After preparing the weapons for the team's next venture into the Metaverse, Namine and Ryuji went to see a movie as they had agreed earlier.
''Heh, well that was nice, huh?'' Ryuji remarked as they walked out of the movie hall.
''Mmhm, it reminds me of this old story I heard but this is way funnier.'' Namine mused.
The two walked out of the cinema before she went on ''Okay, spill.'' Ryuji blinked. ''Don't give me that look. You've been out of it for a while, what's going on?''
He stopped walking ''...You noticed, huh? Guess I've been thinkin'...You know, I heard rumors that the track team's coming back.''
''Really? Well, that's good.'' Namine looked confused. ''I thought you'd be happy-Wait, don't tell me they're still holding what Kamoshida did against you...''
''That's not it...'' Ryuji started. ''...I mean some of 'em do. Not that I mind, really, they've already decided.''
''Well, I don't think they should.''
He sighed ''Eh, it doesn't really matter now. Guess I keep wondering if they can pull it off this time.''
''Things are different now though.'' Namine reminded.
'That's actually unclear.' Captain Kidd informed. 'There's more to it than you think.'
She blinked and Ryuji spoke up ''...it's more about the advisor they're going to get now. He worked under Kamoshida. No matter how I look at it, that guy's nothing but a flake. He just gave plenty of flak back in practice but he turned right into a kiss ass when our parents showed up. Yamauchi's basically a mini-Kamoshida.''
''Really? So he's got the administration fooled?'' Namine wondered.
''Hell if I know...it's all just really weird, I mean he's not even a P.E teacher.'' Ryuji grunted.
''Well, I get why you're worried now. There's definitely something strange here.''
''Right? I'm gonna do some research about this...'' Ryuji decided. ''...there's a chance I'll need your help, okay, Namine?'' He grinned when she nodded ''Awesome! I'll be counting on you!''
Along the way, the two teens happened to come across a small gathering. The reason was revealed to be Yoshida, who seemed doing another speech.
''And while our society appears to be prosperous, many of our young people are quietly suffering.'' Yoshida was saying. ''They lack jobs, security, savings...the next generation will lead us into the future and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there...''
''Oh, isn't that...?'' Ryuji cocked his head. ''...hey, I heard about his speeches before. I didn't know they were this good...how come people are barely paying attention?''
''It was like this the others times too.'' Namine recalled as they watched the man wrap things up.
Yoshida happened to notice them then ''Oh, hello there, young lady. I'm glad you've come to listen again.''
''Well, it's worth it...''
''Wait, you know No Good Tora?'' Ryuji missed the man stiffen at this.
The girl spared him a look ''Ryuji, don't you think that's rude?''
''Ah...'' He had forgotten the man in question was there. ''...sorry, it slipped out.''
''No, it's all right...it's only the truth after all.'' Yoshida stated. ''I've done my share of my mistakes to end up with that horrid reputation. By the way, I never got around to asking your name the last time...'' The two introduced themselves. ''...I see. It's a pleasure.''
''So you're still trying to win those elections?'' Ryuji inquired.
''Yes. I refuse to let things die down like that. I see this as a chance for me to put my abilities to good use.''
''He's been trying for a long time but he won't give up, no matter what people say.'' Namine explained.
''Huh...'' The blond could see why she wanted to hear the man out now. He was pushing past the labels people forced on him and keeping up the fight...That was cool in his book. ''...well if I could vote, I'd choose you.''
''Same here.'' Namine added.
Yoshida chuckled ''Thank you kindly.''
''Say, Yoshida-san? I was wondering if you could tell me some more about the political world.'' Namine admitted. ''Like-you know, what about it exactly makes you try this hard? Let's just say a bunch of what I know doesn't exactly seem inspiring.''
''Ah, I'd imagine that would be the result of the worst side. If they work at it, politicians can use their power to make a good difference out there.'' The man replied. ''I'm curious though, is there a particular reason for this interest?''
''Well, it's just that a few events in my life have me re-thinking plenty of stuff. I want to expand my horizons. I'm still not sure what I want to be later but I figure looking deeper into stuff-like politics now could help me at least decide on that front.''
''That's understandable. While I wouldn't mind, I'm not sure I'm the best teacher, for obvious reasons. Do you want to learn from me?'' She nodded. ''Very well, I'll do my best to help.''
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 Sun Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power.
A while later, after Namine finished with her shift at her part-time job, she went to meet Mishima at a diner per the boy's request...
''There you are...'' Namine found that Mishima was already nodding off. ''...er, you okay?''
''Ah, yes!'' He started, seeming surprised to see her. ''I'm sorry...I guess I'm just tired...''
''Exhausted, more like.'' Namine nodded to the waiter in thanks as he brought their coffees.
He exhaled ''Yeah...I've been really busy with the Phan-Site. You wouldn't believe how active it is...''
''Hey, working hard is good and all but you're completely going overboard here.''
''I-I'm fine! I just want to...'' Mishima broke off to yawn. Namine gave him a pointed look before pushing her coffee towards him. ''...t-thanks...like I was saying, I really want to make the most of this. The Phantom Thieves have some serious reputation now. I promised to help get the word out there and I don't want that to change! It's what they deserve. Look at that poll, its going great.''
''Poll? Oh, right, that thing...it's at 15% huh...''
Mishima noticed the complete lack of interest in her tone ''You don't like it?''
''No, no, I appreciate what you've done with the site. It's pretty handy.'' The boy perked up at the praise, hearing her go on. ''It's just...we know the truth, I don't care what people say about us. It doesn't look like most of them understand what we're about yet. They're acting like the Phantom Thieves are genies for hire.''
''Yeah, I admit some of those requests were pretty stupid...'' Mishima agreed awkwardly. ''...but still! It's a good thing, it means more and more people are learning of the thieves. You're getting famous!''
''If you say so...'' Namine wasn't going to bother hiding her doubts ''...let's just say, I've had bit of experience with fame for a while and I know how easily it can blow up in your face just like that.''
''Oh...'' Mishima figured that explained it. He was curious but she obviously didn't want to explain and he didn't want to pressure her. ''...you've been really hurt, huh? Well, I don't think the same is going to happen here, you'll see!''
''I hope you're right.''
''I'll make sure of it, count on me!''
The next day, after school was done...
''So, we're almost done! All we've got to do now is wait for Yusuke to finish the Calling Cards.'' Morgana stated.
''Yeah-wait, cards as in plural?'' Namine wondered.
''Mmhm, let's just say I've had an idea on how where to place them. I told Yusuke about it and he agrees that we can pull it off.'' The cat explained.
The girl began to smile ''Well, you've been doing your best to guide us along, we're counting on you.''
''Right!'' He was happy with the trust she put in him.
As she made to get downstairs, she paused in surprise when a student who was leaning on the wall snapped.
''Would you just leave it alone!?'' He demanded irritably.
''But...'' Another voice tried to protest.
''You wouldn't understand!'' A third voice added. ''Are we really supposed to believe you want to help? Get real!''
It didn't take them long to see that there were two boys arguing with Makoto nearby. The girl's eyes narrowed ''I'm trying to learn more about this so we can help. You're not the first to be swindled by those gangs, I want to put a stop to this.''
''We're not buying it.'' The first boy returned. ''The student council barely helps us out! Hell, those guys in the volleyball team were going through hell with Kamoshida and none of you did a thing. You were useless, Miss Prez.''
Makoto's eyes widened ''T-that's...''
''Yeah, yeah!'' The second boy took over. ''Hard to believe none of you noticed. Things got so bad that even that transfer student stepped in to stop the worst of it. Are we really supposed to believe you?''
Makoto held back a wince ''Please, I...I just don't want this to go on, if you'd just tell me anything...''
''You heard what we wanted to say. Enough.'' The boys left.
Morgana blinked 'Swindled by gangs? What're they talking about?'
''There must be something I can do...'' The girl noticed Namine then. ''...I take it you heard that?''
''Those two weren't exactly trying to be discreet.'' Namine stated. ''Are you okay?'' Missing the girl's surprise at the question she added. ''That seemed harsh, why're they so mad?''
''You haven't heard? A number of our students have been getting tricked by gangs lately.'' Makoto replied. ''I've been looking into this and those two seemed to be the latest victims. I thought...if we could find more information, we could take it to the police. You saw what happened though; I've had very few chances to find out much of anything. I don't want to let this go unchecked, things could just get worse.''
''So you're still going to keep at it?''
''Of course.'' The girl replied readily. ''While I know they have their own reasons to be doubtful of my help, I won't let that stop me.''
Namine found herself revising her opinion on the girl. Despite the general opinion, she still felt blaming her like this was too much. Maybe she was a bit tactless but she seemed to mean well.
Thinking it over, she made up her mind ''Do you want some help?'' The older girl looked at her in surprise. ''I see no reason to turn away now that I know something's wrong. I don't know if we can find anything now but I want to try.''
''Really?'' Makoto blinked. ''After what happened before, I thought you wouldn't want anything to do with me.''
''I've been thinking...most of what I know about you is from rumors but I'm not comfortable just relying on that. I know what it's like dealing with that kind of label so I'd rather avoid inflicting the same treatment on others. You're obviously trying to do something good, so I don't see why I shouldn't help.''
''Ah...thank you...'' Makoto returned, truly surprised. No wonder the talk about Namine was so different around school; she was nothing like she was made out to be. ''…then would you please come with me to Shibuya? I have some idea of where to start searching.''
''Okay, let's go.''
''So you're using this as a chance to know more about her.'' Morgana understood, seeing the girl nod then.
''If we can find some more about this gang, all the better.''
''True, we might even find a next target.'' The cat mused.
Makoto seemed to know about a few famous hang out spots in Shibuya and they started off with those. As expected, they found only a few students (upon asking a couple, they learned that some didn't seem to know about the gang of swindlers) and the others just seemed to dismiss it.
''They're taking this a little too lightly.'' Namine remarked.
''Agreed, though I suppose it might have to do with the area itself.'' At the girl's confused look, Makoto went on ''Ah, I forgot you're not from here. Shibuya used to be much more crime ridden but extensive investigation made it start to change. The gangs went into hiding and I think it left people feeling safer.''
''All the more better for the gangs then...'' Morgana muttered.
''Hey, you kids.'' A woman walked over. ''Heard you were asking around about the rising rumors?''
Makoto raised an eye ''We were...''
''So it is true?'' The woman crossed her arms. ''I was asked to help promote a new club around here, you see. But hearing about those just makes me uncomfortable. I saw a couple of kids in Shujin uniforms before, one of them looked really mad and he kept asking about some guy who sold them fake products. The other kid was carrying something I couldn't see but he mentioned something about having to finish a deal. I'm still not sure what this all means...''
''Unfortunately, I think I have an idea...'' Makoto said a grimace. ''...you're right to be worried, Ma'am. The rumors are rising in our school too, that's why I thought to try and find anything to give to the police.''
''Well, that's just great...'' The woman sighed. ''...thanks, I'll go work something out.'' She left.
''So we basically confirmed that there's some really fishy stuff going on around here.'' Namine remarked.
''Effectively.'' Makoto agreed. ''Let's try somewhere else.''
''Oh those kids, huh?'' A waiter cocked his head. ''Yeah, I've seen a few around lately. Some of them were even talking with some guy about money and fulfilling a deal. It sounded like they fell for some con artist's trick, there was one around here. They were looking to get back the money they lost.''
''I see...do you know if they come around this area regularly?'' Makoto inquired.
''Hm, I don't think they do. Whenever they did, it was earlier than this. Shibuya's pretty big you know?''
''True, thank you. I won't hold you up anymore.'' The waiter went back to his work and she left the restaurant, stopping when she saw Namine waiting outside. ''Did you find anything on your end?''
She nodded ''I don't think it's just students who are the victims here. One of the workers I asked mentioned something about a cafe shutting down because of debt, they were trying to make up for it but the loan shark just made them quit.''
''This just gets more complicated...'' Makoto grimaced.
''Yeah, he didn't know much about that but he said the word is spreading about this loan shark and he's got some nasty reputation. It's got people scared stiff. He seems to have some men working for him out and about, people are avoiding them.'' Namine added.
''This could be related, it seems like way too much of a coincidence.'' The council president mused. ''It's getting late, we should head back now. Thank you for today, Hyakuya-san, this worked out better than I expected.''
''Ah, no problem Senpai. I'm the one who offered to help, but what now?''
The older girl crossed her arms ''Don't worry; I'll look further into this. I'm thinking of getting some advice...''
Namine sat down on her bed as Morgana poked his head out of the bag and she put her shoes away ''Today was a surprise, don't you think?''
''Yeah, that Nijima girl must care more than we thought since she's going through all this trouble. Just goes to show, believing rumors doesn't help plenty of time.'' Morgana hummed ''I think it'd be best to keep an eye on this search with her though, see what comes of it.''
Namine nodded ''Let's just wait a bit before we decide on that front...'' She turned slightly as Sojiro came back with a plate of curry for her. ''...oh, thanks.''
He made to respond only to be distracted by announcement from the TV ''...And this was the statement reached by the members of the Diet.'' A female announcer declared. ''They are truly working their best for the good of our country.''
''So this Diet thing's a big deal, huh?'' Morgana received a nod. His eyes widened when he saw the display of the members exiting the hall on TV. ''Hey, the man with the orange glasses looks familiar...''
'That's because he was leading that arrogant bunch from the Wilton.' Arsene reminded.
''Oh yeah, so he was a high ranked politician...''
Namine bit her lip, it was strange. Something about that man really rubbed her wrong and she just didn't know why. Still, the feeling was so strong that she couldn't shake it...
''I'm guessing you're not a big fan of politicians?'' She remarked moments later, noticing Sojiro's expression.
''In a sense. Let's just say my impression of them just got worse with experience.'' He returned. ''It looked like you recognized one of them though, what's up with that?''
''I told you how we went to that buffet back in Golden Week, right? We happened to come across that guy-Shido, it wasn't exactly pleasant.''
''I can imagine.''
''I met another one though, he was pretty nice.'' She started explaining about Yoshida.
''Oh yeah, I think he came around before...'' Sojiro recalled. ''...he definitely sounds better than his reputation makes him out to be. You sure about asking him for help though?''
''Why not? I figure it's a good chance as any, just another way to learn what's out there.'' Namine stated.
''Can't argue with that, they do say learning happens in many ways...''
The next day...
With everything set, Morgana went with Yusuke to the gallery and they immediately got to work...
''Pardon me, sir. There's a matter we need to notify you about...'' A staff member said.
''Please excuse me for a moment...'' Madarame told the others before following the man. ''...what is it?''
''We found this outside.''
''A letter?'' Madarame wondered.
''It's...uh...'' The man fidgeted before handing him the card, which read-
'Sir Ichiryusai Madarame, a great sinner of vanity whose talent has been exhausted. You are an artist who uses his authoriy to shamelessly steal the ideas of his pupils. We have decided to make you confess all your motives with your own mouth. We will take your distorted desires without fail. From, the Phantom Thieves.'
''Whose doing is this?!'' Madarame snapped.
''We don't know! The same letter has been posted everywhere...''
''What about the security cameras?!'' The plagiarist demanded.
''There was no signs of the culprit...All we saw was a cat in the recordings...''
''Remove these at once!''
The staff member nodded ''Of course! Uh...''
''What now?!'' Madarame growled.
''It's about this affecting the exhibit...We believe it's just a prank but what of the mass media?''
Madarame stomped a foot, plastering an outraged expression on his face ''Are you insinuating that this slander is true?''
''Of course not!''
Yusuke then saw his shadow self appear...
''It's those damn brats' doing, isn't it?'' Shadow Madarame sneered. ''Well, it means nothing...They'll only be able to do as they please until this exhibit is over...''
He headed back to meet the others ''Will that do?''
''Yup, it was perfect! The composition was way cooler too!'' Ann smiled.
''The treasure should appear right about now.'' Morgana added.
''You better enjoy the air of freedom while you still can, old man.'' Ryuji remarked. ''Anyways, d'you guys check online? People are already talkin' about that callin' card. We'll show 'em...we're gonna surprise 'em all!''
''I'm sure you know but we only get one shot at this.'' Morgana warned.
''Yeah, then let's do it. I'll be counting on you, guys.'' Namine stated.
''And we'll be counting on you.'' Ann returned.
''You have no reservations about this, right Yusuke?'' Morgana inquired.
''Of course not...let's go.''
''Halt, intruders!'' Some of the patrolling guards cried upon seeing Panther and Mona run down a hall before proceeding to chase them.
Neither spared them a glance and kept going, though the reason became clear when Joker, Skull and Fox blocked their path.
''You're dealin' with us now!'' Skull exclaimed.
As expected, there were more Shadows than their last visit, a consequence of the Caling Card. Since they were able to discover a path to the scaffolding right abover the treasure in their last exploration, they knew just what to do. So the five thieves agreed to split their efforts, a group would make sure that Shadow Madarame can't obstruct their path to the treasure (something Mona reasoned was very possible considering the Palace's setting) while another would stop the guards.
Since the second group was taking care of the Shadows around the security room, Panther and Mona were free to sneak in and start things off. The first tied Mona to the lift which was positioned at the ready to be used before heading back. The whole plan had been to distract the shadows so three of them could do this, one turning off the lights and the other controlling the crane so Mona could grab the treasure. But Fox had pointed out, rightfully, that there may be too many Shadows for that to work well. Leading them to decide to try thinning their numbers a little till one of them was able to come before moving on.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long.
Panther perked up when she saw Joker reach the crane, knowing it meant things were working out.
Mona looked back ''So the distraction worked.''
''Yeah, Skull and Fox gave me enough time to get here. They said they'll catch up soon.''
''Good, then let's begin.''
Panther nodded as she saw Joker wave her arm. That was the signal they had agreed on. Wasting no time, she typed into the terminal to turn the generators off.
''I really hope this works, good luck.'' She whispered.
'Just stay calm, it's all planned out, remember?' Carmen pointed out.
''Yeah...'' The girl quickened her pace to the Safe Room.
'It's best to move now.'
Nodding to her Persona's advice, Joker moved just as the lights flashed off, lowering the lever into the room. Mona's eyes narrowed as he prepared to grab the treasure...
Panther found Fox waiting at the room near the ledge ''Hey, if you're here where's Skull?''
''He should be here soon, I stayed back to divide the enemy's attention. What about Joker and Mona?''
''They're on their way too...'' She trailed off, noting how the lights re-activated. Both turned their attention to the scaffold as Joker cut the rope off Mona.
''Heheh, pretty good, huh?'' He smirked.
''That's an understatement, way to go!'' Joker proceeded to look around carefully. Her third eye pointed her towards a nearby window. ''...I think I found a good escape route.''
''Then let's move!'' Mona became aware of the Shadows' shock at their success. He noticed Skull making his way through. ''Hey, over here! Tell them to catch up!''
The teen nodded back and soon they were all near the window. Fox looked out ''Ah, so we use those platforms. I imagine that would be quick.''
''We better go before they notice.'' Panther added. The others nodded and hurried out.
With the patrols all in a panic since they knew the treasure was taken, the group was able to make it to the courtyard without much hassle, thanks in part to Mona's tools...
''They were so lost with that smoke bomb too.'' Skull snickered. ''That was awesome, Mona!''
''It was, wasn't it?'' The cat beamed at Joker when she patted his head before looking at the treasure.
''So the treasure is a painting by the looks of it, right?''
''I think so...'' Mona began to drool. ''...treasure...''
''Here we go again...'' Panther sighed in exasperation. The change in behavior threw Fox off and he could only look on in bewilderment.
''...I can't take it anymore! Let's see this thing!'' He proceeded to remove the cloth off the painting. ''What?!''
The cat's shock was entirely justified as what they saw was a hehenomoheji, a portrait of crude hiragana characters.
Fox frowned ''We've been had...''
Mona angrily tossed the painting away ''That's just great! Now what?!''
''There you are, you fools.''
Shadow Madarame made his way through the area, smirking as he noticed the fake treasure. ''I was never going to make it easy.''
''That thing is as fake as your art skills.'' Joker stated.
''No kidding, where's the real treasure?'' Skull demanded.
''Oh, don't be so angry now. It's perfectly natural, after all counterfeits are accepted in the world of Japanese art.''
Fox couldn't take this anymore ''Why have you become like this?! Can't you understand how much it pains me to see how far my foster father has fallen?!''
Shadow Madarame clearly didn't care ''You're still so naive...Thinking back, the only reason I took you back was my ties with your mother. She still kept her passion for art throughout her life...which lead me to decide to look after her.''
''You don't mean...?'' Panther's eyes widened. Was Fox's mother...?
Fox had suspected as much ever since he learned how depraved Madarame was. His mother had likely been one of the plagiarist's victims.
Shadow Madarame's next words confirmed that line of thought ''Yes, your mother and her artwork-they're all MY works of art!'' He chuckled. ''Since you've come this far, I'll let you see the true treasure...the real Sayuri!''
A guard walked over, holding up a portrait with a golden frame. It was the same picture Fox had shown the group before. There was one difference they noticed right away; the mist at the lower part of the painting was gone. The woman was cradling a baby with a loving smile.
''It can't be...'' Fox was stunned.
''That's the real thing?'' Skull blinked twice, noticing Fox stiffen. ''Hey, what's wrong?''
''That's...Mom?''
''What?''
''You're right.'' Shadow Madarame stated. ''This is a self-portrait, of a woman who knew her death was coming. She painted her last wishes for the son she would leave behind. That's the truth behind the mystery of the Sayuri.''
''Even Yusuke's mother...'' Mona spat, disgusted with the man. This was one feeling the team shared.
''You stole something that personal?!'' Panther fumed. Who was he to toy and use a mother and her son like this? What a despicable man.
''The chance was too good to pass up.'' The Shadow was enjoying their reactions. ''I knew it'd be a huge success if I added a touch to the painting and announced it under my name!''
''Why did you...why did you paint over the baby?'' Fox managed at last.
''That was perfect staging.'' was the response ''If it was erased, the mystery behind her expression would rise. It just brought more fame. That is what draws the general public.''
''You call yourself an artist? You're nothing but a fraud!'' Mona exclaimed.
''You insult artists everywhere!'' Panther added.
Skull's fists clenched ''Yeah, what a big joke. You've just been leeching off real artists, bastard!''
''So you'll defy me to the end...'' Shadow Madarame harrumphed. ''...Yusuke, you're my work of art. I'm going to reap you for the sake of my future...along with your insolent friends.''
Joker stepped in front of Fox ''Not a chance.'' Her eyes narrowed. ''You have no right to treat Yusuke and his mother like objects. You're not getting way with this.''
Fox raised his head, needing one question answered at the moment ''...All your art is destroyed once it outlived its usefulness...did that include my mother?''
The team was shocked as they realized what he was getting at. Sure the man was a twisted scumbag but...murder...?
Shadow Madarame laughed ''So you figured it out? It was all so convenient! One day, she had a seizure in front of me. I had this thought then, if she died, I could take the painting easily!''
Mona's jaw dropped ''But that means...'' They knew how terrible the man was but they never imagined he would condone something like this...never assumed that he would go so far.
''No...'' Horror was evident in Joker's tone. ''...you left her to die?''
''You disgusting lowlife!'' Skull growled.
''Just when I think you can't sink any lower-how dare you?!'' Panther hissed.
''Since she had a frail constitution, no one would doubt it she had died.'' The shadow went on without remorse. ''The reason why I kept Yusuke around was to keep him from realizing the truth behind the Sayuri. The fact that he was talented as well was just a wonderful surprise.''
Fox thought the awakening had been where his anger reached unprecedented heights. Now he knew he was wrong ''You killed her...!''
Their enemy ignored him ''After that, I had an idea...it was much easier to rob the futures of children. They are so much malleable, and they would never defy me...You have my thanks, Yusuke, you're the reason I came to this conclusion.''
''How can you be so proud of your actions?'' Joker couldn't keep silent after all this. ''All those people lost so much because of you-just for some money, you ruined them. Like that student who killed himself...On top of that, you became a murderer. Yusuke saw you as family...'' She scowled. ''...but you really don't care, do you?''
''Not at all.'' He returned. ''He is nothing but a tool for me to advance further in the world.''
''You're the worst...'' Mona stopped as a chuckle reached his ears, immediately recognizing the source. "...uh, Fox?"
The newest member of their team continued to chuckle for a few moments, holding his face with his hand.
How deluded had he been all along? He'd kept making excuses for Madarame but now it made sick to know that he had helped the man so much albeit unknowingly. Had ever known this man after all those years?
'There you have it. The truth out in the open, let's stop this fiend once and for all.' Goemon said.
''Yes...Thank you, Madarame...'' Fox glowered at the Palace Ruler. ''...Every reason for me to forgive you has completely disappeared. You aren't some rotten artist, you're just a despicable fiend who wears the skin of an artist!''
''Yeah, you tell him!'' Skull cried.
Shadow Madarame grunted ''You good for nothing brats...barging in here and causing all this trouble. Those with the connections make the rules and those don't are meant to follow them. I make the rules in the art scene, I am the god of the art world!''
He began to transform at the declaration, pools of black liquid gathered around him. In moments, he turned into four portraits, two eyes a nose and a giant mouth. ''Let's begin, you vermin! I'll paint all over you!''
He conjured up a Maelstrom on Fox and Panther, who proceeded to guard. Skull ran to strike the mouth, grimacing when he realized it had no effect.
''Guys, it blocks physical moves!'' He warned.
''Then let's try this.'' Panther summoned Carmen, having the fiery dancer knock the mouth down with her magic. ''Now...again, Maragi!''
She aimed the next spell at one of the eyes, only to stop in surprise when it didn't do anything. ''This one stops magic...''
''Allow me.'' Fox stepped up, summoning his own Persona. ''Vicious Strike!''
The kabuki actor slashed hard, knocking all except the mouth piece down. The remaining piece proceeded to use ice magic to hit him and Skull, before the other pieces began floating up. They began to glow in preparation for more attacks.
Joker moved faster ''Persona!'' Arsene appeared before her, cleaving one of the eyes before the girl shot it down, leaving it to disappear in black ooze.
''Damn you!'' Shadow Madarame growled, summoning a bolt of lightning to hit Joker before the mouth piece tried to bite Mona, who dodged. One of the eye pieces cast Rakunda on Fox, leaving his defense lowered.
Skull and Panther shot down two of the paintings before Mona destroyed one with a few slashes. The nose painting flew back up, hitting the feline with another lightning bolt, leaving him to fall hard.
''Mona!''
''Oh crap, he's weak to lightning, right?'' Skull recalled.
''I'll take care of him; you keep those things off our backs.'' Panther stated.
''You got it! Captain Kidd!'' The pirate Persona flew up. ''Rampage!''
The captain's fierce moves knocked down all but the mouth painting, which was invulnerable to the attack and it also destroyed one of the paintings in the process. Skull proceeded to bash the other piece a few times with his weapon to get rid of it.
Joker and Fox attacked in tandem, cutting the mouth painting a few times with their blades. This left it to be reduced into black ooze...
Mona thanked Panther before noting a surprise ''There he is!'' Shadow Madarame appeared then, looking pained.
''Why you damn...how dare you...'' He panted. ''...I'm the great Madarame!''
''We' re about to knock that ego of yours down to size. Come on, everyone!'' Joker called.
The five thieves attacked him together with their weapons a bunch before Joker stepped back and called Nue.
''Skull Cracker!''
He cried out in pain as the chimera like Persona rammed him, throwing him to the ground.
The enemy growled ''I won't fall here...!''
''Don't bet on it!'' Skull tried to shoot him, only to stop when he disappeared in a pool of black liquid and the paintings appeared again.
''I'll take you all pests down!'' In a flash, they were all hit by a wave of black paint.
''W-what is this?!'' Panther exclaimed.
''I don't know but it feels like I'm more...vulnerable...'' Mona trailed off. ''...this looks like some set up, get ready, you guys!''
''There's nothing you can do!'' The enemy cried.
He cast his ice spell, Silent Snowscape, and they realized just how bad this was as they all took more damage than his previous attacks. Clearly the paint weakened their defenses somehow...
Panther fell to her knees as a result, being the one most susceptible to ice magic. Seeing this, the mouth piece flew to attack next but Mona summoned Zorro to throw it away with wind magic.
''Are you okay?'' The feline proceeded to heal her.
''I-I will be...damn, that hurt more than I thought it would...''
''You don't have time to be worried about others!'' Shadow Madarame sneered. ''Take this!''
He proceeded to use a Madara-Megido, an attack that created a number of dark orbs at the five, causing much damage thanks to the black paint but they persevered and endured it. Mona and Joker used their respective Personas to heal the group with two Media spells, making them feel much better.
''It's not over yet!'' The Shadow howled, casting another Maelstrom. One of the eye pieces glowed, moving to keep up the offense with more magic.
''Arsene!'' The gentleman thief appeared in a flash of flames, casting Sukunda on the eye piece. He proceeded to cast the spell two more times, to the enemy's frustration as he moved much more slowly.
''Good call, let's keep this going. Tarukaja!'' Skull cast the spell on himself before proceeding to do the same for Fox. ''Time to go wild!''
''Let's.'' The young artist agreed before they struck two of the pieces.
''Captain Kidd!''
''Goemon!''
Their Personas moved next, attacking with Rampage and Vicious Strike once more for a lot of damage.
''Carmen, Maragi!'' Panther called, downing the mouth painting as well and Mona shot it down.
This left Shadow Madarame forced to emerge again. ''Why you...you insolent little...''
''You're nothing but a big mouthed coward, hiding behind those paintings!'' Skull taunted.
''Don't mock me! I'll destroy you all!''
''Take this!'' Mona ran to slash him a few times, leaving him to scream.
Joker touched her mask ''Nue, Maeiha!''
Panther and Skull aimed their guns to attack next, leaving the enemy reeling. Fox struck next, landing the finishing. ''This is the end.''
True to word, Shadow Madarame had fallen and was clearly unable to fight anymore. Fox's eyes narrowed as he walked to his former mentor, the man yelped in fear.
''No one cares for true art...please understand! All they want are easily recognizable brands! I'm a victim too here, wouldn't you agree?!''
''Oh, save it!'' Panther spat. ''No one wants to hear your pathetic excuses.''
''B-but it is true! You can't rise in the art world without money. You understand, don't you Yusuke? I just didn't want to be a poor artist again! It's awful!''
Fox gripped his collar ''You have no right to call yourself an artist! You and your abomination of a world are done for! Confess your crimes in reality, every single one of them!''
''W-what...?'' He started.
''You heard him, Madarame, enough with the lies.'' Joker added. ''You're going to answer for everything you've done.''
''That's right, apologize to your victims and make sure they get their work back!'' Panther added.
''You better get to it, you damn geezer!'' Skull snapped.
''Yes and don't waste a single moment!'' Fox chipped in.
''All right, all right...So...then, you're not going to kill me...But what about the other one, the one with the black mask? Isn't he working with you?''
Needless to say, the Shadow's words really confused the team. They knew of no one else working in the Metaverse, so what did he mean?
Before they could think on this further, the floor began to shake. Mona's eyes widened ''Guys, the Palace is falling apart!'' He quickly transformed. ''Let's move!''
They headed towards the bus, only slowing down when they noticed Fox approaching and holding Sayuri with the utmost care.
Shadow Madarame shook as he spoke ''Y-Yusuke...what should I do?''
''End all of this.'' He said simply, not wanting to take another look at his former mentor. It still pained him to think of how terribly the man had fallen.
''Come on, dude!'' Skull called.
Fox nodded, ignoring the man's pleas as he joined the group. He silently bid his former mentor farewell as everything sank in. Hard as this has been, he was thankful for their success. All of these lies and Madarame's schemes had gone on for far too long. It was about time that the man's victims got what they deserved.
Well, let's stop here.
How was it, good I hope? As I'm sure I've proven, I like fiddling around with the plot every once in a while. Anywho, I hope you liked my little twists.
Since I think this proved it, I'm planning to try a few changes in the next arc as well. I'm still not sure about how I'm doing so far, you know, since I didn't play the game and all, but I'm trying to make this story the best it can be. I'm looking forward to reaching parts with some certain characters (Futaba for instance) just for their interactions with Namine. I've been trying to plan ahead and it's coming along well. There is some trouble of course, but I'll keep at it. Thanks for reading my work and I hope you keep it up.
Oh, and this will be explained later in detail but just in case I got anyone confused, the reason Namine really doesn't care about the poll has to do with the way things went down. As in, she did know how it was like to be famous after she woke up from her coma. Unfortunately, it all turned backwards in the worst way after her arrest. So I would think that provides enough reason for her not to give a damn about fame, wouldn't you say?
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 4)
Morgana (Magician Rank 2)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 2)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 1)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 2)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 2)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 1)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 1)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 1)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 1)