A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! Per usual, I do not own the Persona series in any way shape or form (barring the OC Kusa/Draconis which I created and therefore DO own), and the credit for owning the Persona series belongs to Atlus, Sega and Koei Tecmo. That said, not much to say just now in this A/N, so we'll go ahead and get started on the chapter! Hopefully I'll have more to say in the end-of-chapter A/N! Now, on with chapter 18!
Chapter 18- Preparations, Palaces and Phantom Shenaniganry! The Kitsune Artist part 6
(After school, in the classroom with Ren and Morgana)
"So, what's our plans, Ren? I know we have 2 to 3 days left on our prep week, so I won't bother asking about the Palace for now. But what else is there to do in terms of prep stuff?" Morgana asked Ren who stroked his chin in thought as he contemplated his options.
"Well, looking at our map, it says I can rank up either Ryuji, Maruki or Takemi's confidants, but I already have Ryuji and Maruki at rank 3 already, whereas I only have rank 2 for Takemi, so I might go hang out with her to keep things more evened out. But we'll see." Ren said as Morgana nodded sagely.
"I see. Well at least you're thinking your moves through, I suppose, so that's good. Personally, I think seeing Takemi is a good move. Maybe you can get the amount of items you can buy increased eventually." Morgana said as Ren nodded in agreement as he spoke up.
"That's actually a very good point, Morgana. I think I will hang out with her, for that reason alone." Ren said as Morgana nodded.
"Fair enough. I'll go take a walk and see if I can catch up to Kusa then, I suppose, while you see Takemi so I don't have to wait in that waiting room in your bag." Morgana said as he padded off to try and find Kusa. Ren shrugged as he headed to the Clinic by himself. Once he got there, he walked up to the window where Takemi looked up, smiled as she noticed Ren, and spoke up.
"Allergies are so annoying. How are your allergies? I have a good medicine for them. Just one does should take care of them, in theory. So, what are you here for today?" Takemi asked Ren who smirked as he spoke up.
"I know you messaged about this yesterday, but I was busy then and couldn't get here before now, but I was going to see about doing another clinical trial since you said you had one ready in your most recent message." Ren said. Takemi nodded and smiled as she spoke up.
"That's fair enough. Better late than never, after all. That said, I refined the medicine from the other day a bit. Could you come to the back?" Takemi asked Ren. Ren nodded.
"Fair enough, I'll start heading that way now." Ren said as Takemi nodded before speaking up.
"Please head to the exam room." Takemi said as she opened the door for Ren to walk in which he did, heading to the exam room as requested. Once there, Takemi handed Ren a cup with what looked like a very yellow liquid, almost disgustingly yellow if Ren was being honest, but he just nodded as Takemi spoke up.
"Here you go...The effects should be instant this time." Takemi said as Ren nodded, tipping the cup back and downing the contents in a single chug. Takemi then looked at Ren as she spoke up.
"...Let's see. Eyes are focused. Look this way. One, two, three, four...Nothing yet, huh?" Takemi asked as Ren suddenly winced as he felt a burning sensation on the inside of his mouth and his nose started itching. Takemi noticed this and smirked as she spoke up.
"Oh, there it is. The inhibitory effect is just as I had hoped. Your weight was the primary reason it took longer to kick in than expected...Yes, this is what I expected from a teenager. We're making great progress. Practice makes perfect, right? Okay, hold tight. Once I compile all the data, we can move on..." Takemi said as her phone started ringing so she answered it with a frown as she spoke up.
"Hello, Takemi Internal Clinic of Internal Medicine. How can I help you?" Takemi said as she listened to the voice on the other end for a bit before speaking up.
"...An emergency, huh? But we're not a designated hospital. ...Besides, the head physician here is Tae Takemi." Takemi said as she listened to the voice on the other end more.
"Ah...?" Takemi said as she was hung up on, making her frown as she looked at Ren before speaking up.
"Awfully rude, just hanging up on a lady like that." Takemi said as Ren nodded before speaking up.
"Pardon my curiosity Takemi-san, but what was that about?" Ren asked before he could stop himself. Takemi looked at Ren, surprised by his politeness but spoke up regardless.
"Oh, he basically just called the wrong number. An ambulance driver was looking for a transfer location. All the designated hospitals are full. But to think they'd accidentally call a general practitioner...Must've been a new paramedic. He seemed to at least know my name though." Takemi said as Ren blinked at this before giving Takemi a confused look making her chuckle as she spoke up more.
"I've been blacklisted by the larger medical community. They call me the Plague...due to a grave medical error I made." Takemi said as Ren blinked before speaking up.
"A medical error? You made a medical error? Excuse me if I have a hard time believing that." Ren said with a chuckle. Takemi smiled slightly as she spoke up.
"This goes back to my old job...I used to work at a university hospital in the city. I was never actually convicted of anything, but I'm still considered a pariah in the medical industry. ...Does that scare you? Participating in clinical trials run by a doctor like that?" Takemi asked Ren who smiled as he spoke up.
"I don't mind. And if I did, it'd make me a hypocrite since I also was accused of something I didn't do. So no, I don't mind doing trials for a doctor that's considered a pariah and stuff. If anything, that just makes us sort of the same in that we both have tarnished reputations." Ren said. Takemi blinked at this but smiled slightly as she spoke up.
"You seriously are one strange kid. And I'm pretty sure there's a difference between having a juvenile record and being me and having your name blacklisted." Takemi pointed out. She then chuckled before she kept speaking.
"Well, that's fine. Being ostracized has enabled me to focus on my own research and development. Regardless, I look forward to working with you. I'll be sure to add some additional 'medicine' for you, my little guinea pig." Takemi said to Ren who sweatdropped internally at being called a 'guinea pig', even while he was glad he comes to these trials alone, since he was sure either Morgana or Kusa, if not both, would never let him live down being called a guinea pig.
He then smirked as he felt his bond with Takemi grow ever deeper, the 'Death' card appearing in his mind's eye as the 'II' on it became a 'III', signifying that his Death Confidant rank had gone up from Rank 2 to Rank 3, and as a result Ren got access to more healing items at the clinic through 'Sterilization'. After that, the phone rang again and Takemi answered it.
"Hello, Doctor Takemi's Clinic of Internal Medicine...Huh? One order of teriyaki chicken?" Takemi said as she blinked and hung up on the caller before looking at Ren.
"...You're all good for today. You can go home now. Come again soon, if you're still alive." Takemi said as Ren nodded, even as he felt his Guts go up slightly from doing the clinical trial. Takemi then smiled as she opened the door for Ren to leave, speaking up as she did so.
"Okay, take care." Takemi said as Ren nodded before heading back to Leblanc, his phone ringing as he got to the door of Leblanc. He then answered it.
"Hello?" Ren said into the phone as he heard Takemi's voice on the other end.
"Hey, my little guinea pig. I have to talk to you about something. You...havent' told anyone about my drugs, right?" Takemi asked Ren who blanched and sputtered before speaking up.
"Of course not. I know better than that." Ren said simply. Takemi chuckled as she spoke up.
"Okay. I mean, part of the deal is that you're strictly prohibited from sharing anything that happens here, so I guess I'll believe you, for now. Feels like I've been getting a lot more patients asking for drugs where they keep hearing about me...It's been really bugging me. But that's all I wanted to ask, I guess. Okay, see you soon." Takemi said as Ren nodded, hanging up the phone and heading into Leblanc, glad that Takemi keeps her calls short and to the point. Once inside Sojiro looked at Ren and spoke up.
"Another box came for you." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, figuring it was probably the outdoor set he'd ordered recently. Sure enough, once he opened the box he found 3 Blowtorches, 3 Magneto Coils, and 3 Dry Ices. After that, Ren contemplated his options, and right about that point, the door opened as Kusa walked in, nodding to Ren as he saw him.
"Huh, how is it I seem to get back before you a lot these days, Kusa?" Ren asked Kusa who shrugged.
"Heck if I know, Ren. Though in this case, from what Morgana here said to me, you had a bit of a head start since you were just walking back from the clinic down the road, whereas I was off on the other side of town taking Morgana for a walk and stuff. Either way, you didn't beat me here by that much, probably a few minutes at most, so it's not that big of a deal, I'd say." Kusa said as Ren nodded as Morgana spoke up.
"Might've been a closer race if you didn't have to stop off to drop stuff off at the chief's house. But I guess it is what it is there." Morgana said as Ren smirked at Kusa.
"Oh, is that right? You had to drop stuff off at Sakura-san's house? Interesting...most likely that means you got to spend a bit of time with your friend." Ren said, remembering that he and Kusa were downstairs and keeping his voice down accordingly. Kusa shrugged as he spoke up.
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Not that it makes a difference one way or the other. Well, whatever. I'm gonna go set my bag down upstairs while I figure out my plans for the rest of the night. You can do whatever down here I suppose or you can join me upstairs." Kusa said before disappearing up the stairs as Morgana hopped onto Ren's shoulder as Kusa went up the stairs. Ren shrugged as he looked around, realizing his main options were stat boosting.
He could either study to up his Knowledge and try to hit rank 3 on it, brew more coffee to get a bit more Charm, use the bathhouse again and get more Charm, watch 'Guy McVer', the DVD he'd rented, for more Proficiency, make Lockpicks to up his Proficiency, or clean up the cafe for more Kindness. After some consideration, Ren decided to brew more coffee, figuring it was the most efficient option, since he recalled getting more Charm, extra SP recovery items, AND recognition from Sojiro all in one go. Thus decided, he walked up to the brewer as Morgana spoke up with a smirk.
"Oh? Are you going to try making some coffee?" Morgana asked Ren who nodded.
"Yeah, I think I will. Not only is that more SP items for our usage, but I can get extra Charm and with some luck more praise from Sakura-san, though I just consider that last bit a bonus if I can get it." Ren said as Morgana nodded before Sojiro looked up on hearing Ren mention his name to Morgana and spoke up.
"Oh? Looks like you're starting to get interested in this. Hey, you're not trying to impress me, are you? Well, whatever... All right, I'm headin' out to buy some cigarettes..." Sojiro said as he headed out to the store while Ren started brewing some coffee, Morgana taking a seat at the counter to watch. After a bit, Morgana spoke up.
"Whoa...Mmm! I love the smell of good coffee!" Morgana said as he sat back down as Ren sat in the next stool over and sipped his coffee, pumping a fist happily as before in satisfaction of his own efforts as Morgana spoke up once more.
"The way you're drinking it makes it look delicious." Morgana said as Ren laughed and spoke up.
"Perhaps, but I don't know that you could handle this coffee in your current form, Morgana. Sorry." Ren said apologetically as Morgana huffed before speaking up.
"Man...I hate it when you're right, Ren." Morgana said as Ren got 2 Leblanc Coffees from his brewing. Morgana then chuckled as he kept speaking.
"Heh heh...Looks like the chief's gentlemanly charm is rubbing off on you." Morgana said as another voice spoke up from the stairs with an amused smirk.
"Rubbing off, you say? I didn't think you knew what that was, Morgana-sensei." Kusa joked as he came down the stairs, Morgana turning to Kusa with as close to a glare as he could get in his current form as he spoke up.
"Oh hush up, Kusa! You know I didn't mean that literally!" Morgana huffed to Kusa as Ren felt his Charm increase from his brewing. Kusa chuckled as he spoke up at that point.
"I know. I couldn't resist poking a bit of fun at you though, Morgana. And Ren, since when do you brew coffee? Especially coffee that smells that good?" Kusa asked as Morgana spoke up.
"It's a fairly recent habit Ren's gotten into. Apparently, he figures he can get praise from the chief if he does it enough." Morgana said as Kusa nodded approvingly before he spoke up again, looking at Ren as he spoke.
"Not a bad idea, Ren. Never hurts to be in Sakura-san's good books, after all. Eh, it is what it is, I suppose." Kusa said as he deftly helped himself to a small sip of the coffee, unable to resist sampling it, smiling as he looked at Ren.
"For someone with little experience, Ren, that's not too bad." Kusa said with a smile. At that moment, the door opened, making Kusa and Ren both turn to face that direction simultaneously, not sure who it would be, but both relaxed when they saw it was just Sojiro, who chuckled as he looked at Ren and spoke up.
"Looks like you're at it again, Ren...How's it going? And Kusa, I see you actually decided to look in on Ren this time. I take it you got curious about what he was doing?" Sojiro said as Kusa shrugged and spoke up.
"More like I smelled the coffee from upstairs and got curious as to why there was a cup brewing at night, but I suppose you're basically correct in your statement, Sakura-san." Kusa said as Sojiro nodded.
"I usually am right about these things, for the most part. That said, here Ren, I'll have a sip." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, offering the cup to Sojiro as he moved behind the counter so Sojiro could take the seat he'd been sitting in, Morgana dashing off to hop onto Kusa's shoulder as Sojiro sat down. Sojiro then sipped from the cup and spoke up.
"Mmm...this acidity...This must be Guatemalan SHB...Let me explain! The volcanic soil of Guatemala is ideal for growing coffee. Guatemalan beans are ranked by their altitude of cultivation. Strictly Hard Bean, or SHB for short, a grade given to coffee grown at altitudes above 4,500 feet, has a citrus-like acidity and a full body. That said, the flavor profile is bland. You should practice more to bring out the roast's full potential. Although, I see you're preparing the cup the way I taught you. I'll acknowledge your hard work." Sojiro said as Kusa smirked at Ren as he spoke up.
"You hear that Ren? Sakura-senpai noticed your work!" Kusa joked as Ren and Sojiro both rolled their eyes at the bad joke by Kusa, the former speaking up.
"Very funny, Kusa. But when have I EVER called Sakura-san 'Senpai'? I think you have me confused for Yoshizawa. She's usually the one throwing around the 'Senpai' honorific a lot. Not that I mind that about her." Ren said, smirking as he recalled more of Yoshizawa's good qualities before blinking and going slightly pink in embarrassment as he recalled he was speaking to Sojiro as well as to Kusa. Kusa and Sojiro both chuckled at this, the latter turning to the former and speaking up.
"Yoshizawa? Is that some girl Ren has a crush on, Kusa?" Sojiro asked Kusa who smirked and nodded.
"Yep. I'd definitely say so. And the best part is they've barely hung out with each other much. The extent of their interactions goes as far as him stepping in once on a train to offer to help move some rude jerk out of the seat that Yoshizawa had offered to an elderly lady who she felt needed it more, and then apparently running into her once or twice around school. Yet, he can't help but ogle her like a love-struck buffoon whenever he sees her. I'll grant that he's trying to take it slow, and I can't fault him for that logic, but there is such a thing as TOO slow." Kusa said as Sojiro nodded with a smirk as he spoke up.
"That's true, Kusa. However, he's also smart. After all, most romances are usually built off of the foundation of a strongly-forged friendship, so it's not something to be rushed into. Take it from someone with ample experience with women." Sojiro said with a sage nod as Kusa nodded agreeably as Ren huffed at Kusa and spoke up.
"Stop being an instigator, Kusa! Just because I'm taking my time getting closer to her doesn't mean I'm going too slow. Besides, I could get paybacks on you right now, but I won't since I'm not that mean." Ren said dryly as Kusa blanched before nodding and speaking up.
"Your point is...well made. I'll stop ribbing you now about her." Kusa said sheepishly, glad Ren didn't drag up the fact he'd been spending time with a girl of his own in front of Sojiro. Sojiro blinked at Ren's remark before chuckling.
"Oh-ho, paybacks you say? Does that mean Kusa also has a girl he's interested in?" Sojiro asked, not seeing Kusa frantically waving his arms at Ren in a 'not a word!' or 'don't tell him!' gesture, which Ren chuckled at before speaking up.
"I don't know if he's interested in her, per se, but Kusa has been talking to a certain girl a fair bit of late, though he hasn't given me her name yet unfortunately. But if the picture I saw the one time he left his phone unlocked when I came upstairs is any indication, I think it might be a genetic thing for us Amamiya men to like redheads, given our mother's a redhead, just like that girl you've been messaging is a red-head even if she has orange hair." Ren said with a chuckle as Kusa spoke up while shooting a subtle glare to Ren for mentioning his friend to Sojiro, all three of the men and the not-cat in the room unaware of the orange-haired girl in question using a hidden camera to observe the trio's conversation and glaring at Ren for mentioning her around her dad.
"That may be, Ren, but just because our mother is a redhead and your crush is very much a redhead, doesn't mean it's a genetic thing for us to like redheads." Kusa pointed out as Sojiro nodded as he spoke up, though he did give Kusa a curious glare as he spoke, wondering idly if this orange-haired friend of Kusa's was who he thought it was, but dismissing the idea since as far as he knew, neither Kusa or Ren knew of Futaba. Sojiro then spoke up.
"Fair enough. That said, you see a lot of different customers come through when you have a cafe like this. Even if someone looks like trouble, I'll serve them the same cup of coffee I serve everyone else." Sojiro said as Kusa smirked and spoke up.
"Ah, so you don't discriminate even if you get a bad vibe off someone. Things like that, Sakura-san, are why people shouldn't judge a book by its' cover. You might come off as gruff and coarse at times, but if you get past that, you're actually a pretty stand-up guy from what I've seen so far. Not that it's my place to make such an observation, but egh I call em as I see em." Kusa said as Sojiro nodded and spoke up.
"Exactly, Kusa. And yeah, I try not to discriminate when serving coffee to people. After all, that's my job. And I have pride in what I do." Sojiro said, before looking at Ren and Kusa and smiling as he spoke up.
"You two are like a customer as well...even if in Ren's case, it's a customer that takes a tremendous amount of effort. You have the potential Ren, so keep training." Sojiro said as Ren nodded while Sojiro walked out the door to head home. A short time later, after Sojiro left and Kusa went upstairs, Morgana looked at Ren and spoke up.
"We should rest now Ren, we have a big day tomorrow." Morgana said as Ren nodded, before he changed out of the apron, carried Morgana upstairs, and Morgana laid on Kusa as Ren got comfortable and went to bed...
(The next day on the train to school, with Kusa, Ren and Morgana)
"Hey! Ah, we were all able to grab seats! Why don't you read something until we get there?" Morgana said as Ren nodded while Kusa was immersed in a private chat he was having, as Ren got out 'Zorro, the Outlaw' and started reading from it to himself.
"The man in the mask stood up for the weak and fought valiantly against injustice..." Ren read as Morgana nodded and spoke up.
"Yup! Make sure you pay extra-close attention to how totally awesome Zorro is." Morgana said as Ren kept reading. After a bit, Morgana spoke up.
"Hm? Oh, I didn't realize how long you've been reading. So, how far did you get?" Morgana said as Ren shook his head to signify he wasn't done with the book.
"I got about halfway through it." Ren said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.
"Seems like you still have some pages left. You should continue some other time. Oh, we're almost at the station. I'd say that was an efficient use of your time." Morgana said as Ren nodded, while the rest of the train ride proceeded uneventfully...
(Later that morning, in class with Ren, Morgana and Ann)
"Okay, let's get started! Let's begin homeroom. First, I have an announcement about an upcoming school event. As part of a city beautification project, the entire school will be participating in a public cleanup campaign. That means we're going to Inokashira Park to pick up trash." Kawakami said as the usual murmurs ensued making her huff and speak up more.
"Okay, quiet down! Settle down. The cleanup will take place next week, on the 30th. All students are to wear their gym uniforms during the event, so don't forget to dress the part." Kawakami said as right at that moment, as if on cue, Ann and Ren's phones went off to signify a group chat from Ren and Kusa.
"You guys hear about this cleanup bullshit at Inokashira Park? I guess it's the principal's idea. Damage control after Kamoshida scandaled up the school's rep." Ryuji sent as Kusa chuckled and sent a response.
"Scandaled? That's a new one, Ryuji. But it's also an apt description to be sure. And unfortunately so, even us first-years are expected to take part in this clean up. Oddly enough, even though most of my class is annoyed about it, Yoshizawa seems almost excited about it. Who knew she was an overachiever? But I bet you don't mind that at all about her, do you Ren?" Kusa sent with a smirk as Ren rolled his eyes and sent a response at the same time Ann sent a response of her own.
"While I agree that 'scandaled' is a new word Kusa, I'm also pretty sure 'scandal' is not a verb. But I get what you mean, Ryuji. Even the counseling stuff seems like a desperate move." Ann sent as Kusa huffed and sent another response before Ren's response to him came in.
"Ugh, don't even talk to me about counselling. Maruki's pandering so hard to get the students to open up to him, it's not funny. And Ryuji and I both agree that we're not gonna go in for a session unless we absolutely have to, right Ryuji?" Kusa sent as Ren's response came in.
"First of all, ix-nay on the ush-cray alk-tay Kusa! Also, I can see her being excited to help out others since she strikes me as a kind-hearted, selfless, amazing person." Ren sent as Ryuji, Ann and Kusa all laughed at Ren's response. Ren then sent one more response.
"That said, it's pretty clear to see that they're totally scrambling after Kamoshida's little confession stunt did some damage to Shujin's reputation, and I think it's pretty safe to say that Kobayakawa cares way more for the reputation of his school than anything else for the most part, if I had to guess." Ren sent. Ryuji chuckled as he sent a response.
"Truth, Kusa! Also, all the girls in our class have been freaking out over this new guy, too. I've been hearing Maruki's 'hot', 'kind', 'sensitive'...Basically everyone thinks he's their type." Ryuji sent as Kusa and Ren both sent responses close together.
"Ugh, why do they have to use the same descriptions for Maruki that I just used for Yoshizawa? What a bunch of sheeple." Ren sent as Kusa and Ryuji both had to keep from busting out laughing at Ren's slight pun at the end of his response while Ann and Morgana rolled their eyes at the pun.
"Heh, sheeple...good one Ren. That said, if this Maruki's really all those things he's said to be, then Morgana can legitimately turn into a RV, which we all know he can't. So I call huge bullshit on those descriptions. Anyways, maybe this cleanup could be your chance to get some alone time with Yoshizawa, eh Ren? Problem is, way Mister Hiruta told it, our cleanup groups were being decided at random, so it's entirely possible you won't end up in a group with Yoshizawa or any of us. So we have to hope luck is on our side in at least THAT aspect of things." Kusa sent. Ann blinked at Ryuji's response as she sent her own response.
"Whoa. I guess he's pretty popular, then. Though given Kusa-kun's reaction just now, that popularity isn't universal, thankfully. Oh yeah, did you guys go to his counseling yet?" Ann sent. Ryuji and Kusa blinked as they sent responses close together.
"Oh shit. I forgot. But I dunno...Like Kusa said, he and I don't really feel like going. You know what I mean, right Ren?" Ryuji sent as Kusa sent a response right after.
"Hell no he doesn't know what you mean Ryuji! Ren's already been to see Maruki at least twice! Maybe more than that! But I suppose he has to keep up appearances and all." Kusa sent, his annoyance at the subject of Maruki plain to see in his response. Ren huffed at Kusa calling him out as he sent his own response at that moment.
"Gee, thanks for throwing me under the bus, Kusa. That said, I already went Ryuji. He's not as bad as he sounds. Granted he is a bit of a goofball, but not in a bad way. He has a certain charming quirkiness about him that you can't help but admire about him." Ren sent as Ann and Ryuji blinked at Ren's response while Kusa swore profusely under his breath at Ren's description of Maruki as he sent a response.
"Dammit Ren, that's what he WANTS you to think! It's an effing trap if you ask me. Granted, maybe he is as nice as you say, but I still don't know. I get kind of a shady vibe off of him to a degree. But maybe it's just my typically paranoid nature speaking. Either way, keep your guard up around him Ren." Kusa sent as Ryuji sent his own response.
"Whoa, really?" Ryuji sent as Ann huffed and sent a response of her own.
"You should just go already. If your slacking draws attention to us, we're the ones who'll have to pay for it." Ann sent as Kusa huffed and sent his own response.
"Whoa, now hold on a second Ann! While it is true that Ryuji slacks a lot, no offense Ryuji, in this case I'd say he's being appropriately cautious of this Maruki guy. And if he goes in for a session, that's his decision to make, much like it's my own choice on if, huge IF there, IF I go in for a session. But I might, just for the sake of giving Maruki the benefit of the doubt. But we'll see." Kusa sent. Ryuji smiled at Kusa's response before sending one of his own.
"Truth, Kusa! And nah, I take no offense from you mentioning my slacking. You're just stating the truth after all. But you do have a point that we should be wary of this guy. And ugh, fiiine..." Ryuji sent as Ren rolled his eyes and put his phone away, not wanting to read the likely argument that was apt to ensue between Ann and Kusa about Maruki, turning his phone to silent so he wouldn't get in trouble for it going off a ton as he put it away. After that, the rest of the class went uneventfully...
(After school, at the nurse's office)
Maruki was doing paperwork and stuff on his computer when he heard a knock on the door. He then turned to the door as he spoke up.
"Yeah, it's open! Come on in." Maruki said as the door slid open and Ryuji walked in, looking warily at Maruki before he eventually spoke up.
"Sup? Wassup." Ryuji said as Maruki turned to look at him as he spoke up.
"Sakamoto-kun! Here for a counseling session!" Maruki asked Ryuji who crossed his arms warily as he spoke up in a guarded tone.
"Well... it's not like I wanted to or nothin'." Ryuji said dryly as Maruki chuckled before speaking up.
"Ahaha, sorry you were forced into this. But anyway-come in, come in!" Maruki said as Ryuji huffed but nodded as he took a seat, Maruki doing the same as Ryuji spoke up.
"Sooo... This is pretty awkward." Ryuji said as Maruki looked at Ryuji in surprise as he spoke up.
"Oh? Why's that?" Maruki asked as Ryuji sighed before speaking up in a conversational tone even if his facial expression suggested he really would rather not be there.
"I mean, I don't really go see teachers unless they wanna chew me out for doin' somethin' wrong..." Ryuji said as Maruki smiled and spoke up.
"Oh, I see. Honestly, I'm not a teacher here. If anything, well...I'm here to be on the students' side." Maruki said as Ryuji sighed and leaned back in his seat as he spoke up.
"Oh, yeah...? That's surprising. But I suppose I have no reason not to believe you." Ryuji said. He then huffed as he spoke up more.
"So... am I suppose'ta tell ya about Kamoshida now?" Ryuji asked as Maruki blanched before chuckling as he spoke up.
"Well...Oh, no, no-This isn't some kind of interrogation. You're free to just kick back and talk about whatever you want." Maruki said as Ryuji blinked at that before speaking up.
"Liiike... what?" Ryuji asked warily. It took Maruki a bit to speak up again, but when he did, his next words caught Ryuji off-guard.
"Hmm, how about... Is there anyone in your class that you like?" Maruki suggested as Ryuji blinked at this before looking at Maruki as he spoke.
"That's not exactly easy to talk about either-and it's not like there IS anybody..." Ryuji said, trailing off as for some reason Maruki's question made him think about the other day on the roof, when Kusa and Ren both called him out on coming to the defense of a certain student council president slightly, making Ryuji internally blink at why his mind brought that up now of all times, but he shook the thought off as Maruki spoke up.
"Uh- Oh, sorry! I just meant, you're int he middle of your teenage years and all, right? High schoolers are just discovering romance and all, so..." Maruki asked as Ryuji looked at Maruki in surprise as he spoke up.
"Is that how it went for you?" Ryuji asked, surprising himself with his daring in asking Maruki about his life. Maruki blinked at the question before wincing slightly as he spoke up.
"Not...exactly. But, um, that's just because I fell in love with my studies first! Heheh..." Maruki said as both he and Ryuji internally sweatdropped at Maruki's response as Maruki kept speaking, giving Ryuji an apologetic look as he spoke.
"I'm sorry...I'm supposed to be haring you out, but instead I'm just bringing down the room. Oh, how about this instead-what do you do in your free time, Sakamaoto-kun? On the weekend, after school..." Maruki said, trailing off as Ryuji blinked at the question, actually seeming to ponder it as he spoke up.
"Uhhh, hang out with my buds, mostly-though I only just started doin' that recently. Before that, I was just pissed all the time, and even before that...I was only all about the track team." Ryuji said as Maruki looked at Ryuji in intrigue as he spoke up.
"Ah...So...is your leg better now?" Maruki asked as Ryuji blinked at the question before sighing as he nodded and spoke up.
"Oh, so you know about that, too. Well, yeah, pretty much-so long as I don't strain it or nothin'." Ryuji said as Maruki nodded before speaking up.
"I see...Quite. You really do enjoy running, don't you?" Maruki asked Ryuji who nodded as he spoke up.
"Guess so...I mean, after all that trainin' I did, it makes sense I'd like it...I'd be training constantly, getting sweet times at meets along with everyone else...Eventually I was gonna get my hands on some running scholarships to make it easier on my mom...But all of that's in the past now. It's cool, though. I got way more important shit to do now." Ryuji said as Maruki looked at him and spoke up, an intrigued look on his face as he spoke up.
"More important, huh? Well, no matter what path you might have to take to get there...I hope your track dreams will do you some good in the end." Maruki said as Ryuji looked at Maruki in surprise before actually giving him a half-smile, not sure if he should be flattered by the doctor's words or on guard still. He settled for a bit of both as he spoke up with a chuckle.
"Heh, thanks..." Ryuji said, trailing off uncertainly as Maruki nodded and spoke up with a smile.
"And, you know what they say, right? If you wish hard enough, your dreams can come true!" Maruki said as Ryuji internally sweatdropped though he just sighed externally and spoke up in an uncertain tone.
"What the hell...? Huh? You tryin' to sell me some kinda line now?" Ryuji asked Maruki who chuckled as he spoke up.
"Oh no, this is actually a genuine phenomenon, with a lot of research going into it even now. Look at it this way, Sakamoto-kun, what do you want most out of life, right now?" Maruki asked Ryuji who blinked at the question as he actually seemed to give it some thought before speaking up.
"Uhhh...I want somethin' to drink, I guess." Ryuji said, just going with the first thing to pop into his head out of needing to improvise. Maruki's eyes went wide at Ryuji's response before speaking up with a smirk.
"Oho!" Maruki said as Ryuji looked at him in a mix of confusion and uncertainty, his eyes slightly wide as well.
"Uh, what...?" Ryuji said as Maruki chuckled as he spoke up.
"Oh, sorry if I caught you unawares there, Sakamoto-kun. I just remembered that I lucked into a coupon for a free can of apple juice at the convenience store this morning! And now, I'd like for you to have it." Maruki said as Ryuji looked down as he noticed the coupon on the table, before looking at Maruki with a skeptical look on his face as he spoke up.
"...Thanks?" Ryuji said questioningly as Maruki spoke up with a laugh.
"See? Your wish came true!" Maruki said as Ryuji sweatdropped at how much he walked into that one before speaking up.
"Uh, yeaaah...Hey, Dr Maru- ah, I mean, Doc. Anyone ever tell you you're kinda...not normal?" Ryuji asked Maruki, trying to actually be slightly tactful for once. Maruki chuckled as he spoke up, his words making Ryuji have to stop himself from facefaulting.
"You think so? ...Ooh, could that be a compliment, coming from you?" Maruki asked as Ryuji grinned, trying not to laugh at Maruki's reaction as he spoke up.
"Uhhhhh, no?" Ryuji said uncertainly as it was Maruki's turn to sweatdrop as he spoke up.
"O-Oh..." Maruki said as he and Ryuji spent the rest of the session discussing random things...
(Back in the classroom with Ren and Morgana at the same time as the start of Ryuji's session)
"There's 12 days left. What's the plan for today?" Morgana asked Ren who shrugged.
"Not sure, honestly. Probably do more last-minute prep since this is the last day of our prep week. Tomorrow is the day we go back into the Palace, since I want to get Madarame's Palace done before the 30th so we don't have our calling card overlap with that cleanup that Miss Kawakami mentioned." Ren said decisively.
Morgana nodded to that as Ren looked over his phone, blinking as he saw a private chat from Ann asking if he wanted to hang out, saying she'd be at the underground mall if Ren wanted to hang. Ren thought about it, and decided to hang with Ann since all of his other Confidants (bar Mishima and Morgana) were at rank 3, and the two in question were at rank 2. Ren then sent Ann a response to her private chat.
"Yeah, why not? Seems as good a use of my time today as any to spend time with you, Ann. I'm heading your way. But a bit of fore-warning, today's the last day of our prep week. Tomorrow we gather up to resume our infiltration of Madarame's palace. You can pass that along to the others if you want, Ann." Ren sent. Ann immediately sent a response.
"Oh, sure. OK. And good, I was hoping we'd get the Palace sorted before the 30th so I'm glad you're on that same mental wavelength. I'll be waiting for you." Ann sent as Ren headed to the underground mall to meet up with Ann. Ann then smiled and spoke up as she saw Ren.
"Hey, Ren! Strengthening my heart is turning out to be harder than I thought...Do you think we can maybe talk some more about it?" Ann asked as Morgana spoke up.
"It's good to take a break every so often, Ren. Do you want to hang out with Lady Ann?" Morgana asked Ren. Ren looked at Ann and nodded as he spoke up.
"Yes, I want to hang out with Ann. If nothing else, it's a good use of my time, and last I checked Kusa and Ryuji were busy with other stuff anyways. I think Morgana said Kusa had to head off to help Yoshizawa with something and Ryuji's in actually doing a session with Doctor Maruki, if you can believe that. I can't help but chuckle at how pissed Kusa will be when he hears that." Ren said as Ann chuckled as well before smiling as she spoke up.
"Yes! That's what I'm talkin' about! Then let's head back to Inokashira Park. We can talk there." Ann said as Ren nodded and the two went to the park. Once there, they took a spot by the usual fence, Ann smiling as she saw some ducks swimming in the water nearby and spoke up.
"Oh, look at those ducks over there! They must be a family! This place seriously feels amazing. It's not even that far from Shibuya, but if feels so different here." Ann said as Ren nodded before Ann sat next to Ren and kept speaking.
"Hey...You know, Tokyo is so strange. There are tons of people and tons of stores, yet there are still duck-filled parks here too. It has everything...but if reels like I can't understand any of it. It's honestly kinda scary." Ann said as Ren spoke up with a soft smile.
"I know what you mean. Where Kusa and I used to live, it wasn't nearly so quaint and peaceful as this place is. Granted it was just a few hours away by train, but where we lived was a bit on the rural and rustic side. But this place has it's own sort of comforting, easy-to-enjoy charm to it." Ren said. Ann blinked at him at first before smiling as she nodded in recollection as she spoke up.
"Wha-? Oh wait, that's right. You and Kusa only just moved here, Ren. I forgot for a moment. But I understand how you feel. When I first got here, I had a super tough time adjusting. It's so crowded, and everyone walks really fast... almost like they're angry or something. Even at school, I was only ever the 'foreigner.' Nobody really knew me, they just spread rumors. I thought maybe my looks were the problem. I even considered dyeing my hair black to match everyone else...But that was when Shiho talked to me. The first thing she said was, 'Takamaki-san, your paintings suck." Ann said as Ren couldn't help himself but bust out laughing at that before he calmed himself enough to speak up with a smile.
"I'm sorry for laughing Ann, but that's hilarious. And also so totally something Suzui-san would say, even if it seems blunt enough to have been said by Ryuji as well." Ren said with a smirk. Ann nodded with a smile as she spoke up.
"I thought she was just making fun of me, like everyone else, but that wasn't her intention. According to her, they were so bad that she just HAD to tell me. Pretty mean, huh?" Ann asked as Ren nodded before speaking up.
"Just a bit. But I could see that being an effective ice-breaker as well in a pinch, albeit not one I would use as a first choice. But I suppose that was what drew you to Suzui-san was her blunt honesty." Ren said as Ann smiled as she nodded.
"Yes, to a point. But it was more her being willing to not judge me for my looks. Still, that was the first time someone here talked to me without mentioning my looks. We sorta just grew closer after that...and Shiho's been my best friend ever since. I think it was only fairly recently, as in during that nasty business with Kamoshida, that I realized I actually love her. Call it a knee-jerk reaction to almost losing her, but I knew it would've destroyed me if she hadn't pulled through. Thankfully she did pull through." Ann said as she blinked before speaking up more.
"Oh! But that's not why we're here though! There's something else I need to talk to you about!" Ann said as Ren sweatdropped internally as he spoke up.
"Well, I'm all ears Ann. So what's on your mind?" Ren said to Ann who spoke up again.
"Do you remember what I told you the last time we came here? About that female thief in the anime I used to watch? Well, I thought of something!" Ann said as Ren looked at her before speaking up.
"Oh yeah? By all means, what did you think of? Please tell me." Ren said to Ann. Ann smiled at Ren's polite reaction before she spoke up with a giggle.
"It's gonna knock your socks off! You know how the villains in those shows are always going on about world domination? Well, even though they get beaten by the heroes every time, they never give up. That means they must have really solid hearts...And that's why I'm going to try and learn from them!" Ann said as Ren smirked before he spoke up.
"So you're going to learn how to be more like the bad guys, Ann? Good idea." Ren said. Ann blanched as she spoke up as she smiled.
"No, I don't mean I'm going to be evil! I mean I'm going to learn to be strong-willed like them! Good idea, right? So I've decided...YES! I'm gonna star in action movies!" Ann said as Ren blanched as he spoke up.
"I'm not sure that's gonna help at all, but if that's what you want then good luck with that." Ren said warily. Ann smiled as she spoke up with a nod.
"I know. But it's still worth a try. Also, thanks! Your support really helps!" Ann said as Ren sweatdropped before Ann kept speaking.
"All right, I'm making this my ultimate goal for the future. You know, I've never really thought much about what I wanted to do in life... but now I have an objective! And that only happened because of talking to you, Ren! Thanks!" Ann said as Ren smiled and nodded as he sensed a heightened motivation from Ann, making the 'Lovers' card appear in his mind's eye, the 'III' becoming a 'IV' to signify that his Lovers Confidant link had ranked up from rank 3 to rank 4, allowing Ann to use the skill 'Sexy Technique' to potentially grab the enemy's attention and cancel their action as a result. After that, Ann spoke up.
"Well, if I want to be in action movies, I'll need to work on my actions! I wonder how many sit-ups I'll have to do...Wait, Ryuji said he knows a good gym! I should ask him for advice! Oh, and I need to tell Shiho that I have a new goal!" Ann said as Ren smirked before speaking up.
"Is that ALL you need to tell her, Ann? Or perhaps were you also planning on confessing to her at some point? After all, she's only around until she gets out of the hospital so you might only have until then to tell her how you feel and hope she feels the same." Ren said with a smirk. Ann blushed a bit as she playfully slapped Ren on the arm.
"Stop that, Ren! You know I'll confess to her when I'm good and ready! Besides, I think she'll definitely be happy to hear that I have a new goal!" Ann said. Ren nodded as Ann smiled and spoke up.
"Come on! Let's head home! Come on, let's jog to the station!" Ann said as Ren blanched but nodded as the two ran to the station and Ren headed back to Leblanc, only for his phone to ring as he got to the door of Leblanc. Ren picked it up and answered it.
"Hello?" Ren said as he heard the voice of Ann speak up on the other end.
"Hiii, it's me. You good to talk right now? So I'd like to think I'm pretty athletic. Like, I don't hate exercise or anything...But I'm exhausted just from running to the station earlier...Maybe I've gotta train my body along with my heart. Do you do anything to train my body?" Ann asked as Ren chuckled before speaking up.
"I'm not sure if it counts as training, per se, but I do carry Morgana in my bag most of the time, and he's about the same weight as a dumbbell, but much much smarter than a dumbbell." Ren said. Ann's eyes widened in surprise at this as she spoke up.
"That's part of your training!? But I guess that's kind of amazing...I mean, you never seem to struggle with it. I wonder how much Mona weighs. Maybe I'll try carrying him in my bag next time." Ann said as Ren chuckled as he spoke up.
"Remember Ann, we only go by code names in the Metaverse. So here, he's Morgana, not Mona." Ren gently chided Ann who blinked before speaking up.
"Oops, that's right. Sorry. And okay, first I need to research what kind of training's best for me! For now, I'll just do some curls with a water bottle. I already drank it halfway, but...better than nothing, right?" Ann said as Ren blanched before he spoke up.
"It's a start at least, but I think I can have Kusa or Ryuji source you some low-weight training weights to do curls with if need be, Ann." Ren said. Ann nodded.
"Cool, sounds good! Well, see you later!" Ann said as she hung up the phone while Ren put his phone away and went into Leblanc. Once inside, Ren and Sojiro exchanged nods of respect as Ren went upstairs with Morgana, making Kusa look up from his private chat to nod to Ren as he spoke up.
"Ah, you're home Ren. Ann told me and Ryuji we're going back into the Palace tomorrow then? If so, good, we need to get that done and dusted ASAP so you can't risk missing the cleanup, and by extension, your chance to spend one on on time with Yoshizawa. I know I said the groups were randomized, but given your reputation and her honors student status, I get the feeling it won't take much for both your groups to ditch you, at which point Yoshizawa will probably come find you to spend one on one time, and if you're smart Ren, you'll take her up on that and be happy about it. Right?" Kusa said as Ren just nodded to appease Kusa before speaking up.
"So, is that Ann you're private chatting with?" Ren asked Kusa by way of making conversation as Kusa shook his head.
"Nah, it's 'Taba. Apparently, she somehow heard what you, me and Sakura-kun were discussing last night and is livid with both of us for nearly letting her dad cotton on to her and I hanging out. Apparently she hasn't told him about that yet. And judging from the suspicious look he gave me, I don't think he realizes we know about it, nor does he want us knowing about it if I had to guess. So I have to now re-assure her that it was not done intentionally and that it was YOUR fault and that I'm as livid with you as she is." Kusa explained. Ren chuckled as he spoke up.
"Oops, my bad Kusa. You can tell her I'm sorry for being so loose with my teasing. I mean it was my fault he got so suspicious." Ren said as Kusa huffed but nodded. He then spoke up again with a frown, making Ren blink at what he said next.
"What's this Ann told me about Ryuji going to see Maruki today? He told me we wouldn't go unless we had to. And it doesn't sound like this session was forced on him." Kusa said in a huffy tone as Ren chuckled and spoke up.
"It's exactly what it sounds like, Kusa. Ryuji had a session with Maruki. You're now the only one of us not to do so. So you're running out of excuses to stall." Ren said with a smirk as Kusa groaned.
"Ugh, I hate when you're right, Ren. Fine, once Madarame's palace is over, if we finish fast enough, I'll go in for a session." Kusa said with a sigh as Ren nodded.
"Fair enough. If I have my druthers about it, we'll have it done by the 29th at the absolute latest, preferably the 27th so we can send the calling card on the 28th and beat him on the 29th and be ready to go on the 30th for the cleanup." Ren said as Kusa nodded in agreement as Ren spoke up once more.
"Go on back to your private chat. I'm just gonna make more lockpicks for tomorrow so we can have plenty for chest opening." Ren said as Kusa nodded and the two spent the rest of the night until bedtime on their respective activities, the former's Proficiency going up from his success in making Lockpicks. After Ren finished, Morgana spoke up.
"Well then...Okay, let's all get to bed! We got a big day tomorrow if we're heading back into the palace!" Morgana said as Ren and Kusa nodded, both laying down even as Morgana curled up happily on the lap of the latter while he kept private chatting a bit longer before he and Ren both dozed off for the night...
(The next day, between trains with Ren, Kusa and Morgana)
As Ren and Kusa got off the first train to change lines to get to school, they were approached by a certain student council president that they weren't expecting to see. Ren and Kusa blinked before giving the president polite nods of greeting as she spoke up.
"We meet again. It appears you're lying low lately. What's with the change?" Niijima asked Ren and Kusa, the latter of which frowned and spoke up.
"Oh, I wasn't aware it was a bad thing for us to try and keep our heads down and act like students for the time being. After all, we wouldn't want to do anything to tarnish our school's sterling reputation, or make trouble, now would we? But I appreciate your concern, Niijima-san." Kusa said dryly. Ren chuckled as he spoke up.
"Easy, Kusa. I'm sure Niijima-san here means well. And there's no change, I'm acting the same as usual...Why do you ask?" Ren said to Niijima as Kusa nodded understandingly. Niijima spoke up again with a smirk as she looked at Ren and Kusa.
"Really...Is it just my imagination then? And Amamiya-kun the younger, I'm glad you're trying to behave, but you have to understand it might seem odd to some for your brother to suddenly be so well-behaved. But if you say you're just trying to better yourselves, I see no reason not to give you two the benefit of the doubt, to some extent. Anyhow...I wish the culprit would come forward soon...It's absurd to pretend I can do the police's job...I wish he considered my feelings before asking me this." Niijima said as Kusa's face softened a bit as he blinked before speaking up.
"And when you say 'he', I'm sure you're not referring to a certain massively huge principal of ours at all. But for what it's worth, I'm sorry you're being forced into busy work. No one deserves that. That said, I'm not sure what you mean by culprit, but I'm sure time will have a way of revealing things at its' own pace. So just be patient to the best of your abilities, Niijima-san. And try not to get so worked up. Stress isn't good for you, after all." Kusa said making Ren chuckle.
"And you'd know, being the expert on coping with stress and all, Kusa." Ren joked as Kusa huffed at Ren.
"Shut up, Ren. You say that like some of that stress wasn't caused by you in the first place! But I'll leave that at that for the time being." Kusa said, not seeing the intrigued look on Niijima's face as Kusa and Ren spoke to one another. Niijima then spoke up.
"Fair enough. And thank you for the advice and understanding, Amamiya-kun the younger. Maybe you really are a good guy, like the teachers say. But I'll let time decide on that, as you put it. So let's head to school before we're late." Niijima said as Ren and Kusa nodded, the three heading to school together...
(After school, with Ren and Morgana in class)
Ren checked his phone and saw two private chats, one from Ryuji and the other from Ann. Ryuji's was just a request to hang out, while Ann's was a mention of the Palace.
"What are we doing today? Aren't we going to the Palace? If we are, I'll count on you to gather everyone." Ann sent as Ren read the message before nodding as Morgana spoke up from his bag.
"Well, what should we do? Should we meet up at the hideout and head into the Palace?" Morgana asked Ren who nodded.
"Yeah, the prep week is over. It's time to get this done and dusted. I'll put out the word to everyone." Ren said as he pulled up the chat app and started a group chat with Ann, Kusa and Ryuji.
"All right, listen up! Our prep week is now over! We've had our time to prepare, and today we head back into Madarame's palace to finish our infiltration and hopefully secure our route so we can send out the calling card ASAP! I'm sure I'm not the only one here who'd rather be done by the 30th if possible. So let's meet at the hideout!" Ren sent as Ann, Kusa and Ryuji saw the message and sent responses.
"All right, no problem. Let me just walk Yoshizawa to her training first and then I'll head that way." Kusa sent. Ryuji was next to send a response.
"Hell yeah! I'll head that way now. Let's do this!" Ryuji sent. Ann then sent her response.
"Got it! I'll head to the hideout soon." Ann sent as Ren put his phone away right as he heard it go off, guessing it was the inevitable argument between Kusa and Ryuji over Ryuji having a session with Maruki, and not wanting to see it as he and Morgana headed to the hideout...
(A short time later, at the hideout)
"Everyone's here! We need to change Madarame's heart soon so that more people believe in the Phantom Thieves." Ann said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.
"That and to save Kitagawa-kun, even if it's from himself." Kusa added helpfully. Ren nodded as he looked at the others.
"All right. Everyone ready? We're heading back to the palace!" Ren said as Ann nodded.
"Okay, let's go!" Ann said as Ryuji and Kusa nodded as the group went into the Metaverse...
(Inside the Metaverse, at Madarame's Palace with Mona, Joker, Skull, Panther and Draconis)
"I'm sure you already know this, but the first thing we need to do is secure an infiltration route." Mona said as Skull huffed and spoke up.
"Then we send the callin' card. Yeah, yeah, we know the drill. Anyways, let's get ready!" Skull said as the others nodded. As they moved to go into the palace, Ren saw a door to the Velvet Room materialize as Justine appeared next to it and spoke to Joker.
"Come inside, we have much to discuss. Our master would like a word with you. Come in." Justine said to Joker who nodded and went into the Velvet Room...
(Inside the Velvet Room with Ren, Justine, Caroline and Igor)
"Hmm-hmm, so you've come." Igor said as he saw Ren stood before him. Igor then kept speaking.
"Your rehabilitation seems to be going smoothly." Igor said as Ren nodded and spoke up.
"Thanks to you and the twins. But even so, it's also still been rough at times." Ren said as Igor nodded and spoke up more.
"Excellent. I expect no less. I've prepared a special gift for you. I must reward such exemplary conduct. Use this power well..." Igor said as Ren saw a primer pop up on screen about how Personas have Traits, which can vary from Persona to Persona and can have incredible powers that can either aid or hinder a Persona's growth dependent on the trait. After he finished reading, Caroline spoke up huffily as she poked his cell bars with her baton.
"Our master is extending incredible kindness. Shed tears of joy, inmate!" Caroline rebuked Ren as Igor chuckled and spoke up.
"Heh heh, marvelous. Your Personas are born from the masks of your heart. They come in all manner of shapes and sizes. You must master the inner workings of each Persona to draw out its power. Do that, and they will surely be of great use to you on your journey to rehabilitation." Igor said as Justine spoke up at that point.
"If you have other business, you may tend to it now." Justine said as Ren nodded. He looked a bit then made to leave as Igor spoke up.
"Familiarize yourself with the many facets of the heart. Doing so will propel you to greater heights and give you strength as you work towards your rehabilitation. Go forth. I have high expectations for you." Igor said as Ren nodded and left the Velvet Room...
(Back in the Palace with Mona, Joker, Skull, Panther and Draconis)
"Hey! Joker!" Joker heard as he saw Mona looking at him from nearby as he hopped down towards Joker and kept speaking.
"Ugh, c'mon. What're you standin' around for?" Mona asked Joker who spoke up.
"Sorry, was doing stuff real quick. Let's get to it." Joker said to Mona who nodded and spoke up.
"Fair enough. Get with the program, all right? You're a vital member of the team here!" Mona said as Joker nodded and the group kept moving after deciding for Skull to tag out with Mona for the Palace to come. After making their way back to the exhibition room, Mona stopped the group as he spoke up.
"WHOA! Hold on, Joker!" Mona said as he looked over at the doorway and frowned as he spoke up more.
"Tch...It's an infrared laser device. If we touch it, the security will increase!" Mona said as Skull huffed and spoke up.
"C'mon man, hold on! There wasn't anything like this last time though!" Skull said as Mona spoke up again.
"The rumors might slowly be making Madarame become more wary of us...Joker! They're not easy to see, but you should be able to do it with your skills. Be careful!" Mona said as Draconis huffed and spoke up.
"Are we sure it's because of the rumors that these are here, and not because of a certain idiot who couldn't keep his mouth shut when we spoke to Kitagawa-kun and Madarame previously?" Draconis said, giving Skull an icy glare as he spoke to make it clear who he meant. Skull huffed as he spoke up.
"Are you tryin' to pick a fight, Draconis? If so, I'm happy to oblige. I already said I was sorry about that. I don't get why you'd still be pissy over that now. But I think now isn't the time for us to fight. We need to get along for the sake of the mission. We can discuss whatever beef you have with me after we change Madarame's heart, all right?" Skull said to Draconis who huffed but nodded reluctantly.
"Very well, truce for now. But we will be having words after we're done here, Skull. You know what you did though." Draconis said with a glare. Mona spoke up.
"Enough you two! Let's keep going!" Mona snapped as Draconis nodded contritely.
"Very well, as you wish Mona-sensei. I apologize for my outburst." Draconis said as the group kept moving. As they moved, the group cut through several Shadows, Joker managing to recruit both Mokoi and Hua Po in the process, while the group kept getting experience from the fights. After a bunch more fights, the group eventually reached the point they'd left off at as Panther spoke up.
"We'll be in unknown territory once we go past here, right?" Panther asked as Draconis nodded before speaking up.
"That is the case, Panther. But between our instincts, and Mona's highly-honed sniffer, we should be able to sniff out the route to the Treasure in no time. If we happen to find anything else, such as more Will Seeds, on the way, well that's just a bonus as far as I'm concerned." Draconis said dryly. Mona nodded as he spoke up.
"Exactly right, Draconis. Not to mention, the security will probably get a little more fierce as well. Make sure you don't touch anything or run into any of the displays, all right?" Mona said as everyone looked at Skull as Mona finished speaking making Skull huff as he spoke up.
"What're you lookin' at me for? Shouldn't we be lookin' at Mona too since he was the one who went all crazy when we found Kamoshida's Treasure?" Skull said as Draconis spoke up.
"Be that as it may Skull, how many times have we had to correct you on things versus how many we've had to correct Mona?" Draconis said dryly as Mona and Joker chuckled. Skull huffed and nodded his concession at that point.
"Fine, fair enough. Let's keep going." Skull said as the group kept moving. After defeating some stronger enemies, Skull, Panther and Draconis all hit level 13, causing Carmen to learn Maragi as a result of the level up. After a bit more walking, Mona stopped the group as they walked past a glowing golden vase and spoke up.
"H-Hey, wait a second! You're just gonna ignore that golden sheen?" Mona asked as his eyes went all glinty as he hopped up and down looking at the vase.
"Mmmm...Look at that luster..." Mona said as Draconis groaned as he looked at Mona.
"Unless this is the Treasure, I don't think you need to be going glinty-eyed right now, Mona-sensei. And yes we're ignoring it. Odds are it's a trap!" Draconis said bluntly as Mona pouted at Draconis as he spoke up.
"Aww, but come on! I know it might be tough to take with us, but don't you think it'd sell for tons?" Mona said as he hopped up onto the pedestal with the vase as he tried grabbing it as Skull huffed and spoke up.
"C'mon, we didn't come here to-Wait, hold on, you're steppin' on something, Mona!" Skull said as Draconis blinked, as sure enough Skull was right. Mona's foot was stepping on a button next to the vase, making Draconis give Skull an impressed look.
"Well, well, I'll be damned...I'm impressed Skull. I wouldn't have spotted that button before you pointed it out. Well done." Draconis said, actually impressed with Skull. At that point Panther spoke up in concern.
"Wait, isn't this bad!?" Panther asked as Draconis and Joker looked at each other before both speaking up after exchanging a nod.
"Everyone stand back!" Joker said as Draconis spoke up.
"I know I say this a lot, but for real...IT'S A TRAP!" Draconis said as he and Joker leapt backwards and out of range just in time for a wall of lasers to go up and trap Mona, Panther and Skull making Mona wince as he spoke up.
"Oh no, I tripped the security!" Mona said as Skull growled and spoke up.
"Urgh, and you were the one makin' us be careful too...So, whaddya wanna do? Run outta here?" Skull said as Draconis shook his head before speaking up.
"No. You three need to stay perfectly still exactly as you are. If those lasers are set how I think they are, one false step could cause the security level to shoot through the roof! For now, Joker and I will try to figure out a way to disable that security and get you three free. For now, just sit tight. And Mona, you and I are having words after we finish here about that treasure lust you seem to have, since that's now twice it's caused us problems!" Draconis said, fixing Mona with his best disappointed look as Mona nodded and spoke up.
"I understand, Draconis...and no Skull! Passing through all of these lasers at once will draw far too many enemies to our location! Draconis is right, we need to sit tight and let him and Joker try to save the three of us." Mona said as Panther nodded and spoke up.
"Oh, hold on! Neither Joker or Draconis are trapped!" Panther said as Mona nodded.
"Exactly. Sorry Joker, Draconis, but we're going to need you two to search for a way to turn off these infrared lasers!" Mona said as Draconis nodded before speaking up.
"Fair enough, but now you can't give Skull flack anymore about getting us in trouble, since for all that his bungling has caused us issues, at least HE's smart enough not to set off the security." Draconis said pointedly, just shaking his head in disappointment as he turned to Joker.
"C'mon Joker, let's go find a way to kill those lasers so we can save the others, since we can't exactly do much without them." Draconis said. Mona nodded as he spoke up.
"I'm sorry. That said, this is a museum, so there has to be some switch to let the workers avoid these lasers. Find it!" Mona said as Joker and Draconis nodded as they kept moving to try and find the off-switch for the lasers. After a fight, Joker hit level 14 and smirked as he leveled up.
"Power courses through me!" Joker said as his stats increased. Draconis nodded.
"Impressive, Joker. Let's keep moving." Draconis said as Joker nodded. After the fight, Draconis and Joker looked behind them as Draconis spoke up.
"Hey, Joker, isn't that a button over there?" Draconis asked Joker who nodded, and pushed it. After a bit, some of the lasers went away and they heard Panther cheer.
"YES!" Panther said as she got free of the trap, though Skull and Mona remained trapped. After a bit of maneuvering around, Panther spotted a space behind one of the paintings, that when moved aside, revealed a second button, that once pressed, freed Skull from the trap and left Mona trapped. Skull smirked as he got free.
"Ooh, good job!" Skull said as Panther smiled and spoke up.
"You did it! Let's hurry up and get back together with him!" Panther said as Joker nodded. The trio then went to catch up with Skull who smiled as he walked up to them.
"Sorry! Thanks! Now we just gotta get Mona out of there." Skull said as Panther spoke up.
"But...I don't think we'll be able to get him out unless we can turn the lasers off." Panther said as Draconis nodded.
"Maybe this can serve as a good object lesson to Mona about not letting his treasure lust get the better of him. At least no one got hurt in all this so that's something." Draconis said huffily as Mona winced before speaking up.
"Sorry, you're right Draconis. That said, there has to be a control room for them! I don't know if it's nearby though...!" Mona said as Skull sighed and spoke up.
"We just gotta trust him. C'mon, let's try lookin' for it!" Skull said as the others nodded. After some looking around, Joker found a vent for the group to crawl through, the others speaking up as they crawled.
"Whoa...I can't believe you found a path like this! Let's keep lookin'!" Skull said as Panther frowned and spoke up.
"Don't you look back here! I know Draconis won't, which is why I don't mind him bringing up the rear." Panther said as Skull spoke up.
"As I was saying, I keep saying I'm not gonna look!" Skull said as Draconis spoke up dryly.
"He's not gonna look, Panther! He knows better! Besides, between your boots and my fists, he'd regret it if he did look." Draconis said dryly, his tone very blunt as the group kept moving. As they came out and landed, Skull spoke up.
"Hey Joker, there's somethin' here I've been wondering about." Skull said. Draconis huffed as he spoke up.
"And what, pray tell, might that be Skull?" Draconis asked in a dry but curious tone. Skull huffed.
"I'm not sure, but I think we found the control room." Skull said as Joker walked over to a monitor and looked at it, Skull speaking up as he did the same.
"Look, it says security-whatever on here! Maybe this'll let us turn them lasers off!" Skull said as Panther frowned before speaking up.
"But...it looks like we need a password to use it." Panther said as Joker and Draconis looked at each other before both spoke up.
"Let's find the password then." Joker said as Draconis spoke up.
"Or failing that, let's see if we can't force it out of the Shadows in the area." Draconis suggested dryly, making Skull chuckle. Skull then looked at Joker and spoke up.
"Uh, they probably ain't just gonna leave it lyin' around." Skull said as Panther spoke up.
"Then what are we supposed to do..? Look for someone who might know it?" Panther said as Draconis huffed.
"As I said before, we could always look for some Shadows and try to get it out of them." Draconis suggested. Sure enough, once they left the room through the door, they saw two Shadows nearby talking to each other, Panther exchanging wide-eyed looks with Joker and Skull at how uncannily Draconis had called them finding Shadows to get the password from. As they hid and listened, the two Shadows spoke to one another.
"Hey, did you hear about those intruders?" The first Shadow said as the other Shadow spoke up.
"Yeah, you mean the thieves sneaking around in here? I got a call telling me to change the password, just in case." The second Shadow said as the first spoke up.
"And? What did you change it to?" The first Shadow asked the second, neither of them seeing the shocked looks on Joker, Panther and Skull's face at how easily Draconis had called their course of action. The second Shadow smirked as they spoke up.
"Hello." The second Shadow said as the first blinked and spoke up.
"Huh?" The first Shadow said as the second spoke up.
"I said, hello! 07734. If you read the numbers upside-down, they spell out the word hello." The second Shadow explained as the first spoke up.
"Isn't that a little childish?" The first Shadow asked. The second spoke up with a shrug.
"Eh, it should be fine as long as nobody else finds out. It's not like anyone's eavesdropping on us. Anyway, don't forget: When you see the code input, be sure to say hello." The second Shadow said as they walked off, leaving the first to gape as Panther spoke up from where she and the others were hiding.
"Hey! Did you hear that?" Panther asked as Skull nodded.
"Sure did! C'mon Joker, let's go say hello to that terminal thing!" Skull said as Joker nodded before speaking up.
"Agreed. But first, am I the only one who was shocked by how easily Draconis knew that would happen?" Joker said as Panther and Skull blinked before their eyes widened as they recalled Draconis had mentioned finding Shadows to get the password out of, which they pretty much did in a sense. Draconis chuckled as he spoke up.
"Eh, what can I say? It was a lucky guess. That or you could say it was my gut instinct showing us the way, either or." Draconis said with a shrug as the group kept moving. After defeating the remaining Shadow, the group retreated to the monitor where Skull spoke up.
"Mkay, let's give it a shot!" Skull said as Joker nodded while Draconis spoke up.
"Assuming those Shadows before weren't playing us, the password should be 07734..." Draconis said as Joker tried it, and sure enough it worked, making a jingle play as Mona was finally freed of the trap as the lasers all went away. Mona then smiled as he spoke up happily.
"Nice! Those guys did it...! I'm saved!" Mona said happily. Back in the monitor room, Panther spoke up happily.
"It looks like it worked!" Panther said as Skull spoke up.
"Sweet! Let's go grab that stupid cat and get movin'!" Skull said as Draconis glared at Skull and spoke up.
"Mona's NOT a cat, Skull! At least try to remember that! Because there's only so many times I can yell at you for that before it just become repetitive and annoying." Draconis said dryly. Joker and Panther just shook their heads as the group kept moving. After they left the room, they ran straight to where Mona was waiting as Mona spoke up.
"I-I'm sorry...That was very much unlike me..." Mona said as Draconis spoke up, giving a pointed glare at the not-cat as he spoke in a stern but disappointed tone.
"Did you learn a lesson from this, Mona? I hope for your sake you did." Draconis said as Skull nodded and spoke up.
"What he said! I mean, sheesh...Weren't YOU the one tellin' us not to go around touchin' shit in the exhibit?" Skull rebuked Mona, getting an approving nod from Draconis as Mona sighed and spoke up with a nod.
"Urgh, that is true...I can't believe I made such a novice mistake, even for solid gold...But something was drawing me to this vase..." Mona said as Panther spoke up.
"What do you mean...? Isn't it just an ordinary gold vase? I wonder if there's something special about it. Should we take a closer look just in case?" Panther asked. Draconis spoke up, sighing in frustration at the amount of detours the group had already had to make so far as he spoke.
"We can, but for the love of all that is good and holy, NO ONE touch the area the vase is on in case another trap is tripped by accident." Draconis said as the group nodded. Joker then took out his dagger and smashed the vase, from which leapt a diamond that moved around and hovered in place making Panther blink as she spoke up.
"Wait! What is this!?" Panther asked as Mona blinked and spoke up.
"For real!? Oh, I see...So that's why I was drawn to it! Joker, catch it! I'll explain the rest of this later. Just get after it and attack!" Mona said. Joker then talked to the Shadow that had appeared from inside the diamond, which identified itself as 'Regent' before joining Joker as a new mask. After the battle, Mona hit level 13 while Draconis hit level 14, the level-ups unlocking Miracle Punch for Zorro as a result. After the battle, Mona smiled as he spoke up happily.
"Good, good! That was pretty nice considering it was your first time running into one." Mona said as Panther spoke up.
"What was that...?" Panther asked. Mona smiled at Panther as he spoke up.
"That, Panther, was a rare Shadow that occasionally resides in pricey items. I call them Treasure Demons. They're great. Not only do they give you a lot of experience, they might be useful for your Personas too. However, they run very fast, and attacks don't deal very much damage to them. So keep that in mind when fighting one." Mona said as the group nodded and kept moving. After a bit, they stopped when they found a Safe Room, heading inside. Once inside, Panther spoke up.
"Ohh, a Safe Room! Oh, thank goodness!" Panther said as Mona nodded.
"This Safe Room makes for a good base. We can resume our infiltration from here if we take a break too. So it's a good thing we found this when we did." Mona said as the others nodded while Joker passed some healing items around to those who really needed it so they could recover their HP and/or SP as needed. As he did so, Draconis spoke up.
"Well, since we're taking a break, I guess this is a good time to assess our progress thus far, however little of it we may have made." Draconis said as Mona nodded.
"Agreed. We're probably at best one fourth of the way through the Palace at this point, though it could be less than that. I'm not sure." Mona said as Skull spoke up.
"Draconis, I get the sense you're angry at me, so just say whatever you need to say. We're all teammates here so you can speak your mind here." Skull said as Draconis huffed and spoke up, fixing Skull with a very annoyed glare as he spoke, his tone conveying well how irritated/annoyed he was with him as he spoke.
"Very well, if you're sure...Apologies in advance to Joker, Mona and Panther for the slightly coarse language I'm about to use, but it's needed. That said...What the fuck, Skull!? What's this I hear about you going against our agreement to not go and see the doc unless we absolutely had to? I thought you thought he was sketchy, like I do?" Draconis said gruffly as Skull winced before speaking up, not liking the look in Draconis' eyes as he spoke.
"I didn't exactly have a choice in the matter, Draconis! Panther and Joker basically cornered me into it, or more accurately Panther did. You saw that group chat. I didn't have a choice after she called me out like she did. And honestly Draconis? I think you should give the doc a chance. Yes, he's a bit of a goofball and a dork, but he's actually rather chill once you give him a chance. Sure, he comes off a bit salesman-esque, but I think you'd like him if you gave him a chance." Skull said as Draconis grumbled under his breath, swearing profusely as he spoke up, his gaze softening slightly as he spoke though he still had a disappointed look on his face.
"Maybe I will, but as I told Joker, that's only going to be after we deal with Madarame first! I'm not letting anything make Joker miss his chance to possibly spend time with Yoshizawa at that cleanup. That said, I apologize for being huffy with you Skull. I didn't realize it was Panther's fault for basically cornering you into it. I guess she means well so I can't be TOO mad at her, much like I can't stay mad at Mona.
Even so, it WAS his fault we just wasted a fat chunk of time bailing you three out of a laser trap that he managed to trigger with his inane treasure lust. But whatever, let's take a breather here for a bit to cool our heads and then keep moving forward. The sooner we find our route and send that calling card, the sooner we can save Kitagawa-kun and any other victims of that jackass Madarame." Draconis said, stopping to catch a breath after the mini-huff he'd just gone on. Skull smiled and nodded to Draconis as he spoke up.
"I get it, man. You're trying to play wingman for Joker, and I respect that. But we need to not be at each other's throats all the time." Skull said as Draconis nodded.
"I understand. And from now on Skull, think before you use phrases like 'that stupid cat' when you're talking about Mona! You know that annoys me, as well as Mona, when you call him that! And I'm sure by know you know he's not a cat." Draconis said as Mona nodded in agreement before speaking up.
"I agree with Draconis. Also, I'm NOT stupid, Skull!" Mona said as Skull nodded, giving Mona and Draconis his best contrite/apologetic look as he spoke up, looking at Mona as he spoke.
"I know, it was just an expression. Sorry Mona." Skull said as Mona nodded his acceptance of the apology as the group sat back and relaxed before planning their next move...
END OF CHAPTER
A/N: And there we go, another chapter done and dusted! With some luck, next chapter will not only have most of the rest of Madarame's Palace, but with some luck, it'll also have some other stuff in it as well, like the clean-up that was alluded to during this chapter. If it does, well there may or may not be a lot of a certain red-headed gymnast that Ren likes in the chapter too. Either way, next chapter should be fun! So look forward to it! And feel free to keep leaving reviews or PM me your feedback, I appreciate the support either way. And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!