Dragonkit31: Oh trust me, we are planning something big for that. But it will be a while.

Shitabrick: laughs in foreshadowing

Darkchaser: Just you wait.

Xerzo LotCN: Yeah, Joker is gonna need to work for that harem. Hehe.

Izanagi177: I am glad you enjoy it. And thank you for the support.

PhantomDark: We won't be going into insane detail, because otherwise this story might end up being like 100 or more chapters.

Frosty Wolf: Would have been smart.

MDM11: Yeah, we have plans.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: And make sure he actually eats it!

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

Cooperjordan: Happy New Year, thanks very much.

Firem78910: ... Strikers is coming out this March? And a sequel to this? You DO know how long P5 is right?

Shadow Joestar: Yeah, that's going to happen soon.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: We've got him covered. Don't worry.

Lightsbane1905: Nice comments. Very funny.

MDM11: We have plans for the Hawaii trip.

Genaric Name: Thank you for the heads up. It's much appreciated.

KRNexus: Thanks very much, this story's going to be a long one.

Xerzo LotCN: Yep, we're not just having Tae just be a romance option, she's very competent at her job.

Dragonkit31: Don't worry about that. We'll get around to it near the end.

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

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

Time for an important step, let's steal that heart everyone!

We have an evil artist to stop!


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 15: Eye On the Prize, Heart Of The Mother!


The thieves traveled through the palace, making sure that the guards didn't have any initiative on them. Though Joker knew that if they took a few out, they could have the tiniest amount of leeway.

Until, finally, they were all in position for their heist

"Jeez, thank god for those 'warp rooms'." Dove commented.

"And good thing we've managed to take some of these shadows down." Fox added, rubbing his shoulder gently as the group split up

"Come on, Mona." Skull smiled as he and the cat headed over the Treasure that was hidden under a cloth.

Panther and Fox where in the control room, ready to cut the power.

Skull ready to lower Mona down to get the treasure

And Joker standing beside Dove to cause a distraction

Each gave a nod to their respective locations, giving the all clear to play their parts. They knew what to do.

"Now." Joker spoke as they cut the power and the plan had been sprung.

Dove and Joker joined hands, reaching up to grab their masks and ripping them off harshly

"ARSENE!"

"CIRCE!"

There was a massive blast of blue flames that shot into the sky around them

"GAH!" The Shadows screamed as they saw the Personas appearing before them, slamming them away with their fists and Madarame was taken back in shock what was going on in his museum!

Arsene and Circe appeared side by side behind their owners

"Good work." Arsene smiled down at his partner while Circe did the same, the two shooting 'Curse' and 'Bless' attacks at their enemies.

"Careful, Skull!" Mona whispered as he was lowered.

"I'm doin' my best here, Mona!" He grunted, trying not to drop their friend into the lasers "You need to lay off the fatty tuna!"

"I'll go on a diet!" He answered as he approached the treasure. "I'm here!"

"Good! Tie it up!" Skull called down.

"Here they come." Panther frowned, seeing Shadow's enter the control room to turn the lights back on "Carmen!"

The Shadows covered their eyes as they were caught off guard and then incinerated by Carmen's flames shooting down at them fiercely.

"Pull me up, pull me up!" Mona called out.

"Fox! Panther!" Skull called out, pulling both Mona and the treasure up.

Meanwhile it looked like Arsene and Circe... where dancing "You dance wonderfully, Circe." Arsene flirted with her gently.

"Oh? Are you trying to woo me, male?" Circe questioned

"Is it that obvious?" Arsen smirked gently as he gave her a small spin "MEGIA!"

"MAKOUGA!" Circe called at the same time

Heavenly light and bleak shadows shot out in every direction, slashing at the Shadows around them. Even if they resisted one of the elements, their combined might ripped through their foes

"Why should I even consider your words, male? As normally I would just crush you beneath my heel." Circe asked

"I know you could. But then we could not dance this serenely then could we?" Arsene responded as he dipped her, looking into the other Persona's eyes

"Y-You~." Circe blushed as she looked up into his eyes.

"Your Persona is a flirt. Isn't he?" Dove asked Joker.

"Do you expect anything else?" he grinned as he suddenly grabbed her, pulling her down into a dip like his Persona had hers in

"Wh-whoa~!" She gasped as she saw this... primal side of Joker. Wait, no. Primal wasn't the right word 'Passionate'?

"Hnn! Mona, what've you been eating?" Panther asked.

"I'm a bit heavy! I know!" He responded as he was brought to the top and the Treasure in hand as the others rushed up to join Skull in getting Mona

"Wow!" the group yelped and fell on their backsides, Mona falling atop them

"Got it!" he cheered, holding a suit case

"Alright!" the others nodded

The group got up and rushed out... where they saw living shadows and light dancing in harmonious destruction

Arsene and Joker where kissing Circe and Dove, the ladies dipped in their arm as they performed the dramatic act, with the ladies returning the favour. Meanwhile the two were letting out a LOT of Curse and Bless energy in every direction

"Beautiful!" Fox muttered as inspiration filled his heart and mind

Panther growled lightly as she stormed up to them. Blue flames washed over her, protecting her from the Curse and Bless magic as she did so, with her mask fading. Carmen followed her, the two approaching the couples "Hey! Now is not the time!" Panther said as she pushed Joker lightly

"Huh?" he and Dove blinked as they broke the kiss

"We need to get out of here, don't we?" Panther responded

"R-Right. Sorry, Panther." Dove stammered

"Hey, can we take a look at this now?" Skull asked

Carman snarled as she approached Arsene and Circe "Ah. I'm in trouble." Arsene whispered and gulped, seeing his 'second girlfriend' of sorts

"Yes. You are. Knock it off and save it for later!" Carmen answered, pulling Arsene towards her and kissed him on his fiery lips.

...

"Really?!" Skull facepalmed

"Well, he is a 'Lady Killer', right now." Mona answered as Fox carried the portrait... and opened it.

"What is this?!" He gasped, seeing the painting... which was just a blank canvas with the words 'You Lose' written upon it.

"What the hell?!" Ryuji yelled

"You petty thieves. You honestly thought I wouldn't plan for this?" Madarame's voice asked, walking out with a Shadow holding the true Treasure in its hands.

'Damn it. I forgot he did this last time!' Joker thought, gritting his teeth and frowned.

"The Treasure!" Mona's eyes widened as they saw it.

"You better hand that over to us, you bastard!" Skull threatened.

"Or what? Counterfeits are accepted in the world of Japanese art." Madarame responded

"What made you change like this? Is it to become famous?" Fox inquired. "You, my foster father; how were you able to get away with such crimes?"

"The only reason we have any ties is because of your mother. A talented woman. She never lost her passion for painting even after her husband died." Madarame answered. "That's the only reason I took her in. The artwork she made, are all MINE! MY works of art!"

"Absolutely disgusting!" Dove spat out.

"I suppose I could grant you a glimpse of what your mother left behind. The real and genuine 'Sayuri'." He answered, removing the tarp and revealed the painting underneath.

It was the real Sayuri. Framed in golden wood, a fair woman with black hair tied in a ponytail, cradling a baby in her arms. No blue paint covering them, no 'Madarame' sign sprawled upon it. It was beautiful.

"The real Sayuri... Mum!" Fox gasped, realising what the painting was... and the pain in his heart that gave in as he saw it.

"What?" The group minus Joker gasped as they heard that.

"Yes. A self-portrait of sorts. Herself. A woman who knew her death was coming but worked endlessly to leave this gift to her son. Her last wishes. That is the truth behind Sayuri's mysterious expression!" Madarame answered, enraging not only Fox but Joker as well.

"So you stole that painting? Something that personal?!" Skull snarled, bearing his teeth at him.

"I knew it would be a success. I saw it at first glance. As a splash of paint and put it under my name, it would become an instant hit!" He answered.

"But the baby... Why did you paint over it?" Fox asked

Joker wanted to answer. He knew why. He KNEW the coming answer. And he fucking HATED it!

"All to stage it. If the babe is erased, then the woman's expression becomes a mystery. Buyers and critics would eat it up. After all, the general public, those parasites LOVE. Drawn to it like moths to the flame!" Madarame answered, his body becoming a little more distorted.

"You monster. If you really treasured the painting, you wouldn't dare to think about replicating it!" Panther clenched her fist.

"You may have the real Treasure, but you're nothing more than a FAKE!" Mona pointed his sword at him.

"I can't believe you treated both mother and son as objects. You're not human!" Panther glared.

"... Fox?" Joker asked, turning to him.

"... My mother. I heard you destroy your 'art' once it outlives its usefulness. Did that include my mother as well?" Fox glared up, some tears in his eyes. The group all turned to Fox and then to Madarame, awaiting the answer.

'Go on. Say it. Say it, you fucker!' Joker thought angrily as his fists clenched, his hands shaking

"She just so happened to have a seizure right in front of me." Madarame smiled with a shit-eating grin. "That's when the thought crossed my mind. If I didn't call for help and leave her be... I'd take possession of her paintings. No. Strings. Attached."

"You. Let her die?" Shiho whispered angrily.

"She was physically weak. No-one would doubt if she dropped dead because of a seizure. Above all Yusuke, didn't you think it was odd that I discovered your talent when you were only three? The reason I kept you around was so you didn't learn the truth of 'Sayuri'!" Madarame proclaimed.

"You. Killed her." Fox hissed venomously as he heard that, the floor by his feet slowly freezing.

"The artistic talent you obtained from your mother was a delightful miscalculation. That's when you gave me the idea. Steal from brats who don't talk back instead of adults who have a spine!" Madarame answered

SHINK!

"I thank you, Madarame." Fox proclaimed, unsheathing his sword. The katana shone in the sunlight, the tip of the blade pointed at the corrupted artist "Now I have no qualms about this. You are no fake artist. You are a fiend who wears an artist for a skin!"

"Impudent brats! You barge into my museum and dare take what is mine?" Madarame continued to boast. "Those who have connections make the rules. And those who don't follow them! All the value of my art is subjective. I make the rules! I am the Supreme Being! I am the GOD OF THE ART WORLD!" And he began to transform his body splitting and reforming into four floating rectangles, portraits. Two eyes, his nose and his mouth.

BANG!

"ARGH!"

Fox's gun was smoking. He had heard enough. There would be no quarter or mercy right now!

Joker took a step forward, setting it on Fox's shoulder "Let's end him, my friend." he commented "Once we get our opening... We can stop this."

"Yes." Fox spoke darkly, his painter's foxtail was standing on its own by his own rage. "For my brothers and sisters. For those, whom he stole from. For my mother... I will steal back, EVERYTHING!"

CLICK!

"Let's do this!" Skull roared.

BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!

... Oh, you get the idea

The group pulled out their guns and opened fire together, unleashing all their bullets in a massive volley. Bullets ricocheted and penetrated Madarame's floating portraits; he was screaming in agony as the peppering of their bullets ripped through the paper-like skin and chipped away at his tacky frames and caused some of them to fall down into the ground.

"You blasted brats!" Madarame roared angrily and shot out black sludge at the group, even shooting at their feet to get distance away from them.

"Joker! What now?" Skull asked

"Fox, let's freeze it!" Joker called out, pointing to the slime coming from Madarame.

"Right! GOEMON!" Fox called out

"AME-NO-UZUME!" Joker followed up

"BUFULA!" The two proclaimed as large icicles shot down and froze the slime. The others blinked as they saw the new Persona behind Joker, a woman clad in loose white robed with purple tattoos. This new Persona and Fox's other self-unleashed a massive wave of cold energy, the combined coldness hitting Madarama harshly

"ARGH! Y-Yusuke!" Madarame screamed in pain, struck down over and over. All parts of his painting self were defeated, down and struggling to remain afloat.

"Everyone. Together!" Fox asked, readying for an 'All Out Attack!'

As Ren knelt down... He felt it. His bond with Yusuke shinning. He pulled out his knife and span it, his eyes shimmering.

"Let's go!" Fox proclaimed and leapt into the attack first, with the others following up, slashing, punching and kicking in Madarame's broken face.

"ARGH!" He roared in pain and exploded, splurting blood out.

Joker and Fox landed side by side

The world around them changed around to form two different backgrounds, one depicting an artistic background with Fox making a strong pose, while Joker was gripping his glove and pulling it down.

SHOWTIME IS OVER!
IT WAS GOOD WHILE IT LASTED, GOODBYE.

Madarame fell to the floor as his Shadows disappeared, defeated and trying to reach out to the painting of Sayuri, only to have it taken by Fox...who had his gun pointed right at his head. "Y-Yusuke. Please. D-Don't-." He begged pathetically

"I should. For the art that you stole. The dreams you've shattered. The people you've killed. I should put a bullet in your head." Fox threatened.

"Y-You'd kill me? Like that other one? The man in the black mask?" Madarame begged, trying to save his life.

"'Black mask'? What black mask?" Panther asked

"There are others?" Skull followed up.

'... Akechi.' Joker thought

"Yusuke. Please. Don't kill me." Madarame begged, crying as he looked down the business end of the barrel.

BANG!

"Fox!" Mona gasped.

Fox had his stern dark glare on Madarame. His gun smoking...but the gun was pointed away from Madarame's face. "You will atone for your sins. You will pay for what you did. And I... I will become better than you."

Yusuke grasped the painting and turned away, walking towards his team... His friends

Madarame panted as he cried upon the ground and the whole palace began to shake and snap back to normal. Madarame was defeated.

"Guys, we've gotta move!" Skull called out, grabbing Dove to usher her out.

"Right!" Panther nodded, following Dove and Skull.

Joker, Mona and Fox were the last ones 'trailing' behind. No words, just running between them. Fox did the right thing and not kill his foster parent.

...

And now they ran like hell

"Get out, get out, get out!" Mona panicked as they leapt out of the palace as it began to collapse around them.

"GAHHH!"


*human world *

"Oof!" Ryuji grunted as he landed safely, crouch landing of course.

Ann and Shiho dropped to the floor properly with the two supporting the other.

Morgana landed gracefully on his paws and sighed in relief.

Yusuke and Ren were the last to land, with Yusuke cradling the real Sayuri painting in his arms.

Ren's feet skidded gently but looked like a tall hero. "Is everyone okay?" He asked as he looked at the others, adjusting his glasses

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay." Ryuji answered

"We're good." Shiho sighed in relief.

"Yusuke?" Ann asked, seeing him... and saw him cry slightly, holding the portrait of Sayuri. The true painting of his mother and himself.

"It's beautiful."

Ren sighed and knelt down, patting his back gently. He knew what this meant to him. No words were needed.

They had won. And each member of the Phantom Thieves had a smile on their faces. No more so than Yusuke.


*at Le Blanc, later*

Yusuke was sitting on a chair, looking up at the painting with a joyful gaze. It was in a wholesome and simple frame, protected with glass so that it was fully protected. "Thank you." He turned to his friends.

"Hey, it's no problem, dude." Ryuji answered as Ren plated up some curry for them all.

"I can't believe this. I don't think my cafe has been this busy." Sojiro commented as he saw Ren's friends sitting there.

"Well, they'll be regulars. And I've already paid for their meals." Ren answered with a grin "Looks like putting up with me is very financially viable."

Sojiro chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "It seems so. Where's Morgana?"

"He's in a 'training wheel', they make them cat-sized. He's on a bit of a diet." Ren answered

"Oh?" Sojiro grinned

"Yeah, I was spoiling him a bit much with fatty tuna. He's getting back in shape." Ren nodded.

"... I've got to see him in that." Sojoro commented and headed upstairs.

"Thanks for telling me, guys." Ren commented, passing cups of coffee to them all.

"No problem, Ren." Ryuji answered "But this is defiantly needed, he nearly knocked my shoulder out."

"I was terrified that we'd get caught in the rubble." Shiho added

"But we didn't." Ann added, taking the drink. "Ah~."

"You make great coffee." Shiho smiled at Ann's response

"And I added extra sugar for Ms Sweet Tooth." Ren smiled "Meanwhile for Ryuji, a lighter flavour since he isn't a fan of biter."

Ryuji just smirked as he took his coffee, enjoying the smoother taste.

"Hmm~, delicious." Ann smiled.

"Yusuke?" Ren asked, seeing him.

"I'm just thinking. I never knew my mother's name. Nor her real face. 'Sayuri' was probably not her real name. But this... this is enough." Yusuke answered, tucking into his curry.

"Yusuke, I'll pay for all the meals you have at Le Blanc." Ren added calmly

"You don't have to-" Yusuke frowned.

"I insist." Ren answered seriously, putting a large wad of cash on the table, making their eyes widen "Whenever you are running low on money, you come here and eat." Ren said passionately

"I. Thank you, Ren. I swear, I'll pay you back one day." Yusuke answered.

"Only when you're on your feet." the Joker assured before he yawned, feeling exhausted from his extra secret training

Yusuke simply nodded, knowing that it would take time, experience and patience. But he would give back this gift.

Upstairs, Sojiro was enjoying see Morgana in his training wheel. He looked like a black and white hamster; it was adorable.


*Time Skip*

"HA!" Joker called as he landed, spinning his knife. Behind him a Shadow exploded into blood

Joker stood tall, brushing his sweat away. He was standing in the bank palace of a gang boss, Kaneshiro. Plus, this was perfect training. He was able to 'run wild' and train with his newer Persona that he had joined and made.

"Trickster?" Lavenza asked from behind him "Are you not tired?"

"Tired? Why would I be tired? I'm not tired." He answered as he stood tall

"Joker. You're not pushing yourself; are you?" Lavenza asked with a concerned frown as she walked around him, looking at her guests face "Joker. You can talk to me." She frowned, looking at the turmoil in his eyes "Please."

Joker breathed heavily and slowly... before kneeling down and looking into her eyes. "I. I'm..."

"Hey! Stop right there!"

"Huh?" The two looked up and turned to the source of the voice and sure enough, a Shadow was rushing at them

"Can't we have five minutes?" Lavenza frowned as she saw this and summoned a Persona of her own.

"Dakini!" Joker called. Summoned before Joker was a pale-skinned woman, bare-feet, wearing a lilac skirt with red beads around her ankles, hips, upper arms and wrists, her neck and linked on her hips with skulls on her sides, a brass crown made of small models, two long silver scimitars in her hands and a green dress-top.

SHINK!
CLASH!

The blades of Dakini connected and glared at the Shadow who *dared* to attack her ally.

...

And suddenly it was blasted by the Persona that Levenza had summoned, Beelzebub

Joker's eyes widened as he saw the Persona. A large fly-creature with massive red eyes, a large stinger on his thorax, tiger stripe head-crown and on his arms, wielding a skull-topped staff... which looked like it was someone's spine.

BZZZZZ!

"Mamudoon!" Lavenza called out, pointing at the Shadow.

Mamudoon... A curse type technique which has a medium chance to instantly kill all the opponents you were facing. And looking at this beast... Joker knew what it was. It was the one he fused and used last time around, he felt it. And so... He knew the skills he had given this beast. It only had two attacks, and the rest boosted the chance of instakill or it massively increased the damage of its other move which was an All-Might attack. And both of them kicked ass.

Darkness filled the air, zooming and surrounding their foes. They all screamed as the darkness overwhelmed them, making them fade into nothing

"Whoa." Joker gasped as he saw that, seeing Lavenza walk confidently towards him.

Her yellow eyes shining like flames "Are you willing to tell me now?" she asked seriously, gripping her book "Because if not... I do not mind beating you unconscious and dragging you to your bed, my Trickster. I refuse to let you hurt yourself."

Joker nodded and looked down, ready to tell her. "Okay. I'll tell you."

Drip
Drip

"I... I am pushing myself." Joker admitted

Drip
Drip

"I have to make this better than last time. I have to protect them, as much as I can. They trust me."

Drip
Drip

"I wasn't good enough last time. But I'm here... I know what's going to happen. I know the keywords. I have to be stronger. Faster. I'm their leader, their friend... I can't fail."

Drip
Drip

"What..." Ren blinked, finally looking for the source of the dripping... And he saw it. Lavenza was hugging her book tightly, tears falling like rivers "Lavenza. Why're you-?" He asked before she leapt and hugged him.

"You... are my guest. And I failed you last time." she cried

"I. How did you-? You didn't. It was-" Joker frowned

"I am your Attendant as a guest of the Velvet Room." she explained "It is my job to help and guide you through such tough trials... and yet I was no assistance, leading to you choosing that terrible way out." she gripped his shirt tightly "And I continue to fail, as you feel like this is your mission alone and hurt yourself so."

Joker remained quiet. He was just punishing himself. And by doing so... he was hurting others 'God... What am I doing?' He asked himself. He was slowly turning into him. The one in the Black Mask.

...

No

He grabbed Lavenza and hugged her tight, holding her close

"J-Joker?" Lavenza whispered as she felt his embrace, shocked by this.

"I am sorry I made you feel this way. I'm sorry I messed up so bad." Ren muttered sadly

Lavenza slowly reached up her hands and hugged back. "We'll. We can try to be better. Together." She whispered

"Yeah." he smiled

"HEY!" Another Shadow yelled

Lavenza sighed and frowned, they should have known to have this sort of conversation in the middle of someone's Palace was a bad idea... but no matter. "Joker. Do you mind if we take this Shadow out together?"

"Of course." he nodded, kissing her gloved hand

"Flirting? In the Boss' Bank? Piss off!" The Shadow proclaimed before turning into a grey stone-skinned humanoid wearing a white Judo gi with a rope around his neck and torso, a blue belt around his waist, horns from his forehead and no arms. Following that there were two humanoid figures, wearing black leggings, purple boots and arm-length gloves, spiked blue hair and pixie wings.

"Take-Minakata and High Pixies." Lavenza commented.

"Can you take them out?" He asked

"Simple enough." She answered, summoning a Persona. "Chi You! Come forth!" She proclaimed summoning a powerful green-skinned Persona. It looked to have the face of a bull with four blue eyes, eight arms each wielding a different weapon, a centurion-styled helmet that showed off his long black horns, purple fur-covered pauldrons, red padded armour and four cloven hooves for feet. "Psycho Blast!" There was a massive blast of psychic energy that shot through the air, striking their foes harshly. Severe psychic damage hit them all harshly, all of the Shadow's holding their heads

"Wow." Joker blinked, seeing how this played out

"Now... It's time." Lavenza asked. "Joker. Let's go All Out!"

"With you? Of course." Joker smirked, the two rushing together. Unlike normal, where the world took on a ruby sheen from the violent passion of the Phantom Thieves, Joker noticed the world had instead turned into a beautiful blue fitting of the Velvet room

The two leapt into the air and rapidly struck the enemies before Lavenza landed gracefully... carrying a giant chainsaw that seemed to be about her height!

DON'T BE TRYING!

Appeared behind her as she stood next to Joker as the enemies fell dead by her hands.

"Incredible." Joker smiled at her as they finished, especially seeing her holding that chainsaw so easily

"I'm not as feeble as I appear." She smiled back as she turned to him with a grin

"So... Should we head to the exit?" He asked

"Of course." she smiled

World: Rank 5


*time skip*

Ren was walking through the train station. He had a lot to think about... and how he was going to explain where he was the other day.

...

"Yusuke?" he blinked, seeing the blue haired artist near the fruit juice stand. He was currently kneeling down and sketching, taking in the sights and wanted to get 'people in motion'.

"Hey, Yusuke." Ren called, jigging over

"Oh, Ren. What brings you here today?" He asked, looking up from his drawing.

"Well, I always get a drink here on Saturdays."

"Oh, the Aojiru. I understand." He nodded. "Would you like to see my rough draft?"

"Sure." Ren sat down next to Yusuke, seeing the rough draft in his drawing. It was amazing, the line-work and detail of the moving people, all of them face-less but detailed in their bodies. "Wow. As amazing as always." he smiled

"Thank you. Since leaving Madarame... I've felt... Something. Almost liberating." Yusuke admitted

"Really?" Ren asked

"Yes. I was told to only paint what *he* said to paint. 'Japanese Art is a traditional style', he said. Only now I realise that he was monopolising the designs. Painting what made him money." Yusuke explained

"And now you're experimenting." Ren smiled. "I get it."

"... Perhaps you can help me? I've been meaning for a model and new locations." Yusuke asked

"Sure, just not nude." Ren joked

"Of course not." Yusuke answered...then rubbed his stomach. "Lunch first."

"Sure. What do you want?" Ren smiled

Yusuke opened his diary and looked at what he had for breakfast. "Something from the cafe."

"The one in Tokyo? Yeah, no problem." Ren answered, helping him up. "You don't mind if I grab an Aojiro before we head out."

"Of course not."


*a few minutes later *

"Ah~, this is delicious." Yusuke sighed in relief and enjoyed his lunch.

"Good. And it's great to see you're keeping track of what and when you're eating." Ren nodded.

"Yes, considering how I am right now... it's very peculiar. Eating every day consistently, taking time for breaks." Yusuke explained.

"Your health is more important than forcing yourself to paint." Morgana mewed quietly, heating this conversation.

"Exactly." Ren nodded

"What about yourself? How have you been since... You know." Yusuke asked

"Since what?" Ren asked

"Since Madarame. I almost lost myself." Yusuke answered

"Yusuke. Anyone would be in that situation. I get it." Ren responded "Trust me, I've seen it before."

"'Before'?" Yusuke asked

"Kamoshida." Ren quickly answered, not lying. But not telling the whole truth. Ann, Shiho, Ryuji and Mona can attest to that. Although he was also thinking about... Last time. How Ann was. Raging into Kamoshida the first time. And how she let him go. Ren sighed heavily and slowly, thinking on those old memories. All of them... Everything that happened. Ren softly and quietly rubbed his eyes under his glasses. All those memories and all those that happened. It was tough recalling them.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." Ren 'lied' as he took a cleansing breath. "I've got the bill. Don't worry about me."

"... I did want to speak to you about something." he commented

Ren nodded slowly, he had a feeling what he was going to say. "Sure, what is it?"

"I want to go into Mementos. I want to see the intense desires of people. Sitting here has made my own desires want to grow." Yusuke answered

"Sure." Ren nodded

"Thank you." Yusuke responded, before tucking into the remainder of his lunch.


*time skip*

Both Joker and Fox were now in Mementos, with Fox doing his best to capture the raw intensity and warped perceptions of human desire.

"Yes. This, this is just what I needed. A fresh perspective." Yusuke told himself, looking at the vast swirling desires of one of the floors. He was sat down, paper splayed out across the ground while drawing away

"We're lucky there aren't as many Shadows here." Mona whispered as they waited.

Joker nodded, though he was on edge. He recalled a Shadow that lived down in Mementos... a creature they weren't able to defeat before. Despite how often he and the others traveled this place... he had been almost unstoppable There was nothing they could do to stop it. There was always one telltale sign it was coming.

The sound of chains.

Heavy, multi-linked chains.

All dragging on the floor and ringing like the bells of doom.

He shuddered, remembering the horror

"Joker? What's wrong?" Mona asked

"It. It's nothing. I'm alright." He whispered back, holding his shivering arm from the terror that was scarred into his memories.

SPLOOSH!

"A Shadow!" Mona gasped

"Fox, Mona, let's go!" Joker called

"Understood!" Fox nodded as he and Joker attacked.

"Arsene!"

"Goemon!"

Summoned before the group, the Shadows were about to lunge at them, Pixies and Slimes were there to attack.

"This should be easy!" Joker smirked, jumping up

"Opening fire!" Mona called, unleashing a barrage from his slingshot

"Of course. Bufala!" Fox agreed and shot out ice at the Pixies as Joker leapt overhead and slashed at the Slimes "HA!" He roared. Ice appeared all around the field, shooting at the Pixies, giving Joker and Mona their openings.

"Mona! Follow up!" Joker ordered "Change! Garuda, Mind Slice!" There was a flash of blue flames from the Phantom Thieves body, Arsene being swapped out with the golden eagle-man being. Garuda let out a shriek, launching an energy blast at the others

All of the Shadow's stumbled as confusion filled their minds, stumbling and weak

"Right!" Mona grinned "Mercurius! MAGARULA!"

The blue bird-like being emerged from behind the cat-like being, unleashing a massive wave of wind magic. As Mona summoned the winds, the enemies were being cut down one by one.

The Shadow's shirked weakly, dying in a flurry

"Nice moves, Fox!" Mona called out with a compliment, Joker landing

Joker nodded, turning back around to Fox "Well, that took a little work." Joker joked

"That it was." Yusuke nodded "We should head back. I worry if we spend longer here there will be more Shadows."

"Good call" Joker agreed. "Mona, do your thing."

"Right!"


*time skip*

"Whoo. What a day." Ren stretched gently.

"That is was... Thank you Joker... Ren." Yusuke nodded

"We ought to do this again sometime." Morgana admitted

"We should. This will help build a beautiful painting!" Yusuke smiled "A depiction of desire, a fascinating piece."

Ren just nodded and gave a small smile at that. Something about this seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Did he do this before?

"I must get back to my place. Ren, Morgana. Thank you." Yusuke bowed respectfully to them.

"Any time, Yusuke." He patted his friend's back.

Emperor: Rank 2

Ren smiled as he watched his friend leave, walking through the train station himself where he noticed people gathered around "Huh? What's going-? Oh, Mr Yoshida." Ren wondered and then smiled as he saw him.

There was an older gentleman with slicked-back black hair, a white button shirt with the top button undone, a red tie with white spots slightly loose around his neck, a green sash around his black suit and shoes. The sash read 'Friendly Society, Bright Future'.

Ren smiled and nodded to himself, jogging over. He was proud he was able to restart his friendship with the joyful man a few weeks ago and have been helping him as much as possible since

"Everyone." Toranosuke Yoshida spoke up, grabbing the attention of the people who would listen. The conviction of this government is often tested during these times of turmoil. However, the current administration refuses to discuss their plans for the future... Can we really accept such an utter lack of transparency?!"

'Mr Yoshida.' Ren thought as he went over and stood next to him, picking up a sign to support him.

A weary-woman in the crowd began to reply. "I've been hearing this type of criticism about the government a lot lately."

A bored man followed up. "That's because Shido has been saying the same thing."

"So that's where I've heard it. He's just echoing another politician's criticism about the government?" The woman responded

"Hey! No-Good Tora! First you steal funds, now you're stealing ideas?" A man called out, halting Toranosuke in his place. "Stop talking big you ex-convict!"

Mr Yoshida sighed and felt guilt from this person. "It seems I've drawn the ire of the audience once again. Claiming that people who've made mistakes in the past shouldn't have a second chance."

"Not true, Mr Yoshida." Ren responded.

"M-Mr Amamiya. What're you-?" He double-took shocked to see him there.

Ren was silent as he took a step forward and lowered his sign, looking at the crowed

"Sir, stop interrupting him." Ren asked, standing up to the man.

"What was that?" The man snapped, not walking up to him but demanded answers. "You got something to say to me, kid?"

"Yes, I do," Ren calmly responded

The man was taken aback by Ren's bravery. "What's up with this kid?"

"The 'ex-convict' has a point." Ren answered, making Mr Yoshida look at Ren in shock.

"You little-!"

"Yes, I am 'No-Good Tor's' and I have made mistakes. Yes I'm unpopular and powerless. But that has nothing to do with my arguments! These things I learned from all my hardships. You can ridicule me all you want, but I will continue to oppose what is wrong with this world!" Mr Yoshida proclaimed proudly, making the people look at him just a little differently, before he stepped down and walked to the side of the box-car that Ren went behind.

Ren followed him calmly, pride in his heart

Toranosuke chuckled a little to himself, shuffling his tie gently. "Well. Today's speech ended up being filled with a lot of passion. Quite unexpectedly, I might add. The highlight was you yelling."

Ren just nodded. "I just spoke the truth."

"That's very promising. But don't overdo it. You should avoid making enemies whenever possible. I was surprised to see you today." the older politician stated proudly

"I was around." Ren answered

"You two are amazing." A person approached them. It was the man who was tearing down Toranosuke earlier. "I. I've been wrong this whole time. Even though someone failed in the past, it doesn't mean they can't try again." He looked sheepishly at them. "Th-that's all I wanted to say." And began to leave.

"Wait." Toranosuke spoke up hearing that man. "Thank you. That's all -I- wanted to say." And smiled, letting the man leave. "I think I've learned something from your daunting spirit today, Mr Amamiya."

"What is it?" Ren asked

"I have a bad habit of becoming flustered when someone calls me 'No-Good Tora'. But you see me as someone of value, so I refuse to cower to criticism in front of you. To learn to be more confident in my arguments." He explained.

Ren nodded as he heard this, feeling the bonds deepen between him and Mr Yoshida.

Sun: Rank 4

"What can I say? You're my friend." Ren smiled

"Thank you, Mr Amamiya. I truly appreciate your friendship." Toranosuke answered, shaking Ren's hand.

"Of course." he grinned "I'll see you next time."

"Of course." Mr Yoshida nodded and the two parted ways.


*time skip*

Ren was reading on the train, with Morgana on his lap while in the bag "How's the book?" Morgana asked

"Pretty good. It's all about the Necronomicon." He admitted as he was half-way finished.

"Isn't that a cursed book or something? A book about a book." Morgana quipped

"Yeah." he laughed as he put the book away, having completed it during the ride to school. As the train pulled into the station, he stood up and began to disembark, he had a long day today and needed to keep his mind fresh "We're nearly there." he commented

"Good." Morgana yawned cutely as he was exhausted.

"That training on your wheel has been tuckering you out." Ren commented.

"Morning and night. I spend most of my time in your bag." He answered

"Well, I don't want you getting chubby." he joked

"Don't remind me." Morgana deadpanned, making Ren chuckle as they approached the school

"Hey, Ren." Ann and Shiho waved as they saw him.

"'Sup dude?" Ryuji followed up.

"Hi, guys. Are you all okay?" Ren asked

"Yeah, relaxing night honestly." Each explained.

"Ready for the tests?" Shiho asked

...

"Shoot." Ryuji groaned as he realised they had homework "I'd forgotten about those."

"Really? Even though we've had time off?" Ann asked.

"Give me a break, you've both been busy too." Ryuji frowned.

"Guys, calm down." Ren spoke up "We will be fine."

"I hope so." Shiho muttered.

"Come on, we've got classes to get to." Ann asked.

While the group was talking and then heading to class, they were unaware that a certain brown haired girl was spying on them. Well, 'spying' might be a stretch, she was peeping on them from around the corner. The group split in half, going to their respective classes

"I hope Ms Kawakami is going to go easy on us with these tests." Ann commented

"I'm sure she will." Ren hopefully responded as he patted his girlfriends shoulder softly

"Good morning, class." Ms Kawakami spoke up as she saw her students. while picking up the can set up on her desk. 'Again Mr Amamiya?' She thought to herself, before she opened it, feeling the caffeine fuel her systems. "Ah." She sighed in relief. She passed out the blank tests to the front row, the papers being passed backwards "This test will take an hour. Do your best. Good luck." She spoke up.

'I wonder if I could do better than last time.' Ren thought

"Begin."

Each of them turned over the page of paper, seeing the questions and some people were worried about the questions. 'I know these.' Ren thought as he began to write down his answers. Time ticked on, five minutes turned to ten. Ten to twenty.

By forty-five minutes Ren was wracking his brains to get this right. He sat his pencil down, having finished it. He exhaled slowly and looked at his paper, he daren't move from his seat since he was worried that he had to check over his work one last time. But looking forwards he saw Ann chewing her pencil in a rather cute way, clearly struggling 'Oh man.' He frowned, seeing how stressed she was getting... though he did like the way she was nibbling her pencil. He flicked his eyes around the room and smirked, before blowing at Ann's ear

Ann felt the wind blowing in her ear, she looked behind her quickly, seeing Ren subtly wave at him while also blushing deeply at his teasing act

"Fifteen minutes." Ms Kawakami spoke up, giving everyone the remaining time.

"Meep!" Ann squeaked


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Lovers: Rank 6

Lust: Rank 6

Chariot: Rank 5

World: Rank 5

Death: Rank 4

Sun: Rank 4

Strength: Rank 3

Hierophant: Rank 3

Temperance: Rank 2

Emperor: Rank 2

Moon: Rank 1

Hanged-Man: Rank 1