Persona 5 Royal-Our Light

Under a blinding light inside of Mementos illuminated the area where Minato fell to the floor. With a thud, Minato groaned wondering why Elizabeth didn't teleport him on the ground. But knowing her, she probably it be funny and normally he won't complain about trivial things.

He looks around his surroundings and notes how ghastly and ominous the place is with bloody walls and lighting. He also notes how there are railroad tracks placed on the ground and that he was inside a tunnel. "Hmmm...railroad tracks, tunnel...am I in a subway?" He thought. Subways always had that cramp feeling and so did the tunnels. It reminded him of how every morning he took the train to Gekkoukan High or anywhere around Tatsumi Port Island really.

His next feeling was dread though as he thought what if a train passes by here. Even if this isn't the first time he's walked on railroad tracks but at least he knew the trains at the time weren't running due to the existence of a supernatural hour of the day. Now he was on new grounds and in Elizabeth's own words, new rules. He wondered if this was the Shadow Nest she'd mention and if it was, there would be Shadows roaming the area.

"And me without a sword or my Evoker." Minato thought. He knew if he'd face a shadow that he would be defenseless and that would make his time back to the living rather short lived. He took a step but only to feel something on his foot. He looks to see a familiar sight in the form of a silver gun with a blue strip on the grip and the word S.E.E.S engrave on the barrel, his Evoker. He smile for he knew this was Elizabeth's doing as he put the Evoker in his pocket.

"Now how do I get out of here?" He asked himself as he preceded to walk straight deeper into the tunnel. After awhile he felt he's been walking for ages. If this Shadow's Nest was anything like Tartarus if not more, than this place is a labyrinth and he could get lost easily. "What I wouldn't give for some directions." Minato said.

As if someone answered his prayers, he heard an engine roar from he behind him. Based on the sound, it wasn't a train engine but rather it sounded like a...car? A beam of headlights flashed as Minato jumps out of the way before he nearly got ran over. The car tires screech as it stops and the occupant hops out. Minato notes how the car was a cyan dune buggy with no roof with boxes cramped in the back. The driver on the other hand was a little boy with grey hair shaped like an eggshell, yellow eyes, a large grey rain coat that looks a size too big for him, black pants and gloves, grey boots, and racing goggles around his neck.

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't see you there." The boy spoke.

"Don't worry, I'm not hurt." Minato said. Hearing the softness in the boy's voice reminded him of Pharos for some reason.

"At first, I thought you were a shadow. Guess I was wrong. The shadows here can be an aggressive bunch. " He said.

"I guess I've been lucky that I haven't ran into one yet." Minato said.

"Hmm..." The boy walked closer to inspect Minato. "Are you a human?" He asked. Minato was oddly calm about all this, the boy only seem curious much like how Pharos was before him.

"I am." Minato replied.

"Hmm...you have a different aura than the other humans I've met." The boy said. Minato wonders if that's because of his resurrection, his experience as a Persona User, or simply was it just that charm he emits that Junpei was always jealous of.

"Other humans?" Minato went back to his train of thought.

"Oh yes, there are more humans roaming around here. We're friends." The boy smiled.

"Why would humans come to a place like this?" Minato asked.

"Not exactly sure myself. They come, beat down Shadows, unlock further areas down, and they're helping me collect flowers." The boy said. Out of all the things the boy just said, Minato only took how other humans were helping his boy collect flowers which is somehow the weirdest thing out of beating Shadows and exploring this Shadow Nest.

"By any chance are you with the other humans?" The boy asked.

"No nor do I know who these humans are." Minato replied. "Oh, so are you lost mister? What are you doing here?" The boy asked as Minato was left to think. He didn't know other than what Philemon and Elizabeth told him that the door would've lead him to the Trickster. The boy here seem a little out of the loop as well.

"If you're lost, I can take you back to the entrance." The boy said. Minato thought about his options of this. Sure he can have this boy take him to wherever the entrance is but his mission came first and that's to establish contact with the Trickster.

"No, but by any chance can you find where the other humans are?" Minato asked. "With a bit of luck, I'm sure to run into them. I typically do." The boy asked.

"Can you take me to them?" Minato asked.

"I suppose I could take you to them. Perhaps they can help you more with your situation." The boy said as Minato gave thanks. The boy lets Minato climb into the passenger seat. "Buckle up, I only have one speed on this thing." The boy said as he turns the engine and floors it. Minato grabs hold of seat as the dune buggy blast forward at full speed. "By the way, I never told to you my name. I'm Jose." The boy smiled meanwhile Minato was just doing this best to not fly out of the car.

Due to Jose's speedy driving, Jose smirked which means one thing but suddenly hits the brakes. "What is it?" Minato asked.

"Did you hear that?" Jose asked as both kept quiet for a moment. Suddenly they heard an explosion echo through the tunnel. "It appears the humans are ahead and are doing battle but...I didn't think they be this brave." Jose said.

"What do you mean?" Minato asked.

"Surely you can feel it. The dread in the air. It appears they are fighting...It." Jose spoke ominously. Minato wondered what kind of Shadow was Jose talking about. Another explosion echoed to the duo and Minato did feel his hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Back in the day, only the Shadow Arcana would pose enough of a challenge to keep Minato alert and on his toes but this was different. This was a feeling, a feeling he experience before only one time.

"I feel...death." Minato said.

"You guessed it. Only one Shadow gives that kind of feeling to just about anyone, including yours truly. It's the Reaper." Jose said. Minato's eyes widen with a slight twitch. Flashbacks then filled his mind, facing the Reaper once was more than enough to last a lifetime. Aside from his battles with Elizabeth, the Shadow Arcana, and Nyx years ago, the Reaper posed as the most dangerous threat while trekking through Tartarus. He and his friends barely managed to subdue it while sustaining injures that they called it early that night. He almost lost Yukari that night as well.

"And right now, the others are fighting it?" Minato asked.

"And losing. The Reaper never gives up. It's a monster that only knows death and nothing more. Are you sure you want to go down this road?" Jose said. There was no thinking it, Minato thought. He was more powerful than he was back then. He had been in Death's clenches before and for a time he'd considered it a friend. To Minato, death was always there, and that he'd never feared from it then. He surely doesn't fear it now.

"Full speed ahead Jose." Minato said. "Okay, but don't expect me to stick around once I've dropped you off." Jose said.

"Aggghhh!" Skull flew back with a heavy thud. "Mona, check up on him." Joker replies while he rips off his mask to summon Arsene to fire Eiga at the Reaper. The attack connects but the Reaper was still on the rampage.

"I wish we didn't take so long on that request. Now look who we had to deal with." Morgana said. As the Reaper turned to the cat, it fires a shot from one of its long barreled revolvers. Due to having plethora of attacks, this was Ziodyne which Morgana was weak to, causing the cat to mewl in pain.

"Mona! Why you!" Joker yells as he rips his mask to summon Orthrus to attack with Double Fang. The two-headed beast bit down on the Reaper's torso, causing it to screech in pain as it knocks Orthrus back towards Joker. Ren didn't react fast enough as his being hit by his own persona knocked him back now too weak to get up.

This surely wasn't Ren's favorite day. On top of needing to finish the infiltration route in Kaneshiro's Palace, there were also a couple of request they needed to handle. Two of which were on the same floor which would pose a risk of remaining there for too long which would bring the Reaper. Needless to say, the last one took longer than they expected and when the Reaper came about, they first ran but that didn't work out very well. So there was only one other option: fight.

That option wasn't work either as everyone was tired, injured as the Reaper had them at it's mercy. "This isn't working out." Skull said. "Joker we need another plan." "Joker! what do we do?!" His teammates ask him to how they were going to get out of this, but Joker was out of options. Also if he was being honest with himself, he was scared, mainly for the lives of his friends. Here they were, staring at Death in the eye and Joker knew he had failed them as the Reaper pointed its two revolvers at them.

Or so he thought.

An Agidyne struck the Reaper on the mask, dazing it. The Phantom Thieves covered their eyes from the smoke as when it cleared they looked to see their savior. In front was an adult male in a suit with only a silver gun in hand.

Minato examined the team of kids behind them for their injuries. Seeing them like this reminded him of how he and his friends were the exact same predicament. "Hmm...nothing more than a Salvation from Messiah won't fix. You kids hang back, I got this under control." Minato spoke which the Phantom Thieves stayed silent.

Minato stared back at the Reaper only to glare back. Minato raised his Evoker and pointed it to his temple. The Phantom Thieves was baffled and horrified as to why was this man was going to shoot himself in the head.

"What are you doing?! Isn't that a gun?" Queen asked. "Is that right?" Minato smiled as he pulled the trigger. Rather than chunks of his brain spattering everywhere, the bolt retreated and blue shards of glass appeared on the opposite side of Minato's head. Then appearing next to him was Orpheus.

"This guy...shoots himself in the head...to summon a Persona?" Panther asked. "I never of summoning like this." Morgana said.

"Go Orpheus!" The Master of Strings jumps up and dives into the Reaper. Then precedes to Bash it into the ground. The Reaper screeches once more and fires a Garula at Orpheus, focusing it back. Standing back up, the Reaper fires a Triple Down at Minato, forcing Minato to roll forward and run towards the Reaper.

"Is he crazy?!" Skull asked while the other Phantom Thieves thought so. But Joker however could only stare in question. Something about this man seem familiar to him.

Orpheus fires another Agidyne, this time igniting the Reaper's robe. The monster however powers through the pain and fires a Mageiga at Minato, hitting him. Minato groaned from the blow, figuring how Curse skills would affect Orpheus heavily other than Electric. "Cadenza." Orpheus emits Minato in a green light, healing him and raising his evasion.

"Guess you're as tough as I remember." Minato spoke as the Reaper growled. "But nothing is gonna stop me from going home." He said. Sure there was his mission, but at this moment all he could think about was his friends from Yukari to Mitsuru to Junpei. "As for you, and this place. Nothing good can from that. That's why you're gonna die now, first you then this place and nothing he can put in my way is gonna stop me!" Minato vows as Orpheus gave his approve.

"I see you manage to commit yourself once more."

Minato's eyes turned yellow and then came what was the worst headache he's ever experienced. But the voice in his head was all too familiar, Orpheus was speaking much like to when he first awaken to him.

"With your return, the stage is set. Now is the time give this world the performance of a lifetime and to regain the life that was lost to you long ago."

"V-Very well." Minato gasped.

"Let us now forge a contract anew. Thou art I."

"And I am Thou." Minato gasped.

"Fate had you tangled in its strings but now we're free! Now let us basks in the songs of rebellion and become one in harmony once more!"

Right then a blue winged superhero mask with a while outline around the edge appeared on Minato face. "Very well old friend. Unveil yourself!" Minato reaches for the mask and rips it off effortlessly. His body covered in blue flames as clothes change to something new, leaving the Phantom Thieves in awe.

Under a new outfit, Minato donned a navy blue leg length tailcoat jacket, a white dress shirt with a black bolo tie around his neck, over it was a navy blue vest, a darker shade of blue gloves, a matching navy blue dress pants held by a black leather belt, a holster on his right leg that held a pistol in it, and lastly was a darker shade of blue dress boots. Other than his Evoker, he also a one-handed sword for close combat. To the Phantom Thieves, Minato looked like a lawman or some rouge from the Wild West in the 18th century minus the hat.

As for Orpheus, his colors switched from a white/cyan color scheme to now a red/gold version of himself.

"From the sea of thy soul, I cometh. I am Orpheus Telos, Master of Strings reborn."

"I guess this was what Elizabeth was talking about. Another awakening." Minato smirked at this being one of the new rules this Shadow Nest had in store. The Reaper screeches as it fire a Ziodyne at Orpheus Telos. "Let's play a swan song for this beast. Assault Dive." Orpheus Telos jumps to dodge the Ziodyne then dives into the Reaper again.

"I should've done this before but now is a good time let the others join the party. Come Thanatos!" Minato rips his mask to bring the harbinger of Death as it roars from its confine with its blade in hand. The Phantom Thieves were shocked at how this man summoned a different persona. "How does he have another Persona?" Panther asked. "I'm not sure. Is it possible this man is like Joker?" Queen said.

"Let us see who's truly an instrument of Death." Minato said. Thanatos thrashes into the Reaper and tosses it across the tunnel. "Tempest Slash." With its blade, Thanatos swings its sword and manages to slice clean the Reaper's right arm, causing it to howl in pain. "Now it's time for you to go to hell! Show it the Door to Hades." Thanatos growls as it emits a great almighty power in its hands and unleashes it in a purple blast that engulfs the Reaper. With a final roar, the Reaper couldn't hold on and was reduce to ashes, ending its life. As the victor Thanatos roared like a gladiator tasting victory. Minato smiled at its antics as he remembered how Pharos tailored Thanatos's personality akin to a beast that makes carnage whenever it can.

With that, Minato's attention turned to the Phantom Thieves. "Seem like you kids could use a doctor." Minato joked. "Is a suppose to be funny?" Skull asked seriously.

"Good point, come Messiah." The Phantom Thieves stared in awe at what was a third kind of Persona as it glowed brightly like an angel descending from Heaven as Messiah restored the kids to full health with Salvation.

"Woah, I feel pumped up." Skull flexed his arms. "It is as if not a scratch is on our bodies." Fox adds.

"Wow, I never seen a healing spell that powerful." Mona said as the other Phantom Thieves were at full strength. Minato was glad they were being lively again but at that moment is when the adrenaline stopped flowing and he collapse from exhaustion.

"Woah dude. You okay?" Skull asked. "Skull, don't be so vulgar. Sir are you alright?" Queen asked.

"Ye-yea, I'll be fine." Minato asked humbly. He remembered when he awaken for the first time and how it'd knocked him out for over a week. He smiled at the memory when he saw Yukari hovering over him in his hospital bed, waiting for him to wake up.

"I must say, it's wasn't a very smart move to take on something as merciless as the Reaper." Minato said. "Just who are you to tell us that?!" Morgana said.

"How about the guy who saved your life, so how about you show a bit of gratitude." Minato spoke causing Mona to shut up.

"Don't mind the cat, he's always like that." Skull pointed out which earned him a growl from Morgana.

"I must commend your fighting prowess. You must be incredibly skilled to defeat such an adversary." Fox said.

"Not to mention how is you're able to wield three Personas." Queen adds.

"I'm curious about that too. I thought Joker only had that skill." Panther said as Minato turns to who was dressed as a gothic street magician known as Joker and could tell this was the person he was sent back to help.

"Perhaps a mutual understanding." Minato smirked but dodging Panther's question. "Not really." Joker said as he was too curious about this man.

"As much as I want to find out everything too, we should get out of here before another Reaper comes." Morgana said.

"That might be a problem considering how long and hard it is to navigate these tunnels." Minato said.

"No need to worry about that rookie, cause I can do this." Morgana said as he jumps in the air and transforms into a cat/bus hybrid, actually surprising Minato.

"The cat turned into a bus." He spoke plainly. "Hey one thing you should know about me is that I'm not a cat!" Mona said.

"That was our reaction as well but this is how we navigate around here." Panther said.

"Joker mainly does the driving even if he does showoff." Skull adds. "Hey you say showoff, I say driving ace." Joker said.

"Just no more barrel rolls Joker. I don't think my stomach can handle it." Fox shutters as everyone hops inside the Mona Car and precedes to head out of Mementos.

Using the MetaNav, the whole group exited out of Mementos and popped back into reality just outside Shibuya Station. Minato looked around to see his new surroundings. People swarmed the area, buildings reached the sky, and numerous attractions were notable. "Where are we?" He asked.

"The Shibuya district in Tokyo. You never been here before?" Ren said as he also took notice to the kids who were now in everyday clothing but noted everyone except Fox wore the same school uniform.

"This is gonna sound random but is that a school uniform you're wearing" Skull asked as Minato curses himself. He was still wearing his old, stretched Gekkoukan High uniform which he was 'buried' in.

"Unfortunately." Minato said embarrassed.

"I take they aren't yours?" Joker asked. "They are actually. It's a long story." Minato laughed a bit.

"It's one that I'm interested in. Perhaps over dinner." Skull asked. "Well...I-" Minato stopped when he heard his stomach growl loudly. Clearly not haven eaten for over six years can make someone quite famish.

"I don't have any money though." Minato said. "That's okay. It'll be our treat." Panther said. "As a way to give thanks for saving our butts back there." Joker adds as Minato accepts.

At a diner nearby, the Phantom Thieves watch their guest as he scarfs down food in a rush, displaying how hungry he must be. "He's just like Ryuji in terms of table manners." Morgana said.

"Hey!"

"I apologize, I've haven't eaten in a long time. By the way, I never got your names." Minato said.

"Fair enough." Their leader as each one introduced themselves from Ren Amamiya, Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Nijima, and lastly was the now real life cat known as Morgana. "laughs, for a second I thought I would still have to call you by those pet names you used back there." Minato joked.

"They're codenames and we use them as a safety precaution." Morgana defends.

"Well I'm Minato Arisato...and I guess that's all I can say for the moment." Minato said.

"Really? How about how you gain a Persona, let alone three. Or how about where did you learn to fight like you did." Morgana asked. "Mona don't be so mean." Ann scorn which Morgana felt down by being punish from his 'Lady Ann'.

"No he's right, but what I can say is it's because I've been doing this for awhile." Minato said surprising the kids. "So you've been investigating Mementos for awhile?" Makoto asked.

"Mementos?"

"Mementos? That place we were in." Ryuji said. "Oh so that's what is called. I just call it the Shadow's Nest. It sounds like a name for a breath mint." Minato said.

"I thought the same thing at first." Ren laughed. "You two are weird." Ann pointed out.

"But how did you end up in Mementos without the MetaNav in the first place?" Morgana said. "Morgana means this app on our phones." Ren takes out his phone and shows the Nav to Minato.

Minato was confused for a couple of reasons from how could an simple app take these kids to another plane of reality or how it works. But what really got his attention was Ren's phone design, it was a flat rectangular screen that you can touch. His first thought was that over the six year period flip phones were obsolete.

"I...really don't have a good answer for that. You could say I was dropped there." Minato said which the kids weren't impressed with.

"You were...dropped there? By who we may ask?" Yusuke asked. "A friend of mine. Quite frankly she didn't fill me in on all the details before she did so." Minato said.

"That seems questionable. How does this friend of yours have access to the Metaverse?" Makoto asked. "That...is something I can't tell you at the moment." Minato refused.

"That's not good enough." Makoto said.

"Enough, so what can you tell us?" Ren asked. "Before I get into that, can I ask a question of my own. How is it that a group of teenagers got a hold of this MetaNav and decide the best used of it is to explore a different plane of reality?" Minato said. Most of the Phantom Thieves were on the brink to refuse to answer since so far most of Minato's personal story was very sketchy.

Ren on the other hand felt the need to answer him. He still didn't know why but he felt he can trust him despite not knowing what makes Minato so relatable to himself. Ren started from the beginning how from receiving the MetaNav when he arrived in Tokyo to his first day at Shujin Academy. What caught Minato's attention was that the kids didn't start off by going into Mementos but rather going after a teacher at their school named Suguru Kamoshida.

In Ren's own words, Kamoshida was a former Olympic Volleyball champion who flocked and relished his glory long after it had passed. This drove extreme desires of lust into the man's mind and as Shujin's PE teacher and Vollyball coach allowed him access to young kids to abuse, sexualize and tower over with no consequences. What broke Minato's heart was hearing how Ann's closest friend was raped by him and tried to commit sucide the next day. So as the Phantom Thieves, they used the MetaNav to go what they call Palaces of a specific individual.

The way that worked was that they take the name of the individual, a place they identify with, and a distortion of how they see the place in their own cognition. For Kamoshida it was the school which he saw as a castle and himself as its king. It made sense as Minato thought free Kamoshida was and acted about. He grew angry when Ren told him that their principle, teachers, even parents knew about Kamoshida's behavior and turned a blind eye.

Still that didn't stopped the kids as they enacted their plan by first securing an infiltration route to what was the core of each Palace known as a Treasure. Then they send a calling card to Kamoshida warning him that his desires were gonna be stolen for the reason according to Morgana was to have the Treasure materialize. The same day they would steal his treasure but not before supposedly a Shadow version of Kamoshida tried to stop him. He failed (of course) and the Shadow retreated back into the real Kamoshida's heart.

All this sounded like some cliché crime movie even for Minato, and he thought that Tartarus was complicated enough. But sure enough the kids' plan worked like a charm, Kamoshida's personality went a full reversal and was consumed by guilt that he confessed his crimes in front of the whole school and was arrested. A rather interesting start for a new generation and since then the Phantom Thieves made a pledge to take on and change the hearts of the most corrupt adult in society.

Sure enough their next target was a master Japanese artist named Ichiryusai Madaraeme. That name rang a bit of a bell for Minato when he remember when he saw a painting credited to that same name on television back at the dorm. He later wished he could forget it as Madarame was accused of plagiarism, counterfeiting and selling black market art and antiques on the side. All the students and pupils suffer under his tutelage and their works stolen from him. Yusuke joined the Phantom Thieves after some convincing and helped the team take down Madaraeme as well, ending with the old man confessing his crimes during a live broadcast.

Which is where things lead to the present. Ren claims they're in the middle of finishing their infiltration route of their third target, a man named Junya Kaneshiro, a local mafia boss with ties to the Yakuza. That is where Minato assumes the Phantom Thieves were insane. Ren claims that going after someone like Kaneshiro wasn't by choice at all. Which is where Makoto jumped in and explained how before joining the team, she blackmailed everyone to going after Kaneshiro with little progress. So as a way to make headway, Makoto baited herself to find Kaneshiro for everyone. It didn't work out after that from the fact that they now owe 3 million yen to the mafia boss.

"So that's the whole story. We only have five days left until Kanashiro exposes us to our schools." Makoto said. "So does he know you guys are the Phantom Thieves?" Minato asked.

"Oh no, but he does have photos of us inside his club and if that comes out. Our social lives are done." Ren said. Minato figured as much, minors in a club could really ruin not just that person's personal life but that of their families. But what does he know, he remembers his time at Club Escapade just to sulk about. As long as he didn't cause a scene, he would be fine.

"I didn't think spending time at a club would be the end of the world." Minato joked said. "We're underaged, if our families and our schools find out, we're ruined." Ann said.

"I'm just saying because I used to hang around a club I like when I was your age." Minato smiled.

"You're...joking right." Ryuji said.

"Only to just hang around and quite frankly, people didn't care about what people did unless it was something drastic." Minato said.

"And all this was from the early 2000s?" Ren asked.

"2009 actually. I'm not that old." Minato replied.

"We were just kids at the time!" Ryuji shouts out. "Lower your voice Ryuji." Morgana said.

"Well welcome to 2016 where everyone pokes their nose into everything and spread gossip like Santa spreads Christmas joy." Ren joked.

"All jokes aside, so you have five days to take this guy's heart before he ruins you." Minato said as the kids nod.

"Which leads to the next question, we could really use all the help we can get." Yusuke said. "And you have the same abilities as Ren here." Ann adds.

"Even though you're a bit sketchy at the moment, we could really use your help. So what to you say?" Ren asked. "Well I can't simply let you kids run around unchaperoned can I?" Minato smiled.

"We'll let you join...if you stop calling us kids." Ren said as Minato agreed to their deal with a handshake. There the two Wild Cards heard a familiar voice.

"I am Thou, thou art I

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Universe Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...

Minato wasn't surprised, with their commitment he has become a Social Link in Ren's Fool journey. "Now that's settled, can you give us you phone number and Chat ID." Ann asked.

Minato's smile then dropped, on top of not having any money, he doesn't have a phone. "Oh well...I don't have one." He admits. "How you not have a phone?!" Ryuji asked vulgarly which earn him a slap by Ann.

"It may present a problem if we can't get in contact with you." Yusuke said. "In that case, do you live nearby then." Makoto asked.

The frown went even further when Minato was asked that. With no money, no phone, and no residence to stay at, he was stuck. He then cursed at Philemon and Elizabeth for ill-preparing him on this mission and expect him to just make do. "I'm gonna honest...I don't live in Tokyo either so...yea." He confessed with earn him a groan from Ryuji.

"Calm down Ryuji sheesh. So this may pose a problem for you then." Ann told Minato.

"I suppose he can come stay with us." Morgana offers. "Leave it to you to always make these offers cat, but I suppose it's not a bad idea. Now I have to come up with some story to tell Boss about why I'm having a complete stranger stay above his cafe." Ren said.

"If anyone can convince him, it's you Ren." Ann gives encouragement. "So shall we take our leave then." Yusuke said as everyone pays for their meal and went about their way home.

Walking through the alleys of the Yongen-Jaya district, Minato only watches as Ren formulates a plan to how to convince Sojiro to let Minato stay with Morgana secured in his school bag hanging over his shoulder. "I'm sure it would be fine." Morgana said.

"You're not the one that has to do the convincing. Boss barely trust me to make a cup a coffee and I have to convince him to let Minato stay over." Ren argues which caught Minato's attention.

"Why wouldn't your relative trust you?" He asked.

"Well...Sojiro and I aren't related. I'm just crashing at his place because of my probation."

"What?" Minato stopped.

"Look I really don't want to talk about it. I'll only say that I was sent here to stay with him to serve one year probation until next March." Ren said.

"That sounds like something I should know about." Minato said. "Don't worry, Ren here doesn't bite." Morgana said.

"Unless you have someone else you can stay with, I'm your only choice." Ren said. "Don't worry, you don't strike me as a violent person anyway." Minato reassures then has a light bulb.

"What if you tell him that I'm someone you know from back home and that I'm attending university. And that my things won't be settled into my apartment until tomorrow so you offer me to stay with you?" Minato suggest.

"Good story. It's better than nothing." Ren said as they turn a corner where he leads Minato to this hole in the wall where a cafe called Leblanc was. "By the way, his last name is Sakura and he's a sticker for manners." Ren warns as they walked in.

"You were out late." Boss said. "Sorry, I ran into a friend from home." Ren said as Minato looks around the store. It was old school, or retro as the exact term and no customers. "I take it this is him?" Sojiro said.

"Oh yes, I've known Ren since he was a boy. My name's Minato Arisato." Minato bowed. "Quite cheery if you ask me. The mannerism aren't necessary. Call me Boss, everyone around here does." Sojiro said.

"Minato is starting university and things are still being settled into his apartment so I offered him to stay here just for tonight." Ren said. "It's only until tomorrow. I would've stayed at a hotel but Ren was generous enough to let me come by." Minato sweetens the deal which Ren was confused why he went off script.

"Really now...Perhaps there is a heart of gold in you after all." Sojiro smiles at Ren which took him by surprised.

"If you are staying here, you can bunk upstairs with Ren. Though I have to ask, what was this kid like in the day?" Sojiro asked.

"Very well behaved actually, diligent, loves to read...afraid of girls oddly enough." Minato jokes which Ren gave a disapproving scowl. No doubt Minato was having too much fun with this. Sojiro laughed at the prospect of Ren being afraid of girls.

"Aside from the girls thing. I find it very odd for this to be well behaved considering his probation." Sojiro said. "Ren was one to stand up for others, and for what's right. that's how much integrity he has." Minato said.

"And what are you studying at university?" Sojiro asked. "Education. I figure I can help shape the citizens of tomorrow like Ren here." Minato said.

"I...suppose that quite a goal to set. I'll let you stay here for tonight, I'll be closing up shop and Ren, be sure to the lock the door." Sojiro said.

"Got it."

Once Sojiro left and the door was locked, Ren let Minato upstairs in the attic. There he saw how dirty the space was. "He let's you stay here?" Minato asked.

"It's got...charm. Plus I got a tv from a small store down the alley and a retro games console, a workbench to craft tools, a table and a couch." Ren said. "Is your bed simply a mattress resting on crates?" Minato asked. "It's actually quite comfortable." Ren said as Minato gave him a scowl.

"Look considering my situation, there were really no negotiations regarding my lodgings." Ren argues.

"I suppose I'll take the couch then." Minato said. "I'll give you a spare pillow and blanket." Ren said.

Once they were all settled, both men and cat sat in the darkness staring at the ceiling. "Can't sleep?" Ren said.

"I've always had a difficulty sleeping." Minato admits.

"Also, afraid of girls?! Really?" Ren asked as Minato laughs. "What, humor is the perfect sell to get someone to trust you. Plus I made you look good and relatable didn't I?" Minato said as Ren couldn't answer that. Minato was right of course.

"I thought it was good. Imagine this lady killer afraid of girls." Morgana said. "Other than Shadows, the only thing I've seen you kill Morgana is the mood." Ren joked.

"Besides, being your Hierophant. I figured Boss would've been reasonable." Minato said as that took Ren's attention.

"Wait what. How did you know that?" He asked.

"You guys asked me back at the diner? I didn't want to mention it front of the others because they would've thought I was crazier than usual. You've asked how could I wield multiple Personas. How I could get people to open up about themselves. And aside from Boss, you got Takamaki-san as your Lovers, Sakamoto-kun as the Chariot, Kitagawa-kun as the Emperor, Nijima-san as the Priestess and lastly Morgana as the Magician." Minato explains.

"You know?! How do your know Ren's Confidants?" Morgana asked.

"I know because I was once like you. Only what you call Confidants I call Social Links." Minato said as Ren felt his breath leave his body.

"Yea, I was a Wild Card like you. Completed my journey a long time ago." Minato said. "So you've done this before?" Ren asked.

"Generally yes, but each Fool's Journey is different." Minato said.

"I don't suppose you know an incredibly old man with a long nose either." Ren asked. "You mean Igor, yea he was there for me too." Minato asked hastily. He knew whoever Ren has been meeting with in the Velvet Room wasn't the real Igor and that he had to tread carefully on the subject.

"Although, while you make your visits to the Velvet Room, please promise me you won't mention me to Igor." Minato said.

"Why?"

"It would disappoint him. Plus that friend of mine is also associated with him who really likes to be discrete at the moment, just trust me." Minato said. "Whatever you say." "I mean it, don't bring it up with him." Minato said sternly.

"Alright I promise." Ren said.

"All that aside, what I can tell you is that I'm here to help you wherever you can." Minato said. "What do you mean?" Ren asked.

"I'm not trying to freak you out or anything but your journey is gonna be rather interesting. Even more than mine was. I'm not here to hold your hand every step of the way, only to point you in the right direction if you get lost." Minato said. "I'm pretty sure if everyone heard about this, they be more comfortable with you leading them." Ren said.

"That I won't do. Ren, this is your own path which no one can choice for you. Plus they're your friends who trust you to lead them, so trust yourself." Minato said. "Not so sure after facing the Reaper. I almost got everyone killed." Ren said.

"Trust me when I say I made the same mistakes as you. The Reaper beat me and my friends within an inch of our lives back in the day. We were lucky to get away and I almost lost my girlfriend in the process. I did blame myself, I was afraid to lead them out again, but still they rely on me which made our bonds grow ever stronger. I know you can make the same commitment with your team." Minato said.

"You never mention you had a team of your own or a girlfriend. Are you guys still together?" Ren asked. Minato didn't have a clear answer. To this day all he could think about was how beautiful Yukari was. He wonder how much has changed? Did she meet someone new? What about his friends? Were they able to move on?

"That's...debatable. As for my friends, I've lost contact with them a long time ago." Minato said. "Did something happened?" Ren asked.

"Something alright." Minato mumbled.

"I don't suppose you have a plan for tomorrow? I got school in the morning so I can't watch over you." Ren said. "I suppose I could try to reconnect with my friends which gives me an idea. Could I barrow a phone to make a call?" Minato asked.

"There's the payphone downstairs, but you'll need this to use it." Ren flicks Minato a single coin which he wondered why. "Like everything else, it's retro so you need to pay first." Ren explains which Minato thought how it sucks to use the damn thing. He went downstairs where he saw the the big yellow payphone by the entrance. This was gonna be a long shot as no doubt in the pass six years Mitsuru would've changed her number and her phone. Still all he has is hope that the number was still in service. He puts the coin in the slot and dials Mitsuru's number by memory. It rings and rings until it simply goes to voicemail.

"That's good at least right? Umm...Mitsuru-san hi, I know my voice is probably the last thing you're expecting but...This is gonna sound weird but...it's Minato-kun. I'm here in Tokyo staying with a friend but...quite frankly I just as confused as to what to do next. I don't even know if this is your number anymore but...I'm thinking of everything I can think of. I remembered you've mentioned the Kirijo Group has a division headquarters here so perhaps I could try going there in the morning...God this sounds crazy enough. You have every right to believe how this isn't me and how I got this number but...God, I know I wouldn't believe me either...I've been gone for six years. I know I should explain everything but I prefer to do so in person...if you're even getting this...look..."

The phone then hangs up before he could finished. Minato curses to the phone having minutes and to why Boss would even keep something like this in used. He feel tears pouring down his cheeks as he puts the phone back and slowly makes his way back upstairs. Minato was confused, confused and sad as to how he left things with his friends. How they had to move on without him and how that reflected to the day he died which broke his heart. He didn't sleep much with so much on his mind. The prospect of being away from Earth for so long that Minato felt he just didn't belong anymore.

For the first time since coming back, the long familiar feeling of loneness from his teenage years return back to haunt him.

Meanwhile

In a private study at a luxurious condo in Tokyo, Twenty-five year old Mitsuru Kirijo was used to working late at night once again. Documents had to be filled out with her approval for new business dealings. At least that was for her role as a CEO of a global conglomerate. As for her other public but secret role as the leader of top secret black-ops unit who's purpose was the extermination of Shadows, it was anything but simple. One thing she hated more than Shadows were politics and politics made her life a living hell.

The Shadow Operatives were wrapped in red tape no thanks to the bureaucracy of the national government and to one man who's been a thorn to her side. What's worse is that the man was running for the seat of Prime Minster and if he get elected on December, then God help them all. Which is why she lead a more transparent role in the limelight as any scrutiny could end the Shadow Operatives permanently. While she works, her husband walks into the room.

"Mitsuru." Her husband, Akihiko Sanada spoke as he walks up and gives her a peck on the cheek. "Hayami is tucked in and now I'm here for my wife to do the same." Akihiko said. "Give me a few minutes. I just got a few documents left." Mitsuru said. "I know but you got to rest. You've been running yourself nonstop." He said.

Mitsuru sighs, only how right Akihiko is. "I know, what I wouldn't give to simply leave the office and go fight a shadow or two to take the edge off." Mitsuru spoke as she leans into her husband's shoulder. "Trust me when I say that hitting something always takes the edge off. But I think what you need is a day off. Spend a day home with us or how about a day with Yukari and the girls. They would really benefit from having you around." Akihiko said.

"A day with you and our daughter is all I need dear." Mitsuru said as the lovely couple kissed until her computer beeps. "Another alert." Mitsuru broke the kiss.

"Can it wait?" Akihiko asked as he coddles Mitsuru from behind. "I wish but Yamagishi promised to keep me up to date on what's been happening here." Mitsuru said as she looks at her computer. "With that Shadow Nest here? I only blame Shido for this." Akihiko said. "You and me both." said Mitsuru as she looks into what wasn't an email but rather a message routed through one of her own personal contacts.

"It's not a email from Yamagishi but rather a voicemail through one of my old contacts." Mitsuru said. "Do you recognize the number?" Akihiko asked. "No, but the number they contacted was one I used back when we were still attending Gekkoukan High." Mitsuru said.

"Can you play the message?" Akihiko asked as Mitsuru was already on it. She played the message and both had listened in.

"Umm...Mitsuru-san hi, I know my voice is probably the last thing you're expecting but...This is gonna sound weird but...it's Minato-kun." That caught both Mitsuru and Akihiko's attention. Their old leader and dear friend to be long dead was back?

I'm here in Tokyo staying with a friend but...quite frankly I just as confused as to what to do next. I don't even know if this is your number anymore but...I'm thinking of everything I can think of. I remembered you've mentioned the Kirijo Group has a division headquarters here so perhaps I could try going there in the morning...God this sounds crazy enough. You have every right to believe how this isn't me and how I got this number but...God, I know I wouldn't believe me either...I've been gone for six years. I know I should explain everything but I prefer to do so in person...if you're even getting this...look..."

Both of them stood in a daze. "How...there's just no way that's him." Mitsuru said. "Is there more to the message?!" Akihiko asked as Mitsuru double checks. "No that's all of it. His message was cut off." Mitsuru said.

"This is impossible. Minato's gone." Akihiko said. "I know...but by the way he spoke, he sounded confused, scared...what if it's truly him and he somehow came back from the dead?" Mitsuru said.

"That's a big if and he said he was going to the division headquarters here...What are we going to tell everyone?" Akihiko said. "Everything...Call everyone and tell them we're having an urgent meeting first thing in the morning. They need to hear this." Mitsuru said as Akihiko ran out, leaving Mitsuru alone.

She slump back in her chair and place her hands to her head in shock. "Is it possible? Is he really back?" She thought as she was trying to find whatever hope there is. Her friend has return and was out there alone. With some hope and a bit of luck, the one who was lost may just been found and would return home.

Done guys. So tell me what you think of this chapter. So I'll explain a bit more about this story to what I wasn't able to cover last chapter. So as stated last chapter Minato will help Ren to a certain degree. Yes he is now a Confidant of Ren so that means rank abilities will come into play. These will come as standard things like Follow up attacks, negotiations tactics, status recovery and so on but his unique ability will be to teach Ren more complex Fusion Spells as I've mention before. The higher his Confidant goes will allow Ren to learn more powerful Fusion Spells from Minato. Simple enough.

Another thing is Minato's Phantom Thief outfit, I tried to make him the most visually mature person of the group (More than Joker) not just because he's the oldest but I figured a semi formal outfit was perfect for him. Personally I always figured Minato always dressed so formally most of the time other than the summer months in Persona 3.

Speaking of Minato, what I can say his biggest challenge throughout this whole story will be is that he's simply someone who's been out of touch with reality...literally. You saw this a bit with how much time has passed since he was gone. He'll be technologically challenge (not as bad as Haru) but around there like trying to figure how to use a smartphone. He'll also get lost, Tokyo is a big city (unlucky for him next chapter.) Overall, with the help of his friends, he'll try to refit into society once again.

Another thing is the pairings in the story, yes there will be. They'll be Ren/Sumire because I think there should be more stories with this pairing, sorry to all you Makoto and Ann fans out there. If it's not obvious enough, Minato/Yukari are a pairing as well because I've always been a sticker for canonical (I use the word canonical very loosely here.) pairing. These two will be the primary pairings while others will float around.

Another thing involves Sumire/Kasumi and she will join the Phantom Thieves sooner rather than later. I was thinking at the beginning of Shido's arc but she and Ren will have been a pairing long before that. It's only their impasse about the Phantom Thieves early on will play a dynamic here from her joining the group.

I also have more questions to ask to you guys. Yes, I'm still taking codename suggestions for Minato, I already have a few but I'll take a few more and by next chapter, I'll have a codename for him. I'll probably make a poll later for you guys to have a say.

As for the other question, it involves Ken Amada. Yes, I know this is taking a page out of Ace in the Hole's playbook but would you like see Ken join the Phantom Thieves as well? I only thought of this as a way to solidify future relationships between the Phantom Thieves and the Shadow Operatives aside from Minato's doing. Plus he'll helps the latter in future chapters. Let me know in your comments.

Also this is another idea I'll be implementing later on and it involves the used of the Thieves Den. Rather than switch around hideouts like they did in the game, I'm going to have the Thieves Den play a prominent role as the official hideout for the Phantom Thieves. It'll be an idea that Minato will suggest later on.

I'll leave it at here for now. Thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. goodbye.