Ann wanted to throttle Kamoshida more than ever.

The rooftop incident was bad enough. But even now, the school was hushing everything up. If anything, judging by what she overheard earlier, the principal held Subaru responsible. The thought made her want to punch his fat face in. There were whispers of the attackers being thugs who came to get at Subaru for something he had done in the past. How was that even fair? They didn't know his circumstances, how could they condemn him like that? Besides, how could thugs just sneak in and out of the school undetected? She was relieved people were beginning to look at this reasoning with some skepticism, at least...

The blonde glared at the familiar figure approaching the same class ''So how long were you planning on keeping this up?'' Mishima stiffened. ''Ryuji told me what you did-Subaru's one of the nicest people around but everyone's going treating him so badly thanks in a good part to you.'' Both missed the few mumurs arising from the passerby, Mishima unable to meet her gaze. ''Why didn't you do anything? All of you just clammed up like it was nothing only to suffer...'' She then asked the question she really wanted the answer to. ''...did you know about what was happening to Shiho?''

''N-no, not really...'' He amended. ''...it wasn't like he was nice to any of us but...I just had to call her. I had nothing to do with any of this...''

Ann could accept that he was a victim too but that last sentence infuriated her ''Yes, you did! You did whatever he wanted, didn't you? Subaru almost died and those idiots don't care...he's been through so much already...he should've had a chance at a fresh start but you took that from him!''

The boy looked pained ''I know! I know, okay?! I don't even know how he put up with me-he wasn't even mad...I can make all the excuses I want but the truth I was just too scared. Everyone who stood up to Kamoshida only got hurt in the end, he always gets back at them. It'll happen one way or the other. I...I just don't want any trouble. What's the point of opposing him? It's easier this way...''

''...Keep telling yourself that.'' The model walked past him without another glance, going out the school She might have gone with a similar mindset but it was only because she thought she had no choice. But now she knew better and she wouldn't let anyone break her will of rebellion.

The next day...

''You sure you're up to going, kiddo?''

Subaru nodded at his grandfather's question. ''I feel plenty better now.'' It was true. He'd briefly awoken in the Velvet Room, completely disoriented but Lavenza helped heal him somehow. He wasn't back up to a hundred percent yet, still he wanted to try. The school already had issues with him and while he didn't care what people said about him, he didn't want to risk giving anyone an excuse to trouble his family. The sooner he could nip any issues in the bud, the better.

Itsuki exhaled ''Well, be careful. Rest up if you get tired or call us if you want to come back.''

''Right.''

''Is this a joke?!'' Ushimaru spat, glowering at Kobayakawa. ''I thought the story about the incident was strange-you can't be that much of an imbecile! This only speaks of an incompetent school. The only trouble with Namikaze is that damn record which shouldn't have ever been spread around the school to begin with!''

''Hmph, not you too. That boy is a troublemaking brat, end of story.''

Makoto looked outraged, a student nearly died on campus and he didn't even bat an eye? What was wrong with this man?

''You should be thanking him for intefering that day on the roof. Not only did he save Suzui, he spared the school much trouble. Since appearances are all you seem to care about...'' The teacher growled.

The principal's attempt at bluster was cut off by Makoto ''Sensei's right, there's so many holes in this story that it's almost laughable. Just how would thugs have gotten in and out of the school without being detected? How could they just leave without anyone seeing something? Namikaze-kun didn't even live here until a little over a couple of weeks ago. You claim to be magnanimous enough to give him a chance but you're awfully biased against him right from the beginning. Don't you see that all your negligence does is protect the culprit?''

Kobayakwa harrumphed ''Nothing you say or do will change my mind-leave, you're wasting my time.''

''...This is indeed a waste of our time.'' The teacher growled, leading Makoto out of the room. ''Nijima, I'll talk to the other teachers. With such an incompetent principal, our only choice is to take matters into our hands. Talk to us if anything comes up and I mean anything.''

The brunette nodded, staring at the principal with utter disgust. She had no intention of dealing with him anytime soon if she could help it. Things may be bad now but at least it was serving to be a wake up call to many.

''I know you're still recovering so mine and Lady Ann's magic should help. Though I'm not sure about going to the Palace today...'' Morgana admitted as they entered the school. They had a bit of trouble without him but they did make some progress.

''I'm not sure either but I can try...'' He shook his head. ''...sorry, I did promise to help but I don't want to slow you down...''

''Ah, come on, none of this is your fault. We'll work things out.''

The boy nodded ''I want to go though...if I'm being honest-I don't know how much I can do. The expulsion is bad enough but we have some time before the meeting. Ann's still in trouble.''

Morgana nodded with a grimace, there was no telling what he would do to get Ann. The situation was far from ideal but they had to try. The sooner they took Kamoshida down the better.

Subaru paused as someone called his name, turning in time to see Haru coming to greet him ''It's good to see you, Namikaze-kun. Are you sure you should have come today? You shouldn't push yourself.''

''I'll try...'' The boy didn't miss her eyes settling on the bruise on his throat, not that he could blame her. It looked bad. He quickly explained his reasoning, leaving the girl troubled.

''Would they really do that? Surely they can't hold such a thing against you.''

''I heard my grandparents talking before-no one knows what really happened and there's probably all sorts of stories. You know what my situation's like, I'd rather take care of any problem now. I'll set the record straight if I have to.''

''Ah...'' Sadly, Haru really wouldn't put it past certain people in this school giving him even more grief. ''...well, if you need any help-feel free to ask.''

''Thanks, Okumura-senpai.''

Theories were already spinning around the incident, some people really did seem to hold Subaru responsible, which he just did not understand. But most clearly weren't sure what to think. The implication that thugs could just storm in and attack anyone frightened the students...

Subaru was approached by one of his more courageous classmates right around lunchtime, the girl wanting to know just what happened that day. She seemed nervous but determined ''W-were you r-really attacked by thugs?''

''I didn't really get to see who they were but I don't think they were thugs.'' He admitted. ''There was two of them. For some reason, I remember seeing a lot of red when they trapped me. One of them started strangling me but that's all I really remember.''

''W-whoa...''

''Please, he just said he didn't really remember much. It's totally suspicious! What was that weird drug people saw in the class?'' Another girl demanded.

''My medicine. I was born with a bad heart so I'm used to keeping it nearby.'' He tapped the new bottle in his pocket. ''You can ask if you don't believe me but do you really think the teachers would let me wander around with drugs?''

Murmurs arose at this, most of the class agreeing that he had a good point. Some of the teachers may miss it but they had share of stern ones who would definitely ask. A number of them had noticed that despite the claims of assault, Subaru was on the frail side. It was hard to picture someone of his stature attacking a man.

''That...actually explains the ambulance. So wait, if they ruined your medication...they really did want to kill you?''

Many murmurs arose, Subaru getting a bit uncomfortable as eyes traveled to the bruise...

''What's going on in this school...?''

''Why is this happening?''

Mishima screwed up his courge, ignoring the anxious talk around them ''S-so...'' Subaru looked at him. ''...why...why did you go through all the trouble? You helped Suzui-san...you were trying to help the team...when everyone's treated you so badly...why?''

''If you really want a reason, I just wanted to.'' The boy returned easily before heading out.

Ann was about to follow him but thought better of it ''What, does anyone think Subaru deserved that? What has he actually done to any of us? Has anyone actually checked the facts to see if he was the bad person people made him out to be? Would you really be okay with someone dying here?''

The students exchanged uncomfortable looks, a few expressions giving her the answer. Sure, even if he had been a bad person, the fact that the administration seemed to care so little was troubling. Surely they could do better than that...

''Hey, wait up!'' Ann called, hurrying after her friends.

The three were soon found by Ryuji, who cheerfully greeted Subaru, glad to know he was doing better. It was just as they took their seats at a table that they were found by another familiar figure. ''Well, if it isn't 'Mr. Hero.'''

Ryuji blinked as the four looked at Kotone ''Oh, hey...'' He looked amused. ''...Mr. Hero, huh?''

''...You're just going to keep calling me that, aren't you?'' Subaru deadpanned.

''Hey, if the shoe fits...'' Kotone trailed off.

''Heh, true.'' Ryuji's eyes traveled to the girl accompanying her, she had dark hair and bright purple eyes. He wasn't that familiar with her but he had seen her a few times. ''You're...Isoshima, right?''

She nodded ''It's Ayumi, hi everyone!''

Ann smiled at the exuberant greeting ''Hey there. Come on, have a seat.''

The girls gladly took her up on the invite, Subaru gave Ayumi a curious look ''So, you're Mitsuhide's...?''

''Yup, she told me about you too. I figured the rumors about you were fishy but seeing how you treated her and Toni, you're all right in my book.'' She returned brightly.

''Yeah, 'criminal' my foot-he's got more decency than over half the people in this school.'' Toni muttered loud enough only so that Ann and Morgana heard her, both completely agreeing with the statement.

''They're still giving you flak, huh?'' Ryuji asked not without sympathy, noting her expression.

She snorted ''And in breaking news, Kamoshida's a scumbag.'' Subaru looked between the two in confusion and she began to explain. Kamoshida used to watch the cheer team during the practice lecherously. He'd perved on Toni before but when she called him out he started a rumor where he turned the blame on her and now everyone considered her no better than a slut.

Ryuji grimaced, having heard this before while Ann and Subaru looked disgusted ''He just keeps sinking lower and lower...''

''Yeah, about that-please tell me the talk about you being his girlfriend is wrong or else I'd question your sanity.'' Toni stated.

Ann snorted ''Not even in his dreams-I know why that talk started but...it's complicated.''

Both girls looked curious but they seemed to understand that Ann really didn't want to talk about this. Thus, Ayumi decided to change the subject ''So, Sakamoto-kun, Toni was telling me how you met back last year...''

''The hell?!'' Ryuji looked embarrassed as the girl in question smirked. ''Why would you tell her that?!''

''Can you blame me? It was too funny.'' She noted the others' confusion. ''Oh, see what happened was...''

''Don't you dare!''

Ann half-smiled ''Since it's Ryuji...I can guess how this went. Any chance you can give me details another time?''

''Absolutely!'' Toni grinned.

''Kotone...'' The boy looked aggravated, Ayumi couldn't help giggling as her friend remained unrepentant.

''That's my name, don't wear it out.''

Morgana snickered while Subaru seemed rather amused. Ann shook her head, deciding to have a little mercy on him ''So hey, Subaru-what was that about Ayumi-chan's sister?''

''Oh, I met her in the library and...''

Morgana poked his head out as Subaru awoke, the boy having excused himself a while ago to get some rest in the infirmary. ''Hey, feeling better?''

He nodded, before he quite knew it, he felt tired after lunch and figured he could do with more rest. Glad that he was allowed to come, the boy checked the time, learning that the last period would've started by now. Thinking there was no point in going back to the class, the boy headed out to the courtyard.

''...Is this school filled with idiots?'' The feline hissed once they sat down. ''I thought you were worrying too much when you said you'd have to deal with consequences but a bunch of them really think it's your fault. It's so idiotic!''

''Well, they've given me plenty of reason to expect the worst.'' The boy reminded. ''It's hard to believe they can keep all this trouble from getting out. What good is this even doing? Those new rumors have people pretty uneasy.''

''Yeah, no wonder, paranoia's a powerful thing...'' Morgana's ears twitched as he heard the sound of footsteps, bringing his attention to a newly arrived Makoto.

The girl stopped when she noticed Subaru, offering a quiet greeting which he returned. ''Good to see you're doing better-though I admit I didn't expect you back for at least a couple of more days.'' She frowned as Subaru explained his reasons. ''...I see. As much I'd like to refute that, I can't fault your reasoning. But it really is cruel and uncalled for.''

Morgana certainly agreed, the saddest part was that Subaru was hardly even fazed. As if he didn't even bother expecting things to improve.

But then again, did he have much reason to? He lost so much because of that damn drunk's cruelty, even his own parents abandoned him and his home was basically no more. Just when it looked like he had a fresh start, the record was spread, ruining everything.

''So what did happen that day? I learned of a few stories but I'd rather hear it from you.'' Makoto admitted.

''Well, there's not much I can tell you. I was just leaving class and then...''

The girl nodded when he finished ''I see...another reason to show that incompetent idiot he was in the wrong.'' Subaru gave her a puzzled look. ''Oh, it's nothing...let's just say the past few days were something of a wake up call. We're trying to do something to improve the situation at school so if you notice anything wrong or if you remember what happened that day, please tell me.''

''Sure.'' He returned at once. It was nice to hear that some would actually take a more proactive attitude. ''Good luck, Senpai.''

''Thank you.''

A short while later, they headed to the palace...

''All right...'' Morgana spread the map out before the four of them. ''...we've made decent progress so far and I think I narrowed down the treasure's possible location...''

''Somewhere around the tallest tower?'' Subaru guessed. ''It kind of looked like there were a lot of guards around when we were trying to keep lookout before...''

The feline grinned ''Yup, good eye. According to this, we can get there through a gate which should be around here-aha!'' He paused upon spotting said structure far up ahead, thought it locked and wrapped in chains.

''Okay, how are we going to do this?'' Ann questioned.

Morgana hummed ''Let's think like thieves, Lady Ann. What would a thief do in such a situation?''

''Well, that's easy-they'd steal it...why thieves of all things though?''

''I just think it fits, we're going to be sneaking around right under the ruler's nose and depose him by taking the treasure. We'll free the school from his tyranny and give his victims hope. Isn't that like a phantom thief?''

Ryuji looked pleased ''Ooh, yeah! I like that, I like that a lot!''

''Sounds good to me.'' Subaru concurred and Ann smiled.

''Great! So...'' Morgana began as they left the Safe Room and headed down a corridor. ''...how about codenames? I figure we can use a safety measure to help minimize our impact here. You guys are pretty involved in this situation, there's no telling how it might affect the Palace...''

Ann nodded ''We're really taking on the role, huh? Codenames are a total Phantom Thief thing.''

''Cool! So how about you'd be...Monamona!'' He pointed at Morgana, who immediately protested. ''And Ann can be Sexy Cat!'' The girl looked at him incredulously. ''I...can't think of anything for Subaru though...''

''Lucky him...'' The female of their group said darkly. ''...and that's a definite no to those names!''

''I'll say, as if we can use something like that.'' Morgana harrumphed.

''So how about Mona instead?'' Subaru suggested, the former considered it and finally concurred, stating it was fine. ''Now as for Ann...ah, that's tough. Maybe something to do with her armor...?''

Ann gave him an amused look as he stopped to think ''So, like what you see?''

He blinked ''A-ah, I didn't mean to stare...not that you don't look great, because you do...''

''Great? Is that all you can say?'' Mona demanded. ''It doesn't do her splendor nearly enough justice.''

''Yeah, I-I mean quit being dramatic, cat!'' Ryuji amended.

''I'm not a cat!''

Ann rolled her eyes and looked back at Subaru ''Ignore them. You were saying?''

''Right...somehow I never pictured you wearing something like that...''

''Trust me, that makes two of us.'' She looked exasperated, only relieved to see that he wasn't reduced to a gaping idiot like their teammates were. ''I'm trying not to think about it.''

Subaru tilted his head a little ''Moving on then...how about Rouge?''

''Hmm...not bad, actually. But maybe...'' The girl stiffened when a familiar black and red blob appeared in their path, materializing into enemies. ''...less chatting, more fighting!''

''Don't have to tell me twice, Persona!'' Captain Kidd soared above the enemies, blasting them with lightning. Mona charged just as a Kelpie was about to use wind magic, cutting it down with a swift slash before having Zorro knock it to the floor with Lucky Punch. Subaru disposed of it with a couple of bullets, pausing when Ryuji called out a warning, telling him to duck. The boy quickly did so and the blond lashed out with his club, stopping one of the enemies' weapons from striking either of them. A Pyro Jack shadow used its fire powers to attack them while a few others came closer. Wincing, Subaru summoned Aladdin, who threw his weapon at the enemies a moment later. Most managed to escape but those who didn't were knocked down. This gave the boys room to act however, with Ryuji knocking the Eligor who tried to attack them down and Subaru getting rid of the Pyro Jack. Ann whipped a Kelpie as it jumped towards her and Mona cut it down, both using their respective Personas to end the battle.

Ryuji let out a breath while Mona put his sword away ''We better keep going...'' He trailed off, realizing that they actually left one Silky which was beginning to move.

Groaning, she looked up at them ''What, come to finish me off? You kids think you're heroic but you're no better than some plunderers. Like what you did to our king wasn't bad enough. What-are we nothing to you?''

Ann bristled ''Don't take that tone with us! It's your pathetic excuse of a king that keeps messing up our lives. He's nothing but a despicable scumbag. What, you think he actually cares about you?''

''...Probably not.'' She answered despondently. ''We just have to do what we're told-it's always been like that.''

''Ugh, you sound like the people in that damn prison. You're nothing but puppets.'' Ryuji looked disgusted.

''Puppets...maybe so...''

''So are you going to do anything about it?'' Mona demanded. ''This isn't about heroics-we just won't let Kamoshida keep causing more hurt. Enough is enough.''

''We deserve to live our lives how we choose.'' Subaru said firmly. ''We have the power to make a difference and we're going to use it.''

''You're just kids, what do you think you can do?'' She demanded.

''So what if we're kids?'' He returned. ''Too much has happened for us to just back down. You're the ones who are supposed to be strong but you just bow down to him. Even if it's hard, our goal is worth fighting for so we'll give it our best shot.''

''Heck yeah!'' Ryuji grinned.

''...Heh...'' Silky began to smile after a moment. ''...I kind of like that attitude.'' She gave Subaru a speculative look. ''...You really are different, huh? In that case...''

The boy didn't get around to questioning that, for she disappeared into a shimmering sphere which immediately flew into Subaru's mask in a flare of blue and silver.

Ann recoiled ''W-what was that?!''

''Whoa, you okay?'' Ryuji questioned.

Subaru nodded, stiffening for a moment before Silky's amused voice reached his ears 'Ah, I see-you had no idea of your potential, child. You're a Wild Card.''

He blinked as he repeated the last sentence, Mona's jaw dropped ''That...that actually makes sense...! No wonder something felt different about you!''

''What do you mean?''

'Wild Cards are tricksters spoken of in myths and legends.' Silky explained. 'Humans with the ability to contract many spirits. They are heralds of change, of salvation.'

''Whoa...'' Ann blinked once Mona gave a similar description, as they couldn't hear Silky. ''...so you can get a whole bunch of Personas? Nice!''

''Knew you were awesome, buddy, this just proves me right again!'' Ryuji grinned.

''Oh, ah-thanks...I'm not really sure how that worked though...'' Subaru admitted.

''No worries, we'll figure it out!''

Mona nodded to the ex-athlete's statement ''This is a big boon for our team. Let's make the most of it.''

''Yeah...'' Subaru looked pensive. ''...did anybody see a library around here?''

The three were surprised but Mona nodded after a moment ''I think there's one on a higher area-why?''

''I...I think I saw a few of Silky's memories. There's something important about that place-there were plenty of guards who go everywhere. I didn't get all they said but there was something they want hidden there. They mentioned a safe measure that would protect the castle.''

''Oh! So the key might be there!'' Ann exclaimed.

Mona was smirking ''Even if it isn't, it could definitely be a step in the right direction. We're probably going to need to interrogate some Shadows anyway so this'll totally work.''

''Nice one, Subaru! We're good to go!'' Ryuji added, the other three nodded. ''So hey, we never did finish with the names...''

''Oh, right...'' Ann nodded. ''...well, Rouge was all right but...I think I'll go with Panther. I want something fierce and strong.''

''Well, you nailed it.'' Her old friend remarked with a quirked brow. ''I'll be...Skull!''

Mona seemed unimpressed, looking pointedly at his mask ''I'd say it's a good one but you obviously didn't try much there.''

The boy huffed ''Shut up-I like it.''

''Well, that's the most important thing.'' He nodded happily at Subaru's statement. ''I don't have a clue what mine should be though...''

''Oh! In that case, how about Joker?'' Mona offered, the brunet nodding after a moment. ''We're set then! Come on, it's this way!''

After some more battles, the four stopped for a little rest before carrying on. They came across a big hall with knights traversing it every now and then. There was also a staircase leading up to a higher area not too far away. But they couldn't reach it without being seen. Now, it wasn't the fact that they couldn't fight but that they were likely to attract far too much attention in the midst of all this...

''What do we do? Make a run for it?'' Skull wondered.

''That's risky-and you of all people shouldn't be saying that!'' Panther gave him an annoyed look.

''Hey, it's fine...'' He knew she meant his leg. ''...I can manage...''

Mona hummed ''...We might not have to. I had a tool that could've helped but I had to use the last of it before. I know the next best thing though. Joker, Panther, we need your help.'' The two looked at him curiously, he explained his idea and they agreed.

Taking their places at a distant parts of the area, Panther summoned Carmen while Subaru called Silky, having them spread their magic at a wide margin. Fire and ice collided in several area. The result being a deep mist that quickly billowed out around them. Cries of confusion and alarm followed this as the knights tried to figure out what was going on, most of them hurrying outside. The group used the chance to get inside, the chaos helping them get by in a hurry. Crossing this area led them to the floor the library was on and they could indeed see quite a number of guards around there.

Noticing a nearby Safe Room, the four were quick to head over. Panther huffed ''Well, they wouldn't leave that many guards around if the place wasn't important, right?''

''Looks like we really are on to something-now how do we go about this...?'' Mona crossed his arms as they began to think.

Joker spoke after almost a minute ''...We might have to split up. It's dangerous but so is facing them together. Maybe we can use the surroundings to our advantage and break their forces up, even if new Shadows show up, they won't find it easy to fight.''

''Oh, yeah and we can totally wreck the place with our Personas if we want. That could work!'' Skull added.

''...It's risky but yeah, it might be our best shot.'' Mona agreed somewhat reluctantly. ''All right then, since Panther and I are the healers, we'll have to be in seperate groups-those corridors so we can use that to our advantage...''

A number of Shadows started when a bolt of lightning struck a nearby chandelier, leaving it to fall on a pair of knights. A third one jumped away in time ''Who did that?!''

''I did!'' Skull taunted, standing at the end of the corridor. ''What, you scared? Come and get it! I'll take your pathetic excuse of a king down!''

''Grr...don't you talk about his majesty like that, you oaf! Get him!'' The knight barked and a number of Shadows charged towards the boy, who immediately retreated.

The boy allowed himself a grin when he saw rings of fire surround the pursuers, bringing their attention to Carmen as Panther made her presence known. ''All of you guys on just us kids? You're pretty weak, huh?''

This naturally aggravated the Shadows, who divided their numbers to deal with the blond pair.

Around the same time, Joker and Mona were closer to the library, using the chaos to pepper the other enemies with projectiles. The remaining knight directed the Pyro Jack shadows to attack them, only to be stopped by the combined efforts of Silky and Zorro, ice and wind quickly dousing out the enemy's flames.

''Dormina!''

''Lucky Punch!''

Both Personas flew towards the startled enemies, Silky giggling as she blew a kiss at the enemies, sending out a pink blast that hit three of them, who immediately fell asleep. Zorro unleashed a swift punch that nearly knocked the enemy leader back. A pair of angels unleased Zio spells that nearly threw the two back. Joker quickly stepped in front of Mona, helping the cat to some medicine they had found earlier. Shaking his head, Mona was quick to heal them both. Joker switched to Aladdin before directing his Persona to attack, making sure to target the surroundings like they agreed. Mona followed suit, Zorro's slicing Garu spells adding to the damage. He'd intended to interrogate the enemies but there was no opportunity now-at least the plan was working.

Their teammates were doing equally well, Skull making sure to cause as much devastation as possible while Panther backed him up. Captain Kidd's Headbutt sent a pair of Shadows into the air, only to be incinerated by Carmen. Their divice and conquer strategy was indeed paying well.

Before long, they were left to deal with the knight. The two blonds hurried to help their team as Joker stopped the Eligor's lance with his saber. The Shadow was forced to get away when Mona jumped in to attack, barely avoiding Zorro's consequent spell. It nearly tumbled into some of the rubble as a result and Joker hurled his blade at the vulnerable shadow. It turned back to strike but Panther and Skull's attacks stopped it once more, nearly making it fall. The four attacked in tandem, destroying it.

''Whew, that's done. Everyone okay?'' Skull inquired and the others confirmed before approaching the library.

Joker took some medicine, he wasn't sure how long he could keep going. What they just did wasn't easy. But at least, they had made it here. Overall, it didn't look like this place saw much use, dust was visible nearly everywhere. Why was it important?

Panther scowled ''Look at this!'' She revealed a book with the title of Takamaki Ann: The Lovely Doll. ''There's another one about Ry-I mean, Skull, it calls him a vulgar ape.''

The boy held back a growl, walking over. He could indeed see more tiltles with familiar names, one mentioned Mishima and the other had Shiho's name. The titles were equally degrading ''We're just things to him, huh? I shouldn't be surprised but dammit, that asshole!''

''He'll get his, you two. Just wait.'' Mona promised.

''I know it's hard but we're going to make sure he's stopped.'' Joker added. The two nodded tersely, thanking them.

They found three strange books which were key to a hidden area of the library. The contents within were more than a little disturbing.

Kamoshida had stalker shrines of Panther and Shiho, filed with numerous pictures, most ratther inappropriate. Seeing her best friend like that infuriated the red clad girl. Panther could only hope those pictures weren't actually real in their world, just the thought of him being so close to take them made her feel ill.

''...Can I torch this place already?'' Skull ground out.

''You know why we can't.'' Mona didn't blame the boy for his anger, this was truly disgusting. Why was this man allowed to be a teacher? ''Look here though...''

He gestured towards a trap door behind some shelves. ''I think I found the safety measure. I'm sensing a couple of pretty strong Shadows from there. It's pretty likely that they would have the key. But let's call it a day, I don't think we're ready for a battle like this now.''

''Yeah, but are we going to have the same trouble getting here again?'' Panther clarified.

''Not at all, Panther! I have that covered. But we do need to prepare for the next time so let's go back, okay?''

The group headed their seperate ways at the train station, though not before Ryuji and Ann extracted a promise from Subaru to get some good long rest...

Morgana looked amused as they sat, waiting for the train ''Yeah, you did great today but don't push it...'' He blinked as Subaru's phone buzzed, the curious boy taking it out to find an email.

His lips twitched moments later ''...Aki-nii worries too much.''

''You have a brother?'' The cat blinked.

''Ah, no-he's actually my uncle.'' was the response. ''I've just been calling him that for years and the habit stayed. He's pretty busy but he tries to check in on us when he can.''

''Huh, sounds like a nice guy. So where is he?''

''Somewhere in America, I think.'' The boy replied after a moment. ''Aki-nii runs an IT company. Maddice was nearly ruined in the past but he brought it back from the ground up. They're working on some collaboration project with another group. He feels bad because he wasn't here but I keep telling him not to-he's got enough on his plate already.''

''Maybe but you're family, I think he's bound to worry.'' Morgana pointed out. ''Wouldn't you if you were in his shoes?''

''Fair enough.'' He conceded, typing out a reply.

''So, I was wondering...'' Morgana started. ''...it looks like you've got some good musical experience. When was the last time you played?''

''...It's been a long time, actually.'' He admitted ruefully. ''There was so much going on that I couldn't even...'' Shaking his head, Subaru carried on. ''...I was thinking about getting some practice again-I do miss it.''

''Sounds like a good idea, you should go for it.'' Morgana smiled.

The boy patted his head in thanks ''...Mmhm, might be fun...'' Spotting the train, the boy headed over to get home, more than ready to rest.

Well, let's stop here.

Kobayakawa's just taking the easy way out with his approach but it'll blow up in his face soon. I want to see if I can shake things up a bit at the school. The truth about the attackers is going to be revealed at Kamoshida's confession. But yes, they're from the school and he planned the incident out.

Lavenza knows she can't heal Subaru fully because it'll raise questions he can't answer so she did the best she could given the circumstances. I considered picking another name than Joker for a bit but eh, any name I could think of wasn't all that good and I actually like the name. Oh, and I was going to bring this up sooner or later so yeah Subaru is distantly related to Akira Konoe. The guy's pretty different here, thanks in a big part to Subaru, Yuri and Itsuki. I haven't decided if I'm going to be using other characters from P5s here yet but I'm going to introduce Akira in the story eventually.

Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it, till next time! Oh and since it's nearly that time, Merry Christmas!

Confidants:

Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 1)

Namikaze Yuri and Itsuki (Charity Rank 1)

Morgana (Magician Rank 1)