4/15 | Friday | After School
"This would be easier if we had at least one more person."
"What, now you're complaining two of us ain't enough? You ungrateful cat."
"How many times do I have to repeat myself? I. Am. Not-"
"Yeah, yeah, you're not a cat. We get it." Skull leaned back in his chair, kicking his legs onto the center table. "Seriously, do you know anyone else who could help?"
"…No."
"Then quit complainin'! We're all you need to kick some ass! 'Sides, this guy's got multiple Personas!"
While Skull was grinning at him, Mona only looked concerned. "Only you would not consider the consequences of such power. If we rely on Joker for every weakness we can't cover, he'll exhaust himself. We need more coverage…"
"It's fine, Mona. We'll just pace ourselves." Joker placed a finger on the large, old paper in front of them. "We've almost explored everywhere on this map. We'll be entering new territory soon."
"I don't think you guys understand just how strong Shadows can be. The deeper into the distortion, the stronger foes we'll face. Three of us isn't enough. Four would be a much safer number."
"Why harp on things we can do nothin' about?" Skull began to push against the table with his leg, making him lean back on his chair.
Joker looked at Mona curiously. "Wait, Mona, do you have an idea of someone who could help us?"
"…Maybe."
"For real!?" Skull pushed his foot too much and collapsed on the ground. Quickly he stood up, completely ignoring his fall. "Didn't I just ask you that!?"
"It's not one-hundred percent confirmed, but to wield Personas like us they'd need a strong sense of rebellion."
"Uh… 'kay."
"So why not bring in those girls you two were talking to?"
"Aaaand you lost me." Joker smiled as Skull slumped. At least he didn't bother pretending he knew.
"Ugh, why are you such an idiot?" Mona turned to him hopefully. "What do you think, Joker?"
"If there's anyone who hates Kamoshida as much as us, it's them. But, I'd rather not get them involved."
Skull nodded. "Yeah, it's way too dangerous for them."
"I suppose it wouldn't be very gentlemanly bringing ladies into the heat of danger." Mona frowned. "Very well, I suppose you two will have to do."
Skull turned to him. "Man, what a pointless conversation. Let's get back to explorin'" He nodded and began rolling the map they had found. "Yo, if you need help getting supplies lemme know. I can pitch in."
Joker nodded. "I'll need about 5000 yen for some more medicine."
Behind his mask, Skull paled. "Uh… how does 500 sound?"
"Why'd you bother offering…?" Mona muttered.
Either way, Joker allowed himself to smile despite the bleak situation they were in.
4/20 | Wednesday | After School
"We need to talk."
"Ann…?"
Ann quickly began scanning their surroundings. She appeared to be on high alert, not that Shiho could blame her. "Good. No one's around."
"I don't feel like talking today, Ann."
"Huh? But you wanted to talk to me almost a week ago."
"That was before Mishima."
"…Okay, then how about-" Ann cut herself off and sucked her lips in. "No, we can't put this off any longer. Shiho, it's been five days. We have to talk about this."
"Are you worried that I'll give in to his demands?"
"Huh?"
Shiho gave a defeated sigh. "Practice grew more and more difficult the more we improved. He applied physical punishment, never holding back no matter what. He'd do whatever it took to punish us. Our knees weren't bent enough or the ball slipped from the bench's hands or the referee didn't call a foul within two seconds. It wasn't hard to tell when he was in a bad mood."
"I had no idea…"
"Kamoshida liked to join in and practice too. He had to 'keep up his form'. But it was just an excuse to gloat and spike us in the face."
"But your leg…"
"It was when he made me practice spiking. It was nonstop with no breaks. I slipped and twisted it. But I still had to keep going."
"You should have stopped…"
"You've known me for so long, Ann. You've seen my grades, my home, my face, my paintings, my everything. There's nothing I'm good at except for volleyball. I wanted to finally become someone I could be proud of. Someone you could be proud of."
"Shiho…" Shiho was unable to stand steadily and felt like she was about to fall before a pair of arms caught her by the shoulders. "Um, calm down, please." Shiho didn't realize she was trembling and took a deep breath, deciding to stare at Ann's shoulder, letting her bangs droop before her eyes.
"But then… Kurusu-kun showed up and quite literally took one for the team, or rather, me. He was willing to oppose Kamoshida and even reminded me of my priorities. I also know about your encounter with Sakamoto-kun."
"H-huh!?" Shiho stepped back and smiled a little at her friend's reaction. "How!?"
"I think you underestimate how close he and Kurusu-kun are."
"Those two…" Ann shook her head and frowned. "I'm sorry I didn't notice you were suffering. I'm such a failure of a friend…"
Shiho shook her head vehemently. "No, I'm sorry, Ann. I never knew you were going through such lengths to help me. That explains why I managed to be a starter…"
"N-no! You earned that position on your own merits! Kamoshida was just using that as a reason to get me. And because I… because I… because I didn't believe in you enough, this happened. I'm so sorry, Shiho."
"Ann…" Shiho took a deep breath. "I'm glad I finally know how you truly feel. Come on."
"H-huh?"
"Let's go find Kurusu-kun and Sakamoto-kun."
"Why?"
"To help them with whatever their plan is for dealing with Kamoshida."
"…"
"Ann?"
"Do you really think they can do something? Kamoshida's managed to get away with this stuff for even before we enrolled at Shujin, right? What could they do?"
"They're trying something. Something they believe in. And I… I want to help. After what Kamoshida did to Mishima, I can't turn a blind eye to this anymore."
"Shiho, I get what it but it might not be worth it. Think about it, they said he might die!" Shiho winced at her tone. "They're getting themselves mixed in something bad and we should stay out of it. If they can deal with Kamoshida, then leave it to them. Getting involved is too risky."
"Ann, you better not be thinking-"
"It's just once. Just once and we don't have to worry about everything that's happened ever again."
"Ann! How could you-"
"You think I want to do what he says!? But it'd save us at least."
"I… think I understand. But it's wrong. We'll be giving Kamoshida exactly what he wants. And that's something I refuse to do from now on." Shiho, for the first time in a long time, gave Ann a determined stare. "I'd rather get expelled than submit to him!"
"Shiho…"
Ann stared at her shocked. Even Shiho was shocked. She couldn't remember the last time her voice rose that high.
"If that's how you feel Shiho, then I'll trust you." Ann smiled, although it was very hesitant. "I'll accept whatever you decide. And this time, I'll be there to back you up."
"Thank you, Ann… huh?" Shiho's eyes widened "…Was that Kurusu-kun?"
"Huh? Oh, what do you think him and Sakamoto are really planning?"
"Shh, let's follow him. Maybe we'll find that out."
"But what if they're meeting with some yakuza?"
Shiho's eyes widened. "What?"
"Remember, the rumours? I know you don't believe them but it doesn't hurt to be careful."
"I really don't think Kurusu-kun is like that. In fact, I'm certain he isn't. I'll prove it, come on."
"Huh? H-hey! Shiho!"
"Woah, nice haul man."
Joker promptly dumped his bag on the ground, a collection of guns clattering about. Three specifically. "Here, a shotgun for you."
Skull picked is up and raised it to eye level. "Not bad, not bad. Hell, this is badass!" He aimed it at Mona. "Hehe."
"If you're even thinking what I think you're thinking of, I'll make sure to claw your eyes out!"
"Relax, just testing." Skull lowered it and aimed it towards the ground instead. "What are the rest for?"
Joker picked up the replica submachine gun. "Just in case we needed another gun. Though now looking at it, I don't think it's the most accurate gun in the world."
"Huh? Don't you just, uh, aim it?"
Joker ignored him, instead picking up the last gun. "This one I thought we could use to help reduce the amount of fights we need to partake in."
"Oh dude, a sniper rifle!" Skull snatched it out of his hands. "Duuude, it even has a scope! Oh crap! I just got a close up of your-"
"What the hell is this!?"
Startled, the sniper rifle fell to the ground and the three Phantom Thieves turned to the source of the scream. To their surprise, were two familiar girls.
"Um… um… There has to be some explanation… right?"
"Shiho, what can explain there being a castle where our school used to be!?"
"Um, culture festival…?"
"That's not for another few months!"
Skull turned towards Joker. "Dude, what do we do?"
"Let them learn about this world. They'd be great help." Both Joker and Skull glared at Mona who shrunk slightly.
"Mona, you were supposed to be looking out for me," Joker whispered, watching the two girls carefully while they continued panicking.
"I… may have got caught up with our recent purchases. Can you blame me!? Look at these guns!"
"Oh god, it's a monster cat thing!"
"Um… that's a cute costume…?"
"Shiho, please panic more with me…"
"M-monster cat…?" Mona seemed to be completely caught off guard by the comment.
Skull grinned, resting an elbow on Mona's head. "Heh, they got you there."
"That voice…? Sakamoto!?"
"Crap!"
"Definitely Sakamoto-kun," Shiho mused, calming down quickly before looking at him directly. "And that messy hair means…"
"You're Kurusu-kun!?"
Joker couldn't help but rub a hand through his 'messy hair'. He couldn't believe he preferred 'frizzy hair'. "My hair's not that messy."
Shiho blinked. "Um, have you looked in a mirror lately?"
"Dude, not the time," Skull muttered.
"Shiho, really?" Takamaki sighed.
He released a sigh and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Fine, let's get them out of here."
"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure." Skull rolled his shoulder. "Sorry about this."
"Uh, what are you two doing?" Takamaki asked, stepping back.
"What does it look like we're doing?"
"You… don't want to know the answer to that, Sakamoto-kun…" Suzui commented, also stepping back.
"Huh? Oh, wait, well, it's not what it looks like. We're just kicking you two out of here." The two boys continued to step forward and grabbed their arms. Although Joker made extra care not to be rough with Suzui and her bruised leg.
"What? Why!? What is this place!? What is that cat!? What is with your clothes!? What is…"
Ryuji let out a breath of relief and Joker found himself doing the same. "Phew, I never thought she'd shut up. Hell, she's probably still going in the real world. I feel bad for Suzui."
Joker smiled wryly, packing up the fallen guns. "Come on, let's get going."
"Oh, you gotta be effin kidding me…" Skull groaned and immediately began in a sprint, Joker and Mona immediately following suit.
"The girls have been captured. This is very bad. They've been split up. I have no idea where that Suzui girl is, but Lady Ann should be in the chapel!"
"Oh, come on! We just finished kicking that angel's ass yesterday… he better not be back!"
"Let! Me! Go!"
"That's her. Whenever you're ready, Joker." Joker gave Mona a nod and they began rushing into the chapel before hiding behind some pillars. "Look at the amount of Shadows!"
"What the hell is that!?" Takamaki shouted. They could see her being restrained by a high-ranking guard.
"This glorious statue is the true essence of I, the god of Shujin, Suguru Kamoshida."
"It's disgusting."
Shadow Kamoshida sighed, shaking his head disappointedly. "I can't believe you mistook her for my queen. Tell me, what do you think about my effigy, my queen."
"It's, like, soooo glorious, I could stare at it and touch it for, like, months."
"Now, why don't you see what she sees?"
Takamaki spat, missing the mark. "All I see is a disgusting pervert who uses people for his own satisfaction!"
Shadow Kamoshida jerked his neck and a knight began approaching her, light shining off the sword making Takamaki realize that it was real.
Suddenly, the knight jabbed the hilt of the sword into her stomach, making her wheeze violently.
Before Joker knew it, Skull was rushing out from behind the pillar, and he was right behind him. "Cut that out, asshole!" All attention was now on them. "You get off for hurting people too!?"
"You thieves are back again…? What does it take to get rid of roaches like you!?"
Joker took the time to look over Takamaki. It didn't appear she was wounded. They were lucky the pommels weren't sharp. But with how quickly they jabbed and how violently she reacted, it might have left some damage.
"Ryuji…!" Takamaki called out before coughing some more. No blood, fortunately enough.
"Surround them!"
The multitude of guards that were previously sitting down at each of the benches stood up and surrounded the two of them quickly. They were greatly outnumbered and it would be a miracle if they got out of this unscathed.
"Now then…" Shadow Kamoshida turned his attention back to Takamaki. "What will you do now? Will you obey me, love me, as a good girl should? Or should I execute you alongside those two?"
"…Shiho."
"Hm?"
"Where is she?"
"You'll have to be more specific. I don't remember the names of common slaves." Shadow Kamoshida laughed at what he thought was a joke. Joker and Skull shared a disgusted glance while Takamaki resumed struggling.
"Where. Is. Shiho!?"
"Who knows? Maybe if you confess your undying love to me, then maybe I'll bring you to her."
"…!" Joker was concerned, as it seemed like Kamoshida's Shadow had Takamaki's attention.
"After all, you owe them that much. Suzui, Mishima. Imagine how much happier everyone could have been if you had simply accepted my love in the end."
"What? No…!"
"After all I've done for Suzui, and you still rejected me. The frustration within me built, and kept building. Don't you think it's time you pay for your sins?"
"Oh hell no! You aren't actually considering what this asshole's saying, right!? Takamaki!" Skull screamed.
"I…"
"Will you give up on Shiho now?" Joker's voice, leveled and calm, seemed to snap her out of it. "Remember why you two followed us."
"Shut up, petty thieves! If you don't listen to me, you're committing treason! And treason is met with death!"
"Don't give him what he wants."
"…!" Takamaki gasped, staring at him wide-eyed. "What he wants…? Shiho… Shiho'd never…ever…give in. Why am I so… weak? I'm tired of being weak! How many times has this disgusting monster pissed me off…? Too many times to count. For what you've done to my Shiho, the volleyball team, to me, I'm done with you, you son of a bitch!"
My… It's taken far too long.
"Urgh…!"
She's still here… in this disgusting place. Who will save her, but you? Leaving her here alone, being bound to this man, now that… would truly be a sin... Such is the scream of the other you that dwells within… I am thou, thou art I… We can finally forge a contract…
"Yes… I hear you… Carmen. No more. I won't hold back anything anymore."
Much better… Restraining yourself is boring... It is far more gratifying being free from the binds of society. If you understand that… then I'll gladly lend you my strength.
"Holy shit… her Persona's a dominatrix! Hell she's dressed like one too! Wait, is that a whip!?"
Takamaki took a step forward. Kamoshida's Shadow took a hesitant step back. "You know what? I'm not some cheap toy you can play with… you scumbag."
"Bitch!" He spat back at her, to which she flicked her head and a fireball collided with the ground in front of him.
"Shiho worked hard her entire life and you almost destroyed her. I can't even imagine how many other people you destroyed. I'm ending this here and now!" She whipped the ground and the sound echoed across the chapel.
"Guards!"
Joker and Skull quickly panicked as a siege of guards began to reveal their true forms. "Oh shit another angel Shadow!"
"We need to regroup with Takamaki," Joker stated, looking over to see Takamaki facing off against a Shadow neither recognized.
"Is that Shadow on a freakin' toilet!?"
"Shadows… are weird. Look out!" With quick reflexes, the two rolled out of the way from the Archangel's attack. "
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a gunshot and before they knew it, a bullet was lodged in the ground next to them.
"Shoot, I missed!"
"Watch where you're aimin' that!" Skull shouted, looking around frantically but not seeing a cat in sight. "Huh…? Mona was with us, right?"
A second gunshot was heard and this time the Archangel had a bullet in his head before dissipating. "Much better. Nice shot, if I do say so myself."
The two looked up to see Mona above them on one of the chandeliers. "The cat knows how to use the sniper rifle!?"
"Nyehehehe! Don't underestimate my marksman abilities!"
"Something tells me he just got lucky… Hey! Joker!" Joker had taken the distraction as an opening to reach Takamaki who had managed to knock down the giant Shadow on the ground.
"Not bad."
"You haven't seen anything yet! Are you going to help me, or watch?" Nodding, the two rushed forward and delivered a mighty all-out attack.
As soon as the Shadow got back up, Joker raised his fingers to his mask. "Succubus!" Joker made sure the fire ball hit the Shadow square in the face, a small, satisfying feeling enveloped him. Revenge was better served hot, he decided as he watched the Shadow disintegrate.
Takamaki was breathing heavily beside him as she stared down Kamoshida's Shadow. "I. Will. Urgh…!" Joker quickly caught her before she fell but her heated gaze was still on Kamoshida's Shadow.
"Guards!"
"This is bad!" Mona was shouting at them from above. "I'm going to help you guys out here, so get ready to retreat to the Safe Room!"
Joker nodded, though he wasn't sure if Mona could see. "You got that, Skull!?" He called out to his partner who was fending off a swarm of Shadows with his Persona alongside Mona's. It seemed that Mona had summoned Zorro from above to help.
"Yeah, yeah! Just hurry up, will ya!? There's so many of these stupid seaweed horses!"
"So impatient… Well, here I go! Vanish Ball!" Something dropped from the sky and when it landed, smoke began seeping out of it. Quickly, they took the opportunity to get out of the area, Joker deciding to carry the exhausted Takamaki in his arms and made a mad dash.
"Did you see me!? I was holding off those Shadows like it was nothing!" Skull collapsed into one of the chairs. "Oh, who am I kidding? That was insane."
Takamaki was also sitting down in one of the chairs. "Shadows, huh? That's what those monsters are?"
"Correct, Lady Ann. You're quite sharp, compared to this bonehead."
"Lady Ann…?" Takamaki blinked before turning to Joker. "Um, thanks for before. I think I'm ready to go now."
"Huh? Go where?"
Takamaki turned to Skull, her glare returning full force. "To wherever Shiho is!"
"Oh right! She's still here! Aw shit, I'm spent."
"Don't tell me you were using your Persona skills the entire time…" Mona gave Skull a disapproving look before turning to Joker. "This is why I appointed you as de facto leader."
"And no doubt Takamaki is tired too," Joker took another look at Takamaki who jumped out of her seat and shook her head.
"I'm fine. I have to save Shiho."
"Let's use this opportunity to rest and try and deduce where Suzui is," Mona declared to which the three nodded. "Okay, so… um, where do we start?"
"Ooh, the dungeon. She has to be in the dungeon."
"This place has a dungeon!?"
"Well, duh, it's a castle."
"You can't seriously be telling me this is a normal castle."
Joker and Mona sighed at the two before looking down at the map they spread out. "I don't think she's in the dungeons. Remember who we found in the dungeons?"
"Uh, volleyball players?"
Mona nodded. "Not just any volleyball players, though."
"They were all boys," Joker realized. "That's why Suzui wouldn't be there."
"Right. But there's no way she'd be in the upper parts of the castle near the Treasure."
"Uh, why not?"
Mona shot a concerned glance at Takamaki before continuing. "Remember how Kamoshida described Suzui?"
"…He declared her as a slave," Joker nodded, also glancing at Takamaki. On the table, her fists were clenched. "And that means she's worth less than Takamaki. So, she'd be anywhere between the dungeon and here."
"Right, but most of the areas are small rooms with various ornaments and furniture."
"Oh, what about that shrine room!? You know, where we got the second map!"
Joker and Mona's eyes widened. Takamaki looked at Skull confused. "Shrine room? In a castle?"
"Well, it's more like a, uh…" Skull scratched his cheek. "Well, you'll see for yourself. It's not far from here, yeah? Just around the corner?"
Joker nodded. "It's also on the way to an area I suspect."
"That's our leader! Lead the way, Joker!" Mona jumped down from the table and Joker began packing the map away. "I think we should avoid fights if we can, and if not maybe avoid having Lady Ann fight with us."
"What? You saw me! I can seriously kick some ass."
Skull sighed. "That's not what he's sayin'. When you summon a Persona for the first time you feel more drained than usual. You'd be a liability more than anything."
"That's…"
"I hate to admit it, but Skull's right, Lady Ann. Just leave it to me! I'll save Lady Shiho in no time!"
"Now it's Lady Shiho…?" Skull muttered.
"What. The hell."
Joker scanned the room. "No Suzui here."
"I mean, aside from the pictures," Skull muttered, keeping a close eye on Takamaki as she walked around, inspecting every picture. "Careful what you touch."
Takamaki recoiled immediately. "Gross!"
Mona sighed. "How immature…"
Although, Joker couldn't help but wonder if Mona was thinking the same thing as Skull. "Come on, no time to waste."
Takamaki nodded. "Right. If anything, I feel even more motivated. But… what did Kamoshida plan to do with Shiho…?"
No one bothered to answer her. Mona looked up at Joker. "You said you had a place in mind to investigate?"
"Yeah. Follow me."
"Wasn't there a gate here…?"
"So it's opened now. I'm impressed, Joker."
"We have to hurry." With breakneck speed, he dashed down the opened hall with the rest of his group behind him and kicked open the door.
"What the hell…!? What is this place!?" Skull shouted, staring at the many, many bodies on the ground. But they weren't dead bodies, but instead half-naked girls moaning.
"I was wondering when we'd find this place," Joker muttered.
Mona frowned. "We found his cognition of the boys' volleyball team, but never the girl's. This is why… A place he made sure no one would find."
"Shiho!" Stepping over several cognitions of girls, Takamaki almost reached Suzui before being blasted away by a gust of wind.
"Takamaki!" Skull rushed to her side while Joker and Mona stood in front of them.
Suzui was on the ground, on her knees, her hands tied with coarse ropes and her neck had a chain around it leading to the wall. "Ann…?" Her eyes opened to see the familiar trio from the entrance alongside a new fourth one wearing a red latex catsuit. "Ann! You're alive! Thank goodness…"
"Why celebrate someone else's life when your own is forfeit?"
"Kamoshida…!" Takamaki growled, getting back up and rejoining Joker and Mona with Skull.
The guards that were still in their incognito form lowered their blades against Suzui's back. "I wouldn't take another step. Unless you wish to see your friend disemboweled."
"Grr…" Takamaki began growling but otherwise stayed put.
Skull looked down at Mona. "Can't you use that smoke bomb again?"
"I only had the one…" He winced before looking up at Joker. "I'll have to teach you how to make more when we get out of here!"
"Now that you thieves have calmed down…" Kamoshida's Shadow stood tall over Shiho, who kept her gaze focused at the ground. "You… what's your name again? Suzui? Yes, you were always so quiet. I quite liked that about you. You knew when to stay quiet, you knew never to open your trap, you knew the perfect stances, you knew how to spread your legs, you knew how to strike, you were the perfect bargaining chip, and yet… you were always lacking. Your looks leave a lot to be desired and that mopey attitude was so boring. I was hoping to hear you scream your emotions proper, just to add a little variety to that boring face of yours. Admit it, you put up with everything I did, not because you were strong, but because you were weak."
"Shut up, bastard! Shiho's stronger than you could ever know!"
"No, Ann. He's right."
"Shiho!?"
"I was weak. I didn't believe in myself, thinking volleyball and this pain was the only way to get through life. I had mistaken pain for commitment. I was doing it for you, I said, but… you said you didn't believe in me? In the end, I didn't believe in you either. I was weak. I am weak."
"That's true to me too! I let Kamoshida did what he want with me because I didn't believe in you either! But if stupid, little me can realize my mistake, then you, Shiho, who's so beautiful, kind, and strong, you can be even better!"
"I don't know about beautiful, but I definitely won't repeat the same mistake twice. I'll believe in you Ann, and I'll believe in myself!"
"I believe in you, too."
What a twist of fate…
"Ack!"
We've done nothing wrong… Surrounded by expectations and lies, and finally we surface… To arrive at the truth… Hatred is not within our blood… But that does not mean we forgive… No longer shall we be taken advantage of… Together, we make way… For a new future… I am thou, thou art I… Please, put the finishing touches… Upon our contract!
"Yes… Please, to me, Euphrasie!"
The chains bound to Suzui's neck shone before completely shattering into glitter. The ropes bound to her hands melted into light and with her free hand, reached upon her face where a silver Venetian mask rested. Ripping it apart, a stream of red was quickly covered up by the blue flames of rebellion.
When they cleared, Suzui was gone and in her place was a Persona, whose golden hair was waving in different directions and her face and hands and simply and exposed skin were covered in bandages. The dress the Persona had donned was vintage and gold, with light flowing throughout and reaching past her legs. It was akin to a wedding dress.
Without a sound, one of the Shadows near Kamoshida was struck down, and behind it revealed Suzui in her new form.
Light gold sleeves from her shoulder to her hands with white gloves covering them. She was wearing a white headband around her head, underneath her bangs. Covering her mouth and nose was a white mouth mask. From her neck and further down she was garbed in a white skinsuit with golden ties. Her boots matched her hair and were pitch black. Above her head, she was spinning a chain sickle; a kusarigama.
"Hyah!" The sickle latched itself into another Shadow's limb, before she pulled it out and rushed forward, striking once more with the sickle, eliminating the Shadow. She stomped her foot, but barely made a sound, and turned to face Kamoshida.
"She's a freakin' ninja…" Skull said, his mouth gaping wide open.
Mona was not much different. "Talk about silent but deadly…"
"GUARDS!"
However, Mona quickly snapped out of it. "Uh-oh, we royally pissed him off today."
A new Shadow emerged, the only one left that managed to survive Suzui's awakening burst. A small girl-like Shadow with bat wings and a tail resembling a devil's.
"How dare you not accept the magnificent Kamoshida's generosity!"
"How dare you call him generous…! I'll cut you to pieces… Euphrasie!"
Euphrasie's hands, bandaged and all, flicked her wrist and a small ball of light collided with the little devil.
"Let's strike them down!" Joker, Suzui, and Mona rushed in to deliver a serious beating, and the screams of the little devil made Takamaki and Skull shudder.
Finishing it, Suzui leaped back, backflipping a few times silently and pulled down her mouth mask, letting out a breath of fresh air as the Shadow behind her let out its final cry. "Taste freedom."
"That was so freakin' cool!" Skull exclaimed, running up to them before Mona got in his way.
"No time for this, we should get out of here now before Kamoshida calls for backup! We've expended a good amount of our resources today!"
Joker nodded, looking over at Suzui who had collapsed in Takamaki's arms. "I got her." Takamaki nodded and similar to Takamaki earlier, he carried Suzui to the exit.
"…So, that's what your plan was." Ann said before looking down at Morgana. "And that's why you're always with Akira."
"Correct. You sure picked up things faster than those two, Lady Ann. You too, Lady Shiho."
"Hey! …Eh, who am I kidding. I still don't understand this stuff. But don't sell Akira short dude."
"Oh, I'm not. The fact that he's the leader shows just how much faith I have in him."
"Personas, cognition, with this, we can really change Kamoshida's heart?" Shiho asked and anyone could hear the large amount of hope in her voice.
"Like I said, if we can steal the treasure without any complications, then the desires that the treasure connects to will also disappear. In this case, Kamoshida's desire to rule over Shujin."
"Then it'll be over…! Ann, it'll finally be over!"
"Yeah… yeah! That's…"
"H-hold up, you two want to join us!?"
The two girls looked at Ryuji like he said something extremely stupid. "You think after all that, we'd be satisfied just standing by!? Put yourself in our shoes, you idiot!" Ann shouted to which Ryuji recoiled.
Ryuji then scratched the back of his head. "I guess you got a point there. Besides, you two can kick some serious ass. It'll be a great help, right Leader?"
Akira nodded, smiling warmly at the two girls, showing his approval. They immediately responded in kind. "Great! Oh yeah..." Ann looked over at Akira's shoulder where Morgana rested. "You called Akira 'Joker' and Ryuji 'Skull'. What was that about?"
Ryuji leaned back with his hands behind his head. "Oh, those? Just code names. Pretty sweet, huh?"
"Uh-huh…"
"That's so cool! What will mine be?" Shiho clasped her hands together, startling the three boys. None of them ever saw an enthusiastic Shiho, or in Ryuji's case, not in a long time.
"Probably… 'Kunoichi'?" Ryuji suggested.
"That seems too literal."
"Well mine's Skull based on my mask alone."
"Why's he Joker?"
"Because he's our ace in the hole, our wild card if you will," Morgana stated smugly before suddenly looking down. "Huh…?"
"That's so cool! What about yours, Morgana?"
"Um, it's Mona."
"Why?"
"Because Ryuji's an idiot."
"Makes sense to me!" Ann declared, laughing jovially.
Ryuji stomped his foot. "Hey! Akira agreed to it too!"
"Too late to change it now," Akira said and turned to Ann. "What about you? Any ideas?"
Ryuji's burst of anger forgotten, he placed his fingers under his chin. "Oh, it's gotta be related to her costume. It had a tail, right?"
"…" Both Akira and Shiho stared at Ann intently, making her begin to fidget. When she saw Shiho's eyes lit up, she immediately knew what was coming.
"Sexy cat." Both perpetrators glanced at each other, surprised they thought of the same thing before chuckling to themselves.
"Wait! What!? I am SO not down with this!"
"Jeez, you're always so picky. What do you want to be called then?" Ryuji asked.
"Um, something better than just a little cat…"
"Cheetah?" Ann glared at Shiho. "Tiger?"
Ann faced Ryuji once again. "Maybe… 'Panther'? I think that sounds pretty cool."
Ryuji was caught off guard by the suggestion. "Huh? Why?"
"It does sound more ferocious… I guess," Shiho admitted.
"Rolls off the tongue easily enough," Akira agreed.
"She's a cougar…!" Morgana fawned before flinching when he was under Ann's gaze.
"If anyone calls me that…!"
"Uh, Lady Shiho! Have you decided on a name!?" Morgana switched to Shiho who was startled by the cat's outburst.
"Um, no."
"I mean, there's also 'Ninja'," Ryuji shrugged.
"That's really boring…" Shiho sighed disappointingly.
"Maybe… Shadow?" Ann said. "Y'know, since ninjas lurk in the shadows."
"Won't we just get her mixed up with the Shadows we're fighting?" Morgana shook his head. "Any ideas, Akira?"
Akira adopted a thinking pose. "Star."
"Uhhh…" Ryuji turned to Shiho. "'Sup Star? …Nah, doesn't work."
"How about 'Snake'?" Ann suggested.
Ryuji furiously scratched the back of his head in confusion. "Huh!? Why!?"
"'Cause… snakes are… sneaky?"
"Aaand you lost me… I don't know how I'd feel callin' Shiho 'Snake'. Even somethin' like… I dunno, 'Crane', would be better to match her outfit."
"I like it." Everyone, including Ann, looked at Shiho incredulously.
"W-wait, seriously?"
Shiho nodded. "Cranes are beautiful creatures, don't you think? Sometimes I feel happy just looking at them, and I want to bring happiness back to people who had it stolen from them."
Ann smiled, nodding enthusiastically. "Just looking at you makes me happy, Shiho. I agree. Crane it is!"
Ryuji scratched his cheeks, not sure what to say and looked to Akira for assistance. Although it seemed like Akira's attention was solely on the girls. "Oh, I gotta go buy us some drinks to celebrate! Akira, give me a hand!" Akira nodded and followed Ryuji to the nearest vending machine, but not before taking one last look at the girls behind him. They were giggling to themselves and the sight warmed his heart. He never would have guessed that these were the two same girls he had brief encounters with earlier in the month.
He would make Kamoshida pay for almost ruining two precious lives.
Here's another chapter some of you wanted! Glad you guys enjoyed the first chapter, and I hope you enjoyed this one as well.
Rest of this AN is just me explaining NinjaShiho. You don't have to read it.
Can I just say I'm astounded by the amount of support Shiho has? Maybe it's 'cause I never looked hard but man it's great. While doing some research I found a few Phantom Thief art of her which were all great.
And thus, made me want to do something different for her.
Thief, thug, burglar, outlaw, biker, bandit, hacker, musketeer. All various forms of criminals. So, what could Shiho be? A gangster? Yakuza?
And then it hit me: NINJA
I know it seems so stereotypical and overdone, but I think it's be cool… I think. I needed something different and this definitely isn't the only choice for PT Shiho. Like I said, just look up 'shiho phantom thieves' and you'll get a few really great art that are probably better than this idea.
I just wanted to be different/unique.
Forgive me for how utterly trash I am at describing appearances. Euphrasie is a girl who's been hurt so much but still presents hope to everyone around her and Shiho's a white-garbed ninja, basically. Ninja's wear mouth masks for the most part so I gave Shiho a venetian mask. Les Misérables was a French title but Venice is kinda close to France, right? Riiight? …Please? …I'm sorry.
But yes, this means Shiho's face is basically entirely covered. Which is why if she were to have a portrait, there'd be some with her mouth mask lowered so you could see her mouth.
Basically, the closest picture I can think of that kind of represents my PT Shiho would be the original 2D design for Momiji from Ninja Gaiden (Seriously great art wish they used that even though I don't play the games haha…).
Melee weapon: chain-sickle / kusarigama
Ranged weapon: I was originally going to make her unique where she uses a sniper rifle and could be how they dealt with Shadows from afar in the palace, but that was before I decided on NINJA SHIHO, so yeah. Now I'm not sure. The options I was going through were shurikens, bows, kunai, and blowguns before realizing it would break the motif of having actual firearms. And then I realized ninja's used actual firearms
Pistols, shotguns, SMGs, assault rifles, revolvers, and grenade launchers are all out of the question. And you'd think a ninja would have a quiet gun (even though they liked to make their target think someone from the military was coming so maybe not? Not exactly well-versed into this stuff) so a silencer would be needed.
…Yeah, I know practically nothing about guns so for now I'm leaving the ranged weapon a blank.
EDIT: I think I'm going to go with a carbine for Shiho. It's a French word and a unique type of gun for the PT (at least, until Kasumi enters the fray but this was written before her).
EDIT: Changed Shiho's codename from Striker to Crane once I realized that most of the codenames were nouns (Joker, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Crow). I wasn't sure which one would fit Shiho, and I'm still not really sure I made the right choice. I was going between Snake, Persian, and some others. I'd like to know what your thoughts for my PT Shiho are. Would you say it doesn't suit her?
Sometimes I wish I was an artist, because some things really do look better in your head.
Anyway, yeah, NinjaShiho. Like it? Hate it? Honestly, I don't blame anyone either way. I like it, obviously. I just wish I could describe it better. Honestly, if you're having trouble seeing it, just add your own creative liberties with it. I'd love to see a drawing of it just to see if I'm justified in thinking this is a cool idea, or if it's a case of 'better on paper'.
Anyway, thank you for reading all this! Hope this chapter helped make your week a little bit more bearable haha.
