With their team made official, the Phantom Thieves were left figuring out where to go from there. Looking at the Phan-site's requests left Subaru, Ann and Morgana to agree that they were definitely ignoring around ninety percent of them.
Why? Said requests ranged from someone who wouldn't pay his friend back for a while and a husband who apparently wore socks with sandals. Despite them bringing Kamoshida to justice, the team seemed to be considered a joke. Even Ryuji, who'd been the most excited to keep going as a thief, came to share their opinion.
It was getting Morgana's nerves so much that couldn't help venting ''Honestly, who do those people think they are anyway? That request about the sandals was my absolute limit, people not believing in us was one thing but that?''
''Yeah, it was really scraping the bottom of the barrel…'' Ryuji shook his head ''…anyway, that still leaves that Mementos place, right?''
Ann nodded ''Wonder what facing Shadows there would be like, we won't always find Palaces so…''
''Good observation, Lady Ann. Yeah, it's different for sure…''
''Wait, how do you know?'' Ryuji cut in ''I thought you said you woke up in that cell and that's the first thing you remember?''
Morgana gave him an annoyed look for the interruption ''I didn't think it was worth mentioning but it's like I told you, the treasure actually did help me remember a few things. It's not much but I do remember seeing a dark portal in one of the tunnels, sensing the distortions led me to investigate. I'm…not too sure what actually happened after that. I might have been overpowered because it feels like that was back when I was first getting used to Zorro…''
Now that was something to think about it, Subaru hummed ''It looks like you were right about the treasures possibly helping you with your memories.''
The cat nodded happily ''Well, it's all connected to cognition-the treasures are the cores of the Palaces which hold a strong influence on their surroundings. I felt that they had to be special. I know we've seen the terrible side of it but the Metaverse and its influence over cognition really presents much potential…''
As he went on, describing what he came to learn, Subaru found that some of this was oddly familiar. It was like Morgana's words were tugging at the back of his mind…but why?
Subaru had been approached by a teacher shortly after their arrival in school, for Kobayakawa wanted to talk to him. This left the others waiting for their friend nearby, leaving Ryuji particularly irked and wasting no time to make the reason known.
''Why the hell are they still listening to that asshole?''
''That's exactly what I want to know.'' Makoto walked over, watching the principal's door with a frown. ''I'm not sure what he's up to but it can't be good…''
''No surprise there but is that way some of the teachers seem so busy?'' Ann wondered.
''Most likely, yes. I've just heard myself but it seems he wants the teachers to investigate the Phansite. There have been suspicions that the admin is a student here.'' The brunette exhaled. ''He hasn't so much as said it but a few of the teachers suspect that his real aim is to uncover the Phantom Thieves' identities.''
Ann wasn't all that surprised, knowing he was far from the only one who'd wanted to know but…''Are you kidding me?! It's just been made clear how much he fucked up in school, how many students have been suffering all this time because he prioritized that piece of shit Kamoshida. Heck, Shiho's parents are just one of the few planning to sue the school-and he's ignoring all that?!''
Makoto's response was cut off by the sound of a door suddenly being flung open, someone calling to wait. This brought attention to the principal's office just in time to see Subaru storming out, heading straight to the courtyard.
Morgana knew that this was bad, very bad ''What happened in there?''
''What did that prick do this time?'' Ann wondered.
''No point standing here, let's go find out.'' The two nodded to Ryuji and they followed their wayward leader, Makoto quickly coming along.
How dare he-?!
Subaru didn't think anyone besides Kamoshida had infuriated him so much in a long time but Kobayakawa had certainly proved him wrong. The nerve! To think he'd actually expected…
''Uh…are you okay?''
Mishima's voice made him realize he'd been so distracted that he hadn't even noticed the boy approaching ''I…heard a few people saying you laid on the principal and left-they were going on about threats or what not but that didn't make any sense…why were you so mad?''
Spotting Ryuji leading the group over, Subaru exhaled sharply ''…I'd rather explain this once, so come on…''
Kobayakawa had started things out all pleasantly, pretending that he hadn't condemned Subaru from day one. Saying things like how well he'd been doing here and how right they'd been to give him a second chance.
Subaru would rather avoid trouble if possible with but he really didn't care to play this game, especially now that he'd seen evidence of the man's character. ''…If you don't mind, class is going to start soon. Why did you call me?''
''Oh, yes! I'm glad to see you pay such attention to your studies. But this has to do with that, it's come to my attention that we may not have been fair to you.'' Subaru quirked a brow ''You were the hero who saved Suzui-san from that tragic situation and we've hardly done a thing to thank you. So I was thinking, why can't we both do something for each other? I'll be more than happy to give you any recommendation for college and facilitate your school life-and I think you would especially find this worth your while given your situation. In exchange, all I want you to do is assure people that the school is doing everything in its power to make amends and that we were already investigating Kamoshida. The Phantom Thieves' intervention was completely unnecessary and they only ruined everything, we didn't rely on criminals to save the students. Poor Suzui-san was simply in a bad place and time…''
Subaru's blood ran cold. He didn't mean…?
But the man soon proved him completely correct ''It's simply something necessary to help the school. Shujin has been cast in such an unfair light, you understand. I've heard how you helped the students before and your grades really do speak for themselves. With your help…''
''So let me get this straight…'' The boy's fists clenched tighter. ''…even keeping in mind that Suzui-san was only one of the students the school failed miserably, you want to use them for you own benefit?'' He ignored Kobayakawa's spluttering ''She still has nightmares, she can't even bring herself to come back and the memories cut deep. And I'm sure the same goes for his other victims. You knew, you knew and you looked away from it all. Just so long as he brought you good reputation and you want me to take over for him, huh? Let's not pretend your job isn't on the line here. Toyama-san warned you, didn't she?''
''W-who are you to even talk…?!''
''Someone who sees the truth for what it is, you're nothing but a joke. I'll never even consider helping you so take that offer and shove it where the sun doesn't shine.''
Now that they were brought up to speed, the others not only understood Subaru's reaction but completely shared his disgust. Ryuji and Ann were naturally livid the thought of what that miserable excuse of an educator wanted with their old friend.
''How could he even…?'' Mishima was so appalled he couldn't think of words fitting enough.
''I'm going to wring that fat bastard's neck!'' Ann snarled.
Makoto couldn't have said it better herself ''He's gone too far…!''
Morgana looked like he was more than willing to claw the man's face off. Mishima had a thought ''Wait, Namikaze, isn't he going to make things difficult for you now? If he's that desperate…''
Subaru's mutinous expression proved that he didn't care. Ryuji was immediately ready to back his friend up ''Let him try. He sure as hell ain't gonna cover this up, not this time!''
Makoto nodded firmly ''I'll get the word out too…I'm so disgusted that this is the only course of action that I feel I can take.''
''Right with you there.'' Ann huffed ''Subaru's probation officer is helping the parents sue, that's what probably started this. I say we help them along.''
Some particularly spiteful witnesses were already spinning new rumors around the altercation, already making Subaru's reputation worse. They were however, in the minority, for the word had soon gotten out. While some would be skeptic with Ryuji and Ann being outcasts for so long, many trusted Makoto. It also helped that a teacher happened to be near the office, overhearing enough of the exchange to figure the truth out.
Thus, naturally, the principal was in hot water more than ever. The students were particularly revolted. It was bad enough he'd looked away from their suffering all this time but this was a new low.
Kasumi rolled her eyes at the mention of another rumor from a passerby ''Those people really need something to do.''
''Or to just get a life.'' Toni corrected, just as unimpressed. ''Let's see that conniving pig get out of this one…''
''That'd be the day…''
''Nice going, Namikaze.'' Both turned curiously at this, seeing a second year nodding at Subaru with clear respect ''I would've just socked the prick but your verbal beat down's pretty good too.''
Toni put in her piece first ''Yeah, but we're better off just leaving the actual punching to Makoto-senpai.''
''H-hey…'' The brunette swatted half-heartedly at her shoulder while Ann and Kasumi laughed, the boy snorting.
''Can't argue with that…''
Morgana was listening to the exchange with growing amusement, only to be distracted by the sound of footsteps nearby. He caught a flash of red before the footsteps were soon too far away…he hadn't wanted to worry the others but this was far from the first time they were watched in such a manner. The feline had initially assumed it had to do with his teammates' reputations but the more he thought about it, the more he realized these instances happened mostly near Subaru.
Remembering the brunet's retelling of the attack which sent him to the hospital made him freeze. It was then that Morgana realized he'd forgotten something-the volleyball team's uniforms were red…
Things had certainly gone out of hand. Subaru couldn't deny that a part of him found the principal's plan backfiring so soon quite satisfying. As they'd agreed, Ann, Ryuji, Mishima and Makoto had ensured the true story spread out. Knowing the four had been on the scene as well stopped much of the skepticism. In fact, quite a few of the personnel found that they could very much imagine Kobayakawa going that far. Most were understandably disturbed; the fact that he ignored the students' wellbeing to such an extent was bad enough. But if he was willing to go this far then he could hardly be trusted to do his job.
His phone ringing brought Subaru's attention back to the device in his palm, finding to his surprise, a message from Shiho.
SS: Hi, I heard from Ann. I…really didn't think something like this would happen but thank you, for standing up for me and the others.
NS: It's nothing to be thanked for. There was no way I could go with something like that.
SS: And you're really surprised we want to be your friends? We're lucky to have met you.
NS: No, it's…the other way around. I don't know where I would've been without you all.
Despite his reservations, Subaru could freely admit that to be the truth. He'd really given up on the idea of having friends ever again, only to find an amazing group of people who blew all his expectations out of the water. And he couldn't thank them enough for it.
SS: Let's agree to disagree then. So we met Toyama-san when Dad ran into a couple of his friends who were talking to her. She's your probation officer, right? Did you tell her?
NS: Yeah…let's just say she blew her top off.
She had made sure that he would let her know if anything urgent in school popped so bringing her up to speed was only natural. But he certainly hadn't expected the outburst, or the…very colorful language she'd used.
SS: Wow, I'm almost sorry I missed it. Any chance I can get you to record her tearing Kobayakawa a new hole?
NS: I think you're forgetting Ryuji's involved here. Good luck trying to stop him.
SS: Good point. Maybe if we get Ann to turn up the kitty eyes…nah, even that'd be pushing it.
NS: You're going to have to explain that one.
SS: Oh, yeah-they never told you that story, huh? It was hilarious…
''Oh, quit being a drama queen, Senpai. This isn't the end of the world…''
''Says you!''
Snorting, Kasumi led Ryuji to the library. The two had encountered each other shortly after the end of the day, Kasumi having no practice today meant she planned to go study for the upcoming exams. Ryuji's evident nonchalance around the issue made the brunette put her foot down, declaring that he would go with her. His immediate refusal made her decided then and there that she would either enlist Ann and Toni's help in dragging up more embarrassing stories about him or leave him to suffer Makoto's displeasure if he fails his exams with his refusal to study.
She wasn't sure which one scared him more (Personally, Kasumi would say Makoto) but with Ryuji, it might be a tossup.
Ignoring her companion's huffing, the girl's face lit up as she spotted the senior in question studying with Haru and Subaru at a table. Haru happened to spot them then ''Oh, hello! Are you planning to study as well?''
''About that…''
Morgana gave Ryuji an utterly unimpressed look that plainly said 'Really?'
Subaru voiced the same question he had in mind ''You actually had to threaten him so he'd consider studying?''
''I know, right?'' Kasumi made no effort to hide her exasperation. ''Ann-senpai said he was bad at studying but I didn't think she meant this!''
''I'm right here…'' The blond grumbled. He couldn't help it; he hated studying with a passion. Honestly, it seemed like even if he tried hard, his grades tended to suck more often than not.
''Don't complain if you brought it upon yourself, Ryuji.'' Makoto gave him a sharp look ''That being said, Kasumi's right. If you just fail because you don't even care to try, we're going to have words. Is that understood?''
Gulping, he nodded quickly. The fact that the prim and proper student council president could be this terrifying was still a bit of a shock.
Haru smiled weakly ''Ah, well…since we're all here, why don't we just carry on together?''
Both third years took it upon themselves to help their younger friends with their studies. Kasumi was generally on top of things but she always appreciated a chance for a review, especially with a smart friend like Makoto. Despite having missed out on a lot recently due to being in the hospital, Subaru had been doing well too for the most part, although he did still have some catching up to do.
''You weren't kidding about being bad with Math.'' She noted.
Subaru sighed, nodding ''This whole session does help…how does it make much more sense when Makoto describes it anyway?''
Haru giggled ''That's what I said. Did you consider becoming a teacher? I think you've got a knack for it.''
''R-really?'' Flustered, the brunette scratched her cheek ''You're exaggerating-you were both doing fine.''
This did have Kasumi wondering ''Actually-what do you all want to be in the future?'' She looked around the table at large. ''Haru-senpai's going to be taking over the company from her dad, right?''
She immediately knew something was wrong when the girl seemed to wince ''I…don't know…''
''Hey, ah, you good?'' Ryuji quirked a brow. Haru nodded quickly, biting her lip.
No one was convinced but they knew she didn't want to talk so naturally they wouldn't force her. Makoto decided to move things along ''Well, I've always been interested in studying law enforcement. It's practically a tradition in our family at this, Dad used to joke about how there's been a Nijima involved with the police ever since his great-grandfather's time.''
''Oh, yeah-you said he was a cop and your sis is that big shot prosecutor from the news, right?'' She nodded to affirm that Ryuji did remember correctly. ''But hey, that's cool…I've been thinkin' it over since Kamoshida's confession, and I decided I still wanna to stick to sports. Even if I can't run like I used to, there's got to be something else I can do.''
Makoto and Haru smiled ''That's great.''
''Nice attitude.'' Morgana praised.
''You'll be way better than that scumbag ever was.'' Kasumi chimed in.
''No matter what you choose.'' Subaru added, completely agreeing.
Ryuji didn't think that was much of a standard but he appreciated the compliment as it was intended ''Thanks, so moving on to you, buddy! Guess you're sticking with music too? Or maybe takin' your uncle up on his offer so you'd handle his business once he retires?''
Subaru decided to tell them what he told Akira ''I don't know if I'm cut out for that. I'm still thinking over things after all what happened but it would be nice if I could do something related to music.''
''I think you mentioned something like this before, Subaru-kun, your uncle runs a company?'' Haru wondered.
A nod ''It's called Madicce, Aki-nii is the CEO.''
The present third years were equally surprised, both having heard of it after its rise back to prominence a few years ago. It was especially impressive after the way it crashed with the previous president. Haru specifically remembered her father expressing an interest in making connections with them. But if Konoe-san was anything like what the media made him out to be (and the stories they heard from the Namikazes only affirmed this) then he'd be more likely to slam the door in his face, or at worst to punch him.
Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing…
Haru stiffened a bit at the thought…where did that come from?
''Now as for Kasumi, I imagine we'll be seeing her and Sumire on the national stage soon.'' Makoto gave a small smile.
''Well, thanks for the vote of confidence.'' The girl hummed happily ''But yeah, that's the plan-its nationals now and then all the way to the Olympics.''
''Oh, good attitude there.'' Ryuji wished Sumire could have even half this confidence. The girl was way too hard on herself. ''But hey, looks like we've all got our plans or we're making good progress that way.''
Kasumi was about to concur, only to stop when a thought occurred to her. Once she achieved that goal…what then? She'd been so focused on that for so long that the fact was she had absolutely no idea. At the rate they were going, they could likely make the nationals in the next two years tops (and yes she fully believed Sumire could as well, all she needed was a bit of faith in herself). Their mom had brought up the idea of them going to the Olympics and both had loved it. Now after her passing, they wanted to do it for her.
But the question remained, what came next?
Makoto cleared her throat ''That is good to know. But I think we got sidetracked long enough, let's get back to work.'' Ryuji's muffled groan came as no surprise this time. ''Actually, Ryuji-I've been thinking…can you try that exercise Haru suggested before? A few of your earlier comments gave me an idea and I'd like to check.''
''Well, okay, if you think it'd help…''
Haru looked curiously between the pair while Subaru quirked a brow, all unaware of Kasumi's intense mental debate. Makoto then elaborated ''I think he might be a kinesthetic learner.''
''Oh!''
''That…would actually make sense…''
Sensing Ryuji's confusion, Morgana offered up a quick explanation. ''Oh…huh, so what does that mean for me now?''
''It means I can help you do better-just give me a little time to prepare.'' Makoto assured. ''Now, Kasumi, you said something about the chemistry lesson?''
''O-oh, yeah!'' Shaking herself, the girl opted to focus on the book before ''See, it was…''
The team got together after the study session, Ann having discovered a potential target. She revealed the request from a Hachibara Kitana, whose ex-boyfriend was now stalking her. The request made it clear that despite her doubts about this working, she was at the end of her rope. She didn't want to take more drastic measures but it seemed more and more like she had little choice.
''We've got to do something!'' The model declared once she finished reading it out.
Ryuji readily agreed, so did Morgana, who was left wondering ''You think some of the 'measures' she mentioned would involve the police?''
''Could be, even if they broke up, maybe she still cares about the guy so she wouldn't take it that far…'' It took Ann a moment to realize that Subaru had yet to say anything; their leader's attention firmly on his phone. ''…hey, what're you…?''
The curious trio came closer, discovering that he was reading an article about Nakanohara Natsuhiko, their target and his involvement in a scandal. Supposedly, he was a student of an artist called Madarame Ichiryusai. Another of his students was found dead in his room, having taken his own life. Nakanohara was the one who discovered the body and consequently alerted the police, which only brought more attention to his name. The reason being that a few weeks later, he was implicated in a scandal selling forgeries to certain rich people who were angry at being fooled, calling the police on the spot. Madarame was the one who caught him in the act and that was the last contact he'd had with the man.
''Well, that's…something…'' Morgana blinked a few times as he absorbed the information.
''We're not as involved here so we can't get the full picture easily and…it looks like there's a lot going on, so I figured it can't hurt to look for any info.'' Subaru explained.
Nodding, the feline glanced back at the screen ''Good thinking, all of this seems fairly recent too-I wonder if it could be related somehow…''
Ryuji found himself thinking, the name Madarame sounded familiar. Like something he'd heard recently...
''Right, so just type in…''
Once the word Mementos was set, the quartet's surroundings changed to a mostly red and black area that looked quite a bit like…
Skull did a double-take ''…Wait, ain't this a subway?''
''That's right.'' Mona faced the three. ''I'm guessing it's because a place like a subway station would leave an impact on people's lives. There's so many people using it every day after all, it's something they'd all have in common.''
Joker bit his lip as he looked around. Something about this place felt so…wrong…it was deeply unsettling…even the worst of Kamoshida's Palace hadn't made him feel such poignant apprehension. What did this mean?
He hadn't realized how much he spaced out in his rancor until hearing Panther ''So we'll find Nakanohara if we look hard enough?''
''That's the general idea.'' Mona nodded ''I should be able to sense his Shadow if we get close.''
''Okay, great-slight problem, how are we going to get anywhere? This place looks enormous.''
Mona's consequent laughter came as a surprise ''I've been waiting for this moment…Morgana, transform!''
Leaping into the air, the feline did a flip. Then suddenly, in a burst of smoke, he was replaced by…
''A bus?!''
''No way!'' Unlike Skull, Panther was elated ''A cat bus! Like My Neighbor Totoro!''
Skull's face lit up in reminiscence ''Hey, yeah!''
Mona made a confused noise ''My what now?''
''It's an old movie, practically a classic these days. It was a real big hit when it came out-damn good stuff!''
''Oh…that could be why cats turning into buses is such a common cognition.''
Joker seemed nonplussed ''Is that how this transformation works?''
''Mm, it's cognition that landed me with that annoying form of mine after all.'' Mona's door opened ''For the record, I'm going to need one of you to drive me.''
Skull cocked his head ''You can't drive yourself...? Eh, what the hell, it'll be like those old racing games I used to play. Those were great!''
''Excuse me??'' Mona squawked. ''You had better not treat this like a game-!''
But the blond wasn't listening, already taking the driver's seat ''Come on, let's get this thing rolling!''
Joker and Panther exchanged uncertain looks ''…I'll stop him if he goes too far, Mona.''
''Thank you, Panther! You really are the best!''
Unfortunately, Mona's relief didn't last very long. For even with her making sure Skull's driving was put to a quick stop, Panther turned out to be just as bad in driving. Skull was too reckless while she too cautious. The trouble finally came to an end with Joker, who despite having a rough beginning was actually adapting well. Mona finally put his proverbial foot down, declaring that Joker would be the driver.
''Ah, man-I'm way more rusty than I thought. I was good at those games too, might as well look into getting more practice for a license…'' Skull trailed off.
''Try that with me and you're really gonna get it!'' Mona hissed.
''Would you really even want a car that much? I always thought you'd go for something like a motorcycle.'' Panther confessed.
Skull's face lit up at the thought ''Okay, that'd be really cool. Mona just had to turn into a bus instead…''
Spluttering indignantly, Mona made to retort only for Joker to beat him to the punch ''Skull, there's such a thing as not looking a gift horse in the mouth. This is way more practical.''
'' Thank you, Joker! You want to walk through all those tunnels? Be my guest!''
Skull backpedaled, immediately acknowledging the valid points as he apologized. He had a sinking suspicion their accidents hurt Mona a lot more than he was letting on if he was this touchy about it. ''Anyway, Panther, ain't Madarame the famous artist we saw on TV weeks ago?''
Her eyes widened ''Oh, yeah! I completely forgot but they did mention him taking students in again and stuff…I kept thinking that was weird, actually…''
Mona made a puzzled noise ''How come?''
''Well, it just had me thinking-apparently; he's been doing it for years until one of the students betrayed him so he couldn't bear to try again. But if someone's gone the extra mile for people all those years, wouldn't the word have gotten out? It's like with those famous artists we heard about before in class. They credited their teachers. I even tried looking it up out of curiosity but Madarame's the only one ever in the limelight.''
''That is weird, yeah…'' Joker agreed. Surely, someone would've wanted to at least offer gratitude to a benevolent figure that helped them so much. Something seemed very strange here…
Similarly baffled, Mona chalked it up to even more questions on their growing list. ''Well, I guess we're going to find out soon. Brace yourselves, we're almost there!''
The three teens spotted the swirling black and red portal that would lead them to their destination…
With the first glance at their target, the quartet received more confirmation that this was definitely something worthwhile. Shadow Nakanohara hadn't even noticed them approaching, a mixture of pain and fear etching his features ''Kitana's mine…all mine…I won't let anyone take her-I don't want to be alone again! It'll be just like after he turned on me, he ruined my life…I won't go back to that!''
''He…?'' Mona guessed that meant Madarame. Shadows were very loose lipped naturally, perhaps their choice to question him was for the best.
The Shadow stepped back, finally taking note of their presence ''Huh? Who're you supposed to be?''
''We're here to change your heart, just like your ex wanted.'' Skull crossed his arms.
''What?! You're lying, she'd never…!''
''It's not like she wanted things to be this way, you pushed her too far!'' Panther cut in. ''I get how you feel about loneliness, but you can't keep harassing her like that, you must have really scared her!''
''S-shut up, don't talk like you could understand!''
The girl chose to press on, unfazed by his vitriol ''I would, more than you would ever think. Try talking to her, maybe she'll understand why you went so far, it really sounded like she cared for you even if you broke up.''
Uncertainty flashed across the Shadow's features. It looked like Panther's approach was actually working but then…
''Look, is this about Madarame? We heard part of the story but…''
''You know…?'' He spat ''What're you even doing here if you know about that monster?! Why aren't you doing anything about him?!''
Realizing her mistake, the blonde tried to explain but he was completely past listening ''I don't want to hear it! If you won't stop Madarame then I'll take you down!''
Unsheathing his scimitar, Mona had no idea what was going on either but it was clear his former teacher's name was enough to set him off ''The talk's going to have to wait, get ready! The sooner we end this, the better!''
There was definitely no argument from the trio ''Right!''
The Shadow transformed into an Angel, which immediately cast Sukukaja on itself and charged at them. Mona ducked quickly to avoid its swipe but Skull wasn't as fast, leaving him grunting as he held up his arms to block. The enemy then dodged Panther's whip, using a Garu spell on the girl. His attempt to attack her again was put to a swift halt by Aladdin's intervention and he was quickly forced to dodge the Persona's blade.
His second Garu spell got Skull as he prepared to fire his gun, leaving the boy to fall back. Panther immediately stepped up as the enemy tried to seize this moment of weakness, grabbing Skull's gun and firing. It was a clumsy attempt, due to her unfamiliarity with the weapon but the somewhat chaotic shots did do the trick by forcing the Shadow back, giving her enough time to cast her healing magic on her longtime friend.
Mona and Joker leapt up, blades at the ready, taking the Shadow by surprise. He tried to fly back but Mona was faster, getting a bit of a boost with Zorro's help and striking his back. Growling, he cast Mazio on the duo, Joker immediately pushing Mona back and tanking the blow.
If anyone had looked closer, they would've seen the strange, silvery aura glimmering around his frame for a few seconds.
Wasting no time, Mona aimed his slingshot, firing with rapid succession. The Shadow's outcry told them that they'd nailed a weakness. His struggle to get up in his daze was put to a swift halt by Panther, who wrapped her whip around his arm and dragged him down. The boys capitalized on the chance to strike back, Zorro's blade landing hard on true. Captain Kidd's Headbutt following up on the offense before Joker and Skull attacked from left and right, sending the enemy crashing down. Aladdin's Snap served as the final blow, leaving him to change back to his original form.
Joker broke the silence ''Look, I'm sorry you misunderstood but we really have no idea what's going on. We only had doubts about Madarame after discovering what happened between you two, this is all still us trying to gather information.''
''I see…I suppose that does make sense. He's still managing to look like an upstanding member of society.'' Shadow Nakanohara sighed. ''If you know what he did to me, he managed to skew the facts in his favor. I was among the few closest to finding out what a massive fraud he really is.''
''What do you mean?'' Mona pressed.
''We were fine letting him use some of our pieces, especially if he was in as much trouble as he made it seem. We thought it was only natural to help a caring teacher…but he just wouldn't stop!'' He cried. ''It was like we were nothing but tools for him. My friend killed himself because he couldn't take it anymore, art meant so much to him and that monster trampled all over it. And Madarame still didn't care! The funeral was barely even over before he started pressuring us like nothing happened…I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted to do something to show everyone what kind of person he really was. But before I even knew it, he had the upper hand…''
''Wait, so Panther was right! We never hear anything about his students 'cuz they crashed and burned before they could even take off as artists!'' Skull concluded.
''That's about the gist of it, yeah.'' Their former enemy affirmed ''We never stood a chance, he kept stealing our art, all the fruits of our work, the ways we could express ourselves…he all saw it as ways to make money. I only found this out recently but the first time someone spoke against him; Madarame ruined her life so much that she had to go to a different country just to start over. And she was just the first! I got in touch with a few others who left too and I have no idea how he covered it all up…and they tried so hard…'' He shook his head, muttering a couple of names Mona immediately made to remember. ''…we wanted to stay even if it was hard because art meant a lot to us and he took it away…but we were powerless to do anything, so many of us just threw in the towel. And to think I was so happy when my friend gave me the opportunity, I wish we'd never heard of that bastard!''
This was far, far worse than anything they were expecting. Not only did he callously brush off a student's suicide like it was nothing but he toyed with their lives like they were nothing, using them until he couldn't get any more. It was beyond messed up.
Mona had a thought ''Wait a minute; the article mentioned something about forged paintings. Does that mean…?''
Gritting his teeth, the Shadow stood ''Yeah, he blamed me to cover up his sorry behind! I was near the atelier to meet with another student but I happened to catch him talking to some strange people and he talked about making more deals but everything about it seemed shady…I saw a couple of copies of his master work…though at this point, I wonder if it was ever his…''
''You mentioned a student just now…are there still others helping Madarame?'' Joker received a nod that left Skull gawking.
''Why?! Even after all this shit?''
Shadow Nakanohara's expression darkened ''One of them left before me, we all knew how terrible he was, she refused to stand for it. But Madarame exacted his pound of flesh because she sold her last two paintings behind his back. Last I heard, she was considering working in a school but that's all I know for sure. But the last one…''A sigh ''…I highly doubt he'd leave.''
''For real?!'' Skull could barely believe his ears. ''Didn't you tell him anything?!''
''Oh, I didn't have to even try. He'd already realized something was wrong a long time ago. It's just not that simple…'' A sigh ''…can you imagine what it's like to lose everything you knew all your life? To find yourself alone with nowhere to go and no place to call home anymore? I think that's what he fears the most and that's why he's staying.''
Skull and Panther couldn't help wincing, that…hit closer to home than he realized.
Mona's eyes also traveled to Joker, well aware of how close he'd come to that exact situation. And even then, he hadn't gotten away unscathed, far from it.
Thank goodness for Yuri, Itsuki, Akira and Sojiro.
The teen's expression remained unreadable ''…That would be frightening for anyone, I'm sure. But staying this way, living while he can't be himself, with something so important to him being abused…that's no way to live, burying your head under the sand doesn't solve anything.''
The feline smiled, nodding ''Well said, Joker. Sometimes you just have to take action even if it's hard, it's the hardest things that can really make all the difference in the end.''
''…Yeah, you're so right…'' The Shadow's shoulders slumped ''…I think that's what we all really needed to have done a long time ago. If we had just tried to work together, we might have been able to put a stop to this. Instead, we fell apart, all the bonds we built forgotten. I wanted to cut it all out of my life so badly that I went and became like this…I know I have no right to ask anything of you after what I've done. But please! Now you know the truth, please stop Madarame and save my last fellow student. Madarame's just going to keep like this and…I don't want to see anyone else die…this has to end.''
''Count on it!'' Skull assured fiercely.
Joker nodded ''We're not turning away. Not now, we'll do everything we can to help.''
''Thank you…thank you!''
Once they returned to the real world, they began to look up the names Nakanohara mentioned with Morgana's prompting. And then…
''…oh, my god…'' Ann could barely take her eyes off the screen. It hadn't taken long to discover what happened to the first student. Apparently, even in a different country, the past haunted her so much so that she wanted to cut her ties altogether. This lead to her nearly taking her own life, the only reason she survived was a friend finding her in time. But even then, she'd damaged her dominant hand so much that it was unlikely she'd ever be able to use it anywhere near as well as she had before. The other one had fared just a tad better but it had clearly taken her much time to get back on her feet, she'd also burned all her ties with the past to spare herself the pain. And the only reason they'd even known all this was that someone had made a blog that seemed to be connected to the former students, for it even included mentions of Nakanohara. The blog hadn't mentioned Madarame by name. At least not from what they could see, but it seemed that someone did before and people derided them for it under the belief that they were slandering a good man, hence why it was never taken seriously.
And those were just two names, what had even happened to the other victims? It was a sobering thought…
''You know what? Screw what the police say about us, they've just sat on their asses when shit like this kept happening!'' Ryuji couldn't help remembering Makoto's explanation about her failed plan to help deal with Kamoshida last year. ''Bastards like Kamoshida and now this asshole are making people suffer and they do nothing. This can't keep going!''
''Yeah, people cowering under those in power, not realizing that this gives them even more of an advantage in the process.'' Morgana shook his head. ''We were definitely right to look deeper into this; I can't believe how he covered it all up for so long. It's disgusting.''
''For sure.'' Subaru agreed at once. ''People's opinions don't matter, we know the truth. People like the principal and the police like to make us the bad guys but so what? We can't just reveal everything and hope for the best. Look how that worked out for the victims.''
''Right, we can't let Madarame get away with this.'' Ann's fists clenched. ''This isn't even about the plagiarism anymore. It's a rescue mission, plus someone has to make sure his students get the closure they deserve.''
Morgana smirked ''Looks like we have our next big target…''
Well, let's stop here.
So here we are with the new arc, I thought I'd put a bit of a spin on things and maybe try to cut down on the initial uncertainty around Madarame from canon while I'm at it. Subaru is just naturally cautious in general, especially growing up with his condition which is why looking for more info was only natural for him. He wouldn't have even reacted like that to Kobayakawa if the offer hadn't disgusted him so much. Oh, I should clarify, Subaru doesn't realize it yet but Mona's description of Mementos reminds him of what he came to learn about Wakaba's research. He knows the general gist of what it's about because he and Futaba were interested in learning and Wakaba was happy with that so she didn't mind answering a few questions. And yes, for those of you who read my other Persona story, Subaru has the Song of Harmony due to story related reasons; he just doesn't know it yet.
Nakanohara almost found out about the locked room, he was coming to check up on Yusuke when he happened to see two of the paintings taken out. Oh and for the record, if Akira does find out what Okumura's like now, hell would freeze over before he'd even consider working with him. So yeah, decking him wouldn't be far off the table.
The shadow's description of Yusuke's situation is just my interpretation of it. I figured Madarame was the only parent he knew, from the sound of it, he's lived in the atelier forever. And I'm not sure he would've had anyone to help if needed, the scholarship has its own conditions, which can also be difficult. So if he had spoken out, he'd really be out of practically all he'd come to know all his life. I know it's mostly because he cares for Madarame but I can't help wondering if that could be plausible too…
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Namikaze Itsuki and Yuri (Charity Rank 3)
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 2)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 1)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 1)
Yoshizawa Sumire and Kasumi (Hope Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 2)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 2)
Konoe Akira (Adjustment Rank 1)
Isoshima Mitshuhide (Faith Rank 1)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 2)
Toyama Natsumi (Apostle Rank 1)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 1)