Pretty Cure: Color Chaos

by animefanman777

After the Pretty Cures discover that all the colors in their home world are disappearing, a fairy named Tint needs their help in order to save Spectrum Land, the world of color, from the evil band: The Blots. Join all the Pretty Cure all stars, along with their newfound friend Matt Oda, as they save and restore the world of color.

41. To Catch an Art Thief

39. To Catch an Art Thief

It was a rocky start, but the Pretty Cure team in the trolley is getting closer to Crayon Point within a couple of miles. All the girls are still in their Pretty Cure forms and are resting and being aware in case of another Blot ambush. But the whole team is relieved they made a narrow escape from the Blot train.

"Wow," Cure Rouge says with relief, "I can't believe we all survived that crazy chase."

"I know how you feel," Cure Pine agrees. "My heart is still pounding after all that we went through."

"But I wonder…" Tint says while in thought. "How did those Blots appear with that train? I didn't see any other tracks as we climbed up the mountain trail."

"That is a bit odd-natsu," Natts said in wonder, too.

"They must've used a teleportation portal to send their train and chase us on the trolley," Cure Passion.

"True…" Tarte agrees, "We did see the Blots and their generals enter and exit via the portals we witnessed."

"One question though," Cure Mint asks, "how did they know where we are exactly going to be? If you think about it, the Blots lately waited for us to ambush when we arrived. But this time, they came prepared and knew our exact location."

"That is strange," Cure Moonlight said and pondered.

Cure Diamond sighs and says, "Well, all I can say is I'm glad we survived that wild ride." Everyone agrees with Diamond.

Matt Oda is silent and thinks deeply about the Blot train and the gang's words. Thoughts cloud Matt's mind, figuring out the cause of the Blots' ambush appearance.

"Penny, for your thoughts, Matt?" Cure Rosetta asks as she is next to the gentleman.

Matt hears Rosetta and replies, "Nah, it's nothing much. But still, I am curious how the Blots did surprise us like that."

Just then, Conductor Stone appears, making an announcement. "Attention, Pretty Cures!" Stone called to the gang. Everyone heard. "In just a minute, we'll arrive at Crayon Point. Be prepared for an exit."

The Pretty Cure team heard and slowly started preparing for an exit.

---

At Crayon Point's trolley station, town residents waited for the trolley's arrival. Some are standing and waiting, and others are sitting on benches. Just then, the waiting people heard a rumbling sound and turned to the source. To their shock, they see the trolley approaching the station, but it's all dented and scratched from the battle of the Blots. The trolley slowly enters the station and makes a complete stop. Everyone waiting around became curious about the trolley's condition. Then the doors of the trolley open, and out comes the Pretty Cure team, along with Conductor Stone and Engineer Boulder. The heroic team looked around the vicinity.

"Wow," Cure Happy says with a grin, "so we've finally made it to Crayon Point."

Cure Beat says, "To think we got here in a short time because of those Blots."

Cure White says, "How ironic how the Blots tried to slow us down, yet it's the complete opposite."

"Well put, White," Cure Blossom said.

"But those Blots really did a number on our trolley," Conductor Stone says.

The team turned around and saw Stone and Engineer Boulder observing the trolley. The whole railcar is a total mess. The exterior's haul is dented, and its paint has been mostly removed. Everyone turned grief at this messy sight.

"Well...," Engineer Boulder speaks, "at least we all made it here in one piece."

Conductor Stone sighs and says, "But it's going to be a while to get this baby operating again."

Just then, a few waiting passengers arrived with concerned faces.

"Gracious!" said a woman in an elegant gown, "Whatever happened here?"

Conductor Stone heard and noticed the passengers. He replies, "Unfortunately, we ran into many black uninvited passengers that attacked us. They brutally damaged our beloved and reliable ride."

The engineer says, "Fortunately, the Pretty Cures were with us and protected our behinds. Thank goodness we're safe, thanks to them."

The passengers heard about the Pretty Cures and turned to the magical heroine team. They saw the heroines right before their eyes.

"EEEEEK!" said a young teen girl. "It's them! It's REALLY them!"

"Wow!" said a young man in overalls, "To think the heroes of Spectrum Land are here and now."

"Gracious darlings!" the woman in a gown said, greeting the team with a handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Pretty Cure Sweeties."

More passengers heard and noticed the Pretty Cures' presence when the word was spread out loud. Immediately, everyone at the station turned joyfully to see the magical heroines. As they approached the Pretty Cures, some took a picture of the girls while others asked for their autographs.

"Wow..." Cure Peace said with a shy grin, "I never thought being a Pretty Cure was a big celebrity deal."

The young gentleman watches the Pretty Cures getting attracted by fans. "It must be nice to be someone's hero, especially the superhero kind..."

"Excuse me, sir?" a little girl says, getting Matt's attention.

Matt sees the girl with brown hair in pigtails and tugging Matt's long pants.

"Um, are you friends with those Pretty Cures?" the girl asked.

"Yes, I am," Matt replies. "Why?"

"Oh wow... You must be really lucky to have superheroes as your friends."

"You think...?"

"How did you become friends with the Pretty Cures, mister?"

"Well, let's just say it was an accident meeting them, but they decided I team up with the Pretty Cures because they saw potential in me."

"Wow... Now that's super cool!"

"Oh, I don't know about that..." Matt shyly looks away.

"What are you and the magical Pretty Cures doing here anyway, Mister?"

"We're looking for the Wonder Color of Brown Mountains in our mission to save Spectrum Land. Do you know where we can find it?"

The little girl hears and ponders. "Hmm... I don't know about that, Mister..." the girl unfortunately replied. "Maybe you should talk to Cray."

"Cray?"

"Yeah, he's the sage living here in Crayon Point. Maybe he knows where the color thingy is."

"And where can we find him, if I may ask?"

"He's at the art museum and invited to a big show." Just then, the girl's mother called to her. She notices and looks back at Matt. "I gotta go now. Bye-bye, Mister..."

"Oda, Matthew Oda..."

"Okay! Bye, Matthew..."

The girl left and headed to her mother. After this, Matt returns to the Pretty Cure team, who is a bit exhausted from meeting the fanatic people. Matt walks up to the team and comforts them.

"Everything okay?" Matt asked.

"Yeah, we're fine," Cure Blossom replies while breathing. "But being surrounded by many fans is stressful."

"So, Matt," Cure Rhythm speaks, "got any leads?"

Matt replies with a smirk, "Oh, I got a lead, alright."

---

The Pretty Cure team exited the trolley station and entered Crayon Point's domain. Once they did, the team examined the site. The place has big buildings, bustling crowds, and flashy signs. It is like entering a metropolis city.

"Woo! Talk about lively here," Cure Berry noted, looking around the area.

"It's like lively in the busy streets of Akihabara," Cure Diamond stated.

"How will we find the art museum in this big city?" Cure Rouge asked in concern.

Cure White replies, "According to Conductor Stone, he said the art museum is in the city's center. It's a big building with a sign with art tools.

"Well, that makes things simple," Mipple said from her transformed device. "Still, finding that museum will be tough in this lively city like this-mipu."

"Yeah," Ribbon agrees as she and Glassan look around the area, "I don't know how much further we need to look for that museum-desu wa."

"I don't think we need to look any further," Cure Beauty replies calmly.

"Why is that?" Milky Rose asked.

Cure Beauty didn't respond, but she pointed towards something. When everyone looked to where Beauty pointed, they blinked.

In the heroes' view is a big mass building near the team. And on the building is a sign consisting of a palette, paintbrush, pencil, and pastel chalk on it.

The Pretty Cure team realizes that the building seeing now is...

"That must be the art museum," Cure Princess stated.

"And I'll bet we'll find Sage Cray in there," Cure Honey said.

"Let's go, team," Tint demanded. They heard Tint, and the team entered the art museum.

Once they entered the museum, the Pretty Cure team was taken through a security checkpoint. The guards got a bit edgy by the Pretty Cures' frilly appearance. But the guards thoroughly examined the team, and they were clean to go through the checkpoint.

After exiting the checkpoint, the Pretty Cure team arrived in the museum's foyer. They see giant portraits of different people and animals hanging the walls. Some portraits have a stern face, and others have a calm grin.

As the Pretty Cure team kept examining the portraits, an officer and a German Shepard dog from the museum came forth to the team. The Pretty Cures noticed them. The guard looked burly and big, almost giving a chill to a few Pretty Cure warriors and fairies.

"Greeting," the guard speaks sternly, "I am Cut, the head guard of this artful establishment, no pun intended. And this here is my guard dog, K-9 Paste."

"Greetings to you, too," Paste said, bowed with his police hat.

"Ooo!" Cure Lemonade said with amazement, "The dog talks."

"You should know," Cure Rouge commented. "After all, we're in another world."

"What can I do for you?" Cut asked.

"Um, hi," Cure Peace said in a little fear, "we're looking for a man named Sage Cray. Someone said he's in this museum. Have you seen him?"

"Cray? Our wise sage of this city? Yeah, I've seen him. But what does the sage of Crayon Point want with you frilly and colorful girls?"

"We're Pretty Cure," Cure Heart replies with a smile. "And we need to see and speak to the sage so he can help us find the Wonder Color in Brown Mountains."

"Good lord!" Cut said with surprise. "The Pretty Cures!?"

"Aroo!?" Paste said with shock, "You must be pulling all my four legs. Are you really the heroes to save Spectrum Land?"

"We sure are," Cure Sunny said with a grin.

As proof once again, and being way ahead, Matt shows the Wonder Color Case to the two guards. The officers blinked in great surprise.

"Well, I'll be..." Officer Cut said with a grin. "You are the Pretty Cures. The sage has told us about you girls coming to Spectrum Land to help our invasion. Please, as the main guard of this museum, come on in. We are honored to have the magical heroes of the World of Color be here."

"And you're just in the nick of time, too," Paste stated.

"Why?" Cure Pine asked, "What's happening?"

"A skillful artist is about to present his latest and mysterious masterpiece. We're just about to head there for the grand revealing. Everyone is gathered in the room that consists of the mysterious painting ready for the unveiling."

"And you Pretty Cures have a front-row seat to witness the revealing," Cut stated with a firm grin.

Cure Peace gasps joyfully and says, "Can we go see it? I am so eager to see what kind of painting it will be."

"I'm curious myself what the mysterious painting is too," Cure Beauty said.

"Hmm..." Cure Lovely pondered, "I wonder what the picture will be? A flower, perhaps?"

"Maybe it's one of those beautiful castles," Cure Princess thought. "I've seen many of those back in my home world of our castle. Uh! Not to brag, of course."

"It could be one of those magical creatures from the artist's fantasized imagination," Cure Happy suggested. "Like a unicorn."

"Now we're curious to know what the surprise painting will be," Cure White stated.

"Let's go take a look," Luminous said.

"Let's observe the painting!" Cure Dream cheered. "It's decided!"

"Yeesh, relax, Dream," Cure Rouge said with a little embarrassment.

"Then follow us," Office Cut said. "We'll gladly take you to the room that has the painting."

The Pretty Cure team follows the guard and his dog down the museum halls and to the room containing the mysterious painting.

---

After a few minutes of walking through the hallways, the Pretty Cure team, the head guard Cut, and his K-9 Paste arrived at the room containing the surprise painting, covered with a cloth and being shown on a stand. The team saw many people and mountain animals gathered around the artwork.

Near the painting is five men standing next to it. One man, who has a small mustache and goatee, is dressed in a painter's smock and wearing a beret. The second man has a bald spot on top of his head and is dressed casually and wearing a knitted vest. Another man dressed in a dark green business suit with bushy light brown hair. The fourth man wears a gray tuxedo with a cane in his left hand. And the last man is an elder in a bright yellow robe with small glasses and wears a crayon tip hat. The elderly man has a staff with a crayon tip. The Pretty Cure team and the two guards try to get in closely and get a good view of the covered painting.

Just then, the Pretty Cure team heard a few spectators gossiping with each other.

"I'll bet it's a landscape picture," said one of the spectators. "I saw a whole room of landscapes in this museum."

"Nah," another spectator disagreed, "must be another rainbow. Y'know how Spectrum Land is notable for rainbows."

The team overheard the spectators whispering to each other until…

"Ladies and gentlemen, kids and animals," said the man in the green business suit and alerted the crowd, "Welcome, and we are so glad for all of you to join us to reveal Mr. Impasto's latest masterpiece. I, Mayor Graph, with my two friends, Curator Canvas and Sage Cray, and art critic Mr. Collage, would be honored to unveil the surprising masterpiece Mr. Impasto created.

He's been working on this fine art for quite some time, and we're all eager to know. He said this artwork is an inspiration he encountered by a magical surprise. He captured that moment, put on this painting, and now we're here to see his special surprise ourselves.

Let's first give a big hand for our special guest artist to be here on this very day."

The spectators applauded the artist while the Pretty Cure team witnessed and heard the announcement.

"So, the elderly guy must be Sage Cray," Cure Sword noted. "He's the one who can help us find the Wonder Color."

"Just a moment, Sword," Cure Heart said. "I like to see what the painting is going to be."

"Me too," Cure Rosetta said and followed. "And I don't think it's wise to interrupt this special moment and create a scene. Besides, we're all eager to know what the mysterious painting will be."

"Right," Sword agrees.

"Mr. Impasto," Mayor Graph speaks, "is there anything you want to say before the revealing?"

The artist replies with a grin, "I just wanna say a-thank you all very much for coming here to this fine day to see my greatest work. Grazie."

Mayor Graph then says, "Thank you, Impasto. And now, the moment you have all been waiting for... Mr. Canvas... Mr. Collage…?"

"Ah yes..." Mr. Canvas, the curator, said. He and the art critic then stand near the covered painting and grab the cloth, ready to pull it away. "And now, without further ado, it's time for the grand reveal. Citizens of Crayon Point, I give you..."

Everyone, including the Pretty Cure team, anticipated the revealing. Then Curator Canvas and Mr. Collage immediately pull the cloth away. Graph finally says...

"Impasto's Masterpiece!"

(GASP!) But everyone was shocked at what they saw.

"I know. Amazing, isn't it?"

"Uh, Mister...?" said a boy from the crowd, "Where's the picture?"

But when the curator, the mayor, the sage, the art critic, and the artist heard the boy's question, they turned to the painting. The five men took a great shocking gasp, for they saw the picture's frame, but the painting...

IS GONE!

"What in the...!?" Mr. Collage said in horror.

"Splattering Smocks!" Mayor Graph said in great stun.

"Cripes!" Curator Canvas shouted, "The painting's gone!"

The whole crowd turned into great concern after witnessing this tragic outcome. The Pretty Cure team was stunned by this situation.

"My artwork!" Artist Impasto cried, "My-a masterpiece!"

Sage Cray turned around and saw the audience getting concerned about the stolen painting. "Everybody!" the sage called, "Please remain calm!" The spectators heard and turned to the sage. "I know this looks grim, but fret not. We will get to the bottom of this case."

"But Sage Mark," Mayor Graph speaks, "Even if you're true to your word, who can help our predicament? Who can help us solve this painting problem in a time like this?"

"That would be us!"

Everyone in the room heard and turned to the source. Appearing in everyone's view is Cure Heart, making a confident, heroic pose. The audience also sees the Pretty Cure team.

"There goes the happy prince again..." Cure Diamond said with little grief.

"We'll gladly help your art problem, sir!" Cure Heart said with sheer confidence.

"And just who are you, frilly and colorful girls, if I may ask?" Mayor Graph asks.

"Why, we are the Pretty Cures at your service," Cure Honey replied.

Then, everyone, the spectators, the mayor, the curator, the critic, the artist, and the sage gasped again in great surprise.

"Great paintballs of ink!" Curator Canvas said with stun. "The Pretty Cures!? Here in my art museum?"

"Mamma Mia!" Mr. Impasto said with shock. "The legendary heroes of-a Spectrum Land!?"

Then, the citizens of Crayon Point all turned a bit excited to see the magical and feminine warriors appearing before them. The mayor, curator, sage, and the artist all grin to see the magical girls in their sight.

"Well, bless the colorful rainbow!" Sage Cray said with joy. "The Pretty Cures on perfect timing. What are the heroes of Spectrum Land doing here in the first place?"

"We were looking for you, Sage Cray," Cure Princess replied. "We were hoping you could tell us the location of Brown Mountain's Wonder Color. But it looks like you have a big issue on your hands."

"Indeed, we do," Mr. Collage says, "Mr. Impasto's presentation was going to be an astonishment to everyone here in Crayon Point. He said it'll be phenomenal after the grand revealing. She would've been a real beauty if we ever saw the painting. And I would've given a good review, too."

"Quite so," Curator Canvas agrees, "but now the painting's gone, it is a disappointment. We are very eager to know what our great artist has perfected." The spectators turned to mourn and agree with the curator.

"But your timing is impeccable," Sage Mark speaks. "It is the perfect time for you, Pretty Cures, to prove you are worthy of us all."

"What do you mean?" Cure Pine asked.

"You're looking for the Wonder Color in these mountains, correct?" The Pretty Cure team answered Sage Cray with a nod. "Well, here's the deal: If you can help us find out what happened to Mr. Impasto's artwork with every knowledge you have, then I'll be glad to tell you the location of the Brown Wonder Color of these mountains.

I know you, Pretty Cures, are strong and determined to save Spectrum Land, but sheer willpower isn't going to stop the Blots alone. If you can prove that your intelligence and wisdom can help you solve this mystery, you have shown us that you are the true heroes who can save this world of color.

I am a sage who judges how clever you are to overcome any challenges in your path, not just brute force."

"You hear that-desu wa?" Ribbon asked.

"Yeah," Glassan heard and replied, "if we can figure out the mystery of the missing artwork, we can get the information we need to find the next Wonder Color-daze."

"But I don't think it's going to be easy," Tint commented in concern. "Considering this place is big and bustling, finding the missing painting will be tough."

"Don't sweat it," Cure Sunshine speaks calmly. "We've come this far and surpassed many challenges since we've arrived in Spectrum Land. So, solving a missing painting shouldn't be too hard."

Everyone heard Sunshine, and they all agreed with the sunflower Pretty Cure with a grin.

Cure Happy turned to the people of Crayon Point and said, "We'll do it!"

The mayor, the sage, and everybody else heard and smiled.

"Splendid!" Mayor Graph said with joy.

"Oh, Grazie! Pretty-a Cures!" Artist Impasto said with great relief. "Grazie! Grazie!"

"Yes," Sage Cray says, "that means 'thank you' in his Italian language."

"You're welcome," Cure White replies.

"So where do we start?" Cure Black asked.

---

Half an hour passed, and the citizens, including the artist, left the museum room. The Pretty Cure team, Graph, Canvas, and Sage Mark are in the curator's office. Officer Cut and his loyal K-9 Paste are with the gang as well. They were all discussing the missing painting in the room.

"So tell us," Cure Ace asked. "How did all this happen?"

"That's what we like to know," Canvas said with a troubled look. "We had the painting stored here just yesterday. And now, today, for our presentation, it's gone. I simply can't explain how something like that happened."

"Perhaps I can," Cure Mint speaks.

Everyone heard turned to Mint, and they became a bit startled. Cure Mint appears to everyone, and she wears a deerstalker on her head and a brown Inverness cape. She also holds a magnifying glass in her left hand.

Cure Mint tips her deerstalker and says, "Fear not, citizens of Crayon Point. Detective Mint is on the case. With the help of all us Pretty Cures, including the fairies and Matt Oda, of course."

The Pretty Cure team turned surprised.

"Wowzers," Matt said with awe, "I didn't think Mint like mysteries."

"Where did she get that outfit?" Cure Diamond noted.

"I haven't seen Mint in that outfit since the case of missing cake back at Natts House," Cure Aqua stated.

"And they told me how that happened," Milky Rose commented as she stared in irk at Cure Dream. Cure Dream flinches and stares to the side in regret.

Cure Mint, dressed in the detective wardrobe, asks the museum men. "Please tell us," she said calmly. "Can you explain what happened to the painting before it went missing?"

Canvas replies, "Gladly. A couple of days ago, Mr. Impasto called and informed us he would bring his latest masterpiece to this museum. He arrived as we were waiting and brought his painting concealed in his tubular case.

When we met in my private office, Mr. Impasto told us he wanted to present his fine artwork as a special surprise. As Mr. Collage stated, Impasto said it'll be phenomenal. We immediately got to work after hearing this great news and began preparations."

Mayor Graph continues to speak. "Canvas, Sage Cray, and the crew prepared a display frame for Mr. Impasto's work in the room we were in while I, Mayor Graph, and Mr. Collage started spreading the word about the latest masterpiece to all the townsfolk here in Crayon Point. This all happened yesterday, and this full preparation took the whole day. When we completed the preparations for Mr. Impasto's presentation, we celebrated with a sparkling drink and a toast."

Then Sage Cray finally says, "Then it was this morning I heard the announcement of the Blots invading Spectrum Land from Sage Mark. But Mr. Impasto's work will be a blast, and I couldn't bear to let this tragic news interrupt this special day. I informed Mayor Graph about this urgent issue, but not to disappoint our people, we proceeded with the grand revealing as planned, but with haste.

The grand revealing was supposed to be tonight, but due to 'unforeseen circumstances,' we rescheduled the unveiling for this afternoon. With the info about the Blots, the mayor insisted that Canvas, Collage, and Impasto present the artwork and the rescheduling. We informed the city's citizens of the reschedule, and most people showed up at the art museum. And it was just a moment ago, you Pretty Cures showed up and witnessed the painting disappear."

"Intriguing..." Cure Mint said with pondering thoughts. "And before the painting disappeared, was security tight and armed to this place?"

"Yes," Office Cut replies, "I'm head of the security of this museum, and we have the best men on watch during the opening hours. During the night and closing hours, a couple of guards make a good round of patrolling to ensure the museum is secure before leaving and locking the building throughout the night."

Paste the K-9 continues, saying, "We have a security alarm system, too. So, the last guard about to leave arms the security in case of burglary."

Mint heard and then began to think hard about all the given facts so far. She kept pondering for a short period until she spoke.

"So, here's what we know so far," Mint said. "Mr. Impasto called you guys and delivered the painting safely to the museum. You organized a surprise revealing event yesterday thoroughly. The artist placed the concealed artwork in the room where it would be displayed, and the others sent out the news of Impasto's latest masterpiece. Security is on high alert and during last night. And just this afternoon, for the unveiling, the painting disappeared.

My only good logical theory is this: The painting isn't missing. It was..."

Everyone stared at Cure Mint in anticipation, and then Mint answered...,

"STOLEN!"

Everybody gasped.

"But that's ridiculous!" Officer Cut yelled in revolt. "Our security is well-trained to spot any suspicious people who try to steal any artwork during opening hours. We would've caught their sneaky tactics by their behavior and movement in broad daylight."

K-9 Paste says, "And when the security system was on last night, nothing got triggered. This place is also ridiculed for pests like mice and bugs, so they wouldn't trigger false alarms. We also have security cameras around the whole museum for any thief that's prowling in the place. And none of the footage captured a crook sneaking here last night."

Mint replies, "And what about today, just before the revealing?"

"Well secured," Officer Cut replied firmly. "A few guards were around, but they kept a good eye on the covered painting. And none of them said they saw someone trying to steal the painting."

Mint makes a thought. "And yet, the painting's gone," she said. "This means the crime must be sometime at night or before the grand revealing. The thief bypassed all the security in this art museum and made off with the painting. If we can figure out how the crook easily got away with the stolen painting, we are one step closer to finding the painting and who the thief is."

"That sounds like a good approach," White said and agreed.

"Yes," Mr. Collage agrees and sticks his cane towards the Pretty Cure team, "I would give you good credit for making a reasonable starting investigation.

Cure Lemonade noticed Collage's cane, seeing how uniquely antique it is. "That's an interesting cane you got there," Lemonade commented.

"Indeed it is, Miss. It's simple and old but very useful for me to get around. And it's extendable, too." Mr. Collage shows everyone how to adjust his cane by unscrewing, stretching, and shortening it. "It's height adjustment helps my body and legs to keep my balance."

Lemonade, a few other Pretty Cures, and Matt witnessed the cane.

But Cure Mint adjusts her deerstalker and says, "Sorry to interrupt, but we got a mystery to solve."Everyone noticed and agreed with Mint.

"So, where do we start?" Cure Beat asked.

"The best way is to gather as much information and clues as possible to figure out this crime. And since we are a big team, we can gather more information and group if we split into groups. So, this is what will do..."

---

Time passed, and the big Pretty Cure team divided into three small groups scattered around and within the art museum.

Teams DokiDoki, Yes! Five, and Fresh Pretty Cures returned to the same room containing the missing painting. They are with the curator Canvas and art critic Mr. Collage, discussing and gathering information about the room supposedly containing the artwork.

"So, is this place fully secured when Impasto's painting was held here?" Cure Pine asked.

"Precisely," Canvas replies. "However, we kept his precious artwork in a vault before bringing it out on this stand."

"You brought out his painting?" Cure Rouge asked.

"Yes, Miss... uh..."

"Just call me Rouge."

"Right, Rouge. Just this morning, Cut, Paste, and a couple of their loyal assisting guards carried and escorted Impasto's painting out of a locked vault and moved it directly here and on this stand."

"Did the guards get a good look to see if the painting was still in its frame?" Cure Sword questioned.

"Of course not!" The Cures blinked in surprise at Canvas's response.

"But why?" Cure Lemonade asked in concern.

"Mr. Impasto's creation will be an amazing surprise, making our jaws drop. And we don't want anyone, which includes my workers, the guards, and I, to peek and spoil ourselves."

"Then how did you guys carry the painting without getting a good look at it?" Cure Passion asked.

Art critic Mr. Collage replies, "It was already covered with a cloth as the guards brought it out from the safe storage. When they arrived in this room with Impasto's artwork, the art creator and I placed carefully on this stand."

Cure Diamond thinks and says, "I'll bet it's one of the guards that took the painting. During the transport, one secretly took the painting away from the frame and hid it in their uniforms."

"That's impossible," Canvas said in revolt.

"Why-sharu?" Shararu asked while in her commune form.

"Because Mr. Impasto checked to see if his painting was still intact after we delivered, and he confirmed his masterpiece was still in the frame."

"You mean he took a peek at his art while it was covered with the cloth?" Cure Ace said.

"Give the red-hair woman a prize."

The DokiDoki, Yes! Five, and the Fresh Pretty Cures become even more confused.

"This doesn't make sense," Tarte questioned. "How can the painting be stolen when it was delivered safely and during the presentation? Mr. Impasto even checked."

Cures Peach and Heart heard and examined the frame with the missing artwork on the stand.

Heart says, "How could the painting disappear in front of a crowd? The thief would be sticking out like a sore thumb."

"I know what you mean," Peach agrees. "How did the thief manage to-Huh?"

All of a sudden, Peach noticed something on the back of the frame on the stand.

"Hey, what happened here?" Peach claimed. "The latches look loose."

Everyone heard and took a peek. And Peach is right; the latches holding the back of the frame are loosened.

"You're right," Sword agrees. "And it looks like they have been pried open very hard."

"How in the world did that happen?" Collage asked with curiosity.

Passion observes and says, "Then I wonder..." Passion then examines behind the painting's frame. "I thought so..."

"What is it, Passion?" Dream asks.

"The support backboard on his frame is loosened enough to make a painting fall out."

"So...?" Peach wondered.

Passion turns grief for Peach. "Peach... this means it's a clue how the painting was stolen in front of the audience."

"Wait," Rosetta speaks, "if this is true, how could the thief pulled it off? How did the thief steal the painting in front of the crowd? I don't think they snuck underneath the cloth and stole it from there."

"That can't be true," Canvas responds. "The cloth is just big enough to cover this painting frame. The thief would be in plain sight if they tried to steal during the presentation."

"And if they did manage," Aqua says and follows up, "how did the thief sneak away with the painting? This painting frame is big, so the painting is pretty big, too. I'm sure the guards of this museum would've noticed a suspicious person sneaking away with something huge."

The small Pretty Cure group heard and became curious about this updated investigation.

As the team kept thinking, Mr. Collage noticed something on his watch. "Well, I must be going," he said with surprise. "Let me know how your investigation is progressing."

"Where are you going?" Heart asked.

"I need to contact a client of mine."

"Oh right," Canvas said, "You have a meeting with a client this afternoon. You told me that. Aren't you supposed to be on your way meeting him in Pigment Village?"

"I was. But I heard the trolley is in huge repair due to major damage on it's last ride. Once the trolley is fixed, I'll head off and meet my client. So, if you excuse everyone, I must leave and call my client about my delay."

With that, Mr. Collage calmly walks away and out of the room containing the missing painting. Once he left, the Pretty Cures and Canvas continued to peer and think about the tampered podium.

"This is really puzzling," Milky Rose noted, scratching her head. "How did the crook get away and pass the guards?"

"I know what you mean," Berry said with a concerned face. "They didn't steal it before the presentation or last night. And I don't think they stole after the grand revealing."

Mint says, "I think the big question in this scenario is…

When did the thief steal the painting?"

---

The sky remained sunny and clear, and Teams Splash Star, Happiness Charge, and Heatcatch Pretty Cure are investigating the exterior area of the museum. They all did a thorough search of the place.

"Got anything, everyone?" Cure Blossom asked.

"Nothing!" Cure Princess replied.

"Nope!" Cure Bloom responded.

"Sorry, I'm squat," Cure Sunshine answered.

Cure Fortune reported, "Some of us checked the windows, and none of them seemed there was a break-in."

Cure Moonlight also said, "Also, the emergency doors and employees haven't been pried opened and infiltrated."

Cure Egret stated, "So can we rule out that there was no break-in after the painting arrived at the museum. And no thief broke in during the presentation to reveal Mr. Impasto's painting."

"But still," Cure Honey speaks up in concern, "The thief managed to slip in and steal the painting. How can that still be possible?"

"Good grief," Cure Marine complained, "this is so befuddling. How did the culprit do it!?"

Blossom heard and analyzed the situation. She thinks hard until she spots a couple of guards standing near the back doors of the museum. Blossom then makes a curious thought.

"Everyone," she said and got the other girls' attention. "I got something."

Blossom then walks up to the guards. The other Pretty Cures followed her. She then arrives, and the two guards notice Blossom's presence. The magical warriors followed and appeared.

"Excuse me, sirs," Blossom says, "Has anything unusual been delivered here recently?"

"What do you mean, Miss?" one of the guards questioned.

"What are you getting at?" Princess asks.

Blossom hears and answers, "This is a good possibility, but I think this was done as an inside job."

When the Cures heard Blossom's suggestion, they all flinched in shock. "You mean, a spy is working with the thief to steal the painting?" Moonlight said in bewilderment.

"Not like an accomplice. I meant the thief was already inside during the presentation but they were in some kind of container to hide and whisk the painting right in front of a big crowd."

"I think I get your drift, Blossom," Fortune said. "They were in some kind of object or container to get into the museum, brought into the presentation, and used it like a 'magic trick' to steal the artwork."

"Precisely," Blossom said and agreed. She then turns back to the guards and asks again. "So, was anything unusual delivered here yesterday or just before the presentation today?"

When one of the two guards heard Blossom's inquiry, he thought about everything he remembered from yesterday and just before the presentation.

"Hmm..." one of the guards speaks, "nothing unusual was delivered here. But we remember a few crates and stands delivered here this morning."

"Crates and stands?" Honey asked. "What did they contain?"

"Just restoration tools. Y'know, like cleaning brushes and wipers to keep the paintings and frames in good mint condition."

"...And the stands you mentioned...?" Cure Honey asks.

The other guard replies, "A couple of the woodshop owners, including Mr. Collage and Mr. Canvas, delivered podiums and stands here to display the museum's artwork. These doors are the staff and shipment's entrance, and any furniture or carriable objects must be inspected here through a security checkpoint before they are accessed inside the building."

The first guard then says, "Our inspectors checked, and none looked suspicious."

"Checkpoints…" Fortune wondered, "Are there more security checkpoints here in this museum?"

"There is," the first guard replies. "The other security checkpoint is at the front doors of this museum. Many visitors who walk through there must be inspected by security. The same method here at the staff's entrance."

"And none of your men said a suspicious guy came through the front entrance?" Honey asked. "They didn't carry anything unusual to steal?"

"Nope," said the second guard and shook his head, "there were no reports of the sort from our men."

The three Pretty Cure teams turned curious after hearing what the two guards said.

Blossom thinks and says, "Hmm... none of the materials or stands delivered here are suspicious. And the thief wasn't hiding among any of the containers during the inspection. So then,

how did the culprit sneak inside the museum...?"

Marine heard her partner and said, "I don't know... but this could be vital information for our stolen painting mystery."

Everybody else agrees with Marine.

---

Somewhere else in the art museum, there is the security room. This security room is filled with many tv monitors displaying inside and outside the museum. Head Security Cut and his loyal K-9 Paste are in the monitoring system, with two guards operating the monitoring screens. Pretty Cure teams Max Heart, Suite, and Smile are also in the monitoring room along with Matt Oda. They are observing the security monitors.

Cut says, "According to our curator Canvas, we got the call from Mr. Impasto that he will deliver his masterpiece art to this museum yesterday. So if we rewind the footage and see any suspicious activities our cameras picked up, we might have a good lead of how our thief snuck in."

The security operators pressed buttons, flicked switches, and turned knobs to rewind the camera footage on multiple screens. After a few seconds, the monitors show the footage from yesterday. The screens show different areas of the museum, both outside and inside.

The footage was observed by the Max Heart Trio, Suite, Smile Pretty Cures, Matt, Cut, and Paste.

"There, look," Happy said, pointing to one of the screens. The screen shows Mr. Impasto delivering his covered artwork via the back entrance. "That's Mr. Impasto. And he brought his painting that's in the tubular container."

"Yes," Cut noted and spotted, "we see him. For artists bringing their art masterpieces, we instructed them to deliver them to the museum's back entrance. That's the staff entrance. From there is a security checkpoint that analyzes and scans for dangerous and suspicious substances or weapons." The footage turned to the security checkpoint, showing the Impasto's painting going through the security machine. "We inspected Mr. Impasto's painting, and it looked alright."

"You didn't remove the painting from his container for inspection."

"We would," Paste noted, "but Impasto begged us for all of us not to remove because of the grand revealing. We used metal detectors and automated gas sniffers around his artwork. And nothing."

Then, the following footage shows a few guards carrying Mr. Impasto's painting into a secure vault. Cut continues, "Then, as you see, the guards carried Mr. Impasto's into one of the vault rooms and was securely stored there until presentation day." The rest of the vault footage showed one of the guards locking the vault doors and leaving the room. Cameras showed areas within and out of the vault storages, and no signs of infiltration were recorded after the painting was transported and throughout the night.

The Pretty Cure team then makes comments.

"So far, there's no crook that broke into the vault and stole the painting," Cure White noted and observed the footage.

"Is it possible for a crook to break into the vault?" Cure Rhythm asked the guards.

"Highly unlikely," Paste answered. "The museum's vault room is very well-secured with the advanced technology we installed. There's no way a thief can slip past and avoid the alarm security. Not even cloaking themselves would fool the infrared cameras."

After what Paste said, the Pretty Cures became more curious and observed the other footage on the screens. The recorded clips show a few security guards patrolling the museum during the overnight shift. But overall, there's no footage that a thief snuck inside, broke into the vault, and stole the painting.

This left everyone in the security room befuddled.

"Now what?" Cure Peace questioned in a bit of panic.

"No thief broke in last night," Cure Sunny noted. "Where can we go from here?"

As everyone else ponders about this issue, Cure Beauty observes and makes a thought.

"Officer Cut..." Cure Beauty speaks and gets the cop's attention. "I got something. Can you fast forward to today's footage?"

Hearing Diamond's request got everybody curious. "Today...? Why...?" Paste asked.

"I think the crook is already inside the museum during the presentation of Mr. Impasto's painting. Please check today's footage."

Cut is still confused, but... "Alright... turn it to today, guys." The guards on the control panel heard and nodded. They adjusted the screens and showed today's footage right before the revealing of Impasto's painting.

The security screens show clips of all the people inside and outside the museum. One screen shows visitors entering via the front doors and being inspected at the security checkpoint. Another screen depicts outside the front doors where many people enter the museum. Other clips show the visitors observing the museum's artwork in many different areas of the building.

"So far, so good," Cure Muse commented and observed the footage.

"Yeah," Matt agrees, "I don't see anything that looks like an odd and conspicuous person."

Beauty kept observing, and then she said, "Okay, now show footage of the painting brought in for the presentation."

"You got it," Cut responded, ordering the guards to rearrange the footage.

After which, the screens depict clips of Impasto's painting. First, the guards opened the vault room and took out the painting. Next, they carried the painting to the room where they had the presentation. Containing in the room are the mayor, the curator, Sage Cray, the art critic, and the crowd of spectators waiting for the painting to arrive and be placed on the stand for display. Then, when the guards came into the room with the artwork, they handed it to Mr. Impasto and Mr. Collage to place on the stand. After placing it, the artist rubbed his hands excitedly, and Mr. Collage wiped his hand on his suit while holding his cane in the other hand. Finally, the rest of the clip showed the speeches from Canvas, Stroke, Impasto, and the shock of the missing painting.

"And that's it, Pretty Cures," Paste said after watching the footage.

Everyone saw and became very curious.

"That's it!?" Cure Black said in shock. "The security cameras didn't see the crook steal the painting."

"Yeah, how come?" Cure March agrees and ponders.

"I'm so confused..." Luminous said with worry.

The Pretty Cures, Matt, and the guards are so confused.

"This is so bewildering..." Cut noted as he scratched his head. "How is it that the thief manages to steal the painting when none of our cameras ever saw him?"

Cure Muse heard but made a curious question, "I can say everyone is that the thief wasn't around last time but sometime during the presentation of Impasto's grand revealing. So, the question I have to say about this is:

Where was the thief before the painting got stolen?"

Everyone heard Muse, and they all became very curious again.

"That's a good question, your majesty," Cure Beat said.

"Like I said, you don't have to call me 'majesty,' Beat," Muse said with a little stern tone.

---

After a long investigation within the museum, the Pretty Cure team gathered again in the lobby. They were all discussing the case they investigated so far.

"This is one tough mystery…" Cure Melody noted.

"For sure," Cure Rhythm agrees, "Our big problem is there's no evidence of anything leading to our mysterious thief."

"Especially for how the thief could have snuck in and got away with the painting," Cure March followed.

"All of our investigations just brought up more mysterious questions," Princess commented in concern.

"On the contrary… we did gather enough evidence of how the thief committed the crime," Cure Mint speaks as she got everyone's attention.

Mint's statement got everybody curious. "Mint," Milky Rose speaks, "You how the art thief stole the painting?"

"Not one hundred percent accurate, but I have a good idea. However, we're still missing a few more clues to solve this case."

"Like what?" Cure Lemonade asks.

"Two big things. One: We don't know who the culprit is in this case. And Two: We have no idea why the crook stole the painting."

"Those are quite puzzling," Moonlight noted.

Everyone heard and tried to think of solving the mystery in their hands.

But then Curator Canvas appears before the Pretty Cure team, noticing their troubled state.

"Pretty Cures!" Canvas greeted, getting their attention, "How's the investigation going?"

"Progressing but not so good," Passion replies in concern.

"Oh? What happened?"

"We're stuck on two things," Princess speaks, "the identity of the thief and why they stole the painting."

Canvas becomes curious. "Well, it is tough to say who our thief is, and we don't know the crook's motive for stealing Impasto's artwork."

As everyone is too concerned about the two struggling questions, Mint makes a thought. She turns to Canvas and says, "Canvas, do you know where Mr. Impasto lives?"

"Yes, why did you ask that?"

"I'd like to know what picture Mr. Impasto drew."

When Mint stated that, Canvas and other team members blinked in surprise.

"Why would you want to know what Mr. Impasto drew?" Canvas questioned in shock. "It's going to surprise everyone, and you Pretty Cures want to spoil yourselves?"

Mint replies, "I want to know because I think the culprit must have a motive why they stole Mr. Impasto's artwork. If we can find out more about the painting, we could determine their reason for stealing it." Hearing Mint's words got the Pretty Cure team curious.

Canvas hears and ponders. "Hmm, finding out why the culprit took it...? Yes, that definitely helps you guys get closer to solving this mystery. Although, this will ruin the surprise of the grand revealing of the painting."

Blossom heard and said, "I understand you don't like spoiling surprises, but gathering more information about the painting will help us get closer to the thief."

"Canvas," Honey speaks, "find it in your heart and help us."

Canvas heard the heroes' request. He makes a thought and sees their concerned looks. He then calmly replies, "Okay... if this will help solve this mystery and prove you are the Pretty Cures to save our world, then I will lend you a hand." The Pretty Cure smiled at Canvas's response. "You'll find him and his studio not far from this museum."

"So, where does he live...?" Bloom asked.

---

A half-hour passed, and the Pretty Cure team walked down the busy streets. In a few minutes, they arrived at a colorful brick building. It had a wooden arch door and a big window display in the front. On the other side of the window are paintings and portraits on display of people passing by the place. Lastly, a sign above the door says, "Impasto Studio."

"Impasto..." Sunshine said and read the sign, "...This must be the place."

"Let's find out if he's in," Ace suggested. Ace then knocks on the front door a few times.

"Yes? Who is-a it?" Impasto called from within his studio.

"It's us! The Pretty Cures!" Peace replied.

"(Gasp!)… Pretty-a Cures! Please, come-a inside."

The team heard, and they stepped inside the studio.

Once the Pretty Cure team entered the place, the magical warriors, the fairies, Matt, and Tint, observed the studio. The room contained many easels, blank canvases, chairs, tables, stands, and shelves containing paint cans, brushes, and empty glass jars. They also spotted a few finished artworks hanging on the easels and walls. One depicted the city of Cray Point, and another showed the Rainbow Castle.

The Pretty Cure team became awe of the sight until they spotted Mr. Impasto sitting in depression at his desk. The artist noticed the team's presence.

"Pretty-a Cures," Mr. Impasto says with a slight grin, "Welcome to my studio. I work and live here in this fine establishment."

"And I can see you spent a lot of time working and drawing here, sir," Sunny noted.

"Indeed…"

"Wow," Peace said with great amazement, "look at all those paintings and drawings. They look so realistic like they're coming to actual life."

"I like this painting," Beauty noted and observed, "This butterfly has astounding colors of the rainbow."

"I like this one-nya," Hummy said, looking at another painting. "It shows a small band playing musical instruments. There's even colorful musical notes on it-nya."

Blossom gasped in great amazement when she spotted a particular painting. Marine came up to her partner.

"Blossom, what's up?" Marine asked.

"This painting is so pretty and lovely," Blossom complimented.

Marine looked, and she and Blossom saw a picture of a great field of colorful flowers.

"Oh, Blossom... you sure love your flowers..."

"Wow," Tint said with little bedazzlement, "you drew all these?"

"Si, Miss Pink Fairy," Mr. Impasto replies, "Every painting and portrait I've drawn here is a picturesque moment I've captured here in-a Spectrum Land."

"What do you mean?" Happy questions.

"Every drawing in here I created is something I have-a witnessed and remembered, and I try to draw it down on a canvas. I may have added a few more imaginative details to make it look like-a enticing, but most of all, the artwork here is something I've seen and painted. I have a very-a good photographic memory."

Fortune heard and said, "So… all these masterpieces you drew are places and people you met and visited."

"Si, every single one of them."

The Pretty Cure team is still awed to see Mr. Impasto's collection.

"But tell me… What brings you Pretty-a Cures in my workshop?"

Rhythm replies, "We wanted to know more about the stolen painting you drew for today's presentation."

"Yes," Mint agrees, "knowing your painting may… no, will help us solve this mystery and get your masterpiece back."

Mr. Impasto hears and becomes curious. "Well… what do you want to know about it?"

Before they could answer, the Pretty Cure team stared at each other momentarily in concern. But everyone agreed with a nod and turned back to the artist.

Muse says, "This may startle you, but… we need to know what was on that painting you drew."

Mr. Impasto flinched in surprise at Muse's request. "Mama Mia! Why do you want to know about me special masterpiece? I do not want to ruin my greatest surprise."

Moonlight calmly replies, "We knew you don't like spoiling surprises, but we need to know what you drew on that stolen painting. It may help us explain why the thief stole your painting."

Mint then says, "Please, Mr. Impasto… We completely understand you don't want to give away your latest masterpiece, but we beg a thousand pardons if you tell us, for it will help us get your painting back."

Tint speaks, "They're right. Sage Cray, Mayor Stroke, and everyone else depend on us to get your painting back. But to do that, we need every important information and clues to solve this mystery. Just this once, will you sacrifice your secrecy to help us, yourself, and everyone else here in Crayon Point?"

Every member of the Pretty Cure team turned concerned for Mr. Impasto, the artist. He sees their worried eyes. He takes a moment for a breath and replies.

"Alright, Pretty-a Cures," Mr. Impasto replies with calm sincerity. "Just promise me not to spoil me greatest masterpiece to everyone."

"By the duty of protecting innocent people and keeping them safe, we promise," Egret responds.

"Grazie…" Mr. Impasto clears his throat and then speaks. "As I told you earlier, all my artwork shown here is based on-a something I explored and witnessed in Spectrum-a Land. And my latest artwork that's-a stolen is something I've seen beyond my wildest imagination.

It started a few weeks ago when I sought inspiration to draw on one of my canvases. I was on one of the mountain's plateaus to get a good view of the whole-a Brown Mountains. However, it was a foggy morning, and I could-a barely see anything.

The mountain's fog got thicker, and I slipped off the ledge and fell. I-a screamed and feared that my life would be completely over. It was a very long drop, and I-a feared I would hit the ground soon. But-a then, something unexpected happened. I suddenly stopped in midair, as-a if I suddenly able to fly. But I did feel something grabbing-a me. Then, I was lifted and gently placed back on the plateau again.

I felt very relieved that I-a survived, but I got curious about who saved my life. So, I turned to see who it was, and it was right there in front of me. The thick fog obscured the identity of the being that saved my life. But it didn't walk away from me. It continued to watch me as if it was interested in-a me.

But, when the fog started to thin out, the sun appeared and revealed the being that saved me. Before my very-a eyes is the most beautiful and majestic thing I ever seen…"

Hearing that last statement, the Pretty Cure team became very eager to know.

"What!?" Lovely questioned with eagerness. "What is it?"

"Please tell us!" Peace begged.

Mr. Impasto calmly replies, "It was…" The Pretty Cure team, including Matt and Tint, waited for the anticipation.

"A Woman…"

The heroic team blinked in surprise. "A woman…?" Berry questions.

"Si, a beautiful woman. As I remember, she is the most amazing sight I've ever-a seen in Brown Mountains. She has a beautiful figure and even has rainbow wings on her back."

"A woman with wings-coco…?" Coco asked.

"So, she's like a human-like fairy?" Tarte suggested.

"You can say that," Impasto replied. "She gave me the most graceful smile to see me safe in-a one piece. She then left and flew straight to the highest mountain before she disappeared.

It was at that moment I had to capture her and draw it on a painting. So, the minute I got home, I immediately started painting her. Thanks to my photographic memory, I drew altogether a picture of that beautiful woman I-a encountered."

Rhythm then says, "…And after you drew her, you about to show everyone the woman you encountered at the museum."

"Until the art thief suddenly stole it…" Passion noted.

"Si," Impasto said in mourn. "And I-a was looking forward to everyone being amazed, not my artwork but how awe the woman is that I met." Impasto turned sorrow again. "Now that it's-a stolen, I'll never show everyone here in Crayon Point of the woman I saw."

The Pretty Cure team turned to each other with concerned faces.

Aqua says, "Is there anything else you can tell us about your stolen painting? Maybe some sort of proof that is your artwork."

"Uh… Yes! Before I-a put my paintings and portraits into a frame, I always put my signature on the back of my masterpieces, knowing that's my true original artwork." Impasto then pulls out his business card and shows it to the team. "Here's my signature for an example." A few Pretty Cures, fairies, and Matt looked and witnessed the artist's signature.

After observing the artist's signature, Impasto put his card away, and the team turned to each other.

"So now we know the secret painting is a fairy woman," Ace stated.

"Still," Muse says, "It doesn't help us where Mr. Impasto's painting is…"

"…And who is the thief in this case," Fortune stated and finished.

The whole Pretty Cure team became very confused as puzzling thoughts clouded in their minds.

RIIIINNGG! RIIINNGG! RIIINNGGG!

Suddenly, a phone from Mr. Impasto's desk started ringing, and everyone heard and turned to it. The artist went to the phone and answered it.

"Hello…?" Impasto said. The artist listens from the phone's receiver. "Yes, they are here in my workshop…" He listens to the receiver again. "Right, we'll be-a right there. Ciao!" Impasto then hangs up the phone and turns to the Pretty Cures. "That was Mayor Graph. He said he wants you, Pretty Cures, and I back at the art museum."

The heroic team heard.

"I wonder what Mayor Graph wants with us?" Sunshine questions.

"I don't know," Mint speaks, "but all I can is say I have a good hunch how the crime happened." The other members heard Mint and turned curious. "I'll explain on the way."

---

It didn't take too long for the Pretty Cure team and Mr. Impasto to return to the art museum. Once they arrive, everyone is gathered in the same room where the painting is stolen. Mayor Graph, Sage Cray, Curator Canvas, Art Critic Collage, and the two guards, Cut and Paste, are also gathered at the crime scene.

"Pretty Cures," Mayor Graph speaks, "I called you here again on behalf of Sage Cray about your mystery so far."

"Yes," Sage Cray agrees, "I was wondering how's your investigation. Are you getting any leads?"

Cure Mint, still in her detective wardrobe, comes forth and speaks. "Well," she says, "All I can say is we're making good progress. I believe we are very close to solving this mystery."

"You are?" Canvas said with little surprise.

"Please, Pretty Cures," Sage said, "tell us what you got?"

Mint then tips her deerstalker and makes a firm face as she speaks. "This is indeed one of the most baffling cases we Pretty Cures ever came across. An art museum with heavy and tight security, a mysterious sly art thief, and a stolen painting right in front of everyone's eyes. How did this all happen? During our investigation, we came up with three questions about this case that we couldn't figure out at first. They are…" Mint turns to the team, telling them what they know and speak.

"Right," Rouge says, "One is: How did the thief get inside?"

"Two: Where is the thief?" Sunshine stated.

"And three: When did the painting get stolen?" Princess said and finished.

Mint speaks again, "These three questions left us confused after all of us, divided into three groups, did our thorough investigation. But we figured it out when we put our heads together with good brain-storming deductions."

Hearing Mint got Sage Cray curious. "Really?" he said, "What did you figure out?"

"I don't want to take all credit." Mint turns to the Pretty Cure team again. "Does anybody else want to explain?"

"Yeah! I do!" Heart speaks up and raises her hand. "To understand how this crime happened, we need to answer the questions we stated earlier in the correct order."

Mr. Collage raises an eyebrow and says, "What do you mean by that?"

"The puzzling questions we've said earlier are our guide to solving this case. And the very first one is..."

"How did the culprit get inside-sharu?," Shararu answers via in her commune form.

"Right!" Heart agrees.

Sage Cray hears, smooths his long white beard, and ponders. "Yes," he said, "how did our crook get inside the museum? This place has hefty security."

Officer Cut says, "Our guards stated they haven't seen any suspicious person infiltrating from windows."

Paste then says, "And all our checkpoints, both the guests and employee entrance, didn't report any red flags of crooks sneaking in and passing the security. And none of them carried any thieving tools."

"So," Canvas speaks, "how did the crook get in?"

"Simple!" Beauty speaks, "Only one thing we discussed and figured out...

...they walked right in!"

When Beauty made that firm statement, the mayor, the sage, the curator, the art critic, and the two guards flinched in shock.

"Say what...?" Mr. Collage said in bewilderment.

"It's the truth," Honey followed up. "There were no break-ins from the outside and inside this art museum. Yet, how did the culprit get inside? One logical reason: Our thief walked inside without any sneaking maneuvering. They either walked in from the front doors or through the employee's entrance and easily passed the security checkpoints."

White then says, "This art museum has highly advanced security equipment, and its alarm will go off if an intruder breaks into the building. But the security records show no infiltration last night and today."

Egret finally says, "Which only leaves the fact that the crook just simply entered this art museum casually."

The men and the K-9 became intrigued after hearing the Pretty Cure team's statements.

"Then…" Canvas speaks as he thinks and scratches his chin, "if the crook did get inside the museum on the day of Mr. Impasto's presentation, how was it possible we didn't track them once they were inside?"

"That's when the next question comes in," Ace speaks up and raises her finger. "Where is the thief?"

"Right," Sage Cray agrees, "where was the thief just before Mr. Impasto's painting was stolen?"

"All of our guards in the museum didn't see any person that looked out of the ordinary like dark clothes or carrying a duffle bag," Cut noted.

Collage then says, "If our thief did get inside, where would he be? How could he slip past the guards while they were inside the museum?"

Sunshine answers, "This may shock you, but there's only one way..." Everybody waited for Sunshine's answer.

"The thief was already among the crowd... in plain sight."

Sunshine's answer made the staff men and the K-9 blink again.

"It's true," Moonlight agrees. "It would be a sore thumb sticking out if the thief dressed in dark clothes or carried a suspicious bag to steal something. Which is why, to fool everyone and the security in this museum, the thief just blended in with the crowd.

They looked like any ordinary citizens of this city and just casually stepped inside the museum without drawing any alert to the guards. They arrive at the room where Mr. Impasto's painting is being held and just wait within the crowd until they move at the right moment to swipe the artwork."

Mayor Graph heard but replied, "But... But how's that possible? If our thief is in the spectators' crowd, how could they steal the painting right before our eyes?"

"Yes," Sage Cray agrees, "A crook couldn't possess invisibility powers. And the infrared cameras would've caught the crook in their sights. Plus, because the guards brought Impasto's painting to the presentation room, it would've been impossible to steal it from their secured hands."

"And yet," Curator Canvas says, "the moment we unveiled the painting, it was suddenly gone. Mr. Impasto even checked before revealing that his painting is still there."

"Which leaves to our last question," Aqua said calmly, "When did the painting get stolen?"

Milky Rose says, "Based on what we covered so far, the thief couldn't steal the painting before the grand revealing nor before it was brought to the presentation room. And there's no way it was stolen after the revealing. So this only leaves one option, and that is…"

Pine answers, "The painting was stolen…

during the revealing!"

Once again, the staff blinked in surprise at Pine's statement.

"Yes," Rhythm agrees, "Just right before the grand revealing of Mr. Impasto's secret artwork, the thief somehow whisked the painting right before it was uncovered to the audience. There was evidence on Mr. Impasto's frame that a couple of latches holding the frame were pried and loose. That opened a slit in the frame, which allowed the crook to steal the painting."

Muse then says, "And when everyone is distracted by the disappearance of Impasto's painting, the crook managed to swipe the painting before anyone notices the thief has possession of the artwork."

"But!" Mayor Stroke speaks up, "That's preposterous! Mr. Impasto's artwork has a big dimensional framework. Our crook carrying the stolen painting is like sticking out a sore thumb. The guards would've seen the crook carried with the painting in their hands."

Passion then answers, "Which is why they used some kind of container to hide the painting to conceal it from anyone. They must be carrying something they already have on hand and quickly hid the painting when no one was looking.

Once it was hidden away from everyone's eyes, the thief can easily walk away with the hidden and stolen painting they took and easily escape this museum."

"And that's how our culprit stole Mr. Impasto's painting," Mint said calmly. "Elementary!"

Mayor Graph, Curator Canvas, Art Critic Collage, Sage Cray, Officer Cut, and K-9 Paste all heard and were astounded.

"Interesting..." Canvas said with an intriguing mood. "Very interesting..."

"Impressive," Cut said with a big grin, "Great job figuring out how our thief managed to steal the painting like that."

"Yes," Collage agrees, "I must give you special credit for that achievement."

"But..." Graph speaks and gets everybody's attention, "there's just one problem you forgot to note..." Everyone kept staring at Stroke, anticipating his comment.

"Who is the thief?"

The Pretty Cure team flinched in shock when they heard Graph's question.

Graph continues to say, "I mean, it's fantastic you deduced how the thief snuck in and stole the painting. But who is responsible for stealing Mr. Impasto's artwork? That's one of the biggest mysteries you haven't mentioned."

"Quite so, Pretty Cures," Sage Cray speaks. "Do you have a good theory who could've done it?"

The magical girls turned concerned and shuddered to reply. The six men and the K-9 noticed the heroines' worried expressions.

Mint regrettably says, "Although I love solving mysteries, considering that I've read a lot of mystery novels, I'm afraid… we don't have a clue who our culprit is." The staff men blinked again.

"We got so focused on how the thief swiped the painting, but we don't have any leads who is the thief," Peach said regretfully.

"Plus, we don't even know where is the painting right now," Tarte noted.

"We're sorry, sirs," Natts said in concern, "but this is all we can come to tell you so far-natsu."

The six men and the K-9 heard and turned worried. Canvas says, "Is there anything else you, Pretty Cures, know about this stolen painting mystery?"

"There is one more thing," Peace answers calmly. "It's about the painting." She then turns to Impasto. "If you don't mind that if we tell about…"

"No, it's-a okay," Mr. Impasto replies calmly. "I don't want to spoil it. But with this situation, I think they should-a know, too." The Pretty Cure team heard and grinned.

Sword turns to the six men and says, "To completely solve this mystery, we need to know every little detail to support our evidence during our investigation, even if it spoils the surprise. We asked Mr. Impasto what the painting was drawn before it got stolen and revealed to everyone. Knowing his masterpiece may explain why the culprit stole his artwork in the first place."

"You asked about Mr. Impasto about that?" Officer Cut said with shock.

Canvas then says, "If it helps solve the mystery, what did our artist draw?"

Luminous volunteers and answers, "It was a woman. A beautiful fairy woman. That's what Mr. Impasto drew that he would show everyone."

"A woman, huh?" Mayor Graph said with curiosity. "She must be a real beauty if Mr. Impasto drew her."

"Is there anything else you want to tell us about your investigation?" Collage asks.

"Unfortunately," Marine said with a slump, "This is all we got."

"Sorry, guys…" Egret apologizes in concern, "If only we had more clues or leads of who our thief is, we could've solved this stolen art mystery with success and pride. But…"

"Sage Cray," Black said, "I know you want us to solve this mystery to prove we're smart warriors who can overcome any challenge. But we hit a wall, and this is what we all have."

Sage Cray hears and sees the troubled Pretty Cure team, feeling regretful they couldn't solve the mystery completely.

"…Still," Sage Cray speaks, "You Pretty Cures have great wisdom to deduce much of this mystery so far. That's a great feat."

"How can it be?" Mint said with concern. "I will never call myself a great detective if I leave this mystery unsolved."

"We did everything we can-ropu." Syrup said.

"Yeah," Ribbon agrees, "we just didn't have enough clues to solve the final piece of this mystery-desu wa."

Mr. Impasto sighs in sorrow. "My-a beautiful artwork," he said in mourn. "I may never see it again."

"Don't feel bad, Mr. Impasto," Officer Cut said and comforted the artist. "We'll catch that crook and get your artwork back…, eventually."

"So much for the great surprise," Canvas said with a bit of sadness. "I was even looking forward to it."

"Yeah," Collage said in mourning, "I would've given a great review on Impasto's painting too."

As everyone mourns, feeling defeated that the mystery isn't solved, Matt hears, witnesses, and turns intrigued after listening to everything he has heard. Seeing everyone depressed in failure made Matt Oda worried that the mystery hadn't been solved. Then, numerous thoughts clouded his mind.

"All the Pretty Cures did their best to unravel this art thievery mystery so far," Matt thought. "We figured out how our crook got in and stole the painting away. We finished about 98% of this mystery, except for that two percent…, the identity of the thief and where the stolen artwork currently is. We also didn't find any clues that led to our unknown thief.

But… what if there is…?

We're almost near the finish line of this mystery, and the Pretty Cures want to prove themselves they're more than fighting magical warriors, defending from diabolical enemies."

Matt then makes a thinking expression on his face.

"All we need is one little but conclusive evidence that will guarantee it will lead to the thief's identity. But what is that evidence…? It's time once again for me to do some…

Critical Thinking."

Matt then places his index fingers on his head and closes his eyes, concentrating on his thinking. Matt Oda focuses and thinks deeply in his mind…

---

We've succeeded so far in how the crook stole the painting in front of everyone's eyes. But what we need now is who is our crook. Who is the guilty party? Who did it?

To solve this last point of this mystery, I need to figure out a specific fact about our thief. Suppose our thief managed to steal Mr. Impasto's painting in such an exquisite way, like what the Pretty Cures stated. In that case, our thief planned this heist way ahead before we arrived in Crayon Point and the presentation. Which means one thing about our crook:

They must've seen Mr. Impasto's secret painting before anyone else.

They had to know what and how the painting would look like to organize their heist.

But, after our arrival and during the investigation, many people we interacted with and interrogated had no idea what Mr. Impasto's painting would depict. After all, we heard, and they said…

Memories from Matt's mind begin to recap him.

"Can we go see it? I'm so eager to see what kind of painting it will be," Cure Peace stated.

"I'm curious myself what the mysterious painting is too," Cure Beauty said.

"Hmm... I wonder what the picture will be? A flower perhaps?" from what Cure Lovely stated.

"Maybe it's one of those beautiful castles," Cure Princess thought.

"I'll bet it's a picture of a landscape. I saw a whole room of landscapes in this museum," a spectator mentioned.

"Nah, must be another rainbow. Y'know how Spectrum Land is notable for rainbows," another spectator noted.

All the people of the city, including us Pretty Cures, never know what Mr. Impasto's secret painting will be.

Even the curator and the two head guards didn't know either. From what I remember…

"Did the guards get a good look to see if the painting was still in its frame?" Cure Sword questioned.

"Of course not!" Canvas responded.

"But why?" Cure Lemonade asked in concern.

"Mr. Impasto's creation will be an amazing surprise, making our jaws drop. And we don't want anyone, which includes my workers, the guards, and I, to peek and spoil ourselves."

None, I mean none, had a good look at the painting. Only the thief did.

When we hit a roadblock of who our crook is during our investigation, we need to know why the robber took the painting in the first place. Which, of course, we had to know what the painting the artist was going to show, even if it meant spoiling the surprise.

We met the artist Mr. Impasto again and asked about his secret artwork to help us solve the mystery.

He understood our reason and said…

"It was… A Woman… Si, a beautiful woman. As I remember, she is the most amazing sight I've ever-a seen in Brown Mountains. She has a beautiful figure and even has rainbow wings on her back."

And according to Mr. Impasto, he has an incredible photographic memory. So he captured that woman's detailed figure very well. With this fact, the culprit must've also seen the woman Mr. Impasto mentioned and drew before they took his painting.

…Think hard, Matt… Remember what you seen and heard… What is it that I heard and seen but missed it at first? Think… Think…

Then, different memories and remembered facts begin to cloud Matt's mind.

First Memory:

Officer Cut: "For artists bringing their art masterpieces, we instructed them to deliver them to the museum's back entrance. That's the staff entrance. From there is a security checkpoint that analyzes and scans for dangerous and suspicious substances or weapons."

From group 1:

Cure Diamond: "I'll bet it's one of the guards that took the painting. During the transport, one secretly took the painting away from the frame and hid it in their uniforms."

Canvas: "That's impossible."

Shararu: "Why-sharu?"

"Because Mr. Impasto checked to see if his painting was still intact after we delivered, and he confirmed his masterpiece was still in the frame."

From group 2:

Blossom: "Excuse me, sirs. Has anything unusual been delivered here recently?"

Second guard: "A couple of the woodshop owners, including Mr. Collage and Mr. Canvas, delivered podiums and stands here to display the museum's artwork. These doors are the staff and shipment's entrance, and any furniture or carriable objects must be inspected here through a security checkpoint before they are accessed inside the building."

First guard: "Our inspectors checked, and none looked suspicious."

Second memory:

Paste: "A skillful artist is about to present his latest and mysterious masterpiece."

Third memory:

Mayor Graph: "Welcome, and we are so glad for all of you to join us to reveal Mr. Impasto's latest masterpiece. He's been working on this fine art for quite some time, and we're all eager to know. He said this artwork is an inspiration he encountered by a magical surprise. He captured that moment, put on this painting, and now we're here to see his special surprise ourselves.

Fourth memory:

Collage: She would've been a real beauty if we ever saw the painting. And I would've given a good review, too.

But that last memory, Matt thought, made him jolt. He then revisualizes and remembers that one particular memory.

Cure Princess: "We were hoping you could tell us the location of Brown Mountain's Wonder Color. But it looks like you have a big issue on your hands."

Mr. Collage: "Indeed, we do. Mr. Impasto's presentation was going to be an astonishment to everyone here in Crayon Point. He said it'll be phenomenal after the grand revealing. She would've been a real beauty if we ever saw the painting. And I would've given a good review, too."

Canvas: "Quite so, but now the painting's gone, it is a disappointment."

Matt then remembered Collage's words…

"She would've been a real beauty if we ever saw the painting. And I would've given a good review, too."

"She would've been a real beauty if we ever saw the painting."

"She would've been a real beauty…"

"She would've…"

"She…"

"SHE…"

Matt then exits his critical thinking, and then…

---

"HOT DOG!" Matt screamed successfully and slapped his fist, "That's it!"

Matt's triumphant scream jolted everyone in the room. The Pretty Cures, the fairies, Tint, the six men, and K-9 Paste are startled by Matt.

"Gracious!" Sage Cray said with shock. "Are you trying to scare our souls out of our bodies?"

"Sorry, everyone," Matt apologized. But he regained his confidence. "But I've finally figured out who our thief really is." Everyone heard Matt and blinked in surprise.

"You do, Matt!?" Princess said with astonishment.

"Then tell us!" Mint begged. "Who did it?"

"Yes-a please!" Impasto said with eagerness, "Whodunnit!?"

Matt calmly answers, "I've been thinking critically about our thief. And I realized that the crook had to see Mr. Impasto's painting beforehand to plan and carry out this heist. We all stated how the crook stole the painting so well in today's revealing presentation. That's because they've already seen how big and delicate Mr. Impasto's artwork was way before the presentation day. And successfully, the thief stole Impasto's masterpiece without anyone noticing it. And they already hid the painting right after the thief swiped it. And they tried to escape soon before anyone else could figure out this mystery.

After thinking very hard and thoroughly, there's only one person I know who has the ability to do this. And that is…"

Everyone became very eager to know as they anticipated Matt's answer. Matt then raises his index finger in the air. And then he points to the thief.

"You!

...

MR. COLLAGE!

You are the art thief!"

...

Mr. Collage jolted in shock when Matt accused him. Everyone else turned to the art critic, and everybody had shocked faces.

"What!?" Mr. Collage said in great shock. "Me!?"

"Mr. Collage?" Beat said in great surprise.

"The art critic!?" Curator Canvas said in shock.

But Mayor Graph says, "But Mr. Collage is an art critic. All he does is give reviews for all the artwork here in this museum. His reviews are what give these fabulous masterpieces a valuable price. How can he be the culprit?"

Matt answers firmly, "It wasn't until after Impasto told us what his secret painting had on it. As he said, it is a woman.

Everyone in this city, including us Pretty Cures, never knows what Mr. Impasto will show until today's grand reveal, except one person, the thief. Our guilty party managed to get a good look at Mr. Impasto's secret artwork before he stole it so he could plan his heist and snatch the painting right under everyone's noses.

Earlier and during our investigation, everyone had thoughts of what the secret painting was going to depict. Even a few Pretty Cures are queried about what Impasto's secret artwork will show. From what I heard, some guessed it would be a rainbow, a castle, or a field of flowers."

"So," Mr. Collage says, "what's this got to do with me being the culprit?"

"A guaranteed one, Collage. Earlier today, after the painting was stolen, you said something earlier that I didn't take note of at first. But I realized you just made a dead giveaway up to this point."

"And what's that, young man?" Sage Cray asked.

Matt points to Collage and replies, "Mr. Collage, you said, and I quote, 'She would've been a real beauty if we ever saw the painting.' It would've been a great beauty if we all had ever seen Mr. Impasto's surprising painting he would've shown us. But in your case…

How did you know Mr. Impasto's secret painting depicted a female being?"

When Matt makes a solid proof statement, Mr. Collage jolts in great shock. And the Pretty cures, the fairies, Tint, and the other five men with Paste flinched too.

"Hey! That's right!" White agreed, "How did you know that?"

"Yes!" Sage Cray agrees, too. "I have a good memory, and I remember you said that earlier."

Matt Oda continues, "Nobody knows what Mr. Impasto's secret and surprise painting will show. Everybody kept saying Mr. Impasto's mysterious artwork, masterpiece, and painting.

But for you, Mr. Collage, how did you narrow it down so close that Mr. Impasto's secret artwork depicts a girl, a woman, or some kind of female being? This information wasn't revealed until Mr. Impasto said it out loud."

Mr. Impasto heard and said, "But, the thing is, I never mentioned to Mr. Collage or anyone else about my-a latest artwork. I even ensured no-a one would see my creation before today's presentation. So how did Mr. Collage…?"

"Only one thing," Blossom says, "you had to secretly see Mr. Impasto's painting before the grand revealing. You must've also seen and known the artwork's dimensions and how big his painting will be."

"But," Lemonade speaks, "if this is true, and this mystery we have, then that really means…"

Everyone, with great suspicion, kept staring at Mr. Collage, and the art critic hesitated with fear.

"It is true…" Mint said with a calm and firm face. "You did indeed steal the painting."

"Now, hold on a minute!" Mr. Collage revolted and became frustrated. "How could I steal Mr. Impasto's greatest and latest artwork? You all saw how big that frame is. His painting is so big that it can obviously be seen by anyone. And look at me now. I don't have it."

And it's true. Mr. Collage shows himself, and there's no stolen painting he has on him, not even within his jacket.

"And this whole museum is full of people and tight security. So, hiding it would be impossible from anyone in this bustling place.

So, Mr. Smarty Pants, if I did see and rob that painting, where do you think I hide it in such a lively building and from the security?"

Matt remained calm and answered with a firm attitude. "Very simple," Matt said. The gentleman then points to the source.

"Your cane!"

Everyone else looked and noticed Mr. Collage's cane. The art critic noticed and widened his eyes.

Matt continues, "I also remembered from you that your cane is extendable. You even demonstrated to us how to adjust its height. Judging by your cane's length right now, it's big enough to fit Mr. Impasto's painting inside it."

"But," Officer Cut speaks, "how did he put the stolen artwork inside his cane?"

"It's this: When the guards delivered Mr. Impasto's painting from the vault and into this presentation room, Curator Canvas and Mr. Collage volunteered to place the artwork onto the stand. But Mr. Collage hid his hand underneath the cloth, covering the painting, to loosen the latches in the back of the frame.

Then, just before they removed the cloth covering Mr. Impasto's painting to be revealed, Collage once again hid his hand under the cloth and secretly and stealthily whisked the painting away from the frame along with the cloth. The painting was then hidden within the cloth at the moment.

And when everyone is distracted by the missing painting in the frame, Collage quickly rolls up Mr. Impasto's artwork and hides it inside his cane while being covered and concealed by the same cloth. Once he placed the painting safely and secured it inside his cane, he tossed the cloth away and quickly revealed his hands to 'prove' he didn't steal it and had nothing to hide."

Hearing Matt again made the Pretty Cure team, the five staff men, and K-9 Paste, became more suspicious of Mr. Collage. The art critic panicked even more.

"Officer, you could inspect the same cloth if any material evidence comes from Mr. Impasto's painting. But Collage, if you want to prove to everyone that I'm wrong and you're innocent, please show us that the inside of your cane is empty."

Matt then shows his hand to Mr. Collage, asking him to hand over his cane and inspect the inside of it. Mr. Collage turned worried and sweated in fear but regained his composure.

The art critic says, "Look, I can assure you I'm not the thief. And there's nothing for me to show what's inside my trusty cane. If you excuse me, I think the trolley is repaired, and I must leave to meet a client in Pigment Village."

"Mr. Collage," Matt speaks and stops the art critic, "I understand you need to get going, but this will only take a second. Can you please just quickly show us your cane?"

"I'm telling you, there's nothing in it. Now, if you excuse me, I've got a trolley to cat-"

"Mr. Collage!" Sage Cray shouted and interrupted. "Our gentleman here kindly asks what's in your cane to prove your innocence. So, mister…

Why are you refusing to show?"

Mr. Collage turned frightened, and sweat watered over on the art critic. He then sees the Pretty Cure team, Mayor Graph, the sage, the curator Canvas, and the officers Cut and Paste staring firmly and aggressively at Mr. Collage.

The art critic panics and he says, "Well… you see… you see…" Before he could answer…

WOOSH!

Mr. Collage quickly bolted and headed for the exit. The gang flinched in surprise when they saw Mr. Collage trying to escape. But K-9 Paste quickly reacted and pounced on Mr. Collage, successfully knocking the art critic to the ground. Officer Cut then appears over Mr. Collage and restrains him from escaping.

"Great job, boy!" Officer Cut complimented his K-9.

"Thank you, sir," Paste replies.

"Let me go!" Collage cried, "I didn't do it!"

Mint and Matt appeared, and the guard gave Matt Collage's cane. "Let's see if I'm right," Matt said as he unscrewed the cane. Matt then loosens the cane enough to make it come apart. Once the cane is split into two pieces, Matt removes one half of the cane and…

"Look!" Mint shouted.

A few more Pretty Cures, a few fairies, and Mr. Impasto appeared next to Matt and Mint and looked. And what everybody sees is a scrolled canvas hidden inside Mr. Collage's cane. And on the corner of the scrolled canvas is a signature.

"Hey," Peace said, "Is that?"

"Mr. Impasto," Mint speaks, "Your card!"

The artist heard and brought out his business card. He then compares his signature on his card and on the rolled canvas. They both exactly match!

"Mamma Mia!" Impasto said with great delight, "My painting!" Matt then gives the stolen painting to Impasto. "Oh, Grazie! Grazie, Pretty Cures! Grazie! Grazie!"

"So, it's all true!" Mayor Graph said with irritated grief. "Mr. Collage, you are truly the art thief of this heinous shenanigan."

Art Critic Mr. Collage heard and gritted his teeth in great anger.

"Collage, I can't believe this!" Curator Canvas said with a horrified face. "You are a great art critic. Your inspirational words give all these paintings in my museum such a unique creation and make them very valuable. Why would you do this?"

"Why!? WHY!?" Collage said in great anger, and Cut restraints the art critic, "It's one thing to say how good an artwork can be, but another thing how valuable it is to save your life."

"What does that mean?" Happy asked with a gruff on her face.

"While I have the position to judge how all these confounded pictures are worth, I didn't have the ability to recover my vast debts. I was in a financial crisis, and I begged them for extensions numerous times. But now they said I've been taking too long and they need the money instantly. I was at my limit.

However, I secretly discovered Mr. Impasto's secret painting briefly before he concealed it from the public's eyes. I saw how beautiful and well-detailed that woman was he drew. I figured that magnificent artwork would help me escape my financial problems.

So I organized this whole heist before anyone else would find out."

"Yes," Mint heard and understood, "That's why you're eager to leave and head to Pigment Village to meet a client. But that's because you were trying to escape with the stolen painting."

Moonlight then says, "And the client you're going to meet in the village must be a shady dealership to exchange Impasto's painting for the money. Since you're an art critic, you have the knowledge of how valuable and the quality of the painting will be. You can then exchange the painting for such a high price."

White says, "And when you got the money, you would come back to Crayon Point and use it to repay your debts. It will also be too late if the stolen painting is already exchanged, and it will never be recovered again."

Mint finally says, "Indeed, this was part of your criminal plan. But you didn't expect that the trolley was severely damaged because we were on it and were attacked by the Blots.

Originally, you were supposed to meet the shady dealer during our investigation. But since it's been delayed due to the total damage to the trolley, you had to wait and hoped we wouldn't solve this mystery before you left. If you made the trade and came back here, you would calmly show us your cane, which would be empty. But…"

"It all went awry the moment we showed up, and you couldn't escape and meet the dealer sooner," Tint stated with a confident face.

Mr. Collage stared at the Pretty Cure team with an angry face. But he drops his head in complete misery that his whole crime was a failure.

"Well, that sums it up," Sage Cray stated. "Collage, you could've told us you were in financial trouble, and maybe we could've helped you. But instead, you committed a crime… a sly and conceiving one, too. So, there's only one thing left to do. Officer Cut…?"

"Right," Cut replies and restrains the art critic, "Mr. Collage, you're under arrest! You have the right to remain silent and have a right to an attorney." Cut then handcuffs Mr. Collage.

"Too bad for you, Collage," Paste speaks, "Instead of dealing with those debts and bills, you're now facing time in jail."

Mr. Collage said in a grouchy mood, "How absurd! My great thieving plan was ruined. And I would've gotten away with it too if it wasn't for you meddling and frilly kids and their smart-aleck man!"

"That's enough criticism from you, Collage," Canvas said aggressively. "Take him away!"

Cut heard and nodded. He, along with K-9 Paste and a couple of guards that appeared, escorted the arrested Mr. Collage to jail.

Still, in her detective wardrobe, Mint smiles, tips her deerstalker, and confidently says, "And with that, men, the mystery is solved and closed!"

The Pretty Cure team heard and shouted, "Hooray!" in great victory. The mayor, the curator, Mr. Impasto, and Sage Cray applauded the Pretty Cures' triumphant success.

"Bravo!" Impasto cheered, "Bravo!"

"Splendid work, Pretty Cures!" Canvas happily appraised.

"Well done, heroes of Spectrum Land," Sage Cray said and complimented. "You've proven you can overcome this challenge with your pure wisdom. You have what it takes to save our world of color."

"Thank you very much, Sage Cray," Fortune replies happily, "but…" She and all the other Pretty Cures warriors, including the fairies, turned to Matt. He blinked when the Pretty Cure team stared happily at him. "We couldn't have done it without Matthew Oda."

"Yes!" Ace cheerfully agrees, "Your incredible thinking skills have helped us again and save the day, big time!"

"You truly are a magnificent young man," Aqua commented with a grin.

"For sure-chopi!" Choppy agrees via her commune form.

"I completely agree-mipu!" Mipple said in her commune form.

"You know what?" Dabyi speaks in her commune form, "I think he deserves an award from us for being such a reliable and smart supporter like that-dabyi."

"Hey, you're right," Ribbon agrees, "He deserves something that he's officially a Pretty Cure team member-desu wa."

"Oh, really, girls," Matt said shyly with a grin, "you don't have to. I'm just glad I could help."

Muse shakes her head in neglect and says, "No, Matt. You need something from us that you are worth something special to the whole Pretty Cure team."

"So then, what shall we give him as an award-nya?" Hummy questioned.

The Pretty Cure team ponders Hummy's question.

"Hey!" Dream speaks excitedly, "I've got a brilliant idea." Everyone heard Dream and turned to her. "Matt Oda is such a wonderful and smart member of the Pretty Cures that we should give him a title."

"A title-coco?" Coco asked.

"Yeah! An awesome heroic and cool title for Matt Oda."

"Yeah! I get ya!" Marine agrees. "He should get an amazing title name like us, Pretty Cures."

"What…?" Matt said in a bit of surprise, "Me…?"

"I definitely agree," Rosetta says with a wink. "We wouldn't get this far without Matt's marvelous sleuthing skills."

"Totally!" Sunny said with a smile, "After what Matt Oda has done so much to us Pretty Cures on this adventure, he deserves a Pretty Cure title like all of us."

"Right," Bloom agrees, "after all, he is officially part of the team."

Every Pretty Cure warrior and their fairies all agree. Matt turns a bit shy, feeling humble to be appreciated by the notable magical girl team.

Candy asks, "So then, what shall we call him-kuru?"

With that question in mind, the magical girls and the fairies then start thinking of a solid and valuable title name for Matt.

"Well," Peace speaks, "why don't we just call him Cure Oda?"

Beauty heard and replied, "The problem is Matt Oda is not a warrior like us. And he doesn't have any magical powers to cure our enemies." Peace heard and agreed upon in a bit of mourn.

Melody suggests, "Why don't we call him… Super Sleuthing Matthew Oda?"

Rhythm hears her best friend and replies in concern, "He's not super, Melody… Y'know, superpowers…?"

Melody heard Rhythm, and Melody shyly rubbed the back of her head.

"How about… Matt Oda: the Smartest Pretty Cure member?" Lovely thought and said.

"Lovely…" Aqua speaks, "he's not only the smartest Pretty Cure member…" She, Moonlight, Mint, White, and Diamond stare at Lovely with irk.

Lovely heard and gasped. She then giggles in embarrassment. "…Sorry…"

"What about… The Helpful Matthew Oda-kuru?" Candy asked.

Tarte heard but replied, "That's okay…, but helpful may be too unappealing for a special man like Matt."

Candy hears, and she slumps to hear the result.

Every Pretty Cure warrior and their fairies are having trouble giving Matt a title name. Matt witnesses the team as he feels considerate of them.

"Look, ladies," Matt says, "I appreciate your gratitude, but it's okay. I'm just glad I could help."

"But Matt…" Berry complains in worry, "you've done so much to us. You deserve a reward from us, Pretty Cures, for your smartness and bravery abilities."

"Yeah," Milky Rose agrees, "we can't call you Matt Oda for nothing. You need a title like all of us Pretty Cures."

Matt then says, "Okay, but what…?"

Everyone kept thinking until…

"I've… got one," Luminous speaks, getting everybody's attention. "It doesn't sound so much, but I think it suits Matt Oda's personality."

"What is it, Luminous?" Black asks.

Luminous takes a breath, and then she replies, "Well… why don't we call him…

The Pretty Cure Gentleman?"

When they all heard Luminous's suggestion, the team became in awe.

"…The Pretty Cure… Gentleman…?" Honey said.

Luminous nods and then says, "I thought that name because he's very kind and thoughtful to others, especially his gentle charm. He uses his thinking skills to help others in need. And he's very brave and compassionate to assist whenever his friends are in trouble. I mean, that's what a true gentleman does, correct?"

The Pretty Cure team heard Shiny Luminous's statement. And then…

"Luminous! I love it!" White said with a big smile.

"What a wonderful name," Blossom said with great glee.

"Yes!" Berry said with delight, "It's perfect!"

Ace smiles and says, "It suits our gentleman friend, Matt Oda."

Every Pretty Cure warrior and their fairies completely agree with Luminous's recommendation.

Cure Dream then turns to Matt Oda and says, "It's decided! From this moment on, you are Matthew Oda: The Pretty Cure Gentleman!"

"Yep!" Princess agrees, "You're now officially one of us, Mr. Precure Gentleman!"

"Whoo-hoo!" Syrup cheers, "Pretty Cure Gentleman, Matt Oda! I like it-ropu!"

"Us too-desu!" Shypre and Coffret both said in unison.

"Me three-desu wa!" Ribbon agrees, too.

Every Pretty Cure warrior and their fairies agree on Matt's new Pretty Cure title. Matt once again feels humble from the magical team.

"Aw gee, ladies…" Matt said shyly, "You're making me blush." The Pretty Cure team giggles cheerily for Matt's reaction.

Mayor Graph, Curator Canvas, Sage Cray, and Mr. Impasto appeared on the Pretty Cure team. The team noticed them.

"Pretty Cures," Graph speaks, "We can't thank you enough. And you too, Mr. Pretty Cure Gentleman."

"Is there anything you like from us to repay your generous assistance and success?" Canvas asks.

"Well," Mint said, "You did promise to tell us where the Brown Wonder Color of Brown Mountain is."

"Ah, yes! Of course!" Sage Cray replied. "But before I do, I think we should all get a good peek of Mr. Impasto's secret painting now that it's recovered." The sage then turns to the artist. "Impasto, I believe you got something to show us for your presentation?"

"Si," Mr. Impasto replies happily, "I-a sure do."

---

Later that day, everyone is again gathered in the same room where Mr. Impasto's secret painting is being held. The artwork is once again concealed with a cloth. Spectators, most of the same ones from earlier, came and were very eager to see the latest artwork. The Pretty Cure team, Sage Cray, Mayor Stroke, Curator Canvas, and the two guards Cut and Paste are present to see Mr. Impasto's painting.

A few spectators are gossiping with each other.

"I heard the Pretty Cures solved the mystery and recovered the painting," a spectator gossiped.

"Yeah," another spectator agrees, "because of them, we can now finally see the surprising painting."

"The Pretty Cures are so awesome!" one more spectator commented.

Mayor Graph then stands in front of the crowd, getting their attention.

"Citizens of Crayon Point!" Mayor Stroke speaks loudly, "Thank you for coming here again to see Mr. Impasto's latest artwork one more time. Our earlier presentation shocked us, but this time will be different." He turns and shows his hand to the Pretty Cure team. "Because thanks to the Pretty Cures, Mr. Impasto's painting has been recovered, and we are finally and truly going to see his artwork this time. Give them a big hand!"

The spectators, with big smiles, applauded the Pretty Cure team. The magical heroines, the fairies, Tint, and Matt Oda, smiled and waved back at the spectators.

"And now, without further ado, it's time for the grand revealing."

That was Canvas and Cut's cue as they approached the covered painting, getting ready to remove the cloth.

"Citizens! Mr. Impasto's masterpiece!"

Cut and Canvas immediately removed the cloth, revealing Impasto's latest artwork.

When the painting was revealed, everyone became completely awed and speechless. Canvas and Cut also looked at the painting after they removed the cloth. The two men's jaws dropped. The Pretty Cure team witnessed and is wholly bedazzled. Sage Cray sees the artwork and makes a big grin. And Mr. Impasto makes a calm and happy smile. To everybody's eyes, Mr. Impasto's painting did depict…

A beautiful woman.

She has a curvy figure and is dressed in a colorful long dress with long glittering sleeves and high-heeled shoes. She has shiny and colorful fairy wings on her back, shining like a rainbow in the sky. Her eyes are closed, but she has long, curled eyelashes. Lastly, she has long, shiny, and glittering hair with different vivid colors of the rainbow and its ends curled up. Her posture shows her body floating upright, praying, and her head looking up toward the sky as the sun shines on her.

Everyone kept staring at Mr. Impasto's beautiful woman he drew for a few minutes. They were all speechless and jaw-dropped. But then, the spectators smiled and applauded Mr. Impasto's greatest masterpiece. After seeing Impasto's wonderful artwork, everybody cheered, roared, and whistled with great joy.

"Grazie, Everyone!" Mr. Impasto said and bowed. "Grazie! Grazie!"

The Pretty Cure team applauded after seeing Impasto's art.

"Wow," Beat said with amazement, "that's the woman he drew and told us?"

Happy makes a huge smile and says, "She's so beautiful."

"I completely agree-kuru," Candy said.

"I don't even know if beautiful is good enough for that woman," Princess commented.

"I can't believe he drew her of what he witnessed and remembered," Peace said joyfully. "I can never draw something like that."

As everyone continues to be amazed by Impasto's artwork, White makes a curious thought. She says, "You know, Mr. Impasto said he drew that woman because he met and saw her. If that's the case, who is that woman he met?"

"Are you eager to know?" Sage Cray asked as he appeared next to the Pretty Cure team. The magical heroes noticed the sage's presence. Sage Cray makes a cheeky face, "That woman you see in Impasto's painting is no ordinary woman with wings. She is a legendary fairy that resides deep within the highest mountain of Brown Mountains."

"Mr. Impasto did mention that when we asked about his artwork for our investigation," Honey noted.

Aqua turned curious and said, "Impasto said he met her. But… you know her too?"

"Yes, indeed," Sage Cray answered. "You see, Mr. Impasto wasn't the only guy who encountered that fairy you see in his painting. I, too, met that fairy woman from the same mountain she resides." The team blinked in surprise.

"You too?" Egret asked in shock.

Marine says, "For a sage to meet that fairy in the tallest mountain, she must be extraordinary for you to meet and interact with her."

"Indeed, Cure Marine," Sage replied, "And there's a reason why.

You Pretty Cures are looking for the Brown Wonder Color of Brown Mountains, correct?" The team nodded in response. "Then the Brown Wonder Color resides in the same place where that fairy woman is. And you're going to meet her in person."

The team blinked again after hearing the sage's last statement.

"In person…?" Berry questions.

"What do you mean by that?" Tint asked.

Sage Cray then calmly replies, "That fairy woman you see and will meet…

She's the guardian of the Brown Wonder Color."

The Pretty Cure team heard the sage's answer. There was a moment of silence until…

"EEEEEEEHHHHH!?"

---

Author's Notes

The scene(s) where Matt does his critical thinking is an inspirational scene "Revisualization" from the murder mystery and court debating game series: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney