Vangran: Thanks, glad you're enjoying the story. Yeah, I have some events I want see done before Sae's Palace, it's only around a few chapters tops before I start on that part. Truth be told, I wasn't actually planning on adding Miura's Confidant but I liked his character too much not to. As for the third semester...well, it's a surprise.
Morgana hadn't been sure what to think when Ann, Futaba and Yuuki approached Namine for help, all apparently of the opinion that she was their last hope.
This never would've crossed his mind.
"...All that build up for this?'' He hissed at Futaba. ''A maid cafe?''
"Hush, kitty! It's important!''
The whole thing started when Ann heard of a molester who was frequenting this area, hitting on some of the girls every now and then. Two girls Ann frequently woked with during her shoots happened to do part time work here. A couple of the maids were even seen with suspiciously shaped bruises the other day. Trouble was, this person seemed to be so powerful and intimidating that no one wanted to speak against him. Thus, Ann thought of working undercover so they could get the name.
Well, as she found out, that was far, far easier said than done.
Makoto and Haru had opted to try, but they found out that the first could be an even worse actress than Ann at times. Her attempt at portraying a cute maid could only be described as cringeworthy. Haru fared somewhat better, but her lack of everyday knowledge left her woefully unable to handle what the job required.
"Then of course, when it comes to Ann and acting...''
"Say no more.'' Both shared an exasperated glance. Despite Ann's attempts to learn more over time, her acting did leave much to be desired. Thus it was agreed not to let her try, which came with the bonus of avoiding any effects on her reputation, Ann was becoming a rising name after all.
A surprised Yuuki calling out to Ryuji and Yusuke brought their attention to the newly arrived boys. ''Haru and Makoto were busy so I figured we can check in. Any luck?'' The blond prompted.
''We haven't really started-Takamaki-san's getting Namine-san ready. Based on Takamaki-san's info, I think that creep should turn up today but it's hard to...''
Confused at the sudden pause, Ryuji followed his line of sight to Ann, who was leading Namine over. The girl now clad in the cafe's uniform and her hair being held up by a clip but with few strands framing her face. ''...Wow!''
"Right?'' Ann smiled proudly. ''Is she cute or what?''
"Cute nothing-full marks!'' Futaba declared.
"Totally!'' Ryuji gave a thumbs up. ''Mishima would say it too-right after he gets his jaw off the floor.''
The boy spluttered while they laughed. ''Well, appreciate the sentiment, even if this feels awkward...'' Namine smiled sheepishly. ''...I don't know how I'd be at this but I'll give it my best shot.''
"Well then, we should be in good hands.'' Yusuke stated without an ounce of doubt. ''Besides, you certainly have nothing to fear. I must admit, the appeal of the maid thing was lost on me but you once again make for an image of sublime beauty.''
"Oh...'' Her surprise faded as she returned his smile. ''...thanks-for the vote of confidence too.'' She inhaled and exhaled. ''Okay, details. Leave nothing out.''
The group watched from one of the tables as Namine prepared to start, going on to greet a newly arrived customer. "Welcome home! You must be tired, please have a seat.''
Pleased, the young man did so ''Are you new?''
"Yeah-I'm doing my friends a favor...''
"Oh, lucky me...'' He smiled in amusement as Namine faltered a bit, apparently having forgotten where the menus where.
Recovering quickly, the girl handed him one with a sheepish smile ''S-sorry, um, please be patient with me.'' Clearing her throat, she mentally shook herself. ''So what would you like?''
"Oh, she's off to a good start!'' Ann smiled.
"Yeah, the menu thing aside-she's sure bouncing back nicely.'' Yuuki remarked. The customer didn't mind her mistake and the girl readily handled his order. If anything he seemed genuinely charmed by her earnest behavior.
Her experience from Leblanc quickly came in handy. The girl stopped one of the other maids before she started her brew and correcting a couple of steps a lot like Sojiro had done for her. The maid seemed a bit unsure but Namine's clear confidence stayed her tongue. One taste of the new brew not only left her glad she listened but also very much wanting to learn how to make coffee this good ''Nice one, newbie!''
"Hehe, I learned from the best after all.''
''Oooh, not good...'' Futaba winced when Namine messed up drawing on another omelette with ketchup.
"To be fair, that one's on the other maid.'' Ann pointed out. After all the girl had accidentally squeezed the ketchup bottle too hard after another maid's stumble startled her.
Namine apologized quickly, promising to make the customer some juice to make up for it. As it so happened, she recognized a couple of the drinks due to seeing Lala making them before so it was little trouble.
The manager nodded with a growing smile ''Not half-bad, Hyakuya-chan, especially for your first day. Just keep going at this pace, don't get too wound up if you make a mistake, just bounce right back!''
"R-right, I'll do my best.'' She went on to take some orders, proceeding to try fishing for information when everyone was served. ''Ah, excuse me-this might sound odd but do you happen to know...?''
"You were so good!'' Yuuki exclaimed once Namine rejoined them outside the cafe in her normal clothes. ''Was that really your first time doing this?''
"You know it was-besides, you guys saw how much I messed up.''
"But you still bounced back and kept you head in the game, that's our reliable leader.'' Morgana praised.
She gave him a small smile ''Well, I tried a little digging around on the guy. Most of the people I asked didn't know much and the maids were as evasive as Ann said but one of the customers heard a few things. It's just rumors but he seems to turn up on specific days mostly at night and he's really subtle so he knows how to slip by. But he gave me a description-the guy's apparently middle-aged and has a scar on his chin wth dark hair.''
Yuuki frowned ''That's vague...''
"But it's a start!'' Ann reminded. ''We weren't even sure if he had specific timing before, remember? If we just try a little more...which means we're going to need you to take another whack at this, Namine.''
"I figured.'' Hoping to get their answers in one go was likely too much. ''Well, what's one more day? And it's for a good cause...''
"That's the spirit!''
Oracle smiled to herself as she watched the team. Today's excursion to Mementos was mainly intended for training, they were particularly interested in learning a way to apply their powers like Joker did with Arsene. Having figured out how to teleport the others and shift their positions within a certain range, Oracle was working on another way to attack with Necronomicon. She was never going to be a front line fighter and her bombs were handy, but there was always room for improvement. Sage had previously made a suggestion that gave her a good idea but...
"Necronomicon firing lasers would be really cool...'' She mused aloud. ''...only how?''
'Perhaps you are overthinking this.' Her Persona offered. 'Didn't Joker say it earlier? She simply believed that her trick would work and it did. Try building a strong image and centering your cognition.'
The navigator perked up ''I can work with that!''
Noir smiled as a flaming whip surged past her, burning the area it hit ''Good work, Panther.''
''Thanks-it wasn't easy. It's a shame Sage's busy with work, his perspective could've helped. I really don't think I have it down yet but Skull said it was down to focusing, right? Let's see...''
Noir decided to get back to her own training. Thinking of Milady's arsenal gave her a new idea but she wasn't sure it could work. Well, this all depended on their cognition-no need to write the possiblity off yet.
Joker was busy trying to apply one of Justine's theories on another way to use the Song of Harmony. Mona had been keeping an eye out, thus being the first to spot the layer of silvery aura as it surrounded her for a few moments before fading ''You almost had it! I think you're definitely on to something there-this could definitely be a handy ability once you get it under control.''
"Y-yeah...'' Joker had it to hand to Justine. The girl's advice had been what made her really think on how to make the best use of the Song of Harmony, leading to her projecting it from afar. Her new attempt was more of the opposite. She had been working on it for a while but it was proving more complicated than it seemed.
Everything was going well until Oracle detected an odd, alarming reading. Assuming it to be the Reaper, the group was set to leave but they were completely unprepared for what happened next. The moment they were all in the bus, a multitude of black thorns formed a dome around them.
"W-what's going on?!'' Panther cried.
"Mona, what gives?!'' Skull added.
"I-it's like that other time, the distortions...!'' That was as far as he got before they disappeared in a flash of light.
Pluto came out from behind a wall, smirking ''Well, that's that. Let's see what you have in store, human.''
The bus rattled as it was deposited on a new floor, Mona groaning out ''Ugh, that was the worst...everyone okay?!''
"I...think so.'' Queen managed.
"Yes, it was quite startling. Oracle, do you know where we are?'' Fox inquired.
"Whatever that was took us two floors below.'' The quick reply showed that she had been trying to figure it out herself. ''But man, those readings were all over the place. Hey, Mona, you said something about distortions?''
"Yeah, remember when I told you about the time we had to fight the Reaper? The distortions were just as twisted back then.''
The response was rather alarming, especially for those who remembered something else. Oracle wound up being the one to verbalize the realization ''Didn't Circe say something about that fight being some kind of test?''
"Oh, shit-she did. You mean those freaks were there and we didn't even see 'em?'' Skull blanched.
"They could've made just in time to spring that trap. Hard to believe they'd get past Necronomicon's scan so easily.'' Mona pointed out.
Queen nodded ''The scan is what made sure the Shadows couldn't ambush us after all. But what's the point of bringing us here?''
'We're not alone.' Flora stated. 'There are two others here.'
Oracle made a questioning noise ''Hold up, Flora-you can scan too?''
'No, I believe I'm simply picking up on the energy around us. The Shadows aside, I sense one human and...' A pause. '...that's...that's odd. What on earth...?'
Joker noted the sudden change in tone ''What's up?''
'I never sensed anything like...no, never mind that now-one of the presences that stood out is that boy, the one who accompanied you when you saved me.'
"Wait, Crow's here?'' Oracle focused. ''Oh-I got a read. He's actually fighting pretty close-wonder if he's still working on that investigation. What do you guys wanna do? Part of me thinks we should leave but another thinks we should look into this.''
Queen thought it over ''It's risky, I can't see them just bringing us here without cause. Hmm...''
"Before we decide anything-Oracle, can you do a full scan?'' Joker inquired.
"On it!'' Getting off the bus, she summoned Necronomicon. ''Oh...now it makes sense. I saw a set up like this when we fought Mona's doppelganger. I didn't get it back then but that place was set up to stop us from leaving until we beat that monster. It's the same way here, we have to beat the Shadow connected to the distortions on this floor.''
"Do you know where it is?'' Noir clarified.
''Mmhm, I already got a read-it's on the move but I think we can tail it. Flora-how about you check if your energy sense thing could help?''
'Certainly.'
Queen spoke moments later ''I've been thinking about this for a while. How much does Crow really know about Mementos?''
"Probably more than us if he's got a year of experience-good luck trying to get anything out of him though.'' Skull pointed out.
"Well, I think we should try.'' was the response. ''We've already established that the Black Mask is connected to the organization-what if Crow knows something about that too? If we came across some of their affiliates already, there's a chance he did too.''
"That's a good point, I'm actually really curious about how he came to discover his potential in the first place...'' Mona trailed off. ''...oh! This way!''
It didn't take them long to find the teen, who was clearly taken aback to see them. He had discovered the set up too and was trying to do something about it, but unlike them he didn't know what to do.
"All of this is tied to a Shadow?''
"Yup, it's like the focal point of all these distortions. We get rid of it and this whole trouble's gone.'' Mona confirmed.
He arched an eye ''You sound awfully certain for such an oddity...''
''That was actually my next point...Crow, how did you get your powers?''
The teen frowned in confusion ''Why on earth would you ask that now?''
He listened with surprise and growing intrigue as the group explained about the battle against E. Mona. ''...looking back, I did hear a rather strange voice, but I never found the source. I didn't know anything about Mementos so I stumbled across many Shadows-my awakening saved my life. I haven't really given it that much thought in the midst of all what happened. I see what you're getting at though. There's still much we don't know about the Metaverse and it does seem like this mastermind could be in Mementos. From that thing's tone, chances are its master isn't human.''
"That's about what we figured too.'' Mona returned. ''Which is another reason we want to get to the bottom of this. He might be connected to all the mysteries around this world and even to what's been happening to it. What if the Black Mask knows about this?''
Crow tensed ''...I can't deny the possiblity. And...it might actually explain...''
"Oh? You figure something out?'' Oracle wondered.
"It's only speculation-no need to delve into this now.''
"Typical...'' Skull muttered. Likewise, none of the others were surprised. They understood what Crow was getting at but at the same time, this evasive behavior was a bit irritating.
"By the way, Joker, did you find out anything about that strange spirit?'' The brunet wondered.
Panther spoke up first ''Ah-ah, hold on. I, for one, think we've done enough sharing. Your turn.'' Crow looked startled. ''You heard me-it's about time you share what you know.''
"That's right.'' Queen crossed her arms. ''You're pursuing someone for your own goals and it's so important that you're willing to interrogate so many Shadow for information. But that's all we know-for one thing, what do you know about the Black Mask?''
"You can't be seriously planning to fight him?! That monster's too strong, you can't...''
"You don't get to tell us what to do!'' Oracle fired up. ''That bastard...''
Only Joker's hand on her shoulder stopped her going any further, the girl realizing she almost revealed something about her identity. ''If he's anything like you say, I don't think we're going to have a choice.'' Joker put in. ''We have our reasons for fighting. Odds are we could cross paths with him and we don't even know how much he's learned about us. He probably knows more about the Metaverse than all of us put together, the least we can do is prepare ourselves.''
The former was silent at this, acknowledging the point. He would've done the same if he was in their shoes.
"I knew this wouldn't work, getting info out of him is like pulling teeth. No wait-pulling the teeth would probably be easier.'' Skull amended.
Crow looked at him sharply ''It's all well for you to talk, have you considered that I have my reasons?''
"Does being selfish count?'' Mona shot back. ''It's not like we're demanding something like your identity-knowing about your experiences here could help us.''
Seeing Crow bristle, Noir chose to intervene. Frankly, she was beginning to understand her friends' annoyance but...''Come on, let's not fight. We don't have time for this.''
"Indeed, we're in quite the predicament as it were. Oracle, any luck?'' Fox inquired.
"Flora?'' Joker added.
Both replied negatively but then Arsene spoke 'What troubles you? Is it this other source you mentioned?'
'Well, yes. It's...quite peculiar. Whoever it is should be here and yet their presence seems faint...' Flora sounded baffled. '...I'm almost certain that they are a Persona User but there's something very strange...'
Joker was deep in thought ''...Crow, do you happen to know if the Black Mask has a way to conceal their presence?''
'Good observation, mon coeur. It's certainly possible.' Arsene mused.
"Yeah, sort of like Mona's Stealthinol...'' Panther nodded, they'd rarely used the smoke but it was quite handy ''...if he's been using his powers for this long...''
"He could've found a way to do it.'' Mona concurred, it went unsaid that such a power would be very fitting for an assassin.
"It's...actually, that would explain a few of his comments.'' Crow reconsidered.
"And just how long have you been dealing with him?'' Queen demanded, elicting annoyance.
''I told you, he was the first person I met after awakening my power. I didn't know better than to trust him back then and he stabbed me in the back. He pretended to help me when all he ever does is in his own self-interest.''
This made Queen wonder to herself how the incidents benefited the man only for Johanna to remind her of Okumura's mention that the criminal saw it all as business.
"Was that so hard?'' Oracle harrumphed. ''How does he fight anyway? What kind of Persona does he have?''
Crow began to describe how he was good with a few weapons when Mona suddenly alerted them to the presence of enemies...
"So you're Nijima, huh?'' Ohya had heard of the woman, due to recent events but she certainly hadn't been expecting her to request a meeting at her workplace. ''What do you want with little old me?''
"I hear you're among the best sources for information about the Phantom Thieves. It seems that even now, you remain adamant on posting good news about them.''
"Is that what you call it? I just make it a point to rely on the truth.'' She countered. ''You think you're the first person to call me out on not connecting them with that prison fiasco? All of that is just speculation and guesswork, I want my articles to have proven facts.''
To think, months ago-she wouldn't have even cared so long as she filled her quota. But now, her old passion for journalism was making a comeback and it made her happier than she had been in a long time. It reminded her of the reasons she wanted to pursue journalism, like the spark she'd thought long lost with her job had finally returned. She knew who was to thank for that.
Sae pursed her lips ''Another fan, I see-then just who do you suppose caused those deaths?''
"You tell me, isn't it the police's job to find out?'' Ohya held back a smirk at her obvious annoyance. ''I just can't see why they'd pull that kind of thing. You and your people might be happy to see them that way but it doesn't make sense. I don't have to be a fan to see that you're just sore that they're making you look bad.'' She crossed her arms ''I had help getting some sense knocked into me so here we are. How about you let go of that stinking pride of yours and look at the facts? What would it have been like without the Phantom Thieves? Who knows how much damage that slimeball rapist and his fat buddy of an enabler could've caused. From my understanding, some in the police are still trying to make up for all what Madarame caused and the only reason that shit was blown open was because one of his former students asked them for help. I actually did try to look into it before, no one would say anything and now I'm wondering how many were scared stiff of Madarame. Heck, the police knew about Kaneshiro and they did nothing. Every time, the victims were left powerless, they felt so worthless that all they could do was bow under the pressure. And that's just the ones who managed to put up with it-would you have been able to ask for help if you were raped? If you were kicked down so thoroughly that you had nothing left?''
Sae couldn't respond and she hated that. Especially because this aligned with a lot of what the thieves' targets told her.
"People died because of Kaneshiro and yet nothing happened until the Phantom Thieves were involved. Hell, they're even taking his accomplices down.'' She carried on. ''I have no idea if they were behind the situations with Medjed and Okumura Foods but if they were? I say good for them. Some of the people who endured all that crap from Okumura Foods are still in the hospital-they're only now getting closure since the president's getting off his ass to actually do something. That's not even accounting for the people they helped through the Phan-Site. The law isn't perfect and life isn't so black and white. The faster idiots like you get a reality check the better for all of us. You find me one bit of proof that they were behind the prison and I might believe you.''
That was just it. There wasn't any-but both of them knew that.
The resulting silence allowed Sae to bring up a thought that had been niggling at her ''...You seem to have known of me before. Have I done something to anger you?''
Ohya's scowl confirmed the answer to be yes ''...Namine. Does that ring a bell?'' Sae blinked. ''That kid's worth twenty of the both of us. Talk shit about her again and I'll kick your ass.''
The journalist left, her piece said-making a point of slamming the door in Sae's face.
Joker tensed as she heard Flora's warning of danger up ahead. Likewise, Mona picked up on a gathering of Shadows as Oracle called for everyone to brace themselves.
Arriving in a spacious area, their path was immediately blocked by black veins as the Shadows surrounded them. There were a number of demonic Shadows like Chronozon and Nue as well a few others like Lilim, Decarabia and Succubus, all led by a large Cerberus.
"Talk about landing right in the middle of hell...'' Oracle mumbled. ''...that Cerberus is the one we need to beat but careful, it's way, way tough!''
Skull wanted to tell her that the warning wasn't even necessary only to duck from said Shadow's fire magic. Oracle quickly rode in Necronomicon to begin analysis while the rest began to fight.
Queen kicked a Shadow, making him stumble while Skull destroyed it wih a strike to the head. Hecate's fire pillars burned a few of the Shadows while Arsene tossed Joker's dagger, soaring with Milady's bullets to strike more enemies. Mona and Mercuirus zipped around the flying enemies, providing a distraction for Fox and Goemon to strike them down. Arsene's Mistral Soul combined with Goemon's ice magic for greater range, with their respective partners gunning down any enemies which avoided the attack.
Robin Hood blasted the enemies closest to Crow with Megidola, the teen taking a moment to marvel at the PTs progress. It hadn't been that long since he last fought with them but their progress had improved with leaps and bounds. One covered for the other's weakness, even amplifying each other's attacks when possible and tanking attacks that could've hurt their partners. What they lacked in experience, they more than made up for in tactics and teamwork.
He...actually envied that...
Oracle provided them with a boost of strength and the Cerberus let out a howl, unleashing Maragidyne. Skull pushed Fox out of the way as he wasn't able to dodge in time, Seiten Taisei's improved resistance to fire enabling him to avoid the worst of it. Nodding in thanks, the artist went on to use Masukukaja. Once Oracle alerted him of Cerberus being weak to ice, he swiftly had Goemon unleash his strongest Bufudyne.
However, the Shadow seemingly brushed it off, much to their bewilderment.
"What in the world? I know we didn't miss-!''
"You didn't.''' Mona nodded to the artist ''I think it's some sort of ability. We've seen it before, some Shadows have some unusual ones even if they are passsive. It can't work all the time though.'' Mona stated.
"Indeed, no matter then. We shall not fall here.''
"You said it!''
They were well on their way thinning the enemy hoards when it happened.
Robin Hood used Debilitate on the Cerberus just as it pounced, forcing them back. It quickly became cleear that its attention was entirely on Joker and Crow, pushing them closer and closer towards the field of thorns. Mona hurried over to help, Mercurius trying to distract the Shadow to give the two teens room. However, the next thing they knew, the thorns suddenly expanded-forming a field that trapped them.
Faint red light seeped in but they could barely make each other's silhouettes. An omnious chuckle resounded around them, making them look around for the source but it seemed to be only them there.
Mona looked frustrated, trying to hack at the thorns ''Are they just messing with us?''
'...I wouldn't say so. Look closer.'
Blinking at Mercurius' words, he turned back to find that Crow had frozen, his tone furious. To think they were just talking about this bastard! ''You!''
"Me.'' The voice chuckled. ''It's been a long time, hasn't it, boy? How goes your search?''
Crow acted as if he hadn't even spoken, raring to make him suffer ''Where are you, you bastard?! Show yourself! You won't get away from me!''
Another laugh ''Do you honestly think I need to? Now who taught you what you know? I just thought I'd have a little fun wiith you kids, but if you need a reminder of my power...''
A set of eerie glowing eyes and a smile, sending a chill up their spines. Then a Megido spell that nearly sent Crow to the ground. Laughter resounded once again, aggravating Crow further as he tried to attack in the spell's direction only to be hampered by the thrones. Another Megido targeted him, immediately halted by the Song of Harmony. The shield held firm even against a third spell, Joker frowning at Crow ''What're you doing? Don't play his games-he just wants to get to you!''
Arsene attacked the thorns a moment later, reinforcing the opening already made by the almighty spells. Mona summoned Mercurius to help but it wasn't enough to let them escape. Both were startled by the glow of almighty magic before a more powerful spell blew them back, only their Personas catching them ensured that they wouldn't hit the thorns. Crow tried to attack in the direction of the spell but nothing happened, his rising aggravation made him ignore that, however and he continued to try. He almost missed the beam forming outside and would've been surely hit had Joker not spotted in time, the veil of silver protecting him. But she wasn't prepared for another almighty spell moments later, forcibly breaking through her shield.
"Joker!'' Mona ran to help as the girl tried to pull herself up.
Her friend's healing magic provided some much needed relief, allowing her next action. Arsene provided her a boost with curse magic as she readied her gun, firing a number of shots before charging up another, all of which collided to destroy their prison.
"Nice!''
The eerie voice sounded amused ''Interesting, little girl. Perhaps I did understimate you...''
Mona tried to find him, only hearing the sound of footsteps hurrying away. The sound of an engine brought his attention back to the surroundings, making him see Johanna as Queen activated Zero Dissolver, the powerful nuclear attack decimating her targets. His eyes widened in alarm as Joker fell to a knee ''You all right?!''
A pair of enemies made to attack her, only to be stopped by Goemon's Heat Wave. Weary as she was, the girl managed to thank the Persona who bowed in return. Just then, she, Mona and Crow felt some vitality return to them.
"Guys!'' Oracle flew over in Necronomicon as Fox arrived moments later. ''What just happened? We saw that creepy specter thing and you all just...''
" ...I think we just had our first run in with the Black Mask.''
The two cried out in shock, Oracle managing to her voice after a couple of atempts ''Y-you saw him?''
"Let's talk about this later. Here, Joker.'' Mona offered their leader some medicine before looking back at Crow. ''You practically lost it there. Whatever your problem is, either get your head in the game or stay out of our way.''
With that, the four headed back into the battle. Crow knew the cat was right, he just went off half-cocked when he should have been helping them escape. What had he been thinking?
It wasn't long before they managed to beat the rest of the enemies. The Cerberus was the hardest challenge, its defeat aided by them taking advantage of its weakness to ice magic with Byakko and Goemon. As they suspected, whatever invulnerability it had earlier was long gone, their persistence and teamwork lending them what they needed to end the battle.
Now understandably weary, the group took the chance to leave and rest at the entrance...
Queen pursed her lips as Mona and Joker recounted what happened on their end ''He certainly seems formidable. But it's like he wasn't taking any of that seriously...''
"You can say that again.'' Mona groused. ''The way he was talking-I wouldn't be surprised if he had to do with that whole mess.''
The girl agreed, Skull grimacing ''Yeah, it's like he was doing it all for shits and giggles.''
Crow thought that was a fair assessment. The Black Mask had been angling to get a rise out of him. It worked, much to his everlasting shame.
"Hey, where you going?''
He didn't even look at Skull ''I'm leaving, not much else for me to do. Shouldn't you be too?''
"We'll be fine.'' Joker cut the boy before he could respond. Nodding tersely, Crow went to their far left, using the Nav.
Oracle made an annoyed sound ''There he goes again-yeah, getting info out of him was never going to work.''
"I'll say, a part of me wants to follow him out to see if we can catch him in the real world but...''
"It's not worth it. Whether or not we met him, it still gives him an advantage and I won't let any of you put yourselves at risk.'' Panther nodded at Joker. The leader of the Phantom Thieves didn't necessarily think Crow was an enemy but Queen was right, they didn't know enough about him to be sure where he stood.
"Well, we definitely did get answers-the man is even more dangerous than it seemed.'' Fox mused.
"No kidding-wait until Sage hears of this, he'll flip...'' Oracle trailed off.
The following day...
Takuto had indeed been very alarmed to learn of what transpired, making a point of checking in on the whole team. While he was very apologetic due to his inability to come, he made it very clear that he was coming next time.
Morgana yawned, barely even noting the street they crossed ''Hard to believe we slept so much, good thing you guys don't have school today.''
"Yeah, that would've been awful...'' Namine definitely didn't think she had it in her to deal with that.
"So, what's with the bag?''
"Ah, this?'' She glanced at the item. ''Let's just say it's a little present.''
Miwa blinked as the door knocked, calling to come in. Her face lit up ''Onee-chan!''
Smiling back, Namine walked in and closed the door ''Hey, kiddo-you're looking better.''
A laugh ''I feel lots better! I can leave the hospital after so long thanks to Sensei's medicine...they said it'd be a while though.''
"Ahh, bored again?''
"No...'' Miwa deflated. ''...a little? I can find fun stuff to do but getting stuck in bed is...well, Mommy called it going...'' She blinked. ''...I forgot.''
"Stir-crazy?'' The girl nodded quickly. ''Figures, I know how dull staying in a hospital can be. But I came prepared...'' She proceeded to take out a couple of books, a few coloring books, a box of colored pencils as well as DVDs from her bag.
Miwa's eyes were bright ''That's all for me? Thanks, it's amazing!''
Namine proceeded to sort through them ''I did take a few guesses on what you might like so save that until you...'' The girl couldn't help laughing as Miwa hugged her with a happy squeal, admittedly pleased with the reaction.
She began surveying her gifts, her joy not abating one bit. It wasn't long before she grabbed her DVD and asked Namine to watch with her. Takemi came by a short while later, noticing the two chattering away. Smiling to herself, the doctor opted to leave them be.
The girls gathered at Haru's place, joined by Shiho and so far it was a blast. ''Things are sure looking up-I don't think I've seen Haru being so open with everyone but it's like practically all the staff was totally happy to see her.''
"Yup, it was like that back when me and Shiho stopped at the office building the other day." Namine chipped in, the three smiling at the flustered girl. ''She's a real hit with everyone.''
"T-that's because you took me to talk to them the other day, Nami-chan...''
"Yeah, but you're the one who kept it going from there.'' The girl recalled the day they went to visit the company together weeks ago. ''It wouldn't have worked if you hadn't proved to them how much you care.''
"Just take the praise, Haru. You deserve it and more.'' Makoto added, earning a quick nod from Futaba.
"You must be quite a refreshing change from the people they're used to dealing with. You said you have a lot to learn but it looks like you're doing pretty well.'' Hifumi chipped in.
"I'd hope so but...'' Haru was distracted when the door opened, showing her father at the door.
The present thieves were admittedly surprised, they hadn't really seen Okumura since the change of heart but he really had come a long way. He had not only welcomed them but he was clearly grateful that they were Haru's friends and even went out of his way to have the chef prepare something special for the sleepover. The more they thought it over, the more they saw how he was kind as Haru told them before.
"That was real nice!'' Futaba bounced on the couch. ''I know you told us before but seeing it is something else. I mean, you know-when it comes to adults...''
Haru nodded ''I understand your apprehension. I don't think any of us have much reason to trust them.''
"Yeah, having people like Boss, Takuto-sensei and Namine's grandparents is a nice reminder than they can be really good too. Looks like we can add Haru's dad to the list.'' Ann stated.
"Oh, now that you mention it, your grandparents are coming soon, right?'' Shiho asked Namine. ''You told us so much about them, I'm really looking forward to meeting them.''
''Yup, they want to get to know you all too.''
"Sooo, what now anyway? Ann said she had some plan but...'' Futaba recalled.
The model grinned ''Glad you asked-I'm going to give you the full experience.''
"Uhh, that look in your eye is kinda scary...''
"Uh-oh, you might want to run for the hills, Futaba. You just set her off.'' Shiho grinned.
The hacker gulped, looking ready to do just that to the others' amusement. Ann proved the warning to be accurate as she quickly grabbed her make-up kit and frogmarched Futaba to the bathroom.
Hifumi blinked twice ''That was...fast.''
"How does Ann pull that off so easily when it took me so long to convince Futaba to eat less junk food?'' Makoto huffed in annoyance while Shiho was giggling.
Namine spared Haru a grin ''Well, this looks like a novel experience in more ways than one.''
The latter happily agreed ''While we wait, what does everyone want to do?''
Namine was telling Haru about the visit to Miwa ''She sounds so sweet! I think you have the right idea-Futaba-chan would be perfect to introduce her to some of those anime. I'm almost positive I heard her mention some of them before.''
"Yeah, that's pretty much what made I figured. Now I just hope Futaba doesn't scare her or anything.'' Haru's confused expression prompted her to explain. ''Remember what she was like when she decided to teach you and Yusuke about her favorite games?''
"Oh...oh, dear. I see what you mean.'' Haru found that she could picture that far too easily. The girl had been adamant that they were deprived and decided that she simply had to fix that. Calling the experience intense was an understatement...
Thankfully, it lasted for about half an hour until Morgana and Ann found out but it just drove home how passionate the hacker could be at times. ''Well, she knows better now. Maybe she'd understand if we explain the extent of Miwa-chan's situation, it can be another way to push Futaba-chan's training forward.''
Namine agreed, figuring that it made sense. ''Oh hey, come to think of it-what was Ann talking about back there? Something about a game you guys were trying when Makoto and I came?''
"Ah, that was Ann's idea. She heard about it from one of her model colleagues. It's essentially a game about secrets-we'd all gather some sweets or snacks and whoever doesn't want to share has to sacrifice some.''
"So truth and dare with a reward system? How'd that work out?''
"...Well, let's just say you all were right about Futaba-chan's behavior during the sleepover. She was quite vexed to lose all her stash so fast.''
Namine snorted ''I'll bet. You realize I'm absolutely going to tease her about this, right?''
She giggled ''I wouldn't expect anything less.''
"So what kind of secrets were we talking about here?''
"Oh, nothing too big. For example, I shared one of my childhood fantasies about heroes. The game was a little unnerving but it turned out to be fun.'' Haru smiled.
'It's quite tame, my princess.' Milady put in. 'Which is admittedly odd, imagine what a few well placed secrets could do in the right time. Such a game has...interesting potential.'
The implication wasn't lost on the duo, Namine had to comment ''...Milady, you're kinda scary sometimes.''
'Why, thank you.'
Haru looked amused ''Why don't we try? What's the first secret that comes to mind for you?''
"I guess it'd have to be that...I was so lost after that night...Honestly my whole plan was just to get through the probation somehow and ask that they don't send me back there again. I don't regret becoming a thief but I never expected to find anyone who'd care for me here.''
"What?!'' Haru blanched as realization struck. ''Wait a minute! So when you insisted that we helped you far more than we realized...you really meant...''
"I never expected to find friends.'' The girl affirmed. ''I didn't even know what I should do once I came here-I was just going throught the motions for a while. Seeing what Kamoshida was really like made me so sick and mad that I decided to do something about it-I never would've expected all what came after that.''
"Nami-chan, that's horrible!''
An awkward laugh ''Yeah, I know-my faith in people...''
"No!'' Haru cut in ''Having your faith shaken after all what happened is understandable-I meant that you really never believed you'd find friendship again...'' She hugged the girl. ''...I'm so sorry...''
"H-hey, come on-you shouldn't apologize for that. It is what it is.'' Alarmed, Namine patted Haru's back. She really wished she had given this more thought. ''I'm happy with the way things are now.''
Haru knew she was trying but this wasn't helping. She never thought that this was what it was like for her. That she had been so hurt that she never believed she deserved friends again...the matter of fact way she said that made it worse.
"Ahhhh, sorry for bringing down the mood.'' She added. ''Come on, it's no big deal. That was just the way...'' Her eyes happened to catch a figure passing the hall. ''...wow, Futaba!''
Confused, the heiress followed her line of sight to find the disgruntled girl, immediately understanding the former's surprise.
''...Just say it, I look dumb.''
"What? I just never pictured you with make up before but that's really nice!'' Ann had really outdone herself. The make up was subtle but it high-lighted the other girl's features.
A bit doubtful, Futaba turned to Haru, who was trying to shake herself out of her reverie ''Really, it suits you!''
"If you both say so...do girls really put on all this stuff everyday? It's too much!''
"Well, it's not for everyone but it couldn't have been that bad, right?''
"Have you seen Ann's make up kit?''
Haru found her mood elevating as the two brought her into their conversation. She didn't think she had done nearly as much the other girl believed but this made her resolve to do something about that. She would be the best friend Namine deserved.
Well, let's stop here.
Hope this was good, I've been struggling with motivation for a while. I don't like leaving stories unfinished if I can help it so I tried my best.
Ohya knows about the talk with Sae near Takuto's office from Lala, who Namine told when they discussed Sae before and they're not happy about it. I originally planned to show more of Namine's feelings closer to Shido's arc because he was the palace ruler whose actions affected her the most but I figure that's too long so I sprinkle bits here and there. Namine really wasn't even prepared to make any friends, standing up against Kamoshida was just in her nature. She had every intention of laying low and hopefully avoiding her old home once the probation ended until events took things out of her control. But this is also why friendship means a lot to her and why she cherishes her new bonds so much.
Circe and Pluto are just helping the Black Mask to see what he can do, their opinions on humans are pretty much the same as their boss. For the record, Flora doesn't know it yet but she picked up on something peculiar about the Black Mask. Which is also the reason Circe and Pluto are keeping an eye on him as they want to know what it means. The PTs are right to be careful because one of his Persona's abilities does let him conceal his presence-only for a short time but it helps if he uses it right.
The Black Mask was there when Loki awakened so he knows bits about Crow's past (not who he is because he came upon Crow in the midst of the awakening-but he has suspicions) and that he wants revenge on someone powerful. A certain incident made Crow figure out what kind of person he really is so he cut all ties with him, even staying out of the Metaverse for a long time. A combination of being unable to let go of his desire for revenge as well as the PTs actions made him come back. Oh, I should clarify, he awoke to Robin Hood before Loki. Loki's awakening is when the guy found him. The team doesn't know what to think of Crow most of the time and normally they wouldn't share as much as they did had the circumstances been any different. Like when Namine was trying to reach out to Hijiri, since they don't trust him, neither does Flora.
I wanted to show a bit of the effects of the change on Okumura. He really is changing for the better. He knows he has a lot to make up for, so he's focusing on Haru and Okumura Foods now, while listening to the Phantom Thieves by keeping his connection to the ASF and pretending nothing happened.
Thanks for reading and I hopee you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 8)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank Max)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 7)
Igor (Aeon Rank 6)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 8)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieve (Fool Rank 7)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 8)
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 Muneshisa (Hanged Man Rank 4)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Konno Fujitaka and Asuka (Passion Rank 3)
Miura Taiki (Apostle Rank 2)