Well here we are with a new arc and a brand new chapter, but first...
Tercra: Well, I won't keep you waiting. To answer your question, I didn't really know how to fit the part in well so...yeah, they didn't.
Vangran: Thanks! To clarify, Akechi doesn't know who she is yet. You're right about the curiosity part though. Let's just say I've got a plan for that particular rabbit hole.
Here we go!
With her having the day off from school, Namine hung around Leblanc to help Sojiro.
''Huh, now that sounds like making the best out of a bad situation.'' He remarked when she finished telling him about the festival.
''That was the whole idea.'' Namine stated.
''Well I'd say it worked. By the way, thanks for before. That cake was good.''
She smiled ''I'm glad...''
The girl was distracted when the door opened, revealing a couple of regular customers who proceeded to greet them before taking their seats...
Namine had just finished the dishes when she heard the door open and the sound of footsteps...
She poked her head outside to ask Sojiro something only to find Sae facing him from her seat. Things seemed normal and she wouldn't have given it much thought as Sae was becoming a regular.
What tipped her off to something being amiss was Sojiro.
His expression had been terse as they talked, giving her clipped answers. Sae's eyes narrowed a bit ''So that's your answer?''
He glared back ''I have nothing to say about that.''
''I see...then I'll leave it at that for now.''
Sojiro frowned ''My answer isn't changing.''
''I'll do something about that.'' She retorted, turning to leave as she thanked him for the coffee.
''...She's real good at pissing people off.'' He muttered lowly, noticing Namine then. ''Don't mind her, it's nothing. She just can't seem to take a hint.''
''Right...'' She knew it wasn't so simple but he clearly didn't want to talk. ''...well...''
Both were distracted by the TV then, hearing the newscaster speak 'These are the details of the message that was posted on Medjed's website. 'To the Phantom Thieves causing an uproar in Japan: Do not speak of your false justice. We do not need the spread of such falsehood. We are the true executors of justice...'
Sojiro frowned while Namine fought not to show a reaction. ''The Phantom Thieves again?''
'...However we are magnanimous. We wil give you an opportunity to repent your ways. If you agree to a change of heart, we will accept you as our own. If you reject our offer, the hammer of justice will find you. We are Medjed. We are unseen. We will eliminate evil'.' The newscaster paused. 'Akechi-san, why do you think this announcement was made at this time?'
'I don't know the details, but there's no doubt that they were provoked by the Phantom Thieves. Whether it's a sense of rivalry or a simple attention grab given the recent trends, I cannot say...Regardless it's quite a nuiscance.'
''A nuisance?''
'Both Medjed and the Phantom Thieves are nothing more than groups that hold an egoistic justice.' The detective replied.
Sojiro sighed ''What a stupid thing they're getting riled up on...Phantom Thieves, huh? What in the world are they? You know about them?''
''Well, it's getting hard not to lately, right?'' Namine barely kept the turmoil out of her voice while her thoughts spun. Why were they being targeted...?
''True...and they did start off big in your school...''
Namine glanced at the TV for a moment ''Isn't Medjed this hacker group that's been around for years? I heard about it in passing.''
''Yeah, they used to take down corrupt companies from the inside out but then they started committing cyber crimes. Wonder what this'll lead to...'' Sojiro trailed off.
He raised an eye as he saw his charge pick up her bag ''Oh, you're going out?''
She nodded, thinking back to the text she received from Chihaya a little while ago ''There's just something I should be seeing to.''
Morgana spoke after they left ''Namine, you know he's keeping a lot, right? Aren't you curious?''
''Well yeah, sure, but he's entitled to keep his secrets just like we are.'' The girl replied, looking at her phone as it buzzed with a new message. ''...Looks like Makoto and Ryuji heard the news too.''
''Medjed, huh? Sounds like a troublesome organization.'' Morgana frowned. ''We should look into finding out more about this for now.''
''That would be for the best...'' Namine really didn't think this was a good time to see about anything else but she had made a deal with Chihaya. To top it off, she had no idea they could go about dealing with this situation.
There had to be something though. Well, one step at a time, as they say...
The fortune teller had requested that she sit through a session with one of her clients, explaining it to the client as being her apprentice. Namine didn't mind, though she had to wonder what would come of this.
''Yes, I've seen everything.'' Chihaya frowned at the client, a buisnesswoman looking to start a company. ''Hm, the cards have appeared in reverse. In other words...is seems as though your buisness is doomed to failure.''
''No! Wh-what should I do?!'' The woman cried.
''I'm sorry, but in this case it appears your fate is inescapable.''
''Inescapable...?'' She echoed.
''What are your thoughts?'' Chihaya looked at Namine. ''What can we do to help this woman who is so oppressd by the savagery of a male dominated work environment?''
''Well...how about encouraging her?''
''What? It's a little idealistic to expect that will actually work...'' The blonde stated. ''...Incidentally, what would you say if you wanted to encourage her?''
Namine thought it over ''...That she should try to reverse her fate. It doesn't have to be absolute.''
''That's just irresponsible, it's not an option! How can you expect her to overturn that which is inescapable?'' She huffed.
Namine wasn't convinced and she had no intention of hiding that ''Because it only seems inescapable if we let it be. Why can't she try to find some way? If it means so much to her, she'll just regret it forever otherwise. So why can't she try, especially if it means so much to her?''
''Inescapable fate...That's right...I don't have to follow the rules of this oppressive society!'' The woman exclaimed. ''I can do it...I'll reshape every aspect of my antiquated industry! My mind is made up. I'm going to quit my job and set off on my own private buisness venture. And even if fail, at least I won't be wasting away doing busywork for that sexist bastard anymore...Thank you, young lady! If you'll excuse me, Mifune-sensei...''
''You're far too irresponsible, Hyakuya-san! Her misfortune has already been made clear!'' Chihaya scolded.
''You don't know that. I get that you're great at what you do but no one's infallible.''
''Well, the cards will sure back me up!'' Her eyes widened when she finished the reading. ''W-what?! It seems the sequence of the cards has changed...Her financial future is now appearing as extremely successful!''
''Hey, that's great!'' The girl smiled.
''What did you do...? Are you...psychic? Did you use your powers to change the order of the cards?! My divine power is capable of sending people like you down to the depths of hell, you know!''
Namine rolled her eyes as she responded ''This again? Two problems with that' 'brilliant' theory, Mifune-san. Me being here was your idea and I don't have any powers.''
''But...that has to be it...'' She shook her head. ''...that's the only way this could happen. Fate cannot be changed, fate is absolute...that is how it must be.''
''I think we're going to agree to disagree. If that was true, we wouldn't be here like this. Try opening your mind.''
''That may not be such a bad idea...But if that possibility was the truth how would I keep my Holy Stone business intact?'' Seeing Namine's puzzled look prompted the woman to change tack. ''A-anyway! You've changed the flow of destiny twice before my very eyes...It seems that this verification process is turning out to be much more meaningful than I expected!''
Shortly after they left, Morgana happened to spot Yusuke near a street's corner and pointed him out to his companion. As they went to talk, thinking back to their visit to the museum had the cat wondering if he was observing people again...
''I've tried looking up information about Medjed as well.'' Yusuke told the two. ''There was quite the amount actually...''
Morgana blinked, not expecting that ''Really? Like what?''
''Well, Medjed is the name of a god that appears in a number of texts. Supposedly, it's considered a god of the dead...Ah, and the name means the one who defeats...''
The cat sighed, tuning out the rest of his explanation. He should have known...he didn't think that Yusuke found anything useful. As if things could be that easy. ''I'm sorry I even asked.''
''Well, even if this isn't easy; it just means we need to look into this further.'' Namine stated.
''Indeed.'' Yusuke concurred. ''By the way, I've been meaning to ask...Lately, a few of the students in my dorm have mentioned something about a very famous ramen shop. I admit I'm curious, would the two of you join me for a visit?''
''Oh, so it was this shop after all...'' Namine trailed off. ''...and it's as crowded as ever.''
Yusuke stared at the line ''They're here for this? Strange...I've never thought much of ramen though.''
''Well, best way to let you get the experience is to go for it. Shall we?'' Namine gestured at the shop.
Yusuke's opinion was changed with the very first bite.
''I was ignorant of the possibilities of this world...to think light ramen could hold so much depth...the gentle yet fragrant flavor explodes in my mouth...the superb noodles warm my soul...''
''You sound like a connoisseur.'' An amused Namine remarked while Morgana snickered.
''Do you think so? The words simply came to my mind. This is is an incredible way to replenish nutrients!'' He returned. ''By the way, it sounds as if you're familiar with this place...''
''Oh yeah, I came here a few times with Ryuji. It's mostly after we finish our workouts though.'' Namine held up a noodle strand for Morgana. The cat gladly ate it up then, beaming at her.
Their feline companion hummed happily, he had only heard of the place but this really was something. ''No wonder this place is famous, this stuff is so good! Anyway, you sure got into it for someone who had no clue what was up, Yusuke.''
''I suppose I have. The truth is, I always endeavor to consume a frugal diet, so a cheap yet nutritious meal is a godsend. My main staple is bean sprouts. They are cheap, delicious and utterly packed with fiber.''
''Wait, seriously? But you can't just keep relying on that.'' Namine pointed out. They knew he was frugal, sometimes extremely so but this was ridiculous. Even if bean sprouts could be nutritious, just relying on them was not good.
''That's about as bad as having to eat cat food...'' Morgana was once again very relieved that Namine took such good care of him. He distinctly remembered the others talking about getting him cat food. But one whiff of the stuff had left him with a single opinion.
He would not under any circumstances eat cat food. Ever.
''No need for concern. This was an exceedingly delicious meal. Thank you for coming with me. I feel as though I will be able to continue performing my best from this point forward.''
''Well, that's a relief...''
Word spread out in Shujin the following day about the test results coming out, leading to the students heading to the bulletin boards between classes and at break for a look.
The second group included Ann and Namine, who had managed to avoid a bunch of the crowd by waiting till break time. One of the students from their class had the same idea and he proceeded to point them out to the board with their class' names on.
They were stopped for a few moments by a couple of girls from their class, who greeted them jovially before congratulating Namine. This left the girl confused but since they were in a hurry, she couldn't question them.
Ann looked at the board. ''Oh, I passed. What a relief...How about you, Namine?''
''Hmm...'' The girl was still looking up her name, pausing when she found it. Her eyes widened before she responded. ''...I'm in the top ten.''
''Whoa, no way...'' Ann began to smile when she saw that it was true. ''Way to go!''
''So that's what those girls were talking about-you did great!'' Morgana chipped in.
She smiled ''Thanks...''
Later on, the team headed to Mementos as they agreed via the group chat, their target this time a girl who was cyber stalking...
''Top ten? Man, that's lucky!'' Skull exclaimed. ''I just made average.''
''Oh, there's a surprise...'' Mona stated, knowing just how the teen handled the exams.
Queen was thinking along similar lines ''I thought I warned you about slacking off.''
''I wasn't! But...well, you know...it's not just for me and I kept putting it off...''
''That's called procrastination. And it amounts to the same thing.''
''Uh...''
''One of these days, he's going to realize that he can't win an argument against her.'' Panther said flatly.
Fox nodded ''At any rate, that was well done indeed, Joker. I'd imagine you're pleased about catching up successfully.''
''Yup.'' The girl returned happily, turning their ride around another corner. ''I had a good feeling about it all but I never thought things would work out so well.''
''By the way I've been wondering, was Medjed really such a big deal before?'' Mona asked the group at large.
''They were, mostly because of how efficient their operations are.'' Queen replied. ''I've heard talk of how the group was supposed to be dissolved but now it looks more like they were laying low.''
''Yeah and gathering power too if they've got enough to threaten the whole country.''
''Trouble just keeps piling up on us, doesn't it? We have to get to the bottom of Mementos to help Mona, do those requests and deal with the black masked criminal and now this Medjed thing...'' Panther remarked with a sigh.
''It would if you look at things that way, the best thing we can do now is focus on what we can do something about.'' Joker countered.
''Yeah, for now our priority's Medjed.'' Skull stated.
''Sounds about right...'' Mona trailed off as they saw Shadows appearing in their path and Joker maneuvered the bus so that they could ambush them.
Soon the shadows turned out to be a Jack Frost, a Nue, a Chronozon and a Take-Minetaka. The Nue immediately attacked with Maeiha, to which the party responded by either dodging or guarding to the best of their ability.
Her own experience with the shadow prompted Joker to issue a warning ''Panther and Fox, be careful. That Nue is weak to fire magic but it resists ice.''
''Very well.'' The latter returned.
Panther cracked a smirk ''Then I'll handle this. Carmen!'' The crimson dancer appeared behind her. ''Agilao!''
The powerful burst of flame almost threw the Nue down, with the Jack Frost barely avoiding the blaze but Fox caught it off guard and attacked twice. He and Joker were forced to jump back to avoid the Take-Minetaka swinging its weapon in their direction, the shadow then used a Mazionga spell, particularly harming Mona in the process. The Jack Frost began casting magic as the Chronozon lashed out with swift, vicious strikes at everyone. The party defended and dodged to the best of their ability, with Joker and Skull in particular focusing on guarding Mona and Queen, giving the latter a chance to heal the former.
The Shadows attacked with magic, creating a smokescreen. Moments later, Queen rode out of it on Johanna and rammed the Jack Frost. Mona leaped off the bike to finish it off with a slash of his blade while Queen kept the shadows with a Mafrei spell. The Chronozon made to cast magic but was distracted when Joker and Panther attacked it from each side while Skull and Fox banded against the last shadow. Joker summoned Shiki-Ouji, who tackled the Take-Minetaka and with a burst of psychic magic, knocked it down. This let her along with Queen and Mona hold it up at weapon point and she had it become one of her masks.
At the same time, Panther cast one of her new skills, Fire Break. This would serve to suppress any resistance the shadows had to fire magic. Just as she made to attack again, she felt a strange, new power well up within her.
''...What's going on?''
'Interesting.' Carmen hummed. 'Remember what Joker mentioned after our last visit?'
The girl's eyes widened, suddenly understanding what it all meant. ''All right, let's test it out!''
Carmen smirked, spinning around herself once. This created a ring of fire that trapped the two shadows. Panther waved her whip around, releasing blazing waves that Carmen enhanced with a wave of her hand while she danced around them. She was keeping her magic charging while Panther struck the shadows again. The Persona then raised a hand, making the fire erupt near the two shadows and causing a lot of burns before releasing the power she had charged into a final, powerful blaze that destroyed them.
Skull stared on ''Whoa...''
Mona blinked twice ''Was that...''
Panther turned to them with a grin as Carmen vanished ''Our Overdrive skill, Infernal Rondo.''
''Amazing, Panther!''
''Well done indeed.'' Fox praised.
Panther beamed ''Thanks but hey, if anything Joker gets the credit here.''
''Ah, you're the one pulled it off, nice work.'' The girl returned.
Mona smiled ''We're definitely off to a good start today, let's keep this pace going.''
They went through more battles as they searched for their target, with Mona eventually sensing it and leading them straight to the area...
''So that's the stalker...'' Skull trailed off.
''I can imagine how bad things must be if the person she's trailing asked for our help. Let's stop her.'' Queen said, the others nodded and they approached her.
''You must be the bastards who sent me that card.'' Shadow Yumeko sneered at them. ''What the hell is your problem?''
''That's what I want to ask you! Don't you even see how much trouble you're causing?'' Panther demanded.
''I haven't done anything wrong. This is just to show the strength of my feelings! He'll understand, I know it. Now go away.''
''Forget it.'' Skull retorted. ''Who do you think asked us to come? You're just being selfish.''
''That's not true!'' The Shadow glared back. ''Fine, if this is what it's come to me, I'll get rid of you pests now!''
At the declaration, she transformed into a Bugs Shadow that floated in mid-air. The team prepared to fight just as she cast a spell that surrounded them with power fields that lowered their defenses, Marakunda. Then she created fast and sharp projectiles which she seemingly fired at random, reminiscent of a bullet.
Mona dodged another blast coming at him before slashing the shadow twice. The Bugs shadow rammed him back on the head in counter. She was about to attack again only to be forcefully stopped by Joker, who blasted her twice with her gun. This also resulted in her being vulnerable long enough for Fox and Queen to get some hits in but then the shadow flew up and tackled them before casting Psiodyne on Skull. She flew up before he could get her in and proceeded to use the round of blasts again.
The Shadow was soon forced to fly away and dodge Captain Kidd's charge, Carmen and Johanna's spells but that left her unprepared for Zorro's wind magic, which blew her back. Queen aimed carefully and cast Freila, succesfully hitting the mark then.
''I am thou.'' Fox summoned his Persona, who then used Bufula on command. This also caused the fortunate side-effect of freezing their enemy in place. ''Everyone, let's seize this opportunity!''
''Right!''
They readily acted upon this, attacking the shadow at once. Knowing that they had caused a lot of damage, Joker decided to see if she could end this now. She went on to summon Arsene just as the shadow floated up and the two struck together, moving at great speed. Each attack left a dark lance trailing in the air. Arsene snapped his fingers, the shadow was struck by a burst of magic before the lances all descended at once, finishing up for a powerful strike.
This was their Overdrive, Chaotic Deluge.
''Hey, so she's figured it out! As expected.'' Mona remarked.
''Way to go, Joker!'' Skull exclaimed.
The strike served to finish the fight, leaving the shadow to fall on its knees and transform back.
''No...I just didn't want to lose him...was that so bad?'' Shadow Yumeko breathed.
''You went too far.'' Queen chided.
''If this guy means so much to you, there's a better way to show it.'' Panther added.
''But...I don't know what I'd do if he rejects me...I couldn't take it...''
''I'd say doing stalking him would really cause that, actually.'' Mona stated.
''Why don't you try just talking to him?'' Joker asked, Panther's words had given her an idea. ''If you don't act because of fear, you'll likely regret it forever. Just start by being friends.''
''I see...'' Shadow Yumeko stood. ''...that would make sense...I should...Thank you.'' She faded away.
''Man, we cleaned up today!'' Ryuji remarked as they walked down a street.
''Things did go well...though I suppose anything would be better than last time.'' Yusuke mused.
The blond spared him a look ''Did you have to bring that up?''
The group had stopped at Ann's request at a new cafe which seemed to be getting quite famous...
''So you sure about this, Ann? I thought you were supposed to be keepin' in shape. You'll get fat.'' Ryuji added.
''I won't, you idiot. I just wanted to check this place out because of what I read about it.'' The girl huffed. ''Didn't I tell you not to talk about a girl's weight?''
''No tact Lady Ann, remember?'' Morgana chipped in.
''Hey!'' The ex-athlete frowned.
''You can't complain if it's true, Ryuji.'' Makoto countered. ''At any rate, it does seem like whatever happened that day is a rarity...thank goodness for that.''
''No kidding...'' Namine agreed. They had barely made it out of Mementos that day and it was not something they were wanted to deal with. ''...I don't see this doing any harm. We had a good run out there...''
''That's true...'' Morgana tilted his head. ''...so what're you doing there?''
''Hold on...'' The girl had been checking something on her phone before she accessed one of the computers nearby.
The cat then saw that she was making to video call someone but before he could ask who, the screen changed to display a woman in her fifties with dark red with some gray strands and bright blue eyes. If one looked close between her and Namine, they could see some resemblance.
Morgana blinked, vaguely recalling that he saw this woman before. But where...?
And in fact it was...
''Hi, Grandma!''
Hyakuya Yuri returned her smile ''Oh Nami-chan, it's been too long.''
''I'll say.'' She agreed. ''Lucky I got to make this work, you guys sure haven't made it easy.''
''Well, what can we do? We're making the most of this.''
''And you totally should.'' Her granddaughter returned.
Yuri's eyes fell on the group as they came closer ''I take it those are your friends?''
''Mmhm, I'll introduce you...'' Namine blinked. ''...oh, but before that, is Grandpa there?''
''Wait...'' Yuri turned her head back towards the balcony. ''...Itsuki! Get over here, it's Namine!''
Moments later, her husband walked back in, perking up at what he found before greeting their granddaughter. ''This is a nice surprise. I've been looking forward to meeting your friends, though after what you've told us, it feels like we know them.''
Ann smiled as they introduced themselves ''The same goes for us, Hyakuya-san.''
''Aw, none of that stuff, just call me Itsuki. We're not much for that formality stuff right, dear?''
''Right. Feel free to call me by name as well.'' Yuri agreed. ''Thank you all for taking care of our Nami-chan.''
''Ah, it's more like we're all doing that...you know helping each other out and all.'' Ryuji offered. ''Besides, why wouldn't we? Namine's a brilliant friend.'' Ann and Makoto nodded to this.
''Thanks, but...you're the ones who really...'' Namine looked a bit embarrassed.
''I think you're better off accepting the praise, it's certainly true after all.'' Yusuke stated.
Yuri held back a laugh ''I see somethings never change. We've been worried but all we've seen and heard proves that you're doing well, dear.''
''Oh, right. I'm trying...''
''There's more to it than that.'' Makoto half-smiled. ''I think you should both know that we've gotten our exam results today. Namine ranked in the top ten of the class.''
Yuri's smile widened ''That's great news!''
''I'll say! I knew you'd do us proud again, kiddo.'' Itsuki grinned as their granddaughter beamed. ''So anything you want in particular? We'll see about getting it over to you.''
''Definitely. You've got to have a reward for this!'' Yuri added.
''Ah, I don't know...I'll get back to you on that.'' Namine returned. ''Anyway, how are you guys doing over there?''
''Fantastic! You won't believe the stuff we've seen here.'' Her grandfather returned before he began to tell them a story.
Well, let's stop here.
I hope this was good. Gotta admit, the bit with Yuri and Itsuki just came to me when I finished sorting my plans for this arc but it felt like it meshed really well and I just had to go for it. I'm planning to have them appear some more, though actually coming to the city would definitely take some time. It was just that they were all near PCs that had a video call app now, getting in touch can prove kind of hard when they're on the move.
Anyway, I'm not quite clear on how it was done in canon but I wanted to keep the focus on Medjed here before getting Alibaba into the picture (that particular deal starts from the next chapter). For now, I'll just keep it at this since we're just kicking things off.
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 6)
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 2)