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Chapter Text

4/10
Sunday

“Cognitive Psience? You can’t be serious?”

Niijima Sae stood tall and resolute, her arms crossed and face stoic. Across from her, the Director of the SIU gleaned over a document she'd procured, one of many more spread out across his desk. 

"I am, sir." She took a daring step forward and leaned over his desk, placing a hand on a page that summarized her findings to slide it forward. "I've brought up the possibility that these mental shutdown cases and the psychotic breakdown incidents are connected in some way before. Up until now, I've had no conclusive evidence to back up those claims-"

"And it appears you still don't." The director cast an unimpressed look at her as he set the paper he held down.

She breathed in deeply, cooling the anger that simmered in the pit of her stomach. "Sir, please, if you would allow me to finish."

He sighed and rubbed his forehead, but gave an acquiescing nod. “Very well. Continue.”

The faintest hint of a triumphant smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but she willed her pride to settle down. Sifting through the papers she’d gathered, she searched for one specific article concerning the mind. Upon finding it, she glanced it over and took a deep breath.

“This will sound incredibly farfetched, but… if this theory is correct, then people’s minds could exist as ‘cognitive worlds’. Even more, other people could be capable of interacting with them, and if so, possibly even destroy them-”

"Allow me to stop you right there."

Sae sucked in a breath as the director gave an exasperated sigh and took off his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. "What you’re proposing… is that someone is brainwashing these people? Attacking their minds? Do you even understand what’s coming out of your mouth right now?"

She pressed her lips into a thin line and struggled to hold a composed expression. She’d known it would be difficult to present this lead as a fact. Even she was having a hard time wrapping her head around the concepts of cognitive psience. Yet, if there was even an ounce of truth to these studies, then it'd open up every dead end they'd hit in their investigation.

“With all due respect, sir, this could be the missing link we’ve been searching for-”

“You mean the missing link you’ve been searching for.”

She sealed her lips again, unable to argue his point. They'd been following these incidents for months, but she'd been the only one to propose a hypothetical connection between them all.

“You have to understand, Niijima-san, that this sounds like something out of a goddamn science fiction film!”

He shot up and slapped a hand against his desk, startling her. She winced in response, but steeled her resolve and looked him in the eyes.

“But, sir-”

“I’ve heard enough!” He returned to his chair and rested his elbows on the desk, steepling his fingers as he gave her a hard look. She swallowed, feeling dread beginning to fester in the pit of her stomach. A moment later, the director bowed his head and sighed. “It’s clear to me now that you’ve become far too obsessed with this case. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be on forced leave.”

Her eyes shot open wide and a gasp escaped her. Of all the outcomes she'd projected, being forced out of work wasn't one of them.

“What? No! Sir-”

“I’ll hear no further arguments about this, understood?" He leveled a daring look at her, waiting for her to challenge his authority. She didn't of course, but instead bowed her head in submission and defeat. "How about this, why don't you treat this like a paid vacation? Take some time off and relax. Clear your head. Maybe you could even find yourself a husband?"

It was over, and she’d lost.

Sae glowered at the glass of scotch gripped in her hand for a moment before she downed it in a single drink. Slamming the glass back down on the counter, she heaved in a breath and closed her eyes. The alcohol burned her throat, but she reveled in the brief respite it gave her from the overwhelming shame that tortured her mind.

She had bet everything on cognitive psience, hoping that it would be the key to solving the mental shutdown case. Yet, she had gambled away her entire career. The three arduous years she had spent relentlessly competing in a male-dominated profession and working tirelessly to provide for her and her sister had been traded for nothing because she had chosen to follow a gut feeling.

"Are you certain you're alright, Sae-san?" Akechi Goro leaned into her peripheral sporting a concerned face. "That was your fifth drink."

She scowled and cast a glare in his direction while her glass was refilled. The Detective Prince attempted to give a friendly smile in turn, but it only aggravated her further.

They sat together in one of the many sushi restaurants in Shibuya, Akechi having invited her out as a means of mending her wounded pride. She'd agreed more out of a desire to numb her senses than to spend time in his company. A part of her still resented the fact that a teenage boy a little over half her age had managed to gain prominence so quickly while she had struggled to claw her way to the top.

Sae barely managed to suppress a growl. "I'm fine."

Akechi frowned as she took another drink. "Yes, that's quite apparent."

She chose to ignore him that time, instead focusing on drowning the festering dread in the pit of her stomach. Taking another deep breath just after, she tried to rationalize her life going forward. Income wouldn't be a problem, seeing as how her forced leave was being considered a paid vacation. However, the blow to her reputation would be staggering, even more so if word got out that she tried to promote science fiction as possible evidence. Additionally, the amount of work she'd have to make up for, multiplied exponentially by how well her rivals performed, would keep her out of the house for weeks long after she returned.

She held her forehead in one hand and closed her eyes, giving a heavy sigh. "I'm heading home."

Akechi gave her a curious look, one of his eyebrows raised as she dug around in her purse for her wallet.

"Very well!” He gave a wave as she got up from her seat, leaving her payment on the counter. “Please do be careful, Sae-san!"

She gave a mumbled response accompanied by a noncommittal nod before walking away. Stepping outside, she took a moment to let the sting of the cold night air sober her mind. Then, jamming a hand into her jacket pocket, she grabbed her phone and began to text Makoto.

At least, she tried to. However, the moment she unlocked her phone, an app blew up to fill her entire screen. The depiction of an unblinking, scarlet red eye stared at her, and she stared back, dumbfounded at the mysterious image.

“What the….”

Her initial instinct, dulled by her drinking, was to tap on the eye a couple of times in search of a reaction to see what it did. A moment after, she recognized the potential danger behind messing around with an app she had no recollection of downloading. Then, though, she came to the sudden, startling realization that everything had become unnaturally quiet.

She looked up with a puzzled face, suddenly feeling on edge as alarm bells rang in her head. Around her, the pedestrians that had been rushing down the street or conversing amicably across the area were now frozen in time. No one moved a muscle, not a single person shifted in the slightest. It was like they were trapped in a picture, even the smallest details were immobile, such as a woman's hair tossed into the air and unable to fall back down.

Absolute silence reigned over the once bustling street, not a single sound echoing across the buildings save for the clack of her heels as she cast her gaze in every direction.

What was going on? Was this some kind of flash mob performance? Or was she hallucinating? Had someone slipped something into her drink? No, that was impossible-

Sae stopped in her frantic search for a clue to her situation as she spied a single figure standing out amidst the unmoving crowd.

A woman, tall and lithe, stood at the end of the street, dressed in a black dress that left little to the imagination. A wide hat adorned with a golden rose topped her head, but the brim was lifted by a gloved hand to reveal an all too familiar face. However, instead of a pair of crimson eyes looking back at her, they were colored a molten gold and outlined in dark eyeshadow.

Sae stared wide-eyed at her doppelganger, unable to process the sight of her own self in such an attire.

Then, without warning, her twin flashed a smirk with lips painted black just before she was consumed in a burst of blue fire.

Sae stared at the azure pyre in morbid fascination, watching as the likeness of scarlet eyes and a scarlet smirk appeared in the dancing, azure flames.

Then, she blinked and rubbed her eyes furiously, hoping that this was all just a trick of her addled mind. As if on cue, the sounds of the bustling street came back to her, and when she opened her eyes next, the azure flames were gone and the Tokyo nightlife had resumed its course.

She studied her surroundings for a moment longer, then glanced back down at her phone. The mysterious app with a single, scarlet eye gazed at her. She regarded it with a frown and deleted it immediately before texting Makoto that she was on her way home.

Hopefully, she wouldn't have another fantastical episode before she made it to her bed.

"I'm home, Makoto."

Sae breathed a content sigh as she stepped inside the apartment, finally feeling a sense of comfort after a long day full of shame, frustration, and utter distress.

"Welcome home, sis!" Makoto sat at the dinner table, a pencil in one hand and a textbook opened up in front of her. A smile crossed her face as she got up to greet her. "I made dinner for you. Do you want me to warm it up?"

Slipping out of her shoes, she gave an affirming nod while rubbing her forehead. "That would be nice. Thank you."

She'd eaten her share of sushi earlier, but there was no harm in filling her stomach some more. Considering that strange episode she'd experienced earlier, it was probably a good idea to sober up even more.

While Makoto went about microwaving a plate of food, Sae stepped around the couch in the living room and plopped herself down. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she shrugged off the weight of everything she’d been carrying and let herself finally relax.

"Is everything alright?"

Sae gave a quiet moan, then nodded in affirmation. "Yes, I just had a very long day. However... I do have some news to share."

The microwave in the kitchen beeped before Makoto could respond. A few seconds after, though, she heard her sister retrieving her dinner for her and setting it down on the dining table. So, mustering her strength, she got up and made her way over the short distance to sit down.

"So, what is it?” Makoto tilted her head while she ate small portions of her meal. “Did something happen?"

Sae opened her mouth to answer, but no words came out. Her pride bound her confession, kept it trapped in her heart. She took another bite of her food and looked away from Makoto's quizzical gaze, unable to meet her eyes.

However, after taking a deep breath, she rubbed her eyes and cooled her nerves before facing her sister again. "Starting tomorrow, I'll be taking some time off to… relax. So, I'm going to be home for about a month."

Makoto blinked, obviously not expecting that answer. It seemed to take her a while to fully process what she’d told her, but when she did a look of wonder crossed her face.

"Really?"

Sae nodded. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I won’t stop working.”

Her sister gave a humored giggle, but there was an underlying tone of worry to it. “Isn’t the point of a vacation to take a break from work?”

“Crime never sleeps, Makoto.” And neither could she, went unsaid.

Some time later, she finished her dinner and left to take a bath before heading to bed, reassured that her sister could wash the dishes. However, even as she lay in bed, exhausted from the day’s events, she couldn’t fall asleep. Her mind was too active, too frantic to restore her wounded pride and reputation.

That was how she found herself reaching for her phone on her nightstand, intent on searching for more leads on cognitive psience. Her gut was rarely wrong, and there was just something that bugged her about the topic and its potential connection to everything she’d been investigating.

However, before she could even begin to look for more articles or books on the subject, she found herself once again staring at the mysterious, scarlet eye marked app.

“I deleted this, didn’t I?” She frowned and moved the app into the trash bin.

Almost immediately, a drowsiness came over her and she laid her head back as the world went dark.

Sae awoke to the sound of jangling chains and dripping water. When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring at a dark ceiling bordered by blue velvet walls. Then, as she reached up to rub the sleep from her eyes, she found her wrists clasped in iron shackles and bound by a chain.

Immediately, her flight or flight instincts jumped into overdrive and she shot up from the stone slab she’d been sleeping on. Her eyes drifted down at the uncomfortable feeling of rough fabric clinging to her skin and she found herself in a prisoner’s uniform. Even more, she found another shackle gripping her right ankle, the chain attached to it leading to an undoubtedly solid iron ball.

"Good, you've come to, inmate!"

She turned to her right, finding the bars and door of a prison cell wrapped in chains. Two diminutive figures stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the other side of the bars, both dressed similar blue uniforms and near identical in appearance—likely twins—save for the position of their eyepatches, as well as the impassive expression of one and the disapproving expression of the other.

Past them, she spied a desk and a figure hunched over it.

”Where am I?” Sae stood up, eyes narrowing and tone sharp like a knife. “Who are you?”

“Quiet, inmate!” The disapproving twin struck the bars of her cell with a baton.

She leveled a glare with the… child? The girl simply glared back with her single eye and then pointed at the person behind the desk, a balding man with gray hair, disturbingly wide eyes, and a… inhumanely long nose, as well as pointed ears….

“Trickster.” The man spoke with a rumbling baritone and offered a white gloved hand out, as if inviting her. “Welcome to my Velvet Room.”

Sae studied him for a moment, then gripped the bars of her cell and stared him down. “I demand to know where I am! Who you are! And why I am being held against my will!”

Suddenly, the disapproving twin laughed, then struck the bars again. “Ha! She demands!”

She ignored the child dressed in a guard’s uniform, instead addressing the man behind the desk, “I am a prosecutor with the Special Investigations Unit. If you think you can get away with this, then think again!”

The man did not answer. Instead, the impassive twin turned to her and spoke with a solemn voice, “I am afraid that you are misinterpreting the situation. The you in reality is currently fast asleep. All of this is merely a dream you are experiencing.”

Sae furrowed her brow, unable to make sense of the girl’s explanation.

“Allow me to explain further.” The man behind the desk rested his chin on the back of his left hand as he elaborated, “This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room that only those who are bound by a ‘contract’ may enter.”

“I didn’t sign a contract. And neither did I give consent to being kidnapped.“

“Oh, but you have, dear trickster.” The man chuckled as the twin girls in front of her cell turned to stand at attention before him. “I am Igor, the master of this place. Remember it well.”

She narrowed her eyes and watched him suspiciously.

“Why am I here?”

“Because I have summoned you to speak of important matters.”

“And so you placed me in a prison cell?”

“I did nothing of the sort. The state of this room is a reflection of the state of your heart.”

A reflection of her heart? She frowned, unable to understand just exactly what he was trying to say.

“What are you talking about?”

“You are, how shall I say, a ‘prisoner’ of fate.”

Sae mulled over his words for a moment, trying to find whatever hidden meaning he had weaved into them. However, she could not make sense of this otherworldly metaphor he tried to convey.

“I demand to be released at once.”

“That is a matter entirely up to you, trickster.” Igor steepled his fingers and raised his head. “In the near future, there is no mistake that ruin awaits you. An end to everything. To avoid it, you must be ‘rehabilitated’.”

At the very mention of the word, alarm bells rang in her head. Dozens of disturbing stories and rumors of such depraved acts ran through her mind. She looked up and studied the ceiling, searching for the light of a window or an opening that she could glimpse the outside world with. However, there was none, only an abyssal darkness.

“Whatever sick game you’re trying to make me play, I’ll have no part in it.” She stepped away from the bars and clenched her hands into fists. “I know how to defend myself. Don’t think I’ll let you take advantage of me without a fight!”

She struck a defensive pose, ready to test her kickboxing skills against her captors. Igor merely laughed in response, then gestured for the two, twin girls posing as her guards to twist around and face her. She eyed the disapproving one on her right, then the impassive one on her left.

“Allow me to introduce my assistants. To your right is Caroline; to your left, Justine.”

The haughty, disapproving twin Caroline huffed and stared her down boldly. “Try and struggle as hard as you like!”

The cool, impassive twin Justine acted in complete antithesis to her sister, watching her with a scrutinizing gaze. “The duty of wardens is to protect inmates. We will also be acting as your collaborators. That is, if you cooperate.”

Sae backed away further, preparing herself for a fight. However, neither moved to open the cell and enter, they instead twisted around to address the man Igor again.

“I shall explain the roles of these two at another occasion.” He tapped his fingers against his desk, seemingly bored. “Now then, it seems the night is waning. Our time is almost up.”

She tilted her head and cast a suspicious look towards him. “Excuse me?”

“Please, take your time to come to understand this place. We will surely meet again, eventually….”

With a wave of his gloved hand, an alarm blared to life above her and her vision went dark.

4/11
Monday

“Thanks for the ride, sis.” Makoto beamed with joy in the passenger’s seat, trying to express her gratitude and her obvious delight.

Sae gave a smile in return while she parked. “Of course. It was no trouble.” She reached into the backseat to grab her purse. “Besides, I have some errands I need to run nearby anyways.”

Stepping out of her car and locking it, Sae looked on as her little sister stepped towards the school with a notebook in hand. “Okay, so… looks like I need to help organize for Mr. Kamoshida’s volleyball rally, start discussing the club budgets, and… oh, right.”

Sae arched an eyebrow at her sister’s frown. “Is something wrong, Makoto?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s nothing.” She closed the notebook and stuffed it away in her bag. “The school just wants me to help tutor a second-year transfer student.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Apparently, they thought it’d be best if I helped him acclimate to Shujin.”

“Well, I certainly hope it doesn’t interfere with your studies.”

“You don’t need to worry, sis.” She flashed her a reassuring smile. “I’m on top of things.”

Sae regarded her with a critical eye for a moment, then conceded and gave a reassured smile. “Very well. Now, go along, you’ve got time before school starts.”

She watched her sister walk off, disappearing into Shujin Academy. The moment she was gone from her sight, Sae let her mask fall. A weariness draped over her, born of exhaustion and paranoia.

Last night’s events had only sent her further spiraling into a terrified belief that she was having a mental breakdown. Between her doppelganger she’d seen outside the sushi restaurant and waking up in a prison, only to wake up in her bed, she had no idea what was real and what wasn’t.

She needed to get her life in order. This was all probably just stress. She had been working straight for about three years. Maybe the director had been right? Maybe this forced leave would be good for her?

Sae rubbed her temple and then started walking away, treading down the sidewalk to head for the specialty stores nearby. Some shopping should help her clear her mind.

“Sorry! Excuse me! Please get out of my way!”

Kawakami Sadayo was seldom late for her daytime job. Teaching had been her aspiration in university, and it still was to this day. But her nighttime job had begun to wear her down far more than she’d expected. Last night’s client hadn’t helped either, his advances all too forceful, even after she explained she wasn’t a part of that service.

So, that was how she found herself barely awake, rushing out of the metro station, and barreling headlong through a sudden downpour that the weather forecast hadn’t even mentioned!

“Of all the times! Ugh!” She tried tugging her coat over her head, but it did little to protect her from the rainfall.

At least her bag and everything in it were safe, tucked against her chest-

Sadayo flicked her eyes up once to spy a business suit-clad figure rushing for cover beneath the awning of a streetside cafe. However, their movement put them right into her path, and she had no time to slow down.

“Watch out!”

“Huh-”

Even as she tried to step around the woman, their legs caught against each other and suddenly they were slamming into the wet concrete.

A groan escaped her, and another escaped her unfortunate victim. They both lay there for a moment, dazed from the fall. However, the other woman recovered near immediately, pushing herself up and staggering on her feet as she wiped the grime off her suit.

Crimson eyes glanced around, then spotted her. She reached out with a hand and Sadayo stared at it for a moment before taking it.

“S-Sorry!” she blurted out, panic filling her voice.

The other woman gave her a critical look in return. “You should watch where you’re going.”

She hurriedly pulled her underneath the nearby awning, both of them trembling from the cold rain.

“Just when I thought today couldn’t get worse.” The other woman dug around in her pocket and pulled out her phone.

Sadayo stared at it, then suddenly realized she was missing her bag. Looking back out, she saw it lying on the ground, wide open and its contents—mostly graded homework and several books—strewn about the wet ground.

“No! No! No! No! No!” She ran out into the pouring rain, grabbing her bag and trying to peel the wet papers off the concrete. Most tore and fell apart in her hands, to which she grimaced and whined.

After a minute in the downpour, she returned to the awning, trudging into the dry space dripping wet and sulking.

The woman she’d knocked over in her mad dash towards Shujin stared at her with a concerned look, any trace of her judgmental expression gone.

“Are you okay?”

She shook her head and pouted. “That’s six hours of my life lying in the rain.”

Sadayo resigned herself to plopping down in the shade and trying to salvage what she could of her belongings. Nearly everything had been thoroughly soaked and ruined, from the homework assignments she’d spent most of last evening grading to her personal effects.

Could her life get any worse?

“Yeah! So, anyways, Kamoshida? Total asshole!” The all too familiar, vulgar speech of one Sakamoto Ryuji shouted over the showering rainfall. “Shujin’s been nothin’ but hell since he showed up! That pervy teacher acts like he’s the king of the effin’ castle!”

A groan escaped her as the familiar, dyed-blond-haired teen ran through the rain, followed closely by another student. One of his friends? Did he have any friends? She didn’t have the mental willpower to even try and focus on that.

A sigh sounded above her, and Sadayo looked up at the other woman standing with her. The hand holding her phone had fallen while the other gripped the strap of her purse as she looked after the rushing students, her eyes narrow and full of disapproval.

She then turned her gaze to the nonstop rainfall before bowing her head. “I don’t think the rain’s going to stop anytime soon- Ngh!"

The woman pressed a hand to her forehead with a pained grunt just as she did the same, a sudden headache striking them both.

"Ugh, can't this day just end right now?" Sadayo groaned and slumped her shoulders, then looked at the woman beside her. "Sorry again about running into you.”

Crimson eyes looked down at her with clear discontent, but eventually the other woman looked away and sighed. “You should certainly watch where you’re going next time.”

God, this was awkward….

Thankfully, the woman stepped out into the rainfall and hurriedly rushed away, making her way towards Shujin. After taking a moment to recollect herself and muster the strength to push forward, she ran out into the rain too.

Okay, so she wouldn't be able to return her students' homework, but that wasn't too big of a deal. She still had her lesson plan, and if that wasn't enough she could just have them review last week's lessons. That might actually help the transfer student catch up- Oh! She had to introduce the transfer student to the-....

Sadayo slowed to a stop as she approached what should have been the front gates of Shujin Academy. Instead of the cold stone and iron fence, however, she found herself standing at the edge of a drawbridge, a moat flowing beneath it and an enormous castle towering on the other side.

"What in the world…." She took tentative steps forward, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. "Did I… Did I take a wrong turn? Where’s the school?"

"Well, according to the sign, this is Shujin Academy." Without warning, the woman from before appeared beside her, one hand gripping her phone which displayed a scarlet eye.

“You have arrived at your destination.”

Sae looked down at her phone, studying the scarlet eye that emblazoned her screen once again. Then, she looked up at the enormous, European castle that rose above her, reaching up to a bright, violet sky.

"What in the world…." The woman who’d crashed into her earlier ran a hand through her hair, her eyes wide and darting around in search of answers. "Did I… Did I take a wrong turn? Where’s the school?"

“Well, according to the sign, this is Shujin Academy.” Sae crossed her arms as the woman looked over at her, surprise and utter disbelief riddling her face.

Ignoring her flabbergasted expression, Sae rubbed her chin and tried to rationalize the situation. As far as she was concerned, this was not Shujin Academy. She’d arrived with Makoto a few hours ago and the school had looked the same. However, now it was replaced entirely by a completely different structure that matched neither the appearance or the size of the original building. Even more, the sky was colored purple, which was definitely not normal and certainly didn’t help with her current fear that she was having a mental breakdown.

Cupping her mouth, she groaned into her palm and tried to alleviate some of the anxiety festering inside of her. “Why does this keep happening to me?”

“Do you think we should go inside?”

“Hmm?” She looked at the brunette woman, who shifted in place anxiously. “I mean, if this really is Shujin… maybe we could ask the faculty why… any of this is happening?”

“That sounds like our only real option right now.”

With that said, they walked up the castle’s drawbridge and into the courtyard. Wooden barrels were clustered together in corners while stakes tied together into wooden barriers, like something you’d see in medieval Europe, were scattered around. She shared a look with the brunette woman, who shrugged in equal confusion.

Ignoring what were likely props, they moved on and entered the actual castle, pushing open massive doors. Stepping inside, they gawked at the sight of an enormous foyer complete with hanging chandeliers, sconces mounted on pillars, and a gaudy amount of red velvet décor. At the far back of the room, at the summit of two staircases was an enormous painting of a man in ornate armor wielding a sword.

“Are they shooting a film here?” Sae blinked and rubbed her eyes, trying to process the sight before her.

The brunette woman beside her didn’t answer at first, too busy processing what she was seeing. “I… I don’t know?” She scratched her head before giving a submissive sigh. “I should probably just call the school and tell them I’ll be late.”

While she was busy digging out her phone from her coat, Sae looked around and tried to spy anything out of the ordinary in this extraordinary setting. She didn’t see any cameras, film crews, or personnel of any kind. The place almost seemed abandoned, save for the fact that someone had to have lit the candles and kept the foyer clean.

“No signal? Come on!”

The other woman growled under her breath and stuffed her phone back into her coat pocket. Sae arched an eyebrow in response, then checked her own phone. There was no signal for her either.

“Something isn’t right.”

"What do you mean-"

"Who's there!" A voice boomed from one side of the foyer. "Reveal yourselves!"

They both jumped, eyes widening in fear.

"We need to go, now!" Sae grabbed the woman's wrist and pulled her back.

However, as she turned to run back outside, she came face-to-face with a man clad in a full suit of medieval, European armor. Before she could even gasp, he swung a shield at her face, sending her to the ground where everything went black.

Chapter Text

“Niijima Makoto, please report to the principal's office."

Makoto blinked and looked up, taken by surprise. Her teacher mirrored her expression, confusion crossing his face as he looked at the intercom speaker, then at her. Hushed gossip passed between her peers around her, most questioning why the student council president of all people was being called out of class.

She certainly had no idea herself, but if she was needed, then she had to go.

Gathering her belongings, she apologized to her teacher for the inconvenience and left for the second floor. The halls were barren, everyone in class at the moment. Though, there seemed to be an unusual amount of noise coming out of Class 2-D's homeroom.

Ignoring it, she made her way to the principal's office and stepped inside. "You called for me, Principal Kobayakawa?"

The principal, a rather large, bald man in a cream colored suit, greeted her with a smile. Standing in front of his desk was a student, a second year according to his uniform. His hair was a mess of tousled, curled black locks and a pair of glasses sat on his nose.

They locked eyes with each other for a moment before she looked back at the principal, who smiled. "Ah! Niijima-san, thank you for coming! You have perfect timing!"

"I do?" She gripped the strap of her bag and glanced at the other student. "What's this about, sir?"

"Oh, well you see, Ms. Kawakami was supposed to meet with our transfer student here earlier this morning, but she never arrived. We've tried calling her, but… well, she doesn't seem to be answering." Principal Kobayakawa wiped his brow with a handkerchief anxiously. "We're trying to get a substitute to fill in for her class at the moment, but she was also responsible for helping Amamiya-san here feel welcome at our school."

Amamiya? So this was Amamiya Ren, the transfer student with the criminal record? Assault, if she remembered correctly.

"I see." She watched Amamiya-kun turn his head away slightly, the corner of his lips falling slightly into an uncomfortable frown. "But, how exactly do I fit into this, if I may ask, sir?

"Well, we've already asked you to help tutor this young man. Why not begin now?"

"Excuse me?" She sputtered, caught off guard. "But, I'm still in class. Surely we can wait until later."

"I'm afraid not, Niijima-san. We can't very well leave him to his own devices on his first day here."

The transfer student visibly bristled, and she couldn't help but recall the recent rumors circulating around the school. Though, she doubted most of them had any real basis in fact. Still, she would prefer to tread on the side of caution.

"Well… I suppose I could take today to help him catch up with his courses."

"Wonderful! Thank you, Niijima-san. Why don't you two head down to the library?"

Makoto looked at her apparent companion, who wore a poker face, showing little to no emotion at all. He watched her too, giving her a once-over before shouldering his bag, ready to leave. She did the same, gave the principal a respectful bow, and stepped outside.

"Please, follow me."

They made their way down the hall, heading for the stairs up to the library. She glanced at him every so often, trying to get a read for his current mood. However, he seemed more emotionless than anything, practically dead inside.

“Ah! Niijima-san!”

She stopped and looked over as Shujin’s resident, celebrity volleyball coach approached them, a stack of papers in his hands.

"Hello, Mr. Kamoshida." She gave a wave and a smile, to which he grinned.

“So, what are you up to, huh?” He looked over at Amamiya. “And who’s this?”

Makoto spied the other teen shifting uncomfortably, his eyes lingering on the ground. “He’s one of our new transfer students. Principal Kobayakawa wanted me to tutor him since Ms. Kawakami hasn’t shown up yet.”

“Ah, I see.” Mr. Kamoshida turned to head down towards the PE faculty office. “Well, I’ll leave you to- Oh, shoot!”

He stumbled a step but caught himself, however, a few of the papers in his hands came loose and fell to the floor.

"Hey, could you grab those for me, Niijima-san?"

"Of course."

She bent down to grab the paper, then turned to return it. However, she suddenly bumped into Amamiya-kun, who had apparently stepped behind her. She gave a startled gasp and backpedaled, but then looked past him at Mr. Kamoshida, who wore a frustrated look.

"Um, here you are, sir."

His expression changed immediately, his face softening and a smile crossing it again. “Thanks, Niijima-san. And, uh, watch out for that one transfer student, alright?”

He turned and left, but she furrowed her bow and watched him retreat into his office. He’d definitely eyed her companion when making that last remark. Speaking of whom….

“Amamiya-kun?” She stepped around and into his field of vision. “The library’s on the third floor.”

He looked at her, his face hardened slightly with a subtle hint of anger that quickly diminished.

"Alright," he replied, his voice unexpectedly leveled and calm. "Lead the way, Niijima-senpai."

She eyed him curiously for a second before leading him upstairs. The moment they set foot on the third floor, however, he moved up next to her and spoke in a hushed tone, “You really need to be more careful.”

She jumped away with a gasp and clenched one hand into a fist. “Excuse me?”

He stared at her, then kept walking. “He was trying to look under your skirt.”

She blinked, processing his claim, then flushed red before hastily catching up with him. “H-How would you know?”

“It was pretty obvious. Plus the rumors Ryu- Sakamoto-san told me about.”

Sakamoto? Oh, the former track star.

“You shouldn’t believe everything Sakamoto-kun says. He has a grudge against Mr. Kamoshida.”

“For good reason, I hear.”

“He’s a biased source.”

“Maybe, but he’s the only person I’ve talked to besides you.”

They entered the library together, continuing their debate.

“I suppose I can’t fault you for having limited sources.”

“So, what’s your take on Mr. Kamoshida, then?”

They sat down at a table and Makoto took a moment to study his face. He still held an impassive expression, but there was a certain… calculated look in his eyes.

“I think he’s an excellent role model who manages to set an example for the other students to follow. He is a Shujin alumni, after all.” She watched his face, seeing his frown deepen. “Alright, my turn, what’s your opinion of him? Disregarding Sakamoto-kun’s influence, of course.”

Amamiya looked away for a second, then rubbed his neck. “That was the first time I’ve met him face-to-face, but I could definitely tell where he was looking when you picked up his papers.”

She flushed red and averted her gaze, trying not to show him the embarrassment showing on her face. She didn’t necessarily believe him, but the implications were… uncomfortable, to say the least.

“How about we start catching you up?” She winced at the way her voice cracked.

He gave a nervous smile and nodded, reaching into his bag and pulling out his textbooks. While he did so, she looked him over again, disregarding the rumors she’d heard. He wasn’t the delinquent she’d expected, but looks could be deceiving. Then again, her own biases could very well be wrong too.

Once again, Sae awoke to the sound of jangling chains.

However, when she opened her eyes, she did not find herself lying in a prison cell lined with blue velvet walls. Instead, she found herself shackled to a stone wall.

Her head was pounding and her arms were sore. She blinked several times, trying to rid the spots from her eyes. A groan escaped her as she tried to move, only able to push herself a bit off the wall before she slumped back against it.

"Where…?"

She looked around at her prison cell, the walls worn and dilapidated. Across from her, she recognized the other woman she'd come into true castle with. She was still unconscious, shackled to the wall just like her.

"Hey." She glanced at the Iron bars of their cell, searching for any guards. When none appeared, she turned back to her companion. "Hey! Wake up!"

"Mm…." The brunette woman stirred, head lolling as she came to. "Wha time ish it…?"

She looked up at her groggily, a bruise forming on her head. Her eyes scanned the floor, then moved up to look at her. She squinted at first, still processing everything. Then, though, her eyes blew open wide and she looked around frantically before yanking at the chains binding her to the wall.

“Wh-What’s going on?”

“Hey! Look at me!” Sae spoke with a commanding tone, trying to suppress her own panic. “It’s going to be alright.”

“Where are we?”

“...Well, we were in the castle… I think we still are-”

Suddenly, an agonizing scream tore through the air, echoing from somewhere nearby. They both looked out the cellbars in horror.

“Oh God.” The brunette woman whimpered, tears welling in her eyes. “What’s going to happen to us? Is this some kind of red light district thing?”

Sae opened her mouth to answer, but ultimately couldn’t. Even she had no idea as to what exactly was happening.

Taking a deep breath to cool her nerves, she looked up at her restraints, trying to find some kind of weakness she could exploit. She gave a few experimental tugs, then yanked at it. Unfortunately, they didn’t come loose.

Before she could try again, however, the sound of marching reached her ears and she looked over at the cellbars. A handful of knights appeared, all of them wearing the same, emotionless mask.

“Here they are, King Kamoshida! The intruders!”

“Kamoshida?”

Sae stole a glance at the brunette woman, who stared at their captors in disbelief.

She'd heard that name before, but where?

Turning her gaze back to the cell bars, she watched as the knights parted for a man with eyes an unnatural shade of gold and wearing a gaudy crown as well as a cloak patterned with hearts. Underneath, he wore nothing except… a pink speedo?

“Well. Well. Well.” The man, Kamoshida, grinned and clapped his hands as he looked at her companion. “Kawakami Sadayo. Finally decided to join my fan club, I see.”

“Kamoshida-san?” Kawakami gawked, her face pale as a sheet. “Wh-What are you wearing? What’s going on here?”

Kamoshida didn’t answer her, only grinning smugly as he gestured for a guard to open their cell door. His men marched inside and took positions around them, their swords held at the ready.

Sae watched as Kamoshida sauntered in, acting as if he owned the place. As if he owned them.

“You know, Sadayo, for a teacher you’re pretty hot.” He licked his lips and Kawakami flushed a deep shade of red as she backed herself against the wall.

“E-Excuse me?”

“It’s just… your body looks so… tight. Even if you’re always wearing such baggy clothes. I can only imagine what curves you’re hiding, but it still gets me going!”

Sae shivered in disgust as she tested her bindings again, trying to see if she could slip a hand free. However, they were wrapped firmly around her wrists.

“I-I’m sorry, but I’m not interested!” Kawakami yanked at her chains desperately, switching between checking on them and keeping a fearful eye on the man. “Why are you even doing this?”

Kamoshida shrugged, the casual manner in which he did infuriating Sae. She watched him stroke his chin and hum, then shrug again. “Eh, I guess I just haven’t enjoyed a mature woman my age in a while. Only girls I get to play with are the ones on the volleyball team.”

Kawakami froze suddenly, going deathly pale. Sae did much the same, a horrifying string of thoughts running through her mind.

“What?” she barely managed to breathe out.

For the first time, Kamoshida turned to regard her with an eyebrow raised. Though, his curiosity was soon replaced with a lecherous gaze as he looked her up and down. She tried to put on a defiant face, scowling at him as he stepped up to her.

“Well hello beautiful. What’s your name.”

“Screw you!”

He frowned, then suddenly struck her with the back of his hand. “Is that anyway to talk to a king?” He cupped her cheeks in one hand and forced her to look him in the eye. “Now, come on. Be a good girl and answer the question.”

She narrowed her eyes, glaring at him with all the hatred she could muster. After a tense moment, he sighed and let her face go, but then immediately kicked her in the stomach. She gave a choked cry, then hacked and wheezed while her stomach churned.

“Fine then. Guess I’ll play with you first. Let’s see how long you last, huh?”

She looked up, tears involuntarily welling in her eyes and rolling down her face, as he shrugged back his cloak and gestured at the guards.

“Cut off her clothes. I wanna see what I got.”

Sae yanked at her chains, trying to break free in a final, frenzied attempt. However, she could not shatter the iron clasps on her wrists or tear her bindings from the wall.

Dread pooled in her stomach and an icy, clawed hand grabbed her heart. A whimper worked its way up her throat, about to spill out as the knights raised their swords and pressed them against the sides.

However, before they could begin cutting, Kawakami shouted, “Stop!”

“Hm?” Kamoshida turned back around to regard the other woman. “What? You want to go first?”

Sae stared at her savior with bleary eyes, watching Kawakami struggle to put up a rebellious countenance against the depraved tyrant.

“You- You sick bastard!” She screamed, struggling against her restraints. “Let us go!”

He backhanded her without hesitation, silencing her. “Shut the hell up, bitch! You’ve broken my number one law, insulting the king!” He cupped her face and forced her to look up while he appraised her figure. “You know what? Maybe I’ll punish you first! Although, it’s more of a reward than anything.”

Kawakami was breaking down now, choked sobs falling past her lips as she vainly tugged against her chains. Kamoshida showed no remorse, gesturing at his guards without even sparing her a look.

“Unchain her and get her on her knees.”

“No! Please!”

“Stop!” Sae pushed herself off the wall, going as far out as she could. “You sick rapist! Don’t touch her!”

He whipped around and struck her again. “Shut the hell up! I’ll have my turn with you afterwards!” He pointed a finger at the guard next to her. “Hold her against the wall, got it? I don’t want her interrupting me.”

Sae fought against the gauntlet-clad hand that grabbed her by the neck and pushed her back against the wall. She writhed against it and tried her damndest to liberate herself and save Kawakami. Yet, her strength was waning and her dread was growing, like a sickness that was sapping her of her hope.

The moment the Kawakami was freed by the guards, she tried to make a mad dash for the cell door, only to have them grab her by the shoulders and throw her against the wall violently. She stumbled a few steps, dazed, but was then forced down onto her knees as Kamoshida stepped towards her.

Sae could only watch, unable to save her. Unable to do anything.

Her ears were ringing. Her heart was thundering. Her chest was tight with grief and desperation. But she couldn’t look away, she could only watch in horror.

“This is truly an unjust game….”

She blinked away tears and watched as a glittering shape entered her vision, a shining butterfly that fluttered past her.

“Your chances of winning are almost none. But if my voice is reaching you, there might yet be a possibility open to you….”

The world slowed to a still, a tyrannical silence dominating the cell. Then, a woman’s voice, sounding so much like her own yet ancient and indomitable, spoke in her mind.

“Have you given in so easily? After so many years of arduous labor, you choose now to falter?”

She sucked in a breath and looked around, searching for the voice’s owner. Yet, they spoke from afar and right in front of her. It was as if they were whispering in her ear, but also shouting from vaulted heights.

“Are you not a prosecutor of the law? Will you allow this monster to defile her without consequence? Or have you grown so complacent as to issue punishment after the deed has been done?”

She gave a weak shake of her head. “N-No….”

“So be it. Then allow me to break your chains.”

Without warning, a sharp pain struck her mind. She gasped and seized up, body going rigid as she felt a searing spike drive itself into her head.

“Bind yourself to this oath….”

She pushed herself off the wall, jerking and thrashing against the hand that held her.

"I am thou, thou art I…."

Pained whines and grunts escaped her as the voice boomed in her head.

“For too long thou hast sought victory over true justice. No more! Shatter thy collar! Break thy chains! Unleash thy fury!”

A scream poured out of her mouth as she bashed her elbow against the wall and shattered stone, then yanked against her chains and broke her shackles.

“Show the resolve of thy will to seek true justice amidst falsehoods! Never again shall thou be led astray! Thy fate is in thy hands, forge it anew!”

Freed, Sae cradled her head and felt a weight fall upon her face. Ragged breaths escaped her as she looked up to find Kamoshida and his guards watching her with baffled faces.

Reaching up with a trembling hand, she touched the surface of a mask. Then, in an act of pure instinct, she grabbed one side of it, and then the other.

She needed to take it off. Tear it off. Remove it by any means necessary.

She heard her skin peel, felt the torturous pain of the act as she tore off her own face. Yet, she kept at it, screaming as she ripped the mask off and then held it in one hand.

Blood ebbed freely from her raw flesh, trickling down her face. And yet, it felt liberating.

She reveled in the sudden freedom that filled her being, smiling contentedly as she stared her captors down. Kamoshida trembled in fright and backed away. Behind him, Kawakami huddled against the far wall, eyes wide and mouth agape in horror.

Sae grinned as azure flames suddenly erupted in her vision, covering her face and enveloping her in a fiery corona. A strange power surged through her veins, reinvigorating her as she felt that sensation of liberation magnify.

The azure flames retracted from her figure a moment later, revealing her business suit to be gone. Now she was clad in a black jacket, unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled up. A scarlet tie hung from her neck, draping over a white shirt. And a pair of boots covered her legs, reaching up to her knees.

She gazed at her new attire, then looked back to watch the azure flames take their own shape. Vaguely reminiscent of her own, it grew in size until the flames dispersed and revealed their manifestation of a goddess adorned in shining armor and pure white robes. A golden mantle rested upon her shoulders, a flowing cloak wreathing her figure, and a blindfold was tied over her eyes. In her left hand, she held a pair of scales and in her right she gripped a sword.

Sae’s grin widened and she twirled around with a wave of her hand. The goddess lifted her sword and batted away two of Kamoshida’s guards. The self-proclaimed king himself whimpered and scurried away, cowering in a corner. All the while, Kawakami looked on in equal measures of awe and terror.

"I am Aequitas, justice incarnate! Unbound from the arrogance of man!” the goddess declared as she turned her sightless gaze down upon her. “I am the flame of rebellion that burns in your soul. If it is your wish, I shall aid you in this crisis.”

Sae simply nodded in response. “Grant me your power, Aequitas!”

“So be it! Let us stand in judgement of the wicked!”

They turned in synchrony to face Kamoshida, who darted his eyes between her and her guardian.

“Wh-Who the hell are you?” He looked to his men and pointed a finger at her. “Guards! Kill them!”

The guards picked themselves up and faced her, only to shudder before erupting into black ooze. She watched them take new forms, manifesting as floating, pumpkin-headed creatures draped in cloaks and wielding lanterns.

“You are now judge, jury, and executioner!” Aequitas declared and Sae looked down at her hands, finding them gripping a pair of tonfas. “You are the instrument of justice, dispense it as you see fair.”

She nodded and turned her gaze towards the pumpkin-headed monsters. They were servants to a true monster, a sexual predator who’d outright claimed to have preyed on children. They were unforgivable in their compliance.

A battle cry erupted from her throat, spilling out past her lips as she charged them. Her kickboxing skills were rusty, but she remembered enough to deliver a flurry of blows to one before jumping and spinning, delivering a devastating kick to the head.

The creature shrieked and flew at her, twirling and bringing its lantern to strike her. She raised her arms and blocked the attack with her tonfas, then retreated back a few paces.

The other creature raised its own lantern, the flame inside shining brighter just before it released a fireball at her. She dodged it, then gestured at the one she’d struck.

Aequitas surged forth at her silent command, swinging her blade about and cutting the monster down. As she returned, the last remaining creature fired another fireball, but her guardian stepped in the way. However, she felt the impact of the attack against Aequitas, felt the sting of the burn and the uncomfortable heat it left behind.

“Aequitas!” she shouted, willing the goddess to lift her scales.

One side tipped downwards and a spear of light came crashing down upon the monster, disintegrating it immediately.

Sae breathed in and out, the high she had rode steadily waning away. After a moment, she abandoned her offensive stance and stood tall, eyes surveying the area before in search of other foes.

“Wh-What… What was that?”

She turned to her right, finding Kawakami still huddled in the corner of the cell. Dried tear streaks stained her face and her voice was hoarse, but she no longer trembled in fear. Instead, she watched her with wide, wondrous eyes.

Sae blinked and looked at her, then looked down at her arms. In the heat of the moment, she’d allowed herself to fall back and let her instincts take over. But now, she felt the difference in what she wore and held, as well as the weight of a mask on her face once again.

“I… Uh-”

“How dare you!”

They turned to find Kamoshida storming towards her, wearing a scowl and furious eyes. Before he could try anything, however, Kawakami suddenly jumped to her feet, grabbing a wooden plank and swinging it wildly. She struck him over the head, knocking him down.

They both froze, staring at the fallen king. Then, Kawakami dropped her makeshift weapon. “I… I did it.”

Sae glanced at a glint of light by the other woman’s feet, spying a ring of keys. “Grab those! Lock the cell!”

Kawakami glanced at her, then down at where she pointed. Swiping the keys off the ground, she dashed for the exit with her following. A moment later, after hearing the satisfying click of the lock, they backed away and heaved in deep breaths.

“S-So… can you tell me what just happened?” Kawakami was still staring at her with awe-filled eyes. “I mean, your clothes! And the giant woman! And- And those jack-o-lantern monsters!”

“I don’t know!” she blurted out, still trying to understand what exactly she’d done too.

Suddenly, a flash of azure flames enveloped her and she was standing there in her business suit once more.

“Your clothes-”

“Guards!”

“Ahh!”

They jumped away from the cell bars as Kamoshida tried to stick an arm through to grab them. Sae cast a worried glance around them, but spied no guards rushing to their master’s aid. So, reassured that they had an opportunity to escape, she grabbed her companion’s arm and pulled her away.

“Come on! We need to move!”

“Isn’t that him?”

“Quiet, or he’ll hear us!”

“Is it true he carries around a knife?”

“He got charged with assault. Just imagine what he’ll do to us if he loses it.”

Amamiya Ren wore a frown as he glanced around the cafeteria at the other students who cast suspicious or fearful glances in his direction. They watched him like some kind of zoo animal and swapped hushed gossip between each other, every story they told getting wilder and wilder. Guess Sakura-san was right after all, this is what happens when someone gets a criminal record.

“Yo, dude!” Suddenly, a hand clapped his back and Sakamoto Ryuji appeared next to him. “Wassup! You grab your lunch already?”

“Yeah.” He held up his tray and Ryuji grinned.

“Holy crap! Is he already friends with Sakamoto?”

“Maybe they knew each other before he transferred.”

“Do you think he’s why Sakamoto tried to attack Mr. Kamoshida?”

Ren’s frown deepened. Beside him, Ryuji stifled a growl.

“Come on.” He nudged his arm and gestured towards the cafeteria entrance with a nod of his head. “I know this quiet place on the roof. We can eat up there.”

Somewhere out of sight where they could eat in peace and have a conversation without someone turning it into a conspiracy? Sounded like a dream come true.

They stepped outside and made their way upstairs, avoiding everyone they could along the way. Not that it was much of an issue, seeing as most of their peers either watched them from a distance or outright avoided them on their own.

Just as they reached the third floor, though, Ren spied Niijima-senpai out in the middle of the hall. She had a newspaper gripped in her hands and a frantic expression on her face. Another girl stood in front of her, red-rimmed glasses on her face and long, black hair topping her head. She seemed afraid.

“How did you find out about this!” Makoto fumed.

The other girl backpedaled and shrunk under her withering glare. “I-It’s all anyone’s talking about! Was I not supposed to write about it?”

“No one should even know about this!” The student council president slapped a hand against her face and moaned. “You know what? It’s fine. Just… please don’t print anymore of these. Alright?”

The other girl nodded and scurried down the hall. Makoto watched her disappear around the corner before she came storming over to them, head down. She only looked up when she about bumped into him, surprise crossing her face, followed by panic.

“A-Amamiya-kun!” She went pale. “Uh… H-How are you?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Fine…?”

“Th-That’s good!” She cringed as her voice cracked.

Ren watched her with a suspicious look for a moment, then glanced down at the newspaper in her hands. He didn’t get a good look at whatever articles were printed on the front, but he could clearly read the bolded headline:

A Criminal is coming to Shujin!

His eyes narrowed and he tightened his grip on his tray. Glancing up, he spied Makoto following his gaze and quickly hiding the newspaper’s headline. Though, when she looked up and met his eyes, she knew it was too late.

“...I don’t know how they found out about your record.” She rubbed her neck awkwardly. “The only ones who knew about it were the faculty and I.”

“Then did you do it?”

She blinked in surprise at the blunt accusation, but then donned an offended countenance. “No! Why would I do such a thing?”

“Then it was probably a teacher.”

Makoto seemed taken back by that claim, her brow furrowing and eyes narrowing as she studied his face. He in turn wore an impassive face, resolute in his statement. He didn’t know who would want to ruin his reputation right off the bat, but the only suspects they had off the top of their heads was everyone she’d stated.

“Yo, dude! You coming or what?” Ryuji’s voice called out from up the stairs and around the corner.

Ren cast a look up there, then turned back to her. She held her chin in one hand, rubbing it as she mumbled to herself. A few seconds later, she met his eyes again with a solemn gaze.

“You should go and eat your lunch.” She regarded him with a solemn expression, the same one she wore when she’d first met him in the principal’s office. “I’ll try to look into this myself. I don’t want to think that one of the faculty members leaked your records… but if they did….”

She trailed off, but he gave an appreciative nod nonetheless. They shared a final look before parting ways, and Ren couldn’t help but feel a modicum of comfort knowing that he had a second person he could rely on.

“Dammit." Sae clenched her jaw as she studied the dead end they'd run into. "There has to be a way out of here."

Behind her, Kawakami shifted in place nervously, keeping watch in the direction they'd come from. "There was that drawbridge over the water flow. Do you think we can lower it?"

"We'd have to find the controls first."

Sae rubbed her chin, mulling over the idea. They really didn't have any other choice, unless they wanted to backtrack and potentially run into another patrol of guards.

"Hey! Is someone out there?"

She froze up and darted her eyes back to where they'd come from. Kawakami-san did the same, backpedaling towards her as they watched for any sign of the guards. None appeared however.

"...D-Did you say something?" Kawakami-san whispered.

She shook her head. "No."

They exchanged looks, but then she glanced over at the cells lining the wall next to them.

“Do you think it was another prisoner?”

“...Maybe.”

They quietly tread down the path, investigating every cell with a critical eye. None held any prisoners, save for the last one….

"Is… that a cat?" Sae stared dumbfounded at the diminutive figure on the other side of the cell bars.

Calling it an actual cat was too far a stretch, but it did seem to vaguely resemble one, in the sense that its body was covered in predominantly black fur with a bit of white with feline ears topping its head. The few non-feline parts of it was that it was standing upright, it had a yellow bandana tied around its neck, and its two large, blue eyes were watching her expectantly.

"I'm not a cat!" the feline-line creature hissed and gripped the bars of its cell.

Kawakami-san gave a startled cry and jumped back, but Sae shot a sharp glare at it and hissed, “Quiet!”

It backed down immediately, shrinking away from her with a frightened look. “S-Sorry. But, you two aren’t guards, right? Please, you have to help me get out of here too! The keys are right over there.”

It pointed a paw at the wall next to them where a ring of keys hung on a hook.

Sae regarded its request for a moment, then looked over at her companion. Grabbing her wrist, she tugged her back and nudged her head, gesturing for her to come have a private conversation.

“I don’t know if we can trust it.”

“Well, you have a point. ...I can’t help but feel bad for the poor thing.”

“We don’t even know what that poor thing is.”

“True….”

Sae stood up and looked over at the creature, intent on telling it they didn’t have time to help it. However, before she could, the sound of footsteps echoed down from the areas they’d descended from. Both she and Kawakami snapped their heads in towards the noise, frightened expressions crossing both their faces.

“Quick." Sae shot her companion a confident look. “We need to move.”

Kawakami-san, however, seemed to be at her wit’s end, panic and frustration showing on her face. “We don’t even know where we’re going!”

Before Sae could argue her point, though, the cat-like creature in the cell piped up. “I know where to go!”

They both looked at it immediately, watching it as it regarded them both with hopeful eyes. The duo exchanged more looks, this time silently debating on whether they really could trust it.

“How do we know you won’t just stab us in the back?” Sae was blunt about it, crossing her arms and staring it down with an intense glare. “As far as we know, you look like one of the guards.”

“Why would I betray you? I wanna get out of here too!” It pulled on the cell bars and shook them, but then stopped to look over each of them again before… an infatuated expression crossed its face. “ And besides, I can’t just leave two beautiful ladies wandering around and getting hurt.”

Sae stared at it for a second, then glared daggers. Kawakami-san mirrored her countenance, eyes narrowing and mouth dropping into a frown. They watched it for another second, which caused the cat thing to drop its attempt at seduction.

“Okay, forget that last part! Please, just let me out!” It looked like it was about to sob. “I’ll tell everything I know about this palace on top of showing you how to get out!”

That certainly piqued her interest.

“Palace?” She uncrossed her arms, then glanced around before looking at it again. “Alright, fine.” She stepped over to grab the keys off the hook. “One wrong move, though, and I’m throwing you back in a cell.”

She unlocked the cell door and pulled it open, giving their newly recruited guide space to step outside. It came sauntering out just after, almost in a victorious manner.

“Alright!” It struck a triumphant pose. “You can lock me up, but you can’t take my freedo-”

“Okay, enough of that, cat.” She cut it off, crossing her arms again.

“I’m not a cat!” It visibly bristled and flailed its tiny arms about angrily. “My name is Morgana!”

“Okay. Enough of that, Morgana. Please show us the way out before we’re all caught!”

“Alright, alright. Sheesh.”

It bounded up to the raised drawbridge they’d passed earlier and hopped up onto a bust of Kamoshida. She and Kawakami-san followed hastily, arriving at the bridge just as Morgana pulled down the jaw of the bust.

An audible click echoed through the chamber and the drawbridge lowered.

“Oh.” Kawakami-san blinked and stared. “That was surprisingly easy.”

Morgana gave a cheeky smirk up at her. “Well, palaces can be pretty tricky for first-timers.” He then waved at them to follow him. “Come on. We’ve still got a ways to go.”

It bounded over the bridge and they followed without hesitation. Though, the moment they crossed over to the other side, a guard appeared from a doorway.

“Ahh!” Kawakami-san screamed and tried to stop, only managing to slip and fall on her back.

“Kawakami-san!” Sae ran towards her as azure flames erupted in her vision.

“Watch out!” Morgana jumped into her peripheral, hopping onto the fallen woman’s shoulder and jumping off to land in front of the guard. He cast a brief look at her, taking in her altered outfit. “Hey, you can fight right?”

She nodded and he smirked. “Then, let’s go! Come, Zorro!”

Azure flames blazed at his feet and consumed his diminutive frame, blasting upwards in a pillar of fire that then manifested into a humanoid figure. When they receded, a cartoonishly buff man in black and wielding a rapier hovered behind him.

Sae stared wide-eyed at the enormous, floating man for a moment, but then glanced over as the guard they’d encountered transformed into black goop that took the form of two monsters, another pumpkin-headed creature and a new, demonic-looking one.

Narrowing her eyes, she called out, “Aequitas!”

Azure flames flared behind her and she knew that the goddess stood watch over her.

“Impressive!” Morgana remarked, then aimed a paw at their enemies. “Let’s show them what we got!”

Zorro motioned with his rapier, as if conducting an orchestra. The winds howled in front of them and violently yanked the pumpkin-headed monster from the air. It crashed into the ground with a shriek and disintegrated.

Before the demonic monster could attack, though, Sae thrust an arm out and willed Aequitas to raise her scales. One side tipped down and a spear of light crashed down on the monster, killing it.

They surveyed the corridor before them for a second longer, then laxed their shoulders and breathed sighs of relief.

“That wasn’t pretty bad.” Morgana turned to face her, hands on his hips. “Your Persona’s pretty powerful.”

She arched an eyebrow as Kawakami-san stepped over to join them, still trembling slightly.

“Her persona?” The brunette woman rubbed her neck as she looked on quizzically.

“Yeah.” He turned to her while Sae glanced at an open barrel nearby, the interior filled with water.

Stepping over, she looked down at her reflection, spying the mask that now covered her face. It was colored predominantly black with intricate, silver detailing adorning it. Looking downwards, she also took stock of her appearance for the first time, taking in detail her white, button down shirt, scarlet tie, dangling section necklace, and the black jacket she wore.

She looked like some kind of hard-boiled detective. The police badge pinned to the right side of her jacket only added to the aesthetic.

Before she could examine herself further, however, a burst of azure flames washed over her and left her in her normal attire once again.

“She’s back to normal?” Kawakami-san remarked from behind her.

Turning, Sae glanced at her and Morgana, who rubbed his chin. “Hm, it looks like you haven’t gained full control over your powers yet. Usually, your transformation doesn’t-”

She held up a hand to stop him and glanced around. “Explain later. First, we need to escape.”

With that said, they made to leave, Morgana leading the way while she and Kawakami-san kept their eyes and ears open.

However, just as they passed a cell, Kawakami-san gasped. Turning to look at her, she found the brunette woman stumbling back, a hand held over her mouth as she looked into one cell.

Sae stepped over and followed her gaze, finding a teenage boy lying on the round, his leg chained to a weight. He was dressed in a scarlet, sports uniform with a single name emblazoned across his back: Shujin.

“He’s a student.” Kawakami-san whispered, unable to take her eyes off his bruised and beaten face.

Sae pulled out the ring of keys they’d used to free Morgana. “We have to get him out of here. Maybe one of these-”

“We don’t have time for this!” Morgana tugged at her pant sleeve, a frown on his face.

She leveled a glare at him in return. “We aren’t leaving anyone to suffer here.”

“He’s not even real!”

“What?” Kawakami-san looked over, tears in her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Morgana opened his mouth to answer, then closed it. He rubbed his neck and growled, then slumped his shoulders and sighed.

“Okay, to make it short and sweet, he’s not real. He’s just a cognitive version of the person in the real world. This is how the palace’s ruler sees him.”

Cognitive version? Real world?

Sae eyed their guide, suddenly recalling a few pieces of information she’d taken away from the articles on cognitive psience she’d gathered. Nothing clicked exactly… but she had a gut feeling that there was something there. Something big.

“So… then, this is a cognitive world?”

“In bigger words, yes.” Morgana squinted his eyes and gave a suspicious look. “How did you know that?”

“Over there!” a voice, presumably a guard’s, shouted. “The intruders!”

Sae clenched her hands into fists as azure flames enveloped her. “I’ll explain later! Get ready!”

What did she do to deserve this?

Sadayo followed close behind her saviors, trying to be as quiet as possible as they ventured through the halls of this castle. Every so often, they ran into a patrol of guards, but Morgana and the silver-haired woman managed to defeat them with ease.

She still didn’t understand the whole idea behind their ‘persona’s. Supposedly, they were ‘manifestations of the person’s souls after they ripped off the mask over their heart’. That cat made no actual sense. However, considering the circumstances she found herself in, Sadayo couldn’t very well argue with the idea of spirits, monsters, and something that had to do with students that weren’t real.

Guilt ate at her as they snuck through the castle, gnawing at her insides as she thought back on the student they’d left down in the dungeon. Had he really been fake? Some kind of… cognitive facsimile? Whatever that meant?

Morgana had also said that they’d been the palace ruler’s perception of them… He had been referring to Kamoshida, hadn’t he?

Her cheek still stung from when he’d backhanded her, no guilt or hesitation in his abuse. She still felt his hand cupping her face and the iron grip of the guards as they held her down for him to have his way with her.

Sadayo rubbed her arms and shuddered, trying to reclaim some modicum of comfort. The experience was traumatizing, and she couldn’t get Kamoshida’s depraved grin out of her mind. She couldn’t stop hearing his laughter and the lack of empathy in his voice as he threatened to rape her and her savior. And when he’d claimed to be sexually abusing her students? Never had she felt more shocked and horrified in her life.

“Are you alright?”

Sadayo sucked in a breath and looked up at the silver-haired woman, who’d slowed her pace to walk beside her. “Y-Yes.”

She didn’t seem convinced, but she didn’t push the subject either. “According to our guide, we’re almost out of here.”

“That’s good to know.” She studied the other woman’s features, looking over her narrow face, silver hair, and crimson eyes. “Um… pardon me, but I never got your name.”

“Hm?” She arched an eyebrow. “Oh. I suppose in all the excitement we never introduced ourselves. I’m Niijima Sae.”

“Niijima?” It couldn’t be…. “Are you related to Niijima Makoto?”

“She’s my little sister.”

“Oh.” That explained a lot.

She had the same solemn, collected disposition as the student council president, as well as the confident resolve to face anything that stood in her way. That had shown in the dungeon, when she’d refused to back down in the face of Kamoshida’s threats, as well as after she’d gained her powers.

“I’m Kawakami Sadayo. I teach at Shujin.”

“So, you’re familiar with Kamoshida then?”

“...Yes.”

Sadayo pressed her lips into a thin line and swallowed. Niijima-san watched her for a moment, then looked forward as Morgana came to a stop.

“We’re here.” He turned and smiled, then gestured at the door on their left. “Our way out is right through there.”

“Finally.” She let out an exhausted sigh and opened the door, stepping into what looked like a small library. “...Where’s the exit?”

Morgana walked past her and pointed up at a grated window. “It’s right there.”

Sadayo exchanged a reluctant look with Niijima-san. Then, though, after pushing a table up against a bookshelf, they were able to climb up to the window. It took them several minutes to pull on the grate hard enough to pry it off the wall, but eventually, they managed to open their way out.

“And there you go.” Morgana put his hands on his hips as he beamed up at them from the floor. “You’ve got your way out. Now get going!”

“What?” Niijima-san furrowed her brow. “You’re not coming with us?”

He bowed his head and shook it. “Sorry, but I’ve still got something I need to do.”

They watched him for a moment, then Niijima-san nodded. “Very well. Thank you for helping us when you did.”

Sadayo nodded, a smile crossing her face. “Try not to get caught again, alright?”

“You can count on it!”

“You have returned to the real world. Welcome back.”

Sadayo sucked in a breath and looked over at Niijima-san, who held her phone in one hand. She stared at with a furrowed brow, clearly lost in her thoughts.

“Niijima-san?” She tried to peek at her phone screen. “What was that?”

The silver-haired woman stuffed her phone into her pocket immediately and looked her in the eye. “Nothing.” She looked up at the blue sky and breathed in, then looked at her again. “Don’t you need to be at Shujin?”

Sadayo stared at her, wide-eyed before she let loose a string of curses and looked around. Surveying her environment and recalling the quickest way to the academy, she made a beeline for her workplace.

She weaved her way through a group of pedestrians, apologizing as she ran down an alley. Shouts trailed behind her as she hopped over puddles and rounded a corner, then charged the rest of the way to the front gates of the school.

She slowed to a stop at the entrance, however, taking a moment to stare at the building. There was no castle, no walls, and no towers. The sky wasn’t a malevolent violet and no guards marched around in search of her. It was just Shujin Academy, like always.

“Kawakami-san?” An all too familiar voice called, sending a shiver up her spine and seizing her heart with a frigid hand. “There you are!”

Kamoshida Suguru stood at the top of the front steps, an easygoing grin plastered on his face. She stared at him, not seeing the gym coach but instead a depraved tyrant. For a moment, his eyes seemed to be that shade of molten gold as they did in the castle’s dungeon, but she blinked and rubbed her eyes.

“Are you alright?” He started to descend and her heart thundered in her chest. “What happened to your cheek?”

However, before her fight or flight instincts could kick in, a hand fell on her shoulder. She jumped with a squeak as Niijima Sae appeared beside her.

“I’m sorry, Kawakami-san seemed to be having a stressful time this morning.” She wore a pleasant smile, as if this was just any other conversation. “We were leaving the station together when she tripped and fell, hence the injuries. I stayed with her until she recovered, but I’m afraid we didn’t check the time and suddenly she was late for work.”

Kamoshida gave a laugh that rang in her ears, almost tauntingly so. “I’m afraid that’s not much of an excuse, but I’ll try to keep that in mind whenever I talk to the principal.”

“Thank you….”

“Kamoshida Suguru, ma’am.”

Niijima-san gave a polite nod, then turned to leave. However, she leaned in slightly and quickly whispered into her ear, “Keep everything you saw to yourself. I’ll meet you tomorrow before classes start.”

She walked off then, disappearing down the street. Sadayo stared after her, then up at Kamoshida, who gestured for her to come along.

“S-Sorry….” She trembled with every step she took. “I-... I had a bad weekend.”

“That sounds terrible.” He kept his grin up, wearing it like a mask. “I can’t imagine having to deal with that transfer student was much help either.”

She didn’t respond, simply bowing her head in an attempt to shut the conversation down.

Stepping inside, she looked around as students chattered amongst themselves or hurried to grab some food from the cafeteria. She suddenly remembered that she’d barely eaten anything today, having planned on stuffing her face in the faculty office during lunch.

Her stomach made an audible growl and she whined. “God, what did I do to deserve this?”

“What was that?” Kamoshida looked down at her and she sucked in a breath.

“N-Nothing.”

Oh God. How was she supposed to keep it together? The same man walking next to her had just tried to take advantage of her a few hours ago. Or had he? That’d been a cognitive version of him, according to Morgana… or had that just been limited to the Shujin student in the cell?

“Uh… are you sure you’re feeling alright, Kawakami-san?” Kamoshida scratched his head and she awkwardly coughed in response.

“I, uh… Yes! Yes, I’m fine. I just forgot to eat before I came.”

“Ah!” He laughed and clapped her on the back, making her squeal and jump in fright. Not that he seemed to notice. “That’d do it. You should grab something to snack on before classes start back up.”

“Y-Yes, I’ll do that….”

She quickly walked away, practically running as she headed for the stairs to the second floor. Just as she made it up the steps, however, she had the terrible luck of running into Amamiya Ren, who’d just come down from the adjacent flight of stairs. Behind him, she also spied Sakamoto’s unmissable, blonde hair.

“Ms. Kawakami!” Amamiya blinked and looked at her, then gave a polite bow.

Sakamoto was less formal, instead giving her a flat look before nodding. “‘Sup, teach?”

She pouted and internally grumbled to herself. “Hello, Amamiya. Sakamoto. Sorry about not being here earlier. I was feeling a little sick-”

“I thought you had a bad weekend?”

She froze, hearing Kamoshida behind her. Turning around, she backed up as he stepped onto the second floor, one hand holding her phone in it.

The volleyball coach opened his mouth to speak, but Sakamoto immediately cut him off with an aggravated shout, “The hell do you want?”

Sadayo sucked in a breath and whipped around to shoot a glare at the troublemaker. Not that he seemed affected in any way.

“I was just returning something she dropped. Here you go by the way.” He held out her phone with a smile, though she spied a more nefarious intent lurking in his facade.

“Th-Thank you.” She took it back and quickly stuffed it into her bag.

“No problem.” He gave a mock salute, then crossed his arms. “On the subject of your absence, however….”

Her stomach was doing flips and she felt her bottled up distress about to come flooding out of her. Her mind was going haywire as she tried to conjure an answer that’d satisfy him enough so that he’d leave her be. However, she couldn’t come up with anything.

“Sickness is a symptom of stress.”

Sadayo paused, surprised at the matter-of-fact voice that spoke. She glanced behind her and found Amamiya standing there, hands in his pockets as he stared Kamoshida down.

“Excuse me?” The former Olympic medalist arched an eyebrow. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

“Earlier this morning, when it was raining. I was standing with that blonde girl when you gave her a ride.”

There was a few seconds of tense silence, then Kamoshida smiled and nodded. “Oh! That’s right.” He chuckled, then frowned. “But, that aside, I asked Ms. Kawakami. Not you.”

“Asshole.”

Kamoshida flicked his eyes towards Sakamoto and scowled. “What was that?”

Before either of the two could enter a shouting match, she raised her hands and her voice. “I’m sorry for the confusion, Mr. Kamoshida!” She breathed in and tried to compose herself. “I… came down with something, probably just a cold. You know how it is, work yourself too hard and your body just can’t keep up….”

He didn’t seem particularly convinced at first. He kept a critical eye on her for a few seconds longer before he gave an affirming nod. “Alright. Let’s just hope Principal Kobayakawa’s as understanding as I am.”

Kamoshida walked off then, heading down to the PE faculty office. Kawakami watched him disappear before she gave a relieved sigh. Beside her, Amamiya and Sakamoto remained silent, though, the latter grumbling angrily under his breath.

She remembered when he’d been so much more… well-behaved, back when he’d done track and field. Though, that was also before he’d attacked Kamoshida and... gotten his leg broken….

Sadayo breathed in, a disturbing notion entering her mind as she studied Sakamoto’s perturbed expression, then looked down towards the PE faculty office. For a brief moment, she recalled the sight of the Shujin sports player in the dungeon, barely able to move, let alone push himself up to look at her.

“Ms. Kawakami? Are you alright?"

"Hm?" She focused back on the present and found Amamiya watching her with concern. “Yes?”

He rubbed his neck awkwardly. “I asked if you were alright.”

“I-I am.” She cleared her throat and composed herself. “Thank you….” She shouldered her bag and glanced at Amamiya once again. “Just now, you said you saw Mr. Kamoshida offer a blonde girl a ride.”

He gave her a surprised look, but nodded. Beside him, Sakomoto raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, he’s talking about Takamaki.”

“I see….” Sadayo rubbed her chin and hummed, then nodded before pulling out her phone to check the time. “Free period is almost over. Amamiya, why don’t you wait outside the faculty office. I’m going to put away my things and then I’ll come get you, alright?”

He nodded and followed her while Sakamoto said his farewell before leaving too. She stepped inside the offices and ignored the pointed stares from her co-workers, her thoughts too consumed by what she’d seen and heard in that nightmarish castle to acknowledge them.

Hopefully, when she met up with Niijima-san tomorrow, they’d be able to make sense of everything.

Chapter Text

“So, I’m back.”

Sae stared at the blue velvet walls surrounding her, then at the cell bars where the children playing wardens watched her. Justine and Caroline were their names, if she recalled correctly. And behind them sat Igor, the mysterious man with the inhumanely long nose and pointed ears.

“About time you’ve come to!” Caroline barked, striking the cell bars with her baton. “Now, on your feet, in-”

“Shut up,” Sae snapped, disinterested in the girl’s attitude, then turned her focus to Igor. “You, what was that place? That castle?”

Igor rumbled with laughter, his grin never falling. “It is wonderful to see you too, trickster. And as for your questions, all will be answered in time. But first, let us celebrate our reunion.”

“I don’t have time for celebrations.”

Caroline struck her cell’s bars again and gnashed her teeth at her. “Well you better make time, you ungrateful inmate!”

She leveled a harsh glare with the child, then looked back at Igor. He still watched her with that grin, but he gestured with one of his gloved hands towards her.

“I see you’ve awoken to your powers. And they are special, indeed.” He chuckled, then steepled his fingers. “At last, your rehabilitation may finally begin.”

Her persona? Her rehabilitation?

Sae narrowed her eyes and gripped her cell bars as she stared him down. “Explain.”

“There is no need for you to understand it all for the time being,” he said, waving his hand about matter-of-factly. “For now, you need only to train the power of Persona, which you have awakened to.”

“And what exactly is a ‘Persona’?”

“They are, in a matter of words, a ‘mask’. A part of one’s self that is worn when confronting worldly matters. There are many masks, and yours is your vengeful justice.”

A mask….

Sae bowed her head, remembering all too well the agony and pleasure she’d taken in tearing off her mask for the first time. It had been torturous and euphoric all at once, leaving her with a sense of freedom she’d never known before.

And that had apparently been the moment she had awakened her Persona….

“Ah, and one last thing.” Igor’s statement drew her attention back to him as he rested his chin on the back of his hand. “Have you come to appreciate the Metaverse Navigator?”

“The what?”

“My gift.” It almost seemed as if his grin widened. “It allowed you to pass between reality and the Palace you refer to as ‘that Castle’.”

She squinted and thought back to how she’d come to even stumbled upon that place. She’d simply made her way back to Shujin, but the school had been replaced entirely. However… before that, she had run into Kawakami, literally.

They’d fallen in the rain, then retreated under an awning. Kawakami-san had whined about her lost work while she’d checked….

“The app.” Sae flicked her gaze up and locked eyes with him. “That was your doing?”

“I bestowed it upon you as a means to train you as a thief.”

“I have no desire to become a thief.”

For the first time, Justine spoke up, turning to her with her impassive countenance, “The Metaverse Navigator is a gift. Please, take care in using it, inmate. It will be the means by which you shall traverse the Metaverse.”

“The Metaverse?” she repeated, brow furrowing in confusion.

Before she could inquire more on the subject, Igor continued in his spiel.

“It must be disheartening to make use of the navigator alone. However, should you meet others who might aid you in your rehabilitation, I shall grant them this gift as well.” He steepled his fingers once more and stared her down with a nefarious look in his eyes. “This is all to make you a most excellent thief.”

Sae opened her mouth to argue once more, but before she could, Caroline whipped around and scoffed. “Alright, time’s up! Go back and enjoy whatever rest you might have.”

4/12
Tuesday

Sae awoke to the sound of her phone’s alarm going off. Lolling her head over, she stared at her nightstand and lazily reached over to turn the alarm off. After a few failed attempts, she mustered the resolve to prop herself up and snatch her phone, then complete her task.

Out of curiosity, though, she swiped through her apps and stopped once she spied the one emblazoned by a scarlet eye.

“The Metaverse Navigator….”

She studied it for a moment longer before she locked her phone and laid back. Taking a deep breath, she mulled over what she’d learned in that dream, ‘the Velvet Room’ as Igor had referred to it.

Apparently, she was some kind of chosen one in his master plan ‘to rehabilitate her’. She had no clue as to what his true intentions were, but it seemed she was trapped in this plot of his for the time being. All she could do was play along and train her Persona.

Thinking about that last bit, Sae raised an arm into the air and mumbled, “Aequitas.”

Her Persona did not answer, so she let her arm fall back down. Speaking of her powers, though, she had to meet with Kawakami-san before classes started at Shujin. She could drive Makoto to Shujin, giving her the opportunity to arrive early. After consulting with her about their experience in that castle, she could return herself and investigate.

That sounded like a plan… though, if she was going back into the palace, she’d need to be prepared.

Sae threw off her covers and pulled herself out of bed. Stretching her limbs and rolling her shoulders, she dragged herself over to her closet and opened it up. Looking to the uppermost shelves, she reached up and moved aside several boxes before pulling out one caked in a layer of dust.

Setting it down, she opened it up and held her breath. Reaching in, she picked up an old photo from her younger years, one taken of herself mounted atop a motorcycle she’d begged to purchase.

A smile crossed her face, but it fell as she remembered who’d taken the photo and their untimely demise….

Sighing, she set the photo down and sifted through the box’s contents before she grabbed the grip of a model gun. It’d been her father’s gift to a younger, more rebellious Sae, who’d wanted to follow in his footsteps. In those days, she’d wanted to fight alongside him, playing a pseudo-superhero out on the streets of Tokyo.

Those dreams had died long ago, but what remained of them might help her fulfill new dreams.

Usually, Sadayo would walk to work yawning and rubbing her tired eyes, trying to muster enough strength to push on through the day. That was usually because she was out the other night trying to scrounge up enough money from her after school job, yet last night she hadn’t gone. Her mind had been too unfocused, trapped in a chaotic storm of frantic thoughts.

Now, as she walked towards the front gates of Shujin Academy, she couldn’t help but look around and take in what she hadn’t noticed before. Students trickled into the school at a steady pace, the rate increasing as the time grew closer for classes to begin. They were all negligent to the world around them, most of them chattering amicably with their peers without batting an eye at anything nearby.

She spied Mishima walking alone, his face covered in patches and bruises. He was on the volleyball team, right…?

Sadayo covered her mouth with a hand and breathed in through her nose. She needed to cool her nerves and stop her brain from going haywire with panic. Giving herself a heart attack wouldn’t help her solve whatever conspiracy was rooted in the academy.

“Ms. Kawakami?”

Sadayo blinked and glanced over to find Niijima Makoto striding over to her, the student council president wearing a concerned expression. Behind her, the older Niijima sibling with silver hair walked up with a solemn face.

“Hello, Niijima. And you're her older sister, I’m presuming?”

“That’s correct.” Niijima-san flashed her a knowing smile, then glanced her eyes over to the front courtyard. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Yes. Better.”

Makoto glanced between them, the teen furrowing her brow. Before she could speak up, however, her older sister shooed her away. “Go along now, Makoto. You have time to study before classes start.”

“Of course, sis.” She smiled and walked off, heading inside.

The moment she was gone, Niijima-san turned to her with a serious face. “Come on. Let’s talk.”

She walked off immediately, heading for a secluded spot in the front courtyard. Sadayo followed timidly, sneaking glances over her shoulder to see if anyone noticed them. None of the students seemed to notice or care though.

“So, concerning what happened yesterday.”

“What did happen yesterday?” Sadayo sucked in a breath and swallowed. “Was that all a dream? Or… I don’t know, an incredibly detailed hallucination?”

“It wasn’t a dream or a hallucination.” Sae bowed her head and furrowed her brow. “I think.”

She crossed her arms and frowned. “That’s reassuring.”

“As far as I know, whatever that place was, it was some kind of cognitive world.”

“Cognitive world?”

Sae nodded, then glanced around again before looking her in the eye. “Have you ever heard about Cognitive Psience?”

“I… No?”

“It’s the study of how people perceive the world. Their cognition.” Sae frowned and rubbed her neck, a look of discomfort and embarrassment crossing her face. “I’ve looked into the subject as part of a case. But, even I have to admit that the idea seemed too far-fetched to be feasible.”

Sadayo sucked in a breath and let out a sigh of disbelief. “But, then we went into that ‘cognitive world’.”

“Exactly.”

“So… what does this mean?”

Sae closed her eyes then, and she turned her face away. A shadow seemed to fall over her face as she breathed a sigh herself. “Cognitive worlds are, presumably, the manifestation of people’s cognitions. A… place that exists based purely on how they see things. I don’t know how concrete the science or research behind the concept is, but… that place was ruled by Kamoshida, and if the things he said in there and what we saw are true….”

Sadayo swallowed. Hard.

She had no idea what the other woman was talking about, all this talk about cognitions and perceptions. However, she couldn’t deny the gut feeling that’d stuck to her since they’d returned from the castle. It seemed like suddenly she was seeing something that hadn’t been there before, as if she were connecting dots that she hadn’t even known existed.

“I suggest you forget everything you saw and heard.” Sae shouldered her bag and cast a stern look. “I’ll try to figure this out, and hopefully shine some light on the situation-”

“You’re going back?” Sadayo grabbed her arm, stopping her before she could walk away. “I want to go too.”

The silver-haired woman stared at her with wide eyes. “What? Why?”

“If Kamoshida is really… If what he’s doing is true… I have a duty to protect my students.”

She couldn’t fail her students again. Not again….

Sae scrutinized her with a critical eye for a moment, folding her arms over her chest and taking a resolute pose. After a moment of contemplation, though, she bowed her head and sighed. “Very well. Give me your contact info. We’ll meet after classes let out.”

“Alright, class. Can someone tell me where the word ‘kamikaze’ comes from?”

Sadayo glanced around her classroom, but no one seemed to know the answer. A frown crossed her lips and she flicked her eyes over to the windows lining the far side of the room. Some of the students were diligently checking their textbooks, but the rest stared off into space absentmindedly.

“Takamaki!” she called, startling the blonde girl from her stupor. “Care to answer for me?”

“Uh… What was the question again?” She scratched her head, a tired look on her face.

Sadayo suppressed the urge to frown. “Can you tell me where the word ‘kamikaze’ originates from?”

“Uh… World War II, right?”

“Close, but the name actually appeared long before that.” She clapped her hands together and surveyed the classroom. “Like Takamaki, most of you probably know the term because of the infamous kamikaze pilots in World War II. What you might not know is that the word was used to describe typhoons that protected Japan during the Mongol invasions in 1274 and 1281.”

That seemed to pique their interests, a chorus of murmurs filling the room as her students whispered to each other. As they quieted down, she continued with her elaboration.

“Kamikaze is actually the combination of ‘kami’, which means god or divine, and ‘kaze’, which means wind. Therefore, divine wind. Back then, people thought that the gods had sent a storm to defend Japan and sink the Mongols’ ships-”

Just as she finished, the bell rang and signalled the end of classes. Her students were already on the move by the time she glanced away from the intercom, packing their bags and walking over to chat with their friends. Most of them headed for the exit before she could even speak up.

“Make sure you study this chapter and turn in your homework!”

She couldn’t tell if any of them heard her or actually cared.

Sadayo sighed and pouted, then went about gathering her own belongings. She left the classroom shortly after, heading for the faculty office to grab her coat and bag. However, just as she stepped out the door into the hall, she froze up at the sight of Mr. Kamoshida.

“Well, being a model’s fine and all, but don’t work that pretty little body to the bone.” He stared lecherously at Takamaki Ann, who seemed to be trying not to meet his gaze. “You mentioned you weren’t feeling well, right? Something about-”

“Excuse me, Mr. Kamoshida!” Sadayo stepped over, wearing a forced smile. “I had some questions I needed to ask Ann about her homework assignment.”

The blonde teen blinked in surprise while a perturbed expression crossed the volleyball coach’s face before he took on a smile of his own.

“Oh, of course, Ms. Kawakami!” He laughed and stepped back. “I was just talking to Takamaki-san about her wellbeing. Speaking of which, I’m sorry to keep your best friend at practice.”

Judging by how Takamaki’s eyes fell, that had been more of a threat than an apology.

“Well, I’ll be taking her to the faculty office.” Sadayo stepped in the direction of the aforementioned room. “If you could follow me.”

The blonde teen glanced at her, then at Mr. Kamoshida. She hastily moved to follow, leaving Kamoshida to watch them both flee.

Upon entering the faculty office, Sadayo closed the door and glanced around. Her colleagues sparsely filled the room, most either on the phone or browsing their laptops. Takamaki shifted anxiously in place, her head still bowed.

“Uh… so, what was wrong with my homework-”

“Takamaki?” She kept a soft, gentle tone. “Is everything alright?”

The teen looked up at her, eyes widening in alarm before she put on a fragile smile. “Yeah, of course! Wh-Why wouldn’t they be?”

Sadayo looked her over, studying her shifting feet and hand wringing the strap of her bag. “If something's wrong, you know you can talk to me. As a teacher, it’s my responsibility to look after your wellbeing.”

Takamaki seemed to be fitting some pieces together, her eyes falling again. “Ev-Everything’s fine…. I’m just… a bit under the weather because… I work that modeling job, I’m sure you heard Kamoshida mention it?”

“I did.” And she didn’t like how his eyes had seemed to light up when he had.

A few seconds passed in awkward silence before Sadayo sighed and pressed fingers against her forehead. “Alright. That was all I was hoping to ask you about. You’re free to go.”

Relief seemed to wash over her, and Takamaki gave a polite bow before hastily leaving. Sadayo made sure to step outside too and keep an eye out as the blonde teen fled down the stairs. She waited a few seconds longer, then pulled out her phone, finding a text from Niijima-san:

<Niijima Sae> I'm waiting in a black car outside. You'll know it when you see it.

Sae watched the students trickle out of Shujin Academy from inside her car, hidden from sight. She didn’t need Makoto accidentally finding her here despite telling her she would be running errands. Thankfully, she never saw her sister, and none of the students seemed to care enough to watch her.

Eventually, Kawakami appeared from the crowd of teenagers, glancing around before she found her. While she made her way over, Sae unlocked her doors and waited. Once she’d climbed in and shut the door, she spoke up, “Are you ready?”

“I… Yeah.” Kawakami nodded, breathing in deep breaths. “Let’s do this…. How are we doing this, exactly?”

Sae didn’t answer, but instead pulled out her phone and opened the Metaverse Navigator. She’d done some light investigation into the app, discovering the search options and history log. Selecting the last and only destination in it, she pressed the navigation button.

Her screen became filled by the scarlet eye, which glowed intensely as it stared at her.

“Uh, what’s happening?” Kawakami glanced around anxiously, and Sae mimicked her actions as she noticed the interior of her car… warping.

It was as if the world around them was altering, slipping away and shifting into a different one.

The next thing either of them knew, they were sitting on the ground of a courtyard, walls surrounding them and the all too familiar shape of the castle towering above them.

“We’re back.” Sae picked herself up and grabbed her back.

“Yeah….” Kawakami brushed off some dust from her skirt, but then glanced at her. “Y-Your clothes!”

She arched an eyebrow in confusion, but then glanced down at herself. Instead of the outfit she’d chosen for the day, she found herself dressed like a hard-boiled detective once more. Reaching up, she ran her fingers over the surface of her mask. “I’ve already changed?”

“Hey!” a familiar voice called. “Up here!”

They both turned their eyes up to the opening in the wall they’d used to escape from last time. Sitting in the space was Morgana, who hopped down and over to them.

“What are you two doing here? I thought you escaped?”

“We did.” Sae crossed her arms and gestured at Kawakami, then herself. “But we came back for answers.”

The cat creature watched her for a moment with a suspicious look, then sighed. “Answers, huh? Well, what did you want to find out? Maybe I can help.”

“Just like that?” Kawakami crossed her arms too and put on a frown.

“Well….” Morgana rubbed his neck and looked away. “I might ask for a favor later.”

Sae narrowed her eyes. “Alright, what can you tell us about this castle? In our world, it’s a school.”

“Well, it’s both.”

Kawakami scratched her head. “Both?”

“Yeah. In your world, it’s a school. But to this palace’s ruler, that school is a castle.”

“This palace’s ruler….” Sae frowned and breathed a heated breath. “Kamoshida.”

Morgana nodded and Kawakami rubbed her arms uncomfortably.

“So, this is how he sees Shujin?” The teacher looked around, nothing but dread showing on her face. Eventually, she turned to her. “So, you were right, Niijima-san.”

She gave a solemn nod. “I’m afraid I was… Which means those students, the other… prisoners….”

“That’s how he sees them….” Kawakami balled her hands into fists and clenched her jaw, holding in her anger. After a moment had passed, she turned to them with a fire in her eyes. “I want to go in. See the students for myself. Maybe I can… recognize them. Maybe I can find them in the real world and expose Kamoshida.”‘

Sae studied her for a moment, noticing the change from the timid teacher to a defiant protector. Then, she nodded. “Very well. Let's get a move on.”

<Sis> I’m going to be running errands again today. I won’t be home until late.

Makoto gave a disappointed sigh as she stared at the text. So much for time off work for her sister.

She sat in the student council room, having just met with some of the other council members a moment ago to discuss organizing the volleyball rally. There hadn’t been much to talk about per say, but there had been a few minor issues they’d needed to clear up, such as how to deal with the complaints about cutting a day in half to watch a volleyball rally while exams were around the corner.

“Knock knock?”

She gasped and looked up, finding the door open and Amamiya standing there. He watched her with a quizzical face, but then quickly gave a polite bow.

“Sorry for startling you, Niijima-senpai.”

“No. No, it’s fine.” She sat up straighter and smiled politely. “Is there something I can do for you, Amamiya-kun?”

“Uh, yeah." He opened his bag and dug around in it before producing a few pieces of paper. "I was kind of hoping you could help me with some homework. I tried to find Ms. Kawakami, but it looks like she left early.”

She hummed in thought while he rubbed his neck awkwardly. She'd gotten everything done already… but she wasn't necessarily needed at home either….

"If you need to go, that's fine too." He stepped back, but she lifted a hand to stop him.

"Not, it's alright. I actually still have some time to spare." She offered him a friendly smile. "You can take a seat and we can get started."

He flashed an appreciative smile and sat down beside her. Laying out his assignments and pulling out his textbook, he explained what they'd gone over in class and what he was having difficulty with.

She helped where she could, pointing out methods to understanding the material better and hints to guide him along a certain thought process. She also gave him a few tips on memorization, trying to give him a bit of an edge the next time he was studying the subject.

"Okay, so, then the answer is B, right?"

"Yes, that should be correct." She gave an affirming nod and he grinned, circling his choice.

"Thanks, Niijima-senpai."

"Of course." She smiled proudly and raised her head up. "As the student council president, it's my duty to take care of everyone in need of help.”

Ren laughed under his breath, but then frowned. He dropped his gaze to the table and she watched his shoulders fall slightly.

"Is something wrong, Amamiya-kun?"

"No." He feigned a smile, but she saw through it. "I'm alright."

Makoto studied his face for a moment, scrutinizing his features. He looked… tired. Exhausted, but not physically….

"It's the rumors, isn't it?"

He didn't answer, instead looking away and taking a deep breath. After a moment, he reluctantly nodded.

"...I… I was hoping to get a fresh start here. That was the whole idea of transferring… but every time I walk to class, I hear everyone talking about me like I'm some kind of monster."

Makoto frowned, her heart swelling. She spied his hands balling up as he looked further away, not wanting to show her his pain. But it was obvious in the way he sat and the way he spoke.

"I'm… sorry…." She looked down, feeling guilt eat at her. "...I tried to ask the teachers about your record, but they all claim that they haven't talked about it."

"But people still found out."

"Yes." Her face darkened as she clenched her hands too. "As much as I hate to admit it, someone's lying."

Ren looked up with surprised eyes then. "You really think so?"

"It's the only explanation." She arched one of her eyebrows then. "Wait, why wouldn't I think so?"

"...." He immediately looked away and rubbed his neck. "W-Well… Ryuji thought you might, well, side with the teachers…."

"That's…." She wanted to argue, but reflecting on if the circumstances were different and she could trust them, she would have. "...If they weren't our suspects, yes, I would have. But since they are the only ones who could have leaked your records, I'm going to have to blame them."

"Any idea who might have done it though?"

She sighed. "No." Glancing at him, she spied him staring intently, almost glaring into space. "Do you?"

"...Kamoshida."

"What?" She sat up and stared at him in disbelief. "Why? Is this because of Sakamoto-kun?"

He shook his head and looked her in the eye. "I just… It's just a feeling, but… back when we first met and he dropped that paper. Then the rumors started. And then I hear that he's apparently in a relationship with a student-"

"He's what?" She stared at him, wide-eyed.

He opened his mouth, closed it, and then breathed in. "You… You don't know about that?"

"No! No, I don't know about that! That's- That's-" She held her head and took deep breaths. "Who? Why? H-How?"

Ren awkwardly leaned over the table. "Well, people are saying that the blonde girl in my class, Takamaki-san, is dating him."

Takamaki Ann? But, she… There was no way. Teacher-student relationships were…. Well, she didn't know the specifics, but they were definitely frowned upon, if not illegal. But, Takamaki-kun had never given off the impression that she wanted older men….

"Okay…." Makoto combed fingers through her hair. "Okay, so… that's… a thing." She swallowed and decomposed herself. "So, what you're implying is that Mr. Kamoshida, the volleyball coach, is sexually preying on students? And because you stood up to what might have been an attempt to prey on me, he wants to get rid of you?"

"...Yes."

"...Okay…."

She felt like someone had just slapped her. This was… it was a lot to process. It was insane and crazy! How could a teacher, an authority figure do such things? She didn’t want to believe it, but the facts lined up and…. 

How long had she not known? How long had she been out of the loop? How come no one had told her? Or… Or had she just ignored them?

"Are you okay?" Ren watched her with a concerned expression.

"Yes, I'm fine." She straightened up and inhaled deeply, then exhaled. "Okay… I'm… I don't know what I'm going to do. But, we can't just confront Mr. Kamoshida with this… Maybe I could consult the principal?"

"That sounds like a good idea."

"Yeah…."

They sat in silence for a moment before he gathered his homework together. "I'm gonna head home, I guess."

"I should do the same." She gathered her own belongings, putting everything in her bag as he did the same.

Before long, she was locking up the student council room and walking with him towards the school entrance.

"I'll talk to Principal Kobayakawa tomorrow." She gripped the strap of her bag, still reeling from everything she'd learned. "Maybe he can help."

"I hope so." Ren combed a hand through his hair and breathed in. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Same… have a good night."

He looked at her, then glanced up at the sky. "Good evening sounds more fitting."

She shot a pointed look at him as he grinned. "Alright. Have a good evening."

"Sure thing." He shot a finger gun at her, then swallowed. "Uh, one last thing, by the way…. Thanks for having my back, Niijima-senpai."

Makoto looked at him, surprised at the genuine gratitude he conveyed. He really did appreciate her tutoring, and her support.

Smiling, she nodded. "Of course, I'm a Niijima. We help people, it's kind of the family tradition."

Deep in the depths of Kamoshida's castle, Sae and her companions snuck through the dungeons. They followed the sounds of torturous screams, heading for what they hoped to be the prisoners.

Morgana guided them as best he could, helping them evade most of the guards patrolling the halls. They'd needed to fight a few that stood in their way, but they'd been able to lay an ambush to deal with them. Along the way, Morgana had also explained a few more details on palaces, their rulers, and their inhabitants to them.

He'd even ushered them into 'a safe room', as he'd dubbed them. The gaps in cognition were useful, to say the least. It was a pleasant reprieve and gave them time to plan out their next action, which had been to proceed further down into the castle depths.

“We’re close.” Morgana pressed an ear to the door in front of them. “I think… those screams are coming from the other side.”

Both women inhaled, cooling their nerves before they pushed open the doors. Stepping inside, they found themselves in another part of the waterway running through the dungeons. However, the far wall didn’t just host cells, but also viewing stations for….

Sae pressed a hand over her mouth as she watched shadows whipping teenage boys, Shujin sports players running on treadmills with spiked grinders behind them, and even one volleyball player being strung upside down while a cannon fired volleyballs at his face.

“Oh my God,” Kawakami whispered, absolute horror in her voice. The teacher covered her own mouth and watched with wide eyes, unable to look away. “I… I recognize some of those boys.”

Sae grimaced, a dark thought entering her mind. “I can only imagine what the female players are enduring.” She pulled out her phone to open her camera app, only to find it disabled. “Dammit. I can’t record any of this.”

“Neither can I.” Kawakami stuffed her phone in her pocket, then swallowed as she looked down at the torture chamber in front of them. “I’ll… I’ll try to remember their faces. I can cross-reference the student registry for the ones I don’t know.”

“That’s good.”

For the next several minutes, the teacher went about studying the faces of each student. The mental toll showed on her face as the shadow over it grew with each viewing. It was the last cell she visited that seemed to break her.

“Sakamoto?”

Sae glanced over as the other woman stumbled away from a torture chamber, her eyes wide and welling with tears. Looking inside, she found a blonde boy endlessly running on a treadmill. Except, he wasn’t running, but hopping. His hands were shackled to the wall in front of him while he hopped on one leg, his other… broken….

“It’s true then.” Kawakami trembled, her hands balled into fists. “It wasn’t just self-defense.”

“Kawakami-san.” Sae grabbed the woman’s arm, trying to pull her out of her rage-induced stupor. “We’ll help him. We’ll help all of them.”

A moment passed before the teacher nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line and her eyes narrowed.

“Hey! Intruders!”

Her eyes blew open wide and Sae twisted around, only to be smacked away by a shield. She flew and landed a few feet back, tumbling head over heels. However, she recovered in an instant, jumping back onto her feet.

“Kawakami-san!”

The other woman was screaming as she ran for safety, fleeing the guard that’d surprised them.

“Hey, what’s that?” Morgana stood at her side, his eyes on an object on the ground.

Sae flicked her eyes to where he looked, finding the model gun she’d brought with her, likely having fallen off her person. She swiped it up immediately and pointed it at the guard.

“Freeze!” She stared it down, feigning a deadly look in her eye. “I’ll shoot!”

Praying that the shadow would buy her bluff, she held her ground. Her opponent watched her with an unnerving, impassive face, then erupted into black goop as it reformed into the visage of a monster.

“Shoot!” Morgana shouted.

“I-I can’t!” She stepped back, getting ready to take a defensive pose. “It’s just a model.”

“No, shoot!” Morgana cast a serious look at her. “Trust me!”

She hesitated, then pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. A bullet shot out of the barrel and struck the shadow, killing it.

“H-How-”

“We’re in a cognitive world.” Morgana grinned enthusiastically. “If the enemy thinks it can kill, it can kill.”

Sae stared at him, then at the model gun that was an actual gun in this reality. “Good to know.”

“Um….” Kawakami wrung her hands, anxiously glancing around. “Should we go?”

Glancing at where the shadow’s corpse had disintegrated to Morgana, who nodded, Sae stuffed the gun into the waistband of her slacks and pointed at the exit. “Let’s move!”

With that began a frantic flight, their group sneaking back through the halls as guard patrols swarmed the dungeons. Luckily, they managed to avoid most of them, only needing to confront a few on their way out.

It was at the home stretch when everything went south.

“Come on.” Morgana led them up a flight of stairs. “We’re almost ou-”

He was cut off as they arrived in the castle foyer, finding their escape route guarded by a trio of shadows, one clad in golden armor. However, it was the man that stood among them that drew their attention first.

“Kamoshida,” Sae snarled and balled her hands into fists.

“Ugh. You knaves again?” The self-proclaimed king scowled and glowered at them.

Before either her or Morgana could make a move, however, Kawakami stepped forward, glaring furiously at the volleyball coach.

“You….” She bared gnashed teeth before screaming, “The school isn’t your castle! Those students aren’t your slaves!”

“Of course they are!” he scoffed, then smirked. “I’m the goddamn king, baby. They’re lucky I’m even giving them the time of day.”

“You… You bastard!”

"How dare you insult King Kamoshida!" The guard clad in golden armor stormed forward, brandishing his sword. "My lord, please let me take care of these intruders."

Kamoshida wore a scowl, but it became a grin as he swept a hand out. "Very well! Deal with them!"

The golden guard cackled before it erupted into black ooze, reshaping itself into a crimson armored knight riding atop a nightmarish steed. Horns sprouted from its helm and it gripped a spear in one hand while holding the reins of its horse in the other. 

Sae and Morgana dashed forward immediately, putting themselves in front of Kawakami.

"Get back!" Sae drew the pistol from her waistband and aimed for the shadow's horse.

She opened fire, landing a few of her shots as the steed lurched forward, snorting and braying in fury. It shrugged off her attacks, however, and galloped towards her.

She dived out of the way, narrowly avoiding being trampled to death. Rolling back onto her feet, she looked over to find Kawakami nearby, having jumped away too. Morgana had dodged as well, but he’d recovered to summon his persona.

"Zorro!" The moustached persona appeared and flourished his rapier, summoning the howling winds to wrap around the mounted shadow.

However, his wind spell had little effect on the crimson armored knight, who roared and swung his spear. Morgana dived forward to dodge the attack, but was batted aside, flying into a pillar.

“Morgana!” Sae gripped her tonfas and flicked from her companion’s crumpled form to the horse-mounted shadow. Her model gun had no effect and she dared not get close enough to strike it. Her only option left was her persona.

“Aequitas!”

She cast her hand out and directed the goddess of justice’s attention upon her opponent. Aequitas lifted her scales and called down a spear of light. The shadow roared in pain as it was consumed in a flash of light, only to remain standing once the light faded.

Sae gawked in horror as it laughed and raised its spear, lightning crackling along the weapon’s head before shooting into the air. Without warning, a bolt of lightning crashed down on her.

A scream tore out of her throat as she felt her body seizing. Her eyes were blinded and her ears rang as she fell to her knees, then collapsed in a heap.

She was barely conscious of her surroundings until a foot pressed down on her back, Kamoshida standing over her with a smug grin on his face.

“That’s right. Stay down!”

“Get off!” She snarled, only for him to stomp down on her back.

“Shut up!” he sneered, grinding his foot between her shoulder blades. “God, I hate you heroic types, always thinking the world revolves around you. You’re just like that Sakamoto punk. He thought he could stand up to me, but I showed him what happens when you defy the king!”

“What’s wrong with you?” 

All eyes turned to Kawakami, who stood nearby with her hands balled into fists. She stared Kamoshida down, trying to cast an intimidating glare only to falter when he scowled back.

“What was that?” He stepped off her back, and Sae tried to get up, only to have one of his guards step down on her again.

“You’re a teacher!” Kawakami backpedaled as he approached, her confidence crumbling away as desperation took over. “Y-You’re supposed to help them, not- not treat them like slaves!”

“Tch.” He clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. “Don’t I deserve something for all my hard work? I’m the one who boosted the school’s reputation! I’m the one who made sure we’re on top! So doesn’t that mean I should get to enjoy myself a little?”

“Kawakami!” Sae met here frantic eyes and mustered what little strength she had left. “Get out of here! You have to stop him from the real world!”

Kawakami looked on in despair, shaking her head. “I can’t leave you!”

Kamoshida threw back his head and laughed, amused by their desperate pleas. “You two are pathetic! Don’t you realize that there’s no way you can win? Try to expose me and the school will cover it up! That’s how I got away with breaking Sakamoto’s legs. That’s how I got the track coach fired. And that’s how I get to keep playing with my volleyball players.”

Sadayo stared at him in disbelief, her mouth dropping in horror as he cackled to himself. Was it true? If she tried to expose him, would the school choose to back him up instead of her?

“But, the students-”

“Will keep their mouths shut if they know what’s good for them!” Kamoshida snapped. “You think that if you try to talk to them, they’ll actually listen? As far as they’re concerned, no one cares about them. Their parents probably know already too, but what’ve they done?”

All hope drained from her then, and she felt her strength to fight wane away. Dropping to her knees, Sadayo stared into space, feeling the weight of despair holding her down.

Her students… they’d already given up, hadn’t they? She hadn’t saved them. She’d failed again….

“Kawakami!” Niijima was looking at her with that defiant fire she always held in her eyes. “He only wins if you let him-”

Kamoshida delivered a kick to her face, silencing the other woman. “Shut up, bitch! You know what, you’re too much trouble to keep around.” He raised a hand to signal his men. “Guards! Execute them!”

“No!” Sadayo forced herself to rise, forced herself to push aside the despair that tried to chain her down. “You don’t get to win anymore! You don’t get to order people around anymore!”

“What the hell are you-”

“Shut up!” She screamed, a fire burning in the pit of her stomach. “Teachers are supposed to help their students! They’re supposed to nurture them, protect them! But you’re nothing but a depraved, self-serving scumbag!”

“At last, your eyes have been opened.”

Suddenly, a sharp pain struck her mind and Sadayo gasped as she clutched her head.

"You seek the power to save others, correct? Then let us forge a pact.”

Her audience looked on in confusion as she fell to her knees, cradling her head as she grunted and whined.

“Guilt and grief have blinded you, trapped you in the eye of a raging storm. But the time has come to tame the howling winds and free yourself. This is the desire of the other you within.”

She whimpered and screamed, spittle flying from her mouth as she nearly teared out her own hair.

"I am thou, thou art I…."

Azure flames flickered at the edges of her vision.

"Thou has stood by as the wicked have tormented the innocent, but now thy time has come to harness the fury of thunder and the rage of lightning! Defend thy wards and smite those without honor!"

Blue fire erupted on her face and receded, leaving behind the weight of a mask upon her face. She touched it, knowing already its shape and form, that of a fanged demon.

It bore the weight of her sins, the guilt and grief she’d carried for years. She needed to take it off. Tear it off. Relieve herself of her sins.

“What the hell...” Kamoshida stumbled back while Sae and Morgana gaped in awe as she got up, staggering while she gripped the sides of her mask.

She pulled with all her might, tearing skin and peeling flesh until she ripped the mask off with a scream. In an instant, azure flames ignited in her vision and she became consumed in a blazing pyre.

She felt her spirit lift, the burdens she’d carried with her falling away as a sense of liberation surged through her entire being.

Then, when the blue fire receded and she stood once more before her audience, she found herself no longer dressed in her usual outfit. She was now donned in samurai regalia, wearing various iron guards over a blue kimono stylized with golden iconography of furious typhoons.

She gazed at herself, staring in awe at the intricate detail of her armor. Then, she looked back to watch as the azure flames manifested into a towering figure. They churned and spun into a cyclone, before becoming consumed by a raging typhoon that took on a vaguely humanoid shape. Lightning arced across the living superstorm’s body as it watched her in anticipation.

“So, this is my Persona…?”

She looked back to her audience, finding Kamoshida and his guards backing up while Sae and Morgana stepped over to stand alongside her. The other woman gawked at her persona, taking in the ever-raging storm elemental while Morgana cast a smug smile towards their opponents.

Kawakami couldn’t help but grin herself, feeling more powerful and alive then she ever had before.

“Kamoshida!” She raised her naginata and pointed it at the self-proclaimed tyrant. “You’re going to pay for everything you’ve done!”

He whimpered and scurried away, flanked by two guards. The rest transformed into black-maned horses with twin horns and joined the shadow riding atop his nightmarish steed. “Don’t you dare mock him, infidel!”

Sadayo narrowed her eyes and glanced at her allies, finding them ready to fight once more. She shared a smile with Morgana and an affirming nod with Sae. Flourishing her naginata, she stepped forward and brandished the weapon.

“Unleash your fury, Kami-no-Kaze!”

The crimson-armored knight bellowed a war cry and pointed his spear forward. At his command, the twin horned horses brayed furiously and charged them. However, before they could get far, she willed the living typhoon to call down bolts of lightning, stunning the oncoming shadows.

They seized and collapsed in mid gallop, falling into heaps on the ground. Both Sae and Morgana were quick to finish them off, surging forward and bringing down their weapons to kill them.

“Lightning spells, huh?” Morgana laughed in joy. “Those’ll be helpful!”

“Stay focused!” Sae called, bringing her tonfas up as the crimson-armored knight trotted towards them.

“You’ll die here, criminal scum!”

He swung his spear about, intent on cutting them down. However, Sadayo raised her naginata and braced herself. The attack was blocked and she shoved his weapon back before twirling to deliver an attack of her own.

She slashed him across the side, then jumped back as Sae called down a spear of light. The crimson-armored knight roared in pain as Morgana cast a wind spell, the vortex pulling the wounded shadow back and forth.

It tried to call down a lightning bolt of its own on her then, but Kami-no-Kaze lurched forward and took the blow. She could still feel her muscles seizing slightly, and she clenched her jaw to suppress a grunt.

In retaliation, Sadayo brandished her naginata again and commanded, “Kami-no-Kaze!”

Lightning crashed down on the crimson-armored knight and reduced it to ash in an instant. All that remained was Kamoshida, who now stood atop the stairs at the back of the foyer.

“Get down here, Kamoshida!” She stepped forward and threw her arms out. “You’ll answer for your crimes!”

He scowled down at them, then smirked. “Haven’t you been listening? This is my castle. I make the rules here.”

“Makoto?”

Sadayo glanced over at Sae, whose eyes were blown open wide. She followed her gaze to find a young girl dressed in a… bikini? She recognized the student council president’s face, but the dog ears and tail that she wore threw her off for a moment.

Soon, the younger Niijima was joined by Takamaki Ann, dressed in a gaudy bikini and cat ears. Then, Suzui Shiho, dressed in similar fashion to the first two girls, appeared as well.

“Wh-Why is she dressed like that?” Sae demanded, her voice trembling. “How is she here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Kamoshida laughed gloatingly as the girls ran their hands over him. “She’s the faculty’s bitch. But they’re all mine in the end.”

There was silence for a moment, then Sae unleashed a furious scream. She charged forward, and Sadayo ran to join her. However, a sudden wave of exhaustion grabbed her, pulling her down to her knees.

“Hey, are you alright?” Morgana rushed to her side and Sae stopped to look back at her.

Her infuriated expression softened with concern, however, she looked back at Kamoshida and growled.

“Don’t fight him!” Morgana shouted. “Those girls aren’t real! They’re just cognitive versions of them!”

“Sae-san!” Sadayo watched her glance back with a conflicted look.

“You should listen to them, lady!” Kamoshida raised his hands and shadows emerged from the ground, surrounding them.

“Dammit!” Sae bared her gnashed teeth, but then backed down and ran back over to her. “Come on! Let’s go!”

“We’re going back!” Sae fumed as she paced back and forth, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. “I won’t let him touch Makoto!”

Behind her, Kawakami was sitting down on the ground, still dressed in her samurai armor. From a glance, it seemed she’d come to recognize what exactly she looked like and was examining her appearance.

“So, our appearances are our inner idea of a rebel?” She looked at Morgana, who nodded. “So, I guess my inner rebel is a samurai? ...Or maybe ronin is a better term.”

“Hey!” Sae snapped, storming over. “Did Kamoshida know anything about what happened last time? In the real world, I mean.”

“Wh-What?”

“When we escaped the castle the first time. Did the real Kamoshida notice anything?”

“No!”

Kawakami watched her fearfully, but she ignored her. If Kamoshida hadn’t known in the real world the first time, then he probably didn’t know about what had just transpired here either. That was good, that still meant they had an edge against him.

“Niijima-san?” Kawakami spoke up with a frightened tone. “I think you need to calm down-”

“Calm down?” She whirled around and glared at her. “One of your school’s teachers is a sexual predator, and he views my sister as one of his victims! I-”

What if she already was?

Sae swallowed, her face growing pale. Kawakami seemed to notice, the brunette woman standing up to grab her shoulders as she trembled with barely contained anxiety.

“Hey. Just relax.”

“I can’t just relax! Makoto-”

“Should be alright.”

“You don’t know that!” She shoved Kawakami away and combed fingers through her hair.

The teacher looked down, then back up at her. “Those students are my responsibility too, Niijima-san. Anything that happens to them is my fault. But we can’t lose our heads now, not while we still have a chance to stop him from hurting anyone else.”

Sae folded her arms over her chest and held herself, inhaling deep breaths. Kawakami was right. She needed to keep a level head, make sure she was thinking straight. This was just like any other case, she’d just need to gather more evidence to expose that bastard.

“Alright.” She spoke, voice settled down. “We… We should get going.”

“Wait! You can’t leave yet!” Morgana hopped up and down, drawing their attention. “I still need your help for my master plan!”

Sae arched an eyebrow, then exchanged a look with Kawakami. The other woman shrugged, then yawned.

“Your master plan?” Sae rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “Sorry, but… we don’t have time to help-.”

“What! But- But we made a deal!”

“We’ll continue it next time.” Kawakami patted Morgana on the head and gave a nervous laugh. “See ya later! Let’s get out of here!”

They both ran for the exit, Sae pulling out her phone and activating the Metaverse Navigator while Morgana shrieked behind them.

~

“Thish ish so good!”

Sae stared in utter bafflement as Kawakami slurped up her bowl of ramen. It was like watching some kind of machine designed to consume, she’d never seen anyone with that much of an appetite before. Albeit, the only people she’d really gone out to eat with had been Akechi and the director, and those times had been few and far between.

They sat together in one of the ramen shops in Shibuya, having returned to the real world some hours ago. The teacher had fallen asleep in her car on their way, exhausted from the battle they’d won. However, the moment she’d mentioned food, Kawakami had become wide awake.

Sae smiled faintly and gave a soft laugh. "Slow down or you'll choke."

After a moment, she did in fact take a moment to inhale air instead of just her food.

“Sorry.” She sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. “I usually don’t have the time to go out and eat.”

“Really?”

“I work all day.” Her smile faltered, but she raised it again. “You know how it is, teaching students through the morning and noon, then grading their papers at night.”

Sae arched an eyebrow, but nodded. “I certainly know what that’s like, working all day.”

Kawakami hummed and they fell into silence. Then, though, the brunette woman looked over and chuckled. “You know, I had no idea that my inner rebel was a ronin.”

“It makes sense, I think.” Sae picked up a length of noodles with her chopsticks and swallowed them. “Samurai were the warriors of ancient Japan. Not all of them were good, but the ones that were acted as custodians of the land. And what with your desire to protect your students….”

“That… does make some sense.” Kawakami smiled absentmindedly. “And my Persona, Kami-no-Kaze. The typhoons that protected Japan from the Mongols….” She looked over at her then and raised an eyebrow. “But what about your inner rebel, Niijima-san?”

“Hm?”

“You look like some kind of police investigator straight out of a detective film.”

“I suppose I do.” She thought back on her outfit in the Metaverse, a strange sense of familiarity tickling the back of her mind. “I am a prosecutor working for the SIU. Maybe my appearance is inspired by a detective that doesn’t play by the rules that I’m supposed to uphold?”

“Maybe….”

Fell back into silence, but Sae sighed and adjusted her posture to sit facing her. “So, Kawakami-sa-”

"Sadayo is fine, actually." Kawakami offered a friendly smile, to which Sae nodded.

"Well, I suppose you can refer to me as Sae as well. Although, you already have."

"I have? Oh, in the castle! I'm so sorry!"

"It's fine.” She raised her hands in reassurance. “You don't have to apologize… but, concerning the students we saw in the dungeon.”

“Right….” Sadayo bowed her head and pressed her lips into a thin line. “I remember their faces. And if I don't, it shouldn't be too hard to track down members of the volleyball team.”

“Good.” Sae rested her elbows on the counter and her chin on her hands. “We’ll need all the evidence we can gather. I’m going to try and pursue any leads on the Metaverse, to see if there isn’t a way we can’t gain any evidence from that side.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

She opened her mouth to speak, only to froze as she heard a voice, familiar and yet unknown, whisper in her mind….

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Empress Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE EMPRESS Confidant: Rank 1

Sae blinked and rubbed her head, then shook off the hazy sensation that’d taken her mind for a moment.

“Indeed,” she answered as she checked the time on her phone, then glanced up at her companion. Friend? “Do you need a ride home?”

Sadayo blinked at her. “Oh. Uh, that’d be nice. I don’t want to impose, though.”

“It’ll be alright.” She got up and patted her on the shoulder. “Besides, I do need to repay you for saving my life.”

It was late when Sae returned home, stepping inside with an exhausted sigh. It'd been a hell of a day, between exploring the castle dungeons and awakening Sadayo's persona. But there were still some things she needed to take care of.

"Makoto!" she called, her chest tight. "I'm home!"

She waited with bated breath, then exhaled in relief when her sister called back, "Welcome home, sis!"

Makoto stepped out from her room a moment later, dressed in her buchimaru nightwear. Sae smiled, overjoyed to see her and not the cognitive version within Kamoshida's depraved mind.

“Hello, Makoto.” She grabbed her in a hug, wanting to know for certain that she was here. “I missed you today.”

“Y-You did?” Her little sister awkwardly hugged her back before fully committing with a pleased sigh. “I missed you too, sis.”

They held each other for a moment, reveling in each other’s embrace before Sae pulled back. “So, I take it you were studying?”

Makoto nodded, her face flushed. “Yeah. Midterms are coming up, but we’ve got a volleyball rally tomorrow so they’ll be cutting classes short.”

“Oh?” She crossed her arms and frowned. “How are things at school?”

“They’re okay….” Makoto faltered as she walked back to her room, her voice raising a pitch.

Sae arched an eyebrow. “Did something happen.”

Her dread returned, festering inside of her as darker thoughts filled her head.

“Well... I’ve heard some disturbing rumors.” Makoto stopped outside her room, rubbing her arms uncomfortably. “One of the faculty members could be… exploiting his position as an authority figure.”

“...How did you hear about these rumors?”

She waited for an answer, praying silently that it wasn’t first hand experience on her little sister’s part.

“The transfer student I’m tutoring. He… well, he thinks that it’s possible.” Makoto swallowed and looked back at her, face pale. “I plan on consulting the principal tomorrow.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Sae watched her for a moment then bowed her head. “Be careful though, Makoto. If something happens, I want you to find a teacher you can trust.”

Makoto smiled and nodded. “Of course, sis. ...I’m going to get back to studying.”

She disappeared back into her room, leaving Sae to walk into hers. Setting her things down, she laid down on her bed, stretching her limbs and letting the stress of her day’s activities expunge themselves. However, as she lay there, she found her eyes wandering to her desk.

Getting back up, she walked over and sifted through the items on top of it. Finding the folder she’d taken with her to the SIU department, she looked through the documents she’d gathered over cognitive psience.

Most of what she’d gathered was composed of theories and assumptions. Everything was circumstantial at best, but there had to be something she could use. At least a lead….

Sae laid a hand over one page, a death certificate on a former researcher of cognitive psience.

“Isshiki Wakaba.”

“The goal of your rehabilitation is to thwart the fated ruin. However, you cannot challenge fate alone.”

Sae found herself once more in the Velvet Room, dressed in her prisoner garb and eyed by the twin wardens while Igor rambled on in another vague spiel.

“Today, you gained an ally who awoke to the same power you hold, did you not?”

“You’re talking about Sadayo?”

“Indeed.” He steepled his fingers and grinned wider. “Expanding your circle of trust will be imperative to your recovery. Though, I will advise that you do not form superficial relationships.”

She arched an eyebrow in curiosity. “Oh? And why is that?”

“Weak bonds will break, but those forged and reinforced will grant you strength in the trials that come.” Igor rested his hands on his desk and watched her for a brief moment. “Seek out those who have been wronged by the system they embrace. As you aid them, they too will aid you.”

Sae eyed him for a moment, skeptical at his claim. Yet, even she knew that allies mattered, especially if she was entering a world where she had to face monsters and demons.

“Personas are the strength of the heart.” Justine looked up at her with her golden-colored eye. “The stronger the bonds that surround you, the more power your Personas will gain.”

"...Wait, Personas? Plural?"

Caroline huffed, ignoring her confusion, and shot a haughty look at her. “There are countless people in your world who have talents that a weakling like you doesn’t.”

She shot a glare back at the child, then up at Igor. “So, where do I start?”

“Let us begin here,” Igor chuckled. “You should be prepared to utilize even myself, or your ambitions will not come to fruition….”

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Fool Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE FOOL Confidant: Rank 1

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 1

Chapter Text

4/13
Wednesday

“Alright, you better get moving.” Sakura Sojiro glanced up from his watch at his ward, who was also checking the time on his phone. “Don’t wanna miss the train. And make sure you don’t get into any trouble, you hear. It’ll be on your head if you do.”

Amamiya Ren sighed as he shouldered his bag and walked away. “Yeah, I know. See you tonight, Boss.”

He eyed the teenager the entire way out, then leaned over the counter and sighed. The kid had been doing alright since he’d arrived two days ago. Though, that didn’t stop him from watching his every step. The only reason he was taking him in was because he owed someone a favor.

Sojiro grumbled under his breath, but then straightened up the moment he heard the bell over the door jingle. Looking over, he watched a silver-haired woman with crimson eyes walk in, dressed like she was heading to a business meeting. Though, it could also be the other way around.

“Welcome.” He gave a smile and wave, which she reciprocated.

“Hello.” She glanced around his café, then took a seat at the counter. “I heard about this café. I heard you serve some of the best coffee and curry in Yongen.”

He barked a laugh and rubbed his neck. “Now, I wouldn’t say the best. But I think it’s pretty good.”

“I’d like to try some, just to see for myself.”

“Alright.” He stepped away from the counter, but stopped short of turning around. “Oh. Any preference on your coffee?”

“May I ask for the owner’s recommendation?”

“Hmm….” He eyed her for a moment, getting a judge for what her taste buds might adore. “How’s Jamaican Blue Mountain sound?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

He smiled and nodded, then glanced over the shelves next to him before reaching for the mentioned jar of coffee beans. Everything after fell into his usual flow as he went about preparing the coffee and readying the stove to make the curry. He stole glances at his latest customer every so often, taking a measure of how she might enjoy her curry alongside her drink.

Some time later, he was pouring her coffee into a cup and bringing it down the counter. “Here you are. I’ll have the curry right out.”

“Thank you.” She gave a polite nod and reached up, only to flinch slightly.

He arched an eyebrow as she inhaled sharply.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine. Just some bruising."

"You know, there's a clinic just down the street. You could ask for a checkup over there if you want."

“You know, I might do that.” She took hold of her cup and blew on her drink before taking a sip. A second later, she closed her eyes and savored the taste. “This is… It’s good.”

He adjusted his glasses with an appreciative smile. “Glad to hear it.”

Stepping back over, he went to stir the curry and add in a few more ingredients. Nearby, the TV played some news channel reporting on the events of the past few days.

“The damage from the subway accident this last Sunday has yet to be fully repaired. The Ministry of Transport is being held responsible for apparently neglecting the state of the railway tracks. Although, there is still speculation that the incident could be connected with the recent mental shutdowns occurring across the city.”

Sojiro glanced up from the pot to the TV, then over at his customer. She stared intently at the screen, eyes narrowing in suspicion. He studied her face for a moment, gut feeling suddenly putting him on edge.

“Strange times we live in, huh?” He looked away before she noticed. “Mental shutdowns? Psychotic breakdowns? Hoo boy, sometimes I’m glad I quit my old job to manage this place. A whole lot less stress to deal with.”

“I’m certainly envious,” she replied calmly. “Though, what do you think?”

“Think about what?”

“The mental shutdown incidents.” She sipped from her cup. “Do you think they’re really connected?”

“If I’m being honest, I don’t really much care.” He reached over and grabbed a plate for the curry. “Though, I gotta admit, with the economy as it is, it was probably inevitable for society to start breaking down.”

“So, you think it's an indirect influence?”

He paused, then looked up at her. Their eyes met and, for a moment, they studied each other before he looked back to get her curry. Bringing it over, he set it down in front of her and stepped back, crossing his arms as he watched her.

“What exactly are you getting at?”

The woman took her spoon in one hand and smelled the aroma of her food, but then met his gaze. “I’m just curious. I think they might be connected.”

He half laughed, half scoffed. “Like what, some kind of conspiracy?”

“Perhaps.” She took a scoop of her food and ate it, her eyes widening in surprise. She ate a few more spoonfuls before drinking from her coffee. “This is… surprisingly delicious.”

For a moment, he dropped his apprehension and smirked. “Well, I custom tailor each order just for the customer. Thought you might like something that complements your coffee.” He watched her eat up the rest of her plate, keeping his eyes open at her outfit in search of clues as to her background. “So, where do you work, miss….”

“Niijima.” She looked up at him and sipped from her cup. “I’m a prosecutor with the SIU.”

Alarm bells rang in his head, but he kept a cool expression as he nodded and stroked his beard. “Well, that sounds like one hell of a job. Must keep yourself busy day and night.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” She looked down at her drink before finishing the last of it in a single gulp. “But, back to your question. I believe that these mental shutdowns might be connected.”

“...Why are you here?”

“You knew Isshiki Wakaba.”

He stared her down, eyes narrowing dangerously as he stared her down. She didn’t falter in her critical gaze, not backing down as he stepped up to the counter to tower over her.

“What do you want?”

“Wakaba did research on cognitive psience-”

“And I had no part in that research-”

“But you did take in her daughter-”

“Get out.”

He pointed at the door, his eyes never leaving hers as he suppressed the urge to scowl. The moment she mentioned Wakaba’s work, he knew she was here to make trouble. But the moment she mentioned Futaba, she was threatening to drag the girl back into the trauma of her past, and he wouldn’t allow it.

“Sir, please-”

“I said get out!” he barked. “You better leave now, or I’ll call the cops.”

She watched him for a second, then nodded. Getting up, she left her payment on the counter, shouldered her bag, and walked towards the exit. She stopped short of the door, though, and looked back at him. “Thank you for the food, I’ll be sure to come back at a later date.”

He narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice to a dangerous growl. "No. You won’t."

She returned his glare before leaving.

As soon as she’d walked past the front window and disappeared from sight, Sojiro bent over the counter and let loose a sigh. His chest was tight and felt like a furnace, anger burning in it furiously.

Even after all these years, his past was coming back to haunt him. Dammit, just what did Wakaba get herself into? ...Wakaba….

He wiped a hand over his face and leaned back against the shelves as the memories washed over him. A myriad of emotions flooded him, starting with joy, then embarrassment, and finishing with melancholy as that old friend named helplessness returned to cling onto his soul once more.

“Dammit….”

That… could have gone better.

Sae pressed fingers against her forehead as she closed her eyes and sighed. Sakura Sojiro was her only lead, she needed to get through to him. Which was going to be easier said than done, quite obviously.

The moment she’d mentioned Isshiki Wakaba, he’d gone on the defensive. She couldn’t make heads or tails if he actually knew anything about her work, though he had quickly denied having any involvement. Yet, that didn’t necessarily mean he had no knowledge on her research.

Most notably to her, when she’d mentioned Wakaba’s daughter, he’d outright thrown her out. Was there a connection between the girl and cognitive psience?

Sae drew in a breath and walked down the street. However, a sharp pain jolted through her suddenly and she stumbled, grunting. She cursed under her breath, feeling the bruises from her last venture into the Metaverse.

Maybe it would be a good idea to check out that clinic Sakura-san had mentioned.

Walking down the street, she glanced around at the shops and houses around her. None looked like the entrance to a clinic, so she took a left, only to end up at the street. Walking back down, she stopped at a second-hand shop owned by an elderly man who was kind enough to point her in the clinic’s direction.

A few minutes later, she was standing in front of a building with a lit, graffitied sign that read “Takemi Medical Clinic”. She studied the entry hall skeptically, but walked inside nonetheless.

Soon enough, she was standing in the clinic lobby, a small room with some seating arrangements, a stand filled with health magazines, and some floral decor. Right next to the door was a clerk’s desk manned by a woman with indigo hair.

The moment Sae stepped inside, the woman glanced up at her and offered a polite smile.

“Hi, what can I help you with?”

“I was hoping to schedule a quick checkup. Right now, if possible.”

The receptionist hummed and glanced down at her desk, then back up at her. “Well, I don’t have any prior appointments, so we could have one right now if you’d like.”

Oh, so she was the presiding doctor?

A knowing smirk seemed to cross her lips as she looked up at her. She leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Something wrong, miss?”

“Er, no.” Sae flushed red in embarrassment as she glanced away, trying to hide her shame.

“Well, before I have you step into the back, mind if I get a name and some relevant information?”

“Of course.”

The next few minutes were spent with the doctor asking her some basic questions, partly on her identity and partly on her current health conditions, as well as any relevant medical history. She diligently filled out the paperwork, working in a professional manner that seemed juxtaposed by the way she spoke and the attire she wore under her white physician’s coat. Though, that was likely because of her own biases that she was seeing her in that way.

“Alright, Niijima-san.” The indigo-haired woman picked up a thin stack of papers and organized them before she stood up. “I’m Dr. Takemi Tae.” She extended a hand, which she shook. “I’ll have you head on back and we’ll start the examination.”

Opening the door beside her, she stepped into the clinic’s examination room. It wasn’t exactly crowded, but it wasn’t spacious either. An examination bed was pushed up against the wall on the right and Dr. Takemi’s work station was set against the left, topped by all manner of medical instruments.

The indigo-haired doctor herself appeared right beside her, pushing aside a curtain to step in.

Sae got a good look at the woman’s full attire beneath the physician’s coat, a dark green dress with a scarlet belt and… a lot of legs leading down to platform boots strapped to her feet.

“My eyes are up here you know?”

Sae flicked her gaze up and found Dr. Takemi smirking again. She tried to stammer an apology out, but the other woman was already heading to her station. She sat down and held up a clipboard, then gestured at the bed.

“Go ahead and sit down, Niijima-san.” She watched her with a playful smile, to which she looked back with a stoic face. “So, tell me what’s brought you to my clinic?”

“Well…” I’ve stumbled upon an alternate reality where I fight Shadows. “I’ve started to take kickboxing lessons again and I’ve taken some hits. So, I guess just general bruising, some soreness and maybe muscle pain.”

“Do you mind taking off your clothes?” Dr. Takemi chuckled and waved her clipboard reassuringly while she blinked, flushing red. “Just kidding. Though, I will need to see the bruises, so your jacket would suffice.”

Taking a deep breath and awkwardly coughing, she unbuttoned her suit jacket. Her arms were sore from the punches she’d thrown in the Metaverse, not to mention being thrown around a few times and being literally struck by lightning.

Dr. Takemi got to work immediately, swiping a stethoscope off her desk and rolling over in her chair. She went through the usual medical routine before taking a look at her arms, then her back. There’d been a moment of awkwardness when she’d investigated her front, Sae flushing red self-consciously when the good doctor had nonchalantly roamed her hands over her abdomen in search of more bruising.

“Well, I’m not seeing any unusual swelling.” Dr. Takemi rolled back, putting some space between them. “So, it just looks like you’re not in any danger of actual muscle injury or bone fractures. Though, I did notice your eyes.”

“...My eyes?”

“You getting any sleep?”

“Uh-”

“Actually, do I know you from somewhere?”

Sae blinked and looked at her. “...No, I don’t believe so?”

Dr. Takemi squinted at her and studied her face for a moment before recognition lit in her eyes. “Oh, that’s right. You’re that hotshot prosecutor that showed up on the news a while back.”

Oh yes, the infamous news interview she despised. It’d been less about her talent and more about her looks. Her male coworkers and a great many men had pestered her about dates for weeks after that. It’d been nothing but trouble.

“Yes, I suppose that was me.”

“Mm… So, back to your eyes.” Dr. Takemi poked the inside of her mouth with her tongue as she surveyed her clipboard. “I’m guessing the life of a prosecutor is twenty-four hours of stress?”

“I… suppose?”

The doctor nodded, then looked up at her. “How much sleep do you usually get?”

“Plenty, I believe.”

“Any unusual dreams?”

Did waking up in an alternate reality count? No, probably not.

“No, not that I remember.”

“Do you ever wake up sporadically?”

“No.”

Dr. Takemi scribbled on her clipboard, then looked up at her again. “Alright, well, I can prescribe you some sleeping pills and painkillers… Oh, but I need to restock those.” She sighed and pouted, then sat back up. “Guess it’s sleeping pills. Is that alright?”

“That should be fine.”

“Good. Now, if you could wait a moment while I grab your medicine.”

The doctor stood up, stepped over to a cabinet, and produced a key to open it. Sae caught a glimpse of her stock. Most of the shelves held containers and bottles of medication, ranging from pills to liquids. She did note the good doctor’s collection of beakers, vials, and stands nestled near the bottom though.

After a moment of waiting, Dr. Takemi found the sleeping pills and brought them over.

“So, are you paying in cash or card?”

“Either works.”

“Card then.”

With that, Sae got up and headed out into the lobby while Dr. Takemi stepped back behind the reception counter. A few minutes later, she was handing her back her card, the payment transferring without a hitch.

“Be sure to visit again.” Dr. Takemi smiled and waved, to which Sae smiled back.

“I’ll be sure-”

She was cut off as someone entered the lobby, a man dressed casually. He sauntered in and glanced around before he spotted them.

“Hey, doc.” He gave a skeevy smile and strutted over, interjecting himself between them. “I was looking to buy some meds?”

Sae cast an aggravated look at his back, but bit her tongue before she could cause a scene. Behind the counter, Dr. Takemi’s friendly expression had soured into an exasperated countenance.

“What were you needing? Painkillers? Sleeping pills?”

“I heard that you’ve got… let’s say, performance enhancers?”

Sae paused, then glanced over. Dr. Takemi was staring at him with wide, surprised eyes. When she flicked her eyes over at her in concern, though, she quickly whirled around and dug out her phone before the man could follow her gaze. She pretended to type on her phone while she listened in on the conversation as best she could.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t carry any ‘performance enhancing meds’.”

“Yeah, well, I heard otherwise.”

“From who exactly?”

“Some friends.”

“And are these friends patients of mine? If not, then I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“That’s not happening-”

“Excuse me.” Sae stepped over, stuffing her phone away. “Are you bothering Dr. Takemi?”

The man tried to shoot a glare at her, but she challenged it and stared him down.

“I don’t believe I was talking to you.”

“And I don’t believe you understand who you’re talking to.” Dr. Takemi stood up and leaned over the counter, wearing a confident smile as she flicked her eyes over at her. “Miss Prosecutor, what’s the charges for harassment?”

That seemed to scare the man, whose eyes blew open wide as she took in her full attire and the dangerous look in her eyes.

“Uh… I-I’m going to leave now!”

He was gone in an instant, leaving Dr. Takemi to laugh while she sighed.

“Thanks for that, Niijima-san.”

“No problem. Though, what was that about?”

“Probably just rumors.” The bluenette sat back down and sighed. “Let’s just say my old employer isn’t a fan of my practice.”

Sae studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Well, seeing as you’re fine now. I’ll be off.”

“See you for another appointment then? I’m not usually busy.”

“...Sure.”

The sound of shoes screeching against laminated wood echoed off the gymnasium walls as the volleyball team faced off against Kamoshida and some of Shujin's male faculty. Though, it was less of a competition and more of a slaughter, with the volleyball coach hogging the spotlight as he made nearly every shot and scored nearly every point.

Sadayo stood in the back of the gym, eyeing the court. She watched the volleyball team struggle against their instructor, both because of his skills against theirs but also because of an unspoken hesitation.

She recognized some of their faces from the castle dungeons, each sharing the bruises and welts, as well as the bandages and patches. She could only wonder if they also held the same scars of abuse as their counterparts in Kamoshida's mind….

She was startled from her thoughts when Kamoshida landed another spike, the sound of the volleyball striking the floor echoing around the gym and causing his fans to cheer. 

An uncomfortable sigh escaped her as she crossed her arms and surveyed the audience. She noted Sakamoto and Amamiya sitting together, the former glowering at the court in clear discontent. On the other side of the gym, Takamaki-kun looked down as she twiddled with her hair, distracting herself from the game.

Sadayo watched her for a moment, recalling her cognitive doppelganger in Kamoshida’s mind.

A sudden roar from the crowd drew her attention and everyone looked over to watch Kamoshida jump into the air to spike a ball. It was a blur that they lost sight of, only to find it again after it rebounded off Mishima-kun’s face.

Gasps rang out, followed by Sakamoto shouting. “What the hell! Mishima!”

Sadayo ran over immediately and knelt down besides her student’s prone form. Sakamoto and Amamiya appeared just after.

“Dude, is he alright-”

“Sakamoto!” she hissed and shot him a pointed look before she cradled Mishima’s head, examining him for any injuries.

The hit hadn’t broken skin, but an abrasion was showing and the bruising would show soon enough. His eyes were unfocused, but he still murmured.

“Is he alright?”

Sadayo froze and looked up at Kamoshida, his silhouetted figure towering over them.

“The hell do you-”

“Sakamoto.” She turned her attention to him, both to silence him and to keep her frightened countenance from the volleyball coach. “You and Amamiya take Mishima to the infirmary. Please.”

The dyed-blonde teen made a face, but upon hearing his unconscious peer mumble incoherently, he relented. Sharing a look with the frizzy-haired transfer student, the duo draped Mishima’s arms over their shoulders and hoisted him up, then carried him out of the gym.

Sadayo watched them go, then eyed Kamoshida as he stepped away and nonchalantly called for the game to start again. As they reformed their teams, she walked out of the door, going in search of the players not in the current lineup.

“You can’t be serious, Niijima-san? Kamoshida would never do anything like that!”

Makoto stood in the principal’s office, the tan-suited man glowering at her.

“Sir, I’m just trying to convey the concerns of a few students-”

“And what are the biases of a few students against the majority that support Mr. Kamoshida?” Principal Kobayakawa intertwined his fingers and laid his hands on his desk. “I’m sorry to raise my voice, but these rumors can be nothing more than that. There’s been no evidence or witnesses to these claims, which are no doubt unfounded to begin with.”

Makoto frowned. “With all due respect, sir, I don’t believe it would be wise to dismiss these claims immediately. If a teacher is-”

“That’s enough!” He scowled and she winced, bowing her head as he stood up. “May I remind you, Niijima-san, that Mr. Kamoshida has donated a great sum of his earnings to this school, as well as boosted its reputation tremendously since he began coaching here a few years ago?”

“I-I don’t see how that-”

“I’ll hear no more of this.” He sat back down and stared her down. “Now, it is a good thing that you’ve brought these scandalous rumors to my attention, however. I’d like you to find out who’s been spreading them and report them to me.”

“...Sir?”

“Doing this would certainly be a good merit to add to your letter of recommendation.”

“....”

She stared at her feet, suddenly conflicted with herself. Her duty as the student council president was to protect her fellow peers. However, she also had a duty to her sister, to keep up her studies and make certain that she’d enter a prestigious college. A letter of recommendation would help her tremendously, yet….

“Very well, sir.” She rubbed her arm anxiously and tried not to meet his gaze. “I’ll try to ask around and see who started these rumors. ...It may take some time, however.”

“I understand. Please, report back to me when you’ve learned something.”

“Excuse me.” Sadayo studied the bandages wrapped around the volleyball player’s head. “May I speak with you?”

“Um, sure, Ms. Kawakami.” The teen shifted anxiously and rubbed their arm. “Is something wrong? I’m pardon- I mean, exempted from the rally because of my injuries-”

“Yes, that was actually what I wanted to talk about.” She crossed her arms and watched him stiffen. “How did you get those injuries, might I ask?”

“...It was from volleyball practice. I-... I get special coaching from-”

“Special coaching?”

He stared at his feet, then looked up at her. His eyes were full of despair, a glint of hope showing once before it was drowned out by overwhelming fear.

“Y-Yeah, it’s… We just get to learn some of Mr. Kamoshida’s moves he thinks we can pull off.”

She watched him for a moment, then sighed and bowed her head. “Very well, that was all I wanted to ask. Sorry to bother you.”

Sadayo walked away, but glanced back to watch the teen quickly flee out of her sight. He was the third player she’d questioned, his reaction and answers near the same as the rest. They were all afraid of telling the truth. Terrified of what Kamoshida might do if they ratted him out.

“Hopefully Sae-san’s having more luck….”

She pulled out her phone to text the other woman:

<Kawakami Sadayo> The volleyball players are clearly being abused.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Some of them talk about “special training”, but none of them will confess.

She sighed, rereading the facts and knowing she couldn’t do anything about it just yet.

“What’s going on here?”

Sadayo froze, hearing Kamoshida’s voice. Glancing around, she spied the man striding down the hall towards the entrance, where Sakamoto and Amamiya were standing next to Mishima. It seemed he’d recovered enough to leave the nurse’s office and head home.

“Mishima, isn’t it time for practice?”

She sucked in a breath, seeing panic cross his face. 

“I-I’m not feeling well today.”

“Maybe you’re better off quitting then. You’re never going to improve your crappy form if you don’t show up-”

Just as he finished, Sakamoto stepped up to the volleyball coach, defiance blazing in his eyes. “Didn’t you hear? He ain’t feelin’ well.”

They stared each other down, the tension growing as people around them looked over. Their peers started to whisper, taking out their phones in the event that things turned physical. 

Before that could happen, however, Sadayo mustered her courage and stepped in.

“Mishima?”

All eyes turned to her, but she ignored them as she walked up to the injured teen. “I’m sorry, are you on your way home?”

“Actually, Ms. Kawakami, he was on his way to volleyball practice.” Kamoshida watched her as she turned to face him, their eyes locking.

“Is that so?” She internally cringed at her wording. “I’m sorry, what I meant to say was, his grades have been slipping and I’ve been concerned that he hasn’t been spending enough time on his homework.”

“Well, I wouldn’t blame that on time management, then. Maybe it’d help if he understood the material better.”

Kamoshida kept his smile on as he narrowed his eyes. She kept hers up as well as she returned his daring look.

“Maybe, but time would help him think over the material too.” She turned to Mishima, who trembled as he glanced between them. “Sorry to drag you into this, Mishima. But are you actually having any trouble with the material?”

He didn’t answer, his mouth barely opening before he shut it. Beside him, Sakamoto and Amamiya watched intensely, enraptured by her standoff with the former Olympic medalist.

“I think we’re scaring the poor boy.” Kamoshida laughed and she felt a shiver run up her spine. “I don’t mean to start a dispute with you Ms. Kawakami, but if he doesn’t show up to practice, I might need to take him off the volleyball team.”

Mishima inhaled sharply at that, which seemed to widen Kamoshida’s smile. She crossed her arms and frowned, then turned to face her student.

“May I remind you, your studies are more important, Mishima.”

He looked up at her and she softened her gaze, trying to convey an urgent look. His eyes widened and he turned to Kamoshida with fear.

“I-... I think I should focus on my studies.”

Kamoshida’s face darkened as he narrowed his eyes and frowned. “I see… Well, next time you’re at practice I’ll have you stay a little later to make up for today. Alright?”

He smiled and walked away before any of them could comment on his choice. Mishima left silently after, crestfallen and despondent. Sakamoto and Amamiya were left, both staring at her with stupefied faces.

“Damn, teach!” Sakamoto rubbed his neck. “I dunno if that helped or not, but-”

“Sakamoto.” She glowered at him, then gestured for them to follow her into the courtyard. “Come with me, I want to talk with you both.”

She stepped outside, not giving them the time to argue. Walking across the lawn, she navigated around groups of students chatting until she reached the same, secluded place she’d spoken with Sae-san before.

“Alright, explain yourselves.” Sadayo eyed them suspiciously.

“Explain what?” Sakamoto kicked the ground before he met her gaze. “Kamoshida’s an abusive asshole! There’s no other way to spin it!”

“And how do you know that?”

“We noticed the volleyball players.” Amamiya kept his eyes down. “There’s rumors and we… Well… we can’t walk away.”

She frowned and crossed her arms, trying to think about how to deal with them. She couldn’t let them jump head first into this. It was dangerous enough as is, what with Kamoshida’s influence over the school and their less-than-stellar reputations.

“Please, just… stop.” She pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Neither of you understand what you’re getting into and you’ll only get yourselves into more trouble-”

“Wait, what we’re gettin’ into?” Sakamoto studied her face before he leveled a furious glare at her. “Did you know? You knew didn’t you!”

She gawked in surprise, nearly stumbling back at the intensity of his accusation. “Wh-What?”

“That sick son of a bitch has been walking around acting like he’s the king of an effin’ castle this whole time, and you just let him?”

“N-No! Of course not! I didn’t-” She bit her tongue before she let anything else spill out of her mouth. Around them, people were starting to look, and she couldn’t let anyone know about what she and Sae-san were trying to do. “Look, just drop it, alright? Or else I’ll have to report you two to the principal.”

Sakamoto only glared harder, but before he could snap back, Amamiya raised an arm to hold his friend back. He watched her with a stern look, obvious discontent on his face.

“Have a nice day, Ms. Kawakami,” Amamiya spoke, an edge to his voice.

She didn’t respond, instead walking away with her head held up but her chest tightening as Sakamoto’s accusation echoed in her head.

<Niijima Sae> Kamoshida must have a firm grip over the school.

<Kawakami Sadayo> That bastard has his own fan club here.

<Niijima Sae> That’s disturbing.

<Niijima Sae> Though, if his followers haven’t noticed his predatory behavior, it’s likely we won’t find witnesses outside of the volleyball team.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Is that a good thing?

<Niijima Sae> It narrows down our list of potential witnesses. Try to find people connected to the volleyball team rather than to Komoshida.

<Kawakami Sadayo> I think I know a student. I’ll try to find her tomorrow.

<Niijima Sae> Understood.

4/14
Thursday

Ren glanced around restlessly at the bustling crowds of people surrounding him on the train platform. He still wasn’t used to the neverending rush hour of Tokyo’s subway system, and he didn’t think he ever would. The chaotic hustle was unlike anything he'd experienced before, having lived in a relatively peaceful town.

Shifting in place, he opted to pull out his phone and distract himself until the train arrived-

“Amamiya-kun?"

Ren stiffened and turned around, finding none other than Makoto standing behind him. She watched him curiously, a bit of surprise on her face.

“Good morning, Niijima-senpai.” He gave a polite bow and she flushed slightly.

"Oh, you don't have to do that, or anything." She awkwardly rubbed her neck and tried to hide her embarrassed face. "But, good morning to you too. I didn't realize you took the Ginza Line as well."

She stepped up next to him, waiting in line alongside him.

"Well, I live in Yongen, so I take the train from there to here, then to Aoyama."

"I see…." She trailed off, a sudden, bitter expression showing on her face. “...I tried to talk to the principal about the rumors. He dismissed them immediately.”

Ren had a feeling that things would have turned out that way. Though, that didn’t stop him from clenching his hands and breathed a heated sigh.

“So, that’s it?” He swallowed, trying to calm the outrage burning inside of him. “Kamoshida gets to get away with everything?”

Makoto didn’t answer, her gaze still lingering on the ground. Ren spared her a look, noticing guilt on her face.

“There’s something else, isn’t there?”

She opened her mouth, then closed it. A second later, she spoke with a subdued voice, “Principal Kobayakawa wants me to report who’s spreading the rumors.”

“...Are you going to?”

They stood in silence for another moment, then the train to Aoyama Itchome arrived. Stepping aboard wordlessly, they managed to squeeze into the crowd.

It was only after the doors closed and the train started moving that she finally answered, “If I’m being blunt, I’m still skeptical of these rumors. But, I can’t ignore the possibility that they have some merit to them.”

Ren looked down at her as she looked up at him. They stared each other down, searching each other’s eyes to see just where each other stood. It was clear to both of them that Ren was committed to his beliefs and Makoto was unwilling to act without more evidence.

Ultimately, Ren gave a conceding nod and looked away. “I understand." He tried to give a smile while he rubbed his neck. "...I hope this isn’t going to make our tutoring sessions weird.”

“So long as we stay focused, I think we can-”

Without warning, the train car jostled and sent them stumbling. In the split-second that Ren had to survey his surroundings, he saw Makoto falling back against the wall. The world slowed down as he fell towards her, threatening to crush her between him and the side of the train car. However, he thrust a hand out at the last second and managed to stop his fall.

There was a brief moment where they stared at each other, the distance between them uncomfortably close. Then, Ren pushed himself back and adjusted his collar, feeling the heat of his cheeks. At the same time, Makoto averted her gaze and shifted awkwardly.

Not far from them, other Shujin students whispered amongst themselves.

“Did you see that?”

“Did the transfer student just try to make a move on the class president?”

“No way!”

“Is he threatening her?”

"Suzui Shiho, please report to the Student Guidance Office. I repeat, Suzui Shiho, please report to the Student Guidance Office."

Sadayo breathed in and rubbed her arms as she paced the length of the office. She needed to approach this carefully, the volleyball players she’d spoken to yesterday had been extremely defensive, terrified of what would happen if they spoke out against Kamoshida. If she was going to get anything out of Shiho, she’d need to tread lightly.

“Um, excuse me?” a timid voice called.

Suzui Shiho stood in the doorway of the guidance office, holding her arms close as if to make herself small enough to not be seen in the first place.

“Hello, Suzui.” Sadayo put on a friendly smile. “Please step inside. And could you close the door too?”

The meek girl nodded and turned to close the door. Sadayo took the opportunity to give her a onceover, noticing the brace on her leg and the bruising across her body, most noticeably a large welt over her left eye.

Her chest tightened and she breathed in. “Please, take a seat.”

Sadayo sat down at the table in the room and Suzui sat down across from her. The teen stared at the surface of the table, seemingly unable to meet her gaze.

“Am I in trouble?” She spoke with a quiet, subdued voice. “Are my grades dropping?”

"No, this has nothing to do with your grades."

That seemed to catch her attention. Suzui glanced up at her, confusion riddling her face.

“I… don’t understand.”

Sadayo sat up straighter, trying to exude an aura of authority. “It’s come to my attention that… there are rumors circulating about Mr. Kamoshida.”

Suzui flinched. “I don’t know anything about those.”

“People have noticed several volleyball team members with injuries that seem unusual for practice.”

“...Kamoshida’s training regimen is a little tough. Not everyone can keep up.”

They fell into a lull, a tense silence filling the room. Suzui refused to look her in the eye, keeping her head down as she trembled in her chair. Sadayo pressed her lips into a thin line as she mulled over how to proceed.

In the end, she gave a tired sigh. “Suzui, please. Has Kamoshida done anything to you or the other volleyball players?”

Suizui shook her head as she trembled, tears welling in her eyes. Her internal conflict played out on her face, her lips quivering as she tried to bottle up her dread. She was on the verge of breaking down.

Sadayo looked at her with pity, then conceded. “Very well. You’re free to go.”

The volleyball player shot up out of her seat and almost dashed out of the room, but as she fumbled with the door, Sadayo spoke up, “But, Suzui. Please, know that if anything happens, you can come to me for help.”

The teen paused for a moment, then opened the door and left. Sitting alone, Sadayo cupped her face in her hands and moaned in defeat, not knowing what to do next. Between her and Sae, they had little evidence gathered. If they brought it up, Kamoshida’s supporters would rally to him and denounce their accusations.

“What are we going to do?” She pouted and slouched over the table.

As she wallowed in her self-pity, however, she heard the sound of something tapping against glass.

Sitting up, she furrowed her brow and glanced around. She looked at the glass cases and the bookshelves, then at the door. Finally, she looked over the windows and her eyes widened as she spied a black cat balancing on the sill on the other side of the glass.

<Kawakami Sadayo> I couldn’t get anyone to expose Kamoshida, but I think there’s another way we can do it ourselves.

<Niijima Sae> How so?

<Kawakami Sadayo> It’s easier if we explain it in person.

<Niijima Sae> We?

Sae studied the text message, trying to interpret what Sadayo's meaning was. She sat in Station Square, waiting at the rendezvous they'd set. 

"Sae!" The mentioned teacher’s head popped up over the bustling crowd as she pushed her way through the sea of pedestrians.

After a few minutes, she managed to make her way over, panting from her journey. She was disheveled, looking like she’d run a marathon, which she might very well have.

“I’ll give you a moment.” Sae crossed her legs and tapped her knee.

Sadayo took a few, labored breaths before she straightened up and inhaled a deep one. Letting it go, she combed a few fingers through her hair and composed herself.

“Okay… I’m alright.”

“Good to know.” Sae crossed her arms. “So, what’s your alternative solution? And also, who else have you been colluding with?”

Sadayo opened her mouth to answer, but a muffled noise sounding vaguely like “me” came from her bag, which bounced at her side. Sae blinked, then stared wide-eyed.

“Uh… Well….” The teacher opened up her bag and the head of a black cat with a white snout poked out. Large, intelligent blue eyes glanced around before locking onto her.

“Finally!” the unmistakable voice of Morgana chirped. “You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for you!”

Sae performed a double take, blinking and dropping her jaw as she tried to comprehend Morgana existing in the real world, not as a human but as an actual, talking cat. For a moment, she flapped her mouth like a fish out of water, then she uncrossed her legs and bent over, cradling her head in her hands as she processed everything.

“Are you alright, Sae?”

“...Yes… There’s just… a lot to unpack right now.”

“Well, what do you need help unpacking?” Morgana hopped out of Sadayo’s bag, landing in front of her and sitting down.

Sae stared at the cat for a moment, then closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “First of all, how are you even here? Second, why are you here? And third, how are you talking if you’re a cat?”

“I’m not a cat!”

“You are quite clearly a cat!”

“This is just what happens when I come into your world!”

“That doesn’t change the fact that you are a cat!”

Sadayo tapped her on the shoulder then and she shot her a dirty look in response. The teacher cringed, but then gestured around them. People were looking over, watching her yell at a cat….

She flushed red and hid her face, a miserable groan slipping past her fingers.

"N-Nothing to see here!" Sadayo laughed nervously as she sat down beside her. "Let's keep it at a whisper?"

"Agreed." Sae sat up and watched as Morgana leaped onto the bench with them, sitting down between them. "Third question aside, how and why are you here? You don't have the app. Or a phone, for that matter."

The cat tipped his snout up, haughtily scoffing. "When you're as skilled as I am, you don't need a phone to cross over." He then leveled an accusing glare with her as he got up to stalk over. "And as for why I'm here, you tried to back out of our deal!"

She gave a quizzical look before recalling their last meeting.

“Right.” Sae rubbed her neck awkwardly and looked over at Sadayo, who shrugged. “Look, Morgana, we’re preoccupied at the moment.”

“With the palace’s ruler, right?”

“With Kamoshida, yes.”

“Well then, do I have a proposal for you.”

Sae narrowed her eyes and studied the cat. For a feline, it held a suspiciously smug look.

“Explain.”

The cat padded over to Sadayo and patted her bag. “If you want to take that guy down, then you need to attack his castle.”

They scratched their heads and exchanged confused looks.

“You mean in the Metaverse, correct?”

“That’s right.” Morgana gave a nod. “The castle is his version of your school. So, if you were to destroy it….”

Sadayo rubbed her neck and grumbled, “...I still don’t follow.”

Sae, however, knit her brow and crossed her arms. “It’s a cognitive world. His mind. If we attack it, we attack him.”

“Exactly-”

“But wouldn’t that cause irreparable harm to him?” Sae eyed the cat suspiciously as she fit the pieces together and drew lines between certain incidents over the past few years. “Just how devastating would an act like that be?”

Morgana shook his head frantically. “We’re not trying to destroy his cognitive world, just his palace. It’s a manifestation of his distorted desires, therefore if we make it disappear.”

“So do his desires.” Sadayo mouthed an ‘o’ as wonder showed in her eyes. “So, does that mean he’d become… I don’t know, a good person?”

“In a way.” Morgana seemed to grin. “His distorted desires will disappear and he’ll become an honest man. So honest that he won’t be able to bear the weight of his crimes, and he’ll turn himself in!”

“That’s possible?” Sae breathed in, the full scope of the act both amazing and terrifying her.

The ability to change a heart, to alter a mind completely. This was going beyond science, becoming god magic on some otherworldly level.

“That’s not even the best part!” Morgana got up and skirted around Sadayo before hopping into her lap. “Once the palace disappears, there won’t be a trace of our involvement left.”

Sadayo stared with wide eyes, awestruck. Sae scrutinized the cat, her chest tightening at the implications of his proposal.

"You want us to take vigilante action?”

An ingrained belief in the justice system stayed her hand. Vigilantism was illegal, it was a radical act at best if not worse. Japan was a country ruled by law and criminals were meant to be subjected to punishment by those laws… but what if Kamoshida’s crimes could never be brought to light?

“Do you think that’s the wrong idea?” Sadayo watched her with a worried look, but she shook her head.

“We’ve seen what he’s capable of.” She held her hands tightly and pressed her chin to them. “But no one else has. We’re the only ones that can make sure he faces proper punishment for his crimes.”

“That’s the spirit!” Morgana hopped back onto the bench from Sadayo’s lap. “Now, let me tell you how it’s done. First, we need to infiltrate Kamoshida’s palace. Second, we need to find his Treasure.”

Sae and Sadayo exchanged confused looks before the former asked quizzically, “His Treasure?”

“It’s the physical manifestation of his distorted desires,” he explained. “Most of the time, it can be whatever distorted their desires in the first place.”

They hummed, Sae rubbing her chin while Sadayo scratched her head.

“So, by taking this treasure, we’ll be taking their desires?”

“That’s right.”

Sae nodded along absentmindedly, her lips pursed as she entertained a haunting thought in the back of her mind. “I’m sorry to question the ethics of this, but what are the other consequences of doing something like this?”

“Well….” Morgana bowed his head down as he shifted uncomfortably. “If done wrong, we could take more than just his distorted desires.”

“Meaning?”

“...Desires are a part of us.” Morgana looked up at her, then at Sadayo. “If we mess things up, we might take his desire to take care of himself. To get out of bed. To eat.”

They both gave morbid looks.

“Oh my God….” The teacher covered her mouth and breathed in to calm her nerves.

All the while, Sae folded her arms over her chest as she closed her eyes and confirmed her suspicions.

Suddenly, before either of them could speak up, an alarm rang out from Sadayo’s pocket and she gasped. Jumping up, she dug out her phone and dismissed the alarm before snatching her bag. “I have to go!”

“What’s wrong?” Sae eyed her suspiciously as she shifted in place anxiously.

“It’s nothing!” She tried to feign a smile, but failed. “I just… have something I need to do!”

“W-Wait!” Morgana hopped down onto the ground. “Am I not coming with you?”

Sadayo clenched her jaw and gave a hesitant look. “I… don’t really have the income to support a pet.”

Morgana pouted, then looked up at her. “Well, guess I’m going with you.”

Sae blinked. “I- Excuse me? No. No!” She shouldered her bag and frowned. “I am not taking in a pet. Sadayo, shouldn’t you be making enough to-”

She looked over to address the brunette woman, only to find her gone, having disappeared into the Station Square crowd. After a long moment, Sae breathed in and sighed in defeat, then looked down at the black cat. He regarded her with large, blue eyes, to which she frowned deeper.

“We gotta find some way of exposing that asshole!”

Ren nodded as Ryuji growled under his breath, barely restraining himself from flipping out and smashing the nearest breakable object. They were walking out of the Ginza Line Gate, having stayed a little longer on Shujin’s campus to gather more evidence against the gym coach. Though, they hadn’t gotten anywhere between the volleyball players refusing to speak out and Kamoshida stalking the halls.

“We’ll find a way, Ryuji.” Ren gave him a solemn look. “We have to.”

That seemed to pacify the dyed-blonde punk, who sighed and nodded with him.

“You’re damn right we will! Kamoshida’s had this coming for a long-”

“Will you give it a rest?” a familiar voice shouted. “I told you, I’m not feeling up to it….”

They both stopped and looked over, finding Takamaki Ann standing nearby. She held a phone pressed to her ear as she hunched over, as if trying to hide her conversation despite screaming at the person on the other line.

“Yo, that’s Takamaki.” Ryuji glanced at him, a certain look in his eye. “Maybe we can get something from-”

“Wait, what?” Ann looked up appalled, her phone still pressed to her ear. “That’s not what you promised! And you call yourself a teacher?” She held her phone with trembling hands as tears threatened to fall down her face. “This has nothing to do with Shiho!”

Ren narrowed his eyes as he stepped over. She hugged herself as she squatted down, trying to comfort herself. Though, the moment he and Ryuji appeared in her peripheral, she glanced up and jumped to her feet.

“H-Hey!” She looked at them both, then paled. “Wait, were you two listening?”

Ren opened his mouth to answer, then realized there really was no good way to spin it. At the same time, Ryuji rubbed his neck and tried not to look her in the eye.

“Y-Yeah…” Ryuji admitted, wincing as she cast a sharp look at him.

“Haven’t either of you heard of privacy?” Ann gripped the strap of her bag and looked away, then down. “So… how much did you hear?”

Before Ryuji could speak up, Ren put a hand on his chest and gave him a look. The former track star raised his hands and stepped back, letting him take over.

“You were arguing. Something about a friend?”

“...That was nothing.”

“Sure didn’t sound like nothing.” Ryuji stepped back in and Ren breathed in sharply. “Sounded like you were on the phone with Kamoshida.”

“Back. Off.” She growled, then hurriedly dashed away.

“Wha- Hey!” Ryuji grabbed his wrist and pulled him along. “Come on, we gotta go after her!”

As much as Ren really didn’t want to follow his lead, he obliged. “Let’s go.”

They ran towards the stairs leading down into the underground walkway. Pushing their way through crowds and circling clusters of pedestrians, they rushed down the stairs.

In the distance, he spied blonde ponytails bobbing in above the crowd down below, turning around a corner. By the time they got down, however, Ann had disappeared.

They glanced around, vainly searching for her.

“Yo, Ann-”

“Ryuji!” he snapped. “She’s gonna keep running if you keep yelling like that.”

The dyed-blonde punk rubbed his neck, guilt riddling his face. “Uh, my bad.”

Ren glanced around before he noticed a silver-haired woman typing on her phone. “Excuse me?”

She looked up, weirdly familiar, crimson eyes studying him. “Yes, can I help you?”

“We’re looking for our friend. She’s from Shujin, wears the same uniform.”

“She’s also got these huge ponytails!” Ryuji added.

The woman glanced between them suspiciously. “Blonde hair, correct?”

“Yes.” Ren nodded and the woman pointed down the walkway.

“I saw her head down there.”

“Alright.” He gave a polite bow before leaving. “Thank you!”

Ren and Ryuji headed in the direction the silver-haired woman had pointed. Scanning the crowds and structures, they tried to spy Ann’s blonde ponytails. Eventually, they did find her, leaning against a pillar with her arms folded over her chest while she trembled with barely contained anguish.

Before Ryuji could blurt something out, Ren elbowed him in the side and pressed a finger to his lips. His friend gave an offended look, to which he narrowed his eyes. Ryuji conceded after that, slouching and jamming his hands into his pockets as they stepped over.

She noticed them immediately, eyes blowing open wide again. “Wh-What are you- Stop following me!”

They both winced, but Ren raised his arms non-threateningly. “Hey, we just want to talk.”

“Well, I don’t.” She choked on a sob and rubbed her eyes. “Leave me alone!”

Ren watched her sympathetically for a moment, then breathed in. “Are you okay?”

She sniffled and eyed him, then wiped her nose and crossed her arms again. “Why…? Why do you keep worrying about me?”

Ryuji stepped up then, his usual, boisterous personality not showing for once as he swallowed. “Why wouldn’t we?”

Ann gave him an astonished look, almost bewildered that he wasn’t shouting and screaming for once. While she was caught off-guard, Ren cut in, “Why don’t we find somewhere else to talk?”

A few minutes later, after traveling back up to street level in silence and making their way down Central Street, they were all sitting in Big Bang Burger. None of them ordered anything, their appetite nonexistent at the moment.

“I don’t have anything to talk about with you guys.” Ann crossed her arms and sat back in the booth. She held onto her anger for a bit, then bowed her head and spoke in a quiet voice, “It was just an argument….”

Ren studied her crestfallen face before he answered. “With a teacher?”

She cringed and then leaned over the table, absentmindedly playing with a napkin. “You guys have heard the rumors, right? About Kamoshida… and me?”

Neither he or Ryuji spoke up, simply watching her as she worked through her stress.

“They say we’re getting it on.” Her voice was subdued, all the energy drained from it. “But… that’s so not true.”

Ryuji crossed his arms and huffed then. “Yeah, that was obvious. You never seemed like the kind of girl to be all over him.”

Ann gave him a bitter look that turned into a painful smile. “Yeah… I avoided giving him my number for the longest time… but….” She breathed in, her hand trembling. “He told me to go to his place after this.” She crushed the napkin in her hand. “You know what it means.”

Silence reigned over the table for a moment, all of them processing Kamoshida’s demand. Ryuji seemed about ready to explode when Ren gave him a solemn look, shaking his head. The dyed-blonde punk chugged his glass of water and set it down, then hit his leg a few times as he growled.

“That asshole.” Ryuji clenched his pants and flicked a look over at Ann. “And let me guess, all that talk about Shiho. He’s using her as leverage, ain’t he?”

Ann nodded grimly. “He said that, if I didn’t go to him, he’d take her off as a regular on the team.” She leaned back, head still down with a shadow covering her features. “I kept telling myself that this is all for Shiho’s sake… but… I can’t take it anymore….”

Ren and Ryujji shared pitying looks, both of them wordless in the face of Ann’s torment.

“I hate him.” She let out a choked sob. “But still… Shiho’s my best friend. She’s all that I have left at that sorry excuse of a school!” She wiped at her eyes furiously, trying and failing to hold herself together. “Please… tell me… what should I do?”

“...I don’t know.” Ren looked at her with a despondent countenance, completely at a loss now that he knew the full extent of Kamoshida’s depravity.

Ann gave a bittersweet laugh, sounding as if she’d given up. “What am I saying? I barely even know you. And you….” She looked at Ryuji, who was barely restraining himself from storming out of the fast food restaurant to find Kamoshida himself. “We barely know each other anymore too.”

“Maybe that’s why?” Ren sat up straighter, trying to convey some semblance of strength to help her keep it together. “There’s no judgment here. Just two people willing to listen.”

She looked up, surprised. Then, she gave another bittersweet laugh before looking back down at the table. “Maybe….” She looked up and studied his face. “You’re so… weird. All I ever hear about you are bad things, but… here you are, listening to my problems.”

He gave a smile and pushed up his glasses. “Hey, I’m bad to the bone.”

Ryuji chuckled. “No way, dude. I’m bad to the bone. You’re bad to the… uh….” He closed his mouth and hummed, all the while Ann glanced between them and laughed.

“You two are idiots.” She smiled, this time a little brighter, but it didn’t last. “...Is there really no way to save Shiho?”

“There’s gotta be a way.” Ryuji slammed a fist on the table. “That asshole’s gotta pay for everyone he’s hurt. You. Me. Shiho. And all the other volleyball players!”

“As if we could even touch him.” Ann held herself again. “I just… I wish he would forget about me. That he’d just change his mind.”

Ren sipped from his cup. “If only….”

They sat in silence for a bit, no one speaking a word. They all just stared at the surface of the table, trying to come to terms with the situation.

Suddenly, however, Ryuji sat up and groaned. "God, this depressing mood's killin' me! How about we order some burgers!"

He rubbed his hands excitedly while Ren sighed. Ann, all the while, blinked and stared, caught off-guard. Then, though, she smiled and gave a giggle. “Food does sound good right about now.”

“Hell yeah it does!”

“Calm it down, Ryuji.”

“Don’t tell me you aren’t starving, Renren!”

“Please stop calling me that.”

“Alright, how am I going to explain this?” Sae walked up to the front door of her and Makoto’s apartment.

Morgana trotted up next to her and sat down. “I don’t know. You really think your sister isn’t going to want a cat around?”

“I don’t think she’ll mind.” Sae rubbed her forehead to alleviate the headache coming on. “But she’ll definitely wonder why I of all people got a cat.”

“Just call me your therapy cat.”

Sae shot the feline a sharp look. “I am not calling you my therapy cat.”

Opening the front door, she stepped inside and looked around. Her sister wasn’t at the dinner table studying, so she was likely in her bedroom. That was good, that gave her time to come up with an explanation.

“Come on.” She nudged her head to instruct Morgana, who trotted inside the apartment.

“Wow, nice place you got.”

“You better not shed on the carpet.”

“I don’t think that’s something I can promise-”

“Hey, sis!” Makoto stepped out of the hallway, greeting her with a smile. "I heard you come in….” Her younger sister stared at her and at the cat by her feet. “Sis, what is that?"

Sae stood frozen, her eyes wide and body petrified. A part of her was screaming at her to answer while the other part was stuck in a cycle of internally cursing her luck and damning the cat for bringing this upon her.

"...It's… It's my…." She reached down and grabbed Morgana, holding him awkwardly.

She was panicking. She never panicked. Why was she panicking? Uh… rely on instincts!

"It's my… therapy cat."

Goddammit.

Morgana snickered as she burned red with embarrassment. All the while, Makoto’s eyes shined as she stepped over with a beaming smile.

“Aww! He’s so cute!” She stroked Morgana’s fur, prompting the cat to mewl. “It’s a boy, right?”

“Yes, it’s a boy,” she replied through grit teeth.

Out of the corner of his eye, he shot her a smug look. In return, she glared, but immediately covered her frustration when her sister looked at her.

“So, you got a therapy cat?” Makoto tilted her head while she put Morgana down.

“Yes… my work recommended it to me.”

“Well, that’s nice.” She squatted down to stroke the cat’s fur some more. “But, can you take care of him?”

Sae rubbed her neck and clicked her tongue. “For the month I have off, yes. Though, I might need to rearrange my schedule once I go back.”

“Well, I can help take care of him too.”

Sae gave a dubious look. “Are you sure? I don’t want to distract you from your studies.”

“And I don’t want to distract you from work either.” Makoto flashed her a reassuring smile. “Besides, I think taking care of him might be good for both of us.”

“And for me!” Morgana purred, reveling in the attention he sister was giving him.

For a moment, Sae pondered the offer. She knew that the moment she headed back to work, she’d have little to no time to come back home. Though, the reason behind getting a therapy cat was to learn from taking care of it. She couldn’t keep up that ruse if she was refusing to….

“Very well.” She crossed her arms and gave Makoto a stern look. “But if your grades start slipping.”

“I know, I know.” Makoto sighed, but smiled as she held Morgana’s face, studying his black fur and white snout. "Have you named him yet?"

"Yes, actually. His name is Morgana."

"Oh…."

"...You wanted to name him Buchimaru-kun, didn't you?"

"N-No!"

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 1

Chapter Text

4/15
Friday

Sadayo Kawakami rubbed her eyes and yawned, exhaustion still clinging to her even as she raised her voice to give a lecture. "Alright, class… Who can tell me-"

"Hey, what's that girl doing up there?"

She frowned and narrowed her eyes as she looked over to the edge of the classroom. One of her students was looking out across the hall and out the window on the other side.

"Isn't that one of the volleyball players?"

Sadayo furrowed her brow as she stepped over to the glass. "Settle down!"

No one listened to her. Some got up to peek closer, others outright stepped out into the hall. Forced to take action, she walked outside and looked out across her students as they trickled out of her classroom. She also took note that the other teachers were having the same problem.

“Isn’t that Suzui?”

“Wait, is she going to jump?”

Sadayo froze in sudden fear, then pushed her way through the crowd frantically, her chest tightening as dread constricted her lungs. The chaotic whispers of her students faded away as the ringing in her ears intensified. Her heart thundered in her chest, beating against it like a drum.

On the edge of the roof, a thin, meek figure stared down into the courtyard with dead eyes. Black locks flapped with the wind as Suzui Shiho leaned forward, then back.

“No….” Sadayo took a sharp, harrowing breath. “No, please-”

Shiho stepped off the edge and plummeted to the earth.

Screams filled the hall, hers included. Before she knew it, she was barreling through the crowd and heading towards the stairs. The classrooms that hadn’t been open before had their doors pushed aside, students pouring out in droves with their phones in hand. Her fellow faculty members were shouting and hollering for the teens to get back into their classrooms, but she didn’t bother.

Racing downstairs, she nearly tripped on the steps, but caught herself on the railing. On the first floor, classrooms were already empty as their classes flooded out into the courtyard. Teachers stood over the masses, trying to get them to settle down. She tried to keep her head down as she pushed through the crowd, making her way as best she could toward the nearest door leading into the courtyard.

“H-Hey!”

“Move!” she snarled, letting her bottled up frustration manifest into anger as she grabbed students and shoved them out of her way. “Put those phones away! Step back!”

Soon enough, she emerged from the crowd and laid her eyes upon Shiho’s broken body. She stepped back and pressed a hand against her mouth, tears welling in her eyes.

The teen was bloody and distorted, one leg bent at an unnatural angle and her bare arms mangled. Her chest rose and fell unsteadily, shallow breaths passing through parted lips. Her face was deathly pale and emotionless, but her glazed eyes searched the sky aimlessly.

Sadayo could only stare morbidly, unable to tear her eyes away from the culmination of the horrors she’d witnessed over the past few days. She didn’t know how much time had passed when the paramedics arrived, teachers parting the onlookers so an ambulance could drive through.

“We need someone to go with her!” One of the paramedics looked around, searching for volunteers. “Are there any teachers around?”

Sadayo stepped forward, but froze when she heard the other faculty members nearby.

“Sh-She’s not in my class.”

“Maybe w-we should leave this to Principal Kobayakawa.”

Her hand balled into a fist as she pushed past the students in front of her.

“I’ll go!” She raised her hand up, grabbing their attention.

At the same time, Takamaki Ann stumbled out of the crowd nearby. She also had her arm raised, but her eyes flicked over at her. They shared a look for a brief moment, but Sadayo gestured for the blonde teen to follow.

They rushed over and Ann fell to her knees beside Shiho. Sadayo stood standing, still watching and listening as Ann sobbed over her friend. The barely conscious teen looked up at her, mumbling quiet words.

Ann’s hands hovered over her injured body, now laid upon a stretcher. They shared a hushed conversation, then the blonde’s eyes blew open and she spoke in a haunted voice, “Kamoshida?”

Sadayo’s heart seized and she sucked in a sharp breath. Her hands clenched into fists, but before she could show her fury, a hand touched her shoulder.

She looked at one of the paramedics, who held a solemn expression. “We need to move her now, ma'am.”

Giving a nod, she stepped down to pull Ann from her stupor. The girl was trembling, barely able to move as she watched the paramedics load Shiho into the ambulance.

“I thought I told you not to come back here.”

Sae stared down Sakura Sojiro, the older man growling at her through gnashed teeth. His furious glare was matched by her own, honed after years of working as a prosecutor. Neither of them backed down as they stared each other down.

She stood inside of Leblanc, on the other side of the counter from him. She’d arrived less than an hour ago, having opted to seek out more information before they inevitably returned to the Metaverse. They were running out of leads, and Sojiro’s was her best chance at learning anything about that other reality.

“My investigation is too important to not follow this lead.”

“Well, I’m sorry, miss, but I have no clue about what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t toy with me!” Sae slammed her hands down on the counter, shaking the coffee makers nearby. “You knew Isshiki Wakaba! You adopted her daughter Isshiki Futaba! I want to know what you know about cognitive psience!”

“I don’t know anything,” he barked, arms crossed tightly across his chest. “I wasn’t involved in her research. And even if I was, I wouldn't be sharing any of it with you."

They glared daggers at each other, all the while her bag trembled. Inside, she felt Morgana shifting anxiously, both uncomfortable with being hidden as well as with the situation.

“I’ll get a warrant,” she bluffed, leaning forward. “Any evidence in your possessions is worth it.”

“Like I’ve been saying, all of her research was taken, probably destroyed. The only thing I inherited were memories and Futaba.” He huffed and scowled. “But you won’t be speaking to her.”

It would be hard to issue a warrant without probable cause. The SIU Director had already dismissed her claims that cognitive psience was solid evidence. He’d be less inclined to help her pursue that idea if it meant causing a public debacle.

Though, if she framed it in a different light-

Suddenly, her phone rang, the ringtone echoing through the café. Sojiro lifted an eyebrow and she glanced down at her pocket.

“Better answer that.” The older man rumbled with barely restrained anger.

She kept her eyes locked with his, refusing to break contact as she dug into her pocket and pulled out her phone. It was only after she’d unlocked the screen from memory did she tear her eyes away to check the caller.

“Sadayo?” She answered the call. “What is it? I’m busy.”

Sadayo’s frantic voice filtered through the line, incoherent babbling spilling out over the screaming sirens of an ambulance. It took her a moment before she registered what the teacher was trying to tell her.

“Oh God.” Sae paled, the realization dawning on her. “I’ll be right there.”

She ended the call and stared at the screen. The scarlet-eyed app stared at her.

Turning her gaze up, she met Sojiro’s suspicious gaze. They stared each other down once more before she set her phone down and opened the Metaverse Navigator.

“I only have one question left.”

“I’m not answering.”

“All you have to do is tell me if you recognize this app.”

Sojiro narrowed his eyes to a sharpened edge before he looked down. He furrowed his brow, no sign of recognition appearing on his countenance.

“Never seen it before.”

Sae watched him for a second longer, then sighed. “As you say. But if you’re lyin-”

“You know, I’ve had just about enough of you!” He stepped forward, startling her as she pulled her phone back.

Her thumb ran over the screen, tapping on the activation button. The world warped around her as a sensation of vertigo washed over her. The realization dawned on her a second later and she quickly tapped the return feature, bringing them back to the real world.

“Gah!” Sojiro rubbed his head. “The hell was that?”

Sae didn’t speak a word, but instead walked away. She felt his glare on her back, but she ignored him as she pushed open the door and stepped outside. The moment it closed behind her, she fell into a hurried pace.

Morgana stuck his head out of her bag as she rushed down the street, trying not to trip in her heels and accidentally snap them.

“What’s going on?”

“Sadayo’s at the hospital. One of her students tried to commit suicide.”

“Sadayo?” Sae spied the brunette woman down the hall, sitting outside of a hospital room.

Her friend perked up, eyes widening at the sound of her name. She looked around before spotting her, then sat up as she approached.

“Sae.” A fragile smile spread across her face. “Oh thank God.”

She regarded the teacher with a solemn face, scrutinizing her appearance. Her hair was frazzled, likely from cradling her head. Her eyes were bloodshot and face streaked with tears. And a tiredness clung to her, pulling a shadow over her face.

Beside her, a blonde-haired teen sat with her face in her hands. She whimpered and sobbed, trying and failing to keep it together. Two adults stood with her, presumably the mother and father of the girl who’d nearly died. They too were having trouble keeping it together.

“Let’s speak in private.” Sae nudged her head down the hall, to a quiet corner.

Sadayo nodded weakly and got up, her legs wobbly as she staggered and then followed her. A few seconds later, they were isolated enough for them to speak.

“What happened?” Sae crossed her arms and Sadayo stared into space absentmindedly.

“Suzui… The student I messaged you about….” Anguish filled her face and she closed her mouth, then swallowed and wet her lips. “She jumped off the roof.”

There were no words to convey the horror and sorrow that struck Sae. What could she possibly say to console the teacher, who’d awakened her Persona by declaring she’d protect her students?

Her bag shook and Morgana stuck his head out. The cat said nothing, instead watching with mournful eyes.

They stood in silence for a moment longer, no one daring to speak a word. But then, however, Sadayo looked up at her with fury burning in her eyes.

“He robbed Suzui of everything.” Her voice trembled, barely contained rage threatening to spill out. “Kamoshida deserves to suffer.”

Sae breathed in deeply and nodded as the teacher quaked, ready to unleash her anger. Glancing down at Morgana, she found the cat looking at her with determined eyes. He gave a nod, signaling his commitment. She too nodded, and then pulled out her phone.

“We can head back to the Shujin soon. The school will be empty and we can enter the Metaverse.”

Sadayo nodded in agreement as she gripped the strap of her bag, her knuckles white. They both looked down the hall, watching the blonde teen and parents weep together. Then, after exchanging affirming nods, they walked away and headed for the hospital entrance.

Soon enough, they were making their way across the parking lot and climbing into her car.

Sae started the ignition, but then stole a glance at Sadayo. Her companion sat with her head bowed, her brunette covering her face as she bunched up her denim skirt in her hands. Her knuckles were pale and her arms trembled as she took shallow breaths.

Tentatively, Sae reached out and placed a hand on the teacher's shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

Sadayo didn't answer at first, seemingly trying to work through her grief in order to form a coherent sentence.

“...I told Suzui-san that she could trust me… that she could talk to me... but she didn’t.”

“...It’s not your fault.”

“None of the students will talk to me.” The brunette woman bunched up her skirt, gripping the denim tightly. “I was supposed to keep them safe, and I failed.”

The teacher was out of tears to spill, so instead she sniffled and rubbed at her nose. Sae looked on with a hesitant face, then reached over to squeeze her shoulder.

“We’ll save the rest, Sadayo. I promise.”

THE EMPRESS Confidant: Rank 2

Makoto took a deep breath as she stood before Principal Kobayakawa, barely able to hold herself together. She’d witnessed Suzui-san’s fall, watched her hit the ground. The sight was burned into her memory, and it wouldn’t stop replaying in her vision. The fall. The crash. The blood. The morbid peace of the aftermath despite the frantic commotion of the onlookers….

“Sir-” She cleared her throat and stood a bit straighter. “Sir, several students have consulted me about cancelling classes for the rest of the day because of… the incident earlier this morning.”

The principal sighed as he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. “I’m afraid we can’t afford to cut classes, Niijima-san. Even for this… inconvenience.”

The callousness of his remark caught her off-guard, prompting her to gawk at him incredulously. "Sir, this hardly an inconvenience-"

“This school has a reputation to uphold.” He shot a stern look at her. “The letter of recommendation I’ll write for you will hold no merit if we simply submit to every demand and fail to meet every goal. You understand, right?”

“I-”

“Kamoshida!”

Makoto swiveled around, eyes widening at the voice that screamed on the other side of the door. Stealing a glance back, she watched Principal Kobayakawa stare with a confounded face too.

“What in the world?” He stood up and stepped around his desk.

Meanwhile, she stepped over and opened the door, looking out into the hall. Students who’d milled about had stopped to watch as Sakamoto Ryuji stormed up the stairs from the first floor, his hands clenched into fists. Following him was Amamiya Ren and Mishima Yuuki.

Heading down towards the restrooms was Mr. Kamoshida himself, who stopped to look back with a raised eyebrow. He turned and regarded the dyed-blonde punk with a quizzical face.

“Oh no,” Makoto breathed as she hurried over.

“You sick bastard!” Ryuji bared gnashed teeth, looking more like a wild animal than an enraged teen. “The hell did you do to that girl?”

“What are you talking about?” Kamoshida asked flippantly.

Makoto stopped short of the scene, joining the growing crowd of onlookers. Behind her, Principal Kobayakawa tried to shoo students away quietly, but had no luck. She watched him briefly, then looked back at the confrontation.

Her eyes met Ren’s, who seemed ready to either jump at the gym coach or grab his friend before he did something stupid.

“Don’t play dumb with me!” Ryuji struck the wall next to him, the sound of flesh striking stone eliciting gasps from the onlooking crowd.

“Sakamoto!” Makoto stepped in, trying to draw their attention.

The dyed-blonde punk glared daggers in her direction and she froze, petrified suddenly by the sheer rage he exuded.

Before he could go off on her, however, Kamoshida squared his shoulders and crossed his arms. “That’s enough!”

Ryuji snarled and Makoto glanced between them. Ren skirted around the edge of the duo, ready to jump in if needed. Behind the two students, however, Mishima visibly trembled as he stared at the ground.

“Wh-What you did... wasn’t coaching.”

The hall quieted down, people exchanging hushed whispers as they watched.

“What?” Kamoshida’s eyes narrowed on the bruised volleyball player. “What did you say?”

Mishima held his head, as if cradling it as tears welled in his eyes. “You… You ordered me to call Suzui to your office… I can only imagine what you did!”

Makoto gaped, opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. A wave of gasps washed over the crowd of onlookers. In the distance, Principal Kobayakawa shouted at them to get back into their classrooms. Other faculty members were joining him, but none seemed to be able to get through to the students.

Everyone watched as Kamoshida took a step forward, suddenly taking on an intimidating stance. “You’re going on and on about things you have no proof of.” He waved a hand matter-of-factly, then glanced between his accusers. “You’re making these claims because of them, aren’t you, Mishima?”

“The hell are you going on about?” Ryuji snapped.

“You’re making him do this, right?” Kamoshida gave a smug smirk, as if he’d just pieced something together. “It’s a poor act, Sakamoto. The former track star tries to get back at the volleyball coach and he uses Suzui’s suicide attempt to do it.”

“You’re just spewin’ bullshit! When Shiho wakes up-”

“I’m afraid that won’t be happening.” Kamoshida looked down, taking on a crestfallen face. “We received a call from the hospital. Suzui has fallen into a coma… and her chances are slim.”

More gasps erupted from the crowd, one coming from even her. Makoto felt her heart swell, pain and the dread of failure crashing down on her. She’d failed her duty as student class president. She’d failed to protect her peers.

“That poor girl….” Kamoshida held a hand over his face and trembled, as if crying.

“You goddamn….” Ryuji stepped forward, one of his fists pulling back in preparation to swing. “You son of a bitch!”

“Ryuji!”

“Stop!”

The world slowed as Makoto witnessed Ryuji try to throw a punch. She surged forward immediately, every aikido lesson she’d partaken in rushing through her head.

She let her instincts take over as she snatched Ryuji’s wrist in mid-swing and wielded his own momentum against him. Before either of them knew it, she’d tossed him onto his back, slamming him on the ground.

She let go of an astounded breath, amazed that she’d been able to stop his assault. Gasps echoed around her, followed by premature cheers. Then, however, the dyed-blonde snarled at her and he kicked out one of her legs, toppling her over.

A cry escaped her as she fell onto the ground, unable to stop him from jumping back up and delivering a swift uppercut to the gym coach, who’d been too stunned to react. Kamoshida stumbled back, clutching his jaw while Ryuji tried to rush him again, only to have both her and Ren grab his arms and hold him back.

“Ryuji, stop!”

“Sakamoto, please!”

“Shut the hell up!” he screamed, thrashing against them. “That bastard deserves to pay!”

Makoto didn’t know what to do. She’d never faced something like this before. She didn’t want to hurt Ryuji, but she couldn’t let him hurt Kamoshida either. Was she just supposed to hold him back until more faculty could-

In her peripheral, she spied a fist being drawn back. She had a split-second to turn her head and spy Kamoshida throwing a punch. With the way they were twisting to stop Ryuji from escaping, she’d be pulled right into its path.

“Makoto!”

She glimpsed Ren letting go of Ryuji and throwing himself at her. His taller form shielded her, his arms wrapping around her, just before Kamoshida’s fist struck him in the face instead of her.

The force of the blow threw them back and they hit the far wall, then tumbled down the stairs.

Screams sounded above them as they rolled and bounced off the steps before hitting another wall and crashing on the ground. She stared at the ceiling for what seemed an eternity, her mind addled and unable to process everything at once. However, after a moment, she managed to loll her head over and find a barely conscious Ren lying next to her, blood ebbing from a gash on his forehead.

“R-Ren!” She struggled to pick herself up and crawl over to him. “He’s bleeding!”

Kamoshida stared down at them with a dumbfounded expression that turned sour. Ryuji stared aghast with horror before two faculty members grabbed him and hauled him off. The other students crowded around the top of the stairs, their phones out as they filmed everything.

Then, Principal Kobayakawa and a few other adults pushed their way through the crowd.

“Call his guardian at once!” the principal cried. “Get him down here! And get them to the nurse’s office!”

Sojiro grumbled under his breath as he parked his car outside of Shujin.

“That dumb kid, making me drive all the way out here.” He locked the doors, stuffed his keys in his pocket, and then tipped his hat down. “The hell’d he do?”

He stormed towards the front entrance, wanting nothing more than to get this over with. He had nothing but trouble today, what with that silver-haired prosecutor showing up and accusing him of withholding evidence. He needed to start looking into court regulations, just in case she came back for round three.

A beam of sunlight flashed in his eyes and he grunted, then held a hand up. Glancing at the sky, he watched the sun slowly fall behind the Tokyo skyline as the afternoon waned.

“I should probably call Futaba and tell her I’ll be home late.”

He dug out his phone and unlocked the screen. However, before he could open the messaging app, he spied an unfamiliar, scarlet eye-emblazoned app resting on the home page.

“The hell?” He scratched the back of his head. “Where’d that come from?”

He tapped it, then felt a sense of vertigo wash over him.

“Gah! Not again! The hell is going on today….”

Sojiro gawked at the amethyst sky filled with dark clouds. Then, he turned his baffled countenance towards the school, which had become replaced by an intimidating, towering castle.

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

Chapter Text

A single shadow marched down a torch-lit hall, patrolling the area in the event that the intruders attempted to break into the castle once more.

Suddenly, the sound of clacking heels echoed behind it, but before it could turn around, a blur of silver appeared in its vision.

Sae ducked beneath the shadow’s sword arm and jumped in front of it, then threw herself back. Her body collided with the armored guard, toppling it over. Before it could pick itself up, she raised a foot and brought it down on the shadow’s mask, shattering it and revealing its true form.

“Get ready!” Morgana shouted as she jumped back to join him and Sadayo.

The shadow’s black ooze manifested itself into a pair of Bicorns that snorted and brayed. Before they could act, however, Sae turned to Sadayo. “Now!”

The samurai-dressed teacher summoned Kami-no-Kaze and called down two lightning bolts, stunning the shadows. As they trembled, their bodies seizing as arcs of lightning crackled across their forms, all three of them brandished their weapons.

“Together!” Sae jumped forward. “Let’s finish them off!”

They launched into an all-out attack, striking them from all directions. Sae bounced off them, delivering swift blows with her tonfas and devastating kicks. Morgana dashed about, swinging his scimitar in deadly arcs. And Sadayo spun her naginata as she danced around them like a vicious storm. The already wounded and beaten shadows were reduced to dark vapor.

“Nice work.” Sae sported a smile as she surveyed the hall for more guards. “Any idea how much progress we’ve made?”

“Not much, I don’t think.” Morgana closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. “I can sense the treasure far away, but I don’t know where exactly. We’ll need to find a map of the castle.”

Sadayo sighed as she leaned against a wall. “Easier said than done.”

They'd stuck to the shadows for the better half of the last hour, avoiding guard patrols as best they could. Though, Morgana had also been wanting to train them in combat, so they'd cornered a few guards alone. As it turned out, his insight into fighting inside the Metaverse was a boon.

Though, it seemed they still had a ways to go and a lot of guards between them and Kamoshida's Treasure.

“Intruders!”

Sae glimpsed a glint of steel armor and whipped out her gun, pulling the trigger on a guard who’d rounded the corner. It stumbled back and convulsed before manifesting into a winged fairy.

“What the hell was that for?” It shrieked, hands on its hips as it scowled at them. “You’re nothing but a bunch of thugs, you big jerks!”

They blinked and stared, then exchanged baffled looks.

“It’s… talking….” Sae kept her gun pointed at it, but stole glances at Morgana. “I thought they didn’t talk?”

Before he could respond, the fairy retorted, “Of course I can talk! Wait, is that a real gun?”

It floated back a bit apprehensively, a hint of fear showing on its face. While she held it at gunpoint, Sadayo walked up next to her, handling her naginata anxiously.

“What do we do with it?”

“I don’t know.” Sae glanced at Morgana. “What do we do?”

He scratched his head. “Well, you can ask it for whatever it’s got on it.”

“You want me to rob it?” She shot him an incredulous look.

She wasn’t going to shake this thing down even if it was just a Shadow. Seeing it display emotion was already disturbing enough, the inability to dehumanize her opponent throwing her off-guard. Even if she knew that this thing was a monster that would sooner kill her than help her, she couldn’t help but feel a smidgen of sympathy for the frightened fairy.

“Just… go….” She waved her gun dismissively. “Get out of here!”

The fairy blinked and stared at her in astonishment. “You’re letting me go? That’s so kind of you… Wait, I remember now….”

Without warning, the Shadow began to glow, its figure illuminating with ethereal light. Sae stumbled back with Sadayo, both of them gawking at the sight.

“My name is… Pixie. I don’t just belong to King Kamoshida, I also drift amidst the sea of human hearts….”

The Pixie was consumed by a corona of shining light, transforming into a blazing heart of azure flames. When the flames dissipated, what remained was a luminous copy of her mask that shot straight towards her.

Sae gave a startled cry as she held up a hand, only for the mask to pass through it and merge with the mask she wore.

“Sae?” Sadayo looked at her, hands held up in preparation to catch her should she fall.

Morgana, who gawked like the rest of them, stepped over and examined her face from below. “What did you just do?”

“I heard something down there!"

Everyone whipped their heads in the direction of the voice, hearing encroaching guards from around the corner.

"Crap!" Morgana ran for the nearest hiding place. "We've got incoming!"

Sae grabbed Sadayo's wrist and pulled her along. "Hide!"

“Where the hell am I?” Sojiro scratched his head as he walked up the castle's drawbridge, entering an expansive courtyard with realistic barrels and wooden barriers. "Is this some kind of movie set? Did I make a wrong turn somewhere?"

He glanced around, then shrugged his shoulders and dropped his head with a groan. God, he was seriously getting the short end of the stick today. First, the silver-haired prosecutor. Second, his ward was in trouble. And now third, he'd ended up in some weird castle in the middle of the city. Though, that didn't explain the purple sky….

Sojiro looked up at the castle's tower, which reached up to scrape the amethyst sky. Was it some kind of natural phenomenon? There was no way, he'd never heard of it. Though, if it was this crazy looking, then maybe it was extremely rare?

"Ugh…." He rubbed his head and moved towards the castle's front doors. "I'll just ask whoever's inside what's going on."

Pushing open the door, he peered in and scanned the gaudy foyer. Gold and crimson drapes decorated pretty much the entire room. That wasn't even counting the sconces and chandelier, plus that massive painting in the back.

"Hello?" He waited a second, listening to his voice echo a few times. "Anybody here? No?" He scratched his head and frowned. "Where is everyone?"

"There they are! For the glory of King Kamoshi-"

Sae leaped up and broke the guard's mask with a swift kick. "Can it!"

Behind her, Sadayo finished off a shadow with a swing of her naginata and Morgana brought down a few others with his slingshot.

"You know, it might be a good idea for us to recruit a fourth member!" Morgana leaped over her and swung his scimitar, cutting a Pyro Jack across the back.

As the shadow whipped around to blast him with fire, Sae surged forward and delivered a straight punch, killing it instantly. "Fight now! Complain later!"

The furious braying of a Bicorn drew her attention to the Shadow as it galloped down the hall. She opened her mouth to call for Sadayo, but a tug in her gut compelled her to reach up and touch her mask.

“Pixie!” Her mask erupted into blue fire as the same Shadow she’d spared before appeared beside her, summoning lightning from her hands to strike down the Bicorn.

Nearby, Morgana shot her a wondrous look. “Is that the Shadow from before?”

Sae looked back at the Shadow- No, her new Persona. Before she could remark on how wildly insane it was to possess it, another group of guards rounded the corner. Steeling herself once more, she charged them. “We’ll talk later! Keep fighting!”

Sojiro wandered around the foyer for a bit, studying the décor. If he was being honest, it was all a bit… much. Sure it looked grand and all, but whoever owned the place was definitely overcompensating.

After a while of meandering about, though, he pulled out his phone to see if he could just GPS his way to Shujin. Unfortunately, he immediately noticed that nothing seemed to be working without a wi-fi signal.

"You've gotta be kidding me." He stuffed his phone in his pocket and crossed his arms. "Could this day get any worse?"

“Who goes there?”

Sojiro spun around as the sound of marching footsteps echoed across the foyer. Men dressed in medieval, European armor poured out of every doorway, surrounding him.

“Wh-What the hell? Who are you guys?”

“Halt, intruder!” One of them leveled the tip of their sword with his throat. “You’ve committed the crime of breaching King Kamoshida’s castle!”

“I- What?”

“Take him away!”

“H-Hey! Get your hands off me!”

Sae breathed a sigh of relief as she shut the door to the safe room. Behind her, Sadayo plopped down into a chair and threw her head back, a groan escaping her while Morgana hopped onto the table.

“Why are there so many shadows?” Sadayo moaned.

They looked at Morgana, who rubbed his chin. “Something must have provoked him in real life. He wouldn’t be so on guard otherwise.”

“That makes sense.” Sae stepped over to sit down across from Sadayo. “Makoto mentioned she’d try to talk to the principal.”

“You think he’ll do something?” The teacher gave a hopeful look, but she shook her head.

“If Kamoshida’s been getting away with everything for this long, then I doubt it. But if those rumors are persisting, they might have alerted him with Suzui’s….”

Sae sucked in a breath, still disturbed by the event. Sadayo was much the same, her countenance darkening with grief and anger. They sat in silence for a moment before Morgana coughed into his paw awkwardly.

“So, about that Pixie.” He turned to her with an inquisitive look, obviously wanting to change the subject. “How are you able to summon another Persona? I’ve never seen anyone able to do that.”

She shrugged and rubbed her neck. “I have no idea.” A thought tickled the back of her mind and she sat up while watching the cat person. “Morgana, I have a question for you as well.”

“Hm?”

“Where are you from? And how do you know all of this stuff?” She gestured around them. “Safe rooms. Palaces. Model guns becoming actual guns.”

He blinked and looked away, gazing into the distance. “I… I don’t remember….”

She cast a suspicious look as he scratched his head. Before she could press the subject more, however, a voice boomed through the safe room’s doors.

“Only one intruder? I could’ve sworn there were three.”

“They found him at the entrance too, not where the captain was sending us.”

“Do you think the other intruders were a distraction?”

“Maybe. But keep your guard up!”

The voices faded away and they all exchanged quizzical looks before getting up.

“What was that about?” Sadayo rubbed her neck as Morgana hopped down and cautiously stepped towards the door.

The cat person peeked his head out, then looked back at them. “I’m going to investigate. I’ll be right back.”

With that, he stepped outside and disappeared. Sae crossed her arms and glanced at Sadayo, who seemed caught up in her own thoughts. She herself was still mulling over Morgana’s convenient amnesia.

“Do you think we can trust him?” Sae flicked her eyes up at the brunette woman, who looked up in surprise.

“Hm?”

“Do you think we can trust Morgana?”

She blinked and rubbed her neck. “I, uh… I think so. Why wouldn’t we?”

“Think about it. He appears in a cell when we make our escape, coincidentally knows how to combat shadows and use Personas, and in addition, he also knows the inner workings of a Palace.”

“...You think he’s some kind of spy?”

“Possibly.” She rubbed her chin in thought. “Then again, he has helped us tremendously. Though, I wouldn’t let my guard down just yet-”

Just as she finished, the door opened and Morgana stepped back inside, panic riddling his face.

“This is bad!” He glanced between them frantically. “There’s someone else in the Palace!”

“Someone else?” Sae gave a confused look before her eyes blew open wide. “You mean someone from our world?”

“Yes! They just hauled him off to Kamoshida!”

Sadayo grabbed the door handle, pushing it open. “We need to go! Now!”

“Let go of me dammit! You even listening to me?”

Sojiro struggled against the gauntlet-clad hands gripping his arms, dragging him down the castle halls against his will. He kicked and beat his fists against them, but his attacks had little effect against the steel plates. His writhing only served to chafe his limbs too.

“The hell are you taking me?” he demanded, trying to exude an intimidating aura.

Neither of his captors answered, both of them silently marching as they headed for a barred threshold. The bars shot up above them the moment they approached and they continued on down a hall lined with suits of armor. Whether they were on display or if they were actually just more guards at attention, Sojiro couldn’t tell.

“Can I at least know where the hell I am?”

He looked up at the guard on his right, then the one on his left. Neither of them answered him as they came up to the door at the end of the hall. One of them reached out and grabbed the handle, pushing it open and letting a chorus of sensual moans come flooding out.

“Wh-What the hell?”

Sojiro gawked as they dragged him into a room filled with topless women- no, teenage girls. He stared in shock, then averted his gaze. The hell was going on? Was he in the red light district?

“Who the hell are you? And why’d you bring him here, I was about to have some fun!”

Sojiro looked up as the guards dragged him past the moaning teens to a man wearing a crown and a cloak. He sneered at him, his molten gold eyes glaring daggers. Behind him, a trio of teenage girls wearing bikinis and assorted animal ears and tails shifted in place enthusiastically.

“I could ask the same.” He scowled defiantly, fixating a glare on the man while adjusting his footing to stand up. “And also, where the hell am I? And what the hell are you doing to those girls?”

The man growled and struck him across the face with the back of his hand. “I don’t like your attitude, old man! You better watch your tongue before I have it cut out.”

Sojiro clenched his jaw and spat at the ground. “Didn’t answer my question, punk.”

“Why you little-”

“Oh God!” a woman’s voice cried out.

The man before him looked up in confusion, his guards turning their heads to do the same. Sojiro managed to twist his head far enough to glimpse two masked women standing at the entrance to the room. One had silver hair and was dressed like some kind of detective, and the other woman was donned in… samurai armor? And was that some kind of… monster cat?

“This is how he views the volleyball team.” The silver-haired detective bared gnashed teeth as she looked over, furious eyes locking onto the man with the crown. “Kamoshida!”

“Ugh. Again, seriously?” He looked down at him and scoffed. “Let me guess, you’re with them?”

Sojiro knit his brow and shook his head. “I still have no goddamn clue about what’s going on here.”

The man, Kamoshida, didn’t seem to believe him. He waved his hand and the guards let him go. As he dropped to his knees, however, Kamoshida raised a foot and kicked him in the chest, sending him onto his back.

“Hey!”

The two women and the cat monster ran up, but stopped short as a golden armored guard marched up next to him, his sword level with his neck. Sojiro grimaced as he pushed himself up enough to get a look around. He rolled over to keep his eyes on the crowned man, who still wore his infuriated scowl.

“One more step and he gets cut open.” Kamoshida narrowed his eyes as the sword dropped a bit closer to his neck. “You wouldn’t want that now, would you?”

Sojiro stole a glance at the two women, who seemed to barely restrain themselves. “H-Hey, could someone please explain to me what in the hell is going on?”

The silver-haired detective narrowed her eyes and glanced between him, Kamoshida, and the golden-armored guard. Her scowl deepened as conflict played out across her face. Then, tightening her grip on her tonfas, she locked eyes with the crown-wearing maniac.

"Let him go. He's got nothing to do with this."

Kamoshida scoffed and crossed his arms. “You really think I’m going to fall for that? He’s an intruder, just like you, which means he gets to be executed too.”

Sojiro’s eyes blew open wide. “What?”

“That’s not happening!” The silver-haired detective brandished her tonfas.

“And what are you going to do about it?”

“You’ve seen what we’re capable of.”

As if on cue, her companions struck intimidating poses. The brunette samurai flourished her naginata and leveled its tip with the lunatic. The cat monster held up a scimitar, ready to swing it at a moment’s notice. All the while, the silver-haired detective bounced on her heels, ready to jump into the fray.

Kamoshida, to his credit, didn’t cower away from their display. Instead, he growled and motioned for his guards to advance. “You’re still outnumbered.”

Sojiro watched in terror as the guards marched towards him, then stopped and shook. Suddenly, they erupted into puddles of black goop that reformed into a myriad of monstrous creatures.

“What the hell?”

He tried to back away, only to have the golden-armored knight grab him by the shoulder and haul him over to Kamoshida.

“Sakura-san!” The silver-haired detective tried to stop him, only to step back when the monsters moved on her again. “Dammit! Get ready!”

Kamoshida swept out his arm dramatically. “Get them!”

The monsters charged and Sojiro watched morbidly as they bore down upon the trio. However, his eyes widened as the brunette samurai raised her naginata and cried out, “Kami-no-Kaze!”

Suddenly, a storm cloud materialized behind her, appearing from nothing as it grew in size. It took on a vaguely human shape, looking like a giant as it bellowed with thunder and raised its arms. Lightning spewed from what would be its hands and came crashing down on one monster, a twin-horned horse, killing it.

Sojiro gawked, trying to process what he’d just seen.

“Zorro!” The monster cat summoned a cartoonishly broad-shouldered man wielding a rapier, who flourished his sword to cut down another monster, a pumpkin-headed ghost wielding a lantern.

One monster charged past them, some kind of winged fairy. It cackled and flew straight for the silver-haired detective who reached behind her and pulled out a gun. WIthout hesitation, she raised it and fired, bringing the fairy down in seconds. The moment it died, though, it disintegrated into black mist.

“Holy shit….” Sojiro combed fingers through his hair, awed and frightened by the battle.

Beside him, Kamoshida growled and stomped his foot. “Can’t you do anything right?”

The rest of the monsters looked at their master, then back at his three saviors. Two winged demons gave sadistic laughs as they shot forward while two twin-horned horses clopped their hooves and charged.

The cat monster pulled out a slingshot and brought one of the demons down. The other, however, flew up and struck him with a clawed hand. He went down with a cry, but the demon was quickly finished off by the brunette samurai, who swung her naginata and bisected it.

Unfortunately, the horses charged her, aiming to trample her under their hooves. She managed to call the living thunderstorm again, stunning one with lightning. The other horse, however, bashed her aside and she landed on her back with a wheeze.

Thankfully, before it could do any more damage, the silver-haired detective dashed forward and called out, “Aequitas!”

Sojiro gaped as, what he could only describe to be, a goddess dressed in armor and robes swung a sword to cut down the horse.

“That’s… the last of them….” The silver-haired detective panted as she staggered.

The brunette samurai tried to stand, but only managed to climb onto her knees. The cat monster was also exhausted, barely managing to push itself up on its stubby arms.

“Like I said,” Kamoshida laughed, a smug smile crossing his face, “you’re still outnumbered.”

Sojiro watched him point at the three…. whoever they were and look at the golden-armored guard.

“Finish them off!”

“By your command, King Kamoshida!” The massive knight stormed forward and raised his sword. “Perish, infidels!”

Sojiro looked on with dread, then snapped his eyes to Kamoshida. The lunatic was too busy watching the show to notice him get up.

Carefully, he pushed himself onto his knees, then charged the other man.

“What?” Kamoshida shouted, caught off-guard as he tackled him.

Sojiro wrapped his arms around the other man’s waist, trying to bring him down. However, he fixed his stance and pushed back, locking them in a power struggle.

“How dare you touch me!”

Sojiro barely caught a glimpse of Kamoshida raising his hands, putting his hands together to bring them down on his back. The force of the blow emptied his lungs and dropped him to the ground with a pained wheeze.

“Sakura-san!”

He pushed himself up, his jaw clenched and eyes narrowed. “You haven’t won yet, punk- Gah!”

The other man planted a foot on his back and forced him down. “Silence, knave! You’ve committed the crime of harming the king, for that I’m going to make you watch your friends die!”

A swift kick sent him tumbling over and landing on his back. He stared at the ceiling for a moment with a dazed look, then turned his head over to his would-be saviors. They stared down the golden-armored knight defiantly.

“Get up, Sakura-san!” The silver-haired woman shot him a stern look, as if reprimanding him. “This isn’t over yet!”

“Quiet!” Kamoshida barked, then waved his hand at the guard. “What are you waiting for? Kill them!”

“Think about your family! Futaba! Her mother, Wakaba!”

Sojiro’s eyes widened as he looked at the woman, a sense of familiarity tickling the back of his mind.

“How do you-”

He was cut off as the golden-armored guard erupted into black ooze before manifesting into an enormous demon seated on a toilet. He gawked at the monstrous being, trying to process the sight.

The demon grunted and a howling wind swept through the room. His would-be saviors cried out as they were thrown aside, thrashed about before crashing to the ground in a heap.

“H-Hey!” He pushed himself onto his feet, but fell to his knees as pain flared from his abdomen. “Dammit! Leave them alone!”

“What’s wrong, old man?” Kamoshida laughed sadistically, sauntering over. “You think you can stop me? I’m going to tear them apart.”

“You aren’t gonna do jack shit.”

“Don’t make me laugh.” The lunatic clutched his stomach and guffawed. “Last time I checked, you weren’t a hero, you’re the damsel in distress.”

Sojiro looked on in despair, the words ringing true in his head. What could he do? He didn’t know what kind of insane castle he’d stumbled upon or what crazy reality this was where people could do magic, but he was just one man.

Dread festered in the pit of his stomach, reaching out to clutch his heart with an icy hand. The helpless feeling he’d been running from since Wakaba’s death had returned to haunt him once more.

“No….” He fell over, one hand propping him up while the other held his side. “God dammit….”

He was helpless, utterly and truly pathetic. He’d failed to help Wakaba, his only method of coping being to run away. When he’d learned about Futaba, he’d tried to atone for his sins. Yet, what had he done but left her on her own to suffer while he spent day and night in the café? Had he ever had the integrity to actually face his problems head-on…?

“Sakura-san!”

Sojiro looked up at the silver-haired woman, who stared at him with crimson eyes…. He did know her.

“Don’t let him get to you!” Niijima Sae managed to pick herself up, standing on wobbly legs as she gripped her tonfas. “Are you just going to lie there? Get up!”

He bowed his head in defeat, knowing he didn’t have the strength in either body or willpower to do that. Right? All he’d ever done was run away, trying to ignore everything while he went with the motions….

Looking up, he watched Niijima and her allies stand defiantly against Kamoshida, who arrogantly guffawed. Was he really going to let a scumbag like that get his way? Was he really going to stay down and just take it?

Was he going to let the villains win again?

A fire burned within him then, and Sojiro pushed himself upright. Ignoring the flare of pain in his side, he staggered onto his feet with a labored grunt and straightened his posture so he could glare daggers at the would-be king.

"You know, it's assholes like you that I hate the most." He stumbled a few paces, but righted his stance and stood tall in the face of the tyrant. "You think you're tough shit, so you should be making all the rules. Well, guess what, you haven't earned a damn thing!"

"Finally, you confront the truth."

Sojiro gave a startled gasp as a sudden pain struck his mind.

"For too long have you stood by, allowing monsters to grow in a world without heroes. But now you know, only we can force the hand of fate, so says the other you within."

He felt to his knees, cradling his head as the torturous pain enveloped his brain and seemingly crushed it to a pulp.

"I am thou, thou art I…."

He glimpsed Kamoshida backing up, terrified recognition in his eyes. Nearby, Niijima and her companions looked on in awe.

"Let us seal this contract."

"I'm prepared… Chiron." He clenched a hand into a fist and punched the ground, shattering a tile. “This time, I’m not running.”

Azure flames blazed in his vision, then receded as the weight of a mask fell upon his face. He reached up and felt the smooth surface, knowing its shape and design, a polarized visor framed by golden wings.

He felt his dread manifested within the mask, the helplessness he'd feared and hated lingering on his face. He needed to get it off. Tear it off. Free himself from the sense of powerlessness that had haunted him for years.

"Thy fiery spirit has been reignited, a resolve once lost now found. Set alight the darkness and reveal thy truth. Thy hand that was once stayed by fear shall henceforth be raised against the villainous!"

Sojiro grunted as he gripped his mask in his hands, palms obscuring his vision as he pulled and peeled. Flesh was rent and blood was spilled as he yanked harder. A roar bellowed out of his throat as he finally pried the mask free, holding it in his hands as blood let freely down his face, wetting his beard.

Suddenly, azure flames erupted in his vision once more, this time consuming his body in a raging inferno. The festering dread he'd long harbored was purged in an instant, and he reveled in the sense of freedom that filled his being.

When the blue fire vanished, he was left standing tall and dressed differently from his casual suit. He was now suited up in a full, white jumpsuit adorned by golden guards across his limbs and a chestplate strapped to his torso. A golden mantle held a scarlet cloak that was draped off his shoulders. And in his hands, he gripped the shaft of a brutal mace.

He looked the part of a superhero, like one of Futaba’s Featherman action figures.

Sojiro looked at his new appearance, then back at the azure flames that had retracted from his figure to form his Persona. It manifested into the torso of a man, but also the body of a horse. As the blue fire receded, he found a mechanized centaur standing guard behind him, its body forged from steel and plated in gold. A quiver sat on its back and in its hands it pulled back the glimmering string of its bow, a shimmering arrow flaring to life as it was nocked.

His mouth curved into a euphoric grin as he leered at Kamoshida, who stumbled back in clear panic as his demon servant turned with an arrogant scowl. At the same time, Niijima gawked alongside her companions.

"Pathetic,” Sojiro laughed.

Kamoshida locked his frantic eyes with his own fearless gaze. "What?"

"You think just because you're on top that the world's gotta worship you?" Sojiro scoffed as he sauntered forward and shouldered his mace. "You call yourself a king, huh? Well guess what, I'm the goddamn Boss."

The depraved tyrant backed away, his haughty attitude gone and panic taking its place. He glanced around before looking at his demon servant and waved at it to attack.

“Protect me!”

The demon seated upon a floating toilet lurched forward, placing itself between him and Kamoshida. However, Sojiro didn’t falter as he stared the monster down.

“So he has the potential too?” The cat monster appeared beside him as Niijima and the brunette samurai joined him.

“It would seem so.” The silver-haired prosecutor gave him a look, to which he clicked his tongue.

“I’m gonna want answers after.”

“You’ll get them.”

Sojiro smirked and stepped up. “Alright then! Up and at it, people!” He glanced back at his Persona, then lifted up his mace. “Let’s show ‘em what we got, Chiron!”

His new allies brandished their weapons and took their stances, ready to face the demon. In response, the enormous monster rumbled angrily and scowled down at them.

“How dare you defy the will of King Kamoshida!”

It grunted and the winds howled against them. They struggled against the torrent, trying to keep their footing. For a moment, it seemed the brunette samurai and Niijima would fall over, but then the cat monster summoned his Persona. A light enveloped them and they stood taller, looking healthier if it were possible.

The moment the demon’s attack was over, Sojiro raised his mace. “Chiron!”

The mechanized centaur drew back a blazing arrow and let it loose, blasting the demon with fire. It cried out and came crashing down, seemingly dazed.

“Now’s our chance!” Niijima shot him a confident look. “Sakura-san, follow our lead!”

“I’m on your back!”

They surged forward with their weapons drawn, launching into an all-out attack. Niijima delivered a series of vicious blows as the brunette samurai swung her naginata in deadly arcs. The cat monster dashed back and forth as he slashed and cut, all the while Sojiro brought his mace to bear in devastating blows.

Backing off after the demon had mustered the strength to shrug them off, they put some distance between themselves and the monster.

“This… cannot be….”

The demon raised a clawed hand in a final, vain attempt to strike them down. Before it could swipe at them, however, Niijima jumped up and kicked it across the face, landed, and then jumped up again to kick it in the chest. Using it as a springboard, she jumped off and flew back, landing into a roll before getting back onto her feet. In a single, swift motion, she whipped out her pistol and fired a single shot.

Kamoshida’s minion screamed as it died, disintegrating into dark vapor. Nearby, Kamoshida stumbled back, sweat dripping from his face.

“Oh shit.” He watched them with a terrified look, then dashed out of the room.

Sojiro growled and gripped his mace in both hands as he chased after him. “Get back he- Agh!”

Sudden exhaustion washed over him, grabbing him and dragging him down to his knees. He heaved in labored breaths as he pressed a hand to his chest.

“Sakura-san!”

He waved Niijima away with a scowl. “He’s getting away!”

“That doesn’t matter right now.” She grabbed his arm and held it tight. “You just awakened your Persona. You’re exhausted and in no shape to keep fighting.”

Sojiro stared at her in confusion. “My what? What are you talking about?” He looked at his sleeve, then down at his armored and jumpsuit-clad form. “What the hell am I wearing?”

“Um, we’ll explain everything.” The brunette samurai twiddled her fingers anxiously beside them. “Just, please, let’s get out of here first.”

He panted and grimaced, but nodded nonetheless. Both women put his arms over their shoulders and pulled him to his feet before they made their escape.

"You have returned to the real world. Welcome ba-" Sae stuffed her phone into her pocket as she hauled Sojiro up against a wall.

They’d appeared in an alleyway just in front of the school. Thankfully, none of them were worse for wear, save for Sojiro. Though, he wasn’t inflicted with actual injuries, just an extreme exhaustion.

“Are you alright, Sakura-san?”

“I’m fine.” He swatted her hands away and leaned against the alley wall. “But I want answers.”

She took a deep breath and crossed her arms. “Alright, shoot.”

“Well, first of all, you’re that prosecutor that keeps barging into my café, right?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“...Uh, you do what?” Sadayo asked, scratching her head in confusion.

Sae averted her gaze, a tint of pink on her cheeks. At the same time, Sojiro looked over at the teacher and squinted. “Wait, I know you too…. You’re the punk’s homeroom teacher!”

Sadayo flushed red and gave a nervous laugh. “Yes, that’s me. Kawakami Sadayo.”

“And I’m Morgana!”

They all looked down at the cat sitting at their feet, staring at them with intelligent, blue eyes.

“...Did that cat just talk?”

Sae cradled her forehead in her palm as she sighed. “Yes, he does that.”

Sojiro gawked, his eyes blown open wide in utter bafflement. All the while, Morgana glared daggers at the older man.

“I’m not a cat!”

“But you are.” Sadayo picked him up, holding him with a smile. “And you’re a really soft and cute cat too!”

She stroked his head, eliciting a mewl from him.

“H-Hey! Stop that… Actually, keep doing that….”

Sae stared at them lamely, then looked back at Sojiro. “Any other questions?”

The older man pursed his lips, trying to organize his thoughts before he interrogated them further. A few seconds later, he breathed in and stood taller.

“What was that place?”

“It’s called the Metaverse.” She placed her hands on her hips as she stared him down. “However, Wakaba’s research would’ve called it a cognitive world.”

“Wakaba?” His eyes widened again, this time in sheer shock. “She… knew about that place?”

“She knew of places like it,” Sae corrected. “The Metaverse is… hard to explain. Morgana here can elaborate.” She directed his attention to the cat once more, who purred in Sadayo’s arms.”Ahem! Sadayo? Morgana?”

“Hm?” Morgana raised his head and looked between them. “Oh, right. To keep it simple, old man-”

“Who’re you calling old?”

Sae pinched the bridge of her nose. “Morgana….”

The cat gave a hiss and then pouted. “To keep it simple, we were inside a Palace, which was inside the Metaverse. It’s like an alternate reality where people’s distorted desires can manifest into Palaces.”

“I… What?” Sojiro scratched his head. “Distorted desires?”

Morgana sighed. “You saw that room we found you in, and you saw the king of the castle. Kamoshida’s a predator that preys on his students, and it's his distorted desires that made that place.”

Sojiro looked appalled, completely taken back by the declaration. For a moment, he seemed hesitant to believe the cat, but then he looked at her and Sadayo’s grim faces. A dark look crossed his own face as he balled his hands into fists.

“I see….”

They fell into silence, none of them knowing what to say after that. Sojiro seemed to withdraw, mulling over the details they’d given him. The mention of Kamoshida’s actions had prompted Sadayo to set Morgana down so she could cross her arms and stare down at her shoes. Morgana himself watched them with patient eyes. And as for Sae, she’d opted to pull out her phone to catch up with what she’d missed… which seemed to be a number of calls from Shujin?

Sae glanced up at the school from the alleyway they stood in, then back at her phone. Calling them back, she pressed her phone against her ear.

“Niijima Sae?”

She recognized Principal Kobayakawa's voice immediately.

“Yes, this is she.”

“We’re sorry to interrupt your work, we understand you’re a busy woman. However, your sister Makoto was involved in an altercation earlier today-”

“What?” She sucked in a breath, her chest tightening as she stepped out of the alley. “Is she alright?”

Sae paced back and forth, her mind focusing on what might've happened. On the other side of the line, the principal gave frantic replies.

"I assure you, she's quite alright. Although, she did receive minor injuries-"

"Has she left the school?"

"No,” he stammered, “she's still on school grounds."

Sae breathed a relieved sigh. "That's good to hear. I'm… close by, I'll arrive shortly at the school."

"Wonderful. We'll be waiting for you."

She ended the call and inhaled deeply. Then, putting her phone away, she rubbed her temples to try and alleviate her anxious mind.

"Something wrong?" Sojiro stepped up next to her with a curious face.

"My sister was involved in some kind of… altercation."

"She alright?"

"She only received minor injuries, but she's staying at the school to watch over another student."

When she gestured at Shujin, he gave a surprised look. "She goes to Shujin?"

"Yes." She crossed her arms. "Why do you ask?"

"Hm." He stroked his beard and shrugged. "A kid I’m looking after is also here right now. You care if we walk together?"

"I don't mind." She glanced back as Sadayo stepped out of the alley, Morgana following. "Sadayo, are you coming?"

The teacher checked her phone and gave a frown. “I actually have somewhere I need to be. I’m really sorry.”

They bid each other goodbyes, then waved each other off before they walked inside the school, Morgana hiding in her bag. The school was mostly empty, very few students still lingering around. Most of the faculty had left, save for a few who were animatedly chatting about the day's harrowing events.

Arriving at the reception desk near the school's entrance, she and Sojiro spoke with the woman behind the window. A few minutes later, they were being led to the nurse’s office where her sister and Sojiro’s ward were apparently waiting.

Soon enough, they arrived and Sae took in the sight of the room, noting the unusual placement of chairs and a sofa amidst beds and shelves stocked with medical supplies. She found Makoto sitting beside a bed in the back of the room, speaking with a black-haired boy lying in bed with bandages wrapped around the crown of his head.

“Makoto?”

Her little sister perked up and looked at her in astonishment. “Sis? What are you doing here?”

She walked over as Makoto got up. Before she could do anything else, she wrapped her in a hug and held her tight. “The school called me. They said you got hurt.”

“I… Uh… Yeah.” After a moment, she hugged her back. “I didn’t break anything, but Re- er, Amamiya-kun here hit his head.”

Sae turned her attention to the boy in the bed, who wore a weary smile. Sojiro walked up on the opposite side of the bed, scratching his head as he studied his ward’s injuries.

“Damn, kid. The hell happened to you?”

“Fell down some stairs.” Amamiya tried to smile, but winced.

Sojiro gave an exasperated sigh. “Didn’t I tell you to not get into trouble?”

“‘S not my fault….”

“He’s right.” Makoto looked up at her, then at Sojiro. “Amamiya-kun actually saved me from… well, hitting my head. We fell down the stairs together.”

Sae gave her a confused look, trying to picture the incident. “I’m not following. What exactly happened?”

The two teens exchanged looks, but before either could elaborate, the door to the nurse’s office opened. Principal Kobayakawa entered, hurriedly rushing over to them while wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.

“Niijima-san! Sakura-san!” He put on a welcoming smile. “Sorry to greet you so late.”

“It’s quite alright.” Sae turned to him, her arms crossed as she scrutinized his frantic countenance. “Principal Kobayakawa, maybe you can help catch us up on what exactly happened?”

“Yes, of course!” he answered a little too excitedly. "But before I start, allow me to say that your sister's a bit of a hero today, Niijima-san. She single-handedly dealt with a student who assaulted one of our best faculty members. It will certainly look good on her letter of recommendation."

Makoto noticeably cringed, something Sae noted with narrowed eyes. Turning back to the principal, she stood a bit taller and stared him down.

“So she intervened in an attempted assault?”

“Yes.” He gave a nod and then dabbed his forehead. “Let me start from the beginning though. Just after a… tragedy occured on our campus….”

Sae nodded, already knowing the context. Though, Sojiro scratched his head with an eyebrow raised.

“Care to explain?”

“Well… one of our students… attempted to commit suicide.”

Sojiro’s eyes widened drastically, shock playing out across his face. It was followed by a melancholy as he looked down.

“I see….”

“Yes, it was an unfortunate turn of events.” Principal Kobayakawa wrung his handkerchief in his hands, then took a breath. “But, after the tragedy, Niijima met with me in my office to discuss the event when Sakamoto Ryuji, a friend of Amamiya here, approached one of our faculty members and attempted to accuse of him of causing the suicide.”

Sae sucked in a sharp breath, knowing the truth already. In her peripheral, she noticed Sojiro watching her. Seeing her reaction, he seemed to get the gist of the truth himself.

“I assume things turned violent?”

“Unfortunately.” The principal wiped his forehead again. “Sakamoto attacked the faculty member, but your sister stepped in and managed to restrain him with the help of Amamiya.” He paused, hesitating to speak further before he mustered the courage to elaborate further. “But… Kamoshida fought back in self-defense and nearly injured Niijima, thankfully this young man shielded her.”

“And they fell down the stairs?” Sae watched him squirm with a critical eye.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Even if she didn’t already know the true depths of Kamoshida’s depravity, it was blatantly clear that he was withholding information. Though, confronting him about it wouldn’t do them any good. It might even compel him to take it out on her sister and the other students.

Giving a sigh, Sae bowed her head and rubbed her forehead. “Very well, thank you for elaborating.” She turned to Makoto then, finding her staring at her feet. “Anything you’d like to add, Makoto? Amamiya-kun?”

“Hm?” Her sister looked up, startled. “Um, no….”

Sae studied the guilt on her face, then looked over at Amamiya. The boy was watching them with an expressionless face, simply observing. Though, when she met his gaze, she noticed him glancing over her own countenance, studying her himself.

“No.” He gave a light shake of his head. “He summed it up.”

“Alright then. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be taking our leave.” She shouldered her bag, making sure to not jostle Morgana too badly inside.

However, before she could step away from the conversation, Principal Kobayakawa raised a finger. “Actually, if I could speak to you and Sakura-san out in the hall?”

She looked at him curiously, then shared a suspicious look with Sojiro. He shrugged and rubbed his neck, but followed along all the same. Leaving the teens in the nurse’s office, they stepped outside and closed the door behind him.

“What’s this about?” Sojiro asked bluntly, crossing his arms as he stared the principal down.

The man in question tried to compose himself and fix his collar while he cleared his throat. “Well, I wanted to give you both fair warning and ask for your opinions on the consequences of the altercation that Niijima and Amamiya partook in.”

Sae narrowed her eyes. “And what are the consequences exactly?”

“Well, you see, Sakamoto-kun accused Mr. Kamoshida alongside Amamiya-kun. I intend to bring this up during the next board meeting.”

“And what were these accusations about?”

The principal wiped his forehead. “They were just baseless rumors.”

“About?”

“I don’t-”

“If I’m being frank, sir, I’d like to know whether or not Mr. Kamoshida really did incite this chain of events.” Prosecutor Niijima shifted her stance, taking on a more authoritative pose while the man squirmed before her. “If you’d like, we could turn this into a full investigation-”

“No!” He froze, looking like a deer caught in headlights, but then composed himself and fixed his collar. “No, that won’t be necessary. I assure you, we’ll get to the bottom of these rumors ourselves.”

Sae inhaled a deep breath as she stared him down. Then, she nodded. “Very well, if you’re certain about it then I suppose we shouldn’t be worried.”

Sojiro shot her an alarmed look, but she took it in stride. While the principal looked down and silently breathed a sigh of relief, she snuck Sojiro a solemn face. Before she could do anything more, the principal looked back up and she regarded him with a satisfied countenance.

“I’m... glad to have answered your questions.” He checked his watch and then flashed them a weary smile. “Now, I’m sorry to say but I have paperwork to fill out. I’ll be leaving now.”

With that, the principal hurriedly walked away, disappearing around a corner. A moment later, after they made sure that no one was around, Sojiro turned to her with a confused face.

“The hell’d you not grill him about Kamoshida for?”

She bowed her head and sighed. “Kamoshida’s influence runs deep. If we interrogated the principal now, he’d only get defensive and try to protect him further.”

“Then how do we root out that son of a bitch?”

“We have a way.” She rubbed her chin and glanced at the nurse’s office. “How about this, we’ll meet tomorrow at Leblanc and I’ll explain everything.”

Sojiro crossed his arms and hummed, then gave a reluctant sigh. “Alright. But, no more tricks.”

She gave an acknowledging nod and they both stepped back inside.

Sojiro tapped the steering wheel as he breathed a heavy sigh, his frustration building as he watched the highway traffic move at a snail’s pace. A part of him was disgruntled with the delay, another part was still processing everything he’d experienced. Personas. Palaces. Wakaba’s research proving itself to be more than just theses and hypotheticals….

He leaned back into his seat and stole a glance at Ren, who sat staring out the window. He seemed calm on the outside, but he probably already knew what he’d wrought by standing up to Kamoshida. Even more, he'd seen what that bastard had done firsthand, likely still trying to process the sight of a peer trying to end her own life.

A thought tickled the back of his mind and he breathed in before addressing him, "Hey, kid?"

"Hm?" Ren looked up at him with a curious eye. “Yeah, Boss?”

"You know, I never asked. Why'd you do it, save that lady back then?"

"...Why the sudden interest?”

Sojiro sighed as he gripped the wheel and adjusted his posture. “Call it curiosity. You saved one woman and got your life ruined because of it. Now you’re doing it again. There a reason why you haven’t learned your lesson?”

“...I couldn't walk away." Ren bowed his head. “I just can’t walk away….”

"Mm…."

Sae couldn't help but steal glances at Makoto the entire drive home. Her sister had been unnervingly quiet, her eyes glued to the world outside as they worked their way through the traffic-choked highway. She hadn't the courage to initiate a conversation, not knowing where to even begin after the day's tragic events.

It was only after they arrived home late that night that she finally mustered the will to address the tension in the air.

"Makoto."

Her sister didn't seem to hear, too caught up in her own thoughts while she walked inside.

"Makoto." Sae reached out and touched her on the shoulder.

Her sister winced and jumped, whirling around to face her with a frightened expression. "Oh, Sis. Sorry, I… I didn't hear you….”

She rubbed her arm self-consciously, her head bowed and face hidden by a shadow. It was clear she was still enthralled by her thoughts, still trying to process everything.

“...Do you want to talk about what happened?” Sae bent down to look her in the eye. “Makoto?”

“...No….” Her sister trembled and breathed in shakily. “I… I’m fine, Sis. Really….”

Sae watched her for a moment, studying her troubled expression. Then, she reached around her and pulled her into a tight hug. That elicited a startled gasp from Makoto, who stiffened up at the embrace.

“Sis?”

Sae didn’t say anything at first, wanting to just stay as they were so she could know that Makoto was close, that she was safe. Eventually, however, she took a deep breath and garnered enough strength to pull herself away. Though, she remained at level with her sister, holding her by her shoulders as she looked her directly in the eyes.

"Makoto… if you ever… if things are ever…." She pursed her lips and took a moment to choose her words carefully. "If things are ever tough... and you feel like you can't do anything, you know you can talk to me, right?"

Makoto opened her mouth to answer, but no words came out. She simply stared at her with wide, astonished eyes brimming with tears. Then, with barely a cry, she threw herself at her, wrapping her arms around her as she let her pent up grief come flooding out.

Sae held her close, one hand rubbing circles into her back while the other stroked her head. Makoto trembled in her arms, shaking with each sob muffled by her suit jacket. She whispered consoling words, coaxing her into letting out her frustrations, just letting it all come out.

They'd seldom shared moments like this since their father's passing, if at all. The last time she remembered anything remotely similar to this was a dark and stormy night.

She still remembered it all in vivid detail: Her pen tapping against the dining table as she studied for her next exam in law school. The sound of knuckles rapping against the door. Her opening it to find a grim-faced officer with his hat clenched in both hands. And that horrible, cold feeling that washed over her when he’d told her about the accident, trying his hardest to speak solemnly as he explained the circumstances behind her father’s death.

She still remembered the white, hot anger that came after the cold emptiness, her furious and vicious demands that he tell the truth, that he stop trying to pull such a cruel trick on her. She still remembered the overwhelming dread that had choked the spirit from her when Makoto stepped out of her room to investigate the commotion. And she still remembered that terrible feeling of helplessness as she held Makoto on the floor of their apartment, trying to find some modicum of warmth and comfort that they could share in.

Hours seemed to pass by before Makoto finally settled down, sniffling and panting. She stared at the front of the suit she wore, soiled by her snot and tears, then looked up at her with shame.

“I’m sorry, Sis-”

“Don’t.” Sae narrowed her eyes as she held her by the shoulders once more. “Don’t ever apologize for things out of your control.”

Her voice was quiet, subdued. There was no steel in it, no edge. Prosecutor Niijima had retreated to the back of her mind, while Niijima Sae did everything in her power to comfort her younger sister.

A silent moment passed before Sae glanced over at the kitchen. “How about I cook tonight?”

Makoto gave a nod, a hint of appreciation managing to break through her numb countenance.

It was nearing midnight by the time Makoto went to bed, having bathed, eaten, and been sent to her room to get some proper rest. All the while, Sae busied herself with the dishes, cleaning up the bowls they’d used to eat microwaveable soba. She scrubbed at the ceramic absentmindedly, her thoughts sobered by all she had witnessed throughout the day.

“You really care about your sister, huh?”

Sae paused and glanced down at Morgana. Between comforting Makoto and reflecting on the past, she’d forgotten all about her Metaverse guide.

“She’s all I have left.” She nodded numbly as she ran the faucet. “Our parents… aren’t around anymore.”

“Yeah…. I got the gist of that from my first night here.” He hopped onto the counter and sat down beside her as she set the dishes to dry on a rack. “So, we’re meeting up with the old man tomorrow, right?”

She shot him a sharp look. “Please don’t refer to him like that. He’ll be less inclined to help us if you insult him every time you talk to him.”

“Geez, alright.” An awkward moment passed before he spoke up again, “So, your sister likes pandas.”

Sae cast him a quizzical look before she understood what he was referring too. “Oh, you’re referring to her Buchimaru-kun collection.”

“Isn’t that what she wanted to name me?”

“Yes, it was.” Sae chuckled and leaned against the counter. “Even if she’s so grown up, there’s still a part of her that hasn’t yet.”

“Isn’t that the case for everyone?”

Sae shrugged. “I suppose you could say that….”

She tried to think about what part of her hadn’t grown up. Though, after a long moment of contemplation, she couldn’t find one. Since their father’s death, she’d pushed everything aside to focus on her education and then her career. She’d never given a second thought to what she’d given up in order to achieve success….

An uncomfortable knot tugged in her stomach, twisting and curling around. Her chest felt a bit tighter and her body a bit heavier, as if the weight of her lost youth was dragging her down.

“Hey.” She shook her head, trying to ignore that sinking feeling. “You really don’t remember your past, do you?”

Morgana looked up at her with big, blue eyes and shook his head. “Not a thing… I just remember stuff about the Metaverse, how to navigate it, sneak into palaces, use my Persona, fight Shadows, etcetera etcetera….”

“And that you’re human?”

He looked up at her nodded, though it was weak and hesitant. “Yeah….”

“...But you’re a cat in the real world?”

Morgana sputtered indignantly. “Th-That’s because I lost my human form! But I know how to get it back!”

She arched her eyebrow. “Oh?”

“I do! That’s why I was in the castle in the first place.” He huffed and looked away, but then turned back to her with mischievous eyes. “And now that you guys are helping me, I’m one step closer to fulfilling my master plan!”

“...Your master plan?”

Sae shot him a dubious look, which he retaliated with an offended whine.

“I have one!”

She laughed under her breath and reached out to stroke his head. “Well, I’m not sure how much faith I have in this master plan of yours. But so long as we’re working together, I see no reason that we can’t help each other out.”

Morgana flashed what was probably the equivalent of a proud smirk for a cat and raised a paw. She stared at it for a second, then gave a tentative smile before reaching out to shake it.

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Magician Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE MAGICIAN Confidant: Rank 1

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 1

Chapter Text

4/16
Saturday

Sae studied the storefront of Leblanc, scrutinizing its mixture of Japanese and Western aesthetics. It stuck out in the surrounding neighborhood, radiating its own, distinct warmth amidst the concrete jungle of Tokyo. The faint scent of coffee and curry that lingered just outside the front door only helped to allure anyone passing by to step inside.

Although, today it seemed the café was closed, the sign on the door deeming it so. Not that it stopped her from reaching out and knocking on it.

A few minutes passed before she chose to knock again with a little more vigor. After waiting a bit longer, she heard someone crossing the length of the café. A vague figure appeared behind the glass of the door, unlocking it with an audible click before cracking it open.

Sojiro stuck his head out and gave her a once-over. "Good you're here."

He opened the door fully and stepped aside, inviting her in with a nudge of his head. She stepped inside wordlessly, her heels clacking against the wood and echoing across the room. She stopped short of the counter, taking a moment to look around at everything again before she took a seat.

Sojiro walked past her, making his way behind the counter. "You want any coffee?"

"If you're offering."

He gave a soft laugh and grabbed a container off the shelves behind him. While he set about grinding the coffee beans and boiling some water, she set her bag down on the counter and unzipped it.

Morgana popped his head out immediately, dramatically inhaling a breath of fresh air. "Do you have to keep me in your bag the whole time? It gets hot and stuffy in there! And I can barely breathe!"

"Do you think it's normal for someone to carry around a cat in their bag?" She gave him a disinterested look. "Half the places we go I can't legally bring you with me."

The cat pouted. "I can be stealthy."

"Yes, because you complaining about getting sushi on the way here didn't almost get us caught at the station."

Sae smirked as he averted his eyes, trying to hide his shame. A light chuckle escaped her as she leaned over the counter in an attempt to glimpse his look of defeat. He stubbornly refused to let her, though, and retreated back into the bag while grumbling angrily.

Not long after, Sojiro returned with her cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain in hand. "Here you go."

"Thank you, Sakura-san."

He huffed, a smile crossing his face. "Just call me Boss. Sakura-san makes me sound too old."

She laughed at that and gave an affirming nod before sipping from her cup. The familiar taste flooded her being with warmth and an energy only caffeine could give her. While it settled in her, she looked up at him with an inquisitive face.

"So, concerning your questions…."

He crossed his arms, his friendly demeanor immediately shifting into a stern one. "First off, I want to know how Wakaba's tied to all of this."

Sae nodded and set her cup down. "To be truthful, I have no actual evidence that she was involved in any of this. As far as I know, she merely researched the existence of the Metaverse."

"Which is… a place in our heads?"

"It's another reality.” Morgana jumped out of her bag, landing dangerously close to her cup.

"Hey!" Sojiro barked, glaring daggers. "Who said you could stand on the countertop?"

Morgana jumped and yelped, nearly falling off if Sae hadn't thrown an arm up to stop him. The cat trembled under the man's withering glare, but then mustered the courage to sit down and give a defiant glare in return.

Sae rubbed her forehead and sighed. "Morgana, we talked about this."

"We talked about not calling him old!"

"Just… please don't antagonize him."

Morgana bowed his head with a sigh and tried to flash her sad, kitty eyes. She was unfazed, having seen them too many times in the courtroom to care. Though, she noted, Sojiro's burning anger died down once he saw them.

"You know what?" He rubbed his neck with a tinge of guilt, then crossed his arms again. "As long as you're not shedding and scratching up the wood, you can stay up there. And also, don't let any customers see you."

Sae raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were closed?”

“Well… Yeah, but better safe than sorry, right?”

“True.”

She sipped from her cup as he scratched his head and looked at the cat.

“So… uh, Morgana, right?”

“That’s me.”

“How can you talk?”

Sae paused, suddenly realizing she’d never actually received an answer about that fact. Setting her cup down, she looked over as Morgana scratched his head.

“Well, it’s because we talked to each other in the Metaverse. Since you know I can talk there, it changed your cognition in the real world.”

Sojiro glanced at her quizzically.

“Since you know he can talk, you can hear him in the real world.”

“Oh….”

The next several hours resembled that conversation, with Sojiro struggling to understand most of the concepts they elaborated on. He caught on quickly to the idea of the Metaverse, able to comprehend the idea of an alternate reality, even if he was skeptical about it. Palaces were a somewhat harder lesson, as well as how they were formed and what exactly defined distorted desires. Personas and their Metaverse outfits were probably the hardest thing to explain.

“Could you run that by me again?"

Morgana groaned, bowing his head as he furrowed his brow. "Your Metaverse appearance is a reflection of your inner, rebellious self."

"...Meaning?"

Sae set down her cup and propped herself up against the counter with an elbow. "From my understanding, I'm a hardboiled detective in the Metaverse because I'm a law abiding prosecutor in the real world. Sadayo turns herself into a ronin because she refuses to be held down while her students are in danger. And you…."

"Looked like one of Futaba’s Featherman action figures.” He rubbed his neck uncomfortably. “Not that I mind that flashy look… Well, I mind the spandex, but… why any of that?”

She shrugged. “Superheroes are typically vigilantes, moreover they generally possess the ability to combat threats to society from within and without. Perhaps that’s your personal preconception of a rebel since they stand out because of those traits.”

Sojiro scratched his head and nodded, his lips pursed as he processed the idea. "Alright, but then what about our Personas?"

Morgana groaned. “It’s your inner self too, the rebellious side of you that you’ve freed."

“My ‘rebellious side’ is a robot, horse man?”

Sae rubbed her chin and hummed. “Well, my persona is a roman goddess of justice. I don’t see much rebellion there.”

“But you’re rebelling against something, aren’t you?” Morgana stared her down intently.

She pursed her lips and bowed her head, reminiscing on her Persona’s awakening. She’d felt helpless, unable to stop Kamoshida no matter what she could do. She was supposed to be an unstoppable force of justice, seeing criminals like him apprehended and facing punishment for their crimes. It’d been that yearning to see justice done that had given her the strength to break free and rip off her mask.

“In my line of work, we have to wait for the evidence to reveal itself before we can act.” She cradled her cup in her hands as she stared off into the distance. “But if I hadn’t broken free and stopped Kamoshida then and there, he would’ve… Sadayo would have….”

She set the cup down before she could break it. In her peripheral, she glimpsed Sojiro and Morgana casting sympathetic looks in her direction,

“Well, Sadayo woke up her Persona when we were in danger,” Morgana said, stepping over to sit beside her. “She wanted to protect her students and us from Kamoshida, no matter what.”

Sae nodded. “From what I’ve gathered, Shujin’s faculty have turned a blind eye against his crimes. Even if she wanted to, Sadayo couldn’t bring up a case against Kamoshida on her own.“

“So she took matters into her own hands, huh?” Sojiro scratched his neck and nodded understandingly. “Guess when no one else has the guts to stand up for the little guys, you gotta do it yourself.”

They gave nods in agreement and fell silent, letting the weight of his words settle upon the café. In this world of theirs, how many people had the strength to actually stand up and fight back against injustice? Especially in a nation like theirs, where defiance and rebellion were signs of abnormality and persecution.

"So…" Sojiro spoke again, "what about my Persona, huh? Big, robotic horse man with a bow."

"You said his name was Chiron," Sae reiterated. "He was the centaur from Greek myth that trained many heroes. I can only assume his appearance was reflected by your Metaverse appearance."

"But what was I rebelling against?"

"I think it was more about teaching yourself to stand up for yourself," Morgana claimed, tail wagging as he looked up at the man. "I mean, Kamoshida kept saying you couldn't do anything, but then Sae shouted something about someone, right?"

A shadow fell over the man's face as he gave a melancholic nod. His gaze fell then as he visibly reminisced on the deceased Wakaba and her daughter that he now cared for.

"Yes, she did." He shot her a conflicted look, a mix of exacerbation and gratitude in his eyes. "Not that I enjoyed being reminded about… what I could've done… but, at least I found out that I can still do something. I can still be my own hero."

Sae gave him a respectful nod. "We can't change the past, but we can change the future."

He huffed and laughed. "Here here."

She raised her cup and humored him with a smile. Morgana laughed and raised a paw. They reveled in their camaraderie for a moment, then Sojiro breathed a heavy sigh.

“You know, I retired to live a quiet life and raise Futaba in peace.” He crossed his arms and nodded his head as a hardened expression crossed his face. “But Kamoshida, I can’t stand knowing that bastard’s getting away with crap like that.”

Sae nodded, knowing all too well his hatred for the man. “Sadayo, Morgana, and I plan on ending his tyrannical reign. Can we count on you to join us?”

Sojiro looked up at her and smiled. “Count me in.”

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hierophant Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE HIEROPHANT Confidant: Rank 1

The duo shared confident faces, resolute in their choice to fight together. However, just as they prepared to celebrate, a knock resounded off the café’s door.

They jumped and looked over, spying shadowy silhouettes beyond the glass. Sojiro looked at Morgana, who dove back into her bag. She zipped it up enough to hide him inside, but not enough to seal him in.

A moment later, Sojiro was unlocking the door to let Amamiya Ren stumble in, supported by Dr. Takemi. The duo glanced up at the man, then at her sitting at the counter.

Amamiya squinted his eyes for a second, recognition dawning on him just after. "You're…."

"Well. Well. Well." Dr. Takemi flashed her a smile. "We meet again, Miss Prosecutor."

Sae returned the smile as she turned herself enough on the chair to face them. "So we do, Dr. Takemi."

"I didn't know you came here."

"Well, this is just a visit about…." She pursed her lips and glanced at Sojiro, then at Amamiya. "...an incident at my sister's school. Evidently, this young man saved her from serious harm."

Dr. Takemi whistled as she set the teen down in a booth. "So you weren't lying about holding a girl while you fell down some stairs."

Amamiya laughed, but winced with a moan. "Told you, doc. I'm a ladies man-"

He stiffened when Sae shot him the infamous 'Niijima Glare'. In her peripheral, she glimpsed Sojiro rubbing his neck awkwardly as he cast a pitying look towards his ward and Dr. Takemi smirking mischievously.

"Alright, kid." Sojiro walked up to him and held out a hand. "How about I help you up to your room?"

"Sounds good, Boss," he said shakily.

A few seconds later, the pair were making their way upstairs. All the while, Sae turned her attention to the good doctor as she sauntered over to grab a seat next to her.

"So, I assume you were giving him a medical examination?"

Dr. Takemi nodded as she crossed one leg over the other and reclined against the back of her chair. "Yeah. Kid took a pretty bad hit to the head."

"He's lucky your clinic is just around the corner."

"He certainly is," she laughed. "And he's also lucky I'm not charging him."

"Oh? And why’s that?”

She shrugged nonchalantly. “Call it a deal we made. He came in yesterday morning asking to help around the clinic, so all of this is coming out of his first paycheck."

“I see….”

Sae glanced at her bag, spying Morgana watching from the peephole she’d left unzipped. Their eyes locked for a second before she turned back to Dr. Takemi. Though, the doctor seemed distracted with her phone, gleaning over emails.

It was then that Sojiro returned.

"Sorry about that, ladies. Kid's got a bit of a mouth on him."

Dr. Takemi chuckled while Sae hummed in acknowledgment. Sojiro stepped back behind the counter and headed for the shelves of coffee beans.

"You want the usual, doc?"

"If you don't mind, Boss."

"It's no trouble." He grabbed a box off the shelf and headed down towards the coffee pots. "So, anything I should be worried about?"

Dr. Takemi shrugged. "Nothing too serious. He just needs to rest for a few days, three at least. You have those painkillers I prescribed him, right?"

"Yeah, kid's got them since he's staying here alone. He is going to be good on his own, right?"

“He’s not in life threatening danger, but he’ll probably have some really bad headaches.”

They conversed further about Amamiya’s condition, though Sae’s thoughts backtracked on the doctor’s medication. If she’d refilled her stock, it’d be a good idea to try and purchase some supplies from her. Anything else could likely be bought from a pharmacy in Shibuya.

However, recalling their last interaction, that man who’d barged his way into the clinic had mentioned performance enhancers….

“Excuse me, Dr. Takemi, but might I ask you a question?”

“Hm?” The bluenette glanced at her as she sipped from her cup. “Yes, Miss Prosecutor?”

Sae stifled the urge to frown from the nickname. Using it once or twice was fine, but now it was turning into a pet name. “Well, I was wondering what kind of medication you had on sale. Last time I visited you were out of painkillers.”

The other woman gave a doubtful look, but then furrowed her brow and glanced away. After a second, she gave an acquiescing nod. “Oh, that’s right. Were you still looking to get some for… what was it again?”

“Kickboxing.” Sae feigned a smile for her.

In her peripheral, she spied movement in the dark interior of her bag. A little further down the counter, Sojiro watched as he pretended to read a newspaper.

“Well, you’re in luck. I resupplied the other day.”

“Do you mind if I drop by later to browse your selection?”

“Not at all.” Dr. Takemi leaned forward with a coy smile. “Drop by anytime you’d like.”

Usually, Sae was one to fight back when challenged. It was something of an instinctual reaction from the years she’d spent working at the prosecutor’s office. Many of her male coworkers had tried to intimidate her into stepping back, trying to get their way by pushing her around. She’d pushed back however, earning her the ire of her peers but also a fearsome reputation.

That being said, she’d been wholly caught off-guard when the doctor pushed into her personal space. Rather than fighting back with a withering gaze or a scathing remark, she flushed red and froze up, unsure of how to respond.

A smug smirk crossed Dr. Takemi’s face as she stared her down, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. She pulled away a second after though, pulling out her phone to check the time.

“Speaking of which, I’ve got a clinic to run.” She stuffed her phone in her pocket and drank the rest of her cup. “I’ll check in after I close up to see how Amamiya’s doing. Alright, Boss?”

Sojiro appeared next to them, his hands on his hips as he gave a grateful smile. “Sounds good to me. I’ll be sure to save a plate of curry for you.”

Dr. Takemi flashed a smile of her own, then turned it to her. “Don’t be a stranger, Miss Prosecutor. See you soon.”

Sae stared after her, still processing the conversation. It was only after the bell over the door rang, signalling the doctor’s departure, that she snapped out of her stupor.

Blinking, she sat up straighter and inhaled a breath. On the other side of the counter, Sojiro raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. As for Morgana, he decided to crawl back out of her bag.

“So, I’m guessing you want to stock up on medicine before we go back into Kamoshida’s Palace?”

“That’s correct.” She regarded Morgana with an affirming nod. “We’ve no idea what kind of dangers we’ll find in there. It would be best if we were prepared for any outcome.”

Sojiro, who’d busied himself with collecting their cups, hummed. “You think painkillers are gonna cut it?”

“Maybe, maybe not.” She stroked her chin, then looked up at him with an inquisitive eye. “Have you heard about Dr. Takemi’s special medication?”

He visibly stiffened, eyes widening with alarm and lips pressing together tightly. The man stood still for a moment, then stepped over to the kitchen to set the dishes in the sink. After a minute had passed, he spoke up over the running faucet.

“Word on the street is, the doc gives crappy examinations and sells homemade medicine.”

Sae huffed, crossing her arms. “Her medical evaluation seemed more than adequate to me.”

Sojiro shrugged. “Like I said, it’s just what people are saying. I’ve never gone before, but I think they’re just rumor-mongering.”

She didn’t respond, instead mulling over the details he’d provided. Homemade medication? That would explain the vials and beakers hidden in the doctor’s medical cabinet. If that one man’s demands were true….

“Do you think it’s worth it?” Morgana asked, clearly thinking along the same lines as her.

Sojiro walked back over, drying his hands in a towel. “What’s worth what?” He noticed her thoughtful face and frowned. “Wait, you’re not seriously thinking about buying that crap are you?”

“A man came into her clinic when I last visited her. He demanded performance enhancers from her.” Sae stood up and laid her hands flat on the counter. “While I admit I’m hesitant to trust her medication immediately, if it proves to be useful then we could certainly use it in the Metaverse.”

Morgana got up and walked between them, catching their attention. “We’re also going to need better equipment. It’d be great if you were all packing a gun.”

“W-What?” Sojiro sputtered.

“Not real guns.” Sae held up a reassuring hand. “They’re models.”

“Oh… Is that supposed to make sense?”

She sighed and shook her head. “We’ll come back to that. For now, we’ve got two main objectives, visiting Dr. Takemi’s clinic for medical supplies and a model gun shop for better equipment.”

Sojiro watched her for a second, then raised his hands and shrugged. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”

Sae nodded, then glanced at Morgana. “Is there anything else we should cover with him?”

Morgana hummed, then gave a nod. “We should probably explain the plan.”

“Did you hear? Sakamoto and the delinquent are suspended!”

“No way, are you serious?”

“You haven’t heard? They tried to pin Suzui’s suicide on Kamoshida!”

“How dare they! Kamoshida would never do something like that!”

“Not only that, I also heard they tried assaulting Niijima-senpai too!”

Sadayo cleared her throat and leveled a glare at the students huddled together in her classroom. They quieted down tremendously, but returned to their gossiping without missing a beat. She could only sigh and cradle her forehead in response.

The class period had ended minutes ago, most of her class dispersing to get their lunches. She herself had taken a moment to catch her breath, having not been given a moment to do so upon returning to work. Principal Kobayakawa’s only words on yesterday’s events had been a lecture disguised as a speech, instructions on keeping the peace and stifling any rumors before they leaked out of the school.

That bastard really didn’t care about anything other than the school’s reputation. How could someone like him have become a principal at all? She had to wonder if he had ever faced something like this before? If he’d ever actually taken care in nurturing youths, only to have them taken from him like she had….

A part of her still wanted to curl up and take some time to process everything. She couldn’t get the image of Suzui jumping off the roof out of her head. She still saw the blur of her body, plummeting past the window of her classroom. And the sight of her lying there on the grass, broken and bloodied….

Shakily, she gathered her things and got up, heading straight for the exit. Stepping outside, she stole a glance at the windows and felt a shiver crawl up her spine. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then walked towards the faculty office.

“Ms. Kawakami?”

Sadayo froze at the sound of that voice, feeling a shiver crawl up her spine. Turning around, she faced Kamoshida, the volleyball coach crossing his arms as he gave her a critical eye.

“Mr. Kamoshida,” she addressed with a professional tone. “Was there something you needed?”

“I wanted to have a word with you regarding yesterday’s incidents.”

“Oh?” She gripped the strap of her bag tightly. “Did you want to head inside first?”

He gave a nod and a plastic smile. “Sure.”

They crossed the hall and stepped into the faculty office, finding a few other faculty members inside. Most were either eating lunch or passing the time, though Sadayo doubted she was going to get to do either.

“So, what was it you were wanting to discuss?” Sadayo asked, crossing her arms. “I believe Principal Kobayakawa covered everything this morning.”

“Yes, of course. By the way, that was quite commendable of you to accompany Suzui to the hospital.” Kamoshida bowed his head and cradled it, feigning sorrow. “I wish I could have pushed my way through the crowd to go as well. But, I have to ask, did she happen to mention me at all?”

She watched him for a moment, then shook her head. “No… She didn’t have the strength to do much of anything….”

Sadayo looked down and stared at her feet, hands clenching at her sides. Kamoshida hummed and nodded his head, then crossed his arms.

“Well, putting that tragedy aside, I was hoping to talk about the other incident involving Sakamoto and Amamiya.”

“What exactly about it?”

“I was hoping you’d tell me how Amamiya’s behavior has been? We’ll be bringing up his involvement in Sakamoto’s attempt at framing me during the next board meeting.”

She blinked and gawked. “What?”

He nodded his head, as if pained by the news he’d delivered. “Yes, it’s unfortunate, but he was a part of that plot and so is partly responsible for the incident. Thank goodness, Niijima stepped in or he might have actually attacked me as well.”

“Pardon me, but I highly doubt that Amamiya would be capable of that,” she argued, forcing down her burning anger. “He’s usually quite reserved in class.”

“It’s always the quiet ones that you need to watch out for, Ms. Kawakami,” he tutted, almost tauntingly so. “Which also brings into question how your oversight of him has been. I’m sure Principal Kobayakawa would be concerned if you weren’t doing your job properly.”

A smirk briefly crossed his face before he hid it behind a frown. She narrowed her eyes, but then put on a stoic face, trying to mimic Sae’s poker face that she tended to wear.

“I can assure you that I’ve been doing it properly.”

“Well, let’s hope the principal sees it that way at the board meeting.” He checked his watch then before turning to leave. “I’ve gotta head over to the practice building now. Just remember what I said, alright?”

Sadayo nodded, her lips sealed into a tight, thin line. The moment he was gone, she allowed herself the right to scowl and clench her hands into fists. Storming over to her desk, she sat down and took deep breaths to calm her nerves.

They needed to act fast, before he had the chance to take advantage of any other students.

Stepping into Dr. Takemi’s clinic, Sae took in the sight of the lobby again before she turned to the woman behind the reception desk. The good doctor herself looked up with that same, coy smile.

“Hi, how can I help you?”

Sae walked up to the counter and tried to peek a glance back at the exam room, only to have a curtain blocking her view. “I’d like to purchase some medication, doctor.”

“Alright, well, let’s see what I’ve got in stock.” She tapped away on a keyboard and presumably pulled up her manifest. After a moment of gleaning over the screen, she turned to regard her with a professional countenance. “Alright, so, you were looking for painkillers, correct?”

Sae gave an affirming nod. “Yes, that and… perhaps some other medication.”

Dr. Takemi’s lax countenance faltered, a glint of suspicion showing in her eyes for a moment. “And what kind of medication would that be?”

Regarding her with the impassive face she wore in court, Sae took a step closer to stand over the other woman. “Perhaps some of that homemade medication I hear you distribute?”

Sae watched her with a critical eye, scrutinizing every detail of her expression. Her mind ran calculations, making hypotheses on possible reactions to her request. The doctor was generally a carefree individual, but she did present a hidden, professional attitude when needed. Perhaps she’d try to deny the existence of her creations? Or maybe she’d try to threaten her? But how would she go about that?

Her expectations varied across the board, but none of them accounted for the possibility that the good doctor would present an interested smile.

“...Alright.” She stood up and nudged her head towards the exam room. “Step into the back and we’ll discuss prices.”

Sae regarded her with suspicion, but obliged her. Walking into the next room, she moved to stand near the exam table and turned to face Dr. Takemi, only to find her leaning against the door and locking it with a click.

Her eyes blew open wide while the doctor’s narrowed.

“Alright, let me guess, Oyamada sent you? Right?”

“Oyamada?” Sae narrowed her own eyes and folded her arms over her chest. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Cut the act, Miss Prosecutor,” she spoke in her usual, bored voice, though an aggravated tone was weaved into her words. “You know how many times he sends cops down here ‘to apprehend me for malpractice’?”

“...Again, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Dr. Takemi studied her for a moment longer, brown eyes scrutinizing her countenance for any falsehoods. However, Sae showed little to no emotion, her work as a prosecutor perfecting her poker face. Soon enough, their eyes met and they stared each other down intensely.

"Say I believe you, why would a prosecutor need my medicine?"

"For my kickboxing."

The doctor gave a loud, obnoxious laugh, then she frowned. "Nice joke, but I want the truth."

"That is the truth. My training can be intense."

"Intense enough that you'd resort to trusting the homemade medicine of a back alley doctor?"

Sae kept her lips sealed until she could form a response. Though, justifying her decision when framed in that light was… hard, to say the least. It didn't help that the doctor's frown rose into a smug smile with every passing second.

"So, finally ready to admit the truth, Miss Prosecutor?"

She shot a glare at the bluenette, her frustration mounting. This medicine was becoming more trouble than it was worth. However, she wasn't ready to walk out of here with her tail between her legs.

Reflecting on the accusation, she tried to pick apart the subtle details of it. This Oyamada had sent policemen to harass the doctor before, likely to ruin her. She hadn't seemed alarmed about it, more frustrated than anything. She likely didn't see them as threats, as to why Sae could only speculate that the medicine in question wasn't technically illegal if she was talking about it so casually.

"Why so defensive about your product?" Sae regarded her with an inquisitive face. "I'm presuming you have the necessary licenses to create and distribute your medication?"

"I do."

"And yet, you're worried that I'm here to... What? Steal your formula?"

Dr. Takemi frowned again, though the accusing look she cast was dropped. A moment later, she reached down to unlock the door.

"Alright, maybe you've got a point. But you can't exactly blame me for being suspicious."

"I suppose not…."

They held each other's stares for a while longer.

"So, Miss Prosecutor, if I might ask, what do you really need my medication for?"

Sae pursed her lips, chose her words carefully, and then answered, “My work has a rather… harsh, mental toll. I’d like something to help me keep my focus.”

“So, not just for kickboxing then?”

“It would certainly help in that regard as well.”

Dr. Takemi held her frown, not ready to fully trust her yet. Though, she spied a certain, mischievous glint in them as a smile crossed the doctor's face.

"Okay, how about this?" She sauntered over, never breaking eye contact as she came to stand right in front of her. "I have the medication you need, along with some newer, experimental versions. If you want my product, then I'll sell it at a fair price if you test the rest."

Sae regarded her suspiciously, studying that smug countenance of hers. "...What's the catch?"

"No catch." Dr. Takemi shrugged casually. "I just want to see how well my medicine performs. The data I've recovered from the clinical trials has been more than enough to reassure me that there shouldn't be any negative side effects. But, better to have a second opinion as well."

Sae tipped her nose up and stared down at the doctor. Then, she gave a reluctant sigh. "Very well, you have yourself a deal."

Dr. Takemi smiled wider and raised an open hand. "Glad to hear it."

They clasped hands and shook, their gazes never faltering as they stared each other down.

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Death Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

DEATH Confidant: Rank 1

4/17
Sunday

Sadayo yawned and stretched her arms as she stepped out into Station Square. Around her, the morning rush of pedestrians heading to work passed her by. She pushed her way through the crowd and emerged out near the statue of Buchiko. Nearby, her companions sat on a bench, one of their phones placed between them as they played a game of Shogi on an app.

“Damn, how’d you do that?” Sojiro scratched his head while Sae smirked, having captured one of his pieces.

“I played a lot of shogi in law school, it helped me hone my skills in the courtroom.”

“I can tell.” He moved a piece to her side of the board, promoting it. “Ah ha-”

“Check.” Sae moved one piece across the board and claimed his king. “Mate.”

Morgana, whose head stuck out of the prosecutor’s bag, snickered at the move. Sojiro blinked and gawked, then scratched his head in utter bafflement. And all the while, Sae leaned back and crossed her arms, wearing her victorious smirk proudly. Sadayo glanced between them, then coughed into her fist.

Both players and the cat looked up at her in brief surprise before recognizing her.

“Sorry, Kawakami-san, didn’t see you there,” Sojiro said, his voice still carrying a hint of disappointment.

Sae picked up the phone, presumably hers, and closed the app. “We arrived earlier so we decided to sit down for a game.”

“That wasn’t a game, that was a massacre.”

The prosecutor gave a humored laugh as she stood up, shouldering her bag. Morgana mewled as he sunk back into the depths of the bag, his head barely visible in the small hole left unzipped. The older man grumbled under his breath as he got up, picking up the trilby on his lap and fixing it on his head.

“Alright, team.” Morgana pulled himself out of the bag and twisted around to climb a bit onto Sae’s shoulder as she checked her phone. “We’re looking for a model gun shop called Untouchable.”

They shared affirming nods and headed across Shibuya Crossing, moving with the bustling crowds that seemed to inhabit the heart of the district. After a while, they set foot on Central Street and scanned the various storefronts around them.

“So, do you know where it is?” Sadayo glanced over at Sae as she pulled her phone back out.

“It should be behind a karaoke bar.” The silver-haired woman glanced around, then looked towards one building sitting across from a crêpe store that had yet to open.

They followed her wordlessly down an alleyway before turning to the right, finding a… rather shady looking shop. A green, neon sign announcing the store’s name "Untouchable" hung above an awning. Two display cases protruded from the storefront, both covered up by merchandise in a way that made it feel like the owner didn’t want them looking inside.

“Uh… you sure this is the place?” Sojiro scratched the back of his neck as Sae stepped forward.

“Undoubtedly.”

A bell jingled above them as they stepped inside, filtering into a shop filled with shelves topped by boxes of model weaponry. Sadayo glanced over one shelf and had to remind herself that nothing in here was actually real.

“Welcome,” a gruff voice spoke from behind the counter. “Can I help you?”

They looked over to a man wearing a grey hat and cloak, his legs kicked up on the counter while he held a magazine in his hands. The man sat up, setting his magazine down and pulling a lollipop out of his mouth.

“Yes, we’re here to browse your selection.” Sae stepped up to the counter boldly, wearing that prosecutor’s poker face of hers.

The man regarded her with a suspicious look, narrowing his eyes and frowning. “Alright, what are you looking for?”

Sadayo and Sojiro exchanged uncertain looks, neither of them versed in firearms. Sae, however, reached into her bag, avoiding Morgana, and pulled out the same model gun she’d used in the castle. Placing it on the counter, she looked up and met the man’s gaze.

“Nice model.” He reached out to pick it up, but paused and looked at her for permission. Sae nodded, and he held the weapon by the grip, turning it over to study the details. “.45 Colt. Looks a bit worn, but still in decent condition.”

Sae’s countenance faltered for a second, Sadayo glimpsing a pained look in her eyes before she drained the emotion from her face again. “I made sure to keep it that way. But I was looking to buy the same model.”

The man shot her a look. “You lookin’ to try and star in an action movie?”

“I have my reasons.”

A smile crossed the man’s face and he leaned back. “Lemme see what I got.” He glanced behind Sae, sizing her and Sojiro up. “What about you folks? You know what you’re looking for?”

“Uh….” Sadayo rubbed her neck awkwardly as she flushed red. “I’m… not sure?”

Sojiro crossed his arms and looked around. “You mind if I take a look?”

“Be my guest.”

He walked off into the backroom, presumably to find a copy of Sae’s handgun. Left alone, Sae turned to them and crossed her arms while Morgana popped his head out.

“Alright, now to decide on your firearms.” The cat glanced from them to the shelves excitedly.

Sadayo rubbed her arm nervously. “I’ve never fired a gun before, so….”

“Seeing as you use a naginata in the Metaverse, I’d say a good compliment for you might be something less precision based. Something you can pull out and pull the trigger with.”

Sadayo looked over at the shelves and glanced over them. Farther down the line, she spied handguns turn into larger, yet compact designs. A variety of submachine guns were laid out for display on top of their boxes. Stepping over, she picked one up and tested the weight.

“This might work.”

Nearby, she watched Sojiro look over a few boxes sporting shotguns on their sides. He scratched his beard and grumbled something under his breath, then stepped away.

“I kinda want something with a little more… range.”

“Well, you already pack quite a punch.” Sae crossed her arms. “A handgun might work for you.”

"Yeah, but I could pack more…."

He hummed and looked over to the back of the store. A few high-priced boxes sat on a shelf, the image of single-barreled grenade launchers emblazoned on them. A smile crossed his face.

Sae checked the time on her phone and then looked up at her companions. They stood in the alley behind the karaoke bar, having just left Untouchable with their purchases. Sojiro held a proud smile while Sadayo glanced around anxiously, all the while Sae just held hers in her free hand.

“Alright, this is it.” Sae stuffed her phone away and adjusted her bag strap. “We’ll meet up in front of Shujin just after noon. Take care of what you need to before then, and remember, our deadline for stealing the Treasure is the second of next month. We’re going to try and get in as far as we can today.”

“Got it.” Sojiro tipped his trilby and slung his plastic bag over his shoulder. “I’ll head back to Leblanc, check on the kid, and probably brew up some coffee if we’re staying in there all day.”

Sae exchanged an affirming nod with him before he departed. She turned to Sadayo then, the other woman studying her phone. “Is there anything you need to handle on your end?”

The teacher shrugged her shoulders and scratched her head. "Nothing I can think of. I mean, I guess I've graded all my students' homework, planned out this week's lessons, and prepped Amamiya's course work for however long he'll be out of school."

Sae nodded, then rubbed her chin. "How proficient are you with tools?"

"...What kind of tools?"

Awkwardly rubbing her neck, the prosecutor averted her gaze out of embarrassment. "...Lockpicks, smoke bombs, anything of that particular… field…?"

She glimpsed Sadayo blinking, the gears in her head visibly turning. "I, um… Why are you asking-"

“I asked her to make some infiltration tools,” Morgana explained, popping up out of his bag to linger over her shoulder. “But she’s not the best at making things.”

Sadayo gave a skeptical look as she mulled over the request, but then gave a nod. "I think I can try to make those. I'm pretty good with my hands… though, I don’t know how to make lockpicks."

“I can show you!” Morgana cackled as he climbed a little further onto her shoulder, to which Sae growled.

She grabbed him and pulled him out of her bag before handing the cat over to her comrade. Sadayo took him and held him gingerly.

“I need to head back and check on Makoto before we meet up at Shujin.” Sae zipped up her bag and shouldered it.

“Roger that.” Morgana gave a salute, or whatever the cat equivalent of a salute was.

They headed back to Shibuya Station together and parted ways, returning home to prepare themselves for their first, full infiltration into the depths of Kamoshida’s Castle.

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 1

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 1

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 1

Chapter Text

"Alright, first things first, we need to give you guys codenames."

Everyone paused in their last minute preparations to look up at Morgana. They all stood within the courtyard of Kamoshida’s castle, donned once more in their Metaverse attire.

“Codenames?” Sojiro slung his breech-loaded grenade launcher model over his back, then crossed his arms. “What do we need those for?”

Morgana huffed and put his paws on his hips. “We’re thieves, we can’t just run around using our real names.”

They all exchanged looks, then Sae turned to him with an arched eyebrow. “But, I thought our actions in the Metaverse had no effect on reality. Stealing the treasure aside, of course.”

“Well, it’s just a precaution.” The cat-like creature rubbed his neck self-consciously. “We have no idea what shouting our real names inside of a Palace might do to it.”

Sae hummed in acknowledgement. This place didn’t work on conventional laws of physics. They could use model guns as real guns and wield various kinds of magic. Who was to say that using their real names could alter some part of reality here or somehow alert the palace ruler in the real world?

“Very well then.” She crossed her arms and glanced between her teammates. “How should we decide our codenames?”

Sojiro shrugged while Sadayo scratched her head. None of them had really planned on this part of the operation.

"Well, everyone calls me Boss already," Sojiro declared, hefting his mace onto one shoulder. "Might as well keep it that way."

Sae nodded in agreement. "Alright, Boss it is then. What about you Sadayo?"

The teacher gave an uncertain look, obviously stumped. "I don't know…?"

"What about 'Demon', because of your mask?" Morgana flashed a grin while Sadayo frowned.

"I don't want to be called a demon." She touched her mask, but then looked down at her kimono and armor. Realization seemed to dawn on her as she put her hands on her hips and struck a pose. "But, you could call me Ronin."

"Ronin works." Sae smiled approvingly, then turned to their Metaverse guide. “Do you already have a codename in mind for yourself, Morgana?”

He shook his head. “Actually, I don’t.”

“What about ‘Feline’?” Ronin pitched.

Morgana bristled. “That’s just a fancy word for cat.”

While Ronin rubbed her neck, Sojiro scratched his beard. “Paws?”

“I don’t want to be called that either.”

“You’re not giving us a lot to work with here.”

The two continued to suggest codenames, most referencing some part of Morgana’s appearance. Morgana, in turn, turned most of them down solely for the fact that they usually referenced something cat-like about himself.

Sae watched as she mulled over her own ideas. Unfortunately, she couldn’t think of a codename that didn’t wasn’t feline-related or a mouthful to say-

A flash of blue light caught her attention suddenly, and she glanced over to find a spectral door nearby. Beside it, one of the twin wardens from the Velvet Room, Justine if she recalled correctly, stood at attention.

After staring at the sight dumbly, Sae stole a glance at the others. None of them seemed to notice Justine or the door.

“My master would like a word with you,” Justine called as the door swung open to unveil an azure abyss beyond.

Sae glanced at her companions again, none of them aware of the door. She opened her mouth to call out to them, believing it wise to inform them that she’d be a moment. However, they weren’t in the castle yet, and there were no guards patrolling….

Giving a wordless nod, she followed Justine inside.

When Sae opened her eyes again, she found herself no longer dressed in her detective’s attire. Instead, she was once again in the prison uniform she’d only find herself wearing inside of the Velvet Room.

“The prisoner has returned!”

Sae stepped up to her cell’s door, gripping the bars as she looked between Caroline and Justine. Both child wardens stood at attention, facing Igor, whose perpetual grin remained directed towards her.

“Well done,” he praised, gloved fingers intertwining before him. “It seems you have remembered my words. You truly make it worth rehabilitating you.”

She narrowed her eyes, anger flaring within her at his condescending words.

“I don’t need your praise.” She let go of the bars and crossed her arms. “I never asked for this rehabilitation of yours.”

Caroline’s baton struck her cell, but she didn’t jump. Instead, she stared down the diminutive warden who directed a scowl at her. “Shut your mouth and listen, inmate!”

“No, I don’t think I will.”

The girl seemed ready to blow a gasket, but before she could open her mouth and shriek at her again, Igor raised a hand.

Caroline glanced at him then backed down, crossing her arms and huffing while her sibling watched her with a studious gaze. All the while, Igor chuckled in amusement.

“Know that I am not attempting to withhold information from you.”

“Forgive me if I find that hard to believe.”

“Be that as it may, the full truth will be revealed to you in time. That day should not be far off.”

Sae scrutinized his face, hoping to find some barely noticeable change in his features, a miniscule detail that could tell her his intent. She found none, however, and bowed her head with a sigh.

“So be it.” She lifted her gaze to meet his own again. “May I ask why you’ve brought me back here? I have a mission to undertake.”

“Indeed you do, that is why we have chosen to provide you with further aid.”

“Is that so?”

He nodded. “It is. Due to your potential in wielding the power of the Wild Card, you are not bound to any one Persona.”

Sae thought back to her last venture into the Palace, how she’d somehow allied herself with that Shadow and gained Pixie's aid in battle. So, that had been because of her powers?

“That power you host holds infinite possibilities,” Igor continued to elaborate. “We will assist you in nurturing that potential. In order to do so, however, we must execute your Persona.”

Her eyes widened and she looked up at him in alarm. “What?”

A chuckle rumbled in his throat before he spoke again, “Do not be alarmed. Personas are personalities that exist within you. Thus, they will only be discarded to make way for new ones.”

She had no clue as to what he meant. The most she could comprehend was the exchanging of personalities, not that she was a fan of changing her own self-identity.

Igor rambled on, further explaining the concept of executing Personas. He claimed that they would have no adverse effect on her, but only provide beneficial aid. The idea of the execution came from the discarding of one personality for another, but it was also a fusion?

Sae tried to follow along as best she could, but it was becoming increasingly harder to understand.

“Do you remember how I mentioned forging bonds with potential allies?”

She gave a nod. “I do.”

“Personas are the power of the heart. The stronger those bonds, the stronger your Personas shall become.” He steepled his fingers, and if it were possible, widened his grin. “But where strength comes from unity, so too does weakness come from division. Should your bonds diminish, your Personas shall wither as well.”

Sae arched an eyebrow, mulling over his words. After a moment, she nodded and he regarded the twin wardens.

“Girls, let us begin.”

Both girls stepped away and disappeared out of view, presumably to make preparations. It was in their absence that a golden light erupted in front of her cell door, taking shape as Aequitas, the goddess of justice staring her down past her blindfold.

“Aequitas?” Sae gripped the cell bars and leaned forward to get a better look at her.

“Hello again, arbiter of the sword.” She held her scale and sword down, no longer wearing her attentive posture. “Our paths diverge here, but our crusade is not yet over. We will meet again when your fate has reached its conclusion.”

Sae furrowed her brow in confusion as the goddess moved to the back of the prison alongside Pixie, the latter having appeared from nowhere. The twin wardens reappeared from either sides of her cell, hauling… guillotines….

She watched in morbid fascination as they wrapped her Personas in velvet, blue cloths and bound them in chains. They were laid upon boards and placed beneath the guillotine’s blades. Then, in one fell swoop, the blades fell and her Personas erupted into blazing light.

“What in the….” Sae trailed off as ribbons of light swirled about the prison, then coalesced into a storm up above.

In a flash of radiant light, a new figure manifested before her, an spectral, emerald-skinned woman wearing a red dress and handkerchief headwrap.

“I am Silky,” she spoke, her voice subdued and welcoming. “You who has gained a new mask, my master, allow me to take care of your heart.”

Sae blinked and studied the spirit, then gave a tentative nod. “I… suppose?”

Her new Persona smiled and glowed brightly before manifesting into the likeness of her mask, then shot towards her. She gasped and stumbled away from the cell door as it sunk into her face, disappearing in a burst of azure flames.

“How impressive,” Igor mused from his desk. “A stronger Persona has been born from the body and blood of the old. It shall be your new strength.”

Sae watched him, then nodded, choosing to adapt rather than oppose. “I’ll use it well.”

That seemed to please her mysterious patron, who intertwined his fingers and leaned slightly forward. “Your heart is steadily gaining the strength of rebellion. It seems your rehabilitation is proceeding smoothly.”

She crossed her arms and stepped back from the bars. “Perhaps it is.”

“I see you are eager to undertake your venture.” He steepled his fingers and chuckled. “Very well, but before you depart, allow us to bestow upon you a final gift. I hope you will accept it.”

THE FOOL Confidant: Rank 2

An uncomfortable warmth blossomed behind her eyes and she held a hand over them. A quiet moan escaped her as she sat down on the slab she’d woken up on.

“What… What is this?”

“The Third Eye is a thief’s skill, allowing one to tap into their sixth sense and see the unseen.”

She blinked, her vision blurring as color bled away. Squeezing her eyes shut, she willed the pain to fade away. Upon looking again, color had returned to her surroundings.

“Go now, Trickster,” Igor instructed. “Devote yourself to your rehabilitation so you might stave off the fated ruin.”

“Niijima-san? What’s your take?”

Sae blinked and pressed a palm against her eyes, rubbing them with a quiet moan. Footsteps sounded behind her and she turned to find her companions standing there.

“Are you feeling okay, Sae?” Sadayo- No, Ronin asked.

She opened her mouth to explain, but chose instead to spare them the story. “Yes, I… was just thinking about things.”

Ronin exchanged a look with Boss, who scratched his head and shrugged. “Alright, well, we wanted to know what you thought about Mona’s codename?”

“What was it again?”

Ronin crossed her arms and gestured at Morgana with a nod. “Mona. We decided to just keep it simple and shorten it down from the full thing.”

Sae hummed, then nodded. “That certainly makes it easier to say in the middle of a fight.”

They all looked down at their Metaverse guide for his seal of approval, which he gave with a nod. “Alright, then I’m Mona. All that’s left is you, leader.”

“Wait, leader?” Boss looked at her with an arched eyebrow. “When did we decide that?”

She crossed her arms. “We didn’t.”

They looked back at Mona, who scratched the back of his head. “Well, you’ve been leading us so far, so I thought it’d be alright if you kept doing it.”

Exchanging looks with the rest of the team, Sae saw no disagreements from them. So, with a sigh, she nodded and stood a bit taller. “Very well. As for my codename….”

Cradling her chin, she mused upon potential terms to address herself by. What would make sense to call her and not cause confusion? What was short enough without being mistaken for something else and not being too much of a mouthful to call?

“What about ‘Silver’?” Boss pitched.

Mona scratched his head, then shook it. “Eh….”

“‘Leader’?” Ronin suggested.

“A little too on the nose,” Sae remarked.

If she was going to dispense justice, she might as well do it in style. But how to define it as a singular term? She was a judge? Jury? Executioner? No, she didn’t kill or just watch. She chose judgement, but she didn’t just want to be referred to as ‘Judge’.

She didn’t preside over a court, she took action against injustice. She was….

“An arbiter of the sword….” She looked up at them, feeling her heart swell with pride. “Arbiter. Call me Arbiter.”

Her teammates exchanged looks, then smiled. Boss crossed his arms and regarded her affirmingly while Ronin clapped her hands together, eager at getting started. All the while, Mona hopped up and down, "Alright then, we’re counting on you, Arbiter!"

With that, they took up their weapons and brandished them as they headed towards their entry point.

“Alright.” Boss shouldered his mace and smirked. “Let’s get in there and kick some ass.”

Arbiter gave a humored chuckle as she gripped her tonfas and led them forward. "Were it so easy."

“So, how do we get up there?”

Ronin scratched her head as they gazed up at the ruined, spiral staircase before them. Sections of it had collapsed, leaving enormous gaps in the structure. There was no way they’d be able to jump across them, and even if they could there was no guarantee that the remains would hold their weight.

They’d managed to infiltrate far into the castle, ascending to the second floor and crossing from the west wing to the east wing. Any guards they’d encountered had either been snuck past or dealt with. She’d also gained a fair amount of new Personas from holding up a few Shadows, and they’d even learned a few more weaknesses to exploit in future encounters.

However, it seemed their path ahead was stunted.

Arbiter crossed her arms and sighed as she examined the rest of the room, studying the torn banners and stacks of crates.

“Should we try another way?” Boss glanced at her and she shrugged.

They turned their attention to Mona, who walked forward and looked around, then pointed a paw up above them. “Look up there.”

Following his direction, they looked up at the portion of the staircase that remained intact a few levels above them. On the side of it was the carved, stone head of a ram.

“You think we can throw a rope up there?” Boss rubbed his neck apprehensively.

“Will it even hold?” Ronin asked. “I don’t even know if I can climb a rope.”

They looked back down at Mona, who smiled with pride. “Not to worry, Phantom Thieves do things a bit more stylishly than that.” He dug around in one of the pouches on his belt. “Hey, Arbiter, you mind coming over here?”

She arched an eyebrow, but obliged and stepped over. He pulled something out, a device fixed to some kind of brace.

“What is that?”

“Don’t worry about it. Now hold still.”

He took her arm and slipped the device on, tugging on a few straps to make sure it fit properly. Once he let go and stepped back, she checked it herself. It seemed secure for the most part.

“So… What is this?” Arbiter looked down at him and he put his paws on his hips.

“It’s just a little something I’ve been working on in secret.”

“...Meaning…?”

He frowned, his moment gone. “It’s a grappling hook. It lets you zip to hard-to-reach locations in a flash.”

They all looked at the device strapped to her arm in wonder.

“A grappling hook?” Ronin tilted her head to try and get a better look at the actual mechanism. “How does it work?”

“You just need to shoot it out and yank on it to reel yourself in.”

Arbiter glanced at him with a worried look. “Is it safe?”

"Come on, trust me."

"Can you at least tell me how it-"

"Wait, don't-"

She flexed her hand and the grappling hook shot out, latching onto the wall a few levels up. She had a moment to realize it had actually secured itself before the line reeled itself in, yanking her up.

An indignant scream escaped her as she flew up unceremoniously and slammed into the wall.

“Sa- Arbiter!”

“Holy mother of-”

“Boss, we have to catch her!”

“Right! On it!”

Dazed, she barely realized she was peeling off the stone bricks until she was freefalling back down to the bottom of the staircase. Another indignant scream escaped her before she landed on two bodies.

They lay in a pile for a while, moaning and groaning in pain. Mona walked up to them after a moment, rubbing his paws anxiously.

“Right, I probably should've told you that it also works on cognition….”

“King Kamoshida will have his-”

The Shadow was cut off as Boss pulled the trigger on his grenade launcher. The sound of his payload shooting out was followed by the concussive blast of it exploding against their opponent. When the smoke cleared, little to nothing remained of the Shadow.

Ronin flourished her naginata and shouldered it while Arbiter dropped her arms from her defensive stance. All the while, Boss lifted his firearm and smiled at it.

“Damn, this thing feels good.”

They gave him amused looks, then glanced around at their surroundings. Having managed to ascend the staircase, albeit with some difficulty since they had one grappling hook and four people, they’d stumbled upon a section of libraries patrolled by a few guards.

Taking them down hadn’t been much of a problem, save for the lack of room they’d had to work with. No one had been severely injured, though Arbiter had been thrown against a wall.

“Bottoms up,” she mumbled to herself as she cradled one of Dr. Takemi’s special medicines, this one a pill, in her hand.

Swallowing it dry, she waited a second. Then another. She didn’t feel any different, though the throbbing pain in her side seemed to wane away to a mute sensation that was more uncomfortable than anything.

“Alright, let’s see what he was guarding.” Mona pushed his weight against the door that the Shadow had stood attention beside.

It parted, revealing….

“Another library?” Ronin scoffed and crossed her arms. “I would’ve never thought Kamoshida would have all of this in his head.”

They stepped inside, taking in the room around them. It was a lot bigger than the other libraries they’d searched. Was there a reason for that?

“Any idea how we move forward?” Arbiter asked, looking towards Mona.

Their Metaverse guide scratched his head and shrugged. “I’m stumped. There was that locked door in the hall, but it looked like we needed a key.”

Arbiter hummed and looked around at the bookshelves around them. She stared at one, a gut feeling alerting her.

Closing her eyes, she breathed in and focused her mind. When she opened them, the world was in grayscale, save for one book shining golden. She stepped over, blinking and letting color back into her vision.

Picking up the book, she turned it over and read the title along its spine aloud, “The King Book?”

“You find something?” Boss walked over as she opened it up. “What the….”

Every page was a written summary of a day in Kamoshida’s life, she could only presume the chapters covered stages in his life and the overall book itself was an auto-biography.

Disgust crossed her face at a few images placed between paragraphs, each a generous depiction of him. A scoff escaped Boss while Ronin growled, gripping her weapon tightly. Nearby, Mona hopped onto a shelf and hummed.

“Hey, bring that book over here.”

Arbiter obliged, stepping over and handing the book to him. He slipped the book into a space between a few others: ‘The History of Kamoshida’, ‘Tracing Kamoshida’s Steps’, etc.

An audible click echoed throughout the room the moment Mona pushed the King’s Book in. They all blinked and stared, then exchanged looks.

“There were a few more libraries back the way we came, correct?” Arbiter made for the door. “Let’s check them out.”

A few minutes later, they were back, toting a trio of books she’d identified: ‘The Queen Book’, ‘The Slave Book’, and ‘The Beefcake Book’.

“So, I’m guessing the Slave Book goes with the volleyball team.” Mona pushed it in, a click signalling he’d chosen correctly. “And as for the Queen Book….”

They turned to Ronin, who’d held onto it. However, instead of placing it on a bookshelf, she’d taken one of the books off to read it. She now stood trembling, her hands gripping the pages tightly.

“Ronin?” Arbiter stepped over and sucked in a sharp breath when she saw the book’s contents.

They were of Kamoshida’s depraved thoughts of a female student. Several images included in the passages were sensual depictions of them, from them bending over to pick something up to them in the rain, their uniform near transparent.

“Ronin,” she called quietly, reaching out to take the book from her.

“That… That bastard is going to pay.” Ronin slammed the Queen Book shut and shoved it into the shelf.

There was a click and the room quaked. They could hear gears turning in the walls, mechanisms activating as a section of the bookshelves slid back and away, revealing a hidden room.

They all exchanged looks before walking inside. Although, Arbiter took a moment to glance over the titles lined up beside the Queen Book.

Takamaki Ann, the Charming Doll. Suzui Shiho, the Shy Hottie. Niijima Makoto, the Faculty Pet….

Arbiter balled a hand into a fist and followed her teammates into… a shrine? No, it was more akin to a torture chamber.

“What the hell is this room?” Boss squatted down and picked up a photo off the ground. “Who’s this girl?”

“Suzui Shiho,” Ronin answered. “She’s the one he….”

She never finished, but she didn’t have too. Boss clenched his jaw and scowled while Mona shifted uncomfortably. Arbiter gripped her tonfas and looked around, hoping there was a reason he chose to hide this place.

Her intuition proved true as she spotted a glinting medal nearby. Stepping over, she picked it up. “I’m guessing this is our key to getting further in?”

“Should be.” Mona glanced down to where she’d taken it. “Hey, is that a map?”

A minute later, after examining the parchment, Mona deduced their route forward. Even more, he seemed to identify the location of Kamoshida’s Treasure, though there was a particular lack of a straight path to it.

“Next safe room we get to, I say we call it a day.” Boss stretched his limbs and moaned. “My back is killing me.”

He walked outside, dragging his mace behind him with little care for the flooring. Mona followed, his shoulders slumped and yawns escaping him. Arbiter made to do the same, but stopped when she noticed Ronin still standing at the torture rack framed by photos of Suzui.

“Ronin?”

She turned to walk back over, but stopped when the teacher took up her naginata and, in a single, swift stroke, cut down two candle stands. They clattered to the ground and, within seconds, set the room ablaze. Carpets and tapestries burned, consumed by raging flames that silhouetted Ronin’s armored figure as she turned and walked away.

4/19
Tuesday

It was past midnight when Ann woke to the sound of something hitting her window. Lolling her head over, she watched the moonlight filter through the glass with bleary eyes. However, the scene was interrupted by a shadowy blur striking the window and disappearing.

She sucked in a breath, sudden fear taking her. “What the hell?”

Pushing herself upright, she threw her covers off and swung her legs over the side of her bed. Jumping to her feet, she took hesitant steps towards the window.

Something else hit her window and she shrieked, not that anyone would hear. Her parents were off in another country and she didn’t hear her caretakers waking up suddenly.

“O-Okay, I can do this.” She peeked out the glass and saw a figure standing out on the street.

They were dressed like a punk, but in a familiar manner… and was that blonde hair?

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” she grumbled and opened the window, only to have a pebble hit her in the forehead. “Ow! What the hell, Ryuji?”

Down below, Ryuji visibly cringed at her shriek and rubbed his neck guiltily. “Yo, Takamaki! Sorry about that!”

“What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk about Kamoshida!”

She inhaled sharply, feeling anger flare within her. She’d felt nothing but rage towards him, and she’d wanted nothing more than to return to school and give him everything he deserved. However, after hearing what happened to Ryuji and Ren, she’d chosen to stay at home to cool down. Though, it felt more like she was just letting her anger fester and simmer before she let it explode.

“Just… Just hold on!” She glanced around her room. “I’ll come down there.”

After grabbing some appropriate clothes to wear over her nightwear, she snuck through her house and stepped outside. Ryuji was leaning against a streetlight, typing on his phone. He only looked up after hearing her approach.

“Hey, uh… you doin’ alright?” He gave a nervous look while kicking the asphalt.

Ann sighed and crossed her arms. “I’ve been better. What about you? I heard you punched Kamoshida.”

“Well, that felt awesome.” He held up a finger and grinned, but then lost all of his bright optimism as he took on a despondent face. “But… Now I’m super worried about my mom. She… didn’t take the news about me getting suspended real well.”

Sympathy crossed her face as she watched him jam his hands into his pockets and stare at the ground. “I can imagine. How’s Amamiya?”

“Renren’s doin’ alright.” Ryuji pulled out his phone. “I’ve been texting him since he got better.”

“Do you guys have a plan on how to not get expelled?” Ann watched him look back down. “There’s no way Kamoshida’s going to let you get away with accusing him in front of everyone.”

“You think I don’t know that?” he snapped. “That bastard’s gonna get his way again if we don’t stop him!”

“And how exactly are we going to do that? I mean, we’re just kids.”

“Yeah, well… I don’t know!”

Ann folded her arms over her chest and held herself, feeling the cold hands of dread grasping her shoulders in an attempt to pull her down. She resisted as best she could, reminding herself that this was bigger than her and Ryuji. Shiho had tried to kill herself because Kamoshida had… he’d….

“I’m not letting him get away with hurting Shiho,” she spoke quietly, her voice laced with simmering rage. “He’s going to pay.”

Ryuji glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. “You got a plan?”

“No… but I still have his address.”

Ryuji stared at her, his eyes wide. “You’re not thinking… holy shit, Ann.”

She didn’t respond, but instead clenched her hands and stared him down with resolute eyes. She wouldn’t back down. She wasn’t going to run. She’d do everything it took to bring Kamoshida to justice.

“Okay, uh….” Ryuji rubbed his neck, then pulled out his phone. “Lemme talk to Ren, alright? He… I don’t think he’d go for something that crazy, but… maybe if we tried to find evidence? Or something?”

“Sure.” Ann crossed her arms, feeling her anger reach its climax before it subsided. “Just… I just want an answer soon, alright? ...I don’t know if I can stop myself from… doing something stupid.”

“Hey….” The blond punk nudged her shoulder with a fist and gave an encouraging smile. “I know how you feel, probably more than anyone. We gotta do this right, though.”

She smiled back, feeling a kindred bond between them. “We will do this right.”

4/21
Thursday

“What is this place?”

Arbiter looked out across the enormous venue, eyeing the rows of pews lined up before an enormous statue of Kamoshida. A massive, stained glass window filtered kaleidoscopic light into the church-like chamber, illuminating the gaudy decorations around them.

Boss strode up beside her and held a hand over his eyes, trying to see through the beams of light pouring into the room. “Are those people?”

They both squinted, making out the images of people sitting in the pews. They were on their knees, head bowed as they prayed silently. Down at the base of the enormous statue stood a large man in the robes of a priest.

“Praise be to King Kamoshida!” the cognitive version of Principal Kobayakawa proclaimed. “Praise be to our lord and master!”

The duo watched, mortified, as the people cheered and called out to the depraved tyrant as if he were a god. As they did, the environment flickered, fading away as a school gymnasium appeared, only to disappear when the church-like setting returned.

“That’s his fan club.” Ronin walked up next to them, gripping her naginata tightly as she looked around with a scowl. “And this is the gymnasium.”

The teacher leveled a harsh glare with the grinning statue, as Mona took a look around for himself.

“This must be some kind of holy place for him.”

“That makes sense,” Arbiter crossed her arms and scanned the area around the pews. “There’s no way we’ll make it unseen through there.”

Beside her, Boss scratched his head and glanced to their left. “What if we head up?”

They followed his gaze to a stack of crates, conventionally stacked in a stair-like manner. Exchanging inquiring looks, they saw no doubts among them and shrugged. Minutes later, they were making their way across the church, hopping from platforms and running across scaffolding.

It took them some time, but they managed to navigate their way above Kamoshida’s fanatics, arriving on the other side of the church. Their detour complete, they took a moment to catch their breath.

While Mona snuck ahead to scout out the upcoming area, Arbiter took to checking on her teammates. Ronin had chosen to sit down, setting her naginata against the wall while she fanned her face. Boss was stretching his limbs, obviously not used to the amount of physical exercise they were exerting.

“Hey, Boss?” Ronin panted as she sat up against the wall. “Did you bring your coffee again?”

Their spandex-clad teammate pulled out a thermos and held it out. “Yeah, here. Should still be warm.”

The teacher took it eagerly, popping open the lid and inhaling the aroma that drifted out. “Oh….” She watered at the mouth as she stared at it. “What is it this time?”

“Mocha matari.” He gave an amused smile as she took tentative sips and savored the taste. Then, looking over at Arbiter, he held out another thermos. “I also brought you some Blue Mountain, Arbiter. Want some?”

Arbiter held up a hand and shook her head politely. “I’m not feeling tired just yet, but I’ll keep that in mind.”

Boss nodded his head in understanding and stowed the thermos away. At the same time, Mona returned from his reconnaissance.

“Hey, guys.” He walked up to them, waving his paw for them to follow. “There’s something you need to see.”

They all exchanged quizzical looks, then followed him further down the hall to an intersection. Another hall bisected theirs along the left side, leading down and out to a balcony. Across the way, they spied a wall covered in overgrowth and a pair of doors obscured by a web of vines.

“What is that?” Ronin asked, squinting to try and make out more details of the sight.

Mona crossed his arms and looked up at them. “I’ve got a hunch, but we won’t know for certain unless we get over there.”

Arbiter hummed and looked from him to the door, then up above the opposite balcony to the ram head sitting above it. She gave a resigned sigh and rolled her shoulder. “Here we go again.”

She was still a little awkward with the grappling hook, her belief in herself not quite as strong as to make her proficient. Thankfully, she was improving.

Though, that didn’t stop her from fearing what might happen if the line snapped or something else went awry in mid-swing. Her fears were only exacerbated by the fact that she was getting all of them across.

Thankfully, she managed.

“Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here for a while.” Boss ran a hand over the door, then stepped back as Ronin approached.

She took a stance and raised her naginata, then swung it and cut through the vines in a single, clean stroke. With their way cleared, Arbiter moved up and helped Boss push open the doors, revealing the interior of a room covered in roots. At the center of the decrepit chamber was a malignant, blood red growth of vines, almost vein-like in appearance, that acted as the pedestal for a grotesque, skull-like object.

They approached it slowly, eyeing the object apprehensively.

“What is that?” Arbiter looked at Mona, who moved forward and examined it.

“It’s… a Will Seed.”

Boss looked at the object, crossed his arms, and then looked at Mona. “...It’s a what?”

Their attention turned to their Metaverse guide, who rubbed his chin and hummed as he thought about how best to explain things to them. A few minutes passed before he finally looked up at them, meeting each of their eyes as he elaborated, “Palaces are locations that grew distorted from their original forms due to their ruler’s cognitions. When such distortions coalesce into form, this is the result.”

Arbiter looked up at the object and cradled her chin. “So, this Will Seed is… a physical manifestation of Kamoshida’s distorted desires?”

Ronin scratched her head and frowned. “I thought that was the Treasure?”

Mona shook his head. “No, a Treasure is the heart of the Palace ruler’s distorted desires, they’re the starting point. Will Seeds are what happen when those desires are strong enough to materialize.”

Arbiter studied the Will Seed, glancing over its rough, stony exterior and the glinting gem core of it visible through the eyes and gaping mouth.

Beside her, Boss scratched his beard. “So… what exactly are we supposed to do with it?”

“We take it.”

They exchanged skeptical looks, then Arbiter crossed her arms. “Is that really a good idea?”

“It should be fine,” Mona reassured, then averted his eyes. “I think.”

Boss directed a frown at him. “You think?”

Ronin scratched her head and eyed the room around them anxiously. “There’s no traps in here, right? No spikes? Or trap doors? Or giant boulders?”

“There shouldn’t be any traps.” Mona looked each of them in the eye as he crossed his own arms and took a resolute stance. “I’m sure taking this will only help us further down the road.”

Arbiter watched him with a stern gaze, then nodded. “Very well, let’s give this a shot.”

She stepped forward, focusing on the Will Seed before her. Behind her, she heard Ronin and Boss shuffling backwards, trying to get a bit of distance while still remaining in proximity to her if something happened. Mona remained at her side, confident in his belief.

Reaching out a hand, she wrapped her fingers around the back of the Will Seed and picked it up. It felt heavy in her hand, like a rock she’d just decided to pick up off the ground. However, there was an underlying sensation, a whisper of power that thrummed from it.

Arbiter stared at the Will Seed, then looked back at her companions. “I… I think it’s saf-”

Before she even finished, there was a flash and she gasped. The eyes of the Will Seed blazed with light as they all cried in alarm.

When Arbiter opened her eyes again, she was standing among a crowd seated in some kind of… studio? Rows of chairs were lined up in front of a TV set, a familiar one she’d found herself on before a long time ago. Though, she remembered it being lively and vivid in color, and not as… monochrome as the world seemed now.

“The hell are we?” Boss twisted around, turning his head left and right as he looked across the audience. “What’s going on?”

“What happened to all the color?” Ronin rubbed her eyes frantically. “Am I having a stroke? Does this happen when you have a stroke?”

She raised her hands and spoke in a stern voice, “Calm down, I think we’re safe.”

They looked at her, focusing their attention solely on her voice. After a moment of taking deep breaths and taking in their surroundings with a level head, they finally calmed down.

“Hey, guys?” Mona hopped onto a chair next to her, his eyes wide and directed towards the TV set. “Is that…?”

They followed his gaze towards the man seated alone across from the two hosts.

Arbiter felt her anger burn white hot as she clenched her hands and scowled. “Kamoshida.”

“Cutting back from commercial!” A voice called in the background. “Seven! Six! Five seconds till start! Four! Three...!”

The female host suddenly came to life, her bright smile directed towards an invisible camera. “And now, onto the ‘Hottest Meet-and-Greet’ segment of our show. This time, since it’s the first time in four years since a world championship has been held, our guest today is Mr. Suguru Kamoshida, the man who acted as captain for the men’s volleyball team in the last world championship!”

Kamoshida looked at her and gave a timid smile. ”H-Hi, I’m Kamoshida… Nice to meet you.”

Arbiter raised an eyebrow, feeling a tug in her gut. Something wasn’t right.

“Um, does he… look younger?” Ronin crossed her arms and tilted her head, confusion riddling her face.

Boss scratched his beard and squinted his eyes. “I feel like I’ve seen that TV host before.”

Arbiter hummed, noting their remarks as she listened back into the show.

“Wow, I can’t believe how popular you are!” the male host laughed cheerfully. “You barely changed, even when you became a professional volleyball player!”

Kamoshida flushed red self-consciously and tried to hide it, averting his gaze to the ceiling as he took a breath. “N-No, not at all. I’m not that big of a deal.”

She studied his posture, the way he hunched over and bounced his knee. He was nervous, almost anxious to be seen. He sounded uncharacteristically humble, but she noted how his eyes continually flicked to the female host.

The hosts rambled on, flattering him with praise while he turned redder with each one. They spoke about his donation to his alma mater, Shujin if she remembered correctly. He answered every question modestly, not going into detail but giving them what they wanted to hear.

“As you can see, I’m not good at talking in front of a crowd….”

Kamoshida chuckled nervously and combed fingers through his hair. Across from him, the female host presented a friendly smile.

“What, really? It doesn’t seem that way at all.”

He laughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Maybe I seem normal to other people?”

“Ah, but I understand how you feel.” She waved her hand matter-of-factly. “You know, jobs that require you to be seen by others are hard. When the cameras are running, I can’t help but put on ‘an act’.” She gave a sympathetic smile to him. “It’s tough not being able to show our true selves….”

Something glinted in Kamoshida’s eyes then, and the world seemed to brighten around them. He visibly swallowed and sat a bit taller, squaring his shoulders and acting with more confidence.

“But Mr. Kamoshida, you’re so wonderful!” the female host remarked, clapping her hands together. “In the conference after you got the gold medal, you were quite handsome!”

Beside her, the male host spoke up with a mischievous smile, “Little known fact, Mr. Kamoshida, she was in the volleyball club when she was a student. She was also a fan of you!”

Kamoshida stared at her. “Really?”

“Yes! If it’s okay with you, I’d love to speak with you later!”

“Hey! Hey! Hey! Are you trying to pick him up on live TV?” The male host guffawed and gestured at Kamoshida. “Mr. Kamoshida, she’s saying stuff like this, but what are you going to do?”

Kamoshida stammered, caught off-guard as he rubbed his neck and averted his gaze. The male host teased him while the female host twiddled with a lock of her hair. Their voices faded into silence as the world slowed to a halt, freezing around them as everything went white.

When Arbiter opened her eyes again, she found herself back in the same room she'd left, the Will Seed in her hand.

“What… What just happened?” Ronin turned to them, now wearing a conflicted face. “Were those… Did we just see his memories?”

She looked at Mona, who scratched his head as he thought over the possibility. Boss followed her gaze while Arbiter reexamined the Will Seed, then stowed it away.

"A Will Seed is a manifestation of a ruler's distorted desires." Arbiter cradled her chin as she mulled over everything she'd taken note of. "It would make sense that memories, moments in his past, could be moments where his desires manifested strongly."

"Which then created the Will Seeds," Mona concluded, nodding affirmingly.

"Moments where his desires were strongest, huh?" Boss bore a grim face. "That woman, the female host? I do remember her, she showed up a lot back in the day. Haven't seen her since, though."

Ronin watched him with a worried look. "Do you think something happened?"

"I wouldn't doubt it." Arbiter stepped past them towards the door. "Monsters aren't born into this world, they have to be made."

Hours later, they'd managed to emerge from the castle and onto its roof. A gazebo sat at the center of a small pavilion choked by crates and patrolling guardsmen. Behind it, the castle's central tower shot up high into the sky.

According to Mona, they would need to ascend to the top to reach the tower, a feat easier said than done.

"Silky!"

Arbiter pressed a hand against her mask as it flared with azure flames. Her Persona appeared behind her and cast a bufu spell, ice appearing in the air and exploding in front of the Shadow they fought. It shrieked and recoiled, but then suddenly froze as they became encased in a sheen of ice.

"Boss!" Arbiter stepped past her teammate, holding up a hand. "Take over."

He grinned as they metaphorically passed the baton with a clap of their hands. "This one's on the house!"

With a brutal swing, he struck down the Shadow and brought it to its knees. The rest was a blur as they launched into an all-out attack, finishing it off before it could cry for help.

"Looking good, Boss!" Mona hopped over to him with a proud grin. "You guys are turning into real Phantom Thieves."

"You love to see it," the man replied, wiping some dust off his jumpsuit. "So, where are we headed?"

Arbiter felt her teammates' eyes fall upon her, then moved to follow her gaze up the tower. The entrance they had tried to open had been barred, leaving their only way up from the outside. Which meant that she was going to need to be their means of ascension, again.

"Mona." Sae regarded the cat-like creature with a withering look as she rubbed her sore, right arm. "You better make more grappling hooks."

Hoping to bypass exploring the tower's interior and head straight for the treasure, the group had voted to climb to the top from the outside. Unfortunately, there was no way for them to access the final floor by way of climbing. Although, they did manage to stumble across another prize….

"So, there's about three Will Seeds per Palace, correct?" Arbiter looked at Mona, who answered with a nod. She looked back at the Will Seed in front of them and mentally prepared herself. "Let's see what you're hiding, Kamoshida."

She took the Will Seed in her hand and the eyes blazed with light, brightening the world around them.

Arbiter studied the scene before her, scrutinizing the details of the memory she found herself watching.

She and the others stood in a hotel room, the drapes pulled and one of the beds disheveled. Kamoshida was on his knees, bowing low before the female host from the TV studio. She looked down at him with a disturbed face.

“Forgive me!” Kamoshida begged, trembling as he sobbed.

The host stared at him, aghast. “I never expected you to be like this….”

“I-I was drunk! Please! I didn’t mean to touch you!”

“That’s no excuse, you- you perverted bastard!”

“We were having such a good time- I thought you liked me-”

“You disgusting creep! You’re not getting away with this!”

“No, please! I can’t betray my company or my fans! If you take volleyball from me, then there’s nothing that I’m good at!”

“That’s not my problem.”

The world lit up around them, flashing bright white. There was the sound of a door slamming shut and Kamoshida sobbing. When the light faded, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, whimpering into one hand while the other pressed a phone to his ear.

“Are you okay, Mr. Kamoshida?” a voice crackled over the call. “What happened?”

“I-I’ve done it.”

“Mr. Kamoshida, you’re not making any sense.”

“I… I forced myself on a woman! ...It’s the end for me….”

There was silence for a second, as they processed his confession. Then, the voice on the other end of the call spoke up, “I understand. Leave the rest to us.”

Kamoshida stood up then, trembling as he whimpered. “I’m… I’m going to hand myself over to the police right now-”

“No! Stay right where you are! Don’t take a step out of your house!”

“What? B-But-”

“Everything will be fine, Mr. Kamoshida. Just leave everything to us.”

~

No one said anything upon returning to the present, all of them still processing what they’d seen and heard. After a moment, however, Arbiter drew in a breath and crossed her arms.

“So, he met with the female host, and in a drunken stupor….”

“Assaulted her.” Ronin gripped her naginata tightly.

And yet, he had been remorseful upon returning to his senses. Though, none of them seemed to have ever heard of the incident. And that TV host, if Boss recalled correctly, had appeared some time ago but never again since.

Judging by whoever was speaking on the other end of Kamoshida’s call, it was likely that action was taken against the host….

“Let’s head back for today.” Arbiter stowed the Will Seed away as she turned to her companions. “Are we still set for this Saturday?”

Ronin nodded. “I should be free after classes let out. What about you, Boss?”

Boss hummed as he scratched his beard. “Well, the kid’s doing better, so I can leave him alone for the most part.”

“Very well then.” Arbiter crossed her arms as she moved towards their path back to the Palace entrance. “We’ll reconvene in front of Shujin after classes end.”

4/23
Saturday

Makoto inhaled a deep breath as she walked the halls of Shujin, trying to collect some modicum of comfort as she headed for her next class. The aftershocks of Saturday’s calamities were still being felt, many students gossiping about the causes behind Suzui’s attempted suicide as well as the confrontation between Kamoshida and Sakamoto.

She heard her name cropping up more than once, either as a hero for defending Kamoshida or as the typical teacher’s pet. The latter irked her more than it should have, her frustrations mounting as she listened to her peers slander her.

Was what she’d done wrong? Trying to stop a fight? Trying to stop Sakamoto from doing exactly what had gotten him in trouble?

Makoto slowed to a stop in the middle of the hall and cradled her forehead. She was letting her frustrations get to her. Though, she couldn’t help but feel that her perturbed mood was justified.

Today was her birthday, and absolutely nothing had gone her way throughout the day.

Her sister had left early to attend to some errands, leaving only a note behind with no acknowledgement of her birthday. Though it might’ve been childish of her to wish that Sae would surprise her with a gift or some kind of celebration, she still yearned for that… closeness, that familial intimacy she’d long been deprived of.

Makoto drew in another deep breath, trying to find a balance between her desires and her priorities. She could worry about her birthday after school, first she needed to complete her studies and-

“Niijima-senpai?”

She blinked and turned around, coming face-to-face with Amamiya Ren.

“Amamiya-kun? You’re here?” She gave him a once-over, noticing a distinct lack of a Shujin uniform. “I was under the impression you’d be out of school for quite a while.”

He shrugged and rubbed his neck. “I will be, but I’m here today to pick up my catch-up work from Ms. Kawakami.”

“I see.” Makoto shifted in place awkwardly for a moment, feeling there was more they should talk about considering Saturday’s events. “You know, I never properly thanked you for saving me.”

Ren raised his hands and wore a modest countenance. “That’s fine. You don’t need to do anything.”

She crossed her arms and gave an uncertain look. “I disagree. You quite literally saved my life.” She cradled her chin and hummed. “How about I help you study?”

“Don’t you already do that?”

“In school, yes. But, I have time after if you’d like to meet somewhere.”

“...I’d like that.”

“So, the last Will Seed’s in there?”

Arbiter, crouching behind a piece of rubble, glanced back at Mona, who nodded. Boss and Ronin gripped their weapons as they peaked over their cover, spying the golden-armored guard captain keeping watch in front of a vine-covered door.

“There’s no way we’re sneaking past him,” Boss remarked.

Ronin nodded as she squinted, studying their opponent. “And he looks pretty tough. More so than the other Shadows we’ve fought.”

Arbiter nodded, taking their observations into account. They’d returned to the castle less than an hour ago, ready to ascend the final floors of the castle tower to reach Kamoshida’s Treasure. However, they’d come across a lift and, out of curiosity, had decided to ride it. The lift had brought them down to the foyer, and another lift had taken them even further down into the dungeons.

“It’s up to you, Arbiter.” Mona looked up at her with a stern gaze. “Are we going in?”

She gripped her tonfas and glanced back at her team. They gripped their weapons and gave her affirming nods, which she reciprocated.

“Let’s do this.”

They stepped out of their hiding place and approached the guard captain, who took an offensive stance as they approached.

“Intruders! You will go no further!”

Boss scoffed and shouldered his mace. “Step aside or we’ll make you.”

“Try as you may, you’ll never overcome the might of King Kamoshida!”

The guard captain erupted into black goop, morphing into an amorphous pile of slime with a… very phallic appearance.

Arbiter gave a disturbed look in its direction. “I hate this place.”

“It’s coming!” Mona shouted as the Shadow lurched towards them.

Ronin gave a disgusted sound as she dodged. “Please don’t say that!”

Arbiter jumped away as the Shadow threw its body at where they’d stood. It slammed into the ground, rupturing the dirt and breaking tiles. Thankfully, they’d all managed to jump away, landing a few feet back.

“Persona!” Arbiter pressed a hand against her face and summoned a Jack-o’-Lantern to her side.

It cackled and shot an agi spell at the Shadow, but it shrugged off the burst of flame.

Nearby, Ronin grabbed her mask. “Kami-No-Kaze!”

Her Persona rumbled with thunder as it called down a lightning bolt, striking their opponent. It shrieked and seized, but then bellowed a defiant roar.

“I’m going in!” Boss charged the Shadow, lifting his mace and striking it once with a devastating swing, then swinging back, and bringing it back down for an overhead strike.

That seemed to have a stronger effect on the Shadow then their spells, the phallus-like slime roaring in pain.

“Deal physical damage!” Arbiter turned to Mona, who brandished his scimitar.

He gave a nod and charged, hopping up and delivering a swift series of cuts, then hopped back and whipped out his slingshot, shooting the slime once. It sagged, slumping over as from the hits it had sustained.

“Now!” Arbiter cried as she jumped forward.

They launched into an all-out attack, battering it with attacks from all sides. It endured their assault, however, and lashed out, swinging its phallic-like head at them.

Ronin gave a squeal and jumped out of the way, barely dodging it. As the Shadow attempted to pull back, Arbiter grabbed her mask.

“Berith!”

Her Persona, one of the newer ones she’d fused in the Velvet Room, manifested behind her and thrust his spear, impaling the Shadow on it. It shrieked and whined, then dissipated into dark vapor.

“Nice work.” Mona skipped up next to her. “Now let’s get that Will Seed.”

She gave a nod and turned to Ronin, who lifted her naginata and cut through the vines covering the entrance in a single swing. They pushed open the doors and stepped inside.

“Alright, alright.” Boss put a hand on his hip as she approached their prize. “Let’s see what we got.”

Arbiter took the Will Seed in one hand and gripped it tightly as its gemstone core flared with light.

Arbiter blinked and looked around at the diner they stood in. It was sparsely filled, the only occupants she found being Kamoshida and a man dressed in a business suit, the two sitting across from each other in a booth.

“What’s going on here?” Ronin asked, stepping around her to get a better view of the memory’s occupants.

Arbiter cradled her chin and hummed. “Going off the last memory we saw, this must be a representative from the company Kamoshida was associated with at the time. Perhaps even the manager.”

“I’m so sorry,” Kamoshida spoke up suddenly, his voice subdued and hoarse. “I can’t believe how much trouble I’ve caused for you and the company….” He trembled and held himself tightly. “I thought I should let you know, there’s a commercial I’m in right now… and the company’s reputation-”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Kamoshida.” The other man waved a hand dismissively. “Everything’s okay now. We talked it over with the woman.”

Arbiter inhaled a sharp breath, her arms crossing as she scrutinized the man’s face. His smug, callous look was telling to what he truly meant.

“What?” Kamoshida looked up, meeting the man’s gaze.

“You won’t need to worry about your image, or the company’s. You’ll continue being ‘the ideal sportsman’. All we ask in return is for your continued support, please.”

Kamoshida furrowed his brow and shook his head quizzically. “N-No, I mean, what do you mean you ‘talked it over’ with her.”

“Oh, well you see, the company feels partly responsible for what happened.” The businessman steepled his fingers and put on a guilty facade. “Ever since you’ve joined our company, you’ve worked as our poster boy. It was only natural you’d feel stressed with how much work you do for us.”

Nearby, Boss growled as he gripped his mace. “Natural? What the hell?”

Arbiter lifted a hand, quieting him down as the memory continued to play out.

“From now on, if you ever need to relieve some stress, just contact us and we can bring you a woman, or send you the address of… certain establishments to help you relax.” The businessman gave a skeevy smile. “And, don’t worry about any information being leaked. We’ll cover any incidents up, just like this time.”

Kamoshida blinked incredulously at him. “C-Cover up?”

“Consider this… reasonable pay, for all your hard work.”

“But-”

“It’s what’s best for all parties, Mr. Kamoshida.”

Kamoshida stared off into space as the man disappeared, the distant sound of his shoes on the floor fading into the distance. After a moment, Kamoshida mumbled to himself, “Pay…? It’s the best… for everyone? ...So, everything I do… is forgiven?”

A smile crossed his face.

Arbiter held the Will Seed in her hand tightly, fingers pressed against the stony surface as she processed what she’d seen. Nearby, she heard Boss pacing and Ronin taking deep breaths, cooling her nerves before she set fire to the room as she did with the one in the library.

Between them all, Mona tapped his foot and looked down, his arms crossed as he mulled over the memory.

“So, they got rid of that woman?”

“They likely threatened her into silence.” Arbiter shifted uncomfortably, knowing all too well the tactics utilized by the business world. “It would explain why she hasn’t appeared on any shows since.”

“Those bastards!” Ronin paced the length of the room, panting heatedly as she clenched her hands. “They- They let him become a monster! They let Kamoshida get away with that! With everything!”

Boss hummed and nodded grimly. “Some people are just interested in using others. Doesn’t matter who gets hurt as long as they get on top.”

They fell into silence then, not knowing what else to say. There was no use arguing over the subject. All they could do was move on….

“Let’s get goin-”

Arbiter prepared to stow the Will Seed away, but paused as it lit up. She held it up, watching it float off her hand.

“Uh, Arbiter?”

She looked to Mona, who pointed at the other Will Seed’s she’d collected floating out of her pockets.

“Whoa, what’s going on?” Boss asked, stepping away cautiously.

Mona joined him in observing the scene. “I- I don’t know!”

They all looked on as the three Will Seeds circled each other in the air, speeding up by the second. They whirled as their crystal cores blazed with light, becoming so blinding that they had to cover their eyes.

Once the light died down, they found the Will Seeds… fused together?

Arbiter picked up the new object cautiously, looking it over as she felt power thrum from within it. “That’s… strange.”

“Okay….” Ronin pressed fingers against her temples and inhaled, then exhaled. “Can someone tell me what that was? Mona?”

They all turned their eyes to their guide, who scratched his head as he looked on quizzically. “So, that’s what it does?” He met their gazes, then stiffened up and put on a wide, suspicious smile. “I-I mean, I knew that’s what it does!”

They gave him dubious looks. His smile fell.

Arbiter wiped a hand over her face and sighed exasperatedly, handing him the fused Will Seeds as she walked towards the exit. “Let’s just… Let’s just find the Treasure.”

<Niijima Makoto> Hey, Sis. I have to attend to some student council duties after school, so I’ll be home later than usual.

Makoto wore a disappointed frown as she stared at her phone, waiting for a response from Sae. None ever came. Not a few minutes after she'd sent the text, and not hours later as she sat in one of the diners populating Shibuya.

“Is everything alright, Niijima-senpai?”

She looked up at Ren, who watched her with a curious look. He handled a pencil in one hand while the other held the corner of his study guide. However, his attention was fixated on her countenance, cognizant of the inner conflict she was dealing with.

“Yes, everything’s fine.” She set her phone facedown with a sigh. “It's just… personal issues."

She could feel his eyes scrutinizing her face, studying the smallest details of her expression. Then, he spoke up, "...Do you want to talk about it?"

Makoto shot him a wary look. Sudden realization dawned on him and he flushed red while rubbing his neck awkwardly.

"Sorry, was that weird of me to ask?"

"It… wasn’t exactly subtle…."

"Well, I just thought… if it was bothering you, maybe you'd want to talk about it…?"

"I'd rather not."

"Cool, cool. That's cool…."

He combed fingers through his hair while looking up at the ceiling, trying not to meet her gaze. She kept her eyes glued to the table, feeling her face heat up while she tapped her fingers against her knee. They spent a few minutes trying not to gain the other's attention before Makoto realized how childish they were acting.

Clearing her throat and sitting up, she looked at him with a stoic face. "So, did you understand why you were solving the problem wrong?"

He blinked and looked at her, then composed himself and nodded. "Uh, yeah. I got it now."

Ren tapped his pencil on the table absentmindedly. Makoto crossed her arms and sighed as she glanced at the scar on his forehead again.

“Have you heard from Sakamoto?”

He flicked his gaze up at her, his awkward demeanor slipping away immediately. “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious.” She gave an exasperated sigh and laid her arms on the table. “Things have been… chaotic since last Saturday. People won’t stop talking about you and him confronting Kamoshida.”

“Let me guess, they think we’re the bad guys.”

“Nine times out of ten, yes.”

Ren glowered at his study guide, gripping his pencil tightly as he inhaled deeply. Makoto averted her gaze after taking in his appearance, feeling an inkling of guilt for sharing the news and causing him distress.

“And no one’s wondering why we stood up to Kamoshida?”

She bowed her head and shook it. “I’ve heard some people questioning Sakamoto’s accusation, but… for the most part, they’ve chosen to side with Kamoshida.”

“What about you?” He watched her with an inquisitive look. “What does the student council president think about everything that’s happened?”

Makoto narrowed her eyes and looked up to meet his own. They stared down for a moment, then she spoke with a measured voice, "I've chosen to keep my thoughts to myself for the most part."

She swallowed a lump in her throat then, and closed her eyes as guilt ate at her. "...However, I can’t ignore the situation any longer. I shouldn’t have to begin with….”

“So… are you going to do something about it?”

Makoto looked up at him, meeting his observant gaze with her own, wary one. “I’m afraid that my hands are tied. Between the principal ordering me to keep the student body silent and trying to keep up with my studies during all of this chaos… I just can’t act.”

She bent her head low and stared defeatedly at the table. The principal’s eyes were on her nearly every day. He expected reports on the current state of the student body, who had been spreading rumors and who had been trying to look deeper into the situation.

“I understand,” Ren said as he leaned back in his seat. “I just… I was hoping, maybe, you could help us out.”

“...With what?” Makoto sat up again, this time watching the second-year as he rubbed his neck uncomfortably. “What are you planning on doing?”

“...When Kamoshida was trying to force Ann to sleep with him he gave her his address.”

Her eyes widened and she flicked her eyes around, searching for anyone who might have overhead him. Once she was sure they were safe, she leaned a bit forward and hissed, “You don’t seriously plan on breaking into his house, are you?”

He gave a reluctant look. “Ryuji’s going to get expelled at this rate, I’m on probation and this suspension won’t help my case, and sooner or later Kamoshida’s going to come after Ann. We have to do something .”

A moment passed in tense silence, neither of them knowing what to say to ease the mood. Eventually, she allowed her growing dread to guide her in standing up and hurriedly gathering her things. “I think our time’s up….”

Ren gave a guilty sigh and bowed his head. “I’m sorry to shove all that on you-”

“It’s fine,” she interrupted bluntly and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear before mumbling under her breath, “What a way to spend my birthday….”

“Huh?”

She cleared her throat, trying to cover her quiet remark. “Nothing.” Shouldering her bag, she gave him a hesitant look. “Do you still want to continue these study sessions?”

He watched her for a moment, then smiled. “...Yeah….”

“So, this is Kamoshida’s Treasure?”

Arbiter surveyed the chamber, her eyes roaming over a veritable sea of gold coins hosting barrels, crates, and oversized trophies.

“No,” Mona said as he skipped across the golden ocean and pointed a paw up at a floating light enveloped in a nebulous corona, “that is.”

Arbiter exchanged confused looks with her teammates, Boss scratching his head while Ronin shrugged. They turned their attention back to Mona, who now stood on top of a trophy, holding his arms crossed over his chest.

“So, that weird, foggy thing is the Treasure?” Ronin crossed her arms as she gazed up at it. “How are we supposed to take that?”

Mona took a deep breath and looked at all of them with a stern face. “We can’t, not yet. Simply finding the Treasure isn’t enough, we need to make it materialize.”

“What?” Boss tilted his head and gave a lost expression.

Arbiter cradled her chin and hummed. “The Treasure is Kamoshida’s distorted desires, but it’s meant to take on a physical form, that’s what you said.”

Mona nodded. “I did, but desires don’t have a physical form by nature. That’s why we need to make Kamoshida, the real Kamoshida , aware that his desires are a Treasure.”

They exchanged confused looks once again, then Arbiter regarded their guide with an inquisitive look, “I’m assuming you already have a plan on how to do that?”

“That’s right,” he said, grinning mischievously. “What we need to do is tell him that we’re going ‘to steal his heart’.”

“Straight to his face?” Boss gave a dubious look. “I don’t know if that’s a great idea.”

“We could always do it anonymously,” Ronin suggested, raising a hand to pitch the thought. “Though, it might be hard if it looks like any other threat. Especially such a vague one.”

Arbiter nodded in agreement, a single threat wouldn’t guarantee Kamoshida would take it seriously. If anything, he might claim it as another prank or baseless accusation and ignore it entirely. However, if it were less of a threat and more of a spectacle….

“What if we didn’t make it like any other threat?” She glanced at Ronin, then at Boss, and finally at Mona. “What if we used it to expose him in the real world as well?”

Boss gave a curious look and folded his arms over his chest. “What do you have in mind?”

She placed her hands on her hips and looked at the Treasure, then at her team. “I’ll explain on the way back. For now, let’s head out. There’s nothing more we can do here.”

Sae collapsed on the couch of her apartment the moment she returned. Her bag landed behind her, bouncing on the cushions before Morgana climbed out and laid down next to her.

“What a day….” he yawned, stretching his limbs and smacking his lips.

She gave an exhausted moan and laid a hand over her eyes, trying to block out the lights above. She barely had the energy to move, let alone drag herself to her bedroom. Though, it’d be best if she did. She didn’t want Makoto thinking something was wrong.

“Sis?”

Speaking of which….

“Hello, Makoto.” She garnered the strength to push herself upright and sweep her legs off the couch. “How was school?”

Sae looked over as Makoto emerged from the hall, dressed in her nightwear. Her younger sister gave her a once-over, likely observing her disheveled hair and tired face.

“It was fine.” She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Did you get my text message earlier?”

“Hm? No, I… I was very busy today, sorry.”

Makoto gave a forlorn sigh, something Sae noted with an arched eyebrow.

“That’s alright, Sis.” She turned and made to return to her room, but paused and glanced back at her. “Um, did you have any plans tomorrow?”

Sae hummed and combed fingers through her hair. “I might, possibly.”

“I see… Sorry to bother you. There’s some dinner in the fridge if you haven’t eaten yet.”

Makoto retreated into the hall then, and Sae couldn’t help but feel a knot tug in her gut. What had she been so despondent about? Was she still troubled by last Saturday’s events? That was a likely reason, but could there be something else?

Sae jammed a hand into her pocket to pull out her phone. She checked the text message and mulled over its meaning. Perhaps Makoto was dealing with a lot of responsibilities the school was pushing onto her? She was a dutiful student council president, but even she had her limits.

Sae frowned and pressed the lock button on her phone. However, as the screen went dark, she glimpsed the date: Sat, April 23.

Sudden realization dawned on her and she stared dumbly. She was only pulled from her stupor when Morgana padded over to sit beside her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, tilting his head in confusion.

Sae opened her mouth, then closed it. She set her phone down and cradled her head, breathing a heavy sigh then a dismayed groan.

“I forgot Makoto’s birthday.”

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 2

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 1

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 1

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 1

Chapter Text

4/24
Sunday

Sae was generally known as a woman with a plan. It was a necessity that she scheduled and coordinated every hour of every day of her life, seeing to it that she attended every court session she was called to, every meeting she needed to participate in, and make an appearance anywhere that would help to boost or consolidate her reputation.

In recent days, with her forced leave from work and discovery of the Metaverse, she’d put her focus upon planning the infiltrations of her team into Kamoshida’s Palace. She’d taken into account everything from Sadayo’s work schedule to Sojiro’s profit from a day that Leblanc was open versus a day that it was closed. She’d even accounted for how long it would take some of them to drive to Shujin or take the subway, and filled in the empty blocks with meeting with Dr. Takemi for medication and visiting Untouchables for better equipment.

The one thing she hadn’t accounted for, however, had been her own sister’s birthday.

That was how she found herself staying up long past midnight sitting in her bed with her laptop open, browsing the internet in search of any surviving Buchimaru-kun merchandise she could purchase and have delivered in a single day. 

“Fifty-thousand yen?” Sae hissed and scowled at the price of a Buchimaru-kun plushie. “That’s highway robbery!”

Beside her, Morgana yawned and stretched, then flopped back down onto the covers. “Are you still looking for a present?”

She shot him a withering glare, then rubbed her tired eyes. "I have to find one for Makoto."

“But you’ve been up all night.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

Sae returned her focus to her laptop, closing out the tab and scrolling down the other page to view the rest of the site’s selections. Most of it was used Buchimaru-kun merchandise people were selling off, but there were a few items in mint condition that were available for a price far higher than she was willing to spend. Though, as the night dragged on, she felt her resolve slipping and her yearning to just make a purchase growing.

She rubbed her forehead and looked up at the dark ceiling, blinking her dry eyes.

Why was she doing this? The past three years, she’d never put so much effort into celebrating Makoto’s birthday. She’d at least written her a card and bought a gift she thought she might like or get some use out of. There had been one year she had been forced to stay at the public prosecutor’s office to work on a case despite promising her sister to be home to celebrate, an incident she’d regretted but tried to make up by bringing home a cake.

However, things were different this year, drastically so. Sae hadn’t been trapped at her job, unable to celebrate her sister’s special day. She’d voluntarily infiltrated the Metaverse with her team, and even if the venture was justified she still felt guilt gnawing at her insides.

What’s more, her sister had suffered so much in the past week. From openly admitting her fears about the rumors of Kamoshida’s predatory actions to witnessing the attempted suicide of another student, to even being thrown down the stairs and just barely making it out okay at the cost of another student’s health.

Sae inhaled a deep breath and closed her eyes, then opened them to study her laptop screen again. “I have to make it up to- Yeow!”

Morgana’s claws sunk into her right hand, eliciting a pained yelp from her. She yanked her hand away and stared wide-eyed at her companion, who watched her with a stern look.

“You’re tired.” He climbed onto her laptop and curled up on it, not caring for how many keys he laid on. “Go to bed.”

She watched him wearily, then sighed and pushed him off to close her laptop. After setting it away and laying back against the mattress, she stared at the ceiling for some time and wondered how she was going to reconcile with her sister.

“Alright, here’s the list.” Sojiro handed over a slip of paper to his ward, then crossed his arms. “I’ve already got most of what I need from the supermarket around the corner. The rest you’ll need to find in Shibuya, got it?”

Ren glanced over the list, silently reading the groceries he’d need to purchase. “Really?”

Sojiro shrugged. “You could try running around Yongen, but I’ve had better luck in Shibuya.”

“Good to know.” He folded the paper neatly and put it away, then headed for the door. “I’ll see you later, Boss.”

“Yeah, see ya, kid. And don’t stay out too late, got it?”

“Sure thing.”

The bell above the door jingled, signaling his departure, leaving Sojiro to lean over the counter and sigh. Somehow, someway, that kid managed to keep surprising him. A week ago, he’d watched an attempted suicide, banged his head on some stairs playing hero, then gotten bedridden for a few days because of it. Now he was up and at it without a complaint, ready to get back to work.

The sudden jingling of the bell pulled him from his thoughts then, and he looked over to find Sae hurriedly walking into his café.

“Niijima-san?” He stood up straight and folded his arms over his chest as she approached the counter. “What are you doing here? Is something wrong?”

She gave him a perturbed, almost agitated look. “You didn’t get my texts?”

He shook his head and pulled out his phone. “No? Sorry, I was busy.”

A grand total of five text messages from Niijima Sae were shown on his lock screen. He raised an eyebrow, then looked up at her. “So, is this about the calling card?”

Sae opened her mouth, then closed it. She flushed a deep shade of red as she bowed her head, her high-strung demeanor turning into a self-conscious one.

“No, it’s… personal….”

“Personal?”

“I….” She trailed off and fidgeted while trying to form the rest of her answer. “...I forgot my sister’s birthday.”

Sojiro stared at her for a few seconds, closed his eyes, breathed in, and then stared at her for a few seconds longer.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I forgot Makoto’s birthday.” Sae laid her hands flat on the counter and stood a bit stiffer. “We were at the Palace yesterday, and it completely slipped my mind that it was the twenty-third and-”

“Hey, hey.” He held up his hands tentatively, trying to give her some form of reassurance. “Calm down.”

She looked up at him with an uncharacteristically vulnerable expression, her usual, composed self gone. In its place was the woman underneath the prosecutor’s mask, anxious and afraid about her mistakes.

“Let me brew you a cup.” He stepped away before she could argue, which forced her to concede and take a seat. After a few minutes, he returned with a steaming cup of her favorite blend. “Here.”

Sae regarded him with an apologetic countenance before giving a thankful nod. She blew on the coffee a few times before taking a tiny sip, then set it back down on the plate. A moment passed before she worked up the courage to look up at him.

“My apologies for my behavior.” She rubbed her arm for a second, then breathed in and sat straighter. “That was unbecoming of me.”

“Mmhm….” Sojiro gave her a look, then sighed. “So, you forgot your sister’s birthday?”

Sae bowed her head and nodded like a child who’d been caught disobeying their parents. “As much as it shames me to say, yes.”

“So… why’d you come here?”

“I… want you to teach me how to cook.”

“Come again?”

Sae inhaled and sat up straight to look him in the eye. “I would like you to teach me how to cook, Sakura-san.”

He squinted and stared at her in confusion. “Why?”

She opened her mouth to answer again, but failed to give one. Closing her mouth, she leaned over the counter again and sipped from her cup, visibly stringing together a sentence in her head before she turned her attention back to him. “Because I want to be able to provide for Makoto as she does for me.”

“...You can just look that up on the internet.”

“But the internet isn’t as good as you, Sakura-san.” She tried to force out a smile, but Sojiro was less than impressed. "And… admittedly, I am not the best with cooking, or anything that concerns creating something with my own two hands."

“You know I’ve got a business to run, right? I can’t just drop everything to help you learn how to cook.”

“Sakura-san, please, I need your help.”

“Niijima, I’m busy-”

“Please, I am….” She seemed to physically struggle with forcing the rest of the sentence out. “...I’m begging you.”

Sojiro cradled his face in his hands and groaned. “Look, I barely have any ingredients to work with right now. I sent the kid out to go shopping and he won’t be back for a while.”

“But you still have ingredients, correct?”

He could practically feel her eyes boring holes through his hand.

“Niijima, the answer is no.”

“Please, I just need practice.”

Sojiro lifted his hand off his face and looked down at her. She looked up at him with a desperate gaze that was usually pointed like the edge of a sword.

He argued with himself internally before conceding with a sigh. “Alright look, when we’re in the Metaverse, you’re the leader. But when we’re in my kitchen, I’m the leader. Got it?”

It seemed to take the prosecutor a moment to process his reluctant acceptance, but when it finally struck her she grew a jubilant smile. “Thank you, Sakura-san. You won’t regret this-”

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, folding his arms over his chest while he nudged his head towards the kitchen. “Get back here, lose the business casual, and grab an apron.”

Sae turned to regard him with an appreciative smile, her fears gone and replaced with a confident expression. She straightened up and gave an acknowledging nod. “Understood, Boss.”

“Fuji apples, cumin, coriander, cardamom….” Ren gleaned over Sojiro’s list of groceries again, then glanced at his bags. “Alright, that should be everything.”

Folding the list back up, he stuffed it in his pocket and grabbed one of the bags off his other hand. Then, stepping outside, he took in a breath of fresh air as he surveyed the bustling street.

Shibuya was as lively as ever, perhaps even more so with teens now mingling in with the daytime crowds on their day off school. Most made their way towards retail stores and food shops to hang out with friends. Others hurried towards the nearest theatre or towards Station Square. And there were those, like him, who were taking the time to go out and buy groceries or school supplies.

Hoisting his own bag of groceries, Ren started on his way home. Most gave him a wide berth, noticing his groceries. A few bumped into him, to which he sighed and tried to move his precious cargo aside so they wouldn’t be damaged. There were also a few teens who seemed to go to Shujin, something he could only tell by them pointing and gossiping about ‘seeing the delinquent transfer student out shopping’.

Passing by Toyo Cinemas, he walked down Central Street and headed towards Shibuya Crossing. Though, he slowed to a stop just outside a bookstore, a selection of books, manga, and magazines out on display next to the entrance.

"Wonder what they've got?"

He stepped over, trying to make out the titles on the covers. Admittedly, a few of them caught his interest, mostly the manga and books. However, he noticed a few magazines about hotspot locations in Tokyo.

Maybe he could grab something to read while he was riding the subway? If he managed to even find a seat. It'd also be nice to learn about the city he was in.

Though, how much spare cash did he have on him?

"Amamiya-kun?"

He blinked and perked up, looking over to find Makoto standing just outside the entrance of the bookstore. It was strange to see her out of her Shujin uniform, dressed casually for her outing. However, she still held that refined aura she always seemed to exude.

"Niijima-senpai?"

She walked over to him with a curious look. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I just got done buying groceries." He lifted up a bag to show her, to which she gave an acknowledging hum. "What are you doing here?"

Makoto glanced back at the bookstore, then held up her own bag. "Just perusing the bookstore for any new reading material. I've been wanting to get my hands on the latest entrance exam study guide."

“Cool.” They watched each other for a second longer before he looked towards Shibuya Crossing. "Well, I've got to get going, so… see you later?"

She nodded and began to give her farewell, but paused and followed his gaze. "Are you heading to Station Square too?"

"Yeah?"

"Would you mind walking together?” She offered a friendly smile. “Just to make it less awkward?"

He chuckled in amusement and shrugged casually. "Sure."

Falling into step together, they headed towards Shibuya Crossing. They shared a few conversations while waiting for traffic to stop and let them hurry across the scramble. Most of the time, they went back and forth on what they’d bought.

Makoto had been curious about the amount of spices he’d purchased. That had led to him explaining his guardian was a café owner, though he exempted the part where he was living in the café attic for self-conscious reasons.

He’d asked about her books, to which she’d showed off a thick textbook about studying tips, tricks, and what the latest entrance exams would probably cover. Though, he’d noted a few mangas slipped between books, to which she’d sheepishly admitted she enjoyed some reading with a little more pizzazz.

By the time they’d arrived at Shibuya Station, his perspective on the student council president had changed. Not drastically, but… she did seem to be more than just her titles now.

"Is something wrong?"

"Hm?" He blinked and gave a confused look at Makoto, who glanced down at herself then back at him.

"You… keep staring at me."

"Oh! Uh, well, it's just… I usually see you at school, when you're in uniform. So, seeing you out of it's… different, but also the same? If that makes sense."

He sucked in a deep breath, flushing out of embarrassment. At the same time, she arched an eyebrow, glanced down at herself, and then looked back at him to give him a once-over. Her mouth quirked into a smirk and she shot him a cheeky look.

"I suppose I could say the same for you, Amamiya-kun. Your posture doesn't get better outside of Shujin."

Ren laughed and shrugged. "Call it a habit. I like to keep my head down."

She gave a soft giggle and nodded along. "That’s understandable, all things considered…." Her smile faded away then, and he had a sense of deja vu. “I’ve… considered what you told me yesterday.”

The mood shifted immediately from amicable to tense. The silence that followed her claim was deafening as he waited for her to speak again. However, as he looked at her, he got the idea that she was waiting for his approval.

“...So, what are your thoughts?”

Makoto breathed in and exhaled, then looked up to lock eyes with him. “You said that Kamoshida gave Takamaki his address? Was that over text message?”

“It was.”

She cradled her chin, debating internally. “Could you have her send me the screenshots of those texts?”

Ren narrowed his eyes and studied her expression. “Why?”

It wasn’t that he didn’t particularly trust her, or hold any reservations against the student council president. She’d been one of the few people he’d actually put his trust in upon starting at Shujin. However, given the task the principal had given her with uncovering the root of the rumors….

“I have no intention of turning you or Takamaki over to Principal Kobayakawa.” Makoto crossed her arms and stared him down, scrutinizing his own expression. “My sister is a prosecutor. My thought was that if we could provide her with enough evidence, she might be able to launch an investigation into Shujin.”

“That… sounds promising.” Ren bowed his head and mulled over the idea before turning his attention back to her. “Alright, I’ll text Ann and see if she can screenshot those texts. But, I don’t think she has your number.”

“Have her send the pictures to you.” She dug out her phone then and held it up. “I’ll give you my contact information and you can send it to me.”

“Got it.” He set down his groceries and jammed a hand into his pocket to grab his phone.

“And, one last thing, Amamiya-kun.” Makoto inhaled a sharp breath as he looked back up at her. “Please, promise me you and the others won’t try anything risky. I don’t want any of you getting hurt or worse.”

They watched each other for a moment. While he wore a hesitant look, not yet ready to give up on all his alternative options, she wore a pleading look, visibly concerned that he might back out of her idea. Ultimately, the guilt gnawing at his insides won out and he exhaled.

“Alright.”

“Café Leblanc.” Sadayo glanced up from her phone to survey her surroundings. “It should be around here somewhere. Right?”

She yawned and stretched her limbs, then started navigating the backstreets of Yongen again. She’d rarely come down to this part of the ward, usually only frequenting the station to head to Shujin or to her night job. Today would’ve been no different had she not woken up with the need for some caffeine to give her enough juice to deal with whoever requested her for her services.

Of course, she’d never been to Sojiro’s café before….

Sadayo scratched her head as she craned her head left and right, looking for a sign or anything that might resemble the storefront of a café. She spotted the entrance to an orthopedic clinic, the storefront of a supermarket with a few people perusing the goods outside, and an apartment complex.

Moving further down the street, she passed by a closed theatre and ended up at a T-intersection. The path forward led to the open street while the path to her left led down past a few restaurants and further into a residential area. On her right was a shop being set up by an elderly man, who brought out, what she assumed to be, second-hand goods—some old TV sets, hanging pendulum clocks, and even a few DVD box sets of children's shows.

“Are you alright, miss?”

Sadayo blinked and focused on the second-hand shop’s elderly vendor, who wore a friendly smile.

“Oh, yes.” She offered a smile of her own and held the strap of her bag. “I’m just a little lost is all.”

“Did you need help finding someone?”

“Somewhere, actually. Have you heard of Café Leblanc?”

A warm smile crossed his face then and he nodded. “Why, of course! Sakura-san’s coffee is famous around these parts.”  He lifted a finger and pointed down the side street. “Leblanc’s right there. You can’t miss it.”

She gave a courteous bow and thanked the man before walking down the street. True to his word, she arrived in front of Café Leblanc within seconds. She glanced over the little menu set up on a chair beside the front door before pushing it open.

“What do you mean I didn’t put enough spice in?”

“I said a pinch!”

“With all due respect, that was a pinch!”

“That was more than a pinch!”

“ How ?”

Sadayo blinked as she walked up to the counter, the bell jingling over her head. From the kitchen in the far back of the café, she heard grumbling and then Sojiro appeared. He scratched his neck and inhaled a deep breath before looking up at her.

“Hi, how can I- Kawakami-san?”

She gave him a wary look, then tried to peek over his shoulder. ”Hi, Sakura-san… is everything alright?”

“Sadayo?”

The clack of heels echoed from the kitchen before Sae appeared, dressed in a black turtleneck with the sleeves rolled up and a green apron tied around her. Her silver hair, usually let loose, was tied up in a ponytail behind her.

It took a moment for Sadayo to process the sight of the silver-haired prosecutor out of her business suit for once. Just as she opened her mouth, however, another voice piped up, “Hey, Ronin!”

She gasped and looked down, finding Morgana sticking his head out of the shadow of the counter.

“Morgana?”

“Wait, Morgana?” Sojiro leaned over the counter, trying to stick his head over the other side. “You brought the cat here?”

“I’m not a cat!”

“Well, I couldn’t leave him at home,” Sae exclaimed, throwing up a hand into the air matter-of-factly.

Sojiro shot her a glare that Sae returned. All the while, Sadayo wiped her hands over her face, cradling it for a moment before she inhaled a breath, then let it out.

“Okay, Sae? What are you… doing back there?”

“I’m trying to teach her how to cook.” Sojiro crossed his arms and huffed in exacerbation.

“It’s not working out,” Morgana added cheekily.

Sae shot her would-be mentor a withering look, then stepped around the counter to do the same at her cat.  “I’m sorry if I’m not taking to your teaching methods very well, Sakura-san.”

She locked eyes with him again and they stared each other down. Sadayo glanced between them, then coughed into her fist.

“Could I… get some coffee?”

That seemed to pull her teammates out of their impromptu staring contest. Sae seemed to concede, or at least retreat for the time being. All the while, Sojiro rubbed his neck and nodded, then looked back at the shelves behind him.

“Yeah, coming right up. Feel free to take a seat.” He then flicked his eyes towards Sae. “You too.”

“What?” She shot him an offended look. “But the curry-”

“Is going to come out raw if I let you stay in the kitchen. Now grab a seat, I’ll finish up.”

Sae opened her mouth to argue, but sealed her lips and silently stormed around the counter. She sat herself down beside Sadayo, who held her hands in her lap while she flicked her eyes between the other two adults.

“So… you were trying to learn how to cook?” She tilted her head and tried to glimpse Sae’s expression.

The other woman’s frown deepened and she exhaled with a nod. “Long story short, I forgot my sister’s birthday. I wanted to make her a home cooked meal.”

Steadily, she watched Sae slump further and further down, her shoulders sagging as despair dragged her soul down. Her frustration and anger faded away, becoming replaced by a depressive countenance. 

Sadayo cast a sympathetic look at her, not used to seeing her friend so… defeated.

“I see.” She stared at her lap and idly twiddled her fingers, but then stole a glance at the other woman again. “Did you get her a birthday gift as an apology?”

A pained expression crossed Sae’s face. “I’m… in the process of finding one.”

Morgana spoke up from beneath them, “She stayed up all night trying to find one.”

“Oh….” Sadayo leaned over the counter, propping herself up with one arm. She tapped her fingers impatiently, wanting nothing more than to ease the awkward tension out of the air. Unfortunately, it lingered for the next several minutes until Sojiro returned, setting down her cup of coffee.

“Here you are.” He stepped away and tipped his head back, giving a smile. “Don’t worry about paying, it’s on the house.”

"Thank you, Sakura-san." She took the cup and blew on it, then inhaled the fragrant aroma. “My favorite, right?”

“Of course.” He tried to peek beneath the countertop then with a stern look in his eyes. “You better be hiding down there.”

“Don’t worry about it, chief!”

Sadayo chuckled at their exchange, then took a tentative sip of her drink. She felt the warmth flow down into the pit of her stomach before blossoming, filling her with energy. A content sigh escaped her as she reveled in the caffeinated bliss, completely enraptured by Sojiro’s artistry.

“So… I guess my cooking lessons are over?” Sae propped up her face with one hand, staring dismally at her teacher, who wore a cross face.

“Eh… come by some other time. Preferably when I’m not open.”

“Aren’t you always open?”

Sojiro coughed into his fist and averted his gaze, trying not to meet her accusatory glare. All the while, Sadayo giggled into her hand as she set her cup down.

After a moment, Sae exhaled and held her face in her hands. “What am I going to do now?”

“Well, have you thought about just having a small party? Buy her a cake and a gift?” Sadayo offered, scrutinizing her countenance for her opinion.

Crimson eyes glanced up at her with doubt. “...Will that be enough?”

She opened her mouth to answer, but closed it when she couldn’t. She exchanged an uncertain look with Sojiro, who sighed.

“Alright, look. How about this, you go home, get your sister, and bring her back here around closing time.” He glanced at his watch, then stroked his beard. “Also, does she mind coffee and curry for dinner? Any allergies I’d need to know about?”

Sae blinked at him, trying to process his questions and what he was implying. When it clicked, she sat up straighter and cast a hesitant look.

“I… Boss, you don’t have to-”

“I’m not taking no for an answer, Niijima.” Sojiro wore a smug smirk as he crossed his arms again. “So, any allergies?”

She shook her head, wearing a grateful smile. “No allergies.”

“Good to know.” He cradled his chin for a second, then dug out his phone. “I’m gonna need to make a call. Why don’t you head out and start looking for a birthday present?”

Reinvigorated by newfound hope, Sae gave a nod and stood up. She took a deep breath and untied the apron from her person, all the while Sadayo watched with a joyful look.

“Maybe I can help you look,” she offered, digging out her phone. “Do you know what your sister likes?”

“Buchimaru-kun.”

The answer came immediately, but it took a moment for her to register it. “Come again?”

Sae cleared her throat and tugged on her collar awkwardly. “Makoto loves Buchimaru-kun. The old cartoon with the panda mascot?”

“I remember that,” Sojiro remarked, holding up a finger. “That was big with the kids in the neighborhood a few years back.”

Sadayo hummed and tapped her chin. She recalled the show and its characters, cartoonish animals that got into all sorts of adventures and shenanigans. Every episode centering around a thematic lesson meant to educate children. The show’s merchandise had been pretty popular back then.

A humored laugh escaped her, imagining a younger Niijima Makoto singing along to the show’s theme song. It was a far cry from the prim and proper student council president she'd become.

"You know… maybe we could try that second-hand shop down the street?" Sadayo suggested. "They were selling some toys and DVDs."

"It would be a good place to start, at least." Sae stepped towards the kitchen again. "Let me grab my things first."

Before long, she’d donned her suit jacket and undid her ponytail, returning to her usual appearance. By then, Sadayo had finished her coffee and thanked Sojiro. A guilt-ridden part of her nagged at her to pay him despite his objections, but she was still tight on money….

“You ready to go, Sadayo?”

She looked up at Sae, who now stood at the door, her phone gripped in one hand. Feigning a smile, she stood up and shouldered her own bag. “Yeah.”

“Buchimaru-kun?” The elderly vendor scratched his neck and glanced behind him at his shop. “I might have something like that. Could you wait here a moment?”

Sae gave a respectful bow. “Of course, sir.”

She and Sadayo waited patiently outside as he shuffled in to check his goods. While he took stock of his inventory, Sae glanced over what he had on display, studying the pendulum clocks on the wall, the TV sets on the table, and the potted plants clustered to one side of the shop. There was one fold-out table that hosted a variety of smaller merchandise as well, most of it being toys or old movies and shows.

“You see anything she might like?” Sadayo asked, watching her survey everything before them.

Sae shook her head. “Not so far.”

The other woman hummed as she stroked her chin and returned her attention to the goods on display. After a moment, she stepped over and picked up a DVD case covered in a graphic of the Buchimaru-kun logo.

“Wouldn’t she like this? It’s the… fifth and sixth season?”

“She already owns those.” Sae chuckled to herself as she thought back on Makoto’s rather impressive, and somewhat disturbing, collection of Buchimaru-kun merchandise. “She actually owns the entire series, I do believe. The rest she watches on the internet.”

“Makoto owns a lot of Buchimaru merch!” Morgana piped up from her bag.

They returned to perusing the store then, but stopped upon the shopkeeper’s return.

“Well, you’re in luck!” The elderly man held up a worn plushie of Buchimaru-kun. “We’ve had this little guy for a while.”

Sae examined the plush doll, scrutinizing its timeworn appearance. Some of the color had faded from the threads and there was a bit of a stain on one side. She grimaced and tried to think about how Makoto would react.

Her younger sister was already the proud owner of several Buchimaru-kun plushies, all in much better shape than this one. Would she like another? Or was she eager enough to expand her collection to accept it?

“I suppose this will have to do….” She pulled out her wallet and handed over the amount of yen the vendor requested.

A moment later, she and Sadayo were heading towards Yongen-Jaya Station together. They stopped at the mouth of the backstreets, right where the narrow path met the open street. Standing amongst a few other pedestrians, they waited for the nearest light to turn red so they could cross over to the opposite sidewalk.

“So, how is the calling card coming along?” Sae asked, glancing up at the other woman.

Sadayo opened her mouth to answer, but it was interrupted by a yawn that spilled past her lips. She covered her mouth, then cleared her throat before speaking up, “I’ve got a thing written out, so I just need to make the first card. Then a bunch of copies.” The teacher pouted then, her shoulders slumping as her face fell. “But, I have a ton of homework to grade and pop quizzes to prepare….”

Sae cast a sympathetic look her way as she gingerly handled the plushie. They’d discussed their plans on how to utilize the calling card to its maximum effect. As a teacher, Sadayo had access to the school before any student could arrive, it was only a matter of making sure she was early enough to not be noticed and listed as a suspect for posting it. They’d also gone over what exactly to cover in the card, exposing Kamoshida and giving a threat that would successfully materialize his distorted desires in the Metaverse-

“Wait! Thief!”

Both women froze, hearing the elderly vendor cry out. They turned their heads to spy a man dressed in a hoodie running towards them, a wad of cash held in one fist.

Acting on instinct alone, Sae shoved her recently purchased plushie and bag into Sadayo’s hands, Morgana yelping from inside. In the blink of an eye, she fixed her stance, positioning herself with her back towards the approaching man. Just as the thief made to shove past them, she twisted around and swept her leg up, delivering a swift, devastating kick to his face.

A thunderous crack echoed across the street as Sadayo gasped and the man nearly flipped over, crashing into the ground with a wheeze. A moment later, a patrolling officer came rushing over, blowing his whistle frantically.

“Whoa.” Sadayo gawked at her in awe.

Sae allowed herself a smug smirk as she flipped back some hair that had fallen into her vision. Striking a triumphant pose, she looked down on the would-be thief as he was rolled onto his back and handcuffed.

Then, she paused as she heard a quiet snap. Immediately after, she flailed her arms as she stumbled back, the heel on the foot she’d struck down the man with missing its… well, heel.

Thankfully, Sadayo caught her before she fell over entirely. Unfortunately, it came at the cost of Sadayo panicking, throwing the Buchimaru-kun plushie, and letting it get torn apart beneath the tire of a speeding car.

Sae stared at the cotton and fabric on the asphalt. Sadayo followed her gaze. Then, they exchanged blank looks.

Exhaling, Sae slipped on the new pair of heels and adjusted the strap to her foot size. Standing up, she took a few, experimental steps back and forth in front of Sadayo. The other woman clapped her hands and offered a smile, trying to lift her depressive mood.

“They look good on you.”

She hummed, staring down blankly. “Thank you….”

She sat back down and slipped off the heels, placing them back in the box she’d retrieved them from. Then, grabbing her original, mismatched pair, she went about putting them back on. All the while, Sadayo watched her with a worried look.

“...Well, at least the shopkeeper gave us a refund for stopping that thief.”

Sae nodded, holding her impassive countenance. “Yes, that was kind of him.”

An awkward silence filled the space between them then. She had no drive to speak her mind, to announce her failure at finding a gift so far. Sadayo, likewise, bore a guilty expression and didn’t seem to know how else to apologize for tossing the plushie into the street after already giving her apologies a hundred times over on their way to the closest shoe store.

Eventually, though, Sae worked up the strength to pick up her new heels and stand, albeit awkwardly due to the lack of a heel. “This day just keeps getting better and better….”

Sadayo didn’t say anything as she followed her to the counter, instead shifting anxiously behind her while she paid.

“Do you take card?” Sae pulled out her purse as the cashier rang up her purchase.

“Of course, ma’am.”

She pulled out her credit card, but paused when she felt Sadayo tap her on the shoulder. “Hm? What is it?”

Sadayo pointed past her to the wall of displayed merchandise behind the cashier. “Does Makoto own those?”

<Sakura Sojiro> Everything’s all set. Just bring her down.

Sae read the message on her phone for what seemed to be the hundredth time, then stuffed it in her pocket. She shut the driver’s side door of her car shut and shouldered her bag, briefly glancing back to spy Morgana poking his head out of the unzipped back end of it. He gave her a look, then disappeared into the depths of it as Makoto stepped out of the passenger’s seat, stretching her limbs before she grabbed her own bag from the car.

Her younger sister glanced around, taking in the sight around her before giving her an odd look. “Uh, Sis? Why are we out here?” She took quick steps around her car towards her. “Not to be presumptuous, but… this doesn’t exactly look like a safe neighborhood.”

Sae gave her a reassuring smile as she moved past her, down the path into the backstreets. “Follow me. I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?”

She heard Makoto hastily catching up to her before falling into step beside her. She didn’t give her an answer to her quizzical response, instead flashing her the same smile.

“Yes, a surprise.”

“That’s not what I-”

“Come on, this way.”

Sae allowed herself to smile mischievously, feeling an electric thrill dancing in her chest as they drew closer to Leblanc. She glimpsed Makoto’s uncertain face easing into a hesitant one, obviously concerned with the unknown yet still trusting her as her sister.

Before long, they arrived before the front entrance of Café Leblanc. Despite the opening times written on the blackboard outside the establishment, the lights were still on inside. Sojiro had been true to his word.

“And here we are.” She stole a glance at Makoto, who took in the café’s aesthetic curiously.

Her sister’s eyes fixated on the times listed on the board, then she looked up at her in confusion. “Shouldn’t they be closed?”

Once again, she didn’t answer, but instead stepped forward and opened the door. Stepping inside, she inhaled the fragrant aroma of coffee as the bell above her signaled her arrival. Behind the counter, Sojiro looked up from a newspaper he’d been scribbling on with a pen.

“Ah, you’re back.” He smiled warmly, his eyes flicking over to Makoto as she stepped inside.

Her sister’s own eyes widened in surprise as she recognized him. “You’re….”

“The punk’s guardian, yeah.” He crossed his arms and gave a nod, chuckling under his breath. “You two can grab a seat anywhere you’d like. I’ll get your food ready.”

Sojiro turned and headed to the kitchen then, leaving Makoto to try and fail to ask a question. Sae gave a quiet chuckle herself as she led her sister over to a booth.

“Sakura-san? Is it alright if I let Morgana out?”

“As long as he doesn’t tip something over.”

“I believe he knows better than to do anything like that.”

Sae set down her bag on the booth seat, letting Morgana crawl out. All the while, Makoto stared at her incredulously, obviously taken back by her sudden informality.

“I’ll try not to cause any trouble,” Morgana snickered as he padded over to the edge of the seat, then hopped down.

Her sister blinked and watched him walk around the café floor. “Uh, Sis? Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Well, I can’t just leave him in my bag.” She sat down and laid back against the seat, feeling relief flood through her as the culmination of her efforts throughout the day finally began to pay off.

At the same time, Makoto sat down and looked around in concern, almost like she couldn’t comprehend her surroundings. “I… have no idea what’s happening right now.”

Inhaling a deep breath to cool her nerves, Sae held it for a moment as she thought over what to say. Then, letting it go with her worries, she looked her sister in the eye and tried to muster her courage. “Consider this a… late, surprise birthday dinner.”

Makoto stared at her for a moment, seemingly still processing her words. Then, however, it seemed to dawn on her exactly what all the secrecy and effort had been for. Conflicting emotions of elation and astonishment appeared on her face as her eyes widened with wonder.

“You… You remembered?”

“I… almost didn’t.” Sae swallowed the lump in her throat called pride and tried to draw on the deep-seated guilt that gnawed at her insides. “I'll be honest, I've been so busy with my own preoccupations that I completely forgot about your birthday, Makoto. I’m… sorry. I'm sorry….”

“Sis….” Makoto watched her with watery eyes and a quivering smile. “It’s fine, really." She wiped her eyes and sniffled, but held that exuberant smile. "I'm just glad you really did remember."

Steadily, both the guilt and dread she harbored loosened their grip on her heart, and she began to smile too. A relieved chuckle escaped her as she laid her arms on the table, letting the tension in her shoulders ease away.

It was then that Sojiro arrived with two steaming cups of coffee, setting them down gently in front of them.

“Here you are, ladies. I’ll have your curry out in a sec.”

Sae gave a grateful tilt of her head while Makoto arched an eyebrow.

“Coffee with curry?”

A chuckle escaped her at her sister’s quizzical expression. “It’s an interesting combination, I know, but it tastes incredible.”

Uncertainty crossed her face, but she gave an acquiescing nod nonetheless. “Alright, if you say so, Sis.”

Makoto took her cup of coffee then and blew on the surface of it. Steam billowed away as she brought it closer to inhale the fragrant aroma, then she took a single, tentative sip.

Sae smiled, watching her sister hum in delight at the taste, her satisfaction playing out across her face in a matter of seconds.

"This tastes… amazing."

“I know.” She picked up her own cup and blew on it. “I’ve been here a few times. It never disappoints.”

They spent some time like that, sharing conversation amicably over the café, its food and drinks, as well as how Sae had come across it in the first place. Of course, Sae couldn’t come out and say that she’d intended to grill Sojiro for information on the Metaverse, so instead she’d claimed to have heard of a café with stellar reviews. Makoto had seemed satisfied with that, her attention more on the fact that she was actively seeking experiences outside of her work.

Every so often, Sae glanced over towards the counter, spying Morgana slipping beneath the chairs and finding somewhere to lie down. Sometimes he was sleeping, other times he visited the kitchen. She glimpsed Sojiro looking down, presumably noticing the cat and mumbling something under his breath only the two of them could hear.

A little bit later, Sojiro returned to their booth with two plates of curry in his hands.

“Order up.” He set down their meal and handed over silverware for them. “Enjoy yourselves." He made to step away, but paused and looked back at her sister. "Oh, and by the way, happy birthday, kid.”

Sojiro gave Makoto an earnest nod, to which she flushed red and reciprocated with a grateful smile. She thanked him before taking a bite of her meal. For a moment, she seemed to be sitting on the taste, the delight on her face magnifying as she savored the flavor. Sae could certainly relate, Sojiro’s cooking was better than any she’d had before.

“How is it this good?” Her face was alight with wonder, to which Sojiro rubbed the back of his neck.

“Thanks for the glowing review, and to answer the question, it’s an old friend’s recipe….”

Sae watched a bittersweet expression cross his face then, a distant look in his eyes as he seemed to retreat inwards. Just as quickly as he'd seemed to become enraptured by the past, he snapped out of it and cleared his throat. His eyes were wet, but he blinked and rubbed them before stepping away to let them enjoy their dinner.

An hour passed by as they dug into Makoto’s birthday dinner. Between bites and drinks, they shared conversation over her sister’s studies and future. Makoto was still uncertain about what she wanted to become in the future, but she seemed interested in following in her footsteps. Although, Sae wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that.

At this point in life, it felt like her career as a prosecutor was more out of necessity than enjoyment. However, she had little room to argue the point since she had bills to pay.

Soon enough, their cups were empty and their plates were picked clean. A content sigh escaped Makoto while Sae sat up and looked over at Sojiro. She nudged her head, giving him the signal to bring the present she’d purchased with Sadayo.

“So… I wasn’t quite sure what you’d want for your birthday this year….” Sae rubbed her neck and gave a hesitant look to her sister, who perked up out of curiosity. “But, I assumed Buchimaru-kun was a good starting point.”

Sojiro appeared next to her and set down a box on the table. He flashed her a confident look before he collected their plates and cups. Makoto watched him leave, then turned her attention to the polka dot-covered box.

“...What is it?”

Sae smiled warmly and gestured for her to find out. “Open it.”

Makoto obliged her, picking up the box and lifting the top. After peeling away the wrapping on her present, she gasped at the sight of a pair of Buchimaru-kun styled slippers.

"Where did you find these?" Her face practically shined like the sun as she pulled the slippers out, marveling at the design.

"In a shoe store nearby." Sae rubbed her neck, thinking back on how the universe had seemed to take pity on her in that moment.

She supposed that, sometimes, good deeds could be repaid.

Suddenly, she was pulled from her thoughts as Makoto jumped up from her seat and strode over to her side of the booth. Arms wrapped around her and pulled her into a tight, affectionate hug.

Sae sat frozen for a second, but then chuckled under her breath as she reached up awkwardly to hold her sister.

“Thank you, Sis! Thank you so much!”

“Of course, Makoto. Anything for you.”

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Priestess Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE PRIESTESS Confidant: Rank 1

Sae breathed a content sigh as she stretched her limbs and popped her back. After letting the tension ease from her body, she leaned against the booth seats, crossing her arms as she glanced towards the restroom. Makoto had wanted to use them before leaving, which left her to wait.

“She’s a good kid,” Sojiro remarked as he finished setting the dishes to dry.

She gave a nod in agreement. “She is.”

They fell into a silent lull for a moment, then Sae reached into her bag. Sifting through her belongings, she grabbed her purse and pulled it out. Then, looking through the cash she had on hand, she pulled out a thick fold of yen and stepped over to the counter.

“Here, Sakura-san. For everything.”

He blinked and stared at her offering, caught off-guard. Then, he shook his head and held up a hand.

“It’s fine, seriously. It’s all on the house-”

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t accept that.” She gave a friendly smile as she leaned over the counter, propping herself up with an arm. “You’ve done so much for me today, far more than you probably realize.”

Sojiro folded his arms over his chest and stared her down, daring her to challenge his generosity with her own. She didn’t back down, but instead continued to hold up the yen for him. Ultimately, he relented with a sigh and took the money grudgingly.

“Alright, fine.” He counted it out, then stuffed it in his pocket. “Guess we’re calling it even, huh?”

Her smile widened ever-so-slightly and she nodded. “I suppose so, Boss.”

THE HIEROPHANT: Rank 2

He laughed, then breathed a sigh. “Just make sure you take care of her, alright? Her and the punk have been through hell. They’re still in it, actually.”

Sojiro scratched his beard while Sae nodded. Before she could respond, however, her phone buzzed and she pulled it out to reveal a message from Sadayo:

<Kawakami Sadayo> The calling cards are done.

“They’re done?”

Sae gasped and jumped back, suddenly finding Morgana sitting on the counter beside her. He truly did have the capabilities of a thief.

Taking a deep breath, she calmed her nerves and nodded. “Sadayo’s finished with them.”

“Then, that’s it, right?” Sojiro stood straighter, eyes widening at the realization that they were nearing the end. “All that’s left is to post ‘em and get Kamoshida’s attention.”

“That’s right.” Morgana padded across the counter and sat down between them. “But once we warn Kamoshida, we’ll only have that day to steal the Treasure.”

Sae hummed and stroked her chin. She recalled her planner, mentalling reviewing the free time they had scheduled to meet and infiltrate the palace.

“It’d be best to take it sooner rather than later,” she said, crossing her own arms as she glanced between her compatriots. “If I’m right, our best chance will be tomorrow.”

Sojiro pressed his lips into a thin line and bore a stern countenance. “Count me in.”

“It’s up to you, leader.” Morgana gave her cat’s equivalent of a grin, ready to return to the Metaverse.

Sae nodded, then began typing on her phone:

<Niijima Sae> The others are ready to strike tomorrow. Will you be able to?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Yes.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Anything to stop, Kamoshida.

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 2

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 1

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 1

THE PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 1

Chapter Text

4/25
Monday

“Suguru Kamoshida, the lecherous bastard of lust, we know of your sins and that you force your depravity upon students that cannot fight back. That is why we have decided to liberate this school of your tyranny by stealing your twisted desires so you might confess your own sins. Tomorrow, we will see the deed done. Signed, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts….”

Ren blinked and stared at Ann, who held a scarlet card in her hands. The declaration she’d read off the card still hung in the air, echoing in their ears at the blatant threat it made towards the source of all their torment.

They stood just outside Shujin Academy, Ann having arrived earlier in the day. Despite her attempts to stay out of school for as long as possible, she’d been forced to return or get kicked out. However, instead of heading to class, she’d been one of the first to discover the work of ‘the Phantom Thieves’, whoever they were.

She’d texted the group soon after and they’d met up outside of Shujin.

Speaking of which, Ryuji was uncharacteristically quiet, apparently at a loss for words for once. He just flapped his mouth like a fish out of water before shaking his head and grabbing it. “Wait, is this for real? Someone’s goin’ after Kamoshida?”

“There’s no way.” Ann crossed her arms. “B-But, there were dozens of these posted all over the bulletin boards! Is this a prank? Or does someone else know the truth like us?”

Ren opened his mouth to speak, but closed it when he had no definitive answer. As far as he knew, the only people that truly believed in the threat of Kamoshida’s depravity were himself, his friends, and Niijima-senpai. Yet, what if there were more people out there, just like them?

“Can I see that?” He held out a hand and Ryuji gladly handed it over, still processing its message.

He turned it over, trying to find clues behind its origins. Characters were glued to the card in mismatched sizes, likely cut out from various magazines. Drawn on the other side of the card was an illustration of a top hat and a monocle, more than likely the mysterious group’s logo. Another message was scrawled on the paper just underneath the image.

“Take your heart?” he mumbled, turning the card over to re-read the threat. “Who could’ve sent this?”

“Who the eff cares?” Ryuji was grinning now, almost visibly buzzing with excitement. “Someone’s calling that son of a bitch out!”

“Yeah, but are they actually going to do anything?” Ann asked, scratching her head. “I mean, there’s a lot more at stake right now. You’re guys’ expulsion, for one-”

“Who’s responsible for this?”

She was suddenly cut off by a furious roar from inside the school. They all snapped their attention over to the school entrance as they saw a few students scurry outside and most others head off in various other directions. A few seconds later, the imposing figure of Kamoshida appeared as he stormed out the front entrance, scanning the front courtyard before spying them down in the street just past the gate.

“Was it you two?” He marched up to them, his fists clenched tightly.

Ryuji snarled and bared gnashed teeth as he stepped forward. However, before he could get closer, Ren threw up an arm and held him back. The blond punk shot him a glare, but Ren glared back and forced his friend to cool his nerves.

“What are you talking about?” Ann snapped, crossing her arms.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” Kamoshida held up a crumpled card, just like the one in Ren’s hands. “I guess it wasn’t enough for you to attack me in the halls, huh? Are you really that desperate to get expelled, Sakamoto? Amamiya?”

Ren narrowed his eyes and stared the gym coach down defiantly. Beside him, Ryuji opened his mouth to bark something, but was cut off by the cold, stoic voice of the student council president.

“Is something the matter, Mr. Kamoshida?” Makoto appeared beside them, apparently having just arrived from the station. She glanced between both parties, her crimson eyes studying them before locking onto the cards they held. “What are those?”

Kamoshida watched her, then stood taller and showed her the card. “Apparently, someone’s decided to play a prank on me.”

“Oh?” Her eyes flicked over to Ren, who held his impassive expression. “And what exactly is this prank, if I may ask?”

"Here." He handed the crumpled card to her, which she quickly read.

Her face already held a serious look, but now it seemed hardened by sudden distress. She breathed in deeply, then handed the card back to him. "I suggest we take this up with Principal Kobayakawa, sir. It'd be best to have a plan rather than interrogate students randomly."

"...Fine, yeah. I'll go and see him." Kamoshida turned and walked away, but paused and looked back at them with a vengeful eye. "You three better stay out of trouble."

He left then, storming back into Shujin. Anyone in his path stepped aside and watched him pass by. Though, Ren couldn't help but notice the intense stare that Ms. Kawakami sent towards the former Olympic medalist, something like satisfaction glinting in her eyes before she disappeared inside too.

He was suddenly snapped back into reality when he felt Makoto's eyes on him and his friends. Ann watched her tentatively while Ryuji glared daggers at her before walking off, shouting that he'd text them later. Before long, Ann also left, disappearing into the school.

In the end, it was just the delinquent and the student council president left standing outside Shujin.

“I thought we agreed not to resort to violence.” Makoto folded her arms over her chest, her expression conflicted between anger and betrayal.

"We did," he said, laying out for her. "This wasn't us."

She stared at him and he stared at her. A moment passed in silence as they scrutinized each other's faces, reading each other's expressions to gauge their thoughts. Then, Ren gave a pained sigh and bowed his head.

"You don't believe me."

Makoto averted her gaze, bearing the same, hurt look as him. "You three are the only other people I know that would have the motivation to do something like this. I'm sorry, Amamiya-kun, but I can't discount you as a suspect."

That… stung. It was like a knife had been stabbed into his chest, impaling his heart and twisting to widen the wound. He'd trusted her, but… she hadn't trusted him.

She must’ve noticed the conflict playing out across his face, sudden guilt crossing her own countenance. Though, she didn’t comment on it as the bell rang, drawing their attention to the school.

“I have to go.” Makoto didn’t bring her eyes up to meet his, and he was fine with that.

Jamming his hands in his pocket, he started towards the station. “Me too.”

“So, what’s with the top hat and monocle?”

Boss scratched his head while Mona crossed his arms and hummed. They looked over the calling card while, beside them, Ronin pouted and gave an offended grumble.

“I thought it fit the whole gentleman thieves aesthetic.”

“Huh….” Boss lifted the card up and squinted at the logo she’d drawn for them. “Yeah, I think I can see it.”

Arbiter glanced between her teammates and smiled, but then raised her voice, “Are you all ready?”

Everyone turned to her as she crossed her arms and looked each of them in the eye.

"Alright, so we've recovered all the Will Seeds, located the Treasure, and secured our escape route." She rested her hands on her hips and took a resolute stance. "This is it, everyone. No mistakes. No do-overs. We only get one chance, and we need to make it count."

Ronin flourished her naginata, Boss shouldered his mace, and Mona grinned eagerly. They each nodded affirmingly, dead set on finishing what they’d started.

Together, they once more delved into Kamoshida’s Castle, ascending its vaunted heights for their final infiltration.

“On your left!” Arbiter shouted as she ran past a Shadow.

“Hey-” The guardsmen raised his sword against her, only for Boss to appear on his left side, swinging his mace about to smash it against his face and shatter his mask.

“Kami-no-Kaze!” Ronin called down zio spells, lightning crashing down on their opponents shortly before Mona followed up with a thrilled cackle.

Arbiter waved her hand once the Shadows dissipated into black vapor, signalling them to move forward.

They charged through the castle halls, entering the foyer and diving through the hidden entrance behind the painting of Kamoshida. Using the lift, they ascended to the top of the tower and trekked the final distance on foot.

“Incoming!” Ronin dropped down from above, her naginata aimed for the Shadow below her.

The guardsmen looked up just as the blade reached his face and pierced his mask. Ronin pulled her weapon free and jumped away, joining the rest of them as the Shadow convulsed and manifested into new forms.

“Jack-o’-Lantern!”

“Zorro!”

Their foes were consumed in flames and swept up in a torrent of wind, reduced to ashes in seconds. Arbiter and her team didn’t spare a second, falling back into a swift dash towards the stairs.

Climbing their way to the top, they came upon the doors of Kamoshida’s throne room.

“What the hell?” Boss combed fingers through his hair as he looked through the open threshold, searching for any guards or the tyrant king himself. “Why’re the doors open? And where the hell is everyone?”

Arbiter hummed as she stepped inside, gripping her handguns. “Something’s not right.”

Ronin followed her in, gripping her naginata tightly as she turned left and right, taking cautious steps forward. Behind her, Mona did the same, searching every nook and cranny for a threat to their plans.

“Maybe they’re just spread out across the castle?” Mona looked up at Arbiter, who continued to crane her head about the throne room. “It’s a possibility, considering we have the entire Palace on high alert.”

Arbiter looked at him with a cautious expression, but then holstered her guns and nodded. “Then we better be quick.”

They crossed the room and the hall behind it, then pushed open the doors of the treasury. Just like before, they were greeted with the sight of mounds of gold coins and trophies. However, a massive, opulent crown now hung in the air, glinting in the torchlight.

“That’s….” Arbiter wiped a hand over her jaw, trying to pull it up after it dropped to the ground. “That is far bigger than I was expecting.”

“But it’s just as I said, right?” Mona hopped up in front of them, grinning proudly. “Now we can steal it!”

Arbiter blinked, then looked at Boss and Ronin, who both stared incredulously at the sight before them.

Boss was the first to speak up, scratching his head anxiously. “You’re kidding me, right? How the hell are we supposed to carry that out of here?”

Mona seemed to ignore him, his eyes dilating as he turned to stare at the Treasure. “Look at it shine! It’s beautiful!”

Directing a sharp look at the cat, Arbiter rubbed her temples and sighed. Beside her, Ronin growled and crossed her arms. “I thought this was supposed to be Kamoshida’s desires? So why is it so… pretty?”

“This is his cognition,” Arbiter remarked, crossing her own arms as she studied the crown and their surroundings. “Anything that belongs to him is bound to be ostentatious in appearance.”

“I suppose….” A disturbed look crossed Ronin’s face and she exhaled. “Alright, I guess it’s time to get to work. Let’s-”

Before she could finish, a loud mewl sounded from beneath them and Mona suddenly shot up into the air. He landed on the crown, hugging it tightly as he rubbed his face against it while giving… delighted purrs.

They stared at Mona, then Boss burst into laughter. “Not a cat huh?”

Their Metaverse guide didn’t seem to hear him, instead meowing excitedly as he continued to cling to the crown. Admittedly, it was an amusing sight. After the first minute had passed, however, it quickly became awkward.

“Okay, that’s enough.” Arbiter reached forward and poked Mona’s nape. “Snap out of it. We need to get moving.”

That seemed to pull him out of his stupor, prompting Mona to drop down and bow his head. He shifted awkwardly, obviously embarrassed by his sudden outburst.

“S-Sorry about that.” He twiddled his paws and stole glances at them. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Yeah… that was really weird.” A faint smile sat on Ronin’s face as she bent down to Mona’s level. “And also super cute.”

Mona visibly bristled and turned around, huffing before sighing. “I couldn’t stop myself… To think I’d be drawn to human desires this much….”

Arbiter chuckled and reached out to rub his head. “We’ll count that as proof you’re human. Now come on, we can talk about this later.”

He pawed at her hand and shot her a sharp look, but let it slip away and gave an affirming nod.

THE MAGICIAN: Rank 2

Boss stepped forward and scratched his beard while Ronin moved around to the other side. Arbiter glanced over the front of it, then gripped the rim.

Whatever force or magic seemed to have been holding it up in the air suddenly vanished then. Where it had been weightless one moment, it now weighed like a ton of bricks.

She let out a startled cry as the crown began to fall. Boss gasped and grabbed the rim on his side, trying to help. And Ronin took the brunt of the weight as it fell towards her.

“Oh, geez!” Ronin wheezed from behind the crown. “This is way too heavy!”

“To think this went so well….” Mona hummed behind them, and Arbiter stole a glance back to glimpse him rubbing his chin. “And to think I’d find three Persona-users in the process.” He set his paws on his hips and beamed with pride once again. “My judgment was correct! I made the right choice in making a deal with-”

“Shut up and help us!” Arbiter shrieked as they stumbled around, trying to balance out the weight between them all.

Mona jumped and hopped over, though there wasn’t much he could do considering his size. However, he did manage to push open the doors for them as they shuffled off the mounds of gold, letting them pass through.

Arbiter breathed in deeply as she held one side of the crown, and then flashed the cat an appreciative smile. He, in turn, grinned and moved to open the next set of doors for them.

It took them some effort, but they managed to reach the throne room and descend down the stairs onto the floor.

“Alright, we just need to get this down-”

“Go, go! Let’s go! Ka-mo-shida!”

They froze upon hearing the cheery voice of a teenage girl, followed by the soft thud of rapidly approaching footsteps.

In her peripheral, Arbiter spied a blur in the air and suddenly a volleyball struck the crown in their hands. They gave startled cries as it was torn out of their grasp, bouncing on the ground before rolling to the foot of Kamoshida’s throne. A second after, the tyrant himself appeared, landing next to his Treasure.

“Ha! You really thought you could just take this?” Kamoshida taunted, reaching out a hand.

The room blurred and in the blink of an eye, the massive crown was gone. Instead, a smaller version of it was held in the man’s hand. He grinned and tossed it in the air while he stared them down. At the same time, cognitive versions of teenage girls appeared and Arbiter growled as the one representing Makoto clung to Kamoshida’s leg.

“You!” Ronin pulled out her naginata and brandished it menacingly.

The rest of them followed suit, readying themselves for a fight while Kamoshida arrogantly guffawed. "You see that, girls? My plan worked, now I’ll get to dispose of them myself. Right here, right now.”

Arbiter gripped her tonfas and looked him in the eyes. “I don’t think so. You’re going to pay for your crimes, Kamoshida!”

He guffawed again and wiped a tear from his eyes. “My crimes? You’re kidding right? You really think people are going to care?”

They narrowed their eyes and glared daggers as the volleyball coach rolled his eyes.

“Don’t you get it? Adults who share in my accomplishments, students who have the drive to become winners, they’re all protecting me because they get to profit off my talents. It’s what’s best for everyone!”

“This bastard,” Boss growled as he hefted up his mace. “You’re a goddamn lunatic, you know that?”

Kamoshida scowled then. “You goddamn imbeciles. There’s too many idiotic peasants like you in this world, thinking you know how things should be run. That includes that stupid girl who tried to kill herself-”

“That’s enough!” Ronin boldly stepped forward, baring gnashed teeth as she visibly trembled with anger. “You think you’re so high and mighty? That you should get to decide how people live their lives? Guess what, you’re not a king. You’re a filthy piece of scum still clinging to his past. You’re not great, you’re pathetic!”

The tyrant visibly bristled, baring his gnashed teeth as he glared daggers at her.

“That’s it!” Kamoshida shouted, a sudden flare of blood red ribbons enveloping him as he pushed away the teenage girls clinging to him. “I’ve heard enough out of you!”

They stumbled back as the castle quaked, the ceiling above them cracking and pieces of debris falling around them. The ground underneath Kamoshida darkened as his shadow bubbled, dark ooze reaching up to consume him as he began to… change.

“What the hell…?” Arbiter stared wide-eyed as the tyrant king convulsed, his body contorting into a grotesque shape and grew to a gargantuan size.

“You think you can talk to me like that?” Kamoshida roared furiously, his voice gargling and distorted, sounding less human with every word he bellowed. “I’m the king of this goddamn castle! Me! I’m a god!”

When the oozing shadows washed away, his skin had turned into a raw pink color. Drool oozed from a jagged maw as an enormous tongue smacked against the floor. Bulging, blood red eyes searched the room before locking onto them and narrowing with malicious intent. Horns sprouted from a massive head while an extra pair of arms erupted from his back, and in each hand, Kamoshida’s Shadow wielded a different object: a knife, a fork, a riding crop, and a wine glass hosting the cognitive version of the blonde teen Takamaki.

“You’re no god,” Ronin snapped back, readying herself alongside the rest of their team. “You’re a demon!”

Kamoshida roared, waving around his four arms and spewing spittle across the throne room.

“Get ready!” Arbiter took an offensive pose as she looked left and right, locking eyes with each of her teammates. "Let's finish this!”

Before them, the demonic form of Kamoshida towered above them, leering at them menacingly. On either side of him appeared lineups of cowering teens chained to iron balls, all of them dressed in Shujin’s volleyball team uniform.

He struck the ground with his riding crop and snarled like a vicious animal. “You’re all going to die here! Slaves, execute them!”

Each of the teens produced a volleyball in their hands and they took position. Arbiter glanced between both lineups and then at the support columns holding up the balconies above them.

“Get to cover!” She dashed over to the nearest column, grabbing Mona along the way.

Ronin and Boss dove behind the column opposite of them across the room. A second later, the volleyball players jumped up and spiked their balls, sending them hurtling towards where they’d stood a moment ago.

Arbiter stowed her tonfas and whipped out her handguns, gripping them tightly as she took a deep breath. Stepping out of cover, she pulled the triggers and opened fire.

She watched every bullet bounce off Kamoshida’s chest, barely leaving a mark while the demonic tyrant himself gave little to no reaction. If anything, he appeared more annoyed.

“Ronin!” Arbiter called and her teammate came out, flourishing her naginata. “Give him a shock!”

Her friend gripped her mask and shouted, “Unleash your fury, Kami-no-Kaze!”

A bolt of lightning came crashing down, striking Kamoshida who roared in anger and pain. His arms flailed and he lurched forward, only to rise back up with smoke trailing off his back.

“Boss!” Arbiter called before their opponent could make a move of his own.

Boss came running out, hand already on his mask. “Light ‘em up, Chiron!”

His Persona appeared and nocked a shimmering arrow before letting it loose. It struck Kamoshida in the head, erupting in a plume of flames that knocked the tyrant back. However, he recovered immediately.

“We’re barely leaving a scratch on him!” Mona remarked, watching their foe’s movements.

Arbiter grimaced and pulled out her tonfas. “Any idea on how we beat him?”

Mona didn’t reply immediately, his eyes observing the demonic form of Kamoshida before locking onto his head. “His crown! If we can steal his Treasure, it should transform him back!”

“And you’re sure about that?”

“Yes!”

Arbiter clenched her jaw and looked around. They couldn’t get to it by ground, but maybe one of them could climb up to the balcony? Or perhaps, they could distract him while someone snuck beneath the balcony to circle around behind him?

“Wait, what’s he doing?” Ronin shouted.

They all watched as he looked to his side as the cognitive versions of Makoto and Suzui appeared, hoisting a trophy filled with… human legs? Very effeminate legs.

“Here you are, sir!” the cognitive Makoto chirped, giving an uncharacteristic giggle that boiled Arbiter’s insides.

“Good work, pet!” He raised his fork and impaled a body, then ripped it out to eat it in a single bite. “Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. That hits the spot!”

Disgust crossed all of their faces as they watched him savor his impromptu meal. Though, Arbiter noticed the marks they’d left on his inhuman flesh disappearing, seemingly healing.

“He’s recovering!”

“Seriously?” Mona cried out. “We need to destroy that trophy then!”

They exchanged brief looks before turning back to Kamoshida as he raised his riding crop and struck the ground. “Come on! Hit ‘em this time!”

The volleyball players jumped up to spike their balls again, however, the chains binding them caught and they were yanked back down to the ground. Their shots went wild, none landing anywhere close to them.

“You miserable slaves can’t do a damn thing right!” Kamoshida raised his knife and grinned sadistically. “Let me show you how it’s done!”

Arbiter’s eyes blew open wide as he swung at them. “Incoming!”

She raised her tonfas and jumped back, but he still managed to hit her. Her weapons took the blow, but she was still thrown back a few paces.

“Arbiter!”

“I’m fine!” She glanced from Ronin’s worried face to Boss. “Boss, use your grenade launcher on the trophy! Ronin, follow up with zio!”

Both her teammates nodded and took positions. Boss grabbed his firearm and took aim, then pulled the trigger. The muffled sound of the grenade being fired was followed by an echoing explosion as it struck the trophy.

“Hey, watch it!” Kamoshida roared, holding an arm around in front of the marred and fractured trophy protectively. “You don’t know what this is worth-”

Just as he finished, Ronin held out her naginata and placed a hand against her mask. “Kami-no-Kaze!”

Another bolt of lightning fell from above, crashing down on the trophy in a flash of light. Kamoshida roared again as glinting, golden debris flew everywhere.

“No way! This was from when I won the national!”

He fell into a furious rant as he abandoned his weapons to hold up pieces of his ruined trophy. All the while, Arbiter looked at Mona.

“Mona, now! Get up onto the balcony!”

Mona grinned and nodded, then dashed over to the nearest pillar and climbed up. Once he’d disappeared from her sight, she turned to Ronin and Boss.

“We need to keep him distracted! Follow my lead!”

Both nodded and they rushed their opponent together. Launching into an all-out attack, they landed a flurry of blows against him. He bellowed and swatted his arms about, but he couldn’t touch any of them with his frantic flailing.

They were forced to retreat, however, once he’d picked up his knife and swung it around in an attempt to catch them.

“How dare you!” Kamoshida sneered, grabbing his weapons and holding them up maliciously. “You damn peasants! Don’t you get it? I’m the king of this castle! If I’m not, then who is!”

Ronin scoffed and stared him down. “You still think there needs to be a king? You know what, I thought you were terrifying, but now I know you’re just pathetic!”

His blood red eyes locked onto her and he released a furious roar before swinging at her. Ronin raised her naginata and took the blow, then retaliated with her SMG.

She fired off a haze of bullets, forcing him to raise his arms up defensively. With his vision obscured, Arbiter looked to Boss and gave a gesture, to which he nodded and rushed forward.

Boss unleashed a battle cry as he swung his mace, bashing one arm and then another. He managed to land a third hit before backing off as Kamoshida stabbed down with his knife, narrowly missing him.

“That’s it!” Kamoshida glared daggers at them as he sat up straighter. “Looks like I need to bring out the big guns! Slaves, bring out my ball!”

Arbiter narrowed her eyes as the chains binding every volleyball player unclasped, letting them flee. A moment later, a bruised and beaten boy in a Shujin uniform came stumbling over with a volleyball.

“M-Mishima?” Ronin gasped, her eyes wide with recognition and dread.

Boss shot her a quizzical look. “Who?”

“Snap out of it!” Arbiter barked, catching their attention. “Keep your head in the game! He isn’t real!”

Her teammates grimaced and nodded, taking their weapons in their hands and holding them tightly. Across from them, the cognitive Mishima lifted his volleyball in the air as if he was presenting an offering.

“I-I’ve got your ball right here, sir!”

“A little slow on the uptake, Mishima!” Kamoshida struck the ground with his riding crop. “Now toss it up for me, would ya?”

Mishima hunched down in preparation to toss him the ball, but froze. His eyes widened as he looked past Kamoshida. Arbiter followed his gaze and felt her heart sink as she noticed Mona on the balcony too.

“Huh? Who’s there!” Kamoshida bellowed and swung his knife.

Mona shrieked as he hopped down while the king’s knife carved out a sizable chunk off the balcony. He scurried back over to them, a defeated look on his face.

“Dammit.” Arbiter gripped her tonfas and searched for another opening. “What do we do?”

They could try again, but there was no guarantee he’d be as ignorant as before. Sneaking behind him wasn’t an option with Mishima on the lookout. However, what about above?

Her eyes moved to the chandelier hanging over him.

She recalled Mona instructing her on the grappling hook’s functionality and utility. Everything in this world worked on cognition, on belief. Perhaps it was time to put blind faith to work.

"Behold my gold medal winning spike!"

She briefly had a moment to register Kamoshida's gargantuan figure jumping up into the air and striking a volleyball that had grown to ten times its size.

Eyes wide and alarmed, she dove for cover while shouting for her compatriots to do the same. They just barely managed to dodge the ball as it crashed down in the spot they'd been, shaking the entire tower with its impact.

"Goddammit!" Kamoshida bellowed and struck the cognitive Mishima, flinging him into the shadow of the balcony. "Get the hell off my court, shit for brains! Where's the rest of my slaves? Someone else get out here!"

From seemingly nowhere, the bikini clad forms of the cognitive Makoto and Suzui came skipping out, volleyball in their arms. Arbiter clenched her jaw and resisted the urge to fling obscenities towards the demonic tyrant.

Instead, she focused her attention on putting her plan to work.

“Get him to attack us with his knife!” Arbiter ordered, prompting her teammates to shoot her alarmed looks which she returned with a confident one. “Trust me!”

They exchanged looks, then raised their weapons.

“Chiron!”

“Zorro!”

Boss and Mona’s fire and wind spells washed over Kamoshida, who bellowed in rage and agony. Both cognitive versions of the teen girls shrieked as they were blown away, disappearing into the billowing smoke. Kamoshida briefly glanced around for them, then growled as he raised his knife. At the same time, Ronin rushed forward and delivered a few, swift swings of her naginata before leaping back next to Arbiter.

“You’re all dead meat!” the demonic tyrant shouted as he brought the knife down on them.

They both sidestepped, narrowly dodging the falling knife. However, Arbiter jumped up and onto the weapon itself, balancing precariously on the back of the blade.

“What the hell?” Kamoshida tore the knife out of the ground, yanking it up.

Clenching her jaw, she held her balance for a second longer before jumping straight up, using the momentum to propel herself higher. Then, at the apex of her leap, she reached out her right hand and shot her grappling hook.

It latched onto the ceiling, right next to the chandelier, and she zipped up before letting go. Landing on the fixture itself, she grabbed the chain holding it up to steady herself then pulled out her pistol. She took a brief moment to scan the ground beneath her, spying Kamoshida and his glinting crown.

“Look out below.”

Arbiter fired, snapping the chain and sending the chandelier plummeting.

Just before it came crashing down on Kamoshida, she jumped off and into the air again. As he roared and crumpled underneath the fixture, she caught the crown that’d been knocked off his head and landed behind him, rolling onto her feet.

Silence followed the cacophony of battle, her teammates lowering their weapons as they stared in wonder. Kamoshida barely moved beneath the rubble, giving labored breaths as he began to shrink and transform, returning to his original form. And behind him, Arbiter examined the crown as it shrunk too, becoming a realistic size that she could easily hold under one arm.

“Oh yeah! We did it!” Mona cheered, hopping towards her.

Arbiter breathed in and surveyed the throne room, searching for any Shadows to combat. Yet, none appeared and she exhaled before allowing herself to smile.

“That we did.”

She stepped forward, moving to join her team. Suddenly, however, a hand grasped her ankle and she gasped in surprise, jerked her foot forward. The hand refused to let go and she ended up falling over, tripping over debris and rubble.

Behind her, Kamoshida pulled himself out of the husk of the chandelier and ran over, grabbing his crown before fleeing towards a door beneath the balcony.

Arbiter growled, then shouted, “Stop him!”

She looked to her teammates and spied Ronin bearing a scowl as she tossed her naginata up, caught it, took aim, and then threw it.

It sailed through the air and impaled itself into the frame of the door leading to the balcony, blocking Kamoshida’s path forward. He stumbled back, glanced at them, and then threw his shoulder through the doorway.

Arbiter climbed back onto her feet and quickly joined her companions, all of whom took positions around the threshold, blocking Kamoshida’s way back. The tyrant himself now stood on a balcony, no other way to leave other than over the railing.

"What's wrong?"

Ronin stalked towards Kamoshida, her hands held into tight fists. She spoke with a quiet, angry voice, like the tranquil calm before a furious storm.

"Nowhere left for you to run? Nowhere to hide?” She stopped short of the door and ripped out her naginata from the frame, then reached up and took off her mask. “But, this is you we’re talking about, right? I’m sure you can still run. I mean, you’re an ex-Olympic athlete, you can do anything, right?”

He turned to them, wearing a terrified countenance that morphed into one of anger.

“Y-You're just like all those goddamn hyenas, forcing their expectations on me!” He swept out a hand, desperately trying to justify his own sins. “I’m doing this all for them! What’s wrong about demanding a rew-”

Kamoshida didn’t finish as Sadayo suddenly rushed forward and delivered a punch to his face. He reeled back and stumbled into the balcony railing.

She stormed forward with malicious intent, unfaltering in her warpath. Throwing her naginata aside, she clenched her hands into fists and bared gnashed teeth.

Kamoshida looked around, then behind him over the edge. He stumbled away from it, only to have Sadayo grab his neck and throw him into the railing, forcing him to stare down the side of his own tower.

“Suzui must have seen the same thing, you know?” Sadayo sneered as she held him down. “She must have been terrified. She had no one to go to. Nowhere to go. Except over the edge.”

“P-Please-”

He was cut off, Sadayo slamming his face into the railing. She stepped back as he slumped down, then rolled over to face her.

Kamoshida looked up at the face of his fellow faculty member, terror in his eyes as she stood over him.

Sadayo threw a punch, then another. She threw a third punch, then a fourth, and a fifth.

He tried to pick himself up, but she grabbed his face and threw his head back down on the railing, cracking it.

"I-I surrender-"

"Shut up!"

She grabbed him by the hem of his cloak and smashed him down on the railing, shattering it. He lay sprawled among the rubble, his head hanging over the edge with the only thing keeping him up being her iron grip.

"Ronin!" Arbiter warned as she took cautious steps towards her with a hand held up. "If you kill him, he doesn't get to pay for all of his crimes."

"But he does!" Sadayo screamed, her voice dripping with venom but also laced with grief. "He doesn't get to hurt anyone ever again, and everyone else gets to live!"

"But no one gets to know the truth!"

"...."

Sadayo glared at her, pure hatred in her eyes. Then, she looked back down at the man beneath her.

Kamoshida whimpered, sniffling and sweating.

"P-Please… forgive me-"

“I said shut up!” She picked him up and slammed him back down. “Suzui must have asked you the same thing! Everyone must have asked you the same thing! But you still took everything from them!”

He began to cry, sobbing as the shadow of imminent death stretched over him. Sadayo scowled, then looked down at the crown in his hands. She tore it from his grasp and threw it back at Arbiter, who caught it in her hands. She, Boss, and Mona watched morbidly as she returned to beating Kamoshida’s Shadow.

“If- If you kill me, the real me goes too-”

Sadayo yanked him up until he could see the fury burning in her eyes. “And what’s the problem with that?”

Kamoshida stared at her in despair as she gripped the hem of his cloak and sat up, prepared to throw him over the ledge. A tense second passed as she watched him, studying his pale face. The dread and horror in his eyes seemed to fade as acceptance took over, his trembling ceasing as he let his grip on her wrists loosen.

“Sadayo.” Arbiter clasped her shoulder and she looked back to find her wearing a solemn look. Another second passed, then she bowed her head.

Then, she pulled herself up and hauled Kamoshida to his feet before throwing him back inside the throne room. He landed with a grunt before Boss and Mona, who looked down at him with revulsion.

Sadayo took a step towards him, then fell to her knees and let out a furious, anguished scream. All of her anger and pain, the pent up rage and bottled up fury was vented until her throat became hoarse. Tears streaked her pale face as she bowed her head, feeling empty but lighter as the burdens she'd carried were finally lifted.

Arbiter knelt beside her and rubbed circles into her back, then she stood up and walked towards Kamoshida.

"You’re going to pay for every life you’ve taken.” Steely, crimson eyes stared into his own, boring deep into his soul. “For every life you’ve ruined. You’re going to pay for them all.”

Kamoshida stared at her, then he nodded. “I… I understand….”

Arbiter watched him bow his head, but then she gasped as he began to glow. Boss and Mona grabbed their weapons while Sadayo reached for her naginata. Before any of them could do anything, Kamoshida began to… fade away, becoming a shower of glittering lights that lifted up into the air.

“I’ll make certain that I pay for everything I’ve-….”

And then, he was gone.

They stared at the spot he’d been lying, then looked up at each other. Exchanging shocked looks, they then turned to Mona.

Sadayo climbed back onto her feet and gripped her weapon tightly. “What just-”

Before she could finish, the tower quaked and the ceiling cracked. The support columns fractured as the decorative plants wilted.

“We don’t have a lot of time!” Mona shouted, moving towards the exit. “The Palace is falling apart!”

Arbiter nodded and shot Boss a look. Then, she turned to Sadayo. “Can you run?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“Then let’s move.”

They made a beeline for the exit, running as far and as fast as they could. No Shadows stood in their way, but the castle itself became their obstacle as pieces of it fell in their path.

For the most part, they managed to make it to the lift and ride it back down. Yet, as they drew closer to their way out, they began to lose steam.

“Agh! Dammit!” Boss cried, tumbling over.

“Boss!” Sadayo shouted.

“I’m too old for this shit!”

Arbiter ran back, tucked Kamoshida’s crown under one arm, and slung his arm over her shoulders, hoisting him back onto his feet. Sadayo grabbed his other arm as Mona, who’d curiously transformed back into a cat, scurried ahead towards the light at the end of the hall.

“The destination has been deleted.”

They stared at their phones, then looked up at each other.

“So… that’s it?” Sojiro, who sat on the floor of the alley as he rubbed his legs, panted and looked between them all. “We did it?”

Sae pressed her lips into a thin line, then nodded. “I suppose we did.”

“What about the Treasure?” Morgana shrieked, scampering over to paw at her pant leg.

She blinked, then looked around. There was no crown in the alley, but she did feel a strange weight in her pocket.

Reaching in, she grabbed something round and metallic, a ribbon tied to it. Pulling it out, she stared at the gold medal.

“Is that a medal?” Sadayo crossed her arms and looked at it worriedly. “Where’d the crown go?”

A second passed before Morgana spoke up, “That is the crown.”

“Come again?” Sojiro asked.

Morgana looked at all of them, then elaborated, “To him, that medal is worth as much as that crown we saw in the Palace.”

Sae hummed and turned the medal over, studying the design. “An Olympic gold medal. Kamoshida really was clinging to the past.”

She sighed and stowed the medal away back in her pocket, then leaned against the wall. Exhaustion was starting to creep at the edges of her mind, invisible hands reaching out to pull her down.

“So, does that mean we changed his heart?” Sadayo looked at Morgana as she sat down, her arms still held over her chest.

Morgana gave the cat’s equivalent of a shrug. “Probably.”

Sadayo stared at him, then narrowed her eyes as she threw her arms up in the air. “What do you mean probably?”

Startled by her outburst, he jumped back. “I mean, I think we did it.”

“There’s a lot riding on the line here, Morgana!”

“I know, I know.” He padded over to her and sat down. “But you gotta have faith. The Palace was destroyed and Kamoshida’s Shadow returned to his true self. Everything went perfectly as we planned, so I think we did it.”

Sadayo gave him a hesitant look, then turned her eyes to Sae, who observed with a studious look. Their eyes met and Sae rubbed her neck. “We can never be too cautious, but the only way we’ll find out is if we can observe Kamoshida in the real world.”

The teacher sighed and bowed her head. “I guess I can check on him tomorrow and text you guys about it.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Sojiro tried to get up, only to grunt and fall back down with a groan. “Can someone help me up?”

Makoto bobbed her knee restlessly as she sat in her room. She was hunched over her desk, staring at her textbook while tapping a pencil against the page. She’d started studying an hour or so ago, however, she had yet to get past the first page.

She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t worried about the situation at Shujin. As student council president, she was supposed to be the liaison between the faculty and the student body. However, when the faculty was corrupt and the student body was willing to go to any length to fight back, what side was she supposed to stand on?

She should report Amamiya and his friends to the principal, just to be certain that they weren’t the self-proclaimed Phantom Thieves. Yet, she had no evidence besides the fact that they had the right motives to undertake such a threat against Kamoshida.

Could she really expose them, though? They were the only ones willing to take down a monster like Kamoshida. Should she really be prepared to defend a horrible person like him?

"Makoto, I'm home!"

Makoto sat up and glanced towards the door, relief flooding her. If there was anyone that could help her sort through this mess, it would be her sister… if she had the time, of course….

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she stood up and shuffled out into the hall in her Buchimaru-kun slippers. Moving into the living room, she found Sae setting down her bag and Morgana padding around the floor.

Her older sister seemed to have taken a liking to her therapy cat, despite how hesitant she’d seemed at first.

“Hey, Sis.” She waved and Sae looked over at her, a smile crossing her face.

“Hello, Makoto.” She strode over, eyes locked onto her slipper-clad feet. “I see you’re getting some use out of your birthday gift.”

She flushed red and averted her gaze, trying to hide her bashful countenance. All the while, her sister chuckled under her breath as she strode over to the kitchen, Morgana following behind her.

The cat mewled, its bright, blue eyes looking up at Sae. Her sister, in turn, looked down to it with an arched eyebrow before she sighed and gave a nod. “Very well.”

Makoto blinked and stared at her. “What was that, Sis?”

“Uh, nothing!” Sae opened up the fridge and leaned inside, hiding her face behind the door. “I was just… thinking about dinner.”

“Well, I made you some already. It’s in the usual place.”

“I see. Thank you.”

A moment later, she stepped back with a Tupperware box in her hands. While she strode over to the microwave, Makoto sat down at the dinner table and tapped her fingers on the surface, trying to figure out how to lead into asking for her help with the Phantom Thieves.

She didn’t want to outright say that Amamiya was planning to, or possibly planning to, blackmail Kamoshida by robbing him of something.

But she also didn’t want to make it vague enough that Sae would give a half-hearted answer that was unrelated to the issue at hand.

Makoto bit her bottom lip and bowed her head in despair. Just then though, Morgana hopped up into her lap and she jumped, gasping in surprise.

The cat mewled and sat down on her legs, then looked over at Sae who was now directing her attention over at her.

“...Is everything alright, Makoto?”

“I- Well….” She closed her mouth and looked away, trying to find the right words to lead with. “Yes, everything’s fine. I’m just… worried about the current state of Shujin.”

“What do you mean?” Sae stepped over to her, arms crossing as she took on a quizzical countenance. “Has something happened?”

She was hesitant to answer at first, unsure if she should really be dragging her sister into this. Though, now that she’d brought the subject into the spotlight, there was no way she’d just let her go without elaborating.

“Today… the school received a threat- Well, not a threat- Er, it was a threat-....” Makoto took a deep breath and wrung her hands anxiously. “They accused that faculty member I told you about of the rumors that have been circulating… I’m worried that they might follow through on their threat.”

She waited for her sister’s response, already trying to imagine what she might say. She’d either be alarmed and suggest calling the police, both to stop an incident from occurring and also bringing the law to involve themselves with the ongoing crises at Shujin. Or, she’d suggest relying on the other faculty members. Perhaps, she might even ask her for the evidence so she could start an investigation once she returned to work-

“That… sounds troublesome.” Sae stroked her chin and looked up, crimson eyes staring at the ceiling for a moment before she glanced down at her and Morgana, who still sat in her lap. “Are you sure this isn’t just… a prank?”

“I… I don’t think it is.”

“How do you know?”

Makoto blinked and stared at her older sister. “I mean, I don’t. But, I have a strong suspicion that the party involved may try something.”

“...Well, I’m sure the faculty members have it handled.” Sae placed her hands on her hips and smiled. “If not, then the police should be able to get involved before anyone gets hurt. That is, if the principal is willing to cooperate with the proper authorities for once.”

Makoto studied her sister’s face for a moment, her mind boggled by Sae’s less than authoritative stance on the matter. Usually, her sister was the cold and calculating type, measuring the problem and finding out how to strike in order to deal with it. Yet… now she was acting so… reluctant to involve herself.

Before she could question her on that, however, the microwave beeped and Sae yawned, stretching her limbs. Morgana mewled and hopped off her lap to circle around Sae’s legs, prompting her sibling to look down at it with a glower, then sigh in exasperation.

“I’m sorry that I can’t help you too much, Makoto.” She laid a hand on her shoulder and gave a warm smile. “Just know that… I feel like everything should turn out alright soon. Okay?”

Makoto stared at her for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. “If you say so, Sis.”

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 2

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 2

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 1

The PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 1

Chapter Text

4/26
Tuesday

<Kawakami Sadayo> Good news, I think? Kamoshida didn’t show up today.

<Kawakami Sadayo> I asked the principal about it and he said that he apparently placed himself on suspension.

<Sakura Sojiro> Well, at least we know something’s happened.

<Niijima Sae> Indeed.

<Niijima Sae> For now, we just have to be patient.

Ren kept his head down as he walked up the stairs to the second floor of Shujin. Today was officially his first day back, and people were already gossiping about his return.

“I heard someone saw him in Shinjuku.”

“Was he dealing drugs?”

“Do you think he was involved with that calling card?”

“He must be! Him and Sakamoto attacked Kamoshida, remember?”

Stifling a growl, he clenched his jaw and wore a deep frown as he made his way to his classroom. Other students stepped aside to let him pass, most of them frightened by his very presence. The rest were ignorant to him, save for Ann, who had returned as well.

She waved him down from her seat in front of his and he set his bag down.

“Have you seen Kamoshida?” she asked, glancing around nervously.

Ren shook his head. “No, not yet. He’ll probably turn up to gloat or something.”

Ann sighed and tapped her hands on her desk. “...You think those guys, the- uh, ‘Phantom Thieves’, actually went through with their threat?”

He pursed his lips, then shrugged. “Who knows-”

“Perfect timing!” They both jumped as Ms. Kawakami stepped over to them wearing a fretful face. “Sorry to bother you both before class starts, but I just wanted to let you know that study hall will be held instead of PE today. There was an announcement earlier over the intercom, but I just wanted to make sure you both knew.”

“Uh, thanks, Ms. Kawakami.” Ann glanced between her and him. “That’s… really nice of you.”

Ren tilted his head and furrowed his brow. “Wait, why is that happening? I mean, what happened to PE?”

She glanced around, then leaned in a bit before speaking in a hushed voice, “Don’t tell anyone that you heard this from me, but Mr. Kamoshida placed himself on suspension. What for, I don’t know.” She rubbed her head and looked away, but Ren swore he spied a delighted shine in her eyes. “It’s terrible, especially with the tournament coming up so soon too.”

“Why would Kamoshi- Er, Mr. Kamoshida do that?” Ann gasped, sitting up straighter.

Ms. Kawakami shrugged and held her arms crossed over her chest. “According to Principal Kobayakawa, he tried to ask him about it, but he wasn’t making any sense.”

“That’s… weird.” Ren pushed up his glasses as their teacher nodded.

“Alright, well, I have to get class started.” She turned to leave, but stopped and glanced back at them. “Oh, and just so you know, the discussion about your altercation with Mr. Kamoshida might be put on hold. It’s nothing concrete, but just to give you a heads up.”

With that, she left for the front of the classroom, leaving both Ren and Ann to exchange baffled looks.

"Alright, do you want the good news or the bad news?”

Sae's eyes widened in alarm as she looked up at Dr. Takemi, who swiveled around on her chair to face her.

"Bad news?”

The good doctor's impassive face took on a mischievous smile as she leaned back and waved her clipboard nonchalantly. "Just kidding. It's just good news and… normal news."

A second passed, then Sae frowned and gave an exasperated sigh. “The good news, please.”

Dr. Takemi nodded and held up her clipboard to read the results of her examination. "Your pulse and blood pressure seem fine. Your blood tests are normal as well. And I'm assuming all of the bruising is from your kickboxing lessons?"

"That's correct."

"And you said there were no adverse effects of taking my medication?"

"Not that I recall." Sae rubbed her back, feeling the bruising. "It worked fairly quickly, far quicker than any painkiller I've ever taken before."

"That was the goal when I made it." The doctor waved her pen and looked up at her. "I needed something that worked fast, but efficiently. Glad to know it was a success."

Sae crossed her legs and nodded solemnly. "Will any of that data prove useful?"

"Immensely, actually." Dr. Takemi swiveled back around to set her clipboard down. "You can't improve on something unless you know where to start. Thanks to you, I think I can pinpoint where to begin."

"I'm glad to hear it." Sae tapped her knee and glanced at the medicine cabinet nearby. "Just out of curiosity, do you plan on distributing the improved product any time soon?"

The good doctor glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, then turned to face her again.

"Why do you ask? You don't plan on competing in some underground arena do you?"

"No, nothing of the sort."

"But you want medication that heals faster and works better?"

"Yes, that's correct."

They stared each other down, neither of them willing to back down. For all her flippancy and carefree mannerisms, Dr. Takemi knew when to stand her ground. However, Sae was never one to submit in the face of adversity or competition.

For a moment, it seemed they were doomed to remain locked in a staring contest until they both heard someone opening the door to the exam room.

"Oh, so you are here." A scowling police officer barged in, slamming the door behind him and crossing his arms as he looked down at the doctor.

Their stare down interrupted, Dr. Takemi sighed and looked up at him with a frustrated countenance. "I'm in the middle of an examination, officer. This is a massive breach of a patient's privacy."

The officer flicked his eyes between them, then scoffed. "You expect me to wait while you hide the evidence?"

Dr. Takemi sighed as she leaned back, folding her arms over her chest. All the while, Sae watched with a scrutinous eye, taking in every detail of the invasive officer. He had already violated a number of laws just by intruding.

"I've told you before," Dr. Takemi said as she held a glare with the man, "if you want to investigate me you need to show me a warrant."

He rolled his eyes haughtily. "I'm here because we received a report. I'll need to see a detailed statement of medical expenses and full medical records." An arrogant smirk crossed his face as he tipped his nose up to look down at her. "I bet you didn't have any time to hide any incriminating documents, huh?"

Dr. Takemi's frown deepened as she sat up, clearly aggravated by the sudden intrusion. However, she gave an exacerbated sigh and turned to access her computer.

Sae felt a flare of white hot anger as she watched the officer—Hayashi Sohei, according to the tag on his jacket—give a triumphant chuckle. It reminded all too well of her early years in her workplace, when her superiors had enjoyed every second of stepping all over her.

"Officer Hayashi Sohei, correct?" Sae stood up, her heels clacking on the floor as she stepped forward and crossed her arms, taking a resolute stance between him and the good doctor.

Officer Hayashi turned his glare to her, obviously hoping to intimidate her into silence. Despite his height and build, she stood as tall as him and was undeterred by his brawn. She'd faced down men like him far too many times to feel any morsel of dread.

"Yeah, and you are?"

"Prosecutor Niijima Sae," she answered, her voice cold and sharp like a steel razor. "Care to explain why you're breaking and entering into Dr. Takemi's clinic without issuing a warrant first?"

He seemed caught off-guard, his eyes briefly widening as his stone hard visage cracked. Behind her, she heard the creak of Dr. Takemi's chair as she swiveled around to watch the show.

"I don't need to explain myself to you."

"I believe you do." She hardened her glare and shifted her weight from one hip to the other. "Without a warrant, you are incapable of legally searching the premises. Furthermore, should you obtain any evidence, none of it will be permissible in the court of law."

"I still have probable cause-"

"Let me guess," Dr. Takemi interjected, her tone more playful than annoyed now, "the medical chief of staff claimed I'm a malpractitioner? Well, sorry to tell you, but you’ve been sent on a wild goose chase."

He blinked and stared at her in surprise. Sae stole a glance back at her as well, finding the good doctor wearing a coy smile. They shared the same, fiendish look, like wolves smelling blood and preparing to go for the kill.

"You know, officer, if Dr. Takemi truly felt like it, she could take you to court over this." Sae turned back to the man, holding her impassive face. "And, let me remind you, that the justice system has maintained a ninety-nine percent success rate. I doubt you might change those odds."

"Y-You can't-"

"Oh, I can. I even have Dr. Takemi here as my witness."

She gestured back at the bluenette, who'd been watching with a near-sadistic smile. Upon hearing herself being referenced, she smiled wider and waved.

Officer Hayashi flapped his mouth dumbly for a moment, barely able to form coherent words. Sae had to force down the urge to smile and ruin her poker face. Though, that didn't seem to stop Dr. Takemi from speaking up with a taunting tone, "So, was there anything else you needed, officer? As you can see, I'm quite busy at the moment."

He glanced between them, then narrowed his eyes vindictively. "...Fine." He turned to leave, pushing open the door and setting one foot out before shooting a glare over his shoulder at them. "I hope you did your homework at least, Prosecutor Niijima. I wouldn't trust the Plague with my life if I were you."

With that, he slammed the door and left.

Sae watched the door for a moment, then turned to Dr. Takemi. She expected her to still be wearing that pleased smile, but it seemed to have fallen into a worried frown. When she flicked her eyes up at her, she took on her usual, easy going demeanor once more.

"Sorry about that." She gestured at the door. "That's what I was worried you'd be like, by the way."

Sae hummed affirmingly, but narrowed her eyes. "So… the Plague?"

A shadow seemed to fall over the good doctor's face as she sighed in exasperation. Cradling her forehead in one hand, she reclined in her swivel chair and stared at the ceiling. "Ugh. Look, it's the nickname I earned in the medical community after… an incident." She glanced over at her, daring, brown eyes locking with her inquisitive, crimson eyes. "Does that worry you, Miss Prosecutor?"

Sae stared her down for a moment, as she had so many times before. Then, she closed her eyes and shook her head. "It certainly gives me reason to be cautious, but I see no reason to distrust you at the moment."

Dr. Takemi observed her for a moment, scrutinizing her countenance for and falsehoods before she grew a pleased smile. "Alright, if you say so. Now, let's talk about my upcoming, improved product."

DEATH: Rank 2

4/27
Wednesday

"For real?" Ryuji practically shouted, eyes blown open wide as he stared at both Ren.

"Dude, keep it down." Ren sunk a bit lower in his seat, flushing red as he stole glances at the other customers inside the Big Bang Burger. "We don't need half of Shibuya hearing us."

“Uh, my bad.” The blond punk rubbed his neck, but then grew a smile. "But, come on, dude. This is big stuff. Whoever these Phantom Thieves guys are, they totally got Kamoshida!"

"We don't know that for sure."

"Well... yeah, I guess. But still, something must've happened."

Ren shrugged and combed fingers through his hair as he tried to think about what might’ve actually happened. As far as anyone knew, someone had tried to out Kamoshida and threatened to steal from him. Then, two days later, he stopped showing up to Shujin.

Of course, people were pinning the blame on the delinquent transfer student and the former track star. Although, no one had real evidence and the principal hadn’t involved himself with them. Not even Niijima-senpai had approached him again on the topic….

A defeated sigh escaped him and he bowed his head, feeling a painful tug in his chest at the thought of his last interaction with the student council president. Hopefully, they could put all this behind them whenever all of this was over.

"Hey, guys." Ann suddenly appeared, striding over and sliding into the booth seat, forcing Ryuji to scoot over. "Sorry, I'm late."

“It’s alright.” Ren sat up in his chair and glanced over at the counter. “Were you wanting to order something?”

“No, I’m fine.” Her gaze fell to the table for a brief moment before she looked up with a bittersweet smile. “I went to see Shiho…. She hasn’t woken up yet.”

They sat in silence for a bit, none of them sure what to say next. The weight of their situation still lingered in the air, even with Kamoshida out of school for the foreseeable future.

“...Is she doin’ alright?” Ryuji asked, to which Ann gave a soft laugh.

“Yeah. The doctors say she’ll pull through, but… it might be a while before she regains consciousness.”

She grew a frown and a shadow fell over her face. The telltale signs of guilt showed in her eyes as she breathed in and sat back against her seat.

“It’s not your fault,” Ren said, sitting up and putting an arm on the table. “Kamoshida’s the one who did all of this.”

She shrugged and stared at the table. “Yeah, but… I wasn’t there for her when she needed me… I’m a failure of a friend….”

“That’s bullshit!” Ryuji slapped a hand on the table, startling them both. “You didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Ryuji, volume,” Ren tutted, to which the punk held up a finger then groaned.

Ann laughed and held a hand over her mouth, then sighed again, this time with more satisfaction.

“I know you’re right, Ryuji.” She looked over and flashed him a smile. “Kamoshida’s the real villain, but I just can’t help but feel a little responsible for not putting a stop to it. That’s why I’m going to work extra hard to make up for everything, starting right now!”

She pumped up a fist and Ryuji cheered. Ren sighed and wiped a hand over his face while the other customers looked in their direction curiously.

4/30
Saturday

"And for our final topic, we'll be holding an assembly this coming Monday concerning the recent, attempted suicide.”

Makoto swallowed as she set down her papers and surveyed the rest of the student council. Her peers exchanged looks, some shifting uncomfortably at the mention of the tragedy while others rolled their eyes. A part of her wanted to smack the latter portion.

“Seriously?” Uematsu Saya, one of the more antagonistic of her compatriots, groaned. “We have midterms coming up.”

Sighing, she sat up and breathed in deeply. “I understand that this might interrupt our studies, but we have a duty to make sure the student body remains mentally sound-”

“But they don’t have to tell us to not kill ourselves!”

“Hey, chill,” Masaru Yukio, one of the more lax members, spoke up. “People are still shaken up. We have to try something.”

“Exactly.” Makoto gave an appreciative smile. “I know the principal is attempting to recruit a school counselor for anyone feeling particularly disturbed by recent events, but for now we have to make due on our own.”

Her fellow council members, either with or against her, gave nods.

“So, what does this have to do with us anyways?” Uematsu asked, looking more bored than annoyed now.

“Well, we need to inform the student body about the assembly.”

“Just do it over the morning broadcast. Teachers can fill in the rest.”

“A wonderful idea.” Makoto grit her teeth at her peer’s nonchalant demeanor. “Thank you, Uematsu.”

They debated over a few other minor details before calling the council meeting and heading out. It was already the end of the school day and even Makoto wanted to head home. For all her complaining, Uematsu was right on one thing, midterms were coming up and they all needed to study. Hopefully, nothing would go wrong by then.

5/1
Sunday

<Niijima Sae> Any new news concerning Kamoshida, Sadayo?

<Kawakami Sadayo> No, not yet.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Although, the principal wants to hold an assembly tomorrow morning.

<Niijima Sae> For what reason?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Recent events, but mostly suicide prevention.

<Kawakami Sadayo> The board meeting over Sakamoto and Amamiya’s expulsion will be after school too.

<Niijima Sae> Let’s hope he can’t push for their expulsion without Kamoshida’s testimony.

<Sakura Sojiro> It's two in the morning.

<Sakura Sojiro> Couldn't you two wait till normal people wake up to start texting?

<Niijima Sae> My apologies, Sakura-San.

<Niijima Sae> All of this waiting around has me wound up, I guess.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Well, if that's the case, why don't we go out somewhere to unwind after we know we changed Kamoshida’s heart?

<Niijima Sae> That would be nice.

<Niijima Sae> I haven't had the chance to use my vacation time for an actual vacation.

<Sakura Sojiro> It's still two in the morning.

<Niijima Sae> Right. Sorry.

5/2
Monday

Sadayo cupped a hand over her mouth as a yawn escaped her. Once it had passed, she let the hand fall and let her eyes drift to the other teachers around her.

They lined the walls of the gymnasium, spread out across the premises to keep an eye on the student body. The mass of students themselves were mashed together in front of the stage. A good number of them were gossiping to each other while the rest complained about not getting enough sleep or time to study.

“Let’s begin this school-wide morning assembly!” Principal Kobayakawa announced, speaking from atop the stage. ”As you know, a tragic event took place the other day.”

Sadayo folded her arms over her chest and held herself, feeling guilt grip her heart and drag it down. Her gaze fell to the floor and she leaned against the wall behind her, exhaling forlornly. Stealing a glance at her fellow faculty members, she noticed them all wearing the same, crestfallen countenances as her.

“Thankfully, we have been informed that she has pulled through, but it will take time until she fully recovers,” Kobayakawa claimed, trying to convey some form of sympathy. “Everyone here has a bright future ahead of themselves. I implore that you rethink your life and-”

Before he could finish, the loud whine and bang of a door shutting echoed across the gymnasium. All eyes turned to the entrance, where the imposing figure of Kamoshida stood.

Sadayo gasped and stumbled back from where she stood nearby, immediate recognition striking her. Though, after a moment, that recognition faded as she noticed the slump of his shoulders and the bowing of his head. He no longer stood with an air of pride and arrogance, but… seemed to be weighed down instead.

“Mr. Kamoshida?” Principal Kobayakawa said in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

Kamoshida didn’t say anything at first, but instead shuffled forward a few more steps before speaking up, “I’ve repeatedly done things that are very unbecoming of a high school teacher. Yelling at students. Physically abusing them. And-....” He seemed to choke on a lump in his throat and winced, pain crossing his face. "...And sexually harassing several female students….”

Gasps sounded from the students as well as from the teachers. Sadayo stared wide-eyed, barely able to comprehend the pain and sorrow in his voice.

“I’m sure you recall when Suzui Shiho attempted to kill herself that one day.” Kamoshida stood up tall and broad-shouldered, not like a tyrant looking down on them but like a man looking up at a judge. “That… was because of me.”

He shuffled across the gym, skirting around the students before stepping onto the stage. Principal Kobayakawa repeatedly asked him if he was alright, if he needed help. Kamoshida didn’t answer him, but instead grabbed the mic.

The students themselves exchanged hushed gossip:

“What’s wrong with Mr. Kamoshida?”

“Did he just say he abused students?”

“Are the rumors true?”

Amidst the crowd, Sadayo glimpsed blonde hair and noticed Takamaki Ann staring in shock at the man who’d tried to force himself on her.

“I… I thought of this school as my own castle. I even sentenced students I didn’t like to expulsion,” Kamoshida said as he sank down onto his knees. “I am… an arrogant... shallow… and shameful excuse of a human being. No, I’m worse than that!” He prostrated himself then, forehead scraping the ground as he wailed, “I raped Suzui Shiho, and I will take responsibility by killing myself!”

Horrified gasps filled the air, Sadayo’s included. She cupped a hand over her mouth, trying to register the outcome of her and her friends’ actions.

This wasn’t part of the plan.

Several faculty members rushed onto the stage then, trying to pull the volleyball coach onto his feet. Others had begun to try and disperse the student body, trying to get them to leave and return to their classrooms. Though, none of her co-workers seemed to be having luck in any of their endeavors.

“Let me go!” Kamoshida shouted, tears streaking his face. “Let me die! I deserve it-”

“Shut up!” A new voice pierced the air and all eyes turned to Takamaki Ann, who stood her ground amidst her panicking peers. “You don’t get to run, you bastard! Shiho’s still alive even after all the things you did to her! You have no right to run from this!”

Everyone stood petrified with shock as they watched the exchange with morbid fascination.

“You’re… You’re right….” Kamoshida sat up but kept his head bowed. “I should be punished under the law…. I did horrible things to many other students, Takamaki-san, most of all.” He held up the mic. “In return for giving Suzui-san a position on the team, I… I tried to force myself on her as well.”

All eyes were on the blonde girl, who stared down her harasser with an intense glare.

“As of today, I am formally resigning from my position as an instructor and turning myself in.” Kamoshida stumbled onto his feet as he trembled with sobs, barely able to hold himself together. “Somebody call the police! Please!”

Sadayo looked on in wonder, the full impact of her and her teams’ actions finally hitting her. They’d done it. They’d won.

“So, this means that the Phantom Thieves are real, right?” Ann breathed, one hand pressed over her heart as she tried to steady its beat.

Ren looked over at her, hesitant to answer at first. Around him, the rest of their peers were discussing the same topic, everyone trying to figure out how the Phantom Thieves had done it.

“You can’t actually steal someone’s heart, right?” Ann asked, to which he rubbed his neck and shrugged.

“I don’t know.” Ren jammed his hands back into his pockets and looked over as the faculty tried to pull up Kamoshida from the floor. “But… there’s no way they didn’t do something.”

“Amamiya? Takamaki?” Both teens turned to find Mishima Yuuki behind them, his head bowed in shame. “I… I’m so sorry!”

He gave a low bow, confusing his classmates.

“Sorry? About what?” Ann asked.

“We all knew, but… we pretended we didn’t.” Mishima rubbed his arm self-consciously, not daring to meet their eyes. “We just… ignored everything and did what Kamoshida told us to do. That includes… telling people about your record, Amamiya.”

Ren blinked and stared wide-eyed at the blue-haired teen. Hurt and betrayal crossed his face before it settled into a solemn look.

“Hey,” he spoke up and reached out to nudge Mishima’s shoulder, “what’s done is done, alright?”

Mishima looked up at him in surprise, clear astonishment in his eyes. “R-Really?”

“Yeah.” Ren nodded and gave a smile.

“It’s all in the past, Mishima.” Ann crossed her arms and offered the same smile.

The bandaged teen gave a reluctant smile and bowed again. "Thank you so much!"

Before long, more students began to step over, offering their apologies to Ann. She tried to shoo them off, claiming it was alright and she was also a bit at fault for falling for Kamoshida's lies. However, their peers kept begging for forgiveness.

Ren chuckled from the sidelines as Ann handled the sudden crowd.

"So, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts made good on their word."

He perked up and turned to find the student council president standing beside him. Her crimson eyes locked with his own and they studied each other for a moment.

Then, Makoto bowed her head and sighed. "At least, now it's all over."

"...Yeah…."

He rubbed his neck while she shifted in place awkwardly.

"I… should start heading to class."

"Yeah, I'm going to wait for Ann, so… See you later?"

"...Maybe."

She stepped away and headed for the exit as he stared after her. Neither noticed the rest of the student body stealing glances at their president as they began to run the rumor mill once more:

"Do you think the student council president knew about Kamoshida?"

"She's always working with the teachers."

"No way. She wouldn't."

"She'd do anything for a letter of recommendation though, wouldn't she?"

<Kawakami Sadayo> We did it.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Kamoshida just confessed everything in front of the whole school.

<Sakura Sojiro> So, it worked then?

<Niijima Sae> That was all? He only confessed?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Was he supposed to do more?

<Niijima Sae> No, I was only wondering if there were any other symptoms?

<Niijima Sae> He wasn’t bleeding or leaking fluids? No sudden frenzied panic?

<Kawakami Sadayo> No, he just broke down on the stage and said he’d kill himself.

<Sakura Sojiro> Wait, what?

<Kawakami Sadayo> He got talked out of it though!

<Niijima Sae> I just discussed it with Morgana. I was worried this might cause some mental strain or trauma. However, it would seem he sustained no injuries.

<Niijima Sae> If anything, we managed to avoid doing so by convincing his Shadow to turn himself in.

<Niijima Sae> Though, we’ll need to word it better next time if we want to stop them from trying to commit suicide as their means of atoning.

<Sakura Sojiro> Noted.

<Sakura Sojiro> Wait, next time?

<Niijima Sae> In the event that we ever delve into another Palace, I mean.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Hey, I’ll talk with you all later, I have to start teaching now.

Sadayo bobbed her knee as she tapped her fingers on the desk anxiously. She had things she needed to do, a certain celebration among her teams to commemorate their triumph. However, the board meeting was important, so she couldn’t just leave.

“Alright, let us begin discussing… recent events,” Principal Kobayakawa spoke up, clapping his hand together as the entirety of the faculty looked on. “Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen a… number of terrible incidents occur.”

He continued to ramble on about the state of Shujin’s student body, its reputation, and the work they’d need to do to return it to it’s stellar glory. All the while, Sadayo clenched her jaw and suppressed a growl as she noted his distinct lack of care for the students’ feelings on everything that had happened.

At this point, he was just repeating the last meeting they’d had after Suzui’s attempted suicide. He just wanted to save face and shore up any leaks that might occur. He was far more concerned with keeping up appearances than he was about their duties as teachers-

“Now, I believe that one of our more pressing issues is discussing the expulsion of Sakamoto Ryuji and Amamiya Ren.”

Sadayo froze, then sat up. Other faculty members had done the same around them. At the mention of the rebellious teen and the transfer student, a few gave frustrated expressions and others neutral reactions.

“Sakamoto has been in and out of the guidance office several times, as many of you should already be aware of.” Principal Kobayakawa steepled his fingers as he surveyed the room. “While I hoped that he might grow out of his rebellious phase and attempt to reintegrate with the student body, he’s proven himself to be far more of a troublemaker than any of us realized. The altercation with Mr. Kamoshida proved that.”

No one spoke up. No one argued his point. A few of the teachers even nodded in agreement.

Sadayo felt her heart drop and an uncomfortable knot tug in her stomach, dread festering within her.

“As for Amamiya, I had also hoped that Shujin would be the perfect environment to help a troubled soul like him. Our duty after all is to look after our students and ensure that they are able to enter their adult lives as their best selves. However, he was irrefutably involved with Sakamoto’s assault on Kamoshida. Even more, it was brought to my attention that several students have taken notice of him performing unsavory acts both in the school and across the wards. Whether these are baseless rumors or actual evidence is unknown, but I feel we cannot take any chances.”

Sadayo stole glances around her, seeing even more people nodding. That knot in her stomach twisted and tugged harder, and she sucked in a breath to try to ease her nerves.

“So, in order to help keep Shujin safe after the series of unfortunate events that have plagued our institution, I am proposing that we expulse both Sakamoto Ryuji and Amamiya Ren-”

"You can't be serious?"

Sadayo jumped to her feet, her heart thundering in her chest as she crossed her arms and inhaled a deep breath. Around her, her fellow faculty members looked up at her in shock and surprise.

“Excuse me, Ms. Kawakami?” Principal Kobayakawa blinked and watched her in confusion. “Do you disagree with this course of action?”

“Of course, I disagree!” she declared, metaphorically putting her foot down as she looked across the room and met every one of the other adults’ eyes. “What have Sakamoto and Amamiya done wrong? As far as I’m concerned, the most trouble Sakamoto has caused has been sleeping in class and the occasional noise complaint. And as for Amamiya, I haven’t heard of a single incident he was directly responsible for.”

The principal directed a disapproving frown at her. “I believe I just stated the incidents that mark them both for expulsion.”

“Are you citing when Sakamoto learned about Kamoshida raping one of our students and attempted to expose him?” Sadayo demanded bluntly, stunning a few of her co-workers in the process. “Or when he still participated in track and attacked Kamoshida? An incident, if I recall, that Kamoshida, only hours ago, confessed that he framed Sakamoto of assault while in actuality he had planned to not only make him a scapegoat to dissolve the track team, but also to just break his leg purely out of desire.”

Every fact she stated was another nail in the coffin for his proposition. Around her, she glimpsed faculty members quietly discussing her statements and debating the right course of action. Even Mr. Ushimaru, infamous for his stern and callous demeanor, seemed uneasy now.

“R-Regardless of past intentions, Sakamoto attacked a faculty member twice now.” Principal Kobayakawa crossed his arms and huffed. “Surely you don’t mean to suggest that we continue to accommodate such a violent youth?”

“Why not?” Sadayo held her ground and breathed in as everyone gawked at her. “We’re teachers. Our job is to educate and nurture our students. We’re supposed to protect them. And the truth of the matter is, we’ve failed.”

Guilt crossed her face and she bowed her head. “I’m ashamed to admit that I was aware of particular rumors circulating around about Kamoshida’s actions. But I’m certain that I wasn’t the only one.”

Several adults averted their eyes, the principal included.

“If we had taken initiative, if we’d chosen to investigate any of this, then maybe Suzui-san wouldn’t have attempted to commit suicide. Even if Kamoshida’s the one at fault, we have to hold ourselves responsible for neglecting our duty as teachers to ensure that this school remains a safe environment for our students. And that includes Sakamoto, who was targeted by Kamoshida, and even Amamiya, who only just arrived but is constantly being harassed by rumors.”

Silence filled the room once she’d finished, none of her fellow faculty members able to dispute her claim or even follow up. Everyone stared at their desks or shoes, mulling over the hard facts she’d laid out.

Eventually, however, Principal Kobayakawa seemed to regain his composure and leveled a glare at her. “Ms. Kawakami, I believe that’s enough. While I admit, our first priority is to ensure the safety of our students, we have to-”

“She’s right.” Mr. Ushimaru stood up, his arms crossed and his face hardened. “Look, I’m probably the last person to stand up for Sakamoto or Amamiya, but I’ve never known Sakamoto to just attack someone out of nowhere. And as infuriating as Amamiya is with him constantly getting distracted in class, he never actually throws a fit. If anything, he’s more of a stellar student than the rest of his peers that keep talking and turning in half-assed assignments.”

“I’m fairly sure Amamiya does have some of the best grades,” Mr. Inui piped up, stroking his chin. “And he always seems to know the answers to problems that others don’t.”

Other teachers began to nod in agreement, sharing the same, thoughtful looks.

Ms. Chouno stood up and glanced at her with a curious look, but then turned to the principal. “Sakamoto might be rather rowdy and not pay attention in class, but when it comes down to it, he even lends a hand to others. A few weeks ago, I was struggling to carry supplies into my classroom and he offered to help me. He wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Sadayo gradually grew a relieved smile as her opposition to the principal’s plan gained momentum. More voices were raised and more questions were asked, people actually starting to debate whether or not it was fair to expel the students for standing up to a repeated sex offender.

“V-Very well then.” Kobayakawa had retrieved his handkerchief and was dabbing his forehead as he glanced around at the number of teachers who’d stood up alongside her. “I suppose then that Sakamoto and Amamiya will be allowed to continue attending Shujin Academy. Though, I would like to ask that we keep an eye on them.”

Everyone exchanged looks, trying to gauge each other’s ideas on the matter. For the most part they agreed, though Sadayo couldn’t help but feel that a majority of the looks were directed her way. She hesitantly nodded, which prompted the rest of the room to nod as well.

The principal returned to his spiel about protecting Shujin’s reputation against the news reporters and journalists bound to come asking questions. However, she paid little heed to his warnings, too caught up trying to hide her exultant smile as she sat back down.

"Now, I believe this demands a toast." Sae gave a mirthful smile as she lifted up her cup of coffee into the air. "To the Phantom Thieves!"

Sadayo and Sojiro cheered with her, lifting their own cups into the air. "To the Phantom Thieves!"

And on the table, Morgana raised his head from the bowl of milk and called out, "To the Phantom Thieves!"

They shared laughter and beaming faces, pride and rejoice lifting their spirits as they celebrated their triumph. They'd chosen to meet up later in the day, Sojiro agreeing to close down Leblanc early and letting his ward wander around at night so he could close up for their party. Sae herself had arrived early on, bringing Morgana with her and texting Makoto that she would be out. And Sadayo had arrived last, bearing good news on the state of Shujin's faculty and her success in saving Amamiya and Sakamoto from expulsion.

"You got one hell of a backbone, Kawakami-san," Sojiro remarked, flashing her an approving smirk. "Wish I could've seen the principal's face when you stepped up to him."

Sadayo blushed and bowed her head, directing a smile into her cup. "I was just… doing what was right. I mean, no one else was going to do anything."

"You couldn't walk away." Sojiro nodded as he took a sip from his cup.

"Well, now what?" Morgana asked, looking up at them. "How do we proceed from here?"

They all exchanged looks before Sae spoke up, "Once I return to work, I'll request to personally take over Kamoshida's case."

Sympathy seemed to cross Sojiro's face, the man aware of her… harsh methodology. She flashed him a smile, to which he tugged on his collar and looked away, paling.

"God help that man. You're gonna tear him a new one."

"Not like he doesn't deserve it," Sadayo remarked before drinking from her cup.

Sae glanced at Sojiro, then at Morgana. Both met her gazes, then turned their attention to the teacher.

"You know, Kawakami-san, if it's not too much to ask… why'd you let him live?" Sojiro scratched his head. "I mean, you were about to throw that bastard off the tower, so why didn't you?"

Sadayo stared at her cup for a while, a myriad of emotions crossing her face. She grew a frown and narrowed her eyes, but then her features softened and her glare became a forlorn gaze. Cradling her face in her hands, she held it for a moment before sighing.

"I… I wanted to hurt him. But Sae was right, if I actually had done the deed, he would have never paid for his crimes."

Sadayo looked up at her then, a grateful smile on her bright, beaming face. Her brown eyes sparkled with jubilance as she conveyed her thanks and utter appreciation with the choice she'd made. For some ungodly reason, she seemed to be glowing….

Sae stared at her, then averted her gaze as she felt her face suddenly warm up. "Yes, well… I was just stating the facts."

"Regardless, you brought me back to my senses." Sadayo sipped from her cup. "And besides, if I had actually gone through with it, I would've given him the easy way out."

Sae glimpsed Morgana tilted his head as he sat up from his bowl of milk. "What do you mean by that?"

The teacher shrugged. "Sometimes, there are fates worse than death."

Sae stole glances at her friends, finding Sojiro giving a disturbed look at the brunette woman while Morgana stared at her, petrified by sudden fear. Sadayo, all the while, held her dark smile and Sae… couldn't help but feel her heart beat faster with a sudden, excited thrum as she watched her.

"Okay…." Sojiro stood up and cleared his throat. "Now, I know not to piss you off.” He strode around the counter to refill his cup. “So, we know what we’re going to do about that gold medal? Where is it, anyways?”

Snapping out of her stupor, Sae looked up at him quizzically before registering his questions.

"Oh, I left it at my apartment." She rubbed her neck and shrugged. "I'd rather not show it off, seeing as none of us have an explanation for owning an Olympic medal."

"Should we try selling it?" Sadayo asked.

They exchanged looks, then Sae pulled out her phone. She spent a moment searching up how much it might sell for, a range of prices appearing in her search results.

“I suppose the average is around… thirty-thousand yen?”

“That’s it?” Sojiro scratched his head as he returned to his seat. “Was kinda hoping it’d be… more.”

“Well, it’s better than nothing,” Sadayo pointed out verbally and with a finger raised. “And we could also divide it evenly between the three of us.”

“The three of you?” Morgana shrieked, hopping up onto all fours. “What about me?”

They exchanged awkward looks with each other, then turned their attention back to the cat who shot them sharp looks.

“Why would you even need money, Morgana?” Sae asked, to which the cat tipped up his snout and huffed angrily.

“Believe it or not, even I would like to buy things.”

“...You just want to order sushi, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

“You realize I’ll have to take you out to buy it, and I’ll probably be the one ordering.”

“Yeah, but still….”

Sae cradled her forehead in her hand, exhaling before she sat up. “Very well, I suppose we can split it four ways. If that’s alright with the rest of you?”

Sojiro shrugged and Sadayo nodded, neither seeming to be perturbed by letting Morgana take his share of their spoils of victory.

"Alright, with that settled, I'll try to sell the gold medal tomorrow." Sae swiped through her phone, looking through her search history to pull up Untouchables' website. "I believe the model gun store we buy from also pawns goods too."

"Sounds good," Sojiro remarked before looking over the café, taking in the sight of them gathered together. "So… that's it then? We're finished playing vigilante?"

They looked at him for a moment, realization dawning on them both that their time as heroes in the shadows had passed. Kamoshida had been beaten and his victims would finally have justice. Yet, where did that leave them?

They’d beaten Kamoshida and done so without triggering a mental shutdown or psychotic breakdown….

Sae sucked in a breath, suddenly recalling her initial motives for investigating the Palace in the first place. Her reaction drew the others’ attention, both Sadayo and Sojiro looking at her in confusion while Morgana glanced between them all.

“I’d almost forgotten,” she mumbled and sat back in her seat, trying to remember everything that she’d gathered for her meeting with the SIU Director weeks ago.

“Forgot what?” Morgana asked.

She looked down at him while rubbing her chin. “Morgana, anyone can have a Palace, correct?”

“If their desires become distorted enough, then yes.”

Sae hummed and she mulled over the details. “So, if we were to kill a person’s Shadow within their Palace it would completely eradicate their desires in reality?”

Morgana gave her a worried look. “Yeah. If you take more than just their Treasure, you’ll end up taking more than just their distorted desires-”

“And trigger a complete mental shutdown.”

Her words hung in the air as she looked back up at her team. The teacher seemed paler while the older man rubbed his neck, eyes staring blankly in front of him as he mumbled something quietly.

After a moment, Sojiro looked back up at her. “You don’t think… someone’s using Wakaba’s research to….”

“Trigger the mental shutdown epidemic?” Sae finished, eyes locked with his as she gave a grim nod. “It’s an unfortunate possibility.”

“Oh my God.” Sadayo cupped her mouth as the full weight of their theories hit her. “Does that mean someone else can enter the Metaverse?”

Sae held a frown as she crossed her arms, then exhaled. “This is all just theorycrafting at the moment. As far as we know, the possibility that the mental shutdown and psychotic breakdown incidents are connected to the Metaverse is plausible, but we don’t have enough evidence to make it concrete. Regardless, it’d be irresponsible to not investigate the issue, especially if we can find a way to reverse the effects before they occur in the real world.”

They shared tentative looks, hesitant to take on this monumental task. This wasn’t just stopping one man anymore, this was a hunt to save the city of Tokyo as a whole.

“Well, whether or not this guy exists, there’s still a lot of bad guys out there.” Sojiro sat up and crossed his arms. “Before, I might’ve just left things be, but… we got a chance to do something. And if there’s even the slightest chance that someone is abusing Wakaba’s research, I’m coming for them.”

Sae shared a solemn nod with him, then looked at Sadayo. The teacher was cradling her chin, a thoughtful look on her face as she stared off into a space. A moment later, she looked up and locked eyes with her. “I agree with Sakura-san. We started all of this to stop Kamoshida, but if we stop now while there’s still monsters willing to hurt others, then we would’ve failed anyways.”

A genuine smile crossed Sae’s face as she looked between her teammates, her friends. Before she’d begun leading them, she’d cut herself off from everyone around her… even Makoto, now that she looked back at everything. But, now she was learning about the comforts of camaraderie and the strength of bonds.

“You guys know what you’re getting into, right?” Morgana craned his head left and right, taking in their resolute countenances. “You guys have lives of your own. You don’t need to take this responsibility on yourselves.”

Sojiro shrugged and smirked. “Eh. What’s one more?”

Sadayo smiled and pumped a fist. “If we’re the only ones who can do this, then we’ve got to.”

They all looked at her then, and Sae couldn’t help but let a soft laugh escape her.

“Then, it’s settled. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts are just getting started.”

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Temperance Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

TEMPERANCE Confidant: Rank 1

"Then, it's settled. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts are just getting started."

Fingers tapping on a keyboard paused as brown eyes flicked up to multiple computer monitors displaying a myriad of programs. They searched the screens before locking onto a specific application featuring audio being streamed and recorded.

A few seconds later, the audio track was replayed, "The Phantom Thieves of Hearts are just getting started."

Sakura Futaba sat up in her chair and furrowed her brow. "Phantom Thieves?"

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 2

TEMPERANCE
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 2

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 2

THE PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 1

Chapter Text

"First off, I’d like to begin by congratulating you."

Sae narrowed her eyes as she watched Igor rise up a bit, his fingers steepled and grin as wide as ever. The Velvet Room’s owner remained seated behind his desk as always, and his attendants remained in front of her cell as well.

"To think our master would give words of praise," Justine breathed in wonderment.

Her sister didn't share her astonishment, but instead wore a haughty expression as she crossed her arms and stomped her foot. "You better treasure this moment, inmate!"

Sae glanced between the twins wearily, then locked eyes with Igor once more. “I suppose then that this marks the beginning of my… ‘rehabilitation’, as you put it.”

He chuckled and nodded. “Indeed. You have taken the first steps towards facing the coming ruin by gathering allies and finding your place in this reality. But to truly be prepared, you must hone your potential into a useful power that can stave it off.”

“My ability to possess multiple Personas, correct?”

Igor didn’t answer, but merely held his grin and continued on. “There are various means by which you may gain the power to resist the ruin. Honing your skills in combat against Shadows is one. Fusing Personas is another.”

“This is all possible because of our master’s guidance, inmate!” Caroline declared, shooting her a stern look.

Beside her, Justine faced her with a solemn look. “Though it may be presumptuous of us, we too have words of wisdom as well.”

Sae glanced between them and gripped the bars of her cell as she leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “And what would that be?”

“Bonds are the strength of the heart and are another source of power to evade the ruin that our master has spoken of,” Justine elaborated, holding her clipboard close as she watched her with an observant eye.

“So you better work on those relationships!” Caroline interjected, waving her baton around. “The stronger they are, the stronger you become. The weaker they are, the more pathetic you become. Got it?”

A low growl rumbled in her throat as she glared daggers at the obnoxious girl. She was getting on her nerves very quickly, but she still had enough composure to force out a response, “If you’re worried that I’ll forget about my team, don’t.”

“Very good.” Igor clapped his hands and held them as he leaned forward to watch her closely. “Your rehabilitation has begun without fault, let us hope it does not stagger. To ensure that you continue to triumph, I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth.”

Sae tilted her head with suspicion. “Another gift?”

He didn’t answer, but instead leaned back into his chair. “May the devotion to your rehabilitation grow even deeper. I have high hopes for you.”

THE FOOL: Rank 3

She felt a warmth blossom in her chest, like power manifesting within her. Sae inhaled a deep breath as she sat down, pressing a hand over her heart as she felt the warmth wane but the power linger for a moment longer.

“Our time is up,” Justine suddenly announced. “Return to your brief moments of rest.”

5/3
Tuesday

Sae inhaled a breath of fresh air as she strolled down Central Street, making her way towards Untouchables. Holding the strap of her bag, she weaved through a few groups of pedestrians and stepped into the alley leading to the model gun shop.

“Alright,” Morgana piped up as he appeared over her shoulder, having clambered out of her bag, “time to make some money.”

She rolled her eyes and wore a humored smile. “Don’t get too excited now.”

He snickered and sunk back down as she rounded the corner and arrived at their destination. Opening the door, Sae stepped inside and glanced around the shop briefly, spotting no one save the owner behind the counter.

The man himself glanced up from his magazine and gave an acknowledging nod before sitting up. “How can I help you?”

Sae gave the store another once-over as she strode up to the counter. “Hello. I understand you also function as a pseudo-pawn shop?”

He shrugged. “Depends on what you’re trying to sell me.”

She hummed and dug the gold medal out of her bag, holding it up for him to see. “Would you be willing to take this off my hands then?”

The man squinted, set down his magazine, and took the lollipop out of his mouth. “A gold medal? The hell did you get that?”

"An acquaintance gave it to me."

He observed her for a moment, scrutinizing her poker face before reaching out a hand. She let him take the Olympic medal and look it over.

After a moment, he set it down on the counter as a faint smirk crossed his face. "Color me surprised. I won’t ask how you actually got this, but… how’s thirty-thousand yen sound?”

Sae smiled. “Wonderful."

"Alright, just give me a sec."

“Also, could I get that in five-thousands bills, please?"

"Yeah, I gotcha."

Giving a grunt, the shop owner stood up and shuffled into the back. A few minutes later, he returned with a slim stack of yen, counting it out under his breath. Once he was finished, he held it out for her to take. "Thirty-thousand, as promised."

She took it and counted it over herself before looking up at him to nod affirmingly. "A pleasure doing business."

Sae stowed her payment away and shouldered her bag. Stepping away from the counter, she turned and walked towards the door.

"Hey, hold on a second,” the store owner suddenly called. “You mind doing something for me?"

“Hm?” Furrowing her brow, she glanced over her shoulder at him. "What exactly?"

He reached down behind the counter and seemed to sift through a few things before standing back up with a paper sack in his hands.

“Think you could take this off my hands for a bit? You can just bring it back in a few days or whenever.”

She narrowed her eyes and studied the sack, then his impassive face. He wore the same poker face as her, a strange, trained facade of emotionlessness that showed no hint of his true intentions.

“...I’d rather not.”

He narrowed his eyes, then sighed. “Look, there’s a bonus on top of that payout-”

“Allow me to rephrase myself,” Sae cut him off as she turned and placed one hand on her hip, “I won’t be making any under-the-table dealings unless I know exactly what’s going on.”

The man frowned, but bowed his head and set the sack down on the counter. “Alright, fine.”

He opened it up and reached inside, grabbing something. Then, pulling it out, he set a handgun down in front of him.

Sae stared wide-eyed and alarmed. “Is that-”

“Relax, it’s just a model.” The store owner held it up and pulled the trigger, a hollow click faintly sounding.

“Oh.” She flushed red and composed herself. “It’s… very convincing.”

“I know, that’s what makes it a problem.” He stowed it back in the sack and slid it towards her side of the counter. “Couple of cops think I’m peddling actual firearms, but I’m worried they might just take this and call it real.”

A frown crossed her face as she averted her gaze, all-too-familiar with the methodology of the law. As long as they managed to uphold the reputation of their department, any acts they committed would be excused. She’d performed a few of those herself in the courtroom….

“Yes, I can see why that would be an issue.” Sae shifted uncomfortably as she stared at the bag.

A thought crossed her mind however. Within the Metaverse, weapons and other equipment worked based on cognition. So, what would happen if a firearm looked more realistic…?

“Let me think this over for a moment, please.”

She stepped away and around a shelf, gripping her bag tightly. Once she was out of sight, she unzipped her bag and Morgana popped his head out.

“So, I heard most of that,” he said, looking in the direction of the counter. “Does it really look that… real?”

Sae answered in a hushed voice, “Real enough that I mistook it for an actual firearm, yes.”

“Something like that could do wonders in the Metaverse.” Morgana gave a cheshire grin. “Think you can cut a deal?”

She hummed for a moment, then nodded. “Leave it to me.”

He ducked back down into her bag and she zipped it back up before stepping out of the aisle. The store owner was reading over his magazine again, but he looked back up once he noticed her approaching.

“You thought about it?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Yes, but I have one question.” She folded her arms over her chest and put on an inquisitive look, a bit of Prosecutor Niijima bleeding through. “How many of these models do you actually have in stock?”

“None. It’s all custom modified.” He narrowed his eyes and studied her for a moment. “You looking to expand your collection?”

“Eventually.”

“So you want to cut a deal then?” He chuckled and pulled the lollipop out of his mouth. “Alright, we’ll iron out the details once you bring that back in a couple of days.”

“Of course.” Sae took the bag and gave a slight bow before she walked out the door, though she cast a suspicious look over her shoulder just before she stepped outside.

“Guess who’s back Shujin!” Ryuji whooped as he grinned at the front gates of the academy.

Behind him, Ann sighed and slapped a hand over her face while Ren rubbed his neck awkwardly. The dyed-blond punk either didn't seem to notice their reactions or just ignored them.

"Dude, is that Sakamoto?"

"They seriously let him back?"

However, he did pick up on the murmuring of the rumor mill once he stepped foot back inside.

"Guess some things never change," he grumbled, jamming his hands in his pockets as he started walking towards the stairs. "So, anything big I should be on the look out for guys?"

"How should we know?" Ann cocked her head and shot him a look. "We're not in the same class as you."

"Well, I know that, but you gotta know something right?"

Ren scratched his head and shrugged. "Not really…."

"Hey, at least they gave you all that catch up work, so you shouldn't be behind," Ann interjected with a cheery smile, only for Ryuji to slowly look away.

"...Yeah…."

"...You didn't do any of it, did you?"

He gave a sheepish smile, but then threw his arms in the air. "Well, can you blame me?"

She smacked him over the back of his head. "Yes! Do you even want to keep going here?"

"Guys…." Ren sighed and cradled the bridge of his nose as they bickered.

Somehow and some way, those two always managed to get into an argument over something. Though, they always made up by the end. It was pretty much routine at this point, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of comfort at knowing that this was going to be the new normal.

The ever-present threat of Kamoshida and their imminent expulsions were gone. Both he and Ryuji were free to attend Shujin again without any obstacles or caveats. Things were settling down and they could just live their lives like they were supposed to.

"E-Excuse me, Sakamoto?"

They all perked up and looked over to find a familiar, black-haired girl with red-rimmed glasses watching them. She had a notepad in one hand and a pencil in the other. She seemed to tremble ever-so-slightly, but suddenly fixed her composure as she sucked in a breath.

"Uh, yeah?" Ryuji scratched his head and looked at her quizzically. "What's up?"

"H-Hi, I'm Tamura Aya, the leader of the Newspaper Club. I was hoping to, uh, interview you?"

"Interview me? About what?"

"Well… about when you atta- er, confronted Kamoshida in the hallway."

They all blinked and stared at her, then looked at Ryuji. The gears seemed to be turning in his head before it finally clicked. Once it did, a wide, excited grin crossed his face.

"Oh, yeah? Whatcha wanna know?"

Ann gave an exasperated sigh as she smacked a hand over her face again. Ren just sunk his head between his shoulders as he frowned.

“Well, how did you know that Kamoshida was the culprit?”

“Oh, that’s easy. I already knew because he’s always been an asshole. But I didn't have any proof until Ren and I caught Mishima after… Shiho jumped.”

His exuberant demeanor fell into a forlorn one near immediately. Aya gave a wary look, then glanced between them.

"Ren?"

Ren raised a hand up, giving a little wave. "That'd be me."

"Oh!" The girl paled and took a slight step back. "That's right, you both confronted Kamoshida."

"Yeah, we did." Ryuji crossed his arms, sending the apprehension in her voice. "Don't worry, he doesn't bite. Ren's a chill dude."

Ren rubbed his neck, faintly blushing at the compliment. Ann elbowed Ryuji, who shot her a confused look. All the while, the newspaper girl cleared her throat and scribbled on her notepad.

"...Okay, uh… So, do you think the student council president was protecting Kamoshida?”

They all paused for a moment, caught off-guard by the question. They exchanged looks, not sure how to answer. Or rather, unsure if it was right to answer.

Makoto had undoubtedly stood up against Ryuji to stop him from attacking Kamoshida. Though, Ren knew she'd just wanted to stop any violence from breaking out in the first place.

“Well… I mean, maybe?" Ryuji scratched his head and wore a tentative countenance. "I don't wanna say she was protectin' him, but… I mean, I guess she kinda was?"

"I see…." Aya scribbled on her notepad some more, then gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your time. I'll make sure to credit you. Bye!"

With that, she scurried away, leaving them standing there utterly baffled by her sudden retreat. After a minute or so, Ann sighed and nudged them both.

"Come on, you two. Classes start soon."

"Yeah, yeah. I know." Ryuji swatted away her arm as he walked towards his classroom. "I'll see you guys at lunch."

"Yeah." Ren waved and followed Ann into their class, though he couldn't help but feel uneasy as he thought back on the newspaper girl's questions.

5/4
Wednesday

Sae inhaled the fragrant aroma of coffee beans and curry as she stepped into Leblanc. The cafe was vacant at the moment, save for Sojiro and his ward. Both stood behind the counter, dressed in aprons as the owner of the establishment lectured the teen.

Though, he paused upon hearing the bell, glancing over to see her giving a slight wave. He held up a finger and turned back to his ward.

“You remember what I taught you, right?"

"Yeah.” Amamiya straightened up and nodded, then started counting off his fingers. “There’s different bean types. Each needs to be grinded differently. And blending… is a whole lot harder than it looks.”

Sojiro chuckled and clapped him on the back. “Chin up, kid. You’ll get the hang of it.”

He stepped away then to approach her further down the counter. She took a seat upon meeting him halfway, setting her bag down on the counter and digging around for her wallet.

“Morning, Niijima. You want the usual?”

“Not today, I’m afraid.” She pulled out her wallet and pulled out his cut of their profits. “I’m just here to drop this off.”

Sojiro whistled and took the bills, counting them out before slipping them in his pockets. “Thanks. The cat here so I can thank him too?”

She shook her head. “No, I left Morgana at home today. I wanted him to get used to staying in the apartment before I headed back to work.”

“When do you head back?”

“The ninth. Though, I’ve called a few of my associates about the case they’re building against you know who.”

Sae held her hands as she watched Sojiro nod, humming as he stole a glance at Amamiya. The teen was busying himself with checking the coffee siphons.

“Hey, think you can do me a favor?” Sojiro bent down a bit closer to her. “Kid needs some practice brewing coffee. Mind if he tries serving you a cup?”

She frowned and opened her mouth to reject his offer, but paused. A part of her wanted to stick to her original plan and head out to return home. However, there was the other part of her that felt content sitting at the counter, reveling in the warmth and comfort of the cafe.

Ultimately, she gave in and exhaled. “Very well. One cup of the usual.”

Sojiro smiled and stood up, striding over to his ward; and now part-time worker. “Alright, kid, we’ve got an order. Brew up a cup of blue mountain, would ya?"

Amamiya perked up and glanced between them, then nodded. “I’m on it, Boss.”

Minutes passed as Sae and Sojiro watched the teen prepare her coffee. He grabbed a container of beans, took out the right amount for a cup, and ground them to the right consistency. He stumbled a few times, though Sojiro caught him with some stern instructions before he ruined anything.

Soon enough, he was carrying over a steaming cup and set it down in front of her, giving a polite bow just after. "Your order, Niijima-san."

She offered him a smile in return. "Thank you, Amamiya-kun."

Taking the cup, she blew on it a few times and waited a bit longer before taking a cautious sip. It tasted the same as the thermos Sojiro had handed her in the Metaverse a week back, though there was a tinge of freshness to it. All in all, it would seem he'd succeeded in brewing it right.

Giving an appreciative smile, she looked back up at them. "I'm no connoisseur, but it tastes perfectly fine to me."

Sojiro seemed to glow with pride as he looked at Amamiya, who averted his gaze. Though, she spied a faint smile on his face as well.

"Good to know. Looks like you won't be getting kicked out, kid."

"Uh, thanks, Boss."

Sae couldn’t help but wear an amused expression as the teen rubbed his neck self-consciously while his guardian chuckled at his expense.

“The cause of the runaway-train incident in the subway the other day still has not been found.” They all looked over at the TV as a news report played out, images of the ruined subway and the husk of the train responsible for the devastation being shown off on the screen. “Police are hurrying to solve the matter as it may relate to the rise in psychotic breakdown incidents.”

Before the newscaster could speak again, Sojiro picked up the remote and turned the volume down. A tense silence filled the air, neither her nor Sojiro knowing what to say. Their theories echoed quietly between them as they locked eyes.

“Is something wrong?” Amamiya leaned over, trying to get a read on his guardian’s face. “Are you alright, Boss?”

“Yeah.” Sojiro cleared his throat and breathed in. “Yeah, I’m good….” He looked from his ward to the TV, then rubbed his neck as he exhaled. “Actually, I’m gonna go take a smoke. Think you can mind the shop for a minute?”

“I-... Yeah, sure. I’ll text you if something happens.”

“Make sure nothing does.”

With that, Sojiro walked out from around the counter and left out the front door. Sae watched him turn the corner and appear in the window. Though, she looked away upon noticing Amamiya watching her.

The teen quickly looked away and went over to watch the news absentmindedly.

"So, Amamiya-kun,” she called, leaning on the counter with her elbows.

He perked up and looked back at her. "Y-Yes, Niijima-san?"

"I see you’re doing well." She tried to convey a friendly demeanor as best she could. "You know, I never properly thanked you for saving my sister."

"That's alright." He flushed red and shrugged. "I was just doing what anyone should have done."

"Indeed.” She looked down at her cup, trying to think of how else to continue the conversation. There really was only one other topic they could pursue. “I… heard about what happened with the teacher you confronted. The violations. The abuse.”

He didn’t answer at first, but instead looked away. His lips pressed together tightly and a deep frown crossed his face as a shadow fell over his features. “...Yeah.”

Sae studied his grim expression, a mixture of quiet anger and sorrow composing his countenance.

Then, she sighed and nodded her head as she picked up her cup to sip from it. “...Rest assured, I believe the law will be able to bring him to justice.”

“As if they did anything before.”

The words seemed to slip out of his mouth without his knowledge, though, he stiffened and tried to act like he hadn’t spoken at all as she shot him a sharp look.

“What was that?”

“...It was nothing.”

He refused to look at her, shifting anxiously in place as he kept his eyes turned away from her. All the while, she set down her cup and laid her arms on the counter, taking a stiff pose as if she were seated in the courtroom.

Amamiya was bold, she’d give him that. Though, it was naive of him to claim such a thing in front of a prosecutor. Not that he’d know, though from her demeanor he should have realized that she sided with the law.

Though, it hadn’t been the law that had made Kamoshida confess….

Sae closed her eyes and quietly cursed under her breath as she tried to approach the remark from Amamiya’s perspective.

He was a transfer student who’d confronted Kamoshida in the hall after learning he’d raped one of his peers. The law had done nothing, but had instead stood by. No investigations had been conducted. No questions had been asked.

Of course he’d hold a grudge against those that refused to help when aid was needed.

Sae sipped from her cup, letting the warmth ease her nerves for a moment before she spoke up again, “I… understand that you must have misgivings about the police, Amamiya-kun. I’m sorry that no one was able to stop Kamoshida before he caused so much harm.”

Amamiya perked up and dared to steal a glance back at her. She tried to portray a sympathetic look, wanting to gain at least a modicum of trust with him.

Her efforts seemed fruitful when he turned a bit, enough to face her in a polite manner.

“I… appreciate that, Niijima-san.” He offered her a faint, appreciative smile, but it fell as he bowed his head and frowned once more. “But… people knew about what he was doing, and they just didn’t do anything about it.”

She nodded, equally mortified by the lack of actions taken against such a disgusting excuse of a human being. Though, there had been a few who did….

“That’s why you stood up to him?” She sat up again, looking at him with an inquisitive face.

Amamiya looked at her, eyes locking with hers as he gave a tentative nod. “...I… I just couldn’t walk away.”

Silence followed their exchange for a moment, but then she drank the last of her cup and regarded him with an impressed expression.

“...You have a fairly strong sense of justice.”

He shrugged. “Yeah, well… I’ve been through a lot.”

Sae furrowed her brow as a weary expression crossed his face as he bowed his head and jammed his hands into his pockets. What had happened to Amamiya Ren?

“Oh?” she arched an eyebrow and studied him again. “I’m not one for gossip, but you don’t seem like someone who’s faced great adversity before.”

“You’d be surprised."

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Judgement Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

JUDGEMENT Confidant: Rank 1

Before she could ask him to elaborate, the bell over the door jingled as Sojiro stepped back inside. He looked up at them, giving them curious looks.

“Am I interrupting something?”

Sae gave a soft chuckle as she stood up, grabbing her bag as she did. “Not at all, Sakura-san.”

The older man shrugged and sauntered back behind the counter while she checked the time on her watch.

“Well, it appears that I’ll need to get going.” Sae shouldered her bag and waved at the cafe’s staff. “Have a nice day, you two.”

Amamiya nodded quietly while Sojiro tipped his head and smiled. “You too, Niijima.”

5/6
Friday

“I’m not sure I follow, sir.” Makoto shifted nervously within the principal’s office, standing before the man himself. “What are you implying?”

Principal Kobayakawa sat behind his desk, hands held on top of it as he watched her with a stern countenance. He’d called her to meet him without pretense, but it was clear now that he intended to get to the bottom of just why Kamoshida had confessed his crimes.

“You remember the altercation between Mr. Kamoshida and Sakamoto, correct?”

“Of course, sir.” She rubbed her arm, feeling where she’d been bruised weeks before. “It’d be impossible for me to forget that.”

“Indeed. Well, I believe that Mr. Kamoshida’s sudden change in personality might have been caused by some students meddling in his business, if you catch my meaning. All our evidence points towards Sakamoto and Amamiya at the moment. I’ve also heard that they have been associating with Takamaki Ann, who was… an unfortunate victim of Mr. Kamoshida’s actions.”

Makoto bowed her head and cradled her chin, only to hide her face for a moment as she winced every time Kobayakawa referred to the former coach with a respectful title.

“You’re saying that these students may have caused Kamoshida’s change?”

“That is what I wish to know. Even if it takes some probing into student matters.” He laid his hands flat on the desk and sat up a bit straighter, just enough to appear taller and more authoritative. “I would like you to look into this for me, seeing as you helped tutor Amamiya.”

“I, well… Sir, I’m sorry to say, but… Amamiya and Sakamoto are one of many possible culprits. You do remember when I consulted you about the rumors surrounding Kamoshida before, right?”

“I do, yes. Though, it was those two who physically assaulted him.”

With good reason….

Makoto swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded. “That is true….”

Principal Kobayakawa hummed and bowed his head. “It is undeniable that Mr. Kamoshida has changed in some way. I’d like to have a grasp of the cause. This shall also ensure that I handle the mass media and police in the correct fashion.”

“I see….”

“I will continue speaking to Mr. Kamoshida myself,” he declared, holding up a finger. “Unless you find whoever did this, these irresponsible rumors will likely never die down. Don’t you agree?”

“Of course.”

He smiled and nodded, then glanced over at the case of awards, accolades, and trophies against the wall. “You have been at the top of your class since your first day at Shujin. Your conduct is stellar, and the faculty applaud your efforts.” He gave her a proud look then, yet there was something subtle lurking beneath his countenance. “You know, I could write you a letter of recommendation to any college of your choosing, Niijima-san.”

“Th-Thank you, sir….”

He nodded again, then continued to speak, “Your family must certainly play a part in your performance, I’m sure. Your sister is still young, yet she holds an admirable position at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, no?”

He frowned and bowed his head, feigning guilt. “If something disappointing were to happen here, that wouldn’t reflect very well on your sister, I’m afraid….”

Makoto sucked in a breath, feeling like a knife was pointed at her back. His logic was sound, yet the way he offered his statement made his words twist into an ultimatum.

“I apologize for the depressing thought,” Kobayakawa said, holding up a hand and giving an apologetic expression, “but I’d like to ask you to begin your investigation at once.”

“Yes, sir.” She gave a respectful bow to hide her conflicted face. “If you’ll excuse me then.”

Makoto stepped out of the principal’s office quickly and stepped to the side to lean against the wall. She breathed an exhausted sigh and pressed fingers against her temples, trying to ease the faint throbbing of a headache that seemed imminent.

She didn’t want to do this. She didn’t want to hunt Amamiya and his friends like they were criminals because she knew they had suffered. Yet, if they were truly responsible for Kamoshida’s confession, then she needed to be sure that they couldn’t get out of hand. And she would be lying if the prospect of a letter of recommendation as an incentive didn’t entice her….

Makoto pushed off the wall and turned to leave, only to spot a black-haired girl stealing glances at her.

“Excuse me?” she called and the girl stiffened. “Is everything alright?”

She approached her, eyes narrowing as she inspected her attire. The red-rimmed glasses gave her away as the leader of the newspaper club, Tamura Aya.

“Yes, everything’s alright, Niijima-senpai.” Tamura gave her a quivering smile and hurried off. “I’m just heading to class!”

Makoto watched her for a moment, then glanced towards where she might’ve come from near the principal’s office. She hadn’t overheard them, had she?

“Hey, have you seen that Phantom Aficionado Website?”

Ren shot Mishima a confused look. “The what?”

“It’s, uh, well, a little thing I started.” Mishima combed fingers through his hair as he breathed in a deep breath. “It’s just a little way of showing my appreciation for the Phantom Thieves.”

“Oh….” Ren bobbed his head affirmingly as he glanced around. “That’s neat.”

An awkward silence passed before Mishima suddenly stepped forward into his personal space. Ren’s eyes widened as he backed up into his desk while the other teen swallowed a lump in his throat.

“Um….” He looked around them before lowering his voice to a whisper. “You guys are the Phantom Thieves, aren’t you?”

“What?” Ren stared at him in confusion.

Mishima backed up a step and rubbed his neck as he looked around again, eyeing the few remaining students still lingering in the classroom with them.

“Sorry,” he quickly apologized before he stood up a bit straighter. “Although, if things really are as I think, then I should keep it a secret.”

“...Uh, Mishima-”

“Kamoshida used me.” Mishima jammed his hands in his pockets as he hunched over, head bowed as he sulked. “I… I did some horrible things to you guys. And I know this isn’t much to make up for it, but if there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know!”

“...Mishima, I think this is a misunderstanding-”

Mishima flashed him a small smile as he stood back up. “Look, that’s all I needed to say.” He crossed his arms, looked down, and then looked back up with a sudden, fiery determination in his eyes. “Actually, no. There’s tons of evil adults out there, not just Kamoshida!”

“...Well, you’re not wrong.”

“Mmhm!” He nodded with a confident smile. “I’m sure the Phantom Thieves will do something about them. They can’t let this end after just one target.”

“Uh huh….”

“That’s why I wanted to make a forum where people could post their problems.” He smiled proudly, but then put on a serious expression. “There’s probably a lot of people who have high hopes for the Phantom Thieves’ next move. So I’ve also implemented an anonymous poll on the site.”

“That’s cool….”

Ren looked around for a way out as Mishima pulled out his phone and showed him a red and black webpage. A meter and percentage took up the majority of the page, the number currently in the single digits, plus a decimal.

“‘Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves or not’?” Mishima declared. “I wanna work on this forum so eventually it’ll be packed with tons of supportive posts.”

“That sounds great. Hey, can I-”

“I’d really like to help out in the Phantom Thieves’ act of justice! Can I, please?”

“...Mishima, I have no idea what you’re talking about and you shouldn’t be asking me this.”

His classmate stared at him, sudden embarrassment appearing on his face before he furrowed his brow and crossed his arms.

“Right, keep it a secret.” Mishima nodded and winked. “I gotcha.”

“Wait, no. Seriously-”

“See ya, Amamiya!”

Ren watched him walk away, leaving the classroom while trying to act inconspicuous. A few seconds later, Ryuji and Ann approached him.

“Did he seriously just ask you if you were a Phantom Thief?” Ann scratched her head as she looked in the direction their classmate had gone.

“Yeah….”

“Dude, how cool would that be though?” Ryuji grinned, to which Ren shrugged.

“I don’t know.”

“Imagine it, bro! The ladies would be all over us!”

Ann crossed her arms and sighed. “Yeah, and then you guys would get arrested.”

“No we wouldn’t!” Ryuji argued. “We’d be professionals!”

“You? A professional?”

“What’re you saying?”

Ren glanced between them then cradled the bridge of his nose. “Guys….”

5/7
Saturday

“Well. Well. Well. Look who’s back.”

The owner of Untouchables stood up as Sae entered his shop. She approached him at the counter, reaching into her bag to pull out the paper sack.

“We made a deal, didn’t we?”

He nodded and crossed his arms, giving a stern look. “Well, now I know you make good on your promises.”

She set it down and he opened it up to check the contents. He pulled out the model gun and looked it over, then set it back in the bag.

“Now about our arrangement-”

“Yeah, I haven’t forgotten.” He looked her over, then glanced at the front door. “You mind if we talk in the back?”

Sae narrowed her eyes with suspicion. “I would mind, actually.”

He locked eyes with her and they stared down before he relented with a sigh. “Alright, before we start discussing terms, lemme ask you something. Who the hell are you?”

She arched an eyebrow. “I don’t see the relevancy in that question.”

“Yeah, well I do. I don’t sell custom models to just anyone.”

“Well then, consider me an enthusiast.”

“Sorry, but you don’t look the type.” He stroked the stubble on his jaw as he watched her. “I gotta admit, though, you’ve got the heart of one.”

Sae said nothing, but instead returned his stern look. They stared down for another minute or two before he crossed his arms.

“Those models cost a lot of yen. Sometimes thousands per unit, could also be in the millions depending on how I feel.”

“Understandably,” she replied, crossing her own arms, “rest assured, I’ll be able to pay in full.”

He barked a laugh and gave her an amused smile. “Good to know, but I’m willing to lower the price if you help me out once and a while, just like before.”

Alarm bells rang in her head and she shifted her stance, taking a cautious one as she studied his expression.

“Might I ask what exactly you intend on doing? I had no qualms with helping you once, but if you intend to break the law-”

“I ain’t planning on anything illegal,” he claimed bluntly. “No drugs. No guns. No killing. Just some… personal business.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Personal?”

He raised an eyebrow, then flushed red. “No! Not like- Ugh, dammit.“ He took the lollipop out of his mouth and turned around, pacing the length of the counter before twisting back to face her. “Alright, here’s the deal, you want custom models off my special menu and I want to deal with some old friends getting on my case. Nothing dirty or illegal, just some light snooping.”

Sae gave him a once-over, pondered on the offer for a moment, then nodded. “Very well, I’ll help for now. But the moment this goes too far, I walk away.”

He studied her face, then nodded too. “Deal.”

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hanged Man Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE HANGED MAN Confidant: Rank 1

They exchanged contact info quickly and Sae made a mental note to check the background of Munehisa Iwai when she had the chance. Whatever he was hiding, she’d be sure to find out before it came to stab her in the back.

<Kawakami Sadayo> Is everyone free tomorrow?

<Sakura Sojiro> Why are you asking?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Well, I thought that since Sae is heading back to work on Monday, we could spend some quality time together.

<Kawakami Sadayo> You know? Just us Phantom Thieves?

<Niijima Sae> It would be nice to actually use my vacation for an actual vacation.

<Sakura Sojiro> Well, what do you two have in mind?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Have you ever gone fishing before?

5/8
Sunday 

“This wasn’t quite what I was expecting.”

Sae looked out across the Ichigaya Fishing Center, taking in the sight of the pools and a few fishermen already out by the waters. She’d never been here before, though to be fair, she hadn’t been anywhere outside of the area of her workplace and a few spots in Shibuya.

“What were you expecting?” Sadayo strode up to her, fixing her sunhat and shouldering a large canvas bag.

“Well… I’m not sure.” She combed fingers through her silver hair and shrugged. “I never gave myself leisure time, if I’m being honest.”

Sojiro sauntered up behind them, hand over his eyes as he looked around. “Y’know, we could’ve just stayed at Leblanc. Less likely to get sunburn.”

The older man took a step back into the shade of an awning and crossed his arms. It was strange seeing the man not wearing his suit jacket or his apron, but instead donned in a salmon polo and khakis.

Sae gave a bemused smile. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to, Sakura-san.”

He shrugged and rubbed his neck. “Eh, I’ll stick around for a bit. Haven’t actually spent a lot of time outside in a while.” He glanced behind her then, sneaking a peek at the passenger in her bag. “How’s the cat doing?”

A smirk crossed her face as she looked over her shoulder, spying Morgana poking out of the unzipped gap in her bag. He was lying on his back, soaking in the sunlight as he gave content moans.

“Aw, look at him.” Sadayo gushed over their fourth member. “He looks so cute!”

“He’s seriously asleep?” Sojiro scratched his head. “Thought he’d be the most excited for this.”

Morgana mumbled an inaudible response and shifted slightly. Sae chuckled and handled her bag delicately to not disturb him as she shouldered the fishing rod she’d rented.

“Come on. Let’s find somewhere to sit down.”

They made their way out onto the fishing moat and set up on the far side, beneath the shade of a tree. Morgana had opted to remain lounging in her bag while she and the others set about casting their lines. Though, Sae had some difficulty with hooking her bait and getting it in the water properly.

"So… I just swing this?"

"No, just watch."

Sae observed Sadayo sit down, adjust her sun hat, and cast her line into the moat with expert proficiency. Beside them, Sojiro whistled, impressed.

Sae tried to mimic her actions, only to have it hook the back of her shirt. After several more attempts that ended in relative failure and minor injuries, she finally managed to cast her lure into the water. Then came the waiting game… which seemed to go on forever…. And ever….

Though, that didn't seem to be the case for her companions.

“How are you catching so many fish?”

Sae gawked at Sadayo, who'd reeled in her fifteenth catch.

“It’s easy.” Sadayo flashed her a bright, encouraging smile. “Just clear your mind and free yourself from negative thoughts. Also, I come here a lot to unwind.”

Sae flushed a deep red and looked away from her, both out of shame and a sudden worry that seemed to worm its way into her chest. It was like a strange anxiety that made her heart begin to thump and mind stutter to a halt to address some unknown issue.

Shaking her head, she rid herself of the feeling and looked back out onto the most, eyeing her lure as it bobbed on the water.

"You know, the trick's to reel it in when it goes under?" Sojiro remarked, leaning over and watching with her.

"I've been trying."

"You gotta be patient."

"I am being patient."

They fell into silence, then Sadayo caught her sixteenth catch with a victorious cry.

A bit later, after turning in their rented equipment and waiting for Sadayo to pack hers back up, they stood outside the fishing center. Sojiro seemed content with the time he'd spent out of his café, and it probably helped that he'd managed to catch a few fish. Sadayo appeared jubilant, probably overjoyed to have spent time with them and being able to show off her fishing skills. And Sae… well, she was glad for the company at least.

As for Morgana….

"I can't believe they won't let us keep any of the fish!" Morgana slumped over her shoulder, visibly deflated by the revelation that he wasn't getting any of Sadayo's or Sojiro's spoils.

Sighing, Sae reached up and stroked his head. "We can get some sushi on the way home."

He perked up immediately. "Really?"

"Yes, really."

His eyes sparkled and Sadayo giggled at the sight. Sae glanced at her, then averted her gaze as she felt her cheeks warm again.

Clearing her throat, Sae glanced around and looked in the direction of the nearest station. "Well, I suppose that's it then. It was nice spending time with you all."

Sojiro popped his back and sighed in relief. "Yeah, that was a pretty good time. Pretty nice to get out from behind the counter."

"Where else should we go the next time we have an outing?" Sadayo asked, tapping her chin. "Oh! I know about a few bars in Kichijoji and a really nice jazz club there too."

Sojiro hummed and stroked his beard. "That sounds neat."

Sae glanced between them and rubbed her neck self-consciously. "Well, we'll have to make plans at a later date. Once I return to the Public Prosecutor's Office tomorrow, I'll be swamped with cases. There's a lot of work I need to catch up on."

Both her friends nodded, giving understanding looks. Though, Sojiro grew a smug grin a second after.

"Don't forget to stop by Leblanc sometime, alright?" He put his hands on his hips as he nudged his head. "I'll treat you to a discount."

Sae smiled graciously. "I'll be sure to, Boss-"

"Oh!" Sadayo suddenly exclaimed, jamming her hand into her bag. "I almost forgot!"

She dug around amongst belongings for a moment before producing her phone. They exchanged confused looks as she pulled something up, then showed them a website.

"The Phantom Aficionado Website?" Sae furrowed her brow before realization dawned on her. “We have a website?”

She blinked at Sadayo, who grinned and nodded. "I overheard several of my students talking about it. People can submit requests here for us to investigate.”

"Huh." Sojiro scratched his head and hummed as he looked up the site on his own phone. “Well, that makes our jobs a lot easier.”

"Certainly." Sae scratched her chin as she thought back on their operations in the Metaverse.

The search for more Palaces, and subsequent hearts to change, would require them to pour time and effort into it. They'd need to set a day aside to review targets, as well as attempt to connect any dots between the mental shutdown and psychotic breakdown incidents. The best possible time would be after she'd dealt with Kamoshida.

She talked it over with them as they made their way to the station, and they agreed. In a few weeks time, they'd have an official meeting at Leblanc to discuss their future plans. For now, they'd continue to lie low and wait for things to settle down.

"Hey, what's this?"

Sae paused as she looked over at Morgana, who'd stuck his head out of her bag. They sat on the train heading towards the station closest to her apartment. Sadayo and Sojiro had left earlier, leaving her and their Metaverse guide alone.

"What is it?"

There was a pink slip of paper on the seat next to them, where Sadayo had sat.

Sae picked it up and looked it over. "It's just an advertisement for 'Victoria's Housekeeping'. Probably a maid service."

"Is it Sadayo's?"

"Probably." Sae shrugged and handed it to him to stow away in her bag. "She always tells us she's busy. Perhaps she calls for a maid to help clean up around her home."

"That sounds reasonable."

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 3

TEMPERANCE
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 2

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 2

THE HANGED MAN
Munehisa Iwai: Rank 1

JUDGEMENT
Amamiya Ren: Rank 1

THE PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 1

Chapter Text

5/9
Monday

Sae breathed in a deep breath to calm her nerves before she knocked on the door of the SIU Director’s office.

A second passed, then his muffled voice sounded from the other side, “Come in.”

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside and locked eyes with her superior. He watched her for a moment, brief curiosity crossing his face before it quelled into its usual, solemn expression.

“Ah, Niijima-san.” He lifted his hands up and held them. “It’s good to finally have you back.”

She tipped her head affirmingly. “It’s good to be back, sir.”

He hummed and gave her a once-over. “I hope you’ve cooled off in your time away. I don’t want to hear anymore of that nonsense you were spouting before.”

“Of course.” Sae bowed her head, both as a show of humility and to hide her vexed countenance. “I’ll be sure to pursue more solid leads from now on.”

“Good to know.”

There was a moment of silence before the director leaned back, his chair creaking as he reached down into one of his desk’s drawers. “Most of the available case files have been sent to you, but here are a few more.”

He set down a few files thick with the relevant reports and paperwork on his desk. She sized up the amount, quickly recognizing at least a month’s work for any prosecutor worth their salt. Of course, she was worth far more than salt.

Stepping up to his desk, she picked up the files and glanced over the cases she had the option of working on. There wasn't anything extraordinary about them, nothing she hadn't handled before. Of course, the number of them, not even counting those already available to her via email, was more than that of her co-workers. That was partly because of the unspoken patriarchy that ruled over the Public Prosecutor's Office and her own, personal request, which had been a means to show that she could take whatever her peers sought to throw at her.

So, in summary, she would be fine if she worked as diligently and efficiently as always. Perhaps she’d break a personal record while she was at it.

"Thank you, sir." Sae tipped her head down and stowed the files in her bag. "I'll be sure to get results within the month."

He nodded, needing no further sign of affirmation or encouragement. He knew her reputation, but more importantly he knew her work ethic. She hadn't failed a single case since she'd begun three years ago, and she wouldn't now or ever.

"Very well," he said, gesturing towards the door. "I won't keep you-"

He was cut off as a news channel's jingle sounded from the TV in his office. They both turned to watch the screen as a report played out, the news host covering recent developments.

"Currently, Kamoshida Suguru has been confirmed to have been of sound mental health. The reasons as to why he suddenly confessed his crimes continues to elude authorities."

Sae felt a flicker of pride within her, tempting the corner of her lips to curve upwards. However, she stifled the feeling and stole a glance at the director. His attention remained on the TV, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Strange, isn't it?" He held his hands again and hummed. "A high school coach that forced himself on his students suddenly turns himself in because of a heavy conscience. I suppose some people can manage to see the error of their ways."

Sae nodded silently, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. Then, after taking a moment to strengthen her resolve, she turned to him and looked him in the eye. "I apologize if I'm stepping out of line, sir, but may I request to be placed on the case against Kamoshida Suguru?"

The Director of the SIU regarded her with wide, surprised eyes. “Excuse me? You want me to do what?”

She breathed in and stood resolute before her superior, arms crossed and face set in stone as she made her request. “I’d like for you to place me on the case against Kamoshida Suguru.”

A moment of silence passed as they stared down, the director’s solemn gaze unwavering against her own. Then though, he relented and rubbed his forehead while exhaling.

“And why exactly do you want to be on that case specifically?” He glanced at her, then over at the TV where a news report was playing. “Don’t tell me you think this is connected to the mental shutdown and psychotic breakdown incidents too? I believe we just discussed never bringing that nonsense up again.”

She narrowed her eyes, but otherwise kept her countenance impassive. “With all due respect, sir, you brought it up. And to reassure you, despite there being similarities between the incidents, this… is rather personal. My sister goes to Shujin, where Kamoshida was preying on students.”

He tipped his head back and hummed in understanding.

“Oh, yes. I’d forgotten.” He took off his glasses and cleaned them on his jacket. “But, might I remind you that we cannot be impartial or biased in our work?”

“And might I remind you that I always get results?”

They stared down for a moment, then he bowed his head and sighed. “...Very well, let me see if I can pull some strings.” He narrowed his eyes and held up an accusing finger. “But don’t make me regret this.”

“Of course, sir." She suppressed the urge to smile in exultance as she gave a curt bow. "Have a nice day.”

Stepping out of his office, she waited until the door closed behind her to let a triumphant smirk cross her face. A familiar, electric tingle sang within her, like lightning festering before it struck. It was the eager anticipation she felt before any case she was invested in, the excitement she harbored for the inevitable confrontation in the courtroom where she unleashed her onslaught and settled the case without any opposition.

Of course, the only thing that made this thrill better was the fact that she knew Kamoshida was truly guilty, and that she knew just exactly where to begin her investigation. It she was lucky, she might even be able to follow his crimes far enough back to bring down the men that had enabled his behavior in the first place-

Sae paused as she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She reached for it as it buzzed again, then a third time.

"What is going on?"

Digging it out, she unlocked it and furrowed her brow at the sight of a series of messages from an unknown number:

<???> Hello, Niijima Sae.

<???> It's nice to meet you.

<???> I am the one they call Alibaba.

<???> I wanted to ask you something.

<???> Who and what are the Phantom Thieves of Hearts?

The elevator dinged and the doors parted before her, but Sae paid them no heed as she stared at her phone with wide, alarmed eyes.

Her chest felt tight as sudden fear coiled around her lungs, threatening to crush them. Her heart thundered against her chest as her stomach churned with unease.

This wasn't possible. No one should know about them. They'd covered their tracks. The only one who was at risk of being caught would have been Sadayo for posting the calling cards-

Sae was pulled from her stupor as the elevator doors began to close. She lunged forward and stuck an arm in, prompting them to slide back open.

Breathing in deep, she composed herself and glanced around as she stepped inside. Once the doors closed, she allowed her solemn demeanor to crack just a bit, enough to give her breathing room but not enough to let her fall apart.

She needed to think clearly. Whoever this was seemed to know of her involvement, but not the others'. How that was possible, she had no idea.

What angle could she play this from? Was this someone who knew of the Metaverse? Someone who witnessed them entering it? Perhaps someone who had overheard them at Leblanc?

There were too many variables to come up with a solid conclusion. For now, she'd need to draw this out, find clues as she played along.

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she typed on her phone:

(!) Error: Message could not be sent.

She gawked at the alert. "What?"

<???> Don’t bother trying to talk back.

<???> I don’t even exist.

<???> And you want to try and get this traced, don’t even bother.

<???> It won’t be a matter of if you can, it's a matter of if you want to risk being outed as the vigilantes who took down Kamoshida Suguru.

<???> And just so you know I'm not throwing around accusations:

Sae waited a minute, then a sound file appeared. She hesitated to press it, but then did.

"Then, it's settled. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts are just getting started!" her own, mirthful voice announced.

The blood drained from her face as she felt her heart sink.

<???> I have plenty more recordings of your little celebration.

<???> So, please, answer the question.

<???> Who and what are the Phantom Thieves of Hearts?

"...Dammit." Sae paced the tiny space she had within the elevator. "Dammit!"

All of their planning, all of their ambitions, it was all down the drain. They'd been caught before they even had the chance to strike again.

Sae pressed a hand to her forehead, cradling it before she admitted to herself out loud, “I need to inform the others."

“Inform us of what?”

“Ahh!” Sae shrieked as she jumped, hitting the back wall as Morgana suddenly appeared over her shoulder. “Morgana? What are you doing here?”

The cat flashed her one of his cheeky grins. "Well, I couldn't just leave my partner alone, now could I?"

She stared at him in absolute astonishment for a moment before her eyes narrowed to razor sharp slits and her face burned hot with anger. His smile steadily fell into a fretful frown as his head dipped down. A nervous laugh escaped him as she breathed in and cradled the bridge of her nose.

"Do you even realize how much trouble I'll be in if anyone sees you?"

"Uh… A lot?"

"Yes! Exactly!" She threw her arms in the air, then shot him a sharp look. “So why didn’t you stay home?”

He was thoroughly cowed now, slumped over her shoulder with obvious shame weighing him down. After a second though, he seemed to shrug off her scolding and instead puffed out his chest.

"Look, it'll be fine,” he said. “Did you forget that I'm the one who taught you how to be a Phantom Thief."

She held up a finger and nearly went on another spiel about how irresponsible he was, but stopped herself before she could. Rubbing her temples, she breathed in and out.

“Alright, fine. Just… make sure you don’t get caught, alright.”

“Can do, partner!” He beamed with joy, but then looked at the hand still gripping her phone. “So, what happened that you needed to tell all of us?”

Sae pursed her lips and glanced down at her phone. She unlocked it again and held it up for him to read the texts, “It would appear we have someone watching us.”

Morgana’s eyes grew wider and wider with every message he read. "What? Someone's already caught us? But that's impossible!"

"Regardless of if it is or isn't, they have the evidence. All we can do now is play along with their demands until we spot an opportunity to strike back.”

He didn’t answer for a few seconds, mulling over the details the same as her. Then, though, he nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Whoever we’re dealing with, we don’t have a way of fighting back yet.”

“We will need to tell the others, though, in the event that this ‘Alibaba’ attempts to coerce them.”

“What about their question? How much do you want to tell them?”

“...Enough that we don’t put all our cards on the-”

Before Sae could finish, the elevator suddenly shuddered. It was then that she realized she hadn't actually picked a floor to go to, she'd just been standing in the elevator car. Now, however, someone else had just called it.

"Hide!" she hissed.

Morgana obeyed immediately, slipping back down into her bag. For added insurance, she zipped up the bag enough to hide his form if anyone tried to take a peek inside.

Less than a minute later, the elevator slowed to a stop and the doors slid open with a ding. A young woman dressed in a business suit strode into the elevator and stood beside her.

Sae breathed in and held her composure, acting nonchalant. Closing her messaging app on her phone, she pretended to be searching the internet.

Minutes passed in relative silence, the only noise being the hum of the elevator and the tapping of the other woman’s foot. Though, after a moment, she heard the tapping stop and then felt the discomfort of someone watching her.

Cautiously, she stole a glance at the woman beside her. She briefly met a pair of gray eyes that watched her observantly.

“...Can I help you?” Sae regarded the other woman with a disturbed look.

“Oh, uh, sorry!” the other woman squeaked, face suddenly flushing red. "I just- Well-...."

Utter embarrassment crossed the woman's face as she bowed her head and scratched it. Her frantic stammering eventually quieted into an ashamed silence.

"...I'll take that as a no." Sae glanced over at the elevator buttons and clicked on the floor her office was located on.

She needed to get to work immediately. The more she could finish before classes let out at Shujin, the better. Once they did, she'd hopefully manage to contact Sadayo and Sojiro so they could meet up somewhere privately. Where exactly would be safe from this Alibaba, she had no clue-

Sae narrowed her eyes as she felt the woman's gaze on her face again. Looking over, she met her grey eyes once more, which widened from conflicting emotions of surprise and fear.

"Is there a reason you keep staring at me?"

"S-Sorry!" The elevator's other occupant visibly shrunk down. "I'm sorry! I- Uh-"

"Spit it out," she demanded, her voice level and cold.

“...Are you Niijima Sae?"

Sae raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Who was this woman? How did she know her? Was it a coincidence that she appeared just after Alibaba had contacted her?

She quickly gave her a once-over, noting her professional attire and stuffed bag. Her black hair was styled in a neat bob and her grey eyes were emphasized with a bit of makeup. She certainly looked the part of someone who worked within the building, but she didn’t seem to act it.

Cautiously, Sae nodded in affirmation, but stealthily unwrapped a hand from her bag’s strap, ready to clench it into a fist if needed. “...I am. Why do you ask?”

“You are?" This time, to her surprise, the woman's eyes widened with wonder instead of fear. "Wow.”

Sae blinked at her. “...Excuse me?”

"Oh! Right, sorry! I haven't even introduced myself." The woman combed fingers through her hair as she took a deep breath then composed herself. "I'm Kawara Mizuki. I'm a prosecutor too.”

The flustered woman extended a hand and tried to offer an awkward smile. Sae stared at it, then at her.

“...You’re a prosecutor?”

Kawara nodded, but then bowed her head. “I apologize if I’ve offended you, Niijima-san. I was just… excited to meet you.”

Surprise crossed Sae’s face as she stared at her. “You were? Why?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” She gestured at her. “You passed the bar exam in high school and you're one of the best prosecutors in the department!”

She flushed red at the compliment, rubbing her neck self-consciously. “I just… studied hard. I had too.”

“Yeah, well, it took me a little bit longer to pass the bar exam myself.” The other woman adjusted the strap of her bag as she looked up at the screen displaying the floor numbers. “So, I guess we’ll be co-workers then.”

“I suppose so….”

Sae pursed her lips and held them tight as she studied Kawara from her peripheral. She seemed optimistic at first glance, ready to jump in and get things done. Though, she doubted she was prepared for just how cutthroat the Public Prosecutor’s Office could be.

“Be careful who you talk to around here.”

“Huh?” Kawara looked over at her. “Why’s that?”

“Not everyone will be as… welcoming as me.”

She tilted her head. “Why’s that?”

Sae breathed in as she tipped her head back and thought on how best to phrase her words. “This is a male-dominated profession. You’ll have to do twice the work, sometimes thrice or more. Be prepared for just how much you’ll need to prove yourself.”

“...It can’t be that bad… right?”

She stole a glance at the other woman, whose head was now bowed with a look of worry on her face. “Not at first glance, but you’ll learn just how things work around here and how best to stand your ground. My advice, try not to chase after approval.”

“...I think I understand.” Kawara wrang the strap of her bag anxiously before casting a hopeful look her way. “But, at least we’ll have each other, right?”

Sae looked at her with uncertainty. She’d never really relied upon anyone in the office before. It had always been her, slaving away to get ahead. She had her own work to worry about, her own reputation to uphold.

But would she be willing to abandon someone else faced with the same adversities as herself? Perhaps, there could be strength in numbers.

Slowly, she nodded and grew a faint smile. “I suppose we will.”

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Moon Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE MOON Confidant: Rank 1

The elevator dinged as they stopped on their floor, the doors parting for them to step out. Sae strode towards her office, but glanced back at Kawara. The other woman looked around warily before locking eyes with her.

Sae tipped her chin up and the other woman mimicked the action before standing up straighter, taller. Then, she went off to her own workplace.

Upon closing the door to her office, Sae rubbed her forehead and set her bag on the table. Morgana poked his head out and looked around curiously.

“Wow, you got a pretty neat place here.”

“Thank you.” Sae sat down behind her desk and reached past him to pull out the files the director had handed her. “I’m going to get to work. In the meantime, do you think you can brainstorm how we can deal with Alibaba?”

“Well, first things first, we gotta find somewhere to meet the others without being discovered, and I know just the place.”

Sae spent the better part of the day filling out paperwork and organizing the investigation of the various cases. Her primary focus, however, had been on pursuing leads on Kamoshida’s victims and filing the necessary paperwork to follow them. Thankfully, she had the advantage of knowing a majority of his actions, as well as the ones not originally confessed.

Of course, she’d need to get him to confess that to her in order to not arouse suspicion. Although, she relished the thought of confronting the man himself, tearing into him until he wept the truth.

“Sae!”

Sae perked up and looked over across Station Square to where Sadayo came rushing over from the Aoyama-Itchome Line entrance. The teacher pushed her way through the afternoon rush, making her way over to where she sat by the Buchiko statue.

“Hello, Sadayo.” Sae sat up straighter, brushing some stray, silver locks from her face. “How was your day?”

“Exhausting.” Sadayo plopped down beside her on the bench as she let out a heavy sigh. “Where’s Sojiro?”

“On his way.” Sae glanced at her phone. “He said he had to close up the cafe and tell his ward that he’d be out.”

They waited outside for a while before heading into the underground mall to buy some food. By the time they’d returned to the bench and finished eating, Sojiro appeared.

“So, what’s this important meeting about?” The older man glanced around, making sure no one was nearby to eavesdrop on them. “Something happen?”

Sae nodded and held up her phone, showing them Alibaba’s messages. “We’ve been compromised.”

Both her friends squinted at the screen as they read the texts. Steadily, their eyes widened with alarm and horror. Both were speechless at first, but then Sojiro stepped back and twisted around.

“Dammit!” he hissed, scratching his beard. “How the hell’d someone find out already?”

Sae glanced at Morgana, who’d crawled out of her bag. “Before we continue, it’d be best if we went somewhere private. Morgana, you said you knew a place?”

He nodded. “Open up the Phan-Site and find a post with a full name on it. We’re heading into the Metaverse.”

They all blinked and stared at him in shock.

“What?” Sadayo gasped. “We’re going back into a Palace?”

“Kind of.” Morgana met each of their eyes with a confident look. “I’ll explain everything when we get inside, just trust me.”

Sae watched him for a moment, then began searching through her phone. Sadayo and Sojiro followed, skimming through the Phantom Aficionado Website too.

“Wow, a lot of these are really petty,” Sadayo remarked.

Sojiro scoffed. “Make him clean up his part of the apartment? Do it yourself.”

“Focus, people!” Sae snapped, then frowned as she skimmed through another forum. “...But, I’ll admit, there are a disturbing amount of names for such… menial issues….”

She looked through another page, then a second before she exhaled. Stealing a glance at her companions, she also found them having no luck.

“Does it matter if it’s serious or not?” Sojiro asked, rubbing his neck.

“If we want a guaranteed ticket into the Metaverse, yeah,” Morgana answered.

Sae closed her eyes and breathed in, but gasped when she felt her phone vibrate. Looking down, she found a new text message with a link, followed by another with a message from a familiar, unknown number.

<???> Seems like you needed some help looking for another target.

<???> Don’t worry, it’s pretty serious.

Sae furrowed her brow. Was she listening to them? Or was she watching them?

Looking around, she tried to see if anyone was watching them. After a few minutes with no evidence of a nearby eavesdropper, she conceded and clicked the link.

“Nakanohara Natsuhiko,” she read aloud.

“You found someone?” Sojiro asked.

She stared at her screen, unsure of how to answer. After a moment, she shook her head. “Alibaba found him.”

“Wait, what?” Sadayo stood up and looked at her in confusion. “Can we trust them? I mean, what if they want us to change their heart.”

Sae’s phone buzzed again and she looked at the new text message.

<???> She’s smart.

<???> I do want hearts changed, but it’s only the bad guys.

“Can they hear us?” Morgana asked, looking up at her.

“I assume so.” Sae stroked her chin and looked around again. “I’d apologize that we don’t trust you yet, Alibaba, but all we have to go on is your word.”

<???> True, true.

<???> I’ll tell you this then, I’m in it to make sure you guys are the real deal.

<???> Not every day someone plays vigilante you know.

<???> So, what's the secret? Blackmail? Brainwashing? Beat 'em up until they see the error of their ways?

Sae arched an eyebrow, then looked at Morgana and the others. They shared cautious expressions, none of them prepared to fully trust their mysterious audience.

"Before we begin, I believe we should set a new ground rule," she declared, meeting each of her teammates' eyes. "We chose to bring down Kamoshida together, it's only right that we choose unanimously again."

She watched each of their faces, gauging their reactions. Sadayo wore a thoughtful countenance as she held her arms crossed, holding herself as she pondered on the right course or action. Sojiro was scratching his beard as he grumbled under his breath, a visibly look of frustration on his face. And Morgana, while it was hard to read his feline features, she could see the determination burning in his eyes.

"I don't think we have much of a choice here,” Sadayo exhaled. "But, we’d still be helping someone regardless.”

Sojiro hummed in uncertainty, but tipped his head back and sighed too. “Yeah, guess that’s true. I’m in.”

Sae nodded and looked at Morgana, who smiled.

"Alright,” the cat held up a paw to gesture at her phone, “open the Meta-Nav and type in the guy's name, then 'Mementos' for the location."

She obeyed, filling in the search filters. Though, she had several questions on how this would be enough to locate a Palace-

"Destination found," her phone chirped.

She blinked and stared at the screen. Sadayo gasped above her while Sojiro gave an astonished sound. All the while, Morgana cackled with pride as he looked up at her.

"Told you, now let's get going!"

Sae shook off her surprise and nodded.

"Beginning navigation."

"You have arrived at your destination."

When Sae opened her eyes next, the sky glowed an ominous amethyst and was filled with dark clouds. However, the most notable change was not above them but around them.

The bustling crowds of Station Square had disappeared completely. She couldn’t find a single person rushing from the different platforms or heading into the underground mall. Not even the lottery booths were manned.

“Where did everyone go?” Sojiro glanced around worriedly, one hand holding his trilby on his head as he snapped his gaze from left to right. “Is this that Nakanohara guy’s Palace?”

“Yes and no.” Morgana hopped down from the bench and moved towards the stairs leading down into the underground walkway. “Follow me and I’ll explain along the way.”

They all exchanged looks before obeying, falling into step behind the cat as he made his way down the stairs.

"This is a special type of Palace," Morgana elaborated as he climbed down the steps that seemed to descend down farther than normal, "think of it like everyone's Palace."

"Everyone's Palace?" Sae questioned as she looked at the walls, noticing a strange, red hue on them. "Care to explain?"

"Well, think of it like this. Kamoshida got his own grand Palace because his desires became extremely distorted. However, instead of getting individual Palaces, the general public has one gigantic Palace they all share."

Sadayo hummed and scratched her head. "So, this is like a huge amalgamation of everyone's desires?"

"Yeah. Exactly." Morgana hopped up onto the arm of an escalator to be near their height. “It’s like… the collective unconscious. And just like how people's minds can change, the entire layout can change too.”

Sae stroked her chin as she processed the concept. Though, her mulling was interrupted when she noticed strange, crimson growths ebbing out of the walls and floor. A shiver ran up her spine as they descended further into what seemed to be the beginnings of a hellscape.

"Sae!"

"Huh?" Sae glanced back at Sadayo, finding her dressed in her ronin attire. "Your clothes…."

"Yours too!" Sadayo pointed at her and she glanced down to find her business suit replaced with her detective's outfit.

They both looked at Sojiro then, who scratched at the spandex of his jumpsuit. “Guess we’re back in business then, huh?”

“That’s right.” Morgana hopped down from the escalator arm, now transformed into his Metaverse form. “All the Shadows lurk underground in Mementos, and since our clothes have changed, it means we’re here.”

They stopped and looked around them at the intermediate place between the surface and Mementos. More of the strange, disturbing growths grew around support columns and pillars, climbing up and over surfaces. Everything around them was tinted a red hue as well, seeming like they were heading into hell itself.

“Well, this place creeps me out,” Sadayo remarked, crossing her arms as she glanced around.

“But it is safe from Alibaba’s prying eyes,” Sae stated as she pulled out her phone, noting the loss of wifi connection. “We should be safe to discuss our options.”

“What are our options?” Sojiro huffed as he leaned back against a wall. “They’ve got the evidence.”

“And we don’t know who they are,” Sadayo added, “so we can’t just change their heart.”

Sae bowed her head in acknowledgment. Their backs were against the wall at the moment. There was no way out of their current predicament besides giving into Alibaba’s demands. Though, why they wanted to know more about their group was beyond her….

“Do you think they’re after the Metaverse?” Sae proposed, looking up at her team. “As far as we know, we’re the only ones that can enter it.”

“Wait, but Alibaba didn’t know how we change hearts,” Morgana pointed out.

She nodded, but regarded him with a thoughtful look. “True, but that could have easily been their attempt at playing dumb. We already theorized that someone else could be using the Metaverse to incite the mental shutdown and psychotic breakdown incidents. Perhaps Alibaba is attempting to stop us from digging in too deep.”

That thought seemed to unnerve them, looks of discomfort crossing their faces. She’d be lying if it didn’t disturb her either, the idea that they were being toyed with.

“Well, the fact is we can’t exactly fight back right now.” Sadayo sighed and inhaled a deep breath. “The best thing we can do is play along, I guess, and… I don’t know, figure something out?"

Sojiro let out a groan as he pushed off the wall and rubbed his neck. “She’s right. No point in stressing about ‘what if’s’ right now.”

They both looked at Sae, who looked back with hesitation. She wasn’t one to outright trust others, especially given that Alibaba was a complete unknown. Though, they had a point, inaction would only lead to further inaction.

“Very well, I suppose we’ll just have to bide our time,” she relented, placing her hands on her hips as she sighed. “But keep your guard up.” Looking up, she turned her attention to their resident guide. “Alright, Morgana, lead the way.”

He flashed them a cheshire grin before gesturing to them to follow him down the next set of escalators leading downwards. They headed further underground until they came upon a train platform.

Debris and dust were swept up in gusts of air that flowed into the depths beyond the platform’s exit. A set of tracks lead further in as well, though what lay beyond was shrouded in shadows.

“So our target’s down there?” Sae asked, crossing her arms.

“Somewhere in there,” Morgana replied. “I’ll be able to track him down once we get closer.“

Sae exchanged worried looks with her team before Sojiro spoke up, “Uh, just how big is this place?”

“Well, it is the collective unconscious.” The cat monster hopped up onto the railing at the back of the platform. “But don’t worry, I’ve got our ride covered.”

Sae furrowed her brow. “Our ride?”

He flashed them another cheshire grin before striking a pose.

"Alright, it’s my time to shine!" He leapt up and backwards into the air. “Morgana! Transform!"

He suddenly burst into a puff of smoke, disappearing from sight. A second after, a large bus painted black landed on the train tracks.

They all blinked and stared at the sight dumbly, utterly baffled and confused.

"Uh…." Sae trailed off, her words lost to her as she studied the massive eyes acting as headlights staring back at her and her team. "Someone please explain to me what just happened.”

“The cat just turned into a bus,” Sojiro stated while gawking.

“Okay….”

“I’m not a cat!” Morgana shouted, bouncing on his tires. “And this is the same concept as a Palace. Cognition can change things, and I guess cats turning into buses is a pretty common thought.”

Sadayo squinted at him. “Weird.”

A few seconds later, they were down on the tracks and gathered around Morgana.

“So, can you drive yourself or does one of us need to…?” Sojiro trailed off as he rubbed his neck.

“One of you needs to drive.”

“Alright, just checking.” He glanced at them and they glanced back. “...So, who wants to drive the cat bus?”

“I’m not a cat!”

Minutes later, after some light debate, Sae was climbing into the driver’s seat with Sojiro climbing into the passenger’s, his mace between his legs. Sadayo sat in the back, managing to fit her naginata with her.

After a few bits of troubleshooting, Morgana had helped her figure out how to… well, start his engine.

“Okay, is everyone set?” Sae glanced at Sojiro beside her, then up at the rearview mirror to spy Sadayo yawning.

Both nodded at her and she gripped the steering wheel, “Alright, and remember, from here on out we’re using our codenames.”

She pressed her foot to the pedal and they headed into the unknown.

At first, they drove in silence, studying the tunnels barren of any subway trains.

Then, they drove in frantic screams as they avoided gargantuan-sized Shadows that appeared in the darkness.

“Why didn’t you warn us they were this big?” Arbiter shrieked as she swerved around a Shadow meandering about.

“Slow down!” Mona shouted. “We’re gonna hit a wall!”

“Watch out!” Boss cried, pointing past the windshield. “Another one incoming!”

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” Ronin whimpered in the back, her arms suddenly wrapping around Arbiter’s neck.

“Ronin! Can’t- Breathe!”

Her teammate squeaked an apology and let go just as Mona’s headlights illuminated the prodigious figure of a Shadow lumbering towards them. It looked up to stare them down as they barreled towards it.

Arbiter sucked in a deep breath, a thousand ideas and scenarios playing out in her head. They could try to swerve past it and end up crashing into a wall. They could try to turn at the last second and end up rolling over. Or they could just run into it….

“Mona, how durable are you in this form?” she shouted.

“Why are you asking?” he shouted back.

“Hang on!”

“Wait, what are you doing?”

Arbiter slammed her foot down on the pedal, pressing it into the floor as Mona shot forward. The Shadow in front of them seemed to tip its head back in confusion just before they rammed into it.

A chorus of screams, courtesy of the Phantom Thieves, echoed throughout the tunnels as they burst through a cloud of black vapor and swerved to a stop just past it.

“My goddamn heart!” Boss pressed a hand to his chestplate. “You’re gonna kill me before I hit retirement, woman!”

Arbiter didn’t respond, too busy gripping the steering wheel as she took measured breaths to calm her own pounding heart.

“Uh, guys?” Mona sounded. “Those Shadows are coming for us.”

Ronin flopped over the front seats, looking past the windshield. “...I think we can handle those. Right, Arbiter?”

Arbiter blinked and focused on the shapes beyond the glass. Two Kelpies and a Pixie were moving towards them, malicious intent in their eyes.

She stared at them, then smiled. “I think we could use some stress relief.”

Some time later, after expending their anxieties and pent up stress on any unfortunate Shadow that dared to get within their headlights, the Phantom Thieves were cruising along down the tunnels of Mementos.

“You know, this is actually kind of relaxing,” Arbiter remarked as she reclined a bit in the driver’s seat.

Beside her, Boss mumbled a reply as he sunk down a bit and crossed his arms. Behind them both, she heard Ronin snoring, already passed out. Apparently, she had a long day again, which wasn’t impossible considering the fallout of Kamoshida’s crimes at Shujin.

Arbiter had been fine with letting her team grab some shut eye, only two of them needed to be awake to get them through Mementos.

“Mona?” Arbiter called as she stole a glance at the far back of Mona’s truck form, where a pile of random items sat. “Do you think we’ll be able to take all of this junk those Shadows dropped back to the real world?”

“I think you can,” Mona replied. “Remember how I told you that you can hold them up for money back in Kamoshida’s castle.”

“Yes, but I was worried that someone would question how I managed to get my hands on thousands of yen.”

“Well, at least we can sell all this stuff at the pawn shop.”

“If the owner can be trusted,” she interjected, recalling her last encounter with Iwai-san. “I won’t be pinned with a crime by association.”

“Understanda- Whoa!”

Arbiter perked up at their guide’s sudden cry and hit the brakes, startling her team awake. Boss sat up and popped his neck while Ronin stretched her arms and yawned.

“What’s going on?” Ronin mumbled.

“I can sense our target nearby!” Mona declared.

Arbiter hummed and glanced at her team. “Alright, get ready, everyone.”

After a few minutes of roaming around the area, they managed to discover a tunnel that was unlike the rest. The tracks on the ground were pulled off the ground, twisting around each other as the walls, ground, and ceiling collapsed into a scarlet portal.

“The hell is that?” Boss piped up.

“It’s where our target is hiding,” Morgana explained. “His desires have distorted the area around him.”

“Just like a Palace,” Arbiter noted, rubbing her chin before gripping the steering wheel again. “Alright, here we go.”

Pressing down on the pedal, she drove them into the scarlet portal. It was like passing through a curtain, the red and black vortex pulling away around them as they arrived at the end of the tracks. The train tracks themselves, which had twisted themselves into a spiral, untangled and returned to the ground. At the foot of them stood a single figure.

Arbiter glanced at her team and they exchanged affirming nods. One by one, they climbed out of Mona and readied themselves. A second after, he transformed back into his original form and followed them as they approached the Shadow.

Looking around, Arbiter squinted at the walls as the concrete ended and a new surface began, one sporting malicious, scarlet markings. Vein-like structures protruded out of the walls further down, pulses of light like blood pumping through them as they led down a cavernous tunnel on the far side of the area.

Taking a deep breath, Arbiter approached the Shadow of their target.

"Nakanohara Natsuhiko, I presume?"

The Shadow perked up and looked at her, his face contorting with annoyance. "Who the hell are you?"

"We are the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, and we've come to take yours."

“What?” He stepped back and took in the sight of them. “Why?”

“You’re stalking your ex, right?” Boss huffed with anger. “We’re here to make sure you stop doing that.”

“You can’t!” Shadow Nakanohara barked back. “She’s my property! I can do whatever I want with her!”

Their eyes narrowed and Ronin stepped forward. “You can’t own anyone.”

“But it’s not like she didn’t treat me like her plaything! What’s wrong with me doing the same?”

“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” Mona stated as he readied his cutlass.

The Shadow stepped back as they approached, fear crossing his face before it became rage. “There’s millions more people worse than me! Why don’t you go after Madarame? Huh? He stole everything from me, but you’re just going to ignore him?”

They stopped, confusion crossing their faces. They exchanged looks before turning back to him.

“Madarame?” Arbiter repeated quizzically.

Nakanohara’s Shadow looked at her, then scowled. Black ooze pooled at his feet and suddenly shot up like a geyser, enveloping him as he transformed.

“Get back!” Mona warned. “Here he comes!”

A small, demonic creature emerged from the ooze, cackling as it hopped up and down.

“She’s mine! I’m not letting you take her away from me!”

It jumped up and thrust a fist forward, aiming for the heart of their group. However, Arbiter and Mona jumped to the right while Boss and Ronin threw themselves left.

Rolling to her feet, Arbiter placed a hand on her mask. “Andras!”

Her Persona appeared over her, a man with the wings and head of an owl. It shrieked as it shot forward and slashed the Shadow across the side, forcing it to stumble away.

“Ronin!” Arbiter called and the teacher rushed forward.

“Kami-no-Kaze!”

A lightning bolt struck the Shadow, bringing it to its knees.

“He’s down!” Mona rushed forward with the rest of them right behind him. “Let’s go!”

They jumped into an all-out attack, striking the Shadow from all angles before it finally gave out. As the demonic creature fell, it disintegrated into dark vapor and left behind Nakanohara, who sat on his knees as he stared at the ground.

“I-I’m sorry.” The Shadow remained on his hands and knees, his head bowed low. “Please forgive me, I-... I couldn’t stop obsessing after… after the person I trusted most used me and then threw me out like I was nothing.”

“This Madarame, he did that to you?” Arbiter asked, approaching him cautiously.

Nakanohara nodded. “I was afraid that it would happen again.”

“But you hurt someone regardless,” Ronin stated, watching him with a sympathetic face. “Sometimes… you just have to let go.”

“I know that now….” Nakanohara breathed a sigh, then pushed himself up to stand and look them in the eye. “I’ll put an end to my love for her….” He closed his eyes and breathed in, but then paused and looked at them again. “Wait… you guys can change hearts, right?”

Arbiter blinked and stared at him. “We can, yes.”

“Can you change Madarame’s heart? Before he can hurt anyone else?”

Arbiter looked at her team, gauging their thoughts. They all appeared hesitant to accept the Shadow’s request, but… there wasn’t any outright rejection.

Turning back to Nakanohara, she intended to interrogate him for further details, but pursed her lips when she watched him light up and fade away, just like Kamoshida had.

What remained after he’d left was a single, floating star that shined brilliantly in the dark of Mementos.

“Whoa….” Mona stepped forward. “That’s the bud of a Treasure!”

“It’s beautiful,” Ronin breathed as she approached with Boss beside her.

Mona hummed in agreement. “It is, but that could have turned into a Palace if we’d left it be.”

“Then it’s a good thing we stopped Nakanohara.” Arbiter reached out and plucked the light from the air.

Upon opening her hand, she found a pearl in her palm. It seemed to thrum with some kind of power, in the same way that she felt the strength of her Personas in her mask.

Pocketing it, she turned to face her companions. “Alright, let’s head back.”

“Actually,” Morgana spoke up, holding his paws as he looked at each of them, “if it’s okay with you guys, do you think we can check something else out while we’re here?”

“The trains are still running here?” Boss scratched his beard as they pulled up at a platform.

“It is the subway,” Mona said as they disembarked.

Arbiter gave a grunt as she stretched her limbs and felt relief wash over her. Beside her, she spotted Ronin and Boss doing the same, though her eyes lingered on the former for a moment before she turned away, face warm.

“Alright, Mona, what was it you wanted to show us?”

“It’s down here.” He walked past her towards the escalator leading to another level of the labyrinth.

They followed him, descending onto another train platform. Subway cars zoomed past either sides of them, rushing into the darkness of the tunnels beyond. Their attention, however, wasn’t on the trains but on the wall at the far end of the platform, covered in the same, malicious marking as the walls where they’d fought Nakanohara.

“What in the world…?” Boss approached the structure, running a hand over the surface. “The hell is this?”

Ronin kept a sizable distance from the wall, crossing her arms as she studied the scarlet designs. “Whatever it is, it’s creeping me out.”

Arbiter glanced at them, then at Mona who walked forward and pressed a paw to the surface. “Well, if I’m right….”

They all watched him with interest, then flicked their gazes up to the wall as it began to quake. The entire platform trembled as a portion of the wall caved in, then slid away. The rest of the wall slid back, revealing another set of escalators leading deeper into the dark below.

“A new area has been confirmed in the depths.” Arbiter lifted up her phone and gawked at the Metaverse Navigator. “Updating guidance information.”

They stared wide-eyed at their phones, then looked at their guide.

“Mona?” Ronin called, hoping he could shed some light on what they had just seen.

The cat monster hummed as he rubbed his chin, a faint smile on his lips. “So, it’s just as I thought.”

“Right about what?” Arbiter asked, kneeling down to his height to make sure he noticed them. “We could use an explanation.”

He looked up at her, then at the others. “Well, I’ve been down here before, back before we met. The wall wouldn’t budge for me back then.”

“But it opened for us?” Boss scratched his head, utter confusion riddling his face.

Mona shook his head and rubbed his chin. “Well, I’d say it opened because people are talking about the Phantom Thieves. Remember what I said about the collective unconscious?”

Arbiter cradled her chin and hummed to herself. “So the more accepted we are in the public’s eye, the more of Mementos will open to us? Interesting….”

“Alright, I’m beat,” Boss groaned as he climbed the steps to the safe area they’d first arrived at upon descending underground.

Ronin trudged behind him, practically dragging herself towards the exit. “Same.” She pulled out her phone and whined quietly. “I’m not gonna have any time tonight, am I?”

“More homework to grade?” Arbiter asked, arching an eyebrow.

Ronin froze and glanced at her with a frightened face, almost like a deer caught in headlights. “Uh, yeah. Just, a lot of homework and pop quizzes and… all that stuff….”

Arbiter gave her a suspicious look for a moment, but stopped as she noticed something at the top of the steps. There was a small car in the middle of the safe area, as well as a lone, diminutive figure beside it.

“Is that a person?” She pointed out vocally and literally as she raised a finger. “In Mementos?”

Everyone looked up and over at the mysterious figure, watching as it approached a giant, glistening bubble.

The boy was just above Mona’s height, dressed in a white raincoat decorated with gray stars and crescent moons. His hair, or what was possibly a helmet of some kind, was gray and shaped like one half of a cracked eggshell.

“Hmm….” The boy reached out a hand to the bubble and it lit up before it became drawn into his hand. When the light faded, the bubble had transformed into a filled cup, complete with a straw and decorative flower. “Maybe it’s this one?” He took a sip from it, then smiled. “Ooh! Tasty!”

“Um, excuse me?” Ronin knelt down in front of the child. “Are you lost?”

“Hm?” He stared at her with large, golden eyes, apparent realization dawning on him. “Oh… I thought I felt something strange for a second….” He blinked and tilted his head. “No, I’m okay. Are you okay?”

“Uh… Yes?”

He smiled. “That’s good.”

They exchanged puzzled looks between each other, then turned back to him.

“Oh, right, it’s customary for a human to introduce itself before asking another human for its name.”

“Wait, what?” Boss scratched his head.

The child ignored him and held up a hand. “Hello, my name is Jose. I’m looking for flowers.”

“Er, hello?” Arbiter reached out and shook his hand tentatively. “I’m Arbiter. It’s… nice to meet you?”

“I’m pretty surprised to see some normal humans running around.” He watched them with large, observant eyes. “I didn’t know people could just come here.”

“Well, we are pretty special-” Mona stopped, then frowned. “Wait, that’s not important! Who you are is what matters right now!”

Jose rubbed his head- er, helmet as he watched Mona curiously. All the while, Arbiter hummed and glanced at where the bubble had been.

“When you mentioned flowers, were you referring to that bubble you… well, drank from?” she asked.

“That’s right, pretty lady.”

Arbiter blinked at the compliment, a strange sense of flattery overwhelming her. She heard light chuckling coming from Ronin and Boss as her cheeks heated up.

“Those seem to be the ones I’ve been looking for,” Jose said without skipping a beat. “I’m collecting as many of ‘em as I can ‘cause I’m studying humans.”

Ronin scratched her head as she looked at him quizzically. “By studying, do you mean when you drank the, uh, flower?”

“Yup.” He smiled, then pursed his lips as he squinted his eyes to study them. “Hey, could you guys help me with my research?”

“Uh, how would we go about doing that?”

“By collecting flowers, of course. But, I wouldn’t ask you to do it for free, though. I find all kinds of stuff down here while I’m exploring, I’ll give them to you for more flowers.”

Arbiter crossed her arms and hummed thoughtfully while she observed him. Then, she gave a nod. “Well, I see no harm in it.”

“Wait, wait, hang on! We don’t even know who this kid is!” Mona shrieked while hopping up and down, waving his arms in the air frantically. “What happened to you being the cautious one?”

“Mona, he's a child,” she replied flatly.

"But clearly not a normal one!"

Arbiter sighed, despite the paranoia scratching at the back of her mind. Something felt off about the child, she’d admit that internally. However, jumping to conclusions wouldn’t lead them anywhere.

Though, she had a sneaking suspicion he might have a part to play in ‘her rehabilitation’, his golden eyes eerily similar to Justine and Caroline’s.

“Aw, are you tired, kitty?” Jose bent down a bit to give Mona a once-over. “You seem grumpy.”

“I am not a cat! And I am not grumpy!”

Snickers sounded from Ronin and Boss, which grew louder when Mona shot them a glare.

“O-Oh, okay. Then, does that mean you’re hungry? I learned hunger can make a person turn grumpy.” Jose reached behind him and pulled out a bag labeled 'cookie'. "Here you go."

Arbiter sucked in her lips and pressed her knuckles to her mouth, stifling a laugh.

“Thanks, but-”

“We’ll take them,” Ronin laughed nervously as she took the bag and shot Mona a sharp look.

She shoved the bag into Mona’s paws and then stood up alongside them. They watched Jose as he smiled jubilantly, obviously pleased at ‘curing Mona’s hunger-induced grumpiness.'

“Okay then, I’m going to go look for more flowers.” Jose climbed into his small car, then looked over at them. “If you ever find any flowers down here, just come and see me. Oh, and I guess just gathering flowers might be a little boring, so I’ll set up some games for you!”

Arbiter exchanged yet another round of confused looks with her team before looking back at him. “Uh, thank you?”

“You’re welcome.” He opened his mouth, but then closed it as he stared off into space. “I feel like I’m forgetting something… Oh, that's right! I want you to have this!”

Jose stood up and leaned over to rummage through the pile of assorted goods tied up in the back of his car. After sifting through some boxes, pushing aside rolled up carpets, and pulling open a suitcase, he produced a… glowing rock?

“I found this earlier while I was exploring.” He stepped out of his car again and held it up for her to take. “It’s a star. At least, that’s what they look like, so that’s what I like to call them.”

It was indeed star-shaped. Though, there was far more than that. The surface of the stone appeared translucent, like a thick layer of glass with an interior that glowed with chromatic light. 

“So… why do you want us to have this?” Arbiter asked, looking him in the eye.

“Humans make wishes on stars, right?” He tilted his head and blinked at her innocently. “That’s so interesting.”

“...I suppose?”

“Stars granting wishes….” He pulled the star back and looked at it, then held it up to her again. “So, this star is going to grant your wishes.”

They stared at him wide-eyed, jaws dropping and minds going blank in sudden shock.

Then, Mona cried out, “Our wishes?”

“Or, it would be nice to think that.”

Mona narrowed his eyes as Jose smiled brightly.

“Well, I just wanted to give it to you because it’s beautiful and sparkly.” He held it up a little higher and Arbiter took it in one hand, giving it a curious look. “It’s 'a sign of our friendship.’ I know what that is.”

“That’s… nice.” She turned the star over, then looked up at him, finding the strange boy climbing back into his little car.

“I’m going to go now, okay?”

“Wait, I have some more questions-....”

By the time she’d called out, he’d already driven off, somehow his car somehow leaping up and bounding over the terminal gate and diving down the escalators into the depths of Mementos.

They all stared after him in utter awe and astonishment, then turned their attention to the star-shaped rock.

“So… it grants wishes?” Boss questioned as he scrunched his brow. “Seriously?”

Arbiter opened her mouth to answer, but Ronin suddenly interrupted her, “I wish for two-hundred thousand yen!”

The star kept its steady glow and exhibited no extraordinary behavior. Nothing grand or fantastical happened or appeared.

Everyone stared at the star, then at Ronin, who flushed red and bowed her head. “I… wanted more money.”

“Well, at least we know it doesn’t actually grant wishes,” Arbiter remarked as she stowed the star away in her back pocket.

“Shame.” Boss sighed as he placed his hands on his hips as he shook his head. “Would’ve paid my electricity bill forever if it did.”

Arbiter hummed and tipped her head back, but then furrowed her brow at the sound of a crinkling bag.

They all looked around, then down at Mona as he picked a cookie out of the bag Jose had offered him. He chewed on one, then looked up at them with wide, alarmed eyes.

“...I guess I was hungry. Heh….”

<???> Hello?

<???> Where did you guys go?

<???> Did you guys seriously go dark on me like that?

<???> Hello, hello? Anyone home?

<???> I could send these recordings to the police at any time, you know?

<???> Please don’t tell me you guys were so distracted by my vague, yet threatening texts that you got hit by a car!?!?!?

<Niijima Sae> No, we’re very much alive.

<Niijima Sae> We just went ahead and dealt with Nakanohara. He should have a change of heart soon enough.

<???> Oh my gosh, you guys are actually alive!

<???> I mean, that’s cool. You guys work fast.

<Niijima Sae> What happens when he has his change of heart, though?

<Niijima Sae> Will you keep feeding us requests to prove ourselves?

<Niijima Sae> Or do you have a target you’d like us to target specifically?

<???> I mean, a small-time team like yourselves could use a mastermind like me to help you out right?

<???> I don’t have any jerks in need of a change of heart in mind right now, but I don’t see any harm in feeding you some heads up on potential targets.

Sae stroked her chin, eyes narrowed on her phone screen before she texted Alibaba again.

<Niijima Sae> Very well then, we’ll be glad to have the assistance, Alibaba.

I am thou , thou art I… thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hermit Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…  

THE HERMIT Confidant: Rank 1

<???> Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool.

<???> I’ll hit you guys up whenever Nakanohara has his change of heart, just to make sure you guys aren’t lying.

<Niijima Sae> Understood.

“Wait. Wait. Wait. Mementos is the source of the Palaces?”

Sae looked up to find Sojiro gawking at Morgana.

“That’s right.” He nodded at them from where he sat on a concrete wall. “It used to be that Palaces like Kamoshida’s Castle didn’t exist at all.”

Sae exchanged a look with her teammate and they mulled over the newly shared information. Though, she stole a glance at Morgana as he seemed to visibly sulk.

“There’s something else, isn’t there?” she crossed her arms and met his eyes when he looked up.

“Yeah… I think if we find out what lies in the depths of Mementos and undo it entirely, I might regain my real form.”

“Oh….” She cast him a sympathetic look before putting on a reassuring smile. “Well, that’s just another task on our checklist. We made a deal, after all.”

Morgana looked up at her in wonder, then in relief. Sojiro nodded in agreement with her, sharing the same, reassuring smile she wore.

“So, how’d it go with Alibaba?” Sojiro asked.

“They were concerned we’d managed to elude them. However, I reassured them that we finished the job.” Sae crossed her arms and glanced at her phone. “Apparently, once they confirm Nakanohara’s change of heart, they’ll want to keep feeding us requests off the Phantom Aficionado Website.”

“What, like an information broker?”

“Apparently so, yes.”

“Damn.” He scratched his head, eyes wide with surprise. “Didn’t see that coming.”

She nodded in agreement, then looked around. “Did Sadayo already leave?”

“Yeah. She said she had to get some work done before the end of the week.”

“Oh….” Sae tried not to let the sudden, suffocating feeling of disappointment consume her. “We all have our own lives to worry about, I suppose.”

He hummed, then looked over towards the station entrance. “Well, on that note, I gotta head back and check on the punk and get dinner ready at home.”

“I’ll be sure to text the group once Alibaba messages me back.”

“Sounds good.”

They both turned to head inside when a voice called out, “Miss Prosecutor?”

Sae stopped, a sense of familiarity coming over her as she craned her head left, then right. Nearby, an indigo-haired woman dressed in black leather strided over to her.

“Dr. Takemi?” she stared at the woman in recognition.

A smile crossed the good doctor’s face. “Funny meeting you out here.”

“Doc?” Sojiro gave a humored chuckle as he stepped over.

“Boss too?” Takemi crossed her arms and smirked wider. “What’re the odds?”

“Well, I was heading home and crossed paths with Sakura-san.” She gestured at him as she spun their alibi. “But what are you doing out here?”

The other woman shrugged. “I decided to step out of the clinic and visit the Meiji Shrine today.”

Sae hummed in acknowledgement as they walked into the station, making light conversation along the way.

<???> Holy heck! You guys actually did it!

<???> Nakanohara’s ex just posted on the Phan-Site.

<???> You guys have to tell me how you did it!

<Kawakami Sadayo> How did they get into our group chat?

<???> Don’t question it, just talk!

<???> Please?

<???> Please?

<???> Please?

<Niijima Sae> We would tell you if it wasn’t our own little secret.

<Niijima Sae> I’m sure you understand, Alibaba.

<???> Dang, ice cold.

<???> But, I get you, Niijima-san.

Sae wore an amused smile as she strode from the bathroom to her room, having finished freshening up before bed. Turning off her phone she stretched her limbs and gave a relieved sigh as she moved down the hall.

Though, she stopped upon noticing a sliver of light coming out of her sister’s room.

“What is she still doing up?” she mumbled under her breath as she stepped over, pressing a hand against the door.

“ Would you like sugal- sugar, with your tea, mister Buchimaru ?”

Sae froze at the sound of her sister’s voice. For a moment, she couldn’t decipher what in the world she was saying until it struck her. She was speaking in English.

“Makoto?” she called as she pushed the door open, finding her sister sitting at a small foldout table topped with two cups of tea, a textbook, and one of Makoto’s many Buchimaru-kun plush toys.

Makoto stiffened upon hearing her voice and she flicked her eyes up to meet hers. They stared at each other for a solid minute, then Makoto’s face steadily turned red as a tomato. All the while, she put a hand over her mouth as she struggled to control the wide smile that threatened to crack her normally solemn countenance.

“What- Ahem! What are you doing?” she quickly asked then coughed again, stifling a laugh.

Her sister swallowed and set down a teapot, “Oh, I was just, well, practicing my English. Mid-term exams are coming up, you know, and… eh heh….”

“And you decided to ask Buchimaru-kun for help rather than your classmates?” Sae crossed her arms and smiled at the sight of her flustered sister. “I’m sorry, mister Buchimaru.”

Makoto held her face in her hands, a quiet moan escaping her. “Can we please never talk about this again?”

“Yes, I think that’s fine.” Sae chuckled under her breath as she glanced down at her watch. “What a strange girl. Well, can I ask you to wrap things up? It’s almost past your curfew.”

“Of course, Sis.” Her sister nodded, then set about gathering the tea set. Though, she paused and glanced up at her after grabbing Buchimaru-kun’s cup. “Before you go, did you want some tea? I mean, it’d be a waste to just pour out perfectly good tea.”

She bit her lip and watched her sister for a moment. Frankly, a part of her thought the act was childish and Makoto should have asked a classmate for help. Though, that part of her was tempered by a newfound, softer side of herself. Though she had her biases, she held her tongue and studied her sister’s hopeful face.

After a moment, Sae bowed her head and exhaled. “Well, I suppose it would be alright.”

Stepping into Makoto’s room, she knelt down at the table and gave the Buchimaru-kun plush a look before taking his cup. “Thank you for the cup of tea.”

Makoto blinked and stared at her, then glanced at the plush. “Were you talking to me or Buchi-?”

“I was talking to you, Makoto.”

“Oh, uh… you’re welcome.”

Sae raised her cup in a silent toast, then took a sip. Her sister followed suit, drinking from her cup too. A few, awkward seconds passed as she tapped her fingers on her knee while Makoto stared into her cup.

Should she say something? Excuse herself and leave? Surely Makoto would understand if she was feeling exhausted from a day’s worth of work. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time they’d shared a minute or two of conversation before she turned in for the night.

She traced her thumb along the rim of her cup absentmindedly. Stealing a glance at her sister, she spied her beginning to clean up. For a brief moment, she felt a strange familiarity with the sight.

“...We’ve done this before, haven’t we?” Sae sat up straighter and cradled her chin.

Makoto tilted her head and looked at her quizzically. “What do you mean?”

“I… remember when we were younger you always wanted to host a tea party.” Her lips tugged into a nostalgic smile at the memory. “Father was always out on patrol, so you roped me into helping you set one up."

Her sister stared at her for a bit before recognition dawned on her, face flushing red as a nostalgic smile mirroring her won crossed her face. "I did, didn't I?"

Sae wasn't sure how much her younger sister recalled, but she still remembered small hands tugging at her sleeve, trying to pull her away from her studies. She remembered heating the kettle and preparing the tea while Makoto set up the table. They had laid out a Buchimaru-kun blanket to act as a tablecloth and sat down a few plush toys to act as their guests.

Those had been good times, better times... She missed those days.

“I should be heading to bed now." Sae set her cup down and stood up suddenly, turning swiftly to wipe the wetness from her eyes discreetly. "Try not to stay up too late either, okay?"

"Right," Makoto answered. "Of course, Sis. Goodnight."

Sae stole a glance behind her, spying Makoto cleaning up the table. She opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it. A sudden hesitation took her in that moment, feelings of guilt and longing she often cut herself off from now slipping past her defenses. They festered within her, coiling around her inside and holding them tight as she watched her little sister diligently clean up.

Her silence didn't go unnoticed, however, as Makoto paused and glanced up at her with a curious look. Their eyes met and she could see the mixed feelings of confusion and worry in those crimson orbs.

Sae allowed a warm smile to cross her face before she turned and left. "Goodnight, Makoto."

THE PRIESTESS Confidant: Rank 2

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 3

TEMPERANCE
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 2

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 2

THE HANGED MAN
Munehisa Iwai: Rank 1

JUDGEMENT
Amamiya Ren: Rank 1

THE PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 2

THE MOON
Kawara Mizuki: Rank 1

THE HERMIT
Alibaba: Rank 1

Chapter Text

5/11
Wednesday

“Now arriving at Shibuya Station.”

Takemi Tae glanced up from her phone as the subway car shuddered and slowed to a stop. Stowing her device, she shouldered her bag and waited a few seconds for the doors to open, letting her and the other occupants trickle out onto the platform.

It was still early in the morning, far earlier than she was used to waking up. However, she had an at-home visitation to make with one of her patients. The pay alone was good enough to warrant her getting up and out there.

A yawn escaped Tae as she stepped onto the escalator, riding it up to the next level. Maybe she should have stopped by Leblanc to grab a cup of coffee? Too late to go back now though, so she’d have to either settle for a downgrade or wait till she headed back to her clinic.

Sighing, she chose the latter and took a deep breath to focus her drowsy mind-

Someone bumped into her shoulder suddenly, staggering her as they walked past.

“Hey, watch it!” she snapped, shooting a glare at the perpetrator’s back.

They stopped and stood in place for a second, then slowly turned to face her. A tall, lanky teenage boy with indigo hair squinted at her with bleary eyes.

“My apologies, miss….” The boy pressed a hand to his head as he closed his eyes and sucked in a breath. “I was just… lost in my thoughts….”

Tae furrowed her brow as she watched him suspiciously, alarm bells ringing in her head as she gave him a once-over. His face was pale and he seemed to struggle to keep his balance, swaying a bit. Then, without a word, he turned around and walked away, as if completely forgetting she was there.

“Hold on a second, kid.” She held up a hand as she felt her gut tug anxiously. “Are you feeling alright?”

The teen looked back at her and stared for several seconds, then nodded weakly. "Yes, I feel perfectly…."

He trailed off and pressed his hand to his forehead. He closed his eyes, but didn't open them again as his knees buckled and he suddenly collapsed.

"Whoa! Hey!" She surged forward and caught him before he hit the ground. "Shit! Shit! Shit!"

Startled gasps sounded around her as she gently laid him down on his back. Leaning over, she hovered her ear over his mouth and stilled her breathing. After a second, she picked up the sound of his shallow breaths. Then, she grabbed his wrist, tugged up his sleeve, and pressed two fingers to it, checking his pulse. It was still there, that was a good sign.

"Shallow breathing. Loss of consciousness. Nothing too abnormal," she muttered under her breath as she undid the buttons of his shirt and unfastened his belt, giving him more room to breathe. "Best guess, you probably just fainted from low blood pressure. Worst case scenario, this is a rare type of disease and I should call emergency services."

Slipping off her jacket, she bundled it up and set it under his legs, keeping them elevated. Then, she grabbed his wrist to check his pulse again.

"Excuse me! Pardon me!"

Tae raised an eyebrow as she looked up at the crowd that had surrounded her and the teen. A man pushed through the crowd, dressed in a business suit.

"I'm a doctor-"

"Glad you could join the party," she interrupted flatly, her focus quickly returning to her circumstantial patient. "But I think I've got this covered."

She studied the teen's face for a moment, then the rest of his body. He appeared rather thin for a kid, practically a stick. In any other case, she would've chalked it down to an abnormally high metabolism and staying shut in, but the way his skin appeared gaunt in places said otherwise.

"Excuse me, miss, but I believe I'm more qualified to-"

"What makes you say I'm not?" she interrupted again while taking note of the kid's shirt, part of a school uniform.

"Well-"

"I earned my PhD, so no need to worry." Tae watched the kid for a few seconds, then sat up. "From the looks of it, I'd say he might have low blood pressure. I'm seeing signs of an unbalanced diet and dehydration. He also appeared lightheaded earlier."

She flicked her eyes over to the other doctor, who stared at her dumbly. After a moment, he cleared his throat and decomposed himself as the crowd murmured. Some were taking videos and pictures on their phones while others whispered to each other.

"Well, I believe it would be best to call emergency services." The man dug out his phone while she shot him a sharp look.

"What? You've got to be kidding me."

He stared her down, but she refused to give in to his obvious lack of faith in her capabilities. After a moment, emergency services picked up and he turned away to talk. All the while, she sighed and looked down at the teen.

"Well, this is a wonderful way to start my day."

"...H-He… He called me into the P.E. Faculty Office. Told me he was going to take me off the team because… because I was performing poorly….”

Sae gripped her pen tightly as she sucked in a breath. Across from her, Suzui Shiho took a moment to breathe in and out, calming her nerves as the heartbeat monitor beside her beeped alarmingly before falling into a steady beat. Though, dread and horror still haunted the teenage girl’s face as she gripped the blanket over her body tightly.

Exhaling, Sae leaned forward and caught the girl’s gaze. “You don’t need to continue if you don’t have to. The evidence we’ve gathered should be enough to find him guilty.”

Suzui stared at her for a moment, then shook her head. “I know, but… I need to talk about this. I need to… to make sure people know what he really did.” She swallowed and bowed her head. “Kamoshida… he threatened to take me off the team. I begged him not to and he… he….”

“Assaulted you.”

Suzui didn’t answer, only nodded with a thousand-yard stare. The heartbeat monitor beside her grew in intensity again, jagged lines jutting up and jabbing down sharply before repeating in a rapid pattern. Her knuckles turned whiter as she gripped her blanket and tears seemed to well in her eyes.

Sae looked to the doctor in the room with them, who strode over and gently eased the teen back into her hospital bed.

“Thank you for your time, Suzui-san.” Sae stood up and gave a polite bow. “I’ll make sure that Kamoshida is punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

For a moment, the teen stared into space. Then, however, she craned her head and met her eyes. The glassiness of her eyes disappeared and she seemed to study her before nodding.

“Thank you.”

Stepping out of the room, Sae took a deep breath as she moved to the side and wiped a hand over her face. A few seconds later, she held up her notepad and reviewed the testimony she’d gotten, then listened to the recording on her phone. It was more than enough to damn Kamoshida to prison, for life if she played her cards right and emphasized the physical nature of his abuse and assaults.

Stowing away her belongings, she shouldered her bag and headed for the elevator, calling one to reach the lobby. She still had time to finish some work at the office. Perhaps she could finalize some of the other cases she had on hand before heading out? If she worked fast enough, she could even make a stop at Leblanc for a cup of coffee.

The thought brought a smile to her lips as she stepped out of the elevator. Though, her smile faded upon noticing the indigo-haired woman dressed in a black leather jacket grumbling to herself while leaning against a wall.

“Dr. Takemi?” she called, striding over with an eyebrow arched.

The other woman perked up, flicking her eyes over at her in surprise. “Niijima-san? What are you doing here?”

“Getting a witness testimony for a case. You?”

A wry smile crossed her face as she shrugged her shoulders. “It’s a great story. I decide to wake up early, head out to Shibuya, and a kid collapses from malnutrition after bumping into me.”

She held her sardonic expression while Sae stared at her in confusion, then concern. “I assume he’s alright?”

“Yeah, I caught the kid before he could hit his head.” Dr. Takemi frowned as she crossed her arms. “But, the other doctor wouldn’t believe me when he said I already diagnosed the kid, so he insisted on calling emergency services.”

Both their faces soured and Sae nodded in understanding. “Oh… I see.”

It appeared she was correct in assuming that the good doctor’s profession was also male dominated. Fact-checking was an issue she’d faced in the past at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, though it had fallen in frequency over the past three years. That didn’t mean her male co-workers weren’t keen on interfering in her work every so often.

“Excuse me, are you Dr. Takemi by chance?”

Sae arched an eyebrow and glanced over at an elderly man dressed in traditional clothing, a rather uncommon sight in Tokyo.

“Uh, no, sir.” She gestured to the good doctor beside her. “This would be Dr. Takemi.”

The indigo-haired woman smiled and waved, prompting the elderly man to raise an eyebrow then smile.

“Well, I suppose people come in all shapes and sizes. I do apologize for the misunderstanding though.”

“It’s quite alright,” Sae reassured before stepping aside.

The elderly man shuffled forward a bit and gave Dr. Takemi a bow. “Well, I just wanted to thank you, Dr. Takemi, for taking care of my pupil.”

The bluenette arched an eyebrow. “Huh? Oh, you mean the kid?”

“Yes, Kitagawa Yusuke, my dear pupil. A son, if I’m being honest.” He chuckled and stroked his beard. “I’m afraid he hasn’t been taking proper care of himself for a while now, an issue I’ve been trying to remedy despite his constant insistence on working on his art.”

The good doctor glanced at her and she glanced back. They shared a silent look, both obviously a bit confused on the context of his grateful remark.

“I feel like I’m missing some context here?” Dr. Takemi rubbed her neck awkwardly.

“Oh, of course. My apologies for making presumptions yet again,” he laughed before clearing his throat and standing a bit taller. “My name is Madarame Ichiryusai. I’m a rather famous artist and Yusuke is my pupil. I’ve taken care of him since he was a child, but he’s begun to lose focus on taking care of himself rather than his work.”

The bluenette hummed and nodded, arms crossing as she processed the elaboration. Sae, on the other hand, stared wide-eyed at the elderly man.

“Madarame?” she repeated, catching his attention.

He turned a bit to face her with a bashful smile. “Oh, you recognize me?”

“By name only, I’m afraid.” She put on a smile and adjusted the strap of her bag. “I heard it in passing.”

“Well, you know this old man, but might I ask who you are, miss?”

“Prosecutor Niijima Sae,” she introduced, giving a tip of her head. “I’m with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.”

“Oh.” His eyes widened, seemingly in alarm. “Pardon me for asking, but why are you here exactly?”

She watched him curiously, but answered nonetheless. “I just happen to know Dr. Takemi. We crossed paths just now by chance.”

“I see.” He gave a laugh that seemed relieved. “My, it must be quite the small world we live in for people of such varying disciplines to cross paths by pure happenstance.”

“Indeed….” Sae glanced down at her wristwatch. “Well, I need to get going now. It was a pleasure meeting you, Madarame-san. As well as you, Dr. Takemi.”

Madarame gave a polite nod while Takemi casually waved. “‘Course, Miss Prosecutor. See you at the clinic some time?”

“I might stop by soon. Probably earlier in the day before I head to work.”

“Good to know.”

Leaving the two behind, Sae made her way to the exit while deftly opening the Metaverse Navigator on her phone. Once she’d put some distance between herself and anyone nearby, she spoke into the app.

“Madarame Ichiryusai.”

“No candidate found.”

<Niijima Sae> Alibaba, if you’re seeing this, I’d like to ask a favor of you.

<???> Yeah, wassup?

<Niijima Sae> See what you can dig up about Madarame Ichiryusai. Specifically if he’s gone by any other name in the past.

<Sakura Sojiro> Wait, Madarame?

<Sakura Sojiro> We talking about the guy Nakanohara was talking about?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Is that really him?

<Niijima Sae> I believe so.

<???> You guys want me to get in contact with Nakanohara too?

<???> He could have some inside knowledge on this guy.

<Niijima Sae> If you can keep it anonymous, yes.

<???> Will do, boss lady.

5/13
Friday

"Ever since that specific incident, many of you have voiced concerns that I could not bear to ignore."

Sadayo scoffed quietly at the back of the gymnasium as she watched Principal Kobayakawa begin the assembly. From the looks and sounds of things, the student body was just as doubtful of his motivations as her.

“We believe that the mental health of our student body is absolutely vital, so we’ve acquired the services of a therapist.” He stepped aside and gestured to someone off stage. “The floor is yours, doctor….”

Sadayo tilted her head and furrowed her brow. He’d actually pulled through with something?

A bespectacled man dressed in a physician’s coat walked out from behind a curtain, taking his place behind the microphone stand. The student body reacted immediately, most notably the female teens instantaneously fawning over him. She could hear them cooing and gossiping already, prompting her to frown and sigh while she rubbed her forehead.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” the man greeted with a smile. “My name is-”

He was cut off by the fizzle of the microphone. Sadayo tilted her head and crossed her arms as he fiddled with the stand. All the while, the students giggled to themselves at the sudden interruption.

“My name is Maruki Takuto. Thank you for welcoming me to your school.”

Sadayo blinked as he tried to bow, only to hit his head on the mic. A wave of laughter filled the auditorium, including her own as she watched the man rub his head and give a sheepish smile.

He stood back up and fixed the microphone again. “No need to be formal with me, though. I’m just here to counsel anyone who’s interested.”

“Uh, excuse me?” Ren walked up to the nurse’s office, Dr. Maruki’s apparent workspace at Shujin.

The doctor himself stood just outside the doorway with a familiar, crimson-haired girl wearing a scarlet bow.

“Ah, hello.” Yoshizawa smiled at him, recognition in her eyes. “Are you here for a session as well?”

“Yeah.” Ren rubbed his neck self-consciously as she smiled a bit brighter.

“Dr. Maruki is a wonderful counselor,” she claimed. “I’ve actually been seeing him for a while, before he ever came to Shujin.”

The mentioned doctor glanced between them. “Oh? I didn’t know you two were acquainted.”

“We’ve met a few times,” Ren elaborated, recalling their first interaction on the train so many weeks ago.

Dr. Maruki mouthed an ‘o’, then rubbed his neck and gave a sheepish smile. “Well, in any case, please don’t go overselling me too hard, Yoshizawa-san. I’m really nothing special.”

“Sorry, Dr. Maruki.” Yoshizawa giggled to herself before stepping away. “Well, I need to get going. Please excuse me.”

As she walked away, Ren looked at the doctor, who gestured at the nurse’s office. “What say we get started?”

Ren nodded and followed him in. Nothing had changed since his last visit here. He rubbed the spot where he’d hit his head on the stairs and grimaced at the memory.

“Welcome! Thank you for coming.” Dr. Maruki stepped over to one of the chairs in the middle of the room. “Please, take a seat.”

Ren nodded and grabbed the one closest to him. He tapped his fingers on his leg while the doctor watched him observantly. They sat in silence for a bit before the adult bowed his head and sighed.

“I apologize if this is awkward.” Dr. Maruki rubbed his neck and sat up. “I understand you have rather unique circumstances as opposed to other students at the academy.”

“Because of my criminal record?” Ren asked flatly.

The adult pressed his lips into a thin line, something like sorrow crossing his face as he nodded. “Yes. That, on top of Kamoshida targeting you, your first days here weren’t easy, were they?”

Ren shrugged and laid back in his chair. “I got by, more or less.” He thought back on his first day, which had gone off rather smoothly all things considered, all because of a friend. “I had some help.”

“Oh, right. The student council president helped tutor you for a bit, didn’t she?”

“Yeah.” Ren smiled. “She really helped me get used to being here.”

“And soon after you became friends with Sakamoto and Takamaki?”

“Well, I actually met Ryuji first, then Ann.” He sucked in a breath, remembering the circumstances that had brought them together. “We kinda just drifted together.”

“I see….” Dr. Maruki cradled his chin for a moment and hummed. “Well, it sounds like you’ve got a good grasp of your situation. And, I don’t mean that superficially. What I mean is, from what you’ve told me, you’ve been able to reconcile your internal world with your external one.”

“My internal world with my external one?”

“Hmm….” The doctor rubbed his chin some more, then snapped his fingers when it clicked. “How to put it… You know how everyone has an internal reality? Some conception of themselves they’re striving for?”

Ren nodded. “Like… if someone wanted to be a good student?”

“In a way, yes. But that idealized reality and the one in actuality are often far apart. That gap is responsible for a lot of people’s pain.” Dr. Maruki held up two hands to represent both worlds, holding one higher than the other to show the imbalance. “Not everyone can ace their exams. And not everyone can be the heroes they wish they could be.”

“Huh.” Ren scratched his head as he mulled over the doctor’s claim. “I guess that makes sense.”

Dr. Maruki laughed and rubbed his neck. “It’s a lot of psychological jargon, so I apologize if I’m confusing you, but I just wanted to say that you’ve managed to do something most adults can’t. If I’m being honest, that’s really, truly impressive.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.” The doctor nodded with a smile. “If I may be blunt, you’ve already been through so much. That kind of suffering is usually enough to twist people up into dark places. But you, you’re standing up to it, and confronting a tough, painful reality. To me, that’s incredibly admirable.”

Ren flushed red self-consciously. “Thanks, Dr. Maruki.”

That seemed to snap the doctor out of his proud spiel and he flushed red too. “Oh! That, uh, that must sound pretty weird coming from a guy you just met, huh?”

“...A little.”

“Sorry, Amamiya-san.” Dr. Maruki glanced up at the clock on the wall and frowned. “It looks like this went on a little longer than I expected. Sorry about that too.”

“It’s no problem.” Ren stood up, a faint smile on his lips. “Thanks for that, doctor. Really.”

The doctor flashed him an encouraging smile as he stood up too. “I’m here anytime you need to talk.”

5/14
Saturday

Makoto inhaled a breath of fresh air as she strode down the sidewalk, heading to Shujin Academy. Today was the final day of midterm exams, which she had a fairly good feeling about. She had no reason to doubt her own capabilities, especially considering the amount of time she devoted to reviewing her notes and the textbooks.

Though, there was still that daunting task that Principal Kobayakawa had given to her about investigating the Phantom Thieves. She’d pushed it aside to focus on her studies for the past week, but once the tests were over she would have no excuse to not fret over them.

A quiet moan escaped her as she bowed her head, feeling a headache coming on.

“That’s my line! You were the one stalking me!”

Makoto froze and twisted around, searching behind her for the owner of the voice. Was someone in trouble? Did they need help?

Her eyes landed on a familiar trio of Shujin students. Ryuji and Ren stood back while Ann jabbed an accusing finger at a tall, lanky boy dressed modestly. Before any of them could move, a limousine pulled up to the curb and the window opened, revealing an elderly man who laughed at the sight of the teens.

Makoto watched with a strange interest, listening as the indigo-haired boy seemed to be declaring his love for Ann only to… instead ask her to be his art model?

She blinked and turned around. There were better things to focus on then the strange lives of her peers.

Though, she would inevitably have to confront them about the actions they had planned to take against Kamoshida. Actions that she had nearly taken part in….

Ren scratched his head as he walked towards the student council room. According to Ms. Kawakami, he’d been called there by Makoto.

Walking up to the door, he knocked and stepped back. From within, he heard the student council president’s muffled voice, “Come in.”

He looked around, then opened the door and stepped inside. Makoto stood with her back to the table, her arms crossed over her chest as she met his eyes. He closed the door behind him and jammed his hands into his pockets, glancing around to study the room.

“You wanted to see me, Niijima-senpai?”

“That’s correct, Amamiya.” She stepped around to sit down on one side of the table, then gestured at the other side. “Take a seat please.”

He obliged, though cast her curious look. She didn’t react, instead holding a poker face as she watched him.

After a few moments, she took a deep breath and bowed her head, exhaling. “I have… a deal I’d like to make with you.”

“A deal?”

She held her hands on the table and leaned forward, eyes locking with his. Ren, in turn, set his hands in his lap and sat up straighter.

“I’d like for you to keep our collusion during Kamoshida’s time here at Shujin a secret, in the event that you are suspected and investigated as possible members of the Phantom Thieves.”

He furrowed his brow. “I don’t understand.”

Her impassive face faltered and she looked away, though he thought he spied guilt in her eyes.

“Principal Kobayakawa tasked me with investigating ‘the so-called Phantom Thieves.’ However, he already presumes you, Sakamoto, and Takamaki are our primary subjects. I’d prefer if we cut ties and remained unaffiliated if any further investigation were to take place.”

Ren sat back and crossed his arms, a deep frown cutting across his face. “So, even after everything, we’re still the bad guys?”

“I wouldn’t say that exactly….” She dropped her poker face as a tentative expression crossed it. “Look, I tried to misdirect the principal’s attention already, but there’s only so much I can do. If he tries to look into this deeper, which I doubt he will but the possibility still stands, I don’t want our previous plans to come to light.”

They watched each other for a moment, then he bowed his head. She didn’t need to explain further that her goal was to protect her image and reputation. Though, he took solace in the fact that she didn’t seem to have any intention of turning them in or working on the objective she’d been given.

“You called this a deal,” Ren said, looking up again. “You get to stay separate from us, but what do we get?”

“My support,” she stated, “at least for the time being. As far I’m concerned, I’m the only one tasked with hunting down these vigilantes, though I’ll make sure to exempt you from the list of suspects. And, from prior experience, I believe that he won’t delegate this matter to anyone else… I’m his favorite after all….”

Shame seemed to cross her face as she averted her gaze. Ren pursed his lips and mulled over her offer, before rephrasing it.

“...So, you want us to collude to make sure we aren’t caught colluding?”

Makoto looked up and they locked eyes once more. After a moment, she nodded, “That’s a simpler way of putting it, yes. You watch my back and I’ll watch yours.”

“That sounds like a deal then.”

They watched each other for a minute longer before he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket. Digging it out, he glanced over the string of texts Ryuji had sent him.

<Sakamoto Ryuji> Bro, where you at?

<Sakamoto Ryuji> Ann and I are waiting outside Shujin rn.

<Amamiya Ren> I’ll be there in a bit. Just forgot something.

Ren stood up, grabbing his bag as he stole a glance at the student council president. Makoto was likewise picking up her own bag as she prepared to leave.

“I’ll be seeing you around, Niijima-senpai.”

“Likewise, Amamiya.”

5/15
Sunday

“Takemedic? Really?”

Sae wore an amused smirk as she looked up from the name written on the bottle in her hand to Dr. Takemi, who sat behind the counter.

“What? You don’t like it?" The indigo-haired woman reclined in her chair, a faint smile on her lips. "I thought it was clever.”

"Yes, it's certainly… something."

"I could always just sell you band-aids and painkillers if you're going to be picky."

"No, no. This is alright."

Sae put the medication back in the paper sack she’d been given, then stowed it away in her bag. All the while, Dr. Takemi watched her with that teasing smile of hers.

“So, you heading off to work?” The good doctor sat up and leaned over the counter. “Or are you going to stop by Leblanc?”

Sae glanced at her wristwatch and sighed. “I don’t think I’ll have the time.”

“Shame. You look like you could use some caffeine.”

“You’re not wrong.”

She closed her eyes and rubbed her eyelids, inhaling a deep breath. She’d left earlier than usual to catch a train to Yongen-Jaya in order to visit Dr. Takemi’s clinic. Yet, even with the extra time she’d allotted for herself, she would still have to move fast to get to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

“You want to try an energy drink I threw together?” The good doctor sat up and threw a thumb towards the back of the clinic. “Little something I made for a new patient.”

“One of your patients asked for an energy drink?”

“Yeah.” The other woman shrugged as she sat up. “Remember that famous artist you met at the hospital? So, I guess he heard about my homemade remedies from the hospital staff.” She smiled and laughed to herself. “Being infamous actually paid off for once.”

“Madarame’s the one who asked for that?” Sae watched her for a moment, intrigued. “Really?”

Dr. Takemi raised an eyebrow, casting a curious look her way. “You suddenly seem interested.”

“I’m just surprised that a renowned artist of such high standing would be in need of a back-alley doctor’s homebrewed remedies. No offense.”

“A little offense taken, Miss Prosecutor.”

She rolled her eyes as the good doctor shot her a smug look.

“My apologies then, Dr. Takemi.” Sae crossed her arms and shifted her weight from one hip to the other. “But surely you see where I’m coming from?”

The indigo-haired woman scoffed and crossed her arms. “Alright, fine. It does look pretty shady. But if you’re so interested in the why, you could always just go ask him yourself, you know?”

Sae frowned. “I highly doubt it would be that simple.”

A predatory smirk crossed the good doctor’s face then as she leaned forward, propping herself up on the counter with her elbows. “Well, you see, he did give me some free tickets to his art expo tonight. If you wanted to, then you and I could swing by after you’re out of the office? Pretty sure he’ll be there.”

Sae furrowed her brow as she mulled over the offer. Admittedly, she knew very little about Madarame outside of what Nakanohara had claimed. Even then, they hadn’t yet confirmed that this was the same Madarame he’d spoken of.

If the opportunity presented itself to learn more about their next potential target, then it would be best to take it. Besides, what harm could there be in gathering information?

“I suppose I can make some time after work,” she said, casually shrugging as she put on her poker face. “Did you want to meet at Leblanc around eight? Nine?”

“Nine sounds good.”

“Very well then.” Sae shouldered her bag and gave her a smile.

“Great.” The good doctor stood up, giving her a smile. “It’s a date.”

Sae’s poker face shattered and she froze up. “A date?”

“Just kidding.” Dr. Takemi flashed her a mischievous smile and scooted back on her chair, spinning around to face her workstation. Though, she shot a teasing look over her shoulder back at her. “Unless, you want it to be one?”

“No, no. I’m alright.” A pathetic chuckle escaped her and she looked away, rubbing her neck. “I’m… going to leave now.”

“Sure thing, Miss Prosecutor. See you tonight.”

<Niijima Sae> Alibaba, are you there?

<???> Yello! Wassup?

<Niijima Sae> Have you discovered anything about Madarame?

<???> Not yet. Still stringing some stuff together.

<???> Nakanohara hasn’t answered me either, but I think I might have something soon.

<Niijima Sae> I suppose that’s the best we can hope for at the moment.

<Niijima Sae> Just so everyone knows, I’ll be unavailable tonight.

<Niijima Sae> Apparently, Madarame is hosting an art exhibition and I’ll be in attendance.

<Sakura Sojiro> You’re going with the doc right?

<Sakura Sojiro> Hoo boy.

<Niijima Sae> What?

<Sakura Sojiro> Nothing.

<???> Art exhibition, huh?

<???> Maybe I can expand my search parameters a bit.

Sae hadn’t quite expected so many people at an art exhibit, though she supposed that every creative field had its audience. A variety of paintings were on display, all of them ranging in styles she didn’t quite understand but was capable of differentiating on sight alone. Nearly each one was surrounded by a crowd of observers.

Standing in her casual wear, which was simply her usual, black turtleneck underneath a gray jacket Makoto had once bought for her as a gift, she took in the sight of the exhibition hall.

Beside her, Dr. Takemi, donned her usual outfit consisting of her leather jacket, dress, and torn leggings, hummed as she glanced over the crowds.

“That is a lot of people,” the good doctor remarked, suddenly seeming hesitant to enter. “I thought this would be… not like this.”

Sae nodded. “Yes, it’s certainly surprising.”

They exchanged looks, then stepped inside. Most people ignored them, too enamored by the artwork surrounding them. Though, there were a few people who shot them odd looks or gave disapproving stares towards Dr. Takemi, who simply shrugged them off. Though, there were a few times she didn’t notice and Sae herself shot her infamous ‘Niijima Glare’ at any onlookers to ward them off.

“So… art…?” the good doctor said after several awkward minutes of standing around the heart of the exhibit.

Sae nodded along, despite not knowing what to say. “Yes, art. Indeed.”

They locked eyes and the indigo-haired woman grew an amused smile. She covered her mouth as a snicker escaped her, which prompted Sae to raise an eyebrow.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just realizing that we’re probably both out of our element here.”

She crossed her arms and chuckled too. “Well, you’re certainly not wrong.”

Thankfully, they were saved from further, uncomfortable small talk by the appearance of a tall, lanky blue-haired teen dressed nicely.

“Dr. Takemi,” he called, weaving his way through a crowd before approaching them and bowing low, humbly. “It’s wonderful to see you again. I never had the chance to properly thank you for helping me in such a dire moment.”

The good doctor smiled and crossed her arms. “No need to thank me, stringbean. Just take better care of yourself, alright?”

He stood up and nodded earnestly before turning his attention to Sae. “Ah, and this must be your companion?” He bowed politely once more. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss.”

“The pleasure is mine…?”

“Kitagawa Yusuke,” he introduced, placing a hand to his chest.

Sae offered a smile and a nod, then extended a hand, which he shook. “The pleasure is mine, Kitagawa-kun. I understand you’re Madarame’s student?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Might I ask if he’s currently at the exhibit?”

He gave her a curious look, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. “Why do you ask?”

“She’s worried about the deal we made,” Dr. Takemi butt in with a cheeky smile. “She’s just being overprotective of me.”

Sae flushed red and shot her a sharp look. “Dr. Takemi! No, that’s not- Ugh….”

She cradled the bridge of her nose while the good doctor chuckled at her expense. All the while, Kitagawa glanced between them with an apprehensive countenance.

“I’m not here on business, if that concerns you, Kitagawa-kun,” she reassured. “I simply wish to better know your teacher, gauge his character if you will.”

He watched her for a second before he smiled and clapped his hands together. “Ah, I see! You wish to better understand the man behind the easel!”

“...Yes?”

“Well, there is no better way to understand the artist than through his art!” he proudly declared, startling both her and Dr. Takemi with his bravado. “Allow me to be your guide for this evening and I will help you learn my sensei's true nature.”

Sae cast a hesitant look towards him, then glanced at the indigo-haired woman beside her. They locked eyes and shared a silent conversation, Dr. Takemi nudging her head to gesture at Kitagawa while she rubbed her neck, suddenly regretting asking to learn more about Madarame.

Eventually, she conceded with a sigh and nodded. “Very well, Kitagawa-kun. Please, lead the way.”

The blue-haired teen smiled and nodded, giving a curt bow before turning to lead them on a tour of the exhibition. Sae shared a look with Dr. Takemi before they fell into step behind him, listening as he spoke about the artwork on display. They seemed to vary in style and subject, ranging from abstract renditions of everyday objects to detailed portraits.

“Your sensei painted all these?” Dr. Takemi whistled as she glanced at the paintings across one wall. “I’m not really an art buff, but even I can tell this is impressive.”

Sae nodded in agreement and looked to their tour guide, expecting him to wear a proud smile. However, she furrowed her brow upon catching a brief look of guilt on his face. It quickly disappeared when he looked up and met their gazes.

“Yes, that is actually the reason my sensei has made such an impactful mark on the art world,” he explained, holding up a hand and gesturing around the exhibition. “Usually, one concentrates on their own style, distinguishing themselves from others. However, my sensei has learned to master many styles and distinguished himself by creating all of this.”

“I see.” She cradled her chin and hummed as she studied the artwork around her before noticing one sticking out in the corner of the exhibit. “What about that one?”

It sat in between the portrait of a landscape and a few, smaller pieces of animals. It seemed to be a depiction of a forest at sunset. Or perhaps it was dark clouds against a setting sun?

It was a peaceful image, but the more she studied it the more she felt that there was something lurking beneath the superficial appearance. Not that Sae was an art guru or critic, but the colors seemed harsh, as if they were burning and setting the sky aflame. She could certainly derive some notion of… passion… anger… frustration…?

“Oh, yes… this one….” Kitagawa bowed his head and looked away, prompting her to arch an eyebrow.

“Is something the matter?”

“N-No,” he quickly answered. “What about it would you like to know?”

She watched him for a second, studied his impassive mask as it began to crack. “I was just wondering how a man like Madarame could paint something like this?”

Beside her, Dr. Takemi shrugged. “It’s not that hard, I don’t think. You just get a brush and let your heart do the painting, right?”

Kitagawa seemed to bristle at her oversimplification of the act. “It’s not quite as simple as dragging a brush across the canvas, but… yes, I suppose that is the most basic step of art.”

Sae crossed her arms and looked back at the painting. “Yes, well, I just thought that… this one seems different… like he seemed aggravated while making it. It seems rather surreal to think that the kindly old man I met could paint something like this.”

“Looks can be deceiving, you know?”

A gasp escaped her as she turned around, finding the famous artist standing right behind her. Beside her, Dr. Takemi snickered before clearing her throat and composing herself. Behind them, though, Kitagawa stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“Sensei.”

“Hello, Yusuke.” He smiled and stroked his beard while turning to them. “Ah, and both Dr. Takemi and Niijima-san as well. It’s a pleasure to meet you two again.”

"The pleasure is ours, Madarame-san." Sae offered him a friendly smile.

"Yeah." Dr. Takemi scratched her head as she looked around. "I don't usually come out for these kinds of things, but it's been nice."

He smiled proudly. "Well, I'm glad to know that you're enjoying yourselves."

"May I ask something?"

"Certainly."

"How is it that you managed to create all of these pieces?"

"Well, it's rather hard to put simply." Madarame stroked his chin, trying to come up with an answer. "If I were to try and convey it, then I would say that the inspiration for every piece comes naturally."

"Naturally?"

"Yes, you see, Yusuke and I practice living a modest lifestyle. We distance ourselves from earthly desires in order to better enrich the soul.  We do not concern ourselves with fame or wealth, even our atelier is but a shack." He chuckled and rubbed his neck self-consciously. "That must have sounded rather confusing, I apologize."

"No, I think I understand."

Sae held her chin as she studied the man's countenance. He wore an earnest smile and held himself humbly, yet she caught a brief look of concern in his eyes every so often.

"Yeah, well, I hope that lifestyle let's you eat properly," Dr. Takemi interjected, crossing her arms as she glanced at Yusuke. "Practicing 'detachment from earthly desires' is alright, but please remember to take care of yourselves too."

"Of course, doctor. That was why I insisted on your services."

"Mmhm," the bluenette hummed and nodded.

"Excuse me, Madarame-san?" They all looked over as a news crew approached them. "Can we have a moment of your time?"

"Of course." He flashed them a smile, then turned to give them an apologetic look. "I apologize, but it would seem that I must cut our meeting short. Will I be seeing you tomorrow, doctor?"

Dr. Takemi nodded, placing one hand on her hip as she gripped the strap of her bag. "Yeah, I'll bring the paperwork and legal documents."

"Understood.” Madarame gave a polite bow as he stepped away. “Now, please, enjoy the rest of the exhibit, my friends."

<???> *ring* *ring* Special delivery! Courtesy of Alibaba the All-Seeing!

<Niijima Sae> Yes, hello. Did you have something for us, Alibaba?

<???> Yeah, I did some digging like you asked. This Madarame dude? Totally suspect.

<???> Check out this link:

<???> “A master of Japanese arts is plagiarizing his pupil’s work."

<Sakura Sojiro> Plagiarizing their art?

<Kawakami Sadayo> Ugh. I deal with enough plagiarizing at Shujin.

<Niijima Sae> That would explain how he uses multiple art styles.

<???> "His treatment of the pupils who live with him is awful. He teaches nothing and bosses them around. He treats them inhumanely, as if disciplining a dog.”

<Kawakami Sadayo> That's despicable.

<???> Yeah, totally! That is some serious bad guy vibes!

<???> And that's not even the tip of the iceberg!

<Niijima Sae> Please, enlighten us.

<???> First of all, you totally called it on the fake name.

<???> His real name is Madarame Ichitaro.

<???> Guess Ichiryusai is his pen name, because he's fancy like that?

<???> Second of all, I contacted Nakanohara and called myself an associate of yours. He spilled the beans on everything.

<???> Apparently, he used to be one of Madarame’s pupils.

<???> And according to him, everything he and the other students made got their stuff plagiarized by that old geezer.

<???> Once they left, though, they all got blacklisted in the art community. Totally VACbanned.

<???> Even worse, there’s at least one who committed suicide.

<Sakura Sojiro> Shit.

<Sakura Sojiro> He got someone to kill themselves?

<Kawakami Sadayo> That's monstrous.

<???> You're telling me!

<???> Nakanohara was also pretty worried about Madarame's current student too, by the way.

<Niijima Sae> Kitagawa Yusuke. I meant him tonight.

<???> Oh, cool.

<???> Well, that's everything I learned.

<Niijima Sae> Thank you for the assistance, Alibaba.

<Niijima Sae> Well, we at least have a reason to investigate now.

<Niijima Sae> I may be able to finish work early tomorrow.

<Niijima Sae> Sadayo. Sakura-san. Will either of you be available?

<Sakura Sojiro> I can join up.

<Kawakami Sadayo> It’s a maybe, but I think I might be able to make it.

<Niijima Sae> Very well then. We’ll meet at Leblanc, then plan our next move.

<Niijima Sae> Thank you again for your assistance, Alibaba.

<???> No problemo.

<???> Now, I’m gonna go on standby and check out requests on the Phan-Site. Hit me up if you guys need anything else.

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 3

TEMPERANCE
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 2

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 2

THE HANGED MAN
Munehisa Iwai: Rank 1

JUDGEMENT
Amamiya Ren: Rank 1

THE PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 2

THE MOON
Kawara Mizuki: Rank 1

THE HERMIT
Alibaba: Rank 1

Chapter Text

5/16
Monday

“So… who wants to ring the doorbell?”

Ren glanced between his friends, watching Ryuji rub his neck while Ann fidgeted in place. They all shared the same, hesitant looks as they stared at the front of the ramshackle shack standing before them.

“The whole house won’t collapse if I do, will it?” Ann asked anxiously.

Ren shrugged, then grew an amused smirk. “Try not to sneeze. You might blow it over.”

She shot him a pointed look before walking up to the front door. They watched as she rang the doorbell, then stepped back. A few seconds passed before the voice of Kitagawa Yusuke answered them.

“Who is it? Sensei is currently-”

“Um, it’s Takamaki.”

“I’ll be right out!”

They exchanged curious looks as the voice cut out. A few moments later, the front door slid open, Yusuke stepping outside with an astonished expression.

“Takamaki-sa-” He stopped, his eyes narrowing upon spotting the two of them behind Ann. “...You two are here, as well?”

“Hey.” Ryuji flashed him a cheeky grin. “How ya doin’?”

Yusuke narrowed his eyes further, clearly unimpressed with his flippant demeanor “Is there a reason as to why either of you are here?”

“I decided to bring them along," Ann said, gesturing at both of them. "I hope that’s alright.”

The art prodigy watched them for a few more seconds before sighing. “Very well, so long as they do not interrupt me while I am working-”

“Uh, actually, we’re not here to watch,” Ryuji interjected bluntly, pushing past Ann. “See, we’ve got some questions for you-”

“Ryuji!” Ann hissed, slapping his arm.

“What? You weren’t seriously thinkin’ about lyin’ to him the whole time, were you?”

“Ahem?” Yusuke drew their attention back to him as he took a firm stance. “And what, might I ask, do you wish to know exactly?”

Before either of them could answer him, however, Ren stepped forward and met the artist’s cold gaze with his own, unfaltering one. “We heard rumors that Madarame is plagiarizing his students’ artwork, and that he might be abusing them too. Is that true?”

A tense silence filled the space between them before the art prodigy scoffed. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, we read about it online.” Ryuji pulled up the article he'd found and showed it off on his phone.

Yusuke shot him a glare, then looked at the phone screen. His eyes roamed over several sentences before he chuckled, then burst into sardonic laughter as he threw his head back.

“Preposterous!” He declared furiously. “Not only is the plagiarism impossible, but abuse? He welcomes pupils into his own home! This is no act of violence; it is charity!”

“H-Hey, hold on-”

They all backed up as he took a daring step forward, fury blazing in his eyes. “And I’m the one studying under him. I’m saying it’s not true, so it’s beyond doubt!”

“W-Well, you might be lyin’ about it!” Ryuji pushed back, taking a step forward.

Yusuke seemed to falter for a moment, taking a step back as he looked away. “That’s… That is utter rubbish.” His expression hardened again as he took a step forward again, reclaiming ground as he glared daggers at the dyed-blond punk. “I had no family when Sensei took me in and raised me into what you see now! If you continue to ridicule the man I owe my life to, you will rue this day!”

Ryuji opened his mouth to snap back, however, Ren grabbed his arm and pulled him back. Ann stepped between them, holding up her hands as she tried to calm the situation down. Then, though, a worried voice called out from within the shack.

“Yusuke?” Madarame himself appeared in the doorway, glancing between them all with a concerned look. “What’s the matter? I heard you yelling?”

“Sensei, these people are slandering you with baseless rumors!”

Madarame looked at them all with a stern look, then bowed his head humbly.

“Forgive them, Yusuke," he spoke in a solemn voice. "They must’ve heard some bad rumors and came in worry for their friend’s safety.”

“But-” Yusuke was cut off when his teacher shot him a look. “...Understood, sensei.”

Ren, Ryuji, and Ann watched as the other teen pressed his lips into a thin line and bowed his head submissively. Guilt crossed their faces as they shifted uncomfortably.

"Is everything alright out here?"

Ren perked up, recognizing that voice. A second later, Dr. Takemi appeared in the doorway beside Madarame, tilting her head as she scanned the group of teens with her eyes. Upon spotting him, her eyes widened.

"Amamiya-kun?"

"Dr. Takemi?"

Ryuji blinked and glanced between them. "Uh, you know her?"

"She's the doctor I get my medicine from."

"Oh…."

"That's your doctor?" Ann whispered to him, her eyes glued on the woman dressed in black and blue.

At the same time, Madarame looked to the good doctor with a furrowed brow. “You know that young man?”

She crossed her arms and nodded. “Yes, he’s an assistant at my clinic.”

An amused chuckle escaped the famous artist as he stroked his chin. “Truly, such a small world we live in. Well, Dr. Takemi, your assistant and his friends were worried about whether particular rumors about me were true or not." He shrugged flippantly and laughed to himself then. "Though, I'm sure I might have done something to anger someone in the world. Not everyone can like a cranky old man like myself."

Ann rubbed her arm, guilt crossing her face. “...That’s not what we meant.”

“It's quite alright, nonetheless." The elderly man leaned out of the threshold of his home, surveying the nearby buildings and street before returning his attention to them. "I do apologize for butting in on your conversation. However, I also have neighbors around. Won’t you please keep it down?”

“Yes, sir." Ren nodded. "Sorry.”

Madarame smiled appreciatively as he turned and walked back inside. “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

He disappeared into his shack, Dr. Takemi staying a second longer to smile and wave before walking back inside. They stood around for a moment, exchanging awkward looks. Then, Yusuke bowed his head and gave them a humble bow.

“That was discourteous of me… I’m sorry.”

“N-No, we’re sorry,” Ann blurted out before shooting them sharp looks. “Right, guys?”

“Yeah, for sure.” Ryuji rubbed the back of his neck before throwing his head back and groaning. “Ugh! Now I feel like an asshole!”

Ren wore a remorseful countenance as he averted his gaze from the art prodigy. "Yeah, we're the ones at fault. Sorry about confronting you like that."

Yusuke stood up and looked between them all curiously. Then, though, his eyes widened as realization shined in them and he snapped his fingers. “I know!”

“Know what?” Ryuji asked quizzically.

Yusuke dug his phone out of his pocket. “Surely all doubts you hold against my sensei will surely be purged once you see his magnum opus. It is his maiden work and his most representative piece.” He pulled something up and showed them an image. “It’s titled ‘Sayuri.’”

They all leaned in and studied the painting of a beautiful woman dressed in red gazing down mysteriously into a cloud of mist. The naked branch of a cherry blossom tree sat above her while a celestial body hung in the air behind her, illuminating her figure. It was a breathtaking sight, one that stirred up a myriad of emotions within them all.

“It’s beautiful," Ann breathed.

Ryuji rubbed his neck as he stepped back, knitting his brow as he tried to come up with the right words. "Yeah. I don't know much about this art stuff, but… damn. Even I can tell that this is impressive."

Yusuke smiled and looked at Ren, who gave a silent, affirming nod.

“Tell me, what did you feel when you saw it?” he asked curiously.

They all exchanged looks, then Ann answered first, rubbing her neck. “It seemed… warm. Uh, pleasant?”

“Kinda feels like love, you know?” Ryuji scratched his head, trying to word his answer right. “The way she’s looking at whatever she’s looking at, like she really cares about it.”

Yusuke looked at Ren again, who crossed his arms. “It’s… simple, but… there’s warmth, like Ann said. It’s like something surreal and fantastical, but also… domestic? I can’t really put it into words.”

The art prodigy nodded in understanding, then put his phone away before looking at Ann with a solemn countenance. "So you all understand. I aspire to be able to not only convey such emotions with my work, but also to dredge them up from those who view them. When I first saw you, I felt the same powerful emotion as when I saw this painting, and that is why I wish for you to be my muse."

She blinked. "Me?"

"I wish to pursue beauty like this. And I believe drawing you will be a part of that pursuit." He stiffened up and bowed low to her. "I implore you: seriously consider my offer."

Ann gawked at him for a second, then she looked at her friends for help. Both shrugged, prompting her to shoot them sharp looks. 

"Can I get back to you tomorrow?"

"Yes, of course. I'm rather busy helping sensei and speaking with Dr. Takemi today actually."

"Well, that works perfectly."

They exchanged another round of apologies before Yusuke bid them farewell, stepping back inside and closing the door. A few minutes later, they relocated across the street, Ryuji sitting on a railing while Ren and Ann stood beside him.

"So… that was your doctor?" Ann asked.

He nodded, hands jammed in his pockets. "Yeah."

Ann and Ryuji exchanged looks while Ren glanced between them. Suddenly, the latter of his two friends grinned.

"So… do you got her number?”

"Ryuji!"

Ann smacked his arm while Ren watched them both, growing a small smile as he pushed up his glasses. “Only for business purposes.”

“Alright, we’re here.” Sae parked her car along the curb and glanced out the window at Madarame’s shack nearby. “Try filling in the search filters.”

Beside her, Sojiro held up his phone with the Metaverse Navigator opened up.

“Madarame Ichitaro.”

“Candidate found.”

“Plagiarism.”

“Candidate found.”

“Shack.”

“Candidate found.”

“So now we just need what he thinks of it as, right?” Sadayo asked, climbing forward a bit to peek from between the front seats.

Sae nodded. “We know he loves to have his art put on display. So, perhaps a gallery?”

“No candidate found.”

Sojiro hummed and rubbed his neck. “What about an exhibition? That’s what’s going on right now, right?”

“No candidate found.”

Morgana popped up onto the glove box, clambering onto it beneath Sadayo. He stared at the screen, then out the window at the shack. “Maybe it’s a farm? Because he keeps all his students there?”

“No candidate found.”

“Warehouse?”

“No candidate found.”

Sae stroked her chin as she laid back against the driver’s seat, mulling over the details they had on hand: Madarame acted humbly, but there was supposedly a darker side to himself he hid. He apparently plagiarized his students’ artwork, masquerading them as his own. And, according to Alibaba, he went so far as to ruin the career of any of his pupils that left him.

“Madarame is a famous artist,” Sae said aloud, crossing her arms as she stared at the roof of her car. “He acted kindly and humble towards me when we initially met, but secretly hides a darker side of himself.”

“I still think that it’s gotta be related to art,” Sojiro grumbled, scratching his beard. “That’s his gimmick.”

“...What about a museum?” Sae proposed.

“Candidate found.”

“Nice one!” Morgana sported his cheshire grin while the others shot her thrilled looks. “It’s time to get started, Phantom Thieves!”

When Arbiter opened her eyes, she found herself standing in a street lined with cars. Beyond them, an enormous wall of golden blocks reached up high, the only opening appearing further down the street where a veritable horde of people were packed together in a line leading inside. The only thing she could see beyond the wall was a towering structure made from gold, as well as the upper halves of several sculpturesque art pieces.

“Holy crap.” Boss strode up next to her, rubbing his neck. “This is how he sees that dingy shack?”

Arbiter nodded, crossing her arms. “It would appear so, yes.”

They both looked back as Mona and Ronin walked up to them, observing the sight of Madarame’s museum.

“Well, there’s no way we’re making it through that crowd,” Ronin grumbled, crossing her arms while pouting.

Mona nodded and looked to Sae, who turned her attention back to the museum. The front entrance was practically choked by the line of people, but the wall did have openings where the gold blocks fell far enough. One opening was visible on top of a delivery truck nearby.

“Over there,” she said, pointing a finger to direct her team’s eyes.

“Nice work, Arbiter.” Mona flashed her a proud smile before making his way over to the truck, the rest of them following just behind.

They climbed up and onto the wall, then proceeded to hop across a number of columns spread out across a garden. Thankfully, their last venture into Kamoshida’s Palace had strengthened her cognitive belief in their capabilities, which translated into far smoother maneuvers as they crossed the platforms. Ultimately, they ended up on a roof overlooking the garden.

“You know, I’ve gotta wonder why Madarame thinks of his place like a museum.” Boss sat down and surveyed the area below them, watching guards patrol paths around grandiose sculptures. “I mean, he’s already got all his art up on display in the real world, right?”

"I'm not quite sure myself," Mona admitted, stepping up next to him. "We'll need to investigate further to understand ourselves."

"Hey, over here!" Ronin waved them over as she lifted up a glass panel on a skylight. "I found our way in."

She flashed a triumphant smile and Arbiter nodded. "Good work, Ronin. Let's move people."

Hopping down into the museum, they entered a gallery of sorts. Though, something seemed off. It quickly became obvious once they looked at the paintings, each one warping, as if they each one was the surface of a pool of water.

Pushing aside her unease, Arbiter stepped over to the open threshold nearby, Mona following her. They glanced in and found another section of the gallery. No Shadows seemed to patrol the area though.

"Hey, guys?"

They perked up and looked over, finding Ronin and Boss studying one of the portraits on display.

"Is something wrong?" Arbiter moved back to then, eyeing the painting.

"You should see this." He pointed at the stand beneath the frame.

Arbiter squinted and bent down, reading off a name, age, and a pair of dates. "Hmm… strange."

"Any idea what it means?"

She cradled her chin and glanced at Mona. He gave her a suspicious look in return. It seemed they shared the same thoughts on the matter.

"I have an idea, though I'd say it would be best to check the other paintings for clarification."

Moving together again, they headed into the next section. They scanned the walls of portraits, reading off the information on the stands beneath each one.

"These all look the same, right?" Ronin asked, scratching her head. "I'm not the only one seeing that, right?"

Boss walked up next to her, scratching his beard as he hummed and nodded. "Yeah, now that you mention it. Is that supposed to matter?"

"Madarame is supposed to be a man of many art styles," Arbiter called as she approached them. "Though, his gallery seems lacking in variety."

Boss shrugged. "Could just be one style in this section."

"Possibly."

"Everyone!" Mona suddenly cried and they looked over to the corner of the room, where their guide hopped up and waved his arms frantically. "You need to see this!"

They hurried over immediately and found him standing before a portrait of a familiar man. It didn't take long for them to recognize his face.

"Nakanohara Natsuhiko," Arbiter stated, crossing her arms as she looked down at the information listed beneath his painting.

They stared at his angered expression, something like defiance and fury etched into his countenance within the portrait.

"If he's here, does that mean…."

Ronin trailed off as she looked around at all the paintings. Arbiter placed a hand on her shoulder, breathing a sigh as she stepped away.

"Let's keep moving. If I'm right, there should be one portrait here with a name and only one date."

They combed the area, reading off every painting's information before arriving near the end of the gallery. It was there that Mona found who they were looking for.

"Kitagawa Yusuke." Mona looked up at them as they walked over. "You were right, Arbiter. Only one date."

Her expression darkened as she studied the teen's solemn expression. "Which implies he's the only student left under 'Madarame's tutelage.'"

"So, all of these paintings…?" Boss scratched his head as a mournful look crossed his face. "He's used all of them? How long has he been getting away with this?"

"Too long."

They exchanged somber looks, then turned to investigate the next area. Stepping down some stairs, they arrived in the museum’s lobby and discovered a pamphlet stand hosting maps of the museum. At least, a portion of the Palace’s layout.

After studying and tracing a path ahead, they ventured further in. Though, they stopped in the next room upon seeing what it held.

“Whoa….” Ronin breathed as she stepped into a vaulted chamber lined with gaudy banners emblazoned with Madarame’s face.

“The hell is that?” Boss scratched his head as he studied the art piece at the center of the room. “Are those… people?”

Arbiter narrowed her eyes as she studied the humanoid figures caught up in a font of gold that soared high, spiraling up towards the ceiling. She looked down at the base of it, spying a plaque.

"The Infinite Spring," Arbiter read, her frown swiftly deepening. "A conglomerate work of art that the great director Madarame created with his own funds. These individuals must offer their ideals to the director for the rest of their lives. Those who cannot do so have no worth living…."

No one spoke for a moment, all of them processing everything they’d learned. There was no doubt now that Madarame truly was what the rumors had told them he’d be. The existence of his Palace was proof enough, but combined with the gallery of his pupils and the grandiose sculpture…. He was unforgivable.

"Dammit!” Boss stormed back and forth, pacing angrily. “That snake!"

“This isn’t a museum commemorating artwork," Ronin spoke up in a subdued voice, her hands clenching tightly. "It’s a museum commemorating his crimes.”

Arbiter watched them both for a moment, then turned her eyes back to the Infinite Spring. A deep frown cut across her face as she thought back on Kitagawa, who’d led her and Dr. Takemi on a tour of the exhibition the other day. If Alibaba’s sources were to be trusted, then the teen’s malnutrition and dehydration weren’t accidents on his own part.

“This is undoubtedly a reason to target Madarame,” she said, crossing her arms as she turned and regarded her team with a stern look. “He’s plagiarized the art of his students, worked them like animals, and ruined their careers long after they left his tutelage.”

“Hold on,” Morgana interrupted, hopping up to catch their attention. “First, we should get evidence that these crimes actually took place.”

“Evidence?” Arbiter narrowed her eyes. “What evidence do we need? Isn’t the existence of a Palace more than enough proof?”

“Well, maybe, but-”

“But nothing,” she stated firmly. “The rumors suggest that Madarame is abusing his students, one of them has died already. I’m not seeing any reason not to target him.”

Her words hung in the air, filling the already tense atmosphere. Morgana kept his head bowed as Arbiter watched him, her lips pressed into a thin line. Their teammates shifted nervously, not knowing or exactly wanting to step in between the two.

Finally, after a moment, Arbiter spoke up, “Come on, let’s move. We should make our way as far in as we can today.”

As they progressed through the museum, Arbiter took note of the differences between this one and their last Palace. Where Kamoshida’s Castle had relied more on manpower, this one seemed to focus on subtler methods of enforcing its security. The further in they delved, the more security gates they encountered, barring passage deeper into the museum.

However, they managed to bypass some of the faulty ones and discover alternate routes to detour around others.

“No one here?” Boss remarked as they stepped into an exhibition room cut up into three separate areas by two, thick glass walls.

On either side of them were smaller collections of artwork with a few paintings covered by tarps or leaning against the walls, clearly not having been set up yet. At the center of the room, between them and the exit was a display holding a golden vase.

“Keep your guard up,” Arbiter warned as she moved forward, glancing around for any sign of danger. “Morgana, can you sense the Treasure yet?”

Their Metaverse guide didn’t answer and she turned around to find him ogling the golden vase.

“Morgana!” she hissed, snapping her fingers to catch his attention.

He snapped out of his stupor and looked at her with a guilty face. “S-Sorry, but… look at it! That golden sheen-”

“Don’t.”

“But-”

“We’re not here to appraise the artwork, we’re here to gather intelligence.”

“But what if it does help us? If it can’t tell us anything, we can still sell it for tons of money!”

Arbiter facepalmed and sighed while Ronin chuckled at their bickering. All the while, Boss took a peek at the security booth they’d passed before coming back to stand with them.

“Well, doesn’t look like we’ve got any company around here, so….”

“It would be best if we pressed onwards.” Arbiter crossed her arms and looked at the exit hall. “Let’s keep moving.”

They walked across the exhibition room and made it to the other side before a resounding click echoed around them. They all paused, making confused faces before they turned around to find Morgana standing on the display holding the golden vase.

He gave a nervous whimper before laser tripwires shot off from all directions, crisscrossing and forming a grid cordoning off the center of the room. They looked around in bafflement, then they all cast withering looks in Mona’s direction before simultaneously groaning.

“Okay, now what?” Boss asked, letting his mace hit the ground as he slumped his shoulders.

Arbiter crossed her arms and looked around. “We’ll need to disable the lasers since this is a part of our escape route. Though, there’s no way we can maneuver through them.”

“Can we break the glass?” Ronin asked, stepping over to the glass wall closest to her. Giving it a kick, she yelped and hissed, hopping back on one foot. “Ow!”

“It’s likely bulletproof,” Arbiter remarked, stroking her chin. “I believe most museums are rather protective of their contents.”

From their position, they had eyes on the center of the room and a portion of the side areas. However, the bordering exhibits were hidden behind gaudy folding screens.

“I suppose this is a long shot, but can you see anything, Mona?”

“No!”

“I thought so….” Arbiter paced for a second, then looked at the glass walls. “We could try to climb over the walls to reach that security room from before, but I’m not certain the doors are unlocked.”

“I thought I saw a vent inside,” Boss said. “Could be one out here connecting to it.”

A bitter grumble escaped her as she glanced at either wall before stepping over to it. “Would you help me up? I’ll try to search for an entrance.”

Thankfully, she got lucky on her first try, discovering an open vent to crawl through. It led her into the security room, like Boss had predicted. Perusing the computers, she’d found one unlocked and managed to discover the controls to the security systems. Unfortunately, those systems were password-locked.

“Dammit,” Arbiter hissed.

She reclined in the seat she’d grabbed and tried to think of what kind of password would be applicable. Out of the corner of her eye, though, she noticed movement and ducked down as two Shadows entered the office.

“You heard about the intruders?”

“Yeah, I got a call to change the password.”

Arbiter stepped quietly behind a row of desks, keeping low beneath the guards’ line of vision.

“Hello.”

“Huh?”

“Hello. Well, actually, it’s zero-seven-seven-three-four, but that spells ‘Hello’ upside down and backwards.”

“...Are you serious?”

From her hiding place, Arbiter made a baffled face as the two guards left. Standing up a moment later, she strode over to the open computer and sat down, typing in the password.

“Hello,” she said while wearing a faint smile.

A moment later, she stepped out of the security room and back over to where her team was. The laser grid had been shut down and Mona was sulking in front of both Ronin and Boss.

“Sorry, guys.” Mona twiddled his paws anxiously, not daring to meet their glowering faces. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Please be more careful next time,” Arbiter instructed, cradling the bridge of her nose. “Now, come along, we need to-”

Before she could finish, the golden vase that had drawn Mona in erupted with black ooze. Golden dust spewed out and filled the air with glittery sparkles as a warped figure appeared from a massive, shimmering diamond balancing precariously on the display.

“What the hell?” Boss cried, grabbing his mace.

Ronin jumped and leveled her naginata with the Shadow. “Wh-What is that?”

“A Treasure Demon!” Mona shouted in astonishment. “So, that’s why I was attracted to it!”

Arbiter shot him a confused look as she gripped her tonfas. “What?”

“I’ll explain later, just don’t let it escape!”

Arbiter nodded and gripped her mask, azure flames bleeding out from between her fingers. “Persona!”

“A Will Seed!”

Arbiter stepped into the room covered in vines and leaves, eyes focusing intently on the grotesque, skull-like object nestled atop a pedestal of pulsing, scarlet veins. “Let’s see what Madarame’s hiding.”

She took up the skull in one hand as its crystal eyes flashed with light.

“We still in the museum?” Boss asked, stepping around as he looked at the paintings on the walls around them.

“No, I think those are real.” Ronin crossed her arms as Arbiter walked over to two figures frozen in time.

One was a young man dressed modestly, looking rather timid. The other was an older man, his countenance solemn as he gazed at a painting.

“Was there something you needed, sensei?” the young man asked, the scene coming to life.

The older man, his teacher presumably, hummed. “It’s about what we previously discussed. I know someone who works on TV, and after hearing about you, he really wanted you to appear on his show.”

“That’s… I’m not certain that I should accept the offer.”

“Why not? You need to make money somehow. Most artists dream about the opportunity you’re being presented with.”

The younger man rubbed his arm and shook his head. “Yes, but that’s not being an artist. It has nothing to do with my ability as a painter.”

His sensei scoffed. “Daring for you to say that to your sensei. You used to be more obedient.”

Arbiter’s eyes narrowed as the younger man winced, but remained silent. She stepped around to examine his face, watching pain cross it as well as anger lurk in his eyes.

“You need to become more capable,” his sensei stated. “You’ll never become famous as you are now.”

“...H-How do you mean?”

“You have no talent.”

The world brightened and blurred, flaring as the younger man sucked in a breath. They all watched him argue with the older man, trying to prove himself right. However, his sensei denounced his claims and brought up the painting he’d been studying, which seemed to have been painted by the younger man’s peer.

Despite his studying, he seemed to lack the same creative spark as the teacher’s other students.

“I’ll reach the apex of the art world, you’ll see!”

When they opened their eyes next, they stood within the Palace once more. They exchanged looks before Arbiter stowed the Will Seed away.

Ronin crossed her arms as she looked at each of them. “That was Madarame, wasn’t it?”

Boss scratched his chin as he nodded. “Seems like it.”

“His own teacher didn’t believe in him,” Arbiter remarked. “I can only imagine what someone as desperate as himself might do to prove himself.”

“Whoa….” Ronin breathed as they stepped out into a beautiful garden set before an enormous, gaudy complex, its front doors depicting the flourishing feathers of a peacock.

“Madarame might be a complete fake, but I guess his mind knows how to make things look pretty,” Boss remarked, studying the enormous, golden trees above them.

Arbiter hummed and nodded as they proceeded forward, walking out onto a patio set at the center of the garden. The path continued on the opposite side of it, though, their way was barred by what appeared to be walls of crackling, scarlet energy, seemingly straight out of a science fiction film.

“I don’t think we’re getting past those.” Mona crossed his arms and hummed. “This level of security only proves there’s something worth protecting up ahead.”

Arbiter stroked her chin as she looked around. “Did we pass a security room? We’ll need to access the controls to bypass these lasers.”

“Uh, that’s gonna be kinda hard.” Ronin scratched her head as she squinted at a sign next to her. “‘All personnel: This door can only be opened via the security room that lies beyond it. Please be cautious, as it is impossible to open from the outside.’”

“Well, shit,” Boss groaned, rubbing his neck. “How’re we supposed to get past that?”

They exchanged looks and bowed their heads. Conventional means wouldn’t help them at the moment. The laser grid extended too far to try and bypass it from above, and there didn’t seem to be any alternate route around the garden….

“I think I have an idea.” Mona looked up at her and she met his eyes. “You remember that door in Mementos?”

“The one opened once the public recognized our existence?” Arbiter nodded.

“Yes. Some obstacles in the Metaverse can be taken down if we affect the real world. Maybe there’s something we can do there that can affect how Madarame sees things here.”

“It’s worth a shot.” She placed her hands on her hips and looked between her companions before nudging her head back. “Let’s leave for now and brainstorm on what to do.”

5/17
Tuesday

Ren bobbed his knee impatiently as he and Ryuji sat against the wall of Yusuke’s art studio. The art prodigy himself was planted in front of his canvas, his focus entirely on his work. Across from him, Ann sat on a stool, anxiously shifting every so often.

They’d arrived an hour or so before, Ann having decided to take Yusuke up on his modeling offer. A part of her motivation had been her last visit with Shiho in the hospital, who’d urged her to keep going through with her modeling career. The other part had been the desire to learn a bit more about Yusuke and Madarame, their suspicions not so easily quelled just yet.

“It’s no use… I can’t….”

They perked up as Yusuke bowed his head with a defeated sigh.

Ann rubbed her neck awkwardly. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that I’m not model materi-.”

“I can’t paint a nude portrait if you’re still clothed.”

“Wait.” Her eyes blew open wide as she covered her chest with her arms. “Nude?”

“What is wrong with you?” Ryuji jumped to his feet immediately, hands balled into fists. “Are you some kinda pervert?”

"Oh, you're still here?" Yusuke looked at them with genuine surprise.

"And it's a good thing apparently!"

"Why is that?"

Ren looked between his friends and Yusuke, then cradled the bridge of his nose. He needed to get up and walk around.

“I’m going to step out for a bit,” he said, getting up and walking out of the room while Ryuji bickered with the confused art prodigy.

Closing the door behind him, he breathed in some fresh air and looked around. Madarame’s shack was bare of any luxuries or décor in general, giving credit to the famous artist’s humble lifestyle. However, Ren hoped he at least had a working toilet.

Walking down the hall, he found a bathroom to his right. Just as he turned to walk inside though, he spied a glint of light from his left and turned, finding a rather… extravagantly designed door with a heavy lock.

“Huh.” He rubbed his chin and walked up to it, picking up the lock. “Weird thing to have in a place like this.”

It was a magnificent piece of art, the whole aesthetic pleasing to the eyes. However, it stood out amidst the modest shack.

A few minutes later, after leaving the bathroom and returning to the studio, he found Ryuji still bickering with Yusuke.

“Don’t be absurd, I have absolutely no interest in her as someone of the opposite sex,” the art prodigy proclaimed, eliciting a pointed look from Ann.

“Okay, first of all, rude! Second of all, no way am I modelling nude!”

“But, please! I humbly request your aid in completing my next masterpiece-”

“Why aren’t you listening to me?”

Ren opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it. They really weren’t getting anywhere with their investigation.

“Uh… What’s going on here?”

He perked up and turned around, finding the leather jacket-clad figure of Dr. Takemi standing behind him. She eyed him for a minute, a faint smirk on her lips before it disappeared as soon as she caught the attention of everyone else in the studio.

“Oh, Dr. Takemi!” Yusuke stood up, setting aside his brush and paint. “I’d completely forgotten you were stopping by.”

“You forget to eat too?” she quipped, crossing her arms.

“Not today, thankfully,” he answered with a smile. “Though, I am feeling quite famished at the moment.”

“Alright, good thing I came prepared.” She held up a plastic bag in one hand. “Don’t want any negative side effects from the medication, alright?”

“Of course, doctor.” Yusuke bowed, then turned to the rest of them. “I apologize for the abrupt end to our session, Takamaki-san, but I must ask that you consider my offer-”

“Yeah, sure, I’ll keep it in mind,” she interrupted quickly, flashing a plastic smile. “Come on, guys!”

Ann practically dragged them out of the house and out onto the street.

“Well, that was a huge waste of our time.”

Ryuji slumped down beside a streetlight, grumbling under his breath as he crossed his arms. Ann groaned and nodded with him, leaning against a piece of railing.

“Not exactly.” Ren stroked his chin. “When I left for the bathroom, I noticed a weird door in the back of the shack.”

“Weird door?” Ann asked.

“It was really fancy and it had this heavy lock,” he elaborated. “It looked pretty special.”

They all shared curious looks, then bowed their heads as they thought about what could be behind it. Could it be Madarame’s bedroom? A storage room?

“Hey, can I talk to you kids for a sec?”

They all turned as a woman with a camera approached them, a notepad and pencil in her hands.

“Are you… crying right now?” Tae squinted as she watched Yusuke practically inhale the takoyaki she’d bought for him.

They sat in the living room of the shack, both of them on stools with a rickety table between them. She had some concerns about the integrity of the furniture inside of the art prodigy’s home, as well as his home’s own structural integrity. However, Kitagawa reassured her that everything was perfectly fine. Not that she exactly believed him….

“Yes, you see, I don’t think I’ve ever tasted something quite as delectable as this.”

“...You mean takoyaki?”

He nodded and she tilted her head, giving him a curious look. “What do you usually even eat?”

Kitagawa tapped his chin and hummed. “Generally, Bean sprouts.”

“...That’s it?”

“Yes. I wake up in the morning and I have a breakfast of bean sprouts. Home-grown, of course.”

“What about for dinner?”

“More bean sprouts.”

“...But that’s literally it?”

She gawked at him as he rubbed his neck, a thoughtful look on his face.

“On rare occasions, I have partaken in other luxurious foods during exhibitions and social gatherings. Sometimes, I visit the cafeteria or vending machines at Kosei to purchase a snack if I’m feeling famished during classes. Though, I usually restrain myself from falling into a habit of doing so.”

“That….” Tae stared at the table as she held her forehead, unable to comprehend his claim. “You should not even be alive right now. I don’t even think it’s physically possible to survive the way you’re living.”

“Truly?”

“Yes.” She shot him a sharp look, absolutely done with the situation. “Just… if you’re really sticking to that ‘detachment from earthly desires’ lifestyle, try not to skip a single meal?”

“Of course, doctor. Though, I suppose that may come into question if I fail to produce a piece of art for sensei.”

“...What?”

Tae stared at him, eyes narrowing in suspicion as alarm bells rang in her head.

“Oh, well….” He pressed his lips into a thin line and looked away. “I just meant, I might become distracted again and focus far more on finishing my latest creation rather than taking care of my own health….”

“...Alright.” She nodded along, though doubt whispered in the back of her mind. After a moment, she sat up and breathed a sigh. “Just finish your food so you can try the energy drink.”

Sae closed her eyes and rubbed her temples as she inhaled sharply. She sat in her office at her workplace, a case file opened up before her. She’d been working on it, as well as a few others prior since she’d arrived earlier in the morning.

“Alright, let’s see….” She turned her attention to her laptop. “I have a court appearance to make next week, but for today I need to-”

She was cut off by the sound of her door opening. Her eyes flicked up to find Kawara peeking in, the young prosecutor glancing around nervously before spying her behind her desk.

“Was there something you needed, Kawara-san?”

“Um… yes?”

Sae watched her for a second, then closed the file in front of her. “Is something wrong?”

Kawara glanced behind her, then stepped inside and closed the door. “Well, I was hoping that you could help me with a case I’m working on.”

“And what exactly did you need help with?”

Sae crossed her arms as she studied the woman in front of her. She really was new to the job, fidgeting in place as she wrung her hands.

“Well, the case I’m working on has a man being held in custody, but his lawyer is attempting to intervene. I was informed about it, but… well… if his lawyer meets with him, he’ll be able to get him out, right?”

“Then you hold him until you get a confession,” Sae answered bluntly, leaning forward and giving her a cold look. “Refuse visitations and make sure he breaks. It’s the only way to ensure the prosecution goes forward.”

“...But-”

“But, what?”

Kawara watched her for a moment, eyes a bit wider with alarm. Though, after a moment, she bowed her head and nodded. “I understand, Niijima-san.”

Sae pressed her lips into a thin line as the other woman turned to leave. Before she could step outside, however, she held up a hand. “Wait, Kawara-san. Can I speak to you for a moment?”

The other woman turned to her with a confused expression. “Yes?”

“I apologize if this sounds offensive, but… you don’t seem rather accustomed to the work of a prosecutor. We have to be impartial and unyielding in our work.”

The other woman rubbed her neck, uncertainty showing on her face before she hardened her countenance and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she stood a bit taller and locked eyes with her.

“I understand, Niijima-san. I may not have the experience or the steel resolve the rest of the department has, but this is the career I chose to go into. I have to excel, no matter what.”

Sae watched her, noting the change in demeanor. The corner of her lips tugged up and she nodded. “Very well, I’ll leave you to it. Remember, though, make sure you get a confession, no matter what.”

THE MOON: Rank 2

“Makoto, I’m home!”

Sae stepped into her apartment and shrugged her bag off her shoulder. Looking around, she found Makoto sitting at the dining table, gaze pulling up from her textbook to her over by the door.

“Hi, Sis!” She waved and Sae walked over, glancing over at the TV.

“Were you watching something?” She picked up the remote and eyed the movie playing. “Is that Mary Poppins?”

“Morgana wanted to watch something, I think.” Makoto said, pointing her pencil at the couch where the cat lay slumbering, giving soft purs in his sleep. “He was wandering all over the place until I turned on the TV and let him watch whatever was playing.”

Sae chuckled, crossing her arms at the sight. “I see.”

“I made you dinner, by the way.” Makoto stood up and gestured at the kitchen. “Did you want me to warm it up for you?”

“That would be nice-” She was cut off when her phone vibrated.

Digging it out, she held it up while Makoto strode into the kitchen. For a moment, she didn’t recognize the number, but then she read the name associated with it.

<Takemi Tae> Hey, Miss Prosecutor. You got a minute?

<Niijima Sae> Dr. Takemi? Is something the matter?

<Takemi Tae> I’d like to talk tonight, if that’s alright with you.

<Takemi Tae> I know a really good ramen place up in Ogikubo if you’d like something to eat.

<Niijima Sae> This seems rather sudden.

<Niijima Sae> And isn’t Ogikubo already known for its ramen shops?

<Takemi Tae> Sorry about the last minute text, but I really need to talk to you, alright?

<Takemi Tae> And yeah, I know it’s Ramen Town, but I know a really good ramen shop. Trust me.

<Takemi Tae> So, you feel like eating out tonight?

Sae pursed her lips and looked up at Makoto, who was pulling a tupperware box out of the fridge.

“Actually, Makoto, it seems an associate of mine would like to have a meeting with me.”

<Niijima Sae> I’ll be there. Just send me the address.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll be eating out tonight.”

Sae inwardly winced upon glimpsing a brief, dejected look on Makoto’s face. “That’s alright, I’ll just save this for you tomorrow then.”

She flashed her a smile and Sae looked away with guilt. “Understood… I’ll see you later tonight. Make sure you clean up, alright?”

“Of course, Sis. Love you.”

“Love you too, Makoto.”

Sae stepped into the ramen shop the good doctor had led her to, looking around until she spotted the doctor sitting at the counter. Stepping over, she took the stool beside her and set her bag down.

“Hey,” Dr. Takemi greeted, giving a nod of her head. “Glad you could make it.”

“I certainly hope the ramen lives up to your expectations.”

Sae made her order, then leaned against the counter as she observed the other woman. She appeared uncharacteristically disturbed, bobbing her knee and glancing around.

“So, what this about, Dr. Takemi?”

The bluenette stiffened up, then turned to her with a serious look. “Why’d you want to meet Madarame?”

Sae blinked. “...I simply admired his art?”

Dr. Takemi gave a hollow laugh. “Yeah, so do I. But seriously, you jumped from me making my product to wanting to meet him.”

“And I wished to understand just who you were working for.”

“Yeah, well, you knew something already, right?”

Sae watched her for a moment, then narrowed her eyes. “What are you getting at, doctor?”

Dr. Takemi stared back at her with a daring look, but then broke eye contact and averted her gaze. She breathed in deeply, then bowed her head low. “I checked in on Kitagawa, Madarame’s pupil, today. I brought him some food and he said something that… it just didn’t sound right.”

“How so?”

“He said he might have to miss a meal if he doesn’t make a new painting for his sensei.” Dr. Takemi met her eyes again, this time with a serious expression. “He tried to play it off and I went with it, but after I left I tried looking up online to see if I was just overthinking it, but….”

“You found out about the rumors?”

The good doctor didn’t respond, instead wetting her lips and she nodded grimly. Sae watched her for a few minutes before their ramen arrived. They thanked the chef and clasped their hands, giving a bow and quiet prayer before digging in.

A little bit later, after slurping up some noodles, Dr. Takemi turned to her. “So you did know?”

“...Not quite, but I had my suspicions.”

They fell into silence again before the bluenette spoke up, “So, what should I do? I mean, if this is real, then I have to report it to the authorities, right? But I don’t want to cause a scene and all.”

She rubbed her neck and sat up, clear trepidation showing on her face.

Sae tapped her fingers on the counter, thinking back on their infiltration of the Palace. Morgana had mentioned that they might need to investigate the physical premises of the area the Palace was based on. They’d come up with rudimentary plans on how to sneak Morgana in so he could look around, but they’d all been stumped on who could keep watch or if Morgana was found by Kitagawa or his mentor.

However, if she managed to sit both down long enough for her teammate to find what they were looking for….

“I could accompany you tomorrow, if you’d like.” Sae laid her arms on the counter and took a diplomatic tone. “Calling child protective services might be a bit extreme at the moment. Perhaps, it’d be best if you let me question Madarame, I do have the skills to do so.”

Dr. Takemi shot her a dubious look. “...Is that legal? I mean, don’t you need a warrant?”

“If I were searching the premises and interrogating him, yes.” Sae shrugged. “However, this is just a small inquiry. We’re just going to sit down with him and ask him a few questions about what Kitagawa said.”

“I’m… I’m not sure.” The good doctor rubbed her neck, hesitant to accept her proposition.

Sae pursed her lips and watched her for a moment, then leaned a bit closer till they were shoulder-to-shoulder. “Trust me, doctor.”

“...Alright.”

DEATH: Rank 3

THE FOOL
Igor: Rank 3

TEMPERANCE
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts: Rank 1

THE EMPRESS
Kawakami Sadayo: Rank 2

THE MAGICIAN
Morgana: Rank 2

THE HIEROPHANT
Sakura Sojiro: Rank 2

DEATH
Takemi Tae: Rank 3

THE HANGED MAN
Munehisa Iwai: Rank 1

JUDGEMENT
Amamiya Ren: Rank 1

THE PRIESTESS
Niijima Makoto: Rank 2

THE MOON
Kawara Mizuki: Rank 2

THE HERMIT
Alibaba: Rank 1

Chapter Text

5/18
Wednesday

“There’s no way I’m going nude!” Ann shrieked, glaring daggers at both her friends. “I’m drawing a line, right here!”

“Sheesh! Alright!” Ryuji rubbed his neck, cheeks pink. “We ain’t gonna force you or nothin’, but we gotta get some info outta Yusuke somehow.”

Ren glanced between both of them, then scratched his chin. Thanks to that journalist they’d met, they’d learned that there were more rumors circulating around Madarame than they thought. Abuse and plagiarism were the tip of the iceberg, but apparently the famous Sayuri that Yusuke seemed to behold had been stolen by one of Madarame’s former pupils.

Though, they needed hard evidence or a confession if they wanted to be able to help Yusuke. That either meant getting him to talk about Madarame without his biases, or somehow getting past that locked door….

Ren sighed and looked up at his friends. “I hate to say it, but we might have to take up Yusuke’s offer.”

“...Yeah, I guess I gotta agree,” Ryuji said and looked at Ann. “Sorry, Ann, but you might actually gotta do the nude.”

“You just said you weren’t going to force me!” She sputtered and stammered indignantly, trying to follow up on her exclamation before thrusting an arm out at the dyed-blonde teen. “Why can’t Ryuji go nude?”

“What?” he cried. “Seriously? No way! That ain’t what he wants-”

Ren pushed up his glasses. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“Yeah! ...Wait, what?”

“I was so happy you accepted my request, Takamaki-san.” Yusuke cleaned up his workstation, a modest table topped by paint supplies and brushes. “But… may I ask, have you become more… masculine?”

He turned and squinted at his muse, who seemed rather… different than he remembered. Her blonde hair seemed darker and spiker, despite still having her telltale pigtails. Rather than her usual Shujin jacket and red leggings, she’d gone without the latter and traded the former for a blue jacket over a white undershirt and overalls. Though, she still retained her school uniform’s plaid skirt.

“Pft, what? Little ol’ me?” She waved a hand flimsily. “Like, no effin’ way, silly.”

Yusuke squinted and stared at Ryuji for a minute or two, but eventually shrugged and turned back to setting up his workplace. All the while, Ryuji sweat bullets and glanced behind him at the door where both Ren and Ann, disguised not-so-cleverly as him with her hair tied back and tucked beneath his jacket as well as under a hat, shot him amused looks.

Ryuji glared at them, but then stiffened up when Yusuke sat down to paint.

“Could you please close the door? I feel it inappropriate for your friends to see you in such a… vulnerable state of dress.”

“Uh… Do I have too…?”

“W-Well… I… I did not realize that you were so… open about exposing your femininity-”

“N-No, I’m- Ahem! She’s totally not!” Ann shouted, trying to make her voice sound deeper. “See ya in an effin’ bit, Ann!”

“I don’t effin’ sound like-”

Ryuji was cut off as she closed the door, trapping him in the studio with Yusuke.

“Alright, now’s your chance, Ren.” Ann watched him stand up and dig out a lockpick from his pocket. “I’ll stay here and make sure Ryuji keeps Yusuke distracted.”

Ren nodded and hurried down the hall towards the ostentatious door he’d spotted during their last visit. According to Yusuke, Madarame would be out for most of the day, which gave him the time to try and pick the lock.

He’d watched a couple of videos and managed to craft a few lockpicks from a few things he’d bought from the second-hand shop next to Leblanc. Admittedly, he was weirdly adept with his hands, managing to make the tools but also trying them out on a few locks around the café with great success.

“Alright, let’s get to work.”

Kneeling down, he picked up the lock and gave it a once-over. Then, he carefully slid his tools into the keyhole. He took measured breaths, trying to keep as quiet as possible in order to listen to his progress. If he was lucky, he could get the lock in one go. He if was unlucky, he’d have to try again-

"M-Madarame-san!" Ann suddenly cried. "What are you doing back so early?"

Ren stiffened up and jammed his lockpick in his pockets. Stepping away from the door, he looked straight down the hall to where Madarame had entered through the front door. Ann had gotten up, taking a wide stance in the middle of the hall to try and obscure the artist’s view.

“Oh, er- Takamaki-san, was it? This is my home, I should be asking what you are doing here.”

“Our friend is modeling for Yusuke,” Ren spoke up, striding down the hall casually, acting as if he’d just come out of the bathroom.

Madarame watched them suspiciously, then looked at Ann. “I thought my pupil had chosen you to be his model?”

She pursed her lips and took a few seconds to answer, “Well, you see… that didn’t actually work out. But, he did want to try and paint our friend Ryuji.”

“But then, why are you two out here in the hall-”

“He’s modeling nude,” Ren stated with a blank face.

Madarame’s eyes widened. “Oh! I see… Well, I suppose inspiration can come from anywhere. Though, I worry if Yusuke’s next piece will be able to be shown publicly….”

The famous artist scratched his chin as he looked off into the distance with a tentative countenance. A frown crossed his face briefly before he sighed and turned his attention back to them.

“Regrettably, however, I'm afraid that I must ask you both to step outside. I have important matters to discuss with some guests that will be arriving soon.”

Ren and Ann exchanged tentative looks, hesitant to leave Ryuji behind. Ultimately, however, they conceded and gave affirming nods.

“We’ll just be out there then, if that’s alright?” Ann rubbed her neck as they stepped towards the door.

“Certainly,” Madarame said with a smile. “If Yusuke and your friend finish early, I’ll inform them of your whereabouts.”

“Thank you, Madarame-san.”

They slipped their shoes back on and stepped outside, moving across the street to their usual meeting spot.

“What do we do now?” Ann asked, untucking her hair out of Ryuji’s jacket. “Ryuji’s still in there and we didn’t get the door open.”

“I don’t know.” Ren combed fingers through his hair as he tried to think up another plan. “I guess we’ll have to confront Yusuke after all….”

They shifted anxiously, already feeling guilt at the thought of provoking the other teen. It wouldn’t be easy convincing him to confess anything incriminating or otherwise going against his sensei’s wishes. The man had raised him, and he felt a familial obligation to protect him, even at the cost of his own health.

“Hey.” Ann patted his shoulder and pointed over at the shack. “Isn’t that your doctor?”

They looked over at a pair of women approaching the shack at the end of the street. Dr. Takemi spoke with a familiar, silver-haired woman dressed in a business suit as they walked up to the front door.

“Niijima-san?” Ren asked aloud, brow furrowing.

“Wait, Niijima?” Ann looked at him wide-eyed. “Like, the student council president Niijima?”

He nodded, watching the two women ring the doorbell and Madarame usher them inside. “She’s Niijima-senpai’s older sister. But what’s she doing here?”

Sae took in the sight of the shack’s undecorated interior as she slipped out of her high heels. She recalled the artist's claim to living without earthly desires, though she hadn't quite expected it to be so extreme. In her mind's eye, she'd imagined artwork giving life and energy to a modest home, not a barren residence that seemed on the verge of collapsing in on itself.

“It's good to see you again, Niijima-san, but might I ask why you are here?” Madarame spoke up, shooting her an inquisitive look.

“Hello, Madarame-san.” She gave a pleasant smile and a polite bow. “I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you with this sudden meeting.”

“Not at all. Those exhibitions can be quite boring at times.” He laughed jokingly and steepled his fingers as he led them into—what she presumed was—the living room. "Though, I am curious why our paths have crossed yet again. I hope I'm not in any trouble."

“Not at all, sir,” she said, setting her bag down by the open threshold of the room.

Madarame strode over to sit down on one side of a rickety table while Dr. Takemi went to sit down on the other. Sae stepped over to join the good doctor, but stole a glance towards her bag, the zipper pulled back just enough for Morgana to widen the gap and climb out himself.

Taking her seat, she took on a professional demeanor. Prosecutor Niijima held her hands on the table with her back straight and expression stoic. Beside her, Dr. Takemi tried to mirror her poker face as she crossed her arms and studied the elderly man across from them.

"So, may I ask, what's this about?" Madarame asked, eyeing the good doctor.

"Dr. Takemi informed me that she has been attending to your pupil Kitagawa Yusuke, correct? Administering her medication, that being the energy drink, and making sure he doesn't have any abnormal reactions?"

"...I'm sorry, is this an interrogation?"

The jovial sparkle in his eyes died out immediately, the elderly man's lips pressing into a thin line before falling into a deep frown. He cast suspicious looks between them as he sat up, taking on a more serious demeanor.

“I believe you’d need a warrant to question me, Prosecutor Niijima," he stated coolly.

“If this was an investigation, yes,” she conceded with a nod. “However, I’m not here to interrogate you, Madarame-san. I’m simply here as a friend of Dr. Takemi’s.”

She gestured at the good doctor beside her, who gave her a look before inhaling sharply. Uncrossing her legs, Dr. Takemi leaned forward and stared Madarame down.

“Alright, look, I don’t want to start anything, I’m just… probably reading into this too much, but Yusuke said something along the lines of ‘he might miss his next meal if he doesn’t finish another painting.’”

“Are you implying that I’m starving him? Abusing him?”

“No, I- Ugh.” Dr. Takemi held her forehead in her hand, then sat up. “I heard about whatever rumors those kids from last time were worried about. I just… I just want to hear it from you. Am I wrong?”

They locked eyes and stared down, neither of them backing off the subject. All the while, Sae stole a glance at her bag on the ground, finding it open and Morgana gone, likely investigating the premises. She just needed to buy him more time.

"I can assure you that I have never plagiarized the art of any of my pupils, Dr. Takemi. And quite frankly, I’m rather offended you would even imply that I would harm the very student I consider my own son.”

That cowed the good doctor, who winced and bowed her head with a look of regret.

“If you feel that my word can’t be trusted, however, I am perfectly fine with terminating our contract,” Madarame proposed bluntly, catching them both off guard.

Sae looked from him to Dr. Takemi, whose eyes had widened in surprise. She opened her mouth to respond, but closed it with an apprehensive look.

“That’s….”

She rubbed her neck anxiously, hesitant to answer immediately. It was obvious she was cross with the offer, likely still needing his funding for her research and development, but also conflicted with supporting a potential abuser.

Tapping her foot, Sae glanced towards the open threshold of the living room, silently praying that Morgana had found something to help bypass the defenses in the Metaverse. If not, she needed to provide more time for him.

“If I might interject.” Sae set her hands on the table and looked the artist in the eyes. “May I ask you a question, Madarame-san?”

“Certainly.”

“To preface, I apologize that we’ve offended you so… grievously. It was never our intention, we just believed that the rumors held some weight considering your skill seems otherworldly. That being your mastery of multiple art styles while most artists have only one.”

He huffed and stroked his beard, but gave a conceding nod. “Yes, I suppose that such wild gossip can appear to hold some truth to them, but you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. I thought you of all people would understand that, Prosecutor Niijima.”

“Certainly, but sometimes we have to keep an open ear and mind in the event that the unlikely becomes quite likely.” She held her poker face as he narrowed his eyes. “But, I digress, I wanted to ask you about a certain person that I met.”

“I thought this wasn’t an interrogation?”

“It isn’t. Though, if you consider it so, then know that any answer you give will not be permissible in an investigation if one were to take place.”

“...Very well, who might this person be?”

“Nakanohara Natsuhiko.”

Madarame stiffened up and sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes briefly widening with alarm as his hands tensed. A smirk tugged at Sae’s lips, but she forced the smug feeling down and held her impassive countenance as she observed him

“I don’t believe I’ve ever met such a person,” he answered, feigning confusion as he scratched his head. “Who is he exactly?”

“A teller in the municipal ward office. He’s a rather troubled individual, but he claimed that he was previously one of your students.”

“I have never heard of him, so I don’t see how he could have been-”

“Yet he claimed that you stole his work and ruined his art career.” Sae narrowed her eyes dangerously. “According to him, his rather obsessive behavior began after you took everything from him.”

A hand grabbed her arm and she looked over at the doctor, who was shooting her a sharp look.

“What the hell are you doing?” Dr. Takemi hissed.

Sae tugged her arm free and stood up, rising to her full height and slamming a hand on the table. “This may not be an official investigation, but I’d like some answers!”

Hopefully, she was stalling long enough for Morgana….

“This is absurd!” Madarame cried as he stood up. “Get out of my house! Or I’ll call the police-”

“I can’t do this!”

They all stopped and looked over as the door to a nearby room slammed open, a teenage boy with dyed-blond hair and pigtails stumbling out. He heaved in a breath of fresh air as Kitagawa appeared behind him, holding a paintbrush.

"B-But Takamaki-san!" 

"I ain't Ann dammit!" The other teen yanked off the fake pigtails. "I'm Ryuji!"

Kitagawa stared at him. "...I don't understand."

Sae blinked, utterly lost. Beside her, Dr. Takemi wiped a hand over her mouth. And Madarame simply stared at the teens with a blank expression.

Then, before anyone could react, there was a loud bang as another door opened further in the shack, followed by an echoing clatter as something heavy and metallic hit the floor.

“What the hell?” the boy Ryuji shouted, glancing down the hall. “The eff was that?”

He sauntered down the hall, Kitagawa following him. Almost immediately, Madarame rushed after them, holding up a hand as his eyes blew open wide.

“W-Wait! Stop!”

Dr. Takemi watched him, then glanced back at her. Sae pressed her lips into a thin line, but gestured for them to follow the group.

They both walked out of the living room, finding the teens standing at an open doorway around a corner at the end of the hall. In the darkness of the room, she faintly made out a white-tipped tail disappearing into the shadows.

“What are you doing there?" Madarame shuffled towards the teens.

"N-Nothin'!" Ryuji raised his hands in the air. “I didn’t do anything, I swear-”

“Sae!” Morgana’s voice cried out from inside the room. “Get in here!”

Everyone stopped and Sae paled until the dyed-blond teen looked over with a furrowed brow.

“Was that a cat?” He took a step towards the door instinctively, only to step on the lock and lose his footing as it slid on the wooden floor. “Whoa!”

He stumbled inside, soon followed by Yusuke. “Taka- Ryuji! Are you alright!”

“No, get out of there!” Madarame barked, but Dr. Takemi was already rushing past him to check on the teens.

Sae followed behind, but stole a glance at the elderly artist whose friendly and calm demeanor had shifted into an outright furious one. A smirk crossed her face as she stepped into the darkened room, Madarame trying to hurry after them to stop them from seeing what lay within.

“This is a whole lot more fun when I’m not losing every single time,” Boss chuckled as he moved a shogi piece forward.

Across from him, Ronin hummed and nodded. “Arbiter can be pretty ruthless.”

They sat at the edge of the central garden within Madarame’s Museum, Boss’ phone sitting in between them. They had played several matches using his shogi app to pass the time as they waited. Though, as time dragged on, they cast more worried glances towards the infrared lasers barring their path forward.

“Do you think she’ll be able to do it?” Ronin asked as she moved a piece and then sat up, eyes traveling towards the Palace’s defenses.

Boss shrugged as he rubbed his neck and followed her gaze. “Arbiter’s got a way of getting things done. But it has been a while-”

Just as he finished speaking, the enormous, ornate doors of the complex across the garden rumbled and suddenly parted. Likewise, the infrared lasers flickered for a second before turning off completely.

“Well, I stand corrected.” He grabbed his phone and mace before standing up.

“They did it!” Ronin cheered as she started towards the open threshold. “Come on, let’s hurry before it closes.”

They rushed across the garden and into the shadow of the next complex. They slowed their pace as they stepped inside, taking cautious steps forward while looking around for the security system’s control room.

“Any idea where it might be?” Boss asked, shouldering his mace and scratching his beard.

Ronin shrugged as she propped her naginata across her shoulders. “The last couple of ones were kind of tucked away in corners.”

They stopped for a second to check their surroundings before moving further inside. Soon enough, they were stepping into a gaudy exhibition hall, the walls glinting gold and covered in peacock feather designs and banners. Standing at the entrance of the room, however, was a massive Shadow in a crimson uniform.

Boss and Ronin peeked around the corner into the exhibit hall, studying the lone guard before pulling back and coming up with a plan.

“Well, there’s definitely no way we can sneak past him.” Ronin rubbed her chin and hummed. “Should we just try to attack him? Or should we wait for him to leave?”

Boss shrugged and grimaced. “I don’t know if we’ve got the time to wait him out.”

“Well, do you think we can take him?”

“It is two against one.”

They exchanged confident looks then nodded before stepping out in the open.

“Hey, who are you!” the guard shouted, pointing his flashlight at them and brandishing his baton. “Wait, that attire… You must be the thieves who dare threaten Lord Madarame!”

Ronin narrowed her eyes and flourished her naginata. “And what if we are?”

The Shadow stared them down, then convulsed before erupting into black ooze and manifesting into an enormous beast with striped limbs, the head of a monkey, and a snake tail.

“You cannot go any further!” it roared. “You are trespassing on Lord Madarame’s territory!”

Boss and Ronin shared a look before the latter grabbed her mask.

“Kami-no-Kaze!”

Azure flames blazed across her face briefly as her Persona appeared behind her, the living superstorm rumbling before unleashing a bolt of lightning on the Shadow.

Their opponent bellowed and lurched forward as Boss stepped up, hand covering his polarized visor. “Chiron!”

His Persona drew back a shimmering arrow and let it loose, the agi spell crashing against the enormous beast in an eruption of flames. It fell backwards, going limp for a moment.

“Come on!” Ronin rushed forward, twirling her naginata overhead as Boss followed, winding his mace back.

They struck together, launching into an all-out attack. Between their flurry of blows, the Shadow was bounced around until they finally relented. Backing off, the duo watched the beast struggle to pick itself up.

It heaved in strained breaths before giving a furious roar and slamming its hands on the ground. Both Ronin and Boss backpedaled, readying their weapons. However, just as they did, the ground beneath them darkened as shadowy wisps and scarlet magic seethed between their feet. They were blasted back by curse magic, the maheia spell catching them off-guard.

Ronin was the first to get up, her eyes narrowing as she gripped her naginata and charged. She jumped up and twirled, swinging her weapon about to slash the beast before quickly readjusting her grip and stabbing forward. The blade sank into the Shadow’s body, but just as it lurched forward she jumped back and whipped out her SMG, spraying it with a haze of bullets.

It slumped to the ground with an anguished cry before disintegrating into dark vapor. All the while, the Phantom Thieves picked themselves up and took deep breaths.

“You good?” Boss asked, rubbing his back.

“I think so.” Ronin stumbled forward, but caught herself. “Hey, over there.”

She pointed at a security room installed into the wall nearby and Boss barked a laugh. “Nice. Alright, let’s turn off the security system and get the hell out of here.”

Ronin nodded and walked over to the door, but stole a glance down the entrance to the exhibition hall. “I hope Arbiter and Mona are doing alright out there.”

Sae took tentative steps forward into the darkness of the mysterious room. She held her hands out, padding them around the edge of a shelf before touching the back of a leather jacket.

“Dr. Takemi?”

“Hey,” the other woman greeted. “Is there a light switch back there?”

“I’ll try to find one.”

She turned back towards the room’s entrance, but barely made out anything with the dim light coming from the hall. She reached out and touched the wall next to her, sliding her fingers along the surface until she felt a switch and flicked it.

The lights came on immediately, revealing a storage room of sorts with an easel covered by a tarp sitting in the far back. On one side of the room, a large shelf hosted multiple canvases of varying artworks. On the other side, however, was a whole column of paintings, each an exact copy of the last.

“What the….” Kitagawa stumbled back, his eyes blowing open wide.

Beside him, the other teen with dyed-blond hair blinked and gawked. “Holy-… Ain’t that the, uh, Sayuri? I thought you said it got stolen?”

“It did….”

Sae glanced between the two teens before turning her attention to the entrance of the storage room, finding Madarame storming inside with an outraged look.

“Get out!” he barked, glaring daggers at all four of them.

“Sensei, what is the meaning of this?” Kitagawa asked, turning to him with a lost look.

The elderly man pressed his lips into a thin line and bowed his head, hiding his face. “I suppose I can’t keep quiet now that you’ve seen all of this….” He inhaled a deep breath, then sighed dramatically. “Truth be told… I’m in severe debt.”

Sae furrowed her brow and watched the man suspiciously. Stealing a glance at Dr. Takemi, she found the other woman doing the same.

“I handmade these ‘Sayuri’ copies and have been selling them through a special connection of mine,” he explained, wearing an ashamed countenance.

“But… why?” Kitagawa asked.

“The real Sayuri… my maiden work that launched me into the art world… It was stolen long ago by one of my pupils.” A pained expression crossed the elderly man’s face and he looked away. “I can only assume that they begrudged my strictness. Ever since, I’ve been mired by a terrible artist’s block. And so, because of this distress, some of my pupils handed their ideas over to me from time to time.”

“Hence the rumors of plagiarism,” Sae spoke up, crossing her arms as she watched the famous artist with an observant eye.

He gave a quiet, affirming nod as the rest of the room shifted uncomfortably.

After a moment, Madarame looked up and met his pupil’s eyes. “I knew that it was wrong of me, and that I could not keep it up forever, so I attempted to recreate the Sayuri a number of times to break that block. However, it resulted in nothing more than replicas.” He gestured to the lined-up counterfeits with a disappointed look. “None shared that same, evocative spark that the original held.”

Sae turned her focus to the copied paintings, studying each one. Superficially, they shared the same image, but she could tell little more than that. Beside her, Dr. Takemi rubbed her neck and wore a conflicted look, likely debating internally on whether or not to trust the artist’s story.

“However, everything changed when someone came to buy the paintings, knowing full well they weren’t the original.” Madarame wrung his hands and dared not meet their eyes. “This… It's all my fault. I couldn’t pay the price of being famous and for my folly I became trapped in a cycle. Expectations of me continue to grow and I no longer have the choice but to keep making more.”

Kitagawa seemed in disbelief at his sensei’s story, unable to process the idea that he had fallen so far from grace. Next to him, the boy Ryuji looked around with a skeptical eye.

Sae watched the dyed-blond teen try to stealthily move towards the easel at the back of the room.

“I… needed money to further your talents…” Madarame claimed before averting his gaze once more. However, a second after, he stood up straight and looked his pupil in the eye before giving a low, humble bow. “I ask that you please forgive your cowardly teacher….”

Kitagawa took a step back with a gasp, his face contorted with remorse. “Sensei… Please, don’t…!”

“Hey, hold on a sec.” Ryuji narrowed his eyes at the elderly man, who looked up with a brief expression of frustration that was replaced by confusion. “There’s no way you painted all this crap. I mean, I ain’t no art aficionado or whatnot, but how’d you manage to redo the same painting a bajillion times?”

Madarame’s eyes widened and he stiffened. “I… happened to find a finely detailed photograph of it in an artbook.”

Dr. Takemi cocked her head and crossed her arms as she cast him a doubtful look. “You sold copies of a photo of the original painting? And no one questioned it?”

“They knew they were fakes-”

“But they were perfectly fine with the quality?” Sae interrupted, the cold, biting tone she used in the courtroom and interrogations bleeding into her voice. “Wouldn’t someone who purchases fine art have an eye for discrepancies?”

Madarame scowled at her, but before he could retort he was cut off upon noticing the look of realization on Kitagawa’s face.

“They would look for signs of forgery….” the teen breathed.

The whole room fell silent as Kitagawa stumbled back, the revelation hitting him hard. They watched him purse his lips and look down at the floor, unable to meet his sensei's eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but ultimately closed it again and shook his head.

“Yusuke, you must believe me-” Madarame cut himself off as he looked past his pupil, eyes blowing open wide. “Get away from that!”

They all turned and watched the dyed-blond teen grab the covering over the easel and pull it off, revealing another painting of the Sayuri.

Ryuji jumped back at Madarame’s cry, glancing at him before looking back at the painting. “Uh… is there something special about this one?”

“Sayuri?” Kitagawa breathed in wonder as he stepped towards the painting. “This… this is the real Sayuri!”

The room fell completely silent, all of them struck with awe or shock at the declaration. After a moment, however, Yusuke turned and faced his sensei. “But, you just said a moment ago that it was stolen?”

Madarame seemed to be panicking now, worriedly glancing at each of them. "It’s- That’s another replica!”

“No! It’s nothing of the sort!” Kitagawa cried and swept out an arm as he shot his teacher with a piercing look. “This painting was my inspiration! It was the source of my aspirations which kept me going! It’s the reason I’ve made it this far! ...Sensei, please don’t tell me that the rumors….”