Looking back at Ann, she catches that familiar expression. It dawns on her she might have pushed too much while trying to get information about the situation.
“I’m sorry. You don’t have to talk about everything about it. I’m just– I know it’s painful.” It’s what she knows best, regrettably, the pain. Guilt creeps in just as Kamoshida moves. Her fist strikes out on impulse. Of course, it goes right through his form as if she was hitting at smoke. Surprised, she shifts her weight to a leg and kicks at him a few times. His form wavers but stays put. She stops when Ann speaks again.
“So, he confessed. Then, you did all you could. Even with all that happened, you did the best you could, I think. I would be crazy to expect you to actually kill him. I couldn’t expect that of a kid.” A civilian, even, who probably never fought without powers and whatever this Persona was before. “No one really should. I’m sorry.”
As much as she wants Ann to have the same kind of satisfaction she did, it’s not feasible. They’re too different people, even if their trauma seems similar. She wills herself to remember that. “But, if he shows his face around here again, where I can actually touch him, let me know.”
It’s not that Ann was holding back, keeping it a secret. It’s nothing to be ashamed of – at least that’s what she thinks. But still, society wanted her to keep her mouth shut. To stop her from sharing her story. And even if the setting was different, the effects were still long lasting. A brush of tears won’t wipe away the suffering she’s been through.
❛ It’s not that.. I mean. I just.. I’ve never talked to anyone about this before. I mean, anyone who wasn’t originally part of everything that happened. ❜
That’s what made her so close to the Phantom Thieves, after all. A rag-tag group of teenagers forced to band together to steal back from the society that already stole so much.
❛ You really think so? I’ve always beat myself up thinking I could’ve done more.. Should’ve done more. I’ve never been more angry, and felt more helpless than I did then. ❜
Verbalizing her feelings if harder than it seemed. Ann can hardly stare to look at his disgusting face, but she keeps her eyes up long enough to see Jeane throw a punch or two. Nothing but smoke. Nothing that could hurt her now.
She gives a small bit of a smile to the blonde, laughing at her remarks. It’s a wonder how she hasn’t already upped and left, helping Ann throughout her trauma as if it was her own. She can’t emphasize how much she appreciates it.
❛ Oh, definitely! We can take turns throwing punches... But I’m more handy with a whip. ❜
