Standing in front of them was a giant golden gas cloud. Whenever anyone tried to touch it, their hands would pass right through. They then tried summoning their Personas, but not even their inner selves could touch it. Morgana clapped her hands to get their attention as they got more and more frustrated.

"Alright, so… as you guys have seen, we can't really touch or interact with the Treasure in any way, and there's a reason for that. See, since the Treasure is just 'desires' it can't take a physical form."

"You couldn't have mentioned that before we almost died to a poison mist, cyclops elephant, and hauled our asses up a volcano?!" Yu yelled.

"Hey let me finish!" Morgana snapped back.

Yu crossed his arms, and motioned for Morgana to continue.

"However! Every person has specific desires, but to make those desires manifest, then the person will have to be aware that they can be stolen."

"You lost me there." Shiho interrupted.

"Basically, if we tell Kobayakawa that we're going to steal his heart, then this gas cloud will take the shape of something physical. Something we can steal."

"But that'll put Kobayakawa on guard. Palace security would skyrocket." Akechi pointed out.

"Yea, not to mention, if we told Kobayakawa that we are going to make him confess, he'd probably try to take us down before that." Shiho added.

"Then we won't tell him ourselves. We'll leave him a card, one that tells him that we know what he's done, and that we'll take his distorted desires without fail." Yu responded.

"Oooh, I like that!" Morgana purred.

"A calling card? Yes… yes, I see. Leave writing it to me, Seeker." Akechi said.

"Alright. But make sure your schedules are cleared. Once the target has seen the card, the effect will only last about 12 hours. And once that time's up, then that golden cloud? It'll vanish forever, so we'll have to steal the Treasure within those 12 hours." Morgana informed.

"Got it. Everyone free for tomorrow afternoon?"

"Well, chances are, once Kobayakawa sees the card, I will be the most likely suspect, so I might not be able to join you." Akechi pointed out.

"Then we'll just have to make do." Shiho stated matter-of-factly.

"Right. If there's nothing back, let's get back to the real world, and prepare." Yu ordered.

Yu and the others had made their way back to the real world, and gone their separate ways. Right now, Yu had wandered into a park. It was lovely, with a pond, trees that had just finished blooming, and singing birds. Best part? No one else was here. He sat on a nearby rock and started to think about what could happen tomorrow. They hadn't seen Kobayakawa's Shadow in action, and if he followed the same rules as the other Shadows, then he would transform into something to fight them. What that something was, Yu had no idea. And worse yet, they would most likely be down a man. He let out a sigh as he looked across the serene pond. There were so many ways this could go wrong, and if it did, then it wouldn't just be him who would pay the price. But moping and thinking wouldn't help anyone. He got up to leave, but stopped when he heard a voice.

"Excuse me, could you stay in that position please?" A man asked.

Yu looked to the voice's source, and saw a man standing there. He couldn't have been older than a highschooler. He wore a plain white button-up shirt, with a Fleur de Lis on it. Attached to his black dress pants was a keychain, and his arms, legs, and body in general all looked way too skinny and small for a teenager. His hair was parted to one side and seemed so black it almost looked blue. Yu noticed that he had a canvas with him, as well as several paints and brushes, and yet, he was using a pencil to work on a sketchbook. Yu had no idea how this guy was able to sneak up on him with all that. Was he that deep in thought?

"Are you an artist?"

"I am."

"What's your name?"

"I am Yusuke Kitagawa. And I would appreciate it immensely if you returned to your previous position." He replied from behind the canvas.

"Ok." Yu said, returning to sitting on the rock. After some minutes, he heard a groan from Yusuke.

"It's no use. The magic is gone."

"Is something wrong?"

"Yes. There was an intense look in your gaze, one that compelled me to try and immortalize it in art, but sadly, that gaze is gone, like a camp fire in a blizzard." Yusuke lamented.

"That's a shame."

"Do you think you could have that gaze again? Think about whatever it was before."

Yu decided to try. He tried to think about the coming battle, but he just couldn't focus. His mind began to wander instead to Yusuke, his mind curious about his new guest. Yu snuck a glance to see what he could determine about Yusuke based on his appearance, before going back to looking at the pond.

"Yes! That's it! Hold that gaze!" Yusuke shouted as Yu began to think.

What is your hypothesis Narukami?

His Fleur de Lis had the number 2 on it, and it's on a plain white button-up shirt, so I'm guessing he's in high school, and the number could signify his year. His skinny body suggests one of three things; he's poor and trying to scrape money, or he's so dedicated to his passion that he neglects his personal health for favor of painting/sketching, or both of those. His keychain suggests that he lives in a house, one that's in a lower-income community, as he will have to lock many things to keep potential thieves out, which further adds credibility to the idea that he's very poor. But not poor enough to paint/draw for money. If that was true, he wouldn't be out in the park drawing whatever caught his eye.

There's also the fact that he didn't ask for our permission to be drawn. This means either he thought he'd be done before we moved, or he has poor people skills.

Or both.

"Finished! Would you like to see the fruits of our labor?" Yusuke asked, putting his pencil down. Yu got up and examined the finished product. If you looked at the face sketched, you wouldn't assume it belonged to a teenager, but to a battle-hardened warrior. The intensity of his grey eyes gave the impression not of a boy trapped on probation, but of a hero who stood against the evils of the world. Yu had to admit, it was a good look on him.

"Wow. I'm impressed." Yu admitted.

"Thank you. I must ask, do you come here often… um…"

"Narukami. Yu Narukami."

"Do you come here often Narukami-san? I would love to sketch you again some other time. You are far more agreeable and easier to work with than other people."

"I'm not sure. This is honestly the first time I've come here."

"Truly? Then it must be fate that I've made your acquaintance today Narukami-san."

"Heh, you could say that. What about you, you come here often?"

"It's infrequent. Mostly you can find me in the Sibuya subway people watching, should you wish to model for me again."

"You know, I'm surprised I haven't heard of you, given your skills."

"I'm not famous, true. But perhaps you would know my sensei's name; Ichiryusai Madarame."

Yu's eyes widened.

"Sensei? You were his student?"

"And his destroyer."

Yu crossed his arms, a small smile starting to form on his lips. His curiosity was piqued

"I sense a story behind this."

"If you have the time and patience."

"I don't have anywhere to be." Yu argued, determined to see how many of his guesses were correct.

Yusuke's lips grew into a small smile. He gestured for Yu to take a seat.

"Very well. One day, while I was painting in the shack that was our home, I heard him talking outside the window, then I heard a voice I did not recognize. At first, I ignored it, until I heard the name 'Sayuri' escape the stranger's lips."

"The Sayuri? Isn't that a famous painting?"

"Yes. It's also the source of my inspiration as an artist. When the masked man opened a suitcase full of cash, Sensei then proceeded to hand the painting in exchange for the money. He had sold the artwork of my dreams to a man who couldn't even show his face. Naturally, I was distraught over what I witnessed. The next morning, I went to Sense-ahem-Madarame to confront him about it. But I was surprised to see that the Sayuri was still hanging in it's usual spot. I then thought it was all a dream. Until I saw the same suitcase, now half empty, lying outside Madarame's room."

"And you decided to get to the bottom of it." Yu guessed.

"I thought about confronting Madarame, but decided against it. I had received warnings and heard rumors about how he had treated pupils before me, but I had never received such treatment before. But I decided that it would be best to investigate myself, then confront him with the proof. I knew the shack from top to bottom, save one; a door he kept locked at all times."

"And you started there."

"Yes. I snuck into Madarame's room, stole the key, and went inside. I was expecting unfinished works, scrapped ideas, but I found something far more horrifying; forged copy upon forged copy of the Sayuri. Hundreds of them were cluttered in that room. I took as many photos as possible, and I realized the claims of abuse and plagiarism might have had some merit. I contacted the police. And none other than the Detective Prince himself answered my call."

"What happened then?"

"Once I told him what I had witnessed, and showed him the evidence, he agreed to investigate Madarame. It was a slow crawl, but thanks to his detective skills, and some help from me, we figured out Madarame wasn't just forging Sayuri copies and selling them. He was replicating the work of his former pupils and selling the counterfeits to art enthusiasts. I confronted him about this, and he threatened me, told me that if I didn't keep my mouth shut, he would throw me out, and do to my artworks what he had been doing to his previous pupils' works. The man who raised me, fed me, clothed me, taught me everything I knew… saw me only as livestock." Yusuke explained, his hands clenching so hard his knuckles turned white.

"That's terrible. You must have been devastated."

"You have no idea. Fortunately, Akechi was able to record the whole thing. That was the last nail in the coffin. With that, and the woman Sae Niijima's help, they were able to put Madarame behind bars, and deliver justice to his victims."

"Wow. What happened after that?"

"After that, I inherited the shack, and Akechi-san and I stay on very good terms to this very day."

"I see."

Suddenly, there was a boom of thunder, and off in the distance, the two boys could see dark, stormy skies rolling in.

"Well, I for one, say we should get going." Yu suggested.

"Agreed. If the sketch suffered damage from the rain, or lost because of the winds, I'd never forgive myself." Yusuke agreed.

"It was nice meeting you Narukami-san. And most refreshing to talk to someone on a subject other than being my model."

"And you too, Yusuke."

The two exchanged a small bow between each other and went on their way to their respective homes.

I am thou. Thou art I.

Thou has acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of freedom that will lead thee to the truth.

With the birth of the Hanged Man Arcana,

Thou hast obtained the blessing that will grant thee new power.

Yu barely managed to make it back to the apartment in time before the rain started to come down hard. A giant thunderstorm was predicted to hit, and Yu also saw some lightning in the distance. When he entered the living room he saw Makoto was busy studying as usual, so he decided to join her. But with what was going down tomorrow, he could barely focus on his homework. He decided to concentrate his efforts on the pieces that were due tomorrow, then grab some food, and see if he could hit the hay.

"Yu-kun?" Makoto asked.

"Yes Makoto?"

"Is everything alright? You seem… disturbed."

"It's nothing."

"If that was true, you would be done with homework by now."

Shit. Think Narukami, think.

"I was visiting the park today, and someone just came up and started sketching my face."

"Really? Was he in the shadows? Did you get a good look at his face? Were you followed?" Makoto asked rapid-fire, her posture starting to tense up.

"He said his name was Yusuke Kitagawa."

Makoto visibly relaxed and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Oh. It was Yusuke. Well, don't worry about him, he's harmless. Though, if he does bother you, tell him you personally know Sae Niijima."

"What's the history?"

"Well, while Sis and Akechi-kun were in the process of taking down Madarame, Sis asked Yusuke-kun to come over to our house, for his protection and to interview him. Once that was done, he asked Sis if she wanted him to paint her."

"Oh. That doesn't sound too ba-"

"Nude."

Yu's jaw hit the floor and his eyes filled the air for a good five minutes.

"How the hell is he still alive?"

"Well, I already told you, Sis carries a taser on her person. And with Yusuke… let's just say she aimed for the lower regions of the body. Several times."

Yu involuntarily let out a shudder at the comment. He felt a buzz in his pocket and whipped out his phone.

"It's starting to get late. I'll cook us something, then I'm heading to bed." Makoto stated, putting away her books and starting the cooking process. Yu looked at her and gave her a 'sounds good' before turning to his friends.

Morgana: Be sure to get extra sleep tonight. We don't know what'll be waiting for us.

Shiho: We know Morgana. Let's meet up as soon as school is over. How's the Calling Card going?

Morgana: Akechi's cutting out newspaper kanji to make it. He has a very specific message he wants to send.

Yu: Any idea what we should expect from Kobayakawa's Shadow?

Morgana: None. No person's Shadow is the same, because each person is unique, and a Shadow is the repressed true self. And remember: we kill the Shadow, we kill the person.

Shiho: That won't stop us. We've come this far. I won't let you guys down, no matter what!

Yu: I appreciate the enthusiasm. And don't worry. We will win.

Morgana: That's the spirit!

Morgana: Akechi asks 'Shiho, do you still have Ushimaru's number?'

Shiho: Oh right! I told him I'd be ready to tell him who hurt me in a few days. When should I call him?

Yu: I have an idea. Why don't you call Ushimaru near the end of school? That way, Ushimaru will have to talk to Kobayakawa and let Akechi off the hook. Then he can join us in the Palace.

Shiho: Ooooh! That's a good idea!

Morgana: Akechi approves of the idea, and he'll be sure to try and meet us at the school gates. He also says that once Kobayakawa gets tattled on, he's probably gonna try and track down Sae and show her the pics, so we should be as fast as possible.

Yu: Alright, then it's settled. Tomorrow, Akechi will reveal the calling card to Kobayakawa. Before school ends, Shiho will call Ushimaru and tell him what Kobayakawa did to her. After that, we head to the Palace, steal the Treasure, and do everything in our power to get out alive.

Shiho: Got it.

Morgana: Be sure to go to sleep guys. We'll need it.

Yu: Do you hound Akechi to go to bed like this?

Akechi: Yes, she does.

"Yu-kun, are you alright? You seem nervous." Makoto asked.

The two of them are on their way to school, same as usual. Yu's Personas, Izanagi included, were rolling in his stomach, anticipation for the upcoming battle starting to build. Anticipation that Yu apparently couldn't hide, since Makoto had to ask about it.

"Are you still worried about Yusuke-kun? I told you, he's harmless."

"It's not him. It's Shiho."

"I've been visiting her in the hospital. According to the doctors, she'll be well enough to attend school, starting tomorrow."

"That's good to hear. Wonder if she'll finally say who did that to her."

Makoto's brow furrowed.

"If she does tell us who's responsible, I'll make sure he regrets it."

You'll have to wait in line.

"I believe it. But about Shiho, I'm worried that she'll be a target again if she talks." Yu explained.

"Don't worry. If she talks, Sis can keep her safe. And I can follow her around, if need be."

"Oh yea? I don't see you as a stalker."

"Hey! I can be a great stalker if I wanted!" Makoto yelled, immediately blushing when she realized just how poorly that sounded out of context. Yu simply laughed as the train doors opened and they made their way to school.

"Sorry, but whenever I think of you following someone, all I can see is you holding up a manga, hiding your face and thinking that's enough."

"W-well… it might be." Makoto countered, earning another smirk from Yu.

"No it's not."

By now, they had arrived at Shujin Academy, and Yu could tell there was quite a bit of commotion going on, judging by how many voices were heard from the second floor. Both Yu and Makoto were surprised to see a gaggle of students standing around the announcement board, where people would post flyers meant to inform student of upcoming events. But instead of flyers, or posters, there were red cards tapped on top of them. On each of the cards were the same message and a logo of a top hat with two eyes and a magnification glass on one of the eyes. Yu and Makoto got close enough to read the message they all conveyed.

To Coach Kobayakawa, the glutton of Shujin;

We know of your sins, of the pain you have inflicted upon the students of this place. We know that you blackmail, threaten, and abuse the children of this academy, simply because you are obsessed with giving it the illusion of a prestigious school, with no remorse or pity for the damage it causes. We know you hunger for more power than you deserve, even going so far as to manipulate the faculty and graduates of this school to obtain it, because you see this place as your own private nation, and you desire to see it elevated to global recognition, even if it means tearing families apart or driving some to attempt suicide. For that reason, we have decided to take your distorted desires without fail, and make you confess to your wicked ways with your own mouth.

Signed:

The Phantom Team.

"Who wrote this garbage?" One student asked, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Oh come on. I think it's pretty cool." Another countered.

"Think Akechi-senpai did this?"

"Nah man. Akechi's smart enough to know better than to let the coach know he's coming for him."

"Plus, if Akechi-senpai had the ability to make Kobaya-cunt confess, he would've used it sooner."

The murmurs continued until a voice with pure malice boomed.

"Who called me Kobaya-cunt?! And what's going on here?!"

Kobayakawa's voice made everyone tremble and back away on instinct. As he looked and read the cards, Akechi walked up the stairs.

"Are you ready?" Akechi whispered, earning a silent nod from Yu.

"Akechi! Where's that-THERE YOU ARE!" Kobayakawa roared upon spotting the red-eyed teen.

"What's wrong Kobayakawa?" Akechi asked in a tone so pleasant it was almost mocking.

"Explain yourself!"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Akechi replied calmly.

Suddenly, there was a flash, and for a moment, Akechi, Yu, and Kobayakawa were standing all alone together, on an endless black plane. But Kobayakawa had transformed into his Shadow, his sickly yellow eyes drilling holes into Akechi and Yu.

"You wish to overthrow me?! Come and try Akechi! This attempt will fail, just like all the others." It taunted.

Another flash, and this time, they were back in Shujin, and Kobayakawa was back to his original self.

"Akechi, follow me. The two of us are going to have a talk with the principle." Kobayakawa snarled. Akechi gave a small nod to Yu, who gave one in return.

School was almost out. Akechi had to spend most of the beginning arguing with Kobayakawa and defending himself, much to his annoyance. Kobayakawa tried, and tried hard to pin the blame on Akechi, but the ace detective had thought of everything. Now, with the bell almost about to ring, Akechi felt relief and joy to see the phone ring in the principal's office, and Ushimaru took on a grim face before turning to Kobayakawa. The bell rang, and the big-boned man told Akechi that he could leave, and he had to restrain himself from knocking over people as he did. He saw Yu, and the two students bolted to the gates. Ushimaru would be able to keep their enemy busy, but he could only do so for so long. Eventually, Kobayakawa's blackmail would make it to the police if they didn't steal the Treasure in time. Akechi and Yu ran to the alleyway and saw Morgana and Shiho waiting for them. With the push of a button, the four Tricksters entered the Metaverse.

The race against the clock had begun.