Persona 5: Tainted Soul
Chapter 7: Sound of Pride - No Roar, No Sun
"So, you guys fought against the Elephant Imagin…" George noted as he listened to Cody's report, "Who showed up because Decade's arrival weakened the barriers between our world and the other Rider worlds. Am I missing anything?"
"Um… we at least took care of the Yakuza?" Cody pointed out as it seemed the inventor was scolding the boy this time for his stunt.
"That and we got the thumbs up from Momotaro!" Vice added.
"Vice, you're not helping!" the blonde Rider scolded his demon in a hushed whisper.
"What? If we tell him we met a veteran, then he might lighten up!" the demon argued back in a similar whisper.
George sighed out, rubbing his temples as this was yet another event where the Stamp just disappeared only to reappear in the young rider's hands.
"Well… As long as its out of the Deadmans hands, I can let this go. But if there is any chance it slips out about this? You may lose your benefits from our deal." George warned the teen.
"C-Crystal, sir." the two yelped.
"Good…" the inventor sighed, "Now then, how exactly did Momotaros speak to you in that… Mentos was it? The weird brain world place…"
"It's Mementos." Cody corrected him, "And well, he said something about using the R-Factor."
"Oh… so they can connect to them? Very interesting. I may have to add that to the notes and see what becomes of it." George noted as he began to write things down.
"So, can we go now?" Cody asked hesitantly.
"Hm? Oh, yes go right ahead and head out. I have work to do for new ideas." The inventor said.
"Thank you!" Cody thanked him as the young boy left.
"Recently, there has been several murders in the streets of Tokyo." the TV in George's room reported as the inventor was watching the news.
"Geez, things are going haywire out there now that Deadmans have been making things tougher for people." George noted, slightly tuned into the news.
"A recent photo showcased what looked to be a killer dressed in a strange costume re-enacting a scene right out of a children's television show." the news anchor reported before showcasing a video of another victim watching a lion-like kaijin killing someone before it spotted him and rushed at the cameraman.
'Hmm.. if my hunch is right…. This could be more troublesome than the Deadman…' George noted in his thoughts.
Opening: Like Flames - Tensura Slime Season 2 - Opening 2
/PRELUDE/
As Revi and Vice flies through the night sky, we see glimpses of Ichigo and Naoya before the title zips past the duo
/Fate repeats all over again, The voices of my heart say
Time is not enough, it's over/
It soon jumps to Cody standing alone in a hall of mirrors, Vice being on the other side of the mirror before he turns around to see Mementos and the various monsters wandering it's corridors.
/Belief that makes me who I am, light doesn't fade away
Made my mind up now, it's better/
Meanwhile, Ren is sitting alone in the jail cell of the Velvet Room, looking towards the camera as a ghostly visage of Arsene appears before him as he smiles wickedly.
/Yeah I know it's not an easy road, lured by your hands/
It then jumps into a montage of Ryuji jumping for a bit before running, Ann with her back towards the camera fixing her hoodie, an artist holding his paintbrush in front of himself with one eye closed, a cat wandering through an alleyway, Makoto practicing judo, a NEET looking over something on her screen, an heiress looking over her garden, a gymnast practicing her routine, and finally a detective looking over some notes
/Even if it rains don't be swayed, being same as always/
It then jumps to Ichigo watching over the streets of New York, Nigo standing in the middle of a ruined battlefield alone, V3 looking towards the Pyramids of Giza, the prone body of Riderman on a beach in Tahiti, X floating down into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, Amazon roaring into the night sky causing birds to fly up from the trees of the jungle, and a pair of graves in the middle of a beach with the helmet of Stronger resting on the left grave while a bouquet of flowers was near the right grave.
/Want to feel my destiny, Open my eyes to be braver/
As the shadow of the villains of past Rider and Persona titles haunt Cody and Ren, they soon turn to see a light where they notice the chains holding them back. Luckily, they spot Touma turn towards him and reach out for them, allowing them to break out and transform.
/Get up now Get up now stronger I believe in myself
Stand up now Stand up now shouting
I'll never run away/
It then transitions into a battle scene where Revi and Vice team up as they battle alongside the Phantom Thieves, transforming into their different forms to help each team member. Meanwhile, Ren soon awakens Arsene as several silhouettes of other Personas appear behind the original Phantom Thief before he and Ren perform Eigon.
/I might lose control... It's a perfect world/
It then transitions into showing Cody lost in the devil's world before he sees the Deadmans standing in his way, as Aguilera summons the eight Palace holders behind themselves with her Vistamp.
/Destroy all of it, in the end it's for our good/
As he panics, he notices the spirit of Maria embracing him before he sees the past Riders from Ichigo until Saber appears by his side, their lights shining down enough to allow him to obtain the Rex Vistamp, summoning Vice in the process.
/Let me shout like flames/
Afterwards, he and Vice share a high-five before it jumps to an ending shot of the twelve heroes standing behind a spotlight in their Metaverse garbs.
"Did you hear about what happened to Owada-san?" one student gossiped as two girls were talking in front of Ren and Morgana.
"Yeah, he got killed by that crazy lion man." the other student agreed, shivering in fear, "I swear, the Deadmans are getting worse and worse with each day."
"They said it wasn't the Deadmans, but someone else entirely." the first student recalled.
Ren was taking this information in as Morgana peaked out of his bag.
"Hey, Joker? Think this sounds familiar to you?" the cat asked him.
"Hmm, hard to say. But there's something that doesn't sit right with me, either." Ren nodded, "We'll have a meeting and see if it could be another Deadman attack or a corrupt adult."
As they arrived to school, the whole class was talking about the recent murders across Tokyo, most of them either scared or believing that the Deadmans had recruited much more violent members. When they arrived at the usual hallway, the pair saw Ann and Ryuji discussing with each other about the murders, but in their own way.
"I'm telling you, that guy is clearly doing the Gegeru!" Ryuji tried to convince his best friend, "There's no way that it would be anything else."
"Please, this is just some ploy or stunt. There's no way that's true." Ann waved off.
"And you're telling me the Imagin from last time was fake too?" the pirate thief reminded her.
"T-That was different. That was in Mementos, not the real world!"
"Hey guys!" Ren greeted the pair, "So what's this about a Gegeru?" he asked them.
"Ryuji thinks that a… Gongee is behind the murders." Ann sighed out.
"Grongi!" he spouted.
Ren's ears perked up, "Grongi, like Kamen Rider Kuuga?" he realized.
"Yeah, exactly!" the pirate thief exclaimed, "See? Ren gets it!"
"You boys and your shonen stuff…" Ann sighed out.
"Says the girl who cosplayed as Cure Rhythm when we were kids." he teased her.
"I was a kid! It was fine!" Ann huffed out with embarrassment.
"And that little squeal when you heard about Tropical Rouge getting announced was nothing I assume?" Ryuji noted, recalling when she squealed loudly during lunch.
*SLAP!*
"Look, can we just get back to the subject on hand here?!" a red-faced Ann growled while looking away from Ryuji, who was massaging his red cheek.
"So what makes you think its a Grongi, Ryuji?" Morgana asked.
After recovering from the slap, Ryuji took out his phone and showed them a screenshot of the video, "The kaijin is much more simpler than most kaijin we've seen until now. He looks almost human if not for those lion features and that unnatural skin. I'm telling you, this is a Grongi."
"Or just some weirdo in cosplay…" Ann sighed.
Ren however shook his head, "I… I think Ryuji might be onto something."
Ann looked at Ren with shock.
"I remember reading a Kuuga novel before I came to Tokyo, and I recall seeing a Grongi with this exact design." he stated, "And given that we saw the Elephant Imagin AND Decade, there's a lot of reason to assume that this Grongi, Go·Raio·Da, could be real too."
"But in the real world? So far we fought them in Mementos. How could this even be possible?" Ann got out confused.
It didn't take long for them to realize the answer.
'Onore Dikedo…' the four thieves thought as Cody and Vice arrived at their little meeting.
"Hey guys, what did we miss?" the foreigner asked the group.
"We may need your help in this issue…" Ren informed the boy as the school bell rang for them to start their classes.
XXX
At break..
"Wait, there's a Grongi in the real world?!" Cody and Vice gasped, hearing the story right from Ryuji's mouth.
"Yeah, and it's killing people like it's the year 2000!" the pirate thief roared in anger.
"You gotta be kidding me, first the Imagin, then this mess…" Vice bemoaned from within Cody's phone.
"Still, with it being able to appear in the real world rather than Mementos, this makes finding it a bit more difficult. We have no idea where it could be or how to track it down." Cody noted before placing down the Vistamp Rally Tally as Vice called it, "Alright, there should be a Kuuga stamp somewhere…"
"Question is, who has it and are they willing to give it up? Or are they with the Deadmans?" Ryuji questioned.
"Well, we could look around Tokyo for any clues, maybe try investigating those we think could either help or be the cause?" Ann pointed out.
"Found it!" Cody declared before pointing towards a lion stamp with the familiar Grongi symbol next to it, "Whoever it might be, we'll likely be able to get the Lion Vistamp from him."
"So let's head out and find the culprit!" Anna cheered out.
"Maybe Morgana could end up finding it first, after all he is with Ren a lot and well… the lion is his cousin." the pirate thief.
"We'll just have to venture around until something hits. But we best make sure that we can contact one another should we end up bumping into the Gro-." Morgana noted before listening to that last part, "ARE YOU SAYING I'LL FIND IT BECAUSE I'M A CAT?!"
"I mean… if it roars, it meows." Ryuji shrugged.
*SLASH!*
"WHY THE FACE TODAY!?" Ryuji roared as he covered his currently scratched up face.
"Because you like to antagonize him…" Ann sighed, digging into her purse to pull up some a small first aid kit. "You two go on ahead, I'll make sure Ryuji doesn't do anything more stupid."
"Alright, play nice you two." Ren teased before he and Cody went to start investigating.
XXX
"Alright, so what exactly ARE the Grongi?" Morgana asked the pair, as Kamen Rider was still a new subject to him.
"Ancient race that plays games in order to rise in their ranks and more." Cody responded.
"And they're no worse than the Deadmans or Mementos?" the cat said.
"I'M NOT A CAT! WHY ARE YOU GETTING IN ON THIS?!"
…he can see this?
"I'm surprised he had it in him." Vice chuckled, "I'll make a Deadpool out of him yet!"
"What are you two talking about now?" Cody questioned.
"Nothing~!" Vice chuckled coyly.
"Anyway, regardless, the Grongi are bad news and we need to be on the look out for…" Ren was soon cut off when he saw that they had arrived at the local beef bowl shop.
"RenRen, what's wrong?" Vice asked.
"Well, I guess this is my stop then." he observed before turning to Cody, "Want to head in? I can treat you to one, on the house."
"Wait, how?" Cody asked.
"You'll see…" the leader chuckled with a glint in his glasses, much to Cody's confusion.
XXX
In the store itself, Ren was wearing a standard uniform for the establishment as he and a couple of other workers were serving beef bowls to the various salaryment that were eating there.
"Wow, and here I thought this place would be like one of those 'red restaurants'." Vice observed.
"It used to be, but then after getting a spot in a TV show, the place was able to pull itself together thanks to the new influx of customers and well, here we are." Ren explained, "I mostly came upon this place during my time with Iwai."
"Wow, gotta thank the guy next time we see him!" Cody cheered while guzzling his food, "This stuff's delicious!"
Morgana, who thankfully was allowed to stay in the restaurant as long as he didn't eat the beef, shook his head as he slapped his paw to his snout.
"And here I thought Americans were supposed to be more delicate eaters. Or was it the British?" the cat tried to recall, throwing some minor shade at the blonde foreigner.
Cody however payed no heed as he continued to eat when a much older man wearing a suit and red tie sat next to him and noticed how hard the boy was working.
"...You appeared to have a difficult time there." the older man commented.
"It's fine, it's the lunch rush after all." Ren said, playing off his tiredness with a smile.
"Can't you ask your manager to hire more people? You and your co-workers were extremely busy… Employees being overworked is becoming a real problem in the workplace. That's concerning…" the older man suggested.
"I mean, I co-"
"Code, the last time you tried to cook something, it came alive and tried to eat us." Vice reminded the boy.
"T-That was a one time deal. I got better." Cody huffed out from the demon's mention. He wasn't THAT bad at cooking. He just thinks maybe adding more to the dish is better than what is says.
"Yeah, and both sisters made the kitchen you-proof ever since…" the demon chuckled.
"T-They just want to hold off until something important occurs where they'll need my expertise!" Cody huffed.
"How deep of a grave are you making, Cody? Fourteen feet?" Morgana pointed out.
"Shut it before I force feed you my special cat food…." Cody glared at the cat.
The older man soon turned to Ren, who gave a 'don't mind him' gesture to him.
"Even still… your generation shouldn't be slaving away like this to make simple earnings. It's such a shame to see such youth waste away at these moments." He sighed heavily.
"I can only guess you speak from experience?" Ren noted.
"More than you realize." He nodded in response before getting up, "I'll leave my payment here. Thank you for the food."
Vice soon appeared, sniffing the air where the politician sat, "Ne, ne…. Doesn't it smell like someone wiped blood on him? It feels like he's been marked." The inner demon pointed out.
"Marked?" Cody asked before turning to the older man, only for both him and Ren to spot something in his pocket.
Morgana on the other hand felt that man was familiar as he heard two bystanders talk, "Hey, wasn't that the politician who gives speeches in front of the station?"
"Yeah! I think that was! Unlucky Taro! Heh, still trying to make it even though nobody wants him." Another person chimed in with a chuckle.
"Ouch, you don't have to go for the throat on that one." Vice commented.
"Seems like not many people like him…" Cody noted with a soft frown.
"Doesn't explain why he smelled like blood." Morgana said as he recalled Vice's earlier observation.
"You better check it out. I can't simply leave at this moment…" Ren pointed out, as it started to get busier for the teen.
Cody nodded and soon began to tail the politician, but not before leaving a tip for his friend since he knew he needed the money. After some time, he saw 'Taro' giving one of his speeches.
"...As the birthrate continues to decline, we adults must redefine our mission. We must create a country that can give birth to life, and we must create a country that can nurture that life. The power of this country lies with the power of it's people…"
That was when the man noticed Cody was looking attentive to his speech.
"...You're listening quite attentively." he observed, "Are you interested in politics?"
"Well, while normally I'm not one for politics.. I can't deny what you're saying is true." Cody nodded, showing at least he was in agreement for what he was saying.
This made the older man smile, "I'm delighted to captivate the interest of someone your age, especially a foreigner such as yourself."
"I'm half-American actually." Cody admitted before 'Tora' noticed something.
"...Hm? Have I seen you somewhere before…?" he asked.
"I was in the beef bowl shop where you talked with my friend. Just figured I should see what was up as you showed concern for him." The blonde foreigner informed him.
"Well your friend definitely has both perseverance and compassion." 'Tora' agreed, "Well if either of your are interested, I could use your help. I want to change the state of this country, and to do so, I need the power of the youth. However due to certain regulations, I can't offer jobs to students such as yourself or your friend."
"I'll see what I can do to help. Its the least I can do for your own compassion, sir." Cody smiled softly.
"Hm… I was thinking that you two could learn some things if you two choose to attend a few of my speeches though…" 'Tora' pondered
"I'll send him word and we can try to figure something out."
"Really?! That would be helpful indeed!" he said happily, "Well then…, would you mind telling me your names and contact information?"
"Cody Aldrich and Ren Amamiya, we're students from Shijun Academy." Cody said.
"You're students from Shujin Academy, hm? It's nice to meet you, Aldrich-san." the older man greeted the boy, "I am Toronosuke Yoshida. I used to be a member of the Diet… but no longer."
"Yoshida-san. Ah, guess the 'Tora' thing was not your real name then?" Cody noted, realizing it was some nickname people gave him.
"That… was because of my competitors and how they believe I'm just some 'unlucky tiger', as I'm not brave enough to keep with my convictions. In the past twenty years, I've lost seven straight elections." Yoshida said with a heavy sigh.
"Honestly, you peg me as the guy whose a lot more honest with his feelings, like back at the store." the blonde foreigner disagreed, "You almost remind me of Kuuga in a way.".
"I thank you for your kind words, Aldrich-san." Yoshida said with a soft smile from the boy's kind words before recognizing the name. "And 'Kuuga', huh? I remember seeing that years ago, it did always make me see the bravery people can do."
"Yeah, he was one of the first Riders I heard about actually." he chuckled.
"Thank you, Aldrich-san. That little reminded helped avoid us dwelling on the negative, especially during a speech." the politician thanked the boy, "Well then, I hope I can count on your help immediately."
"Of course, Yoshida-san." Cody nodded to the politician.
XXX
Soon Cody stood by the man's side, holding up a sign as the politician continued his speech. During this time, Ren soon arrived and, after a brief introduction, was told to do the same.
"So, how is he?" Ren asked the blonde foreigner.
"Very truthful and honest. He does want things to change for the better of the people without trying to be shady or full of false promises." Cody responded back.
"Sounds like he's got the heart of a Rider to me." the leader of the Phantom Thieves observed.
"Hrph, easy for you to say…" an elderly woman spoke up, catching the boys off guard as they saw one of the observers talking with Yoshida, "Old-timers like me have our hands full taking care of ourselves."
"That may be, but you should also let the youth start living their lives instead of taking care of you. They aren't dolls to command but people who should live their lives and dreams."
"He's got a point." a young observer agreed, "Even though he's a no name, he knows what he's talking about."
"You kidding? Nothing's going to change. We'll just keep getting exploited." another young observer bemoaned, "Heck, we're under attack from literal demons! What's the point in changing when we'll end up dying to those things anyways?"
"What's this wannabe politician blathering about now?" a grim-faced man groaned, "He isn't even affiliated with a party. How about you just leave matters of state in the capable hands of the Liberal Co-Prosperity Party!"
"I bet he's just another Deadmans supporter luring us to their cult…" A deadpanned woman grimaced.
'Oh no, here we go…' Cody thought, having flashbacks to seeing the political debates back in the States.
"You mustn't base your decision on whom to support according to the party they belong to, especially when they ally themselves with such vile people as the Deadmans." Yoshida snapped.
"Of course a supporter would say that! You're just like these lousy brats thinking they are entitled to something better." One older man spatted out.
"No, he's like that gaijin there! Trespassing on our land and believing they can do as they please!" One person pointed out to Cody.
"Hell, he looks like those Yanks that bombed us ages ago! Go home and leave us alone already!" another shouted.
"Hey, that's uncalled for!" Vice snarled.
"Easy Vice… While rude as is… it's not fully untrue about how some foreigners can be when coming here. Some things just never die out, even if it's from past fears and anger." Cody said to the demon, as this was something he had to deal with alongside his sisters when they moved around the place.
"Ugh, I know, but that don't mean I have to like it!" the inner demon groaned.
"Please, everyone! Don't be angry or upset with this young boy. He hasn't done anything wrong! This is why we need a change in our government! It should accept people, not scare them off. We need to show that we can be better." Yoshida called out to the people who were beginning to get angry for no reason, "We should smile and move to a better future!"
"Ah, just shut up already! You're just a washed-up politician!" the grim-faced man roared.
"If I am chosen to represent the will of the people, then I am fully prepared to-"
"In the best interests of all? Ha, don't make me laugh! Save the blathering for when you get elected! If it ever happens!" the grim-faced man continued.
"I'm sorry sir, but I think you should leave." Ren stated as he got in between him and the grim-faced man, "You're already harassing both this man, and my so-called 'gaijin' friend."
"Eh? How about you back off, brat?" The grim-faced man snarled out.
"Amamiya-san… it's okay. Just let it go…" Yoshida said, trying to defuse the situation.
While not wanting to see either of them disrespected, the young man knew that he was overstepping and soon backed off.
XXX
"Thank you both. That is all for today." the politician thanked them.
"We'll try our best next time. I know they'll listen if they can stop being so stubborn." Cody said, showing some passion in wanting to help Yoshida with this now.
"Well, what did you boys think of my speech?" he asked the pair.
The two boys looked at each other, nodding softly before they turned back to the older man to give their thoughts.
"The interests of all?" Ren asked.
"Indeed. Do you feel the same?" the politician soon asked, "Such as I am, I'd like to believe that I'm capable of giving a moving speech. However, there are times such as today when the audience has a difference of opinion on a topic."
"Oh, oh! Tell him to drop the prices of tempura shrimp! Those tasty things need lower pricing!" Vice chimed in, wanting to help spite him not knowing a single thing on what they're talking about.
Ignoring his ally, Cody continued to listen to Yoshida's lament.
"Some feel I should concentrate on getting elected before I worry about others… do you agree?" he asked, only for him to get cut off by Ren.
"No." he said plainly, much to the group's shock, "It doesn't matter if you're a politician or a student. Your status and working class shouldn't stop anyone from worrying about those around them. Yoshida-san, I think I speak for Cody and myself when I say you have our full support."
Yoshida began to smile, "Thank you. It's encouraging to know my message has won you over."
"Oh also, Yoshida-san. Has there anything been going on that's different or unsettling for you?" Cody asked, as while they were with him, nothing seemed out of the ordinary for them to tackle.
"Well, I have heard that several of my fellow politicians from differing parties have become victims to that lion man." he recalled as he clutched his shoulder, "I barely survived an encounter from him myself."
"Wait, so you were attacked by it?" Cody questioned.
"Yes… even I'll admit… I still feel its presence. As if that thing is stalking me right now." Yoshida nodded only to shake his head, "Heh, guess the fear is still lingering enough for me to think it is still stalking me? But I'll be fine, you boys best get heading home before it gets too late, alright?"
The two nodded as they watched Yoshida walk off, leaving them along for a bit as they turned to one another.
"Guess now we know why Vice smelled blood on him. He technically is marked by that Grongi and its waiting for the right moment to strike." Cody informed.
"So, what's the goal of this guy anyways?" Vice asked, "If this is a Gegeru, there has to be some kind of pattern to this."
"Other than him being a politician?" Morgana pointed out.
"Maybe we should look over the news reports and see if there's anything similar between them." Ren suggested. "Morgana, think you could watch over him, just in case the Grongi attacks?"
"Roger that! I'll ring you two up should anything happen!" Morgana saluted before he hopped out of Ren's bag and began to make chase after Yoshida.
That was when they heard a familiar growl.
"Kuuga… To think you would be in this world as well…" an animalistic voice snarled at the boys from the shadows. Walking out was what looked to be a lion man, but with a odd tribal belt alongside bloody claws and a gaze that said "Death".
"S-So… this is a Grongi? This murderous intent is kinda hard to deny…" Ren said, a shaky voice as it was terrifying to be in the presence.
"Yeah… Look, you should go. I can still fight, but you need Mementos. I'll be okay as Vice has my back." Cody stated to Ren.
"Tempting offer, but given it's seen me too, I don't think he'll let me off easy." the leader observed.
"Then what should we do? If we try to fight while protecting RenRen, here. We all could wind up on the morgue!" Vice cried out.
"Let me…. Help then…" The Grongi snickered as it held up what looked to be…. A ViStamp?! No… It was different. It was black and red coloring to it as it had the kanji that read "Mirrored" or "Reversed" as the kaijin clicked on it before slamming the stamp onto the ground.
RISE! DEAD-ZONE
Soon, the area they were in was engulfed in a small red bubble, creating a miniature Dead-Zone around them. The walls turned into what looked to be like Mementos as voices of Shadows and more echoed the area.
Ren and Cody then noticed that they were in their thief identities, Joker and Revi, once more.
"The heck?! What's with the Dead Zone!" Vice growled.
"I don't know either… But this actually works! Not only will it keep any innocent people out… but it just gave us more of an advantage to fight!" Revi grinned, "Joker! Vice! Ikuze!" he called out to them, as he held up the Revice Driver.
REVI~CE~ DR~I~VER~!
Soon, Revi prepared to transform while Joker gripped his mask.
"Come, Arsene!"
"Henshin!"
BUDDY~ U~P! KAMEN~ RI~DER~ RE~VI! VICE! REVI~CE~!
The Lion Grongi however was not deterred as he roared and called forth two lion-like shadows with goat heads on their sides and snake-like tails.
"Crap, we got Chimeras on the prowl!" Vice pointed out, "One part lion, one part goat, one part snake, all parts bloodthirsty."
"Then let's just take them down!" Revi said, holding up the OhinBuster 50 as he charged in, blade mode ready as he began to slash at the enemies.
The three then charged at each other as Joker fought against the Lion Grongi while Revi and Vice dealt with the two Chimera Shadows. When one of the hybrid lions tried to leap onto the dinosaur Rider's face, he quickly dealt with it with a blast from the OhimBuster 50's gun mode.
"Easy kitty cat! How about I get you some sushi that I hide from Mona-chan?" Vice snickered, trying to tease but distract the Chimera despite not buying his tricks and lunged, making him dodge, "Mou, you're no fun!"
"Vice, how about we try something a little bit more sturdy?" Revi called out, raising up the Mammoth Vistamp and activating it.
MAMMOTH!
"Alright! Let's barrel over this oversized housecat!" the inner demon cheered.
BUDDY~ U~P! MA~MMOTH!
FROM THE TRUNK, WE'RE AT A CLIMAX!
As their form changed, they started to deal with the Chimera's attacks a bit easier as with Vice's shield and Revi's boomerang swords, they were beginning to push back.
Meanwhile, Joker was dodging several of the Lion Grongi's claw swipes and kicks, peppering him with shots as he kept his distance from the monster, even using a new grapple hook that Mona helped him make.
'Gotta thank Mona for coming up with this if we make it out alive.' he thought to himself as he then used it to swing in and perform a swinging kick that sent the Grongi into the Chimera Shadow, allowing the three to enter what Mona called a Hold Up as all three of them pointed their guns at the group.
"Alright you oversized cats. Spill it. Why are you targeting politicians?" Revi questioned.
"Why? Take out leaders… People panic, making easier Death Game targets. If anyone sees? They die." The Lion Grongi snickered.
"Leaders…" Vice noted, "So he's stirring people up to make them easier targets? Wait, how the hell are we understanding this guy? He's supposed to speak in Grongi, not Japanese!"
"But if that's the case… why lower politicians? Wouldn't taking out those in proper stronger power be better?" Revi questioned.
"Sun. Burn all who gaze at the top." the Lion Grongi laughed.
"Sun? What mumbo jumbo is he on?" Vice questioned with confusion.
"How should I know?" Revi chimed in with a groan.
But with the confusion, it gave the Lion Grongi a chance as he threw the Chimeras at the trio as he fled the area, leaving them with the minions to sweep up.
"Damn it! Its getting away!" Revi grimaced.
Joker soon smirked, "Revice, I got an idea!"
"Lay it on us, boss!" the inner demon Rider asked.
The trio then whispered a plan as they turned to the Chimeras with a wicked grin.
"I'm feeling it now!" Revi declared as he initiated his finisher.
As Vice created several shields to box the Chimeras in, Joker then enhanced Revi's boomerangs with the Eiha spell before he fired off a bullet that quickly began ricocheting around the shields alongside the cursed boomerangs. Then, after Arsene threw both Revi and Vice into the air, Joker made a quick dash towards the trio to stun them long enough for a Double Rider Kick from the demon Riders.
MAMMOTH! STA~MPI~NG~ FINI~SH!
As Joker slashed through them, the kicks connected as they bounced off before making a pose together.
"The show's over in!
3!
2!
1!
CLIMAX THIEF BURST!
Soon the explosion erupted from their combined Showtime, as black blood rained down on them as the Dead-Zone field finally faded, reverting them all back to normal as there was no sight of the Grongi that fled, meaning danger still persisted.
"At least we were right to send Morgana to keep an eye on Yoshida. For now we should head back and see if there's any new progress." Ren informed the duo.
The pair nodded before they headed back to Morgana, who was waiting for them nearby.
"Bout time! So far it looks like that blood mark only seems to be active when he's out. So we can rest knowing that the Grongi won't attack him at home." Morgana noted.
"Which means, it needs some sort of audience or an easy way to find the bodies… That could help us set up another trap." Ren pondered.
That was when the cat finally took notice of the boy's current condition, "Wait, what the heck happened to you guys?!"
"Grongi attacked us and somehow used a Dead-Zone to fight us…" Cody responded with a frown.
"So, it's not just the Deadmans who can create those weird Metaverse pockets…" Morgana noted.
"Yeah, meaning we got an enemy that wants us gone too." Cody nodded in, "I'll talk to George about this later, here's hoping he can tell us if there were any plans to use Kaijins or something else?"
"Got it. But for now, we should probably rest up. It's been a long day for all of us." Ren noted, already feeling the fatigue of both work and the battle affecting him.
"Hey! It's getting late! Maybe you should rest?" Morgana pointed out to Ren.
"Why do I have a sudden urge to punt you now?" Cody stated as he felt a pinch of annoyance from that.
"I mean do you two look like you're in any condition to continue the day?" the cat noted.
The two boys looked at one another as Morgana was right, they looked awful as they nodded.
"Yeah… I guess you're right." Ren nodded in agreement.
"I only say this when I know you guys need it, like when you tried to sneak in some extra Mementos time right after you finished studying, Joker." Morgana said in a kind of nagging manner.
"You better not squeal…." Vice pointed out.
"Did I mention you in that, Vice?" the cat said, making the demon realize he accidentally outed himself.
"Er…. Righto! Nap time!" Vice cried out, before returning to his host once again.
XXX
"So, there have been two sightings of previously vanquished monsters in Mementos and our world." Olteca observed as he looked over the reports of the Lion Grongi and the Elephant Imagin.
"Seems like someone is either moving in our turf or giving us an excuse to find more sacrifices?" Julio chuckled out. "Either way, if it keeps Fenix and that Rider off of us, who cares?"
Aguilera sighed, "I'm wondering what's taking so long to get some new sacrifices for Giff-sama?"
"Finding the right sacrifices do take time, Aguilera. We just need to be a bit more patient." Olteca noted, "We can at least rest easily knowing that things are moving quicker now, than they have been since the founding of Deadmans."
"Even still, what are we going to do about… him?" Julio asked as he looked towards a locked chest in the room.
"I believe for now we should just be wary. After all, he is only in America at this moment. Until he even comes back, we should just ignore him for now." Aguilera noted with a sigh.
"I just hope we don't have to worry about him finding out we snagged something from him." Julio sighed before noticing the chest begin to shake.
XXX
"Alright, settle down everyone!" the principal shouted to the school as another school day began, "Ever since that specific incident, alongside the current panic surrounding the serial murders, many of you have voiced concerns that i could not bear to ignore."
Within the auditorium, the entire student body alongside all of the teachers were at, as the principal was making an announcement and certain change as the panic and fear still quelled in everyone's hearts.
"We believe the mental health and safety of our student body is absolutely vital, so we've acquired the service of two individuals, one therapist and one officer to help protect the students." the principal continued, "The floor is yours, Doctor, Officer…"
Soon, two individuals walked out, one appeared to be a meek doctor with scruffy brown hair and glasses, as the other looked to be a tougher individual with a scar on the side of his forehead alongside his badge hanging off of his shirt as he carried a jacket over his shoulder.
'Hey Code, those two are giving me some mad strong vibes brother.' Vice told Cody.
"Please tell me they're not Deadmans?" Cody whispered back.
"No, but the other guy I'm feeling something similar to Amano-san." Ren commented.
This made the blonde's eyes widen, as he turned back to see what they'd have to offer.
"It's nice to meet you all." the meek doctor introduced himself, "My name is-"
Before he could give out his name, the microphone cut out to his confusion. After some fiddling around, he was able to get it working again.
"My name is Takuto Maruki, thank you for welcoming me and a fellow colleague of mine to your school." the doctor, Maruki, introduced himself.
When he tried to bow, Maruki ended up hitting the mike, making many of the students either chuckle or sighed out from his accident, though it seemed most students were charmed by the doctor.
The older man seemed to take it in stride however as he went to the microphone next.
"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Akihiko Sanada." the older man said, "There's no need to be formal with either of us. We're just here to help. Dr. Maruki will be counseling anyone whose interested, while I'm here to make sure most of you are safe from whoever tries to hurt this school."
The principal soon smiled as Akihiko gave the microphone back to him, "Thank you, Dr. Maruki, Officer Sanada."
"I don't know why, but I like that officer's jig." Ryuji smirked proudly.
"Bet he's a monkey brain too…" Morgana sighed out.
'Like how you're a furball, Sonic?' Vice chuckled.
"Don't make me use Zorro on you, demon." The cat hissed out.
As the principal began to finish up the introductions, Cody noticed that Officer Akihiko was starting at them, almost as if he was observing the group.
"Just as long as no one else gets targeted or hurt…. I think we can trust them." Cody noted.
XXX
As the group left the auditorium…
"You ever expect this place to actually give a shit about our mental health?" Ryuji asked the five.
"I mean, it is a growing concern worldwide after all. Maybe they finally realized it and started to work on it?" Ann pointed out.
"Yeah, after Kamoshida's been running ramshot all over the place." Cody grumbled.
"And Doctor, uh… Doctor Whatshisname." the delinquent noted as he tried to recall the doctor's name.
"Maruki, monkey brain." Morgana called out.
"Yeah, wasn't he about to clown it up onstage before that Sanada guy stepped in?" Ryuji quipped.
"Maybe they're friends?" Ren shrugged.
"Or just him doing his job to keep everything in line." Cody pointed out.
"You know it's kind of rude to talk about other people behind their back, isn't it?"
This caused the group to flinch as they turned to see Akihiko now there, arms crossed.
"Er, sorry about that! Just highschool gossip, sir!" Cody was the first to stand up, as he was brought up on trusting the police.
"Hey now, don't be such a sourpuss, Akihiko-san. They're just kids." Maruki noted as he arrived before turning towards the group, "So Sakamoto-kun and Takamari-kun, right? And that makes you two… Amamiya-kun and Aldrich-kun."
"You know of us already?" Ann questioned.
"Well, honestly we were tasked to find you four first, since you all were the top kids who got harassed by Kamoshida-san." Marukia noted.
"Not to mention we heard that Amamiya-kun and Aldrich-kun were recently attacked by the… Unidentified Lifeform, I think they're calling it." Akihiko added.
"So, just here to get questions on us, or doing this 'cause the principal asked you to keep an eye on us 'kids'?" Ryuji frowned, thinking this was another Kamoshida case.
"What? No! I honestly want to try and help you out from the problems that Kamoshida brought to you all." Maruki shook his head, showing legit concern for the group, "Aldrich-kun, it must've been especially tough for you since Mr. Kamoshida tried to pin his usage of a Deadman on you, after what happened with your sister."
Cody lowered his head a bit, as it was before he looked up, "Yeah… it has…" He admitted, "Though, I also think cause of that, if it didn't happen, I wouldn't have these three as great friends."
"Trust us, Dr. Maruki. Cody is in safe hands with us." Ren reassured the two.
"You're quite the wellknit group. Just don't overdo it, okay?" Akihiko observed.
The group nodded before bowing to excuse themselves to their next classes. As they did however, from above the Lion Grongi was watching them.
"Wild Card… Kamen Rider…" he snarled.
XXX
As the bell rang for lunch to be over, Cody was making his way to the student council room for his usual lessons with Makoto, though as he turned the corner, he bumped into another student, as the two of them fell back.
"Ah! Sorry about that!" Cody said, as in front of him was a young girl with red hair in a ponytail as she had a student pin that showed her year, showing she was an underclassman, a freshman.
"N-no, it's fine." the girl reassured him, "I wasn't seeing where I was going."
Cody soon reached out to help her up as the girl sees him and realizes who the boy was.
"Oh, you must be Cody Aldrich, the Demon Boy." she recalled.
"Um… yeah I guess? Still suspecting me to be a Deadman alley like others, huh?" Cody said softly.
"No, it's just I feel bad that most people are labeling you as a sympathizer to those people." she admitted. "I just said that on instinct because of how Kamoshida did that to many of us in the sports teams."
She smiled before bowing to him, showing her honesty, "I'm very sorry that you were troubled by him and the others students! Please forgive them, senpai!"
"Well, sure. It's no skin off my back, I guess…" he said hesitantly.
That was when Ren and Morgana arrived right as the girl left. The leader seemed curious as he watched the girl leave… for a bit too long for the demon's liking.
"Uhh, RenRen? You doing alright?" Vice asked.
"Huh? Oh, sorry. Did you need something, Vice?" Ren got out.
"You were staring at her ass a bit long. Seems like our leader has a crush!" the demon snickered out.
"What?!" he gasped uncharacteristically.
"Who even was she?" Morgana asked.
"She didn't give me her name. I just know she acknowledged herself as my kohai, I guess?" Cody shrugged off as it was still surprising for him to see someone apologize and accept him now.
"So, you ready for the next rally?" Ren soon asked, recalling what he was about to ask the blonde foreigner before seeing the girl.
"Yeah, sure." Cody noted as the boys left.
As they walked past Akihiko, Vice noticed something off from the officer.
'Can he… can he see me?' he wondered before he realized something, 'Wait, Akihiko Sanada… that sounds like-'
XXX
"And while our society appears to be prosperous, many of our young people are quietly and now verbally suffering." Yoshida spouted as Ren and Cody held up the signs, "They lack jobs, security, savings, and now with the rise of these Deadmans, proper guidance. The next generation will lead us into the future and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there."
"Watch where you're going, you little shit!" a middle-aged man shouted as Cody noticed an argument between a younger man and an older salaryman.
"You bumped into me, you old goat!" the younger man snarled.
"Huh?! You got a death wish, punk?!" The middle-aged man snapped, as if ready to fight.
"This isn't good…" Yoshida feared.
"How about we meditate on this?" Ren suggested to the politician.
"We should at least stop the fighting, there's no reason for it." Cody chimed in.
"Yes, Lets." Yoshida agreed before shouting, "Good citizens, please stop fighting! What is the point of bickering over such a trivial manner?"
"Huh? Butt out of this, you old timer!" The young citizen snapped out.
"Yeah, unless you wanna join in this punk?" The middle-aged man added on. "Besides, this punk got in my way and bruised my arm!"
"Please! All you did was get in MY way!"
"What's with this guy?" a passer-by asked aloud.
However while his words didn't have the effect he wanted it, it at least got the two men to stop fighting and leave.
He sighed, "Now if you'll please excuse me, I must return to my speech." Afterwards, he returned to what he was doing before the conflict, "Together, we can create a bright future for the next generation."
"Tsk, what an airbag. That really annoys me." The passer-by, who wore a flashy outfit, groaned, "Enough of your arrogance No-Good Tora! As if anyone would actually vote for YOU! You planning on embezzling funds, or maybe mouthing off about one of your constituents again?"
"No… T-That was all in the past…" the politician said as he felt disheartened.
Cody turned to this as he frowned out, "Yoshida-san is doing his best. He wants to change things for this country for everyone! Do you really think that this current government is doing its best if you're this anger?" The blonde foreigner pointed out. "I know I'll vote for Yoshida-san when he's added in!"
"He's just a criminal, just like the rest of them!" the passer-by, now heckler, scoffed.
"Then why not do something about it and pick Yoshida-san? Why do you even think he's a criminal if you have no proof?" Ren pointed out with a glare, his glasses catching some light and making them shine.
This was enough to make the heckler go away as Yoshida shook his head in shame.
"I've gone and done it again…" he bemoaned.
"You did nothing wrong, Yoshida-san. Just angry people being angry for no reason." Cody shook his head.
"That was campaign obstruction you know. You could have at least said something" Ren noted.
"Yes, but I cannot say that to the crowd before an election. Regardless, whenever someone calls me No-Good Tora, I panic…" the politician revealed.
This hit Cody hard as he had been stuck with his own little label back at Shujin, Demon Boy.
"I went through quite an ordeal 20 years ago…" Yoshida began to reminisce, "Let me explain. I used to be a member of the National Diet. I was elected during the rise of the Kuramoto Children. We were backed by powerful Diet members. This happened back in 2001 and back then, I was very inexperienced both as a politician and as a human being. It was because of that inexperience led me to be involved in a series of major political scandals and sure enough, three strikes later, I was removed from office and branded a washed-up politician."
Ren and Cody soon felt bad as Yoshida finished his story, feeling a sense of pity for the man.
"You said you wanted to become a member of the Diet. But do you see the man before you?" he asked, "I just wish Odagiri was here to help me."
"Wait isn't that the actor who played Kuuga?" Cody pointed out.
"Yes, we were schoolmates once. I chose to enter the political world, while he went on to become an actor." Yoshida confirmed, "And look at us now… He's on the top of his game, while I'm at the end of my rope."
"No! You can still do this!" Cody shook his head, showing determination. "You are still trying to be better and give the people a better future! If you truly were washed up you wouldn't still be fighting! Deep down you know you can do this!"
"Aldrich, Amamiya, do you two really want to receive my guidance?" he asked the pair, feeling a bit touched.
"We're still here, aren't we? We're going to keep trying until you get acceptance." Ren smiled out, "You still have that conviction to change the world, and you're at least admitting you've made mistakes. That makes you a good leader in our eyes. I'm sure that Odagiri-san would likely say the same thing."
Yoshid smiled briefly, "I'm happy to hear that, however everyone says I have no chance to get elected, so why come to me?"
"You have good technique." the leader answered.
"You need to have confidence in yourself, Yoshida-san." Cody added, giving a thumbs up as he did so.
The old politician couldn't help but smile, "The most important part of giving a good speech is believing in yourself. Perhaps, one day, I will believe in myself… again."
"Until then, we'll do our best to continue to support you, Yoshida-san. After all, you have the heart of a proud lion." Cody stated to him.
"You two are quite strange young men, Amamiya-kun, Aldrich-kun." the politician chuckled, "Very well. If you wish to learn from me is what you seek, then I'd be happy to instruct you. In exchange, I'd like for you two to continue assisting me. Let's get started, shall we?"
And so it began as Cody and Ren began to aide Yoshida in his subway speeches, learning from him as they added onto the problems of the people of today. Talking about the fears and greed of those in power but also that of the Deadmans, telling how to avoid such people and find something to believe and fight for a better future.
As the three of them worked together, slowly but surely people started to stop and listen. Some were of course trying to bring a rise out of them but they continued on, showing no fault in their beliefs and convictions as it began to draw in a bigger crowd more and more. It seems this time… things were indeed changing for the better.
"Hey, did you hear that there's a couple of real life Kamen Riders running around Tokyo?" one passer-by gossiped with his friend as Cody and Ren were helping Yoshida with one particular speech.
"Yeah, they look almost like dinosaurs too!" the passer-by's friend agreed, "They're so cool!"
"Seems you're getting some notoriety, Cody." Morgana observed.
"Heh, it makes me smile knowing people can be safe with us around." Cody whispered to the cat.
"So, it's been a while. Yoshida-san." a new voice chuckled, catching Yoshida off-guard.
An older man around the politician's age wearing a clean suit soon walked through the crowd and towards Yoshida, Cody, and Ren.
"K-Kuramoto…." Yoshida flinched at the sight of the person.
"Still pretending to think you can make it into politics? Heh, and here I thought you gave up on such dreams." Kuramoto noted with a shrug as he sees the two boys, "Oh dear, even dragging in youth into this? You're truly pathetic, No-Good Tora."
'This guy looks like scum.' Vice scoffed as he felt insulted by his attiude.
"P-Please don't drag these children into this, Kuramoto. They're just doing what they believe is right." Yoshida pleaded.
"Oh I won't dare think of it. After all, I'm sure they know the dangers that certain politicians are facing with that Lion Man, after all." Kuramoto held his hands up in defense.
"We're well aware of what's going on, we know the danger." Ren stated, "Besides, aren't you worried that you might be on the Lion Man's hitlist given your status?"
"Hehe, I have no fear in it. I know I'll be safe and work my way up even higher than before." Kuramoto waved off, "See you later, Tora! Maybe next time you'll go back to doing what you're better at. Being the voice of a lousy rat." He laughed off before walking away.
"BAH! WHO NEEDS YOU!" Morgana roared at the man.
"Take it he was an old acquaintance?" Ren asked.
"Y-Yes… he kinda was my mentor and part of my start of wanting to be a politician…" Yoshida nodded. "But even since the incident, I couldn't bear to face him with my shame…"
"Well at least you're a better mentor than him." Cody commented.
"Agreed. Don't let his words get to you. Let's keep this going." Ren nodded in agreement.
Yoshide soon thanked the pair as he continued his speech. Afterwards, the boys left as Cody felt a pit in his stomach from hearing Kuramoto badmouth Yoshida.
"Feeling alright there, Code?" Vice asked his host.
"Yeah…. Something just felt even more off from him than others…" Cody noted, feeling suspicious about that 'mentor'.
"Think he's in kahoots with our rogue Grongi?" Morgana guessed.
"Could be… for now, let's just finish this up and we'll do some searching later." Cody noted.
"Yeah, we should rendezvous with Ryuji and Ann just in case." Ren agreed.
The two boys nodded in agreement as they continued onward with helping Yoshida for the day before the sun began to set.
XXX
"Thank you both for your help today. Um… I think it would be best for you two to just focus on your studies for now." Yoshida said, as if saying that their deal was done.
"Is there something wrong, sensei?" Ren asked worriedly.
"I… just fear you two could be in danger if you continue to stick with me. I don't wanna have my conscious soiled because of anything that should happen to you two." Yoshida informed the two.
"Didn't we promise we'd help you until you got elected in? We're not so easily scared that we'll drop off just because of our schoolwork or the words of others." Cody responded.
"And we're certainly not scared of some lion man either." Ren agreed, folding his arms and giving a confident grin.
Yet as soon as he said that, from above landed the Grongi, as it landed in front of them, chuckling deviously at the trio.
"You were saying?" the Lion Grongi chuckled.
Yoshida screamed in terror as he fell back, only for Ren to stand in front to protect him while Cody stepped forward.
"Finally, you're here. Oi! You may come out as well! I mean, you would need to be close just in case the contract you made would be tarnished, right?" Cody shouted out.
"Contract?" Yoshida asked.
"Yeah, we're a lot smarter than you take us… Kuramoto." the leader noted with a smirk.
The said politician walked out, a frown on his face as he glared at the boys as Yoshida was shocked to see him.
"How did you brats even figure that out?" He questioned.
"Well, other than the fact it was only targeting upcoming politicians? You being there and that warning you gave us was just as easy to figure out as a simple game puzzle." Ren informed.
"Not to mention the fact that Grongi targeted us early on before we even considered helping Yoshida-san." Cody added, recalling their first encounter with the Grongi.
"Che, should've made sure you brats were taken care of at your school." Kuramoto spat out.
"B-But Kuramoto… why?" Yoshida asked.
"Why? You should've realized more on why I framed you for that incident?" Kuramoto informed. "You were just another bug in my way, but you just wouldn't give up. So, at first I was going to have this monster kill off others and frame you again, but when these kids came up, I was going to use that instead, but they survived."
"We're not so easy to kill off, you bastard." Cody snarled.
"So, this is the leader of the so-called Phantom Thieves of Heart and the Kamen Rider of Tokyo?" the politician laughed, "For a bunch of meddling kids, I am quite surprised to see a hero and a villain join forces this easily."
"We're working together to stop corruption and twisted people like you from using such methods to harm others." Cody glared.
The corrupt politician couldn't help but laugh, "Fine, then you shall die like the children you are."
He soon took out the Dead Zone Vistamp and stamped it on the ground, creating a Dead Zone that trapped the group. Ryuji and Ann arrived later on, but the Dead Zone prevented them from entering.
"Damn it! That bastard has them trapped!" Ryuji growled out.
"They'll handle it… they survived before…. Right?" Ann said with worry.
XXX
Within the Dead Zone, Yoshida was still in utter shock from this. Everything that happened was because of his mentor just wanting an easier way to become a politician? This… was just wrong. But even more was the two boys that helped him were the new hero and supposed villain of Tokyo, as he saw their attire change.
"Yoshida-san… please watch us… Watch us…" Cody, revealing the already equipped Revice Driver around his waist, spoke before taking out the Rex Vistamp.
REX!
"Henshin!"
BU~DDY U~P!
SEALING! DEALING! ROLLING! GO~ING~!
KAMEN R~I~DE~R! RE~VI! VICE! REVI~CE!
"Come forth, Arsene!" Ren declared, taking off his glasses and throwing them into the air as he donned his Thieve's uniform, calling forth his Persona as well.
"Deal with them all, Lion Grongi! Then our deal will be complete and you can rampage as much as you want…" Kuramoto proclaimed as he took out a yellow Vistamp with a red lion placed on the front..
LiOn!
Soon, a Deadman resembling a lion with yellow and red origami armor appeared before him, backed by two Chimera Shadows. Revi, Vice, and Joker stood at the ready against these foes.
"You ready for this, Joker?" Revi asked the leader of the Phantom Thieves.
"Ah, let's give them a proper Showtime!" Joker proclaimed as the trio soon rushed in, fighting the Grongi and Deadmans.
The trio soon leaped into battle, Joker began battling against the Lion Grongi while Revi and Vice dealt with the Lion Deaman, each monster backed by a Chimera Shadow.
"Here kitty kitty! Got some treats for ya!" the demon laughed as Revi had an idea.
Taking out the Megalodon Vistamp, he stamped it on the demon as he transformed into his Megalodon Genome form, afterwards doing the same as he took out the Mammoth Vistamp.
"Varying up the playstyle, partner?" Vice asked Revi.
"With how dangerous they are? We have to, Vice." Revi said, clicking the Vistamp to activate and form change.
BU~DDY U~P! MA~MMOTH!
FROM THE TRUNK, WE'RE AT A CLIMAX!
Now in their respective form changes, Vice soon dove at the Chimera Shadow while Revi clashed boomerangs with the Lion Deadman, who tried to him him with it's flaming claws.
"Don't think you're the only one who can draw on power like that!" the dinosaur Rider declared as he stamped himself with the Mammoth Vitamp, causing the boomerangs to glow, "Time for my own special attack, Revi Edition!"
He then tossed both boomerangs, one after the other, and began directing them with his hands. Vice leaped in and chomped into the Chimera's side, tossing it towards his partner who quickly cut down the Shadow whilst using the explosion to greatly damage the Lion Deadman.
"Time for a swap!" Vice cheered as he and Revi switched forms.
Now in his Mammoth Genome form, the demon Rider began creating shockwaves along the ground that disrupted both Lion monsters' attacks.
"What the hell are you doing? Just kill those brats!" Kuramoto ordered the pair.
"Don't make me turn my fangs on you…" The Lion Grongi hissed at the corrupt politician.
"Eiha!" Joker declared, having Arsene launch a blast of cursed energy at the Grongi, creating a lingering burn on the monster.
Afterwards the leader of the Phantom Thieves grabbed the monster with his grappling hook, "Get over here!" he shouted, pulling the monster towards an incoming x-shaped slash from the Phantom Thief Persona.
"Don't forget about us!" Revi said, coming in with Vice to slash at the Lion Deadman to deal with him first as the duo traded from a shockwave blow to slashes from the sword fins on the forearms.
As the two lion monsters and the last surviving Chimera were left dazed, the trio performed another Hold-Up as the three circled the monsters.
"Now, how about you all give up and just turn in? Much easier than humiliating defeat, no?" Vice stated with a chuckle.
"I-I don't want to die. How about I join you guys instead?" the scared Chimera pleaded.
"You lousy traitor!" Kuramoto hissed.
"Hmm, what do you think, Joker?" Mona asked.
Joker thought about it for a moment before smiling, "Do you wish to atone for what your masters have done?"
"Yes! I never really wanted to be part of this! I just wanted to enjoy myself near a lakeside and hunt fish!" The Chimera proclaimed, showing that it wanted a more simple life instead.
"I think we can try to work with that, right Joker?" Revi turned to the leader.
"Welcome to the team, Chimera." Joker agreed as he welcomed the Chimera to his lineup as the Shadow formed into a mask and flew within Joker's soul and Persona archive.
"Lousy monster! I'll do it myself!" Kuramoto sneered as it ordered the Lion Deaman to rush the group, causing them to break apart from the hold up for another fight.
"You leave them alone!" Yoshida roared, charging at the politician and delivering a full football tackle towards him.
This left Kuramoto very winded as he dropped the Lion Vistamp, "How… how did you do that?"
"I may look stout, but that doesn't mean I gave up exercise completely." Yoshida chuckled. "Besides, I promised I'd watch out for these boys and I won't break that promise! If you want to face me, then listen to the sound of my burning heart!"
As he spoke that, the Lion Vistamp began to glow, much to the group's surprise. That was when he heard a voice call out to him.
"Aldrich…" the voice said, "Are you worthy of receiving my power?"
The foreigner turned to the voice as he nodded, "Yeah. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be this far in, now would I?" He responded to the voice.
"I see. So you wish to fight on despite your family's shadow looming over you?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Revi questioned.
"You do not remember, do you?" the voice asked.
Vice, hearing this quickly rushed over to hug his partner, "Oi enough with the questions! Just give us your power, please!" The demon said, as if he knew what was about to happen.
"Very well… Go, roar with all your heart and battle against the darkness." the voice declared.
"Just one more question. Who are you?" Revi asked.
"I am… the first of Kuuga."
"Riku…" Joker and Revi recalled.
Soon, the Lion Vistamp appeared before Cody, having been purified thanks to Riku's power if the appearance of Kuuga's helmet behind the lion was any indication.
"Let's do this, Vice!" Revi declared, "Let's end this in one shot!"
LION!
COME ON! L-L-L-LION!
Soon the screen appeared as Vice swung the giant Vistamp around, allowing it to create a yellow liquid.
Vice: Excuse me, but did we just get our power from a dead guy?
Revi: Seems so. But guess this isn't the weirdest thing to happen to us.
Vice: Right, right.
Revi: But still, what could he have meant by my family's shadow?
Vice: Bah, you know these old farts and their cryptic messages. Let's focus on this battle, aibou!
Soon, Cody placed the Lion VIstamp into his driver and activated the transformation, signaling Vice to thrown the stamp down and perform Kuuga's transformation pose as they transformed.
BU~DDY U~P!
CRY OUT! GET ON! THE KING OF BEASTS HAS COME!
LI~O~N~!
PLEASE, WATCH MY… ROAR!
Standing there as the stamp shattered revealed yet another new power for Revice. Revi's suit was more ferocious as it somewhat resembled a bit of Kuuga Ultimate but with Revi's color and armor style as Vice looked more regular Mighty Kuuga with a extra lion/cat additions added on as the demon gave a thumbs up.
"Meaor!" Vice laughed as he performed a cat pose while Revi did something similar to Kuuga's original pose.
"You better not be mocking me, demon!" Mona hissed out, angry as the demon made a smirk to the cartoon-esc cat.
"Huh, what took you soo long to change?" the demon Rider giggled, "Took a little cat nap in the middle of this cat-astophie?"
…
Why must you be like this Vice? You're not Cat Noir, dammit!
"Don't be like that, nya. This is just for fun!" Vice snickered out.
Regardless, the two soon leaped into battle as Revi began delivering fiery punches and kicks, each with a claw mark appearing on the lion monsters whilst Vice started swinging his arms like they were claws, delivering scratches of his own.
"Hey, leave some for me!" Mona roared as he leaped into the air and slashed the Lion Deadman.
The origami monster snarled before he started creating several clones of himself and the Lion Grongi due to their shared connection.
"Cody, let's show 'em the usual! Y'kno ya wanna!" Vice cheered.
"Roger that!" Revi nodded, gripping the stamp as he pulled on it.
"I might as well call out our new ally as well." Joker noted, "Come forth, Chimera!"
Arsene was soon replaced by the hybrid Persona who snarled at his former masters whilst Vice, placed Revi on the ground.
"Alright, you be on the bottom this time!" the demon laughed.
"Ugh, you better know what you're doing, Vice!" Revi groaned out.
Sadly, he wasn't as Vice transformed into some sort of lucky cat with Mona's color scheme.
"NYA! Super Neko Mode, dayo!" Vice cried out in a gigantic tone.
"Idiots…" the Lion Grongi groaned.
"WHAT KIND OF MOCKERY IS THIS, VICE?!" Mona roared, not happy in the slightest about Vice's latest joke.
"What? This is how you look, right?" Vice cackled out in laughter.
"Vice, its not a cat, its a Lion!" Revi groaned, quickly moving to disengage the form, "Okay enough playing around and time for a better choice!" He said, pushing Vice on the ground instead as Revi gripped the back legs instead as the better form became known.
BU~DDY U~P!
HISSATSU! CHAMPION! BAKUON! LION!
Revi and Vice then properly fused into a large lion with a black and gold face with large paws as they snarled at the two monsters.
"Mind if I hitch a ride?" Mona asked as he got onto the Remix's face.
"Just sit on the head, please!" Revi sounded off.
Revice soon charged forward alongside Chimera, slashing their claws at the two monsters. When the Lion Deadman tried to launch a fireball as the Lion Grongi sent out shards of teeth at them, Revice inhaled before letting loose a powerful roar shockwave, sending the shards and fireball back at the monsters.
"Maragi!" Joker declared, calling forth for the Chimera to launch several fireballs at the monsters before leaping into the air and began to clamp his jaw down and tearing one of the Lion Deadman's arm.
As for the Remix, it leaped up before pouncing on the other Lion Grongi, as it began to literally tear it apart like a feral lion to a wounded prey before it splattered out into black ooze as the remix began to clean itself like a feline.
LION~! STA~MPI~NG~ FI~NI~SH!
"Nyao that was a roaring good fight!" Vice chuckled as the Dead Zone began to dissipate, with Kuramoto in anger at his defeat.
"Kuramoto… turn yourself in, please. I was taught to do better by you. Listen to what your old self would do, and stop this." Yoshida said to him with a plea, showing some concern but also sympathy to the old mentor.
"I… I…" Kuratomo muttered as the police arrived led by Akihiko.
"Hmph, figured you kids would be here. We got a tip from someone that a Dead Zone appeared. Guess we know the culprit." Akihiko noted, looking to the defeated politician.
"Huh? Was that you two?" Cody turned to Ryuji and Ann who shook their heads.
"We wouldn't do that! We could've gotten busted for-"
Ann quickly covered Ryuji's mouth, "For being such fans of Yoshida-san! He really is a great politician for everyone!"
"Plus, we get to live a real life episode of Kamen Rider too." Ren chuckled.
The police looked confused as they cuffed Kuramoto, as many wondered who called the police… only from afar stood Makoto, watching everyone as she closed her phone and walked away.
"Oh, one more thing." Akihiko noted before turning towards Ren, "Nice to see that the Wild Card found itself a new home."
"Huh? How did you…?" Ren got out, shocked.
"I'll explain at a better time. For now, you kids best get going home." Akihiko informed them.
As the police began to leave, Cody and Ren turned to Yoshida who was surprisingly taking what just happened pretty well.
"So… you two kids were these people working in the shadows?" He noted as the two nodded, "Well, it's good to see you kids taking matters of this importance personally. Just promise not to get too involved in it? Otherwise I may not be able to protect you from the laws or from other people in power."
"We're heroes, it's kind of an occupational hazard." Cody chuckled.
"Well, you two are the heroes. We're technically the bad guys in this day and age." Ren joked, earning a laugh from the politician.
"True, but some may want to exploit or put the blame of everything on either of you. Do what you can to help and I'll be there working to make sure you kids have a safer future." Yoshida smiled.
With that, the trio soon left as Ren saw Chimera conversing with his other two Personas, the lion Shadow now representing the bond between himself and the politician.
"Ah! Its such a relief to be free from that vile human's corruption!" Chimera sighed in relief.
"Yeah, you'll definitely get used to the freedom." Pixie agreed as Arsene felt content with his new allies.
However, the Phantom Thief could not help but feel like they were being watched. He then noticed some strange plant buds beginning to grow where the Dead Zone used to be.
'Arsene, what's wrong?' Ren asked.
'It's nothing. Let's head home.' Arsene shrugged off before fading back into Ren's heart.
As everyone left however, the buds soon began to slowly grow into one familiar purple fruit that had a lock shaped root on top of it.
XXX
Gained Confidants: Fool, Lover, Chariot, Magician, Aeon
Confidants Completed: Hanged Man. Sun.
XXXXX
A/N:
HackerEX: Well then, talk about an appropriate time to come back given… everything that was revealed this week.
Striberx: Mhm, Revice is sure making many things different, ones where we're meant to wait a bit longer and write as shown by Vail/Bael's appearance. And yes we will be covering that but it'll be much different from how the show is. And if you all are paying attention, you'll know who'll be the host of him.
HackerEX: On the other hand, we got a tribute episode that leaned a bit more into the Persona side of things with the Sun Confidant getting completed. Also, I kind of realized that we never gave Joker a Persona to symbolize his confidant with Iwai like we did here.
Striberx: Yeah, but it'll be here for now on. Also! Maruki and Kasumi are here! While they were meant to be here earlier, we kinda got side tracked but now they're here.
HackerEX: Yeah, but up next we got Gaim coming up for our next Confidant Tribute alongside the debut of the Hanged Man Persona for Joker. Who will be the Confidant to fit Gaim? We'll just have to wait and see until we return.
Until next time, see ya!