Thesonicsuperstar: Thanks a lot, I am glad you've been enjoying

Iron Mario: Joker can't exactly use the high level Persona because he doesn't have enough SP to use their abilities efficiently. Also, as we said MULTIPLE TIMES, we are not doing fucking Royal! And it is a different RED HEAD!

PhantomDark: Well, he was mentioned to have a harem.

The Tigers: Glad you enjoy! laughs

Xerzo LotCN: Yay, someone who remembers the bugs!

warrior of six blades: She's been listening in since he first arrived, so she has heard a lot

Hello 9903: Possibly

UnsanMusho: Who says he's forgotten? ... Or because of habits?

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: What are you talking about? Morgana wanted to spend time with the two attractive girls in those skintight and kinky outfits purely for innocent and platonic purposes! Nothing suspicious at all!

Vein Bloodborne: Eventually, possibly.

FatesAwakener26: Yes Alibaba has orange hair. She is a ginger. Also known as a red head. Saying she has red hair is fine.

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

GUIPA: Okay; how many ladies are there in Persona 5? That. And no, we're not doing OC's for this story. It's purely the base P5 game.

Lightsbane1905: Futaba always has those set up. chuckle good joke. I don't know that song though...is it any good?

Shadow Joestar: Thanks, and yeah. Much more cathartic for those who he hurt.

Okaze: glad you liked the chapter.

FatesAwakener26: It's Futaba, I have difficulty discerning colours at times. And I also use the Megami Tensei wiki for info, so... I can't take all the blame.

Edrick Twilight Legend: Glad you've been enjoying the story.

Blood enraged: Lavenza is a full grown woman, thank you very much! She's fine.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yeah, that cat likes ladies. Can you blame him?

Calderoneric758: There might be future cameos.

To everyone: thank you for reassuring Grey. It's definitely needed around this time.

Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME~!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME~!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR GREY~!

NOW IT'S TIME FOR KICKING KAMOSHIDA'S ASS~!

HAHA!

So, if you didn't get my real subtle message there, it is my birthday! WAHOO! And this is one of several chapter's being uploaded, part of my massive birthday upload blowout! YEAH!

Five chapters being uploaded today! This, Mortal Kombat Widow's Web Woven, Krystal's Harem, Huniepop The King's Maidens and Ben's Intergalactic Reviewers!
As well as a new story, Batman Love & Lust; The One And Only Birds Of Prey!

If you have not checked those stories out yet, I suggest you do. We put as much passion into these as we do into this.

Now, without further adieu, the next chapter! And it is time for the first boss fight!

Right for the Heart!


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 7: The Phantom Thieves First Heart


The group headed out of the Safe Room, having used the 'fast travel' inside of Kamoshida's castle to get where they needed to go.

"Now to take that treasure." Joker grinned

"Considering we got those treasures on the way up, this'll be good." Skull commented

"Remember, there were Guards here. We've got to-." Mona spoke before Dove interrupted.

"Why are the doors open?" She asked in confusion, seeing the large room open before them.

"What?" they asked

"Weren't these doors locked last time?" Dove asked as they walked in.

"Maybe he's flooded everywhere else so no-one's here to guard it?" Skull asked but as they quietly approached the doors... They saw the room was empty

"Okay, this is awkward." Panther commented as they walked in.

"The treasure room looks abandoned too." Mona pointed.

"Sweet! Let's go!" Skull grinned and rushed forward

"Skull, wait!" Joker called out, though they followed him into the treasury.

"So impatient." Panther groaned as he slammed the doors open.

Inside the treasury, the floating light/gas was replaced with a large crown, almost five feet tall and floating in the air. Red velvet with gold shaped with a mix of the male and female symbol fused together, on the top was a bust of a woman's torso and breasts topped with a solid heart, laden with jewels.

"T-T-treasure~!" Mona moaned happily, looking at it out of instinct.

'Again?' Joker thought in shock. The reason Mona acted like this in the past was because of his lack of understanding in who he was but now... what was going on?

"That thing's huge!" Dove gasped

'Not again.' Joker thought with a face-palm as Mona jumped and hugged the crown

"Err; what's with Mona?" Dove asked innocently.

"He's attracted to human desire." Joker explained

Dove nodded, she and Panther giggling as they found the little humanoid cat adorable right now

"Err, Mona? Care to help a little?" Skull asked as he tried to grab the underside of the large crown. Said crown being about... Oh, easily seven foot tall at least

"Here Skull. I've got one end." Joker spoke, going to the opposite end.

"That's too top-heavy. Dove, let's get the other ends." Panther spoke up

"Right." Dove nodded

The four worked together, carrying the heavy crown towards the stairs and into the throne room. All they had to do was get this to a safe room and they'd have done it

"Okay, stairs coming up. Be careful." Joker spoke as he and skull were worried for Dove walking backwards.

"I've got this, Joker." Dove answered

Fwoosh!

"GAH!" The group screamed as the crown flung from their hands; Joker, grabbed Dove before she was crushed underneath it and pulled her to the side while Skull was caught by Panther.

CLANG!
CLANG!
Clang.

"Well, well, well. The thieves showed up after all." Kamoshida's Shadow spoke, having caught a smoking volleyball in his hand

Meanwhile, behind him, the copies of Shiho and Ann where cheering and waving banners "Go, go, go! Ka-Mo-Shida! Go, go, go! Ka-Mo-Shida!" The two cheered.

"Damn it." Dove frowned as she saw them.

"I won't let you thieves come and take this." Kamoshida smiled at his groupies and picked up the crown as it shrunk in his hand. "This proves that I am the King of the Castle! The Core of this world!"

"You rat bastard!" Panther glared

Joker was silent and stood tall, his coat flowing in an unseen wind

"I'll dispose of you all. Right here, right now." Kamoshida's Shadow commanded

"That's our line, you sexually harassing asshole!" Skull called out

"What a naive misunderstanding." Kamoshida shook his head

"'Misunderstanding'? You attempted to rape me! Doing things that you kept in secret from everyone!" Dove shouted

"The people around me were the ones who kept it secret. Adults who want to share my accomplishments, the students who drive to become winners; they willingly protect me so that we all profit from it." Kamoshida gave that horrible excuse, making Joker's fist tighten.

"You. Absolute-" Panther glared

"FUCKING BASTARD!" Dove shouted, slashing out her sword. "You force people into that position!"

"You manipulate people into doing what you want! You're lower than trash!" Skull followed up

"Drop the attitude, you mediocre peasants! There's no wrong in using my gifts for my gain!" Kamoshida's Shadow proclaimed. "I'm a cut above all other humans!"

"Ha... Ha... Ha... Hahaha..."

A soft laughter filled the room, a cold chill running down everyone's backs. They all turned to the source of the voice, seeing Joker as the source of the laughter "HahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" the leader of the Phantom Thieves laughed, throwing his head back. His hand was over his eyes and mask, a loud and powerful laugh leaving his form as his entire body shook slightly

"Wh-What? Why're you-? Stop it. Stop laughing!" Kamoshida panicked and ordered, getting unnerved by Joker's laughter.

"D-Dude; you're freaking us out here!" Skull gulped nervously.

"Joker?" Mona asked as he looked at their leader.

"My god! You're pathetic!" Joker said as he kept laughing "How can someone with such an achievement as an Olympic Gold Medal be so pathetic that he thinks he can abuse KIDS and yet still have the balls to consider himself 'a cut above all other humans'?!"

"Shut it you little-" Shadow Kamishida started but ...

BANG!
BANG!
BANG!

"Gah!" Shadow Kamoshida yelled as he jumped back, several bullets embedded in the ground inches from his feet

Joker held his gun, the barrel smoking as he pointed "The next shots won't miss. So, here's your warning. We are taking your treasure, Kamoshida!" he called

"You're psychotic!" Kamoshida snapped, gripping tight onto his crown.

"Takes one to know one." Joker responded seriously as he span his gun, walking forwards. He passed his team, standing proudly in the middle with the girls on his left and the guys in the right "You're an egotistical psychopath who can't let go of his past and can't be happy with others achievements, you are pathetic and think you are the only one who deserves the lime light. A shell of a man jealous of children, abusing them so they don't surpass you. So, final warning. Hand over that treasure... Or we are kicking your ass. "

"Well then. You'll have to pry it from me. Cause here. I. Am. GOD!" Kamoshida proclaimed and began to exude large amounts of red shadow-like energy and transformed.

"Dude, what the fuck is goin' on?!" Skull backed up one step in shock.

Replacing the minuscule Kamoshida, was a large terrifying pink, four-armed, large-headed and length tongued Kamosida with the Treasure Crown on his head. In his lower arms, were a golden knife and fork, in his upper arms was a large goblet of wine with the Fakes of Ann and Shiho splashing around and a riding crop. Between his legs was a large golden goblet, or more specifically a trophy. "NoW, kNeLl BeFoRe Me!" He proclaimed

"Very well." Joker smirked and gripped his mask "Let's start this show!" he dammed and ripped the mask off, the others doing the same

"Captain Kidd!/Carmen!/Circe!/Jack Frost!" The group proclaimed, summoning their Persona.

"Let's do this, Captain!" Skull called out as he shot down a bolt of lightning at Kamoshida.

"Burn him, Carmen!" Panther followed up, scorching the Shadow of their teacher.

"Let's punish him, Circe!" Dove followed up, running at Kamoshida and slashed him with her sword.

Joker and Mona shared a grin and a nod, rushing forwards and jumping "Say goodbye!" Mona quipped as they twin slashed him, making him limp down.

"Oh, no! Master!" Fake Ann gasped

"Please, allow us to heal you!" Fake Shiho followed up.

"Oh My PrEcIoUs GiRlS! So WeLl BeHaVeD!" Shadow Kamoshida grinned, raising the glass... and SWALLOWED the girls and the drink?!

"Disgusting!" Panther spat out.

"Oh... What's he doing?" Dove asked as Shadow Kamoshida gulped down the wine... And the two girls!

"Ah~, ReFrEsHiNg!" He smiled, getting back up

"I think I'm gonna be sick!" Skull groaned. "That's messed up!"

"Oh fucking god!" Panther shuddered in disgust "Carmen, burn him!"

"Don't aim for him!" Joker called out

"Why not?" Panther and Dove responded

"The Trophy, aim for that!" Mona followed up.

"I'm on it!" Skull responded, running at it and slammed his iron pipe into the metal, denting it quite a bit.

"No! My trophy! Back off you brats!" Kamoshida yelled as the cup was dented and knocked from his hand

"That really did it, Skull." Mona called out.

"Keep at it!" Joker followed up.

"OuT oF mY wAy YoU pAtHeTiC cHiLdReN!" Kamoshida yelled, slapping the leader of the group away

"Gah!" Joker yelled as he was hit, slammed against a wall

"Joker!" The group called out.

"Hnn! I'm alright." He grunted and got back up, though in pain.

"Go get him! Strike him down slugs!" Kamoshida's Shadow proclaimed, ordering volleyball masked black BDSM suited figures to attack with volleyballs.

"Oh fuck!" Ann hissed, slashing her whip

"You son of a bitch!" Dove shouted and slashed the trophy, cleaving it in two.

"NO! My trophy!" He screamed "I won that from the National!"

"Let's move!" Mona called out as they all ran up and aimed their ranged weapons at him.

"I. Am. Kamoshida! Don't you frigging get that?" Kamoshida yelled as he was knocked down.

"So what?" Joker responded

"You little fuckers! I'm above everything in this castle! I'M the King here!" Kamoshida roared

"You look down on everyone, Kamoshida. You're pathetic." Skull glared, as he held his shotgun.

"We came all the way to steal your treasure. Why don't you just shut up and hand it over?" Panther followed up.

"NEVER!"

"Then tough luck." Dove frowned, the five rushing out for an All-Out attack

Kamoshida still stood tall, enraged that he as hit. "Damn you all! I'll kill you!"

"He's still standing? Even after all that?" Dove asked in shock.

"We need to switch strategies. Mona, think you can take the crown?" Joker asked

"Leave it to me." Mona smirked

"Guys. We are the distraction." Joker ordered "Jack Frost! BUUFA!"

SHATTER!

"ARGH! Little bastard!" Kamoshida's Shadow glared as he was frosted by Joker's Persona.

"Hey! Eyes on me!" Dove shouted as she spiked her grenade and hit Kamoshida.

BOOM!

"No!" Kamoshida yelled as his glass was sent flying from his hand

"He's finally taking damage." Ann realised

"Your turn, Panther!" Skull called out, aiming his shotgun

"Yeah!" Ann nodded, pulling out her machine gun

"You wouldn't-ARGH!" Kamoshida glared before being peppered by Panther's machine gun. She and Skull opened fired, unleashing every shot they could. Kamoshida was fallen down again, lifting up his glass without the Shadow Ann and Shiho. "More. Need... More."

Joker looked over to the side of the room, seeing Mona climb up the pillars and up to the bannister. He was in position.

"BANZAI!" Mona called the moment before impact, grabbing the crown as he swung past Kamoshida. It was ripped off the giants head, sending it flying

"NO! My crown!" Kamoshida's Shadow screamed.

"Take him down, NOW!" Joker called out as they all lead into a full-on All Out Attack!

The shadow slumped, having lost all will to fight... And then it began

CRACK!

PSSSSSHHHHHH!

Kamoshida's blood spurted out as he turned back to his normal human self. The crown had shrunk down to a more manageable form as Skull walked to grab it, only for Kamoshida to leap and roll to grab it. Shambling to the open window with the Phantom Thieves blocking his exit away.

"What's wrong? Not running away?" Panther glared. There was fire in her eyes, Carmen standing behind her menacingly

"It's always been like this. Those goddamn hyenas forcing their expectations on me... I'm doing this all for them! What's wrong with demanding a reward?" He snapped

"Even now, you're making excuses." Dove frowned as Circe stood there surrounded by blue flames

Kamoshida backed up, looking behind him... and saw the vast drop below, a drop that would most certainly kill him.

"Panther. Dove. It's your call." Mona spoke seriously.

Joker nodded in agreement as he crossed his arms, taking a step back

"P-Please. It-it's not my-AH!" Kamoshida's Shadow whimpered, before cowering from their attack they just sent his way.

"It's so easy now; isn't it?" Dove asked. "Making people miserable."

"I. I accept defeat." Kamoshida fell to his knees and wept, dropping his crown. "Take it. Go ahead. Finish me off. I deserve it."

The crown rolled over to Panther's feet as she took it. "Dove. I know he deserves it; it's your call. No one will blame or judge you no matter what you choose." Joker asked, trying to help her.

Dove lowered her sword. Looking at Skull and Panther. "It's funny... I want you to die, but. I want you to suffer too." She admitted

"I'm the same, Dove." Skull admitted, looking at his leg.

"You're going to live, Kamoshida. And you're going to pay for what you've done." Panther responded.

"I will. I'll merge back with my real self." Kamoshida's shadow responded as he began to sparkle away as the Palace began to shudder and break

"What is going on?!" Skull yelled

"The treasure's been stolen! We need to get out of here!" Mona called out.

"We need to run!" Joker ordered as he grabbed the crown and the group sprinted off

"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!" Skull panicked as they ran through the tower and towards out of the castle.

"Shiho!" Panther yelled, holding her best friends hand as they ran

"I've got you!" Shiho responded as Skull fell down as his knee was acting up.

"D-damn it." Skull whimpered as he force himself up.

"Not losing you here, Skull!" Joker pulled him up and ran with him.

"What?" Skull blinked in shock. He looked up at his friend as he caught himself, Joker supporting him as the ran

"C'mon!" Joker helped him run, the five leaping out of the Palace as it collapsed behind them.

They five flew through the air before the Metaverse teleported then away back to the real world.


*real world*

They all came crashing out of the Metaverse in an alley just outside the school

"Ow! Hnn!" Ryuji groaned as he and Joker landed together.

"That was close." Ann panted

"Well done everyone." Morgana landed safely

"Mmmm..." Shiho was blushed as she sat there

"Shiho? Are you okay?" Ann asked

"Um, yes. I seem to have landed on something soft." Shiho answered as she looked down... and saw arms sticking out from the side of her legs. "EEK!"

"Mmmm." Ren's voice mumbled from under her

"Shiho, get off!" Ann helped her friend up to get her away from Ren almost suffocating.

"Thank you." Ren answered, getting a breath of fresh air although it had been a nice view '... white... kinda fitting.' he thought as he stayed his normal blank self

"You breathing okay, dude?" Ryuji asked

"Yeah, much better." Ren nodded

"So, what happened to the treasure?" Ann asked a she held up Shiho.

"Here." Mona pointed to a gold medal. "Kamoshida's treasure."

"An Olympic medal? Did we actually steal it?" Shiho asked

"This is a replica of the real thing, the actual medal is still in Kamoshida's possession." Mona explained.

"... Ca~n we sell it?" Ryuji asked

"Of course!" Mona answered.

"Nice." Ren smiled

"Ren." Shiho spoke up, looking at him.

"Yeah, Shiho?" He asked... and was shocked as she bowed.

"I'm sorry!" She bowed apologetically.

"Don't apologise, it was the palace's fault." Ren reassured her as he rubbed the back of his neck

"But still, I almost suffocated you." Shiho responded, raising her head slowly.

"... nope. Not even gonna comment." Ryuji mumbled, staying out of it.

"What was that, Ryuji?" Ann glared

"Nothing! I swear!" He responded, before looking at his phone. "Shit, we better get back home."

"Later." Morgana called

"Yeah, see you guys later." Ren answered, picking up both Morgana and the medal. "I'll look on the internet to see how much this'll go for."

"Okay. Bye." Shiho mumbled with her blush 'I can't believe I did that!' she thought

'I can't believe she did that.' Ann thought, surprised as she felt jealous


*Time Skip*

Ren was back at Cafe LeBlanc, having hidden the medal in his bag along with Morgana "I'm back." He called

"Ah, you're back. You're spending too much time out with your friends." Soujiro sighed as he stood by and poured himself a coffee.

"Really?" Ren asked

"... No. As long as you're not causing trouble." Soujiro answered. "What kept you this time?"

"Nothing, I'm not late." He shrugged

"I guess that's true. Have you had any dinner?" Soujiro asked, after stroking his beard.

"Grabbed a bite in the way back." Ren assured "I'm gonna go to bed."

"Well, alright. Don't forget to lock up." Soujiro answered as he took the apron off and went outside, just as his phone began to ring.

"Huh?" Ren blinked

"It's nothing. I'll be home soon." Soujiro spoke up

"Okay. Good night. Personal call?" Ren asked

"Something like that." Soujiro responded and closed the door behind him.

"I think that went well." Morgana commented

"I think so too." Ren nodded. "Now to sell that." He pointed to his bag.

"Tomorrow." Morgana pointed out

"I know... Hungry?" Ren nodded and then turned to Morgana.

"Yeah!" The cat smiled and wagged his tail


*the next day*

Ren was waiting at the train station, looking over a book in his hand, pertaining to a woman called 'Carmen'. The title was 'The Alluring Dancer'. He had to say, aspects of this book reminded him of Ann

"How's the book going?" Ann asked as she arrived at the station.

"Good." Ren smiled, chuckling 'Think and you'll receive.' he joked mentally

"I'm sorry?" Ann asked in confusion. "Do you think Kamoshida will change?"

"I know it." He nodded "We just have to wait."

Ann rubbed her arm out of nerves. "I hope so. If he's going to be back-."

"Remember, Lady Ann, it takes time when someone loses their distorted desires." Morgana muttered, just loud enough for Ann to hear but not loud enough for others to hear.

"Want to hang out after school? Get your mind off it?" Ren offered

"I'd. I'd like that, Ren." She answered honestly, though a little shocked

"Cool." He nodded

BING BONG!

"Train's here." Ren spoke as they boarded.

"Oh! Right!" Ann gasped. The two boarded on, going to their school's line, hoping the day wasn't going to be awful.


*time skip*

"He's not in?" Ren asked

"No, seems like it." The teacher answered

"Wow."

The class was in a bit of a hubbub, people wondering what happened to their Gym Teacher... Although many people were just happy they weren't going to get a volleyball to the face this week. Ren smiled at himself, nodding proudly

"Now, this means that gym class will be stopped for the foreseeable future." The teacher spoke

"Oh, thank goodness." Ann muttered

"But that doesn't mean you can skip that class." The teacher followed up. "You'll be having a study period."

The students groaned and leaned back in their chairs out of annoyance. And since gym class was last for some people, it was a huge pain.

"Guess we're not going home that early." Morgana sighed heavily

"Yeah, I know." Ren nodded as the class continued


*Time Skip*

"I'll meet you at the mall." Ren said "Need to go to a store first. You mind?"

"No, it's no problem." She responded kindly.

Ren nodded and headed out, going out to Central Street and towards the Airsoft Shop. Morgana knew why Ren was going here and smiled. Selling this medal was a good call and this place would buy anything that would be too 'sketchy' and the research they did before showed that medals like this reached up to thirty thousand Yen, a great boost to their profits.

It was the perfect place to go

Ding!

"Huh? Oh, it's you. Back for some new models?" The shop owner asked

"Not today thanks, I've actually got something I want to sell." Ren answered coolly.

The shop owner looked at him with a steely gaze, one that could pierce through solid stone, right through Ren's 'Guts' itself. "It's not anything illegal; is it?" He inquired

"No." Ren said Dauntlessly, putting the bag on the table

The owner looked at the bag and opened it, seeing the cat inside. "... This isn't a petshop."

"No, not Morgana. This." Ren apologised and pulled out the medal. "I checked online, it's worth 30,000."

"... A medal? Is this real?" He asked and looked on his laptop and searched for the medal.

"Yep." Ren nodded before he out a second bag, filled with all the treasure he'd gathered in their trips into Kamoshida's Palace on the table "I'd like to sell these as well."

"... Shit a brick kid, did you rob a museum or something? ... Or a porno store? Cause." The shop owner asked in shock, before holding up a sexy candlestick holder and examined it. "You got a lot of weird stuff here."

"Do you want to know?" Ren responded

"... Not really. Fine. I'll till it up." The owner responded and began to look at all the stuff, even examining it. The medal was easy since that was the starting point. 30,000 Yen, plus a half dozen candlestick holders, a few volleyballs and other... 'Exotic items'. Many of which got a few raised eyebrows.

"Hmm... That comes to 60,000 yen kid."

"Sixty grand." Ren smiled. "Thank you."

"Yeah, no problem. Sorta replaces the money you spent here before." The shop owner answered.

"Nya-ha-ha! Sweet!" Morgana laughed happily.

"One happy cat there; haven't you?" He asked, looking at Morgana and sort of scared him.

"Yes sir, I look after him." Ren nodded

"Well. Here's your exchange." He answered, handing over the cash. "Y'sure you don't want anything from here?"

"No, thank you. I'm fine." Ren answered politely, picking up his bag with a scared Morgana inside and left.

The owner looked at the stuff he had purchased and sighed heavily. 'Who the hell made these things? And what was he doing with them?' He thought as he looked at one of the erotic candlestick holders.

"Are you okay, Morgana?" Ren asked

"Y-yeah. I forgot how scary that guy can get." The cat responded as he shook it off.

"Yes fine." Ren smiled

"Guess we can go out tonight after we tell the others." Morgana added

"That's true." He nodded as he left towards the mall

"Hey, sorry for the wait." Ren apologised as he walked up.

"It's no problem. It was only a couple of minutes." Ann responded with a smile "So... Where are we going?"

"I think Inokashira Park. That's a nice spot." Ren answered

"Okay, let's go." She nodded with a nod, her arms crossing behind her back "Sounds like a good idea." The two headed towards the train and took it to Inokashira Park, a beautiful lush park with gravel laden paths and wooden benches. It was a beautiful sight, a sight he had seen so many times... But seeing it again was great "Are you okay?" She asked, seeing his eyes tear up gently.

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." He answered "Just haven't seen a place this beautiful for a long time."

"I guess you don't get much greenery where you're from." Ann joked lightly.

"Nope." he smiled back

"Can I ask you something?" She asked as she stood there.

"Anything." He responded

"I want to try and get better as a 'sexy thief'; if that makes sense?" Ann asked

"What?" Ren coughed lightly

"I want to try and strengthen my heart and resolve. Kamoshida's Palace made me realise...I need to block out things like that." She answered

"Oh. Right." Ren nodded and coughed

"So... I want you to say things at me and I'll try not to let them get under my skin." Ann explained.

"Yeah, I think I get it." Ren responded in understanding. He remembered this the first time around, and he had to chuckle.

"Why're you laughing?" Ann blushed in embarrassment.

"I find it admirable." He answered, reassuring her.

"R-Really?" she blushed

"Of course... We've not started yet, have we?" He asked

"N-No! Not yet!" She answered, breathing to calm herself down. "Hoo! Okay. Do it, hit me with your best shot."

"Hmm~" Ren hummed in thought "You're dumb?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. And?" She waved it off.

"The response was annoying." Ren continued

"Uh-huh. What else?" Ann smiled confidently as she continued to shrug it off.

"... I love you." Ren responded, throwing her off. He said those words, letting out those feelings he had been unable to tell her the last time around, although she doesn't really know him now nor does she understand he was being serious

"W-W-What?!" she yelled, blushing a bright atomic red "That's cheating! You're disqualified!"

"... Are you sure? I thought you told me-" Ren asked with a cheeky smile and his arms crossed

"No! No! Disqualified! Not allowed! Unfair!" she called, her blush only growing at his smirk

"What?" He just asked as he sat back down.

"You can't pull something like that out!" Ann answered, crouching her self. "Urgh! Okay. Okay, okay, okay. Hmm!" She grunted, psyching herself up in order to get this training again. Although she did kick the ground lightly, like she was working out her anger at how much he shocked her

"Ready?"

"Yeah. Bring it on!" She called up.

"Okay... Listen to me." Ren called out, trying to get her attention.

Ann ignored him, keeping focussed..before she leaned up and sighed. "Y'know, I thought this would actually help and make our Personas stronger."

"You're right, this will help." Ren answered, reassuring her as this was still early days for them.

"I guess. But. Something's not right." Ann answered before her phone pinged. "Oh, sorry. It's my agency. Darn, the next shoot is really far. What's this at the end?" She asked as she scrolled through the email. "Oh, it's a notice saying to pay extra attention to the time and place."

"That's good right?" Ren asked

"Not really. Other models have said that it was a change in schedule." Ann responded

"Right." Ren nodded

"Exactly. The shoots have become hectic and they're scrambling for substitutes." Ann continued

"Has that happened to you?" Ren asked

"Nope. Never missed a single shoot so far." Ann smiled proudly before she pondered. "Must be confusing them to see a sub showing up. Hope it doesn't happen to me."

Ren felt something tingle in the back of his brain... had this happened before? He knew this day happened before. But was it possible that he missed something? He shook his head and gave a gentle smile "You know... I could really see you as a model as you grow up. Being a real professional super model."

"Wh-what? Really? I mean... It'd be difficult and different. Going from place to place. Europe one day, America the next, back home to Japan after... I mean. It sounds... Intimidating. That's 'freedom' right?"

"That kind of freedom sounds nice though." Ren answered "I can tell you're a smart girl. You could make it and any family you want work perfectly."

"F-Family? Jeez, Ren. You sure know how to joke around." Ann blushed

"What are you talking about Ann? You're a great girl." Ren nodded "Any guy would be happy to be with you."

Ann felt her heart thump right in her chest. Ren's words made her fluster slightly before she nodded. 'Th-thank you.' She blushed. "L-Let's head home." She nervously responded

"You okay?" he asked

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little overwhelmed." Ann answered simply, trying to cover her face.

"Okay. I shall see you tomorrow." Ren waved as he felt their bond deepen

Lovers: Rank 3


*time skip*

Ren had bought the TV from the second-hand shop, propped it onto his table and saw it rest there. "What a day." He whispered as he looked at it. He wondered if Soujiro was downstairs

"Ah, Ren. Back from hanging out with your friends?" Sojiro asked

"Yeah. You want some help?" Ren nodded

"Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks." He responded.

Ren could feel the connection between him and Sojiro growing, even more with his Persona that he had.. He walked in, getting ready

"Right, let me show you how to make a decent cup of coffee." Sojiro responded

"That sounds great." he smiled

"Put an apron on and let's get making." He spoke up, clapping his hands.

"Right."

The two soon got to work together, taking coffee beans and ground them, prepping for a decent cup of coffee "You smell that, Ren? That is the smell of a proper cup of coffee." Sojiro wafted the smell of freshly made grounds towards his nose.

"Hmm~" Ren nodded, he had missed this smell

"Now, why don't you try some?" He asked. "Just this once."

"As in make some?" Ren asked

"Yes, that as well." Sojiro nodded to clarify.

"Sounds good." He responded as he sipped Sojiro's coffee. He smiled and sighed happily "Ah~, best coffee in Tokyo."

"... Now you're just trying to butter me up." Sojiro laughed

"Nope! It's true!" Ren assured "And now... It's my turn."

"You think you're ready?" Sojiro asked

Ren rubbed his hands and nodded. "I'm sure." He smiled, quickly getting to work

Sojiro looked on at Ren and sat down, looking on at him and wondered what he would do. He saw how Ren worked with... Almost practiced skill

"Err... How or when did you-?" Sojiro asked in shock

"What?" Ren asked, holding out the poured cup of coffee

"Nothing." Sojiro sighed as Ren put the cup of coffee before him.

"What do you think?" Ren asked, waiting patiently for Sojiro to try it

Sojiro took the drink to his lips, tasting the flavour and admiring the smell of beans. "Hmm~."

"Hmm?" Ren asked and leaned forwards, eager to hear the answer

...

"It's okay."

"Yeah? Really?" He smiled

"Don't get over-excited. I just said it was 'okay'." He answered as Ren's face was spread in a wild grin

"I'll take it." Ren answered proudly

"... Okay." Sojiro chuckled lightly

Ren nodded, leaning on the counter "So? Want me to work here? To help out?" he offered

"You want to work here?" Sojiro asked as his glasses almost slipped off his nose.

"Of course. It's the least I can do. Besides, it means I can learn from the best." Ren smiled

"Good to know you've learned something." Sojiro answered

"Thanks." Ren answered as he took the pot and began to pour himself a cup of coffee too. He felt his heart glow as he felt a familiar bond reform

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

Ren smiled as he felt that connection take root. It felt good to reconnect with his father figure.

Hopefully one day it could be the way it once was