Flux Industries Headquarters…
"So, Ms. Toramoto, how are your Emblems treating you so far?" Photon asked as he had the girl's Emblem Bracelets under a set of scanners.
"It's kind of hard to say. Folks like Aquaman and Black Panther, they try to steer me towards more morally justifiable routes while there are ones like Ridley and Dark Samus that tend to be a bit more brutal in their advice. It's a bit half-and-half, really." Asahi said.
"That's to be expected." Photon said as he observed the readings from the bracelets. "The AI is programmed to make judgements and strategies based on the actual person's mindset and personality. As you spend time and use the Emblems, it may be possible that the intelligence will evolve and change the way they approach a situation. Think of it like a 'bond level' system."
"I see. That would make sense. By the way, mind if I ask you something?" Asahi asked. "Why go so far to help me out with this? I mean, you do know my brother, right? He talks quite a bit about you guys and…not a lot of it is good."
"I'm a scientist, not a celebrity." Photon answered. "Whatever feelings are between us and your brother's teams are irrelevant. Besides, as Lord - er, Doctor Techno would say, just because we're the 'bad guys' doesn't mean we can't be civilized."
"I guess you have a point there. All I know is, he didn't like the fact that I got these Emblems behind his back, and I do feel bad for that, but I had to do it for my own reasons, and… I'm hoping he'll understand why some day. We…haven't exactly been close lately since….you know." Asahi said.
"Uh…I don't, but I'll take your word for it." Photon said as the scanners beeped. "Ah, the analysis is complete. Everything looks to be in order." the scientist said as he handed Asahi the Emblems back. "Oh, before you go; Mr. Flux and Dr. Techno want you to give a live demonstration of your Emblems at one of the auction sites. The location has yet to be decided, but it's going to be a sparring session."
"Understood. I suppose I can take part in this." Asahi said. "Just out of curiosity, who am I going to be sparing with?"
Just then, the door opened up as Photon looked at who walked in. "Ah, speak of the devil, there he is now!"
Asahi turned around to see a tall man with short black hair and notable sideburns, dressed in a large leather coat with a dark military uniform underneath, walk into the room. "Oi, science man. Heard you got some new jewelry ready for me."
"As a matter of fact, I do." Photon said as he pulled out a silver Emblem Bracelet with a metal stamp picturing a rising sun on it. "A bit of a niche choice for an Emblem, but considering your skill set, it's a perfect fit."
"Yeah, sure. Thanks, doc." the man said as he received the bracelet, before he looked as Asahi. "Huh? Oh, you're that new spokesgirl, aren't ya?"
"Yes, that's right." Asahi said.
"Ms. Toramoto, I'd like you to meet Mr. Ken'Yuu Meiken, a freelance mercenary. Mr. Meiken, Ms. Asahi Toramoto." Photon introduced the two.
"Yō." Ken'Yuu greeted the girl. "Heard I'm gonna be fightin' you later on. I'll try not to slice you up too bad."
"I don't think you need to worry about that. I think I am capable of holding my own. A pleasure to meet you, by the way." Asahi said.
"Sure, same here." the older man said unenthusiastically as he put his Emblem Bracelet on. "Gonna go take this baby for a spin in that hologram room. Mataatode." he said as he left the room as quickly as he entered.
"Do be careful when you go up against him." Photon suggested to Asahi. "Rumor has it he has quite a bit of skill when it comes to wielding katanas."
"I see. But it's not really anything new where I am from. Tokyo has people from other worlds coming and going all the time." Asahi said. "Plus, I have been getting some experience in since I got these things. I don't think it'll be too much of a problem."
Shinto Universe…
"Ah….Shinto Universe…never thought we'd end up coming back here." Jack said.
"Yeah…why are we coming back here?" Skull asked. "What could be worth robbing that we didn't rob the first time?"
"Simple…swords." Jack said. "And the best purveyors of rare blades is Dark Temple. Rumor has it that there's a legendary set called the Swords of the Sacred God inside. That's what we're going for."
"Okay…so how are we handling this?" Panther asked.
"Since a lot of these guys are trained with weapons, we'll need to be a little stealthy this time around. Sneaking around and such." Jack said.
"Not to mention that weapons from this universe are sacred. They will not simply let anyone hold them unless they are considered worthy." Fox said.
"Yeah…don't give a hoot about worthiness. It's all about making your own worth…just like how ours will come from taking those swords." Jack said.
A few moments later, the thieves arrived at Dark Temple to find said temple being patrolled by a number of swordsmen.
"Huh…guess after what happened at one of their storehouses, they beefed up security." Mona said.
"Okay…little tougher than I thought, but still manageable." Jack said. "Mona, Fox, Joker, you guys are with me. Panther, Queen, Noir…make a show for them."
The three ladies nodded as they entered the courtyard full of swordsmen as they drew their guns and open fired, making sure not to hit any of them.
"Intruders!" the guards said, focusing on the girls as the four thieves made their way into the temple.
Inside the temple, Sensei meditated before someone barged in.
"Sensei! We have intruders! The Phantom Thieves have been spotted in the courtyard." a grunt said.
"Hm…I see. How many?" Sensei asked.
"Just three of them so far, but they're fighting off our foot soldiers." he said. "Our branch holds a number of ancient artifacts, swords and gold. They may have come for those."
"Of course." Sensei said as he rose. "Send word to Naoyama & Kawakatsu. I will be defending the vault. We mustn't let them simply take what they came for, after all."
"As you request, Sensei." the grunt bowed as he hurried off, while Sensei approached a sword being hung over a wall, taking hold of it.
"So it begins…"
Jack and his group managed to sneak into the temple as they started to look for the vault.
"Should be around here somewhere." Jack muttered.
"You didn't scout ahead beforehand. This seems really dangerous." Joker said.
"I know, but we'll never have a chance to land the 7 treasures of Dark Garden again." Jack said.
"True. But we must remain cautious." Fox said.
"Fox is right. You never know when you'll trip a trap." Mona said.
Just then, the group heard a *click* as the floor under them opened up, the group cartoonishly hanging in the air for a few seconds.
"...Way to go, MonaaAAHHH!" Skull yelled as the group fell down, until they landed far below in a dark room.
"Ugh…who's not dead?" Jack groaned as he rubbed his head.
"We're all fine." Joker said as he dusted himself off. "Shame we didn't see that trap until it was too late."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it, you can lay off the sarcasm." Jack said. "Where are we anyway?"
The lights suddenly turned on, as they saw that the room was actually a large underground pavilion.
"Weird they had something like this built underground." Jack said.
The group then heard a sliding door open as a young man dressed in a wolf mask and black robes walked into the pavilion, followed by what seemed to a young boy that was no older than 12, dressed in black keigogi and hakama, as well as white tabi and red geta, as his entire face, including his gray eyes were soulless and expressionless, as masks floated around him, with a large sack around his waist, where the masks were coming from.
"Phantom Thieves…welcome to Dark Temple." the man in the wolf mask said.
"Crap…that's The Blade and Noh Dancer, the first and second sub-leaders." Mona said.
"Makes sense they wouldn't leave the blades unguarded." Jack said. "Out of the way before we knock you guys on your asses."
"We will not." the Noh Dancer said, as the mask on his face shifted to a red one with an angry expression. "You trespass on our home, intending to steal that which you covet, and then threaten us? We won't let this go unpunished."
"Calm yourself, Kawakatsu." The Blade tempered the men-reiki. "We will give you one chance: leave. I cannot promise that you will survive if you choose to continue this heist."
Jack walked back for a bit before going into a run as he jumped over the two.
"You fool!" they both said before turning as both of them blocked attacks from Fox and Joker as Mona ran to join Jack.
"Keep them busy! I'll be back with the swords!" Jack called out.
"The swords?" Noh Dancer questioned as he shifted to a quizzical-looking mask, then a shocked mask. "The Swords of the Sacred God!"
"Sensei will deal with those two. For now…" The Blade said as the two Dark Temple leaders pushed Joker and Fox back. "...we will send you two…on your journey across the Sanzu River."
Dark Temple 1st Sub-Leader - The Blade
Dark Temple 2nd Sub-Leader - Noh Dancer
"This will not be easy." Fox said.
"Nothing on this trip has been. But we're not backing down now." Joker said, holding his knife out as he went for the Noh Dancer. "Arsene!" he called out as his Persona clashed with the dancer's naginata.
"Suppose that means I get the Blade." Fox said as he clashed swords with him.
"You are not worthy of possessing those blades." The Blade stated matter-of-factly as a tanto manifested in the air next to the samurai and drove itself towards Fox's head, an attack he barely evaded.
"Goemon!" Fox called out as Goemon appeared as a freezing wind was blown towards the Blade.
The Dark Garden member evaded the attack, quickly moving straight up to the Phantom Thief, performing a quick draw slash with his katana, slashing Fox across the chest with a shallow, yet painful wound.
"Ah!" Fox called out as he slumped over in pain.
"Fox!" Joker called out, only to have to avoid a naginata stab to his side.
"You are outmatched. If you still won't run, then I'll have to force your hand." Noh Dancer said as he shifted his mask into one that held an expression of terror upon it.
Fear Mask: Inflicts Fear on the enemy.
"Ah!" Joker said as he held his head and slumped over.
"It's over." The Blade said as he raised his blade, holding it over Fox's neck. "I will pray for your souls."
"Yu-Yuskue…" Joker started to say, before a sound and a feeling got his attention. "Huh?"
Several minutes earlier…
"Keep them busy! I'll be back with the swords!" Jack said over the video as the other Thieves listened to the Thieves over the comms.
"Heh, this'll be easy for 'em." Skull smiled.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Crow spoke up. "I've heard of these two. Both of them are highly skilled, second only to their branch leader. Plus, that Noh Dancer fellow can manipulate emotions with those masks."
"What, are you saying Joker and Fox can't handle these guys?"
"I'm saying that unless something is done, both Joker and Fox will be coming back in boxes." Crow said.
"Shoot, that ain't good." Skull said. "I better go and…" he stated before he noticed someone was missing. "...Where's Emma?"
Emma slowly but surely made her way through Dark Temple's base, the guards too busy dealing with the Thieves outside.
"(Sorry Jack, but after what happened with Dark Smog and Future…I can't help but feel like something bad will happen here. Maybe I can swipe the swords will everyone else is distracted…)"
Any thoughts of playing the thief role was quashed when she emerged into the pavilion, seeing Fox and Joker being outmatched by The Blade and Noh Dancer.
"Joker, Fox…!" Emma realized, as she saw The Blade raising his katana to finish Fox off. "No…Yusuke!"
The call, made out in instinct, drew everyone's attention as the all turned to look at her.
"A child?" The Blade asked. "You brought an unarmed child with you? Don't you have any shame?"
"Emma…what are you doing here? You need to get out. It's dangerous." Joker warned her.
"I…I'm not leaving you!" Emma declared, images of the horrors of her world flashing through her mind. "I swore…that I'd never lose my friends again!"
"Please just go." Noh Dancer said as he adopted a sad mask look. "You shouldn't have to see this."
"I've already seen enough of this kind of stuff!" Emma said, showing the serial number on her neck.
"That number…She's…one of those 'cattle children' from the Demon Universe." The Blade said.
"I saw friends die…I thought I lost one of my best friends forever…but those Thieves saved me and the other children. I promised that I'd do whatever it took to thank them for it, and…if that means that I have to fight, then…then…!"
(Cue- Awakening- Persona 5)
Then it's finally time.
Emma felt a sharp pain in her head, clutching it as she stumbled back.
"Joker, is that…?" Fox asked.
You've suffered enough losses to last over a lifetime. Up til now you've been content to be in the background, letting others help support you. But that has to stop! Right now, you're the one who has to be the hero! Are you up for the task, or are you okay with letting your friends die!?
"Never…" Emma growled her her pain as a mask resembling a blindfold appeared across her eyes.
Very well. Let our contract be forged. I am thou, thou art I…
Stop hiding behind the big kids, and take your first step to become what you were meant to be: a rebel!
Emma grabbed hold of the blindfold binding her eyes as blood could be seen flowing from it as she pulled at it.
"What's going on here?" Noh Dancer asked, with a mask of confusion on their face.
"Stop her! Quickly!" The Blade called out. "I've seen this before. She's awakening!"
Emma then tore the blindfold off, causing her body to be enveloped in a flash of light, forcing everyone to look away. When it faded, everyone looked back to a shocking sight:
(Shift- Will Power- Persona 5)
Floating above her was a tall and strong female with ice white skin, dressed in a similar dark ninja garb with white plate gauntlets and boots, the chest looking about as armored and reinforced. A white shawl was draped over her shoulders, and broken chains dangled around her wrists. The top half of her face was concealed with a sparkling ruby that seemed almost embedded in her flesh, and glowed with an imposing power.
As for Emma herself, she was dressed in a suit similar to her Persona's, with a belt weighed with throwing stars, and in her left hand she held a dangerously sharp naginata.
"I won't sit back anymore and leave people to die when I can do something to save them. If you can't hack it, I'll step in and take your sides! Me, and my Persona!" Emma called out. "Come on…let's fight together, Aradia!"
"I never expected this to happen." The Blade said before quickly drawing his blades as Emma struck with the Naginata. "She's quick…" he said as she disarmed him.
"I can disable her." Noh Dancer said as he switched to a miserable looking mask.
Despair Mask: Inflicts Despair on the enemy.
Aradia gave off a glow of light as Emma, Fox, and Joker were bathed in light.
Media/Me Patra
"What is this….ah!" Noh Dancer said as Fox's wound and Joker's fear, all of them started to heal as the incoming despair was warded off. "She warded it all…." he said before finding himself with Joker's knife close to his neck.
"Make a move. I dare you." Joker said.
"Ugh…this is not going as planned." Noh Dancer said with a pouting face. "Doesn't matter if you hold us down. Your boss won't beat ours."
"You have no idea what our boss is like." Joker said.
Jack and Mona continued onward before reaching a vast vault filled with a number of swords.
"Holy…it's a treasure trove. Some of these swords date back centuries." Jack said.
"And they're all ours for the taking." Mona said.
"So…why does it feel like it's not going to be that easy?" Jack said before the vault door slammed shut.
From above, a figure leapt down to ground level, revealing themselves to be none other than Sensei. "It appears that you've made quite the mistake, young ones."
"So the head honcho of Dark Temple decided to guard the swords himself. That's pretty ballsy if I'm being honest." Jack said.
"Surprised you're going out of your way for a bunch of old swords." Mona said.
"The value of these swords go beyond any monetary value." Sensei said as he drew his own blade. "This is a matter of honor - as master thieves, I'm sure you understand, even if in a different way than me."
"Yeah. I kinda get what you're going for. But the swords of your sacred sword god are gonna be ours." Jack said, drawing his knife as Mona got out his cutlass.
"When a thief spots treasure, he doesn't give until he's got it." Mona said.
"Fine then….have at you!" The Sensei said, leaping into battle as his sword clashed with the blades of both Mona and Jack as they fought across the vault.
Dark Temple Branch Leader - Sensei
"Whoa…for an old timer, he's still got a lot of spring in his step." Jack said.
"I'll say." Mona said. "Let's not beat around the bush with this guy. Zorro!" he called out as his Persona attacked Sensei with a powerful wind attack.
With a swing of his blade, Sensei dispelled the wind attack, before dashing straight at the two thieves at breakneck speeds.
"Oh crap!" Jack gasped as he and Mona leaped out of the way of the attack, still getting thrown back by the force of the attack.
"Give up…right now." Sensei said.
"No way…we're here for the swords and we'll…" Jack said before looking at a statue holding some swords. "Wait…wait…who…who is this exactly?"
"The god whose swords you are attempting to steal." Sensei said.
"This…this is your god?" Jack said, recognizing the statue is that of Tetsu.
"Not in the literal sense, of course." Sensei clarified. "I have long been fascinated with tales of the Sword Kingdom, and he was the last living link to their legacy. I sought him out, and we fought. Then…he passed on. He granted me ownership of his blades before he passed."
"So…he's the….God damn it." Jack said as he went and put away his knife. "Fine. You win, old man. We'll leave."
"Hmm? Why the sudden change of heart?" Sensei asked.
"I knew this guy for a short time when he was still kicking. Would be in bad taste to rob his grave." Jack said.
"Yeah. Gotta repay gratitude with gratitude after all. He helped us in the past, so we'll leave his legacy be." Mona said.
"Alright ladies…we're pulling out." Jack said on his comm.
"Uh…about that. We might have an entirely new problem on our hands." Panther said on the comm.
"Look, if Dark Temple is causing issues. Just tell them…" Jack said.
"No…it's not them. A huge fight just broke out on the courtyard." Queen said.
Back in the courtyard, the girls were watching as two figures fought the grunts as well as each other. The two figures being Asahi and her sideburns opponent.
"Apparently this was designated as a sparring session for the auction so these two are fighting it out with themselves and Dark Temple all at once." Queen said as the three girls hid behind some boulders.
"Damn. That could get messy. All right. Pull out as soon as you see an opening. I'll grab Fox and Joker and meet you back in the camper." Jack said.
Asahi formed a huge fireball in her hands. "Fire Bolt!" she said as she blasted a burst of fiery energy at a squadron of Dark Temple grunts.
"Don't forget your opponent is right here!" Ken'yuu said as he knocked Asahi into a wall. "You can switch between the stunt fighters and me."
"You think I don't know that? This place is getting a bit crowded." Asahi said. "Guess I'll just have to clear some of that crowd out. Emblem, Engage!"
Asahi glowed brightly before she stood there with large wings and a pointed tail.
"Hahahaha. Now this is more like it!" Ken'yuu said as they clashed.
"What is going on?" Sensei said.
"Seems Flux doesn't really care much about you or your organization. He just started a huge fight on your front lawn." Jack said. "Sorry but me and my crew gotta bail before they level this place."
"I see. Very well, then you'd best leave." Sensei said as the vault door opened. "Before you go, I must ask: do you fully believe that what you're doing is worth it?"
"...Of course I do." Jack said after a second's pause.
"...Then go, and continue on your crusade." Sensei bowed to the two thieves.
"Thanks." Jack said as he and Mona left.
"Hmm…" Sensei sighed.
"Phew…and I thought those two would never leave." a voice said as emerging from the darkness was the Lost Thieves Leader, Arthur.
"So there was someone else. Why are you here?" Sensei asked.
"Same reason as them. I want those swords. And unlike them, I'll be leaving with them." Arthur said as they felt shaking. "Hmm…got to hand it to my brother. He really knows how to create a distraction."
"Like I told them…you will not be laying a hand on them." Sensei said, holding his sword.
"Sorry old man. But…I don't need to touch them." Arthur said, tossing a number of rocks at the door before they suddenly switched places with the swords.
"No!" Sensei shouted as he charged straight at Arthur, who looked shocked for a moment before he switched himself with Sensei. "What?"
"Thanks for the swords. I'll be sure to send you my condolences after the auction is over." Arthur said collecting the swords as he headed out with the vault door closing behind him.
"Give those back…you can't…." Sensei said.
"Can and have done. The era of hidden criminal organizations…is dead." Arthur said as the door slammed shut.
Jack on the meanwhile, after regrouping with Fox, Joker and Emma, had made his way to the courtyard where they saw the massive fight before their eyes as Asahi clashed with Ken'Yuu.
"You're a tough little kid, aren't ya?" Ken'Yuu asked as he slashed at Asahi with his katana.
"Had to be to survive where I am from." Asahi said as she blew heavy gusts of wind from her wings.
"Tch." Ken'Yuu sighed in annoyance as he lept away from the attacks. "Guess it's about time to take the kiddie gloves off." he said as he threw his weapon aside and began to pull on his hand, taking it off to reveal a blade underneath. "You got a devil on your s*** list, right? Guess you can get some practice in."
The man's body then seemed to split open down the middle, revealing large swords from each of his arms, as his face took on a demonic appearance with dark skinless flesh and an oversized jaw devoid of lips. His chin became pointed, and another sword grew from his forehead where his eyes would be, with the handle sticking out of the back of his head. He also seemed to sport a navy blue military hat.
"What?! You're a Devil Hybrid?" Asahi realized.
"Surprise." Katana Man said flatly. "Relax, just cause your brother's worked with that a**hole Denji, I'm not takin' out on you. I might kill ya on accident, though, especially…"
Katana Man rose his left arm up, letting his Emblem Bracelet shine in the sun's light. "...since I got this. Emblem, Engage." Katana Man's body glowed before it seemed to take on a silver color, his military uniform becoming more armored in appearance, with the image of a red sun in the middle of it. "Silver Samurai, huh? Alright then…let's give it a whirl!"
Katana Man dashed towards Asahi, throwing out a slash that nearly struck the girl in the neck. Her right wing was not so lucky, getting sliced off with an overhead slash by the Hybrid's right arm.
"This guy clearly doesn't play around. And my Engage Timer is almost out, so I have to finish this fast." Asahi said.
The two clashed at lightning fast speeds, tail against blades, as their respective weapons tested themselves against each other.
"Time to try out that new trick." Katana Man said as his blades were coated in a yellow aura, before he swung fast, cutting Asahi's tail blade off. "You're out of weapons, kid. And…out of time."
The Engage Timer then gave out, forcing Asahi to revert to her base form.
"Oh, this is not good. I'm in a bit of a tough spot here." Asahi said as she started to charge her magic again.
However, she was interrupted as she felt a blade against her neck, the Katana's Devil's blade mere inches from cutting her head off.
"It would be easy, you know?" The Katana Man said to her. "To kill you, I mean. Just one swipe is the difference."
The air between them was tense for a few wordless moments before he pulled back, returning to his human form. "Guess I win, then. You're good, kid, but you're no demon hunter…not yet."
Rain began to fall in the area as Ken'Yuu stepped back from Asahi, who was breathing hard at the near-death she was in naught a minute before.
"Those morals of yours…they're gettin' in the way of what I know you want: Payback." Ken'Yuu said. "Honestly, I'd say to go for it…but your situation's a bit different than mine. At this point, you gotta choose: stick with what you have and let the bastard that hurt your family get away with it…or go get payback and lose what family you have left. Choice is all yours, kid."
Ken'Yuu turned around and headed away as Asahi looked down at the Emblems on her arms.
"Sorry, Ridley… I guess I'm just not strong enough to master your techniques fully right now." Asahi said. "The choice is mine, huh…?" she said to herself.
Back with the Phantom Thieves…
"So we're leaving without a single stolen treasure?" Queen asked as she drove the camper.
"Yeah. Couldn't take from a gravesite." Jack said. "One of the few times the Phantom Thieves leave empty handed."
"Well, I wouldn't say that." Joker said as he ruffled Emma's hair, now in her new attire. "How're you feeling, Emma?"
"Tired…" Emma yawned. "Were all of you like this?"
"Don't worry. It's a side effect from awakening your Persona. You'll be fine after some rest." Mona said.
"Great." Emma said.
"Still can't believe she awoke to a Persona." Ray said.
"Least she can defend herself better now." Norman said.
"We need the defense." Fox said. "If it hadn't been for Emma, Joker and I would more than likely be dead. We have to be more careful going forward."
"I…I know." Jack said, looking and feeling small. "(I almost got them killed. Dammit, I gotta do better…) Well, our next stop shouldn't be as harrowing. It's actually going to be a little fun."
"Yeah, what is it?" Panther asked.
"Oh…princess kidnappings." Jack said nonchalantly.
"...What."
"Apparently, there's been a few princess kidnappings from the Disney Heart Universe." Jack said. "Dark Key is suspected to be behind it. The plan is, we take over, make everyone think we were behind it and return all the captives to their homeworlds. Though, we're gonna need some princesses for them to kidnap."
"But those kidnappings are only targeting Princesses of Hearts and potential ones, aren't they?" Violet asked.
"Yeah. Luckily, we have a few ins in our party." Jack said.
"Really? Where are…" Panther asked as she, Queen, Noir and Violet were being stared at. "Oh…"
At a Cafe In Twilight Town…
"Seems the results are back from the trial battle. The Katana Devil defeated Asahi." Flux said to Techno as they sat at a table. "But her connection to the Emblems are perfect. Choosing her as a spokesperson was a good call indeed."
"I also heard that the swords in the vault of Dark Temple has been stolen." Techno said.
"Yep…that's 3 sites that the Phantom Thieves hit." Flux said as he chuckled. "So, off the thieves topic, how is your little side project going?"
"Everything is proceeding on schedule." Techno said. "It should be ready by the final day of the auction."
"Splendid. And it seems that a number of mercs and customers are being selected for the live demo as we speak." Flux said. "Plus my own personal projects are going along wonderfully. While we are a company, we are also villains. Gotta scheme somewhat."
"Indeed we do." Techno nodded.
"Best part, I haven't been bothered by those 3 idiots since this auction started." Flux said. "I bet those three idiots finally got the idea."
"That, or they're in the process of preparing something that they believe will impress you." Techno added. "On the topic of those three, I had an idea for if they ever approach you again."
"Oh, what's that?" Flux asked as he sipped his drink.
"Simple: give them what they want…then make them not want it." Techno said.
"What?! Are you insane? You've seen their track record right?" Flux said.
"To be fair, they can be capable if they really put their mind to it." Techno said. "But I'm not saying we let them join. We give them a chance to join by giving them a task. One that, knowing them, they would find abhorrent, to the point that they would lose all interest in joining us."
"That…is actually not a bad idea. If I give them something so dangerous, so lethal, they'll have no choice but to give up." Flux said.
"And I believe I have such a task in mind." Techno said. "Do you remember how we got the technology to create Shadow Pokémon during the PLT2?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Despite being criminals, those three do adore their Pokémon." Techno said, his glasses shining. "Shall we test just what much their willing to do to join us?"
"Whoa…that may be a bit much. I mean, I get the merit. Heck, they even went as far as to reacquire the Pokemon they let go just to join me." Flux said.
"Really? That's some dedication." Techno said.
"Besides, I sold the rights to the Shadow Drug to Cipher awhile back. They find out I'm at it again like at the PLT2, I'm dead." Flux said.
"Then we make the task to join Cipher and aid them in their plans." Techno said. "If they refuse they undoubtedly will aid the heroes in destroying Cipher. If they take the plunge, we'll have three powerful assets, all with Shadow Pokémon. Either way, we come out better for it, and Cipher won't come after us."
"Hmm…sounds good." Flux said as a drink was poured. "Oh I didn't ask for…a…" he said before seeing three familiar faces. "What the hell?!"
"We've come for a progress report." James said as they dumped a bag before them full of rare items.
"Wha…what is all this?" Flux said.
"Rare and valuable items from the auction sites. Like Jasper said, only the most valuable for you." Jessie said.
"And all on a five finger discount too." Meowth said.
"You took…all of this…just to try and join?" Flux said in surprise.
"Yes!" the three said.
"Huh…" Flux said before smiling wickedly. "You know, since our last little conversation…I've been having a change of heart about letting you three in."
"You have? Good. We were worried you might be planning to launch a satellite strike or something." Meowth said.
"No…I'd never." Flux said as he hid a watch on his arm. "But…I'm not fully convinced. So…I'm going to test you three. Have you heard of…Cipher?"
"You mean that organization the Boss has teamed up with?" James asked.
"Yes. The….wait what?" Flux said.
"Yeah. The boss and some other big time bad guys have been joining with these Cipher guys for the past few months now. Getting stronger Pokémon and increasing their ranks." Meowth said.
Flux's eye twitched as he pulled Techno down. "Did you know about any of that?"
"I was not aware, no." Techno said. "This is troubling. Their plans must be wider-reaching than I thought."
"Yes…and these three idiots might just be our insides. Meaning, I'm gonna have to give them a test they can pass to join us." Flux groaned.
"Well…just have them continue to steal things from the auction." Techno said. "If they can do it under the noses of both Dark Garden and the Phantom Thieves, at the same time I might add, then they must be doing something right."
"Fair point." Flux said. "All right. Time to swallow my pride." he said as he sat up. "Okay, we decided on your test."
"Oh good. Cause we brought a lawyer in case you guys were gonna attack again." Jessie said as a large Bewear with a Stufful stood behind them.
"Uh….good to know." Flux said. "For your…initiation. I need you to steal…a hair."
"A hair?" they all asked.
"Yes. A hair…from…the all powerful Storm King!" Flux said.
"So…we steal a hair from this Storm King…and we're in?" Jessie asked.
'Yes…all will be in the past. I'll even forgive the…bathroom incident." Flux said.
The three looked at each other and cheered.
"Villain bigtime, here we come!" they cheered as they ran off.
"I can't believe that worked." Flux said.
"Yes…but…the Storm King?" Techno asked. "How will they even get close to him?"
"Hench for Rent." Flux said.
"Huh?" Techno asked.
"It's an app that lets you rent unemployed henchmen. Those three signed on and lied about working in Team Rocket." Flux said showing the profile. "And the Storm King has been desperate to raise his rank in Dark Garden. He's planning to try and take out the heroes the moment they get to the Equestria Universe site."
"I see. That will be something to watch." Techno remarked.
"Yeah…go get popcorn so we can watch it all go downhill for him?" Flux proposed.
"I'll get the popcorn, you get the refreshments." Techno agreed as the two headed off.
"Oh…wait…" Flux said as they saw Bewear and Stufful still stood there. "Almost forgot. Uh…would you be interested in employment? We offer free childcare."
The creatures eyes sparkled as it picked up the two and carried them off to their destinations.
"Whoa…take that as a yes. Beats having our spines broken." Flux said.
"Yes indeed. This auction…is an absolute goldmine." Techno said.
"And the main event isn't even set until the end." Flux laughed as they went off.