Ann's lips twitched as she read a text from Shiho, who was settling down nicely in her new school. It actually turned out to be not too far from Kosei. The two quickly agreed to meet up and hang out soon.

Her best friend had gone to therapy a while back and at first it seemed like a slow starter, Shiho had been feeling plenty better with her growing support system. The consultant she wound up choosing didn't have the best reputation but he had been recommended to Shiho's parents so they decided to go for it. And what a good call that was.

Having met the man too, Ann was at a loss as to why such a friendly person had a lousy reputation like that to begin with. He had been more than welcoming and after coming to see what he was like, she figured getting his help wouldn't hurt after all...

Her thoughts were cut off when she heard a couple of familiar voices, making her look up from her phone to see Namine coming around the corner with Ryuji. She perked up ''Hey!''

The three exchanged merry greetings before they continued on their way to school.

''So were talkin' about yesterday, with how Yusuke was goin' on about inspiration, he'd probably be working on a canvas the second he can reach one.'' Ryuji remarked.

''True.'' She knew that he could just as easily go to Kosei's art room. Yesterday really had done them a lot of good. The talk they had after leaving the Palace cleared up any tension from recent events and they had a good time in Dome Town.

It also helped them settle on a few decisions. ''So we're going to focus on finding Morgana for now, right?'' Ann clarified.

Namine nodded, truth be told some of them had been trying seperately but all their attempts had been useless. It brought forth the reminder that the feline was very stealthy, in fact, he had them all outstripped in that regard. Heck, Morgana had been the one to teach them how to really be stealthy. He could just as easily be avoiding them and they would be none the wiser.

''It looks like someone's started taking care of requests.'' Namine stated. ''Odds are, he could be out and about in Mementos. If that doesn't work, we might have to go to the Palace again.''

''Yeah, it's probably our best shot.'' Ryuji agreed.

Ann nodded ''Maybe we can finally figure what's really going on with him. The way he was acting lately just wasn't normal-he's usually enthusiastic about our work but that was really over the top.''

Ryuji was about to say something, only to pause when he saw Kawakami talking to a couple of girls. The teacher's weary countenance was nothing but a smile spread on her as the girls thanked her and left. ''What's up, Sensei?''

''Oh, it's you three. Well, the girls were just telling me about they feel since they visit the consultant who's really done well with their friends. We were the ones who recommended him and I'm glad to hear it worked out so well. I guess since he heard about what went down here, he made it his business to try and help as many students as he could.''

''Hey yeah, Mishima was telling me somethin' about that too before...'' Ryuji nodded, thinking back to the trip. ''...ah-can't remember the guy's name now but it sounds like he's been a hit.''

Ann wondered if it was who she had in mind, Kawakami went on before she could voice the question ''It's Maruki Takuto. You should try talking to him too-I think it might really help. Sakamoto and Takamaki-chan, Kamoshida put you through a lot, it might do you some good. You may have not been around for as long, Hyakuya-chan but given your situation, he could probably help you too.''

Namine glanced at her friends, Ann appeared to be contemplating that while Ryuji was clearly uninterested. ''Thanks, Sensei. I guess we'll consider it.''

Kawakami gave a small smile at this but then they heard the bell ring and she spoke up ''All right, you should get to your classes.''

''You're really thinking that over?''

Ryuji and Ann had met up after school. They were looking for Namine and Makoto, having learned from one of the other second years that both girls had been seen near the music club room.

They wound up talking about Kawakami's advice and indeed, Ryuji didn't feel up to taking it, but he was surprised to learn that Ann might.

''I thought Sensei had a point, it might do us some good.'' The girl shrugged. ''Besides, I've met him. He's the guy Shiho's been going to, she said he really helped her sort her feelings over a lot of happened recently. I can see why, he was so nice. Look at it this way, the stuff about that bastard is history but actions have consequences, you know? We're the ones dealing with them in the end. We just choose how to do that.''

''Well...I guess...''

''You don't have to decide now-just think about it.'' Ann assured, seeing him nod back.

The blondes stopped upon reaching their destination, finding that their friends were indeed there. The two were talking to a troubled student and they figured he might be a member of the club.

''...Hmm, I understand. Well, we could look getting help with the piano tomorrow. Sorry to say, but I'm not sure we'll find someone by this hour.'' They heard Makoto say.

''I guess so...'' The boy started.

Namine glanced at the instrument in question nearby ''...Do you mind if I take a look at it?''

Both turned to her, curious. The boy answered after a few moments ''Uh...sure, just be careful with that, okay?''

Nodding, the girl went over and they watched as she examined it before getting to work. Minutes later, she stepped back and pressed a few of the keys and the device played smoothly.

''Whoa! How'd you do that?'' The boy asked.

''I've been learning to play the piano ever since I was little. I helped fix one up, guess I just wound up picking some experience with them.''

''It's lucky you were here, thanks!'' He returned before going in, they could see him talking to the other members.

''It really is, nice work Namine.'' Makoto added.

''Ah, it's nothing-oh, hey you two!'' She added upon noticing Ann and Ryuji, with Makoto turning around and giving them a smile.

''Good going back there. I bet you're pretty good with a piano just like you are at singing, huh?'' Ryuji grinned.

Namine laughed a bit ''I wouldn't know...''

Ann looked amused ''Fair enough, think you can play for us one day? I'd like to hear it.''

''Same here.'' Makoto added.

Surprised, she began to smile ''Ah...well okay, sure.''

Mona let out a breath upon arriving in one of Mementos' safe areas. Things hadn't been going well for a while, his attempt to get into Okumura's Palace went rather badly to say the least. The only upside was that it was how his new partner found him. He hadn't thought he'd be up to working with someone after what happened but they both wanted to deal with the corrupt CEO and she was a greenhorn so he figured cooperating could do them good in the long run.

The main problem there was that for some reason her Persona wasn't fully awakened. It was a little strange in his opinion. Even her Soul Armor had manifested, perhaps she'd need a trigger of some sort for it to go all the way?

They had taken to doing some Mementos requests so his partner could get more experience and learn what the Metaverse was really like. He hoped it would help her reach her potential.

He held back a grimace as he thought of the other reason behind him wanting to come back here. The feline thief hadn't seen any trace of the strange Shadow ever since he left the Phantom Thieves a little over three days ago but it still really troubled him. Just what was it and why did it look like him?

As he kept walking behind his partner, his thoughts drifted to the Phantom Thieves.

He knew he could've done better...that they deserved better even. He had just been so frustrated with himself that he wound up taking it out on everyone. But it was too late-they wouldn't understand, he couldn't fix this anyway.

The feline could admit that he especially felt bad about the way he treated Namine though. She really was a caring person. The girl had just been worried about him and he knew it, she'd tried to help but he was the one who stopped her. Perhaps if he hadn't...

No, he shook his head. He could do this! What would be the point of leaving otherwise? He wasn't useless, he would show everyone.

He unconsciously touched the one thing he wound up keeping before he left the attic. Who was he kidding? He couldn't discard it even if he wanted to and he knew that. It meant a lot that she got it for him.

He had to do this...he didn't care how hard it may be. There was no going back now.

As per their earlier agreement, the Phantom Thieves had headed to Mementos to find Morgana.

Oracle helped them start things off, she had been able to find that their wayward friend was there too but he was moving quickly so they couldn't pinpoint a location. Given the feline's other form, it made sense. Thus, they decided to split up and wait at the closest safe areas to where Oracle detected him last. Queen went with Skull and Panther while Oracle remained with Fox and Joker, focused on trying to keep track of things.

Fox leaned back against a wall ''Do you think Mona would return?''

''I wish he would...this really feels wrong.'' Oracle stated.

Joker nodded, agreeing completely ''But even if he doesn't, we can't leave things this way. He's still a friend, whether he's part of the team or not, we won't simply turn our backs on him. I think we need to talk...at least, to make sure he's all right.''

''That sounds fine.'' Fox returned.

''Yeah, why'd he have to be such a blockhead anyway?'' Oracle harrumphed. ''No one thought he was useless. He and Skull practically squabble all the time anyway, and they insult each other before. It's not like they mean it. Why'd he ever believe that?''

Fox thought that was a valid point ''This may have been averted if he had talked to us. The sooner we understand what's going on, the better.''

''Yeah...I'm beginning to think the root of that problem is Mona himself thinks he's useless.'' When she looked back, the way he behaved made Joker wonder. Of course, even if she was right, what were the odds he'd admit that?

''Perhaps. At any rate, I believe enough time has passed. Why don't we go see how our friends fared?'' Fox's companions nodded and they made to head to the lower level.

It was when they well on their way that Oracle picked up on something very strange, making her stop. ''Hey, what-?''

Fox looked at her ''What's wrong? Ah!'' He took an involuntary step back when a wicked looking black figure passed before them, it appeared like a vague shade crawling on the ground.

As a puzzled Joker looked at them, a black circle formed around her feet. Before they knew it, the circle surrounded her in a black dome. As the two hurried over, something silver flashed and a soft, chime-like reached their ears as the dome faded. Joker fell to a knee, panting.

''Joker!''

The girl tried to stand but it was clear she couldn't. Fox steadied her before she fell, making sure to let her lean on him as he looked around warily. ''What was that?''

''I...think it was some kind of Shadow.'' Oracle helped Joker take some medicine. ''It seemed really weird. I don't think it's anywhere nearby now...''

''That is a relief...for now, let us return. We can't keep going like this.'' Fox stated.

She nodded and followed the artist as he guided Joker back to the stairs...

Their teammates returned shortly afterwards, having decided to check on them as well. Needless to say, the three were just as alarmed to learn of what happened with them.

''It looks like that Shadow drained her power...since when can they do that?'' Panther wondered.

''Actually, I think it might have been a trap.'' Oracle admitted. ''I was so caught up with that thing coming out of the blue that I only noticed later but there was some power fading away around us then. Sorry Joker, I should've kept a better lookout...''

But the girl in question shook her head ''It's not your fault. I'm just tired-let's be glad nothing worse happened.''

''About that, it sounds as if the silver light might have been what pushed it away.'' Queen noted.

''I think so...'' Joker leaned back in her seat. ''...it all went so fast that I'm not sure what happened, I just remember trying to push that thing away...''

''Then there's more to it than what we thought, right? Joker's just getting a handle on that thing so we never did find out what effects it has on her.'' Skull remarked. Joker had mentioned that she felt it took some of her energy but there could be more to it.

''Good point. That's something to think about.'' Queen stated.

''At any rate, we have a new problem on our hands.'' Fox crossed his arms.

Panther nodded ''That Shadow seems like big trouble...''

''Yeah, maybe it's some anomaly like the Reaper?'' Joker suggested.

''That's certainly possible.'' Queen agreed. ''Oracle, do you sense anything unusual now?''

The hacker shook her head ''It's like that thing just up and vanished. Still...ah, hey that's Mona!'' The group looked at her in surprise. ''And...I think he's with someone else...Oh, they're leaving. I can't sense them anymore.''

''So much for that...'' Skull grimaced.

''Yes-I suppose it couldn't have been that easy...still, I wouldn't have thought he'd be working with someone. Could it be Crow?'' Queen wondered.

''I don't think so.'' Oracle countered. ''That guy been a Persona user for over a year, right? He's got to have a lot of power to show for it. That other person-it's weird, they've got power like ours but it felt...repressed. Like something's holding it back.''

''That would rule him out.'' Panther remembered Robin Hood's strength was. There was no way that was restrained ''You think maybe we can try going to the Palace next? Mona seemed pretty set on changing Okumura's heart.''

''That might be our best shot.'' Fox concurred.

Skull nodded ''...We've gotta do something about that weird shadow too. For now, let's get Joker out of here.''

''Good idea.'' Queen helped the girl stand up and he activated the Nav.

The next day, after school...

Namine found that she felt better a good night's rest. She wasn't back up to a 100% as she had nodded off just around lunchtime but that was well enough considering how lousy she felt yesterday. Really, she hadn't felt up to coming today but she figured an absence would just raise questions.

She finished up her sandwich before making her way down the hall, stopping when she noticed Makoto staring off in the distance nearby with a pensive look.

The girl looked up in surprise when Namine called out to her a moment later ''What's up?'' She tilted her head as she stopped near the older girl.

''Oh, I was just thinking...earlier, one of the second years approached me about advice. She wanted to help a friend who was hurt in a bad way and is still trying to deal with it.'' Makoto explained. ''That girl never said as much but I think she and her friend were two of Kaneshiro's victims. She mentioned the scams and going to Shibuya a few times...Her friend was involved in a scandal related to one of Shibuya's clubs. They blamed her father for a drug addict getting poisoned and called her a whore. He lost his job and they had to move but she returned to school after Kaneshiro's arrest . The police found out that it was all a sham later set up by the yakuza to ruin them for not fulfilling a deal but by the time the truth came out it was too late.''

''That's awful...'' She could imagine how bad dealing with talk like this was. Things must have been rough on her family. And the poor girl was still going to school here...

''Yes and the worst problem is that people can't seem to understand that she was a victim. They've been horrible to her.'' Frustration was clear in the president's tone. ''She's apparently considering changing schools once her family settles down in their new home.''

Namine couldn't say she was surprised. Things had gotten better for her since the word about her record got out but there were still those who were wary of her. Thus, she understood how the girl felt all too well. ''Maybe it would help if you could sit down with her and talk-or at least with the people she knows in her class?''

''I'm thinking I should talk to her, actually.'' Makoto admitted. ''It wouldn't be right to decide what to do unless I meet the girl herself.'' Her friend nodded in understanding, thinking that was fair.

The girl then added. ''Why don't they understand? She's far from the only person who suffered because of those scams, the truth is out in the open.''

''Maybe...they need time to see it for themselves.'' Namine offered after a moment of thought. ''It's a little hard to know for sure when we don't know the full situation. But that doesn't mean there isn't a way to make things better. I mean, look at us. We've had some pretty bad rep to deal with too but we're turning things around. Hey, this just proves the other students are beginning to see you for who you are.''

The brunette's lips twitched ''You may have a point there. It does feel nice to see that people know they can come to me for advice. That's why I hope I can do right by them.''

''Well, the fact that you feel that way is a big plus. I'm sure it'll help, besides, you'll have me and the others there for you.''

''Yes, something I'm very grateful for.'' Makoto returned. ''The truth is, I tried talking to Eiko about this earlier. She started dating a host from a club near her work. I guess he, um...hit on her one day after her shift and that was that. Since then, he's the only thing she'll talk about. She even sent me a picture of their date at Destinyland. Ah, don't misunderstand. It's not a problem if she's happy.''

''It's about him, right?'' Namine guessed.

''Right. I've made my feelings of this clear, especially in light of the recent situation but Eiko says it doesn't mean anything. She insists that everything would be fine and the scandal means nothing to her.'' Makoto pursed her lips in displeasure.''Still...knowing his line of work, I'm worried that her boyfriend might be deceiving her. He calls her his princess and constantly tells her how special she is. It makes me sick to my stomach. But Eiko refuses to listen to me. She said the idea that all hosts are bad people is outdated...She even said she was shocked to getting advice from someone who would totally flunk a test about love...''

Annoyance showed in her tone as added ''...tests about love aren't a thing though...and even if they were, I most certainly wouldn't flunk them!''

''Y-yeah, I think she went too far...'' Namine let out, startled.

''S-sorry about that.'' Makoto took a breath, feeling bad for letting her temper run. ''I'm probably just being biased towards him. I mean, I don't have any proof that he's untrustworthy. I'm not sure what to do yet but I want to keep an eye on things-I hope asking you to help me wouldn't be too much.''

''Of course not, you want to make sure your friend doesn't get hurt, I'd like to help. Let's be careful about this though.''

''Thank you.'' The brunette nodded.

She spoke a short while after they continued walking to the school's exit ''It's best to focus on our more immediate goals now. I know you want to be a part of this but I don't think you're up to dealing with the Metaverse today.''

Namine nodded, it was just as well. She didn't like it but she still felt weary so she clearly wasn't up to anything too strenous. Coming to school had taken a lot out of her and she knew it. Thus, she would wait and make sure to rest from here on out.

The team's visit to the Palace was looking to be a failure too. They had been present for some time now and it didn't look like they would achieve their objective. As they were still locked out, there was nothing to do except wait and hope Mona would come.

''So what do we do if this doesn't work, try Mementos again?'' Skull asked the group at large.

''We don't have much choice, looking in the real world didn't get us anywhere.'' Panther reminded.

''Perhaps we could try spreading a few posters? If we let it be known that he was missing, someone may wind up helping us find him.'' Fox stated.

''I don't know about that...'' Panther trailed off.

Oracle was much more direct ''Bad idea.''

Queen shook her head ''I can't see that working-someone as stealthy as Mona would have little trouble hiding as much as he wanted to. Given the way he was acting, he might even tear them down.'' She crossed her arms. ''He might have made his opinion clear but we do need to talk. We can't simply leave things like this.''

''...So you don't think he'd come back?'' Oracle had to ask.

''Who knows? Joker had the right idea-the choice is definitely up to him. Trying to force it is the worse thing we can do, let's just...'' The biker clad thief blinked at the sound of footsteps, turning back to see a teenage girl in fancy clothes, a pink shirt, dark pants and boots coming to the platform above them. Her eyes widened when she saw that the girl wore a black mask.

''A black mask? Could it be...?'' She started as the girl stared them down.

A familiar laugh reached their ears before none other than Mona joined the girl, smirking at them. ''It took you long enough to come!''

Oracle perked up ''Mona!''

''You're all right.'' Panther smiled.

''It's been a while, Panther. If you're here for the treasure you'll have to go back with your tails between your legs!''

''Actually, we came looking for you...'' Fox started to say but he wasn't listening.

''The treasure will be taken by me and this...'' Mona winked at his partner, who blinked, seeming puzzled. His jaw dropped but he quickly shook himself. ''Like I said, the treasure will be taken and this Beauty Thief!''

The girl started, apparently remembering something. ''I am Beauty Thief!'' Mona grinned.

''...She really calls herself that?" Oracle tilted her head.

The two jumped to land before the group and went into a pose as Beauty Thief went on. ''We will be taking the treasure!''

''You're just repeating what he said, you know.'' Skull deadpanned, making her stutter.

''What's with this situation...?'' Queen muttered, just as unimpressed while Panther sighed.

''That's enough chatter!'' Beauty Thief snapped, though it was clear she was getting flustered.

''You're the ones who started it though.'' The model returned, embarrassing the girl as it was very true.

Panther rubbed her chin...something about the girl felt familiar but she couldn't place it...

Shaking the thought, she went on ''Mona, what are you...?''

''Hold on! She'll get it right!''

''You...'' Beauty Thief started.

''Go on, just like we practiced!'' Mona encouraged.

She nodded, pointing at Skull ''You! You're vulgar and not very bright!''

''Huh?!''

The girl then turned towards Fox ''You need to learn to take a hint!''

He blinked ''What...?''

''...Is this going somewhere?'' Oracle asked the girls.

''No clue.'' Panther returned as they sweatdropped, both hearing Fox mumbling about Beauty Thief's words.

But the girl wasn't done ''And you...'' She looked at Panther, pausing then. The girl tried to think before she looked back at Mona with a sheepish expression. ''...um, what was it again?''

Mona's shoulders sagged ''We practiced so much too...''

Her eyes widened before she assumed her earlier pose ''The treasure will be ours!'' Mona palmed his face.

Beauty Thief proceeded to jump to the door before laying a hand on it. Skull then spoke ''Don't bother. It won't o...''

'Access Granted.' A voice said then before the door opened.

''What?!''

''Oh, no way...'' Oracle started.

Queen's eyes narrowed as she looked at Beauty Thief ''But that means...''

Mona smirked ''Don't look down on us!''

Panther started as she took in the robots gathering at the door ''Behind you!''

The duo blinked in confusion and Fox frowned ''Get out of there!''

Mona and Beauty Thief slowly looked back, recoiling when they realized the threat. ''Come on!'' The first cried before they began running.

Queen grimaced, at this rate they were likely to be swamped too ''We should leave too.''

''And that about wraps it up.'' Futaba told Namine.

They had decided to head to the attic a while after they left the Palace, partly to check up on their leader but also to bring her up to speed.

''Well, that's...unexpected...'' The girl began to smile. Really, of all the things to happen when they encountered their wayward friend...

Ann looked similarly amused ''Looking back, it was pretty funny. They were trying to be so serious and they were so bad at it...''

Futaba snickered, agreeing completely as she heard Ryuji try and fail to suppress a laugh. They were so taken aback by the whole deal earlier but now that they looked back it was hilarious.

Yusuke looked at her ''Futaba, so this Beauty Thief was the person you sensed yesterday, correct?''

''I think so. I didn't get a good read on her but it looks that way.''

''I guess that clears up at least a part of their reasons for going after President Okumura though.'' Namine remarked.

Makoto had expected the girl to catch up ''My thoughts exactly. To think she wound up in the Metaverse after all.''

''So this is her choice...''

Yusuke gave them a puzzled look ''You speak as if you know who Beauty Thief is. How can that be?''

''Yeah, Namine wasn't even there for one thing.'' Ryuji added.

''I don't have to be for this. It's like Futaba told us before, the scanner only accepts the prints of his own family.''

That was enough for them to understand the girls' line of thought. After all, this meant the possiblity was high that Beauty Thief was in fact...

''So it was Haru the whole time...no wonder something was familiar about her...'' Ann trailed off.

''She found her way into that world too...think she has a Persona?'' Ryuji wondered.

''It won't do us any good to simply speculate. We need to talk, especially now that we know about her.'' Makoto stated.

Ann began to think ''Well, we don't have school tomorrow and from what Haru said before, getting to her house with all the rumors going on about her Dad might not be a choice.'' Things were tense at the heiress' home, with some rather stringent guard being put up recently.

''Wonder if she knows the truth about us.'' Futaba mused.

Yusuke spoke up after a few moments ''I realize this is out of context but may we go to Mementos tomorrow? I believe a few students from Kosei posted a request about a new bully that's becoming quite a bit of a problem. It seems he has a chamber as well.''

''Then that's just what we'll do.'' Makoto nodded.

''Yeah, we can't just abandon our work.'' Ryuji added. ''So, what do you...'' He blinked upon noticing Namine leaning back on her bed. ''...I guess you're still out of it, huh?''

''Yeah...'' Her eyes dropped a little. Honestly, she didn't even know why she felt this way. ''...I might be up to going tomorrow. Sorry, I can't be sure...''

''Don't worry about a thing-you just focus on recovering. We can take care of things on our end.'' Ann assured.

''Yup, leave everything to us!'' Futaba added.

The girl began to smile ''Mmhm, I know I can count on you.''

When Namine woke up the following day, she found herself in the Velvet Room. Justine met her at its door ''Our master wishes to speak to you, Inmate.''

''Welcome, my dear Trickster. Well done so far. I knew this journey would be the key to your awakening but you certainly never cease to impress.'' At the girl's surprised look, he added. ''I'm referring to your special ability-that gentle light.''

''I...thought you were the one who gave it to me.'' Namine hadn't actually given the strange light's origin much thought. Futaba's scan hadn't revealed much and she found herself thinking of how Igor has been the one to grant her the third eye and the ability to use the Overdrive.

''I was the one who unlocked your potential as the Wild Card but that power remains a part of something tied to the core of your very being. But even I have no way of predicting how you'd develop that potential. No, you were the one who awakened that ability.'' Igor returned. ''It can be considered a representation of your nature. Given your experiences, that speaks highly of your character, Trickster, that is something worthy of praise. It will surely aid you down this path.''

''Oh, thanks...I think so too.'' Did this mean she had the ability because she believed in using their powers to make a difference, due to the choice she made to stand up and do what was right? ''Oh, any chance you know what happened back there? My friends think it might have activated when that thing trapped me.''

''And they would be correct.'' Igor replied. ''That was the first time the full extent of that light manifested. It is not only a method to heal and purify others but one also intended to protect.''

''I see...'' Namine wondered if she could make use of that now that she knew. She did find that calling on the light was easier-it was worth a try.

''By the way...'' She looked back at Igor. ''...be careful. Something is amiss in the Metaverse-you and your comrades were right to be wary. I sensed something rather strange after the girls warned me of that Shadow-its origins are a mystery to me as well. It can be a dangerous adversary.''

''Right, I'll keep that in mind.''

Around the same time...

Queen and the others had gone to the Metaverse as planned. They learned through Oracle their leader was resting and no one had the heart to disturb her.

Thus, they went and handled the bully with ease, making sure that his Shadow would promise to apologize to the victims and change from here on out.

The group stopped at a Safe Area to let Oracle rest, since they had to go on foot now and it naturally got tiring. But it was far more so for the hacker, who was trying to build her stamina.

''Thanks, you guys...''

''No worries-we could all use a break anyway.'' Skull returned, patting her back.

''You just remember to keep at it and eventually this weariness will be a thing of the past.'' Queen stated.

''I hope so...''

Minutes later, the girl started and warned them about someone coming over. It turned out to be Crow. The teen appeared just as surprised to see them but seemed to take it in stride as he walked over.

''Hey. So you're still lookin' into the mental shutdowns?'' Skull clarified.

''Yes, Shadows can be a good source of information after all but I still don't have much to go on. What about you though? I can't help but notice that you're two members short.''

''It's, ah, kind of a long story.'' The pirate clad thief offered.

He arched an eye ''Oh? I asked because I did see your teammate on my way here.''

''Seriously?! Where?''

''Not too far...actually...''

Crow blinked and turned at the sound of an engine, which brought their attention to a nearby entrance just as Mona in his bus form appeared.

Though they were all thrown for a loop when the bus almost crashed a moment later, falling to the side.

''Are you all right?'' Panther called as they approached just as Mona transformed back and Beauty Thief pulled herself up.

The latter appeared surprised to see them while Mona's eyes narrowed ''...Why are you here?''

''We just want to talk, you two. There wasn't enough time before.'' Queen returned. While she had wanted to see to what happened yesterday with Beauty Thief, since Crow was here, that had best wait. ''Mona, it shouldn't have to end this way. I admit we could have handled things better but we'd like to understand...''

Mona looked surprised, quickly shaking himself ''I told you guys we were through and nothing's going to change that! It's obvious that we can't work together anyway-it's just no good.''

''Would you just listen? That's not what she's trying to say.'' Fox stated.

''Oh, please. You're just wasting my time. It's not like you really mean it anyway. Why isn't everyone here otherwise? At least one of you is honest.''

Panther frowned ''Leave Joker out of this! She's in bad shape because we tried to find you.''

''Yeah, she's worried about you. She couldn't make it because that creepy Shadow came out of the blue and attacked her.'' Oracle added.

Mona stilled at this. Crow's eyes narrowed as he picked up on his tense stance. Did he...?

''She's the one who wanted to keep trying so she can make sure you're all right.'' Fox added.

''...I can't believe that.'' He shook his head. ''Yeah, it has to be act. And she's in on it too...''

Beauty Thief frowned, it sounded as if he was trying to convince himself ''Mona-chan, that seems a little...''

''You little...'' Skull snarled. Is this what Joker got for worrying about him? ''...where the hell do you get off, huh?!''

Fox's eyes narrowed in anger ''Indeed, do not presume such things of her.''

''Do you actually believe that, Mona?'' Queen demanded. ''Do you believe that Joker would resort to something so despicable? You know better!''

The feline didn't respond but the way he lowered his gaze proved her right.

Skull sighed, breaking the silence as he went on to do something he'd been meaning to ''Look, I'm sorry. I really don't think you're useless. I never did...it's just you know, kidding around like we used. I'm an idiot, I know but I really never thought you'd take it like this. No one thinks you're useless, why the hell would we?''

Mona stared at him in shock, then looking at the others as they proceeded to agree with him. Did they really mean that?

Beauty Thief decided to give him a moment to think that over, looking at the others then ''Was this why you were looking for us?''

''Partly. We did intend on making sure he was all right-especially given what we encountered yesterday...'' Fox returned.

''Just a moment, Fox. I'd like to clarify something.'' Crow interceded . ''You know about that Shadow, don't you? In fact, judging by what I overheard from you earlier, I'd wager you might even be trying to find it.''

Oracle and Crow noted how the cat froze up at this before the hacker asked ''Wait, you both know about that thing?''

The teen proceeded to explain how he'd been ambushed by the shadow as well a few days ago and it had left him drained for a while. ''I assume Joker's dealing with the same problem then.''

Oracle nodded and Beauty Thief looked puzzled, having never seen it before. She glanced at Mona, did he really know...?

''Mona, tell us what's going on.'' Panther demanded.

Queen's eyes narrowed with the cat's silence ''Mona, your affiliation aside for the moment-that thing is clearly a threat. The least you can do is explain...''

''I won't!'' He cut her off. ''It's got nothing to do with you so back off! I can handle it!''

''Mona-chan!'' Beauty Thief made to follow him but seemed to think better of it. ''...I don't know much but we haven't seen anything of that sort. I did notice that Mona-chan seems...oddly persistent about coming here lately. Perhaps he knows more and he just won't tell me. I'm sorry I can't help...''

''Nah, that's plenty. Don't sweat it.'' Skull returned. ''We'll keep an eye on things-if anything happens, we can help, yeah?''

She gave a slight bow ''Thank you.''

Well, let's stop here.

Okay, this ended up being bigger than I thought but I didn't want to leave any of this out. I hope it was good. I thought about how I wanted this chapter to go alot and this was the end result. As mentioned above the silver light hadn't been fully activated before this chapter (it empowers the user and also creates a shield) but that's partly why Namine's so wornout, she's dealing with the backlash of that as well as the shadow's trap.

So now they all know what's going on Mona's end. He's acting like this because he wants to prove he can do it...if anything just to himself, out of pride. You know that exchange they had before? I'm going to explain more soon but the shadow had a good chance to pick a part at Mona's insecurities. That's the main reason behind Mona's current behavior. He's not fully honest with himself though-he still cares about them, he just didn't want to drag them down. To make a point I mentioned above clear, Mona still has the gift Namine got him from Hawaii.

They'll really start to get to the bottom of this from the next chapter. Oh and before I forget, Haru suspects that her new friends are the Phantom Thieves because of Mona. She doesn't have anything concrete yet but she's going to pretty soon. Mona gave her the gist of the situation but he left their identities out.

Well, that's...really I had to say. Thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!

Confidants:

Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)

Morgana (Magician Rank 5)

Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)

Takemi Tae (Death Rank 8)

Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 4)

Igor (Aeon Rank 5)

Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 5)

Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 6)

Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)

Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)

Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 5)

The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 5)

Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)

Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 3)

Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)

Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)

Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 4)

Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 2)

Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 2)

Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man Rank 1)