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

[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."