''You know, I really do like this place...'' Namine and Shiho around Inokashira park.
''So do I.'' Equally content as her friend, Shiho enjoyed the pleasant weather. ''We used to come every once in a while but now I'm glad to do it some more.''
''I hear that...so how've you been?''
''Good, thanks...You know how I said I was still unsure about the school issue? Well, Mom thinks it would be good for me to transfer.'' Shiho admitted. ''For a fresh start and all...I'm beginning to think she's right. I can't look at Shujin the same way again.''
''Well, I can't blame you...'' Namine figured that part of the problem was that Kamoshida caused quite enough damage to be going around with for her friend and all the other victims. It only made sense after enduring it for so long. ''...so did you decide on a school?''
Shiho shook her head ''Not yet...she knows a few people at some places and they might be able to help out there. It's a work in progress but...well, we are making some steps forward.''
''There you go, I think you just need some more of that positive thinking and you'll be okay.''
Shiho giggled ''I guess so...''
The two passed near the river, noticing a few people gathering near the boats. Namine looked curious ''Those boats seem like a big deal.''
''Yeah, people like to ride them across the river...though they say that if couples ride them, they're fated to break up.'' Shiho recalled.
''That just sounds silly.'' Namine stated. ''Though I guess it isn't too surprising as people tend to believe what they want...''
Shiho nodded, raising an eye when the girl stopped ''What is it?''
''Is that...'' The burgundy haired girl's attention was on a spot near the river where she saw a familiar figure. ''...hey, Yusuke!''
The artist raised an eye and looked back, surprise settling on his face when he noticed them. He walked over to meet the girls ''Hello, so you did receive my text after all, Namine?''
''Text?'' This prompted the girl to check her phone, finding that he actually did send her a message. ''Ah, that must've been when we were on our way. Sorry, I didn't hear it over with all the noise in the streets.''
''That's all right, who is your friend?''
''Oh...'' Namine proceeded to introduce the two, leaving Yusuke curious.
''Ah, I heard about you from Ann. It's a pleasure.''
Shiho smiled ''Likewise. She told me about you too. Did you really ask her to be your model out of the blue like that?''
''Yes, though I couldn't finish the piece. It would've been a first as I never attempted a nude painting.'' Yusuke recalled.
''Nude?!'' Shiho looked at Namine for help, clearly thrown for a loop.
The girl just sighed ''He was completely turned down and for good reason. It's not about to change. Though, judging by that canvas, did you find another subject?''
''I think I have one.'' Yusuke looked back at the boats, gesturing at a particular one, which was being rowed by a man with a woman sitting opposite him. ''My previous painting was rather limited in perspective. That's why I couldn't paint a truly authentic representation of the heart's desires. I would like to paint the aspect of the burning passion between man and woman, so the theme will be the wonders of love. Just looking at them makes me think of Adam and Eve. I shall preserve their love so that generations may bask in its glory.''
''Erm, Kitagawa-kun?'' Shiho spoke up. ''I hate to ruin your mood now but I think you have the wrong idea. I heard those two talking on our way, they're brother and sister. That...doesn't really sound like the love you were talking about.''
''Oh yeah, so maybe that's why they were arguing...'' Namine trailed off.
Yusuke looked disappointed ''So that overflowing passion was just a figment of my imagination? It seems my bias has caused me to overlook the truth of the matter...''
''Did you want to paint that badly?'' Shiho asked curiously.
''He's trying to get past a slump.'' Namine offered. ''So this is just his attempt to find inspiration.''
''I see. I hope you pull it off.'' She told Yusuke.
''So do I, it's the same as your situation, a work in progress. This was just a misunderstanding but that doesn't mean you can't make it work. You'll figure it out.'' Namine added.
''Thank you both, art is very important to me. I simply cannot give up now.'' Yusuke said firmly.
''You really are passionate about art...that's nice.'' Shiho wondered what it would be like to have something to care about that strongly. At one point, it might have been volley ball for her but while she did enjoy the sport, she doubted it was the same thing.
''Well, how about we go see if we can find another subject for you?'' Namine suggested.
''I think it sounds like a good idea.'' Shiho offered.
''You wouldn't mind? Thank you, I'll take you up on that.'' Yusuke smiled.
Later, Namine went to meet with Yoshida who had informed her that he was about to go for another speech...
She was inwardly relieved that people seemed more inclined to hear the politician out this time. There was certainly far less trouble than before.
''Acting not in self interest but for the greater good...that is the mindset we politicians must instill in our constituents!'' Yoshida addressed the observers.
''Okay, we're set.''
Namine raised an eye at the unfamiliar voice and looked over, stopping when she saw two men, one holding a camera neaby.
''Okay, we should be be able to get a lot of interesting footage. It IS No Good Tora after all.''
This made her wonder if she should stop Yoshida to warn him but as she observed the man, it was clear that he had noticed them and he still continued.
She would wait for now but if he needed any help, she would step in.
''Advocate an overly optimistic policy, only to reel in voters during the election session...That's how No Good Tora though and operated 20 years ago, making unacheievable pledges.'' Yoshida went on.
''Hm, this isn't how I saw this going...'' One of them said.
''If you make a promise, you must keep it. If you make a mistake, you must atone for it. These are the basic principles that we have learned from the youngest of ages...''
''Boring.'' The director stated.
The cameraman looked curious ''He's making some pretty good points, don't you think?''
''That's why it 's all useless! Jeez, let's go!''
Namine sighed in relief when they left...
''It seems like they only wanted to get some footage of the old No Good Tora. Very disrespectful. However, I've been distancing myself from that. Do you think I've regained my confidence?'' Yoshida inquired.
''Sure sounds like it. You were on fire out there!'' Namine assured.
''Well, I must have if you think so.'' Yoshida smiled. ''However, I will never forget the disgrace I suffered as No Good Tora...Can I tell you a story?'' When Namine nodded, he continued ''I mentioned this before but 20 years ago I was lucky enough to become a Diet member. However, I wanted to be a politican for all the wrong reasons. I wanted to be in a position of power and I was obssessed with the glamourous lifestyle. I thought only of being poplular. I truly was No Good Tora. Learn from me. Don't concentrate on one facet of life and rule everything else out. That applies to all goals as well. Do your best, but do it the right way. Voters are much more sensible than we give them credit for. Being ambitious and striving to advance in the world will change your outlook on life.''
The girl nodded back, making sure to commit the words to memory. For any of his faults, Yoshida was a kind man with plenty of experience and she wanted to heed his wisdom.
A man approached them ''You've given some good speeches, Mr. Yoshida. I can't believe you lost the last two elections.''
''You're...'' She noticed recognition on Yoshida's face at the sight of the man. Kuramoto-san's grandson?''
''Yes, my name is Benzo.''
Yoshida arched an eye ''Does he know that you're here speaking with me?''
''I'm aware that you and my grandfather are on bad terms but that doesn't concern me.'' Benzo looked at Namine. ''I take it she's your secretary? I heard she's been helping out a lot lately.''
''You know about her?'' Yoshida clarified, Namine looked like she was wondering the same thing.
''Yes. My grandfather was recently hopsitalized and you've becom the topic of our conversations. I'd like to talk with you again sometime. I learned lot from your speech today.'' He left.
''So he spoke of me...?'' Yoshida's phone rang and he looked at it. ''Sorry, I have to take care of some buisness. Let's wrap this up for today.''
''Okay, good luck.''
''Thank you, I wish you the same."
Namine went to meet Ohya at Crossroads in preparation to follow up on their deal..
The reporter nodded a few times as Namine finished answering her question ''I see...A bulletin board, huh...? So the Calling Card they used for Kamoshida was different. Now that's a scoop. That kind of information usually doesn't see the light of day. You have any photos or videos of it?''
''No videos but...here.'' Namine displayed a picture on her phone.
''Nice! You really are well informed.'' She chuckled. ''But seriously, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts? They sound like kids on a playground, not valiant fighters for society. I mean, they act all high and mighty but I'm not sure they're really worth much in the end.''
''Worth...?'' What did she mean by that?''
''You don't mean you think they're actually virtous?'' Ohya looked incredulous. ''Kid, in my line of work, there's no clearer sign of deception than goodwill. You know, like the shady actions of a charitable organization so the actual criteria of a peace prize. Same goes for the Phantom Thieves. You just have to learn to take somethings with a grain of salt.''
Namine could think of one thing to say here ''That's...really cynical.''
''Isn't it? Come on, don't be such a downer.'' Lala added, walking over
''Why? It's the truth.'' Ohya returned.
The woman sighed ''There you go again. You used to be so positive...''
Namine blinked, she did? What happened to change that?
''Oh, shut it! I don't care about the past!'' Ohya scowled. ''...Gimme some sushi.''
Lala shook her head ''We're all out...Hey, why don't you go back to covering politics?''
The latter looked irked ''No can do. I've been permanently reassigned to the culture and entertainment department.''
The bartender sighed ''What a crappy company...I mean it's already been over a year since the incident.'' At Namine's clear confused look, she added. ''Oh, by that I mean...''
''Don't say another word. That has nothing to do with my source.'' Ohya cut in
''Right, sorry...'' Lala returned.
''Urgh, dammit! I'm already sobering up. Gimme a refill, Lala-chan!''
''You're such a child sometimes...'' Lala said, exasperated.
''Hey, you wanna drink? You can have some of mine if you want.'' Ohya offered.
''No thanks.'' Namine replied.
Lala pointedly cleared her throat ''At least one of you is sensible.''
''That's some scowl you've got. Anyway, why are you coming to a bar if you can't even drink alcohol?''
''Weren't you the one who asked me to come?'' Namine was beginning to wonder how drunk the journalist was now.
''Haha, that's right! You're a true believer in the Phantom Thieves. Well, at least I know you're gonna be pretty useful. I'm not all that interested in the Phantom Thieves myself, but keep the info coming, all right?'' Ohya grinned.
A couple of days later, in Shujin's courtyard...
''So, Ryuji's off to find out more about those requests?'' Makoto clarified.
''Yup, he got all excited when he knew we were making plans to go to Mementos.'' Ann replied. ''I told him it won't be that easy and a lot of what we heard is still up in the air but he just won't listen. We're just sorting things and I'll fill Yusuke in about his later. I figure it's just better to let Ryuji work the excitement out of his system.''
''I see what you mean. Does this mean you can even get a request just by following up on rumors?''
''Well, we haven't yet. But there's no reason it can't happen. It did turn out that people knew about our targets before, like that bully we had to deal with. Even now, Mishima-kun told me a bunch of students know about the guy we've been asked to stop.'' Namine explained.
The older girl nodded in understanding ''And that's the request we have the most information about...''
Namine nodded back ''Mishima-kun helps us get some info about those from time to time. It's just complicated...you know, people aren't always willing to talk.''
''That's true...'' The brunette began to think. ''...so let's what we know about this man. His name was Uchimura, correct?''
''Yeah, we got the word that he's abusing his girlfriend.'' Morgana paused. ''Actually, weren't you going to say something about it before Ryuji took off, Lady Ann?''
''Yup, it made me remember something I heard. There were a couple of girls talking near class the other day about this. It looks like the guy's girlfriend is related to one of them. They were trying to figure out how to help her so they went to a fortune teller in Shinjuku for advice. But it sounded like they only got bad news. I don't really know them though and I'm not sure what class they're in either.''
''We can try asking that fortune teller though.'' The feline suggested.
''That seems to be for the best.'' Makoto agreed.
Namine nodded ''Then we'll go to Mementos once we know enough to figure this out.''
''Right. I hope we can get some more information, I don't want to let this continue.'' Ann stated.
''None of us do, let's just try see what we can get from her first.''
Namine and Morgana headed over after school. It took some asking around but it was simple to find the fortune teller as she seemed to be quite renowned around these parts.
Morgana blinked twice, staring at the blond woman sitting at a desk. ''Wait, isn't that the same lady we met back when we came to talk to the reporter?''
''Oh, you're right...'' Namine thought back. ''...she even said something Ryuji having trouble and even that turned out true real fast. Well, let's go find out about her predictions...''
''Hello there.'' The woman greeted when they approached her. ''Please take a seat, have you come to request a reading?''
''Actually, no...'' Namine gave her a brief rundown about the reason.
The woman nodded in understanding ''I see, so you heard about that and wanted to see for yourself. Well, I can tell you that it's true. I'm afraid that I only saw darkness in that woman's future, she's going to get really hurt.''
''But there's got to be some way to help.'' Namine bit her lip, seeming troubled.
''I'm afraid there's only one and even then...the cards have shown me the way and I have never been wrong.'' The fortune teller stated. ''I heard of this man before, Uchimura Yuya had quite the bit of nasty reputation. A couple of my customers had trouble with him but the word was he turned a new leaf. It would seem that was false.''
''I'll say...'' The girl made a mental note of the name, knowing they had been right to come here. ''...so-ah...'' She blinked, remembering that she didn't know the woman's name.
The fortune teller seemed to catch on because she gave a sheepish look ''Oh, I'm sorry-I should've introduced myself. My name is Mifune Chihaya. What's yours?''
''Hyakuya Namine.''
''That's a nice name. Back to our subject, I advised those girls to come and see me to get a Holy Stone. It's a special charm that grants the owner protection.'' Chihaya informed. ''I sell one for a 100,000 yen. They were a little skeptic but that woman's cousin said she would look into getting the required money. I believe it should be what that woman needs.''
The two present Phantom Thieves could completely understand how the girls felt. How would something like that help? Both unknowingly had the same thought of the stone being too expensive. It all seemed like a sketchy deal.
At least they now had what they need to face their requested target's Shadow.
Chihaya moved things along ''By the way since you're here now, could I interest you in a consultation?'' The girl looked puzzled but Chihaya had no problem explaining ''I can start a reading to test the waters of your fate, how about it?''
Namine didn't believe in fate but she was curious to see what would come of this. ''Sure, why not?''
''Yes, I've seen everything. A stream of light obscuring the sun...like an arrow tearing through the sky...'' Chihaya mused. ''...There seems to be new wealth in your future. Your financial fortune is looking good today. This wealth of which I speak will come...from your house. Head home with no detours, and precisely five thousand yen will await you there!''
Namine tilted her head ''Are you sure?''
''Yes, I only speak of what I saw. Fate is absolute!'' She paused. ''But...what is this? How strange, Hyakuya-san, the general flow of your future seems to indicate Loss, Sadness...Ruin...? And an inmate, locked away in a lonely cell...''
Morgana was left confused but the words were falling in place for Namine. One place immediately came to her mind, the Velvet Room.
Chihaya went on ''You seem to be a good person, Hyakuya-san, but are you perhaps mixed up with the wrong crowd? My...It seems...continuing on your current path will lead to your death.''
Namine frowned ''Sorry but this is a little too much for me to believe...''
''I understand...If the divination is coming to me this clearly, the truth of it is simply undeniable. Though now that I think about it, there may be a way you can attempt to counteract your destiny...All you need...'' Chihaya took out a vivid blue stone in a box. ''...is this the holy stone! With its power in your control, you can avoid even the most unfortunate of futures...probably!''
The girl sweatdropped while Morgana snorted, if there was any proof that this whole thing was a sham...
''I typically only recommend this to my more experienced customers, but your situation is too dire to ignore. You see the stone itself is imbued with an aura of job that will sap away all the horrible energy surrounding you. All you need to do is keep it wrapped up in a cloth and be sure to recharge its power in moonlight every three days. As for the cost, it's only a hundred thousand yen! Not bad for an item which can change your very future, yes?''
''...As much as I appreciate your patience with me, I don't need it.''
''What?'' Chihaya looked surprised. ''Even though death approaches? So...you really don't want it? What a shame it will to be see the flame of youth snuffed out so soon. Well, come see me again if you change your mind. I really can help if you'd like.''
''Thanks, Mifune-san.''
''At least we got what we were looking for,'' Morgana remarked.
Namine nodded as they entered Leblanc ''It really does seem like she is as good as people say but I don't know about taking everything she said at face value.''
The cat nodded in understanding, both looking at Sojiro approached them ''Oh, you're back. I've been waiting for you.''
''The chief seems strangely happy. I wonder what's up.'' Morgana mused.
''Hey, Namine, how's your pocket money situation been looking?'' At the girl's curious look, he added. ''Well, since you've been doing this much around here, I decided to help. Here.'' He passed her some money.
''Oh thanks, Boss.''
''I won some from the lotto, so I don't mind sharing my winnings.'' He headed to the kitchen.
''What...is this five thousand yen?!'' Morgana was dumbfounded. ''Hey, it's just like that fortune teller said...''
Namine counted the money ''...She really got the amount right, whoa...''
''Wait...this is bad! Didn't she say you're gonna die? Shouldn't we go back and take her offer?'' Morgana asked.
''Mona, calm down. Besides, you heard what she said, that holy stone is what she has to offer. I fail to see how it could help.'' Namine returned, unfazed. It wasn't any different from the abused woman's situation. She wasn't about to change her mind just because of this prediction being aimed at her. ''Mifune-san is good but no one's infallible.''
The feline could barely believe his ears so he had to ask ''How are you so calm about this?''
''I'm not going to be afraid of death striking any minute just because she said so. What we're about to do tomorrow is going to prove her wrong anyway.'' She replied.
''I...guess so.'' The feline relented, seeing how changing the heart could easily mess up the prediction. ''Are you sure though?''
''Yeah, it sounds like she's real convinced that fate is absolute. Well, I don't think it is at all. I want to believe that there is something people can do to change their fate so I'll do just that.''
''Whoa...'' Morgana let out. He had to admire her nerve. He didn't think he could take this so well if it had been him in her shoes.
''Look, if it makes you feel any better, we'll look into this another time. Let's just rest up so we can be ready for tomorrow.''
''All right, that sounds good.'' Morgana concurred.
The Phantom Thieves took off to Mementos as planned the following day. After a few attempts, Mona had been able to point out the general area where their target was and so they headed over.
''So, it's really a station...'' Queen looked around curiously. ''...and you think those tunnels continue on and on?''
''We're pretty sure, yeah.'' Mona replied. ''Some of those areas are locked though, one opened after the news about us taking down Kamoshida and another did after Madarame confessed.''
''I see...that does explain your theory. It does add up..."
They fought some shadows along the way, eventually coming across a Regent treasure demon, which Joker was able to acquire as a mask.
''What was that?'' Fox asked the group.
''Oh, right, you and Queen weren't here when we saw the first one.'' Panther realized. ''Well, a treasure demon is basically a special shadow. It doesn't fight like the others but Joker says it's really useful in obtaining stronger Personas.''
''I see...the Metaverse truly is filled with surprises.''
Dealing with more opposition, the Phantom Thieves were closing in on Shadow Uchimura's whereabouts when their path was blocked by more Shadows. A Mokoi, an Eligor, a Sudama, an Ippon Datara and a Hua Po.
The Mokoi cast Tarukaja on the Eligor shadow, which then proceeded to strike Mona and Joker. The former countered by summoning Zorro and having the Persona ram it back. He proceeded to slash the Mokoi before calling for a Garula, leaving the swashbuckler to finish the shadow off.
The Hua Po flew up to dodge the bullets from Panther's gun and cast Agi on Queen, who defended and waited for the shadow to come close before punching it hard. This gave Panther the chance to strike it down with her whip before Queen took it down. Skull successfully gunned the Sudama down before he bashed it, with Joker attacking next and backing off once Fox summoned Goemon.
''Giant Slice!''
The blow finished off the Sudama and and Eligor, leaving the Ippon-Datara very weakened. Joker took advantage of this to have it become one of her masks.
It was a moment later that Queen noticed a card appearing on the ground where one of the shadows was. ''What is this?''
''Ah, that's a Skill card.'' Fox replied. ''It contains a skill that we can pass to our Personas. They work according to the Persona and the skill in question.''
Queen put the item away ''I'll see about this later then, it's very useful.''
''Never mind that now, we're really kickin' some butt here.'' Skull grinned. ''Y'know, I wouldn't have thought with how we got to meet but we're turning out to be a good team, huh?''
''That's true. We really did turn things around but don't go getting a big head.'' Mona cautioned. ''Anyway, we're almost there, I can sense the Shadow up ahead.''
''That's the guy...'' Skull frowned as they walked towards Shadow Uchimura. ''...he seems pretty ticked off.''
''Who cares about that now? If the fortune teller's prediction is on point, he's going to hurt his girlfriend terribly.'' Panther reminded.
''We'll make sure it doesn't come true, come on.'' Joker said firmly. They shared glances and nodded, quickly coming face to face with their target.
''Dammit...I gambled away all my money again...'' The Shadow cursed. ''Dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit! Where is she? Get over here, so I can beat you!''
''...Yeesh, I feel sorry for the girlfriend.'' Mona grumbled.
''Whaaat?! Don't you dare lecture me! She's mine, I can do whatever I want with her! Beating her is a right that only I have!''
''How can you even believe that crap?! You're supposed to care for your girlfriend but you treat her as if she were trash!'' Panther snapped.
''Shut up! I'll have you know that she loves it too! If you wanna get in my way, then you're gonna diiiiiee!''
The Shadow transformed into a Fuu-ki before it howled ''I'll finish you!''
Queen's eyes narrowed as it was surrounded by the aura from a Tarukaja spell. Since she remembered dealing with a similar shadow in Kaneshiro's Palaceshe decided a little warning was in order. ''Everyone, that Shadow drains wind magic but is weak to electric magic.''
''Gotcha. Then...''
But before any of them could move, Shadow Uchimura began to rampage, lashing out at them with fierce and rapid strikes. Skull cringed as one of the blows nailed his chest, leaving him wheezing. This left him unprepared for an oncoming attack but thankfully, Fox intervened in time to slash the shadow and push it back. Undaunted, the enemy attacked them both before launching a Swift Strike at the girls.
''Johanna!'' Queen rode out on her Persona, tackling the shadow then before casting Freila, leaving it grunting in pain. She merely sped off when he tried to counterstrike, missing by a margin.
''Dammit, dammit!'' The Shadow cursed. ''Just die already!''
Seeing the damage pile up with their enemy's relentless attacks, Mona decided to hang back and cast healing magic to help everyone. And not a moment too soon, for their enemy was already rampaging again. Joker kept her guard up and summoned Shiki-Ouji, which then grabbed their enemy and slammed it to the ground. The Shadow snarled as it was then struck by Johanna's Flash Bomb and Panther's whip, casting Garula a second later.
Shiki-Ouji took the brunt of the spell, fending the worst of it off, to the enemy's surprise. Skull and Fox attacked up close before Joker directed Shiki-Ouji to strike the enemy next.
''Carmen!'' Panther had her Persona blast Shadow Uchimura with her flames, leaving to cry out as the damage it was taking to pile up.
''Let's see how this works, Psio!'' Joker ordered, this turned out to be very effective, leaving the Shadow weakened as it was thrown down. Thus, the party was able to finish it off with a last round of attacks.
The Shadow transformed back into the human form, revealing a panting Uchimura.
''I hate it. I hate it when people look at me like I'm just a bug to them...I can do better...I'm a superior human being...All the people round me just don't get it...'' He faded away.
''How arrogant can one be?'' Fox frowned, disgusted with the man's behavior.
''Tell me about it...the right to beat his girlfriend? He really was the worst of the worst to think that.'' Queen huffed. ''Anyway, he's been dealt with so we should see that fortune teller later.''
''It's the best way we can learn how this will turn out.'' Mona couldn't help but think of Chihaya's prediction regarding Joker. ''Anyway, we should go back now...''
He tried to ignore the rising trepidation he had since they entered, wondering if it was because of the prediction. Hopefully, this would really be a step forward in proving their leader's conviction to be true.
Well, I'll stop here.
I'm posting those together because it's technically a two part chapter, I just don't want to make it too long. And it definitely will be if I kept going. Since I already had it planned out and I would rather avoid cliff hangers if I could help it, here you go. Just so we're clear, this excursion isn't quite over yet. Next chapter has another part of my own plans for this story. I hope you like it.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 8)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 5)
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 4)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 5)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 2)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 2)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 4)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 2)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 1)