Round Two

by Rouge Ebony

Joker defeated the false god... but at what price? His friends lay dead around him as he pulled the Trigger to drive Yaldabaoth out of existence. But Fate is kind to the Trickster for once and grants him a Second try to make things right and save those closest to him. Will he succeed? what else has changed in this new game? Akira Kurusu x Harem. lots of genderbent characters.

11. Rest and Preparations

…

Welcome back everyone!

…

Okay look I'm gonna stop apologizing for these long hiatuses. At this point its becoming just…

You all know by now that I hate keeping you guys waiting right? Time just constantly screws me over. Finding universities for example… its just all really energy taking and time consuming.

But to be fair I DID say not to expect constant updates right? I think I did that at SOME point.

…

Ugh… don't give me that look writing is hard okay? I mean I love it but that doesnt make it any easier.

Anyway I do want to say Thank you all for following this story and having the patience to actually deal with my brain.

I don't think I have much else to say other than the guest reviews and than leave you to the chapter.

Holy crap we have a lot of guests here don't we?

TheB: Thanks :)

Rep: Thanks happy you like it. Also yes screw kamoshit.

Guest: Oh we definitely need a scene with Makoto reflecting on what she did wrong. I have plenty of ideas regarding that small arc and with makoto realizing what she did wrong and making amends to Ryuko so look forward to that.

Guest 2: Thank you so much! :)Im just happy to keep on delivering. There will be more about Akiras past, I will reveal it in some bits before a larger reveal.

I probably start sounding like a broken record to with how much im thanking lol but seriously happy to see you enjoy it.

Don't worry once we enter the more severe Royal spoilers I will make sure to put a warning. But you are right in that I will bring my own spin to them so don't take what you see me doing with Royal content in this fic as 'canon' to the Royal game.

Guest: Ooookay?

Again no spoilers about his girlfriend for now.

I get why your upset about Makoto for now and I honestly don't blame you. I will get through this whole pat eventually.

Guest: Thanks. Also neat idea but I wont spoil anything about that until were there.

batt: Not Ohya fan? Well different people different tastes.

NightmareKnight: oh yeah because me 'silencing' you as we can see worked out so well. Because your clearly unable to voice your thoughts.

Besides I believe its childish to out of nowhere bring up an old drama from a whole different fandom that has NOTHING to do with the story and than try to turn it into something about 'ideological beliefs' when I say I don't have the patience to deal with that shit anymore.

I'm just wondering what you were thinking while playing a game that is ALL ABOUT not blindly trusting those that are popular because they have fame and that those beloved by the public can be actually really shitty people.

I could elaborate…but I have better things to do than that. Like writing this story for example. But anyway that's the last thing I want to say about this and this guest review is really only to tell you to have fun screaming into the void and that I ignore you because guess what… your not entitled to my goddamn time.

Guest: Thanks and to your questions.

I actually answer that in this chapter.

Im gonna post an updated list on the harem in the notes at the end of this chapter. I cant make any promises on the group being complete however. Its just gonna depend on how I write it and if I find a way to make it fit.

Nsilver: Thanks and as you can see im picking it up again now.

Guest: Your welcome fellow reader.;)

Guest: Well I don't want to spoil anything too soon.

Guest: I really cant answer anything regarding that because no matter how it will be a huge spoiler.

Guest: thanks and well… here it is.

Guest: Your welcome

Unknown: Today

Okay than enjoy the chapter.

Warnings I don't think really are needed for this chapter. Aside from maybe Lavenza being a bit horny but nothing really approaching lemon level.

And darker warnings aren't really needed either aside maybe a small info about Shido and Kamoshida being deserving of death because we have Ryuko and Akechi segments that have them talk about them. But nothing I consider needing to be marked or something.

---

"…You're home. I take it you actually went to school today?" Sojiro greeted Akira as the Fool entered the Café, holding a bag of Sushi in his hands, which went unbothered by the barista. He did promise Morgana to buy some.

"Unfortunately." Was his jokingly meant reply, which went unappreciated by his guardian who only gave him a small glare.

"Spare me your sarcasm."

He winced slightly at that rough tone Sojiro used. Seems they weren't completely over the hill yet, despite Akira not lashing out around himself this time "I was just joking, no need to be so rough. Still it wasn't exactly a walk in the park."

"Why? Did anyone do something about your record?"

"Aside from a small annoyance that thought he could scare me?"

He better not say that. Sojiro shouldn't think he was picking fights on his second day.

"Aside from freezing up around me or theorizing I'm from a Terrorist cell that plans to assassinate the Prime Minister?" Akira told him instead.

Those were actual things he heard people say.

Well… to be fair he planned something for the (almost) future Prime Minister but it wasn't an assassination…

And the Phantom Thieves were not terrorists!

Sojiro looked at him in disbelief. "You mean to tell me THAT'S what people have said?"

"Boss trust me, I WISH I was joking."

A deep sigh escaped the barista, who rubbed his forehead in expiration. "Just try your best to ignore them. In case you forgot…"

"My life is not a free one right now and no matter what I've been up to I'll be gone if I cause any problems and get kicked out to fend for myself in the streets were I slowly waste away like the criminal trash I am, yes I am aware. I am reminded of it every day."

It's as if people thought he was a Goldfish. His memory wasn't that bad… fortunately.

Sojiro eyed him with small sympathy, borderline pity, "What can I say kid. The World is unfair. You just need to learn how to deal with it the best."

If he only knew how unfair it was. It used to be a literally rigged game.

He was about to retort with something but his phone rang, taking up his attention as he looked at the new messages.

Ryuko: Hey this might sound weird but…

Ryuko: Why do I know Chanties?

Goro: Chanties?

Ryuko: Yeah Sea Chanties.

Ryuko: I never even knew what this was but suddenly I have a whole collection in my head.

Ryuko: Should I be worried about that?

Ryuko: I am not but I feel like I should.

His fingers were already typing a reply.

Akira: Considering that Arsene caused me to speak fluent French I don't think you should.

Ryuko: Wait.

Ryuko. For real?

Akira: Oui mon pirate blonde.

Ryuko: … what?

Akira: Its French for yes my blonde Pirate.

Ryuko: …Okay!? How exactly is THAT possible!?

Akira: All I know is I summoned a Demon dressed for a masquerade and now speak French.

Goro: Oh now I understand what you two mean.

Goro: You see… awakening to a Persona influences your mentality a bit. I assume it has something to do with cognition.

Goro: For example after I awoke to Loki I could suddenly understand old norse texts. And ever since I have Robin Hood I am more fluent than ever in English.

Akira: Makes sense.

Ryuko: Your both just accepting that this is possible?

Akira: Look Ryuko it's been a crazy day. Stuff like that REALLY isn't out of place anymore compared to things like other dimensions.

Akira: Didn't we agree on accepting things as quickly as possible?

Ryuko: I mean… fair point I guess.

Ryuko: BTW I have this weird eye thing on my phone now too.

Goro: …

Goro: Oh you have GOT to be kidding me.

Goro: Since when is that thing like a disease!?

Akira: It's probably just because she has a Persona now too.

"Sheesh, are you even listening to me?" Sojiro asked him, making him look up from his phone, "Just stay away from bad influences okay?"

"You mean like a girl that works for the head of a conspiracy that is trying to rule the World?" Orpheus reminded.

"Or a version of the literal devil?" said version of the devil spoke.

…

"I try?"

Sojiro, resigned himself with that answer, rolling his eyes, "By the way… your Dad called me toda-."

"I don't care." Akira growled out, edge in his voice. "I don't want to know about him."

Sojiro took note of that and raised an eyebrow but pushed no further, "Geez kid. On this bad terms with him?"

"How do I even BEGIN to answer that question?"

"Let's just say that I fully intend to never see his face in this or any other lifetime ever again and that me hanging up on him and blocking his number was done in absolute clarity. And didn't you say I should stay away from bad influences?"

A sigh came from the man that was a real father to him. "Whatever makes you sleep at night. I know next to nothing about your family so it's not my room to intrude. But they do say blood is thicker than water you know?"

"There is also a saying that goes 'The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.' Blood relations are rated WAY to highly in this country if you ask me."

He remembered the last time he mentioned that saying to him. It was during the situation with Futaba's 'uncle'. Just thinking about Youji Isshiki made Akira want to both go Satanael on HIM and hug Futaba for the next week or two.

Sojiro had actually thought he wasn't a good guardian for Futaba and had all but asked for a rant that included that and things like 'You're a SAINT compared to him!' if you were to ask Akira.

"…You really think so?" Sojiro asked, with a certain, uncertainty in his voice. The Hierophant was likely thinking about said money grubbing uncle.

"I KNOW so." Was Akira's reply.

And the small smile on Sojiro's face was already brightening his mood, "Hehe… good to know. Well whatever. It's late already, you should go to sleep. I'm going home too. Ill also be locking the store up so don't go wandering out."

Akira wished Sojiro a good night before walking up his attic home. He had something to take care of.

He turned back to the chat on his phone.

Goro: BTW: Fun Fact.

Goro: Did you know that Captain Kidd was executed by hanging and his body was left to rot?

Oh.

Okay so she was still having a thing for sharing not so fun facts…

Ryuko: …

Ryuko: NO!?

Ryuko: WHY IS THAT A FUN FACT!?

Goro: Well technically it is a not so fun fact but that doesn't have a good ring to it.

Ryuko: WHY DID YOU FEEL LIKE TELLING ME THIS?

Goro: Because why not? Knowing more about your persona can only be a good thing.

Ryuko: ?

Ryuko: I didn't need to know that!?

Goro: Ryuko, Loki was tortured by tying him to a rock and pour snake poison on his eyes till the actual end of the World where he would die by the hands of Heimdall. The writhing in agony when the poison hits him is powerful enough to cause earthquakes.

Goro: Your Persona doesn't even have it the worst.

Ryuko: Holy shit…

Ryuko: And you're not at all unsettled by that!?

Goro: Why should I?

Goro: Our Personas are us but that doesn't mean we are to 100 percent them.

Goro: Either way I don't think you need to worry about being hanged.

Ryuko: That still doesn't answer why you felt like saying it?

Goro: I simply wanted to share my knowledge to your newest ally. If that disturbed you I apologize.

Akira couldn't help but doubt that statement at least partly.

Goro: I find it quite interesting to learn more about Personas and believe knowing more about them can only have good results.

Akira: Anyway how about we change the topic?

Goro: Fine by me. Perhaps we could go over the current plan again?

Ryuko: Don't we all already know what's up though?

Goro: I just want to make sure EVERYONE knows what will happen.

Ryuko: Alright I get over it.

Ryuko: We don't say a single world about the Metaverse to anyone.

Ryuko: Me and Akira try and talk with some of Kamoshidass victims during the Volleyball rally. Try and get people to talk.

Ryuko: However due to his fame and cause most of the injuries could just be chalked up to training, let alone all the Cool Aid he hands out…

Ryuko: It's going to be hard to actually get anything. Let alone convict him.

Ryuko: But if we do get some we tell you and you try and push for a case.

Ryuko: Is that it?

Akira: A+

Goro: Very good.

Ryuko: Great. Now if you excuse me I still feel like a sack of bricks.

Ryuko: Ugh… seriously did you two also feel like this? The freakin exhaustion and pain?

Goro: Absolutely.

Akira: Yep. Though I was just too pissed of too care… until it hit me when we got out.

Akira: Don't worry. Just get some sleep and it will be fine.

Ryuko: I'll do that than.

Goro: Good Night.

Goro: And good job today you two.

Goro: Especially you Ryuko.

Akira: I agree good work.

Ryuko: Thanks.

Ryuko: WELP. Anyway… night!

Akira: Good night.

---

The Detective put away the phone.

It was a long, exhausting and confusing day for Akechi.

She sighed as she approached the entrance of her city apartment complex, glancing over at her bicycle, locked to the bicycle stand. She was not completely lying when she said she only rode it when she didn't trust public transport earlier. It was just that she preferred to at least keep ONE part of her life away of the Metaverse. Cycling was a nice hobby to have. It keeps you active, allows you to enjoy the fresh air in your face and lets you get around moderately quick.

She entered the building, mind still somewhat foggy from the events of today. There were… a lot of things going on inside of her, but she tried to control herself till she was inside her own four walls. She walked up the stairs till Loki perked up.

"Don't forget to get your money."

Oh. Right.

She went to the mailbox with the name Akechi and unlocked it, finding its contents to consist of two letters.

Retrieving them both she already knew what was inside. One letter was feeling heavy and almost bursting. The rest of her payment for the latest job. Shido might be the worst thing humanity has produced, he himself birthing nothing but evil and scum, but he was paying well. If she would somehow survive this she didn't think she would ever need to worry about money again.

She even had enough to afford spending some anonymously to certain… casualties of her work, which allowed her to feel a bit better about some things. Akechi tried not to think too hard about whether or not they would be fine with that sort of mental blood money.

The second envelope however was just making her eyes role.

She entered her apartment. It was cosy and rather luxurious. A large living room with a television and a leather couch, a kitchen with enough machines for her alone, fluff carpet, a bedroom with a bed made for a queen (compared to the excuses of beds she used to sleep years ago especially), a balcony that allowed for a view to the lights of Tokyo, a fine and expensive bathroom and two more rooms she didn't really find use for. More than enough for herself.

Central in the city, nice furniture and high class. It didn't hold any meaning for her, but it was leagues better than any of the orphanages. It fit the whole title of Detective Princess she created.

She entered her bedroom, lying on the large bed and opening the letters. Putting the money aside for now she opened the other letter and retrieved a card, which made her scowl. Just some gift card. She got who knows how many of those over time.

Who in the world payed an assassin like that?!

It was always for either some cosmetic or lingerie or the like. This one was painted in bright obnoxious pink for a store named 'Peach John'.

Apparently, it was supposed to be a… 'additional compensation' for her 'invaluable services' that would all lead for a 'prosperous future for Japan' that she 'hopefully appreciates accordingly'.

No amount of eye rolling, or dry heaving could ever come close to properly conveying how that speech made her feel.

Abhorrent trash.

"Truthfully my friends? I am disturbed on a very deep level by this." Robin remarked.

Akechi almost felt like laughing, "You get used to it Robin."

"Some things should not be allowed to get 'used to'!"

"Every day I get to know you I like you more archer you know?" Loki commented approvingly. "I have been telling her for YEARS."

"And I say you are being too…"

"Before you say ANYTHING kid, I have you know that I am LITERALLY you. Just about ANYTHING about me can in some form be traced back to you. Don't even TRY and pretend like you aren't disgusted."

"Pah! Please as if I'd ever do that more than absolutely necessary."

Merely acting like Shido didn't make her want to condemn all of humanity for the sheer fact he was part of it, was a second she would prefer suffering the torments of hell for eternity.

"Point is… everything he ever did was watch. He never tried anything with me that he did to any other woman."

Truthfully she is probably the closest Shido has ever come to respecting one of his fellow humans, let alone a member of the sex he saw as nothing but a set of orifices.

"Miss Akechi, the sheer fact that your VILE excuse of a FATHER gives you cards for LINGERIE, let alone the fact he doesn't KNOW he is your father and what Loki already informed me of…"

"I KNOW Robin." She told the leader of the Merryman. "I know all of that… but it doesn't matter. He would never try. I am to valuable."

"…Fine." The archer relented, "but the moment he tries… is the moment he dies."

"Definitely." She said out loud for a change and felt Loki approving.

For a while Akechi thought about THAT whole mess of misery.

Akechi was well aware of her own looks. She had capitalized on them more than a few times and why wouldn't she? It would be an understatement to call her anything but stunningly gorgeous. This wasn't even a statement made of vanity. It was just a fact.

When combined with charisma and charm this was a fatal combination. It was part of why she was gradually being seen as an Idol of sorts she mussed. A few times some agents (a few of them legitimate) had actually approached her because of them to try and talk her into modelling.

Just about every guy her age in Tokyo wanted a piece of her, a few girls probably too, and every perverted old man in this city that had an obsession with high school girls definitely thought of her at some point.

It was part of why she had stopped accepting fan mail. So much scum… felling entitled to have her as their little toy. Did every celebrity ever stop to consider how much trash could be between their adoring fans? It was disturbing what people dared to put into a 'fan letter' when given the benefit of anonymity.

The last straw for her was a guy sending her a dick pick maybe a month at latest after her first TV appearance alongside a letter with…

Let's say the things that the writer of the letter wrote made her want to give him a mental shutdown.

The small part that seemed to genuinely like her work were just overshadowed or just too… distant.

She didn't like thinking about what the former group of trash might fantasize about her. It made her want to go on a Shadow rampage in Mementos.

The members of the conspiracy were no different, but why should she expect anything else from people that order mental shutdowns?

A few of them she knew had pretty clear feelings regarding her. No one actually knows who she REALLY was except for Shido, but when someone ever questioned about her, paranoid of being discovered by the famous 'Detective Princess' he reassured them that she was no issue.

This caused people to think she was either in their pocket somehw or that there were plans in motion if she ever discovers anything to 'get rid of her'. There were probably more than a few hoping for the second option in a non-lethal way.

Kaneshiro stood out, that filthy stinking Yakuza pig. Akechi knew how he felt about Sae. She wasn't particularly close to the woman but just hearing his Shadow say 'beautiful prosecutor' in that slimy tone made her want to strangle him out of sheer principle.

Either way, Shido was a smart man. He wasn't leaving openings or potential threats, even what little 'evidence' she stored in his Palace would probably only work on his associates and barely if at all for Shido, so the other members trusted his word.

Fucking predator. She constantly could feel his eyes on her and whenever he opened his mouth, carefully picking his words so one knows what he wants but could not prove it, it made bile rise in her throat. How he would feel about it once she tells him who she really was and would lay waste to his whole life she wondered? He was the kind of person who just took whatever he wanted. Goro had something he wanted more than her body however.

But what Shido wanted extended to just about every aspect of life. Quite a few government facilities had been closed due to him or put on ice for a while and a few detectives were nothing big to get rid of in his eyes. In fact, one job he had wanted her to do had something to do in regards to her predecessor and a certain prodigy of a detective.

Naoto Shirogane and Yu Narukami were a deadly combo. In their late teens they had helped solve the strings of murders committed by Tohru Adachi. From there on the two had quickly risen to become professionals in the field. Their skill was so feared by various members of the conspiracy that Shido actually had planned an accident for the both of them. Some rumours held that they already investigated Shido. No mental shutdown on them as it would be too suspicious.

Regarding mental shutdowns it was like this: people make a request and she questions their Shadow about the target and motive. Unless directly ordered through Shido she was more or less free to decline or see it through.

She was a bit selective, a freedom that Shido allowed somewhat. All her targets were in some form no better than the scum she worked with. Even if there were more than a few innocents that were in his crosshairs too. Miraculously she had always managed to talk her way out of having to attack anyone she didn't feel deserved it…

Though it wasn't like Shido was only restricted to her.

The man's knowledge of the cognitive realm was fearsome.

He knew enough to make people more… suggestive via a drug named 'CMS-1' or 'Cognitive Manipulation Serum-1'. No mind control but suggestions. He even managed to develop a drug that directly targeted a shadow with his team and would kill it, causing a lethal or almost lethal mental shutdown named 'SET-1' or 'Shadow Extermination Toxin-1'.

Shido even somewhat… helped her learn the inns and out of Call of Chaos.

Due to him she knew how to mildly alter someone's memories with the attack. But it would not only be used even more precise and with much focus but also it had to be at a sort of centre in the Palace that held memories. It also only really worked on recent memories stored in short-term memory and anything longer or more stable would be much harder, requiring months of daily exposure.

Back to the drugs. They were functioning, but not as versatile or efficient as her or as untraceable. If she remembered right the development of 'Project Aten' and its results was done with research material collected by various sources.

Said sources were MEANT to aid in the understanding of this other World and perhaps help those with mental trauma or enhance physical abilities via a sort of Placebo effect. With some imagination the possibilities were endless. 'Improvement of humanity as a whole' levels of endless.

Though with so much possibility comes trouble of comprehension. One researcher that was in Shido's crosshairs a long time ago had for example collected data that, after several attempts of understanding, turned out to be downright gibberish and impossible to make any sense of. As such they were ignored for the most part.

The most notable aid was however one researcher named 'Wakaba Isshiki'.

Shido had wanted her to get rid of said woman.

Her Palace was… different. It wasn't at all… malicious. It had formed solely due to stress and Wakaba feeling as if she wasn't spending enough time with her daughter…

…and fear.

That woman knew someone was after her.

It was the first time she had refused to cause a mental shutdown. Not that she ever worded it exactly like that.

Instead she had found the source of memories in that Egyptian themed Palace dedicated for her daughter and induced some selective amnesia on those parts that stored knowledge. Wakaba would have in half a year probably forgotten anything about cognitive science, but it wasn't soon enough for Shido.

She had used her practiced silver tongue on her father, tried to convince him that she 'wasn't worth the effort' and that she could forget. Alas… his paranoia, or maybe pettiness, outlasted any argument. He had used the 'SET-1' the lethal dose on her and soon after a bypassing car finished the job.

She hoped her daughter was alright. Akechi knew how hard it could be to be an orphan.

At least she had a large extended family, which is what Akechi used to calm herself. For example, Wakaba's brother would surely take good care of her.

Right?

She never had the time or will to research anything about her daughter. She really just wanted to forget about all of that.

That 'SET-1' stuff… it unsettled her. How many people had he used that toxin on? Apparently, it was hard to recreate but that hadn't stopped it from being used on some reporter…

What was her name again? Kiya? No, KAYO. Kayo Murakami.

'CMS-1' was even more frightening. It wasn't perfected yet as far as she knew, maybe in a few years it would, but once it was Shido would be capable of controlling everyone. Once he became Prime Minister he intended to use it on the combined UN. The United Nations would be under his command and the World would be in the palm of his hand.

He would be dead long before that happened.

Akechi couldn't care less about the World or the UN. All she cared about was the demise of Masayoshi Shido. It just so happened that they would be better of once her plan was done.

Back to the two detectives, there was an accident planed that was supposed to result in their casualties. However… of all a sudden the two had… decided to take an extended vacation alongside a few others.

That had saved their lives. Their temporarily retirement and the fact that they truly didn't even TOUCH any law enforcement related activities ever since, spared them the wrath of the 'Messiah of Japan'. They were still monitored from time to time and once their 'break' ends chances are they become targets again but no one saw it as necessary to waste resources on them as of now.

Though the break has been going on for a few years so chances are they just got lazy. Something she was almost envious of.

She rubbed her forehead. This wasn't what she had wanted. She wanted acknowledgment but… not this way.

None of that was ever what she wished for.

It was draining to think about this gigantic Spiderweb of sin she let herself get entangled in. Even her Mask for the public didn't provide any relief.

You would think being a media star would be a dream come true for an orphan. Surprise, surprise… it wasn't.

It was not as exciting as so many childhood dreams would make you believe. It was no replacement for actual companionship, she regretfully realized, and she had long stopped enjoying the limelight. At best it was just a mere tool to allow her deeper access to the layers of Mementos.

Even if the Depths were still closed of and the trains there were just a foolish way of trying to enter unless you have a lot of manpower. Seriously what was down there!? The Detective part of her was yearning to figure out what was behind that DAMN…

…

Great. She was doing it again. Always thinking about the work.

She sometimes wondered if she was still following Loki's advice, to let herself life how she wants to life. To screw society and do what she wants.

…

What she wanted… above all else was Masayoshi Shido blood on her hands.

That was her reasoning. It would be worth everything to see his corpse. It was her deepest wish. Everything it took to get there would be worth it. It had to be. No matter how rotten her soul would become by the end. No matter what she would end up as.

She threw away the card for now, maybe she would leave it for some girl to find in the subway and let herself fall on the mattress completely.

"Wasn't there something I wanted to do?"

"I believe you wanted to scream miss Akechi."

"Oh right. Thanks for reminding me Robin."

With that Akechi grabbed hold of a pillow, pressed it on her face and screamed as loud as she could, legs kicking all the while.

When had everything gone so out of hand!?

It was BEYOND frustrating. WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON!?

It's as if the Universe suddenly decided to try and drive her up the wall! She was used to being a punching bag to whatever the hell was watching them but this was just getting ridiculous!

Now Ryuko had the metaverse navigator. And Akira did. And some bipedal cat… THING seems to be a straight up expert on the Metaverse.

Face red and lungs empty, she threw aside the pillow and grabbed her hair with iron grip.

There were suddenly three more Persona users in her life. She tried to collect her thoughts on each of them.

Ryuko Sakamoto. Female. Shujin Student. Victim of one Suguru Kamoshida. While she had at first thought little about her, she had grown to feel bad for the blonde. Having her leg broken, treated as an outcast, stigma of a whore and likely assaulted by that wannabe King.

A part of her wanted to know the full story. Akira was likely talking about it with her, the two had gone of together after all. Should she ask her as well? Then again they didn't know each other nearly enough.

If she would have been in Ryuko's position… she would have killed him.

Ah yes the famous crime against nature. It seemed to almost stalk her at this point.

Call of Chaos has a potential side effect when used on a Shadow. It would always cause a decline in health and if she wasn't careful she could kill someone.

She remembered the first time she had used it. She didn't know about that rule back then and there was probably a 50/50 chance of her accidentally killing the Shadow. What her life might be like had chance made her a murderer? It was a curious thing to ponder.

The human mind held incredibly potent abilities of adapting to circumstances. Sooner or later she would have gotten used to it and after one kill…

At the very least it would make things easier for her. She wouldn't have to figure out how to plan things with least casualties or at what speed a train would cause a crash with the least amount of harm done to people other than the target.

As it was now she was still hesitating about the act, only wanting to do it to Shido, the bane of her life. If she would have gotten someone killed before him…

Goro shook her head. She was focusing on the wrong thing here. She would take solace in the fact that Shido didn't make her a killer yet, some victory of her sanity over him. She would decide who to kill not him. Back to the blonde.

Ryuko's Persona, Captain Kidd, the legendary Pirate. It was by far the weakest of any of them. Ryuko's abilities seemed mainly offensive with focus was on Zio spells and physical, of which Ryuko seemed to be more efficient in the later. Her magic looked rather bad but when she attacked straight upfront she was at her strongest. Her endurance, if Akechi were to guess, should be high.

Her speed and agility were most likely her Achilles heel. Captain Kidd seemed more of a tank than anything else. If he were to learn any support skills it would likely be Tarukaja. Electricity and physical could go well together, a paralysed foe becoming weak to brute force, but it leaves her at a risk of being shocked as well.

Her weakness was most likely Garu spells, the antithesis of Zio in the cognitive realm.

Her side weapons were blunt. A rod and a shotgun. Good for up close combat but bad at distance. With the rod she could likely block attacks very well however.

If Goro were to fight her… it would be a massacre. The blonde was no threat to her.

Morgana. Probably male. Weird… cat thing. His very existence was raising questions. He knew a lot about the metaverse, it's in and outs. He even sort of… taught them a few tricks.

Baton pass, Harrison recovery, All Out attack. All abilities that she never even heard of, all only useful for a team. Did he had allies before? Were there more like him?

It would be troublesome if there was more of his kind. Was he maybe some sort of highly evolved Shadow? If yes did he knew anything about her? No that likely wasn't it. She never encountered anything like him and was always on high alert. It would be impossible for someone to sneak up on her. She even saw these Knights jumping of the Chandelier, only acting surprised to not let her real experience show.

Mercurius was surprisingly strong. Not as strong as Robin though. This was most likely due to his focus on support, making it even more likely he had some sort of companions in the past. He was an incredible healer, informing them of his mastery of Salvation and Mediarahan and the like. High tier Wind magic and Miracle punch, combined with agility debuffs, rounded up his move set.

He was a good white mage. Her assumption was that his endurance and health were very low but his agility and luck incredibly high. If he had someone with him that knew Agi spells he could be useful if they manage to burn a foe.

His weakness would be Zio obviously.

His weapons were decent Goro figured. A slingshot wouldn't do much harm but in his hands it could be useful. A scimitar was too big for his body but he knew how to wield it.

Fighting him would be annoying due to any damage being healed quickly but it shouldn't be too bothersome.

Akira.

…

Okay Akira was just mildly put… a goddamn ANOMALY! Even more than that weird Cat monster!

"Fucking hell!"

"Language."

"Loki if you start being like Ryuko I swear to FUCK-!"

"Just joking."

She ignored Loki for now, put him out of her mind again. Thinking back to Kurusu…

Fucking hell!

Okay, she should summarize everything she knew about the boy.

Akira Kurusu. Male. Shujin student. Transfer student. Criminal record. Disowned. Falsely arrested for trying to help someone. Quick to… befriend and connect with somehow.

And not to forget he had SOMEHOW gotten the Metaverse navigator on his first day in Tokyo!

A Persona user. Not only that but a WILDCARD! A Wildcard that gave her Robin Hood.

A Wildcard that had not one, not two, but THREE Personas! Of which one seemed to be some utterly broken World thing!

How on Earth did he even get three!? Within TWO DAYS!?

Regarding his Personas… there was Arsene, Orpheus and Satanael. Of all of them only Arsene she actually saw in action.

Arsene was a… surprisingly (unsettlingly) strong Persona. If she had to guess he was stronger than Robin, maybe even as strong as Loki which made chills run down her spine. His main affinity was darkness or curse.

He was very likely weak to bless which she had with Robin. She also noted that Bufu skills seemed to make Akira worry more than others, being skills he tried to avoid harder than others. Maybe Arsene had two weaknesses and natural survival instinct made him act?

Aside from curse he knew physical, gun, some support and even Almighty. Even than she didn't know if that was all he could do. She needed to ask Akira in detail at some point. From his fighting style Goro guessed he was a bit of a hit and run centred duellist. Strong magic and attack, decent endurance, very high agility but likely horrendous luck.

Orpheus… she honestly had no idea. A wild guess of hers would be an affinity for healing and support spells, due to the mythological background of trying to save someone from death. Healing and agility buffs probably. Maybe weak to curse due to walking into the underworld and ultimately failing to retrieve Eurydice?

Satanael… oh to hell with that thing! For all she knew that Persona might as well be a physical god from how Robin and Loki acted.

It was all so aggravating.

Akira was infuriating. He just… entered her life and nothing made sense anymore! He awoke just one day ago and already had this strength!? Powers she never even heard of and some completely broken Persona?

Akechi almost felt as if her life became some sort of Gary Sue Anime with herself as a side character.

It just didn't make any logical sense! Where did that power come from!? Why didn't she had it!? It was seriously starting to piss her of.

Though while a part of her was enraged… she couldn't bring herself to resent him fully.

Akechi was pissed of and annoyed by all of this but Akira… well… he was intriguing more than anything else.

It was… downright exciting. Ryuko may have a Persona now but it was weak, that Morgana thing was stronger but of no significance other than his knowledge but Akira… he interested her by far the most.

She wondered… what if she could get this power for herself?

Wicked thoughts crossed her minds. Together with a partner, one that could compete with her… Shido would see his end.

For now those had to remain fantasies. She couldn't get ahead and overwhelm him.

She chuckled in her mind. Perhaps that was why Akira had this much power already. Someone she went along with, who seemed to understand her, who she could tolerate, had a strong sense for justice and the power to not become a burden.

"Oh my. I am happy to see you this excited miss Akechi." Robin commented, "Playing with the idea of partnership?"

"I am simply realizing he could have the potential to become a valuable asset."

Maybe this was fate smiling down on her, giving her just what she needs. Finally a bone being thrown at her.

Years ago… may it be God or Demon… something gave her a Chance! The chance to be more than another victim in this rotten, dying, eat or be eaten World. By some twist of fate, the App made its way on her phone. What if this was but said thing extending another hand to her? She had more or less reached an impasse in Shido's Palace and this could be the way out!

She chuckled now, pressing her face again into the pillow to supress it from becoming a mad laughter. Perhaps there was a hint of truth to her birthname after all.

Now… how to best recruit him?

Maybe Call of Chaos would-.

Wait…. What was she THINKING!?

It was one thing to use it on herself, on faceless Shadows in the metaverse or on her targets but on Akira?! No that would be… she couldn't do that.

He simply got involved in a World that defied logic. Much like her.

Aside of that… who knows if it would even work given the Devil inside of him.

Okay what else could she do? From what she could understand of him he had a strong desire to enforce justice, perhaps resulting from being dealt injustice in the past. He was disgusted with the state this World was in. Maybe she could use that. If there is a chance she could make him see things her way. Would it even be corruption?

She needed to make a psychological profile first. What else did she knew aside from his sense of justice?

He seemed to care very little about how others think of him, free minded and if Ryuko and Morgana were indicators, willing to make new connections.

She remembered the disdain in his voice when he talked about his parents. Perhaps more info on them could further things.

He managed to see through her mask on stage, a not unremarkable feat she mussed, nor did he care for her fame at all.

And he had a drive. Even when barely escaping alive from a Palace he was ready to go back in.

And there was again the curious case of him causing Ryuko's awakening with Words. As if he knew what to say.

In the Palace he had an… commanding Aura around him. Quick thinking, intuitive taking the lead in fights, adaptable. It was like she had come across a prodigy.

What a rare gem to fall into her lap.

Her giggle grew stronger. OH the ways she could use this.

She needed to be careful. No need to overreact. Plans needed to be made.

It was too bad she had already decided to hide how much she knew, acting more… restrained for lack of better terms in the Palace. Otherwise she might have been able to take on a Mentor role for him and groom him into her own version of a right hand. Well… maybe there were other ways.

Ryuko and Morgana were an issue in that. Maybe she could once this whole Kamoshida thing was over focus on Akira and try and separate them? Some more thought needed to be put in that. It would likely be a long and difficult process to get him.

However… Goro could see it. Shadow Shido, beaten and pathetically whimpering. Akira grinning at her in anticipation.

Oooooooh the possibilities. It's as if her life has suddenly become interesting again! The last two years were a farce of following Shido's orders while growing stronger, building up a façade that mindless drones worshipped and finding weaknesses in her rotten excuse of a father. As unique as her life was compared to the masses it had become a stagnant loop. There were so many ways this could go.

And she couldn't wait to explore them. Preparations needed to be made immediately.

Loki and Robin went to rest inside of her and she let them.

"Akira Kurusu," she let his name leave her mouth with a haunting familiarity, wicked grin twisting her face, "You're going to be mine."

Her Key. Her Weapon. Her Pawn. Her Partner.

He was going to be hers. No matter what.

---

Morgana really was amazed by how similar this Room was to everything in Leblanc. Even the assortment of beans was the same. Not that he was interested in that, being not a particular fan of the drink made from these beans.

Still his Partner had made some steaming cups for himself and Lavenza, Igor being nowhere to be found and Morgana happily eating his fatty tuna and fruits of the sea.

Oh how GREAT it was to finally have some Sushi!

"Let's see… White Rider, Cerberus, Thor,…" Lavenza muttered as she searched through the pages of the compendium, looking for a certain Persona. "Ah here it is!" she exclaimed upon success.

Placing her hand on the page, it was engulfed in a faint blue light, absorbed by the paper and the picture of the Persona on it. Steadily the light took form, till the Persona, Chi You, ascended from the pages, flying inside the awaiting Trickster.

"Was that every Persona than?" Lavenza questioned, to which Akira replied swift. "That should be the last yes. Thanks a lot." He voiced his appreciation to the girl in blue who only smiled and nodded as reply.

Morgana felt happy for him, knowing how much Akira had missed the rest of his Personas.

The Fool told him how it was just strange to not feel the rest of the beings that had been produced thanks to his bonds with everyone. So after today he decided to get back whoever he could get back.

During the reset he was essentially stripped from everyone but Arsene and unfortunately also most of his Arcana's. Without the Arcana it was impossible to summon the Ultimate Persona and the other Personas of the Arcana were much weaker than they usually were.

Currently the Arcana's Akira had available to him were Fool, Magician, Chariot, Justice and Strength. With this he could bring back Vishnu, Futsunushi, Chi You, Metatron and Zaou Gongen.

Thankfully he could choose to cut of connections with his Personas individually. Otherwise it could get really troublesome with all these voices in his head. Morgana remembered a particular rant about Akira's frustration with Ananta.

Turns out, that snake NEVER shuts up about the glories of Vishnu. The Trickster knew more about Vishnu than he ever WANTED to know because it just wouldn't stop.

The only ones who always could contact him were Arsene, Satanael and Orpheus Picaro but they knew when he didn't feel like talking or so it seems, part of the whole 'true self' thing.

In general he seemed to have a better bond with certain Personas than others according to their own observations. Many Polytheistic gods and Demons were very compatible with him.

Angelic Personas however… they were not always on best terms. The exception to that really only being Metatron and Sandalphon because of Akechi and Mishima.

"Don't use all of them that soon however okay?" Morgana remarked, stopping with his feasting for a bit, "Or do you want to explain everyone how you suddenly have several high tier Personas?"

"Of course not." Akira replied, "but I rather have them once their available to me. You never know. By the way, how was your mission actually? Anybody see you?"

"Went of without problem, nobody saw anything. But did you REALLY need to make up a codeword? Seriously that felt just too complicated. I could have told you now."

That really felt just unnecessarily contrived.

"I just wanted to be sure of it right away and not have that on my mind the whole time were in the Castle."

Morgana merely rolled his eyes, which the Trickster took a playful offense of. "Let me have some fun, will you?"

"Fine, fine." Morgana relented.

"There are other ways for you to have fun Trickster." Lavenza remarked, eyes closed with a hint of cheekiness.

"You mean by fucking like rabbits." Morgana said nonchalantly while munching on a sushi roll.

Akira spit out his coffee.

Lavenza's mouth was wide open in shock.

The whole room was silent.

…

"That was quite the bold statement to make." Mercurius told him.

"It had to be done at some point."

"Y-You… you know!?" Akira shouted in disbelief, his face several shades of crimson at being found out.

"Ähm… Morgana…" Lavenza tried to find her voice again with some retort. "You… it is very odd to hear you say fuck."

It was not a good retort.

"What can I say… I'm not Skull. Also you might wanna close your mouth unless you want Ak-."

"OKAY THAT'S ENOUGH!" Lavenza shrieked, putting her hands in front of Morganas mouth, blushing even more furiously than Akira.

"How do you know?" Akira managed to get his bearings back somewhat.

Morgana freed himself from Lavenza's hands and explained with a smirk. "Part of possessing the body of a Cat includes EXCELLENT sense of smell. About fourteen times as good as you humans. When we worked with the packages yesterday your scents were ALL OVER each other."

The situation was like a cat catching the mice, only with a less obviously lethal outcome. Lethality might be appreciated by the two found out lovers, however. Lavenza and Akira blushed even harder, something Morgana didn't think possible.

The Trickster tried again to talk, visible uncomfortable. "We meant to tell you. Do you… also-."

"Know about the whole Harem thing?" Morgana cut to the case. "Yeah I know. Part of gaining my memories back was also that bit."

"Don't say it so nonchalantly." Akira requested, which fell on deaf ears. "How do you fell about it?"

Morgana shrugged. "Honestly I don't care. Probably part of the whole being a member of the Velvet Room thing. Besides I know what kind of guy you are. Which is why I will spare you the 'Break my sisters heart and I break you' talk."

Well… he sort of was their brother wasn't he? Morgana just wanted to have it said once.

Akira, almost regaining his senses, retorted jokingly, words dripping with sarcasm and humorous smile on his face, "Oh thank goodness! I would never dare invoke the wrath of the mighty Morgana and his paws of furry."

"HA! Good for you mortal." Morgana joked back before becoming serious again, "But can you do me a favour and… warn me if you and Ann were to get together?"

The hope embodiment had gotten over that crush, truly he did. He had thought a lot and eventually realized that it was… well a bit creepy. Besides Ann deserves to be happy with whomever she chose to be with. Whether it was Akira, Shiho or both.

Still… he didn't feel like seeing it.

"Promise." Akira guaranteed nodding to which Morgana smiled. "Good. So…"

Morgana started again, "Anyone you already have feelings for aside from my sisters?"

"MONA!"

"What!? It's a valid question!"

The Cat was genuinely curious.

"It's no use Morgana." Lavenza chimed in, "he is simply too uncertain with his emotions in this way, almost as much as the Son of Izanagi. I had to more or less strongarm him into taking me as a lover."

Akira rubbed the back of his head, the fading red gradually returning in his face. "Do you had to say it like this? Wait who is the Son of Izanagi?"

"Another name for the young men that entered this place before you. You Tricksters tend to gain countless names over the course of your journeys. And yes I had to say it like that. What else would you call me pretty much throwing myself at you?"

"Aggressive courting?" Akira tried in an attempt safe face but… with mediocre success. "Look I just need some time to figure things out. I love everyone I meet here in Tokyo in some way just… it's difficult to commit? And the whole idea is kind of… I mean… look as of now there are a bit more important things I need to deal with than figuring out HOW I love someone."

Morgana scoffed "Said the man whose powers come from the literal bonds he makes with those he loves."

…

"…Crap you got me." A Thief caught red-handed admitted, exhaustion growing over his face as he pinched his nose. "Nothing I say is putting me in a good light right now huh?"

"Trickster there really is no shame in uncertainty." Lavenza tried to console him in understanding, which the wielder of Mercurius agreed with, "Love simply is a difficult topic, even for those who aren't attracting people as strong as Wildcards. In the last CENTURIES I believe only one Trickster actually managed to have such a clear grasp on her emotions for those around her that she didn't dwell for weeks and that was the one who's Persona your currently having inside you."

It must have helped somewhat as Akira finished his Coffee with a small smile and nod. Morgana honestly didn't envy him and his situation. The idea of a Harem likely appealed the majority but not many (Morgana himself included he was ready to admit) were probably able to handle something like that.

There was one more thing on the guides mind though.

"All I'm saying is," Morgana mentioned, "That I'm almost willing to bet you have something inside of their ready to come out. You just don't want to admit it yet. And I believe one person to be Akechi."

Akira raised an eyebrow, "Was that supposed to sound so accusingly?"

Morgana didn't face him as he replied. "Perhaps."

The feline REALLY didn't like the turn of events involving Crow. Yes, he had eventually agreed too Akira's plan but that didn't mean he was completely content with it.

"Morgana…" Akira spoke again, voice low and a odd combination of pleading and commanding, "Can you please just trust me?"

He trusted Akira.

But he would NEVER trust Akechi.

Yes, Crow was abused and hurt in horrible ways.

Yes, Akira had bonded with the Detective, all of them had.

Yes, the circumstances of them being used as pawns in a game seemingly destined to fight was tragic.

But that did NOT make anything okay.

It's not like he could bring that up again. Akira was rather clear of how he didn't justify Crows actions, only that he wanted to prevent her death.

But still… the idea of even so much as breathing next to the Traitor, let alone WORK with her again, made him… anxious.

He remembered all too well what happened in the depths of that ship. An explosion going of right as they finished dealing with the Yakuza cleaner, the roof collapsing separating them from their leader and… being more or less curb stomped by the enemy wildcard.

That whole situation was a mess. Akechi had used the element of surprise and superior Power to defeat all of them and use some weird skill to restrain them.

It was like a god damn show! When Akira finally came back and reunited with them he was supposed to die. Akechi wanted them to 'watch as their precious leader dies'.

Black Mask was a psychopath! The duel between them escalated and Morgana had never felt THAT powerless, being forced to watch as his best friend was fighting for his life.

They all had an… extended talk about how it felt. Both with and without Joker and another talk about Crow and his ultimate fate.

Morgana was determined to never be put in that situation again.

Morgana was ready to die for him… actually did (an… uncomfortable experience to put it mildly but that was for another time), only to find himself in an alley from around a year ago.

"I trust you."

That whole thing aside, he could not forgive Crow.

And if this would go downhill… he would make sure to help his friend.

"Okay," Akira nodded in appreciation, "than how about we change the topic and talk about THAT."

He pointed next to him with his thumb, were the Ishi from the Palace sat on the table.

"Right I didn't actually talk about it." Morgana exclaimed.

"Hmmm…" Lavenza wondered, "They kind of remind me of something my sister used to tell me about. About four skulls having to be collected. Well no matter this is a different one in every way."

"Well WHAT is it?" Akira pressed again. "And how do you know about it Morgana?"

Morgana began his explanation immediately. "More or less common knowledge for one of us. An Ishi, also known as Will Seed, is sort of like a Pillar in the Cognitive World. Palaces are formed through the distortions of an individual right? Well if those distortions coalesce into form, this can lead to the creation of a Will Seed. If we collect enough we could probably find a way to access that power in the form of a skill. What really makes me curious is what they're doing here and not just because their rare. A Palace doesn't need to have an Ishi. When they do have one it's because of chance. However when a Palace suddenly GAINS an Ishi than it is likely because of a strong change to the Palace."

"Strong change?" Akira pointed out Morganas words, "Are you saying those are another side effect of the Fate ripples Satanael and I caused?"

"Sort of." Morgana decided, "I also did some looking around yesterday and noticed that Kamoshida's Palace was somewhat… different. Rooms were there that weren't there before, the Shadows were a little stronger and more common and so on. I guess we should just get used to changes from the normal."

"Way ahead of you." Akira remarked, probably thinking back to when he first saw Akechi in the new timeline. "But if the Palace layouts changed this could be a problem. How much harder is it to traverse the Castle?"

Morgana considered the answer to that question, eating on another Sushi piece to aid his thoughts, "Not too difficult but I barely saw it. Chances are there could be new traps or something. Either way it would be for the best to come prepared." He started smirking thinking about the surprise he had in mind, "Luckily I have an idea for a tool that could help us out in traversing Palaces."

"Oh?" Akira raised an eyebrow in interest, "What kind?"

"Not telling!" Morgana insisted with cheeky smirk. "See it as my revenge for you making me do that whole Codeword thing AND not telling me sooner about you two."

"Fine." The Fool surrendered to Morganas demands, "I'll just wait till whatever your building is ready than."

Morgana nodded before stretching finishing the last of his Sushi in the process, "Good. Shouldn't take too long. I'll be heading to the Thief wagon than. Better start sooner rather than later."

With that as his parting words he stood up and walked in the next wagon, opening the door and entering the 'Thief' section.

Though just as he was about to start he started to remember the Ishi that was still in the 'Café'. Might as well store it already, not like it was any use like it was now anyway. So he walked back… opening the door again…

Morgana was greeted with the sight of a half-naked Lavenza sitting on Akira's lap.

He immediately went back out, fast enough to not be noticed thankfully…

"I was out… for like TEN SECONDS!"

"It seems the rulers of power all live by the concept of 'Work hard play hard' isn't it?"

"They have a bed here! WHY in the Café!?"

Those were all the mental complaints he made before deciding to continue his work on the new equipment.

Still… seriously!?

---

Akira watched Morgana leave the wagon, feeling somewhat sour still from what was said and so quickly ignored.

He understood the Magicians feelings regarding Akechi somewhat… how couldn't he?

Still…

He mentally shook his head, forcing himself not to think about it now. There were still a few things more important. There was as well another thing that had actually come across his mind that he would have liked to address quickly. That question should be easily dealt with so he went to ask it…

"Say Lav-."

Or well he tried to. Said 'papillon' quickly stopped whatever word was going to leave his mouth… with her own mouth…

Within the span of seconds she was already jumping over the table, shirt and skirt pulled of which left her in her underwear and sitting on his lap. Lavenza's arms were clutching at his clothes already, ready to tear it of and pull him closer to herself.

Less out of thought and more out of instinct, Akira wrapped his arms around her waist, still somewhat surprised by the suddenness.

When Akira finally managed to pull himself back out of need for air, something he wasn't completely sure Lavenza had, he gathered his thoughts and spoke.

"In the Café? Really?"

Lavenza just smirked in a fashion that made the Joker in him feel proud and challenged even, "Trickster… do you have any idea what it does to a woman when after… MANY years she ends up finding something she GREATLY enjoys with a person she loves? Something related to… carnal things?"

The Fool had an idea of it (it was STILL somewhat hard for him to believe that she was a virgin for so long) and nodded to show it. "Still you can't wait till we get to the Bed?"

"I'm unwilling to wait." Lavenza said in between nibbling on his earlobe "I already waited too long for TOO much my dear Fool."

Her hands started to go lower, which made him slightly squirm.

"Besides I DO believe we have a lot to catch up on. I got tricked of the last year with you after all, so it's only right that we make up on lost time."

"Technically speaking…"

"I know but that's something different."

"Still…" he gently pushed her away of him, not to actually make her go away but just so he could look at her and try and have a conservation with her. Something she wasn't really making easy with a certain hand doing… things.

"Besides I wanted to ask something about that."

This actually made Lavenza stop, allowing for Akira to catch his breath thankfully, and made her look at him with confusion all over her pretty face. "About my other selves?"

He nodded again.

A sudden tension replaced confusion over the face of his attendant. For someone who just moments ago had been so bold it was… frankly put worrying.

"Is…" Lavenza began, shyly and in a way that made his heart ache, "something wrong with-?"

"What? No!" Akira interrupted that train of thought before it could even begin. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with them."

The fairy released a sigh, putting a hand over her chest where her heart had to be. "You scared me for a second there."

"Sorry. I didn't mean it like that." Akira reassured the girl. "I was just wondering where they… well… where ARE they? Are they just floating around somewhere in your head or?"

Realization overcame Lavenza soon, "Oh! I see. Well… now I feel somewhat silly." Lavenza stated with a small laugh.

"Caroline and Justine are both with us right now. It is… well a bit similar to a Persona I assume. They are in my mind and we can communicate like this and defused into them I am still there just… separate in their minds."

"Okay I see." The Trickster informed. "So they were also there yesterday?"

At the implication of just WHAT her Trickster was referring to settled in, any tension left in Lavenza faded and was replaced with a small giggle and grin, "Oh THAT is what you meant. Well… both yes and no. I mean they WERE their… but they didn't notice anything."

A raised eyebrow of the raven was enough to get her to continue, "I can supress them in my consciousness. While doing that they don't notice anything I experience and are in a… I assume time out would be appropriate term. I didn't want them to be there."

Well than… one less thing to be wondering about. "How did they take it?"

"Caroline was pouting for quite some time, but Justine more or less understood. Besides, aside from wanting some alone time with you, I also did it for them."

The boldness returned to the platinum blonde, bringing herself back near Akira's face and putting her arms around his neck. "I want their first time with you without any spoilers."

…Well that is interesting.

"Your pretty open about this."

"Are you STILL surprised?"

"I know I shouldn't be." Especially considering everything else that has happened or that he found out.

"Well you will have to get used to it eventually." Lavenza replied with snark in her voice, before being serious again, "You… do feel the same way about them as you do about me, right?"

Akira thought on those words for a bit, reflecting on himself.

He remembered getting to know the two twins. Caroline, the brash and cocky twin, trying to push him to do his best in his rehabilitation in her own way. Justine, the calm and logical twin, who while seeming distant was often betraying moments of great emotion.

They had gotten of on the wrong foot to say the least, in no small part due to a certain false god probably, but soon they had become cherished companions.

Helping them regain their memories, being given guidance by them when he felt restless…

Fighting them both times. One time in a joking spare as a test for his resolve with the other Thieves…

And the other when they were ordered to execute them.

"You're going to kill me?" he asked weak… disbelief and pain filling him at the betrayal from someone he thought he could depend on.

"I-It just means that you weren't an upstanding prisoner…!" Caroline spat at him with false hate, trying to disguise the hurt she felt at the command.

"That… may be true, but…" Justine tried to protest, but was cut of by the one who had guided him… only to desire his downfall now.

"What is the matter? Carry out his sentence at once." Cold, almost mechanical, were those words.

"Are we really going to kill him…?" she tried again in vain.

That had almost made him give in. After being erased from existence by the public they tried to save, seeing everyone fade away powerless to do… ANYTHING.

Ig-… YALDABAOTH desiring to tie up the loose ends of the game and the twins being forced to comply, those he thought had nothing but his guidance on their mind. To rehabilitate him from the prison inside him.

Now with hindsight it was somewhat insane he hadn't given up.

It was just… he knew they weren't gone yet. Not like it was with Crow.

He didn't feel the pain from the Arcana…

"Where are they?" he questioned lying on the ground, hands balled into fists.

"What?" the false god in disguise questioned.

"My team… where are they?"

"Prisoner… they are go-."

"SHUT IT longnose." He snapped at the traitorous fiend. Hate and resolve making his legs move.

"I… I can't die yet. Not like this." The flickering of blue flames beneath his prison uniform illuminated the cells.

"Tokyo… my team…" snarls as if it came from a wild animal that had starved for too long.

"GIVE IT BACK!"

The Velvet Room exploded in blue flames of willpower, the chains and his cell exploding into billion pieces to the point they vanished from reality.

He didn't remember much from the whole experience, much like when he summoned Satanael to destroy that imposter. His memory just couldn't bring it back up. Akira was riding on nothing but emotion and no thought the second he had found himself somehow in that Cell after fading away.

The Fool had absolutely no idea how he had BEATEN the twins all by himself. He still remembered the disbelief and sheer shock on 'Igor's' face when he summoned his Persona in the realm he usurped but other than that…

Well the other thing he still remembered was the aftermath. Caroline and Justine, beaten and exhausted from an ultimately POINTLESS fight, standing up for him and defying the THING that had taken their master's place and brainwashed them into doing his biding.

"We are not executioners. That is the truth we had forgotten."

"We've decided… we will not forsake humanity!"

…and then fusing them into their true form.

Their true form that was still sitting on his lap in nothing but a bra and panties and was expecting an answer.

An answer he had.

He reached forward and caught Lavenza's lips in a small kiss, even if it was meant for the other sides of her. "Yes, I do. You can let them now that I love them both. Hopefully Justine still doesn't mind it."

Lavenza sighed in sheer relief, on their accounts probably, "Good. You have no idea how calming that is to know. They had started to worry you wouldn't return their feelings and only mine."

"Really?" he asked out loud, "how so?"

The Fairy looked shameful to the side, "They are rather… regretful of what happened. What they almost did."

"What YALDABAOTH almost did." He clarified, taking away their doubt, "I don't blame anything on Caroline or Justine. Yaldabaoth tried to kill me using them for his dirty work. They don't need to feel bad about it."

His attendant smiled at the insurance of the Trickster. "Your rather quick to forgive aren't you my Fool?"

Akira merely shrugged, "Depends on the person. Still, you can tell them they don't need to be worried. I'm not holding ANYTHING against them."

"I'll be sure to inform them." Lavenza promised, giving him a slight peck on the cheek. "Still… they will need to show some more patience. I want you for my own just a bit longer. I believe I earned it."

The look on her face turned from joy to downright seductive as she spoke, sultry with clear indications of what she wanted and it made him tingle.

She travelled downwards from his lips to his neck, "I also believe you have a new target for your 'Sinful Shell'~."

Akira had to actually gulp at that double entendre, seeing her now kneeling in front of him, staring up with a smirk.

"And this time you will NOT interrupt me."

"Never would have thought her to be such a nympho." Akira couldn't help but think.

Soon after Akira couldn't think much at all, only that Lavenza apparently did NOT require air.

---

Ryuko.

Was.

EXHAUSTED!

"Mother of effin god." She groaned from her bed, lying stretched all over the mattress.

She was never before THIS TIRED in her entire life. Even so much as THINKING about how tired she was, has been hard to do.

The only thing to have ever come this close at tiring her out was Kamoshida and his so called 'training' of the track team.

It wasn't just physical exhaustion either. Mentally she was just as done. Probably in part to the whole Persona stuff.

Sheactuallyhadonehowawesomewasthat!

"You should really take a rest Bucko." Captain Kidd, her freakin Persona hell yeah, told her through what she guessed a mental link or some magic soul stuff.

She also knew that Bucko meant friend in pirate speech.

…

WHY THE HELL DID SHE KNEW PIRATE SPEECH!?

…

Right. Cognition.

She should really try and get used to this.

"I know." She thought, too tired to really form words. It had become surprisingly easy to bond with the Pirate. Then again… it should be easy if he really was her soul or something. "I just… can't really?"

Yeah that was a bit frustrating for the dyed blonde. Despite how utterly tired she was she just… couldn't bring herself to close her eyes and sleep. Her brain was still working, harder than it did during exams even.

Ryuko thought about how much happened in the last 48 hours.

She had a bad way of waking up and failed at keeping Ann away from Kamoshida for a Car ride.

She then met Akira Kurusu, who had been rumoured to be a violent socio-/psychopath but turned out to be a great dude.

Together with Akira she had entered another dimension via an App/Virus that infected his phone.

Inside that Castle she had encountered Knights that knocked them both out and threw them in some Cell.

Inside this Cell she had meet Kamoshida's Shadow, apparently his distorted desires manifested the place and his Shadow was a mirror of just how disgusting he was.

Then…

Ryuko swallowed the bile that threatened to come out her throat. Then something very, very bad almost happened. She tried to leave it at that.

Fortunately, Akira had decided he wouldn't let that happen and summoned a goddamn Demon Lord with sheer Willpower to save her and kick Kamoshida's ass.

No, it STILL sounded weird. Like… Anime levels of weird.

Afterwards she was literally carried out of there by the Demon summoner, met a weird Cat like thing named Morgana and went to school where she got to see Kamoshida shit himself.

"Heh." Now she was able to have a chuckle over it.

Afterwards she then met Goro Akechi, another Persona user who had agreed to help them in investigating Kamoshida and find out more about this place.

Today she went back to the Castle and after making a Plan to topple Kamoshit she had ripped a Mask and some of her face of and went on a killing spree that was an INCREDIBLE way of venting some long-repressed anger.

Afterwards she had… told Akira everything.

That sure as hell was something. Never had she really gotten the chance to speak it all out.

And Akira understood, believed her and guaranteed her that they would make that effin King pay.

It was like tons of chains had been pulled of her body. Wow did she need this.

After it was done and they made their promise, she even felt this… niceness.

Was that even a word? Niceness? Well anyway… she felt this pleasant warm feeling in her Heart, as if it was suddenly connected to some sort of heat source. If she focused on it she could still feel it… glow of sorts. It was comforting, reassuring and just great.

She just felt… good. For the first time in YEARS she just felt good.

Even if she also felt absolutely drained.

After forcing her body to move all the way home, Ryuko had already said goodnight to her mom before she went to her nightshift and immediately went to the bathroom to clean herself and change. She had considered just sleeping in her street clothes but eventually just forced herself to get changed into something more comfortable. Just some loose shorts and an old washed out shirt.

"Those were some crazy last days." She contemplated again. "I still have problems getting to terms with all of it. I mean… we can finally actually DO something!"

The Pirate chuckled at her mental excitement, "Ay lass. It has been far too long that you were exposed to that trash. You deserve this chance at revenge and I vow on the Blessed William to aid you in every way I can. We shall give no quarter to that worthless vermin!"

She smiled at the vow made. "Thank you."

"Not for this girl. Just know you can count on me. You deserve comradery after all you've been through."

Ryuko couldn't help but let her smile fall, something noticed by her Persona. "So… I assume you also know everything that happened already?"

"…Yes." Captain Kidd almost shamefully admitted, "And I am truly sorry for it."

"Don't be." Ryuko told him.

It really was insane what kind of bullshit she had to deal with already wasn't it? Drunk asshole dad, broken leg, ruined reputation, KAMOSHIDA…

Disappointing her mom.

"You are not a disappointment to her Ryuko."

"I still feel like one."

Ryuko knew nowadays that it really wasn't her fault. That it was on Kamoshida, it still didn't make dealing with it any better.

She wanted for her mom to be proud of her someday, maybe get enough money via track so she could retire somewhere after doing all this work to get the two of them through life.

And what ended up happening? She snapped, got her leg broken and had to plead to be let back into what was basically a torture prison.

Her mom only… hugged her however. Never berated her, despite not even knowing the severity of Kamoshida's actions. She always was at her side. If there was an actual Angel on Earth she was probably having the name Yua Sakamoto.

Ryuko felt like a shitty daughter in contrast. What could her mom say about her? She wasn't some sort of genius, everyone thought she was a slut and the one thing she could do she was unable to.

Ryuko really hoped she could someday repay her mom somehow.

"Ryuko your mother loves you. You do not have to feel like you aren't the right daughter for her or anything like that."

Captain Kidd continued to reassure her, sending pleasant waves through her body. "Thanks. I… I know all of that. I know I'm not at fault for what happened with Kamoshida and that my Mom loves me no matter what but… well it just kinda sucks."

Why did life always had to be so unfair?

It was all because of that rotten excuse of a teacher.

"Holy shit Mister Kamoshida I am so happy to finally meet you! I heard all bunch of cool things about you!"

She cringed at the memory of words she had spoken so long ago.

"C-Can… can I get an autograph? Oh my god this is so cool!"

"Sooo… you have any tips for me? I'm trying to get into track so if you have any training you can recommend I'd LOVE that!"

"You're the best sensei Kamoshida!"

"AAAAAAAAAAH!" she shouted in rage and with the rage came a sudden bursts of strength that allowed her to fling her pillow across her room.

Good that her mom wasn't here right now.

SO GODDAMN STUPID! NAIV! IDIOT!

If only she could somehow turn back time and warn her younger self of everything. Had she known how bad things would get…

She sometimes wondered just why Kamoshida targeted her so much. Three answers had more or less stood out.

One: her body. Ryuko mussed the fact that for being Japanese… she had gotten kind of lucky in certain… areas. She was a decent D in terms of chest size and had an overall fit body from early training. Shiho used to joke, before all the shit happened, that they would make her and her future boyfriend (or girlfriend… Shiho knew rather early what she wanted and was open about it) very happy.

At the same time those two probably were like effin sirens to Kamoshida or at least made the whole rumours of her being a cheap whore more believable.

She out of instinct crossed her arms before them again. They were the thing he had focused on the most when… IT happened.

Two: her fangirling. She used to act like a freaking dog that just got a treat whenever she was with him. Ryuko was willing to bet that before 'defying his authority' the cognitive her in that scummy Palace was a Cheerleader instead of a dirty and beaten slave girl. Hell Kamoshida used to 'joke' that she might as well wear an outfit like that with how she talked to and about him.

She shuddered at the mental image of her wearing some skimpy cheerleader outfit and praising that asshole.

And three: her fighting. There was a reason assholes like Kamoshida were called Predators after all. He probably saw her constant fighting with him as some sort of challenge.

"None of these reasons make you responsible or justify his actions in any way." Captain Kidd told her with certainty and steel resolve. "No one can control how their body develops and it is not an open invitation for anybody. Your 'fangirling' how you call it is no reason either. Excitement doesn't equal consent and if someone has people that look up to them to begin with, they should act in an appropriate way and not abuse it for their desires. And fighting back against someone who deals you injustice does not make you guilty."

"Yeah I know… still thanks."

Obviously she knew, even if it took her some time. It still felt nice to hear someone say it to her in affirmation. Whether it came from her soul or her new friend.

She felt her anger going away somewhat thinking of Akira. The guy had REALLY surprised her, in more ways than one. He was so easy to befriend, even before he… helped her out.

Needless to say that was a lasting first impression.

He was immediately ready to continue helping her.

And he actually believed her! No matter how many times she thought of that it ALWAYS made her smile.

She only had three people to rely on. Her mom, Ann and Shiho. The twins were kinda okay but had gotten distant and Makoto…

Screw Makoto.

But…she got new people to rely on. Kidd, her literal personal guardian.

Morgana, that weird but helpful Cat creature.

Akechi the Detective Princess.

And of course the one who started this chain of newcomers… Akira Kurusu.

She felt somewhat warm even thinking of him. Akira had a pretty cool name now that she thought about it. It meant something like 'bringing light into a dark nest' didn't it?

Well he had lived up to his name.

That Ryuko actually had told him all of it. How easy it was to trust him. Trust that she genuinely believed wasn't misplaced.

She was seriously glad to have met him… even if that made her feel kind of guilty. After all… they only met because his life has gone to shit for preventing a rape.

Yet that didn't stop him when it comes to helping people. She had to say that deserved some huge respect in her eyes.

"You seem to be pretty impressed by the kid." Kidd commented with slight amusement in his tone.

"You could say that." She admitted, not denying the obvious.

"Well… you should really start getting some sleep. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day."

"Yeah I know… I just can't really." She confessed, forcing herself up to take back the pillow to her bed and lying down.

Captain Kidd chuckled at that thought. "In that case let me try something."

Ryuko raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"I'm sure I know a few Chanties that could help."

Sea Chanties? For sleeping? She couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

"Sure why not? Go ahead."

So he did, singing in a voice much unlike one you imagine a legendary Pirate to have.

While listening to these tunes from the high sea, fascinated by how she knew them all by name, Ryuko felt her eyes go heavy and soon was lulled to sleep with a smile on her face, dreaming of raiding ships with a new Crew.

---

The Alarm of a phone rang through the attic of Leblanc, waking the young man up. With a swift movement of his hand he deactivated the blaring noises before stretching his rested limbs.

"A new day, a new mission." He said out loud. Morgana was already out for a small morning walk and would meet them this afternoon.

"Alright we have April the 13th. Arsene what is the deal today?"

"Since when exactly am I your secretary?" Arsene mocked jokingly.

"Oh forgive me great Pillager of twilight! Pease share the wisdom of what todays plan is with your apprentice." He mocked right back.

"Much better. If you must now today is essentially 'worship Kamoshida day'."

Ah yes. The day of the Volleyball rally and pointless questioning. There shouldn't be much of note today. Just talking to a lot of people that don't want anything to do with him and try and convince Ryuko and Akechi to do the Palace infiltration sooner. If not it would be a loss of time and they had a deadline.

Well… he had.

And Shiho.

Good that he already had a plan. He still had a lot of medication from Takemi over from the last game. Morgana would slip some pills (preferable sleeping pills in combination with laxative) into Kamoshida's drink. That would make it impossible for him to do anything to anyone that day, leading to no one jumping on the 15th.

He would simply find a different way for Ann to join. Morgana would also keep an eye on Kamoshida just to be sure.

Speaking of Kamoshida… Akira had a plan to have some fun himself at the rally today.

He also wanted to speak with Mishima a bit… both of them. Just trying to get to know them.

He dressed himself, stretched a little more to get his bones rolling and walked down the stairs to the Café, being greeted with the smell of coffee in his nostrils. It was a good way to wake up.

"Let's just hope there are no more surprises today."

"Please don't jinx it Orpheus."

"You're living in the attic?" Goro Akechi questioned him.

…

"Already too late."Satanael stated the obvious.

---

Akechi walked into the small alley that allowed access to Leblanc.

She had stayed awake a little more than usual last night, trying to think about ways of getting Akira on her side. In the end the one thing clearly revealing itself to be of utmost importance was constant contact with Akira. This way she could sooner or later try and get herself into his head better and try and figure out how to recruit him.

So why not start immediately? Akechi had looked up a new route to her school. By switching two lines and waking up an hour earlier she could easily take her morning coffee, which for added benefit was MUCH better than Starbucks, have a slight morning chat with her future partner and go on her merry way.

Goro simply planned to be the first person Akira interacted with today… and the day after… and after that…

It could only be useful. Besides they were friends right? This was normal friend behaviour and his guardian would enjoy a new customer. Everyone wins.

She pushed open the door, the bell at the top of the ceiling announcing her arrival to the barista, who looked clearly surprised up to her and interrupting his current task of drying a cup.

"Akechi?" Sojiro half stated half questioned. "What are you doing here this early?"

Akechi put on her most brilliant TV show smile, brushing some of her hair with her fingers to appear even more innocent. "I was overcome with the desire of some delicious Coffee and remembered your lovely Café. I hope I am not being an inconvenience?"

It worked immensely and the barista simply gave her an old practiced friendly smile, "Not at all. I am just not used to serving people this early. Please take a seat. What would you like?"

"I take whatever the Boss recommends." She stated bluntly, sitting on the bar stool with crossed legs in elegance.

"Very well. Just a moment than." He told her and went to his beans, contemplating which to use.

Goro took the moment to check her reflection in her phone. She needed longer than usual to get it done today. Some mascara, some soft lipstick and of course perfume. Shido's gifts finally showed some use.

Her clothes were obviously included in the process. Suit and skirt all ironed with a perfectly tied neck ribbon and she made sure to pick on her stockings, so they were positioned right, almost thigh-high while also showing some thigh skin.

She was determent to leave a good impression, it was vital after all. It could only be useful to leave a flawless impression and her target was rather perceptive.

Loki and Robin Hood found it hilarious for some reason.

They could laugh all they want, hell she found it herself somewhat funny how fixed she was on her appearance. The point remained however…

Give them one reason to distrust you, and it's all over. That's how it is, especially with adults.

Even if Akira had surprised her before she was not taking any chances. The odds needed to be in her favour as much as possible.

Attempting to put the phone away a notification went of suddenly. From who else was it but the band that had invited and then stood her up. These FNKI guys the artist girl told her.

She overflew the message. Apparently, the lead singer had decided that their band needed fixing before introducing her to them. Turns out they stole the name for the band from some Web show. Hell even their SONGS were copyrighted from some jazz group or something.

But now they had decided to go for a full on revamp. Original band name, original songs.

And of course a small plea to mention them in her next TV interview or her blog.

This… managed to actually anger her. They stood her up when she had tried to impress Akira and now they were crawling to her begging to help them get discovered?

Of course. Of course they had wanted something from her. Why was she even surprised?

She was also slightly pissed that she genuinely expected them to be behind songs she had heard were quite popular lately.

Blocking the number, she switched the phone of. Let these parasites grovel how much they want. They weren't worth her time.

"Here enjoy. Made of the finest beans from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica." Sojiro told her handing her a steaming cup of coffee.

"Thank you very much." She answered, handing him enough money to pay for with half as much of a tip as necessary, which made the guardian widen his eyes to an almost comical degree. "A-Are you sure this isn't too much?"

"I make good money. Why not try to use it to support small establishment like these instead of spending it at one of the thousands of identical Coffee shop chains you see everywhere and taste completely stale?"

Sojiro couldn't argue with that and gave her an approving nod, clearly sharing her opinion on the cheap coffee. "You're quite the generous girl. Well thank you."

"I thank you for saving me from claws of Starbucks." She joked back which managed to get a chuckle out of the barista.

Taking a sip from the cup she relaxed a bit and took her time. Akira had to enter the Café any second right?

As if her thoughts had started a topic of conversation Sojiro started again. "I really wonder how a kid like him ended up befriending someone like you."

…

That… made her feel slightly irritated. She frowned at the statement. "You mean because of his criminal record?" she questioned, barely notable edge in her voice.

Sojiro was taken aback at the reveal, likely shocked at her seeking out Akira knowing of his past. "He told you about it?"

"Yes. He told me everything. It is always a shame when the justice systems fails to do what it was created for."

"So you believe him?" Sojiro questioned her again.

"You don't?" came her counter.

The guardian of the fellow Wildcard seemed to think about how best to reply. "Of course I do. The kid doesn't have a bad bone in him. I thought that from the day after he arrived here."

Which must have been the day he introduced Akechi to him, the Detective noted.

A part of her wanted to push the topic, pick him apart verbally. She even had a few questions already in mind.

"Yet you seem surprised that we get along."

"That was in no way meant to be taken personal. I was just… surprised that's all. I didn't expect the kid who I heard to be nothing but trouble to suddenly befriend the medias newest beloved star. You two seem… rather different."

"He has a point I admit."

"Forgive my curiosity but how is it being his guardian? Why did you take him in?"

Sojiro sighed at those questions. "What can I say. He hasn't done anything too suspicious yet and is behaving rather well all things considered. I took him in because… well I was asked to do it. No one else was found for it so I just took the bullet. Nothing more. I am just trying to keep my distance for the sake of us both. No need to get too attached if he only stays a year you know?"

She doubted several of these statements were the full truth and further doubted he would succeed in not getting attached to him. If even she got somehow involved…

"I see." Goro tried to change the topic, "Either way just where is he? Still sleeping at your residence?"

"Oh he should be up by now. Should come down any second."

"I see-… wait come down?"

Akira was already here? One moment… he said he would be up by now…

"Does he sleep in the attic!?" she questioned him with more disbelief than she meant to show.

"...Well…"

As Sojiro was about to give some excuse Goro heard someone coming down the stairs…

And who else was it but her target/friend.

"You're living in the attic?"

That wasn't what she meant to say to him this early in the morning but there were new priorities.

Was Akira seriously being kept in an ATTIC like some trash? Goro was pretty sure this had to be some sort of crime of neglect.

Akira looked startled, blinking several times as if to ensure her presence wasn't an induced hallucination of whatever gas leak might be up there. "Good Morning?"

"Akira Kurusu do not dodge the question. You live in an attic?"

"Ähm. Is that a problem?"

"Akira!"

"What else am I supposed to say?!" he tried to defend himself.

She turned to his so called guardian (she had grown to doubt he was deserving of the title). "Do you also life in an attic?"

"N-no?"

"So you have a residence of your own. With a bed, furniture, heating, base necessities and so on."

"…Yes?" Sojiro was becoming more uncomfortable by the second. Good. Uncomfortable people slip up.

"And you do not consider to extend the same courtesy to the teenager who you were trusted to watch over. Am I understanding this right?"

"Akechi get of his back." Akira called out, "I promise its not as bad as you might think."

"Really?" she answered swiftly, "I'll be the judge of that." Before stomping up the stairs, expecting to find a collection of garbage.

To her surprise it was… somewhat inhabitable. Aside from some dust here and there it was pretty clean. The small trinkets standing on a shelf and other various objects made it seem like a room where a human being lived. There was even a spare heater put in the corner for when it was colder. A desk, a couch, a bed…

Still, over a Café?

She walked back down to continue her conversation with two now very uncomfortable looking men.

"Alright its not a health danger." She admitted to the two.

The barista tried to clear his throat and start again, "Of course not. I mean I admit it was not exactly clean up there at first but I already did a lot and would have helped him with the rest had he not…"

"So he was the one who made that space actually capable to live in." Akechi cut him of.

"…Letting your inner Black Mask show there Miss Akechi?" Robin Hood tried to speak up.

"It is worth it right now."

"Listen Akechi." Akira once again came to Sojiro's defence, "I didn't leave three months of juvie to expect being treated to some five star Hotel."

"But you could at least be give-." Goro continued her rant…

Till something unexpected happened.

"What is with you!?" Akira interrupted her.

Was… that actual anger in his voice?

The brunette had to take a step back, not expecting the sudden counter.

"What is… I'm just…"

"Accusing the guy that took me in when NO ONE wanted me of being abusive. Am I wrong?"

…Okay that was DEFINITELY anger. What the hell? She was trying to speak up for him and now this!?

She didn't even had the chance to prepare an argument when Akira already continued, his silver eyes holding an unexpected power in them as they looked through her.

"Akechi, Sojiro has been nothing but good to me the second I arrived here. Yes he is grumpy and tends to repeat his warnings but he gave me a place to stay, great food and he genuinely looks out for me. That's more than most people have done for me. I don't know what made you get the idea that I live in some dumpster but that's not the case and I wont just stand here while you try and make him out to be some abuser."

Silence hang over the three, the tension inside the Café so high you could cut it with a Knife. Akechi was flabbergasted at his words, eyes open wide. That he would stand up this strongly for his guardian either meant he was an abuse victim in denial or the situation maybe really wasn't as harsh as she had expected. Her gut feeling was telling her it was the later case.

…had she overreacted?

She caught a look over to Sojiro. He looked even more shocked than she felt. "Kid." Was all he managed to bring out.

Crap. She probably really had overreacted.

Okay maybe she was getting ahead of herself a little. Perhaps she should mend the issue. At least for now.

"I apologize." Goro said, thinking about finding a rational explanation for her outburst just now. "I simply dealt with a lot of… abuse cases in my line of work lately and so I have become quite paranoid because of it. My sincerest apologies to you Mister Sakura."

She bowed slightly at these last words, mentioning them towards the barista and maybe worthy guardian. Said men still looked like a fish out of water but managed to get his bearings, shaking his head and mentioning for her to stop apologizing.

"It-It is fine. I can't blame you for wanting to look out for your friend. For the record I know what it might look like but I didn't just threw him in some hole. I simply have no room left in my house. I have certain… complications which make this a problem so I could only offer him a place here. Otherwise I would have given him a room there."

"Look Boss its fine." Akira said again, assuring him. "Honestly I like it here. Its pretty nice to wake up to the smell of Coffee and Curry. Besides I like some privacy every now and then."

"Huh. Well… that's good to hear. Actually now that we have this topic." He reached down into his pants and pulled out a small silver key which was soon thrown and caught by the Wildcard. "I found a spare key for the place. Its overdue you get it."

"Thanks." Came a swift and polite appreciation of the deed.

Goro was still somewhat perplexed. He was really okay with this?

She couldn't help but feel as if the previous tensions changed into awkwardness.

"Sorry for my outburst." She apologized to the raven as well who looked at her and brushed her of, shoulders relaxing and the previous anger already gone. "Its alright. But don't assume the worst immediately okay?

"Very well than. Still…you are really okay living in there?"

"Don't judge it till you tried it." He gave shrug.

She had tried it however.

With deadbeat orphanage number three.

Blessed be the Fools that believe in the myth of the happy orphanage that don't treat their children in the same way a Clothing store treated old dresses.

"Besides I thought I told you I lived in a Café?"

"I… didn't expect you to mean it literally. My point remains. Even if Sojiro cant provide you a better place I…."

"WHOAWHOAWHOA HOLD THE HORSES THERE KID!" Loki screamed in her head, almost giving her a minor migraine. "Are you about to offer him a place at your home? Because if you do I have at the top of my head at least FIVE reasons why that is a TERRIBLE idea!"

Akechi… paused at those words.

Was… hold on was she REALLY about to offer him a room at her place?!

…Well she HAD some spare place.

She mentally threw around her head. No that really was a BAD idea. It could come of as overbearing and the media, screw those annoying little pests, would have a field day when they found out the Detective Princess was moving together with a criminal.

And those weren't even the biggest reasons against it.

"I… could call in some favours."

"Akechi I appreciate the offer but I'm fine… really." Akira assured her and she had grown to believe his words.

Well… this was a fine mess this early in the morning. The awkwardness returned full force.

"So… how are you today?"

"…Fine? What are you actually doing here?"

"I… simply wanted some Coffee and to greet you. Our meeting this afternoon still stands?"

"Yeah of course." Akira spoke bluntly, "I'll make sure Ryuko comes with us too."

"Wait who is Ryuko now?"

"No one you know." They both said in tandem at the Barista.

"…okay?" Sojiro replied, slight confusion on his face.

"Well…" Akira started again, turning back to her, "Akechi I don't mind you this early in the day, not at all… but next time a… gentler good morning okay?" he joked, trying to play the situation in a funny light to evaporate what little stiffness remained in the room. It seemed to work somewhat and Goro merely nodded with a slight grin.

"Again sorry."

"Its alright. Now… do you kids want some Curry maybe?" Sojiro offered.

It was at this moment that Goro remembered she hadn't eaten breakfast yet.

---

Uff. This chapter kicked my ass.

Well at least its finally out.

This time its around 17 K. I meant to add more but felt the scene with Akechi surprising Akira at Leblanc was a good way to end it.

Now… lets talk about it.

Goros section was one I wanted to write the most probably. I honestly start to see her as a Deuteragonist of sorts to Akira in this story. Their different POV are pretty interesting. Akira knows about her past and who she works for and is having his eyes on killing a god but Goro doesn't know anything about the time travel and only knows that… well her world is getting crazy basically.

It got a little exposition heavy. I wanted to dive into how the conspiracy actually works, how they operate, its dynamics and so on. Something we never got to see in the game. So that's gonna be fun.

Akechi… honestly I am just waiting for an excuse to write an entire essay about her mental state. Both canon and my version.

Part of this fic is trying to see how some storylines get changed via the whole genderbending. Regarding Akechi this was a bit tricky. How would she be treated in this timeline with all these people in the conspiracy that she is exposed too? I thought about it and went with what I found to be the most likely. In all honesty I don't even see the need to justify the changes I made, nether conspiracy nor fanmail. Give it 5 minutes and I guarantee you can find some horror story about creepy fanmail online.

And Shido is a predatory piece of shit.

Feeling disgusted yet? Because is sure do.

PS: Peach John is an actual existing Japanese underwear store and is essentially a sort of Japanese Victoria Secret.

I also finally got around o talking about Yu, Naoto and Wakaba and especially Wakaba. Turns out… Akechi didn't kill her. The opposite. In her own way she tried to save her life. The Futaba arc will be pretty harsh probably.

I also found it weird that aside from shido taking a pill at the end of his Palace mission Shidos knowledge on the Cognitive world was never really used that much. So I went a bit creative in regards to how Shido probably found uses for it and if he has any tools aside from Akechi. I mean… he planned on getting rid of Akechi after the election anyway, but if Akechi was Shidos only means of abusing the metaverse than he would literally throw away his greatest weapon. So I have something thought up.

Also if your wondering why its called 'Project Aten' that's a bit of an easter egg for those of you that know their way around Egypt mythology.

Aten was in Egypt mythology an aspect of Ra as the sun disk but during the reign of Amenhotep IV who took the name Akhenaten it was praised as the sole god, turning the previous basis of Egyptian religion with several gods into a monotheistic 'God with a Capital G' religion.

Basically Akhenaten decided they praise this one god ('false god' if you were to ask those that still believed in the Pantheon)… in a rather violent fashion I may add.

Tutankhamun, probably one of the most famous Pharaos in history, was born Tutankhaten and was most likely Akhenatens son and ended up getting rid of this religion in favour of the old one with the likes of Ra, Osiris and Co.

Your probably seeing the parallels I am going for here by now.

I also had the excuse to show of Akechis analytical skills. How she was able to see a good portion of their strengths and weaknesses already.

She also feels kind of fucked with. And really who wouldn't? Akira is pretty much something she had no way of seeing. I am trying my hardest to prevent any Gary Sueness but in Universe its no wonder she sees him as one.

Though this also has made her interested and she is about to form plans to get him on her side as a weapon against Shido so that's gonna be interesting.

About Morgana… I had to write that part eventually.

I also really didn't know how to though. I wonder if I made it a bit too quick? Well Morgana is a member of the Velvet Room and I established that they have no issue at all with this stuff. My version of Mona is also a lot more introspective and realized his mistakes regarding Skull and Panther particularly. He is pretty much over it and just wants those he cares about to be happy.

Goro though… well it is difficult for our feline.

We also have it revealed what happened during the final showdown with black mask. Yes Akechi and Akira fought one on one. I maybe write the whole fight some day (I have TONS of ideas for that part) but now it would have just be cramped in so I maybe do it some other day.

I also got to show some more of Lavenza and dive a bit more into the twins. They do feel a bit guilty over nearly being tricked into killing the guy they were supposed to guide.

Also in case anyone thinks I did her OOC this chapter… keep in mind she literally just discovered sex. Lets be real when you just start sex you don't want to wait too long for the next time.

On that note I believe I said at some point I plan on making Ryuko the next lemon and girl but do you guys think I should maybe go with Caroline and Justine first as 'official'? They kind of are already part of the harem after all so I don't think I really am lying. Besides I promised someone Ryuko would be in the first three at least and I don't wanna go back on that (even if I count the velvet trio all as one spot).

Speaking of Ryuko I showed some more of her too. I felt it necessary considering last chapter and she needed some time to show how she felt. There is a lot more going on in this girl. Shit happened… but now its about time to get back into the game and kick ass and take names.

Also… Captain 'I had Ryuko for half a day but if anything were to happen to her I kill everyone in the room and then myself' Kidd. I try and aim for certain relationship dynamics between Personas and their users and I think about going the dad route with the pirate.

I also used some pirate slangs for Kidd:

Bucko: Friend

Lass: young female

Give no quarter: show no mercy

There is gonna be more eventually.

Than we had the final part with Akechi in leblanc… which literally just happened. Akechi just decided to go there. Didnt expect that to happen.

If you wonder why she reacted this strongly… two words:

Crappy Orphanages.

I believe Goro would due to her past get IMMENESLY triggered by any sort of abuse towards children and poor Sojiro was not prepared. At least Akira managed to stop it and it got resolved before it could really escalate. And ending are we on some nice curry.

Now I am aware not too much plot relevant happened this chapter, aside from some info regarding conspiracy and so on, and I do apologize for that. I hope the character moments made up for it. If it helps next chapter (which I hope to get out sometime in April at latest) will make up for it and feature the Volleyball rally. I have plenty of things in mind, Kamoshidas reappearance, Makoto coming back and some surprises here and there.

And as promised the updated confirmed members of the harem:

Ryuko

Goro

Ann

Shiho

Yuzu

Yui

Makoto

Futaba (Yeah I finally committed to it)

Haru

Kasumi (I WILL include royal content including her)

Lavenza (I mean… duh… she and the twins are already in)

Caroline

Justine

Hifumi

And those are all the CONFIRMED AS OF NOW members.

The one with a ? behind their name are still

Sae

Tae

Kawakami

Ohya

Chihaya

? doesn't mean a no. its just means I'm still thinking how to make it work.

Now with that thank you for reading and till next time. Good day!

Or well Good night. Imma go to sleep now.