Defender 31415: Hey, nice to hear from you again. I thought about an arcana for Fujitaka and Asuka but I still don't know if I'd go for that-I'm not even sure which one I'd choose for one thing. Glad to know you like the interactions, I really like a bunch of P5's characters so it's fun working on their day to day interactions and relationships.
Well, I've got plans regarding Sae and they're going to begin unfolding soon. About the prison incident-not all of the prisoners were sent there after the change of heart, it depends on the person. Yes, some of them had a change of heart but a good number of those criminals have been there for years and the PT couldn't have enacted a change on all of them. I never said all of them had psychotic breakdowns or mental shutdowns, just that a lot of people died and it was all meant to spread fear of the Phantom Thieves.
Vangran: Thanks, that's really nice of you to say! I didn't want to leave Kawakami's story out, it was going to be included one way or the other. The whole maid angle left it a bit troublesome to work with. This is something I meant to touch upon soon but Namine doesn't know that her reputation is becoming a lot better than she thinks-like in Shujin, where people are coming to understand that she wasn't just some delinquent. She's healing from the past, accepting that she still has family and friends who care about her. Someone actually being in love with her is something she's going to need getting used to.
The Phantom Thieves were surprised to learn that the newest door in Mementos opened up for them. None of them had expected such a thing given how they handled Okumura's change of heart.
"So what does this mean?'' Fox wondered.
Panther looked troubled ''Do you think those guys Noir's dad talked about figured out our plans?''
"Nah, I don't see how. And on the off chance that they did and we're right about them being behind the prison attack, we at least made Noir's dad was safe from the Black Mask.'' Oracle pointed out. ''You look like you figured something out though, Sage. What's up?''
"I was thinking about what President Okumura said.'' Their oldest member started. ''This organization used Medjed to boost the team's reputation, yes? All the Phantom Thief merchandise started spreading out after you took down Medjed. Seeing all that's been going on lately, I think it's just that we're being kept in the public's eye in a matter of speaking. Our popularity may not have risen much but people do keep talking about us so I think the effect may be similar.''
Mona hummed in understanding ''That makes sense! I never looked at it that way but it is the people's cognition that let us get so far. No wonder we could make progress with our reputation as strong as it is now.''
"Yeah, about that-there's something I don't get...'' Skull cocked his head. ''...according to the president, they've been helping boost our rep, right? How come?''
"It's hard to say since we know so little about them but my guess is taking us down must help them in some way.'' Mona stated.
The boy decided not to press the matter, knowing that guessing wouldn't do much good anyway ''All right then-so first we've gotta deal with those two assholes making Kawakami-sensei's life hell and then this sleazy chairman Joker told us about...''
"Yeah, I think I saw a couple of requests on the Phan-Site that mentioned this ADP. Is it just a bunch of frauds, Joker?'' Oracle wanted to know.
"Well, the Chairman's the only one we've met but he's pressuring Chihaya-san into selling those Holy Stones. Mona got to examine them the other day and he said they're essentially just lumps of salt.''
The cat-bus then spoke up ''He's holding some old debt over Chihaya's head. She really thought she just had to sell the stones but she obviously feels bad about it. That jerk called her a monster and he's trying to scare her into just listening to him all over again. He pretends to want to help people but all his organization does is give false promises. Then they have the gall to tell the people that everything would be okay for sure if they buy another stone.''
"I remember that lady-to think she was going through something like this...'' Queen shook her head in disgust. ''...another example of a person being led by greed.''
''No kidding, we've...oh, heads up!'' Oracle alled, seeing a Shadow appear in their path.
They defeated more shadows along the way, allowing Joker to get more Personas in the process. Mona was able to sense that they were closing in on the first target's location before deciding to bring up something that had been bothering him ''Hey, I've been thinking about our talk from the other day. We've agreed to do something about this organization and it looks like taking Shido down is our best bet. Does anyone have an idea how we can find more information about him to begin with?''
"That'd be complicated, a high-profile figure like that would maintain their privacy. There's also the fact that we need to be discreet. The last thing we need is them discovering that we're onto them.'' Queen reasoned.
"I...guess maybe we can watch one of his interviews or speeches or something?'' Panther offered, though she didn't sound all that convinced either.
Oracle scowled ''Well, whatever it is-we've got to figure something out-just thinking of that bastard taking advantage of Mom's hard work really pisses me off.''
"Oracle...''
''No worries, we'll get him.'' Skull patted her shoulder and she nodded.
They reached the portal leading to their first target before long...
Shadow Fukurai smirked at the group ''Oh, so you're the Phantom Thieves-did one of those poor fools ask you come? You're just as idiotic as they are, you'll find nothing but misfortune in your path if you dare cross me.''
"Get over yourself, asshat. You're just a scam artist.'' Skull retorted.
Panther nodded fiercely "Don't you see that all your scams do is hurt people? You're just taking advantage of them!''
''And I should care why? If they come asking for our 'help' they have to pay the price. They'll be saved-maybe, or maybe their fate is simply inescapable. It matters little to me. You wish you had it this good. You'd look out for yourselves too.''
Mona had heard shadows make such claims but it never stopped being annoying "Don't lump us in with despicable creeps like you.''
"Yeah, you're awfully cocky for someone who who got some lucky shots.'' Oracle huffed.
S. Fukurai laughed ''It's hardly luck.''
"...It's because of Chihaya-san.'' The others glancing at Joker curiously. She didn't doubt for a moment that the fortune teller was crucial to his scheme.
The Shadow gave her a scrutinizing look ''...You're the Maiden's apprentice. Hmph, remember what I said before. Chihaya will have nothing without the ADP. She'll return to being that lonely freak again.''
"That's not true at all. Chihaya-san just has a gift that could help many people, she's doing much better now that she decided to use it the right way. She'd be doing great without you giving her grief.''
"Ignorant child, I'll just have to teach you and your foolish friends a lesson.'' He transformed into a Baphomet, flying up before giving a particularly chilling expression that left Mona, Panther and Noir to recoil, freezing up then.
"They're too scared, they can't fight like that!'' Oracle called, tossing medicine to Queen, which she quickly used to heal Mona.
Shaking himself, the cat was about to use his magic to help the other girls when the enemy flew at the two of them. It punched Mona before using Agidyne on Queen, who tried to defend herself, quickly discovering that the enemy burned her. As the enemy flew up, with Skull trying to gun it down, she was able to have Johanna heal herself and her friends.
Sage fired an Almighty spell which the enemy was just able to dodge. Unfazed, he cast another which collided with the first Megido, causing a burst of power that almot threw it down.
"Wow! Go, doc!'' Skull exclaimed.
Noir stood, looking angry ''Milady, Psiodyne!''
The Shadow flew away just in time, also evading Mona's shots only to be clipped by Arsene throwing Joker's dagger, empowered with curse magic. But they found that it didn't faze it at all. Joker grimaced, recalling Arsene and willing another Persona forth ''That's a no go-Oracle?''
"Gimme a few seconds!''
The enemy used Bufudyne on Joker, who dodged in time and struck his arm with her dagger. Panther grabbed his other arm with her whip, smirking as she tugged with all her might, forcing him down. Sage and Fox used the chance to strike, the former winding him with his staff while the latter slashing quickly. Mercurius flew up, unleashing sharp winds which it managed to avoid in time.
Oracle was able to tell them that it resisted fire and negated curse but was weak to bless magic. Joker didn't have any Personas with bless magic at the moment, having used some of the ones she had before to fuse after her latest outing with the twins. But they could still do this...
Queen charged the enemy on Johanna, resorting to using nuclear magic when it flew up to dodge. Mona had an idea ''Hey, Skull-how about a boost?''
The teen grinned and bent on a knee, holding out his arms. Mona ran over and Skull threw him into the air. The feline smirked at the surprised enemy, using the momentum to unleash a blistering slash that left it crying out in pain. Growling, it used Ziodyne in return but Mona was protected with a shield from Adam Kadmon. Skull took the moment to have Seiten Taisei ram it, throwing it off balance. It went to attack Joker, only to be repelled by Okununinushi, being thrown down a moment later.
"Mercurius, Garudyne!''
"Goemon, Bufudyne!''
"Help them, Adam Kadmon-Megido!''
The three attacks hit home consecutively, serving to end the battle. In seconds, S. Fukurai appeared on his knees, his head lowered.
"...I was just like Chihaya...I'm from the country too. I was duped into accepting a scam that cost me all my money shortly after I came here. The police just laughed at me when I went to get help. I told myself I wouldn't be deceived again.''
"And you'd do the deceiving instead, huh?'' Panther huffed.
"You did even worse to Chihaya-san.'' Joker's lips thinne ''She feels indebted to you and you took advantage of that. Besides, those schemes could only have worked for so long. What would happen after that?''
He sighed ''I didn't think of that...I really am an idiot...you know as well as I do that the Maiden's powers are real. I thought stumbling upon her was a lucky break but all I did was abuse her abilities. I know you're right and she's better off now.''
"And you'll keep it that way, it's high time you make up for what you've done.'' Queen ordered.
"Apologize to her and the other people you've hurt.'' Joker added. The Shadow promised to do so, fading away into light.
As they headed off to deal with the Takases, Oracle inquired about Chihaya's ability, leading Joker to explain about the work she put in and how her predictions tended to turn out true more often than not.
"Wow...I thought special stuff like this would be related to the Metaverse. This is definitely a first.''
"Indeed. Who would've thought...it truly is a wide world out there.'' Fox crossed his arms.
"You can say that again, Fox.'' Mona chimed in.
It wasn't long before they found their destination, leading to the Shadow of Mr. and Mrs. Takase...
"There they are.'' Panther's eyes narrowed.
"Money, money, money! Hurry up and give us your money! It's your responsibility!'' Shadow Mr. Takase laughed.
"Clothes, handbags, makeup...there's too many things I want!'' Shadow Mrs. Takase added with a similarly crazed look in her eyes. Those who knew Kawakami were particularly upset, dismayed that she had to put up with this kind of people for so long.
"It's always about themselves, huh? Bad enough they worked their kid to the bone when they should've been looking out for him and now they're taking advantage of Sensei? Assholes.'' Skull grunted.
S. Mrs. Takase laughed ''Oh, please! It serves that waste of space right!''
"Don't talk about her like that!'' Queen snapped.
"And why not?'' The second Shadow smirked. ''It's our right to demanded more money. She just has to suck it up or else her life is ruined.''
His wife raised an eye, noticing Joker and Noir ''Wait, aren't you...''
"Is all this just for mere money?'' An outraged Noir cut in. ''How could you? You're taking advantage of her good intentions for such a selfish reason...you're horrible!''
"Brats like wouldn't understand.'' The woman stated. ''Money is what matters in the world and we'll do what it takes to get as much as we can.''
"No, she's right. You're pathetic.'' Joker shot back. ''No one deserves to be stuck like what you've done to Takase and Kawakami-sense. We're going to put it to a stop right now.''
"Yeah!'' Skull and Panther chimed in.
''We'll show you brats!'' They transformed into a Titania and an Oberon. The first cast Masukakaja, increasing their speeds before the Oberon used Heat Wave. Those nearby were left to guard or dodge while Titania prepared a Mind Charge, Oracle called out a warning to her friends as she analyzed the enemies.
Oberon flew at the nearest target, Noir. The girl glared as she stopped its sword with the blade of her axe and summoned Milady, who blasted it away with Triple Down. Skull rushed in, raising his club which the Oberon tried to stop but Skull was able to send its sword flying. Oracle provided a defensive buff for the party as Joker used Okuninushi's Matarukaja. Titania cast Mafreidyne, which blasted the whole party.
Joker and Noir, the ones currently weak to nuclear magic, were hit the worst. The spell nearly knocking them out since it was powered up. Oberon charged at the two but it was met with Hecate's wall of flame. Queen hurried over, healing them with ease. Fox fired bullets at the two of them while Mona utilized Mercurius' wind magic to throw them into the air. Oracle found that Oberon was weak to psychic magic while Titania's weakness was fire magic. Noir fired Milady's Mapsio, forcing the Titania back while knocking its partner down. The former shadow tried healing it, allowing it to regain balance.
Joker readied her gun, thinking of the ideas she had back at the arcade. Steeling herself, she held up her gun and charged at the two enemies. Arsene appeared, waving a hand over her. Black and red energy gathered around Joker as she fired twice, angling the gun at different angles. The result was two spheres of curse energy which shifted into criss crossing beam that blasted both enemies into the ground.
Fox smiled ''Impressive.''
"Yeah. Looking cool, Joker!'' Mona exclaimed.
With both enemies downed, they were able to launch an All-Out Attack. The battle was over with one last Maragion courtesy of Hecate and the enemies transformed back.
"Were were really so wrong...?'' S. Mr. Takase wondered.
Fox scoffed ''I think that goes without saying. Look at the lengths Kawakami-san had to endure, and then there's your own son. ''
"You had the gall to blame her when it was your irresponsiblity that lead to the accident. Takase shouldn't have been in that position to begin with.'' Mona added sharply.
"Why would you do such a thing in the first place?'' Sage demanded. ''It was your responsibility to look after Takase-kun but you shamelessly made him work again and again.''
"Yeah...we're awful, I know...'' S. Mr. Takase lowered his head.
His wife spoke up then ''Taiki and his real parents were different. His parents were both high level elites at a big name corporation. Always looking at us coldly...That's why I let their son experience what it's like to be forced to grovel! It felt nice to see him break down from working so much...''
"It was what he deserved-so I thought...'' Her husband agreed.
"How could you treat him like that? It's messed up! He shouldn't be blamed for what his parents did, he was his own person.'' Joker stated.
Noir crossed her arms. ''Not to mention what you put Sensei through. It sounds like she's the only one who actually cared about Takase-kun. You should be ashamed of yourselves.''
"You're just a pair of petty creeps.'' Panther hissed.
S. Mr. Takase looked sad ''Don't I know it. No wonder people looked down on us. I'm not sure now if his birth parents really looked down on us...''
"I was happy as long as I was with Toshio, but I forgot all about it. I became obssessed with money...'' His wife added, sighing. ''...Taiki really was a good kid. Too good for us-we'll make up for what we've done.''
"You better! Give all the money you took from Kawakami-sensei back.'' Skull retorted. The two nodded and returned to their real selves.
"You were pretty worked up there, Skull. I don't remember seeing you care about a teacher much before.'' Mona remarked as they headed back.
"Eh, yeah-they used to tick me off a lot.'' The boy started. ''But things did change after we took care of Kamoshida-I started seeing 'em differently too. I don't know if we'll get along nicely or anything but Kawakami isn't so bad. Besides, hearing about the crap she had to go through really pissed me off. I just said the right thing, is all.''
Noir gave him a small smile ''I think so too. Dealing with those two felt good, hopefully they begin making amends soon.''
"By the way, Joker-what was that shot you used before? A new skill?'' Oracle inquired.
"Ah, sort of-I actually thought of it thanks to Queen.'' The girl in question gave their leader a surprised look. ''Remember when we went to the arcade for the first time? You said maybe we could use what we pick up from there in the Metaverse so I figured I'd give it a whack.''
Queen was not expecting that, it felt like such a long time ago. ''I see...that was very clever of you. So you basically thought of Arsene helping you like that and it worked?''
Joker nodded, her lips twitching as she felt Arsene's approval resonate with her. Skull looked impressed ''Cool! I wanna try something like that!''
"Well, it seems you just have to believe you can pull it off.'' Sage offered.
''Just don't go overboard, you hear?'' Mona advised.
"Oracle snorted ''Who're you kidding, Mona? It's Skull-enough said.''
''...Good point.''
The boy's retort was halted as he noticed Oracle stiffening ''What's up?''
"I've got something...hey, I think Crow's nearby!''
The group exchanged surprised looks, Sage seemed intrigued ''That other Persona User Mona told me about...Why would he be here now?''
"Let's find out! Oracle, where is he?'' Mona prompted.
"Hold on...'' She pursed her lips for a moment. ''...I'm getting a bunch of weird readings. Something's up...''
Crow was about to leave the Safe Area when the team caught up to him. He seemed curious at the sight of the newest member of the team but took in stride. They quickly learned that he was in Mementos to search for information he felt was vital but he refused to say anything more on the matter. Mona, Queen and Skull were less than thrilled with the secrecy but Noir chose to intervene before anyone could press the matter further.
"I think he's entitled to his privacy, everyone.''
"That's not why we're upset, Noir.'' Queen's statement left her curious. ''It's because he's being a hypocrite.''
"You didn't see him when we first met. He got down on our case because he was so sure we were using the Metaverse for personal reasons. We may have done that before but we had no choice and he treated us like the bad guys for a while.'' Mona informed, huffing.
Crow chuckled ruefully ''I won't deny it is hypocritical of me. But it's something I have to do.''
"That's some goal. Looking for information in this place must be like looking for a needle in a hay stack.'' Panther remarked.
"I'm not about to argue there. But I can't live with myself if I don't at least try.''
Fox raised an eye but decided to drop the matter upon seeing that he obviously wasn't going to explain ''Ah, Oracle-you mentioned something strange readings earlier...''
"Yeah...'' The girl's eyes were roaming the area, apparently trying to figure this out. ''...it's really weird. Hang on...'' She summoned Necronomicon. ''...hmm...the distortions are especially dense in this area a bit far ahead. There's a number of Shadows gathered around there-whoa! Guys, it's one of those two freaks from the other day!''
Queen tensed, recalling Circe and Pluto's strength. This could definitely be a problem. ''...What else can you tell us?''
"Huh? Weird, I think he's leaving...'' The navigator let out, baffled. ''...and there's that other reading again. I can barely follow this one. The signal keeps flashing in and out...it's like a broken up lamp that's barely working...''
Joker felt something pass her, it made her think of a breeze for a moment. Something was definitely going on...
The girl barely heard Noir tell Crow a bit about Circe and Pluto (not mentioning where exactly they had met or the change of heart). This strange sensation baffled her...for some reason she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important up ahead...
"Joker?'' Panther lay a hand on her shoulder. ''What's wrong? You're really spacing out.''
"I...I thought...'' She touched the side of her head. ''...it feels like there's something big ahead but I don't know why...''
"Then how about we go find out?'' Both looked at Mona. ''If either of those two are involved, it's safe to say this spells trouble. Forewarned is forearmed, right?''
"Good idea. The more we know about them or their plans the better.'' Sage returned. ''Joker?''
The girl nodded ''Let's go.''
They headed off and were quickly joined by Crow, who they realized had skates within his shoes.
Panther blinked twice ''I wouldn't have guessed-not with an outfit like that.''
"I wasn't expecting this either but I found it useful. I can hardly get around Mementos simply on foot.''
"So why are you here?'' Skull demanded.
"Hearing about those Shadows is certainly worrying, I'd rather learn all I can in this situation.''
Mona looked uncomfortable ''Ugh, last time the distortions were this bad, we got stuck with the Reaper...there's no way this is a conincidence.'' And indeed, the area around them seemed to flicker with ominous red light, which had solidfied to form a big wall. ''Any news, Oracle?''
The girl hummed ''It looks like Pluto's gone for one thing...I thought I sensed Circe but I can't tell where she is now. I'm not sure she's around-oh, that weird reading is still a mess...''
'...Help...'
Joker started at the weak voice, looking but not seeing anything around them. What was going on?
'I heard it too. This is certainly peculiar...' Arsene trailed off.
That strange feeling was back, even stronger than earlier. She could've sworn they weren't alone here. The voice called again, without quite knowing it, she began walking away from the group. There was someone else here...she was sure of it...
"Joker!'' Noir caught up to her. ''What's wrong? Did you find anything?''
"I'm not sure-I...thought I heard someone else...''
''Really? But it's only us here.''
No, that wasn't right. Joker had the strong feeling that there was someone here. ''Something's wrong...really wrong...I don't know but I can't shake the feeling that there's something important there...''
"I know it's cuz of that asshole but you might be overthinking this.'' Skull suggested.
"...I don't think you should write this off.'' Oracle dismissed her Persona ''Joker, it looks like you're following that really weird, flickering reading I mentioned before. How're you doing that?''
"I...don't know...'' What did that mean? ''It just feels...''
Mona called out a warning to them and just in time as a Shadow appeared, revealing a Dionysus floating high. It proceeded to cast Mazionga on the party but Joker was able to stop it with the Song of Harmony. Oracle wasted no time in beginning to analyze the new enemy. ''Careful, I think the distortions made it tougher!''
Panther tried whipping it while a few of the others began gunning it down. The Shadow nimbly flew away and retaliated with a Heat Wave, almost knocking Queen and Fox to the ground. It was distracted by Mercurius' Miracle Punch before Mona, Skull and Joker struck. Robin Hood blasted with a Megaton Raid, throwing it down.
Thanks to Oracle, they knew that it didn't have a weakness, leaving them to attack with everything they had. Crow was admittedly impressed at how well they worked together, not only were they in sync-they combined their abilities for devastating results. He didn't even know the magic of Personas could work like that, he thought as he watched Johanna and Adam Kadmon's respective elements merge to make a greenish silver sphere which exploded on the enemy. Panther peppered it with bullets and it used another Heat Wave. It was repelled from Joker due to her newly requipped Dakini's Counter ability, allowing the girl to switch Personas and heal her friends and Crow blasted it with his gun. Oracle unleashed some bombs which were enhanced by Sage's magic, leaving the Shadow stunned. Goemon and Okuninushi attacked in tandem, ice spikes knocking the enemy into the air before the latter slashed multiple times.
The Shadow had power to spare but it clearly excelled in magic, having Mind Charge and some strong spells to boot. But the group was able to defeat it thanks to their growing strength and teamwork.
"Way to go!'' Oracle cheered.
Queen let out a breath ''The area's still a mess-I suppose this isn't a so called test like last time...''
Crow blinked ''A test?''
"They said something about testing us when we saw them before.'' Skull recalled. ''They wanted to keep at it cuz there were two Wild Cards or somethin'...'' Had he kept looking at Crow, he would've noticed the boy stiffening a little at this. ''...anyway, what now? It's not blocked off like last time, right?''
Oracle nodded ''We can leave the same way we came in. But...there's what Joker said...'' She scratched her head. ''...plus, Necronomicon is picking up a signal but it's all over the place...what the heck is going on?''
"Are you getting that strange feeling again?'' Panther wanted to know.
Joker nodded after a moment ''...I think I know where to go this time..."
"What is this?''
It appeared to be a shimmering, big sphere of light with a myriad of colors. It reminded the Phantom Thieves of the formless Treasures they had seen in palaces. Sage had the strangest feeling when he looked at it. This thing was almost nostalgic...but why?
Queen frowned ''It looks like a treasure but it doesn't seem to be one...this makes no sense...''
But then, just as it came closer, black lightning coursed around the area before dark flames appeared out of nowhere and latched to the sphere.
"The hell?!'' Skull uttered while Panther recoiled. Closer inspection revealed the sphere to be getting surrounded by a number of black vines which generated the lighting.
Oracle recognized the lingering energy ''Pluto was definitely around here-this must have been what they're after.''
Joker heard that weak voice again, knowing this sphere was the source. ''I...think it might be a spirit.''
Mona nodded, tapping his chin in thought ''All spirits come from the Sea of Souls-I guess you can say this is one of the most basic forms they can take. It's pretty weak-that must be why Oracle couldn't sense it.''
"That still doesn't explain Joker's reaction though.'' Crow remarked.
"Yeah...maybe it's because she's the Wild Card?'' But he sounded just as confused. Lightning struck the sphere again as a reddish aura flashed around it. ''They must have been hunting it down-but why...?''
Queen looked pensive ''This reminds me of those three particularly powerful Shadows...Joker, maybe the Song of Harmony could do something about this.''
''I'll give it a try...'' Joker concentrated, the silver light surrounding her in moments. It began to coaelsce around the spirit, almost completely obscuring it in view. Lightning flashed once again but it couldn't pierce the silver shield which slowly but surely overcame it, shining radiantly.
The girl stopped after a few moments, panting. It was much easier now to use the Song than before but she'd never had to try this hard either. Just what on earth happened here?
The sphere flew up, a vague silhouette of a human-like appeared around it. The figure was seemingly female and it spoke with a fitting voice to match.
'Thank you, child. That light has saved me.'
The others looked on in surprise and Joker knew they heard her voice this time too. I truly thought all was lost when they cursed me. It never occurred to me that anyone could hear my voice now.' The figure seemed to scrutinize them, stopping before Joker. 'I see...so you're a Wild Card.'
Queen crossed her arms ''Just who are you? What did they want from you?''
'I would tell you if I knew. I'm afraid my memories are quite scattered at this point...all I recall is that I found myself here recently and that dark one with the scythe and his partner trapped me. They sought to take advantage of my power.'
Oracle tilted her head ''You've gotta be pretty strong then...I've seen spirits and something about you feels pretty weird.''
'You don't say?' It was clear that the spirit didn't know what to make of this either. 'Hm...'
"...Would you have helped them?'' Fox asked.
'While I can't recall the circumstances, even now the idea seems repulsive to me. You've come searching for me as well, no?'
'Well, we didn't actually know what we were looking for.'' Noir corrected ''Oracle sensed you and it lead us to discovering that one of those monsters were here. They were out to get in our first encounter so we knew whatever plan they had should be stopped if we can do something about it.''
'I see...if that's the case, may I request a favor?'
"Depends on what it is.'' Mona returned cautiously.
'Nothing to worry about, I assure you. I can sense that the young lady here has harbored spirits within her before,' The spirit looked at Joker. 'I'm sorry, I may not be able to aid you as others are right away but I promise it won't be for nothing. I have no intention of letting myself be used but given what those two have done...However, I apologize, you're likely my only chance at sanctuary. This may draw their ire at you even more.'
Thanks to her experience acquiring spirit, Joker could tell she was sincere. She felt pure, like the spirits who chose to aid her. That made her decision easier. ''It's all right. This was unexpected but I don't mind helping-seeing what they just put you through...I wouldn't wish this on anyone, they're already our enemies anyway. You shouldn't have to do anything for them.''
Crow was surprised. They hardly knew anything about the spirit and yet she was willing to do something like that? He happened to glance at some of the others and noted the amused looks they had, this was clearly nothing new for the girl.
The spirit sounded relieved 'Thank you...' The sphere of light flashed before entering Joker's body. the girl staggered for a moment, cringing as she held her head.
"Hey whoa, you all right?'' Skull demanded.
"Yeah...that was a bit jarring...'' She shook her head ''...when I get new Personas, I usually learn information about them. I see their memories a lot too. Except now, it felt like little bits and pieces and it's all so scrambled...''
"Given what we've learned, it's understandable.'' Sage still had the strangest feeling about that spirit but not even the slightest clue as to why. ''I wonder who she is...For them to go so far-there must be something special about her.''
"Agreed-she really doesn't seem to be a bad sort. At the very least, we were able to save her from their machinations.'' Fox stated.
"Yup, since Joker's already made that pact with her, I guess we're going to figure her out sooner or later.'' Mona remarked. ''All right, let's go back.''
The group was able to leave with little preamble and Crow went on his own way again, deep in thought. Seeing how late it was, the Phantom Thieves bid each other good night and returned to their homes. It wasn't long before Namine and Morgana were settled back in the attic.
"That was some day, huh?'' Morgana flopped on the bed as Namine lay down. ''You must be tired-using the Song still drains you, huh?''
"It's plenty easier than before but yeah-getting rid of that weird trap was troublesome...'' She let out a breath. ''...I just heard her asking for help but I don't see how when even Futaba had a hard time finding her.''
"Yeah, that is weird.'' Her friend mused. ''Maybe it's because you're getting stronger...it's lucky the Song of Harmony even helped in the first place but we still don't know if that's the extent of its ability. You're probably just discovering more of your potential.''
"That's a good explanation as any. It does feel like I can deal with Personas better now...Say, Mona? What would you do if you had the ideal life? Like if you could get all you wanted this minute?''
''Where'd that come from?'' Morgana looked curious as she explained about her recent talk with Takuto. ''Ohh, I see...'' He hummed in thought. ''...I think you were on to something. It's an odd possiblity to think of but I don't know how I'd handle it either. It's hard to say for sure. What we have is pretty good though and I don't want to give it up.''
Namine smiled ''Same here-we might have our own challenges to face but I feel like we can overcome them together. I'll never regret meeting any of you guys.''
"Heh, well...'' Morgana seemed a bit embarrassed. ''...I don't want to think of what it would be like if we hadn't met you either. At first I thought I was just extraordinarily lucky to find a Wild Card but at the end of the day, I'm glad it was you.''
"Aww, thanks! I'm glad to have you for a partner too. We've made it this far together-let's keep it up.''
Morgana grinned ''You bet!''
Well, let's stop here.
I've given it a lot of thought and I've decided to make a Strikers sequel for this story. I have some ideas about what I want to happen there but it's mostly still up in the air and there's a lot I'm figuring out about both this story and the sequel as I go along.
I don't remember if I mentioned this before but in case I didn't-Circe and Pluto may have occasionally kept an eye over Crow to watch his progress as a Wild Card but he didn't know about them at all. Sage hasn't realized it yet but he actually saw our mysterious new friend here back when he was having visions of Mementos. She doesn't know it but she was in Mementos for some time. It's just that she lost much of her strength partly because of the distortions so she couldn't get far. Pluto just left because he assumed it was a done deal, if he didn't finish her off, either the trap or other Shadows would've. The spirit would've ceased to exist if the Song of Harmony hadn't saved her from the trap.
She's been pretty weakened by now so she won't do much for the time being. But she's an important part of my plans for later and yes, Joker's hunch about her is accurate. She's a good spirit who wouldn't hurt any of them. There's a reason Crow never realized she was there but it's a crucial point for a later part of this arc.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 8)
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 8)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 8)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 7)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 5)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 6)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 5)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 7)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 3)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 4)