Working With Phantoms

A Deal Gone Stale

August 25th

Madran sat with Elia and Chicory in their living room, discussing the events of yesterday.

"I still can't believe that they all suddenly pulled a 180 like that. What did we do to deserve that?"

"Well, from what I gathered, they set up hidden cameras that somehow followed us to Tiamat's lair. They took that as us associating with their enemy, I guess."

"But, if they had cameras, then didn't they also have voice recorders? If they did, then surely, the must've seen that we weren't even planning to softly stab them in the back."

"Yeah, but, I'm glad that Sheila suddenly whipped out that sudden burst of power."

"Maybe, she was just showing off what she's capable of with Prithivi. I mean, her turning shadows against each other, petrifying them, and taking them out with Hamaon isn't new to us."

"Yeah, but it was fun to watch her go out for a second. The only other time I saw her wipe the floor was, uh... Shiini's palace."

"Interesting. Y'know, I kinda wish that Chic could talk outside of the Metaverse."

Elia rubbed Chicory's neck as he sat next to her.

"It's sad that dogs can only speak dog, huh? Hey, Madran, do you wanna go into the Velvet Room today, or should we just hang out?"

"Um... we could check up on Philemon, but aside from that, I'm fine with anything."

Elia nodded, and the trio got up and went to the Velvet Room. There, Madran saw Philemon sitting with Margaret and Elizabeth, all of which turned to look at the three persona-users.

"Ah, welcome back, you three."

"Yep! We're just popping in to say hi."

"Very well. Stephen also had the same idea just a few minutes ago, and simply came to congratulate us on clearing that timeline."

"Well, I mean, of course."

Madran sat next to Philemon as Chicory and Elia also took up seats in close proximity to the Velvet Room triad. Then, Margaret presented a persona card to Madran.

"Madran, I wish to present you with a gift for your outstanding performance in convincing Tiamat to free us."

"Ooh, what's this?"

Madran took the card to see that it was a Strength card. Upon turning it over, she saw that the persona on it appeared to be one similar in appearance to Bishamonten.

"Hey, who's this guy?"

"This persona is Zouchouten. While he is normally of the strength found in Marcie's palace, I have... raised his potential to match Decarabia, Suzaku, Chernobog, and Anubis."

"Well, thank you. Um..."

Madran held the card in her hand, with it suddenly merging with it and vanishing. Then, she heard a loud, commanding, masculine voice in her head.

"I am Zouchouten, guardian of the South. My other self, together, we shall pull our souls towards the highest understanding."

"Well, cool, thank you, Margaret."

"You're welcome, Madran. Now, we-"

Madran heard a door opening and looked to see Rosana walking up to them.

"Ah, Rosana, welcome to the Velvet Room."

"Hola. Hey, um, I've been thinking... can we go to the Universe door? What Marie said about needing a 'prime persona' has been bugging me, and..."