Chapter 12 – The Phantom Thief of Hearts

19/04 (Tuesday) [Lunchtime] {Shujin Academy}

'I can do this. I can do this. All I need to do is ask if I can sit at his table.' I slapped both of my cheeks and forced my wobbly legs forward.

"Akechi-senpai…" I trail of as another girl sits at his table.

I recognize that girl – she's in my class. Her orange hair and glasses really make her stand out. She seems to be talking quite happily with him, even getting a small smile in return. There's a small sinking in my gut.

'First Kas, and now her… Akechi-senpai is really popular…' I feel a frown tug at my lips.

"Oh yeah! That reminds me! I finished my quest!" The fellow first year exclaims.

I feel horrible about it, but I move to a nearby table to hear more. I mentally scold myself for invading their privacy, but I felt that what she was about to say next was incredibly important.

"Which one?" Senpai asks with a small smile.

"I got you a date with Shirogane! No need to thank me. Actually, thank me a lot – with a VR Headset." Most of her words didn't register as I took in the meaning of said words.

'Akechi-senpai is going on a date with a woman – a famous detective woman. Does that mean he prefers older women? Of course he does – he's a mature person.' My thoughts spiraled before I slapped my cheeks and brought myself back to reality.

He shakes his head and lets out a small sigh. "You actually went and did it…"

"BTDubs, I sent you a video of that politician you like." She shook her phone to emphasize her point.

Akechi-senpai fiddled with his phone for a few moments before his eyes light up. "Shido!"

The smaller girl rolled her eyes. "I don't get why you like him so much. Sounds like a bunch of propaganda to me."

Senpai raised a single finger in the air. "Despite not being Prime Minister yet, Shido has contributed to this country more than any other Politician to date. He has natural charisma which makes it easier for him to lead people. He's headstrong and does not waver when he wishes to accomplish something. The country would undoubtedly be a better place with him ruling the country."

"Jeez, just hurry up and ask him to adopt you already." The first-year huffs out.

"That would be delightful, yes." He lets out a sigh and they continue with their conversation.

'What about Akechi-senpai's real father? Should I ask him? No, then he'll ask me how I know. Maybe I can talk to him about that Shido person?' An elbow to my shoulder disconnects me from my thoughts.

I look up to see my sister looking down at me. "H-hey Kas."

She merely shakes her head and sits down. "H-huh!? Is something wrong? Say something, Kas!"

19/04 (Tuesday) [Lunchtime] {? ? ?}

"AAHHH! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?" They shriek.

Dreadnought attempts to rub their eyes to see clearer, despite wearing a mask. "Yo dude, are you seeing this too?"

I sigh out. "That is a penis monster, yes."

"Gross! Keep it away from me!" Our newest member whines.

"Don't worry – I'll keep that vile creature away from you!" Umbra proclaims while puffing out their chest.

"New girl, stay back and provide supporting fire. You two with me – full assault." I ordered and everyone fell into place.

I feel my mask dissolve in the black-and-red flames as my Persona forms behind me. I let out a laugh as gas fills the area – putting the Shadow to sleep.

This was going to be fun.

19/04 (Tuesday) [After School] {Shujin Academy}

"Friday!? Are you sure?" I hissed out quietly.

"I am not mistaken, my Trickster. 'The shipment' is due to be completed by Friday afternoon." Lavenza's troubled voice whispered out.

"That's three days. Shit…" I gripped my forehead tightly.

I retrieve my phone from my pocket and quickly open the messaging up. The nerd had created a group for the three of us.

Phoenix Rangers

Grey Pidgeon: We need to go back to that place today.

Black Condor: Sure

Blue Swan: Wat? Already?

Grey Pidgeon: Horrible things will happen if he's not dealt with before Friday.

Blue Swan: That's in 3 days! Aren't we rushing things? I just got my powers yesterday!

Grey Pidgeon: If you don't act, then other innocent people will get hurt.

Blue Swan: …

Black Condor: I'll be in the place in 10 minutes

Blue Swan: I'm coming too.

Grey Pidgeon: I'll enter from the same place and provide support. Take theatre 5. Leave immediately once you're done with that room.

Black Condor: Understood

Blue Swan: Roger that.

I tuck the device back into my blazer pocket and bury my head in my hands.

"You're on edge."

I merely shake my head at the voice.

"You can't lie to me. Talking about Father put you off your game."

"Loki, now's not the time." I seethe at the demon.

"I bet you're regretting stopping your search for him. With your current powers, you could have gotten your revenge."

I took deep breaths to beat down the morbid satisfaction that the images brought me. "No. I have Futaba now – that's all the family I need. I stand by my choice to let it go. I don't have to think about that bastard anymore."

"Oh, you poor Fool…"

Fed up with Loki's nonsensical jeers, I head up towards the library. I pushed open the door with a bit more force than was necessary, but I didn't care all that much at the moment. I tucked myself away in the corner, checked my surroundings, and pulled out the Metanav.

"Beginning Navigation. Jiga Kobayakawa – Shujin Academy – Egotistical Theatre."

19/04 (Tuesday) [After School] {Kobayakawa's Palace}

Executing the plan the same way as I did yesterday, I made my way to the fifth stage. With the pathway devoid of Shadows, Suzui and Mishima quickly made their way into the room as well. Said room was flooded entirely with money – so much so that the two Persona-users were waist-deep in Yen. I readied one hand on my pistol and the other over my face – on the odd chance that they look up and see me.

"So, the pests have finally decided to make their entry." A feminine voice carries over the room.

All three heads turned towards the voice and Mishima was the one that answered. "Ms. Usami?"

Said woman is wearing a toga made of ¥10k notes, held together by a sash that has coins attached to it. She stood atop the notes – like one would stand on water. She pushes her golden glasses on to the bridge of her nose. The two high-schoolers pushed at the Yen until they stood upon it as well. Suzui drew her weapons while Mishima took a shaky step forward.

"If I were to let you get in my way, it would all be for naught. I need to continue tricking gullible idiots into debt so my wealth can grow." Usami sneered.

The sound of metal whisking through the air filled my ears as the cognition let out a shriek of pain. Suzui had flung her weapon into the collarbone of the woman's shoulder and pulled back – bringing the gaudy woman towards her. Said woman's body bubbled and broke free from the Kusarigama. The sludge sunk into the sea of money.

"Is… is that it?" The bluenette asked.

The hairs on the back on my neck stood on end and I surveyed the ocean of money. A gold fin slowly emerged from the paper bills and headed towards Mishima at a startling speed. I took aim with my pistol right as a massive figure emerged from out of sight. A golden shark with teeth made of what appears to be diamonds opened its maw – intending on swallowing the boy whole. The boy turned, let out a tiny squeal, and lifted his shield to minimize the damage. I let out a shot and it pierced the eye of the beast, causing it to swerve slightly and for its teeth to graze Mishima's shield. The shark-like monstrosity sunk beneath the mountains of yen. Suzui whispered something to Mishima and they both focus intently on the sea of cash – back-to-back.

Fangs emerged from directly under the two and they leapt into the air. Mishima tucked his shield under his feet – protecting him from the glittery fangs. Suzui, however, had leapt out of range of the deadly bite. She flung her weapon, hooking into the mouth of the beast and pulled – keeping its jaw wide open.

"Mabna! Snap!" Mishima yelled as the middle-eastern Persona appeared behind him and unloaded several shots into the Loan Shark's gaping maw.

The cognition jerked its head back and forth, sending the two Persona-users flying. They landed next to each other and slowly pulled themselves into a sitting position as the cognition submerged itself in the mass of greenery once more. The two whispered to each other once more and nodded.

Mishima stood and started yelling. "Hey, ugly! I'm right here! Come and get me!"

When a fin appeared and started heading in his direction, Suzui dashed over to the other side of the room. She sat cross-legged on the floor and her mask disappeared in a burst of blue flame. Countess Emma cracked open her coffin once more and ice started to accumulate at an incredibly slow rate – creating a figure of sorts out of ice. Mishima kept the monster's attention – stopping his premature death by deflecting the teeth with his shield.

'What exactly are they planning?' I ponder as I keep the pistol trained near Mishima.

"Now!" Suzui yells out.

"On it!" Mishima replies as he dashes towards the girl – cognition in tow.

He comes to a stop right in front of what looks to be ice-sculptures – replicas of him and Suzui. The boy's mask comes off once more as he casts Psi. The shark recoils in surprise and shuts its eyes.

"Gotcha! Power on, Mabna! Pulinpa!" The screens of the Persona's head turn to static and emit a high pitch scramble.

Mishima and Suzui flank the cognition as it shakes its head. It's eyes focus on the ice figures before it and rushes towards them. It brings its teeth together and swallow the ice sculptures whole. Suddenly, spears of ice erupt from the Loan Shark's hide – penetrating it from the inside. Suzui gracefully leapt onto the head of the cognition and spun the Kusarigama – creating a large gash from head to nose. She leapt of as the cognitions form started to waver. Taking that as my cue, I took aim once more and unloaded two bullets into the head of the cognition – removing it from existence.

"Huh? What's this?" Mishima asked out loud as he grasped at his mask.

The boy's Persona appeared and its head disconnected from the rest of its body. Said head floated downwards until it was eye level with the bluenette. The lighting of the screens changed, but I could not see exactly what was shown from my angle.

"No way…! What the hell!?" The boy exclaimed, panic evident in his voice.

"What is it?" Suzui said what I was thinking.

"There's an incredibly strong presence in this room. It's terrifyingly powerful." The boy explained and I felt my blood go cold.

"How strong? What is it?" Suzui questioned and I took aim at Mishima.

"It's another Persona user. To put it into numbers, we'd be level 9 and he'd be level 45." The boys eyes were wide with panic and I lowered my pistol.

Suzui's eyes sharpened and gazed around the room. "Let's go."

Mishima expressed his confusion with a 'huh' and Suzui continued, "Black Mask."

The Persona returned to its form as a mask and the two hurriedly set out and left the money-filled theatre. I breathed out a sigh of relief and looked down at my hand with a frown. I had instinctively aimed my pistol at Mishima with the intent of firing if he said anything. I was about to (probably) kill someone just to keep my identity secret. I felt the bone-chilling breath of it on my neck, but I shove the sensation aside. Later – I would deal with these issues later. Right now, I had more cognitions to fight.

I push open the doors to Theatre 2 – sabre in hand. This stage appeared to be a mix of modern and medieval architecture. A clean, white, modern aesthetic and furniture – the type that one would find in the VIP section of a Hostess Club. However, there were musky pillars made of dark cobblestone and several piles of gold and jewelry scattered across the room. Several sets of knights armour were proudly on display. On the opposite end of the theatre was a mighty hearth – bathing the entirety of the room with its warming glow. The silhouette of a man stood in front of the flames. I aimed at the head of the silhouette.

"A ruthless one, aren't you?" The figure's voice carried out as they slowly walked backwards towards me – a dragon tattoo inked into their back.

My finger rested lightly on the trigger as he spoke. "When faced with such bloodlust, it's reasonable to assume that you do not wish to speak. Fine. I, Inui Bōto, shall be your opponent."

Spikes emerged from his skull, shoulder, and elbows. His skin ripped apart and were replaced with darkened scales as he turned towards me – head now replaced with that of a dragon. He let out a rumbling sound as I dash towards him. His maw filled with a yellow energy and I prepared to dodge. He opened his jaw and electricity rushed towards me. Expecting this, I leapt to the side before it got to me. What I did not expect, however, was the electricity suddenly changing course and coming straight towards me. Searing pain shot through my whole being as I twitched in agony – a silent scream escaping my lips. The pain was over for a second, before starting again – the pain overwhelming me and an agonizing scream erupted from my throat. There was another break, where I couldn't even attempt to move before I was struck again. I felt my vision fading as my mind desperately struggled to grasp onto anything. I latched onto the feeling of the cold metal on my face in contrast to the incinerating heat that coursed through my body.

/\Concentrate/\

{{{Eiga}}}

I heard a shriek and the pain stopped. Adrenalin allowed me to force myself to my feet and dash towards a pillar. Hiding behind it, I took a moment to recollect myself.

'I moved out of the way of his attack, so why did it follow me?' I ponder as I clutch at my forehead, the cold metal of my mask getting in the way.

'That's it! My armour is made of metal. I'm essentially a walking lightning-rod at this point. Whether I'm close up or at a distance, I'll be fried no matter what I do. I have to get rid of this armour.' The solution comes together in my head.

I start by slowly removing my boots, placing the heavy footwear on the ground as carefully as possible. I then start to unclasp my gauntlets, slowly laying them down next to my boots. My body involuntarily shivers as my hands are exposed to the air. I grasp my left hand with my right so that I can avoid looking at it – I can't afford to space out now. I take hold of the sides of my mask and gently remove it from my face – thankfully without the bloody mess and the screaming. My eyes roam across the chest-plate, noticing the small, crimson crystal in the center for the first time. I cautiously push the crystal inwards and quiet hissing sounds escape it as it slowly expanded outwards – the pressure on my torso decreasing. I grasp the spaulders and lift the chest-plate and neckpiece up and over my head – the set joining its comrades on the floor.

Testing a hypothesis of mine, I willed myself to believe that my sabre was not in my hand. It vanished into nothingness once it was consumed by red-and-black flames. Smiling lightly, I thought of the soda that Futaba had given me at lunch and the apple I had taken from the tree behind the school – both stored in my briefcase. A grin formed on my face as I felt a weight in both hands. I quickly dug into the apple and gulped down the carbonated drink – feeling increasingly refreshed. I peak around the corner at the draconian man – holding his bleeding arm close to his side.

I grasp my chin between my fingers. 'Nobody is perfect, so he must have some form of weakness. My first guess is that he can only shoot in short bursts. However, his third burst was way longer than the other two, so that rules out that theory. There must be another reason for shooting in short bursts. Why did he only start with a long burst after the second one?'

I think back to the first two hits. 'When I was hit the first time, I was silent. When I was hit the second time, I screamed. Was it the yelling that prompted the longer attack? Assuming that my yelling was the trigger, what does that tell me? He needed to confirm his hit by using sound before he sent the more powerful burst. Since he's relying on the sound I make to tell him if he hit, I can assume that he can't see when he uses the attack – considering the fact that it leaves from his mouth.'

A plan started to come together in my mind and I leapt out from behind the pillar – drawing the attention of the dragon-like man. Clutching my pistol close to my chest, I watched the cognition charge up another lethal dosage of electricity. Once the bolt arced through the air, I threw the pistol 45 degrees to the right. As expected, the attack curved – attracted to the metal of the gun. I pretended to scream in agony as the scaled hybrid released another jolt of electricity in the same direction. I lowered my voice as I got closer – giving the illusion of me staying in the same place. I willed my sabre into existence as I jumped towards him. His eyes widened slightly as I entered his peripheral vision – but was ultimately too slow to stop my blade from sinking into the exposed flesh of his neck. I swung again and again, his throat becoming a jagged mess of slashes and blood. With one more forceful swing, his head separated itself from his body. The draconic man slumped over and vanished into nothingness. I dug around in my pocket and pulled out the membership card.

Grades:

Bio: -

History: S

Social Sciences: S

English: S

Mathematics: S

Physical Education: S

"Just one more to go."

"Of course it would look like a murder scene. That's the one thing we were missing." I huff out sarcastically.

A creeping discomfort filled me as I stared at the room. It looked like an apartment – a familiar, run-down apartment. Blood had soaked into the carpet and I was filled with a feeling of nausea as my re-equipped boots made squishy sounds as I walked. Scratches and bloody streaks decorated the moldy walls of the narrow passageway. Pushing open another door granted me access to a wider area where a lone man stood. He wore a one-piece jumpsuit with a simple kitchen knife in his right hand – both smeared with blood. I prepared my tired muscles for a battle when he turned around and I looked into Mr. Hiruta's eyes.

"No! I didn't do it! Please don't hurt me!" The man dropped to his knees and started wailing like a newborn child.

I raised my eyebrow, but kept a solid grip on my serrated blade. "Didn't do what?"

"I just pushed him! I didn't mean to hurt him so badly! He was my brother! The table was just there and he hit his head and he didn't stop bleeding…!" The normally composed teacher yelled out hysterically.

"Damn brat! I'll sue!"

"I did not mean to cause him harm. I merely wanted to pull him away from the woman he was forcing himself onto."

"It was him. I was across the street and I saw him do it. He was groping the woman and violently assaulted the victim when they tried to stop him. Luckily, the police arrived before he could do much more."

"Goro Samael Akechi, you are hereby declared guilty of assault and attempted rape."

I felt a familiar bitterness crawl its way up my throat. It traced its talon along my jaw. "It's okay. I believe you."

The man ceased his sobbing and looked up at me with slightly hopeful eyes. "R-really?"

I nod at him. "Thank you so much! I was worried that nobody would understand and help me."

I tilted my head at him. "Help? Help with what?"

His eyes flittered back and forth before he beckoned me to lean closer – me obliging cautiously. "It's Kobayakawa."

My eyes widen slightly as he continues. "He's got blackmail on all of us – forcing us to work here and do twisted things to students and other people. I called the police and lied to them about what had happened – but Kobayakawa somehow managed to find out what I did. He said that if I didn't work here and co-operate with him, he'd release video footage to the police and I'd be put away for life."

The gears begin to turn in my head. "What about the other teachers? How did he blackmail them?"

"Inui was forced into leading a Yakuza gang by his father. I'm not entirely sure about Ushimaru, but it might be about the cruel treatment of prisoners of war during World War 2. Chouno was drugged at a party in high school and became addicted. Usami was forced to become a loan shark to repay a debt that was unfairly thrust upon her by a former employer. Kamoshida's the only one that isn't blackmailed. Kobayakawa turns a blind eye to his actions as long as he takes the volleyball teams to nationals." The blood-soaked man finishes his explanation.

I felt a snarl build up in my throat as Loki let out a roar of frustration. "What does Kobayakawa get out of this?"

The teacher looks despondent. "On a collective level, we're a group of highly-qualified teachers who can bring prestige to the school while he doesn't have to pay us much. He uses Chouno as a drug runner or forces her to drug students. He uses Inui for his connections to the Yakuza for "transporting" people – often teenage girls from our school. He makes Usami continue her loan-sharking and then taking all the money for himself. Ushimaru was and still is part of the Police, so he has records of all their patrol routes and times. Kamoshida is used as an enforcer while, luckily, I'm just a messenger boy."

I take deep breaths in and out to calm myself. "What's his plan? Where's he going with all of this."

"He's trying to establish himself in the underworld, I suppose. He's been making various "transactions" with Yakuza and smaller gangs – making a name for himself. I don't know what he's aiming for, though." The teacher sighs out.

I nod at the man and turn towards the door. "Thank you for the information."

"Please help us…" He croaks out.

"You have my word." I quickly take aim and fire a round at his head.

His form slumps over with a smile and his body fades away. I leave the blood-filled room with a fire in my chest – an azure flame that burns brightly and strongly.

"I will bring him to Justice."

The two guarding shadows fall to the floor once I fill their heads with bullets from the safety of the ceiling. Loki lowers us to the ground and then disappears – the familiar metal encasing my face. I hold the filled membership card up to the golden door and it slowly drifts open.

"The Treasure is nearby." Lavenza whispers into my ear.

I nod as I continue onward, watching the walls shift in a dizzying pattern. Said walls are filled with plaques, trophies, and articles detailing the success of Shujin. There are also an ungodly number of pictures of Kobayakawa – some made out of solid gold. I can say without a doubt that Jiga Kobayakawa was the most egotistical person that I have had the displeasure of meeting. After around ten minutes of walking in a straight line while being flanked by egotistic galore, I finally arrived at a black, polished door – clearly the largest and most important one in the entirety of the Palace.

I place my hands against the ludicrously expensive marble and push with all my might. The door slowly opens into an incredibly spacious area. It was like a modern colosseum – rings and rings of seats gathered around one open space. The only difference was that in place of the open space, was a raised platform. Whatever was on said platform was obscured from view via the massive red curtain that hung from the ceiling. I walked towards the center platform and leapt – just barely grasping the edge and managing to pull myself up. I crawl under the incredibly thick and heavy curtain which I was certain that I could not move. I was greeted by a glowing and shifting orb of light that hurt my eyes if I stared at it for too long.

I whispered to my tiny companion. "Lavenza, what is that?"

"That, my Trickster, is the Treasure. A desire by nature does not have a physical form. However, if one is made aware of said desire or the possibility that they may lose it – it will appear as a physical entity in the Metaverse." The butterfly answered with the answers that it always knew.

"I see. Since they know what said treasure actually is, deep in their heart, it is given form – thus materializing in the Metaverse. That's fascinating." My clawed finger scratches along the metal of my neckpiece.

"I suppose we will have to return for now." I sigh out and Lavenza merely flaps her wings twice.

19/04 (Tuesday) [Evening] {Niijima Residence}

"I think I may have gone slightly overboard with this." I sigh out as I look at the mess of differently-coloured paper that was strewn across my bed.

When I asked Lavenza on how to make one aware of their Treasure, her answer was simple. A simple letter will suffice – as long as it makes them aware that their desires can be taken away. I was reminded of Episode 25 of Featherman R: The Shadow's Half-Smile! They decided to copy the method of phantom thieves of old and send a calling card to the villain of the arc – claiming that they would steal his unwilling, soon-to-be bride. I definitely did not geek out a little and do exactly what they did and make a card exactly like they did because that is childish and I am not childish – I'm mature.

I tapped at the bottom of the card, the only thing missing being a sender. Obviously, I couldn't put my name because that would be stupid. I needed an alias. The first part of the name was figured out already, but it was bland and too simple on its own, which could affect the authenticity of the card. It needed to be specific. I thought back to everything that had happened since I arrived here.

"Well, someone's popular with the ladies." Boss' smug voice carried across the café.

I voiced my thoughts in the most eloquent way possible, "Huh?"

"A girl just swung by and asked for your number. Jeez, it's only your fourth day of school. For a supposed detective, you're a real thief of hearts, huh?"

I snapped my fingers as the idea stuck itself in my head. I got back to cutting out the letters and pasting them to match the theme of the others. Once I had finished, I took the wasted paper and put it between the pages of one of my books so I could throw it away at school. Kami help me if Niijima-san found them in my bin and put two-and-two together. Kobayakawa's downfall was coming soon. I felt that blue blaze fill my lungs once more.

I will bring him to Justice.

20/04 (Wednesday) [After School] {Shujin Academy}

"Ah, Omocha-san! Just the person I wanted to talk to!" I exclaimed with false cheer as I adorned my usual mask once more.

The girl turned around with wide eyes and a gaping mouth. I smiled at her and she grasped at her chest, using her other hand to not-so-subtly take out her phone and snap a picture.

I keep my mask in perfect condition as I continue. "I have a really important form that I need to deliver to the Principal today, but I have gymnastics practice this afternoon. Can you do me a favour and hand it in for me?"

"Of course! Anything for you Akechi-san! Yep-yep! You can count on me for anything!" She shook her head rapidly and grabbed the file out of my hands the second I took it out of my briefcase.

"Thank you so much Omocha-san! You've really helped me out!" I bow at her and head for the door.

"It's no problem Akechi-san! You can ask me for anything and I'll do it! Like, literally anything! You can count on me!" She continued on excitedly.

I felt an immense feeling of relief the millisecond I closed the door and separated us into separate rooms. Now, all I needed was to find Sumire and actually go to practice.

20/04 (Wednesday} [Evening] {Shujin Academy}

"Last one for the day." The overweight man sighed as he reached out for the folder that had been at the bottom of the pile.

He scowled as he read the name 'Goro Samael Akechi' written neatly on the cover. As he opened the folder, something had fallen out and onto his desk. The overweight man picked up the object – a simple red card. It had nothing on the side, so he flipped it over, and was met with a wall of strangely formatted text.

To Jiga Kobayakawa, the Egotistical Slaver

I know what you have done to the students and teachers of Shujin Academy. You have harmed others for no other reason than to bolster your ego – making you feel better about the pitiful man that you are. Prepare yourself, for I will steal your distorted desires without fail.

-The Phantom Thief of Hearts

"What is this, some kind of joke!?" Kobayakawa spat out, enraged.

"TRY AND STEAL IT IF YOU CAN! ALL WILL FALL BEFORE MY POWER – I WILL BE GREATER THAN ALL!"

He glared at the picture of the brunette staring mockingly at him from within the folder. Once more, he did not notice the blue butterfly taking flight from his bookshelf and its escape from his window.

20/04 (Wednesday) [Evening] {Niijima Residence}

I lay back in bed as I mentally prepare myself for what is to come tomorrow. I had scribbled and scratched out the pros and cons of going against Kobayakawa all by myself, and ultimately decided against it. The three of us, even if I was the only one aware of the fact that there were three of us fighting, not two – had a much better chance of succeeding in battle with Kobayakawa. With a sigh, I retrieve my phone.

Phoenix Rangers

Grey Pidgeon: We're finishing our project tomorrow.

Blue Swan: Was that all we needed to do?

Grey Pidgeon: I found the final part that we needed. We just have to put it into motion.

Black Condor: Same time and place?

Grey Pidgeon: Yes.

Black Condor: Ok

Blue Swan: I'm ready

Grey Pidgeon: Let's do this.

KOBAYAKAWA BATTLE NEXT CHAPTER! LET'S GO! This chapter took longer than it should. I got slapped by Chemistry and my motivation went down the drain for a few days. However, I am back in action!

The events of the first Palace are finally drawing to a close. How did you guys think I did with an entirely original Palace? It won't be the first entirely new Palace of the story, so I'd like your feedback on how it was handled and how it could be improved.

Now, onto the Reviews!

ARandomPasserby: Well, I can't say much without spoilers, but I'm glad to see that you're enjoying and speculating about the changes that I've implemented to the story. Thank you once again for an amazing review! :D

12hperksy: Welcome to the club! I think we're all hype for the western release of P5S (except for that 1 reader of mine who's from Japan). I hope to see your reviews again in the future! :D

Final Boss Time! I've had this planned out for quite a while, so I'm excited to see it come to fruition. Don't go anywhere!

See you in the next chapter!

~AnimeTrashPile