The True Duet

by asdf1asdf1

*WARNING* P5R Spoilers With the help of a taunting voice, Kasumi stops her younger sister Sumire from running into traffic, changing the course of their lives. Now both sisters must face their first year of high school together at Shujin academy. Feeling stunted in Kasumi's shadow, Sumire insists on doing this separately. Follow the girls as they change fate once more.

17. Chapter 17

Author's note:

So, this took a while. Had a lot of other things going on that drained my mental energy that usually goes towards writing.

Next chapter shouldn't take a month, but we shall see.

Enjoy.

---

Chapter 17: Real Consequences

Thursday June 16th, 20XX Evening

"You've really done it now…" Sumire muttered inaudibly, allowing herself to get shoved into the vehicle beside Makoto. Pursing her lips, Sumire was left with nowhere to go as the man slid in beside her. With four of them in the backseat, Sumire was pressed against the thug.

Makoto beside her was in a similar position. There was another thug on the far side of her and Makoto's face spoke volumes about her distress.

As the smaller of the two of them, Sumire didn't give Makoto a choice before sliding into her lap. Maybe Makoto had been expecting it, but the student council president didn't even blink, just slid so that she was positioned in the middle seat, not touching either of the men.

"Hehe, you scared of us?" The one on the right asked with a low chuckle. As the vehicle pulled away, Sumire glanced at him briefly. Once again though, it was hard for her to raise her eyes above his stained yellow sweatshirt.

"Aww, no need to be shy," hoodie pestered from the other side. Whipping her head that way, Sumire blanched slightly as the man slowly began closing the already short distance.

In that moment, the reality of Sumire's situation crashed down upon her. She was trapped in a strange vehicle, heading somewhere she didn't know with men who were proven criminals. Getting extorted would be the least of what would happen to them.

Sumire jumped slightly as she felt Makoto's hands encircle hers. After the momentary surprise, Sumire clenched back just as fervently. As more time ticked on, neither of them replied to the men's entreaties.

"So if they don't reply…"

"That counts as consent, yeah?"

"S-Stop it!" Makoto rebuffed them bravely. "We're here to talk to Kaneshiro, not you lowlifes!"

"…"

Feeling the glares pressing in on her, Sumire tried to whisper to Makoto. "I'd avoid insulting them…"

"What'd you call us?" Sweatshirt asked, leaning in so that his face was inches from theirs.

"Umm, I…"

With Makoto crumbling, Sumire stepped into the gap left behind. It was pointless pretending she was an innocent student at this point. Makoto's arrival and obvious relation to her had crushed any chance of that angle.

"Kaneshiro doesn't take kindly to those that play with his goods."

In an instant, the two men retreated. Both of them were casting guilty looks at the darkened divider that separated the front seat from the back. While they couldn't hear or see the front, it was unlikely the opposite was true.

With the two men pressed against their respective doors, Sumire took a small breath of relief. They should be safe until they found the boss. That was when the danger came.

"Umm, sorry…" Makoto whispered into Sumire's ear.

The close proximity tickled her skin. Sumire could practically feel Makoto's breath. Opening her mouth, Sumire took gazes back and forth at the two men. While sullen, they kept their gazes locked upon the girls. It would be impossible for Sumire to respond without them hearing.

Makoto seemed to understand that and continued. "D-Don't worry, I'm on the phone. They'll get us out of here."

On the phone!?

Interest piqued, Sumire gnashed her teeth to avoid speaking out. She was dying to know who it was. But had Senpai really sent Makoto? Sumire wasn't sure how to feel about that. He had been reluctant about the plan, but she found it hypocritical that he would just throw Makoto into the fire with her.

Either way, whether it even was Senpai, Sumire was grateful for the contact. She could only imagine how terrifying it would be to face this on her own. To sit in this vehicle, staring down the leering faces of the men… their suggestive advances.

"Umm… we will be okay… just so you know."

Sumire struggled to contain a giggle at that. Makoto's comforting needed work. A lot of work. Yet, somehow, it did its job. It was so cute it helped Sumire forget the rough start to their relationship the other day.

"Oh shut up with the laughing," hoodie complained. "Honestly, we could have had fun with this, but you had to be so serious…"

Sumire ducked her head at the criticism. She could only imagine what her sister would say in this situation. By the time they arrived at the destination, Kasumi would have them apologizing profoundly and swearing they'd be good boys from now on.

But I'm not Kasumi…

Lamenting that fact, Sumire could only hide her face behind a curtain of hair as the man's momentary disgust turned to interest as Sumire didn't reply.

"Please leave us alone." Makoto supplied in Sumire's absence. "We only want to talk to your boss."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

Thankfully, despite their grumblings, the men pressed them no further. In short order, the vehicle pulled to a stop. Due to the heavy tinting in the windows, Sumire wasn't exactly sure where it was exactly, bit the short trip time indicated they were still in Shibuya city.

"Out you go, and don't think about running."

Getting pulled, Sumire muffled her complaint. Stepping out of the vehicle, Sumire looked up at the building, desperately hoping to see the location that she had been led to.

"Eep!" Letting out a strangled noise, she was unprepared when a blindfold was pulled over her eyes. Another man began grabbing at her arms. Resisting instinctively, Sumire tried to pull away. "H-Hey what are you- Uff!"

As a piece of cloth got jammed into her mouth, Sumire lost the ability to talk. Fear spiking quickly, Sumire struggled but could do nothing against the older, stronger men who restrained her easily. In no time her arms were tied behind her back and she was pushed forward.

"What are you doing to her!?" Makoto protested.

In short order though, Sumire heard the girl receive the same treatment. She wished she could tell Makoto to not resist, but both her speech and sight had been taken from her. Based on the sounds, Makoto put up a slightly better fight, but outnumbered as she was, the conclusion was determined from the start.

Now blind, Sumire felt lost without the dependable sensation. Her hard-earned balance and precision felt like distant comforts. Any step could run her into an obstacle or a ditch in the ground sending her painfully to the floor without the ability to raise her hands in defense.

"Hurry it up," one of the men growled, pulling at her arm. "Stairs here."

Thanks to the warning and the pulling arm, Sumire allowed her instincts to take over and managed up without any falls. From behind, Makoto appeared to have a similar guide. These men were clearly used to navigating blindfolded people around. That was concerning in a way Sumire didn't want to think about. Either way, they were certainly more professional than the two that she had approached.

Before too long, Sumire was brought to a halt. Tensing up, she expected to have the blindfold removed. However, one familiar beep later, a mechanical whizzing reached her ears. An elevator. Where were they?

Based on the mutters and pushing, Sumire deduced that Makoto was put on the ride as well. It was so hard not knowing where everything was.

With the elevator starting and stopping in a couple of seconds, Sumire was pretty sure they only risen a single floor. Getting out of the elevator, Sumire felt… something. A distant thrumming that vibrated the air. Music?

Nothing she would listen to. Based on the pulsing, it sounded like it was mostly bass with little in the way of anything else.

A club?

Sumire wasn't sure if her guess was accurate but it still surprised her. It was rapidly approaching sun down, but the time was still fairly early. Sumire knew little about adult night activities but from what she'd gathered, they tended to be late-night affairs.

Sumire's hunches were confirmed moments later as a nearby door must have been opened and the music began pounding at her strongly. The concussive blows of sound could be physically felt by her body. Not to mention her eardrums which felt like they may burst from the onslaught.

Thankfully, it wasn't too far before they were escorted into another room that had a door. When it finally closed behind them, the blessed almost silence from before returned.

"…Who are these little shits?" A voice drawled, filled with authority.

As the cold, almost creepy voice washed over her, Sumire would have preferred being back in the music. This was clearly the crime boss Junya Kaneshiro. Until now, Sumire still had some confidence in her plan. As she stood before him blind and mute, the remaining hope vanished.

She'd screwed up.

No, that was far too kind. She had really fucked up, and gotten Makoto involved while doing so.

"They wanted to meet you." One of the goons supplied. "Called you out by name."

"…Is that so?" The voice replied, there was a whisper of fabric shifting. Not having the ability to see was grating on Sumire's nerves horribly.

"Let them see."

Sumire wanted to weep tears of gratitude as light flooded her vision. Blinking twice, Sumire's vision quickly adjusted to the dingy chamber. Empty bottles of alcohol were scattered everywhere. To a lesser degree were cigarettes and what Sumire assumed to be even harder drugs.

Swallowing, Sumire knew her knees were shaking. This place was definitely age restricted. She would be in huge trouble if people assumed she had snuck into one. Thankfully though, with her vision restored, Sumire was able to find Makoto who had been placed next to her.

Sharing a look with the older girl, Sumire tried to send a comforting smile. Whether it didn't work or the president was more terrified than her, the girl didn't respond.

"Ugh, high school girls. They think they're sooooo pretty."

Sumire wasn't sure how she missed the woman during her observation of the room. Probably because the fat man took up most of her field of view. Sumire tried not to judge people based on their looks but calling him a fat pig would be an insult to swine everywhere.

Nonetheless, he still had an aura of malice that was transmitted intensely from his beady eyes. The most concerning thing to Sumire was not that Kaneshiro was taking them in and clearly analyzing their bodies. It was that he didn't seem to actually see them. It was like they were nothing more than dollar signs to him. Walking ATMs for him to exploit.

"Yeah yeah, I hear you…" without even glancing at the dolled-up woman Kaneshiro patted her on the knee. Then looking past the girls, Kaneshiro addressed the men behind them. "So, who are they? Any famous connections?"

"Uhh…"

Sumire heard her bag get riffled through. Most likely Makoto's was as well. She had almost forgotten about it after it was taken from her when she got into the car.

"This one is… Yoshizawa Sumire."

"Yoshizawa…" Kaneshiro muttered. "I feel like that name crossed my desk the other day…"

Desk!? Sumire thought affronted. You have been lounging in a club on a Thursday!

"This one is… Nijima Makoto… Hey boss, Nijima, isn't that…?"

"Oh yeah it is!" Kaneshiro crowed. "This is that prosecutor's younger sister. Your sister has given me and my boys quite a few headaches. With you in my employ though… It won't be long until she's on her knees paying me back. You understand my meaning?"

"Talking about other women in front of me?" the woman chuckled, appearing completely unconcerned despite her words as she lounged around, playing with her hair. "How naughty."

"Hehe, maybe you can join as well," Kaneshiro added, but appeared uninterested in the woman. "How does it feel knowing that your sister's promising career as a prosecutor is over because of you… How disappointing."

Sumire wished she could talk. Makoto's eyes were despondent and filled with sorrow. Sumire could relate intimately to the feeling of failure that was no doubt eating away at the girl's core.

Feeling the need to do something, Sumire shuffled slowly sideways, not fast enough to draw any of the bodyguard's attention. Getting to Makoto without interference, Sumire leaned her shoulder into the girl.

Finally, Makoto met her eyes. Mouthing the words at her, Sumire tried to convey that everything would be okay. They just had to make out in one piece. If they could manage that, everything could be fixed from the metaverse.

"Hey boss."

"Yeah?"

"I found some info on the other girl."

"Oh?" Kaneshiro smiled nastily. Ever since he had found out about Makoto's connections, his money-searching gaze hadn't left the girl. Now though, he drifted back to Sumire.

"Yeah, she's the sister of Yoshizawa Kasumi. That's the one who is…"

"Ah, yeah! That's right!" The gangster snapped his finger and shook it at Sumire. Strangely though, he didn't seem happy about the information.

Muttering to himself, Sumire could only pick up scraps of words. "Do I dare…?" After a moment of awkward silence, the crime boss raised his head and spoke to the man behind Sumire. "Take her back to wherever you came from. This one is no good."

"…Sir?"

"Just do what I said!" Kaneshiro roared, heaving himself to his feet.

Maybe it was the first time they had actually seen their boss stand up, but the men around Sumire blanched and moved quickly to make his words a reality.

Feeling the blindfold coming for her, Sumire struggled. She didn't know why the crime boss didn't want her anymore, but she refused to leave Makoto alone here.

"Urgh, stop struggle… Ahh!" With her eyesight available, Sumire's foot found his toes. Backing up to the edge of the room, Sumire tugged hard against the ropes. She could feel the coarse material tearing at her skin, but it wouldn't give as she tugged and tugged.

"Come on girly…" The man growled. "Any more struggling and you'll be sorry."

"Don't you dare touch her," Kaneshiro growled, "or I'll be taking the money out of you."

"S-Sir?" The man seemed surprised at the angry rebuke.

Sumire had no idea why she seemed to be special. It didn't make sense for her sister to be some terrifying force. Makoto's sister was an actual prosecutor and that had only made him excited.

Who does Kasumi know?

No names came to Sumire's mind, but it wasn't important right now. She had to somehow free her hands and get Makoto out of here. No way would Sumire leave someone behind. Even an almost stranger like the president.

As the rope continued to deny her, Sumire's eyes tracked back and forth between the two encroaching men. They were moving slow but with purpose, waiting for her to dart. Sumire had the impression they had dealt with this before.

Just before they could finish closing in, the door burst open and a flood of people rushed in. Instinctively, Sumire found his eyes. "Senpai…"

How?

But that answer was clear as well. A girl that Sumire didn't know was leading the group with a cellphone clutched in her hands, the screen displaying an on-going call.

"You got followed you dipshits," Kaneshiro drawled. Even as his thugs quaked before their boss's anger, he lifted his own phone and began snapping pictures. "Oh yeah, very nice! Got some booze and drugs in there. You've been some naughty students? Haven't… you?"

The crime lord's words trailed off awkwardly. From beneath his tough aura, something else began to surface. It took Sumire only a moment to place it, fear.

"Yo yo… I know you! You're the Okumura girl, yeah!? What the hell is happening here!? Your dad send you? But that doesn't make sense…"

Sumire followed none of the conversation. No, it wasn't even that. The boss was just talking to himself. Everyone in the room was standing there stunned, simply staring at him.

The fluffy haired girl that Sumire assumed he was addressing looked just as confused. The only thing Sumire drew solace from was that the thugs had backed away from her. Other than that, things were looking very dire.

The girl that Kaneshiro addressed took a shaky step forward. "P-Please let my friend go!"

"Hmm… Why should I?" Kaneshiro responded slowly, his beady eyes searching for something.

"B-Because if you don't, we'll call the police on you!"

That got a raised eyebrow from Kaneshiro as he leaned back on the couch, placing an arm around the woman there that snuggled into it naturally.

"The police, huh? So your daddy doesn't know you're talking to me?"

"Of course not." The girl replied innocently. Sumire wanted to facepalm as Kaneshiro's face lit up with delight.

"Ohhh boy! You really are dumb as shit, aren't you? Today's a great day. First, I get that annoying prosecutor's sister, and now big man Okumura himself. So much for his transition!" Kaneshiro laughed alone. Even the goons in the room looked too confused to join in and the woman too high.

"W-What are you saying!?"

Kaneshiro didn't answer immediately, instead he leaned forward and unlocked the briefcase on the table. As the lid sprang open, Sumire's eyes widened into orbs. It was a scene right out of a movie. Each note was 10,000 yen, kept in bundles of 100 for a stack of 1,000,000 yen. Kaneshiro nonchalantly removed three stacks, leaving a small hole in the massive amount of money.

"This should cover that bag, yeah?"

"Oh em gee! You mean it?" Before Kaneshiro could reply, the woman snatched the money and darted out of the room.

"I hate having empty spaces in my briefcase," Kaneshiro smiled nastily. "You shitheads are going to fill it in the next three weeks."

Sumire's stomach turned as his gesture ignored the prominent girl at the front of the group, her cellphone still clutched in her hands.

Turning his smile to the girl, Kaneshiro turned the case around so that she could survey the money inside. "You, Ms. Okumura, better find a way to get your daddy to fill an entire nother one."

"B-But that's…"

Sumire's mind was already going there. She may not have Kasumi's quick thinking about these things, but the math wasn't very hard. Three stacks high, eight stacks wide, five stacks deep. That totalled 120 stacks. Each one was worth 1,000,000 yen giving a total value of 120,000,000 yen. That was enough money to buy a house even in a place as expensive as Tokyo. The value contained in the briefcase was so astronomically high to Sumire's high school brain that she could barely process it.

"Hehe… Now scram!" Kaneshiro yelled, swinging an arm. "I'm sick of looking at y'all."

Finding Senpai's gaze, he nodded at her and gestured for the door. Letting him guide her out, Sumire found herself walking beside Makoto. Unfortunately, they were both still muzzled, so Sumire was forced to resort to nodding to convey her gratitude at how Makoto had come to her rescue. Even if the end result had been essentially the same.

Walking down a flight of stairs, they exited out into a dingy parking lot. Almost instantly, Sumire felt Senpai's hands on her. First removing the gag and finally the restraining ropes around her wrists. Before she could pull them in front of her, Sumire felt Senpai's hands tracing the rub marks that she'd given herself.

"They were rough with you?"

There was such a strong undercurrent of deadly calm in Senpai's whisper that Sumire shook her head. She didn't want him running back in and getting beaten up or worse. "I did that trying to escape."

"I see…"

Sumire was sure there was more he wanted to say, but the group meeting began in earnest. Ryuji's loud voice drawing order and centralizing focus on this girl that Sumire didn't know.

"This plan was crazy! And what the fuck was that about your father? Why did the creepy bastard know you?"

"Umm…"

"T-Thank you Haru…" Makoto muttered, clearly embarrassed. "This is all my fault…"

"N-No, we had to rescue Sumire right? That was what you said…"

"Actually… How did you two run into each other?" Makoto asked.

It was something Sumire was wondering as well. Makoto had clearly not been sent by Senpai, but had taken matters into her own hands by staying on the phone with Haru and then getting taken along with Sumire to the location of Kaneshiro.

"We just happened to bump into each other," Senpai explained, pushing up his glasses. "It made the most sense to come together."

"Uh, can we focus?" Ryuji spoke again, barely short of yelling. "Why the hell does that dude think you can get him 120 mil!?"

"Honestly…" Haru spoke awkwardly, "I could probably get far more. Although… my father is acting weird lately. He may not help me…"

"Wait…" Ryuji said, holding up a hand. "You mean to tell me that you're a multi-millionaire and you're attending our shitty school?"

"Umm… Have you heard of Bug Bang Burger?"

"Of course!" Ann broke in. "Their shakes are so good! I love getting one after a photo shoot!"

"…My Father is the CEO of Okumura foods, the company that owns Big Bang Burger."

"No way!" Yusuke gasped. "Imagine being able to eat such food at any time for free!"

Sumire was too stunned by the knowledge to reply to Yusuke's odd comment. But for such an innocent, normal looking girl to have such a prestigious lineage seemed strange somehow. For once she found herself agreeing with Ryuji, why was this girl at Shujin?

"B-Big Bang Burger!?" Ryuji stuttered. While he was the only one that spoke, his astonishment was shared by everyone there minus Yusuke. Haru shifted uncomfortably under everyone's stares.

"Umm… Please don't worry about the debt, I'll inform my father and hope he helps me resolve this…"

Sumire blinked at that. She would have expected the opposite reaction. Anger that she had gotten dragged into such a situation. By the way Makoto's shoulders were sagging, she had been expecting the same. "Senpai…"

Although the word was whispered quietly, Senpai nodded at her. "We can't let you do that, Haru. While your plan with Makoto was certainly risky, the two of you have garnered Kaneshiro's attention and become essential to taking him down… If you agree to help."

"Help you?" The girl answered with a weak laugh. Her eyes shone with a dull light. It wasn't despair, not yet anyway, She was rejecting her current circumstances. Her mind refused to believe what had happened.

Well, if Senpai's doing what he sounded like… she'll have a lot more to get used to.

"They're the Phantom thieves," Makoto spoke bitterly, raising the tension in the group with the bold declaration. "That's why I wanted to do this. Not just to help out Sumire… They needed a contact to the crime boss for some reason."

"T-They're the…" Haru trailed off, mouth gaping as she analyzed the tense group. Even Ryuji was quiet now. Slowly, everyone's gaze tracked to Senpai; even Haru's as she took cues from the group.

With the attention on him, Senpai just nodded once. The gesture doing more to confirm it than any audible speech could.

"Wait… So Kasumi was being serious when she said you stole hearts?"

"HUH!?" Bolting upright at that, Sumire gazed wide-eyed between the two of them.

Senpai hadn't mentioned this!?

When did he tell Kasumi!?

Feeling Sumire's intent gaze upon him, Senpai quickly shook his head back and forth. "N-No, Kasumi doesn't know. She was just being herself and making statements that can be easily misconstrued."

"Hmm…" Muttering, Sumire leaned back with a frown. All she could do was trust Senpai. Still, she had to assume Kasumi didn't know; if her sister did, she would probably tie Sumire to her bed until she promised quit.

"Now that I think about it… you were all gathered in Shibuya the other day when Mako-chan went to talk to you…"

"Yeah," Makoto sighed, "I kind of confronted them about it."

"T-That's very risky," Haru gaped at the girl. "Is that why you looked so scared?"

"Heh, yeah, Sumire reminded me of my foolishness." Makoto agreed with a self-deprecating smile.

All the while, Sumire felt the familiar shame rise within her at what she had done. For some reason, panicking in that moment, she had lashed out and used fear.

"Ignoring that," Senpai interrupted. Sumire watched him as he glanced around the building they were still right outside of. Thankfully, the back parking lot was away from the street and was still empty before the true high time, but it was time for them to leave. "We should get out of here. Before we split, I'll ask formally. Haru, Makoto. Neither of you are officially part of the phantom thieves, nor do you have the power to aid in the change of heart, however, you have something we need. Will one of you agree to help us in this endeavor to clear everyone's names? To stop a crime boss that is ruining lives of countless people, our peers among them?"

""I'll do it."" Two voices overlapped with perfect synchronicity. Both Makoto and Haru had a new determination in their eyes, sparked by Senpai's speech.

Sumire wasn't surprised in the least. She wondered if Senpai had realized, but recently he had started having that effect on people. In these big moments, his words became more refined, they took on a layer of polish and he exuded charisma as he met their eyes, connecting with them.

"Did he get a speech coach or something?" Muttering, Sumire couldn't repress the small flicker of warmth in her heart when she saw him like this. So powerful, so composed. It did things to a girl.

With the details confirmed the group broke up. Sumire needed to get good sleep, it was back into the metaverse tomorrow. Even as she travelled home though, she wondered briefly if she didn't already have something she was supposed to be doing that day.

---

Friday June 17th, 20XX After school

"It's finally time…"

Muttering to herself, Kasumi stood up strongly from her desk as the final bell of the day split the air. Her impromptu action drawing more than one gaze as Kasumi's action proceeded the teacher's dismissal.

Barely even noticing, Kasumi grabbed her bag and exited on the teacher's heels. Bouncing, she headed over to Sumire's classroom. They hadn't gotten a chance to talk recently but seeming as they were headed to the same place, Kasumi figured it would be fine.

Tapping her fingers, Kasumi couldn't contain her excitement that was beginning to pour out of her. It was finally here. After months of promises, it was here. The day they would go head-to-head once again.

Catching a flash of distinctive red hair exiting the room, Kasumi pounced on it. Grabbing onto her arm, Kasumi pulled.

"Ahh!"

Ignoring the startled yell, Kasumi didn't relent force. "Come on slow poke! We only have forty minutes to get there and change."

"What? Where are you dragging me, I have plans already…"

Freezing in place, Kasumi checked her sister over once to see if she was kidding. As Sumire ripped her arm away, Kasumi decided that she wasn't. "Umm… Today's the day. First trials for selection to the tournament? Club only gets to send one rep... Remember?"

"Huh? What are you… wait." As comprehension clicked, Sumire's face paled. "That's today!?"

"Uh yeah," Kasumi nodded excitedly. "Now come on. If I remember correctly you promised to beat me."

"Oh no, this is not good… I've got to call Senpai."

Kasumi frowned at this. She had expected Sumire to show a little more excitement. Or at least make good on promise and try to win this time. Instead, it seemed like gymnastics was getting in the way of her life.

"I don't know how special this date of yours is, but don't you think you're a little obsessed? At the end of the day, he's just a boy. Don't throw away your dreams for him."

"He's not just a boy," Sumire snapped, her phone to her ear. As student's crowded in though, it would be impossible to hear anything. With them being on the third floor, Sumire stalked away up the staircase to the roof.

Unwilling to give up on Sumire, Kasumi stalked up after her. She would make the girl cancel those plans and come. Regardless of which of them won the single available spot – and it would be one of them – Kasumi crossed her arms and stared at Sumire as her phone call connected.

"Hey, Senpai? Sorry for calling you so suddenly…"

Kasumi could only watch as the boy on the other end responded.

"Yeah, I can't make it today, but please go ahead without me… Yes, sorry. Bye."

Kasumi raised an eyebrow. "Ready now?"

"Yes," Sumire muttered. "You don't need to be so demanding, its not like I wanted to miss this…"

"Your tone and the fact that you forgot tell a different story," Kasumi replied drily. While she was disappointed with Sumire, Kasumi hoped that she would shape up by the time they got to the club.

"Look, I get it, I should have known!" Sumire grumbled, stalking after Kasumi down the stairs, "but is it really that big of a deal? That's why I have you."

For once, Kasumi supressed her immediate reply. She really didn't want to say something that she'd regret. That happened quite a bit when talking to Sumire.

Sighing heavily, Kasumi waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing, I just thought you'd care more."

Passing through the corridors, the sisters exited quickly onto the streets. Both of them had naturally fallen into a quick walking pace. With their identical stride lengths, it was easy to see the family resemblance.

Surprisingly, Sumire broke the silence. "Do you want to know the truth about why I couldn't remember when it was?"

"If you want to share…" Kasumi answered hesitantly. Sumire's voice was shockingly dark.

"We learnt about this tournament in the winter, yeah? Just before spring came."

"Correct…" Kasumi agreed tentatively, unsure about the conversation's direction.

"I guess that the news of this tournament was just another thing that really set me off. It was the confirmation that I was going to be relegated from losing to you… to watching you win from the sidelines."

"…" Kasumi ducked her head and stared at the ground through hooded eyes. She probably should have guessed something like this was the reason. And despite how she tried to hype herself up to compete again, it did feel weird. Not every tournament would have this restriction, and Kasumi knew the club had fought against the rule but… just hearing that didn't help.

"But that still is no excuse," Sumire sighed. "I should have been more attentive and not forgotten the date. Sorry."

"There's no need to apologize." Kasumi shook her head. Looking over at Sumire, she shot her a quick smile. "It's your life. If gymnastics is no longer something you want…"

"N-No!" Sumire rejected, quickly scattering her loose hair with a violent shake of her head. "I told you I'd beat you! T-That just starts a little earlier than I was expecting…"

"Hehe, yupp!" Kasumi answered, more pep returning to her step. It was the answer she'd been hoping to hear. "So, what were you doing with Senpai? Hopefully it wasn't too extravagant."

"T-That's private…"

"Private…?" Musing over the words, Kasumi was surprised. As far as she was aware, Sumire hadn't hidden any of the details of her private life until now. What was it she had said? Please go ahead without me?

Mind sizzling as it continued to cook up new ideas, Kasumi found herself unexpectedly stuck. There was no easy explanation here. How could Senpai proceed without Sumire? Had they joined a club together? But why not tell her?

"P-Please don't think too hard on it, Kasumi, it's nothing, seriously."

"I don't believe you," Kasumi answered honestly. "If it was nothing, you would tell me. I guess I should just be glad it wasn't a reservation at a love hotel…"

"L-Love hotel!?" Sumire squealed, her cheeks quickly becoming blazing infernos.

Staring at her embarrassed sister, Kasumi saw the opportunity for easy teasing. "But you said you weren't going, so why are you so embarrassed… Unless…" Fake gasping, Kasumi covered her mouth with her hand. "Y-You told him to continue without you… Sumi… are you part of a harem!?"

"E-EHH!?" Screeching loudly, Sumire reacted just the way Kasumi had been hoping. Bulging crimson eyes, face the colour of her hair. She was so adorable that Kasumi wanted to wrap her up and protect her forever.

"Geez, calm down, I'm kidding." Kasumi spoke nonchalantly, as if nothing had happened. It wouldn't be fair to destabilize her sister any more before the competition. She wanted to beat Sumire at her best, not visibly shaking because she kept imagining doing lewd things with Senpai.

"…You're mean." Sumire pouted. "Urgh, I can't believe Makoto called you nice."

"…Makoto?" Kasumi wondered. "You mean… our student council president? When did the two of you get on first name terms?"

"Uhh…"

Biting her lip slightly, Kasumi couldn't quite figure it out. Only one way made sense, through Senpai. But when? And why? It almost made Kasumi want to consider the harem idea that she had been joking about. At least it explained what Sumire had cancelled from. But at the same time, Sumire? Really? Makoto as well? The romantically inept girl?

The questions only growing, Kasumi realized that they had arrived at their destination. It didn't belong to the club, but they rented it out on specific days so that there was a proper stage to perform on.

I was so concerned about destabilizing Sumire and I went and did it to myself…

Taking a deep breath, Kasumi tried to reset and focus on gymnastics. She wouldn't be able to give it her all unless she fixed her priorities immediately. Sumire seemed to sense Kasumi's intention and stayed silent as well.

Entering the building, Kasumi ignored the other girls that were arriving and beginning to stretch. Oddly, they were all almost strangers with each other. While the club provided nutritional plans, and facility time to work on muscle growth, most of their time was spent with their personal coaches. As far as Kasumi knew, very few other sports utilized a similar structure. The flat price behind personal coaches was already astronomical, driving down participation.

It meant that at this level the sport had become extremely elite. Part of which was due to how young the girls were that competed at the highest level. The age barrier was largely due to how reliant the sport was on flexibility. A trait that faded before strength, skill, or reflexes.

Entering the change room, Kasumi casually stripped before donning her dance suit. It was a beautiful combination of nude and pink that she had recently picked up. It was the same suit that she had won the last tournament in.

Just the motions of putting it on completely wiped away any indecisions or distractions. As always when she donned her suit, it felt more like battle armour than a uniform meant to enhance beauty while keeping restrictions to her movement at a minimum. The only emotion coursing through Kasumi was a fierce desire to win. Her competitive urges had been building for months now. Even if this wasn't that day that final decisions would be made, Kasumi was determined to make the most of it.

Ignoring Sumire who was still changing, Kasumi exited back into the main performing area. As she walked over to the water fountain, a ripple of noise passed through the other girls.

Good, they are scared. Kasumi thought, not bothering them a look. They should be.

Smirking to herself, Kasumi wet her lips before leaning casually against the wall. Most likely, the order of performance would be dictionary order by surname. Being a Yo, Kasumi would be one of the last to compete. Sumire following immediately behind her.

It was only a couple minutes before the club manager clapped their hands and called for attention. "Everyone, attention! We will begin the routines in a couple of minutes. Performances will be staggered across the two stages. The next one will begin a minute after the one before it ends. Order of performance is located on the wall behind me. By the stairs to the two stages there are lists of the girls that are performing there. The whole production should take about half an hour. Any questions?"

Obviously, there were none. Immediately, the first girl climbed the stage and began a final warm-up, getting a couple minutes to adjust to the size and feel of the mat before time began.

She was using the ribbon, one of Kasumi's least liked props. It was hard to convey power and courage through a prop that specialized in graceful movements. It was most likely why Sumire shone with it. Kasumi hoped she would get to see her sister use it today.

Ignoring the girl who was moving slowly through her routine, doing basic leaps, tosses and rolls, Kasumi sauntered to a corner. Out of the way, she began doing light stretching. Her time was still a way out, but it was easier to stay warm than warm-up in a hurry.

"Ugh, she isn't even watching."

"Can you blame her? I mean, what's the point of this? The manager has practically stopped watching already. It isn't fair only one can qualify for the tournament."

That mentality is why you won't be chosen.

Not responding to the voices that were in range, Kasumi got lost in her stretching. One song ended to polite clapping and then a second. On the start of the third song, Kasumi rose and went to check out the master list.

The manager nodded at her as she approached. He was a mild-mannered man in his early thirties. Kasumi didn't know how he ended up getting roped into managing a rhythmic gymnastics club. Either way, he did it well and built a reputation of success right below the professional level.

Nodding back, Kasumi checked out the list. She would be on the main stage that they had started on. Both were the same size, but the main stage was centered in the building and was easier to view from the stands. That meant Sumire would be performing on the side stage.

At the bottom, Kasumi noticed a strange message there. Round two will done in reverse order. So, they would be at the start next time, which was Sunday morning. They had only a day to change things up and improve. To Kasumi it felt a little pointless honestly. The only real explanation is to give any girls who drop a prop today or underperform another chance.

"What do you think about this tournament?" The manager asked in a whisper as the third routine came to an end.

Turning around, Kasumi clapped politely and stood beside the manager as the fourth got underway. "Very elite. What is it, ten athletes?"

"Twelve, they expanded it. Rather than getting another slot, they gave it to smaller clubs in the surrounding cities."

Kasumi tsked. It would be weird competing without Sumire participating. However, it would change nothing. She'd win, again and again. Kasumi couldn't imagine a different result.

"Anyone special competing?"

"You." The manager answered honestly.

Kasumi frowned at him. "I plan on earning that slot, don't gift anything to me."

"Uh, yeah, that's not…"

As the manger trailed off, Kasumi stomped away. Part of her liked to hear his confidence in her, but on the other hand, it was grating to hear that the other girls were right. That Sumire was right to not care about this farce of a competition.

Mind made up, Kasumi found a spot on the wall and began watching the routines in earnest. All the while, doing minor stretching exercise to stay limber. If one of the girls outperformed her, Kasumi would give the spot to that girl, regardless of the manager's decision. She would remind them that Kasumi did not get handouts, she took what she wanted.

Even with the rush of anger, Kasumi's concentration quickly began to slip. Many of the other girls were just a step below her. Their routines were things she would have given two, three, even four years ago. None of them had the talent to draw her eye and make her gaze stick as she got lost in the artistry on stage.

"Good luck."

"You too," Kasumi replied instinctively to her sister. She was the only one that would approach her. The others were too scared and Kasumi didn't have the motivation to try and befriend rivals.

"It's strange… but despite the competition increasing as we get older… they look beatable."

"They better," Kasumi agreed. "But I'm expecting stiff competition from you."

"Haha, I'll do my best…" Sumire replied, trailing off slightly. Her voice wasn't overly confident that she could manage such a feat, however. "I haven't had much time since returning though, I'm not even sure if I have my routine memorized…"

Wincing, Kasumi understood. The troubles this spring had derailed the build up that they should have gotten. "Same, I'll need more practice before the tournament."

"That's my line," Sumire teased.

Hearing the words, combined with the small, yet happy smile filled Kasumi with joy. It was another reminder of how much growth Sumire had done recently. She was practically a different person at this point. Rather than the bud of potential that she once was, Kasumi was seeing the petals begin to sprout.

"It's still too early for you to beat me," Kasumi decided.

"Oh yeah? And when is the right time?"

Holding a finger to her lips, Kasumi pretended to think. "Right around… the time I retire."

"Oh, stuff it,' giving Kasumi a light shove on the shoulder, the girls shared a giggle.

They were interrupted by a pair of footsteps that stopped around three metres away. Looking up at the person, Kasumi recognized the girl as a member of the club. Her face was hard with disapproval.

Upset I didn't watch her most likely.

"You're next, Yoshizawa-san."

"Oh, thank you." Bowing slightly, Kasumi knew the lack of a name reflected badly upon her. But really, was it her fault? Kasumi would remember them if they ever beat her. Until then, it seemed like a waste of time trying to match a list of names to faces she barely knew.

"Break a leg,"

"You too." Winking once at Sumire, Kasumi left to grab her props. She went with the clubs. As far as she knew, she was the first one to use them today. It was also the only prop with more than one part. The hoop, ball, and ribbon all had only one to manipulate. Kasumi wouldn't say that the clubs were harder because of this, but it did mean that it was the easiest to completely screw up. It looked really bad when one of the clubs slipped form your grip and bounced across the stage by itself.

Doing a couple laps of the stage, Kasumi bounded across it once. Even as the performance on the secondary stage continued, Kasumi could feel the gazes on her. She was the one they were waiting for.

Warm-up finished, Kasumi returned to the edge and waited. In another minute, the routine finished, and the music came to a halt.

It's time.

Closing her eyes, Kasumi took a deep breath. As her eyes flashed open, a dangerous smile plastered itself on her lips.

It was time.

Taking a step forward in time with the music, Kasumi began her routine.

---

Friday June 17th, 20XX After school

"Well… This sucks." Ren muttered to Morgana.

"Yeah, no kidding," the cat grumbled. "I can't believe she gave us no warning! Do you really want to go in short a member?"

"We don't have a choice." Ren decided. "Everyone else has scheduled time to go and more importantly, we need to see if the bank is accessible. If not…"

"Let's deal with that if it comes."

Ren nodded and set off to the Shibuya overpass. It was unfortunate with Sumire, but Ren understood. She was busy and had probably given them more time already than she really should have. Honestly, all of them had given too many days to changing hearts. It was important work, but it felt almost impossible to shove into a student's life. Simply attending classes and doing homework was a huge burden.

The bustling streets vanished as Ren's contemplative thoughts took him to the train station and then over to Shibuya. Arriving at the crossing, he was the last one. Even Yusuke had beaten him despite coming from farther away.

"Sorry about that. Everyone is here though."

"Uh dude, Sums is totally not here."

"Sums?" Ann questioned Ryuji's new nickname.

Ren interrupted and explained quickly. They understood, maybe with the exception of Ryuji. It seemed that him and Morgana were the two that really struggled appreciating that there were things as important as their phantom thieves' work.

Haru and Makoto had both shown up as promised. Nodding at them in appreciation, Ren took one last chance to explain. "We will be protecting you. Don't try to do anything on your own. Don't get separated from us. Beyond that, thank you."

Neither of the girls had an immediate response. Sharing a look, Ren could tell they were scared by how serious he was being. In this situation though, he couldn't help but be serious. Their lives were in extreme danger without a persona.

Ren was hoping that if they did establish a link to the bank, then the two of them could leave and return safely. Honestly, if he had time yesterday, Ren would have checked to see if he could access the bank. There was a good chance he could as one of the people Kaneshiro had blackmailed.

Unfortunately, it was unlikely to work as Kaneshiro's cognitive mind wouldn't connect the schoolboy Ren to the phantom thief Joker. They needed one of the personaless girls to serve as their link, initially at least.

"Well… let's go." Noticing the distinct lack of Sumire, the world shifted and resolved into that hellhole from last time. The sky looked poisonous, filled with green light that cast a toxic glow over the crumbling city.

Anger rising at the insatiable criminal that Joker could now put a face on, he vaulted over the walkway to the ground beneath. Standing in the crossing, he could just see the massive bank in the distance, getting closer. They would meet it on main street, see then if their sacrifices had yielded results.

"What… What is this place?" Makoto asked warily, Haru clinging to her arm.

Joker would have thought that they would have gotten a run-down while waiting. Instead, Skull dove into it now.

"Yeah, crazy, right? This is the world inside Kaneshiro's heart. That massive fucking bank over there represents his believe that he can't be touched… or something like that."

"Oh… Oh my." They followed Skull's pointing to the bank that was growing closer.

Joker could sympathize. It was impossible to fully internalize until one actually visited the metaverse. The theory could be explained, but one simply couldn't process the method of changing hearts until they experienced it.

"And these ATMs…" Haru asked, growing bolder at a fast rate. Releasing Makoto, she sauntered over to one of the broken machines. It had been discarded a long time ago by the state of decay it was in. The inner wiring was exposed by a destroyed side panel. The number pad and screen had spiderwebbed cracks through them as well.

"If this is inside Kaneshiro's mind then…"

Joker nodded to confirm Makoto's astute deduction. "These are people. Or at least how he sees them."

Haru shivered but nodded in understanding. "I felt that in his gaze. I was nothing but a source of money to him. Another ATM for him to suck money out of."

"Fret not," Fox intoned. "the vile man shall pay for his crimes. Exploiting the already poor students truly is too harsh… Why I haven't eaten either today after finding a new paintbrush that I simply had to have…"

"Dude, you really need to get your priorities straight."

"Oh, they are quite straight! The rush from creating art can satiate me for days!"

"Fox, eat." Joker scolded him. "You're no good to us falling over from starvation."

"Ah, yes… I will do my best."

Sighing, Ren raised an eyebrow at the two newcomers. "So, you really haven't noticed anything odd."

"I am not odd!" Mona protested.

"Hmm? Oh, ah! Is that a monster cat!?"

A little later than Joker had expected, but about the right reaction. The phantom thieves' hidden member.

"Oh my…" Makoto breathed. She was stunned into silence.

"Umm… Shouldn't you be killing the monster cat?" Haru asked politely.

"I am not a monster!" Mona rejected.

"No issue with the cat part though?"

"Shut up Skull!" Mona rejected. "I am not a cat!"

Joker quickly summarized for the two lost girls. How the cat that always accompanied him was in fact sentient and was their mentor for all things metaverse.

As introductions finished, Joker waved them forward as they approached the bank. The timing was just right as the massive structure hovered over the ruins of the movie theater.

Standing in front of it, the bank had no reaction to Joker's presence. Resigned to using the civilians, he waved them forward. Taking courage from each other's presence, the girls approached in unison. It seemed like their friendship had only strengthened after the incident yesterday.

With no audible noise, a panel on the Bank's closest edge lowered and a ramp began to extend. Joker didn't see how it stayed extended like that, but then again, there was no way a massive thing like the bank should be able to fly. In no time at all, the ramp touched down at the feet of the two girls, leaving no question about who Kaneshiro recognized.

"Ugh, that's a long ramp," Mona complained. "Come on, let's go!" Jumping into the air, he landed as a car. Shaking his head at the transformation, Ren slid into the driver's seat.

Smirking at the stunned women, Joker waved them in. "Come on. We got a bank to rob."

Piling into the vehicle, Joker drove them to the ramp and began to head up it. The sensation was exhilarating. The ramp was only a little wider than the vehicle itself. From either window, all Joker could see was endless sky as he kept them straight up the ramp.

"Hoooly shit." Skull muttered once they reached the top and filed out of Mona.

Before Joker could say anything further, Makoto stepped forward. "Let's go. Kaneshiro is going to see me."

As Makoto began moving already, Joker only shrugged at the thieves. The girl was determined. It was too late to say that's not how we do things. Right now, they needed to establish a connection.

Makoto, true to her words confronted the shadows. Surprisingly, they gave her directions to Kaneshiro. Wondering if this would actually work, the rest of them trailed after her. For once, Haru seemed reluctant to walk beside the girl.

Joker wondered what was motivating Makoto, moving her forward currently. Had something happened in her life? Was she not satisfied being student council president and preparing for college? Either way, her behaviour today was a mirror of the past few days.

Bold, brave, straightforward. Especially straightforward. She found her path and charged it like a bull.

Entering a room, it looked like a standard conference room to Joker. The traditional wooden door, rectangle table with chairs situated at regular intervals. On the far wall a monitor hung that could display data of whatever thy wanted to talk about.

The last object was a briefcase of money. This time, it was completely empty. Joker understood the implication immediately. This was that they were supposed to fill. An impossible demand for everyone here except Haru.

With a burst of static, the screen came to life. Predictably, Kaneshiro's ugly mug dominated the display. Somehow, his shadow looked even worse. His skin was tinged purple and his eyes were more bulged. It wasn't pretty.

"Well, if it isn't my new, favorite customers. Come to confirm the details of our transaction?"

"Transaction?" Makoto yelled at him, you're blackmailing us!"

"That's right!" Haru agreed, stepping forward strongly. The girl was displaying a resolve that her appearance didn't suggest. "This is outrageous!"

"Hahahaha!" Laughing maniacally, Kaneshiro roared at the girls' pleading. "What don't you understand!? Everyone's money is my money! Especially stupid schoolgirls that don't know when to quit. Welcome to the real-world girls, there are real consequences to being stupid now, not just an F on a test."

"Consequences?" Haru muttered. "But my father…"

"Sae…"

The sheer depravity and passion from Kansehiro's shadow was overpowering the girls. Taking a step forward, Joker drew the attention unto himself. "You aren't getting a cent from these girls. We're going to stop you Kaneshiro."

"That's right!" The rest of the thieves stepped up behind him in solidarity.

Kaneshiro tsked angrily. "Ha! My resources are infinite. I have a limitless number of guards at my beck and call. You thieves will die and the girls will become my personal slaves."

The monitor shut off. At the same time an alarm bell rang briefly through the front of the bank. Clicking his tongue in anger, Joker whirled to the door. Already, two shadows were there to block their path.

"Stay behind us and stay close. We are breaking out!"

"Hell yeah!" Skull whooped. Without waiting for orders, he brought his club down upon the first security guard, revealing the true form beneath.

The formless blob of black energy writhed and expanded. Before long, it dwarfed Skull by more than a metre. It resolved into the form of a demon, an oni. The monster had bright red skin, a wied tallow mohawk, and a wicked looking halberd-like weapon held easily in its massive hands.

The second security guard as well turned into an identical beast. Their large forms easily blocked any way out. What's more, based on how Skull's mace did nearly nothing despite connecting with its face, these things weren't going to go down easy.

"Skull, Fox get in these things faces, don't let them approach the girls. Panther, Mona, and I will begin searching for weaknesses. Violet…" Cursing to himself Joker cut off his words. Violet wasn't here.

The girls would have to fend for themselves. Calling forth his persona in tandem with Panther, they layered the demons with ice and fire. Neither attack struck an obvious weak spot, but the culminative barrage chipped off a major portion of their stamina.

Angry at the onslaught, they replied. In the tight confines of the room, they rampaged with their weapons. Whirling them in circles, the sharp metal cut through the thieves. Joker felt at least three separate attacks dig into him. Each one powered by unbelievable strength.

These guys were no slouches. The only consolation was that nothing had hit the terrified girls so far. As the rampage died down, Joker let out another order.

"Just bombard them with magic!"

"Got it!"

Five separate magic attacks later, the guards crumbled into nothingness. The damage they had dealt was impressive. One round of healing later and they were out.

Darting ahead, Joker led them quickly back to the main exit. Past the teller booths and then between the strange pews. Joker would be the first to admit, he didn't spend a lot of time in banks, but what the hell was the point of these things?

Of course that's when more shadows showed up. Slamming the doors shut, they blocked their path out. Before Joker even reached them, they resolved into another pair of the demons from before. At this rate, these enemies were growing to grow old really fast.

"We don't have time, blast them!"

The strategy was most likely suboptimal, but there were few options. Speed was of the essence here. The girls would die to a single hit, they had to be protected at all costs.

Enduring the barrage of magic, each demon was hanging onto its essence by a sliver. A stiff breeze would send these fragments back to the sea of souls that they were called from. Their impressive strength must be directly connected to the confidence that Kaneshiro had in his goons to enforce his policies.

"Graah!" Howling madly, they began tossing about with their weapons. In the more open chamber, Joker didn't have to stand still and endure the blows. Ducking under the first slash, he rolled behind one of the conveniently placed pews. A second vertical slash dug deeply into the wood but it held strong, saving Joker from the hit.

Mona as well had managed to duck and avoid taking any damage. Once again, however, Skull and Fox had lost a large chunk of their stamina due to the endless onslaught these demons put out. At least Panther behind them didn't get hit.

Standing up, Joker contemptuously ripped off his mask and froze the demons solid. A calm moment later they shattered into thousands of pieces, each one melting into a puddle in the floor.

"We're clear, let's get out of here."

"Ha! Not so fast."

Why did I say anything?

Rolling his eyes, Joker turned around to stare down Kaneshiro who was approaching with guards in tow.

The monitor's picture had been accurate. The shadow – for some reason – had purple skin. Even the expensive white suit that he wore couldn't fix his appearance.

"You!" Makoto yelled accusatorily. Despite having been thrown into a world of magic, the sight of the man she hated had revived her drive.

"Yeah, you won't get my father's money!" Haru followed up.

Their demonstration of courage was impressive. Foolish, but impressive nonetheless.

"Ha!" The shadow laughed, not unnerved at the least. "This is my bank! I rule here. No one, not even one of the chosen's daughters can enter and leave without paying!"

Haru's fist tightened. Taking another step forward, she waved her arm back towards the thieves. "Fine, but let the other's go, they have no part of this."

"Didn't I just say?" The shadow mocked her, "no one can leave without my permission and I'm not in a forgiving mood right now. These thieves will pay with their lives."

"Urgh…" Haru recoiled a step.

Makoto stepped forth and took her spot. "You're pathetic, you know that!? Taking money from students, exploiting everyone. Do you have no decency!?"

"Decency? This is why I hate children," Kaneshiro spat, shaking his head in disgust. "This world doesn't operate on morals; it functions off of money. The person with the money makes the rules. If you are poor, you'll be beaten and ridiculed, laughed at and called stupid. Only the smart have the means to rise up! So, I rose by exploiting the idiot children! Now I'm on top of the world!"

"T-That's ridiculous!" Makoto rejected him.

"Is it!? Then ask that girl there why she was no answer. She knows the truth of this. Her father has made millions based solely off exploiting the working class. Students so desperate for money they'll work stupid hours for a breadcrumb."

Everyone's gazes naturally migrated to Haru. She crossed her arms and looked away, saying nothing. She didn't need to. The pained expression and reluctance were enough to verify Kaneshiro's claims.

"See? Maybe you should deal with old man Okumura before his ego reaches even greater heights!"

"My father… will be dealt with." Haru declared suddenly. Unfolding her arms, she pointed a finger at the ruler of the palace. "However! His sins don't justify yours. I'm bringing you down, Kaneshiro!"

"Well said Haru," Makoto laid a hand on Haru's shaking shoulder before glaring at Kaneshiro as well. "You will never have my sister!"

"Bah! Useless girls! Guards, kill them all!"

Expecting this, Joker was already right behind them. Grabbing them around the waist with one arm each, he leapt backwards. Grunting from the excessive weight of carrying two people, Joker stumbled upon landing. The created gap allowed Skull to rush forward and meet the oncoming shadows.

Unlike last time, there were three now. Two of the demons from before and a third different one. Standing just about the same size, rather than a mohawk, it had long black hair framing its demonic face. The pink skin was stretched and distorted into a skull-like visage. It wielded one of the strange weapons with incredible ease. One side was long and double bladed with a curved backend for follow up slashes.

"Run! Out the door!" Joker advised. For now at least, their path out wasn't blocked by anything other than the closed door. While the two demons were beatable, the trio surely wielded incredible power.

"Eat this!" Starting the fight off, Skull unleashed a blast of lightning across them. The bolts taking mild damage of the two Oni but the newcomer barely flinched. It clearly resisted the blow from the bolts.

"Panther, can you put one to sleep? We can't take all three. Fox, test this things resistance to physical damage. Mona, fall back and focus on healing."

"On it, Joker."

Lowering his waist, Fox's body rippled with tension before he exploded forward. His katana leapt from his sheath as little more than a streak of light before slicing into the new foe and returning.

"Grooah! All money and power to Kaneshiro!"

It got hurt. Smirking, Joker had a plan. Alone the one in the middle could be dealt this. Watching interested, Joker's eyes tracked Ann's persona Carmen as it used a specialized attack to lull one of the demons to sleep. Thankfully, the ability worked. The raging demon taking a nap.

The downside of such a powerful ability was that Joker could see the vitality taken from Skull's blow already beginning to repair itself.

Darting to the side, Joker focused on the second of the two onis. The large monster smiling its horrible grin down at him. Before he could second guess his decision, Joker summoned forth Onmoraki. Releasing a set of three swirling purple lights, the persona's ability passed into the demon's body without inflicting damage. However, the result was as Joker hoped. The focus in its eyes had disappeared.

Turning away from Joker, the confused beast looked at the back of its ally, the weapon in its hand, and then attacked. A single slash rather than a full-on ability, but the damage was done.

Forced to turn to look at its ally, the new shadow was completely vulnerable to the barrage of magic. Focusing solely on it to avoid waking the sleeping shadow, fire and wind washed over it, bringing its stamina to a miniscule amount.

"Good job!" Joker called out. Preparing to dodge, Joker readied himself for the shadow's ability. Anger shining brightly, it twirled its staff and jammed it into the ground. From the area of contact a wall of cold air rushed out followed by balls of ice.

Raising an arm to cover his face, Joker heard Panther's cry as the ice slipped through her persona's aura and dealt massive damage to her remaining stamina. Clicking his tongue in disappointment, Joker was just glad that they hadn't tried an ice attack on it.

"Skull, Fox, physical attacks to finish it off!"

"On it! HYARGH!" Letting out dual cries, the boys stepped up and dismantled the shadow. Skull's giant horizontal swing crippled the shadow's left knee. As it fell, another lightning slash from Fox split the exposed neck. As the shadow dissolved into energy, Joker knew the fight was over.

Taking a moment, he glanced over his shoulder at where the girls should have fled. Both of them were running quickly back toward him. Two more security guards were approaching form the back of the pews. They should have time to make it out, meaning the doors were locked.

Tsking, Joker knew their time was running out. "Everyone, concentrated blast on the remaining shadows!" Feeling his own mental resources starting to strain, Joker knew that Skull in particular would be almost out. He was built for brawling, not magic.

Thankfully, the confused demon decided to continue its onslaught and smack the sleeping one upside the jaw. It spiraled to the floor, dazed from the critical hit.

With both injured, the magical attacks tore away all remaining stamina that the beasts possessed.

"Good, let's hurry and…"

"And what?" Kaneshiro mocked. "My resources are infinite. My men are infinite. This is your last chance girls. Abandon them and come make money for me!"

More shadows had arrived to reinforce Kaneshiro. That wasn't even including the ones that had arrived to guard the door. They were thoroughly trapped at this point.

With the offer extended, Joker felt the hand squeezing in around them. For the first time that day, he felt genuine fear that this would be the end.

---

Friday June 17th 20XX Afterschool

"Ah…"

She's as amazing as always…

Sumire couldn't help but feel some of that old hopelessness assault her as she watched Kasumi perform.

It was gripping. The dance was pure artistry in motion. Every person in the building had their eyes fixed upon her as she moved.

The rolls, throws, and moves were simply on a different level than the girls that had gone before her. This was a routine that one could perform on the world stage and get decent marks for. This was Yoshizawa Kasumi the gymnastics prodigy.

You've been practicing hard…

A surge of guilt assaulted Sumire as she stood alone on the sub stage, off to the side. Waiting for her turn, ribbon in hand. It was the routine she was most comfortable with, one she wouldn't screw up despite lack of practice. Unfortunately, there was no way to beat Kasumi's mindless dedication and effort with just not screwing up. She would have to be perfect, and Sumire knew she wouldn't be.

Too much time had been lost in the metaverse. Sumire's practice levels had reached an all time low. Most of what she did do was stretching and mild fitness routines to maintain her strength and flexibility.

"Urgh… Oh well. Just one routine… Then I can focus on helping the thieves dealing with Kaneshiro before prepping for the next tournament."

Yes, that's right. It would be good to not be chosen. Sumire didn't want to be chosen. That would only derail the more important work she was doing in the metaverse. Stopping the crime boss from exploiting countless people was her top priority.

Kasumi on the far stage tossed both clubs high into the air. Rolling forward once then twice, she stood gracefully, head back, one leg raised and both arms extended as the clubs fell neatly into them.

Exquisite.

Perfect.

The kind of routine Sumire had once dreamed of giving.

The guilt within her had burned away in flames of an unfamiliar emotion. Sumire barely recognized it as the room exploded into applause. Even the girls that shunned Kasumi couldn't help but cheer when witnessing their sport performed at the highest level. It was a love that connected all of them.

"…I want to beat her."

Breathing deeply, Sumire entered her starting pose. Her eyes tracked Kasumi who quickly hopped off the stage and approached the sub stage. Standing only a dozen metres away, she cocked her head, the intention conveyed directly to Sumire. Well, can you compete?

You bet I can! It was like Kasumi's challenge was the gong that switched the focus to Sumire. The music started up as the people in attendance faced her. Technically, every girl that had finished performing could leave, but none of them had so far. They wanted to witness the sibling rivalry. The pinnacle of what everyone here was trying to achieve.

Taking her first step, Sumire felt the familiar sensations rush back to her. There was no grand crowd, no parents anxiously cheering on their children. No judges giving her an official rating. There was only one person that she had to impress, the manager.

Transitioning into a jump split, Sumire landed into a roll and came up with the ribbon circling her body.

Sloppy.

The waves in the circling fabric were uneven.

Ignoring it, she moved into the next part of the routine. Rolling again, Sumire came up with her left leg curled up and touching the back of her head. At the same time, she was manipulating the ribbon into complicated patterns.

From there, the routine shifted into a series of jumps and toe walks. Moving in time to the music, Sumire's routine was catered to her talents. Movements and graceful body motions rather than the bold leaps and dramatic throws that Kasumi specialized in.

Twirling and moving, Sumire finally remembered why she was competing. It wasn't simply to beat Kasumi. It was because she loved the sport. Ever since she was dragged along to keep Kasumi company when she had signed up for gymnastics.

Smiling widely, Sumire lost herself in the routine. The twirls, the leaps, the rolls. Each moment needed to be perfectly timed and took extreme concentration. If her body was out of sync for even a moment, an obvious error would occur.

It was a struggle on a scale that the average person couldn't understand. Burning muscles, precise timings, miniscule manipulations of the prop, all done with a smile.

Covered with a soft sheen of sweat, Sumire had only half a second of rest before the final move of her routine. Like Kasumi's it was also the hardest movement of the routine.

Right leg lifting behind her head, Sumire bounded off her left, pushing her body into a circle in the air and landing on her right foot, switching her left behind her and repeating. At the same time, the ribbon made soft circles beside her, complimenting the circling motions of her torso.

One left!

Concentration slipping, Sumire felt the end approaching. Trying to land on her right leg, Sumire's balance shifted by just a millimetre. The smallest change in her centre of gravity causing a minor disturbance. Stabilizing, Sumire knew the damage was done. Her ribbon's movements had been disrupted.

Lifting her arms into the air, Sumire finished the routine with a smile. It felt forced as her heart dropped slightly. She'd lost. That much was clear. Even without that mistake it wouldn't have been a clear victory. Kasumi was too good for that.

Sighing, Sumire waited for that wave of disappointment to hit. The familiar sensation of knowing that she wouldn't ever beat Kasumi. But even as she descended off the stage to a round of clapping, slightly more muted than Kasumi's it didn't come.

"Wow, you were awesome out there!" Kasumi congratulated her, wrapping Sumire in a tight hug.

"Uff!" Getting her remaining breath knocked out, Sumire gave her sister a strange look. "What do you mean? I lost."

"Yeah, I guess that slight stumble at the end would have cost you too many points…" Kasumi agreed, with a strange reluctance. "But besides that, I think that was the best routine I've seen you do."

"Of course…" it wasn't… Trailing off, Sumire tried to think. Had that been her best? Surely she'd performed better at the major tournament at the end of last year that Kasumi had won. "B-But either way, I still couldn't beat you. You really are something else."

"It helps having good competition," Kasumi winked. "I'm going to do even better Sunday, so you better show up as well!"

"Of course I will! I had fun today."

"…Really?"

Sumire took a step back from the piercing look in Kasumi's eyes. "Y-Yeah. Competing again was fun… Even if it wasn't a real tournament."

Kasumi's serious face remained for a second. Sumire felt the penetrating gaze searching her answer. After a moment though, it morphed into a giant smile. She even wiped at her eye. "You don't know how happy I am to hear that."

Sumire realized that she was on the verge of tears as well. This was something that she had forgotten. That winning and losing weren't everything. They were here to have fun while competing in a sport they both loved.

Wrapping Kasumi into another hug, Sumire whispered into her ear. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

"Never." Kasumi replied. "Anyway, want to go grab some food, I think we earned it."

"Agreed," Sumire smiled back. "Next time I'll have more practice and not make so many mistakes."

"I look forward to it!" Kasumi grinned back. "But you better watch out, because I'm going to keep improving as well!"

Sharing a sweaty smile, the sisters left to go change.

---

Friday June 17th 20XX Afterschool

"Shit dude! What's the play here?"

To Skull's comment, Joker could only shake his head. They were down a member and had two vulnerable people that needed protection. There simply wasn't a move that would get them all out. The door was locked and would need a persona user to break open.

Joker prepared himself to speak his decision. If he held off the shadows approaching from the front, then everyone else could break through the rear and exit the palace. It would lead to his death most likely, but that was a risk Joker was willing to take.

"Skull, Fox clear a route to the exit. Panther, blow the door open, Mona, protect them."

"Joker…?"

Of course they noticed his absence from the plan. They were all smart enough to realize that a retreat would not work without a rear guard.

Smirking at them, Joker flourished his knife in a show of false confidence. "I'll be fine. Go."

"This is… This is my fault, isn't it?" Makoto asked as the group continued to waver. "You could escape without me. I am useless to you."

"Haha, but you aren't useless to me!" Kaneshiro laughed. "You'll make me a bunch of money! It doesn't matter if you're a stupid schoolgirl. With a body like that, the cash will flow!"

"Urgh…"

"That isn't true Mako-chan!" Haru spoke up, grabbing the girl's hand. "You really helped me understand the schoolwork. You're super smart and brilliant! Don't give up!"

"Haru is right," Joker agreed shooting the girl a sharp look. Catching her gaze, Joker held her red eyes and did not waver. "The ability to be useful is always with you. Both of you."

"…"

The room seemed frozen in time in the wake of Joker's words. Growing slightly self-conscious, he glanced back and forth between the two girls that were staring at him.

"Fools! The only thing you are useful for is to fund my wealth! Now submit to me!"

"Never…" Makoto growled, her voice low. As she glanced at Kaneshiro, her eyes were glowing with anger. "Shut up already! I've listened to you harp on and on. Enough!"

As energy began to swirl around the girl, Joker smirked. This is what he had been hoping for. If the two girls, or even one changed from bystander to persona-user, the whole dynamic of the situation would change.

"W-What is this?" Shadow Kaneshiro recoiled from the scene.

"I've been polite so far, but no longer! From now on, I'm going all out! Come, Johanna!"

"M-Minions! Protect me!"

Smirking, Joker joined the fray willingly as Makoto's persona emerged as… Stumbling slightly, Joker forgot about the approaching enemies as he watched Makoto rush into the fray. She was riding a motorcycle…

"Is that her persona?"

"Nah, dude, it's a bike!"

Joker agreed with Mona and Skull. This was truly bizarre, but now they were trapped in the middle of five enemies. Three approaching from the front and two behind. This was a new situation for all of them.

"Don't force it!" Joker called out to Makoto but had a feeling it would be pointless. Her inner nature was reminiscent of Skull. She was straightforward to a fault and appeared to fight the same way. Her phantom suit had materialized as some sort of biker suit covered with metal spikes. She didn't even receive a weapon besides her fists that were lined with smaller spikes.

"Gragh!" Jumping off the bike, Makoto punched the first shadow full in the face. With the power of the awakening still coursing through her, it ripped the entire things essence apart.

As impressive as it was, she landed fully exposed to the two remaining enemies, her energy dipping back down to standard levels.

"Ugh." Switching to a person physically resistant to attacks, Joker darted in front of Makoto and ate the twinned attacks that were aimed at her head.

"I didn't need your help," she replied angrily, caught up in the battle fever.

"And I don't need your attitude." Joker snapped back. "Reach inside yourself and call forth your persona's abilities. Do you have one that does damage?"

"Huh?" Even in the midst of her confusion, her body began moving. This happened with every persona-user. Even seconds after awakening, the persona informed the user of their capabilities. "Here I go!"

Joker had to jump back to not get caught in the orbs of energy. It was an attack that he'd been hit with, but not one he'd ever received access to. Dying to figure out exactly what the hell it was, Joker knew it would have to wait for another time.

"Everyone, follow up her attack!" Blasting the two demon monsters, only a wave of wind added onto the attacks. The others were still fighting the back enemies.

"Dodge!" Joker called as the enemies moved again. Pushing through the damage, they began to rampage in the surrounding area. Just leaning out of one strike, Joker rolled into the benches to avoid a second hit. But the third still caught him in the shoulder. Not resisting the damage anymore, Joker felt a portion of his energy wash away.

Makoto on the other hand, simply raised her fists like a boxer and absorbed the blows with a wince. Joker rolled his eyes at the display of toughness. She could have at least tried dodging.

"Finish them off now!" Joker called and Makoto had no problem obeying. Based on her harried expression, Joker estimated that her physical prowess was slightly less than Skull's, but her magic and speed were higher.

As the two shadows dissolved, the fight was brought to an end. Still, Kaneshiro's face only twitched with displeasure. At some point, additional reinforcements had shown up.

"We need to leave," Joker called. "Makoto can you…"

"On it!" Cutting him off, Makoto was already primed on her Persona's back and pointing toward the door.

"Mona!"

"G-Got it!" Jumping into the air, the cat transformed into a car.

Having a few seconds before they took off, Joker looked for Haru. Upon seeing her, Joker actually stopped moving. "W-What? You awakened!?"

"Umm… Maybe?"

"If she did, her persona's a hell of a lot weaker than ours!" Skull informed Joker harshly.

Shaking his head to dispel the surprise, Joker hopped into the driver's seat and revved the engine as the others piled in, Haru grabbing shotgun. To Joker's surprise, her eyes were lit with a strange light and her mouth had an odd smile. It was actually pretty terrifying if Joker was being honest.

"Oh, this is so much fun!" Haru declared. "Can we run some of the shadows over on the way out!?"

"Uhh…" Usure how to respond, Joker contented himself to driving. Either way, as Makoto popped a wheelie and slammed down the front door of the bank, they were out. As the cat car left the bank, Joker let himself relax slightly. Pursuing the motorbike down the ramp and out of the palace, they were free.

Crashing back into real life suddenly, Joker didn't realize their mistake until it was too late. Suspended in midair, their support vanished.

"Oof!" Landing solidly on his backside, Ren rubbed it as they were dumped unceremoniously back into Shibuya. A crowd of people swirling around them, barely noticing the oddity that had occurred. "Really got to find a better place to enter from…"

Muttering to himself, Ren stood up and surveyed the rest of the party. No one appeared overly injured. Makoto was in front of them and picking herself up of the ground. Her face was red from planting into it at high velocity, but the main injury was to her pride no doubt.

The only one was missing was… "Morgana?"

"…Here."

Following the weak voice, Ren found the flattened feline. He had obviously been crushed by the others in the vehicle. Currently though as Ann sat on him, Ren knew he wasn't too upset with the situation.

"Well, everyone made it out."

"Oh yes!" Haru agreed. "When do we return?"

"Umm…" The ominous aura in the words forced Ren to resort to rubbing his head. This was a scary girl.

"We go back in when he says so," Morgana informed Haru, peeling himself off the pavement. "Until then, we should probably figure out why your persona didn't fully manifest."

Ren nodded at that. He had a couple ideas, but now wasn't the time to dive into them. The day had been short but extremely stressful. There were other things Ren wanted to do today.

Calling a brief meeting, Ren quickly added Haru and Makoto to the group chat. Both girls were pretty eager to join and take down Kaneshiro. Makoto's power was certainly a boon, even if the girl was a tad reckless.

Smiling at the group, Ren only had one last line for them. "Well, welcome to the phantom thieves. I look forward to working with everyone. Also, don't worry. We will take Kaneshiro down. He won't get away with this."

"I know he won't," Makoto agreed, voice hard.

Group splitting, they began to head separate directions, never noticing the figure leaning against the railing on the overpass watching with a small smile.

---

PS:

I don't really feel bad about having Haru steal a bit of Makoto's spotlight in this palace since she gets like one and a half in the game compared to Haru's half. Also, I don't really see Makoto as a strategist, but maybe that's just me.

PPS:

Morgana can't move on his own in car form, therefore, Haru is the one trying to run you over... Scary.