Mr Guest: Shiho is using Grenades. As in just grenades. No launcher at all
Vodos: Volleyball spike
AshWyvern: I do normally brush them off. But when you get hit by them, almost nonstop, for several months.
UnsanMusho: Thank you for the support.
krystmano1: Thank you.
Darkblade243: Thank you. And personally, I feel like it is way too soon for Royal to be a thing. Golden came out years after Persona 4 because the technology had changed massively.
Stella Sebarron: Ghost and I always try to make harem stories good and feel natural.
Guest chapter 5 5th May: That was the plan. At most a cameo on the TV but we don't know exactly about that
The Wolf Paladin: Well we where writing chapter one back in November last year. But I guess you do make a good point...
It's Showtime.
worgen16: Thank you for the offer.
Anon92: Honestly, Arsene.
jbrew123: Thank you
MegaGamingYT: Hehe... Looks like as good of a reason as possible.
Hyakki Yako: Thanks man. I do highly recommend it.
SandaKagami: The problem was PM's... fifty times worse than the worse.
Firem78910: I am being honest, I have not played Persona 3 in any form... and that's because there is, what, six different versions of it? And each version has added stuff while having taken out stuff from other games. I, legit, have no idea which should play. Also, honestly, after Persona 5 and Persona 4 Golden, I feel like playing Persona 3 would be a downgrade... Ooooh~, here's an idea for the next Persona Game. A Persona 3 remake
Vein Bloodborne: spins gun Got i- gun accidentally gets thrown into the air ... damn it.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Sorry again dude!
FatesAwakener26: grins Well, can't argue with that
Yoriiroy: Yeah, we have lots of plans
To everyone who has given me their support: Thank you. Thank you all so much, thank you for all the love and support you have given me. Thank you so much and I appreciate all of it. Just... thank you so much.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
To everyone: Thank you for these positive messages for Grey. You all have been very supportive and reassuring that you love reading this story and for putting a stop to these anonymous trolls bringing their vile reviews and PMs. Please know, we'll continue to write this story to its conclusion as best as we can and we hope that you will enjoy.
DragoGamerKing: Glad you've been enjoying the stories, we hope you will enjoy this next chapter.
Yoriiro: We've got concept ideas and plans for the endgame.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Thanks dude. And yeah; Shiho with a volleyball spike throwing a grenade? Double amounts of pain.
DragonNightmare90: Hey, yo get the double meanings. Sweet.
Firem78910: Okay, here's the thing: the SP adhesives don't exist yet, but they will. We're trying not to metagame too much. Don't worry, Kamoshida will get what's coming to him. And yeah, the isekai trope thing was an in-joke jab at myself (I like one too many isekai genres)
Hyrulian Hero Akai: Thank you very much, we appreciate the recognition of our works.
Once again, to everyone: Thank you for your kind words, your support, your reassurance. We will continue Persona 5 New Game.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Well, here is the next chapter... which I am posting VERY early thanks to all of the support you have given me.
I mean... come on! That was crazy! That was like... six pages of reviews guys, that is crazy!
I posted this chapter early just to tell you all thank you.
Also I want to point out this chapter has one of two things we brought in to this story from Persona 5 Royal. And the reason we are bringing these in are two different reasons
The first is what appears in this chapter; Ren's own Palace. We added this because we where looking on the wiki when we where writing this chapter and noticed a reference to what was called "My Palace" and looked into it. So we are using the concept but 100% differently, especially as Ren is not going to visit there often. It is more there because of what Palace's represent
The second thing is taking the Twin's out on the city. Just because... well... it just makes sense to do so
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 6: The Last Day of Kamoshida
The group where darkness, sticking to the shade and behind cover as they raced through the castle 'Incubus, Bicorn, Pixies... There's not much here for Kamoshida.' Joker thought, knowing the way and Shadows in the Palace 'At least for now.'
"What's through there?" Skull asked as he pointed to a door.
"Let's check." Dove followed up.
"Stay behind me." Joker spoke, opening the door and revealed that they were above the main hall, up by the chandeliers. "Okay. This is good."
"How is this good? Didn't we just go around in a loop?" Skull asked
"Think about it. We've managed to make progress." Mona responded.
"... Yeah, true." Skull sighed, which Joker rolled his eyes before Joker opened a door
"Wow, that was quick." Dove admitted
"Of course it was. We're much faster here." Joker responded as they entered a room where a guard was stationed, only for Joker to rip the mask off his face. "Show me your true form!"
The knight bent backwards, exploding in shadow before forming into a knight riding a horse.
"Wow!" Skull gasped
"You dare infiltrate King Kamoshida's Palace?" The knight pointed with his lance.
"We dare, horse-face!" Dove pointed her sword at the Knight.
"... 'Horse-Face', really?" Skull asked and sighed. "We need to work on your trash talking."
"Sorry." Dove whispered sadly
"Not berating you. You just need training." Skull answered.
'You're one to talk.' Panther rolled her eyes.
"Fall you damn thieves!" The knight proclaimed and lunged at them.
Joker jumped to the side, easily dodging the strike and slashing with his dagger 'A Berith.' Joker thought calmly, his brain shooting through the possibilities 'Weak to Ice element attacks. Got it.' He gained his classic 'Joker grin', the near insane/evil smirk that made it look like his face was splitting apart
"Stop joking around you three." Mona commented "We have to be careful!"
"Sorry Mona." Shiho mumbled
"Jack Frost!" Joker roared as he ripped his mask off, the snowman forming behind him
"Wait... you didn't use him last time." Panther muttered "What's going on?!"
"Oh yeah. Joker has multiple Persona. We don't know why." Skull blinked
"Incredible." Shiho admitted
"Buffa!" Joker called as he threw his arm forward. A flurry of ice shot out and hit the knight, knocking it back. The massive blast of ice shot through the air, enveloping the Shadow
"Impossible!..." The Shadow howled before it faded away, Joker catching the money it dropped as Jack Frost returned to his soul
"... That. That was quick." Panther blinked in shock.
"Isn't that the point?" Joker smirked confidently as they entered another room. In this room, which was massive, there was a pedestal in the middle... Surrounded by a massive cage which took up 90% of the giant room
"Oh, what the hell?" Skull groaned as he saw it.
Dove was scouting around the room and saw a second door. She tried to open it, even shoulder bashing. "This door's locked." She frowned
"And a chain here that's jammed." Panther tugged on a chain on the other side of the cage
"Not necessarily." Mona responded as Joker was focusing and found footprints leading from a nearby chain and around the cage.
"This one." Joker whispered as he pulled the chain. "Panther, pull yours."
"Okay, I gue-whoa!" Panther responded, not expecting for it to work only for it to be right. He and Panther pulled together, the bars raising up quickly
"Hey, that worked!" Skull smirked
"Uh-huh. Oh! Look at this!" Mona called out, leaping to the table in the middle of the room. "Ah-ha! Yes! A map!"
"That's what this room was holding? A map?" Dove asked
"Guess Kamoshida isn't very smart." Skull jabbed at the abusive teacher's intelligence.
"Drat, it only shows half the castle." Mona huffed
"If that's true; where's the other half?" Dove asked
"Maybe in deeper in?" Panther pondered
"It would make sense." Joker nodded, taking the map and rolling it up. "Let's keep going." The others nodded, the group taking off once more as the door on the other side of the room had now been unlocked
"Shadow!" Dove whispered as she pointed around the corner as Knights paraded around
"How many of these things ARE there?" Skull hissed
*time skip*
They had been traveling for hours, they knew. Fighting Shadows and more nonstop "URGH! My feet are killing me." Skull groaned as they were in a safe room they had found.
"You're not the one wearing heels, Skull." Panther responded as she sat on a table, rolling her ankle in her thigh high boots
"How're you doing, Dove?" Joker asked as he sat on a chair.
"I'm alright... I can't believe I could swing a sword." She admitted, chuckling awkwardly.
"Well, you've got great arm muscles." Panther encouraged "I'm more surprised with how well I can use a whip."
"And here's me with an iron pipe." Skull added. "How's that for 'surprised'?"
"Don't moan, Skull." Mona responded
"I ain't complainin', I'm just glad I get to use the thing." He answered
"To be fair, I can't see you using anything else." Panther smirked
"... Is that a jab, Panther?" Skull narrowed his gaze at his fellow teammate, just seeing her smile and Dove chuckling.
"Come on guys, no fighting." Joker chuckled
"I think it's going well." Mona whispered to him, seeing the team getting to know each other.
"... Yeah, I guess." Joker smiled
"So. How far in are we?" Skull wondered
"We are nearing the end of this first map. It looks like some sort of Chapel is close by." Joker listed off
"A chapel? Does he really think he's that sort of person?" Panther remarked with a heavy sigh.
"Yes." Shiho said darkly
"I'm sorry, Dove. I didn't mean-." Panther apologised
"It's okay, I know you mean well." Dove responded as she held Panther's hand softly
Joker was silent as he watched them, smiling lightly
"It's good to see them smile, Joker." Skull whispered to his friend.
"Huh?" he blinked in confusion
"I mean you're normally so... Dour. Like you've been through hell." Skull admitted "Like everything reminds you of a bad memory, even when you smile there is a hint of... Anger and bitterness to it, I guess. Like everything's pissing you off because it reminds you of better times. It's good to see you -really- smile is all."
"I. Thanks, Skull." Joker responded with a gentle sigh and nod. And he had to admit... He was right.
How long had it been since he smiled at this place? Actually smiled. Just having fun with his friends. Because, again, Skull... He was right. Everything he had been doing reminded him of something... Of his first time around
This time...he'd make it better. He'll make certain that everyone is saved... He just had to avoid thinking about it every two minutes
"Okay, Joker. You ready to keep going?" Mona asked as he looked at some of the stacked boxes.
"Of course." Joker nodded, opening the door to the safe room
"So, through here and we'll be getting closer to Kamoshida's treasure." Skull rolled his shoulder
"More or less." Joker answered as they continued their journey towards the chapel...
*time skip*
They where stuck.
They had reached the current end point, as they where barred from entry by a door and spikes. But the switch wasn't working.
All around them where a series of small libraries
"Are. You. Kidding?" Skull groaned as they were stuck.
"What're we going to do?" Dove asked.
"We'll figure it out." Joker answered
"Huh. This things name is weird." Mona commented "The 'King Book'."
"'The King Book'?" Panther pondered. "Wait... Didn't we see another book labelled something similar?"
"Yeah. The Queen Book." Dove nodded
"Queen. King. Hey, you think there's a 'Jack Book'? Like it's a deck of cards." Ryuji thought out loud.
"Good idea, but probably not." Mona responded
"Unless he's got a kid he's kept secret about." Panther answered, thinking of 'royal succession'.
"No-one would have that bastard's kid." Joker followed up "Hmm... We have two more libraries to check." Joker added
"Okay, we should split up. I'll go with Panther and Dove." Mona spoke up.
"... Wait, why?" Skull asked, sensing some ulterior motive with the cat.
"We'll cover more ground." Mona answered with a small grin
"No! I mean why do you go with the hit girls?"
Both Dove and Panther gasped at that remark, seeing Skull as a pervert just now. "Skull!"
"What?" He responded pointing to Mona. "He! Why am I getting my balls busted over this?"
'You two have fun." Joker sighed "Come on girls."
"Huh?" Mona frowned as he saw Joker leave with Panther and Dove. "Oh."
"... Dang cat." Skull frowned.
"Hey!" Mona hissed
*with the three*
"I'm sorry about him." Joker apologised
"We are use to it." Panther huffed, gripping her whip and twisting it in anger
Joker frowned as he saw her getting frustrated at Mona and Skull. This wasn't going to be good if it kept happening. He was sure it would get better after all
"So these books. What exactly are we looking for?" Dove asked, trying to change the subject.
"Something Kamoshida views himself or others as." Joker answered "I mean we saw King and Queen, so..."
"Could it be something other than a 'royal lineage'?" Panther suggested
*With Mona and Skull*
"What was that back there?" Skull asked Mona.
"What ya talking bout?" Mona huffed
"You, wanting to go with Panther and Dove. It was a dick move, like someone going to a party and stealing the cute girls for yourself when it's a group thing." Skull answered
"... You've been reading too many manga." Mona rolled his eyes
Skull just groaned as they arrived at a library. "Alright, here we are."
"Let's start looking." Mona spoke as he looked through the books. "Hey, Skull. Any of these books strike out at you?"
"Nothin'. Just names... Of the Volleyball Team." Skull answered
"Yeah, there's even names from other people here too." Mona agreed, seeing the names of people. "Skull. This library."
"Yeah, I get it. It's Kamoshida's victims." Skull grunted and punched the bookshelf's wooden frame. "And over here. It's got books talking about himself."
"And over here. He's got a whole section on Panther." Mona added
"Himself, Panther, and the sports teams." Skull muttered as he looked around at the three sections he rubbed his chin
*With Joker's Group*
The trio had arrived back one of the three libraries that they had searched. "Okay, let's look around, there might be something here." Joker ordered gently.
"Hey, there's this." Dove commented as she looked at the books
"Huh?"
"What did you find?" Panther asked
"This one. The 'Slave Book'. It's out of the shelves and it's all based on the volleyball team, the other sports clubs and Skull." Dove answered as she pulled out a book
"... Disgusting." Joker scoffed
"Then, that's it? We've got the books we need?" Dove asked
"I think so. We should head back to Skull and Mona." Panther agreed
"Yeah." Joker nodded
"Let's just hope those two haven't killed each other yet." Panther commented
"It won't come to that." Dove answered, hoping it was brushed away ... "I hope."
*Back in the other room*
Mona and Skull were arguing, trying to figure out which of their current books went where "... Seriously?" Joker sighed
"I'm telling you, it's not going to go there!" Mona pointed at him
"How do you know?" Skull pointed back
CRACK!
"Guys. Enough." Panther cracked her whip and looked at the two.
"Yes ma'am." both squeaked
"Dove." Panther asked her friend
"Oh-oh right. We found this third book." She pulled it out.
"... There's a third?" Skull blinked
"Now, let's end this 'puzzle'." Joker answered as Skull and Mona pulled the books out and reorganized them.
"'King' section here." Mona put the King book in with the glorification of Kamoshida section.
"'Queen' right here." Panther commented as she inserted the book where the perversions of Kamoshida's lust towards Ann.
"And 'Slave'. That bastard." Skull frowned, pushing in the slave book in the shelf where Kamoshida revelled in his torture and abuse towards the students.
CLICK!
RUMBLE!
"What's going-?" Dove asked before they saw a stack of shelves lift up and revealed a secret room, just big enough for the five of them to get in.
"Kamoshida's dirty little secrets, probably." Joker quipped as they looked inside... and saw a shrine dedicated to Ann.
"Urgh, that's just. Wrong." Panther gagged in revulsion as she looked at the sights. Pictures, a statue, a strange symbol on the floor; it was just wrong.
'Wait... I remember this.' Joker thought 'Wasn't... This place dedicated to Shiho last time?'
"God, I feel sick." Panther flinched as she saw inside.
"Yeah." Shiho agreed
"Is this what he sees me as? I thought that Shadow version of me was awful." Ann mumbled
"Hey; what's this?" Skull asked as he picked up a medal on a bookshelf.
"Looks like an Olympic Medal." Mona answered. "Ta-dah! And a map too!"
"... There is a circular hole need that locked door." Joker realised
"So this medal is the key?" Dove asked
"Possibly." Joker nodded
"Well, let's get back there. Hopefully, the Shadows aren't around." Mona added with the others nodding
"Now that we've got both maps we can get even further." Mona continued
"Yeah, and from what I can see, we can go this way." Joker smiled and pointed the way
*time skip*
"Wow that's hideous." Dove hissed, seeing the massive statue of Kamoshida in the chapel
"Yeah, Sorry Dove." Skull apologised, knowing he wasn't the cause of it, but felt bad for her.
"Not your fault." Dove responded
"This way guys." Joker pointed, going to a stairwell before they all had to hide, several gold knights walking into the room
"Damn it! There must be a dozen of them." Skull whispered
"Hardly that much. By the size of them, it could be maybe eight." Mona responded
"Time to take them out." Joker agreed, adjusting his gloves as he planned their attack pattern. Which route to take so they could defeat all the guards without being spotted as quickly as possible
"How're you this good? That way is kick ass!" Skull commented enthusiastically, but quietly as they finished off the third Knight
"As I said, he's a natural! A perfect student!" Mona commented cheerfully
"How do we compare?" Dove asked
"Still learning, but doing good." Mona answered look "Very fast learners, besides Skull."
"Hey!" Skull snapped, alerting the guards.
"Damn it Mona, Skull!" Joker hissed weakly, as they where suddenly surrounded
"You're surrounded, intruders!" The guards ordered as they took their shadow forms and attacked
"Crap." Skull frowned
"MOVE!" Joker called out
CLANG!
The Shadows had transformed into Beriths, Bicorns and Incubus. Incubus were small pinkish-red imp-like creatures with bat wings and...a large horn codpiece. Eww.
"Gross!" Panther and Dove frowned, especially as the demon humped the air slightly
"Get outta here!" Dove leapt up and slapped down her grenade into the ground, exploding and hit the Bicorn and Incubus. Though Berith was absolutely fine. Luckily she had a second chance now, as the two fell to their knees
"Okay, you bad boys. Let's do this!" Dove brandished her blade and ran at them after showing a Bless attack, which knocked the Incubus down
"Whoa, that's savage." Skull commented
"Let's end this!" Mona cheered, the group charging in for Dove's All-Out Attack
The four in the team leapt up and attacked the remaining Shadows, hitting them all with quick succession. Dove landed doing a superhero landing before she raised up and brandished her sword over her face. The splatter of blood from the enemies spewed forth as the words 'Know Your Place' were behind her..
"That's the end of them." Joker sighed
"And maybe we can get going? We've wasted enough time." Panther asked, looking at both Skull and Mona
"Sorry." both apologised
*time skip*
"Another safe room." Dove cheered softly as she fell onto a chair
"Is it just me... or was that last room trippy as all hell?" Skull groaned as he slumped into a chair.
"The distortions are stronger here, Skull. It means we're getting close to his Treasure." Mona answered
"We are nearing the tower." Joker explained, looking at the map "We are at the final stretch.
"Good. Cause I don't want to see any more of those... Nude ladies." Panther shuddered in annoyance.
"Succubus. They're a type of Shadow." Joker responded
"I know what they are." Panther answered with a blush and a huff
"What's wrong? You jealous?" Skull joked
"I am not jealous of a bunch of slutty Shadows!" Panther glared.
"It's not their fault they're that way." Mona explained
"It's-Just stop, Skull." Panther responded, sitting down
"It's fine Panther. You look better than they do." Joker praised
The group blinked and looked at Joker, shocked by his response. "Um. Th-thank you." Panther responded
"You're welcome." He answered simply as he put his hands in his pockets, acting as if it was a casual compliment
"Hey, did you pick anything up?" Skull asked, feeling parched.
"Oh, here. Drink up." Joker passed over a can he got from the vending machines.
"I'm so tired... " Dove admitted, not moving from her position of just dropping down flat on a chair
"Whoa, easy, Dove." Panther went over to her and tried to help her up.
"Here, I've got plenty for everyone." Joker passed over drinks to them.
"Thank you." Dove flinched weakly
"It's fine. We've all been working hard." Joker answered as he passed one to Mona.
"Ah~, that hit the spot." Skull sighed in relief, feeling refreshed
Panther nodded and sat next to Dove, Joker looking at the two. And he couldn't help but look at them. They looked... stunning. Wonderful. Two powerful women who he knew. They where so beautiful, sexy
'Whoa, when did I-? Hmm.' He thought before he took a drink himself.
"Everything okay, Joker?" Panther asked
"Oh, yeah. I'm alright." He nodded, taking his drink again, though having a small blush on his face.
"Are we good, Joker?" Mona asked, having gotten revitalised from the drinks.
"Yeah, I think we're good." He nodded "Everyone all rested up?" Joker asked
"Yeah, I'm good." Dove nodded
"Me too." Panther added
"Then let's get to that treasure." Mona jumped excitedly as the group rushed out
*time skip*
They leapt up onto statues and saw the massive amount of Shadows below, with Kamoshida there in front of them, his vision blocked by a large imposing statue of himself holding a volleyball like the world was in his hands. They had finally climbed up the tower, outside the throne room.
"The asshole." Shiho hissed
"This way." Joker urged as he looked at the map and remembered everything, and his memories finally helping him. They followed their leader, trusting his judgement and his direction. Amazed that he could follow maps so clearly. The group neared a large wooden door, opening it with a push as they avoided the guards view
"Too many." Dove whispered in shock as they looked on.
"Yeah." Skull agreed, happy they managed to slip by without being seen
"Well. No way they can stop us now." Mona grinned
"Especially with Joker taking them out in one hit with his Persona." Panther added
"Yeah, we need to step up our game." Skull admitted
"You'll get better. I'm sure of it." Joker responded. "I'm just 'clear up'." as they walked forwards, nearing a grand door
"It's in there." Mona commented
"Alright. Let's go get it." Dove spoke up as they entered and saw a mountain of treasure inside... and a large floating shapeless light "What's this? Where's the Treasure?"
"That's it. But it's not formed, Dove." Mona explained lightly
"Err... what?" Skull asked
"I'll try and explain; treasures like this are abstract, until they fully form they remain like this." Mona responded
"Abstract?" Panther asked
"They don't have a true form unless the host is properly motivated. And we have the tools to motivate him." Mona explained "Trust me, we will see more later."
"But we can get back here easier right? We don't need to run all the way again?" Skull asked
"Exactly." Joker nodded. "The safe spaces give us access closer to the goal."
"Isn't there one right next to here as well?" Dove added
"Exactly." Joker and Mona nodded.
"It's why we're getting here next time." Joker responded "And then we can head back to the front."
"That can bring us to any floor?" Skull asked
"Yeah. It's the world of the mind. Pure logic doesn't have any stay here." Mona explained "As long as we know where the safe room is, as long as we have been there and remember it, we can teleport from room to room."
"Makes sense." Joker nodded
"Does this mean we can head back home?" Dove asked
"Yeah, unless we need anything else." Joker responded.
"But for the most part, we're done." Mona agreed.
The group nodded, making their way towards the final safe room
"So... how do we get to the front?" Skull asked, wondering about the logistics.
"Don't worry. We'll get there." Joker answered as he reopened the door... and showed the outside of the castle with the safe room just... Fading away
"How did-? That was-! Whoa!" Skull gasped in shock as they arrived back outside.
"Incredible!" Panther smiled
Joker was spotting, noticing a familiar blue garbed girl standing next to a foggy cell door while spinning a clipboard in her hands
"Dude, you coming?" Skull asked as he looked at Joker.
"One moment." He said as he slipped his hands into his pockets, walking towards Justine
"You wish to enter, Inmate?" Justine asked gently, to which Joker nodded and vanished.
"What the heck?" Dove gasped as they saw him leave.
*? ? ?*
In the Prison Velvet Room, Joker arrived in his prisoner's clothing and chains on his wrists and ankles. However he had a plan, he was here to speak to the twins
"Welcome back, Inmate. Do you have something to claim?" 'Igor' asked
"No." Ren lied "8 was wondering what the girls can do."
"Ah, I see. Justine, Caroline, he is yours." 'Igor' responded, letting the two talk to Ren
"What is it you want to know?" Justine asked as she held her clipboard, the two staring up at him
"I want to know if I can do anything for you. And get to know you two better." Ren asked making them blink in shock
"You wish to know us better?" Caroline asked as she looked at him
"That's right." He nodded as he sat down and cross his legs, ready for this
"Alright, if you want to get to know us better, then... create a 'Jack Frost' with the skill 'Mabufu'." Justine responded, looking at the list. "And considering your level, it should be easy for you."
"Oh. Like this?" Joker commented, summoning said Persona
"Yes, like tha-You've made it already." Justine nodded and realised what he had already done.
"Well. I-I suppose we can talk now." Caroline answered with a blush
"Thanks." He smiled
"B-But this doesn't mean these tests will end. Okay? We've got loads more." Caroline continued as Justine covered her own blush with the clipboard.
"It's fine." He nodded, proud to talk with them
"What did you want to talk about?" Justine asked
"Well, if you two were okay. How you've been feeling." Ren answered
"What do you mean?"
"I just think that you're working too hard." Ren answered. "I don't want to see that. You're both great girls."
Both Justine and Caroline blinked in shock by that remark. "Y-You mean that?" Caroline asked
"I do." He nodded.
"Th-That's inappropriate, Inmate!" Justine responded
"Says who?" he smiled and shrugged "Also I'm curious. You somehow seem over worked but... What do you do besides when I'm here?"
"We... Don't do much." Justine mumbled
"Waiting for you, obviously." Caroline answered. "It's boring as hell." She stomped her foot lightly, gripping her baton tightly
"Hmm?" 'Igor' hummed as he looked at the two.
"Well, we can talk together. If that's alright with you." Ren answered "And I'm here if you ever want to talk, to calm down and cheer up."
"Thank you." Justine mumbled.
I am Thou, Thou art I.
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Strength Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new Power.
"... We have a new assignment for you. A 'Shiisaa' with 'Frei'. Think you can manage that?" Caroline asked
"I'm sure." Ren nodded and smiled, hearing the voice in his mind.
Strength: Rank 2
"Well. If that's all, Inmate." Justine asked "Goodbye."
"Until next time." Ren answered and left the Velvet Room. He reappeared outside of Kamoshida's Palace, seeing the group looking for him in worry
"Sorry about-!" Joker began to speak, only for Skull to grab him, almost inspecting him like an airport guard.
"Joker. What? Was that?" Panther asked as she and Dove looked at him.
"You just vanished out of here!" Dove followed up.
"I did?" he asked casually "Skull! Let! Me! Go!"
"Sorry, just making sure you're not a ghost or something. People don't pop in an out of existence like that!" Skull backed up.
"I'll explain later." Joker promised, looking up at the Palace before looking to the others "Okay. Before we head back... I think we should do some training. You guys against me."
"Really? Are-are you serious?" Panther double-took from his suggestion.
"Not four on one right? Like one on one at different days?" Dove asked
"Nope. All vs one. Here and now." Joker commented as he cracked his knuckles
"You sure, Joker?" Mona asked
"I'm sure. And don't hold back, give it all you've got." Joker added "ARSENE!" Joker ordered proudly, standing confidently before his four friends 'I need this, I need to get our power up Arsene... and this is the perfect chance, alongside with the others.' Joker thought as blue flames washed over his body
Arsene emerged from Ren's soul, ready to fight when they attacked for training. "Well then, let us begin." Arsene smiled with his burning flame smile. He stood there confidently, blue flames shooting around himself and Ren like a ring of uncontrollable power
"Fine!" Skull called, ripping his mask off "CAPTAIN KIDD!"
"Right here, Skull!" Captain Kidd proclaimed as he emerged, the blue flames circling his partner.
Dove and Panther looked at each other and nodded, tipping their own masks off and proclaimed their names "CARMEN/CIRCE!" The two stood close, side by side, with their Persona taking position right behind them
"MERCURIUS!" Mona called out, summoning his own Persona.
Joker smirked, pointing at them "Come at me."
"HRARGH!" The four other members of the Phantom Thieves rushed at Joker.
*Time Skip*
The group where all panting, exhausted after nearly an hour straight of training
"That. Sucked." Skull groaned, having his ass kicked and kicking ass.
"Agreed." Panther and Dove groaned
Joker and Mona, meanwhile, where still hard at work against each other
CLASH!
CLANG!
"Grr!" Both of them glared as they fought. Arsene and Mercurius clashed, steely eyes meeting as they pushed against each other
"Those two are so strong." Dove commented
"They must've been doing this for ages." Panther mumbled as she looked at them.
"They also get along really well." Skull added "Almost like brothers. "
"Makes one wonder." Dove added
"True." Panther nodded, leaking back and subconsciously pushing her chest out
"L-Lady Panther." Mona looked in her direction by accident and gave Joker the opening he needed
PUNCH!
'Wow.' Joker thought after he delivered his blow, his eyes going to her boobwindow
"NYAA-OW!" Mona screamed as he was knocked down and out.
"Mona!" Dove called out and went to him, though still exhausted
"Oh! Drat, sorry!" Joker flinched and picked Mona up
"You. Pack a heck of a punch. Joker." Mona smiled as he was picked up.
"Sorry buddy." Joker laughed nervously
"Is he okay?" Dove asked as she got close.
"I'm fine. I'm tougher than I look." Mona smiled, giving a thumbs up "So don't worry Dove! All three of you! Bleh..."
...
"I think he just needs a rest." Joker sweatdropped
"You just punched him too hard!" Dove frowned as she took him and hugged the cat.
"It was an accident." Joker commented
"I'm sure... But it still looked like it hurt." Dove answered
"It was. Remember he fought us too." Skull added
Joker nodded, his eyes avoiding Panther
"What?" She asked.
"Nothing. Is everyone okay to go?" Joker asked, averting his eyes from her boob-window like a gentleman especially after his own mess up
"I think so. I need to get back home." Skull nodded
"Me too." Panther agreed as she stood up.
"Yeah." Ren nodded, the group heading back to the real world. The five landed outside of the school, it was darker than they went in, meaning it was way past the time they were supposed to be home.
"Oh shit. I'm gonna be in trouble!" Ryuji whined
"My mum and dad are going to freak!" Shiho followed up.
"Don't worry, just say that you were hanging out with me." Ren offered to take the blame.
"I can't believe this." Ann complained
"We'll have to train while we've got days off... or plan ahead a bit better." Mona responded, feeling better and leapt into Ren's bag.
"If we have 'days off' anymore." Ryuji responded. "Sorry, I gotta go."
"Later." Ren nodded
"We've got to go too. Sorry." Shiho and Ann responded and left, going their own way.
"Bye guys." Ren waved as he headed for the train station
*In Yogen-Jaya*
"You're almost late." Sojiro commented
"I'm sorry, I was out with my friends." Ren apologised, not really lying "We just got caught up. This place is cool."
"'This place is cool'?" Sojiro responded to clarify
"That's right." He nodded "Much better than my home town."
"Huh. That's... That's nice of you to say." Sojiro responded. "But you're still in trouble."
"Okay. What's the punishment?" Ren asked
Sojiro sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "The dishes. Clean them all. Cups and plates."
"Right."
"And... And... the coffee pots." Sojiro added
"I understand." Ren nodded and rolled up his sleeves "Want me to mop the store as well?"
"You'd do that too? Great." Sojiro blinked and agreed. "I need to head home."
"Special lady waiting?" Ren asked
"Something like that. Remember to lock up." Sojiro responded and closed the door behind him.
Ren nodded, getting right to work
"You're happy to do this." Mona spoke from the bag, but not getting out.
"I know, it was my suggestion to stay behind." Ren answered "Besides. I'm always happy to help him."
"You're a good person, Joker." Mona yawned "... Lady Ann is beautiful; is she not?"
"Yeah, she is." Ren smiled "And I'm glad we get the chance to get to know Shiho this time."
"The same with me. Lady Shiho deserved much better than last time." Morgana answered "At least from what you've told me about that."
"Yeah... And..." Ren frowned "I'm worried. That room dedicated to Ann... It was supposed to be about Shiho. Why is it different?"
"It was about Lady Shiho?" Morgana asked
"Yeah, it was." Ren nodded
"... Maybe it's because you saved her? You got there in time and saved her from Kamoshida." He responded with a theory "So he didn't see her as his conquest, as his prize. Lady Ann is still his prize, his goal, who he is obsessed with."
"It's a good a thought as any. But it proves something." Ren answered
"Which is?" Morgana asked
"The past can be changed. We saved Shiho. We can save Haru's father." Ren clarified as his hand clenched tightly
"Right." Mona nodded
...
"Who's Haru?" Mona asked
*elsewhere*
"Change the past?" a red haired girl muttered from her small, dark room
*with Ren*
"Done." He sighed, falling onto his bed
"That took a while. Maybe you need help cleaning up." Morgana suggested
"I know there's a book somewhere about cleaning somewhere." Ren admitted
"You're too exhausted to read anything." He responded
"Yeah yeah." Ren rolled his eyes as he pulled out his phone, noticing a notification from the Metaverse app
"What's this?" Ren asked as he looked at the notification. He opened it and saw that it was the Navigator section... With his name input! Alongside a location, his room, with his "distortion" being a thief's base?! "What the hell? My name? That's impossible!" He gasped and jerked up.
"What's wrong?" Morgana asked and raced to the phone.
"It... Says I have a Palace?!" Ren blinked in shock
"What? You? That can't be right! You're a good person! What desires of your have been distorted?" Morgana asked in shock.
"I don't know... But remember, good people can have distorted feelings as well. It doesn't matter the feeling, as long as it is distorted." Ren said before he hit enter
The world warped around them, Mona and Joker appearing in this strange location... Ren's Distortion. Appearing before the two... Was what looked like a massive, stylish club. It had an area which was labeled 'gallery' and looked like an art exhibit, a large area full of chairs, a wall of TV's and so much more.
And besides the two of them... The place was empty
"Oh. My god." Mona commented, unaware that he had changed into his anthro-form and Joker was in his own Phantom Thieves clothes.
"This is incredible... This is my palace?" Joker asked in awe. He blinked down at his cloths, watching then turn back to his normal cloths and back again. He... Could switch around at will? "Whoa. Okay, this... this is good." Ren admitted as he looked at his hands, seeing them gloved and then ungloved. He and Morgana began to look around, the Palace slowly taking place from visions and aspects of Joker's own memories
"Hey, isn't that from today? And Kamoshida?" Mona asked as he pointed to a memory.
"Yeah." Ren nodded
"And those are your older... memories. Oh god." Mona frowned as he saw Ren's struggles
Ren was silent, finding an area out back... It made him think. The wall had trophies on them with etchings... Challenges
"What're these?" He wondered as he ran his hand over one of them. As he touched the gun one... The world suddenly changed. He was in an arena, facing down three powerful Shadows, with the words 'Knockdown all Shadows in one turn' flouting in the air "Huh?!" Ren gasped as he saw them, terrified at what he did... at least the title was clear.
He pulled out his gun and started running around, pulling off a series of trick shots which threw all three down
The challenge was done, leaving Ren back to his room once again. "That. That was close." He whispered. He sat up, back in his Palace.. And found an extra 1,000 yen in his pocket "Where did-?" He whispered as he looked at the money.
"Where'd you go? You disappeared again!" Mona responded. "Where'd that money come from?"
"I think... I best some sort of challenge?" he blinked
"This place gave you money after these trials?" Mona asked
"I think it did." Joker nodded
"Just... next time, tell me when you're gonna disappear." Morgana begged
"I didn't do it on purpose." Ren shot back
"I'm worried for you!" Mona pointed back. "I'm worried you're gonna disappear and not come back!"
Ren took a step back in shock
"I-I'm sorry." Mona apologised as he realised what he said. "I didn't mean-. What happened last time-."
"It's... It's okay man." Joker nodded
Mona turned back into his Cat form, ashamed of what he said. Though it was understandable, Joker died in that last timeline, neither wanted that to happen. He didn't want to loose his best friend and brother figure again
Ren walked over and lifted Morgana up and cradled him. "I'm not going anywhere, Mona. I'm staying right here."
*time skip*
It was the next day, the group together at the roof once again
"Now what?" Shiho asked softly
"We need to send the Calling Card. It's who we'll be able to steal Kamoshida's treasure." Morgana answered
"Like a real Phantom Thief!" Ryuji smirked and wanted to be the one to write it.
"Why do we need to send this calling card thing?" Ann asked
"Remember the treasure? How it was formless?" Ren responded. "The Calling Card is a catalyst for it to solidify, making it easier to steal."
"Exactly. It's easier to steal a coin than a cloud." Morgana followed up. "The Calling Card is also a trigger to get Kamoshida on edge, expose his crimes true desires."
Morgana leaned forwards, his front paw scratching behind his ear "The downside is the effect only lasts for, about, 24 hours and only once. If we threaten to steal their deepest desire, threaten what they cherish most will just be swiped away, then the mind turns the cloud of generic desires into a solid form, a depiction of their desire. A symbol of their corruption. "
"Meaning it's now or never." Shiho answered, knowing what he meant.
"Exactly." Morgana and Ren nodded
"Can I do it? Can I write that card?" Ryuji asked
"You sure?" Ann asked with an annoyed raised eyebrow
"Yeah! I know exactly what to-." Ryuji began to speak before he was interrupted.
"No offense Ryuji, but... you might need some help writing it. Does anyone want to volunteer?" Morgana asked
"I'm sure he can do it." Ren commented
"Thanks, Leader." Ryuji have a thumbs up and ran off, going to make the card.
"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" Ann groaned
"Because you're probably right." Both Ren and Morgana responded in unison.
"So what should we do? The tests are coming up too; remember?" Shiho asked
"For now? Rest up and get ready. Tomorrow we are stealing that treasure. And see where it goes from there." Ren said simply
"And what're you gonna do?" Ann asked
"Prepare." Ren answered simply, flexing his fingers to loot Kamoshida's locked treasure chests.
"What are you planning?" Morgana gulped
"Lock picks." Ren answered. "A Phantom Thief's bread and butter."
"Oh no." Morgana shuddered suddenly. Remembering those long nights. So... So many lock picks. So many.
"It's the only way to fully make use of Kamoshida's castle and loot." Ren understood the shiver, but he wasn't starting off at the -very- start, he had a good start now, it should be easier.
Hopefully
*time skip*
"Okay; ready to do this?" Ren asked as he rolled up his sleeves.
"No." Morgana responded.
"Too bad, we've got gear to craft." Ren answered, having spent the money he got from the challenge and then some to get drinks and also scrap pieces in order to make lock-picks.
"Just don't go too crazy." Morgana complained, knowing how Joker could be when making Lock picks
Ren cracked his fingers to limber them up and sat down at the work-table, making the lockpicks as best as he could. Which was rather well. He was still curious about that Palace of his though
"Oh? You are?" a familiar female voice giggled from his bed
Ren froze as he heard that, turning around to see who was behind him. And sure enough it was a familiar blue dressed velvet room attendant "Oh, Lavensa. It's you." He sighed in relief. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I felt the connection you made with my two halves." Lavensa answered. "And it seems you've found your own Palace."
"You knew?" he asked in shock
"It was there before you went back in time." she nodded sadly "... Your twisted feels about giving up on yourself and life."
"So I'm just as bad as Kamoshida... and the others. My own desires twisted and-" Ren clenched his fist in anger and disgust before...
SLAP!
"You. Are not like those people!" Lavenza sternly responded, leaving a red mark on his cheek "My Trickster I'm sorry I... Listen to me. Palaces are made from distorted emotions and feelings. If you are like anyone, it is that Futaba girl. Your Palace is born from your hopelessness and your sorrow. Born during your final moments of life. But it isn't a hostile Palace. Because you are a welcoming person. It was born from your darkest moments, your despair. But it will fade. "
"So, it's okay for now." Ren asked. "Right?"
"Yes." she nodded, frowning and kissing the mark she left on his cheek "... I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I needed that wake up call." Ren answered as he held her hand. He had a small moment of hesitation before she kissed him
Mona's eyes widened as he saw that, his mind having an almost buzzing sensation in the back of his head like something was calling to him 'Wait, who-? Who was she?' Mona thought to himself, trying to remember "Lavenza I... Yeah, the velvet room! Wait... What? Did we revive?"
"It seems that you remember something, Morgana." Lavenza commented as she broke the kiss. "Yes, in a way you did revive." She sat down on Joker's lap, rubbing his hair as she just sat there
"Err, Lavenza." Ren blushed as he felt her thighs on his knees.
"Yes?" she asked, smiling
"Your. Your butt's really soft." He blushed in admittance, a little nervous that she was sitting on his lap.
"Thanks. You didn't complain in the velvet room the other day." she commented, relaxing against him
"I. I guess that's true." He gulped as he let her stay there.
"Would you like some help?" the blue clad girl asked him
"We'd appreciate it, thank you." Morgana answered
The blonde assistant nodded as she got to work, snuggling against her Trickster
World: Rank 4
*time skip, next day*
The school was in a panic, having seen dozens of copies of the same thing. Calling cards. Red calling cards with a doodle of a smiling top hat with a toothy grin; with the words 'Take Your Heart' written underneath and a message.
Sir Suguru Kamoshida, the utter bastard of lust.
We know how shitty you are and that you put your twisted desires on students that can't fight back.
That's why we have decided to steal away those desires and make you confess your sins.
This will be done tomorrow, so we hope you're ready.
From, The Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
The students were talking among themselves, seeing this message all over the place. There wasn't a bulletin board in the school where it wasn't plastered. Ann and Shiho saw these and walked off down a corridor... where a Cheshire Cat grinning Ryuji was standing proud.
"Seriously?" Ann sighed
"What? It's awesome; right? There's no way Kamoshida can miss these." Ryuji smirked
"Ryuji. We appreciate your effort and what you wanted to say, but. There's a few things wrong with it." Shiho flinched apologetically.
"What d'you mean?" Ryuji asked
"You sounded like an idiot trying to be an adult." Ann responded bluntly
"And the logo's lacking too." Morgana added
"It's okay." Ren shrugged lightly
"It could be better." Shiho admitted
"What's going on here? What's all-?" Kamoshida's voice called out, only to freeze as he looked at the messages. All directed at him.
The air went cold
He looked at the messages, wondering who could have sent them... and then saw Ren and his friends, all huddled together. Ryuji's smile was gone, keeping his cool and Kamoshida saw red
"YOU!" He pointed at them "You're responsible for this!" He accused them
"For what?" Shiho asked
"Those-! Tch. Doesn't matter. You'll all be expelled soon enough." Kamoshida glared at them, wanting to throw a punch their way... but calmed down just enough to stay his nerves.
However the group blinked, seeing the world shift around them for a moment
"CoMe...StEaL iT, iF yOu CaN!" Shadow Kamoshida seeped through and seethed at the group, leading to the intense warnings within the Palace and Kamoshida walked away, leaving the five on their own.
"From that reaction, I definitely think we've had an effect on the Palace." Morgana commented, coming out of hiding in Ren's bag.
"Yeah." Ren nodded, seeing a familiar blue haired boy at the notice boards... And it hit Ren.
This was Mishima... And they hadn't met yet, in this time line!
"Ren? What's wrong?" Shiho asked as they saw his face.
"Mishima." Ren pointed.
"Huh? Oh yeah. Wait, I thought he was expelled?" Ryuji asked
"Not yet. He's going to be expelled along with us." Ann explained
"The poor boy. He...He was the one sent me to Kamoshida." Shiho frowned.
"What? Are you serious?" Ann snapped, glaring daggers at him.
"Ann, he was bullied by Kamoshida too. He's as much a victim as Shiho was." Ren halted her "He was basically forced to, otherwise he'd get the crap kicked out of him. I mean have you seen the bruises he had all the time?"
"How could we not, he had one too many spikes to the face." Ryuji added
"And Kamoshida thrown punches." Shiho added
"Exactly. Don't blame him." Ren nodded
"Okay, sorry." Ann apologised and sighed. "Then we're going tonight?"
"After school." Ren nodded, walking towards Mishima "Mishima."
"H-huh? Oh, you're... Amamiya; right?" Mishima asked nervously as he saw him.
"Yeah. I'm sorry this is happening to you." Ren nodded
"I know. I'm sorry too. If it wasn't for-" Mishima frowned as he was still feeling guilty about all of this.
"It's fine buddy, it's all him." Ren assured
Mishima nodded sadly and rubbed the back of his neck. "What's going to happen now?"
"It will work out, I'm sure of it."
"I hope so." Mishima frowned and walked away.
"I remember you told me about Mishima, you said he's a good guy." Morgana responded from inside the bag "I hope you're right."
"He is. We've got to stop Kamoshida." Ren answered and turned back to his friends. They all moved to the rooftops, readying their phones
"We all good?" Ryuji asked the group, who all agreed.
"Then let's go." Ren answered, all of them pressing the app, teleporting to Kamoshida's castle.
"Joker, have we got any new weapons?" Dove asked
"No, sorry." He responded. "So, straight to the end?"
"I want to beat that bastard right now!" Skull answered, with Panther grabbing her whip.
"Well then... Lets finish this." Joker smirked at the castle
