P5: The Bond That Makes Us One
Episode 7: OPERATION PINK ARGUS

- Episode Summary -
Ren and Morgana work together to reach out to Yukari Takeba.
Another opportunity arises for Ann's acting career.

- JUNE -
Kyoto, Japan
Horikawa Senior High School
Lunchtime

Within the depths of downtown Kyoto was Horikawa Senior High School - a general academia with main focuses on culture and sciences. The shape of the main building was composed of a large, box-like structure, with symmetrical windows aligning parts of it like a stack of cubes. Within the centre of the building peeked a towering glass section that allowed a glimpse of the winding staircases leading to each floor within. The campus itself was surrounded by many greenery and cherry blossom trees, giving the modern environment a spark of nature.

Amidst the inside of Horikawa, many of the students wandered around as lunchtime began. The hallways flooded with navy blue uniforms as everyone proceeded to different parts of the school, whether it was in the cafeteria to eat lunch, the music room to practice for choir and band, or the laboratories to catch up on assignments and reports. During this particular time, Ren was within the main glass tower, overlooking down from the balcony of the stairway as he gazed upon the students walking around.

"Alright! Time to begin our mission!" Morgana spoke from inside Ren's bag, which he carefully placed on top of the ledge of the stairway balcony. As they discussed last night after they returned from their trip to Tokyo, Ren and Morgana agreed to find out where the production team for the Phoenix Ranger Featherman Victory movie would be located within the school and to convince Yukari Takeba to reconsider Ann's denial of the role for Pink Argus.

"I'll begin looking around and ask if any of the students have an idea on where the production team will be. If I haven't figured out anything by the time lunch ends, I'll leave the rest to you during class time." Ren repeated their plan with Morgana. All they knew was that the production team would be heading over to Horikawa High School to scout the area as a possible filming location for the television movie. For the next hour, Ren would be going around to investigate, but if he couldn't come up with any leads, then he'd allow Morgana to wander around during class time to find the production team while there would be no one in the hallways.

"Affirmative! For the sake of Lady Ann's acting career!" Morgana exclaimed. The adrenaline he was feeling reminded him of their time in Tokyo as Phantom Thieves. It brought back memories when the team would gather at their hideout to discuss their plans to infiltrate the target's Palace and steal their desires. But since Mementos had fallen, the team of two had to improvise and rely on their own abilities to convince a change of heart to the producers.

The duo didn't have time to discuss their intentions with Ann back in Tokyo, as they had to take the earliest train back to Kyoto before it was late to avoid any suspicion from Ren's parents. When Ann walked them to their station, she had thanked them for their support and apologized for wasting their time. Ren did everything he could to cheer her mood up, but Ann remained melancholic. The usual joy she had was overshadowed by the disappointment from the response of the production team. Ren recounted Ann's words to him when they had been waiting for the train in Tokyo..

"They said my emotions weren't focused.. That I had too much anger and trouble in my delivery.. They said I could never represent the character of a hero with my current attitude.. What if that's actually who I am, Ren? If my heart isn't strong enough to be an inspiration to others, then what good am I to being a model too?"

Ren recalled that Ann was being too hard on herself and should not have let the words of a few adults tear down her spirit. He had to remind Ann that she is an inspiration and that she did have a strong heart.. And that there were many other ways to inspire others.

I firmly believe in your abilities Ann.. Those producers may not see it yet, but once I change their hearts, they'll be able to see from a different perspective and realize the potential in your motivation.. Ren thought to himself. All he needed was a couple minutes with Yukari Takeba. She was the key link in convincing the producers to give Ann one more shot, as Yukari had commented on seeing the potential of his girlfriend's acting abilities.

"Hey Ren.. I just realized this now.. but what if that Pink Argus girl isn't here? I doubt that many actors would accompany the production team on scouting locations for filming." Morgana brought up. Although, Morgana had a good point - this was their only chance to connect with the filming crew. Ren would take up any opportunity regardless of the slim chances of it working. And he could tell that Yukari Takeba already had a strong work ethic as she accompanied the producers in the auditioning process.

Ren continued walking around Horikawa High School, asking his fellow classmates and teachers if they knew any details of the Phoenix Ranger Featherman crew coming over to the school within the week, but all he received were unsure responses. With no leads to follow, Ren eventually had to give up as lunchtime ended. Required to return to class, Ren gave the responsibility to Morgana to search around for any more clues.

"I won't let Lady Ann down! I'll make sure to hunt down that film crew and give 'em a taste of my mind for denying the role she rightfully deserves!" Morgana announced with motivation. Ren had to remind Morgana that the film crew would be unable to understand him as they did not have the proper cognition of the cat's ability to talk. Morgana responded. "Ehh.. you know what I mean. Now get to class! You don't have the luxury of Ms. Kawakami letting you skip anymore, remember?"

As Ren joined his classmates, Morgana began walking around the empty hallways of Horikawa Senior High School. With everyone busy in the classrooms, he had no fear in getting caught. He was familiar in being elusive when needed, and with his small size and mobility, Morgana could easily escape if he was spotted. His determination to help Ann was as strong as Ren's. For now, she had lost the joy she once had in pursuing a goal. Ren and Morgana had to remind her of that joy she provided for others.

With the Spirit Amulet, I understand fully what joy is in human relationships. But when one seems to lose that feeling, it's our job as the significant other to do whatever it takes to cheer them up. To serve for them at whatever cost. To bring back what has been lost for them. This will all be for you, Lady Ann!

Days later..

Days began to pass by within Horikawa High School. Eventually, the end of the week came as classes finished on Saturday, opening up the weekend for the students to take a break the following Sunday. Throughout the week, Ren and Morgana continued their search for the film crew, but they gradually began to lose hope as the team was no where in sight. What had happened to them? On the day they accompanied Ann to her audition, they producer and director had been discussing their plans to come to Kyoto within the next days, but nothing came to fruition on their end. Did they end up switching locations at the last minute? Did production end up getting delayed?

This isn't right… we've been searching and waiting all week, but there's no sign of this stupid film team. Morgana thought to himself, resting atop the sign outside the front of Horikawa High School. The end of the day fast approached as all Morgana could do was await Ren to exit his classes and inform him of his failed attempt to locating the film team.

As the buzzer of the school emitted to signify the end of the day, Morgana watched as the entrance began to flood out with the Horikawa students excited for their weekend. Ren eventually came out, talking to a couple of his classmates before noticing Morgana resting atop the sign. He walked over to him. "So.. any leads?"

"None.. sorry.. It's like they just bailed out of their plan.. I don't know what to do now, Ren." Morgana explained in defeat.

Ren lowered his head, unsure of what to do next. Maybe this wasn't meant to be for Ann after all. During the last couple nights, Ren wasn't able to video chat with Ann as she resorted to only texting him instead. Her excuse was that she hadn't been feeling in the mood lately. Ren could only surmise that she was sulking by herself at night, possibly indulging in her sweets whenever she was feeling down. Ren had asked Ryuji and Futaba on how Ann was doing, but all they could provide was that she had been out of focus the last couple times they'd talk to her.

At the very moment, Ren hated the feeling of being helpless to Ann. He couldn't console her directly since they were cities apart. Ren had hoped that this opportunity to change the hearts of the film team would help in Ann's gloomy mood. But with this plan seemingly going nowhere - Ren began to lose hope.

Ann.. I let you down.. I'm sorry..

"..Hmm.. so this must be Horikawa High School." a voice spoke out. Recognizing the woman's voice, Ren turned around and noted the familiar actress walking through the crowd of students. The brown hair, the pink attire – it was definitely Yukari Takeba! The actress looked over to the director of the film crew standing beside her. "Sorry for the delays.. I did my best to change her mind, but it seemed like she had decided already.. I know she decided to drop out, but I'm sure we'll be able to find someone else to fill the role."

"I understand.. but we have such a short deadline now due to her unwillingness to cooperate. It'd be a miracle if we could find someone to be the villain." the director responded. The production crew began heading towards the entrance of Horikawa High School. "Nevertheless, we'll still need to finalize this place as our filming location. We've only got a two days to scout this place, then immediately head back to begin pre-production and provide our final plans to the studio."

"Whoah! It's a miracle!" Morgana exclaimed. He looked over to Ren, both nodding to each other. As Ren began to head towards the production team, a teacher had come outside and began shouting out to the students.

"Alright everyone! Please hurry and exit the campus. We have a special team overlooking the premises, and they require that everyone is out of the way." the teacher announced to the students as they passed by. They noticed Ren going the opposite way of everyone else. The teacher quickly called out to him. "Sorry, Amamiya-san, but we can't let anyone else roaming around the school. It would distract the production team and they requested to be uninterrupted."

Ren groaned as he walked back to the school gates. It was the one time he could finally speak with the production crew and the teacher just had to get in his way. This was an opportunity they couldn't miss as they would have a small timeframe before the team would leave, yet Ren was unable to gain access to them. As he exited the school fences, he looked over to the sign, nodding over to Morgana as the cat nodded back to him.

No worries! This is why I'm here to get the job done! Morgana quickly leapt from the high school's sign and scurried his way through the crowd of students, sneaking into the school's entrance as the teacher's closed them. Morgana trotted through the hallways of the now empty school as he followed the production team towards the gymnasium. Peeking into the doorway, Morgana eavesdropped as the production team conversed in the centre of the gym's basketball court.

"I'm really feeling the atmosphere here. I like the open space this school offers."

"Yeah.. and the garden outside gives much more life to building. I think this will be the perfect place to film"

Morgana noted that Yukari Takeba had her back turned to the doorway, distancing herself away from the production team as they continually discussed the environment of the school. Before entering, Morgana looked around and found an open classroom across the hallway. He quickly went inside, taking out a piece of paper the size of a card, along with a pen from the teacher's desk and began writing on it. Taking the paper within his mouth, Morgana rushed back to the gymnasium.

Alright.. Time to let out my sweet moves..

In order to grab Yukari's attention, Morgana began to meow into the gymnasium. The production team ignored his call, but he managed to get the attention of Yukari, who turned around and saw Morgana awaiting at the gym entrance.

"Hmph? A cat?" Yukari began making her way towards Morgana as he continued meowing. Morgana began to purr and gently rubbed his body against Yukari's legs in an affectionate manner. Yukari couldn't help but to crouch down and playfully pet Morgana's head. "Awwh.. you're such a sweet little thing! I could dunk you in my coffee!"

Mweheheh.. it's no surprise my natural charm is working. Now its time to go in for the finishing move..

After allowing Yukari to pet him for a bit, Morgana turned back to the entrance of the doorway and slid the piece of paper towards her. Surprised, Yukari knelt down to pick up the paper and read the contents of what was written. "Huh… this address.. and a time.. Are you asking me out on a date, little kitty?"

Nooooo! My charm is working too well! Read the lower part of the card!

Yukari Takeba had just noticed the written portion below the address and date. She began to read it out loud:

Ms. Yukari Takeba, the well-renown Pink Argus and leader of the Phoenix Ranger Featherman Victory,

You've touched the hearts of many for your heroic acts displayed on television,
But now your production crew has made the grave mistake of turning down one of our very own,

Meet me at the given time and location, for we shall negotiate the matter of the missing role you yearn to now fill,
And how our desires may align with yours.
From, the one and only - Joker

Morgana stared back at Yukari who could only give him a confused look, unsure of what to take from the calling card given to her. Her production crew suddenly called her over and requested for her input about the school. Pocketing the calling card with her, Yukari headed back to her team, giving a final comment to Morgana.

"Huh.. You're a weird kitty.."

With all that he could do, Morgana left the gymnasium and exited Horikawa Senior High, making his way back to Ren's home to prepare for their plans later tonight.

All we can do now is wait..

- JUNE -
Kyoto, Japan
Okumaru Cafe
Evening

It was a quiet night within the coffee shop. A couple residents relaxed inside as they drank their specially made coffee, while some conversed with a friend they'd brought along or take time to read in the peaceful shop. At the moment, Ren was behind the counter of the coffee shop, accounting all the items and tending to whomever came and ordered their drinks. During his off-time, Ren had offered a hand with the new staff of the shop, ensuring that they were capable of following the orders given by Haru and guiding them on making the variety of drinks they'd offer.

It's already half an hour past the meeting time.. where is Yukari? Morgana thought to himself as he laid atop one of the stools placed alongside the tables against the walls. After giving the calling card to Yukari at school, all they could do was wait for her to come to the coffee shop in hopes that they could discuss the matter of the Ann's audition and the missing role the production team needed to fill. Morgana had began to lose hope as the coffee shop would be closing in thirty minutes.

Just then, the bell to the coffee shop rang as a customer entered the premises. Morgana looked over and an overwhelming sense of relief filled over him as Yukari walked inside, gazing around the shop in curiosity. He began to meow over to Ren, who peeked his head over the counter. Noticing Yukari, Ren walked out from behind the counter and introduced himself.

"Hmm.. so you must've been the one who sent the cat to give me the calling card.. Joker, right?" Yukari acknowledged, shaking Ren's hand as he gave her a confused look at the sudden name drop. She looked over to Morgana, who jumped from his stool and began to purr around her, cuddling against her leg likewise at the school's gymnasium. Yukari once again couldn't help but gush over his cuteness. "Awwwh! You're too adorable! You must have really trained him well considering all the trouble you did to convince me to come here."

"He's a… special type of cat, that's for sure." Ren commented, motioning Morgana to wait at the side so he and Yukari could talk. Morgana groaned as he walked back to his stool.

Hmph! I did all the hard work and still did not get a thank-you.. This is a prime example of being taken for granted..

Morgana rested comfortably atop the stool and watched as Ren began talking business with Yukari over the calling card she received, as well as her production team dealing with their vacant role.

"Hey.. I thought I recognized you somewhere.. you're the boy I saw earlier this week at the auditions in Tokyo! My, don't you get around easily, huh?" Yukari exclaimed as they both sat down among one of the tables. She crossed both of her arms and rested them atop the table, leaning forward towards Ren in curiosity. "You know.. I considered not coming here at all, thinking the whole calling card was another way for some crazed fan to grab my attention.. But I sensed something different in this case.. Especially when it mentioned the problem of our production team losing a valuable role for our television movie - which only a few people know about.. How'd you come across those details?"

"I have my resources." Ren said. He leaned back in his chair, crossing both his arms and legs in a manner that showed he was serious about their conversation. Although his demeanour was a bit undermined due to the apron he required to wear while at work. "I called you over here to talk about someone close to me who had tried out for one of your movie roles. Does Ann Takamaki sound familiar?"

"Oh yeah! That outgoing blonde girl. She had quite the energy going on that day!" Yukari recalled Ann's outrageous performance, as well as the outburst she had caused outside of the hallway prior to her audition. She raised an eyebrow towards Ren. "Huh, why are you so invested in her performance? Is it that because you are… her manager!?"

Dammit… how oblivious can she be? Morgana thought, shaking his head in disbelief to what Yukari had just suggested.

"Uhmm.. no. Not even close." Ren answered, stunned by Yukari-san's guess. It'd been the first time he was ever called someone's manager, so naturally it caught him off-guard. He shifted the focus back to the topic at hand. "I'm.. her boyfriend. And I was hoping to talk to you about giving Takamaki-san another chance in her audition."

"Awwhh.. how adorable! You're looking out for your girlfriend! That's so sweet of you!" Yukari had the urge to pinch Ren's cheeks from how cute she thought his chivalrous act for Takamaki-san was. She then lowered her gaze as she shook her head. "Look, I understand where you're leading to.. But unfortunately, I cannot overrule the production team's decision. We've already decided to cast Mika-chan into the role for Pink Argus. As much as I appreciate your Takamaki-san's enthusiasm.. she just didn't fit for the role.. I'm really sorry."

Morgana continued watching from a distance as the conversation between Ren and Yukari progressed. How is he going to convince her to accept Ann into their movie? I'm sure he has a wild card up his sleeve, but I don't even know what Ren's got planned..

Just then, Ren pulled out a rolled up fashion magazine from his pocket and laid it across the table for Yukari to see. On the front cover was a picture of Ann posing proudly. It had been a gift she gave Ren on his last day in Tokyo before he left for his hometown. Ren began to explain his reasoning to Yukari to give Ann another chance. "If I am correct, you've done modelling in the past – similar to Takamaki-san. Therefore, I believe you both share the same ideals that are emphasized through the character of Pink Argus on your show."

Yukari listened intently to Ren's reasoning, noting the passion he had in ensuring Ann's chances to receiving a role. Interested in hearing more, Yukari requested further details. "You have me hooked so far.. Keep going."

"Last year, Ann invited me over to one of her photoshoots in Tokyo. She explained to me her desire in not only becoming the best model in the world, but to continue growing as a person. To become an example of confidence that others may be inspired by. To become a ray of light for everyone in this world.. I believe those are true qualities of a hero." Ren explained with great sincerity. "She may not be the best actor thus far, but her heart is in the right place. Her desire to continually strengthen her heart is something I know she can offer to your current casting call. She even disclosed her desire to become an action star to me, not for her own gain, but to set up a good example to those who may doubt themselves."

Morgana was awestruck by Ren's zeal in talking about Ann. He talked about his girlfriend with a firm belief of her abilities and went through great lengths to simply get the message across. Morgana was unable to recall any other relationship he knew of that provided an example of a person going through so much trouble for their special one.

The service he is pulling through so much for Ann.. Is that what people in strong relationships do?

Yukari continued listening to Ren talk about Ann. She couldn't help but let a smile grow across her face. After Ren provided his reasons, Yukari sat back and sighed, impressed by his devotion to Takamaki-san. "You know.. you remind me of someone I met during my high school days. And Takamaki-san sounds like how I was beforehand too. I devoted myself so much to that one person. He was one of the few I could ever really be open to.. just like how Takamaki-san seems to be with you. I can tell that you have a similar relationship with Takamaki-san like I did with him.."

Both Ren and Morgana noticed Yukari lowering her head, as if attempting to keep her composure together. It seemed that mentioning of her old "friend" had brought back a terrible memory – one resulting of loss and heartbreak. But she decided not to disclose those details to them. Yukari took a moment to breathe, then began to chuckle.

"Heheh… sorry.. I got caught up there for a minute." Yukari explained, quickly reverting her tone back to one of cheerfulness. She leaned forward and picked up the magazine of Ann, flipping through the pages until she found the section of her interview. Yukari took a moment to read it over, with one part Ann's interview standing out to her. She read it aloud:

"What I love most about modelling is being able to inspire others through the confidence with not only our appearance, but our hearts. It reminds me of an anime villain I watched before – she was cool, brave, sexy even, but above all else, she had a strong heart. No matter what difficulties she faced, she would continue fighting back. I believe that's a good message to show others: when the going gets tough, remind yourself to be strong. Not only for yourself – but for the people around you as well."

As Yukari read over the interview, Ren reminded himself of why he had chosen Ann in the first place. This was the true character he believed Ann represented. He had to help her remember her ideology of strengthening her heart through tough battles. Ann wasn't the type to immediately sulk over a loss like she was doing now – she had momentarily forgotten of the character she aspired to become.

At that moment, Ren realized that he wasn't only doing this to help Ann receive her acting role – but to remind her of the person she promised herself to become: someone with a strong heart to inspire others!

"I see.. anime villain, huh?" Yukari pondered once more over Ann's interview. She closed the fashion magazine and laid it back onto the table, taking a moment to think over a couple ideas. Yukari smiled as she realized a compromise. "Hmm… well, I can't make any promises, but I believe I've found a solution that can benefit both parties."

Morgana watched as Ren and Yukari shook hands once more as they came to an agreement. Soon afterwards, the both of them stood up as Ren walked Yukari over to the exit of the coffee shop as they began to close. Looking over to Ren as he walked over to the counter to clean up, he noted the satisfied smile on his face. For the mean time, Morgana was unsure of the result, but could tell that it was a good one simply by Ren's expression.

Wow… he fought hard for Ann.. This guy definitely has the boldness to do anything for her..

- JUNE -
Tokyo, Japan
Shujin Academy
After School

The bells of Shujin Academy rang as the students began to make their way out of the building as classes ended. At the moment, Ann was accompanied by both Ryuji and Futaba as they headed for the school's exit. Still feeling downcast from her audition last week, Ann had been unable to focus in her classes. She had hoped that this acting role would help expand her influence to inspiring others.

But to receive rejection for simply being herself – especially due to her rival Mika-chan stealing the role from her, Ann began to have doubts on her future.

I can't become stagnant.. but if I'm unable to land this role, what more can I do with my modelling career? I did all I could.. but all I'm seeing is failure on the road I walk upon. Ann thought to herself. This was unlike her to be so pessimistic. But the words that had come from both the producer and director of the show still lingered in her mind.

"I'm sorry, but you just aren't quite cut out for the role.. I don't see you being the hero type."

"Yeah.. I have to agree. You're too ferocious.. If only you were more like that Mika-chan lady earlier. She definitely showcased the heart of the character. You just aren't strong enough for this role."

"Man.. she's really been out of it for the last week." Futaba commented to Ryuji. The two walked alongside Ann, staring at her as she kept her gaze towards the ground with a melancholic look on her face. Futaba went through her own bag and took out a chocolate Pocky stick and began waving it in front of Ann's nose – yet received no response whatsoever. Futaba gasped. "Oh no.. Even sweets aren't working! Ann truly is broken!"

"Dammit.. I've been doing everything I can to cheer her up, but nothing's working!" Ryuji breathed out in frustration. He scratched the back of his head, wondering how Ren had been doing to try and cheer up Ann. Ryuji wished that his friend was physically here to directly console with her. That was simply the trouble of long-distance relationships. Text messages and video chats could only go so far in sharing each other's affections and comfort. Ryuji furthered pushed Ann in an attempt to make her feel better. "Come on, Takamaki-san.. you're stronger than this. Ren wouldn't want you to be acting like this anymore! Cheer up!"

"Ryuji! You need to be kinder than that! You can't just tell a girl how they should feel. They need to be acknowledged on how they are feeling and to be listened to!" Futaba argued, taking a bite from her Pocky stick in her hands. She proceeded to scoff at him even more. "Geez, no wonder you don't have a girlfriend yet.. You're hopeless!"

"Back off, Futaba! It's hard enough that Ann is feeling down. Now you gotta take a jab at me?!" Ryuji fired back as he clenched his fists in annoyance. His frustration quickly subsided as he watched Futaba pull out another Pocky stick from her bag and began munching on it. "Hey uhm.. do you happen to have any more of those Pocky sticks?"

As the trio exited Shujin Academy and passed the front gates, a voice called over to them. Facing towards the source, their jaws almost dropped to the floor as they saw Yukari Takeba leaning by the walls of the school gates. She waved over to them to come.

"HUUUUUUUUH!? NO WAY! Pink Argus!? In the living flesh…! I-I can't believe it!?" Futaba squealed, dropping her box of Pocky and rushing over to Yukari.

"No 'effin way.. she's even hotter in person!" Ryuji froze in his spot, drooling over Yukari Takeba. He noticed that Futaba had embraced the actress in a bear hug as she continued yelping in excitement. Ryuji panicked at the sight. "What the hell! Futaba! You can't just go around hugging super beautiful models like that! I mean.. at least leave some room for us guys to have a chance.. if you know what I mean..."

Yukari didn't mind the affection from Futaba as she was already used to the attention she received from other fans of both her modelling and acting career. She realized that attention from other Shujin students began to gravitate towards her. Yukari gently began to pull Futaba away. "Alright, as much as I adore hugs, I'm actually here to talk to Takamaki-san alone.. if she doesn't mind."

"What- me? For real?" Ann shot up from her despondent gaze, surprised to hear Yukari mention her name so casually.

"Damn… lucky.. you get to spend alone time with Takeba-san? I'm jealous.." Ryuji mumbled, crossing his arms in yet another disappointment. He began to walk away, but not before ensuring that he grabbed Futaba with him. Ryuji began dragging the poor girl by the neck of her uniform as she helplessly reached out to Yukari.

"Noooooo! You monster! You can't take me away from my beloved Pink Argus!" Futaba cried out as she struggled against Ryuji's grasp. The two soon disappeared off into the distance, leaving Ann and Yukari together at Shujin Academy's entrance.

"So! How's your appetite? I'm craving a bit of a buffet myself." Yukari asked. Receiving a nod from Ann, she suddenly grabbed the unsuspecting girl's arm and wrapped hers around it, much to the other's surprise. "Come on! You and me have a lot to talk about."

- JUNE -
Tokyo, Japan
Wilton Hotel
Afternoon

Near the centre of downtown Shibuya was the luxurious Wilton Hotel where many of the upperclassmen resided. Among the floors was their famous buffet which offered a variety of foods and dishes ranging between desserts, meats, rice, and fish. As it was early Monday afternoon before the dinner rush, most of the tables were unoccupied which allowed Ann and Yukari to talk without much interruption in the background.

"Oooh! I see you are a big fan of the dessert menu! I love your taste!" Yukari complimented, gazing over to Ann's side of the table which consisted of a plate with variety of cheesecake slices with one flavour being cookies n' cream while the other was red velvet. Both girls sat themselves near the corner of the buffet area so they could converse in private. "You're a model too, right Ann? Heheh, being in the modelling business can be tough, but it's no crime to treat yourself every once in a while!"

"Y-Yeah.. I agree! I admit, it's so hard to control my own sweet tooth sometimes.. Usually I'd have someone else help me cut down on the treats.." Ann commented. She looked down to the appetizing dessert on her plate, yet couldn't muster up the strength to eat it. Looking at the red velvet cheesecake reminded her of the romantic night Ren prepared for them back at Haru's coffee shop. She deeply missed that moment and yearned for more similar ones with Ren, but it was too difficult due to the great distance between them. That thought, along with her casting rejection still residing in her mind, immediately lowered Ann's spirits as she sighed.

Gosh.. Why am I so negative right now? I have my favourite treat right in front of me and I can't even enjoy it..

"..Thinking about him, huh?" Yukari spoke up, catching Ann by surprise as she watched the younger girl's face turn red. The older woman chuckled. "Don't think you can hide it from me, girl! This sort of young, pure love is hard to come across nowadays. People are just so interested in finding immediate satisfaction that they forget investment is important towards building meaningful relationships."

"Huh? W-What are you talking about?" Ann asked, perplexed by Yukari's words. Was she talking about Ren? Ann began to demand an answer from the actress. "A-And what gives with you randomly pulling me out here after school? Not to be offensive or anything, it's actually really cool that I am spending time with the one and only Pink Argus, but you haven't mentioned anything since we've gotten here, Takeba-san!"

"I wanted to get to know you better." Yukari explained, taking a bite out of one of her meat dishes. "Don't hold back, Takamaki-san! I'm interested in hearing your entire story!"

"Ohh.. uhm, okay." Ann began to fiddle around with her fork and began poking at her cheesecake, wondering where to begin her story. Although, she was still attempting to figure out what Yukari had in mind. "I'm not sure where to start, Takeba-san.. What do you want to know about me?"

"Hmm.. oh, I know! Start with your relationship with Ren Amamiya!" Yukari asked, causing Ann to almost drop her fork at the mention of her boyfriend's name. "Heheh.. maybe I should have told you that he influenced my decision to come talk to you and possibly give you another chance at our movie. You caught yourself a really dedicated boyfriend, Takamaki-san. He's one persistant man, I can tell you!"

"Wait.. Ren? B-But how? Why?!" Ann was flustered. How did Ren manage to set this up? Yukari chuckled and began explaining the entire ordeal on how Ren waited the entire week at Horikawa Senior High to get a chance to talk to Yukari and vouch for Ann's acting potential. Ann took a moment to process the information.

Ren Amamiya... He really went through great lengths just to give me one more chance.. Ann thought. At the revelation of the news from Yukari, the sudden doubt that took over her mind subsided, replaced with newfound strength within herself. The firm belief from her boyfriend and the support he still provided, even when they were miles apart, caused Ann's heart to overwhelm with gratitude for Ren's persistence.

"Well.. I guess it all started one rainy day last year.." Ann began her story on how she met Ren. "I took refuge underneath this boutique shop when I felt a sudden presence close to me. I turned to my side and saw this shaggy-haired stranger staring at me with this weird, yet cute look on his face..."

Ann and Yukari continued talking throughout the afternoon, mostly with Ann sharing her story last year about the events that transpired at Shujin Academy, relating it to the incident with Kamoshida, how she gained the strength to stand up against his abuse and the bonds she created with both Ren, Shiho and the rest of her friends. She also included her reasons to become a model and how it all connected to strengthening her heart. Ann obviously left out the parts regarding the Phantom Thieves that were tied to a majority of the events she discussed. Yukari had been engrossed throughout the entire story Ann told.

"Interesting.. Ya know, I wish you had the time to say all that during your actual audition. I mean, I'll be honest, I thought you were a little hot-headed the first time I'd seen you act, but there was an underlying passion I could sense from you. Hearing your story definitely helped carve that picture." Yukari commented. "Takamaki-san.. forget about what the producers said about you not being able to play the part of hero. Through all the trials you've gone through, I can say that those are definite qualities that someone with a strong heart is only capable of."

"Th-thank you! Honestly, hearing that from you means a lot, Takeba-san!" Ann replied earnestly, bowing her head down towards her. "Uhm.. not to be so eager or anything, but you did mention to me about giving me another chance at the Pink Argus role?"

"Well.. yes and no.. You see, I still believe that Mika-chan earned the role herself. For you however, I have something else in mind.." Yukari took out her phone and scrolled through her photo gallery. She presented a picture of some rough drafts and concept art for a character made for the Phoenix Ranger Featherman movie. The character was a girl dressed in a skin-tight red latex catsuit, with dark red thigh-high boots and a mask resembling a cat's face with a whip as their primary weapon. Ann's eyes widened, recognizing the familiar outfit.

No way.. isn't that my Panther outfit from the Metaverse?

"Looks familiar, huh? I got inspiration for this character by those Phantom Thieves a while back. I'm sure you're familiar with those guys seeing as you live right in the city where they worked in, right?" Yukari explained. Ann was surprised that Yukari had known about the exploits of the Phantom Thieves from last year. She could only nod in agreement to prevent herself from revealing her identity. Yukari smiled. "Yeah.. I remember seeing the broadcast around last Christmas when they proclaimed to steal the heart of that super influential politician. Masayoshi Shido, I believe?"

"I see.. why'd you choose that specific girl though?" Ann asked.

"I don't know exactly. Initially, I just loved the design of that girl in the catsuit. The way she was posing, the fearsome, yet sassy tone in her voice. I thought someone like her would make a great character as a villain!" Yukari further explained. "But I also sensed some sort of determination from just the way she appeared in the broadcast. It was like.. regardless of the entire city talking against her team, she still stood up for what she believed in. I feel like someone with only a strong heart and true passion in their beliefs could act like that.. And I sense a lot of that from you, Takamaki-san."

Ann couldn't believe what she was hearing. Yukari Takeba, the well-renown Pink Argus actor, was giving such amazing compliments simply based on Ann's character. It was the way Ann acted naturally, with no need to be over-the-top and extra in her expression. Ann realized that all the doubts that she had been feeling the past week were minor gripes that she allowed to expand in her mind. The people around Ann expressed their belief in her abilities.

Especially Ren Amamiya - the one who provided such grand service to simply show Ann that she was always the strong-hearted girl he believed in.

"So.. what do you say, Takamaki-san?" Yukari asked, raising a hand in front of her for Ann to shake. "Will you be our strong-hearted super-villain in the new Phoenix Ranger Featherman movie?"

.

..

…

To be continued!

A/N: Hooray! The girls of the Lovers arcana spend valuable time together! Hmm... If I remember correctly, Ann and Yukari not the only Lovers girl in Persona, right? *hint hint*

ShuAnn week is slowly approaching! 4 more weeks to go before the internet is flooded with amazing fan-art and stories of the power couple! If you haven't heard, the Persona 5 Anime twitter has announced a Valentines special OVA, and they are currently having a poll on which pair to show a sneak peek of beforehand. If you have twitter, I encourage voting for Ann in the poll (THE FIRST CHOICE YOU SEE - it's in Japanese, so it may be difficult to interpret which choice to choose initially). So far while I'm writing this - Ann is first, so let's maintain the support!

For those who are quietly reading, I still wanna say my appreciation for your constant support throughout this long fic. There is a LOT more to come with this plot! So stay tuned and have a blessed week!

~ Azurixx

~ I do not own any Persona-related material. Any relation to real world events or persons are coincidental. This story is purely for entertainment usage only. The sol property of the Persona series and characters are respectively owned by Atlus Co., and SEGA ~