Morgana had the right idea in suggesting Leblanc as it was empty. This allowed the group to make their way quickly to Namine's room...
''We totally pulled it off!'' Ryuji enthused as they gathered around the couch and the treasure. ''I can't wait till Kaneshiro comes clean.''
''It might be a while though, don't hold your breath.'' Morgana cautioned
Makoto looked curious ''I think you did mention this before but how are you sure?''
''The change of heart doesn't happen at once. What we do in the Metaverse needs time to take full effect.'' The cat explained. ''Going from previous experience, there's a chance Kaneshiro will come clean in the deadline he set for us.''
Ann blinked ''Hey, you're right! Madarame confessed at that conference and Kamoshida did at the rally...so Kaneshiro will have the change of heart on July ninth?''
''Most likely. I think it depends on the person and what they did too. too.''
''Oh, come on...'' The two looked at Ryuji, who was standing with Namine and Yusuke as they kept trying to open the briefcase they picked up in the Palace.
''No luck, huh?'' Morgana tilted his head.
''None...it's sealed by a rotary lock. We'll need the combination to open it.'' Yusuke replied.
Makoto eyed the item closely ''Let me try...'' She fiddled with the item a bit, succesfully taking care of the lock then.
''How'd you get it?'' Namine wanted to know.
''I simply memorized the combination. I saw him open and close it so many times after all.''
''W-well, that's scary...but amazin' too!'' Ryuji exclaimed before opening the case, revealing it to be loaded with stacks of money. ''Daaaamn! H-how much is that?!''
''I believe one stack is a million yen.'' Yusuke stated after examining it.
Ann's eyes widened ''One...but there's thirty in this?!''
''Thirty million yen...even after splitting it...we still get five million each...'' Makoto noted.
''Whoa...'' Namine trailed off.
''Holy shit...'' Ryuji smiled. ''...it's gonna be deluxe pork soup combo from now on!''
''You have to think bigger! Using it on just food is such a waste.'' Ann returned.
He blinked ''What, you got your own plans already?''
The girl made to respond but then Yusuke spoke ''I'd hate to bring down the mood but something about this money isn't right.''
Makoto raised an eye and picked up a stack, understanding moments later ''Wait, he's right...look, it's children's bank money.''
''What?!'' The two blondes cried.
''I don't get it...Kaneshiro was just protecting a fake this whole time?'' Namine wondered.
''Seems like it.'' Yusuke stated.
''Nooo!'' Ryuji wailed, Ann looking rather put out as well.
Morgana examined the case. ''...I think we may be able to sell the briefcase for our reward. Looks like it made from solid gold.''
Ann and Ryuji were greatly relieved by this ''That's great news!'' The former beamed.
Makoto nodded a little ''Well then, it's settled...''
Yusuke had a thought ''By the way, Morgana, have any of your memories returned?''
The cat grimaced ''No, not at all...''
''What, still?'' Ryuji cocked his head, the cat's eyes glanced down for a moment but he didn't respond.
''Morgana has amnesia?'' Makoto clarified.
''Something like that, he does remember looking for treasures though.'' Ann offered.
''Hm...I hope your memories return soon.'' The brunette told the cat.
Namine patted his head ''It can't be easy but just wait, okay? You'll figure it out, we'll help.''
''I know...'' Morgana returned. ''...I can't help but think about what Kaneshiro said.''
''About that criminal right?'' Ann guessed correctly.
''That's bothering me as well, he even hired that person to make use of a mental shutdown.'' Yusuke frowned.
''Exactly...it all makes me wonder who the criminal could be. Kaneshiro made it clear that this guy's powerful. It all sounds like he has a lot of experience with the Metaverse...''
Makoto thought that over ''Going by what we heard back there, you make a good point.''
Ryuji decided to move things along ''No point mullin' it over now. Let's wait and see how Kaneshiro's change of heart goes first. We should prolly just lay low for a while.''
''I never thought I'd hear those words coming from you.'' Makoto said with amusement.
''It's a good idea though. Let's go with that.'' Namine chipped in.
With that settled, the group hung out for a bit before going there seperate ways as it was getting late. Namine and Morgana had also prepared to turn in for the night...
''Morgana?''
The cat blinked and looked up in time to find Namine sitting next to him. ''What's wrong? You've been really quiet...''
''I've got a lot on my mind, I guess.'' Morgana replied. ''I know it's best not to dwell on stuff but it's also hard not to think about think about things like my memories. But if only it were that...it's like you and Lady Ann were saying back in school, the whole reason we became phantom thieves is that we decided to help people when no one else would. Our targets were all evil...They hurt and exploited others just to satisfy their desires...Still, there were people around who noticed their terrible deeds, right? I wonder why they turned a blind eye. Why doesn't anyone help?''
''I wondered about that myself.'' The burgundy haired girl sighed ''What with us trying to get info from the students before and all...I guess they just think it's the easy way out. It seems apathetic but I'd have to say they're all too scared.''
''So it's because they don't have the courage.'' Morgana frowned. ''Humans...are so weak. Namine, do you think I'll really be able to become a human?...I really may not be human.''
Namine gave him a quizzical look. He had always been so sure that he would get his old form back, when did that change? ''It's the first time I hear that. Where'd it come from?''
''See, back when I touched that treasure...'' The feline hesitated. ''...it's like I remembered but...I'm also not sure...''
''Huh, I guess the fact that we were in such a hurry doesn't help...'' Namine stopped to think. ''...well, I know I said that before but try to be patient. It's normal to think on stuff like this but too much isn't good for you. For what it's worth, I think you're human.''
''Really?'' The cat considered. ''I guess so...I gotta be! After all, I am the core of the Phantom Thieves.''
Namine laughed a bit ''See, there's that old confidence.''
''Hehe, true.'' Morgana sat back. ''Thanks! Come on, it's not good for you to stay up this late. Let's go to sleep.''
Namine hadn't quite realized that she had fallen asleep until she found herself in the Velvet Room later that night.
''There you are, Inmate. Our master wishes to speak with you. Heed his words!'' Caroline commanded.
Igor chuckled ''You've defeated the repulsive fiend of gluttony this time, well done. I am glad to see that you have heeded our advice. You continue to grow, Trickster.''
''You are not worthy of such kind words, Inmate...I suggest you treasure them.'' Justine advised.
The girl didn't think the words were particularly kind but she decided to ignore the thought in favor of something more important. ''...I know you said our paths could cross with that criminal...It looks like he's still going about in the Metaverse and I find it hard to believe that Kaneshiro was the only one who hired him.''
''I concur; he is another with powers that could very well match yours. If you are to complete your rehabilitation, you may encounter him eventually...'' Igor returned. ''I shall grant you the ability to wield more Personas. Consider it a gift. We cannot say much for certain about this criminal but you had best be on your guard.''
''Right, thanks...''
The next morning...
''So now it's back to regular old life.'' Morgana remarked.
''Of course by that you mean the closest thing we can get to it.''
Namine's addition had him snickering as they headed out ''True...''
The group got together during lunch at Shujin, which was when everyone learned that Makoto had been contacted by Kaneshiro. Apparently, not only had he deleted the pictures and handed himself in. He was taken into custody by Sae's team. Since he was a part of the mafia, his confession was easily likely to get him killed.
''Does this mean he'll come clean soon?'' Ryuji wondered.
''Doubtful.'' Makoto replied. ''I'd say the police would be really interrogating him. He'll have a lot to say.''
''That's for sure.'' Namine nodded. ''Well, confession or not, it's nice to know that this is really over.''
"By the way, I heard you mentioning it in passing but what exactly is Mementos?" Makoto inquired.
"The Palace of the general public." Morgana gave her a brief description of the place. "There's a lot we don't know about it but it's looking to me like we're able to progress the more people hear about us. So it seems influenced by our perception in the eyes of the populace."
The brunette was intrigued "I suppose that would make sense, if people's cognition has such an influence on it. The Metaverse keeps getting stranger..."
"You have no idea, that place is nuts. Wait till you get a good look at it..." Ryuji shook his head
''Anyway, we can really put everything behind us now!'' Ann smiled. ''So I was wondering...I know we'll get to the party once Kaneshiro comes out with the truth but where would you like to celebrate our success, girls?''
The two shared a glance as they began to think that over. Ryuji spoke, his eyes narrowing a little ''Hey, come you're just askin' them?''
Ann gave him a dry look ''Considering what you said yesterday, it didn't sound like you had much of a clue. I mean, come on, using your share for some ramen?''
''I didn't say we should celebrate with that! It was just an idea...''
''Well, let's hear it then.'' She teased.
He grunted ''At least I'll have a better thing; you probably just want to go for a buffet!''
Morgana rolled his eyes as they watched the two squabble ''Good grief...the worst part is, I get the feeling they're both right.''
''Well, I guess they do know each other that well.'' Makoto remarked while Namine seemed amused. "But speaking of which, I was wondering...what do you think about donating to a charity?"
Seeing she had their attention, she carried on "The idea came to me last night. I know you've helped many people so far but I think this is a good way to keep going. It's another means to make a difference."
"That's a great idea!" Namine smiled, Ann and Morgana nodding as well.
"Yeah, I'm all for that!" Ryuji blinked "Uh, only how do we go about it exactly?"
"Don't worry about that, I know what to do..." The brunette started to explain.
After school, Namine went to the movies to meet with Yusuke at his request and waited for the boy to arrive...
''So he's trying to reinvent himself...'' Morgana concluded when his companion told him about the situation with the artist. ''...that would be understandable. Does coming here help?''
''Well, he thinks it does, I guess...'' Namine trailed off upon noticing Yusuke making his way through the crowd before she began to wave him over. ''...hey, over here!'
''Hello, you two. My apologies, I got off my train one startion early to save money but it must have made me late.''
''Don't worry, let's go.'' Namine returned.
''...Talk about over the top...'' Morgana remarked as they kept watching the movie. ''...sheesh, a few of those characters really need to ease up.''
''I think that has to do with what the movie maker's getting at...'' Namine trailed off. ''...at least Yusuke's definitely into it.''
The feline blinked ''You said it. I can't see why he would though.''
The movie ended after a while and everyone cleared out of the hall. Yusuke proved that he really had been enjoying himself quickly ''The amount of artistry and effort they put into the stage set...it's truly astounding! Oh, forgive me. I can't help but focus more on the visual aspect than the storyline.''
That cleared things up for Morgana ''Now that explains it...''
''Hey, it's fine. That sounds like something you'd do.'' Namine waved it off.
''Thanks. Well, I already understand that you're not the type to feel offended by such matters. Thank you for today. The time we spent together felt worthwhile. Well, let's head home.''
''So this is what you were up to, huh?''
Namine started at Sojiro's voice, turning around to him watching from the kitchen's entrance. ''I wondered what you bought all that stuff for.'' He glanced at the cookbook she had opened on one side before his eyes fell on the mixing bowl in her hold. ''You're interested in cooking?''
''Kind of. I know basic stuff-but saw this book from when I was working in the supermarket and I figured I could try...''
''Nothing wrong with that.'' He thought this was a good use for her time. ''Everyone's gotta start somewhere, so how's this going?''
''I think it's okay...do you want a taste after I'm done, Boss?''
His lips twitched ''Sure, why not? Might as well find out the end result.''
A couple of days later...
Makoto had arrived in Leblanc, looking to talk to Namine and asked her to go for a walk together.
''So what's up?'' Namine inquired.
''I guess you can say I've been thinking about many things lately...'' Makoto started. ''...After all that's happened, I couldn't help but wonder...awakening to Johanna was a real eye-opener. I believe I've been handling my position as student council president with ease as well. N-not that I mean to boast, but it's just how I thought about it.''
''Thought, like past tense?'' Namine clarified.
''Right, but in the end...Ann was right. I couldn't make any impact with Suzui-san or Kaneshiro...or even with you.'' The girl stated. ''Looking back, I just stood back and did nothing...if you hadn't been there. I don't even want to think how poor Suzui-san would've ended up. It still irritates me that the teachers just seemed to push this aside...but yet I did nothing.'' She lowered her head. ''Then what I did with you...there's no excuse. I knew the school was wrong to treat you like this-especially after pushing the rooftop incindent aside but like with Kamoshdia, I told myself that I was powerless. Turns out there's no use for a rule abiding honor student when things get rough.''
''I wouldn't go that far...'' Namine started. To be fair, things were bad before but still... ''...you really did help us out before, you're changing now.''
''I would hope so but thank you for the kind words...'' Makoto's expression turned determined. ''...now that I'm a member of this team, I want to do everything in my power to help you all. All my studying up to this point, has kept me narrow minded. I think...I need to broaden my horizons somewhat.''
''There you go.''
Makoto blinked, giving her a quizzical look.
''That's what I meant before. I know how you feel, awakening to Arsene changed my perspective too. This is something I noticed a while after we started going into the Metaverse. You know something isn't right, that there's something you can't accept, so you want that to stop. Realizing the issue is the first step to changing, at least that's how I feel about it. Our Personas helped us start on that track.''
''...You do have a point.'' Makoto's lips twitched. ''That's quite the point of view. My first step will be to learn more about the other students. But...I still struggle with that...There seems to be a disparity between my tastes and those of my peers.''
''Well, everyone has different tastes but I don't think yours is that off.'' The latter returned honestly.
''I wonder...it's just that I don't even know where people to go for fun...It would be nice to have a grasp of such concepts. Plus the student council must be responsible for understanding the students they serve, right?'' Makoto suddenly started. ''I-I don't mean that in a surveillance way. I just want to know them as people!''
''Yeah, I get it.'' Namine assured. ''So how do you want to go about that?''
''Well, I'm working on that. I may be a Phantom Thief but that's no excuse for me to start ignoring my presidential duties.'' Makoto paused. ''So where do people usually go for fun?''
''Well...'' Namine paused to think. ''...there's the cinema and maybe the arcade. Though I guess we can count places like the planetarium and Inokashira park too.''
''Huh...my friends did take me to a couple of those before...'' Makoto trailed off. ''...If possible, I'd like to go somewhere new. Actually, how about the arcade? I've never been to one. Would you come with me? I can't say if it will broaden my horizons but simply studying won't get me anywhere.''
''Sounds good.''
''Thank goodness...I think I would have been totally lost in there had I gone by myself.'' She admitted. ''Let's get going.''
''So this is where everyone comes to enjoy themselves. There's more girls here then I thought.'' Makoto remarked, looking around the crowded place. ''Hey...you play this by aiming the gun at the screen, right? That actually seems somewhat realistic.''
Namine half-smiled ''If this surprises you, you're really not one for games, huh?''
''No, I suppose not.'' She said ruefully. ''I take it this is normal, then?''
''Mmhm, you want to try?''
Makoto stiffened ''I-if it's okay...''
''Yup, go for it! I'll teach you if you want.'' Namine offered.
''That'd be great.'' Makoto said gratefully.
''You were really into that.'' Namine remarked. The girl kept acting as if everything in the game was happening for real, she had totally immersed herself. It was rather amusing.
Makoto chuckled ''True...I almost forgot myself. I wonder if we could use these techniques in battle.''
''Well, with the way the Metaverse is, why not?''
''Very true. Perhaps going somewhere I don't normally frequent gave me that idea.'' Makoto mused. ''You know, it may only be a little bit, but I think I'm starting to understand how people pass time. Interesting...I never would've thought of coming here before.''
''That was an interesting side you showed. Never knew you had it in you.'' Namine said with a bit of a smirk.
''Honestly, neither did I...'' She smiled. ''...Hey, do you think can help me out again later? I might be able to give the team more ideas if I can gain increased knowledge outside of my studies.''
''Looking forward to it.'' Namine returned.
''I need to live up to your expectations now that I've taken up your time. Perhaps it won't be immediately but I'm sure I can be of use.''
''Now don't go talking like that. Bad starts aside, we're friends now. We're glad to have you along, okay? No one's going to think you're useless.''
Makoto's smile returned ''Thank you, Namine.''
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 Priestess Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...
Later on, Namine went to meet Takemi, learning that the young woman had called her over to help out around the clinic and to run a test.
''You're getting some turnout, Takemi-sensei.'' She commented.
''Tell me about it.'' Takemi agreed. ''I'm not even sure how but it looks like the word about the girl and her dad really spread.''
''Well, they must be glad to know the rumors are wrong.''
''Or maybe it's the other way around.'' Takemi countered, smirking at the pointed look Namine gave her. ''It's only true, kid. Anyway...''
The doctor paused as her phone rang before she answered it. ''...Hello. Doctor Takemi's Clinic of Internal Medicine.'' Her eyes widened. ''...What? Again? That's, well...that ship's already sailed so...'' She hung up and sighed. ''...what a pain.''
Namine tilted her head a little ''What's wrong?''
''That little girl's dad has been bringing her here to be treated, even though I referred them to a better hospital. I even told them about the medical error I made...''
''Is that strange? Sounds like they trust you.'' Namine stated.
''I'm just a quack though...The medical error was well documented. Everyone in my field knows about it. I led the development of a new drug for an incurable illness called Crawford Ende's disease.''
''Is this why those people in the hospital blamed you? You didn't want to use it though.'' The girl noted with a troubled look.
''They don't see it that way, kid. The medicine was the cause of the error, which makes it my responsibility.''
Namine was curious ''How's that?''
''With Crawford Ende's, certain cells indiscriminately attack other cells throughout the body. When it reaches the muscles, the patient slowly begins to die. There hasn't been much progress made on it-partly because there haven't been many cases of it.'' Takemi paused. ''I worked with a pharmaceutical company that had reached the final stage of the production but...One day, I was suddenly removed from my position. That Chief of Staff Oyamada, my superior at the time took over the entire operation. I don't know if he wanted the glory of developing a new drug or to become rich and famous but...'' Her eyes narrowed. ''...I was careful because I know how bad a mistake here can be. The last patient in that hospital with the disease died...Oyamada made careless mistakes and rushed completion so he could use it on a patient named Miwa.''
''But then you were the scapegoat!'' Namine stated.
''Effectively...Miwa-chan had a reaction and lapsed into critical condition. The chief panicked and laid the blame on me.'' She looked down. ''Miwa-chan and her family resented me. No matter what I said, I couldn't change how they felt about me...Either way, the development was stopped so I had no reason to stay at that hospital. At least now I can keep working as a general practitioner on my own terms...''
''It's not too late though. You haven't given up, right?''
''Yeah...I'm almost there. I reached the final stage in the new medicine. It searches for the attacking cells and destroys them. That's why it's harmless for people who don't have the disease...probably. Nothing is guaranteed in life after all. Don't worry, it doesn't harm any un-infected cells.'' Takemi stated. ''Remember that test we had? And the medicine I gave you the other day? It's a variant to boost health.''
''The one you wanted to me try? Wait, don't tell me...''
''Yeah, I did say it would be good for you in the long run. No sense in messing you up after what I've done to get your health to improve...I'm inching closer to the finish line but I need your help to get there.''
''Well, I don't know what I can do there but I'll try.'' Namine assured.
Takemi looked satisfied. ''That's all I ask. In exchange, I'll offer my medicine at a special price. I'm counting on you, kid.''
Ann sighed ''Good grief...''
Namine patted her shoulder ''Well, there's always next time.''
''I guess so...'' The blonde had gone with Namine to one of her favorite shops upon hearing the news of a sale but she hadn't found one article of clothing that she liked. ''...no wonder they had such a big sale. It's a wonder people would buy any of that stuff otherwise.''
''Well, you never know with people...''
''True...'' Ann agreed. ''...anyway, I don't feel like going home just yet. You wanna go the Planetarium? I've been meaning to for a while.'' She perked up when her friend nodded. ''All right, come on!''
Ann smiled as they took their seats, both girls staring up at the somewhat luminous ceiling of the hall. ''Wow...I never thought it would be so amazing...I'm a little nervous from how dark it is though. Doesn't think make you think of random stuff?''
''Like what?'' Namine asked with a curious look.
''Like once the show begins, our chairs will turn into rockets and we'll get launched into space...And then we'll wind up on the moon...that would never happen, right?''
''Yeah, not likely.'' The girl returned. ''But I get why it's easy for imagination to wander here. I mean just look at it...''
''Yeah, it's like we're actually in space! We can't usually see the stars in Tokyo, so it's hard to believe this stuff even really exists...Oh, a shooting star!'' Ann paused. ''Wanna make a wish, Namine?''
''Why not...'' The girl blinked. ''...wait, but there's so many, like a meteor shower. It's so pretty!''
''No kidding...'' Ann trailed off. ''...even here, I'm happy seeing a shooting star. You know, I don't think I've looked at the night sky like this since I was a little girl. Have you?''
''Yeah, sometimes, I like it.'' The girl returned. ''It's sure been a while though.''
''Maybe we can try looking for shooting stars from my balcony sometimes.'' Ann suggested.
''Sounds nice.''
Ann beamed ''Thanks for today, it was way more exciting than I expected. Let's come back here together, OK?''
''Okay.'' Namine returned, smiling back.
Well, let's cut off here.
I hope this was good. A little short, I guess but I wanted this to be a follow up for the previous chapter. I'm just spreading some light-hearted stuff here and there after all the intensity of the Palace, you know? Next we'll have some more light and fun stuff and the setting up for the surprise I've had in store. I've got the plans ready so it should be soon. Plot wise, I'm in the middle of the next arc.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 7)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 6)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 4)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 3)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 4)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 3)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 4)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 2)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 2)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 3)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 1)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 1)