Persona X TWEWY X Kingdom Hearts

Summary: Trapped in an unfair game? Fighting against society? Changing the hearts of evil adults? Save the world? Discovering oneself? Nothing out of the ordinary for these teenagers.

Chapter 12

Prepping for Heist

*Evening Friday: 4/15 Wildkat*

"Someone's helping Kamoshida…by giving him heartless…" Naminé says worriedly, "And we're sure it's someone new?".

"Least as far as we saw, someone human-looking but it could be a strong nobody," Riku finishes while settling in his seat, "But sounds like this arrangement between them came to an end. Only left a few heartless for the king".

"And you guys said whatever Kamoshida gave them looked like a shard of a heart?" Roxas joins in.

"Myself and Sora have seen something like that before," Kairi firmly answers, "But I doubt it's Kamoshida's heart or some cognition there. I mean, they don't have hearts right?".

"Well based on what Morgana says, they're just like dolls right? So maybe it's similar to a replica's base form, just alive?" Naminé speculated, "Either way, with Ann and Shiki by your sides, chances of actually pulling this off has greatly escalated in your favor".

"Just a shame you guys had to cut it so short. Probably didn't see anything different with the castle, right?" Ven asked.

"Yeah, apart from the heartless guy we didn't see anything new," Sora agreed, "But wait a second, wouldn't Kamoshida, like, up the security now? I mean this is the third time we managed to get into his castle and we have a bigger group now".

"That's a possibility…but then again he didn't after our second attempts so maybe he'll be too arrogant to contemplate it…" Riku offers, "Either way we have a bigger group now, and between all of us pulling this off won't be so bad".

"I don't know about that," Kairi says with a shake of her head, "The three of us can handle whatever that perv throws at us but Ren and the others…they're still a little wet behind the ears…".

"Then they should dry themselves before entering mission!" Xion argued with a pout, "Wet ears can be sooo annoying in a fight, what if it gets into the ear!?".

"…she means they're still new to all this, Xion. It's a metaphor…" sighs Naminé.

Chuckling at the two, Riku calmly agrees with Kairi on the fact their new friends weren't as powerful as them or experienced, but he reminds them that between Morgana's "vast" knowledge of the Metaverse followed by his knowledge of Personas, it won't take too much of an effort for them to catch up. He regrets to remind everyone that they have no real weight in this argument themselves, seeing as they have been greatly weakened thanks to the strange rules of the game. Kairi pouts in agreement, frowning and complaining that all their training feels wasted.

"Wonder how that game is supposed to work…like, do the others know anything about it?" Roxas wonders.

"Mr. H says Neku's played the game before but he's still unaware of the game being played currently," Riku admits, "But he also asked us not to say anything until the time was right".

"And when is that?" Naminé asked.

"If we're lucky, preferably before we confront Kamoshida and steal the treasure…" he sighed.

Xion groaned impatiently and then pouts profusely whilst crossing her arms, saying it was so unfair that she and the other three have to stay behind while they go be super thieves, that if they knew how to awaken their Personas they would have taken down Kamoshida and his Palace on the first day. The others agreed with her frustrations, voicing the restrictions weighing on their minds.

"I'm with all of you on that, but until we figure it out, no one without a Persona was going. Master's orders," Riku says, adding the last part when he sees Roxas about to argue. This silenced him and reduced him to just glaring at the older boy while Xion hummed quietly. "Oh…Riku is a master…huh…" she muses with an innocent tone, "I forgot he was…". With a roll of his eyes, Riku then tells the party that they needed to head off to bed and get ready for tomorrow, reminding them they still have school tomorrow and need to stay on guard thanks to Kamoshida.

"Why should we be scared of him? He tries anything and we-

"We fight back and then get expelled or worse?" Riku challenged with a raised brow, "If he's able to kick Ren and those two out so easily as he claims, then what's gonna stop him from kicking us out?".

"And then what if he suggests bringing in our parents? Or more personal questions we can't answer without exposing our cover?" Naminé added, "Even if we're able to protect ourselves physically, everything else he has the advantage".

"What's a parent?" Xion asked innocently.

Naminé gave her a short and clear rundown of parental roles and familial bonds before reminding everyone of her point. And stresses that he has the principal on his side, even more of an advantage over them. "Hold on a second, even if Kamoshida does confess to everything he's done…what if that tubby tries to cover it up? Like, keep it all quiet?" Ventus points out with a frown, "I mean he's the principal, doesn't he have that much control over the school?".

"That's a good point but think about it. Kamoshida will be so wrecked by the guilt of his sins he can't hide it himself, and if the principal tries to hide it, someone's gonna expose it whether Kamoshida helps or not," Riku says, "Plus I highly doubt even that fatass will try to protect him. If I'm right, he'll probably cover his tracks".

"That sucks. He's just as guilty as Kamoshida but if we do it like this he could just get away by pretending he was completely oblivious?" Kairi asked.

"Sounds like it," concurred Roxas.

"Hey, come on," Sora says, hoping to turn this despair filled conversation around, "I know that it'll suck that Kobayakawa is gonna get away from this but what's important is that we stop Kamoshida's abuse. Sides wouldn't this still look bad for him?".

"Sora's right," Naminé says with a smile, "Whether he knew this or not, the principal is STILL responsible for his students' safety and should have investigated this, so no matter what he'll still receive some backlash once Kamoshida's abuse comes to light".

"Not the perfect outcome, but it's an outcome that at least his victims will get justice," Riku agrees, "Which is why this is more of a reason to get this done". The party nodded before everyone shuffles to bed, yawning and bidding everyone a good night, but not before Xion innocently remarking she had completely forgotten what their principal's name was and just referred to him as "Potato-Man" whenever he was brought up. But once the five left the café, Naminé remained behind with Riku for one more subject they've yet to bring up.

"So…how much longer do you think it'll take before Neku or Ren start asking about us?" she asked softly, looking to the older teenager. Riku shakes his head and admits it was looking closer and closer with each time they go to the Palace. And if he were a gambling man, he fears that they may have to start planning on how they were going to keep incognito of their true identities before or after they deal with Kamoshida.

"Ren is sharp and extremely observant, likely he's already wondering how all this doesn't seem to bother us or all the coincidences that have occurred. Neku likely still remembers his time with you and Sora in the dream world, wonder why he hasn't brought up any questions," Naminé says, "Do you think he's just waiting for something?".

"Don't know. But with all this happening maybe it slipped his mind, and Ren's already in hot water with the possibility of being expelled," Riku argued.

"Right…good point," Naminé concedes.

Keeping the order a secret was becoming more difficult and likely more in the future for as long as they remain in this world, and Naminé fears chances of either one of the two of their most likely confidants finding out is becoming more likely. She also had to remember they have no ways off this world, and if Aqua was so intent on them experiencing their journeys to grow as guardians of light, it was unlikely their master would swoop in and bring them home. Which only made her more worried about how much longer they must keep in contact with their new friends.

"Something on your mind?" he asked.

"…do you think these Phantom Thieves are part of the game Mr. H mentioned? I mean, he only brought it up after Sora and Neku awakened their Personas…" she speaks, "Between this, the fact we were all brought here by whatever forces or fate, then Kamoshida's evils bringing others into this…doesn't all of this seem like a massive coincidence?".

"I'd say one or two, but all that? Nah, no way this was just a chance of fate. Plus, Mr. H…really lacked the motive to give us more details on the game itself, only saying it's been rigged against us. Maybe that's why we've been brought here…but still there's something off about all this," Riku says while crossing his arms, "That shadow…if it's someone in league with the heartless or somebody in this world, what if they summon heartless here?".

"So you think it's someone in this world?" Naminé asked.

"Maybe someone with a heart of darkness but… it's too early to judge yet," Riku finished. He shook his head and sighed, claiming they can't continue speculating their predicament until they figure out who's behind the heartless. For now, their biggest concern was Kamoshida and the heist, which Naminé agrees took priority and reminds them they should get to bed before they fall asleep on the couches.

They leave the main room of the café and headed for the corridor where their rooms awaited them, but before Naminé entered her bedroom, Riku stopped her.

"So how's school?" he asked.

She turned to him with a curious look before he clarifies his question. Naminé paused and then leaned against her door. "Truth be told? It's quite intimidating and a bit too hectic sometimes," she says running one elegant hand through her hair, "There's so much to keep up within that place, and that's outside of Kamoshida's garbage". Though she confessed there is a semblance of normality that she found lacking in her life since she regained a body of her own, and while she could do without maths and algebra (something their party unanimously agreed was awful) she enjoyed the challenges the other educations came with.

Riku raised a brow when she complimented the art club and was thinking of joining them should they remain here after dealing with the Palace and was offered to be part of a book club recently. "I won't lie it is a little scary that so many students want me to be a part of their respective clubs but it's nice to feel wanted, you know?" she explained. "Yeah, I can understand the appeal…" Riku says shrugging, "But uh, have you gotten any attention from the students? Like…?".

"O-Oh!" Naminé squeaked with darkening cheeks, and she started to wring her hands nervously with a stammer, claiming she hadn't noticed anyone who presented her with any special feelings or attraction to her. Riku didn't find it hard to believe she wouldn't notice anyone being affectionate or flirty with her, the girl was oblivious to things like that if he remembered right. He saw one student try to flirt with her and it went over her head like metaphors going over Xion's, and maybe it was because he glared at that student but after that one attempt they never saw the dude again.

Riku casually agrees with her it was a trial to try and adapt to something so mundane and normal after everything they've been through, though refreshing it seemed. Naminé rubbed her arm and quietly asked: "Have…you? G-Gotten any attention?".

"Uh yeah…a few girls here and there…mostly just asking about where I'm from or how I know the supposed trouble student…" Riku admits with a shrug, oblivious to the sudden eye twitch from the girl. Someone…dared, to flirt with Riku?

"Don't ask their names, don't ask their names!" she pleads mentally.

"But hey, at least we're being asked if we're from other worlds or anything too personal," Riku assured, "So we should be grateful".

"…right…right…" Naminé agrees, then clearing her throat. "W-Well… at least we're all here this time…".

"Hmm. Agreed," he says with a friendly smile, "It's nice to have everyone here". He then ruffles her hair, making Naminé freeze and her blood runs to her cheeks, while Riku remains oblivious to the effects he has on the poor innocent girl. "And ya know, thanks for trying to stop Kairi from doing something stupid…even if you were going to do the same thing she was gonna do," he thanks/teases the blonde, who turned even redder with embarrassment and meekness…and trying not to squeal from Riku's praise.

"Well, night Naminé," he says, heading off to his bedroom for the night, leaving Naminé in the corridor glowing like a stoplight. She watched him enter his room and close his door, before placing her face into her hands and twisting around with muffled squeals. Quickly she scrambles back into her room to try and hopefully get some sleep for tomorrow, despite how hot her cheeks were and how flushed he made her.

And just when she thought Sora was oblivious…

*Early Morning: Saturday. 4/16*

Waking up from his slumber an hour earlier, Ren made his way down the stairs with Morgana taking up space in his bag, refusing to be out of any loop of the thieves. Not that Ren could argue, if he kept Morgana with him as opposed to letting him run loose around here he'd have less of a chance to irate Sojiro. He wasn't entirely sure how adorable Morgana was worth to the old man to risk any shenanigans without someone to supervise him or cage him if he was so inclined to purchase. But the day was young, and it was only his first day here.

Entering the main café, he spotted Sojiro prepping some coffee and even smells the spice of a curry being made. Turns out this was just an hour before the old man opens his store and he heard Ren shuffling from above along with meowing from Morgana, so he figured he'd prep him something to eat before he heads into school. Even had some spare meat for Morgana to nibble while he waits. Ren thanked him as he sat down on the stool, sighing contently from the smell of curry and coffee, taking a sip to wake up.

"Sleep well?" Sojiro asked, gesturing to the furball.

"Apart from becoming a bed for him? Peachy…" Ren yawned, planting his mug down, "But so long as he remembers my head isn't his pillow I'll be happy".

Sojiro nodded in agreement as he starts to prep for the opening, remarking about a few coffee beans here and there. Ren sipped his coffee while staring into his meal, quiet and almost still in thought. The sleep he craved for yesterday hadn't come to him without some baggage, and every time he looks at his uniform and thinks of what must be done to stop a man who abuses his power, he sees the victim that had tried to take her life. Every time.

His heart aches with guilt and he lashes inward quietly, ridiculing his hesitance and lack of a will to step over the line to do what needs to be done. The day was so easy to recall, the screaming students of shock and horror, how useless he and the others felt when all they were able to do is watch in terror as life was tossed away to escape an abusive situation. Shiho's pale and broken form, the dull lifelessness in her eyes, and the weak whimper voice she had.

"You okay?" Sojiro asked, noticing the silence.

"…yeah…" lies the boy as he scoops up a small morsel of food.

With a suspicious frown, the old man then sighed and turned to him with his hands on the counter. "Alright, what is it? You're not this quiet". Ren stops his second scoop and stares at the counter quietly, before he raised his face to Sojiro, who judging by the frowning was already thinking the worst of the worst situation the boy has landed himself in. Not entirely wrong giving his potential expulsion and the fact he was going through with this Phantom Thieves deal, but in his mental ramblings, he thinks of the girl.

"…did the school ever say what happened yesterday?" he asked quietly.

"Huh? What happened exactly?" Sojiro asked, "Wait, what did you do?".

"A girl…she, she jumped off the school rooftop…and from what I heard from one of the teachers…her condition is critical," Ren reveals, looking down at the counter, completely missing the look of horror on Sojiro's face, "And…they said she may not make it through".

"Dear god…" Sojiro says quietly. Ren couldn't face him, unable to shake away this guilt that settled in his heart, and more of that self-tearing began to run in his head. Sojiro grunts, and then looked at the boy and asked if that girl was part of his question the day before, about being able to help even if it was a grey area situation. Ren doesn't answer but his grip on the mug confirms his carer's questions, and this made the older man heave a deeper sigh. "Damnit kid…you said it was a hypothetical question…if I knew it was real I'd…" he tried but ultimately he dropped his arm and heaves another sigh, he sounded so tired suddenly.

"Would your answer be any different?" Ren asked, not angrily or even accusingly.

"…I dunno kid…but shit, why would she do this?" Sojiro asked, "Or better, why didn't she say anything to the teachers or her parents for god's sake?".

Ren can't answer that, not if it means giving Sojiro an idea on why Shiho tried to take her life or who was the one who pushed her to the edge. He can't know about Kamoshida's involvement, he'd only expose his expulsion and possibly accelerate it, or imply to the coach the others might have a plan that could bring him down. Plus how could Ren tell him everyone was either too terrified of Kamoshida or just don't care enough without evidence to this? The last thing he wanted was to undermine the severity of Shiho's suicide.

He finished his breakfast and after thanking Sojiro for both the meal and listening, he leaves quietly. Sojiro watches the boy leave his café and stares back at the floor, pinching the bridge of his nose, cursing quietly.

*Afterschool: 4/16 Saturday*

School had to continue, and even despite the traumatic event that occurred yesterday, if someone hadn't mentioned Shiho's attempts to end her life, nobody would ever suspect something like that had happened. Likely the principal was so busy with damage control and to keep this as quiet as inhumanly possibly, it hadn't hit the news yet and chances are the students had been convinced to keep this between themselves and more. The thieves wondered if Kamoshida's involvement had a drastic influence on the choice to stay quiet, especially with people like Mishima being so meek and cowardly.

Once the school had ended, they all gathered up to the school rooftop as subtly and inconspicuously as they could to avoid being seen by someone of authority.

"Mkay, we're here so let's get going!" Ryuji says, enthusiastically.

"Hold on a second, it's way too early to go back to the Palace!" Morgana pips up from Ren's bag. Ryuji, impatient, asked the furball why to wait when all they must do was steal the Treasure and more importantly reminds the little guy three of them were on a very short time limit. "Stealing the Treasure is already gonna be tricky enough with Morgana's uncertainty, but it won't matter if we don't reach it first," Riku says, agreeing with Morgana, "You saw how many knights that guy's got and with the heartless too".

"So? We got Personas! Ain't that shit enough?" Beat asked, agreeing with his blond partner-in-crime.

"Didn't seem to matter that much against King Pants-less and his legion of idiots…" Neku sighed, "If we're going back, we need to be prepared".

"Yeah, I mean I know we were all gun-ho to take him down, but if we're going to take on his guards we should be better equipped for the job," Kairi says with a nod. "Wait like…weapons?" Shiki asked with wide eyes. Kairi nodded, reminding everyone that while she, Sora, and Riku were already outfitted with fine enough weapons to take down their enemies, Ren's group wasn't as fortunate. When Ryuji tried to argue her logic, Morgana curtly reminds him he is using a metal pipe as a means to fight, and their enemies have swords, shields, and lots of knives, and that was the basic set of enemies.

"Plus, Ren and Morgana are the only ones with guns right? Or at least, ranged weapons while we can make up for that with magic…" Sora says with his hands behind his head. "And I sure as hell am NOT touching those things…I've got psych powers for range anyways…" growled Neku, waving his hand. Beat and Shiki agreed with him, opting to use their new tricks for any range combat and with Rhyme being a no-brainer. "Okay fine, but Lady Ann and Ryuji need better weapons regardless, and we're also in need of some protective gear," Morgana says.

"Hmm…hey quickie question…but you guys have uniforms right?" Eri asks. When they answer, she looked at Shiki and then clapped her hands. "Well if it's "armor" you need, I think Shiki and I got ya covered!". Shiki grins and then explains that they have some spare clothing and materials from previous designs, and if the whole cognition of guns can apply to gear, maybe they could fix them up some protective gear themselves. Morgana hummed in approval, saying that might work, even if their enemies wouldn't see their uniforms entirely thanks to the PT gear.

"But if the enemy sees you all with guns and weapons, maybe they'll assume your Phantom Thieves gear is armor, and then that way the gear Eri and Shiki makes can work?" Naminé offers, "It's a long shot but…".

"I say we go for it. If they work, perfect," Ren says, easing everyone's worries, "But weapons is still a must if we want to stand a chance against Kamoshida".

"And where the heck are you guys going to get those? I mean who's gonna sell firearms to minors?" Roxas asked.

"I know a place!" Ryuji bragged with a smirk, "That's where I got Ren's gun, and they've got some prop weapons too".

Riku then says Ryuji could be in charge of weapon collecting, then offers to Beat to go with him for help and to help smuggle them. Props or models or whatever they might be, someone is going to have an issue with seeing a bunch of teenagers with firearms. The blondes nod and agree, but then Ann points out something. If they were going to steal the treasure, how long would this take them to do? And worst off, how are they gonna deal with injuries and fatigue. Not even Sora's group could heal something like exhaustion.

"Hold on, I think we have a solution. This doctor is running a clinic in Yongen-Jaya, according to Sojiro she sells some homemade medicine," Ren reveals and added that on his way here he overheard a few girls talking about it. Xion jumps with glee, waving her hand, and says she heard the medicine from the weird clinic lady supposedly helps with exhaustion and other symptoms. Foggy minds, no energy, and it was better than most clinics because it works. The party shares glance of uncertainty between them, knowing the risks of unlicensed doctors and consumption of sketchy medicine.

"Even if they were, you know, safe and useful to consumers, would she even sell it to us? I mean we're all minors and I got a feeling she's not fond of the police," Roxas questioned.

"Well…what if we send someone who looks like a college student? Say…" Ann says, slowly looking towards Riku. The silver-haired teen blinked when everyone else stared at him, seemingly agreeing with the model and some were grinning. Riku look displeased, crossing his arms and complaining that he had to be their supplier. Naminé teases that he was the most mature and adult member of the party and says if he just acts cool he'd pass for a college student with flying colors.

Riku huffs but growls in defeat. "Fine, fine…where's this clinic? If we're not going to the Palace today, may as well stock up,".

"…err…how exactly are we gonna pay for all this?" Ventus asks quietly, suddenly feeling the weightlessness of his wallet, "I mean the medicine and weapons aren't going to be cheap…".

"Hey, we're not charity!" Eri reminds, "How are we gonna get the supplies for your gear?".

Before panic starts, Sora hands Beat a stack of yen and then to Eri, then to Riku saying they would at least cover the expenses for the decent stuff. When the duos looked at the stack, feeling the weight and even counting the cash, they asked where he got this. He shrugged and says he's very frugal with money, and had been saving since he was supposed to be transferred to Shujin. Kairi and Riku shared a "really" look between them, smirking knowingly.

"Okay then. Finances solved, let's meet up tomorrow for the big day," Ren says.

*Yongen-Yaya*

"Hey Riku, how about you go to the unlicensed doctor and get some happy juice from her? What's the worst thing that could happen?" muttered the silvery-haired master as Ren leaves him to his devices outside the clinic. Credit to this doctor, it didn't look as bad as he thought, if nothing else this place looked to be professional and well-cared for. Stepping inside, he was greeted by the smells of sterilization and the usual smells a hospital carries. There are three leather seats on each wall facing each other, a few flyers on the walls with a billboard of other information.

At the front desk is the doctor, not even looking up from whatever she was doing. She matched the description Ren gave her, and while he was a little off-put by the doc's fashion senses, he didn't sense a bad vibe from her that would make any desperate patient rethink going to her. Plus the clinic was clean and seemed cared for, maybe she wasn't as bad as the rumors made her out to be. He swallowed quietly and then approached her.

"…is this your first visit?" she asks, looking up at him.

"Yeah, I uh, heard from a few friends you were the best option here and well, your pretty close to home as well so…" Riku says, feeling suddenly nervous. The doctor raised a brow, then shrugged and asked him what the problem was. Luckily, he prepared for this and says he has a chronic disease, deciding to go with a more subtle illness than a cold or flu, if her stuff is that good it can help with something serious like his lie.

At first, she gave him a look that put him on guard, but then she shrugs and asks if he would go into the exam room.

Inside she gave him a few check-ups, collecting saliva, checking ears, eyes, and blood pressure to get an idea of his condition. Like outside the room was in far better condition than he expected, as a professional hospital. Sitting before her, he bullshat his way through their talk about his condition and why he came here. In conclusion, she says he was just feeling the stress getting to him and offered him some painkillers. Riku almost agreed but then frowns when she says she's in low supply of them, so offers sleeping pills instead.

He quietly grunts, those pills won't do them any help in their heist. If those painkillers can be used to heal severe injuries like a broken arm or a slash, they needed those. "Look, I'm sure you're short but I need pain killers, "he persists.

"Oh? And I suppose you deserve year's long supply as well?" she asked sarcastically, making the silver teen glared at her. "You're not sick at all. I'm not as dumb as I look, kid".

"Never said you were…manners certainly suck though," Riku says. She smirks at him, whether out of amusement or because she called out his bluff he doesn't know, but she leaned into her chair, asking him if he just came here because of the rumors. It seemed to fool her and talking his way out wasn't an option for the master, so he came clean and says he's been hearing a lot of rumors circulating her medicine and wanted to see if those stories were true.

"A patient with an ulterior motive? What is this world coming to?" she asked with amusement, "I guess high school students have it tough too. Well…fine, I'll prescribe you some medication". Riku looked surprised, certain she would have just told him to get lost for lying, but she stressed to him the medication was for his health only, nothing else. "And you're just gonna help me like that?" Riku asked.

"You seem pretty earnest, and you don't look like you'll cause any trouble for me so I guess it's fine," she says, "This is my private practice. All the medicine I produce is original".

"About that…this is legal, right?" Riku asked.

"Of course it is. I do have a license to make my formula. You've likely seen a few of them being sold at hospitals here and there," she says. Then after a reminder to take care of himself, his responsibility, she'd like him to come here for a check-up anytime. Not wanting to risk getting into more potential trouble, Riku agrees and thanks to his doctor for her service. She praised his ability to quickly pick up on things.

"Still, pretty weird guy. Wonder what you're gonna use the medicine for…?" she asked while staring at him. Riku rubbed his neck awkwardly, saying he's just super attentive to his body. She shrugged in response, stating that so long as he keeps trouble away from her, it won't be any of her concern. Riku promises to at least warn her if he decides to, making her smirk before showing him the list of medicines while explaining what each one does for the body. Luckily for Riku they were small and have her medical badge on them, so he could fill his bag with what he needed.

Once the transaction was done, he paid for the medicine and leaves the room with less cash but a massive increase in survivability for his teammates. Inside the clinic waiting room however was a man in a business suit, who was probably another patient for the doctor. He steps aside for him and heads for the door. But then he hears the doctor's voice again, pleasant yet indifferently asking about what the man's problem is, and then the man yelled at her.

He accused her of being the only person who made a certain medicine that, according to him, can help a person obtain unlimited power. Riku stopped and leaned against the side of the exam room door to listen in. "Unlimited power? Can medicine's do that?" Riku asked himself quietly, cupping his chin. The doctor plays dumb and assured the man she was a quack doctor, yet ever stubborn the man reminds her experimental creations were health violations, and that creations of such can create social issues.

He even threatened her that while the police may be too slow to pick up, social media is another story. "Guys' not wrong there…" Riku remarks. The man goes on about who she ruined his reputation once and calls her a disgrace to the medical community. The doctor hissed in annoyance, a nerve had been touched it seemed and then the man threatened her to dispose of her medicine and resign as a doctor and dropped her name.

Tae Takemi.

He didn't stay any longer because the man must have seen him through the glass and shouted for him, Riku ran. No need to get involved just yet.

Outside and after a jog towards the train station, while waiting, he thought on that medicine. That man was insistent and pushy, more than one should be for something as crazy as a medicine that could grant someone unlimited power. Then again that woman makes her medicines, and if these are as powerful as they should be in the Metaverse, then what if that medicine that man was talking about was real? He pulls out his phone and texted the group.

Nightmare: "Got the medicine. Had to lie my butt off but I got them".

Scarlet: "How much did you get?".

Nightmare: "Enough. But before I left, this guy in a suit was demanding she'd stop her practice. she's got this medicine that gives you unlimited power".

Joker: "You sure it wasn't something illegal?".

Nightmare: "Could have been marijuana for all I know…maybe I'll ask her about it later…".

King: "Sounds good. Skull, you and Jet got the weapons yet?".

Skull: "Just about to be outside the store, see ya'll later!".

*Shibuya*

"Yo…you sure this the place?" Beat asked with one raised brow.

"Totally dude! It's where I ordered the first one and bam! Bet'cha it won't take even a minute to get our shit!" Ryuji bragged confidently. Beat admires his buddy's confidence, but just looking at the store made him severely doubtful of its authenticity. The store is an airsoft store, it had a large bright green neon sign over it saying "Untouchable", it was located in a back alley of Shibuya's main shopping district in a pretty unsafe looking street. When the punk voiced how sketchy the place looked, even Ryuji said it'd be a bit scary to go in alone.

Only furthering Beat's doubts…

"Anyways! Let's go in and see what they got!" Ryuji cheerfully says.

Inside the store, it looked like an armory. Several model guns were hanging around with mannequins dressed in camouflage, military clothing, and some paintball armor, weapons ranging from close range to long-range and some cosmetics in the draws and shelves by the counter. A man, presumably the owner, was sitting at the counter with legs resting on it with a magazine in hand, tough-looking with a gecko tattoo on his neck. Beat rubbed the back of his neck with a small groan in his throat, wondering if they should have brought someone like Neku here.

They both approached the man, and when Ryuji asked about the weapons, the man just looked at them. "…you lookin' for recommendations?" he asked, voice grave and tired with a hint of confusion. He shrugged and just told them to pick a weapon that interests them. Ryuji complained about the terrible customer service, and this got the man's attention. With a grunt, the owner asks them what sort've gun they wanted, things like a revolver and automatic.

"Automatic? Dude, why the hell are you going in about cars now?" Ryuji asked, annoyed. Beat groans.

"Dude! A revolver is a six-shooter, and an automatic is a gun that fires rapidly! Ya know, like a machine gun and shit!" Beat lectures. Ryuji stares at the fellow punk while the owner chuckles, amused. "Sounds like one of you is an enthusiast, and this store isn't for casuals. My regulars will be upset if I start letting a casual like your friend there hang around," the owner says with mirth yet stern. Ryuji growls, saying he wasn't a "casual" and claims he bought one last week, but the man shrugged and says he can't remember him.

One low swear is his reward, but he turned to Beat. "And you, what's your story? Lookin' for somethin'?" he inquired. Beat nodded. "Look man, I'm looking for somethin' that looks like the real deal, ya know?" he says.

"Oh? You planning a robbery or somethin'?" he asked with a smirk. Beat grinned evilly. "Nah, jus' wanna scare some punk-ass who thinks he's hot shit! Sides, I like them". The man just laughed dryly, shaking his head, and tosses his magazine aside, saying he liked the punk. "Well now, someone's an enthusiast alright, just starting right?" he asked. "Heh, yeah man…buddy here got me hooked on this shit, and ya know, ain't no harm starting a new hobby, right?" Beat says with a grin. "Humph…I like ya kid, alright then. Always up for helpin' fresh faces".

He gave them a few precautions before he agreed to start selling them the gear they'll need, mostly standard ones such as never waving them around in public or pointing them at other people. The safest option for them is to just keep them in a bag or something whenever they were outside. Furthermore, not let the "fuzz" catch them and find out where they got those models, the man didn't like the idea for cops to come and bother him. Once they promised they'd be sensible and not be the idiots he was likely thinking they were, he started to explain more of these guns.

"Now look closely, and you'll be able to tell these are models. Real guns feel…different," he explains when he showed them some model handguns.

"Like they're heavy right?" Beat asked.

"Depends on the gun, some can be lighter or heavy, but yeah," the owner says, impressed, "Heh, maybe someday I'll show ya the real good stuff…if you got the guts for it that is". He gets off his chair, saying that for now they can use the beginner stuff, and goes to bring them out. Once he was gone, the two plucked their phones out from their pockets and contacted the others.

Skull: "Dudes! We're getting the good shit! Yo Tzu, your bro pulled our assess out of the fire here!".

Tzu: "…Jet what did you do?".

Jet: "Just talked to him about models and guns, that it. Pretty cool dude".

Tzu: "So…no outbursts of anger or threats?".

Jet: "No?".

Tzu: "Oh thank god…".

Reaper: "King's money gonna cover it? Mean Skull and the others are the only ones needing new stuff".

Joker: "Don't go overboard. Just buy what we need and that's it. King's money after all".

Skull: "We know! Yo, what about our new member, she got any preference?".

Ann: "Uhh…I dunno…do they have like those, what, "Tommy" guns?".

Jet: "Sub-machine guns. Yeah they got them".

Ann: "Sweet, I'll take it!".

Once the owner came back, he had all the guns they would've needed and even some model melee weapons for the others. Beat did ask more about the prop weapons, and like the guns the owner promises them, they were models that were meant to look like the real deal. So Beat invested in them for the other thieves' sake, getting a duffle bag in the process out of his pocket since he'd keep it. Once done, the man gave them a fair warning that he doesn't buy any model guns from anyone else, so he encouraged them to keep that in mind.

They leave the store and contact the others about their purchase, showing a picture of the duffle bag in Beat's hand. The skateboarder offered to be the weapons guy from here on out since he and the owner seem to be on the same page regarding models. Again surprising Ryuji for his knowledge. Once everyone confirmed they were fine with the arrangement and only after Beat promised he'd be cool with it, the punk texted he'd bring the stuff to school tomorrow, he and Neku could sneak them in without Kamoshida knowing.

Joker: "Alright, Morgana and I are gonna start on making some infiltration tools. Everyone else, rest up and take it easy. We've got until Monday to start our heist.".

*Evening: 4/16 Saturday*

*Wildkat*

"A map?" Kairi asks as she settled into her chair.

"That's right. If you guys are going to try and steal the treasure, it'd make sense to have a map or a layout of the castle," Naminé says, "Like Morgana said, underestimating the castle and its secrets can be fatal, and the last thing you need is Kamoshida having a leg up on you guys".

"Not a bad idea I suppose, problem is how?" Riku asked, "Maybe there's a blueprint in the castle or something like that…".

"Well not exactly…see I've been doing some pondering and if this works, I think I can create a map for you," Naminé explains. She looked at Sora, saying he's seen a good chunk of the castle as well as Neku and Ren, varying in parts but all together they've seen most of the first floor and all the second floor. Ventus pointed out that THEY have, she hasn't so how would that benefit her. "Simple, you remember I can manipulate the Sora's and the memories of those connected to his heart, correct?".

"Oh lord don't remind me…" grimaced Riku, shooting Xion and Roxas an apologetic look. They gave him grateful nods and while Naminé apologizes, Kairi asked her what that had to do with maps. "Simple, I have a photographic memory, thanks to all that time in Land of Departure and after a few practices, I believe if I peek into Sora, Ren, and Neku's memories regarding the Palace, I could recreate a map in my mind of the castle. Then I can paint it, recreate it with some key points here and there of interest, like a secret passage or exit routes".

"So if we're planning something, your pictures can help us get a view of the castle layout," Riku says while cupping his chin, then his lips morph into a grin, "Damn that sounds like a real ace in the hole".

"That's what I'm thinking. This way if things go south, we can always plan an exit," Naminé says. "So between the weapons, protective gear, and medicine with Ren's infiltration tools, I think you guys are ready to take on the Palace".

"Well that's cool and all…but what about the three of us?" Roxas asked, not liking being tossed to the bench. That was until Xion perked up and reached behind the chairs they were sitting on and pulls out small flat boxes. "Mr. H talked to me this morning after school, and he says his café needed employees!" she cheers.

"Huh?" Roxas asks, looking at his uniform, "Seriously? Sora and the others go off and be thieves, Naminé makes maps and we're stuck with a job?".

"But we get paid! AND free coffee!" Xion cheers with a wide smile.

"If someone gives Xion even a drop of caffeine, they are sleeping on the roof. Permanently," Kairi threatens, glaring at Roxas…who sheepishly shrank under her, Ventus and Naminé's glare. In his defense he thought if sugar couldn't affect the already super cheerful Xion, why would coffee be any different.

It was different. VERY different.

"Well…guess Xion's gonna have to stick with tea from here on out. Anyway, we've got until Monday to plan, so what do you guys wanna do?" Sora asked.

"Well…we could…" Kairi starts.

A/N: And we are done!

Again a shorter one, but only because I'm introducing the confidants and whose being paired up with them. We've got the team squared up and readying for their first steal, but next time is gonna be a free day for them.

So if you all have an idea on who should do what or if you have a pairing idea you wanna see, leave it in the reviews, it'll be a more down time chapter before we jump into the PT stuff.

Questions:

Q1: Thoughts on this chapter?

Q2: Naminé in this? How do like the idea of her being the mapper of the party?

Q3: Beat's knowledge on guns?

Q4: Riku being Tae' Guinea pig?

Q5: What do you wanna see next?

Q6: Ryuji and Ann as a pairing or nah?

Q7: Would you like to see Aqua again at some point or shall we keep the KH cast as such?

Q8: Sora's Castle? Wanna see the others?

Q9: Xion too childish?

As always everyone, thanks for reading and supporting this story! Stay awesome but more importantly stay safe!