The Calling Card had caused even more of a stir than the thieves imagined. It certainly sowed confusion among the school. But the people's opinions seemed to be parted into one of three.
One would be believing in Kamoshida and thinking that the card was some card of prank. Two (this side had to deal with the teacher more) was people who began to see that others were doing something about the teachers. The last group was just more or less confused, unsure what to make of this.
''Oh, he's a real stand up guy.'' Morgana rolled his eyes. He and Namine were on their way back from school, happening to overhear about a debate about the card. ''What do they even see in him anyway?''
The cat looked back at Namine to see that she was looking up a new text on her phone. He peered his head out of the bag to try and see. ''...Ryuji's still worried?''
''I think he just wants some clear answers. The waiting's getting to him.'' The girl returned before beginning to respond to the text.
Morgana huffed ''I told him there's no helping it. Besides, it wasn't like all our efforts back there were pointless.''
That she could certainly agree to. A few days passed since they took the treasure and Kamoshida hadn't shown up at school, which according to Ann and Ryuji was a first for him.
''They're probably really looking forward to seeing him confess too.'' Namine added.
Morgana hummed in agreement ''How about you?''
''I'd be lying if I said I wasn't raring for something to change but I can wait. You've really helped us out before so if you think everything's fine, I'll take your word for it.''
''Thanks, Namine!'' The cat beamed.
It didn't take long to find that Sojiro had been right. There was a part time job offer in the mall for a job at a supermarket. The owner had been pleased and relieved in equal measures to have it taken. They ironed out a few details and Namine was hired. The weekend began and the group went out together for a change of atmosphere, visiting a famous restaurant they heard about at school. Ryuji and Ann also took to showing Namine and Morgana around the city, particularly hanging out in spots they liked.
All in all, things had taken a turn for peaceful...
Ryuji and Ann had approached the school gate upon noticing Morgana there. ''Hey, what're you doing here? I thought you'd be with Namine.''
''I slept in.'' The cat admitted, suspecting that the girl had been quiet on purpose not to wake him up. ''It was way too boring to stay back in the cafe though.''
''School's not exactly a barrel of laughs you know.'' Ryuji deadpanned.
''You got that right.'' Ann concurred. ''People are still trying to figure out the calling cards. It sounds like some are glad Kamoshida hasn't been around for the last few days.''
''After what we've seen, I don't blame them at all.'' Morgana remarked, thinking back to the Palace.
''So hey, how's Suzui?'' Ryuji inquired.
Ann couldn't contain her smile at this ''She woke up really late a couple of days ago.''
''Awesome!''
''Yeah, always nice to hear some good news!''
Ann hummed in agreement ''She was still out of it when I first visited-turns out she just didn't feel up to having visitors, not that I blame her. But I'm going to see her again after school.''
Morgana had a thought ''Oh, Lady Ann, you can always tell her when Kamoshida tells the truth...or even better just show her!''
''I was always going to tell but showing her? Now there's an idea...'' She trailed off.
Namine was heading to the library to return a book she borrowed. She almost missed someone coming down the nearby stairs at the same time and so barely avoiding a collision with her.
''I'm sorry...'' The new voice paused. ''...Hyakuya?''
The girl blinked at the somewhat familiar voice and saw that it was Haru ''Hey, Senpai. No harm done, guess I was kind of distracted too.''
The older girl smiled back ''So how have you been? I've heard some awful talk about you but I can't bring myself to believe it.''
''Thanks for that...'' Namine was distracted when she saw what was in the bag Haru was carrying. ''...are those seeds?''
''Yes. I was thinking of planting them in the pots at the roof but I heard no one's allowed up there anymore so I'll be putting them away.'' The older girl admitted. ''What you did for that poor girl was amazing, I can't believe people are still badmouthing you.''
''I'm glad I could help but anyone would've done it.'' Namine guessed the girl heard about her to know her last name but she found herself wondering why Haru avoided mentioning hers.
''Oh, I don't know about that. I'd imagine few would downplay it like what you're doing now.''
''Ah, it's just the truth.'' The girl shrugged. ''You know, I heard you were the one who planted those flowers near the entrance. They look so nice-you must have green thumbs up to your elbows.''
''Do you think so? I simply enjoy it.'' Haru smiled.
Namine had an idea ''Hey, can you teach me about that?'' At Haru's surprised look, she explained. ''I tried with a few friends years ago but we wound up stopping. It was interesting I guess we didn't have the patience for it back then. I want to see if I can get back into the spirit of things.''
''Well then, I'd be happy to.'' Haru returned.
''Thanks!''
The girl went back to class, coming across Ryuji and Ann along the way. Their arrival at the intended destination brought a surprise forth. It came in the form of a man and woman who Ann recognized as Shiho's parents, Suzui Taishi and Maika.
Ann greeted them and introduced her friends before going to ask ''Is everything okay?''
''Oh yes, not to worry, Ann-chan.'' Maika reassured. ''It's just that after what we've heard, we agreed that there was something we needed to do.''
''Which is?''
Maika looked at Namine ''We're here to thank you, Hyakuya-chan.''
The girl expression made it clear that she wasn't expecting that. Taishi then took over the conversation ''Yeah, we failed our daughter. I'm ashamed to say that we never understood how she truly felt. We could have prevented this if we hadn't. I was only grateful that someone had been able to step in that day and reach out to her. We can't thank you enough.''
''Right.'' Maika agreed, closing her eyes for a moment. ''I don't want to think of what could have happened otherwise...She was in such a state when she woke up-it hurts my heart to thank about. We could hardly even talk to her...I was so moved to learn how hard you tried to help her. You saved our little girl's life and that means so much more than I can put in words.''
The two bowed then, leaving Namine embarrassed. ''W-wait, please...You don't have to do that...I just did the right thing, it was for the best. Your daughter deserved it. Everything's fine.''
The five listeners smiled at Namine as she shuffled a foot, feeling bashful.
''Hey, it's about time someone besides us says it.'' Ryuji smirked while Ann nodded. Both were still annoyed by the fact, especially since the school appeared more to intent to quash the incident.
It wasn't until then that Taishi noticed the attention they wound up garnering. Most of the speakers were too far away but he could pick up some of what was said ''Why do they look so...wary?''
'Idiocy.' A disgruntled Carmen decided.
''Long story short, let's just say Namine didn't have the best rep when she came here. Those guys are just happy to judge her on that.'' Ann informed, silently agreeing with her Persona.
''Well, that seems completely unfair.''
She scowled ''Yeah, too bad they just believe what they want to.''
''It's ridiculous to simply concentrate on one detail and ignore everything else.'' Maika stated. ''I'll try to see if there's anything to be done about this attitude. Don't mind them, Hyakuya-chan. We know the truth.''
''Right, thank you.''
Ryuji sat near a staircase and waited. He wanted to get back to training like he did when he used to run track. But it wasn't because he wanted to get back on the team. No, he knew there was no returning to the athlete he used to be after all that happened.
It was more because he felt bad after his leg seized up in the Palace, he wanted to get stronger. He had asked Namine if she wanted to join him, only to be pleasantly surprised when she expressed genuine interest in the suggestion.
''So you think those guys busted him for something?'' The voice brought his attention to a pair of students nearby.
''Makes sense, doesn't it? I mean the guy hasn't been seen for a while now. I even heard that he might be quitting.''
''No way! Come on, it's Kamoshida-sensei, it couldn't be this bad...''
Ryuji rolled his eyes, tuning out the rest of the talk. It was interesting to see how much of a reaction the Calling Card caused. He found it irritating to hear people defend Kamoshida and there was quite a number who still trusted him, though for the life of him, the boy couldn't see why.
Ryuji perked up as he noticed Namine approaching and made to join her. ''Hey, you ready?''
''Yup, I guess you're excited, huh?''
''Heh, I guess so. I was just thinking about how much of a reaction the calling card caused. I can't wait to see what they all do when Kamoshida confesses.'' The boy admitted.
Namine began to smile, it was good to learn that the boy wasn't as worried as he was after they left the Palace. They had made it a point to remind him when they could that the best they can do now would be to keep living their lives and wait.
The two headed to a somewhat big, secluded area of the school grounds. Namine looked on curiously ''So this is where you used to train?''
''Yeah...been a while since I came here. It doesn't seem like much but it works great when we needed it too.'' Ryuji stretched. ''Okay, let's start with warms up...''
Just as the two were about to finish a few minutes later, they were found by a few teen boys clad in their sport uniforms.
''I thought I was seeing things but it really was Sakamoto...'' One of them said. ''...you've got a lot of nerve coming back here.''
Ryuji tensed ''Nakaoka...''
Another boy scoffed ''He's got the transfer student with him too. Looks like his rep is just as good as the company he keeps.''
Namine ignored the veiled jab even as Ryuji bristled, speaking before the boy could ''You're the members of the track team then?''
''That's right.'' Nakaoka returned. ''It's former track team though, thanks to this guy. Though I'd imagine you probably know the story by now.''
The second boy then spoke, glaring daggers at Ryuji even as he addressed Namine ''That's why we don't want this guy here, he ruined everything! All our efforts were ruined just because he couldn't control his temper!''
''It wasn't like that, Takeishi, I...'' Ryuji started to say.
''He's telling how it is, Sakamoto!'' The third boy agreed. ''You think any of us had it easy? No, we've all suffered! We put up with Kamoshida because the track team was important to us, and you just blew everything. How dare you even show your face here?''
''Do you guys even know the whole story?'' The boys looked at Namine as she went on. ''Ryuji's just as much of a victim as any of you. He cares about the team just like you do. It wasn't his fault, he was provoked...''
''Why are you defending him anyway?'' Takeichi cut in. ''We thought we could count on him but look how well that went...''
''He's my friend.'' The girl interrupted right back, her glare surprising them. ''I don't need any other reason. You guys keep talking about putting up with it. That's no good in the long run. Did you ever try doing something against Kamoshida? Did you ever try to listen to what Ryuji had to say?''
''It's easy for you to talk! You don't know what it was like!'' Nakaoka retorted.
''You're not the only ones who've had to deal with him. That's one of the reasons why we wanted to change things around here. You said you thought you could count on Ryuji, shouldn't that kind of support be mutual?'' Namine retorted. ''This place doesn't belong to any of you, we're free to use it. If you have some kind of problem with that, give me a good reason. Come on, Ryuji, we've wasted enough time here.''
The boy followed her, seeming stunned. ''You just...''
''Don't think too much of it. I stand for my friends, that's all.''
He started to grin ''Thanks a lot, Namine.''
She smiled ''Anytime.''
A while later, Namine went on a walk with Morgana around Yongen-jaya, both seemingly content with taking in the sights.
''It kind of feels strange to take it so easy after what we've been through.'' The cat mused.
''I'd imagine...'' Namine paused as a thought occurred to her. ''...oh hey, didn't you say taking the treasure could help with your situation? How'd that go?''
''No good, but I didn't expect it to be so easy...'' The cat admitted. ''...I think there's more to it but I'll explain once things settle down.''
''All right then...''
Morgana decided to change the subject ''So why are we going back to the cafe already? I'd say it's kind of early.''
''Maybe, but I'm not sure when Sakura-san would decide to close up. I don't want to risk forcing him to wait for me.''
''I see, that's considerate of you.'' The feline nodded.
The two arrived at Leblanc moments later, finding Sojiro at the counter and Takemi on a seat nearby. ''Oh hey, you're back. Any luck with the job?''
''Yup, I found one around where you said. I had to sort out a few things out but I basically start tomorrow.''
''Good to hear.'' The barista returned, seeing her greet Takemi politely, picking up on their familiarity from the exchange. ''Oh, you know each other?''
''Yeah, she came to the clinic after finding it by chance and I thought to examine her since she looks underweight. I've a feeling it has been going on for a while.''
''Really now?'' Sojiro blinked as a thought occured to him. ''Wait, is it because of that incident two years ago?''
Namine nodded, not surprised that he knew. Takemi and Morgana were left curious by the exchange ''Ah...did you want some help?''
''Nah, everything's taken care of.'' He returned. ''You should go and rest up.''
''Right...''
Morgana hopped to Namine's bed, looking up at the girl. That conversation left him more than a little confused and he decided to fish for information. ''Mind if I ask what that was about?''
''Well...'' Namine hesitated.
''It's just...I noticed something was strange with you when I started teaching you guys about the Metaverse.'' The cat went on, deciding to explain his reasoning. ''I figured it was that you didn't like our plans back then but I'm not so sure now.''
The girl didn't respond and Morgana didn't want to pressure her. He was about to state that he'd be willing to listen when she wanted to but Arsene's following words put his thoughts to a halt.
'Perhaps you should tell him, Namine.' The Persona remarked. 'There's no harm and it would do you well to find an understanding presence.'
Namine responded after almost a minute, seemingly considering this. ''I guess so...'' She leaned back against the wall. ''...You're right in a sense, Morgana. I think it might be that our recent experiences made me remember. It's...kind of a long story.''
''I'm all ears.'' The cat assured.
Namine let out a breath before she started to explain ''Two years ago...we were coming back from a school trip. It wound up with us getting caught in a robbery.'' Morgana's eyes widened at this. ''We were just passing a bank and the bus driver was slowing down because he wanted to get more gas from the station nearby. The next thing we knew, this gang was crashing in and keeping us at gun point while forcing us to get off. It looked like the police was still on the way, the robbers were still trying to get away with as much as they could.''
''Didn't the police help?''
''That would be how it should have gone, right? Only...I think that's when everything really went to hell.'' Namine stated. ''It all started out so fast...I'm still not sure how it started exactly. One of the robbers fired a round and it hurt some of the police, one of the gang's bosses started to get really mad. He killed some people and said they'd kill us all if the police didn't back away. A few of the police officers started to play along, hearing them out. Supposedly, they were pressured into taking different measures. But then that guy tossed out some kind of explosive device when he saw the officers who tried sneaking in to help us. Then he had one of his cronies follow on his threat...they killed a few of the bank's workers and threatened to do more if they didn't get more money.''
Morgana was dumbfounded to say the least. How in the world did they escape this situation? ''What happened then?''
''We had no choice but to wait while they prepared the ransom money.'' The girl recalled. ''But then an hour passed and he decided to follow on the threat when the money the police could get wasn't enough. He started firing again and...'' Namine let out a breath. ''...I have some trouble remembering this part. I saw him targeting a pair of siblings who were there with their parents. I think that's just when I moved. I grabbed one of the money cases they had nearby and I knocked the guy out with it.''
Whatever he expected, it certainly wasnt that. ''You did what?!''
''Yeah, I think that was the common reaction...'' Namine remarked, shaking her head. ''...I wasn't even thinking, really. It's just that...seeing everyone in danger because of that greedy bastard was infuriating and seeing those kids so scared...I couldn't take it. I knew them, Morgana, I used to baby sit and play with them. A family friend made sure I knew to defend myself so I put everything I learned into use back then. I guess it was kind of effective...those guys were pretty shocked. But then it just got worse when they crowded me. One of them got to blindside me and they attacked right back. I was only told what happened after that, the attack left me in a coma for two years.''
Morgana's jaw dropped ''That's...that's just...''
''Crazy? Reckless?'' Namine offered. ''Take your pick, I've heard plenty more.''
''No, I mean...yeah it was...'' The cat amended. ''...but it was also so brave. Namine, you risked your life to save those people. It's amazing!''
The girl laughed sheepishly ''Well, it's nothing so special. I just sort of reacted, I guess...I knew I had to do something...''
'While your modesty is appreciated, he's right.' Zorro stated. 'But you said you were told what happened then, yes? How did this end?''
''Ah, apparently what I did wound up inspiring everyone to move.'' Namine admitted. ''They got to jump the gang and take plenty of their weapons; it was a bit of an uphill battle. Some stayed back to protect the younger ones and everyone else made sure to fight back. It got the police enough time to act and they got to break in and arrest the robbers.''
''Whoa...'' Morgana trailed off. ''...wait, so even after what you did, people in your hometown actually believed that fake assault case?''
''As you can tell...'' Though she tried to sound nonchalant, he could see that the fact had hurt.
The cat was frowning ''I don't get it. Even if that arrest was recent, you couldn't have fully recovered from a coma that quickly. You couldn't have had the strength to even put much of a fight, let alone assault that man.''
''Tell me about it.'' That was one of the things that really irked her about the case's ruling. It seemed like the court just put on a sham, already deciding that she was guilty. ''I woke up five months ago and most of it was just spent focusing on my recovery. I had physiotherapy even when I was comatose so it really helped with my recovery but not nearly that much. That was one of the few times I had even gone out on my own anyway and it all was all for a doctor's appointment in the first place.''
''And they still ignored all of that...'' Morgana shook his head in disgust. ''...talk about useless, it again proves your trial was a farce. Lousy morons...Things make a whole lot of sense now. I can see why you would've had problems with my plan now...sorry...''
Namine shook her head ''You gave us a choice, silly. I agreed to help, that's all. I couldn't stand back and do nothing.''
The feline was surprised but he decided to ask ''So are you...okay with Arsene being your Persona?''
''Yeah...'' Namine closed her eyes for a moment. ''...it might have bothered me more if things had turned out differently. But the situation's completely different. Truth is, Arsene opened my eyes. I feel free...like I see things in a new and much better way now. I'm past that now, he's an important partner.''
'Well, well, I'm quite flattered.' The aforementioned Persona's words had the two sharing amused looks.
''Anyway, I know we'd never sink to that despicable level.'' Namine went on. ''I think it just goes to show. Things aren't always black and white, there's two sides to every story.''
''You actually have a point there.'' Morgana agreed, smiling. The cat was convinced, this girl was a hero. He now understood that even if she didn't like being a thief, she had done it to help them. He would never understand how people condemn her. ''You're not just strong but kind as well, Namine. I think that kindness is a power by itself.''
The days passed on a similarly peaceful note and soon May 2nd, the day of the board meeting, had arrived. Principal Kobayakawa had called for an assembly and the school headed out to its location.
''Geez, what's this all about?''
''I don't know, it feels like a waste...''
''I bet it's about what happened on the roof. We don't need to be told not to commit suicide.''
Ryuji spared the speaker student a disdainful look as the two students nearby him seemed to agree ''Sheesh, do they have to talk like that?''
''Yeah, I know,'' Morgana agreed. ''They could definitely stand to be a little more tactful. This isn't something they should treat lightly.''
''It really is callous. Anyway...,'' Namine moved the talk on. ''...wasn't there something you wanted to say before we heard the announcement, Ann?''
''Oh yeah,'' the blonde acknowledged. ''I'm going to visit Shiho after this is over. You want to come with me? She would really like to see you.''
''Sure thing.''
The girl smiled, looking at the front of the hall with the others when the principal stepped up to the podium.
The girl smiled, looking at the front of the hall with the others when the principal stepped up to the podium.
The man's words proved the rising suspicions true. The assembly's purpose did have to do with the recent events at Shujin. He seemed to be trying to keep things calm all around but before he could get far, the hall's door suddenly flew open, revealing none other than...
''Kamoshida-sensei?'' The principal blurted, seeming bewildered.
He wasn't the only one. The teacher had clearly run a long way, as he was panting near the entrance. But more than that, his usual smug air was gone. He just seemed tired and defeated even.
''I...I have been reborn...'' He uttered before walking to the podium.
''Just what is this about?'' Kobayakawa demanded.
''There is something I must say.'' Kamoshida looked back to the rest of the observers. ''I am a despicable man. I...I've gone through such lengths...great lengths to get what I want...''
''Eh?''
''What's he talking about?''
''I hurt students to get my way, I abused and harassed them. The track team's dissolution was because of my plans. I started it out on purpose. I-I thought it was the only way for me to stay in the lime light, I wanted all the fame so I goaded Sakamoto-san into attacking me.'' He lowered his head. ''I tormented my students so much...I am the reason Suzui Shiho tried to kill herself.'' This elicited shock from everyone who didn't know. ''I used her to force myself on her friend Takamaki-san...''
''Kamoshida-sensei!'' Principal Kobayakawa tried to intervene, both missing the crowd's growing surprise and disgust.
Kamoshida didn't seem to hear him ''...I feel so guilty. I resign as your teacher. I'm so sorry. I will take my own life to pay...''
''Don't run away!'' Ann's voice brought attention to the girl as she stepped up. ''Killing yourself won't change anything; it definitely won't make up for all the things you've done. You've got to own up to them!''
''Damn straight!'' Ryuji agreed. ''You're barely even getting started, you bastard! You not only tried to force Ann in a relationship with you, Ann just played along for Suzui's sake. You messed the entire volleyball team really badly. You had Namine's record spread out even before she started school and you made those stupid rumours about her. You're the one who slandered her even after she saved Suzui, you know she did!''
''That's right...'' Kamoshida's shoulders sagged. ''...it was all just for the fame and attention, to make sure Hyakuya-san won't rebel. I made sure the rumors about her would spread out quickly. I wanted to make sure she didn't get in the way...I can't apologize enough...'' He fell to his knees. ''...I'm so sorry...''
The crowd began talking among themselves, barely paying attention with a couple of the teachers took Kamoshida away as one of them called the police. The activity was rising as everyone realized that the calling card and the meaning behind it was all completely real.
''It worked!'' Morgana beamed. ''I knew there was nothing to worry about!''
Ryuji exhaled. ''...Man hearing him talk like that...he thought he had the right to mess with our lives because he was scared? Asshole.''
''Takamaki-san?'' The four friends turned to find some students approaching the girl. ''We're so sorry...''
''Yeah, you were just being there for your friend and we treated you that badly.'' Another added. ''It must have been so hard...''
''We just kept our heads down to avoid anymore trouble.'' Mishima admitted, shamefaced.
''We're so sorry!''
''It's okay...'' Ann seemed a bit uncomfortable. ''...all I care about now is that he told the truth and that Shiho's going to be okay.''
''Sakamoto...'' Ryuji was surprised to see some of the track team approach him. ''...we're sorry too. I never knew Kamoshida set you up to fall.''
''Yeah, Hyakuya was right. We should have tried to hear your side of the story.'' Another boy added.
''Ah, don't worry about it.'' Ryuji grinned. ''That stuff doesn't matter now.''
''Still...''
''Seriously, it's fine, guys. Kamoshida's going to get what he deserves now.''
Namine and Morgana exchanged looks and smiled, pleased at the development. After all that happened, their friends certainly deserved those apologies.
''Hyakuya-san...'' The girl blinked and looked back at Mishima, noticing how a number of the students were turning her way. ''...I'm really sorry. You were so nice and we still just played along to Kamoshida's wishes...''
''Yeah, I really have a hard time seeing you as the criminal you were made out to be.'' A girl added. ''That scumbag was screwing with you too, I never thought things were like this...''
''Same. Besides, the school set everything up in his favor. It's like none of the staff even cared that she was there for Suzui. The least they could have done was thank her.'' Tsukishima remarked.
''Yeah, they just hushed everything up...and we probably made it all worse. We're really sorry!'' A third student remarked.
''It's all right.'' Namine returned. ''Everything's changing for the better and the truth's out for all to know. That's good enough for me.''
Morgana's grin widened, feeling that this couldn't have turned out better. ''It's about time.''
And I'll cut off here.
Well, there you have it. The robbery incident is part of the twist I have planned for the story. I hope what I mentioned before about it makes sense now. It comes back into light again later, mostly because there were some consequences Namine doesn't know about and those come into play later.
I don't know if this helps but I think it needs to be said. Namine's looking at the bigger picture. Even when she wasn't comfortable with being a thief, with the way things were, it was for the best. She can't stand the gang from that day and will never turn out like they did. She wants to help people. She's the sort who would have a very hard time turning away when the people she cares about are in trouble.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot, Rank 2)
Morgana (Magician, Rank 2)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)
Takemi Tae (Death, Rank 1)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers, Rank 1)