welltall44: You've got one right.
Bryce Hackley: Because keeping track of his on top of everything else, especially since his is automatic, is a bit much.
Tyracus: Well, Ren IS a bit underpowered right now.
SwigitySwoogy: Do it. Do it! And tell us when you are done. I am looking forwards to it!
Have a Little Feith: Well to fully complete the game, slash see every romance route, slash some of the optional extras require multiple play throughs. Also, depending on your dificulty and what not. It CAN be a long run. Yes, 500 is a bit of an exageration but it is meant as a slight joke.
Glad you've liked it and enjoyed P5S.
anon92: This is the last time I am adressing this. If you keep this up, I will stop letting your reviews through.
1- if the girls are dating Ren, then they ARE dating the other girls. That is what a polyamorous relationship is. And when Ann, Shiho and Tae first agreed to share Ren, and let him have other women, that was the deal they ALL agreed on. No one is favoured, everyone is equel, everyone is dating everyone. And anyone who joins the relationship has to understand that. Because they are getting involved with an existing relationship.
2- Everyone handles relationships at different paces. And Ann is a teenager. What happened there was her hormones getting the better of her and she got over eager. But they respect each other and their boundries.
3- Makoto barley has social skills with people her age, let alone relationships. Let alone this SORT of relationship. So she was uncomfertable PDA.
4- What you explained... is not a relationship. Is not 'sister wives'. That Harry Potter fic basically has the girls as glorified side chicks. I mean... they are married to the same guy and have entierly seperate bed ROOMS? It is fair if the girls are not bi, and don't want to share a bed. But... seperate ROOMS? In the WIZARDING WORLD? Where shit like SILENCING SPELLS and such and be used? That story has the 'harem' as glorified sex fodder, as a way for Harry to have two relationships without technically cheating. THAT is no compromise because they are two SEPERATE relationships happening at the same time.
If you respond to my rant, I'm gonna stop responding and stop letting your annonymous reviews through. Because this argument is not fun for me.
dragons. kid93: *looks at the past THIRTY ODD CHAPTERS where I have CONSTANTLY said NO Royal* I wonder.
Xerzo LotCN: Yeah, yeah, we know the fandom jokes about how much Joker talks. But lots of people don't get the intent of the framing device. He is not going into that much detail with his explination, just the broad strokes. The detail is for the player, since Joker's memories are all scrambled.
Obiki Doragon: I checked. That was NOT EVEN THERE! And the reason is the Phantom Thieves lower profile. The apperance of them in the OG timeline caused the Palace's to receed as the targets became self conscious about becoming potential targets. But without the threat of the Phantom Thieves, their Palaces stayed and even continued to grow beyond what they once where.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
F8ZEPHYR: We've got plans for certain characters. That's why they've got their Persona here.
dragons. kid93: No, we're not adding Persona Royal here. It's just using some elements that can be easily incorporated into the story.
Tony Anderson: Trust us, when Narukami comes... it'll be intense.
StevieBond: Well, yeah. We had to mix things up a bit.
Neptunia56: Give us some credit for making things interesting. And yeah, not every female Confidant will be a Thief.
Guest, chapter 40, Oct 28: Oh... You're very welcome. smiles
Bryce Hackley: Glad you've been enjoying the series... but we have a LOT to remember, research and sort out with Persona it's a 500+ hour game and a monthly upload, we're going to forget things while editing.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Well here we go back again!
Also, heads up guys. Because next month is... well... DECEMBER.
...
Yeah, I am gonna be busy as balls.
And so... well... NO uploads in December. Not for this story at least. It will be back to being uplaoded at the end of each month, however. Starting the end of January.
So, to be SUPER CLEAR, next chapter will not be until January 31st 2024.
Okay? Okay.
Good.
Enjoy the chapter!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 41
First Search For The Dark Doctor
It was the following day, Ren was busy with a lot of things on his mind right now and with school. Honestly the day was a bit of a blur. "Where did the day go?" He asked himself.
"Studying and soda collecting." Morgana chuckled, poking his head out. "Why don't you take some time off? Play a game or something."
"Yeah, that might be best." He nodded
"Arcade it is." Morgana commented.
"... We have a games system here." Ren answered.
"You want to beat your high-score again?" Morgana rolled his eyes.
"... Arcade it is." He sighed. He left calmly, adjusting his glasses sd he went
*Time skip*
Ren had arrived at the arcade, seeing Shinya still racking up points on his game. He chuckled as he approached the kid, hands in his pockets "Hey, Shinya." Ren spoke.
"Hey, Ren." He spoke, not losing concentration on the game as he finished.
You! Win!
Shinya sighed heavily and slotted the toy gun away.
"How're you doing?" Ren asked.
"I'm alright." Shinya answered. "How are the Phantom Thieves? They had another success right?"
"Recently scored a real big one, yeah." Ren laughed
"That's cool." Shinya responded, before lowering his hat. "... The war's still going on." Ren frowned as he saw this. Seeing Shinya still being bullied. "Probably because they think I'm weak."
"You're wrong there. They keep going because you are reacting, because you are strong. You are reacting how they want you to." Ren responded calmly
"Thanks, Ren." Shinya responded.
"Hey, Kid. You're small, but you play a mean game." A voice called out to him.
"Huh?" they both blinked, turning around
Walking out was a young man, probably about Ren's age, shaggy and cool brown hair, wearing a black shirt under a red leather jacket, black fingerless gloves, grey trousers and brown boots. "Sorry, didn't mean it like that. I thought we could be friends."
"After saying that?" Shinya asked.
"I said I was sorry. I'm Takekuma, I play games for a living. Maybe you've heard of me?" The young man asked.
"Takekuma, the pro-gamer?! You're the guy with all those videos online!" Shinya responded.
"And you're 'The King' right? I've always wanted to play with you." Takekuma answered. "Not sure if it's a good idea. If I beat you, your rank is gonna drop. And I don't need people bashing me for bullying a kid."
Ren looked at this interaction and was worried. He could barely remember this guy; Shinya, he remembered, but not this guy.
"You just called me 'weak'!" Shinya pointed. "We're playing! I'm not gonna lose!"
"Shinya, I don't think that's-" Ren frowned.
"Brilliant, let's get this started." Takekuma responded.
Ren facepalmed weakly, and groaned
Moments later, Shinya and Takekuma were playing the shooter game that Shinya was great at. And soon, people were gathering "I'm gonna win. I have to." Shinya spoke, while Takekuma was confident and sniping every enemy he saw. "Wh-what? How?"
"Whoa, the King is getting destroyed." A spectator gasped
"Takekuma is awesome!" Another spectator added.
"... I-I missed?" Shinya panicked as he was trying his best, but something was going on. He was losing his stride.
GAME OVER!
"The King lost?" The crowd gasped, eyes looking down on Shinya who almost dropped the gun from his shock. Horror filled the crowed for a moment, everyone chatting together in an excited panic
"Th-that doesn't-" Shinya panicked as he was ready to play again, only for Ren to stop him.
"Shinya, don't." Ren asked, stopping him.
"Huh?" the kid blinked
"Take a minute to breathe." Ren asked, trying to calm him down.
"I'm fine, Ren. One more game!" Shinya responded, turning to Takekuma.
"Sure." He answered, slotting in another coin for the game. A few moments later, some of the worst one-sided gaming in the arcade.
Ten losses total.
Shinya lost ten times in a row.
"O... one... One more game." Shinya mumbled, lost in himself because of those... horrendous losses, his hands shaking.
"Sorry, no matter how many times we play, you're never gonna beat me." Takekuma responded. "We should probably stop as well, for your sake."
"... ter... Y-You cheated!" Shinya pointed at him, tears almost forming in his eyes.
Takekuma rose his hands in defence. "I think you're being a sore loser."
"Shut up!" Shinya stomped his foot.
"Practice a bit more, since I think that reputation of yours is overblown." Takekuma responded. "I better go." And soon left, along with the crowd.
Shinya was beet-red acting more his age because this pro-gamer had beaten him. He pulled his hat over his face and ran off into the arcade's toilet.
"Shinya." Ren frowned and followed. He chased after the kid, hurrying after him calmly and proudly
Shinya was at the sink, trying not to cry, but being humiliated in front of the crowd and seeing how much he had lost. "Damn it." She bonked his head against the mirror.
Ren opened the door and walked towards him, seeing that he was letting himself be a kid and not just 'The King'. "Get your revenge." He reassured him.
"H-Huh?" Shinya asked, looking up at him.
"Get your revenge on that cheater." Ren repeated.
Shinya nodded and washed the tears from his eyes. "Yeah. I will. I'm the one who's gonna win in the end. If I lose... It's all over."
"All over?" he asked "What's all over?"
"My reputation." He sniffed. "I'll... I'll get better. I'll beat him next time."
"Good. I'm sure you will." Ren reassured him, feeling Shinya's determination grow and his emotions growing as a person. He ruffled Shinya's hair lightly, adjusting his hat. "Do you want some ice cream?" He asked.
"... Yes." Shinya nodded and sniffed.
"Let's go buddy." he smiled proudly
Tower: Rank 4
*time skip*
"That was tough." Morgana spoke as he poked his head from the bag.
"Yeah." Ren flinched softly
"You did a good thing with Shinya." Morgana added.
"Thanks." He answered.
Vrrr!
Ren looked down at his phone and saw a new message. "Mishima?" He wondered and read it.
"What does he want?" Morgana stretched
"... He wants to meet up." Ren responded.
"Oh, cool." Morgana yawned. Not dissmisivley he was just... Cat
"You want to go to sleep again?" He asked.
"Eighteen hours asleep and working hard during the last few? Yeah." Morgana answered. "Don't worry, I'll keep an ear out."
"Well, Mishima wants to meet at the cafe in town. I should tell Sojiro." Ren spoke, while typing a message to his guardian.
"Just get to bed at a good time." Morgana warned
"I will don't worry." He reassured and headed to the cafe. Ren headed back into town, cracking his neck a little while wondering where Mishima was.
"Hey! Ren! Over here!" Mishima waved from a booth.
"Yo." Ren gestured politely and walked over, taking a seat.
"So, how go the activities?" Mishima asked as he already got drinks for him and Ren. "Sorry, I actually know. The Phan-Site has been going crazy thanks to you guys."
"Huh. I guess it has." Ren answered, having forgotten about the Phan-Site for a little while.
Mishima looked about a little, but since this was the most secluded it was okay. He pulled out a bag from under the table and pulled a couple of items. One was a book. The other? A gun. Ren's eyes widened a little in shock as he saw this. "This is a book all about the latest security techniques. And... A model gun." Mishima reassured. "It cost me a lot of money."
"Mishima... it looks almost real." Ren spoke in concern.
"Well, yeah! That just goes to show how special it is." Mishima answered. "It was pulled from production because people kept mistaking it for a real one." He responded and put them away before people noticed. "It was suggested to me by a military buff on the Phandom."
Ren sighed and rubbed his forehead as he heard this.
"I figured I could use it for security purposes since I run the whole Phan-Site." Mishima answered. "You guys are getting really popular and there's a lot of info on the forum lately too."
"Mishima..." Ren whispered in worry.
"Some of the stuff there seemed scary so... I-I decided to get a little protection." Mishima explained.
While Ren knew that this was a heavy decision, he knew what owning this meant. But Mishima was careful. He wasn't going to go around waving it at people. "... That's a good idea." he spoke heavily.
"Thanks. I maybe just your background support, but I need a way to protect myself." He explained. "Besides, I'm the guy who goes the whole nine yards when I decide something."
"Just be careful." Ren asked seriously, seeing how determined Mishima was.
"I will... But as I said, there's this influx of new posts on the forum lately. People commenting about 'big names' and 'big changes'. Try and make the Phantom Thieves even flashier than before." Mishima answered.
Ren nodded as he began to relax, though the gun was away, he still had his concerns.
"Leave the info gathering to me, I'll get it done. Even if I have to put myself in danger to do so."
Ren looked at Mishima, seeing that he was extra determined to do this right. Well, at least he wasn't going out of his way to find trouble.
"Just be careful, okay buddy?" He smiled
"Yeah, I will. Thanks for listening, Ren." Mishima answered.
"Any time." Ren nodded "Thanks for the coffee."
"Any time." Mishima nodded.
Moon: Rank 5
*the next day*
August 16th, a long day at school as he walked back home; but someone caught his eye as he walked past Tae's pharmacy. "Wait...is that-?"
"What's up?" Morgana asked.
"That doctor from before." He answered and approached the practice. He walked slowly, keeping his eyes on the place. Inside, he could see the doctor holding a briefcase while he seemed to be demanding something of her.
He frowned, taking in the doctor's appearance. Trying his best to remember the guys name
He was an older gentleman, greying black, wearing a smart brown suit with subtle lines, a pair of glasses on his face, shined black shoes, a leather briefcase and a grumpy demeanour. "I thought I told you to stay away from my patients, Takemi!" He barked at her.
"I do not know who and who is not your patient, Doctor Oyamada." Tae responded simply
'Doctor Oyamada.' Ren thought. 'I need a first name.'
"I can easily shut this pharmacy down. Don't forget it, you have blood on your hands with those dangerous drugs you craft." Dr Oyamada glared. "Or should I report you?"
"Looks like we got a sucker to deal with in Momentos." Morgana whispered to Ren
Ren simply nodded and burned that man's image into his memory. He was going to take him down.
"I... You can't do that. This place is helping too many people!" Tae responded.
"Send your patients to me then. An actual hospital will save their lives. Not some 'Plague Doctor'." He answered, leaving the room.
Tae slumped in her seat and sighed, rubbing her temple. This guy...
The doctor pushed past the door and ignored Ren, not seeing him as he felt his superiority over anyone and over Tae.
Ren frowned at this guy and headed inside, going to see his girlfriend. She had her hand against her face, rubbing her eyes weakly "Tae?" Ren asked as he went to her. "Are you alright?" He asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.
"H-Huh?" she blinked, looking up to him "O-Oh. Ren. Hi. Yes, I-I'm fine. Just... Just stressed."
Ren helped her up and brought her to a chair. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"... Heh. Why do I get the feeling you know what's up?" she asked almost bitterly
"Because you know me?" he chuckled softly
She chuckled a little and wiped her tears. "That was my superior from the hospital. Shoichi Oyamada." She explained. "He wants me to close up."
"Well you're a private company. He has no say." Ren encouraged
"He's threatening to destroy my reputation. Black list me from everywhere. He'll do it just to spite me." She answered only for Ren to kiss her. Tae blinked for a moment, before kissing back, embracing her young lover for this kindness. 'Thank you.'
He broke the kiss, holding his head against her "It's going to be okay, Tae. I promise." He whispered to her gently. "I'll be here with you."
"Thank you. Thank you." She whispered as she held him close. She was normally stronger than this but... Trauma, guilt and high emotions brought ANYONE down
"It's okay. I'm here." He whispered, still holding her.
*Time Skip*
Ren had hated the last two days. He had done all he could... and nothing. He knew so little about this guy. He had confirmed he had a Palace. Because searching for the info Momentos got him nothing. No confirmed hits with Momentos as a key word, meaning his Shadow was not there. He had a Palace. Something he DIDN'T have last time. But since he knew NOTHING about this guy...
He got nothing!
All his efforts, he couldn't get over the wall that was Doctor Shoichi Oyamada. He couldn't manifest a Shadow! 'How am I gonna help Tae?' He thought, he felt so useless. He was approaching Tae's office, hoping she was okay. He had to talk to her about this, try to get the info he needed, he hated it but he needed some information if he wanted to help her.
Inside... he saw him again. Shoichi Oyamada. And this time, he looked like he was going to explode from anger.
"I thought I told you to shut this pharmacy down!" He damned her.
"You did nonsuch thing, and I never agreed to it." She shot back, glaring over her shoulder as she worked "I am allowed to operate. However I have been checking if people where your patients, and if they where only selling them over the counter medicine instead of taking them on as patients. Why are you so focused on me, Doctor? You are the leading surgeon for okenof Japan's biggest hospitals. I'm just a pharmacist and give light treatments. Heck I've recommended SEVERAL of my patients to go to your hospital because it's outside my area of expertise. If you want to ask me on a date, sorry but I'm taken."
"Oh really? By that young man with the glasses?" Shoichi glared. "How will the public react when 'famed killer doctor dates minor'?"
...
"I don't know what you're talking about?" She asked, her back going stiff
"Oh really?" He glared. "Then why are you sweating? And why was he seen coming here more often than needed?"
"Because he is an intern and helps me around the place. With paper work and cleaning." She lied
"I suppose that criminals stick together. You, a murderer. Him, someone who assaulted people." He answered.
"Get. Out." She hissed
"Scared that I found him out?" He glared.
"You are pathetic. He tout of my clinic." She ordered "I am not some beaten little girl, Shoichi. I do not now to your whims nor do I obey you. I am not scared of you! Now leave or I'll call the cops!"
"Fine, I'll go." He hissed "But if this place isn't closed by September 9th, I'm calling the cops! Potentially sleeping with a minor? Selling illegal drugs? At the very least the investigation will rip your business apart!"
Tae gripped her fist into a ball, ready to just punch this guy. How dare he try and threaten her livelihood or personal life! He left with his head held high and a smirk on his face
Ren stayed away from this guy's direct line of sight. There was no-way he was going to get away with this! There was only one call for this situation ...
*The next day*
"So what's so important that it required a meeting, Ren?" Shiho asked politely.
"There's a doctor...who's threatening Tae to close her pharmacy and give *all* her clients to him." Ren explained. "Dr Shoichi Oyamada."
"I see." Makoto hummed
"He can't do that!" Ryuji snapped. "Doc's exercise stuff has helped my leg!"
"And she is most certainly helpful with medicine and equipment for the Metaverse." Yusuke hummed
"Yeah... and she's helped us with our diets and stuff, Inari." Futaba answered, pointing to herself, Ann and Yusuke.
"I dunno." Makoto frowned "Doesn't it feel like we are just helping ourselves and our friends? While I am thankful for helping myself and Miss Kawakami with Principal Kobayakawa, it was just that. Dealing with out own problems."
"It's not just for us, Makoto. Everyone in Yongen-Jaya goes to Tae's pharmacy for her medicine, some people can't get to the hospital in time or even get the right treatment. Some people are too old to even be seen because of the amount of people in a hospital." Ann argued
Makoto went silent as she heard that. She was right, if it was too close... people would suffer. "You're right." she sighed
"It's a hard choice. But sometimes we have to break the rules to fix them." Morgana answered.
"Well spoken." Yusuke nodded. "But do we know if he has a Shadow now? You said that he has a Palace."
"Yes. He has a Shadow. He has a Palace." Ren nodded "We just need to find the rest of the Keywords."
"Damn it. It's never easy, is it?" Ryuji groaned as he slumped forwards.
"Except this is gonna be the hardest one yet." Morgana stated
"We're going to have to follow him." Shiho answered.
"In a hospital? Are you crazy?" Ryuji asked.
"Unless we can pull up a profile on his activities, I don't know what else we can do." She answered.
"I can do the computer profile work. Don't worry about that." Futaba reassured.
"I can't get close to him." Ren admitted. "He might recognise me."
"True, but he doesn't know us." Ann pointed to herself and the group. "We'll be able to get close to him." Ann stood tall and cocked her hips, pointing at herself proudly
"You sure?" Ren asked.
"Of course, we'll coax the Key Word out of him." Yusuke nodded.
"Hopefully." Makoto flinched
"Then, we have a plan and a deadline." Morgana agreed. "We've got this."
"A deadline. September 8th." Ren whispered
"Barely a month." Ryuji realised. "Including the holiday, that's what. Two weeks? Three at most?"
"If that." Shiho responded.
"Fuuuu..." Futaba complained, Ren covering her mouth
"Language." He joked
"Hmm." Futaba mumbled.
*Time Skip*
It was the next day, most of the Phantom Thieves walking towards a Hospital "Okay, remember the plan?" Shiho asked.
"Of course." Yusuke nodded.
"... Remind me again?" Ryuji asked
"We go in, lie about 'interning at the hospital' and ask for Dr Oyamada's office." Shiho groaned a little.
"Okay, okay. Got it. If worst comes to worst, we kick him in the shins and run." Ryuji joked a little at the end, but having got the plan locked away.
"That'd just get us in trouble, Ryuji!" Makoto snapped.
"It's a joke! Sheesh!" Ryuji answered while waving his hand childishly
"Shame Ren couldn't be here." Shiho responded.
"You heard him though, he can't be seen here." Ann responded. "But I know what you mean."
"Right." Futaba nodded shyly
"I wonder what he's going to do all day?" Makoto wondered.
"... Thieves tools." The others deadpanned before they headed into the hospital. They entered the hospital, walking in two at a time and waiting thirty seconds each as not to cause too much of a scene or be conspicuous.
"I can't believe we*got paired up." Ryuji whispered as he and Makoto were together.
"Suck it up for now, Ryuji. It won't be for long." Makoto responded as she rolled her eyes. "Excuse me, Miss." Makoto asked the receptionist.
"Yes? How can I help you?" The receptionist asked.
"I was wondering where Dr Oyamada is, I have an urgent problem that only he can handle." Makoto answered.
"And what would that be, my dear?" the woman asked in a dismissive tone
"It's regarding the newest article in the Medical Journal." Makoto answered.
"Hardly an emergency, Miss." The receptionist responded.
"I... er... I..." Makoto blinked, trying to ger her brain to think of a good excuse
"We need clarification because her aunt might be dying. We where confused about something and need him to clear it up so we know if we should take her to the hospital or something else!" Ryuji responded roughly
"Oh my goodness! Yes, of course." The receptionist responded, hearing something this important. "Mr Oyamada is currently in his office, third floor."
"Thanks." he nodded, walking off.
...
"What the hell?" Makoto asked him in shock
"Look, as much as you're all 'goodie two shoes', we gotta bullshit people at times." Ryuji answered. "We gotta text the guys to let them know we're in."
"R-Right." she nodded, sending the message
"Did you catch the number of the room?" Ryuji asked, hands in his pockets.
"She said 'third floor'. Maybe it's labelled like these doors here." She pointed.
"I hope so." he flinched
"Let's just hope that this guy is in, we don't want to know if he's in the middle of surgery or something." Ryuji commented.
Ping!
-Great work guys, we'll come bail you out when you need it.- Futaba responded.
-"Hopefully, it won't come to that."- Makoto responded, sending the message.
"Let's see... consultation, consultation. Nothin' here." Ryuji listed them off. "Visitor's ward."
"Ryuji, look here." Makoto pointed to a door where it had 'Dr Oyamada' on its front.
"... Dang, you're sharp." Ryuji commented.
"Thank you." Makoto answered, as she knocked on the door. "So, the lie is. My aunt is dying and we need his confirmation and diagnosis. Right?" She whispered.
"If that's what I said." Ryuji admitted quietly.
"How do you not remember?" She hissed.
"It was a spur of the moment." He squeaked.
"Please, enter." A voice, Dr Oyamada answered.
Both Ryuji and Makoto walked in, where they saw the doctor looking over his notes on his patients and working hard. "Mr Oyamada?"
"That's correct. You two must be here about your dying aunt." Mr Oyamada responded, pointing to Makoto.
"That is correct, Sir." She nodded.
"Please, take a seat." He offered them both seats. "I will assist in any way I can."
"Thank you. My aunt has been feeling unwell for the past few days and I'm worried that she might've caught something bad. Or that she might need to come into hospital." Makoto rambled a bit
"I see." He nodded "And you are...?" He pointed to Ryuji.
"Her emotional support." Ryuji lied. "I'm a second cousin."
"I see. Well, let's see what we can do." Mr Oyamada asked.
*Outside*
"I hope they're alright in there." Ann commented.
"They gave us a text. They should be alright." Futaba answered.
"Should we inform Ren?" Yusuke asked
"That'd just make him more worried, I think. He's been stressing enough as it is from this." Ann answered.
"I hate just waiting around. It feels like we're not doing anything to help." Shiho commented.
"I wouldn't say that." Yusuke answered. "Sometimes doing 'nothing' can be important too. It frees us up in case something goes wrong."
"Huh, I guess that makes sense." Ann responded.
*Inside*
"Hmm, I see. Thank you for explaining this to me, Miss. I will see what I can do, but I'm afraid I cannot do much without seeing the patient." Dr Oyamada responded.
"Dr Oyamada to surgery, please. Dr Oyamada to surgery." A speaker spoke through.
"Excuse me, I have other patients." He responded and left the two. "I'll be happy to see your aunt when she comes in."
"Thank you, so much." Makoto smiled, while Ryuji seemed to be stiff and clenching his hand out of view of the doctor. As Mr Oyamada let them leave, he soon left going to a patient who was needed.
"... Damn that guy!" Ryuji grunted and punched his palm since he didn't want to get in trouble by banging on a wall.
"Ryuji, calm down." Makoto asked, trying to stop him from making a ruckus.
"I know... but I don't like it when he looked down at us." He answered as a nurse walked by, looking overworked and exhausted.
"Are you alright, Miss?" Makoto asked as she saw the nurse.
"I'm fine, thank you." She answered as she stopped and sighed. "Did you just meet Dr Oyamada?"
"Yeah, we did. He's the worst." Ryuji answered.
"Ry-!"
"I agree. He's bringing in more patients than we can handle." The nurse answered. "He talks about experimental procedures and drugs like they're over the counter medicine."
"Not that kind of a boss?" Ryuji asked.
"No. No, he isn't." She answered. "He treats this place as his own castle."
Ping!
"I-I'm sorry?" Makoto asked in shock as she heard that.
"It's nothing to concern yourself about, Miss." The nurse answered, rubbing her eyes with her wrist. "I have to get going."
Ryuji and Makto blinked as they looked down at their phones before looking at each other "No way." Ryuji whispered as they looked at their phone.
"The last key word." Makoto whispered.
"Outside. Now." Ryuji nodded, the two speed walking out of the hospital as Ryuji text the others. They ran, pushing past people in a desperate frenzy
"Excuse us, sorry, sorry. Excuse me." Makoto apologised as she and Ryuji pushed past.
"Sorry, dude!" Ryuji apologised, bumping shoulders with a male nurse.
The two Phantom Thieves soon exited the hospital where they saw their friends. "What happened? You said you got the keyword?" Shiho asked.
"You are never going to believe what it is." Ryuji answered
"No, we won't." Ann frowned "Just tell us!"
"'Castle'." The two answered.
"A-Are you serious?" Shiho asked in shock.
"A nurse gave us the answer straight. 'The guy treats the hospital as his castle'." Ryuji answered.
Shiho and Ann shuddered in revulsion, thinking back to Kamoshida's Palace. Thinking how insane and twisted that place was. "Oh god..."
"We should head back." Yusuke answered. "After all this, we've got what we need."
"It doesn't feel like we've been here this long." Shiho commented.
"It's been an hour." Futaba responded.
"Well, I guess we could tell Ren and head back to LeBlanc." Ann answered.
"Cool. Need to get this stress outta my back." Ryuji added
"Stress?" Futaba asked
"D'you know hard it not to punch that guy in the face?" Ryuji asked. "It was like listening to a crappy teacher boasting about himself."
"Alright, let's head back." Ann responded as they headed back to LeBlanc.
*time Skip*
...
"Of course it is something like that." Ren sighed
"You mean you had a feeling about this?" Shiho asked.
"No, but he's got an ego to match it." Ren answered. "It just made sense.
"But... Kamoshida was a Castle." Ann commented "How are there two?"
"'Castle' might take on different meanings. Kamoshida saw his Castle as a kingdom where his word is law. Maybe this guy sees his 'castle' as a defensive structure." Morgana gave a plausible answer.
"Well, whatever it is, he can't continue what he's doing." Yusuke answered.
"But we've got the Keywords, he's probably not thinking about us though." Ryuji added
"Yeah." He agreed
"So do we head in? Get any supplies and head for the first couple of floors?" Shiho asked. "I don't think it'd be easy the first time around."
"That's a good thought, Shiho." Makoto answered.
"But when are we going?" Futaba asked, cradling Morgana and fussing him in her arms.
"Let's go tomorrow." Ren frowned "We get supplies and tomorrow we head in."
"Alright. Then we've got a plan." Yusuke answered.
"Quick question." Ann asked.
"What is it?" Ren responded.
"How much gear have you crafted while we've been out working?" Ryuji asked
...
"Err, not that much." Ren lied, as Morgana pointed to three full boxes.
"I made sure it wasn't just lockpicks." The cat yawned
"Buddy... You have a problem." Ryuji blinked
"It's how I deal with stress." Ren sighed
"I know being a Phantom Thief is hard... and there's exams coming up. But you're like the coolest one of us all." Ryuji commented with a wide grin
"Huh?" Ren blinked at the praise
"You seem... always in control. Almost nothing seems to phase you." Makoto explained.
"I'm really not." He waved off
"It came across that way to me." Makoto admitted.
"If you say so." Ren chuckled before looking at the others "Alright then guys. We are going in. Tomorrow."
*Time Skip*
The Phantom Thieves had gathered together, Ren had collected his tools that he had made into his bag and was ready with some plates of curry. "What did you get me?" Futaba giggled, hoping for a weapon
"Err... well." Morgana mumbled as he and Ren looked at each other.
"I gotcha this." Ren brought out a sturdy cape with some anime characters on the inside with digital circuitry on the outside.
...
"Oh my god it looks so cool!" She squealed
Both Ren and Morgana sighed in relief, getting that 'Glaring Cape' was the best choice. And the 'most durable' thing he could find at such short notice.
"You find any other weapons or stuff, dude?" Ryuji asked.
"You really think I wouldn't gear out my friends?" He chuckled and showed off a bag full of new items from the one-day shopping channel and Untouchable. "Ann." he bowed, handing out a new whip to her
"Wow~! Thanks, Ren!" She smiled, taking it in her hands.
"Shiho." As he passed her a large broadsword, which had runic engravings along the blade. Purely aesthetic reasons but didn't make it any less useable.
"Whoa! This looks great!" She smiled, keeping the blade sheathed before hugging it. "Thank you, Ren!"
"Hehe." He laughed and hugged back
"Ho. Ly. Shit! What the hell is this?!" Ryuji asked as he held up a new bat.
"Got that from that one request." Ren answered. "It's called the 'Sleep Stick'."
"The sleep stick?" Ryuji asked with a wide grin
"Careful, you don't want to knock yourself out with it." Yusuke answered.
"With the amount that he sleeps already." Shiho teased.
"Ye-hey!" Ryuji snapped.
"Makoto, Yusuke. Here." Ren brought out a couple of items.
For Yusuke was a beautiful Katana with a beige and purple grip and a fan-styled guard. "This is amazing." Yusuke whispered.
"It's called 'Senryou Yakusha'." Ren explained.
"Spiked. Simple. Sturdy." Makoto smiled as she looked at her knuckle dusters. "Thank you, Ren."
"No problem."
"Nya? What about me?" Morgana asked.
"Don't worry, I got you something." Ren reassured him as he gave his little brother figure a little pet "Which you got already, you cheeky brat."
"Mrow~!" Morgana purred and smirked
"So, we ready to go from here?" Futaba asked.
"I think so." Ren nodded as he got his phone out. "Let's hope it's not too far." As he pressed the app, everyone was now in the Metaverse but right now they were probably the farthest from a Palace they had been in a while.
"Okay...we're here. But I don't see it." Skull commented.
Oracle opened up her map to search for the palace. "... Oh crap."
"What is it?" Dove asked
Oracle showed her map of the Palace... and revealed a medieval palace with spires jutting out from it. Almost like it was straight out of a horror movie.
"Oh... crap." Panther whispered as they looked up.
"Well. You were right about 'castles' being different." Skull commented to Mona.
"Yeah." Mona nodded, stretching "Well, let's go and get a better look! Morgana... Henshin!"
mrow~!
With a backflip, Mona turned into the famous black van that they could drive around.
"All aboard the Mona Express." Skull chuckled.
"You're not gonna run out of gas, are you?" Queen asked as she opened the drivers door, only for Joker to wrap his arms around her waist
"Please, Joker knows to keep the tank full." Mona laughed.
"Eep." Queen squeaked a little, feeling his arm around her.
"What's wrong?" He teased a little. "You seem so tense Queen, maybe I should drive?" he urged, holding her close
"N-No. I'm alright. I can drive." She blushed under her mask, feeling his hips on her butt.
"You sure?" he asked, kissing her neck
"Oh no, he's playing dirty!" Oracle giggled, her hands rubbing together evily
"Hmm!" Queen squeaked.
"Do we have to separate you two from driving?" Dove asked as she poked her head over the seats.
"Ssssh! I wanna see who wins." Panther snickered
"Better than them arguing over it." Skull grumbled
"Should I drive?" Fox asked.
"No." The group answered.
"Makoto has her license and Ren knows how to drive." Oracle stated, pointing at Fox "No way are we just letting -you- behind the wheel, Inari!"
"Come on Queen." Joker flirted, cupping her chin as their lips grew closer. Bringing out his full charm and his confidence
"Hmm...!" Queen squeaked a little before she kissed him on the lips, embarrassed because she was kissing in front of her friends. And she gave a push, pointing him against the Mona-Bus "N-No! I'll drive!" she squeaked in pride, trying to keep her head high as she walked towards the Driver's seat... and hugged herself "A-Actually y-yeah, you can."
"Alright." he grinned, getting into the car smoothly
...
"Damn, dude. Where the hell did you learn that?" Skull asked.
"Practice, learning and a lot of Aojiru." Joker answered as he slipped into the bus
"That is only working once." Queen hissed weakly and blushed, crossing her arms
"So you say," Joker whispered back as they drove towards the Palace.
Prrrmmm~!
Mona purred as they drove off, the group trying to stay busy while they were cramped.
Queen crossed her legs as she huffed, looking at her boyfriend in annoyance. And he looked like he was king of the world when he did that with her. He looked confident about it.
...
Why did she like that though? And yet... She wanted to rub that smirk OFF his face!
"So, what's going on with you guys?" Fox asked the girls in the back. "All this flirtatious nature."
"Dude, are you dense?" Skull asked.
"Of course not, I am just merely curious why they do this in public." Fox responded.
"Well, Joker just wanted to drive. And win." Oracle snickered "Not that hard to see why."
"Yeah, they DO argue about it almost every time we get in the bus." Panther nodded
"He knew her weakness, and exploited it! Leaving Queen downed and vulnerable! Faltering to his All-Out-Attack!" Oracle joked
...
"You're getting way into that terminology, Oracle." Dove commented.
"You know it, girlfriend!" She smirked and puckered her lips for a kiss
Dove and Panther rolled their eyes as they saw this, Dove putting her hand over Oracle's face
"Turn around you two." Panther ordered.
"We aren't going back to Le Blanc." Joker called back as he drove, a hand slipping over to Queen's thigh as he cruised down the streets. Not that the others where paying attention, focusing more on the roads around them
"Meep!" Queen flinched... but didn't fight back against him. Embarrassed, but welcoming.
"I didn't mean- I was talking to Skull and Fox." Panther answered, before kissing Oracle on the cheek.
"Oh jeez, come on." Skull groaned as Fox pulled out a manga. "Wait... Is that the latest issue?" Skull asked.
"Yes, I purchased it to improve my artwork." He nodded.
"Nice! ... I missed this one. Running low on money." Skull slumped
"What do you spend your money on?" Fox asked.
"... Ramen." Skull admitted.
"I see." Fox nodded in understanding.
"Gym membership. Last week's manga, looking at cool shit on the internet." He continued.
"Makes sense." Shiho agreed
"Then there's fixing my shoes, holes in my vest-"
"Okay, we get it, Skull." Panther added, worried that this was going too far.
'It's like being a mum to a bunch of kids.' Queen thought.
"Don't be sick in here, I know what some humans are like." Mona responded.
"I'm not gonna be sick!" Skull answered.
"You're reading a manga!" Panther pointed
"I can assure you, that I do not feel ill in the slightest." Fox answered.
"... Can I read it after you?" Oracle asked, her motions moving a little over Dove's legs.
"Of course." Fox nodded.
"Urgh..." Queen groaned as she heard all the commotion.
"What's wrong, Queen?" Joker asked, seeing her grumble.
"It's nothing." She answered, keeping her eyes on the road. Sure she wasn't the one driving, but it was something to focus on
"You sure? You can talk to me." He whispered, squeezing her thigh. Not in a sexual way, but an intimate one. Urging trust
"I...I feel like a mum listening to her kids in the car." She admitted.
"Oh, I see." He nodded. " Well, isn't it good that we're getting along?"
"I guess..."
"Plus I kinda feel like the dad so it works." He laughed
"Y-You do?" She double-took.
"Of course. It's all part of it." He chuckled.
"Do... Do you think things will relax later? It just feels like we're going so fast-paced." Queen commented.
...
"I hope so." he flinched
"That's good. Sorry, do I sound like a complainer right now?"
"Not at all." he assured before smirking jokingly "I guess you're mind is wandering since you AREN'T driving?" he winked
"Yep. That's right." She sighed and nodded. "It's so weird, letting someone else drive."
"Well we are a team, right?" he smiled while squeezing his girlfriends thigh reassuringly
"Yeah, we're a team." She nodded and tried to relax as she felt his hand on her thigh. ... she actually wishes he would move it higher...
"We're here!" Panther called
Screeech!
"Hey! Easy on the pedals, Joker!" Mona called out.
"Sorry." He apologised as he looked out... And his jaw dropped
"What? What is-?" Skull asked as they all stepped out in shock and horror.
The castle was a large medieval castle that rested on the edge of a cliff. It had large spires and towers that reached to the thundercloud riddled sky, gargoyles and grotesques adorning the walls and balconies, wrought iron gates and fences with spikes that looked like medical needles. There were caduceus snakes that wrapped around the fence, vines that wrapped the area like snakes and emblazoned with rusted iron wings that seemed to be acting as lightning rods for the building.
"... Oh..." Oracle blinked as they looked up, everyone gulping a tiny bit
CONFIDANT RECAP:
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 8
Hierophant: Rank 7
Death: Rank 7
Temperance: Rank 6
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
Devil: Rank 6
World: Rank 5
Emperor: Rank 5
Fortune: Rank 5
Moon: Rank 5
High Priestess: Rank 4
Empress: Rank 4
Star: Rank 4
Tower: Rank 4
Hermit: Rank 3