Chapter 9
Cathy woke up several times over the course of the night, but couldn’t get up. There was always a weight on her stomach holding her down (she could probably move it, but something in the back of her mind told her not to) until she finally fell back to sleep or simply laid there.
When she woke up that morning, the weight was still there. Through the light flickering through the curtains, Cathy could finally make out what it was.
Morgana.
The cat was curled up on her stomach, he seemed to be asleep. His ear twitched every so often and after a moment he brought his head up to look at Cathy.
“Good morning!” Morgana greeted with a yawn.
“Morning…” Cathy repeated, moving to sit up.
Morgana hopped off to sit at the foot of the bed. He watched as Cathy climbed to her feet and made her way over to her desk.
“So, what’s the plan for today? I know that we had plans to go into the palace.” Morgana asked as Cathy began to put items into her bag for the day.
Cathy frowned as she grabbed her notebook. She could have gotten so much writing done last night, and yet Morgana forced her to sleep… Cathy felt a bit of anger rise up in her chest. She took a deep breath and grabbed her fidget cube from the desk. She wasn’t going to lash out Morgana, no matter how much she wanted to.
“I think we should go ask Takemi about that drug before we meet up with the others.” Cathy told Morgana after a moment.
The cat nodded happily, beaming. “Great idea! We’ll have the time so we might as well!”
Cathy and Morgana headed down the stairs, Cathy continuing to click at the fidget cube. They were met by Catalina, putting food onto the plates.
“Buenos días! The both of you.” Catalina said, glancing down to the cat.
“Good morning, Catalina.” Cathy greeted back, making her way over to the coffee pot. Morgana hopped up onto one of the chairs.
“The cat isn’t allowed at the table.” Catalina said simply, not even turning around. Morgana had tried the same thing last night.
Morgana growled but hopped off the chair to the floor. He paced around their legs, both irritated and waiting for food.
“Do we have anything for Morgana?” Cathy asked, pouring the remaining coffee not in her mug into her large blue thermos for later.
“Well, I figured our new little friend would appreciate some fish.” Catalina said, already having grabbed the plate holding said meal.
Morgana perked up and his eyes glinted with joy. “All is forgiven!”
The second the plate was on the floor, the cat started digging in greedily. Catalina watched with a small laugh and Cathy was also amused by the sight.
“Now, come sit down, I made us some breakfast.” Catalina said, taking her seat.
Cathy sat down too, taking a sip from her coffee as she did. The breakfast was filled with both chatter and quiet. Catalina could practically sense when Cathy wanted quiet and definitely indulged that. She didn’t force Cathy into conversations either, asking small questions or simply letting Cathy start the conversation.
“Do you have any plans for the day?” Catalina asked as her and Cathy gathered up the plates and silverware.
“Mhm. I’m going to hang out with Anne and Anna.”
“Anna Cleves?” Catalina asked, eyebrow raised with amusement. “You’re forming quite the group.”
“Kat sometimes joins us, but she isn’t going to today.”
“Katherine Howard?” At Cathy’s nod, Catalina hummed. “The only other queen you haven’t befriended is Jane Seymour, then.”
Cathy perked up. If all of the other queens were reincarnated, then maybe this was a good chance to find out about her ‘sister-in-law.’ “She goes to our school too, right?”
“That’s right.” Catalina said, nodding her head. A frown was on her lips. “Poor Jane always seems so overworked. Between schoolwork and her… private life… I can’t say I’m very surprised.”
“Private life?” Cathy asked and she heard Morgana mumble the same question.
“It isn’t anything bad. It’s rather good in fact.” Catalina said. “I only know from rumors and the like. But I’m not going to tell you, it is her private life after all.” Catalina chuckled, glancing back to Cathy from where she was putting Morgana’s plate into the sink. “And if you keep befriending other queens, then maybe you’ll simply find out by yourself.”
Cathy tilted her head. She definitely wanted to ask more questions, but knew she wouldn’t get an answer. “Maybe I will… who knows.”
“Now, why don’t you go meet up with Boleyn and Anna. I’ll be here if you need me.”
“Will you be alright… by yourself?”
“I’ll be fine, Cathy. I have some work to finish anyways.” Catalina said simply.
Cathy watched Catalina for another moment. The older teen looked so tired… so lonely… But Cathy could tell Catalina wouldn’t move on this. And the group planned to go into the palace today meaning she couldn’t bring Catalina. So Cathy was forced to let it rest.
“Alright.” Cathy finally agreed. “But when we get the opportunity, we should spend time together. Watch a movie or something.”
Catalina perked up and a small smile appeared on her lips. “That sounds wonderful, Cathy.”
“Then it’s a plan.”
When Cathy walked back downstairs with Morgana in her bag, Catalina didn’t seem very surprised. (“Just don’t get caught…”)
~~||~~||~~
When Cathy walked into the clinic, Takemi looked up from behind the counter with interest. “Well, I didn’t expect to see you again for a while… something wrong? Your medicine, perhaps a cold?”
Well, no going back now.
“I heard you talking about that medicine.” Cathy said with complete seriousness.
Takemi noticeably straightened at that. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Head into my office.”
Cathy paused for a moment before obeying and going through the door. She sat on the stool, placing her bag on the floor.
“Are we sure this is a good idea?” Morgana hissed.
“That medicine would help us greatly.” Cathy replied simply.
A few seconds later, Takemi entered the room. And then, she blocked off Cathy’s escape route by locking the door that led to the waiting room. Cathy straightened but didn't flinch at the sight.
“Alright kid, answer me this.” Takemi began, keeping a close eye on Cathy as she leaned back against the locked door. “What conversation did you eavesdrop on to get that information?”
Cathy fixed her gaze on the door handle. “The one right after I left the room yesterday. With that man. He wasn’t exactly being quiet.”
Takemi snorted and shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll give you a point for that. He wasn’t exactly being discreet about his warnings, hmm? But honestly, I had a feeling you overheard…”
“That obvious?” Cathy asked simply, tilting her head slightly.
“You called that hiding?” Takemi gave her a smirk. Cathy winced a little bit, but easily hid it. She would have to do better if she wanted to pull off their heist with Mannox. It wouldn’t be good if they were found out in reality.
“I was going to dispose of that medicine anyways… I got a little too carried away…” Takemi admitted with a sigh. Her gaze then became cold again, but there was a lace of curiosity. “Here’s an interesting question… Why would a high schooler be so interested in that medication?”
Cathy didn’t even hesitate for her answer. “I want it to help with my exams.”
Takemi actually seemed to relax a bit at that. “For exams, huh? You want to improve concentration and reduce fatigue?” Takemi let out another small chuckle. “Sorry kid, but it isn’t the best idea… I already mentioned how you look like you could use more sleep.”
What is it with people and her sleeping habits? Cathy believed that she was doing perfectly fine. Her grip on her shirt sleeve tightened a bit.
“But if that’s what you want to do…”
Cathy blinked in surprise, glancing up to Takemi. But then, the doctor unlocked the door and stepped to the side.
“Good luck with that. Have a nice day.” Takemi said simply.
Cathy felt frustration at herself well up. She clenched her arm a little tighter.
That medicine would have helped the team. It would have helped them stop Mannox. But Cathy couldn’t find a good enough reason and blew it.
Dammit! Fucking Dammit!
“I have zero obligation to help you with your studies. Can’t you just grab an energy drink on your way home?” Takemi continued, pulling Cathy slightly out of her spiral.
“Doctor… that medicine would help me a lot…” Cathy tried.
“You’re annoying, you know that?” Takemi raised a brow. Cathy felt her body physically flinch at that statement. “That medicine costs almost as much as a car does. Do you think a high school can buy it that easily? Now, unless you need your ASD medication or have a serious medical emergency, I would suggest leaving my clinic until either of those needs arises.”
But then, Cathy suddenly had an idea. “What if I worked for you?”
Takemi paused, glancing at Cathy. For a moment it was quiet. Then the doctor spoke, mumbling to herself. “I have been looking for someone her age to help… the ad didn’t work… and even with how tired she looks, maybe she could still be useful…”
Then, Takemi raised her voice fully, looking back to Cathy. “I suppose we could make a deal… would you be willing to work for me?”
Cathy perked up. It worked! “Absolutely.”
“Alright, then you’ll be participating in clinical trials for my medicine.”
And suddenly, Cathy wanted to backtrack. But she already agreed… and her friends needed the medicine for the palace…
While Cathy had been thinking, Takemi had vanished to the back for a moment. Then, she reappeared with a colored liquid in a plastic cup. “Here you go. Worried about what can happen, huh? Well, an autopsy would easily tell me what killed you.”
Cathy stared wide eyed at Takemi for a moment. The doctor smirked back at her. “The exit’s right there if you want out.”
Cathy took the cup with ease after her moment of shock passed. “I already agreed, didn’t I?” And then, before Takemi could reply, Cathy downed the medicine.
Takemi gaped for a moment. “You actually…?”
Cathy huffed at the taste. It was rather bitter, but Cathy had honestly tasted worse medication. It pricked at her tongue and for a moment, Cathy thought she would overload, but somehow she didn’t.
“You’re still doing okay as well…” Takemi nodded, a little impressed. “Not bad for a sleep deprived teenager, I suppose.”
And as if Takemi jinxed the universe, Cathy suddenly felt a spell of dizziness. Her vision spun and the cup dropped from her hand. She felt her body slump forward, quickly caught by the arms by a pair of hands.
When Cathy woke up again, she was on the examination bed that had been against the wall of the room. Takemi had spun in her chair upon hearing Cathy stir and the doctor was now watching her carefully.
Cathy carefully sat on the edge of the bed. At least now she didn’t feel like passing out again.
“Good afternoon!” Takemi greeted, writing something on her clipboard.
“How long have I been out?” Cathy asked, still blinking the last bit of both dizziness and sleepiness out of her gaze.
“Not too long, maybe half an hour. It’s about twelve now.” After answering Cathy, Takemi launches into her own questions. “Now, do you remember anything from when you took the medicine until now?”
Cathy pondered for a moment before shaking her head.
Takemi nodded, as if expecting it. “You did wake up, but you were dazed.” Takemi then took on a scolding look. “Are you out of your mind, kid? Only an idiot would drink something like that from a stranger!”
Cathy shrunk slightly. The tone and the word ‘idiot’ felt too damn familiar. “I already told you, it’s for my exams.”
Takemi watched her for a moment before simply nodding and moving on. “Alright then, I’ll honor my side of the deal. Oh and by the way, what happens here is to remain here. You’re prohibited from disclosing it.”
Cathy nodded. Sounded illegal, but understandable. She wasn’t going to question the gift horse she had just been delivered.
“Good! I have some paperwork for you. Help me test my medicines and I’ll continue to sell you what you need for a good price.” Then, Takemi pulled another clipboard out with some papers.
“So, what’s the name of my new little guinea pig?”
“Catherine Parr.”
~~||~~||~~
After leaving the clinic, Cathy made her way straight to the school. She needed to meet up with the other queens so their infiltration could begin. The medicine’s effects had long since faded and Cathy felt ready, with some of the newly acquired medicine in her bag. Apparently, Morgana had practically freaked out (“I did not freak out! I wasn’t worried at all!” He insisted) when Cathy passed out, but luckily, he didn’t leave the bag.
Cathy perked up upon noticing Anna already there, the red teen giving her a wave.
“Schönen Tag, Cathy!” Anna greeted.
“Good afternoon, Anna.” Cathy greeted back. She spared the girl a small glance from where she had been looking at her fidget cube.
Morgana’s head popped out of Cathy’s bag behind her shoulder and he brought his front paws to rest on Cathy’s shoulder, effectively creating a perch as he looked to Anna. “Anna, are you ready for the palace?”
“For sure, Kleiner Dieb!” Anna responded eagerly.
At the curious tilt of Morgana’s head, Anna laughed. “It means little thief.”
Morgana actually puffed up pridefully upon hearing that. But before he could respond, running drew their attention. Anne was rushing towards them.
She stopped in front of them, trying to catch her breath. “Pardon! Pardon! Suis-je en retard?”
Anna was gently taking the girl by her shoulders and guiding her to sit on the bench. “Woah, just breathe, Anne.”
“Are you alright?” Cathy asked quickly, making her way over to her friend’s sides. Morgana also looked concerned as he hopped from Cathy’s shoulders to the bench next to Anne.
“Fine, fine.” Anne responded after a deep breath. “Am I late?”
“Right on time, Verrücktes Mädchen.” Anna answered easily, still keeping one hand on the girl’s shoulder.
“Good.” Anne nodded happily to herself. “I lost pretty much everything I needed to bring! I had to search, that took me awhile and it was already almost time to leave! So I thought I would be late!”
“Hey, you made it on time!” Morgana comforted.
Cathy also jumped in. “And we’ll never be mad if you’re late either.” Anna and Morgana both nodded with that statement.
“Thanks guys.” Anne said simply. She absolutely meant it, and more. “So, Palace time? I want to make Mannox regret that he ever touched Chaton.”
“Agreed.” Anna growled, popping her knuckles.
“Of course! Cathy?” Morgana looked to the blue queen.
“Here’s everyone’s new weapons. Anna and I will have to put ours together.” Cathy said, placing her bag on the ground and beginning to pull out all of their weapon and weapon parts.
It didn’t take too long to put the weapons together. After that, it was simply handing out supplies and getting ready.
Morgana looked around a little anxiously as they did everything. “We really need to find a better meeting point.”
“Merde! We could have been doing this in the Palace!” Anne realized. Anna and Cathy blinked before the former groaned.
“We’ll just have to remember for next time.” Cathy told them before turning to Anna. “You should have the Navigator on your phone now. Would you like to test it out?”
Anna perked up as she pulled out her phone. “I noticed it last night! So it’s a navigation app?”
“Yep! It’s what allows us to go to the Metaverse, that other world.” Anne answered, fiddling with her model dagger.
Anna easily opened it as the group gathered around. From there, they simply entered the codewords before the world shifted and changed.
Just like that, they were in their thief outfits staring at red sky and a music hall.
“Alright! Let’s steal his treasure and knock him down a peg!” Ghost smirked, stretching.
“So we’re stealing his treasure then…” Anna muttered, looking the music hall over.
“Yes, we manage that and he’ll confess to everything.” Survivor nodded. “But… there is a chance of his death. Are you sure you want in?”
Anna’s eyes narrowed and the grip on her axe’s handle tightened. “I’m willing to take that chance. He’s hurt people and we need to stop him. I’m doing this for Kätzchen… and nothing you say will get me to back out now.”
Ghost smirked, making her way to stand by Anna. “Beau discours! We’re going to make that bastard pay…”
Ghost and Anna sent each other determined and malicious grins before looking back to Mona and Survivor.
“Now then, what should Anna’s codename be…?” Mona mumbled. One paw went to his chin as he looked to Anna.
“Ah, that’s right. We need to give you a codename.” Survivor realized, looking Anna’s outfit over.
“Oh, you were all calling each other by nicknames before, right?” Anna remembered, crossing her arms.
“Codenames!” Mona insisted. He cleared his throat, regaining composure. “I’m Mona. Those two are Survivor and Ghost.”
Anna chuckled, glancing at the duo. “Ironic names, you two.”
“Yeah? They sound great though!” Ghost chirped. “Now, for your codename…”
It was actually Anna who spoke. “I like the sound of Bogenschütze, after Artemis.”
The other three stared blankly for a moment.
Mona cleared his throat. “Yes, well… it’s a bit long, and we need something to easily call out in battle…”
Anna looked a little sheepish. “I guess that’s right, sorry. And I’m not even an archer anyways…”
“Hunter?” Ghost offered eagerly.
“Ich mag das… but I think we could do better…” Anna said carefully. She was also thinking about it.
“What about Hound?”
Everyone glanced to Survivor. She continued. “Like a hunting dog. You’re hunting down evil. You’re also very protective of us, like a guard dog I suppose you could say.”
“You really do come up with good nicknames!” Ghost nodded, looking happy with Anna’s possible codename.
“I like it!” Mona agreed before looking to Anna. “Well? Does that sound good to you?”
Anna regarded Survivor for a moment before her face split with a wide grin.
“Queens and thieves, you can call me Hound!”
~~||~~||~~
From there, they made their way up fully to the Palace, only for Survivor to freeze.
For off to the right stood a familiar figure. It was one of the twins, Justine. She stood in front of a glowing blue door.
Upon noticing the stare, Justine simply stared right back. “My master would like to speak with you.” She explained in her familiar calm voice.
Survivor gave a glance to the others, who had begun talking a little bit away. Carefully, she made her way over, nodded to Justine, and entered the room.
Familiar blue color, cells, and prison uniform. Cathy was back in the Velvet Room.
Caroline was now present as well. “The prisoner Catherine Parr has arrived!”
Igor sat at his familiar table, looking very pleased with Cathy. “Well done! It seems you remembered my words. It truly is worth rehabilitating you.”
Cathy stared at Igor. “You know… I never asked for this.”
“No, you did not. But fate decreed it.” Igor chuckled. “The essence of your rehabilitation will be explained in time. Once you encounter friends sharing your aesthetic and when you discover your place in reality. Only then, shall all be explained. That day should not be far off.”
Cathy slowly nodded. Yes, Igor was still keeping that information hidden. But at least he told her that eventually it will be explained.
Igor called back her attention. “Now, I summoned you as I wished to introduce you to our aid. Due to your potential of wielding the power of the wild card, you can summon more than one persona.”
Cathy perked up. There’s a name for it! “Wild card…”
“Such a power has infinite possibilities. As such, we will assist in nurturing that power. For this, we must execute your Personas.”
Cathy froze. Execute?
Igor noticed the panicked look. “Now, do not be alarmed. Personas are personalities within you. As such, old personalities will be discarded for rebirth as now ones.”
A guillotine appeared with the snap of Igor’s fingers. “Now then, who would you like to fuse?”
Cathy refused to lose Athena to this. She hesitated as she spoke. “Pixie and Bicorn.”
Igor nodded his head. And then, in a flash, Bicorn and Pixie appeared. Both gave Cathy their farewells, and then their heads were swiftly covered as they were placed in the guillotines.
Was this what Anne and Kat’s executions looked like? No… they weren’t beheaded by guillotine. But still, that sight made Cathy stumble, grabbing onto the bars for support.
Then, the two persona’s energy reformed to make one persona. A green creature that introduced itself as Slime.
Igor nodded his head as he spoke again. “A stronger persona has been born from the body and blood of the old. This is your new strength.”
“This power’s worth will be made clearer when you return to battle.” Justine directed Cathy.
Igor’s grin almost seemed to become wider. “Gather a great many Personas, execute them, and continue to give birth to even stronger Personas. Developing these powers as such will play an integral role in your stand against ruin.”
“We have a variety of execution rituals to choose so that your rehabilitation goes well.” Justine spoke again.
“And depending on your effort, perhaps our master will create even more rituals!” Caroline snapped. “Cry tears of joy, Inmate!”
Cathy watched the three of them. These executions didn’t seem to hurt the Personas… as long as they weren’t hurt, Cathy could agree to the terms. “Thank you, all of you.”
The twins actually seemed a little surprised that they were being thanked as well. But Igor was the one who spoke. “Your heart is gaining the strength of rebellion. A sure sign that rehabilitation is proceeding smoothly. In regards to this, I have prepared a gift. I do hope you accept it.”
For a moment Cathy’s head ached, but it passed quickly.
“It is called the Third Eye. It is a thief’s skill, allowing one to tap into their sixth sense and see what is hidden in the dark.” With one last chuckle, Igor finished their conversation. “I believe you can handle it. Continue devoting yourself to further rehabilitation.”
“Now then, if you have requests, we will heed them.” Justine told Cathy.
“If not, then you can head on back!” Caroline practically ordered.
Cathy didn’t have further requests.
Upon exiting the room, Survivor first noticed the other three thieves. They had gathered around her and looked worried.
“Are you alright, Survivor?” Mona asked her.
“Yes…” Survivor responded, a little confused. Had she not been in the Velvet Room?
“You were just standing there, Bücherwurm…” Hound explained carefully.
“It was for a few seconds but it looked like you were completely somewhere else.” Ghost also explained concern in her gaze.
Survivor paused for a moment, perhaps it was finally time to explain the Velvet Room.
“I think… there’s something we should talk about.” Survivor said carefully.
It took several minutes to explain. Survivor tried to explain as much as she could to the others.
“This Igor is the one who gave you all the app…?” Mona muttered, deep in thought.
“And that Velvet Room helps you with your multiple Personas?” Hound asked, intrigued.
Survivor tilted her head. “Yes, I suppose it could be seen that way.”
Mona frowned, tail moving as he thought. “Are you sure we can trust this Velvet Room? I mean, they gave you all access to this world and are capable of fusing Personas! That’s not normal!”
“But they’re good, helpful things, yeah?” Ghost pointed out.
“They haven’t done anything to hurt me yet. They seem strange but they’ve been helpful.” Survivor told the entire group.
“I vote!” Ghost said, drawing everyone’s gazes to her. “That we don’t look this gift horse in the mouth!”
“She’s right. Besides… I doubt I could get out of it if I wanted to.” Survivor said. She glanced back at the Velvet door and noticed the twins, both present now, still standing guard outside the Velvet Room. Both stared right back at her. Survivor grimaced and looked back to others, a little uncomfortable by the constant stare.
Mona watched the group for a moment. “Alright, fine. Why don’t we stop talking and head in before shadows find us?”
“Let’s steal his desires!”
~~||~~||~~
From there, they began infiltration again. Looking over a map they had found, the group realized they had overlooked a library back in the residential area. So that was their goal for the day.
So they went down the hallways. Taking out about a few shadows as they went.
Eventually, they came across something unfamiliar. It was a large door hiding where the hall once was. In front of the door was a guard.
“That wasn’t here before…” Survivor whispered to herself.
“It looks like Mannox is closing off his heart more… perhaps it’s because all of you found out.” Mona nodded to himself, seemingly pleased by the theory.
“Do we need a key for the door?” Ghost asked as her gaze flickered to the guard and around the hallway.
“That guard should have it, we just need to take him out!” Mona explained.
“Let’s do it!” Hound whisper shouted.
That was the only motivation Survivor needed to race around the corner and up to the shadow. It was caught off guard and that split second allowed Survivor to vault up it’s shoulders and rip the mask away from its face.
Revealed was the jack-o-lantern shadow. It’s red eyes stared back at them with anger. The flame in it’s lantern seemed to glow brighter.
“You won't get past me!” The Jack-o-lantern cried.
Survivor immediately tried to hit the shadow with her bo-staff while she was close to it, but the jack-o-lantern simply laughed as it dodged her attack. And then, it returned one of its own.
The burst of fire raced past the thieves and they all quickly leapt to the side. The flames hit Ghost, but Mona was quickly casting dia to heal her.
“Hound, try your magic!” Survivor was calling out.
Hound nodded and was quickly casting bufu mere seconds after Survivor gave the order. The jack-o-lantern was sent to the ground with a shriek. Then, the four thieves all gathered around, guns raised.
Upon seeing the guns, the shadow yelped. “Hey, Wait! It’s not a good idea to shoot those things this recklessly, ho!”
“Ho?” Survivor mumbled to herself before turning her attention back to the shadow. “I want you to lend me your power.”
The shadow looked intrigued, but a little wary. “Be-hee-fore that! Let’s enjoy a chat, ho!”
Survivor nodded. They had all wanted to talk beforehand, supposedly to see if they could connect with her. But that was simply a theory. “I don’t see why not.”
The shadow perked up, the flame in the lantern becoming brighter. “Hee-ho, hee-ho! You’re a nice thief lady, ho!” Then, the shadow seemed to ponder something. “What do you want from me, ho? He-ohh! I know!” The shadow looked very eager. “You came from some other company to scout me-hee out! I completely get it now!”
Survivor nodded. Just like before, she needed to please the shadows. “You’re right. That’s exactly why I’m here.”
“Ho, I knew it! You must be a fan, ho! Hey wait a sec…” Memories seemed to hit the jack-o-lantern. “I remember… I’m not a shadow here, ho… I live in the sea of the hee-human heart! I’m Pyro Jack, ho! And I am you, and you’re me!”
With that, Pyro Jack burst into a brilliant blue before merging with Survivor mask.
“So that’s what it looks like…” Hound said with interest. “They just go into your mask?”
“Pretty cool though, right?!” Ghost said before the others could speak.
“And now, Survivor can summon that Pyro Jack as a Persona!” Mona also explained, eyes glimmering with pride.
“Do you feel them like you do your original persona?” Hound asked with interest. Every single persona user could feel their persona resting on or showing emotions in their heart.
“I do.” Survivor tilted her head. “It’s rather loud… but they try to quiet down a bit when they start to overwhelm me. Athena keeps them under control.”
It was true. Whenever multiple Personas would push her more towards an overload with the sheer emotions they sent her way, Athena would be the one to quiet them down. It had actually started to happen for a moment both on her way to meet the others and also when they saw the shrine.
Survivor was very grateful to her other self, her first persona who was ingrained into her very soul.
“Let’s keep moving everyone.” Ghost directed after a moment. Ghost was the one who stepped up to the door and swung it open.
Where there was once a hallway, not hidden by a door, there was now a large, round room. In the middle were different squares labeled with the types of instruments. Percussion, string, etc. A large door was across the room, locked tight.
Survivor blinked, tilting her head. “Well, this is new.”
“You didn’t think a palace ruler would leave their heart open, did you?” Mona asked, looking over the puzzle.
“So they have ways of blocking off their hearts.” Survivor noted.
“And we just solve it to get through, right?” Hound asked. “This one looks like we just find the instruments and organize them.”
“Then let’s do it!” Ghost chirped as the group backtracked.
As they went, Survivor began testing out her third eye. It was very interesting. She could see treasures, footprints left by guards, and more that was once invisible to her. The footprints were what led them to the instruments.
They soon found two of the instruments in a room. But they were protected by a shadow. Survivor didn't even hesitate as she leapt forward and ripped the mask off. The guard split and became a Pixie and a Bicorn.
The Pixie was quickly gunned down by Survivor and Hound, destroying it. Mona was leaping over the Bicorn, distracting it as a blast of shadows from Ghost sent the beast to the floor, allowing the group to surround it.
After several long moments of talking, the Bicorn faded into her mask with a blue flash.
Interesting… so she could recruit another shadow of the same type if she needed to…
Survivor would have to keep that in mind. But it was pushed to the back as she helped the group gather up the two instruments the shadows had been guarding.
After that, they soon found the remaining two instruments they needed. The organizing was easy compared to the searching and fighting.
“Alright, Queens!”
“That was actually pretty fun!”
“A music teacher with music themed puzzles… I’m not very surprised.”
“Nice job you three! Gah— Wait, we need to be quiet!”
On their way to the library, they ran into a few more shadows. The battles were rather easy, the thieves getting into a steady rhythm. Survivor even managed to recruit two more Personas. One was the small red demon they had seen before by the name of Incubus (Cathy made a silent agreement with herself to fuse him as soon as possible), along with a small plant-like shadow by the name of Mandrake.
But eventually, they reached the book filled room.
Survivor actually looked very eager to read some of the books. So she grabbed on off the shelf. She flicked through the pages only to immediately put it back.
“What’s up, Bücherwurm?” Hound asked, noticing what happened.
Survivor stared at the book she put back. “They’re all on our classmates… Information. Bad information.”
Three pairs of eyes flashed with understanding.
“Well come help us over here, we found another puzzle.” Mona told Survivor.
Sure enough, there were a bunch of music sheets strewn out on the table and three different slots in a blank wall. Each slot had a different instrument’s picture over it.
“So these sheets go in the slots, yes? They’re out in the open like this and I can’t see any students being paired with instruments…” Survivor asked, mostly to herself. “Then we just need to figure out which ones go in…”
“Or maybe sort them?” Ghost suggested.
“But in what way?” Mona asked, arms crossed in concentration.
“Well, the slots have pictures of instruments…” Hound pointed out.
“So we definitely sort them by instrument somehow…”
This continued for a while, the group trying to figure out what to do with the sheets. Eventually, three of the four thieves backed away from it.
“I don’t know much about music sheets…” Survivor admitted, her hand grasping at her arm in frustration.
“I’ve never had to deal with music sheets before.” Mona also spoke up. His voice trailed into a mumble. “I don’t think I ever knew I would need that kind of knowledge…”
“Same here… Kat’s the musician, not me.” Hound leaned against her axe with a frown on her face.
While the group talked, Ghost was looking over the sheets. She looked them over several times before mumbling to herself as she began to move them around again.
Mona sighed. “We’ll probably have to skip this one. It was a good try.”
“And I thought you out of all of us would want to solve it.” Hound spoke up, looking to the small thief.
“I do!” Mona puffed up slightly. “But we can’t figure out how to solve it just yet! Maybe we need something outside of this room instead of the sheets!”
Survivor hummed. “We never did confirm that… we can try to come back another time.” Survivor then looked to the library door. “We should probably go. A shadow might arrive any minute.”
The other two nodded.
Just then, there was a loud scraping noise. The three thieves spun around to see the music sheets organized into the three different slots. A secret door in the wall had slid down to reveal stairs. Ghost stood next to that opening, looking very proud of herself as she looked to the others.
The three stared back at the friend in surprise.
“Wh— Verrücktes Mädchen? How did you?”
“Ghost solved it?!”
Ghost seemed the shrink in on herself a little. She glared at the others defensively. “What, did you guys think I was some idiot?”
Oh.
“We didn’t think that at all.” Hound said with certainty.
“It’s just…” Mona still looked a little in shock. “None of us could figure the order out… so how?”
Ghost blinked, defenses fading away. She actually seemed a bit taken aback. She opened her mouth to speak, but it seemed no words would come out.
“Ghost, you’re far from an idiot. The farthest from it in fact.” Survivor told the girl immediately. “We know you are far smarter than it seems people give you credit for. You may just be the smartest person here.
Survivor knew that Ghost’s defensive nature came from past experiences, maybe from the rumors, maybe from something else. Survivor also knew for a fact that Ghost was very intelligent. Even if Ghost said that she had bad grades.
Ghost flushed bright red at the praise. “The answer was to organize them by how the song went… Y’know… one formed a song, another formed a song, on and on. But you put them in the slots based on the instrument you played it with. Like this one so played with the lute, a much older instrument, and this one is played with the drums. You just matched with that. I got really interested in music at one point..”
Survivor chuckled. Hearing it, the answer seemed fairly simple now. Survivor supposed they had been overthinking it.
“You did wonderfully, Ghost.” Survivor praised, stepping over to stand next to Ghost at the steps. “You’re one of the smartest people we know. Keep that in mind, yes? Now, let’s see what Mannox was keeping hidden away.”
All of them followed Survivor down, giving Ghost encouraging smiles as they went. Ghost had a little more energy to her step that perked the others up with happiness as well.
Once down the steps all of them froze. That happy energy faded in seconds.
In front of them was a shrine. A shrine dedicated to one Katherine Howard.
Pictures were strewn about the walls. All surrounding one large portrait of a smiling Kat. Some of the pictures were even nude. Bookshelves with a few books, all titled after the teen (and even her past life self) were around the room. A small table sat in the corner with a new map and another stack of books.
That energy Ghost had faded away. Survivor stared almost blankly. Hound’s face twisted into a scowl. Mona stared for a moment before sighing and shaking his head sadly.
“I should have known we would see something like this…” Mona whispered.
For a long moment, everyone stared quietly.
“Head back to the safe room.” Survivor finally directed, grabbing the map off the nearby table. She refused to look at this any longer.
Mona and Hound left the room, just as eager to get out. Rage was still in their eyes and posture as they made their way back up the stairs.
Survivor glanced over to Ghost, who stood still in the middle of the room.
Ghost was trembling with fury, fists clenched white and gaze locked onto the giant picture.
Survivor carefully stepped over to her. She placed a hand on Ghost’s shoulder. The green thief jumped, head swiveling to stare at Survivor. Her eyes were wide and her lips drawn into a snarl.
“We’re going to make him pay… I promise you.”
Ghost took a deep breath and then shakily nodded. She looked ready to cry from rage and frustration.
She trailed behind Survivor. The green thief gave one last glance to the shrine.
She nodded resolutely to herself before picking up her pace and lifting her head, fueled by her determination and the cold fury that flowed through her veins.
They made their way back to the closest safe room. Everyone grabbed a chair, Survivor and Hound, or perched on the table, Ghost had sat with Mona on the edge of the table.
For a moment, everyone was quiet, trapped in their thoughts.
“An entire secret place for her...” Hound snorted. “I guess he’s trying to keep the rape a secret, huh?”
“This is all Mannox’s subconsciousness showing that he’s trying to keep what he’s doing secret.” Ghost growled, she fiddled with her dagger. “His classrooms are hidden below the music hall itself and guarded. That damned shrine was hidden by a puzzle and secret door! C'est un lâche…”
“We’ll be exposing those secrets soon enough.” Survivor told all of them. “By our deadline, his treasure will have been stolen… and then he can never hurt them again.”
Mona nodded, a frown was on his face though. “She’s right. Steal his treasure and he’ll confess.”
The thieves all nodded as one. They were going to protect the students, Kat especially. And to do that, his treasure would be theirs.
“So Mona.” Survivor spoke up, wanting to divert the topic. The smallest thief gave her his attention. “I was hoping you could explain the magic a bit more. We all have certain elemental attacks…”
“Ah that’s right. I never did explain the skills...” Mona hummed. “Let’s see… Survivor can use different skills, but her main persona can use nuclear magic. Hound uses ice magic, and Ghost uses curse magic.”
Ghost’s eyes narrowed. “Curse magic? That’s clearly shadow magic!”
Mona sighed. “Yes, it is! But it’s called curse magic!”
Ghost stared for another second before nodding. “Fine I guess…”
“Nuclear magic, hmm?” Survivor looked intrigued.
“Correct! Your magic uses nuclear energy and radiation to create explosions and the like.” Mona explained with arms crossed. “There are other elemental skills as well. Such as electricity and fire. Some Personas can even learn physical and gun skills…”
“Damn, and Survivor can use all of them if she gets the right Personas.” Hound realized with wide eyes.
Mona grinned widely. “And that’s why she’s our trump card!”
“I have a limit on the amount of Personas I can carry, but the Velvet room is helping me by fusing and exchanging Personas.”
“Can we even trust that place?” Mona asked, tail swishing. He still wasn’t quite sure…
“I’ve been there several times, completely trapped and they haven’t killed me yet.” Survivor tilted her head, thinking. “They’ve been helpful. I want to trust them for now.”
Hound shrugged. “Your call. You’re the only one who can go there.”
“And hey, didn’t you say that there isn’t exactly a way for you to get out of it?” Ghost asked, glancing to Survivor.
“That’s right.” Survivor affirmed.
“Well, they certainly are helping with your power. So they’re at the very least useful.” Mona said, a thoughtful look on his face.
Everyone was quiet for a moment.
“Why don’t we back out for today?” Survivor finally asked, standing from her chair. “We made good progress.”
The thieves nodded with determined looks before they all exited the safe room, sneaking back to their familiar open window.
It was a good day of infiltration. They had until early May, around a month. And they were going to make it or die trying.
They had too much to lose.
~~||~~||~~
“What caused you to get home so late?”
Anne felt irritation rise up in her chest. Of course, the second she got to the house, she was interrogated. Her step-grandmother and father were both home and sitting at the table. Both watched her with calculating and annoyed gazes.
“I was out with friends.” Anne answered simply. They were always annoyed with her…
“Which friends?” Her step-grandmother scoffed, almost with disbelief.
Anne’s fists were clenched white, her nails digging into her palms. “New ones. At least I came home.”
Both ignored the second part as her father spoke. “I hope your friends aren’t delinquents.”
No one, family or not, was going to insult Anne’s fellow queens and thieves.
“They aren’t delinquents! They’re good and too nice for their own good! Just because I came home late doesn’t mean I was with bad people!” Anne snapped, eyes narrowed to slits.
“Your grades have been dropping too, perhaps those ‘friends’ are the cause!” Her Step-Grandmother alerted. Her father’s eyes narrowed at that news.
“For Christ’s sake Anne, we’ve talked about your damn grades! Can’t you just do your work?!”
That was the final straw for Anne.
“Fuck you! Every time I do something wrong you’re on my case! I’ve tried to do my work! I’ve tried to keep my grades up! And yet you still treat me like an idiot when I’ve tried to tell you to fucking problem!”
And then, without waiting for a response, Anne stormed up the stairs. Ignoring the shouts of her name behind her, Anne went directly for Kat’s room. Sure enough, the pink teen was sitting on her bed, finishing up some school work.
Kat blinked and turned to look at Anne. “Annie?”
Anne reached the bed with a quick stride and held out her arms, waiting approval. Kat held her own out in return and Anne quickly leaned forward to capture Kat in a hug.
“I heard Uncle and Grammy yelling at you…” Kat murmured. Anne growled at the reminder.
“I’m sick of them.” Anne hissed, grip tightening slightly, but Kat didn’t mind. “I swear to god the second I can get out of here…”
“The plan is still the same?” Kat asked with a small laugh.
“Hell yeah. Graduate, get a stable job, and get the both of us out of here.” Anne listed with a hopeful hum.
“I can’t wait.” Kat agreed, her own gaze wistful.
“Can I sleep in here for tonight?” Anne asked cautiously.
“Of course you can…” Kat smiled. “Do you have any homework to finish?”
“Shit, I do…” Anne groaned against Kat’s shoulder.
Kat let out a giggle at her cousin. “Go grab it. I’ll help you finish it. You know you need to keep your grades up if you want to follow that little dream of ours.”
“I’m wanting to be a theatre major anyways. And you know how boring it is, I can’t focus on it!” Anne’s hand came up to her choker. Kat quickly took hold of it.
“I know it probably sucks really bad. And I don’t know what it feels like. But I’m here to help you with it, okay?” Kat told her with a gentle smile. “And ignore them, I know how smart you are.”
Anne calmed down and hummed happily. “You know I’m supposed to be the one tutoring you, right? I’m a grade ahead after all.”
Kat laughed at that. “That doesn’t matter. We can help each other with anything…”
Both of them sobered, knowing what Kat had thoughts of.
“Hey, let me go get my work and we’ll do that, ‘kay?” Anne asked gently, moving her hands so she could rub Kat’s hands with her thumbs.
“I’ll be here.”
Anne snuck from the room to grab her work. She wasn’t in a good mood to deal with her other family anymore. So she quickly grabbed her bag from her own room and made her way back to Kat.
“Lucky for you, some of mine is history!” Anna announced.
“Ooh, then I can definitely help!”
After finishing their work, the two cousins curled up under the covers. It was silent for a moment.
“... Are you doing okay?” Anne finally asked Kat carefully.
“I…”
“It’s okay if you aren’t…”
Kat took a deep breath and shuffled so she could wrap Anne in a hug, burying her head into the crook of her cousin’s neck. “I don’t want to go to his lessons anymore.”
Anne growled, wrapping her arms around Kat’s waist in return. “I’m not letting you. I don’t care what the fuck that old bat says.” Anne paused slightly. “And… I’m sorry I let that go on for so long…”
“It isn’t your fault…”
“But… I knew something was wrong. I knew that bastard was doing… something.”
“You didn’t… you didn’t know…” Kat broke off into a sob. It was just as bad as when the others were there.
As Kat cried, Anne only pulled her closer. Eventually, the girl drifted to sleep. She relaxed into Anne’s arms, tensing in her sleep every so often only to relax again as Anne soothed her.
Anne was left to her thoughts. Mannox and Kat (the most prominent), her family, the other thieves, even her beheading, and other mistakes and tragedies from both lives. None of it would leave her alone.
Little did she know that across London, two other former queens were having the same thoughts. Their newfound past life memories, Mannox, none of it would leave their minds. There was no chance to rest at the moment…
None of them fell asleep until much later in the night.