AN: Hey, hey~! How you doin'? New Chapter and a new arc to plan! I am going to try to uphold the biweekly upload that's on this fic promise. But in fear of rushing things it may be inevitable that the promise may be broken. Sorry about that, friends.
In this arc I'm going to try and set up more for future arcs as this is an in between for Phantom Mirrors. The seven sins as you all know will be covered in this fic too. So before we get to Yusuke it's only fair we cover Vain first. Don't worry though, just because ya might not see another 4th tier persona, doesn't mean I won't work my ass off trying to make this interesting.
I also want to try to focus more on the enemies and what's happening behind the scenes.
Side note: Despite my best efforts the wiki regarding Inza Nelson was quite lacking. It is clear she is a very minor character with little screen time. Much like White Rabbit I will have to improvise. Don't have time digging through local comic shops for a few panels and all that. Apologies if her characterization is way off in some way, I'll be basing her off a short clip I found on youtube from the Superman Animated series…
Anyway, enough rambling.
FEEDBACK:
Gamerlover41592: Thanks :3! It was hard as shit to pull off though to make sure Selina's backstory was done right.
Docron: Aw, glad ya like it.
Stefanilion590: Glad to have your feedback friend. Welcome to the dense library of fanfics.
Firem78910: The next palace will be vain for sure. I need an arc to set up more stuff to come and this palace will be perfect for it.
TheEdgelordMcgee: Well...technically it isn't the first. There were minor short stories here and there. You can find them if you search for them. Just nothing to this scale or style. I'm really glad you like it man.
If I had to suggest another fic of Persona x DC it would be this but with them becoming friends. I guess. I don't know...That sounds so...basic? Maybe a fic where the whole time the League were already part of the universe and they are tasked to track the thieves down? I can't say...I kinda spitballed this mammoth into existence. Simply put, I really wanted to see the team fight Batman and that was it. The whole thing kind of blew up further from that point. I needed a good reason for them to fight so I gave them Bat-mit being evil. At first I was just going to have the Bat-family, but then I figured that wouldn't be a fair fight in the final stages. So on and so on….
But I'd be happy to see more crossovers of the two. Whatever you decide to do.
EternalKirby: I agree the gallery is too idle. Too reactionary. That's what I hope to change in this arc. No team ups for now. But I do like the idea of a three way brawl. Might be a good setup for a future arc.
Also, thanks for that criticism. For real...Selina's palace would have felt half done without that input.
: COURT OF OWLS GO HOOT BABY!
Kaze-ni-nare: I have already confirmed Red Hood will come. I just have to get to the part I planned him for. Thanks for your support.
WARNING!: You know the rules. And so do I~
Enjoy~!
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May 26th, Late Night
Salem, Massachusetts
Severe Thunderstorms
Batman landed the Batwing in front of the gigantic tower. He jumped off the jet and into the pouring rain. His scowl was deep, his fists were clenched. Something had to give, something had to change. His patience was worn thin, as thin as a fine line.
He observed the tower, no windows, no doors. Only Dr. Fate or his wife can enter or leave. But he also knew they could sense people coming from miles away.
"NELSON!" Batman yelled, gutturally.
He was worn, tired,...and furious.
No one captures his own.
Not again.
Not ever again…
The walls opened revealing Inza Nelson. A slender tan woman with blue eyes wearing a simple yet formal long sleeve yellow blouse, with tight black pants. Her make-up is simple, her only accessories are earrings shaped in the fate symbol.
"Can I help you Dark Knight?" She asked in a dull voice.
"With many things yes. Where is he?" Batman demanded.
"What business do you have with the Lord of Order?" Inza asked.
"For Nabu, I have nothing. It is clear your husband has been wearing that helmet for too long. I need to speak with the man under it." Batman walked past her.
"You will be lost for eternity inside that Tower without a guide. My husband is very busy with the Lords of Chaos. They have been very powerful and aggravated recently. We can not let that sit idly by." Inza said.
Batman growled in response. Inza just raised an eyebrow.
"Your husband needs to focus on hell Mrs. Nelson. He is so obsessed with that group that he sees nothing else. I need him to stop whatever they are planning there." Batman said firmly.
"You are referring to the new Demon Lord are you not? The Great Satanael?" Inza asked.
"Yes. I am fearful of what the new lord is planning. Especially with his wards roaming Gotham." Batman said.
"It is of no concern." Inza said simply.
"What?" Batman said darkly.
"The Lord of Order has seen the future, and so have I. These children you are after...They will surely die or be apprehended by you in a very short amount of time." Inza said calmly.
"I can't risk their death. Something more powerful is at play with them, bigger than the Phantom Thieves, bigger than Hell, bigger than the Lords of Chaos. How can you two not see?" Batman stood his ground.
"...Nabu has spoken, their fate is absolute. What more do you require?" Inza said.
"I require a proper mage to track them. You say their fate is absolute, why not help me make it so?" Batman hissed.
"...Very well. I will assist you. I cannot allow my husband to do so at the moment however." Inza said.
"Not good enough, if they attack I need an offensive. I've seen how they fight, I know how Constantine fights. You are no match." Batman said.
"That may be. But Dr. Fate must apprehend the Lords of Chaos or we will all surely die. Making this whole argument for nothing." Inza said.
"I am tired of being ignored by him Inza. My patience is wearing thin. Let me talk to him. Now." Batman demanded.
"Your patience is less important than millions of lives. You'll have to make due with me, Dark Knight. Or will your selfishness overrule those at risk?" Inza challenged.
Batman narrowed his eyes, his silence was his answer.
"Come then, let us apprehend this group you are so paranoid about." Inza guided Batman to a wall opening it with her powers.
"My paromia hasn't failed me yet, Mrs. Nelson. I am not leaving until I have an audience with your husband " Batman said.
"You stubborn fool. Have you not heard a word I have said?!" Inza scowled at him.
"I said a audience, not assistance, surely you can grant me that much. If you are so confident in my worries being for nothing, surely Nelson himself can back up those claims." Batman challenged.
Inza and Batman had a long stretch of silence were they just scowled at each other, neither backing down. Eventually, Inza relented.
"You are as hard to persuade as the lord Nabu, Dark Knight. Fine if it will comfort you so, I will attempt to get Dr. Fate to entertain your claims. Do not be surprised if he throws you out of the tower for your insolence." Inza hissed.
"Thank you." Batman said calmly as she led him to the doctor.
The Tower of Fate was as promised a labyrinth of halls, stairs and rooms. It reminded Batman of an Mc Esher drawing, stairs seemingly leading to nowhere in all directions and some seemingly defying gravity.
Batman simply focused on his objective, looking straight ahead to avoid a headache. How these two have lived in this place for half a century he'll never understand.
"He is behind this door, planning what to do next with the multiple possible futures that lie ahead." Inza said.
Batman moved past her and opened the door, Dr. Fate was glowing a bright white light, floating moving his head multiple directions in a blink of an eye, as multiple scenarios played before him at once.
"Doctor." Batman said simply.
"How dare you come here Dark Knight. Did Inza not properly state the graveness of my work?" Dr. Fate said coldly.
"I did not come to talk to you. I came to talk to Kent." Batman put on a gas ask and rolled his knockout gas.
"You fool! IF I AM OUT OF COMMISSION MILLIONS COULD DIE!" Dr. Fate charged up his magic but the gas was already filling the room.
"A simple conversation. That's all I ask for. Take a nap." Batman said.
Batman knew one of Dr. Fate's few weaknesses was gas attacks, or lack of oxygen. He simply had to make sure he breathed it in. From the looks of Fate's struggle it was working, the man fell to the ground, unconscious.
Inza bursted in from the commotion.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" Inza shouted.
"Made sure he answered my damn questions." Batman said simply. He crouched down and removed Fate's mask from his body. He threw it across the room.
Kent Nelson was revealed underneath, an aging man with blond hair with whiting hair. Batman brought out the smelling salts and broke it above Kent's nose. His blue eyes flickered open.
"Ughhh….Batman...you have a way of butting into others' business. You know that?" Kent asked sarcastically.
"Sorry Kent, Nabu was being uncooperative. And I needed a second opinion." Batman helped him up.
"My love, did he hurt you?!" Inza rushed up to Kent.
"Of course not darling. What would be the point in that?" Kent said simply.
"How long has it been since you have been free?" Batman asked.
"A year, Nabu has been more obsessed with the Lords of Chaos than usual. He demanded we skip the monthly mask removal for me and Inza to be together. It has been hard…" Kent said.
"He thinks something big is coming. But in his obsession he is being very neglectful of the state of things in Hell. I assume you know why I am here?" Batman said as Kent moved to put Fate's helmet on the proper cushioned table.
"Satanael...yes I am aware. Though Nabu sees little threat in him and his wars. The Phantom Thieves was it?" Kent asked.
"I need straight answers here Nelson. You say he isn't a threat, why?" Batman pressed.
"Because he is not the one in charge. Simply put there is another. I am sure you already knew this." Kent said.
"Yes, I have no leads for who it is however. You are saying that they are not a threat?" Batman asked.
"...They are...Nabu is in denial of this fact however." Kent said, gravely.
"Explain." Batman said.
"We have known of the comings of a strong being for some time now Batman. It is why I have been unable to take off the mask for some time. The problem is the visions we see, they all lead to them winning. With or without the Phantom Thieves. This made no sense to him. So instead of focusing on them, he has focused on the Lords of Chaos hoping to find them and demand answers from them. He believes they are the true ones behind all this. Despite it being clear to not be the case." Kent said.
"What? Nabu has lied to us?!" Inza asked.
"The most annoying thing to Nabu is something he does not know. He, like you Batman, has no idea who this all powerful new being is. And it infuriates him, his anger has blinded him and led him astray." Kent said.
"So what you're saying is, he refuses to help me, because he is convinced the Phantom Thieves are not an issue. And has foolishly gone on a wild goose chase for what he believes is the truth?" Batman asked.
"In his constant quest for order, Fate has fallen into a trap of chaos." Kent said.
"Then convince him." Batman said.
"I have tried." Kent said.
"This cannot continue Nelson. If Nabu has entered a cycle of uncertainty. Then he must be forced to see the error of his ways. You have to stand your ground, and make him swallow his pride. In order to keep the world in order, we need him thinking clearly." Batman pressed.
"But-" Kent tried.
"Millions of lives are at stake. That's what he has claimed." Batman said, darkly.
"In truth...it is actually trillions…" Kent said.
Inza gasped in shock.
"The whole world, no...the whole universe hangs in the balance. If such is the case, Nabu thinks the Order of Chaos must be involved." Kent said.
"You have to take control of him. If that's the case we need him at full power." Batman said gravely.
"My love, the Dark Knight speaks the truth. If it is as grave as you say, why has he not made us bound together in order to take the being on?" Inza asked.
"Pride, I suppose. But you are right, the both of you. I can't stand by and let things continue like this. The Order is in hiding, almost as if they are afraid. If that's the case, we need to act, now." Kent said.
Inza took his hand. "Then we will fight...together…"
Kent looked in his wife's eyes, and smiled softly.
"Together…" Kent agreed.
"Good. Like it or not I need him with me on this. You said with or without the Thieves he wins, but for now they are the closest link we have to him. The easiest way to get to him." Batman said.
"I concur." Inza said.
"With you my love, to give me strength...We will surely convince Nabu." Kent cupped his wife's head in his hand. Inza leaned into it, missing his touch.
They shared a quick, but longing, kiss before they walked to Fate's helmet.
"You both better keep him in check this time." Batman warned.
"With us both with him, he will listen. If nothing else notice, his chaotic behavior and reel back in terror." Inza said.
"Then make it so." Batman said.
Kent and Inza nodded, they both laid hands on the helmet and glowed brightly. Batman shielded his eyes as Doctor Fate reformed, this time with a more androgynous appearance, mixing the two's body figures.
Doctor Fate stood there for a while, hand to his head as the argument was had behind in their mind's eye.
"I...I…" he said, his voice now a mixture between three pisces instead of two.
"Are you willing to face the truth now Doctor Fate?" Batman asked.
"I have been blinded. Blinded by rage and uncertainty. My eyes have been opened. Thank you Dark Knight for showing the error of my ways." Doctor Fate said.
"So you will help me now? You see my rationale?" Batman pushed.
"Yes...yes...I can agree with you that the Phantom Thieves are the most easy ones to use to draw him out. I will find them. I will stop them, their fate is absolute either way, but they must be alive. We cannot risk whatever may come in their absence." Doctor Fate said.
"Good. Let us go then." Batman said.
Doctor Fate led the way to the exit for Batman.
As Batman jumped in the Batwing he looked at Dr. Fate.
"Be sure to keep in contact this time." Batman commanded.
"It will be so mortal." Doctor Fate said.
As Batman left, Doctor Fate stood in the rain. Hr looked at their hands and clenched them, feeling the gained power of two hosts course through their being. With their power at full potential, the Phantom Thieves will kneel before Fate. For it was prophesied as such.
MIRROR FORTUNE RANK 1/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: Renewed Power
Joker has increased chance of Criticals
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May 26th, Late Night
Chinatown, Cafe Leblanc
Rain
Akira crashed into his sleeping bag, he really needed to have the rest of the team find a place to sleep so he could have his bed back. The boy was beat, letting the pull of sleep take him.
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Akira gasped awake as he found himself in the Velvet Room. Of course…
Bat-mite was giving a full bucktooth smile as he sat on Igor's desk.
"Wow, what a sob story Selina was, am I right or what?" Bat-mite jokes.
"Why can't I ever get some goddamn sleep." Akira said.
"Sleep when you're dead. You should be grateful really. Singing my praises. Ya now got two, TWO incredibly powerful teammates. All it cost was a few friend's lives, a bargain if you ask me." Bat-mite said.
"What do you want?" Akira asked, bluntly.
Bat-mite threw three keys at the boy, they clattered on the ground.
"Use them wisely, You made pretty short work of the deadline. I'm almost impressed." Bat-mite said grinning.
Akira chose to stay quiet.
"Yes, impressed enough to think, why haven't I just made the deadline require two treasures from now on?" Bat-mite said.
"What?!" Akira yelled.
"Heh, that got a rise out of ya didn't it? Don't worry, I'm just joking...for now…" Bat-mite grinned.
"You…" Akira stopped himself, so as not to make it worse for himself.
"See? You're learning. Good boy! I haven't seen Batman this angry for a while. Shit is finally getting less boring. And with you getting more and more powerful I'll have to up the ante." Bat-mite said.
He slid Joker an old dvd collection set. The essential Basil Karlos Collection set.
"What is this?" Akira asked.
"Your next target. I wonder, if you ever get scared? If ever notice, just how insane the Rouge gallery can be?" Bat-mite smiled, evilly.
"I…" Akira stopped himself.
"As his mind melts, and he ruins his fame...bring me the treasure. The treasure of vain." Bat-mite said before he disappeared.
Akira picked up the dvd set. He pocketed the three keys, needed to discuss with the group just what they needed in terms of power.
The Velvet Room shook a bit.
"It seems someone is trying to wake you up Trickster. Go to them, and come back to free those you see fit." Lavenza said.
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May 27th, Early Morning
Cafe Leblanc
Cloudy
Akira's eyes started to flutter awake. He was still a bit drowsy from the day before.
"I SAID GET. UP!" Azuki kicked Akira in the stomach, a little payback for what happened with Selina yesterday.
"AH! I'm up! I'm up!" Akira yelled.
"Good. Some weird dude is here to see ya. Everyone else in your little posse is out doin' some other shit. So be grateful I gracefully awakened you." Azuki flicked her hair back.
"You have the grace of an angel Azuki." Akira said.
"You're goddamn right." Azuki walked back downstairs, with a smug smirk on her face.
Akira got dressed and headed downstairs.
"Bout time ya came down. You're lucky your pop here is good company mate." Constantine blew out a long puff of smoke as Sojiro did the same.
Maple coughed a bit as she scowled at the two.
"I'm asking for a raise." Maple said.
"Please, with Cinnamon's antics, you owe me money." Sojiro said.
Maple walked out in a huff, fanning her sensitive nose.
"Ya promised you'd be done with the palace by now. Ya make the deadline?" Constantine asked.
"How'd you find us?" Akira asked.
"Please, this whole place is drowning in leftover magical energy. I'm frankly embarrassed I didn't find it sooner. It's like the whole bloody building was teleported here or some shit. You blokes didn't have the foresight to cast a single concealment spell?" Constantine asked.
"Uh…" Akira didn't know what he was on about.
"You're kidding' right? You're a really lucky guy, ya know that? The fact that not a single mage has found you amateurs yet is baffling to me. Hell, a beginner with little talent could find this place!" Constantine slammed down his coffee.
"Right...I...totally knew that…" Akira lied.
Constantine sighed as he pulled out a flask and poured alcohol into his coffee.
"I already put one on this place. A strong one too. God himself won't be able to find your stupid ass." Constantine said.
"Oi, you know we're tryin' to run a business here right? How are we gonna make money if no one can find this place?" Azuki asked.
"You want to live or not? It doesn't work like that anyway, people will still fucking drink coffee here, mages just won't be able to tell there isn't something going on behind the scenes." Constantine asked. That shut the catgirl up.
"Money's not a problem anymore anyway. Even with Ann keeping the treasure, we made out like bandits. Plenty to keep this place running." Akira said.
"So basically, you're gonna have us stand here and get paid? *chuckles* works for me." Azuki said.
"I still need ya to do laundry." Akira smirked.
"Bastard." Azuki said.
"Oi, let me bloody talk. You kids done with the lady or not?" Constantine barked, impatient.
"Yeah." Akira answered.
"Good, that means you have plenty of time to actually get good at spells." Constantine said.
"You're a real cocky bastard ya know that?" Akira said.
"Not cocky, just realistic. I can feel it. Doctor Fate is three now, Batman managed to get him off his ass." Constantine said.
"How do you know that?" Akira asked.
"Instinctual magic, the air is different. The magical energy of the world has been changed." Constantine explained.
"I'll take your word for it. I'll gather everyone to the Velvet Room. That way no one will see us. Meet us there at noon." Akira said.
"Whatever mate, whatever pisses off Batman the most." Constantine growled.
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May 27th, Morning
Grand Avenue, Gotham Public Access
Cloudy
"We have to have him on Sally. Karlos can't be found anywhere." Jim said.
"I thought I said we would not get political on this show Jim." Sally growled.
"This is a huge get and you know it Sally. Imagine the ratings!" Jim said.
"No." Sally said.
"Listen, the higher ups are demanding it. We'll both be out of a job if this doesn't happen." Jim said.
"Fine. But you better find Ryder sound or I swear it will be your head rolling." Sally threatened.
"U-understood." Jim backed away.
As Sally got her make-up done, Tera gave her some coffee and scurried off, afraid.
She sat down on the set, across from her Quincy Sharp. The question prewritten, the stage set.
She glared at Sharp as he fixed his tie.
"Why did you want to be on my show Sharp? You don't strike me as one who watches the program." Sally said.
"PR and all that, something about assuring the older vote." Sharp said.
"You're lucky I'm not Vale. I bet you come here because you're afraid of the questions she'll ask." Sally said.
"I'm not. It's Dent who should be afraid. I heard that he'll be facing her this evening." Sharp said.
"So that's why, the higher ups are betting on you to win." Sally said.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Sharp said. Sally knew it was a lie, but whatever, she'll pay along.
The interview went as expected, Strange watched from the asylum with a grin on his face. The appearance of the Phantom Thieves has benefitted him greatly. Sharp hit all of Dent's weaknesses with his inability with the GCPD to capture them. The older one was in Gotham, the more fear that group sparks in their hearts. As all the rich older viewers have lined their pockets with corrupt money. Sharp will promise their heads to them, the only thing in the way was Dent. And they had plans for him.
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Ra's al Ghul sat at a table, a light on the desk the only thing keeping the room from being cast into darkness. The plan was reaching its second phase. The slight drawback of not having Talia was minimal. She could have died for all he cared. She has failed him in bringing the Phantom Thieves with her to him. If she was alive, she knew not to come back. So the plan went on without her.
"What have you to offer the court?" The man in the white owl mask asked.
"I offer to you Sharp, he is guaranteed to win the election. And with him, power." Ra's said calmly.
"Is that all? Surely you joke. Hill will surely win reelection. Neither Deny nor Sharp has the backing." the man said.
"I will be blunt then. I know who you truly fear, and I know how to stop them." Ra's smiled.
"What is that?" the man scoffed.
"The Phantom Thieves." Ra's said.
The man stood up suddenly, slamming his fist on the desk.
"LIES!" The man yelled.
"I speak the truth. The evidence is hard to ignore now isn't it? They can indeed change hearts. I wonder? What would happen if even an entry level member of your group was targeted. It would all come crumbling down." Ra's smirked.
"Who are you?! You sought the audience with the court, to threaten it?!" The man demanded.
"The Head of the Demon. The League of Assassins. Ra's al Ghul." he said.
"Ghul. We already have assassins at the ready to kill the group the next time they show themselves. Your services are not needed." The man said.
"Oh, you foolish man. You fail to see the bigger picture. To kill the group would be too easy. I seek to use them." Ra's said.
"WHAT?!" the man yelled.
"Think you dolt. The more and more they appear, the more Gotham falls into chaos. Thus we use chaos to gain power." Ra's said.
"No, they must be-" The man tried.
"Silence." A tall figure with a brown colored owl mask emerged from the shadows. From the smell Ra's could tell the brown was dried blood.
"The Judge must be obeyed." The man was quick to say, backing away into the shadows.
"I will humor you this once. Speak your peace." The Judge of Owls said.
"We have a way to stop them. But first, we use them as pawns. Let their popularity soar, let Batman struggle to hold his grip on Gotham's trust. Day by day that grip will weaken. When the moment strikes we take control." Ra's said.
"We have a tight grip on Gotham already. The Batman is of no concern to us. What matters most is that these children's blood soak the streets." The Judge said.
"You have maintained your grip of Gotham for centuries Owl. It is slipping, can you not feel it? The calling of the ignorant masses to be heard." Ra's said
"They will submit or be silenced." The Owl said.
"No, they will be led. Lead by us once again. When all is chaos, when fear and terror tears Gotham to shreds, we will rise from the ashes and build it anew." Ra's promised.
"You are saying to cut off a hand to regain it again. I will not let Gotham fall like you say." The owl said.
"But in it's fall, it can be better. Better than it was before." Ra's sadi.
The judge stood silent for a while in thought.
"One year, I will allow this nonsense for one year. You must prove yourself able Ra's. The Court will not let Gotham fall for long. This is a high risk gamble, you better deliver." The Judge said.
"I will not lose." Ra's smiled.
"Then welcome to the Court of Owls. Do not disappoint us." The Judge said.
Ra's bowed, he smiled in his mind, these fools know nothing of his group at all. A massive conspiracy that was controlled by the Gotham elite was nothing to him. Gotham must burn, and these fools have just agreed to let the igniter stay lit.
They will all soon die.
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The Judge of Owls walked into the shadows, he knew who the Head of the Demon was. The fact that Ra's al Ghul doubted the Court's ability this much was an insult. But the judge also saw this as an opportunity to finally sever the demon's head. With him and the Phantom Thieves playing into his hand Gotham will be in the Court's control for centuries to come. A gamble for power, but one that could yield a massive result.
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May 27th, Midday
Velvet Room
Joker made sure to rely on the new target to the Phantom Thieves. They all took in the new information.
"Basil Karlos? Never heard of him." Skull said.
"Did Bat-mite give any other clues regarding his palace?" Crow asked.
"He said 'As his mind melts and he ruins his fame' I don't know what that could mean though. He is also a sinner of vain. But that is all he gave in terms of clues." Joker said.
"Well we have a whole month to look for the guy. Something is bound to come up." Mona said.
"I'll keep the channels open for any mention of him. Though it's going to be filled with advertisements for that movie remake of his. It's coming out in a couple weeks, and the ads are everywhere. They are really trying to make it a hit." Oracle said.
"We'll have to make sure to watch the dvd set as well. Knowing Bat-mite it's a clue as well." Joker said.
"*sigh* Just make sure it's during the daytime. I hate horror movies." Queen said.
"I'll look online for any other information as well. The movies will help with his career. We should also know the man behind the scenes." Crow said.
"Talia's forces and the Amazons can also be tasked to go out and look for him. I think they were starting to get antsy." Joker said.
"You blokes ready or not?" Constantine took a puff of smoke as they discussed their next course of action.
"Sorry, just wanted to make sure they were all updated. What did you have in mind for this training?" Joker asked.
"You are good as a unit but separated you can be broken apart. Ol' Bats, knowing him, is already plotting a way to separate you all so he can effectively put you all out of commission. With Dr. Fate on board now with full power too...it's a done deal. I've seen all your main spells and while they are good, they need to be much better. One on one is the best way to single out weakness. I've brought tomes to study while I work on aloof you. But the one I should start with is Panther." Constantine said.
"Huh? Why?" Panther asked.
"You are far more powerful than you used to be. You can hardly keep the fire at bay anymore with how powerful it is. You're practically breathin' out smoke hen." Constantine said.
"Oh, I didn't...know…" Panther said.
"Show me. Burn the brightest you can." Constantine said.
Panther obeyed, She lit fires in both of her palms and focused on making them hotter and bigger. Everyone backed away as the heat rose around her, eventually the fire spread across her body again. She was so focused on the heat, she didn't notice she was floating.
"Ann-senpai, you're...flying…" Violet said shocked and in awe.
"Huh?!" Panther looked down and saw the ground, she yelped in shock. She quickly lost control of herself and crashed into a wall.
"LADY ANN ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!" Mona was shoved away by Constantine as he crouched down to look at the dazed girl.
"I take it, this is new for ya?" He asked.
"Y-yeah...I couldn't do this before with my past Personas." Panther said rubbing her head.
"You'll have to explain how all this Persona business works as I train you all. But in the meantime, I'll teach ya to fly." Constantine said.
"Really, you can fly too?" Panther asked.
"It's not as uncommon as ya think love. Most metas and mages can do it without a second thought. It'll be like walking soon enough. Now, can you control smoke as well?" Constantine asked.
"No….well I don't think so…" Panther said.
"I want you to focus on a flame and dim it as much as you can without taking it out." Constantine said.
Panther did just that, a ball of smoke was floating in her hand.
"Now spread it across the body." Constantine instructed.
As she tried, her hand started to disappear, she started to panic.
"Calm yourself love." Constantine said.
Panther took a couple of deep breaths and her hand returned.
"Woah…" Skull said.
"I...could never do that before...what's happening?" Panther asked.
"Just as your body can turn to fire, it seems it can turn to smoke. All without spells too,quite an impressive feat. Even I can't do that." Constantine said.
"So it's good?" Panther asked.
"Ann, as of now, it's your greatest strength." Constantine smirked.
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May 27th, Evening
Park Row, On the Mark Pawnshop.
Rain
Akira walked with Makoto as they closed in on the pawn shop. Constantine let them leave as he focused more on Ann and Ryuji's skill set.
"Why did you have me come here with you again?" Makoto asked.
"I'm starting to think Floyd is getting a little more off put to this whole deal. Akechi and Ryuji aren't the most comforting when it comes to assurance of safety. I needed someone more...level headed." Akira said.
"I see. Understood." Makoto said.
Mona popped out of Akira's bag.
"I would do it myself Queen, but I think it'll take more than a cute cat his daughter likes to sway his paranoia." Mona said.
"I'm sure you've been helpful Mona." Makoto petted Mona's head.
"Here we are. Friendly faces." Akira said, he opened the door for Makoto who walked in first.
"Yo." Floyd said simply.
"Got a lot of goods and a good gun." Akira said.
"Gun first." Floyd said.
Makoto saw a little girl doing homework on the counter besides Floyd, she didn't even hear them come in as her headphones were blasting music. She figured it was the daughter Mona mentioned. She took the available time to look around the shop.
Akira handed Ann's old weapon to Floyd.
"What does this thing do?" Floyd asked.
"It makes the thing it shoots at misable. It has quite a kick in that way." Akira said.
"So it's more painful than a regular gun, that's it?" Floyd asked.
"No I mean basically it messes with the guy's head." Akira said.
"How the hell does that work?" Floyd scoffed.
"The deal was no questions." Akira said.
"This deal has been giving me lamer and lamer guns recently. The way I see it you owe me more than just this, especially with how much shit you're lugging in that bag of yours. Cat is nearly popping out." Floyd said.
"Fine. I have plenty more." Akira pulled out two more guns that the team used to use.
Floyd looked them over and frowned.
"You tryin' to short me?" Floyd scowled.
"Of course not. Three guns is more than fair I would say. Are you trying to hustle me?" Akira scowled back.
"Watch that attitude kid. I don't need this deal, I'm only in it for the guns. And the guns have not been delivering." Floyd said.
Zoe pulled on her dad's pant's leg and looked down.
"Not now sweetie, I'm doing business." Floyd said.
"I only have one question left and I'm stuck. You promised you would help if I was stuck." Zoe pouted.
"*sigh* Hold on" Floyd told Akira as he looked over the paper.
"The hell are they teaching you kids at that school?! You're only five and I'm already not understandin' this shit." Floyd said.
Makoto walked back to Akira.
"Is there a problem?" She asked.
"Zoe is having trouble with homework." Akira siad.
Makoto looked at the paper.
"Oh, I can help with that subject." Makoto offered.
"Huh? Isn't your group a bunch of dropouts?" Floyd scoffed.
"I'll have you know I graduated at the top of my class." Makoto said, scowling.
"Yeah right." Floyd rolled his eyes.
"Here, Zoe right? You are close but you forgot to do this and this." Makoto scribbled on the paper as Zoe watched her solve the question.
"Woah~. Thanks! Now I can go outside and play~" Zoe chirped. She packed her things and skipped outside.
"No problem." Makoto smiled sweetly at the girl.
Floyd snatched the paper and googled the damn answer on his phone. It was correct.
"Believe me now, sir?" Makoto asked.
"Lucky guess." He huffed.
"She is quite advanced for her age. Has she skipped a grade?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah, that Gotham Academy says she's a prodigy or something. I don't know about that, but she's smart enough to where I ain't understand her math anymore." Floyd.
"We are having trouble fulfilling our end of the deal, yes? Perhaps I could tutor her free of charge in exchange." Makoto said.
"...One question isn't enough to warrant a fucking tutor." Floyd said.
"And if her grades start to slip?" Makoto challenged.
"Then I'll hire a fucking tutor. One with actual credentials?" Floyd raised an eyebrow.
"Come on Floyd. Cut the bullshit. Why are you being so stubborn about this?" Akira asked.
"Frankly, I don't trust all of this. Something in my gut is telling me to stop before I get burned. Whoever you guys are, you're giving me bad vibes." Floyd said.
"You give me bad vibes too Floyd. But the deal was to never ask questions about one another's lives. I can let you in, but be ready to answer my own questions as well. That was quite a shot you did with my friend Akechi's gun afterall." Akira said.
Floyd slammed the counter with his fist and stood up, towering over Akira.
"Don't fucking threaten me kid. I can take you all out with one shot. That's a fucking promise." Floyd said darkly.
"You don't have the right to be paranoid and not have it turned against you. Listen, I can take my business elsewhere, but it's a hassle. Plus, I like supporting small business, I haven't seen one fucking customer come in here besides me. Gotham is full of people begging for guns, so why is it people aviod this place like the fucking plague?" Akira challenged.
"Money is not an issue kid. I humored this because of the guns, nothing more nothing less. Fuck everyone in Gotham, with theitr hands up their ass and shit. And fuck you too! Bring in better guns or the deal is fucking off!" Floyd hissed.
A tense silence filled the room, with Mona and Makoto feeling awkward to be in the middle of this argument.
"Fine." Akira pulled out five more guns and put them on the counter.
"Fine." Floyd relented.
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MIRROR HANGED MAN RAK 2/10
NO SKILL ACQUIRED
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"Now, can we fucking trade or not?" Akira asked.
"Whatever." Floyd said.
"Sir, I apologize if I made you cautious. I was just trying to help the deal stay intact." Makoto said.
Floyd raised an eyebrow at Makoto as if she had grown a second head.
"Um...look. We like the current state of things and so do you. What can we do to make you more at ease?" Makoto asked.
"Stay the fuck away from my daughter that's a start. Don't come here before or after school hours. The whole point of this place was to get away from all the bullshit Gotham brings at night. I would move but circumstances won't allow me to do so." Floyd huffed.
"You should have just said that Floyd. I have no problem with that." Akira said.
"Good." Floyd said.
Mona, Makoto, and Akira walked out of the store, Mona took a long breath of relief.
"Jeez that guy is intense." Mona said.
"I thought Iwai was terrifying." Makoto said, shaking a bit.
"He's a fucking marshmello." Akira scoffed.
"Huh?" Makoto asked.
"I can see right through all those walls of toughness. He's in deep in some shit and needs to get out. Just like Iwai, I can see it in his eyes. Dude is just more intense about it." Akira siad.
"I wonder what it is." Mona said.
"Leave it alone for now, guys like that need more convincing." Akira said.
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May 27th, Evening
Velvet Room
As Ann practiced her flight skills, Constantine focused on Ryuji. The rest were dismissed to study their books.
"You got quite a punch kid, but I want to focus on frying enemies more. Shock em' and then kick their ass. Ya get me?" Constantine asked.
"Yeah sure." Ryuji said.
"Ok, first off show me how much power you can put into electric attacks." Constantine said.
Ryuji charged up his most powerful electric attack, the whole room crackled as static took over most of the room.
"Not bad kid, but I can tell the weakness of ya is your magic. You're gonna have to train up hard to match it to your physical shit." Constantine said.
"Why?" Ryuji asked.
"Think of it as instead of being good at one thing, you'll be good at two things." Constantine smirked.
"Oh...HEY!" Ryuji realized he was being insulted.
"Bloody hell, mate. You really are a tank through and through." Constantine laughed.
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May 27th, Evening
Grand Avenue, Gotham Public Access
Rain
Harvey's PR manager was sweating.
"Are you sure you want to do this sir?" He asked.
"It's the only way, I have to comfort the public. Trust me this is the best move." Dent said.
"I worry how this will affect the election sir, Vickie Vale is not known to hold back with questions." the Pr manager said.
"That's what I'm counting on. Going into the Lion's den shows confidence after all." Dent smiled
Dent sat down in a chair across from Vale, she straightened up her papers and offered him a polite smile.
"Thank you for offering us this interview Mr. Dent. I want to warn you though, I won't go easy." Vicki smiles playfully.
"Don't hold back on my account Miss. Vale. Unleash hell." Dent chuckled.
"I'll hold you to that." Vicki said.
The interview began.
"Welcome to Gotham tonight with your host Vicki Vale." the announcer said.
"Hello, tonight is a special night as we are joined by district attorney and mayoral candidate, Harvey Dent. Thank you for joining us tonight." Vicki said.
"Pleasure is all mine." Dent smiled.
"We have gathered questions from people all over Gotham to ask you tonight sir. Many question your and the GCPD's ability, or rather lack thereof. Care to elaborate on these claims?" Vicki asked.
"Ah, yes. The age old question. The answer is simple ma'am. Me and my associates at the GCPD are given a raw deal by current mayor Hamilton Hill. You see him and the other current leader of Gotham have stripped down the policing budget down to scraps. We barely can keep the lights on with the amount they give. Thankfully donors like Mr. Wayne have helped greatly in that area. So now we can afford more people, more cars, and more importantly more security for Blackgate and the Asylum." Harvey said.
"Yes, regarding the prisons. How would you improve upon them?" Vicki asked.
"To start I would gut the leadership. It is clear that they are either inept or bribied. I would allow neither in my leadership." Dent said, sternly.
"But with the new Asylum's warden, Dr. Hugo Strange, there has not been one escapee. Would you get rid of him as well?" Vicki asked.
"Frankly, he hasn't been in charge for long. Joker hasn't even been able to be arrested again. Until I see how he handles that lunatic, I doubt his ability as well." Harvey said.
"What are your thoughts on Batman, would you allow him to still fly over Gotham with little consequence?" Vicki asked.
"Look. Miss Vale...I know how much we all respect Batman and his associates, even more so with the League. But I think it's time us non powered, regular hard working people get control back on crime. We can not forever be dependent on such heroes. We must band together and build a better society." Dent said.
"So you would arrest him?" Vicki pressed.
"We must abide by the rules our forefathers have written. It would be a transition, but eventually, under my leadership, Batman won't have a reason to fight." Harvey said.
"Bold words, Mr. Dent. Especially with what Mr. Sharp had to say earlier this morning regarding your ability." Vicki said.
"What was that Miss?" Dent asked.
"He stated that the police, that you aren't enough, we have to build a city to keep the criminals in control. To have them fend for themselves in such a city, away from the rest of the world." Vicki said.
"That is sheer insanity." Dent said.
"He doesn't seem to think so, he challenged you and the GCPD saying that the city would be run by a private security team. An inescapable fortress that will keep the city safe." Vicki said.
"Surely you don't think such a plan would work." Harvey said.
"My opinion does not matter in this regard. I'm simply stating what he himself has claimed. As much as I can respect you and the GCPD's work, time and time again criminals have taken the city. His views may be extreme, but they are also a new idea that has not been tried, within our system." Vicki said.
"I will not allow such a thing to be. Besides, Sharp has failed time and again to keep the asylum contained. Why should people think he's leadership will bear fruit at all?" Harvey challenged.
"That is a good point. However the same could be said about you, Mr. Dent." Vicki said.
"As prosecutor I have imprisoned hundreds of inmates. The fact is without the prisons being up to parm they escape again and again. That is why I am running, to finally get control of this city." Dent said.
"But you and the GCPD have another thing you are currently failing at." Vicki said.
"And that is?" Dent asked.
"The Phantom Thieves. Everyone is either praising them, or is absolutely terrified of them. Regardless of whatever good they do, mass chaos has always followed from their work. People are demanding their capture, but you and the GCPD have failed to do so at the current moment." Vicki said.
Dent clenched his fist, it aching for his coin.
"We have our best men looking for them, it's only a matter of time before they are apprehended." Dent said.
"Mr. Dent. With all due respect, we are talking about a group confirmed to be mostly teenagers. Why should we trust your leadership if you cannot capture a bunch of, to put it bluntly, unruly children." Vicki said.
Dent's eye twitched.
"You and I both know they are more than that. I recall you claiming they are terrorists, the government themselves backing up that claim." Dent gritted out.
"That may be. But the facts remain as such. How have they alluded capture for so long? How are they doing what they are doing? And most of all, why aren't they answering to the law?" Vickie challenged.
"They will, I promise it. I put my reputation on it." Dent said.
"Is that so?" Vicki asked.
"Within the year, we will find them, and they will answer to our courts. That is a promise." Dent said.
"Well, let's hope unlike other politicians, you can keep that promise. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Dent." Vale said.
"My pleasure." Dent fakely smiled.
The cameras were off, Dent exchanged pleasantries with Vale and left.
The voice in his head was banging against the walls, frothing at the mouth in anger. He was quick to go to the roof for a moment of silence, alone.
He took out his coin and started to flip it, over and over again.
"Bitch should learn her place." Big Bad Harv said.
"I knew it would come up, to put me on the defensive." Harvey said.
"Those brats need to die. Now.." Big Bad Harv hissed.
"They will face justice, same as everyone else." Harvey said.
Harvey push\ed the voice back into the depths of his mind. He did the breathing exercise his therapist taught him all those years ago. He is in control, he will be in control. Gotham will be saved, he will fight to the end to make it so.
Sharp and Hill don't stand a chance, because truth and honesty will win in the end. And he knew both of them had deep pockets in Gotham's underbelly. If only he had the damn proof.
And the Phantom Thieves...he'll find them. He had to…
"Heads...if the Phantom Thieves will be captured." He said to himself.
The coin flipped, landing on heads, like it always did. He'll make his own luck in winning if he has to.
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MIRROR JUDGEMENT 2/10
SKILL ACQUIRED: Pretrial
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May 27th, Night
Burnley
Rain
Batman slammed through the door of an abandoned building, a bunch of men in robes were in a pentagram circle...with a woman bound to it. The assumed leader was holding a sacrificial knife and spell book.
Batman cursed under his breath as he quickly took out all of the men, saving the woman.
"Thank you...thank you…" The woman sobbed.
"The police should be here in minutes. Until then stay here." Batman grabbed the spell book and walked out of the building.
"Fate. That was the last place, you better not be holding things from me." Batman gritted out as he grappled to a rooftop.
"I assure you I am not Batman. If you did not find them, then it is clear they are using concealment spells. A barrier that blocks the detection of magic use. I should have known...but how can a bunch of children be able to cast such a powerful spell?" Fate wondered.
"Constantine came back for more than to pay respects. He said as much himself." Batman said.
"That makes things much more difficult than. John is a slippery one, he knows how to avoid my detection quite well. I can track him with my own spells, however it would take a lot of energy in casting and most likely he'll catch on before we can apprehend them." Fate said.
"Dammit. You said you would help with this. But we're right back to where we were." Batman gritted out.
"John may be slippery but his luck comes from the fall of others. He will eventually run, like he always does. It is in his nature. When he leaves the Thieves unguarded that is when we strike. That is one of the many reasons their fate is sealed." Fate said.
"Not enough. I need results now. I want them in custody before the sun rises." Batman demanded.
"You will have no such luck, for it is not in the cards." Fate said.
"I will personally break every door down in Gotham to find them." Batman growled as he began to upload Tim's layout off the city. He went to the nearest building.
It was empty. He left…
The rain poured on Batman as he gritted his teeth, he broke down another door. Empy…
"Master Bruce…" Alfred called.
Batman ignored the call as he punched through another door. Empty…
He growled…
"Master Bruce…" Alfred called again.
Batman silenced his comms, as he glided to another building. He slammed through the door…
Empty….
"They must pay...they must all pay...I made a promise to avenge my fallen…" The general in his head said, darkly.
Another door….Empty…
Another door….Empty
Another….
Another….
Another…
"BRUCE!" Oracle's voice screeched in his ear. Alfred must have called in concern, and she hacked her way into his comm.
"Not. Now…" Batman growled.
"Alfred is worried. We're both worried. You need to think clearly Bruce. People need you focused or they will die." Oracle said.
"Master Bruce...I know what this is really about. What happened with Miss. Kyle wasn't your fault." Alfred said, calmly.
"I could have saved her, they went after her because of me." Batman said.
"Master Bruce… you can still save her. There must be a way to break the spell. Do not let your guilt overtake your soul. Not again." Alfred said.
"..." Batman said silent for a few moments.
"Master Bruce. We can still win. You can still win. They may have won a battle. But they most certainly have not won the war. The question is, are you going to be able to do what needs to be done?" Alfred scolded.
"I will." Batman said.
"Swear on it." Alfred said.
"I swear...on my parent's grave. That they will not win this war." Batman said.
"Good man. But there is a separate war you must fight. The war waged by the criminals on the streets. Riddler has made a move. He is holding a hostage in a building in the Diamond District." Alfred said.
"I'm on my way." Batman said.
Alfred knew that was Batman's silent thanks. Ever since that night as a child he has been distant in his affection and gratitude. Alfred smiled, the man he raised was back on his feet.
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May 27th Night
Arkham Asylum
Rain
Guards dragged the trembling Jervis Tetch away from the corner and back to his cell. Crane took the bag off his head and smiled as he wrote down his new found research. It took a couple of weeks to figure out what was wrong with both Sionis and Tetch.
He had to back up and focus on something different than his field of counseling. It came to him from a dream, a weird figure whispering in his ear. A change of cognition. OF COURSE!
Cognitive psience was a very niche category in the field of psychology. But everything matched up. He has worked to improve his gas to perfect his work. Reverse engineering the Phantom's work with his own spin. Progress was slow, but the way Tetch now wet himself in his presence convinced him he was getting somewhere.
Soon the Phantom Thieves and Batman would cower before him. Then Gotham...then the world…
Even Strange will yield to his gas...but for now he would bide his time and work in these great conditions.
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MIRROR COUNCILLOR RANK 1/10
NO SKILL ACQUIRED
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AN: this interlude will be a 2-3 parter. As recommended, I must set up more things to come and make the villains have more bite. So hang in there. I'm barely getting started.
Stay tuned~
