Persona BLEACHED 2: Part 6

Chapter 6: The Ballad of Silence
August 26, 2028
"Wouldn't a normal person walking down the street think this is...weird?"
Jin was used to his sister's obsessive cleaning habits by now. Some days, however, she still found ways to surprise him. Today, before even stepping into the gaming emporium he'd recently taken over, Mimi took it upon herself to wipe down the door handle. 
"There's nothing wrong with being hygienic, bro. Better clean than moldy and mean."
"Except you wiped down the door last night before we left."
"Better safe than sorry! What if some creepy, STD-ridden vagrant came by and put his grubby hands all over the door?"
"First, that's not how STDs work. Second, why would a vagrant just rub his hands on a door handle and then do nothing else?"
"People are weird, Jin! I don't know why they do weird things!"
"Looking at you I get that same thought."
A few minutes of wiping later, Mimi opened the door to go in. "There, perfectly sa--Bah!" She'd forgotten to pick up the container of wipes from the ground and proceeded to trip over them. Before she could fall over, Jin grabbed her arm, the look on his face indicating he'd seen this coming. He shook his head and sighed.
Mimi composed herself and walked inside. "I..I meant to do that!" she insisted, blushing. Jin began to close the door.
"Hey, loser."
Jin paid the voice no mind. Nor did he acknowledge the man in the red hood standing in the middle of the road.
"Can't ignore me forever, shithead. You know what I can do to you. And to your scatterbrained sister. And, ooooh, the things I can do to your girl. Won't it be fun, peeling her open and seeing what's going on in that gut..."
Jin shut the door. Silence. He looked outside. No Reaper. "Hey, something wrong?" Mimi asked him. Jin shook his head. He'd learned to grin and bear this sort of thing for years now. He had his good days and not-so-good days.
As long as he ignored the taunting ghost, it would be a good day.
---
9 A.M. at the academy dorms. Kibō sat outside the boys' dorm, bouncing his rubber ball. No plans for the day meant having to make his own fun. More often than not it meant bouncing around the globe-designed ball he'd had for the past couple of years. His mother wasn't overly fond of the habit, but it kept him occupied. Still, he wasn't about to spend the entire day doing it. He decided to go look around the mostly-empty grounds for any kind of enjoyment.
A short while later he came by the theater hall. He noticed the entrance was slightly ajar. "Huh. There a recital or something today? Haven't heard about any productions..." he pondered. Thinking on it for a moment, he decided to go take a look, and entered the theater. 
Walking into the entrance hall, Kibō began to hear music coming from the theater. Singing accompanied it, and while at first he thought it was audio, as he rounded the corner into the theater he realized it was not audio. It was a live performance. 
The theater itself was completely empty, save for a lone figure standing on stage. Her back was turned, but Kibō could make out an aqua blue beret, similarly-hued autumn wear, and distinctive silver hair. Kibō recognized that hair and fashion sense. It was Barbara.
He couldn't make out what language she was singing in, but it sounded much like any opera performance his family had dragged him to before. He was in utter amazement. He knew she was a drama student, but had no idea she could sing. Certainly not like this. He hid behind a seat and listened, not wanting to interrupt. 
Soon after, she finished. She sighed. "Could be worse, could be better. Supposed to sound sadder than that..." she muttered. She looked out into the theater, and noticed a distinct shape poking out from the middle aisle. Kibō's ahoge was sticking out from behind the seats. "H-hey! Who's there?!" Barbara demanded.
Kibō was surprised. "Dammit all..." This wasn't the first time his hairstyle had foiled an attempt at hiding. He regretfully got up. "It's only me...sorry." he said.
"Wha-Kibō?! You were spying on me?! How'd you even know I was in here?"
"Sorry, the entrance was open. I heard the music and I got curious."
"Ohhhh, how much of that did you hear?"
"I've been behind that chair for about five minutes. Sorry, I didn't want to interrupt."
"Great, just great. I ask the drama professor for a private place to practice and I get found out..."
"Look, I didn't want to interrupt. It's just...I didn't know you could sing like that. I just thought you acted."
"Well, I am a theater girl. Have to be skilled in everything if I'm gonna make it big someday. Acting, singing, dancing...never hurts to have more skills in my pocket. I wish you hadn't heard that, though. I prefer practicing on my own."
"I get it. Not like you have much to worry about, though. That was...wow. I'm no singing expert but, wow."
"Oh, stop. Flattery will get you nowhere. I do appreciate the compliment, though..."
"Ah, well, sorry again for interrupting. I'll just take my leave..."
"Oh no, I was actually just wrapping up. I was going to head into town for a few errands. You're welcome to come along, if you're not busy."
"Are you sure? I mean I'm not busy or anything, but, I'm not the most interesting company."
"Don't sell yourself short. I've actually been wanting to get to know you better. You're so quiet in class. I'd like to poke your brain, if it's alright by you."
Kibō scratched his head. "Okay. If you want. If I bore you to tears, don't say I didn't warn you." The pair left.
As they walked past the dorms, a voice piped up. "Barbara? And...Keeb?" It was Max, walking out of the boys' dorm.
"Oh, hey Max. I was heading into town and just happened to run into Kibō. What are you doing?" Barbara asked.
"Just happened to, huh? Well, I was headed out too. Just forgot something in my room."
"Oh, perfect timing then. You want to come with? More the merrier."
Max looked skittish. "Sorry, I got my own business to take care of. Three's a crowd, after all. Anyway, I gotta go. Catch y'all later. Hands to yourself, Keeb." He walked away.
"O-okay, see you...around..." Barbara called out. She looked saddened.
"Seemed to be in a hurry, huh?" Kibō said. "Y'know, it's been close to a month that we've been here and that's the most I've seen you two talking. Thought twins would be closer than that."
Barbara sighed. "He's been that way with me ever since our dad lost his coaching job. Well, since I..."
"Right, you said you told his bosses he was cheating. That Max wasn't too happy about it."
"No, he wasn't. He doesn't even like football that much, but our dad got in his head that it was all my fault he got fired. We only just started talking again right before we came here. We used to do everything together. He was actually my acting partner, if you can believe it. But when he took my dad's side and stopped acting altogether, it...it broke my heart. Felt like it was all out of spite."
"Sounds rough. Must suck when someone you're that close to cuts you out like that."
"Yeah. It hurt me more than finding out my dad cheated, to be honest. Was it like that when your brother got in trouble?"
"Well, not really. Me and Kyohei were never that close. He's nine years older than me, I was only six when he got arrested. He'd tell me some things about what was happening around that time, but nothing he ever talked about made sense. Well, not until recently. Still, he's all people ever talk about when they find out I'm his brother. Almost like I'm expected to make up for what he did...guess that's what hurts most about it. My life's not my own, in a way."
Kibō shook his head. "Sorry, I kind of took over the conversation, didn't I?"
"Don't apologize for that. You've got this weird habit of apologizing for just talking. I'm not gonna get mad at you for that. Heck, I just asked you ten minutes ago to tell me more about yourself."
"Guess you're right. Anyway, I'm sure he'll come around eventually. It's a good sign he's talking to you at all."
"Yeah, you're right. Okay, let's get a move on."
A short while later, the pair were walking through town. "So, where did you want to go first?" Kibō asked.
"Well, I wanted to swing by this really cute clothing store I've walked by a couple times--ah, sorry. Don't wanna drag you into a girly store if it'll make you uncomfortable."
"I...really don't mind. Don't let me stop you if that was your plan from the get-go."
"Well, if you really don't mind...huh?"
Barbara caught sight of a familiar face conversing with a salesman in front of a grocery store. It was Kenji.
"No, you didn't mishear me. I'm in need of some pickled rice balls. Yes, I am utterly serious. My employer was very specific about what she wanted." he said, a hint of shame in his voice. Getting nowhere, he walked away and ran into Kibō and Barbara. "Hm? Oh, it's you two. Good timing. I have an insane urge to vent. You know the professor's best friend, the fencer?"
"Oh, that's right. You mentioned having to work as her assistant." Kibō answered.
"Correct. What I failed to realize before I agreed to it, however, was the true depth of her...shall we say, unique appetite. I understand that a woman in the throws of pregnancy is prone to bizarre cravings, but I've been forced to obtain food combinations far beyond what a human brain should be conceiving. I've been forced to ask store owners, with complete sincerity, where they kept their mango-flavored swordfish."
"Mango-flavored...swordfish? Um...did you find any?" Barbara asked.
"As it happens, no. I haven't." Kenji rubbed his eyes. "I take this only as fitting punishment for my awful behavior. Still, there are some things that are far too absurd. I mean, flame-broiled calamari? If that child doesn't come out deformed, I'll consider it nothing short of divine intervention. In any case...where are you two off to on this fine Saturday morning?"
"Just hanging out. Kibō said he'd help me with some errands." Barbara replied.
"Hm. Well, don't let me interrupt. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some rice balls to pickle." Kenji walked away, grumbling to himself.
"Well, at least he's trying. Still, I'd hate to be in his shoes right now." Kibō said.
"Yeah. Totally." Barbara added. "Well, the store should be a couple blocks from here. Sure you don't mind?"
"You're the captain. I won't tell you where to go." The two continued walking, only to immediately run into another familiar face.
"Hm? What's with you two?" Kitty asked, removing her earphones. 
"Oh, hi Kitty. Funny, we just ran into Kenji." Barbara said.
"I know. I've been tailing him."
"Ooooh, got a crush, Kitty?"
"Hardly. And you do remember he's gay, right? No, it's almost 10, which means it's almost the scheduled time to ruin his day. And I like to keep my schedule."
"Well, judging from his face he doesn't need much help there..." Kibō said.
"Oh, good, he's halfway there already. Makes my work easier. So, you're headed to that clothing store, right Barb? Hate to break it to ya, but sounds like there's some action going on down there."
"Action? What do you mean?"
"Don't ask me. Saw a bit of a crowd gathering. Didn't stick around to get facts. Like I said, I've got a schedule to keep. Y'all watch yourselves. Might not seem like it, but this town's crawling with bad intentions. Just have to know where to look. Later, lovebirds." Kitty walked away.
"L-lovebirds?! That isn't--and she's gone. What was all that about?" Kibō asked.
"That Kitty...I really don't understand her." Barbara responded. "Never mind that. Let's go see what's going on at the clothing store."
Sure enough, a crowd had gathered around the shop. "Looks like Kitty was right. Hey, anyone know what's going on?" Kibō asked.
"Another break-in, looks like." said one middle-aged man. "Fourth one in the district since last week. All the same crook, from the sound of it."
"What would make people think it was the same person?" Barbara asked.
"Well, all these break-ins happened in the dead of night. All of the cameras were shut off mysteriously, and the robber managed to make it in and out with no effort at all. No broken windows or doors, no alarms being triggered, nothing. I actually have an article here talking about the last one..." The man presented a newspaper from three days before. Barbara and Kibō looked through it. 
"Third High-end Store Pilferred." "Suspect managed to get in and out with no signs of a break-in." "Perpetrator leaves a business card on the front desk." 
That line was accompanied by an image of the card, pink and black with a stylized image of a snake. "Insane, isn't it? Popping in and out while leaving a calling card for the police. Folks already starting to call this creep some kind of phantom thief..." the man said.
"A phantom thief, huh...interesting..." Barbara said. "Kibō, let's move along. Looks like my shopping trip'll have to wait another day. Thanks for the info, sir." She handed the man back his paper and the pair left.
---
A few hours later, the pair were sitting in a burger joint. "Ah, sorry I couldn't find a nicer place." Kibō said.
"Don't be sorry, at least they have vegan. I asked you on this little adventure, the least I could do is let you pick lunch." Barbara replied. "And now that I've got you all to myself, I'd like to pick that brain of yours."
"Well honestly, there's not much to go over. I'm as average as average can be. Even with the family I'm in."
"You're from a family of politicians, right? So you must he pretty well-off."
"Not really, well, not anymore. My dad dropped out of major politics after my brother got arrested. I think it was too embarrassing for him, but part of me thinks he was just tired. He's warned me so many times to stay out of politics. That it's only gonna eat away at my soul, and that I should follow my passion. Thing is...I've got no idea what that might be."
"Well, you don't have to know right away what you want to do. You've got plenty of time to figure it out."
"Easy for you to say. From what I heard in the theater you could easily headline a troupe right now. I mean it."
Barbara started blushing. "There you go again with the praise. I'm really not at that level..."
The conversation was interrupted by a sudden surge of yelling from near the counter.
"I WANT MY FUCKIN' CHEESEBURGER!" A middle-aged man was screaming at the teenaged cashier. "HOW LONG'S IT TAKE TO MAKE ONE GODDAMN BURGER?! YOU FUCKIN' STUPID?!" 
The cashier looked flustered. "Sir, could you just calm down, it'll be out in--"
"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT! IT SHOULD'VE BEEN OUT TEN FUCKIN' MINUTES AGO!" 
"Hey."
The man turned around. Kibō was standing a few feet away from him, clearly not pleased. "Kibō, what are you--" Barbara began to protest.
"What's your problem, dumbass?" the man demanded.
"My problem? My problem looks about 100 pounds overweight and screaming at a kid half his age over a 500 yen burger. How about you?"
"The hell'd you say, motherfucker?!"
"Isn't this a bad way to act around a bunch of kids? You don't think they've got enough to deal with without some idiot screaming at them over fast food?"
"Shut your damn mouth! I don't need some spoiled little shit tellin' me how to act!"
"Clearly you don't. Only a perfectly sane person would be screaming over food which, might I add based on your waistline, you clearly don't need."
No more words were exchanged after that. The man landed a single, hard punch to Kibō's face. He blacked out almost instantly.
Kibō woke up a short while later to find Barbara tending to him, holding an ice pack over his blackened left eye. "Urrrrrgh...morning already...? he grogged.
"Oh, thank goodness. That looked nasty." Barbara said, relieved.
A pair of medics began checking Kibō for signs of a concussion. They cleared him not long after, and the pair exited the building. Kibō still held the ice pack to his face.
"What were you thinking, getting in that guy's face? You're lucky he didn't do worse!" said an upset Barbara.
"I know, it was stupid...I just...I hate people like that. Adults that act like creeps to kids and think they can get away with it. What kind of example is that, screaming and yelling like a moron? It's the older person's job to teach the younger crowd the right way to act, right?"
"I get why you did it, I do. But it was still reckless. You really could've gotten hurt."
"Yeah, I know. You know...my brother was wrong about a lot. But something he wrote in his diary sticks with me..."
"I am only hastening my plans because I believe the system is in dire need of change. The adults in power in this world have failed in their task of guiding the rest of humanity. How many capable people are left struggling to stay afloat, while their senior betters sit atop their ivory towers, smoking cigars and having a right laugh? How many able-bodied, young soldiers over the years have sacrificed their lives for the whims and wishes of some avaricious suit-and-ties? To be a powerful adult is to be self-serving, greedy, and disdainful towards those with more years remaining in their bodies. So to whoever stumbles upon this journal, heed my advice. If someone who presumes to have more power than you lets you know about it, challenge them. Get in their face, and let them know just how incorrect their way of thinking is. Do not be the sort of adult that becomes enslaved by their own status. The youthful shall inherit the world. Let it be one worth inheriting."
"Adults that act like that...I can't stand them. Tch. Guess that's what I get for listening to my brother..."
"No. You're right. Honestly I believe it. I keep thinking about what my dad did...how he cheated to get ahead, then convinced Max that I was wrong for telling the truth. So cheating is okay, and telling someone about it isn't. 'Hate your twin sister for exposing my lies'. It's ridiculous. Lying is lying, no matter who does it or why."
Barbara let out a sigh. "I'm sorry how this turned out. I asked you to come with and you got punched out for it. You want to just head back?"
"Don't let me be the one to cut your day short. I'm fine. Really. Barely even a bruise-ah ah ahhh." Kibō winced in pain.
Barbara giggled. "Alright, I think that's enough for one day. Let's head home. I'll stick around in case you're not feeling alright."
"Stick around? Like...in my room?"
"Well, yes. I can't exactly help from the other dorm. Come on. I won't take no for an answer."
"Alright, alright..." The two headed for home.
---
Later that night, at the gaming store, Jin and Mimi began heading home. In standard Mimi fashion, she wiped the door handle. Jin just sighed and shook his head. "Don't give me that. You've heard about that phantom thief running around, right? What if they've poofed in here while we weren't looking? I bet they've got majorly diseased hands..." Mimi said.
"If that 'phantom thief' tried to break in here, I think there'd be bigger problems than having dirty hands."
"I can't think of a worse problem!"
Jin sighed. "Alright, let's head home. I've been dying to hear what Tenko made that Kenji brat do. Her list was...adventurous, let's say."
The two shut off the lights, and left. Not long after that, something began to manifest inside the shop. A portal appeared, and out came a figure, garbed in a black-and-green hooded stealth suit, its lining aesthetically resembling snakeskin. Their eyes glowed white. They rose to their feet, and approached a display. It was a glass case, containing a cube-shaped device.
"Woooow. An original GameCube. And he just keeps it out in the open. Come to mama..." She attempted to open the case, but was stopped by a chain wrapping itself around her arm. "What the...?"
"*ahem*. May I help you?"
Standing at the door was Jin, the chain emerging from underneath his sleeve. "Hm. Thought I saw you leave." the thief said.
"You saw what I wanted you to see. It's my Persona's main ability. I'd explain what that is, but judging from that portal, you already know. So...you must be that phantom thief everyone's up in arms about. I'd like to ask you some questions. Starting with where the hell you got those powers from."
"Wouldn't you like to know? Sorry, but I can't stick around and chat. And I'm allergic to chains, so..." Energy poured out of the thief, as a green spirit appeared behind her. It had the upper body of a woman, and the lower form of a snake. "Do it, Naga." Suddenly, the thief vanished, leaving behind an empty husk resembling shedded snakeskin. Jin was surprised. The thief appeared above him, then fired a projectile from her wrist. It stung Jin in the leg. 
"The hell did--gh!" Jin began to feel weak, and fell to his knees. "What's...happening..."
The thief grabbed the GameCube. "My own personal neurotoxin. Don't worry, you'll be back up in a few. I'll be taking this off your hands. See you around, Chuckles. Here, a gift. From the Viper, with love." She tossed him a calling card, then teleported away.
"Wait, GET BACK HERE!" His eyes turned yellow, and the voice coming from his watch began distorting. "Grrrr...wretched witch! Just another bottom-feeding monster! A vile creature that thinks only for itself! I'll hunt you down...to the ends of the Earth...THEY'LL BE PEELING YOU OFF THE WALLS WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU!" 
Jin shook his head. His eyes and voice returned to normal. "I...I've gotta tell Rin and the others..." He struggled to his feet. 
"Mmm mmm mmm. Great sense of control you've got there, Jinnie. I approve." The Reaper applauded. Jin ignored him and stumbled out the door.
---
Kenji returned to the boys' dorm. "Well, if nothing else, I can now add 'rice ball pickler' to my list of talents..." he grumbled. As he neared his room, the door opened, and Barbara stepped out. "You again? What are you--"
"Shush! Kibō's asleep. He's had a rough day. Some idiot knocked him out. I've been taking care of him."
"Someone...knocked him out? What kind of clothing store did you take him to?"
"We never made it to the store. Someone robbed it last night. People saying it was a phantom thief."
"Ah, I was just hearing about that. Apparently they've struck again."
"Wait, as in just now? Where?"
"Well, when I took the food over to Mrs. Mirai's home, her husband barged in saying his game store was just robbed. That the thief managed to outsmart him and got away with a single valuable item. And there's more. He said that the thief was a woman calling herself 'The Viper'."
"The Viper...but wait. Don't all of the professor's friends have those Personas we've all been getting? How did this Viper person manage to get away?"
"I assume the same way they've been able to get into all these shops undetected. She also has a Persona."
"Really? But, the professor said that shouldn't be possible."
"Exactly what she was insisting when she arrived over there. She told me to head home not long after that. Didn't get any more details. They were trying to calm down Mr. Mirai. He looked to be in a state over the whole thing. Whatever that thief took must have been very important to him."
"Oh, I can see that. Plus she did it right in front of him."
"Indeed. Well, do watch yourself heading back. Oh, and a bit of friendly insight. You've been over here quite a bit over the past few weeks. If I've noticed, surely others will as well. And, well...others might assume what is going on."
"Um, excuse me? Pretty sure I can come and go as I please."
"Yes, of course. But to the inane gossips of the world, you walking in and out of the boys' dorm so often might be perceived a certain way. Especially at this hour of the night. It's frankly none of my concern, but I'm just letting you know in case rumors begin sprouting. Good night to you." He walked into his room.
"H-hey! You're not even gonna--and he's gone. Ugh. Where does he get off, telling me I'm gonna cause a scandal? Like he's so upstanding..." Barbara huffed.
She returned to her dormroom. Kitty was in her room, seated at the computer, playing Street Fighter 2. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think I'd have to call a plumber to go and rescue you." she said.
Barbara gave a sarcastic laugh. "Hey, Kitty. You know how that clothing store got robbed earlier? Apparently the same thief just robbed one of the professor's friends."
"Damn. That sucks. Any hints about who the scumbag is?"
"Well, the thief gave their name. Ish. Woman calling herself 'The Viper'."
Kitty briefly paused. "Hm. Points for creativity, I guess."
Barbara didn't say anything else and went to her room. It was blue-toned, with posters of notable stage plays covering the walls. "Hairspray", "Mean Girls" and the like. "That was...a weird pause." she thought.
She turned her laptop on. She pulled up a search engine, and looked up "viper thief". With phrases that common, millions of results popped up. "Uggh, too general...hmm..." She couldn't shake the weird feeling she had gotten from Kitty's reaction to hearing the name. So she added a term. "Viper thief South Korea". Sure enough, she found what she was looking for.
It was not widely reported outside of South Korea, but reports detailed several instances over the past year of break-ins occuring at high-end retailers within Seoul. The thief would make it in and out without setting off alarms. What's more, they would always leave a signature": a black and green snake, graffitied onto the floor. Aside from the shift to business cards, the modus operandi was identical. What caught Barbara's attention, however, was what the thief targeted: stolen items almost always consisted of either young women's clothing, or electronic devices.
Barbara didn't want to believe it. But the timing, the circumstances, it all fit. Her train of thought was suddenly interrupted by a knock on her door. She shut her laptop. "Sorry to crash your porn party. You got any plans for tomorrow?" Kitty asked. "Me, Nats and Care are gonna see a movie. Wanna come with?"
"Um, sure. I was gonna see how Kibō was doing in the morning. Poor guy got hit in the eye by some jerk at the burger place."
"Yikes. Well, if he's feeling up to it he can come along. Heck, let's bring along the whole gang. Haven't gotten everyone together outside of class yet. I'll leave you to getting Kenji, though. He'll just think I'm trying to humiliate him."
"Well, alright. I don't know if my brother'll come with, though..."
"What's the deal with you two, anyway? If you didn't spit it out on Day 1 I wouldn't guess you were related. Half the time you act like total strangers."
"It's...complicated. A lot of family drama that hasn't been fixed yet. Still trying to work through it."
"I get it. Families can be a major pain that way. He's still your bro, though. What's that the professor's always on about? How no matter how bad it gets, family's still family? If you just sit down and talk it out, I'm sure you'll be fine. Some things are just more important than drama."
"That's...actually pretty insightful."
"Hey, don't act so surprised. I'm a smartass, not a dumbass. Trust me, girlfriend. Just gotta remember, siblings are like pre-installed best friends. There's always gonna be that bond, no matter who they might be. I'm sure he feels the same way. Just give it some thought. I've talked your ear off enough for one night. I'll let you get back to your porn. Night night."
Barbara giggled. "Night, Kitty." 
Kitty closed the door. She returned to her room, and plopped back down in front of the computer. "Yeah...no matter who they might be..."
---
"Crush her skull break her neck stab her throat bash her head in eat her heart rip and tear rip and tear rip and--"
"Jin? Hey, Earth to Jin?"
Jin snapped out of his trance. The Reaper's voice ceased. "Hey, you okay?" Rin asked. It was the following morning, in the living room of Jin and Tenko's house.
"...I'm fine." Jin said unconvincingly.
"You sure about that? We were calling to you for almost a minute." Tenko retorted.
"I said I'm fine." Jin repeated.
The Reaper was on the ground, petting the couple's shiba inu. "Not as good as this mutt's gonna look stuffed and mounted on my wall."
"Jin, if something's bothering you, you need to let us know. I know losing that system was upsetting, but--" Rose began.
"It isn't just a 'system'. That GameCube was my dad's. I've kept it functional for years, and for that witch to just strut in and take it...'upsetting' isn't the word."
"We get it. But the way you've been acting, it's like you're in your own little world. Like something else is talking to you." Rin said.
"Ooooooh, she's got it, Jinnie! Fifty points for the redhead!" The Reaper proclaimed, hugging Rin, who didn't react.
Jin said nothing. "Come on, big guy. You're scaring me." Tenko said. "You know I can tell when you're lying. Just tell us what's on your mind."
"Nothing. I just...I need some air." Jin got up and walked out.
Tenko sighed. "He's been getting like that a lot lately. I think he's stopped taking his pills."
Rin shook her head. "He wasn't always like this. Trauma does things to your mind. Like a nightmare you can't wake up from."
Outside, Jin sat on his porch. "Boy, you must really be off your rocker if you're not telling the Powerpuff Girls about me. We really do have a special bond." the Reaper taunted.
"I mean, they can try all they want. But you and me, we're bros for life. I'm gonna be there for everything, dude. Can't you just picture it? Your little anklebiter popping out, everyone all smiles, and then BLAM! Uncle Reaper pops by to visit. Nice bloodstained filter on the happiest point of your sad life." Jin's eye began to twitch. He clenched his fists.
"It's really your own damn fault, dude. Maybe if you waited a while to take a piss, I wouldn't have used you to make my point. Doesn't matter if you turn me into a fountain, or Rinnie turns me into street art. I'm gonna follow you til the day you die. Shit, at this rate you might be better off doing it yourself. Aw, wouldn't that be something. Make that poor little girl grow up without a dad. Kind of a family tradition at this point..."
So long as Jin ignored the Reaper, it would be a good day.
Today would not be a good day.
"Um..." Rose looked out the window. "I think you might want to see this..."
The women looked out the window in shock. Jin had manifested his chain and was stabbing at the ground with the bladed edge. "SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP! WHY WON'T YOU SHUT UP?!" he screamed.
"Jin! Get a hold of yourself!" Rin yelled out from the door. Jin turned around. His eyes glowed yellow, as a murderous aura poured out from him. 
The voice coming from his watch was heavily distorted. "I'm going to find that thieving witch. And I'm going to carve out her heart. WITH MY OWN HANDS." he growled. He started walking away.
"That's the spirit, Jinnie! I knew ya had it in ya! Slaughter time, slaughter time, blood blood bloooood~!" the Reaper sang.
He didn't make it far before several spiritual threads wrapped around his shoulders. The threads came from Rose. "That's enough, Jin. This has to stop." she pleaded.
"UNHAND ME." he growled as he struggled.
"That's not going to happen, Jin." Rin stood in front of him. "I'm sorry we didn't recognize your torment sooner. But we can't let you go out there like this. You're out of control."
Jin cackled. "Out of control?! How mistaken you are, 'professor'! I've never been more in control in my life! And it'll stay that way, until that miserable snake feels the blade of my chain pressed against her throat! If you don't like the way I'm acting, then do us both a favor and kill me right now. If you don't, then only more pain and bloodshed awaits you and the others, and that crimson devil will NEVER BE SILENCED."
Jin began to laugh nervously. "He...he follows me...everywhere. Mocking me, telling me what he'll do to you all. Even now, he's frolicking around, getting a kick out of this display we're putting on. No matter what I do, no matter how much I ignore him, he just keeps on talking. You always have all the answers, Rin. So tell me. PLEASE. HOW DO I MAKE HIM SHUT UP?!"
Before Rin could response, Jin was whacked from behind, knocking him out. Tenko stood there, having knocked him in the head with the brunt end of a sword. "I'm sorry...I couldn't listen to another second of that." she mused.
"I didn't realize he'd gotten so bad...we can't let him out there like this." Rin added.
"I will try what I can. I'm afraid the demons possessing him may not be so easily exorcised. Completely curing him may be out of the question. The more reasonable endeavor may be finding a way to minimize it." Rose added.
Tenko knelt down and held the unconscious Jin. "Do what you have to. That wasn't him talking. I know he isn't a monster, like...like the one doing this to him." 
Rose knelt down next to her. "I'll do everything I can. I can promise you that. The first step to giving him peace of mind might be finding that Viper woman..."
Rin's phone pinged. She checked her messages. "Hey...I think we might be closing in on that. I just got a text from one of my students."
"She says she knows who the Viper is."
---
"Mercy, Keeb! What happened to you?" Sahir exclaimed. The students had all gathered in front of the dorms, save for Kitty. 
"I...had a shaving accident." Kibō replied, a black ring still circling his eye. 
"Spoken like someone who's never held a razor before." Kenji quipped.
As the others chatted, Barbara took notice of Max, sitting alone on the steps to the dorm. She walked over to him. Max continued to look down. "I hear we're seeing an action flick. Right up your alley." she said.
"Hm. Yeah. Oughta be interesting." he said, still averting his gaze.
Barbara sat next to him. "Are you still mad with me?"
"No."
"Max. Be honest with me. Ever since we came here you've been afraid of talking to me. That's never been our relationship. It hurts, you know. Just the thought of you hating me..."
"I don't hate you for what happened with Dad. I hate myself for believing it. I should have gone with you and Mom when I had the chance. He just...filled my head with lies. Convinced me that you'd made all of it up. Even talked me into coming here just to prove I could outperform you."
"He really did all that?"
"He did. And that's not all he did..."
"What do you mean? Max...why aren't you looking at me? Dad...what did he do to you?"
"I've said enough. Just pretend I'm not here. You shouldn't have to deal with such a foolish brother." Max got up and walked away despite Barbara's protests.
"Hey, where's Sparky headed off to?" asked an arriving Kitty.
"There you are. What were you scheming?" Kenji asked.
"Seriously assuming that I'm up to no good, huh? No, actually, I was just texting the professor about some homework. I've been getting tripped up. Less time I have to worry about it later." 
"Hm. Fair enough. I suppose we can start heading out now."
"Hey, what about Max?" Natalia asked.
"He's not coming. I think he just wants to be alone." Barbara replied. With that, the group headed off.
Hours later, the group exited the theater. "Hey, you guys go ahead. I'm gonna text the professor." Kitty said.
"You sure? You're gonna miss out on the burgers. Keeb's treat!" Sahir joked. Kibō rolled his eyes. 
"I'll catch up later. Academia waits for no one."
"Suit yourself."
The others walked away. Barbara stuck around. "You alright? You've been acting weird since last night." she asked.
"Nah, I'm alright. Just...remember what I said about family being family. Don't let Sparky get to you. He's probably madder at himself than anyone else. Families can be weird like that."
"Okay...I'll keep that in mind. Don't take too long. Might have to send a plumber to save you."
"Hey. I'm the only one who can make those references." Barbara giggled, and left. Kitty darted into an alley. She sent a text.
"In the alley next to the theater. Alone."
Moments later, a response.
"Be there in a few 🐍"
A few minutes later, a portal opened up, and the Viper came out. She rose to her feet, and stared down Kitty. "You changed up the suit." Kitty said.
"Mmhmm. Green's scarier than pink, you know. Not as obvious, either." the Viper replied. She snickered, and embraced Kitty in a hug. Her mask dissolved, revealing a face resembling Kitty's, with green streaks in her hair. "Missed ya, So-yin."
"Back at ya, Lin-mae. I thought it was you. See you've upgraded to business cards."
"Yeppers. Less time-consuming. Better indicator of my art skills. More thief-like. Anywho, how's my baby sis been doing? Private school too much for ya?"
"Not really, no. Helps my new pals aren't unbearably annoying. I actually enjoy being around them."
"That's the spirit. Helps to have mates you can count on. There might be hope for ya after all. So, what's up? You said something about an easy mark?"
"Uh-huh. My professor's friends with some fishing captain. Says he's LOADED. Cash and jewels from wall-to-wall. Not to mention his wife's got a pretty major wardrobe."
"Now you're speaking my language. How much resistance are we looking at?"
"Well unless you consider a horde of butlers 'resitence', you're golden. Mr. Fisherman's apparently missing an eye, and his wife's bedridden half the time. You'll never have an easier job."
"Oh God, So, you're gonna make me drool. Why are you setting all this up, though? Thought you liked how things were going."
"I do. I don't like the idea of someone hoarding more cash than they know what to do with. They won't mind if some of it goes poof. Probably won't even notice."
"You're a doll, So. Modern day Robin Hood. Gimme the address. We're gonna be set for life, you and me. All the cute clothes and game systems we can ask for. Enough where I can tell that hooded old doofus where to shove it."
"Hooded doofus?"
"Ah, nothing you need to worry about. Let's just get our money. You're the best, So. Smart, cute, and no moral compass at all. How can I ever get enough?"
"Helps that I've got the perfect sister, Lin. Hey, where can I get one of those spook suits?"
"Oh, you want in on the Persona game? I can definitely arrange for that. First though, let's get our payday." The Viper opened a portal, and they both stepped through. They reappeared behind a massive gate, reading "Higashikata Estate."
"Here goes something." Kitty thought.
The Viper peered through several portals, looking for any sign of fortune. Finally, she happened upon a room bearing a giant safe. "Bingo. Oh, wait..." She teleported directly in front of the safe, then took out a spray can. She used it, revealing a number of lasers. "Not a very creative fisherman, is he?"
She began to pry open the safe, using an acidic substance produced by her Persona to weaken the door's hold. "Gotta preserve my portals. Overuse 'em and I could end up in Australia or somewhere else."
"Hey, you know that guy you stole the GameCube from?"
"Oh, you mean Chuckles. He was a right laugh, that one. Soon as I grabbed it he was all 'graaawr I'm gonna tear you limb from limb'! Like dude, it's a box for playing games. Calm your tits."
"Well...that guy is actually friends with my professor. Said it was really important to him."
"Pssh, everything's important to someone, So. The way I see it, it's more valuable making someone cash than sitting around collecting dust. Think of it this way. If it was so important, why was it just sitting in the open begging to be stolen?"
"I guess I still don't really get how you think, Lin."
"It's not all that complicated. I see something I want, I take it. Easy. Don't want your stuff stolen, take better care of it. Up your security. I'm performing a public service, in a way."
"You're the only person on the planet that can call theft a public service."
"And you're still showing signs of a conscience. Take my advice, drop it. Makes life waaaay easier."
The door swung open. The pair stepped into an enormous room. "Now, come to...huh?" The vault was completely empty. "Empty? What weirdo keeps a big vault like this empty? Unless..."
"Unless they were tipped off beforehand?" Kitty proclaimed, as the door shut behind her.
The Viper turned to her, clearly displeased. "You're shitting me, So. You set me up?"
"Like the old line goes, Lin. No honor among thieves."
"Good work, Kitty. Know it isn't easy, trapping a snake." Rin appeared behind the Viper, accompanied by Rose. "So...you're the phantom thief."
"Let me introduce you, Lin. This is Professor Kubo. I tipped her off. Let her set up this little trap." Kitty said.
"What the hell, So. A month away from me and suddenly you get a heart? Not cool. No Christmas card for you this ye--" Suddenly, she was brought to her knees. "The hell is--oof!" She was slammed onto the ground.
"Apologies. But I don't offer proper manners to uninvited guests." Out from the shadows stepped Hiyoko, a shadowy aura emerging from her. 
"Ugggh...So...listen to me..." the Viper struggled.
"No, Lin, YOU listen. I'm done being your partner-in-crime. You know how much your pickpocketing gets us all in trouble? Why do you think I had to give up streaming? Hm? The internet knows everything, Lin. What do you think happened when it found out I was related to a repeat offender? The correct answer is, constantly reminded and pestered me about it. Especially when they found out you used me as a lookout. Didn't matter that I was ten, oh no, in the mind of the interwebs, I'm a hardened criminal. You never cared about how much you hurt me, or Mom and Dad. Long as you have fun, and get what you want, then damn everyone else, right?"
"Tch. I get enough lectures from Dad...here I thought you really got me, So..." The Viper vanished, leaving behind a husk, then teleported in front of Kitty. Rose moved to intervene, but was stopped by Rin. "Hold on."
"You disappoint me, So. The one person I thought could understand me...and you sell me out. Don't worry. I'll make this quick." She drew her venomous blade. As she swung it down, it was blocked by a silver-hued arm. "Wha...?"
...
"Come to realize your destiny of deceit, have we?"
Kitty looked around, puzzled.
"You must understand it now. Selfish deception must be met in kind. The current path leads only to ruin. Will you allow your path to be tainted further?"
Kitty clenched her fist. "No way." she uttered.
"I see. You do understand. I am the silver maiden, Arianrhod. Swear an oath to me, here and now."
Kitty's eyes turned yellow, and she clenched her head.
"I am thou, thou art I. Deceit shall be met with curses and punishment. The one halting your path fails to understand this. Use my power, and rectify this foolishness!"
Blue flames erupted, and emerging from the fire was a silver, almost metallic woman, wielding a magical staff. The Viper was stunned. "How the hell?!"
"Sorry, Lin. You've had your fun. Time for a dose of reality, courtesy of baby sis." Kitty asserted.
The Viper looked as though she was about to attack, only to immediately turn away. "Y'know on second thought, this can wait. I'm not that starved for a pay day." She tried to open a portal, only for it to weakly fizzle out.
"That's what I've noticed about you, sis. One, your first instinct's to turn tail and run like some Roaming Legendary. Second, your escape act doesn't work when you use it too many times too quickly. You're basically a sitting duck waiting for your cue to attack. Me, on the other hand..." Through the lens of her glasses, Kitty saw a menu screen similar to one present in JRPGs. The screen read as follows:
FIRE 10/10 MP
THUNDER 5/5 MP
WIND 5/5 MP
"Hunh, would ya look at that..." Kitty selected FIRE, and a targeting pointer appeared over the Viper. A health meter reading "34/34 HP" appeared above her head. "This is my kinda system." She selected the Viper, and the spirit fired a large ball of fire at the Viper.
"Fuck." the Viper groaned right before getting hit.
The flames from the blast subsided, leaving the Viper lying on the ground, her costume singed. "Wow, Lin. For the queen of pickpocketing, you're kind of a noob at actually fighting, huh?" Kitty quipped. Rose then hoisted the Viper onto her knees using her threads.
"Great job, Kitty. Amazed how quickly you took to it." Rin began. "As for you, Ms. Phantom Thief, I have some questions. Let's start with where you got these powers from."
"Bed, Bath and Beyond." the Viper joked. Hiyoko increased the gravity on her, bringing her further down. 
"Every bit of sass I get, she makes it worse." Rin chided.
"Lin, seriously. For once drop the snark and just tell the truth. For once." Kitty added. "At least tell them where you hid the stuff you stole."
"Heh. So I can just get thrown in jail after? Wait, that's actually wrong. People who deal with you all sooner see a burial plot than a jail cell. Surely you, 'professor', should realize I wouldn't stay in jail for long? Guess you'll just have to kill me." the Viper said.
"Don't be ridiculous. I wouldn't kill you. If you just tell the truth, I can help you." Rin replied.
"Hmph. Like you 'helped' Ginmaru Hibiki and Kurojū Mishima? Or that lovesick freak Nobuhiro?"
Rin was taken aback. "How do you--"
"Such a long, tragic list you have, Professor Kubo. Papa Kaito, Big Bro Tohru...dear, sweet, busy bee Miko."
Rin tensed up. "Don't you dare..."
"Funny how people around you have a habit of suffering, eh? Like my new buddy Chuckles. Sure, I grabbed his GameCube, but what's being near you gotten him? A gutted neck and a lifetime of psychosis. Honestly him crossing paths with you has done a LOT more damage, all things considered. Oh that's right, Ms. Thing. I know ALL about you. The old creep that gave me these powers told me everything. You fancy yourself a loving, accepting educator. But if you could see your eyes right now. So filled with hate. You think yourself a goddess, but you're just as wicked as the people you've judged. A self-centered, hypocritical, overpowered beast, surrounding yourself with servants who lack anything resembling self-awareness."
"Explain something to me, Professor. If you're such an angel, what are you doing having dinner parties with a Yakuza kingpin?" She stared down Hiyoko as she said this.
"What...what are you talking about? JoJo's not even--" Hiyoko began, stunned.
"Might want to check in on how your hubby spends his free time, Sunny. Guess love makes you do crazy things."
Rin went right up to the Viper's face. "What are you trying to do?" she demanded.
"Oh, just mindfucking you. And giving my Naga time to recharge." Power began crackling around the Viper as a portal manifested beneath her. "Catch you on the flippity flip, So. Ta ta, Professor." She escaped through the portal.
"Hey, wait--dammit! She's gone..." Rin grumbled.
"What on Earth was she going on about? How could she possibly know all of that?" Hiyoko asked.
"I fear something terrible has transpired. What, exactly, I have no idea. But it looks likely that we're being monitored by some unknown group. Rin, we need to inform the others." Rose added.
"Yeah...you're right. Tell everyone to come to our house as soon as possible. Kitty, I need you to call the others over, too. Looks like I can't delay training you all any longer. We'll have to get Max and Sahir to awaken, as well. I wanted it to occur naturally, but it seems we don't have the option." Rin said.
"Wait, just Sparky and Kicks? Did everyone else get these things already and I'm just late to the party? Man, that's lame. But alright, I'll let them know." Kitty sighed. "Darn it, Lin...what've you gotten yourself mixed up in now..."
Rin fell silent. "Don't even give what she said another thought. I could give you a detailed report of every fallacy in her statement..." Rose told her.
"No, no, I'm fine. Just...didn't expect a call-out like that. Hiyoko, thanks for letting us use your house for this. I know it was risky."
"Think nothing of it, love. I'll go get a hold of JoJo." Hiyoko sighed. "I hope this isn't a bad omen. Just when things were starting to seem normal..."
Rose and Hiyoko walked away. Rin stood there, lost in thought. "..."
---
The Viper plopped onto a building elsewhere in the city. "Ugggh. What a mess. Of all the profs you could've gotten, So..."
"So you escaped."
The Viper looked over, and saw a man wearing a blue, hooded robe, wearing a black mask. He was accompanied by two women in similar garb. All three bore the image of a red handprint on their robes. The man spoke in a heavily distorted voice. 
"Wha--?! How'd you find me so quick?!" the Viper questioned.
"We traced your energy signature. For a supposed master thief, you did not do a good job of hiding it. Nor did you take advantage of the golden opportunity presented to you."
"The hell are you talking about?"
"You were within striking distance of the traitor and the apostate. Yet you instead chose to steal and run away when it became dire. The Master values your skills, though we are becoming impatient with your self-centered usage of them. We did not empower you just so you could indulge in such trivialities."
"Y'all seem to think dealing with these people is easier than it is. You know who showed up at that mansion, don't you? Even if I was better at fighting, I wouldn't have lasted a minute against that woman!"
"True enough. Even The Master acknowledges that we lack the means to properly deal with that beast. Yet. Her time will come. For now, lick your wounds and prepare. We will have your next mission for you soon. Pray it does not end as your jaunt through Naruki has." The masked figures vanished.
"Ugh. Vague creeps, the lot of them. Long as the pay's good..." the Viper mused.
A cold wind made its way through the city. A sign of the changing of the seasons. Or perhaps, a sign of an inescapable truth.