It was a normal day at school...

(Chapter originally by Phantom Pen at writing.com)

Makoto had always been driven to succeed in school. Whether that was her own personal drive or the expectations placed on her by her somewhat overbearing sister was hard to say. If she had to guess, it was probably at least a bit of both. Her dedication to success had paid off immensely, as her academic prowess was recognized and regarded throughout the school, and she had secured the Student Council presidency despite not exactly having the love or social standing of many of her peers. No, Makoto had earned everything she had through sheer aptitude and determination.

And yet, all it had taken was a group of outcasts to throw off her focus, even if only a little. Becoming one of the Phantom Thieves was something Makoto never would have imagined happening to her, but it had proven to be one of the most significant moments of her life. Awakening to her inner rebel, embracing Johanna and rejecting corrupt authority had practically turned Makoto into a new woman. She still took school seriously, of course, but it no longer dominated her every waking moment. She was learning to enjoy other aspects of life and the joys of having a group of friends. She hadn't known the rest of the Phantom Thieves for very long in the grand scheme of things, but it wasn't an exaggeration to say Makoto would go above and beyond for any of them. They deserved that much for helping her wake up to the world around her.

This was the path of thought Makoto's mind had wandered off to while her teacher began to ramble off topic and drone on about nothing of particular academic importance. She was only snapped out of her daydreaming by the chime of the school's intercom activating.

"W-will Makoto Niijima please, ah... please report to the Student Council room. Immediately. Th-thank you." the voice said, quickly cutting off.

Makoto raised an eyebrow, though she rose from her seat all the same. Her teacher simply nodded in consent as Makoto slipped out of the classroom and into the hallway. Something about that request seemed... wrong. The person speaking was clearly nervous for some reason, and she was sure she recognized the voice. The distortion of the intercom system meant it wasn't perfectly clear who was speaking, but it still sounded familiar enough to make Makoto curious. Makoto pushed these thoughts aside with a light sigh. The question would be answered soon enough, after all.

Sliding the door open, Makoto stepped into the Student Council room to find herself facing-