Persona 5 Royal: Our Light
Tuesday, July 5th, 2016
Settling with the new device in hand, Minato fumbles with his new phone in the car. After everything was settled, Kikuno was tasked with taking Minato over to Shibuya Station to meet with the Phantom Thieves. Of course everyone was skeptical to leaving Minato all on his own once again but he assures that he'll be alright for today.
"So this only has a power button, media buttons and this big button on the screen?" Minato asked.
"Yes, those mainly open up the phone. You do remember the password to access the menu right?" Kukino asked.
"The year of my "death" of course." Minato said. "While we wished you preferred to use something else, it would have to do for now." Kukino said.
"Well you guys said my birth year was off the table so 2010 was the next thing that came to mind." Minato said as he opened up his phone. He scrolls through the screen to look through the basic apps that were preinstalled.
"Esshh by the amount of apps, it seem like you can do more than just call and text." Minato said.
"Post and watch videos, download music, access the internet, play games, order pretty much anything you desire and have it deliver to your front door. Smartphones have come a long way since they were something only the elites and high society own. Now everyone has one." Kukino explains while Minato continues to examine his phone.
"One of those apps is a GPS map so it'll be able to tell you where you are and you can set destinations so you don't get lost again." Kukino said.
"Oh good because I'm not looking forward to getting lost all over again." Minato said.
"We're coming up on Shibuya Station. By the way, I took the liberty of including everyone's contact information into your phone, including mine. So when you're done here, call me so I can pick you up." Kukino said as Minato disembarks from the car.
"Good luck." Kukino reminds as she pulls away. Minato looks around the massive foot traffic to and from the station and figures to walk there. Pass the square, Minato spots a hefty man giving a soapbox speech trying to get people's attention. By his words, suit and sash, Minato could tell he was a politician. Minato never really paid much attention to politics even before he "died", seeing politics as unnecessary noise. Mitsuru surely shows such distain for it as being the one who deals with it all the time.
Focusing back to the task at hand, Minato leaves and heads to the station entrance. It was a bit pass four so Ren and Morgana must be waiting for him by now. Sure enough, they were and Ren was in his Shujin summer uniform.
"Ren, Morgana." Minato caught the duo's attention. "Woah, nice threads." Morgana said. "What'd you do, raid a tailor's shop? Not that I'm complaining. I take it you met up with your friends?" Ren said.
"By extreme luck yes. Not only that but they were able to hook me up with a with Metro Pass, some funding and a phone." Minato said.
"Awesome, for a second I thought we would still have trouble to get in contact. What else did they give you? A place to crash?" Ren asked.
"That too but they said they'll show me once we're done." Minato said. "Sheesh, you must have friends in high places." Ren asked. "You have no idea. So, are you gonna show me this hideout of yours?" Minato asked.
"Actually we have to make a detour first, everyone promised to wait a bit longer. Come with us." Ren invites as Minato follows. "Where are we going?" He asked. "You'll see." Ren smirked.
Hidden in an alleyway, Minato face the airsoft shop with a green neon sign. "An airsoft shop." Minato spoke in an unimpressed manner.
"It's where I get everyone's gear. Iwai runs the joint. He's pretty chill as long as you don't ask many questions." Ren said.
"Who in their right mind sells arms and amour to a minor?" Minato said.
"Like I said, he's pretty chill if you don't ask too many questions. Besides the guns the melee weapons aren't actually real. They're just very realistic models that make the noise of it. They can't shoot anything." Ren said as Minato was confused.
"Remember rookie, the nature of the Metaverse thrives on cognition so as long as the shadows believe the weapon is real then it'll work as the real deal." Morgana said.
"Okay...look let's just get his over with." Minato said. "Not yet, first I need to know what's your cup of tea on weapons." Ren said.
"I was...a Jack of all Trades in everything but I'd always work best with One-Handed Swords." Minato said.
"And guns?" Ren asked.
"I don't know, when I transformed back in Mementos I had a pistol in my holster. I never got a chance to use it." Minato said.
"We usually keep things diverse in terms of weapons. For instances, I use pistols, Ryuji uses Boomsticks, Ann has SMGs, Yusuke got Assault Rifles, Makoto's got Revolvers, and for some reason Mona here is comfortable with a Slingshot. If you had a different kind of pistol then what about Machine Pistols?" Ren said.
"Honestly I don't care, I can work with anything so I'll go with a Machine Pistol." Minato said. "Machine Pistol it is. Let's go inside." Ren invites as Minato figured this would be an unusual trip.
Walking back to the station took its time as Minato held the brown paper bag in hand and the scabbarded sword hidden in his suit. "A Beretta 93R. And you wanted me to take something rather vintage." Minato said.
"Hey, the Mauser M712 has charm plus it was cheaper." Ren said. "I promise to pay you back once I get settled in my new place." Minato said. "You don't have to." Ren said.
"I will. As your Senpai and someone who knows what it's like to burn through money, I promise to pay you back." Minato said.
They entered the Walkway where everyone was waiting by the rails. "About time you guys showed up." said Ryuji.
"Sorry, we had to get this guy all geared up." Morgana said. "So, are we going to this hideout you guys spoke of?" Minato said.
"This is it pal. You're standing in it." Ryuji said which left Minato baffled. "The walkway...it's this secret hideout you guys spoke of." Minato spoke plainly.
"We used to meet on top of our school roof until Makoto ban us from going there." Ann said. "It wasn't my decision. Plus if we still met up there, we would be flagged as more suspicious." Makoto said.
"If this is taking the idea of 'hiding in plain sight' into play then this is a bad example of it." Minato said.
"Where else are we suppose to meet then. We're just high school students." Ryuji said. "Okay, I get it." Minato halts the discussion.
"By the quality of that suit, you seem to afford the finer things in life." Yusuke said. "I agree, where'd you manage to get a cool suit." Ann asked.
"Enough about the suit please...if you must know I manage to reunite with my friends from before who help me get settled in with this suit, a place to live and this phone." Minato said.
"Awesome, now we can share our contact info and chat ID with you." Ann said as everyone shared their number with Minato and vise versa.
"With that settled, can we finally get started Ren?" Makoto asked as Ren prepares the MetaNav. "Get ready everyone."
"Junya Kaneshiro
Bank
All of Shibuya
Beginning Navigation"
The world around them wrapped around as reality went into flux and then realign into a new world. The Phantom Thieves appeared in front of the bank hovering over all of Shibuya. Minato took the new scenery in, the sky was green like the Dark Hour from before, papers of yen floated in the air and the kids in their Phantom Thief outfit reminded him of his. He looks down to feel the leg long tailcoat jacket with his dark blue gloves. With his sword scabbarded on his back and his Beretta 93R in its holster, he really did feel like some rouge back in the 18th century.
"Before we enter, we first have to come up with a Codename for you." Joker said. "What are your guys' then?" Minato asked.
"Skull"
"Panther."
"Mona"
"Queen."
"Fox."
And finally me, Joker."
"Joker? You not much of a comedian." Minato said. "Ouch, talk about throwing shade." Joker plays. "Jokes aside, what do you think we should call you?" Panther asked.
"How about Outlaw?" Fox offered. "Too simple. Next." Minato said.
"How about Emo?" Skull snickered. "Really? You wanna get smack or something?" Minato threatens.
"Rogue?" Queen offers. "No, Rogue by definition means an unprincipled individual. If I'm gonna be doing heroics even outside of the law then I'm already operating with a set of principles in mind." Minato explains.
"Well Joker, you always come up with the best suggestions." Panther said as Joker was in thought. Meanwhile Minato looked up to see the full yellow-ish moon in the sky. This scenery really reminded him too much of the Dark Hour. His mind drawn to old memories. "The moon." Minato stares.
"When the clock strikes midnight is when the Dark Hour commence."
"We have a full moon tonight. It sure looks creepy during the Dark Hour."
"Dark Hour...Moon...Midnight...Midnight." Minato thought as that word draws to him.
"I got one. Midnight." Minato said.
"Midnight? You sure." Joker asked.
"Positive. I've always had a connection to night life and under the cover of midnight was always when my friends and I operated to take on Shadows. It was always something that shadowed over me so perhaps why not embrace it." Minato said.
"Huh that's good reasoning for the name." Mona said.
"And here I thought you got Midnight from some Western movie." Skull said.
"Welcome to the team Midnight." Joker said.
"So how do you guys do this?" Midnight asked. "We do a team of four while the others remain close by and out of sight in case of backup." Joker explains. "That's smart, it's a social order my team and I used to do." Midnight said.
"So what's the order today Joker?" Fox asked. "Hmm...normally I would let Midnight hang back just to see how we operate but being a seasoned Persona User, I'll include him in. This will be followed by Queen, and Mona. Any questions?" Joker said.
"Being a former leader, it's gonna be different to follow someone else's lead. But it's your show and I'll follow your lead Mini-Me." Midnight said causing the others to snicker.
"Okay...first don't call me Mini-Me please. Second, any other questions." Joker asked as no one had any. "Okay, let's wrapped this place up." Joker said as he lead everyone to the bank.
According to Joker, they had to trek through areas they previously pass until hitting a Safe Room before entering an elevator that would lead to the Underground Vault area of the bank. Riding down the elevator was quite a long trip in Minato's mind.
"You still got those notes from last time Queen?" Joker asked as Queen handled him a set of notepapers. "I still haven't been able to decode what they mean though." Queen said.
"I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually." Fox said. "Woah." Skull cries.
Woah indeed. Before their eyes the Phantom Thieves saw a large room filled with thousands of vaults. But what caught Queen and Midnight's eye was the distinct shape the vault was.
"Are all these vaults filled with riches?" Fox asked. "There's no way we can check every single one for the Treasure." Panther adds. "We may not have to. I doubt Kaneshiro would've put something so vital to his desires in a common place. He would have his Treasure where security is much tougher." Joker said. "Tougher than this?" Skull asked.
Meanwhile Midnight caught Queen in deep thought. "This shape." She said. "I see you got a similar idea to mine. I recognize the layout of the vault." Midnight said. "I have a theory that involves those pages from Kaneshiro's journal, but it can wait until we get out of this elevator." said Queen.
Once the elevator ride ended, the Phantom Thieves found another Safe Room to rest for a bit and head out. Both sides of the hall were blocked off until Mona saw something on the wall. "I got a key pad." He said. "Hmm...it appears to be a four digit code." Fox said. "What does it say on top? RICH?" Panther said.
"RICH...wait those notes in Kaneshiro's journal-." "I'm way ahead of you Joker." Queen said as she read out the notes. "The journal says R=C=0,I=1, and H=2." Queen reads out. "Is that suppose to be algebra or something?" Panther asked.
"No, it's a key." Joker said as he types in 0102 into the key pad and pressed enter. The light flashed green and a locking mechanism turned the wall in front them counter clockwise until an opening appeared before them to go deeper into the vault. "Woah, that just happened." Skull said.
"I figure as much. This entire vault appears and functions like a locking mechanism inside a safe." Midnight said. "So this whole area is just one giant puzzle." Fox said. "It seems that way." Queen remarks.
"Money? I need more money! I must grow richer. As long as I am rich, anything is possible!" The Phantom Thieves heard the voice echo throughout the vault. "It's Kaneshiro. Is he watching us?" Panther asked. "I doubt it. That maybe just the revenant voice of his heart. I guess all this guy cares about is money after all." Mona said.
"So he blackmails students out of every penny they have and he still isn't satisfice. What an asshole." Skull said. "We'll put him in his place soon enough. For now let's get going." Joker said as the Phantom Thieves move to the next row.
"Hmm...it doesn't appear that the next key pad to open the gateway is here." Fox said. "I found a set of stairs." Skull points out. "Then I guess the key pad is something down there." Panther said. "Not only that but there are some pages that were torn from Kaneshiro's journal. We should keep an eye out for them." Queen adds. "I'm picking up shadows down there as well. Things might get messy." Mona said.
"Alright, Midnight, Queen, Mona on me. The rest of you stay close and out of sight." Joker orders while they head down the stairs.
To Midnight, this wasn't like trekking through Tartarus where he and friends simply smash and slash through every Shadow they saw. By Joker's orders, they try to avoid fighting whenever possible. Midnight was surprised at how quick, nimble and agile the three Phantom Thieves were from checking corners, and zipping from cover to cover especially from Joker's part. The shadows however were nothing like Midnight expected as they simply black humanoids wearing a security outfit and a mask on their faces. There were also guard dog shadows with a mask muzzled into their snouts. Joker reminded him that those were more dangerous than the humanoids.
Their first destination was the security office but that was occupied by a shadow which meant only solution. "We'll have to fight it." Mona said. "I agree. I got this." Joker said as he peeked into the open door then with speed hopped on top of the Shadow's shoulders and rips off the mask from its face.
"Show me your true form." Joker said as the Shadow dissolves into a puddle. "Is it that simple to beat them?" Midnight asked. "Nope, the battle just getting started. Look." Mona pointed to where the puddle of ooze swell up and then exploded into what were two Battle Fiends.
"What the? Rakshasa? Those aren't Shadows." Midnight said. "They are and they're quite angry. What do we know about them?" Joker asked. "If I remember correctly, they're weak to Light moves." Midnight said. "You mean Bless moves. They're called Bless moves." Joker said.
"If I can interrupt you guys, they're also weak to Wind moves." Morgana said. "They weren't before." Midnight argues. "Well they are now." Morgana said as they avoid a slash by one of them. "If you boys are done, strike them now!" Queen said. "I'll take the left one." Midnight said as he dash forward.
"Come Messiah." Midnight summons as it uses Kougaon on the swinging Rakshasa, knocking it down. "I'll show you how its done. Zoro!" Morgana calls forth as with a swipe of his rapier, Zorro shoots Garula at his opponent, knocking it down as well.
"You know about All Out Attacks?" Joker asked Midnight as they surround both Rakshasa. "Some things are just generational." Midnight smirked. "Let's get them!" Joker calls as rather than rushing at them, everyone bashes at them with incredible speed that Midnight ever knew he could go so fast. Joker smirks as he tightens his gloves while the Rakshasa spurted out ooze and disintegrated.
"Not bad for your first taste of combat Phantom Thief style." Joker commends.
"It could've gone better. What made you assume that those guys weren't Shadows?" Mona asked. "I fought shadows of a different appearance. They weren't shadows that took the form of Personas that Joker and I used but...I don't know." Midnight said.
"I negotiate with them sometimes. Sometimes for money and other times for their power. If I succeed with them then they remember who they were previously and that they come from the Sea of Souls." Joker said.
"The Sea of Souls? You sure?' Midnight asked.
"Yes. You know this place?" Joker asked. "The Sea of Souls exist in an entire separate plane of reality. It's where all human souls reside in before life where they would return to after a person dies. It makes sense if these Shadow Selves are able to lure souls from the Sea of Souls to do their bidding and why they would resemble Personas." Midnight said.
"If what you say is true then these Shadows may hold some innocence in them." Morgana said. "Regardless, all Shadows are simply repressed parts of humanity that are given a form. Whatever action we take against them, I'm sure we can help them retreat back to the Sea of Souls and away from stronger influences like Kaneshiro." Midnight said as everyone understood.
Meanwhile Joker examines a golden piggy bank sitting on a table. Using his Third Eye ability, he picks up something from within. "I wonder." he says as he pokes the snout of the pig, causing it to open and revealing a page from Kaneshiro's journal. "
"I got another page." said Joker. "Hmm... it just says P=1." Queen said.
"There's gotta be more pages hidden in these golden pigs. We still got more of the area to explore. Come on." Joker invites. "Wait, what about this terminal?" Midnight calls as Joker inspects the monitor.
"I think I can open the shutters from here." Joker said as he imprints a command code thus opening the shutter door. "You did it." Queen commends until the alarm rings.
"Attention all guards, rats have invaded the vaults. Tighten security on all levels. Don't let them find the golden pigs." The PA system calls.
"Oh you did it alright." Mona said. "There's no time to lose. Follow me." Joker said as he lead everyone out of the security office.
Joker lead them through the southern hallway while avoiding the Shadows. Along the way they found the second page that read E=9 and A=3 and added it to their collection of notes. Which leads to the present where everyone stood before another key pad.
"This one says REAP." Panther said. "So it seems we'll still using previous keys. Care to do the honors Joker?" Queen said as Joker inputted 0931 into the key pad which granted them access and thus opening the second gateway back at the main vault.
"That should've opened the gateway." Mona said. "Only one way to find out." Joker said as they heard another voice.
"Tch...this is no where near your quota for this month. Don't give me excuses, just go reap every last penny." Kaneshiro spoke.
"It's him again." Fox said.
"I'll make you understand. People who can't earn money are worthless to me." Kaneshiro said.
"I'm getting real tired of hearing his whinny voice." Joker said. "I don't think he's ever earn a single yen in his life so by his standards he's worthless too." Midnight said. "Let's just get going. The sooner we get to the Treasure the better so that we get to kick his fat butt out of this Palace." Skull said.
Things went back to routine after that. The Phantom Thieves trek through the third gateway and to the next room where security was much tighter. Aside from shadows, dogs, more cameras, now they had to deal with electric fences. It was hell as Joker puts it as he continues to smash control boxes to deactivate cameras and fences while they look for the golden pigs.
Luckily enough they found one of the notes which so happens to be near the key pad they were looking for that said G=P.
"So this one says HUGE. Like huge amounts of money?" Mona asked. "The context of the word doesn't matter. Have you figured it out Joker?" Midnight asked. "I'm thinking." Joker said as he examine the most recent page of the key. "It makes sense actually. If G=P and P=1 then the number 1 is the third digit in the code." Queen explains as Joker inputs 2319 into the pad which was correct.
"Brilliant work Queen." Joker commends as Queen slightly blushes. "Let's head back to the gateway." Mona said.
Sure enough the gateway was open and to the Phantom Thieves' left they spotted a lone guard in a yellow uniform. Behind him was a control box they needed to get to. "So it seems we'll have to beat that guy to get to that control box." Skull said. "You guys got this right?" Panther asked. "Trust us, we got it." Mona said.
"Humph, so you're the rats boss man warn me about." The Shadow said. "I'm still not used to them talking." Midnight mutters. "You'd be wise to surrender." Joker warns. "Surrender? Me? Ahahahaha... when I bring Kaneshiro your heads, my pay will go through the roof." The Shadow then exploded in ooze to reveal the Life-Draining Spirit.
"Sigh, let's just get this over with." Midnight yawns.
"Watch out." Joker warns as Kumbhanda unleashes its signature Bloodbath slash that everyone minus Queen narrowly avoided. "Queen! Mona on me with cover fire. Midnight help Queen." Joker said as they fire their guns at Kumbhanda. Meanwhile Midnight rushes over to help Queen out.
"Let me heal you." Midnight offers. "No, I got it." Queen said as she cast Diarama on herself. "You alright?" Midnight asked. "No, I'm angry. Johanna!" Queen summons a Persona on wheels which took Midnight by surprised as he never saw Queen's Persona in action.
"They can be bikes too?" He asked as Queen charges in with Vajra Blast. "Man Mitsuru-Senpai is gonna be jealous." Midnight said.
"Any ideas Joker?" Mona asked. "I got one. I'll freeze him and you guys follow up on Technical damage. Jack Frost." Joker calls forth as the jolly creature cast Mabufu on the weird shadow thing, freezing it.
"Go guys." Joker calls as Queen and Mona rush in with Garula and Freila to it, finally eliminating it. "Good job guys." Midnight said. "For a second, I thought it would still kept on going." Joker said.
"I guess it just tells how strong we're getting." Queen said. "You'll guys will get stronger but remember that you're always be at your strongest with the people next to you." Midnight said as the three nods happily.
What came after was a simple puzzle of switches that align two more gateways to the previous ones. Not to mention Joker just had to find the last Will Seed as he calls them in the Palace. Then came more grunt work as they had found two more pages.
One page said L=U+G, D=G while the other says O+H=10.
Soon enough everyone was before the final key pad. "This one says GOLD on top." Fox said.
"I really hope guys can figure this out. These last few pages don't even sound like math." Panther said. "This one is quite tricky so let's think it over." Joker said as he and Queen put their brains to work.
"Hmm...I think I have, 1841." Joker said. "I got the same thing. Try it out." Queen said as Joker input the digits which he got correct. "How exactly did you figure it out?" Skull asked. "You don't wanna know." Joker said.
"*Snickers* This golden sheen. This...this is the fruit of my hard labor." The gang heard Kaneshiro's voice.
"Him again." Joker said.
"With this, I'll be invincible, omnipotent. No longer will I go back to being that weakling I used to be." Kaneshiro said.
"I had about enough of this guy." Midnight said. "You and me both. We should get back." Joker said as everyone left.
Once getting back to the main vault, they finally reached the center of the room where an elevator was present before them. "This must lead us to the Treasure." Mona said. "I gotta say you came through when it counted Queen." Skull commends "It was just a simple following of the notes we collected." Queen said.
"But still all those comments from Kaneshiro. He desire for wealth is insatiable." Fox said. "Accumulating wealth is one of the ways gain influence but it may also be used to hide a deep insecurity." Midnight said.
"Those things he said, refusing to go back to the person he was before. I guess after all this he's just a short man who hired some muscle and is sitting on a mountain of wealth." Queen said. "Well I guess the time has come to bring down the mountain." Fox said.
"Come on, everyone in the elevator." Joker said as everyone squeeze inside. Once riding further down, everyone got out to see a large room but in the middle was the shining light everyone was looking over.
"There it is." Mona said. "So we just take it right and Kaneshiro will have a change of heart." Midnight asked. "Close but no. Now that we secure our infiltration route, we need to send out the calling card. That way his Treasure will materialize into a physical form for us to take." Mona explains.
"So now what?" Midnight asked. "Our work here is done for now. We don't have much time left so let us send the calling card tomorrow. Fox, Skull, we're counting on you to make it." Joker said.
"I'll accompany them as well. I have an idea on ensuring that Kaneshiro receives that calling card." Queen said. "Alright but be careful you three." Mona said. "If all is done, let's head out." Joker said.
It was night time as everyone popped back out in the middle of Shibuya. At least it was near the station where they could get a train ride home. Everyone split to head home or to prepare the calling card with the exception of Ren and Minato.
"You wanna grab some dinner or something?" Ren asked. "No, I think it's high time I finally check out these supposed lodgings my friend has offered me." Minato said as he heard a beep on his phone. He checks it to see a black and red eye flash on it and then display as an app.
"I don't suppose you know what this is?" Minato asked. "That would be the MetaNav. It makes sense that you would now have it since you've been inside it." Ren said. "I suppose so. I need to get going and call my ride. I'll see you tomorrow once you get out of school." Minato said as he then left Ren and Morgana.
"That guy sure has a lot of secrets kept close to him. Are you still sure we can trust him." Morgana asked. "I'm sure and when he's ready to share them with me I'll be open about it." Ren said as he and Mona left for Yongen-Jaya.
The door opened as Kikuno showed Minato the new digs. Oddly enough, the luxury apartment was still in Shibuya with high class leather couches, carpets, décor, platinum white floors, state of the art kitchen and bathroom appliances and even outdoor balcony with a view of Shibuya.
"It's a three bedroom and two bathroom space with top of the line Kirijo Group appliances. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the living room. Basically Lady Mitsuru wasted no expense to ensure your stay here is comfortable." Kikuno said.
"All this makes me feel like I'm being coddled like a baby." Minato said.
"Just this once, please accept it as a token of gratitude for everything and stop complaining. The kitchen has been stock with basic foods but with the debit cards you've been provided you'll have to be responsible for restocking food and your wardrobe." Kukino said.
"Anything else."
"Lady Mitsuru expects you to be financially responsible as well." Kukino said. "I used to buy everyone's gear and weapons back in the day and she's warning me about being financially responsible. I got it." Minato said.
"Good, it best to use the GPS app to get used to the surrounding area. For now a shower is in order and some rest. You've mention that your mission is far from over?" Kukino asked.
"They're gonna wrapped up the rest of Kaneshiro's Palace tomorrow. I'll have a detailed report for Mitsuru later." Minato said. "Very well. Don't forget about your Metro Pass and have a good night." Kukino said as she left Minato to himself. Exhaling Minato felt tired after a long day. It really was like a night in Tartarus when at the night of the night was when your body just gives out. "First shower then sleep." He said as he went the master bedroom.
As he got ready for bed, Minato's phone ranged. He checked to see it was an unknown number but still perhaps it was Mitsuru or someone so he picks up. "Hello."
"Ah I see I finally managed to reach you." Minato slightly groaned when he heard Elizabeth's voice. He still wasn't impressed with her for leaving him ill prepared at the beginning.
"Do I even wanna to know how you got this number?" Minato asked. "Sure, it's also how I know what kind of shampoo you used and the kind of underwear you prefer." Elizabeth said.
"Elizabeth, get to point of why you're calling this late." Minato said. "Right, I'm calling to let you know to that I'm ready to offer my services to aid you in your mission and I'm sending the location of the Situation Room to your phone. Just come by in the morning and use your Contractor's Key to unlock the door when you visit and fair warning, I only take cash. Byeeeee." The phone hung up and Minato felt even more tired just by listening to Elizabeth's quirkiness. Still a visit to her wouldn't hurt and he could use some new Personas to add to his arsenal so that he can teach Ren some new tricks.
"For now...sleepy time." Minato yawn as he quickly fell asleep like a rock thanks to his new bed.
Wednesday, July 6th, 2016
"Are you awake...please wake up...wake up."
Minato shot up forward wide awake but only to hit his forehead into something metal. Groaning in pain, Minato held his head as Aigis jumped back. "Aigis?! What are you doing here?!" Minato groaned out.
"Mild concussion detected. I will fetch you a bag of ice as a remedy." Aigis said as she left to the kitchen. "You didn't answer my question." Minato said as he now sat on the edge of his bed. Rubbing his eyes, he checked his clock to see it was 8 in the morning. He remember this is the first of many days to come living in a new apartment.
He stood up but remembers that he slept in his briefs considering he didn't own any PJs. "Mental note: go clothes shopping." He groaned at the thought considering how much he hated clothes shopping but that's maybe something Yukari can help him out. For now, he dressed in his current suit an walk out to the kitchen where Aigis just finished wrapping a bag of ice.
"Here, let me hold it on your forehead." Aigis offers. "That's okay, I got it." Minato said as he took the bag and presses it on his forehead.
"What did I hit my head on exactly?" Minato asked. "Oh...I lean too close to your head trying to wake you up and you hit my face. I apologize." Aigis said.
"You were watching me sleep again. I guess old habits die hard." Minato said. "Yes although it did remind me of that day. The day you close your eyes and ever woke up. I guess I was just afraid that you weren't gonna wake up again." Aigis said.
"Aigis." Minato spoke softly just as the door bell rang. He went to answer to see none other than Yukari who immediately jumped him and hugged her arms around his neck. "I...this is unexpected." Minato said as he wrapped his arms.
"Were you expecting someone else?" Yukari asked. "Well..." Minato let her step in so that she can see Aigis.
"Aigis, what are you doing here?! Mitsuru and Labrys have been worried sick." Yukari said. "I apologize for worrying everyone." Aigis said.
"Wait, why is your forehead all red?" Yukari asked Minato. "Oh, I knocked myself on a wall." Minato lied as he held the ice pack to his head. "Let me, will you." Yukari took the ice pack and held it to his head.
"Aside from Aigis, what brings you by?" Minato asked. "I needed a reason to visit my boyfriend who just came back from the dead? Besides I promised that I'd show you myself on TV didn't I. Speaking of which, it should be on right about now." Yukari said as she rush to the living room TV.
"Yukari-san's heart rate has rose rapidly." Aigis said. "She's excited and so am I." Minato said as he walked over to see Yukari put on the program as he hears a jingle intro. He saw the title of Phoenix Rangers Featherman: Victory pop up on screen.
"Victory? I take it the R series concluded?" Minato asked. "It concluded a long time ago, but just shut up and keep watching." Yukari spoke quickly as she was excited. Minato smiled as the screen showed each Phoenix Ranger in their color. The last which Minato's breath left his body. The last ranger was Yukari herself as Feather Pink Argus armed with her signature bow and arrow.
"Shut up." Minato said. "Yes way, I've been playing as Pink Argus for a couple of years now." Yukari said. "How many seasons?" He asked. "Counting this current one, five seasons." Yukari said. "I gotta binge-watch all the episodes then." Minato said. "We can watch this one for now and I'll bring my own DVD copies so that we can watch later." Yukari offered.
"I'll hold you to that." Minato said. As the episode ends with the credits Minato looked at Yukari with a smile. When she told him that she made something for herself in life, she wasn't kidding and it was done in honor of his memory. "So, is there gonna be a sixth season in the future?" Minato asked.
"Actually they're thinking of concluding the series with this season. They want to move on to a newer generation with new faces and settlings. It's all part of showbiz but it was a good run." Yukari said.
"How do you feel about it?" Minato asked. "I'm alright, nothing last forever after all. My manager is in the works trying to set up new gigs and that's aside from the model shoots and interviews I already do." Yukari said.
"It sounds pretty busy and that's also aside from our occasional assignments for the Shadow Operatives." Aigis said. "Well since the gridlock thanks to Shido, Mitsuru figured its best for us to make used of our other life in public for the time being." Yukari said.
"As regards to the mission, how was the trip into the Shadow's Nest?" Aigis said. "I promised Kukino-san that I would give Mitsuru-senpai a detailed report later but for now what I can say is...it's wonky even for us." Minato said confusing both girls.
"Wonky?" Aigis questions.
"I mean, everything from going to Mementos, to these Palaces as the kids call them, to even the Shadows that swarm the area. Did you guys know that they talk now?" Minato asked which surprised the girls. "That does sound like too much to absorb." Yukari said.
"At least I managed to get this." Minato said as he show them the MetaNav. "Is this the Metaverse Navigator you spoke of?" Aigis asked.
"Yep, according to Ren, if you manage to get inside the Metaverse first, the app will basically upload into your phone. Speaking of phone, I'm still getting the hang of it." Minato said. "One thing at a time babe. You gotta show that app to Fuuka." Yukari said. "Someday but not now, I gotta get going. Elizabeth contacted me last night and told me meet up with her right now." Minato said.
"Well, you're not going alone. We're coming with." Yukari said as Aigis agreed.
Walking to an abandoned alleyway near his apartment, Minato and the girls spot an oddly velvet colored door that never fitted in with the filthy surroundings. Minato takes out his Contactor's Key and unlocks the door and the three walk inside.
"Ahh, it's about time you show up. It isn't nice to keep someone waiting." Elizabeth said. "Sorry, hope you don't mind I brought friends." Minato said as Yukari and Aigis pass in.
"Ahh Yukari and Aigis, it has been quite a spell since our last encounter." Elizabeth said. "Hello to you too as well Elle-P." said Aigis.
"I can see you both grown exponentially. Especially you Yukari, particularly on the size of your chest area that-" "HOLD IT, hold it! Don't finish that sentence! Man I can see you're as chippy as ever, but we can't thank you enough for bringing Minato home to us." Yukari thanked.
"I was simply fulfilling a promise to a friend and I'm continuing to uphold it by aiding my dear Guest in his mission. Speaking of which, I hope you come fuse some Personas." Elizabeth said.
"Yea, yea, the sooner you get my money, the faster you get to buy that TV you've mention." Minato said as he stepped aside to call forth some new Personas thanks to Elizabeth.
"Wait you have to pay for your Personas this whole time?" Yukari said. "Of course, nothing in life comes free after all." Elizabeth said. "Now I see why you're always exploiting shadows for yen back then." Yukari said. "It's not like they were ever gonna use it anyway?" Minato said as she fuse tarot cards together.
"Will these do for now?" Elizabeth asked. "For now, I just want these guys so that I can blow Ren's mind out of the water. By the way when you said this Shadow's Nest was gonna be different, you've never mention it would be to such a massive extent." Minato said.
"I've also said that you were always good at adapting to situations. Give it some time and follow the Trickster's lead and guide him when he falters." Elizabeth said.
"And another thing, the Shadows themselves. They're not like the ones we've faced before. Instead they resemble Personas that I used to capture." Minato said. "Wait what? You never mentioned that." Yukari said.
"Hmm interesting...it not uncommon that Shadows take an identical form to suit to the specifications of the Metaverse or indeed any Shadow's Nest for that matter. I suppose you should treat this as a new experience." Elizabeth said.
"Also some of the Shadows' weaknesses have changed completely or have added to it. There's also some of these newer attacks that Ren mentioned to me." Minato said.
"Also new elements I'm sure, You can roll with the punches as I'm sure my dear Guest. Also these new attacks, Nuclear and Psychokinesis, these new attacks can be added to the Personas you fused as well to give you an edge. There's also these Bless and Curse moves, basically they're Light and Darkness attacks from before. I believe it's what you human call "slang words." Elizabeth said.
"Righttt...god I feel so old thanks to these new rules." Minato said. "I know the feeling the babe, trust me." Yukari smiled. "Minato-san mention that we can provide assistance to his mission correct?" Aigis asked.
"To a degree yes, I remind you all about the consequences should that monstrosity ever find out about our plans. Unless you absolutely have to, the less characters involve the better." Elizabeth said.
"Thanks for that. Well we should probably get going." Yukari said. "I still got some time to kill until the kids get out of school. In the meantime I could use some help." Minato asked the girls.
"Anything babe." Yukari said.
"Well my closet is empty and I rather not wear this exact suit every day for the rest of the year no matter how good I look in it." Minato said. "Are you saying you, Minato, wanna go on a shopping spree?!" Yukari asked giggly.
"I just need some outfits alright. No need to overblow it." Minato said as Yukari surprised him by putting him close. "Nonsense, you need to get caught up to the times babe and that means new fashion treads. You're coming too Aigis?" Yukari asked.
"Of course, it has been some time since I have been on one of your famous shopping sprees Yukari-san." Aigis said as she took Minato's other arm. Pretty soon the girls were dragging him throughout Shibuya.
"I'm gonna regret this." Minato thought.
Meanwhile
"Uhhh sir, we found this on the car. There's something written on it." A man holding the calling card spoke to the pompous, wide man in a pimp, purple suit. The woman next to him was too into her new crocodile skin purse to listen. "Read it." Kaneshiro said.
"Well...it says, Sir Junya Kaneshiro, the money- devouring sinner of gluttony, you indulge in scamming others with horrendous methods that targets minors exclusively. WE have decided to make you confess all your crimes with your own mouth. We will take your distorted desires without fail.
From, The Phantom Thieves of Hearts
"Umm...ain't this bad?" The man asked but Kaneshiro didn't look one bit of concern. "What of it?" Kaneshiro asked.
"Well...if the higher ups found out, if they find out-" "Don't waste your time worrying about this useless shit. Just keep quiet for now." Kaneshiro interrupts.
"But, there are more cards like this posted around the city. They're even talking about it online too." The man said but Kaneshiro at this point was just irritated.
"Enough of this! All of you, bring me your earning. If you don't surpass your quotas, I'll kill you." Kaneshiro said as the man nervously walks away.
Meanwhile within his heart, Shadow Kaneshiro glares from beyond. "Phantom Thieves, don't make me laugh." He said.
The real Kaneshiro looks at his mistress. "Hey we're leaving." He told her as the woman stood up. "They'll pay for this!" Kaneshiro vows as they left the building.
Once school was done, everyone met at the hideout. Minato felt determine, tired sure from the constant dragging Yukari and Aigis put him through today but still determine to put Kaneshiro in his place.
"The calling card's all over Shibuya." said Morgana. "Given to how many we've posted, he should've seen it by now." Ryuji said.
"It was an good plan." Ann said.
"Now the time has come. We are going against a truly evil criminal." Fox said.
"But we our two new members, Kaneshiro won't know what hit him. We're counting on you." said Ren.
"Right." Minato and Makoto said.
Ren hit the button and everyone was transported back to Kaneshiro's Palace. "We're ready when you are Joker." Queen said.
"It's showtime."
Stepping out of the elevator, The Phantom Thieves saw none other Shadow Kaneshiro and couple of realistic henchmen. Behind them was a large rotating vault where the Treasure was. Midnight was weirded out by Kaneshiro's shadow in terms of appearance but then again all shadows seem to share that remark.
"Greetings, welcome to my private city bank." Kaneshiro said. "Hi, we're here to make a withdraw. Time to cough it up." Joker said.
"Really? Now is the time for jokes?" Mona asked.
"I'm surprise you made it out alive. Guess it's only luck." Kaneshiro said. "Don't flatter yourself." Queen said.
"We're gonna change your heart and make you confess everything you've ever done. You won't hurt anyone ever again." Skull said.
"Hurt? Such is the hierarchy of the world to those with power work those below them to the bone. They've accepted their fates as a source of my wealth. Such as you brats." Kaneshiro said.
"Then I guess it's true what they say, "It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor." You're too blinded by your gluttony for wealth that you vowed to never be that man again, isn't that right Barney?" Midnight said.
"What would you know?! You're hanging out with dumb kids who think they know everything by reading every little shit online." Kaneshiro said.
"Careful. They hate being called kids." Midnight smirked.
"I had to crawl my way out of the firth to get here. It's just my turn to profit." Kaneshiro said.
"What a pitiful man." said Queen.
"It doesn't matter if you're clean or dirty. Only the clever come out on top." Kaneshiro said. "Then I guess you're neither. You're just a filthy little street rat who clawed his way up just so he would never stave again." Joker said.
"It's always the fools who get tricked. Fools who pay for their foolishness." Kaneshiro said. "Will you just shut up always!" Skull said.
"Hmmpt...it seems there's no point in reach out to you fools. I hope you're ready to work as slaves to me...for the rest of your pathetic lives. *Snickers* I shall enjoying swarming all over you and squeezing every last penny."
That last line tripped everyone up as Kaneshiro's body jerked in place. He grunted and moan as his body continues to spasm in place. He ooze black tar from his mouth as then a pair of fly wings popped out of his body. His henchmen around him were too freaked out and ran out the room in fear. Kaneshiro's eyes then became to those of a fly as he rubs his hands together.
"That is disgusting and I've seen plenty of things over the years." Midnight said.
"I'll take care of this myself. Wassup yo now come get some." Kaneshiro raps. "You filthy fly on dirty money. Get the hell out of my face!" Queen yells.
"Ahahaha, come make me you pieces of shit!" He dares. "Get ready everyone." Mona warns.
"It's all of us against you Kaneshiro. You're all alone." Joker said. "All alone, don't make me laugh kid. Time to roll out. Here he is, my guardian robot." Kaneshiro said as he flies up to the vault's combination lock and flies in which then opens up the whole room to reveal a giant, metal, piggy robot.
"Rule to the wise Joker, never make a dare to a shadow no matter who it is." Midnight lectures. "A pig." Joker spoke plainly.
"Say hello to my Palace's swine-model defensive mechanoid, Piggytron!" Kaneshiro spoke through the pig's speakers. "A giant, metal piggy bank he calls Piggytron is somehow not a pig...yea I call Dingo on that." Midnight said.
"Going up against me is a real crime yo. It's time for you go to hell!" Kaneshiro said as Piggytron summons out Vulcan guns from its eyes.
"MOVE!" Joker yells as a barrage of bullets rain on everyone as they dash out of the way. "We have the number advantage Joker. If we spread widely around it, Kaneshiro's attention will be spilt amongst us." Queen said.
"Good thinking Queen, spilt up guys and take your shots." Joker said as everyone went in random directions. Caught on sensor, Piggytron continues to fire its Vulcan guns at an escaping Queen. Queen accelerates on Johanna as the bullets get closer.
"Guys, he's onto me." Queen shouts.
"Joker, Panther, what do you say we roast this pig?" Midnight asked as they got what Midnight had in mind. "Count us in." Panther said as they summon their Personas. Orthrus, Carmen, and Orpheus Telos fire Agilao/Agidyne which together was enough knock back Piggytron and leave a scorching mark on it.
"You're in for it now! Firing missiles." Piggytron fires missiles from the top of its head at Joker, Panther and Midnight. "Incoming!" Panther said. Guns now!" Joker calls as the three use their guns to shoot down the missiles.
"Let's give them a hand Mona, Captain Kid!" "Zoro!" Both Personas came out as they shoot Zionga and Garula at Piggytron. "Goemon!" Fox finishes it by firing a Bufula at Piggytron.
Kaneshiro was livid but he still had tricks up his sleeve. "You punks are really pissin' me off. You called my Piggytron a pig right? Were you talkin' about me too?" He asked.
"You? A pig? Now that you mention it." Joker said.
"I'M GONNA TEAR YOU ALL TO SHREDS. GO PIGGYTRON, SUPER VIP FORM!"
Piggytron's legs, ears and eyes retracted and Kaneshiro himself then climbed to the top and precede to roll it like ball. "Is he doing what I think he's doing?" Skull asked. "Spilt up!" Joker said as everyone ran.
Kaneshiro then rolls Piggytron towards Skull. "Damnit, why is it always me." He asked as he suddenly felt pain on his injured leg and fell down.
"Skull!" Joker yells. "Ha, one flatten shithead coming up." Kaneshiro said as he got closer.
"Hang on!" Midnight jumps in front of Skull to protect him. "No get out of here." Skull said. "Funny, they wanted me to do the same thing." Midnight remember when he and his friends fought the Emperor and Empress Arcana Shadows. They told him to grab Fuuka and to run and leave them.
"Well I didn't do it then and certainly not doing it now." He thought as the grabbed both sides of his mask. Rather than ripping usually, Midnight tears it from his face, causing a great deal of blood to rush out. "Midnight!" Joker yells everyone saw the flames dance on both sides of Midnight, only to then reveal Valkyrie and Odin next to him.
"He can use two Personas at once?!" Morgana said. "No wait." Queen said as Midnight crosses his hands and fingers in a ritualistic matter.
"Valhalla!" Midnight cast the Fusion Invincibility Spell which stops Piggytron in its tracks. "What the shit?!" Kaneshiro said as the spell held up and Piggytron was force backwards.
"Woah, what was that?" Skull asked as Midnight then collapse on his knees. Midnight knew the risk when using the Fusion Spell as afterwards, exhaustion would crash down on him like a flaming semi trailer.
"Midnight! Joker, he needs help." Skull said as he held him by one of his shoulders. Joker rushes over and grabs him by the other shoulder. "I got him, go help the others." Joker orders Skull as he runs off.
"Senpai." Joker whispers. "Don't worry, I'm just drained. Using that Fusion Spell has that negative drawback." Midnight said. "Fusion Spell?" Joker said. "Special spells that are unique to us Wild Cards as they require two unique Personas. They can turn the tide of any battle." Midnight said. "Here take these, I was lucky to get them so far." Joker offers him a Chewing Soul from Jose and a Bead from before as Midnight took them with haste.
"So this is a Wild Card's full potential." Joker thought as what he witness was a display of a fully trained Wild Card. "I don't suppose you're gonna teach me to do that right?" Joker said. "A matter for another time." Midnight said as he stood up now energize. "We need to help the others." He said as he and Joker rush off.
The others kept Piggytron at bay as Kaneshiro felt it was on his last legs. Together Joker and Midnight rush to finish it off.
"Arsene!/Orpheus Telos!" Both Personas rush and fire Eiga and Agidyne at Piggytron's snout, finally doing it in and causing it to malfunction and Kaneshiro to roll outside.
"Wha- my Piggytron. That's it, I'll just deal with you busters myself. Through the power of cash." Kaneshiro said as a set of golden doors dropped down only to open up reveal two bodyguards in suit with the heads of flies. One was small with a baton and flying in the air while the other was large with four arms equipped with two riot shields on the upper ones.
Wassup yo, I paid these guys off and now they're gonna clean your clocks. They're super duper powerful and super duper fly." Kaneshiro brags. "Ughh fly puns? That's worse than the cat ones Mona tries out." Skull said.
"Hey!" Mona cries. "Focus!" Joker told them as the guards prepared to attack.
"I got Kaneshiro. Johanna!" Queen revs it up and charges in with Frelia but the large bodyguard used its riot shield to block the attack.
"He block the attack?!" Mona asked. "Welcome to the power of cash you brats, these guys will lay their own lives for me." Kaneshiro said.
"Then we'll have to deal with your lackeys first. Goemon!" Fox calls as his Persona unleashes a Vicious Strike on the smaller bodyguard who tanks the hit.
"They're tougher than they look." Fox said. "Don't go crashin' down on me." Kaneshiro said as he cast Lullaby on everyone. "Jump!" Joker calls as everyone leaps but the Lullaby manages to hit Fox and Mona.
"So tired...hey guys...hit me in fiv..min.." Mona curled into a ball as and Fox went to sleep. "They got hit." Skull said. "Cover me." said Joker rush down to help the two. "Arsene." He calls forth as Arsene cast Me Patra.
"Hey shithead. Try this." Skull said as Captain Kid targeted the big bodyguard with Headbutt but gets blocked as well. "We gotta wear them down or how about them putting them to sleep." Panther said.
"It's a good plan Panther. Wait until we give you the signal to strike. I'll weaken them first. Messiah." Midnight calls as he seperately uses Debilitate on both bodyguards. "Their attacks, defense and agility have been lower for now." Midnight said.
"Nice going, your move Panther." Queen said as Panther had Carmen use Dormina separately on both guards, causing them to fall asleep. "Hey you two. No sleeping on the job." Kaneshiro cries out.
"Good job Panther." The four heard as Joker, Mona and Fox came from behind. "Get up you idiots!" Kaneshiro cries.
"Sorry Kaneshiro, your luck has run out." Queen said. "Panther, Mona. Skull, Queen. You know what time it is?" Joker asked.
"It's Showtime!" All four said. "We'll take the big guy so you and Mona handle his little buddy." Skull and Queen said as the four rush to do their unique Showtime attacks on their opposing bodyguard.
"Showtime attacks?" Midnight asked. "They're unique tag moves that they came up with." Joker explains as he, Midnight and Fox saw the action. "Say, seeing them have a Showtime really wants me to have one with you." Joker asked Midnight. "Just add it to the pile Mini Me." Midnight smirked as Joker scowls at the nickname.
Their attacks were done but the guards were still standing but by their looks, it won't be for long. "Anymore tricks up your sleeve you punks?" Kaneshiro asked.
"I do, check this out." Midnight said as grabbed his mask from both sides. "Wait, is he gonna do that thing again?!" Mona asked. Midnight tears the mask from his face to summon out both Jack-o'-Lantern and Jack Frost.
"What's he planning now?" Fox asked as Joker watched with curiosity.
"Jack Brothers!" Midnight yells as both Jack bros rushed to their opponents and floated around them. "Hey what's this?! Get away you pestering freaks." Kaneshiro said as both brothers shouted He-Ho and exploded, knocking all three of them down.
"They're knocked down." Midnight said. "You're not gonna nearly faint again are you?" Joker asked. "No, this was a weaker Fusion Spell so it didn't require much energy than the other one." said Midnight.
"That's good to know. Surround them." Mona said as everyone gathered around Kaneshiro and his goons with weapons drawn. "No, I won't lose to the likes of you." Kaneshiro said. "That's enough out of you." said Queen as everyone went in for an All Out Attack. Their combine strength was enough to finally kill the two bodyguards, leaving Kaneshiro alone on the ground.
"You're finished Kaneshiro." Joker said. "No please, don't hurt me." Kaneshiro said. "We can't guarantee that." Queen spoke as she cracked her knuckles. But Kaneshiro was laughing then, "Me neither." He said as he made gold coins rain from above and bury the Phantom Thieves in his wealth.
"That's what happens when you go up against me." Kaneshiro said as then a shining light came from the mountain of wealth and then exploding, sending him back. Kaneshiro looks up to see the Phantom Thieves alright and very pissed off. He then tries to Make It Rain once again but only for one single gold coin to fall in its place.
"Wha-n-no, I can't be out of money. Perhaps I can still find some inside Piggytron." Kaneshiro flies up into enters inside Piggytron and seals himself inside. "Ahhh...sweet, sweet money." Kaneshiro said as suddenly the malfunctioning Piggytron began to creak and rumble. "What...what's wrong Piggytron!" He asked as the giant metal pig then exploded, expelling out the defeated mob boss and a pile of gold bullion with him. Desperate now, he tries to protect it from the Phantom Thieves.
"Enough is enough. Hand it over." Midnight said. "I'm not gonna let anyone have it. This is my money." Kaneshiro cries out.
"You stole it from innocent people!" Panther yells. "Fine, how about I call off your debt?" Kaneshiro asked. "Fine? You still sound pretty condescending." Skull said.
"You're right...I'm a poor, ugly, idiot. Without money, how can I lead a normal life like this." Kaneshiro said. "Normal people tend to get by as is." Midnight said.
"How am I suppose to lead a normal life!? It's all because of our society, people can't lead a happy life no matter what we do. I'm a victim too you know?" Kaneshiro said.
"Don't bother with the excuses." Mona said. "I just wanted a place to belong, you kids get that right?" Kaneshiro asked. "We do. All of us have been labeled, abused, and mistreated. But with don't lash back at the world. Especially not for some easy money." Panther said as Kaneshiro began to cry.
"Don't worry about it. You'll have that place to belong to make amends, in a very small cell." Queen said. "We'll changing that distorted heart of yours. Free of charge." Skull said as Kaneshiro calm himself and sat up.
"Now do you understand. So return back to your real self and confess." Joker said. "Seriously...all that power at your fingertips and you limit yourselves to just this. You kids don't have any tact." Kaneshiro said.
"Now what are you blabbering on about?" Skull said. "These Palaces...they can make you tons of money, and make any of your desires come true. More than just changing people's hearts." Kaneshiro said. "We're not like you." Queen said.
"Honestly...where did you punks find that misplace sense of self-righteousness? There's someone already out there who already takes advantage of these Palaces." Kaneshiro said.
"What?" The group asked. "Hmm...I'll let you in on a little secret. There's someone out there, someone who works in the shadows and accomplishes anything they damn well please." Kaneshiro said.
"What do you mean?" Fox asked. "Anything, the Mental Shutdowns, the Psychotic Breakdowns, anything goes." Kaneshiro said.
"The assassin." The group turns to Midnight as he rushes and grabs Kaneshiro by the collar. "You know who they are. Tell me!" Midnight demands
"*Snickers* You seem like the most inform of the bunch but I can always tell when a person who hides plenty of secrets when I see one and you seen to have some." Kaneshiro said. "What does he mean by that?" Fox asked but Midnight refused.
Meanwhile a hidden player was watching the events unfold. He smiled at their pitiful attempts.
"Who's the culprit? Why are they killing innocent people?" Midnight asked but Kaneshiro laughs. "Seriously? You don't even what kind of game you're playing. You're nothing compared to them...Tread carefully, an encounter with them could prove fatal." Kaneshiro laughs as he disappears entirely.
"I'm not done with you." Midnight said as the palace began to rumble.
"What's happening?" Queen asked. "The whole place is coming down. We need to load up the treasure and get out. Mona trans-...oh what the hell!" Joker said as everyone saw Mona ogling the treasure like a gremlin.
"Meoooooowoow...Treasureeeee." He cries. "Is he okay?" Midnight asked. "Being a human is so cooooooll. It-it's shiny, shiny gold!" An ecstatic Mona said as he suddenly jumps on Panther's face.
"H-hey...let go of me you m-me you dumb cat." Panther cries as she gets him off her and tosses him in the air which Mona transform in the Mona-Car. "You shouldn't throw animals." He said. "Well you shouldn't jump on people's faces when they don't want to." Panther threw back.
"No time! Help me with the treasure, Queen you're driving." Joker said as he, Skull and Fox load up. With everyone loaded up, Queen foots it as the car rushes into the hallway as the walls come down. "Is that a window?" Skull asked. "No, it's our exit. Get the Nav ready." Queen said as everyone braces as she drives out the window into the air. Everyone screams as the car was falling while Joker finally hits the return button.
Everyone landed in pile after escaping certain death. "You guys are so careles-." Morgana said until something landed on top of him. Everyone thing untangled themselves. They realized they landed back in the middle of Shibuya.
"Oww...I think my ass is cracked." Ryuji said. "Is everyone's cracked. Ann what about yours?" Yusuke asked.
"Of course not!" Ann exclaims.
"Isn't it suppose to be though?" Minato asked as Ann blushed red. "I-that's not what I mean." Ann said.
"Talk about a last ditch effort." Ren said. "Hopefully we won't have to do something like that again." Makoto said.
"Hey guys, where's Mona?" Ryuji asked. "Right there." Ren pointed in the middle of street where still Morgana lied with a golden briefcase on top of him. "That briefcase. Is it Kaneshiro's Treasure." Yusuke asked.
"Hold off on that until we get Morgana and the briefcase off the street." Ann said as Ryuji rushes to get them both. The group then decides to meet away from prying eyes in a local space near the park. "So where should we open it?" Ryuji asked.
"My place is close from here." Minato offers. "There's also Leblanc." Ren adds. "Hmm...I am in the mood for some coffee though." Yusuke said. "Plus we need to patch up Morgana." said Ann.
"So...warm." The cat spoke dizzy.
Everyone decided to go to Leblanc where everyone sat around the table in the attic. Meanwhile Ann took the task of putting rubbing alcohol on Morgana's head. "This place is oddly calming." Makoto said.
"It's still kinda dirty." Minato said. "It's an attic, what'd you expect." Ren argues.
"Hmm...have you made any progress on the briefcase?" Makoto asked. "It's sealed by a rotary lock, we'll need the combination to open it." said Yusuke.
"Meowwahh!"
Everyone turns to Morgana. "Easy, it burns." He told Ann. "It's suppose to, just hold still." Ann said as she continues to patch up the cat. Meanwhile Makoto's attention is brought back by the rotary lock. She had a hunch and walks over and takes at crack at the lock which then the lock clicks open.
"How could you know the combination?" Yusuke asked. "I memorize it. When he had me against my will before you guys showed up, I seen him open the briefcase he had a dozen times. I figured it would be the same for this one." Makoto said.
"Hey, could you open it already? I'm burning up here." Morgana said as Ren did the honors. Inside was stacks full of money which surprised everyone.
"Dude, how much is this?" Ryuji asked. "I believe one stack is one million yen." Yusuke said Ann counted the stacks. "There's thirty stacks in here." She said.
"30 million yen, if we split it we each would get around 4 million." Makoto said. "Holy shit, it's gonna be deluxe pork soup combo everyday from here on out." Ryuji said. "More than that, it's gonna be life on easy street from here on out." Ann said.
Meanwhile Minato felt this was too good to be true so he grab one of the stacks to inspect it and immediately catches a problem. "You guys may want to rethink your life decisions. Take a closer look at the money." He said as everyone saw what made their reality come crashing down. The bills weren't real.
"Children's Bank?!" Ann yells. "F-for real?!" Ryuji asked as he inspects more stacks. "I guess this is an actual representation of Kaneshiro...everything he did was just a way to seem tough." Makoto said but Ryuji and Morgana weren't having it.
"Nooooooo." They whined. "Well...I guess all that glitter is not gold." Ren smiled. "At least we totes busted this case." Ann said. "What do you mean? Is busting a case good or bad?" Makoto asked.
"Both of course." Ann said which Makoto took a moment to register and then start laughing. "To think the reward of the Phantom Thieves is feeling they 'totes busted the case. How funny." Makoto said but the others fail to see the punchline.
"Aside from that, the stacks of paper maybe worthless but the case itself maybe valuable." Yusuke said. "I'll be able to sell it for something." Ren said.
"So what happens now?" Makoto asked. "We wait for Kaneshiro to have a change of heart. Perhaps soon he'll turn himself into the police." Morgana said. "What about that person Kaneshiro was talking about. Minato-kun, you seem have some insight." Yusuke said.
"Not much but an old friend of mine has knowledge about an assassin who's responsible for the Mental Shutdowns and Pychotic Breaks. There's someone out there who can travel to and from the Metaverse as we do." Minato said which concern everyone.
"Does your friend know who this assassin is?" Ren asked. "No. Kaneshiro wasn't wrong about the limitless possibilities that the Metaverse holds. For a very long time, I heard stories of how Man tried to exploit its resources with devastating consequences." Minato said recalling in his mind of how the Kirijo Group once was before Mitsuru and her father took over.
"That does sound frightening." Makoto said. "Trust me as dangerous as Shadows are, Man has proven to be an even greater one." Minato said.
"Well, if don't know who the guy is, it's best not to mull over it for now. We should just lay low until Kaneshiro's heart changes." Ryuji said as everyone agree.
Everyone decided to rest for now in the attic until Ren got a notification on his phone. It was from the MetaNav. "New area now active." it said.
"Hey guys, something's up with the MetaNav." He said as everyone gathered around. "Thieves Den now available. To begin navigation hit yes." It said. "A new area, what does it mean?" Makoto asked.
"Only one way to find out." Morgana said as everyone agreed. Ren hit yes as the warped around the attic.
Soon they were transported to a large area with multiple levels, vending machines, tables, platforms. Basically it was a child's sweet dream room come to life. Everyone awe at the place.
"Dude, this place is sweet." Ryuji said. "Hmm...somehow our clothes didn't change." Yusuke said as everyone was surprised by this.
Suddenly they heard an engine and then a crash as they saw a dune buggy rev through. "Woah... that could've gone worse." Jose said as he steps out of the car.
"Jose are you alright?" Ren asked as the other checked the damage. "Oh, I'm just fine. But that wall has seen better days. I'll patch it up for you." The little boy said as he got to work on repairing the wall. "You know this boy?" Makoto asked.
"He's a weird little guy but he's also the one who gave Ren the wishing star he carries around." Ann explains.
"Wishing star?" Minato asked. "It's basically this. We don't know what it does exactly but it made our Showtime attacks possible." Ren said as he show him the star.
"All done. It'll do for now." Jose presented the now boarded up wall. "I must say this quite the area to rest and relax in." Jose said.
"Are you kidding, with a place like this who would wanna leave. It could be the perfect place for a hideout." Ryuji said.
Ren and Minato seem to have thought the same thing. "Hmm...you're right Ryuji." said Ren as everyone wonders what he meant. "Minato said something earlier about having a better hideout, perhaps even a permanent one. So why not this place? Ren asked.
"It's spacious, away from the public's view and only accessible to us. I agree as well Ren." Minato said as the others seem to catch on. "If we're all in agreement, then this place should have a proper name." Yusuke said.
"I think the MetaNav put it perfectly. We'll call it the Thieves Den." said Ren as they checked out the whole area. With Kaneshiro's fate seal, the Phantom Thieves can rest easy within their new headquarters.
Poor Minato. He's trying to get used to being in the field again.
Done guys and at just over 12,000 words. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now to the notes. First off, yes I know the Thieves Den was discovered much sooner in the game but for the sake of having this moment, I made it to being discovered later to where everyone had the chance to see it so far.
Second is the Palace scenes. I'm mainly gonna go with abridging the infiltrations entirely unless I hit an important cutscene. This chapter alone and shortening the infiltration was already long enough. Plus for future Palaces, I think from now on it's best to separate the infiltration and the final boss so that the chapter isn't too long.
Third is Kaneshiro's Boss, yes for the infiltration I'd dialed it back to simply being four members in a team like in the game as a strategy for the Phantom Thieves to hide their numbers. For missions in Mementos and particularly against final bosses like Kaneshiro, everyone is gonna be involve much like in the Animation version. So the Palaces are gonna be a mixed between the game and the anime.
Plus for Mementos, since the Phantom Thieves are gonna grow even more so like with Ken, Oracle, Noir, Crow and Violet and with the limited capacity in the Mona Car, only a limited number of them will go with Ren at a time to do Mementos Requests.
Fourth is and I'm pretty sure someone is gonna ask me this so I'll just say thing. For Minato's choice of Fusion Spells, why I went with Valhalla and not Infinity? Simply because we would get that moment between him and Joker okay. Plus I'm not gonna make this easy for him so don't expect too many OP Minato scenes even though at this point he clearly is.
Fifth is Midnight, I got couple of messages of how the poll's choices didn't fit in with Minato. First of all, all choices were submitted in when I asked for suggestions on what his Codename should and those were the ones I got. Number 2: Majority ruled and Midnight won the poll so that will be his Codename so take it or leave it.
Sixth thing is I want to get your opinion on the artwork I've done and posted as the cover image. It's not professional and it gives just a basic understanding of what his Phantom Thief outfit looks like. Tell me what do you think.
And finally, things will start to branch off from here on out. I assure that I'll try to stick to the storyline but just be ready for any differences that'll come in the way and to keep an open mind. That's all I want to say for now. Please leave a Like and Comment. Thanks for reading this.
This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.