Defender31415: Thanks, glad you like it. Always nice to see my work being appreciated. Honestly, the laptop was a spontaneous idea but I wound up working it in the story anyhow. I can't really give much about plans regarding Akechi because-as you said-spoilers. But you're on the right track, that's all I'm going to say now.
...now here we go!
The Phantom Thieves headed into Mementos after having gathered sufficient information about Oyamada, indeed confirming that he had a room within the labyrinth. Fighting Shadows as usual, the group kept making its way down.
''I still can't believe Fox actually beat Skull in that stupid challenge...'' Mona trailed off.
''Same here. Remember much how much meat he had back at the Wilton? I never thought someone would beat him at eating that stuff.'' Panther added.
''This, coming from the person who ate practically all the cake there?'' Skull shot back.
Panther glared back ''It was a great chance! Besides, who are you to talk? I'm not the one who went and got myself sick right after that. Now that was a waste of money!''
''You gotta admit, she's got you beat.'' Mona snickered.
''Like hell! She doesn't get to talk when she did practically the same thing!''
''Oh yeah?'' Panther scowled.
''Yeah!'' He met her glare head-on.
''Children, inside voices, please?'' Queen shot them a sharp look that had them backing off and turning away from each other.
''Well, I don't see a reason behind any surprise. I merely sought to take full advantage of the opportunity.'' Fox stated.
''Why do I get the feeling that Fox might be starving for decent food if Joker hadn't started making some for him?'' Mona mused.
''That's cuz it's totally true.'' Skull deadpanned. ''Remember when we were looking for a part time job? I kept telling him he's got to make for some priorties but he still focuses so much on art that I doubt it ever got through.''
''I'd like to say you're both exaggerating...but at this point, I'm getting my own doubts.'' Queen's tone was just as exasperated as her friends.
''Honestly Fox, we've been through this. You need to take much better care of yourself.'' Panther chided.
''While I appreciate the concern, I assure you, it's not nearly so bad. I simply want to end my slump as quickly as possible.''
While that was understandable, Mona felt that he was ignoring one issue ''There's such a thing as overdoing it, you know.''
''Mona's right.'' Joker agreed. ''I don't know much about art beside what I learned from you but I'm pretty sure that's not the kind of thing you should be trying to force. I've actually been wondering for a while...do you even enjoy yourself when you paint lately?''
Fox made respond only to realize he wasn't sure what to say. That really came as a bit of a shock, it should be easy to answer the question ...so why couldn't he do it?
Queen spared him a concerned look. She hadn't thought of the situation like that but if he found it this hard to answer...''See? You need to stop and take it easy, if you keep overdoing it, you'll burn out.''
''Yeah, it sounds like you're getting stressed out. Just take a day or two off, it won't hurt.'' Panther offered.
''Just focus on what we're doing now, try to clear your head. You might feel better later.'' Skull added.
''I...suppose you have a point. I will think about this.'' Fox decided.
''That's all we want, buddy.'' The blond patted his shoulder. "So hey, Joker, you good? Pretty sure that's the most we've heard from you today."
Eyes traveled to the startled girl with the realization that Skull was right. While she had been focused on battles as always, she had indeed been very quiet.
"Oh, I...guess I was spacing out..." She couldn't get the previous night out of her mind. Even finally having discovered the drunk's identity, she wasn't sure what to feel.
"Anything we can do to help?" Mona wondered.
Joker opened her mouth, faltering as she didn't know what to say. Panther's worry was evident but she decided to give her time "Let's give her time. We can talk later."
The team agreed, knowing it was best not to force her. Mona opted to move things along "Say, Queen, did you hear anything from your sister about that breakdown?''
''I did try to ask...'' Sae had been hesitant on how much to share but conceded upon learning of her friendship with Joker. ''...there wasn't much she could tell me. It's still under investigation but Suwabe covered his tracks really well. They haven't been able to find out just why he disappeared all of a sudden and they have no idea what to make of it either. His last recorded phone calls were encrypted and the only record they could get had the other speaker's voice distorted.''
''So the police has basically nothing to go on.'' Panther concluded.
Mona hummed ''That's what Akechi said before too.''
''Yeah...odds are, it might be up to us if that criminal really is behind this.'' Joker thought he most likely was but since they had such little information, it was hard to be sure of anything.
Everyone started as Mona sensed shadows and warned them accordingly. Thus, they were able to maneuver and ambush the enemy, revealing two Pisacas, an Isis and an Anubis.
One of the Pisacas began to rampage while the other launched a number of Dream Needles, one nailing Mona and causing him to sleep. The Anubis cast Makouga just as the Isis shadow finished casting a shield over it.
''In that case...'' Queen fired a pair of bullets at the Shadow just before it could get back to casting again, knocking it down. Skull focused on shielding Mona and Joker, who had taken the worst out of the first round of assault while the latter helped the former wake up. Meanwhile, Panther and Fox dealt with the Pisacas.
Fox managed to force them back as they dodged Goemon's ice but Panther immediately followed up with Carmen. The crimson dancer's fire magic struck both shadows and burned them badly, allowing the artist and model to quickly finish them off.
The Isis managed to dodge Queen's oncoming punch while the Anubis cast Mudoon but it merely washed over the girl harmlessly as she hit the shadow in return. Skull ran up to attack then, with Mona trapping both shadows in a vortex of wind magic which allowed Joker and Queen to finish them off.
With the battle done, the Phantom Thieves continued towards their rapidly approaching destination...
''There it is...'' Panther frowned at the sight of Oyamada's Shadow nearby.
''Man, you had him pegged, Mona. He sure looks smug as hell.'' Skull remarked.
Mona's eyes narrowed ''Yeah, he just keeps causing trouble for Takemi at the clinic. All sorts of nasty rumors came about her thanks to him. At this point, her clinic's barely running.''
''Mm, she can hardly get any work done too...she says it's because he pressures her suppliers.'' Joker frowned as she remembered her latest visit to Takemi's. The situation had just been getting more troublesome and it was wearing on the doctor even if she didn't show it. Now it was only a few people in the neighborhood who still retained faith in her. ''He even had people believing that Miwa-chan died...If things keep going like this, she'll have to quit...''
''That bastard, she doesn't deserve that. It's bad enough he blamed her for the mistake he made with that drug. People might die if we don't change his heart.'' Panther scowled.
''Then let's go.'' Queen said and they approached the shadow.
''Hm? You're...Takemi's assistant?'' Shadow Oyamada noticed Joker. ''Honestly, you're just another obstacle in my way to get rid of that bitch. It's like she just doesn't get the hint, no one wants her around, so she should just quit being a doctor. She doesn't deserve to be one!''
Joker refused to that statement go unchallenged ''You're wrong, she's doing a lot of good. She's working really hard to turn things around-no matter what you try to pull. There's no reason to keep doing this.''
''Yeah, what the heck's your problem with the doc anyway?'' Skull demanded.
''I said it, didn't I? She shouldn't be a doctor. A worthless failure like that would only drag us actual doctors down. That's why I want to get rid of her and I won't stop until it happens. Those fools who actually go to her deserve what's coming to them! I won't let anyone get in my way.''
''You're supposed to be a doctor? This must be some joke-do you not see that you're toying with lives here?'' Fox glared at him.
''That's some tone you're taking with me, brat!'' The Shadow sneered. ''As head of the medical office, I'm superior to everyone! I deserve all your respect! You should be begging me to examine you! Be grateful that I have the compassion to fix you trash!''
Mona scoffed ''Doctor of the year, right there!''
''You dare talk to me, you superior, like that?! Your diagnosis is arrogance with no chance of recovery. I better 'treat' you right away! I'll make sure you won't get in the way of my plans, and I'll blame your death on Takemi messing up again!''
The Shadow transformed into a Thoth and Mona and Skull proceeded to attack. The former cast a Garula which the shadow shook off and held up its book to stop Skull's strike before casting Mazio.
Skull managed to brush the attack off without preamble and Mona was fast enough to dodge the bolt of lightning. Just then, it was surrounded by a wave of bluish aura which made Mona frown.
''Watch out, he's gathering power!''
Fox and Queen attacked with their respective Personas, only to be surprised as the enemy brushed their powers off with little trouble, revealing to be strong against the two elements they had used. Panther struck at him with her whip, forcing the shadow to get back and dodge but that left it vulnerable for Joker, who shot a few rounds with revolver, leaving the shadow to yelp in pain and surprise.
It cried out and released a Megido spell, and a number of white tinted spheres of power that hit the entire party, almost knocking a few down.
The Shadow cackled ''How do you like that?! That's where you belong-below me!''
''Keep dreaming then, Johanna, Flash Bomb!''
The sudden attack left the shadow surprised as the attack almost knocked it down to the ground but it regained its balance and cast Mazio once again. Just as it stopped to concentrate its strength for a more powerful strike, Joker seized the chance to have Arsene use Midnight Salvo, forcing the Shadow to hurry about and dodge. When that wound up failing, the girl was able to attack him with Fox, leaving the shadow angrier.
''Damn you, take this!'' He cast one more Megido which once again caused more damage than usual due to his power up. But the shadow was dismayed to see that the party was still keeping up the fight. ''You're still fighting?!''
''Like hell we'd quit now!'' Panther shot at him with her gun, forcing it to dodge. It rolled around again to avoid Queen's oncoming fist. But the girl was undeterred, she summoned Johanna and proceeded to speed off. Mona jumped on behind her and they prepared to strike the enemy again. In seconds, their combined strikes sent the shadow reeling and left an opening for Joker and Skull to attack from opposite sides, throwing the shadow down. Fox proceeded to summon Goemon and wrapped up the fight with a Rising Slash, leaving it to cry out and in a flash of black flames, revert back to the human form.
Skull's brow furrowed as they heard sobbing ''What, crying now? This is just sad.''
''I just...I don't know why...I'm never good enough. I want to save people's lives. And I want to do something great, and help make medical history. But I'm just a mediocre doctor. I've only gotten promoted because of my universtity connections.''
''Then you should've worked harder, not just waste time with your petty grudge.'' Queen stated. ''Dr. Takemi is a good person who helped plenty of people, including us. That hard work is why I believe we can rely on her.''
''...I know she is...'' The Shadow admitted. ''...She's really creative. Takemi had those great ideas and her techniques were excellent...she had everything I wanted in such a short time...I was so jealous of her. That's why I tried to take credit for her new drug...''
He sighed ''...If only there was a cure for jealousy...'' He looked back at the group. ''...I imagine you couldn't information about Takemi's patient before, right?''
''How...?'' Mona blinked. They HAD actually tried to find anything about Miwa because of the odd rumors around her but nothing came up.
''It's all a big cover up. I thought she would die so I sent her into the corner for terminally ill patients. Thing is, she and her family didn't believe my diagnosis so they transferred her into a different hospital. But that would just make our hospital look bad. So I made everyone tell the same lie; the patient died after she chose to leave the hospital.''
''That was totally low!'' Panther huffed as the Shadow lowered his head with evident guilt.
Joker glared at him, remembering how worried and even scared Takemi was after that rumor ''...Where is she?''
''The hospital near Inokashira park, I've heard they finally settled on that one after several attempts to cure Miwa-chan.'' The Shadow admitted. ''None of the doctors seemed able to help but Takemi might be able to make a difference...'' He faded away in light then.
''Jeez, he went so far over something like this...oh, come on, Joker! You've got to tell her!'' Panther exclaimed. The girl nodded back and followed the blonde as she led them out of the area.
Unfortunately, Takemi hadn't responded to any calls and no one was at the clinic so Namine wound up sending her a text asking to meet as soon as possible.
Left with little else to do in this situation, the girl decided to take a walk and try to relax. In the end, she wound up visiting the church where they had encountered Hifumi. She found that to her luck, the girl was playing shogi just like the last time she had been here.
''Oh hello, Hyakuya-chan.'' The girl greeted. ''I take it this is about our talk the other day?''
''Sure is! You up to playing with a partner this time?''
Hifumi gave a small smile ''Let's find out.''
''My, I suppose having some experience with a game like chess is useful. While you are a beginner, you've made strategic choices in the end.'' Hifumi remarked.
''Really? It was fun. I kind of wound up winging it a little there but I guess I really got into the game.'' Namine half-smiled. ''It was a little like back when he started teaching me...''
That was a bit of a hard subject to her, for she still felt bad. She simply could not remember much of anything about her friend from two years ago. He HAD mentioned that he wanted to this city before so a part of her wondered if she could meet him but could that even happen? Would he remember her then?
Shaking the thought off, the blue eyes girl went on ''You really like the game, huh, Togo-chan?''
''Yes. Very much so...'' Hifumi faltered. ''...That's why I wish to improve. Would it be possible to ask for another match?''
''Sure!''
Hifumi couldn't help smiling back. ''Thank you. I enjoyed playing with you.''
''That's great. I'm looking forward to next time.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity
With the birth of the Star Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...
A few days later...
Medjed's deadline had finally arrived and Futaba had yet to wake up. Needless to say, this left the Phantom Thieves in a bind.
''What do we do now?'' Morgana muttered from his perch as he glanced at the kitchen where Namine finished cleaning up. Everyone was worried, he knew. They had thrown their lot in with Futaba but things really didn't seem to be working out there at all...
Sojiro turned slightly as Namine came out ''...Hey, kid.''
''Hi, Boss.'' Namine returned. ''What's up? Anything different with Futaba?''
''Nope, same as always. Today's the day Wakaba passed. I do this every year...Here I've got a cup for you too.''
''Futaba reminds me so much of her mother. She's a smart girl. Doesn't just go with the flow either. Wakaba...'' He closed his eyes. ''...Your work and your kid were so fulfilling for you...why'd you have to die so suddenly...?''
Namine made to speak but thought better of it, deciding to let Futaba take care of telling him the truth.
Sojiro exhaled ''You saw me talking to Nijima-chan's sister...and from the sound of it, Futaba's told you a few things. That woman's convinced that Wakaba's research has to do with her investigation and she's willing to pull out all the stops to get it...''
''I...kind of got that impression. There was some chaos about Isshiki-san's research, right? Futaba didn't say much but...what she did mention and the way she acted...'' Namine trailed off.
''Yeah. You don't need to know what it was about, just keep that in mind. Obviously, Wakaba got dragged into that. Now they ruled her death a suicide...but I've got my doubts.''
''Doubts? You mean...'' Namine started.
''...she was killed?'' Morgana blinked. They had already had some suspicions about Wakaba's death based on what they came to learn but if even Sojiro was of a similar mindset-there could be more to this than meets the eye.
''Supposedly, there were people who wanted to take her research and use it for their own benefit...'' Sojiro went on. ''Don't get me wrong though. I don't have a lick of evidence. That's why I haven't told Futaba any of this. I don't want to cause her anymore trouble.''
''She has some suspicions of her own though, looking back at the palace...'' Morgana remarked, the girl nodded slightly in agreement.
''Still, there was one thing I regret.'' The man admitted.
Namine blinked ''What's that?''
''It ws right before Wakaba died. She told me, 'I think I might die in an odd way'.'' He noted the girl's incredulous look. ''Yeah, that was my first reaction. I brushed it off thinking it was just a joke. But if I had just taken her seriously...''
She couldn't help but remember her own reaction to Chihaya's prediction back when they first met ''You couldn't have known though...I think that reaction's natural.''
''Hah, I wonder...that's another reason I took Futaba in...redemption. She went through such horrible things. Those heartless adults just yelled at the poor girl. Hey...how do you heal emotional scars?''
''That's...hard to say.'' Namine said truthfully. ''I think...the best you can do is be there for the scarred person.''
''I thought I could be...but it's hard not being able to do anything to help her...''
''You are though.'' Namine countered. ''I talked to her before, remember? Your name came up a few times, she's worried...but she's also scared.''
''...She doesn't...'' Sojiro turned as the door opened, stiffening when he saw who arrived. ''...Futaba?!''
Morgana's jaw dropped a little as they watched the girl sit nearby.
She drank from the coffee mug she came across ''It's cold.''
''Huh?''
Futaba looked at her guardian with a frown ''You can't sell this!''
''N-never mind that...'' Sojiro was having trouble getting his thoughts in order. ''...How did you get here...?''
''Uh...I walked.'' Futaba blinked, clearly puzzled.
''You're okay?!''
She looked taken aback for a moment ''...Is that bad?''
''Th-that's not it!'' The barista shook his head . ''I'm just shocked to see you out of the house...''
''Uh...I'm sorry I worried you.'' She looked away.
''...It's all right.'' He left, but they could tell he was really glad and even choked up about this. He clearly needed a little time to collect himself.
''Hey, glad to see you're feeling better.'' Namine smiled
''Thanks...guess I really slept a whole bunch...that was a new one even for me.'' Futaba leaned back. ''By the way, what's the date today?''
''The twenty first.''
Futaba blinked ''Huh, I feel like I'm forgetting something...''
''You know, Medjed?'' Morgana offered.
''Oh, that's it!'' Futaba exclaimed, standing up. ''Come on, let's go. I'll take care of it.''
Morgana spoke up again when they were back in the hacker's room ''Hey, Futaba, we don't have much time. Can you really do this?!''
The girl stared at him in shock ''You can talk?!''
''Wha-? Of course I can, took you long enough!''
''H-hey, what's that...?!''
''Okay, okay, let's focus here.'' Namine interjected. ''Morgana's situation is a bit complicated, Futaba. Can we explain later?''
''Sure, okay.'' The girl looked back at her computer. ''Now then...Medjed, how should we cook them...?''
The two were left waiting for the girl to finish her preparations and it quickly turned out that she was completely immersed in her work that they couldn't get a word in. She never even noticed that they wound up cleaning her room while she kept working, either...
After quite a while, Futaba stretched and let out a sigh of relief ''I'm doooone!''
Morgana started ''W-what's up? Something happened?''
''It's finished.'' She stated simply.
''Finished? You mean, your secret plan to take Medjed?'' The cat clarified.
''Yup!'' Futaba blinked ''Wait, what happened to my room?''
''We cleaned it.'' Namine replied.
''I handled and then someone else handled my room...! I don't understand but this is good.'' Futaba picked up a cushion and lay her head it.
Morgana cocked his head ''Futaba...?'' He squinted "She's asleep?! Again?"
Namine shook her head ''Well, She's clearly done a lot, let's go home too, Mona.''
The cat sighed ''Best thing we can do, I guess...''
The effects of the hacker's work quickly became evident and soon everyone was talking about the takedown of Medjed. Futaba had taken over their site and put the Phantom Thieves' mark, leaving the media to conclude that they had taken down the group after all.
''Well, damn...they went on and did it anyway...'' Sojiro took note of how Namine and her friends were pleased at the news. ''...so I guess you're fans of those thieves too?''
''Can you blame us with all that happened?'' Ann returned easily.
''Fair enough. Here's to hoping you're not building a lot of expectations though-they're said to be dangerous.''
''Yeah, to messed up bastards like Kamoshida and those guys from Medjed. I say we're all good.'' Ryuji grinned.
''I hope you're right...''
The two looked back as the cafe's door opened and the boy perked up at the sight of the new arrival ''Hey, Futaba!''
Sojiro smiled ''There you are, are you feeling better?''
She nodded ''I wanted to come by.''
''That's good...'' He was about add that 'good' was actually an understatement but then Futaba tensed. She quickly hid behind Namine, her eyes focused on the door when a few people passed by.
He suddenly understood his daughter's anxiety. ''...oh. Come to think of it, customers are going to be coming soon. Why don't you kids all go upstairs?''
Ann spared Futaba a worried look but responded ''Sure, that sounds good.''
Makoto arrived a bit later, raising an eye at the seating arrangement in the attic. For everyone was either at the couch or the chairs while Futaba was on the bed and Namine was sitting at its foot. ''So...what is this exactly?''
Morgana sighed ''For some reason, she's only letting Namine sit near her.''
''You really need to loosen up.'' The lack of response left Ryuji to sigh.
''Well, let's just leave that be for now...'' Ann trailed off.
Yusuke decided to move things along ''To think a cognitive version of a person would transform into such a horrible monster and attack us. I hadn't considered that angle before but it means our enemies aren't limited to Shadows.''
''Yeah, I didn't expect that either. I thought the other people were just victims, like the slaves at the castle or the walking ATMs...'' Ann admitted.
''Even though they seem to be alive, they're only part of the backdrop, the environment.'' Makoto stated. ''...In other words, the Palace ruler determines the form and strength of their cognitions. I would have loved to ask Futaba's mother how far along she was with her research.''
''Research, huh...She was lookin' into that cognitive psience, stuff, yeah?'' Ryuji recalled.
''If we put together all the information we gathered up to this point...'' Makoto crossed her arms. ''...Abuse of cognitive psience can lead to death, and it may even relate to the psychotic breakdown incidents. Considering the cognitive aspect, I sense a strong connection between it and the Metaverse.''
''Yeah, it really fits too well...just like those people who showed Futaba that note.'' Namine frowned. ''They probably used that incident to steal the research and with them piling the blame on Futaba, no one would look into it.''
''If that is the case, those people are unforgivable.'' Yusuke pursed his lips at the memory of those horrid jeers from the pyramid.
''Hey, Futaba, is there anything else you can remember?'' Makoto inquired, the girl went and came back with food. ''She is quite difficult...''
''Come on, be patient, we're working through it.'' Namine reminded gently.
''I know, but still...''
Ann blinked, looking around ''That smell...'' The source turned out to be Futaba's pack of instant yakisoba.
''C'mon, no fair...'' Morgana groaned, feeling his stomach rumble.
''Hey, can I snag a bite?'' Ryuji asked, Futaba merely turned away. ''Meanie.''
''I think a break is in order.'' Yusuke said at last.
After a few minutes, everyone got some food and settled back down, returning to their discussion...
''I've been thinking...Even if Futaba is a genius, could she really crush an international hacker organizaion that easily?'' Makoto inquired.
''The one who taunted the Phantom Thieves was a guy in Japan. I knew the Medjed members in Japan were nothing special, so I wasn't worried.'' The girl in question offered.
''How do you know that?'' Ann asked.
What she said next threw everyone for a loop.
''Cause I'm the founder.''
The group stared at her, surprised ''Wait, what?'' Morgana blinked.
''Um...wait, are you saying...?'' Makoto started.
''Yup, I mean it literally. It was only me at first back when I referred to as the hacker of justice. But since I stayed anonymous, a buncha guys from all over the world started using the name.''
''And those were the ones committing cybercrimes.'' Ann realized.
''It was a hassle to explose them so I left them be.''
''Uhhh...so Futaba was the real Medjed and were freakin' out over some weak-ass dipshits?'' Ryuji held back a groan. ''You should've told us from the start, Futaba.''
''I discarded the name, I'm Alibaba now.'' She shrugged.
''Futaba, what do you want to do?'' Makoto inquired. ''Since you know our secret, we'd like you to join our team.''
''Kay.'' She returned.
''Just like that?'' Ann blinked.
''This may even ensure our investigation of Mementos goes along smoothly.'' Makoto smiled.
Morgana made to speak but hesitated, finally agreeing ''Well...I guess.''
''Well, Futaba's real amazin! She's gonna be a real big help for us, huh?'' Ryuji grinned.
''That's for sure.'' Namine agreed.
''Say, Futaba, how did you find out about us?'' asked Makoto.
''Secret.''
The girl tried again ''Where did you learn to hack?''
''Private.''
Yusuke decided to try ''When did you obtain the Nav?''
''Dunno, I just found it on my phone.'' The girl stated truthfully.
Makoto blinked while some of the others exchanged curious glances ''You too?''
''So why did you learn to hack in the first place?'' Yusuke asked.
Futaba's brow furrowed ''Not telling.''
Needless to say, this was getting awkward. They had only managed to get the one answer from the girl and it was likely because she didn't care if they knew.
''Futaba-chan sure is unique...Still, it'll be a problem is doesn't open to us some more.'' Ann sighed.
''Easy on her, you guys. This is some progress, right? Don't push it.'' Namine stated.
''While your patience is very much understood, at the very least, we need to be able to communicate normally with her.'' Yusuke returned.
"Well yeah, but she's right. We already knew the change of heart wasn't going to fix everything." Ann countered.
''Then how about you ask her, Namine?'' Morgana wondered.
Their leader gave him a look ''...You do remember she's still here, right?''
''Yes,'' The girl frowned at the cat. ''And I won't tell if I don't want to, that's that.''
''Anyway, Namine, what do you think we should do?'' Makoto asked the girl.
''Hm, how about we get to know her?''
''How?'' Ann asked.
The girl thought for a bit ''Well, we just spend some time together and learn more about her. Does that work?''
''I would say so.'' Makoto returned. ''First, we'll need to help her open to us. If we each spend an entire day with her, maybe she'll get used to to being around us.''
''I see. We do have time, thanks to summer vacation.'' Yusuke smiled.
''We can begin tomorrow.'' The brunette smiled.
''Let's go to the beach!'' Ryuji suggested. ''There'll be tonsa people there, plus we got totally dried out in that desert.''
Ann perked up ''That's a great idea! I forgot I hadn't gone to the beach yet!''
''Erm, what do you think Futaba?'' Namine managed after a moment.
''...Glad someone remembered to ask me.'' She huffed, though there was no real bite to her tone.
''I'll come by tomorrow, see you then.'' Makoto decided.
''Let me help as well, I don't have anything planned.'' Yusuke chipped in.
''Thanks. We can set a schedule with everyone else depending on when they're free.''
''OK!'' Ryuji agreed,
Morgana blinked twice. Wasn't this going a bit too fast? ''Uh, guys? Shouldn't we talk to the person most involved?''
''Hey, we're working it all out. Right, Futaba-chan?'' Ann returned, excited.
''Sure, sure...'' Futaba saw no point in pressing the matter further. ''...what's even the point of asking if they hey already decided on their own...?'' She looked at Namine. ''...are you going to be there?''
''If you want me to be, sure.''
The orange haired girl sighed in relief, she knew they were trying to help but still...it all seemed too much. At least with Namine there, she felt a bit better about this. ''Good...''
Later that night, Namine woke up in the Velvet Room...
''Our master would like a word. Stand up staight and listen closely, Inmate.'' Justine ordered.
''It seems you have freed the heart of a frenzied girl and saved her from her haunted past.'' Igor mused. ''I must say you are progressing quite nicely.''
''Um, thanks, I guess...it wouldn't have worked if I didn't have the people who helped me this far.'' Namine returned.
Igor chuckled ''You remain humble even with such success and progress. That's good to see. By the way, more curious information has found its way to my ears. A scientist's research...it seems the cognitive world may secretly be known after all.''
''Oh, you mean Isshiki-san's work...and the people who stole it.'' Namine realized. ''How do you think she could have even learned about this world?''
''At best, I can say that she may have found a way to contact her other self. Though that remains a guess. It is highly rare for someone to hear their Shadow but not unheard of.'' Was the response. ''That very research is being used by those with malicious intent.''
''Yeah, I can see it after what they did to Futaba...wait, you think the criminal in black mask is connected with all this?''
''That may very well be the case. I advise you to approach this matter with caution. Allow me to grant you a new power worthy of your current you have my aid, be sure not to let your guard down. Otherise you may get swept off your feet.''
''Right, thanks. But really I gor, I think that crazy fight we had last month was enough of a reminder...''
''I concede the point. You are certainly making full use of your experiences then. That is very good indeed. We shall meet again in the near future.''
And we're done!
I hope this was okay. I wasn't even sure when I'd get back to writing chapters but I really didn't want to abandon this story. I'm actually more or less done with this arc and plot wise, I got up to the Hawaii trip. This arc is where I get to try out some of the ideas when I first started this story. Considering how much trouble the issue with Okumura gave me, the plan's a bit of a mess at the moment but I'm trying to work it all through. Anyway, like I said, things have been rough but I'm working to get myself back in the spirit of things again. I hope you like the chapter.
The bit with Yusuke forcing himself a lot is just this impression I couldn't shake from his confidant. I know it's partly because of the scholarship and all but I just couldn't help but think. I like art a lot myself and I have a hard time drawing if I'm not in the mood or if I don't enjoy it. I kinda figured that someone who just kept pressing ahead like that would have it hard and everyone needs a break every now and then, that's all. I think it's clear now but I'm planning to change things a little more in the rest of Takemi's arcana, but you'll see what I mean eventually. Well, 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 8)
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)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 1)