HEY, GUYS!
THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH ANOTHER CHAPTER OF POCKET CHANGE! CHAPTER 12!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT
IN THE FORM OF REVIEWS/COMMENTS.
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PLEASE READ AND ENJOY!
Akira exhaled audibly as he stepped out of the shower, a fluffy blue towel wrapped around his
waist.
His focus momentarily shifted to the black cat lounging on his bed.
"Morning. Slept well?"
Morgana nodded.
"Good Morning. Yes, I did. I see someone's getting an early start on the day."
Akira provided a response as he walked over to
his closet, standing behind a screen as he got
dressed.
"I wanted to get some work done before we
headed off to Shujin. Plus, it's our first day
back, so I'd hate to be late. I want to continue
to make agood impression."
Morgana snickered.
"Such a model student. Do you think the police
are still going to be snooping around?"
"I think so. They haven't really made much
headway into a case that's been grabbing the
national headlines. The public expects to hear
something concrete soon. They'll probably
interrogate the principal and a few of the
teachers again.'
"Hmmmm. We should be cautious as well."
Akira stepped out from behind the screen. He
was wearing the pants from his school's uniform but a regular t-shirt.
"I expect that at the very least. We're far too
early in the game to get caught. I have a job for
all of you."
Morgana jumped off the bed and on to Akira's
desk. The frizzy haired teenager was cleaning
his glasses.
"What are your intentions for the Phantom
Thieves?"
Akira studied Morgana's expresssion before
answering.
"As I said from day one, there is a job I need
assistance with. I'll help you get stronger,
change the hearts that I agree to and when
that day comes you'll help me."
"Is that all you can tell me?"
"That's all I want to tell you."
"You're not doing a great job of cementing the
trust between us."
Akira smirked.
"This coming from the cat that snoops through all
my stuff?"
"Hey I don't snoop!...and I'm not a cat!"
Akira continued.
"I don't need you to trust me wholeheartedly...just enough."
Morgana frowned. A chuckle slipped from
Akira's lips.
"Fine. I'll humour you. As you would assume,
it's a...Palace...A dangerous one."
"The Shadows are too strong for you?"
"It's not about the Shadows."
"Huh?"
"That's all I wish to share for now. Happy?"
Akira opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out a manila folder before opening it, a stack of papers unfolded before him. His eyes quickly scanned the words on each sheet, pausing to make notes to himself on his phone.
Morgana sighed as he curled up into a ball.
"Are you at least going to tell me about what's
in those folders?"
"Why don't you read them yourself?"
"I can't. They're written in a secret code."
Akira flipped a page, replying without even looking up.
"And howexactlywould you know that?"
Morgana wisely kept his mouth shut for the rest of the morning.
Shujin Academy
Before School
"Thank you for coming so quickly, Akira."
Kawakami's facial expression was a potent
mixture of nerves and concern. Akira
studied the older woman closely as he took a
seat at her desk.
"Your message sounded urgent. Is everything okay?"
"Uh yeah. Well, at least I think so?"
Akira leaned forward.
"What is it Sensei? What's wrong?"
Sadayo took a moment to calm her thoughts
before speaking once more.
"I got a text from my...other job. Someone calling herself 'Madam Caroline' just paid quadruple of my rate for my services this weekend. She's some kind of cat lady that heard I'm good with pets but thats not even on my profile. Weird thing is that no one's ever heard of her before. What do you think about this?"
The raven haired male blushed.
"Ahhhh...it seems I forgot to mention that..."
Sadayo narrowed her eyes.
"Mention what?"
"I'm...Madam Caroline."
"What?! I thought you were Mr.Igor?"
"I'm the both of them. I figured that your boss or other colleagues would get suspicious if all your requests came from the same person. I created a few other accounts to keep things interesting. If they constantly outbid each other and overpay your rate...your boss will also have to raise your percentage to keep you on staff."
Kawakami blinked.
"Oh...that's a good plan...but Akira there's no way this is cheap! You shouldn't waste so much of your on me!"
Akita shook his head.
"I'm not struggling financially, sensei. This is a good decision for me. I have someone to help with chores, talk to my cat and to top it all off, she looks rather cute in her uniform."
The Language teacher blushed looking away from her student's gaze.
"You are such a headache. Why do I put up with you?"
"Because I'm your favorite."
"Get out, I have work to do."
Akira jumped from his chair with a grin, following his teacher's order to vacate her office. The bespectacled teenager paused as he began to close the door behind him.
"Oh before I forget...How upset would you be if I just bought the entire business from your boss and...nevermind!"
CLICK! CRASH!
Akira closed the door just in time to avoid being hit by the lethal projectile (a text book) that had just been launched at his face by Kawakami's hands.
The part-time maid's left eye began to twitch.
"I'm going to enjoy strangling him."
Lunch Time
Akira was being followed.
He knew what was happening.
He knew who was doing it.
He just didn't know why they were doing it.
The lunch table he chose to sit at was instantly
vacated by every other student.
He smirked confidently as he waved to the person that had been stalking him, inviting them over for a chat.
A few seconds later, the brave soul approached
the table and spoke.
"Ah...Kurusu-san?"
"Take a seat, how can I help you today,
Mishima?"
The volleyball player nervously scratched the
side of his face before sitting down.
"Sorry for following you, I just wanted to talk."
Akira took a sip of his soda.
"Go right ahead."
"Um...have you heard about the Phantom Aficianado Website?"
The bespectacled male perched an eyebrow.
"No. Should I have?"
"Oh...I'm the one who started it. It's a forum for people to post their problems or show their support for the Phantom Thieves."
"Uh...Congratulations?"
"Ummm..."
Mishima looked to both his left and right cautiously before speaking once more.
"You are one of the Phantom Thieves, right?"
Akira paused mid-bite, allowing himself a few seconds before he provided a calculated
response.
"Why would you think that?"
"Everything changed when you started attending Shujin... and then there was those calling cards and Kamoshida's confession. There's no way it's as simple as blackmail or threats. The Phantom Thieves really stole his heart!"
"But wasn't there also a similar case in Inaba? I'm sure you don't think that I had anything to do with that. How would we have even gotten out
there?"
Yuuki's conviction didn't waiver for a second.
"I don't know all the details...but my gut tells me
I'm right! Kamoshida used me to do horrible things to you guys and I can never truly apologize for that but I want to be useful! I'm sure the Phantom Thieves can't be done after just one or two targets!"
Akira's face remained placid but the gears of
his mind spun quickly.
Perhaps it was best to turn a possible liability into an asset?
"You're pretty sharp Mishima."
Yuuki's eyes widened.
"Y-y-you mean?"
"But I'm not a Phantom Thief. I work for them
indirectly."
Mishima seemed rather confused.
"You...work for them?"
"I research potential targets for them, rotten people who poison our society. I identify them, and I pass them on to my contact. I don't know any names or faces. Everything is done digitally. I have no idea who they are... It could. be a hundred man team or just a one man army."
Mishima nodded in understanding.
"I see...do you know if they're checking out my
website?"
Akira shook his head.
"I'll ask but I won't make any promises. They
don't take orders from me.'"
"Oh okay...If they haven't you should also tell them about the poll?"
"What poll?"
Mishima produced his phone, a progression bar could be sewn, displayed on the page of a website.
The number '6.7%' could be seen in brackets.
"I asked 'Do you believe in the Phantom
Thieves or not?'. I just want to play my part and
help them carry out thier acts of justice! Is there anything I can do to help?"
Akira sighed.
"I'll put in a good word for you...for now I'll have
you report to me as a spotter as well. You
should use your website. Let me know about
any interesting posts that get your attention."
Yuuki nodded.
"Right! I will prove myself to be useful!"
Akira spoke once more.
"And Mishima?"
"Yes."
"I expect this conversation to remain secret. The Phantom Thieves will disavow us both if we somehow get caught."
Yuuki placed a hand against his chest.
"I'd rather die than sell them out! I will do all I
can to keep our secret safe!"
Akira was rather impressed, not by Mishima's words but the by the fiery conviction that blazed within his eyes. This man would truly give it all for the cause.
A perfect soldier indeed...but it was always better to be safe than sorry...
A few moments after Mishima left, Akira made a phone call.
"Hey Akira! Miss me?"
Akira smirked.
"Always, but I'm calling for business."
"As usual. What can I do for you?"
"I need you to look into Yuuki Mishima, a
student at my school. I want a full profile."
"Okay. I'll start looking."
"Also, I want full acess to his PhantomAficianado website. Nothing happens there without our knowledge."
"I'll get right on that. You think he may be
trouble?"
Akira looked back in the direction that Mishima
had gone. He seemed a harmless kid but his
enthusiasm seemed a bit...excessive.
"I hope not."
Classroom
After Lunch
"Takamaki-san?!?!?!?!"
Ann almost jumped out of her seat, the sound of her name being called out in such a stern, irritated tone was enough to completely derail her train of thought.
Mr. Inui folded his arms as he spoke.
"I certainly understand that history may be one of those subjects that your current generation consider to be 'lame' or 'uncool' but I expect your full attention while I'm in my class."
Ann bowed her head in apology.
"Sorry I just zoned out for a few seconds there but I'm paying attention, sensei."
The teacher smirked.
"Oh ? While you were daydreaming, we were discussing Yoshitsune...do you know what time period he was active in?"
Ann's mind went blank. Carmen groaned in frustration. It seems Mr.Inui would be using her lack of response to prove a point.
Cough*
The soft cough from behind her was definitely Akira, to everyone else it was just a cough but Ann had heard Morgana's soft chirpy voice within the distraction.
"Heian."
Ann quickly spoke up.
"The Heian period."
Mr. Inuit perched an eyebrow before shrugging.
"Correct. Perhaps you were paying more attention than I thought. I'd still prefer you didn't daydream in my class...alright everyone turn your text books to page twelve..."
Some of the students seemed rather impressed that Ann had known the answer. Others looked genuinely surprised. The blonde bombshell took only a moment to look back at her fellow Phantom Thief.
Akira gave her a surreptitious wink before turning his head back down into the textbook. Ann's cheeks went red with heat.
How was she gonna stop the daydreaming when the source of her distractions sat right behind her?
A distraction that obviously had feelings for her best friend ?
Morgana sighed happily as he stretched inside Akira's ever spacious school bag. The Metaberse Mercenary had just stepped out of his final class for the day.
"Finally! I thought today would never end!"
Akira smirked before whispering.
"You act like you're a student here."
"Might as well be, I have to sit through all these boring lectures...they don't even have fatty tuna or salmon on the cafeteria menu!"
"I'll request that they add some."
"Really?"
"No."
Morgana pouted.
"I'm gonna tell Lady Ann and Lady Shiho that you're bullying me."
"Uh...huh..."
Akira increased his walking speed, darting through the halls, some of the other students were forced to step aside to allow him free passage.
Morgana spoke up.
"Hey! What are you doing? We're supposed to meet up with the others. I had something to show you guys remember?"
"I'm being followed."
"Again? Is it Mishima?"
Akira pushed open the door to the male restroom. A trio of students stood nervously in front of a mirror.
The bespectacled male growled.
"Beat it."
In an instant they were out the door.
Akira opened his bag allowing Morgana to jump out.
"There's an open window near the ceiling. Get to one of our teammates and contact the others. Let's rendezvous at meeting point B. I might be a little late."
Morgana nodded.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?"
Akira turned on a faucet to splash some water on his face.
"Yeah...I should have known this was coming. I'll see you guys later...if things change I'll shoot someone a text."
"Okay!"
Akira waited for a few seconds to pass after Morgana's departure to exit the restroom, standing outside with arms at akimbo was his most recent stalker.
The frizzy haired male offered a genuine smile.
"Hello, President Nijima. Funny seeing you here. Were you interested in getting a tour of the male facilities?"
Makoto stepped forward, looking up and down the hallway with a sharp calculating glare to deter anyone from eavesdropping.
"We. Need. To. Talk."
"Well I'm a little busy this afternoon. Can I reschedule?"
Makoto grit her teeth.
"Now."
Akira scratched the back of his head.
"Well I suppose I could make some time for you. Let's head into town!"
The Student Council President furrowed her brows.
"Why can't we talk here?"
"Considering what you wish to speak about. Are you sure that you'd want to have that discussion, here? The walls do have ears at times."
Makoto exhaled audibly before agreeing.
"Fine. Somewhere public and safe. Nothing shady."
"You know if my phone wasn't filled with contact info for shady places I'd be rather offended right now."
Makoto narrowed her eyes at her new surroundings.
"A beef bowl restaurant? Really?"
Akira looked up from the small menu card on the table.
"You wanted somewhere public and safe. I wanted a place where I could get some decent food. I consider this a win-win."
Makoto scanned the restaurant once more, there were a few people inside but they were all too preoccupied with their own meals and conversations to be paying a pair of highschoolers any mind.
Akira spoke once more.
"You want anything? I'm gonna order."
"I'm not hungry."
"I hear you skip lunch on most days to get extra work done. It's admirable but not always a good habit."
Makoto twitched.
"Who told you about that?"
"You're surprised that highschoolers gossip?"
Makoto said nothing more as Akira whispered his order to a nearby waitress. The woman wrote down a few lines on her notepad before disappearing behind a door a nearby door. The sign on the front clearly read 'Employees Only'.
Shujin's infamous troublemaker took a short sip of his water before addressing the young lady seated before him.
"So how can I help today?"
"I listened to the 'song'."
"I know."
Makoto would have chosen that moment to challenge Akira's statement but the smug expression he bore gave her the impression that he wasn't bluffing.
He really did know that she had listened...
"Is it real?"
The young man scoffed.
"I'm sure you didn't confront me at school and come all the way here to ask 'If it's real?'. If you didn't believe it was real you would have reported me to Kobayakawa and the police."
Makoto grimaced.
"That...doesn't answer my question,Kurusu."
Akira's expression softened.
"...you know it's real. It's just not easy to accept, is it?"
Makoto looked away from Akira's gaze.
"Kamoshida's behavior and actions have been more than shocking but to consider that the Principal was aware of it..."
"...and is now doing a lot of work to cover it all up if I may so helpfully add. Who knows how far he has gone or is willing to go?"
Makoto sighed.
"I need the audio file...without the restrictions."
"Why?"
"I'll bring it to the police. Kobayakawa needs to be investigated as well."
Akira sighed.
"Apologies, Madam President. I can't satisfy the terms of such a request at this time."
Makoto's ruby eyes flared with agitation.
"Why not?!"
"I'm doing this for your own good, Nijima-senpai. As you can probably tell, Kobayakawa was talking with someone that he considerssuperior. There are players out there you know nothing about, people who wouldn't hesitate to remove anyone who stands in their way or poses a threat. That includes you."
"I...could give it to my sister, she has resources."
"Unfortunately, the mighty prosecutor Sae Nijima is also well within their reach. I wouldn't recommend getting her needlessly involved."
The Student Council President narrowed her eyes.
"Who are these people?! It sounds like you know more about them than you're willing to share."
Akira smirked.
"I have a few educated guesses on who may be involved but nothing concrete but believe me when I say that these people are dangerous, well-funded and driven. I wouldn't suggest picking a fight without the proper means."
"Is that why you started the Phantom Thieves? To wage war on these 'people'?"
Akira didn't answer immediately, he tilted his head to the side, a gesture that made Makoto aware of the returning waitress.
The Persona user removed his glasses as an oval tray was placed before him. A steamy medium sized bowl of Gyudon sat in its center.
" It looks delicious!"
The waitress smirked.
"Anythjng else?"
"No, Thank You."
In a few moments, Makoto and Akira were once again left alone. The brown haired teenager allowed her schoolmate an opportunity to take a few bites of his food.
Interestingly enough, it was Akira who resumed the conversation.
"Still conducting your witch hunt for the Phantom Thieves, huh?"
"I believe they are dangerous. Whatever methods they use for their targets to confess must be illegal."
Akira took another bite.
"Perhaps..."
"You avoided my question...is that why you started the Phantom Thieves?"
"If they do exist, I'm certainly not the one who started it. I would have picked a much better name."
Makoto frowned.
"You're not taking this seriously."
"I am. I'm just not being naive."
"Naive?"
"Have you ever considered that the possibility that society actually needs people like the Phantom Thieves?"
Makoto blinked.
"What?"
"Tell me Makoto, how would you have found out about Kamoshida if not for their intervention?"
"I...I don't..."
"You wouldn't have. He would still be at Shujin tormenting innocent souls, abusing the students you swore to serve all while your Principal protects him. You would have graduated, happy and satisfied, none the wiser to the pain and distress of your schoolmates."
"But...they..."
"Shujin is just a reflection of our society, Makoto. The powerful...they take advantage of those less fortunate, use and discard them.Who is there to protect them ? You? You're just a puppet that thinks you're making a positive difference...but you're only a tool to keep all the pieces in place."
Makoto clenched her fists.
"No!
"Oh?"
"There are people in this world...who believe in justice. People who fight for it."
Akira took a moment to enjoy another bite.
"True...very true...and I don't blame them. 'When we all see Justice, then we all see Peace', I believe those words with all my heart."
"So why won't you help me?"
"I've already helped plenty but there's something you need to accept, Makoto."
"...what's that?"
"In a world as crooked and distorted as ours, there's only one set of people who can truly guide others to the summit of True Justice."
"Who?"
Akira grinned and in that moment Arsenè's presence hit Makoto like a punch to the gut.
"The rebellious."
The rest of the short interlude at the Beef Bowl restaurant went by rather quickly, Akira finished his meal while Makoto remained silent and pensive.
The Metaverse Mercenary posed a question as he stood up from his chair.
"You ready or are you staying here?"
Makoto nodded.
"Yeah..."
The aforementioned waitress returned with a neatly wrapped to-go box and Akira's change.
"Here's your second order sir!"
Akira accepted the box but left the money in the server's hand.
"Thank You. Keep the change for yourself."
The woman bowed before leaving.
Makoto perched an eyebrow as Akira handed the box to her.
"What?"
"This is for you."
"I...didn't bring my purse."
Akira rolled his eyes.
"I'm aware. Consider it...a friend buying supper...for a friend."
"I'll pay you back tomorrow."
"It's really not necessary."
Makoto narrowed her eyes.
"Where'd you even get the money for this? Are those rumors about you shaking down the other freshmen true?"
"Firstly. Gyudon is not that expensive. Secondly, a criminal mastermind like myself wouldn't waste the time and energy on those shallow pockets. I'd rob a few banks for spending money."
Makoto grunted.
"I really don't like you..."
"That's a shame. I think you're pretty cool, cute too whenever you're not accusing me of criminal activities."
The Student Council President hid her blush as the duo stepped out of the restaurant and into a semi-busy side street.
Akira looked over at her as he pulled out his phone.
"I have another engagement to get to...are you good to walk back alone or..?"
"I'll be fine. There's something you should know Kurusu."
"Hm?"
"I'm going to look into Principal Kobayakawa, I find his actions unforgivable."
"You're free to do as you wish. Just be careful."
Makoto nodded.
"This does not mean I'll be giving you or the Phantom Thieves a free pass. I have my own brand of justice that I believe in. I want to know the truth about all of you as well."
Akira smirked as he walked away.
"Good luck, Madam President."
Train Station
Ryuji sighed as he took another long slurp of his canned soda.
"Man, there are no good posts on this website. People are just posting names for stupid reasons. That's some scary shit."
Shiho nodded.
"These are basic petty grievances, 'he borrowed my jacket and never returned it', 'I think my friend is flirting with my man'..."
Ann continued.
"Here's one! 'Someone's badmouthing me in online chat rooms!' There's a name too."
Morgana shook his head.
"Let's ignore those. Isn't there anything with someone in serious trouble?"
A new voice joined the conversation.
"What are you guys up to?"
The Phantom Thieves all smiled in unison at Akira's arrival.
Ryuji spoke first.
"Hey bro. Heard you had a run in with little miss Prez? You good?"
"I'm fine. She just wanted to talk, I'm helping her see who the real enemies are."
Ann frowned.
"I don't trust her Akira. A lot of people say she knew about Kamoshida and did nothing."
Akira shook his head.
"I highly doubt that's true. I'm not saying she's an ally but she's not our enemy either. I'll keep an eye on her."
Shiho nodded.
"I guess we'll leave her to you then...well Morgana we're all here, what did you want to show us?"
Morgana jumped up on to Akira's shoulder.
"We need a decent post first, something with a full name."
Akira took a peek at Ryuji's phone screen.
"The Aficianado Website? Really?"
The Black feline grinned.
"It'll be a prime source for the information we need."
"There are easier ways to find Palaces you know."
"Regular Palaces, yes."
Akira narrowed his eyes.
"What do you mean?"
Ann interrupted with a shout of victory.
"I found one! 'I don't know what to do about my ex that has been stalking me, his name is Natsuhiko Nakanohara'. It says he works at City Hall as a teller."
Ryuji threw his empty can in the trash.
"Dude! Government workers are stalking people? That's crazy."
Morgana spoke up.
"That sounds like a suitable target!"
Shiho folded her arms in concern.
"So we're just going to jump into his Palace now? I thought we'd all agree on our next target?"
Morgana responded.
"This is really a field test. I want to see if something works."
Akira frowned.
"What are you doing Morgana? We at least need a location to work out what his distortion is."
The cat chuckled.
"Not in this case...I have a deal for you Akira."
"Oh?"
"I believe have information that you want. Valuable information. I can share this with you but I have a few terms."
"Let's hear them."
"You don't charge us for Palaces or training. We share our resources as best as possible. We also want to know more about your history with the Metaverse, as much as you're comfortable to share."
Akira snorted.
"You think that whatever you have to show me is worth all of that?"
Morgana nodded.
"Yes."
Akira looked around at the other Phantom Thieves to see if they were in opposition of Morgana's wager but they all seemed firm and resolute.
"You guys have discussed this."
Shiho and Ann nodded, Ryuji scratched the back of his head.
"We have no idea what Morgana has up his sleeves but the Phantom Thieves need your help, Akira."
"Fine. You have my word. If this is worth it, I'll agree to your terms."
Morgana grinned.
"Great! Ryuji, open the MetaNav. Enter that guy's name. The keyword is...Mementos."
Akira furrowed his brow.
"What the hell is Memen-"
A pause.
The world shimmered and rippled.
Akira quickly took note of their surroundings. Everyone else was gone.
"This...this is the Metaverse? Are we in a Palace?"
Morgana nodded.
"Yup...but there's a lot more to it! Let's head downstairs!"
The Phantom Thieves stood silently as Morgana concluded his explanation of Mementos and how it was 'Everyone's Palace'.
The group had noticed mid-lecture that they had changed into their official Phantom Thief garb and could feel the full connection to their Personas.
The Metaverse expert crossed his feline arms smugly as he spoke once more.
"Well Joker? Impressed?"
Joker chuckled
"You're an idiot."
"Huh? What did I do now?"
Tears slid down Joker's cheeks to the shock of his companions.
"I...would have sold you my soul for this Mona...I've been searching for this for so long..."
Panther and Shijo were instantly by his side, placing a comforting hand on each shoulder.
Skull stepped forward.
"What do you mean Joker? You know about this place?"
"In theory, yes...but I had no clue how to get here...Thank You Mona. I agree to your terms."
Mona nodded.
"O...k."
Joker's tears did not stop, but a small smile crept on to his face.
"This is it! This is what she was looking for! This is why they killed her!"
Joker's visage darkened.
"...and this is how I'll return the favor."
BANG!
SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR CHAPTER 12 GUYS.
LIFE, WORK AND OTHER PROJECTS ARE TO BLAME.
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW/COMMENT.
PEACE
KINGNIKEN