Jun 3

Ren and Morgana walked into the Smash plaza, unsure of what to do today. Time was running out and they needed some supplies.

He stopped by with several heroes who offered some items. Marth offered him some vulnaries. "These potions are very good for restoring health. You'll be fine." Mario offered some jars as well. "These-a syrup jars always-a give me and my bro some energy." Morgana was a bit grossed out. "He just drinks the syrup straight up. I can understand on pancakes but that's too far." Joker was thankful and hoped these things would work in the Metaverse.

As he walked around, he noticed Sonic with a yellow tablet. He was looking at something on the screen and had a glum face. Ren felt like his kindness was high enough to help and walked over to his blue Hedgehog friend. "Hello Sonic." Sonic looked up and put on a cocky grin.

"Hey dude, whatcha need? Trip to the island? Another dance session?" Ren shook his head. "I was actually asking to see if you needed anything. You look glum." Sonic shook his head. "Don't worry. My life's been great." Morgana felt tension from Ren as the latter scowled. "I think I'm gonna go walk around." Morgana left. "Sonic. I'm your friend. You can tell me." Sonic sighed. "Fine. But not here. We need to talk somewhere else."

The two were now at the top of the Shuttle Loop in Green Hill Zone. Sonic showed him the tablet. "I didn't think your public opinion was so low." The device showed the Phan Site. It displayed a poll asking if people believed the Phantom Thieves were just. It was at about 20%. Sonic asked, "How do you do it?" Ren was confused. "How do I do what?" "How do you keep going with fans treating you like this?" Ren thought about it. He had to know something. "Why do you ask?"

Sonic sighed. "I'm a legendary icon. I have fans like Morgana and Futaba. Kind, loving my adventures...but I also have some "fans" that just get on my nerve. I had a lot of fun adventures over the years, but every once in a while I have a bad one. My fans seem to be more vocal lately about by bad adventures instead of my good ones. I used to be as respected a hero as Mario. I can understand people liking me less than him. The guy deserves to be loved...but everyone seems to think of me as one of the biggest jokes now."

Ren was surprised. From the way the other Smashers, Morgana and Futaba treated him, he would have thought everyone loved him. Sonic continued. "You spend your whole life trying to give people hope and give them some fun, but then..." Ren interrupted, "You make a mistake, and no one ever forgives you for it."

Sonic nodded. "I'll ask again...how do you do it?" Ren looked at him. "I've learned that a lot of people will mainly follow you just to see you mess up...but look at that." He pointed to a part of the tablet. It was the 20% of fans who still were on the side of the Phantom Thieves. "Even if you are a source of ridicule, there are still people who love you. And not just fans like these. You also have friends in your life that care for you. The Phantom Thieves and my confidants. Just like your friends." Sonic thought about all his friends...Tails...Knuckles...Amy...Shadow...Mario...Pikachu...Mega Man...Ren. Sonic hopped up.

"You're right Ren. Sorry to just let you see that side. I guess that Phan Site was just reminding me too much of my problems." Ren got up. "I should be apologizing. I was the one who showed the Phan Site." "Don't blame yourself. Why don't we get some Chili Dogs." "Can't say I eat those too often." "Wait here. I'll go get them." Joker felt his bond with Sonic continue to grow. The two spent the rest of the day hanging out. Joker arrived back and noticed a bunch of smashers hanging out, and also found Morgana. Joker noticed one person in particular staring at him. The famous Vampire Hunter: Simon Belmont. Ren walked up to him. "Sorry, have I done something." "Oh, I was just wondering about that thing you summoned earlier." That voice...something about it irritated Ren. "You mean my Persona?" "Is it some kind of demon?" Morgana notes. "This guy does fight demons and monsters for a living...a lot of shadows look like mythological demons...maybe he could help us know how to fight them."

Ren felt like he owed it to another smasher to explain it. "A persona is basically your own rebellious soul given incarnation. A bunch resemble historical demons, but others resemble mythological gods, historical figures, or fictional characters. My Persona, for example is a thief from a French series of novels: Arsene." Simon nodded. "I think I understand. Forgive my skepticism. Where I come from, monsters usually aren't known for being helpful." Ren asked. "How do you fight them." "Several divine relics. Mainly this whip." He showed off his whip. "It's been passed down by my bloodline for generations. It's said to be blessed by God Himself."

Ren asked, "The one who gave forgiveness from anguish?" "That's only one part but...are you Christian too?" Ren shook his head. "Not really religious. I was told about him from a priest when I was helping a friend with his art project at a church. I was wondering... a lot of the shadows I face resemble monsters. There not actual ones, but they're born from people's cognitions of them. Perhaps you could give me some tips about how to make fighting them easier." Simon thought about it. "Very well. Meet me sometime and I'll give you some knowledge I've gained training to fight Dracula." Joker nodded. He felt a bond growing with Simon.

I am thou , thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow .

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Devotee Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power

After agreeing, the two headed their separate ways. He headed to bed tired after the long day.

Jun 4

Ren was once again making coffee for the smashers, saving some for his team. When he was done, he noticed the last three still hanging out were Sonic, Link, and Simon. Link asked, "Where did you learn to make coffee like this?" Ren calmly replied, "From a cafe owner. He's been teaching me how to make coffee while looking after my probation." Simon almost chocked. "Probation? Did you commit some sort of crime?" Ren felt he needed to be honest with these three new friends. He explained about that tragic night.

When he saved a woman from a cruel man. Only that cruel man had some kind of political power, making it look like Ren had committed the crime. "After that, I was sent to Tokyo. My guardian has been taking care of me and I had to enroll in the only school that would accept me. Probably to only help their image by making a psychotic criminal reform." Sonic shook his head. "It's people like that who shouldn't be in charge. Enforcing law doesn't mean you're above it." He raises a palm to high five Ren. "Way to stick up to that jerk!" Ren calmly responded to Sonic's high five. Link growled. "I wish I was like that. I couldn't stand up to help Zelda when her father was too cruel. You've got guts, Ren." Simon nodded, "A high position does not justify cruel actions like that. People of any power, kings, priests, politicians. Those titles are no excuse." Ren nodded. "Thank you everyone. It feels good knowing you think that."

Later that day, Ren met up with Simon to learn some monster weaknesses. Simon was showing Ren a tome handed down by his family showing info on monsters. "Cerberus is a dog that is said to be a guardian of the underworld. He is most often affiliated with Fire." Ren nodded. "So Ice would be a great weakness." "Most likely." Simon asked, "Do you find it odd that you're using demons to fight demons?" Ren shook. "Might as well fight fire with fire. And it's not just demons. There are also personas that resemble stereotypical good creatures, like Angel."

Simon nodded. "Still, being a monster doesn't instantly mean evil." "I thought you said monsters aren't known for being kind." "There are exceptions. Perhaps the most famous is Alucard. He is the son of my family's nemesis, Dracula." Ren asked, "Isn't he an Assist Trophy?" "Yes. Despite his father, he fights for innocent people and the honor of his mother. He was even one of the legendary three warriors." "Legendary Three Warriors?" "Yes, three people who fought alongside my ancestor, Trevor Belmont. Together, they were the first to beat Dracula. I hope to one day be worthy of being Trevor's descendant." Ren said, "From what I've heard, you beat Dracula on your own...twice! I'd say he's smiling from whatever afterlife he's living." Simon smiled. "Thank you Ren. I'm happy to hear you say that. Shall we continue talking monster weaknesses." Ren nodded. "This is Death, also known as the Grim Reaper. He's tough and practically unstoppable." Ren nodded. "Tell me about it."

That evening Ren laid in bed. His team was running out of time. Tomorrow, they would continue the search.