Vangran: Thanks, I'm glad you think so. I felt it was just right to show how Makoto improved that way so I figured why not?
Defender31415: Thank you. The Judgement Arcana is something I've been working on a while but let's just say it has plenty of surprises. You'll see what happens with those girls pretty soon. The romance with Yusuke isn't really connected to the confidant link, there's a canon event that's going to take place first before I can really make big steps there. The thing with Akechi was actually an idea I picked up from the P5 anime. Never really watched the whole thing but that part made for an interesting idea so I thought it was worth a shot.
The Phantom Thieves were quickly able to reach where they last stopped in the Palace thanks to the Nav, but the area soon led them to a locked door.
''Great, where do we go now?'' Skull frowned.
Queen tried to think ''How about we backtrack a little? Maybe we missed a path in one of the other areas.''
''That could help but it won't be necessary. Look.'' Mona pointed at a vent to their right. ''Let's just go through that.''
As they proceeded to do so, Panther stopped just as she and Queen were about to take their turns ''Hold on. The guys should go first.'' The boys appeared puzzled and she added ''I don't want you perving at me or any of us in there.''
''Ohh, good point...'' Oracle nodded.
Fox's eyes narrowed a bit ''I resent that implication.''
''Same here.'' Mona added.
''Me too! Why do you just assume we'd do that?'' Skull demanded.
''They really don't have any room to complain...'' Joker muttered.
She gave the males an unimpressed look ''Gee, let's think-maybe because this is coming from the guy who wanted us to be models for nude paintings. Oh and let's not forget the guy who just spent three days doing practically nothing but checking out girls.''
''...Point made. Come on-there's definitely more where that came from.'' Mona told the two targets of that statement. Anymore protests would be futile and he would rather move on before Panther brought him into the argument.
Noir looked amused as they watched the three get into the vent ''So their history speaks against them.''
''Totally, Panther was just getting started too.'' Oracle informed.
Joker followed the boys, noticing Mona waving a paw at one end of the vent. Soon, everyone had arrived in the new area.
''Now that I think about it-our soul armors are kinda kinky. No wonder you guys were hooked.'' Oracle teased.
''W-we were not!'' Mona countered while Skull spluttered.
''...I'm not even going to dignify that with a response.'' Fox decided.
The hacker grinned ''Riiight, sure.''
Noir looked herself over ''K-kinky?''
''Just...just tune her out.'' Panther returned, not wanting to think of it along that angle.
Oracle was clearly getting a kick out of the whole talk so she kept going ''Joker's armor could be an exception, I guess...I'll probably never understand how she moves so easily in that dress, though. I don't think I could do it.''
''It is difficult to imagine you making it work...'' The girl would've told the artist off but then he added. ''...Joker does carry herself in a classy manner that very much suits her. I like that. That sort of strong and refined demeanor is something I wish apply in my art.''
The admission left some of the group looking at him in surprise, including Joker. The girl smiled ''Thanks...''
Mona began to smirk as he looked between the two. Was there a chance that...? All right, he had to ask ''Does this have to do with why you two have been hanging so often lately? You still want Joker to be your model, right?''
Fox was about to respond but then Queen cleared her throat ''I hate to interrupt but I think it's best if we focus on what we're doing here.''
''Aww, Queen don't be a killjoy...'' Oracle was silenced by the older girl's unamused look.
''Stop it. She's right, let's just keep...'' Joker paused as she spotted a big console nearby. ''...what do you think this is?''
Noir's eyes widened ''Ah, I remember seeing something like it in one of our company's factories. They were used to control a number of processes.''
''Oh yeah? Maybe we can use it somehow...'' Mona proceeded to examine the console, noticing a switch on this. After a moment of thought, he flicked it.
Nothing seemed to happen at first but soon a distant rumble reached their ears. Oracle quickly began scanning ''...Oh, that locked door's opened!''
Skull perked up ''Nice, let's go!''
But as they were making to head back, they were found by shadows. An Arahabaki, two Kumbhanda and two Thunderbirds. The birds quickly attacked with lightning magic, aiming for the whole group. Skull summoned Seiten Taisei to shield his friends, the evolved Persona taking care of the attack with ease. The teen quickly tried to gun the shadows down, only for them to fly higher. This lead Mona to use Zorro's Magarula to force htem down. The attack worked somewhat as the shadows tried to regain their balance but there was a window of opportunity that let him and Panther strike with their respective weapons then.
Noir stepped up and called upon Milady, blasting the enemies with the Persona's Mapsio. The attack almost threw most of them back, leaving the group to realize that most of the enemies were weak to psy magic. This allowed the girl to destroy one of the Thunderbirds while Panther and Skull finish the other. Joker and Queen took out the Arahabaki, which had tried to repel them earlier with a Makrakarn. The first dealt with the shield with a few bullets, allowing Queen to get a hit in before blasting it with Johanna's magic to finish it off.
The Kumbhandas attacked then, one charging to ram anyone its way while the other used Tempest Slash, forcing the girls to dodge. As the shadows kept up the offense, Oracle analyzed them, revealing that they were weak to ice magic. Fox stunned them with Goemon's Mabufula, which took one down before he finished the other off.
It turned out that the locked door lead to an elevator. The thieves couldn't use it since it needed three ID cards to operate, thus they headed off to look for them.
Their search led them to the barracks, first arriving at a square room. Mona spotted two workers approaching ''Hide!''
Everyone did so and they heard the workers talk ''Come on, come on! The executive is waiting!''
''Yeah, we can't stop no matter what! The exectutives and President Okumura would be furious. We'll be finished if we mess up!''
The group stepped out of hiding as the duo faded from view. Panther's brow furrowed ''They were terrified...and what they said...''
''Yeah...this is the kind of thing they have to face in the real world...'' Oracle trailed off, seeing Noir lower her head at this.
Fox hid a grimace, he understood the pressure the works felt all too well. He still remembered what it was like when he felt like he had to get a painting ready. Otherwise, Madarame would have...
''...Come on, let's go.'' Joker said at last.
After finding a Safe Room and entering the Barracks, they ran into a Koh-i-Noor which Joker was able to corner with Mona's help. Shortly after that, the thieves found themselves face to face with more shadows. This time it was a pair of Lilim, a Black Ooze and a Kumbhanda.
The Black Ooze quickly used Stagnant Air, leaving those nearby to recoil at the foul stench.
''Gah! What the?!'' Skull spluttered while Mona tried not to breathe it. They didn't have much time to react as one of the Lilim attacked with ice magic then. The Kumbhanda proceeded to use Rage War, targeting Mona and Panther.
The first growled, holding up his scimitar before charging while Panther's eyes narrowed in fury as she also proceeded to attack, targeting the Black Ooze.
''Whoa, guys?!'' Skull exclaimed, takenaback by the sight.
''They're enraged! They can't listen to us even if they wanted to!'' Oracle called.
''In that case...'' Queen was about to summon Johanna so she could heal them but then the Black Ooze let out a loud shriek. Seconds later, she found herself feeling rather dazed and weakened. The brunette barely registered Oracle saying something as the shadows were attacking their enraged as she tried to stand, wondering why she was so hungry all of a sudden.
Knowing just what to do, Joker proceeded to summon Garuda ''Amrita Shower!''
The bird let out a cry, creating waves of glittering light that took care of her friends' ailments. Black Ooze tried to use Stagnant Air but she countered with Garuda's wind magic, damaging the enemies and negating the skill. Noir finished the shadow off with a couple of strikes from her axe.
Fox blocked the Kumbhanda's attack with his blade, giving Skull enough time to strike it from the side. With a couple of more attacks, the two finished it off. One of the Lilim used Spirit Drain on Queen but she pushed through the pain and managed to gun it down and Noir finished it off with Milady's Triple Down. This gave Joker the opportunity to have the last Lilim become one of her masks.
As the group continued walking, Noir let out a happy sigh ''I have to admit, battles are such a thrill! I never thought they'd be so enjoyable but there's something that feels good about defeating those shadows!''
''I know just what you mean, it does feel nice to defeat them.'' Queen remarked.
Noir's smile widened ''Right?''
The others were admittedly thrown for a loop. Considering Queen, they weren't too surprised, especially given how long she had to restrain herself in the real world. Hearing something like that from the soft and polite Noir on the other hand was certainly a surprise.
''Ohh, I know this! What was it called again? Sadder...?'' Oracle tried to think.
Mona looked stunned ''...I never thought Noir would be like that...''
''Yeahhh, I'm just gonna...go over there...'' Skull trailed off, subtly stepping away from the heiress.
''Those two have more in common than I thought...'' Panther noticed how Fox appeared preoccupied. ''...something wrong, Fox?''
''Ah, I was just thinking about something odd I saw in the Safe Room. There were three pictures that displayed the company in quite a different light. The workers appeared happy and they even seemed to get along well with Noir's father.'' Fox stated, to general surprise.
''Seriously?'' Skull blinked.
''It's not that big of a surprise-Noir already mentioned how different he was before his desires became twisted.'' Joker reminded.
Mona nodded ''But for them to be in the Safe Room...I guess Okumura might actually hold the memory of those times to be important on some level.''
''I saw the pictures too. My father certainly has changed since then.'' The girl in question stated. It mader her wonder though, was there any chance they could get through to her father somehow?
They came across a lanky robot who recognized Noir, clearly having not gotten any warning about her. This allowed the girl to lie and say that they were here to help President Okumura, asking if the robot could tell them where the chief director was since she had buisness with him. The robot gladly does so, happy to help her out, telling them where the chief's office was.
Unfortunately, their luck wasn't about to last as the chief knew what the Phantom Thieves had been up to and quickly attacked the group.
They were quickly able to turn the battle to their advantage, something that left the chief to recoil. Queen realized that the enemy was actually trying to retreat. Something that would not just likely render their effort useless but also bring much more enemies to them.
''Fox, try blocking those exits!'' She called.
The artist stifffened, realizing where she was going with this and he immediately called upon Goemon to seal both exits with a wall of ice. The shadow cried out in anger at this, leaving it no choice but to head to the console at the center of the room.
That route was also stopped at once as Hecate appeared before the console, bringing its attention to Panther.
''Ah-ah, you're staying put.'' She smirked. ''Hecate, Agilao!''
The big fireball left it with a burn, which Mona capitalized on to with Zorro's Garula, knocking it down. Skull had Seiten Taisei increase the grou's attack power and with a few consequent attacks, the group was able to finish it off.
A few of the screens on the console suddenly flashed, catching them by surprise. They found a call about a shift change before one of the screens displayed a number of red robots going about the area.
''Wait, so what does this mean?'' Panther inquired.
''We do need more ID cards, it's likely that one of them has the card we need for the elevator.'' Queen reasoned, holding up the card she had picked up after the chief's defeat. ''At least this will likely let us proceed.''
As it were, Queen was correct. The card let them go further in the Barracks. With Oracle's help, they were able to narrow down the area where the robot having the ID card would be. And like the first one, they came out on top and found another card, this one took them to the last floor in the Barracks.
Soon, they were face to face with the robot holding the third ID card. Since this one had been warned of the group's actions, it had minions at the ready, a number of low-ranked workers surrounding it.
''So you've come...'' It hissed, looking at its minions then. ''...oi, you scrubs! You better defend me with all you got or else!'' Cries of 'Yes, sir!' resounded moments later. ''Good, now eat this!''
It held up an arm and fired an energy blast from its palm at Mona, who was quick to dodge. It was quick to fire another blast, from its other hand, this time towards Oracle. The girl was about to move when Joker jumped in front of her, using the Song of Harmony to negate the attack.
The navigator was relieved ''Thanks! Now here's a little something from me!'' With in seconds, she was flying with Necronomicon, unleashing a few bombs. All were aimed towards the enemy leader but the minions all got in to shield it, sustating a lot of damage. The same happened when Joker and Skull tried to use their guns on it.
The enemy leader glanced at the minions, most of which had a hard time getting up ''Pathetic! Is that all it takes to take you out? You really are weaklings!''
Noir scowled ''Stop that right now!''
''This is the only thing they're good for. They're supposed to put their all in for the sake of the company and President Okumura, like us all. It's what the president would want and we're all here to serve him. Not that I'd expect a traitor like you to understand.'' The enemy retorted. ''If they can't even do what they're told, they're useless.''
''Milady!'' A fed up Noir called, the Persona appearing behind her, surrounded in azure flames. ''Mapsio!''
With a wave of her hand, Milady sent out the colorful blasts. This served to destroy a number of the weakened workers as they once again tried to defend their leader. But it wasn't nearly enough to protect it completely, throwing the enemy leader back.
''Hey, I think we got a weakness!'' Skull called.
Mona smirked ''Hit it!''
The party proceeded to unleash and All Out Attack, taking care of most the enemies and weakening their leader. It tried to attack them with multiple blasts from both arms. Queen charged on, dodging a few of the attacks before she punched and kicked the robot on the head. When it tried to blast her a second later, Panther forced its arm back by trapping it and yanking back with her whip. Fox and Joker struck then, their blades leaving their marks on the robot. Noir moved next, taking it out with a swipe of her axe.
She let out a breath and put her weapon away ''...That was rather satisfying.''
''Tell me about it, that one was an ass.'' Panther added, sparing a disdainful look at robot's former location.
''My father is likely much worse...'' The heiress stated, her expression growing determined. ''...but he won't be for long. I'll change his heart for sure.''
Joker smiled as she picked up the card their enemy left behind ''That's the spirit, Noir. Let's go back to the elevator, we got all we need.''
The elevator led them into the Surroundings' floor. One of the first things they saw were some strange UFO like discs that floated between platforms.
''Just goes to show how much he likes space and all, huh?'' Mona muttered as they used them to go further.
From there on, they found an area with some twists and turns, also encountering enemies along the way. They eventually came across a walkway that lead to a large tower, quickly enabling them to find a Safe Room.
They used the chance to take some rest and talk their plans over. Mona spread the map on a table before him ''Well, that's pretty much all the areas visible here. We're going to need to look for a new map though...''
Queen hummed ''It's definitely good progress. I think we should stop here for today though. We don't want anyone getting too tired and we do have school tomorrow.''
The cat nodded and the others came to agree, remembering that they had to pace themselves. And so, with that decided, they made to take their leave.
Skull sighed ''How do you guys even worry about school with all the stuff we're dealing with?''
''You should be used to it by now.'' Panther pointed out.
''We are students after all.'' Queen reminded, ignoring him sighing again.''It's only natural.''
Oracle snickered ''Aw, poor Skull...''
He gave her a look ''You go and try what it's like then!'' He blinked at the lack of response. ''Uh, hey...'' Why did he have a feeling that he said something wrong?
''What's up?'' Mona prompted.
''Nothing, nothing...just thinking-let's move.'' Oracle went ahead.
Strangely enough, her behavior continued even as she left for him and neither Namine or Morgana could get her to say what was going on.
The first remembered Akechi's text from earlier, finding the detective waiting for her near the street leading to Leblanc as he promised in the next. What he wanted certainly was unexpected though.
''You're investigating Kawanabe-san?''
''Right. There's been plenty of rumors about him, especially since Madarame's change of heart. He offers to sponsor young aspiring painters but ties them to disadvantageous exclusive contracts and then demands immense payments, supposedly to cover the cost of the exhibit. Other than that, he takes kickbacks from scholarships. But I lack proof.''
Namine frowned ''So you think Yusuke's being set-up?'' Kawanabe seemed so nice though...then again, so was Madarame. Could it be...?
Morgana's eyes narrowed. Just when Yusuke was beginning to deal with what Madarame caused, something like this happens...
''I'm glad you asked, Hyakuya-san. People's desires cause them to commit crimes. As a detective, I uncover those crimes. Makes it seems like I'm a Phantom Thief.'' He half-smiled. ''How about this? You could set up a meeting with Kawanabe. You're both acquainted with him so it'd make things easier. He'd only be guarded around me. Also, you'd be nearby so Kitagawa would be protected. Then I can get my proof, how about it?''
She had her answer ready ''You've got a deal.''
The next day, at Leblanc. Namine and Morgana had returned early on Futaba's request and were not waiting for the girl to arrive. They eventually began talking about last night.
''I'll keep an eye out on things too.'' Morgana stated. ''We may not know the truth about the situation but we can't take any risks. Yusuke's already been through enough because of Madarame. We can't let this stand.''
''Right. Let's do all we can to help. It's best to nip this thing in the bud.'' Namine returned, earning a nod from the feline. ''Wonder if Futaba can help figure this out...''
That line of thought did make her wonder, what was up with the girl yesterday? She had hardly said two words since they left the Palace.
Sojiro came out of the kitchen moments later, noticing her expression. ''What's up? You look like you're deeply thinking about something.''
She blinked ''...oh, I was wondering-Futaba was acting kind of strange-she'd hardly said two words before she went home.''
''Wait, she was like that yesterday too? She was pretty distracted this morning.'' Sojiro recalled, turning as the door opened to find the girl in question. ''Ah, there you are. You were really getting us worried there. What's going on?''
''I'm super nervous...I was just...trying to prepare myself.'' She returned.
He blinked ''For what?''
''...I'm going to go to school.''
''What?!'' Sojiro and Morgana stared at her in shock while Namine's eyes widened.
The barista quickly spoke up ''You actually want to...?''
''I figure it's about time...it's next on my list.'' She reminded, holding up her new promise list.
''Are you sure?'' He had to ask, leaving her to nod.
''I've got to keep going...''
Namine and Morgana exchanged glances, they were among thsoe who noticed how Futaba generally avoided the topic of school. It looked like they might finally find out why that was.
''...I'll be fine so long as Namine's there.'' Futaba finished.
The girl gave her a reassuring smile, glad to see how she continued to step out of her comfort zone ''...Well then, it's a good thing that was already a given.'' She winked and the younger girl smiled back, relief clear in her eyes.
Namine looked at Sojiro ''I'll be okay, Boss. We've got things under control.''
He began to smile ''Right, I'll be counting on you.''
''So what brought this on?'' Morgana asked as they approached Shujin.
''...I've been thinking about it ever since I heard about Shiho coming back here.'' Futaba admitted. ''I figured if she can actually face it with her head held high after that scumbag did...it was kind of inspiring, you know?''
''I hear you...'' The cat nodded.
Futaba looked nervous as the school gate drew closer ''Pretty hard stuff for the second boss...It's gonna be even harder knowing that there are people there too...''
''Calm down, just one step at time.'' Namine advised.
''R-right. Welp, ain't no time like the present, come on!''
The hacker stopped moments later, spotting a familiar figure at the gate ''Makoto?''
''Ah, there you are.'' The girl smiled. ''I remembered you mentioning something about the list before and Namine texted me about your idea. I thought I could help out.''
''R-really? Thanks...''
''Of course.'' Makoto returned. ''Now do you want to come in?''
Futaba fidgeted a little ''Umm...can I use a Goho-M instead?''
Namine placed a hand on her shoulder ''Come on, you're not on your own, remember?''
She laughed sheepishly ''Y-yeah, I was just testing you!'' The older girls shared amused looks at this.
''I'm sure you'll be fine. Most of the students left and the teachers are in a meeting.'' Makoto offered. ''I'll join you, I can use my position as the student council president to avoid any trouble that may arise.''
''Really? You're incredible, Makoto! If I've got you two, this place is gonna be as easy as fighting a trash mob!''
''I'm not sure I understand. That's a good thing, right?'' Makoto looked at the others.
''I think it's Futaba's way of saying piece of cake.'' Morgana offered.
''I see,'' She smiled. ''Then come on, let's get started.''
''This is the cafeteria, where some students choose to eat lunch.'' Makoto started.
''Lunch...that reminds me of this I was the only kid who didn't get a pudding with my meal...'' Futaba thought back. ''...oh and this other time I ate a strawberry with ketchup on it...I didn't notice 'cause they're both red but it was really gross...''
Namine and Makoto sweatdropped while Morgana shuddered ''Nasty...''
''Um, anyway...the cafeteria's pretty boring, huh?'' Makoto managed. ''Let's move on...''
''This is the school library.'' Makoto said. ''We have all the regular academic fare: textbooks, encyclopedias, study guides...But we also have some manga and light novels at the request of some especially vocal students.''
''So many books...'' Futaba marveled.
Makoto began to smile, glad to see they caught her interest ''Do you like to read, Futaba?''
She nodded ''Back in elementary school, I memorized the titles on the books on a shelf with a glance. The other kids thought I was making it up when I told them though...But when I recited all the titles to prove it, they just laughed and called me a freak...'' She bit her lip. ''...Namine, am I a freak?''
The girl shook her head ''You've got real talent. I bet it just surprised them.''
''...I don't wanna be talented if it's gonna creep people out.''
''Hey, we see for who you are, right? None of us think you're a freak.'' Namine glanced at their friends, who nodded and gave the younger girl a reassuring look.
''Why don't we try somewhere else?'' Makoto suggested.
Eventually, they decided to avoid the last places, the classrooms and went back down...
''I suppose we need to leave soon...'' Makoto sighed. ''...I'm sorry, Futaba.''
''Don't be...it's my fault for remembering this sad stuff...I guess dwelling on the past is a bad habit of mine, huh?''
''...In all fairness, everyone does it.'' Morgana offered.
''That's right, it's clear how much you've improved, Futaba.'' Makoto added. ''For one thing, you wouldn't have been so worried about this before. You know it's wrong so you want to fix it, that's a first step towards solving the problem. Coming here is a huge breakthrough, right Namine, Morgana?''
''That's for sure.''
''Absolutely.'' The two replied.
''You know, I told Shiho-chan about this. She says it makes for great news, she's going to reward for making this step.'' Namine informed, seeing the girl's eyes widen in surprise.
''So you're all happy with me even though I got totally depressed?'' Futaba smiled when the three confirmed. ''Is this like that saying where life gave you lemons? Maybe I could make lemonade for the Phantom Thieves, er, figuratively speaking!''
Morgana smirked ''That's more like it.''
Namine beamed at the young girl Makoto smiled ''That would be wonderful.''
''Aw yeah! All right, I went back to school, so that means promise number two is done! How about we retreat? You up for having curry for dinner?'' Futaba perked up when Namine nodded and Morgana agreed. ''Then let's go! You wanna come, Makoto?''
''Hmm...Sure, why not?'' The girl returned.
Futaba grinned ''Great, time to make like a rabbit and hop on outta here!''
Well, let's stop here.
Another part of the Palace done. Since there has been some talk about how Okumura was different from the palace rulers before him, i wanted to try showing that even if a little. I won't hold off dealing with it for long but there are some side requests and other stuff I want to put in here and there. It won't be much fun if the focus is just on the Palace, at least that's how I feel. Anywho, seeing as they've gotten to know Shiho better here, I figured it'd make sense to have what she did influence Futaba in some way. She has tried to help Futaba with her 'rehabilitation' after all.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you keep it up. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 8)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 5)
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 6)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 4)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 4)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 5)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 3)
Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man Rank 1)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Iwai Munehisa (Hanged Man Rank 1)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 1)