Persona BLEACHED 2: Part 12

Chapter 12: Prince of Desperation
October 24, 2028
Early morning at the Higashikata Estate. Hiyoko was seated on a stone bench, sipping tea and overlooking her garden. A figure walked over to her. "Having a pleasant morning, Madame?" It was Kaido.
"Oh, good morning, Kaido. Is JoJo not with you?"
"That's what I came to tell you. The Boss has to stay a little longer. One of the boats got delayed coming back in. You know how it goes."
Hiyoko sighed. "Oh, I know very well."
"Don't worry, he'll be home in time for lunch. He wouldn't deny his best girl a date. Even his workaholic self knows how bad of an idea that would be."
"Ah, yes. He does love his 'work'..."
"Madame? What's with the tone?"
Hiyoko gave him a sharp look. "You're covering for him. I know when he's lying to me. What are you and him up to?"
"You know I can't talk about his--"
"Is it another woman? Has he gotten bored of me?"
"Of course not! He knows way better than that. You're all he thinks about, you know that."
"Well if it isn't another woman, what is it?" She came to a realization. "He's still searching for my father, isn't he? After I told him to stop it. And you're helping him."
"Please, Madame, you have to stop this. You know I can't talk about his business. All I can say is that you--"
"'Are the most important thing to him'. I've heard that countless times. Please, Kaido, I need to know. What are you two doing? He comes home with cut-up hands and tells me he got them caught on a net. He sold off his eye for this futility. I...I need him here. I've only just begun stepping out of the house again. I don't need to wrack my brain with worry over whether or not he'll return home in a casket."
"...you need to have a talk with your husband. I swore an oath in blood to keep his secrets between us. Breaking that oath would be unthinkable. I'm glad you're on the mend after...what happened. All I'll say is...every breath he breathes is so that sort of thing never happens again. I'll see you around, Madame." Kaido walked away.
"Hey, don't walk away from me! I'm not done with--ugh. Fine. I'll get it out of them one way or the other. I won't let him keep ignoring..." She began shaking. "Gh...no, no, not now. I can't work myself up now. I'll save my irritation for when the man of the house returns..."
---
Rin stood at the head of the classroom, arms folded, a serious look on her face. Displayed on the projector next to her was an article, detailing Dai Son's confession. "Would anyone here care to explain?" she asked.
The students all kept silent. "A former guerilla keeps his dirty secrets for fifty years, no one suspects him of any wrongdoing, yet suddenly he decides he's going to confess? Someone who commits those kinds of offenses isn't going to just change his heart overnight. He's going to need help. The kind me and my friends usually provide. Here's my issue. I didn't do it. My friends were all either busy or otherwise unable to do it. As far as I know, unless our friends in the cult had their own changes of heart, we're the only ones who can travel to and from the Metaverse. So, my question is..."
"I did it. It was all me. No one else." Kibō interrupted.
"Keeb, you don't--" Barbara began.
"Nice try, Kibō. But if I was in your shoes, the first thing I'd try is exactly what you're doing. Let me make something clear. I'm not mad at you all for doing this. You think I'm going to condemn you for stopping someone that committed war crimes? Much less one that was planning on murdering my--" Rin paused. "Sorry. I'm not upset. I just want to know something. Why did you all go on your own, into a part of town that dangerous?"
"We wanted to show how far we've come." Barbara spoke up. "We have to be able to fend for ourselves. We can't keep relying on you coming to get us out of trouble. These powers are ours for a reason."
"And if this man was targeting your mother, we couldn't just sit around and do nothing." Carrie added.
"So we did! All on our own! Did the detective work and the Palace work and everything. Just like how you said!" Sahir said.
"Plus, we couldn't waste any time after we found out who did it, cuz, well...Sparky and I got in some trouble." Kitty said.
"What kind of trouble?" Rin asked.
"He blackmailed us. Told us he'd call the police and have us arrested for trespassing if we didn't do what he told us to. He told us to detonate that bomb at your mom's parlor. And if we told the police or anyone, he'd blow it up himself." Max explained.
"Our hands were tied. We had to stop him then and there. We averted an even greater tragedy. It was reckless, yes, but when men like that are roaming the streets, so innocuous but hiding so many demons, you have to push forward in spite of the danger. You challenged my brother and his underlings knowing the dangers involved, yes?" Kibō asked.
"...I see. Then, I guess my next step should be thanking you. For risking your lives to protect my mother. Hearing about what that man was planning...it's terrifying to think about. Thank you for stopping it, truly. My friends and I...our lives are really just starting, but it's become more difficult to stop injustices like that. We have careers, we're starting families. Getting older means having to reshuffle priorities. It was inevitable that we'd pass the baton on to someone who can do what we can't. You all proved that you can do it. I hope this was a learning experience, if nothing else." Rin dictated.
"I do have one more question, however. How did you even get to the Metaverse? We're the only ones with the app. Did one of my friends help you out after all?"
"I have the app." Kibō stated. "Just when we needed it most, I ended up in this big blue room...and there was this creepy old man with a huge nose. He told me about the fated game, and the will to rebel...it was all so bizarre. When I came back, though, the app was on my phone."
Rin was surprised. "A blue room...and an old man with a large nose..." she pondered.
"Do you know what that was all about, Professor?" Kibō asked.
"I do recall a velvet-colored room, and a man fitting that description. But...hmm." Rin answered. "Well, in any case. It probably means that greater forces approve of what you all are doing. Who am I to judge if that's wrong? Just choose your battles carefully from this point on. And never forget, I'm here to help. Long as you all have each other, you should be fine, but there's no shame asking me for assistance. We good?" The class nodded. "Good. Guess I have to actually do the teaching thing now, eh? Let's get started..."
Lunch period came a few hours later. The students gathered in the main courtyard. "Look, we've been over this. We're not calling ourselves the Phantom Thieves." Barbara said.
"Aw c'mon, why not? It's a classic! It's iconic!" Sahir replied.
"It's also already taken, genius. You want people to start calling us ripoff artists?" Kitty retorted.
"This is proving to be a bit more difficult than I thought." Kenji said.
"You'd think between the eight of us we'd have at least one good idea." Max added.
"What about you, Natalia? You have any ideas?" Carrie asked.
"Oh, don't look at me...my idea's probably dumb..." Natalia said.
"Can't be any worse than what we've been proposing." Kibō assured.
"Well, when you just said 'artist'...everyone here is an artist in some way, right? Maybe something with that." Natalia began. "And there's one other thing...my parents told me about this one legend. About a far-off land, from a long long time ago. The land ended up being consumed by war, with everyone fighting over ideas like inequality and isolationism. The one that helped bring an end to the war...it was a professor. The legend called this professor 'The Ashen Demon'." I was just thinking, y'know...a professor that helped unite a bunch of people from different backgrounds and homelands. It kinda sounds like what we're experiencing now."
"So, how about something like...'The Ashen Artisans? Ugh, terrible, right? I knew you would think so..."
"You haven't even given us five seconds to think on it." Kenji stated.
"I think it's a wonderful name, Natalia. Alliteration helps it roll off the tongue. It has a nice air of mystery to it, but not to where it seems overly threatening. I think it can work for us." Barbara said.
"I have no objections. In the interest of fairness, however, I suggest putting it to a vote. Given this is a complete team effort, it should be unanimous. All those in favor?" Kibō asked.
Everyone put their hands up. "That settles it, then. Ashen Artisans it is." Barbara said.
"W-wait, really?" uttered a surprised Natalia.
"See, Natalia? And you were worried they'd laugh." Carrie said.
"W-w-well in that case--!" Natalia scrambled for her bag, and took out several papers. "I spent last night doodling some ideas for, um...for uniforms. If we just go around in our school uniforms, we're bound to get recognized. So, I, uh...drew these up. P-please don't laugh."
"No one's going to laugh, Nats. I mean, if we're doing this, we have to do it 100%, right? So we'll need disguises. Might not have enough time left before class to go over it, though. But I'm open to it." Barbara said.
"Hey, if nothing else, we can just tell people we're a roving band of K-pop stans." Kitty joked.
"How about this? Come Saturday, we can meet with you about uniform ideas. Give you some time to think. Sound good?" Kibō asked.
"Y-yeah, that sounds like fun! I've already got sooooo many ideas...aww. This feels kinda nice." Natalia said, blushing.
The school bell rang out. "Back to the grind, then. We'll resume this another time." Kibō said. The students returned to the classroom.
---
"Hey, what's the matter? You've barely said a word." Shūjo said. 
"Nothing is the matter. Just feeling a little sleepy." Hiyoko asserted. 
"You've been eating good, yeah? Three meals and all that?"
"I've been eating just fine."
"Not the meds, is it?"
"No. They don't induce drowsiness."
"Look, if there's something wrong, just tell me and I'll take care of--"
"Stop it. I know what 'take care of it' means when you use it."
Shūjo was taken aback. "Hey, what's with the attitude?"
"Do you think I'm stupid? That I wouldn't notice the telltale signs of you being up to no good? Blood on your clothes, late hours at work, Kaido dodging every question I ask him? You're using your 'connections' again, I know it."
"....."
"Your silence speaks volumes. Please, just tell me. Tell me you aren't hunting for my father again."
"...I can't do that."
"You are. I've told you countless times not to try it. He's long gone. What could you even be doing?"
"I've got people in place over the city. Gathering information. If someone won't talk, I might have to get...physical. They never talk. But I can't stop. You know why."
"You're chasing a ghost, JoJo. Whatever pain I'm in, I've learned to grin and bear it. I've accepted it. Why can't you? You were never this devoted. Not until...two years ago."
"You've accepted it, huh? That why it took you two years 'til you could step out of the house? How about two months before even coming out of your room? It's all fine and dandy if you can live with it, but I can't. You're my queen. I'll do anything to make you happy."
Hiyoko walked closer to Shūjo. He backed away. "Why?" she asked, a sense of hurt in her voice. He turned away. "You just told me you want to make me happy. I want you near me."
"No."
"Why?"
"I'll just cause you more pain."
"So you want to make me happy, but won't come near me. That makes no sense."
"Until you're well and truly healthy, I can't promise that I won't hurt you again. I knew what the risks were."
"So did I. Just...please. Please. Please..." 
Thinking quick, Shūjo managed to catch Hiyoko before she fell to the ground, unconscious. "Dammit...I got you worked up. This is exactly what I meant. Hiyoko...I'm sorry. I promise I'll give you the life you deserve. Even if it costs me my soul." He picked her up, and carried her to her room. "The first time I carried you like this...was when we first met. There'll be a day when I don't have to keep doing it..."
---
October 28, 2028
The students had all gathered in Carrie and Natalia's dormroom. "I'm amazed she was able to get them all done so quickly. Though this is a sewing prodigy we're talking about." Kibō said.
"She's spent every waking moment of free time for the past three days working on them. Yesterday she darted right from class to here, and worked all through the night until this morning. I don't think the poor thing's slept in days..." Carrie said.
"Is that, uh...is that really healthy? I don't think that's healthy." Kitty added.
Suddenly, the door to Natalia's room swung open. The seamstress herself bore shadows beneath her eyes, with tiny needles poking through her clothes. "G'morning, mijn vrienden. In case y'all were wondering, yes, I have been drinking copious amounts of Taster's Choice for the last three days. ANYway, shut your hot, wet mouths, because it is ME, Natalia van Damme, here with the fix to all your fashion needs!"
"What in the world...?" Kenji uttered.
"Has sleep deprivation somehow made her livelier?" Kibō wondered.
"Now I know y'all have been itching to get my gear on, but let me make it clear just HOW much I had to do for this little presentation! I had to shop at FOUR different retailers to avoid suspicion, had to get on my hands and knees and BEG the theater club to let me borrow their mannequins, oh yeah, and I haven't slept in three days! But it's all good, cuz I'll be a crumb cake in my aunt Matilda's refrigerator before I let my dear pals run around lookin' like gutter trash! So, without further adooooooo..." Natalia ran and quickly brought out eight mannequins from her room. "Tadaaaaaaaaa~!"
All eight mannequins were garbed in black, hooded jackets, with different colored lining. The boys' came with black school pants bearing identically colored lining, with the girls' came with skirts. All bore emblems matching the colors of the lining on their backs, and Roman numerals corresponding to their respective Arcana on the front upper left-hand corner. They were designed as follows:
*Kibō's possessed grey lining, and the Roman numeral I. The image on his back was of the Earth.
*Barbara's possessed light blue lining, and the numeral XVII. The image was of a lake.
*Kenji's possessed red lining, and the numeral VII. The image was of a sword.
*Carrie's possessed purple lining, and the numeral X. The image was of a six-sided gemstone.
*Natalia's own possessed yellow lining, and the numeral XIII. The image was of a cartoony skull-and-crossbones.
*Kitty's had pink lining, and the numeral XVIII. The image was of a stylized cat head.
*Max's had dark blue lining, and the numeral IV. The image was of a single lightning bolt.
*Sahir's possessed green lining, and the numeral XIX. The image was of a soccer ball surrounded by fire.
"Ultra-comfy, stretchable yet durable fabrics for all your sneaking and punching needs, signature van Damme hoodie for covering up the ol' noggin, oh, and best of all? Black is in-season! So if everything goes horribly and we end up kicking the bucket, at least they'll be able to look at our corpses and think, 'Wow. They're hip with the trends'. Natalia boasted.
"My God. These look amazing, Nats. You really are a master of your craft." Kibō said.
"Aw, shucks, you're gonna make me blush, Keebles. Which, I don't mind, really, but maaaaybe not with your GF around." Natalia joked.
"That isn't, uh..." Barbara stuttered.
"I do have one question." Kenji began. "What happens if we're in a situation where we have to go to the Metaverse quickly, and don't have time to change? Are we supposed to walk around in the open?"
"A brilliant question, Kenny! Guess looks really aren't everything." Kenji didn't know how to take that statement. "I already brought that up with Ms. Rosie, and she says she'll make it so we change into them as soon as we go to the Spookyverse! Don't ask me how she's doing it. Sprinkle some magic fairy dust, I dunno. She sounds smart and she's kinda hot so, probably a good idea to take her word for it."
Natalia started blushing. "Ohhh, you guys have no idea how happy I am that you love them. I poured every ounce of love I have into this. I know my Persona isn't the best in a full-on fight, so I've gotta help in other ways, y'know? Make me feel...*yaaaaawn*...like I'm helping..." She collapsed to the floor and fell asleep.
"Oh jeez! Is she, uh...napping?" Sahir asked.
"Probably used up the last of her energy. Crazy girl probably won't wake up til tomorrow." Max replied.
"I'd say she's earned it. She sounded genuinely happy for the first time since I've met her." Barbara added.
"Weird to see her being anything but timid. I'd say it was worth it just for the jolt of confidence." Kibō said.
"I can't wait to get into these. I almost want to jump into the Metaverse right now." Carrie said.
"Well, we might be doing so sooner than later. I already have an idea for who our next target should be. But..." Kibō looked at the snoring Natalia. "Why don't we wait until Nats wakes up?"
The group aside from Carrie all went their separate ways. Carrie picked up Natalia's sleeping body, and took her to her room. "I'm so proud of you, Natalia. Enjoy your slumber." she said with a smile.
---
October 29, 2028
The next day, the group gathered in Kibō and Kenji's dorm. Natalia let out a loud yawn. "Sleep well, Nats?" Barbara asked.
"Uh, y-yeah. Nice, long, peaceful sleep. Um, sorry about yesterday. When I get into something, I get a bit...excited. Last time that happened was right before I came here. Let's just say my parents have more back stock than they know what to do with..." Natalia said.
"Okay, Keebster. Who's the next creep on the list?" Sahir asked.
Kibō took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Alright. I wasn't too sure about pursuing this, but it's been eating at me for the past week. While we were investigating the bombing, a name came up. And even though it went nowhere, something about this person just didn't sit well with me."
"You're talking about the fishing captain, right? The one Dai Son said was a crime boss?" Max asked.
"Correct. I wasn't about to take a mass murderer at his word, but after looking through his office, it was obvious he's hiding something. So for the past couple of days, me and Barbara have been questioning some of the businesses around the south side."
"Soon as we mentioned him, a lot of people got these looks on their faces. They really didn't want to talk. It took a lot of assurances that we weren't on anyone's payroll before a few of them spoke up. Always out of the sight of anyone else." Barbara added.
"It was all similar stories. Tales of dangerous-looking men confronting local business owners, demanding information. Never money, or loyalty, just information. Some even mentioned our boat captain being there himself, and getting rather testy when he didn't get what he wanted." Kibō continued. 
"What could he want so badly that he'd resort to violence to get it?" Carrie asked.
"That brings us to the second part of the mystery. When we searched his office, we found a board hidden from sight, with notes relating to one name: 'Kagetora'." Barbara continued.
"That name sounded familiar, so I asked my father if it rang any bells. Did it ever. Jūzo Kagetora was a notable prosecutor from a prominent family of lawyers and judges. About twenty years ago, he became embroiled in a widely publicized scandal, when it came out that he had been carrying on a number of illicit affairs, along with other allegations of corruption. He managed to escape captivity, and he's been on the run ever since. No one knows where he could be. Or if they do, nobody's willing to talk." Kibō explained.
"So, why is a crime boss looking for a guy that's been running almost as long as he's been alive? How would he even know who this Kagetora is?" Natalia asked.
"We were wondering the same. Kitty, do you remember seeing a woman at the mansion you cornered your sister at?" Barbara asked.
"Oh, yeah. Prof and Doc Rose seemed pretty friendly with her. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say she's the lady of the house." Kitty replied.
"You would be right about that. She's Shūjo Higashikata's wife. Her name is Hiyoko Kagetora. The fugitive prosecutor is her biological father." Barbara said.
"So the daughter of a prosecutor marries a crime lord. How curious." Kenji commented.
"So there's our connection. Nobody we talked to could answer why exactly Higashikata is so desperate to find the elder Kagetora. From what they explained, his wife has never even met her father. Why the information gathering? And why resort to such violent measures to get it? That's what we're going to find out."
"We're going to confront Shūjo Higashikata, and get an answer out of him." Kibō declared.
"We can try to do this without using force. Get him somewhere, get him to come clean. Ask him why he's using intimidation and shady tactics to get his answers." Barbara continued.
"So, um, are we just gonna ignore the big fat elephant in the room?" Kitty asked.
"Suppose we can't. Lest we forget, both Shūjo Higashikata and Hiyoko Kagetora are part of Professor Kubo's innermost circle. She clearly trusts them a great deal. This isn't another demonic creature we're dealing with. It's a Persona-user. One that's had this power a lot longer than we have." Kibō answered.
"Not only that, but didn't Ms. Rose tell us that Persona-users can't have Palaces? How are we going to confront him?" Carrie asked.
"Ms. Rose...there's someone else with a million questions surrounding them. Starting with how she even knows this much about the cognitive world. But that's for another time. You're right. He won't have a Palace. But he can still get to the Metaverse. We'll send him a message telling him to meet us there. We can try to get answers out of him. And if that fails, then we may have to use force." Kibō replied.
"I dunno about this. He's the Professor's friend, right? Would she really trust someone that's doing these sorts of awful things?" Natalia asked.
"I don't like to think of that, either. But the Professor named us her successors. People around the south side are fearful of this man, and what he might be capable of. If he's strayed from the right path, it's our responsibility to set it straight. We can't overlook this, no matter who might be behind it." Barbara asserted.
"I don't disagree with you. But how are we supposed to let him know without leaving ourselves exposed?" Kenji asked.
"We have that planned out. We'll send him a message. Big enough so others can see. We'll tell him our plans to end his campaign of intimidation, and where to find us. We even have the date set. October 31. Two days from today." Kibō explained.
"Halloween. What a day to do it." Max expressed.
"Exactly. What better day to let the crooked adults of the world know who they should be afraid of? The timing's just too perfect to pass up." Barbara said.
"Steel yourselves, everyone. This'll be our first proper mission as the Ashen Artisans. We're going to send our message loud and clear. No one in this city is beyond the reach of justice. No one." Kibō declared.
---
October 30, 2028
"The hell...Boss! Come look at this!" Kaido yelled out. It was afternoon at the docks.
"For God's sake, Kaido, I told you, those are starfish, not mermaid ti--huh?" Shūjo walked over. Kaido was pointing towards the side of one of their larger freighters. A message had been spray-painted onto it, in white writing.
"Shūjo Higashikata, it has come to our attention that through acts of intimidation and violence, you have stroked the flames of fear across the south side of Naruki City. As such, we have resolved to put an end to your wrathful ways. Neither you, nor any other corrupt adult, are above persecution for your misdeeds. Thus, on All Hallows' Eve, you shall be judged within the field of mankind's innermost thoughts. There, we will change your heart without fail. - The Ashen Artisans"
The message was accompanied by a large, stylized letter 'A'. 
"What the hell is this? Dammit all, I warned you about pissing off the wrong people. Karma always wins out in the end!" Kaido exclaimed.
"Thanks for the reminder, Buddha." Shūjo said, not tearing his eyes away from the message.
"I'm serious, man. This doesn't look like a prank. Someone's really got it out for you."
Shūjo said nothing for a few moments. "Gather everyone up and tell 'em to keep the mansion guarded. Not taking any chances."
"What are you gonna do?"
"I've got ideas. Now hop to it. And get someone to scrub this shit off!" Kaido ran off. "...field of mankind's thoughts. Calling me out for corruption. You've really got 'em sipping that Kool-aid, Red..."
---
October 31, 2028
Afternoon at the Higashikata Estate. "JoJo, for God's sake, just tell me what's going on!" Hiyoko pleaded.
"It's not safe here. We're going to the Metaverse. I have to take the defensive." Shūjo answered, pressing the Metaverse app.
"Defensive for what? You really think Rin's students are coming to get you? If they are, forgive me, but maybe you need the reality check."
"Well I ain't going without a fight. Not gonna get taken out by a bunch of runts that don't know how the world works."
"You know who you sound like right now? The gaggle of cretins that we risked our lives fighting with Rin. Are you just one of those bullies now?"
"Difference is I'm not trying to kill you. I don't have time to argue. We're leaving." He pressed a button, and the two were transported to the Metaverse. "Didn't think I'd have to use this..." He produced a card, the tarot representing The Hanged Man. 
"That's the card Rose gave you for times of crisis...what are you going to do?"
"Same thing I've always done. Keep you safe."
The card vanished, and Shūjo's eye turned yellow. The surrounding area began to transform.
"Alright, Team Red. Let's see what you're made of."
---
The group had gathered near the Higashikata mansion. "If we were back home, we'd probably be getting dressed for a party. Not confronting a potential gangster." Max said.
"Probably won't be seeing any trick-or-treaters around these parts. Look at how much security is here." Kenji said.
"Guess His Fishyness got the message. Probably won't be coming in through the front door." Kitty added.
Kibō got an alert on his phone. He checked the Metaverse app. He looked confused. "Huh?"
"What's wrong?" Barbara asked.
"There's a...Palace? And there are two human signatures inside it."
"Whose is it?"
"Let me see. The master's name is...oh." Kibō showed the name on the screen:
"COME AND GET ME"
"So much for a peaceful resolution." Carrie said.
"And so much for 'Persona-users can't have Palaces'." Sahir added.
"It's weird, though. How is he so in-control that he could send us this message?" Kibō questioned.
"Did he construct it himself? Is that even possible to do?" Carrie asked.
"One thing's certain. He's inviting us in. Wouldn't want to keep him waiting. Only one thing to do..." Kibō pressed the button, and the group teleported to the Palace.
Appearing in the same relative spot, the group saw that the mansion had been completely transformed. What was once an opulent estate was replaced with a menacing-looking building. Skull-and-crossbone imagery adorned the building. The muscular statues that once lined the pathways were now skeletal, and garbed in pirate's wear. Torchlights and flames illuminated the place.
"Yeah. That's more like Halloween." Max commented. 
"Hey, check it." Sahir said. "We've got our unis on. Guess whatever magic trick Ms. Rose pulled worked."
"Phew. And all perfect fits, too. My loss of slumber was worth it." Natalia said, relieved.
The group walked the main pathway to the building. Natalia looked nervously at the skeleton statues. "Hey, Hoodsie." Kitty crept up next to her, a mischievous grin on her face. "Did you know that everyone has a skeleton inside of them? Even you."
"I-I know that!" Natalia uttered.
"Ya know what that means, right? Once we're all dead and buried, we can be spoooooky!"
"S-stop it, I don't wanna be spooky!"
"Cut it out, Kitten!" Carrie ordered.
"Spoilsport." Kitty grumbled.
Kibō stopped when they reached the door. "Hey, what's the matter? That afraid of skeletons?" Sahir asked.
"This is too easy. He's so desperate that he'd hide away in the Metaverse, but he's going to just let us in through the front door? No resistance whatsoever?" Kibō responded.
"Hey, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Let's just go in there and--" Kitty began.
A sound. The sound of stone scraping against stone. The group looked towards the statues closest to the door. One of them stirred. Their eyes lit up. The two statues began to move, and jumped from their pedestals. 
"You just HAD to say something." Kenji griped.
"Percival!" Kibō called forth his Persona, which clashed blades with one of the statues. The second one raised its blade, but was struck in the head by a fireball. 
"That's what we in the footballing world like to call providing an assist!" Sahir proclaimed.
Kibō got the advantage over the skeleton, disarming it, then destroying its head. The group heard another noise, and turned to see every statue they had passed springing to life. "Um...anyone got an idea?" Max asked.
"Run inside, shut the door, and hope they're not allowed to break their master's headquarters?" Kitty said.
"As good a plan as any. Run." Kibō ordered. The students all ran inside, shutting the door behind them. They waited a few moments. No activity from the statues. "Guess you were right after all, Kitty."
The intercom came on. "Attention, brats. You've just entered my stronghold. Since you obviously have no idea how the real world works, that means I now have the right to defend myself. Think you can play the hero? Meet me in my office. I'll teach you a lesson Red never could. But I'm gonna make you work for it. You can start...by crawling your way out from the bottom."
The floor opened up beneath the group. They plummeted down an iron slide, coming to rest at the bottom. "Uggh...is everyone alright?" Barbara asked.
"Sahir, get your hands off my rear end." Carrie demanded.
"It was an accident." Sahir insisted.
"I said off!" She shoved him aside.
"Hang on...where's Kitty? And Nat?" Max asked.
Back at the entrance, Kitty and Natalia were on the floor. "Jeez...what was that?" Kitty asked. "Huh...didn't we just fall down that thing?"
"Ohhhh, goodbye cruel world! I--huh? Why aren't we falling?" Natalia asked.
"My best guess would be you teleporting us at the last second. Looks like the rest of the crew weren't so lucky. C'mon. I remember some of the layout from the last time I was here. We can try to find either the office or the way to the basement. Whichever comes first." The two proceeded onward.
In the basement, the group came across a long set of stairs. "That's...quite a ways up." Kenji said.
"What's the matter, Kenneth? Afraid of a few stairs?" Carrie asked.
"Nonsense. It's just walking. Lots...and lots...of walking."
"Well, since this man's apparently never heard of elevators, this looks like our only way out." Barbara said.
"Guess there's no use complaining about it. Time for some exercise." Kibō said.
After several minutes of walking, Sahir and Carrie were well ahead of the others, all showing signs of exhaustion. "Oh, c'mon, you guys cannot be this out-of-shape. These stairs aren't even that bad." Sahir said.
"Easy for the athlete to say." Max replied.
"I don't think...I've ever seen this many stairs in my life..." Barbara added.
"Is his...actual mansion like this? How does he even...use his basement..." Kibō groaned.
"This is heinous." Kenji grumbled. "Are all of the Professor's companions...complete psychopaths? This is the handiwork of a...vindictive madman..."
Suddenly, shadow particles began gathering at the top of the stair set the group was on. Another skeletal pirate spirit appeared. Several more appeared through the higher levels. "Looks like he wasn't joking about making us work for it." Carrie said.
"Ludicrous...bloody ludicrous..." Kenji complained.
Upstairs, Kitty and Natalia continued walking through the halls. "This place is like a maze. How does he not get lost?" Kitty asked.
"Maybe he uses a map?" Natalia replied.
"Hoodsie, if you need a map to walk through your own house, there's something very wrong there."
As they walked, a flame appeared suddenly before them. In the middle of the flame was a transparent image of Shūjo. "Gah! G-g-g-ghost!" Natalia yelled.
"It's not a ghost, Hoodsie. Looks like someone's a fan of Star Wars." Kitty assured.
"Having fun trotting through my mansion? Guess I can give Red credit. Y'all are persistent. Bet you haven't even stopped to think about how bad of an idea this is."
"Oh, we have. Well, I have at least. Several times. Not my fault you need an attitude adjustment." Kitty replied.
"That a fact? You know who I am, don't you? You forget who I'm friends with? Your Professor trusts me. What would she think if she knew her precious brats were attacking me in my own home? Or do you think she's wrong for trusting me?"
"People hardly ever show you who they really are. If Prof can't see you for the schoolyard bully you've turned into, then we've gotta make it obvious."
"You seriously don't get it."
"Then explain it. Please, enlighten us on how beating people up and intimidating them is A-OK. It'd save us a lot of time and energy."
"No. You punks need to learn this the hard way. About sticking your noses where they don't belong. There's a price to pay for playing the hero. If Red hasn't drilled that into ya, I will."
"S-stop being such a jerk! You're not helping yourself look better, y'know!" Natalia exclaimed.
"Feh. What's wrong, missy? So afraid of the scary eyepatch man that you've gone and pissed yourself?"
"Did I what?!" griped an offended Natalia. "Y-you've got a lot of nerve talking to me like that, you one-eyed monster!"
Both Kitty and Shūjo were caught by surprise. "What...what did you just call me...?" he uttered.
Kitty started blushing. "Um, Hoodsie? You know what that means, right?"
"It means he's a creep! A big, one-eyed creep!"
"Yeah, but...oh God. How do I even..."
Shūjo shook his head. "Know what, I'm done. Y'all can keep snooping around if you want. It's your funeral." The flame vanished.
"Well, you scared him off, Hoodsie. Color me impressed."
"Hehe, the big scary cyclops man can't handle some name-calling? Maybe I'm getting over the scaredy-cat thing after all!"
"Yeah...I'm sure that's it..."
The pair came across an ornate door. "This looks important and boss-like. Keep the escape plan ready, Hoodsie." Kitty carefully opened the door. It was an equally ornate bedroom, fit for a monarch. Sitting at the foot of the bed was Hiyoko.
"Hello." Hiyoko plainly said.
"You're...you're Ms. Hiyoko. We met once.". Kitty said.
"Ah, yes. You're the streamer girl with the silver tongue. I recognize your voice. So your class really has come for my husband. Did Rin send you?"
"No, ma'am. We came here ourselves. We're the Changing Hearts Club 2.0. Prof doesn't know we're here."
"Probably for the best. Frankly, I'm glad you all are the ones to come here."
"Y-you're glad? But...we're here for your husband..." Natalia questioned.
"I know that. He needs it. I can't get through to him anymore. Maybe you all can."
"Ms. Hiyoko...maybe you can fill us in. We know he's looking for info on your old man...Kagetora, was it? Why is he so desperate? You really that big on a family reunion?" Kitty asked.
"Heavens, no. I could live with never seeing my father as long as I live. No, it's my father's blood Shūjo is after."
"His...blood?"
"I've been sick for most of my life. Not lethally so, but enough to where day-to-day life becomes difficult. Fainting spells and general weakness are the norm. I've accepted this as my reality. But Shūjo...he believes he's found a cure. An experimental blood transfusion that would clear up most of what's wrong with me. But the only blood that would suffice is that of a parent. My mother is dead. Meaning the only possible source remaining has been on the run for twenty years."
"So the fear campaign, the interrogations...he's chasing a cure for you. Still, though...you must've told him to stop it. Why is he keeping it up?" Kitty asked.
"....."
"If it's that bad, you don't have to say anything..." Natalia assured.
"No, it's quite alright. You see...part of my affliction is that I'm unable to carry a child. It would be extremely dangerous for me to do so. But two years ago...I discovered that I was pregnant. I pleaded, begged the doctors, asking if there was a way for me to have this child. But it wasn't to be. And so...I had to terminate the pregnancy. The pain was unbearable. Emotionally, I was destroyed. I spent two months confined to my room. I hadn't even started coming out of the house until recently."
"Oh, God...I'm so sorry." Kitty said.
Natalia sat next to Hiyoko, and gave her a hug. "I know it's not a lot, but..."
"Ah, that's very sweet of you. Rin mentioned one of her flock being fond of hugs. As I said, I've accepted my reality. Shūjo...hasn't. I wasn't sure how it would affect him. He's not very fond of children, after all. But he's been more hellbent than ever on finding my father. He always tells me that he'll make everything okay, that I shouldn't have to suffer anymore. I think he blames himself for the pain I endured for those two years. But the only suffering I feel is thinking that he'll toss away his life in pursuit of this madness."
"You see his eyepatch, yes? One of his informants claimed to have information on my father's location. Said informant was going blind in one eye. So in exchange for his knowledge, Shūjo was to donate his eye. He did so without hesitation. But he never got the information. Soon after the surgery...the informant turned up dead."
"God...no info, and no eye. I don't even know what to say." Kitty uttered.
"Say that you and your friends will stop him. He's beyond desperate. Nothing I can say to him can change his mind. He needs to truly understand the consequences for his actions. My pain shouldn't be what drives him into darkness. He should be here, with me, working through this. He fails to understand that I must also take on his pain, as he has taken on mine."
"Come with us, then. Tell it to his face. We don't want to fight him if we don't have to. At least take us to his office." Kitty pleaded.
"I can do that much. But there may not be a way to avoid engaging him. Much as he denies it, he is a full-blooded yakuza. There is only one language a man like him understands."
---
The basement door opened. The group stood at the top of the stairs, the last skeleton having been destroyed. "I...I never...want to see another set of stairs...in my life..." Kibō said, panting.
"Perhaps this madman's worst crime is...neglecting to have an elevator installed..." Kenji added.
"Seriously, we need to get y'all into a gym, and soon. Just embarrassing yourselves!" Sahir retorted.
"Dude, we're not all athletes or marines, normal people can't handle that many stairs." Max replied.
Taking a moment to catch their breath, the group proceeded down the hallway. "Hey, Keeb." Barbara asked. "Do you think the Professor would be okay with us doing this? I mean, this is one of her friends."
"If she knew what we do, I think so. Whatever his reasons are, intimidating people isn't right. Just because you have that power doesn't mean you should use it. I think she would agree." Kibō asserted.
As they walked, they caught sight of Kitty, Natalia and Hiyoko. "There you jokers are. We were about to come down there and dig you out ourselves." Kitty said.
"Appreciate the thought." Max uttered.
"It wasn't...that bad. Just a few more of those skeleton guards." Barbara added.
"And OH MY GOD, SO MANY STAIRS." Kenji griped.
"Hang on. You're..." Kibō began, looking at Hiyoko.
"She's with us, don't worry. We're gonna try to talk down her hubby before it gets testy." Kitty said.
"I don't know if my words can get through to him. But I can certainly try." Hiyoko stated. "His office is around the corner. Come along."
Hiyoko escorted the group to a door around the corner. They entered. The room was adorned with traditional Japanese artifacts, along with a stone statue of a man fighting against a monstrous creature. Shūjo was standing with his back to the door, staring at a large portrait. It featured what looked to be an empress, sitting on her throne.
"JoJo...it's over. You have to understand that now." Hiyoko spoke.
Shūjo turned around. "You're with these brats? What'd they tell you?"
"Nothing. They're here to do what should have been done a long time ago. This path of violence you're on has to stop."
"I'm doing this for your sake."
"I know that! And that's why I can't stand it. You taking and delivering pain in my name. Am I supposed to feel good about that? Or how you steer clear of me so as to not hurt me? You know I won't become impregnated every time you touch me, yes? You think this is saving me from pain. I'm sorry, my love, but it's very much the opposite."
"....."
Kibō stepped forward. "You've convinced yourself that you're helping. I don't blame you for wanting to help the woman you love. But the path you're taking is bringing harm to others. Her included. And that can't continue."
"...you the leader of these punks?" Shūjo asked.
"Leader...? Um..." Kibō looked to the others.
"Dude, it's obvious." Max said.
"Well then. I suppose I am." Kibō said.
"Name." Shūjo said bluntly.
"Hm?"
"You're always supposed to ask for a fella's name before pummeling them into the dirt. C'mon, that's just common courtesy."
"You're still insistent on fighting?" Hiyoko asked.
"I'm not stopping my path just like that. These brats need to know there's consequences to butting into business they don't understand. They really serious about this? They need to prove it. And if their leader doesn't have to stones to follow through, they won't be going far. Name."
"Hmph. Fine. It's Ishimaru. Kibō Ishimaru."
Shūjo's expression changed to surprise. "Ishi...maru?" 
Hiyoko also bore a surprised look. "That name...is he...?"
Once deathly serious, Shūjo's expression broke, until he was consumed with laughter. He slapped his desk, and tried to hold back the laughter.
"This...this has gotta be a joke. You're...ahahahahahahaha...you're Kyohei Ishimaru's little bro? Oh my God, this is rich! You see this shit, Hiyoko? Kyohei Ishimaru's little bro is trying to teach me about morality! Ahahahahahahahaha!" 
"Let me give you pipsqueeks a history lesson. Just so you can understand who you've appointed your boss. This guy's big bro and his cronies spent a whole year making our lives hell. This bullying he's accusing me of? That was his bro's modus operandi. Wanna tell them what his bro did to you, Hiyoko? How they poisoned you, and sent you to the hospital for weeks?"
"....."
"This guy's clan...they're all the same. Lying, backstabbing, using people and trashing them when they're done being useful. That's who you kiddos are taking cues from."
"You're wrong. Keeb isn't like that at all." Barbara spoke up.
"My BS alarm would be going off if he was. And it ain't. His bro being a creep doesn't make Keebster one." Kitty added.
"Y'all say that now, but I'll bet coming here was his idea. Talked you all into following his lead. That's how it starts. From where I'm standing...it's like I'm staring at his bro all over again."
"I'm not my brother. You're the one on trial here, not me. Kyohei is Kyohei. And I'm me. I'm nothing like him."
"Oh yeah?" Shūjo's eye turned yellow. "Prove it."
A wall of fire erupted from behind Kibō, separating him from the others.
"Stop it, JoJo! What are you doing?!" Hiyoko protested.
"Saving y'all a lot of future grief. Attis!" A mummified spirit, covered in red gauze and limbs floating independently of the rest of the body, appeared behind Shūjo.
"You really shouldn't have come here, Ishi Jr. You've fucked with the wrong man."
Shūjo gestured, and his Persona launched a fireball towards Kibō. The young man leapt away. More fireballs came, as Kibō continued running. "Draw your Persona, kid. At least make it interesting." Shūjo griped.
"This doesn't have to be how it goes. What's the...gh!" He dodged another attacks. "Say you beat me, even kill me. You think the Professor's going to be fine with that?"
I'll tell her the truth. You came here looking for a fight. And I defended myself. Everything that happens is on you. Now quit scampering and fight me like a man!"
Kibō hid behind the desk. "Lemme tell ya about your brother, kid. He was a coward. Hid behind his cronies. Got them to do things he didn't have the balls to do himself. When we finally confronted him, he hid and cowered like the wimp he is. Least his buddies put up a fight. He just hid, pissing his pants in fear. My only regret, is never getting to lay my hands on his sorry ass. You really think you're different? Quit pussying out and fight!"
A pillar of flame erupted from beneath Kibō, who leapt out of the way. "This is going so bad...if he doesn't fight back...he might..." Barbara turned to Natalia. "Nats...I'm gonna need you to be brave again. It's that, or we lose Keeb. Okay?"
Natalia nodded.
"Fight me. Bring it out. Do it." Shūjo ordered.
"I'll say it again. I don't have a reason to fight you." Kibō retorted, now on his knees in exhaustion.
"Me shooting flames at you isnt enough? Stupid kid. You know what it really is? You're weak. You know you can't win. So you'll just run and hide, like your worthless brother. Difference is...this time, I won't miss on crushing you."
Another fireball was sent hurtling towards Kibō. As it was about to hit...
"Nimue!"
A woman made of water rose up in front of Kibō, taking and diffusing the flames.
"The hell?!" Shūjo uttered.
A hand reached out to Kibō. "Hey. Get up." Barbara said. Kibō took her hand, and got up.
"Tch. Typical. Gettin' someone else to do the fighting for ya." Shūjo said.
"Oh, shut up already! We're not going to let you push him around when he hasn't done anything wrong. That's what teammates do. You were part of a team with the Professor once. Or is everyone lying, and you did everything yourself? And don't give me any more of that 'you just don't get it' garbage. You're the one that doesn't get it! Your wife is begging you to stop this, telling you that you're just hurting her. But you're so bullheaded that you can't hear any of it. You really want to hurt him? You're going through me." Barbara dictated.
Shūjo growled. "Fine, then. More the merrier. Attis-gh!" He was brought to his knees. "The hell...everything's...heavi--" An invisible force brought him to the ground.
Hiyoko walked into view. "You're just shattering my heart more with every second, JoJo. I can handle you getting into fights, or being secretive. But..." She began shedding tears. "I can't handle seeing you attacking children. If you were to kill one of them...I could never forgive you for that. Or myself for being the reason for it. I can live with daily discomfort...I couldn't live with you killing someone for me."
Shūjo could hardly muster a word. "Hiyoko..."
"Not another word. No more objections. No more justifying your actions. I don't want that." She went over to him. She knelt down, and wrapped her arms around him. "This is all I want. I want you. The boy that saved me, and gave me a better life than I ever thought I could have. Not the violent thug you've been acting like. I love you. Please. Just...be with me."
Shūjo went silent for a moment. "I...I've been such a fool. I've spent all this time chasing miracles...I'm the one that doesn't get reality. Hiyoko...all this time I wanted to keep you safe. I've just been causing you more pain. You don't deserve an animal like me. I'm sorry. For all of it. The chasing...I'm done."
Hiyoko smiled through the tears. "That's all I wanted to hear, my love."
The pillars of flame dispersed. The Palace began to shake. "Time to go home, JoJo." Everyone was teleported out of the crumbling world.
---
"...hello?"
"Kaido."
"Boss! I was losing my mind over here! What the hell happened?"
"It's...complicated."
"Are you and the missus alright?"
"Yeah. In a sense. I'll explain tomorrow. But I need something taken care of. All the guys I got looking into the old man. Call them back."
"Call them back? Boss, are you..."
"I'm calling it off. I'm done. I've been sitting here thinking over it all. You were right after all, man. I wasted so much time on this. I need to be with Hiyoko now. Just...cut it off."
"I see...I'll get on it. I'm glad it's a decision you came to yourself, Boss. Just focus on what's important. I can handle things here for a while. I'm sure Hiyoko will be happy to have you back."
"Yeah, yeah. Just make sure everyone gets my orders."
"Will do. Have a good rest of the night, Boss. Give my regards to the missus."
Shūjo hung up. "It's done."
"I know it's hard to just stop after so long. But you'll be happier for it." Hiyoko replied.
"The important thing is that you're happy. That part hasn't changed."
Hiyoko turned to the students. "Thank you all. Because of you, I have my husband again. Rin has taught you all well."
"She's right. Stopping me without lifting a finger against me...that's textbook Red. That ain't cowardice. That's standing by your morals." Shūjo said. "Hey, Ishi--er, Kibō, was it?"
"Yes?"
"I've...reconsidered my opinion. Your troupe clearly trusts you. I don't have the nicest memories of your bro. Sorry I let that get in the way. But you said it yourself, you're the boss. You'd best remember whose example they're following."
"I'll keep that in mind. You'd better keep your promise to stop the intimidation."
"I'm wiping my hands clean. Calling off my guys, all of it. Just a regular fishing captain now. Promise."
"And if he doesn't keep his promise, I'll make sure he regrets it." Hiyoko added.
"Could you not be smiling when you say that...? Anywho, you kids head on home. Don't want Red complaining to me about y'all being sleepy."
The group left for home. "Heh. 'Ashen Artisans'. What a bunch Red has. Y'know, how come we never got matching uniforms?"
"Don't ask me. Rin was the one making the executive decisions."
"Guess it's too late to file a formal complaint, huh?"
"Probably. Although I myself would like to file one."
"Oh yeah? What for?"
"The fact that you're not hugging me right now."
"Oh? Let me fix that, then."
They embraced. "Are you in any pain?" he asked.
"No. Of course not."
"Good. That's all I care about."