Vangran: Heh, I'm glad I got you looking forward to the story. Now about the review...I never considered that angle before, whoa...I did have an idea about how to handle Mishima's change later but it wasn't anything like that. It seems a little extreme...
Shiho had called both Ann and Namine to come visit Kosei with her, the school being one of the choices her parents considered. Since Shujin let out early because of the approaching exams, the girls and Morgana were able to pull this off without preamble...
''So this school's really big on the arts, how do you like that subject, Shiho-chan?'' Namine wondered.
''Most of my experience with it was in school but I think it was okay. Some of those lessons were fun.'' The black-haired girl reminisced.
''Wow, that feels like a long time ago now...You were definitely better than me.'' Ann mused, smiling as she remembered a specific lesson.
Shiho's next statement proved that she was thinking along similar lines ''That was how we first met...it really does feel like a long time.''
''Okay, let's not just stand around here. Come on!'' Ann exclaimed.
Kosei academy was quite the school. It was obviously very well built and just seeing the students proved its reputation to be accurate as a lot of them seemed preoccupied with the arts. The group had passed a trio who were talking about some sort of music judging by the instruments they had in hand and there were a couple of students painting in the studio, not to mention the hall which displayed various artworks.
It wasn't long after they left said hall that the group ran into Yusuke. While surprised, he was more than willing to help. The artist had taken to giving them more details about Kosei and what it was like to be a student there as he showed them around.
''I wasn't sure about Dad's idea but it really does seem to be for the best.'' Shiho mused.
''Well, I'd say needing a clean slate after all you've been through makes a lot of sense.'' Namine stated. ''In this case, it'd really help you move on. You're doing plenty better, you know? Just keep that progress and you'll be fine.''
The girl smiled back ''Right...thank you by the way, Kitagawa-kun.''
''I'm glad to help out.'' Yusuke returned. ''So what do you make of the school, Suzui-san?''
''It seems like a nice place...'' She replied. ''...but I need to see what my parents think before taking things any further...''
''They sure get along, huh?'' Morgana cocked his head as he watched her continue to talk with Yusuke. ''At least if she does decide to transfer here, Shiho will have a friend...'' He faltered upon seeing Ann's expression. ''...sorry, Lady Ann.''
''...Don't be, you're right.'' She assured. ''I want what's best for her and if this is it, then I'll help however I can.''
''So will we, she's our friend too.'' Namine offered.
''Thanks...''
The girl smiled back before turning her attention to Shiho and Yusuke ''Shiho, do you have any plans when we finish up here? There's this place I heard about lately and I wondered if you'd want to come...''
Shiho looked curious while the others were intrigued ''I don't have any plans. What did you have in mind?''
The answer turned out to be the Penguin Sniper club in Kichijoji. It was a colorful and lively which was opened recently. The club offered a variety of activities like playing darts and billiards.
Namine picked up one of the darts and glanced at the roulette on the wall ahead, wondering how to go about this. Shiho looked at her ''Have you ever actually tried this, Namine?''
''Nope, but I'm willing to learn. Let's see...'' She leveled her arm and threw the dart, only for it to barely hit the roulette.
Morgana's lips twitched as she picked up the dart. He figured this wouldn't faze her. Namine loved trying out new things and making all sorts of experiences just like her grandparents.
''That looks hard...'' Ann trailed off as Namine tried again, this time it was a bit of a better result.
Shiho hummed in agreement ''I have to admit, I'm curious now-let's give it a shot.''
She picked up a dart and tried to aim, with it landing somewhat closer than Namine's dart. Yusuke tilted his head a bit ''Well, this seems intriguing. I'll try now.''
Shiho stepped closer to Namine as they watched the artist and then Ann take turns at this before they went again ''That was interesting.''
''Right? I figured it might be fun.'' Namine smiled. ''Things are so different here than the town where I came from that I just had to try all I can. I want to explore the unseen, it makes things more fun that way!''
Shiho looked amused ''You're an adventurous person. Really, I'm amazed you deal with all this the way you do.'' The former blinked and she explained. ''Ann told me all about what happened to make you come here. I don't know how you stand it, those people were so horrible. You really are strong, Namine.''
''Don't go giving me too much credit here-I'm still trying to figure out a lot of things. I'm nowhere near ready to put any of that behind me.'' The burgundy haired girl admitted. ''I tried to avoid thinking about it for long...I even tried listening to them and keeping my head down but...''
''But?'' Shiho prompted, curious as to what she had to say.
''That's just not who I am.'' Namine stated. ''I did the right thing that night, I don't doubt that. They don't accept it but I can't let that rule my life. It feels awful but I don't want to avoid this. I'm still learning as I go along but I intend on working everything out. I think that's what we're all doing, we all have our own struggles to work with but we can work them out. I want to keep giving it my all, having friends like you guys makes it all the more easier. I know what lead to it all was terrible but I'm so glad I met you all.''
Shiho smiled warmly ''I couldn't agree more. I'm happy I met you-I feel so much better with all of my friends' too.''
The two started as Ann called them, reminding them that they should be playing now. As they approached the board, Shiho spotted something odd ''Um, Namine-what is Morgana doing with those darts?''
The latter blinked twice, just as bewildered to see Morgana gathering two darts in his mouth ''I want to try this too!'' He stated at her questioning look.
''...You think he wants to play too? How would that work?'' Shiho tilted her head.
''Let's find out. Come on, Mona!'' Namine gathered him into her arms and approached the roulette with an amused Shiho following them.
After some training at the Protein Lovers' Gym, Namine and Ryuji headed to the monjayaki shop…
''Man, I'm stuffed!'' Ryuji grinned. ''You totally made the right call in coming here; this is some good food...This one's on me. Don't expect it to happen too often though.''
''Oh, so this unexpected bout of generosity is really a one-time thing? I should have known.'' Namine smirked.
''H-hey, don't say it like that!'' Ryuji grumbled half-heartedly. ''...Guess I did set myself up for that one, huh? Oh, I got a text from Takeishi. He says the team's gonna try n' ditch Yamauchi. They wanna start practicin' without him.''
The girl began to smile ''Good for them. It's for the best.''
''Right? They're looking into getting back the old coach, the one before Kamoshida.'' Ryuji informed. ''They're finally walkin' down their own path.''
''You seem pretty satisfied.'' Namine remarked, taking a bite out of her food.
''I guess I am...oh...they asked to come back to the team.''
''Well, that's…'' The girl paused, noticing his expression. ''…wait, what did you say?''
''Can't get anything past you, huh? I had to turn 'em down. It felt kinda bad, but that's not where I belong now.'' He returned, grinning. ''When you first came to Shujin, people were talkin' so much shit about you...But you took it in stride. You just did whatever you thought was cool and didn't care what other people said about you. I think that's why people kinda get pulled towards you. Wherever you decide to be, that's where you belong, Namine.''
''You're right...''
''Y'know, back before I met you, I kept makin' excuses for why I couldn't fit in.'' He went on. ''It was always 'cause of someone else. Kamoshida, the track team...Hell, I even blamed my dad. I was such a freakin' loser...But I've realized now, as long as I'm bein' myself, I'll always have somewhere I can fit in. It ain't really the same place as before, but it's damn good! I'm just glad I found it.''
She smiled, feeling happy for him. ''Yeah, sure seems like you came a long way.''
''Heh, don't worry. There's a place here for you too. Right next to me...or maybe ahead? Something like that...'' The two shared amused looks and he stretched. ''...I ain't gonna stop trainin' though, I've still got a long way to go. Someday, I'm gonna show you speed so lighting' fast, you're not even gonna be able to see me.''
As expected, Kaneshiro came clean on July 9th. Even with the group at school, the word quickly spread about the truth of the mafia boss...
Makoto could not be more relieved. She knew their work had caused some change but hearing this just meant that it was finally over. None of them would have to worry about Kaneshiro again.
As much as the brunette wanted to go and talk to her friends, perhaps see if they had heard the news, she couldn't. Prinicpal Kobayakawa had called her to his office at lunch and she knew he was looking for news about the investigation he shoved on her.
Fortunately, she was more than ready for this.
Kobayakawa frowned at the report she handed him, having finished reading it ''...What does this mean?''
''Exactly what you've read. I believe that the Phantom Thieves are just so that's where the investigation ends for me.''
''That's a shame...'' The man sighed. ''...I was just talking to one of my acquaintances about a recommendation letter for a great college.''
Makoto had expected something along those lines. But it still irked her to see how far the man was willing to sink for his selfish goals.
''Oh, then I can spare you the trouble. You won't have to bother, I've decided to take care of that on my own. Thank you though.'' Makoto exited the office. She had no intention of letting the man hold anything over her. The girl knew that she was doing the right thing and she refused to let anyone deter her. She was changing, changing for the better.
A little while later...
Most of the team gathered up at the hideout, wanting to meet after the news got out...
''Hell yeah, Kaneshiro finally confessed!'' Ryuji grinned. ''People've been makin' a huge a deal of it since the police announcement!''
''It's difficult to accept that the authorities are taking all the credit for the arrest though.'' Yusuke pursed his lips.
''Yeah, that does suck...'' The blond had to admit.
''It doesn't matter, we know the truth and I bet we're not the only ones.'' Namine remarked.
''People are going nuts about the Phantom Thieves online, look!'' Ann smiled, showing them the Phan-Site on her phone. The forum was almost bursting with messages.
Ryuji perked up at the news ''Awesome!''
''This is quite the turnaround. All of a sudden, people are expressin their long standing belief in us.'' Yusuke mused.
''So this is why Makoto told us to post the Calling Card anywhere that might stand out.'' Ann recalled.
''Pretty smart move on her part.'' Ryuji stated, Namine nodded in agreement. ''Oh...where is our amazing Miss President?''
Namine's phone rang and she picked up, it was Makoto.
''Hello? It's Makoto. My apologies but I won't be able to join you today. I just met up with the prinicpal. There's no need to worry though. More importantly, there's a TV special about the Phantom Thieves.''
''Huh?! What did it say?'' Ann asked.
''They were talking about our Calling Cards.''
''For real?'' The girl was pleased.
''Anyway, my apologies about today. I'll have to see you all another time.''
''Right.'' The girls told the others everything.
''Really?! That's freakin' crazy!''
''Yeah, it's definitely going to boost our popularity big time.'' Morgana stated.
''I hope all this excitement doesn't place us on the police's radar.'' Yusuke crossed his arms.
''It'll be fine! No way they'd find out about that weird other world!'' Ryuji pointed out.
Morgana looked at them ''I thought you learned not to be so careless by now. But do you remember what Kaneshiro said at the end?''
''About the other Metaverse user...'' Namine trailed off. ''...it is worrying...''
''Yeah, he said it wasn't just us...'' Ann frowned.
''Eh, well we dunno how true it is. There's no counting on that bastard's word.'' Ryuji pointed out "We'll deal with it when the time comes. No point worrying about stuff we can't control now, right?"
His nonchalant behavior was a bit baffling to Yusuke ''I hope that's the case...''
Ryuji wondered if Akechi was eating his words now "Anyway, what do we do now?"
''Why don't we just take it easy?'' Namine added.
''Yeah, we're not gonna, not with all the excitement around.'' The boy conceded.
''There is no need to hurry though. Counting Kamoshida, that's three victories correct? We should just lay low and wait for the excitement to blow over.'' Yusuke offered.
''In that case, how about we have another celebration?'' Ann suggested.
''Good idea! We can make it a welcoming party for Miss President too. By the way, the briefcase? It's pretty damn expensive! We can have a party and make that anonymous donation like Makoto planned." Ryuji informed excitedly.
''I must admit it was an excellent idea." Yusuke remembered something "Oh, actually about the party...this likely isn't the best time..."
"Come on, dude don't be such killjoy!"
He gave Ryuji a look "That's not what mean..." Both were distracted when Ann's phone rang. The girl answered, her expression falling in moments before putting it on speaker.
''Hello? I hope you emember we have finals next week. Yusuke and Morgana excluded of course. If you wish not to stand out, you had best not get bad grades, OK? That is something I simply would not be able to over look at student council president. For now behave and concentrate on your studies ...we can have fun once the exams are over, understood?''
Ryuji groaned and Ann sweat dropped, realizing that this was what their artist had been getting at. Namine took the sound advice in stride. ''Yeah, it's for the best.'' She replied. ''Talk to you later, Makoto.''
''Right, till then.''
The next day, Namine hung around Leblanc to help Sojiro but it didn't last long as he had left after receiving a strange phone call. She wasn't too worried, she knew how to handle things by now, but the way he took off left her wondering...
'One has to wonder how the Phantom Thieves did it.'
The girl blinked and looked up at the TV, seeing that it was playing news about Kaneshiro's confession. 'It was all so sudden...even the officers we talked to admit that they never would've thought Kaneshiro would come clean like that...'
'We may never know.' The second anchor remarked. 'That ties to the real issue...Are they really good people in the first place?'
Morgana frowned ''He sounds like Akechi. What's with that line of thinking anyway? If it wasn't for us, Kaneshiro would still be out and about.''
''Just focus on that, Morgana. Let them think what they want, we can't force anyone to see things out way.'' Namine offered.
''Well, that's uncalled for.'' One of the present customers remarked, also watching the TV.
''I'll say. They've been doing plenty of good.'' Another agreed. ''I've heard of this guy's bunch, they really were giving people a hard time and the police hadn't done squat.''
''Well, I bet that's what it's a sore point for them.'' A third customer stated, looking at Namine then. ''So what do you think, kid?''
''I agree with you all.'' The girl was relieved that some people at least really did see things for what they were.
Later, the team got together at Leblanc for a study session...
Namine smiled as her friends entered ''Hey, everyone.''
Makoto smiled back ''Hello.''
'''Sup? We're here to hang out.'' Ryuji grinned.
''That's not why we're here! We need to study for finals!'' Ann reminded.
Makoto gave her a look ''That's true and all but did you have to drag me out like that?''
''Quit sweatin' the small stuff. You're one of us now, so of course you gotta help us. We're in trouble if you don't teach us, you know?'' Ryuji returned. ''Right, Namine?''
Namine was wondering what happened with them ''I don't know about that...but it would be nice to have you, Makoto.''
''Well, if you say so...''
''Let's leave those guys be.'' Ann said. ''Anyway, have you been here before, Makoto? You sure knew the way.''
''Once before, yes.'' The girl admitted, thinking back on her previous visit. ''It was still when we were trying to find out about Kaneshiro, I heard more about Namine's situation then too.''
Yusuke arched an eye ''Ah, so you know about that. I wondered...''
''It's awful but hearing about it was one of the reasons that I really began to wonder about the Phantom Thieves.'' The brunette mused. ''Now I'm really glad that I did...though I never did imagine that I would join you.''
''Well, we're glad you're here.'' Morgana offered.
''Thank you.''
Ryuji had a thought ''So hey, do you have anyone whose heart you'd like to change?''
Makoto began to smile ''That's a secret.''
''Aw, come on, you can tell us!''
''Back to our main goal, we need to get to studying.'' was the girl's response, making him groan. ''Don't procrastinate, Ryuji, you're not doing yourself any favors.''
''Yeah, for more reasons than one. Ryuji needs all the help he can get.'' Morgana jabbed with a smirk.
''What was that?!''
''I'm sure it can't be that bad.'' Namine cut in before they could take things further. ''But Makoto's right, we should get to work.''
Ryuji looked irritated ''What's the point of reading this book?! I'm never going to need English anyway!''
''You don't know that.'' Namine countered patiently. ''English is one of the most used languages, it could come in handy. It's not so hard, you just need to try some more.''
''You're just trying to make excuses.'' Ann deadpanned.
''It's easy for you to talk, you're actually good at this...'' The boy grumbled. ''...hey Makoto, is Namine right?''
''About the use of English?'' Makoto clarified, continuing when he nodded. ''Definitely.''
The reply made him feel worse, he leaned against the seat. ''Great...if that weren't bad enough, what about those formulas?! I can't memorize them all...''
''Perhaps it would help if you find uses for them, just try applying them with the exercises in the book.'' Yusuke advised.
''Meh, that's way too much effort...''
Morgana gave him a look ''Isn't the whole point of doing this to put in a lot of effort so you guys would all pass?''
''But look at all this...'' He sulked.
The cat rolled his eyes ''Anyway, how are you doing over there, Lady Ann?''
''Not too bad, I guess...'' The girl returned. ''...Ryuji's kind of right though...there's so much stuff. We did a bunch but I'm not even sure it stuck with me...can we take a break?''
After preparing a meal and some drinks, the group was distracted by an oncoming newsfeed while they ate, it also seemed to be about the recent change of heart.
This time, there was a reporter facing Akechi on screen, the former spoke up 'And that the follow up report on the suspect Kaneshiro. Now, Akechi-san...This case is said to be the result of the Phantom thieves' actions but in actuality is this true?'
'Considering how a Calling Card was scattered about, I believe there's no mistaking that. The question is what the Phantom Thieves actually did. If they tampered with a suspect's heart, it casts doubt on the authenticity of any confession.' The teen detective returned.
'So then by tampering with heart, the Phantom thieves are fabricating crimes that may not exist?' The announcer clarified.
'We can't deny the possiblity. There's no doubt that the Phantom Thieves are exposing hidden injustices in society. However, if this is done by sidestepping the law, their way of thinking is very dangerous.' was Akechi's response.
'So in a way, they're outlaws.'
'Yes, they're not different that the criminals they target. This cannot be overlooked.'
'I see.'
''I see my ass. Why the hell're we being treated as the bad guys?'' Ryuji frowned.
Namine didn't bother looking at the TV ''It doesn't matter, people talk and there's nothing we can do to stop them.''
''Yup, just let them say whatever they want.'' Ann agreed. ''More people are starting to understand that we're doing is right, after all.''
This made Ryuji recall something ''When I'm walkin' around in town, I hear a lot more people talkin' about us too. And the forum's been full of hype? Do you think we made it big time?''
''Don't get pompous over dealing with some street thug. Save it after we deal with a bigger target.'' Morgana chided.
The ex-athlete remained unfazed ''We just gotta take down a bigger one, yeah? That was the plan from the start anyway.''
''True, it may be best if we start thinking about it.'' Makoto agreed. ''We'll decide on this eventually. We need to overcome exams first. Now break time's over. Let's get back to...''
''That reminds me-the celebration party. Weren't we gonna do it after exams?'' He cut Makoto off.
''...Yes, I believe so.''
''Where should we go? I feel like I'll study better if I got something to look forward to.'' Ryuji stated.
''The last one was a buffet at a hotel. We haven't gone anywhere since.'' Morgana recalled.
''A buffet?!'' Yusuke exclaimed.
''Where would be good...?'' Ann wondered. ''Hey, what about fireworks? A fireworks festival!''
''Great idea!'' Namine smiled.
''Yeah, it's that season.'' Ryuji remarked.
''That sounds good to me.'' Makoto stated.
''It's hard to ignore a buffet, but I'll take the beauties of summer. Still I demand that we feast during the festival as well.'' Yusuke added.
''I don't know about during the feast...but I think we can work something out.'' Ann returned, making him feel better.
''Do you guys own a yukata? Will you wear one?'' Morgana asked.
''That might be nice...'' Namine trailed off.
Makoto hummed ''It feels like I haven't worn mine in a long time.''
''All right, festival it is! Let's look for a good one!'' Ryuji grinned.
Makoto gave them all a stern look ''Study comes first though. I won't let you off if you fail any of them. Are we clear?''
''Y-yes, ma'am...'' The wind was certainly going out of his sails.
''Okay, we've got to get busy. Let's try to make sure none of us have something to worry about.'' Namine told the group.
Days passed, and soon came the day of the exams. The first one seemed to go well enough for the most part. While they did talk about it a little, Ann pleaded with them to avoid bringing them up just after they finish them as it usually made her feel worse about her performance. Seeing no trouble there, the group conceded to the request.
Namine could understand that. Nitpicking at the answers even with friends would only just be troublesome once you found out you were wrong...
It was on the last days of exams that she was on her way to school when she ran into Akechi at the station.
''What a refreshing morning. How are you doing?'' Akechi smiled.
''Oh fine, how are you?''
''Quite well, thank you.'' He returned pleasantly. ''I didn't expect the Phantom Thieves would suppress a man that even the police had trouble with. The fact they have so much support online is worrisome. I'm in a bind since I previously dencounced them. All the interviews these days ask me about that.''
''Fame can be a pain, huh?'' Namine remarked.
''Speaking from experience, I take it?''
''Yeah...'' The girl paused. ''...long story short, I've seen the worst side of it and frankly, I've been in a similar spot to where you are now.''
''You don't say?'' Akechi looked curious. ''To think many our age would be interested in fame but your renounce it so easily...you're quite the interesting person, Hyakuya-san.''
''Um, thank you?'' Namine was confused. ''...I just said the truth.''
''Hmm, I'd like to hear that story. Still, can we really say the Phantom Thieves are on the side of justice with just this example?'' He wondered.
''Just one example? What about everything else?''
''That's not quite what I'm getting at. People change suddenly and cause strange accidents or horrible crimes...Don't you think it's similar to the change of heart that the Phantom Thieves are doing?''
She gave him a weirded out look ''You think they're behind this? That's crazy.''
''It's only idle conjecture.'' He admitted. ''Actually, I've been asked to help with investigating the mental shutdown incidents. One of the detectives I worked with suggested that idea. When I think about it, their actions mirror the mental shutdown cases, with the rate of victims. It's impossible not to see a connection there...''
Namine frowned a bit, there WAS a connection but not in the way he'd assume. ''I thought those incidents started two years ago though. Assuming that the Phantom Thieves were around back then, how could they have stayed hidden? That doesn't add up.''
''That's true.'' He conceded. ''I'm honestly not sure what to make of that line of thinking. From that perspective though, it's hard to see them as the culprits but...Ah, sorry, I don't want to make you late, I'll see you again.''
Namine nodded back and headed towards the train so she could keep going...
''Exams are finally over...I'm so exhausted...'' Ann frowned.
''I can get back to actually sleepin' in peace...'' Ryuji sighed.
Makoto gave the two a curious glance ''Huh, you must have been studying pretty hard if it kept you up at night.''
''Nah, I was up playin video games. Slackin' off is just too much fun...''
''I know, right?! I kept cleaning my room instead of studying! It might even be too clean now...'' Ann trailed off.
''You two are perfect examples of what escapism can mean.'' Yusuke remarked.
Makoto couldn't have said it better herself ''And I can only imagine what the end result will be.''
''How about you then, Namine? You haven't said much.'' Yusuke noted.
''Hm? Well there's not much to say. I've been trying to catch up and make sure everything would be okay. I stayed behind after school to study.''
''I've seen you at work, I think your efforts will pay off. Well done.'' Makoto praised, making her smile.
''Ah, it's over with now. Who cares about that anymore?!'' Ryuji grunted. ''What's real important is the Phantom Thieves' popularity! Ain't it amazin'?''
''Totally!'' Ann beamed.
''I have been hearing people excitedly speculating about our next target. We wil have too choose carefully.'' Yusuke smiled.
''For now, let's focus on our celebration party.'' Ann told everyone. ''The summer festival's just tomorrow!''
The following day...
Namine had agreed to meet up with Ann, Makoto and Shiho at Leblanc before they all headed to get together with the boys and head out for the festival site. Since she had ample time before the girls would arrive, the burgundy haired girl decided to spend some of it cooking and settled on making a cake.
She smiled to herself after taking the tray out of the oven section of the microwave, deciding that it looked good. The girl proceeded to cut a part and put it aside with a little note for Sojiro before preparing the rest of it for her three friends, hoping they would all like it.
Shiho smiled as Makoto fiddled with her obi ''Relax, Nijima-senpai, you look great.''
''Y-you think so?'' She felt a little better when the girl nodded back. ''It's not really all that special, I'm sure...your yukata seems more fitting, Suzui-san.''
''Oh, thank you!''
Makoto was now clad in a white and red yukata with a dark red obi while Shiho had chosen a yellow yukata with white and brown leaf-like patterns and a brown obi. Ann and Namine were on another side, putting the finishing touches on their own outfits. The first had a light blue yukata with flower patterns and a yellow obi while the latter wore a purple yukata with yellow and pink butterfly patterns along with a pink sash.
''Whoa, you all look great!'' Morgana praised.
''Thanks.'' Ann winked back while Namine beamed, opening her bag for him to get in.
When the group got there, it was to find Ryuji and Yusuke facing a couple of girls walking away. They couldn't hear everything but what they did pick up was pretty telling...
''So those are the kind of girls you like Ryuji...'' Makoto's eyes narrowed a bit, seeing the boy squirm in discomfort.
''Ah, no! I-I didn't mean...''
''You seemed awfully convinced to join them back there.'' Ann reminded, silencing him.
''W-well...'' Ryuji blinked as he took in their whole group. ''...oh hey, Suzui! It's been a while, didn't know you were coming.''
Shiho smiled ''I actually almost forgot about this but Ann-chan invited me the other day.''
Ann was about to call him out on attempting to change the subject but then Shiho continued ''Ah, shouldn't we get going? Last time we came to this festival, I remember the rush was crazy. We can at least try to get ahead of some of the crowd.''
''Oh, good point!'' The blonde agreed. ''Time to go."
It had been a bit of a struggle but they eventually managed a decent vantage point to watch the fireworks. As Shiho suggested, the crowds were intense. It looked like the festival was a popular event for sure. A bunch of people prepared their phones or cameras to try and take pictures or even make a recording about the fireworks.
In minutes, the first volley was launched, creating a myriad of lovely colors. Namine smiled as she snapped up a picture ''Wow...''
''Indeed...'' Yusuke watched a second one create a different shape. ''...what wonderful arrays.''
Morgana stared on with wide eyes ''No wonder so many people got into this...''
Unfortunately, the overall happy mood didn't last long as it began to rain after a short while. The festival ongoers were left with no choice but to hurry and get away from the rain.
The group settled with getting under the front area of a supermarket and stood there.
Ann sighed ''This is just great...''
''Man, we were just having fun too...'' Ryuji grumbled. ''...what do we do now?''
''I'd say we should get in but I'm not sure if it would help much.'' Makoto admitted, with a glance at the supermarket behind them, it was very crowded.
''So much for a good festival,'' Ann frowned.
Namine looked around, one building nearby gave her an idea ''...Well, it did get ruined but there's no reason we can't have any good times of our own. How about we go grab a bite to eat at the restaurant over there? It's close and we're here anyway.''
Shiho perked up ''Good idea, Namine.''
Yusuke smiled ''Agreed.''
''Yeah, I'm getting kinda hungry too. Come on!'' Ryuji exclaimed.
''Yeah!'' Morgana chimed in.
''Well, we did go through the trouble to prepare ourselves, let's make the most of this.'' Makoto remarked.
''All right, let's go then!'' Ann smiled.
Well, let's end things here.
I hope this was good. I thought my plans over a bunch and this was what I finally settled on. There wasn't really much I could say about the exams, I mean it's just basically a few questions here and there. Then I considered the changes I implemented with Shiho and I figured there's no reason I can't have her in the festival event, in the end I wound up creating my own version of the event.
Anyway, this pretty much wraps up this arc. Next, I'll be starting the Futaba and Medjed arc (plot-wise, I'm actually in the middle of it) so safe to say I have a few surprises in store. Heh, I did not think this story would be getting such a response or that I would be keeping it up but I've made up my mind to see it through to the end.
Thanks to everyone who reads my work and I hope you enjoyed yourselves. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 8)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 7)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 4)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 5)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 5)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 5)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 3)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 4)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 2)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 1)