Kagaminelover657: Wow, thanks a bunch! Yeah, I was just lucky to have time to work on this story. I've seen the kind of fics you mentioned. I did try to test some of my ideas before getting started, like writing one shots and stuff so that might've helped. I don't like sticking to canon all the time and like you said, it's fun to mix things up.
After a stop for crepes per their earlier agreement, the girls went to meet the rest of the team at their hideout. It was then that they decided to tell Makoto about the basics of the Metaverse.
''It's all so strange...'' The brunette mused. ''...to think I was actually trying to look into all this. I never would've found the truth out at the rate I was going...the method of transportation still eludes me...I mean, it's a smartphone navigation app...''
''Yeah, it's actually one of the lesser strange things we've dealt with.'' Namine chipped in. ''Anyway, you just need a name, a location and a distortion. After the first entry, the Nav marks the Palace.''
''You really just make it sound like an ordinary app...Aren't there dangers associated with it?''
''Don't worry 'bout that! We've already been a bunch of times-'' Ryuji started.
''That's not what I mean. It's a navigation app, right? Couldn't someone easily access our history on the server?'' Everyone except Namine and Morgana were stumped. ''Wait, why are you three looking at me like that? Has nobody thought of that before?!''
''I...'' Yusuke faltered.
''Now she's catchin' me off guard too...'' Ryuji frowned.
''I don't think it would work.'' Namine offered, remembering an incident one day during a train ride. ''It's something we picked up on by chance the other day. It looks like people can't usually see the Nav. I already tried, the person I asked said there was nothing there.''
''That's a relief. Still, we don't know where it came from, right? It showed up on my phone without any input from me...'' Makoto mused. ''...do you know more about it, Namine?''
''I do...but it's kind of complicated.'' She began to explain about the Velvet Room. ''I think it's in a secluded area in the Metaverse. For some reason, I'm the only he lets in there but he's the one who sent the app out to me. He's also helped me learn a bunch about the Metaverse.''
''And those are the people who have been helping with your Personas, correct? Interesting...'' Yusuke trailed off. They had yet to see any evidence of the place but he saw no reason not to believe her.
''Well, anyway, we don't have to worry about people accessing our data.'' Morgana stated. ''From what I can tell, this app is incredibly special. It wasn't made by ordinary means.''
''True...an app that allows you to enter another world isn't exactly common place...'' Makoto agreed. ''Well, Sis doesn't know who the Phantom Thieves are so I suppose our information is safe for now.''
''We're still learning things ourselves. I hope your sharp wit can help us with that.''
''Thank you, I'll do my best.'' She smiled at the cat.
''So what's out time limit this time?'' Yusuke asked.
''Kaneshiro's henchman said the deadline is in July ninth.'' Makoto replied.
Ann grimaced ''There's really no way high schoolers could bring in three million yen...''
''And that's why he's threatening us. If we can't pay he'll do much worse than just blackmail.'' The older girl stated. ''We need to stop him from releasing those photos. If the public gets a hold of them...''
''Yeah, I don't want to think of how terrible it'll be...'' The blonde trailed off.
''C'mon, we just gotta take care of him before the time limit. We'll bounce back from this.'' Ryuji said firmly. ''Plus people will really start admirin' us if we can manage to take this bastard down!''
''Yeah, this is the perfect opportunity. We have to succeed no matter what!'' Morgana smirked.
Since half the team was busy today, they agreed to wait and go once everything was set. After receiving a text from Mishima, Namine headed to meet him at the diner...
''So, how go the activities? Actually, I already know, the Phan-Site has been crazy busy thanks to you guys. This book here is all about the latest security techniques and this is, um, a model gun. It cost me a lot of money...'' Mishima trailed off.
Namine raised an eye ''Why did you get those?''
''Well I had to try...I heard that their production was halted because people mistook those for real guns...'' He paused. ''...Sorry, that's not what you were asking. It was suggested to me by this military buff from the Phandom. I figured I could use a bit of security, since I'm sole admin of the whole Phandom. I mean you guys are getting really popular. There's been a lot more info on the forum lately too. Some of the stuff's been pretty scary...so it seemed like I need a little protection.''
The girl could understand being wary but she still wasn't sure there was any need for him to go this. She refrained from mentioning this however ''Well, just be careful. And you'd better put it away, that's definitely going to drag attention.''
''Oh, right!'' He did so. ''It's just for self-defense though. I mean, people might come after me if they found out I was working with the Phantom Thieves, right?'' Mishima leaned back. ''But as I was saying, we've had a pretty massive influx of new posts on the forum. One of them seems particularly worthwhile. It's bigger than anything we've done so far. But if we want to make the Phantom Thieves more famous, we'll need to go after some flashier targets.'' He smiled. ''Leave this to me though. I'm gonna get the info we need, even if I have to put mysefl in danger to do it!''
''Well, let's hope it never comes to that...''
''By the way, do I look any different?'' He asked, Namine gave him a confused look, Mishima then elaborated ''People keep saying that I changed recently. I guess I can't hide my new confidence. My true worth will finally...''
''Well, well if it isn't Mishima!'' A voice called before three boys walked over.
The boy stiffened ''Akiyama-kun...''
''Long time no see, zero. Y'know, we've been sitting over there the whole time but we didn't even notice you sitting here. You're exactly the same as you were in middle school, Mishima.''
''Yeah, once a zero, always a zero.'' One of his companions added.
''Hey, that's not true...'' Namine frowned. ''...don't listen to them.''
''Oh yeah?'' The third boy looked at her.
Akiyama spoke up ''And who do you think you are?''
''His friend. Now leave him alone.''
''Hm-you know, you're pretty cute. You wanna hang out sometimes?'' The second boy asked.
After witnessing their rotten attitude? Her answer was obvious ''Absolutely not.''
Akiyama snorted ''You got shot down big time. Then again I guess she just pities Mishima...''
''Yeah, she's way out of his league.'' The third boy added, ignoring Namine's protest.
Mishima spluttered ''H-hey...!''
''True. Oh yeah, you haven't changed your cell number have you?'' Akiyama wanted to know.
''Huh?'' Mishima looked puzzled at the non-sequitur ''N-no, I haven't...''
''Then why didn't you come over to our hangout? All our ex-classmates were there, y' know. Oh, wait...Nobody even remembered you existed! Can't invite a guy you can't remember, huh?'' Akiyama laughed.
''R-right...'' Mishima laughed weakly.
''Stop it!'' Namine exclaimed but the boys were already turning away.
''Come on, boys, let's go.''
''Those lousy little...'' Namine glared at their retreating figures for a moment before sparing her classmate a concerned look. ''...Mishima-kun...''
''It's not what it looks like, OK?'' He cut in. ''You know that one guy in every class who ends up being the butt of all the jokes? That was me...But I'm not going to be like that anymore. I've changed!'' He paused. ''Sorry...did you mean what you said back there?''
''Yeah, I wouldn't have said it if I didn't.''
''O-oh, th-thanks...well, it's getting late. We should probably leave.''
As she was helping Sojiro out in Leblanc in the evening, Yusuke came to the cafe, wanting to talk to her about something.
They headed up to her room, with Yusuke placing the covered canvas down before he turned to face her. ''Since I finished this, I believed you should be the first person to see it.''
Namine's eyes widened as he removed the cloth, revealing a vivid red and black painting. Something about the design was familiar to her... ''Is that...?''
''Yes...the completed form of my earlier draft.'' Yusuke replied. ''I would like your honest opinion, if you would.''
''It seems...mysterious.'' The girl decided at last, figuring that would be the best description for it.
''That was my intention.'' Yusuke was pleased. ''I do not paint for the sake of others' comprehension. This is my choice to interpret human desires. It is the foul charm held deep within the abyss of the heart. To be honest, I believe my success in capturing desire so elegantly is due to our Mementos foray. I have grown to understand the intricacies of the heart in ways I never thought possible. Namine, I'm going to submit this piece to an upcoming art exhibition. Nobody has seen the abyss of the heart in such a raw manner, the discourse will be fascinating. This will be the spark to revitalize my slumbering art career.''
''I hope you're right.'' Namine returned.
''Yes, I wish for you to accompany me for the moment it is revealed before the general public.''
''Well, it would be a shame to go through the development and miss out on the end result. I'm there!''
Yusuke smiled ''I'm glad to hear it. I'm sure this will be a sensational experience for those who opt to undergo it. A raw unbridled look into the depth of the human psyche and I was the one able to bring it to life thanks to your assistance. You have my sincerest gratitude, Namine.''
''What're friends for?''
The next day, after school...
Namine was waiting for Ann near Shujin's entrance as they agreed to hang out earlier.
Morgana poked his head out of her bag ''I wonder where Lady Ann wants to go...knowing her, I bet it'll be some place great.''
The girl half smiled. ''Well...'' She paused as the cat's expression.
''Hey, isn't that your friend from the other day?''
Curious, she followed his line of sight to find that he was looking at Haru, who was making to leave as well. The girl was also distracted upon noticing her.
''Oh hello, Namine-chan.'' She smiled. ''Are you heading off too?''
''Mmhm, just waiting for a friend.'' Namine returned. ''It seems like you're busy too.''
Haru nodded ''I'm going to meet Father at...oh!''
The sudden pause made Namine turn to see what got her attention, seeing a grand black limosine stopping then.
''I'm sorry, I have to go.'' Haru told her.
''Er, right...just one thing...'' Namine blinked twice at the sight. ''...Haru, mind if I ask what's going on?''
''W-well, it's just...'' The girl looked sheepish. ''...apparently Father wants me to go to this party with him.''
''Right and this stuff is usual for you?''
''Yes, but...see, it's what he wants. My father is Okumura Kunikazu...''
''Wait,'' Namine held up a hand, remembering hearing the name before. ''Isn't that the president of Okumura Foods?''
''Yes, he's the president.''
''Whoa, okay...That...actually explains a few things.'' Namine had been wondering about the girl's family, Haru having avoided mentioning it all this time. Even when she and the third year came to address each other with more familiarity, she'd been careful not to mention it. ''So you meant it when you said you hardly got a look around anywhere in your pace. I just thought it meant you were sheltered.''
''That's also true, I'm afraid I just...didn't have much freedom before...Father insisted that I follow his plans.'' Haru seemed a bit nervous, wondering how the girl would take this. She was so tired of people sucking up to her for favors...
''...Just so we're clear, we can still hang out when possible, right?''
Haru's expression made it clear that she hadn't expected that ''Um, Namine-chan, you don't care that...?''
The girl gave her an odd look ''That your dad's some multi-millionaire? It's cool and all but that's got nothing to do with me. That doesn't have to do with our promise. And hey, I had fun the other two times, so I want to see if we can keep that going.''
Haru couldn't help the bright smile on her face at that ''...So would I. I'm very much looking forward to it.''
She got in the limosine and it left. Morgana spoke after a few moments ''I thought she behaved like someone from the high class, no wonder...You did really good by her, Namine, I have a feeling she really appreciated your words.''
''Well, I'm glad, I just told her the truth.'' The girl returned. ''She didn't mention it but it kind of sounds like she's got enough on her plate because of her home situation, I'm not going to add anymore. Haru's the one I'm trying to get to know anyway, not her dad.''
''Hey guys!'' Ann called, running over. ''Sorry I kept you waiting...''
''What did you want to pray for anyway?'' Morgana asked as the three of them approached the shrine's entrance.
''Oh, for us. For the Phantom Thieves.'' Ann replied.
''Sounds like a good idea.'' Namine remarked.
''That's sweet of you, Lady Ann! I'm sure we'll be even more successful because of this!'' Morgana enthused.
''I don't know about that...'' Ann half-smiled as she and Namine exchanged amused looks. ''...problem is, I don't really know how to pray.''
''I was curious so I asked Boss after you brought this up last night. He said you clap twice and bow before leaving an offering, then you ring the bell, clap and bow.'' Namine explained.
Ann perked up ''All right, let's go then!''
''I thought I recognized that hair color...''
Namine blinked at the familiar voice and turned her head, surprised to find Takemi standing there. ''Oh hi, Takemi-sensei.''
She nodded ''Hey, kid. You here to pray to pass your exams or something?''
''Something like that...'' Truthfully, the thought never occured to Namine.
''Takemi...oh, she's the doctor you told us about, the one who gave you that medicine?'' Ann realized, seeing the girl nod. ''Ah, sorry, we're in the way...''
''No, don't worry about it.'' Takemi returned, putting her bag near her foot before stopping to get ready to pray.
''Goodbye.'' Namine called, the woman gave a little wave in return before turning back.
The girls left her to it and walked away with Ann starting to speak ''You know, I was thinking of starring in action movies.''
''Why action movies of all things?'' Namine asked curiously.
''Well, it'll help me be a better Phantom Thief!''
The girl had to wonder how the blonde made that leap of logic ''You just lost me there.''
''Me too. What do you mean?'' Morgana added.
Ann seemed animated as she explained ''You know how we agreed to work so our hearts would become stronger. It's like this, I know villains do get beat and all everytime but they still keep at their schemes to the very end. They're pretty strong, I thought I could learn from that and get stronger!''
The two shared a look, both left bewildered by the reasoning. ''Lady Ann, I'm not so sure about this...'' Morgana started.
''Oh, come on! I can be really good at it. They could totally pick me to be a villain.'' The girl insisted.
''...I think you're missing the point...'' Morgana started but Namine shook her head.
''Let it go, if that's what she wants...''
''You'll see, I'll make it work!'' Ann declared.
Namine raised an eye ''That's not what we were getting at...Anyway, what made you want to get into movies? I think Ryuji and Morgana said something about your acting before. What's that like?''
Their feline companion blinked ''Oh yeah, I forget you've barely seen her at it before...trust me, you haven't missed much.''
''Hey!'' Ann pouted. ''Do me a favor and don't listen to them. They're just full of talk!''
Morgana gave her an unimpressed look before turning to Namine ''Remember what happened in the atelier? That was supposed to be an example of her good acting.''
Namine blinked twice ''Seriously?'' Come to think of it, Ann had mentioned something about using her acting that day but it had completely slipped her mind in light of all what happened back then.
''You too?!'' Ann huffed.
''...Ann, look back on that day-do you honestly consider that good acting?''
The girl held back a wince but she knew her expression gave her away. Morgana nodded ''Exactly.''
Namine patted her shoulder ''Well, if you've got this much drive, it's sure to be a big help. You can work on it and get better.''
Ann's expression grew determined ''Yeah!''
Later, Namine headed off to meet Ryuji at the ramen shop...
''So I've tried to talk to the team about the record but that kept getting messed up.''
Namine blinked ''How come?''
''You know how I said that some still don't want to deal with me because of what happened before? That's how.''
The burgundy haired girl frowned ''That's terrible...don't tell me you're listening to them now. It wasn't your fault.'' The boy just chuckled and she narrowed her eyes.''Ryuji...''
''I know, I know.'' He held up his hands in a defensive gesture. ''I just figured you'd say somethin' like that.''
''Anyway, did you want to have Nakaoka and Takeishi listen to it?'' Namine clarified.
''That's the whole idea.'' Ryuji confirmed. ''Since there's still all this trouble between them, things are gettin' kinda complicated. At least Gozaka told me when they might show up next...'' He began to smile. ''...y'know, it's funny...back when Kamoshida's plan all worked out, I felt like complete shit. I never imagined I'd feel that awful about anything...I knew it was all 'cuz of him but still...I hated being an outcast, but now I think it's a good thing. I might have never met you guys if I hadn't been one.''
''Maybe...'' Namine trailed of. ''...that actually applies to me too. Things turned out bad but we're learning to change that and make the most of our experiences.''
''You got that right!'' Ryuji grinned. ''And we'll just keep it up.''
Now that she could readily agree with. ''Absolutely.''
The Phantom Thieves headed to Kaneshiro's Palace the following day, stopping upon arriving at the entrance.
Makoto remembered to ask something then. ''So what am I going to be called? You all go by codenames, right?''
''You're quite perceptive.'' Fox stated.
''This time's a hard one...Maybe somethin' like 'Shoulder Pads'?'' Skull offered.
''Why in the world would you focus on that...?'' Mona trailed off, the others giving him odd looks that clearly said they agreed with the feline.
"And Skull's track record of 'great' names continues." Joker muttered.
''I refuse to be called that.'' Makoto, quite rightly in their opinions, stated.
''What about 'Rider'?'' Fox suggested.
She grimaced ''Sounds too much like a smuggler. Next.''
''Fixer?'' Panther offered.
''I'm not a mastermind though. Next. Won't you give me something better to work with?''
''She reminds me of an empress.'' Mona stated. ''You got anything, Joker?''
The girl thought for a bit before an idea struck ''How about Queen?''
''Whoa, I totally see it!'' Panther smiled.
''It fits so well that I'm at a loss for words here.'' Mona added.
''Queen...it has a nice ring to it.'' Makoto decided. ''I like it, let's go with that. Now then, could you explain to me the strategy of this mission?''
''Strategy?'' Skull schoed.
''You don't have one? Wait, the Phantom Thieves were acting without plans?!''
''We do pretty much make things up as we go along.'' Joker returned. ''We look around and Mona gives us navigation info when needed and we go for the treasure while taking out enemies...Can I just take a second to point out that this is coming from someone who just rushed into that mafia den without any thought?''
''...Point made.'' Queen stated sheepishly, the rest looked amused ''I promise to try and curb any reckless behavior. Anyway, I feel like I'll be useful for sure. It seems like my role is to be the brains of this team. I'll analyze Mona's information and give out orders. Any objections?''
''N-none, Queen!'' Skull exclaimed.
''I bet Skull's definitely the type that'll be under a girl's thumb.'' Panther rolled her eyes.
''Mona, will you begin navigating us?'' Queen inquired.
The cat stiffened ''Y-yes, Queen!''
''Him too, it seems.'' Fox sighed while Joker sweatdropped. Skull and Mona sure had a lot in common...
Seeing as the Palace was blocked, they had to figure out a way in first.
The newest Phantom Thief looked at Joker ''By the way...I think I should apologize, I was forcing myself and I'm aware that you're the leader.''
''Ah, don't mind that.'' She reassured. ''It's fine, I know you don't mean anything anyway. We did want you to be the advisor, remember? On that note though, I'm sorry too, I didn't want to rub that earlier mishap in.''
''You didn't do anything wrong was just the truth.''
''Glad you think so...it just came to mind because you really surprised me.'' Joker admitted. ''You never seem liked the sort who'd just jump into things.''
Queen sighed ''Yes. I wasn't thinking at all...it was all just too much at once. More on that later...how do we proceed?''
''Hmm...I think I know something that could help.'' With that, Joker proceeded to use Third Eye. She looked around a bit before heading to a pig statue near the wall on their far left. As the others watched curiously, she inspected the statue and pressed the switch on its back. This made it move slowly, revealing a tunnel.
''Hey, all right!'' The five immediately went in...
''...You know guys, I said Kaneshiro was a disgusting pig but this is just taking things too literally.''
Skull nodded to Panther's comment, glancing at a couple of the statues nearby ''Totally. It really does take one to know one after all.''
''Agreed.''
''You said it.''
Fox and Joker agreed.
Their path was obstructed by Shadows then, revealing to be an Oni, a Rakshasa, two Angels and a Nekomata. The Rakshasa uses Mind Slice and Mona charged to slash at it in retaliation, helped by Skull as he bashed the shadow's head. Mona followed up on the offense by having Zorro cast magic next, the shadow's reaction proving that it was weak to wind magic. Striking once more, the Persona finished it off.
As the Angels flew at Joker, they were forced to a stop when she shot at them. The girl touched her mask then ''Nue, Maeiha!'' The chimera like Persona struck them both with volleys of curse blasts for a lot of damage, giving her the chance to finish one of them with two strikes of her dagger. Fox shot the other Angel before cutting it down as well, then being forced to guard as the Oni used Rampage.
''Maragi!'' Panther cast. Carmen giggled as she proceeded to strike all the remaining shadows with her flames.
''Johanna!'' Queen rode on her Persona once more, enabling her to evade an enemy attack. ''Mafrei!''
The consecutive attacks left the shadows reeling, with the Oni getting burned. Queen tried another Mafrei, finding that it did more damage to Oni than before. Skull wrapped the fight up by having Captain Kidd Rampage at the two shadows.
The group made its way into the foyer, which lead to some of the rooms they had seen back when they were taken to the reception room. Problem was, they were all locked. After finding some treasure chests with a couple of useful pieces of equipment, Skull discovered something he found odd.
''Hey, wha...is that a piggy bank?'' The teen picked up the item. ''I know the guy's greedy but it's weird to see somethin' like this here...''
''What, there's more of those?'' Mona blinked. ''I don't blame you for being surprised but I got to pick up two on our way. Just take it, weird or not, we can use the money they're holding.''
Nodding, Skull put the item away. After that, they found the elevator but quickly realized it wasn't working. Queen concluded that there should be a control room nearby to make it work, leading them to agree to search for that now since they would likely need to head to other levels of the Palace.
In the midst of their search, the thieves were almost discovered by shadows but Fox and Panther manage to shoot both of them, leaving them stunned and easy to ambush. After taking them out, Joker noted the direction the enemies had been coming from, leading to a huge set of stairs. This lets them find two more piggy banks but more importantly, it lead to the keycard reader. Mona reasons that they would likely have to use this thing sooner or later, keeping it in mind but they move on as there was nothing else to go on now.
Defeating more shadows along the way, the team enter a vent which takes them to the security room. They were fortunately warned of the enemies in wait by their Personas, which left them prepared to battle. After which, they find the keycard and bank blueprint, which also worked as a map of the Palace. The second item helped show a shortcut to the area with the keycard reader.
''Hey, we're making some good progress here.'' Panther remarked with a smile.
Joker nodded, coming to a pause as she saw something nearby ''Here's something else we can use...'' She took them to a Safe Room.
''I see, so such a place exists...that's certainly useful.'' Queen mused as Fox filled her in.
Joker and Mona were examining the blueprint, both considering their current progress and how far they should go from here on.
''Well, it's safe to say there isn't much for us at the first floor...'' The feline thief mused. ''...I never sensed the treasure so far. It must be still ahead.''
''Makes sense, it looks like we've got plenty to go anyway.'' Joker remarked. ''Is everyone good to continue?''
''Definitely.'' Panther returned while the rest nodded back.
''All right, let's go then.''
Skull came to a sudden pause ''Uh, guys...what do we do about those?''
'Those' being the security cameras lined up in the hall they were about to enter. The blond frowned a bit ''I mean I know it's better to try getting away from them but how?''
Mona was inwardly relieved that the boy was thinking this time and not just rushing into things. ''Well, you're right in that we need to avoid them...''
''Maybe...'' Queen had a thought. ''...Joker, would your Third Eye work?''
''I don't know but it's worth a shot...'' The girl activated the ability, focusing on the area before them. ''...okay, follow me.'' With that, she was able to lead them past the cameras' range quickly.
Fox spotted an electrical box mounted on the wall nearby ''Could this be...?''
After a moment of thought, he broke it, the cameras came to a stop almost immediately afterwards.
''Hey, all right!'' Panther exclaimed. ''So the way to stop those things is to cut off their power.''
''It seems so.'' The artist returned before they moved on.
It wasn't long before shadows obstructed their path once again. They were an Orobas, a Leanhan Sidhe, a Nekomata and two Orthrus. Skull kicked off the offense, summoning his Persona.
''All right, Captain, let's try this new one, Bad Beat!''
The pirate's attack caused a good amount of damage, even knowing the Orobas to the ground. The Nekomata proceeded to use Evil Touch on Queen, leaving her confused as it didn't seem to cause any harm.
As the brunette made to counter, she found that she couldn't, being overwhelmed by fear. ''What...but why?''
The next thing she knew, the shadow had rushed in and slapped her. It was about to attack once again when...
''Agilao!''
...it was struck by fierce flames that destroyed it. Panther ran to Queen ''You okay?''
She nodded ''Thanks, it's time I do my part, Johanna!'' Her Persona appeared. ''Vajra Blast!''
The girls attacked together afterwards, destroying the Orobas and leaving the Leanhan Sidhe dazed, making it easy for Skull to finish it off.
Joker, Fox and Mona were left facing the two Orthrus. The second dodged one of them pouncing at him, countering with a Rising Slash. The two shadows attacked once again, causing some damage but Mona stopped them in their tracks by having Zorro throw them off with a Magaru.
Joker touched her mask, deciding to test the results of her last visit to the Velvet Room ''Shiki-Ouji!''
The new Persona towered over the two shadows, proceeding to Taunt them at Joker's command.
''Er, Joker? I hope you're going somewhere with this...'' Mona trailed off, watching the enraged Shadows warily.
''I'm getting there...'' She assured. ''...Mapsi!''
With a wave of its arm, Shiki-Ouji hit the two shadows with a burst of violet energy. It didn't take long for the two to see that the combination had actually caused far more damage this way, finishing one of the Orthrus off and leaving the other very weakened. Taking the chance, Joker was able to convince it to become one of her Personas.
''Nice work!'' Queen smiled. ''So you can use your Personas that way too...''
''I'm learning to, anyway. Might as well make the most of my abilities.'' Joker paused to pick up the skill card the Shadow dropped before following the rest of the group.
After finding another hall with cameras, it was soon clear that they couldn't handle it the same way as there were just too many cameras with quite a range. This left the team forced to look for another way. Finding a few locked doors, Mona noticed the electrical box to their south. Once again, destroying it stopped the cameras and leaves them able to continue.
Soon enough, they cross the eastern hallway, which leads them to a huge vault. This of course brought up the issue of opening it...
''Man, everytime we work somethin' out, we find a new problem...'' Skull grumbled.
''It certainly is irritating but there's no helping it. I suppose this just proves how secure Kaneshiro's schemes are in the real world. We just have to keep trying.'' Queen stated.
Fox nodded ''Even if we can't deal with a problem directly, we'll have to find a way around it.''
''Sounds good to me, you're thinking like a Phantom Thief, Fox.'' Mona remarked with a smirk.
As they headed to the nearest door, Joker and Panther went to open the treasure chests nearby. One had some accessories and the other held what looked like tarnished armor.
''What in the...'' Panther tilted her head. ''...should we throw this away?''
''I don't know...maybe we can use it somehow?'' Queen mused, taking the item.
Keeping on their path, they found two electrical boxes, which they destroy. With so many cameras off, their mission became easier.
''...are finally complete?''
A new voice filled the silence in the hall, bringing attention to the sound of footsteps coming closer.
In moments, two guards appeared. They had yet to spot any of the thieves, since they were still on one of the upper platforms.
''Yeah, Boss wants it to be fool-proof. He's especially careful after what those kids from the other day did.''
''Well, that figures...at least, it explains the changes with the vault...'' The shadows left.
''I guess even if we didn't affect the real Kaneshiro enough, his shadow's still starting to get paranoid.'' Panther remarked.
Fox hummed in agreement ''Those guards appeared somewhat different from the others we've encountered. Perhaps they're of a higher rank?''
''Could be...but this also means that we'll have to face them. They did mention the vault. They could have something that can help us deal with it.'' Queen recalled.
Panther nodded ''Then let's just do that.''
''We've got to be careful though, they seem stronger than the other Shadows we met. Fighting them together is a bad idea.'' Mona stated.
''Then let's observe them for now. If we see their routine, we should be able to split them up.'' Joker suggested.
The rest nodded and they made to follow the two guards...
Eventually, they were able to pull it off by using a mechanism to lower the partition once one of the guards was away from the other.
''You again?!'' The first guard, the Tornado Devil, growled. ''This suits me just fine, I'll finish you all off Kaneshiro-sama!''
''You wish!'' Skull struck his head with his weapon, with the shadow grunting and pushing him back.
The Devil proceeded to use Tarukaja before lashing out with its weapon, hitting Mona and Queen. The former tried to stop it from attacking by having his Persona cast wind magic, only to be shocked as the Shadow simply brushed it off.
''What?!'' Realizing belatedly that their enemy drained wind magic, Mona dodged its following attack.
''Sometimes, Shadows with certain elemental strengths are weak against the opposite element.'' Fox mused. ''Skull, care to give it a try?''
''Totally, Captain Kidd! Mazio!''
That turned out to be right idea, as the Tornado Devil was knocked down a second later, leaving it vulnerable to an All Out Attack.
The Shadow pulled itself up, roaring angrily. It cast Magarula, forcing everyone to defend. Unfortunately, Skull had it worse considering that he was weak to wind magic.
Picking up on this, the Shadow made to attack him but the others wouldn't have it, immediately obstructing its way.
Joker summoned Orthrus ''Marakunda!''
Panther had Carmen follow with an Agilao. Joker added her new Persona's own fire magic to the mix, powering the first attack up.
Fox slashed the Devil while Queen punched it twice, just reacting in time to dodge its Assault Dive. The two were forced back as it repeatedly tried to swipe and kick them.
Mona acted then, stopping its oncoming attack ''Zorro, Lucky Punch!''
The sudden, swift strike left the Shadow startled. As it made to attack again, it was distracted when Panther shot a few rounds at it before attacking with her whip. Skull took the opportunity to cast another Mazio, causing a lot of damage which almost threw the shadow down. Fox and Queen gunned down the enemy, ending the right.
Panther spotted something where the Shadow just faded away and picked it up. She smiled, holding the key up for all to see ''Guys, I think we're on the right track.''
On their way back to the vault, they were found by the second guard, the Floodbringer Demon.
''So that's what happened before...very well, it's time you brats learned your place. Take this!''
It cast Mabufula, which wound up causing a lot of damage to Panther, almost knocking her out. Joker went to help her while Queen and Mona covered the two girls, with the former riding on her Persona.
Recognizing the shadow from previous experience, Queen knew what to do. ''Mafrei!''
While Mona slashed the shadow with his blade, it was blasted by the nuclear spell, leaving it dazed.
Wasting no chance, they launched an All Out Attack. The Shadow growled and pulled itself up, swinging its mace a few times. It cast another Mabufula before using its Sledgehammer attack on Queen. It tried to attack again but seemed to pause mid-way.
The girl blinked ''What just...''
''It's tired, we caused a lot of damage and it's catching up. Come on, let's keep attacking!'' Mona called, brandishing his blade again to strike with Fox following suit.
Joker called on Arsene to attack with nuclear magic while Panther had Carmen blast the enemy with flames. Skull avoided the oncoming mace, countering with his own weapon. Queen wrapped the fight up with another Mafrei, leaving the Shadow to disappear.
''I found another key.'' She informed, picking up the item.
''So it had two keys...well, we're good to go.'' Panther remarked.
''Actually, I think we should stop here. We've certainly progressed today but a lot of time passed. Let's not push ourselves too much.'' Mona stated.
Fox nodded ''That seems wise. Let's return to the real world then.''
''Nice work, Queen, you handled yourself pretty well.'' Joker praised.
''Like a real champ.'' Skull added. ''But damn, you weren't kidding about that aikido stuff, huh?''
Queen chuckled ''Thank you, I'm glad I could help.''
Well, let's stop here.
Considering all the set up to this place, I figure I might as well leave sometime to focus on the Palace. I hope this was good. Plotting for this arc is kind of a pain but since I'm making it work, I decided to get this chapter out and about. Oh and in case I got anyone confused, Namine's Shiki-Ouji came from the Persona Compendium. I thought about that thing and I figured I might as well try this.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 6)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 4)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 3)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 2)
Igor (Aeon Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 3)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 3)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 4)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 2)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 2)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 2)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)