Working With Phantoms

The Insatiable Queen of Ice

June 18th

Madran had been sitting at lunch for a small amount of time that was enough for everyone to arrive at the table. Madran then saw that Akira was somehow more stressed, but didn't feel like asking him anything. However, Madran then saw that Makoto was walking over again. Despite that, Madran saw that she looked just as stressed as Akira was.

"So, Akira, how are ya?"

"Could be better. Wild goose chases aren't really that fun." 

Makoto then sat next to Akira like how she did a few days ago.

"Well, Akira, do you have any results from yesterday?"

"No, just much of the same stuff."

Makoto nodded and looked to Madran.

"Oh, Madran... well..."

Makoto looked slightly worried for a split second.

"Mitsuru got your letter."

"I know."

"I-I see... just, don't get yourself hurt."

Madran was surprised to see that Makoto expressed concern to her, due to her being used to the girl's cold stares in response to everything.

"Uh, is everything ok?"

"Yes."

"I doubt that..."

After hearing Dharma speak up in her head, Madran looked at Makoto.

"Look, if you have anything that might be concerning you, just tell me. I can take care of it, I promise."

"I don't doubt that, it's just..."

"Hey, don't cry, everything's fine. Is this about that mafia thing that you related to Fourete?"

"Yeah. It must've been easy, just having someone in your group have a direct connection to the target. Whatever this Metaverse thing is, please, use it well."

Makoto then got up and walked away.

"Uh... she's been much nicer than usual."

"She, well, the principal has his thumb on her, but there's a good person underneath all of that. What's this beef between you and Makoto, anyways?"

"Eh, something that went on all middle school and in my first year."

The rest of lunch finished without a hitch, and Madran finished up school for the day. Then, once she got home, Elia went up to talk to her.

"Oh, hey, Mad. How was school?"

"It was cool. Hey, don't worry, I got this. I'm not as weak as I was just a few days ago. This whole ultimate persona thing is new to me, but I'm not worried at all."

Elia nodded and hugged Madran.

"I'm not worried, too. Go show this lady why she shouldn't mess with the Irish, ok?"

"Yep!"

Madran then went to the Velvet Room to see the group waiting for her.

"Hey, Madran. So, well, good luck."

"Yeah, I got this. Um, everyone, just wait for me here. I'll see all of you guys in a bit!"

Madran then went out to Mementos. Then, she walked forwards until she heard a commanding voice speak out.

"Oh, you've come. I should've known..."

Madran looked to see Mitsuru standing in front of her.

"I guess it's not much use messing with the youth. All they do is find more excuses to keep going until they wear you down."