[Action] Takes place before the Gluttony palace

[megacurious]

It's a day before the scheduled infiltration and yet, Augustine was not mentally prepared for it. Sure, he is relieved that there is a new Operator joining them, yet he is worried that it might not be enough. Not to mention they may be facing Shadows of their targets that are using their charity as a front of an ulterior motive. Just thinking about the abuse that those children had to endure and how heartless these people are.

Right now, he is alone inside the Safehouse after work with the TV still turned off, pondering not only about the upcoming infiltration, but wondering how many more people were corrupted by greed and pride. Not to mention if there may be a limit to the group's actions as Phantom Thieves.

Comments

[kotoritori]

You look nervous too.

[Mato's definitely been feeling a little weird since she talked to James Popplett up close.]

[megacurious]

[Augustine became startled before turning around to see Mato in the Safehouse, thinking he was alone for the night.]

O-Oh... Mato. Didn't see you there...

And yeah... I haven't been to that pray-in, but I am worried about those children.

[kotoritori]

You're lucky.

[Squinting her eyes shut momentarily, she shudders a little.]

I must have washed my hair like ten times that night.

[megacurious]

[Judging by her reaction, he can tell that she didn't have a good experience in the Pray-In.]

Well, before the Palace manifested, what do you think of the Flock and their leaders?

[kotoritori]

[Mato frowns.]

The kids looked nervous. Like they didn't really want to be there.

[megacurious]

[Augustine also frowns when he hears her answer.]

I see. I can guess their caretakers are not very likable to them.

Which begs the question of how corrupted are they?

[kotoritori]

I guess we'll find out soon.

[megacurious]

[Seeing that they might not able to find some answers until they enter the Palace, Augustine then stands up from his seat.]

In any case, we should prepare for what's to come. You should rest up for tomorrow.

[cuestick]

Are you having the children on your mind?

[Takamichi speaks out to the older man as he reads a book, attempting to distract his mind from the usual stresses of the day.]

It's painful to think about what they dealt with, but we're going to save them.

[megacurious]

[Like before, Augustine is startled at Takamichi's appearance. However, he calms down just as he is about to speak.]

Yeah. We already changed a corrupted's heart before, so I doubt this will be different than before.

But those children... I can't believe the Pastor treated them. I wasn't at the Pray-In, but I can imagine how dreadful living with the Flock under Pastor James's eyes.

[cuestick]

Yeah. I was there and it was obvious that the children were being used for selfish reasons.

[He looks over to Augustine with a sigh.]

Reality is hard to accept sometimes, but even children have the power to change their own lives.

[megacurious]

[Upon hearing this, his worries became determined as he looks at the black screen of the TV.]

That's true. But I doubt they can do it alone.

If we aid them by encouraging and giving them the experience that we know, I feel that they are able to overcome their hardships.