SharkySplitz: As I have already said in other reviews. If we do stories for any other Persona games, it'll just be oneshots.
Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Hehe. Just wait.
Guest chapter 1 Jan 29: You obviously didn't read the chapter. In that he was in his home town for over a year. With a broken phone. No way to contact them. Also the fact he HADN'T been DATING anyone in the first time around, it hadn't been a perfect run.
Childline: When it comes to Makoto, we haven't given her the most focus. I agree there. But that was because we tried and give her a bunch of focus early on leading TO her awakening and past it. Going the Naoto route where she was built up before becoming a part of the party. But she will become more focused when a certain casino hits the ground.
chimchar14: Yeah, we are both British. We don't hide it. We write using UK English.
Cooperjordan: Gonna need a LITTLE wait on Shiho's awakening. It has some high unlock conditions, haha.
Dragon and Sword Master: She is comfortable around her friends. Not a lot of random people.
Uraharaisgod: Yes. We know Lust and Hunger are the same Arcana. However the one you said, that is the reverse reading of the card from the Tarot decks. The opposite side is a very similar meaning to the Lovers but also a journey for freedom.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Dusken Willow: Thank you very much. And you have a nice profile pic. smiles
Kid-Hero24: Trust us, we've got plans for when we get to The Grail. And it's nice to hear that you've binged our series.
SharkySplitz: Outside of one-shots? I don't think so. Each Persona game is 500+ hours long and Grey and I don't have the mental fortitude to go through it all.
StevieBond: Duh, it's Queen after all.
UltimateCCC: ... Err. He does? Morgana's always sleeping in the bag.
chimchar14: Yep, all the good stuff happening right now. But yeah, we live in the UK.
Cooperjordan: You'll just have to wait to see what happens.
delubyo420: Oh, we've got ideas and plans for when we get to Okumura.
Mike Kromer: Dude, calm down. I'm glad you're excited about the next chapter, but you can't rush us. Also, the gay duo was in poor taste for the game and us. It was just part of the game at the time.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Alright guys, confession.
Because of how February is... this'll be the only upload this month.
March and April will be getting their two uploads and then back to once a month.
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 30
Adventures With Hearts
It was the next day, Ren was yawning from last night and his deep sleep. His mind was worried for Mishima because of that catfishing last night. The kid had a self confidence issue. A self esteem issue. And a few dozen more.
"Good morning, Ren." Morgana spoke as he poked his head out of Ren's bag.
"Why're you in my bag, Mona?" Ren smiled as he saw him poke his head out.
"Cause it's comfy." Morgana smirked back. "Besides, don't you want to sleep in? You looked drained."
"I'm alright, I just had a long night." Ren reassured.
"Right, right. So, what're you going to do today?" Morgana asked.
"I'm thinking of meeting up with Makoto. She looked worried last time I saw her." Ren answered.
"Good idea, Queen might need some cheering up."
"Probably." he nodded
"Want me to come with you?" Morgana asked.
"No, I think I can manage it. Look after Futaba for me." Ren responded.
"Okay~!" he yawned
Ren headed downstairs and saw Sojiro making a cup of coffee for some customers. "Ah, you're awake. Headed out?"
"Yep." He nodded
"Try not to be too late tonight. I might get worried you won't come back." Sojiro responded.
"I'll always come back home." Ren smiled. 'Worried about me?' Ren thought with a smile as he felt warmth in his heart again. There he was... The Sojiro he knew
Sojiro chuckled as Ren left, seeing him doing so much to keep himself busy.
"Okay, now to find Makoto." Ren rang her and hoped she'd pick up.
*time skip*
Ren soon arrived where Makoto was, she was wearing a long white sleeved shirt, grey vest and a grey skirt with long black stockings and flat shoes. "Hey, Makoto." He waved.
"Hi, Ren. Thanks for meeting up with me." Makoto smiled as she looked at him. "Are you okay? You look a little tired."
"I'm fine, I just had a busy night." Ren answered.
"Making more items at your desk again?" Makoto joked.
Ren almost anime fell as he heard that. "N-no!"
Makoto chuckled at her little joke, smiling before composing herself. "Would you like to come to the cafe? I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Yeah, of course." He answered as they walked off towards the cafe. The two sat down at a table where Ren ordered a coffee and a fruit drink for the both of them. Luckily there weren't many people in at the moment so they had time to themselves "So, what did you want to talk about?" Ren asked.
"I know it's strange to do this during the holidays, but I was doing some practice exam papers... and I noticed that my score was significantly lower than last time. I'm concerned." She admitted, frowning a little.
'Studying during the holidays? Same old Queen.' Ren thought. "That's unlike you."
"I couldn't agree more. Since the threat of my expulsion, I'm worried if there's any point to it. I spoke to Eiko about it, but the answer hasn't been any clearer."
"Eiko? Oh, the girl from the 'salon'." Ren answered.
"That's her. We've been in communication since we exchanged numbers. Because of those calls, we've grown close." Makoto answered, thinking fondly about it. "When I voiced my concerns, she asked how I would benefit from going to a top university... But I couldn't come up with a good answer."
Ren nodded and continued to listen, taking a sip of his coffee.
"As for Eiko, she claims that she doesn't think about that sort of stuff. Apparently, her parents have connections to help her find a job." Makoto answered, before shaking her head and sighing. "Isn't that a little irresponsible? It's nice she can rely on her parents, but its her life, not theirs... I guess it's just a different way of approaching things. She even has a vision of her future that's clearer than mine."
"Don't you have goals, Makoto?" Ren asked.
"Hmm... I used to think doing what others expected of me was the best way to move forward. I was going to go into law, much like my sister." Makoto answered. "Oh, I don't think I've mentioned her; have I?"
'I know about your sister.' Ren thought, thinking back to the first timeline. "No, I don't think you have."
"She's a prosecutor and a successful one. Sae Niijima." Makoto answered. "I used to think that if I followed her example, life would give me some path down the line."
"Then what changed?" Ren asked.
Makoto chuckled as she stirred her drink. "Since meeting you. And joining the team. I learned that there were many more important things than just being a prim and proper honour student. I would've looked down on Eiko's line of thinking in the past. But now? Now I know better."
Pii
Pii
Makoto pulled out her phone, chuckling to herself. "I guess she must've known we were talking about her."
"Looks like it." Ren smiled.
"She's been telling me about when she buys new makeup or a new cute outfit. She even asked me about the type of hand cream I used. Apparently, it's the same type that's in the nurse's office at school."
"That's adorable." Ren smirked, leaning back in his chair.
"I-I'm not sure about that." She blushed. "She told me I'm like a middle-aged man in the body of a high-school girl. Regardless, it's great value and works well for dry skin."
Ren reached over and playfully stroke her hand. "Wow, you're right." He answered.
"... My dad used to use it all the time." She smiled sadly. "He was a police officer. Guess that's where I get my sense of justice from. He hated the corruption in society and worked tirelessly to fix it. Despite his rough exterior, he was extremely gentle deep down. When I was little, I wanted to become a police officer just like him. He was happy I said that, but was worried about joining a dangerous profession, I had forgotten until joining you."
"It's an amazing goal, Makoto," Ren answered, reassuring her.
"I suppose. Though after what's been happening, I have no intention of working with the police. They're trying to stop the Phantom Thieves." She whispered. "What am I supposed to do, arrest myself?"
Ren paused for a moment and thought about Queen in handcuffs... and quickly shook his head when he also imagined Ann being there too.
"I need to re-examine my goals for the future though, outside of plain studying." Makoto ignored the head shake as she was thinking about her venting to Ren. "Thank you, Ren. I feel like I've remembered something important today thanks to you. You could say that my viewpoint has been broadened again."
Ren could feel the quiet resolve coming from Makoto, shining deep within her.
Priestess: Rank 4
"Excuse me, can we get some sweets, please?" Ren asked the waitress.
"Sweets?" she asked
"Well, we're in a cafe together. I thought we'd try some of the local delicacies." Ren smiled. "There's parfaits and chocolate ganache-" He looked at the menu.
"I'll take a parfait." Makoto perked up as she took the menu, making Ren chuckle.
*Time Skip*
Ren was walking back from the Airsoft shop after selling some items from the Palaces, it had been a while and he felt like a hoarder with how much crap he was getting. Plus some money would be really helpful
'Alright, with all that stuff sold, I wonder if-' Ren thought, before his phone beeped. "Huh? Oh, it's Futaba."
Hey, Ren. Can you come home? I want to ask you something.
...
Ren shrugged gently, he could come back tonight. "I wonder if she's okay?" He thought as he boarded the train back to LeBlanc. He gave a text response as he felt the world rushing around him 'Oh god, I hope she's not in trouble.' He thought as the train rushed him back to Yongen-Jaya.
"Futaba!" He called, entering his bedroom... And saw her playing a video game. "Huh?" He blinked in shock. "When did-?"
"Hi, Ren." She leaned back as she saw him. "I saw this in the second hand store and I thought-"
...
"Is this what you wanted to ask me?" Ren blinked
"No." She answered, pausing the game. "I... I want to try going out again."
"Oh, okay." He nodded with a smile "No worries. Just let me get changed and we can get going."
"Thanks." She nodded and turned around to give him 'some privacy'... though once his back was turned she looked and saw his toned muscles.
Ren didn't mind... kinda. It was nice knowing Futaba was back to her pervy self again. Albeit with ulterior motives. "So; where do you want to go?" As he put on a fresh shirt and clothes
"Well... I wanna try going somewhere else next time. Sojiro wants me to go back to school." Futaba answered.
"That's good; right?" Ren sat down on a chair while Futaba took the couch.
"Yeah, but... Online classes are better for studying! I wouldn't have to leave the house." Futaba answered.
"That wouldn't solve anything, Futaba." Ren shook his head and sighed.
"You're... probably right. Being on my own would be different from being in an actual school." She pouted and curled herself into a ball on the couch, Ren reached out his hand to her and gently touched her shoulder. "To be honest... I really do want to go back. Do you think I'll be able to?"
"If we work together. I know we can." Ren answered.
"Yeah!" She smiled as she looked up at him, uncurling herself. "I'm gonna do my best!" And then began to think, getting to her feet on the floor. "I should make a promise list!"
"Oh? What's that?" Ren asked.
"My mum used to have me do that all the time." Futaba explained. "She's write down my goals for the month, like cleaning or running errands. Then when I'd finish them, she'd mark it off with a big stamp."
"Sounds like a good system." Ren answered.
"It was. And she'd leave comments... those were the best." Futaba reminisced. "When I finished them all... she'd spend time with me... I'm going to make my list! Do you have a pen or paper?" Making Ren laugh.
A few minutes later, Ren and Futaba worked on her 'promise list' and it was coming along quite nicely.
"All done! So, these are my promises." Futaba finished up. "One: Go somewhere with lots of people. Getting used to big crowds is key. Two: Go to school. I wanna see what the inside of a school looks like. Three: Learn more about my generation... I definitely need more info on that. Four: Have a conversation with a stranger my age. How's that?"
"Sounds good to me, Futaba." Ren answered.
"I'm not setting this by a deadline. I'm going to do my best at my own pace with this." Futaba reassured. "You're gonna have to help me though. I'm going to work harder at being a navigator in return."
Hermit: Rank 2
"Deal." Ren nodded, smiling. The two looked at each other... before Futaba almost leapt at him and hugged him out of relief.
"Thank you!" She cheered
Ren just patted her back and smiled as he felt happy like this.
"Hmm... Oh. D'you want to play this game with me?" Futaba asked, breaking the hug and picked up the controller... realising there was only one.
"No worries, we can take turns." He assured
"Great!" She grinned, turning around and sitting in his lap
"... You have an unfair advantage." Ren deadpanned, to which Futaba just chuckled.
"Why is that?" She smirked evilly
"You're sitting on my legs and hogging the sight." Ren answered as he casually looped his arms around her.
"Oh? That's it?" Futaba pouted 'Maybe I'm not attractive enough.' she thought
"And... your butt is kinda cute." Ren muttered making her sit up straight, pushing her backside against his lap
"What?!" She gasped happily
"You've got a cute butt." Ren clarified.
"Hehehe!" She began to giggle wildly
"I'm sure you'll get a great boyfriend one day." He added casually, trying to keep brotherly
"Yeah. I'm sure." Futaba blushed happily as she held the controller in her hand, but keeping her face away from Ren 'As long as that boyfriend is you!' she thought
"So. How'd you play?" Ren asked as he looked at the screen.
*time skip*
It was later that evening, Ren had just had his dinner in Le Blanc and relaxing... until his phone began to vibrate.
"Hmm? Oh, it's Iwai." Ren whispered as he saw the message. He clicked on the message, quickly reading
Kid, I need your help. Can you come give me a hand?
"Sounds serious." He muttered to himself. "I had better get going." As he got to his feet, Morgana looked up at his partner and friend.
"Where're you going?" the black and white one asked
"Iwai's texted me, he needs my help." Ren answered.
"Be careful, Ren. You know what he's into." Morgana responded, going with him.
"Yeah, but he is it friend." He stated simply
"Fine, fine. Then let's go." Mona answered, leaping into his bag.
"Right."
*Time skip*
Ren had soon arrived at Airsoft, wearing a jacket because of the chill in the air. His hands where in his pockets as e opened the door, humminh yo himself
"Ah, good. You're here." Iwai commented as he saw Ren.
"Good to see you; what's the problem?" Ren asked confidently as he had gotten to know the owner. A lot had happened with the former yakuza member.
"I need you to escort this person, Kaoru. Get dinner with him at the diner in Shibuya; I need to take care of some business with Shuda." Iwai informed. "I'll be with you after it's done."
"No problem." Ren nodded, understanding what needed to be done.
It took a half-hour, but Ren was now escorting the young man that Iwai asked him to do. The young man had flat black hair, wearing round-rectangular glasses, a long-sleeved light blue shirt under a dark blue blazer with red stitching and black trousers and a scar on his neck. He seemed to be about Ren's age. The two sat down in the diner booth where Kaoru was looking at his phone for the time and turned to Ren. What could this person's connection be to Iwai? The former Yakuza member! "My dad's really late, huh? Though, he's the one who asked us to be here." Kaoru spoke gently. "It's pretty rare for him to invite people out like this."
That's right, Ren was looking after Iwai's son while he dealt with the whole Yakuza business.
"He must see something in you, Amamiya. I doubt he'd ever actually admit it though..." Kaoru spoke respectfully to Ren. "Um... Has he? Has he said anything to you? About me 'weighing him down'?"
Ren shook his head confidently. "No, nothing even close. Why'd you ask?"
"Well. To be honest, he's been acting super weird recently." Kaoru confessed. "More than anything, he seems stressed out. I heard him mention my name some times while on the phone. And every time I've gone to ask about it, he tells me that it's nothing to worry about. I dunno. It just makes me anxious, I mean...we're supposed to be a family."
'I know that feeling.' Ren thought quietly, thinking to his found family in Yongen-Jaya. Sojiro and Futaba, Ryuji and Yusuke, Ann and Makoto.
"I'm not sure if you know this. But... He's not my real father. He took me in when my real parents died in a car crash. Apparently, he was a really good friend of theirs. I honestly can't remember a single thing about them. I wonder if my dad considers me part of his family."
"He definitely does." Ren answered, speaking from experience.
"You think so?" Kaoru asked in shock.
"Undoubtedly. He raised you, took you in. He loves you in his own way, he just can't express it very well." Ren responded.
"Oh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Kaoru nodded. "Have you ever seen his tattoo? The gecko on his neck. The truth is, I have a bad scar in the same spot from my parent's crash. Back when I was a kid everyone picked on me for it. I always went home in tears... that's why he got it. He said it would be 'the new Iwai Family crest'." He chuckled gently. "I looked into it. Geckos symbolise protection of one's home and family."
"Pretty apt, I'd say." Ren smiled gently.
"Hey, sorry for the hold up." Iwai spoke as he walked towards the booth.
"You two look like you're having fun. What've you been talking about?" Iwai asked with a smile.
"Girls." Ren quickly lied, making Iwai laugh.
"A pair of lady killers." He smirked, making Kaoru look down nervously. "Guess there's worse things to talk about. Wait... did you have a girlfriend, Kaoru?"
"Th-that's not what we were talking about!" Kaoru nervously remarked.
"Well... I can't stay long. I've got errands to take care of." Iwai continued. "I figure I'd tell you here and not over the phone."
"What errands? Or can't you tell me?" Kaoru asked, making Ren's finger flinch a little.
"It's just work stuff." Iwai sighed. "Right, kid?"
"... You should buy us something." Ren answered, using his 'Guts'.
"Hey, good idea. Anything you want, it's on me. Okay?" He turned to his son reassuringly. "By the way." He turned to Ren. "I'm almost done figuring out what happened with the deal we were talking about. I'm going there now to get it sorted. I'll contact you later."
"Got it." Ren nodded.
"It's good having a reliable part-timer around the shop." Iwai nodded as his bond with Ren grew deeper for doing this.
Hanged Man: Rank 6
"Any time, boss." Ren answered.
"D-Dad? You're not doing anything dangerous, are you?" Kaoru asked nervously.
"'Dangerous'? Of course not." Iwai reassured. "Hang onto my wallet, Kaoru. Eat as much as you want."
"Thanks, dad. See you at home." Kaoru answered as he was given his father's wallet and carefully put it into his pocket as he and Ren began to eat dinner...which is something Ren kind of regretted with his own full stomach.
*Time Skip*
"That was a long day!" Ren grunted as he fell onto the bed
"You ate like a king today." Morgana commented as he snuggled next to him on the bed.
"Yeah." He mumbled, before burping. "Excuse me. I've got to watch my intake." He rolled over, grumbling. He closed his eyes as he tried to relax... Before his phone beeped "Grrrrrrhmmmm...!" He groaned and opened his phone to see its message.
It was a text from Makoto, asking about what the plan was. It was a message within the group chat, others quickly responding.
Queen: When are we going back into the Prinicpal's Palace? Time is ticking away.
Skull: Don't worry, we got plenty of time.
Panther: We do Ryuji, but remember? Makoto doesn't.
Fox: Yes, if we fail, he will expell her.
Oracle: And probably double down on the search for us after.
Dove: But Makoto and Futaba are still rather new, aren't they? We should practice some more before going back in.
Ren grumbled a bit, typing away on his phone.
Joker: Mementos.
Fox: Excellent idea.
Skull: Bitchin'! X)
Dove: Will we have enough time?
Queen: What's 'Mementos'?
Oracle: Is that the same as a Palace?
Joker: It's EVERYONE'S Palace. I'll explain tomorrow.
Panther: Mementos tomorrow then, right babe?
Oracle: ?
Queen: What?
Skull: Babe? Someone's being possessive.
Fox: A rare display of public affection.
Dove: Ann, you okay?
Joker: Yes Ann.
Joker: Everyone, Mementos tomorrow.
Skull: Got it, boss!
Fox: Understood.
Queen: I'll be waiting.
Oracle: Right!
Dove: I'm fine with that.
Panther: Will do, sexy!
Joker: Muting chat now. Night.
Panther: Love you~
"... She's jealous again?" Ren blinked, recognising this attitude from his girlfriend. But of who?
...
"Why me?" He mumbled, pushing his face into the pillow
*time skip*
It was the following morning, Ren felt stiff and a little sluggish from what happened last night. But now? He was going to get some much-needed things from Airsoft and sell some much-hoarded crap. Just a few simple and small purchase, before he hurried to the hangout.
"Hey, leader. What kept ya?" Ryuji asked as they waited.
"Sorry. Had to pick up a few things." Ren answered. "You guys ready?"
"Yeah. Good thing we're here and not... somewhere else." Futaba agreed.
"We will be fine. People don't really pay attention to random people standing around." Shiho assured
"I guess." Makoto mumbled
Ren typed away at his phone, the world morphing and shifting rapidly. At the same time their outfits changed, their Thief outfits taking form quickly.
WHOOSH!
"Whoa!" Oracle and Queen gasped as they were now in the People's Palace. Seeing the twisted depictions and dark reflections of their subconscious desires.
"Holy crap, this is crazy." Oracle gasped.
"This is... like Kaneshiro's Palace." Queen whispered as she looked at her costume... and Ren passed her some knuckle dusters and a new revolver. "What the-?"
"You need an upgrade." Ren answered simply "I hope these are okay But with your fighting style I thought knuckle dusters suited you and would help best. And the revolver? It just fits the look."
Queen took the weapons with a simple nod as she heard that... and somehow. They just fit very well. "Thank you, Joker."
"Do I get any?" Oracle asked excitedly, almost bouncing.
"But you do not fight? Why would you require weapons?" Fox asked
"Shut up, Inari!" she snapped
"I might have something." Ren answered, bringing out a coat for Oracle.
"... A coat?" Oracle deadpanned as she was given the coat.
"I couldn't find a weapon fit for you." Joker answered. "I mean I did think of stuff like, maybe, a toy laser gun but I doubt the shadow's would think that is real and so wouldn't be effected or do anything."
"A toy laser gun? What kind of idiot would use that?" Skull commented.
"Indeed. Even I find it illogical to use something that doesn't look realistic. As it is the Shadow's perception that gives guns power. So the gun looking like something that does not exist, would mean it looses its ability to function how we need it." Fox agreed, seeing things from a logical stance.
"Unfair." she pouted "What can I even do with this coat?"
"It's a form of defense. I don't want you getting hurt." Joker answered. "And if the store has any weapons, I'll find one." He put the coat over her, booping her nose affectionately like a big brother.
Panther and Dove looked at this display and then at each other. "So... The texts from last night." Dove asked Panther.
"Yeah?" she said with a huff, trying to hide the glare she was sending at Makoto
"Was that a declaration?" Dove asked, noting her best friend/girlfriend's glare. "Or just to one up, Queen?"
"Wh-Why would I need to one up her?" Panther huffed
Dove looked at Panther with a 'really?' look on her face. "Panther."
"What?" she mumbled
"Are you jealous?" She asked. "You can tell me."
...
"Okay, fine, yeah! I'm jealous!" Panther huffed a bit "Damn it! Look at her, she is good looking in her outfit! And have you heard about how much time they have been spending together at school?! Plus the fact you know she thinks our boyfriend is hot!"
"Okay, now all that's fair. But there's probably a reason for it. Ren is making time for us." Dove answered.
"It's not about Ren." She admitted "It's about her. Making a statement to her that he's taken and to back off. I mean... Why not go for Yusuke or Ryuji?! Or someone in her year!"
Dove shrugged with no idea what to say. Well... nothing they could do about it now. She had to admit although she didn't agree with how Ann was acting... She could agree with some of her points.
"Mona, ready?" Joker asked.
"You got it! Henshin!" Mona called out, turning into a car again.
"I'm driving." Queen stated
"No worries, I can do it." Joker responded
As they spoke they both reached for the door to the cat bus at the same time, the two glaring a bit at each other as their hands touched. Lightning sparking between their glares
"I think it's going to be a long day." Fox commented.
"You got that right." Skull sighed.
"Let me-!" Queen tried to get into the driver's seat.
"I've got this, Queen." Joker tried to push in.
"Would you two try not to rip my door off, please?" Mona asked through the car.
"Mum and dad are fighting again~" Oracle teased
"We're not!" Joker and Queen answered, with Queen slipping inside to the driver's seat.
"Yes!" Queen smirked.
"I. But... Fine." Joker groaned. "But I call 'shot'-"
"I've got a better idea." Panther spoke, pulling him into the backseat and sat on his lap. She even made sure to wiggle a bit, wrapping his arms around her "This is better, right?" She smiled
"... Dang it, you're right." Joker sighed and nodded. "You're not uncomfortable, are you?"
"Nope. I'm good." She answered.
"Smooth." Dove smirked as she got into the seat next to Queen
"Well, looks like it's just us." Oracle spoke as she slipped in next to Panther and Joker.
"I-but... back seats it is." Skull groaned.
"It appears so." Fox nodded
"Okay, it's going to be a bit rocky to start off with, Queen. So... take it easy on the tracks." Mona asked.
"Right." She nodded
"We can go deeper than ever." Joker commented as he looked at his phone
"Wait, seriously?" Oracle asked.
"I beg your pardon?" Queen asked as she drove.
"Put simply, the more people know about us, the deeper we can go into Mementos and help others." Skull answered.
"... What even is Mementos?" Queen asked as she drove
"It's the collective consciousness of everyone. Sort of like a personification of everyone's desires." Mona answered. "You know how Oracle's Personal Palace was represented by a pyramid and ancient Egypt? Well, this place is a twisted amalgamation of everyone in Shibuya."
"Well we do travel on trains a lot every day." Queen stated "Makes sense their shared Palace would make something like this."
"Yeah and there's a tonne of doors that lead to rooms or possibly the exit." Mona continued.
"Okay, that makes sense. Then wha-the hell is that?!" Queen asked as she saw a large globulous humanoid with white masks stomping around.
"That's a Shadow. Ram it!" Joker called out.
"What?!"
"Ram into it!"
"But we'll crash!"
"No, we won't!"
"You better hurry up, it's spotted us!"
"Oh, crap!"
"FLOOR IT!" Oracle called out.
"GAH!" Queen yelled and faught against her instincts, slamming her foot into the accelerator
"MREOW!"
SLAM!
"GUWAAAA!" The Shadow screamed as it was slammed into and erupted into a group of smaller Shadows.
Small Jack O' Lantern's and Pixi's
"Wh-what just happened?" Queen asked.
"Talk later, fight now!" Panther called out as she, Dove, Joker and Fox leapt out of Mona.
"Should be easy." Joker smiled, taking aim
CLICK!
"Wh-what?" Queen panicked as they just started shooting at the smaller Shadows, peppered with bullets and knocking them down.
"Not even a challenge." Fox spoke as they sheathed their guns away as all the Shadows were gone.
"What just happened?" Queen asked in confusion.
"Is this like a video game or something?" Oracle asked.
"Nope, in this world, if people think that weapons are real, then they are real." Skull explained.
"Yeah, we know that." Queen nodded "But why are Shadows here?"
"Because this is the 'Ocean of Human Consciousness'. This place acts as a hot spot for them to gather and form." Joker explained. "People's distorted thoughts slipping out and spreading across the place. As they head out they start forming Palaces."
"Is that why... Necronomicon feels this way?" Oracle blinked
"Yeah, exactly." Joker nodded.
"Ooh, okay. I think I get it." Oracle nodded.
"I didn't think I'd have to go through this." Queen commented.
"It'll get easier with time, Queen." Mona answered. "All aboard!"
"Right." Queen nodded, going back to the van...
"You going shotgun?" Joker grinned, in the drivers seat
...
Queen saw this and scrunched up her face in annoyance as Joker got there first. "Fine."
Panther saw this and smiled, though she was going to miss sitting on Ren's lap again.
"I call backity-back!" Oracle laughed.
"Backity-back?" Fox and Skull asked
Oracle went to Joker. "Front." The to the middle. "Back." And pointed to the end of Mona's car-form and pointed to the seats there. "Backity-back. Doesn't anyone else use it?"
"... Err..." The others mumbled.
Dove sat in the back next to Oracle, as Fox joined Panther and Skull in the middle
"Here we go!" Joker smirked, slamming his foot into the peddle and making it rush off at high speeds at full throttle
"WAHOOOO!" Mona called as he rushed away
"J-Joker!" Queen gripped the handle of the passenger side as she felt the G-Force.
"Oh yeah! Here we go!" Skull cheered.
"Incoming door!" Joker called out.
"On it!" Mona smiled, slamming into the door and breaking it open to an empty room, but had a couple of treasure chests.
"What the hell dude?!" Skull yelled, nearly falling out of his seat
"Again! Again!" Oracle laughed
Joker jumped out of Mona with a flourish of his cape, approaching one of the chests.
Click!
Shine!
"Hey, 'grooved copper' not bad." Joker smirked. "A couple of hundred Yen right there."
"Wait... is this how he was able to buy this stuff?" Queen asked.
"Yep, some times he goes between floors and fights Shadows just to get this month's rent." Mona answered.
"... Is that why he looks exhausted during class?" Panther asked.
"Uh-oh." Both Joker and Mona realised what was said.
"You guys work so hard..." Panther mumbled before she hugged her boyfriend "That's it! Next date, I am paying and you are not talking me out of this!"
"Agreed!" Dove nodded, hugging him as well
"Next round of ramen is on me!" Skull added
"And I shall-" Fox began, hand on his chest
"Do not even think about it Yusuke, I am not having you starve yourself." Joker deadpanned as he hugged his girlfriends nervously
Using this opportunity, Queen leapt into the driver's seat without hurting Mona in the process. "My turn. This time, we're not going hell for leather."
"Oh, come on!" Joker groaned, his eyes narrowing "It's gonna be like that?"
Queen rotated in the seat, one leg folding over the other with a confident smirk. The Biker girl leaning against the wheel, resting her chin against the palm of her other hand "Well, looks like you need to step up your game more then." she stated
'Oh, it's on, Queen!' Both Panther and Joker thought.
"H-Hey. Watch the leather." Mona asked as he felt her shoulder spikes pressing against his leather
"Sorry." Queen flinched
The Phantom Thieves traveled through Mementos, going deeper into the floors...when...
"I've been working on the rai~lroad. A~ll the live long day~." Skull began to sing.
"I've been working on the rail~road~. Just to pass~ the time~ away~!" Mona sang back
"Hehe." Joker laughed as Panther wiggled next to him
"This thing feels so tight." Panther muttered under her breath as she pulled at her outfit a bit, gasping slightly a moment "Did they get bigger again?" she whispered in shock
"Huh? Speak up, Panther. It sounds like vital information!" Oracle spoke with a pervy grin.
"Lucky. Mine are turning to muscle." Dove responded.
"... Can they do that?" Oracle asked after a moment
"Yeah. Take it from me and Joker. We've been training so much we're getting pecks!" Skull responded, tapping his own chest.
"I've never seen the point of gaining muscles. But drawing them. To see the definition of human engineering, much like Da Vinci in his own works." Fox answered.
"... Dude. Not to sound mean, but that sounds a little gay." Skull commented "Not that there's anything wrong with that!"
"Understandable." Fox nodded in response.
"Is it always like this?" Queen asked Mona.
"What else are we going to do between fighting Shadows and stopping Palaces from forming? Sit in silence?" Mona responded.
"Plus we are friends, why wouldn't we chat?" Skull added, before clapping "Oh! Oh! I picked up this weeks manga yesterday, oh there where so many god chapters this week! It was like a magic land of content!"
"Really? Which ones?" Dove asked excitedly.
"Hmm, it might help me improve my styles if I could borrow one, Skull." Fox commented.
"Just don't damage them, they cost me a lot." Skull warned
"As if I would damage art! You insult me Skull!" Fox snapped lightly
"Well they were expensive!" he shot back "And who knows, you could spill paint all over it or some shit!"
"I would not!" Fox responded.
"These guys get along so well." Panther remarked.
"Will you guys calm down!" Joker snapped
"Shadow incoming!" Mona called
"I see it." Queen nodded
VRMM!
"Brace yourselves!" Queen called out as she rammed the Shadow.
CRASH!
The Shadow splattered apart, quickly reforming. Two Koppa Tengu and a Jack Frost taking shape before them
Oracle quickly entered Nechronomicon, reading their foe's weaknesses "Those guys are weak to Fire and Bless attacks but are strong against Ice." she stated, looking at her read outs "And the little guys are immune to ice, but fire kicks their asses."
"Panther, you're up! Dove, take a back seat!" Joker called "You to Fox! Skull, Queen, let's do this!"
"Right!" the team nodded
"Carmen!" Panther called as she bent over sexily, removing her mask with one hand while the other blocked her face mysteriously "Maragion!" She called out, using a fire attack that swept through the Shadows, doing some critical damage against the Jack Frost. "Come on, one more Carmen!" She added confidently
Carmen spun in place as she sensually waved her hand and caused another wave of fire to hit the Koppa Tengu and destroying Jack Frost. "How's that, my Darling?" She remarked to Arsene.
"Beautiful and elegant my dear, and I do believe that you have given us an opening."- Arsene bowed
"Are... Are those Shadows... flirting?" Queen asked.
"They're not 'Shadows', they're 'Persona'." Skull answered. "Like, the difference between a wild animal and a pet."
"Excuse you?!" Arsene, Carmen, Captain Kidd and Johanna glared at him.
"Um. I. Guys. Little help?" Skull asked.
"What Skull means is, Shadows are wild and without purpose. Persona have purpose." Mona explained. "Though calling them 'pets' is a bit of an insult. Personas are a part of you."
"... If Skull sees himself as a pet... what does that say about him?" Oracle pointed out with an evil smirk
"...I. You-! Shut up, Oracle! I was trying to make a comparison!" Skull snapped, turning to her. "You know I'm bad at explaining meta-stuff that isn't 4th wall breaks!"
"Persona... the inner self..." Queen blinked, looking between Arsene and Carmen "So when two Persona flirt with each other..."
"It's like Joker and Panther flirting with each other." Mona answered. "Yeah."
"More like our hearts showing how much we love each other." Panther said dramatically, smirking at Queen
"Guys. Shadow's are about to get up. We gettin' them or what?" Skull asked as he gripped his pipe
"Right!" Joker nodded "All Out Attack, guys! Let's move!" he called
"Bitchin'!" Skull leapt into the fray as each of them went on the offensive and struck each one.
There was a quick rush, a flurry of attacks and blows.
"A beautiful rose, has its thorns!" Panther called confidently as a squirt of blood, and the Shadow's where gone
"Got the money!" Skull called, rushing around and grabbing coins that fell to the floor
"It is still so weird they do that." Oracle noted
"Agreed." Dove nodded from her seat in Mona
"Hey, hey Joker!" Panther called
"Yeah?" he blinked before she grabbed his arm, dragging him away "WHOA!"
"Hey! Where are you two going!" Queen called
"We'll just be a minute!" Panther called, hiding the two of them away
"Panther, what's going on? First the texts, then the seat. What's wr-?" Joker asked before Panther caught him off guard only for her to pull him into a kiss, her tongue pushing into his mouth
"Hmm~" she moaned as she kissed him, holding his cheeks softly. Her eyes closed, her body pushed against his, as she let out soft noises and satisfied wiggles
Joker moaned back as he closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pulled her close, battling her tongue with his own. Their kiss was fierce and passionate, a fire behind it the two had never really had before even during the first time they made love.
"Mwah~" she sighed as she broke the kiss, grinning at him "I want you Joker. Right. Now." she stated confidently
"Are you serious?" Joker asked as he heard her, seeing the passion in her eyes and hearing it in her voice.
"Did I stutter?" She purred "Right here. Right now. Pull down my zippers. Pull down your pants. I want you, lover. Please?"
"I-" Joker blinked as he looked into her eyes... and kissed her again. He couldn't refuse her, not his Panther. The squeaks of her latex suit filled the air as they moaned into each others mouths, excitement filling the air. This was going to be their second time. And they where going to do it, arguably, in public. Not too far from their friends.
In Mementos.
...
Oh god, what had Joker gotten himself into?
CONFIDANT RECAP:
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 8
Death: Rank 6
Temperance: Rank 6
World: Rank 5
Hierophant: Rank 5
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
Emperor: Rank 5
Sun: Rank 4
Devil: Rank 4
High Priestess: Rank 4
Moon: Rank 3
Fortune: Rank 2
Star: Rank 2
Hermit: Rank 2
Empress: Rank 1
