Tora Lych: Glad to hear it. And to answer your question, yes, all the confidants will be maxed eventually.
Defender31415: Thanks a lot, glad you liked the opening. Futaba does actually go to school that early in the confidant. Actually, I think it has to do with why things went as badly as they did.
About your other point, I do intend to do third semester stuff but it'll probably be an original arc. I have my own plans there and I honestly don't think I can follow the canon stuff with the changes I've already implemented in the story. The session with Takuto wasn't meant to be rushed and I'm sorry it came out like that. The way I see it, Namine's been thinking about this stuff a lot and she finally decided to talk to someone about it since she wasn't getting anywhere on her own. Takuto's friendly behavior and what he told her about himself helped well as she naturally appreciates honesty.
I'm on the fence about how to handle Namine's parents at this point. I don't really have much reason to include them in the story. Truth is, I thought about your idea of a P5S based sequel and I've had a few ideas about how that would go. That's how I got an idea about handling them there. It seems like they'd fit better in a sequel if I do decide to go for it. I'm still sorting out what I want to do in the third semester so that might change. If I'm going to include them in this story, it'd have to be during the third semester. Either way, the Thieves (as well as a few others) are definitely going to let them have it when they meet.
I always figured shipping Namine and Yusuke would have to be a slow burn, it doesn't seem right otherwise. I liked the idea of Ryuji and Ann as a pair so I'll be working on that too.
(Opening: Black Bullet by Flipside)
The party returned to the Palace once again, intent on making more headway in their pursuit of the treasure. They started from the last point they stopped, the Export Line's Safe Room.
''Y'know, looking at all this stuff, I gotta wonder what the treasure is.'' Skull remarked. ''Okumura can get pretty much everything he could want, right?''
''Yeah and the treasure does usually mean a lot to the Palace Ruler. Hard to imagine what that would be for this guy...'' Mona hummed thoughtfully. ''...We still have to decide what to do about our old plan after changing his heart.''
Noir gave him a curious look ''Wasn't your intention to get to the bottom of Mementos, Mona-chan? What old plan?''
This made the group pause as the realization that they hadn't thought to bring their newest member up to speed.
Joker was so used to the heiress' company that she had honestly forgotten that the latter had no idea of what happened just before they knew about her situation. ''See, the thing is...''
The story left Noir shocked, she had known early on that Joker's life was ruined because of a horrible drunk but to think it was someone like Shido...
''So you started investigating him?'' She clarified.
Queen nodded ''We got a hit on the Nav so we know he has a Shadow. Only, we have no idea if he has a Mementos Chamber or an actual Palace. We have too little information to go on and whatever we could find hasn't been much help.''
''I had no idea...you stopped something like that because I...'' Noir trailed off, feeling guilty. Joker had done a lot for her. It was because of her friendship with the Phantom Thieves' leader that she came to have the support that had pulled her through the last few weeks. As much as she was grateful for her friends, she hated to think her predicament had gotten in their way.
If only she had taken action sooner...
Joker bopped her lightly on the back of her head, clearly knowing what she had on mind ''Don't even go there. Of course we'd help you out of this mess, Noir. You deserve that and more.''
The heiress also thought her dear friend deserved more than this, naturally that included a chance to deal with the man who had caused her so much suffering. Joker went on before she could voice the feelings though ''That was more of a long term plan anyway-the one thing we're sure of now is that our end goal would be reaching the bottom of Mementos.''
''Oh, so you've made up your mind?'' Oracle inquired, recalling how the girl was confused about how to deal with the matter regarding Shido.
''Sort of-there's too much we don't know for me to be sure.'' Joker admitted. ''I've been thinking about this for a while so...'' She closed her eyes for a moment. ''...as much as I appreciate you guys going through the trouble for me, I don't want to judge him based on that night alone. I know confronting his shadow would set things straight.''
The hacker was surprised ''You've been thinking that far ahead?''
''I've been trying anyway...we're already seen what happened to people who grow corrupt with power. It just gives me more of an idea of what to do to avoid that. I'm still angry because of all that came thanks him but at the same time-I can't let it control what I do. I don't see how it can end well.'' Joker admitted.
This made Mona remember something ''Does this have to do with that story you told me the other day?''
''Partly, I won't deny it's had an influence.''
''I can see why...'' The feline started.
''Hold on, what's this about?'' Panther interjected.
''Remember how Joker was taught by someone to handle guns before?'' Mona saw a few nods and continued. ''Well, that teacher of hers was pretty accomplished in the military. Apparently, he retired after this one awful battle. He picked up something strange about their orders but he wasn't their battalion's leader so there wasn't much he could do about it. The rest of them just said he was paranoid.''
Queen had a bad feeling about this ''...Except he wasn't, right?''
It was Joker who answered ''Yeah, according to Old Man Nakamura, they were being set up as decoys by a corrupt superior.''
''Decoys?! So then...''
''He was the only one who made it.'' Their leader informed. Nakamura hadn't even been in town before her arrest. A part of her wondered what he'd think if he knew what happened. Dismissing the thought, she carried on ''From what he's mentioned, it was a disaster. He never really explained the point of the plan but it sounds like they were expected to draw out some enemies no matter what. The old man made it by the skin of his teeth only to find out that their superior was getting all the glory, he somehow turned all of that around to get the job done. They described it as perfect work but the only reason he made it when he did was that he followed the battalion. That's not even the worst part.''
''It isn't?'' Panther wondered how it could get worse from here.
Joker shook her head ''That man completely marginalized their efforts. He even blamed them for things nearly going south by claiming they disobeyed his orders. Nakamura-san tried to call him out on it but no one would believe him.''
The model was appalled; he had used those men to get some glory? ''That's despicable!''
''Yeah, Nakamura was so disgusted with it all that he decided to quit.'' Mona piped up. ''He tried to move on, but that day just kept haunting him. He tracked that sorry excuse of a superior down and decided to confront him. The old man never actually told Joker how it went down from there but he was prepared to pull out whatever it takes. He finally got that lowlife to tell the truth after a while-he just mocked the entire battalion and called them stepping stones for him. That pissed Nakamura off so much that he shot the guy, apparently he was planning to do whatever it takes so that lowlife couldn't escape this time.''
No one could say much to that. They all understood Nakamura's anger with all this perfectly. Small wonder he had quit after such an ordeal. Most agreed that the superior was a terrible person for treating the battalion in such a callous manner.
''Mona, when you saw whatever it takes...do you mean Nakamura-san actually intended to kill that person?'' Queen inquired.
''It sounds like it-at least from what Joker told me.'' The cat returned. ''But it turns out, that lowlife wanted him gone too so they attacked each other. Nakamura survived and he made the truth known, having recorded their talk. The truth was finally out in the open.''
Joker took over ''But that day kept haunting him. Nakamura-san wanted to restore his comrades' honor but he always wondered if there was another way to do so. He thought of revenge for so long...but in the end, after finally getting it, he just felt hollow.''
''That's messed up...'' Panther trailed off. She could understand where Joker was coming from. The red clad thief fully agreed that the battalion deserved justice but this felt wrong.
Oracle bit her lip, the story left her thinking deeply. She couldn't help it, after all her primary motivation to join the thieves was revenge. The hacker still wanted to make her mother's killer answer for what he had done. She had never thought of it this way but after hearing Nakamura's story, a part of her wondered if revenge really was worth it in the end.
She mentally shook herself, refusing to left the doubts linger. No, this would be different, Oracle told herself, she didn't want to kill anyone anyway. She just refused to let that murderer get away with it.
The girl looked up at Joker ''I get why this would complicate things. Not that I really want you to go for revenge on Shido or anything. I just figured this doesn't mean things could end up as badly as they did for that old man.''
''I know.'' The older girl returned. She had been just as appalled as her grandfather when the man told them years ago but seeing the remorse and pain Nakamura still dealt with, she couldn't bring herself to say much. But...
Joker exhaled ''...That's not why I don't believe in revenge now.'' Oracle made a questioning noise. ''It's just...I don't see how it could change things, not really.''
This caught the girl off guard ''What do you mean?''
''Yeah, I mean if he confesses your record's history!'' Skull pointed out. ''And...uh...''
''What else?'' Mona prompted. His expression darkening as he noticed the pain in Joker's eyes. When the boy couldn't respond, he added ''Exactly. That's what she's getting at.''
''Yes, Joker's situation isn't like any of ours. The consequences of Shido's actions are simply far too severe.'' Queen pointed out. After all, she had essentially lost her old home and everyone she knew turned their backs to her. The less said about her parents the better.
Noir bit her lip ''But the record...''
''I've heard that those are terribly difficult to get rid of. We just can't be sure that would work. And even if that happens...well...'' Queen gave Joker an apologetic look, not wanting to state that the charges could still have an impact in the future. Joker shook her head, having already known that, Akechi told her as much when he admitted to trying to find some way to help with her case.
''There isn't anyone or anything for me to go back to.'' Joker stated. She didn't want to see anyone back there, not after all what had been said and done. ''What my parents did to me is one thing I can't forgive them for hurting Grandma and Grandpa.''
Silence reigned as everyone took a moment to process all this. This talk had been unexpected but there was no denying that it was necessary. It could certainly influence the team from here on out. It had also made them regard their leader's situation in a new light.
''I have to admit, I'm impressed you're trying to look at this such a manner, Joker. I can imagine how many in your situation would choose revenge.'' Fox stated.
''I just don't want to go back on my principles. I don't think I can live with the consequences so that's nothing special-if anything it's selfish.''
''It's honest, first and foremost.'' The artist stated. ''You're still trying to do the right thing and that can't be easy here.''
''Yeah, as we've agreed we can't go misusing our powers and handling the changes of heart carelessly. The fact that you're trying to look at different sides of the situation is great, that's just the sort of perspective a leader should have.'' Mona added, believing that it also showed how the girl was growing.
Joker began to smile ''Well, you guys trusted me to lead-I want to do what's right by you.''
''You're doing pretty good there.'' Mona's comment earned nods from the others, to her pleasure. The sombre mood was fading away and things were getting better.
''Ah, actually...'' Noir started. ''...I just remembered...my father mentioned in passing. I had heard Shido's name a few times from his office before so I asked him and he said it was someone he made dealings with in the past.''
Skull's eyes widened ''For real? You sure it's the same guy?''
''Positive. He never mentioned just what those deals were about but he always thought it was something important in gaining power-he described it as something helping build his utopia.''
''Wait, didn't a few of the workers say something about this? About how they were all working for Okumura's utopia...'' Panther recalled.
Noir nodded ''That's why I think it might be related.''
Mona perked up ''We were looking to get some answers from him anyway-this'll be perfect!''
''Yeah, who would've thought it would all come together like this?'' Oracle mused.
Queen's lips twitched as she shared a glance with Joker ''All the more reason to buckle down and focus on what we have to do.''
Their leader nodded, spreading the map of the Palace on the table before them as everyone gathered about ''It looks like we're making pretty good progress...''
Skull put his weapon away, having just defeated the last of a batch of workers who had tried to get in their way. He was about to follow the others when he saw Panther nearby, seeming distracted ''Hey, you all right?''
She blinked and looked at him in surprise ''Oh...ah, yeah-I was just thinking...'' Her eyes traveled to Joker, who was talking to Noir up ahead.
The boy seemed confused but then he followed her line of sight and it fell into place. ''...You too, huh?''
''We might have known the whole story before but I don't think her full situation hit me before now.'' The red clad girl admitted shamefully as she felt that she should've noticed before. ''I'm just so used to having her be there...''
''Same here.'' The teen cut in. ''After all what's happened, it feels like we've known each other forever. It's crazy but I can't imagine my life without any of this, any of you guys...hell, it feels like my life was frozen before Joker came along. She says we've done a lot for her but I think it's the other way around. For one, I dunno if I could've dealt with all of the mess the school caused if it wasn't for her.''
''I know just how you feel.'' Panther admitted. Joker had pointed out how they had gotten stronger but it felt like they couldn't have made it that far without her, the heart of their team. ''...We've done so much in a few months-we've always had each other's backs-let's keep it that way.''
''You bet! Its thanks in a big part to her that we're such a great team. We're definitely keeping it that way.'' Skull grinned.
Her lips twitched ''Nice to see we're on the same page. I never would've thought we'd be getting along this well just a short while ago.''
''Right back 'atcha.''
Fox gave a small smile as he saw the two walk over, having caught part of their talk. It was good to see how the two of them were getting closer.
The talk back in the Safe Room weighed on him as well and he couldn't help but feel concern for Joker. She had helped him a lot as well, especially with the slump and before he even realized it, she had become important to him. The arrest and its consequences still hurt her and he had no idea how to help there. But he would be more than satisfied if he could just help alleviate that pain, that was the least she deserved in his opinion.
''And stay down!'' Mona cried as he cut a shadow down. He looked at the remnant enemy, a robot that had brought more enemies along as it was retreating. But weakened as it were, the machine stumbled, crashing into a console which suddenly activated. Moments later, an arm fell of the giant robot high above them blocking their pathway.
Oracle almost groaned, where were they supposed to go now?
She quickly proceeded to search, seeing that the robot had unwitting revealed another path at the far end of the area. ''That way!''
The new path took them to a long hall which seemed to lead to a big room. The glass window let them view the lower areas, which brought the group to a sight that made them stop cold.
''W-what the?!'' Skull stuttered.
Below them were the conveyor belts, they could see a large number of robots working on it while a few large workers supervised them. One stumbled, leading to it being whipped by a supervisor who called it useless and demanded it got up or it would be discarded. The robot was clearly in no shape to do anything but that last line had been enough to make it move. It had been slow with the damage it had taken but the supervisor commanded it to hurry up with a kick.
Another robot almost stumbled, trembling as it cowered before another supervisor nearby. The latter wasted no time in telling it off just like first supervisor. It was the threat to tell Shadow Okumura that really got this one moving at once, declaring that he couldn't lose this job, it would be the end.
The brutal treatment happened here and there. Any robots who faltered even a little were thrown to the incinerator. All in all, this made for quite a grim sight for the group as they knew it was a reflection of Okumura Foods' state in the real world.
Oracle, who had only been able to get a glimpse of this area earlier, had to hold back a wince as another robot was destroyed. Queen's fists shook with suppressed rage, they knew the workers were being mistreated but never had they thought things to be so bad.
Noir felt terrible for the workers, the sight serving as a reminder of how low her father had sunk. Why did this happen...how did he become so twisted...?
Joker was just as appalled as the others. As they kept walking, she found herself thinking. They couldn't have been the only ones to know the truth about what Okumura was doing to the company, right? This was going on for a while and yet no one spoke up.
It was always like this. Why did people simply accept this sort of terrible situation? Why didn't anyone speak up or ask for help? It was just like before...their intervention was only necessary because people were so apathetic. Even if the team wanted to give people hope and strength to face their troubles, Joker wondered how well that worked lately. It sometimes seemed to her that people were just content to rely on them instead. Things couldn't keep going like this.
Oracle walked over to a console with a blue flashing light and began to examine it. This looked like one of the devices they had seen earlier and looking back, she did remember the robot stumbling over it. This made the hacker fiddle with it a little, perking up when it whirred to life. Moments later, the rooms' machines almost tripled in speed, breaking off a big piece of metal from the wall and it fell to show a new pathway. ''All right!''
''Good call.'' Panther patted her head.
Oracle's response was cut off before it really began as she felt the presence of enemies, making her retreat as she warned her friends. The Decarabia attempting to charge them was frozen by Goemon's magic before Fox finished it off. Queen unleashed a wide Mafreila spell, it knocked both the Kaiwan and Arahabaki down but the two Thunderbirds flew above its range and one struck back with Mazionga. Joker moved fast, firing some bullets at both Shadows, almost making one fall. Panther seized on the opportunity to whip it and the others moved in to finish the rest of the enemies, quickly wrapping the battle up.
A satisfied Mona put his scimitar away, pausing as a light just ahead of them caught his eye. He squinted ''Is that...?''
Oracle followed his line of sight ''Yup.''
It turned out to be another console, similar to the one in the previous area. Since her old idea worked, Oracle wasted no time in applying the same method from earlier, this helped get them a new path once more.
Arriving at the Production Line, the party fought more enemies along the way. Their path lead into a vast room which had hydraulic presses blocking the only exit which would take them forward. On top of that, there were some workers doing patrols out and about.
''They're going around here too, huh?'' Skull grunted, thinking back to a few other areas where this had happened earlier.
''It makes if you think about it-we're making good progress. Okumura must be getting more and more worried...'' Queen trailed off. ''...I see another of those consoles on that ledge but going now would bring all of those robots on our head-to say nothing more of what else it would cause.''
''Agreed-perhaps there's another path, those robots seem to be coming from the same direction.'' Fox pointed out.
That turned out to be the right idea for Oracle was able to trace the robots' path, seeing a small corridor that lead up to a somewhat dark room. After she explained this, she had a question for the team ''You think the Song of Harmony would help us get past these guys?''
Eyes traveled to Joker, who tilted her head a little as she thought that over ''It's worth a shot.''
The girl willed her power forth, summoning the silver light her friends were familiar with. It was as soothing and comforting to them as always. The effect on the robots came as a bit of a surprise though.
They had more or less ceased all activity, seeming content with just relaxing in their present locations. As they hurried by, the group could pick up on some of them mumbling about how nice it felt and how long it had been since they could relax like this.
''That's...rather effective.'' Noir remarked. Joker nodded, looking just as surprised while they used the robots' path to leave.
The next room was oddly dark but just as they had began to make their way through, the lights flickered on, revealing two robots. One was particularly burly and tall, wearing a green suit. There was a tag with the title 'General Manager' on its chest. The other was almost the opposite, looking rather reedy in a blue suit, with a tag that had 'Division Manager' on its chest.
''There you are.'' The first stepped forward. ''You pests have caused enough trouble for President Okumura-it ends here!''
Skull grabbed his club ''Bring it!''
The robot charged, attacking with Swift Strike. Its ally focused on Noir ''I'll take care of you first, you phony!''
''Phony...?'' She didn't get any further as it exhaled, surrounding her in an odd cloud for a moment. The girl was confused as she didn't feel any different at first but then she felt her strength beginning to fade all of a sudden, making her stumble. It didn't take her long to realize what happened, remembering that previous enemies could also make them feel hunger and thus, lose some of their power.
The Division Manager made to tackle her but then...
''Zorro!''
The next thing Noir knew, Mona was standing in front of her with his Persona ready, having forced the robot back.
''You all right?'' He asked, she nodded as she pulled herself up, feeling the hunger gnawing at her. To make it worse, the blue clad robot had done the same to a few of their friends too...
Joker remedied the problem by summoning Garuda and using its Amrita Shower. Queen smirked as she felt her strength returning, dodging the General Manager's punch before it hit her and returning the favor. Grunting angrily as Joker followed up on the assault, the robot proceeded to cast Matarunda on them. The Division Manager followed that up with a Maziodyne, forcing the party on the defensive and they pressed forward.
Noir had Milady cast Makrakarn on herself just as the GM tried to strike her, countering with Mapsio in return. This didn't have much of an effect on the DM but it almost blew the GM back and she knew that they had discovered a weakness. Capitalizing on this, Noir struck it twice with her axe, finally knocking it down. The DM was rendered frozen for a moment with Goemon's magic but it managed to shake it off and use another Maziodyne. It quickly became clear that the DM was just buying time for its ally to get back up, which it did in a few moments.
''This is sickening...'' The DM spat. ''...we have to win for the president's utopia.''
''That's right.'' The GM concurred. ''It's sickening that you would even impersonate his daughter now and use her-how despicable''
Noir bristled ''I'm no phony. If I stand back and do nothing again then it may as well betraying my father...my real father, the kind man who taught me so much...I refuse to watch and let him sink any lower than this. What he's doing is despicable-Milady, Triple Down!''
The pink clad Persona appeared, blasting the two with bullets. They were able to shake any damage off for the most part. As the enemies tried to counterstrike and the battle grew on, Oracle buffed her friends up, watching them keep going strong against these enemies. Seeing how the two robots worked had her use some of Necronomicon's bombs to seperate them just as Joker and Panther attacked with their respective Personas' magic. Flames surged around the robots, forcing them to stop. While it didn't seem effective, Arsene's Maeiga knocked the GM down, leaving it dazed.
Queen told Skull and Fox to follow her, quickly boxing the DM in before it could try to help the other manager again. The three attacked in tandem, forcing the robot on its knees from all the damage it had taken. This allowed the party to move in to use an All Out Attack, ending the fight.
Skull looked at the others ''What's up with those robots calling Noir a phony? Okumura sure knew it was her when we ran into him.''
No one was sure how to answer that but Panther tried ''My guess is he's gone and convinced himself that Noir wouldn't rebel against him so it has to be a fake. I mean he still thinks he can make the deal with that bastard Sugimura work, right?''
He nodded, seeing her reasoning. Queen hummed thoughtfully ''It would make sense-actually, it may explain why we he's so on edge that it affected his Shadows. The agreement with Sugimura was important to his plans. He's after some sort of utopia...if Sis' data on him is anything to go by, it all goes to show how much he wants to gain more power.'' She crossed her arms. ''...Honestly, the more I think about all this, the more questions I have for him.''
''Same here.'' Noir admitted. ''Seeing the stating of things here was terrible but to think it could be the same in the real world and what you all told me about the Mental Shutdowns...it's just sickening. And yet I can't help but wonder if...'' She bit her lip.
Queen looked curious at the sudden pause ''If?''
Fox blinked ''Is something the matter?''
''N-no.'' She said quickly but none of them believed her. ''I was just thinking out loud-let's keep going.''
They came across another console with a glowing light and used it to get a new path. But just as they were about to press on, they were confronted with a number of Shadows. The group triumphed once again, making use of what they had come to learn about the enemies in this Palace to come out on top.
Their next path took them to a Safe Room near an elevator leading to the Central Factory. Agreeing that they had enough for the day, the group returned to the real world.
A day later...
Namine had been about to leave Leblanc to see Futaba when she happened to see Akechi heading over to the cafe. ''So I guess Leblanc really is your go-to cafe now...'' The boy was taken by surprise when she walked up behind him before smiling when he saw her ''...or is it just that you're enjoying the company?''
''Can't it be both?''
''Good answer. I take it this means you're actually means getting a break this time?'' The girl inquired.
Akechi chuckled ''You too, huh? Detective Miura almost made me leave the station when he saw me before...''
She remembered him mentioning that the man had helped him learn when he was still starting out as a detective ''Nice to see that someone's on the ball here. At this rate, you'll become as much of a workaholic as Nijima-san.''
''...Don't you think that's a bit of a tall order?'' He returned, raising an eye. Both teens knew why Sae worked so hard but they agreed that she pushed it way too much sometimes.
Namine considered that ''Point taken. I still think you need to take it easy though.''
He half-smiled, appreciating the concern ''Don't worry, I will.''
''Well, I'm going the other way so guess I'll see you around.'' The girl added, he nodded back and continued towards Leblanc.
When he arrived, he noticed a couple of passerby giving him disdainful looks. Ignoring those, he entered just as Sojiro went to the kitchen, seeing Ryuji and Makoto at one of the tables. The two seemed invested in their talk but paused upon noticing him.
''Ah, hello there. Don't mind me, I've just come to have a cup of coffee.'' He took a seat.
Deciding that the atmosphere was getting awkward, Ryuji spoke up after a few moments ''We were just thinkin' about some news over in school. There's a councilor who's been helping some of Kamoshida and Madarame's victims out-some of our friends think we should go talk to him but I dunno if I wanna do that...''
''Really now? That sort of thing can be quite helpful.'' The detective remarked.
''I think so too-at the very least I'm not opposed to trying it.'' Makoto admitted. ''I guess it's just not the same for everybody.''
The boys agreed and Sojiro came back, taking Akechi's order. None of the three missed how some people who noticed Akechi outside scowled and kept walking.
Makoto was surprised by how unfazed the teen was, deciding to ask him about it. The detective exhaled ''With the Phantom Thieves' continuing success, my reputation just plummeted. It's no surprise really, I've been one of their biggest detractors. There are some who still have their faith but it is what it is. It was hard to swallow but I've had good support.'' He glanced at the entrance. ''It's strange to think of the effects fame had with me-especially since it started as more or less a publicity stunt.''
That certainly came as a surprise to them. Sojiro was curious ''You mind explaining that one?''
''Not at all. After I had settled down and began working as a detective's assistant, there was a lot of unrest because of the Mental Shutdown incidents.'' The teen started.
Makoto blinked ''Oh, I remember that. A lot of people were angry because they wanted something to be done about them. Things just kept getting worse for a while...''
''Yeah, I remember a couple of the protests...'' Ryuji nodded, looking back at Akechi. ''...what does that have to do with your fame?''
''Plenty, you see I was just helping out back then. Eventually, I worked through a particularly difficult case. Most had given up on it so they were all very surprised when I found the answers. A few of the higher ups apparently decided to make something of a show out of that and it just escalated from there. I think that's how the rumors about the second coming of the detective prince got started.''
Sojiro was pensive ''I can see it...with all that unrest, hearing about a rising prodigy would help ease the situation even if a little. Especially with the first detective prince's impressive reputation.''
''Exactly.'' Akechi returned. ''It's all overblown really...wish I had seen that before. At the time, I thought I was lucky at first and...then it all just went to my head. It's a bitter pill to swallow and I'm ashamed it took me this long to realize that I'd become so arrogant.''
It was surpising to hear him say that but they figured recent events had given him a wake up call.
''So that's how it was...'' Ryuji trailed off, watching the teen in a new light.
''If anything, spending time with Hyakuya-san made me realize how limited my perspective was. That really me rethinking many things.'' Akechi continued. ''For all my faith in justice, I can't help but look at what the Phantom Thieves are doing...Even if I don't like it, I can easily see why people believe in them. I don't want to stop being a detective but at the same time, I can't continue this way. Though I'm still not sure how to go from here...''
''There's nothing wrong with that.'' Sojiro assured. ''Heck, this sounds like good news to me. You know something's wrong so you can fix it, that's a big step right there.''
Akechi's lips twitched ''Hyakuya-san said something along these lines too...''
''We're all trying to figure out a lot of stuff about our lives. Never thought you would too but...'' Ryuji began to grin. ''...heh, you know what, you're not so bad, Akechi.''
The teen quirked a brow ''Thank you? I think...''
''While he could have worded that better...'' Makoto stated, sparing the suddenly sheepish Ryuji a dry look. ''...it's just Ryuji's way of saying that he can relate to you much better now. Overblown fame or not, you did work hard and that's worth something. Expanding your view can be hard but it's worth it, I know just how it feels...''
Around the same time...
Namine found Morgana near the Sakura residence, the latter having taken off on a walk earlier. ''Futaba did say something about wanting to make plans...''
''Yup, I think...'' Both started as they noticed Futaba near a window.
The girl poked her head out ''I thought that was you guys, come on! I'm ready.''
''Oh, surprisingly eager.'' Morgana remarked with amusement.
''Of course! Namine's with me,'' She grinned as the girl in question smiled at her. ''Now that Mona's here, all the more better. Come on, I wanna show you guys around some of my favorite stores!''
Unfortunately, Futaba's enthusiasm had taken quite a bit of a hit fairly fast. But not for the reason they might have assumed...
''...Keeping up with this girl is enough to give me whiplash.'' Morgana told Namine as they left the store.
''I hear you...'' The girl shook her head. ''...that was disappointing.''
''No kidding...''
The store had advertised some new brands of electronics that had Futaba all excited to see them for herself. However, it wound up being quite a bit of a let down as the new devices seemed ridiculous. One of them was a large mouse that took quite the effort to handle, another was a very curvy keyboard which was clearly very hard to use. A strange looking computer and a very thin, almost flimsy laptop.
''I get that people are trying out new things but this is just not worth the effort.'' Morgana stated.
''I know, right? Jeez, that store actually used to have some really awesome stuff too...'' Futaba huffed. ''...that laptop can't have so many functions if it's that thin. What a letdown-I feel betrayed.''
''You really had your hopes set on this, right?'' Namine clarified.
''Totally! I thought the evolution of electronics was going to be something incredible...they all looked like empty heaps of metal.''
''Yeah, appearance aside, the new laptop shouldn't be less useful than the older model. That just seems like a de-evolution.'' Namine stated.
Futaba nodded emphatically. ''But there's no point stressing over this. There's still gotta be some unseen treasure waiting for me in this electronic paradise. Let's go explore! We'll start on the underground floor! To the escalatorrrrr!''
Namine held back a laugh while Morgana rolled his eyes ''All right, lead the way.''
A while later, the three decided to go fill Sojiro in about their excursion. Despite the letdown, it was still a good time for the three. Futaba hurried back to pick something up from her home, leaving her friends to wait near the cafe.
Morgana's eyes widened at the sight of a familiar figure approaching Leblanc. ''...Namine, I think we've got a problem.''
Confused, she followed his line of sight and immediately understood. For there was the same man they had seen earlier, asking Sojiro some strange questions and clearly looking to cause trouble. They headed over to see what was going on, hearing Sojiro speak up ''Yeah, and what have you done for her?''
''You know quite well what I've done...and it's about time you pay up.''
Sojiro scowled ''Don't be ridiculous. Futaba had a terrible life living with you. Plus I already gave you most of the inheritance for custody! Is that still not enough for you?!''
Namine's eyes widened, remembering what Futaba mentioned about her family. So then...
''We could always find out in court.'' The man smirked. ''I wonder who'd win between a blood relative and a mere legal guardian...''
''You...'' Sojiro scowled.
''Oh and not to mention that little lady here! I've heard all about her and her criminal record. That leaves us with a parent who won't let her go to school and a delinquent housemate on probation...Doesn't quite seem to be the best enviroment for Futaba, does it?'' He sneered.
Namine's eyes narrowed, Sojiro and Futaba could finally be a family again-they didn't need this. ''You're wrong. He's actually trying...''
''What?!'' He growled.
''It's fine. I'll take care of this, go upstairs.'' Sojiro interjected.
Namine made to respond, blinking when the door opened. She stiffened, seeing that it was just about the worst person to arrive now.
Morgana cringed ''Of all the timing...''
''Sooojiro, I hunger!'' Futaba froze when she saw who else was there. ''Oh...''
''Futaba-chan, long time no see!'' The hat wearing man greeted. His tone may be jovial but the dark look in his eyes remained.
''I...I...I...'' She trembled, looking away as she forcefully remembered the last time she saw him.
''Futaba!'' Sojiro went over to her.
''See what I'm saying? She's a total wreck. This is clearly not a healthy situation.'' The man went on.
''Whose fault do you think that is?'' Namine retorted, fed up.
''Yeah, she's only like this because she saw you here!'' Sojiro stated.
''Hmph, don't make me repeat myself...You can't beat me in court, so you may as well just give me the money.'' Sojiro just glared back. ''Well, I hope you reach the right decision, bye now!'' He left.
''Futaba, you should just head home today. I'll take you.''
''Sojiro...'' The hacker looked down.
Morgana jumped out of Namine's bag ''I'll keep an eye on her.'' Namine nodded back, knowing he could help their friend.
Namine looked back as Sojiro entered ''Is she okay?''
''Yeah, all that drama must've tired her out...she fell asleep right after we got home.'' He returned.
''Boss, I...'' She faltered. ''...I'm sorry...''
''You mean because of what he said? Don't mind that.'' He waved it off. ''He would've come even if you weren't here...and I'm glad you are. So is Futaba.'' He sat down. ''That man is...Futaba's uncle.''
She frowned, her suspicions being confirmed ''What's his deal?''
''After Wakaba died, she was passed around all her relatives. His place was the last. He treated her like garbage. He never fed her and forced her to sleep on the floor like an animal...'' He scowled at the memory.
Namine was stunned, they had both hinted that things with Futaba's family was bad but this? Her heart went out to Futaba. Why would he treat her so terribly?
''...He didn't even let her bathe...Once I learned that, I knew I had to step in. I couldn't stand for that kind of horrible treatment. So I decided to Futaba under my care. Even back then, he was whining about all the damn expenses. I threw some cash his way, thinking that would put the issue to bed...but now he's back for more. I don't even know how managed to find me here...maybe paying him was a mistake.'' Sojiro finished.
Namine thought so too but there was no point dwelling on that now ''You're doing really good with her. Just cut your ties with him.''
His lips twitched ''That's easy for me, but Futaba? Not so much, you can't exactly choose who your family is. Either way though, it's my fault Futaba didn't leave her room. I just didn't know how to help her through it...I'd make curry, leave it by her door and go. Imagine my surprise when you started to talk to her all those times...I think that's why she trusts you so much...If not for you, I'd probably still be waiting for her to come out. So if you asked me whether I deserve to be Futaba's guardian...my answer would be no.''
''But that's...'' Namine frowned.
''They say blood's thicker than water, right? I wonder what'd be best for Futaba...''
''It's not just about the blood though, Family isn't that simple...if it were, things wouldn't be this way. I think the ones who we choose to see as family are equally important in life.'' She stated.
''I guess that can be true...'' He sighed. It occured to him that her words were also from experience. After all, look at her family situation. ''...Look at me spilling my heart out to you...It's weird but...for some reason, I just feel like telling you this stuff. It's like you're peering into my heart...Heh, I guess there really is something special about you.'' He stood. ''I'm still worried about Futaba so I'll be heading back. You got things covered here?''
She nodded ''I'll come by and see her tomorrow.''
He smiled ''That'd be nice...and thanks.''
Well, let's stop here.
I considered not posting chapters for a bit so I could focus on my plans but that was a no-go. I think I'm really getting burned out at this point because I couldn't focus on my fanfics at all. Even this chapter, I must have rewritten chunks of it a bunch of times for days. I don't know if it is lackluster or if it's just my own feelings getting in the way. Well, it's been a while so I figured I might as well try with this one. I hope it was all right.
The thing about the record is something I heard in passing. I'm not sure if it's true but the point is, the arrest and all that came of it have big time consequences for her. From where they're standing, it's not like Shido's confession could fix any of it either, not really.
Anywho, I toyed around with Akechi's backstory a little again.. Remember how I mentioned protests taking place back around the field trip? Well, his rise to fame is sort of tied to that. The way I see it, with all the fear and tension because of the shutdowns, having someone who could really make a difference must have been huge. Naoto was a big deal in P4, right? I thought I could try working with that.
Well thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up, till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 9)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 5)
Igor (Aeon Rank 5)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 6)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 7)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
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)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 3)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 2)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 1)