Guest chapter 17, Oct 25: Hey man. Thanks for these honest and... 'harsh' is not the word I want to use BUT...
Anyway.
Some of those errors you mentioned where a bad case of wording (if I remember correctly)
Others... because we have not gone too crazy when it came to planning the early part of the game. As of... three chapters ago we have literally every DAY in this game planned until the final dungeon. However we didn't start doing this until around the time of Futaba's Palace. So... yeah. Fuck up on our part.
As for the Lavenza thing? He and Lavenza basically know that she is going to leave (again) when the adventure is over. When the world is saved, the Velvet Room will no longer be accessable to him. Also he is trying to keep her as down low as possible as to avoid the eyes of the OTHER Velvet Room
Also, this DOES play into another thing we are doing with Joker as well. Do not worry, It WILL take a while, but he will be called out for this and so on.
delubyo420: Joker did not have a 100% Compendium before time travel. Because he did not MAx every social link. He had, like, 96% to 98%. Now? Around 90%-92%
UltimateCCC: She is NOT a shrimp.
Agunimo: clasps hands in prayer
UnsanMusho: Thank you. And to think a few chapters ago some people where complaining that we weren't doing anything with Makoto and weren't going to make her a Phantom Thief. rolls eyes
Lightsbane1905: Okay... that is a good one.
chimchar14: No one is safe from Doctor Legs! Mwahahaha!
Mike Kromer: ... LONGER than I thought, haha!
Frosty Wolf: Well, he IS gross and pathetic.
Guest chapter 23 Sep 28: If ONLY we where that popular.
Guest chapter 23 Sep 28: Oh no, sorry. We must have misphrased some stuff. Our bad. The Palace isn't new. It was just as old as Kamoshida's, however the Phantom Thieve's constant action and being put in the limelight shattered his distorted reality enough to sink into the shadows of Momentos. Alongside the constant preassure from his higher ups in FINDING the Phantom Thieves. He isn't being pushed here, hence his more agressive tendencies because his control has been shaken but not his distortion.
Also, yeah. This Palace is not HARD. The Shadow's are not THAT strong. It is more weird tricks and its maze like layout, especially since they have to keep criss-crossing around the two buildings. It is more about their endurance than their raw strength. A much more resource focused dungeon.
Plus Ren is panicking because of the butterfly effect time changes and how he had no idea what he had in store for him with this Palace.
Sorry if we didn't make that clear.
Dragon and Sword Master: Especially when you think you know everything.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Firem78910: Yeah, he's got a lot to look forward too.
Dragon and Sword Master: We had to give our Queen a proper Awakening this time around.
Shadow Joestar: Don't worry, she will.
Guest, chapter 23, Sep 28: Don't give them any incentive, mate.
Frosty Wolf: He HAS time management, it's just he hasn't any time for himself... Though he could go and ask James Tennyson about it.
Mike Kromer: Not long, really. Wait and see.
chimchar14: Well, if you look on the Shin Megami Tensei Wiki, you'll find *all* sorts of obscure ones.
UltimateCCC: Well, he's got it maxed out at this point.
delubyo420: Verdandi and Dwarf are actually SMT veteran Persona. At this point... it's kinda... 94, maybe 96%?
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Yo, yo, yo guys. We are back.
...
Why do I keep being so cringy, hahah!
Whatever.
Anyway, here we go with the newest chapter
Game time, everyone!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 24:
Evolution Of Bonds
The students at the front of Shujin Academy looked at Ren in shock, more so than Ann and Shiho; who seemed to be a mix between stunned shock and glaring anger at Ren.
...
"I feel like we need to talk. Get in." Tae commented to the three with a deep sigh
"Um. Yeah, no problem." Ren answered nervously, which actually got the attention of the students wondering 'what the hell, is going on?' But with Ren, Shiho and Ann getting into the car they started rumours, most people assuming the hot older woman was Ren's older sister or his mother
"Okay, Doc. What's going on?" Ann asked as they started to drive away
"I'm guessing lover boy didn't tell you yet?" she smirked
"Tell us what?" Shiho asked, turning to Ren.
GULP!
"Let me guess, exams where too much and you forgot?" Tae asked sympathetically
"Yeah. something like that." He nodded admittedly... although he decided to not mention Makoto and Futaba.
"Ren!" Ann hissed "Am I going to have to burn you?" she hissed
"Now now, no reason for your weird kinks." Tae waved off nonchalantly
"Wha-it's..." Ann stuttered, blushing
"To put it simply... That guys a great guy. And I've fallen for him." Tae admitted "I want to be in a relationship with him, but I don't want him to cheat on either of you. Nor take him from the two of you. That would be cruel and mean and just... not right."
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
"Huh?!" Both Ann and Shiho almost yelled in shock.
"Not so loud." Tae flinched as she jumped in surprise at the loud noise "I don't want to crash."
"S-Sorry." Shiho apologised.
"B-but you've fallen for Ren?" Ann followed up.
"Can you blame me?" she asked casually
"Well... Err. No?" The girls talked to each other.
'Hmm... Stay quite. Gotta stay quiet.' Mona covered his ears as he didn't want Tae to know he was there while doing his best not to laugh
"S-So... um... I..." Ren tried to form a sentence... but was honestly fumbling for words. "I... Yeah. I forgot to mention this to you two."
Ann and Shiho sighed heavily as they heard that... granted, they were in a 'polyamorous relationship' with each other; but it still would've been nice for Ren to mention it before now. Hey, at least he hadn't pushed to be WITH Tae before getting their answer, he respected them and didn't try and cheat
"So, where are we going?" Shiho asked
"Back to my clinic. Give us a place to talk about this properly." Tae explained "Unless you want me to take us somewhere else?"
Ren and the girl looked at each other. LeBlanc was only down the road from the Clinic... and it was definitely private. "The-The clicic sounds good."
"Okay." She nodded, looking into the rear view mirror "You okay, Blondie?" She asked Ann
Ann, however, was tapping her finger against her crossed legs. This was getting a bit too close for her taste right now. Especially as Ren was sat in the passenger seat next to Tae, while she and Shiho where sat in the back "I'm... Fine." She grumbled
Tae noted Ann's tone while Shiho was cautiously going to reach to hold her hand.
"It's okay." Shiho, the neutral party, commented
"Thanks, Shiho." Ann calmed down as she felt her friend's hand.
'Oh~, that's nice.' Tae thought as she looked at the mirror and then back at the road.
"How are you, lover boy?" she teased softly, her eyes flicking to the side
"Nervous." he laughed nervously "... You look nice."
"As you should be!" Ann commented, glaring at Ren
"Thank you." Tae nodded. Tae was wearing a black leather jacket with a red short shirt around her chest, a seafoam green skirt and heeled shoes.
"Here we are." she said, pulling up into her normal parking spot
"Wow, that felt quicker than the train." Shiho commented.
"Yeah, it felt like it." Tae answered as she got out of the car. "Come on, let's get in."
The three soon got out and headed inside the clinic, which had the 'closed' sign out at the front. "Is that legal?" Ren asked
"I've come back; haven't I?" She rolled her eyes. "I OWN this clinic, my guinea pig."
"... That's true." He answered with a sweatdrop on his brow.
Ann grumbled at that, seeing Ren being this flustered by this woman. She grabbed his arm and hugged it tight
"Oh-kay." Ren commented as he was arm-hugged by Ann.
As Tae opened the clinic and the four went inside, the doctor had a hidden smile upon her lips. "There, now we can talk like rational adults." Tae spoke up, trying to be the mature one in the room.
"Right." Shiho nodded
"Fine." Ann pouted.
"So, I'd like to explain why I wanted to talk to you." Tae began. "And involving our 'shared guinea pig'."
"Yeah." Ann nodded with a slight glare
"Yeah, I kind of want to get this settled too." Ren admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck
"So, say what you want to say." Ann commented
"Alright, little Miss." Tae stared back. "Our shared 'boyfriend' has shown interest in me, as well as being involved with you both." She was leaning against the wall, her legs crossed slightly "I could be in big trouble if my... Attraction was found into" she admitted as well "You three also might need some help. I've experimented in different types of relationships in my life, dated men and women. And been in one Polyamerous relationship before. There are a lot of kinks and awkwardness involved in that, a lot of boundaries and feelings."
Both Ann and Shiho's faces turned red as they heard that, their minds imagining the relations that this doctor had been part of.
Their imaginations going wild
Wow~!
"So... Your advice, Dr Takemi?" Ren asked as he saw his two girlfriends turn into cherries.
"Advice?" she asked
"Or just... Trying to make this work, without us killing each other." Ren asked
"Oh." she grinned "Well I am happy to teach you..." she said seductively and pressed against Ren "But those two haven't agreed yet, have they?"
"G-Give us a minute." Ann asked, pulling Shiho towards her. "What are we gonna do?"
"I don't know." she admitted before taking a deep breath, turning back to Tae "Doctor Takemi, why do you like Ren?"
"Why I like him?" Tae smiled as she rested her finger on her chin gently. "Well, I like his determination and his personality."
She looked over, at her file cabinet "He has helped me a lot in the clinic. Hehe... he's a bit of a trouble." she grinned softly
"Wait, what?" Ann asked
"Oh dear." Ren covered his face
"It is Ren." Shiho giggled "He can be a bit of a trouble maker."
"Who means well." Tae nodded... and sighed "Okay... More honesty time. I have a local nickname... The Plague."
"'The Plague'?" Ann and Shiho asked
"Wait... I-I think I've heard of that nickname before." Shiho commented
"I'd expect as much." Tae sighed, ready to explain
Ren, Ann and Shiho sat down on the chairs provided, while Tae explained her nickname; how she was a proficient doctor, how she worked at one of the best hospitals... and her spiralling fall because of her superiors. About her patient with the incurable disease
Ren already knew this before hand... but it still pained his heart every time he heard it. Ann and Shiho were tearing up and rightfully so.
"I was a member of the University Hospital in East Shinjuku, I was working on the incurable illness called 'Crawford-Ende's Disease', my team and I were working hard and carefully with the patient who was under our care." She explained. "I wasn't the one who administered the medicine, but it was the cause of the error in the patient getting better."
The girls listened intently as Tae continued on.
"There wasn't much progress on the medicine, mostly because the disease is so rare, there weren't many cases of it. The company I worked for got to the final stage of production... before everything was taken out from under me. I was removed from my position and my superior at the time took over my entire operation."
She looked down, her fists tightening a bit as she held herself "And then... she died."
Ann and Shiho frowned and tears began to drip form their eyes. "And... and you two have been working together?"
"Yes... Because I am still working on the cure." Tae nodded
"And I'm guessing I've been helping with that." Ren joked lightly, passing Shiho and Ann some tissues.
"Yes." She nodded "Even with failing her... I want to honour her. So others don't have to suffer her fate."
"That's... that's beautiful." Shiho answered
"Yeah." Ann sniffed
Tae sniffed gently before composing herself. "Now that I've told you... Will you listen to me?" with the two nodding
"Thank you." And she looked at them. "Now, I guess you two have... at least kissed each other."
"Once." Ann nodded with a blush "These two helped me with... well... my modeling. And we decided to... well... experiment."
"Yeah." Shihi blushed and nodded, tapping her fingers together
"Well, I think you three should know what to do. And I'm the one who can teach you." Tae answered.
"Teach them/us?" the three asked together
"Of course. You're still... seventeen/eighteen. You need to know this what we'll be doing before we do anything." Tae answered with a sexy sway of her hips as she walked towards them "If I'm in the relationship, that is. Girls?"
Both Ann and Shiho gulped gently as they saw her... quickly giving a glance to each other and then nodded. "O-Okay. Yeah."
"Good." Tae nodded "Now, there is something long over do~." she smirked as she brushed her fingers against Ren's cheek, her red nails shimmering against his skin, before she pressed her lips against his
Ren's eyes widened as he felt the doctor's soft lips against his own... and honestly? It felt great. This older woman's lips on his own.
He returned the kiss, said kiss not lasting too long
"Now, now. Don't get too carried away. We still have time." Tae instructed before looking at the girls "And I also want to give these girls some much needed practice." Tae walked towards the two now, looking between the "Now, who would like the first lesson?"
Both girls looked at Tae, both with blushes on their cheeks as they were about to get a 'crash course' in a polygamous relationship.
...
"I... I can go first if you want, Ann?" Shiho stuttered
"S-Sure. If you're okay with it." Ann answered, stuttering herself.
"You two are like a couple of newly girlfriends." Tae teased, gently lifting Shiho's chin to get her attention.
"Eh~!" the two gasped, before Tae kissed the younger girl
Shiho's eyes fluttered as she felt Tae's lips on her own... not knowing that her lipstick was getting onto hers. This kiss... it was so different than kissing Ren. These lips... so soft. So plump. They felt more experienced. Instead of them being clumsy or 'innocent', they felt proud.
"There we go." Tae mumbled as they broke the kiss, a strand of spit between their lips
Shiho's eyes seemed to spiral as she was now in a haze, feeling the more experienced woman let her slip into the chair.
"Oh wow." Ren blinked as he covered his crotch a bit
"Better than I thought, with how shy you seem." Tae stated with a chuckle, looking at her approvingly "Hopefully we will get closer and more comfortable as time goes on."
"I... he... ha..." Shiho stuttered and mumbled
"Your turn now, Ms Takamaki." Tae smiled softly also letting her back off if she wanted to
"W-wait a sec! I-I need to prepare my heart!" Ann panicked, waving her arms almost cartoonishly, before Tae's almost hypnotic eyes connected with hers and she was kissed. "Mmm!"
It was like when she kissed Shiho, the world exploding with light and softness. She could feel fireworks going off in her mind, like all these new doors were being opened. The older woman was shorter than her, not by too much thanks to her heels but it made it different than kissing her tall boyfriend
"Mwa." Tae whispered, breaking the kiss
"Hmm." Ren squeaked to himself, looking on at this and trying to take mental notes... but that part of his was being drowned out by the adolescent screaming of his manhood.
"Hehe. Tongue, Ms Takamaki?" Tae teased, calling her out
"Sh-Shut up." Ann muttered and blushed brightly, feeling like her face was on fire
"So~, what did you think?" She asked the three of them.
"That kiss... was worth the wait." Ren coughed as he quickly gathered himself
"... Wasn't terrible." Ann mumbled
"... ah..." Shiho mumbled
"Don't worry, I'll do my best to teach you all to do that." she told them, pointing at Shiho with a small smile "But of course... there is a lot we are going to need to talk about. Like boundaries, plans and the like. So we might be here a while. I'll order take out, what do you want?"
Ren couldn't help but smile as he saw the three getting along... he felt happy for them all
Lovers: Rank 8
Lust: Rank 8
Death: Rank 6
*time skip*
It was a few hours later, Ren was at home after all that time. "What. A. Day." He sighed heavily, wanting to go to bed. But he knew there was much he had to do.
He wanted to help his teacher as much as possible, before she was potentially dragged into this to. He didn't remember much from what happened in the last timeline...but this time; he was going to help her. He went downstairs and used the phone to call the maid service.
He waited through the boring dial tone, thinking about the events of today a bit more.
Three girlfriends ..
Three!
How did that happen?
He pinched his nose and rubbed his eyes as he tried to think and contemplate how it happened.
At least it wasn't too insane
"Hello, Victoria Maid Service." A voice spoke.
"Hi, I'd like to hire a maid. Becky, if possible." Ren spoke.
"Ah, yes of course, Sir. And the location?"
"LeBlanc, in Yongen-Jaya." Ren answered. He hung up the phone soon after, waiting He sighed and looked up to the ceiling. "I hope she's alright."
"I'm sure she's fine." Mona yawned
Ren looked down at Mona and stroked his head gently, seeing how tired he was. "Thanks buddy... Want to stay down here and sleep?"
"Yeah, if that's okay." He answered, going onto one of the chairs and sleeping on the comfy cushions. He began to purr as he relaxed, his tail flicking back and forth
"G'night buddy." He whispered before he heard the door open and saw Ms Kawakami walk in wearing her 'Becky' outfit.
"Hi, Master!" She spoke playfully as she saw him.
"Hi?" He blushed. Why did she always look so... Attractive in that thing?
"Thank you for choosing me again." She spoke as she headed upstairs with him.
"Of course." Ren sat down on the couch and looked at Kawakami, trying to not oggle her as much, but he had something to get off his chest. "Ms Kawakami... I know that story you told me... the one about your sister is fake."
"What do you mean?" She grumbled
"I asked some of the teachers at school. You've never mentioned a sister, nor is it documented anywhere." Ren answered
Ms Kawakami sighed heavily as she was found out. "Alright. So you know. You know about my lie. But... you're still being used for money. You still hired me. Don't think I'm ungrateful, but; it's just hard for me to talk about this. I'm a mediocre teacher and a mediocre maid, yet you listen to everything I have to say."
"Of course I do," Ren answered, not leaving his gaze off her. "Please, tell me why you need the money."
Kawakami sighed and sat next to him. "The money is... for an 'apology'. There was this student 'Takase', he was from my previous school before Shujin. He was considered a 'problem child', skipping classes, low grades... I was put in charge of guiding him or actually pushing him to transfer schools."
Ren was quiet as he listened, he heard this story before, but he wanted Ms Kawakami to continue.
"That's when I learned he wasn't a problem child. He was working several part-time jobs just to cover living expenses. His parents passed and his relatives took him in, so he decided to make money to support himself."
Ren's mind flashed back to the first timeline... And how he felt sorry for Takase right now.
"He couldn't attend school every day, but he was motivated to study. So, I decided to tutor him. Slowly but surely, his grades improved. I was told not to put other students in front of others... then a rumour circulated that he was a juvenile delinquent and I was summoned to the Principal's office. He threatened to dismiss me if I continued."
"That's terrible." Ren chocked a little as he heard that.
"You could say the same about me. I got so scared about those rumours...so I cancelled the sessions. Takase was on his way to one of his part-time jobs when I told him. It was New Year's Eve... and the rain... He died in a car crash." She choked up as she recalled the memories. "He sounded so depressed that I couldn't help him anymore. He told me that it wasn't too bad, since he had to work. I think he said that not to worry me."
Ren wanted to reach and hold her hand, try and comfort her.
"He was so exhausted because of school and the jobs... His guardians blamed me for what happened, saying it was my fault that it happened and why he was so tired. They said they were going to sue me and go straight to the Board of Education. I wouldn't have been accused of any crime, but the school would never recover from it. I wanted to continue teaching so...I ended up paying the 'apology' money ever since."
Ren's hands tightened into a fist... this was the same type of extortion that his own parents had done to him. "Do... Are you okay with that?"
"I blame myself every day. Though, they're happy with the arrangement so..." She frowned before she got up, wiping her eyes. "See? It's not good to be around me."
SLAM!
"It wasn't your fault!" Joker found himself snapping
Ms Kawakami backed up in shock as she saw that, she always saw Ren as a calm and collected person... but to see him snap at her. To be angry at someone for her... it was surprising.
She didn't know what to say
"You are a good person. And a good teacher. People like that, people who thrive off good people, they are in the wrong." Ren answered
"His relatives where emotionally and financially abusing him as well as neglecting him! He shouldn't have HAD to have all those jobs which pushed him so far! It was an accident, but if ANYONE is to blame then it is them! And now they are insulting HIS memory by blackmailing you!"
Ms Kawakami looked on at Ren... and these things just seemed to click... but it also got some insight into what Ren might've gone through. She looked away in shame, like a beaten dog with no will to defend itself. To even try and fight back
"Don't you care about Takase at all?" Ren asked suddenly. Like that, Kawakami froze. It was like an arrow shot through her heart
"W-What?" She stuttered
"I don't want to say this... But giving into THEIR demands for so long, hurting your CURRENT students in the process, is you throwing away his memory." He responded
"... What do you suggest I do?" She asked. "Not pay them?"
"Yes." He nodded. "And quit this job if you don't NEED the money."
Kawakami frowned and hugged herself. This job was hurting her. All this time lost.
"Do you not care about your students?" Ren asked
SLAP!
"Don't ever say that!" She hissed before her eyes widened in shock, realising what she had done "I... Oh! No! I'm so sor-"
"It's fine... I wanted you to do that." Ren smiled "There is that passionate teacher I know."
Ms Kawakami retreated her hand as she looked at him, seeing that drive in his eyes... and the energy she thought she had long forgotten.
...
...
"I'm sorry." She repeated
"It's alright." He reassured her, not worrying about his cheek.
Kawakami suddenly froze, blushing up a storm
"I'm here to help." He added, smiling at her blush.
'Kh god, I shouldn't be feeling this way towards one of my students!" She thought
"Is something wrong?" Ren asked confidently, almost tempting her close.
"Nothing." she brushed him off
"Well, if there's anything you need from me. I'm right here." Ren answered as he felt their bond deepen
Temperance: Rank 5
"I... Well. Thank you." She answered.
"I... I need to quit this job." she told herself
"That's a good start." Ren nodded. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so." she sighed "I need to work on it though."
"I'm sure you're gonna do great." Ren answered, giving her the money he owed.
"No." she shook her head
"Are you sure?" He asked
"I'm sure." She nodded. "I'm making my choice now. Keep your money." She sighed, looking down at how she was dressed "I'm your teacher..." She muttered "So I should act like it." she told herself, but taking about something about herself
"I think that's a step in the right direction." He nodded, interpriting it differently. "I will see you in school."
"Yes, I'll see you in school, Mr Amamiya." She responded, as she left.
'I wonder if she will keep that outfit.' Ren thought. Ren saw Ms Kawakami leave, though it was only for a short while... it was definitely a much needed talk that they needed.
He sat down, taking a deep sigh, and smiled
*time skip*
It was the following day, July 22nd.
Ren was ready to get to school. His hands where in his pockets as he walked into class, smiling as he saw Kawakami here before anyone else "Oh, good morning, Ms Kawakami." He spoke as he saw her this early... and looking a little more refreshed. He walked through the room, taking his seat behind Ann "Morning Ann." he grinned softly, before playfully blowing at her neck
"Meep!" she shirked and jumped in surprise, blushing "Ren, you jerk!" she huffed
"Oh no, I'm gonna be sick from how cute this is." Mona mumbled
"Not in my bag." Ren whispered. "You liked it."
"Shush." Ann blushed as she fidgeted under the desk, because of last night.
"You okay?" Ren asked
"I'm fine. Just... just thinking about yesterday." She answered.
"Oh."
"It's just got me thinking about things, I'll talk about it later." She answered with a smile "Besides, I have a model thing going on later. Mind coming with me?"
"Yeah, of course." He nodded. "It sounds fun."
"Should be." Ann answered.
The rest of the class began to pour in, seeing Ann and Ren already there. Time ticked by, lunch quickly approaching
BRRRRRING!
"That's lunch everyone." Mr Ushimaru spoke up, putting the book down as everyone relaxed, pulling out their lunches from their bags
"Finally." Each of the students sighed in relief, leaning back in their seats as they got lunch.
"That guy can go on; can't he?" Mona whispered
"Yeah." Ren nodded softly
"Ren, do you want to have lunch together?" Ann asked, wanting to leave the classroom with her boyfriend.
"Sure." He smiled
The two got up and headed out of the classroom, going upstairs to the roof for some privacy.
"Where we going?" Ren asked her
"Just... the roof." She answered, hiding her blush, carrying her lunch only for Ren to suddenly pick her up bridal carry "What the-?" She gasped.
"Can't I do something nice for you?" He smiled confidently. as he smiled at her
"Y-You..." She mumbled, finding this all romantic as her heart thumped. "Jerk." She whispered softly
"I know. And you love me because of it." He responded, having opened the door with little trouble and got onto the roof.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Don't worry about me." He answered, putting her to her feet. "Besides, you're light."
"Really?" she asked with a raised eyebrow
"You are to me." He answered, making a joking flex of his arm. "I'm glad we've got this time together, Ann."
"Thank you." She smiled "Me to."
The two sat down and began to eat, sitting together and their thoughts on each other. As well as their futures.
"You know my modelling?" Ann broke the silence as she dwelled on her thoughts.
"Yeah." He nodded
"I'm worried about it. I want you to be there with me, to give me some support." She voiced.
"Of course." He smiled and held her hand softly "I'll always be there Ann. To be your strength."
"Thank you." She responded in kind. "I can't believe that I'm able to do this... Being a model and doing what we do."
"Hey, you've moved a model longer than I've know you." He pointed out
"As a hobby, a way to make extra money." She corrected, looking to the sky "But now... now..." She closed her eyes and let out a breath "Now... It... I'm taking it seriously now. I know what I want to be. A famous model and actress. I want to inspire people and to help them. I want to push people to be better than themselves and to feel comfortable in who they are. I want to inspire them to push back against terrible things because they are terrible, like we are doing now in our own way. I know my future... And I've got you there to thank, for helping me find this strength within myself."
"Hey, I just opened the door. You're the one who took that step, Ann." Ren answered, only taking some credit.
"Oooh! Take the damn credit, you handsome idiot!" She grinned, pretending to be mad as she punched him lightly in the chest "Or no more kisses!"
"None?" He asked charmingly, raising an eyebrow and making her to beat red
"Well... Maybe not none~." She muttered, getting flustered as their lips grew closed
The two got closer, before their lips met, uninterrupted as they kissed. Their lips touched, and their passion exploded
Lovers: Rank 9
Ren's hand gently rose and cupped Ann's cheek gently. The two continued to kiss, the act growing more and more passionate in moments. Ren's hand going over her arm and held her close. She grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer as he set a hand on her waist. They felt their hormones and desires rising, knowing the other was very attractive as they cared about the other a lot
Ren broke the kiss as he looked at her, seeing the glisten of her two blue eyes, their hearts pounding in their ears as they looked at each other. He kissed her again, their tongues meeting as they moaned. She grabbed his hair, sitting on his lap, as his hands began to slide under her hoodie and shirt...
"What's going on out here?" Makoto snapped from the doorway in her student council president voice
"Gah-ha!" The two straightened up and broke their embrace, feeling embarrassed as they were caught by the Student Council President... and also an ally.
"M-'Niijima'! We-we were just-!" Ann tried to think of a lie.
"Geez, you two." She sighed "I know you are a couple but I've told you, you can't be doing this stuff at school. Plus, school roof is off limits as I said."
"Sorry." Ren sighed
Makoto tapped her head gently as her elbow rested on her arm. "... If you go down now, I'll try and cover for you. Okay?"
"Thanks." Ann blushes
Makoto nodded, looking to the sky "By the way Ren, can you come to the Student Council room please?"
"Yeah, of course." Ren nodded. "Is something the matter?"
"Well... it's something." She answered.
"Okay, no worries." He smiled
Makoto nodded, closing the door behind her
Ren ran his hand through his hair and sighed gently. Thinking how lucky he was and how much things had changed... honestly, he didn't think he'd be this far with his friends.
...
"That ruined the mood." Ann blushed and looked away "Hey... Ren. You know I'm not... Easy, right?"
"Of course I know. We just... got caught up in the moment." He admitted.
"It wasn't the moment, it was you!" She called proudly and seriously
Ren chuckled at that remark and agreed. "Yeah, I can be that way. I've gotta head to the-"
"I know. I'll see you later." She answered, kissing his cheek. "I... I love you." She smiled
Ren was stunned as he heard that and he wanted to say it back to her. Of all times for his throat to go dry now. He had to admit he dreamed of her saying those words, the first time around. When they had been so close, but they never even had a chance to try and confess to each other.
"I. I love..." He hoarsely spoke, trying to get the words to come out.
"I know." She nodded and kissed him. Ann went back to class, while Ren headed to the Student Council room.
"Okay." He sighed, but his mind was wild. Thinking about Ann, their relationship and their future 'Let's do this.' He thought and entered the Student Council room, waiting for Makoto to come in as he imagined being with Ann as the years went by... and the stuff they could do with Ann in her Panther outfit. He chuckled to himself as he imagined Ann in that costume... and all the kinky things they could do together.
How beautiful she was... and how amazing it would be!
"Ren, thank you for coming." Makoto spoke as she entered the room, snapping Ren out of his daze.
"Huh? Oh, no problem Makoto." He blinked, as his thoughts subconsciously swapped out Ann for Makoto
Wow~
Ren's thoughts switched to Makoto in a different costume, seeing her wear something a little ludicrous. 'Stop, stop, stop.' He shook his head. "Sorry, just thought of something."
"It's alright. I need to talk to you about something important." She answered. "It's about the female students of the school and Shinjuku."
"Oh. Right. What about it?" He asked as he listened.
He sat down in front of her, calm and smiling
"I'm worried for some of our students going there. Shinjuku is known as the 'biggest red-light district in Asia' and there are talks about some students even *working* there." Makoto informed.
"You really think that?" He asked in worry
"Yes. As much I don't want to admit it, even though it's a reputable location. It was a hotbed of criminals and illegal immigrants before measures were installed, but there are also some brothels there as well." She answered. "And that is what I'm worried about, students going to be 'hosts or hostess'. And with... certain adults, they could be taken advantage of."
"I see." Ren hummed
"That's why, I want you to accompany me to Shinjuku in case anything happens." Makoto continued. "If I went on my own, there will be people trying to... accost me. But with you there, we can be a bit more protected."
"Oh?" Ren blinked, his eyebrow raising gently
"Yes. They will probably think you are my b-boyfriend and leave me alone." She blushed
"Okay, when are we doing this?" Ren asked "Because Ann wants me to be there for her modeling job after school."
"It won't be long. After school. I just want to have a look around and then as we head back, you can go visit Ann." She promised
"Okay, I can do that." He answered. "After school, right?"
"Yes, after school. It'll take an hour if that." She answered confidently.
"I'll hold you to it, Makoto." He answered with a confidant nod
"Thank you for doing this. I appreciate it." She sighed in relief.
"Anytime, Queen." he winked quietly
Makoto blinked and blushed a little as she was called her Codename. "Meet me immediately after school. I'm sure you can help Ann with what see needs afterwards."
"No problem." He nodded, leaving
...
Makoto pushed her head against the desk, screaming to herself a bit 'AAAAHHH! Oh god, oh god, oh god! Is this happening? My heart won't stop beating!' She thought, holding her head 'This-It's like a date. Oh god, what am I gonna do?' She thought. 'Why am I like this?! What's wrong with him? What's wrong with ME?!'
She tried to calm down with some cleansing breaths... but all it did was make her think of Ren and how collected he was during all this. He had been so kind and compassionate before
And now? Now he seemed like a gentleman.
Fitting for the gentleman thief.
Slap!
Slap!
Slap!
Makoto clapped her cheeks together to try and snap out of it, come back down to Earth as she imagined him in his Phantom Thief costume...and her in his arms.
Like some cheesy romance novel
"S-stay calm, Makoto. He's-he's already with Ann. And... And she doesn't like you." She looked down, in prure guilt "What am I going to do?" She asked as she slumped into her chair.
*time skip, Shinjuku*
Both Ren and Makoto were now in Shinjuku, wearing their casual clothes as they saw the somewhat busy streets of Shinjuku. "Well, here we are." Makoto spoke. "This...this is my first time here."
"Really? Never been before?" Ren asked
Makoto shook her head. "My dad told me all these stories of this place. I always steered clear of it."
"I see." Ren nodded
"But the police have come down hard on the criminals, it's much safer than before." Makoto added. "Are you ready to search?"
"Yeah." Ren confirmed, flashing a smile
The two of them walked into Shinjuku, both of them trying to find any students that were there... and not succeeding. 'Dang, we're not getting anywhere.' Makoto frowned.
"Hey~ there, missy." A person spoke, creeping on Makoto.
"Wh-what?" She turned around.
"How about you leave this kid and-" The creeper spoke, before Ren interrupted him.
"She's with me." Ren stood up for Makoto, glaring right into his 'drunken' eyes.
"Piss off kid, I'm gonna show her a real man." The man remarked.
"When your attitude matures first." Ren answered, not backing down by an inch.
In a flash, the man saw the predator in Ren's eyes... and saw he wasn't going to get anywhere with Makoto and slunk off. And honestly, he felt a knife right at his throat, even though there wasn't one.
Makoto felt a little weak at the knees as she saw Ren stand up for her. "Wh-whoa." She whispered. "I didn't need you to..." Makoto muttered before quietening down
"Are you okay?" Ren asked as he carefully touched her arm.
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine." She answered. "That was brave of you."
"I wasn't really thinking. I just did." Ren admitted with a charming smile
Makoto blushed a little before she coughed to compose herself. "Thank you. If it wasn't for you... I don't know. I probably would've knocked him out."
"Oh yeah, you know akido!" he nodded in remembrance
"I'm glad you remember. Ren, thank you for being here with me." Makoto nodded and thanked him. "Even though today was a bust... I appreciate you helping me."
"Any time." he assured
"I hope I can do the same for you someday." She added.
Ren could feel his connection growing closer to Makoto, filling her with confidence and also means to get stronger in her own right.
Priestess: Rank 2
"Well, I think we should go. Despite this place being a shopping district, no Shujin students have come this way." Makoto answered as she turned around... and saw a member of their school walking down the street.
"Huh?" She blinked
"Wait. Is that?" Makoto asked before the student walked down a staircase into a building. "I used to be in the same class as her! Why is she here?"
"'After School Salon'. My guess, I think we found our 'culprit'." Ren pointed at a sign.
"It seems so." Makoto nodded, rolling her shoulder a little. "Ren, if it's possible with you, I'd like you to be a witness for me. Just when I go talk to her."
"Yeah, no problem." He answered before his phone beeped. "I have to get going."
"I understand. Maybe on Monday?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah, no problem. Let me take you to the station. I don't like the thought of you staying here longer." Ren offered.
"Someone is protective." She smiled softly but didn't refuse
*Time Skip*
Ren was now at Ann's photoshoot, he wasn't going to let her go in alone against her rival. This was going to be a big one after all.
"Thanks for coming." Ann spoke, seeing her boyfriend.
"No problem." He answered. "What's going on?"
"Seems Mika is having a talk with the photographer." Ann explained
"Trying to get the edge again?" He smiled
"It seems so. But I'm not going to give up that easily." Ann answered.
"Ah, Ms Tamaki. I've just been having a talk with Mika... It turns out she's been giving out wrong time and location information to our other models." The photographer spoke causing Ann's eyes to go wide. They'd figured out Mika's trick?! How?!
"There were rumours going around that she might've done it. But we thought people were jealous of her." The photographer answered.
"But you soon caught on?" Ann asked
"Yes. Especially since her popularity skyrocketed after it started happening. And do you know what she said when confronted?" The photographer asked
"What did they say?" Ren inquired
"'I'm sorry'." He responded. "That's it."
"... You're kidding." Ann deadpanned.
"No, she wasn't. But since we've had to cut back on multiple models, she and you are the only two remaining." He explained. "I hope that you two can handle the shoot for today."
"... That's fine. I wanted to model with her today." She smirked
"Alright. We'll start in five minutes." He answered and walked off.
"Are you gonna be okay?" Ren asked.
"I'm sure. besides... I know I can do this and give it my all." Ann responded. "I'm going to show her the power of my heart through modeling and show Incan best her!"
"That sounds great." He nodded, going to the side and gave her the thumbs up.
Ann walked over to Mika, who was standing on her own. "That was some trick you pulled on them, Mika."
"Oh please. In this industry, if you don't have an 'in' your career will never leave the ground. I had to make my own luck to get this far." Mika answered, justifying her reasons.
"Sabotage isn't the answer. You're lucky to be here after all that." Ann responded.
"I'm the popular one here, Takamaki. Even if people detest me, I'm still on top." Mika responded.
"For now. I'll take that top spot fair and square." Ann spoke with determination.
Mika humphed at Ann's remark...and then smirked confidently herself. "Alright. Your beauty versus mine. I'll beat you fair and square too."
"Sounds good to me." Ann smiled as she walked to get into position.
Ren saw how confident Ann was holding herself. This was because of her own strength that she acquired over the past few months. And honestly, he couldn't be prouder.
The photoshoot began, Ann and Mika began to strut their stuff; the photographer was capturing all their good sides, both women giving it their all.
However something was different about Ann this time
This time, she was showing off her all, giving the cameraman all the flash and style of her Phantom Thief self; the sexy and alluring side that was like her namesake. She let her passion ignite and burn away the competition
Wow~!
'Oh crap, she's amazing!' Mika thought in shock, but she was also enjoying herself. Competing, fairly... She was finding it fun!
"Wonderful, wonderful. A little more to the left, ladies. That's it. Okay." The cameraman spoke as he continued to take pictures. "You're on fire!"
'Literally.' Ren thought
'Oh my.' Arsene blinked
'Arsene? Why're you here?' Ren thought, getting his attention.
'What? Can't I see my partner's girlfriend doing well? You're turning into quite a 'Gentleman Thief'.' The Persona remarked as he saw Carmen dance
And as Carmen danced, she gave a flirty look to her fellow Persona, almost tantalizing him closer. She was looking magical, a spotlight somehow shinning down on her
'Ah~, mi amore.' Arsene thought with his permanent grin. The french accent of his origin slipping through
"You." Ren laughed
"Alright, ladies. Take five." The cameraman spoke up as a small crowd began to gather around.
Ann walked towards her boyfriend, grinning "Hey!" She spoke out and hugged him. "How was it?"
"You were fantastic." He answered. "Just amazing!"
"I had to, I had you watching me after all." Ann answered as she broke the hug. "Hey, you know how I wanted to be the 'number one model' in the business?"
"Yeah, I remember. You mentioned that before." He answered.
"Well, I'm happy to keep doing this at my own pace." Ann responded.
"Your own pace?" he asked with a raised eyebrow
"Yeah, just because I'm good now doesn't mean I'm getting complacent. I'm going to keep improving, one step at a time. Improve myself and become the best my way." She explained, with a little blush.
"I'm going to be the best I can. Because... That's all I can be. I can't magically become perfect, I want to improve and I'll do my best to do so."
"You know, I can agree to that." Ren smiled respectfully and hugged her.
"Takamaki, we're back on in five!" The cameraman called out.
"Right!" She called, before turning to Ren... And pulled him into a kiss "Want to go to my place after?" She whispered with a smile
"Really?" He blinked as his glasses began to fog up before he calmed himself
"If... You want?" She smiled
"Um. Y-Yeah. Yeah, that-that sounds great." He answered before he summoned his full Bravery
"Yeah. After this, we'll go to your place." He responded confidently.
Ann blushed and smiled as she heard that, getting a little flustered.
"Alright." She nodded before turning to the photoshoot "For now though... Watch me! Watch... My heart!" She said passionately before she gasped
Unseen by anyone else, blue light shon from Ann's chest
I am Thou, Thou art I.
Thou hast turned a Vow into a Blood Oath.
Thy bonds shall become the Wings of Rebellion and break the yoke of Thy Heart.
Thou hast awakened to the Ultimate Secret of The Lovers, granting thee infinite power...
Ren could hear Lavenza's voice in his ears as Ann glowed blue and the form of Carmen began to shift and change from that of a pink-skinned red flamenco dancer with a black panther mask into something new and greater.
Carmen was enveloped in a blue sphere as her form turned black, her body shifting and changing. She turned into a tall and thin model-like woman; wearing a black skirt with silver edges that went down to her feet that was held up by a silver belt, her stomach and arms were a red-wine colour, her chest up to her neck was covered in a spiked black and silver bustier with spike-styled breasts. On her back was a black vampire squid mouth-like cloak and popped collar; finally her head, it was a black-skinned mouthless form with four eyes on her face, blue sclera with yellow irises and black slit-pupils and from her hair that looked like winged horns were a pair of larger eyes that mirrored her own eyes. In her hands was a pair of large silver rings with chains, connecting to a pair of metallic-blue, long red fanged, spiked collared mad dog heads.
'I can sense a new power growing within me!' Ann thought to herself proudly as her Persona took to her new form... and it winked at Arsene. She gasped, blue smoke leaving her body as it went stuff for a moment. Power and knowledge flooding her mind
Ann briefly stopped for a moment as she was about to go to the shoot... and thought of Ren. 'What was... that?' She thought.
"Ann; are you ready?" The cameraman asked, getting her attention.
"Oh, yeah. I'm ready." She nodded and began to conclude her modelling. She ran a bit, rushing to the shoot. But she knew... She was much greater than before
Lovers: Rank 10
CONFIDANT RECAP:
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Strength: Rank 8
Chariot: Rank 7
Lust: Rank 6
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: Rank 2
High Priestess: Rank 2
Star: Rank 1
Empress: Rank 1
