Hey, I had more free time so I got to finish this one earlier than I expected. Well, this is it. The conclusion to the palace is ready. I hope you like it.
storyecho71: Heh, thanks! Namine's grandparents are definitely going to make a few appearances. Maybe not in person for a while though, for reasons that will be explained here. As for the original twist, it starts next chapter.
Sojiro blinked, surprised at the question ''A part time job?''
Namine nodded ''I'm pretty much used to the school schedule by now so I figure I could try to find one. I'd like a change of pace. It's not like I need the money but I'd rather not wait until I do.''
''I hear you.'' Sojiro set a plate of curry with a spoon for her before continuing. This made him revisit his newly changing judgement of his charge. ''Well, I haven't heard of any but you should check the underground mall. There's some offers around there every once in a while.''
''Thanks, I will.'' Namine made a mental note to look into this, moreso once they were done with the Palace. They had some good progress so far so that should be soon.
''Ah, right.'' Sojiro's voice brought her attention back to the barista, who held up an envelope. ''This came for you yesterday. It's from your grandparents.''
The girl's face lit up as she took the item. ''Oh, they did say they'd get in touch when they could...''
''Sounds like they're living it up, I wouldn't have thought it with how Itsuki had so much trouble selling the idea to Yuri.'' Sojiro mused, thinking back to when Itsuki had told him about winning the tickets to a world cruise a while back.
Namine looked amused ''Grandma liked the idea as much as he did. She just didn't want him rushing into things and knowing Grandpa...''
The barista smirked, knowing the man in question enough to guess what she had in mind ''Yeah, if it was up to the old coot, he might have high tailed it out with the clothes on his back.''
''That about sums it up.'' She returned.
''Figures. That bag of bones is still a bundle of energy.''
''You know he'd never let you hear the end of it with that kind of talk, right?''
''That still doesn't make it any less true.'' He stated, glancing at the envelope again. ''They're the only ones I know who still insist on writing letters now...''
Namine smiled to herself and read the letter. It was mostly asking about her welfare, once again reaffirming their faith in her and also telling a bit about their trip so far. There was also a little footnote giving her a number to call them and an apparently new e-mail address.
Morgana, who had been able to read a bit of the letter from his place in her bag, smiled. It was nice to see how they cared about Namine.
It also came with a couple of pictures. One was a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The second was of a couple in their fifties, standing in a lovely garden. The woman had bright blue eyes and dark red hair and the man had brown eyes and dark hair that was beginning to go gray.
Namine's smile widened at the sight of her grandparents, Hyakuya Yuri and Hyakuya Itsuki. They had been a true pillar of support through the recent weeks and though they regretted that they weren't there, she was only grateful for them. Itsuki had suggested that they abandon the trip to help her. Namine however, flat out refused to have that and told them that she would be fine. She remembered how happy her grandfather was when they won the tickets to the trip and she wouldn't let her trouble ruin it for them. Granted, it had taken some time to persuade them but they relented, making her promise to keep in touch.
Remembering the time, Namine put them away and stood ''Thanks for the curry, Sakura-san. I'll see you later.''
''Right.''
Later, the group of four once again returned to Kamoshida's Palace. Having made good progress before, they were able to start their travels near the second tower...
Panther began to smile as she spoke ''So you seemed happy before, Joker, did anything good happen?''
''Yeah...'' The girl's expression softened as she remembered the letter. ''...but I'll tell you later. Let's concentrate on what we have to do here.''
''Can do. Mona, you know if we're close to the treasure?''
''I think we're closer...but not enough for me to tell where it is.'' The cat offered.
''That's not saying much.'' Skull grunted. ''You're our guide. Shouldn't you be clearer about this stuff?''
Mona looked annoyed ''I can't help it, okay? That's the truth! Besides, give me a break. This is a first for me too.''
''In all fairness, he's been helping us a lot, Skull. We haven't seen all of the palace anyway, things will probably become clearer then.'' Joker remarked.
''Let's not whine about stuff we can't control and focus on what we can do.'' Panther added.
Mona beamed at the girls ''Yeah, let's go!''
Following Mona's earlier advice, the group was able to ambush the shadows guarding the first room. This left them weakened and all the more easier to defeat.
''That was easy!'' Skull grinned.
''Yeah, but we've got a problem. Look!'' Panther pointed to the door nearby, which was now sealed with a wall.
''What? Did those damn things set us up?'' The ex-athlete frowned. ''All right, let's bust through...''
''No, don't!'' Mona cut in. ''We don't know if that could work. And if it did, we'll just bring a whole lot of enemies on us.''
''Okay, what do we do?''
''Well...let's look around, there might be another way to open the door.''
There didn't seem to be anything around here for them to use though. Joker bit her lip, something seemed strange but she wasn't sure what...
Her vision grew somewhat darker for a moment before it suddenly shapened, though strangely enough, a few things around her emitted a soft glow. Curiously, her friends were surrounded with a shimmering aura of sorts when she glanced at them. Looking around again, her enhanced vision let her notice a concealed handle at the far the side of the room. She pulled it, the action apparently causing a second lever to appear in the side where her friends stood. Panther pulled it down, pausing in surprise when the door was opened.
''How about that...'' She blinked. ''...Joker, what just happened? Your eyes were glowing...''
Joker looked curious ''They were?''
Mona nodded ''Was that some kind of new ability?''
''I think so...'' Panther almost jumped, looking around in alarm at the sound of a crash ''W-what was that?''
''It's not too far from here...''
More noise soon came and they were able to determine the source from somewhere down the hall. Going in said direction eventually lead them to a gym. Unlike the library and classroom which seemed old and mostly unused, this place was practically sparkling clean. Before they could enter though, three shadows went nearby and the four hid quickly.
''King Kamoshida wins again!''
''Yeah, big surprise there. No one can beat him!''
''Absolutely, he's the best. The losers never stood a chance.''
Their voices soon faded as they left the area. Mona entered the gym with the others, looking around curiously ''Maybe we came close to seeing a game. He's a famous volleyball player, right? I can imagine him having games here every now and then.''
'It would be similar to the rally. Just another way for him to show off.' Captain Kidd remarked.
'It would fit that arrogant bastard.' Carmen hissed.
''Yeah, but with who? There's no one around.'' Panther pointed out.
Joker noticed Skull's grim expression. She thought things over and suddenly had a good guess of what he had in mind ''You think...?''
''Yeah, you heard the captain. Who else would fit now?''
Panther gave them a quizzical look ''What do you mean?''
It was Zorro who replied 'The prisoners.'
''Oh...right, you guys said he had those players locked up...''
''Yeah, it was messed up.'' Mona grimaced. ''They were so frightened of him that they didn't even want to leave their cells. I can imagine him dragging them into this. There was plenty of noise on our way. He must have gotten some Shadows to take them away.''
''Bastard...'' Skull ground out. ''...just look at that!''
The three followed his line of sight, starting in surprise when their eyes fell on a statue of Kamoshida.
''Like he deserves that.'' The teen continued to grumble, his mood worsening as he took in the statue's proud pose.
''The more I hear about this guy, the more egoistic he seems.'' Mona remarked.
'Indeed he is, and you haven't even seen the real thing yet, too.' Carmen reminded.
''I can't wait until we knock the bastard down to size.'' Skull stated as they walked away from the gym.
Moments later, some shadows materialized before them. Their leader seemed to be a Berith, who spoke up then ''So you are the intruders who dare to oppose our king. How dare you disrespect him? Such a great man...and you not only forced yourselves but you dared to insult him and enter his sacred place? This is where his abilities come to light, where he outstrips everyone. He is like a god.''
''You've gotta be kidding me, there's nothing great about him.'' Panther spat.
''Nothing godly either.'' Mona added flatly. ''Guys, let's just deal with them.''
''Very well,'' the Berith hissed. ''If you won't see the truth, we'll just beat it into you. Attack!''
The Shadows did so at once. An Agathion and two Silkies flew around them quickly, the first flying in to a tackle while the two used the distraction to cast magic.
Mona grimaced as he tried to defend himself, quickly forced to dodge a Bicorn's lunge. Panther blasted the shadow back with an Agi while Joker hit one of the Silkies with a similar spell courtesy of Jack-o-Lantern.
Skull noticed a Pixie about to heal the enemies and he quickly bashed her head before she could react. The Berith raised his weapon to strike and the teen was too close to dodge, leaving him no choice but to tank it. The Bicorn charged at him next while the Agathion tackled Joker and the Silkies attacked Panther and Mona.
''Come on, Captain!'' Skull summoned his Persona. ''Zio!''
The bolt of lightning struck the Bicorn down just as it attacked again, but Skull was hit by a Bufu before he could finish it off. Mona cut the Silky behind the spell down and Panther took it and the other out with her persona's flames.
Joker tanked an attack from the Berith before she jumped back and summoned Arsene ''Let's try this, Sukunda!''
A wave of energy surrounded the shadow before its moves suddenly got much slower. Joker had no problems avoiding its next attacks and countering before Arsene took it out with an Eiha. Skull had Captain Kidd lunge at the remaining shadow before blasting it with his cannon.
''Nice work, here you go.'' Mona started healing them and Panther soon followed suit.
''I know you said they're supposed to follow Kamoshida but listening to that was just...ugh...'' She trailed off.
''Yeah, it can't be helped...'' The group once more went on their way.
After defeating some more shadows and coming across a safe room, they were unfortunately met with a new hurdle.
There was a room that seemed close to a staircase. The problem was, their only route was blocked by scythes that swept all over the routes as they went from left to right.
Skull grimaced ''Great...I bet that's where we need to go, how do we stop those things?''
'There's something here...' He blinked at Zorro's voice, then noticing Mona walk to his right.
''Yup...'' The cat gestured to a keyhole beside him. ''...we've got to find the key.''
''I think we can use that. Look...'' Panther pointed to the floor they had just left, where a pair of Shadows walked. The two headed into a secluded area they hadn't noticed before.
The four headed back over to see about this, though they came to a stop upon hearing some shadows approaching from a different direction. Mona and Joker went to a wall near them with the former telling Skull and Panther to do the same on their side.
It worked, the newly arrived group of shadows completely missed them. What the group caught from the conversation proved that they were the shadows' targets, but they remained quiet and waited for them to leave.
''Why do you keep saying to hide?'' Skull demanded as they stepped out. ''I bet we could take them!''
''That's not the problem. We can't fight every single shadow we run into.'' Joker pointed out.
''Yeah, we'd just get tired real quick. We find enough Shadows already.'' Panther added.
Mona nodded in complete agreement ''So those two went this way...''
The new path led to a big room which had a sealed pathway. There were three Shadows who spotted them and attacked at once. They were soon defeated and the path opened, though they found a strange jewel which Mona decided to keep. It took the quartet to another room that seemed to be at a lower level as the scythes were visible even higher now.
Panther tilted her head a bit ''Joker, you think you can use that new power from before? It might give us a clue.''
Nodding, the other girl focused for a few moments and looked around. It took a bit more to get it right but it worked and Joker soon took them to a hall that seemed empty.
''It's...pointing at that.'' Joker nodded at the strange large structure at the center of the room. They walked over for a closer look.
''What is this anyway? It looks weird.'' Skull stated.
''...That's because we're not looking at the whole thing.'' Panther informed after a few seconds.
The structure was actually a big bust of Kamoshida, leaving the quartet unimpressed at yet another example of his large ego.
''And I thought the statue was bad...'' Skull huffed.
''Don't look now. We might find something even worse pretty soon.'' Panther pointed out.
''Somehow I get the feeling you jinxed us...'' Joker trailed off.
Mona cocked his head ''But why'd your ability bring us here?'' He squinted at the structure again, then noticing that its eyes were missing. ''Oh!''
The cat took out the jewel, it seemed to be a perfect fit for the eye. ''I bet we just have to get the other one.''
''And if this one was with a Shadow, that's where we'll find it.'' Panther concluded.
They backtracked a bit but were able to find the Shadow, who surprisingly ran the second it noticed them. Left with no choice, the four gave chase. It was able to evade them a couple of times but once they cornered it and that was that. They found the second jewel after its defeat. The jewels floated up to the eyes after they returned to the second hidden room. This revealed a new door that led to a staircase.
Panther exhaled in annoyance, seeing that despite climbing a fair share, there seemed to be plenty more to go ''Come on, how many of those are there?''
Skull looked back at her ''It's fine, let's keep going.'' The girl grumbled but continued. ''Sure, you're not just being lazy?''
She spared him a dark look in response. Joker paused once they got off the stairs ''I think this is actually lucky. Look.'' Gesturing to the area behind them, it turned out that the new path actually led to the hall after the scythes.
The quartet continued for a bit before stopping as a new voice resounded through the hall...
''I never thought you'd make it this far, intruders...'' A shadow materialized before them as the voice continued. ''...I will make you pay for your transgressions against our king!''
The shadow's form seemed a bit vague since it was mostly in the shadows at first but when it came closer to the light, they began to wish that it didn't. Let's just say it was...rather grotesque.
Mona was momentarily dumbfounded at the sight while Joker tried not to recoil ''Is that...ugh, this guy cannot get anymore messed up.''
Skull grimaced ''You know what, Joker was right. Panther jinxed us...''
''Shut up and let's kill this thing right now!'' Panther suppressed a shudder before summoning Carmen as the new shadow attacked with its numerous tentacles. ''Agi!''
The spell made it jump back but it didn't seem to have much of an effect. Skull and Joker attacked next, their weapons causing it to cry out. Mona tried a Garu spell but again, it seemed to be of little use.
''Physical attacks seem to be the way to go,'' Mona noted, raising his scimitar. ''Concentrate on that, you guys!''
''Got it!''
The monster tried to lunge at Mona, who jumped out of the way and cut it with his weapon.
''Skull, how about you try using that new spell you of yours?'' Joker suggested after slowing the enemy down with a Sukunda spell.
He perked up, remembering the new skill he'd gotten to try out earlier ''Good idea. Let's go, Captain!'' The pirate Persona appeared behind him. ''Tarukaja!''
The teen targeted Mona, who had been standing closest to the Whadow. The cat blinked curiously ''Oh, so that's what it's like...All right then!'' He attacked again, now easily able to dodge the counter as the monster was still too slow. As Skull took to casting the spell on their whole group, the others kept their attacks up.
The monster roared and thrashed as it was forced to take the enhanced strikes. It tried to bite Panther, who responded by using her whip at its mouth. This angered it and made it resort to a tackle that almost knocked her down. Mona healed the girl while Joker and Skull kept the enemy away from them.
Eventually, while the enemy had stamina to spare, they were able to take it down. It was almost right after that that they discovered the path to the last room, the throne room.
''This is it!'' Mona exclaimed, seeming excited. ''We found the treasure's location!''
''Even if you say that...'' Panther was skeptic. ''...where is it? I don't see anything that looks like a treasure.''
''Oh, over here.'' He led them to a pedestal which had a wispy, floating orb over it.
''That's it?'' Skull cocked his head.
''Yeah, definitely not what I was expecting.'' Panther admitted.
''...Mona, what're we missing here?'' Joker asked. ''I remember you saying Kamoshida's shadow would try to stop us taking it. But we haven't even seen him anywhere. This just feels way too simple.''
The cat smirked ''As expected of you, Joker! We're not quite finished yet. This isn't the treasure's true form. We have to make it appear.''
''How?''
''By sending a calling card!'' Mona replied. ''It'll change his cognition and affect the treasure. This is how stealing it will really affect him.''
''We really are coming to be phantom thieves. Cool!'' Skull exclaimed. ''Can I write it? I really want to try!''
Mona shrugged ''Sure, why not?''
''All right!''
''So we go back and make sure Kamoshida sees the card then we get to take the treasure...'' Panther summarized.
''Right, I can bring us right back here when the time comes.'' Mona informed. ''Now let's make sure to prepare ourselves.''
The next day...
Morgana carefully poked his head out Namine's bag as she and Ann walked down a hall ''I don't get it. Things don't seem all that different. Is the school really going so far as to cover up that incident? More like, how'd Kamoshida get out of this one?''
''Last I checked, Shiho's still out of it.'' Ann replied. ''Besides, Kamoshida has the principal in his pocket. Apparently, since he helped bring fame to the school, he could do no wrong.''
''Are you kidding me?'' The cat sounded disgusted. He didn't know the girl like his new companions did but he did feel for her. The poor thing had suffered so much because of Kamoshida. Morgana just hadn't realized how incompetent the school administration was turning out to be.''Since when is the school's reputation more important than the students? If things hadn't gone down the way they died, she could have died.''
''I couldn't have said it better myself...''
''That's her?''
Ann blinked at the unfamiliar voice and looked around, noticing a group of students watching them.
''Yeah, the new transfer student...''
''Really? With all we've heard, I thought she'd be different.''
''I know, she's really cute...''
''She can't be as bad as people say, right? I mean she did save Suzui.''
''Yeah, I don't get it. I talked to her before and she was really nice...I heard she helped Tsukishima too.''
''I don't know, it could be an act.''
''Oh, come off it. Nobody's that good at acting.''
''Well then why was she arrested?''
''I'm still not sold. We don't know the whole story...'' The group walked away.
Ann glared at them ''Can't they find something else to do?''
''It's okay.'' Namine remarked. ''There's no helping it. Hey, did Ryuji text you? He seems pretty excited.''
''Yeah...'' Ann glanced at the phone. ''...should I be worried about this? I remember how some of his essays were back in middle school. He didn't have the best track record.''
''Somehow that doesn't surprise me...'' Morgana muttered.
Namine seemed amused ''Don't be so harsh, you two. Give him a chance. We can just deal with whatever happens anyway. We're almost there.''
''Yeah and I can't wait!'' Morgana admitted.
''Same here. We're taking the bastard down for sure.'' Ann stated.
The group soon headed on their separate ways, making sure to do what they can to prepare. After they'd lucked out and found a gun which Ann made use of in the palace, Ryuji volunteered to pick up some ammo for their next visit while the girls took care of the necessary supplies. Since Morgana warned them that sending the calling card left them with a short window of opportunity to steal the treasure, they wanted to make the most of this time.
Ryuji planned to get to school early the following day to sneak the calling card in. He was rather looking forward to this. What made working on it that much better was imagining Kamoshida's reaction when he would see the card.
The former athlete could barely even try to focus on classes in his anticipation. Soon, they would take Kamoshida down for all the people he'd hurt. To say the thought was satisfying would be a massive understatement.
''A calling card?'' One of the students asked, Ryuji had to hold back a grin at this.
''Yeah, everyone's talking about it. Apparently someone stuck them all around the second floor.'' Another answered. ''It says Kamoshida-sensei did something bad...''
Ryuji held back the urge to roll his eyes. Did something bad his foot. He could never understand how so many people just believed in that scumbag...
So clearly the calling cards were already causing a commotion, Ryuji thought, which was really good.
Now to see if this would work on Kamoshida...
''Ryuji.'' Ann's voice made him turn around to see her and Namine approaching with Morgana in the latter's bag. ''We got your message. You already did it?''
''Yup! Real early too. I wanted to make sure everyone could see them.'' He admitted. ''Take a look.''
Indeed, there were a lot of students facing the red cards that were stuck on the boards, all taking them in.
Ann went to examine one of the cards, it was red and black, with the letters 'Take your heart' placed on the first page, resembling cutouts from a newspaper. There was also a hat that resembled Arsene's, appearing as if it were on fire.
She proceeded to read it ''Sir Suguru Kamoshida, the utter bastard of lust. We know how shitty you are and that you put your twisted desires on students that can't fight back. That's why we have decided to steal away those desires and make you confess your sins. This will be done tomorrow, so we hope you will be ready. From, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts...''
She went back to them as they began walking away from the crowds, with Ryuji grinning ''Not bad, eh?''
''Um, yeah...'' Ann trailed off. ''...I know what you wanted to say, but it sounds like an idiot trying to be an adult.''
''Your logo's lacking too.'' Morgana remarked.
The boy bristled ''T-that ain't true!''
''Well, I think it's good.'' Namine's statement made him look at her gratefully. ''After all, it seems...''
The girl's sudden pause made the three follow her line of sight and they understood when noticing Kamoshida walking up to the board, looking incensed.
''Who's responsible for this?!'' He demanded. The remaining students only avoided his gaze or cleared out. ''Who did this?!'' He turned to face the thieves. ''Was it you?!''
''What're you even talking about?'' Ryuji cocked his head. ''We only came because everyone was making a big deal about this.''
''Though I can't help but notice that you haven't denied a thing.'' Namine remarked coolly while Ann glared at the man.
Kamoshida's eyes narrowed ''Watch it, Hyakuya. You're towing a dangerous line here. I don't know what this joke is about but I'll make sure the one behind it pays...I guess it doesn't matter even if it was Sakamoto. His days here are numbered. And if you two don't remember your place, you'll be following his lead.''
Then, something seemed to shift in the air before Kamoshida was replaced by his shadow form.
''Come...steal it if you dare!'' He taunted.
It faded away quickly but that was all the confirmation the quartet needed. The calling card worked perfectly, which meant it was time to take their target down.
The four soon arrived at the throne room. But strangely enough, the door was wide open and there weren't even any guards.
''What's going on?'' Panther wondered.
''The guards are probably staffed somewhere else. Remember they were all over the place trying to find us...'' Mona chipped in. ''…anyway, let's go.''
''I get that you're excited but try to be careful.'' Joker frowned as they followed the cat. While she would have liked to believe this was it, it just didn't seem right. The orb from their last visit had disappeared. It was now replaced by a large, shiny crown.
''That's the real treasure? It's huge!'' Skull exclaimed.
''It worked as I expected! Now it's ours for the taking!'' Mona smiled brightly. ''Ahh, treasure...this shine brings tears to my eyes!
''For being that bastard's desires, it's too pretty...'' Panther looked irritated.
Mona's eyes shone as he mumbled ''T-treasure...''
The three teens' attention was on the treasure, Skull arched an eye ''How do we carry this thing though?''
''Good question...'' Panther trailed off.
''Treasure...'' Mona walked closer.
Joker blinked ''Mona? What're you...?''
Then the cat did something that threw them for a loop. He meowed loudly and jumped on the crown, rubbing his face against it and purring contently.
''Okay, what...?'' Panther blinked twice.
''That's not catnip.'' Skull's eye twitched as Mona continued having his own fun. ''Enough already, you stupid cat!''
Mona jumped down, seemingly regaining his senses ''Err, yeah...forgive me for displaying such an insolent sight in front of ladies...''
''You were completely out of character too. What was that about?'' Panther inquired.
''I don't know. I couldn't help myself.'' Mona admitted. ''To think I'd be drown to human desires this much...Doesn't this prove I'm human?!''
''How do we know? Why the hell would you bring this up now?!''
''Well, it's just...''
''Can we debate this later? We need to get moving.'' Joker reminded.
''R-right!'' Mona acknowledged. ''Well, you just have to carry it...''
'We can help with that.' Arsene pointed out.
She blinked ''Oh, good point! Well let's get to it.''
Mona grinned ''To think it'd go so well...I found three Persona users in the process. I made the right choice in making a deal with you!''
Just as they summoned the four personas, Arsene and Zorro surprised them by moving to their left.
The reason became clear when the two personas fended off something fast coming the group's way.
A moment later, a cheer resounded throughout the room.
''Go, go! Let's go, Kamoshida!''
The shadow appeared behind the crown, it shone before shrinking and landing on his hand. ''I won't let anyone have this!''
Fake Ann came out of the shadows and hugged him as he continued ''This is the core of this world, proof that I am king!''
Panther glared at her doppelganger ''This again...I guess the lesson didn't sink in the first time...''
''So you were waiting to ambush us, pervert?'' Skull asked.
''I'll dispose of you myself now.'' The evil king smirked.
''That's our line, your lousy sexually harassing dirt bag!'' Panther snapped.
''What a selfish misunderstanding...''
''What's that mean?'' Joker demanded.
''Yeah, what're you on about?'' Mona added. ''It's just like Panther says, you just hid it from everyone. You hurt so many people and tormented the students you were supposed to care for!''
''It's the truth.'' Shadow Kamoshida's words left them bewildered. ''You really don't understand a thing. The adults who want to share in my accomplishments, students who have the drive to become winners...they're the ones who kept it a secret. You see, they protect me willingly so we can all profit from it. In fact, you two...'' his eyes fell on Joker and Panther. ''...could have understood. You could have benefited it as well if you'd stop this pointless resistance.''
The intent behind his words was clear to the four and they merely glared at him.
Skull's fists clenched ''Shut up, you disgusting prick! Stop talking about this like it's a good thing!''
''I should have known you wouldn't understand, you imbeciles. Naive brats like you and that idiot girl who tried to kill herself are a lost cause.''
The ex-athlete snarled ''Why you...!''
''True, she's a total idiot...'' Panther's statement was certainly unexpected. ''...letting you manipulate her so badly...but I'm an even bigger idiot for not realizing the truth. But no matter what kind of person they are...no one needs your permission to live their lives!''
''Exactly. Everyone deserves a chance to live on their own terms. They deserve to be free.'' Joker stated.
''Drop this attitude! There's nothing wrong in using MY gifts for MY gain! I'm a cut above ALL other humans!'' Shadow Kamoshida declared.
''Above?'' Joker echoed. ''That's rich. You mean beneath, you sunk so far below that it's downright pathetic. You're a lowly demon obsessed with your twisted desires!''
He began to chuckle ominously as red light pooled around him. ''That's right...'' He grabbed the fake Ann and the crown as a shadow rose behind him. The shadow and red energy seemed to merge with him, creating a blinding flash that made the thieves look away. ''...I'm the demon who rules this world!''
''W-what the...?!'' Skull blurted.
Their enemy had changed completely. He appeared now as a pink demon with a large head and many hands with the crown on its head and a long tongue. One hand held a glass that seemed to hold a drink that had some legs swirling around, another held a knife, a third had a fork and the remaining arms had volleyballs.
''It's time for you all to die!''
Mona prepared his weapon ''I'm guessing that's his true power. Don't do anything rash, let's wait for an opening.''
''First things first then, Carmen, Tarunda!'' Panther cast.
The demon grunted as the force of the spell took effect, leaving him somewhat weakened. Mona smirked as he went to attack ''Good call, Panther!''
Skull proceeded to cast Tarukaja on the four of them while Mona avoided the shadow's hands lashing out at him. The one that held the fork came close but Joker stopped it with a few bullets. Mona cast a Garu and Joker switched to Jack-o-Lantern to follow it up with an Agi spell, increasing the damage of both attacks, making Shadow Kamoshida yelp in pain.
''We've got plenty more of that, go Captain Kidd!'' Skull called as he had the Persona head butt the demon and Panther whipped it on the opposite side.
''N'gh!'' The enemy groaned. ''I'm not done...'' It stabbed the fork into one of the legs in the cup before swallowing them and his visible injuries seemed to disappear.
''So eating those lets him heal?'' Mona wondered.
''Guess we know what we've got to do now.'' Joker remarked.
''Yeah...'' The cat's eyes narrowed as they concentrated on the cup.
The shadow attacked with his tongue next and only Mona was fast enough to avoid it but then he thrust out his hands, and the cat was forced to block the one holding the fork with his sword.
It quickly then attacked with a barrage of volley balls, leaving the thieves with no choice but to defend to the best of their ability.
Skull ran forward and attacked with his pipe and Joker blasted one of the enemy's eyes with a burst of flames. Mona and Panther fell back to healing, going on to casting a round of Media and Dia respectively.
The shadow flicked its tongue again but Joker cut at it with her dagger, making him yelp. He swiped with the fork and knife next, forcing the two teens back as they were about to charge him again. Shadow Kamoshida then smirked as he drank from the glass again.
''Dammit, we have to get rid of that thing...'' Skull grunted.
''Well then, let's try this.'' Joker shot at the glass three times, leaving the enemy stunned.
''Hey, don't touch that!''
Skull called on his Persona and cast Zio, making sure to aim at the glass. It was still in one piece but it was obvious that they were causing a good amount of damage.
''Dammit, I said don't touch it! This is very important!'' The shadow cried.
''The more you say something like that, the more we'd want to do it!'' Mona exclaimed as he slashed at the cup. Panther struck it a few times with her whip, leaving it badly damaged. Mona saw that the shadow was about to drink again ''I don't think so. Come, Zorro! Garu!''
The gusts of wind not only rattled the shadow but it also made the glass fall out of his hand and shatter on the ground.
''NO!'' He cried out in dismay.
''Good going, Mona!'' Panther grinned and the cat smirked.
''Why you insolent...do you even know who you're attacking?!'' The shadow snarled.
''Oh, we know. We just don't care.'' Joker stated.
''Get over yourself, asshole! You're nothing special!'' Skull added.
''You're wrong! I am Kamoshida, the king!''
''Oh, please.'' Mona scoffed. ''You don't have much of a leg to stand on, talk about a load of hot air.''
''I'll say, he's still looking down on everyone but he's really lame.'' Skull agreed.
Shadow Kamoshida growled ''Silence, you fools! I'm the king! If I'm not king, who is?!''
The four attacked together, spells and weapons flew at the shadow, leaving him to cry out as it incurred plenty of damage. This was an All Out Attack, another technique Mona showed the group on their previous visits.
''Gah...ah...'' The shadow panted. ''...it can't end like this. I'm the king...''
''He's still talking like that?'' Mona looked annoyed.
''Looks like we still have to fight...'' Panther trailed off.
''...I'll use my killshot...that'll show them whose on top!''
Joker frowned, she didn't know what that meant but it was obviously nothing good. ''Guys, we've got to defend now!''
The three were quick to follow the command, and not a moment too soon. For their enemy was able to get a golden volleyball which he spiked and left to explode before them. It would have caused good damage had they not defended on time. As it were, Mona and Panther were able to summon their personas and get back to healing themselves and their friends.
Skull and Joker ran up to attack the Shadow from the sides with their respective weapons, leaving him to grunt as he tried to get back at them but to no avail.
''Listen up, the school came to be because of me! You're the only ones who don't respect me!'' Shadow Kamoshida declared.
''That's because you don't deserve any respect!'' Panther snapped.
Mona tried to concentrate ''We've got to take the treasure...only how?''
''I've got an idea.'' Joker admitted as the two groups joined up. ''Guys, would you help?''
''Of course!'' The first replied while Skull nodded.
''You don't even need to ask.'' Panther chipped in.
The girl gave a small smile as she started explaining her plan...
Shadow Kamoshida prepared to attack once again ''Getting tired, brats? Well too bad, you're not going to get any rest!'' He tried to attack with his tongue but it didn't seem to do much.
The next thing he knew, he was stunned by a blast of lightning that struck his head. ''What?!''
''Agi!'' ''Garu!''
A pair of fireballs and a burst of wind hit the ground next, raising a dust cloud. Before the shadow knew what was going on, Joker and Mona hit its arms with their blades with some speedy slashes, hacking a pair right off.
''Eat this!'' Panther summoned another fire spell, sending it to the Shadow's mouth, leaving him to scream in pain and rage.
Grunting, he forced himself to keep going and hit Joker with the knife. Mona growled as he saw the perverted gaze the enemy was giving the girls. He flicked his tongue at them again, forcing them back to dodge while Panther tried hitting him with her whip.
''Great, now he's just staring at me...'' She muttered.
He aimed to lick her with his tongue next, forcing her to go on her knees as it seemed to cause good damage. The shadow grinned as he went to attack again.
''Panther!'' Mona ran to help her.
Trusting their feline companion to handle this, Joker kept her focus on the enemy. He tried to stab at her friends, leaving her to block his knife with her dagger. As he tried to use his other arms to push her back, Joker thought fast and summoned Arsene and the gentleman thief helped her fend him off. Joker took the chance he offered her and attacked again, leaving the shadow stunned as she cut a gash on his side.
She looked back at Mona and Panther ''You okay there?''
''I am now, thanks guys.'' The latter returned as she stood.
''Guess I should have known you'd step in,'' Shadow Kamoshida began. ''Trying to be a hero again? Well don't bother! You won't amount to anything!''
''As if. I don't have to explain anything to someone like you. I did what I thought was right and now that I know the truth, I'm only glad I got to help Suzui-san.''
''Hmph. Cocky brat...so even my attempts to make sure you'd stay in your place failed...''
''Attempts to...'' Mona scowled as he realized something. ''...so you're the one who tried to slander Joker?''
''And if I am?'' The evil king demanded. ''I was only giving the pathetic masses what they wanted and they lapped it up. After all, who would think a criminal brat charged with assault would ever save a life? I am the only one who should be famous, the one who should be admired.''
This wasn't too surprising to them since it was effectively the same motivation behind what he did to Skull and the track team, just another example of the man's ego. Not that it made the whole situation any less infuriating...
''Now I'll finish you...time for my Killer Spike!''
The declaration left the three thieves alarmed. However, seeing that he was slower with all the damage he'd taken, they attacked together. The combined assault had a better effect then they hoped, flooring the enemy.
''Guh...damn you...I won't fail...I am King! Know your place!''
''He's still going on about that?'' Panther frowned.
''Well, we're just going to have to...'' Mona was cut off by the shadow's cry as he tried to pull himself together.
''Wait...something's wrong...'' He started. ''...one of them is missing? Why?!''
''You're too late...'' Noticing Skull behind one of the pillars, Mona signaled discreetly to the girls as they agreed earlier before he raised his slingshot. Similarly, the girls held up their guns and fired. The shadow managed to dodge two of the shots but the third one hit the crown. Grunting, the shadow looked around, coming to Skull as he ran over. Joker thought fast and called on Arsene to cast an Eiha on the enemy's eyes, successfully blinding him. Skull smirked and took the given opportunity, snatching the crown then.
''Ha! Got it!''
Panther smiled ''Nice! Joker's plan worked like a charm!' '
''The hell...?'' Shadow Kamoshida groaned as he noticed Skull rejoining the others. ''...you planned all this?''
''Yup and you fell for it hook, line and sinker.'' Skull grinned.
Joker's idea had been somewhat troublesome to enact but the results were very satisfying. She had them cast magic to cover Skull as he snuck around the Shadow for a chance to take the crown before they did everything they could to keep it distracted while the boy went closer. Then, while he was in a prime position to act, they would throw the shadow off with their guns and make the perfect opportunity to steal the treasure.
''Now...since everyone had a shot, it's my turn!'' Skull declared as he fired a round of bullets. This served to knock the enemy down and they proceeded to use a second All Out Attack.
''And stay down!'' Mona called as he and Joker finished this up, slashing with their blades. Their enemy finally collapsed, clearly unable to fight anymore.
Moments later, the shadow was surrounded in a black aura before he changed back into his human form. He surprised them by getting up suddenly and grabbing the crown before running away. The quartet wasted no time in chasing him down.
They found him panicking near a window, he was trapped with no way out. He took one look at the thieves and slumped, kneeling.
''Please...spare my life.''
''Pathetic.'' Panther's tone was ice cold ''You can't run anymore so this is what you do? So much for the great athlete...''
''Please...I just want to...''
''You have no right to ask us for anything.'' Joker interrupted. ''Not after what you did.''
''What's wrong about demanding a reward for my efforts?! Those hyenas always force their expectations on me!''
Skull frowned ''Now you're just making excuses. At least take responsiblity for your actions!''
''You might have decided this was right but that doesn't make it so.'' Mona stated.
''You really are pathetic.'' Panther went on. ''You hurt so many people...and you took so much from your students, like Shiho and me...''
Shadow Kamoshida whimpered ''N-no, please...it wasn't...please forgive me!''
Panther's eyes narrowed and she summoned Carmen, glowering at him. The evil king continued to cower, inching away from her. ''Isn't what they told you? Before you took everything from them...I'll never forgive you!''
He screamed as a burst of fire suddenly came rather close to his head. This seemed to really bring out the fact that he had no way out because he slumped and tossed the crown to them. ''Just take it...go ahead, finish me off.''
''...Panther, what do you want to do?'' Mona asked, believing that she should make the call here.
Joker agreed but felt she should add one more thing ''If you keep this up, he'll die, it's not worth it.''
The girl responded after almost a minute ''…Yeah, I'd be no better than him. That way, he won't ever face up to his actions. I won't do it.''
The cat seemed relieved ''You're kind.''
"Dying means he gets to run away and I refuse to accept that. He has to suffer for the rest of his miserable life."
Mona froze while Skull cringed, sure he despised the bastard too but damn...
''T-the palace...it will fade...'' Shadow Kamoshida uttered. ''...what do I do?''
''Confess your sins.'' Joker said simply. ''A lot of the students are still suffering because of you. Tell them the truth, repent.''
''...All right...'' He faded away in motes of light.
Trouble started just as they left the throne room, the area began to shake and cracks became visible on the walls.
''What's going on?!'' Panther cried.
''The palace is collapsing!'' Mona replied. ''We took the treasure and the ruler's disappeared. This was bound to happen.''
''Wait, you knew?!'' She exclaimed.
''Why didn't you tell us before?!'' Skull demanded.
''I'm telling you now. Let's get out of here!''
The teens needed no further prompting, quickly running down the hall to find the quickest way out. They had to endeavor to dodge various debris and rubble that almost came close.
Just as they reached the exit, Mona turned into his real world form to dodge a piece of rubble that would have hit him if he hadn't moved. The cat quickly scampered up Joker's shoulder as Skull looked up at him.
''Hey, no fair you jerk!'' He grunted as the cat merely meowed in response. ''Well-ah!''
The three turned back in surprise to find falling down. ''Skull!'' Panther exclaimed.
''It's fine...'' He pulled himself up. ''...old injury, come on, we're almost there!''
They were quick to use the navigator to get back to the real world after leaving the palace. That was a good thing too, because after the day they had, the quartet was rather worn-out to say the least.
''So...that did it, right?'' Ryuji asked, leaning against a wall.
''Yeah...'' Morgana got back in Namine's bag as the girl took a seat nearby. ''...we've got the treasure. So Kamoshida should change.''
''Wait, should?!'' Ryuji frowned. ''I thought you knew this stuff!''
''Not everything! This is a first for me too!'' The cat said defensively. ''We just have to wait and see...''
''Aw man...if this doesn't work, me and Mishima are expelled...''
''Let's just wait and see.'' Ann advised. ''You said it takes days for the change to kick in, right, Morgana?''
''Right, Lady Ann. It's okay, we pulled it off.''
''Let's try and hope for the best now.'' Namine remarked. ''Judging by the shadow's reaction, I think we really did have some effect. I'm sure all our effort would pay off.''
''I hope you're right...'' Ryuji trailed off.
''Try not to worry, Ryuji.'' Morgana put in. ''We've done what we set out to do and we gave it our best, now we just to wait and see.''
Well, that's that.
So how as it? Okay, I hope. The next one will have the aftermath and as mentioned before, parts of my original twists to the story. Just to clarify, that incident Namine and Arsene talked about back when he was awakened? That's part of it. It will be explained next chapter. Let's just say it will have more significance down the line.
Notes:
-I will fully admit that I'm not quite sure I'm going to stick to everything canon about the Velvet room because there's something I want to try, I'm just not sure if I can make it work. In general, I'm not going to stick to canon all the time but I do want to get the characters right.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 1)
Morgana (Magician Rank 1)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 1)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)