Persona 5 Royal: Our Light
The mysterious medley of piano music dub "Aria of the Soul" began sneaking into his ears as Ren suddenly woke up. He notes how he was back in his cell wearing old prison garb chained by his ankle to the wall.
"Wake up inmate." The little girl on the right spoke. "Our master wishes to speak with you." The one on the left spoke. Ren walked up and grabbed the cell bars as he felt discomfort from the chain as he face the old man sitting at a desk as he spoke.
"You seem to have defeated the repulsive fiend of gluttony. Well done." Igor chuckled.
"You're not worthy of such kind words inmate. You better treasure them." Caroline said. Ren could only listen on without cracking a joke. He knew that Igor, Caroline and Justine knew more than they let on and would only reveal such information at a certain time. It also reminded him of his promise to Minato that he wouldn't reveal his presence to them under any circumstances.
"Do you recall whispers of the man he spoke of?" Igor said. "The assassin." Ren replied.
"You seem to be well informed." Justine said. "Perhaps we don't give you enough credit. Not that you deserve it though." Caroline said.
"Indeed, I speak of one with powers similar to yours. If you complete your rehabilitation, you'll encounter him eventually." Igor said. Ren just sighed internally at his response. Igor seems to enjoy keeping him on a need to know basics.
"Hmm...it's something I'm looking forward to. It would be troubling if you weren't to strengthen your abilities. I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift." Igor said.
Rank Up!
Fool Rank: 6- High Arcana Burst
Increases the EXP bonus granted by Arcana Burst.
"It appears that time is waning in the outside world." Igor said.
"Time's up inmate. Go back to sleep." said Caroline. Ren then had enough and decided to act now. "Glad to. Justine you'll always be my favorite twin." Ren said as he laid on his cot, leaving Caroline dumbfounded.
"Wha- What do you mean she's your favorite?! Why not me?!" Caroline asked. "Toolateimasleepbye." Ren said as he sleep the night back into his room.
Thursday, July 7th, 2016
"Here you go." Minato laid the hefty report on Mitsuru's desk as the redhead drank from her tea mug. "Is this everything?" Mitsuru asked.
"In detail. I'll be honest, I didn't think you would have me write book reports when you asked me to do this." Minato said. "We need to catalog everything. We may be in the Digital Age where everything is catalog online but in case our databanks are purge, it's good to have a paper copy." Mitsuru said as she skim through the report.
Aside from his observation in Kaneshiro's Palace, Mitsuru also wanted biographies on the Phantom Thieves. "Huh...a bike that doubles as a Persona. I kind of want to see that." Mitsuru smirk.
"It came as a surprise to me too. As do the Shadows who now resemble Personas who now talk. All this sounds crazier than even what we did." Minato said. "It seems that way for you. After Tartarus, we encounter against more dangerous threats. Some even tried to kill us by sending evil shadow clones of ourselves. But with the help of new allies were we able to defeat them." Mitsuru explains
"Also, Midnight is quite an unusual alias for a Phantom Thief." Mitsuru chuckled. "Nothing else came to mind. When I said saw the moon yellow and the sky green, it reminded me of the Dark Hour." Minato said.
"Part of me still doesn't believe it but it's great to see that dark sense of humor is still intact." Mitsuru said. "You hated it remember?" Minato said.
"No I merely didn't mind them, you'd always picked an odd time to make jokes. Yukari was the one who hated it. But they weren't as bad as Iori's so called ghost stories." Mitsuru said. Minato chuckled at the thought of those memories.
"Still as for this...student you taken in. Are you sure about him? He's in the criminal database for assault." Mitsuru said. "I got a feeling there's more to the story than it says on the report. Ren trust me enough knowing that I'm a former Wild Card. He'll open up eventually." Minato said.
"Do you know their next step?" Mitsuru asked. "We're just gonna lay low until Kaneshiro's heart changes. Which means I'll just be bored at home because the kids are at school. Speaking of which what do people our age do during the day?" Minato asked.
"They work which I know isn't an option for you. But I sure you'll have plenty to do once Amada and Koromaru come to live with you so I recommend learning how to make a few dishes or at least preparing a bento box." Mitsuru said.
"Not a bad idea."
Shujin Academy
Ren was walking through the halls of Shujin ready to head home. As he turns a corner, someone bumps into him and falls down. "Oh I'm sorry, let me." Ren said as the short redhead looks up. "Ren-Senpai. I'm so sorry." Kasumi said.
"No it's my fault. Let me help you." Ren bend down to help Kasumi with her things. "Thank you." Kasumi said as they rose up.
"Are you in a rush?" Ren asked. "Oh, I wanted to grab a table in the cafeteria for lunch before I head to practice." Kasumi said until she had an idea. "Say senpai if you're not busy, then you like to share a bento with me." Kasumi said.
Ren figured why not. Kasumi always had tendencies to surprise him from time to time. Plus as an honor student, Kasumi didn't have many friends due to the rumors of having 'special privileges' which made everyone around her jealous. Personally, Ren was drawn to her for her cute and cheerful personality. Despite knowing of his circumstances and the rumors revolving around Ren, Kasumi related to him and welcome him into her circle of trust.
In the cafeteria, Ren shot with wide eyes. While Kasumi shared a modest size bento for Ren, Kasumi was staring down a super size bento that could go on par with a Comet Burger from Big Bang Burger. "Uhh...is that all for you?" Ren asked.
"Of course, all this is rich with protein, iron and vitamin B. Perfect to build up stamina, and energy." Kasumi said. "But all that food?" Ren asked. "Don't worry, I done all the math and I'll burn through all the calories during practice." Kasumi smiled.
"Note to self: She likes food as much as Ryuji and may have a high metabolism." Ren told himself as he digs into his bento. On the first bite, Ren tasted a familiar flavor on his tongue and chew slowly. He then picked up a different piece to eat but that too had the same flavor.
"Senpai, you okay? Your eyes are glazing over." Kasumi said. "It definitely unique, but the taste is familiar." Ren said.
"I went light on the seasoning on yours. I hope it not too light for you." Kasumi said as she reach over and grabs a piece to eat. "Hmm...yup, it's exactly what I was going for. I was try to figure out how to season it so I went with curry because everyone loves it." Kasumi said as Ren figured it out. Curry was practically a part of his diet since coming to Tokyo. Mainly it's all that Boss feeds him.
"That explains a lot." Ren said. "W-were you not a fan of the flavor. I'm so sorry! I did it all wrong! I'll go get you something else!" Kasumi stood up exaggerated.
"Kas, Kas, Kas Wait. There nothing wrong with the food. It's great." Ren grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving. Kasumi blushed at Ren hand touching hers'. His hand felt like silk, all smooth and gentle. Not like her encounter with older man sexually harassing her from before, until senpai came to her rescue.
Ren saw her blush and retreated his hand back out of thought that he was making her uncomfortable. "Sorry." said Ren. "I-it's okay. But are you sure about your bento? I could go and buy you something new." Kasumi said.
"Kasumi, it's okay. Let's just eat the food." Ren assures as Kasumi took a seat and both ate and laugh. "So she couldn't land there because...heh...heh...because she saw a spider on the mark and screamed out bug bug!." Kasumi laughs out while Ren snickers. "But yes, this has been an interesting lunch. I sorry you didn't enjoy the bento that much." Kasumi said sadly.
"No apology necessary. Curry-favored bento is certainly a unique palette." said Ren. "Thanks senpai. If I didn't have you, I'd let my failures get to me and I end up spiraling in pessimism all over again." Kasumi said.
"Well we wouldn't want that now would we? If anything I should be thanking you, those moves you taught me really come in handy." Ren said.
"You're really kind senpai." Kasumi blushed heavily. "You made me a bento so I think we know which one of us is kinder." Ren said.
"A-are y-you trying to make me blush until I pass out?" Kasumi exclaims with redness on her face. "Maybe." Ren snickers which Kasumi playfully slaps his shoulder which both laugh at.
"Do you still have time today. I wanna try to get in some practice in." Kasumi said. "I'm game." Ren said as they went to the gymnasium.
Rank Up
Faith Rank: 3
Friday, July 8th, 2016
Thieves Den
Ren and Morgana transported into the Thieves' Den where everyone was waiting. The Phantom Thieves still getting used to exploring their new headquarters from customizing certain planforms with statues of their Personas (for now). Currently Makoto, Ryuji and Minato were playing Tycoon where the stakes are high.
"Hi guys." Morgana in his cartoon Metaverse form said. "What round are you guys on?" Ren asked.
"Final Round." Makoto said. "Winner takes the pot." Ryuji said. "It's your move Nijima-san." Minato replied.
"How's this." Makoto went in with two sixes. Ryuji groan that he had nothing to counter that. "PASSSS." He said.
Minato smirked as he enacted his strategy. "An eight stop." Minato flashes two eights into play, clearing the board and redoing his turn. Makoto began to sweat as she was one card away from winning. Both Ryuji and Minato had two cards on hand. "I win." Minato clears his hand by showing two Kings, making him the winner.
"A fine showman." Yusuke commends.
"I'll pass." "Passs." The two teenagers groaned out as it was Makoto turns when the board was cleared.
"I was so close." Makoto showed her last card finishing poor. Ryuji threw the rest of his cards on the table as he was bankrupted. "Come on!" Ryuji cries out.
"It's just a game Ryuji. Don't cry about it." Ann said. "I could've played better." Morgana said. "I like to see you try." Ryuji said.
"Enough, we all came here to conduct business correct?" Minato asked.
"Correct, I figured we could take some stress off our back so we gonna handle two requests in Mementos today. Tomorrow is when Kaneshiro's deadline is due so hopefully by that point, he'll have a change of heart." Ren explains.
"What 'cha got boss?" Ryuji asked.
"A couple who's blackmailing Ms. Kawakami. They blame her for the death of their son and are extorting her for money." Morgana said. "She can't hold herself together with the multiple jobs she works to pay them off." Ren said.
"Is that why she's always so tired all the time? I just thought she was just bored of teaching." Ryuji said.
"Who else?" Makoto asked.
"An abusive boyfriend. It's the typical story we got from a fortune teller in Shinjuku. Her predictions are usually spot on so the girlfriend is trouble unless we do something." Morgana said.
"Fortunes aside, that guy is definably gonna face trouble alright." Makoto said.
"Save it for later Fisticuffs. That's all we're gonna handle for now so everyone set?" Ren asked as nods. With that they head outside to the real world to get to Mementos.
Dealing with Uchimura's Shadow was too easy considering that they outnumbered him seven to one. For Midnight this was first time returning to Mementos since his revival. Joker collected Uchimura's Bud as Mona transformed back into the Mona Bus and head out. They still had to deal with Kawakami's abusers. Aside from requests, there was also the issue of the layout of Mementos. When they entered, the MetaNav was updated with a new floor. No one seems to know why Mementos kept expanding, not even Morgana had a clue.
The only one who seem to be please with Mementos' expansion was Jose who was still flower gathering and he still expected the Phantom Thieves to help him on this endeavor. Still, trekking through Mementos took its time but now they finally arrived the Tasakes' Shadows. "Everyone ready?" Joker asked. "With two of them, this will be more of a challenge." Queen said.
"All the more exciting." Midnight said as he hopped out of the bus. "Does anything phase that guy?" Skull asked. "Who knows." Joker shrugs as they approached the two Shadows.
"Money, money, money, have you come to give us your money? It's your responsibility." Mr. Tasake said. "Honesty, why is everyone in Tokyo so infatuated with money?!" Midnight asked.
"Clothes, makeup, handbags duh. There's too many things I want." Mrs. Tasake said. "There's no need for you Phantom Thieves to be here. We don't need a change of heart." Mr. Tasake said.
"Not how we see it. You're extorting our teacher out of her money." Panther said.
"Kawakami should be grateful to be a source of income for us. The death of our son has brought a great opportunity to get back at not just her but to the other people who stuck their noses at us." Mr. Tasake said.
"You dishonor your son's memory. All he wanted was to succeed academically for his future. You think he would've wanted to work three jobs just to support himself?" Queen asked.
"And have him leave us? No, he would've stayed so that he would suffer just as we have suffered." Mrs. Tasake said, shocking the group that they slave their only son to serve them until his death.
"You know I had a nice speech for the occasion but you know what...…I'll just kick your teeth in instead." Joker said
"You kiddies are no match for us!" The two said as they transform in an Oberon and Titania.
"I'm not even a kid." Midnight said as everyone prepared for battle.
"Split into two groups. We'll take away their dynamic if they're too occupied on us." Joker said as he, Mona, Queen and Skull to fight Oberon while Midnight, Panther and Fox to deal with Titania.
"Die twerps!" Oberon yells as he fires out a Mazio at everyone. "Twerps? Why are fairies always so mean?!" Joker asked jokily
"Show him a real lightning strike, Captain Kid." Skull said as Kid fires a Ziodyne at Oberon which strikes him. "Johanna!" Queen revs it up as she fires out a Frelia which heavily affects Oberon. "Nuclear seems to be his weakness." Mona said. "Perfect, Skull, Mona, give me and Queen an opening. We'll go in with Nuclear moves at your guys' signal." Joker said.
Meanwhile Midnight and Orpheus Telos had Titania at bay. So far Titania seem to rely on buffs with Mabufu to attack. Midnight figured Oberon was the one with the offensive moves while Titania was the one with the buff moves so it was a good call from Joker to keep the two separated.
"Panther go in with Dormina. Fox, you're on me." Midnight calls as the two nods so. While Midnight had Titania's attention on him, Panther managed to put her to sleep with Dormina.
"Now Fox together now, Thanatos!" "Goemon!" Both had their Personas engage with Tempest Slash which dealt great damage to Titania and causing her to revert back into Mrs. Tasake.
"Eat buckshot." Skull fires a shell from his shotgun which hits Oberon. "Try a smokescreen with that." Mona uses his slingshot to fling a smoke grenade at Oberon which explodes and covers his vision in black smoke.
"Now guys." Skull signals. "Hang tight Joker, we're going in hot." Joker holds onto Queen as she revs Johanna forward as they flew upward. Joker then flip jumps off Johanna until he was over Oberon's head.
"Johanna/Sandman!" Both summoned out as they attack with Frei/Freila as they engulf Oberon in a blue nuclear blast as it screams out and reverts back into Mr. Tasake in defeat.
"Great teamwork everyone." Joker commends. "Thank Midnight on his expertise." Fox said. "Is it just me or was that too easy?" Skull asked.
"Or perhaps you guys are getting stronger. I reckon with a bit more practice, you'll get to my level." Midnight boast. "Really?" Skull asked. "On an adult level, eventually." Midnight said.
"Suddenly that doesn't sound so appeasing." Skull said. "Not all adults are assholes Skull, Midnight here is a clear example." Panther said. "I know that, I'm just not that excited to grow up just yet." Skull said. "Oh don't worry buddy. We'll always live wild and free even when we're old like true Phantom Thieves." Joker said.
"You worry me Joker." Midnight said.
"You elitist kids just like looking down on people like us and enjoy laughing at us." Mr. Tasake said. "Elitists? You know how many jobs I work?!" Joker asked. "Neither of us are elites." Queen said.
"Well expect probably Midnight." Skull said. "Dude, I'm basically freeloading." Midnight said.
"Stop. Look no one is laughing at you guys." Panther said. "It's true, we are terrible human beings. Taiki and his real parents were different. Both of them were big shots in big name corporations. So it was satisfying to see him grovel and break down from all that work." Mrs. Tasake said.
"You're not doing yourselves any favors." Fox said. "You're right, you guys really are a couple of sons of bitches." Joker said.
"As long as I was with Toshio, I was happy but I forgot all about that. I became obsessed with money." Mrs. Tasake said. "At the end of the day, Taiki was a good kid." Mr. Tasake said as he and his wife disappeared leaving a Treasure Bud behind.
"Envy is a powerful driver." Fox said. "It's also a deadly sin that causes nothing but pain to those would walk the path." Midnight said. "I'll never understand the interpretation of why people do the things they do." Mona said.
"Well there is one person who might." Joker said upon thinking of Mr. Maruki.
"Anyway, we're done here right?" Skull asked. "Yep, we're good now. Let's head back to the real world." Joker calls.
It was nighttime as the group meets outside of Shibuya Station and each prepared to head back home for the day. "Hey Ren, you got some time to kill?" Minato stopped him. "Sure, if you want to talk then how about over curry." Ren offers as Minato agrees and both head to Yongen-Jaya.
At Leblanc, Ren and Minato ate at the bar laughing at a joke Minato made. When they arrived, Sojiro had left already and Ren had his spare key to the café. As Minato thought, Ren was a decent cook when it comes to curry which is saying something considering that he's still trying to make simple dishes for himself and eventually Ken and Koromaru.
"So tomorrow Kaneshiro's heart changes." Minato said. "It should work out. I'm confident enough that he'll turn himself into the police." Ren said.
"And those three changes of hearts. I imagine those people are gonna rest easy now." Minato said. "Not to mention I get to rub it into the nose that con artist of a fortune teller." Ren said. "She con us of 100,000 yen. Can you imagine how much fatty tuna with could've bought with that." Morgana said.
Minato laughed at the lengths of how to accelerate in a social link. At least Ren had it easy, not like the time Minato recalled when he had to continuously give money to Tanaka.
"Trust me I know how it feels. Still, try to be more open and give her the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure she'll come around and meet you halfway." Minato said. "True, I think there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Chihaya." Morgana said.
"Anyways, what did you want to talk about?" Ren asked. "I just figured we take a tonight of private celebration on my first Palace mission and you treat me for free dinner." Minato smirked.
"You do realized this is still a café and I can still bill you right?" Ren said. "I'll pay you back just like I paid you back for the Berretta but this time how about I paid you in fusion training?" Minato said.
"Ohh...that's a hard bargain. Money or Fusion Training?" Ren attempts to measure the two choices with his hands. "Obviously take the training Ren. You'll get even stronger to becoming a full fledge Wild Card." Morgana encouraged. "I'll take the training but I have to admit it's really weird to see you fully acknowledge your own Confidant." Ren said.
"I know, it's so meta. But yes I'll be teaching you some low level Fusion Spells first and we can train in the Thieves Den." Minato said as Ren nods.
Rank Up
Universe Rank: 2- Fusion Spells Mk. I
Joker can now learn low level Fusion Spells.
Aside from this, onto a personal note. You say you got your own team and a girlfriend, so when do we get to meet them?" Ren asked. "It's complicated. I'm still trying to reconnect with them after being gone for so long." Minato said. "You fell out with them?" Ren asked.
"Something like that. Look it's a matter of trust and they're aware of you and I'm trying to paint you guys in a good light." Minato said. "If it's a matter of trust then why not let us pitch yourselves to them."
"Because you guys are still reeling in from the trauma cause by adults. Ryuji and Ann are clearly still dealing with it. My friends are adults who hold authority and to meet a group of kids who have no regard for it is the matter of trust at hand." Minato explains.
"I don't see it like that. I'm curious to meet people like us who done this before." Ren said. "Ren, what Minato is trying to say is that while you're cool with it, the others probably won't be. Ryuji is always prone to start unnecessary beefs and don't forget, we're criminals by the authorities." Morgana said.
"So if you're adamant about this then you guys need to convince the others to cross that bridge with you meanwhile I have to continue convincing my friends to cross as well." Minato said. "I'm sure I can handle it." Ren said as he two both empty plates to the sink.
Saturday, July 9th, 2016
The police station was quiet as the doors were shove forward and Kaneshiro walked in bawling out loud. "Someone please arrest me! I'm Junya Kaneshiro and I'm a low level crime lord who prayed on high school kids and extorted them for money. I was also involved in money laundering, kidnapping, and prostitution. Someone please take me away!" Kaneshiro bawls as a confused officer handcuffs him to take him away as a very confused station watched what transpierced.
Across from the room, Akihiko Sanada sat at his desk and smiled. The Phantom Thieves have won this round. "Well done leader." He praised Minato.
Shujin Academy
Ren was walking to homeroom as his phone buzzed.
Ann: Did you guys see the news? The police announced that Kaneshiro confessed.
Ryuji: On top of that, everyone is talking about us. I get everyone will now take us seriously.
Yusuke: This is quite the turnaround. All the sudden, people are expressing their life-long belief in us.
Minato: I imagine this is just the beginning.
Ren: We couldn't have done it without you and Makoto senpai.
Makoto: You give us too much credit.
Ann: This calls for a celebration party for our victory and our two new members.
Makoto: Let's hold off on that for now. Don't forget we have exams on the 13th. I expect you guys to not avoid studying.
Ryuji: You just had to bring that up.
Makoto: I'm serious, don't slack off.
Minato: Well you kids have fun with exams. I'm still trying learn how to make Sashimi at home.
"Oh tell him to save some for me if it come out right." Morgana said.
Ren: Mona said if it comes out right to save some for him.
Minato: Aren't you his owner though? Why am I feeding him?
"Wha- tell him I'm not a pet!" Morgana said.
Ren: Mona says he's not a pet so he feels entitled to some of your Sashimi.
"Hey don't go twisting my words, got it." Morgana warned. "I know, don't worry. I'm sure things will work out." Ren said as he continues to homeroom. With Kaneshiro now behind bars, the popularity of the Phantom Thieves seem to be on the rise and Ren figured they could continue to ride the momentum to stardom.
Done guys, I gotta say this was quite a turn in terms of character development and plot. So I'll now explain how I'm going to approach this story plot wise.
I'll mainly go by main events that happen in the game so any side quests that happen will be a rarity unless it write it in here. That being said I won't go by each chapter day by day much like this one unless I allow it to. For example the next chapter will probably start on the 13th, the day of the exams, to move the story forward so I'll be skipping unnecessary dates.
I'll be primarily exploring Ren's relationships with Kasumi/Sumire and Minato as the driver of this story while everyone else is secondary. I won't explore EVERYONE because that is just way too much content to dive in and explore. So mainly other Confidants of Ren will advance offscreen unless I write it in.
Also to help gather my thoughts on how I want each chapter to be tailored, I've been watching Youtuber JohneAwesome's playthrough of the game which I recommend watching as he seems to really know his stuff when it comes to say which Personas to use during battle for Ren and the progress of which Confidants he completes first. It really helps me out a lot.
For Minato's Confidant it will play a bit unorthodox as he'll aware of his own growth and impact in Ren's life so expect some fourth wall breaking during his Confidant.
Speaking of battle scenes, While Minato can use many Personas, I'll mainly be sticking him with his basic three (Orpheus Telos, Thanatos, and Messiah). Any other Personas he'll have on hand will be meant to use Fusion Spells to teach Ren.
That's all for now, hope you enjoy reading this. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.