Yuuki Mishima never felt secure when talking to a crowd. His confidence decreased the more people in the room. Inversely, he felt most in control through visual communication and text. His more pressing concern upon coming out of his house was to somehow translate the same ability into the meeting at hand. Being late did him no favours, though he knew Akira and the rest would be understanding. Awkward pauses and stutters were only minor obstacles. He would push forward without flinching. Much was at stake.

He finally made it to Yongen-jaya. He was almost out of breath from sprinting across the neighbourhood as soon as the train made it to the station. There was light inside of LeBlanc, though the sign spelled 'Closed', which meant the meeting would probably start as soon as he walked through the door.

But upon crossing into the cosy little world of LeBlanc, the dark mood greeted him like he walked into dense mist. Sadayo Kawakami was the one to inform him of the news. Masayoshi Shido was dead. Like the rest of everyone present, Mishima knew him as one of the Phantom Thieves' chief foes. There was little room for mourning, considering the fate he would have brought upon the nation, and the grief he inflicted upon Akira. However, the news still fell bitterly on all.

Not even five minutes have passed, and Yuuki already felt inadequate to present his idea. The words became disjointed, and the overall sense of it began to blur. Self-doubt followed soon. The young man waited, sunken in the low murmurs coming and going about the café. It was like a miasma, pungent and debilitating, slowly numbing his senses, until the firm weight of Sojiro's hand on his shoulder shook him awake.

The older man said nothing. He did not need to.

The hardest thing was to actually begin. But everything came naturally once he cleared his throat.

"Everyone. I need your attention here, please." Yuuki's voice drew all eyes towards him. He caught view of a very selective palette of emotions. He could not let it bring him down.

Sae nodded subtly, encouraging him.

"I think you all know why I requested this meeting. I have an idea that may help the Phantom Thieves. It's just a basic principle for now. I hope you can help me flesh it out, so we can find out how to put it to work, together." The young man spoke a little quick, and for a moment, he felt as if he may trip over his own tongue. But the immediate reactions confirmed the clarity of the message.

"What do you propose?" Akira Kurusu asked.

"It's something kind of simple. If emotions like worry or anxiety can have an effect on the other world. Perhaps the opposite could also have an influence. Excitement and confidence might make you stronger."

"Sounds feasible." Yusuke acknowledged.

"And that's not all." Excitement showed in his voice as went on. "I was thinking, what if these positive emotions towards the Phantom Thieves were multiplied, all at once? Wouldn't that make them even stronger? If dozens, no, hundreds of people actively rooted for them, I think they would have a better chance to put the enemy down."

"You phrased it kinda weird, but I like how this sounds." Futaba remarked.

"I was thinking of somehow gathering lots of people, sympathisers, if you will. On one day, during which the Phantom Thieves will make a definite stand against Nyarlathotep. I know this is a gamble, and that we'll need to come up with some way to test my theory. But if you approve of the idea, and we can make sure it works, then we should go all out. Fuel the Phantom Thieves with the spirit of the masses."

Silence. Everyone in the café was thinking on Mishima's words.

"That's all I got. I know it's just an idea, but I honestly think it could work. The Phantom Thieves are important to many people, even if nobody has heard anything about them in over a year. I can vouch for this, I've looked up fan sites and forums, and they're still being talked about."

"Did you come upon any weird conspiracy theories?" Ann wondered.

"Um, yes. Lots of them. Best not talk about that, though." Yuuki wished he could forget a specific lot of what he read online during his research. "The Phantom Thieves live in the public consciousness still, in a manner of speech. Just imagine how the cognition of the other world could change if all those people were to… actively believe." If only for a moment, the young man found himself unsure of the way he expressed his idea.

"Assuming the basis of your idea works, this could really help." Sae Niijima remarked. "Perhaps even demolish the home advantage."

"I like it." Makoto added. "And I think the idea has merit, going by what we learned in the Velvet Room. Rumours were once Nyarlathotep's device to alter reality. His own world is linked to ours, so it's probably vulnerable to the same influence."

"Good going, Yuuki. It's a good idea." Akira said. His words somewhat detached, but the praise still made Mishima light up.

"Thank you. I know we still have to test it in principle, but I thought of a few ways…"

"This is gonna be interesting." Morgana's anticipation fell a lively meow on several ears.

He risked running far ahead of himself, but nobody stopped Yuuki from figuratively spilling out his brain that night. There were a few variables to the outline, but all followed the same logic: set up a public event in honour of the Phantom Thieves to harness their collective faith and directly influence Nyarlathotep's world. As the night went by, everyone present helped shape the notion further. The idea sounded better and better with each passing minute. And soon, Yuuki's own enthusiasm was shared by all. The gloom and dread no longer intoxicated the air inside of LeBlanc.

For a blissful while, Akira himself stopped thinking about Shido's death, and how convinced he was that Nyarlathotep had caused it. His sudden, inexplicable fear for his parents' well-being also began to subside. However, the scene in his eyes was not the same as everybody else's. Even in the soft light of the café, Akira could see Nyarlathotep's reaching presence through countless black tendrils, ethereally penetrating surfaces and spiralling around nearly everyone Akira saw. The young man could never get used to seeing that, but everybody's obliviousness helped mitigate the horror somewhat. The warm contact of Makoto's hand on his anchored him tighter.

Every once in a while, Makoto threw him an encouraging gaze. It was soothing, and life-affirming. It reminded him that he was not alone. That she loved him back, and that she was safe and happy with him.

It killed him to tear himself away from her as he excused himself to go out for air. Her affection, and that of his friends and family kept him whole and solid. But there was yet something that did not belong, something which he thought may be just in his head. He needed, desperately needed to know his mind was fooling his sight - that the fleeting image of the Joker's mask outside of LeBlanc was a figment of his troubled imagination.

The air outside was colder on his skin that it should have. And the night was full of shadows that ought not be there. Yongen-jaya was plunged into darkness, but Akira could still somehow see the way ahead, but not all. The black coattail disappearing on turning one corner may not have been there at all. It was tempting to pursue it, to venture the alleyways of a neighbourhood he knew like the palm of his hand just to root out this presence.

To expunge this detestable evil.

And he knew already how familiar tonight would feel to him, as when the blackout occurred in Kawasaki, as when Nyarlathotep lured him into his trap.

In Akira's head, the vague impression of a worried look on Makoto's face kept him rooted to the ground. Guilt ached inside of him, stronger by the second. But then, two arms gently surrounded his waist. And behind him, Makoto's forehead rested against his back.

"Hey." She said. "Are you alright?"

"I… I think so." He responded.

Makoto said nothing for a moment, but she did not leave him.

"Did I cause a scene?" Akira asked.

"Not really. LeBlanc get stuffy easily. To be honest, I was worried you may have come out to smoke."

"I'd rather not make a habit of it."

"I'm happy to hear that." A soft squeeze. For a moment, Makoto's hesitation trapped the air in Akira's lungs, until she did speak. "Are you seeing them?"

"Yeah. It's easier to stomach the sight when there's few people around."

"Akira. We'll end this. You will never, ever have to feel dread over this again. I swear to you." Makoto's voice was almost a whisper, and yet her voice was as mighty as thunder. "Never fear. I'm always with you."

"I know."

The two stayed outside for a few minutes, shivering under the chill that ran the neighbourhood through. Makoto did not pressure him into going back to the café, but he did not stay outside much longer. They returned to LeBlanc, and the night went on undisturbed, with ideas bouncing back and forth. By the time the meeting was adjourned, they all had a clearer picture of the gambit than a way to test the core idea.

They even had a tentative name: Project Masquerade.

A public event would take place in Shibuya, on June 5, the anniversary of Ichiryusai Madarame's confession. The day a high profile party confirmed the Phantom Thieves' existence and purpose to the greater audience. In the eyes of many, a new hope was born on this day. Should the basis behind the plan prove accurate, the Phantom Thieves will return to that other world and deliver a definite counterstrike to forever halt Nyarlathotep's plan for the world. Roles were divided amidst all present on funding, logistics, spread of information, and even talent to put up performances at the event.

This whimsical, picaresque day would manifest into the ultimate gambit on the other world, the spear against the Crawling Chaos.

At the end of the night, everybody said their farewells with a fuller heart. Akira saw each of his friends make their way home. Makoto seemed reluctant to go, but not out of fear; in truth, she wanted to spend the night, doing nothing but watch Taiwanese police thrillers, and Yakuza flicks before turning in. The furtive, yet daring way she pulled him aside for a kiss put a genuine smile on his face. The kick she sent into his pulse was almost enough to eclipse the nagging feeling that somewhere out there, in the darkness of night and of troubled hearts, his counterpart prowled with ominous intent.

Akira was not convinced he had indeed seen him earlier. But he felt him.

He felt the Joker's anger. His pain. His hatred.

The young man planned to get in touch with a friend in politics, former Diet member Toranosuke Yoshida. Akira knew he would join their efforts without being asked twice. That was the least the Phantom Thieves' leader could do for the faith he had on Project Masquerade. In his thoughts, the plan was sound. It could work wonders, and perhaps secure their success.

But the date in question was still far away. In between then and now, there was a gulf of chance for the Joker to walk the Earth. Even now, Akira Kurusu could not shake off the conviction that it caused Masayoshi Shido's death. The fallen one may prove the first in a string of casualties, assuming he was indeed the first one. From this moment on, everybody was at risk, including Akira's friends.

Could he afford to wait?

A plan of his own began to crystallise in the young man's head. It hurt to just think of it. But every time he looked out the window, into the streets of Yongen-jaya, he was convinced of the painful necessity. This was something he needed to do. Alone.

[ ]

3 AM.

The numbers and letters on the phone's screen were a blur in Makoto's exhausted eyes. Her sleep was ordinarily deep, but tonight she could not keep her eyes closed too long. Her head was barely able to contain the storm of thoughts flying in every direction. Anything may have woken her up, even if Ann had not texted two minutes ago. Makoto did not blame her friend, but she was not exactly in a good mood.

She read the text message, and it took her a few moments to comprehend it. But once she did, Makoto shook off all remnants of exhaustion.

"I know how to test Mishima's idea. I need you and Futaba to meet up with me TOMORROW"

Makoto did not even think of asking Ann what she meant, or how she arrived at the answer to the conundrum. Her response was swift and doubtless.

"I'll be there."

The young woman managed to get some sleep after that. All questions were laid to rest, until they rose back to the surface of her mind after dawn. Time felt like it slowed down to a crawl until the hour came to meet with Ann, with only a few messages in between to discuss the time and place. The two would meet at a small restaurant they occasionally frequented. All questions would be answered then. And perhaps, the Phantom Thieves would have their way forward.

However, to Makoto's great surprise, Ann and Futaba were both waiting for her at the campus' entrance.

"Ann? Futaba? I thought…"

"Heyyyy, Makoto!" Ann approached quickly, with an equally enthusiastic Futaba at her heels. "Did you have a good day?"

"Uh, y-yes, but wha…?"

Futaba clumsily squeezed Makoto's breath out with a hug, quite probably using all of her strength.

"This is so cool. Surprising the Team Mum-koto when she clearly never saw us coming!" The girl briefly choked on her own hair, somehow ending on her face as she hugged Makoto. "Never saw us coming!"

The younger Niijima could do nothing but cast a desperate, quizzical gaze at Ann, which the latter met with a wide smile, much to Makoto's increasing confusion. She took a few seconds to gather herself after Futaba let go.

"Okay… it's always a joy to see you two… But honestly, what is going on?"

"Heyyy, Makoto! Have you eaten?" Ann asked, completely disregarding Makoto's question.

"Um, no? But…"

"We brought you lunch!" Futaba pulled out several plastic bags, seemingly from nowhere. "Eat it!"

Makoto looked helpless, but Ann's sunny smile could be breached by nothing she said or did. Defeated, she saw no alternative but to concede.

"Can we at least go eat somewhere with a little shade?"

Several minutes later, Makoto felt more at ease. Neither Ann nor Futaba would answer to her question, but they at least did not spend that portion of the afternoon only watching her eat. The young woman noticed that they ate rather quickly, however. By the time she savoured the last bite of fried mackerel, Makoto decided she had enough. Both Ann and Futaba jumped startled from the very sound of Makoto putting her chopsticks down.

"Lunchtime is over. What are you doing?"

"Just making sure you're having a good time. It's for the plan, after all." Futaba said.

"Explain yourself." Makoto was not pleased to find she was in the dark about Ann's idea.

"Alright…" Ann sighed. "Here's the thing. Last night I noticed that everyone was super excited about Mishima's idea. It was honestly great to see everyone so on board with this. And I'm really looking forward to pulling this thing out myself. Even if nobody really knew how to test if it would work, everyone was in high spirits. And that got me thinking. We don't know if Project Masquerade can actually take off, but it doesn't seem to matter. So, wouldn't this mood itself alter the cognition in the other world, even just for a moment? Everyone in LeBlanc is hyped for us, the Phantom Thieves. That probably has to have some effect on how strong we are over there. Maybe even how we feel ourselves."

Makoto put her fingers on her chin, savouring the idea.

"That's actually a really good point, Ann." The young woman smiled. "I'm surprised."

"Hey, just because my boyfriend's can be a moron sometimes doesn't mean I'm one too!"

"Yiketh, Panther." Futaba chimed in.

"No! That's not what I meant! And neither of you are unintelligent! …It's just, how could we miss something so obvious? It makes perfect sense. Nyarlathotep wanted to take Akira alone and vulnerable because he could get what he wanted on his own terms. He'd be free to influence people on this world through his Joker, unchallenged, because nobody else would know he was pulling the strings. But since we were taken with Akira, his means were compromised, and the influence between worlds would no longer be one-sided. Without knowing it, we made it a free-for-all."

"I'm getting shivers." Futaba said. "Anyone else getting shivers?"

"That is, assuming you're correct, Ann." Makoto stated.

"That's true. I say we make a quick trip over to evil land to see if there's something to this. One field Persona user, one Wild Card, and one Navigator to measure things and bail us out if needed. That sounds to me a good way to test Yuuki's theory."

Makoto could barely contain a vaguely mischievous smirk.

"What say you, Queen. Wanna go find if I'm right?" Ann raised her eyebrows.

"Just point me in the right direction, Panther. Oracle, on me."

[ ]

That evening, Makoto, Ann, and Futaba got in touch with their close circle, and then with the rest of their allies through text messages. They bore great news: the principle behind Yuuki Mishima's idea was successfully tested, and preparations for Project Masquerade could begin in earnest. In truth, there had been little in the way of fighting Shadows, but their very presence, fuelled by the spirits of the small collective around the Phantom Thieves, made the unholy ground quake at every step. Oracle's analysis on the ten minutes spent in Nyarlathotep's realm also vouched for this change. Queen and the rest were ready to present this information when next they met.

Tonight, however, Makoto slept. As carefree and peaceful as she could have it.

Outside of her window, a black silhouette hung immaterial in the dead of night. Beneath its mask, bitter tears flowed from distorted, yellow eyes. Its concealed heart sent a sorrowful pang into its pulse, making its entire frame shake with pain.

The Joker watched Makoto for that moment, peaceful, beloved and protected. An image that violently rattled its psyche. A snarl was birthed at the base of its throat, coming out an inhuman howl for no one to hear.

As it vanished, Akira Kurusu woke up in a cold sweat, not knowing why.

BY THE WAY I'm flying to Canada tonight and will be back in a week! So Crimson Masquerade, Thaw, and the rest of the Makoto Niijma Week promts are going on a brief hiatus. Thank you for reading and take care!