The Army of Gluttony - Aftermath

[phantommods]

The Compound

As the team leaves the Metaverse, they are near enough to the compound to hear loud screaming as it erupts into chaos, with children and adults running around.

Those that stick around will hear the sirens of Fire Engines within minutes, followed soon after by Ambulances, and then after that by police. Those with access to James will see a truly gruesome sight - his eyes have gone completely white and black fluid is streaming out of his eyes and mouth. His body is stiff, his hands like claws as they clutch his throat. He is lying on the ground in a puddle of black fluid, neither moving nor breathing.

As the paramedics arrive on the scene they move to give aid with strict professionalism, but they can be seen making phone calls. When the police arrive, both Tamara and Bartholomew, as well as the other adult workers, are being led away in handcuffs, with social services descending upon the compound to liberate the children, including any Phantom Thieves who are willing to linger.

The Safehouse

For those returning to the safehouse, Shinji is grim when he hears the news. He orders in some pizza and puts some tea on before getting out of the way and letting the Thieves debrief in the living room.

Comments

[dotes]

For those that were aware when the group returned, there is a new face among them and it's this little girl with shabby clothes and a tired expression. May takes a seat on the couch, leaning her head and arms on the arm of the couch for support. While she may be exhausted, she is still awake for talking.

It also doesn't help that she has a lot of her mind while also accepting her new power and new freedom.

[cybermaskara]

Upon seeing a familiar face from the Pray-In, Cyan is the first one to rush to her side.

"M-May?! What are you doing here?! And why did you guys bring her here? Unless... She awakened her power, correct?"

[dotes]

"You are correct, Cyan." May answers. "I helped them fight against the pastor."

Her tone is grim when saying James' title, knowing that she was there on his murder.

[cybermaskara]

While he is shocked that she's joining the group, he is happy that she was free from the pastor's torment.

"I'm glad you're alright. I would welcome you, but..."

He then frowns upon remembering the news the other group gave them. "I still can't believe that someone killed him..."

[dotes]

"The person who killed him... They seem to have the same power as you and this group. Being a 'phantom' and seeing the world differently."

May sits up, rubbing her eyes as she tells Cyan from what she heard from the assassin.

"The Phantom Inquisition... They call themselves that and said that they are the true phantoms. They believe that sinners and criminals have no right to live. They are playing god with this power... I don't like it."

[cybermaskara]

Those words were enough to send Cyan into a small fit of rage as he tightens his hands into fists. "T-Those monsters... That's not how we use the Palaces! I don't know if they have a god complex or out or narcissism, but killing those criminals makes them no different to murderers!"

He then punches a nearby wall out of anger, but it manages to calm him down a bit when he feels some pain in his fist. "In any case, they will still pay the same price as the others we changed. There is no way we can stoop to their level!"

[dotes]

"Cyan, quiet..." she winced when the teen punched the wall. "Anger won't be the key to stopping them."

She also doesn't want to disturb anyone else with noise making.

"I may be new to this whole Phantom ordeal, but I cannot be idle while I have my own mission duties and those Inquisitors kill human beings without facing justice with human society. We should plan with everyone properly."

[cybermaskara]

Thankfully, her words managed to calm him down a bit. If he lets his emotions control him, then the whole group might be next.

"You're right. We can't do this if we can't put our heads together. We might as well figure out the best course of action before we can face those Inquisitors once more. For now, I think I might help you out with your abilities and what you'll be facing from now on as a Phantom Thief."

[dotes]

"I don't like being referred to as a 'thief', but I will do what I can to help out with everyone."

May nods before looking around the Safehouse.

"Would it be okay if I live here? I can help keep things tidy and take care of myself, but settling down and getting some basic necessities would be appreciated."

[cybermaskara]

Cyan's expression turned into shock and embarrassment. He has no worries about being called a "Phantom Thief". But now that May is part of the group, he feels very nervous just saying "thief" to her.

"Y-Yeah... We'll talk to the owner about it, though, since we're just using his place as a hideout. But I doubt he will say no to your request. You do need a place to stay after what you have been through back at the Flock."

[dotes]

"Thank you. I think it will help a lot on him to have at least someone around mostly to keep things organized and take some work off of his shoulders."

Not only it's something for her to do during the day, but when you have been trained to do certain tasks, it just happens naturally.

"Cyan, can I ask for your help for a task? I'm not so sure how to do it, but I want to write a letter to Tamara. It's... complicated, but she's been a victim too. I feel like I did not share enough words back there... She deserves peace as well."

[cybermaskara]

At least finding her a place to stay should be easy for now. Though upon listening to her request, that might be a bit conflicting. Sure, he heard that Tamara did some terrible things just like her husband, but like May said, she seemed to be pushed into abuse to the children for an unknown reason.

"I think so. I may try to pass it anonymously, though. I don't know if the jail cell accepts letters to the arrested." Not that he even has someone he knows who were incarcerated before. "Still, I'll try to get your letter to her no matter what."

[dotes]

"Anonymously would be fine. Thank you. The pastor has been hurting her, so it means a lot to me. Doesn't everyone deserve a little peace, even the ones facing justice?"

Rumors can quietly spread among the other adults and children and some signs are obvious. May attempts to smile, trying to brighten up the situation while getting some answers.

"So, what should I know as a new recruit to this little band of thieves?"

[kotoritori]

Mato recognizes the girl from both the pray-in and the events in the Palace, and while she's pretty shaken up herself from what she saw in there, she can only imagine how May herself must be feeling. Walking over, she takes a seat on the couch next to her.

"...Um, hi."

[dotes]

"Hello." May responds. "You are the one with that gun girl and flying pumpkin, correct?"

She's still learning names after all, but she does recognize Mato a little.

[kotoritori]

"Huh...?"

There's some momentary confusion until she realizes what the girl is talking about.

"Oh! Yeah. That's my Persona, Black Rock Shooter. Well, my first one, anyway. The other guy is Jack-o'-lantern. And I'm Mato."

[dotes]

"Nice to meet you, Mato."

May brings up a smile.

"How long have you been with this group?"

[kotoritori]

"Mmmm... a couple of months now. Wow, time sure flies, huh?"

She's trying to keep the conversation light.

[dotes]

"It does. It's a bit comforting to have someone around the same age as me."

Keeping it light sounds like a plan.

"What kind of hobbies do you like to do?"

[kotoritori]

"Yeah... there aren't too many other kids around here."

There are a few older teenagers, but that's not exactly the same.

"I'm on the basketball team at school, so I spend a lot of time practicing."

[runicking]

For the most part, Celeste tries to let the younger girl have her space. Considering what happened, both in and out of the palace, it's a surprise May isn't in a complete state of shock. But after some time, the older woman walks up to her, tapping her arm gently with something warm.

A mug, filled with what smells like hot chocolate.

[dotes]

She looks up to Celeste, tilting her head at the mug when she notices the nice smell. "For me?" she asks before sitting herself up and gently taking the mug. A small blow on the cup before she takes a small sip. It does make her smile a little.

"Thank you. It tastes nice."

[runicking]

Celeste sits on the opposite end of the couch, a glimmer of a smile painted on her lips. "It helps to have something nice and warm, especially at times like this. It isn't much, I know, but..."

She pauses then, gaze fixed on something over the girl's shoulder. She should say something, but this isn't her strong suit. She isn't the type who comforts others, but she should say something. Taking a breath, that smile slips away. "I'm sorry. We tried to help, but we weren't fast enough."

She wasn't fast enough.

[dotes]

"It's okay. There is always the little things to be grateful in life, even when things don't look great."

May keeps her smile, shaking her head on the apology. She takes another sip of her drink before lowering her gaze into the steaming liquid.

"Nobody expected an assassin and you freed the children. Freed Tamara and myself... You set us back on the right path. You did a lot."

She looks towards Celeste.

"You guys freed us from Hell. I don't hear the angels cry anymore, so they are thankful for you too."

sorry, family trip happened. trying to catch up.

[runicking]

Her reaction doesn't come as a surprise to Celeste, even if it feels a bit... jarring maybe, especially coming from someone so young. Being able to take this much better than most of them is admirable, but Celeste can't help but wonder if it hasn't set in just yet.

But she won't press, instead taking a breath. "That is what the Phantom Thieves do," She says with a brief nod, casting a glance over her shoulder at the others wandering about. "We fight to make things right, to change the hearts of those who have been poisoned by power and corruption."