Makoto looked up from her phone towards Aigis and Ken Amada. Unassumingly they didn't look much older than high school students. Still, there was something about the pair that had Makoto on edge. Maybe the fact they were Persona users or possibly the idea that if Yu and his group knew them then it was a strong possibility that they were strong Persona users. Ken was currently leaning against one of the cabinets in the council room as Aigis took her spot at the front of the table.
"We don't wish to interfere with what you are currently doing but we have orders to assist you as needed," Aigis explained in a calm voice. "We also must investigate what you refer to as Mementos."
"What do you two have to do with the Kirijo group?" Makoto asked.
"I was built by them." Aigis calmly answered.
"Built?!" Ryuji suddenly gasped.
"Aigis-san is a robot... Well, an android." Ken mentioned from his spot. "As far as our affiliation with the Kirijo group, we are both employed by them. We are part of a unit specifically designed to deal with shadows. I only rejoined recently as I was convinced to take this mission considering we're of similar ages."
"That is correct." Aigis nodded.
"A special unit? Are you guys part of the police?!" Ann glanced between the two of their new classmates.
"Yes and no. Look, I'd rather not discuss the details of our mission at a school." Ken slipped his hands into his pockets.
Makoto wasn't the only one that tensed up at that response. As far as anyone knew the police were still not an entity anyone completely trusted. Sure there were plenty of cops that weren't on Shido's payroll but finding one wasn't a risk anyone wanted to take. Sae was dealing with weeding out the wheat from the chaff but even she had to watch herself amidst her colleagues. It was one of the first times being a woman was an advantage for her, she flew under the radar for many people simply by her gender.
"It is fine, Ken-Kun. There are no other lifeforms within hearing distance to this location." Aigis looked at her companion. "Though if you'd rather not. I am capable of explaining the complex issue of our affiliations."
Ken seemed to sigh at that statement. "Alright, Aigis-san give them the run down."
"Ken-Kun and I are part of an unofficial section of the Kirijo group called the Shadow Operatives. Our mission is simply to make sure this Mementos thing doesn't have anything to do with Tartarus nor will it bring back the dark hour or Nyx." Aigis explained.
"We must, at any cost, make sure the dark hour or Nyx doesn't return." Ken had an intense expression appear on his face as he balled his fists. He meant it when he said those words.
"Dark hour? Nyx? Shirogane-san gave us a brief rundown before but she said they only had second-hand accounts." Haru's polite voice cut through the tension Ken's words had brought to the conversation.
"Both of us were there. The Dark hour was an hour that occurred for an hour every night just after midnight. For most of the general public, they were unaware of its existence, only people capable of using Personas were able to observe the phenomenon. Everyone who was incapable of using Personas was transmogrified into coffins and remember nothing of the time. Shadows appeared everywhere during this time and a large structure we referred to as Tartarus appeared in the center of Tatsumi Port Island. The Kirijo group had become aware of shadows almost 20 years prior and started doing experiments on them. During this time they discovered the prophecy of 'The Fall'. To put it simply 'The Fall' is the end of the world. It is when humanity loses the will to survive and Death summons Nyx. Nyx would then descend to the earth to cleanse the world, destroying humanity. This did not deter their research and specific weapons such as myself were created to battle the shadows. However, they ended up rejuvenating Death and set the prophecy in motion. It would have ended there; except one of the researchers who were opposed to the efforts to initiate 'The Fall' disrupted the experiment. Death was split into 13 distinct shadows. These shadows went berserk, destroying the lab and everyone within it. I was also sent out and managed to seal the aspect of Death into a small child. Seven years ago S.E.E.S., our original group, fought all 13 shadows believing it would end the dark hour. We were wrong, it only served to awaken the aspect of death I had sealed away within a man named Makoto Yuki." Aigis suddenly went silent and despite the fact she was a robot there was a genuine look of anguish that appeared on her face.
Ken stepped up putting a hand on Aigis's shoulder before he continued where she left off. "We set the events of 'The Fall' back in motion unknowingly. We didn't know what to do at first, but in the end, we decided to fight against it. Problem is, Nyx isn't something that can be defeated by brute force. Yuki-san sacrificed himself to keep Nyx from ever awakening. He is now the seal the holds the door to the fall closed. He stands between Nyx and the manifestation of humanity's negative will and grief known as Erebus"
No one said anything. What could someone possibly say after something that deep? They were talking about how they saved the world from itself and the comrade they had lost because of it. There was a pained look on both Ken's and Aigis' faces that made Makoto realize the truth in their words. The theory that one of them might have to sacrifice themselves to stop whatever was at the end of Mementos was a very real theory. The weight of Naoto's words back then seemed to weigh even heavier on Makoto's heart. If there was anyone who was more than willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, that would be Ren.
"Wait a minute. If you both were there and that was seven years ago. How old are you two?" Ryuji abruptly asked cutting through some of the tension that hung into the air.
"I'm 18, kind of sucks I might not be able to graduate from Gekkoukan, but honestly this mission seems more important. I was 11 during most of the events that happened." Ken shrugged.
"Date of activation for me was September 10th, 1999. If the date of activation is what one would consider a birthday then I am 17 years old." Aigis replied.
"So ya fought shadows when you were 11?! Jeez man that musta' been tough for a kid." Ryuji blurted out.
Ken shrugged. "I'm not going to say it was easy." There was some pain in that statement that Makoto picked up on.
"With Ren and the others gone, we weren't planning on going to Mementos. We don't have a navigator but we can bring you unless anyone has any objections." Makoto let her gaze linger over the other Phantom Thieves looking for discourse.
"A navigator? It will be fine. I have suitable knowledge and my sensors will aid me in the role." Aigis explained plainly.
"I think we'll be fine going to Mementos today." Haru nodded.
"We should text Yusuke and let him know," Ann commented pulling out her phone no doubt to do just that.
"Wait a minute, Ren ain't here. So who's leadin'?" Ryuji looked over the group.
"Ren volunteered me. As the group's advisor that makes me naturally second in command. However, if someone else wants to step up to the role I'm willing to step aside." Makoto didn't want to cause strife within the ranks even if she had Ren's backing.
"Sounds fine to me." Ann agreed.
"Yes, this works for me as well." Haru nodded.
"I dunno… I've been a thief longer than all of you!" Ryuji rubbed his chin.
"By a few days." Ann drawled with a roll of her eyes.
"As we are guests to this process. I'm willing to concede command to Niijima-san." Aigis affirmed.
"I'd be willing to follow another Makoto-san into battle," Ken smirked.
Ryuji sighed shaking his head. "Alright, looks like yer up Makoto. I ain't gonna argue this one."
"That's surprisingly mature of you Ryuji." Ann glanced at Ryuji, surprise playing on her face.
Ryuji smirked. "I'm workin' on it."
Suddenly Makoto felt everyone's eyes on her. It was strange suddenly being the one everyone looked to for guidance. It was a bit intimidating and Makoto had renewed respect for Ren's ability to lead. Makoto looked over her fellow Thieves thinking carefully about what Ren would say in this particular situation. Honestly, it wouldn't be much. Ren was more a man of few words than grandiose speeches. Quick and decisive; that's how Ren led and that by extension was how Makoto would try to lead.
"Alright then, we'll head to Mementos tonight after school. Everyone lets meet up at the front of the school then meet up with Yusuke." Makoto commanded.
Everyone nodded just as the bell that signaled the end of Lunch sounded. Makoto watched everyone depart before she hurried off to class with Haru and Ken. The lecture that day seemed distant as the weight of Makoto's new duties distracted her no matter how hard she tried to focus. Hopefully, Haru took good notes. There was also Ken and Aigis's stories. To think that humankind had been so close to ruin just seven years ago yet because of the sacrifice of one individual it reversed their fates. It was all a lot for Makoto to wrap her head around.
"Mako-chan?" Haru's voice cut through Makoto's long pondering.
Makoto blinked realizing the sudden emptiness of the classroom around her. The bell must have rung but Makoto had been too wrapped up in her private thoughts to even realize it. Haru stood next to her desk, concern flashing in eyes as Ken stood next to her. He wore a more passive look, his eyes staring distantly out a window. Makoto took in a deep breath before collecting herself, she had to be strong until Ren returned. Gathering up her things she stood up.
"Are you guys ready?" Makoto questioned as she threw her school bag over her shoulder.
"Yep!" Haru smiled brightening up the whole room.
With that, they left the classroom. The halls still had students milling about but no one batted an eye at them as they headed out to the school gates. Ann, Aigis, and Ryuji were already at the gates waiting for them. A quick check to see if Yusuke could join them revealed he was going to be waiting in Shibuya underground station for the meetup. They all started to move to leave for the station before they realized Aigis and Ken weren't following them. Instead, Ken gave a loud whistle. Suddenly from the bushes next to the school appeared a dog holding a large pole in his mouth. It was wearing a sweater with a set of wings and small boots. The dog wagged its tail very pleased to see Aigis and Ken.
"Hey Koromaru," Ken said kneeling next to the dog and taking the pole from its mouth. "Hopefully you weren't too bored out here while we were in school."
"Arf Woof!" The dog wagged its tail as it barked.
"He said 'he slept most of the time.'" Aigis seemed to translate.
"Makes sense, wasn't too cold was it?" Ken asked.
"Woof." The dog responded.
"He said 'no'" Aigis once again translated.
"Am I seeing this right?" Ryuji leaned into the group and kept his voice low.
"No, he is talking to that dog. Maybe the dog is like Mona-chan. Ah, Amada-Kun, who is that?" Haru took a step forward.
Ken pulled a leash from his bag and attached it to the dog's seemingly metallic collar before he got to his feet. "This is Koromaru, he is a Persona user too. He's very old for a dog so he is retired but he insisted on coming with us."
"Arf, Arf!" Koromaru seemed to puff out his chest.
"I see." Aigis looks back at the other teens. "He is pleased to make your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is all mine Koromaru-Kun." Haru took a step forward and gave the dog a gentle scratch behind the ear. "You're adorable."
Koromaru leaned against Haru's hand as she petted him, his tongue slowly flopping out. Ann quickly joined Haru and soon he had the attention of two women. The dog seemed to be delighted in the sudden attention and half-closed his eyes.
"Woof." Koromaru dreamily barked.
"Your group has a cat if I remember correctly." Ken looked towards Makoto.
"Yes, that would be Morgana. He's in Inaba with the rest of our team." Makoto explained.
"I look forward to meeting him. Koromaru is excited to meet another animal with a Persona." Ken looked down at Koromaru who had become putty in the two girl's hands.
"Morgana will insist he is not a cat, we aren't sure what he is honest. But we should get moving everyone, Yusuke is waiting for us." Makoto called to the other two girls.
The two girls got in a few more pets on the adorable dog before they all started to head out. After a small trek through Tokyo's subway, they met up with Yusuke. A few quick formalities were exchanged with Yusuke to introduce him to the groups, three new members before Makoto pulled out her phone. There was a pause filled with anticipation as everyone waited for an opening in the crowds before they all disappeared from Shibuya station.
The world warped out before snapping into focus as the red and black tones of Mementos filled Queen's vision. She stepped into the entrance of Mementos as everyone joined her. This was their staging area that they always got ready in before they ventured deeper. Everyone always needed a few minutes before they ventured into the depths. Queen checked her weapons quickly before looking towards Aigis, Ken, and Koromaru.
"So this is the rebellion attire Shirogane-san's report mentioned. You all look…" Ken seemed a bit taken aback by the new appearances.
"It's a bit shocking I know." Queen acknowledged.
"Their clothes appear to be made of the same cognition properties as Persona are made of. It would seem their attire is granted by their Personas." Aigis analyzed before she pulled off her Shujin jacket.
That's when Queen realized that Aigis hadn't been wearing the standard Shujin Academy undershirt. She appeared to be wearing nothing at all and simply was exposing her robotic body. It was then that it hit home about Aigis's true nature. Her face and general build with clothing over it made her appear exactly like one would expect a human to look like, but as she stripped down her robotic features were all on display.
"Our attire is made outta the same stuff as our Personas?" Skull asked looking at his gloved hand before he looked up at Aigis. "Ah jeez." He quickly turned away just as Aigis pulled down her skirt.
"Correct. Forgive me, I cannot achieve full combat potential wearing clothes. Ken-Kun you should prepare for battle as well. My sensors indicate many shadows below us." Aigis commanded.
"R-Right!" Ken nodded before he put down his school bag and pulled out what appeared to be a belt with a gun followed by a spear tip.
Ken put on the belt before tightening the spear tip to the pole already in his hands. With a quick flourish of the weapon, Ken rested it against his shoulder before looking down at Koromaru. He leaned down and pet the dog before pulling out a large knife from his bag. He set the knife down in front of Koromaru and the dog picked it up in his mouth and seemed to slash in the air. Ken smiled at his companion before turning to the rest of the Thieves.
"I believe we are ready then." Ken glanced towards Aigis.
"Waiting for your orders field commander." Aigis quickly snapped into a salute as her gaze fell to Queen.
"Before we go, I will need to get a general feel for your combat abilities," Queen advised.
"Also we gotta give'em codenames!" Skull enthusiastically reminded everyone.
"I am a firearm user as well as a wild cardholder. My current Personas are Orpheus, Messiah, Thanatos, Athena." Aigis dictated. "I do not need any other ones. Orpheus's element is fire. Athena has no inherent element. They both have a weakness to electricity. Messiah is light and dark with a weakness of dark. Thanatos is dark with a weakness to light."
"Koromaru won't be fighting hopefully but he uses knives and his Persona is Cerebus. Its weakness is light. Dark and Fire seem to be his elements. I use spears and my Persona is Kala-Nemi. It has no real inherent element but it's weak to darkness. Kala-Nemi is a capable Persona and can use many healing spells." Ken tapped his spear to his shoulder as he spoke. "As far as codenames go, we already picked out ours in preparation for the mission."
"Woof!" Koromaru seemed to confirm.
"You already have codenames? Delightful, do you already know ours?" Noir asked.
"We are aware of them. Queen is the field commander. You are; Fox, Skull, Noir, and Panther. Joker, Oracle, Crow, and Mona are currently not here. Yu-san's team is Kingpin, Agent, Princess, Boulder, Deputy, Dragon, and Kuma" Came Aigis's monotone reply as he turned her attention to each Phantom Thief.
"Well then what do you three want to be called?" Queen asked.
"I am Black, Koromaru is Guardian, and Aigis is Angel," Ken informed everyone.
"They fit with the naming scheme! Alright; Black, Guardian, Angel welcome to the Phantom Thieves." Panther smiled.
"It's good to have you." Noir tipped her hat to the newly christened Thieves.
Fox held up his hands framing Aigis, Ken, and Koromaru. "Our little group has grown into quite the organization."
"I know right? What are we up to? 15?" Skull scratched the back of his head as he thought.
"Correct, if we include the adults. Alright." Queen started looking over the group. "Skull, Black, Panther, with me in the front lines. Black, you're our support. Angel keep your eye on our backs and navigate. Everyone else in the backline; protect our flank."
There was a chorus of confirmation across the board from all Persona users. With that, they plunged into the depths of Mementos. Without Mona's ability to turn into a bus, Queen didn't know how far they'd all go. Come to think of it; they found Kingpin and Joker pretty far down the other day without the aid of a vehicle so maybe walking wasn't so bad. As soon as they hit the Path of Qimranut it became apparent there was something in the air here in Mementos. While Mementos always seemed to have a creepy vibe to it, this atmosphere more closely resembled a blanket of depression.
"This feeling," Fox stated as he looked around.
"Must be because of Flu Season. We are right in the middle of it." Noir mentioned.
"Flu season?" Ken questioned.
"Mementos is the Palace of everyone in Tokyo, so its mood can change depending on how the general public feels," Queen informed their new companions.
"Interesting, I will have to add that information to our reports." Aigis proclaimed.
With that, they traveled past the Path of Qimranut and headed deeper to the path of Aiyatsbus. This depressive atmosphere seemed to make the shadows more willing to avoid them and without the speed of the Mona bus, it wasn't worth it to chase them down. This went on for several floors before Aigis suddenly announced that there appeared to be a large shadow on this particular floor. Everyone glanced at each other and a silent consensus was reached, they take this shadow down. Guided by Aigis's navigating ability they moved through the twisted Mementos paths before their target came into view. The large hulking red-hued shadow seemed to notice them as soon as they approached. There would be no getting the drop on it as it darted towards them.
Queen readied herself, her memories drawn briefly into times Joker dealt with shadows. Hit it before it hits you; that's what Joker always did. Tightening her grip on her Tekko, Queen coiled her body. Years of Aikido made her movements second nature, her mind was relaxed but sharp. The shadow roared but Queen had no hesitation, no fear. She planted her feet and just as the shadow got within her reach she struck. The blow was quick, a release of all the coiled energy she had been saving up causing the blow to be shall we say, super effective. The shadow shrunk back, spilling over into several smaller blobs of shadows before they took form. It was a pack of two Onis and a Kin-ki. Makoto had already seen Joker fight these shadows before and her mind spun remembering that they were all strong against physical and gun. Kin-ki had a weakness for Psy damage but without a wildcard and Noir in the back lines, they'd wouldn't be downing this particular shadow.
"Focus elemental," Queen ordered to her party.
That's when Queen noticed it, one of the onis didn't look quite right. Something about its demeanor looked as if it just didn't have the will to fight. Makoto had seen a shadow despair this bad once before but it was surprising that at the start of the battle that it was already inflicted with the status condition. Queen's mind calculated silently before it came to an abrupt conclusion. This was the effect Flu season had on the shadows down here. This depressive atmosphere wasn't just for show, it affected the shadows as well. It would seem today was a good day to come down here, too bad Joker wasn't with them.
"Hecate! Maragion!" Panther was the first to order her hand falling to her mask as the shadows went up in a blaze of fiery heat.
"Here goes!" Ken suddenly called out before he pulled out a gun and placed it to his forehead.
Time suddenly slowed for Queen as she watched her newest teammate shoot himself in the head. The sound of the shot rang across the battlefield as what looked like broken glass seemed to blossom from the back of Ken's head before a towering Persona appeared. For a half a second as Ken's head jerked back from the recoil of the action, a glazed almost dead look appeared in the young man's eyes. It didn't last long as Ken leveled his gaze towards his allies, looking fine despite the fact he had just shot himself in the head. He held out his hand as his Persona responded in kind.
"Revolution!" Ken ordered.
A feeling similar to one of Oracle's or Noir's buffs overcame Queen. Ken was taking his role of support quite seriously. Queen appreciated the professionalism he seemed to be demonstrating as she readied her attack. This was the first battle of the day, if there were going to plunge deep into Mementos depth it stood to reason that they'd need to conserve their SP. Queen called to Anat and the Persona answered back.
"Anat, come!" Queen called. "Mafreila!" The explosion from the nuclear attack hit the shadows hard.
"It ain't over yet!" Skull seemed amped as he smirked. "Seiten Taisei, Maziodyne!"
Leave it to Skull to pull out all the stops on the first go. The heavy electric attack combined with Queen's less powerful Nuclear one was all that was needed to make the shadows melt before them. They faded away leaving nothing but a small pile of money behind in their wake. For Queen's first battle as the leader, it had gone well and there was a bit of pride that bubbled up in her gut at that. She could do this. It wasn't a job she ever wanted to take from Joker but it was a role she knew she'd feel more comfortable in the longer she needed to take up the mantle.
"Did you just freakin' shoot yerself?" Skull called, his attention solely fixed on Ken.
"Yes. I guess this is the first time you've seen this particular method of Persona summoning." Ken held out his strange gun. "This is my Evoker, I put it to my head and pull the trigger to summon my Persona."
"That a rather barbaric way of summoning one's Persona." Fox shook his head.
"It's how all of us summon our Personas. I have an internal evoker and Guardian's lies within his collar." Aigis informed them in a pure matter of fact tone.
"Arf!" Koromaru bark in conformation.
"I could probably summon my Persona without the Evoker's assistance but something about the action." Ken's eyes remained on the gun in his hand.
"It's familiar. Even if the Evoker provokes a sense of terror or extreme stress. Moreover, because of the plume of dusk, the evoker contains; it also can be used to summon a Persona within the real world. How long it would remain summoned depends on the individual. Some individuals can summon a Persona in the real world, but it requires a level of concentration that is at extreme levels." Aigis quickly picked up.
"So you aren't harming yourself when you use an evoker?" Noir asked.
"No, it's quite the jarring experience though," Ken informed the group.
"Putting a gun to your head in the first place seems pretty jarring." Panther shook her head putting a hand on her hip.
"How far down do you three want to go? Remember we'll have to walk back." Queen interjected.
"As far as possible please," Aigis asked.
"Then let's get going." Queen insisted.