Given the presence of a certain feline, Ryuji spoke up ''So how come you wound up coming with us anyway?''
Morgana huffed ''What's wrong with that? It's easier this way. We need to start planning seriously and break through the palace after all.''
The group of four was just on their way to the train station after leaving the palace, having saved Ann and watched her awaken Carmen. The others decided that she was now a fully fledged member of the team, having more than enough reason and drive to take Kamoshida down.
''So you stayed in the Metaverse before? What about now?'' Ann asked.
''Well, it'd have to be with one of you.''
''I'd be no good then.'' The girl stated, missing his disappointment at this. ''I'm out of the house a lot anyway and I don't think my guardian's going to agree.''
''I can't have you in my place, way too much trouble.'' Ryuji remarked.
''You guys would cause even more trouble fighting then too.'' Namine said dryly.
''Well, he's a pain.''
''He's an immature brat.'' The two said in tandem, glaring at each other.
''You're proving her point, you know.'' Ann deadpanned while Namine rolled her eyes. ''Anyway, that leaves you, Namine. How about it?''
''I don't mind. I'm not the one who gets to decide though...''
Sojiro hadn't been pleased to see Morgana with her but was a little mollified when she stated the cat had followed her. In the end, he acquiesced and let the cat stay, deciding that it could keep his charge responsible.
Namine thanked him and they headed up, Morgana jumped out of the bag and looked around the attic.
''Well, this is...not so bad, I guess.''
Namine gave a little laugh, knowing he was being polite ''Sorry, but you're stuck around these parts for now. I'm working on fixing it up.''
The cat tilted his head ''How come you're here though?''
She stood ''It's kind of a long story, how about I get us a little dinner first?''
''I have a hard time picturing you as the criminal you were made out to be.'' Morgana concluded when she filled him in as they ate. The girl gave him a grateful look, watching him lay down on the couch ''That must have been some real big shot to pull this scam off. You don't even know the guy's name?''
''No, apparently he insisted on anonymity.''
''Figures, what a slimeball.'' Morgana grunted in disgust.
''I couldn't agree more...'' The two sat in silence for a bit before Morgana glanced at the chocolate bar in Namine's hand.
''Can I have some, Namine?''
The girl blinked, glancing at the bar as if she just remembered it was there. She broke off a chunk and handed it over, eliciting a happy thanks from her new companion.
''So good!'' He beamed moments later. ''Say, how come you stay here and not in the Boss' house?''
''That's...'' That was actually a good question. ''...you know, I never really thought of that before. I just figured it was a done deal...''
Both were distracted by the sound of footsteps, noticing Sojiro entering then. The man had some milk on a plate, stopping when he noticed the plate of food next to Morgana ''What, you already got dinner sorted? I thought I'd bring this up but that's good...so hey, what's the cat's name anyway?''
''Morgana.''
He raised an eye ''That's a girl's name. Didn't you say it was a boy?''
''Yeah, but it was the name we found on the collar. Besides, he seemed pretty good about answering to that one.''
''Fair enough. Well, I'll be closing up now so see you tomorrow.'' Sojiro began walking down.
''Good night.'' Namine called after him. ''...You think he's a cat person?''
''After this? Almost definitely.'' was Morgana's response. ''Now with this settled, starting tomorrow, we'll be working on getting the treasure. Once the distortion's gone, I'll be closer to getting my real form back!''
''Just another reason to succeed, I say let's do it.'' Namine declared.
He smiled ''Yeah!''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Magician Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power.
As Namine and Morgana exited the train station the following day, they began to talk...
''Huh, so you've been reading up about our Personas?'' Morgana looked curious, glancing at the book Namine was holding.
''Well, they're all based off famous historical figures, right? It sounded interesting. I already read the one about Arsene before but I found one about Carmen and another about Zorro. It makes for a nice way to spend the train ride.'' Namine remarked.
''True, what did you find about Zorro?''
''I haven't really gotten started yet but from what I've heard he's the gallant rogue who stood up to corrupt rich people and helped the poor.''
''Ooh, that sounds very fitting!'' Morgana chirped. ''That's just what I want to be like, a pursuer of justice who abides no evil!''
Namine smiled ''Sounds like a fine goal.''
The girl briefly thought on her visit to the Velvet Room last night, though when she tried to ask, Morgana reacted a bit strangely. It was almost as if he remembered something but then he shook his head and dismissed it as an odd dream. She really couldn't blame him. Not when she didn't know what to make of that place.
Igor was somewhat vague but he had explained a little about her Wild Card ability, mentioning how the twins would help her fuse Personas to create new ones. He had also advised her to keep making bonds, believing that they would surely aid her. He mentioned something about giving her a gift that was sure to help in the palace but nothing much about it. Namine supposed she'd have to figure that out when the time came.
''Oh, Lady Ann!''
Morgana's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, noticing the blonde near the school gate. ''Morning, you guys...'' Ann blinked. ''...wait, you brought Morgana here?''
''He was really stubborn about it. This time I'm just going with the path of least resistance.'' was all Namine had to say to that.
''Okay...but try to keep quiet, Morgana.''
''Don't worry, Lady Ann, I will.''
''We've already agreed on that. He's pretty good at being discreet, Takamaki-san.'' Namine remarked.
''You're still talking like that?'' Ann half-smiled. ''It's Ann to you. I don't meet anyone like you everyday. By this point, we can just ditch the formalities. We're friends, right?''
Namine couldn't help returnimg her smile ''Yeah, right back at you then.''
The three found Ryuji minutes later, the teen greeting them enthusiastically as he walked up to join them.
''Hey, I can't wait to get to the Palace!''
''Keep it down! You want everyone to hear this?'' Morgana asked.
''Oh just ease up, it's fine, who's even paying attention?'' Ryuji demanded.
''That's exactly what I'm talking about, look around you.''
Ryuji blinked, noticing that they were indeed being watched by quite a number of students and in some cases, even teachers. It took him a few moments to realize that most of the attention was directed at Namine.
The girl seemed plenty aware of it, though. Judging by her uncomfortable expression and Ann's clearly annoyed one; this had been going for a little while at least. She gave Ryuji a look ''Took you long enough.''
If one listened close enough, they could hear muttering here and there. The gist of it proved that the whole school knew about the rooftop incident and were now aware that Namine had in fact saved Shiho.
A few seemed to be skeptic, citing Namine's record and some apparent new rumour, blaming Namine for Shiho winding up that badly in the first place.
The majority though were apparently affected, since Namine hadn't done anything to hurt anyone. She not only helped Tsukishima (who she learned was the boy she spoke to yesterday before they met Mishima) but she had also helped stand up for Mishima. Surprisingly, they seemed aware that the boy had spread her record around but not that Kamoshida had made him do it.
''Idiots...'' Ryuji scowled.
Ann squeezed Namine's shoulder comfortingly ''Hey, don't worry about them. We know the truth, that's what counts.''
'You know why you stepped in and you had the right reasons. That's all that matters.' Arsene stated.
'Agreed. If these imbeciles won't bother trying to understand, feel free to ignore them.' Carmen added.
''Yeah, you did real good, Namine. If that's how they want to be then they're not worth your time.'' Morgana stated.
''Thanks...'' Namine trailed off. It had really surprised her but she felt all right. Their support meant more than she could say. She was more than fine as long as they were here.
To think she could find friends this soon...a part of her feared that it was too good to be true, remembering the betrayal after that night. But Ryuji and Ann's declarations of friendship spoke louder...and she was never more glad to be wrong.
''That's enough of that!'' Ushimaru called from the top of the stairs, giving the observers a pointed glare. ''Get to your classes, now!''
Ryuji was glad to see him for once ''Hey, what's going on Sensei? How'd this start?''
''That's what I want to know.'' He admitted. ''It threw us for a loop too.''
''This is totally unfair! Namine saved Shiho, how can they still badmouth her? She didn't have anything to do with Shiho winding up in that state.'' Ann stated.
''I know, Takamaki, but forcing our opinion on them won't help.''
''There's no point worrying about this now.'' Namine said, to his surprise. ''It's just like you guys said. We know the truth. I'm not here to get some popularity so I don't really care what they think of me right now. Let's just take things nice and easy now.''
Ushimaru looked at her with approval ''I couldn't agree more. There's likely more to this so try to keep it down until we figure this out, all right?''
The three students nodded back and headed off, with Ryuji leaving half way to head to his class.
Since they agreed to head to the Palace tomorrow, today would be about preparations for their next infiltration. Ryuji promised to handle getting model guns for him and Ann, since he had given Namine the one he brought a couple of days and Morgana used his slingshot. Ann volunteered to help with supplies which left Namine and Morgana to see about medicine.
Namine glanced at the plastic bag in her hands, which held some Band-Aids ''I know the Metaverse makes what we believe real but I wonder how useful thinking like that would be with those...''
''Thinking like that is no good, remember?'' Morgana piped up. ''You've got to keep in mind that they'd be the best help in a situation.''
''Right, right...''
The cat looked around ''So why are we here?''
''There's something I've wanted to check for a couple of days now'' Namine said as she entered a building and went upstairs. She paused at a door to a Takemi Tae's clinic.
A woman with dark blue hair and grey eyes raised an eye as Namine stepped in ''Welcome...'' she blinked. ''...wait, have we met before?''
The girl was just as curious to see her, vaguely recalling running into her before ''No, Takemi-san but I've seen you in Leblanc.''
''Ah, right...you're the Boss' tenant.'' She acknowledged, gesturing for her to take a seat. ''Well, what did you want?''
''I was hoping you could help me.'' Namine paused. ''I've been feeling kind of sore and...well, someone attacked me a few days before I came to the city and I thought I'd ask if you had anything that could help.''
Takemi looked pensive ''All right, two things, first elaborate. And second, I'm going to have to examine you before I pick the best medicine.''
''Okay...the thing is...''
Takemi took the details with an unreadable face, frowning after a few minutes. ''So...to see if I understand, the cop who dragged you to the station that day was convinced you were a liar. He wanted to force you to say their version of the story and when you wouldn't go for it, he hit you?''
Namine nodded. She had been worried about having to explain her situation but the doctor seemed to take it well enough.
Morgana suppressed a growl. Some police that was! How dare they?
''I'm pretty sure that violates some kind of law. Did he just get away with it?''
''One doctor came but no one really listened when I tried to explain.'' Namine admitted. ''I'm not really sure what happened on their end because before I knew it, soon everything was set and they sent me here.''
''...Right, that's it. Lie down now, I'll start the examination.'' She stated firmly. From the looks of things, Takemi was expecting to find enough trouble to go around with.
There was silence around as the doctor got to work, with her ending it once she finished examining Namine.
''All right, you're healing well enough but I have something that can improve that.'' Takemi dug in a drawer, picking up a couple of medicine bottles. ''You're underweight though...and somehow I can't see this being because of a diet.''
Namine smiled awkwardly ''Um, no, it isn't...A lot's happened...''
''Clearly. Well, lucky for you, I might have something to help that too...'' She went to a cabinet and searched for a bit before taking a box out. ''...this should do. One pill every twelve hours, needless to say, this won't be nearly as effective without eating healthy.''
''Right, I'm working on it.'' Namine took the offered items. ''Thanks, Takemi-sensei.''
She shrugged ''It's about time someone took care of this. Come again when you need some more.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Death Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power.
Time almost seemed to fly by for the quartet and the next day soon came and with it, the time to head to the Palace.
Namine and Morgana were waiting for Ryuji and Ann near Shujin. The latter couldn't help but think about what happened in the clinic ''Hey, about yesterday...''
The girl blinked and he went on "What that doctor said...'' Morgana clarified. ''...are you sure you're okay?''
''It's all right.'' Namine leaned against the wall. ''She was talking about something that happened a while back...in a way, I still have to deal with some repercussions. That's all. Don't worry, it's a bit of a long story so I'll tell you later.''
''Well, I'll hold you to that...''
''Hey, guys!'' Ryuji walked over, soon followed by Ann. ''You won't believe how good those gun models are, got a pretty good deal here.''
''Really? You were the one who was complaining about the guy's prices before.'' Ann recalled, making him cringe.
''Didn't you even try to bargain with the owner?'' Morgana inquired.
''Easy for you to talk, you didn't see the guy! He'd never listen to me...'' He grumbled. ''...anyway, it'll all be worth it in the end.''
''All right then, let's go.'' Namine took out her phone.
''This is going to take some getting used to...'' Ann trailed off, staring at the looming building. ''...wait, my clothes changed again?''
''I think that's here to stay, Lady Ann. The armor's connected to your Persona.'' Morgana stated.
''Oh, great...did it have to be something like this?'' She grumbled, feeling awkward because of the suit. ''Namine's got all the luck here...''
''Ah, don't make it a big deal out of it, you look fine.'' Ryuji rolled his eyes. ''I mean, daaamn...that's some view!''
Ann's eye twitched and she slapped the side of his head. Namine sighed ''You deserved that.''
''Absolutely, you pervert.'' Ann huffed.
Ryuji rubbed the sore spot ''...Anyway, shouldn't we be getting her a codename too?''
Morgana blinked ''Ah, right I almost forgot...''
''Codename?'' Ann echoed.
''It's a precaution.'' Namine started. ''According to Morgana, our Persons help ensure our actions won't be recognized by Kamoshida in the real world. But we shouldn't just rely on that, we're breaking in after all, no need using our real names now. I'm Joker, Ryuji chose Skull, and Morgana's Mona.''
''Yup, it's a staple for phantom thieves too, why miss it?'' The cat added, noting the curious looks coming his way, he added. ''Well, I think that's what we are. We're taking the treasure, teaching Kamoshida a lesson and helping people. Definitely not your regular band of thieves, huh?''
''Heh, true,'' Ryuji grinned.
Ann looked amused ''Well then...'' She started thinking of a name as the four made their way into the Palace.
''Oh here's one, Sexy Cat!'' Ryuji suggested.
''As if!'' Ann said at once. ''I don't want any name like that.''
''I don't think I can take anyone with kind of name seriously.'' Namine admitted
''Agreed.'' Morgana deadpanned.
''Same here. Well, I'm not going for any kind of cute cat. Mona's got that covered, so I'll be Panther.'' Ann decided.
''All right, so...'' The group paused, seeing familiar pools of black and red gather in their way. ''...let's get to work, guys!''
They were face to face with two Jack-o-Lanterns, a Bicorn and a Silky. Mona's eyes narrowed ''Panther, the Jack-o-Lanterns are fire elements. Leave them to me and Joker, help Skull with the other two.''
''Got it! Carmen!''
''Let's go, Captain Kidd!''
The crimson dancer and flying pirate appeared, charging with their users at Silky and Bicorn. Skull and Panther proceeded to stun them with a round of Zio and Agi spells before going for physical attacks. Panther restrained the Bicorn before it could attack with her whip, leaving it open to Carmen's next Agi and Captain Kidd's Headbutt.
''Not bad at all.'' Skull praised.
Panther returned his smirk ''There's more where that came from.''
''Same here!'' He punctuated the statement with another strike at Silky, throwing it down.
Mona and Joker were doing similarly well on their end. Zorro's wind magic weakening the enemies, the two were able to strike hard and fast. Joker destroyed one with a few slashes from her dagger while Mona knocked one down with his slingshot into a hold up and forced it to drop its money.
''Now that's what I'm talking about!'' The cat grinned once the battle was over.
''You had time to steal from it?'' Skull asked, surprised.
''Don't forget who you're talking to, I'm the one teaching you all the ropes here.''
Panther had a thought ''Wait, is that where all that money for the guns came from?''
''Parts of it were from some treasure chests but yeah, pretty much. Anyway, let's move.''
Unlike their last visits, this one was relatively uneventful. The problem here instead seemed to be the sudden increase in the number of Shadows. Even when the four tried to avoid getting into too many fights, they still found an abundant number in the wait.
''What gives?'' Skull said irritably. ''It wasn't like this before!''
''No...'' Mona looked pensive. ''...I think it's because of the Palace's security level. That depends on Kamoshida's cognition too. He's acknowledged that we're a threat to the palace and called on more Shadows.''
''So what, there's no way around it?'' The boy grunted.
The cat shook his head ''It might be even worse for us. You guys see Kamoshida regularly in school, with the way things are, he's probably worked up and tense. That has an effect on his shadow too.''
''It means we'll just have to keep going, and avoid any unnecessary fights. Just like we've been doing right now.'' Joker remarked. ''You all right, Panther?''
The girl nodded ''About as tired as you guys, but I'll be fine. I'm good to go.''
''Well...''
The three looked confused at Joker's pause; Skull cocked his head ''What's up?''
The girl was looking at the map ''Say, Mona how come this place seems so...vague on the map?''
''I think that might be a Safe Room. Come on, you'll see...'' They went to a corner, where a door lay. It was easy to miss, and they might have skipped it had it not been for the map.
Mona opened the door and they walked in, pausing in surprise to see it a classroom appear for a few moments before it faded into a room with a number of chairs, a desk and a couch.
''Like I was saying, this is a safe room. It's a place that's more or less free from the palace ruler's influence. I think that might be why it wasn't too clear on the map. We can rest easy here.''
''Oh, so the shadow's aware of the entire palace but since this is a clear area, the influence is also pretty weak. But why did it look like a classroom?'' asked Joker.
Mona sat down ''Remember this is a cognitive version of the school, so it stands to reason that the safe room would be where Kamoshida has the least influence.''
''Ah, I get it. He's a P.E teacher so of course that wouldn't matter much around here.'' Panther nodded.
''We've only got a bit of this tower to fill on the map, should we go the whole way?'' Skull asked after a few minutes.
''I think that might be for the best. Ladies?'' Mona prompted.
''Let's go for it, we can start on the other tower next time.'' Panther stated, earning a nod from Joker.
Panther frowned ''This is a dead end no matter how you look at it!''
They now stood at a wall that seemed to be blocking their best way to proceed to a tunnel that should get them to the second tower.
''Yeah...'' Mona looked up at the wall. ''...From what I remember when we looked through I might be able to get up there but there's no way I can help any of you do it.''
''It'd be too dangerous anyway, with all the enemies we've seen. There's definitely some on the other side.'' Joker pointed out.
''That too.'' The cat acknowledged. The four began to look around the area, thinking there might be something they missed before. It was then that Joker noticed something odd nearby. For a moment her vision darkened but then she felt something tugging at her mind, almost drawing her to the far left side of the wall. While there didn't seem to be anything there, closer inspection revealed a brick stuck out more than the others. Joker pushed it in, a moment later, a part of the wall nearby was elevated, revealing an entrance.
''Hey, all right!'' Panther smiled.
''Good going, Joker! How'd you do that?'' Mona wanted to know.
''Um, lucky shot? I guess...'' She offered. Truthfully, the girl had no idea just what that was about. Even through all the strange things they'd seen lately, that was a first. It felt as if her senses really sharpened just now...
Shaking the thought off, Joker prayed it wasn't a one-time thing and followed her friends inside.
''Hey, duck!''
Skull swiped at a Berith that had just tried to take Mona down and charge him, halting his second attack in time. Panther hit it with a spray of bullets that finished it off before a Silky hit her. The rest of the shadows attacked together, causing more damage.
Mona grunted ''Hang on! Come Zorro, Dia!''
His companions were surrounded by healing light that helped them recover, something they put to use as they were quick to go on a counter strike. Panther lashed out with her whip before summoning Carmen, who struck enemies down with her flames. Captain Kidd plowed into a couple of shadows, giving Skull and Joker room to finish them off before the latter summoned Jack-o-Lantern who helped Captain Kidd destroy the remaining Shadows.
The Shadows were blocking a way to a library, which was thankfully empty. Panther glanced around the shelves, noticing the dust on most of the books ''You know, I have a hard time imagining Kamoshida spending much time around here.''
''Ditto.'' Skull agreed with a snort. ''Think there's anything we can use here?''
''Let's find out.'' They proceeded to examine the room. A common theme about a good number of the books quickly became clear.
''It's like they're all about him...'' Joker trailed off.
Panther's eyes narrowed ''Yeah, this one's about Kamoshida's so called rise to excellence.''
''This one's called Kamoshida's golden rules...'' Skull frowned as he read the words on the back of the book. ''...it's just like the pep rally, another ego trip for him.''
''It gets worse, you guys.'' The three looked at Mona, who held a pair of books up. The titles were Sakamoto Ryuji: the Vulgar Ape and Takamaki Ann: the Lovely Doll.
Joker noted a familiar name on a nearby shelf '...Here's a book about Suzui-san too...'
The two blondes in question were understandably irked by this. Panther scowled ''Who does he think he is?!''
Mona huffed ''The more I learn about this guy, the more I want to make him pay...'' He noticed a book on a table nearby then glancing back at the empty spot on the shelf behind him. ''...Joker, would you try putting this there?''
The girl did so, pausing in surprise as the shelf suddenly moved. It revealed a small space behind it, leaving Joker to inhale sharply as she took in the pictures that lay there.
''What is it?'' The others came to take a look, only to be stunned to find that the pictures were all of Shiho. They were in quite a number of positions, predatory images that really made plenty of sense now that they knew what Kamoshida was like.
Skull took one and crumpled it. Panther paled as she thought of her best friend and how much she endured because of their enemy.
''Panther...'' Mona began.
''...I'm okay. We're going to make sure he doesn't get away with this, after all.''
''...you can count on that.'' The feline assured while the other two nodded.
Panther saw another book out of place, trying a couple of empty spots on shelves before her third try caused the shelf to move. Like before, it shifted to reveal a hidden area. This one also had pictures, but they were of Panther herself, making the girl freeze.
Skull grabbed a picture and crumpled it in his hands ''Lousy stinking little...''
Panther was shaking out of sheer fury. Part of the feeling was directed at herself, how weak and foolish she had been to simply be passive with Kamoshida all this time.
Most of that feeling was directed at Kamoshida though, she wanted nothing more than to make that scumbag suffer for all he inflicted on her best friend. It was taking a lot out of her to simply summon Carmen and incinerate the room to ashes.
Joker took her hand ''...Come on, I think we've seen enough of this place for a lifetime.'' She spoke again once they were out of the library. ''Good on for you for restraining yourself-I wanted to destroy those shrines so I can imagine how hard it was for you.''
''I feel like such an idiot...'' Panther admitted. ''...when Shiho kept coming back with those bruises, I wondered if something was up but she'd always tell me that everything was fine. That Kamoshida was just showing them what to do and stuff-always. She'd just smile and keep going...and I thought I was actually helping her when I listened to that scumbag! It was all for nothing...he was playing us all along. I just...I just...''
Joker wrapped an arm around her, letting the blonde lean on her shoulder while Skull and Mona looked on sadly. ''It'll be okay. We'll make sure of it...he'll answer for all he's done.''
Panther nodded, her expression becoming determined ''...Yeah, we will.''
Skull and Mona nodded too, silently vowing to give it all they had. One thing was for sure, this visit had affirmed their determination to take Kamoshida down that much more. They agreed not to give up and do their best to succeed.
Well, as much as I wanted to add some more, I think I'll stop here.
So how was this? I figured I'd add a couple of things I wish I thought before-like Ann's words in the end. I didn't want to rush it and I didn't want to put too many details or anything. I was going for showing what their first attempt would be like now that their goal is set. I mean this is like, the starting point for the phantom thieves and all. I hope it was all right.
Next time will finish the palace and of course the calling card, maybe the fight against Shadow Kamoshida himself if it doesn't turn out too long. (Yeah, the arc's all planned out but I haven't written a word of the next chapter yet).
Okay, so what I put in about the safe room and the third eye ability is more or less how I understood them. I'm not sure if that's fully right, feel free to correct me if it's off. My brother beat the game and I remember him mentioning how the safe room seems different on the maps and that what got me thinking.
I'm considering making Shiho one of Namine's confidants. It might happen if I can work the arcana's development well but I'm still thinking it over.
Thanks to ILuvCupCakes2000 and nico2411 for their reviews and thanks to anyone who reads my work. I would love to find some feedback, till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 1)
Morgana (Magician Rank 1)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 1)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)