Defender31415: Thanks a lot. The moment that idea occured to me I just thought, I had to give it a try.
To answer your question, I actually do have a way ready to shift into the next arc. It has to do with a development I'm planning to start soon.
Just to make things clear, I meant that I used to consider Akechi for Namine's romantic future. That was before I even started writing the story though. It's mostly because of plot related reasons but this story's Akechi is different from the one in the game. Now that I look back, I probably should have done more to show as much but I was afraid I'd give away too much too soon. The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards pairing Namine up with Yusuke, I even thought of a way to get their relationship started too.
Vangran: Thanks. Well, I can tell you one thing, Okumura isn't about to give up. Sugimura won't be much of a problem from here on out. This change will just take a bit longer because of the unique state of things.
Hm, what you mentioned about Palace formations is about what I know for sure too. Oh well, thought I was missing something there. Thanks anyway.
Miss-Fortune X: Yeah, I don't think things with Akechi and a female protagonist would be like they were in the game. I mean for them to be something like friendly rivals for now, at least in the Metaverse. To answer your question though, Akechi does see Namine as a friend. Let's just say things are...complicated with him.
Vent-Zxa: Thanks, I'm pretty happy with the idea myself but I'm glad you like it. As for your questions, you'll just have to wait and see.
Futaba's request to spend the night in the attic with Namine and their new friend was a pleasant surprise. It may not seem like much for just anyone but he couldn't help but marvel at all the changes in his daughter. To think it was just a short while ago that she barely even left her room...
Pleased as the barista was by the changes, he had of course said yes.
When he arrived in Leblanc the following morning, the first thing he heard was the sound of laughter. The barista found his lips twitching as he opened the door, seeing Futaba sitting with Namine, Haru and Morgana.
Futaba perked up ''Oh hey, Sojiro!''
''Morning,'' he smiled as they returning his greeting in kind. ''Sounds like you're all having. It's been a while since you came over, Okumura-chan. I never got around to thanking you for taking care of our cat.''
''Oh, it was no trouble. Mona-chan's rather independent.'' Haru returned.
The cat in question puffed out his chest ''Of course I am!''
Namine and Futaba shared amused looks. Even if he had grown more humble recently, it seemed that Morgana would always be Morgana.
Sojiro may not have understood the cat but he certainly agreed ''True, I'm still amazed with clever he is...''
The group had made plans to go to Okumura's Palace, aware that Haru could help them get in easily. As they gathered at a street, Futaba looked at Haru ''So I've been wondering-does your dad stand that much to gain with this arranged marriage? You think he's going to find someone else?''
Ann frowned ''Do you have to say it like that?''
''No, it's okay.'' Haru assured. ''The thought crossed my mind too. I doubt simply changing Sugimura's heart would make him stop his plans. It just depends on who suits his goals the most. This won't be over until we take Father's heart. I admit, getting out of the marriage was big part of my motivation to rebel but that's not all. I still want him to see reason, that things shouldn't be this way with the company. It may seem hard to believe but Father really was kind, learning how he's turing out now is terrible. But it's all the more reason for me to keep going.''
Makoto found herself sympathizing with the girl, they really had more in common than it appeared. ''That's brave of you...'' Her mind slipped towards the other reason she had chosen to remain a Phantom Thief. She wished could have told her friends but she just wasn't sure how. She didn't want things to go that far...
''Makoto?'' She started at Morgana's voice, seeing the cat cock his head. ''What's up? You spaced out there.''
The brunette winced, noting how the others were just as curious. ''...it's nothing. Come on, I think I see a good spot for us to activate the Nav.'' She gestured at a distant part of the street.
It turned out they were right. The scanner accepted Beauty Thief's finger print, allowing them entry.
Oracle stopped to survey the area with Necronomicon and Panther looked at the window above them ''Whoa, so we're in outer space?''
''That's not too surprising. Father has always been fascinated with space and the subjects surrounding it.'' Beauty Thief remarked.
''Ah, so that's where his restaurant's name comes from.'' Fox recalled their visits to Big Bang Burger. Thinking back, there had been a theme of sorts to the meals.
''So far we had a castle, an art gallery, a bank and a pyramid...'' Mona trailed off. ''...I'm not sure what this place is supposed to be though.''
''I think it's bit of a mix between a spaceport and a factory. I'm seeing a conveyor belt with a bunch of robots working around it.'' Oracle stated.
Beauty Thief blinked ''There's nothing like that around here...''
''Oh, my Persona lets me scan places. The belt's a bit far off and below us but I think there's an elevator around here that can take us there.'' The hacker returned. ''Can we check it out? Something about it seems off.''
They agreed and made to head over as she gave them directions. Just as they were about to approach the elevator's location, they were ambushed by a few shadows which they soon defeated.
''So hey, Beauty, what was up with all the drama when we ran into you guys around here before?'' The girl's clear confusion prompted Panther to elaborate. ''Well, you were way over the top back then.''
''Oh, that...'' Beauty Thief blushed. ''...it's because of an old fantasy of mine. I used to imagine myself as a heroine of justice. Mona-chan and I rehearsed some lines too so.''
''A heroine of justice, huh? Never seen anyone with that kinda attitude.'' Skull remarked with clear amusement. ''Mona sure got into the act too, at least now we know why.''
''...Don't remind me.'' The cat held back a groan. ''Can we just forget that ever happened?''
"I'll think about it." Oracle held up her hands in surrender when Joker gave her a look. "Fine, fine, you're good."
"Joker..." Both girls couldn't help smiling at his expression. He would hate to be called that they knew but Mona really was adorable.
''Well, as embarrassing as it is now, the idea just felt right at the time. I've had a hard time trusting people for a long time. It always seemed like people were just kind to me to get something in return. I couldn't take anymore so I decided to keep to myself as much as possible.'' Beauty Thief admitted.
Queen's eyes widened a bit ''So that's why...'' The heiress was her classmate but for all her kindness, Beauty Thief did tend to distance herself from people.
''That finally started to change thanks to Joker.'' The girl continued. ''She was the only one who just cared about me and not my father's wealth. It means more than I can say.''
None of the listeners were too surprised. They were all of the collective opinion that it was just the sort of thing Joker would do. It did help them understand more about why the two girls were as close as they were now though.
Joker merely smiled ''I told you before, it's their loss for missing out on a friend like you.'' Beauty Thief beamed in return.
The team came across a room with a number of robots looking over a Garuda shadow that was in a glass sphere connected to a big machine in the center of the room. The bird seemed a little strange too, for it was surrounded with a dark purple aura and had glowing eyes. Suddenly, the machine started glowing and Garuda shrieked in pain.
Oracle grimaced ''That shadow's really strong...abnormally so for some reason. I think that's why they trapped it here, that machine's draining its energy.''
The shadow's power was immediately proven for it tried to struggle against it bindings and before anyone knew it, used some wind magic on its captors. The robots who were caught up in it were left struggling to get up, only to be whipped and yelled at by the two bigger robots which had been looking over everything.
''Get up, you useless wastes of space! These are the president's orders. Remember the rules, any worker who can't do their job is to be discarded immediately!'' One of the big robots snapped.
''Wait, they represent workers? But with this being Okumura's cognition...'' Fox trailed off, frowning.
''Yes...'' Queen scowled. ''...this is a representation of the workers' treatment in the real world.'' That robot's words were just more proof.
Oracle held back a wince ''Y'know, I thought I saw pieces of one of the robots on the conveyor belt. I wasn't sure 'coz it was just getting thrown away but...'' She grimaced as one of the whipped robots was slammed own, the light in its eyes fading. As expected, it didn't get up. What was worse was that one of the big robots simply shoved it aside while the rest continued walking, not giving them a second glance. ''...this is like what I saw. Some big robots were treating the smaller ones badly but they just went along with it. They're just blindly following what Okumura's shadow tells them to do.''
''What?!'' Skull fumed, another of the workers slumped before it was told that no one was allowed a break.
Beauty Thief was aghast, she knew things were going badly at the company but seeing this was far worse. Did her father really stoop so low as to believe people were disposable? And this...this was what paid for their luxury?
One of the big robots, who were apparently managers, noticed them moments later. It pressed a button on the machine, which lit up again. The Garuda shrieked as it unleashed another burst of wind magic, this time much stronger and targeted at anyone.
Joker created a shield from the silver light, allowing her and anyone nearby some cover while the rest hid behind the wall. ''Oracle, any idea what's going on?''
''Yeah, this thing's really souped up. The only reason they could trap it was that its energy was being stolen. I think all that energy is back now so this thing's practically nuts, it's like a ticking time bomb. If we don't take it out soon, there's going to be a lot of trouble.''
Queen moved once the winds died down, trying to gun the shadow down. It flew up, brushing past any bullet with ease. Oracle buffed everyone up just as the shadow finished a Magarudyne spell, nailing almost everyone at once. Skull was left dazed as a result and Panther hurried to help him.
As the shadow honed in on the two, Queen rushed by on Johanna, ramming its side then. It tackled the brunet back before using Mind Slice, pushing her and the others further back.
Mona quickly healed everyone with Zorro's Mediarama. Queen quickly approached Panther and told her of an idea. Once the blonde nodded back, the brunette used Johanna's Flash Bomb. At the same time, Panther unleashed Hecate's flames on the bomb, the two attacks seemed to merge together then. This formed a shimmering sphere of flames which burst, blowing the shadow back.
''Nice one, Queen!'' Panther exclaimed, the girl smiling in return.
The shadow was about to strike only to be distracted by Milady's artillery. Beauty Thief's action gave Joker, Fox and Mona the chance to go and attack it up close. The triple assault leaving the shadow cornered as they came from different sides. Skull then used Seiten Taisei's Deathbound while Panther focused before having Hecate blast it with her flames.
Just as it seemed they were causing some decent damage, the Garuda pulled itself and let out another cry.
''Guys, it's about to go for a big attack! Get out of there!'' Oracle cried.
But just as they tried to do, it turned out that some robots had come in the room in all the chaos and were now intent on blocking their way. Then the Garuda released a big burst of energy that caused a lot of damage as it swept over the area.
Left with little choice, Joker channeled the silver light again. She tried to concentrate to create a bigger shield than she ever did before. With the familiar chime-like sound, the silver light flared, covering all her friends. The shield was somewhat weaker because of it but it also allowed the team to escape the worst of the damage. The force of the attack pushed Joker back but Fox grabbed her shoulders, steadying her with little trouble as she defended them.
Fox started as he felt Joker shake a little in his hold. She seemed somewhat tired and it was clear from her expression that the shield had caused a significant amount of strain on her.
The blast had wrecked a good part of them, even destroying all the robots that had been present. As Queen and Mona got busy healing the group, something strange happened.
Fox tensed as the Garuda floated towards them, preparing to summon Goemon. But then he noted something-the shadow's attention was on Joker and for some reason, it seemed far calmer than before. He could have sworn that dark aura around it was fading too...
Before anyone could react, the Garuda suddenly changed back to the way it was earlier and it flew up high.
''The hell just happened?'' Skull wondered.
''Wait, I think I've got it!'' Oracle exclaimed after a few moments. ''The shadow was...stable for a second there. Its power was all out of whack but then it just got back to normal. It froze up the second it got close to Joker's shield.''
''So then...'' Mona glanced at their equally curious leader. Did the silver light cause this change? But how?
Queen figured this meant they had what they needed ''Joker, can you try using the light directly on it?'' The girl nodded. ''Then we'll give you an opening. Mona, I'd prefer to have someone in the back, can you watch out for Joker?''
''Of course!''
''Let's go, everyone. Give it all you got!'' Queen led the charge back into battle.
The Garuda used more wind magic but it seemed to getting drained for it wasn't as powerful as before. This allowed the fighters a chance to dodge or tank it to the best of their ability.
Panther's eyes narrowed as she summoned her Persona ''All right Hecate, Agidyne!''
The goddess of witchcraft waved a hand, creating a huge pillar of flames that would have caught the Garuda had it not moved in time. Still, it couldn't get away unscathed and a few of the burns showed on its body.
Fox tried to shoot at it, but it brushed the bullets again then Skull jumped up high and bashed it on the head with his club. Similarly, Panther proceeded to whip it a few times next with Queen blinding it via Flash Bomb. Beauty Thief seized the chance to strike it with Milady's Triple down as the others went for physical strikes.
The Garuda got more strikes in, even knocking a few of them down at one point. However, the group persevered, immediately going on the offensive again when the shadow focused its attention on Mona and Joker. Their attacks served as enough of a distraction and the enraged Shadow fought back hard.
''Goemon, Heat Wave!''
''Johanna, Freidyne!''
Goemon unleashed a strong burst of power that almost threw the shadow down but then it was blasted by Johanna's nuclear magic, leaving it to fall.
Spotting the opportunity, Joker hurried towards the shadow. She concentrated, willing the silver light forth once more. The Garuda twitched almost at once and they knew the light was affecting it. Slowly but surely, the dark aura surrounding it faded and it became much calmer. Before Joker quite knew it, the shadow looked up at her. It proceeded to thank her as it faded away, leaving a shimmering sphere behind that merged with her mask then.
Queen's brow furrowed ''Joker, did it just...?''
''Mm, it chose to become one of my Personas...'' The girl stumbled as a familiar wave of dizziness almost overwhelmed her. She barely heard the others' concerned cries at this before registering Queen's arm wrapped around her, keeping her steady. ''...s-sorry...''
''Don't be, you've never used it so much before at once. No wonder you're tired, come on, let's get you fixed up.''
They were able to find a Safe Room shortly afterwards, allowing them a chance to rest. As well as to help Joker recover from the battle, which was easy thanks to their healers and the medicine they had prepared.
This also gave them the time to discuss what happened in the battle earlier. Joker could see the recent memories of the spirits she came to acquire as Personas, which enabled her to figure out what happened for the Garuda to wind up like this.
''Garuda was drawn to the distortions here, apparently they're really strong. That machine uses some kind of mind control, that's why they could trap it. The only reason it wound up there was that it was sensed something odd-something really corrupted.''
''It might be the distortions...'' Mona trailed off, deep in thought. Distortions could cause quite a load of trouble. After all look what happened with Sugimura's shadow, or worse, the day they were forced to fight the Reaper.
Oracle agreed. ''I'd say it's just another reason it's good that Joker's here, her power's probably one of the best counters for this kind of situation.''
Panther tilted her head ''It is?'' She blinked. ''Wait, didn't you say you'd try to analyze the silver light before?''
The navigator nodded ''It was confusing but I think I got an idea of how Joker gets the shadows to turn back to spirits now. The spirits were turned into shadows because of the distortions. That might make them stronger but it also causes corruption. The silver light seems to completely turn that around. I guess a better way to say it would be that it cleanses them. It looks like it's got a bit of healing effect too, from what I picked up anyway.''
''It's as if Joker is bestowing a harmonious balance.'' Fox mused.
Oracle hummed ''Sounds about right.''
''Yes.'' Beauty Thief had an idea. ''Oh, Joker-what would you say to naming that light the Song of Harmony?''
The girl began to smile ''I like it.''
''Same here. Good call, Beauty.'' Panther added.
Queen agreed ''Let's go with that then. Shall we keep going?''
Joker blinked when eyes traveled towards her then. ''Ah, it's okay. My power's getting easier to use. Everything's fine thanks to you guys.''
''All right but tell us if you aren't feeling well.'' Mona returned.
''Yeah, make sure of it.'' Oracle added firmly.
''Right.'' She nodded, standing up. ''Let's go.''
Shortly afterwards, they arrived at the room leading to the elevator. That was when they were found by Shadow Okumura. Just like the other shadows, he looked like the real world self, only he was clad in a space suit. He also had blue skin and the stereotypical golden eyes.
What came as a surprise was that accompanying him was none other than what looked like Sugimura. This made Beauty Thief stiffen ''Why...?''
''Remember, he has no idea that things changed. This must be a cognition.'' Mona stated.
Shadow Okumura's eyes narrowed ''I received a warning about intruders-to think it was just some children. My workers really are useless if they can't handle you. What I didn't expect was to see you there.'' His attention centered on Beauty Thief. ''What do you think you're doing, Haru? Associating with rif-raff like them and going against me?''
Beauty Thief frowned ''Don't insult my friends, Father. I'm doing this for you! I want to find a way to help...''
''If that were the case than you'd stop fooling around and do as you're told.'' He cut her off coldly. ''I've seen how you act in regards to the marriage-it's disgraceful. You should be overjoyed to fulfill the role I gave you, that's your sole value as a member of this family.''
''Oh, just shut up! You don't get to say that, Beauty trusted you all along even when it hurt and this is what she gets for it?'' Panther demanded angrily.
The shadow clearly couldn't care less though. Cognitive Sugimura spoke up then ''Okumura-san, we don't need a girl that's been soiled by thieves. Unless you make some compromises, I can't introduce her to my father.''
''Hmph, very well. She needn't be your lawful wife anymore...take her as your lover, or whatever you desire.'' The shadow returned easily.
None of the thieves were surprised, for it just proved what Sugimura's shadow told them before their battle. But seeing how Shadow Okumura was so dismissive of their friend's well being was certainly aggravating to say the least.
''You little...'' Mona hissed in outrage. This just confined it. What was worse was that this meant Okumura knew that Sugimura treated his daughter and yet he still...?
''His very daughter's life is indeed just a commodity to him.'' Fox's disgust rang clear in his tone.
''Bastard!'' Skull spat.
Joker put a hand on the saddened Beauty Thief's shoulder ''You shouldn't put up with this any longer-things are different now, remember? Don't let them stop you.''
''Right!'' The heiress summoned Milady. ''I've taken my mask off...I have already decided to fight for my freedom and you won't stop me so farewell, dear Father! I am no longer your subservient puppet!''
''Then so be it...you're worthless.'' He turned to leave, not without a final word to Cognitive Sugimura. ''Deal with them how you wish.''
Smirking, the latter turned into a robot somewhat resembling the managers they had seen earlier.
Beauty Thief had heard enough ''Milady!''
The pink clad Persona released its artillery in seconds, raining down a myriad of bullets on the transformed Sugimura.
''You go, Beauty! You got this in the bag!'' Oracle cheered.
''I think not!'' The cognition pulled itself back up. It snapped its fingers and a few robots rushed in from the door on the other side of the room. Thus, the battle quickly got underway.
It was evident that Cognitive Sugimura intended on targeting Beauty Thief all along and for his back up to deal with the rest of the team. They figured that S. Okumura must have given him some form of authority over his workers for he was able to summon quite a number of them easily.
C. Sugimura tried to punch Beauty Thief but the girl quickly jumped back, only for him to advance again ''Did you think you could make a difference?'' He aimed another punch, forcing Beauty Thief to guard. ''You're just a little doll who should just do what she's told. No one cares about you. Now that you won't obey the president, you're worthless!''
At one point, those words might have devastated her but now she found herself unfazed. Beauty Thief had already made her resolve, she would fight till the end. To save her father, to gain her freedom. She knew they were lies anyway, all her friends were here fighting for her sake after all. She felt ten feet tall with them by her side.
She struck the cognition with her axe ''Enough. I was wrong to believe that my inaction would solve anything but no more. I'll fight with all my power no matter what my father believes and that won't change! Milady, Triple down!''
Skull grinned as their friend began her counter attack ''Nice! Get 'em, Seiten Taisei!''
The Persona flew up and charged their enemies at great speed, blowing them away. As the robots began collecting themselves, Joker had an idea. Quickly enlisting Skull's help, she called upon Garuda, who seemed to be much better off now.
''Magarudyne!''
''Mazionga!''
The two Personas attacked together, the first creating a powerful gale that struck all enemies while the latter conjured bolts of lightning. In seconds, the attacks began to merge, resembling a tempest of winds and thunder that struck numerous enemies down.
''Awesome!'' Skull exclaimed.
''Yeah, though I can't take credit for it.'' After all it had been Queen's combination move with Panther that inspired her.
Beauty Thief blasted C. Sugimura with her Persona's Mapsio. The wide spread attack not only knocked him down but also badly damaged a couple of the workers near him.S She ran up to strike, raising her axe, only to be taken aback when another worker jumped to take the blow for him. Before she could react, another robot apparently self-destructed.
Oracle's eyes widened ''Guys, it didn't just blow up, it gave Sugimura some energy!''
The cognition laughed as it got up ''Indeed, now this is more like it. The pawns know how little they matter-the president told them to obey me. All they have to do is obey orders, that's their sole purpose.''
Skull scowled, he just didn't get it. Okay, he knew it was the Palace's effect but this was a sign of things in the real world. The workers just remained loyal to Okumura no matter what, it was infuriating! Why don't they do a thing? Was it that hard for them to stand up for themselves?
Panther frowned as more robots dashed in ''How long can this go on?''
''...Not for long.'' Queen noted the signs of damage that C. Sugimura had taken over the battle. That robot's sacrifice had fixed up some but it hadn't fully worked, as it was clear. ''How about we work to make sure of it?''
''How?'' The blonde blinked.
''Like this. Johanna, Freidyne!'' Queen spun on her Persona, releasing a nuclear blast that heavily damaged the entrance which the workers used, effectively leaving them such.
Fox's lips twitched ''I see...in that case, allow me.'' He called upon Goemon, who froze the entrance and the wall around it.
''You lousy brats, I've had it! Attack!'' C. Sugimura told the workers, who charged at once.
Panther and Fox retaliated with their own Personas, using their respective element to strike. Pillars of fire and ice spikes appeared between the enemies, causing a lot of damage and dividing the enemy numbers.
Mona struck down a particularly damaged worker near him before noticing some burned enemies to his right. Smirking, he used Zorro's Magarula to take them down.
A few of the workers tried to corner him along with Fox and Panther, coming from different sides. The attempt was put to a halt by Joker, who distracted them with some bullets before taking down the first worker with a few strikes from her dagger. She finished off the rest with Okuninushi's Heat Wave.
As Beauty Thief struck the enemy leader's side with her axe, Oracle noticed one of the robots approaching C. Sugimura. She detected a sudden surge in power that tipped her off as to what was about to happen. ''Guys, I think it's going to try healing him like the other one.''
''Not on my watch!'' Skull jumped up, using the momentum as he descended for an extra hard strike on the worker. Jumping once more, he used his club to bash C. Sugimura on the head.
After a burst of Milady's Mapsio, Panther whipped a few times before looking at Beauty Thief ''Hit it!''
The heiress aimed her grenade launcher, firing a moment later. The resulting explosion destroyed a couple of enemies that had been near their leader while almost knocking said leader down.
And she wasn't done ''Now Milady, Psiodyne!''
This served to be the finishing strike, serving to win them the battle.
Beauty Thief started when C. Sugimura vanished into nothing seconds later ''Ah...he acted so much like the real thing that I almost forgot he was a cognition.''
''Guess it just goes to show that your old man really knows the jerk.'' Oracle started. ''Like Mona said, he has no idea about Sugimura's heart is going to change, if it hasn't already. For all we know, he might have cancelled your engagement.''
''I hope so...'' The older girl trailed off.
''Come on, we knocked him down a few pegs. I doubt he'll be the same after that.'' Panther offered.
Skull nodded, deciding to change the subject ''Seriously, Beauty, you got a grenade launcher of all things?''
Beauty Thief giggled a bit ''Well why not, Skull? I actually found using it rather satisfying.'' She paused. ''By the way, from now on, please call me Noir.''
Fox blinked, wondering where that came from ''Noir?''
The girl nodded ''I feel it's more...appropriate, for lack of a better word. It means black in French. I'd like to be a heroine of justice but the Phantom Thieves are on the darker side of the law. That's why I chose it.''
''That seems fitting to me,'' Joker remarked.
''Yes. Noir, I like it.'' Queen smiled. ''It conveys a dignity that won't bow down to others as well as a rebellious spirit toward society.''
''Thank you.''
They reached the elevator, finding that it only worked to take them two levels down. Noticing a Safe Room nearby, Mona suggested that they stop for the day and continue from this point onwards next time. Since no one any objections, the team headed back.
Makoto raised an eye ''Ryuji, you seem a little upset. Were you hoping we would keep going through the Palace?''
His surprise was evident ''Nah, nothing like that. It's just...those robots back there pissed me off. It was just like with Kamoshida all over again. I get that the workers in the Palace can't do much against Okumura but it just means no one's standing up to him here, right? And from what Futaba said, things are probably even worse through out the Palace. I just don't get why, how can they go along with this shit?''
''I understand how you feel. Perhaps if some were to take a stand, things would be like this.'' Makoto frowned. ''I figure they might be too scared but whose to say they even tried to do something about any of this?''
Morgana scoffed ''Yeah, sounds like they're taking the easy way out. If they just keep their heads down and do as they were told, they won't have any trouble or something.''
''Yeah, people said something like that in Shujin too...'' Ann recalled.
''I don't think it's that simple.'' They turned to Yusuke. ''It's possible that they were conditioned to accept the abuse. People can come to accept it, expect it even. I know the feeling, that's how I behaved before you all came along to stop Madarame.''
''...That might be true...'' This brought up some particularly unpleasant memories for Futaba .
''Enough of the speculation.'' Namine pursed her lips. ''What matters is that we're all definitely motivated to keep this up so let's use this drive and make sure to succeed.''
The others nodded in return. The general mood of the group was lifted as their talk shifted into lighter subjects...
''Wait, so your old codename was actually Mona's idea?'' Futaba snickered. ''Well, that's lame! Your taste really is almost as bad as Ryuji's.''
''Hey!'' The cat glared at her.
A curious Ann looked at Ryuji, who was rolling his eyes ''What, you're just going to take that?
''Why not? You guys ragged on me enough about that anyway.'' At this point, he didn't think it was worth reacting to anymore teasing on the matter. As they say, to each their own.
Haru just smiled ''Oh, I didn't really mind the name. I just find this one much more fitting.''
''Can't argue with that, I think most of us wound up picking up our names relating to how our soul armor looks really...''
Futaba stopped at the sound of a phone ringing, it took her a few moments to realize that it was Namine's. She looked over as the girl took out said device.
''Oh...'' There was a new message from Ohya.
Morgana blinked after reading the text ''Ohya seems to really want to talk to Namine about something...'' He told the others ''...that seems a bit unusual though.''
Namine hummed in agreement, the reporter tended to focus on their deal involving stories about the Phantom Thieves ''I think I better see what this is about...''
As it turned out, this really was about Namine and Ohya's deal. It was something as important, though.
Namine arrived with Morgana at Crossroads, finding that Ohya was indeed there. She was clearly waiting for the girl, something was up. ''So...I need to apologize to you. You know, it's part of my job to research particular things.''
''Yeah...'' Where was she going with this?
''Well, um...I ended up finding out about...your criminal record.''
Morgana frowned, were they going to judge her too?
He was somewhat surprised to note that Ohya and Lala were watching her speculatively. The first went on ''I realized you weren't just some ordinary kid back with my Chief...so I did some digging out of curiousity and I found a ton more than I was expecting. Sorry about that...''
''It's okay..." She didn't mind, she had nothing hide.
''I really can't picture you as some criminal, kid.'' Lala admitted.
''No kidding, I didn't buy it for a second. I have to say though, the ruling made in your case was really odd.'' Ohya added.
''What case? Ohya-san, the whole thing was rigged in his favor. It might as well have been an act.''
''I thought so.'' She nodded. ''That was the same impression I got, that some kind of deal must have gone down behind the scenes to turn out like that. That must've been tough for you to handle, you're just a kid...'' She suddenly smiled. ''...Well, just forget about the past! We're in the same boat when it comes to being labeled.''
''Really?'' Namine blinked.
''Yup! That's why I've vowed to avenge my partner for-'' She broke off. ''Whoops, Lala-chan, refill!''
Both thieves were curious, what was that about just now?
''Ichiko-chan, it's your turn to tell the truth.'' Lala stated firmly. ''The kid's been polite about it even though I can tell she wanted to ask. You can't go rooting around in her past and expect to keep your secrets hidden.''
Ohya stiffened ''W-wait, don't blame me for that! She doesn't have anything to do with my private buisness...''
''You still owe it to her to explain.''
''Ah, for what it's worth, you can trust me. I won't tell.'' Namine offered.
''It's not like I don't trust you and...hold on a sec! Why am I getting treated like the bad guy?!''
''Look, you're gonna feel way better talking to someone who understands exactly what you're going through.'' Lala offered. ''Who better than that kid? Besides, you'll explode if you keep all that alcohol fueled anxiety within you.''
Namine and Morgana could agree to that line of thinking ''You asked about the reason I believed in the Phantom Thieves, right? Well...it sort of relates to the information you found in the past, how about we both share?'' The former offered at last.
''...I guess this is the fairest course of action for our buisness partnership, huh? Just don't tell anyone.'' When the girl nodded, Ohya began. ''Back when I covered politics for my publisher, I had a partner who helped with photography...Murakami Kayo. We were a pretty well-known team in the industry. We blew the lids off countless scandals together...That is until that day came. We were on the trail of a certain bureaucrat, who was involved in a slush fund to support refugees. He kept himself pretty well-guarded, so it was almost impossible to get any solid leads on the guy.'' She took a drink. ''Then one night, I got a voicemail from Kayo saying she had gotten hold of something big. But...that was the last I ever heard from her. The next day that bureacrat was found at a love hotel...and Kayo had gone missing.''
Morgana's eyes widened ''Whoa...''
''That's...that's terrible.'' Namine had to admit, she did not expect things to be this hard on the reporter. ''Did you find out what happened?''
''Well...''
It was Lala who answered ''The cause of death is unknown...the authorities couldn't tell whether it was a murder or a suicide. As for the killer...''
Ohya glared at the ground as she took over ''The police accused Kayo! They said she killed him in a crime of passion...! That's impossible though! She never would've slept with a disgusting man like that!''
Namine frowned ''That sounds awful, do they even have any evidence?''
''That's just it, they don't!'' Ohya's fist clenched. ''Pretty fucked up huh?''
''Ichiko-chan.'' Lala gave her a look.
She sighed ''Sorry...the case was closed and we never found the truth and Kayo was labeled a professional disgrace. And since we were partners, the company decided it would be best to move me to another department. I'm going to prove Kayo's innocence though. That's why I'm conducting my own private investigation now.''
So that was why she was determined to keep going despite seemingly lacking interest in her job...they never would've guessed Ohya was dealing with such a situation. There truly was more to her than meets the eye.
''Not bad, considering all the info you've given me, I should have more time to focus on my investigation. I won't let this opportunity slip through my fingers.'' She stated firmly. ''I definitely didn't enjoy this...''
''You sure about that? It's been ages since I've seen you smile this much.'' Lala countered.
''W-well...maybe you're right. I haven't felt so alive in a long time.'' Ohya admitted. ''Your turn, kid, let's see what you got and I'll write us a great article to commemorate the sharing session.''
Namine had already decided that since Ohya had gone and told her all this, it was only fair to be return the honesty in kind.''Well, all right, just don't spread it out.''
''Of course, Of course, let's hear it!''
Ohya and Lala could only stare at the girl in shock when she finished . ''...You have got to be kidding me...'' The latter muttered.
''Not only do they believe that load of crap, they actually went ahead and...'' Ohya shook her head in disgust. ''...what a bunch of bastards.''
''You took the words out of my mouth.'' Lala agreed, scowling.
Namine half-smiled, grateful for their sentiment, looking at Ohya as she spoke up
''And the guy who screwed you over was Shido...'' This made her think, she had tried to learn all she could about the murdered bureacrat. She wasn't sure but she did find that he had met Shido a few times before...this could be worth investigating.
Lala exhaled ''I never would've thought a politician like him would do such a thing but I know you wouldn't lie about this...Come to think of it, I heard some strange rumors around him and others but I thought they were just haters. Guess you really can't tell with some people. But damn...sorry, kid, you didn't deserve any of that.''
''Yeah, he's a real petty asshole to do all this.'' Ohya added.
''Well...it...'' Namine was about to say that it was fine but she couldn't even believe that, much less expect them to do so. ''...hurts but I know how others had it bad and even worse. I can't go wallowing into it. I've already decided to make the most of what I have now.''
The bartender looked impressed, she didn't doubt that this girl could teach her friend a thing or two ''You really are something else, Namine-chan.''
Well, let's stop here.
I figure this'll be okay for their foray into the Palace but more will come soon. Just to clarify, the Garuda is based on Disaster Shadows, reading about them gave me the idea to try this. Anyway, I thought about it a lot. Even when I considered other names for the silver light I found myself concentrating on this one. It'll be the Song of Harmony from here on out. I appreciate the suggestions I received so far.
I think if anyone in the team would understand the workers' situation it would be Yusuke and Futaba. The first because of Madarame and Futaba because of Youji. None of them know about what he did to her just yet. Oh I intend to touch upon this subject in the next chapter but the Phantom Thieves did try to investigate Shido but they weren't really getting anywhere. Hearing about Haru's situation put those efforts at a halt but they'll get to that soon.
Personally, I find it interesting that Ohya's confidant ties into the Conspiracy so I wanted to touch upon that. Yes, she's going to start investigating him but she knows how to be discreet. Learning what happened to Namine is going to ensure that she'll be more careful. Look at it this way, if he screwed Namine's life up this much over that incident than there's no telling what he could do to Ohya if he finds out about her.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
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 4)
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)