought Skull had a point-as they were practically surrounded by gold and gems and various other valuables. Mona however, led them forward. ''Here it is!''
He pointed at a floating luminous orb. Panther blinked, not expecting this. ''Of all things...''
Joker looked equally bewildered ''That's...wait, you never told us what stealing the treasure entailed, Mona. It's not just about taking this thing, is it?''
"As sharp as ever, Joker! Nope, there's one last step. We need to make Kamoshida think his desires can be stolen. So we're going to be sending a calling card!''
Skull grinned ''No kidding? Man, we really are turning out to be Phantom Thieves. That sounds so cool!''
"But we only get one shot to do this right. This is the core of the palace and you can bet the ruler's going to do everything in his power to stop us.'' The feline cautioned.
"Then we'll have to do our best to prepare for what's coming.'' Joker concluded. ''You've got things set so we can come back here quick, right?''
"Who do you think you're talking to? Of course.''
Panther smiled ''Let's get to work then, Kamoshida won't know what hit him!''
After a stop for lunch, Ann went to buy medicine for their upcoming heist. Ryuji took Subaru and Morgana to Untouchable, the airsoft shop where he bought the model revolver.
Morgana looked around ''So this is the place...''
The man at the counter gave them a suspicious look ''What do you kids want? I ain't selling toys here.''
Ryuji frowned ''Obviously! I just came bought one of yours the other day!''
"Don't remember you.'' The comment left the boy fuming.
"Those really are well-done.'' Subaru mused. ''Some are even better than the revolver-I wouldn't have known they were models just by looking. A Carbine, an Uzi and...even an Ithaca, wow...''
His companions were surprised, Subaru had mentioned he had some tutoring when it came to guns but it seemed to go further than that. He practically handled the revolver like a professional.
"Huh and here I took you to be some newbies.'' The man remarked. ''But you actually look like you know what you're talking about, kid.''
"An old soldier back where I came from showed us a few things. I know how to break apart and put a few models like the ones he had, he took great care of his guns. He was sure learning about them would come in handy one day.'' He explained. ''We've been having some trouble after a lowlife hurt people in school so we agreed having the models would be good for self-defense.''
The man nodded ''That's a veteran for you, sounds like you are already putting the lessons to use. So, you know what you want?''
"Yeah, what else do you think would work?'' Ryuji wanted to know.
"...For you, a shotgun or a machine gun.'' Subaru gestured at an example of each and the boy nodded appreciatively. ''Now for Ann...the machine gun could work for her...hmm, actually how about we take pictures and let her choose?'' Ryuji gave him a thumbs up and took out his phone, photographing the models his friend chose.
The observer appeared intrigued ''The number of idiots I have to deal is ridiculous, you're a refreshing change. I'm always up for helping new enthusiasts, what'll it be?''
Leaving with their new purchases, the trio came across a gym that left Ryuji in a pensive mood.
Morgana blinked ''...You know, we can visit some time if you're that interested.''
"No...'' He shook his head. ''...no, it's fine. Really.'' He added at their unconvinced expressions. ''Just thinking back, is all. Don't mind me.''
Subaru made to speak, only to hear a voice calling out "Impressive, Representative Shido!''
This brought their attention to a TV in a nearby shop, which displayed a broadcast in front of the Diet building. The female announcer carried on "You really are the pioneer who will lead Japan to a brighter future!''
Ryuji rolled his eyes as the man chuckled ''Just some politician talk...''
The man was bald with a goatee and sharp eyes hidden beneath orange glasses. He seemed friendly enough and yet Subaru's blood ran cold, struck by the strong surge of fear evoked by the sight of him. What...?
Before he could process this, a myriad of memories surged within him. Flashes of the night of his arrest and how the people treated him but then...everything went so fast. Static images went by, making him wince as they came with increasing speed, blurring together. Ryuji and Morgana started as the boy let out a pained cry, clutching his head.
Subaru hadn't even realized he'd fallen to a knee until he felt Ryuji steadying him, helping him to a nearby bench. The brunet tried to start but his legs felt weak and his head spun. ''Whoa, easy-here...''
He went to get the boy a drink from the nearby vending machine while Morgana frowned in concern ''Don't push yourself, you're looking pale. We've had a long day. I...might have gotten a little carried away with us finally getting close to the treasure.''
Subaru wanted to say that it wasn't that. If anything, he certainly understood the sentiment. They all wanted to take Kamoshida down after all. But his head spun even as he tried to speak, wanting to tell them not to worry. He didn't want to be a burden.
He didn't understand. Sure, their excursion was tiring but he still felt like he could manage afterwards. But then that broadcast...
Everything went so fast that he wasn't sure what happened. What was that?
Once Subaru felt like he could walk again, Ryuji went home, but not without making him promise that he would get some good long rest. Morgana assured that he would see it happen.
It was just as they neared the street to the Namikaze residence that they came across a familiar figure. Takemi blinked, equally suprised to see Subaru but nodding at his greeting. ''Hey-looks like you've had a long day.''
"Ah, y-yeah...'' He couldn't help but note a few people eyeing her with clear disdain. A man even called her the Plague, telling his friend to stay away.
What was that about?
If Takemi was aware, she didn't show it. ''Well, you're not in the best condition. You really need to keep a good eye on your health.''
Nodding, he decided to go ahead and ask ''Um, do you have any advice?'' Takemi blinked. ''I just thought...you're a doctor and Uncle says you know your stuff, you helped my grandparents too...or is it not okay to ask?''
"You just took me by surprise.'' was the response. ''...Tell you what, come to my clinic.''
Subaru made careful note of her tips, admittedly he had hear some of them before but Takemi offered interesting advice from a new angle.
"So lay it on me, kid, you're just talking to me to get a doctor's perspective? That's it?'' Confused, he nodded. ''Huh...and here I thought you were one of them. I've been hounded by some morons who think I'm working on some super stimulant that can empower people.''
"People actually believe that?''
She snorted ''That was my reaction too. Anyway, I know you heard what people call me these days.''
"It did look like your reputation isn't the best but...well, I know what it's like dealing with rumors and gossip-and I hate it. I don't want to treat people like that.''
Takemi almost smiled ''Fair enough. Well, truth be told, I'm not doing this for free. Normally, I'd consider making you the guinea pig for my project but your condition could hamper the early process. But I could use an assistant, just help me out around here, maybe pick up a few deliveries, that sort of thing. Think of it as a part time job-in return, I'll give you a discount on my meds and a check up if you need one. How's that sound?''
"Sounds good, I'll be your assistant, Takemi-sensei.''
"Then we have a deal.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou has become a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh the chains of captivity
With the birth of the Death Arcana,
I have obtained the wind of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power
Morgana re-entered Subaru's room, perking up as he saw the boy rubbing his eyes. A few hours had passed since their return, Subaru having fallen asleep shortly afterwards. Little happened since, Morgana relaxing with Yuri in the meantime. He still didn't like being treated as a pet but it seemed she picked up on that, merely inviting him to be comfortable. The feline had to admit that the family of three was growing on him and he was glad to be here.
"Hey, feeling better?''
Subaru nodded ''Did anything happen?''
"Nah, Ryuji just said Lady Ann's happy with her model. They're thinking of going to see Suzui tomorrow, apparently she really wasn't up to seeing anyone for a while. Her parents are just now getting her to talk to them, poor girl.''
The boy hoped they could make the change of heart work and ensure Kamoshida's victims gain closure. He wasn't sure how much it could help Shiho but surely it was a step in the right direction?
Checking his phone for the time, Subaru blinked as a thought occured to him ''...Hold on, you can unlock my phone?''
"Well, of course!'' Morgana returned as if it was obvious.
"It's just-how do you make it work with the paws and all?''
"Oh. Well, it's hard and I'll give you that but like I said don't underestimate my meowvery skills!''
"...I think it's been pretty established that anyone underestimates you is an idiot.''
Morgana gave a pleased huff ''I'll take that as a compliment.''
The boy proceeded to pick up a book and sit at the desk, beginning to read. Morgana blinked as he occasionallly checked his laptop before, making notes once in a while. It took him a moment to realize the boy was studying. Opting to leave him be so he could focus, the cat lay down on the bed.
He spoke once it seemed Subaru had stopped ''You probably have a lot to catch up on.''
The boy nodded, looking a bit weary ''I've been trying to make time-I found some resources here and there.'' He stretched his arms. ''I've been wondering how do we go about making the cards? You said something about them having to make an impact-so we have to be really careful about the wording and appearance, right?''
"Exactly, we have to make sure the card's flashy. It'll make an impact that Kamoshida can't dismiss. I'd say the best place to leave it would be in school but I don't know how to pull that off...''
"Well, that's what tomorrow's talk is for.'' The quartet had agreed to get together after school the following day so they could decide how to handle the card. ''I'm not sure what happens from there but I'd still like to help you somehow. You really came through for us after all.''
Morgana couldn't help smiling ''...That goes both way but thanks.'' He found himself recalling Sumire's words. To think this gentle boy who cared so much, this kind boy who wanted to help others, was hurt so badly that he had yet to smile in so long. It was truly sad. The feline wondered if he could do anything to change that. Subaru deserved as much.
It was after dinner that an unexpected call came.
Subaru was confused as he took the offered phone from a grinning Itsuki ''Hello?''
"Hey, kiddo. How are you holding up?''
The boy perked up ''Aki-nii! Hi, I didn't think it was you...'' Itsuki shared a smile with his wife while Morgana looked pleased, all noting the happiness in his voice.
"Yeah, sorry it's been so long. Work's been a handful but we're coming through.''
"That's good. I'm just glad to hear from you...'' He leaned against the wall next to the balcony. ''...of course by coming through, you don't mean working so hard that you forgot to eat again, right?''
Akira laughed "I'm never going to live that down, am I? In my deefense, it was two times in a few days.''
"It's actually four times in the same week. As the one who made sure you ate all those times, I reserve the right to call you out.''
"Haha, fair enough. So from what I understand you're getting on well there, I'm glad to hear you found friends.''
"That's...'' Subaru had no idea how to phrase what was on his mind. ''...things are a lot better because of them and I'm glad they gave me a chance. But...it's just when I think of making friends...I...''
" ...I should've known.'' Akira sighed. "Don't go feeling bad for that, Subaru. It's perfectly understandable. You don't have to force yourself, trust will come with time.''
"But...''
"It's scary, isn't it?'' The abrupt question made the boy blink. "To have everything you ever know flipped about, feeling that you're all alone out there, thinking that no one could understand this. Feeling that this is like a dream and you'll wake right up in the nightmare that nearly broke you and being afraid that you're a burden to the ones by your side.''
Subaru could only stare at the phone in shock, having never expected to hear such an apt description of how he felt.
"Well, am I close?''
"H-how...?'' was all he could manage to say.
Akira knew him well enough to pick up on his tone "I hoped you wouldn't ever go through something like this but...how do you think I felt when we were getting to know each other? You three are the only reason I ever made it out of my own nightmare. Yuri and Itsuki saved me and you were the first to treat me like an actual person, to see me like family unlike many others and I can't ever describe how much that means.''
"I...of course we would! That's not...'' Shaking his head, the boy added. ''...you're the best big brother I could have ever asked for and no one's going to change that.''
Akira's tone was warm "And you're the brilliant little brother I never knew I needed but I'm so grateful to have met. I'm really proud of you for trying even when you're afraid. I figured things out thanks to the support I had and you won't have to do it alone, you'll have me-you'll have us right there. Don't forget that, okay?''
Subaru knew he meant every word, their support truly meant more than he could ever say ''...Mm, thank you.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou has become a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh the chains of captivity
With the birth of the Adjustment Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power
The following day, at school...
Subaru had opted to visit the library at lunch, wondering which books could help him catch up to what he missed. Once again, the students whispered and talked about him, some held disdain as usual but the rest were torn. They remembered him saving Shiho but were also baffled that he was clearly taking his studies seriously. The fact that even the one in charge here did nothing to stop them and spared him a glare made her stance pretty clear.
'Pay them no heed.' Aladdin's tone was one of displeasure. 'You know the truth, what they say matters little.'
Subaru tried to remember that but it was hard sometimes. He was glad for the Persona's presence though. Morgana was right about the emotional clarity, it definitely helped him.
"Namikaze-kun?''
Blinking, the boy turned back to see Makoto. ''Oh, Senpai-ah, am I in your way?''
"No, it's all right.'' She waved a dismissive hand. ''I was just" wondering what you were looking for.''
"To be honest-I'm not all that sure...'' Her quizzical look prompted him to elaborate. ''...I was thinking of choosing a few books to help me with what I missed. Well, I...was in the hospital a lot over the two years.'' He didn't want to talk about the reason now, least of all here.
Luckily, Makoto chose not to ask, chalking it up to issues with his health. Clarifying which subjects he wanted, she readily offered a few recommendations from her own experience, pleasantly surprised to see him take her up on it. ''Well, it's good to see you take this seriously. Your effort is to be commended.''
"Thanks, I...want to keep trying.'' With that, the boy left.
Makoto didn't miss a few voices remarking that it was good riddance. They seemed to be thinking this to be an act, wishing he would leave the school. She felt a surge of indignation on the boy's behalf. This must be what he had to put up with since his arrival. How could he stand it?
A part of her wanted to tell them off for treating a fellow student like this but she knew they wouldn't listen. She hated it, he stood up for her-he tried to help the students where she failed and yet she couldn't do anything for him...
Around the same time...
Morgana opted to join Ann and Ryuji in the yard, leaving the latter curious ''Oh, hey-I thought you'd be with Subaru...''
He was tempted to tease the feline about wanting to eat with his beloved Lady Ann but Morgana's response made him stop ''...Actually, I wanted to talk to the two of you.''
The two blondes could only stare in shock and growing horror as their teammate finished recounting the burglary incident. Predictably, Ryuji was the first to react ''That does it! If we ever run into those assholes, I'll make them hurt!''
"So long as you let me have a few shots in, I'll gladly hold them down for you.'' Ann hissed furiously. ''How could they?! Subaru lost two years of his life because he did the right thing-just like that night. They knew him for so long but they ignore all that just on that drunk's word. They don't deserve him!''
"I couldn't have said it better, Lady Ann.'' Morgana agreed. ''Imagine my surprise when he told me...two years may have passed since then but it's only been a few months for him. It must be overwhelming.'' Shaking his head, he added. ''That's why I thought you should know. You may be able to help if you understand the full situation.''
"Definitely. Thanks for telling us.'' Ryuji put in. ''He did so much for us for us, it's only right.''
"Absolutely.'' Ann couldn't help recalling Subaru's reaction when she called him a friend. She wanted to show him that it was okay to trust them, that they were more than glad to have him here.
"Toni, stop!''
The girl was snickering ''I can't help it if you keep giving me material and that lunch was practically gold in my lap!''
Kasumi grumbled, snatching her apple before taking a bite. She knew Toni liked to tease but he she didn't think her lunch would cause such a reaction. The discrepancy between her and Sumire's well made lunch was clear as day, an all too clear reminder of why she usually left the cooking up to Sumire.
"But wow, I'm amazed by your appetites, you eat like this everyday?'' Ayumi wanted to know.
"We have high metabolism and a good diet is essential for our training.'' Sumire informed.
"And I'm guessing you're the reason your sister hasn't poisoned herself?'' Toni smirked.
Kasumi puffed out her cheeks ''I'm not that bad!''
Sumire laughed weakly, unwilling to comment. There was a very good reason she didn't trust her sister in the kitchen for some time...
"No one can do everything.'' Subaru whispered. ''We all have our strong points-there are somethings you're good at. You just need to find them.''
The girl smiled sweetly in return, thanking him.
The team gathered after school as agreed, finalizing their plans for the calling card. Agreeing that the best place to spread them would be the school, Ryuji wound up offering an idea on how to make it happen. ''So, we call him out on his bullshit and tell him that the treasure is ours...'' He paused to think. ''...Kamoshida Suguru, the utter bastard of lust. We know how shitty you are and how horrible you are to thee students you were supposed to protect. We will not stand for it any longer so we'll be taking you treasure...how's that?''
"Not bad...but I don't know if I can agree with the wording...'' Morgana admitted.
"Aw, why not?''
Ann had the answer ''Because it sounds like a kid trying to act like a grown up, is that really the best you can do?''
"Gah, I was really looking forward to writing it too!'' He threw her an annoyed look. ''Then what would you write, Ann?''
"I-I didn't say I had anything right now...''
His response was unintentionally cut off by Subaru ''Then why don't we all have our say? The four of us worked hard to get this far, it seems only fair.'' The three agreed, finding the idea appealing.
Morgana hopped to Subaru's lap ''Let's get to work, then! How about something like...?''
Well, let's stop here.
I figured Kamoshida's arc lasted long enough so next time is going to be the change of heart. In case I got anyone confused about Subaru, he's still scared but he's doing his best to face that fear. He's not a loner-it's just in his nature to care about others. What happened with Shido back there was the first time memories of the two weeks he can't remember were dredged up so it was a bit of a shock.
There's a really good reason Akira relates to him so well. His dad is just as much of a bastard here as he was in the game, things went down a little differently and Akira was forced to deal with the consequences but more on that later. Originally I wasn't going to start his arcana here but this idea came to me when I was planning the chapter and it just felt like it worked really well.
Confidants:
Namikaze Itsuki and Yuri (Charity Rank 2)
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 1)
Yoshizawa Sumire and Kasumi (Hope Rank 1)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 1)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 1)
Konoe Akira (Adjustment Rank 1)