Vangran: Hey, thanks. Well, with all what was said about Shinjuku I just figured exercising caution made sense.
As for your question, I did consider using Sumire more than once. But it was looking like I'd be handling too many characters. I'm considering making a P5 Twilight Strikers sequel and if I do go ahead with that, she'll be there. I'll be making a few changes to her story but I think I can work her into the story much better then. I already have an idea on how to integrate her character if it comes to that.
Defender31415: Thanks a bunch. Well, I intend to handle Makoto's confidant somewhat differently. It just seems like they focus so much on Eiko that it got a little boring, at least to me. I have a couple of ideas I'm looking forward to trying on that front. Hifumi's Mementos mission target is definitely her mom, she's the source of the trouble after all.
I'm going to use the 3rd tier Personas for sure, it'll be in the 3rd semeseter though. It doesn't really have to do with Namine hanging out with anyone, I mean there's no reason they wouldn't hang out anymore. They still do even if I don't always get around to mentioning it. The confidant numbers are just reminders for me so I can remember where I stand there for the most part.
With all the Phatom Thieves' preparations taken care of, the time had come to change President Okumura's heart...
Morgana ran down from Okumura Foods' HQ to the alley where his friends were waiting ''The Calling Card worked, you guys. Everyone's going crazy over there-we're good to go!''
''Then let's do it.'' Namine proceeded to activated the Nav...
Mona was indeed correct, things were proceeding at quite a fast necked pace. The workers were even busier than ever, so busy that they didn't even seem to notice the group at all.
''The hell? They're actually workin' even more?'' Skull honestly didn't think that was possible.
''That is strange...'' Sage uttered ''...what exactly is going on? Is this all because of the Calling Card?''
''Come on! Come on!'' One of the workers cried.
''We have to hurry! Let's not waste a single moment!''
''The President's plan is about to come to pass. Through all the struggles, he found a way to increase the family's power...''
The mention of plan left Noir wary ''I remember Father mentioning some sort of through breakthrough before...could this be related?''
Panther's lips thinned ''What'd he do this time?'' Her immediate thought what his plans would cost Noir. ''Oracle, can you find him?''
The navigator was already busy searching the area, overhearing some of the the workers rambling about this being their last operation before the facility was taken care of...They had come across that utopia project before. Were they finally goning to find out what it meant?
A few groups of workers tried to get in their way but they were quickly defeated. Still, no one missed how...desperate the workers acted. Despite having been aware of their loyalty to the president, the sheer extent they pushed themselves even as they broke down...it was quickly getting disturbing. While the team knew they were cognitions, it was hard not to pity them. They would honestly rather not fight at this point but the robots never gave them a choice
''Guys, up there!'' Oracle pointed at the big UFO flying above them. ''That's where Okumura is!''
As the machine stopped at a terminal, the team hurried over, soon coming across Okumura's Shadow, who was standing with a pair of black clad managers bots.''I've been expecting you.''
''Father...'' Noir steeled herself. Talking to him would do no good, she knew, this Palace wouldn't exist if things were that simple. Her friends were fine with backing her up on this but they also made it clear that she shouldn't expect much success. But even if her attempts were met with failure, she needed to understand. How did he come to be like this?
The others didn't quite understand because they had only known his twisted self but she never would've thought her father would sink to such despicable levels. ''...why would you do all this? You hurt so many people...and ruined lives-all because of this utopia? Does it mean so much that you'd give up everything for it?''
''What foolish words! I will do anything to achieve my utopia! It's the way to raise the family to the upper echelons of society and I would be truly happy. Nothing else matters, if I have to step over people so be it!''
''It's always about you, huh?'' Skull scowled. ''You're so damn selfish that it's sickening. Noir cares so much about you and look much you hurt her!''
S. Okumura remained unfazed ''My real daughter wouldn't go against me. She would do what it takes for the good of the family.''
''What family? You made it crystal clear that it's all for you!'' Oracle countered, similarly outraged on Noir's behalf.
So was Panther ''You don't deserve a good and loving daughter like Noir!''
''As if I care for the words of petty thieves.'' He waved dismissively ''Haru, if you truly do care then show it. I will give you a chance to join me. Your actions aside, I think it's admirable that you've grown so strong. I can see you're truly becoming an independent young woman-it'd be a shame to let all of that come to an end. As your father, I naturally want to see you grow. What do you say?''
''...I side with my father...'' S. Okumura gave a pleased hum, smirking at his enemies. But Noir wasn't finished ''...my real father, that is. You're not him. I wished we could avoid a battle but I can tell you're far too gone to listen. That's why I will fight-to get my father back. The kind man who truly wanted the good of others, the one who taught me so much. I truly would be failing him if I side with you!''
''Yeah, you tell him!'' Oracle cheered.
''You fool...very well then, then you face elimination.'' The president pressed a button on a nearby wall. Suddenly, they were pushed back by an invisible force before two energy barriers seperated them. Skull, Panther, Oracle and Queen were the furthest back while Sage and Fox were just before them, leaving Joker, Noir and Mona facing S. Okumura. The Shadow raised a hand and a number of enemies surrounded the team.
''Now then...'' The Shadow looked at Mona. ''...you don't have to fight. You could be on the winning side, I would think someone with your abilities could be rather useful. After all, you weren't with them before, were you?''
Wait, did he mean...? ''So you were spying on us...''
His next words confirmed that to be the case ''You said you wouldn't gain anything by siding with them. Well, you were absolutely right. Soon this place will be no more, I advise you to cut them off for your own gain. So, do we have a deal? I'll give you ten seconds to answer. Time is money, after all.''
The consequent chuckle came as a surprise ''I was just lying to myself before but no more of that. Everything's gain and losses for you, isn't it? You really are blind, Mr. CEO. You lived with Noir for 17 years and you still haven't realized? In this world, there are tons of things that money and fame can't buy! What point would there be in saving only myself?! Nobody can ever replace these guys! I will never turn my back on them again!'' He aimed his slingshot and fired a shot at the button, disabling the barriers.
He recoiled as the team gathered again ''What?!''
''Way to go, Mona!'' Joker smiled.
''Nicely done!'' Sage added.
''Wowza, you're so cool, Mona!'' Oracle ruffled his fur.
Skull followed suit ''Heh, you stole the show, man!''
Beaming, the feline thief knew he had just been saying the truth but it felt really good to get that off his chest. He would always be proud to be a part of this group and nothing would change that.
''Fine, you rebels!'' S. Okumura spat. ''I'll take you all down now!''
He took out what looked like a remote control, Oracle started ''Joker, get that thing away from him!''
The older girl was about to question this but the urgency in their navigator's voice made her discard the notion. Thinking fast, she whipped out her revolver and aimed it at the president's hand. He tried to get away but Joker wasn't the best shot in the Phantom Thieves for nothing, it only took her a couple of bullets to knock the device out of his hands. The enemy's anger told her that this thing was important.
Oracle was thinking along similar lines, knowing her hunch had been correct. She remembered the snippets of conversation she overheard when searching with Necronomicon earlier. This thing could be likely something to get that started, if not, it was bound to cause something troublesome.
''Get them!''
The enemies charged, Queen made sure to defend Oracle, kicking a robot away. Skull had Seiten Taisei clock himself with electricity before hurling his staff at a pair of robots, Goemon froze a number of enemies allowing Hecate to incinerate them.
Mona cut down a Decarabia, remaining unfazed as one of the managers jumped at him, dodging the attack. ''Nice try, more numbers doesn't mean better odds. We'll beat them down just like we did those who came before! We're a better team than anything you can muster!''
He summoned Zorro but that was when the surprise occured. The top heavy swashbuckler began to glow and suddenly he was surrounded by white light and blue flames, blocking him from view.
''Whoa, Zorro's getting a huge power boost!'' Oracle exclaimed.
But there was more to it...
The light and flames faded, revealing a completely new presence in Zorro's place. A lean and agile looking figure, clad in an outfit that was mostly in shades of blue with a little gold. Its shoes had wide wings on the sides and brandished a staff in one hand.
''What just...?'' Mona's eyes widened while the others stared on in wonder.
This may have been unexpected but Panther knew what it meant ''You did it, Mona. That's like what happened with us, your Persona evolved!''
Mona was stunned, not even hearing Skull whoop as this sank in. This whole time, he wondered if this evolution would happen to him. For a while, he didn't believe it was possible, yet here it was. Did this mean he had found his new strength just like Panther and Skull?
His thought came to a halt as he felt a connection to his Persona, with information about it coming to his mind.
''And in such a good time too.'' Joker put in ''Care to show us your new abilities?''
Mona smirked ''Absolutely. Let's go, Mercurius!''
The Persona needed no further prompting, it was off like a flash. Mercurius seemed to disappear for a moment, reappearing behind a few enemies. When it reapppeared, all the enemies were blown away by fierce gales, destroying them. Mercurius thrust his staff forth, unleashing wind blades that tore through more enemies.
''That was amazing.'' Mona found it hard not to puff at the awe in Queen's tone.
''Freaking cool!'' Skull exclaimed.
''You haven't seen anything yet.'' Mona returned, smirking. ''Garudyne!''
The powerful wind spell destroyed its target, forcing those nearby back. Mercurius was truly proving once again, the power of an evolved Persona. The enemies weren't about to back down, be it Shadows or workers, all were relentless. The robots mostly attacked them physically while the Shadows unleashed some elemental magic on them. Luckily, given that those were all adversaries the team had dealt with while traversing the Palace, they knew exactly how to handle them.
Noir distracted a pair of executive robots with Milady's artillery before continuing the offensive with a Mapsio, allowing Mercurius to plow through them with ease. Some enemies tried to lob bombs at them but Joker stopped this cold with the Song of Harmony, having Arsene throw her dagger to unleash a Fatal Circle afterwards. The attack scattered the intended targets as they strove to dodge but they were left vulnerable to Adam Kadmon's Megidola. One of the manager robots tried to weaken the party by making them hungry but the problem was immediately solved via Garuda's Amrita Shower.
A pair of Decarabia charged at Sage but he tanked one attack and fended them both with his staff. Both were rammed by Johanna as Queen continued attacking the enemies together with Joker as she summoned her newly obtained Valkyrie. A pair of Thunderbirds tried to get the girls from above but they were handily defeated by Mona, who cut them down with Mercurius' help.
S. Okumura watched in growing dismay as the Phantom Thieves continued dismantling his forces. They were sustaining damage but it never kept them down for long. The party was handling the enemies with some excellent displays of teamwork. Joker took full advantage of her ability as a Wild Card, making sure to tackle whatever weaknesses she knew the enemy had. Mercurius' combat abilities weren't the only thing that improved, his healing powers were already plenty above Zorro's impressive potential in that regard.
The Shadow snapped before long, utterly fed up ''You useless pieces of trash! All of you are completely worthless! I'll have to use 'it' then.''
''It?'' Panther's brow furrowed.
S. Okumura smirked raised an arm. ''Come!'' A black and red pillar appeared before him, revealing a Melchizidek towering above everyone. ''This is one of my finest work, I've finally made a good use out of those pests plaguing my factory. Let's see how you fare against it!''
Melchizidek charged, almost blowing past the entire group with sheer force. Mona quickly had Mercurius defend them when it made to attack again. The enemy countering by casting Megidola, making Joker stop it. Noir couldn't help but wince a little at seeing how the parts of the attacks hurt the workers and her father didn't even bat an eye. While she wasn't surprised, that did nothing to lessen the sour taste in her throat left with his utter callousness.
The new enemy cast Masukukaja on itself before continuing the offense, using another Megidola. Joker tried to stop it again but the silver light hadn't fully former around the group due to the enemy's increased speed, thus it only reduced the damage somewhat. It dodged Fox and Skull's bullets and retaliated, swiftly punching the boys who tried to counter with their Personas and failed.
Oracle gave the whole group boosts in power, defense and speed. Melchizidek charged again but this time they were able to react better, guarding against its initial punch. Avoiding Seiten Taisei's lightning, it blew past Arsene and Milady's magics before using God Hand three times to target the whole group.
Queen pulled herself, holding back a wince. ''What power...Oracle, any info we can use?''
''Yeah!'' The hacker had actually just finished her analysis. ''Oh, damn...guys, it's a lot like those super juiced up Shadow we fought before. No idea how but this one's actually under control. It's strong against psy attacks and it negates curse ones, but it's weak to wind!''
Mona smirked ''Good to know-'' His eyes narrowed as the Shadow reared up a fist. ''-heads up!''
Melchizidek unleashed another God Hand, wasting no time in charging for a Megaton Raid afterwards. Joker stopped the first attack though the force of it pushed her back. Queen quickly summoned Johanna to help her, firing her most potent nuclear spell. Melchizidek flew back to dodge it-angered, S. Okumura ordered the rest of his minions to get back in there and fight. While they had clearly steered out of Melchizidek's range before, they were clearly far more frightened of their boss to keep doing so.
Oracle thought fast, using a number of her bombs to keep the enemies away. Queen was glad as this gave her a moment to think about how to handle this situation. ''Let's split up. Joker, Mona, we'll be counting on you guys to handle that thing. Panther and I will back you up. Everyone else, keep the other enemies away from us.''
''Right!''
''Before we get started then...'' Sage swiftly healed the group with Mediarama before they went on their way.
Melchizidek attacked its four adversaries with Makouga, Panther dodged the rays of light in her direction before trying to whip it. It fired up another ray in response, forcing her to guard. Mona used Mercurius' Garudyne once more, which the Shadow barely managed to avoid in time and charged at the cat. It was caught off guard when Queen shot bullets at it and the feline thief used the chance to attack with his new Persona's magic once more, knocking the enemy down.
''Come on!'' Mona called.
The party of four unleashed an All Out Attack, blowing the Shadow back. Melchizidek got back to its feet and tried to attack but it was clear that the battle was taking its toll for it was beginning to slow down. Its power had also lessened but it was still quite troublesome.
''This thing's pretty resilient-I guess he put up all he learned from those other powerful Shadows altogether. We can't let this drag on.'' There was also the fact that dragging the battle on would only wear them down more. Mona didn't doubt that they realized this as well but none of them would back down now.
''Let's go full power.'' Panther decided. ''We've gotta help the others too, there's no telling what else the president's got up his sleeve.''
''I've got one attack that could definitely finish it off but it might miss with those reflexes...'' The feline thief trailed off.
Joker got an idea ''Then let's make sure it doesn't. Mona, we'll distract it and give you an opening.'' She quickly explained her plan and the others agreed to go for it, preparing themselves.
Melchizidek charged up for another attack but Joker and Panther summoned Byakko and Hecate to strike. Both Personas used their respective magics, ice and fire collided to coat the area around Melchizidek in steam. Caught off guard, the unsuspecting Shadow was blasted by Johanna's Freila, with Queen seizing the change to kick its head hard, pushing it to a wall. The Shadow was about to retaliate only to be met with Byakko's Bufudyne, throwing it off balance.
That was when Mona made his move. Riding on Johanna behind Queen, the cat leaped up ''Mercurius!''
The evolved Persona appeared next to the cat as he brandished his scimitar, unleashing his new Overdrive ''Now, Emerald Squall!''
Mercurius waved his staff, unleashing a multitude of green wind blades from numerous angles. Mona thrust his sword forward, raising powerful gales that blew the Shadow into the air. In a second, the wind magic merged into a huge tornado that caught its target, finishing it off.
''What?!'' S. Okumura recoiled, Mona smirking tauntingly in return. While he wouldn't admit it, it felt good to give the man grief after how much he hurt Noir. Mona knew he hadn't exactly been a saint but Noir had been so kind to him when he didn't deserve it and he wanted to do what he could to repay her.
Things were going similarly well on the rest of the group, with them certainly coming out on top despite the rising opposition. Fox summoned Goemon, the icy winds of his Etheral Malestrom blowing many enemies away while freezing those who endured it solid. With one snap of Goemon's fingers, the ice and everything around it was shattered.
S. Okumura growled ''I will not lose to your pests, least of all when I'm so close to achieving my utopia. This is far from over...''
''Well, you're right for once...'' A new voice spoke up, making them all start and look around for the source. ''...but you really are a disappointment.''
The next thing anyone knew, the enemy leader was blasted by a fast moving beam, much to everyone's surprise.
''Wha-where'd that...?'' Oracle's mouth dropped as afemale in gold and white robes holding a long hooked staff with a jewel at an end walked to the scene. Her long hair reached past her back and her dark red eyes glittered with malice. She might've been mistaken for human had it not been for her skin, which was a pale purple color.
Accompanying her was a tall figure clad in black and red armor which had spiked shoulders, holding a huge sword. His hair was spiky and a dark shade of blue, almost black while his skin was white. His golden eyes were a similar shade to S. Okumura as he stared the Shadow down with a wicked smirk.
''The hell...?'' Skull verbalized everyone's shock.
Oracle felt Necronomicon's alarm even before she began the scanning, alerting her that something was very, very wrong. ''Guys, careful...those two are way, way tough...probably stronger than anything we've met!''
The woman flashed her an amused look towards the floating Persona ''Ah, you can tell already? Well, we thought to stop by and see how you'd fare.''
Queen's eyes narrowed ''Who are you supposed to be?''
''I'm glad you asked! My name is Circe and my associate is Pluto. We've had a couple of occasions to watch your group so a little test proved to be quite tempting.''
''At least you brats are proving to be far more entertaining than this blowhard.'' The latter added with a glance at S. Okumura. ''But watching got boring...so we've decided it's about time to get in on this!''
Circe lifted her staff, unleashing a powerful almighty spell that almost blew everyone back. Pluto quickly unleashed a frenzy of attacks, using Bloodbath to target everyone.
Joker was barely to stop him in time with the Song of Harmony. Oddly enough, this seemed to intrigue the two more than anything.
''This Wild Card is even more interesting than the other one. She doesn't shy away at all from her true potential...'' Circe smiled.
Her companion saw it differently ''Bah, that little fool's just a joke. It's only by pure luck that he lived so far.''
''What does that even mean?'' Noir stared, they knew another Wild Card?
But no one had anytime to question the interlopers' mysterious words as Pluto attacked once more, the party hurried away to defend or dodge from the deluge of lightning that comprised Wild Thunder, which swept through the entire area repetitively. Joker idly noted how one of the robots leaped in to defend S. Okumura from a stray bolt. She didn't know how long she could hold the Song of Harmony against such an attack so it was best not to risk it.
Pluto fended the bullets Skull fired at him while Circe dodged Panther's whip and blocked Fox's sword with her staff, blowing him and Panther back with a Makouga. She swiftly cast Megidola afterwards but Sage responded with Adam Kadmon's own almighty magic. At first it looked like the attacks canceled each out but the force unleashed in the clash nearly blew them back.
Oracle had no idea what was going on. While she'd been able to discern their strengths, it was like something muddled the usual data she would pick up from her targets. She could get something but the effect was slow...
Thinking fast, she unleased some of Necronomicon's bombs but Circe cast what looked like a shield to stop any damage cold. Pluto smirked ''You're just going to have to try harder brats, we're nothing like the trash you were fighting!''
Scowling, the navigator responded by helping heal her friends, noting how the shield could break from strong, fast impact. She warned her friends at once, with Joker and Queen shooting at it. Pluto laughed when it seemed to have no effect.
Circe, however, was more wary. It soon turned out that ''Clever...well then-Mapsiodyne!''
The spell blasted half the party but it was the worst on Queen, the girl collapsing Pluto prepared to attack her but then Milady and Seiten Taisei blocked his path, unleashing some attacks which he tanked.
''Don't underestimate us!'' Skull snapped.
Pluto smirked ''You sure are spirited-let's see how long that lasts!''
As the battle continued, the new arrivals proved that they were far stronger than anything the Palace had to offer. It didn't help that the team had spent a good amount of time fighting so it was wearing on them. Still, even as Circe and Pluto were getting the advantage, the Phantom Thieves didn't give up and kept fighting hard...
S. Okumura's anger grew as he observed the battle, feeling as if they were looking down on him. This was his Palace, his world and yet here those two come, deciding he was nothing. That was unacceptable! He looked at his remaining minions ''Well, what're you waiting for?! Keep this up and you will be destroyed-get rid of them!''
One executive director robot charged at the new arrivals with a fist at the ready. But Pluto blocked his punch with a single finger ''You're even more pathetic than I thought.''
Two general managers jumped to use Assault Dive but they were instantly obliterated when Circe cast Maiega. The curse magic even struck S. Okumura as she leveled a cold look at him ''We might as well have been doing you a favor-you really are deluded if you think those wastes of spaec could lay a scratch on us.''
The president merely had his workers keep attacking, to Mona's bafflement ''Is he really that stupid?! What makes him think he can do any better against them if his robots hardly had a thing on us?''
''Pride, I suppose.'' Queen's eyes widened as S. Okumura was struck down again. ''Come on, we can't let them continue. If they keep it up, this'll be for nothing!''
The realization had sank in for the others too. S. Okumura had taken plenty of damage and if this kept up, he would have a mental shutdown. ''Milady!'' The noblewoman materialized before her User's father, casting Tetrakarn on command.
As S. Okumura looked up in surprise, Noir spared him a short glance ''Just stay there. We have bigger problems to deal with.''
''So someone in this family does have common sense.'' Pluto lunged at the girl with his fist. Noir deftly blocked the attack with her axe, countering with a Psiodyne afterwards. The attack seemed to jar him a little but he quickly shook it off and Noir guessed he might have a good resistance to her element but not enough to brush it off all together.
''Sarasvati!'' Joker summoned another of her new Personas, having her heal S. Okumura before she joined Noir. Both new enemies dodged her ice spells, jumping away in an instant. Pluto prepared a Garudyne on the president. But then it was blocked with the silvery shimmering dome formed by the Song of Harmony.
''You can even block like that?'' Pluto spluttered, after all they had seen her use the light when she was nearby her target. But S. Okumura was a fair bit away from her.
Joker made a mental note to thank Justine later as she and Noir defeated the robots that attacked them, the young warden's advice had actually given her a couple of new ideas to employ the Song. She just hadn't thought they'd come of use this soon...
''I must admit, I'm intrigued. Why would you go so far for him? I can see that this girl...'' Circe gestured at Noir. ''...is attached to her only remaining family-which I frankly consider foolish, especially given his actions. But what about you, Trickster? Surely you must see what kind of person he really was. Someone who thinks nothing of sentencing others to death, even selling his own daughter for his gain. Such scum doesn't deserve to live, wouldn't you say?''
''...Well, you're right about one thing...'' Joker started. ''...he is scum. But whether he lives or dies-that's not our call to make. We're going to have face up to his actions. Anyone could have a chance to repent if they take it-even someone like him. It's about doing the right thing, about respecting a friend's wish.''
Noir smiled, the girl nodding back when their gazes met. Circe unexpectedly laughed, startling them ''That was definitely not what I expected...but it makes you all the more intriguing. There's more to you than what appears.''
Despite the circumstances, Noir's determination had not wavered ''Maybe you consider my attachment to Father foolish but it doesn't matter. I can't just give up on him. I hesitated to take action and believed myself powerless for so long but no more. I will fight to stop him and end this madness, even if I have to go through you!''
The girl felt a surge of power almost like the day she fully awakened her Persona. Suddenly, a new skill flashed before her mind's eye.
Well, there was no better time to use it.
''Milady!'' The heiress raised an arm as her Persona appeared, pointing at the enemies. ''Now, Majestic Fusillade!''
Milady's hidden artillery emerged once more, she was surrounded in an iridescent aura that blasted an number of their enemies before flowing into her weapons. They glowed as Milady gathered power within him, unleashing a massive hail of psy magic enforced bullets. The Overdrive burst forth, decimating almost all enemies in sight while forcing Circe and Pluto back.
''I've been wondering what hers would be like. Awesome, Noir!'' Mona exclaimed.
''Nice work.'' Joker added, the girl beaming in return.
Sage looked at the stunned S. Okumura ''If this hasn't made it clear, Noir is doing all this to help you. She still wants to do the right thing by you even with how much you hurt her for so long. Fighting you, facing your sins given form had to have been painful but she never complained. Your daughter is far more than some puppet.''
Sadly, not all the enemies were downed. Pluto incurred more damage, likely due to weakness but Circe managed to hold up well. Noticing the glow of healing magic, Joker shot her with a few bullets, making her go on the defensive instead. ''How do you know so much about us?''
''Oh, it's simple. We've been around the Metaverse much longer than you.'' Circe returned airily. ''Your growing fame affects this world as you well know. The fact that you, another Wild Card, was leading this group made it all the more poignant. I never thought we'd see two in such a short span of time. We simply had to keep an eye on you.''
''Wait, they're talking like...'' Queen started, so there be a Wild Card they hadn't known about before able to enter this world?
Joker, well aware that there were Wild Cards before thanks to Igor, merely raised an eye ''Does this have anything to do with this test you mentioned?''
''Oh, you're sharp! You already did pass one test that was supposed to be insurmountable back in July...''
''July...?'' Then it hit Panther ''Wait, the Reaper! You're the reason we got stuck with that monstrosity?!''
''Why don't we let you find that out for yourself?'' Pluto sneered.
''...I get it now.'' Oracle pursed her lips. ''Something you seemed familiar but I couldn't place it-you're the ones behind Mona's creepy doppelganger, huh?''
''Well, since you proved to be so engaging, there's no reason not to tell you. Yes, we were.'' Circle smiled. ''Although, that didn't quite go as planned. That one was given far too much free will, he was simply supposed to collect information before sowing chaos in your ranks.''
Pluto scoffed ''That little pest was a complete waste right from the start-it even managed to botch a simple mission so easily. Enough talk now!''
He threw his sword at the nearest target, who happened to be Skull. The ex-athlete quickly dodged it but the weapon let out a burst of fire that took him by surprise, forcing him to try and guard himself. Pluto cast Wild Thunder once more but Skull summoned Seiten Taisei to held ward off some the chaotic attack. Joker followed his lead and used Okuninushi, with both Personas' resistance against the electric element staving off the worst off it. Seiten Taisei unleashed a Deathbound attack while Okuninushi used Myriad Slashes, Pluto took the attack head on while Circe defended herself against Okuninushi's speedy attacks.
Pluto blocked Queen's oncoming punch and almost launched her back with his blade but Joker and Fox intervened in time to save her from his upcoming attack, locking their blades with his own. The enemy grunted, soon pushing the three back. Panther aimed Hecate's fire magic at Circe but the latter negated it with a Bufudyne, smirking. Skull jumped to attack her then but she used wind magic which almost got him. He was quickly snatched out of the air by Mercurius, who struck with his newly learned Miracle Punch.
Sage healed the group with Mediarama once more, casting Mafreila in tandem with Queen for additional damage. Following their lead, Joker, Skull and Mona used the same combination attack they had employed against E. Mona, creating a vortex of darkness, lightning and wind that trapped both enemies. It was hard for the thieves to tell if they'd even made much progress, those two were powerful, alarmingly so.
The battle came to a momentary halt when S. Okumura surprised everyone by grabbing the remote device he had lost earlier, activating it. Then they heard an automated voice.
''Self-destruct sequence activated...''
''What?!'' Several voices cried.
''Estimated time remaining: thirty minutes.''
''Oh, you've gotta be kidding me...'' Skull began, both new enemies glared at S. Okumura in distinct annoyance.
The president tried to escape but Circe blasted him wih Garudyne. When it looked like she was about to attack again, she was stopped when a shield of silver light flared around him once more. Sage fired off Adam Kadmon's Megidola while Queen and Mona attacked in tandem, their respective Persona's strikes forcing the enemies back to dodge, grabbing Joker's shoulder as she stumbled. The girl didn't know if she could use the song again, the opportunities to practice helped but its toll on her remained.
The timer continued to advance ''Come on, now. It's time-we might be able to recover from something like this but it's not worth the trouble to our master.''
Pluto scowled ''Fine...how annoying. It's enough for one day. Well, they weren't at full strength but I guess there'll be more chances to come...not half bad, Phantom Thieves. I hope this isn't all you've got!''
With their piece said, both teleported out of the Palace within a flash of light.
No one was sure how to even react. The team knew that they'd just barely avoided a complete loss, if things had gone any differently...
''Just who were they?'' Panther wondered.
''I'd like to know myself but this isn't the time...'' Aware of the situation, Mona looked at S. Okumura. ''...hey, Mr. CEO. What're you gonna do now?''
''It...it doesn't matter. I lost after all this-I have nothing. Everything will fall apart when my treasure is taken...''
Fox scoffed ''You still don't understand?''
''You haven't lost everything-far from it. You can make a new start, with something you've been missing all along. Your family.'' Joker's reminder made him look up with a start as Noir approached.
''...Father, I really wished it wasn't like this but I couldn't see any other way. Seeing how far you've fallen...I don't think you were wrong to find your own path, to prioritize the company finances in contrast to grandfather but you took it so far...too far. The father I knew would never condone these terrible things, the mental shutdowns, the treatment of the workers. Not to mention some of your deals.'' Her eyes blazed with anger as he averted her gaze ''Why did you go so far? I feel fortunate to have been born into wealth but I never wanted it with such contemptible means. My happiest times are the days I septn with you and grandfather. That seemed to be true for you too-or are you ashamed of us now? Ashamed of your family?''
Shame colored his expression ''You know how father's business was, Haru. I remember him being beleaguered with the debt collectors. How often we would struggle with money needs because of it and how often I wished my father would do something about it but he never did. It was so frustrating-all that weakness...I was just so desperate to get out of that state. To make sure I would never be there again. I still remember what it was like when Okumura Foods really took off, it felt incredible. To see all my hard work pay off, to see your mother so happy for me. You're remind me of her, Haru. She never complained about our situation, she was ever so patient with me. At the time I truly wanted to give my family all I felt they deserved.''
The rest of the Phantom Thieves had heard much about the president from Noir, but seeing his despondent state, hearing the emotion in these words truly helped confirm it. He had indeed started out as a good person but everything just went out on control and he lost sight of himself...
''...We've heard talk about you being affiliated with an organization. They are utilizing a Persona User to take advantage of the mental shutdowns. Is that true?'' Queen inquired.
''You know...?'' He shook his head, deciding to dimiss the question. ''...Yes, it's true. When I heard of it and saw those people...how powerful they were, how untouchable. I wanted that for myself. So when that man approached me...''
''Is Masayoshi Shido a member of this group?'' She added.
''He's their leader.'' Now this, none of them saw coming ''He drew many like me with charisma and sweet promises, believing he will lead Japan to a better future. As you said, that criminal is the organization's asassin, he does whatever he is asked if it benefits him. I've only spoken to him over the phone but apparently he sees it as some sort of business.''
Joker bit her lip, this whole time she had been hesitant on how to deal with Shido, because she didn't think revenge was worth it. But now it turned out that he was the mastermind behind this twisted organization?!
''Haru-you kept trying to reach out to me...you protected me even after what I did to you. Why?'' The president asked at last.
''Is it so hard to believe that I care about you?'' He inhaled sharply ''What you did really hurt but I can't give up on you. We can never go back to how things were but I wanted to stop you going down this terrible path. Unfortunately, this was all I could to make it happen. Please understand, remember how you used to be, Father.''
''I...I understand...'' He lowered his head. ''...I'll try to repent. Perhaps I'll start looking for a way to help the workers somehow. I'll admit the truth about what was happening with the company and explain about...them. And that criminal...''
''You can't do that!'' The shadow stared at Mona, baffled as Fox clarified.
''We have reason to believe that admitting such a thing could lead to your death.''
''Look at those two creeps, they tried to kill you. The timing's a bit too much of a coincidence.'' Oracle added.
''Doing something to remedy the company's image and help the workers is a good idea, Father, but you have to be careful. We suspect that the criminal is awfully powerful and this plan could just set you up to be a target. We were told you were stepping out of line and they could easily get rid of you. This is why we took such a roundabout manner to get here.'' Noir went on.
S. Okumura's eyes widened, realizing that in a way, they had come to protect him. ''I...I truly didn't want to work with them. Some of the things I heard about Shido...'' He shook his head, pained. ''...I was too scared to go against them. To my knowledge, no one ever opposed them and lived...''
''Who are they?'' Panther pressed, this was their chance to figure out the questions they've had for quite a while now.
''I can't tell you either.'' He countered ''I realize how this sounds coming from me but you'd be in danger as well. I thought so highly of myself but I realized I was just above a mere backer to them so if what you say is true than odds are I had best be discreet and keep any dealings I had with them to a minimum.''
''Sounds about right. They'd get suspicious if you just cut ties with them at once and that would really make things worse.'' Joker nodded. ''What can you tell us now? Let's start with that.''
''They're...a powerful syndicate formed from select elite members. Their goal is to take over Japan and eventually make it a superpower. They spread their influence to many areas-even some of the police members mostly work for them.''
''So this corruption even spread so far...'' Mona trailed off, the rest just as stunned at the scale of corruption.
''I've heard that they are using you to to further their plans. One of the members was behind the revived Medjed.'' The Shadow continued.
''What?!'' Oracle exclaimed. ''Why would they do that...?''
''I believe it has to do with using your fame to their advantage. But that's all I really knew of that plan.''
''Wait, so that's why the Phantom thieves' reputation increased so much...if this syndicate is that powerful...'' Fox realized.
Queen's fists clenched, reminded yet again what a close call this day had been ''So they've been playing us this long...?''
Skull cursed ''They can't get away with this!''
''You're going to...?''
''I think it's safe to say that everyone here wants that criminal stopped.'' Joker stated. ''Which I guess means we'll have to face them too. At any rate, thank you. At least we have a much better idea of what we're up against.''
''Father...only you can follow through on your own responsiblities. That's what you taught me. Do what you must but please don't forget to be careful. Remember this. We'll do our best to make sure they are stopped. You can change back to the person you used to be, the kind father that I fought for.'' Noir implored.
''Haru...'' The man gave a sad smile. ''...your friends were correct. I don't deserve such a wonderful daughter. But it means I've done something right at least. Go on, the place will explode in minutes. I'll return to my real self.''
Nodding, she saw him fade into the light before hurrying to her friends as Mona transformed...
The group returned safely to the alley, rightfully exhausted after such a day...
''We did it!'' Ryuji exclaimed. ''Come on, guys-show a little spirit. We pulled it off!''
No one responded, Takuto chuckling at last ''Sorry, Sakamoto-kun but I think I speak for everyone when I say we're all a little too weary for that.''
''...Fair enough.'' Really, he was just as tired after all.
''We got some answers but we sure wound up with a whole lot of questions...'' Although even as he said it, Morgana would admit that this was nothing new.
''You can say that again-man, I'm so confused...'' Futaba sighed. ''...who the heck were those creeps? Some of what they said back there...isn't it kinda like someone helped them get there?''
A nod ''They said something about a master too...''
''Come on, you two! There's no point worrying about this now, we're all worn out and like Ryuji said, we pulled it off. Let's just enjoy the moment now.'' Ann remarked.
''Yeah, let's deal with what we can handle. There's no point worrying about stuff we can't control.'' Namine added.
Makoto exhaled ''I suppose you're right. Well, we came this far-as promised, we'll get to the bottom of this someday.''
Later that night, Namine found herself back in the Velvet Room...
''My congratulations for expelling the one proud of their greed, Trickster.'' Igor praised. ''Caroline and Justine informed me of the precautions you took. That was very wise of you.''
''Well, we just tried to work the best of a bad situation. Igor, you wouldn't know anything about Circe and Pluto, would you? They're worse than everything we faced not counting the Reaper. We're lucky they weren't looking for anything more than a small fight.''
''I'm afraid not. They are very unusual Shadows but that is all I am certain of. Though I do agree that they are frightening adversaries, it seems they work for someone as well, yes?'' She nodded ''It's rather strange. I've come to know much about the Metaverse but nothing would help with them...'' He closed his eyes for a moment. ''...It may be needless to say I advise you to keep proceeding with caution and apply that wisdom of yours, Trickster. You have done excellently so far, I have high faith in you.''
''Thanks.''
As he saw Namine return back to sleep, understandably weary after this day, Igor found himself thinking. Something about the interlopers tugged at his mind, as if reminding him of a lost memory...but that couldn't be, could it?
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? I was looking forward to getting this chapter out so I hope it's good. I'm not going to always leave the Persona evolution until the confidants are finished. For one thing, Mona's takes way too long. For another, this moment felt perfect for Mercurius given what happened in this arc.
As I think you'd guess, Circe and Pluto's master is Yaldabaoth. They've mostly been keeping to the shadows because their boss thinks he can use the team, only testing them with the Reaper fiasco back and E. Mona. Today was also another test, which was why they left when they did. The only human they've had contact with before the Phantom Thieves is the Black Mask, who they helped before.
A little spoiler, they know about Crow but he hasn't seen them before-which is why they said that stuff about him. It's true. I didn't show much of them now but you'll see more eventually. Consider them the God of Control's enforcers, erm, for lack of a better word.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 9)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 6)
Igor (Aeon Rank 6)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 6)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 7)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
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 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 2)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 1)