Defender31415: Thanks. Things are definitely heating up. About the Councillor arcana...I made sure to learn all I could about Royal before integrating any element from it into the story. That actually gave me a few ideas which I want to try out. Including one for the third semester, I'm sort of on the fence about how to handle that part. I haven't really gotten that far in planning yet but I do have a basic idea of what I want there. All in all, let's just say I have a few surprises in store.
EngineeredNeko: Um, I guess so? I never thought about it like that. But now that you mention it, I'd have to say season 2 started right around the trip.
By the time school was done for the day, Namine received a text from Futaba. The girl wanted to know if Namine could bring back some things with her. Most of them were snacks but the third was a book about computers she'd seen in the school library before. Considering how the navigator was busy working on some project for the last couple of days, she found herself wondering if it was another program she was making from scratch. Like the one she'd installed on Namine's phone, she still had no idea how that happened.
It was shortly after she had gotten the book and was on her way to a store that the girl came across Akechi.
After the two exchanged greetings ''I was actually looking to thank you.'' He produced the charm she'd given him days ago. ''For this. I knew you went to Hawaii so I was curious as to why you gave it to me. It's a lucky charm, yes? I appreciate the sentiment.''
''Oh, don't mention it. I did get something for my friends and all. Besides...'' A few dark mutterings brought their attention to the onlookers, Namine biting her lip ''...I thought it could be good.''
''You were most likely right. No need for concern though, I'm used to this by now. I had just taken a couple of lucky chances offered to me after I came to the city and that really helped get to where I am now. But I never stopped to even consider what consequences that would cause. Perhaps I was simply too busy working...''
''Is there some kind of trouble?''
''It's just something I have to deal with.'' After all, the disdain he faced even in the police station never did quite stop.
The girl hummed thoughtfully ''Maybe your status and the image it projects are giving people the wrong idea. You seem to care enough to try and make amends in some way and I think it's safe to say that there's more to you than meets the eye. Why don't you try showing people the real you?''
''The real me...?''
Namine wasn't sure why that was a surprise ''It's just an idea but I'm applying what I learned from experience since I came here.'' People didn't know anything about her. While many just believed the rumors, she'd opted to stay true to herself. And that had paid off as they seem to be understanding the misconceptions surrounding her.
''...You certainly are impressive, Hyakuya-san.'' Akechi almost smiled. ''The truth is, I heard about your probation from Sae-san. She has been trying to learn all she can...''
''All part of the grand scheme to get her hands on Isshiki-san's research? Yeah, she made that pretty obvious.'' The girl made no effort to hide her annoyance.
The prosecutor's motives didn't matter, Sae had gone too far. If her plans had actually worked, Futaba might have been forced back to go to those awful relatives of hers. Even the few details she'd heard from Sojiro told her it could not end well. The thing that really ticked Namine off was that the prosecutor didn't care how much damage she caused if she got what she wanted. .
''I can't say I think much of her actions there either.'' Akechi admitted with a grimace. ''She hardly listens to me though. But she did mention how odd the details around your case were so I was wondering if you would mind telling me what happened.''
As it were, Namine saw no reason not to, so she summarized her situation to him. She was really not in the mood to get into the details now-though she made sure to leave Shido's name out of this, having no idea how he would take it.
Akechi couldn't help his outrage ''They all believed him over you? And to let him do all this...it's absurd!''
''Oh, definitely.'' She agreed. ''But that's just what happened.''
''How can you just shrug it off like that?''
''Don't misunderstand, Akechi-kun, it's not about that.'' Namine shook her head ''I'm not about to deny that what they did hurt but I won't let it rule my life. I still found a lot of good things since I came here and I refuse to let the bad things outweigh them. That's all. I'm free to live my own life and I have no regrets. They can't change that.''
''...You really are strong.''
''Hm, I wouldn't know but I try to be. I feel lucky to have met new friends and people I can trust...I even had support from my remaining family. It's done me a lot of good.'' She admitted.
''I see...thank you, Hyakuya-san. I'll think about what you said. I have a feeling it might help.'' .
''Sure, I've gotta get going. See you around.'' Namine returned.
Mona knew what he was doing was reckless, especially with that strange shadow present but he went to Mementos on his own. It felt like something he had to do, perhaps if he could finally deal with that thing, he could get the answers he really wanted...
She stopped at the supermarket to pick up the snacks for Futaba. It was when she was looking for the last snack that someone called out to her.
''Hyakuya-san?''
Namine blinked and turned to see that it was none other than Takuto, who had apparently been doing some shopping of his own. ''Oh hi, Maruki-sensei.''
He smiled ''Hi there, that's quite the assortment you're gathering.''
The girl glanced at her bag before noticing his own ''Same to you. So you like snacks too?''
''Well yeah, I also found that they sometimes help my clients relax a little. You know, they help lighten the atmosphere so I've gotten into the habit of gathering a few every now and then.''
''I guess something like that would make for a more friendly atmosphere.'' Namine spotted the item she had been looking for and picked it up. ''These are actually for a friend who loves snacks. We're making sure she knows to regulate eating them and make sure take proper food or else we cut them off.''
That was actually Makoto's idea. The brunette firmly believed you are what you eat. Thus she made sure to intervene with Futaba's habit with snacks, considering it unhealthy. She made a bit of a leeway to allow the girl a certain amount for a day but Futaba was less than pleased with the restriction. The hacker quickly learned that she did not dare cross Makoto when she used that firm, no-nonsense tone of hers though. It did help that Futaba liked organic food but she still prioritized snacks over everything else.
''Well, it's nice to hear that you're looking out for your friends. I'm sure that'll be good for her.'' Takuto remarked.
''Ah, it's only right...''
The two continued to chat while waiting at the counter to pay for their purchases. Takuto was apparently something of a regular here as the clerks were familiar with him. As the man left after bidding her farewell, Namine overheard one of the clerks telling her co-worker about how Takuto had something of a bad reputation due to some rumors of him being involved in a scandal. Both clerks had a hard time believing this, seeing how nice and friendly the man was.
Namine could see where they were coming from. The man seemed like a good person but it had her wonder, just what was that about?
Trouble started when a worried Haru got in touch with the Phantom Thieves, admitting that she couldn't find Morgana anywhere. In fact, the latest she had seen him had been the previous night. Having been busy, the heiress just assumed he was simply laying low, now she simply couldn't find any sign of him.
The group came to agree that it would be best to find their former teammate. While they didn't doubt his skill, there was no telling what could happen in Mementos. There was that strange Shadow and even possibly the black masked criminal roaming about that world, and of course the Reaper. Thus, they believed it was best to make sure he was safe. While things were certainly...tense between them, the group simply couldn't abandon Morgana.
Thus, they headed to Mementos. Oracle managed to find Mona quite a distance away and they hurried to the indicated area...
Mona had just arrived in a strange area he had sensed a short while after arriving in Mementos. It seemed like a chamber similar to the ones that held the corrupted targets' shadows but something told him it was different. The area was circular and rather spacious, something about him gave an ominous vibe. Mona quickly found that there was one similarity to the chambers he was familiar with.
It was the target he wanted to find.
''You really did come...'' His apparent look-alike smirked. ''...and to think I almost believed you'd know better. Well, I'm certainly glad I was wrong.''
''What's that supposed to mean?''
''Isn't it obvious, you naive fool? You should've listened to your former friends. You're in way over your head.'' (AN: I'm just going to start calling him Evil Mona or E. Mona to simplify things)
''Shut up!'' Mona's fur bristled ''What do you know about me? Those things you kept saying about my past...were they all lies?''
''Oh, that?'' A scoff ''Of course they weren't. I do know exactly who you are. But to think you'd willingly jump into danger for such a reason. You must really be desperate.''
Mona bristled, the fact was he needed those answer but he would make sure to get them. He brandished his scimitar. ''I'm going to get the answers I want even if I have to beat them out of you! You'll be eating your rotten words about me!''
Laughing, the golden eyed feline produced his own sword, this one having a serrated blade. ''You don't stand a chance!''
As the Phantom Thieves were approaching the destination, Oracle came to a halt ''What...?''
''What's up?'' Skull cocked his head.
''Mona's going into this weird place. I don't know how to describe it but it's kinda like the chambers where we found people's targets before.'' The girl continued trying to scan ''Except, something seems off. And...if I'm getting this right, I think he's heading towards that creepy shadow.''
Queen's brow furrowed ''It did seem as if Mona was intent on finding that thing but...''
The words died in her throat as shadows appeared around them, they quickly began fighting while protecting Oracle. And their navigator had been the one to notice something rather odd about this battle.
''Hey, they're barely moving...isn't it kinda like they're trying to stop us from getting in there?''
''Now that you mention it...'' Joker trailed off. Usually Shadows tried to corner them and press their advantage. But none of that happened here. If anything, the Shadows' numbers increased even as they took more down.
Panther frowned. This happens just as they came to find Mona? Something was definitely fishy. ''So what do we do? This is looking like one big set up.''
''Yes. I believe we should take matters into our own hands. We'll have to split up.'' Fox declared. ''Joker, Skull, you two are the fastest here. You two should go and see to Mona.''
''Good idea. Well?'' Queen prompted, the two nodding. ''All right then, we'll clear up a path.''
''Allow me.'' Fox proceeded to summon Goemon and unleash his Overdrive skill, Ethereal Maelstrom. The massive ice attack destroyed some enemies and created walls that blocked other enemies' paths. This had the added benefit of giving his teammates enough space to hurry on.
''I'll back you guys up, hit 'em hard!'' Oracle called on Necronomicon and was beamed up to her Persona. She quickly tapped a few buttons on the panel before her, causing a glow to surround teammates for a few moments.
This gave them a boost of power. Queen and Panther immediately it put to good use, attacking with all their might to keep the enemies who had tried to pursue their friends. ''Better not look away, you've got more than enough trouble here.'' The model declared.
Unfortunately, the battle was going badly for Mona. Not only did his enemy counter his attacks easily, he was barely fazed by Zorro's wind spells. E. Mona even had the ability to launch energy blasts from his sword. To make things worse, he was even faster than Mona.
Thinking fast, Mona had Zorro cast Magaru. As he expected, his enemy pushed through the blast of wind. However, this gave Mona enough time to use some healing magic to recover. He wouldn't lose-no way...
E. Mona harrumphed ''So what if you heal yourself? It makes little difference in the long run, weakling.''
''Weakling?! I'm not weak!''
''Oh yes, you are.'' The former sneered ''You've gone and convinced yourself that you're human. Talk about pathetic. You go and build yourself this huge fantasy about yourself on no basis whatsoever. And now you come along thinking you could make me do anything? You're just a coward who ran away when the going got tough!''
''That's not true!''
''Oh? Then why are you here alone?'' Mona froze. ''The Phantom Thieves already suspect something was off, they're clever enough to keep an eye out for a new enemy. They even tried to warn you but you're just pushing them away. Even that fledgling Persona user, you were just angling to have her help you once you decided not to deal with them, you know when they figured out you were useless. The whole thing with her dad just happened to be a lucky coincidence for you, wasn't it? She may not have found you otherwise.''
Mona's protests went ignored, the enemy mercilessly pressing on ''That naive Wild Card hadn't noticed even with my trick, but I've seen her before, she was actually trying to find you. That's how I know they figured out something was up here. But you wouldn't care, right? How'd you phrase it...oh yeah! They're just looking to force you back, mocking you for being useless.''
The cat faltered at hearing his words parroted back with such malice ''But how do you...?''
''Does that matter? Honestly, you made this too easy. I intended on finishing you off soon I didn't think you'd come like this. Heck, you practically helped me get at my second target.''
''Second target?'' Given his enemy's actions, he had a feeling he knew exactly who that meant. ''Don't tell me...Joker...?''
''Bingo! I don't know how she pushed me away or what that strange light is but she got lucky. Either way, it doesn't matter. I'm going to wrap this farce of a battle soon.''
The fight continued, Mona soon forced on the defensive again. With him shaken by the enemy's words, Mona wondered if he could really win after all...
''Eat this!''
E. Mona made a sweeping motion with his sword, sending a wide ranged energy blast that knocked Mona down.
''You try to act like you're some hero but really, you're just lying to yourself. You pretend that leaving was better for those kids' sakes but do you care about them? Look at how you brushed them off when the thug tried to apologize.'' The enemy continued to taunt ''I got to learn all I needed about you. How many times have you thought that they hesitated pointlessly? That the Wild Card was a weak fool to be the way she is? Admit it, you're just so invested in your own goals that you don't make room for anything else. Human? Please! You were never human in the first place, you're no different than me. Even when that thug insulted you, you just couldn't take it. It may have been a little joke but that gave you a perfect excuse.''
''Stop!'' The fed up Mona tried to summon Zorro, only to freeze in shock when nothing happened.
''Personas are powers of the heart and your heart sure doesn't seem strong. Especially as it's clear how useless you really are.'' The doppelganger revealed another sword. ''And to think, I was actually looking to use you and get at the Wild Card but this'll work too...''
Mona lowered his head, knowing he was truly beat. He thought of the Phantom Thieves, who tried their best to be there for him and Beauty Thief, the gentle girl who chose to do the right thing even when it was hard. 'I guess...this is what I deserve after all...I'm sorry.'
He wouldn't even get the chance to apologize...to tell them how much they really meant to him...
The enemy struck the ground with his sword, unleashing blasts of power that headed towards the downed Mona.
Just then, a figure flew up in front of the cat and unleashed burst of energy that neutralized the attack, to E. Mona's shock. But he didn't have time to react as he was immediately tackled by another flying figure.
Looking up at his enemy's cry, Mona's jaw almost dropped when he recognized Arsene and Seiten Taisei before him. ''W-what...?''
His eyes widened more when Joker and Skull ran over, the latter sighing once they crouched down to check on the cat ''Whew...barely made it...''
''You guys...'' Mona croaked. ''...what're you...?''
''Take it easy. Here.'' Joker helped him drink up some medicine. ''Beauty Thief told us you went off on your own, we pretty much had to guess from there. Having help like Oracle and Necronomicon just made it easier.''
''Yeah, lucky thing too.'' Skull glared at Mona's doppelganger. ''He made it obvious that something fishy was goin' on. The others are beating back the shadows who tried to get in our way. Me and Joker are the fastest ones after you, remember?''
''Then...you all came...?'' They had really come to help him, even after all he had said and done to push them away?
''...You really are fools...'' They turned back to E. Mona. ''...coming for a worthless freak like that.''
''There's nothing worthless about him.'' Joker retorted.
''Yeah! Besides, you're one to call others a freak!'' Skull added. ''Like we'd leave our friend when he's in trouble.''
''Friend...? But I...''
Brown eyes met blue, Skull being honestly baffled ''You're not actually listenin' to this crap, are you?''
''Mona, we already knew something was up with you. You've been acting way too strange for us not to notice. That's the main reason we've been looking to talk.'' Joker added ''And of course we're friends, after all we've been through, why wouldn't we be? You're better than you think you are, so don't let that thing make you feel inferior. We've got your back.''
''Joker...'' Mona's eyes watered as the girl gave a small smile in return.
''We can talk later. Right now...'' She looked back at the enemy ''...we've got to handle that.''
''Just try it!'' Several shadows came around him, seemingly having been hidden in the far reaches of the chamber. There were different types, like Sandman and Take-Minakata as well as Hua Po and Rakshasha.
Joker and Skull met them head on, with the former knocked the Hua Po down with a few bullets. Skull unleashed Seiten Taisei's Deathbound attack, finishing it off while blowing other enemies away. The two Rakshashas charged at them, using Giant Slice but Joker took them down with Sandman's Magarula. She then switched to Mithras and had the Persona use Mafreila to cause more damage. Skull slammed a Sui-ki shadow with his club, finishing it off. At the same time, Joker distracted an Isis as it began casting magic with a few strikes of her dagger, finishing it off with a couple of bullets afterwards.
The two continued in a similar vein fighting to the best of their ability, working together and making sure to defend Mona.
The feline could only stare at them in awe, recalling just how things were when they started out. To think they hadn't known anything about the cognitive world...look at them now...and they were working so hard to defend him.
He was sure he didn't deserve it. He had been terrible to them ever since he left the attic. Did they still think of him as a friend? Why?
Mona shook the thought off, who was he kidding? It wasn't as if he simply stopped caring about them either. He wasn't sure he could in the first place. He had just been convincing himself that all he had done was for the best, but really his pride wouldn't let him admit it.
But that didn't matter now...not when they were fighting for his sake. He couldn't simply stand here.
Joker glanced back as Arsene blasted some enemies away, having noticed the feline stepping up. Skull cracked a smirk at his determined look. ''That's more like it. Ready to kick some ass?''
Mona's eyes narrowed ''Absolutely.''
The battle went on a better vein Mona was heartened by Joker and Skull's support. This had even helped with his Persona, Zorro making a great return to help him fight.
Under E. Mona's command, the remaining Shadows tried to combine their attacks for more power. Joker and Mona went with Skull's suggestion to do the same, the spirals of darkness, gusts of wind and torrent of lightning forming a powerful counter that quickly trumped that attack.
Despite that, E. Mona remained confident, surprising them by summoning a large golem like masked shadow. ''I was just going easy, you definitely wouldn't amount to much if those mooks were enough to stop you. At least you proved to be better than that piece of work. He was supposed to be a guide and he couldn't even do that right, what a joke!''
''The hell's he on about?'' Skull wondered.
''So naive...it's a wonder you lasted this far. Going through all the trouble to save that weakling, he's not even human. He was just so desperate to believe that he was. How sad.'' Their enemy's eyes landed on Joker ''You're even more of a bleeding heart than I imagined, coming to this fool's aid even after what he did. What, are you that desperate to hold on to whatever friends you have now since all the people in that town abandoned you? I guess they just saw the truth, that you're nothing but weak and useless idiot and they'd be better off without you.''
Now while they would always have their differences, Skull and Mona would never take that lying down.
''Shut it!''
''Yeah, don't talk about her like that!'' Mona added his assent to the blond.
''You don't get much room to talk.'' His doppelganger fired ''You walked out on her just like those people so what makes you any different?''
Mona flinched. Despite his reasons, that was essentially true. He knew better than most how much their abandonment hurt and yet he did it to her as well. Why did it take him this long to see how much damage he'd been causing? How could he be so selfish?
Joker could admit that at one point, she had similar thoughts to their enemy. When she had been at her lowest point after the arrest, believing that she had nothing and no one to return to. She had questioned herself more than once, wondering if anything could've been done to avoid the results of that night. Perhaps none of it may have started if she hadn't interfered to help that woman. She may never know but what did know was that the Shadow was wrong.
The leader of the Phantom Thieves thought of her grandparents, their never-ending support and enduring faith in her. Her mind also drifted to Sojiro, a really good guardian to her and Futaba and a kind person under his gruff demeanor. There was also other people like Igor, the twins and Haru, who she was glad to know.
She thought of the Phantom Thieves who had stood by her side, Skull who had quickly become a great friend, being the first person to really give her a chance since she arrived at the city. Panther, someone who had become a supportive friend and they had lots of fun times together. Fox, the friend who had been instrumental in helping her find her passion for music again. Even if he could be eccentric, she liked spending time with him and seeing how he strove to find his way in the art world inspired her. Then came Queen, even with their rough beginnings had soon become a reliable comrade and friend, hence the reason she was the second in command of their team.
And of course she couldn't forget Oracle, it was amazing to see how far the hacker had come in such a short time. She was a quirky and cheerful presence in Joker's life who was overcoming her past to reveal her true self. The girl herself may not think much of it but Namine felt it was great, the girl was truly enjoying life again. Then there was Mona, while definitely an unexpected companion, he was someone Joker was glad to have in her corner. He had indeed been a guide, even with his snarky comments and occasionally cocky attitude, Mona cared enough to try and help them how he could. She wanted to do the best she could for the friends who had been there for her when few others were, that was why she refused to lose her faith in him.
Thus Joker had absolute confidence in her words ''I've been helped by a lot of people to make it this far so I may be weak, but so what? Even a weak person like me can fight for those I care for and I won't let you stop me.''
Skull grinned widely while Mona was stunned at the ease of which she'd dismantled the enemy's venomous words ''Atta' girl, that's telling 'em!''
He called on Seiten Taisei again, the Persona appearing behind him with a flare of blue flames. ''Let's give it all we got, Gigant Break!''
Seiten Taisei spun his staff while Skull did the same with his club, creating a deluge of lightning bolts that struck both E. Mona and the big shadow, leaving them stunned. The former managed to shake it off and back off to dodge but Skull wasn't done. His new Overdrive continued as he and Seiten Taisei struck hard and true with their weapons together. The latter finished things off electrified his staff before hurtling it at the big shadow. This made it release a burst of power that not only destroyed the shadow but hurled E. Mona back.
Mona's jaw dropped ''Skull, that was...whoa...''
''Way to go.'' Joker added, the teen gave her a thumbs up.
They knew E. Mona wasn't quite finished when he pulled himself up, furious. ''Why you little...''
He raised a paw and three shadows, similar to the masked one but bigger appeared before him. ''Finish them!''
Just as the three made to attack, Joker held up an arm. She and her friends were surrounded by a dome of silver light that repelled the attacks with ease. Mona couldn't help but wonder how that worked. He didn't have much time to think about it though as the shadows were attacking again.
But just then...
''Maragion!'' A familiar voice cried.
Hecate appeared, unleashing blasts of fire that forced all the golem like shadows back. Panther led the rest of the team over ''Everyone all right?''
''Yup, great timing!'' Skull returned.
''Everything went off without a hitch on our end, guys!'' Oracle informed cheerfully.
''So all that's left it to finish up here.'' Joker stated.
Queen's fists clenched ''That won't a problem.''
E. Mona snarled ''Don't get cocky, it doesn't matter if you're together, you won't win!''
It quickly became apparent that besides supplying the golem like Shadows with some power, E. Mona couldn't do much of anything else. He was apparently too weary to continue fighting.
It didn't mean that the battle was any easier though. For one thing, there were still that trap he used on Joker before. Oracle knew enough to keep an eye out for those things and she made sure to warn the team to avoid them. One of the golems gave them quite a bit of trouble. One specialized in physical attacks, the second in spells and the third seemed to focus on support skills. When the first golem suddenly struck the ground hard, creating an earthquake while the second unleashed a burst of almighty magic that sent the party back, Oracle realized that they had pushed her friends purposefully away from the third golem. After analyzing their enemies, she could tell that it was the weakest enemy but it was also the lifeline of this formation so they couldn't do much to get at it.
''But if we keep this up, they'll just continue those combination attacks. How do we handle that?'' Mona wondered as Queen helped heal the party.
They didn't have much time to wonder as the enemies continued their attacks, the magic golem blasted half of them with wind magic while the physical golem went into a spun around itself. Its arms spun as a result, hurting all those who had been in its vicinity.
''Dividing their ranks should break this pace, let's see if we can split them up. Try to distract them and then strike.'' Queen told the group at large. ''I have an idea how to go about this. Here...''
E. Mona quickly told the golems to attack but then Panther wrapped her whip around the magical one's arm while Queen hit it on with the head with a few bullets. On the opposite side, the physical golem quickly followed Skull snd Joker as they hurried across the area.
Then, Skull called on Seiten Taisei and used Deathbound once more while Joker summoned Mithras to unleash its Vicious Strike. Panther blasted the shadows with Hecate's Maragion while Makoto hit them with Mafrei. Noticing Mona being knocked, the blond was about to help when the feline quickly bounced back, snarling ''Back off!''
Following his line of sight, Skull spotted the familiar blue scarf that must have fallen in the scuffle. Wait, wasn't that Joker's gift?
Oracle revealed an ability she had discovered in the earlier battle, Necronomicon let her use bombs. She dropped two from Persona and saw them explode. The attacks sent both enemies reeling and Mona proceeded to call upon Zorro and have the Persona conjure gales that lifted them into the air before they fell hard.
Recalling what happened earlier, Fox enlisted Joker and Mona's help with the third golem. The young artist had his Persona used Bufula. His comrades used their own abilities to give the spell a boost, via Sandman and Zorro respectively. This result in the spell getting a more strength and range, also freezing the shadow, which was what Fox hoped for.
Oracle grinned, their plan worked without a hitch but now they had to keep going ''I've figured it out! The one using magic is weak to physical attacks and it's the other way around for the one doing those crazy attacks. That third one's weak to both!''
E. Mona tried to gain control of the situation by sending more power to the golems to make them attack but it hardly did anything. He struggled to break through the ice trapping the third golem either.
Mona stopped any of its attempts from going any further by distracting it with a few of their items like the elemental bombs before using a smoke grenade. The golden eyed feline tried to get away from the smoke, only to be shot down by Joker, who was keeping track of him with the third eye.
The magic golem cast Bufula at Panther but Fox intervened, defending them both with ease. The physical golem launched another spinning strike before using Flash Bomb. Panther was left dizzy as a result but Mona quickly remedied that with his magic while Joker helped those who had been caught up in the attacks to recover.
Seeing the physical golem charging power, possibly for a big move made Panther decide to launch a big move of her own.
''Hecate!'' The goddess of magic appeared behind her. ''Now, Crimson Hell!''
Panther charged power while Hecate created a large sphere of flames that that the enemies dodged. But it didn't matter for Panther struck them both with her whip, which now appeared much longer due to flame coating it. Hecate waved her hand, creating portal like structures in mid-air, a second later all the portal released crimson beams of power which struck the enemies and the sphere, leaving it to explode.
''How can they be so strong...?'' E. Mona wondered.
''Someone's changing their tune.'' Skull taunted. ''Guess what? It's cuz we're a team and it's Joker, the one who you think is weak who made is possible.''
Gritting his teeth, he had the golems attack but Joker defended her team with the silver light once more. The sight made E. Mona grimace ''What is that ability supposed to be? It isn't connected to a Persona...''
The golems try to continue fighting under their leader's command. This almost makes a few of the team step into said trap but with Oracle's warning, Fox decides to freeze part of the floor and hopefully take care of it. The physical golem was momentarily thrown off as a result while the magic golem prepared a spell. Mona had Zorro use Garula then, with Queen distracting the magic golem and the others attacked the third one.
Joker utlitized Arsene's Mistral Soul to strike all enemies, jumping back to avoid an attack from the physical golem but trapping its arm in the ground. Mona and Queen ran up said arm and struck the golem from left and right.
The third golem breaks free but it was obviously weakened, even falling to its knees in a moment's notice. It did however manage to unleash a Dazzler technique that blinded both Mona and Queen. Then, the physical shadow raises its fist to strike again but it is forced back when Joker uses Arsene's curse magic to strike then.
''We're almost there, everybody. Let's end this!'' Oracle called.
The magic golem blasted them with a Megidola but the spell was much weaker than before, proving it was getting tired. Queen hit it with a Flash Bomb, Skull using the opportunity to strike it on the head with Fox following suit.
Panther and Mona combined their Persona's skills to create a fire tornado that not only destroys the third golem but also leaves the physical one rather weakened. Skull hadSeiten Taisei use Swift Strike to keep up the offense and Joker aided him with Arsene's Midnight Salvo.
This served to fell all three creatures, leaving them to fade away into nothing.
E. Mona's eyes narrowed as the group soon had surrounded ''So that's it, huh...?'' He sneered at Mona. ''How pathetic, you didn't stand a chance without them. So much for being their teacher, you really are useless.''
''You're wrong.'' Mona retorted. ''I misunderstood a lot of things...and I messed up big time because of it but I'm going to do something to fix those mistakes. First things first, I'll get rid of you!''
With one last strike of his scimitar, the golden eyed feline collapsed. ''This...still means nothing. None of you pathetic humans stand a chance against my master. It'll only be a matter of time...There's much more to Mementos than you think...''
It faded away then, leaving them to wonder what on earth any of that meant. But then Mona turned back to his former team.
''You know, he was telling the truth.'' Mona lowered his head. ''I'm not human. All I know for sure is that I was made by someone who knew about the Metaverse, I'm not a shadow, I mean I have a Persona so that's what I think. The one who made that thing apparently interfered at the same time I was created...That's also why I couldn't remember a thing...''
''This doesn't change a thing.'' Panther cut in.
''Right.'' Joker knelt to the cat's level. ''You asked me about the possiblity of you not being human in the end, remember? Well, my answer's the same. You're still you, Mona. I said it before and I'll say it again, you're better than you think you are. You might have found answers about your origins but that shouldn't demean all you've done so far, what you've become.''
''Count on Joker to tell it how it is.'' Oracle chirped.
''...Yeah...'' Mona couldn't help the smile on his face, not miding the tears in his eyes one bit. How could he when felt lighter than he had in weeks? ''...thanks a lot, you guys...''
When they returned to the real world, coming out at an alley, Morgana found a surprise waiting for him.
''Mona-chan!''
He blinked twice as Haru scooped him up in her arms for a hug. ''H-Haru?'' He'd forgotten that she was the one who told the others where he went. ''You were waiting for me...?''
''Of course. Do you have any idea how worried I was? Everyone asked me to leave this to them but I felt that I couldn't just leave without finding out what happened. Are you all right? I thought something bad happened when everyone was gone for this long.''
''Yeah, I...I'm fine...'' All what happened today left his mind running a million miles per hour. But he did know he owed this sweet girl one thing ''...I'm sorry...for how I've been acting and for worrying you. A lot's happened...and I think I owe you an explanation.''
''Well then, why don't you all come back to my home?'' The girl suggested. ''I imagine you must be tired and it would do us all good to settle down and really talk.''
''That...sounds good. I'm beat.'' Ann admitted.
''Some rest would certainly do us good.'' Yusuke added, Futaba nodding heartily.
''Yeah, we appreciate it, Haru.'' Namine put in.
The girl smiled ''It's the least I can do. I'm glad to see that everyone's all right.''
''Ooh, can we count it as a sleepover?'' Futaba wondered, Haru giggling at her enthusiasm.
''Of course.''
''All right! I'm gonna tell Sojiro...''
After such a hectic time in the Metaverse, some down time would be just what the doctor ordered. Things may still be not all that good with them due to recent events but many of those present believed that the worst was over and things would get better from here.
Okay, let's stop here.
I hope it was good. I intend to start the next chapter right after this point. Mona's going to start making amends and truly coming clean with them from this point on. This battle served as a real eye opener for him. And yes, I intend to make it so that things start getting better from here. I hope Mona didn't seem too out of character or anything, that's just how I figured he'd act in a situation like this.
Mona learned some bits and pieces from the shadow earlier before the Phantom Thieves caught up but it's nowhere near the full truth. To clarify, that shadow was just made to look like Mona. It was given all the knowledge it needed to sew chaos by some outside help. The same help that let him pull off what he did and it's part of the reason things were so complicated.
Once things are settled within the group, the main target will be Sugimura and then Okumura himself. Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it. 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 4)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 5)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 2)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 3)
Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man Rank 1)