-Late at Night; LeBlanc-
Weeks had gone by as they had journeyed further into the castle. And yet… Kiku couldn't help but feel like she had been out of place. Sure, she had been helping her new friends, and saving future victims yet she felt like the odd duck. There she sat late at night in the cafe area, with only a single light on. She had been reading a book to pass the time as she could hear the clock ticking faintly; It had been Hounds of Baskerville.
Shiro had been sitting at her side, with his head resting on her lap.
She sighed, "... It's no good… My mind isn't put at ease…" She soon took what looked to be a puzzle. Opening the box she started to place them together.
"Nothing left to do, but this I guess…"
Kiku had been so focused on the puzzle, she didn't realize someone came down the stairs. "Kiku-san---"
She looked up noticing Ren had come down the stairs in his nightwear, which had been a simple black shirt and gray sweatpants.
"It's 2 in the morning, is everything okay?" Ren asked.
"Oh sorry---" Kiku said as she fixed her hair a little, "---It's a---Terrible habit. They're just some nights I can't seem to fall asleep."
"Insomnia?"
"Maybe---But it only happens sometimes."
"Still, it isn't healthy to stay up late like this."
He soon sat just across from her, "How about I stay up with you? Just for a little bit, okay?"
Kiku smiled at this, "Thank you Amamiya-kun."
"Of course…" Ren said.
For a moment the two of them sat in silence as Kiku had been putting together a puzzle. Though Ren wanted to make conversation. "That's a nice picture on the box." Ren said, "It's of the beach, right?"
"Yukihara-san bought it when we were shopping." Kiku said.
"Really?"
"He said it's a gift. One of the firsts. Granted I'm not sure what he means, but it's still sweet."
"It is."
Ren soon noticed the expression on her face, as he didn't see her smile. "Kiku-san… Is everything alright?" He asked.
Kiku looked a bit hesitant to reply, though… She did and yet she wasn't sure why. "Amamiya-kun…" She soon said, "... Am I---Useful to the group?"
"... What do you mean?" Ren asked.
"We've been at the castle, looking for the treasure for weeks now…" Kiku said as her hand shook, "... But… You all have Persona's… And I'm the only one who doesn't have that power…"
"Kiku-san…"
"I know I shouldn't think selfishly like this---But---That power is incredible… I just wish I had it so I could help you more…"
She soon flinched when she felt him take her hand. "It's okay to think that… But you're doing plenty already." He told her with a smile.
"I couldn't even help that girl in time." She said dejectedly, "Even when I could see her fate…"
"Even so---It's helpful." He said, "I don't know how, but someday it will be helpful to us and you. You just need to have more faith in your ability."
Kiku looked a bit confused, and yet, she still smiled, "You have a strange way of looking at the world Amamiya-kun. But… It's still sweet."
"I'm glad you think so." He said before he took her hand and helped her stand, "Now come on, let's get to bed while we still can."
Kiku nodded as she allowed him to lead her up the stairs. Yet her smile fell when he had his back turned. She couldn't help but have a thought.
"I swear… I'll find a way to be more helpful to you and the others."
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-Kamoshida's Castle; April 30 (Three Days Before Board Meeting)-
Defeating one shadow after another, they quickly moved further and further in the castle. Not to mention they were getting higher and higher. Eventually they reached what had been the Throne Safe Room that had been high in the tower.
Kiku had been quick to pick the lock as they got it open as the group had been in shock. Inside the safe room, had been a ton of gold, and coins, practically mountains of it.
"Man---" Skull said, "---That treasure thing has gotta be here right?!"
"Where could it be in this?" Gunslinger asked, "There's nothing here but money and crowns."
"You're right." Haruto said, "I'm not seeing much of anything here."
"Yeah---No clues what so ever." Dide said as his mask's eye parts acted like flashlights.
"Okay Buggy that's freaky." Gunslinger said.
"BUGGY?!" Dide shrieked as he turned only for Gunslinger to shriek.
"HEY, WHOA! GET THOSE LIGHTS OFF!" Gunslinger shouted as he covered his eyes.
"Oh sorry." Dide said as he tapped on it as the light feature turned off.
"That reminds me." Mona said. "We should have codenames for you three.. Now that you awakened your personas."
"Yeah what should we call you?" Skull asked. "Dide's obvious so we call him Firefly?"
"Nah too simple." Dide said. "I already got one at the back of my head."
"Huh? What is it?" Ann asked.
"Dayzer." Dide---or Dayzer said. "Masked Rider Dayzer I would say but I would drop the masked rider part. Rather not have the Phantom Thieves get hit with copyright."
"Seriously? Dayzer?" Gunslinger asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I think it's pretty cool." Joker said. "It suits you."
"Thank you, Joker!" Dayzer said. "Some people actually have taste."
"Bitch you were gonna call me Cowboy, you shouldn't be talking." Gunslinger said as Dayzer flinched.
"Touche.." Dayzer said with a twitch.
"Damn it! That sounds way cooler than a skull!" Skull said.
"What should Ann and I go by then?" Haruto asked.
"Well from your outfits---" Skull said, "---How about---Bandit?"
"And you---" Dayzer said looking at Ann, "---Ketchup!"
Ann and Haruto paused. They gave each other a nonchalant look before---
SMACK! WHACK!
Next thing Skull and Dayzer knew, they both had bumps on their heads. "We'll workshop it." They both said as Skull and Dayzer both groaned.
"Seriously guys, we should stick to finding the treasure." Joker said, "It has to be here somewhere."
Kiku soon noticed the sphere that had been in the center of the safe room. She had a quizzical look as she approached it. "What is this?" Kiku said as she reached out to it, "... It's just floating here."
"WAIT!" Mona shouted as she stopped, "Don't touch it! Not yet!"
The group looked over noticing the sphere too as they had been taken back at the sight.
"... The hell is that?!" Gunslinger said, as he had been the first to speak up.
Mona chuckled, "That's the Treasure. We finally found it!"
"Huh?" They all said.
"This cloudy thing is the treasure?" Joker asked.
"Just hold on a second." Mona said, "I was planning on telling you more once we made it this far."
"Wait a minute---" Haruto said, "---How can this be the Treasure? It's just a cloud."
"Simply finding the Treasure isn't enough." Mona explained, "We'll need to make it materialize before we can steal it."
"Materialize?" Kiku said.
"Whaddya mean?" Skull asked.
"Desires have no physical form by nature." He said, "Hence, we'll first need to make the real person aware that their desires are in fact a Treasure. Once they're conscious that there desires might be stolen, the Treasure will finally show itself."
"How do we do that?" Ann asked.
"Simple---" Mona said as he smiled confidently, "---We warn them. Tell them, 'We're going to steal your heart.'"
"You mean like a calling card?" Kiku asked.
"Exactly!" Mona said, "Once that's done, the Treasure will reveal itself… I think. That's when we come in, and steal it!"
"Alright!" Skull cheered, "That's totally what a Phantom Thief would do!"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait---You don't even know if this is gonna work?" Gunslinger asked.
"Well… Yeah." Mona said, "Like I said, It's my first time."
"Either way---" Skull said, "--It sounds like it's worth giving it a shot!"
"In that case---Our infiltration route is secure!" Mona said, "All that's left---Is to send out a calling card in reality and come back to steal it!" His expression soon changed, "However, we're only gonna get one chance at this. Once we send the card, there's no going back---Are you all prepared for that?"
The group looked to one another before they nodded their heads, each of them having determination written on their faces. "Well---" Mona said with a smile, "---It's time we return to reality and think of a plan!"
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Not long afterwards they returned to the real world, as they regrouped at a cafe in Shibuya. Each of them had been ready to take on the task at hand, and not to mention each of them had been pumped.
"All right!" Morgana said as his tail swayed, "All that's left to do now is to send out the calling card and take Kamoshida's heart!"
"Uh question---" Ryuji said, "---Couldn't we have just sent one at the beginn' of all of this?"
"Ugh---" Morgana said as he rolled his eyes, "---Didn't you hear anything I just said back there? A Treasure won't stay materialized forever. Once the impression is gone, the Treasure will just disappear."
"How long does it last?" Dide asked.
"I'd say---Around a day." Morgana replied, "At most."
"That's---Literally no time at all." Kai said.
"Then we could've send the callin' card while we were at school!" Ryuji argued.
"No, no---" Morgana said, "---For this to work we have to send it first thing tomorrow. That'll give us time to get in, get the Treasure and get out. Are you all worried?"
"Nope." Ann said, "We're going to pull this off, no matter what!"
"I agree---" Kiku said, "---We can do this for your guys sake, and for those that have fallen victim."
"But you don't have a Persona no offense---" Ryuji said, "---Are you sure it'll be safe for you?"
"It'll be okay---" Kiku said, "---Besides, someone in there has to watch your guys back."
"She's been helpful before." Ren said, "It wouldn't be fair if she stayed behind after all this."
Ryuji sighed, "Alright… If you're so sure."
"But don't be afraid to ask for help." Dide said, "Okay Kiku-san?"
Kiku looked a bit hesitant at this as she nodded, "Y-Yeah, okay."
"If we're gonna send out a Calling Card then we gotta come up with the design of it." Haruto said, "Who's gonna do that?"
"Leave it to me!" Ryuji said with a smile, "I'll handle the design!"
The group looked to Ryuji as he couldn't help but flinch. "What?" He said, "What's wrong?"
"Yeeeeah, I don't know if I would trust you with the design and writing it up." Ann said.
"Hey, hey! Why wouldn't it be me?!" Ryuji said, "I make pretty good designs!"
"Yeah, tell that to that elementary school project we had." Ann said.
"WE WERE TEN!" He argued.
"I'm curious, what did it look like anyway? I mean I'm sure it's not THAT bad." Dide said.
"Hold on." Ann said as she got out her phone before she showed it to them. Immediately afterwards---Dide started to throw up as Kai, Ren, Kiku and Haruto looked traumatized themselves.
"Come on! It's not that bad!" Ryuji said.
"Nah---you can't design it." Dide said immediately.
"WHAT?! NOT YOU TOO!" Ryuji said.
"Nah, it's for the sake of the world---Don't design the calling card." Dide said.
"SERIOUSLY?!"
"Once again, I agree." Kai said. "If anyone's artistically blind---it's you."
"Oh come on!" Ryuji said.
"Okay---" Morgana said, "---So not Ryuji then."
"Then who's gonna design it?" Haruto asked.
"Higuchi-kun, you're an artist right?" Ann said, "Can you design it?"
"Ah, sorry---" Kai said, "---Unfortunately logos aren't exactly my strong suit."
"How about you Dide?" Ren asked. "You took lessons in advertising didn't you?"
"You took lessons in advertising?" Kiku asked.
"Oh yeah---Back when I was in America." Dide replied, "it was tough but I managed to blitz it with an A."
"Can you design the card before tomorrow then?" Ren asked.
"... There's a first time for everything." Dide said, "Though I might need some help on writing it up."
"I can help with that at least." Ryuji said, "Think your caretaker would be okay if you stayed overnight at my place?"
"Yeah he'll be cool about it." Dide said, "I can just say I'm tutoring ya."
"Then it's settled." Morgana said, "They'll design the Calling Card, and once it's out---We'll steal the treasure. So I suggest you all gear up and get the supplies needed in case things go south."
"I'll handle the medical supplies." Kai said, "I spotted a pharmacy near the cafe." He soon turned to Kiku, "Mind helping me out?"
"Oh I uh---" Kiku started to say before she started to twiddle her thumbs a little, "---I was actually hoping to um---"
"To what?" Kai asked.
Haruto seemed to know what she had been talking about as he immediately raised his hand, "I'll go with you Higuchi-san!"
Kai looked a bit taken back by his tone "Ooookay. That wasn't weird at all."
"Alright, let's get to work." Morgana said.
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Thus the group went their separate ways, going about their errands. Kiku on the other hand decided to train to prepare for the next day. She had begun to do this sort of thing when they began to find an infiltration route to the treasure. She had been making sure her stamina had been up and her endurance had been on the rise. Though the thing she had trouble with?
It had been combat.
There she was like before, practicing on the rooftop of LeBlanc. She had been watching endless tutorials of material arts and other sorts of combat. But no matter how hard she tried to mimic them---She just couldn't nail it. Whenever she tried a kick, she fell flat on her face. When she tried a punch, she'd often stumble and trip. This time when she tried she ended falling on her back before groaning with frustration.
"What on Earth am I doing wrong?" She said before looking at the video, "They make it look so easy…"
"Kiku-san---"
Kiku jumped as she jumped back, though immediately calmed down when she saw it was Ren.
"Amamiya-kun---" She said, relieved, "---You startled me."
"Up here training again?" He asked.
Kiku slumped a little as she couldn't help but pout a little, "I thought I would have it under lock and key by now…"
Ren was looking at the tutorials as Kiku was trying to imitate.
"Is this what you've been trying to do? Aikido?" Ren asked as Kiku nodded
Ren sighed as he gave her a pat. "Kiku--These kind of techniques are complicated, and are on a more advanced level. How about we start with the basics?"
Kiku turned to Ren as she asked. "You know Aikido?"
"Dide showed me a few moves when we were growing up." Ren said, "And by that point, he was already a pro."
He soon helped her to stand. "What should I do?" Kiku asked as she tilted her head.
"All you have to do---Is follow my lead." Ren replied with a smile.
Ren soon got into stance as did Kiku. She watched as Ren performed an action before she performed it herself. The moves suddenly seemed more fluid, and easy to work with. She smiled at this though didn't seem to notice… That Ren was smiling too at her accomplishment.
They continued all night, until they fell asleep on that very rooftop.
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-The Next Day; The Day of Heist-
The morning had been especially busy. The students had been more riled up then usual, especially since… The bulletin board had been filled with nothing but strange red cards that had practically covered the walls. All of the students couldn't help but have a questioning look.
Each of them couldn't help but talk amongst themselves.
"Is this a calling card?"
"I heard it was already posted by the time everyone got here this morning."
"This is insane right?"
Ann, who happened to be passing by, noticed the cards as she decided to take a look. "Sir Suguru Kamoshida, the utter bastard of lust---" She read aloud, "---We know how shitty you are, and that you put your twisted desires on students that can't fight back. That's why we have decided to steal those desires and make you confess your sins. This will be done tomorrow, so we hope you will be ready. From the Phantom Thieves of Hearts."
She couldn't help but shake her head as she noticed the boys over at the side. She walked over as Ryuji and Dide had a look of confidence.
"Not bad huh?" Ryuji said, "I looked up a bunch of similar stuff online for reference!"
"Of course you have me to thank for the color choice." Dide added.
"... Yeah---I know what you wanted to say---" Ann said, "---But it sounded like an idiot trying to be an adult…"
Dide and Ryuji flinched at this.
"Oh excuse me, Miss Graphic Design critic!" Dide exclaimed.
"Woah, It's not like I insulted you!" Ann said.
"Did I mention how passionate he is when it comes to this?" Kai asked.
"Have to admit your logo is a little lacking too." Morgona said.
Dide gasped as he couldn't help but shout, "Eu tu, Stupid cat?"
"Still not a cat." Morgana said.
"Remind me, when was the last time you even did logo designs?" Ren asked.
"Oh between this and my acting jobs.." Did said as he hissed.
"In other words never." Kai said as he slumped over.
"Shut it, you." Dide replied.
"O-Okay you know what, you guys don't know what you're talking about!" Ryuji said. They soon heard the students talk amongst themselves. Seiko had been among the group as she could hear them.
"... I don't understand, did Mr. Kamoshida do something wrong?"
"Does this mean the rumors are true?!"
"Wait a minute---Does that mean someone is gonna take something from Mr. Kamoshida?"
"What's with this weird logo? And who are these Phantom Thieves of Hearts people?"
"See?" Ryuji said, "It got everyone excited so it's all good, yeah?"
The chats soon stopped abruptly as Kamoshida suddenly entered. He saw the Calling Cards as his face turned sour.
"Who's responsible for this?!" He said aggressively.
"Look at that---" Morgana said, "A predictable reaction for someone who knows what we mean by distorted desires."
"Must be hitting him pretty hard." Ryuji said.
"Good." Kai and Dide said.
"DID YOU DO THIS?!" Kamoshida shouted as it caused the students to disperse and run, "OR WAS IT YOU?!"
Kai snickered, "Look at him---He's losing his brains. He's not even trying to hide anything."
Kamoshida soon noticed the group. "Opp he's coming over---" Morgana whispered, as he hid in Ren's bag, while Kamoshida stomped over, "---Act natural."
"WAS IT FROM YOU?!" Kamoshida yelled at the group.
"Who, us?" Dide asked, "Why on Earth would you think that?"
"Don't give me that." Kamoshida said. "I just KNOW it has your names written all over it."
"That's kinda like profiling don't you think?" Dide said with a raised eyebrow.
Kamoshida growled, "No matter, you'll be expelled come tomorrow anyway. So you better enjoy your freedom while it lasts."
All of a sudden, in a blink of an eye, the group found themselves in what looked to be a black abyss; what they were startled to see before them wasn't Kamoshida… Rather it was King Kamoshida.
"Come!" He taunted, "Steal it if you can!"
Only a second had passed as they found themselves back in reality, Kamoshida had already been walking away. "Well---" Morgana said, "---Judging Kamoshida's response… I'm sure we had an effect on his Palace."
"Really?!" Dide said.
"Does that mean the Treasure's appeared?" Ann asked, "Well be able to get it today, right?"
"Not just today---" Morgana said, "---It's ONLY today. Meaning it's our only shot---Let's make it count and get it right."
"You already know!" Ryuji said.
"I'll get in contact with Kiku and Haruto after school---" Ren said, "---Then we'll head to the castle."
The group nodded as they had a look of determination as they were ready… To steal the treasure.
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-After School-
Right after Ren made a quick call to LeBlanc, Kiku and Haruto came right over with Shiro in tow. Kiku had her own supplies ready as Haruto looked to have his own gun replica on hand. Though----
"YOU BOUGHT OVER A REPLICA OF AN AK-47?!" Dide shouted, trying to keep his voice low.
"What?! There was a bargin deal!" Haruto said, "With the money I got it was the only thing I could afford!"
"How did you even get that through transit?!" Dide asked.
Haruto soon had an awkward look, "I'd rather not talk about it…"
"Well at least it's better than what he bought.:" Kai said "I mean a toy sword. raygun and gauntlet?"
"Hey!" Dide said as he looked to pull out a toy of a raygun, "This can be an effective weapon! Plus with the powers I have, I don't need anything too fancy and heavy."
"You sure it's gonna work over there though?" Morgana asked.
"... There's a first time for everything." Dide said.
"Kiku-san, did you bring the replica for Takamaki-san?" Ren asked.
"Yeah, I got it." Kiku replied as she got a toy gun from her backpack, "Here Takamaki-chan."
Ann took it from her as she looked at the weapon, "This will really work in that place?"
"Yup, so long as the enemies perceive it as a real weapon." Morgana replied before he noticed something in the bag, "Kiku-chan, is that one supposed to be yours?"
They looked over as they noticed she had a replica of a pistol in the color of black. "I think it would come in handy, just in case." Kiku replied.
"You know how to use that?" Ren asked.
"... I played an arcade machine once." Kiku replied.
"Good enough I guess." Morgana said, "Anyway---Let's begin the heist!"
"Hell yeah, let's do this!" Ryuji said.
Ren soon held his hand to Kiku, as she herself smiled a little. They took each other's hands before Ren fired up the app.
"BEGINNING NAVIGATION."
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It didn't take them long to reach the throne room again; they had an easier time since they knew the route and knew how to get there fast. Kiku got the doors open for them with ease and they were taken aback by what they saw. Rather then a cloudy sphere… they saw there had been a large crown. It had been big and red and encrusted with jewels that shined like that of stars.
"What the shit?" Kai---Now Gunslinger said shocked.
"Aw yeah!" Morgana--Now Mona cheered, "The treasure's appeared.
"It's huge!" Ryuji---Codenamed Skull commented.
"Is---Is that real?" Ann asked.
Haruto went over to it, before he knocked on it, hearing a clang. "Oh yeah---It's real." Haruto said.
"What did I tell ya?!" Mona said, "Now we can steal the treasure!" His eyes soon sparkled, "Ahhh…. This shine is so bright it brings tears to my eyes…"
"It---" Ann said, "---Kind of pisses me off. It's so pretty compared to Kamoshida's desires."
"Well, no time like the present." Dide said as the belt appeared once more. He gave the center a twist as he said "Transform." With the flames surrounding him, He changed into Dayzer as he said, "I'm ready when y'all are."
"Do you REALLY have to do that?" Gunslinger asked.
"It builds intensity." Dayzer told him
Kiku soon noticed that Mona had been drooling. "Uh---Mo-chan?" Kiku said, "Are you okay?"
"Uh---" Shiro---Or rather Wolf said, "---Is he drooling?"
They were taken back when Mona jumped on the crown before he started to rub his face on the base of the crown; Wolf couldn't help but cover Kiku's eyes as Mona said, "MEEEEEEOOOOOOOOWWWWW~!"
"Mo-Mo-chan?!" Haruto said as he looked awkward, "What are you doing?!"
"T-That's so indecent!" Wolf said.
"MRRRROOOOWWW~" Mona cheered.
"You're not listening!?" Wolf exclaimed.
"Mona---You're getting too excited." Ren--Now Joker said.
Skull soon jumped as Mona started to lick, "Is---Is he licking the damn thing?!"
"Ew, gross!" Ann said as she shuddered.
Dayzer's eye twitched, before saying "...That's Totally unsanitary--Maybe we should leave it."
"HELL NO!" Gunslinger shouted as he jumped, "WE NEED THAT REMEMBER?!"
"Sorry for being a clean freak." Dayzer said as he got a napkin and spray before wiping it after he pulled Mona off. "At least when we steal the treasure, it's not covered with cat slobber."
Mona flinched, "I AM NOT A CAT!"
"Dude, do you just have that stuff on hand?" Skull asked.
"Well--at least Dayzer has the right idea.." Ann said, nervously.
"Mo-chan what was that all about?" Kiku asked.
Mona flinched before he had an embarrassed look. He soon cleared his throat, "Sorry--Forgive me for displaying such an insolent sight in front of ladies. To-To think I would be drawn to human desires that much."
"You were treating it like catnip more like." Haruto said.
"But---Doesn't that prove that I'm human?" Mona asked.
"How should we know?!" Skull asked.
"No---not even in the slightest." Dayzer said as he cleaned the same spot Mona licked.
"Are you---Still cleaning the same place he licked?" Ann asked.
"Third time's the charm." Dayzer said.
"I swear to god, Dayzer..." Gunslinger said.
"Dayzer, Skull, Mona, Panther, Crescent---" Joker said as he went to the side of the crown, "---Help me lift this!"
"Right!" The group said. However, Ann and Haruto both stopped for a moment. "Wait---" Ann said, "---What did you just say?"
"Yeah, go back, what did you call us?" Haruto asked.
"Panther and Crescent---" Joker clarified, "---They're your codenames. Kiku and I came up with those last night."
Ann and Haruto looked at Kiku shocked, as Kiku herself had an awkward smile. "Surprise---" She said, "---We didn't want you to feel left out."
"Panther…" Ann said before she smiled, "... I like that name!"
"And I like the codename Crescent!" Haruto said, "Definitely has a nice ring to it."
"Guys!" Mona said, "You can relish in codenames later! Help us carry the crown!"
"Oh right sorry!" Ann---Now Panther said as she and Haruto---Or rather Crescent went over to help the others carry the crown. Kiku soon ran ahead, peaking out of the treasure room. "The coast is clear!" She whispered as she motioned them to move forward.
With no time to waste, the Thieves began to move out, stumbling a little as they went down the stairs till the entered the throne room.
"The door's just ahead!" Kiku whispered, "We're almost there!"
"Yes, yes, yes, we're almost home free!" Dayzer cheered.
"This is almost too easy!" Skull said with a laugh.
They had just gotten halfway to the door each of them happy to get away with the treasure. But---
"Go! Go! Go! Go! Kamoshida~!"
"What the---" Joker started to say before the crown fell out of their hands from the force of a volleyball. Not only that, it bounced off the floor before it hit Kiku in the head making her shriek.
"Kiku-chan!" Panther shouted.
"Kiku!" Crescent and Wolf exclaimed as he ran over to her.
Kiku fell to the floor with an open gash on her head; the crown rolled until someone familiar picked it up as its size shifted. It was King Kamoshida. Princess Ann who had been cheering on the sidelines had run up and hugged as he tossed the crown in hand.
"I won't let anyone take this!" King Kamoshida said.
"SERIOUSLY!?" Gunslinger shouted, "WE WERE RIGHT THERE!"
"Oh this fella!" Dayzer said. "Don't you ever get tired?!"
"Hphm! A King never gets tired!" King Kamoshida replied, "Sides, this proves that I am the king of this castle---It is the core of this world!"
"You rat bastard…" Panther said with a glare, as she looked at Princess Ann, "... That's how he sees me… Isn't it?"
"... I am so sorry." Crescent said as his expression softened.
"Yo pervert---" Skull said, "---Were you waitin' to ambush us?"
"I just made it easy to find you." King Kamoshida said, "I'll dispose of you myself, right here, right now."
"That's our line, you fucking pig!" Gunslinger said.
Kiku stood up despite being dizzy, "Gi-Give that back---! Give back that crown!"
"Kiku, don't--!" Wolf said as he held her back, "--Don't move, you're hurt!"
King Kamoshida glared, "You dare talk to me like that little bitch!?"
"Don't call her that!" Joker told her.
"That crown---" Kiku said as she managed to stand, "---You don't deserve it! Not after everything you did…! Everyone you've hurt…! You're reign---It all ends today!"
King Kamoshida glared at Kiku, "You're just a bad little bitch aren't you? And I know exactly how to shut you up---"
With a snap of his fingers, the whole group was startled when a cage fell right on top of Kiku where she was standing. When the smoke cleared they saw she had been trapped as she was lifted up off the ground.
"Kiku!" Joker exclaimed as he reached out to her after he jumped.
"Joker!" Kiku shouted as she reached out to him, though her hand had been way out of reach; their fingers only brushed together as she was lifted high in the air before stopping at the height of the balcony. Immediately the group armed themselves.
"Let her go!" Skull yelled as he armed his shotgun.
"It's her own damn fault!" King Kamoshida said, "I'll deal with her after I deal with you and your selfish misunderstanding."
"MISUNDERSTANDING?!" Panther shouted, "You were doing things that you kept secret from others!"
"What she and other people don't understand is that they're the one keeping secrets!" King Kamoshdia told them, "Adults who want to share in my accomplishments, students who have the drive to become winners… They willingly protect me so that we all may profit from it."
"Profit?!" Skull exclaimed, "Are you kidding me?!"
"There are too many imbeciles who don't understand that!" King Kamoshida said.
"What's there to understand?!" Dayzer shouted with fury with his hands charging. "That you're exploiting people to make yourself like you're some almighty power?! So you can rise to the top?! You know what you really are!? I'll spell it out---" Dayzer soon pulled out his ray gun as it was charged, "---YOU'RE A FUCKING LEECH."
King Kamoshida only laughed at this, "Oh get a load of this guy! You think you're a Kamen Rider? Spouting some nonsense about Just--"
Dayzer fired his gun to the ground as King Kamoshida jumped.
"Sorry---Butterfingers.." Dayzer said.
"... Remind me not to piss you off.' Crescent said.
King Kamoshida growled as he had a menacing aura, "YOu all---YOU'RE JUST A BUNCH OF NAIVE BRATS WHO DON'T SEE THE BIG PICTURE! LIKE THE GIRL WHO TRIED TO KILL HERSELF! OR THAT FORMER BITCH OF A IDOL!"
"DON'T YOU TALK ABOUT SHIHO" Panther shouted as she fired as King Kamoshida jumped a little, "EVER!"
"AND KEEP SEIKO'S NAME OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!" Dayzer shouted as he charged again with another shot.
"...I won't admit that you're right---" Panther said, "---Shiho is a total idiot… Letting you manipulate her, trying to commit suicide… And I'm even more of a dumbass for not realizing it….!"
"And Seiko may be smart---But always lets her emotions get the better of her by lashing out..."Dayzer said as his hands stopped charging. "--I'm no better myself either. I ended up ignoring her without seeing the bigger picture…"
"But no matter what kind of fool someone might be…"
"Even if I did hurt her---"
Panther and Dayzer soon spoke in rage yet confidence, "THEY DON'T NEED YOUR PERMISSION TO LIVE THEIR LIVES!"
"DROP THE ATTITUDE YOU MEDIOCRE PEASANTS!!" King Kamoshida yelled, "There is no wrong in using my gifts for my gain! I'M A CUT ABOVE ALL OTHER HUMANS!!"
"Beneath is more like it." Crescent said.
"Yeah, quit trying to lie to yourself you fucking lunatic." Gunslinger said.
"We;re stopping this here and now!" Dayzer said.
King Kamoshida chuckled as they noticed he had been surrounded by a strange red light. "That's right---" He said as the group backed up, "---I'm nothing like you---I AM A DEMON WHO RULES THIS WORLD!"
To their own shock they saw Kamoshida turn into that of a demon. Before them once stood a man, but now, he had been truly a demon. He had been a large naked pink demon with multiple arms and legs as well as a thick purple tongue about as long as he himself is. The crown, the very treasure they were seeking had been atop of his head; he had been sitting on a monstrous throne had had been carrying golden utensils as he had monstrous eyes.
"Oh my---" Kiku said horrified.
"What the hell---?!" Skull said shocked.
"JESUS---CHRIST!!!" Dayzer exclaimed.
The Shadow Kamoshida, now all demonic, let out a laugh, "I'M ALLOWED TO DO WHATEVER THE HELL I WANT!!"
Crescent only gagged a little, "Okay--That's gross."
"And I thought what he was wearing was bad but----" Gunslinger said before shuddering, "---He's just gross!"
Joker's expression changed as he looked to Kiku, "Hang on Kiku! We're gonna get you out!"
"O-Okay!" Kiku said.
"Everyone---" Joker said as the group looked to him; he soon drew his blade and armed his gun, "---Let's end this."
"Gladly!" Skull said.
"Well---" The Demonic Kamoshida said, "---GO AHEAD AND TRY!"
Kamoshida made the first move as he smacked Volleyballs in their direction; the ball themselves had been lit with fire as the group immediately scattered and dodged, causing a shockwave. With Dayzer landing on the wall with his feet.
"DUDE WHAT THE FUCK?!" Dayzer shouted, "YOU AIN'T IN NO HAIKYUU ANIME!"
Dayzer soon summoned his Persona "ADZE!"
His Persona Adze came out with Plasma sparks coming out just as the two jumped in and gave one of his arms' a punch before they jumped back and exploded on contact causing Shadow Kamoshida to shout in pain.
"Nice hit, Dayzer!" Mona cheered.
Gunslinger scoffed as he got his guns. "Nice show off, now let me show you a REAL asswhooping! STRIKE HIM DOWN, BILLY THE KID!"
Gunslinger's persona manifested before it charged towards Shadow Kamoshida; It wrapped its body around him before he could attack. He bit into his body making him shriek before he fired at point blank range making him shriek in pain.
"He nailed him!" Crescent said, shocked.
"DAMN BRAT!" Shadow Kamoshida shouted before he grabbed his snake and tossed him to Adze, sending Gunslinger and Dayzer back as they shrieked.
"Guys!?" Panther shouted before she was blown back by the volleyball.
"Panther!" Joker shouted before he was hit with the ball too, along with Wolf, and Skull.
"NO!" Kiku shouted in worry.
Shadow Kamoshida gave a laugh, as Kiku fell to her knees in distress. "SUCK ON THAT YOU DAMN BRATS!" He said as he laughed.
Joker managed to stand himself back up, before he fell to his knees as he groaned. Though he watched in horror as he took one of the several legs that had been in a golden cup; they saw that his wounds healed instantly.
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" Gunslinger shouted.
"WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF HAX IS THAT!?" Dayzer exclaimed.
"His wounds healed up?!" Panther shouted.
"That's cheating!" Crescent said.
"Cheating?! HA!" Shadow Kamoshioda said. "That's the way the game is played! Don't complain about the rules!"
"Everyone---" Joker said, "---Take out the cup!"
"You got it!" Dayzer yelled, before he called out, "CHARGE!!!" He tapped on his belt just as Plasma was emitting from his body, before he charged full speed towards the cup. "OH NO YOU DON'T!" Shadow Kamoshida exclaimed before he managed to catch him with his golden fork.
"DAYZER!" The group shouted.
".... Yup---This is a thing." Dayzer said. He soon started to thrash, "GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!"
"Wolf! Shoot it!" Mona said.
"Right!" Wolf said as he got out a crossbow. He went to fire as he successfully hit out of Kamoshida's hand.
"Nice shot!" Dayzer cheered.
"Hey! You mutt!---" Kamoshida yelled before he hit another volleyball towards Wolf.
"LOOK OUT!" Joker shouted before he quickly used a grapple---He swung over as he pushed him out of harm's way, thus making him take the hit.
"JOKER!!" Kiku shouted as she banged on the bars.
Joker ended up hitting the wall, knocking him out as it shocked the group.
"JOKER!" The group shouted.
Dayzer turned to Kamoshida as he said "BASTARD!" he tapped on his belt as he delivered a jump kick which clashed with Kamoshida's punch
Tears formed in Kiku's eyes as she watched the fight. They tried to get to the cup filled with… Legs. But it was to no avail as Kamoshida kept hitting them back.
Kiku tried to pull on the bars and even tried to get the bottom to open. Though it proved to be no use. The sounds around Kiku had been muffled as she curled herself in a ball; she couldn't help but cry.
"... It's no use… I can't get free… In the end… I can't do anything… I'm…Useless…"
Kiku choked on her sobs as she cried. She didn't even bother watching the fight as Shadow Kamoshida continued his onslaught---All the while Gunslinger and Mona tried to get Joker to wake up.
"... Amamiya-kun… I'm sorry… I'm… I'm not helpful after all… I'm so… Sorry…"
Just then, a voice seemed to echo in the back of her head. It seemed as though she was brought back to Leblanc… Talking to each other just weeks prior.
"I know I shouldn't think selfishly like this---But---That power is incredible… I just wish I had it so I could help you more…"
"It's okay to think that… But you're doing plenty already."
"I couldn't even help that girl in time. Even when I could see her fate…"
"Even so---It's helpful I don't know how, but someday it will be helpful. You just need to have more faith in your ability."
Kiku's eyes snapped open as she didn't seem to realize that her eyes were of gold. Her hand clenched as she recalled.
"... No… I shouldn't think that all…! Amamiya-kun---Said I can be helpful! Even with that strange power I have, I can help! If someone like him can say that about me…! Then I will believe in his words and fight!"
She soon stood as she took hold of the bars. "I don't want to be protected all the time…! I want to help! So if he protects me…I'll protect him too…!"
Suddenly Kiku felt a pulse go through her body, making her cry out in agony. That was when… A strange voice came over her.
"... Well, it's about damn time."
Kiku fell to the floor of the cage as she shrieked; the pain itself had been intensifying.
"You're not a child anymore Kiku. You're capable of more than your power… And you're certainly not a damsel in distress as others themselves believe. It is time to show them how wrong they are by protecting those that would do just the same for you. The rebel deep within---Desire's this much."
Kiku tried her best to fight the pain, but noticed that her own shadow looked different. Her pain seemed to have subsided for only a moment before it started once more. Green vines suddenly grew what seemed to be out of the skin on her face, as it started to form around her eyes making a mask.
"I am thou… Thou art I… It is time to break the rules of the world and make your own path!"
Kiku caught her breath as the pain faded. She couldn't help but smile realizing what this meant.
"...I hear you...I hear you!"
The green vines bursted into rose petals revealing that only one flower remained on the corner as the mask itself looked to be a chessboard of some kind as it had a golden lining. She stood tall and took hold of the mask, ready to remove it, "Alright let's show them--"
Shadow Kamoshida soon readied his attack as the others looked helplessly, wondering how they should even defend themselves. Until they heard---
"Come to me---ALICE!!!"