Chapter 39: Hanging With Selene

July 11th. It was the afternoon. We took a day off after the celebratory party. I decided to hang out with Selene. We were at her apartment as she was about to paint.

"Now, Ren, I want us to have a collaboration of some sort." She said to me,

"A collaboration?" I wondered,

"It's where two people make something together. Like an artist and a sinner with lack of talent."

I was a little embarrassed. Selene chuckled a bit.

"I'm just kidding!" They said, "I'm sure you have talent!"

Selene then acted serious.

"Now… I want this art piece to be good enough to be in this particular art museum in Sloth." She said, "The Museum Of Sloth Art! Artists from different rings have joined together to create this museum full of artistic imaginations! And I need a painting to be in that museum!"

"I don't know if I have artistic talent for anything like THAT." I said,

Selene chuckled.

"I'm sure you do, my friend." They said, "For now, I think we should start tomorrow. Come back then so that we can get this done!"

"Got it." I said,

My bond with Selene is growing.

July 12th. Me and Selene were in her apartment again.

"Glad you could join me again, Ren!" She said, "Now then, for this art piece, we need to think of a good theme!"

"Like a title?" I wondered,

"We're saving that for last! We need to think of what style the painting should have! Abstract, cubism, pointillism. Oh! There's so much we can do! I could just moan in an artistic pleasure!"

I was worried a bit, and confused.

"Ahem. Sorry…" Selene said as they took a deep breath, "Got a little carried away… Now, what should we do?"

"Let's just keep it simple." I said, "Maybe just… Have some paint and paint it on the canvas."

"...Yeah, it would probably take a lot of time to master a certain style of art that I listed…"

Selene took another deep breath.

"Again, sorry if I got carried away." She said, "I wanted this to be an amazing art piece. I think you should leave… I need time to think of what to do."

"Ok." I said as I bowed,

I'm starting to understand Selene more.

July 13th. Selene and I were about to go to Mementos.

"Are you sure about this?" I wondered,

"I am sure!" Selene replied, "After thinking for a bit, I think Mementos is the perfect place to get inspiration on this art piece! This frustration and impatient mind of mine is killing me!"

"Ok… Guess we're going to Mementos."

We went to Mementos. We were in our Phantom Thief outfits as Selene had her sketchbook.

"Here we are." I said,

"Good!" Selene said, "Now, what's a good place to find something to inspire me?"

I followed Selene to an empty palace that we fought someone to change their heart from. Selene saw a black hole mixed with red. They got surprised.

"I'm liking the detail on this one!" She said, "Red and Black are common colors down here in Hell, but I need to use these colors in the most amazing way possible!"

I turned to see Shadows appearing.

"Eclipse!" I shouted, "We got company!"

Selene turned to see the Shadows.

"Oh this is also great!" She said, "Maybe this will help me!"

"Huh?" I said, confused, "What are you talking about?!"

Selene took off her mask to bring forth Evaki. She then rode her Persona.

"Stand back, Joker!" She said, "I have an idea!"

Selene then let Evaki soar through the Shadows. The Shadows then saw me as I shot them with my gun. They ran towards me after taking my shots. I flip up in the air as Selene pictured the Shadows with her fingers while she and Evaki were in the air.

"Perfect!" They said, "Exactly what I needed!"

Selene then used Evaki to shoot down Zionga lightning at the Shadows. The Shadows were defeated as Selene landed on the ground with Evaki recalled and her mask returned to her face.

"Phenomenal it is!" She said, "I have found my art piece! And I appreciate the help, my friend!"

"It's nothing." I said,

Selene then got her pencil and sketchbook and started sketching what she had envisioned.

"This is gonna be a while, so I think it's best for you to watch over me." They said,

"Got it." I said,

My relationship with Selene is growing.

July 14th. Selene showed me the painting that was halfway done.

"What do you think?" She asked me,

"I think it's great." I replied,

"Yes, I think so too! This is only half done, so I need more time to get the finishing touches!"

"Good."

Selene then puts a towel over the painting.

"I'm gonna let this layer dry off a bit." She said, "You've been a great helper in this Shadow Collaboration of our's."

"Shadow Collaboration?" I wondered,

"Actually, during our time in Mementos, I wanted that to be the name of my painting! The description is also stunning. It goes something like, "An artist and a non-artist worked together to paint the skies red and black! Monsters from the deepest shadows arose to try and stop them, but the power of unity was able to put them back to where they came from!" Well, how was that?"

"I think it's good."

I gave out a thumbs-up.

"I appreciate the feedback!" Selene said, happily, "Now, it's gonna be a while for me to get the finishing touches and see if I can send it to The Museum Of Sloth Art! For now, you can leave!"

"Good luck." I said,

"Appreciate it, Ren!"

Me and Selene's bond is still growing.