It didn't take the group long to learn that Makoto had been getting calls from a stranger, which the girl figured had to be one of Kaneshiro's henchmen. Thankfully, there didn't seem to be any other trouble as he was just concentrated on reminding her about the money. However, the knowledge only reinforced the importance of dealing with their current target.
But they couldn't go to the Palace today since half the group was busy, so they settled for focusing on preparations. It would be best not to just rush into things lest they run into trouble. The events that led to their arrival in Kaneshiro's Palace only served to enforce that fact.
''We better take this carefully.'' Morgana stated, glancing at the messages displayed on Namine's phone. ''It's true that we've made good progress but that doesn't mean we should get overconfident.''
The girl nodded ''Well, we did try to find the photos online but there was nothing yet. I don't want to count on Kaneshiro's word too much but I think we've got some time to handle this.''
''I don't think he'll do much this early anyway. There's still over two weeks left. I don't see that greedy creep missing out on a chance to get any money.'' The cat decided to change the subject. ''So Mishima wants to meet you in that snazzy restaurant that's been getting all this rep lately. It almost sounds like he wants a date.''
Namine spared him a look ''Where'd that even come from?''
''Well, I heard Lady Ann talk about how it's becoming a romantic spot. Besides, didn't she and Ryuji mention how he was stiffed by his date the other day?''
She still wasn't convinced ''Yeah well, I think it'd be more of a reason not to look for one. Mona, we're friends. I figure he just wants to talk anyway...''
''Hehe, today's my treat, Hyakuya-san!'' Mishima said happily. ''Phantom thieves are all about fancy stuff like this, right? That's why we're here today! Oh, and it's just the two of us so don't be afraid to go all out! What do you wanna eat?''
''Well, I did eat a little before so I'm not too hungry. But I heard this place has some nice desserts.''
''Sounds good, I'll try that too! First, some steak though. This place is all we can eat so let's make sure we can get our money's worth!''
The two went to a table and Mishima continued ''Anyways, I posted on the Phan-Site that I had connections to you guys and the Phandom really ate it up! Don't worry though, I didn't say anything that would point to my real identity. I did end up talking about how expensive it is to run our little organization though. The donations I got after that were...pretty generous to say the least.''
Namine raised an eye ''Wait, you actually got...?''
''Yup!'' He smiled. ''I guess our loving sponsors just want to show us some support. Not bad for strategic movement is it?''
The girl frowned, thinking this seemed kind of sleazy ''I'm surprised you worked all that out but I don't think you should keep this up...''
''Don't worry, it'll be fine. It's a piece of cake for someone as skilled me. Let's take advantage of this windfall as much as we can!'' Mishima exclaimed. ''Oh and I think it's okay to consider this meal an organizational expense-Wait, I've seen on the news that using donations for stuff other than what's publicized is a serious crime...The more I think about this whole thing the less I think we should use the donations here.''
''Yeah, I don't really like where this is going either...'' She trailed off, glad that he was beginning to understand.
''I figured.'' He sighed. ''People would get mad at a politician using tax money for personal affairs. The same applies to the Phantom Thieves, I guess returning the money would be the best choice.''
Namine nodded and Mishima went on ''Right, we should keep the team's image as clean as possible. Actually, I think I'll return the money and thank the Phandom for their generosity, they'll love that! It'll boost our popularity a whole bunch! But let's leave that alone...I did drag you all the way out here.'' He paused, perking up then. ''Oh, I know something to make up for this!''
His idea was going to a store in Harajuku, which he knew sold especially good crepes. Seeing no problem with it, Namine agreed and the two soon left the restaurant.
''You know, I don't think I've come around these parts before...'' The burgundy haired girl mused, looking around the street. ''...is it always so crowded?''
''Yup, Harajuku's always buzzing with activity. I'm pretty sure a part of the new requests I got on the Phan-Site came from this area.'' Mishima remarked. ''I was actually wondering if this place could help with the...''
''Yo, Namine!''
The two started at the voice, seeing Ryuji approach them ''Fancy runnin' into you here.''
''Oh hey, Ryuji.''
''Oh, Sakamoto.''
''Mishima?! Why're you here?!''
''Took you long enough to notice me.'' The boy frowned ''Anyway, what're you doing out? Could you be...on a date?!''
Ryuji's eyes widened ''Hell no! What, you on a date?''
''W-what?! No!'' Mishima's face reddened.
Namine just gave the boy an unimpressed look ''We were just hanging out.''
''Well, I'm just making a point. Besides, I'm lookin' for workout clothes. Heard they've got a pretty sweet selection here.'' He frowned. ''But some of em are dirty...and have a funky smell...''
''And once again rumors prove to be a load of hot air,'' Namine stated.
''Yeah, it sounds like those clothes are used.'' Mishima sweatdropped.
The ex-athlete shrugged ''Anyway, you guys free? Wanna grab a bite?''
''We were going to that shop...'' Namine looked at Mishima to see how he felt about it.
''It's not too far. We were going to get crepes. You want one?'' Mishima wondered.
''What are you, a chick?'' Ryuji deadpanned.
''H-hey!''
The blond went on, ignoring his response ''I mean, I get if Namine wants some but that's different.''
''I don't see the big deal.'' Aforementioned girl returned. It was just food, what was wrong with a boy eating one? ''Let's just have what we want...''
''Exactly!'' Mishima smiled. ''See, Sakamoto? Hyakuya-san gets it. Come on!''
In the end, the three hung out for a while before going their seperate ways.
Upon learning that he had found a venue to display his new painting, Namine went to meet Yusuke at the museum...
''In addition to the exhibition aspect of this show, there is also an evaluation portion.'' Yusuke told Namine as they approached the painting. ''Hm, I believe my piece truly stands out among the sea of art here. And yet nobody has come to see it...Perhaps they are so afraid of the truth held within that they dare not take a closer look.''
Namine wondered about that, noticing a middle aged couple passing by ''What is that supposed to be?'' The man wondered.
''There's a dark, sinister aura emanating from it.'' The woman mused.
''Hm, the title is Desire? I see no desire here. Ah, I understand now. This area is for students. The artist likely decided to paint this on a whim.'' The man continued.
''Indeed, there is no elegance or emotion in this piece. Come dear, there are much more detailed paintings over there...'' The two walked away.
''Yusuke...'' Namine started as the teen looked at his painting with a frown.
''...There is no need to worry. I'm not bothered in the slightest.'' He assured. ''That was nothing more than the drivel of unrefined commoners. I needn't pay any mind to them. As long as those who are in the know understand my work, I will be happy.''
He seemed satisfied as a man with greying hair in a business suit approached. ''A knowleadgable patron has arrived.''
''Hm...'' He observed the painting.
''I would like your opinion, sir. What are your thoughts on this painting?'' Yusuke inquired.
''I can see quite clearly why it was accepted into the exhibition. The technique is excellent.'' was the response. ''However...the composition at a whole is at best mediocre.''
The teen stiffened ''How dare you-?''
''Ah, are you the artist?'' The man inquired. ''The title is Desire but that idea is quite overused. Some may even call it stale. If you want to paint an abstract work with such an old theme, you must inject some individuality into it.''
''What...?'' Yusuke looked alarmed.
''Take another look. Try to remove yourself from the artist's bias. These brush strokes are splendid given your age...but but does this painting tell you anything? It is empty, devoid of meaning. I suggest you take a more critical eye to your work in the future if you truly want to progress as an artist.'' He left.
''My work is...empty?'' Yusuke wondered.
''That was harsh...'' Namine glanced at the man's retreating figure.
''Yes...it may ve difficult to bear at times, but the beholder is entitled to their own opinions.'' Yusuke stated. ''But why...I put my heart and soul into this piece, captured the very essence of desire. It was supposed to lay bare the reality of the world!'' He studied it. ''Perhaps...he was right. It may be empty after all...These colors, these brush strokes...they do not convey the ture meaning of desire, only my conception of it! I haven't captured desire...Desire has captured me!'' He fell to his knees. ''How could have fooled myself into believing otherwise?! It is as though I have been forsaken by the gods of art! This grave mistake shall be the end for me...!''
''Hold on!'' Namine interjected. ''You don't have to try it like that, just try again!'' He looked at her in surprise. ''Look, this can be your starting point. So don't just give up!''
''It's not that simple! I have no future in this world...What is going to happen to me now...? Without art, what will remain of my being...?!''
''If art is this important to you, why are you giving up? This isn't like you, stand up.'' Namine insisted.
''...I see...I must stand up, both literally and figuratively. Failure and art go hand in hand, I cannot simply give up now!'' He stood. ''Still, being criticized by someone with such a keen eye is truly painful...But that's all the more reason I must break out of my slump. I must prove my ability to him!''
''That's more like it.'' The girl stated.
He smiled ''I will start by painting. After that, I will paint beyond which I shall paint even more...That is the only way I will learn to capture the essence of emotion. After all you can only accomplish so much in using logic to analyze the heart's content. I hope you allow me to continue my skill card services as well, Namine. If you would help me, I believe I can progress.''
She nodded ''I've got your back.''
''That is quite reassuring.'' The artist stated. ''I shall conquer this!''
Any plans they had to visit the Metaverse were derailed thanks in a huge part to an accident in Shibuya. They couldn't get much news yet but there were suspicions that it was caused by a mental shutdown. Since a lot of the roads near the area were blocked, they decided to hold off a visit to the Palace today.
This also made the group remember about the criminal causing them, filling Makoto in about this over the group chat. Though surprised, the girl wondered if the accident was related, considering where it happened. While they couldn't be sure, Makoto had heard from Sae that there was a policeman who was killed in the accident. The man was investigating the scams and deals around Shibuya, leaving them to agree that Kaneshiro could very likely have something to do with it.
''Maybe we weren't the only ones looking to deal with him after all.'' Morgana mused as he observed the messages. ''Makoto's right, it sounds like way too much of a coincidence.''
''Yeah but it would mean Kaneshiro has something to do with that criminal, right?'' Namine concluded.
''Could be. It's just something we'll have to get out of his Shadow.'' The cat stretched. ''Anyway, there's no point worrying about it now. I think the accident might have even influenced the Metaverse, we should wait till things calm down.''
''All right...'' Namine's phone buzzed again, making the girl look to see that she had gotten an e-mail.
Her face lit up as she read it ''It's from Grandma...''
A curious Morgana looked over, blinking at the message before he started to laugh ''What kind of challenge is that? He actually went for it?''
Namine was laughing too, the email had the usual greetings and welfare and also a little snippet about how Itsuki took up a challenge to eat quite the amount of food. Yuri also put in that her husband had actually won but the prize certainly wasn't driving himself sick. The whole thing sounded ridiculous and Namine knew her grandmother had wasted no time in making her opinion clear. ''Sounds like Grandpa all right...with how interested he is in trying new stuff, he'd be all over this.''
''That kinda sounds like you too, so you've got that same adventurous spirit.'' Morgana remarked.
''Hehe, yeah I think I get it from him after all...Give me some credit though, I wouldn't go for that stuff. He'd probably get a kick out of the whole thing later.''
This made the cat snicker ''Your grandparents sound like a colorful pair.''
''Mmhm...'' Namine's smile widened as she made to reply to the email. ''...you have no idea, Morgana.''
Since their teacher couldn't make it to the last two periods, Namine and Ann's class finished up early. Securing the burgundy haired girl's promise to meet her at her upcoming photoshoot's location, Ann left while Namine hung back to finish her studies in a subject.
Namine hadn't even known she could be this studious before. However, considering her circumstances, she just wanted to make sure things would be okay. She had missed over a year of school after all...
Once she wrapped things up, she and Morgana headed over to Odaiba. As Namine paused to check the shoot's location from where she marked it on her phone's map, Morgana suddenly spoke.
''Hey, look!''
Namine followed his line of sight, noticing Akechi talking to what looked like members of a TV crew, considering the equipment they were gathering up. From what little they could hear, it seemed that the detective had been asked to help with a commercial.
''You know, for all he tried to make light of it, Akechi really does get around with that reputation.'' Morgana remarked. ''He never struck me as the modest type.''
''Isn't it a little early for that kind of thing, Mona? We don't exactly know him.'' Namine returned as she began walking away.
''Well, maybe...anyway, come on, Lady Ann is probably waiting now.''
Knowing he was right, the girl made to head off but then they heard Akechi's voice ''Oh, it's you!'' The detective walked over, they exchanged greetings before Namine spoke.
''So, for all the way you just waved your fame when we asked you at the station, you're obviously a celebrity.'' She mused, more or less restating Morgana's words but she was curious about what he would say.
''Ah, this?'' He smiled. ''It's nothing so special. Just something that came along as my reputation spread.''
Namine looked bemused ''See, that's what I'm getting at. Your fans obviously don't think it's something so small.'' At his confused look, she subtly pointed to three girls near the area where the commercial was shot. They were talking animatedly and glancing in his direction every now and then.
''Oh...'' He chuckled. ''...I suppose it's hard to argue with that. Anyway, it looked like you were going somewhere, Hyakuya-san? I'm sorry for slowing you down.''
''It's okay, there's still sometime. I'm going to meet Ann around these parts. She's busy with that photoshoot but I guess I'm her moral support.''
''Ah, so your friend from the other day is a model? Well, it's certainly nice of you to help out.''
''It's no big deal, she's my friend.'' Namine returned, he gave a small smile. ''So just curious here, what's it like being a detective anyway?''
''Well, let's just say it's something that happened along some events. But it's certainly engaging, I wouldn't mind...'' Akechi was distracted when one of the TV crew called for him. ''...ah, my apologies, it looks like I should go.''
''Mm, I better be on my way too.''
As the two teens split off, Morgana glanced at Akechi's retreating figure ''Huh...that was different. I wonder if there's more to him than I assumed after all.''
Once they met Ann at the location, Namine and Morgana suspected trouble to be up ahead.
Why? The reason came in the form of Mika.
The woman walked over ''Oh, so you came for my special.''
''You asked for me, right? Wow, I barely recognized you...Did you lose weight...? Or maybe change your make up?'' Ann wondered. She seemed so much more stylish and poised-it was hard to believe that such change had taken place over a couple of weeks.
''The theme for today's shoot is the elegance of a woman.'' Mika stated. ''So I conditioned my body to be more elegant.''
The girl looked taken aback ''W-what do you mean?''
''Controlling what you eat, how you move...That's all. It may sound easy, but it's pretty tough.'' Mika returned. ''You have to write down everything you eat, making sure to check the nutritional and calorie content. I even hired a personal trainer to take special note of my diet and oversee my exercise regiment.''
''That does sound hard...I heard models really watch their figures but wow-that'a lot of work you put in.'' Namine blinked.
Mika gave a slight nod, seeming bemused at the remark ''I'm only scratching the surface of my preparations.''
''Whoa...that's amazing! Does that mean you don't get double chocolate crepes?'' Ann wondered.
Namine gave her an odd look ''I think that's exactly the point, Ann...''
''Right! Of course I don't! I'd get fat with just one bite of that stuff!'' Mika exclaimed, looking irritated. ''Besides, I take herbal medication, wear warming scoks, do pilates and yoga...Day after day...how many squats do you think I do in a week?! Ugh, a natural beauty like you could never understand how much work I put into my modeling!''
''You know, it's kinda embarrassing getting complimented like that...'' Ann blushed.
Morgana held back a groan, why would she even think that was a compliment?
Mika scowled ''Sorry, did I say natural beauty? What I meant was natural airhead.''
''Who're you calling an airhead?!'' The blonde snapped.
She winced ''Eeek! Ann-senpai, stop it...!''
''Hey, don't start this again!'' Namine cut in. ''You can't just insult her and act like she was in the wrong!''
''This has nothing to do with you.'' Mika said coldly.
The girl was more than match for her ''Well, considering you're messing around with my friend, it does. So back off.''
The photographer walked over ''Come on, you two. We're going to start.''
''This way, Mika-chan.'' The Cameraman called. ''Yeah, that's perfect. That's exactly the expression I'm looking for.'' Mika giggled. ''Wonderful, wonderful!''
''I see now...this is a test...'' Ann began to smile. ''...well, I'm not gonna lose!'' She took a pose and winked.
The photographer was troubled ''Um, Ann-chan...could try being a little...sexier?''
''You mean like this?'' Mika posed, striking another pose.
''Oh, that's beautiful!'' He smiled.
''Watch and learn, amateur.'' Mika hissed. ''You better not drag me down, okay?''
''You're amazing, Mika-chan!''
Ann was left seething again...
''Ooohh, you know the president of that fancy car company? Introduce me, please.'' Mika beamed. ''Yeah, the owner even invited me to dinner! Y'know working with all of you just makes me so happy!''
''...She's a real piece of work.'' Morgana grumbled.
''I'll say...'' Namine trailed off.
Ann watched this for a bit before looking at them ''Let's go back.''
''Ugh, Shiho was right. I should have just avoided this.'' Ann sighed. ''I wanted to think we could get along when she asked for me.''
''She must have been trying to show you up, Lady Ann.'' Morgana stated.
''You think?''
The cat nodded ''No matter how I look at it, Mika seems jealous.''
''Is that why she was mad at me?'' She sighed. ''If that's the case, I probably deserved everything she did.''
''What do you mean?'' Namine wondered.
She sighed again, remaining silent before crying out ''I'm so pissed off!''
Her friends look on in surprise as the girl continued ''Mika had to work super hard everyday to get to where she is now.'' She paused. ''She worked out, watched her diet, made friends with everyone...She couldn't rely on connections like I did...She didn't become a model just for the heck of it. Her resolve, her knowledge, her fashion sense...They're all on a totally different level than me! Mika is amazing...Mika is strong! But me? I'm nothing! Just thinking about it makes me feel so angry...I feel like I could explode!''
''Hold on, saying you're nothing is...'' Morgana started.
''It's the truth!'' Ann cried. ''This whole time I've just been pretending to be model. It was like the clothes were wearing me...I mean, that's what I always thought being a model meant!...But I was totally wrong. A real model draws out the beauty of the clothes they wear...casts a stunning magic on them...A real model is flexible, beautiful and strong. Well, I've had enough pretending. I want to be a real model!''
Namine couldn't help her rising feeling relief, the girl was certainly taking this experience as a good motivator after all. ''Go for it!''
''Right! I'm gonna take the world by storm-just you watch, guys!''
The Phantom Thieves headed back the Palace the next day, quickly arriving at the vaults.
Queen couldn't help feeling a little unnerved as she noticed how some of the team were gleefully picking up all the money they could gather. ''Let's not get greedy, you guys...''
''Oh, we won't! We're going to putting this all to a good cause.'' Panther assured.
Joker nodded ''I think if there's anything we can learn from this, it's to watch ourselves and make sure we don't become greedy. This is all going to help us all, like with our work in the Metaverse. We do use what we pick up here for medicine and the like. Besides, remember when I told you about the Velvet Room? That's where I got Shiki-Ouji. I usually get help with my Personas there and it often takes a good amount of money.''
''That makes sense...'' Queen blinked as a thought occured to her. ''...wait, what do those people even do with it though? I was under the impression that they stayed in the Metaverse.''
''So was I.'' The girl shrugged. ''I tried asking that before but Caroline just said something about equivalent exchange and what not. It's a lot at times but the results are worth it.''
Queen wasn't about to argue with that ''That's definitely true...''
Soon they came across some treasure chests, one had a weapon for Fox while the other had a couple of accessories. This was when Mona noticed a blue pig near the chests and went to examine it. On it was some writing, P=1, deciding to keep it for now, the feline put the paper away.
''Mazio!''
''Mabufu!''
Captain Kidd and Goemon attacked in tandem, finishing off the last of the shadows that attempted to block the team's path. Both faded away, revealing another blue pig.
''Hey, I found another one!'' Skull waved the item a little before taking a closer look. ''...Yup, it's got another of those pages too.''
This was the fourth blue pig they had found so far and while the first had been a coincidence, they had kept a look out at Mona's behest and so discovered that those pages seemed to be scattered around the area.
''Any one got an idea about those pages?'' He went on.
''I'm not sure but they seem important. Besides, looking at them now...'' Mona took out the paper he had kept while picking the one in Skull's hand. ''...they must have been hidden for a reason.''
Joker had an idea ''You think it's some kind of code?''
Mona smirked ''Exactly! There's no way they're here by chance.''
''Good point. Looking back, there was that PIN machine earlier...'' Fox recalled.
Panther frowned ''How do we know which is the code though? This is all a bunch of random numbers and letters.''
Queen examined the papers ''...I think we could try the method you guys used to get the Palace keywords. Let's try putting in words together from this, but we'll have to make sure the word could be relevant to this place.''
They agreed that it was a good plan and headed back to the room with the PIN machine. After debating it for a little while, they came up with a few words like reap, and pear...
''I don't see what any of those have to do with a bank...'' Panther tilted her head.
''I think one of them might be related.'' Queen put it in the numbers 0931, the door next to the machine flashed before it opened up.
''It worked?'' Skull blinked. ''Oh, I thought reap had to do with farming and stuff...''
'Normally, you'd be right.' Johanna remarked.
''But it applies here too.'' Queen took over. ''This is just how Kaneshiro sees what he's doing, he's reaping money from his victims. And unlike farmers, he wouldn't give a damn about the consequences of his actions. I'd say Panther was right in calling him a pig.''
The blond grimaced ''Yeah, lousy damn bastard...''
''All the more reason we have to do this.'' Joker stated.
''You bet, let's go!''
The newly opened area lead the team to the second floor of the vault. It didn't take long for them to discover a hall with some cameras, but they were easily able to bypass it by following the same method from the first floor.
Spotting some guards around the corner, they were able to pull off an ambush and saw that the guards were three Oni. Two of which proceeded to Rampage only for their targets to get out of the way. One got its weapon stuck in a wall and proceeded to try pulling it out. Capitalizing on this, Joker and Mona attacked it with wind magic, sending it flying and leaving it vulnerable for Fox to finish it off.
Queen dodged a swipe from another Oni and punched it in return before Skull moved in to attack next. The former summoned Johanna to attack with magic next, she was soon followed by Carmen, who proceeded to burn both enemies at Panther's command. Soon, the battle was over and they went back to scoping out the second level.
Fox pointed out a vent that lead them to a higher platform. It also had another of the blue pigs with another torn page.
''I wonder if those will help take us to the treasure eventually.'' Panther mused.
''I don't see why not. At least, it could help lead us in the right direction.'' Fox turned left as a flash caught his eye. ''...It looks like there's another hall with cameras.''
''No surprise there, this place is full of security measures...'' The blonde trailed off.
''Yes, but luckily we know what to do here.'' Queen reminded. ''Joker?''
The girl nodded, recognizing the unspoken prompt as she turned her attention to the new area. Using her Third Eye, she carefully observed the hall for a bit before giving the others the signal, letting them safely bypass the cameras. Nearby was the electrical box that could let them disable the cameras along with another blue pig.
''Is it just me or is Joker faster than before?'' Panther wondered.
''You think?'' Joker blinked.
''Hey, it just means all that trainin's paying off.'' Skull grinned at her.
She half-smiled ''I guess so...''
''Training?'' Fox gave them a curious look.
''They've been going to a gym every now and then for a while now.'' Mona offered.
''I see...'' The artist nodded. ''...I've noticed before but they certainly are close...''
Panther was intrigued ''Hey, can you take me with your next time?''
''You want to...?'' Skull cocked his head. ''Well, sure why not?''
''As interesting as this all is, can we leave it for later?'' Queen requested.
Joker smiled sheepishly ''Right. Sorry...''
''Buzzkill...'' Skull stiffened at the look Queen gave him then.
''I wouldn't push your luck there. Do you really want to get on her bad side?'' Mona warned.
''I can hear you too.''
The cat cringed at the brunette's statement, trying to think of something to say. Panther rolled her eyes ''Moving on, let's ignore that load of idiocy.''
''All right...I was wondering if we have enough pages to make a word now.'' Queen admitted. Those who had the pages took them out and began looking them over.
''Well...first thing I can see would be hug.'' Mona stated. ''Definitely not that though...''
Fox nodded ''There is an E on this paper. Perhaps we can try the word huge? It seems fitting.''
Queen looked pensive but nodded ''Let's go with that.''
After they went back to the area with the PIN machine they happened to spot earlier, it turned out that huge was actually the right idea and it opened a new gate.
Just as the group of five was about to move on...
''There you are.'' A Shadow formed before them, revealing a guard with a pulsing red aura. Said aura condensed into the ground to form two Oni shadows. ''I'll finish you off for the boss!''
''Just try it!'' Panther brandished her whip.
''I'll show you!'' The shadow, the Defeated Avenger, jumped up and landed a strike with its landing while the first Oni went on to Rampage and the other took a few wide swipes with its weapon that hit those who were closest.
Seeing how the consecutive offense was leaving quite enough damage to go around with, Mona began healing the group. The Defeated Avenger was quick to pick up on this and decided to target the feline thief as a result.
Its following strike was stopped before it could begin by Joker and Skull. The first shot at the shadow's gut and shoulder to stun it while the second bashed its head with his club.
''Why you...'' The Avenger reared its head back and hit them with Mazionga.
It had little effect on Skull however, and he proceeded to summon Captain Kidd ''All right, Captain, Bad Beat!''
The blow sent the shadow reeling but it was angered enough to attack once more, leaving the two to avoid his attacks as much as possible. Joker summoned Orthrus to blast the shadow with fire magic. Skull and Mona followed along to attack up close and Joker hit the shadow with a couple of bullet to its arms, making it drop its weapon before they attacked again, leaving it to disappear.
Meanwhile, the others were dealing with the two Oni. It quickly became apparent to them that the Defeated Avenger was their boss and its defeat threw them off. They were able to capitalize on their inaction to strike them both hard. But then both shadows countered with Rampage, leaving their targets to defend with the best of their ability.
''Johanna!'' Queen charged on her Persona, throwing one of the Oni who had been about to attack her back. ''Flash Bomb!''
Panther attacked the momentarily blinded shadows with her whip while Fox summoned his Persona to finish them off with a Mabufula. With their path now cleared, the team headed to the Safe Room for a little rest.
After that, they went on to discover that the vault had a third floor. Feeling up to continuing their job now, the thieves entered the new area.
While attempting to avoid some cameras, they were found by some Shadows and were able to defeat them. They also found a couple of piggy banks in the process and took those along before they proceeded to explore the hall.
Joker glanced at a set of stairs nearby and after a moment of thought, went up to check where they lead. ''There's another of those PIN readers...''
''Again? So we have to look for more of those pages...'' Mona trailed off. ''...let's keep going for now then.''
The team ran into some Shadows as they made their way into the northern hall. They were a Nekomata, an Oni, a Yaksini and a Rakshasha. The Oni tried to hit Panther but the girl easily got out of the way.
''Dance, Carmen!'' The dress-clad Persona appeared, burning the shadow with her flames before Panther flogged it with her whip.
Mona went next ''Persona! Let's try this, Garula.''
The Oni was trapped in a strong vortex that caused it to fall hard to the ground and finishing it off. Queen had Johanna blast their enemies with a Mafrei, damaging them all but particularly damaging the Yaksini, who was weak to nuclear magic.
The shadow tried to attack her and Fox and retaliation but the two held strong and Queen dodged one of her swipes before punching her side, giving Fox a chance to slash at her arms. The two attacked the shadow once more to end it.
''Captain Kidd, Mazio!'' Skull commanded, targeting the Nekomata, which was felled by the lightning. But then the teen was almost blindsided by the Rakshasha. Mona tried to help by using more wind magic but the shadow surprised them by creating what looked like a wall of wind, easily weakening the attack.
Joker touched her mask ''Archangel, Kouga!'' The burst of light struck the shadow hard, knocking it down. This gave the girl a chance to hold the Rakshasha at gun point and have it become one of her masks.
With the battle over, the group was free to look closer at their surroundings. This helped them see how the cameras in the hall before seemed to switch on and off at certain intervals.
''Oh great, what do we do with this one?'' Skull frowned.
Joker looked pensive ''...The only thing I can think of would be to try and watch. If we can be sure when they're off, we should be able to get through safely.''
''Good idea.'' Queen agreed.
They managed to pull it off but it came a little too close to comfort since a few of the cameras had different patterns. Regardless, they were able to pull through. Proceeding from then on to the eastern hallway, there was an electrical box at a cubby which they destroyed to disable the cameras nearby. On the opposite side was another blue pig.
''Hold on, this one's different...''
Mona frowned at the sound of upcoming footsteps ''No time, guys!''
The statement came at just the right moment, for a guard came around the corner then. Unlike the ones they had seen, it seemed to be pulsing with a dark red aura.
Oddly enough, it was aiming the flashlight in hand right around the area where they were.
''What the-? It's like it knows we're here...'' Panther remarked.
''...I think I found out why, look.'' Queen pointed in the direction the guard came from, showing a blue camera around that area. ''We're far but it might have caught us coming in earlier. It must be different from the other cameras.''
''It looks like this one has a larger range too.'' Fox observed. ''From the way that guard acts, if it finds us, it could very well likely lead to many more shadows coming.''
As he said, the guard was clearly worked up. It seemed to be muttering to itself rather angrily as it carefully looked around the area.
''That's the last thing we need...'' Mona grimaced.
''Hmm...'' Joker walked to the window nearby, aiming her gun at the camera to her left before firing a bullet. As expected, the guard turned in that direction at once, heading off to the room where the camera was located.
''Now that's thinking on your feet, way to go, Joker!'' Panther smiled.
The girl smiled back ''Just doing all I can. come on, it's best if we don't stay now.''
''Right!''
They left the area after finding a route that took them to a tall platform, leading to the upper levels of the north hall. A blue pig was located near the entrance along with a couple of piggy banks.
This blue pig also had a torn page but the writing on it was different. (O+H=10)
Mona blinked ''Does this mean we'll have to find another of those things?''
''No, wait...wasn't there an H in one of the other pages we found?'' Skull recalled.
Realizing he was right, everyone stopped to search the items they gathered picking up the torn pages in question.
''Here it is.'' Fox piped up, lifting the page in hand. It had the writing (H=2) ''How does it help though?''
''Well...going by this...'' Queen began looking at the papers. ''...I know. It must be an 8.''
''Yeah, I've got an eight here.'' Panther showed her a paper.
''Good, that confirms it. Now if we put those together...The best word so far seems to be gold...I think I know the PIN code we need here.''
The group headed back to the room with the PIN reader and Queen proceeded to put in the numbers 1841. Fortunately, she was right and the locked door opened up.
''All right!'' Skull pumped a fist.
The new path revealed a staircase that took them back to the elevator which lead to the basement. Remembering the locked areas from when they first began traveling about the Palace, Panther suggested that they head up to take a look.
This quickly proved to be for the best as the rooms they came across then were unlocked. And more importantly, the central elevator which had been inaccessible earlier was now usable. It had been something they passed early on but hadn't paid much mind to, now a closer look revealed that it could take them to the bank's higher floors.
''...What now?'' Fox asked the group at large.
''I say we keep going.'' Skull offered.
Mona rolled his eyes ''Of course, that's your answer.'' Ignoring the teen's dark look, the cat went on. ''Joker, what do you think?''
Joker answered after a few seconds ''...We've done plenty today. Let's not push ourselves too far. We're still not sure if we're any closer to the treasure though so I think we should take a quick look around to see where that elevator leads.''
''Sounds good.''
That call wound up paying dividends as not only was Mona able to sense the treasure soon after arriving in the new area, they also spotted Kaneshiro's Shadow.
He didn't seem to be aware of the eyes on him, thankfully, being too busy counting some money on hand.
''Heh...this is more like it. I would've thought those would've learned by now, thinking they could take me on. Contacting that person to help dispose of the pathetic officer was a good call, he was such an idiot to try doing it for something so useless as family...''
Panther inhaled sharply ''...Does that mean...?''
Fox's eyes narrowed while Queen stared at their enemy in disgust ''...It looks like I was right in the worst way. Kaneshiro had something to do with that accident. Just when you think he couldn't sink any lower...''
''Bastard...'' Skull hissed. That officer was trying to do this for his family-where did Kaneshiro get off mocking him?
''We'll get him. For now, let's go back and get ready for the calling card.'' Mona told everyone.
And let's stop here.
Just to clear things up, the officer Kaneshiro mentioned had a family which were victims of a gang and when he learned Kaneshiro was related, he tried to do something about it alone. It wasn't in canon but I just had the idea and I wanted to try it out.
Anyway, as mentioned above, soon will be the calling card and taking Kaneshiro down. I won't jump into the next arc that quickly though, after that comes a little surprise I might have mentioned before. It's another twist from my own plot and it's going to have an impact on the story in general. I hope you like it when you see it. Thanks for reading my work and I hope you all have a Happy New Year!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 6)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 5)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 3)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 4)
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 3)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)