With that big battle behind them, the Phantom Thieves were taken by Haru to her home were they managed to get some well deserved rest.
It had taken some time to prepare. With the Phantom Thieves (bar Yusuke and Ann, who was living with her caretaker) asking their families for permission. Between that and the time it took to reach the Okumura residence, it was almost night time.
Morgana hadn't really noticed much though. His mind kept drifting back to the events of the day as he tried to organize his thoughts.
Only the team's intervention saved him from death. A part of him was still shocked that they came to check up on him even after his terrible behavior but he was so grateful that they did. Saying that today was an eye opener to him would be an understatement.
He had messed up badly, but he had to do something to fix it. He owed the Phantom Thieves and Haru as much.
It wasn't long before the group was settled in the hall. Now they were ready to sort things out at last between them and Morgana.
''So...I think I owe you an explanation...'' The cat began
''That would be appreciated, we can agree that this talk has been a long time coming.'' Makoto stated.
A nod ''...I've known about that faker over a week ago now. At first, I just saw something like him in a few nightmares. Then he started taunting me..talking all about how useless and weak I was...''
Everyone who had been there remembered E. Mona deriding him so it was no surprise. Futaba couldn't help but point out one thing ''We don't believe that stuff, y'know? It was never true.''
Ann sighed ''Except we're not the problem here, Morgana himself believed it.''
''Exactly. I tried to deny it. I wanted to ignore him and convince myself that thing was wrong...But I just couldn't.''
''Which is why you were so determined to ensure that we press forward with our work in the Metaverse.'' Yusuke concluded.
''I thought...if I could just keep succeeding, I would dispel those fears. I could prove to myself that they were meaningless. The more I look back at it though, the more I realize that I was just running away. Because...at the end of the day, I feared that I would fail and drag you all down with me in the end.''
''Whoa, what? What're you talkin' about?'' Ryuji demanded.
''I said that I wanted to deny what that faker said but I couldn't because he was right. You and Namine were involved with the Metaverse largely because of me and that's just how it all started. I knew how dangerous it was but that didn't matter, I was just so invested in my goals...just as arrogant and pathetic as he said. I was so cocky but it was all bluster...'' Morgana trailed off. ''...that fight had nothing to do with me leaving, he pushed me to that point. I'm not making excuses for how I behaved though. It feels like I took you all for granted and the only one I cared about is myself...I'm sorry, everyone.''
Silence settled in the room as everyone took his words in. It was broken by Namine ''Well, it's nice to hear you finally be honest with yourself. I think you're looking at this all wrong though.'' He blinked. ''Have you ever wondered why we still considered you one of our own? Why we didn't cut ties with you like you intended to happen?''
''Ah...'' The thought had crossed his mind, more than once. ''...actually, yeah...''
''Personally, if you had kept treating us like this...like we simply didn't matter, like the times we spent meant nothing, I would have. I would've helped you just fine but that would be the end of it.''
Most of those present were thrown for a loop but her expression firm. It was simply the truth. She would've that, it would take a lot to make her give up on a friend. But if he had pushed things that far, if he had kept treating them badly, she would have done it. That didn't mean she wouldn't find it in herself to forgive but she saw no reason to hold on to a relationship like that.
Morgana held back a wince, figuring that was fair. It prompted another question though ''...then why didn't you?''
Her expression softened ''Isn't it obvious? You deserve chance. You've never been useless. It was thanks to you that we learned much of what we needed about the Metaverse. You remember how bad things were thanks to Kamoshida, we could've gone too far and been none the wiser to any consequences. But thanks to you, we knew what limits not to cross. You had your own reasons but so what? You stuck with us through all those times-you can't honestly tell me that it was all just to reach your own goals.''
The feline wasn't about to argue with that point. Their partnership had all started as a way to simply find people to help himself. But before he knew it, he had grown to really care about the Phantom Thieves. Leaving the team was harder than he wanted to admit but he felt that he would surely endanger them by staying. ''...No, it wasn't...''
''Here you are trying to make up for your mistakes. I think we all know that honing up to wrongdoings is never easy and yet look at you. That's plenty right there.''
Ann nodded ''It means you care enough to try and make things right, Morgana.''
''Yeah, we weren't gonna leave you out there even if you weren't part of the team anymore.'' Ryuji added. ''Besides, it ain't like we're all workin' for the same goal in the end.''
''Indeed. We all have our reasons for being Phantom Thieves, it wasn't just about you.'' Yusuke agreed. ''I'm still looking to expand my horizons after all and I won't stop here.''
Morgana eyed the group for a moment, seeing their determined expressions ''...Are you all serious about this?''
''We wouldn't have come this far if we weren't.'' Makoto pointed out. ''We want to see this through to the end and we vowed to do the right thing as Phantom Thieves. We're not just going to quit because it's hard.''
''Exactly.'' Futaba concurred.
Haru decided to put in her piece ''Mona-chan, you might have had your reservations but the fact is, even if you didn't admit it, you didn't want to leave the team. You still thought of them as your friends, you couldn't leave those bonds behind. I think this..." She produced Namine's gift from Hawaii from her bag. Morgana has always treated the item with such care that she didn't doubt it was precious to him "...only proved it. Well, doesn't this prove they feel the same way?''
For a few moments it seemed as if he wasn't going to respond but then ''...Yeah...at first this team was a way for me to get my memories back. But I was making no progress whatsoever on that front. I thought...it just couldn't be called a fair deal anymore. It seemed that someone like me had no reason to stay with the Phantom Thieves. But...the truth is...to me, the team is...''
''Go on, say it!'' Futaba had a good feeling about what was coming.
And he didn't disappoint ''...it's the only place I can belong! I wanna stay here forever!''
''That decides it then.'' Namine beamed.
Ann giggled ''Sure does. Welcome back, Morgana.''
''Namine...Lady Ann...'' A smile spread on his face. ''...thank you, all of you.''
Haru looked on with a growing smile of her own, glad to see that the situation was finally resolved. As they say, all's well that ends well.
With all the tension among them cleared, the group enjoyed an excellent dinner before they all decided to turn in for the night.
Haru woke up early the next morning, then deciding to make breakfast for everyone. As the heiress busied herself with the food, she thought back to the previous night.
It had been plenty of fun. They shared some very amusing stories over dinner and it felt great to spend time with her friends. Haru had been pleasantly surprised when her friends had made it clear that she was considered one of them like Morgana, just the thought made her smile.
The heiress had a hard time trusting people for so long as many seemed to just be angling to gain something from her family's wealth. Namine had been the first to truly care about Haru herself and it meant far more than the heiress could put in words. It just got better from there as became acquainted with the rest of the Phantom Thieves. She knew without a doubt that she could believe in them.
The sound of the door being pushed open further made her turn around to see Namine poke her head in. ''Morning! I thought I saw you, want some help?''
And so the girls got busy working breakfast, they were joined shortly by Makoto, who helped them wrap things up. It wasn't long before everyone was at the table, enjoying the meal they had prepared.
''So good!'' Ann held back a squeal while Futaba quickly nodded as she chewed on a pancake.
''Indeed, excellent work.'' Yusuke added.
Ryuji swallowed a piece of bacon ''This is the best!''
''I'm glad you like it.'' Haru returned happily.
''Y'know, I never pegged you for a chef but you're really good, Haru. You like cooking?'' The boy inquired.
''Oh yes, I learned a lot from my grandfather. He opened a cafe years ago and it was always such a warm and lively place. His coffee was amazing but he also taught me to make a number of other things before he died. Father helped me learn as well. It's...been a while since then but those were good times. Ah...'' Haru bit her lip. ''...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring the mood down.''
''Hey, it's just the truth.'' Futaba assured. ''Besides, I was getting curious, what was your old man like to you? He must have been busy with the company and all, right?''
She nodded ''But he still tried to make time for me. Even when work took him away for days on end, he would still show that he cared about me. There was this one time...on my tenth birthday, he was on a trip but he promised to come back. We hadn't spent time together in so long... but he couldn't in the end, another meeting came up and he had no chance to catch the plane. I was so upset back then that I barely spoke to him. I was beginning to believe that he didn't care about me but then...I'd hardly mentioned what I wanted for my birthday and yet I found everything I had in mind at my room's door the next morning after his return. But what really meant the most was that he made sure to make time for me in a few days. He wanted to make sure that I knew he was doing it all for us.''
Makoto began to smile, this way President Okumura proved that he wasn't just buying Haru's affections but he acted on his words as well. They must have been close, it was a shame their relationship was deteriorating. The thought also reminded her how she could sympathize with Haru, bringing forth one of the two main reasons she had remained a Phantom Thief...
The sound of a groan made her snap out of her thoughts, making her realize that the source was Ryuji, who looked like to bang his head against the table. ''I can't believe she told you that!''
Ann just laughed in return. Futaba snickered ''I guess you really were a cute little thing back in the day, Ryuji. Who knew?''
The brunette quickly learned that she had missed how the subject of breakfast reminded her of a story Ryuji's mom told her a while back. His mom used to come up with her own recipes every now and then and she had this one for jam which she particularly liked. One of the ingredients was a brand of honey that was sold out in their area. It seemed that upon learning of her disappointment in the matter, Ryuji decided to do something about it. Through a series of escapades that involved a mishap with bees, he was finally able to get her a honey comb. In the end it turned out that he hadn't needed to as he had misunderstood Mrs. Sakamoto's point, having forgotten that part of the brand's name was honey comb. With all his eagerness to help, Ryuji had been quite put out to learn that it was all for no use.
It worked out in the end though as Mrs. Sakamoto was touched by his efforts and managed to help him recover from a rather draining day.
''What exactly made you think poking around that beehive would work?'' Morgana couldn't help but ask.
''And to go so far after that man when he picked it up?'' Yusuke added. ''Also...''
''Drop it! I was a kid, okay? Why does Ma have to remember this stuff anyway...?'' He trailed off, grumbling.
''Aw, we're just kidding around, it's nice that you wanted to help her so much.'' Ann stated.
''Yeah, I think it's just natural to have embarrassing stories like that with family.'' Namine put in.
''I don't.'' Futaba declared at once.
''Sure, sure...'' Ann trailed off, clearly unconvinced.
''Hey, I really don't!''.
''Me thinks the lady protests too much.'' Ann told them, smirking.
''Agreed.'' Makoto gave Futaba a knowing look. ''I suggest asking Boss. He can certainly settle this.''
No one missed how the hacker stiffened in alarm. Namine's lips twitched ''And there we have it.''
The others appeared rather amused as well, making Futaba pout and look away. Morgana snickered a bit ''So I was thinking...Futaba got into computers mostly because of her mom's influence. Lady Ann wound up with modeling because of her parents. Ryuji just wound up doing track because he liked it but how about the rest of you? What made you choose your hobbies?''
''Hmm...'' Yusuke thought that over. ''...at first I assumed it was because of Madarame. However, looking back I recently began to remember...it seems I spent some time with my mother while she was painting too. I was fascinated by all the shapes and colors she used. One day I had nothing to do so I picked up a piece of paper and began trying to draw. It was merely a bunch of shapeless scribbles but my mother seemed happy, that was the day she began teaching me.''
''That sounds really nice.'' Namine stated.
He smiled ''Indeed, I wonder how I had forgotten for so long...Morgana brings up an interesting question though. How did you come to love music?''
She laughed weakly ''...Believe it or not, it all started because of an accident. Well, Grandpa likes to try out all sorts of things and if they catch his interest, he gives them a 100%. That also includes some of his practical jokes...He's a pretty good engineer and handyman too so people used to give him stuff to fix. One of our neighbors sent their old piano over...I was just visiting them when I saw it. I'd never seen one before so I wound up poking around a little.''
Ryuji seemed amused ''Lemme guess, you thought your broke it when it wouldn't play, right?''
Namine nodded ''Grandpa got a real kick out of that. He really had me going for a bit, pretending to tell me off for making a mess of things. The next thing I know, he caved and told the truth when the whole thing almost made me cry.''
''So you did have him wrapped around your finger, huh? Then what happened?''
''Well, I wanted to see what it'd be like if it was fixed so he told me to stick around and he'd show me. Grandma found us when he was showing me how to play and we all wound up learning together, ever since then I was hooked.''
And so, the rest of the morning went with a similar pace, with the Phantom Thieves all merely hanging out and getting closer to one another..
Later during the afternoon, Namine, Futaba and Haru went to Leblanc with Morgana. Which was when Futaba chose to bring her adoptive father up to speed on what happened with the cat...
''Oh, aren't you...'' Sojiro remembered Haru. ''...been a while since you last came by. So you're the one who found our cat and even took care of him?''
The girl smiled ''Oh, it wasn't a bother or anything.''
''I'm the one who took care of you though.'' Morgana refuted, making Haru giggle.
The girls settled down and Futaba began telling him about the sleepover with her typical enthusiasm, to general amusement.
''Now that's nice to hear. Looks like you're all becoming real good friends.''
''Yup!'' Futaba smiled.
Meanwhile, Ryuji and Ann were at one of the latter's favorite shops. It had been a while since she last came here so she was rather curious to see what was on offer now.
''Everything okay back there?'' She inquired.
''Yeah...'' Ryuji endeavored to balance the bags on his arms. ''...can you just, y'know, not get anymore? I dunno how much I can take...''
''Oh, suck it up, you can handle it.''
He rolled his eyes ''Ever consider using those bags as weights? I bet it'd work.''
The teen blinked when she didn't respond ''Ann?'' He noted that she was looking to the side, which brought the people looking at them or specfically her to his attention.
''That's Ann-chan!''
''Wow, she's even cuter in person!''
''Tell me about it...you think that's her boyfriend?''
Both blondes stiffened at this, looking away from each other as their faces grew warm. But Ann's apparent fans weren't done yet.
''Nah, no way...she wouldn't go out with a guy like that.''
''Yeah, he seems lame...''
Ryuji really didn't want to risk messing up Ann's purchases in anyway. Not only would it mean he'd have to deal with her wrath but he'd hate to waste her money like that. Especially when this could be good for her career. The line of thought made him ask ''...Can we go?''
''Sure, that restaurant I wanted to show you and the others is right around the corner.'' Honestly, she wanted to leave too. That was really awkward, why did they have to go and assume that?! Ryuji was just a friend...
Could they actually get in a relationship like that? They had been friends for years but it was still hard to imagine...
''Just ignore the chatter, it's what I do most of the time. What does it matter if they don't know you?'' Ann offered.
''I guess...'' He returned. ''...so...when you get a boyfriend, you'll be sticking the poor sucker into this mess?''
''H-hey, you don't have to say it like that!''
Ryuji just chuckled ''Kidding, kidding...come on, let's keep going.''
The talk did make him wonder though...Ann as a girlfriend, huh? Sure, they did argue often but they were still close. He could always trust her to have his back, he didn't doubt that. The boy would admit that she was hot, still would things really work like that with them?
Little did he realize that Ann was thinking along similar lines.
They'd known each for years, even before entering Shujin. Ryuji had defended her when people looked down on her for her foreign looks. That incident was one of the reasons they started getting to know each other. He may be brash and cocky but he still had his good points, those people really didn't know him so she paid their words no mind. It was still odd to imagine them in that light, though...
Shaking the thought off, Ann pointed in the restaurant's direction ''Come on, it's this way!''
''Make sure you go home today before it gets too late, OK? I'm sure your parents are worried.'' Sojiro advised before going to the kitchen.
''It's fine if you don't wanna go either, you know.'' Futaba offered.
''Yeah, you're welcome to stay over again, Haru.'' Namine added.
''Thank you, Nami-chan but I'll go home. If my father suspects something, it'll be more difficult to change his heart, wouldn't it? We still need to focus on Sugimura for now so let's keep things simple. Futaba-chan, can we exchange contact information?''
Nodding, the girl took out her phone before they proceeded to do just that.
''I'll contact you again soon.'' The heiress added.
''Will you OK on your own? I can go with you.'' Morgana offered.
''You belong here, don't you, Mona-chan?'' Haru smiled.
Morgana glanced back at Namine and Futaba before sheepishly speaking ''W-well, yeah...''
Namine smiled back at him before looking at Haru ''Well, if you think it's all right, I'll take your word for it. Make sure you keep in touch, okay?''
''Okay.''
A couple of hours later, Namine and Morgana were back in the attic. The former had taken time to fill the latter up on what he missed. Morgana was rather surprised to learn that she hadn't been using the silver light's full potential before and that one of the reasons they had decided to deal with Sugimura had been Hijiri.
''Wait, thinking back...she did mention a Sugimura-you mean it's that same creep?''
Namine blinked ''You've seen him?''
''Yeah, only once thankfully...he was nothing but a condescending jerk to Haru.'' The cat huffed irritably. ''Apparently, the reason behind that stinking arranged marriage is some kind of deal Okumura made with Sugimura's family. I don't know the details but Okumura would be the one to benefit in the end.''
The girl frowned ''...And where does that leave Haru?''
''That's exactly the problem. No one's standing up for her and it really makes me mad. People were too scared to go again that creep or her dad and they just left her in the lurch. I think that's why she wound up going with what Okumura wanted, even with her doubts, she wanted to trust him. But the bottom line is, she had no one to turn to.''
''Not anymore. We're going to do something to fix all this.'' Namine declared.
The cat perked up ''Right and we'll start tomorrow.''
The two prepared to turn in for the night. Morgana made a point of leaving the blue scarf on the table nearby before settling himself next to his companion ''You know, it's strange...I haven't been gone for that long and yet it still feels like I have. Like things changed.''
''Isn't it more like you changed? You've changed for the better.''
''Hehe, can't argue with that.'' He smiled. ''...I'm glad you all gave me the chance, I'll make sure you don't regret it.''
''That's never going happen, Mona. You're already proving that in my opinion.'' She assured.
''Thanks, that means a lot.''
The next day...
The group had already agreed to go to Mementos to deal with Sugimura, knowing he was back in town. Thus, they would head off once everyone was ready.
Morgana decided to visit the Okumura residence, wanting to talk a few things over with Haru.''I get that this is a big deal to you but don't get carried away. You can't use your Persona yet so you should stick close with us while we handle the creep.''
Haru nodded ''I know. Don't worry, I'll be careful...''
He blinked at her sudden pause ''What's up?''
''I've been thinking a lot lately...maybe I haven't been completely honest with myself.'' The girl shook her head and added. ''You're right. This is important to me and I think confronting his shadow could help me settle my feelings about this path. Don't worry, I'll explain myself later.''
''If you say so...''
Namine had been tasked by the twins to show them around the underground mall. She hadn't expected them to be interested in the place but perhaps they were simply looking to learn what they could. Regardless, the girl had no problem with the request so she took them along with her.
Caroline and Justine were both takenaback and dismayed with all the activity and fervor of the shoppers. Both believing it to be a symbol of them succumbing to their desires.
''You think so?'' It seemed like they were generalizing to Namine.
Justine seemed to have caught on to her scepticism ''Then what do you make of it, Inmate?''
''Well, I can't say you're wrong but it's not that simple either.'' She returned. ''Some people go overboard and like you say, fall to their desires but there are others who are a lot more careful with their money and they buy things when they need it. I think one shouldn't go around labeling people as all the same, you know? They're bound to surprise you.''
''Hmm, I suppose...''
The three watched a woman buy an expensive coat, going so far as to use all the money she had on her, all to treat herself. On the other hand, there were a couple other young women who were going from shop to shop, meticulously picking up certain items and discarding others.
Justine blinked ''Point made.''
''Anyway, a bunch of those people were talking about a sale and whatnot. That seems to be a big influence aruond here.'' Caroline noted as they continued walking.
''Yeah, people tend to make the most of the reduced prices in sales.'' Namine returned.
The twins watched a number of the workers and shop owners greeted their charge, who returned the gesture.
''You've obviously been here a lot, Inmate...you're just like those fools who fall to their desires, aren't you?'' Caroline accused.
''It's actually because I do some part-time work every now and then.''
''Hmm, that would explain some of the things they mentioned. Perhaps you may have an idea of this then, Inmate. I heard that some lovey-dovey people frequent this area. They are said to emit an aura that makes others upset with them, is that true?'' Justine wanted to know.
Namine had to admit that she did not expect such a question.
...Where did the twins get their information from anyway?
Shaking the thought, she tried to explain what she knew of the subject, adding that the emotion they were thinking of was probably jealousy.
''Are you one of those jealous people then?'' Caroline inquired.
''Why should I be? It seems like a waste of time to me, if those people are happy together. good for them.''
''Fair enough...so what're those lovey-dovey people like? You've seen them, right?''
''I'm not sure how to describe it...'' The older girl started to think.
But Caroline took the matter into her hands ''Well then, let's go find some!''
The three came across a couple in the jewlery store, admiring a pair of rings. Caroline found, to her own chagrin that she was irked to watch how the couple fawned over each other but Justine seemed unfazed.
The woman clearly wanted to buy the rings but her boyfriend was reluctant due to their price. He tried to weasel out of it by picking a cheaper ring, much to the woman's chagrin, who believed that he didn't care about her. She even went on to bawl at how he handled things, believing that it meant he didn't care about her like she did him and those rings could be a symbol of their everlasting love. But this made her think over their relationship and she wondered if there was much of a point to keep it going. In the end, the man gave in and bought one of them for her, much to her delight.
''Why'd he go and do that?'' Caroline wondered as the couple left.
''It looks like he was spellbound.'' Namine remarked.
Both looked at her in surprise before Justine spoke up ''Ah, so that woman is a powerful spellcaster?''
Namine laughed a bit ''That's a figure of speech around here, Justine. It means he loves her so much that it's like he's under a spell.''
''I see, so that's the power of love at work.''
''So, are you speaking from experience, Inmate?'' Caroline prodded.
''Nah, I've just been on some dates before. Nothing too serious.''
Justine crossed her arms ''It would see that despite what this place appears to be, it has helped the Inmate's growth.''
''Well, given what I've come to learn during work, it feels that way.'' Namine had an idea ''Say...have you ever had crepes before?'' The twins' confused expressions gave her a good guess of the answer. ''Come on, it's my treat.''
And let's stop here.
Well, I've been mulling this over for a while but I don't think I want to handle Haru's awakening like in canon. Considering how I'm handling things here, I didn't see the point. But anyway, they'll be taking Sugimura on next chapter before I focus on the Palace and what comes afterwards. I wanted to put up some lighthearted stuff here after the big battle last chapter. One thing I feel the need to point out is that Namine hasn't really come close to giving up on Morgana. She just hated the way he treated them. If she was in such situation, even if she had given up on a friend, it doesn't mean she wouldn't forgive if the other person proves themselves.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 6)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 8)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 5)
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 6)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 4)
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)