The four Phantom Thieves were on their way to school when Ryuji began walking backwards to face them, his face bright as he announced his idea ''Hey, how about we go celebrate after the change works?''
''Ooh, yeah that sounds good! And you know, I've got just the thing.'' Ann's declaration left them curious ''It's something I heard about a while back, let's not spoil the surprise now.''
''It's not going to be shopping like that one time in our old school, right? Just because you think that's fun...''
''Are you ever going to let that go?! We needed the clothes and we made sure you got something good!''
''I still got stuck being a pack mule for the whole day...''
Morgana blinked twice as Ann reprimanded him for exaggerating ''That I can believe...honestly, some people have all the luck. I'd drop everything to help Lady Ann in a heartbeat!''
Subaru found his mind wandering. Igor, Lavenza and Morgana had all assured that the change would work and he felt that he could take their word for it. But they couldn't put the matter to a close until they saw proof. It was hard not to worry given how far that menace was willing to go for his goals. A little over a week now and Kamoshida still hadn't turned up-apparently he wasn't even answering any phone calls.
Arriving in school, they heard murmurs of the two main topics on the students' mind, the Calling Cards and Kasumi. For the latter, it was more from students who were just worried about having to compete with her expressing their jealousy. The girl in question was walking just ahead, stopping to return Ann's greeting with one of her own.
''They talk about people like they're not even there, as usual.'' The model looked unimpressed.
''It's nothing new for me either.'' Kasumi shrugged. ''I kind of have to agree with them about the Calling Cards though-the whole school's waiting to see what comes of that. You think whoever was behind this scared Kamoshida stiff?''
''Bet they did-serves the bastard right.'' Ryuji grunted.
The girl remembered that he was among those who had the most issues with the gym teacher, and that was before getting into what happened to Shiho. This prompted her to change the subject ''By the way, Subaru-senpai, I actually wanted to thank you.'' The boy's curious look prompted her to explain ''Sumi's practically singing your praises. I think you really helped her out in a way no one has in a long time.''
Subaru thought back to the last time he spoke with the redheaded girl in the gym. He'd really just said what he felt was right, had he really made that much of a difference?
''I'm not sure she'd want this known.'' Ann remarked.
Mischief danced in Kasumi's eyes ''Oh, absolutely not. I'm exercising my big sister's prerogative.''
The model snickered while Ryuji laughed ''You make me glad I'm an only child...''
Once school was out...
Ryuji paused at the sight of the beef bowl place ''I could definitely go for...oh, wait I forgot. Never mind.''
Morgana gave him an odd look while Ann quirked a brow ''Since when do you turn down meat?''
''Just watch.''
The three followed his line of sight to the building; they could see a single employee hurrying through the place. It took them a few moments to realize that he was not only picking up orders but preparing the various meals and delivering them as well. And it seemed there was quite a bit of trouble if the customers' aggravated expressions were anything to go by...
''Wait, they seriously have one person doing all this?'' Ann clarified.
''Yup, I found out the last time I was here-turns out they're trying to cut back so they fired a few people. The less I tell you about my meal, the better. I'm still wondering how the hell this place is running.''
''Good question...''
''There's cutting back to save money and then there's just being cheap, no guessing which is which.'' Subaru stated dryly, Morgana nodding in complete agreement.
''You said it.''
''That about sums it perfectly.''
''Agreed.'' The fourth voice came as a surprise, bringing their attention to a newly arrived Yoshida.
Ann blinked, barely hearing the man's jovial greeting as she wondered why he looked familiar. Where had she seen the man before?
His clear familiarity with Subaru came as a surprise ''You guys know each other?''
''I saw him before...he was doing some sort of speech.''
''Speech...?'' Ryuji's eyes flickered with recognition ''Wait, you're Dame-Tora!''
Ann held back a groan ''Ryuji!''
Subaru wondered where on earth that came from ''That's uncalled for...''
He was cut off by Ann cuffing the ex-athlete on the back of the head ''Sorry, we can't really do much about his foot in mouth disease.''
Yoshida only chuckled ''It's all right-this isn't the first time I hear it. But I want to put that awful reputation behind me. I made my share of mistakes but I've learned and I know I can more than make up for them and do well this time. I've been thinking of ways to help the city. People are definitely frightened with all those awful shutdown incidents and I wish to help them, to reassure them that we can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.''
The passion in his voice was clear as day, his resolve evident in every word. The quartet was impressed, they'd seen some politicians here and there but none of them seemed this sincere.
Ryuji grinned ''That's pretty cool.''
''Yeah, you're even working at it with what already happened...even when people don't give you the time of day...'' Ann trailed off.
The fact that even now, some of those passing by were staring at Yoshida in disdain only emphasized her point. Looking back, Subaru recalled the man mentioning making his fair share of mistakes but still ''Maybe I haven't been here long but...the people just seem so cold. You really think you can reach out to them?''
''I understand your doubts; even now I have some myself. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try.'' was the response ''This goal is something worth fighting for.''
''Something worth fighting for, huh...?'' If he understood this correctly, Yoshida was like Takemi in that he had his own bad reputation but he was clearly trying to move past that. He hoped it would work out; Yoshida seemed to be a kind person.
The man half-smiled ''Why don't you come observe one of my speeches sometime? Let's see what you make of this then.''
Subaru nodded back, deciding that it sounded good.
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast established a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh the chains of captivity
With the birth of the Sun Arcana
I have obtained the winds of blessing that lead to freedom and a new power...
The four stopped at a park nearby to have lunch. Morgana let out a happy purr as Subaru offered him some food while Ryuji took a bite out his sandwich ''Well, it ain't beef but this is still pretty great!''
''It wouldn't kill you to get a bit of variety.'' Ann chipped in.
''Pot, this is kettle. You're black.'' was his immediate response. ''I can't even count how many times I saw you go after sweets and practically ignore everything else. It's a wonder you haven't gained a zillion pounds after all this time.''
''That's completely different! I wasn't the one always looking the other way when we got to try different stuff back in middle school. Remember when Shiho used to experiment with new recipes? You barely even tried any.''
''I kind of figured you'd be more adventurous than that.'' Subaru remarked.
Ann pointed at him ''He totally gives that vibe, right? But you should've seen those faces he used to make, no fun at all. Sure, even Shiho would admit some of them weren't her best but over all, it was nice and we had more stuff than what school offered.''
''Oh, yeah-you three know each other since middle school.'' Morgana nodded ''Was your old school anything like Shujin?''
''Heck, no.'' Ryuji snorted. ''It was loads better. Shujin's supposed to be some elite school but I sure as hell haven't seen anything to show for it.''
The feline thought that was a fair point. Even the whole trouble with Kamoshida aside, it was hard to believe this was a good school with such a careless administration. ''So hey, I've been curious for a while now...what's the story behind you dying your hair? I remember hearing a couple of teachers tell you off about it. And you don't seem like the kind who'd do it pointlessly...''
Ryuji stiffened for some reason, Ann blinked ''Hey, yeah...you kept avoiding the issue when I asked. Shiho always looks like she knows something's up...'' Her eyes narrowed and he looked away, taking a big bite out of his food.
This was a choice he immediately regretted as he began choking moments later. Subaru offered him some water which he immediately chugged down. ''Thanks...anyway, it's nothing. No big deal, so let's move on!''
Ann and Morgana shared equally suspicious looks ''Are you buying that?''
''Nope.'' He rolled his eyes as Ryuji draped an arm around Subaru's shoulder and began changing the subject. ''I'm pretty sure Subaru's too nice to call him out on it. How does he even think that would convince anyone, is what I'd like to know...''
Not long after that, they went their separate ways. Subaru came across Haru who was eyeing a gardening store ''Senpai?''
The girl turned with a start, her expression lighting up ''Oh, hello Namikaze-kun! I was just wondering if there's anything I could use here.''
''Seeing your work, I wouldn't be surprised if you went all out.''
Haru nodded happily ''I've loved gardening for years. Watching the plants grow, knowing I made it happen...it's just so rewarding.''
''I'll bet, they'd start small but with just a bit of care, they can turn into something wonderful.''
She beamed ''Exactly! It just makes all the effort worthwhile. It remains one of the few things I can still...''
Her expression turned melancholy, to Subaru's surprise ''What's wrong?''
''N-nothing...'' She waved her hands quickly ''...I was just thinking back. I'm glad you understand, I think you're the first person my age that didn't just dismiss this as some strange fancy of mine.'' The boy gave her a quizzical look ''With my status, people often find it odd that I'm so fascinated by this.''
It clicked for him then ''Oh, you mean since your dad's rich, they'd just be expecting you to buy any plant you want or something.'' She nodded ''That shouldn't even matter, you like what you like. Besides, you could have all the money in the world and it still couldn't get what you really need.''
Haru couldn't have said it better herself ''I completely agree. I even cook with some of the plants and it just makes me even happier to see the results.''
''You know how to cook too?''
She nodded ''I started to dabble every now and then-I like to think I do well now.''
''Then do you mind if I ask you for some advice?'' Haru blinked ''I was thinking it'd be nice to learn-I know just about the basics but the other day...''
The girl couldn't help smiling upon learning that what motivated him was a wish to make a meal for his family ''That is so sweet, I'm glad you asked me. I know just the thing to start you off...''
Morgana poked his head out of the bag ''Oh, this is that library near your house?''
Subaru nodded, his eyes travelling over the various titled on the shelf before them ''Grandpa says they have some really good stuff so I was curious...'' A familiar name made him pause ''...that's the story about Robin Hood...''
''I think they mentioned the name in one of your classes but who was he?''
''A rebel who stole from the rich to give to the poor, he was a great archer and swordsman. There's a whole bunch of stories to the legend so people think Robin Hood was more like a title. But most of them have the same point, he took a stand and fought against corrupt people in power.''
Morgana's eyes lit up, instantly thinking of their battle against Kamoshida ''That sounds like an impressive legend. Looks like you know a lot about it.''
''Someone told me plenty about it years ago; he showed me one of the books. It was fascinating.''
''I'll bet, oh-there's a book about Captain Kidd and another about Arsene Lupin...I think Lady Ann mentioned him, wasn't he the inspiration behind the idea of phantom thieves?''
Subaru nodded ''I see one about Zorro too, interested?''
''Absolutely!''
It was after he picked up a couple of more books and was on his way out that he happened to spot Mitsuhide browsing the psychology books. ''Oh, hello Subaru-san...''
''Hey, I didn't expect to see you out here.''
''Mother is visiting a friend nearby and I was bored. I decided it was best to seize this opportunity.'' Mitsuhide glanced at the shelf. ''But it may have been a waste of effort, I've already read most of those.''
''Whoa, but those things are huge...and those titles...'' Morgana recalled Ayumi mentioning how smart Mitsuhide was but it was still surprising.
''We heard your dream was to become a psychologist and a philosopher.'' Subaru thought back to their visit to the shop. ''You really are passionate about this.''
''Of course, I'm determined to see this dream of mine through.'' She declared resolutely. ''I know I have much to learn but that only gives me more incentive to keep going. It means far too much to me not to.''
It was just like with Yoshida, Subaru found himself thinking. Both persevered despite the difficulties, striving for something that meant so much to them. He kind of envied that. ''That's amazing.''
''Not at all, anyone can find a goal they wish to strive for. I was simply fortunate to find mine early, it may be hard but I have faith that I can do it.''
Morgana looked impressed ''Now that's some resolve...''
''You're still putting in all the effort and working hard to make it happen, I think that's something special.'' Subaru agreed.
The surprised Mitsuhide gave a small smile ''Thank you. You might be the first in quite some time who didn't just dismiss this as the fanciful whim of a child.''
''Well, you said it yourself-it's your dream. What people have to say shouldn't matter, not when you made up your mind to see it through.''
''I couldn't agree more.''
''Say, I'm going to keep looking around some more, if you want to stay? We might find something you'd like.'' Subaru suggested after a moment of thought.
Mitsuhide perked up ''...I think I'd like that. Lead the way.''
As he kept walking, the boy found himself wondering. He hadn't really given the future much thought with all that happened. It was just like he told Ryuji and the others, he didn't have any idea what his dream was. But talking to people like Mitsuhide, the twins and Yoshida just had him wondering...could he find something like that? A goal that would help push him forward? That sounded really nice.
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast established a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh the chains of captivity
With the birth of the Faith Arcana
I have obtained the winds of blessing that lead to freedom and a new power...
''Are you ever going to let that go?''
''Quit giving us reasons not to.''
The sound of laughter resounded then. This was the first thing Subaru and Morgana upon their arrival home. It didn't take them long to spot Yuri shaking her head in amusement as Itsuki seemed to sulk while a woman with purple hair clad in a dark kimono seemed to be laughing at him. Spotting the new arrivals first, Yuri beckoned them over.
The woman's face lit up ''This must be Subaru-chan! I can't believe how much you've grown.'' Picking up on his confusion, she added ''The three of us go a while back. Last time I saw, you probably reached my knee. My name's Lala, I run a bar over in Shinjuku.''
''Oh, it's nice to meet you.''
Her smile widened ''Back at you, honey. Your grandpa and I had the most interesting run-in...''
''...Is this about Grandpa's last visit to Shinjuku? He still won't talk about it. Aki-nii keeps teasing him every time it comes up.''
She laughed ''No surprise there, he does have it coming in spades.'' Lala pointedly ignored Itsuki's glare. ''It's a good thing he takes more after you, Yuri-chan. I bet that's way less gray hairs for everyone.''
Yuri laughed ''You can say that again. Don't sulk, dear, you know we're right.''
Morgana couldn't help snickering; this family really was getting more and more interesting.
It wasn't long before Yuri had them all settle down for dinner, Itsuki's mood alleviating as they began to talk about different subjects.
''So Shinjuku's not like in the movies?'' Subaru had wondered about the place before, it was one of the areas where he'd never been permitted to go even through all his previous visits.
''Oh, they do exaggerate it a little.'' Lala admitted. ''It was true, the gangs ran wild and the hosts were despicable. Things did get plenty better now and you actually have some hosts who give the profession a good name but it's still not the safest place. Heck, the only I'm still there is that I took over the bar from my old man. Maybe it's just me being sentimental but he practically raised me alone and I know he'd hate to see it shut down. It's one last thing I can do for that old timer.''
''I had no idea...'' Yuri smiled ''...that's so kind of you.''
''And you keep calling me a sap.'' Itsuki couldn't help adding.
''That's because you are a sap, but I guess it takes one to know one.'' She smirked back and both laughed. ''In all seriousness though, I wasn't sure if I should keep it up but no complaints. I meet all sorts of people and hear plenty of stories. Can't deny that the drunks sometimes get on my nerves but they mostly straighten themselves out with a bit of a firm hand.''
''A bit?'' Yuri was clearly trying not to laugh ''Lala-chan, we've seen you at work. That's the biggest understatement I heard all week.''
''Semantics, semantics...'' Lala waved a dismissive hand ''...I'm just saying, you only live once. That's why you have to make the most of it and stay true to yourself. A lot of people decide to just follow the crowd since it's the easier way no matter how wrong they are. If one person with some power says something they just go along with it...''
''Doesn't that sound familiar...'' Morgana thought that was a really good description of what happened in Shujin.
Lala was clearly thinking along similar lines ''...but you'd know plenty about that, honey. That's pretty much been the story behind your problems for the last few months, huh?'' Subaru just nodded ''Well, good on for you taking a stand. Can't have been easy but let me tell you, it'll definitely be worth it in the long run.''
''...I think it already is. I don't regret any of it.'' Subaru met Morgana's gaze, the cat smiling back. Sure, it would've been easy to keep his head down and go along with the crowd but he couldn't live with it. It was hard and sometimes dangerous but Subaru didn't regret standing up to fight. He wouldn't have gotten to awaken Aladdin, to meet Morgana or get to know Ryuji and Ann. Despite his reservations, the boy didn't want to change any of that. Their choices were hard but they were certainly worthwhile.
He was obvious to the three adults looking at him happily, Lala smiling as she finished ''You're a good kid, Subaru-chan.''
''I knew I'd find you here.''
Natsumi looked up from her desk to find a young woman with brown hair and matching eyes entering her office, her expression one of fond exasperation ''And here I thought the workaholic days were finally behind you, Natsumi-chan.''
''It's not like that.'' She huffed, looking back at her papers ''I'm trying to figure out what to do about those requests but I'm being blockaded at every turn.''
The new arrival joined her ''Is this still about that school you were talking about?''
''Yeah, get this-it looks like someone's finally had enough of their bullshit.'' Natsumi proceeded to recount what she heard today.
''The...Phantom Thieves?'' The brunette blinked twice ''And stealing hearts...what even...?''
''I don't know but whatever they pulled, it did something. Supposedly, Kamoshida hasn't turned up in school since. The administration insists that it's a load of hot air but all the stories I heard say otherwise. Parents are getting worried, you know? Especially after what happened the other day...''
She nodded ''Yeah, when your new charge handled that mess? That was impressive. I just don't get how they're just now starting to talk if the bastard's really that messed up.''
''From the sound of it, some people tried before and they got shut down big time.'' Natsumi shrugged ''I'm still trying to figure that out but it's like a lot of people just saw that scumbag's reputation and decided that was that. That pathetic joke of a principal still keeps getting in the way and badmouthing Namikaze-kun; when we all know he'd have a much bigger problem to handle if Namikaze-kun hadn't intervened.''
''You mean he's still saying that crap?'' The latter harrumphed ''No wonder this mess is just getting worse...who in their right mind decided he should be a principal? Okay, what do you need? Those kids deserve better than this and you're my friend, I'm not leaving you like this. There's got to be something I can do to help.''
Natsumi looked over and smiled ''...Thanks, Chie-chan.''
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I've been giving this story plenty of thought and I figure since I'm not making a sequel for it, I'll try to mix more stuff here and there. I have plans to use some of the older Persona characters in Twilight's sequel, but here I'm starting with this. So yeah, that's Chie Satonaka, I'm working out ways to involve her and other characters here. I think it'd be interesting to involve Lala some more in the story so I wanted to try that here. To sum it up, their meeting wasn't bad per se. She just got there in time to help him out of a bit of a jam, Itsuki's just really embarrassed by the whole thing and they like teasing him. He's a bit of a troll himself so they tend to enjoy giving back what he dishes out.
Anywho, just wanted to get some stuff out there before I move to Kamoshida's confession and more story stuff. So thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Namikaze Itsuki and Yuri (Charity Rank 3)
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 1)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 1)
Yoshizawa Sumire and Kasumi (Hope Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 1)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 1)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 1)
Konoe Akira (Adjustment Rank 1)
Isoshima Mitshuhide (Faith Rank 1)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 1)