Time Knight Leo: Yeah, your theory about Morgana is basically what happened. Plus he didn't have the wild card's power to protect him from any weirdness.

Iron Mario: Yeah. Honestly that is our reaction to his statements bleeding into the story a bit

warrior of six blades: Glad you are enjoying it.

Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Well, his stats ARE super high for this part of the game laughs

Xerzo LotCN: A 100% run means max stats and max confidants
And he knew Futaba was watching, and hiding the fact he has time traveled would be super hard. Plus he KNOWS he needs her help, and it's Futaba... she needs help

MementoMori115: I feel like Morgana was totally justified. Okay, NOT totally but... yeah. He felt like everything that was 'his' place in the team had been taken over by everyone else. And then Ryuji was a massive dick.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Does Horobi know you have his katana?

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

jaedaninfante: This story isn't dropped, Grey just needed a month off because of stress.

Shadow Joestar: Trust us, it's going to be cathartic.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Well, we're not going to kill him. But he will pay for his sins.

GunBlade2020: Yeah, the burger is a demon to get through. And he's called 'Ren' in this story, not 'Akira'. We're going by game logic.

MementoMori115: Yeah, well that's the point of this story; Ren having the Stats this time to become better. We've got plans for Okumura, don't worry.

MasterDarkElf: Yeah, this story is solely Persona 5 OG. Glad you've been enjoying it.

Metal face: Naoto is not going to appear in this story. She's happily in a relationship with Narukami.

Vishesh: Please don't spam the word 'Update'. Grey and I will continue this story but he had to take some time off.

RStreighart: Trust us, the ripples will soon become a tsunami.

Guest chapter 10 Sep 25: Thanks very much, we ignore any toxic reviews.

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

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

And here is chapter 11!

..

Okay, heads up. I took last month off, outside of one of my stories, sorry. Needed a break.

So, here time for us to approach/enter the second Palace!
Let's save the starving artist!


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 11: Into the Museum of the Dark


It was the next day and school was just cutting out for the day and the Thieves were on the rooftop.

"Okay." Ren nodded as he looked at everyone

"So what're we going to do? Go into the Metaverse?" Shiho asked

"Cause we can't get to Madarame's Palace, if he has one at least." Ryuji added

"He has one, the Nav picked it up." Ren pointed out "We just need to know what his distortion is. Because it certainly isn't a cas-" His speech was interrupted as the door suddenly opened, and Ren's eyes widened as he saw Queen again

'Queen', was a short-brown-haired girl wearing a white long-sleeved turtleneck shirt with a halter vest, the school coloured skirt, long black-stockings, and brown boots.

"N-Niijima?" Ryuji asked in shock. "What're you doing here?"

"I heard something about students being in places they really shouldn't." 'Niijima answered

'Makato.' Ren thought in wonder and shock. A year away from everyone, being shoved back... why did he forget all of the women in his life where so attractive?

"We're just hanging out here, we're not doing anything wrong." Shiho explained

"And this place is off limits to students." she countered

"Ack! O-okay." Ryuji panicked

"I know you're called a 'problem student' Mr Amamiya, but please follow the rules." Niijima asked

"Right. Sorry, Makoto." Ren apologised, just being polite.

...

"How did you know my name?" she asked in shock

"Does it matter?" Ann scoffed "Maybe if you did your job in looking out for the students and their safety instead of brown nosing the teachers so much they can taste your tongue in the back of their throats, you'd know that rumours like that are bullshit and Ren is an awesome guy who had bad luck. But then again a teacher revealed his criminal record, so he must be a terrible student. Right, Makoto?"

The brunette took a step back in shock at the pure venom in Ann's words, looking down and away from everyone and she held her chest

"I... I..." Makoto tried to answer, collecting her thoughts to respond to that.


*? ? ?*

"Are you serious? She said that to her?" The silver-haired woman glared

"To be fair, it was still early when I was school." Ren answered

The prosecutor sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Continue. What happened after?"


*Back in the past*

"Just... Don't hang out here." Makoto said before rushing off

"That was a bit harsh, Ann. True...but harsh." Shiho commented

"If she looked out of the students then Kamoshida wouldn't have got his hands on you." Ann said with venom

"I... hmm." Shiho began to answer, but then recoiled back. She saw Ann's point but she didn't blame Makoto... And seeing a pissed Ann was scary

"Where can we go now?" Ryuji asked

"Ryuji's right, we'll need a new base." Morgana thought.

"What about the train station?" Ren shrugged

"The station? Won't that be crowded?" Ann asked, calming down.

"Best place to be. So many people, we can talk with their voices hiding our own." Ren explained "Just hiding in plain site."

"Just like Phantom Thieves." Shiho smiled gently.

"I guess that works." Ann agreed

"Okay, let's head off and work out the final keyword." Ren nodded, putting his bag over his shoulder

The group headed off and walked to the station. "Can we get something to eat on the way?" Ryuji asked


*At the station*

"So... we've gotten another member of the team?" Ryuji asked as he ate a sandwich.

"Technically. Her codename's 'Alibaba'." Ren answered.

"Can she be trusted?" Shiho asked

"I trust her." Ren nodded

"How do you know this 'Alibaba's' a girl?" Ann asked

"I had a guess." Ren lied. "So, Madarame. And his shack."

"But... What could his distorted view of the world be?" Shiho asked

"What would Madarame perceive his home as?" Ann wondered

"Let's think of different buildings?" Ryuji asked

"Zoo, amusement park, station." Shiho thought

"Museum." Ren answered with a pretend guess"He's an artist. It makes sense."

Bing!

"Holy crap, that worked!" Ryuji double-took.

"Let's go." Ren encouraged

"Here we go." Ryuji pressed the app and the group teleported to Madarame's Palace.

"Whoa!" Ann, Shiho and Ryuji gasped as they saw the Palace.

It was a tall, gaudy golden building. Made like a cubist's style art piece, a nearly full parking-lot with a long line of people wanting to get in. Tall golden walls around the building and a pushed out plaque which read 'Madarame's'. Just his name.

"... Hey, we're in our gear. Does that mean we're threatening here?" Shiho asked as she looked over their costumes.

"Definitely." Ren nodded, standing tall and wearing his coat "Code names everyone. This guy is clearly suspicious about everyone."

"Understood, Joker." Panther responded

"Got it." Dove nodded

"Let's do this." Skull smirked

"Alright, Phantom Thieves. Let's do this." Mona shuddered excitedly.

...

"So... How do we get in?" Skull asked

"How else do thieves get in? The roof." Mona smirked

"Yeah, but how?" Skull asked

"We can take the cars. Leap up and stealth along the roof." Dove pointed

"Yeah, I mean, look at the cars, they go straight up to the wall." Panther agreed before she looked down at the heels on her own and Dove's feet in worry

"As long as you believe you can make the jumps you'll be fine." Joker encouraged before he raced forwards

"Joker, wait!" Ryuji called out as he and the others followed

"What?" he asked, coming to a stop... and effortlessly standing, one legged, on a pillar the size of a foot

"The hell?" The group asked

"I'm waiting. There might be guards here." Joker commented
Panther took a deep breath... and proudly followed his lead, jumping up after him
With a single leap, each of the Phantom Thieves was right there with their leader. "C'mon." He smiled and lead the way, feeling more comfortable around this way.

"Careful, there are guards here." Mona pointed down, showing Shadows wearing guard uniforms and holding flashlights.

"One wrong move and we'll be forced out." Joker whispered

"Like at Kamoshida's Palace?" Skull asked

"Like at Kamoshida's Palace." Joker nodded

"Stay out of the light and stay hidden. Gotcha." Panther nodded as they continued, Joker leaping to a platform where a gaudy vase was and broke it, pulling out a small treasure worth some money. "What're you doing?"

"How'd you think I paid for the burgers?" Joker smirked, pocketing the treasure and lead the way to the roof.

"Great; now how do we get in?" Dove asked

"Mona?" Joker smirked

"A Phantom Thief is never without his tools, Lady Dove." Mona answered, pulling out a length of rope, while Joker and Skull pulled open the skylight. "Okay, it's attached."

"Thank god." Skull held up the skylight while Joker propped it open.

"Good work, dude." Joker praised

"Thanks. Ladies first?" Skull offered

"Such a gentleman." Panther rolled her eyes as she and Dove went first.

"I. What am I doing wrong?" Skull asked as he felt like he was insulting them, when he wasn't.

"Try not to think about it." Joker answered as they entered the building.

Their drop was muffled by the thick carpet underneath, where dozens of paintings depicting various people were hung up of gaudy golden frames, all Van Gogh styled portraits with swirls and almost distorted appearances. With each frame having a plaque on the bottom which had a name.

"What is this place?" Panther asked in shock as she approached a painting that had caught her attention "What are these paint-"

"Careful Panther." Joker soothed and pulled her back, revealing glowing red security lines right in front of her. The sudden act, however, pulled her flush against his chest

"Whoa. Th-that was close." She blushed under her mask, looking up at Joker's face "Thanks Joker." she smiled up at him

"Of course." He nodded, helping her to her feet.

"I can't believe it. It's really like a museum." Dove whispered

"Okay, this way's open." Mona pointed

"What are with these paintings?" Dove asked as they began to walk through the Palace

"They look like people." Skull agreed, looking at them. "Kinda twisted, this one." He pointed to a painting where the figure had a warped face and glasses.

"Maybe they're former students?" Panther wondered

"Maybe they are 'Madarame's Inspirations'." Joker answered

"What do you mean? These are people he's stolen from?" Skull asked

"They are the people who's talents he has used, his prizes." He said simply

"You mean all those wonderful pictures and different styles he does... are other peoples? The man was right?" Dove asked in a disheartened tone.

"Exactly. He stole them." Joker frowned "He stole their hope and their futures."

"... We're stealing it back." Skull spoke with determination.

"All of it." Mona nodded

The group traveled the rooms, seeing the various paintings that hung up in Madarame's Palace.

"Disgusting." Dove frowned

"Look at it. Just him ego stroking." Skull frowned as they reached a hallway which was all laser beams "Oh what the actual-?" Skull whispered before Joker pulled him back, hidden in the shadows from oncoming guards.

Joker then sprinted forwards, sliding under the laser grid like it wasn't there and landing smoothly at the corner of another room

...

Clap! Clap! Clap!

The four clapped softly as they saw Joker's acrobatics while he put his finger up to shush them. They all stopped and followed his example, sliding under the lasers to get to his position 'Guards.' They thought, seeing one move about.

Joker nodded and, with great agility and speed, got behind the Shadow and tore his mask off. "Show me your true self!" He gave a mighty pull, ripping the mask off

SHING!

The guard bent backwards and turned into small humanoid figures with big beards, carrying leaves as umbrellas "What are these?" Skull asked

"Koropokguru." Mona answered as he was getting ready for a fight.

"Panther, fire!" Joker called out.

"Right! Carmen!" the blonde nodded, blue fire busying from her form as the Persona took shape "AGI!" She proclaimed as Carmen shot down a shot of fire right on the Shadow, causing it to fall down and expose its weakness "All Out Attack!" Panther cheered
The group overpowered the Shadow and overly beat it down. Panther landed on her feet gracefully, gave a single spin and bade a peace sign as she winked.
The words 'OMG! We are so awesome!' appeared behind her as she spoke. "A beautiful rose has thorns."

"We need to work out how to make that stronger." Joker commented "There are going to be times where its not enough."

"We're trying, but we don't exactly have time in the day for everything." Panther admitted

'Yeah, don't I know it.' He nodded in understanding.

"Hey, that vase looks expensive." Skull whispered as he spotted a vase in the hall.

"Yeah, let's get it, Joker!" Mona smiled as his want for 'desire' was kicking in.

"Guys, shh." Joker whispered as another guard was looking over their direction, before turning around "Come on. I think we are close to the next level."

The group nodded and followed their leader, which was lead to a corridor...and a large picture of Yusuke.

"Oh my!" Dove gasped

"Yusuke? Why's he here? I mean, I know why, but... why is this picture bigger than the others?" Panther asked

"He is extra proud of Yusuke... but why?" Mona commented

"I don't know." Joker frowned, trying to remember why. 'Hnn... stupid memories.'

"Should we keep going?" Dove asked.

"Yeah. Yeah, we should." Joker nodded, getting his head back in the game. He walked away, keeping his head down

'Joker. What's wrong?' Panther wanted to ask, but they couldn't right now.


*time skip*

"A reception area? Seriously?" Skull asked in confusion.

"Hide!" Dove pointed, the group hiding away as they saw some guards.

"Damn it, so close." Panther whispered

"We've got this." Joker answered, biding his time until he...STRUCK! "Show me your true form!"

The Shadow had its face ripped off, transforming into two different Persona.

The first was a tanned skinned human, black to blonde pig-tailed hair, fairy wings, flat yellow slippers and a Chinese dress.

The second was a featherless bird, pink flesh for its body except for its head, its neck was bound in black latches, a large onion-like head with a black mouth and shut eyes.

"Wh-what the hell?" Skull groaned

"That thing is staring into my soul!" Mona yelled

"Which one?" Panther panicked.

"The bird!" Mona panicked.

"Got it!" Dove grabbed her 'grenade ball' and volley-spike shot the pair out of the air, landing them onto the floor.

"Gun it!" Joker proclaimed, Dove taking the initiative and they went for their All Out Attack.

"HA!" she yelled as the group attacked, striking from every direction at high speeds 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 "No more." Dove said seriously, her blade shinning

"You know, you look real cool when you do that." Panther commented

"Really?" Dove giggled happily. "Thanks."

"Good work, Dove." Skull gave a thumbs up and a smile.

Joker looked over the location and saw a map sticking out of a museum pamphlet rack. "Gotcha." He muttered.

"What'cha got there?" Skull asked as he saw their leader.

"A map." He answered. "At least to the early floors."

"Lucky!" Mona cheered

"So, it's like Kamoshida's palace. There's always a map." Panther commented

"Exactly... but this is only one part to it. We'll need to head in deeper to-. Cra... p." Joker spoke before groaning, seeing the shutters down on them.

"What happened?" Dove asked

"We can't go through this way. Madarame doesn't trust us yet." Joker answered, pointing to the next levels.

"But we've gotten our way in, right?" Dove asked

"Yeah, this is a good start." Joker nodded, pocketing the map into their bag "We can do this." he said with his Phantom Thief smile, which had the two girls hearts fluttering

'Swooning hearts, Joker. Swooning hearts.' Mona thought.

'Damn, that's cool.' Skull thought as he saw his friend. "Guys, incoming." He pointed to the moving light of a Shadow Guard

"Hey! Stop right there!" the guard yelled and rushed towards them

"Oh, fuck me I can't catch a break." Skull groaned.

"Less bitching, more shooting!" Panther glared

"Guys, let's do this!" Joker ordered

"Right!" They answered, readying their weapons.

"FoR mAsTeR mAdArAmE!" The Shadows proclaimed as they appeared. Both were dog-like, one looked like a black dog's head with red eyes on a lengthy white ghostly body; the second was a paper-like dog spirit with light-blue markings and a scroll tied to its head.

"Skull, Mona!" Joker called out

"ZIO!/GARULA!" Both called out, Skull shooting down lightning on the black-head dog while Mona shot out winds at the paper-ghost dog. The two Shadows sparked and fell onto the ground, aimed for an All Out Attack, both those attacks hit true on their opponents.

"Alright guys." Joker called "All Out Attack time!"

"Got it!" Mona cheered, leading the charge as all of them took down the two Shadows, multitudes of punches and kicks with precision as Mona leapt into the air and landed on a chair with a smirk. The spraying blood of the shadows scattered everywhere as Mona finished by saying "The. End." He smirked

Boom!

"Whoo. Nice one." Skull smiled, raising his hand.

SMACK!

"Yeah!" Mona high-fived him.

Joker laughed, feeling pride fill his heart. Seeing those two get along was certainly amazing!

"Let's head back, we've probably spent a little too much time here." Dove suggested.

"Good idea. We'll meet back up tomorrow." Joker added as they left through the roof to the outside and back into the real world. He looked back, at the massive wall in the flower garden that locked them out 'Soon.' He thought as they disappeared back home.


*Back in the Real World*

"Okay, that was intense for what it was." Shiho commented while weakly stumbling in pain

"Whoa, easy. I've got you." Ann helped her up.

Ryuji looked at the time on his phone. "Jeez, how long were we in there for?"

"About the same time as normal." Ren shrugged

"Well. Yeah, but... still shocking to see we were just there for a few hours. It didn't feel that long." Ryuji answered

"Yeah. It feels like a day." Dove quipped

"What now?" Ann asked

"... Head to LeBlanc?" Ren suggested "If we aren't too tired."

"Maybe the weekend after all this is done?" Shiho asked

"Yeah, that might be nice." Ren understood.

"Later, dude." Ryuji patted his back.

"By guys." Ren waved as Ryuji left.

"Oh, Ren. A quick word." Shiho asked

"Sure, what is it?" He asked as he turned to her, his hands in his pockets

"Well. If you're free soon... do you. Do you want to hang out later?" Shiho asked

"Sure. We can do it now if you want." he nodded

"R-Really?" Shiho asked, looking at Ann, who gave her a thumbs up. "Yeah. Now would-would be good."

"Okay, let's go." Ren nodded

Shiho squeaked happily as she went with Ren, seeing Ann leave with a smile to reassure her.

...

"I want my turn soon." She admitted


*with Ren and Shiho*

Both Ren and Shiho were walking to the clothes store in the mall, looking around at the various fashions that caught their eyes. Ren was interested in this after all... And by that he meant Shiho with fashion. Last time he only really knew of her in a way, stories they Ann told him and the group about her

"A lot's happened in the past month." She admitted as she looked at some clothes.

"Yeah." Ren smiled

"I honestly didn't think I'd be here if it wasn't for you." She smiled, looking at the clothes.

"I'm... Sure you'll be fine." he smiled

She nodded and held a shirt over her chest. "What do you think? Is this cute?" She almost seemed shy about it, about her fashion choice. The shirt being very... basic. Pink with a cartoon cat picture over the chest

Ren smirked, stifling a laugh, seeing how cute Shiho's choice was. "Yeah. It is."

"You think it's silly." She frowned, covering her face.

"No, of course not. I think it's cute on you." He answered "It is a bit weird but it suits you perfectly. Everyone has their own style and what looks good on them."

"Really?" She blushed and put the shirt down. "I. Sh-should I buy this?"

"If you want it." he shrugged and looked around the store and grabbed some rather cool looking black sunglasses with orange lenses "Like, I like these but I don't want them so I won't buy them." he clarified

Shiho chuckled as she saw Ren put those glasses on, he looked oddly different than he normally did "Kind of stylish though." She admitted

"Really? You think so?" He asked pulling the glasses to the edge of his nose.

Shiho was about to say something, but when she saw that look he was giving her over the edges of his glasses she just froze up and began a blushing mess

Wow~!

'Heartbreaker, Ren.' Morgana thought as he was sitting in the bag 'Hehe. Maybe Joker and I can have a double date with Lady Shiho and Lady Ann.'
And in his mind, Morgana was thinking about his 'human form' a young strapping black-haired and blue-eyed man with a yellow bandanna around his neck and a black jumper over a white shirt. Oh he knew he would be handsome, and Ann would be unable to take her eyes off him 'Ah~, Lady Ann~.' He thought gently.

"Okay." Shiho nodded and put the shirt back. "Ren. Thank you." She smiled at him.

"For what?"

"For just...Being here for me." She answered. "I've grown since meeting you. And... I've gotten new friends." She reached up and wrapped her hands around his shoulders/the base of his neck and got up on her tiptoes

"Err. Hmm?" He gulped before he looked at her blushing face and soft lips. He had that much time to register it before her lips touched his

'What's going-? Oh!' Morgana thought, poking his head through the bag and saw Ren kiss Shiho, before retreating back into the bag.

'S-Shiho.' Ren thought, slowly reaching his hands around her waist but before he could she pulled back, blushing

"We. We should head back." She whispered

"You sure?"

"I-I think so. I got what I wanted." She answered.

Lust Level: 4

"Oh?" he asked, flashing a small charming smile "That was all you wanted?"

"Sh-shut up." She blushed, pushing him gently only for him to pull her closer into a one armed hug

"Hey, sorry." he apologised "I'm just saying we don't have to go back now if you don't want to. I do want to know more about you after all Shiho."

"Y-You do?" She blushed. "Well... what do you want to know about me?"

"Why did you get into volleyball?" he questioned, trying not to feel awkward

"It wasn't by choice. Or rather... it was?" She mumbled. "My parents wanted me to succeed and get a 'glowing future'. And since Kamoshida's name was tied to the lesson, it was 'stars aligned' sort of thing."

"So it wasn't what you wanted to do?" he asked

"No, not really. But having 'trained with an Olympic athlete' is a glowing recommendation on a college application. I did want to learn a sport, but I didn't know which one." She admitted "I always exercise since Ann has that sweet tooth of hers and loves dragging me into her sweet binges. And unlike her, I haven't got the metabolism to counter all that sugar and fat. When I started at Shujin, my parents saw who the volleyball coach was. I've always been kinda good at the sport but I didn't love it. So I started it to make them happy. And then... I got really good. Everyone put their hope and pride in me, encouraging me. I couldn't let them down."

"And then Kamoshida?"

She nodded slowly and sadly. "And then him."

"I see." he nodded sadly

"I got better at volleyball... But the damage is still there." Shiho admitted

"What do you want to do?" the Joker asked

"I still want to stay in shape. But... I don't know. Acrobatics?" She pondered

"Acrobatics?"

"I mean, I'm not the most graceful, but this volleyball training's probably good for something." She responded

"Shiho." Ren sighed and had her look at him "Listen to me. What do you want to do?" he asked, stressing it seriously "Like Ryuji loves track. Ann has her modeling. If you don't want to be play volleyball... Then what is your dream?"
Shiho was silent. She didn't know what to say.
"Shiho?" Ren blinked before he realised how he might have just came across "I-Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like-"

"No, no, it's okay." She assured wirh a shy smile "I just... Never really thought about that. I don't know what I want to be honest. Ever since I started at Shujin I've been working ti pleasure... Him... To please everyone else. What I wanted to do... Never really entered my mind."

"Well. Maybe we can figure something out together." Ren answered

"Really?" she smiled happily

"Yeah, I'm sure of it." He nodded, holding her hand. Ren felt their hearts shine and glow, a bit shocked as he felt their bond deepen further

Lust Rank: 5

"Oh thank you Ren." She nodded and hugged him

"Of course, anytime." He smiled.

'Smooth, Ren. Very smooth.' Morgana thought


*time skip*

Ren was back at LeBlanc, watching as Soujiro left. The conversation they just had made Ren feel happy, as he was now allowed to leave LeBlanc and walk around the area at night. But he had to admit, he wasn't sure what to do about that kiss of Shiho's

"So~? What're you going to do now that you've got the evenings to yourself?" Morgana asked

"Well. I fancy a hot bath." Ren chuckled "But I feel like I should go and visit Tae tonight."

"I guess that makes sense. Though you might want to swing by that vending machine in front of the bathhouse quickly. I know those drinks are vital for the Metaverse." Morgana pointed out

"You remember that?" Ren chuckled

"You did it so much before, it's kinda stuck in there." Morgana laughed, poking his head.

"Heh." he laughed

"Want me to come with?" Morgana asked

"Nah, I'll be fine." He responded. "... Unless you want to come?"

"No thanks, don't want to be there while you're unconscious for an hour." he joked and skillfully slipped out of the bag

"Alright, I'll see you later then." Ren nodded. "You've got your food and water, right?"

"Yeah, you brought it up earlier." Morgana responded and yawned

"Later buddy." Ren walked downstairs, turning off the lights as he locked up and headed to the bathhouse's vending machine, picking out some drinks, which he knew helped out with their energy. "... Damn, I really am set in a rut with these." He joked to himself, before going to the walk-in clinic

"Oh, hello my little guinea pig." Tae smiled softly

"Hi, Dr Takami." Ren responded in kind. "Yeah, I'm back for another trial."

"Very well. Let's go." She nodded "First, let's see how you've been getting on." Pulling out a chart and some medical tools to check Ren's vitals.

"Need me to take my shirt off?" he questioned

"If you wouldn't mind." She responded. "Much clearer results are needed."

Ren nodded, calmly and proudly unbuttoning his blazer before taking it and his shirt off. He let them drop next to him as he leaned back

"Now, let me just-" Dr Takami spoke as she turned around and looked at Ren's slender but slightly muscular body

"Yes?" he asked

"Huh. Oh. Ahem, sorry. Let's check your heart-rate and blood pressure first." She asked after a cough, gathering herself quickly

"Right." he nodded calmly

After a minute or two, Ren's stats were taken down, having his body being examined... with a few flitted glances to his direction. Meanwhile Doctor Takami had Ren's full attention "Okay, are you ready for the next lot of medicine?" She asked

"Of course." He nodded, taking the beaker as he looked at her eyes. She flinched gently and gulped, seeing him gaze upon her. He swallowed the liquid, showing his trust in her "God, you must have an iron stomach or something." She whispered

"Why?" he asked... And passed out


*time skip*

"Urgh..." Ren groaned as he came to... an hour later. He was still shirtless and lying on the bed.

"Ah. You're awake." Tae commented, a leg crossed over the other

"What... was that?" Ren asked, rubbing his head gently

"My latest concoction for medicine." Dr Takemi answered. "How do you feel?" She asked, setting his body upright and looked at his eyes with a scope.

"Er... fairly normal." he admitted

"Good, that means you've been looking after yourself. This is good." She answered while giving a few glances to his chest 'Was he always this buff?' She thought in shock "Well, your heart rate is good." She answered

RING!
RING!

"Oh, excuse me." She apologised and answered the call. "Hello? Takemi Medical Clinic of Internal Medicine; how can I help you?"

Ren sat up, grasping his shirt

"An emergency? I'm sorry, but we're not a designated hospital." Dr Takemi apologised. "... Besides the head physician here is Tae Takemi." She frowned before she flinched, the sound of the dial tone in her ear. "Awfully rude, hanging up on a lady."

"He is certainly no gentleman." Ren responded "What's with that asshole?"

"Basically, he called the wrong number. An ambulance driver looking for a transfer location, all of the designated hospitals are full. The guy must've been a new paramedic, though he seemed to know my name at least." She sighed heavily. "... I've been. Blacklisted. By the larger medical community. They call me 'The Plague', due to a grave medical error I made."

"What do you mean?" Ren inquired.

Tae sighed again, rubbing her temples. "I used to work at a university hospital in the city; though I was never convicted, I'm still considered a pariah by doctors everywhere. ... Does that scare you?"

"How could it scare me when you obviously care so much?" he asked calmly and honestly

"Heh. You really are one strange kid." She smiled gently as she heard that response. "Well, it's fine for me. Being ostracized by the medical community has enabled me to do my own research and development. I look forward to continue working with you, Ren."

Death Rank: 3

"You to." Ren nodded

"I'll be sure to add some additional 'medicine' for you, my little guinea pig." She smirked and let him go back home.

"Like what?" Ren asked as he put his shirt back on

"That's for me to figure out. You should head home." She answered

"Okay. You sure you don't want to hang out sometime?" he asked

"I'm at the hot tub tomorrow." was her answer before closing the door

...

Ren blushed as he felt a slight nosebleed, imagining her in only a towel... or less. He had seen it before, he saw her in the rub a few weeks ago, but that image was still burned deep in his mind 'Oh god, older women are so flirty!' He thought as he left for LeBlanc and his bed.


*a few days later*

Ren stretched as class finished "What a day." He yawned gently.

"Hey, Amamiya. You got a minute?" Nishima asked as Ren

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure." he nodded

The two of them got up and out of the classroom, where Ryuji was waiting. "Finally, I thought you'd never get out. I've got something awesome to show you guys!" He smiled excitedly

"What is it?" Ren asked

"Ta-dah! It's a 'Maid Service' flyer!" Ryuji smiled, showing it.

'Wait, that's the-' Ren thought

"Is that a 'Housekeeping Services Victoria'?" Nishima gasped in shock.

"Yeah, it is!" Ryuji smiled. "Managed to sneak it before my mum could throw it."

"... Why?" Ren asked

"Dude, don't you know this service? They have cute maids!" Ryuji answered. "And they give 'special services'!" He squeaked

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Ren asked

"Dude. Please. We've got this." Ryuji answered

Ren sighed and rubbed his forehead, but knew it was needed

"I have a friend whose out of town, we can use his home for this." Nishima pointed out.

"Awesome!"

Ren sighed heavily and nodded. "Alright; what time?" He asked


*time skip*

The three guys were in an empty apartment, Ryuji was about to call the number on the flyer as they looked around. "Wow, nice place." Ren commented

"Thanks, but we gotta leave it as we found it." Nishima answered

"So... who calls?" Ren asked

"I could. I'm gonna do it...I'm. I'm gonna..." Ryuji spoke up, holding his phone but not putting the number in; totally nervous about doing this. He held the phone next to him, listening to the ring tone

"Hello~, Housekeeping Services Victoria."

"Hey, I want a maid to come to my address, please." Ren spoke up, giving the address of the apartment.

"Of course, Sir. She'll be there momentarily." The hostess answered and hung up.

"Whoo! Okay! This is happening!" Ryuji cheered before he suddenly felt nervous "Oh god, this is happening!"

"What're we gonna do?" Mishima asked as he grabbed his head.

"Guys, guys. Calm down. What we're going to do is not panic." Ren answered, telling the two. "How's this; you two, step outside of the apartment's balcony and I'll handle it. Okay?"

Knock
Knock
Knock

"Hello~. Victoria's Maid Service." A cute voice responded

"Panic!" The two squeaked.

"Out the window, now!" Ren pointed as he opened the window. The two rushed away, making Ren sigh

CRASH!

'Just like last time.' He thought. "The door's open." Ren called out, putting on his best 'deep voice'.

The door opened slowly, a female figure walking inside. It was a beautiful black-haired woman, wearing a maid's uniform. Her hair was tied back into pig-tails held back by a maid's head-piece, a black and white ribbon around her neck, white stockings and black shoes. Her face... was familiar. "Hi~" the maid greeted cheerfully "It is me, Becky!"

"Nice to meet you, Becky." Ren responded, still giving his 'deep voice'.

"Oh, this is a bit of a barren apartment." Becky responded before she spotted the back of her customer "Oh? Sir, you're quite young." She teased gently as she looked at him suspiciously

"Well... I am." Ren answered, turning around and saw his teacher standing there.

"What?!" she gasped

"Ms Kawakami." He commented as he saw her.

"A-Amamiya? What're you doing here?" She gasped, having her secret already exposed by her student as she hugged herself and began to panic

"Ms Kawakami, please calm down." Ren asked politely, trying to calm the situation.

"N-No. I-I have to quit my job... You shouldn't have-!" She panicked "No! Wait!" she frowned as she calmed down, going serious once again "What are you doing calling such a service like this?"

Ren shrugged gently. "Curiosity." He answered. "Clarifying rumours about this service. Nothing about you, just the service in general." He quickly added.

"Well then..." She frowned "You don't tell anyone you saw me and I won't report you for doing this."

"Deal." He nodded. "Though, I have to ask... why are you doing this?" He asked

"None of your business." She frowned

"But this is why you're always tired, right?" he asked in concern "You're a teacher, you make a lot of money. Why do you have to do... This, which is risking your health."

"It-That...it's none of your concern." She frowned, not trying to defend herself or bring Ren into her screwed up life.

"Okay. Then I guess I will see you tomorrow at work." he nodded softly

"Wait. What?" She asked

"School. You're still coming, right?" Ren responded

"I-Oh. Right."

"Don't worry, Ms Kawakami. Your secret is safe with me." He answered as he left


*time skip*

It was the following day, Ren was sitting in class as they had Ms Kawakami teaching them. It was a normal class, Ann doodling in her book in boredom

Ren chuckled gently as he noted that, but continued to take notes, before the bell rung

"And that's for today, class." Ms Kawakami sighed as the class had finished and instantly she was out of the room

"What's wrong with Ms Kawakami?" Ann wondered in shock.

"No idea." he said innocently

"Are we heading back to Madarame's?" Ann asked.

"Soon. I think we should talk with the others first." Ren answered as he got up from his seat "And take a few days. We need a way to unlock the door. I will see you at the station."

"See you then." Ann nodded and left.

Ren nodded and walked outside... where Ms Kawakami was being talked down to by one of the other teachers, the English Teacher. He frowned and moved closer

"... And why are you so tired recently?" The English teacher pestered, making her shrink back

"Ms Kawakami." Ren spoke up. "I hope I'm not interrupting, but thank you for those extra credit lessons."

"'Extra Credit'? Oh! Is that it?" The English Teacher asked in shock

"Um. Yes, that's right. Not at all, Amamiya." Ms Kawakami answered.

"Why didn't you say? I'm sorry for the insinuations. You really are passionate about teaching." The English Teacher apologised.

"Yeah, if it wasn't for her I might fail the upcoming exam." Ren smoothly lied

"Well, I'll be sure to bring this up at your next review, Kawakami. You deserve this." The English Teacher answered, patting her shoulder out of respect. "Oh, look at me, I'm getting in the way of more studying. I better go. Bye!"

...

"What was that about?"

"It looked like you were caught in a rock and a hard place. I wanted to help." He answered

"... You didn't have to." She answered

"I know. I wanted to." Ren countered. "I wanted to help. I couldn't let another person be taken advantage of."

The silence between Ren and Miss Kawakami was apparent. "Was that... what got you thrown in prison the first time?" She asked gently.

"Yes. I saved a woman from being accosted." Ren answered "And then she and the cops accused me of being a lunatic who randomly assaulted the one who was trying to do... that. But I don't care. I'd do it again in a heart beat."

Ms Kawakami gasped as she heard that, granted... it was some time ago. But still... she felt a respect towards him.

"Later." he waved and walked off


*time skip*

"So... Madarame's palace." Ann commented

"Yeah, we need to get that door open. What're we gonna do?" Ryuji asked as he leaned on the banister.

"We need Madarame to see what that door represents to open before his eyes." Morgana explained

"Meaning we need a distraction." Shiho agreed.

"Since his Palace is based on a museum... maybe we go to his gala opening?" Ann wondered. "We've got the tickets."

"We mean in the real world." Ren responded

"Exactly. He needs to see what that security system represents turned off." Morgana nodded "He needs to see that 'security' failed and broken into, that way we have our way past."

"... What about Yusuke?" Ryuji suggested. "Didn't you agree to be his models?"

"Yes, but what does? ... Oh... OH!" Ann asked

"Yeah, exactly." Ryuji nodded

"Ryuji, Shiho and I will be in Madarame's Palace." Ren ordered "Ann, you distract Yusuke. Take Mona with you, he will undo the lock. You two time it right and... Boom!'

"So, we've got a plan!" Morgana smiled as he heard all this.

"Alright!"

"I just have one question." Ann asked.

"Of course, what is it?" Ren asked

"How am I supposed to give you guys enough time?" Ann asked

"Well. I've got an idea. It'll be warm though." Ren answered

"'Warm'?" The group asked

"And a little 'tilty'." Ren nodded


*Time Skip*

Ren arrived home with a sigh, seeing the place was empty. He nodded and went to the payphone, ready to call a certain maid service. He put in a couple of coins and rang up.

RING!
RING!

...

RING!

"Hello~, Victoria's Maid Service." A chipper voice asked

"Hi, I'd like to hire one of your maids, please." Ren asked. "Is Becky avaliable?"

A brief pause later and the voice replied "Yes, she is. What is your address, Sir? So that she can get there quickly."

"Yongen-Jaya, LeBlanc Cafe." Ren answered

"Understood."

Ren hung up and sighed gently. "Okay, if the other night was any indication... it'll be like five minutes."

"Since Futaba's looking in on us; do you think that she'll be a bit freaked out?" Morgana asked

"Nah, I'm sure she'll enjoy the sight." Ren joked

"Yeah, you might be right." The cat stretched gently before he headed upstairs while Ren waited downstairs.

Knock
Knock

"Wow, that quick." Ren whispered, going to the door and opened it. "Hey there, Becky."

"Hi~, Sir." She smiled, walking in... And froze

...

"What are you doing?" 'Becky' glared

"I hired a maid." He answered before he closed the door. "But I also wanted to help you."

"'Help me'? Don't you mean 'humiliate me'? You've already done that back at school with the English teacher." 'Becky' answered.

"Let's talk upstairs." Ren asked politely.

She huffed but followed him

Ren sighed gently and showed her his room. "Here's home."

"It... It's filthy. I can't believe you live like this." 'Becky' responded

"Ms Kawakami. I want to help you." Ren answered. "You're burning the candle at both ends."

Mona looked up from his resting place before dropping his head down. This wasn't his fight to get into.

"What do you know?" She asked as she sat down.

"Not much." Ren admitted

'Becky' sighed and removed her wig "I... I am in a bit of... let's call it debt." she admitted "And a teacher's salary isn't enough."

"Thus the second job." He nodded and rubbed his face

"But it isn't enough. My boss doesn't give me many jobs." she shrugged "Because of my age and such."

"Well. I'm going to help you." he proclaimed calmly

"Wait, you are? Why? This job isn't cheap for a stu-"

"I've easily paid for this. Don't worry about it." He answered. "I've got my part-time jobs and dedication."

"I-"

Ren pulled out the second lot of 5,000 Yen. "My earned savings. I'm alright, Ms Kawakami." he said confidently "I can pay for you whenever you need it. You can relax, maybe rest a bit. Or whatever you need. Make it easier on you."

Ms Kawakami's eyes welled up as she saw that amount of money, almost crying as she saw it. Seeing this student go so far for her. She... she couldn't believe it! She almost fainted as she saw that amount of money. "This... this is-"

"Here you go." Ren nodded, holding out 5K yen

Ms Kawakami slowly took it, feeling a part of her stress float away, feeling her tears well up as she saw this money. "Thank you. Thank you."

"Don't worry." he smiled proudly

"But. You did pay for my services." She answered. "Is there anything you want me to do?"

"... Help me clean my room?" He joked

...

"What?"

"It's a joke. I'm joking." Ren raised his hands defensively.

"Oh? So you wanted... something 'dirtier'." she asked with a smug smile

"... You're messing with me right now." Ren asked, clocking her smirk.

"Possibly."

Morgana chuckled as he could hear this, Ren was getting flustered about a grown woman.

It was awesome

I am Thou, Thou are I.
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy bonds of captivity.
With the birth of the Temperance Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power.


*Time Skip*

It was the next day, as three members of the team sat waiting in Madarame's Palace

"You think Panther can handle this?" Skull asked

"I think so, she's stronger than you think, Skull." Dove answered as her hands where clasped in front of her chest

"It'll be alright, Dove. I know Panther can do this." Joker responded as he put a hand on her shoulder

"I hope so." Dove nodded.

"Hey, Joker... Can I ask you something?" Skull asked

"Sure, whats up man?"

"Well, y'know that Mona did the... 'Henshin'?" He responded while mimicking the pose

"... Yeah?" Joker nodded, slowly trying to catch on.

Skull pulled out his right hand and pointed at the locked door. "Now. Count up your sins."

Joker grinned and laughed, pulling out his gun and pointing it at the door "Right with ya, partner." he smirked

Dove looked at the two and blinked, slightly getting the reference. "... Wait. Am I the slipper girl?"

...

"You watched Great Rider!?" the two blinked in shock


*at Madarame's house, Yusuke's room*

"Well, thank you for... Being here." Yusuke commented as he saw Ann... wearing, like, fifty layers of clothing.

"It's fine." She laughed nervously, looking like a form of marshmallow man

"So, are you ready to begin?" He asked, pulling up the chair for her "Aslo... are you not you... A bit warm?"

"Oh, I'm fine." She answered, waving it off slowly. 'Mona, please hurry.' She thought as she reached down and took the first jumped off

Elsewhere in the house, Mona had found the hidden door 'Aha, we meet again door.' Morgana thought and got his tools ready. 'This time, I'm ready.' And leapt at the lock to get it open. But he had to get ready, for when he gets back 'Come on cat paws, don't fail me now.' Morgana thought as he worked on it.

We return to Yusuke's room, where he was still waiting patiently as he watched Ann remove one piece of clothing at a time... AKA she still had a half a dozen or so layers on

'How many layers do I have left?' She thought in both concern and shock

"Are you, alright?" Yusuke asked

"I'm fine." She nodded "Hey... Do you know where Maradame is?"

"Master? I'm sure he's at his gallery." Yusuke answered "Although he may be back in a while."

"Oh, is that right?" She asked nervously. 'Hopefully, we have enough time.' She thought thinking about herself and Morgana. They needed to time this right after all. Madarame needed to see the door opening 'How many layers do I have left?' She thought in worry, repeating herself, as she reached for her next jumper

In the corridor, Morgana had finally managed to get the lock undone. "Got it... now what?" he blinked, knowing that Madarame needs to see the door open. Almost immediately, Morgana's ears picked up the sound of an unlocking door. "Hide!" He whispered to himself

"I-I just need to use the bathroom. Excuse me." Ann asked as she left the room, still having at least two other layers on.

"Ann, wait! That's the wrong way!" Yusuke yelled, chasing after her

"Lady Ann!" Morgana whispered

"Yusuke, I'm back." Madarame's voice spoke as he returned home.

'Madarame!' The two Phantom Thieves thought as Morgana was ready to open the door.

"Yusuke? What's this girl doing here?" Madarame asked in shock as he saw this...and the door to his private room open.

"What the? A cat?" Yusuke asked in shock.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Let me just go get him." Ann 'apologised' and rushed into the room.

"No, stay out of there!" Madarame called out and ran inside, and the light flick on.

The group got inside... and saw paintings. Tens if not dozens of paintings.

"Master... What is all this? Sayuri. You... you have it? Copies?" Yusuke asked in shock as he saw the paintings.

"Y-Yusuke, I can explain. These are copies. I've been selling them through a special connection of mine. The real one was stolen a long time ago by one of my pupils. From that moment, I suffered from terrible artist's block." Madarame answered. "I attempted to recreate it but... I could only get a finely detailed copy of it from an art book. The price of fame was too much for me."

"But... this many. Why?" Yusuke asked as he saw them

"Hey, why does this one have a cover over it?" Ann asked as she pulled it down revealing yet another Sayuri painting.

"No!" Madarame called out

"S-Sayuri?" Yusuke asked in shock, seeing it before his eyes... and he felt a swell of emotion. Pure emotion towards it

"That's just another replica." Madarame answered quickly, trying to lie

"... No. No, this... this is the real Sayuri. I would recognise it anywhere." Yusuke answered. "It's what kept me going!"

"It's a counterfeit. I heard that someone made a fake and it was floating around. So I bought it." Madarame continued to lie

"That's pushing it." Ann glared at him.

BEEP.

"I've reported you both to my private security company. I set it up for pestering paparazzi, I didn't think it'd come in so handy." Madarame remarked.

"Lady Ann, run!" Morgana called out and ran, Ann followed with Yusuke following suit.

"Go ahead. You're already caught." Madarame muttered to himself.


*Inside the Palace*

"Hey! The door opened!" Skull pointed

"They did it!" Dove smiled

"Let's go." Joker called out.

"Charge!" Ryuji called as the three hurried in, seeing a golden room similar to a security room

"Whoa. He's really guarded isn't- what the 'eff is that?"

"A Nue!" Joker answered as they saw a large Shadow; a body of a tiger, the tail of a snake, the mane of a lion and face of a monkey.

"RARGH! FOR LORD MADARAME!" It roared.

"Any idea how to kill it?" Skull asked

"I've got one." Joker responded. 'Lend me your strength, Queen!' he thought, gripping his mask tightly "HELL BIKER! AGILAO!"

Summoned on their side, a skeleton, clad in a leather jacket, black trousers with two belts around his waist, a red scarf around his neck, riding a silver motorbike, with burning wheels roaring like a demon from hell with a bike-marking of a heart with a lightning bolt piercing it.

"YAAA-HA-HA-HA-HA!" It laughed maniacally as it roared around behind him, leaping over Joker and scorched the Nue's face with its front tire, incinerating and downed it.

"What the hell?!" Ryuji gasped

"Mona told you. I've got the potential for new Persona." Joker smiled with a wild toothy grin. "And be fair. We were talking about Rider." Before brandishing his gun. "All Out Attack!"

"Right!" they nodded.

As they rushed forwards, Joker felt something... shine in his heart as the group attacked, the All Out Attack being slightly different than it was before. As they slashed, he noticed himself and Shiho where moving more in sync than normal 'This feeling. This strength!' He thought with a smile as they beat the Nue into oblivion 'We can do this... together!'

The three jumped off the Nue and landed

Joker and Dove stood side by side as they landed, back to the Nue, as blood exploded out of it in every direction. Joker and Dove grabbed each other's hands, almost forming a heart with their limbs as their 'wings' flew out from behind them.

"Whoa." Skull gasped in shock as he saw it.

"What?" Joker blinked as they lowered their arms

"J-Joker. Um. I-Isn't this a little... too close?" Dove blushed as they pulled themselves up.

"Oh, sorry." he said casually

"Too cool as always." Skull sighed

"Right. So, how long until-?" Dove asked

"WAAAAAH!" Panther's voice screamed as she was coming down with Mona.

THUD!

"Ooph!" A new voice came with them.

"Huh?" The group asked in shock and went outside.

"Wait, Yusuke? Oh man, did we grab another innocent guy?" Skull asked in shock, not wanting to bring him into this.

"Are you alright?" Yusuke asked politely as he held Panther in his arms like a gentleman.

"Yes. I'm fine." She nodded as she stepped down.

"Wait, how did Yusuke get here?" Mona asked

"Probably because of the app." Joker answered

"Wait... those voices. You are... Those people. Where are we? What happened?" Yusuke asked

"It's a long story, Yusuke." Ren answered. "But we'll tell you everything when we get out of here."

"Done!" Dove called after hitting a few buttons "The door should stay open predominantly now, right?"

"Right." Mona nodded

"What is going on?" Yusuke repeated

"We're in Madarame's twisted perception of the world." Ren explained.

"What?"

"Look around you, Yusuke. What do you see?" Ren asked

"It's... it's all... gaudy. Disgusting. A reflection of an inflated ego and glorification to wealth." Yusuke responded with a frown of disgust

Ren nodded, pulling his phone out of his pocket and typing away

"Wait, seriously? Are we heading back now?" Skull asked in shock

"We can't head out from here." Dove pointed out "We are far from the safe room and Yusuke doesn't know what to do."

"Here." Ren said as he held out his phone, showing screenshots about Madarame's 'other home'

"Wh-what is this?" Yusuke asked in shock. "No. No, no. This-this isn't his home."

"It's under a mistress' name. But it's his. He's no 'humble artist'. He's a liar and a thief. He's stolen from you. He's stolen from others. He's going to bleed you dry, Yusuke." Joker answered

He flicked through a few pictures, screen caps, showing how Madarame really loved his life "These. These have to be-" Yusuke panicked, having his whole world view shattered

"I'm sorry Yusuke. But you deserve to know." Joker said as he put his phone away "Now. Let's get you home."

Yusuke shook his head. "This place. I-I can't. Master." He held his head as he was going into denial. It was like his entire word was shattering

"We've got to go. We can't stay here." Panther commented "Also... There's been a slight problem."


*time skip*

"The police?!" Skull yelled

"Yes. He's contacted the police. Neither Ms Ann and I can return home now." Yusuke answered sadly as they walked through the museum Palace

"Fan-frigging-tastic, that's just what we need." Skull grumbled as he rubbed his head angrily

"I think we still have time." Joker answered. "We have to get to Madarame's distortion."

"We have a time limit." Mona nodded

"'Time limit'? 'Distortion'? I don't quite understand." Yusuke responded

"We're inside Madarame's perception. This is how he sees the world. Himself on top with all his wealth from y-from his paintings." Joker almost slipped up, wanting to let Yusuke know who 'Sayuri' actually was and what it means. He didn't want to force that from him 'Damn it. Focus, Joker.' He told himself.

'Ren.' Mona thought as he looked up at him... and felt something from inside the corridor. "Look there, a safe room!"

"I can see it." Joker nodded. "We can rest up here and then head back."

"Are you certain?" Yusuke asked


*time skip*

"We are nearly there, don't worry." Dove encouraged as the group continued through the museum

"Too bad for you, you will not get that far." A familiar voice to Yusuke responded making everyone freeze

"Yusuke. My prize pupil." A smiling, gaudy gold kimono wearing Madarame appeared, looking like a shogun wrapped in disgusting looking shinning gold robes with a greying topknot hairstyle and lots of make up

"M-Master?" Yusuke asked in shock as his eyes shrunk down, the group at the base level of the building once again

"Oh hell. Not now." Panther panicked

"Yusuke. I'm disappointed in you. You should've listened to me." Madarame's Shadow responded

"M-M-Master?" Yusuke stuttered "What-what is going on?"

"Fame is a fickle mistress, Yusuke. And art is subjective to many. I was gifted by my various students to publish their work." Madarame answered

"Y-You stole... from them?" Yusuke asked

"'Gifted', after all. Sayuri was one of two gifts that woman gave." Madarame answered

"'Woman'?" Dove asked

"M-My mother?" Yusuke asked in shock

"Yes. I also spread the rumour that the real painting was missing, 'but you can get an excellent copy'. The money poured in from that. Art snobs will buy anything with the right motivation." Madarame answered.

"You... Are a perversion. Of what everything I wanted to be." Yusuke grabbed the ground and growled.

"Silence you pathetic livestock! You were born to serve me!" Madarame glared

"I... will never be you. I am not your 'livestock'. I wasn't born to live and die for you!" Yusuke glared.

"You are a pathetic and HORRID MAN!" Yusuke proclaimed, before his mind throbbed in pain "AH!"

"Get back!" Panther panicked.

"Yusuke!" Skull called out.

"Have you finally come to your senses?" A voice called out "How foolishly you averted your eyes from the truth. A deplorable imitation indeed... Best you part from that aspect of yourself!"

"ARRRGH!" Yusuke roared, falling to his knees and clawed at the stone pavement where his fingers bled.

"Let us now forge a contract... I am Thou, Thou art I. The world is filled with both beauty and vice. It is time you teach people WHICH IS WHICH!"

SHINK!

Over Yusuke's face, was a white fox mask with red whiskers and eyes as he slowly crawled back to his feet. "Very well... Come. GOEMON!"

And with a solid rip off of the mask from his face, Yusuke erupted with a burst of energy, enveloping him with an aura of blue. Emerging from the blue flames, Yusuke appeared before them, long white boots, a black-blue popped collar jacket, black-blue trousers, a blue and white striped belt that had a white fox's tail with red bindings, blue gloves and holding a red sheath katana.

Behind Yusuke was a flamboyant looking Persona. Tall based gold and black sandals, white toed shoes, maroon trousers with a red vest under a large blue coat with artistic markings, a red and white rope belt with gold bells around his waist, a white and purple rope tied around his shoulders, white gloves, a large white and gold cigarette holder, a blue jaw and finally a black pompadour-like helmet.

Madarame looked on in fear at Yusuke, who was standing tall and opposing his master and adoptive father.

Joker looked at him and smiled.

The Fox was back


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Lovers: Rank 5

Lust: Rank 5

World: Rank 4

Death: Rank 3

Strength: Rank 3

Chariot: Rank 3

Hierophant: Rank 3

Temperance: Rank 1

Moon: Rank 1

Hanged-Man: Rank 1