Persona 5P: The Phantom Paradox (Persona 5 Royal & Strikers / Young Justice: Outsiders)
Chapter 7: Calling Card to Bedlam
Hotel Markov, Markovburg, Markovia
July 29th, 2018 12:15 PM EEST
It was pouring as Ren walked back into the hotel with his face calm and composed. Drops of water slid down his raincoat and his glasses are fogged up. The weather seemed to have reflected the feelings inside him. For the first time, he knew Yusuke won't be responsible for the rain.
In one hand, he held a heavy looking plastic bag. Some of the rain had fallen onto it, despite his attempts to keep it dry. Temporarily taking off his glasses to wipe them clean, he walked to the elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor. As he waited, he turns around and sees the receptionist looking at him.
"One of my friends is a big eater," Ren explained, holding up the box of food. "I hadn't had breakfast this morning either. Lunch helps him cope with…you know…"
The receptionist nodded in understanding and went back to work. He could tell that she's in mourning like the rest of the citizens of Markovburg for the recently deceased monarchs of Markovia. Beloved king and queen taken from them hit them hard. Even though he's not a citizen here, they saved his and Ryuji's life. He felt indebted to them.
The elevator doors opened. Ren stepped inside and pressed the button for his floor. As the elevator ascends, he went over what he learned this morning about the monarch's deaths.
Last night, Jaculi, a Quraci terrorist broke into the palace and brutalize several of the royal guards before stabbing the king and queen in their sleep. According to the news this morning, the terrorist is a metahuman, which would explain how he single handedly took out the Royal Guard. He would've killed more if Baron Bedlam hadn't executed the king slayer on the spot.
That last bit made Ren frown with suspicion. The elevator stopped and the doors opened. Ren got out and made his way to the girl's room. Using an extra key that Ann gave him, he entered the room. He found Naomi sitting on the bed, knees drawn up to her chin. She was watching the Galaxy Broadcasting System as it focused on the hot topic of the day.
"Following the assassination of King Victor Markov and Queen Ilona DeLamb-Markov, Baron DeLamb has declared martial law…"
"Ren," Naomi looked away from the screen when she saw him enter the room. She eyed the box in his hands. "What have you got?"
"Lunch," Ren answers as he sets the bag down. Inside are nine sushi bentos with chopsticks inside each of them. He took one out and handed it to her.
"Thanks'," Naomi reached out and took it. She took one sushi roll and ate it, savoring the taste. That joy faded as she looks back at the TV screen. "It's going to get worse isn't it?"
"Yeah," Ren nodded. "A metahuman killing a king and queen…that is going to make things sour."
"No kidding," Naomi shuddered. "Just…why would anyone do this? They said they are going to accept Quraci refugees and assist in ending Metahuman trafficking. To help save people like me."
"Probably because they're panicking," Ren guessed. "With Markovia's resources going to be dedicated to ending Metahuman trafficking, someone figured that they'll be caught. Namely the person running the ring that kidnapped you. That someone may have ordered the assassination in order to protect it."
Of course, he didn't mention that Baron DeLamb is behind it. She didn't need to know that. They didn't want her to get far too involved than she already has.
"Where's Superman when you need him," Naomi asked.
"I wish he was here too," Ren admitted. "I bet he could've saved the king and queen. And probably save the rest of the kids."
"But the UN wouldn't let him," Naomi spats angrily. "I don't know what they are thinking, but I feel like they don't want to help us. It's like nobody cares."
"That's not true, Naomi," Ren said looking at her. "Just because the Justice League isn't here doesn't mean people shouldn't help. Not everyone is that complacent. I mean…we're helping you, if barely. All we've done so far is hide you from your kidnappers."
"Thanks for that," Naomi said. "But how long do you think you can keep this up? Ann said that you guys are going to be leaving by the end of the month, which is one day away."
"That's not going to be an issue for long," Ren said.
"What do you mean?"
"Just a feeling," Ren said as he grabs the bag of sushi bentos. "I better get this to the rest of the guys. Do you know where the girls went?"
"I think they went to your room," Naomi said. "Something about having to calm down Ryuji."
"I got something that can help," Ren said as he walks to the door. "You want me to ask Futaba if she'll let you play on her laptop again?"
"I think I'll sit here and watch some TV," Naomi said as she picked up the remote. "Something to get my mind off this sadness. You go have fun with whatever you guys are up to."
"I understand," was all he could say as he exited the room. He walked down the hallway to the boy's room. As he reached for his room key, he could hear the sound of shouting in the room. The chain lock buzzed and unlocks the door, letting him inside.
"THAT SON OF A BITCH!" Ryuji roared as he threw a pillow. That pillow flew across the room and smacked Ren in the face. It fell to the floor with his glasses landing on them. Ryuji's anger seemed to fade. "Oh…sorry Renren. Sheesh…you really look scary without your glasses."
"Which is why I keep wearing them," Ren answered as he bends over to pick them up. After putting them back on, held up the bag of food. "I got food."
"Is that sushi I smell?" Morgana asked, eyeing the bag with a hungry look. Ren pulled out a sushi bento, opened it up, and gave it to the not-cat. Drool was dripping down from his mouth. "Tuna here I go!"
"Thanks for getting lunch, Ren," Ann said as Ren passes out the sushi bentos. "Goodness knows we'll need it after what happened."
"Hunger and anger certainly go, together don't they?" Yusuke asks as they began to eat.
"And we did shit!" Ryuji snapped. He clenched his chopsticks as his anger returned. "We overheard his plan and could've given them a warning!"
"Would they believe us?" Morgana asked. "Baron Bedlam has secured a respectable reputation among the family and the people.
"Ryuji," Ren spoke calmly. "We're all upset about what happened. But you have to remember…there are somethings that are beyond our control."
"He's right Ryuji. Remember when Shiho tried to kill herself?" Ann asked somberly. "You two couldn't have known she was going to do that."
"The same could be said when Akechi killed my father," Haru said with a frown. "Right after we stole his treasure."
Back in Japan, Goro Akechi was a charismatic detective prince. There was a mental shutdown case that had been going on long before Ren arrived. Akechi was called in to investigate. In reality, he was solving the murders that he committed. All under orders of his bastard father Shido. He became his personal hitman after gaining the same powers as Ren.
Eventually, he killed Haru's father to keep him quiet about his involvement in the conspiracy and frame them for it. As planned, he infiltrated the Thieves to assassinate their leader. They came up with a plan to fool him and confronted him. Ever since that confrontation, they haven't heard hide or hair of him. He just disappeared.
"What's been done has been done," Yusuke said. "Nothing we can do will change that."
"I know…it's just…" Ryuji's face scrunched in anguish. Ann placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"We know how you feel," Ann said gently. "Please…don't beat yourself up over it."
"Okay," Ryuji said as he took a deep breath. "So…any ideas on why that bastard killed them?"
"When they said they'll provide resources to end metahuman trafficking, that meant this country would be investigated as well. Knowing that he was going to get caught eventually, Baron Bedlam took action and had them taken down a peg."
"First his niece, and now his sister and brother-in-law?" Haru spoke with disgust. "How could they have trusted that monster to protect this country?"
"He is a man who wore the mask of a loving family man," Yusuke said, holding a chopstick like a paintbrush. "If I were to guess, that face fooled them long enough. And when they threatened his operation, he took them out."
"And it would benefit him greatly," Makoto said suddenly. Everyone turned to her with questioning looks.
"What do you mean, Mako-chan?" Haru asked.
"Think about it, the King and Queen announced that they will be accepting refugees from Qurac. Back in Bedlams domain, he told Doctor X that he's going to be getting new test subjects for his experiments. Then last night, a Quraci terrorist infiltrates the palace and murders the king and queen in their sleep?" Makoto elaborated to their horror. "This will give him leeway to have them corralled into concentration camps and make them magically disappear."
"And everybody in Markovia will be too angry at them to care," Futaba growled. She is sitting on the bed, cross-legged, her laptop on her lap. "Just like Hitler when he used propaganda to bolster the persecution of the Jews …and inhuman experiments in the second World War."
"Damn it," Ryuji cursed. They all feel the same way he is.
"So, what's going to happen now?" Ann asked. "Who's going to be leading the country now?"
"Assuming I have this correct," Makoto said. "The next in line would be Crown Prince Gregor. But because he's not of age, he'll have to wait until next year. In the meantime…Baron Bedlam will be ruling Markovia as regent."
"So Markovia has one year with a shitty regent?" Ryuji asked bitterly. "He can do so much damage in one year. Man, I wish Prince Gregor can become King faster."
"That's assuming if he becomes king," Ren said darkly, light reflecting off his glasses. Everyone looked at him before they realize where he's going with this.
"You don't mean…" Haru gasped in horror.
"We are talking about a man who ordered a kidnapping inside the palace two years ago, right?" Yusuke asked with a dark look on his face. "Now he ordered an assassination on the monarchs not only to cover his tracks, but to secure a higher position of power."
"And he'll likely order another assassination to keep it that way," Ren said. "Or worse…have a modern-day Prince John and nobody will realize it."
"A pox upon the phony king of Markovia!" Morgana cried out. Despite the tension, the Thieves broke into a laugh.
"Remind me to say that when we face Baron Bedlam," Ryuji said before they got down to business. "So, what's next?"
"Well, we have our infiltration route so now we need to send the calling card," Ren said. He turned to Futaba. "Have you found anything?"
"I got something," Futaba said with a grin. "Turns out, there's going to be a pre-coronation reception for Prince Gregor. Also…the GBS will be holding an interview for Baron DeLamb tonight regarding Martial Law."
"Excellent," Ren said before turning to Yusuke. "Yusuke?"
"Unfortunately, I do not have the proper materials for a calling card," Yusuke said regrettably. "Even if I did, how are we going to send it to Bedlam?"
"Even if we use the Metaverse, it will be risky," Makoto said, giving the pile of Goode Goggles a glance. "The palace would be swarming with security after the assassination. If we just appeared out of nowhere, we'll definitely be arrested. Or worse…"
"Get sent to the lab in the children's hospital," Ren finished grimly. Everyone shuddered at the thought of becoming lab rats. But the calling card is an important step in stealing Baron Bedlams treasure. The question is how to deliver it. They doubt that Bedlam has an email account that he checks regularly for his dark business.
Ryuji had just picked up his last sushi roll when it fell out of the chopsticks. He fumbled for it, accidentally hitting the remote. The TV turned on as a news caster was giving an announcement.
"Baron DeLamb is scheduled to give a statement regarding the death of the late King Victor Markov and his sister the late Queen Ilona Markov-DeLamb. It will be broadcasted live at 4:00."
"A national broadcast?" Haru asked as she got an idea. "Why not do the same thing we did with Shido? Hijack the National Broadcast System?"
"That can work. That way, no matter where he is, the calling card will be received," Makoto said. Then she smiled. "This is definitely like Shido."
"Shouldn't we put this to a vote? After all, we are asking Futaba to hack another country broadcasting system," Yusuke asked with a small smirk.
"I'm thinking that everybody is in agreement at this point Yusuke," Ren said, looking into the faces of the Thieves. They are all in agreement. He turned over to the hacker in question. "Futaba?"
"Are you saying that the original Medjed is going to get us caught?" Futaba asked with an evil smile. "Trust me. I'm already in. My Futaba Cannon is ready to fire!"
"While you work on that, we'll go over the plan one more time," Ren said as he takes out a folded map and laid it on the bed. "This will take a while so listen up…"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Royal Palace, Markovburg, Markovia
July 29th, 2018 4:07 PM EEST
"Oh, I can hear you trembling in your living rooms now," G. Gordon Godfrey drawled dramatically. "But, G. Gordon, martial law? Isn't that a bit extreme? But martial law was invented for a reason, my friends. Isn't that right, Baron?"
"I'm afraid that is exactly right, G. Gordon," Baron DeLamb said on another screen. "My sister and brother-in-law were assassinated by a Quraci meta-human. We need to vet every Quraci in the country for meta-human powers. And that cannot be done without giving Markovia's patriotic security forces the extreme authority to get the job done."
"Well, of course not," G. Gordon said. "Now, what about the throne? Next in line is your nephew, Prince Gregor. Correct?"
"Indeed. But Gregor is only 17. So, until he comes of age next year, I will be acting as his regent.
Baron DeLamb spoke at the podium in the dining room, which has been repurposed into a conference room. Hanging from the far wall are screens that broadcast G. Gordon from the United States. Sitting in front of him are journalists, recording everything that has been said. A camera crew from the GBS news network stood in the middle, operating cameras at the man. Some of them have been taking notes.
As DeLamb continued to speak, the screens began to flicker. Baron DeLamb stopped speaking when he noticed that they are being cut off. Everyone turned to see what he was looking at. On the screens, a black and red ringed background replaced the GBS. A mask with a flaming eye and a top hat popped into existence with a black flame. Below the logo are the words 'Take Your Heart' written in cutout newspaper format. A distorted voice spoke with the volume turned up loud, alternating between male and female.
"Alright Markovia! Listen up!"
"We are the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, and we have come to deliver a message!"
"Good citizens of Markovia…you have suffered countless atrocities. First your children are being sold off to slavery, your princess kidnapped, and now your beloved Monarchs are brutally murdered."
"Yet you are unaware of the monster in your midst. The man that is behind every tragedy that has befallen you. Past, present, and future."
"That man is the very reason we are here. He is a monster who feeds off the lives that he has stolen."
"He treats his own people like crops to be harvested and to be sold off like bottles on a shelf! To top it all, he killed anyone who would oppose him! That proves that he doesn't give a shit about this country at all."
"The identity of that man is the commander of your security forces and now styling himself as regent…Baron Frederick DeLamb!"
Everyone gasped at the accusations as the screen shifted to show a picture of the Baron himself. Some of them whispered to themselves while they took out cameras to record what is being displayed. The latter still stood at the podium, his face both livid with anger and fear. His hands were clenching the podium so hard that it creaked. But the voices weren't finished as the screen shifted to more newspaper cutouts.
"Baron Frederick DeLamb…or Baron Bedlam as it is appropriate for a villain like you. We are now speaking directly to you. You portray yourself as a patriotic soldier for your country when in reality you are a villainous vintner whose thirst for power knows no bounds. You reap innocents like crops, subject them to inhumane experiments and sell off any who survive into slavery, including your own niece, in a Winery of Greed. To top it all, you go as far as to kill your brother and sister, who are far worthy monarchs that you will never hope to compare, just to get closer to the crown. Markovia has trusted you to protect them and you smashed that trust to bits. We have decided that no more people shall be denied justice for the futures that are robbed by one vile man. Tonight, the Phantom Thieves will steal your distorted desires and take back this country! You'll never see us coming."
With that, the screen faded. Silence hung in the air before the journalists stood straight up in their seats. Cameras flash as they asked a barrage of questions.
"Baron DeLamb who are the Phantom Thieves?"
"What about these accusations about the murder of your brother and sister?"
"Are you a metahuman trafficker?"
"Do you have any comments Baron?"
"Silence!" Baron DeLamb roared over the rising voices to silence them. When they've quieted down. "I have no idea what these 'Phantom Thieves' are talking about. If this is some prankster's idea of a practical joke…I'd say that they have poor taste! The thought of killing my sister and brother-in-law fills me with disgust to no end! Whoever these Phantom Thieves are…you better pray that Markovia's Security Forces don't find you for this outrage!"
"This conference is over!" DeLamb steps away from the podium. "Guards! Escort these people out!"
DeLamb walked away from the podium, ignoring the next barrage of questions. Reporters surged forward, but the guards held them back. Upon seeing a guard, he grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him
"Increase security around the palace," DeLamb ordered. "Make sure that not even a mouse can get in! Do it now and do it fast! Got that!"
"Yes milord!" The guard answered with fear.
When no one was watching, he punched a nearby wall. The wall cracked from the impact, leaving a fist sized hole in it. He growled in frustration. "Damn it! How did anyone even find out about this!? No, I will not allow it." He said. Briefly, everything became dark as his shadow took his place. Golden eyes are burning with anger.
"So …mere thieves dare to come into my domain and steal from me? Very well…I shall take care of them myself!"
Things then cut back to reality as he turns to some more the guards.
"Find the ones responsible! I want their heads!" He roared as the guards nodded and dispersed.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Hotel Markov, Markovburg, Markovia
July 29th, 2018 4:16 PM EEST
The Phantom Thieves sat in front of the TV watching the whole thing with Naomi. They were grinning as they saw Baron DeLamb nearly lose his cool on live television. Naomi's eyes are wide with amazement, not taking them off the TV even as it shifted back to G. Gordon Godfrey.
"Wow," Naomi managed to speak out. "That really just happened."
"If that's true, he must be the guy who had you kidnapped," Ann said with a grin. "Oh, he's going to get it now!"
"You meant the Phantom Thieves? You know them?"
"Everyone in Japan knows them," Yusuke said and took a dramatic pose. "They're a group of people who are sick of the deception, hypocrisy and corruption around them. So, they devote themselves to stealing the corrupt hearts of evil adults in order to change and reform society for the better."
Yusuke paused for effect. His friends were giving smirks behind Naomi's back. The girl was more confused than ever.
"Okay," Naomi said. "What do you mean by stealing their hearts? Like rip them out of their chests?"
"What?! No!" Ryuji yelled. "That would be murder!"
"You remember when they mentioned stealing distorted desires when they hijacked the broadcast?" Ren asked. "Well, we don't know what they mean by that, but somehow, they were able to get their targets to confess their crimes and turn themselves into the police."
"Confess their crimes?" Naomi asked in disbelief. "You mean they blackmail them?"
"It wasn't blackmailing," Makoto clarified. "If they did resort to that, they wouldn't have sent them a calling card. There were no threatening letters or signs of break in when the police searched their residents. We don't know how they did it…but anyone who receives it suddenly gets a change of heart. They would go public with their crimes and turn themselves into the police."
"Then it sounds like they could be metahumans," Naomi said. She mistook their offensive looks for surprise. "I mean, how else would you explain it? They must have some sort of mind control powers if they're able to pull it off."
The Thieves in her midst sweat dropped at this swing and miss. According to Futaba's Meta-Detector app, they tested negative for the metagene. Some of them were disappointed that they don't have it, but they had their Persona's. Even if they don't have access to them in the real world, they aren't powerless. They worked together to get Ren out of Juvenile Hall.
"You might be on to something," Haru said. "But the confessions sound to genuine to be the result of brainwashing. Plus, there are witnesses and evidence once police arrested them. I doubt that could be the case."
"I'm just saying," Naomi said placatingly. "But it's nice to have your own superhero team in Japan. Getting people to confess must've been a hype."
"It has been a long time since they were active," Ann said with a smile. "But this is the first time that they've targeted someone outside of our country. If what they said about Baron DeLamb is true, then your days of hiding in a hotel are over."
Naomi seemed to brighten at the prospect. The Thieves smiled as they intend on keeping their promise. There's just one thing to do.
"Welp, we better go get dinner," Futaba said as they got up. "Are you going to be alright?"
"I think I'll be safe here," Naomi said, patting the bed. "Right where they can't get me."
"Something tells me that won't be the case for long," Ren said as they filed out of the room. The last one out, Ren closed the door.
"Superheroes?" Mona scoffed. "I prefer the term super thieves thank you very much!"
"Looks like the calling card is effective," Ryuji said, never losing his grin as Baron DeLamb stormed off the stage. "That bastard DeLamb's freakin' out and losing his shit right about now."
"Fills him with disgust to no end? I didn't take him to be a comedian," Yusuke said with a scowl.
"It's satisfying to see our targets panic before the heist," Haru says with a smile. "It's always such a thrill to see them quaking in their boots!"
"At least you aren't holding an axe when you said that" Makoto said with a sweat drop.
"You guys ready to steal some treasure?" Morgana asked with a grin.
"What are we waiting for? The sooner we get this done, the faster we come back in time for dinner," Ren asks as he grabs his Goode Goggles. "Let's go, everyone!"
The Thieves nodded and took their goggles as well. Together, they entered the Metaverse, determined to put an end to Baron DeLamb's villainy.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Royal Palace, Markovburg, Markovia
July 29th, 2018 4:30 PM EEST
"Brion, please restrain yourself!" Gregor insisted.
"I just want to know if it's true!" Brion hissed. The two brothers had been watching the live broadcast on his tablet. They even saw the message that the Phantom Thieves, as they are calling themselves, have sent. As soon as it was done, Brion wanted to march right up to their uncles face and demand answers.
"Gregor…uncle is the head of our royal guard," Brion insisted. "He knows the layouts of this place. Nothing could've slipped by him. What if he really did kidnap our younger sister and killed our parents?"
"I know where you are getting with this," Gregor said calmly. "I don't trust our uncle either… But we can't cast judgement based on wild claims from an unknown group. Have you heard of these 'Phantom Thieves' during your overseas trip?"
"I haven't," Brion admitted as he gestures to his tablet, where he paused the video at the Phantom Thieves logo. "But can we really trust our uncle after this? What if they are right and he could do more damage in just one year? We should postpone your coronation until after the funeral and this matter has been investigated further."
"That we cannot do," Gregor said firmly. "Markovia needs a king."
Gregor walked away, leaving Brion by himself. As much as he agreed with his brother, Markovia needs something more than just a king. If what he heard about his uncle is true, that he kidnapped his younger sister and murdered his parents, then Markovia could be in more danger than ever. He looked back at his tablet, rewinding the video to replay the part containing the Phantom Thieves message. Someone has to do something…namely him.
"Markovia needs a king…" Brion muttered. "…and a hero."
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a phone. He speed dials a number and held it up to his ear. When the line connected, he spoke.
"Hello? Dr. Jace?"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Search the streets!" A ranch hand called out. "Baron Bedlam wants the streets searched for any intruders!"
Baron Bedlams domain is on high alert. Large groups of Shadows are patrolling the streets. Overhead, a flock of Hungry Crows are flying overhead, providing them with air support. Surveillance is all over the place. It would seem that infiltration into the palace is impossible.
Unless you are a Phantom Thief.
A loud noise caught their attention. A Shadow leading a patrol looked up just in time to see a tire hit his face. The Shadow patrol stopped as a silver motorcycle landed in their midst. Its rider, Queen, glared at them.
"Eat my dust!" Queen shouted as she revs Johanna. The back tire squealed as it burned rubber on the Shadow she landed. Spinning her Persona in a doughnut, she took off in the opposite direction. The Shadows followed her with their gaze for a moment.
"Get her!"
The Shadows charged after her. Queen led them on a wild goose chase throughout the streets. Overhead, Hungry Crows had joined in on the chase. Just as Queen turned a corner, Mona came bursting out of a nearby building in van form. He stopped in front of the Shadows as the window rolled down.
"Hey, Shadows!" Skull yells at them with a mad grin. "Kiss my ass!"
He flips them the bird as he pressed his foot on the pedal. Rubber burned as he took off down the street. The Shadows looked after him before turning back to the direction that Queen rode off.
"Umm…should we…"
"After him as well!" One of the lead Shadows ordered. "The Baron made it clear that we are to apprehend any and every entrance. Half of us go after the other one while the rest come with me!"
"Excellent job you two!" Oracle said over their comms. "Everyone made it inside the palace! Lose those pesky Shadows somewhere and meet up with them."
"Got it Oracle!" Queen yells as she drives Johanna into a building. Quickly, Johanna vanished into blue flames and materialized into her mask. She ran out the back door where the Mona bus awaited her. She opened the driver's door and gave Skull a glare.
"Move," Queen ordered. Skull scooted over to the passenger side without a word. Queen took his place at the wheel and spoke to Oracle. "Where to now?"
"When you exit the alley, take a left down the street. Look for a sign with the grape symbol. That's an entrance to the underground."
"Got it," Queen said as she grips the wheel. "Let's go before the Shadows realize they're about to be duped."
Queen pressed down on the pedal. The Mona bus sped off as the Shadows ransacked the building to find them. By the time the Shadows realized it, they were long inside the Castle of Greed. Moving up to several minutes later, the Shadows were hastily running throughout the halls. Two of the Royal Guard met up with each other.
"Where did they go?"
"She went this way?"
"What are you talking about? We're chasing a male intruder!"
"He. She. Whatever! We need to find them fast!"
"I see someone over here!" Another Shadow yelled in a different part of the castle.
The Shadows looked at each other and off in the direction of the voice. A few seconds after they left, a painting swung outward. Standing inside a hidden passage are Fox and Noir.
"Looks like they're gone," Fox said.
"This is quite fun," Noir said with a giggle. "It's like playing hide and seek."
"Please remember that if we're caught, we'll be dead, Noir," Fox sighed as he closes the painting. "We're quite fortunate that we've found these passages. Now let's head on to the throne room."
Indeed. On their last visit, they looked around for more secret passages in the Barons Castle. Thanks to Joker's Third Eye, they were able to make out where they are hidden in the unlikeliest of places. Paintings, false floor panels under rugs, false walls, and more. Using these, they are able to evade the searching Shadows, with Oracle coordinating their movements. To sow confusion among them, they gave the Shadows a brief glimpse of them before vanishing without a trace. This left the throne room defenseless, allowing them to access the secret passage to the Private Wine Cellar without interference.
Joker inputs the code that Oracle had memorized, and the vault door swung open. Inside stood a statue of the baron holding up the ball of light. Except where the ball of light has been replaced by a giant wine bottle. The Thieves stared at it with awe.
"His treasure is a wine bottle?" Panther asked.
"T-Treasure…" Mona cooed as he sped over to the treasure before latching onto it. "Meeeeeooooow! Mrrrrrooooow!"
"Looks like the cats acting weird again," Skull commented with a grin, watching Mona nuzzle the giant wine bottle. He walked forward with an arm extended. "Let's grab it and get out of here."
"Hold it Skull," Panther said as she pulled him back. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"What? The teasure is right there!" Skull cried. His answer earned him a sigh and a shake of Panther's head.
"How is it that you remember the palace crumbling?" Panther asked herself. She turned to her leader. "Joker?"
"I think what Panther is getting at is that every time we think we are free to take the treasure, the ruler's Shadow appears and tries to kill us."
"Yeah, I expected a crazy trap waiting for us," Queen said. "Oracle, are you picking up anything?"
"I'm detecting a Shadow close to your position," Oracle said from Necronomicon. "It's likely Bedlams Shadow but he hasn't moved at all."
"But where is he?" Noir asked. Everyone looked around, searching for Baron Bedlams Shadow. Their gaze lingered on the wine racks, as if expecting him to pop out from behind and attack them. Fox's gaze lingered on the statue.
"Hmm…was that statue ever there before?" Fox asked. "Even though he's a villain, I must say, the detail looks lifelike. The muscles, the hair and facial details, especially the uniform is…"
Fox stopped talking with his eyes wide in realization. The Phantom Thieves seemed to be getting the same thing he is. They stared at the statue, who was still standing there innocently, holding the treasure as Mona continued to act weird.
"Mona, get away from the treasure!" Joker cried out, but his warning fell on.
"…Meow, meow! Mewwwww!" Mona continued to purr. It was at that moment, the eyes of the statue opened. Golden eyes glared straight at the feline thief, who remained oblivious of the danger. It lifted one stone hand and slapped Mona off the treasure.
"Mona!" Noir cried out in alarm as he came soaring past her. He crashed against a wine rack and fell to the ground. Noir rushed over to him and knelt to check on him.
"I'm alright…" Mona struggled to sit up before wincing. "Ouch! What is this guy made of? That really hurt!"
"You've kept me waiting plebians," Shadow Baron Bedlam said as he towered over them. To their shock, he didn't appear to be using paint to conceal himself. Rather, it looked like his flesh is made out of stone. "Do you have any idea how long I've awaited this day? The day to finally open this bottle?"
"What the hell?" Skull exclaimed out loud. "Have you been camping out here and waitin' for us?!"
"Indeed," Baron Bedlam confirmed, baring his teeth in a wicked grin. "Thanks to my gift, I was able to fool you if not long enough."
"Gift? You mean you're a metahuman?" Noir asked, noting his stone body.
"My families metagene allows us to control geological forces," Baron Bedlam answered. "At least on my side of the family. In my case, it turned my body into hardened stone. Too bad Victor didn't have it…it might have saved him."
At the mention of King Victor, the Phantom Thieves became angry.
"How could you?" Queen shouted at him. "First your niece and now the monarchs? They were your family! How could you betray their trust like this? Especially your own sister?"
"Technically, I didn't kill her and my brother-in-law," Baron Bedlam said dismissively. "The Quraci assassin I hired is the one who killed them."
"That's the same as killing someone and you know it," Joker said, hands in his pockets. He was calm, but his voice is edged with anger. "Their blood is on your hands even if you didn't carry out the deed. The same came be said for the children that you experimented on."
"If they hadn't threatened my business, I wouldn't have to resort to that," Baron Bedlam said in annoyance. "Besides, I am not the one who let him in. The one that did was that little Quraci Servant girl... What was her name again? Gabetha? Gab-?"
"Gabrielle?" Queen asked.
"Ah, yes! Gabrielle Daou." Said Bedlam in confirmation. "It was easy enough for the men to bribe her, and threaten to have her shipped off to some camp in Greater Bialya, and she followed through, unlocking the door that let the assassin through. She played her part well. it was almost a shame that she had to be eliminated after she served her purpose." He finished evilly.
None of the Phantom Thieves liked the sound of that. "Wait, what?" Skull asked in anger.
"First you sell your own niece, then you threaten a girl's life and kill her, and now you ruthlessly murder your own sister and brother-in-law!?" Panther exclaimed furiously.
"How could you be so heartless? To do such horrible things." Noir said, disgusted.
Fox was also quite livid. "You are truly a Deplorable human being, no, you are not even fit for such an insult, You are no human, you are but a cold-hearted devil who assumes himself to be a righteous king. How Dare you!?" He said.
"I dare because I can!" Baron Bedlam shot back. "Regardless, I feel like my sister has served her purpose long enough."
"What?!"
"I mean, do you expect to be attached to your tools?" Baron Bedlam asked as he viewed his treasure as if it was worth his time. "Me and my sister were living a mundane life until Victor took a fancy to her. It took careful manipulation to ensure that she took his hand in marriage. When the metagene was revealed to the world, I was ecstatic that I tested positive. Even more when my sister's children have inherited it."
"So, you can sell them…" Fox's voice was dark with anger. "More bottles of wine for you to sell."
"Taking Tara under their noses was easy," Baron Bedlam gloated. "My fool of brother never realized that the one who took his precious daughter, and running the whole Bedlam Syndicate, was under his nose the whole time! I heard from Dr. Jace that Brion is looking to activate his metagene. Which means that is another product for me to sell. With him gone, that will only leave Gregor and as soon as I take care of him, this kingdom will be mine at last!"
He held up his wine bottle as if to toast. His words angered the Phantom Thieves even more. Their disgust for the man had reached an all-time low. They are determined to bring him down and make him atone for his wrong doings. The Baron seem to mistake their silence as a sign of weakness because he continued talking.
"Why don't we make a deal? Work for me, and I can give you some lands and titles when I take over. I probably would make you a baron like my—"
Before he could even finish, Joker broke out into mirthless laughter. Soon, the rest of the Thieves were laughing. Despite the pain that is slowly fading, Mona chuckled as well. Their laughter escalated to the point of drowning out Bedlam, echoing off the walls of the wine vault.
"Do we look like a bunch of idiots, Baron?" Joker asked as the laughter dies down and becomes serious. He whips out his knife. "Joining you will be the day hell freezes over. Besides…what kind of thief would need a kingdom?"
"Damn right you punk bitch!" Skull shouted, batting his club. "If you think after all the shit you've done that we're going to roll over, then you have another thing coming!"
"Well said," Mona declares as he brandished his cutlass. "Between the three of us, you made this personal!"
"We're not going to let any more people suffer because of you," Panther joined in with a crack of her whip. "No more holding back!"
"Your words have betrayed any hope of forgiveness!" Fox declared, a hand over the hilt of his katana.
"Even if your sister would forgive you, we certainly won't!" Queen raised her tekko. "I will bring the fist of justice down upon you!"
"I'm going to enjoy cutting you down to size," Noir hefted her axe. "No one else shall be your subservient puppets!"
"Stealing the hearts of rotten adults is what we do! You tell him guys!" Oracle cheered as they stood against him. Baron Bedlam seemed taken aback by their defiance. The shock is soon replaced with fuming rage.
"Insolent little…do you know who I am?!" Baron Bedlam yelled angrily. "I am the Baron…no, the King of this country! You will do well to respect your king! Perhaps I ought to show you what happens when you defy a king!"
As he spoke, the room seem to expand as Baron Bedlam began to loom over them. As he grew, he threw away his fur cloak, just as his body began to grow. His clothing strained before the fabric became torn apart by the sudden change. Stone muscles shifted to become scaley. Bedlams eyes became slits as his head expanded until it resembles a king cobra. Legs fused together to form a long serpentine body, the tail whipping wildly from behind. Elongated fangs grew in his mouth. Soon, he looked more reptilian than a man, the only thing human being his arm. A perfect representation of the snake among Markovia.
"You shall suffer for your insolence!" Baron Bedlam hissed at the Thieves. "What right have you to defy me?!"
"We are the Phantom Thieves of Hearts!" Joker declared as he and his friends prepare for battle. "And last I checked… It's showtime!"
Here's the chapter with the Calling Card to Baron Bedlam! Nwarren2022 helped me out with this one by pointing out where to make some changes, as well as a few additions. For those of you who are thoroughly familiar with this chapter, you should be able to spot them with ease. Also, the order of the sins that the Arena's in my story will represent goes like this. Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Vanity, Pride, & Sorrow. You can all probably guess that Queen Bee will represent Lust. It's like soooo obvious. As for the target who will represent Gluttony... I'm not gonna say who it is, so I'll let you all figure it out. Anyways, regarding him/her, that target is already in a city that I have plans for a latter target. I was thinking of either moving the Gluttony target to a different city, like either Seattle or Chicago. I personally think Chicago would be a good choice, given that it would be a great idea if the Thieves were to mention the legendary infamous gangster, Alphonse "Al" Gabriel Capone, while there. Still, let me know which city you think would be good for their next target.