5/7
Akira awakes to the smell of coffee wafting into his attic room. As he gets up he sees he has a message from Ann from last night still on his phone.
Ann: Wanna hang out tomorrow after school?
As Akira stretches and sets the phone down, Morgana looks at the screen to read the message.
"Hmm," Morgana says, "I was planning on showing you guys the next step to the Phantom Thieves helping people today."
"Oh?" Akira says in surprise.
"Yeah, I'd really like to do it sooner rather than later if you don't mind."
"OK, I'll shoot her a message and talk with Ryuji at school. Where are we going though? Have you found someone with a palace?" Akira asks.
"Something like that," Morgana says turning away so Akira can change.
XXXX
Ann and Ryuji stand outside the gate to Shujin Academy waiting for Akira to arrive with Morgana.
"He didn't say where we're going?" Ryuji asks.
"Huh-uh," Ann shakes her head. "Just said it was somewhere that Morgana has been planning on bringing us for a while."
"Cat's probably just trying to get us to fill him up on sushi," Ryuji mutters.
Ann ignores Ryuji's comment and continues waiting. Something seems to possess Ann suddenly and gives her the feeling of being watched. As she turns to look behind she sees but the entrance to the alley behind her. Just as Ann is about to say something about her unease, Akira walks up with Morgana.
"Sorry for being late," Akira says. "Where are we going Morgana?" he says to his bag over his shoulder.
"Let's try the subway station first," a muffled voice replies. "I think that is where it'll be at."
"OK?" Akira says. "Let's go," he says and begins walking.
"Ann, you alright?" Ryuji asks.
"Yeah, why?"
"You seemed to be looking over your shoulder a lot all of a sudden," Ryuji says.
"It's nothing," Ann says putting on a big smile. Observant of him to notice that, Ann thinks.
XXXX
As the Phantom Thieves walk towards the station, Ryuji stares at his phone, walking just behind Ann and Akira, reading threads on the Phan-site.
"None of these posts are any good for a next big target. Everyone's just bitching about their parents or their boyfriends," Ryuji grumbles. "There ain't even a hint of a hint about a new palace."
"We can't get everything online," Ann responds. "Finding a post with a name and location is kinda asking a lot…"
"Gonna have to find one ourselves then," Ryuji says.
"It's going to be hard to find a target that even the police have overlooked," Morgana says sticking his head out of Akira's bag. "That's what I'm planning on fixing today."
"What are you talking about?" Ryuji asks.
"Well you remember how you guys promised to help me with my mission?"
"No," Ryuji says.
"Well you did! Stop here," Morgana says to Akira. "This is the place."
"What're you bringing us here for, Morgana?" Ann asks.
"Ryuji, you still got the Phan-site up on your phone?"
"Yeah, why?" Ryuji responds.
"Look for a post with a full name in it," Morgana says.
"I already told you, there's no big targets. Did you forget already?"
"We're not looking for big targets you nimrod! We're looking for anybody."
"Ok… man it's kinda scary to think that some people put someone's real name on here," Ryuji says as he comes through the various comments. All the Phantom Thieves have now pulled out their phones and reading through various comments.
"Try to find one that's dealing with serious trouble," Morgana says impatiently.
"I don't know what to do about my ex who's stalking me. His name is Natsuhiko Nakanohara," Ann reads aloud. "Says he's a teller at city hall."
"That's excellent, Lady Ann!"
"A government worker is stalking someone?" Ryuji asks.
"Ryuji get the MetaNav ready," Morgana instructs. "Put in Nakanohara's details and watch what happens."
"We're just going to jump right into a palace? Fine by me," Ryuji says eagerly.
"HEY! What happened to all that talk of 'unanimous decision' we all agreed on?" Ann asks.
"It's not like that, Lady Ann," Morgana says. "This is different… Ryuji, instead of a location, use the word 'Mementos.'"
Ann glares at Morgana as Ryuji puts the details into the MetaNav. Suddenly the feeling of being brought into the Metaverse is felt by all members of the group as a pulling sensation emanates from their midsections.
Ann opens her eyes as the unpleasant experience ends and see that they're still in the subway station but they're the only ones there.
"Everyone disappeared!" Ann gasps. "And it… feels like I'm walking on air?"
"What is this place?" Ryuji says looking around confused.
"This is a type of palace," Morgana explains. "But it's different from the normal ones. Let's head down into the tunnels."
Ann and the Phantom Thieves follow Morgana wordlessly down the stairs next to them as they descend into the quiet depths. Footsteps echo off the walls and hallways as they descend the stairs.
"The shadows here lurk underground," Morgana says, "I don't quite understand why. It may be because they are drawn to something down there."
"Down where?" Ryuji asks.
"Here," Morgana says turning a corner.
XXXX
Akira turns the corner with Ryuji and stares in astonishment at the sight before him. Tendrils stretch out across the floor and ceiling. Walls are covered in veins of a black mass that pulses slightly.
"Woah our clothes changed!" Skull says.
"The shadows know we're here?" Panther asks.
"He's known we were here since the moment we stepped in," Mona replies. "We're still safe here. I've been here to investigate a number of times. Shadows never come up to this floor. But the further down you go, the more danger you get in. This place is teeming with shadows."
"What is this place, Mona?" Joker asks.
"Yeah, it's about time you start explaining!" Panther says.
"Mementos is… everyone's palace. It belongs to everyone, and to no one," Mona says.
"That doesn't make any goddamn sense!" Skull shouts.
"It does! Look, a palace as grand as the previous castle only forms when a person's wishes are extremely distorted. So instead of many individual Palaces, the general public has one gigantic shared palace. Mementos."
"Now that you mention it," Panther says rubbing her arms, "this place does feel a bit different to Kamoshida's Palace…"
"When you say shared, you mean that a bunch of strangers all exist here in the same Palace?" Skull asks.
"It's the collective unconscious," Mona replies.
"I don't know what that means…" Skull mutters.
"It's not a big deal," Joker replies. "Just know that everyone who doesn't have a Palace of their own, exists here. That right Mona?"
"Spot on."
"So, we can use this place to change people's hearts even though they don't have a Palace?" Panther asks.
"Precisely," Mona responds enthusiastically.
"This place looks freaking huge," Skull says looking around. "we going to get around by walking?"
"Ah the time has finally come," Mona says with a large stretch. "Morganaaa… Transfoooooorm!"
Akira watches as Morgana jumps into the air and cloud of smoke puffs into existence. A moment later, the floor rattles as a large object falls in front of them. A large, grey, metallic bus.
"Come now, Panther. Ladies first," the bus says with Mona's voice.
"What the fuck…" Panther says staring at the bus. "A-a-a… car?"
"I'm a bus, thank you very much," the bus replies. "The public has some kind of large connection between buses and cats so I'm able to transform into one whenever I'm here. It's pretty handy too, ignore the smaller weaker shadows by running them over and severely wounding others by also running them over."
Skull enthusiastically begins towards the door for the bus as Panther shouts at him.
"Skull! He said ladies first!"
"Stop pulling me! That's dangerous!"
"Hey! Be gentle in there!" Mona replies. "Joker, can you please drive? I can go one my own but to be honest, the fact that my eyes are the headlights really blinds my peripheral vision."
"Sure buddy," Joker says. Joker makes his way inside the bus to see Panther sitting in the back seat with Skull.
"Do you know how to drive?" Panther asks. "Because we don't."
"I know the basics," Joker replies. "Gas is go brake is stop. How hard could it be?"
XXXX
The Phantom Thieves pull up to a large portal down one of the tunnels.
"This looks like the place," Panther says climbing over the seat to see better.
"Let's hope," Mona says through the dashboard. "Joker's fast turns really did a number on my wheels…"
"Sorry," Joker replies.
"So Nakanohara is through there?" Skull asks.
"Yep, go through there and we'll be transported to whichever section of Mementos he's actually in. It'll be closed off and safe from him."
"Who're you talking about?" Panther asks.
"I'll tell you later. Let's not waste any time," Mona replies.
Joker accelerates the bus towards the glowing wall of swirling shimmer. As they're about to crash into it, they're suddenly emerging into a small platform with a man dressed in a business suit nearby, muttering to himself.
"See?" Mona says. "Without the Nav, finding him where he's actually at would be almost impossible. But with the Nav, one of these portals is created somewhere and if you can find it, you're golden. Everybody out, this'll be like fighting Kamoshida's shadow, just hopefully less difficult."
The Phantom Thieves disembark from the bus and a pop is heard as Mona transforms back into his cat form. As they creep closer to Nakanohara's shadow, he glances over and sees them.
"Who are you?!" it shouts.
"Are you that stalker?!" Panther shouts back. "Haven't you ever stopped to consider how your ex feels?"
"She's my property! I can do whatever I want with her! It's not like she didn't treat me like a plaything. What's wrong with me doing the same?!"
"You can't treat someone like shit just cause they did it to you!" Skull says. "What a load of crap… We're gonna change the hearts of all the bastards like you!"
"There are millions of people far worse than me!" Shadow Nakanohara shouts. "What about Madarame?! He stole everything from me, but you're letting him off the hook?!"
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Skull asks.
"Arrrhhhhh!" Shadow Nakanohara shouts as he transforms to battle.
XXXX
Joker aims his pistol at the downed shadow. He pulls the trigger as a shot rings out through the empty station. The shadow falls and erupts into a cloud of smoke, returning to Nakanohara form. He glances back at the rest of his team to see Skull moving towards him, holding his side.
"That guy was tougher than we thought," Skull says. Joker nods in agreement as he touches fists with Skull.
"Keep an eye on him quick," Joker says. "I'm going to get the other two."
He makes his way over to Mona lying on the ground. As Joker approaches, Mona rolls over to face him.
"I'm fine. Just a bit winded. Panther looks like she actually took a good hit at the end, there." Joker nods and moves to assist Panther.
As he walks up next to her and kneels, she groans as she clutches the side of her abdomen. Joker puts a hand on her arm and she recoils.
"Sorry!" Panther says. "Is it over?"
Joker nods.
"Good. I wasn't paying attention towards the end. Sorry about that."
"You ok?" Joker asks as he extends a hand to help her up.
"Yeah," Panther replies taking the hand and being pulled into a standing position. "Thanks."
"Uh guys… you better come hear what he's saying," Skull shouts to them. Joker and Panther jog over and begin to hear the words Shadow Nakanohara is speaking.
"He used me… he used me…"
"What's he talking about?" Panther asks.
"I dunno," Skull says. "First he started off apologizing like Kamoshida. Saying how sorry he was for doing what he did. Then he starts talking about some teacher he had as a kid."
"Madarame?" Mona asks.
"Yeah, that's the one," Skull says looking back at Nakanohara.
"He used me… threw me out… I didn't want to be thrown out again… why would she act like him?"
"So, some selfish bastard was making you suffer too…" Panther says. "But you still shouldn't have dragged an unrelated woman into your mess."
"I know… I know… I'm so sorry… I'll put an end to my love for her… I'll leave her alone…"
"I think we're done here," Mona says patting Joker on the leg.
"Wait!" Shadow Nakanohara shouts. "If you can really change anyone's heart, change Madarame's! Don't let any more fall victim to him!" Nakanohara explodes into a blue dust as he finishes his plead.
"That'll be the end of that," Mona says. "He'll return to his self in the real world and cease his stalking."
"Good but what about what he said about Madarame?" Skull asks.
"We'll keep an ear to the floor for a Madarame," Joker replies. "Mona is there any way of knowing if what he said is true?"
"Not for certain," Mona replies. "He just had a change of heart, so you could argue he may have been speaking in a moment of true clarity because of it or that because he had the change he was delusional. No way to know for certain. Now c'mon, I want to get out of here. We've been here for far too long."
"What do you mean?" Panther asks.
"I'll explain once we're back up top."
XXXX
The Phantom Thieves return to the top of Mementos. Joker pulls Mona into a safe position for them all to disembark. As they all get out, Mona transforms back into his cat form.
"Thanks for taking it easier on the turns. Now, I think I owe you guys an explanation as to who I'm afraid of running into down here," Mona says.
"That would be nice," Panther replies.
"I don't know exactly a whole lot about it, or him, or whatever. I know in the Metaverse, he's called… The Reaper."
"The Reaper?" Skull asks in amusement.
"This is no laughing matter you idiot!" Mona shouts. "The Reaper is a shadow unlike any other. He's much more dangerous and much more mysterious than even regular shadows. He exists in such a way in the Metaverse that he's completely unique among other shadows."
"How?" Joker asks.
"Well, he's kind of like… the guardian to the Metaverse? I guess? Like I said, he's strange. He exists to protect Mementos and those in it. He'll kill anything that is threatening Mementos or the greater Metaverse."
"Greater Metaverse?" Panther says.
"Like the Metaverse that exists when you enter a Palace but don't go in the Palace. You know how Kamoshida had his castle? Well surrounding his castle was the rest of Tokyo, right? Had we gone into that rest of Tokyo, we'd face the same danger we face in Mementos, The Reaper," Mona explains.
"He cannot be summoned, controlled, or defeated from what I can tell," Mona continues. "Hang around Mementos too long, especially a particular floor, he'll come looking for you to see what you're doing. Hang around in the world outside a Palace too long, same thing. The moment he sees you're not shadows, he'll be after you."
"He's that dangerous?" Skull asks awed.
"Yes. Which is why he was always on my mind while we were down there, and he should always be on yours when we return. The bus can outrun him, I doubt your legs can so be vigilant. Constant vigilance… that's the only thing you can fight against him with."
"Alright," Joker replies. "We'll keep him in mind. Thank you, Mona."
"You're welcome. Now let's get out of here. So much as talking about him gives me the creeps," Mona says checking over his shoulder.
XXXX
Joker climbs the broken escalators of Mementos with his team as they make their way to return to the surface. Panther climbs beside him following Skull and Mona.
"So, what do you think of this place? And the Reaper?" she asks.
"I like it," Joker replies. "It'll let us help people without needing the full commitment a palace requires. But the Reaper has me worried. I've spent the past month with that cat and I've never seen him speak so seriously about something. If it's got him that scared, I think we all need to be worried."
"Yeah, I agree. This place is perfect for some practice and money collection but the Reaper… part of me wants to go find it. You know, like morbid curiosity?"
"Yep, same here. Can't imagine how powerful it must be…" Joker says as he reaches the top of the escalator.
"Hey, what're you doing tomorrow?" Panther asks.
"Hanging out with you, I hope," Joker replies with a sly smile. He can see Panther blush beneath her mask.
"Perfect because that's what I was going to ask," she replies with a big smile.
As Joker begins to reply he lets his words hang in midsentence as he sees a
blue cell door next to the doorway out of Mementos.
"Joker…?" Panther says. Joker ignores her as he moves closer to the door and begins to jog towards it. As he arrives at the door, it opens, and Joker stops in his tracks. Caroline and Justine walk out of the door and close it behind them.
"Just a couple Justine," Caroline says as her sister closes the door. "I don't want to be here all day." Justine nods and turns around only to stop her own movements and nudge Caroline who turns around and gasps.
"So, we meet again, Trickster," Justine says.
"What the hell are you doing here Inmate?!"
"I uhh…" Joker tries to say.
"I never expected your rehabilitation would bring you to this place," Justine says.
"Well I guess it doesn't matter how he's here. It's the perfect spot to train and get some battle experience," Caroline says. "I like your spirit, Inmate. You know the position you're in."
"I don't… what…" Joker says.
"Hey dude, what're you staring at?" Skull says as he stands beside Joker. Joker looks back and forth between Skull and the two twin wardens only feet from him.
"Can you not…?" Joker says as Skull looks at him in confusion. "Can you not see them?"
"Who, dude?"
"We told you only you can see us, Inmate. Not unless we want them to."
"I must admit, Trickster, I'm very impressed," Justine says. "We thought we knew of all the individuals who had access to this place. But it seems you found you way here anyway."
"Bet he just fumbled with the MetaNav until he got here," Caroline says unimpressed.
"Perhaps. I hope that the Trickster doesn't have a power we are yet unaware of, Caroline."
"W-w-what?! You think he got here through some other power of his own?" Caroline asks.
"It's possible," Justine says. "If that be the case, we must learn the truth of it."
"You hiding something on us, Inmate?!" Caroline shouts as she whacks Joker on the shin with her baton. "TELLUSWHATYOUREHIDING!"
"OW fuuuu…." Joker gasps as he falls to the ground clutching his leg.
"Joker!" Skull shouts.
"Oh my God what happened?!" Panther shouts as she runs over.
"Trickster," Justine continues, "we will be willing to hold examinations in this place for you to determine the extent of your powers. It is the only way we can truly go through the course of rehabilitating you."
"Dude what is up with you?" Skull says pulling Joker back into a standing position.
"Joker…?" Mona says in worry at his feet.
"I don't… understand…" Joker pants.
"Understand wha—" Skull begins.
"Shh!" Joker hisses.
"I have to say Justine, I never thought you'd bring such a bold proposal to the table!" Caroline says enthusiastically. Justine smiles and turns back to Joker.
"As I said, these examinations will be private. It will be for the sake of us measuring the strength of yourself and your contracts throughout your rehabilitation. This will not be forced upon you, and instead you'll be allowed to select when you'd like this examination. Once we have your consent, we'll begin."
"What kind of examination will it be?" Joker asks as the Phantom Thieves stare at him bewildered.
"A fight!" Caroline says. "And we won't make it easy on you! Brutally difficult!"
"We will not ask for a two on one battle, however. You friends will be permitted to enter as well. They will be able to see and interact with us, however, should you lose this battle, we will wipe ourselves from their memories."
"Don't worry, we won't' kill you," Caroline says.
"Our goal is rehabilitation. Ending your life would greatly contradict that goal," Justine says.
"And if I win?" Joker says.
"If by some chance that were to happen… let me see…" Justine says contemplating. "We would tell you an embarrassing secret of ours."
"Wh-what?! Wh-wh-what do you mean?!" Caroline shouts in recoil. "A-are you talking about that one time? OHH o-or maybe that other thing?! There's no need for this Justine!"
Joker cannot help but laugh at the drastic change in demeanor in Caroline.
"SOHELPMEINMATEIFYOURELAUGHINGATME!" she shouts.
"If by chance the inmate holds that much potential in his contractors and personas… we might be able to find the answer," Justine says.
"The bookmark…?" Caroline says.
"Trickster, you may leave now," Justine instructs. "Think about our offer." As she finishes her instructions, Justine turns to open the door again and walks inside with Caroline following behind her.
"Justine are you actually trying to find—" Caroline says before the door closes.
"Dude are you losing it down here or something?" Skull asks breaking Joker out of his stupor.
"Joker, you're scaring me," Panther says grabbing his hand with hers.
"I just… I saw something that I think only I can see…" Joker says.
"Yeah and had a conversation with it," Mona says.
"It was… the wardens…" Joker says.
"The girls in your dreams?" Mona asks. "But how can they be here?! Are they real?"
"I don't know…" Joker replies still staring at the door.
"C'mon, let's get topside and we'll discuss this further," Mona replies tugging on Joker's pants.
XXXX
"You sure you're ok?" Ann asks.
"Yes, I saw them there," Akira says. "They said they can't be seen by you guys because they don't want to be."
"Dude, seeing imaginary schoolgirls dressed as prison wardens I think qualifies you for some free government housing with padded white rooms," Ryuji replies.
"Can we just drop it?" Akira says. "I can't explain it any more clearly than what I saw or what happened. You believe they existed when I told you about them a couple of weeks ago."
"Alright, Ann says. "If you say you're ok and not going crazy, then we'll trust you. I don't really know about these girls since I can't see them myself… but if you say you saw them then I believe you."
"Thank you," Akira says. "Ryuji?"
"Look bro, you helped me take down Kamoshida. If I have to put up with you seeing children who're mean to you then I think I can handle it," Ryuji says with a large smile and thumbs up.
"Thanks, you guys," Akira says placing a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Good work today, everyone," Morgana says. "We've got access to Mementos now and potentially another lead on a big name to target. Good work today."
"Agreed," Akira says. "I'll see you guys at school tomorrow?"
"Definitely!"
"For sure!"
"Alright, then we're heading out," Akira says motioning to Morgana. "See you!"
"Goodbye!"
"Good night!"
A/N: Next chapter: Beginning of Makoto's investigation and Ann's first confidant event!