No one's POV
Currently, Nhazul is at Leblanc with Maruki after he wanted to stop for coffee.
Maruki: I'm sorry for coming over out of blue.
Nhazul: It's fine. Plus you brought donuts.
Maruki: I'm glad you like them. But you must really have a knack for coffee,Nhazul. This is fantastic.
Nhazul: Want a another cup?
Maruki: Thanks, but I'll pass for today. It's about the research we've been discussing. I'm actually putting it all together in a paper. It's been really progressing lately, thanks to no small part to you. But I feel like I've hit another wall...So I'm sorry to bother you, but I'd appreciate if you'd help me talk through this again.
Nhazul: Sure.
Maruki: Really?! Thank you! You're really saving me here! In deepening our understanding of the heart, I wanted to find a means of helping those who have been hurt by traumas...I already told you that was the point of my research, right? It's thanks to you my project has come this far. But because of all that progress...I've realized a problem. One that may not have a solution.
Nhazul: And that is?
Maruki: Even if my research makes great strides, even if we DO find some miraculous way of healing psychological wounds...With the way things are now, I can only save the people directly within my reach.
Nhazul: Isn't that enough though?
Maruki: True, I guess. It's better then not being able to save anyone. But I can't just be satisfied with that. I mean, there are so many people out there suffering so badly, they can't even speak up and let that pain out. This is a painful, cruel bitter world. And there's only so much one individual can do to fight against that. I've said it before. Working as a counselor only makes that more painfully obvious. I think our current way of doing things just isn't enough. Deep down, I... I don't think it's enough that I can just help people around me. A few people out of a billion. I want to help more people overcome their suffering. Pain can strike the heart in infinitely diverse ways. In turn , we have infinite methods by which we try to treat it. And like I said earlier...there are people who need help, desperately, but can't ask for it. They can't even share their pain. Even if we had a full understanding of the human heart, and an effective treatment to soothe it...I don't think that would be enough to finally beat trauma. And I guess that's what I ultimately realized.
Nhazul: Okay...So what CAN you do?
Maruki: I haven't been able to get the question out of my head,but I don't have any answers. I'm not used to that. If we could peer into the hearts of everyone person alive...Diagnose, understand and then remove the root cause of their pain...It sounds like something out of a dream.
Nhazul: Yeah...I does...
Maruki: Ah, let me put it this way. Counseling takes time because you have to really listen to each individual person, right? I think it'd be better if there was some way to really understand everyone's cognition more quickly and accurately.
Nhazul's thoughts: Everyone's cognition?
Nhazul then thought about Mementos and Maruki spoke up.
Maruki: Then again, that'd be impossible. Maybe truly understanding all people's hearts is beyond human capability. Did I say something wrong, Nhazul?
Nhazul: No. But I was thinking, all hearts share some things.
Maruki: Huh? Yes, there are common factors...No...Wait...You're right...! My God, you're right! That's it, Nhazul! The collective unconscious...If people's hearts are connected in the unconscious, their senses are shared subconsciously...! Ah, it's so simple! Why didn't I realize it before...? Yes, right and ...If I can combine this with my theory in verifying, I can tie it all back to cognitive psience, too!
Nhazul: Whoa, calm down, Mr. Snack man.
Maruki: S-Sorry! But think you've just helped me make a major breakthrough! I think this means something big for my cognitive psience research! I need to hurry and get this on paper! I knew I'd be worth bringing to you! Thank you, Nhazul! I swear I'll repay you for this!
Nhazul: No problem, Doc.
Arcana Councillor Rank 6
(Timeskip)
Currently, Nhazul is in Maruki's office, for another session and he was eating his third pudding cup.
Maruki: Well, let's get started. For today's topic, let's see...I'd like to hear your opinion on these Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
Nhazul: I didn't think you'd be interested in them.
Maruki: The ones who "steal the desires" of criminals, and reportedly force them to confess...Maybe it's a little hard to believe, but I guess I've taken an academic interest in them.
Nhazul: So are you a Phan boy?
Maruki: Sure. That's one way of putting it. I'd love to sit down and talk to one of them.
Nhazul's thoughts: I mean have been for almost a year...
Maruki: I just get the feeling that the Phantom Thieves work and my own research are rooted in the same principles. That's why I've decided to analyze them from my own perspective. For example, there's the matter of their methods...According to the Calling Cards they send out, their stated methods is to "steal your desires". How is such a feat even possible? Any ideas, Nhazul?
Nhazul: Your guess is as good as mine. What do you think about it?
Maruki: A question for a question, huh? That's unusual for you. But let's see...I suppose it'd be possible if there was some material proxy for those desires. Nhazul, do you remember that story with the cookies? In that experiment, the desires for the cookies actually changed the way people tasted them. I think we can look at this in the same way. They're not something easily perceived, but desires have a tremendous effect on our cognition. Put another way, if that desire is gone, your cognitive perception of the cookies skews back to normal. So does that remind you of anything?
Nhazul: The change of heart.
Maruki: That's right. The Phantom Thieve's own change of heart. That's the basis of my theory. Their "theft of desire" is not metaphorical, but something more direct. We still don't know exactly how they steal these desires, of course...But if this idea of physical, tangible desires can be activated, I think it'd logically follow that they can be taken away. In a world of intangibles...Let's say, a world composed of the contents of people's hearts...Well, they're thieves, so if they could perceive a world like that, they could steal desires like any other treasure. Hey, Nhazul. You think I'm getting anywhere here?
Nhazul: It's definitely interesting.
Maruki: You think so too, Nhazul? If it's actually anywhere close to hr the truth, it'd be incredible. Then again, we'll probably never know for sure unless we could ask one of them ourselves.
Nhazul: I guess not...
Arcana Councillor Rank 7
(Timeskip)
Currently, Nhazul is in Maruki's office for another season.
Maruki: Thanks for coming. So today, I'd like to start odd with our usual topic...Not! I had you going there, didn't I?
Nhazul: My God, you really surprised me.
Maruki: Well Nhazul, you're in for a real treat today! I know it's been awhile since you had one, too!!
Nhazul: Is it more cookies?
Maruki: Something better. So recently I found this delicious looking buffet. It's apparently very well regarded, has all sorts of cuisines...Well, thanks to your input, I'm making some real progress on my paper. I'd like to take you to that buffet, as my way of thanking you. How does that sound?
Nhazul looked at Maruki surprised.
Nhazul: Really?
Maruki: Of course! Honestly, I feel like this won't even cover what I owe you. After all you've done for me. Well, that settles it then! We should head over there now, before it gets too busy.
(Timeskip)
Currently, Nhazul and Maruki are at the buffet and Nhazul had three plates in front of him.
Maruki: Alright! Now, this is all on me today! No holding bank, eat as much as you please!
Nhazul: Those are words you will soon regret.
Maruki: Before we start, would you mind if I asked you about something? It's about my paper.
Suddenly a man walked near their table and Maruki recognized him.
Maruki: Shibusawa?
The man named Shibusawa looked and saw Maruki.
Shibuswa: Maruki?!
Maruki: I knew it! Shibusawa, in the flesh! What are you doing here?
Shibusawa: That's my line. It's rare to see you in a restaurant like this one.
Shibusawa then looked at Nhazul.
Shibusawa: Oh? And who might you be?
Maruki: Oh, he's, uhhh...how do I put it?
Nhazul: You can say that I'm his pupil.
Shibusawa: Pupil? Are you teaching now or something?
Maruki: No, not exactly...Anyway, this is Nhazul.
Nhazul: Yo.
Shibusawa: Nice to meet you. I'm Shibusawa.
Maruki: Shibusawa was one of my colleagues in college. He's the one who recommended I pursue a counseling career.
Shibusawa: And I hear it's been doing you some good, too. I catch wind of your goings every so often. Honestly, it's a big relief. You have so much compassion then most, but you can also be a bit carefree.
Maruki: You didn't have to mention that part. Nor that I can refute it...
Shibusawa: But anyway! Tell me more about how you've been fill me in on this guy too!
Maruki: Oh, uh, but aren't you here with others? What about them?
Shibusawa: Eh, it's fine, we just happened to swing by here. They won't mind me being away for a bit. And do you two really think you'll be able to tackle of that food on your own.
Nhazul: Yes.
Shibusawa then joined the two of them and after they ate, mostly Nhazul, they started talking.
Shibusawa: So you're a student a Shujin Academy, Nhazul? They've been on the news an awful lot this year.
Nhazul: Oh, I know.
Shibusawa: And that's where you're counseling now?
Maruki: Yeah. But only part time.
Shibusawa: So what are you two doing at a place like this? This isn't some kind of private counseling session, right?
Nhazul: No, I don't pitch for my own team.
Maruki: He's, well...He's been giving me a hand with my research. I just brought him here as a thank you for his help.
Shibusawa: Research?
Maruki: I had meant to mention this earlier, but my paper is almost finished.
Nhazul: Oh really? Congratulations.
Maruki: It's all thanks to you, though.
Shibusawa looked at Maruki surprised.
Shibusawa: Paper? The one you were doing research for...You mean you're still...?
Maruki: Yep..I'm still at it. Even after all of what went down. You remember what I told you? That I'd finish this paper no matter how long it took me.
Shibusawa: Maruki...You blow my mind sometimes! I swear, you've gotta be the most stubborn man in the world!
Maruki: Is that supposed to be a complement? And anyway, it's not 100% complete yet. I haven't even begun the peer review process.
Shibusawa: Oh, seriously? I'd be more then happy to review it for you. I mean, I did preform all the peer reviews for your publications in college!
Maruki: Huh? Really?!
Shibusawa: Of course, man, why not? In fact that's it. This is now officially a celebration! The meal's on me today!
Maruki: Oh, I couldn't do that. I'm supposed to be treating Nhazul today...
Shibusawa: Oh, don't worry so much. Don't you wanna congratulate him too, Nhazul?
Nhazul: Hell yeah.
Shibusawa: See? He's up for it tooo.
Maruki: I-I do appreciate it, but I have to say, I have mixed feelings about this...
Shibusawa: Oh, don't sweat the details! C'mon, let's go for a second round. We gotta hit up the meat section! And the vegetables. And the beans!
Nhazul: I hope they have some fish and chips left!
(Timeskip)
After eating, the three of them were sitting back in their chairs, washing it down with their drinks.
Maruki: Whew, what a feast...I think I've hit my caloric intake for the entire week.
Nhazul: So good...
Shibusawa: Yeah...Maaan, am I get an earful for piling on the pounds.
Maruki: By who?
Shibusawa: My girlfriend. Well, my fiancée to be more exact. I'm getting married soon.
Nhazul: Oh, congrats.
Maruki: Ah, I see. Wait, married?!
Shibusawa: Yep, married! Now you're the only one left from school who's still flying solo.
Maruki then looked down saddened.
Maruki: ...
Shibusawa: Sorry to pry, but I feel like I gotta ask...Are you still...? I actually, forget I said anything.
Nhazul looked at the two of them confused and Maruki spoke up.
Maruki: You were going to ask about Rumi, right? Don't worry, it's fine.
Nhazul: Rumi?
Maruki: She was my girlfriend back when I was a student. Well, I was just to spineless at the time and we broke up in the end.
Shibusawa: ...
Maruki: I-It's not like it's tragedy or anything, though! She's totally happy now! It's just that I don't feel ready for another relationship of that sort right now. Heh...This was supposed be a celebration, yet I've killed the mood...sorry about that...
Shibusawa: No, no, it's my bad for bringing it up in the first place. Why don't we warp things up here? I have to say, it's really good to see your doing well and with your paper, too! Hey Nhazul, keep a eye on this guy for me, alright? I mean it's pretty rare to see him open up to someone like he has with you.
Nhazul: Right.
Maruki: You're talking about me like I'm some sullen kid...
Arcana Councillor Rank 8
(Timeskip)
Currently, Nhazul is in Maruki's office after he texted him and asked him to stop by.
Maruki: Thanks for coming. There's something I wanted to talk to you about.
Nhazul: Which is?
Maruki: I know this is a little personal, but...You remember how my former girlfriend came up the other day? Rumi?
Nhazul: I do.
Maruki: Well, we were engaged, if you can believe that. She was so cheerful. I mean, she could get pretty aggressive, she was always kinda hot headed. But always so kind, too. She was the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn't deserve her, but...if we'd had our shot, my life would've been so much happier then it had ever been. But reality's never that simple. A burglar broke into her family's home.
Nhazul looked Maruki surprised as he continued to speak.
Maruki: Rumi and I had been visiting. We were there to see what he'd done to them, it was just bad luck...But it didn't end there. He must have been desperate to escape...He attacked Rumi on the way out. I was right there with her, and...I couldn't do anything. Pathetic, right...? We were lucky Rumi's injures weren't more severe. Her physical ones, at least. But the shock of the incident was too much. She had a mental breakdown. We talked about that didn't we? How wounds of the heart aren't as straightforward as physical ones? She never really recovered really recovered from what happened. Even after all this time I... I kind of lost myself in that pain for awhile, too. She didn't deserve that...None of the did. None of them did anything wrong! Sorry...
Nhazul: No, it's fine. I actually know that feeling. I... I lost my family in a car accident when I was a kid. Their deaths hit me extremely hard, especially my big sister. She was pretty much my best friend.
Maruki: I-I'm sorry to hear that.
Nhazul: It's fine.
Maruki: When I saw her in that hospital bed, I made a vow. I swore that I'd do all I could to fight back against the unfairness of reality. If someone suffered, I'd help. Like I said before...Rumi's in better mental place now, she's happy. But that pain I felt back then, that's how this project was born. And thanks to you, I've finally found the true goal of that research, too. I don't care how it takes me. I will make that dream come true. For Rumi's sake, of course...but for you too, Nhazul. I...I honestly don't have the words to say what all this means to me. But I can at least say this. Thank you...so much. For everything. Thanks to you, I found my answer. And once it's ready... I hope you'll let me use it to help you find the happiness you deserve.
Nhazul then looked at Maruki confused.
Nhazul: What do you mean?
Maruki: You'll understand soon enough. My path is clear now. I think this'll probably be the last time I come to you about the paper.
Nhazul: Well, that's kinda sad.
Maruki: I know how you feel. It meant a lot to me, too. I'll let you know when I finally finished that paper. When I do, I'll have to thank you one last time. You helped me see my dream through. I owe you so much.
Nhazul: Don't worry about it. And I'll be looking forward to it.
Arcana Councillor Rank 9