AN:

Hard to believe I've reached 112 pages on the doc I write this on. Had to start a new one just so my computer wouldn't melt.

The next one or two chapters (depending on the length) will set up the next arc.

Got a lot to cover. It will span a couple of days or weeks in the fiction.

Thanks so much for the support. 21 followers as of writing this! Like that's better than most mediocre stuff! I'm mediocre YESSS!

WARNING: the following story contains dramatic violence, gore, language, mention/act of rape, ect. The Dark Knight deserves a dark story, so please if you can't handle it look elsewhere.

I own neither the Persona series or Batman.

Blazblade: hmmmm. Maybe after a while they make an alliance. For the time being they make such great rivals in my eyes. So different yet so similar at the same time. That's why I'm so into the reflection aspect of things. They challenge either on such an ideological scale. I really want to explore that avenue first. Hang in there, it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

In terms of the Joker, yes the Killing Joke will be the main route. Though I'm differently going to get a lot of use out off his multiple personality disorder. The palace has to, be long, difficult, and emotionally taxing. Especially with Akira confronting what he could have become from one bad day.

Naomi Watson: I'm glad you enjoyed Mad Hatter's tragic backstory. I really wanted to fill the gaps the comics missed. They never fully discussed just who Alice was to him, and that always annoyed me.

Guest: Great question regarding weapons. Basically, like in NG+ Akira can fuse the personas after itemizing them. In terms of toys, basically Bat-mite broke a lot of rules already in terms of how everything works now. They shoot real bullets now but reload due to cognition. If they sell them… well I answer that this chapter.

I'm so glad you all hate Bat-mite so much. Like I said I really wanted the Phantom's motivations to be very personal like with Kamoshida. So I made him a total piece of trash that'll feel great to put in his place. Don't worry friends, he's going down. HARDCORE! It's just a manner of bond-making like in the game.

On a side note, I love writing his character so much. Like you have no idea. Why does it feel so good to be so bad?

Enjoy! :3

EDIT: Hey peeps. Back at it again with edits. Fun right?

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April 28th, Early Morning

Cloudy

Chinatown

"GOOD MORNING GOTHAM~" Sally Summers sang she was the happiest that she has been in years.

"It's a beautiful day in the Gotham area. But I sadly can't spend it with my long time co-host Jack Ryder. He has decided to leave the program indefinitely for personal reasons. We wish him well on any future endeavors. But let's not let such sad news ruin this beautiful day! I'm here with Basil Karlo once again to discuss the behind the scenes of the upcoming movie "The Terror" coming out this summer! He said he'll discuss the acting process that he has perfected for decades! Right after these commercial breaks. Sally said joyously.

"THIS IS GOOD MORNING GOTHAM WITH SALLY SUMMERS! WE'LL BE BACK AFTER THESE MESSAGES!" the announcer said.

"What garbage filler." Ryuji said as he changed the channel. It has been a week since the Hatter has confessed the whole town has calmed down since the incident. The police, media, and everyone on the street says it's a calm before a storm. With hearing of all the villains still out there free he believed them. Yet this chick pretends nothing is wrong. She's deluded.

He yawned at his booth seat. It's been a long week of recon with nothing new to show for it. He grinned, he at least was able to help Joey by changing the heart of Oliver Jones. The bastard was such a coward in Mementos, begging to let him free and have his shiny things. It made Ryuji sick. It was on the news for a while. The orphanage received massive apology funds from Wayne Enterprises. They probably wanted to persuade the public they had plausible deniability. He hoped the new headmaster was a much kinder man. He'd check in with Joey tonight to make sure. The kid grew on him and the other way around.

"Hey guys I found a good place online!" Futaba yelled upstairs. She has been searching the past week. The gang really needed a place in the center of town to meet up. Everyone on the southern quadrants are tired of running all across the city.

"How much is it?" Makoto asked, leaning over her shoulder. She was the one to go to when it came to house checking, this city was filled with condemned housing. She would not let her friends stay in places filled with mold, rats, and without protection from the infamous rain that showered the city. She was very picky, but soon realized anything in Gotham that was even slightly good was out of there price range.

"It's reasonable, and meets all of your criteria. You, Ann, and Haru should check it out. It's in the Amusement Mile. It used to be a jazz club or something." Futaba answered.

"These pictures look promising, good work Futaba." Makoto gave a motherly pat on Futaba's head and wrote down the address. "Ann, are you ready to go now?" she asked.

"Sure! Just let me finish my breakfast." Ann said as she ate.

"You guys better make yourselves scarce, I do have a business to run." Sojiro said with a smirk.

"You know you would be lost without us Sakura-san" Haru giggled. She has taken to gardening on the rooftop of the cafe. They aren't quite ready yet but homegrown fruits and vegetables would bring customers flocking. She may not be able to save her father's business, but she's more than willing to help out her new father-figure with his. She had taken a spot as assistance to Akira who she was helping recently. The quiet kid content on listening in to the conversations.

"You guys think too big. This is just a simple cafe you know. Sojiro said to her.

"Your unique taste is bound to draw attention here. I never knew why this place never had the demand it deserves. But I will fix it!" Haru said, determined. She always needed a project outside of thieving, and to help someone in need.

"To be honest, I prefer this place quiet. Nobody but you guys bothering me." Sojiro confessed, rubbing his neck.

"I know boss, but we really need the extra cash. We have a good budget for now, but with all the things we need to accomplish we need to expand." Makoto said.

"Sheesh, just how much dough do you guys need?" Sojiro asked.

"Thieving brings in a lot. But the cost of living here is through the roof. Not as bad as central Tokyo, but after hearing Queen's rants I can definitely understand the housing crisis here. We barely have enough to pay for here with Lavenza chipping in! We even have Alice looking for work!" Morgana mewled. He handed Sojiro their first bills.

"HOO BOY! Yep, okay do what you guys have to. I don't want thugs busting in here and repossessing things!" Sojiro said, worried.

"No worries boss. We won't let that happen, we're nowhere near that point. But we would like to avoid it at all costs." Makoto said.

"Hmph! Ready! Food is delish as always boss!" Ann shoved down her food as the three of them left. It felt weird to have so many kids with them at all times, but he was glad they were all so independent. The story was he was the adoptive father of nine kids. That was what he had to tell customers anyway, everyone was so shocked when he said that. He simply said that he couldn't live to see potential waste away when they could be more. That was the one piece of advice Akechi gave when it came to lying. Always start with some truth.

Speak of the devil done comes the lad himself. The cold glance was worrying him, then again he could blame the kid for being so jaded.

"Want some breakfast? Helps you wake up." Sojiro tried.

"I suppose I have been rather restless." Akechi said as he sat down at the counter. Akira eyed him concerned, he hasn't had a real talk with him for a while.

"Hey Crow? Any luck with that Sionis guy?" Ryuji asked bluntly.

Akechi took a sip of his coffee. "Unfortunately no. Though I have one lead, as Akira said, I must check the steel mill. Turns out to be a hideout of sorts. There are goons everywhere however. I've been trying to find a way around them, retrieve some files to find out just what he's up to." Akechi answered.

"So agree he's shady?" Akira asked.

"Oh yes, very. I looked into him, he is in deep with the mobs of the city. The Falcone's shipping business if my information is correct. The one they call Penguin have mercs for hire all over town. I just need proof of how deep this all goes." Akechi answered.

"I thought you said you worked at some club. There's nothing there?" Sojiro asked.

"It's only a matter of time. The thugs here are very loose lipped. The alcohol will only make it more so. Futaba's fake ID fooled even the owner." Akechi added.

"Piece of cake." Futaba grinned.

"Feels so weird to know the step by step of just how far you guys are willing to go." Sojiro sighed.

"We have no choice. Bat-mite is still holding everyone back home hostage. I don't want another death on my hands." Akira said, determined.

"I for one am more than happy to die. May give me some damn finality. I'm so sick of dying only to be brought back again." Akechi gritted out.

"Hey, don't talk like that. Even with all you've done. You still deserve to live." Sojiro said as he put a hand on his shoulder.

"I didn't ask for your pity. I seek out only Bat-mite's defeat. Be it change of heart, combat, or even death. Nothing else matters, he will pay for what he did to me." Akechi slapped Sojiro's hand away and walked out the door.

"Such an intense kid, can't help but feel bad for him." Sojiro said as he watched the former detective prince walk out of sight.

"Just be glad he trusts you enough to show you his true self I guess. Trust me, I prefer the cold-hearted Akechi any day over the suck-up his fake-self was." Ryugi said.

"I'm off! To the art store! Inspiration has struck!" Yusuke yelled as he rushed out the door.

"That kid really needs to remember to eat. It's not like I make him pay for things or anything." Sojiro sweated.

Sumire entered the cafe for her early lunch. She had spent the earliest hours of the morning to practice her form. Without her coach, she has decided to work extra hard on her technique.

"Extra large curry please Sojiro-san!" She chirped.

"Oh, your back. Haven't seen you since last night." Sojiro said as he prepared her dish.

"Yes! I must work extra hard if I am to help everyone! I'm just checking in. I feel I'm close to finding a proper doctor to give us the proper medications!" She replied.

"It's going to be tough to find another person as good as Takemi." Akira sighed.

"No worries senpai, I'm on the case!" Sumire said as she gulped down the curry at a ferocious speed. She even had Ryuji beat in terms of time. She'll burn it all off by nightfall though, she always knew how to best refill oneself.

"That reminds me, you about ready to go dude? I told ya I found a place to sell shit to right?" Ryuji asked, putting down his manga.

"Yes, be right there." Akira said.

"Good luck you guys. I'm going to check out the Clocktower for clues about Batman. Tonight though, me and Haru are checking out Queen Industries." Morgana said.

"Oh right, me and Makoto are supposed to check out Wayne Tower tonight, as well. Good luck Morgana-senpai!" Sumire waved.

"You too. Akira, make sure Ryuji doesn't do any thing stupid." Morgana said as he made his exit.

"He always needs the last word, I'm thinking of putting laxatives in his tuna. You in?" Ryuji asked Akira.

"Totally," Akira smiled, pushing up his glasses. He always did his little pranks on the cat. He couldn't help himself. Not after the sweet revenge he felt for button mashing Mona so long ago.

"Senpai! That's so mean!" Sumire cried out.

"It's just a little prank. No harm done." Ryuji grinned.

"Yep, and I can't wait to see his revenge when he inevitably blames you." Akira teased Ryuji.

"Aw yeah- Wait.. I changed my mind." Ryuji said nervously.

"Afraid he'll use your sleeping bag as a litter box?" Sojiro jokes.

"No that you say it...terrified. Let's go Akira." Ryuji made his hasty escape and Akira followed. The thieves all had plans today. The leader hoped his investigation into Ace Chemicals bears fruit as well.

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April 28th Morning

Cloudy

Amusement Mile

Makoto, Ann, and Haru made their way to the address. They made light conversation on the way.

"Hey, I'm thinking of joining the police here. I want to make a change." The phrase make a change was a code word for their thieving at night.

"Oh no Mako-chan I would hate to see yourself thrown into danger like that. What if you get caught up in a scandal." Haru said. Scandal was the code word for getting caught.

"I don't know, maybe it'll work." Ann said unsure.

"No, she's right I'll have to think of something else to make a change." Makoto sighed.

She turned topics down, she would run it by them at night but she considered complying with the head of investigation for their case. Officer Mack, she remembered that face well, she hoped he would help her. A visit as Queen with clear motives might yield fruit. She can't be an officer right now, but maybe she can help them some other way. Weed out the corruption of the city.

They found the address listed on her piece of paper. They had an open house today. The old shop looked dusty on the inside. This realtor didn't care much about appearances it seemed. The old broken sign said "Music Meister's Instruments". They entered the building, no one else was there. How odd, it hit her the wrong way.

The realtor was a middle aged woman. She had notable wrinkles on her face, and a fake smile.

"Hello! Thank you for coming. I was thinking no one would show. This property was sort of forced upon me. No one wants it, it seems." She looked away.

"Yes well, do you think this building has the accommodations for five people? We are looking to buy both the storefront and the housing upstairs." Haru asked politely.

"Of course! I'm sure there ismore than enough space. But let's start where we already are."

The woman led them around the store. Instruments were all over the floor, ruined and unusable. A small stage as at the back, for customers to test them out. A back door for employee's led out to a dingy alley. A small counter with a cash register was against the wall. All money seemed to be robbed or taken.

"What happened here?" Ann asked disturbed.

"*Sigh* I'm legally obligated to tell you a rogue set up shop here not so long ago. I'm not sure you heard of him. He wasn't the most popular." the woman answered.

"The store and upstairs was used as a one died in here, thank God, but the wounds are still fresh. Batman only apprehended him this February. HE was like the Mad Hatter, but obsessed with music, he would hypnotize people into becoming his band. Quite twisted in the head, but easily apprehended." The woman continued.

"That doesn't sound so bad. I wonder why no one wants the place." Ann pondered.

"You must be new here dear. People don't like living where a rogue used to operate. They feel it's a bad omen. The ones who do prefer a more heavy hitter than this man." The woman answered.

"Well, it doesn't bother us. This place just needs to be cleaned out and fixed up and it's ready for business. We're thinking of opening a cafe here." Haru said.

"Hm. That might work. It would not be the same shop, and people here go crazy for coffee." The woman nodded.

"May we see the upstairs? I'd like to view it before making a decision." Makoto asked.

"Of course follow me." The woman led the three up the stairs. It was a two room apartment. A small kitchen was on the left and a small living room on the right. The bathroom was small with only a walk-in shower in between the rooms.

This could work. Makoto thought, inspecting the place.

"All of the appliances work. Hot water too, yes?" Haru asked.

"Yes, it wasn't up to code when I first got it. But I had some guys fix everything up. I must warn you though it gets mighty cold in winter here. The pipes are old in this part of town and the heat won't do." The woman said.

She really isn't a great businesswoman… But it'll do. They can just buy heaters. Makoto thought.

"What do you think ladies?" The woman asked.

"I like it. It's cozy ya know?" Ann said smiling.

"As long as we have space, it'll be just fine. Mako-chan?" Haru asked.

"Yes, it is the best option around here. We'll take it." Makoto said.

"HUH?! Really?! I-I mean great. Good choice." The woman stumbled.

Makoto sweated at the woman. She must not be used to a break, the place would be tight. But less so than them all sleeping in the cafe. It'll work until they had the means to buy another place somewhere.

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April 28th Midday

Cloudy

Park Row

Ryuji led Akira through the streets of Park Row. A lot of beggars were on the sidewalks, ignored by everyone making their way in their lives. Ryuji couldn't stand it as he gave some of his saved cash to a particularly skinny man. The man almost sobbed at the act.

"You know, you guys weren't jokin' when you said this was the worst area to be. I've never seen so much crime in one night. It's overwhelming, they all fear being slugged by Batman, but they fear starvation more. It doesn't put much faith in the guy." Ryuji sighed.

"Batman's priorities are clear as day. Beat criminals to a pulp to make them change their ways. But in reality, it would only make a man that more desperate. The wounds can't help with keeping up with work. If this place is anything like Japan, people are outcasted for one blemish on their record. How many lost souls litter these streets?" Akira asked.

"For real man. By the way I found an arcade job in Bristol. It won't pay much but it'll at least tied me over. I tried to apply as a trainer, but those places are filled with gangs. They all called me a softie and kicked me out." Ryuji continued.

"Maybe we could purchase one if we save up enough. Is that a place that would fit you best?" Akira asked.

"I mean it could hurt for us all to have a place to practice. I know Haru is getting tired of sharing space in her garden for Sumire's practice. She'll just never admit it, it's all in the eyes for her."

"I'll think about it." Akira said.

"This is the place." Ryuji stopped in front of a shop in a dingy alleyway. There were few shops open in this area. The place seemed to be almost a ghost town in the day. But the few that did held a tight community that watched out for each other for looters. Akira looked up at the sign that read "On the Mark Pawn Shop and Shooting Range". The two entered the shop.

The bell rang. The place was stocked to the brim with various strange items. Just like Untouchables it mostly contained army and tactical stuff for sale. The cashier was sat behind the glass counter filled with guns and ammo. The black man with a goatee rested his feet up on the counter reading a magazine. What caught Akira's attention was how he was spinning his nerf gun expertly. The feats he was pulling rivaled his, and the man was doing it all while reading and with a bored expression on his face.

"Can I help you?" The man asked impatiently.

"This is a pawn shop yeah? We're looking to sell." Ryuji said as he dropped down his bag on the counter.

"*Sigh* okay let's see what ya got." The man groaned.

Ryuji dumped the contents on the bag, the stuff flooded the table. The man just raised an eyebrow.

"Shit kid, who'd ya rob to find all this? Wayne?" The man asked sitting up.

"Don't worry about it, man. It's untraceable, and high value. What do ya think? Pretty good ya?" Ryuji smiled.

"Too good. I don't trust it. All of his shit is untraceable. Some of this shit is pure gold clumps! No way! I won't take the heat from the cops." The man frowned.

"Ah man. Shit didn't think of that." Ryuji sweated. Akira took point.

"You have my word. None of this can be tracked. What would it take for you to reconsider?" Akira asked.

The man stared the boy down. He thought for a minute.

"Something more interesting. I am a gun enthusiast as ya kids can clearly see. Got any cool shit?" The man asked.

Akira looked at his friend, and pulled out his Tyrant Pistol and set it on the table.

"Hey kid, your cosplay looks cool and all. But I'm looking for shit that actually shoots." The man frowned, raising an eyebrow.

"You have a shooting range don't you. How 'bout a show?" Akira smirked.

"That thing looks straight out of "Alien". No way it shoots. I've seen a lot of weird guns in my day but come on." The man laughed.

"How about a bet then? This one is my favorite, so it's not for sale. But I have a multitude of guns that are just as unique. This shoots and in exchange we trade them in to you, and you buy the rest of the goods we bring in no questions asked." Akira said.

"That's quite a gamble, kid. I'm not that much of a betting man. But this...I just got to see. Come on." the black man led the two of them to the shooting range.

"Well? Go on then. Don't need protection for the sound do ya?" The man teased.

Akira smirked and took aim at his target. The bullet fired out of the mouth-like chamber, it hit square on the bullseye. The man was dumbfounded.

"I'll be damned." The man closed his open jaw and smirked. "Y'all weren't lying out your ass. Ok..yeah. Deal. Keep bringing shit like this and I'll take all your good in. No question." The man said.

"Already told you. This baby is too good to give away. Here." Akira threw the man another gun he kept in his bag. He hasn't ever used it, so why not.

"Man, y'all weren't kiddin' about them all being unique. This shit shoot too?" the man asked, almost drooling in excitement.

"Try it yourself." Akira smiled.

The man grinned and took aim. Multiple bullets hit the bullseye multiple times. Though what the man didn't expect was for the paper to burst into flames.

The sprinklers went off. The man was too awestruck to care. He looked down at the gun in his hand.

"How can such a tiny pistol hold such explosive ammo? The accuracy of this thing is the shit! Where do y'all get these things?" The man asked.

"A businessman never tells his secrets. Do we have a deal?" Akira asked.

"*Scoff* The shit yall brought in should more than cover the bills for the next month. And with this beaut alone. As long as yall don't question my fine establishment, I won't question yours."

The man held out his hand for a shake, Akira took it.

"Name's Floyd Lawton. You kid got yourself a partner in crime.

"Akira Kurusu, pleasure doing business with you"

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MIRROR HANGMAN RANK 1/10

SKILL ACQUIRED: Accomplice

You now have access to On the Mark gun shop. No questions asked.

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"Jesus this thing is cool. My daughter's going to kill me when she sees all this shit though...Worth it." Floyd said as he checked out his new gun further.

"Your name sounds familiar for some reason. Could of sworn I heard Futaba talk about a guy with your name…" Ryuji struggled to think.

"You just broke one of the few rules of our deal minutes in dumbass." Floyd scowled.

Akira elbowed his friend in the ribs, silencing him.

"Sorry for my partner. He can be a bit impulsive." Akira apologized.

"Whatever, just don't bring those questions in here again. Got it?" Floyd silently threatened.

"Got it, come on Ryuji. Let's leave the man with his new goods." Akira said, walking out of the store. Ryuji followed clutching his chest.

Dammit, I really need to watch what I say. At least no one knows I'm a Phantom Thief yet. Ryuji thought.

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The two kids left his shop, leaving Floyd to think about what he had just gotten himself into. How could two kids like that get guns like this. He remembered how Akira shot a bullseye without much effort. If he keeps bringing shit like this in… Nah. He wasn't looking for a prodigy at the moment.

The former assassin Deadshot spun his new gun, kicking his legs back up on the counter. He paid a ludicrous amount of cash today. But would make all of it back easy with all the new gold and gems he had. He aimed the gun at a wall and shot it. The bullet ricocheted off the wall, hit the ceiling, meeting its target bullseye across the store.

Still got it. Floyd smirked.

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"Come one Ryuji, you're better than that man." Akira chided as they walked down the streets.

"I know, sorry man. You know how hard I'm trying to fix my big ass mouth. Though I gotta ask. It makes sense for us to be able to use the gun. But how did you know he would be able to fire it? It was still a fake originally." Ryuji asked.

"I didn't." Akira grinned wickedly.

"Damn really?! That took guts man! But are ya sure we can trust him?" Ryuji asked.

"Just like with Iwai, it sometimes takes a leap of faith. He wants to keep clean? Works for me, if he turns out to be a problem we'll deal with it as we always have." Akira shrugged.

Bat-mite has broken many rules in his control of them. Akira figured what was one more?

The two walked down the street, not knowing just who they made a deal with.

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April 28th Midday

Cloudy

Chinatown

Morgana walked around the Clocktower in an annoyed fashion. He just could find an opening anywhere. This is ridiculous! Vents that led to nowhere, cameras on every wall, doors with eye recognition. This Batman guy must be loaded! No way he makes this much just beating up thugs.

Morgana's tail twitch in agitation. He paced around the place, he knew he was on camera the whole time, the cat form was more handy than ever in this world. If he could just figure a way in this Big Ben wannabe, he'd be golden. He yawned, but sleep would have to come first. You gotta practice what you preach after all. He headed back to the cafe to prepare for the heist of Queen Industries. Hopefully he and Haru would find something useful.

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April 28th Evening

Rain

Coventry, My Alibi Nightclub

"Hey, you hear what happened to the Mad Hatter?"

"Who hasn't numbnuts?"

"I'm serious man, those Phantom Thieves freak me out!"

"For the last time! There's no way they changed his heart or whatever bullshit they said!"

"But I heard that some guy confessed to embezzlement at the old orphanage. Jones has been doing that for years. He couldn't have suddenly changed!"

"I don't care if they changed the president! No one can change me! I have no regrets for what I've done!"

"I don't think it's about regret I think is about knowing you're doing something bad. But do it anyway."

"Hatter was off his rocker! The police said it themself, he had no control over himself."

"Since when do you trust pigs?"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Akechi scrubbed his glass at the My Alibi Bar, not listening to the two idiots talking. The place was disgusting. Fights happened regularly, drugs were all over the place. Strippers walked across the platform teasing onlookers. If this place didn't yield fruit for his investigation nothing will.

He half thought the owner knew about his fake ID. The man just didn't care. No matter, if the man didn't care, neither did he. A scantily clad waiter made her way to him.

"Hey new guy, there's a drunk getting touchy in the lap dance area. Bob's such an asshole, refuses to do anything about it. He's such a shit bouncer. Can you do something please?" The woman asked. Akechi noticed her weird outfit. Apparently, people in Gotham had a fetish for girls in cat costumes. The rumors he heard of Catwoman were always blurred with how hot she was. Though Akechi also noticed the cat ears twitching, the tail attached to the suit swinging.

I'll look into that later. It's of no consequence.

"Very well. Mind the bar would you?" He said politely. His mask made it easier to deal with all of these people dealing with their unimportant problems. Besides, the best way to get information is to bring people's guard down by sucking up to them.

"You're a lifesaver! Thank you!" the woman said. He didn't bother to remember unimportant names. He straightened out his uniform and prepared for the worst.

Jack Ryder was totally hammered and pissed. They couldn't do this to him! He won a Pulitzer prize dammit! He went to this club to ease the pain of his broken career and these bitches would let him have his way.

"Let go!" The whore screamed desperately.

"Listen! I'm having a shit day! If not you than someone should be able to fulfill what I want!" He slurred.

"Please let go of the woman sir." Akechi made his way into the room.

"Listen pretty boy! I want a hooker! I KNOW GARY HAS EM'!" Ryder screamed.

"You have the wrong woman. Let her go, and I'll bring you to Gary myself. I'm sure he can give you what you want." Akechi said calmly.

Ryder stopped and let go of the woman. She ran to Akechi and hugged him tightly.

"Thanks, I'm rather new and don't want to degrade myself like that just yet." She said harshly. The catgirl seemed more uptight than her counterpart.

"It's alright. I'll take care of this. Go." Akechi said. She made her hasty exit, leaving the two men by themselves.

Ryder downed another glass quickly and slammed down the glass.

"This is bullshit. Those hacks don't know the news if it slammed them in the face!" the man roared.

"Itching for conversation sir?" Akechi said as he led him to his boss.

"Oh shuddup! I used to be something! I used to have exclusives in magazines, papers. I was respected!" Ryder complained.

"Oh? You're a reporter then?" Akechi asked intrigued. Maybe this not might not be a waste.

"Haven't you heard of me?! Jack Ryder?! Gotham News?" Jack asked, enraged.

"Oh, yes. With Miss. Summers?" Akechi asked to confirm.

"Don't say that bitch's name. She thinks the public wants a good fluff piece over the truth. I couldn't stand it, the network loved her though. Between you and me I was only kicked out because I didn't have tits to stare at." Jack confessed.

Akechi nodded. He might have an opportunity here, he couldn't be worse than Akira's last reporter. He knocked on his boss's door and closed the conversation.

"Well Mr. Ryder...say I have information that could be useful to use to gain your footing back into the media. What would you say?" Akechi asked.

"I'd say you sound sketchy as shit. But I'm desperate, here take my card. No business today though. I'm feeling out of it." Ryder said as he leaned over and puked his brains out. Such a lightweight, he barely had two drinks within their conversation. Akechi walked away as Gary took the man in for his pleasure seeking. He looked at the card in his hand and smirked.

Not much. But better than nothing.

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April 28th Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Drescher

"Oracle checking in. How's it like in Drescher gang?" Oracle asked.

"Making our way in now. Security is tight but it's no match for my skills." Morgana bragged. He snuck in using his cat form. The mainstay of security was mostly lasers. Easy for his small body to bypass. He made his way to a terminal and destroyed it, leaving a path for Noir to follow.

"I was expecting more cameras or guards." Noir said.

"Oracle said this is a newly opened location. Think it might explain why security might not be the tightest. The servers here should connect to the main hub however." Morgana said.

"Yes, though I must admit I have never heard of Star City before. There were reports of multiple vigilantes there as well. The whole world seems to be flooded with illegal heros." Noir said.

"Don't worry about it. All we need to focus on is Gotham. Anything more than that is wasted time. Bat-mite was very clear about how much he adores his champion." Morgana meowed.

"Hm. Let's get this over with." Noir plugged in the data mining chip Oracle had given her. Just like with Sae's and Akechi's the data was transferred without a worry.

Though it would inevitably leave a trace. Futaba thought ahead, inside the chip was a trojan horse virus. It would at least miss direct the authorities.

The screen glitches as it completes. Replacing the desktop was a pharaoh queen with a cocky smirk on her face. The screen said "You have been cursed by the great Alibaba." The rest of the screen was green binary code and hieroglyphs scrolling up and down the screen. She now had full control of the building.

The two left with their data in hand Morgana made sure to not show his meta form. Just in case there were hidden cameras.

Batman was doing his rounds to search for anything Joker related. A hair out of place he would spot it. Though he was interrupted by a call.

"Bruce, I need your help. I've got alarms indicating a break in on the Queen Industries site in Gotham. I would check it myself, but I am preoccupied at the moment. Can you try and get a lead for me?" Green Arrow asked.

"Of course Oliver. Is your identity compromised?" Batman asked as he changed course.

"Nothing so dramatic. I would never let such valuable secrets be obtained so easily. Though I'm worried about a possible new threat. Guess your paranoia has rubbed off on me." Green Arrow sighed.

"I'll look into it. I'll need the codes to access the cameras." Batman said.

"Of course, sending now." Green Arrow ended the call with the codes. Batman landed outside the building entering through the front door. All computers and screens across the buildings flooded with binary mixed with hieroglyphs. Batman narrowed his eyes, this was someone new.

"Wow! I expected the police to come first. It's truly an honor to meet you Dark Knight. After this I'll level up for sure!" A heavy distorted voice boomed through the halls. It was distinctly female, she sounded quite young through all of the distortion.

"Who are you? What do you want with Queen Industries?" Batman demanded.

A virtual avatar of a woman pharaoh presented herself on the screen. Her ebony skin was adorned in jewelry and a giant crown. The avatar glitched violently at random intervals as it spoke and moved.

"So demanding. Well, I suppose I am like you. Searching for my justice however I can. Doing whatever possible by any means necessary. I am Alibaba."

"The Riddler said the same thing years ago. Though he used blackmail, extortion, he sought to bring down everyone's privacy at once. What about you?" Batman pressed.

"Nothing so drastic. I seek knowledge on just how corrupt these companies go. I'm currently speed reading through all of Queen's dirty dealings. Did you know about his exile on a deserted island? Learn something new everyday." Alibaba said in a bored fashion.

"Stop this! This is no way to enact justice! And you have no idea how far companies will go to keep their secrets." Batman said.

"*Scoff* Like breaking and entering is any better. Is beating up those poor thugs going to change the deep corruption up top? I think not. I am more than knowledgeable at how far people in power can go in order to hold on to said power. I will never let the innocent take the fall for the guilty. Nothing will stop me." The pharaoh said through narrowed eyes.

"Then I'm shutting you down." Batman said, fiercely. He walked over to the main server and crouched down pulling out his cryptographic sequencer, and tried to hack her system.

"Ooooh~ What's that doo dad? It's so fancy! Where can I get one?" Alibaba asked awestruck.

"This is one of a kind. And I don't intend for you to have it." Batman answered.

"Shame. Such a waste! To have such an old man use a computer when he has no idea what he is doing. BOOM! I win~!" The sound of typing surrounded the area, next thing Batman knew he was locked out.

"You really should leave this to professionals Dark Knight your age is showing." The pharaoh chuckled immaturely as Batman saw a hacking sequence overrun his own device. It exploded from an overcharge. His visual aids being overrun with glitches.

"Oracle, we have a hacker in our system! Flush her out!" Batman screamed.

"I know I'm doing my best. Security is state of the art! She shouldn't be able to be this successful!" Oracle screamed.

"YOU'VE ACTIVATED MY TRAP CARD FOOL! NOW FEEL THE MIGHT OF THE PHARAOH!" screamed Alibaba.

"Shit! I'm going to have to try something risky!" Oracle said. She activated the mass deletion sequence. They had everything backed up in files, and on a spare amount of servers back in the cave in case of this very scenario.

"Hey! That's cheating! Nononononono NO!" Alibaba cried as she tried to save the hack, but was locked out without much loot to show.

"Dammit! Ya went for the assist huh? Not bad. Your assistant Oracle might just be a match for my skills! You won't be so lucky next time. You are not good for this city! And I will show people that fact!" Alibaba yelled.

"Just what are you planning?!" Batman demanded.

"You compared me to the Riddler. Unlike that idiot I don't literally leave a trail of breadcrumbs for you to follow. It's been fun Batman. I have enough of your data to tide me over. Love the new outfit by the way. It really puts the goth in Gotham. Buh-bye~!" The monitors all went to static and then black. Batman cursed at their inability to ward off her attack.

"Oracle! Are we compromised?" Batman asked worriedly.

"The wipe protocol, as instructed, deletes all traces of any identity of the Bat-family and any known associates before all other things. I don't like this Bruce. I've never seen such skill in hacking before. She almost single-handedly took out the Batcomputer. What if someone gets a hold of her? Or worse buys her loyalty?" Barbara asked.

"We have to find her first. Set her as the second priority behind Joker. I'll tell Lucius to up security in all security. I'll need to meet with the league on this issue as well. We need to be prepared for her attack should she choose to take aim at us. Arrow was lucky tonight, a new master hacker has made herself known tonight." Batman ended the call. He needed to relieve some of the anger he had at almost being made by a mere beginner.

Futaba slammed her head on the table of her booth, groaning in frustration.

"You alright?" Sojiro asked, concerned.

"Ughh… they beat me Sojiro. My first night as a mock villain and they beat me!" Futaba said head still down slapping her hands on the table.

"Surely you got something out of all that." Sojiro tried to comfort her.

"Only that Queen is squeaky clean. The few files I managed to steal from Batman are closed cases from years ago. Minor theft and murders from back in his early days. It's worthless!" Futaba cried out.

"Hey, hey you tried your best. Don't beat yourself up for not defeating a guy that's known to be unbeatable." Sojiro walked over to his daughter and sat down in her booth.

He wrapped an arm around her as she leaned into the hug.

"Was I a good villain?" She asked quietly.

"The best sweetie." Sojiro sweated as he patted his daughter on the head.

"Motivation achieved. Thanks Sojiro." she smiled sweetly.

"Anytime." Sojiro said awkwardly.

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April 28th Night

Severe Thunderstorms

Bristol

Skull made his way to the Pinkney Orphanage. He was hoping to run into Joey there. He lucked out as he found the kid rather quickly.

"Hey man remember me?" Skull asked.

"Oh. it's you! Dude the craziest thing happened earlier today. Headmaster Jones just turned himself in. One minute he was yelling all of us out wondering who sent him a fake calling card. The next he was on the ground sobbing, begging for us to call the police on him. It was so cool!"

"For real?" Skull asked, playing along.

"Yeah...It-It was you wasn't it? You're a-" Joey started before he was quieted down by Skull.

"Shh...don't tell nobody." Skull winked. Joey rushed him in a hug squeezing the thief tightly.

"Thank you. You saved my life. All of our lives. I can't believe this is for real. How'd ya do it?" Joey asked, jumping up and down.

"Secret." Skull said tapping his foot on the ground.

"Aw man. Well whatever ya did. I don't care. In fact I know someone who could help you." Joey said with a smile.

"Oh yeah who?" Skull asked just as a batarang sliced into the wall fight next to his face.

"Looks like I have to tell ya later. See ya!" Joey whispered as he made a mad bolt away from Robin.

"I knew Black Mask was recruiting young. But that kid is no older than ten creep." Robin said, narrowing his white eyes.

"Black Mask? Whaddya talkn' about?" Skull asked, confused.

"Playing dumb huh? You certainly look the part. Guess I gotta beat it out of you." Robin pulled out his katana and ran towards Skull.

"WHAT WAS THAT?! Listen for real I'm not with Black Mask." Skull tried to calm the boy.

"So I'm supposed to believe a thug wearing gang clothing, wearing a skull mask is not associated with the Black Mask gang? Come on dumbass! Who else are you supposed to be?" Robin asked, annoyed.

Skull paused. He refused to let himself be found out first. He made a promise to keep his mouth shut. The only way out of this scot free was to play along.

"*Sigh* Ok, ya got me happy? Boss said to check around the orphanage yeah." Skull said defeated.

"Where is your hideout? Tell me or I'll start with your legs, so you can't run in fear." Robin threatened.

Skull gritted his teeth at the threat. His leg injury still weighed down on his mental state considerably. Not to mention that shot in the back was painful as hell.

"They frequently change places to avoid detection. I don't know where the bosses are, he comes to us." Skull lied.

"Liar!" Robin punched Skull in the face. He took it, he needed to pass off as a simple thug, he was still standing but blood ran down his lip.

"Please! That's all I know!" Skull begged, his rage was slipping out of the cracks.

"You think I can't smell a lie a mile away. TELL ME!" Robin punched Skull hard across the body multiple times, he fell on the ground reeling in pain. Robin put his boot on his face, losing his patience.

"LAST CHANCE SCUM! I'll break every bone in your body. Maybe a confession will lessen the blow." Robin snorted.

"My lad, why do you yield to such villainy? FIGHT BACK! RAISE THE FLAG OF OUR REBELLION!" William shouted in his mind.

William, no. I won't mess this up. Not again. Ryuji gritted his teeth in pain. His persona fighting him, making him squirm on the pavement.

"You will talk." Robin pressed his boot harder on Skull's face. "Thugs like you deserve the full brunt of the law. Justice isn't on your side." Robin said darkly.

"You...You call this justice. Kicking me down and threatening violence?!" Skull screamed out, his rage getting the better of him.

Robin picked him up and slammed him against the wall. He held a tight arm lock ready to break his arm. "A thug like you doesn't know or respect the law. I'll teach you...by force!" Robin yelled.

"NOW SPILL IT!"

"You're no better than a thug. You harass! You bully! YOU HOLD PEOPLE UP AGAINST THEIR WILL. BEAT THEM TO A PULP AND HOPE IT SOMEHOW BETTERS THE WORLD! WHAT BULLSHIT!" Skull screamed, electricity crackled across his body. Robin let go and backed off, there was more to this goon than meets the eye it seems.

"YES, LET YOUR SPARK IGNITE LAD! SHOW THE HYPOCRITES DELUDED THEY ARE!"

Skull screamed mighty fury, unleashing a thunder storm of power on the entire block. Causing a massive blackout. Robin turned on detective vision looking for the thug. When all of a sudden a massive punch hit him in the face sending him hurling towards a dumpster. The blow made a massive dent in the dump, causing it to crash into a brick wall. A large crater was made by the force.

Robin rolled off the dumpster coughing up blood. He gritted his teeth, he would not lose to some meta with anger issues. He tried to get up, but Skull grabbed him by the collar, lifting him up to look the boy in the eye.

"You think you're so high and mighty. You look down on all of us, forcing us to comply with your rules. No more." Skull gritted out.

"Our rules are the only thing keeping people alive in this hellhole. You should be grateful, that I, that anyone tries to remedy this doomed city. Scum like you only worsen the problem. Kill me and unleash the vengeance of the Dark Knight." Robin threatened. He spat blood in Skull's face, daring him.

Skull just laughed. "Some hero. Faced with a different opinion and you go running for daddy. You're nothing more than a spoiled brat. Someone needs to teach you some manners, some humility." Skull dropped the boy hard in the dirt. Robin just stayed there shocked the man didn't kill him.

Robin growled. "You are not better than us for sparing me. I will find you! I WILL GET ANSWERS!"

Skull crouched down to the injured boy. He almost felt bad...almost.

"I'm more than some violent thug who kills for kicks. Think on that kid." Skull said as he dealt a finishing blow. Robin splayed out on the ground, Skull needed to make himself scarce but first…

Skull searched the boy, looking in his things. He found a communicator beeping. He picked it up and answered it.

"ROBIN! ROBIN! Respond!" a feminine voice cried out in the speaker. Skull turned his head to it and said things he knew he would regret, but couldn't hold back.

"Robin's alive. This should teach you guys that harassing innocent people can lead to bad results. Bristol, 23rd street. I hid him in the alley dumpster. Where trash like him belongs." Skull crushed the communicator and walked away in the rain.

He sighed, the gangs going to be pissed. But he couldn't take it anymore, the kid reminded him too much of Kamoshida, egotistical and one who never admits any wrongdoing unless forced. The abuse, Shiho's attempt at suicide, his threat of expulsion all came crashing in like a car. He was always the brunt of all the jokes, never seen past his vulgar exterior. These assholes want to make a villain out of him...Fine. He'll take them all head on.

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Batman crashed down hard at the address Oracle gave to him. She was in hysterics, whoever was on the other line said he was alive, but... Batman investigated the scene. Alfred told him about the blackout, but the scene was like a bomb went off. Debris was everywhere, a building on the verge of collapse. He walked down the street looking for his son. He found a heavily dented dumpster, blood on the floor. He took some from both puddles, hoping to find a match for who did this. They. Would. Pay.

Batman opened the destroyed dumpster. He found Robin, his son beaten to a pulp. He paused at the scene. Flashbacks to Jason's dead body on the ground tormented him. He hesitantly checked for a pulse, it took a lot to make the Dark Knight scared.

Right now he was terrified. Terrified of losing another son. He put his fingers on Jas-Damian's neck…

A heartbeat.

Batman could relax but only a little. He wouldn't rest until whoever did this paid. The footage from Damian's mask should give them a start. Batman scooped up his son, carrying him much like he did Jason, and walked to the Batmobile.

"...bruce...bruce...BRUCE! Is Damian ok?! Please say yes!" Barbara screamed.

"h-He's alive. Jas-Damian's alive. I'm bringing him back to the cave for treatment." Batman said.

"God Bruce don't scare me like that. Don't think I didn't hear that little slip. Listen I need you to keep a clear head. Whoever did this had a hatred for us, but he did speak the truth of his condition. He's not the Joker Bruce, please stay rational about this." Oracle pleaded.

"I know Barbara. But we have lost two in within a week. We were almost compromised. Whoever these newcomers are, they are vicious and they know where to hit where it hurts."

"You think they're the Phantom Thieves don't you? You think they aim to be ideological enemies with us as well." Oracle more states than asked.

"I have no proof of it yet. But if my hunch is right…" Batman answered. He made his way to the Batcave with Damian in tow.

"Please just give them a chance, Bruce. They could be great allies." Barbara pleaded.

"I know that. It's just that...I. Need. Answers. If they want to be allies, why haven't they just come forth and said so by now? That doesn't make sense, like Metal Rider for example. She clearly has past ties to the law. We have numerous reports of her saving them. But when Cass approaches peacefully, she fights, she denies the chance to be partners. We already have her answer. What of the others?" Batman asked darkly.

"*Sigh* This feels like more than justice. They want to prove something, just as much as you secretly want to prove them wrong!" Barbara pressed.

"Prove what wrong?! That the hypothetical forced change in Jervis' cognitive state is wrong. Barbara, it may have fixed them but they essentially brainwashed him for their own gain. Exactly what the Hatter did before they showed up in Gotham!" Batman yelled.

"Not that. That kid's speech to Robin, Metal Rider's reception. They are both sound arguments against us. We bully, force others into our way of thinking. We're a family, just a real messed up one." Barbara sighed.

"This is the only way that works Barbara. The only thing evil understands. Vengeance,fear, the darkness. I swore on my parent's graves to uphold the principles they taught me. I will not yield." Batman gritted.

"And if they don't either? If they somehow manage to take out the great Batman" Barbara pressed sarcastically.

"They won't." Batman said, simply

"*Sigh* They've only been here a week and we're already arguing once again if we're on the side of good. This is usually easier with a rouge, so clear cut in their lack of morals."

"I'm going to discuss this with the league. See if they have any idea how they are doing this." Batman said.

"Just-*sigh* nothing" Barbara signed off leaving Bruce for a quiet drive.

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MIRROR FOOL RANK 2/10

Class D Priority

Case update: I have suspicions of multiple suspects for the Thieves. Barbara is skeptical of wrong doing on their part. Though always better safe than sorry. Metal Rider and the kid wearing the skull mask might be hiding their true intentions.

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AN:

How's everyone doing?

Ya like Ryuji's fight? It kind of spun out of control there while writing it. It was originally supposed to be another arcana meeting. But I remembered I haven't used Robin a lot in this story yet.

Futaba wasn't meant to have a moment either. But I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Hope you guys liked this chapter.

I'm almost done with 2/3rds of the interlude. This is definitely going to be a three parter. Maybe more. Sorry to those who want to see the next palace fast. But I'm finding the in betweens to be just as interesting.

Stay tuned! ;3