The phantom thieves gasped in awe once seeing what was on the other side of the door. The large room had myriads of paintings hanging on the wall. Some frames were empty while others contained beautiful scenery. The one painting that caught Sphinx's gaze was the camels treading across the hot sands of the Saharan Desert. In the background was a single pyramid. With the Eye still activated, she saw the hieroglyphs abruptly ended just below the painting on the makeshift infrastructure.

Sphinx smiled at the sight. "I think we've located the fragment."

"You found where the hieroglyphs lead?" Joker asked.

"Yes." She pointed to the painting of the desert. "Let's examine that painting closer."

"You think the fragment is in the painting?" Panther questioned.

"Only one way to find out."

The group made their way to the painting and noticed it had the same properties as the ones they traveled through earlier. Sphinx leaned toward the painting, tilting her head as she analyzed it closer. The strange presence she felt in the safe room was overbearing, but she wondered what her senses were detecting. Slowly, she reached out her hand and felt the shift in atmosphere when it penetrated the painting. Her attention was drawn to the pyramid in the background when she spotted something slithering from behind it. Puzzled, she retracted her arm and watched the snake-like object grow in size. Eyes narrowed, she watched its every move.

"What is that thing?" Panther asked when she noticed the same snake-like object.

"I'm...not sure," Sphinx replied.

Suddenly, the black object trailed through the sand as it approached the camels. Unconscious, Sphinx took a step back when seeing it was heading straight for her. Before she could say anything, it slithered out of the painting and wrapped around her waist. A horrid scream escaped her lips as the tendril snaked around her body. It squeezed her tightly, siphoning the air out of her lungs. The appendage then yanked her backwards toward the painting, trying to drag her inside it.

Fox, who was the closest to her, lunges forward and grabbed her arm. He fought against the tendril in a desperate attempt to free her. Joker was the next to react and he grabbed the girl's other wrist. Like Fox, he kept a tight grip on Sphinx's arm and tried to pull her free. Mona, Panther, and Skull grabbed their weapons and attacked the appendage, but their weapons did no damage. The cat latched on to her leg, wiggling his body to see if his weight would be enough to prevent the tendril from taking his teammate.

"The hell is this thing?!" Skull bellowed, wrapping his gloved hands around the tendril and trying to pry it from around his friend's body.

"I-I don't know!" Panther yelled, doing the same as the blonde.

Even with her friends' efforts, the appendage was able to drag Sphinx into the painting. Mona, Joker, and Fox were dragged in as well. Their bodies were hauled through the sand toward the pyramid. The cat was forced to release the girl's leg when his head bashed into one of the camels. Fox's grip slipped when sand invaded his eyes. Joker was the only one left who was able to hold on to Sphinx. He grabbed her other wrist and dug his feet into the sand and used all his strength to keep her from being taken.

Sphinx glances down at the tendril wrapped around her waist and noticed the golden aura surrounding it. "Could this be...?" She lifted her head and met Joker's gaze. It wasn't difficult for her to see the desperation and fear in his eyes as he tried to save her. A reassuring, calm smile bloomed on her face. "Let me go, Joker."

The boy's eyes widened for a fraction of a second as he lost his concentration. Because of his slip-up, the tendril was able to yank him forward. He regained his footing, but his feet kept slipping on the sand as he tried to pull Sphinx back. "I won't...!" When the girl noticed his grip on her wrists tighten, she realized what she had to do. One by one, she released her hold on Joker's wrists. With her hands no longer creating a strong bond, he was losing the tug-of-war battle. "What're you doing?!"

"If you won't let go, I will," Sphinx calmly replied. When their eyes met for a second time, her smile widened. "I'll be fine. This is-"

Suddenly, another tendril appeared from the pyramid and ricocheted toward them. It slammed into Joker's abdomen, forcing the air out of his lungs and his grip to slip. He flew backwards, his body skidding through the sand. As he pushed his body off the ground, he watched helplessly as Sphinx was dragged away. He scrambled to his feet, slipping slightly because of the sand. He ran toward the pyramid, but he didn't make it far before he collided with an invisible wall. He banged his fists against it before trying to use his dagger.

The blade created sparks as Joker rammed it repeatedly against the strange barrier. There were no scratches or grooves to show he had even damaged it. Turning his gaze back to the pyramid, his eyes widen in horror when it vanishes. He fell to his knees in shock, staring at where the pyramid once stood.

Mona jumped up, rubbing the top of his head. "Ugh, my head..."

Fox continued to wipe the sand from his eyes. Once he was able to blink his eyes without feeling any irritation, he pushed himself off the ground. "Where did...?"

Joker's body slumped forward against the invisible barrier. "She's gone..."

<---------<<<<<

When Mikono awoke after being knocked unconscious when she was dragged into the pyramid, she could hear the distinct sound of water splashing gently. Pushing herself up, she felt the wooden surface underneath her and became baffled. As her vision cleared, she looked around and realized she was on an ancient Egyptian boat. From the design, she knew it was a vessel only the pharaohs used when they sought to relax upon the Nile. It floated peacefully down a stream, the water lapping at the sides.

Mikono pushes herself to her feet, eyes trailing over to where the boat was currently traveling. The area was dimly lit, torches scattered across crumbling walls and pillars. If it hadn't been for the torches, everything would be engulfed in darkness. Taking a closer look, she noticed the walls and pillars had hieroglyphs carved within the stone.

Are you awake, young one?

The girl was startled when she heard a deep voice from behind her. Spinning around, she couldn't believe the sight before her. Anubis sat upon a golden throne with two black jackals laying by his feet. Upon closer inspection at the ones aboard the vessel, she saw mummified corpses were the ones guiding the vessel down the stream with their oars.

Looking back toward the jackal-headed god, Mikono questions him. "Where am I?"

The Duat. How are you feeling?

The girl noticed Anubis' mouth didn't move as he spoke, but she could hear him clear as day. "A little disoriented. Besides that, I'm fine."

Anubis leaned back in his throne.

I must apologize for the rough treatment. It seems my desperation was miscalculated.

Mikono shook her head. "No, it's all right. But...why am I in the underworld?"

You are not truly in the underworld, young one. I created this domain to protect myself in the Metaverse.

Mikono sat on her knees in front of the god. One of the jackals approached her, nudging its wet nose against her cheek. She hesitantly reaches out to pet the animal and smiled when it lowered its head, giving her permission to touch it. "Can I ask you a few things, Anubis?"

Please, ask anything.

She inhaled deeply and exhaled. "I have so many questions... Let's start with this one. Could you explain to me why my heart has become fragmented?"

It seems your memory is hazy, but I will gratefully refresh it.

The god entwines his fingers as he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees.

You awakened the rebel within your heart at a very young age. Morosely, your connection was severed before the awakening could complete, shattering your heart into five fragments. Only one shard was able to keep connected to your heart. You awakened it only a short while ago.

"Sekhmet..." Mikono muttered, eyes wide as saucers.

Yes. Now, you must find the other shards. Only three remain before they can be reassembled and your true inner self is revealed.

"Wait... Do you know exactly when I first awakened? There is a small part of my childhood I don't remember. I woke up in a hospital in Alexandria one day and I don't remember what happened to me. Not even my parents knew what happened. All they said was I collapsed."

Those details are not in my own memory. I am sorry, young one.

She shook her head. "You don't have to apologize. Do you know where the other fragments are?"

I'm afraid not.

Mikono sighed. "I see... I guess I really am on my own."

Only the Eye of Horus shall reveal where the other fragments lie. Just as you found me, you shall find the others and resurrect your true inner self within time.

"One last question. Why're you here, in Madarame's Palace?"

I once lied in the depths of Mementos. Once this Palace was formed, I was dragged here against my own volition. I sensed your presence in Mementos and casted a shadow version of myself to contact you. I am rapturous you have found me so soon.

"Me too," Mikono smiled at Anubis. "Does this mean you'll be joining me and Sekhmet?"

The god nodded.

Yes.

He held out his hand, gesturing for her to take it. Mikono stood up and placed her hand in his. The god stared into the girl's eyes and recited a familiar vow.

I am thou, thou art I...

Anubis stood from his golden throne, grabbing his staff and tapping it against the wood.

With our bond, we shall rise from the depths and eradicate the impurities from this world. All those unworthy shall kneel and quiver before us!

A bright flash of light blinded Mikono before she fell unconscious.

<----------<<<<<

Sphinx groaned as she awakened from her unconscious state. Her eyes fluttered open, her vision slightly blurry. Gradually, she pushed herself up into a sitting position and felt something coarse under her hands. Looking down, she saw sand. She brushed off her hands after standing up and looked around. The camels in the foreground were what sparked her memory. "I'm still in the painting...?" Swiveling on her heels, she turned and saw the pyramid was gone. "That wasn't all a dream, was it?"

No, young one.

A voice echoed inside her head. She recognized it as Anubis'. "Good. At least I know I'm not crazy."

Your companions are in dire need of help. In your absence, they have become surrounded by powerful Shadows.

"Then let's show them what we're made of, Anubis." Sphinx emerged from the painting and immediately searched for her friends. Looking below, she saw the others surrounded by night chimeras. Their bulky forms towered over them, their beady crimson eyes gleaming menacingly. Moving swiftly, she made her way down to her companions and immediately summoned her new Persona, Anubis.

"Spectral Legion!" The girl commanded.

Anubis swung his scythe around in circles before tapping the end against the floor. Cracks formed along the tile as strands of darkness emerged from them. The wisps formed into reanimated corpses dressed in ancient Egyptian armor. With their blades and shields, the undead army ran toward the Shadows and didn't hold back. While the attack was powerful, it wasn't enough to annihilate the enemies. She was able to weaken them significantly and allow her friends to compose themselves before attacking.

Sphinx allowed her fellow phantom thieves to finish off the Shadows after feeling a wave of exhaustion crash over her body. She stumbled backwards, grabbing on to one of the sofas to keep from falling as Anubis disappeared and her mask returned. It was the exact same feeling she felt when she first summoned Sekhmet. Placing a hand over her heart, she could feel the lioness' and jackal's presences.

"Sphinx!" Panther shouted as she ran over once the Shadows were defeated.

The sable-haired girl offered her a gentle but frail smile. "Sorry I took so long."

"Your Persona," Joker walked over with wide eyes.

"I was able to find a fragment. Turns out, it was Anubis all along."

"What about your other one?" Skull asked.

Sphinx tapped her finger against her chest. "Sekhmet is still with me."

"Does this mean you have the same ability as Joker?" Mona questioned excitedly, his tail flicking back and forth.

She shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. Once I gather all five shards, my true inner self will be revealed. That's what Anubis told me, anyway." She proceeded to tell them what else the god had told her.

After explaining everything, Mona was the most intrigued. "Does this mean you've visited the Metaverse when you were younger?"

Sphinx shrugged her shoulders. "I'm afraid I've lost my memory of that day. I only remember waking up in a hospital somewhere in Alexandria."

"What of Dr. Blackwell and Dr. Tsutsui?" Fox inquired. "Do they know what happened to you?"

"They only found me unconscious. That's all they know."

"Maybe your memory will return once you regain the other fragments," Joker deducted.

"Should we call it a day and head back?" Panther asked. "Sphinx doesn't look too well."

"I'm fine. I can go a little further," said girl claimed.

"Are you sure 'bout this?" Skull frowned, unconvinced. "You look like you're about to fall over."

Before she could reply, more Shadows appeared out of nowhere. The blonde boy clicked his tongue in annoyance, glaring daggers at the enemies.

The phantom thieves readied themselves for another battle. Joker, Sphinx, and Fox summoned their Personas while Skull and Panther used their melee weapons. The moment Anubis used one of his abilities, that's when a sharp pain surged through her body. She backed away from the battle, the pain being unbearable. Pressing a hand against her head, she closed her eyes in hopes it would pass. She hadn't realized the battle had ended until she was surrounded by her friends.

"You're clearly unwell," Fox remarks. "We should return to the real world."

The moment Sphinx lifted her head, the entire group gasped. She blinked a few times in confusion at their reaction. "What?"

"Y-You're bleeding!" Panther shrieked with worry.

That's when the girl finally felt the warm liquid trickling down her cheeks and the sides of her face. Lifting her hand, she lifted up her mask slightly and wiped at her eyes. She did the same with her ears before looking at her hand. When she examined her fingers, she saw blood tainting them. As she went to say something, her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she blacked out.

|| 5/20 Friday ||
|| Evening ||

With a groan, Mikono woke up. She realized she was in her room and wondered how she got there. When she pushed herself off the bed, her body jolted in surprise when she heard Ryuji's voice. "Yo, how you feelin'?"

Mikono turned her head and saw the blonde sitting in the her papasan chair. "Much better. How did we get here?"

"I carried you. I also know where your folks keep the spare key for the front door."

"How long was I out?"

"A few hours. Akira and Morgana are downstairs. Wanna join 'em?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I...also have to tell you guys something very important."

Ryuji arched a brow in curiosity. "This about that phone call?"

"Yeah. I was going to tell everyone, but it might be better if Ann and Yusuke don't know about it."

The chocolate-eyed boy pushed himself to his feet. "All right. Let's go downstairs."

The two left the bedroom and headed down the stairwell. They found Akira and Morgana sitting on the couch in the living room. Seeing the girl walk in and her complexion no longer pale, they both sighed in relief. She offered them a smile as she sat down beside the bespectacled boy. Ryuji sat to the girl's left, placing her in between him and Akira. She thanked them profusely for helping her and reassured them when they continued to worry about her health. Once the two boys and cat were calmed down, she averted the topic to the phone call she received earlier that day.

"Are any of you familiar with Chief Akihiro Goto?" Mikono asked.

"Ain't he the big honcho at the MPD?" Ryuji responded with his own question.

"Yeah. He's the chief of police."

"Why did you receive a call from him?" Akira inquired.

"Remember that attempted robbery last month at the museum?" The boys and cat nodded, listening intently. "I gave my number to Chief Goto in case he couldn't reach my parents if he had any news about the robber. He found out some disturbing information from the culprit."

"What did he find out?" Morgana pried, eager to know the truth.

Mikono lowered her head, her brows knitted together in concern. "He learned the man they caught was paid by someone to rob my parents."

Ryuji's eyes widen in bewilderment. "The whole thing was a setup?"

"Yeah." The girl clenched her hands together tightly in her lap. "Chief Goto is sending a detective over tomorrow to ask a few questions. I'm not sure how I'll be able to help since I wasn't at the museum that day."

"So the real culprit is still out there," Akira stated. "That's...unsettling."

"It's terrifying!" She ran a hand through her inky tresses, tugging on them gently. "I know I should tell my parents, but then they'd drop everything and come home. They've been looking forward to this trip for months."

"This is something you shouldn't hide from them, Lady Mikono," Morgana advised.

"You're right..."

"In the meantime, someone should stay here with you. Who knows when the real culprit will make their next move, and we don't want you to be home alone when they do."

"I'll stay with her tonight," Ryuji volunteered. "I'll text my mom and tell her. You still got that spare outfit of mine?"

"Yeah. It's hanging in the guest bedroom closet," Mikono answered.

Morgana stared wide-eyed after hearing the revelation. "Y-You have spare clothes here?!"

"Well, yeah," Ryuji nonchalantly replied. "Before you guys came into the picture, it was only me and Mikky. We'd spend nights studyin' at each other's houses and would spend the night."

The feline cleared his throat before looking toward Akira. "You should leave a spare outfit here, too!"

Akira knew the animal wanted him to win Mikono's affection desperately, but he couldn't believe he was trying to make him compete with Ryuji. "I think I'll pass."

Ryuji glared at Morgana. "What's your issue, cat? Tryna pit us together, huh?"

"O-Of course not!" The feline screeched in protest. "You're just imagining things!"

Mikono was the only one confused. "What're you two talking about?"

"N-Nothing!"

The blonde boy crossed his arms and groaned. "Whatever you say, cat."

*****
Confidant: Mikono Tsutsui
Arcana: The Puppeteer
Rank: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*****