HEY GUYS THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH CHAPTER 5 OF POCKET CHANGE.
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HERE WE GO!
Kawakami was trying to make sense of what was happening.
She had agreed without hesitation to help Suzui track this trio down in the hope that they could be dissuaded from carrying out whatever reckless plan they had concocted to deal with their situation.
The Japanese Language teacher would be the first to admit that she had no clue as to what they were about to do but if it was going to involve threatening or harming Kamoshida, it would not end well for them.
Sadayo did care for all three in her own way but her primary concern was Akira and with good reason.
Didn't that idiot understand what probation meant?
One more strike and you're out!
She had failed one student before, she wouldn't allow it to happen again.
Sakamoto and Takamaki also needed a strong talking to about how some mistakes stick with you through life. Not many knew that as well as she did.
It was by mere stupid luck that Suzui had been looking out the window and had spotted Ann and Ryuji heading into that alley.
They had wasted no time in getting there. Hopefully it was to be the trio's meeting spot and not just a means of heading elsewhere.
By the time they got there Ann and Ryuji were talking.
She had signalled to Suzui for her to stay quiet. She wanted to hear and understand their plan before attempting to stop them.
The blonde pair didn't mention anything useful enough for her could go on, so they continued to wait.
Shortly after, Akira arrived with a black cat in his bag. The four of them (cat included) seemed to be having an active conversation about weapons, shadows and treasure.
Just as Kawakami felt she had heard enough and was going to reveal herself, Akira pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons...
That's when everything changed...
"What the hell is this place?!"
Kawakami's eyes were glued to the mediaeval castle before her.
Despite the intimidating aura it easily gave of, closer inspection would reveal that it had been ravaged by a lightning storm.
But Kawakami was more than confused.
She's known this area for years. There were no castles in this area!
Wasn't Shujin supposed to be in this direction? Where had the school disappeared to ?
Shiho followed up Kawakami's question with one of her own.
"Akira-kun, Ryuji...is that you?"
Kawakami pulled her gaze away from the gargantuan castle to examine the group that Shiho seemed to have trouble identifying.
She couldn't help but verbalise her thoughts as she looked at the clothes that Sakomoto and Akira were wearing.
"When did they have time to change?"
Skull attempted a deeper voice as he responded to Shiho.
"Ryuji? I know not of who you speak fair maiden. We are the Phantom Thieves! Here on a mission to-"
Kawakami growled.
"Say one more word in that phoney accent and I'll end you."
Skull quickly reverted to his original voice.
"Yes Ma'am. Sorry Ma'am."
Kawakami continued.
"I don't know where, how or why but someone needs to start explaining what's going on right..."
Kawakami and Shiho finally noticed Ann hiding behind Akira and Ryuji.
"..."
"Is..that Ann?"
"Takamaki! WHAT are you wearing!? Change into something decent RIGHT NOW!"
Panther wailed.
"I'm sorry Sensei but we can't help it right now!"
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
Joker stepped forward.
"Listen. We can explain everything later but right now we're going to need you guys to leave before our enemies arrive."
Mona spoke next.
"He's right. They sometimes patrol this area too."
Shiho covered her mouth in disbelief.
"Is that cute cat talking?"
Kawakami closed her eyes.
"I'm having a nightmare. I overworked myself during one of my night shifts. Fell asleep on my couch and I'm having the worst nightmare."
Joker sighed as he walked over to the pair of Sadayo and Shiho.
"Ladies, please. We have to stay and complete our mission. We don't have the time to explain now but you have my word that when we get back, we'll explain everything."
Shiho responded.
"Get...back?"
Joker nodded while Kawakami frowned.
"Does this mission have anything to do with Kamoshida?"
Joker hesitated, he was sure that the wrong words would not help in convincing them to leave.
He finally opened his mouth to respond but Mona's shout would prevent him from answering.
"AMBUSH!"
Several regular Knights and their Golden Variants emerged from the other close by buildings and corners.
Joker swore as he stepped forward and acted as a barrier between a group of approaching Knights and the pair of Sadayo and Shiho.
His Third Eye revealed several Savage enemies among the groups.
The highest concentration of enemies were blocking the exit.
They wouldn't be a problem for him in the long run but...
Skull shouted as the Knights began to turn to their Shadow forms. The Phantom Thieves were now back to back in triangle formation.
"Joker! We might need some backup!"
" Damnit! Come on!"
Joker grabbed both Sadayo and Shiho by the hand and sprinted towards the Phantom Thieves.
Mona grunted as he used his new sword to decapitate an approaching Mandrake.
"What's the plan?!"
Joker shouted.
"Clear a path! Get them to the closest safe room!"
Skull grinned as Captain Kidd emerged and slammed it's bony head into a Silky.
"Headbutt!"
RATATATATATATATATA!
Panther wiped out a group of Pixies that were trying to get the jump on her.
Shiho's eyes widened.
"You guys have guns?!?"
Joker spoke to the ladies as he released their hands.
"Stay with the group and keep your heads down."
The ladies nodded as Joker slowed down and pulled off his mask.
A blue capped snowman appeared over Joker's head.
"Jack Frost! Mabufu!"
Most of the enemies around the Phantom Thieves became encased in ice, a few were still moving but seemed to be hampered by the cold.
Kawakami's eyes widened.
"Holyyyyy shiiiiit."
Joker shouted instructions.
"Skull! Panther! Help them into the ventilation shaft. Mona cover them!"
Skull and Panther hurried Kawakami and Shiho into the infiltration point as Mona picked off nearby Shadows with his Slingshot.
Joker turned to another approaching wave of Shadows.
One of the Knights began to speak.
"They have a secret entrance! Alert the guards on the-!"
BANG
Joker ended the Shadow with a single bullet.
He took out a few others with his gun before frowning as another wave of Shadows appeared.
This was beginning to annoy him.
Joker holstered his gun and pulled his mask off again.
This time the Persona was a masked woman on a red horse...
"Valkyrie..."
Panther took charge as Skull finished helping Kawakami and Shiho down from the shaft into the castle's store room.
"Okay! There should be a safe room close by. Let's move!"
Shiho spoke as the group followed Panther's sneaky movements around the hallways.
"Ann?! What were those things?"
Panther whispered a response as she spotted a Shadow in the distance.
"They're Shadows, the enemies we were talking about."
Panther stopped at a close by door and nodded.
"Okay get inside!"
Kawakami noticed the wavy aura that seemed to cover the door's entire frame and build.
"Is...it safe?"
Panther sighed.
"Please, Sensei. Just trust us."
Neither of the newcomers said anything more is they got into the room. Panther and then Skull followed in after.
Skull breathed a sigh of relief as he closed the door.
"Whew. We'll be safe here."
Kawakami posed a question.
"Can't these so called Shadows come in here?"
Skull shook his head.
"Not rooms like these. We call them safe rooms."
Shiho turned to Ann.
" Why did we leave Akira and the cat behind?"
Skull answered before Panther could.
"You don't have to worry about Joker and Mona, they'll be fine."
A few tremors shook the castle. Skull and Panther looked at each other nervously before Skull continued.
"Okay, maybe worry a little?"
The door to the safe room opened as Mona and Joker entered.
Kawakami sighed.
"Finally. You had us worried."
Joker exhaled audibly as he sat on the closest chair.
"Apologies Sensei, we were a bit preoccupied."
Shiho spoke next.
"Are you ok Akira ? You look a bit winded."
Panther continued the questioning.
"Did you have trouble with some of the Shadows?"
Morgana shook his head.
"Nah, he did all of that to himself."
Skull leaned forward.
"Huh?"
Mona continued.
"He ran down his health energy by spamming Deathbound on repeat. He kicked a lot of ass though. I was deeply impressed."
Shiho frowned.
"Akira, I have no idea what a Deathbound is and how you use it but you shouldn't be putting yourself in danger like that."
Joker pulled a few pills out of his pocket and swallowed them. Before either newcomer could comment, Joker's perfect health seemed to returned instantly.
The white-masked male smiled.
"See? All better."
Kawakami narrowed her eyes.
"Okay, add the magical pills to the long list of things that I need to be explained. You guys said this is a safe area right? Get to talking, now."
Shiho who had discretely pulled Mona into her lap also spoke up.
"Please also explain the talking kitty."
Joker sighed.
"Fine, first of all. We call this place the Metaverse..."
Kawakami ran a hand through her hair as she spoke.
"You guys do understand that what you've explained so far sounds like a middle schooler's drug enhanced fever dream, yes?"
Joker retorted.
"And yet here you are in a room with a talking cat and high school students with magical powers."
Kawakami frowned.
"Touchè."
Skull spoke up.
"What's our next move? Do we escort these two out?"
Mona shook his head.
"Even after Joker's display of raw power, the area outside the castle is still crowded with Shadows. They're patrolling our exit heavily, we could go out there and defeat them but..."
Joker finished the statement.
"...the longer we have Kawakami-sensei and Shiho out there, the greater the chances of a Shadow targetting them. Their spawn rate is also through the roof, they could just try to flood us with sheer numbers..."
Panther titled her head.
"Is it because of our calling card?"
Joker shrugged.
"Calling cards do raise the Security level and make the Shadows a little more vicious but this feels more intense than that."
Morgana responded.
"Ah it finally makes sense now! While we were heading to the safe room, I heard two of the Shadows whispering. It seems the King's excited over something. That combined with the threat of our calling card could be the cause..."
Joker frowned.
"Maybe..."
Skull spoke up.
"So what's the King so excited about?"
Morgana shrugged.
"No clue. I didn't hear that part."
Shiho spoke next.
"So what do you guys plan to do Akira-kun? You said that the Treasure had to be stolen today right?"
Joker nodded.
"I believe our next course of action has been decided for us. We'll have to take you and Sensei with us to safe room closest to the Treasure."
Skull was the first to respond.
"What? Why?"
Joker sighed.
"Oh yeah, this is the first time for all of you...Once we steal Kamoshida's Treasure this whole place will come crumbling down. The safe rooms too. We won't be able to warp either. Best option is to have them stay close by so we can protect them while we escape. The Shadows will leave once the Treasure is stolen so they won't be there to stop us."
Panther groaned.
"Why can't we ever catch a break?"
Shiho wilted.
"Sorry..."
Panther spoke again.
"It's not your fault Shiho, you were just being a good friend. I understand."
Kawakami continued.
"And just to be sure. Stealing this Treasure won't kill the real Kamoshida ?"
"It won't. It will cause a change of heart and he'll confess everything."
Shiho nodded.
"Good. Everyone needs to know what he's been doing."
Kawakami lowered her head in shame. How could she call herself a teacher and not have noticed the suffering that her students had been going through?
Joker noticed his teacher's inner struggle but decided to reserve his words for a more private moment.
The Metaverse Mercenary stood up and stretched.
"Okay, break's over. We need to get going."
Shiho spoke up.
"So we'll be sneaking through the castle again?"
"Didn't you hear me mention my warp ability? Just stay still, it's your first time some so you might feel a little queasy when I do this."
Shiho perched an eyebrow.
"When you do wha-"
The room shifted.
Shiho groaned as she lied face down on the table.
"That.Was.Terrible."
Kawakami was curled up in a corner.
"Do.Not.Do.That.Again."
Skull scratched the back of his head.
"I don't remember it affecting us this bad when Joker first used his quick travel on us."
Mona spoke up.
"Well they aren't Persona users so that could be the reason behind it."
Panther rubbed her friend's back.
"We have to go Shiho. Will you guys be ok?"
Shiho grumbled.
"Yes.Just.No.More.Warping."
Joker sweat-dropped.
"Ah okay...let's go guys."
The team followed Joker out of the safe room as Kawakami and Shiho slowly recovered.
Joker narrowed his eyes as he noticed that the door to the Throne room was wide open. A quick glance to the upper balcony path that they had used previously revealed that it had been barred off.
"I don't like this."
Skull offered a suggestion.
"Maybe they sent so many soldiers to the lower floors that up here ended up being left empty?"
Mona shook his head.
"But we're here to steal the Treasure and they know it. Why wouldn't you at least leave a Knight ot two up here?"
Panther nodded.
"Good point. Is the Treasure even in there?"
Mona nodded.
"Without a doubt."
Skull folded his arms.
"So it's a trap then."
Joker opened his mouth to respond but his sixth sense screamed at him to avoid the coming danger.
"DOWN!"
In a split second Mona threw himself into Skull's chest to knock him over as Joker grabbed Panther and pulled her to the ground.
SHINCK!
A large axhead connected to a chain slammed into the wall that the group was standing next to.
The Executioner laughed as he used his strength to pull the weapon out of the wall and retract it to the other end that he was holding.
"You litte creatures have such good reflexes. I was hoping to kill at least two of you with that sneak attack!"
Mona and Skull quickly got to their feet.
Panther blushed when she realised how close her face was to Joker's.
The blonde quickly got to her feet as well as Joker did a kip up.
The curly haired male growled.
"Executioner..."
The mysterious man sighed he spun his axe weapon.
"Why did you thieves have to disturb His Majesty today of all days? He's going to be choosing a new Princess today! It's a special day for all of us! Why don't you leave and never come back?"
Mona narrowed his eyes.
"So that's the special occassion? He's getting a new Princess? What's that even suppose to mean?"
Skull shook his head.
"No idea but lets not wait around to find out."
Panther smiled.
"I agree."
Joker spun his dagger.
"Let's go!"
Executioner snapped his fingers and three Eligors appeared in front of him.
"Come you animals! I will remind you of your lowly pedigree and make rugs of your hides!"
Joker sprang forward.
"Green Shock!"
The Phantom Thieves nodded. Joker had created code names for their battle tactics in the rare case they were fighting a Shadow that showed a higher level of intelligence.
The Phantom Thieves split into different directions as Joker pulled off his mask.
"Take-Minakata. Mazionga!"
Powerful lightning bolts hit the Executioner and his underlings.
The Eligors all screamed in pain at their weakness being exploited.
Two out of three dispersed into black ash. Leaving the Executioner with only one comrade left standing.
The black masked Shadow roared.
"Damn you and your lightning foul creature!"
The Executioner swung his chain axe but Joker flipped over the oncoming attack and hi-fived Skull.
Skull fired a Zio at the remaining Eligor to put it out of it's misery.
The blond Phantom Thief jumped across the room to hi-five the approaching Panther.
The Phantom Thief dressed in red glowed with power as a huge fireball appeared in Carmen's hands.
"AGI!"
The gigantic fireball slapped into the Executioner at mach speed.
The black robed Shadow groaned in discomfort but still seemed mostly unaffected by Ann's attack.
Joker made a mental note.
"So he can somewhat resist lightning and fire huh? It may not matter though."
The Executioner prepared for another move when he felt a presence above him.
The Shadow looked up just in time to see a cartoon-like red boxing glove descend from the sky and slap him in the face.
Morgana mewed approvingly.
"Zorro! Lucky Punch!"
The Executioner fell backwards in shock.
Joker shouted.
"There's our chance! All Out Attack!
The team ripped into the Executioner with their consecutive attacks.The Shadow finally grunted in pain as the attacks climaxed.
BUFF!
The Executioner slid across the floor and into a wall.
Joker and the Phantom Thieves landed a few feet away from him.
They all looked at each other with confusion. Skull was the one to verbalise the unspoken question.
"Why...didn't I get that feeling we get when our All Out Attacks defeat an enemy?"
Joker frowned.
"I don't know...that should have been enough."
"Hahahahahaha."
The Executioner got back up to his feet.
"I must say you're all quite strong, especially you in the white mask. You're head and shoulders above the rest of them. A rare breed indeed."
Panther spoke.
"How are you still alive?"
The masked Shadow chuckled.
"My strength comes from my shared secret with his Majesty. As long as my true face is not known, I cannot be defeated."
Skull couldn't believe it.
"What?!?!?"
Mona spoke further.
"It must be Kamoshida's cognition. He thinks his Executioner is unbeatable as long as no one knows who it he is."
Skull groaned.
"Damnit."
The Executioner lifted his axe and a blue glow surrounded him.
"My turn! Concentrate!"
Joker opened his mouth to order a full team block but the Executioner wasn't gonna give them the chance.
"Bufula!"
Shiho and Kawakami sat next to each other as the periodic tremors shook the castle.
The student turned to the teacher.
"Do you think they're okay, Kawakami-sensei?"
Kawakami placed her hand on Shiho's.
"They seemed ready and Mona said that Joker was much more stronger than them. I'm sure he'll keep them safe."
Shiho seemed to agree.
"Yeah."
Another tremor.
Shiho spoke again.
"It seems like the fight is really close by."
"Yeah it would seem so."
A woman's scream permeated the room's walls!
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"
Shiho's eyes widened.
"That...that was Ann."
"Are you sure?!"
Shiho stood up.
"Yes. She's in trouble!"
Kawakami attempted to speak
"Suzui, they said we should-"
Shiho was already halfway the door.
"Aw damnit!"
Kawakami followed her out.
Kawakami followed Shiho as she ran along the hallway. To their mutual surprise they found an unconscious Panther being tended to by Mona.
The cat stood over the blonde with green glowing paws. He didn't even look up from his duty as he spoke.
"I thought we told you guys to wait in the safe room!"
Shiho didn't care.
"Is she gonna be alright?"
Mona nodded.
"She just got hit with her weakness that's all. She just needs a little time to get back on her feet."
Kawakami frowned.
"Who did this?"
Mona gestured to over his shoulder.
"That thing."
Sadayo and Shiho gasped in surprise as they watched the fight before them. Akira and Ryuji fought in tandem as they took turns dealing punishment to the Shadow while dodging it's attacks.
Shiho spoke again.
"Is it that tough?"
Mona shook his head.
"Not really. We just can't seem to beat it till we figure out who he is."
BLAM
Skull was sent flying into a nearby column. Kawakami shouted as she ran over to him.
"Sakamoto!"
The blond was still conscious.
"I'm okay, just got blindsided...Sensei! You guys need to get back into the safe room!"
Joker landed in a crouch in front of the group, his back turned to them as he kept his eyes on the Executioner.
"This guy keeps getting up no matter we throw at him. What's Panther's status?"
Mona responded.
"Fully healed. She'll be up soon."
"Good. Spend some time healing Skull. I'll hold this guy off until you're done."
Mona turned his attention to Skull as Joker continued speaking.
"Shiho. Sensei. You guys aren't safe here."
The Executioner stepped forward.
"Oh my, who are these new puppies that have come out to...You! So the King was right! You have betrayed us!"
Kawakami blinked.
"Is...is he talking to me?"
The Executioner screamed.
"You can't be here! You'll ruin everything!"
The Executioner snapped his fingers.
Three Succubi Shadows appeared before him.
"Take her away! She knows too much!"
The three Succubi flew directly at Kawakami!
Joker and Mona prepared to intercept them but they had to backflip to evade the Executioner's chain axe.
"Not so fast you two!"
"Let go of me you monsters! Akira, help!"
Joker's eyes widened as the Succubi flew off with Kawakami.
"No!"
Joker shouted to the Phantom Thieves as he took off after the Flying Shadows.
"Hold him off and protect Shiho until I get back with Sensei!"
Skull frowned as he stood up.
"Easier said than done."
Mona pulled out his slingshot.
"We're strong as well. This guy won't stop us! Right?"
Shiho spoke softly as Panther also got up.
"Ann..."
The fire user growled.
"Okay. Now I'm angry. Let's go Phantom Thieves!"
One of the Succubi chuckled as she looked down at the thief chasing after them.
"He's pretty committed...and fast. He must be your lover, right?"
Kawakami blushed but continued to struggle and curse the Shadows.
Another Succubus chuckled as their enemy drew closer.
"Too bad he doesn't have wings to reach us all the way up he-"
Joker shouted as he jumped.
"ANZU! NOW!"
A blue lion-headed Persona with wings appeared under Joker's feet and launched him into the air.
The Succubi responded as one.
"EHHHHHH?!?!?"
Panther frowned as the Phantom Thieves found themselves pushed back again.
"He's not even trying to block our attacks anymore."
The Executioner chuckled as he moved closer. He paused as he took notice of the frightened Shiho.
"Oh...I know you. You're that shameful slice of meat that refused to be of service to His Majesty."
Skull grunted angrily.
"What did you just say, ya bastard?"
Joker's dagger ripped through the first two Succubi with ease. The third Succubus, the one holding Kawakami tried to use the teacher as a shield but to no avail.
BANG!
Joker's bullet hit her right in the face causing her to become ash.
Kawakami was glad she had been rescued but quickly realised that with the Shadow gone she would be reacquainted with the ground in a most painful way.
The teacher closed her eyes and braced for impact but instead of the ground, she found herself cushioned in what felt like...arms.
Kawakami slowly opened her eyes to see Joker's smiling masked face.
"Hey Sensei, how nice of you to...drop in."
Kawakami shook her head as her student allowed her to stand on her own strength. She did her absolute best to ignore the heat in her cheeks and butterflies in her belly.
"I cant believe you just said that."
"Everyone loves a classic...I need to get you back to the safe room."
"Wait! That guy in the black robe? Why can't you beat him?"
"We can't identify him, I tried pulling off his mask, or breaking it with an attack. None of it works."
"Don't you recognise his voice?"
"His voice? No. Doesn't it sound all distorted to you?"
"No...I hear him clearly."
"Must be another cognition thing...wait...don't tell me?"
Kawakami's face donned a mischievous grin.
"I know who he is."
The Executioner mocked Shiho even as the Phantom Thieves attacked him.
"A poor lower level species such as yourself should have been honoured to be devoured by our King... it's the only substantial contribution you animals are known to make."
Panther, Skull and even Mona rejected and refuted the Executioner's claims but Shiho could feel them pierce her heart.
The brunette covered her face with hands.
"Stop...It."
"Perhaps you thought of yourself as important ? Maybe you thought you were at the top of the food chain simply because our King showed you favour. But let me assure you that wasn't the case!"
"Stop it!"
An attack from the Executioner sent all three Phantom Thieves flying. They landed in front of Shiho.
Conscious but injured.
The Executioner continued his verbal tirade.
"The King was simply famished and you were the only animal close by that could be devoured. You were never his or anyone's first choice! If it was up to him he would ave devoured your blonde friend instead. You are not and will never be anyone speci-"
"I SAID STOP!"
The Executioner was a bit frightened by Shiho's outburst.
The brunette stood up bravely.
"Ever since I joined that damn volleyball team Kamoshida has been belittling me, telling me I wasn't good enough. Telling me I should be lucky I was kinda cute. Some of the people at school even say I only hang out with Ann so I can try be somebody but thats not true! I don't need anyone to know who I am! It's not about being conceited or vain. It's about knowing my identity! I am beautiful. I am special. I am wanted and loved. I'm not just the girl on the volleyball team or Ann's friend. I. AM. SHIHO. SUZUI."
A sultry female voice spoke within Shiho's mind.
"I wondered how long you'd allow him to talk to us like that..."
Shiho's head pulsed with pain as her eyes went yellow.
"How dare they perceive our kindness as weakness? Do they not acknowledge the goddess that walks among them? We stand by our creed! We will always stand by those we care for. Our family! Our friends! And those you've given your heart to."
Shiho screamed in pain as she felt her blood boil and something that felt like icy spikes pierce her brain.
"Let us remind them of who you are. Give them a reason to never forget! Show them your power, poise and presence! I am thou, thou art I..."
A mask appeared on Shiho's face. It was in a beautiful butterfly pattern, coloured in differing shades of purple.
Shiho reached forward and grabbed her mask.
"Lend me your strength...Apate!"
Mona slowly pulled himself up as he summoned his Persona.
"Zorro. Media...Media."
The double application of the healing spell for the whole team was enough to get Skull and Panther to start moving as well.
Mona blinked as he took note of the sight before him.
"Are you guys seeing this?"
Skull could barely believe it.
"Whoa..."
Panther watched as the blue cyclone dissipated revealing her best friend's Persona.
'Apate' was a slender raven haired woman in a dark purple dress, a white shawl was draped over her shoulders. Her eyes glowed red with fury behind the grey mask that covered most of her face. However her absolute disdain for the Executioner was evident in even her posture.
Shiho was in a skintight dark purple body suit and a dark grey jacket that stopped at the forearm. She had on fingerless dark purple gloves and her boots were the same style as Panther's but in dark grey. Her hair was no longer in its usual ponytail but allowed to flow down her back.
The brunette spun a golden spear in her hand as she addressed the Executioner.
"I've had enough of you. You've hurt my friends, you've insulted me. You're just like almost every other rotten person in our world. I won't allow you to continue!"
With amazing speed and athleticism Shiho threw the spear right at the Executioner, the Shadow tried to evade the thrown weapon but the spear not only pierced his armour and shoulder but went clean through.
"Garghh! You little bitch!"
The Executioner swung his chain axe at Shiho!
Panther and the other Phantom Thieves rushed forward.
"Shiho!"
Shiho smirked as she held out her hand.
"Return!"
CLANG!
The Golden spear was once again in the brunette's hand as she blocked the Executioner's attack.
Mona blinked.
"She can recall the spear? That's amazing."
Shiho turned defence into offence by flipping her spear and lodging into of the chain's links, keeping the Executioner's hands busy.
"Guys now!"
The Phantom Thieves literally wailed on the Executioner with their melee weapons. The masked Shadow grunted several times as they continued to bruise, tear and slice away at his flesh.
Shiho shouted.
"Get back!"
The Phantom Thieves all pulled back from their melee assault in time for Shiho to pull off her mask.
"Apate.Eiha!"
The black robed Shadow squealed in pain as the cyclone of cursed energy sliced through him.
Mona narrowed his eyes.
"It's not his weakness but he doesn't resist Curse damage as well as the others."
Shiho ran over to the Phantom Thieves with a smile on her face.
"Okay, this is the greatest rush of adrenaline I've ever had. We may be risking our lives but it's just way too fun!"
Panther smiled at her friend's enthusiasm.
How could she not love this girl?
Skull grimaced.
"Sorry to ruin the moment but he's still not staying down."
The Executioner growled.
"You flea-ridden, diseased mongrels! I've had enough! Concentrate!"
Mona shouted.
"It's the double attack again! Scatter"
"Bufula!"
"Jack Frost!"
Joker landed in front of the group and took on the full might of the ice spell.
As the icy fog cleared the Metaverse Mercenary was still left standing, brushing off a few specks of ice from his jacket as the power of the attack faded out.
"You caught us off guard before but don't think the same trick will work twice."
Skull smirked.
"Joker!"
Joker turned to the group while still keeping an eye on the Executioner.
"Sorry I took so long but..."
Joker's eyes landed on Shiho. The brunette smiled at him.
"Not bad huh?"
Joker spoke softly.
"You look beautiful."
Shiho's cheeks blazed but she accepted the compliment gracefully. Apate appeared over her shoulder and gave Joker a wink.
"Thank you."
Panther rolled her eyes. A part of her was still not sure if the small streak of jealousy that run through her heart was for Shiho or Joker.
Carmen did know the answer but now wasn't the time.
The Executioner spoke again.
"It matters not how many of you un-domesticated curs awaken that devilish power, I am His Majesty's faithful servant. I will not lose, I will not fall, I am undefeat-"
Kawakami's voice interrupted the Executioner's declaration.
"I know it's you Principal Kobayakawa!"
The Executioner gulped as Kawakami walked to the front of the group.
"You are the Executioner that helps this King get rid of the troublesome 'slaves' and 'peasants'. I know that because you were bribing me to testify on Kamoshida's behalf!"
"You traitorous hypocrite! You accepted our offer!"
"I was afraid and confused but I'm not going to allow you to 'execute' any more innocent children for your petty perverted King. Take off your mask Principal Kobayakawa!"
CRACK CRACK CRACK
The Executioner's mask broke apart and faded away. His black robed also disintegrated. Leaving the unmasked Principal Kobayakawa in the ordinary clothes that he normally wore to the school.
Skull frowned.
"The fucking Principal? Are you serious?"
Panther folded her arms.
"I should have known that you would be one of Kamoshida's twisted supporters."
The Shadow's chain axe slipped from his fingers as he spoke.
"You wild beasts would never understand. In order for Shujin Academy to be recognised as the peak of excellence, the weak and the unworthy must be purged from this castle by fiery trails that we would put them through. Only the strong will remain and it is the strong that will lift Shujin higher. That is the work of my King and I."
Mona shook his head.
"How deluded..."
Kawakami's body shook with anger.
"How could you do this? We took an oath to educate and protect these teenagers! Is this how you truly are Principal Kobayakawa?"
Shadow Kobayakawa chuckled.
"That is why you'll never be an elite teacher, Kawakami-sensei...you fail to see the big pictu-guaaahh."
Joker had the Shadow by his throat, with impressive strength he slowly lifted him into the air with one hand.
"Un-hand me...you vermin."
"You've taken up a lot of our time, Kobayakawa but before we move on to dethroning your King. I must say that I agree with one thing you alluded to."
"Wha-"
Joker frowned as he pulled off his mask. His Third Eye could see clearly, since his unmasking Shadow Kobayakawa had every elemental weakness.
"Some things can only be purged by fire."
"Wait! Please-"
"Queen Mab...Agidyne."
A pillar of fire that went all the way up to the ceiling enveloped the screaming Shadow.
The fire raged intensely for almost a minute until Kobayakawa's painful terrorized screams could no longer be heard.
Safe Room
Shiho took a long gulp of the soda that Joker had handed to her.
"So just to be sure, we didn't just kill the Principal right?"
Mona shook his head.
"No only Kamoshida's cognition of him."
Kawakami frowned.
"I have a terrible feeling that Kamoshida has good reason to see him that way. It may not be too far off the mark."
Skull grunted.
"That last battle took a lot out of us, do we have enough food to recover all of our energy."
Joker pulled out a blue gem.
"No need."
The blue gem disappeared with a pop and every Persona User in the room had blue light encircle them for a few seconds.
Skull blinked.
"Whoa, I fell fully healed!"
Panther continued.
"All of my spiritual energy is back too."
Mona perched an eyebrow.
"Was that a Soma?"
Joker nodded.
"Yup picked it up in here while I was still running solo."
Shiho chose to comment.
"I do feel better but I'm still exhausted. Is that normal?"
Joker nodded.
"For persons who recently unlocked their Personas? Yes. You should take it easy from now on."
Mona spoke up.
"Even if we don't want them fighting. I'm wondering if we shouldn't bring them along with us?"
Panther responded.
"Huh? Why?"
Joker responded.
"It's only thanks to Sensei that we identified the Executioner. We don't know if there's any other cognitive roadblocks ahead that either her or Shiho would have to help us with."
Skull nodded.
"Oh I get it."
Joker continued.
"We'll have to protect them though. You two have to keep your distance if we get into a battle."
Shiho tried to protest.
"But I can fight now!"
Joker smiled and rubbed Shiho's cheek.
"I now you can Shiho but remember you're still weakened from awakening Apate. Stay back from the figting and recover, okay?"
Shiho sighed.
"Fiiiiine."
Panther posed the next question.
"So? The Treasure?"
Joker nodded.
"Yup. Let's go."
Skull groaned as he, Panther, Shiho and Joker carried the humongous crown out of the Treasure room.
"Why is this damn thing so big and heavy?"
Panther had her own grievances.
"Why is it so pretty too?! A bastard like Kamoshida doesn't deserve anything as nice as this!"
Shiho shook her head at Panther's comment. Kawakami spoke up next.
"You guys want help?"
Joker declined.
"Nah, I think we'll manage."
Skull groaned.
"Speak for yourself, dude."
Three distinct female voices cheered as a volleyball slapped the crown out of the team's hands.
"Go! Go! Let's Go! Ka-Mo-Shida!"
THAT WAS CHAPTER 5 OF POCKET CHANGE!
HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT!
YOU KNOW THE DRILL!
I MIGHT BE TAKING A SHORT BREAK FROM BOTH STORIES TO TAKE A BREATHER AND WORK ON SOME OTHER THINGS. USERS PLEASE RESPOND TO MY QUESTION AS WELL.
THIS WAS YOUR BOY KINGNIKEN
PEACE.