HEY GUYS!
THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH CHAPTER 3 OF POCKET CHANGE!
REALLY APPRECIATED ALL THE REVIEWS/COMMENTS. WILL DO MY BEST TO RESPOND TO ALL.
THANKS FOR ALL THE KUDOS/FAVS/ALERTS AS WELL.
HERE WE GO!
Morgana sighed happily as he stretched inside Akira's schoolbag.
"Mrrroowwww"
"Stop doing that."
Morgana snickered.
"Believe me, you have no idea how good this is! Ryuji's bag always smells like old cheese and Lady Ann's bag is always packed with cosmetics and other stuff, it's way too cluttered. Your bag is just nice, clean and spacious."
Akira rolled his eyes. His sarcasm was almost palpable .
"I'm very happy that you've found your accommodations to your liking. Do you mind keeping it down? We're almost at school and I don't need any rumours about me making cat noises during class."
Morgana blushed.
"Oh sorry."
The bespectacled male was about to turn a corner when he heard someone whisper his name.
"Yo Kurusu!"
Akira's left eyebrow perched as he made a sharp turn into the alley where he had heard his name being spoken.
His suspicions proved correct as he came face to face with the pair of Ryuji and Ann.
Akira offered a smirk as he greeted them.
"Sakamoto. Takamaki. Morning."
Ryuji grinned.
"Hey man."
Ann crossed her arms.
"Where's Morgana?"
The cat popped his head out of Akira's open bag with great excitement.
"Morning Lady Ann! Did you get enough sleep?"
"I'm fine. How about you? You doing ok? Did Kurusu try anything weird?"
Akira sighed.
"I don't know what you're even implying but isn't it kinda rude to talk about me like that when I'm right here?"
Ann ignored Akira in favour of hearing Morgana respond.
"I'm fine Lady Ann, Akira and 'the chief' have taken very good care of me."
Ryuji grinned.
"Who's this 'chief' person?"
Akira responded sharply.
"The 'chief' is someone I work with. That's all I wish to share and Morgana won't be saying anything else on the matter either."
Morgana wilted a little under the black haired male's stare.
"Sorry, that kinda slipped out."
Ann continued.
"Fine...Can Morgana at least stay with me during school hours? I promise to return him before we go home."
Morgana spoke before Akira could.
"Not an option, Lady Ann. I have several things I still want to discuss with Kurusu concerning our plans for later. We'll need all the time together we can get."
Akira finally joined in.
"Plus he doesn't want to stay in your bags anymore because mine is better."
Morgana hissed.
"Traitor!"
Akira changed the subject as the black feline complained in the background.
"Where's Shiho?"
Ann answered the question.
"She went over to her house to collect a few text books. We're gonna meet up and walk into school together. She should be texting me any minute now."
Ryuji posed a question of his own.
"Is she still staying over at your house?"
"Yeah as long as we go to school and do our assignments, our parents don't mind."
Akira continued.
"Good. Remember we go in as soon as the after-school crowd clears up a bit."
Ann and Ryuji nodded. The part-time model spoke up again.
"Shiho's got another appointment with that doctor today and she should be going back to the apartment after she's done. I told her that I had a private photoshoot later this evening and I'd be home late."
Ryuji nodded.
"I'll walk her to the train station after school so no one bothers her about the rumours. She's been through enough."
Akira spoke next.
"Morgana and I will be keeping long distance surveillance on Kamoshida in case he tries anything as well."
Ann's phone chimed with a notification.
"It's Shiho, she's close by."
Akira smiled.
"Let's go then."
Suguru Kamoshida smiled handsomely as he greeted the students heading into the school. He was standing at the foot of Shujin's stair entrance, pretending to be the teacher that most of the Shujin population thought he was.
"Good Morning. C'mon hurry up and get to class."
His entire expression changed when he spotted the the latest group of students heading towards him. Seeing them was the real reason he was spending his early morning on the outside.
He folded his muscular arms as the group passed.
"Good morning..."
Ann, Shiho and Ryuji passed without saying a word. Kamoshida prepared a response to provoke them but he would have to wait as the last member of their group did return his greeting.
"Good Morning Kamoshida-sensei!"
Kamoshida narrowed his eyes at Akira and the large happy smile on his face. The student was obviously faking his enthusiasm.
"That admirable behaviour won't prevent me from expelling your friends. And I wont stop there, I guarantee that you won't be too far behind."
Akira sighed.
"I was hoping my charming personality and warm smile would change your mind about that but alas there's always other methods."
Kamoshida frowned.
"Are you trying to intimidate me?"
Akira feigned shock as he approached Kamoshida.
"Of course not! I'd never say or do anything to threaten you sensei."
Kamoshida's body went numb once again. The PE teacher found it taxing to even breath as unpleasant shivers raced along his spine.
A yellow eyed Akira whispered softly before leaving.
"I don't waste threats on the dead."
It would take another three minutes to pass before Kamoshida regained full consciousness, standing outside of Shujin, all by himself.
"Hey, mind if I join you?"
Akira didn't need to look up from his lunch to know who was posing the question to him.
"You're forming a bad habit of interrupting my alone time, Sakamoto. Why don't you go eat with Takamaki?"
"Ann and Shiho had something to do together, it'd be weird to try to tag along."
That was true, Shiho had apologized and declined when he had invited her to have lunch with him.
"Even so, you could just go hang out with-"
'...your other friends.' is what Akira intended to finish his statement with but then the sudden realization dawned on him. Ryuji was as much an outcast of Shujin Academy as he was. The rumours of his brutish personality and his inclination towards violent tendencies made him a pariah. If he didn't have Ann or Shiho to talk to...Ryuji would be...
Agathion, one of Akira's Personas concluded the thought.
"Alone..."
"Damnit."
Akira motioned to the seat at the other side of the table.
"You gonna sit down or what?"
Ryuji grinned as he accepted Akira's offer.
"By the way, where's the cat?"
"Morgana's checking some things out for me. He's pretty good at sneaking around unnoticed."
"Yeah. When he's not being annoying, the little guy can be pretty reliable."
"Funny. He said the same thing about you."
Ryuji grumbled after taking a bite of his sandwich.
"Stupid furball."
"That's all you're having for lunch?"
"Yeah. These normally hold me over until I get home. Why?"
"We're going into a Palace today, you're body's gonna need a lot more energy than that. As an athlete I'm sure you know all about maximizing nutritional values in your diet."
Ryuji nodded.
"Yeah but that was for Track, I thought once we had Personas we'd be able to handle that castle."
"Our Personas are for defeating Shadows but our very presence within the Metaverse draws at least twice the physical and mental energy from the body than any exercise in the real world ever would."
"Now that you mention it we do normally feel absolutely drained whenever we get out it always takes us a few minutes to catch our breath."
"Eating larger, healthier meals will definitely help in the Metaverse. It'll at least allow you to resist fatigue for a little. For optimal performance it's best to also get adequate rest and to stay hydrated before heading in."
"So you think I should get some more sandwiches or something?"
" I'm not saying you should overeat but it's wise to have some extra nutrients stored up in the body. "
Ryuji grimaced as he checked his wallet.
"... I'm kinda low on funds today though."
Akira rolled his eyes before reaching into his bag and handing Ryuji a banana and a cup of yogurt.
"Here. I expect to be reimbursed."
Ryuji delivered his trademark grin.
"Thanks. You know Akira, you're a bit of a jerk sometimes but you're a really cool dude when people get to know you."
"I'm only doing this so I don't have to drag your corpse out of the Palace."
"Uh huh."
A comfortable silence passed between both males as they finished their respective meals.
Ryuji spoke again as he took a chug of his fruit juice.
"What's the sports bag for?"
Akira glanced over to the dark brown sports bag that was beside him.
"Supplies for the Palace. I bought them today."
"Oh let me see!"
Akira shrugged before handing Ryuji the bag. The blond opened the bag with childish glee expecting to see 'super spy' gadgets and equipment.
The former track star's right eye began to twitch violently as he observed it's contents.
"It's...Jam Bread."
"Mostly Jam Bread and a few other things."
"Dude are you addicted to these?"
"No but they are delicious and nutritious. They even recover some life energy when you eat them within the Metaverse too, they're literally the perfect snack..."
Ryuji didn't seem convinced.
"Let me guess, they're also the cheapest snacks in the school shop."
"Exactly. Just like I said they're perfect."
Ryuji deadpanned.
"I can't believe we're paying you to help us."
Ann sighed heavily when she found her path to the school's courtyard blocked by a small group of female students from the other second year classes.
She really didn't have the time for this.
"Can I help you girls?"
The 'leader' of the group stepped forward and folded her arms.
"This is a new low for you Takamaki. Sleeping around with most of the boys on campus is one thing but trying to seduce Kamoshida-sensei is just disgusting."
Ann rolled her eyes.
"Whatever you guys want to believe. Can you clear a path? I need to go-"
Another girl spoke up.
"You should tell the truth! There are actually people in this school who are starting to think that Kamoshida-sensei might really be some kind of pervert!"
Ann nodded.
"Good. I was hoping that our entire school wouldn't be brain dead."
The 'leader' stomped her foot.
"Oh please! You're making all of this up because he rejected you! How sad can you get?"
Ann sighed.
"You're the sad ones. Can I just go? I'm sure you've made your point."
" I'm glad you'll be gone soon. You're a stain on Shujin's reputation!"
Ann grit her teeth before lowering her head.
" ...whatever, I'll just walk around."
The blue eyed girl turned away from the crowd to seek an alternate route but they weren't going to give up that easily.
The 'leader' spoke again.
"I wonder which one of them is the bigger slut. Takamaki or Suzui?"
That got Ann's attention.
"Leave Shiho's name out of your mouth."
"Or what? You gonna get Sakomoto to attack us like how he tried to attack Kamoshida-sensei? I wonder why he's so loyal to you. You must do really nice things for him."
"Don't talk shit about my friends! You don't know us!"
"Believe me Takamaki the whole school knows enough about the three of you."
A new voice cut through the tense conversation.
"Oi! What's with the traffic?"
The group of girls prepared to verbally retaliate but found themselves dumbstruck when they turned around.
A demon in the form of a man stood before them.
His posture, face and eyes all portrayed the aura of pure concentrated wrath.
Even Ann seemed to be captivated by the raw presence Akira seemed to exude. She took special notice of the fact that his glasses were missing. A scowl was etched on his face that would shake even the strongest of hearts.
The leader of the group gulped.
"Oh shit! It's that crazy transfer serial killer transfer student!
Akira growled as he stepped forward.
"I don't like it when people get in my way...do you know what happened to the last group of people that got in my way? Huh?"
The girls remained silent as Akira reached into his pocket.
"Let me show you!"
"Eeeeeeek"
Akira watched with satisfaction as the group of girls scattered in every direction, a few of them managed to actually trample their leader in their frantic escape.
The black haired male retrieved his glasses from his pocket before putting them back on.
"You know I never understood that rumour. If I was a serial killer would the government really allow me to attend school on probation ? I swear common sense isn't as common as you think these days."
The now bespectacled male turned his attention to Ann who was wiping away some of the tears that that threatened to spill down her cheeks.
"You ok, Takamaki?"
The part-time model brushed off Akira's concern.
"I'm fine. I didn't need your help."
"I never said you did."
Ann remained silent as Akira handed her his slightly open school bag.
"Here."
"Huh?"
Morgana's voice echoed out of the black school accessory.
"It's me Lady Ann. I wanted to talk to you."
Akira spoke again.
"I'm gonna get some stuff from my locker. Bring my bag with you to the alley. Cool?"
"Have Shiho and Ryuji already left?"
"Yeah I just saw them off. Kamoshida's stuck in a meeting so they'll be fine. Ryuji will be back in a few minutes, so let's be ready by then."
Ann nodded.
"Yeah ok."
Morgana hopped out of Akira's bag the moment Ann entered the alley.
"What's been up with you lately, Lady Ann?"
"Huh? What you're talking about ?"
"Akira. Why do you treat him like that?"
Ann scoffed.
"Come on Morgana. The guy may be a criminal."
Morgana shook his head.
"Didn't he make this point last time? You're using rumours to come to a conclusion about him but you absolutely hated it when people do the same to you, Ryuji and Shiho."
"That's different! I know Ryuji and Shiho are innocent."
"And how do you know he's guilty?"
Ann sighed.
"Fine. I guess you have a point there. But on the other hand he's charging us to help bring down Kamoshida! Wouldn't a good guy actually help us without seeking compensation?"
Morgana sighed.
"I can't speak for all of Kurusu's motivations or intentions but I think you're also looking at this too simply. Even though he's charging us for helping with the Palace, he has bent over backwards to make this deal affordable to us. He doesn't need Kamoshida's Palace or us, he could have moved on if it suited him and left us to struggle."
"That doesn't mean-"
"And let's not forget the stuff he hasn't charged us for. He's personally covered Shiho's medical expenses and helped us stop Kamoshida from ruining her life. He got your best friend to smile again. That should be invaluable to you."
"I..."
"He's expedited our deal to prevent your expulsions, when in reality he should have hiked his prices to match our desperation."
Ann remained silent.
"Let me tell you something Lady Ann, Akira's even been asking me to keep an eye on you too."
"Huh?"
"He knows things have been rough on you too, and that you've probably had to keep a lot of things bottled up inside. He also thinks you're putting on a strong face at times for the sake of Shiho and Ryuji...When he spotted that group of girls saying those horrible things to you it really lit a fire in him. What you saw a while ago wasn't all theatrics and pretending. He was also truly angry."
Ann bit her lip.
"I...I didn't know..."
Morgana smiled.
"When the three of us agreed to become the Phantom Thieves, we said that we would stand for truth, justice and defending the weak. Justice means giving a chance even to people whom society has declared worthless or trash. Justice means only declaring someone guilty when we've seen the evidence or the truth."
Ann nodded.
"Yes that was our pledge."
Morgana continued.
"I'm not saying that you have to be his friend or anything but he'll be working with us for the foreseeable future and I can only see the Phantom Thieves benefitting from his aid. We could be at least civil with each other."
Ann groaned as she rubbed her face.
"I'm sorry.You're right... it's just been a lot lately. Everything..."
"I know. I'm here if you ever need to talk about it."
Ann smiled as she rubbed Morgana's ears.
"Thanks. I owe Akira an apology too."
Morgana sniffed the air.
"It may have to wait till later. Ryuji's here."
True to Morgana's sense of smell, Ryuji entered the alley a few seconds later.
"Sup?"
Morgana answered.
"We're just about ready, we're only waiting on-"
"I'm here."
Akira entered the alley from the other side and dropped his sports bag.
"Okay folks. Let's go, would someone mind doing the honours?"
Ryuji smirked before pulling out his phone and pressing a few buttons.
The MetaNav sparked to life.
"Beginning Navigation."
Kamoshida's Castle
Morgana whistled as the Phantom Thieves and their business partner entered within the cognitive domain.
"Whoa looking cool, Joker."
Ryuji had to agree as he checked out Akira's Metaverse suit.
"Gotta admit. You do look pretty sharp dude."
Ann kept her thoughts to herself even though she kept stealing glances of Akira's entire ensemble every few seconds.
Akira adjusted his red gloves as he spoke.
"I believe my Persona said it was the garb of a Gentleman Thief. What's with the codename?"
"For security reasons. We don't want to go around the Metaverse shouting our real names."
"Makes sense. Why Joker?"
"Because you're our trump card. It just felt right."
"I normally use the alias Wild Card but Joker does seem to fit rather well. I'll keep it."
Morgana nodded.
"Good, I'm Mona."
Ryuji pointed his thumb at his chest.
"I'm Skull."
Joker smirked.
"Because of the mask? I gotta say the name and the outfit fits you well. Always knew you were a hardcore rebel."
Skull smiled.
"Thanks."
Ann spoke softly.
"I'm Panther."
Joker turned his attention to Panther with an observing eye, the blonde beauty had been standing behind him and he hadn't seen her... cognitive...outfit... yet
A few seconds of awkward silence passed before a blushing Panther covered her chest with both arms.
"Hey! Where are you looking!"
"Everywhere to be honest..."
"What?!"
"Don't get me wrong Panther, you're beautiful but I'm just a little surprised."
"Surprised?"
"Yeah, I didn't know your inner self wanted to stand out so much. It represents a powerful desire to be acknowledged and make a statement. That explains the bright red, it's an eye catcher and very different from the dark colours other Persona users might wear..."
Akira stepped closer to observe the outfit, not noticing Ann's deepening blush.
"This leather, those heels...hmmmm it may be nothing, nevermind."
"What do you mean nevermind?"
"It's nothing really."
"It's obviously something."
Skull helpfully joined in.
"He doesn't want to say that you look like one of those kinky types."
Mona's eyes widened.
"Lady Ann is the kinky type? Really?"
Ann exploded.
"I DO NOT HAVE A KINK!"
Joker shrugged.
"Your heart picked the outfit, not us."
Skull smirked.
"Tell him about your weapon."
Joker blinked.
"Her weapon?"
Ann blushed as she looked away.
"It's...it's..a whip."
Joker exhaled audibly.
"Not gonna lie Panther...that's really hot."
Panther's face somehow got even redder than her clothes.
The group moved through the first few halls of Kamoshida's castle with ease. With Joker leading the way, it became much easier to pick out hiding spots and figure out alternate routes as they made their way further in. Mona's grappling hook was practically a godsend.
Joker seemed to have a knack for finding items and solving the various puzzles around the castle.
The team's newest albeit part time member signalled to the group as they came to a stop. He pointed to a Shadow in the form of a Knight patrolling the hall.
Skull whispered.
"Should we find a way around him?"
Joker shook his head.
"No. Fight it. If I'm going to be in charge of battle strategy. I want to see what you guys are capable of up close. "
Panther continued.
"You're not gonna fight with us?"
Joker shook his head again.
"Not yet."
Mona, Panther and Skull nodded at each other before engaging the Shadow...
Joker sighed as the team settled into a safe room. He had allowed Mona and the others to fight three different groups of Shadows before he had decided to pull back for a strategy meeting.
"Wow you guys kinda suck."
Skull frowned.
"Hey!"
"I said kinda...I didn't say you sucked hard."
Mona spoke up.
"What did you notice Joker?"
The white masked Persona user continued.
"You guys make good use of that Baton Pass thing but your teamwork still needs some sharpening up. You sometimes target the wrong enemies and throw each other off."
He turned to Panther.
"Panther. You're the strongest magic user among your team. You should be always using your Agi skill unless the enemies are all resistant to it. You also know Dia but you should only be healing if the team needs extra help or if Mona's incapacitated. That Dormina spell would also be useful on targets that have no known weaknesses or if you want to buy the team some time. Your physical attributes aren't bad but your gun's accuracy is low compared to the others."
Panther nodded as Joker turned to Skull.
"Skull. Your Zio skill is invaluable here as it's the only weakness that some enemies have, when that's the case don't be afraid to use it. Outside of those situations, your main strength is with your physical skills. I know it saps your life energy to constantly use it but we have items for that and you can also trust Mona and Panther to keep healing you if needs be. Just as I said to Panther you'll have to try other things if the enemies are all resistant to your best skills. Your Tarukaja will also come in handy against tougher foes, use it on whoever seems to be dealing the most damage in the fight. Even if that's yourself. Your gun packs quite the wallop but make sure you aim better with that bludgeoning rod of yours.
Skull scratched the back of his head as Joker turned to Mona.
"You're the quickest and most balanced Mona. Your Garu skills are also very important but don't forget you should be the group's main healer. Your Patra skill also heals other ailments that a Dia can't handle. You seem to have the most battle experience so I trust you're already thinking of ways to improve your slingshot accuracy and sword skills."
"Communication is also key guys, there's nothing wrong with calling out plans and ideas. It makes no difference to the Shadows."
Mona replied.
"You're right not just about me but all three of us.We still have much to improve on. I should heal us up before we head out back."
Joker stopped him.
"Save your spiritual energy. That's why I brought snacks."
All three Phantom Thieves blinked in surprise as various snacks and drinks appeared on the table in front of them.
Skull was the first to speak.
"Dude...What?"
Joker responded.
"Ever notice that our bags don't follow us into the Metaverse? I realised that it somehow translates to inventory space over here. Whatever I have on one side appears as my inventory over here."
Mona nodded.
"Oh I see."
Skull and Panther still seemed to be making sense of it when Joker continued.
"Where do you get your weapons and medicine?"
Panther spoke first.
"We get some band-aids and other stuff from a local pharmacy but the cashier may get suspicious if we try to buy too much pills at once."
Skull also added to the conversation.
"There's a place in Shibuya that sells fake weapons called Untouchables. The guy's kinda scary and doesn't offer me much help whenever I go in there."
Joker chuckled.
"So you're the 'blondie' he's been talking about. The next time we'll go together. He'll give you an easier time once he knows you're with me. I also have an ally that helps me with medical supplies. I can use that contact if you wish."
Skull grunted.
"How many ' super spy contacts' do you have?"
"Enough. Anyways eat something and restore your energy. I'm up next."
Mona blinked.
"Up...next?"
Joker grinned.
"I asked you guys to show your skills, it's only fair I do the same. You are paying for it after all."
Joker spoke once again as the group stopped at another safe room.
"You guys have been pretty quiet...did I do something?"
The dam broke.
Skull marched up to Joker.
"Dude! I need you to be completely honest with us. What are you ?"
Joker blinked.
"Huh?"
Panther continued the assault.
"You can use different elements! You even used a few that we've never seen before!"
"Well I-"
Skull wasn't giving the Joker the chance.
"Our attacks can only target one Shadow at a time but you can fucking target all of them! All of them!"
Joker tried to appease them.
"Well I'm pretty sure your Personas will learn those type of attacks when you get stronger too."
Panther continued nevertheless.
"You sucked a Shadow into your mask after talking to it...You absorbed it!"
Skull was not far behind.
"And then used it's ability in another fight! What is this shit to you? Pokèmon?!?!
Joker began to sweat a little.
"Uh...did I not mention I could do that?"
Both Panther and Skull exploded.
"NO!"
Joker gulped. Panther turned her attention to the silent Mona.
"Mona? Don't you have anything to say?"
The black feline who had been scratching his chin finally joined in.
"How much?"
Joker was a bit confused.
"How much what?"
Mona clarified.
"How much money would it cost us for you to join the Phantom Thieves permanently ?"
Skull and Panther didn't believe what they were hearing.
"What?!?!?"
Morgana reluctantly explained himself.
"Not only has Joker demonstrated his superior strength and weapons. He can use multiple skills. He can turn Shadows into Personas. There is no way we can allow someone like that to slip through our fingers."
Neither Skull nor Panther could argue with Mona's assessment. Joker finally responded.
"I'd have other contractual clauses...but ten million yen would do the trick."
"Ten Million Yen!"
Mona grumbled.
"I knew it'd be pricey. We have to find a way..."
Mona watched as Skull and Panther continued to verbally berate Joker about his abilities.
"Well I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. Hopefully it'll be enough to lower his prices. I have no doubt in mind. He's the one. He's gonna be the one to help me."
Joker sighed as Panther and Skull finally ran out of energy and decided to take a seat and catch their breath.
"Maybe I showed them a little too much? I did have to prove my strength after all. Good thing I didn't bring out my strongest Personas, they would have really lost it."
Joker and the Phantom Thieves had just solved another puzzle. This new challenge had involved Kamoshida's library and it's books.
The group paused as they approached the entrance of a newly discovered secret room.
Skull grimaced.
"These are all pictures of Suzui...that sick bastard."
Ann's hold on her whip tightened as she observed each and every article of the room. She decided to remain silent as the visage of Carmen could be seen forming behind her.
Joker spoke up.
"Panther. I promise when the time comes we will make things right."
Panther nodded.
"I'm only motivated even further to bring that scumbag down."
Morgana continued.
"As disgusting as it will feel, we should search this room. He must have something important hidden in here if he won't through all the trouble to hide it."
The team nodded as they carried out their objective. Each one of them resolving to do all in their power to put an end to this so called King's reign.
Panther posed a question as the cognitive world's chapel wavered and revealed an image of the real world.
"Was that the gym?
Skull commented as he observed a rather large flattering statue of Kamoshida.
"I get it...the gym's some kind of holy place for him. In here he sees himself as some kind of god."
Panther frowned.
"How could he see himself like that after what he almost did to Shiho? He's a monster."
A voice interrupted the conversation.
"So you are the ones who tampered with the library. It seems my time waiting here has paid off."
A golden Knight appeared before them.
"Focus! He's stronger than what we've faced so far."
Joker agreed.
"Mona's right, let's go!"
The golden Knight transformed into an angel-like Shadow.
"You will pay for rebelling against King Kamoshida with your lives!"
Joker recognised the glow the golden glow that surrounded the angel's body.
"Shit, It's using Charge! Everyone Guard!"
The team followed Joker's orders as their enemy swung his sword.
"Cleave!"
The attack slapped Skull into a wall.
Panther cried out.
"Skull!"
Joker cut her off.
"He's ok! Mona heal him! Panther back me up!"
Panther nodded.
"Yeah."
Joker sprinted forward as he pulled off his mask.
"Arsene! Sukunda!"
Panther followed up.
"Carmen! Dormina!"
The sleeping spell didn't work. The blonde grit her teeth before trying something else.
"Agi!"
The fire spell did connect but it didn't seem to do much damage. Joker shouted as his dagger tore through the parts of the Angel's body not covered by armour.
"Panther! Melee and guns!"
Panther nodded as she pulled out her Replica SMG and barraged the enemy with a spray of bullets.
RATATATATATATATATATATA!
The Shadow screamed in pain as another golden glow surrounded it's body.
The Shadow unleashed another attack with its sword.
"Cleave!"
Panther easily dodged the wild swing.
"Gotta love Joker's Sukunda."
Mona joined in.
"Zorro! Garu!"
The cyclone of wind threw the Angel against one of the chapel's pillars.
Joker shouted as he jumped into the air.
"Naga! Giant Slice!"
A half-snake, half-man Persona appeared over Joker's head and sliced right through the Angel's armour with it's spear. The force of the attack sent the enemy crashing through the pillar and into the ground.
The Shadow groaned in pain as it tried to sit up.
It suddenly felt something cool pressing against the flesh that been uncovered by Naga's Giant Slice.
The Shadow's eyes widened at the person kneeling on it's chest.
Skull cranked his shotgun. Captain Kidd stood above him saluting the angel with a bony middle finger.
"Tell your 'King' to go fuck himself."
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The Shadow uttered one final scream of pain before bursting into red ashes.
Skull turned to the team with a smirk.
"He wasn't so tough."
Panther folded her arms.
"He slapped you into the wall."
"I barely felt it."
"Guys..."
Mona interrupted before the team banter could continue. He was holding a scroll that he found on the chapel's altar.
"...I think you should see this."
Skull frowned as he read the title of the document.
"...'The King's Adversaries'. What the hell is this supposed to be?"
Mona responded.
"It seems to be a list of Kamoshida's enemies within the school. All of you are on it...but there's a tick mark beside some of the names while others are crossed out. Skull and Panther have ticks. Joker's name doesn't have anything yet."
Panther spoke up.
"What does it all mean?"
Joker answered.
"No idea...but let's find out."
The dagger-using fighter began to walk away. Skull shouted after him.
"Hey! Where you going?"
"I'll be back. Stay there."
A few moments later Joker returned...but not alone. He was dragging a defeated Bicorn behind him by the horns.
The entire team could only remain silent as he borrowed the list from Mona showed it to the Shadow.
"What's this list about?"
"Now listen here sonny..."
Joker growled menacingly.
"The list contains the names of King Kamoshida's enemies!"
"We already know that. What about the tick marks and those who have been crossed off?"
"The Knights and other Shadows are called to this chapel every once in a while. King Kamoshida reads the list to them so they know who has committed treason against him. The tick mark means they're next on the list and being crossed out means that they've been...dealt with."
"Death with by who?"
"The Executioner."
"Who's the Executioner?"
"The Executioner is a Shadow that wears a black robe and mask. He assists our King by helping him get rid of his enemies."
"Who is he under the mask?"
"No clue. Only the King knows the Executioner's true identity."
"Anything else to offer?"
"Even if you manage to evade the Executioner you won't stand a chance against King Kamoshida."
"Pity. Those were a poor choice for last words."
With a flick of his wrist Joker decapitated the Bicorn allowing to disappear into a cloud of ash.
"Well, we got our answers. Let's move."
Skull finally said what was on everyone else's minds.
"Dude you're kinda scary."
Joker smiled.
"I know."
"FOR THE GLORY OF KING KAMOSH-GURAAHHH"
The Eligor's declaration of fealty as it charged into battle was cut short when Panther wrapped her whip around it's neck.
"Shut up!"
Before the Shadow could react she pulled him forward into Mona's attack. The feline performed a double slash with his sword before using his momentum to jump away from the still choking Eligor.
Skull grinned as he pointed at the Shadow.
"Captain Kidd...Zio!"
Eligor managed to dodge the lightning bolt in the last second as he freed himself from Panther's whip.
The Shadow did not however notice that he had stayed directly into Joker's path.
"Shisaa...Zio!"
That lightning bolt was a direct hit bringing a loud cry of pain from Eligor as he and his horse fell to their knees.
Mona followed up with a shout.
"Let's go everyone! All-Out Attack!"
The team became a blur of movement as Eligor was ripped to shreds by their attacks.
Joker landed with a victory pose as the Shadow dissipated into ash.
"The show's over!"
Panther and Skull watched the scene with great scrutiny before Panther spoke.
"Fiiiiine, yours is pretty cool too,Joker."
Skull gave a laugh and a thumbs up as Joker turned his attention to Mona.
"Any luck?"
Mona nodded as he recovered a jewel from the remnants of Eligor's ashes.
"This is it right? The second jewel we need."
Joker produced the first jewel as the team did their comparisons. Panther agreed.
"Yeah with these we can deactivate that swinging axe trap."
Joker pocketed the jewels.
"Let's go then."
Panther's eyes burnt with silent fury as she watched the Shadow Kamoshida bark orders from his throne.
The team were well hidden on a balcony overlooking the castle's throne room. Kamoshida was verbally abusing his Knights and threatening them. He was angry that they had not been able to find the 'intruders'.
"I bet that's how you are with the volleyball team too when you're not too busy trying to molest the girls!"
"Panther...Panther!"
The blonde was shaken from her internal monologue by Joker calling out to her.
"Huh?"
"You okay? Skull and Mona went to scout out what's ahead."
"Yeah...I..."
Joker looked down at Kamoshida.
"It would be much more satisfying to kill him, right?"
"What?!"
"Is that what you were thinking? I've had the thought myself with some of the Palaces I've been through. Kamoshida's is one of the worst though."
"Oh...do you really think so?"
"Sometimes I'm tempted to give them a mental shutdown and let that be the end of it, but I know it wouldn't help their victims. They deserve justice.
"Justice? I thought you didn't believe in that."
"I don't believe in the justice system of the real world but the Metaverse is different. Erasing a Palace forces the Ruler to admit their sins. The victims get to hear their oppressors confess, they know that the villains have been caught and will never do it again."
Panther nodded.
"I was beyond furious when I saw his cognitive version of me inside the castle but the thought didn't cross my mind until after what he tried to do to Shiho. But you're right his victims do deserve to hear him confess with his own mouth..."
Joker spoke again.
"I'm sure you already know but I feel you should still hear this from someone else. I've seen that version of you as well. She's not you, she will never be as good as you."
"Thank You."
Joker nodded as he turned away to find Skull and Mona.
Panther spoke again.
"I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
"I've been a bit...cold towards you lately. I was angry because I felt like you were using us...using me just like Kamoshida and other men have tried to use me in the past...but I realise things are a little different with you...it was unfair of me to perceive you like that."
Joker sighed.
"I understand. Don't beat yourself up over it. I made some mistakes too but it's all behind us."
Panther smiled.
"Thanks."
Joker spoke again.
"Let's go before those two start a fight and kill each other."
Panther nodded.
Before the pair could move though, Skull and Mona re-appeared from the hall that they had gone into.
Skull could barely contain his excitement as he did his best not to shout and alert the enemies below them.
"Guys we found it!"
Panther posed a question.
"You mean?"
Mona nodded.
"Yes. The Treasure."
Panther had to admit that glowing ball of light was not what she was expecting but the look on Joker's face left her without any doubt.
This was it.
Skull smirked.
"So what's our next move. How do we steal this?"
Joker answered.
"We gotta get it to materialise. We have to tell the Palace Ruler that someone's going to steal his desires. An anonymous note, letter or email will work. It has to be detailed specifically for them though."
Skull leaned forward.
"You mean like...a calling card?"
Mona nodded.
"Yeah."
Skull was shaking with excitement.
"Dude that's exactly what a Phantom Thief would do! Can I do it? Please? Please? Please?"
Mona sighed.
"I was gonna ask Joker to do it but he'd probably charge us separately for it."
Joker smiled.
"You know me too well."
Panther sighed.
"Fine, you can do it Skull but nothing lame or corny!"
Skull grinned.
"Trust me, I won't disappoint."
Panther spoke again.
"So are we sending it tomorrow?"
Joker responded.
"No. Calling cards only work for roughly twenty-four hours and we still have preparations to complete. We'll take a day to rest while I restock on supplies. Skull and I will also be going to get weapons. We may have found some decent stuff in the Palace but I want to make sure we're at our best and fully prepared for when we return."
Mona nodded.
"That makes sense. I guess that means we're done for today."
Joker chuckled evilly. The Phantom Thieves felt a sense of dread in the very pits of their bellies.
"I don't remember giving you guys permission to leave."
Panther spoke nervously.
"B-b-but we found the Treasure! What else is there to do?"
Joker folded his arms.
"I need you guys to be stronger. Sending the calling card allows the ruler to access the power of the Metaverse and allows them to achieve their true form. If we end up having to face Kamoshida's full strength, I want to know that you won't die on me if he manages to isolate one of you."
Skull gulped.
"So what are we gonna do?"
"We're gonna go through the Central Tower a few more times until I'm satisfied."
Mona gulped.
"Only a few times, right?"
Joker smiled.
"Yes...only a few."
The Phantom Thieves groaned in exhaustion as they landed in a heap of flesh outside of Kamoshida's castle.
Joker had used a Go-Ho to make their exit after the team seemed to lack the energy to walk to a safe room.
"Well that should be good enough for now. Good job guys."
Skull muttered a curse as he pulled himself up and allowed Panther and Mona to use him as leverage as they got up as well.
"You're pure evil."
"I'm the evil you paid for."
"The Intruders!"
Joker and the Phantom Thieves turned their attention to the castle's now open main entrance. A small band of Knights stood as guard in front of a man dressed in a black robe and a matching black mask.
Mona frowned.
"That must be the Executioner."
The Executioner spoke proudly.
"Are these the tiny little bear cubs that dare growl at my King? I shall have them tortured and skinned. I'll present their fur as a gift to his Majesty."
Skull growled as he stepped forward.
"Why don't you come down here and try it?"
Joker stopped him.
"That's enough Skull. We have what we need and you're tired from my training. We should escape for now."
Another dark voice joined the conversation.
"I should have known that you Thieves were just a bunch of cowards!"
Everyone recognised the person who stepped out beside the Executioner.
Panther narrowed her eyes.
"Kamoshida!"
The King of the distorted castle sneered at Panther.
"That's King Kamoshida to you peasant! Or should I show you what happens to those who disrespect me?"
The King pulled on the chain that was in his hand and another person was pulled out of the castle and to the ground by his side.
Skull's eyes widened.
"What the fuck?"
Mona growled.
"You bastard."
Panther gasped but Joker watched silently.
The cognitive version of Ann wept. There was a large silver leash around her
neck, bruises and cuts could be seen all over her body.
Skull couldn't help but ask.
"What did you do to her you sick bastard?"
Kamoshida grinned.
"My Pet was found guilty of conspiring with others to plot my downfall! After I was so kind to her too! She's just another piece of trash I'll have to dispose of once I get my fill."
The Executioner chuckled.
"I'll be doing the honours myself."
The cognitive Ann grabbed on to Kamoshida's leg.
"Please my beautiful King! I don't what came over me! I was bewitched and fooled! Forgive me and restore me to my position as your Princess. I'll do anything."
Kamoshida chuckled.
"I'm already on the hunt for another Princess but if you bring your friend along and the both of you perform well tonight I'll consider keeping you both as my concubines."
The cognitive Ann cried with joy.
"Thank you so much my King! I'll certainly-"
BANG!
A single gunshot ended the cognitive Ann's existence. Everyone present stared in shock at the shooter.
Joker twirled his gun before turning to the Phantom Thieves.
"Leave. I'll buy you some time."
Mona tried to disagree.
"Joker we shouldn't-"
"I said...Leave."
None of the Phantom Thieves found the will to oppose Joker any further as they retreated out of the Metaverse's reach.
The Executioner barked an order.
"Stop them you fools!"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The black haired Persona user easily killed the three Knights that tried to step forward. The remaining Knights formed a defensive wall between him and Kamoshida.
Joker slowly pulled off his mask. A new Persona was being summoned.
"You truly are the worst Suguru Kamoshida but rest assured that your reign is coming to an end."
The Executioner laughed.
"Our King cannot be stopped a measly little nobody Thief like you!"
Joker chuckled as the sky over Kamoshida's castle somehow grew even darker and rumbled with thunder.
"That's where you're wrong. The others may be Thieves but I'm more than that...I'm worse than that."
Kamoshida, the Executioner and all of the Knights present braced themselves as several large gusts of wind belted against them.
Joker continued.
"This is my decree to you foolish King. If you harm anyone else on that list of yours, if you dare to speak their name or even look at them I will come back and I won't have mercy."
Kamoshida growled in defiance despite the worsening weather.
"Why should I fear the idle mutterings of a thief?"
Joker frowned.
"Are you deaf and stupid? I've told you. I'm worse than a thief...I'm a pillager...do you know what a pillager does best?"
Kamoshida and his men remained terrified as an image appeared above their enemy's head.
A barefooted woman dressed in black, a golden pair of scissors shone brilliantly within the grasp of her dainty pale fingers.
"They destroy."
The Executioner screamed.
"PROTECT HIS MAJESTY!"
Joker smiled and Shadow Kamoshida felt a fear he had never experienced before.
"Atropos. Don't stop till we run dry..."
The sky parted.
"...Ziodyne."
The world went white.
WOW. ANOTHER 8K CHAPTER.
WHAT IS UP WITH ME?
ANYWAYS PARTS OF THIS WERE FUN TO WRITE, OTHERS WERE A BIT HARDER.
BUT THAT WAS CHAPTER 3 OF POCKET CHANGE.
HOPE YOU LIKED IT.
PLEASE REVIEW/COMMENT SO I CAN HEAR WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND.
I ALSO APPRECIATE THE FAVS/ALERTS AND KUDOS.
THIS WAS YOUR BOY KINGNIKEN.
PEACE!