Skull cocked his head ''That's the Palace?''
The others seemed just as thrown off, for the shack in the real world was now replaced by a big museum. It wasn't just that, if there was one word that could fully describe this place was that it was golden. Almost too much so, in fact.
''It's...really gaudy.'' Panther couldn't help squinting, that gold color was far too much.
''I'll say.'' Joker agreed. ''I knew we were in for a few surprises but whoa...so that's how he sees the shack...''
''So the Madarame we've seen was a fake, huh?'' Mona crossed his arms.
Panther wasn't convinced ''It...is really Madarame, right?''
Mona looked at her ''We checked, Panther. The Nav proved it.''
''I know, still...''
''Yeah, it's not really hitting me either.'' Skull admitted.
''There's no point wondering about this now. We're here to get some information.'' Joker reminded the group. ''So let's get to it.''
''Yeah!''
''Sounds good.'' They agreed.
The front entrance was very crowded. There were guards trying to keep out people who were crowding to see Madarame's exhibit. It was all too clear how excited they were to see it. The thieves decided to avoid the front entrance and instead used a parked truck to jump over a wall on the side and make their way in.
''Oh!'' Their feline companion stopped upon seeing two treasure chests on a shelf nearby. ''I think it's time I show you guys to pick locks.''
With that, Mona fetched a couple of tools before he began working on the chests' locks. One held a sum of money which they decided to keep for later and the second had a sword.
''Oh, this looks good!'' Mona took the new weapon.
Skull quirked a brow ''...Why do you know how to pick locks again?''
The cat shrugged ''I just do.''
They stopped at a room, carefully staying back upon spotting the people who had come in.
''I can't believe we got this chance!''
''Right?! We actually get to see Madarame-sama's amazing work!''
''Amazing is putting it simply...the man is a true genius...''
''This is a privilege.''
''...And here I thought people were excited for the exhibit.'' Panther shook her head. ''That was...something.''
''Even for his fame and rep, that's just too much...'' Joker trailed off. ''...Mona, those were cognitions of people like the ones we saw in the exhibit, right? If what we saw before is anything to go by...''
''This is all according to Madarame's desires.'' The cat nodded to her. ''I think it says something about Madarame's personality. There's definitely more to him than meets the eye.''
''Oh, you mean this works like the prisoners back with Kamoshida's shadow?'' Skull clarified, earning a nod from Joker. ''Well, damn...''
''I don't know, you guys...'' Panther appeared hesitant to follow the line of thought they were coming to. ''...this is really him? But he was so nice and humble...things were way different with Kamoshida. ''
''We're not as involved here.'' Joker pointed out. ''That's why the situation may seem vague. I think Mona had a point. If Kamoshida could build that much of an image, how do we know Madarame isn't any better at it?''
''I guess you have a point...''
''So you think Mona's right and Madarame really should be our next target?'' Skull wondered.
''It's too soon to decide on anything...but I won't be too surprised if it does turn out that way...'' Their leader admitted. ''...mostly because of something Mona told me yesterday. The Shadow's more or less a person's true self, everything people conceal is revealed with them. They don't lie.''
Which effectively meant she was keeping what they were told about Madarame earlier in mind. It was hard to refute such logic.
They went into another hall in which they were able to find a map that had what appeared to be at least half the museum displayed. Soon after that, the quartet found a big room with something that would be the first turning point in their current exploration.
A portrait of their previous target, Nakanohara Natsuhiko.
''Why's this even here?'' Skull looked around, his eyes suddenly widened. ''Whoa...''
It didn't take long for them to see what had him surprised, for the walls of the room were lined up with numerous portraits of people.
He blinked twice ''Who are they?''
''I think they might be Madarame's students.''
Panther looked at Mona 'Why do you say that?''
''Because I found a portrait of Yusuke, look.''
Indeed, there was one of the young artist, seperate from the rest. Somehow it seemed to be in far better shape. Joker looked from it to the others, soon picking up on another oddity.
''All those tags just have their names and ages...''
''Hey yeah!'' Skull exclaimed as he noticed the same. ''What does this mean?''
''I don't know but is it just me or do those portraits seem a little odd to anyone?'' Joker frowned. ''Kind of...subdued? No, that's not right...hmm...''
'They're almost...lifeless.' Captain Kidd said after a moment.
Panther blinked ''Now that you mention it, yeah...''
''The paintings do give a submissive air...'' Mona concurred. ''...this is all starting to add up...''
As he looked back, Skull could definitely agree ''Yeah, didn't Nakanohara say Madarame betrayed him? Kitagawa's the only one at the shack and he wouldn't say what happened to those guys when Joker asked...what's the deal?''
''It's starting to look like this is how Madarame sees them.'' Mona stated.
'As nothing less than property.' His Persona finished for him.
'So it wouldn't be too far off to imagine that he might have ruined them too.' Captain Kidd stated.
Panther looked dismayed ''But why? Kitagawa-kun said Madarame took him in years ago...how long has this been going on?''
''Too long.'' Joker pursed her lips glancing at the row of portraits again.
In light of the recent discovery, the group hadn't kept an eye on the area outside the room, which left them to be found out by some patrolling guards.
''Intruders!'' One cried before they rushed in.
The first tried to punch Skull but the latter held it off with his pipe and kicked it. Joker side stepped a blow from the second one, cutting its arm with her dagger, making it drop the club in its hands.
''Persona!''
Carmen and Zorro appeared, attacking the shadows with flames and wind respectively. The Shadows' forms distorted for a moment before they materialized into two Hua Po, an Onmoraki, a Jack Frost and an Apsaras.
''Skull, the one on your far left is weak to lightning.'' Mona informed.
''Then it's all mine. Let's go, Captain!'' The teen summoned his persona, having it blast the Apsaras with lightning.
The Onmoraki screeched and flew at Panther, who tried to hit it with her whip but it flew out of the way. Its advance was quick to put a halt when Zorro used another Garu at its owner's command to throw it into the air. They were surprised when it quickly flew back up but it didn't take long to spot one of the Hua Po casting a Dia on it. Joker took a moment to have her Mandrake persona to try and confuse them with Tentarafoo.
The Jack Frost jumped up and used its ice magic, forcing Mona and the Apsaras, who had been the closest back a bit while the Onmoraki charged again. Joker shot the bird shadow down while Skull bashed the Jack Frost on the head with his weapon.
''Carmen, Maragi!'' Panther called, summoning a hail of fire that hit all the shadows.
The Hua Po were about to trying healing again but Joker thought fast and called Arsene to blind them with a curse spell. Skull shot one down and she proceeded to cut the other with her blade before Mona followed up on the attack, finishing the battle.
Panther let out a breath, relieved that the enemies were gone ''That's that.''
''That was great, Panther. Did you see how well our attacks worked together?'' Mona enthused.
''Heh yeah, I guess they did. We're a good team.''
''Definitely! We should concentrate on working to become better. I'd be happy to show you some tips...''
''Oh brother...'' Skull rolled his eyes at the sight of Mona practically falling over for Panther again. He glanced at Joker, who shrugged in 'what-can-you-do manner'. ''...quit messing around, cat. We've got to keep at this!''
''Who's messing around?!'' Mona retorted. ''I'm definitely doing a lot better than you!''
''Say what?!''
'Keep acting like idiots and you'll bring down more enemies on us.' Carmen said flatly.
They cringed and mumbled apologies at the valid point. Panther rolled her eyes at the two ''Anyway, what do we do now?''
''We're good to go for now, right?'' Skull cocked his head.
''I think so.'' Joker replied. ''Not for long though, we're not really prepared for another Palace just yet. Let's see if we can find anything else to tell us about Madarame.''
It soon turned out that the ability which enhanced her sight (which they decided to call the Third Eye) could actually help. In fact, it led to something that would serve as another turning point in their mission.
It was a statue of Madarame standing proud with some children holding their hands and raising him up.
Skull looked at the plaque on the statue's base ''It says this is called Infinite Spring...'' his eyes widened as he continued to read the rest of the words. ''...the hell? That bastard!''
Mona cocked his head ''What is it?''
''Listen to this: A conglomerate work of art that the great director Madarame created with his own funds. These individuals must offer their ideas to the director for the rest of their lives. Those who cannot do so have no worth living!''
''No worth living?'' Panther spat. ''He really does see his pupils as property...it's like he's talking about slaves...''
"You know, I remember Kitagawa's painting looked like it was practically brand new compared to the others. Think it's cuz Madame can still take advantage of him?" Skull crossed his arms.
"Good observation, Skull, I think you hit the mark." Mona concurred "As the statue proves, if Madarame can't find any use for them, they're worthless to him. I'm curious about the part where it mentions offering ideas...'' He glanced at the plaque again. ''...so he takes his students' work?''
'It's safe to say that's the case.' Arsene stated.
''Yeah...'' Joker agreed. ''...I just remembered, Panther, you know how Kitagawa-san started acting strangely when he was showing us around?''
She nodded ''I was wondering about that too...he was plenty happy to show us around but when we got to that painting, he just seemed to freeze up. I bet it was his painting all along...''
''So Madarame took it for himself? Why the hell didn't Kitagawa say anything?'' Skull wondered.
''He did say Madarame took him in when he had no one else...'' Panther recalled. ''...maybe he thinks it's just a debt.''
''Could be. That makes it all the more worse though...'' Joker remarked. Yusuke clearly looked up to Madarame, didn't the man care about him at all?
''He's another disgusting adult.'' Skull growled. ''I don't know about you guys but I say we definitely found our next target. We can't let him get away with this!''
''We're not going to leave things this way.'' Mona assured. ''But it's just like Joker said before, we just came to learn about Madarame. We're not ready to infiltrate a Palace. For now, let's go back.''
''You want to try talking to Kitagawa-san again?'' Namine raised an eye.
''Yeah,'' Ann replied. ''I mean what we're going to do will affect him. It wouldn't feel right if we don't try.''
''Okay that part I can agree with and I'm up for helping there but not with the questions. I really don't see how asking about Madarame again would work, especially so soon.'' The girl returned. ''You heard what he said before, I don't think we can get him to say anything that easily even if he does know something's up.''
''Well we can at least try.'' Ryuji stated, but Namine clearly wasn't convinced. ''There's not much else we can do, right?''
Namine's expression was unreadable ''Maybe...'' The three looked at her curiously. ''...Seeing those portraits gave me an idea. I'm not sure if it would work but I'll tell you later.''
''? All right...''
Since it was getting late, the quartet turned in for the night. Namine put her idea in motion the next day.
Morgana walked over to the girl who was sitting at her desk, focused on her phone. He looked at the screen to see that she was texting Mishima.
MY: You want my help? Sure, what's up?
HN: I was wondering if you could help me find a way to get in touch with someone.
MY: Who?
HN: Nakanohara Natsuhiko. He's...sort of been involved in the site and I figure he might be able to help us get a few facts straight.
MY: Oh, so this is about...all right. It's a bit unorthodox but I'll see what I can do.
HN: Thanks!
MY: No problem, good luck!
''You think Nakanohara might be willing to help?'' Morgana inquired.
''It's worth a shot.'' Namine remarked. ''I told you, I just don't see the point of trying with Kitagawa-san if we don't have some kind of proof. Besides, the students didn't want to talk about what Kamoshida did-why would this be any different? Nakanohara-san was also Madarame's student but I don't see any reason he'd want to defend him.''
The cat figured she made a good point ''That makes sense. He might actually be our best source for information after all.''
It was as they went downstairs that the two found something strange. The cafe was empty save for Sojiro and a man with dark hair that was somewhat concealed with a hat.
That wasn't the strange part, it was Sojiro.
The man seemed rather tense, which made the whole thing even more off considering how relaxed the other man was.
''Well, I'm just saying I wanted to know what's up. It's awfully cold of you to keep the truth like that.'' The man was saying.
''Fine. I got it, if that's all you came to say we're done.'' Sojiro all but spat.
The man just chuckled ''You really are cold. Heh, guess it doesn't matter to me.''
Once the man left, Sojiro happened to notice Namine. ''...So you heard that, huh?''
''Just that last part.'' The girl returned. ''Er, sorry, was I not supposed to?''
''No...it's nothing important.'' He replied after a moment.
''Are you okay?'' Namine asked next.
He grunted and made to head to the kitchen. ''It's just fine...''
Seeing how he clearly didn't want to talk, the girl decided to leave him be and left.
''What do you think that was about?'' Morgana wondered.
''Not a clue, it's best if we leave that be. I don't think he'd say anything even if we ask.'' Namine stated.
''Can't argue with that...''
Iwai cocked his head as he watched Namine look around carefully, having gotten weapons and a few magazines already ''Nice to deal with someone who actually knows their stuff but what're you picking all this up for?''
''Just figure it's for the best...'' Namine stated. ''...I told you, Old Man Nakamura thought it was for the best for me to learn about guns and we heard people in class are getting kind of paranoid since a couple got robbed. We might be using the weapons in a project, like a show and tell kind of thing in school. I figure it's just best to have the gun somewhere we know. We're not going to go picking fights but the part about having decent defense works for me. Worst comes to worst, this'll be a scare tactic to help bail us out.''
''Makes sense.'' He commented. ''As long as you don't use them for anything illegal, it's fine in my book.''
''Nah, nothing of the sort.'' Namine assured. ''If it helps, I won't tell anyone I bought a thing from you unless you're okay with it.''
''Much appreciated, kid.''
''Hmm...'' Takemi leaned back in her seat as she finished examining Namine. ''...good, you're looking plenty better.''
''Thanks to you, that stuff you gave me works great.''
''Good to hear.'' She returned, writing something on a piece of paper and giving it to her. ''I don't have this right now and most of my medicine are prepared by me but you should look into getting this. It'll help you.'' Namine nodded and took the paper. ''So, I've been wondering, what exactly lead you to come to me in the first place?''
Namine tilted her head a bit ''Curiosity, I guess. Sakura-san told me a bit about you that day in Leblanc and when I heard you weren't too far off, I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask for a little help.''
''Ah, you're among the first who didn't come here because of the rumors.''
''Rumors?'' Actually, looking back, she did notice a couple of people giving her odd looks when they saw her coming here...
Did Takemi have some reputation she never heard about?
''I only do checkups like this depending on the case these days.'' The doctor informed. ''Around these parts, I'm known as the Plague. The title says plenty, huh? You're actually among the few people who come to see me. Seems like people agree my bad rep is completely deserved.''
Namine frowned ''...What happened?'' Takemi raised an eye. ''I know there's more to this. How'd things turn out that way?''
''...There was a medical trial at my old work place, I never backed them on it but the patient died and the next thing I know, the blame fell on me.'' Takemi returned after a few moments.
''That's awful...'' The doctor had really helped her before, with both advice and medicine. They'd even used some of it in the Metaverse and it worked great. She didn't deserve this. ''...wait, so the medicine you gave me...?''
''Yup, I prepare my own meds.'' The doctor confirmed her suspicion.
''Wow...'' Namine could imagine how hard that was. Takemi definitely was skilled. ''...well, I think you're really good at your job. Following your advice was a real big help.''
Takemi's lips twitched ''Good to know. Just think of this as finishing up what I started.''
''Well, I'm grateful...'' Namine blinked as her phone rang before taking it out. ''...oh, excuse me a minute...'' She went out once Takemi waved her off.
''Hi Namine, where are you?'' Ann asked on the other end. ''I came by the cafe but Sakura-san said you left a while ago.''
''Hi, Ann. I'm getting things ready for when we go back to what we started yesterday.''
''Oh, good call! So, I'm going to see Kitagawa-kun in a bit and I was wondering if you'd come. Did whatever you have in mind work?'' Ann inquired.
''Probably not today to the first one and I'm still waiting for the result on that.''
''Okay. I think you guys were right about the plagiarism. I was thinking that anonymous request could be another of Madarame's student.'' The blonde went on.
''I can see that.'' Namine concurred. ''Anyway, I'm not sure what I'm going to do just yet but I'll get back to you.''
''Right, later then.'' They hung up.
When she went back to the clinic, Namine was surprised to find an officer inside. The man quickly noticed her ''Perfect, are you the patient she's talking about?'' Namine nodded, giving a bewildered look. ''What the heck is this quack doing exactly? Why are you here?''
''Hey, she's not a quack!'' Namine took a moment to calm herself before responding. ''I was in an accident just a while ago and with the way things went, my recovery's been a bit messed up. I haven't been eating right and I've been feeling sore. Takemi-sensei helped fix that.''
''Oh...then why...?'' The officer seemed confused.
''Someone's messing with you.'' Takemi offered. ''As you can see I'm just running my buisness. I'm not doing anyone harm.''
''...All right.'' He decided after a moment, leaving as he muttered. ''Good grief, what's going on lately?''
Namine blinked twice ''Um, what was that about?''''That would be people's attempt at harassing me.'' The doctor informed. ''Seems some nosy idiot found out about my plans. You just helped derail them, kid.''
''Well good, they've got no business doing that.'' Namine stated ''I'll vouch for you if there's more trouble. It's only fair.''
Takemi seemed surprised but she soon returned ''...Thanks.''
As luck would have it, they soon learned that Mishima had been able to reach Nakanohara and it turned out he was looking to contact the Phantom Thieves too. The boy got him to agree to meet Namine in the underground mall.
They agreed to be careful about this, Namine adjust her hat to cover more of her features as both came to the conclusion that it was just better to be safe. The girl then sorted a few details out with Mishima. Morgana waited behind a pillar while Namine stood at the place they agreed to meet.
''This really worked after all, good.'' Morgana smirked. ''So Lady Ann and Ryuji went ahead to the shack again, right?''
''Yeah, they should be there from what she said.'' Namine replied. ''Let's just fill them in on what we find.''
Nodding, the cat began to look around. It didn't take him long to spot Nakanohara, who seemed to have noticed Namine.
''Excuse me...this might sound strange but I've been told to look here for someone with your description.''
''And you've got the right person.'' Namine returned.
''That's good.'' The man seemed relieved, observing her curiously. ''Sorry, I'm just confused. I never thought the site worked like this.''
''It doesn't but the admin did me a little favor.'' Namine admitted. ''We're looking into something-oh,sorry about this, by the way,'' She gestured to her hat. ''Better to keep somethings to myself, you see.''
Nakanohara nodded, that made sense to him. He figured it was just natural to be cautious with what she and her group did. The hat concealed a good part of her face and most of her hair. It was a rather sunny day and many people were trying to avoid the heat, no one would look twice at her like this. Doing this with some amount of secrecy to blend in but not stand out was smart thinking.
''We started looking into some rumors and things are adding up.'' Namine continued. ''Nakanohara-san, I asked you to come here because this involves you too.''
''Well I figured as much but how?''
''Madarame.'' She said simply, noticing him stiffen in surprise. ''We know there's plenty more to him than he's got people thinking. Now we're putting our focus on how to stop him.''
''That's...that's good to hear...'' The man exhaled. ''...so your search let you find out that I was one of his pupils.''
''Yeah, the truth is we happened to run into his current pupil...''
''Kitagawa Yusuke, right?'' He concluded. ''I knew he'd still be there after all...''
''We tried talking to him about this but he wouldn't even hear a thing.'' Namine informed. ''Even though something he did was our clue to the plagiarism, he just insists that it's all plain rumors.''
''I see...I really can't say I'm surprised.'' Nakanohara admitted. ''Well, first I'll tell you straight up. You're on the right track, Madarame pretends to care for his pupils and teach them but what he does is plagiarize their works. This has been going on for years and I never would've approached him if I knew. Some didn't even know at first but then he tried to justify as being in a slump. He just kept saying that everything will be fine once he got out of it. He just got rid of anyone who refused or tried to stand up to him. Madarame made sure to blacklist those who defied him in the art world...like me. He took away our dreams.''
Namine's eyes widened, that must be what the article she found was about. It was just the result of Madarame's schemes...
''He didn't even care at all.'' Nakanohara's expression soured. ''It was bad enough that he hurt so many people, some had their lives ruined because of him. But since he's so famous and powerful in the art world, there was nothing any of us could do about it. One of his former pupils even committed suicide because of him.''
''What?'' Namine gasped and Morgana froze where he stood. They knew the situation was bad but they never imagined something like this. It was cruel...
''I'm sorry...'' Namine managed ''...I just thought of asking you since Kitagawa-san wouldn't help but I'm sorry I made you relive those bad memories.''
But Nakanohara shook his head ''Don't be. Since you mentioned him...I don't think it's that Yusuke doesn't know. It's hard to think that he wouldn't after all this. You know, I actually asked him, why he stayed even after all this time. His answer was, 'I'd leave if I could.'''
Morgana's eyes narrowed, remembering Yusuke's odd reaction when Ryuji mentioned the rumors. It was all definitely suspicious. Yusuke acted like he was pleased to be with Madarame but clearly there was more to it.
''He actually...? I really don't see why he'd stay now...'' Namine shook her head. ''...I can imagine how hard you work on those paintings; he has no right to take them. We even saw what we think might be one of Kitagawa-san's pieces at the exhibit. He wouldn't say it but it was obvious that seeing it must have been hard.''
Nakanohara scowled ''So he's done it again...You're right, those paintings are a way in which we express our feelings. They're an extension of ourselves. I couldn't stand what Madarame did so I left...'' He clenched his fists. ''...You all really helped me and Kitana out before and I'm grateful. I know this might be asking a lot but please stop him. Before he causes even more damage, far too many people suffered because of him.''
He didn't need to ask though. All he learned left Namine determined to do just that. ''Right. We're not about to walk away from this now. Thank you for the information.''
They met up with their teammates a while later, all stopping in another part of the mall...
''You were right, Namine.'' Ryuji leaned in his seat with a sigh. ''It was just like yesterday. Nothing changed. He was completely focused on his painting and we could barely get him to say two sentences together.''
Ann nodded ''Did you guys find anything?''
''And how.'' Morgana replied. ''Namine asked Mishima to help us get in touch with Nakanohara.''
''Whoa, so you got him to talk? What'd he say?'' Ryuji looked up in interest.
The two blonds were just as shocked to learn of their recent discoveries. Ryuji scowled ''That phony geezer! We have to make him pay!''
''Right, he can't get away with this!'' Ann stated while Namine nodded.
''All right, it's settled. Let's go back to the Palace.'' Morgana called.
The four thieves made their way to the back of the museum like last time. With the map they procured, they found a short cut to lead to the hall where they had stopped before.
''You can tell if we're close to the treasure, right? How's it looking?'' Panther inquired.
''Not even close.'' Mona replied. ''This place is pretty big and...''
The cat suddenly stopped walking and looked around quickly. Ignoring his teammates' confusion, Mona ran off to their left.
''Hey!'' Skull called before they followed him.
''I knew it...'' They found the cat standing before a golden vase. ''...it's treasure...''
''Oh great, he's got that look again!'' Skull groaned.
''But I thought he said...'' Joker was confused. This was similar to how Mona reacted to Kamoshida's treasure but he had just mentioned how they were no where near it...
''Aww, that's so cute...'' Panther remarked, seeing Mona mewling and smiling widely as he walked closer to the vase.
Skull rolled his eyes ''Let's just get...''
As he walked over, Mona suddenly jumped and hugged the vase. This proved to be a big mistake as lights suddenly flashed and an alarm sounded. Lasers suddenly flashed around Mona, who seemed to have been snapped out of his trance.
''Oh no...'' He mumbled, seeing two shadows come charging in.
One of them tried to hit Joker but the girl dodged its weapon and jumped behind him before grabbing its mask and ripping it off. This revealed the shadows to be an Onmoraki and an Apsaras. The latter immediately attacked, leaving them to defend against its magic.
''Try this!'' Panther whipped its face, throwing it back.
''Persona!'' Skull summoned Captain Kidd and went on to cast magic, leaving the shadow floored from the lightning blast.
The Onmoraki clawed at Joker after evading her attacks before flying up and suddenly flying down for a speedy attack. Joker took the brunt of the attack before hitting it with a bullet, leaving to crash down as its weakness was also used.
The Apsaras pulled itself up, it happened to be near another of the security traps so it activated. This caused a bunch of lasers to trap Panther and Skull.
''Dammit, I'll just...!'' Skull raised his weapon.
''Hold on, those guys came once the trap was active, I bet that means touching those lasers is just going to bring a whole lot more enemies our way!'' Mona pointed out.
''Then what do we do?!''
Joker focused on the Shadows as they attacked, summoning Jack Frost to use its ice magic and put a stop to this. It worked as the cold winds it conjured distracted and slowed them down.
She ran and hit the Apsaras with her dagger, leaving the weakened shadow to fade away. Wasting no time, Joker hit the Onmoraki with bullets again, leaving it floored. The girl was able to get it to join them, thus making it into one of her Personas.
''Nice work, Joker!'' Panther grinned.
She gave a small smile in return ''Are you guys okay?''
''Just fine, can you get us out of here?'' Mona requested.
Nodding, their leader turned around and started using her third eye. It pointed her towards the ledge, which made her see that there was a door leading to the next area. ''I'll be right back.''
The next room had a pair of guards looking around, making her wonder if they had come because of the alarm.
''It did go off, right?'' She heard one ask.
''Yeah, of course! But there no one here...let's keep looking...'' They began to leave, Joker noted with alarm that they were going to the room the others were in.
What to do? Her friends were still trapped, they'd be sitting ducks if they were found now...
Thinking fast, she jumped down and grabbed a nearby vase, hurtling it with all her power to the hall just near this room. The guards paused in surprise, having heard it too.
''Hey, that...''
''I think we've got 'em, come on!''
Joker sighed as the two took off, deciding to hurry up. The third eye lead her to a blue painting which she began to inspect, which let her find the switch behind it. She pressed it and went back to the room, finding that it had freed Skull and Panther.
''Thanks, Joker!'' The latter exclaimed.
The three set out to free Mona next, which they were able to do quickly. The cat joined them, appearing ashamed.
''What'd you do that for? It was stupid!'' Skull chided.
''I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me.'' He admitted.
''It did start off with this thing.'' Joker reminded, gesturing at the vase. ''What's so special about it?''
''Hmm...'' Mona inspected it for a moment. ''...wait, that's it!'' He surprised them again by breaking it with his sword.
A gem floated out of it a second later, leaving everyone besides Mona thrown for a loop. The cat's eyes narrowed ''I knew it...guys, don't let it get away!''
Confused as they were, the rest figured Mona would explain and so they complied. The gem floated up as they trapped it in a corner but Panther stopped its movement by summoning Carmen to surround it in flames.
''That's a treasure demon, a rare Shadow...I must have sensed it before. You should try having it join us, Joker. I'm sure it'll be useful!'' Mona suggested.
''Okay, rare as it maybe it's like other Shadows, right?''
''Yeah, we'll have to do this the usual way.'' The four held up their weapons.
Skull and Mona attacked first, but it didn't seem to do much damage. The girls summoned Arsene and Carmen, but their magic also left it unfazed. Just then, it moved almost imperceptibly and raised a barrier.
''What gives?'' Skull scowled, deciding to try his own persona next. However, Captain Kidd's attacks also seemed near effective.
''I think it might be that barrier. It barely moved so that's easy to miss...'' Mona remarked, holding up his slingshot. ''...if magic and weapons don't hold work, how about this?''
It worked this time as the pellet seemed to go right through, sending it spinning. The rest decided to follow suit, eventually knocking the treasure demon down.
That seemed to have subdued it as Joker was easily able to add it to her personas afterwards.
The girl seemed curious ''It does give of a different feel from the other Personas somehow...Mona, can you tell me about this thing?''
''There's not much I can say, I saw one like this a couple of times in Mementos. I don't think they're much of fighters though. That one was pretty fast and it's really got a strong defense.''
''What's the point of getting it if they're not much fighters?'' Skull questioned. ''They can't really be useful then.''
''I'm not sure...it felt important.''
''Hmm...'' Joker made a note to ask Igor or the twins. ''...we'll figure it out. I can't see them being useless anyway. Let's keep going.''
The quartet came across a safe room after that. After taking some time to rest, they found their way to the central garden.
This revealed another problem in the form of a giant, complex looking door blocking the way. It wouldn't budge no matter what they did.
''Oh great, what now?'' Panther wondered.
''Hmm...'' Mona's ears twitched as the sound of footsteps reached him. ''...hey, someone's coming. Everybody, hide!''
''Why?'' But Skull was dragged along a second later, the four watched what they immediately knew was Madarame's Shadow enter with a guard.
''You're amazing, Madarame-sama! You made sure no one suspected you of a thing!'' The guard commented.
''Hm.'' The shadow smirked back. ''It's all about taking advantage of the media's influence. You'd be surprised how much of a difference an act could do. It's just like with those kids from yesterday. A couple of nice words had them swallowing the whole thing up!''
''Yeah, you played them masterfully.'' The guard agreed.
''Heh, indeed...Abuse? Plagiarism? It's all absurd!'' Shadow Madarame exclaimed. ''There's nothing wrong with using my disciples' work for my own sake. It's the least they can do for my care. They should be grateful, instead I have a whole lot of them rebelling. I should have broken them all in the first place...'' He turned around. ''...at least I still have one left. Yusuke's talented and he feels indebted to me...that's why I'll make full use of him. I'll work him until he dies!'' He and the guard began to walk away. ''This is the way for his work to see the light of day. It's for his sake and also the sake of the art world!''
''You're a genius!'' The guard praised as the shadow broke out into laughter.
This proved too much for Skull and he almost charged towards them but the girls moved to stop him. The boy scowled ''He's just...!''
''We know, Skull, we know...I understand how you feel but this is isn't the way.'' Joker stated.
Panther nodded ''I want to get at him too and we will, definitely, We have to do this the right way.''
''We've got to stop that bastard!'' Skull growled. ''He doesn't care one bit about his pupils. And what he said about Kitagawa...we've gotta change his heart!''
''I know. I hate walking away after that but Kamoshida's Shadow gave us plenty of trouble, I'm not sure we were ready to fight him right then. He'd still have those shadows with him too.'' Panther had been skeptic as a big part of her really wanted to attack Madarame too but she was quick to note that Joker and Mona agreed with her stance so maybe this was for the best.
''I don't think any of us can stand it, Panther. There's more to this whole mess than just changing his heart.'' Joker remarked.
''This isn't just a mission just to stop Madarame anymore. It's a rescue.'' Mona crossed his arms. ''We're the only ones who can do something about this.''
''Yeah...I just don't get Kitagawa-kun at all. Going by what he told Nakanohara, he definitely knows something's up at least. Why doesn't he say anything?'' Panther wondered. ''Are we missing something else?''
''I don't know. We can try looking into this further.'' Joker suggested. ''What can we do now? With that door in the way...''
''About that...'' The two looked at Mona. ''...it really is best if we go now. I have an idea about that door but if I'm right and I'm almost sure that I am, it's something we can only deal with in the real world. I'll fill you guys in on the details later.''
''All right...''
Their recent success with discovering more info about their target left the four more determined than ever. They were definitely going to stop Madarame, for the sake of all his victims and to make sure he wouldn't hurt anyone else. This had gone on for far more than enough.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 2)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 1)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 1)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 1)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 1)