Defender31415: Thanks. Actually, Yusuke got the better end of the deal with Kawanabe, the man's just more practical. As for my focus...it's a bit divided at the moment.
A P5S based sequel? Hm, I haven't really thought about it but hey, it could happen. I am more than likely doing a third semester though in this story though-P5R gave me some ideas which I might use. That semester is likely going to be mostly original content though.
Vent-Zxa: Sound of Order, huh? That could work...hm, I'll think about it. Thanks for the idea, glad you like the story.
HollowXIII: Morgana isn't losing control of Zorro. That shadow looking like him is...something related to a plot point of mine. I'm not so comfortable talking about this because of spoilers but I intend on revealing a few twists in the plot eventually.
Vangran: Yup, that's about how I figured Morgana would feel, which is why I handled things this way. No worries, I intend for the reunion to go differently.
The last gathering of the Phantom Thieves caused plenty of tension to go around with, thanks in a good part to Morgana's behavior.
Most of the group was engaging in the chat over the phone early in the morning.
Ann: I can't believe Morgana would just leave like this...
Futaba: I don't know...he's been kind of a jerk lately. Even when you were all on the trip, he got all touchy and grumpy.
Ann: I'm pretty sure part of that had to do with you treating him roughly.
Makoto: Agreed.
Futaba: Hey!
Yusuke: At any rate, I'm afraid there isn't much we can do about Morgana at the moment. He made his displeasure with us rather clear, perhaps it's best to leave him be until he calms down.
Futaba: You think so?
Ann: Maybe...
Namine: Well, let's try dealing with the things we can handle right now. Makoto, you said something about getting to talk with Haru about her dad before. How'd that go?
Makoto: Not too well, I'm afraid. I wasn't comfortable pushing her on this. It's like she's shown before, the rumors are bothering her but she doesn't know what to do. I had the impression she was looking to find some answer though.
Namine: Hm...well, I wouldn't be comfortable talking about this kind of thing either. Heading to the Palace seems to be our best option now.
Futaba: Yeah, we're still locked out though. I think she's basically one of the few people the scanner would allow inside though.
Yusuke: I hope you're not suggesting we take Haru to the Metaverse.
Futaba: No, it was just a thought. I wouldn't want her dragged in there just because of this...
Ann: Good...hey, Ryuji is getting those messages, right?
Makoto: Now that you mention it, he's been awfully quiet...
Yusuke: He could simply be busy.
Ann: I guess you're right...
Namine wasn't sure that was all there was to it. Ryuji had been acting a little odd since Morgana left. Almost two days had passed and he seemed subdued for some reason.
The girl decided to find him as soon as possible, wondering if he was okay.
Her suspicion was reinforced when Ann told her in class that Ryuji hadn't responded to any of her or Yusuke's messages. When it was time for lunch, Namine went about to look for the boy.
She had little luck at first, even people from his class hadn't seen much of him. Namine happened to pass the track team's old training spot, wondering if he could be there.
Once she arrived, she came across Nakaoka and Takeishi, who seemed to be in the middle of warming up.
The second paused upon spotting her ''Hyakuya? What're you doing here?''
''I'm looking for Ryuji, we've had some trouble getting a hold of him so I was hoping we could talk.''
''Well, you're in the right place. We saw just him a few minutes ago, he was acting funny...I never thought quiet was a word I'd associate with Sakamoto.'' Takeishi admitted.
''Tell me about it.'' Nakaoka agreed before looking back at Namine. ''Did something happen?''
''It's...ah, complicated.'' Honestly, she didn't even know what to make of things right now. ''I wanted to make sure he was okay.''
The boy seemed satisfied ''If you're on the case this should be fine.'' He gave a small smirk at her surprised look. ''Sakamoto told us a bunch about how much you helped him. It's looking more and more like you're just the friend he needed back then.''
''Sounds about right.'' Takeishi agreed. ''I'm more surprised he went through all the trouble to help us after we treated him. Heck, he's the whole reason we could get the team back up and running. We were hoping to make it up to him somehow.''
Namine couldn't help but smile at this ''...Ryuji doesn't hold what happened against you-the whole thing was Kamoshida's fault anyway. True, you guys could've handled things better but he told me he gets that part of it is because you all missed running so much. He felt the same way. I think the fact that you care enough to make things better would be enough.''
The boys appeared surprised at the words before gratitude settled on their faces. Takeishi chuckled ''Noted. Well, don't let us keep you any longer. Sakamoto's right over there.'' He gestured to their far left and she could indeed see the boy in question there. Namine thanked them and left, with both of them observing her retreating figure for a moment.
''Damn...for all the crap people gave her, you wouldn't think she'd be like this. How'd we misunderstand things that badly?'' Takeishi had to ask.
''I know, man...a bunch of others in the school see it too. I heard she even helped President Nijima before they got to knew each other. That record doesn't mean a damn thing, you'd be hardpressed to find someone nicer.'' Nakaoka remarked.
Ryuji looked up at the sound of footsteps to find Namine walking over. She seemed relieved ''Hey, I've been looking all over for you.''
He blinked ''Yeah? What's up?''
''That's...kind of what I wanted to ask. Is everything okay? You've been acting strange, I was getting worried.''
Ryuji sighed. Well, that was just great. The last thing he wanted to do now was make her worry. ''Sorry about that...I've just been thinkin' about all that's been goin' on.''
''I'm pretty sure we all have by now.'' Namine returned, her tone proving that she knew there was more to it.
He nodded a little in agreement ''...Thanks...'' The girl gave him a quizzical look as he began to explain. ''...I know people say you're really nice a whole bunch, and it's true. But it also makes you a brilliant friend and leader. I mess up a lot and even wind up acting stupid sometimes but you never hesitate to point that out so it doesn't happen again. You've been really patient with me and it means a lot...'' Ryuji leaned back. ''...I'm going off topic. The point is, thanks for standing up for me back with Morgana.''
Namine's expression made it clear that she didn't expect that ''Don't worry about that...I just thought I had to. He was going too far.''
His response left her taken aback ''Yeah well, seeing as you're the only one who even did something then...makes me wonder if they agree with him. It's just...sometimes the way they act...''
The girl's first instinct was to deny that but she felt a nudge of sorts from Arsene that stopped her and urged her to think on her next words...
Actually, if she looked at it objectively, she could see why he came to that conclusion. Of course, she couldn't speak for their friends there but she didn't want to believe it was true.
''I don't think they do...if anything they were just surprised. I know I was.'' Namine said at last. ''You could try talking it over with them. Look, no one's perfect, we all mess up. But that doesn't mean anyone gets to rag on others for it. Even if we do tease each other sometimes it's just in good fun. I don't see any need for thanks, I was just being fair. ''
''Nah, that's all the more reason you deserve it.'' Ryuji insisted. ''And...ah, sorry about before-I know you wanted us to try getting along better.''
''I would've been surprised if you had taken what happened back then well. I appreciate that you tried though.'' She returned. ''I'll be blunt-I think you both messed up...but I did too.''
''That's not true!'' Ryuji said at once. How did she come to think that?
''Well, it's just-I keep thinking of what I could have done to make things better before it all got so bad. I couldn't even do anything with Morgana.'' She admitted.
''That's cuz the stupid cat wouldn't tell anyone a damn thing.'' Ryuji countered. ''Something was obviously up but we can't fix a problem if we don't even know what it is. He's the one who took it all the way up to this. Look, we all know you're doing the best you can for our sakes. If Morgana can't see that, it's his problem. None of this was your fault.''
None of the others said as much but Ryuji couldn't shake the feeling that at least of them held him responsible for what happened when they met up last time. But he could see what Namine was getting at. He and Morgana were both responsible for that mess. To make matters worse, they broke the promise they made to her. In no way did he blame Namine for any of that so he wouldn't let her do it to herself either.
''...I stand by what I said, you're a brilliant friend, leader.''
Namine began to smile ''Thanks, right back at you.''
Little did the two realize that Makoto had been passing by the area when they met up. She had meant to talk to them but seeing the two's troubled expressions prompted her to stop. This lead to her overhearing their talk, she was left disappointed with herself as a result.
She felt awful for not even considering how Ryuji felt about all this. They really hadn't been fair to him so she couldn't blame him for thinking that they held him responsible for Morgana's departure. And to make it worse, Namine felt guilty because of it all due to her role as the team's leader. She hadn't realized it before but Morgana's behavior wound up hurting the two of them in the end.
Makoto completely agreed with Ryuji. There was no way it was Namine's fault. She knew Morgana was getting frustrated because they didn't agree with him but they wanted to do what they felt was right. And he really had taken it too far back there, Ryuji had been defending Namine and the other girls before that fight started...
It felt more and more like they hadn't even seen Ryuji's side of the situation but it was clear to Makoto that his spats with Morgana bothered him more than he let on. Especially now.
This couldn't stand, she decided. Makoto felt she could have done something before but there was no point regretting things now. She would do something to make it up for her friends.
School was done for the day so everyone was heading out. It was around then that Namine happened to spot the familiar blue door of the Velvet Room at a nearby alleyway.
She headed over to see what was going on, finding Caroline standing there. ''There you are, Inmate.''
''Hey, Caroline. Did you need something?'' The older girl tilted head a little.
''Justine and I were talking about the visits we made with you that Planetarium and the shrine...when I told her the second one was plenty boring for me she suggested thinking of something else. We've come to learn of something called a movie, supposedly it's interesting. Show us what it is.'' Caroline ordered.
Namine didn't see any problem with that ''Sure thing. Ah, I should probably explain a few things before that though...'' Caroline blinked, puzzled. Namine then added. ''...can you get Justine? I'll show you where we should go.''
Justine looked around the cinema ''I see...so there are a variety of movies for different tastes.''
''Yup, a bunch get made over time. There's light hearted stuff like romance and comedy but you also get some pretty intense movies full of action and even thrillers.'' Namine returned. ''The ones the cinema would be showing now are on the posters over there so you can pick whatever seems interesting to you.''
The twins looked at the indicated posters. Indeed, each one held a different image and title, giving an impression of what it was about.
Namine looked amused when she noticed Caroline grimacing in disgust at the romantic movie poster, not at all that surprised at the reaction. Likewise, Justine didn't seem all that impressed with the horror movie one. She could see them talking but couldn't hear them in the midst of all the hustle and bustle surrounding the area.
The two came back ''We've made a decision, Inmate.'' Caroline informed.
Around the same time, Makoto gathered the team at her place with the exception of Namine and Ryuji.
''So what did you wanna talk about?'' Futaba asked.
''It's...something I overheard earlier. I'm ashamed to admit it but it took me this long to really think on what should've been done.'' Makoto admitted, she then proceeded to recount their friends' talk from earlier.
''Wait, what?'' Ann shot up in her seat in alarm. ''Why would he think that?''
''We haven't given him much reason not to, Ann.'' Makoto returned calmly. ''I don't like it either but the fact is, we should've done more. Even you have to admit that lately, most of our concern and focus has been on Morgana. Have any of you really thought about how this would affect him? Or Namine?''
Yusuke grimaced ''...As much as it shames to admit, no. I might have even blamed him in a way. Ryuji was never the sort to consider a friend useless and I had a feeling he was simply joking. Even if it was tactless, he didn't mean any harm.''
''Yeah, he's too nice for that. It isn't right to blame him for just sticking up for himself, he tried to help us too. Mona was being really mean.'' Futaba added.
''Exactly.'' Makoto nodded. ''I've spoken to Namine about this before and we both agree that there has to be a reason for Morgana's recent behavior. But as Ryuji put it, we couldn't have done anything if he wouldn't even tell us what was bothering him. Iknow she tried to get through to him. We may have pushed their arguments aside a lot but this has gone too far and it isn't fair to Ryuji. We all have our faults but that doesn't stop us from improving.''
Ann frowned, they all knew that those faults had been a big part of the issue between Ryuji and Morgana ''You're right...we really need to make things better here. We're supposed to be friends but we've hardly done much about that mess-maybe if we had, it wouldn't have gotten out of hand like this.''
''Indeed.'' Yusuke agreed. ''This is unacceptable. Ryuji deserves better. Morgana might have been the one who brought us together but Namine is truly the heart of our team. She often goes out of her way to help us and she truly wants what's best for everyone.''
''Yeah...that's just why she's such a good friend and a reliable leader. We have to do better.'' Makoto stated and they nodded back.
''So that was a movie...that was fascinating.'' Justine admitted.
''Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it.'' Namine smiled.
''Quite. That particular movie was Caroline's choice but I didn't mind.'' Justine glanced back. ''I'd ask for your opinion, Caroline but...given the look on your face earlier, it seemed like quite enough of an answer.''
Caroline looked flustered ''Wh-what do you mean by that?!''
''Oh, just that you seemed to be really enjoying yourself.''
''Don't be ridiculous!'' She fired back at once. ''I was just...well, I just remembered a good dream I had!''
Neither Justine or Namine bought that for a second but they knew the girl wouldn't admit it anyway. The latter decided to change the subject ''Well, you definitely seemed like the sort who'd go for an action movie, Caroline. Some of the others would probably be too sedate for your tastes.''
''I...guess it was okay.'' She said after a moment. ''Don't make a big deal out of it, Inmate. Why did humans make something like this anyway? It seems completely random to me.''
''Well...'' Namine thought back to some of her history lessons. ''...I think there's a bunch of reasons. I remember reading that movies actually started as simple moving pictures. You know how some books have illustrations? Maybe people just wanted to take it further from there.''
''Hm, it's proof of how humans learn and improve.'' Justine remarked.
Namine nodded ''They can be used for entertainment and even teaching. Like...say you have a person who doesn't really like to read and they prefers a different approach to studying. There are movies that could help them learn.''
''I see. Humans truly are innovative...'' The girl trailed off.
''Hey, Inmate. Any chance you know why some of those people kept giving us strange looks?'' Caroline wanted to know.
The girl had noticed as much earlier ''Ah, if I had to guess...'' She pointed at the movie's poster, it depicted the main characters. One of them had an outfit somewhat similar to the twins' clothes.
Caroline looked annoyed as she understood ''Oh, great. So they think we're doing that lame cosplay thing again? Humans really can be dumb...''
''Well, there really isn't much to compare. You two are much cuter anyway.'' Namine remarked.
Caroline flushed ''W-what? I'm not cute!''
As per usual for her, Justine took that in stride ''Well, thank you Inmate.''
Later, Namine got a text from Yoshida. Benzo wanted to meet him and he wanted her to accompany him. Thus, she met up with the two at a restaurant.
She listened to them debate a few things going on in politics. Some of which Yoshida told her about but most were still new. The girl decided to wait for them to finish, knowing Yoshida would be okay with explaining to her later.
''...However, the government's overall approval rating is dangerously low.'' Benzo was saying.
''I'll be sure to proceed with caution, considering that the grandson of my former teacher is showing me such kindness.'' Yoshida returned.
''Yes well, I'd like to discuss a personal matter. Allow me to be frank. I will be running for grandfather's seat in the coming election.''
''I see...congratulations.''
''I held a low-level position in the party's executive office but I'm new to candidacy. So I was hoping you could educate me on how to run an election campaign.'' The man went on.
Yoshida's eyes widened ''Well, I was planning on running myself...and I don't believe I'm qualified to teach you.''
Benzo arched an eye ''I've heard that you've been working harder than anyone these past 20 years.''
''Well, I did have a lot of free time after I lost the election. Study is all an amateur can do.''
Benzo wasn't convinced ''Amateur? You're a veteran. If anything you have experience teaching her, right?'' He nodded at Namine. ''Your reputation has greatly improved around the executive office recently. And my grandfather has expressed intent on making peace with you.''
''I'd be happy to bury the hatchet with Kuramoto-san. But I'm not worthy to join his group again.'' Yoshida stated.
''I thought you would find these conditions favorable. So I ask that you keep what I'm about to tell you a secret.''
''Namine-chan, if you wouldn't mind...?'' Yoshida started.
She nodded ''Yeah, it's okay, I'll...''
''No, I'd like you to hear this as well. You're his favorite pupil after all.'' Benzo stated.
Yoshida frowned as the girl gave him a puzzled look ''Wait a moment...is your plan to involve her so I can't decline?''
''Oh, nothing of the sort. I simply trust her discretion.'' Benzo cleared his throat. ''The Kuramoto group is planning to move forward with a political realignment.''
''Are you saying that you're going to secede from the Liberal Co Prosperity Party?'' Yoshida was surprised.
He inclined his head ''With the government in such a weakned state, now's our chance. As such, I want to emphasize our unity.''
''And so you've come to me, a former member of the Kuramoto Children...But my views differ from those of the Kuramoto Group. And I don't intend on changing them.'' Yoshida stated.
''I understand. However, you won't be able to put those beliefs into actions if you don't get elected.'' Benzo looked at Namine. ''Hyakuya-san, could you talk sense into him? You'd benefit as well.''
''Well...I didn't get a part of that to be honest, but I can't exactly make him do anything he doesn't want to. I'm sure he has his reasons. Yoshida-san worked so hard in this, wouldn't that demean it?''
''Yes, I agree.'' Yoshida smiled at her. ''I appreciate your offer, but I must respectully decline.''
Benzo arched an eye ''So you're okay with being No-Good Tora forever?''
''Hey, wait a minute.'' Namine frowned. ''That's not who he is. He can win this time.''
''Namine-chan...'' Her mentor started, surprised.
''Looks like you chose the wrong politician as a mentor.'' Benzo stated.
The girl certainly didn't think so and her expression made it clear ''That's not for you to decide.''
''Try to understand that she has her own beliefs.'' Yoshida offered.
Benzo paused ''...My apologies. I made a slip of the tongue. And in front of your protegee no less. I don't need an answer right away. If you want to show deferrence to Grandfather please let me know. I already took care of the bill so enjoy. Now, if you'll excuse me...''
However, neither were in any sort of mood to eat after this turnout...
''What's the point of getting elected if it means sacrificing your beliefs?'' Yoshida wondered. ''I bet when push came to shove, Kuramoto-kun included to lure you in. He probably didn't expect me to handle things like this after revealing his trump card. I feel surprisingly at ease whenever you're with me, like that time with Matsushida. I'm truly indebted for all you've done for me, but I must ask that you continue to help.''
''Well, why leave this unfinished? I'm in!'' Namine assured.
He smiled ''Thank you.''
The next day...
After a visit to the Palace, it turned out that not only was the scanner very hard, if not impossible to hack. It even raised the security level and caused Shadows to surround the group.
While they managed to beat the opposition, it was easy to tell that such a confrontation wasn't going anywhere and they were really locked out of the Palace. Since Oracle detected even more enemies beyond the gate, they decided it was best to leave for the time being.
Ryuji let out a big breath once they were back in the real world ''That...sucked!''
''Sorry...''
He blinked and looked at Futaba ''It ain't your fault.''
''Yeah, it could mean that Okumura's just really guarded so his shadow isn't leaving much up to chance? It might be because of the rumors.'' Namine reasoned.
Futaba nodded ''But it's not just that...guys, are we...bad friends?''
Namine blinked ''Wait, what?'' She noticed everyone sans Ryuji (who was just as puzzled) seeming troubled, prompting her to ask. ''...What's going on?''
Makoto decided to explain ''I'm sorry...Namine, Ryuji, I was passing by yesterday so I wound up overhearing you two talking at lunch.''
''Ah, that...'' The latter grimaced for a moment. ''...yeah, that's changed now. Namine talked to me about it and I figured I'd save bringing this up until we figured out the Palace situation.''
''Well, now's a good time as any to sort this out.'' The burgundy haired girl remarked.
Ann nodded ''We're sorry, Ryuji. I was surprised to hear how you felt but when I look back to what happened, I can't blame you. You're one of our friends and I never even tried to see how you felt, I hate that I didn't notice this before.''
''I feel the same way.'' Yusuke admitted. ''We could have handled ourselves better before. It's hardly fair to blame you for standing up for yourself.''
Futaba nodded ''I mean sure you talked about getting girls before and you can be a pervert but that doesn't mean that's all there is to you.'' She looked at Namine. ''And you shouldn't feel guilty because of what happened, you do your best for all of us and that should be more than good enough for anyone.''
''I think it's safe to say plenty went wrong that night but it's wrong to simply blame any single person.'' Makoto offered, completely agreeing with the three of them. ''I'm sorry too. Though I wish things had been different, there's no point in that. We've agreed that we have to do better from here on out.''
Namine began to smile ''I think that sounds just fine. We'll make sure to try the same. It only gets better from here. Right?''
Ryuji chuckled. He hadn't expected this but what they were saying really meant a lot ''...Right. Quit feeling bad about this, all of you. I don't really blame you, I just needed to sort myself out. Come on, enough of this sappy stuff, let's go do something fun!''
''I think someone needs to be honest with their feelings.'' Ann smiled.
''It's like some kind of guy thing, right? I remember Sojiro acting like that too-it's like something that makes them feel macho or what not.'' Futaba mused.
Namine laughed ''Yeah, Grandma used to say stuff like that about Grandpa too. Anyway, I think Ryuji's got the right idea-any suggestions?''
''I've heard about this place at school...I believe it's called Dome Town, it seems rather popular.'' Yusuke remarked.
Ryuji looked at him with clear surprise ''Wait, you've never been there, dude? Let's fix that, I'm in!''
''Same here.'' Ann added.
''That sounds fine to me.'' Makoto smiled.
''Me too. Futaba?'' Namine prompted.
The girl grinned ''It's cool with me. I'm down with checking out all sorts of places so long as it's with you guys. What's Dome Town like?''
''Well, I think you're going to like it...''
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. Originally, I meant to sort things out somewhat differently and begin to show what's going on with Morgana but it felt like I'd be rushing things if I didn't put this stuff up first. I think it needed to be said. Honestly, I know Ryuji can let stuff go but I don't see how they were all so okay with blaming him for the whole thing after what Morgana said. It really wasn't fair. To be clear, I think they're both at fault on some level but I wanted to use the fight to have the team look into their relationship on a better level, so they can become closer.
I know the school treats the characters like outcasts generally but I want to try a different approach. I mean come on, it's obvious how things are different now, Namine saved Shiho and they can see what she's really like and Ryuji's the main reason the track team's back. That has to account for something. Now that this stuff is sorted, I'll start dealing with fixing things with Mona's situation from next chapter onwards. I intend to handle that somewhat differently but you'll see soon.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 5)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 8)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 5)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 6)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 5)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 5)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 3)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 4)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 2)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 2)
Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man Rank 1)