Vangran: Thanks, glad you like it. You've got what I'm trying to get at here perfectly, Sae's perspective is limited but I'm working on that through out this arc. She doesn't get that the people who were oppressed are just too worn down to speak up and that's why the Phantom Thieves are necessary.
As for Akechi's old friend...well, I don't remember if I mentioned this before but they will be revealed at the end of the arc. It's a person who's been in the story already, they just don't recognize him yet.
LadyLight93: Hey, I didn't think of it like that that before. Good point! Mona sure can pull off being a therapy cat but that would probably come with its own questions.
The team headed to Mementos early that day to take care of a few new requests. One was about Miyadai, a third year bully in Kosei who came from a well-to do family and so believed himself superior over his fellow students, though his grades proved contrary...
"You-wait a minute...'' The Shadow's eyes focused on Fox. ''...you're Kitagawa! Oh, this is rich. The guy who was even used by his own teacher? I bet you're no better than Madarame, freak!''
"Fox isn't a freak-he's worth a billion of you! You wish you had his passion and courage. He just said the truth, you're nothing but a big bully who thinks he can just lord it over everyone.'' The artist stared at Joker in surprised which transferred ot Skull as he took over.
"Totally, don't talk about our friend like that! We've seen your sort before-you just have to act big and strong but it's just an act. You're just a coward-we almost had you running scared the second we came in!'' Skull's observation was indeed accurate, for the enemy had quite clearly been ready to flee the minute their gazes met.
''Th-that's just...that's absurd! You're nothing compared to me-I'll show you!'' With in moments, he transformed into a Legion before throwing a Maeiha at the group. They hurried to dodge or defend themselves, finding that he summoned another Legion shadow then.
"You're just proving Skull's point, you know. Mercurius, send that blowhard sky high!'' Mona cried. Within seconds, Mercurius blew them both in the air with wind magic. Sage knocked one down as it fell while Queen punched the second into the ground and Skull had Seiten Taisei electrocute them both.
They launched a few more attacks, during which the bully tried to have the other shadow protect him but it did little good. Both were soon knocked down by Arsene's Midnight Salvo, which destroyed the second Legion and allowed Joker, Noir and Panther to hold it at gun point.
The Shadow tried to move, groaning only to freeze at the sight of the weapons leveled around him ''N-not yet-no!'' It managed to fire up more curse magic but Fox hurried in, summoning Goemon who froze the attack in an instant. Together, the two created waves of ice before striking the Shadow down.
Shadow Miyadai stood after turning back into a human, quivering ''D-don't hurt me, please!''
"Someone's changed their tune.'' Mona muttered darkly.
"I know, I know! I'm nothing but a big loser. Everything's been going so good since dad hit that promotion and I've never felt more powerful. I guess it just went to my head. It felt great to be the boss and things just spiraled from there...''
"It's past time you change your ways.'' Noir crossed her arms.
Shadow Miyadai promised to do so, returning to his true self in moments. As the group made to head back, Fox spoke up ''Joker...thank you.'' She blinked. ''What you said back there...''
"It's the truth.'' The girl cut him off, smiling. ''You do realize you're a big part of the reasons I could enjoy music again, right? Seeing how you kept trying with art, how you wouldn't give up even after all what happened. Now that's passion, and you have courage in spades because you kept going even when it must have been hard on you. It's inspiring, actually-ask any of the others and I bet they'd agree.''
Fox truly hadn't expected that. It had only felt natural to him as he couldn't imagine his life without art, had he really made such an impact on her? This coming from her, the first person who had made sure who could come this far, the one who supported him so much felt flattering. ''Thank you. I...I appreciate that.''
Their second target was Aritomi Rena, a young business woman who had been downright hostile to everyone she met, even her co-workers. She wasn't beyond attacking them if she deemed it necessary. The person who made the request had asked for their help for a friend's sake (since the friend worked with her), fearing for them.
"Would you look at that?'' The Shadow sneered ''One of those little losers came whining to you after all. They have some nerve thinking I should have a change of heart...''
Skull thought it was the other way around "Yeah? Get off your high horse, lady.''
"It's rather obvious that you're a growing menace. We can't let you hurt keep hurting people.'' Queen added.
"Oh, would you look at the big time heroes? Just where were you when...?'' She shook her head. ''...well, that doesn't matter. They're only getting what they deserve but if you get in my way, you'll regret it too!''
In a flash, she transformed into a Kali shadow and attacked, unleashing a blistering series of slashes at her nearest targets, Panther, Queen and Mona. She growled when a shield of silver light protected the three but then she was peppered by a few bullets, bringing her attention to Joker.
"You little-!'' She seethed, using Charge.
"Oh, she's powering up, eh? Then here you go, guys!'' Oracle pressed a few buttons and they were surrounded by a green burst of energy which increased their defense.
"Hecate!''
"Go, Johanna!''
Both Personas appeared in a flurry of azure flames, the first cast Agidyne at Panther's command but the Shadow swiftly dodged. That was when Queen rammed her with Johanna, throwing her to the ground. When Skull attacked then, the Shadow managed to stand up on leg to block his club with her blades and used two of her arms to slash his side. The pirate clad teen stumbled bad with a pained cry, clutching the wound.
"Skull!'' Panther whipped the Shadow on her back just as it made to advance on the teen, brandishing its blades for a big attack. ''You stay away from him!''
"You want to die first? My pleasure!'' Kali charged at her only to be forced to stop as Hecate channeled a wall of flames, the goddess of magic's power almost making her lose her swords.
This gave Sage enough time to heal Skull, who nodded in thanks before they got back into battle. The enemy avoided Milady's Triple Down and tried to destroy Goemon's ice spell with her with her quick sword play but only managed to diminish the spell's impact a little. She then struck back with a Heat Wave attack that forced those in the vicnity back. Taking advantage of this, she used another Swift Strike to pile up the damage and continued attacking.
Mona stopped to heal everyone, Joker keeping an eye out with the relentless shadow's assault. Her caution was proven warranted when the enemy honed in on the feline a second later, the girl calling on Okuninushi, whose blades quickly clashed with the startled shadow. Shaking herself, the enemy attacked with renewed vigor, anger clearly flooding its every action.
Okuninushi was able to triumph, knocking most of the Shadow's swords out of her hands with a couple of quick attacks. Joker attacked next, sending the shadow reeling. Any attempt at countering were halted by Fox and Goemon, who blocked her path with ice magic. This gave Panther and Skull enough time to strike the Shadow down with the help of their Personas, ending the fight.
Shadow Aritomi fell to her knees, human once more. Skull crossed his arms ''What the hell is your problem, lady? Don't you see how much you hurt those people?''
"I did...I wanted them to suffer too. After what they did to me, all I wanted was to hurt them like they hurt me.''
Noir blinked ''What do you mean? What happened to you?''
"I opened this business, you see...I worked so hard to start things from the ground up. I thought I finally had something worthwhile.'' She slumped. ''But I guess the people I hired didn't like the way I handled things or something, it sure didn't take them long to turn on me. One of them started a scandal around embezzlement and blamed me for it-I was almost thrown in jail if I hadn't had enough to pay reparations...but it still cost me my job. After all this effort, all those days gone and my dream was ruined. Not only that, I lost everything! I threw my lot in for this project, I really believed I have something great. People knew what that bastard did but they were just fine throwing me aside, some people I should've been able to count on. I would've spoken for them if it had gone any differently-but they just treated me like trash, like I was nothing! Then I had to watch them get away with using MY company the way they wanted. I was so angry at them all! Why couldn't anyone help me? Why did they get away with this?!''
Any ire they had with her was long gone. While it didn't excuse everything, her behavior certainly made a lot of sense. Anyone would become angered and resentful after such an experience. Those people were horrible to her-they just stomped all over her work, over everything she had done for them. They wouldn't have that company if it wasn't for her, this was cruel.
"That's terrible...'' Noir mumbled, downcast.
Queen pursed her lips ''And? How do you feel about yourself now, Aritomi-san? I think it's safe to say you made them suffer plenty as it were. Even the person who sent us the request was obviously scared of you-he contacted us out of fear and concern for the sake of a friend. So how do you feel about all this?''
"...Horrible.'' She confessed. ''I thought this would make me feel better-even if a little. Those feelings were what kept me going after those awful day...it actually still feels like a nightmare.''
Sage seemed relieved ''Well, now you see that it's wrong. You definitely don't want to become like those people, do you?''
"Was it worth this? What you feel now? Is it worth it?'' Queen asked.
She lowered her head ''...No, no...I really don't think it was. I don't want to become like them. Ever-revenge and causing pain didn't do me any good. But what can I do?''
"Whatever you want to do-you've still got your life ahead of you. It won't be the end just because things are hard.'' Mona stated, a few of the others nodding.
''But it's up to you to figure it out, we can't make such a choice. We only came to ensure you wouldn't hurt anyone else. Let the truth be known, start over-it's up to you.'' Sage put in firmly.
"Up to me...'' The shadow echoed. ''...that sounds good. It feels like a weight fell off my shoulders. I...I don't know what I want to do but I'll figure it out. Thank you, Phantom Thieves!''
Near the entrance of Mementos...
Joker started at the feel of a hand on her shoulder, seeing that it was Sage's. ''Sorry, we called you a few times but you seem really distracted.''
"Yeah, I guess...say, Sage?'' He made a questioning noise. ''I've been thinking-I guess I can't help but wonder-seeing what people's Shadows are like...we've got those sort of feelings too, don't we? I mean we tamed our Shadows but at one point...we were...'' She sighed. ''...maybe I'm not explaining this right...''
"No, I see what you mean.'' The man assured. ''The Shadows make you wonder about yourself, don't they? I've been there myself. This is like what you and Mona talked about-isn't it? You want to help because you relate?''
"Maybe but sometimes I...looking at how the people keep reacting to our actions-I'm not sure they'll understand. They think our work is just some spectacle. I want to keep trying but still...'' Joker's reservations about the changes of heart remained but at the same time, they were still the lesser of two evils. After all, looking away from a problem solved nothing. But she really wished it didn't have to be that way.
Sage was struck by the vulnerability she demonstrated. That was right, at the end of the day even when it was hard, Joker tried her absolute best for the rest of them. That didn't mean she didn't have her own doubts and troubles. She was still a young girl-one who had been through so much...
"When I think about it-I don't know if I can forgive the people in my old home. I don't like it but after what they've done...even when I try to tell myself to let go, I can't. I can't even stand the thought of ever having to go back there again, let alone see them again. I guess if they actually did mean it...but I don't know. Look what holding to on hate does to people. It could've been me who wound up like them...''
"Joker, you're being too hard on yourself.'' Sage cut in. ''Have you ever considered that it may be too soon? I mean, it's only been a few months since your arrest. There's nothing wrong with feeling like you do now. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing but there's something to be said about extending it to those who don't deserve it. Having some reservations is perfectly understandable. And don't go comparing yourself to any of our targets either. It's fine to have doubts. Even if the feelings are similiar, you couldn't be further apart from them. You're learning and growing everyday. You know they were in the wrong and you don't want to be like them-you don't wallow in those things. If anything from what I've heard, you've been trying to make the best of your situation. I think that's remarkable. The fact that you cared so much is what helped the team in its beginning. You have nothing to be ashamed of and you'll just keep improving-of that I have no doubt.''
The girl almost smiled ''...Thanks.''
"Just telling it how it is.'' The two began walking to the others. ''Besides, you do know there's quite a few people who would never accept simple forgiveness after what they put you through. They're definitely not getting off that easily.''
Joker knew he was right ''Yeah...I can picture Skull and Mona's reactions well enough.''
Sage chuckled ''I can see why. They can be awfully similar sometimes. Don't tell them I said that.''
"Haha, my lips are sealed.'' As Joker followed him, she found herself wondering if Ohya could help Rena-san somehow. Maybe it would be worth asking...?
The next day started off for everyone with a bomb.
It came in the form of breaking news, stating that a number of psychotic breakdowns had taken place in prison. Not many survived that disaster and no one could be sure what happened. The survivors were either recuperating in a hospital or simply too shocked to talk. It was quite a grisly affair.
Much speculation was launched from this incident and the public was torn. Some people thought the Phantom Thieves were behind this but others refused to even entertain he suggestion. Other theories came around like the incidents with Kobayawa and Suwabe and what they could mean. The police, having already decided that the Phantom Thieves must be responsible, decided to double up on their efforts.
The team got together to discuss this development, no one was sure what to make of this just yet but they already knew who was behind it.
"It's the Black Mask-it has to be...'' Ann's gaze darkened as she continued reading something on her phone.
Makoto nodded ''I think that organization President Okumura mentioned is involved. Sis was talking on the phone before I left...that's the prison where Hakuba was taken-wasn't he afraid that they could come after him?''
"So they might have gone after his Shadow but they found that it was already gone.'' Morgana concluded. ''I don't get it though. What's the point?''
"They likely stood something to gain somehow. No doubt this is part of their plan.'' Yusuke's lips thinned.
"Yeah.'' Makoto agreed. ''Hakuba probably has an idea of what happened too. I overhead Sis saying how he requested to be taken to a more secure prison.''
Morgana noticed Ann's face adopting a look of disgust "What is it?"
"I expected that people would talk about that horror show but listen to this! Some of them are actually glad this happened-they think the criminals were beyond redemption so they should've died. They're applauding the Phantom Thieves and wish they'd keep it up, they say stuff like they're waiting for what's coming next. Ugh!'' Ann closed the phone screen. ''Do they still we're some spectacle? What's wrong with those people?!''
Namine shared her sentiment ''Let them talk, there's not much we can do about that. We can't let their words or feelings rule us, more importantly, we know the truth. The question is where do we go from here?''
"Shido is those bastards' head honcho, right? We should go after him-make him have a change of heart!'' Ryuji exclaimed.
"Trust me, I want nothing more.'' Futaba's ire re-ignited at the thought of the man. ''I checked, he has a Palace. But this is no good now. We don't have nearly enough about that creep to figure out the keywords to his Palace for one thing.''
"For another, we need to be more careful. Haru raised an excellent point on our way here and I think we should consider it.'' Makoto began. ''We've seen what Hakuba did while just being shown a bit of Isshiki-san's research...and maybe Maruki-sensei's too. Shido had all that work for over two years now, I can't picture him not making use of this somehow. Or it not influencing his palace, the bottom line is-we can't underestimate him.''
No one was about to argue with that logic, it was quite clear that Shido would go to any lengths to get what he wanted. By stepping on other people as well, as much as they thought he should answer for his crimes, they couldn't just go charging into this either. Shido must value the research after making use of it through the Black Mask, it could easily influence his cognition and thus, the Palace somehow. At any rate, there was a high chance Shido knew more about the Metaverse than they did.
"...Okay, so we don't have much answers but let's consider our next step carefully.'' Takuto concldued.
Morgana nodded ''Odds are, the organization's going to try to milk this incident to their advantage somehow. I think it's safe to say we're going to have plenty more detractors.''
"So people are going to turn on the Phantom Thieves now...and after everything was going well...'' Haru trailed off, frowning.
Futaba wasn't really bothered "It's nothing new, you haven't seen what it was like after what happened to that principal.''
Ann nodded ''I think Namine had the right idea. We can't keep focusing on fame even if it does help us in the long run-we'll have to do what's right. Even if it isn't easy, we can't give up now.''
Futaba and Haru nodded before Namine spoke up ''Yeah...what we really need is more information. I get why President Okumura didn't say much about the organization but we're really flying blind here. Let's see if we can dig up any info about Shido carefully, the last thing we need is to attract any attention. We'll keep an eye out for anything else and carry on with our work in Mementos, sound good?''
The others readily agreed, everyone felt somewhat better. The incident was terrible to say the least but at least they talked things out. There was no doubt that the situation was going for the worse but they had come this far and they would keep going. They would not stop here. Not a chance.
A short while later, Namine and Morgana headed out for a walk...
"That was definitely the right call.'' The feline remarked. ''I hate to say it but the organization definitely has the upper hand here. Shido's that high up in the government so there's no telling what he can do. You have every reason to want to make him answer for his crimes but here you are looking at the right picture and reminding us time and again to do the same. You're really growing as a leader, Namine.''
"Aw, thanks-it wouldn't do any good to handle this carelessly. We all want to make sure those people are stopped. Let's just do what we can to make it happen.''
Morgana paused as he heard some noise from their far left, turning to see a number of people gathered around Akechi. They were quite clearly worked up, trying to talk over one another and it was taking some effort to calm them doen. From what they could pick up, it sounded like the team's expectations were on point. It appeared that the people were a mixture of Phantom Thieves fans, fans of Akechi and those who wanted to know what the detective thought of the jail incident. But they all seemed interested in getting into his good graces.
In a few minutes, the detective managed to calm them down, enabling him to get away. They seemed quite fascinated by that fake, pompous persona he put on for TV appearances but Morgana had seen enough of the teen to recognize it. And honestly, he wondered how Akechi could stand that. After all, much of those very same people were trash talking him not too long ago. It didn't come off as too surprising since they knew how fickle the public could be but it was still nauseating to watch.
Apparently, Akechi thought so too-if the fleeting look in his eyes was anything to go by. ''Hah, they're too much...'' He noticed the two ''...oh, hello.''
Namine waved ''Hey, I guess the vultures picked up the scent?''
A weary chuckle ''That analogy is almost too fitting...''
"You looked overwhelmed back there-I would've thought you'd have better experience handling crowds.''
"Normally, yes-but it can be troublesome. You saw how anxious they were.'' Akechi pointed out. ''There was a news segment which talked about how it was proof of what the Phantom Thieves really were, how they fancied that they can take control of the country. It called them dangerous criminals who should be put down, that they will take down anyone they see fit. People are still torn but some are starting to believe this. I suppose it's just another proof of just how fickle people can be.'' Namine nodded. ''Actually, that reminds me...some of what you mentioned in passing implies that you had some experience with fame in the past. Just what happened?''
The girl exhaled and began to explain, leaving him dumbfounded ''Wait, I heard of that story-you were the girl who changed the situation for the better? But...why isn't this well-known? I only came across someone who heard of it in passing. Your details match most of what he told me but he seemed to think the story was made up. ''
"Honestly, I don't know either. From what I could tell, in my old home-by the time I woke up, two years already passed. With all what was going on back there...I guess I just never had time to really think about it.''
Akechi could understand that, given how she had to deal with recovering from the coma and the fact that two whole years of her life had gone by-which could not have been easy. But it still left him appalled, she was a hero! Most of those people in the bank lived thanks to her and this is what she got?
"Ah, I'm sorry-to make you remember something like this...''
"It's fine, it's fine.'' She waved a dismissive hand. ''Anyway...I was wondering, what do you so what do you think-about what happened in the jail?''
"I've given it a lot of thought and...in the end, I just can't believe the Phantom Thieves would do this.'' That was admittedly a pleasant surprise ''I know, I know, it sounds strange coming from me but I'm trying to look at the facts. What reason would they have to commit such an atrocity? Those deaths certainly won't do them any good. They could've killed any of their previous targets but all they did was try and help them and now we're supposed to believe they were murderers all along? I just don't see it. I've spoken to a number of people who had their hearts changed and all I found was praise and gratitude for their actions. Not that it's a surprise to you, I'm sure-you've been defending them for sometime now.''
"I guess I have. I can understand why this mess has people scared though. It's pretty disturbing.''
"Agreed. It almost seems like...'' Akechi's expression turned pensive for a moment ''...ah, just thinking out loud. At any rate, I intend to get to the bottom of this. Incidents like this-the psychotic breakdowns, the mental shutdowns...they've gone on for far too long.''
Namine and Morgana couldn't agree more. It still sickened them that people took advantage of others' suffering, of their deaths like this. Look how many lives were ruined because of it. It just fueled their determination to stop those behind it once and for all.
"Oh, it's you.''
Startled, the three turned to find Sae walking over. ''I suppose what they were saying at the station is true and Hyakuya-san happens to be your assistant, Akechi-kun?''
"I wouldn't say that.'' The teen returned. ''The case we worked on happened to concern one of her friends and it was much more efficient to have another set of eyes who can go about easily. We're friends, she helped me and I'm teaching her about observation.''
"I see...'' Her expression appeared cold for a moment. ''...you seem to have quite a lot of time. One would think you could have applied it to working on the case.''
He sighed, his tone proving that they had a similar conversation before ''I told you, there's hardly much of anything I can do at this point. I've already looked through the rumors and Hyakuya-san gave me the idea to talk to the others I told you about. They only had good things to say.''
Sae wasn't impressed, refusing to admit that her findings were rather similar on that front. ''Hmph, so you're folding here? Not what one would expect from someone so talented. I suppose that was bound to happen, that's all what such talent would amount to.''
Both teens picked up on the envy and bitterness in her tone. Namine felt bad that they were the cause of such a situation. But at the same time, Sae was going too far, Akechi didn't deserve this. "That's not fair, Nijima-san. He's actually trying to do the right thing. That attitude really wouldn't help you.''
Sae's eyes narrowed ''Don't talk about things you don't understand. The reason he was asked to work with me is this talent of his, well, it's certainly not helping us now. Trying without any results is meaningless, winning is what's important. Nothing else.''
Namine frowned ''Nothing else? Here I thought you understood...so that's why you started hassling Boss over Isshiki-san's research? You really didn't even try to understand what you were getting into. That doesn't excuse you making their lives harder. Boss actually saved Futaba, he's the entire reason she didn't give up on life back then. You could have ruined it all if you went with that lousy threat. The ends don't justify the means. From where I'm standing, you're coming across as nothing but a fool.''
Sae held back a growl ''How dare you...'' Namine glared right back for a few moments before turning to leave, having said her piece.
"...She's right, Sae-san.'' The angry prosecutor turned on Akechi ''Do you even care how much damage you nearly caused in pursuit of your goals? Futaba-chan has severe social anxiety, caused by the family you almost forced her back to. You didn't see just how much damage they inflicted on her. If I'm going to succeed, I intend to do it the right way, so I can look back later and be proud of my work. Those underhanded means only cause more harm to you and everyone else.''
Sae watched him leave for a moment before looking away. Her residual anger faded as she considered their words. Could it be...?
If what they were saying was true...the consequences hadn't really mattered at the time. But now that she was looking back, she couldn't help but ask herself this. Had she really been close to making such a big mistake?
Morgana growled ''I knew she was cold but jeez! She was perfectly fine with possibly ruining their lives just to get ahead in her career? That's terrible!''
Namine was no less displeased "Tell me about it. She has some nerve...''
The girl stopped walking as someone called her name, turning around to find Ohya approaching her. ''I don't think I've seen you ever that mad before, kid. Bad day?''
She exhaled ''You can say that. But what're you doing here? I was half-expecting to find you drinking at Crossroads. Then again everything's been crazy since this mess started.''
"Tell me about it.'' The reporter huffed. ''No time to even try to get properly drunk now.''
The girl gave her a deadpan look while Morgana rolled his eyes. Ohya just chuckled ''Don't judge me, you'll understand when you're older.''
"Yeah, how about never?'' Namine returned bluntly. ''Hey, I heard something about a news statement that just released. Apparently, it had to do with the incident...''
"Oh, yeah that. Shido made a big time speech all about it. He claims that this just proves his words about the Phantom Thieves to be true-you know, how he tried to call people out for having faith in them and all? Now he's trying to convince people that they're nothing but lowly murderers who want to control the country because people worship them-yeah, I know.''
She nodded as Namine's expression became one of distaste. ''It's real dumb, if you ask me but I guess the guy's got a way with words. He's already got people eating out of his palm. You think they're innocent too, right?'' Namine blinked but nodded. ''Same here. It just doesn't add up. They stand nothing to gain by killing all those people, they haven't killed before. Why start now?''
"I hear you. There's even people who think the prisoners deserved nothing better than this...''
"Ugh, yeah.'' Ohya grimaced. ''I heard a couple of those morons talking. Sure, they're criminals but they can at least not talk about them like they're not even human. It makes me sick.''
The reporter carried on after a few moments ''Say, actually...those talks we had got me thinking back. Even about what happened to Kayo, I remembered something she told me...I think it might be a lead.''
Namine perked up ''That's great! So you think it can help you find her?''
"Not sure yet. No matter how I slice it, it's all too fishy. I went to the authorities time and again but those bastards wouldn't even lift a finger. It's like they're convinced it's a done deal and I just can't stand it! Kayo deserves so much better than that. I've really been trying to think outside the box, it's almost like everytime I try, something gets in the way...'' Ohya exhaled. ''...sorry, I'm not even sure where that came from. Then again, you're always so easy to talk to...''
"I get that a lot. Anyway, if you want help with something...'' Namine started.
The latter smiled ''All you gotta do is keep up with our deal...and thanks, kid.''
When Namine went to meet Chihaya after the latter got in touch with her, she was surprised to find that the fortune teller wasn't even at her stand. In fact, she standing near the train station, apparently waiting for her...
"Hello, Namine-chan.'' Chihaya smiled a bit. ''I've been thinking about our meeting and...I've decided it's about time I tell you everything. About Fukurai-san. As well as the real reason why I decided to leave my village...''
The girl had already known she was hiding plenty but she never felt right about pressuring her. She found herself wondering once more just what happened to her older friend.
Chihaya cleared her throat ''I already told you about how it was a small, traditional town tucked away in the mountains, right? Well, when I was young, I predicted a major earthquake. The villagers revered me as a messenger of God...But when I kept predicting disasters, they started blaming me for everything. They said I was cursed, a monster...So I locked myself away. People would still come by to throw stones through the window though...''
Namine's eyes widened ''That's awful. But you were just a kid...''
Chihaya bit her lip ''Things went on like that for some time...until one day, an angry mob came and burned the house down.''
"What?!'' Morgana gawked, they had gone that far?
"That's why I decided to come to Tokyo after graduating high school. I wanted to change my fate...I didn't know anyone but I needed money...so I took the first job I could find at a small night club...I found myself surrounded by dangerous people...''
"Were you okay?'' Namine inquired.
''Yes, I...that's when Fukurai-san approached me. He's a psychic too, you know. He knew from a mere glance that I was a runaway who had just come to Tokyo. Then once I told him why I decided to leave my village, he immediately invited me to join up with the ADP. That was when gave me the moniker of the Maiden of Relief. He told me I possessed a divine power to save other from misforune. That I could become more than the monster people saw me as.'' Chihaya began to smile. ''I...broke the moment he said that. Hahaha...''
She sighed ''Deep down, I knew all along that the Holy Stones didn't have any powers...But I thought I might be able to save people, even though I was a monster...So the truth is, I was only ever selling those Holy Stones for own personal benefit...I'm a terrible person, huh?''
"...You shouldn't have tricked them. But I don't think you're as bad as you make yourself out to be. If anything, the fact that you're trying to make up for all of this says a lot about you. You're definitely redeeming yourself everyday. You are absolutely not a monster, Chihaya-san.''
The girl held back a frown at the blonde's gaze. Was it really such to hear such thing? It was only true. ''I never thought I'd run into someone like you. It's the people who put you through all this that are the real monsters. You're not a monster. You messed up but you're trying to learn, that's great.''
"I...'' Chihaya was lost for words. ''...do you...do you really mean that?''
"Absolutely. You're my friend, Chihaya-san, you're no monster. I think it's brilliant that you have such a gift.'' The girl returned earnestly.
"...You really are a kind person.'' She stood. ''Thanks so much for listening today. You don't know how much your words mean to me. If there's ever anything you need to talk about, I'd be glad to return the favor, Namine-chan.''
The burgundy haired girl smiled back ''You're more than welcome. I'm happy I can help.''
Later, that night-in the attic...
Morgana, Yuri and Itsuki happily listened as Namine sang a bit, simply enjoying the moment for all it was worth. The girl stopped in a minute, hearing the sound of applause then. This brought her attention to Sojiro, who was at the entrance.
"Good going. So what brought this on?'' He looked from his charge to the laptop propped up next to her and back.
It was Yuri who answered ''Itsuki decided to be his 'good old self', I'm afraid.''
"Ah, in other words, impatient, stubborn and hotheaded?''
"Oi!'' Itsuki barked but the others just laughed.
"It's true, dear.'' Yuri patted his shouder ''I do understand where you're coming from. It's been so long since we heard Nami-chan sing after all.''
"Exactly.'' The man grunted. ''We were trying to figure what to do about it too. Anyway, I'm happy for ya, kiddo. Glad you never really gave music up in the end-we know how much it meant to you.''
"...Thanks.'' Namine began to smile, feeling a big guilty. ''Sorry I worried you...''
"It's our job to worry.'' He cut her off. ''I don't think anyone could bounce back from your experiences unscathed. But hey, look at you! You've got every reason to be proud of yourself-just like we're proud of you.''
Morgana couldn't help but nod to that, knowing how much those words meant coming from them.
"Well said.'' Yuri agreed, beaming as their granddaughter smiled. ''I'm counting down the days, you know. We've had to pull a few favors but everything's set. The house should be ready by the time we get here.''
"We've got the piano and everything over too.'' Itsuki put in. ''We'll figure something out for the probation. Guess you're going to be stuck with us, kiddo!'' He added jokingly.
Namine laughed a bit ''Can't wait.''
"Hah, well good luck with that. Namine, remember what I said about living with them? The ground rules?'' Sojiro prompted.
''Oh, you mean like making sure I never ever let Grandpa anywhere near coffee-or food in general come to think of it?''
"Atta girl.'' He nodded, smirking.
Itsuki harrumphed while Yuri gave him a look ''Itsuki, I'll say it again. Your brand of coffee is an insult to coffee everywhere. I can't think of anyone who'd want to drink that slop.''
He gave them the evil eye, Namine decided to try changing the subject ''Ah, love you?''
His lips twitched despite himself before he returned the words in kind. Yuri gave them a fond look before echoing the sentiment. They continued talking for a while longer, trading stories and anecdotes. It was fun time as they enjoyed catching up, making the night a pleasant one.
Well, let's stop here.
In case Namine's reaction seems odd, she still coping with the aftermath of the arrest so she relates to someone like Rena, who also lost almost everything. Akechi has his own reasons(different from canon) for believing the Thieves to be innocent here. Oh and I can't remember if I mentioned this before but if I didn't, Hakuba was going to be the organization's back up plan in case they couldn't get Okumura. Since his shadow was gone the black mask took things into his own hands and well, you see the result. Now people are really beginning to fear the Thieves, with some even assuming that they could be targeted next. I don't know if it's just me but I like to think that even Sae wouldn't brush off Futaba's situation so easily if she knew the whole story. At least that's how I feel.
Since they know how dangerous the anti social force can be, the team is going to be exercising caution. Look what they're up against, underestimating someone like Shido couldn't end well. They're still going to look for info about him to find the Palace key words, it's just a bit of a slow process. I thought I'd have them be smart and sensible about this.
Ohya didn't say it up front but she's thinking of investigating Shido. Here, Kayo told her a little about her investigation before she disappeared and Ohya the pieces together. She's just trying to avoid Namine getting involved in any way. And yes, the burglary incident was covered up by to avoid people asking questions. Except they couldn't pull it off completely so a few people here and there came to learn the gist of it.
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 9)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 6)
Igor (Aeon Rank 6)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 6)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 7)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 8)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 7)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 5)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 6)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 5)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 7)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 3)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 3)