XxWolfLord95xX: I think so. I haven't decided how to go about it but that depends on how I develop the story.
Defender31415: Thanks, always great to hear from you. Glad you like what I've come up with so far.
Subaru coughed as he put the cup down, narrowing his eyes at the amused Sojiro ''Was that necessary?''
''Well, we were talking about this blend and I thought I'd see how you handle it.''
As this wasn't the first time it happened, Subaru immediately caught on ''I thought we already established that Grandpa's taste buds are dead, Uncle.''
''Oh, I'm not arguing there. How exactly was I supposed to get him off my back?''
And with that, he knew he was right. It was yet another of their near endless spats…
For some reason, despite Sojiro's relatively mellow attitude, Itsuki had quite the knack to wind him up. This had been going on for so long that Subaru and the others opted to just let them get it out of their systems.
''Anyway, I heard about what happened in school. Good to know those students finally apologized, you all deserve it.'' He crossed his arms ''From the looks of it, whatever this Phantom Thief business is, it's going to be a huge deal. Just wondering, you still don't remember who attacked you?''
Shaking his head, Subaru's explanation was cut off before it could begin when the door opened. It was Natsumi, much to the pair's surprise.
''Hey, so you were still here. Good.'' Greeting the pair, she took a seat. ''I'll have the house blend please, Boss.''
''Coming right up.'' Grabbing a cup, he gave her a curious glance ''So you were looking for the kid?''
''Yeah, Yuri-san told me he was helping you.'' Natsumi returned. ''See, I was asked by a number of the parents to do something about the mess in Shujin. Quite a few of them are clamoring to get the board to fire that sorry excuse of a principal.''
Both males unknowingly had the same thought that it was about time. Kobayakawa really was terrible at his job. The fact that he'd essentially been covering for Kamoshida for the chance to gain the school some good reputation was disgusting.
''I have no idea why it took this long for people to speak up.'' Annoyance crossed her features. ''But I guess you're bound to find apathetic morons everywhere.''
''Can't argue with that.'' Sojiro had a thought. ''Hold on, that teacher admitted to setting up that attack on Subaru, did that imbecile know about that too?''
''Oh, he's denying it all to hell and back but we're pretty sure he did.'' She scowled for a moment before he handed her the coffee. ''But that's actually the reason I'm here. Subaru-kun, the teachers explained a few things but what do you actually remember that day?''
''Well…'' The boy recounted everything. ''…I'm pretty sure there were two people and I think I saw a lot of red but…that's really about it.''
Natsumi hummed, nodding as she took a few notes. That was when she noticed his expression ''Something wrong?''
''Are they…are they really going to be blamed for this?'' Subaru couldn't help wondering. He wasn't sure he was ready to forgive them but Kamoshida had admitted to forcing them to do this. ''It's just-none of this would've happened if Kamoshida wasn't allowed to get so much power. Anyone who went against him was…''
Once again she found herself wondering how on earth anybody deemed this boy a criminal. ''I understand what you're saying but we still need to settle this. You're not wrong in that the school's failures led to this but they could've spoken up. Actually, I don't think the Phantom Thieves would've even been necessary if people actually gave enough of a damn to at least do that.''
''So I guess you don't like them, huh?'' Sojiro wondered.
She made an irritated noise ''I don't have anything against them per se. It's just that they wouldn't have been necessary if people weren't so apathetic. See the thing is? Even some of the parents knew.'' His eyes widened ''A few did find out and they tried to do something but they got shot down hard. They took their kids and left. I heard they also warned other people not to go to Shujin. The majority on the other hand are complete and utter morons who just decided this'd be worth it, because somehow putting up with this would've helped them get a better future.''
''Unbelievable… '' The barista couldn't help noting Subaru's complete lack of surprise ''…you knew?''
''We heard from one of the students-back when we were trying to find out what was going on. A bunch of them just had rumors to go on and the ones who did know didn't do anything because they knew they wouldn't be heard.''
Sojiro's expression was one of distaste as Natsumi nodded ''Exactly, it's also why people want change-big time. All the more reason we have to settle this-so Subaru-kun, tell me if you figure out anything else and that includes what happened in those two weeks.''
''I will.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast established a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of activity
With the birth of the Apostle Arcana
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power…
A short while later, he returned home only to be joined by Morgana once he settled in his room…
The feline was left thoughtful after Subaru recounted the talk ''That makes sense. No wonder they'd want to see the back of that guy. I'm still wondering how he stuck around for this long in the first place.''
''You and me both…'' Grabbing his guitar, Subaru began inspecting it. ''...it sounded like the parents want to do something about it now though, so we'll see how it goes.''
''That officer was right; it's about time people did something. Our intervention may not have even been necessary if they weren't being so cowardly.'' Morgana harrumphed. ''Although speaking of those two weeks, you still don't remember what happened? It did look like you had a few nightmares before…''
Subaru shook his head ''I'd just heard I was supposed to be brought here. But between that and waking up in the hospital…it's a total blur. I had no idea it had been two whole weeks until they told me. Even those nightmares…it seems like so much happened, maybe I'm just too scared to remember.''
''Makes sense…anyone would be overwhelmed after all you've been through.'' The feline noted, not without sympathy.
A smile came to his face as Subaru began strumming a few notes ''Nice…you know your way around it, huh?''
''I've been playing for years.''
''I'm curious, how'd you get into music anyway?''
Subaru thought back ''I just happened to see Grandpa fixing up an instrument for a client and I was bored so I asked them a bunch of questions, they offered to teach me a few things. I've been hooked ever since.''
Given his health, music had soon become a good outlet which gave him something fun to do. Sure, he managed his condition with little trouble these days but it had taken some time to get to that point.
''After yesterday, I'd say you've really come to enjoy music. It looks like you're passionate about it even.''
Morgana's comment made the boy remember his encounters with Yoshida and Mitsuhide around a similar subject. He hadn't looked at it that way before but maybe he did have something of his own to strive for just like they did…
''I wonder if I had something like that before-something I felt passion enough to keep working hard and improve, something I wanted to be the best at.''
''I think you would. Besides, memories or not, no one's saying you can't find something now.''
The feline's eyes lit up ''Yeah, I can't wait!''
The two had just been on their way to check up on a part-time job Morgana had spotted on an ad before when they ran into Shiho. She'd just been about to greet them when a fast figure ran past them, Shiho blanching after a few moments ''My bag!''
Alarmed, the duo were all set to help when a young woman standing nearby jumped, landing in the burglar's path. The surprised man had no time to react; her oncoming kick sent him crashing down.
''I'll be taking that.'' She plucked the bag off the ground, sparing him a disdainful look.
As the three approached, it was to see her waving an officer nearby, the man getting a pair of cuffs out. Morgana could only stare in wonder as he led the man away, the young woman watching before turning to face them ''Oh, here you go!''
''T-thank you…''
The woman beamed, her expression changing into a curious one ''Hey, didn't I see you before…? Yeah, you go to Shujin, right?''
Both teens were taken aback. They had seen a number of officers both after Shiho's suicide attempt and the change of heart but they hadn't pegged her to be one.
She laughed sheepishly when Shiho explained as much ''Right, that's because I'm not an officer yet. I'm almost done with training but for now, I'm a cadet. Name's Satonaka, Satonaka Chie. Nice to meet you!''
Her smile grew as the two teens introduced themselves in kind ''Hold on, Namikaze…you're that kid!'' Subaru blinked ''I can't believe…Natsumi-chan told me about you. I was hoping we'd meet!''
''Wait, you know her?''
''Yup! Natsumi-chan was one of the few people nice enough to help me out once I started training. I thought she'd be good as a probation officer.'' Chie's tone turned a little teasing. ''Besides, it's not every day that you meet a hero.''
Subaru momentarily wondered if she was referring to what happened in school. But then he realized that if she knew Natsumi well then she was likely aware of the incident two years ago.
But he'd never thought it made him a hero, it wasn't ever about that. There were moments when Subaru wondered about his choices, especially with how everything turned out. However, he always came back to the same answer. Especially after the awakening, the fact was he just couldn't sit back and do nothing.
He hadn't realized how much he'd spaced out until catching on to some of Chie's words ''…that. So you two are friends, right?''
Shiho confirmed, not missing Subaru's reaction to this ''He's really modest, he just told our other friends not to call him a hero even with all he's done. It probably doesn't seem like much to him but even the smallest kind gestures can mean the world to others.''
''You said it. One of my closest friends is a lot like that.'' Chie laughed ''He sure loved keeping busy, it's like he helped everyone he met. Even the fox at the shrine liked him loads, he was practically a local celebrity before his first year in town even ended.''
Somehow, Shiho found that she could easily picture Subaru doing stuff like that. One thing she said caught her attention ''Hold on, fox at the shrine?''
''Yeah, I never figured that one out either. Everyone sure took it was like it was nothing though.'' Chie shrugged. ''And that's not even getting into what Yu-kun said it could do…I'm still sure he was pulling my leg. I don't care what we'd seen so far, it sounds ridiculous…''
Morgana made a confused noise while Subaru and Shiho exchanged looks, no one having any idea what to say to that. Chie seemed to realize she went off on a tangent ''Ahh, sorry-just thinking out loud. Anyway, I should probably go back but don't be strangers. If you need any help, just ask. I'd say you could find me just by talking to some policemen, apparently, I'm building up quite a bit of a reputation.''
''No surprise there.''
Subaru had to agree with Morgana. Impressive takedown or not, Chie seemed like a real character. Oddly enough, something about her reminded him of Ryuji. But why was that…?
''I know you guys aren't fans of the police and given Kamoshida's crap, I really don't blame you. But just you wait, he's going to get what's coming to him.'' Chie promised.
''I really hope so.'' Shiho said with feeling.
''…So I've been wondering…'' Shiho began, the three having left the area together. ''…is it really surprising that we want to be your friends?''
''Honestly, yeah…'' Subaru returned frankly ''…it felt like my life was over after the arrest. Everyone I thought I knew had no problem turning their backs on me, having friends didn't even seem possible. Just knowing I had family who still cared…I can't even explain how much that means to me.''
It was really sad that he'd just come to accept this but she commiserated. He tried to do the right thing only for it blow up in his face in the worst way. Of course he'd still be hurting, just like she was in a way…
''Well, you deserve better and I'm sorry people made you think otherwise.'' Shiho knew she was reiterating some of her parents' own words back to her but she felt this was right. ''I only realized that myself after I finally came clean, once Kamoshida was brought to justice. I never knew how much I let his words rule me. It's…it's still a work in progress but I'm finally seeing a light in the tunnel. I'm no anywhere near okay but for the first time in so long, I think there's a chance I might be down the line.''
''It's not a 'chance', both of you will be okay. I believe it.'' Morgana found himself wishing Shiho could understand him.
''I'm glad…'' Subaru addressed the both of them ''…and I see what you're getting at. People hurt us in the past but we can't let that get in the way forever. It doesn't seem so now but…we're going to be okay eventually.''
Shiho finally smiled ''Exactly.''
Both of them still had their misgivings but they were trying to figure things out. What mattered most was that they didn't give up. It was enough that they were beginning to see the silver lining beneath the clouds, in the future, the two would finally reach for themselves.
Makoto was glad to see her sister, even if she was just here for a short rest and change of clothes. If only Sae didn't keep working so hard…she'd told herself to do what she can to help but she wondered if it was enough.
''You did eat, right?''
The prosecutor gave her a small smile ''Yes, I think you made your point rather persistently clear.''
''Can you blame me? If it was up to you, you'd probably just take a protein bar and call it a day.'' The fact that she didn't argue said enough in Makoto's opinion.
''Well, I'm certainly not going to win this one.'' Amusement was clear in her tone. ''Although I have been meaning to talk, that's quite the situation over in your school.''
Makoto had suspected this was coming ''Oh…about that…''
''I've heard quite a bit of talk from my co-workers but I'd rather hear from someone with a clearer perspective. What can you actually tell me about that rotten excuse of a teacher?''
And with that, Makoto recounted everything she could think of regarding Kamoshida and the situation at Shujin. Sae suddenly remembered ''Oh, so when you talked to me about the trouble you suspected…''
''I didn't really know for sure back then. I just didn't know what to do, I saw how the students were getting worse and he seemed to be involved. I had no idea people would cover up for him so much.'' Makoto held back a wince as she remembered what happened that day. Asking Sae for help was the only thing she could do when nothing happened after talking to the faculty, she'd only had rumors but the students' injuries kept growing. ''I'm sorry again, you got the police to help and then they gave you a hard time…''
''Don't be, you weren't to blame for them being complete failures at their jobs. I simply chose the wrong people.'' At her surprise, Sae elaborated ''I only found this out with that pathetic principal coming under supervision. It seems he's paid a number of policemen off to overlook any trouble at school unless he says otherwise. That's how he kept everything under wraps for so long. I just had the bad luck to pick one of the officers in this list.''
Makoto scowled, just when she thought that man couldn't sink any lower…!
''Is he going to get away with this, Sis? Do you have any idea?''
''Last I checked, one of my colleagues is investigating him. A number of the parents are furious. From what I understood, no one trusts him anymore.''
''You can say that again…'' The brunette couldn't help adding darkly.
Sae quirked a brow but decided to move on ''I'm curious about that transfer student-he was the subject of quite a bit of scrutiny.''
''Whatever you heard, it's probably wrong.'' Makoto said at once. ''People have been horrible to him but he's a really good person. Namikaze-kun was the only one who gave me a chance even when I didn't deserve it…''
The first was admittedly pleased to hear of their interactions. This boy was apparently a much better person then people gave him credit for. Although there was one thing she had to question ''Was he really attacked on school grounds?''
''Kamoshida admitted to making two people do it after school. They took advantage of his heart condition and he had to go to the hospital, he could've died.'' The prosecutor's eyes narrowed ''I don't think he ever found out who they were. I wondered why the word didn't get out but you just answered that. Now it just makes me wish I hit him too…''
She blanched, realizing she said that out loud. Sae's lips quirked ''Ah, that. I met the officer who arrested Kamoshida, he was quite amused.'' She almost had a chuckle at her sister's mortified expression ''His exact words were 'if I ever meet your sister, I'd shake her hand and happily help her join the police. Putting that scumbag down like that was a sight worth its weight in gold.'''
While it was nice to hear and Makoto would never regret making that choice, it was still a bit disconcerting to lose control of her temper like that. Sae's next words made her realize her expression gave her away ''It's nothing to be embarrassed about; your anger was more than understandable. I would've handled it differently but he would have regretted the day he met me regardless.''
Now that she could definitely believe, her sister could be quite vicious in her work and any who underestimated her were always in for a rude awakening. ''Oh, actually, Sis-you said the parents want something done after this whole mess?''
Even as he put another box away, Subaru found himself wondering. This was his second lengthy visit to Takemi's clinic and he had yet to see so much as a single person approach the place. In fact, he could've sworn they were trying to avoid it.
''Yeah, I noticed that too.'' Morgana admitted when Subaru shared his thoughts. ''We were actually getting some pretty weird looks when they saw we were heading here. I don't think they like that doctor much…''
Another thing they noticed was that Takemi seemed to be taking this as if it were nothing, focused on making medicine in another room. She didn't even look up as Subaru entered ''Everything's in place, all the ingredients on the list are there.''
She gave a satisfied hum, glancing at the organized storage room. ''Good work, kid. Judging by what I saw, you're getting quite a bit of attention.'' Remembering Morgana's comment, Subaru that the cause might have also been sheer curiosity about Shujin given all they heard on the news. ''Bet people are all over that Phantom Thief stuff, huh?''
''Yeah, we kept getting reporters until the holidays started.''
''No surprise, you get the least even remotely interesting thing happening and those media vultures latch on forever.'' She rolled her eyes ''I'm kind of curious, how much of what the news said about the situation was true?''
''Well, we haven't really been keeping track but the Calling Cards were scattered around the school and Kamoshida confessed during the rally. And before you ask, he's every bit as rotten as the stories and then some.''
Takemi arched an eye, she hadn't known her new employee for long but he seemed quite nice. It must've been bad to elicit such a reaction. ''That's saying something coming from you. Although this thief business seems really overblown, I bet they got some terrible blackmail over that teacher and he had to squeal. A guy like that probably had loads of skeletons in the closet.''
''Well, people are still coming up with loads of theories but that's about as good as any.'' Subaru remarked ''Admit it, you were trying to play it off but you're curious about them too.''
She smirked ''Guess so, I just picked up the stories when I was looking for a change of pace and had nothing to do.''
''Speaking of…what are you even making?'' He had to ask. ''I know you make a bunch of your medicine but as far as I can tell, that one's not like the ones at the counter.''
''Oh, you noticed? Yeah, that one's not for sale. It's…special.''
Not missing her hesitation, Subaru was quick to apologize, amending that she didn't have to talk but Takemi waved him off ''Curiosity isn't a crime, kid. It's just a story I don't like getting into. Anyway, you're done with the organizing, right?''
''Yeah, was there anything else?''
''Well…let me think…''
On his way home, Subaru passed the route leading to the Sakura residence. There were no signs of anyone else living there; in fact most of the neighborhood didn't even know Futaba existed. But there she was, locked up in her room and suffering due to the past she couldn't escape.
He still wanted to help her but he had no idea how. The situation was complicated, no matter how much their family tried to help; it just didn't seem to do any good. How could they convince her that she was blameless, that Aunt Wakaba would surely hate this?
Subaru only realized how far he'd been going when Sojiro's voice called out to him, noticing that he'd arrived at Leblanc. ''Your head's in the clouds again, huh?''
The boy's lips twitched at the familiar teasing tone ''Kind of…I just saw your house and I wondered about Futaba. I was thinking about how to help.''
Sojiro's expression softened ''You're doing plenty, even if it may not seem like that now. The fact that you even care so much...we'll figure this out. She deserves better than to be stuck with the lies those bastards fed her.''
''You want to try another letter?'' Morgana offered.
''You know, you could visit. I know she'll be happy to see you.'' Sojiro wouldn't have suggested this to anyone but he knew how close the two were. He still remembered Futaba's clear relief when he told her how Subaru was found, it was the happiest he'd seen her in a long time.
Subaru shook his head ''Not yet…maybe…she's always been more comfortable with tech. So would you give me her contact information, Uncle? I don't want to startle her or anything, she'd probably feel better if we just let her have her space.''
''Good thinking.'' The barista quickly took out his phone ''I'd say you're on the right track and…thank you for this, really.''
''I told you, Uncle. You're family, of course I'd help.''
Well, let's stop here.
I wanted to get more things out of the way before moving on to the next arc but I'm not quite there yet. I have a plan for the PTs to meet the Investigation team eventually. Not sure how to handle SEES yet but the team's more involved because Naoto tried to investigate the shutdowns, but the government got in her way. They're even more suspicious of what's going on in the city for other reasons but that's a subject for later.
Makoto knew she couldn't do much when the faculty didn't help so she thought to ask Sae for help but it really didn't work out well, which left her feeling guiltier and even more powerless to help the students. You'll see what happens over with the school soon but I definitely want to make more changes than canon.
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 2)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 1)
Konoe Akira (Adjustment Rank 1)
Isoshima Mitshuhide (Faith Rank 1)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 2)
Toyama Natsumi (Apostle Rank 1)