Vangran: Glad you liked it. And yeah, I guess with Yaldaboth right there, things couldn't play like they did in the other games. But I really didn't want to leave this out and considering that it turned out to be fun to write, you can expect some more in the future.
I've got some ideas to work with for Goro, come on, the game's awesome and all but following its route with him would just be no fun. I didn't really think about things from that angle before but I see your point about Namine not being invincible. Well, it felt like handling things differently wouldn't have added up right.
ShadowAshSenpai: Thanks! Well, I'm still a bit on the fence about the pairing. I do have someone in mind but it's still not certain. And that's still down the line anyway. My experience when writing romance is next to nil, unless you count little snippets so I really wanna be careful here.
Defender31415: Hey, thanks! About your thoughts...
- Well, after playing P3, the idea of the twins hanging out with Namine was too interesting not to try.
-I'm glad you think the psychotic breakdown was good, I honestly wasn't sure for a bit but that's the kind of thing I imagined it would be like. It's nice to find that people are happy with Namine. I've seen fics where characters become sort of invincible but I'd rather not go there.
-The thing about Akechi's involvement wasn't a coincidence. But more revelations about that would be for later.
-Glad you liked those scenes, as much as I enjoy watching the canon stuff, adding little twists of my own is also fun. Oh and I don't remember if I mentioned this to you but thanks for telling me about Crimson, that really did help.
Rogue: Wow, thanks a lot! I'm really glad to hear that. I do really like working on this fic so no problem there. Giving it a 100% here!
A few days had passed since the psychotic breakdown incident and things had thankfully returned to a calmer pace.
The rest of the Phantom Thieves were brought up to speed by Ryuji, and they could only speculate as to what it all meant. The overall feeling was one of relief since they knew Namine would be all right and they made a point of checking up on her and helping her recovery.
Sae arched a brow ''You're looking into the recent breakdown too?''
Akechi wasn't too surprised that she didn't know ''Sae-san, I know you thought little of my helping Detective Miura and Ayano-san so you like didn't pay attention to the investigation. The thing is, the victim of the recent breakdown is the man we were trying to find.''
''Him?'' He was right. She really hadn't cared to hear of their work so this was news to her.
''I take it you haven't been able to find much details about Suwabe Akio, at least recently?'' She nodded and the detective went on. ''That's because he's been missing for quite a while now. It was right around the time his wife prepared to sue him for his mistreatment of her so it was assumed he ran away but things just didn't make sense. There was no record of him leaving the city, virtually no record of him anywhere in fact. It was as if he just vanished. The next thing we all know, he was at that street.''
''I see...'' The prosecutor looked pensive. ''...no wonder Ayano-san's investigation came to a standstill.'' At Akechi's curious look, she explained. ''From what he's told me, they were able to find where he had been staying, I assume his rampage left some lead. Ayano-san seems convinced that he was involved in some shady, undercover deal as most of what they found in that place was ruined. His phone was hardly working and all they could get because of it was a recorded conversation telling Suwabe to meet someone. The location wasn't disclosed but Suwabe seemed to know about it just from that exchange.''
''Would I be correct in assuming that the other voice was tampered with?'' Akechi noted shrewdly.
Sae nodded ''The number was registered as an unknown and the caller told Suwabe that he had to take responsibility. Whoever it is something about failing and overstepping his boundaries, apparently. Suwabe clearly knew who it was; he was terrified. I'm beginning to wonder if he intended to come to the police with whatever evidence he had. The caller specifically warned him that no one would be able to help and his time was over. I think that's when the recorder was damaged as none of the rest made any sense. It might be where his breakdown started.''
''I wonder if this could be the person behind the incidents over the last two years. It seems like too much of a coincidence for it all to happen at ocne.'' Akechi crossed his arms.
''Yes, that was my conclusion too.'' Sae admitted. ''Just what does this all mean?''
Sojiro turned a little as Leblanc's door opened, blinking when he saw Makoto enter ''Hey there, Nijima-chan, coming to check on Namine again?''
''Hello Boss, yes, I think we were all very worried after that disaster.''
''Can't say I blame you, looks like the guy really was shady to the core. I hear it was decided to distribute his money to the people he hurt a few days ago.'' The barista mused. ''The kid's doing all right, we warned her not to push it but she got to help around here well enough and go out for a few hours, so she's definitely plenty better.''
''That's good news.'' Makoto went upstairs and it wasn't long before she heard Morgana whistle.
''Wow...they really pulled out all the stops, huh?''
''Yeah...'' Namine's voice came then. ''...I never did get around to sorting that deal out but I really didn't think they'd do this.''
Makoto knocked the door, which was half-open, so she poked her head in. ''Hello, you two.''
''Hi, Makoto.''
Morgana blinked, surprised ''Oh hey, when'd you get here?''
The three sat down and the brunette went on ''Boss seems to think you're recovering well.''
''Yup, nothing to worry about.'' Namine smiled. ''It felt lousy at first but with the help I've heard, everything's fine.''
''That's great.'' It wasn't that Makoto didn't trust Sojiro, she just wanted to hear it from the girl herself. ''What were you talking about by the way? I heard part of your exchange just before I came in.''
''Ah, that?'' Morgana glanced at the empty package that lay on the desk. ''Remember how Namine's grandpa said they'd get her a gift since she did so well in the exams?''
The girl nodded and gave Namine a curious look. She turned slightly and faced her, holding what looked like a brand new laptop. Namine then spoke ''I never did get around to them since things were so busy but this was...well, completely unexpected.''
''Don't worry about that so much, you earned it.'' Makoto truly thought so, after all look at how rocky the last two years were for their leader. She had worked hard and this was just the fruits of that work.
''I guess...it really was a surprise though...''
Their talk shifted to other events and Makoto explained how Ryuji told them about the situation between Takemi and Oyamada. The brunette believed that Namine was on to something about the choosing of their targets, thus spurring her into learning about the man. The people she got to question tried to hide it but they obviously didn't like him.
''Takemi-san's name came up a few times too when I asked at the hospital. The opinion about her seems a little odd.'' Makoto went on. Some talked of her talent and others pretended that it was all a ruse and she was a screw up. Even stranger, the mood in the hospital seemed to tense then...''The people agree that she was really talented and a few suspect that he had something to do with her getting blacklisted. But with his connections and status, it's all up in the air. Because of that, as much as they don't like him, no one tries to do anything against him.''
Morgana harrumphed ''Just like other people we targeted then. We're definitely doing this. That guy probably won't stop until he gets what he wants. Takemi's meds have really helped us out, I think it's only fair to do something to help her in return.''
The girls nodded back, the matter settled for good.
A while later, the three went on a walk in Takenoko street. The number of shops and varied selections present was surprising, especially for Makoto.
''...So this is 'fashion' is. I'm feeling some culture shock, to be perfectly honest. Everything is so different...Makeup, manicures, dyed hair...'' The brunette trailed off.
''It just depends on people's tastes.'' Namine offered.
''That's true...I always thought those things were only for delinquents though...''
''I don't see why it would be. Why not try it out? I'm curious too.''
''T-true, I am interested...I think I'd like to study about these things a little more first.'' Makoto paused. ''No, wait, I'll never be able to change if I gave up this easily. I want to do all the things I kept from myself. From now on, I do what I want for my own sake.''
''How about you go ahead and try something out then?'' Morgana suggested.
''Well...'' Sure, she did want to but just looking at those selections made her wonder if she had been too hasty after all.
Namine took them to a shop ''Don't worry, let's just have some fun.''
After looking around, she went to pick up a shockingly green spiky wig and put it on. ''Well?''
Makoto couldn't help the giggle that escaped her at the sight, it looked every bit as ridiculous and awful as the selections they saw outside made her think they would. ''Ann knows best out of us when it comes to fashion but Namine, that really isn't your color.''
''Oh, I know...'' Mischief glimmered in her eyes. ''...but it works for the shock factor.''
''It certainly does.'' The other girl agreed.
Morgana snickered ''Can't argue with that. So who'd put on something like that? It kind of looks like a pincushion.
''Well, they've got one heck of a variety around here. Let's take a closer look.'' Namine returned.
It was sometime after that when Namine received a text from Ohya, asking to meet. She figured it had to do with their deal but the surprise was the location. Instead of it being Crossroads like it usually was, the journalist was apparently at the sushi restaurant.
''Okay now this I didn't see coming.'' An amused Ohya remarked when she saw that her source was carrying a cat in her bag. ''So you take the cat all sorts of places huh?''
''Well, Morgana tends to get bored if I leave him behind.'' Unsaid was the fact that Namine felt bad about leaving the feline behind upon seeing his interest when Ohya's message mentioned the restaurant. ''The only reason I was allowed to take him in was that I promised to take good care of him.'' At the journalist's raised eye, she added. ''I told you about where I lived, remember?''
''Ohhh, right. Gotcha.'' Ohya returned. Yeah, she could imagine there being trouble if a pet wandered around the cafe unsupervised.
''Did something happen? This already feels different from our other talks.'' Namine remarked.
''Sure did! I got one hell of a bonus yesterday so I was in the mood for some sushi.'' Ohya said brightly. ''I owe you for what you've done so far. I figured time to hit two birds with one stone, and of course if you have any news for me, all the more better!''
''She really is opportunistic, huh?'' Morgana muttered.
''Ah, well...'' Namine trailed off as she began to think.
The two talked as they had lunch, with Namine managing to sneak some sushi pieces for Morgana in every now and then...
''Oh, so the PhanSite works like that too? No wonder word about the Phantom Thieves spread like it did when they started out.'' Ohya nodded. ''And you say they didn't even plan it that way?''
Namine shook her head ''From what I've heard, the admin more or less started it as a way to thank them and he just expanded from there.''
''Huh, that's impressive. So anything you can tell me about this admin? Like if he'd be willing to share more info for my next article?''
''Ah, I'm not sure...'' She really didn't want to drag Mishima into this. Partly because, going by what Ryuji told her, the admin's first meeting with the journalist had gone badly. The girl really couldn't see this working well. ''...I think he'd rather remain undercover. But I can ask, if you have some questions, I can pass it on to him and get back to you.''
''I can work with that.'' The journalist returned. ''Heh, I knew you'd be informative but this is way better than I imagined. I wasn't even sure if this would work seeing how little they moved. People all over are wondering if they're going to do a thing about Medjed too.''
Well, in a way, they had but...the two present thieves exchanged glances, knowing how complicated that situation was.
''Oh well, this is good enough for me.'' The journalist took another piece of sushi. ''Mm...this stuff is as good as I heard but I wonder what it'd be like with some booze.''
''Why don't you try the drinks here? They seem pretty good.'' Namine suggested.
Morgana rolled his eyes, one of the very few times they see the woman sober and she was already looking to drink. At this rate, he was half convinced she was going to Crossroads later...
On the way back, the two ran into Haru. While exchanging pleasantries, the girl wanted to know if Namine would be willing to see a movie she had been looking forward to which premiered in the cinema. The burgundy haired girl agreed and thus they were on their way.
Namine blinked as she spotted the movie poster ''...Gotta admit, Haru, I never saw you as a horror movie fan.''
Haru giggled ''You're not the first to say that. Actually, I just happened to see a part of one by chance and they've appealed to me ever since. I've heard quite the talk about this one, it's supposed to be really good. Do you like horror movies, Nami-chan?''
''Ah, I guess they're all right.'' The girl shrugged. ''I don't even remember the last time I saw one of those so this has me curious, come on.''
Screams resounded as people began to ran away from the approaching ominous figure. Moments later, chaos broke out...
Namine was momentarily distracted when it felt like her bag was shaking on her lap.
''I-I-I can t-t-totally handle th-this sorta s-s-stuff...!'' Morgana stuttered.
Namine didn't have a problem seeing through the lie. Well, she could see why this movie had garnered attention, the effects were impressive. Hearing the villain's laugh while holding out his weapon with that background music gave her the creeps, and the way he killed that character earlier...the girl suppressed a shiver.
She might have been more scared in another situation but Namine thought the stuff they dealt with in the Metaverse was worse than this. She stroked Morgana's fur as she spoke ''It is pretty creepy, anyway. Don't feel bad.''
Namine didn't think she would feel the same way Haru did about horror movies. The fact that the girl seemed delighted once they left the movie hall, made her decide the whole thing was plenty worth it.
''That was so fun!'' She beamed. ''What did you think?''
''It was okay. But talk about intense...'' Namine trailed off.
''Isn't it just? That's one of the best parts.'' Haru returned. ''Sometimes it's a bit too scary to watch those alone, so I'm really glad you came. Thanks so much for today, Nami-chan.''
The girl laughed ''Don't worry about it, glad you had fun.''
''It's just your imagination, I wasn't scared.'' Morgana stated once they were back in the attic, having been talking about the experience in the cinema for a bit.
Namine didn't buy it for a second ''Whatever makes you sleep at night.'' At the vivid blue glare this elicited, she added. ''It's nothing to be embarrassed, Mona. That stuff was scary, Haru likes the movies and even she's admitteed to being scared. No big deal. Look at all that's in the Metaverse.''
''I guess you've got a point...'' The feline hadn't thought of it like that. It did seem a little silly for the movie to get to him that much given what they faced already.
Morgana went down with Namine for dinner. Leblanc was mostly quietly, save for the TV playing on. The only people present were Sojiro and Akechi.
''Oh, there you are.'' Sojiro acknowledged. ''Looks like you have good timing this once, Mr. Detective.''
Akechi half-smiled. He had come around to see how the girl was doing after that attack before. It always seemed like bad timing, given that she had either been sleeping or like yesterday, not even here. ''It's good to see you're doing well, Hyakuya-san.''
''Thanks, Akechi-kun, back at you. I'm still kind of sketchy on the details. What happened after that breakdown?''
''I was wondering too, did you find out just what happened to that guy?'' Sojiro added.
''It's nothing really concrete, I'm afraid.'' The detective felt they deserved to hear the truth. ''We're fairly certain he was involved with some rather shady people to say the least. There's some evidence of his psychotic breakdown to be a revenge of some sort over a failure. They were all very careful though, not even a hint of a detail was mentioned over the message we found. Suwabe was terrified though, it turns out he was staying under a surname but he kept changing places. The last place wasn't too far, there wasn't much the people of that hotel could tell us but they did notice how strange he started to act.''
''Strange how?''
''That's the thing...apparently, just a few days ago, he was very subdued. He would hardly talk or eat, practically lethargic. They assumed he was ill but he flat out told them not to get any doctor.'' Akechi's tone made it clear that it all baffled him as well.
Morgana's eyes narrowed a bit, remembering what Yusuke told him a while back about Madarame after they changed his heart. Now the fraud had gotten off lighter than Suwabe but there was no denying the similarities.
As it so happened, Sojiro was thinking along similar lines. What Akechi was saying made him think back to a time back from two years ago. Wakaba had also started acting very differently all of a sudden. The changes started out slowly with her. But then after the day she told him she thought she was about to die, she started to act like Suwabe.
He had suspected that something was strange about her death but he could never be sure just what.
Did this mean...?
''This is some way for things to end up.'' Namine remarked. ''I guess it actually ties to your other investigation now, huh?''
''Effectively, yes.'' Akechi returned. ''There is suspicion that Suwabe was connected to the origin of the incidents spanning over the last two years, though. As usual with those, it's getting hard to say. But I fully intend to find the truth and bring the one behind it all to justice.''
''Well, that's good to hear...''
The two continued to converse, with Sojiro joining them once he prepared Akechi's earlier requested coffee. The barista having decided to shake his line of thinking off for the time being, nothing was clear yet and there was no point deliberating over it all...
'What are your thoughts, Representative Shido?' The voice distracted the four and served to bring their attention to the TV, which displayed an interview with Diet member Shido. Akechi tensed but his expression remained neutral. He, Namine and Morgana all missed Sojiro's eyes narrowing at the sight of the man.
'It doesn't surprise me that people say out country is lethargic. After all, we've let these phantom thieves run amok. And because they've targeted prominent figures, our government has been hesitant to act. I apologize for any concern they amay have caused will henceforth search for an apt countermeasure.' Shido answered. 'This is an important undertaking and one I intend to confront with every asset available to me. The selfish criminals enacting this social reform are in fact the ones most deserving of reformation. Answering to the interest of the people as hastily as possible is is my natural duty as a politician.'
Morgana's eyes narrowed a bit, sure, Shido could badmouth them all he wanted but the fact is, they were fighting to do what was right and things would stay that way. If it hadn't been for them, many others would've still been suffering with no one to help.
Namine's brow furrowed, again, she had this really off feeling about this man. But why? Sure, their first impression of him was lousy but this still didn't add up.
'Rampant political scandals, thieves on the loose...As sad as it, this is the state of our nation. We must resolve this problem and I assure the people of this noble country that I will do just that. I shall steer Japan into a bright future.' Shido went on.
Then the memories of the day of her arrest and its consequences flashed before her eyes, inducing a sharp pain that almost made her cry out. But even as this happened, the memories were getting clearer...
That was when it hit her.
She could feel Arsene stirring with the emotions from this, mainly the shock registering within them. For now, the drunk man's face was clear as day.
It had been him all along, Shido Masayoshi was the one who caused her arrest.
''Now that's something, huh?'' Morgana blinked, seeing something wrong. ''Namine, you okay?''
Hearing the cat's meow (to him), made Sojiro look back at Namine. He was surprised to see the girl holding the side of her head with a pained look. ''Hey whoa, what's wrong?''
But the girl hadn't been listening, the rush of the memories and pain they brought along with the emotions left her overwhelmed and somewhat light headed. Before she quite knew it, the girl swayed on her feet, causing an alarmed Akechi to steady her.
''Are you all right?'' Morgana and Sojiro called.
''I-I think...'' She managed as Akechi helped her sit down.
''I wouldn't say that, you've gone pale.'' The detective noted with concern.
''He's right.'' Sojiro agreed. ''With all that's happened, you might have overdone it today. You want me to get Doctor Takemi?''
The girl shook her head ''I think I'm just tired...''
''Fair enough, but if this persists we're checking with her.'' She spared him a grateful look and nodded, leaning back against the seat as Sojiro went to the kitchen.
''Are you sure you're all right?'' Akechi inquired.
''Y-yeah...sorry, it's just been kind of a long day...'' She patted Morgana's head when he looked up at her worriedly
''Criminals, huh?''
The two looked at Akechi, who glanced at the TV ''Ah, apologies, I was thinking out loud.'' He mused. ''Just that saying is ignorant...''
''That's different from what you said before.'' Namine pointed out.
His lips twitched ''True. I've come to realize that I empathize with them on some level. You've had something to do with that. I've been thinking...if they only target the hearts of criminals, while they aren't innocent, perhaps the Phantom Thieves' goals aren't too different from my own.''
''Well, if it helps, I consider what they do as speaking for those whose voices can't be heard.''
''It does, actually. I'm still somewhat unsure of this conclusion but given their actions so far, that seems fitting.'' The detective chuckled suddenly, confusing her. ''Ah, it's just that I feel as though I could tell you anything during our conversations. You're rather easy to talk to. I am sorry though, I didn't mean to bother you now. Would you like me to help you to your room? It's upstairs, correct? Forgive me for being blunt but it doesn't seem like you can make it there now.''
She smiled sheepishly, well she did feel kind of shaky so that was likely true. ''I guess not...oh, and I'd appreciate the help.''
''Think nothing of it, Hyakuya-san. I don't mind at all.''
The girl spoke again they were in the attic ''So I have to admit, I'm curious, you really enjoy our talks that much?''
Akechi chuckled ''More than you'd think. It's refreshing to have someone like you around. If anything, our chats have been giving me interesting perspective.''
''Oh? Well, glad to help even if I don't know how.''
He smiled ''...I think that might be good in its own way.'' The girl looked at him curiously. ''You'd be surprised how many people our age criticize me for not supporting the Phantom Thieves.''
''Well...I'm more on their side but I'm hardly going to force you to see things my way. I don't think you'd be getting much of that here. In general, I think it's fair to say everyone's entitled to their own opinion. You can't please everybody anyway.''
''True, true...'' Akechi concurred. ''...thank you. You should get some rest now.''
''Yeah...guess I'll see you around?''
Nodding, the detective left and Morgana hopped to the bed ''Guess that attack caused more trouble than we thought.''
''Maybe...'' That wasn't really it but Namine really didn't feel up to talking about her recent discovery just yet. Weary as she was, the girl lay down and tried her best to put it out of her mind for the time being, eventually drifting off to sleep.
The next day, she wound up sleeping in but woke up feeling much better overall. With Sojiro and Morgana's advice, she just wound up taking it easy for the morning before recalling that she agreed to meet up with the others while hanging out with Makoto. Thus, she left to do so after offering reassurances to her guardian and companion.
The brunette had headed over to Big Bang Burger once learning that Ryuji and Yusuke had already been there, which left them all to gather there.
''Hey, Makoto!'' Morgana called, bringing her attention to them. ''Where are the guys?''
Looking thoroughly exasperated, the girl pointed at another table. There were Ryuji and Yusuke and before them were the largest burgers the three had ever seen.
''What's this about?'' The feline asked, dumbfounded.
Makoto sighed ''BBB's Cosmic Challenge, apparently. Ryuji had already set this up when I got here. Those who eat the whole thing earn a special prize.''
''Really? I can't imagine eating something that big.'' Namine admitted.
''That does seem over the top...'' Morgana trailed off.
''You can say that again.'' Makoto huffed. ''I really hope they don't wind up getting sick because of this.''
But as it were, they could only watch as their friends were already in the middle of the challenge. In the end, Ryuji gave up and Yusuke ate all his burger.
Morgana's jaw almost dropped ''You're kidding me...''
The girls looked just as bewildered as Makoto spoke ''I definitely didn't expect that.''
Ann arrived in time to see Ryuji hand Yusuke some money as the boys walked over ''Hey, what's all this?''
''Ryuji proposed that we try their challenge out and he lost our bet.'' Yusuke replied, pocketing the money.
''Oh yeah, I heard something about that...'' The blonde noticed their trays and blinked, the remaining burger tipped her off. ''...wait, so then...?'' She had seen someone take a Cosmic Challenge before and she thought Yusuke meant that the one who ate more would win. To think that the artist actually managed to finish that burger...
''How did you...?''
''That's what I want to know!'' Ryuji grunted. ''You can eat that much and yet you still stay as thin as a rake?''
Yusuke's expression made it clear that he didn't see their point ''It would be remiss of me to let such an opportunity slip.''
''You're...kinda missing the point.'' Ann sweatdropped.
''Well, at least it worked out well enough.'' Makoto shook her head
''Eh, true enough. Come on, we've gotta go.'' Morgana told the group, who nodded back.
And let's stop here.
I kept thinking over what would be best to have here given the end of the last chapter and this was the result, I hope it was good. Oh, in case I got anyone confused, the next chapter will start right after this ending and it kicks off in Mementos.
I wondered what it'd be like if they had known more about Shido early on so I tried to implement that here. It doesn't mean anything specific soon, because first of all, Namine's kind of rattled, so doesn't know how to handle what she remembered yet. Basically, this spark of recognition will be what makes the rest of the Phantom Thieves decide to find out more about Shido. I know how dangerous his Palace is so that's definitely left off for later. Basically, it's like they'd know he has a Palace but they don't know nearly enough about him to figure out the keywords. It's a bit of a slow process but I have an idea related to this plan, it takes place in the next arc though, but I fully plan to bring it all together. It has to do with my plan for Akechi too so bear with me, please.
I know Haru's confidant starts late because of the way it is, but I don't really like the idea of leaving her out for too long. Especially since I mentioned how she and Namine get closer because of their outings around the city. I'm not sure about the name of BBB's challenge but the idea just occured to me when I was planning things and I really wanted to try it out so there we go.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you like the chapter. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 5)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 8)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 7)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 5)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 7)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 6)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 3)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 6)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 3)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 4)