Chapter 10 / Soul of a Painter
Thursday / May 19th, 2016 / Madarame's Palace - Central Garden / After School
Ichihara Tadashi
"I absolutely hate sitting here and waiting," I groaned as I stood staring at the red laser field that was in our way. The passive double door was closed with an odd peacock like design on the door… and it had blue and clouds moving its background. Vibrant to be sure, but it was annoying as fuck to see for some reason.
"She was sayin' stuff like 'I'll just seduce him with my acting,' but that sounds outta her league," Ryuji commented and shook his head. "Plus we ain't got one sign this place is gonna open. Isn't Madarame comin' home soon?"
"That's the point. Madarame has to see it open to begin with. All we can do is sit here and wait. We all agreed this was the best plan. If we were to leave we could miss our chance," I say as I started pacing back and forth. Just because I agreed it was likely the most effective plan, it didn't mean I fucking liked it. I swear if Ann is so much as touched in any way that she doesn't approve of...
"Yeah but how is Madarame going to see it? It just seems like there is too much left to chance," Ryuji was nervous, I didn't blame him. "And then even if they do show it open, any normal person would just close it right up again."
"Weren't you the one that was behind this plan to begin with? I was the one against it," I shook my head. "Have some faith will you? Ann and Morgana know how pivotal it is to do this. And part of that plan is us being here so that it can't close again. Even if we only have a few seconds we have to get in there. So just be ready to move the moment it all goes down."
"Yeah I got it. Sorry, I just don't know what to do while we wait," Ryuji is bouncing up and down as he is trying to stay loose. "Oh, yeah, test results are being posted tomorrow. What about that wager with the Prez? You sure aim big don't you?"
"I'm not aiming for anything," I shrugged. "I'm not even sure why I spend time with her. No, scratch that, I do know why I do. I just have no idea why she agrees to spend time with me."
"How'd you first meet up with her anyway?" Ryuji asked, which was a good place to start, I suppose.
"Coincidence really," I thought back to it. It hadn't been long ago at all. "I went to the library to check out a book, and I ended up sitting next to her. I noticed she was having a problem with a question she was on and I happened to know the answer. We started talking for a bit, which got me a lot of scornful looks from the other students."
"I hear she is pretty popular but they also say she's the Principal's golden girl," Ryuji told me. "So people like to admire her but keep their distance."
I had heard something along those lines from the people who were watching Makoto study. I just saw them as a bunch of creeps though, "She doesn't seem that way to me, the Principal's golden girl, I mean. Seems like she is under a lot of pressure. She wouldn't say it but I don't think she's happy, though I don't know why exactly." That is probably way too vague to make much sense.
"That whole thing on the roof was weird, that's for sure," Ryuji commented. "I doubt she would waste time on us normally."
"Not for something so trivial as being on the roof," I agreed. What I found out that time was that Makoto was being pressured by someone, and she had gone out of her way to warn me that it wasn't a one time thing. She would be looking much closer at my day to day life. She wasn't comfortable with it but also wouldn't fight against it. Maybe it was complicated? I really don't want to fucking have anything more problematic come from it. I thought that Makoto would be way far removed from all of this bullshit.
"So what do you think of her then?" Ryuji asked. A fair question considering the subject.
"She's smart. And I don't mean she's like a walking encyclopedia, I mean she is observant and incredibly aware. That's what I got from my encounters with her. At the same time she seems innocent in some aspects of life. It's probably why I'm so interested in her. I want to know what it is that makes her so driven and also why she just seems so stressed all the time," I found myself discovering quite a bit about my own feelings by having this conversation. "I'm kinda worried about her to be honest."
"I can tell," Ryuji chuckled a bit. "Well, more power to ya, man. I think..." He stops as we both notice the fence fizzle for a second.
Suddenly, the door opened and the red electrical fence was gone.
"It's off!" Ryuji grinned.
"Let's move, no time to waste," I took off towards the open door and moved inside. As we ran, we could see a guard straight ahead. I did a quick scan but I didn't break pace. There wasn't any other way. "We're rushing in. We'll blitz him before he can call for backup."
"Got it, I'm right behind you!" Ryuji was next to me.
"Stop right there!" The security guard was adorned in red but not for long as he burst into his true form. And it… was something. What the fuck is it? It had yellow arms and legs but had brown stripes… his main body was brown but his head had a white mane and his face was black as coal. Pick a fucking color and stick with it, Jesus... "How did you get past the security systems? No matter, you won't go any further. You are trespassing on Lord Madarame's territory."
"Heh, you guys ain't got nothin' on us," Ryuji brought up his metal pipe.
"You're in our way," I glared at him. "We don't have time for you." I settled on the Persona I wanted. "Hua Po!" The fire attack slammed against the Shadow and sent it spiraling to the ground. I blinked. Good guess I imagine. Good thing I had set up Persona's to compensate for Morgana and Ann being gone. "C'mon, Skull!"
"You got it!" Ryuji and I charged right in, managing to deal some real damage to the Shadow but it wasn't enough. We quickly jumped back.
"Watch it!" I called out as the Shadow sent out a dark wave of energy, magic. It was a curse move just like the type of attack that Arsène uses except it hits both Ryuji and I. We grit our teeth and bear the attack. He'd have to hit a lot harder than that to get to us.
"Captain Kidd!" Ryuji pulled off his mask as his Persona appeared and hit the Shadow with a massive force.
"Agi!" I summon Hua Po again and the fire attack throws the Shadow off its feet.
"Oh yeah!" Ryuji and I rush back in and this time we cause the Shadow to disappear as we pummel it into submission. "Nice!" We put our weapons away.
I quickly surveyed the area and noticed a room to our left, "There! That has to be the security room." I rush over with Ryuji in tow. As we come up to the door I slam my fist on the button next to the door and it slides open. We rush in and notice monitors with security camera footage going. Still without anyone actually watching it, it was pointless. Only one of the computers was on and so I leaped over the desk to it and put my hands to the keyboard. It was a command entry type OS. Not many options. I pull up the list of commands and find the one for security. I type it in and then the laptop processes the command.
[Terminal] Disengaging security protocol... Security disengaged.
"Sweet! Now the lasers in the courtyard should be off for good," Ryuji and I did a brief high five. "Mission complete! C'mon, let's get outta here."
I couldn't agree more, "Let's head back to the safe room. We can head back to the entrance from there."
We didn't waste any time and rushed out of the security room. We could hear commotion coming from further on but we ignored it and headed back to the Central Garden. Thankfully there was nothing to get in our way. When we stepped out to the once impossible to cross garden, we found it was still shut off. We couldn't call this a complete success until after we met back up with Ann and Morgana though. So we kept moving but stopped when we came to the entrance of the Central Garden. We looked back, it didn't seem like the security was coming out here. I guess it makes sense. The cognition must have changed now. The interior of it must have had its security increased based on whatever Ann and Morgana had done.
"I hope those two managed to get away," Ryuji said, taking a moment to catch his breath. I could wait for a moment. Ryuji was still conditioning himself back into shape. I had been training with him after all. Apparently that injury he got from Kamoshida had been a while ago, but since the Track team was no more he hadn't been trying to get his old strength back. Now he had reason to, but it wasn't something that happened over night.
"I'm sure they'll be-" My voice was cut off by another person above us.
"Nooooooo!" That was Ann.
Then Ryuji and I are shocked when suddenly landing in front of us is Kitagawa and Ann. Somehow Kitagawa was holding Ann in a Princess carry and landing on his feet, but not before Morgana came crashing down and landed on his head and knocked them over.
"Aaagh...! Owwwwww!" Morgana calls out as he rolls over before stumbling to his feet.
"I thought I was gonna die!" Ann then glared at Kitagawa. "Hey! Will you let go already!" Ann shoved him away and I quickly moved over to Ann's side and knelt down next to her.
"Are you okay?" I asked and she took a moment before looking into my eyes. "Panther, did something-"
She shook her head, "It's a long story, but I'm okay. Nothing mentally scarring, I promise. I'll tell you all about it later."
I felt myself relax a bit as she said this, "Yeah, one thing at a time." I offered her my hand. She took it and I pulled her up to her feet. I looked over to Morgana. "Looks like it all worked out for now."
"Yeah, it was a bit touch and go for a bit," Morgana admitted.
"Who are you all?" Kitagawa stumbled back after taking in our appearances. Of course, with the masks it would be hard to tell who we are.
"Calm down, Kitagawa-kun. It's me," Ann assured him.
His eyes were puzzled, "Takamaki-san? That means you two are. I don't recall ever seeing this cat costume before though..."
"You pick the oddest things to get caught up on," I scratched my head.
"What is this place?" Kitagawa asks but holds his head.
"We're inside Madarame's heart," Ann gives a simple explanation.
"Inside... Sensei's heart?" Kitagawa gets to his feet. He shook his head, "I'm sorry, Takamaki-san. But are you sure you're feeling OK?"
"Look around you genius," I said pointing towards the large door we had opened… and the strange glowing orange monstrosity that was all around it. Well there were several colors but there were golds, oranges, and even blues in what led further into Madarame's Palace. "This is the truth of your Sensei."
"This is what that bastard truly feels. He's nothin' but a greed-filled money-grubber," Ryuji added.
Kitagawa glared and threw his arm out in dramatic fashion, "Enough of this rubbish!"
"Oh gee, he doesn't believe us. It just breaks my goddamn heart," I said with a flat tone. "Wake the fuck up. How much do you have to see for it to get through that thick skull of yours, dumbass?"
"Kitagawa-kun! Didn't it cross your mind that something wasn't right about Madarame!?" Ann was playing the voice of reason. In this situation she knew more about the situation than Ryuji and I. I should probably leave it to her for the moment. "You may not want to believe it, but this is another reality as viewed through Madarame's eyes. This is his true nature."
"This repulsive world...?" Kitagawa was finally looking around him and seeing the repulsive environment around us. "Just who are all of you!?"
"I guess you could say... we're a group that changes the hearts of rotten crooks," Ryuji, at last your bluntness has found an effective time. Bravo, my friend!
"If everything you say is true, then the sensei I know doesn't exist," Kitagawa hung his head.
"You've let yourself see a delusion for your own protection. You need to snap the fuck out of it and look at the reality of what he's done," I said sharply.
"Still... he has kept me safe these past ten years. My gratitude for that won't just disappear," Kitagawa said. Mother Fucker, this guy was stubborn as an Ox.
"You're gonna forgive him!? At this rate you'll..." Ryuji stopped as Kitagawa suddenly grabbed his throat and collapsed to the ground.
"Are you okay?" Ann leaned down to check on him.
"I'm trying to be rational about this, but my emotions are overwhelming me," Kitagawa said. He wasn't being honest with himself. I had a feeling that the Metaverse wasn't too kind to people that willingly deceived themselves with lies.
"Sorry, but we don't have time to dawdle," Morgana interrupted. "The security level's gone through the roof! We need to get out of here, at once!"
I moved over to Kitagawa's side, "No time to be picky. Lean on my shoulder."
He shook his head, "No, it's alright." He finally got to his feet.
"Alright, let's get out of here. With Kitagawa with us, we'll need to avoid any unnecessary fighting. I'll take the lead. Panther, are you okay with keeping an eye on Kitagawa?" I quickly gave orders.
"Trust me, it's fine. I got it, Joker," Ann nodded. I guess she was okay with him. As much as I really wanted to know what had happened, it was time to get moving. I moved on ahead of the others as we worked our way backwards through the museum. We passed by many of the portraits that we had grown accustomed to seeing, but Kitagawa was affected immediately when he saw them.
One in particular caught his attention.
"Ah, this painting," Kitagawa approached it.
"Do you recognize it? We were thinking these might be his past pupils or something," Ann briefly explained to him.
"But... Why are there paintings of them here?" Kitagawa didn't seem to understand.
"Technically, those aren't actually paintings. They're the pupils themselves," Morgana clarified.
"Madarame saw 'em as objects, so that's what they are here... Oh, and uh... we found yours too," Ryuji's bluntness was really effective at times like this.
"We can talk more later. For now, let's keep moving," Morgana urged. If it made Kitagawa understand the situation a bit more I was all for him taking a brief moment to figure it out. I never really had a bad feeling from him. I just didn't know him.
Back on the move again, most of the typical Shadows were gone. Something was going on. Even though I felt we were moving right into a trap, we didn't have any options. We would likely have to force our way through. Past the galleries we made it back to the entrance area where the large statue of the Infinite Spring was. That repulsive sight was hardly our main concern, when as soon as we approached the exit...Shadows blocked our path.
"The exit is right there!" Morgana was frustrated. I'm sure Ann and him had been through quite enough today.
Then from behind us we heard laughter. A long drawn out and amused laughter… the kind of laughter you would expect from someone that had just caught someone with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar. I turned and stood there along with more Shadow Guards as was the Shadow of Madarame. Asshole.
"Talk about bullshit clothes! First a king, now some kinda shogun!?" Ryuji scoffed at the Shadow's outfit. He was definitely right though. Almost as gaudy as the rest of this place, Shadow Madarame was wearing a golden kimono and even had makeup on, much like how shoguns would do so in ancient Japan.
"Welcome to the museum of the master artist Madarame..." the Shadow glowered.
Kitagawa blinked, unable to believe the sight. "Sensei? Is that you? That attire..."
"Disgusting," Ann described it for Kitagawa.
"This... This is all one big lie, isn't it...?" Was Kitagawa still going to reject it?
"Wake the fuck up, Yusuke!" I yelled and used his first name for emphasis. To make sure he fucking heard me. I swear I am just going to pummel the shit out of him myself after I take out that goddamn piece of shit Madarame.
The Shadow scoffed and gladly explained, "My usual ragged attire is nothing but an act. Besides, a famous person living in that shack? I have another home... under a mistress's name, of course."
"What a lovely web of lies and deception you've set up. A place to cull your pupil's work for your own and a place you can go to enjoy your goddamn fortune you've made off of them," I shook my head.
"Hahaha! Don't make me laugh," The Shadow seemed amused.
"If the 'Sayuri' was stolen, why was it in the storage room? And if you had the real one, why make copies!?" Kitagawa demanded an answer. "If it's really you, Sensei. Please tell me!"
"Foolish child. You still don't see?" Shadow Madarame looked at his would-be pupil.
Seeing him here like this. My frustration and anger at Kitagawa melted away. Truly, if there was ever a victim it was him. I connected the other things I had learned. Ten years ago Kitagawa had been under the "care" of Madarame. No other family to speak of, he was brought in under the "generosity" of Madarame. Who had recognized his talents from a young age. Kitagawa had been influenced… no, worse… he had been manipulated to become psychologically dependent on Madarame. Madarame had Kitagawa's very soul in his clutches. To break from that Kitagawa would have to break through all of that psychological conditioning. He truly needed a deep shock to his system and his very image of Madarame. This Shadow might be the only way.
"The painting being stolen was just a false rumor I spread! It was all a perfectly calculated staging!" The Shadow Madarame grinned. Proud of this scheme he had done. "Sayuri" was the painting that Kitagawa showed us. The one that had inspired him to become an artist. It had been staged to be stolen? And selling copies? It seemed they discovered quite the secret in the real world.
"What do you mean?" Kitagawa asked further.
"Let me see... How does this sound?" The Shadow sounded smug. "I found the real painting, but it can't go public... You can have it for a special price, though." Shadow Madarame laughed. "How's that for preferential treatment!? Art snobs'll eat it up, and pay good cash at that!"
"No...!" Kitagawa was having trouble standing. We were surrounded. The only thing we could do was keep this Shadow talking until an opportunity presented itself.
"The worth of art is purely subjective... Thus, this is a legitimate business transaction. Though I doubt a brat like you would ever come up with such a brilliant scheme!" The Shadow Madarame was so goddamn proud of himself.
"You keep goin' on and on about money this, money that. No wonder you ended up with this disgusting museum," Ryuji was looking for an opportunity.
"You're supposed to be an artist, right!? Aren't you ashamed of plagiarizing other people's work!?" Ann called him out.
"Art is nothing but a tool... A tool to gain money and fame!" The Shadow denied Ann's accusation as if it were an absurd notion. "You helped me greatly as well, Yusuke."
"God... Pisses me off... That's your teacher," Ryuji said to Kitagawa.
"But what about the people who believe in you...? Or those who think you're a master artist...!?" Kitagawa was clinging to the smallest of hopes that it was all a lie.
"I'll tell you this alone, Yusuke. If you wish to succeed in this world, I'd advise you don't rise against me. Do you believe anyone could find success with my objection holding them down?" Shadow Madarame laughed. So it was true… he was ensuring his former pupils could not succeed if they left him. That was why one of them had committed suicide. Things were making a horrible kind of sense.
"To think I was under the care of this wretched man," Kitagawa said. Was the momentum shifting now? Go on you stupid Shadow… keep pushing him. You might think he'll break as other people have. But I know Kitagawa is stronger than that.
"You thought I took you in out of the goodness of my heart? Plucking talented, yet troubled artists allows me to find promising pupils and take their ideas. After all, it's much easier to steal the futures of children who can't fight back," the Shadow gloated. This son of a bitch. This Goddamn piece of shit! He was not only taking away children's ability to choose, but stealing their talent for his own. All just to line his own pocket with money while pretending to live in a shack. It was all a ruse to control young minds, so he could live a life of luxury. I'll kill the Mother Fucker! "Livestock are killed for their hide and meat. This is no different, you fool! But I tire of this little chat. It's time that I..."
"You are unforgivable," Kitagawa said as he seemed to gain control of his breathing. "It doesn't matter who you are. I won't forgive you!"
"So you repay my keeping you around for all these years with ingratitude? You damn brat! Men! Dispose of these thieves!" Shadow Madarame told his guards.
"Get back!" Ann called out to Kitagawa but he instead rose to his feet.
"How amusing..." Kitagawa then started to laugh. "It seems the truth is stranger than fiction, hm...?"
"Kitagawa-kun?" Ann went to grab him but I stopped her.
"It's fine," I said to her. "He can finally see the truth. And about fucking time too. Sometimes people need a real shock to get the message."
"You think he's going to-"
"-Yeah," I answered. "Be ready."
"I wanted to believe it wasn't true. I had clouded my vision for so long," Kitagawa put his hand to his face. "My eyes were truly blind... Blind, and unable to see the true self behind this one horrible man!"
"Have you finally come to your senses? How foolishly you averted your eyes from the truth. A deplorable imitation indeed. Best you part from that aspect of yourself!" a mysterious voice could be heard. This was it… the change in momentum we needed. Kitagawa was screaming and clutching his head now. He collapsed to the ground. "Let us now forge a contract... I am thou, thou art I... The world is filled with both beauty and vice... It is time you teach people which is which!" Kitagawa brought his head up and over his face, a mask appeared.
He stood up, Kitagawa's left hand had blood as he had very forcibly clawed on the ground just a moment ago. "Very well," Kitagawa reached with his left hand to his mask. He understood exactly what to do. "Come, Goemon!"
A flash of light blue light filled the area...and his Persona Goemon stood behind him. Kitagawa's outfit had changed, much like our own. This was his spirit of rebellion. He had on what looked like a black jumpsuit, blue gloves, motorcycle boots and a… white fox tail? That's unique. Goemon was mostly in blue and wore a traditional samurai kimono like garb but far more elaborate. It was hard to describe and irrelevant to our situation.
Kitagawa wasn't done yet, "A breathtaking sight... Imitations they may be, but together, they make a fine spectacle... Though the flowers of evil blossom, be it known... Abominations are fated to perish!" With a wave of his hand power came from Kitagawa and immediately wiped out the two guards standing at Shadow Madarame's side.
"Whoa! This is impressive!" Morgana called out.
"Hmph... Who do you think you are!? The price for your insolence will be death!" Shadow Madarame didn't even seem concerned although the two guards at his side had been so easily dispatched. "Where are my guards!? Kill them all!" As he said this more Shadows appeared from the ground to take the dispatched guards. So much for that I guess.
"The children who adored you as 'father'... The prospects of your pupils... How many did you trample upon? How many dreams did you exchange for riches? No matter what it takes I will bring you to justice!" Kitagawa brought up a katana from his side. I suppose that was the weapon that went with his spirit of rebellion.
"Okay, Kitagawa. Let's see what you're made of," I said moving up next to him.
"Very well. Bring it on!" Kitagawa was still in the rush of his awakening.
"Panther, Skull, come on!" I ordered out. "Mona, you're on support."
"You got it," Morgana confirmed.
Five shadows appeared in front of us. Protecting the Shadow Madarame. "You are in the presence of Lord Madarame! On your knees, intruders!"
"I learned much from you, Madarame. In order to see authenticity... one must be dispassionately realistic. With Goemon by my side... I can now ascertain your true self without any reservations!" Kitagawa proclaimed. He didn't hesitate and unleashed an ice attack against the Shadows. We had seen them before. Four of them were Koppa Tengu. Which were weak to ice.
"Kitagawa, focus on those four with your ice attacks. Panther, Skull, we'll focus on the bigger guy," I just hoped that Kitagawa would do what I asked for now. However he continued doing just that. Ann, Ryuji and I focused on the last guy. I switched to Berith, and hit him with a skill called Double Fang that hit twice in rapid succession while Ann and Ryuji laid on a fire and lightning attack respectively.
Kitagawa was an unrelenting force and likely with the boost with awakening had made short work of the four other Shadows by pelting them repeatedly with ice attacks. We only had the one left now. We put in another round of attacks before the creature could even react. Then Kitagawa came swooping in with Goemon and seemed to slice right through the Shadow. The encounter had been completely trivial. I imagine Kitagawa's awakening had certainly been a factor. But that high seemed to have run out.
Just after downing the last foe, Kitagawa collapsed to the ground. We knew it was coming but it had to be done.
"Yusuke, you've just thrown your bright future down the drain," Shadow Madarame shook his head. "I'll destroy every chance you've ever had of becoming an artist."
"Madarame!" Kitagawa glared at the Shadow.
"You'll forever rue the day you dared defy me," The Shadow then turned and was gone.
"Get... back here...!" Kitagawa tried to give chase but couldn't even take a step.
"Kitagawa-kun," Ann ran to his side to help.
"Why can't I move?" Kitagawa's frustration was evident in his voice.
"Listen, you're totally drained. You can't do much, even if you wanted to," Ann quickly explained.
"What a disgrace I am..." Kitagawa shook his head.
"C'mon, just listen to her," Ryuji and I quickly moved to his side.
"We're moving, come on," I said as we picked him up and with our help we were able to leave. We got out to the reception area and sat him down on one of the seats. "Catch your breath but we don't have much time."
"You've known for quite some time, haven't you?" Ann asked after we had been silent for a moment.
"I'm no fool," Kitagawa admitted. "Strange people have been coming by for years, and plagiarism was an everyday affair. But... who would want to admit that the man they owed their life to was doing such terrible things?"
He was trapped. Stuck between a sense of debt and also what he knew was wrong. And it was a battle he had fought every day. But he never knew what side to take.
"Why didn't you leave, Kitagawa-kun?" Ann asked him.
"Well, he is the one who painted the 'Sayuri.' On top of that I owe him a great debt," it was a simple answer but oftentimes the simple were the most meaningful.
"You mean 'cause he raised you?" Ryuji pressed.
"I... never knew my father. I was told my mother raised me by herself, but she died in an accident when I was three. That's when Sensei took me in. I heard he helped my mother while she was still alive," Kitagawa explained, but that was an odd way to phrase it.
"Heard?" Ann pointed out what I had noticed.
"To be honest, I don't remember much about my Mother either. I did everything I could for Sensei. I thought of him as a father... but he changed. To think he would treat the 'Sayuri,' the very foundation of his art, like that...!" Kitagawa was only angered by the thought of it.
"A lot's happened to you, huh?" Ryuji was sympathizing with him.
"When you had mentioned plagiarism... deep down I knew you were right. That's why I so vehemently denied you... I was simply running from the truth. I'm sorry." Kitagawa apologized in earnest.
I shook my head, "Can't say I blame you. I understand what it's like for everything you thought you knew to change before your very eyes. It's hard to accept, and sometimes all you want to do is close your eyes and pretend that nothing at all has changed. I'm still like that now."
I tried to ignore the glance from Ann, and thankfully Kitagawa spoke.
"I'm grateful for the chance to face what I have been denying all this time," Kitagawa said.
"You're way too serious, man. That's why you're always gettin' stuck in your own head. Look at me. I just went with the flow," Ryuji was trying to calm the situation.
"You're also blunt as a fucking mallet," I commented.
"I like that about him," Ann said with a smile.
"I do too," I admitted.
"Wait, are you complimenting me?" Ryuji wasn't sure.
We all laughed for a moment. Though his rather thick as hell and way he bludgeons people up front with his intentions continued to entertain me to no end.
"What are you going to do now?" Morgana asked Kitagawa.
"I don't know," he admitted.
"We can't help the fact that Madarame's gone and changed. But we can change his heart. We'll make him pay for his crimes," Ryuji had to say something that would just trigger questions.
"That reminds me, you mentioned something about that 'change of heart' earlier..." Kitagawa looked at Ryuji.
"Have you heard the rumors? The ones about the Phantom Thieves that steal hearts?" Ryuji really was proud of this, wasn't he? I sighed. I knew he loved this whole Phantom Thief crap, but goddamn couldn't he see how devastating our power could potentially be?
Kitagawa was taken aback, "Don't tell me..."
And then Shadows appeared. Nice timing guys.
"Oh, crap!" Ryuji jumps back.
"We'll talk later! We need to scram!" Morgana said as Kitagawa was getting up.
Of course, he picks now to notice something he should have a while ago, "When did my clothes change?"
"You just noticed that now...?" Ryuji was shaking his head.
"Save it for after! Let's go!" Ann said. I turned and led the charge for the exit. Well this turned out to be one hell of a day. The barrier is down and now Kitagawa Yusuke has awakened to a Persona. All in all, it could have been a much worse day.
Thursday / May 19th, 2016 / Shibuya - Natsu Diner / After School
Ichihara Tadashi
Well, it was nearly evening but we had made our way to the diner. At least there we could get some drinks and maybe some food and relax for a bit. It had definitely been a high stress day. I put my bag on the table as Ann and I sat on one side of the booth. Ryuji and Kitagawa on the other hand... After we put our drink orders in we started talking. We pretty much gave Kitagawa the cliff notes version of everything that had happened up to this point to give him a general idea. We finally finished explaining the ordeal with Kamoshida.
"I see... And because of that, this PE teacher had a change of heart," Kitagawa shook his head. "The Phantom Thieves who steal hearts... To think they truly exist"
"Well take it as you want, I guess," I shrugged.
"I have to believe your words. Especially after seeing a world like that. So your plan with Madarame-sensei...no...with Madarame. Is to force a change of heart, correct?" he asked me.
"That's right. We won't let anyone else be a victim of his crimes," I told him simply.
"Let me join... as a member of the Phantom Thieves," Kitagawa suddenly asked. Ann, Ryuji and I share a glance but we all nod. "Had I faced reality sooner, this may have been avoided. I must put an end to this for the sake of the others whose futures as artists were robbed, as well. That is the most civil thing I can do for the man who was... in some manner, my father."
"Civil, huh?" Ann was probably wondering if that was the word Kitagawa should have used.
"Sounds fine to me. We're gonna deal with Madarame anyways," Ryuji added.
"He may have a mental shutdown if we screw up. We have ways to prevent that, but they aren't fail-safe," Morgana popped his head out of my bag to speak. "Remember how we mentioned this on our way here?"
Well it was all pretty crazy. I'd be surprised if he managed to retain much of what we've told him. But he seemed to have a good memory so maybe it wasn't outlandish to expect.
"Madarame is a man who has the art world under his thumb. He has connections to many organizations. If someone like me raises my voice, it'll only be snubbed out. We have no option but this," Kitagawa confirmed what I had already expected from this. Madarame's influence was much too great. Kamoshida had been the same. We had no pull as High Schoolers...but the Phantom Thieves could not be denied.
"It's a deal then," Morgana spoke.
"We have a new member in the Phantom Thieves now," Ann said. "I hope we get along, Kitagawa-kun."
"You better not slow us down," Ryuji was just joking though.
"I'll do my best," Kitagawa said.
"Oh, that reminds me. I wonder what's going on with the real Madarame," Ann spoke up. "Kitagawa-kun and I were in a pretty tight situation."
"Actually, I contacted him before we came here. He believes that I continued pursuing Takamaki-san. And, just as you all explained, it appears he knows nothing about his Shadow," Kitagawa gave a brief explanation.
"What did he say?" Ann pressed.
"He was complaining to the security company about how they couldn't even catch one high school girl. However, he's still furious about it, and said that he's going to take legal action against everyone," Kitagawa explained.
"Talk about bein' completely on guard..." Ryuji shook his head.
"Legal action... He's acting way too desperate," Ann seemed surprised.
"Sounds like you two found something big though. Likely he's doing it to cover his tracks and ensure he can keep doing it," I spoke up. "He also likely can't be sure what aspects Kitagawa has seen. He'll do what he can to keep him quiet."
"I fear that Ichihara-san is correct in this regard," Kitagawa said. "However, if he were to act, it'd be after the exhibit is over. Any scandal during the show would be his loss."
"So we'll have to force a change of heart before then. If we're to avoid this 'legal action' thing. Looks like our plan must be accomplished while the exhibit is still open," Morgana summarizes.
"Which means, the deadline hasn't moved at all, or are you saying that for Kitagawa's benefit?" I eyed Morgana.
"More or less," he answered.
"You could just say yes. You have a habit of some vague non-committal answers you know," I sighed.
"By the way... what is this?" Kitagawa asked.
"Huh? A cat," Ryuji to the rescue with his straight and blunt mallet type answers!
"But it's talking," Kitagawa stares at Morgana.
"You have a problem with that?" Morgana glared back at him.
"No, not really," Kitagawa was likely choosing to back away from this battle.
"Why not?" Ryuji asked.
"He's just on a different wavelength than other people," Ann commented.
"That's one way to put it," I leaned back in the booth.
"Do you wish to draw me? You better bring out the best of me in that case," Morgana said with a grin. Honestly the grin on a cat just freaks me the fuck out.
"Hm..." Kitagawa then sits back. "I was thinking of ordering some black-bean jelly."
"I bet he got that idea from a 'black cat'," Ryuji stared at Kitagawa as if he was some sort of alien.
"Oh! I didn't bring any money," Kitagawa's face fell.
"Nevermind," Ann goes back on her last statement. "He's just weird."
I sighed and put my hand up. A few moments later the one and only Natsukawa Shiori, came over to the table, "Natsukawa-san, can you get some black bean jelly for my friend here. Also I…"
"Actually, Onii-chan has another test dish he was wondering if you wouldn't mind trying," Shiori cut in.
I nodded, "Sure that's fine. What about you two?"
"Hmm something light for me, maybe this?" Ann pointed at the menu as Shiori leaned over.
"Ooh, good choice. And you?" Shiori looked at Ryuji.
"Gotta be the nostalgia steak for sure," he said.
"And just water for the drinks," I added.
"You got it," Shiori smiled writing on her notepad and walked off.
"Man, why water?" Ryuji groaned.
"Because everyone here should be making sure they are well hydrated. Do you have any idea what dehydration does to your stamina? Also because I'm using the leftover money from the buffet, and it isn't that much to cover everyone. Unless you would be so willing to fork over your share," I growled.
"You make a good point. Though I don't mind splitting it," Ryuji said.
"Me too," Ann added.
"Um, I thank you for your generosity," Kitagawa said with a bow from his seat.
"Don't thank me yet. You might be on our side now, but not long ago you were going to draw Ann, nude, as a piece to give to Madarame. Which, you might not have considered, would be bringing in someone else to be a victim," I glared at him.
"Tadashi, you don't have to-"
"He's right," Kitagawa nodded. "While I was inspired to do such a painting when I saw you. In the end I was only concerned for myself. Not for Takamaki's being. I sincerely apologize for such shortsightedness."
"It isn't like I don't understand it. Unable to believe what is happening around you," I looked towards one of the different tables where I saw Shiori refilling patrons' water cups.
"We also lied to you. We used your invitation as an excuse to get in and be able to get the door open that was blocking us in his Palace. So I was never intending to truly model for you," Ann said.
He nodded, "Yes, I can see that now. Your dedication to justice is inspiring. Despite my rejections and refusal to heed your words, you all were determined to do what you believed in."
"Your Sensei, not only plagiarizing his students work, but abuse, and beyond that… robbing them of their dreams as an artist. He ruined careers, forced other artists to give up the brush because they can't get endorsed or sell their works because of Madarame. He's robbing their futures. Your's included," I turned back to the group. "You can call it justice if you want. In this case it is definitely me being unable to ignore it and being able to say I've up kept my own moral code."
"What he's sayin' is we woulda helped you no matter what you said," Ryuji added.
Not long after, Shiori brought back our food and water. It seemed the trial dish was Oyakodon, essentially a chicken and egg rice bowl. Actually, this was a pretty good balanced meal too, like the nostalgia steak. It was really good, and considering the fights and stress of the day it did a lot to satisfy my hunger and even ease my nerves. But I had always found this place relaxing. If anything it had become a place I would retreat to.
Ryuji and Yusuke were the first to take off after eating. Morgana who was tucked in my bag, I put on my shoulder as Ann and I readied to leave. But I stopped and looked at Shiori who looked frazzled.
"Ann, why don't you get out of here. I'm gonna talk with Shiori, see if her brother is around," I explained to her.
"Everything alright?" Ann asked.
"I dunno. It's why I'm going to stick around for a bit," I admitted.
"Alright," Ann smiled. "That's just like you. Let me know if I can help."
I nodded, "Will do."
After watching Ann leave I put my bag down where Morgana poked his head out, "Guess we're going to stay a little longer?"
"Yeah, sorry," I apologized.
Morgana shook his head, "No, we owe Shiori for the hospitality here, right? I might just nap while I wait."
"Natsukawa?" I tried not to startle her as I approached the bar.
"Huh? Ichihara-kun? I thought you were leaving," She was surprised but clearly distressed.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
"Oh, um. No, not really. To be honest, one of the helpers in the back quit today. And Onii-chan is out with Haru-chan right now so he won't be back for at least another hour. We're close to closing for the day and there is so much more to do and…" Shiori looked very frustrated.
I took off my school jacket and put it on the chair, "Alright so where do we start?"
She blinked, "You want to help? But Ichihara I don't know if…"
"What, I can't help a friend in need?" I quickly asked.
"Ichihara," she shook her head. "Thank you. Um, I know it's probably not the greatest but if you could help with the dishes in the back, I'm going to clean the dining area. Oh, right here let me show you where to go. And we have some spare aprons…"
Well, I had pretty much gotten experienced at washing dishes. Although to be honest, Leblanc never had too much to wash at any one time. As Sojiro was pretty good at doing them throughout the day. So the stack that I saw was bigger than usual but not unmanageable. It was disheartening that Shiori was tackling so much, and seemed unwilling to bother her brother about it. Well I didn't have siblings so the only thing I could relate to is maybe my cousin Fumiko. She often visited during the summer and would stay at the house. And she always helped when I needed it.
Then again there was also Kazuha, my childhood friend. She was basically family. But then again I've also heard a lot of siblings argue a lot so I'm not sure what was normal. I didn't know much about their situation.
Now that I think about it, there were some things that were a bit concerning. One was that the amount of patrons was never not many. I guess in terms of my own preferences I enjoy the atmosphere that lends to studying. But we came here today in what should have been a dinner rush but it had still been relatively empty. Things didn't really add up.
I finished loading up the dishwasher and then found it odd that the kitchen was… unattended. Did the cook skip out? So, without prompting I started cleaning the kitchen. I didn't know where things went but I could clean it up. It was probably an hour or so before Shiori came into the kitchen.
"Ichihara? Oh right, today was Hideo-san's last day so…" Shiori hung her head.
"Wait, your cook quit too?" I sighed. "Natsukawa-san, what's going on?"
She hung her head, "Would you be willing to listen? To the whole story?"
"Of course," I nodded without hesitation. It was late, but that was fine. Even if I ended up just getting a couple hours of sleep, this was important. "Anything else we need to do? Looks like the food was put away at least. And it should all be clean."
"I just need to finish closing the register, but that can wait," Shiori took my hand and dragged me out of the kitchen to the bar before letting me go. "Sit down. Let me get you a drink. Have a soda on me. Got a preference?"
"Just a cola I guess. I'm not particular," I shrugged as I settled into one of the bar stools. Shiori didn't take long to put a glass in front of me filled with ice and cola. She then filled her own glass with orange soda and then came around to sit on the bar stool next to me.
"Did you know that Natsu Family Diner was once a chain and a publicly traded company?" Shiori asked before taking a drink.
"No, I'm originally from Takayama so I'm not familiar with chain stores. There aren't many in Takayama. And really most of the places in town rely on festival seasons and the tourists that go there for the majority of the yearly income. I'm not really aware of what would be normal or expected business for a restaurant on a daily basis. But I have noticed that… well you don't seem to get much," I admitted.
"Yeah," She nodded. "We told you part of it, about Dad passing away and Onii-chan taking over when our older brother decided to skip town instead. But it's more complicated than that. Natsu Diner has been in our family for generations. Since our great great great grandfather. And Dad loved our restaurants. When Dad took over from Grandpa we only had two locations. It has a lot to do with family beliefs. But Dad had a different idea. To expand out, not for the money but to spread the food, love and atmosphere that our places were known for to a greater number of people to experience. So Dad went back to college. Took a business course, but also spent a lot of time on figuring out the best way to train people at different locations. He wanted the people that worked for us to love their job and transfer those feelings on to our customers. And so he made a difficult choice in order to make that dream come true. We became Natsu Family Diner LLC, a publicly traded company. With that we were able to secure the funds and the two restaurants became thirty in a matter of a few years. Onii-chan learned a lot from Dad, and had already kind of decided to continue on the family restaurant and aimed his education that way as he went to high school. He actually went to Shujin, though I think he told you that."
They had thirty restaurants? Had. So when their Father died, something else happened, and if they were a publicly traded company then… Oh, no. Really?
"You already pieced it together, right?" Shiori took another drink of the orange soda. "Dad dying devastated Onii-chan. But there is another aspect of this you need to understand. And that is another individual that is close with our family, Okumura Haru."
"Okumura…" I realized I had heard that name. "That Okumura?"
"The one and only. Haru-chan's Father is the CEO and majority shareholder of Okumura foods. Big Bang Burger is so big now that it has opened stores internationally. But Haru has been friends with Naozumi since they were both really young. When Dad died, Naozumi was a senior at Shujin Academy and Haru, a first year student. She told me when she learned about it that she ran out of her class and charged to the third floor. Without a second thought she ran into his class and stayed with him. She was so supportive to him, but that is what makes what happened next so much harder. Not even a full week after Dad's death, Okumura Foods bought up all the shares it could for Natsu Family Diner and what proceeded was a hostile takeover of the company," Shiori shook her head.
She took a deep breath before she continued, "Haru had no idea. She pleaded with her Father but he wouldn't listen. On top of that, Dad had left everything to Naozumi. We were still grieving when essentially overnight we had lost everything Dad had built up. So there was an agreement that was struck with Okumura Foods. We would keep four locations and be allowed to keep the name Natsu Family Diner, 26 of our other locations would be taken by Okumura Foods, and they would all be changed to Big Bang Burger locations."
The timing of those events was incredibly suspicious. The buyout shortly after the death of their father? That almost screams foul play, but I presume that would have likely been investigated. Then again… if Okumura Foods had influence with the right people. Who is to say something like that happened and rushed through just like my own case. With the presence of the Metaverse, nothing seemed out of reach.
"So after that, you only had four places and I can only presume that business only shrunk further," I kept the conversation going.
She nodded, "Mom runs the location near home. And we did have reliable managers for a time. So even with that rough transition and everything, my brother was able to finish school and start college. But we lost so many customers that we've been barely keeping afloat. And we're confident that the marketing company we paid for wasn't actually advertising us. As a result, Onii-chan has been taking a more active role in the company. And Haru has been helping him."
"That has to be hard for all of you. And if it was Haru-san's Father that bought the company it must weigh heavily on all of you," I couldn't imagine what that would feel like.
"I love Haru-chan. We're the same age so we're like sisters. But it's harder for them. Onii-chan is in love with her. Always has been. And Haru, I don't think she's made that connection yet but she is absolutely in love with him too. But… Onii-chan is positive that her Father had something to do with our Dad's death. And not to mention Haru-chan's Father has a leash on her or something. Like her future isn't hers to decide… you know?" Shiori downed the rest of the soda.
"She's the daughter of a CEO. It isn't unusual even nowadays for arranged marriages. And trying to prove someone that high up was involved in someone's death is a massive undertaking. But the timing of the buyout is too coincidental to not think it was foul play," I sighed heavily. "You're worried because you support them. But that ultimately they might not ever have the chance? And on top of that the restaurant is falling, and if Haru does end up being forced to marry someone else then…"
Shiori nodded, "Exactly. If Onii-chan loses Haru… I feel he would walk away from not just the Diner, but me and Mom."
"You'd lose both of them," I spoke softly. "Natsukawa-san…"
She shook her head, "Call me Shiori. As thanks for helping me and listening to my problems."
"Okay, Shiori-san. In that case, call me Tadashi," I answered. "The best thing for you to do though, is what you are doing. Support them both. And if you need help, then let me know. I don't mind coming by to help in the restaurant either. Even if I'm here studying and whatnot, don't be afraid to ask."
"Yeah, you're right," She smiled and then pulled out her phone from the inside of her apron. "Give me your number and chat ID. Thank you."
We exchanged information after a quick moment. Okumura Foods CEO, acquires a chain of restaurants in a hostile takeover not even a full week after the death of the owner. Meaning they were ill prepared to fight such a thing. And also news of the death of Shiori and Naozumi's Father made people concerned about the future of the company. And if Okumura Foods contacted those shareholders directly and maybe offered more than the market value. And with such uncertainty, being able to sell out at a profit would have been too enticing.
Yeah, it didn't add up. This was definitely worth looking into.
Friday / May 20th, 2016 / Shujin Academy - Floor 1 Hall / Lunchtime
Ichihara Tadashi
Today was Judgment day… or specifically the day the midterms get posted. I had completely forgotten about it until this morning and an alert popped up on my cell phone. Considering the business with Madarame my midterms had fallen into the back of my mind. But this was important to me. After all, I had a wager with our Student Council President, Niijima Makoto. Our contest was simple, who would place higher among their class? We were in different years but we agreed it was fair due to the skill level being the same. Shujin Academy was primarily known for its academics afterall. The wager itself was whoever had gotten the higher place in their class would choose any place they wanted to visit and the loser would pay for it. Whether it be karaoke, or time at the arcade or just a place for food. I wasn't particularly nervous about the arrangement to begin with. No matter who won I would gain from it.
People were gossiping but I attempted to ignore them and made my way to the board.
"Hey, isn't that Ichihara? Can you believe he actually topped his class for midterms?" a pair of girls were rather loud not far from me.
"You would think someone like him wouldn't care about his test scores but he's pretty smart huh?" the other girl said.
What the fuck am I? Chopped liver? And they can't just focus on their own scores? Of course I think that but I look at the 3rd year list and look right to the top. Niijima Makoto and she had a near perfect score. She was only two points off. Compared to my own, I was four points off.
"Ooh, you both got first. So that means you both win, right?" Morgana spoke while looking over my shoulder. How he manages to sneak looks like this and not get spotted himself I had no idea. I walked away from the board and moved down the hall.
"That was the arrangement. Since we both got the number one spot," I shrugged as I moved to the side of the hall and pulled out my phone. I quickly started a new chat with Makoto.
Tadashi: Did you see the test scores yet?
Makoto: I did. Congrats on getting first in your class.
Tadashi: You too. You were only 2 points off from a perfect though. I was off by 4 so technically you were better than I did.
Makoto: Perhaps but our agreement was simply on placement not test score.
Tadashi: It's a shame you didn't get a perfect score. You would have at least gotten the bonus.
Makoto: I'm curious as to what I missed. I was fairly confident I had achieved it.
Tadashi: Oh? So were you aiming for perfection then?
Makoto: Not because of your incentive.
I raised an eyebrow by how fast the message came back. I shouldn't read too much into it but I like to imagine she had put in a bit more effort because of it.
Makoto: So we both won. But I do have a number of things to do after school today.
Thankfully, that worked out. It would work out better for me if I didn't have to come up with an excuse on why today couldn't work.
Tadashi: OK, so what day works for you?
Makoto: How about Monday?
Tadashi: After School on Monday? Alright, I can do that. It's a date. Since you got the higher score we can go wherever you want first.
There was a long pause before I got a reply back.
Makoto: Okay, Monday it is.
I put my phone down and slipped it back into my pocket and went up the stairs. Maybe I shouldn't have put "It's a date." in my reply actually...
"So Monday you are going out with the President?" Morgana asked.
"Yep, it should be an interesting day. I'm not even sure where she wants to go. Then again that's what makes a gamble worth doing," I said as I got to the second floor and made my way to my class and went to my seat.
"Ann, Tadashi got a date with the President," Morgana said as he hopped from my bag and into my desk. This made Ann turn around in her seat.
"You got a date with Niijima-senpai?" Ann eyed me.
"It isn't a date, it's just the result of our wager," I shook my head. Last thing I needed to do was have weird rumors start that could affect Makoto. Rumors about me were fine. I mean, there was more than enough of that going around. Except, I had called it a date in my message back. I can be a fucking screw up sometimes.
"Oh right you mentioned that before. I saw you got first in our class, nice job. How did Niijima-senpai do?" Ann seemed to be latched on to what Morgana had said though. I mean if you look at it, Makoto and I would basically be going on a date. Goddammit now I can't stop thinking about it!
"She got first… and missed a perfect score by 2," I told her. "With how our bet was, we both won. So our outing is going to be on the 23rd. We'll go wherever she wants first, and then I pick the second place."
"Sounds like a date to me," Ann eyed me.
"From a certain point of view, sure. I'll accept that. But I'm not sure what will happen. And I don't want to make it weird by labeling it. I didn't intend to get a date or whatever," I shrugged. "I honestly don't know why she agreed to do the bet."
"A girl wouldn't agree to something like that unless she wanted to spend time with you. Win or lose it means more time together," Ann remarked. "Maybe she wants more."
"You think so?" I raised an eyebrow. "She's kinda more focused on her own priorities."
"I guess that means you'll just have to wait and see," Ann smiled a bit. "I'm kinda curious as to what might happen myself."
I felt like Ann was holding back more of her thoughts on the situation. Well, I guess there were worse ways for a day to start. I had made a date–appointment with Makoto, more or less. We would get together on Monday the 23rd to cash in on that wager we had made. And whatever the fuck that meant from that point… I had no idea.
A/N:
So a number of things happening this chapter. Yusuke joins the group and Makoto and Tadashi still having plans with their wager from the last exams. Plus a bit more about Naozumi and Haru's situation. Yusuke was always an interesting character in how he is presented but also the dynamic he brings to the group because of his rather eccentric behavior. Honestly, I know an artist that is kinda similar. Always looking for inspiration to create, but lacking in what people would consider common sense. And a lot of times its an aspect that a group of people need to see different angles. So as a character and addition to the Phantom Thieves it really does work. But I mean the group was designed to work together so that isn't that surprising, but it is really appreciative to how well the cast was designed.
While this fic doesn't focus on Yusuke all that much, I think overall the weakest part of the game is following up on character development towards the end of the game. There is argue to be had that the Confidants fulfill this, as it is the only way to upgrade people's Persona, but it lacks any meaningful impact to the narrative. By contrast to how well Persona 3 handles it. In Persona 3, everyone evolving their Persona is part of the main plot. Everyone strengthens their resolves to face of against Nyx, facing their past and reaffirming their resolve to face against impossible odds, evolving their Persona. Because it's part of the main plot, any subsequent appearances in other games shows them with their ultimate Persona. But regardless of your time in Persona 5, the following game of Strikers seems them all revert back to their initial Persona. The same is said with Persona 4 and its cast as their numerous appearances elsewhere also show them back to their initial Persona.
I guess it's kind of a minor annoyance overall, but to me it feels so impactful that a lot of times in those other appearances it is like they took a step backwards in character development. And its part of the weakest parts in both Persona 4 and 5. Even if you develop the social links and confidants, and everyone in your party has their strongest Persona, it is never recognized in the main plot. No special dialogue or anything. The closest it can get to are a couple throwaway lines that can happen if you are dating one of the girls in Persona 5 and one of the study sessions with the group leads to a topic about marriage, and when asked if you want to get married, you can answer yes, and if you are dating any of the girls, they'll have a direct response about it. Outside of this, the game doesn't really bring any of your interactions of your social links or confidants back into the main plot. (Persona 3 is the same in this regard, so while I think it does handle each characters growth better as it is tied to the plot, and personal development from social links is not part of that) If any future titles can somehow marry these two aspects together to be reflective, it will only propel the series to a much higher standard and bring more complexity and satisfaction from the story.
I think that in general is why I started to write fan fiction in general, there were aspects that didn't interact or influence each other and I really wanted them to. For my first fan fic, Persona 3 Momento Umbrae, I was compelled to write it because of the lack of information on the main character. Their backstory is a key part of the events of the entire game, and yet you learn nothing about them, or even that the other characters didn't ask any questions about it. So with developing the protagonists backstory and delving more into other aspects continued to change things about the story. I took the same approach for my Persona 4 story, but approached it by adding another character with more tragic backstory and seeing how they would react. Kayane, who does return in this story, post the events of that story.
I'm getting side tracked. I just want to recognize, that even as I try to expand things, there is inevitably a lot of characters that don't get the same amount of attention. Well, I'll try not to sideline characters too much.
Thanks for your time and indulging me on my little slice of the internet. See you next month.