Author's Note: Thank you for following my fanfic and I wish you had a happy New Year!
Chapter 14: The Closing of the Museum of Vanity
May 23rd
After coming back home from the infiltration, Kazumi received a text from Ann about how they should ask Yusuke before they send in the calling card. Kazumi and Ryuji agreed to it and she recommended to talk to him at the end of the week: May 29. After that, she went to sleep deeply.
May 24th
After school, Kazumi returned the last book she borrowed. Without knowing it, Makoto, the School Council President, noticed her presence on the library and followed her since she left:
-"I can finally keep her on track…"-he thought as he saw her encounter Ryuji on the stairs.-"After asking around for clues, those two were the only ones who actually confronted Mr. Kamoshida."
-"Kazumi, let's go for some ramen! My treat!"-Ryuji said to the girl-"That infiltration yesterday was…!"
-"Great! I'm very hungry right now!"-Kazumi put a hand of his mouth before he could say something else. She forced him to keep moving as she didn't want anyone to suspect….except that Makoto heard it very well.
-"Infiltration…? Just what the…"-Makoto was a bit confused for that word and kept following them.
He followed the distracted pair all the way to Ogikubo. After the "infiltration" comment, nothing else came out of their mouths that was relatively suspicious. Meanwhile, Kazumi and Ryuji were eating up unaware of the spy:
-"Light soup like this one gets well on ya after a good run, you know?"-Ryuji commented excited.-"You know, we used to come here every time after practice and…"
-"Uh, I guess that's all in the past…"-Ryuji said.
-"Go on…It's been a while since we deal with the ex-track team…"-Kazumi said as she put some ginger on her ramen
-"Well, I've seen Nakaoka a few times and he doesn't seem to be getting along with the others…"-Ryuji continued.
-"Are you worried about him?"-Kazumi said.
-"Yeah, kinda."-Ryuji admitted indecisive.
-"The track team…"-Makoto started to think to what happened to that team.
-"I'm just thinking how he was right that they were putting up with Kamoshida's shit and I just effed up everything…"-Ryuji said.-"They can't do their activities on the school because of me...they are just like outcasts now…"
-"There's no place for outcasts...you and I know that very well…"-Ryuji took a sip of the miso soup before speaking again.-"At least they keep their heads low...I don't want them to end up like me."
-"But you're doing even better than them ever since Kamoshida confessed!"-Kazumi said trying to cheer him up.
-"Haha...I guess you're right."-Ryuji said with a smile.-"I guess trying to fit is a pain in the ass. I feel so sorry for people who have to do it like...yeah, Mr. Council President!"
-"He got that right…"-Makoto thought for himself.-"Fitting, huh? I wonder where do I fit…"
-"Well, being an exceptional student does not come free…"-Kazumi said.-"...Do you think he's still going after us?"
-"Relax. There's no way he will figure out...he might have given up at this point."-Ryuji said.
-"It's been so cool with you guys. I don't want it to end from something as ridiculous as getting caught by a lapdog…"-Ryuji said stretching himself.-"Thank you, Kazumi. You really are the best."
Kazumi could feel her bond with Ryuji grow at this moment and the Chariot Arcana gained a fourth star.
*Punk Talk from Ryuji unlocked*
-"Anyways! Are you going to help the track team?"-Kazumi asked to shake the uncomfortable off.
-"I wonder if there's something I can do…"-Ryuji asked himself.-"Well, I think it shouldn't butt in their issues for now…"
-"By the way, I have found a place to keep our training!"-he announced
-"Great! Mind if we talk it later? My part-time job is about to start."-Kazumi said as she stepped up.
-"Sure! Let me go with you!"-Ryuji then let the money on the table and went with her to the train station.
After they took separate lines, Kazumi felt a cold hand on her shoulder and aparted it scared, discovering it was the Council President's:
-"Good afternoon, Asaka."-he just said.
-"Y-you...president…"-she muttered scared.
-"Yes, I'm the Council President, Makoto Nijima."-he said without understanding why she was so scared.
-"Do you need something…? I-I was about to go to my part-time job."-she said trying to maintain her posture.
-"Nothing really. I saw you and I thought I should say hi."-he said with a serious face. Kazumi was thinking that it was the biggest lie he could have come up with.
-"By the way, I saw you were with Sakamoto earlier."-he said.
-"Oh? Yeah."-she said confused.
-"A date, perhaps?"-he asked.
-"No. We are really good friends."-Kazumi said.
-"I can see that…"-Makoto said with sarcasm.-"Mind to tell me what happened with the track team Sakamoto was in?"
-"Huh?"-Kazumi was even more confused.-"Don't tell me you…"
-"Me what? I'm the Council President, of course I have to know details about the clubs…"-he said.
-"If you want to know more, you should ask Ryuji-kun, yourself."-Kazumi said.-"Truth can only be taken from the victims and aggressors themselves after all…"
-"Now if you excuse me…"-Kazumi said as she ran towards the platform with destination to Shibuya.
-"You are not making this easy…"-he murmured angry.-"It's just matter of time before I truly understand what is happening…"
On the evening, Kazumi worked on the flower shop in the underground mall of Shibuya. Arranging flowers put her at ease after her sudden encounter with President Nijima.
*Kazumi's kindness increases by 3 points*
May 25th
After school, Kazumi went to visit Doctor Takemi and found a little girl and her father on the waiting room with him:
-"So, why come here? Aren't you under the care of another hospital?"-Takeo asked the father of the girl.
-"I've heard the rumors about this place. I want you to examine her."-the father replied. -"She was diagnosed with bronchitis, but the medicine she was given it's not working at all."
-"She has fever in many occasions and she has lost weight because she doesn't get hungry."-he claimed.
-"A young girl losing weight is not healthy…"-the Doctor replied while crossing his arms.-"However, I can't provide a through examination here. You have to take her to a bigger hospital."
-"She has already been in a recognized hospital! The one at East Shinjuku!"-he claimed
-"East Shinjuku…?"-Takeo murmured and the girl started to cough strongly.
-"Doctor...My chest really hurts…"-the girl said.
-"..."-Takeo was in doubt of what to do and Kazumi felt it was the moment to interfere.
-"It will be ok. Doctor Takemi will help you."-Kazumi said as she reclined to look at the girl and smile.-"Isn't that right?"
-"What!?"-he exclaimed surprised that she was there all this time
-"Doctor…!"-The father beg to him once more.
-"...Fine. I'll examine her."-Takeo resigned himself.-"Asaka, since you are here already, you will have to be my assistant."
-"Huh? Ok."-she said as she stood up.
-"Are you sure you told me all the symptoms she had?"-Takeo asked the father.
-"Yes, that's all the ones that were detected."-he replied.
-"I see…"-Takeo proceeded to call someone on his phone about a case that was issued in a magazine last month.-"I guess the ones in the stock will do…"
-"Asaka, there's a shelf by the reception desk. Bring the medicines on the second drawer to the exam room."-he ordered her.-"Also, a beaker with a red label from the fridge, a towel wash basin and a measuring spoon."
-"Understood!"-the girl hurried inside the clinic.
After the medicine intake, the little girl improved her condition. Takeo said that it was an infectious strain from a rare disease and the charge was that of 1 million yen, however; as Takeo asked if the doctor that attended the girl previously was the Medical Chief Yamada and the girl's father affirmed it, which made Takeo give the treatment for free this time.
-"F-Free!?"-the father said surprised.
-"Hehe."-Takeo was slightly smiling.
-"What is that smile for, Doctor?"-Kazumi asked curious.
-"What? Isn't it amusing to heal that doctor's patient without his permission?"-Takeo said while he kept that smile.-"I'm also happy that you are here to put in extra work today."
-"Eh?"-Kazumi was a bit nervous for that claim.
-"Is this girl your assistant? She seems too young for that."-the father said.
-"Yes, she's my assistant...guinea pig."-Takeo said with a more relaxed smile.-"That little outburst is going to cost you a LOT, Asaka."
-"I-I see…"-Kazumi said as started to sweat.
-"...Doctor, can I go back to school now?"-the girl asked Takeo.
-"Sadly, no. You should start eating again to regain your strength, young lady."-he said.-"Can you do that for me?"
-"Yes! Thank you, Doctor!"-the girl said with a cheerful expression that made Takeo remember another patient he had.
-"Yeah, don't mention it…"-he said as he lowered his head.
-"I'm glad you are fine now. See you next time."-Kazumi said as the two of them left the exam room.
-"We should see if you can say the same for you."-Takeo said as he took a pen on hand.-"The medicine this time is very strong...you might as well start praying."
-"Ehhh!?"-Kazumi exclaimed scared.
-"Ahahaha. I'm joking, guinea girl."-he laughed.-"Thank you for butting in. I wouldn't had the chance to humiliate that old man otherwise...Although, healing patients again felt comforting too…"
-"Y-Yes. You're welcome."-she muttered by his sudden change. Their bond grow deeper and the Death Arcana got a fourth star.
At night, Kazumi went to help the politician Yoshida with his public speech and he gave her helpful advices to start one. This made the Sun Arcana get a second star. However, Kazumi asked herself the reason why Yoshida paralyzed when a pedestrian called him "No-Good Tora".
*Kazumi's charm increases by 3 points*
May 26th-May 28th
On Thursday, Kazumi spent her time on the library to study and late at night she helped Sojiro with the cafe.
On Friday, she headed out to the Velvet Room to fuse Personas. The ending results were: Arsene, Suzaku, Matador, Orobas, Nekomata, Orthrus and Makami. After that, she went to sell and buy equipment in the Airshop store. She also discovered a place in Yogen-Jaya where she could play baseball which it was relatively easier for an ex-softball player like her.
At night, she received a message from Mishima about how the bully apologized to the victims and he wanted to meet with her at Shibuya. Kazumi agreed to as a training against her shyness:
-"Asaka-san! Here!"-Mishima said as he was waving at her near the Bookstore.
-"Mishima-kun."- she said as she waved back.-"So, is there any reason why I should be here?"
-"Well, you see…"- Mishima blushed.-"I arranged a meet up with someone in the Phandom site and they said that they couldn't because they have to take care of their brother… I suggested that I could bring a friend to leave him with her and…"
-"In other words, you want me to be the nanny of your date's brother?"-Kazumi said as she crossed her arms.
-"Well, it's just that they are both big fans of the Phantom Thieves and you could entertain him somehow…"- Mishima tried to explain himself.
-"I'll do it."-Kazumi said positive.-"I'm good with kids."
-"Really? Thank you, Asaka-san!"-Mishima said.
-"You really are attentive to your fans...that definitely will make you guys even more popular."-Mishima exclaimed with a smile as he pulled out his cellphone.
-"Rather fans...I'm doing it because we are acquaintances."-Kazumi said with a disappointed look.
-"Oh yeah, thanks for caring about me."-Mishima said feeling a bit guilty.-"Oh no…"
-"What's wrong?"-Kazumi asked.
-"It's past our meeting time. I will call her."-Mishima said as he did this. Unfortunately for him, the girl lied about the meeting saying that her brother was sick but she was actually in a train station.
-"I can't believe I fell for it…"-Mishima said to himself.-"It's not like I have ever met a person I saw online."
-"Cheer up. The Phandom site is just starting to grow."-Kazumi said as she stepped in front of him.-"I know! Why don't we go together to get Big Bang Burgers?"
-"Together…? Sure."-Mishima said rather surprised.
-"Great. I want to take the challenge!"-Kazumi said as she ran towards the restaurant.
-"Why is she not upset for any of this…?"-Mishima thought for himself.-"I will be legit furious if a girl asks me to be a nanny on a date."
-"Asaka-san! Wait!"-he exclaimed as he reached to her.-"You are pretty fast!"
-"You're the slow one! C'mmon! Burgers are better with company!"- she said as she went inside the place with Mishima.
Kazumi ended up eating the first burger of the challenge to the surprise of Mishima. He was a but distant as he thought how different he was from her. How someone with a criminal record and hanging out with problematic people was better than him…a normal guy. The Moon arcana got a third star.
*Mishima's desperation bonus unlocked*
*Kazumi's guts increase by 3 points*
On Saturday, Kazumi decided to do some laundry in the Laundromat next to the Public Baths in Yogen-Jaya. Some clothes she found in chests were dusty or covered in gold so they were unusable until she got this suggestion from Sojiro. After that, she returned to the cafe to learn about coffee with Sojiro. However, during her training, Sojiro received a suspicious call and had to get out of the store. Kazumi assured him that she will take care of closing the store and Sojiro felt grateful that she was there to help him in times like this. To this action, the Hierophant Arcana gained a third star.
May 29th
It was midday when Kazumi reunited with her fellow rebels in their hideout in Shibuya:
-"We can take him now, yes?"-Yusuke asked as he reclined on the metal bar.
-"Yes, Madarame will be a changed man."-Morgana replied.-"There'll no way to revert it. Are you sure you are ok with that?"
-"I have thought it over carefully, and I can't think of a future which he doesn't pay his dues."-Yusuke said.-"He has preyed not only in the art world but also in countless talents. I humbly request your help, Asaka-san and everyone."
-"Don't get too worked up on this."-Kazumi replied.
-"Yeah, we didn't want you to feel pressured to do this, Yusuke."-Ann said.-"But if you're up to it, we have nothing else to say."
-"So, our next step is the calling card, right? What a suave maneuver."-Yusuke said.
-"It's not a way to act cool. It's a tactic to trigger the true form of the treasure."-Morgana explained.
-"That reminds me...you also passed for something similar when you were trying to get through a security system…"-Yusuke mentioned.-"Why was it?"
-"You see...the palaces changes its topography when the mind of the owner changes...I think."-Ann explained.
-"That's a nice way to put it, Lady Ann."-Morgana said.-"You're absolutely correct and that will be a vital tactic from here and forward."
-"May I ask a truly basic question? You keep mentioning the cognition quite readily…"-Yusuke said.-"But why does this world formed by the cognition of the public exists to begin with?"
-"Don't tell me...Has it ever existed while we were living our daily lives oblivious of its existence?"-he concluded.
-"I'm not sure. I only know that it existed before the incident with Kamoshida."-Morgana replied.
-"I see…"-Yusuke was short of questions now.
-"Crap. That caught me off guard…"-Ryuji said.-"It's kinda weird how there might be other worlds we don't know about…"
-"My question here will be why are we the ones who discovered that world?"-Ann said.-"Also, will there be someone else who knows about its existence?"
-"We just got in by accident thanks to the app that we found in Kazumi's phone."-Ryuji said.-"Then, that app appeared on my phone next day, and then Ann's and I bet Yusuke has it too."
-"So someone made that app and just installed it randomly on Kazumi's phone?"-Morgana said.
-"What do you think, Asaka-san? Have you ever given your phone to someone suspicious?"-Yusuke asked as he noticed she was quiet.
-"No. Never."-she replied. Truth is that she couldn't explain to them about the Velvet Room nor the rehabilitation she was doing.-"I just think that we got this power for a reason. I will accept the responsibility of being able to use it."
-"You don't seem anxious about the topic."-Morgana commented.-"Anyways, we shall discuss about the calling card: the important thing now."
-"A calling card, huh? Will he take it seriously?"-Yusuke thought.-"He is famous after all and has received many slanderous letters until now as well."
-"He'll know best whether the crime written on it is real or not."-Ryuji said confident.
-"Wait. Are you going to do it this time Ryuji? That last one was questionable at best."-Morgana said.
-"Wait. Why don't you do it Yusuke? Make it artistic and stuff!"-Ann suggested.
-"I agree. That should bring Madarame's attention too!"-Kazumi said.
-"No. He will figure out. He knows both my drawing and writing styles too well."-Yusuke replied.
-"Oh! Then I'll think it up and you will design it!"-Ryuji suggested.
-"Designing a calling card. Interesting...That should proof that the Phantom Thieves really exist."-Yusuke seemed to agree with the idea.
-"It's decided then! All that is left is to get that treasure."-Morgana said.-"Everyone, let's go fully prepared."
After finishing their meeting, the rebels took separate ways to go home. Kazumi took the chance to go to the Velvet Room and ask the twins about her next quest: Fuse Personas with the Group Guillotine to get Flauros with the skill Rakukaja. However, she could made it up with the personas she already has registered so she gave up and returned home.
At the evening, she received a message from her friends about the new Phantom Thieves' logo that Yusuke did and that the calling card was ready to go. Without worrying, Kazumi went to sleep deeply.
Waking up, she found herself inside the other Velvet Room. Justine and Caroline were waiting for her:
-"It's been a while, inmate."-Justine said.-"I assume you are already accustomed to the other Velvet Room, correct?"
-"I do actually."-Kazumi replied.-"That makes me ask...why is it that he is not here?"
-"Master Igor only assists the Wild Card of this place."-Caroline replied.-"If you do as told, perhaps you can see him soon."
-"I see…"-Kazumi looked at the guy that was imprisoned by chains.-"That means that he will appear here when I release him."
She stood up and tried to touch the chains yet Caroline stopped her from doing it:
-"Don't ever touch that again, you idiot."-she scolded her.-"You are absolutely not ready for this!"
-"There will be a time when we ask you to remove the chains...for now, you are not ready for it."-Justine said.
-"I see. Sorry…"-Kazumi replied.-"Then, why?"
-"You are near to end your second challenge as a rebel."-Justine said.-"We have summoned you to warn you."
-"This next is a challenge that he did not come through."-Caroline said.-"We don't know for sure how it will affect your rehabilitation but if you don't overcome it, you will never be able to release him."
-"My rehabilitation?"-Kazumi said and took a breath before replying.-"Whatever it is that challenge, I will find a way to get stronger and come here to save him!"
-"I do hope you do as you say."-Justine said with her head low.
-"Don't let him...us down, inmate."-Caroline said. The shiny arcana card got a second star.
-"It seems like it is time you go back to your world. Until the next time."-Justine said as she was sent back.
May 30th
Madarame's exhibition in Shibuya was overflowing with visitants. The man was actually in his busiest moment, however, one of the staff approached to him:
-"Pardon me, sir. There's a matter we need to discuss about."
-"Please excuse me for a moment."-Madarame said as he left the current public he was talking to.-"What is it?"
-"We found this outside…"-the staff member said as he gave him a card.
-"What is that letter?"-Madarame started to read as the staff couldn't explain the deal with the card:
-"Sir Ichiryusai Madarame, a great sinner of vanity whose talent has been exhausted.
You are an artist who uses his authority to shamelessly steal the ideas of his pupils.
We have decided to make you confess your crimes with your own mouth. We will take your distorted desires without fail.
From, Les Blues Rebelles."
Madarame instantly smashed the card within his hands angry:
-"Whose doing is this!?"-he asked.
-"We don't know! The same letter has been posted everywhere."-the staff member excused.
-"What about the security cameras!?"
-"There was no culprit. All we saw was a black cat in the recordings."-the staff explained.
-"Remove them all at once!"-he claimed.
-"Yes, but sir...What are we going to tell to the mass media?"
-"Are you insinuating this slander is true?"-Madarame asked angry.
-"No sir…"-the staff member just went silent to obey the order.
Yusuke, who was watching them from the crowd, noticed how he could see now Shadow Madarame where Madarame was previously standing:
-"It must be those brats' doing…"-the Shadow murmured to himself.-"It means nothing...I will leave them do as they please until the exhibition is over."
When the setting was back to normal, Yusuke clenched his fist with rage as he was trying to control himself. This was his chance to change his master. Then, he came back to the group of rebels who were hiding behind one of the exhibitions:
-"Will that do?"-Yusuke asked to the group.
-"Yup! It was perfect. The composition was great too!"-Ann praised him.
-"The treasure should appear now."-Morgana said.
-"Perfect. Let's put our plan on gears."-Kazumi said as she was ready to go to their next location.
-"Enjoy your freedom while you can, old man."-Ryuji said with a grin.-"By the way, people are already talking about the callin' card online! We'll show em…"
-"We only have a chance to pull this off!"-Morgana said.
-"Let's return their freedom to the true artists!"-Kazumi said as she did a signal to depart.
After getting near Madarame's neighborhood and activating the MetaNav app, they found themselves at the entrance of the Museum:
-"It feels kind of different…"-Fox mentioned.
-"I mean we kind of declared war on him. The security must be blowing up inside."-Skull said.
-"Let's go."-Ace said as she programmed the app to jump travel to the safe room near the operational room.
-"Alright. Everyone ready, go to your positions!"-Mona said as they reached the room with the hook operator.
Skull and Panther sneaked to the control room while Fox was tieing Mona to the hook and Kazumi was next to the switch waiting for the signal to lower Morgana. Skull managed to distract the guard inside of the control room while Panther sneaked in, Fox gave her the signal and she turned off the lights which give Ace the signal to pull down the hook. After the other two thieves came back from the control room, they went to the rooftop to check on Mona who successfully got the treasure:
-"As expected, Mona!"-Ace praised him.
-"There is nothing to praise for. I'm a professional, meow."-he said while holding something that was wrapped in a shiny curtain.
-"Lord Madarame! The treasure is gone!"-they heard the guards down.
-"Those vermins! Close all the doors! We won't let them escape this time!"-Madarame exclaimed.
-"Guess it's time to make our gallant retreat."-Fox mentioned while Panther and Skull were taking Mona out of the hook.
-"We can't go through the safe room anymore...so…"-Ace looked around and saw a type of window.-"I have an idea. Follow me!"
-"Meow...I really want to look at the treasure…!"-Mona said as he tied it to his back.
-"Hurry up, cat!"-Skull took him from his yellow scarf to carry him around the hanging lights.
When they jumped out of the window, they ended up at the rooftop of the Museum and crossed a mysterious red door that teleported them back to the courtyard:
-"We are back here…?"-Ace asked herself.
-"I knew it! Of course the security will be cut here as it only works if you want to get inside!"-Mona said and then he took a look as his back.-"Hrrmmmm…"
-"Mona?"-Yusuke asked to his weird purring.
-"I can't take it anymore! I want to see the treasure!"-the cat said as he put it down.
-"Let's take a quick look then."-Ace said as she unfolded the curtain. The treasure looked like a painting.
-"Treasure!"-Mona turned it around excited and then he entered in shock as much as the rest of them to see that it was a canvas with a scarecrow face on it.
-"This is the treasure!?"-Skull asked with obvious doubts.
-"Maybe this is the art Madarame can actually do…"-Ace said as she was going to start to laugh. Fox and Panther sensed something and they saw the infrareds about to activate.
-"Everyone, get back!"-both exclaimed as Ace took Mona and they jumped out of a possible cornering.
-"Meddlesome vermin…"-Shadow Madarame said as he stepped in front of them with a couple of guards. One of them holding a painting.-"Is this what you are looking for?"
-"What nonsense is that you put a mousetrap on me!"-Mona said defiant.
-"So you have a fake prepped, huh?"-Skull said.
-"Counterfeits are allowed in the world of art."-Madarame said.
-"Are you seriously calling this a counterfeit…?"-Panther said as she thought he was joking.
-"What made you change like this? Is it because you became famous?"-Yusuke asked in a serious tone.-"Can't you understand how it pains me to inquire about the crimes of my foster father!?"
-"...Now that I look back, the only reason why I took you in was because of my ties to your mother."-Madarame said thinkful.-"That woman never lost her passion for painting even after her husband died."
-"Her skills and talents were quite astonishing...That's why I decided to look after her."-Madarame said.
-"So, you were using his mother as your slave as well…"-Ace said.-"You truly are despicable, aren't you?"
-"Exactly. Yusuke, your mother and her works of art- They were MY works of art!"-Madarame said.
-"How low can you sink…?"-Panther said.
-"I know...I will give you a glimpse of this before you die- The genuine painting of 'Sayuri'!"- Madarame said as he ordered his guard show the genuine treasure, a painting of Sayuri. However, this one was different from the one in the real world: Instead of the fog, Sayuri was looking motherly to a little baby on her arms.
-"That's….the real Sayuri?"-Fox said shocked.-"Could it be…? Mom…!"
-"Huh!?"-Skull and Ace expressed in shock next to him.
-"Indeed it is. This was painted by your mother. It was a portrait of herself."-Madarame explained.-"A woman who knew her death was approaching drew her final wishes for the son she will leave behind."
-"This is the truth behind Sayuri's expression!"-he said as the guard put the painting down his arm.
-"You stole something that personal!?"-Skull asked.
-"I knew it will be a huge success, so I added some details to the painting and announced it under my name!"-Madarame said with a grin as he touched his goat beard.
-"That's why you painted the baby over…"-Fox said.
-"Exactly. It was only a stage."-Madarame said proud of himself.- "All those fool critics wrote the same thing over and over. About a mystery that wasn't more than a playful trick."
-"So this what I thought something was off. You don't really treasure that painting as much as you claim, you just don't love art at all!"-Panther exclaimed.
-"That's right and your art skills are just as pitiful as those dribbles!"-Mona said.
-"It makes me laugh, asshole."-Skull said as he put his hands on his pockets.
-"Then, what happened to the original artist? No, what did you do to her?"-Ace asked the most important question which caught Fox's attention as well.
-"Oh, her. She just so happened to have a seizure in front of me. That's when a thought crossed my mind."-Madarame said with a satisfying grin on his face.-"If I don't call for her and leave her be, I can take her painting without any strings attached."
-"No...You let her die!?"-Panther said in shock.
-"She was physically weak. Of course nobody will suspect a thing if she dropped dead after a seizure."-Madarame said.-"Don't you think it was odd that I took you in at the age of three? I was keeping you around so you will never discover the truth about Sayuri."
-"You….killed her…"-Fox said in a bloodthirsty tone as he made a punch on his hand.-"Aha….hahaha…"
-"Fox…?"-Mona asked as he heard him chuckle.
-"I'm once again grateful to you, Madarame. You have cleared all my doubts right away."-Fox said with a grin on his face.-"You aren't some rotten artists. You are just a pitiful thief who wears the skin of an artists! I will not forgive you and won't hesitate to tear your whole charade down!"
-"This is your last chance. Give us the treasure or we will take it by force."-Ace said as she offered her hand to Madarame.
-"You despicable brats...You have the courage to fool around in my museum and now you are ordering me around…"-Madarame said mad as he was being surrounded by a black aura.
-"Those who have the connections make the rules….those who don't; follow them."-he said as the guards next to him were being engulfed by that aura.-"Not to mention the values of art are subjective. I make the rules of the art scene! I am a god of the ark work!"
-"Prepare for battle, everyone."-Ace said as she took her daggers out of her leg holster.
-"Muahahahahaha!"-with a distorted laugh, Shadow Madarame's body exploded in a blood sprout and transformed into five paintings consisting of two eyes, a nose and a mouth with a big white mustache and teeth.-"I will paint all over you!"
-"Be cautious, there's no telling what he'll try!"-Mona said.-"It doesn't seem like those paintings belong to a single body."
-"That means our attacks will not do the same damage to all of his form…"-Ace said.
-"Makami!"-Ace summoned the persona with the form of a grey long wolf and used an multirange magical attack with radioactive power (Mafrei). While most of the paintings were damaged, only the nose was unaffected.
-"I'll teach you a lesson!"-Shadow Madarame said as one of the eyes casted Tarukaja over the mouth.
-"Try to attack all of the paintings! Mona, focus on healing!"-Ace ordered.
-"Persona!"-Fox summoned Goemon to use Vicious Strike. However, the mouth did not take damage at all.
-"Eat this!"-Skull attacked the nose with an Iron Pipe. The nose pushed him back and he landed safely.
-"Skull!"-Panther exclaimed as she was running towards him.
-"I'm ready!"-Skull said as he kneeled and put his hands on front, Panther jumped and as soon as her feet reached Skull's hand, he pushed her upwards so Ann could attack the right eye with her whip.
-"Insolents!"- the same eye used a wind spell against them pushing them back and knocking the blonde out. After that, the mouth tried to bit Fox but he was able to avoid it by crawling under it.
-"Zorro!"-Mona used Media to heal the fighters.
-"Persona!"-Ace summoned Orobas, a red horse on its two back legs.-"Marukunda!"-and this one debilitated Madarame's forces.
-"Guh!"-Madarame gasped as Yusuke attacked yet again with Vicious Strike, taking out his eyes, he then attacked him back with a flame attack from the nose towards Ace but her Persona was able to resist it.-"What!?"
-"Let's go, Captain!"-Skull and Panther summoned their personas to attack with multi range fire and thunder attacks which took down the rest of the face.
The paintings fell down gathering in a shadow stain and regenerated as Shadow Madarame's human form:
-"He's down!"-Mona exclaimed and they surrendered him about to do an All-Out Attack.
-"Damn it! I am the great Madarame!"-the old man cursed.-"I am the one who gathers a lot of people every time he opens an exhibit… I am not someone who you worthless brats can defy…"
-"You still have the nerves to say such things!?"-Fox asked as he pointed at him with his AR-M4 gun.-"You will truly face the wrath of those you preyed upon you!"
-"Here we go!"-Panther exclaimed as they pulled an All Out Attack on him.
-"Now's our chance! Attack the main body!"-Mona said as he used Media on them.
-"Hit it as hard as you can!"-Ace said as she throw the daggers at him cutting part of his golden kimono and ruining his hairstyle.
-"Understood!"-Fox attacked him with his sword yet when Madarame tried to avoid him, a dagger stabbed between his clothes and the floor made him fell down and Fox took this chance to stab his sword on him or that was what he planned…
-"Heh."-Shadow Madarame smiled and his body was dragged by the shadow stain again.
-"Fox!"-Panther exclaimed worried as she saw him getting dragged as well, then Madarame went back to the form of the paintings with the mouth having Fox captured between his teeth.
-"We have to help him!"-Skull said as he desperately tried to attack one of the eyes but his attack was absorbed.-"Shit!"
-"Impertinent brats! I will give you a good whipping to make you understand!"-Madarame said as his eye casted a windstorm again against Skull, leaving him knocked down, and then immediate he looked at Panther.
-"Watch out!"-Fox exclaimed as he was trying to get off the painting.
-"This is the ultimate form of art!"-from his mouth a black ink came out staining her completely.
-"What is this!?"-Panther said confused as she looked at herself.-"My body feels weak…"
-"Oh no…!"-Ace said as she looked at the monster.-"I have to save my partners!"
-"Orthrus!"-she summoned a Persona like a bi-headed wolf with a reptile tail.-"Agilao!"-the persona caused a big fire explosion on the nose, making the mouth to blow Fox away.
-"Are you ok?"-Ace went to his help.
-"Yes. Thanks for that."-Fox said as he stood up.-"I shouldn't have rushed like that…"
-"It's ok. We have to cover for the others."-she said to him with a reassuring nod.
-"Of course!"-Fox said as he turned to Madarame and used an ice skill on his other eye, however, the one was drained as well.-"It didn't affect him!?"
-"Don't stay there!"-Skull attacked the mouth with his weapon but no damage was given and he was pushed aside.
-"Carmen!"-Panther tried to drop his attack as well and the four of them rushed to attack him without a single hit connecting or also, with the paintings regenerating the ones that were defeated.
-"Mwhahahaha!"-Madarame laughed as he saw the tired teenagers in front of him.-"The punishment hasn't ended!"-at his exclamation, he attacked them with all magic attacks he had on his reserve knocking them all out.
-"Some attacks damaged him and others don't...Just what's going on with this guy?"-Panther said.
-"If we don't wreck them all at once...we will be stuck in this forever…"-Skull said.
-"Admit that you lost, brats!"-Madarame said with a vicious grin in the mouth painting which hit home for Ace.
-"You lose."-it was her memory from that woman, Haruka Furukawa. At the rage of such memory, Ace formed a fist on her hand.
-"No...I haven't lost…"-she tried to stand up by herself.-"I won't lose...I won't lose to a dirty adult like you ever again!"
-"This bond has provided you with the Almighty Eye."-she remembered the words from the wanderer twins.-"With it, you can see any enemy weakness or resistance at first glance."
-"It has to be now…"-Ace said as she closed her eyes and took off her mask revealing them as yellow eyes now.
-"Ace…?"-Mona said surprised as he saw this.
-"I found them!"-she exclaimed as she pulled something from her pocket.-"Take this!"-she threw a megido bomb towards the paintings damaging them all and used the distraction.-"Everyone, gather!"
They hid behind the big peacock door to plan their next strategy:
-"Ace, are you ok? Your eyes…"-Panther asked as Ace put her mask back.
-"It's ok...I was able to see them…"-Ace said.-"Those paintings can absorb different types of attacks…"
-"For real? So we have been fighting with an annoying disadvantage…"-Skull said.
-"Eyes can absorb magic, nose absorbs nuke, curse and bless magic and the mouth absorbs hits and bullets."-she explained.-"It is not much but...if we can separate them and attack, we can at least turn them back to finish him off on his other form."
-"So that is our plan now…"-Mona said.-"Also that black paint...If it hits us, it can make us weak to everything…"
-"If only we could paint him too…"-Fox thought as saw outside that Shadow Madarame was just recovering from the bomb and near him, there were buckets of black paint.
-"Alright, so let's try separate those ugly paintings!"-Skull said as they ran from their hideout towards him.
-"Persona!"-Mona used Zorro to use Lucky Punch on the nose and Panther used her whip to tie up one of the eyes and pull it towards her.
-"W-What are you brats doing!? Guh-!"-Madarame's other eye was going to cast an ice spell on her but Captain Kidd's Zio attack blocked him.
-"Ravage it,Orthrus!"-Ace used Agilao on the mouth and Skull jumped to hit down the other eye.
With all the paintings separated, Madarame's paintings were beating to the ground and he appeared yet again being surrounded by them:
-"Damn it…! Damn it!"-Madarame cursed exhausted.-"Stop it, you brats, or else…!"
-"You really think ridiculous threads will work on us now?"-Ace said as she ordered the others to do an All-Out Attack.
-"Matador!"-Ace summoned a persona like a skeleton with an outfit of a bullfighter which attacked Madarame with a powerful swift strike until he throw him down.
-"I-I can do this! Witness my most powerful attack!"-Madarame said as he stood up and threw little explosives under his sleeve.-"Madara-Megido!"
-"Cover yourselves, Megido is not any kind of attack! It's a very powerful move!"-Mona said however the move didn't really do anything to them outside of a big scare.
-"That was lame…"-Panther said and the other three agreed.
-"It's not!"-Madarame complained before Skull and Panther used his thunder and fire attacks on him leaving it on the floor again, where he restored his painting form.
-"Give it up, old man!"-Skull exclaimed.
-"We know your weaknesses now!"-Panther said.
-"You can't keep this forever. We will take "Sayuri" and you will pay for the unlawful things you have done!"-Ace exclaimed as she took her gun and shooted at the eyes.
-"I apologize for the wait."-Fox jumped behind her.
-"Fox?"-Ace turned around surprised.
-"I know how can we finish this once and for all. Distract him just a bit longer."-Fox said.
-"Sure. Do what you have to do."-Ace murmured him and he took this as an approval to start his plan.
-"Where did Fox go?"-Mona asked.
-"That doesn't matter now. We need to keep attacking him!"-Ace said as she took a hit from his fire attack.
-"Eat this!"-Skull and Panther attacked with their guns at the eyes and nose paintings while Mona used Garu on the mouth.
Fox, hidden on the bushes took this chance to approach to the paint buckets and submerged a brush on it:
-"It's time for you to be the 'art', Madarame…"-he said to himself and gave a signal to Ace.
-"Everyone, stay back!"-she said to the others as she used Media from Suzaku, a phoenix-like Persona with peacock tail. They jumped back as Fox went at the speed of light covering each painting with a thick brush of black paint.
-"W-What is this? My powers...are being drained!"-Madarame said as the paintings started to act confused.
-"We should have no problems against him now…"-Fox mentioned as he posed gallantly.
-"You did it!"-Ace praised Fox.-"Well done!"
-"I see, that black paint is what he was using before…"-Panther said.
-"It's payback time, old geezer!"-Skull said as he summoned his Persona.
-"Goemon, strike!"- Fox said as both of them attacked at the same time with physical attacks.
-"Dance, Carmen!"-Panther and Morgana attacked with magic.
-"Suzaku!"-Ace used Mafrei to finish off the paintings, leaving only the tired Shadow Madarame.
-"You, brats...remember that even if you cry…no adult will help you"-he said as his last words before Fox moved fast enough to give the final cut and defeating him once and for all.
On his weak state, Madarame took with him the painting of "Sayuri" and tried to get away nut Fox was right in front of him to take the treasure back:
-"No one cares about true art…"-Madarame said in fear.-"All people want are recognizable brands…!"
-"I'm a victim on this too! Wouldn't you agree, Yusuke!?"-he exclaimed to the boy.
-"Excuses now…?"-Skull said as they watched the scene.
-"The art world revolves on money after all...You can't rise up without any money..!"-he kept saying.
-"Yusuke, you understand, don't you? Being a poor artist is truly miserable!"-Fox was just listening to him quietly.-"I just didn't want to return to that life!"
Fox, then, took him from the neck of his kimono and said:
-"A fiend like you has no right to speak about the world of art."-he said as he held the other hand on his mask.-"You're done for, along with this abominous world."
-"Please...don't kill me…"-Madarame said with fear on his voice and closing his eyes. Fox simply pushed him on a side with disgust and took the treasure.
-"It is our win."-Ace approached to them.-"Return to the real Madarame and confess your crimes- all of them."
-"...You are not going to kill me?"-Madarame asked.
-"We are not killers…"-Ace said as she crossed her arms.-"Les Blues Rebelles only steal treasures."
-"What about the other one though? The one with the black mask?"-Madarame asked as he tried to look at her.
-"Black mask…?"-Ace asked confused.
-"It can't be...There was another intruder besides us within this Palace!?"-Mona said shocked. Before they could ask more, the structures of the Museum started to crumble.
-"We gotta get out now!"-Skull said as Mona transformed into a bus.
-"Fox, let's run!"-Ace said as she went with the other inside the Mona-bus.
-"Yusuke, what should I do now?"Madarame asked to Fox while he was following the others.
-"...Put an end to this and use your own artwork for once."-Fox said to him.
-"Yusuke!"-Panther called him to hurry and he kept walking.
-"Waiiiit...nooo…"-Madarame begged as he saw them go on the vehicle.-"Please Yusuke, Yusukeee!"
Back in the real world, the rebels were standing right next to the shack:
-"This destination has been deleted."-The Nav said.
-"People will get suspicious if we stay here. Let's separate for now and meet at the hideout"-Morgana said.
-"Right…"-Ryuji said as he looked at Yusuke admiring the painting.-"Yusuke, c'mon."
-"Sure."-Yusuke said coming back from his self-consciousness.-"Goodbye, sensei."
A bit later, they reunited on the train passway:
-"I guess this mission was a success. All that is left is to see whether he had a change of heart or not."-Ryuji said as he was drinking a can of cold coffee.-"So bitter...Why did you have to get it black?"
-"Awww...You can't handle bitter stuff."-Kazumi said with a funny tone.-"Poor of you, Ryuji-kun."
-"D-Don't treat me like a baby!"-Ryuji complained.
-"The 'Sayuri'..."-Yusuke suddenly interrupted.
-"Are you ok? You're not gonna start to get all teary and call it mom, right?"-Ryuji said to him.
-"To think it was this same picture that gave Madarame his twisted desires…"-Yusuke said and then he smiled relieved.-"At least, I am glad my mother was not able to see what it transpired…"
-"The genuine one is altered in his atelier now…"-Morgana said.-"As ironic as it sounds, this one is the true portrait now."
-"It's really beautiful...and although it took time, it is yours as it corresponded, Yusuke."-Ann mentioned.
-"I'm thankful for it."-Yusuke said.-"However, as it is now, this painting will never be recognized by society again…"
-"You're right...after all, it was under Madarame's name. If he confesses, this painting will only suffer the destiny of being marked by his crimes."-Kazumi said with a sad frown.-"However, there is something that really surprised me to learn."
-"The person with the Black Mask, right?"-Morgana mentioned.
-"Yes."-Kazumi affirmed.-"It will be dangerous for us to ignore something like that. I fear that such person knows about us now."
-"I can't handle it!"-Ryuji exclaimed as he stood up and went for a juice. When he came back, he just drank the juice and burped.
-"Stop that!"-Ann said disgusted.
-"You're so vulgar, Ryuji."-Morgana commented.
-"So, what are we gonna do now? Keep looking for big targets?"-Ryuji asked to the group.
-"Why would you do such thing?"-Yusuke asked.
-"To get back at scumbags like...society in general."-the blonde boy replied.
-"There's no telling of who else might have a Palace."-Kazumi said.-"And how many people might be suffering from those people that have one…"
-"Besides, we can give those people courage to stand up by themselves."-Ann added.
-"What good does that do?"-Yusuke asked.-"Will that make them happy?"
-"It's not about making them happy. It depends on the person how to move forward, we only remove the obstacle."-Kazumi said.
-"It depends on the person, huh?"-Yusuke asked to himself.-"Doesn't sound so bad...Moreover, exploring palaces might extend my artistic repertoire."
-"You only think about art, right? You're unbelievable."-Ryuji said with an ironic smile.
-"I won't participate in any inelegant plans, got it?"-Yusuke said to the leader.
-"Don't worry. I got us covered."-Ann said.
-"Glad you stay with us, Kitagawa-kun."-Kazumi smiled.-"I'm sure we can have your artistic abilities to pull a good use."
-"I'm fine with being called Yusuke, Honey."-Yusuke said with a calm smile making Kazumi to get shockingly embarrassed.
-"H-H-Honey!?"-Kazumi muttered.
-"No good? I thought I might play as well as Ryuji does when he calls you 'Cutie'."-he said confused by his expression.
-"So that is what this is about…"-Ann said as she looked at Ryuji who accidentally chocked himself when he heard Yusuke calling 'Honey' to Kazumi.
-"Ryuji-kun, you idiot!"-Kazumi exclaimed as she slapped him on the back.
-"Ouch! I don't have anything to do with this!"-Ryuji excused himself.
-"I'll take that as no, then?"-Yusuke asked still confused.
-"You can call me by my name."-Kazumi said as she turned back to him.-"By the way, we need that you ask Madarame about the black mask if you can."
-"Of course. I will keep you informed about the matter."-Yusuke nodded.
-"Then, I shall return now."-Yusuke said.-"I can't keep walking around with this painting uncovered."
Later, at night, Kazumi returned home to go to sleep:
-"I'm so tired…"-she said as she took of her black jacket.
-"Not only we have dealt with our second big target. We also have a new addition to the team!"-Morgana said in joy.-"Goodness, things are going so well."
-"We can't get cocky."-Kazumi mentioned as she went to the box to get some sleepwear.
-"That's true. But we can be happy about it now."-Morgana said.-"It's our fifth Persona user and having an eye for beauty is an asset for Phantom Thieves. We are lucky to have Yusuke with us."
-"Right? I wonder what kind of target we will choose next time."-Kazumi kept the conversation and Morgana looked at her worried now remembering the strangeness surrounding Kazumi.
-"Hey, Kazumi. What happened with your eyes back then?"-Morgana asked.
-"Ah, that. I just received help from someone else…"-Kazumi said nervous.-"I really didn't want to lose to an adult like Madarame…"
-"Is this about those twins? You sure are something special to have those kind of connections without my help."-Morgana said.
-"Talking about special, I wonder what kind of person I was as a human…"-he changed the theme.-"Was I a righteous one? Or was I evil and that is why I was punished on this cat body?"
-"Does it matter?"-Kazumi asked to him as she sat on the bed next to him.
-"Of course it matters! How could I clean my consciousness if I were some bad guy like the ones we have fought? I won't able to face you guys ever again…"-Morgana said as he looked down.
-"We care about you, Morgana. Not the past that you had, and not if you are a human or a cat or even a car."-Kazumi said as she pet him softly.-"The only thing we should worry about your case is to find the answers on Mementos, or do you want to stay as an amnesiac cat forever?"
-"Of course not!"-Morgana purred.
-"Then, let's go to sleep."-Kazumi said as she pull out the sheets.
-"Kazumi…"-Morgana interrupted her.
-"What is it?"-she asked.
-"If I become human, will she like me? Where do you think I should take her?"-he started to ask questions out of nowhere.
-"Ehh? How am I supposed to know that?"-Kazumi said.-"I'm the last person to know about dates! Besides, who are you talking about?"
With their heartfelt conversation, Kazumi's bond with Morgana gained a third star.
*Follow up attack with Morgana unlocked*
Take Your Time