Defender31415: Ah, well I don't know about it being 'genius' but thanks. The way I see the deal, it wouldn't have made sense for them to just be okay with targeting Okumura right away. It kinda seemed like Sugimura just got pushed aside so easily. As for Mona...well, let's just say it's complicated. This arc is where I get to apply some of the ideas I've been waiting to use for a while. I've got a few surprises in wait now, one of them has to do with Mona.
Vent-Zxa: The two wild cards are supposed to be the opposite of each other. That's what inspired me to come up with that power. I didn't know Loki's ability actually had a name but Call of Chaos seems fitting...maybe I should have Joker's ability be the Call of Harmony?
But yeah, I already intend to have those powers be from Joker and Crow, not their personas.
Hmm, I've been toying with the idea of having Namine tell Akechi about her past for a while so I have a couple of scenarios in mind. I haven't decided which to use yet so it's still a work in progress.
Miss-Fortune X: I thought it was only right to have someone support Namine and I agree-if Sojiro hadn't been there, they would be the ones to have the Hierophant Arcana. Actually, I'm not sure if I'm going to involve them more directly down the line but if it does come to that, I think the Faith Arcana would work for them.
EngineeredNeko: Yeah, I might make it either an origin chapter or a one-shot. I'll write it around the time to deal with Shido's Palace because that's when the full truth about it comes to light.
Namine didn't know what to do.
They had stuck with their earlier agreement and sought information about Okumura but they had little to go off. Haru didn't seem open to talking about it, confessing that people had told her to just put her father's name on the Phan-Site. But the girl denied the need for such a thing. Those rumors clearly upset her and the group wanted to help however they could. Haru clearly cared for her father and having people talk and treat him like this had to have been upsetting.
Their search for information eventually let them find that things at the company were rough -though that could have to do with the rumors-and that Okumura Foods' reputation was declining. The few employees they had seen appeared rather worn but were clearly trying to hide it as much as possible. None of which painted a good picture. Deciding to look into this further, the Phantom Thieves agreed to prepare to head to the Palace.
What really bothered her now was Morgana. The cat had been acting rather strange as of lately. Something was troubling him but he certainly gave nothing away. He had remained insistent that they should've just gone to the Palace earlier but relented upon seeing that no one was willing. It wasn't like him to be that pushy though, he seemed stressed even if he tried to hide it. Lately he had even started to distance himself from them. Something was wrong and she just she wished she knew what.
Sighing to herself, the girl decided to try putting the matter out of her head for now and focus on the reason that she came to this area...
Iwai looked up from the paper he was reading as the store's door opened, seeing Namine poke her head in before walking to the counter. ''So, it's you.''
''Ah, you never said what this was about so I'm here to bring it back.'' Namine lifted the bag.
''Hm, thanks, kid. Just hand it over.'' He took the item. ''...Out of curiosity, did you look inside?''
''I didn't.'' Namine figured he was a private person so she wanted to respect that. She was pretty sure Morgana did look, but that matter was just better left alone. ''That whole thing just threw me for a loop. What is it anyway?''
''Hmm...well, since you were this good about helping me, no harm in telling you.'' Iwai decided. ''Come on, let's talk in the back.''
''A model gun?'' Namine blinked. ''Why all the secrecy?''
''I think you can tell, this one is different.'' Iwai saw her nod then. ''I was making it for a client but he lost interest. You just helped keep it away from those detectives. It's plenty less hassle for me. By the way, since you handled things that well you can keep that one. It's no good for me anyway.''
''Okay, but you didn't get me here just for this, right?''
''Right. I see people your age like you and that blond kid come every once in a while. You actually know your way around guns, which I think will come in handy. I want you to help me.'' Iwai stated. ''You do part time jobs regularly, right? Well, you can count this as another in a way.''
''In a way?'' Namine echoed. ''What exactly did you have in mind?''
''Things like making a couple of deals, getting rid of evidence and help with goods. In exchange, I'll show you a special menu and a few good deals will be coming your way for sure. What do you say?''
The girl thought it over, this wasn't a bad idea as Iwai's merchandise was quite a help to them in the Metaverse. The whole thing sounded illegal and a few months ago she would've had more qualms about accepting this but now it would do their team plenty of good.
She might've been more troubled about taking this if it were from anyone else but so far Iwai had been strict, perhaps a little gruff, still he was fair with them. There was no reason not to trust him on this.
Thus, she made her decision ''...All right, you've got a deal.''
Iwai smirked ''Good, then it's settled.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity
With the birth of the Hanged Man Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...
With the preparations done, the Phantom Thieves headed to the Palace from an obscured area near Okumura Foods' main building. This lead them to a big hall that had a wide open area of the sky, the view being of a night sky that had a myriad of stars and even a planet in the distance.
''Well, this is quite a sight.'' Fox remarked.
''Yeah, it's like we're in outer space!'' Oracle smiled.
Panther tilted her head ''You think it's like some kind of space ship?''
''Could be. Anyway, let's concentrate here.'' Queen led their group to a big door at the far end of the hall.
But they immediately hit a problem afterwards. The door wouldn't open, apparently it had a scanner that would only select people in.
''What do we do now?'' Oracle frowned.
''We came all the way-we can just force our way through.''
The fact that this came from Mona and not one of their more hot-headed members was certainly surprising. Somewhat worrying as well since the feline clearly didn't see anything wrong about his suggestion.
''You're kidding, right? Even I know that's a terrible idea, Mona.'' Skull countered bluntly.
''I don't want to hear that from you!''
''He's right though, brute force may not even help at all.'' Fox offered.
Queen nodded ''Trying that may actually bring down enemies on our necks, remember that we're at a disadvantage here. There's no telling what Okumura might do, as the ruler he can easily control what goes on around here.''
''I think I can take a look at what's going on at the other side. Gimme a sec.'' Oracle summoned her Persona. ''...Whoo, boy. Guys, we're already raised the alarms. I'm sensing a whole lot of Shadows right behind that gate. I think they're just going to be waiting for now.''
Panther tensed ''So what do we do?''
''We can't just stop like this!'' Mona exclaimed.
Skull groaned, sensing that this wasn't going anywhere ''Fine!'' He summoned Seiten Taisei's lightning blasted blast the door only to do absolutely nothing. The same happened when a few of the others tried.
''We'll just have to try again soon.'' Joker concluded , taking out her phone.
The team stopped to talk over their plans. Makoto thought of how they were still learning about Necronomicon and Futaba's capabilities in the Metaverse, something that had her suggesting having the girl hack the scanner to let them in. Futaba herself hadn't been sure if it could work but agreed that it was worth a shot.
The two reasoned that it was better to wait a little longer so the security level would go down, lest they run into hordes of Shadows again.
With that settled, while most went on their way, Yusuke stayed behind and asked to talk with Namine.
''Morgana seems displeased.'' He remarked as they watched the feline leave.
''Yeah...he knows this is for the best though. There's no sense in rushing things now, we're strong in the Metaverse but we have our limits.'' Namine reasoned.
''Agreed, why is he so impatient lately?''
''I don't know, something's obviously up but he won't tell...'' She decided to deal with the things that were actually manageable. ''...so what do you want to talk about?''
As is it turned out, Yusuke set up the meeting with Kawanabe today and he wanted her to join him. Namine readily agreed and the two headed off to the restaurant where Kawanabe had set the meeting.
Kawanabe looked curious when he saw Namine ''Ah, you've come as well?''
''Hi, I was kind of curious after what happened the other day. You can consider me Yusuke's moral support.''
He smiled back ''Well, it's nice to see that he has such a reliable friend. Come, I'll order for the both of you. Please eat freely.''
''Before that, there is something I would like to ask.'' Yusuke admitted. ''Just who are you?''
''Hm...an interesting question. My work involves gallery management, but my hobbies are diverse. The foundation is but one of those hobbies. Broadly speaking, we're responsible for scouting and nurturing talented youth involved in the art world. We offer scholarships, mediate study abroad programs...and also connect young artists to customers. At at time, even Madarame participated in our organization.''
Yusuke stared ''Sensei...I-I mean, Madarame?''
''Indeed, a good many benefitted from his time working with us.'' Kawanabe nodded.
Namine seemed just as surprised ''...Wow, he really was different before...''
''You have no idea, young lady. We were aware of the dark rumors about him...but we could never have seen his confession coming. I suppose it's likely that he was deceiving us the whole time.''
''Madarame...to think I once relied on his teachings, called him my mentor...This is all because of him. It is his fault that I can no longer view paintings with a pure heart.'' Yusuke said at last.
''Hm?'' Kawanabe raised an eye.
''Um, that's kind of related to the slump we've been working on.'' Namine offered.
''Yes. In the past, simply the desire to paint led me to seek beauty. But now I find myself constantly weighed down by the search for awards or the praise of others. An ugly attachment has fastened itself upon my work, I can no longer paint how I used to. My art...is tainted.''
''I see...'' Kawanabe started. ''...However, it would be wasteful to let your talent dry up. Our foundation would gladly support you. Not only a former student of the infamous Madarame, but someone with those looks...There is definitely a market for you. We'll sell you as the 'tragic, handsome artist'.''
''What do you mean?'' Namine asked for the confused boy.
''Exactly as it sounds. Having his ideas stolen by Madarame, losing a place to live, hungry for food...That unstable air about his makes for the perfect tragedy. A story likes his would sell even for those who don't understand art. If you don't have a story in the modern climate, no body will even mention your name.'' Kawanabe explained. ''Don't worry, we'll handle the details. But in return your must sell your work through my gallery. We will take a mediation fee, but you'll be granted steady revenue and a nice customer base as well.''
''Do not mock me...'' Yusuke stood. ''...Tragedy? Looks? Story?! Those have nothing to do with art! In the end this is about money, that which taints pure beauty...''
The man seemed disappointed ''How immature...''
''Excuse me?!'' The teen was even more angry. He had no right calling him that! Look what greed had done to Madarame, why should he accept such a terrible deal? It would trample his pride as an artist.
Kawanabe gave an even gaze ''It seems you haven't learned anything after all. You're not looking at reality objectively. Is wealth really that horrible? And beyond that, how long will you continue to chase those illusions of yours? Purity, art...''
Namine thought it over, that was making sense in a way but that couldn't be all there was to it, right?
''Sh-shut your mouth! I reject your offer!'' Yusuke snapped.
''Yusuke, try to calm down...'' Namine could understand why this would upset him after all he had been through but still...
''Listen to the young lady. I thought you of all people would have the resolve to use art to make a living...'' The man trailed off.
Yusuke clenched his fists ''I have that resolve! However I also believe such a life should go with proper assessement!''
''If that's the case, I have an opportunity for you. My foundation will soon be holding a competition for young artists from around the nation. The prize will be our support. We'll bring customers from around Japan to see the next great talent...There will be great pressure on should you enter, or perhaps are you too afraid?''
''What did you say?!''
''I wonder if you have what it takes to withstand a skill based assesement of that magnitude. I look forward to find out.'' Kawanabe admitted. ''Now then, it seems there's no use in any further discussion. You can have them send the bill to my office.''
''That avaricious bastard!'' Yusuke scowled. ''Just listening to that reminded me of Madarame. Why is it that all artists talk about is money, money, money?! Has the true meaning of art been lost?!''
''Maybe...it's just how they see it. Their experience shows them that money is important.'' Namine offered.
''Important?! It is worthless! All money should disappear from the face of this world! It only serves to destroy beauty. Those with artistic sensibilities would never worship that filth!''
Namine knew one of them had to be level-headed and she supposed here the role fell to her ''It's a matter of opinion, you have your own reason for believing this but others have their own for thinking otherwise. I don't think there's a wrong or right in this situation, it's just the way the world is. You're looking at one side of the deal, Kawanabe-san's seeing the other one.''
''That's true...'' Her calmer approach helped cool his own temper. ''...once again, you offer such a refreshing perspective. I would starve to death without money. Passion fills my heart...but it cannot fill my stomach. What a troubling predicament. Anyhow, I am quite glad that you chose to accompany me here. I may have bit my tongue off in anger if it had only been me. In other words...you are a soothing force in my life.''
''Really? Well, that's good.'' Namine bit her lip. ''What're you going to do about that competition though?''
''I...will partake in it. I am going to display my ability and prove him wrong.''
The next day...
Morgana hid a grimace as he watched Namine leave for school. The girl hadn't been talking to him much lately and he knew it was his own fault. He hadn't even intended on doing as much but before he knew it, all his recent frustration and helplessness had him keep pushing forward. He didn't doubt that she was trying to help but she wouldn't understand what he felt now.
But he couldn't bring himself talk to them about the real problem. Namine didn't realize it but she knew a part of the issue-his nightmares. He knew he'd woken her up a few times when they occurred but he didn't want to talk about them. About that horrible doppelganger of himself and all the nightmares brought to him...
Morgana knew he was shutting his teammates out but he didn't know how to fix that. He didn't know how much more he could take.
Something had to change.
At lunch, Ryuji was telling Ann about their last talk with Haru...
''...And then those guys were telling her how she didn't know what Okumura was really like. That there had to be more to those rumors if all those people thought he deserved a change of heart and she was just burying her head in the sand just like Kobayakawa.'' He finished irritably. ''Haru's nothing like that asshole! What's wrong with wanting to have some faith in her family?''
''Tell me about it.'' Who would want to admit that their family was corrupt? ''They don't have to say it like that. Why can't they try to understand? It can't be easy on her either, he's still the only family she has. It's like everyone expects her to just be okay with him being considered a criminal...''
Both blondes started when the subject of their conversation arrived at their table, led by Namine and Makoto. They quickly greeted her and the heiress responded in kind, before they all sat down to eat.
''I'm sorry...'' Haru started, noting the few stares here and there. ''...I'm happy you're all treating me the same as before but it might mean you'll be dealing with this too.''
''Don't worry about it-you're our friend. They can't change that.'' Ann smiled.
''If anything, we're glad to have you.'' Makoto assured
''Exactly. We've got your back, Haru.'' Namine added.
Ryuji nodded ''We know what it's like. People are gonna talk, you just gotta try and blow it off, y'know?''
Ann couldn't resist the chance to wind him up a little ''Oh, you mean like you did?''
The ex-athlete grimaced, did she have to bring that up? He knew he hadn't dealt with his situation well. Of course he didn't want that for their new friend. ''H-hey, that's not it! I just meant-ahh, it's like that old saying...hey, Makoto, how'd it go again? Somethin' about what a person says...''
''I think you mean do as I say, not as I do.'' The girl had to admit, it would fit here.
''Yeah, that!''
Haru laughed a bit ''Thank you.''
After school, the group decided to take Futaba with them to have lunch at Big Bang Burger. Both for a change of pace and to see how she would handle herself here.
Thankfully, as proven on the beach, the girl was more than all right with it as long as they were here.
''So we're going to the Metaverse right after this?'' She clarified.
Makoto nodded ''There's been a request about a bully that keeps causing trouble for many students, I'd like to see that this ends. Since we're not sure if the plan regarding the Palace would work, let's try to go there tomorrow.''
''That might be for the best.'' Yusuke stated.
''Yeah...Ryuji, didn't you say something about passing the Okumura Foods building before?'' Namine recalled.
The blond nodded ''It was near where I was doing another delivery. Some of those people looked kinda worked up, I figured the rumors might definitely be getting to them. A whole bunch of those workers looked wornout but it's like they were scared to show it. A couple of 'em looked like they were about to collapse for a second but they just kept going.''
''Oh, something like that would show in the Palace...no wonder those Shadows appeared.'' Futaba's brow furrowed. ''I don't know what to do if hacking the scanner doesn't work, guys.''
Ann was equally troubled ''Well, let's not start worrying about that. There's no telling what would happen, we just have to try.''
Morgana nodded ''That's the only thing we can do. I know the scanner only allows the Palace Ruler in but you think someone else could enter?''
''Yup, it's like you said before-the Ruler can control anything there.'' Futaba returned.
''We're definitely at a disadvantage...'' Yusuke trailed off.
No one said a thing for almost a minute before Ryuji spoke up ''We've gotta put our best foot forward, yeah?''
Namine nodded with a small smile ''We can figure things out-even if the situation's bad, that doesn't mean it can't get better.''
''That's right.'' Makoto's lips twitched. ''Then, what do you say we get to work?''
Later, they reached the target in Mementos and succesfully changed his heart. The bully had understood his mistakes and vowed to correct them. The whole thing was heartening, seeing how much of a difference they could make if they tried.
'You're useless.'
Mona's blood ran cold at the voice, finding it far too familiar. But...how could that be?
His eyes widened when he saw the golden eyed look alike from his nightmares on the far opposite of the railway, smirking at him with malice.
Why...why was it here too?
'How long are you going to avoid the truth? You're just a pathetic weakling, you can't do anything without the others. I know exactly who you are after all.'
Mona bristled at those words, immediately denying them. He'd just been about to speak up when Panther called him over, reminding him that they were leaving.
As he followed them, he glanced back with trepidation, finding that his doppelganger had disappeared.
''What's up, Mona? You kinda just froze up before.'' Futaba stated once they were in the attic.
Morgana held back a wince but he tried to answer ''I-it's nothing.''
''You sure?'' Ann tilted her head.
''Yeah, it's just fine!''
She didn't seem convinced ''I don't know...''
''Yeah...'' Namine wound up voicing the same issue she had in mind. ''...you've been acting strange lately. Is it really just nothing?''
Morgana tensed when they all seemed to be expecting a response ''It's nothing, just leave me alone!''
Ryuji frowned ''Hey, don't talk to them like that. They're just worried about you!''
The feline scoffed ''I don't want to hear that from you.''
''What's that supposed to mean?''
''All this hesitation was just frustrating-were you guys really thinking about what we should be doing? And you-I bet you were just using the team for a chance to pick up girls.''
Ryuji glared back, where did he get off assuming stuff about him? ''That's not all I'm about-what the hell do you think you know about me?''
''Plenty!''
He snorted ''Yeah, right. Besides, aren't you actin' for your own benefit here too?''
Morgana harrumphed ''My appearance might have changed but I'm still an admirable human! At the very least, I'm more admirable than some carnal blond monkey!''
Ryuji looked outraged while the rest looked on in surprise ''You little...!''
''Okay, stop!'' Namine cried, startling them. ''Both of you need to calm down. Morgana, you're way out of line. That's a terrible thing to say. We've been through this, no one gets to judge anyone here for their goals. Enough with the insults. Ryuji's at least trying to consider how everyone feels. I don't know what's going with you lately but we've made our plans, we're not about to force opinions on anyone who doesn't agree. It isn't right, our unanimous decision rule still applies.''
''Yeah, that's what we're trying to do here.'' Ann added.
''...Fine, I can take on some small time target like Okumura on my own.''
Her eyes widened ''What...?''
''Sorry, but it looks like I'll be getting the credit for solving the mental shutdown mystery.'' He continued. ''I'm going to show you who the useless one actually is!''
Ryuji stared at him in surprise, remembering the beach trip back in August. Was the feline really thinking about that all along? But he hadn't even meant it, that was just a joke...
''Wait, don't...'' Makoto started.
''Stop!'' Ann called.
''Looks like I don't belong here after all...'' Morgana trailed off. ''...well, this is goodbye.''
''Wait, calm down...'' Namine started. But the cat just shook his head.
''See you...'' He left. Namine made to follow him but stopped when Ryuji grabbed her hand.
''Don't. I bet he's back in no time.'' He scowled. ''Dammit...!''
Morgana stopped near the cafe, glancing back with regret. He might have gone too far back there but he knew things couldn't stay this way...he couldn't take this. It wasn't just about Okumura-not anymore.
He knew without a doubt that there was more to that strange look alike of his than it appeared. He wanted to find out just what it meant-perhaps he might have finally found a clue about his missing memories. But he would take Okumura's heart and he would do it on his own, he wanted to prove to them that he could do this.
But even more than that (and a part of him would never admit) he needed to prove it to himself.
And we're done.
Well, I thought about this a lot. I toyed with the idea of not having the fight. But in the end, I went for it because I think it makes sense to have things come to a head between Mona and Ryuji. Also, I plan to use this situation with a couple of my ideas, so things are going to go differently from canon on this front.
I think you can tell, Mona's being pushed to his limits here and it's making him act in ways he normally wouldn't. The real issue is that he's too prideful to ask any of the others for help. I'm going to start explaining what's really going on with him from the next chapter onwards but let's just Mona's nightmares are problematic here. That shadow happens to be a part of my plot, the truth of which I plan to reveal in time. Oh, that bit about knowing who Mona really is? It's the truth.
I know things seem bad but I plan to fix them up pretty soon. Well, thanks for reading so far and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 5)
Takamki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 8)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 5)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 6)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 6)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 5)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 4)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 3)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 4)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 2)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 2)
Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man Rank 1)