Needless to say, the last few days had been rough on Shiho.
She was already injured badly with the terrible volley ball team practices and the rape had made it that much worse. The roof incident had knocked her out for days and even when she had woken up, she was far too weak to do much of anything.
On top of that, she had felt terrible about everything. It was only her parents' continuous efforts that convinced her to talk to them, allowing her to finally air out the long time grievances over this situation. Then she learned that Ann had kept coming to see her but at that point she finally felt ready to see her best friend. She felt terrible that she had been giving them a hard time but also grateful that they were all still there for her.
''Hey, Shiho!''
The girl looked up from the book she had been reading, smiling at the blonde ''Ann...'' Her eyes widened when the girl was followed by someone she didn't expect to see. ''Hyakuya-san?''
Namine smiled ''Hi, Suzui-san, I was wondering how you were holding but you're looking a whole lot better. That's great.''
''We were just talking about how you were looking to talk to her, remember?'' Ann added.
''Oh...yeah, it just took me by surprise...'' Shiho admitted, shaking her head. ''...I'm sorry, Hyakuya-san. You were just trying to help but I was completely unreasonable and I hurt you...''
''Whoa, time out!'' Namine cut in. ''You have absolutely no reason to be sorry. After what that jackass put you through? I'd be worried if you could be reasonable. I'm glad I could help and I'd do it again if I had to. You deserve that and more.''
Shiho wasn't sure she could put her feelings of gratitude into words enough to convey them but she tried anyway ''T-thank you, that's so nice...you really are a good person...''
The latter beamed, Ann watched them with a growing smile ''All right, I've got something for you...''
''Wow...'' An amazed Shiho breathed as she watched the video Ann recorded of the rally. She hadn't been sure what to think when her friend explained things but Kamoshida really was remorseful.
One thing struck her as odd though.
''Ann-chan, why does the video cut off suddenly?''
''Ah...'' Ann looked sheepish. ''...he really pissed me off so I stepped in. Guess I forgot about the whole thing in the middle of that.''
''So those phantom thieves made him confess to everything. I wonder how...'' Shiho trailed off. Ann's expression seemed a little awkward. A part of her wanted to tell Shiho everything but she wasn't sure it was a good idea.
''The same goes for everyone, I think the important part is that the truth is out in the open.'' Namine stated.
''That's right...'' Shiho agreed. ''...um, would it be strange if I said the calling card sounds a little off? It's almost forced in a way.''
Namine seemed rather amused by this, looking from her to Ann and back. ''You two are definitely alike. Ann said something like that too.''
''Hey, we just tell it like it is.'' Ann grinned and Shiho looked amused. ''You know, the first time we met...''
''Thanks, Namine.'' Ann smiled as the two left for home. ''I'm happy you came. Shiho was really glad she got to see you.''
''Well, I'm happy I got to it too. She's a great girl.''
Ann nodded ''It was so good to hear she was recovering. Things were bad for a while but I'm so glad you were there. I don't want to think what it'd be like otherwise.''
''Hey, let's not stress on the what-ifs. I just did what was right, anyone could have done it.''
The blonde smiled to herself. This was just another reason she liked Namine. The girl never bragged about her actions and remained modest.
''Ryuji told me how you wound up coming to the city. It sucks that they all turned on you like that but it's great that we met you. Just know that you'll never have to worry about any of us doing something so stupid.''
Namine smiled ''I know. Thanks, Ann.''
The next day after school, the thieves went to the restaurant that sold the nostalgic steak they heard about in Shujin as per Ryuji's suggestion. While they had been troubled and mostly impatient as they waited for Kamoshida's change of heart, the over all mood now was one of happiness.
They stopped at Leblanc after that to let Namine pick up a few things she had forgotten before they went to the bath house. Ann and Ryuji paused to take the cafe in, this being their first time over.
''You know, I kinda like this place.'' Ryuji admitted.
''Me too, the coffee smells great.'' Ann remarked, pausing as they noticed Sojiro coming back to the counter.
''So you're the kid's friends, huh?'' The man paused. ''Can I get you anything?''
''Maybe another time, sorry. We're actually on our way somewhere.'' Ann admitted.
''Ah, gotcha. I've been hearing a few things from Namine, but it'd be nice to learn from a new perspective. What do you think of her?'' Sojiro inquired.
''She's a good friend who really came through for us when we needed it most.'' Ryuji replied easily.
Ann nodded to this ''She's just had a spot of bad luck and it stuck to her. It doesn't help that the school labeled her before she even got started. I know what that's like. She's really kind and strong, she's turning things around.''
''That's good to know.''
''So you two went to Suzui's place, right? Did Namine clear things up?'' Ryuji wondered.
''Yeah, it was great, actually.'' Ann smiled as she thought of the previous day.
A curious Sojiro raised an eye ''Did something happen?''
''Didn't she tell you? Well, the thing is..."
It quickly became clear to them that the man was unaware of some of the recent events. He knew the gist about Kamoshida, partly he had questioned Namine after the news about the former teacher got out. Since the girl had mentioned a little before, he wasn't too surprised.
If anything, learning about how bad things had gone at Shujin left him disgusted and impressed. Disgusted because of the administration and naturally Kamoshida and impressed because of Namine, he hadn't realized how involved the girl was before talking to her friends. Sojiro chalked this up as another reason he was glad he hadn't judged the girl like others sadly had. She hadn't even mentioned anything about this while others would have likely bragged about the accomplishment...she really was something else...
Ann let out a sigh, enjoying the feeling of the warm water ''This is so good...I haven't done this in a while.''
''Same...'' Namine trailed off. ''...it's almost like that hotspring we used to visit.''
''You actually had something like that near your hometown?''
''Kind of, it's a bit of a hassle to reach but then you find that the effort was worth it. It's a beautiful spot. We found out about it when we went camping a few years ago.'' Namine recalled.
''Lucky...'' Ann mused. ''...so I found the perfect place to celebrate our success.''
''Really?''
''Yup, Shiho and I were planning to go sometime. I wanted to take her too but she'll be busy.'' The blonde paused. ''This'll be perfect. You're selling our big find tomorrow, right?''
The treasure wound up turning into a medal once they arrived in the real world. Something that has thrown them for a loop, even Morgana. But they were still going to make the most of it.
''Mmhm, Ryuji's taking us to the place where he found that model. I figure we can at least ask the owner to if he'd sell it for a start.''
''I really hope that works. We've got to do something to celebrate...this is looking great already.'' Ann beamed.
As agreed, the next day Ryuji took Namine and Morgana to the airsoft shop where he found the model guns, Untouchable.
''So this is the place, huh?'' Morgana looked curiously.
A man sat near the register, engrossed in a newspaper. He looked up as he heard the new arrivals.
''Hm? Oh, it's you again...'' He grunted, looking at Ryuji. ''...if you're after another model, you better not complain like last time.''
The blond bristled ''Of course I was going to! Those things were really expensive!''
''You're getting quality, kid, that never comes cheap. Deal with it.''
Ryuji looked annoyed ''Gah, no wonder you don't get much people with this kind of attitude!''
''Hey, knock it off! We can't make a deal with him if you get on his nerves!'' Morgana hissed.
Namine tilted her head a bit ''That explains the models from before...those are excellent. A Colt Python, a Honey Badger, a Desert Eagle and...whoa, he's even got an Ithaca...''
The man raised an eye, even as her friends looked at her with surprise ''Seems like you know your stuff, kid...''
''You like guns or something, Namine?'' Ryuji wondered.
''No, it's just...I'd have to be an idiot not to pick up some of what Uncle Nakamura told us all that time.'' She muttered before raising her voice. ''A family friend helped me learn self-defense. He also insisted that my friends learn as much as possible about guns. He had quite a few since they helped save his life when he was in the military, they're all really well taken care of. He says it'd be a waste otherwise.''
Morgana blinked, now that he looked back, he did notice that Namine seemed very used to her model gun. He just never remembered to ask why, so she had been taught in the past...
''Sounds like a real veteran there.'' The shop owner mused. ''Still, nice to see someone who knows what they're dealing with. You here for a model, kid?''
''No, we're hoping to ask for something else...ah...'' Namine paused, remembering she didn't know his name.
He caught on ''It's Iwai. Well, what is it?''
Namine took out the medal which turned out to be Kamoshida's treasure ''Could you sell this for us?''
Iwai looked intrigued ''Where'd you find something like that?''
''Does it matter?'' Ryuji grunted. ''Can you sell it or not?''
Noticing the man's annoyance returning, Namine intervened ''To spare you the details, we had to deal with a real lowlife who caused plenty of trouble. This was something we picked up when all was said and done. It's probably a fake and all but we figure selling is be more useful than throwing it away, right?''
Ryuji and Morgana were surprised by the phrasing but it really did fit, all things considered.
''Can't argue with that.'' Iwai began to examine the item. ''So...unlike this kid, you don't seem hotheaded, was he that bad?''
''He was a self-righteous, egoistic bastard.'' Namine returned flatly. ''And we definitely don't want any reminders of him in our lives. Isn't that enough?''
Iwai smirked, deciding to play along and leave it at that ''...Sure is. So the best thing I can do with this is 30,000 yen. Sound good?''
''Good going, Namine. That was some quick thinking.'' Morgana praised.
''Ah, it was mostly just breaking down the truth. I had to try something.''
''It was nice timing, Ryuji would have probably gotten us kicked out.'' The cat stated, leaving the boy to cringe.
''Sorry...what're you doing anyway?'' He asked, moving to look over Namine's shoulder as the girl was typing on her phone.
''I just told Ann. She says she's going to look up a reservation at some place called the Wilton Hotel.''
''For real? Damn...'' Ryuji trailed off.
Morgana tilted his head ''You know about it?''
''Yeah, I saw it before. It's real high class and all but I guess we get to pull it off with that kind of money.'' Ryuji grinned. ''Can't wait!''
Ann managed to find a reservation for the day after tomorrow so the celebration of the quartet's success was set.
The next day passed somewhat slower and less eventful than the previous one. At mid-day, Namine was helping Sojiro with Leblanc.
Sojiro poked his head in the kitchen, blinking when he saw the newly cleaned dishes ''Oh, you're already done?''
''Yeah, I took the trash out too. Did you need help with anything else?''
''Nah, everything's fine. Thanks, I'll let you off. You start your job in a couple of hours, right?'' He clarified, earning a nod from her.
The two turned to the door as it opened, seeing a woman with grey hair and mauve eyes in a black suit make her way in. She gave off an air of confidence and authority.
She took a seat ''I'll have the house blend, please.''
''Coming right up.'' Sojiro began preparing coffee.
The woman glanced at Namine, not missing the girl's apron ''...I have to say, I'm surprised this place can get a part-timer.''
''Oh, it's not like that. Sakura-san's doing me a big favor so I offered to help in return.''
''I see...'' The three glanced at the TV at the sound of a tune, seeing a reporter stop before Shujin and begin talking about recent events at the school. ''...honestly, first the mental shutdowns and now this...where'd this even come from?''
''People covered up for Kamoshida for a while.'' She looked at Namine in surprise.
''And you know this because...?''
''I go to Shujin.'' The girl informed, taking her apron off and putting it away. ''My friends and I dealt with him too. The students were too scared to face up to him but he was just too strong. Things just went from bad to worse, the news definitely has that part right.''
''I see...I never imagined it was that bad...'' The woman mused.
''You seem interested, is there a particular reason?'' Namine asked.
''My little sister is the school's student council president.'' She admitted. ''Hearing about this is certainly...worrying. I've been tasked to handle this case. Can you tell me anything you know?''
Namine hadn't expected that but she saw no reason not to help her ''Erm, sure...are you a detective or something?''
''I'm a prosecutor.'' She corrected. ''My name is Nijima Sae.''
''Oh, I'm Hyakuya Namine.'' The girl returned. ''I'm not sure where to start so ask away, Nijima-san.''
Other than that, the day passed more or less uneventfully. Ann had a shoot in Odaiba while Ryuji went to look for a gym to keep up training. Namine and Morgana headed off to the supermarket and the former went through her first day at the part-time job with relatively little trouble.
It was as they were on their way back to Leblanc that the two happened to notice a few gathered around a man who appeared to be in the middle of a speech. The man had black hair and dark grey eyes, wearing a black buisness suit with a green sash.
Morgana spoke once the man finished ''...I don't get why they seem this bored. It sounds like the stuff he was saying was good.''
''Mmhm, he seemed real passionate too.'' Namine mused.
A man who had also been listening to the speech overheard her ''You're new around these parts, huh?''
The girl gave a curious look but nodded ''I was just thinking...it sounded like people expected this. Does he come here a lot?''
''Yeah, it's been years now. That guy was Toranosuke Yoshida. A former politician who's never been able to win the elections ever since he got involved in some nasty incidents. I heard he stole funds for his own purposes.'' The man admitted. ''I don't know, it seems like he's changed but still...I'm not sure he's going to get anyone's trust just by keeping this up. People still call him 'No Good Tora' too.''
''That sounds harsh...'' Namine paused. ''...Oh, thank you for the explanation.''
''No problem.'' The man left.
''So he's like some sort of reformed criminal...'' Morgana mused. ''...it's kind of hard to imagine that.''
''No kidding...'' Namine glanced at the man's retreating figure. ''...well, no point waiting around here. You hungry? Apparently employees get discounts at that supermarket, I picked up that fish you mentioned before.''
''All right! You're awesome, Namine!''
It wasn't until they saw the Wilton hotel with their eyes that Morgana understood Ryuji's surprise. It was easy to tell that the hotel was really fancy...
Namine had a similar thought. Upon considering the situation, she opted to wear a white and red dress that ended above her knees and black leggings with white boots and a black bag in which she was carrying Morgana. It was an ensemble she favored for certain occasions.
Still, looking at the place now...
''You know, I'm beginning to think maybe we really aren't prepared for the place.'' She confessed to Morgana.
''At least you tried.'' He consoled. She was the one who actually made the effort to dress for the occasion. He wished he could say that for the others. There was no need to stick out like a sore thumb.
An excited Ann led the group inside and they were allowed to a table as per her reservation. Ryuji, in a similar mood, grinned brightly. ''This looks great!''
''I know! I wanted to come here for a while but I never imagined it'd happen this soon!'' Ann beamed.
The three teens went to get their food. When Namine came back, she was curious to see that her friends were still at the buffet line.
''Oh here, Mona,'' She picked up a piece of salmon and held it for the cat to eat. Thanking her, he marveled at its taste when he finished.
Namine went on to eat, taking a moment to chat with her companion every now and then. Ryuji and Ann came back soon after that but it wasn't until they saw their trays that it became clear why they took so long.
Namely, that the first had piled up quite the amount of the beef selection and the latter had done something similar with the desert selection.
''If I didn't know any better, I'd say you went and got the beef and desert sections cleared up.'' Morgana droned. He had been a little surprised at Namine's varied selection but now he was very thankful for it.
''Oh, don't be silly. Like we could have done that...'' Ann picked up a fork.
Namine arched an eye "I bet it's not for the lack of trying..."
''Is that all you're going to eat?'' Ryuji asked her.
''No, I'll pick up more if I can...but that's just what I want to ask. Are you really just going to stick to those?''
''I want to try all the beef I can get!'' He answered readily. ''Ann's going to be picking up calories pretty quick though. She'll really be...''
''Shut up!'' The blonde girl retorted, elbowing him in the ribs. ''Don't you have any tact? Don't tease girls about their weight.''
''You're barking up the wrong tree, Lady Ann. As if this guy could learn any tact.'' Morgana remarked.
''What was that, you stupid cat?!'' Ryuji scowled.
''Okay, okay.'' Namine intervened. ''Let's not start another fight, guys. We're here to celebrate, remember?''
''Exactly, let's not waste more time.'' Ann added.
Ryuji smirked as Ann and Namine regaled them with a story of the blond visiting an old party with Shiho ''Let me guess, she totally cleaned out the cake tray, right?''
Namine laughed at this while Ann looked flustered, Ryuji took that as an answer ''I knew it!''
Ann was about to retort only to pause as it occurred to her that this was the first time she heard Namine laugh.
Ryuji grinned ''What, got nothing to say?''
The girl grumbled lightly ''Shut up...''
''I'll go get some more food. You want anything, Morgana?'' Namine inquired.
''I'll leave that up to your taste.'' The cat returned, after all the girl hadn't steered him wrong yet. ''What's up, Lady Ann? You looked kind of distracted back there.''
Ann blinked ''Oh...just a random thought. I've never heard Namine laugh before today.''
Ryuji and Morgana shared surprised looks ''Now that you mention it...''
''...I haven't either...'' The latter added, frowning. ''...I guess it shouldn't be a surprise, not after all she's been through...''
The former grimaced ''Yeah, it just pisses me off...how can they even believe that crap about her? Even after she was arrested, she tried to do right by us and everyone in school-look what she gets for it...''
''I know.'' Ann grimaced. ''She's so brave and kind...you'd think the people she knew all her life would know that-it's so unfair.''
Morgana idly thought that the situation was far worse than they both knew, remembering the story Namine told him before.
They were distracted when the subject of their conversation came back ''Ryuji, Ann, you are really missing out. They have some strange dishes I've never seen before but the food's all so good.''
''And yet all they want to do is eat all the meat and dessert, such a waste.'' Morgana declared.
With that said, they went back to eating. The group of four soon started to chat, regaling each other with stories and events from a number of times. Morgana mostly listened and commented every once in a while.
''You know, those guys don't really seem like much of team.'' The cat told Ryuji when the talk shifted to the track team. ''I mean sure, Kamoshida was behind what happened to them. Thing is, I get that they're bitter and angry. Only I can't help but think that things could have been better for them all if they tried working together.''
''Thank you! I thought I was the only one who noticed.'' Ann admitted. ''I heard a rumor about how there's already trouble brewing with them even with Kamoshida gone. They should work on being a team first if you ask me.''
''I never thought about it like that but I guess you got a point.'' Ryuji didn't know about the trouble Ann mentioned but he made a note to look into this rumor another day.
''Though now that we mentioned Kamoshida, we heard some people talking about what happened in the school on our way.'' Morgana recalled, glancing at Namine, who nodded and took over.
''It didn't sound like they have all the details but what they did pick is pretty bad anyway.'' The girl remarked. ''It kind of sounds like some of the stuff was kept secret though.''
''Here's the worst part, they hardly even cared.'' Morgana's face wrinkled in distaste. ''They were just talking about how much impact the news would have and whatever...''
''Can't say I'm too surprised.'' Ann huffed. ''Even the principal hardly did a thing against that bastard. It was all about the school's image for him...''
Thankfully, talk shifted to lighter subjects quickly enough. Namine explained about Yuri and Itsuki winning tickets to their trip a few months ago...
''A world cruise? That sounds cool!'' Ryuji remarked.
''Right?'' Namine smiled. ''They sent me some pictures, remind me to show you another time. It all looks great.''
''Are you really okay with this though? I mean...they went on this thing even when with what happened to you...'' Ann started.
''You got it wrong, Lady Ann. Namine insisted that they should go.''
Morgana's statement made the two blonds look at the girl in surprise. Namine half-smiled ''It's just...bad timing. I know how happy they were when they won, it's the kind of thing they'd love. I was still going to be coming here anyway, I didn't want to ruin things for them. It's okay. They really are helping me and that's more than enough.''
''That's sweet of you.'' Ann smiled.
''I just thought it was the right thing to do.''
''Oh hey!'' Ryuji took out his phone. ''I forgot to ask, did you guys see this? Someone made a website about us.'' The three looked at him curiously. ''Here, look!'' He turned the screen around for them. It displayed a page with a red and black background. The symbol on the calling card was a the top, along with the words 'Phantom Afficianado Website'.
''It's all stuff to thank the Phantom Thieves for stopping Kamoshida.''
''Wow...'' Ann started. ''...this is the first I hear of it.''
He grinned ''Pretty cool, right?''
''That's real nice...'' Namine trailed off.
''Yeah...it feels odd, I did this to deal with my own troubles and now they're all thanking us for it.''
''Well I think the bottom line is, we did the school a favor.'' Morgana stated. ''Who made this anyway?''
''No clue but whoever it is keeping the site up and running. We can try finding out when school starts up again.''
''Let's do that then.'' The cat nodded. ''But man, look at all those...it just goes to show how much damage Kamoshida actually caused.''
''You can say that again. And it took us going through all that trouble to give them a wake up call...'' Ryuji trailed off.
Ann happened to glance at his phone's clock ''Oh, we're wasting time! We can stay for one hour, remember?''
''Crap, you're right! I gotta have more of the beef!''
''I have to try everything in the desert section!''
The two blonds immediately headed to the buffet line. Namine and Morgana shared awkward glances ''...Are they serious?''
''Sadly, I think that'd be a yes.''
''This is so good!'' Morgana beamed after taking some rice from Namine. ''It's perfect after trying that beef and sour cream...''
Namine hummed as she continued eating. Unlike her friends, she had opted to try out a number of choices, making sure to include things she hadn't ever tasted before.
''I'm so glad you're here. Can you believe they wanted to give me some that nasty slop?'' Morgana huffed.
''You're overreacting.'' Ryuji rolled his eyes. ''The beans were fine, you just didn't try any.''
''Fine is definitely stretching it...'' Namine muttered.
''See?'' The cat nodded ''I didn't see you trying a single bite!''
The blond made to retort but was distracted when Ann came back, seeming rather irritated ''What's with you?''
''I just had to deal with this bitch who was looking to make a fight...'' She grumbled. ''...I didn't even do anything and she was all acting like I was a brat who came to get her. She was all like, I shouldn't even be here and how this hotel's service was really going down if they'd let us here.''
He snorted ''Yeah, we heard stuff like that. Plenty of assholes were giving us those kind of looks. They took me for some kind of hooligan and they think Namine had to be trouble if she was with me.''
''Never mind them, guys.'' True, she had tried to prepare for this place but that was only a courtesy. If people were going to judge them like that then she really didn't care. ''We can't get worked up over every single lousy adult we meet, there's plenty of those to go around.''
''You got that right.'' Ann agreed.
Morgana watched as the two fell back into eating their selections, accepting a sushi roll from Namine before chewing and swallowing. He was suddenly glad he listened to Namine when she tried advising them to pace themselves. One, because he was feeling full and two, because one look at Ryuji's food left him thinking that the ex-athlete was biting off more than he could chew.
''Ah, can you even eat all that?'' He wanted to know.
''Sure thing! I wouldn't have picked it otherwise.'' Ryuji bit another piece of beef.
In a few minutes though, he would come to change his mind.
''...Guys, can't you help me out a bit?''
''I pretty much hit my limit so I'm just going to finish mine.'' Namine stated.
''Same...'' Ann paused, beaming as she enjoyed the cake's taste. ''...you did say you can do it.''
He groaned ''Gah, you know what, I'll just have to finish it myself then.''
Much to their surprise, Ryuji did pull it off. Unfortunately, his newest idea would end in a big failure as he was quick to head to the bathrooms minutes after he finished. One look at Ryuji's face was clear to show what the problem was.
''And we were supposed to be the ones wasting this chance? How is taking so much that you get sick any better?'' Morgana deadpanned, recalling some of the boy's earlier words.
Once the remaining trio was done with their food, they made to leave the hotel. Ryuji joined them near the entrance. He started to push at the door only to be surprised when it was pushed from the other side, knocking him back. The reason was revealed to be a group of men entering the Wilton. One of them walked by, pushing Ryuji back further.
''Hey!'' The blond snapped. ''Apologize! You can't just go around shoving people like that!''
The man spared him an annoyed look ''I'm in a hurry.''
''Oh, I'm sorry.'' Ryuji drawled sarcastically. ''Is that supposed to make everything okay?''
''Right, you're being really rude!'' Ann added.
''What're you lot even doing here?'' The man demanded.
''Things really did change. The hotel opened a daycare, apparently.'' One of his companions remarked.
''Yeah, the service must have really gone down if they let ruffians like them here.'' Another added.
''What?!'' Ann scowled.
Namine was all set to speak up for her friends when a new voice interjected. ''Enough. Ignore the brats, we really need to be going.''
''R-right!'' The three men straightened at this.
She stiffened, he seemed familiar but she didn't know why. The speaker was a tall, ball man with a goatee, wearing sharp orange glasses and a suit like the others in his group. He had a strong presence that pointed him out as the group's head.
What was this feeling? Something tugged at her memory but it was all so vague...she suddenly thought back to the arrest and all that came of it before quickly shaking her head, not wanting to go there.
Ann grumbled, glaring at their retreating figures ''They're terrible...''
''Lousy bastards...Namine?'' Ryuji cocked his head, seeing the girl looking down. ''What's up?''
''A-ah, it's nothing...'' Nothing they should be worried about anyway. The girl shook herself and followed her friends.
''Hey, Morgana?'' Ryuji's voice broke the ensuing silence. ''Anyone can have a palace right?''
''Yup, the only exceptions I know of are Persona users like us. But in general, people whose desires go out of control wind up with a palace. Why?''
''I've been thinking...there's all sorts of rotten adults like that bunch we just met. I want to do something about them.'' Ryuji admitted.
Ann looked surprised ''You mean...you want to continue being the phantom thieves?''
''Yeah! Look how much of an effect we caused with Kamoshida. We can make a real difference out there!''
''I didn't think of it that way...'' Namine mused. ''...It sounds all right. I did promise to help Mona out before too. So yeah, I'm in.''
''Awesome!'' Ryuji grinned at her. ''What do you say, Ann?''
''That's...'' The girl appeared hesitant. ''...we're going to have to fight shadows again?''
''Afraid so.'' Morgana returned. ''The Metaverse has plenty of them.''
Ann thought it over ''...All right, I'm in too. If I stay out now, I'll go back to the way I was before all this started. I don't want that to happen. Besides, it did feel really good to learn how effective our work was.''
''Brilliant!'' Morgana smiled. ''Then, it means...wait...'' The teens appeared surprised at the sudden pause. ''...Namine, are you sure?'' The girl gave him a quizzical look.
''Hey, I thought you'd like this. How come you're just asking her anyway?'' Ryuji inquired.
''It's just...after what happened yesterday...''
Ann looked between the two, not missing Namine's face change as she understood. ''What happened?''
''Well...we might as well explain...'' Namine looked back at them.
''Whoa...''
''For real?''
Ann and Ryuji exchanged stunned looks as they listened to the story Namine had told their feline companion the previous day. To say they were amazed would be an understatement.
They knew Namine was brave but that was nothing short of incredible.
''You actually did all that? Wow, Namine...'' Ryuji trailed off.
The girl laughed weakly ''It's not really all that...I was barely even thinking when it started...''
''Don't just try to downplay it, you're a hero!'' Ann said firmly. ''I don't get it. You helped save those people and they still believed that stupid charge?''
''And it doesn't add up, you were in a coma all this time-you'd need plenty of time to recover your strength after that.'' Ryuji added.
Morgana scoffed ''Tell me about it, it's like they basically decided she was guilty all along.''
''Okay...now I get what the cat's worrying about. You sure you're okay with this? You don't have to agree.'' Ryuji informed.
Namine couldn't help smiling, thinking that it was really nice of them to consider her feelings. ''It's fine, you guys. Really. I know it wouldn't be the same as those low lives...we actually did plenty of good. I made my choice and I don't regret it. I don't want to back away from something I know is wrong. We have the power to make a difference and I think it should be put to good use.''
''Well said!'' Morgana stated, seeming relieved. ''So I guess this settles it then. We're an official group from now on.''
Ann nodded, smiling ''But...what should our team's name be?''
''Why don't we just stick to the Phantom Thieves of Hearts? Straight and to the point.'' Namine suggested.
''Yeah, I like it. Let's go with that.'' Ryuji agreed, with their companions nodding a moment later. ''So then, I know Morgana's guiding us and all but that's not really the same as being leader...''
''Nah, it isn't.'' The cat conceded. ''But that's why I think it should be Namine.''
''Wait, me?'' The girl let out, surprised.
''Yeah, why not?'' Ann grinned at her. ''We've been relying on you a lot anyway.''
''I'm no good with that kind of stuff, besides I know we can count on you.'' Ryuji chipped in.
''Yeah, you took charge a number of times and led us well. Besides, you've got those handy abilities too. You're definitely the best choice for leader.'' Morgana added.
''Well...okay, if you all think so.'' Namine returned and they nodded back.
''It's decided then. From here on out, we'll be the Phantom Thieves.'' Ann declared.
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Fool Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...
All right, let's stop here.
There we have it, the formation of the Phantom Thieves. I actually thought of forming the confidant a bit later with more of the members joining up but this feels like the best time to start it. I really like the idea of the entire team being the Fool Arcana so I'm going with it.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot, Rank 2)
Morgana (Magician, Rank 2)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)
Takemi Tae (Death, Rank 1)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers, Rank 1)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool, Rank 1)