arata7kasuga: About all of your Lavwnza stuff, she can not go out too much because then the twins and the Cup would sense her.

nickthecit: Maybe.

LightSpecter141: Not, since glasses are cool. Heck, I wear glasses.

Constructor20: Glad you like it. And really, we just expanded on how they treated her in the game since Shiho was still around.

PhantomDark: Well when the beautiful pyramid is gone to nothing, the pharaoh riding a space ship will be flying into the night surrounded by green light

Xerzo LotCN: No, Makoto is not pure support. She was for THAT dungeon. Again, we have plans. As the end of this chapter shows, we are doing build up.

chimchar14: Well, Joker buys them all.

kid-kaos295: She will. We are just doing things different.

DJPlaysGames: Just wait and see. We have teased this since the beginning. That we are doing our own thing, and we are unhappy with Makoto's ORIGINAL awakening.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Dude, none of them are pirate-Okay, Skull. But Futaba is not a pirate, that metephore does not work.

Edrick Twilight Legend: Thabks fior the headpats, we will give them to Futaba.

Vein Bloodborne: To quote oen of my faviroute movies "We will get there when we get there!"

Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:

Vein Bloodborne: Don't worry, she will.

Edrick Twilight Legend: Thanks very much, and thank you for your concern.

Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Oh hell yeah, she's back!

Shadow Joestar: First, it's a Sphinx. Second, the Phantom Thieves are gonna kick ass.

DJPlaysGames: Queen will appear, we just have plans for her. Big plans.

kid-kaos295: We didn't say that. She is, we're just mixing things up a bit.

Xerzo LotCN: Joker's got Max with Morgana and the Fool Arcana so that's not to worry about. Yeah, Futaba is cute as hell in any regard. And yeah there's a lot of stamina and flirting between Joker, Panther and Dove.

Constructor20: Glad you've been enjoying it.

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

Co-written by GhostKaiser23


AUTHOR'S NOTE

Yes, I know the chapter is a day late.

I am really sorry.

Really, really sorry.

We have been remodeling and redecorating my house, from top to bottom.

I have been unable to even touch my computer for like the last half a month.

I finished editing this chapter all in one day WHILE doing more of this house work.

I hope you all enjoy.


Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 21: Gremlin of Knowledge, joins the party!


"Futaba?" Panther asked

"I'm alright everyone. I've just made a new friend, that's all." Futaba spoke out through Necronomicon's speakers.

"Thank goodness." Dove sighed in relief.

"A little help here, please!" Mona called out as he was helping Skull and Joker now

"No problem, here's some buffs!" She called

"... Wait, 'Buffs'?" The entire party asked as they felt their strength, speed, defence and accuracy rise; accelerating their whole bodies.

"Oh, HELL YEAH!" Skull cheered.

"This is incredible!" Mona blinked

"Thank you, Futaba!" Fox added

"Guys, let's do this!" Dove raised her broadsword and pointed it at the Sphinx.

"Why is it still here though?" Panther asked

"Because Futaba has to face it herself." Joker answered "So... Let's be her hammer and shatter her delusion!"

Futaba laughed from up in the Necronomicon. "That was so cheesy! I love it!"

"YOU STUPID CHILDREN! STAY OUT OF MY WAY!" the Sphinx snapped

"Be quiet!" Futaba snapped "You are NOT my mother! You are just the twisted version of her that those terrible adults made me believe! But now... It's time to get rid of you!"

"We also aren't kids, we're the Phantom Thieves!" Skull called, resting his metal pipe on his shoulder

"The Phantom Thieves of Hearts." Panther nodded in agreement, gripping her whip tightly

"And we are on a mission to steal back a pour girls innocence, so stay out of our way." Fox commented as be tightened his grip on his katana

"Otherwise we are gonna have to kick your ass." Mona joked as he readied his slingshot

"No hard feelings, okay?" Dove teased as she slipped a grenade into her hand

"And here's your last warning." Joker proclaimed as he clicked his fingers "We are stealing Futaba's heart and freeing her from her grief given delusions."

The team stood ready, the Sphinx flapping its wings... Before it roared, rushing into battle

"Have it your way then." Joker grinned as he reached for his mask "PERSONA!" With a rip of his mask and a shine from within, their Persona were summoned to the field and ready to strike out at the distorted perception of Futaba's mother.

It was a magical mash of flames and roars of power, the group's Persona rushing forth

The Sphinx roared out in pain as Futaba 'hacked the system' and summoned a large ass ballista to shoot at the fake cognition of her mother.

The blast caught it by surprise, Goemon unleashing an icicle rain at her

"ARRRGH!" The ballista's bolt found a true mark right in its chest, but it wasn't enough just yet. It definitely looked gruesome, but instead of blood pouring out; it was a horrid black mist.

"One more! That ought to do it!" Mona called out, pointing with his scimitar.

'Just one more.' Futaba thought as she began to type away and try and turn the fight into their favour.

The Sphinx struggled to get up, Futaba took aim along with the group. "FU! TA! BAAAA!"

"I will no longer. Live in fear!" Futaba called out. "NOW!"

"Let's go!" Joker roared

The group summoned their Persona once more, bringing judgement down on this cognition. Fire, Ice, Lightning, Wind and Bless; all were together as Futaba shot the last Ballista arrow into the Sphinx.

BOOM!

The Sphinx leaned back and collapsed down the slope of the pyramid, with the Persona floating down and disappearing before the shadowy figure of Wakaba appeared before Futaba, who had joined the group.

"Futaba." The shadow spoke softly to her daughter.

"Mother." She looked on at it... and felt a form of peace as it faded away.

"Is it over?" Skull panted

"Yeah, it's over." Futaba smiled and folded her hands behind her. "Thank you." She had teleported down from Necronomicron, standing before the team proudly

"Okay, that was insane." Skull commented as he looked at Futaba.

"Yeah, thanks everyone." She answered and began to walk out.

"No problem." Panther responded

"But, where's the treasure?" Mona asked.

The smile on Joker's face soon left as he saw Futaba leave the Palace... and the whole place began to crumble around them, feeling the floor give out. "Mona, bus now!" He called out.

"Right!"

With a leap and 'POOF!', Mona transformed into his bus-form with the group climbing in and Joker was driving. "Wait! What about the Treasure? Why didn't it appear?" Dove asked as they had clambered in.

VRRRRM!

"It was Futaba!" Joker called out as he drove Mona down the pyramid, dodging crumbling holes and limestone boulders rolling down.

"What?" Skull asked, being buffeted about.

"Futaba herself was the Treasure!" Joker explained.

"Whose hand is that?" Panther snapped, feeling someone's hand on her thigh.

"My apologies!" Fox called out, trying to get his hands away.

"Gah! Sand Avalanche!" Skull called out, looking out of the window. "Joker, floor it!"

With fierce determination, both Mona and Joker put the pedal to the metal and hit the sand, speeding away and out of the Palace.

BOOM!


*?*

CRASH!

"Ow... my back." Ryuji groaned as he was 'crushed' underneath by Shiho while Yusuke was pinned down by Ann.

"Please, get off of me." Yusuke asked politely.

"Oh, sorry Ryuji!" Shiho apologised as the girls quickly got off the two, only to trip and fall back and crash into Ren

"Oof! Ow..." Ren groaned as he was laid flat on the floor.

"Ren, are you okay?" Morgana asked, having turned back to his cat self.

Ren just raised his thumb to show he was okay as his girlfriends where curled up on top of him... sort of like this morning

"Wait, where are we? Are we back in LeBlanc?" Ryuji asked as they got up.

"In the alley down the street." Ren told them with a groan "Outside his house."

"Thank god, I was worried we'd end up in Shibuya or somewhere." Ryuji sighed in relief, wanting to help his friend up.

"As if we'd go that far." Ann blushes

"Should we go see Futaba?" Shiho asked as they got up from Ren.

"Hey, you guys going to sleep outside all day?!" Said redhead called out to them

"Huh?" The group asked, before looking up and saw Futaba up out of the window.

"We weren't sleeping." Yusuke answered.

"We'll be up." Ren laughed

"Well, it seems she's doing better now." Morgana smiled.

"Yeah." the others all nodded

"A little too well. She's not gonna collapse like us is she?" Ann asked as they walked through the house

"Don't worry! I had like fifteen dozen energy drinks!" she grinned proudly

"She's gonna crash in fifteen minutes." Ren sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose

"Oof, I know how that feels," Ryuji admitted.

"You downed fifteen dozen energy drinks in one go?" Ann asked.

"No! But I know what a sugar crash is like." He responded.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! That was so frigging awesome!" Futaba spoke up as they had entered the room.

...

"Urge... To clean... Rising." Ren whispered

"We'll sort it later." Morgana responded as he tried to dodge the rubbish on her floor.

"Didn't take you for a neat freak." Ryuji joked before they all turned to Futaba, giving her all the attention and shelving the topic for now

"Glad to see you're okay now." Shiho commented

"Yeah, I know! It feels like a weight has been lifted; right? And without those voices in my head, AH! Oh, it feels good!" Futaba explained quickly.

"Well, careful. We fell flat on our backs after this sort of thing." Ann answered.

"Yeah, yeah, sure." Futaba answered. "By the way, why were you two looking up my jumper when my UFO lifted me up?" She asked as she pointed to both Yusuke and Ryuji.

"We can explain." Both tried to answer.

"Oh, you perverts!" Ann frowned, turning to the pair.

"I am not a pervert, Ann. I was enraptured by the tentacles like one of the famous woodcut artworks of ancient Japan." Yusuke answered, bringing up a search engine and showed several pictures that depicted women and octopi. All the while, Yusuke had his honest and true face and tone explaining it.

"What about you?" Shiho asked

"Hey, I've seen enough Hentai to know where it was going; I was worried!" Ryuji responded.

...

"Oh, yeah, I was thinking that to!" Futaba nodded while everyone else went silent, Yusuke and Ryuji looking at each other in shock

"ANYWAY...!" Ren spoke up as he tried not to think of that

"Well, it's good to know you're going to be with us, Futaba." Morgana spoke up.

"Ooh! Kitty, kitty!" She smiled, picking up Morgana and nuzzled him "He is so cute! And fluffy! And he can talk! I love him! Ren! Ren! RenRenRenRen! Can I keep him?!"

"Ren! Help! Too much! Squeeze!" Morgana struggled, almost breaking out of the hold, but Futaba was too hyped up on sugar.

"But you're so-!" Futaba frowned, still nuzzling him in her arms.

POP!

"FREEDOM!" Morgana popped out and jumped into Ren's arms

"Oh..." Futaba frowned, pouting like a child as she began to sway.

"Looks like the crash is coming." Ann commented

"Thank you guys." She commented a bit more seriously

"Do you want to join the group?" Ryuji asked

"Yeah. I'd like to join." Futaba yawned as she was still conscious before she landed on the bed and pillow.

"Night Oracle." Ren said softly, pulling the bedding over her

The group looked at each other at that codename. 'How did he make that one up on the spot?' and 'Dang, that's a cool codename.' Were just some of the thoughts that they had.

"We better head out." Morgana commented

"Yeah, otherwise Sojiro will get mad." Ren agreed, picking Morgana up and left with his friends.

As they quietly closed the door, Ryuji asked. "How long do you think she'll be out?"

"Not long, I think." Ren answered hopefully. "From our convos from when she was Alibaba, she spends a few days straight awake. So who knows."

"Goodness. I hope she doesn't take a job as a salary woman." Yukuske commented.

"Not gonna happen." Ren answered seriously, acting like a protector.

"Who knows, maybe she'll take over LeBlanc from Boss?" Ryuji shrugged

"That might actually be better for her." Shiho agreed.

"Yeah." Ren smiled as his imagination wandered a bit. He thought of her wearing the LeBlanc apron over her normal clothes, her hair tied-back in such a way that looked cute for her. Oh she would be adorable.

"Well, we better head back." Ryuji commented.

"Yes, it will be nice to sleep in a cool bed and not in the hot desert." Yusuke agreed.

"See you guys." Ren nodded

"Can we stay over?" Ann asked

"Ah, Sojiro had words with me about last time... Not tonight." Ren winced a little as he remembered the man's reaction from when they came downstairs

"Ah, yeah... you looked dishevelled when that happened." Shiho agreed.

"Yeah, but hopefully he'll lighten up soon." Ren answered as they entered Le Blanc, to see Makoto chatting with Sojiro

"Ah, you're back." Sojiro spoke as he saw the three.

"Makoto, what're you doing here?" Shiho asked

"Oh, just getting some coffee." She winked, assuring them that she had been keeping an eye on the boss

"Oh, right." Ann nodded, catching the clue.

"This is... just a great blend." Makoto turned back to Sojiro.

"Glad someone appreciates it." He grumbled

Ren frowned as he heard that. He was still in trouble. Well... Let's hope everything goes back to normal


*Time skip*

It was the following day and the group were all at school once again

"How's Futaba?" Ann asked Ren, sat in front of him as always

"She's doing better. She came out of her crash and visited LeBlanc." Ren answered as he gently played with one of her pigtails, the two in a comfortable... peace, really

"That's good. Maybe we can get some peace soon."

"For a while." he nodded calmly

The class continued on as normal and the group learning stuff they need for their exams later.


*Time Skip*

It was after school, Ren was stretching out as he walked out of the building and wanted to head out somewhere.

...

And he knew just the place, somewhere he should have been by now. He hoped the church was still okay

He took the train to the church, which was a Western church; it was a quiet place to think and unwind...and hopefully, he was going to meet someone he met before...or did he? It was a long time ago for him that he might've forgotten the details.

He just had to hope she was still here

Inside the church, which was practically empty, was a young woman, long and straight brown hair with a red hair-clip on her bang and wearing what seemed to be a blue school uniform.

Of course, Ren was still behind her, but he smiled to see that she was still there. As he walked to the front pew, he caught her features: soft pale skin, dark green eyes, a blue blazer jacket, white button shirt with a black and white striped bow that covered her C-Cup chest, a black skirt, long white stockings and black flat shoes. She looked like a model or something. In front of her was a Shogi board, where she was playing against herself.

'Here we go.' he thought

"Ms Togo?" He asked her, catching her attention, hoping that his 'Charm' was high enough.

"Um, yes?" She asked, looking up from her game. "I'm Hifumi Togo."

"You're playing shogi in a church?" He asked with success.

"Strange, hmm? I did receive approval to do so though." She responded before sighing. "Experimenting with new tactics is best in places like this where you can be alone." She explained herself. "Though, I suppose it doesn't sound terribly plausible to someone who doesn't play. Don't mind me."

"I was actually wondering if you could teach me." Ren asked.

"Um, you don't necessarily have to learn from me, you know. There are other options, such as playing online." Hifumi responded.

"Please, I want to know how to play." Ren bowed his head out of respect.

"Sorry, I just can't." She frowned before she moved a piece on her side of the board. She looked up and still saw Ren there, sitting quietly as she played. "So, um... do you like shogi?"

"I want to play like you," Ren answered honestly as he saw her eyes.

"Like me?" She asked. "You're a bit strange, but thank you." She nervously covered her mouth. "... Okay, just a quick game. Twenty seconds per move. If that's alright with you."

"Fine with me." Ren nodded back with a half-smile.

"I'll start." Hifumi answered and the two got to play.

Pieces moved across the board, Hifumi's skill was clearly better than Ren's... but he didn't seem to be interesting in winning right now.

"So this is your skill level; huh?" She asked, intrigued by it. "The dragon that governs the blue sky has fallen into my hands. How do you intend to survive this?"

'Was she this intense last time?' Ren thought to himself.

CLACK!

"Check!" She laid down her piece on the board. "It's checkmate no matter how you look at it. Please concede."

"Hmm... I can still keep going." He answered, still looking at the board, trying to see the angles.

"To concede is an act of admitting that you've lost, with grace," Hifumi explained. "If you aspire to become a shogi player, I recommend that you take your study of the game to heart."

'I'm not one for just lying down defeated.' Ren thought to himself.

"Thank you for playing." She bowed out of respect for Ren being her opponent. "That'll be all for today; if it's alright with you, may I request we play another time? I feel a gambler's spirit emanating from you."

"Yeah, that sounds great." Ren nodded

"It's strange. Your style is like that of a complete novice." She admitted.

'I haven't played in a long while, I'll admit.' He told himself, trying not to let slip. "Sorry, I'm a beginner."

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry." She apologised, before touching her bang. "However, I will instruct you under one condition: You become my playing partner so that I can research new moves; is that agreeable?"

Ren smiled and nodded, "Sounds good to me."

"Thank you, very much. It's a deal, I'll teach you how to play and you'll assist me with my new moves." She answered.

I am Thou, Thou art I.
Thou hast acquired a new Vow.
It shall become the Wings of Rebellion that breaketh Thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Star Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power.

Ren could hear Lavenza's voice in his head as he felt this new connection being made, he was going to keep his head up high and do his best.

Hifumi was such a nice person after all

"Thank you, I appreciate it." Ren smiled and nodded as the confidant was established.

Morgana whispered something to Ren, only for him to be clocked by Hifumi. "Is that your cat? He looks adorable." Hifumi smiled

"Yeah, this is Morgana." He nodded

"Do you mind if I pet him?" Hifumi asked politely.

"As long as it's not hard." Ren answered, as Hifumi reached over and stroked Morgana's soft fur and made him purr.

"Ohh~ that's good~!" he purred

"He's very fussy; isn't he?" Hifumi commented.

"He is. Thank you for your lesson." Ren bowed respectfully and left.

"Awww~ it was just getting good." Morgana pouted

"Sorry, buddy." He whispered to him.

"I'll see you again." Hifumi responded as they left.

Ren looked at his watch, seeing that he's been out for a couple of hours now. He still needed time for homework, but he could go and visit somewhere else.

Maybe a quick check up on the way home would be a good idea


*time skip*

It took a short while, but Ren was back at the train station and sat on the bullet train back to Yongen-Jaya. Morgana was resting in his bag and on his lap as they rode the train.

Ren felt the rumble of the train underneath him, happy that most of the team were back together. And he also knew that this would give him some much needed free time. After all, he changed the past once already.

-Yongen-Jaya, next stop. Next stop, Yongen-Jay.-

The speaker system spoke loudly, making Ren get from his seat and leave.

'I should visit the doc, she probably needs some company.' Ren thought to himself as he hurried off Ren saw the narrow streets of Yongen-Jaya and pushed through to the doctor's office. "Doctor Takami?" he called

"Huh? Oh, it's you." Dr Takemi spoke up as she saw Ren enter through her doors. "I didn't think you'd come today."

"I had some free time." Ren answered. "I was wondering if I could help your research."

"I see." Tae nodded and closed the book she was documenting. "Well, come on in." She asked, going to the examination room.

"Of course." he smiled and followed

The two walked inside and Tae got out her stethoscope and other such utensils. "I want to test your blood pressure and your heartbeat. Just to see what's changed." she stated as she made sure her equipment was all ready

"Yeah, no problem." Ren nodded as he sat down and let the tests begin.

It took about about an hour, but he had his heart-rate, pulse and physical. "Okay, that's all for today. If you're feeling okay; you can go home." Tae stated as she began to put everything away

Ren wanted to say something but the phone rang, interrupting his train of thought.

"Sorry. Hello? Dr Takemi's Clinic of Internal Medicine." Tae answered the phone. "... What? Again?" She sounded worried. "That's, well... that ship's already sailed. So..." She sighed heavily as the phone was hung up. "What a pain."

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Ren asked

"You remember the other day when that girl came in? The Chief of Staff Oyamada's patient?" Tae responded

"I remember." Ren nodded.

"Her dad is bringing her here to be treated and not to the hospital I referred to." She explained. "I even told them about the medical error I made."

"They obviously trust you." Ren answered.

Tae sighed and looked at her notes. "I'm just a quack though. The medical error was well documented. Everyone in my field knows about it." She began to confess her past. "I led the development of a new drug for an incurable illness called "Crawford-Ende's Disease". Although I wasn't the one who administered the medicine, it was the cause of the error."

Ren was silent, he didn't know it was *this* bad.

"With Crawford-Ende's, certain cells indiscriminately attack other cells throughout the body; when it reaches the muscles...the patient slowly begins to die." She frowned, putting the notes down. "There hasn't been much progress on it...partly because there haven't been many cases of it. I worked for a pharmaceutical company that had reached the final stage of production, but...One day I was suddenly removed from my position."

'Three guesses who.' Ren thought to himself.

"The Chief of Staff Odayama, my superior at the time took over the entire operation." She shook her head and then held it in her hands. "I don't know if he wanted the glory of developing the drug or to become rich and famous, but...He made careless mistakes and rushed the completion so he could use it on a patient called 'Miwa'. Miwa had a reaction and lapsed into critical-condition. The chief panicked and laid the blame solely on me. Miwa and her family resented me." She looked at Ren, still feeling guilty about it.

Ren, however, gripped his hands on his trousers, keeping quiet as he listened...such greed of a 'human' to do this.

"No matter what I said, I couldn't change how they felt about me." She looked back at her desk.

"I had no idea." Ren finally spoke up.

"Well, that doesn't matter. The development of that medicine was suspended, so I had no reason to stay there. At least now I can keep working as a general practitioner, on my own terms... with my guinea pig." She smiled at him. "That's the new medicine I've been trying out on you. This version is in the final stage of testing. It searches for those cells that take the offensive and destroys them upon detection. That's why it's harmless for people who don't have the disease... probably."

Ren gulped loudly as he heard that, a little more worried right now. "That's good."

"You have a lot of faith in me. Thank you, my little guinea pig." She smirked. "Hey, you better not flake out on me this late in the game. I'm inching closer to the finish line, but I need you to help me reach it. In exchange... I can offer you medicine at a special price. I'm counting on you."

Ren nodded as he heard that and smiled, feeling the bond between her and him deepen.

Death: Rank 5

"Now the only trouble is... what to do with that girl and her dad?" Tae wondered. "Scaring them hasn't done any good. It's been a while since I've had to deal with this type of nuisance; it's stressing me out."

"I thought you liked a challenge?" Ren joked.

"You can go home now." She responded, patting his chest with a smirk.

Ren could feel his 'Guts' getting higher, after all... these tests definitely helped. However he didn't leave, not yet.

"Did you want something?" She asked as he remained there.

"Yeah." He nodded

"Is it the medicine or something? Or a personal matter?" She asked

"A personal thing." He admitted

"Well, what is it?" She asked, leaning back, wanting to wind down after confessing her heart out.

"It's about when you did the check ups on my friends." He admitted

"Ah, well I can't give out any information. Doctor-Patient Confidentiality." She answered. "But if you want to come back for another physical..."

"I mean the way you where kinda flirting with me to piss of my female friends?" He interrupted

"Oh, that." She smirked gently with a small chuckle. "Well, you're my guinea pig. Plus, I found it a little funny."

"They didn't find it funny all that much." Ren answered

"I suppose I pushed some of their buttons." Tae responded, still sitting in her seat. "But it was just too easy. Sure those girls are cute, if you're into that sort of thing, but they are so defensive when a more experienced beauty takes the stands. Especially if she isn't the high school vision of it."

...

"But why where you teasing them?" He sighed "That's what I want to know. Why where you flirting with me like that? It was almost like you where jealous of them or like you where a protective girlfriend trying to scare them off."

Tae looked away with her eyes and gave a tiny but coy cough, not wanting to say anything.

"Doctor?" Ren asked, patiently waiting for her answer

"I... was jealous." She admitted, before dropping her hand onto her thigh and uncrossing her legs

...

"I'm sorry?" Ren blinked in shock

"I was jealous, that you... had two cute girls with you." She answered. "I felt that we had something special and... I was the only woman in your life. I know that is stupid, but it is how I felt. You're mature for your age and that's what sparked my interest in you."

...

Ren just blinked as his brain tried to process what was said by this beautiful woman... While she just kept talking

"Most people, most boys around me are either sick in the medical sense... or sick personality-wise." She explained. "But you? You're an adult." She took a moment, before getting to her feet. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked towards him

Ren gulped nervously, but he looked up at her... was this going to be a thing now? "I... Are you saying what I think you are saying?" He questioned

"If you want it to be. Yes." She answered. "As long as what we have... isn't totally exclusive."

"I... Er..." Ren blinked, trying to work out what she meant. This was... Was it like this last time around?

"Listen. I'll make this as plain as I can. You and I will be a thing. But, I get to play with your girlfriends if you're dating them too. I can show them how to be women. Okay?" She responded as she reached up, running her fingers across his neck "You're my little guinea pig, I want to keep you safe and make sure those little girls of yours are suitable for a grown up relationship... What, are you REALLY shocked? Adorable." She chuckled, a small grin spreading across her lips as her eyes sparkled "I'm a woman obsessed with punk and rock and I'm a bit of a goth. Back in collage, I was in a polyamerous three way relationship. We broke up, but I know my way around this sort of thing. I mean, it's not like you are TRYING to hide said relationship behind my back after all."

Ren gulped and shuddered a little bit. 'How much of this did I miss?' He thought as he realised how much she cared for him

...

"Okay, let me say it this way." Tae chuckled "Yes, I find you attractive and I find you interesting. You are hot and kind and I find you VERY interesting to talk to and to interact with. It is always wonderful to see you walk into my clinic. And that is why I got defensive against your girlfriends. I was jealous and possessive, trying to stake my claim."

This was all so much to take in, he was glad she was repeating herself.

"However after thinking about it and calming down, I am fine with sharing you with Ms Takamaki and Ms Suzuki." she continued "However it is not going to JUST be 'you with three girlfriends' but the four of us in a relationship."

Ren looked into Tae's eyes and saw that she was telling the truth... and honestly? An older woman taking a shine to him? That actually sounded nice. He was surprised he didn't think of it too much in the past... Outside a few wet dreams involving Tae and some of his older female friends

"Well? What do you say?" She asked

"Okay." He answered and gave a confident smile as he just entered his Phantom Thief mindset. As Joker he unleashed his full confidence and charm. His eyes gained a small blue fire for half a second as he summoned his inner strength... He suddenly flipped them, pinning Tae against the clinics wall while a hand was placed against her head in a classic kabedon with their lips almost touching

Tae's eyes widened as her heart began to thump loudly in her chest. A blush came to her cheeks as this young man was brimming with confidence.

"I'll be your man, if you can get along with my girlfriends." he stated charmingly

She smirked, equilly as confident "Oh? You're not even worried about how... 'wrong' this is?" She teased

"Honestly? I'd like to learn from an 'experienced women'." He responded, almost pressing his lips to hers... and then he pulled back calmly "But I do need them to agree to this." He added calmly

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess that makes sense." She answered, brushing herself off as she looked at him "... You think you're some amazing tease, don't you?" She teased with a snicker and flicked his nose

"Well..." He mumbled, rubbing his nose "I like to think I am a bit skilled in that aspect."

"Well, maybe next time you can show me." She answered. "You better get home."

"Right." He nodded as he felt a small hit to his ego with how she brushed off his actions... but it also made him grin. And with that, Ren managed to get closer to Tae...and honestly, his heart was thumping. He couldn't believe that she was Bisexual. How was he going to explain this to Ann and Shiho?

"PBBT! Ha-ha-ha! Oh my god, I can't-! I can't! Ren!" Morgana laughed as he broke his silence. "H-How lucky are you?"

"Huh?" Ren blinked and shook his head

"You're picking up some of Sojiro's bad habits." Morgana calmed down, but still laughed... and started laughing again even harder

Ren facepalmed, rubbing his eyes and walked back to LeBlanc, passing the second-hand shop on the way... and thought about the tools for the Metaverse again.


*the next day*

Ren was walking back to school after getting off the train, needing to return one of the books he borrowed from the library. He entered the room with a sigh and set the book onto the tabel

"Hi, Ren. Is everything okay?" Ann asked as she saw him.

"Huh? Yeah, I'm fine." He nodded

"Is everything okay between you and Sojiro now?" She continued

"Yeah, things are... more or less back on track." He nodded "He was just a grump dad, basically."

"Well, at least he's letting us back; right?" Ann added

"Yeah, he's letting that happen. I think he's just happy knowing Futaba's gonna be okay now." Ren smiled

"That's good to know." Makoto stated from behind them

"Jeez!" Ren flinched as he heard her. "Don't sneak up on me."

"I thought you didn't mind sneaking." She coyly quipped as she hugged a book to her chest, standing between the two

"It's not that but... Don't you have to get to your class?" Ann responded.

"I have a free period right now." she commented, being a third year unlike the others

"Oh, right." Ren sighed. "What did you want to talk about?"

"How about we go to the student council room? Have some privacy." she offered

Ren looked at Ann for some form of confirmation. To which she nodded. "Is this a thing between you and him; or can I come?" Ann asked

"You're welcome to come to." she nodded in agreement

"Then I'm coming along." She answered.

"Right." they nodded

"Great, follow me." Makoto responded and lead the way to the Student Council room.

The two nodded and followed, Ann wishing she had her whip with her

As the three left for the office, the class was confused at what the two had done to grab Makoto's ire... they were way off.

"Please, take a seat." Makoto asked as she pulled up a seat.

Ren and Ann took their seats, side by side. Rather close but not over the top "Are we gonna be safe in here? No-one's at the door, are they?" Ann asked, using her thumb to point at the door.

"No, we'll have privacy." She answered "I swear it."

"Okay, what did you want to talk about? I mean, not that it isn't good to talk with you." Ren asked

"... About Futaba. And... That thing." She admitted

"Oh, about the whole... Metaverse world and her mother's death." Ren frowned.

"Yes. And the outcome." she nodded

"So... what do you want to know?" Ren asked

"I don't want to know anything, I want to tell you both something." Makoto explained "... I am on your side. I support you."

Ann's resilience towards Makoto lowered as she heard that. "You want to support us?"

"That's right." She nodded.

Ren knitted his hands together and covered his smile with it, happy to hear Makoto was on their side once again. "Thanks, Queen." He nodded

"Thank you." She answered

Bing, Bong.

"Will 'Makoto Niijima' please report to the Principal's office?" A speaker asked, grabbing their attention. An announcement that echoed throughout the school

"Huh?" The two blinked

"I'm sorry, I have to go." She frowned. "Can we meet up later?"

"Sure." Ren nodded

As Makoto left, Ann turned to Ren and sighed. "I guess she's a part of the team full time." the blonde commented

"Is that bad?" Ren responded

"No. Not really." She shook her head as she looked down, feeling guilty

"What's wrong, Ann?" Ren asked, gently lifting her chin up to look into her eyes.

"... She didn't deserve how I treated her." She admitted

Ren nodded understandingly. "Well, we can make a start of apologising together. And I'm sure it'll be alright."

"You are way too sweet." She smiled, kissing him softly


*elsewhere*

Over with Makoto, she was pondering why she was being called up to the office. As far as she knew, she didn't do anything wrong. It might just be student council related. Maybe the school was planning a trip or something. She gave a polite knock on his door and waited to be allowed.

"Enter." The principal's voice responded... and he didn't sound happy.

"You called for me, Sir?" She asked as she entered the room.

"Ah, Makoto." He nodded darkly "We need to talk."


*Time skip*

Ren was walking through a part of town he really shouldn't be in

'Oh man, I hope she's here again. I still don't think Ryuji's gotten over last time.' Ren thought to himself before he saw the edge of a table with a purple cloth over it. "Here we are."

"Oh, welcome back, Sir." A young woman spoke, she had long blonde hair, purple eyes, wearing a navy blue headband and a navy blue long-sleeved shirt, under a purple dress with black wheel design that respectfully covered her modest C-Cup chest, navy blue tights and grey slippers. Before her, on the table, was a crystal ball and a tarot deck ready to be shuffled.

"Hello, again." He responded as he sat down. "You know, I never got to thank you for your 'Holy Stone'."

The young woman gulped nervously. "R-Really?" She nervously asked

"Yeah, our curry needed some salt." Ren answered, almost with an annoyed tone, but kept it light. 'I've already met her once before. The connection is here. I just need to talk to her.'

"You used-. Hmm." She frowned as she heard that, looking like she knew she tricked him and felt guilty.

Ren just sat down, his eyes as serious as ever

"I was wondering... if you'd give me another reading. Since the last 'bad disaster' hasn't happened yet." Ren responded with a confident smirk

"Alright." She answered, looking at the cards and shuffled them. "Say when to cut the deck."

A few seconds and shuffles passed before Ren spoke up, letting Chihaya draw the cards.

He sat there, waiting and patiently

Chihaya looked at the cards and she looked in shock and confusion. Strange for a Fortune Teller. "This is strange." She muttered. "It's the same fortune. You will meet a great trial soon, you will be put to the test of unknown locations... and find allies in the strangest places."

"Really? Exactly the same?" he blinked

"Yes, but it's strange... The companions you will meet. It feels like the world has changed because of you." She answered in disbelief

Ren looked puzzled. Was this because of the changes he had made? Speeding up his and Futaba's meeting? Stopping Kaneshiro before he got his hands on Makoto? Was this a blessing or a curse?
Thinking about it, would Makoto ever awaken to her Persona now?
'Fuck, what have I done?' He thought, rubbing his head.

"Hmm..." Chihaya frowned as she saw Ren struggling. "I'm sorry, but... I'm usually never wrong." but he wasn't listening

"Excuse me, are you done?" A woman asked as she wanted her fortune told.

"Huh?" Ren gasped, shaken from his thoughts

"Ms Mifune is a great Fortune Teller; isn't she?" She responded. "Ms Mifune, may I be next?"

"Oh. Y-Yes." she nodded

Ren got up from his seat and went to the wall, so he could observe, he was still in a bit of a daze right now.

"Please, take a seat." Chihaya smiled, reshuffling the cards as she looked at her next customer.

"Can I say, your last prediction was spot on. It was perfect. Um... is he going to be here?" The woman asked.

"Just think of him as a big fuzzy teddy-bear, his hair is fluffy enough to be it." Chihaya responded.

"Well. I suppose that's okay. I just can't think of a man listening to a woman... especially in my line of work." She explained.

"Did something happen at your job?" Chihaya asked.

"Yes, a co-worker of mine stole my project I poured my soul into... and when I brought it up to my boss, he said that it's 'the natural order of things since I'm a woman'." She responded.

Ren listened in on this, hearing the corruption in this workplace... and his Phantom Thief side came out, wanting to help her. And that's what he did. When Chihaya looked at the cards, she could foresee this woman's 'doom'; the potential business she wanted to do would be her downfall. "Hey, encourage her." He whispered.

"What?" Chihaya asked

"Don't bring her down, help her." He whispered back.

"How would you say it?" she argued

"Fight the power." He answered after a moment thinking about it.

The woman was shocked to hear this. A young man helping the fortune teller, giving her advice. It was honestly... hopeful to hear.

"Um, that wouldn't work..." She frowned.

"Hmm... What about... 'Overturn your fate'?" Ren suggested

"But that's-"

"I've made up my mind." The woman spoke as she saw the Ren and Chihaya were helping her together. "I'm going to leave this oppressive society's rules. I'm going to make it out on my own. My own business venture!" The woman spoke up. "Even if I fail, it'll be better than working for those sexists in my old workplace! Thank you, thank you, both!" She got up and left.

Both Ren and Chihaya were shocked to see that worked... and honestly, Ren felt better for hearing that.

"I'm worried for her. You shouldn't have said those things." And Chihaya began to shuffle and look at her cards again. "She will fall into... Financial success? How? It... Did you change her fate? It was... This is-? My divine sense has been known to send people to the depths of hell!"

Ren closed his eyes and thought back to his personal hells. But he took a cleansing breath and smiled gently. "Well, I think what you need to do is... open your mind to change."

Chihaya was silent as she heard that. "Open my mind... to change?" She repeated and looked at her cards. "Well... I suppose you've defied fate twice, I just have to become better." She answered.

Fortune: Rank 2

"Yeah. Helping guide people away from bad dates is good, isn't it?" He smiled "You know what's coming so advice on how to avoid it can't be bad. And at the end of the day, it isn up to them do either try and change fate or obey it.""

Chihaya nodded as she looked at her table once again. "Well, I'll think about what you've said." She answered.

"Okay." Ren nodded as he got out of the way. "I'll see you later sometime."

"That... will be adventurous if I see you return." She chuckled. and for a second he heard some of her country twang invade her voice

Ren had a small smile and chuckle on his lips as he left the location, not before he stopped at a couple of the drinks dispensers to get some cans. It was honestly scary how much of a routine he had right now. He spotted a familiar reported friend stumbling out of a bar, however, and felt a bit worried "Oh no." He frowned and he went to her. "Hey, are you okay?" He asked kindly, trying to help as he hurried over to Ohya

"Oh, hey~ if it isn't my informant!" She giggled drunkenly "Don't worry about me, Lala-chan just cut me off for the night!"

"You're drunk, aren't you?" Ren asked, helping steady her. To him, one rogue feather could knock her down on her feet. "Drink this." He pulled out a bottle of water.

"I'm fine~" she giggled but accepted the drink

Ren sighed as he saw her like this. "Do you need any help?"`

"Eh, sure. You're good." she waved her hand, a bit more sober now

Ren helped her to a bench on the side, letting her stop swaying as she had the drink in her hands.

"Hey, Ohya!" A male voice yelled

"Crap." She hissed under her breath "That's my boss."

"Your boss?" Ren asked as he looked up and saw an angry man stomping towards them.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? I've been looking all over for you in this sleazy place!" The boss glared. "Why is your phone off? Doing something you don't want me finding out about?"

"N-Not at all." She began to sober up. "I've been working on the Phantom Thieves story and it's been taking too much of my time."

"You sure about that? I got a complaint from the higher-ups. They've seen you snooping in places unrelated to the Phantom Thieves." He glared.

"That'sh. That's not true." She slightly slurred. "I've been on their trail. Who told them that?"

"It doesn't matter 'who'! The board's coming down hard on me!" He glared at her. "Don't make me ask again; why are you sneaking behind the comapany's back?"

"I'm honestly not... I'm..."

"What's this about?" Ren spoke up, turning attention to himself.

"Who the hell is this?"

"Alright. I'll tell you. The truth is... I'm in a relationship with this kid." She smirked, looping her arm around Ren's arm.

'Nani?!' Both Ren and the boss thought in shock, though the boss was more vocal.

"Isn't he a minor?" He pointed at Ren.

"Yep. And who knows what laws we might be breaking. That's why I've been discreet. I guess keeping the secret is harder than it is; since somebody saw us somewhere." She lied through her teeth.

"... For someone who specializes in fabricating articles, I'd expect better lying. I'll have your resignation letter next week. If not, I'll handle this." The boss answered.

"What? You decide that I'm lying and that's that?" Ohya snapped

"Give it a rest." He groaned. "I'm annoyed that I had to track you down."

"W-We're totally in a relationship. Right sweetie?" Ohya turned to Ren with hopeful eyes.

"Of course we are." Ren cooly responded, making the two look at him. Not even a seconds hesitation

"See? He's the one who asked me out; so I'm not some kind of 'cradle robber'." Ohya smirked.

"Ohya... Are you blackmailing him?" The boss asked, looking at the pair. "I mean, let's be honest; you don't have the physique to be attracting high school kids."

"H-Hey, that's sexual harassment! Besides, love transcends age and logic." She answered, placing her hand on her chest, while Ren held her close.

The boss was stunned into silence as he saw this... and backed down. "Whatever. Just make sure you don't miss the deadlines."

"Can we go now?" Ohya asked.

"One more question. I could've sworn the reason you were sneaking around was to follow up on your old partner's case." he added suspiciously

"Huh?" She jerked back, feeling her stomach gurgle and then settle.

"Well, Ohya?" he glared

"We're dating, seriously." Ren rolled his eyes and answered for her, pulling her close. "Pushing into your emplyees social life THIS much makes you seem a bit creepy, dude."

"I'm here on personal business. I told you!" She responded.

"Fine, I'll back off." The boss answered. "No more funny business; okay? The board wants me to keep an eye on you. You've been warned."

As he left, Ren and Ohya were on their own and began to relax. "Urgh... That guy was one of my execs at my job. He's the type that all girls turn down at a bar."

"Yeah, he has that about him." Ren nodded and sighed. "Are you okay now?"

"By the way; what a surprise! I never knew you had that in you. A good source of info and a good actor, best of both... too bad you are underage, we could've gone to a bar."

Devil: Rank 4

"Anyway... thanks. And thanks for the water." Ohya sobered up. "Urgh... I'm gonna get a hangover in the morning."

"Let me call you a taxi." Ren offered as he supported her "I am your 'boyfriend' after all."

She chuckled as she heard that, knowing that he was joking. But she didn't find his comment TOO unattractive


*time skip*

"Like this?" Ren asked as he helped Sojiro in the store the next day

BANG!

"Morning!" Futaba cheered as she slammed open the door to Le Blanc

"Gah!" Both Sojiro and Ren leapt up like Morgana getting scared out of his nap as Futaba crashed through the door.

'Well, she's up.' Ren thought in relief.

"F-Futaba? What're you-? Why're you-?" Sojiro asked in shock, seeing his adopted daughter out of the house... and so chipper.

Futaba walked through the empty store, taking a seat "What? I wanted some coffee. I'm hungry~ to Sojiro! Please~!" She whined

Sojiro almost fell as he saw her out of her room... and acting like a real teenager. "S-Sure. Yeah, of course." He nodded as he started getting a bowl of curry

"How you doing?" Ren smiled, passing her a cup of coffee

"I feel much better; thanks, Ren." She smiled as she looked at the coffee "Hmm~, any cream?"

"Trust me, you're gonna want this neat." He chuckled.

Futaba shrugged and took a sip and as soon as she tasted the bitter taste of the coffee, it was actually quite a mellow flavour. "Hmm. This is actually god."

"Thank you." Ren and Sojiro said together

The two of them looked at each other before chuckled. "What are you going to do today?" Sojiro asked as he set down a place of curry

"Hmm... have this curry and then probably hang out with Ren." She smiled

"Oh, really? Is that right?" Sojiro looked at her and then at Ren.

"Um, I'm not encouraging her like that." He gulped as he saw the mans fatherly glare

"Sojiro, Ren's helped me." Futaba pouted cutely... while using some of her hairs to make a moustache.

"I suppose-Don't mess with your hair like that." Sojiro sighed, turning to his daughter and rubbed his eyes.

"No!" she huffed and blew her hair at him

"Ren. A word." Sojiro pulled him away, trying to get some privacy. "What did you do to her?"

"I. I don't know what you-" Ren gulped.

"Futaba! Look at her! She's out of her room. She's talking back to me. She... She's like a real teenager." Sojiro answered, sounding angry but... he grew soft. It was like a dream he didn't think would come true. He was overjoyed for the girl he wouldn't admit he saw as a daughter... "Thank you. Thank you." Sojiro patted Ren's shoulder, repeating himself.

"Hey, don't worry about it." He smiled, accepting it. But also happy that Futaba was here now "I didn't do anything. She did it all herself." he added softly

Sojiro chuckled gently. "You're not in as much trouble now."

"As much?" he blinked

"You had those two 'friends' of yours that one time." Sojiro clarified.

"Ehehe... I was hoping you where over that." He blushed

"He's got a third one to, but I don't think he's eating her!" Futaba called

PBTTT!

Sojiro spit-took as he heard that, not believing that Ren of all people had three girlfriends! ... He was definitely impressed and would praise his efforts, but STILL!

"Futaba!" Ren turned to her.

"Yes?" She giggled 'innocently'

"You-!" Ren pointed at her.

"Ren. We need 'The Talk'." Sojiro spoke with a glint in his eye and a menacing tone to his voice.

...

"Don't worry! I already know it!" Ren laughed nervously

"Then let me give you a 'refresher'." Sojiro answered, dragging Ren away.

Futaba playfully waved before she tucked into her curry "Have fun." she giggled


*Time Skip*

Ren arrived at school the next day... And he looked like a Zombie "Urgh..." He groaned as he shambled along.

"Hey, du-WHOA! What happened to you?" Ryuji asked before recoiling back.

"So...Ji...Ro..." Ren responded slowly.

"He got chewed out last night." Mona answered, poking his head out of the bag.

"Oof, that bad? Wait, is Futaba okay?" Ryuji asked

"She's fine... But I think we need Lady Shiho and Lady Ann." Mona responded.

"Good idea." Ryuji helped Ren inside "Ann! Shiho!" Ryuji called as he pulled Ren through the school "'Scuse me, coming through. Ann! Shiho!"

"Ryuji? What's going-? Ren!" Shiho and Ann asked, before seeing Ren's dishevelled state.

"He needs 50ccs of girlfriends, stat!" Ryuji said lamely... And then pushed Ren at the girls

"Oof!" Both girls grunted as they caught Ren.

"Ryuji, you jerk." Ann glared.

"Urgh..." Ren groaned as he felt the kind embrace of both Ann and Shiho.

"Ren!" Shiho gasped in worry

"What happened?" Ann asked, propping him up with a double hug.

"Sojiro. And whatever he did... I don't even know." Ryuji answered before pointing at the girls "Meaning you two need to fix him! Come on work your... girlfriend magic or something, I dunno!"

"We're not 'magic', Ryuji." Shiho answered.

"Hmm... I disagree." Ren sighed in relief, feeling better as he hugged them both while just relaxing

"Oh fine." Ann sighed and kissed Ren

"Much... better..." Ren sighed in relief, feeling slightly more rejuvinated as he felt the soft pink lips of his girlfriend against his own

"Are you going to be okay today?" Shiho asked.

"If I fumble again, I'll know who to turn to." Ren answered

"Ren." She frowned before kissing him herself

"Alright everyone, settle down." Ms Kawakami spoke up as Shiho left with Ryuji for their class

"Er... excuse me? Ms Kawakami?" Makoto said from the doorway

"Yes, Ms Niijima?" Ms Kawakami asked, turning to see her. "Did you need something?"

"I need to speak to Mr Akamiya, in private." she responded nervously

"Mr Amamiya? Um, okay." She answered. "Mr Amamiya, can you please come here?"

"Sure." he nodded.

Makoto... she worred him. Her face looked a bit red, her make up didn't look the way it normally did and her eyes seemed a bit puffy. Did something happen at home with Sae? He was worried.

The two left the room, going to the empty Student Council lounge. "What's going on, Makoto? What's wrong?" Ren asked before she suddenly hugged him, crying "W-Makoto?" he blinked in shock

"The-The Principal!" she cried softly "He-He's threatened to expel me!"


CONFIDANT RECAP:

Fool: Rank 10

Magician: Rank 10

Chariot: Rank 7

Lovers: Rank 7

Lust: Rank 6

Strength: Rank 5

World: Rank 5

Death: Rank 5

Sun: Rank 4

Hierophant: Rank 4

Temperance: Rank 4

Devil: Rank 4

Emperor: Rank 3

Moon: Rank 2

Hanged-Man: Rank 2

Fortune: 2

Star: 1