Even with the Phantom Thieves' most recent success, the threat of Medjed remained. People all over Japan were on tenderhooks waiting to see what would happen and it seemed that no one could deal with the terrorist group.
With the situation as it were, the Phantom Thieves were left to wait for Futaba to wake up and hopefully deal with the threat of Medjed as she promised earlier. Sojiro's behavior around the matter proved to be reassuring as it showed how this was completely usual for his daughter.
Hearing about the aquarium in Shinagawa gave Ann the idea to ask some of her friends to visit the place along with her. Makoto and Ryuji were unfortunately busy but Namine, Morgana, Shiho and Yusuke were all free to take her up on the suggestion.
''Well, this certainly is a fascinating place.'' The artist mused as he looked around.
''I thought you might be interested.'' Ann smiled knowingly.
''Quite, this is already a learning experience...to think I hardly paid attention to this neighborhood before, I truly was ignorant.''
''All right, come on, let's check the place out.'' Ann led them through the entrance.
Ann blinked twice ''Wait, you came here with Akechi of all people?''
''Yeah, he said this place is famous in his school so he was curious.'' Namine stated simply.
''...Wonder if he likes you or something.'' The blonde's statement elicited a baffled look from the former ''Well, you remember what he said back on the trip and then at the station? Now there's this-the place just feels like a good spot for a date. It seems like a pretty good place to bring a girl and show that you're interested.''
''He better not be.'' Morgana felt his protective instinct rising. He didn't trust the detective anymore than he could throw him. As if they could be sure he wouldn't hurt Namine.
''Oh. Well, I don't think so-we just talk about a few things. He basically said that he likes talking to me because my perspective is refreshing and I treat him like I do anyone else.'' The girl shrugged. ''And I told you before, I'm not interested in dating now. Even if I was, I don't see him that way.''
''I remember what you said about him, Ann but maybe it really is just best to treat him like anyone else.'' Shiho put in.
''I guess so...'' Ann realized Yusuke was no where to be seen. She found the boy walking slightly behind them, focused on his sketchbook ''...wonder if he did get an idea...''
Yusuke paused after almost a minute, as if sensing their eyes on him. Namine gave a small smile ''Any luck there?''
''Hmm, it's a little early to say...''
''I don't see what's helping with with his art now.'' Ann watched as the two fell into a quick conversation about his plans.
Truth be told, Morgana couldn't either ''Well, to each their own, right? At least this is turning out positively.''
''True, true, after those disastrous attempts from before, this looks like progress.''
''Be glad you haven't seen what happened in the church, Lady Ann.'' Morgana droned. Though he agreed with the blonde model, it seemed that not counting the Desire painting all of Yusuke's attempts at finding inspiration were less than fruitful.
''It looks like he really does count on Namine's opinion.'' Shiho noted.
''Right? It's been that way since she started helping him deal with that slump...'' Ann informed.
''So what're you going to do about the offer, Yusuke?'' Namine wanted to know.
''I haven't decided yet. I might have jumped at the offer at one point but now...it feels almost too good to be true.''
Shiho looked confused ''Offer?''
This led to Yusuke explaining the situation to those who weren't in the now, admitting that he was still on the fence about taking Kawanabe up on the suggestion.
''Well, after hearing about Madarame I can see why you'd be worried,'' Shiho started.
Ann nodded, crossing her arms ''Did you find any info about this guy?''
''What I did find was complementary but that's not so reassuring, either.''
''I get it. Madarame had some stellar reputation and look at the skeletons in his closet.'' Namine mused.
''Exactly.'' He returned. ''Perhaps I'm being paranoid but that's just how I feel. I'm tempted to accept the offer but it's also complicated.''
''You could just ask to meet up with him, right?'' Shiho suggested. ''That man never said anything about you having to accept right away. Just try to hash out the details then.''
''Hey, that's a good idea!'' Morgana exclaimed.
Yusuke nodded ''Ah, you do have a point, Suzui-san...that may certainly work.''
''You don't have to worry so much either, maybe he really does just want to help.'' Namine offered. ''The way I see it, not being able to trust others at all hurts a lot more than finding that your trust was misplaced.''
Morgana's eyes widened, he had never looked at it that way before ''When you put it like that...''
Ann nodded ''Yeah, being paranoid about people hurting you all the time has to such...''
''Big time.'' Shiho nodded.
''Yes.'' Yusuke agreed as well. ''Then the best way here would be to implement Suzui-san's suggestion.''
''I think it'll be okay, the more you know about the guy and this group of his the better you'll feel about the whole thing.'' Ann offered helpfully, the others nodded to this.
''Yes, thank you all.'' Yusuke returned.
''We are friends, Kitagawa-kun, of course we'd help.'' Shiho reminded.
''Yeah, no one can do everything by themselves. We've got your back.'' Namine added and Ann nodded.
He gave a grateful smile ''I feel the same...'' He began walking. ''...Now since that's settled, I believe I heard something about a dolphin show earlier. Shall we go take a look?''
Later, Namine received a text from Ohya, who was actually in the station at Yongen-jaya. The text was vague but she seemed to need the girl's help with something. Seeing no problem with it, Namine headed out to meet her...
''You must be pretty busy, I mean there's all the news about the Phantom Thieves and now this.'' Namine stated.
''You're jumping to conclusions there, kid. Who said this wasn't about the Phantom Thieves?''
''You basically implied that you're working on something else before.'' The girl wasn't convinced ''Besides, if this was just about our usual deal, you would be direct about it.''
Ohya kicked herself for forgetting how sharp her source was ''...Okay, fair enough...'' She glanced at the clock mounted on the wall nearby and frowned. ''...This is getting anoying!''
Namine blinked when the reporter suddenly froze. ''Ohya-san?''
''Hide!''
But before the teen could do anything, a tall man with dark hair walked up to them. ''About time I found you, Ohya!'' He scowled. ''What do you think you're doing, making me look all over the place for you?!''
''Ch-chief, what're you doing here?'' She tried to smile nervously.
''That's my line! Why isn't your phone on? Are you doing something you don't want me to find out about?''
''N-no, not at all! Ohh, it looks like I just missed it. Must have been distracted. I've been busy covering the Phantom Thieves, so...''
The man scoffed ''Yeah, right! I got a complaint from the higher ups the other day. Apparently people have seen you snooping around recently...in places unrelated to the Phantom Thieves.''
This basically confirmed Namine's earlier train of thought. But what exactly was going on? Clearly, Ohya wanted whatever she was up to hidden, only why?
Ohya hid a wince ''T-that's ridiculous! I've been hot on their trail lately. Who told them that...?''
''That doesn't matter! The board's coming down hard on me for this. Now don't make me ask you again, why are you sneaking around behind the company's back?!'' The man demanded.
''I'm honestly not. I just...''
''Excuse me but I don't think she's done anything wrong.'' Namine tried to change the subject ''She was just really digging deep into the news, right?''
''Yeah...yeah, I'm almost closing in on something big, it's a rumor I heard when I was working, it's related to someone the thieves may target.'' Ohya offered.
The man seemed unimpressed ''...For someone who specializes in fabricating news, I expected you to be a better liar. I expect your resignation letter on my desk next week. If it doesn't come, I'll handle matters myself.''
Ohya bristled ''So what, you decide I'm lying and that's that?''
''Give it a rest already. I'm annoyed enough as is for having to come track you down out here.''
''W-wait, it's the truth!'' Her expression grew into one of panic. ''This little kid knows quite a bit about the Phantom Thieves you see. Besides, we were meeting up with someone who could help my investigation go further.''
''...Are you blackmailing that girl into working with you or something?'' He retorted.
''Hey, that's uncalled for!''
Namine decided to intervene ''Erm, it's not blackmail. We ran into Ohya-san by chance and she asked us for some info about the Phantom Thieves. Our school was involved with their first big success, sir. She said she might be closing in on something important.''
The man blinked ''Oh, you're a Shujin student then?...Fine. Just make sure you don't miss any deadlines, Ok?''
''Of course...so can we go now?'' Ohya inquired nervously.
''After just one more question. I could've sworn the reason you were sneaking around was so you could follow up on your old partner's case.''
''Huh?!'' Ohya stiffened.
''Well, Ohya?'' He pressed on.
Namine had no idea what this was about but she knew the reporter needed help. Thinking fast, she hid her phone behind her back and rung Ohya's number, making the reporter pick up her phone.
The young woman blinked, catching on to her ploy ''...Oh! Finally! Where the hell are you?...'' She grimaced. ''...Seriously? Fine, we'll meet you there.'' She looked at the chief. ''The informant missed the train so she's still at the station. We need to go.''
''You lost all credibility when your started sneaking around like this but...all right, I'll back off. But don't go pulling any funny stuff, okay? The board wants me to keep a close eye on you. You've been warned.'' He left.
Ohya sighed. ''Thanks, kid. That guy is one of the execs over at my job. Arrogant bastard, ain't he? He's the kind of guy all the girls at a bar would turn down instantly. Anyway, that was a real surprise. You really came through, talk about thinking on your feet.''
''Well, it's partly out of whatever you and Lala-san were talking about. I sort of just stretched the truth from there.'' Namine admitted.
''Still pretty impressive, anyway, that's it. Let's call it a day, all right?''
Two days later...
After checking out the Phan-Site, they found a couple of requests. One was asking to change the heart of a person who kept assaulting people and the other was tormenting and sometimes even killing cats. Ryuji was able to find the former's name (Naguri Taizo) as he happened to overhear some talk while looking for a new part time job. With Mishima's help, they were able to figure out the other target's name (Tsuboi Kazuo). Thus with their plans decided, the Phantom Thieves arrived in Mementos.
''So there's still no word about Futaba waking up?'' Skull asked.
''No,'' Mona was focused on the road ahead as Joker steered his bus form. ''Boss is acting like it's nothing though so it doesn't seem like a problem.''
''Except for the part where it actually is.'' Panther sighed. ''With our usual luck, we'll probably have to wait until the deadline or something...''
''Come on, we've been through this.'' Queen chided lightly. ''There's no other way, we'll just have to wait for Futaba to fulfill her part of the deal.''
''Doesn't mean I have to like it...'' Waiting for a solution to a problem like Medjed was beginning to get on the red clad thief's nerves.
Both started as Mona let out a sound of surprise, then spotting a treasure demon appearing at the end of the road they were taking. After warning the group, they prepared for battle. The Shadow attemped to flee once it saw them but Panther surprised it into stopping with a wall of fire via Carmen. This gave Joker a chance to shoot it down and thus she was easily able to have it become one of her masks.
Before they could get back on track though, they were found by other shadows, two Take Minakata and a Nekomata. Panther tried to whip the Nekomata but it jumped high and clawed at her. This prompted Mona into action and he dashed in to slash the shadow before it could cause more damage. The two others Shadows cast Mazionga, forcing their targets to either dodge or defend to the best of their ability.
Skull, who could easily brush the attack aside thanks to his Persona's element, made to shoot one of the shadows a few times, rendering it stunned. He proceeded to bash it on the head then and knocking it down. Similarly, Fox had Goemon blast the latter enemy with ice to make it fall while Makoto stuns the Nekomata with Johanna's Flash Bomb, leaving it to stumble and fall. Thus they were able to finish off the Shadows with an All-Out Attack.
While continuing on their way to the targets, the group soon began to talk about recent events, which first to lead the offer for Fox.
The mention of the Foundation made Queen remember an article she happened to read a while ago ''Oh, I've heard of that group. So its leader wants you to sponsor you? That's great, Fox.''
''He's still not sure about just taking it up.'' Mona informed, making her pause. ''Let's just say the thing with Madarame left Fox pretty wary.''
''Yes, but I'm looking into setting up a meeting with him. The sooner I can learn more, the sooner my reservations disappear.'' The artist stated.
''Makes sense.'' Skull couldn't help but think of the track team for a moment, knowing for a fact that if it hadn't found the old coach, they probably wouldn't have been comfortable with accepting just help either.
The blond's eyes widened when he heard about the talk Joker and Queen with Akechi recently regarding the detective's work ''Heeh, so Akechi's goin' through all the trouble to repay a debt?''
''I was a little surprised myself, but yes. Apparently, the officer in charge of that investigation was one of the few who really helped Akechi-kun back when he started his detective work.'' Queen explained.
''That's cool,'' he could appreciate that. ''Never took him for the type to care about that stuff.''
''Well, it's not like we really know him. Those TV appearances don't say much about who his personality, people aren't really that simple. Life may be a whole lot easier if they were.'' Panther remarked.
''Yeah, he did seem different a few times...'' Mona thought back on their few sudden encouters. ''...it almost sounds like you're talking...'' The feline paused as the situation reminded him of something. ''...wait, is this about that annoying model again?''
Panther sighed ''I thought I was making a real turn around but Mika's still the same as ever.''
''You're not still stuck working with her, are you?'' Joker asked, a little concerned.
''Nah...'' While she could handle Mika, Panther was privately glad that their shoot at the Sky Tower had been the last so far together. ''...which is perfectly fine, I just want to focus on my job. She just wants to get her cheap shots in, that's her problem. I really can't be bothered at this point.''
''I can understand you wanting to focus on your profession but if there's a problem...'' Fox started.
''Yeah, you know we can help out right?'' Joker finished.
She smiled at the two ''Mmhm, thanks.''
''Guys, we're here, get ready!'' Mona warned as they approached the entrance to where their first target was.
Shadow Tsuboi glared at the newcomers hatefully ''I'm guessing you're those thieves people are making such a fuss over. You can't really be that much of a big deal if you're coming just because of a few mangy pests.''
''How can you even say that? What you did to those poor cats is horrible!'' Panther retorted.
He merely scoffed ''I'm making a use of those pests. Who cares about them? There's loads more around anyway, all they're good for is some stress relief.''
''Stress relief?'' Mona's eyes narrowed as he stared in the Shadow in disgust. ''Who do you think you are?''
''Fine, guess I can get started to really de-stress with you...''
Mona glared back ''Not happening, you creep!''
''Yeah, you're not gettin' away with this anymore, we'll make sure of it!'' Skull added.
The Shadow glowered back and then turned into a Pisaca, which snarled at the group. It quickly unleashed a Flash Bomb that almost blinded them before jumping to attack Mona, who got to dodge in time.
This in turn, left him vulnerable and Queen proceeded to take advantage of that by ramming him with Johanna. Fox and Joker attacked together next, with the shadow howling in pain as their blades cut him.
''That's it!'' He proceeded to Rampage then, his random strikes getting at anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby. This was put to a stop by Skull's summoning of his Persona and the two entities quickly clashed. It soon became clear that the Shadow's anger was the only thing keeping him firm as he was outpaced by Seiten Taisei. The Persona sent him flying with his staff before conjuring a bolt of lightning that made him crash down.
''Carmen!'' The dancer appeared in a flash and forced the shadow back with a burst of flames. Roaring, it proceeded to attack back with curse magic that forced Panther on the offensive. This didn't go on for long as Fox struck then, sending the shadow reeling with his sword.
Joker summoned Mithras, which used bless magic to strike, the enemy's pained reaction proved this to be a weakness. Panther used the opportunity to whip it while Queen shot at it with her gun and Skull had Seiten Taisei blast it again with lightning.
Mona slashed the Shadow hard with his scimitar ''And stay down!''
In seconds, the Shadow turned back to the human form, seeming shaken. ''Ah...wh-what have I...? I was so fed up with all the stress from my studies but now...''
''I hope you acknowledge that what you've done is terrible.'' Queen felt satisfied when the shadow nodded. ''Consider this your wake-up call, there are far better means to do what you wanted and like my friends say, we weren't about to let this go on.''
''Y-yeah, I get it...'' Shadow Tsuboi managed. ''...I'll try to do something to fix it.''
The Shadow disappeared in light, leaving behind a scimitar with a black and red hilt.
''How 'bout you take that one? Looks like a tough sword.'' Skull suggested.
''Eh, I don't know...'' Mona didn't quite like the idea of using something from that Shadow now and he didn't see how it could help. However, his earlier talk with Joker about the situation between them made him think his words over. He supposed it couldn't be bad either. ''...well, we did find the thing so yeah, why not?''
After battling more shadows along the way and finding some treasures before coming across a safe area, Mona was able to locate their second target Taizo Naguri. It wasn't long before they stood face to face with his shadow, whose eyes narrowed in a golden glare.
''You're the ones behind that damn card. So those weaklings went to whine to you brats, huh? Pathetic, I suppose I can't expect anything else...I'll make sure those worthless weaklings pay later.''
''Don't you even care about how much pain you caused?'' Mona demanded.
''Spare me, the strong devour the weak and I'm the proof. All I've done is show them their place.''
''That's quite the big talk coming from a bully.'' Joker stated.
''What was that?!''
''You've heard her. You think so highly of yourself when you really are the equivalent of a bully.'' Fox crossed his arms.
''We're going to be showing you YOUR place!'' Panther added.
Glowering, the angry Shadow transformed into a Kin-ki ''Then I'll punish you brats too!''
He blasted the group with a Vajra Bomb before using Marakukaja on himself. Fox got in close to strike his shoulder but the shadow was able to counter at once. He made to attack the artist again, only to be caught off guard when Joker shot at him. Having figured out his buff, Panther used Dekaja to negate it.
Growling in anger, the shadow cast Tarukaja on himself before kicking at her and Fox. Just as he gathered power to use another Vajra Bomb, he was pushed back by Zorro's wind magic and he barely reacted in time to avoid Johanna. But Queen jumped off her Persona and kicked him.
''I'll hurt you brats just like all the others!'' The Shadow snapped, going on to use Swift Strike. Queen grunted as she forced to defend herself, seeing him lash out at the others as well.
''Ain't gonna happen, bastard!'' Skull declared, forcing the enemy away with a few well placed shots of his gun but the Shadow sent went back on the offensive again.
''I'll make sure you fear me!''
Joker waited until he was closing in on her before summoning Arsene and using Mistral Soul. The flurry of energy spheres nailed the mark, leaving the Shadow reeling.
''You like frightening others, hm? I believe it's high time that you experience some fear.'' Fox raised his sword as Goemon appeared behind him both surrounded by an icy blue aura then.
In seconds, the enemy was surrounded by swirling mist and ice. Fox slashed at the air, the ice suddenly rose sharply and hit the shadow then, repeating the process raised more and more blasts of ice and it became evident that the mist somehow restrained the shadow. Putting more force behind his coming attack, Fox slashed again and this time, the ice surged up with blistering force and speed as the Overdrive skill concluded. ''Ethereal Malestrom!''
The Shadow fell, and in seconds turned back into a human, signifying the end of the battle.
He could only find his voice moments later ''...I was just...trying to get back at them...people pushed me around and hurt me years ago. Just when I thought it would stop, I ran into more people who'd do the same...I wanted them to know what it felt like...''
''That doesn't make it okay, you turned into just as much of a bully as the people who hurt you.'' Panther pointed out.
''Besides, it isn't as if everyone was out to get you.'' Queen added.
''...I guess not, b-but...what do I do?''
''Make this right, do it for yourself and your victims.''
The Shadow bowed his head and soon faded away in light, leaving behind a skill card which Mona picked up. ''Looks like we're done.''
''So once we do get to deal with Medjed, we can reach another level of Mementos?'' Yusuke noticed Morgana nod then. ''By the way, I've been meaning to ask, what exactly do you expect to find there? You seem intent on getting to the bottom of Mementos.''
''To be honest, I'm not sure...I just have this very strong feeling that I need to get there. I think that's actually the core of Mementos, there I'll get rid of the distortions and get to be human again...maybe.''
Namine was thrown by the wording. He was usually so confident on this matter...was she overthinking things?
''Then going by what we've seen so far, getting rid of Medjed would make enough of a splash with the public that we'll gain more rep and that'll open up more of Mementos, right?''' Ann clarified.
''Right, Lady Ann. Mementos is affected by the general public, even the shadows there are. Like when we went during the flu season, remember?''
The blonde nodded back ''Gotta say, I'm wondering how Futaba can deal with Medjed anyway...''
''So am I, from what Boss mentioned, she's absolutely brilliant with computers and I can't shake the feeling that there's still plenty we don't know about her.'' Makoto mused. ''For now, we'll just have to believe that she can do her part of our deal.''
''I hear ya,'' Ryuji put his arms behind his head. ''I so want to see the turnout when that happens, just look at how things were once Kaneshiro turned himself in. We're pretty famous now. Bet it'll be even more awesome this time, people everywhere will see what we're about.''
''I wouldn't be too optimistic.'' On their other Makoto as thinking of the negative turnout of this ordeal. Like how there were also people who thought of them as nothing better than common criminals.
Namine could only wish that Mishima was right and their fame wouldn't burn them. Her doubts were still running strong but she knew why. All this talk about fame just reminded her of all the people in her old home turned their backs on her.
If they had no issue turning on her even after all those years, why would it be any different now though?
Shaking her head, she exhaled "We've done all we can. There's no point worrying about things we can't control, it's no good for anyone. I'll make sure to check on Futaba. Does it really matter what people think of us? We've hardly let that kind of opinion stop our work. Let's just wait for the news. Isn't it about time we do something to enjoy our summer?''
''Hell, you're right! We're seriously due for some real good fun!'' Ryuji agreed.
''You can say that again, it really doesn't feel like we've had much time at all.'' Ann smiled. ''No time like the present then!''
And we're done!
I hope this was good. Sorry, have been rough lately and I'm having some trouble writing thanks to that. I really am trying to get back on track though, at least I got around to sorting a bunch of my plans for this story. Which leads me to my next point, the next chapter has a couple of surprises with my own plot which I actually intended to save till the end of the arc but after thinking it over, I switched things around a bit as I felt they would fit much better here. I've basically gotten the outline sorted but I haven't written a word yet, but hopefully I'll be able to get it done soon.
Well, thanks for reading my work and I hope you tell me what you think of it so far. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 5)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 8)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 6)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 5)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 7)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 6)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 3)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 6)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 3)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 3)