Defender31415: Well, I've been planning to have him join the team for a long time now but thanks, glad you like it.
Vangran: Yup, that's just how I feel-it wouldn't have made sense to use Azazoth given the situation. Yuri and Itsuki will be coming to the city sooner than later, though to be honest I'm debating whether to have their return during the next arc (which isn't too far away) or before Shido's. I totally agree with your point too-the Phantom Thieves really do encounter too many evil adults so I always like it when there are some who break this trend.
LordKirkleton: Hey, it's been a long time since I heard from you. Glad you're still keeping up with the story, though maybe you shouldn't stay up for so long to read everything. Have to say, it's interesting how many people seem to be pleased with pairing Namine and Yusuke. I'm not all that good with romance but I can't imagine it being anything besides a slow burn, honestly. It's fitting. On another note, about Akechi...well, no comment, because you know-spoilers.
With school over for the day and the addition of their newest member, the Phantom Thieves gathered in a park for a meeting...
''So, this came out while you guys were in school.'' Futaba propped herself on the bench ''Hakuba was charged with embezzlement and fraud. I found an article about it online. There were just a few suspicions about him but apparently evidence was found recently. He was taken to prison this morning.''
''For real?'' Ryuji cocked his head. ''Hold on, so people knew he was doing something fishy for a while and he suddenly gets arrested just like that?''
Makoto's brow furrowed ''Yeah, this timing seems...it's barely been two days since we encountered him. Why now?''
''Hakuba did mention how there was a group involved in their schemes...'' Yusuke recalled.
Takuto nodded. If this group and their leader were as powerful as Hakuba implied, it wasn't too far off to assume they could be behind this. ''It's too suspicious, I still remember how frightened he was back there.''
''Yes, it's more imperative than ever that we handle the palace with care. Please keep that in mind.'' Makoto told everyone.
Haru nodded ''It could be a chance...'' Hakuba's Shadow had admitted that her father was involved with these people. Not only could they stop his plans for good, they would have a chance to find whatever he knew about them.
Namine concurred, her expression pensive. They would of course be careful when dealing with Okumura's Shadow, treating their targets with prudence was practically second nature at this point. Plus, Okumura was Haru's only family, the team wanted to do this right to help the heiress too. But with things as they were...considering all what happened recently...she wanted to really think about this. The confrontation with his shadow would undoubtedly be crucial to the team. The question was, how to go about it?
As their investigation of Kawanabe was still ongoing, Namine met with Akechi near Leblanc. Neither of them had any idea what to do. Morgana had helped keep track of the man as promised but they still didn't have much to go on. There was nothing really suspicious about Kawanabe so they couldn't prove anything, leaving them at an impasse.
''You think those rumors could be a bunch of hot air after all, Akechi-kun?'' Namine inquired.
''Hm...I'm not so sure about that...'' The detective tapped his chin in thought ''...while I certainly wouldn't believe all the talk that's going about, I can't simply dismiss this on vague suspicions either. We need something conclusive.''
The girl didn't want to leave this matter hanging either. But neither knew how to go forward...
After a few minutes, a thought occurred to Namine. ''You know, Grandpa used to tell me that a problem seems hard, you should look at it from a new angle...''
''I may have been a little inflexible about this-what did you have in mind?''
''We kept most of this work focused on Kawanabe-san but why don't we try to do the opposite? Like looking into those closest to him.'' She added. ''I think the next best starting point would be...''
She trailed off as both of them looked at the papers spread near Akechi. It was mostly data regarding the investigation but a certain page would provide an excellent point to start them off. The two grinned as they looked at the paper in question, knowing they had arrived at the same conclusion.
''Great minds think alike.'' Akechi remarked.
''We're good to go.'' Namine chirped. .
The following day...
When it turned out they got a free period since a number of the teachers had a meeting, Namine and Ann left class for a walk. Having overhead Morgana talk about their investigation, the model had been rather curious to hear the story behind it. ''How about that? I never thought Akechi-kun was working on something like this...''
''We figured we'd go for it and help him and Yusuke.'' Namine returned. ''Yusuke's already been through enough because of Madarame, he doesn't need to deal with another scumbag now that he's finally made some progress.''
''I hear you.'' Ann knew how the two had been working on dealing with the artist's slump but it was nice to see another example of how Namine was looking out for them.
''To be honest though, I don't think Kawanabe-san's behind this stuff.'' The first admitted.
''Yeah, no matter how I look at it, this guy really does seem sincere. You guys might really be on to something now, Namine.'' Morgana chipped in.
Ann blinked ''Oh, so you know what to do now?''
Namine was distracted when she noticed the music club member they had encountered a few weeks ago coming down, with him just as surprised to see them ''Oh, it's you! I never got around to thanking you for fixing the piano. It still works great!''
''Glad to hear it.''
Ann had an idea ''Hey, Namine-speaking of pianos-what do you say to playing the one in the music club?
''Ah...that sounds nice but...'' Namine had no issue with the idea but would he be okay with it?
The boy was intrigued ''We don't get too many people willing to play but you know your stuff. It won't be a problem, I'll swing you by.''
There were only a couple of members present at the music club but they were left curious when the boy brought them up to speed. Neither had objections to the idea so Namine took her seat before the piano.
''This'll be good.'' Morgana watched discreetly from the bag which was now held by Ann.
The model nodded with a growing smile. A few people passed by, some pausing when they saw what was going on.
Namine inhaled and exhaled, she hadn't thought she would ever play music in Shujin. But as they say, there was a first time for everything.
Well, then here goes...
Everyone watched as she began, wondering how this would go. Namine's skill was quickly made evident for all as a lovely, uplifting tune filled the room. Her expertise with the piano was clear as she played smoothly, to the surprise of many. A few of the onlookers began talking among themselves...
''She's good-really good...''
''No kidding, I can't believe that transfer student's actually pulling this off...''
''Oh, come on what's with that tone? She's nothing like what people say.''
''Yeah, most of that crap was thanks to Kamoshida anyway. She's as nice as they come. Heck, she actually fixed the piano for the club just like that.''
''I mean she helped people like Mishima a whole lot even after what happened between them. The track team says she was a big part of the reason they could make a come back.''
Ann's smile grew, people were really seeing Namine for who she was. The girl had been through so much and she deserved such a chance. Granted, it should've happened much earlier but Ann wasn't about to complain.
Namine didn't hear a thing with her focus being entirely on the music. Her soft smile remained as she continued playing, her expression serene and beautiful. The girl didn't think she would've been able to do this if it weren't for her friends encouraging her and advising her not to give up on music. One thing was clear, she had found her passion and she wasn't going to lose it again.
She finished, only to receive a standing ovation from the group forming at the music club's entrance. A number of them were cheering her on, pleasantly surprised with what they found. The boy came over, looking thrilled ''That was amazing! I figured you had some skill but you really blew everyone away.''
Namine laughed ''Thanks...''
''Oh, that's just the start-you should hear her sing.'' Ann couldn't help but add.
''Ann!'' The former hissed, but her friends merely laughed in return. The onlookers were quick to pass on their praise after that performance, expressing how much the enjoyed it. A few were even asking if she would play some more music. Namine hadn't expected this turnout but there was no denying how happy it made her to see people liking her music.
With school over for the day, the team agreed to meet up so they could head to Mementos. Namine, Ann, Morgana and Yusuke were at the meeting point, waiting for the others to arrive.
''Oh, so you're hanging out with Hifumi after all? That's good-she sure is nice, huh?'' Ann half-smiled.
''Yes, I do not understand why some in our school treat her with this disdain. She has done nothing to merit such behavior but I'm pleased to say she endures such people well. Regardless of what they say, there's no denying her skill.'' Yusuke stated. He hadn't thought he'd find a friend in the girl but that had changed after the school trip.
''They're probably jealous.'' Morgana suggested. ''There are people who like to put others down to make themselves better but I think it's pathetic. All they've proven is that they are very small inside.''
Sad but true, Hifumi receieving such treatment was especially unfair. She was working so hard for her family but few seemed willing to even try getting to know her...
''Oh, would you look at that...''
Namine, Morgana and Yusuke looked up at the familiar voice to find Kawanabe standing nearby with his assistant. ''Hello, Kitagawa-kun, Hyakuya-san-a friend of yours?''
The girl hadn't expected to run into them now but this could definitely be a chance to start Akechi's plan, readily introducing Ann as an idea came to mind.
''Still thinking about entering the contest, hm?'' Kawanabe clarified.
''I am.'' Yusuke confirmed. ''However, my reasons are not the same as they once were. I've realized that my perspective has been entirely too narrow. While I may have lost my way for some time, I intend to find my true path as an artist. That is my entire focus-even if I do not have all the answers yet, I will not give up. I intend to remain true to myself first and foremost.''
A pleased hum ''I see...I can tell you've matured from the day I extended my offer. Well, regardless of your choice, I'll be looking forward to seeing where your path leads.''
''He's definitely going to blow you away.'' Namine put in, Ann nodding as the artist gave them a grateful smile. ''But on the subject of your foundation, Kawanabe-san...have you ever heard of Mizutani Reika?''
His expression gave the answer ''..I think someone by that name approached me recently. Looking back, it's odd-she seemed interested in joining the Foundation but I haven't seen her since that day.''
Morgana didn't miss the assistant stiffening at this. Reika had just been one of the names of the people behind the rumors...''Ohhh, I get your game plan. Nice one!''
''Well, a friend of mine met her.'' Namine went on. ''And she mentioned something about a bad deal she made with someone involved from the foundation.'' Kawanabe's expression darkened. ''I don't know all the details but she supposedly gave some fee and the person responsible just lied and made her look like the bad guy. It sounds like she wasn't the first either, that's why she was looking to talk to you. There might be some sort of way to help, you know like a record or something? I wanted to ask if you'd consider looking into this.''
''I can certainly try.'' Kawanabe returned readily. ''This is news to me but I will not let it stand. It seems I may have been remiss in my management after all-could you possibly contact the young lady and ask her to visit our building?''
''Sure.'' Perhaps she had been right about the man after all, he really was nice. ''Thanks, I'm glad you're willing to help.''
''If anything, thank you.'' He stated. ''I made the Foundation to help artists, I have no intention of letting anyone harm them if I can help it. Least of all one of my own employees.''
With that, the man excused himself and left, his assistant hurrying after him. Yusuke raised an eye as Morgana ran after them ''Namine, what was...?''
''Don't worry about it.'' She looked at her phone as it beeped, signalling a message. ''Oh, we better get going. It looks like the others are almost here.''
As they headed off, Morgana returned, climbing to Namine's shoulder. ''He took the bait?''
''Hook, line and sinker.'' The cat smirked as they shared a low high-five.
In Mementos...
Takuto eyed his Soul Armor curiously, not sure what to think about it. Mona half-smiled ''I imagine it takes some getting used to, huh?''
''Yes...'' He chuckled. ''...I must admit, I didn't think it'd be so easy to move in. So this is a symbol of my rebellion...you take requests from the Phan-Site and deal with the targets' shadows, right?''
''Yup, though I never thought we'd be doing this with someone like you here.'' Oracle stated.
''Hey, come on...'' Panther fought back the urge to sigh, Oracle and her lack of tact struck again.
''We did promise to give him a chance.'' Truth be told, Queen understood where the hacker was coming from. It truly did feel odd to have an adult with them and even when they agreed to give him a chance, it didn't mean the trepidation hadn't been there. They'd been through too much for that.
Skull just shrugged ''We should just do the same we always do.''
''I know, I know-just saying.'' Oracle returned.
Mona took on his other form and they all got on the bus. Their first request was to deal with a woman called Yotsuba Himika. She was flirting with many men, treating them violently afterwards-her last target even had to go the hospital because of her. The second was regarding Masuda Jun, a con artist who was selling drugs in Shibuya-he was clearly very good at covering his tracks as few even knew where he would be at a given time.
Noir leaned back in her seat ''Oh, I'd almost forgotten...shouldn't we find a code name for Maruki-san?''
Skull nodded ''Right, we were talking about that before...well, how about Mage-oh, or Wizard?''
''Oh, yeah-he kinda looks like some of the mages you see in games, huh?'' Oracle mused.
''Are you guys serious?'' Mona deadpanned. Considering her stance on this subject, Oracle's taste in names seemed hardly any better than Skull's.
''Ahaha, how about we just see what everyone else has to say?'' Takuto offered.
Fox gave the man a once-over, deep in thought ''Hm...Maruki-sensei's armor has a certain sophisticated charm. How about Regal then?''
''That's better but...'' Queen looked at the subject of their conversation. ''...do you have any preference?''
''Well, I couldn't decide at first but maybe...Sage.'' He declared. ''The armor actually reminds me of the main character of an old story I read years ago. It was about a spoiled and naive prince who was the only heir to his kingdom. Many feared the day he would come to rule and some tried to stop it from happening. Over time, he realized his own weaknesses and he strove to overcome them, becoming a great king. Even when he stepped down for his child, he remained a wise sage who was able to help many people. How he became enlightened and found his way reminds me of how I felt after awakening my Persona.''
''That seems fitting.'' Joker remarked.
''Yeah, I like it!'' Skull added. ''Sage it is, then.''
Defeating some Shadows along the way, the team eventually arrived at their first target's Mementos Chamber...
The Shadow hardly even noticed them, her eyes on the ground as she was busy talking to herself ''They looked down on me, they made fun of me but now they know how it feels! Their place is beneath me, as it should be. I won't let anyone get away after what those bastards did to me!''
Whatever Mona expected, this definitely wasn't it ''Looks like there's more to this than we know.''
''Her reasons can't possibly justify hurting those people.'' Queen led their way over.
''Who are you?'' S. Himika sneered. ''What do you want with me?''
Noir's gaze hardened ''We were asked to stop you. You have no right to treat people so callously.''
S. Himika barked out a laugh ''Is that so? I guess one of those weaklings went whining to you guys. They got a little roughed up, so what? It serves them right!''
''Where the hell do you get off, lady? You can't just keep pulling this crap-they never did anything to you!'' Skull exclaimed.
''You don't even know what you're talking about!'' She snapped. ''Two men tricked me months ago, they made a deal I couldn't get out and I had to sell my body to avoid going to prison for years! Do you have any idea how terrible that felt? I thought even prison may be more preferable but I was too weak, too scared to stand up those low lives. Eventually, I decided that showing weakness only lead to trouble so I've decided to take things into my own hands, to gain power and make those who hurt me suffer! I'm only giving them what they deserve-no one's going to walk all over me again!''
Panther grimaced ''I get that you were in a tough place, really but you handled this horribly. There are plenty of bad people out there but there's also good people too. You can't hurt everyone just because you were hurt-how long does this go on? When does it end?''
''What're you talking to me like that for?!'' The Shadow demand angrily. ''I'm only doing what I have to-I was a victim too!''
''A victim?'' Fox arched an eye. ''You just said that you took things into your own hands. You haven't been a victim for a long time.''
''Yes, everything you've said and shown here says that you're proud of yourself. That you enjoy hurting others.'' Sage added.
A laugh escaped her after a moment ''You know what? You're right! I'm going to really enjoy myself now!''
She transformed into a Lilim shadow, eerie, strange music began to play as she used her Lullaby. This caught a few of the team off guard, leaving them nodding off. The shadow smirked upon noticing Mona falling asleep, immediately brandishing her claws to strike.
Fox stepped in front of their prone teammate, blocking her claws with his blade. The enemy proceeded to cast Maragion at the three but they protected by the Song of Harmony. Queen charged on Johanna to strike but the Lilim flew up high and cast more fire magic.
Sage dodged the blast coming his way before deciding to retaliate ''Adam Kadmon!'' The gold and blue Persona appeared behind him ''Mafreila!''
Just when it looked like the Shadow was about to dodge, he willed it so that the orbs would collide and explode. The force took the Shadow by surprise, almost making her crash down.
''Nice one, Sage!'' Oracle's eyes were bright. The newbie was doing great!
Growling, the Shadow decided to strike the newest Phantom Thief then but he quickly defended himself with his staff. The enemy cried out in pain as Panther's whip struck her back, makig her stumble in surprise before she turned around to strike the girl. But Joker shot at her then, each and everyone of her bullets nailing the mark.
''That does it...!'' Just as she was about to cast another Maragion, Mona leaped in, slashing her side. Skull and Sage followed suit, the former clubbing her head while the latter struck with Adam Kadmon's Megido. Noir had Milady keep up the pressure with her hidden artillery.
The Shadow flew up high again, too far for evern their bullets to reach. When Oracle informed them that the enemy was weak to wind and bless attack, Mona knew just what to do. ''I've got an idea-Skull, Queen, I'll need your help.'' The two looked at him curiously and he began to explain. ''Consider this another lesson, Sage.''
''Eat this!'' The Lilim cackled, using more fire magic to blast the entire group, covering a large area behind her with flames. ''How's that for power?''
''Too weak!'' Seiten Taisei emerged out of the flame safely with Skull riding the cloud. Likewise, Queen dashed out on Johanna. A silver flash brought the enemy's attention to the rest of the group, letting her see that Joker had protected them all as well.
Mona, who had been waiting on Seiten Taisei, made his move ''Zorro! Hurricane Blade!''
With a wave of his sword, Zorro conjured powerful winds which increased Mona's speed. Smirking, Mona waved his scimitar, blasting the shadow with powerful blades of wind before slashing her once last time. Sage watched in amazement as the Shadow fell. The team had shown him quite a number of abilities but this one seemed to be in a league of its down.
The shadow turned back to the human form, lowering her head ''I thought I hit it big...that I could really get some good money and start my dream. I was so excited that little mattered...I was so crushed when I realized the truth...and so ashamed of myself. People preyed on any weakness so I've decided not to show any, I had to be strong. I couldn't just crumble here.''
Queen was painfully reminded of what Kaneshiro had in mind for her, or even Sae, after looking at Himika. Her fate may have been similar had the Phantom Thieves not intervened.
''You don't have to do this anymore. You can move on with your life.'' Joker offered.
''H-how?'' S. Himika uttered. ''It's too late...''
''It would only be too late if you believe that.'' Queen cut her off. ''If you regret what happened then do something about it. You still have a chance, you need to take it. It's that simple.''
''Yeah, making mistakes doesn't make your irredeemable. It's what you do from here which would really count.'' Panther stated.
''Maybe...I was fooling myself by pretending to be strong after all...'' The Shadow sighed bitterly.
''No one can be strong all the time.'' Noir pointed out. ''It's perfectly all right to ask for from those you can count on. It's something I've learned as well.''
''I see...thank you...'' S. Himika faded into light, returning to her real world self.
Sage was frankly in awe of the whole experience ''So this is what it's usually like for you?''
''Pretty much, we've learned to try what we can to really help them.'' Joker offered ''It's not as if just beating the Shadows would make all the difference. Even if they don't realize it, Shadows influence the people out there. So in a way, if we reach out to them, we're doing the same for the real world people.''
That made sense, a simple show of strength couldn't be nearly enough to help the targets. Some of them had lost their way and gave into their worst desires like Himka but there were those who simply need a helping hand or even someone to hear them out, such as people like Hijiri and Hisashi. People couldn't be colored with the same brush, after all. Everyone was different, everyone had their own circumstances even if they didn't show it.
Sage's thoughts came to a halt when he remembered something ''By the way, Mona-what exactly was that last skill? I can't shake the feeling that it was special somehow.''
''Oh, you noticed?'' The cat hummed. ''It's called an Overdrive skill. It's an ability granted to our team because of our bonds with Joker. We can't use it consecutively but it's still a great advantage.''
''I'll say...that was impressive.'' Sage was about to ask more about this but then Skull spoke up.
''So, whaddya make of your first official job with us?''
''It's...interesting. Even before, I knew your work was likely to be complicated but this is far beyond what I imagined. I'm glad to see you even try to reason with the targets-just changing the heart couldn't possibly fix everything. It seems more like the first step to making things right.''
''Exactly. We're also trying to find our own way in the world and facing our own struggles so we're willing to reach out and help those in need. It's the right thing to do.'' Queen stated.
To Sage, hearing all this reaffirmed that his decision to join the team had beent he right one. Learning about their drive and their reasons just made him all the more willing to help them.
A while later, the group approached Masuda Jun's Shadow ''Who the hell are you?''
''The Phantom Thieves, we're going to make sure you don't sell anymore drugs.'' Mona stated.
''Are you kidding me?'' A sneer ''I plan to get filthy rich and there's nothing you can do about that. So what if I have to sell drugs? I want money so I'm getting it, that's that. Whoever falls for my acts is to blame, besides, some of them do just come right out and buy the drugs from me. In the end, the suckers just have to deal with it.''
Technically he had a point in that those who buy drugs could be held responsible for the choice, they conceded. It was his complete disregard for anything besides the money which the team found reprehensible.
''Do you really care so little? You've hurt plenty of people. How can you just say this?'' Noir demanded.
''Oh spare me.'' The Shadow rolled his eyes. ''Why the hell should I give a damn about any of those fools? It ain't my fault if they buy it all.''
Skull scoffed ''You've got some nerve for a dirt bag who only wants easy money.''
S. Jun scowled ''You wouldn't understand-I'm doing what I have to-you all had it easy!''
''You're simply trying to avoid the truth now. Just looking at you now, it's clear that you do know this is wrong but you seemed to have disregarded your morals.'' Sage noted. ''All for the sake of money-you seem to have your reasons but we can't just let this pass.''
Mona's eyes narrowed ''Exactly, Skull called it right. We're going to stop you.''
He snarled ''I've had enough. I'll take you self-righteous losers down!''
Transforming into a Unicorn Shadow, the enemy attacked. Panther summoned Hecate, who conjured her fire magic. But the enemy quickly trotted away and cast Mazionga in retaliation. As those in the spell's vicinity tried to dodge or defend themselves, he cast Makouha. This quickly let him note Joker's weakness to bless magic so he focused his attention on her, firing another spell before preparing a Mahama attack.
Mona quickly remembered a similar spell they had seen in Oracle's Palace ''Be careful! This one's dangerous!''
Joker blocked the spell seconds later with the Song of Harmony before using her newest skill, Fatal Circle. Her dagger zoomed and struck the target repeatedly, leaving him to cry out loudly and they realize the enemy was weak to curse attacks in turn. Noir and Fox struck then, the former knocking him down with her axe while the latter was able to freeze the enemy with Goemon's Mabufula. The shadow quickly broke free though, hurrying back to dodge some oncoming attacks before using more bless magic.
Sage healed the team with Adam Kadmon's Mediarama, backtracking when the Shadow charged at him next. Thinking fast, he blocked the Shadow's horn with his staff and slowly pushed it back, quickly summoning his Persona again to use Megido this time. The almighty spell exploded, sending the enemy reeling. It tried to cast Mahama once again but the attack missed, this gave Queen the opportunity to punch and kick it then. Joker used another Fatal Circle but the Shadow was able to dodge it thanks to his speed. He slowly backed into a corner unknowing in the process. Queen took advantage of this by surrounding it with spheres of nuclear magic while Panther and Sage used their respective Persona's elements to strike then, ending the battle.
S. Jun slumped in defeat ''...I thought I was finally making it big...coming back here was supposed be different.''
''Back?'' Oracle echoed.
''My old man lost his business because people scammed him years ago.'' He confessed. ''He never got over it. He'd worked so hard and yet...it hurt him so much. I wanted to make something of myself here for both our sakes. We moved away when I was little so I guess I was more of an outsider when I returned. People made fun of my accent and treated me like loser hill billy. In the end, those kinds of people cost me my first job. I thought my lucky break came when I heard about the phishing games so when one of Kaneshiro's men suggested that i help, I went for it.''
Queen remembered something she overheard Sae mention recently ''...I've heard that there were a few in Kaneshiro's gang who avoided arrest. Is that true?''
''Yeah...though I only know about Saiba. Can't say what happened the rest of 'em for sure, I was hell bent on just getting myself out, I only found out about Saiba out of pure coincidence. He's always been kind of a chicken though, don't think he'll be starting much trouble if he can help it. He was only in the gang because he was too scared to take action...'' He lowered his head. ''...we made fun of him back then but now I think he had the right idea. That kind of work just...wasn't worth it.''
''That's good, now you just need to do something to make up for what you've done.'' Panther put in kindly.
''Right. The realization that you were in the wrong is the first step to improvement. You could even do something to make it up for your victims.'' Sage suggested.
S. Jun perked up at the thought ''Probably...do you really think that would work though?''
''That's up to you. You wish to be proud of your efforts for both yourself and your father's sake, correct? Well, it's time to work on that wish and make it a reality.'' .
''It won't be easy, people may not forgive your ight away but sooner or later, if you show them you're honest, they'll know you turned a new page.'' Joker offered.
Fox noted how their words seemed to be getting through to him ''Look at it this way, you're becoming more like the people who harmed you in the past. Can you really live with yourself this way?''
''...No, no I can't. I don't want to. No way I want to be like that...thank you all-I think I know what to do now.'' With that, he faded into light.
With their work done for the day, the team returned to the real world...
''So, Maruki-sensei, what do you make of your first real exposure to the Metaverse?'' Makoto inquired.
''It was fascinating. I may have had those strange visions but I don't think it could've prepared me for the real deal. Even with what I've tried to learn...it doesn't amount to the real thing.''
''You did pretty good though. Fighting aside-it's kinda like you figured those two out pretty quick.'' Ryuji complimented.
Takuto chuckled ''Thanks, it just came to me. I'm a little surprised at how it all turned out-I guess my work experience will come in handy.''
Futaba found that she didn't mind his presence much either. But her mind kept circling back to an issue ''I still don't get how or why you kept seeing Mementos all that time.''
''That makes two of us. Morgana seems to think that for some reason my connection to that world is stronger than others but it's still very strange. It still feels like I'm missing something but I can't place it...''
''So we can chalk it up to another mystery of that place, huh?'' Ann tilted her head.
''Looks that way.'' Ryuji nodded, shrugging. ''We're gonna figure all that stuff out in the long run.''
''Yeah, we are looking to get to the bottom of Mementos after all. I'm sure we can find more answers-not to mention there's our promise to help Mona.'' Namine added.
The cat grinned in return ''Yup, we'll see this through to the end.''
As everyone began to head home, Yusuke stopped when Namine approached him ''So looks like you're making real progress, huh?''
His lips twitched, knowing she was thinking of their meeting with Kawanabe ''Before I really knew it, I told him things I felt deep down. But I know I was inspired, by you.'' The girl blinked. ''You may not see it but you've proven to be quite an inspiration to most-if not all of us. Even with the terrible hand you were dealt, you chose to remain true to yourself and do the right thing. You've helped many who had nothing but disdain for you and even perfect strangers. This kindness of yours is truly rare, you seem to have a knack for touching the hearts of others while hardly even trying.''
Namine laughed a bit ''Thanks, you might be giving me a little too much credit here. I'm just trying to do what I think is right but really, I'm making a lot up as I go along...a lot of that worked out because of you all and you helped me out a whole bunch.''
''I'm relieved to hear that.'' He returned. ''I've taken your advice to heart-I'm not certain if I do wish to enter the contest, I have yet to find a satisfactory subject to paint. At any rate, if I do enter, I intend to use it to test my skill. Now if only I could decide my next action to get rid of this slump.''
''Hey, you'll get there. Give it time.'' He smiled. Somehow, when she said it, he found himself believing it too. Heck, it actually meant more coming from her than most...
The two noticed Futaba near a store with Takuto and Morgana, the first noticing them then ''Hey!''
Yusuke quirked a brow ''What're you doing?''
''Picking each other's brains, I've never met anyone who knows about Mom's work before. I wanted to hear what the doc had to say about it.''
''Futaba-chan's quite a clever girl.'' Takuto offered. ''She's already learned quite a bit only from the few notes she had seen. She's already a lot like Dr. Isshiki from what I've heard about her.''
''N-nah, no way...'' Her mom was her idol after all, this was quite a leap for her. ''...anywho, I was wondering-you guys think we could find anyway to get Mom's or the doc's work back?''
They seemed surprised at this, unsure how to respond. Morgana spoke up after a few moments ''I hate to say it but the chances don't seem very likely. Especially when it comes to your mom, it might be a way to link them to her death. Those guys seem way too thorough to leave something like that.''
She sighed ''Yeah, I figured...''
''Actually, speaking off-Maruki-sensei, just what did your research on the Metaverse involve?'' Yusuke wanted to know.
''Well, most of it is what I came to learn and believe over time...my own conclusions about that world. The visions helped there, but a part of it centers on its influence on people and how to use that for good.'' Takuto offered. ''I'm not sure of this but...I get the impression that Dr. Isshiki's research revolves around the knowledge of that world and what was in it. It may be how they learned to take advantage of the incidents to gain power.''
That was actually a good point, none of them had ever thought about it that way but it made plenty of sense. Futaba herself only knew the basics of the research's contents and it took her plenty of searching to learn more. But this just raised more questions, like how did this group know about Wakaba and just who were they?
Their reverie was broken by a lot of commotion not too far away, revealing a crowd gathering to watch a policeman drag a man away. Yusuke's eyes widened as he recognized the man as Kawanabe's assistant. What was going on?
They could hear a few murmurs among the onlookers, mentioning how the man worked for the Foundation. Apparently, Akechi, Reika and Kawanabe found him trying to hide the records of the shady business he had started. With the detective's suspicions confirmed, he had been able to arrest him without preamble.
''How about that...?'' Futaba stared. ''Hey, Inari, he works for the guy who made that deal for you, right? So what happens now?''
Yusuke was thinking about that himself. ''I...had my own suspicions about Kawanabe-san's character but I never imagine this was going on.''
''Yeah, but it kinda sounds like the guy had no idea any of this was going on. Maybe he really does mean well-not all adults are that bad. We just didn't see a lot of the good ones.'' She added with a meaningful glance at Takuto, who was approaching their friends.
Unlike the others, he hadn't missed their shared meaningful glances earlier ''Dare I ask what was going on back there?''
Namine gave him a mischievous smile ''Ask us not questions and we'll tell you no lies, Sensei.''
He gave an amused look as he noted Morgana nodding along to that. Their expressions and body language told him that they knew a lot more than he saw no reason to press the matter further ''Duly noted. Well, it's good to see things working out.''
''Yup.''
''That's for sure.'' Everything seemed to be going well on this front and they could only hope that the same would go for their future ventures...
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? I fully plan on wrapping things up at the Palace next chapter but I wanted to try having Takuto work with them a little before getting to that point. Just to make things clear, the change of heart will be taking place in a different chapter as what I've got planned around that is big. I figure it's natural for the team to be at least a little uncomfortable having an adult be a part of the group now. They're willing to give him a chance but this doesn't mean they won't be at least a little apprehensive, given their experiences. From my understanding, people in Takuto's line of work could easily read people by picking up on their body language and stuff like that-you know, those little cues people sometimes don't know they give off but they still tell a lot about them.
I plan to explain more about this soon but to clarify, what happened to Hakuba really is because of the organization. He decided to make amends and put his dealing with them at an end but of course, they wouldn't have something like that hence the arrest. He's something of a backup plan to them at the moment. If using Okumura doesn't work, it'll be his head on the block next.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Happy holidays and happy new year, everybody. Here's to a great next year, 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 (Hermi0t Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 1)