Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Don't worry, he is on the job.
Shadowlier: She hacked the game!
Pargent1: Hahahaha!
MercenaryGrax: First, you defiantly word it as if it was a flame. Borderline at least.
Your first point, about Ren forgetting? Remember, he is in his 'third year' of this. First year was the first run, second year was the year at his home and third year is what he is going through now. He remembers key moments, not entire conversations. Not entire situations. You say it is unrealistic? To not remember every last detail of every interaction over two years ago, especially when they are not going on during the same dates and such?
Yes, he has his diary. But like any normal person, he wrote the basic minimum. Who he hung out with and such. Plus... remember all the insanity he did that year?
As an in universe reference point as well. The GAME had to have flash backs and other characters bringing up old info to show how the group knew Akechi was the traitor and such, because playing the 50+ hour game the player WOULD have forgotten.
I am sure YOU remember every meaningful conversation you had with everyone two years ago.
Heck, I vaguely remember deep and personal conversations that Ghost and I had SIX MONTHS ago. And we are best friends. I remember what we spoke about, the core subject, but not the exact conversation nor when or where we had this conversation nor how the subject came up.
And of course the more he goes on this year, the more NEW memories he makes... the HARDER it'll be to remember the stuff from TWO years ago!
Second? I use two different spell checkers, have dyslexia and reread the shit three times before it is upload day. I do my best. But if the spell checkers are not picking them up, then I don't know what to do half the time.
And third? Yeah, we fucked up. Hold our hands up, we fucked up. Forgot about that bit. However you can easily explain this with... it is not a game. In P5 and P5R, it is turn based. You can take all the time you want to carefully decide which you want to use. And even in P5Strikers, an action game, time pauses whenever you choose to use a skill or change your equipped Persona. Ren did not have that luxury, he panicked and just chose one.
And finally, you only really pointed out one nitpick about our stories logic, the Decarabia issue.
The first is either wrong or a difference in opinion in how you think it should go.
Second was criticizing our grammar and spelling, not a flaw of the stories logic.
Do not take this as me being rude however, I do not mean it to come across as that. I just enjoy pointing out the logic and reason for why Ghost and I have written our story the way we have. Not claiming it is perfect, and we have most defiantly fucked up in the past, but when someone keeps emphasizing the phrase 'stupid' I tend to as more aggressive even when I do not mean to be.
delubyo420: The Aeon Arcana is the same number and placement as the Judgement Arcana, Sae. SAE is the Aeon Arcana, they just basically use a different name for it.
Okaze: In the Metaverse, not Mementos.
aliata: He is. But those interrogation scenes are mostly the same as canon and unless we go to a new one, there is not much point.
Renegade Pizza: Yep, exactly what we where thinking.
Xerzo LotCN: Yes... that IS what happened in the chapter...
mgasmsms: Very much possibly, hahaha.
Slackboy101: HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Nexus240: Maybe, hahaha.
kombatant88: Yeah, sometimes we fuck up. Hahaha.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Time for something real special!
Dragon and Sword Master: No, it was just a joke.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
StevieBond: What a twist!
GreatLight432: Great Ryuji impersonation. smiles*
Cooperjordan: Wait and see what we have in store for her.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yeah, Kawakami is getting some vengeance in these chapters.
Silent Master of Winds: I hope that you enjoy this one then.
deltadragon373: Well, you know you'll have to read on to see; right?
Nexus240: Well, read on and see what Ms Kawakami has got.
the metaphysical god of heroes: You're not wrong there. cocks shotgun
Renegade Pizza: Well, we're gonna see it here.
MercenaryGrax: Okay, first off. Let me ask you this: Can you tell me what you had for breakfast three years ago in August? Ren has spent at *least* three years in this! He doesn't write everything down in his diary, he just writes down the important stuff; 'Hung out with my friends', 'made curry with Sojiro', 'Drove around Mementos like a maniac before Queen took the wheel off me'. He's not gonna remember all the little tiny details of that time! Last time, he was a guy doing a casual run of Persona 5 without a guide, getting to at least Rank 6 or 7 at best! NOW he's doing it with every intention of maxing out social links! And let's not forget that in the VERY FIRST CHAPTER OF THIS STORY Ren was abused like Harry Potter and Naruto and Vandalieu COMBINED by not only his parents because he is 'a criminal', but he was forced to pay obscene amounts of rent, denied service at convenience stores and couldn't even contact his friends because, chances were, his parents or the neighbours busted his fucking phone! The TRAUMA he had during that time probably drove him deep into despair and made him forget the good times! Let's see how YOU can hold onto good memories when you're reminded and treated like shit! The fact he still could recall their names is a god-send! And one other thing, Ren SHOT HIMSELF IN THE FUCKING HEAD! The bullet going through his BRAIN couldn't have helped much either!
As for Decarabia, that's my bad. Decarabia has the skill 'Tetrakarn' to reflect an attack back at an enemy. However, I forgot that Arahabaki (the clay doll/Shakkoumon looking Persona) naturally reflected them! Those two are always together in the Okumura Palace and reflect EVERY ATTACK back at you, so the trauma there is understandable. And don't pretend that you never had a problem with it! I was also looking up Ars Goetia Demons in my free time and the starfish was stuck in my head! But did you even consider that this was a snap decision on Joker's part? That he might've forgotten because it was the heat of battle like in Persona Strikers and not like an RPG; or it might've been 'Hey, I've specked Decarabia to have 'Instant Tetrakarn' so I don't have to worry about that'!
Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Well, you don't have to worry about that for long.
Nexus240: Oh, my sweet summer child. Just you wait.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Here we go with next chapter, haha!
Here is another reminder, this is the last month that I will be doing a double upload. As of May, it is back to a monthly upload. Around the middle of the month. Between the 14th and the 19th
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 33
Enter The Web Of The Maid
It was the next day, Ren had just finished breakfast and was ready to make plans for the day... however, Mona was still restless ever since last night. "Buddy, you're over reacting. I am sure everything is just fine." Ren stated as he approached the others, everyone at the train station
"Hey, guys." He waved.
"Hi, Ren." The girls responded.
"Hi... ah... dude." Ryuji yawned as he waved to his best friend.
"... What happened to you?" Makoto asked.
"We've lost Yusuke." Ryuji answered, pointing to the artist who was nose deep in a sketch book.
...
"What happened?" Ren asked
"We read. So much manga in the past two days." Ryuji answered. "I had a day off visiting you... and found him like this, this morning."
"Tell me, what do you think of this?" Yusuke asked, showing off his sketches, which were the overly muscular figures from the manga, but with Yusuke's own twist.
"Yusuke, calm down." Ren urged "It looks good but I am gonna need you to back up."
"Yes, of course." Yusuke nodded. "Forgive me, this manga has such expressive poses that I had to interpret it as my own."
"Well... glad you enjoyed it." Shiho blinked
"Here, guys." Ren passed over a bottle of energy drink to both Ryuji and Yusuke. "In case you feel sleepy."
"Thanks, dude." Ryuji answered, opening it up immediately.
"Thank you." Yusuke nodded
"We should head out now." Makoto said "Before we loose too much time in the day."
"Yeah." Futaba nodded "We are about half way through the Palace, based on what Necronomicon could find."
"Then we've got a plan." Shiho responded.
"Let's go." Makoto agreed.
Ren pulled out his phone and activated the App, warping the group away. In a blur, everyone was in their Phantom Thief costumes. Joker stood there wearing a sleek black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, black pants, brown-black winkle picker shoes and a pair of red gloves. Upon his face rested his mask, a black and white, birdlike domino mask.
Mona entered his humanoid form. A small cat-like being wearing a black mask, a yellow scarf and small pouches around its waist.
Skull grinned as he threw his bottle away. His costume had a matching black jacket and pants with knee pads, a red ascot, combat boots, a pair of yellow gloves, and a skull mask. And on his back was a spine-like back-guard, like overlapped plate-mail.
Panther stretched, throwing her chest out a bit, before grabbing her whip as she heard her costume squeak. Consisting of a skin-tight red latex catsuit with a cleavage cutout and zippers, a matching red panther mask, pink gloves, dark red thigh-high boots, a clipped on tail on the back of her catsuit, she was a real bombshell.
Dove stood next to her, her hand resting on her sword. Dove was wearing a purple leotard of sorts, black fishnet stockings and boots and finally wearing a dark purple-black jacket with embroidered wings on the back on her waist was a broadsword scabbard and a new sword in her side.
Fox put his drawing stuff away, the pad and his pencils, while adjusting his cloths. Clad in long white boots, a black-blue popped collar jacket, black-blue trousers, a blue and white striped belt that had a white fox's tail with red bindings, blue gloves and holding a red sheath katana, the artist was ready to cave a path to victory.
Oracle was swaying back and forth, admiring her outfit. She was wearing a full black bodysuit with neon-green lines over her forearms down to her waist, silver elbow and kneecap pads, neon-green shoes and fingers on her gloves. And finally her mask, a VR headset-like mask with large red eyes.
And finally Queen still looked awkward at herself as she felt the change finished. Seeing her Phantom Thief outfit always made her feel weird, it was much more... scandelous than she ever thought. Queen, wearing a dark-blue bodysuit with a black leotard and crotch area, spiked black kneecap guards and shin-high slightly heeled boots, spiked shoulder-pads, white gloves and a long black scarf, felt so... exposed in the skintight attire, especially as the way the suit was shaped and designed it did appear rather revealing
"Let's go, guys! Driving time!" Joker smirked
"Right!" Mona nodded, entering his bus form quickly
"You two aren't gonna argue over who's driving again, are you?" Panther muttered
"No!" both stated, Queen and Joker sharing eye contact for a moment... and started preforming Rock, paper, Scissors
"One, two, three. Shoot. One, two, three."
"Dang it!" Joker groaned having played paper instead of rock.
"Ha ha." Queen smirked holding up scissors. "I drive!"
"Fine, fine." he waved his hands, getting into the passenger's seat
"They are really just parents arguing over who drives." Skull grumbled "Why is this bastard so lucky?" he laughed lightly, but he was genuinely happy for his friend
"Maybe it's because of his confidence and personality?" Fox asked as they entered the bus.
"Yeah. And some other things." Panther joked as she winked at Dove and Oracle, making both blush
The crew where soon in the cat bus, taking off moments later. Driving off to head to the school... during the holidays.
Just brilliant
*time skip*
"Alright, here we are." Joker spoke as they stood by the gates.
"Jeez, looks as impenetrable as it did last time." Skull commented.
"Mona? Are you okay?" Dove asked, seeing Mona shudder as they approached.
"Yeah. I've just been feeling different since yesterday. I feel something is wrong. Someone... Someone is IN the Metaverse, I swear!"
"Yeah, us usually." Skull answered.
"But we weren't in the Metaverse yesterday." Fox answered.
"But who'd be foolish to come into the Metaverse? Don't they need the app?" Panther asked.
"You don't think they're in here; do you?" Dove asked, pointing to the palace.
"We'll have to check." Joker sighed as he thought that it was impossible for anyone else but Crow to be here. But why WOULD he be here? He was sent to assassinate Kobayakawa during the Hawaii trip BECAUSE of all the noise they made taking down Kanashiro and Medjed. But he made sure to handle Kanashiro quietly, Medjed was never even brought up! Was... Did he change history some way?
"Joker? You okay?" Panther asked.
"Huh? Yeah...Yeah, I'm okay." He nodded. "Let's go." He'd have to be careful... This could end badly. Crow was tough.
They knew that the cameras were off in the first-floor area, meaning they didn't have to worry about alarms just yet. And the spotlights where also off, freeing them from their danger.
The problem though? So far this Palace has only had three safe rooms, and one disappeared last time. They needed to get to the student council office, to get a key, to get to the teachers lounge. Once they can get into the teachers lounge they would know where the treasure actually was.
"Okay, this way." Oracle whispered, pointing in the direction due to Necronomicon.
*time skip*
"Okay, we have the key. Which way is the Teacher's Lounge?" Fox asked, unsure about the school's lay-out. It had taken them about nearly an hour to get to the student council office, on the top floor of the second tower.
"This... Is how he sees the student council?" Queen muttered as she looked around the room
It was an authoritarian office space, a location where the student council students were part prison-guards and part dominatrix dungeon. But right now they where all chained up in their own cells within the room, like playthings waiting to come out their toy boxes.
"I honestly think that we're screwed." Dove frowned.
"Don't say 'screwed'." Skull groaned. "Please!"
"It's disgusting." Mona frowned as he saw this.
"Can't we save them?" Queen asked.
"They're constructs of Kobayakawa's mind. They're not real." Joker answered coolly as he put a converting hand on her shoulder
"It... would explain why he sees me as this...fanatical dominatrix." Queen frowned, feeling disgusted.
"Well to be fair, right now..." Skull laughed
"I will punch you, Skull!" Queen threatened him with a crack of her knuckles.
"Save it for Kobayakawa." Panther answered as she jumped hips with Queen
"Now we need to get to the teachers lounge. It is on the second second floor of the other building." Joker explained
"Looks like we're going to have to hack into camera rooms again." Oracle flexed her fingers with a smile and let out a little evil laugh
"Is she...?" Queen backed up a little.
"Be afraid. Be very afraid." Skull responded in a spooky and haunting voice.
rustle
"I smell a shadow!" Mona called
"Fox, Skull, Dove! You three with me!" Joker hiss whispered "Mona, Panther. You two look out for the other two as they plan and work. Queen, work out our next route with Oracle."
"Got it!" The group answered and separated to get into position.
Joker was crouched against the corner, looking around and seeing a generic Shadow walking around.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Step.
'Now!' He thought, using his speed to swerve around and got behind the Shadow and grabbed his mask. "Show me your true form!"
SPLURT!
"HREAAAAHHHH!"
The four Phantom Thieves landed calmly, watching as their Shadow foes took on their monstrous forms. Appearing before them, were: Two Dwarves, two High Pixies, and a large humanoid figure.
"What's that thing?" Skull asked as he looked at humanoid figure
"He looks like an old European guy." Dove blinked
Appearing before them was a bald, pale-skinned person wearing a popped collar cloak with a red interior, black and red suit with a ruffled front and large canine fangs.
"Be careful." Joker frowned
"Understood." Fox answered, readying his katana.
"Something tells me that vampire thing might not like Bless." Dove commented.
"Then start us off, Dove!" Joker ordered as he drew his gun
"CIRCE! Kougaon!" She called out, aiming her broadsword at the vampire, shooting a blast of Bless energy and shot it down.
The beautiful woman summoned a large ball of holy energy, and unleashing a large blast of energy "Ha!"
The Vampire saw the blast of light and tanked it, but it was definitely knocked down to its knees and panting heavily.
"It's not dead?" Dove asked in shock.
"It must have resistance!" Joker realised. 'I already have Dwarf and High Pixie in the compendium. That Vampire might be a good addition!'. He span his gun, quickly planning his route of attack. "Fox, Skull take out the Dwarves and Pixies!" Joker called out, shooting at the Pixies himself.
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
The High Pixies screamed as they were taken out and blasted away by Joker's pinpoint shots and disappeared back into the Sea of Human Consciousness.
Fox and Skull got ready, rushing forth.
"Take! THIS!" Skull called out, slamming his bat down on the first Dwarf while Fox slashed the other one.
"Hrah!" The Dwarves roared as their weapons clashed together, but the difference in their strength was obvious. Both Fox and Skull smashed and slashed them to disappear. The group leapt forwards surrounding the Vampire in four different directions so it couldn't escape.
"Urgh...What do you want?" The vampire groaned, hissing at them.
Joker responded by walking forwards calmly, putting everything he had learned from Toranouske and Ohya on full display. "We need your help. We need your strength."
"Heh, you've shown that you're stronger than me." The Vampire answered
"Raw strength is nothing alone, your power is clearly your cunning." Joker persuaded
"Yes, I see that you're right." The Vampire responded. "What could you do with me though?"
"Make you stronger and help you make smarter choices." Ren answered.
The vampire was silent... And began to laugh
Ren looked on at the vampire and was worried that his talk improvement didn't help. But it had to have worked.
"I remember who I am!" the vampire laughed "I am Nosferatu! I am thou, I shall become thy mask!"
Joker smirked as Nosferatu transformed into a mask and joined Ren, turning into his Persona.
FWOOSH!
Ren blinked as he felt the information of this new Persona fill his soul.
[Nosferatu]
[Lust Arcana]
[Strengths: Ice, Curse, Psy]
[Weaknesses: Bless, Fire]
[Attacks: Resist Bless, Curse Amp, Mudoon, Eigaon, Psi]
"Seriously? This guy is powerful." Joker whispered. He thought back through his vast array of Persona, trying to think of where he lines up compared to Arcana of other Persona 'He's going to beat someone like 'Ame-No-Uzumi', but I don't think he'd beat someone like 'Seiryu' or 'Baphomet'. He might be on the level like 'Pale Rider'.' He thought to himself. 'Intersting. Really good expansion to the arsenal... A new aspect of myself.'
"Err, Joker? You okay buddy? You seemed to 'zone out' there." Skull commented.
"Sorry, just thinking about the new mask." He shrugged
"I see. Anything good?" Fox asked.
"Some new moves." He answered. "Let's keep going." The others nodded, the group hurrying back to the others
"Hey, anything?" Panther asked as she saw the group.
"A new Persona and some ideas." Joker answered. "You done, Oracle?"
"Yep. I've wrecked the cameras in this section too." Oracle smiled, giving a thumbs up.
"Alright... so back down and across to the other building." Skull noted
"I know it sucks, but it's the only way through." Joker answered.
"Hugh! It hurts to walk up and down stairs in these things." Panther admitted, pointing at her boots.
"Want me to carry you?" Joker offered.
"Sure." she blushed with a smile
"Practicing for the wedding?" Oracle teased
"W-Wedding?!" The Phantom Thieves jerked at Oracle's comment, even Joker freezing because of it and the girls minds all began to go wild and crazy.
Panther face was super bright, bright red. Her eyes sparkling as she imagined it, her wedding with Joker...
She imagined herself wearing a white dress, covering her face and smiled as she held a bouquet; Ren was wearing a black suit much like his own Phantom Thief suit with red gloves. He had his arms wrapped around her, holding her close, as she had her arms wrapped around his neck. The two looking into each others eyes in pure love. Ren removed one arm from her wait, reaching up to remove her veil. His free hand then gripped her chin, tilting her head up, as he leaned down to kiss her...
Ann squealed a bit as she blushed bright red
Dove was looking at her feet as she hugged herself, her face magma red as she thought of a potential wedding...
She was wearing a white suit, a blue veil and black shoes to contrast Ren's black suit, him wearing a confident smile as he looked like a prim and proper 'butler' in his suit.
It was like the pair of them were perfect opposites.
And to Ren's other side was Ann wearing a red dress, a sensual but still rather cute dress. With their vows given, Ren and Shiho turned to each and held hands. They and Ann where clearly excited for their future, the blonde getting between the two and linking her hands with theirs, as they prepared to kiss each other...
"Hmmm..." she mumbled in embarrassment
"Heheh..." Futaba giggled, her face shifting into a mad grin and a large blush spreading all across her face...
It would be 'manic'. Very casual, having Neo-Featherman costumes on; Futaba wearing the Green Neo-Featherman costume while Ren wore the Red one and their guests as different characters from different shows. And with Sojiro doing the catering and being the one to give her away. It would be glorious!
"Hehehehe..." Oracle continued to giggle, her goofy grin remaining.
Queen was looking away as she tried to hide her blush, trying to keep her cool, as she imagined what may happen...
She imagined herself wearing a traditional white kimono layer over a red dress layer, a golden pendant clasp on her chest to hold the dress in place and holding an open umbrella in her hands. Ren would be wearing a black and grey kimono with a golden belt around his waist and a white strap around his neck to keep the layers on.
The two were outside having a traditional Shinto wedding where the both of them were equals. Her sister Sae looking on in pride while Morgana sat with her, wearing a little bow-tie around his neck.
"GYAAAAHHH!" Queen yelled, shaking her head as her hands clasped onto her cheeks "No, no, no!"
"What's wrong?" Fox asked as he saw Queen yelling.
"Nothing." she lied
"Well, let's go." Joker encouraged, picking Panther up bridal style
'Hee-hee-hee!' Panther smirked as she was picked up.
Dove gave a look to Panther. 'Next time. My turn.'
'Got it.' She nodded back, which was only caught by each other. Especially as they both achnowledged that Panther was getting more attention recently.
The group continued through the halls until they arrived at the second building... and Mona felt something shiver up his spine. 'Where is it?' he thought
*time skip*
The group where at the ground floor, looking out across the grounds towards the other tower. To the class building.
"Look at all this torrid decor. It certainly is a prison here." Fox commented. Everyone nodded, looking out at the deep dark and depressing sight.
"Sheesh, anyone else getting the creeps?" Skull asked as they surveyed the area.
"Every time." Joker nodded, setting Panther down...
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" a female voice shrines through the darkness of the gloomy Palace
"That scream..." Fox blinked "Someone got into Momentos?! How?!"
"... Is that scream familiar?" Skull asked
"That-it can't be." Queen remembered the sound of that voice.
"No way..." Panther blinked
"How did she-?" Dove asked.
"I told you!" Mona answered.
"Ms Kawakami!" Joker called out, running to her and was quickly met with a wave of Shadow's
"Shit!" Skull panicked as he saw this.
"Out of my way!" Joker ripped his mask off and summoned his Persona.
CRASH!
"Jesus!" Dove gasped in shock, seeing Joker going this far for their teacher. After an innocent.
"I've never seen him like this." Mona whispered in shock.
"We'll have to hold him back before he blows this place up!" Skull answered. The group followed, Persona and Weapons slashing at their foes.
"MOT!" Joker called out. "MEGIDOLA!"
"'Megi'-what?!" Dove asked as she saw a large sarcophagus-coffin appear by Joker's side... and shot out a burst of intense light at the Shadows.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Skull screamed
"Joker!" Mona called out, leaping in front of him and slapped his face.
"Gah!" he flinched
"That's too far, Joker! You're not acting like yourself!" Mona answered.
"Ms Kawakami's here, Mona! She's here! Like Dove! What am I supposed to do?!" Joker snapped. One of his friends? They where in danger! Trapped here, in Moments! When that didn't happen last time! Meaning something had changed! Meaning she was in trouble because! Of! HIM! "Like Panther! Like Skull! Like Fox! Like Queen! Like N-"
"Joker!" Mona leapt up and grabbed him by his mask and looked into his eyes. "We're going to save Ms Kawakami. But we're not going to if you fly off the handle!"
"I... you're right." Ren admitted, before whispering "But... none of this was supposed to happen."
"Well, it's happened. I'm scared about what'll happen too." Mona responded "But we have to do it. As a team. Calm down Joker. Just like the first time around. As a team, into the unknown."
"... you're right." he mumbled and nodded "God damn it, I am high strung."
"I think we're seeing his late nights catch up to him." Fox whispered to the girls.
"Yeah." Oracle frowned sadly
"Joker." Dove stepped forward and put her hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her. She can't be far; right?"
"Right. Yeah, yeah. Right." he sighed deeply "You're right, Dove. Thanks." he gave the swordswoman a small smile and a nod, making her blush and smile
"Um... Not to put my foot in it, but... How did Ms Kawakami get here? She doesn't have the app or followed any of us; right?" Skull asked.
"Part of the reason I panicked." Joker admitted "She's our teacher. Kinda my friend. She has nothing to do with this. And she should have had no way to even GET in here."
"Well, let's go find her and get her out." Oracle answered with everyone nodding in agreement
The group soon rushed through the halls and turned corners, looking on Oracle's maps to find the right path. The first floor was super quick, very simple and easy.
The second floor, the source of the screams, was more difficult. It was getting close to the second floor classroom.
'What the hell?' everyone thought, worries what was happening
"She's inside there." Futaba spoke, having checked the map with Necronomicon as she pointed at a classroom
"Wait... isn't this-?" Skull asked.
"Our classroom." Panther whispered.
"We're going in." Joker spoke determinedly as he opened the door
Inside, there was a fatigued and terrified Ms Kawakami, she was shaking and terrified of the Shadows that plagued the area. Her clothing was a bit ripped as she was almost tied to her desk by black ropes "S-Stay back. Please! I-I don't want-!" She panicked, looking paranoid and caught in this 'trap' "... Ren?" She gasped, seeing her student
The group's eyes widened as they heard that... Ms Kawakami saw through the disguise?
...
"Not that much of a disguise when you think about it." Morgana commented
"GAAAH! Talking cat!" Ms Kawakami panicked as she saw Mona. Her eyes sparkling in fear, as if remembering recent trauma "Keep it away! Keep it aw-"
"Ms Kawakami, we're going to get you out of here." Joker spoke, ripping off the ropes and she quickly hugged him
'Whoa-kay!' Ren thought in shock, realising what had just happened.
"I. I'm so scared." She wept. "I've been here since... Since last night!"
"Last night?" They asked.
"Here, you must be starving." Ren spoke, bringing out some curry and drinks and sure enough, their teacher dug right in. Ripping into the curry and coffee, as well as some water and some more general snacks. Scarfing them down, like you would expect from someone filled with fear and haven't eaten or hydrated for roughly 20 hours
The group gathered around each other and began to mutter. "Last night? How?" Queen asked.
"That's about the same time I felt someone in a Palace." Mona added.
"You can do that?" Skull blinked.
"Kind of." He answered.
"Are we going to ignore the fact that Ms Kawakami has been here since last night?" Dove responded.
"We're not ignoring it. We just need all the info." Panther answered.
"First we need to work out how she got here." Joker said calmly, calmer than earlier
"Ah!" Ms Kawakami gasped as she polished off a bottle of water that Joker gave her.
"How are you?" He asked, kneeling next to her "What happened?"
"I... Somehow ended up here." She explained "I was grabbed by... By these black blobs and tied here in my classroom. They forced me to... To teach them. And when I didn't, they attacked me with whips."
"Okay, there's a lot wrong with this fuckin' place." Skull growled.
"But how did you get here?" Fox asked.
"I touched an app on my phone." she explained "It's been on my phone ever since... well... I saw you disappear the other day in the alleyway near the school."
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
'SHIT!' The group thought in unison as they heard that. They caused this.
"What?" she asked in confusion
"Um... We, might've caused the app to appear on your phone, Ms Kawakami." Panther apologised.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
"WHAT?!" she shrieked, in a slight mix of fear and anger
"Unintentionally! Unintentionally!" Dove waved her hands.
"It's the same thing with us. I followed Joker and Skull and ended up in a palace like this one." Panther added.
"Your phone basically picked up the app because of the close proximity." Oracle explained "The same happened to me."
"I... I... Please. Explain." Kawakami stuttered
"Okay." Joker spoke, rubbing his hands and then sighed. "First. We need to get you to a 'safe zone' we'll explain everything there."
"There are none." Oracle said... Making everyone's hearts stop
"What?" Fox asked
"What did you say Oracle?" Panther asked
"This floor... And last... There are NO safe rooms! None at all! I looked all over!" She yelled
"What the fuck is wrong with this Palace?!" Skull roared in annoyance.
"'S-Safe Zone'? Palace?" Kawakami asked in shock. "I don't under-"
"We'll have to force our way to the exit!" Joker picked her up onto his shoulder. "Fox, I need a hand."
"Right." Fox nodded and hurried forth.
The two grabbed desks and chairs, barricading the door tightly
"You guys start explaining." Joker ordered "We need to try and make this a pseudo-safe room."
"Okay. First off: yes, we're the Phantom Thieves." Skull spoke getting that out of the way. "Second, we've been stealing the hearts of bad people to stop them becoming twisted in their desires."
"H-How?" Kawakami asked as she sat on a chair.
"Places like this, they're called 'Palaces'. They're people's twisted perceptions of reality." Mona explained. "For example... this place, is Kobayakawa's twisted perception of the school."
"K-Kobayakawa? This is his?" She asked.
"Didn't you think it was strange to see murals dedicated to him?" Panther asked.
"I was... kind of busy being chased." she mumbled "Before being locked in here forced to teach for hours..." she lowered her head, taking a few steadying breaths
"Okay." Queen nodded "It's okay. We are sorry you went through this."
"We should probably start from the beginning." Mona admitted
*time skip*
Kawakami was silent, having absorbed as much as she could from her students... and one shut-in girl, a student from another school and a talking cat. But she had comprehended it enough to grasp the situation.
...
Oh god, what has happened to her life?!
"I... I see." she nodded, sitting at her desk "So... so that is what is going on? This is... a lot."
"Yeah. Understandable." Joker commented, the entry way completely blocked
"And you are currently trying to change the Principal's heart?" the teacher asked weakly
"Yes." Mona answered. "He's been treating you and Queen, like crap. And if we change his heart, the abuse will stop and he'll feel the guilt of everything he's done."
"Although currently we ARE in a bit of a problematic situation." Queen commented "Our target is the Teacher's lounge, just across the hall from here. But we also need to get you out, Ms Kawakami."
"And this isn't a safe room, so there is no way to warp out." Joker added
"And we blocked the door so no Shadow's can get in." Dove commented
"Which keeps us locked in as well." Panther flinched
"Meaning we need to take the barricade down and bust our asses off, running as fast as we can!" Skull called
"But that could put your teacher in danger." Fox pointed out
"True. We can't defend her when Shadow's are attacking." Oracle frowned
"But what other choice do we have?" Panther pointed out "You know I hate agreeing with Skull but, really, what choices do we have? Besides starving to death in here."
"Some of us could try causing a diversion, drawing out a lot of Shadow's and giving a small team the time to get MS Kawakami out." Queen theorised
""But what if you get hurt or something goes wrong." Dove pointed out
"She never said it was a perfect option." Mona voiced "And it is probably the only one we've got."
"But who knows what other tricks this place has hidden within it's depths." Fox frowned
"Forget about me." Ms Kawakami suddenly said, making everyone freeze
"... What?" Joker asked in shock.
"The hell are you saying, teach?" Skull asked.
"Didn't you hear what we said? If you die here, you die for real!" Mona added. "This isn't some video game or something! It is real!"
"You think I don't know that, cat?!" she frowned as she stood up, her fists clenched "But as you said. Your job is right across the hall! My job as a teacher... is my students safety and success. Looking after me, right now, is a danger to both. Forget about me and keep going to change the Principal's heart!"
"No." Joker said confidently as he stood tall, opposite her "You are a good person, Ms Kawakami, but we are not sacrificing you for something like... this! We refuse to sacrifice anyone! Who knows what will happen if we leave you here?!"
"And who knows what will happen if you don't and miss your opening or something!" she shot back before she looked down sadly "Please. I... I know we haven't spoken in a while before all this happened. But I am asking you as your teacher and your m... m... a... id... that you just forget me and do what's best for everyone."
"No way in HELL, Sadayo!" Joker called seriously and darkly
The group turned their heads to Joker and their jaws dropped as they heard that... especially Ms Kawakami. They just heard Joker use the older woman's name!
"We are getting you out of here and completing this mission!" he spoke passionately "I am not leaving you to suffer, especially in your own turmoil! What happened to Takase was NOT your fault!"
Silence fell between the two, Kawakami looking away and frowning in guilt
"You don't need to suffer because of it. We will get you out. And we will stop others ending up like he did. I promise." Joker said softly, looking down at her softly
"But... I should have been the one to help him." she admitted
KABOOM!
Suddenly the entire WALL on the side they barricaded exploded, brick and metal being sent flying everywhere. The group yelled as they shielded their facts from the attack, Joker taking a position in front of the teacher.
"Well, well, isn't this a sight." Shadow Kobayakawa smirked as he emerged from the darkness and smoke from the explosion, a small army of Shadow's behind him. The super thin and tall version of the egg like Principal, clad in a dark green military attire. Hundreds of medals hung from his suit, jingling and clacking with each step
"P-Principal?" Kawakami blinked in shock, horror and confusion "I... what happened to you?"
"It isn't him teach, it's his shadow." Skull reminded/pointed out
"I finally found the elusive Phantom Thieves. And all trapped like the rats they are." Shadow Kobayakawa commented.
"'Rats'?!" Mona hissed as he drew his current cutlass "I am a CAT you bastard!"
'That... is nice.' Ren thought with a proud grin
"And what is this? One of this schools pathetic slaves, hiding from her duties?" Shadow Kobayakawa scoffed as he glared at Kawakami
"'P-pathetic'...?" Ms Kawakami shuddered in fear at this, feeling small because of him.
"The teachers of this school are nothing but my slaves! My tools! To turn my students into my army! To spread the greatness of our school, of Shujin Academe, of ME, to the world!" the Shadow of the Principal laughed
"My, this Palace is very abstract with how it displays the owners inner feelings and twisted desires." Fox nodded as he gripped his katana
"No time Fox, we need an escape plan!" Queen called
"Escape?! Hell naw! Let's try this a different way!" Skull smirked as he smacked his pipe into his hand "How about we beat the crap outta this guy, he should lead us to the treasure then. Right?"
"Skull, what are you saying?!" Panther gasped
"Look. Ms Kawakami isn't my favorite person." Skull said seriously "She's always bustin' my balls, she believed the rumors about me in seconds and she can be a real bitch."
'Sakamato..." the teacher thought, her head lowering in shame
SMASH!
"BUT!" Skull roared "Even a dumbass like ME can be know she tries her best and is looking out for her students!" Raising his pipe up, ripping the flooring of the classroom up a bit as he did so, so he could point it at their Principal's shadow "Anyone who talks crap about someone like THAT?! Who calls HER crap?! Well... I just wanna smash their face in!"
"Y'know. I feel the same." Dove spoke as she readied her broadsword. "Ms Kawakami is a good teacher and person. She's not your damn puppet, Kobayakawa!"
...
"Yeah, agreed." Panther nodded, gripping her whip tightly "Sure she can be a bit lazy sometimes. But she does her best! Our class can be a hassle! I mean the teacher says ONE thing and everyone starts chatting their asses off! But she does her best, and she's been trying her best to improve ever since Kamoshida was arrested!"
"You are this woman's employer." Fox frowned in disgust at Kobayakawa "You are supposed to support her so she can do the best job possible! Instead you protect and defend rapists and abusers while putting the hard workers down and seeing them as slaves! It is disgusting!"
"Yeah!" Oracle yelled "She's a person, asshole, not a damn robot!"
"It is teachers students remember when they leave school. Not the Principal nor the building." Queen explained as she remembered the stories her father and Sae had told of their education "They remember the people who helped and inspired them. How dare you try and tear them down into mindless drones! For this, I am going to show you my Fists of Justice!" she glared, holding up her spiked knuckle dusters
"You foolish Thieves. You understand nothing about the rules of a prestigious school!" Shadow Kobayakawa proclaimed as he was flanked by Shadows. "It's a teacher's job to listen and obey their Principal!"
CRACK!
SIZZLE!
GLUB!
BURBLE!
CREAK!
SPLURT!
Shadow Kaneshiro was morphing and shifting, which shocked everyone, as he began to take on a monsterous form
"Look out!" Joker called as he quickly ripped his mask off, getting before the group before anyone had a chance to see what was coming "SEIRYU!"
A large blue dragon emerged from the flames and surrounded the group, quickly wrapping around them as a coil
FWOOSH!
The dragonic Persona was smashed by an attack, the group unable to see it from the large Persona. However the force sent them flying, Seiryu smashing harshly into the wall behind them and sending them flying
"GAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" everyone yelled as they held onto each other, Seiryu falling towards the ground. The large blue dragon had quickly shifted around, forming a full ball around them, as the ground quickly approached...
CRASH!
"Foolish Thieves. Don't you KNOW? In this School, in this WORLD! I am GOD!" The Shadow proclaimed as it stood tall. The Shadow of the Principal returned into the building, while his Shadows jumped down towards them
Seiryu faded away with a blue glow, the blue flames flickering like a dying candle, as the Phantom Thieves pulled themselves to their feet. No one was seriously damaged as the Persona took all the damage from the two story drop, although Joker was clearly tired
"Everyone okay?" Queen asked as the group where quickly surrounded
"Urgh... I've been better." Skull answered.
"We're good." Panther and Dove responded.
"I landed on Inari." Oracle added.
"Ow..." he groaned.
"I'm... fine." Joker panted as he stood up, his knees quaking for a moment
"You all..." Kawakami blinked in shock
"Guys, incoming!" Mona looked up and saw Shadows falling down to their location.
They where surrounded. The prison guard Shadow's looked different than normal, much larger with their prison guard uniforms bulging from their muscles. Their normal black flesh also had a slightly red tint to it, the Shadow's surrounded by a deep dark boiling aura's
"Great. They are all really strong Shadow's." Oracle frowned "Nechronomicon!" she called quickly, getting aboard the UFO Persona
"Come on guys!" Joker called as the group formed a circle around Kawakami
"How many are there?" Skull frowned
"I count fifteen on the right." Fox said quickly
"And another fifteen on the left." Queen added
"Three more south." Dove read
"And five on my side." Mona added
"Thirty eight Shadow's?" Joker frowned as he span his knife "That's... we're in trouble."
"We have to leave. We have to regroup!" Dove answered as everyone got into position and protected Ms Kawakami.
"S-Surrounded... Again." She whispered as she felt the walls closing in.
"No where to go." Joker frowned, feeling the Palace's security going crazy "No where to run, no space to escape. And there is too many. We have to keep fighting."
One by one the Shadow's began to remove their masks, their true forms emerging from the pulsing red mass
"Try to break them into small groups." Queen encouraged "Fight as hard as you can."
"Alright, but I don't know if I'll last too long if we spam heavy attacks!" Mona answered.
"We're going to have to if it comes to it. JOHANNA!" Queen called out, ripping her mask off and mounted her Bike Persona.
"SEITEN TAISEN!"
"CIRCE!"
"ZORRO!"
"Goemon!"
"Let's go, ARSENE!"
Each of the Phantom Thieves Persona rose from their masks and stood by them all.
Johanna was a large metallic grey/silver bike with a flowing blue aura and a woman's face on the front.
Goemon was a flamboyant pale-faced man with a large black pompadour, red harem pants, high platform sandals, a red and white rope belt with two golden bells around his waist, a white and purple rope over each arm, blue robes and a white and gold flower designed smoking pipe.
Hecate was a black-dressed near rail-thin woman, wearing a pointed black and silver spike-cupped brassier, red arms and midriff, a bat-wing styled popped collar and white tooth tipped black cape with a red interior; two blue-furred, mad-dog heads on chains and her head was four-eyed with two large eyes off her horns.
Zorro was a tall man wearing black leather clothes, boots, a flowing black cape, silver-grey ruffles on his shirt, yellow-eyed, a pointed mustache that looked like a popped collar, a silver rapier and a red belt around his waist with a silver 'Z' in the center.
Seiten Taisei was a monkey humanoid wearing red pants, black boots, flying on a black cloud with red and yellow eyes; Seiten Taisei was wearing a tattered yellow cape clasped on a teal and turquoise shoulder guards, bound in chains in an 'X', a red helmet with tall punk yellow spikes coming from the top; and carrying a large pole, black with red ends with nails coming out of them and white lettering '8000K'
And finally was Arsene; a tall, debonair looking humanoid creature. Red legged and armed, a black waistcoat, a white ruffle tie, black feathery wings, knife heeled boots, a tall black top-hat and a demonic fiery mask-face.
The Phantom Thieves stood there tall and united!
Ms Kawakami looked up at all their Persona, they had their forms and personal styles... then... why was she there? Just an accident? She saw the children, she saw her students, fighting for their lives. And what could she do? But just sit there helpless.
"MABUFULA/MARAGION/MAKOUGA!" Fox, Panther and Dove called out as they shot out attacks in waves, to strike through their enemies.
"TAKE THAT!" Skull roared as he brought his pipe down, smashing onto the face of one shadow
'No... I have to do something.' Kawakami thought as her eyes closed tightly. Thinking about her life, about... everything!
VRRR!
"PUNCH IT!" Queen roared, smashing through Shadow's while gripping her Persona's handlebar's tightly "MAFREILA!"
"Ready, Joker?" Mona asked, holding his sabre.
"Ready, Mona." He nodded, readying his dagger.
"MAGARUDYNE/MAEIGAON!" Both Mona and Joker proclaimed... and something happened with their combined attack. The dark purple of the Curse attack merged with the green of their Wind attack and caused a cyclone to strike through the Shadows.
Looking into a a nearby window, the teacher's heart froze as she saw herself. Her messy hair, her ripped cloths, her helpless expression
Sadayo Kawakami's fists clenched as she thought back. Back to her history, to her growth as a teacher. To her struggles and her passions. Every struggle she had overcome. Where had that woman gone?
She saw someone... tired. Oh so tired with life. With trying to please the wrong people taking over said life, for the wrong reasons. A mindless servant crouched on one knee, handing her life over to anther. Following orders without thought.
SLASH!
CLANG!
BANG!
As the Phantom Thieves continued to fight, most defiantly taking out nearly half their foes as of now, Kawakami almost glared at her reflection. That wasn't who she was, who she wanted to be.
...
She wasn't that woman. Not truly.
And never again.
"I... I don't know..." Fox panted "How much longer I can last."
"Me neither." Skull admitted "Busting out the big guns... Damn it."
"Buff's inco-AAAAHHHH!" Oracle said over her Persona's speakers, only to scream as it was attacked by a few Shadow's
"Oracle!" Queen yelled
SMASH!
"Get away from her!" Joker yelled as he landed atop Necronomicon, after kicking away the offending Shadow's "You okay?"
"Y-Yeah." she mumbled, shaken, before the green holograms around her began to flash "W-Wh-Wow! I'm getting a huge signal coming up!"
"What?!" Dove gasped
"Just what we need." Panther grumbled
"I feel it to." Mona shuddered, slashing at a Shadow with his scimitar
"Where is it coming from Oracle?" Queen asked
Thje tech geek quickly glanced at her read outs, her eyes widening behind her glasses "Right he-"
BOOM!
Suddenly there was a shock wave of blue flames that knocked everyone back...
Revealing Kawakami with a mask on her face
"Wh-what the-?" The group gasped as Ms Kawakami stood there... with a black mask. It was a large solid circular black mask that covered her entire face. It was solid black and featureless, with just holes for the eyes. Peaking out at the very top, emerging from the hairline of her mask, where twinned red spider-legs bent and pointed upwards like a pair of 'W's.
"You've gotta be kidding me!" Skull gasped.
"So, you've finally taken that first step, Sadayo." A voice of a woman spoke to Ms Kawakami.
"Yes. I have." She responded.
"Perfect, then let us make a pact. Show these disrespectful souls what it means to cross their masters. I am Thou, Thou art I. I will direct you to be the best you can be. And become a mistress that ties many together!" The voice responded.
Ms Kawakami reached up and gripped the front of her mask and pulled, feeling her face tear off with each yank until it was torn off her face and blood splattered to the ground. "ARRGH-ARACHNE!"
Exploding from the blue flames that surrounded Ms Kawakami, her simple clothing transformed as a figure emerged from the flames... a large Persona. It was clearly a woman, a humanoid woman, who's skin was a pale blue colour, almost ghostly white. Her lower torso was that of a large black spider with a red webbing pattern on her abdomen in the shape of an hourglass, her legs looked like they were long thin silver thread dominatrix leather boots. The joint where her human torso met her spider carapace was protected by a black dominatrix bustier and a cloth that covered her womanly front. The black bustier was tied up with red threads that hugged her hourglass-shaped body and ample frame. Along her arms were coated in silver threaded elbow-length gloves with spider-web designs. Her hair flowed down her back like it was the thread she weaved and her face was covered in a full face mask that had six small red eyes around two large eyes where normal eyes would go.
Ms Kawakami... Sadayo walked out, wearing shin-high black leather boots, fishnet stockings, a maid's short skirt with a clip-corset, a black corset with white sleeves and black gloves, her mask was back on her face as her hair... seemed to be pulled back slightly and curled behind her ears.
"What..." Panther blinked as she looked at the sight before her
"... The Hell..." Skull mumbled while looking at Kawakami's outfit
"... Is that?!" Dove gasped, looking up at the Persona
"What is happening?" Ren whispered, seeing how much time has just changed and warped. A new Phantom Thief?! Someone who had never been part of the party before?! He never even imagined this!
"Oh my god, she looks so hot!" Oracle gasped in shock
Joker jumped down, landing in front of the teacher "Ms Kawakami?" He asked
"Yes?" She asked, looking at Ren. "What's wrong?"
"Err... N-Nothing." He shook his head.
"This is... Surprising." Arsene commented as he flouted next to the new Persona
"Ah, 'Arsene'. A pleasure to meet you." Arachne answered. "Forgive my intrusion and late introduction."
"It... Is fine, My Lady." he blinked, trying to place the woman's voice
"Sadayo, let's put these naughty Shadows in their place." Arachne spoke as she was getting power from her other-self.
"Right. Though... I've never used this before." She answered, holding a riding crop in her hand.
...
"Where did she get that?" Panther asked
"No idea. But hey, you have someone who matches now." Skull joked, pointing at her whip
"Move!" Joker and Arsene called, quickly shooting a bullet to scare off a large Shadow
"Thank you, Arsene. Such a good boy." Arachne smiled
"... Would you please assist me, my dear Mr Amamiya?" Kawakami asked, the two staring down their foe
"Sure, Ms Kawakami." He answered, readying his gun.
Click
CLACK!
"Let's teach them a lesson." Kawakami frowned as battle began
"You dare fight against Commander Kobayakawa?" The Shadows roared, slashing down against them.
CLANG!
"Oh, my~. Aren't you a naughty one?" Arachne teased as she had blocked the attack with a burst of webbing
Their Shadow was in the form of White Rider. A skeleton clad in black robes with a golden crow sat atop his head, a bow in his right hand and riding a white horse... Which was covered in eyeballs
"Oh, that is nasty." Skull groaned as he saw that Shadow.
"White Rider." Joker whispered as he saw it. He let the others deal with the small army of Shadows while he and Kawakami faced off against this one
"Scanning the enemy!" Oracle called down to them
[White Rider]
[Reflect: Curse]
[Block: Fire, Bless]
[Weakness: Ice]
"Joker, freeze him!" Oracle called out.
"Thanks, Oracle!" He called out "King Frost!" he roared
Summoned from his mask, came a large snowman wearing a pale gold dome as armour, two large snow hands, curled platinum blonde hair that looked like a judge's wig, a lofty crown with a silver snowflake in the center, a black staff with a white snowball with a Jack Frost face in a golden key protrusion, two canisters on King Frost's back and a giant padlock on his front.
"Bufudyne!" he called dramatically, his Persona letting out a wail as it unleashed a ice blast from his scepter The arctic energy rushed through the air and blasted into the White Rider, quickly icing his horses legs
"Saadayo, I am ready to punish!" Arachne called powerfully
"Alright, Arachne!" She answered, pointing her riding crop at the Shadow. "MIND SLICE!" She called out, which Arachne brought out a stream of webs and formed them together to form a whip. The web whip went flying through the air, slashing hard into the Shadow as Kawakami gasped a bit. She could feel the attack cutting through her, like she put herself into the attack.
The Shadow was cut into, ice going exploding off it as the critical damage made the horse fall to the floor. The skeletal Rider rolled off it's horse, grunting in pain
"It's over, White Rider." Joker spoke, aiming his gun to its head.
"No!" he snarled and took aim with his bow
SMACK!
"Naughty, naughty. Learn your place." Arachne spoke as she smacked his hands to drop the bow.
SMACK!
"Do not touch my precious student." Kawakami added, having brought her Riding Crop down to smack the skeleton's face
Lightning, ice, flames, light and nucular energy where being thrown around all over the arena, and with each Shadow beaten the harder they fought. They did not have much time left after all, if they kept going like this who knows how it could end.
"Skull, look out!" Oracle yelled, the yell catching Kawkaami's attention. She turned her head, seeing a large black dragon creature rushing down at him
'Seth!' Joker thought in horror, shocked to see such a Persona in this Palace
"Oh... shiiiii-" Skull yelled as the beasts's giant maw came rushing down towards him
"HEAT WAVE!"
The spider-like woman that was Arachne came rushing by, slamming her fist into the large shadow's face, sending it flying
"Whoa!" Both Panther and Dove gasped as they saw this. It was... honestly intense and terrifying, but also awesome.
"I said.. you weren't... hurting my students." she panted and glared
The black dragon rolled onto its back and faded away, the intense fight had taken its toll... and the Thieves were victorious. Everyone looked in shock and exhaustion, their bodies shivering
Oracle shakily tapped her goggles... and found the exit, pointing back the way they came. "It... it's open."
The dead grass was around them all, the large tower hanging above them.
"Let's... Get out of here." Dove suggested, feeling wobbly legged.
"Yeah." everyone nodded, agreeing with her
"Well, this has been rather... interesting." Arachne commented with a sensual chuckle
"It has, Arachne. And good to see another Thief join our ranks." Arsene spoke respectfully before she ran a hand over his cheek
"Be careful my dear. Or I may drag you into my web~!" she purred
"Arsene!" Hecate and Circe called out, seeing their boyfriend flirt with the other Persona.
"I am not doing anything, my dears!" he called in panic
"Well, I see that your Other self is quite the romantic involving others." Arachne smirked as she saw this.
"I have no idea what she is talking about!" Joker said in fear, seeing the look in Panther and Dove's eyes
"Joker, when we get out of here, we're going to have a serious talk about this!" Dove and Panther responded.
"But I didn't do anything!" Joker complained only to feel the riding crop pressed against his chin and tilting his head
"You may not have done anything, 'Mr Joker'. But there's going to have to be rules." Ms Kawakami answered.
"Still feel jealous, Skull?" Fox whispered to his friend.
"Nope, nope. Million times nope!" Skull whispered back and shook his head.
"I... shouldn't I be making the rules... 'Becky'?" Joker whispered with a weak gulp
...
"A-Ahem. Yes. Well." She gulped and blushed under her mask, removing the riding crop.
"Speaking of... she does need a code name." Oracle commented, giggling at the sexiness of their new member
"We'll figure that out when we're back home. I think we've had enough trials for one day." Mona sighed, his body feeling stiff.
The group arrived at the entrance of the Palace, Ren pulling out his phone "We are heading home." he stated, activating the app and returning them all back to the real world just outside the school
WHOOSH!
The group landed safely, albeit exhausted as they returned. "Urgh... that was brutal." Ryuji commented, almost falling to the ground.
"Oh... wow..." Kawakami blinked and held her chest "What in the world... was that a dream?"
"No, it wasn't a dream." Ren answered.
Grumble
"... That wasn't me." Yusuke responded.
"We better head to LeBlanc. We'll talk there." Ren informed.
"What about a closer restaurant?" Makoto suggested
"There's the diner in Shibuya. We can crash there." Ryuji responded. "Oh! Or Big Belly Burger! Or even that nice Ramen Restaurant!"
*time skip*
After arriving at the quiet diner and eating, the group decided to tell Ms Kawakami everything about the Metaverse and the Phantom Thieves.
At least in more detail
Ms Kawakami had a piece of parfait on a spoon, almost dropping it from what she had heard... and how much they had done in the past few months. And even the dangers they had been through.
"So now we should wait a bit." Ren said "So everyone can decide and recharge."
"I agree... my muscles feel like they've been set on fire." Ryuji agreed, leaning backwards on his chair.
"Same here." Shiho added.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you all in trouble." Ms Kawakami apologised.
"It's alright, we're fine." Ren answered.
"We would have gotten into that trouble anyway. It's what we do." Mona yawned
"Mona, hush." Futaba whispered, trying to sneakily pass some dessert to him.
"But... do you think that there's going to be any Safe Rooms now? From how guarded Kobayakawa was and how twisted his viewpoint was... it might be an 'all or nothing' attack." Makoto commented.
"Agreed. Ren nodded "Something happened last time we where there. I mean we where in a safe room, before they all faded away."
...
"I... think I might know." Kawakami blinked
"You might know?" Makoto asked.
"Please, tell us." Yusuke asked.
"I confronted the Principal a while ago when I found out what he was threatening Makoto with." the teacher explained softly
Makoto gulped as she heard that, she felt like she was backed into a corner. This was the thing that Kobayakawa was holding over her.
...
"And he pushed it back against me." She continued "Said that he would reveal I basically did the same as Kamoshida. Specifically with Mr Amamiya here. And I was letting him get away with illegal activities in exchange for my 'gratification'."
Ren's heart hardened as he heard this... his fist tightening under the table as he gripped his bag's loop. 'I'm going to kill him. I'm going to kill that fat bastard!'
"Standing up against a teacher must have let him go past the thought of the safe rooms." Futaba realised
"Meaning we're going to have to make him know to fear teachers again." Ann responded.
"If we want safe rooms again." Makoto pointed out "If we are careful, we should be able to get the treasure next time we go in."
"Exactly." Ren nodded.
"Alright... I can't believe you've been doing this for months." Ms Kawakami responded.
"We're just that good." Ryuji answered
"Blame this guy, for having us do two in like two days." Morgana joked
Ren was about to respond before shutting up. "Hmm."
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ms Kawakami asked.
"Join us next time?" Shiho commented "Your Persona is real powerful. And an extra set of hands is always helpful."
"I was planning to. But I meant... getting supplies or something." Ms Kawakami clarified.
"Oh, our Leader normally does that stuff." Yusuke smiled proudly
"Although we do head out and help to." Ann added "Whip shopping is surprisingly fun!"
"Although you going in with us would probably be suspicious." Makoto noticed guiltily
"... Do you know what you're looking for?" Ms Kawakami mumbled.
"It'll be fine." Ann reassured. "There aren't many stores that sell riding crops; right?"
...
"Why is that my weapon?" She whispered with a blush
"Not sure." Ryuji shrugged "Hey, teach, would you like us to grab you a gun?"
"PPPBBBBTTTT!" She spit-took as she heard his casual comment. "Sakamoto!"
"It's not a real gun, they're models." Ryuji explained in a quick panic, waving his hands around wildly as he realised what he said "But the shadows think they are real so they work."
"I-I'm sorry." Ms Kawakami apologised. "Hic. I. I don't think I'll use one."
"You won't?!" Futaba gasped dramatically
"No. I don't think so. I'm not even comfortable with the thought of owning a gun, be it fake or otherwise." Ms Kawakami answered.
"Well, that's understandable." Shiho commented
"Hmm. Anyone for drinks?" Ren asked, seeing the others finishing off their meals. It appears the Phantom Thieves where growing more than he had ever thought.
...
He didn't know how to feel about that over all. But right now?
Right now?
He was happy
CONFIDANT RECAP:
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 8
Death: Rank 6
Temperance: Rank 6
Hierophant: Rank 6
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
World: Rank 5
Emperor: Rank 5
Devil: Rank 4
High Priestess: Rank 4
Moon: Rank 3
Empress: Rank 3
Star: Rank 3
Fortune: Rank 3
Hermit: Rank 2
Tower: Rank 1
