AN:
Hey,hey my people. I hope you have enjoyed the story so far. So many people have followed and favorited the story! ALMOST TWENTY PEOPLE LIKE MY STORY! I can't believe it. Thank you so much! This chapter will be the final boss of this arc. The chapter after will be set up for the next!
Warning: Violence, gore, language, mention/act of rape, ect. Viewer discretion advised. The Dark Knight deserves a dark story.
I own neither Batman or the Persona series.
Guest: I'm definitely applying a sun arcana into the story. It won't be a prime minister sadly. That's all I can say without spoilers. I don't plan on introducing them in this chapter.
Enjoy! :3
EDIT: my mood...meeds...I suck at alliteration
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April 10th Late Night
Chinatown
Rain
Batman finished his coffee with a stern look on his face. He was trying to locate the Joker's whereabouts. Even though he knew that it was a lost cause. The Joker never shows his hand until he knows the deck is stacked incredibly in his favor. His thugs are either loyal, more scared of the clown than Batman, or just are too low on the totem pole to know anything.
Riddler isn't revealing too much either. It's the usual findings of death traps and interrogating his known associates. But, like the Joker, Nigma has bigger plans. It is only more straightforward with solving enough riddles. He would find him, Nigma was too proud to not leave a trail of breadcrumbs to follow. But he would get no further with that tonight. Nigma said so himself. That this was just a testing run of sorts and it'll only get harder in the days to come.
Batman turned his attention to the location of the Metal Rider. He hasn't heard any sightings, just the same repeated stories, rumors that led to nowhere. Whoever this girl is must be in hiding for tonight. Batman grimaced at the thought of this all connecting somehow. That chess pieces are being set up behind his back. And like always, he will have to take them all on at once.
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Robin grappled his way across the Diamond District. His lead on Black Mask had run cold. IN his anger he swore to make some progress on the missing persons cases. He was looking at a drowned body that washed ashore. An effeminate blonde man, with blue contacts that was used to block his dark brown eyes. That was already giving him suspicions that he was on the trail of Jervis. He narrowed his eyes at the gruesome sight of the victims waist. The man's intestines were practically hanging out. It's a wonder the sharks didn't get to him before he washed up.
The identity of the man matched one of a missing person case two months ago. His family will be horrified at how he was butchered like an animal. Robin cursed to himself as he couldn't find any leads on where he was dumped into the bay. Something had to give in this case, he was getting impatient with all the dead ends. The only led he has is the White Rabbit and her cronies around this part of Gotham. And she always evaded his capture, so was just too damn fast.
Robin calmed himself with the breathing exercises his father taught him. This was a dead end but there must be something to this area. He would make his rounds here for the rest of the night. Unless something bigger came of course.
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April 11th, Morning
Diamond District
Cloudy
A yellow collared cat is seen walking the Gotham streets. People walked by without much of a care for it, and those who tried was responded with the cat running away from them. The cat didn't have time for that because it was on a mission. He adjusted his grab on the letter he carried in his mouth. This had to be untraceable, the police would have endless questions if they found out where the card came from.
Morgana smirked at the thought. No way would they suspect him. This card was the most important, but letters will litter the streets by nightfall. Everyone will know who brought down the Mad Hatter. The gang was careful in their engagement, he was confident in their ability to spread the word without being tracked. He shook his head, he needed to focus. The gang could only begin after he said the word. While it was inevitable for Jervis to see the card by tonight, Mona was keener on seeing the man's reaction himself. To make sure the treasure manifested.
Morgana arrived at the Red Rose club. He sneaked into the alleyway to find a prime grate he could open and sneak into. He pulled his lucky lockpick from out of his collar and went to work. He was reminded of how hard this was with paws. But eventually he cracked it, he snuck inside and found a prime viewing point of the Hatter gang.
Hatter leisurely drank tea, twitching his leg in impatience. Guards surrounded the whole building, numerous hostages were being hypnotized by a member of the gang. The White Rabbit was filing her nails, waiting for nightfall to continue her search for a new Alice. Morgana smirked looking through the bars of the vent. This was perfect.
The cat went back outside to deliver the card. He saw a mail slot in the doorway of the club that would work fine for his means. He dropped the letter through it and banged his head a couple of times on the door. He made a mad dash around the corner and back into the vent. He ignored the splitting headache caused by his knocking, and waited...
A white rabbit guard peeked through the door of the building. He saw nothing but regular people walking by. The building was masked as being foreclosed, so the concept of visitors was null and void. He closed the door confused, scratching his head while looking down in thought. He saw a weird letter on the ground. He picked it up.
"To Mr. Hatter, an invitation for tea! From your dear Alice XOXOXOXOXO" the envelope read.
The guard was ecstatic, jumping for joy. Finally some good news for the boss. He rushed over to his boss and handed him the letter.
"Hm?" The Mad Hatter took the envelope in confusion. As he read it a wicked grin grew on his face.
"CHEER OH CHEER! A CHANCE TO FIND ALICE IS HERE!" The madman cried to his group. They all gathered around hopeful and optimistic. The initiation of new recruits can wait. Alice has decided to come to them instead of having to chase her down. It was like a very happy unbirthday indeed.
"What are you waiting for, master? Open it!" White Rabbit chirped.
The Hatter followed her word tearing through the envelope with such vigor. He pulled out the card expecting an invitation but what it was put a frown on his face.
Sir Jervis Tetch, the Mad Hatter of Lust.
Your search for Alice has led to the vanishing of many, the deaths of many more. Your followers mere puppets that have no control over their minds. Thus, we have decided to make you confess all your crimes with your own mouth. We will take your distorted desires without fail.
From the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
Jervis' eye twitched at the card. This was a trick, a ruse! This wasn't Alice at all but thieves wishing to destroy all the things he has built! He would never let them. NEVER!
"A TRICK, A RUSE, A WRONG TAKE! BRING ME THESE THIEVES...their head on a plate." The Hatter gritted out. His minions scrambled about planning defensive measures. By tomorrow's sun these thieves will be dead. ANd he will have won…
"Jackpot" Morgana whispered as he called back outside. That was the code word to begin the spread of word. He cringed at how much Jervis was addicted to rhyming, seriously how does he manage to give orders like that? Morgana figured it didn't matter, soon he'll be rhyming for forgiveness from whatever god he believed in. All of the captured freed, and the killed avenged. It was time for the Phantom Thieves to go to work.
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April 11th, Morning
Wayne Tower, CEO Office
Cloudy
"WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST TO BRING BREAKING NEWS!" an announcer interrupted the current program.
Bruce Wayne turned his attention to the screen. It was almost instinct at this point. So much happens in Gotham, it pays to stay tuned in. Especially with his nightly hobby. Lucius stopped the discussion they were having listening in to what the reporter had to say.
"Calling cards are littered all across the Diamond District and Burnley. It seems newcomers to Gotham are taking aim at infamous psychopath the Mad Hatter. Their motives are unknown but it seems they are looking on turning the criminal in on the charge of kidnapping the mass of missing people in Gotham. We bring you live to Commissioner Gordon." The reporter pressed the microphone into Jim's face.
"Look, we never heard of these guys until just now. But we'll look into it with the utmost responsibility of the Gotham police force." Gordon huffed.
"Commissioner, what do you say about the Phantom's vendetta against the Hatter?" the reporter asked.
"They're more than welcome to make a citizen's arrest. Though I can not condone thievery of any kind in this city. The way they say it, it seems like they are aiming to blackmail Tetch into a confession. I don't agree with that either. We'll find them and Tetch too, and make them face the full force of the law" Gordon said determined.
"How do you think these Phantoms could blackmail a man so clearly insane?" The reporter asked.
"That's the question of the day isn't it? Guess we'll see. Unless we catch them first." Gordon smirked.
"Strong words. If you have any information regarding the Phantom thieves of Hearts please-" Bruce turned the TV off, hearing enough.
"Seems Robin has competition for catching the Hatter, eh Mr. Wayne?" Lucius quirked an eyebrow towards his boss.
"Just another thing to worry about. Whoever they are, they stand no chance with Tetch. He's unpredictable, unstable! How can they possibly think they can blackmail him in any way?!" Bruce asked frustrated. He didn't like this. villains never struck during the daytime. Some code they all agreed on. The challenge of taking Batman head on to boost morale. These new players had no regard for that.
Bruce pressed his watch calling Damian.
"Damian, you see the news?" Bruce asked.
"You want me to track them in broad daylight? I thought we were all vampires." Damian snarked.
"Consider it a challenge, try to find them. Don't engage, they might lead us to Hatter's hideout. If they truly strike during the day we need to adapt to stop them."
"Roger." Damian signed off.
Cass was still pretty bad off from two nights ago. He smirked, this well prove that he is able to take bigger meat than he has been given. A whole new rouge in the gallery all to himself.
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April 11th, Morning
Chinatown, Cafe Leblanc
Cloudy
"That went well." Makoto grinned at the news. They were the talk of the town. If this heist didn't open Mementos up more, nothing would.
"You guys sure are showoffs when you want to be. Just be careful ok?" Sojiro asked, rubbing his neck.
"Aw chief! You underestimate our raw skill! Don't you remember how cool Shido's downfall was?" Mona smirked.
"I remember the blood rain that came with it." Sojiro remarked.
"And we stopped that too! This is child's play compared to that!" Mona grinning.
"*Sigh* Just make sure not to show that form to the customers. They'll think I drug the coffee or something." Sojiro groaned.
"What kind of ametuer do you take me for?!" Mona yowled.
"Mona-senpai is certainly revved up." Sumire sweated.
"He just can't wait to get those tiny hands of his on that treasure. Seriously I think it's the only thing that gets him off besides Ann." Ryuji whispered.
"I HEARD THAT!" Mona raged.
"Police are scrambling, they have no idea what to do. HEH-heh losers." Futaba said as she typed.
"Is everyone ready? I want to get this over with." Akechi said, irritated.
"Yes, let's go." Yusuke answered.
"They'll be no match for my axe!" Haru said with a bloodthirsty grin.
"I'll make them all die for me." Alice said darkly.
"Uh, let's go," Ryuji sweated, scouting away from them.
"It's showtime!" Akira said, leading the charge out of the cafe. Into the abyss of Wonderland.
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April 11th, Midday
Wonderland
Red Skies
Wonderland was on high alert, the scrambling for the thieves. They would not find them, they only had one goal and that was Jervis. They made their way to the door holding the treasure. It was wide open Jervis Tetch was standing right in front of it blocking it with a furious look on his face.
"Greetings." The shadow said.
"What's the matter? Run out of rhymes ya creep?" Skull teased.
"The voices of Wonderland have said, they want the thieves of Alice dead." he responded.
"Foolish man. I would rather die than be in your care sir." Alice said scowling.
"They have corrupted my dear Alice! I will kill you and change her back! I WON'T HOLD BACK MY MALICE!" The Mad Hatter screamed holding his head. The shadow erupted in power transforming, shifting into the monster that he was.
The shadow was a gigantic green hat with big angry swirling eyes. A deck of cards was held in the ribbon of the hat. A large clock swinging back and forth was also hanging from the brim.
"YOU THIEVES WILL DIE! TRY TO BEAT ME JUST TRY!"
The team of Joker, Noir, Alice, and Skull took the front lines. Normally Crow would have taken Alice's spot, but the team all agreed, it would make his defeat all the sweeter with her dealing her bloody damages.
Joker decided to go ahead and try the Atomic flare on him. It didn't work well on the other shadows here but maybe…
"What was that? Barely scratched the hat!" The creature said.
"I'm noticing a pattern here… Alice sic em'" Joker said.
"YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR MISDEEDS! DIE!" The short girl unleashed a mighty curse attack on the hat bringing him down with her might.
"AGGGH! Alice...why?" the hat begged. She had none of it as they unleashed an all out assault. It did a good chunk of damage but not enough to defeat him.
"Alice... ALICE! I will show you how to properly behave!" The hatter unleashed a mighty psychic move on the entire room. The trees around the surrounding area grew and changed form. The whole area shifted due to the mere power of the move.
Skull was hit the hardest. He wasn't the greatest with psychic stuff. The power brainwashed him into becoming a minion for the Hatter.
"My master...I live to serve you…" Skull droned out.
"Skull hang on!" Noir shouted out, dealing out a relax gel to her friend. It didn't seem to work though.
"The brainwash is too powerful. I have to knock some sense into Skull. Crow take point!" Queen shouted.
"What an idiot! PERSONA!" Crow screamed as he unleashed a massive curse attack on their foes. Hatter was down but Skull was still standing.
"MASTER NO!" Skull screamed a dishing out an attack buff to the both of them. He didn't have any healing powers, but he had to try something.
"Thank you slave… Your hair… You could make a fine Alice…" The Hatter adjusted his spell on poor Skull. The effects being the same as the White Rabbit.
"*Giggle* Hatter you're so kind~!" Skull chirped effeminately.
"Not this again. Quick take Skull out with wind attacks. Save what's left of his dignity!" Mona groaned out.
"Sorry man. VACUUM WAVE!" Joker unleashed a massive wind attack on his long-time friend. It wasn't a lucky shot, it dealt damage to the Hatter, but Skull managed to evade it. Shit!
"Friend I do not wish to do harm to you. BUT I'LL SNAP YOU OUT OF YOUR SPELL BY FORCE!" Alice unleashed her mighty black viper. The gigantic snake coming out of nowhere and taking a giant bite out of Skull. It did a massive blow, but didn't defeat him. Skull was always able to take the most punches of the group.
"Skull let me try something. PSIODYNE!" Noir shouted. It landed a technical on the poor boy, both enemies were down. "Let's free our friend!" she said as the team once again ganged up on the downed enemies.
"Dammit! Why can't you just drink your tea!" Hatter unleashed a massive bless attack on the entire team. That was no good two party members were weak to that skill!
"AHH! Dammit didn't see that coming." Crow's health was halved by the mighty blow. Alice cringed at the attack as well.
"HAHAHA! NOW BE MINE!" The Hatter unleashed the massive psychic that he did for Skull the party was resistant to the attack. But it was so powerful it managed to surpass Crow's defenses. That's two party members down!
"Ready to serve master." Crow said coldly as he pointed his gun at his team.
"Shit! This isn't good, he's got two of our heavy hitters!" Oracle cried out.
"Violet your up! Crow's health is still low, try to take him out!" Queen commanded.
"Roger. Come Ella!" Violet summoned her persona unleashing a massive bless attack. It downed Crow. Skull was almost out of health due to the damage. But the Hatter blocked it completely.
"Guess we can't catch a break with Hatter! Here come the buffs!" Oracle said, the whole party was buffed in all areas.
"Let's play okay!~" Skull said as he bashed Noir severely, knocking her health down only a hair.
"Kneel before me!" Crow said as he unleashed a riot gun on the party. Doing little damage due to the defense buff.
"Weaklings! I will show you true power. Tick tock the clock strikes an hour!" Hatter screamed. Joker noticed he goes back and forth on his rhyming while upset. They must be close.
The clock swung back and forth violently, unleashing a severe physical on the party. Thank god for Oracle, that would have ended them for sure.
"Time to end this!" Joker said as he unleashed a massive bless attack on Crow downing him. He passed the baton to Alice. She had a wicked grin on her face.
"WHY DON'T YOU ALL JUST DIE ALREADY!" Alice screamed a horde of her suicidal teddy bears rushed in dealing massive damage to the two opponents that were still standing.
"AGGHH! I'm so sorry…" Skull weeped as he passed out from the damage.
"ALICE NO! HOW DARE YOU TAKE ALICE DOWN ALICE! SHE WAS SO KIND!" Hatter screamed through his pain as he too was downed like Crow.
"I'm not your Alice and neither is he! Now be a good boy and die." Alice said eerily calm.
The massive onslaught brought the two down. Crow was knocked out and the Hatter was finally giving out.
"JUST ONE MORE!" Joker shouted, pulling out Paradise Lost and shooting the hat square in the eyes.
"NOOO! I must have her… this can't be." the hat turned back into Jervis. The man looked very beat up and depressed. Queen went to revive the Skull and Crow, while Mona in a frantic state got the treasure. It was a giant hat, how original, he thought.
"Please no… don't take her please." Jervis begged.
Skull stood up from his pain and walked over to the man. "You gotta give it up man your daughter ain't coming back."
"No...my daughter? She was not my love?" Jervis struggled.
"You have to remember Mr. Tetch remember the father you once were." Violet begged.
"You have to fight the voices in your head sir. You must know deep down they only do you wrong." Queen said gently.
"The voices of Wonderland...wrong...I..." Jervis struggled.
"Remember your book? You tried so hard to forget, but the story remains true." Noir said, handing him back his book.
"The book! I...haven't read it in the longest time. So painful...so...violent," Jervis said, tears rolling down his eyes.
"You must face the truth and atone for your actions. While not in control...you still must atone for all the pain you have caused." Fox stated sternly.
"Yes…" said Jervis turning the pages. "Yes, you are right. I...I just couldn't stand to lose her. But… to remember all the things I've done… Alice, Alice I'm so sorry." He looked at her.
"Uh, yes. The only way I could ever forgive you is for you to right your wrongs. Confess, free those captured to their families. Be good…" Alice tried, she wasn't really good with this mushy stuff. Even though he was a rapist, a murderer, and a psychopath. It was weird to pretend to be this man's dead daughter.
"Yes, I promise. Then maybe...we can finally see each other again." Jervis said as he faded away in a bright light, returning to his real self. The palace started to rumble and the thieves made their exit.
Shadows all ran in fear as the palace crumbled in on itself. The Phantom Thieves all packed into Mona and drove at high speed as the whole place was burning like paper all around them.
"Faster, FASTER!" Panther screamed.
"I'm giving it all I've got Lady Ann!" Mona yelled back as they raced through the ruins. Queen aggressively steering through the massiv forest, running over shadows along the way. They made their way to the exit and burst through into reality.
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April 11th, Midday
Diamond District
Cloudy
"*huff pant* That was a close one." Morgana sweated.
"Yes but it's over. What was our prize?" Yusuke asked.
Akira pulled out the treasure. Mona had handed it to him a while back.
"A PICTURE?! For real…?" Ryuji groaned out in disappointment. The picture was beautifully framed. Jervis, Alice, and their mother were standing smiling cheerfully.
"She really did look just like her mother…"Haru sighed.
"Perhaps the Alice in his mind was a jumbled mess of both those he had lost. Turning him toward little blonde girls." Akechi said, disgusted.
"As gross as that is, it makes sense." Makoto said, eyes closed in concern.
"We better make our escape, before we are seen." Akechi said.
"Yeah let's go." Ann said.
Before the team could make their leave a small but threatening figure jumped down from above.
"Excuse me? But have you heard anything around town regarding the Phantom Thieves? Or perhaps the White Rabbit gang and the Mad Hatter?" Robin pressed, he looked all over town questioning people, avoiding notice in the broad daylight. He was leadless, little did they know they were both right under his nose.
The entire crew sweated as the boy stood before them. This was clearly another member of Batman's clan. Though the outfit was a bit off putting, that katana on the other hand…
Akira stepped forward.
"Sorry, we were just walking around looking for a place to eat." he lied.
"Er yes! So many places to choose from! Wonder where we should go?" Ann sweated out.
"So you have no idea about the goings on around this district?" Robin narrowed his eyes.
"It's such a lovely day! Why let petty thieves try to ruin it?" Akechi said, putting his nice mask on.
"Yeah, what's the big deal anyway? It's not like they're the Joker or somethin'" Ryuji said.
"*Scoff* Right. Just stay safe, I wouldn't want some kids to die on my watch." Robin grappled up a building, vanishing from sight. The thieves had a collective sigh of relief at that.
"Kids?! That guy can't be older than twelve! Who does he think he is?!" Ryuji scowled.
"Doesn't matter who he is. Batman is suspicious of the thieves already. Watch your step" Akechi chided.
"Let's get out of here. I need some sushi." Morgana whined.
"Oh! Are we actually looking for places to eat?" Sumire asked.
"Good chance to cool down and watch the show unfold. Let's go." Akira said, leading the group away.
Robin narrowed his white eyes at the teens walking away. He had a weird feeling with them. He couldn't quite place it. He knew they were lying about something. Maybe not about the case, but something. He shook his head, he couldn't worry about some possible young thugs doing little shit. He needed to hunt down those thieves. He just needs a clue, ANYTHING!
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MIRROR MAGICIAN RANK 1/10
SKILL ACQUIRED
Robin's Investigation:
Sneak skills up to a heightened degree. Avoid detection better.
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April 11th, Night
Diamond District, Red Rose Club
Rain
Commissioner Gordon couldn't believe his ears. Jervis Tetch just called the police station and gave them a location. He rushed to his car, it could be a trap, but he needed to see for himself. A whole army of cops surrounded the Red Rose club. Jim stepped out of his car and pulled out his megaphone.
"Alright Jervis, you said you want to give yourself up. I don't trust that! Come out nice and slow, hat in hand, and NO FUNNY BUSINESS.
Jervis stepped out of the building following instructions, his hands were up his hat in his hand. He was sobbing uncontrollably.
"There are numerous people under my control. I fear they will kill me after I crush this hat. I want to confess...to everything…but I can't do that dead." Jervis looked to the ground, he deserved to die here. It would be justice, but...he still needed to atone.
Batman and Robin swooped in and looked at the situation.
"I'll take him Jim, he's right. Who knows how many people in there will want to kill him." Batman said. He walked over to the sobbing man, picked him up and put him in the back seat of the Batmobile. He'll be safe in there, he took the hat and crushed it.
White Rabbit was concerned at why the Hatter was like this all of a sudden. One moment he was fuming, the next he was crying. She took the door, ready for a war, until….
CRUNCH!
What? Where am I? Jaina... Where was Jaina?!
The White Rabbit quickly found her counterpart among the other confused people. Many were helping those who were bound. Others were panicking at being captured for crimes they didn't commit. They didn't matter, she took her other and made a mad dash to the back door, Jaina in tow.
"Going somewhere?" Robin asked.
White Rabbit turned to see the boy wonder and gritted her teeth. She quickly fused back together becoming one with her counterpart.
"Listen squirt, I did nothing wrong! Just let me go!" Jaina said, feeling herself again. It has been months in captivity, under the control of that psychopath. If she got her hands on him she'll…
"Can't let ya do that White...even without the hypnosis you're still wanted by the law." he said.
"You'll have to catch me first!" The escape artist made her comeback evading all attacks and making her way building to building.
"I won't let you get away!" Robin yelled.
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April 11th, Night
Industrial District, Sionis Steel Mill
Rain
"I knew that guy was a ticking time bomb, just like Joker." Black Mask said looking at the card that was scattered across the streets. He narrowed his eyes.
"What do you want to do sir?" a minion asked.
"Don't worry about shit that doesn't apply to us! Keep going as planned we promised the goods to Penguin and Falcone and we'll give it to them."
"Right" the thug said and walked away.
Phantom Thieves huh what a joke. Black Mask thought as he tidied his suit and went back to work.
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MIRROR CHARIOT RANK 1/10
SKILL ACQUIRED
Start up business:
You can now launder money through the cafe and other businesses'.
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April 11th, Night
Joker's Hideout
Rain
A scared man walked up to the Joker. He had news that while not bad or good was still news that could affect the plan.
"What is it boy? SPEAK UP!" Joker roared.
"Eh, the boys in recon have picked something weird up. I don't know if you watched the news, but those Phantom Thieves are legit. The guys we have in the police are freaking out over it. I got a card here sir." The man handed the Joker the card and he snatched it.
Joker read it and chuckled, is this for real?
"Distorted desires what do they even mean by that? What a laugh! What do you think, Harley?" He handed the card to the jester.
"I've nevah seen somethin' like this before. Could be fun! Wither killin' em' or watching em' squash the competition!" Harley said.
"Good read my dear! I agree. LISTEN UP! We have a new rouge in our midst. For now, lay off em' I want to see if they're funny or not. But if they dare try to trifle with us...You get the idea boys." Joker laughed. All of his goons cheered at his announcement and went back to work on his grand plan.
He put a hand to his chin, giggling. He had to admit these newbies have caught his interest. He can't wait to see how they'll mess with his Batman.
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MIRROR WORLD RANK 1/10
SKILL ACQUIRED:
Rogues Gallery Entry:
Little to no respect among your villainous peers.
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Apirl 11th, Night
Cauldron, GCDP Lockup
Rain
Batman entered the interrogation room for Jervis Tetch. The man was a sobbing mess, whatever these thieves did wasn't pretty. He stood across the table where the former Hatter sat chained to.
"Batman, how many times have I been captured? How many years have I wasted away, while hurting those around me?" Jervis asked unsure.
"You've been active for around ten years. You were one of my first to defeat." Batman answered coldly.
"Ten years...Alice would have been...how old was she? I can't remember, so much is coming back at the same time." Jervis said head in his hands.
"I need you to remember Jervis. Who targeted you? How did they make such a drastic change on you? What did they do?" Batman pressed.
"Yes the thieves everyone is talking about. I-I have no idea what they did. All I got was a card through the door, saying they would make me confess. I was so mad, I ordered those I controlled to murder them. I never saw them though, it was most strange."
"You had no contact with them other than them giving you this card?" Batman threw the card on the table.
"I swear I would tell you more if I could. But that's it. The rest of the day the club was on high alert. There was no word, no sightings. All of a sudden I feel this crushing guilt overflow me. Suddenly the voices that misguided me for so many years were silenced."
"That makes no sense Jervis. You've been unstable for years, multiple people tried to fix you but failed. And you're telling me that tonight, that you're suddenly sane." Batman said with narrowed eyes.
"I can barely believe it myself. I murdered, castrated victims, raped children. Batman...how can I live with myself? How can I look my child or my wife in the eye after all I did. I can remember the day I snapped...I beated her to a pulp...I killed my daughter and then I…" Jervis leans over to puke in a trash can. He's been doing it all night with his confessions. He just can't take the guilt.
"I know this must be hard for you. Coming to terms with all you did so suddenly. But I need you to focus, is this a miracle of the mind? Or did these thieves have a hand in this? Did they use your hat against you perhaps?"
"No, it was on my head all day. It wouldn't be possible. But it's a miracle alright. If the Phantom Thieves did do something to fix me...I would thank them. From the bottom of my heart. Because now I have control, now I can make peace. I know I don't deserve it, but I want to look my family in the eyes up there and then be proud I atoned. After that blessing, I would be more than willing to spend my deserved eternity in hell." Jervis said darkly.
Batman didn't know what to say to that, he always said he gave a chance of redemption to all of his enemies. It was the other promise he held with his no kill rule. If these thieves are truly able to fix such a lost man. Is it just to stop them?
Batman walked out of the integration room and out of the station. He would return to question the Hatter...Jervis after he had time to properly regain his mental facilities. Hopefully then he'll have more information. These Phantoms call themselves thieves, but had just done an upstanding justice to the city of Gotham.
He hoped the investigation into them would pave the way to new allies. But with his luck, there are bound to be ulterior motives. He put the case aside for now, focusing on finding the Riddler.
Damian was making rounds in the Diamond District. Looks like the White Rabbit got away like always. A new presence has made its name in Gotham City and the Dark Knight swore to find out just what they are capable of.
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MIRROR FOOL RANK 1/10
SKILL ACQUIRED:
Unusual Nuisance:
You have caught the attention of the Bat-family. Pray their vengeance is light upon you.
Unlock the Late Night time slot:
The party is now able to do thief work during the darkest hours of night. Where most villains make their presence known
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April 11th, Night
White Rabbit's hideout
Rain
Jaina sighed inside her long forgotten apartment. Her well off family worries for her, but she doesn't have the energy to deal with that tonight. She slid down the door and just cried. She was a stronger woman, this was better than her. But, what that Hatter did to the two of them. It was sick. She promised vengeance if ever she got the chance. She didn't care if the man was suddenly sane with a tragic backstory. FUCK HIM!
She calmed herself, the Rabbit side tended to have anger issues. She looked down at the calling card that she acquired on the streets while making her escape. Her memory was foggy but she remembered chasing a red suited girl. Only to be stopped by a man in a knight outfit. She thought it was Catwoman and Batman in different outfits at first. But that didn't track. From what little she saw of them they were more like imitators, copy cats.
She wondered if she found them if it would lead her to these Phantom Thieves. She didn't know what they did, she didn't care. She just wanted to thank them properly for saving her. If they were truly the new rogues of Gotham she promised one job from her free of charge.
And possibly more… If they were willing to have her.
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April 11th, Night
Cauldron, GCPD Lockup
Rain
Hugo Strange walked through the police station towards the locked up Jeris Tetch. He wanted to see this personally. The sobbing man apologizing over and over. He wondered what the Phantoms did to break a man so violently. He smirked, no matter, he looked at the sobbing man and saw opportunity. A chance to hone the hypnosis tech he had design to his own benefit. Surely such a broken man can be persuaded easily, it was only a matter of time before he was locked up in the Asylum forever. Sanity be damned, Strange now owned Jervis Tetch.
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April 11th, Night
Cafe Leblanc
Rain
Akira smiled as he joined the thieves in their celebratory dinner. One step closer to getting out of here, and one step closer to a good world. The dinner was fantastic, Sojiro outdone himself tonight. He was enjoying dinner, until a familiar presence made itself known.
Bat-mite appeared slow clapping sarcastically to the room.
"Congratulations are in order. I'm glad my bone has helped you so greatly." he smirked.
"I'll kill you for what you've done to them." Alice clenched her spoon so hard it broke.
"Oh, stop! I just stopped by to say a word of encouragement." Bat-mite frowned.
"Like how you killed Mishima to "encourage" Akira?" Ryuji scowled at the tiny figure.
"Hmmm...maybe I should with such a tone." Bat-mite grinned.
"No. Please just tell us what you want." Akira said.
"You've done good, inmate. In return I'm loosening up my hold of your least. You have free reign to decide who to target next. The Phantom Thieves work best fighting against something. And now, multiple parties are now in the process of hunting you down. Including my champion." Bat-mite said grinning ear to ear.
"So you want us to take back our control of who we pick as targets.?" Akira asked.
"In a sense. The quota is one heart change per month. Two if you want extra credit. The Mad Hatter counts of course. You are already looking into multiple things that will yield great fruit. Just don't disappoint me or else…. Who knows how many people will die due to your failure." Bat-mite threatened.
"THIS IS BULLSHIT! OUR GROUP IS ALL ABOUT FIGHTING CONTROL FREAKS JUST LIKE YOU! YOU CAN'T HOLD YOUR CONTROL OF US FOR LONG!" Ryuji shouted.
"Now monkey boy, don't bite the hands that feed you." Bat-mite had a dark aura surround him, with his threat.
"Ryuji, stand down." Akira said calmly, his friend grumbled but complied.
"A good way to channel your anger towards me is giving what I want. Gotham drowns in corruption, your Queen said as much. Though you were brought here against your will, your inner soul begs to fight against such injustices now, don't they?" Bat-mite said.
Haru couldn't help but clench her shirt, he was right. She couldn't just let this stand. This place was far worse than her home ever was.
Everyone had similar thoughts as they looked away in hesitation.
"Good dogs, now enjoy your feast. I'll be in touch." Then, Bat-mite disappeared without a trace. Leaving the thieves to their thoughts and lost appetites.
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MIRROR MOON RANK 2/999999999999999
No more treats today doggies.
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Akira looked around the room and saw the morale was low, he stood up and gave a speech a leader should in this situation.
"We'll beat him, I'm sure of it. We just need to get stronger. We'll play this game for now, but the moment he turns his back. That's when we strike." Akira decreed. The rest of the room agreed. The Hatter was down, Wonderland has crumbled. The only question now was, who was next?
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AN:
Finally done with this arc!
Hope you guys are liking the story. I heard boss music literally the whole battle myself.
I appreciate all of your support.
Next chapter coming soon
See you then! X3
