Defender31415: Yup, the shadow is that same figure from Mona's dreams. That's what actually gave me the idea to handle things this way. I don't actually remember if they ever described what those dreams were about in canon but here you can consider them a warning. The shadow's connected to Yaldabaoth and it knows of what happened at the time of Mona's creation. By the way, things around that are kind of different than canon.
The shadow drained Namine's energy and that was made worse when she wound up accidentally activating the silver light in the midst of it. And I intended to stick to canon to a point anyway. It's just that a lot of the ideas I had for this story start kind of late. After giving it a lot of thought, I figured out a way to make it so Okumura would survive and that's what I plan on implementing.
Vangran: Hey, thanks! I have seen games that have updates like you mentioned. Not sure about other special abilities-the ones I originally had in mind were intended for Joker and Crow. The Overdrive skill was just something I wound up thinking of when I continued making plans for the story. It was based on a thing I remembered in a few other games. God Eater 2 was cool. So who knows? I might get another idea that I could use somehow.
Miss FortuneX: Well, the answer to that is right in the beginning of this chapter.
Having agreed that they needed to talk to Haru given recent discoveries, the group had a chance when school started up the following. They met up with the girl after school the following day on the roof...
''...So you really were the Phantom Thieves after all.'' The heiress began. ''I recognized Mona-chan so I wondered about Nami-chan at least...but to think it was all of you...Mona-chan was adamant about keeping your identities a secret. He seemed so independent that I believed I was wrong.''
''Well, we never expected you to wind up there either.'' Namine wondered what she thought of this.
Haru's next words cleared up of their apprehension ''It's strange but...I'm glad, in a way. Look at all you've done so far. You saved many students from Kamoshida and ensured no one would suffer from Madarame or Kaneshiro again...then there's Medjed...I had a feeling the thieves were good people but knowing it was all of you makes me more sure than ever.''
''Aw, thanks!'' Ann chirped . ''We decided to make the most of this-of our new powers to stand up and do what was right.'' The others nodded to her words.
Haru began to smile ''I see...well, to answer that earlier question, I came upon the Metaverse by accident. I had just found Mona-chan after he was beaten back by the guards of my father's Palace.''
''About that...'' Makoto started. ''...Haru, your father...''
''...You don't have to say it. I know I've been avoiding talking about this.'' The girl's gaze lowered . ''I suppose I just...didn't want to admit it. That my father would treat the people in the company so horribly but I can't keep denying it either. That's why I wanted to do something about it and after I found Mona-chan...I was so surprised-for a moment, I was sure I was seeing things when I spotted the Palace but the next thing I know we were still on the street.''
''You might have found him just as he was escaping.'' Makoto wondered if Morgana might have wound up getting into the same trap they faced back when they tried to get around the scanner. ''Traveling between the worlds is more spontaneous for Morgana since he doesn't need the Nav.''
''I still don't understand why he has to do things this way. It's not like our goals are any different.'' Ann frowned.
''Yeah, looks more and more like he's just throwing a temper tantrum to me.''
She rounded on Ryuji ''You don't have to say it like that!''
He remained adamant however ''Oh, come off it, you know he was wrong. The least he could've done was warn Haru about that shadow, you know what it did to Namine. That basically happened cuz we didn't have a clue it existed!''
''Yes,'' Makoto couldn't agree more . ''Being aware of such a threat would help. Frankly, I think he's being unreasonable.''
''It really doesn't add up...Haru, how much did Morgana tell you about the reason he left?'' Namine wanted to know.
''Well, actually...''
It turned out that while Haru did know much about the situation, Morgana had been dismissive of their reasons for being more careful, leaving Ryuji particularly irked. He'd chalked it up as them worrying too much and being afraid to take action. ''The hell? That wasn't what it was about at all!''
Namine briefly told the girl about how they were being blamed for Principal Kobayakawa and Suwabe's deaths, to her surprise.
She then added ''That made us agree it was best to be more careful. We're pretty sure it's the black masked criminal behind this but we have no way of doing anything about it for one thing. For another...even if we don't know much about him, that's still your dad we're talking about, Haru. We just didn't want to handle this carelessly.''
Her eyes widened ''You were thinking of me...?''
''Of course, you're our friend.'' Makoto returned. ''You know Yusuke was Madarame's student. Well, he had to deal with something similar before the change of heart. He actually helped us see the situation more from your point of view. Rushing in and hoping for the best was just far too reckless. We needed more information, more time to prepare ourselves.''
''Yes, I see...thank you.'' It meant a lot that they had been considering her feelings in all this. All the more she was glad to be their friend. At the same time, she found herself disappointed with Morgana.
''Hey, it isn't something you should thank us for.'' Ann waved a hand dismissively.
''Yeah, don't worry about it.'' Namine added. ''Would you be willing to work together?''
''Of course. In fact, that's what I wanted to ask all of you.''
''Heh, you got a deal, Haru.'' Ryuji returned easily.
Needless to say, Morgana wasn't the least bit pleased to learn of this development.
''You want to work together with them?''
''Mona-chan, they're my friends. I can't turn my back on them.'' Haru stated firmly. ''They're doing all this because they care. They may have been hesitant around the Palace but it's because they were worried. And understandably so. Weren't you the one who said that changing a heart isn't something to be taken lightly?''
Morgana remained silent so she went on ''Won't you come too? You should at least talk to them.''
''No!'' The cat huffed, jumping to the floor.
''But why? Ryuji-kun apologized and...''
''Forget it.'' Morgana retorted. ''I'm going off on my own today.''
''Mona-chan!'' Haru started but he was already hurrying ahead. The girl bit her lip, wondering what could be done to fix things.
Morgana watched the car take Haru away minutes later. All right, he knew his ex-teammates were friends with his new partner but he didn't think this would happen.
Maybe he hadn't been fair to them...Morgana quickly shook the thought of-who was he kidding, he knew that was in fact the case. He knew why they had chosen to take things this way but at the same time...he just couldn't stand back and do nothing either. Especially not when...
'Weakling.'
'You are so useless. It's just as well that you walked away, your team would've done it when they realized how worthless you are.'
'You're a failure. You've been a failure from the moment you were born. You left your friends before you failed again.'
Morgana grit his teeth at the memory of that damn Shadow. He had been seeing the thing for a couple of days, even in his dreams. He tried to ignore its taunts and had been mostly succesful but they were just relentless. It reached a point where he couldn't take anymore. The worst part was, he couldn't deny that some of its words may be right.
No, that thing was wrong! He could prove it-he was strong, he was far from useless...wasn't he?
The feline shook his head at that last thought. Yes, it was wrong! He would find it and take it down for sure. And then...he thought of the shadow's remark around his past...he might finally find some way to get his memories back.
Things couldn't go back to the way they were. It was better this way, for all of them.
At Leblanc...
When Haru arrived, it was to find the thieves talking among themselves downstairs. There were no customers, Sojiro was absent as well.
Futaba eyed the girl closely as she exchanged greeting with the others. There was no sight of Morgana. So he really didn't want to see them...?
''Oh, who do we have here?'' Haru tilted her head when she noticed the hacker.
''That's Futaba, remember we told you about her on the trip?'' Ann inquired.
''Yes, I remember.'' The girl looked amused. ''You're the one behind those amusing messages on Nami-chan's phone and the one who made app that let you see what we did.''
Futaba could only laugh sheepishly, she still wasn't good around new people. Her friends were here though and that really helped her be calm. Besides Haru sure seemed nice ''...Guilty as charged. They told me a bunch about you too.''
Once introductions were done, the group headed to the attic. Haru spoke once they were all settled down ''I'm sorry...I thought I could get Mona-chan to come and at least talk to you all but he simply wouldn't hear it.''
''It's nothing for you to apologize for. I'd be surprised if he had come given what happened yesterday.'' Yusuke stated.
''Let's just stay focused on President Okumura. What can you tell us about him?'' Makoto inquired.
''Before that.'' Futaba fought the urge to fidget under their attention. ''Ah...well...what's up with your Persona? It's like something's holding it back.''
''That's because...my Persona hasn't fully manifested yet. We don't know why-even Mona-chan can't understand it. He suggested doing some of the Phan-Site requests so I can gain some experience but at the same time, we wanted to find a way to release it.''
Ryuji blinked ''Weird...you got the armor and all.''
''Yes, we can't make sense of it either.'' The heiress returned.
''And you kept going like that?'' Ann frowned. ''That's too dangerous, Haru!''
''I know...but I felt like I had to. I couldn't see what else to do about this and Mona-chan assured me he would do what he can to help.'' She stayed. ''Besides, once I fully awakened it we would've been free to take my father's heart.''
''You're that determined to do this then?'' Makoto wanted to know.
''Yes, I want to see this through to the end. Father has been making many suffer, I had my doubts about his plans but I simply squashed them because I wanted to have faith in him. That's why...that arranged marriage with Sugimura...'' Haru looked down. ''...I never complained because I thought he wanted what was best for me...now...I don't know anymore.''
Her father was her only family and they used to get along quite well when she was younger. But the more busy he got the less she saw of him. Not that Haru held that against him either, she knew that it was all to make Okumura Foods prosper.
But she couldn't just keep holding to blind faith forever...
Her friends remained silent but a few spared her worried looks. Yusuke in particular eyed her with understanding. It was like Makoto mentioned- he would know how this felt most of all, wouldn't he? After Madarame...
''Are you willing to face the consequences? You will more than likely be regarded as the daughter of a criminal.''
''I am.'' She replied. ''I refuse to back down again. Whether or not I have a Persona, there must be something I can do to stop him from going further down this terrible path.''
Namine could tell that the girl had truly made her resolve ''Well then, we are working together on this so the least we can do is watch your back.''
Haru spared her a grateful look, feeling happier when the rest of the group proceeded to agree. They really were good people, she was more glad than ever to have them as friends.
When they met Hijiri, Namine knew the name Sugimura had been familiar but she couldn't place it. Now she knew why...it was Haru's fiance.
She hadn't so much as seen the man but what she heard didn't seem to be pleasant even if Haru didn't talk much about that...was he the same man then?
Apparently she wasn't the only one wondering about this for Ann then spoke up ''Say, this guy Sugimura...what do you know about his family? Is he an only child?''
Haru looked confused but she answered ''Yes, it's because he's the heir to his family's buisness that he was chosen for this marriage. He's also rather well-connected with other heirs. I've seen his parents a few times, they seem like good people.''
''So that's how it is...looks like it could be the same guy after all.'' Ann trailed off.
''What's up?'' Futaba blinked.
''...remember what Matsuoka-san's shadow told us? She mentioned a few guys but only two names.''
Namine nodded ''Daichi, the guy who dragged her into that mess...and Sugimura.''
''Oh, right!'' Ryuji exclaimed. Makoto looked angry at the reminder, knowing how much those people had put the poor woman through. ''So he's one of those scumbags?''
Haru was baffled ''What's going on?''
After being brought up to speed, Haru only had one thing to say ''That's terrible! How could they...?''
Haru's words died in her mouth as a thought occured to her. She took her phone out and put her fiance's name in the Metaverse Nav. Her expression darkened ''...Sugimura registers-he has a Mementos chamber.''
Ann held back a wince ''Sorry, Haru. I hoped it wouldn't be him...''
''Don't be. It's best that I find out his true colors for sure.'' She declared firmly. ''May I come with you when you change his heart?''
''Absolutely.'' Makoto returned. While they may not know for sure, it looked more and more like Sugimura was involved in that incident. The fact that he had a chamber spoke volumes.
''Yeah, it's only right after all.'' Ryuji added.
''So we've gotta face this guy, that creepy Shadow and change President Okumura's heart.'' Futaba summarized.
''I think the first goal would have to wait. Sugimura went to Kyoto four days ago, he should be back at in about a couple of more days.'' Haru informed.
''Okay, so we can leave it till then. We've got to deal with that Shadow somehow, there's no telling what else it might do...'' The hacker frowned.
''Yeah and that brings up another issue, Morgana.'' Namine wished she knew what do about the feline. She hated leaving things like this but from what her friends mentioned, their former teammate wouldn't even hear them out when they tried to apologize. His behavior was not only worrying but it also proved that he was keeping much to himself. ''He wants to find that thing and while I can't imagine why, he must have his reasons. I wonder if he knows what he's getting into though.''
''Good point, he sounds so determined to deal with it on his own but he could be way in over his head.'' Makoto was sure that a huge part of that determination had to do with the feline's pride though.
''It's a shame, his knowledge may be useful in this situation but seeing as he refuses to consider cooperating with us, we'll simply have to deal with things as they come.'' Yusuke stated.
Ann privately thought it was just another way that proved Morgana was anything but useless. He helped them so much and while she understood that he needed probably needed time to himself the question remained, why did he believe that?
''I'll keep trying to reason with him.'' Haru decided. ''Things can't keep going this way.''
Namine began to smile ''Thanks, Haru.''
She giggled ''Of course, think nothing of it, Nami-chan.''
When Sojiro came back, he was curious to find that the cafe was quiet as Namine and her friends had been there when he left. It turned out that Namine and Futaba were in the kitchen. The former seemed to be busy cooking something, occasionally checking the recipe book Futaba was holding up for her.
''So what do we have here?''
Surprised, the pair smiled a moment later. ''Hey, Sojiro! Namine's testing out more recipes and it's looking pretty good. Here, try this.'' She held up a bowl that held some sauce.
He proceeded to do so, smiling a bit at the taste ''Yeah, not bad at all.''
''Thanks, we're not quite done yet though.'' Namine returned.
''Well, you're off to a promising start. You can probably teach Futaba how to cook.''
''Eh, that seems like way too much for me...'' Aforementioned girl stated.
''What, you're fine when it comes to cracking computers but this is enough to stop you?'' Sojiro was sure that it should be the other way around. He could tell that Namine shared his sentiment.
''That stuff's easy.'' Futaba waved dismissively.
Well, to each his own, he supposed.
''You never know if you don't try, right?'' Namine half-smiled. ''I'm still learning myself but I'm up for some lessons later on if you want to.''
''Mm...I'll think about it.'' Futaba decided after a moment. ''Anywho, let's finish this! I wanna see how it turns out.''
The older girl laughed a bit ''Sure, sure...''
Sojiro watched the two fall into another talk, a smile playing at his lips. A few weeks ago, he never would've imagined that they would come to get along at all and yet look at them. It certainly made for quite a sight.
A short while later...
Namine was surprised to receive a text from Chihaya, who had clearly been busy with quite a few plans as of late. The fortune teller was asking to meet up though so she decided to head over.
Strange how things worked sometimes, she found herself thinking. Before she quite knew it, Namine had gotten used to Morgana's presence. Even with his occasionally snarky comments, the cat had become a good and supportive friend.
She missed him but at the same time, she could admit to being upset with him as well. A good part of that was because of what he had done yesterday. The others had tried to make amends but he wouldn't so much as hear them out. Namine could understand that an apology couldn't fix things right away but still, the way he acted...they might as well have been complete strangers. Did he really think so little of them so as to feel his actions justified? Didn't the times they spent together mean anything?
The girl sighed to herself, there was no point wondering about this. If only they could talk so she could get some answers.
''Namine!''
She stopped at the familiar voice, turning in time to see Shiho running up to her. ''Hey, Shiho. What're you doing here?''
''Oh, I stopped by for a little visit...I just thought I could introduce you. Come on.''
Namine followed her to a nearby building. At its entrance was a young man with short, unkempt brown hair and matching eyes which were framed by glasses. He wore a blue shirt and a blue checked tie along with a white coat, as well as light brown slacks and sandals.
The man smiled when he saw them approaching ''Ah, I wondered why you took off. So this is Hyakuya-san, correct?''
Shiho nodded before looking back at Namine ''This is Maruki Takuto-sensei. I told him a lot about you and the others.''
''It's nice to finally meet you.'' The man added.
''Oh, likewise.'' Namine returned. ''We heard about you in school. People are saying you've really been a big help to the students.''
Takuto chuckled ''Well, I don't know about that. I'm just trying to do my job. Suzui-chan here was kind enough to stop by with a gift for me.''
Shiho only smiled ''It only felt right, Maruki-sensei. I really appreciate what you've done after all.''
''I'm happy to help.'' He returned amiably. ''I've heard quite a bit about you from Suzui-chan and Takamaki-san. Kitagawa-kun as well as a few of my other patients as well, judging by their descriptions you seemed like a kind and brave young lady.''
''Ah, well...thanks...'' She didn't miss how Shiho was nodding in agreement to his words. So he was the consultant Yusuke told her about in Hawaii as well...''I get where Shiho's coming from, it's nice to see people receiving help. It was starting to look like few consider the effects people like Kamoshida or Madarame would have on their victims.''
''My sentiment exactly.'' Takuto agreed. ''It was a bit of a slow process but I'm glad I could reach out to people. I have to admit, I was curious to meet you and your friends after what I've come to learn.''
Namine was beginning to wonder how much he heard but then Shiho spoke up ''Namine, are you free now? There was this place I wanted to show you...''
''I'd like that but I'm actually on my way to meet another friend. Sorry.'' The girl admitted. ''How about we hang out tomorrow?''
''Tomorrow it is.'' Shiho agreed.
''Ah, before you go.'' The girls looked back at Takuto. ''Hyakuya-san, if you have time...or if you just want a little advice or even just someone to talk to, you're more than welcome to my office. I've made such offers in the past but I thought it was only fair to extend one to you.''
''Oh...'' The girl's expression made it clear that she hadn't expect that. ''...well thanks, Maruki-sensei. I appreciate it...ah, can I get back to you on that though?''
''Of course, my door's always open.''
As she continued on her way, Namine remembered Kawakami's suggestion that Takuto could actually help her. Now there was this...
Should she at least give it a try? It might truly help her down the line. She still wasn't sure but at least, she didn't think it would hurt...
Chihaya was clearly happy to see Namine and she quickly showed part of what she had been working on. ''I've really been thinking a lot about how to improve my work. Look at this, 'Mental Training for Sports! Oh and 'Building a Successful Business from the Ground Up'! I even have a book about the secret to being a good listener! It was written by a hostess from a club in Ginza. Just picking out which books to bring took me half a day. I have tons more back home though! I've started using these as reference materials for the advice I give my clients. This way, I can suggest new alternatives instead of leaving them resigned to their fates.''
''That's some great work, you're giving it your all.'' Namine smiled.
''Of course!'' She beamed. ''After all, I need to be able to advise my clients on their future selves! Anyway, what I really want to tell you is that I've arrived at a new fortune telling philosophy. Those with strong convictions can in fact change fate. O-oh, and for the people I sold the Holy Stones too...I've started reading their fortunes free of charge. I'd like to return the money they gave me too but, um...''
The girl gave her a quizzical look. That all sounded good so far but something was clearly up. ''What is it?''
A man walked over ''Am I interrupting something?''
Chihaya started ''Yokoda-san?!''
''It's been a while, Maiden.''
''Yes...U-um, what're you doing here?''
''The chairman asked that I come see how things were doing. Hm, and who are you?'' He added, looking at Namine.
''Th-that's my apprentice!'' Chihaya offered. ''I haven't actually introduced her to the Chairman yet.''
''You're telling me that you're so busy you needed to hire an apprentice?'' Yokoda clarified.
''Y-yes, she's a wonderful help.''
He seemed pleased ''I should have expected such great foresight from you, Maiden...Now then I should be going.''
''Thank for your stopping by...'' She exhaled. ''...I'm sorry you had to see that...''
Namine was puzzled ''That's okay. Is everything all right though?''
''Y-yes, it's a private matter. Nothing for you to be concerned with, Hyakuya-san. I'm touched that you're worried though. My luck really improves when you're around!'' The blonde remarked.
''Really? Well, that's good...'' Namine knew she wasn't comfortable talking about this so she wasn't about to press the issue. She found herself curious though, who was that man from earlier and who was this Chairman they mentioned?
''Oh, in return for that, I'll predict your luck whenever you want!'' Chihaya smiled. ''My, it's already so late. I should close up for today. Good night, Hyakuya-san.''
''Ah, right...Good night.''
The following day, after school was done...
Regarding the situation around Haru's Persona, Namine couldn't help but wonder if Igor would know why it had yet to manifest. It would help to have any sort of information about this issue.
Thus she wasn't too surprised to see the familiar door leading to the Velvet Room with Justine waiting nearby.
''Our master believes you wish to have a word, Inmate.'' She stated.
''Yeah...I was hoping he could explain something for me.'' Namine returned.
''Very well, come along.'' Justine opened the door and they walked in.
''Ah, there you are, Trickster.'' Igor acknowledged. ''You wish to learn about the oddity regarding your friend, yes?''
Namine nodded, having already expected him to know about it. Igor may still be vague regarding some issues but he had been rather helpful ever since she learned about the Metaverse, thus she had no problem telling him. ''It's weird...I mean, she has the armor and even Futaba can sense it but apparently she just can't use its power.''
''It is an unusual situation indeed.'' Igor remarked. ''A Persona is a mark of the will of rebellion. You and the rest of you team invoked your potential to fight back against your oppressors with all your might but she may not be quite there yet.''
''You mean something might still be holding her back? Like...let's say she's having trouble going against her dad?'' Namine guessed.
''Perhaps. A Persona can only manifest when the bearer has truly accepted all sides of themselves. That is how one can tame the power of the Shadows so they can become a Persona in the first place. But such a feat is far from easy, everyone has their fears and insecurities, things they may wish would never to come to light. It requires courage and strength of heart. There also the consequences...Why, you yourself felt it, yes? Your own perspective changing after your Persona's awakening.''
''Yeah...'' Namine trailed off. ''...I figured out things I never even realized...''
She had suppressed her anger, her pain and sadness with what she lost after that night. How most of the people she was sure she could count on had turned on her just like that. She had given up, perhaps even on herself for a while and believed she was as worthless as they said. Really, it was like she'd hardly been living for a whie, more like going through the motions. Having her grandparents' support had been a big help but it was after awakening Arsene that she really came to terms with her feelings.
What the people of her old home had done had truly hurt a lot. She knew that she was still coping with that. It didn't help that she had foolishly tried to force herself to keep going forward while avoiding the past as much as possible. A part of her was still angry at them and probably even hated them. She wasn't comfortable even talking about this for some time, it was more of a recent realization she was coming to terms with. Which was why she knew it was okay, at least she wouldn't let those feelings rule her life.
At the end of the day, she supposed those feelings were just natural. Even with all the bad things that happened, she had found a lot of good that came of it. She had met many great people who accepted her for who she was. She still had people who hadn't given up on her. There was still hope in her life and she wouldn't lose sight of it again, no matter what.
''The fact that you've come to understand this just shows how strong and wise you are, dear Trickster. It is a mark of your potential.'' Igor's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. He sounded pleased though and his words reminded her that they could hear her thoughts if they chose to in the Velvet Room. It was something they had mentioned a while back but it had slipped her mind.
''It certainly does seem like you are growing, Inmate.'' Justine remarked.
''Well, she's got a long way to go.'' Caroline added, believing that the girl shouldn't have forgotten something so basic.
''One thing's for sure, I know I would have made strides when Caroline agrees with you two about this.'' Namine's dry tone, left Justine and Igor amused while the girl huffed in irritation. ''Anyway, to sum up, you think Haru isn't totally ready to face herself and that's holding her back?''
''Effectively.'' Igor nodded. ''It is always possible that the issue is something even she hasn't realized just yet. Only time will tell.''
''Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.'' Namine wasn't sure what she could do but she wanted to help her somehow. Perhaps they'd just have to figure things out as they go along.
''You're quite welcome, good luck.'' Igor returned.
''It's been a long time since I last came here...'' Shiho mused as they walked around Odaiba's sea park after visiting a store Ann had told them about. ''...this place sure changed.''
''Really?'' Namine had only heard of this place so far so she had been curious when the former suggested coming her. ''What was it like?''
''It used to be so upbeat and lively...ah, I have an old picture.'' Shiho scrolled through her phone album. And indeed, the one she displayed depicted a somewhat similar place but with quite the difference. There were many people going about and a number of games active.
''Oh...yeah, hard to believe this is the same place. It looks dreary now.'' Namine remarked. It was a shame, she would've liked to see it in person when it was so lively.
Shiho nodded ''I heard it's because there were a couple of mental shutdown incidents here a couple of years. It really spooked people and none wanted to come back. The state of things here almost reminds me of the way Shujin used to be when Kamoshida was still a teacher. Ryuji-kun told me he felt the school was like a prison, that really does sound about right.''
''I noticed that too.'' The school's atmosphere had seemed oppressive to her, although admittedly the name hadn't helped. At the time, she thought it was because of her circumstances and how differences between Shujin and her old school ''Well, it's a relief to know that's a thing of the past, right?''
''Yeah and in the end, the Phantom Thieves were the ones who saved us. They really made all the difference in the end.'' Shiho mused. ''That's why I want to have faith in them. It's so unfair, they've done so much for people and yet look how so many believe them to be criminals.''
''I hear you. Guess that's just the way public opinion works, but hey, we shouldn't let that get to us.'' Namine stated. ''So what's your new school like?''
''Oh, it's really nice. I think a fresh start really was what I needed. I ran into a couple of the girls from the volley ball team, they introduced me to some of their friends in the school. I still can't get over how much happier they are now.'' Shiho had taken a couple of pictures just to commemorate the day. ''It took me quite a bit to catch up but it was definitely worth the effort. I feel so much better about everything that it's just amazing.''
Namine gave a smile of her own ''Hey, that's good to hear. Things are definitely on the up and up for you, huh?'' The girl nodded happily. ''Well, you deserve it.''
''Thank you.''
The two continued walking before Namine spoke up ''Say Shiho, what do you think of Maruki-sensei?''
''You're thinking about his offer, right?'' The girl guessed, hearing her confirm then. ''Well, I heard he's had a bad reputation but I can't understand why. He's really patient and understanding, I wasn't comfortable with the sessions at first but talking to him helped me settle my feelings. If you're up for it, I think you should take him up on the offer, it could do you plenty of good in the long run.''
Namine thought those words over. Everything she had heard proved he was good at his job. She still wasn't sure but maybe she could try it and see how she felt afterwards...
When Namine headed to the church for another shogi lesson with Hifumi, she wound up finding quite a scene...
A man was smiling brightly at her friend, who seemed rather uncomfortable ''Thank you for shaking my hand! I'm never gonna wash it!''
''Huh?'' Hifumi blinked. ''Um, no please wash it...''
The man clearly wasn't listening though as he quickly went on ''I can't believe you're really here in a church...I read on the internet that you pray to God for victory, is that true?''
''No...''
''Can I take a selfie with you and post it online?'' He asked quickly.
''Sorry, I've been turning down all such requests.'' Hifumi stated.
Well, this was getting awkward. If it was like that for Namine just as an observer, it had to be much more so for Hifumi...and it just kept getting worse.
The man slumped a little but soildered on ''By the way, is it true that you're trying to become a professional shogi player?''
''Well, nothing's been...''
''I'll be cheering for you to qualify!'' He exclaimed.''You'd be the first woman to surpass the third-dan league! I really believe in you!''
''...Thank you very much.'' Hifumi exhaled
The man left a few moments later, which was when she noticed Namine ''Oh, hello Namine-chan. I'm sorry, I didn't see you.''
''Ah, no worries...I can't blame you after that...'' The girl glanced at the retreating man. ''...seriously what was that about?''
''No wonder you're confused. Men like that approach me all the time. It bothers me when people a big fuss over me...Considering that the priest is doing me a great favor by letting me play here...'' Hifumi trailed off.
''Oh yeah, you said something about that on the trip...the priest even plays a few rounds with you every now and then?'' Namine clarified.
''Yes, he's my special Shogi friend.'' Hifumi gave a small smile. ''He once told me that he would like to be a professional. He's very kind...he doesn't laugh at my embarrassing habit when we play.''
''That's good.'' The two sat down and Hifumi began preparing the board. ''So you looked kind of worried when you mentioned a photoshoot the other day. I forgot to ask before but how was it?''
''Ah, so you didn't see it...'' Hifumi was relieved. ''...honestly, it was embarrassing.''
''I'm sure it couldn't be bad...'' Namine figured that it was more about Hifumi being troubled about all the attention on her. She knew the feeling all too well.''...but it's nice that you're so modest. Are those shoots where that whole Venus of Shogi thing started?''
''Yes...um, it's not really an excuse but the staff came up with that on their own. Ever since I won the female shogi league, I've been getting a lot of attention. I just figured I could contribute to the shogi world...'' Hifumi trailed off. ''...besides, my mother seems to be very happy. She rejoices as if my victories were her own. So I want to live up to the expectations she has of me.'' She looked away for a moment. ''...I'm afraid she's been a bit overzealous lately. She set up an interview and the photoshoot. It's as if she's a celebrity manager.''
Namine felt the girl's expression told plenty but she had to be sure ''...It looks like you're under a lot of pressure.''
''To be honest, yes. But it's all right...'' Hifumi blinked. ''...oh, sorry! I should be teaching you how to play and not just talk about my mother...''
''It's fine, I don't mind hearing you out.''
''Thank you...you're a good listener, maybe this is why I feel so comfortable speaking with you.'' Hifumi admitted.
''Aw, I'm happy to help. You know we can just talk when you want, right?'' Namine tilted her head.
''Mmhm, I appreciate it.'' The girl returned as she finished organizing the shogi board. ''Now shall we begin?''
Well, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. Funny thing is, this chapter was really hard to work with for some reason but I already have over half of the next one planned. I don't want to drag the issue out any longer so the confrontation with that shadow will come up pretty soon. As I mentioned before, I intend for them to deal with that thing, then Sugimura before they change Okumura's heart.
The explanation around Personas is basically my own understanding after what I've come to learn from the game so correct me if I'm wrong, please. Haru couldn't summon Milady because a big part of her motivation was stopping that arranged marriage as much as stopping Okumura, right?
Oh, I wanted to explain in case Namine seemed out of character for a bit there-she really came to count on the rest of the Phantom Thieves. They're great friends who were there for her when few others were, even when they found out the truth, they stayed by her side. That's why Morgana's departure and consequent behavior hurt her. From his actions, it's like he simply doesn't care about his old team anymore. Which definitely isn't true but it certainly appears that way...
Well, things are going to look up soon. 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 5)
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 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 5)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 2)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 3)
Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man Rank 1)