Terribly sorry for not updating this story. That's my fault, other stuff has been coming up, but rest assured, I am doing my very best to try and update my other stories aside from the ones getting a lot of attention lately.

Okay, that's enough talking out me, here's a new chapter for you all.

Chapter 9

Studying:(+New Faces:)

5/ 9 Tuesday

Time: Evening

Weather: Cloudy (Pollen Warning)

Location: Kibo No Su Apartment Complex

Right now, Zach was hitting the books and he was very well deep into them. While he was more then thrilled about he and his new team completing their first successful heist, they were now on the lookout for a new target. But before they could, they had one thing to get past, and that was there Mid Term Exams. Once they were done with those, they'd get back into business.

As he scribbled down a few notes, the scared teen decided to take a small break. While doing so his phone buzzed. He picked it up and saw he got a text, from Max.

MT: Hey, Zach.

ZA: Hi Max.

ZA: How you doing? It's been a while since we last talked.

MT: Actually I was kind of hoping you'd text me once in a while...:(

MT: Not cool.

ZA: Sorry man, I'm sorry.

ZA: I've just been really occupied lately...And figured you wouldn't wanna be disturbed.

MT: I appreciate your concern for me getting better...But still wish you'd text me.

MT: Speaking of getting better, I'm starting too feel better.

ZA: You serious?

MT: Yeah, aunty say's I might have bill of recovery soon.

ZA: That's great news man.

MT: Thank you. Also, I need a request...

Zach chuckled a bit.

ZA: :)

ZA: Let me guess, you need help studying for the exam right?

MT: Yeah...

ZA: No problem dude...I'll help.

MT: Thank you.

MT: A million times thank you.

ZA: Okay, so how's about say you come to my place after school is over with for the day?

MT: Sounds good.

MT: Meet you there.

MT: Night Zach.

ZA: Night Max.

He put the phone down and checked the clock. " Hmm...I guess should call it a night for right now... "

5/10 Wednesday

Time: After School.

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Kibo No Su Apartment Complex

Currently right now, Max was waiting outside Zach's door. He had his backpack on, filled with the text books he needed. He's been there a few minutes and surely enough his patience was rewarded. Zach opened up the door, he had on a backpack of his own.

" About time you showed up. "

" Good to see you too, Max. " They then greeted one another with a custom handshake they made. Slide side five, followed by a tap back of their hands and finished off with a fist bump. " You feeling better? "

" Oh, yeah. Got Aunty's approval and everything. I feel good as a horse. And you my friend, are literally a blessing in disguise. "

" Don't get weird on me. We both know, that we suck at something and need each others help to live another day. "

" I know that. " Max replied with a smirk. " Now can we get going? "

" Hang on a sec. " Zach pokes his head through the door. " I'm taking off! "

" Be careful out there! " Zera replied as her son closed the door and they made their way to the elevators.

" So? Where we going? " MAx questioned.

" I figured the dinner downtown. "

" You sure about that? "

" Why not? We never get any trouble while were there. "

" I know that, it's just always better do it when it's raining. "

" True, very true. " Zach nodded his head. " But we've never been picky before have we? "

" Yeah, I guess. "

" Hello boys... " An intimidating femme voice said greeting the two. They turned around to see a woman standing there. This lady had a very well endowed slender figure in her middle thirties. She had short silver-blue hair, blue eyes and purple lipstick. She wears a white headscarf, a dark crimson sweater, with dark blue jeans and a pair of high heels to match. This was none other then the owner of the Apartment Complex Ishuri Kotana,

" Oh...Hi Mrs. Kotana. " Zach greeted as sincere as he possibly could.

She looked over to Max. " I heard you've gotten better Max, is that true? "

" Yeah...I have actually... " He replied back nervously. " We're just going out to study. "

" Very good thinking. Those tests are important. And how has your mother been feeling? "

" About the same. "

" Well, tell her to hang in there. Be careful on your way out boys. You never know who might be out there watching you. " With those words said, she walked away heading to a nearby elevator, and once the elevator doors closed Max scoffed.

" Bitch... " Max muttered underneath his breath in a whisper but Zach heard what he said and he couldn't blame him. Despite her appearance, Ishuri Nozomi was a problem then most people knew. They've known her since they were both little and lets just say they didn't have very much good comments about her. For one she was always nosey getting into other people's business, and truth be told a vast majority of the original people who were Zach's neighbors all moved out, minus a few of the older folks. It didn't take much to gather up, that a lot of people were afraid of her. Sometimes whatever she did or say goes, like she's some sort of master of the place.

But for Zach, he knew exactly what she was. The bitch was a parasite, who wanted to bleed dry anyone who she could possibly get her slimy hands on. As much as he wanted to say it to her face, he already had an objective to do today and that was get through the midterms.

With a sigh he put a hand on Max's shoulder. " Come on, let's get to dinner. "

" Alright... "

TAKE YOUR TIME...TIME SKIP

5/ 14 Saturday

Time: Early Morning

Location: Aoya Ichome Station.

It was now over. In the last four days Zach and Max had been doing their exams. After each day was done Zach would help Max study for the next parts. The exams consisted mostly of Biology, History, Math, English, & Social Studies. Zach had a hard time with Math witch was Max's best subject while in turn he had trouble with History which was what Zach was best at. But as for Biology and Social Studies both were entirely different stories, but no less they did all the studying they could. Now ultimately they'd have to wait for the test results to come out in about six days on the 20th.

Currently right now Zach had arrived at the subway while Max had gone on ahead. He didn't mind it though, because the rest of his team was there.

" *Yawn* So sleepy... " Ryuji exclaimed in a drowsy voice. " I ended up pullin' an all-nighter once I realized today's the last day of exams. "

" You? Staying up studying? " Morgana asked in absolute shock.

" Nah, I gave up on the exam. I was playin' some games, then before I knew it, it was morning. "

" Hate to break it you Ryuji. But you pretty much signed your death sentence. " Zach commented.

" Yeah, you're failing for sure. " Ren added with Ryuji shrugging his shoulders.

" Eh, it'll be fine. Nobody's expectin' anything of me, so I don't gotta worry about grades. "

" You say that now, but what if you gotta retake the whole grade itself? " Zach questioned raising an eyebrow bringing up a good point.

" I'll cross that dark bridge if I need to... " The former track star replied before they heard a yawn making them look over to see it was Ann.

" Morning... "

" Yo, look who else is yawnin'. " Ryuji noted.

" Exams are almost over, so I thought I'd make one last effort across the finish line. " She replied back rubbing her eye.

" Impressive, Lady Ann. " Morgana commented. " You're quite different from this stupid monkey I know. " He said making Zach hold back his laughter.

" Huh? " The said 'stupid monkey' looked at the cat. " Don't gimme that crap. Your brain's tiny compared to mine. "

" Size is meaningless if there's nothing inside you know. " The feline returned.

" Hahahaha...You got burned. " Zach said laughing away.

" What was that!? " He asked stomping his foot towards the cat who was unfazed much to Ann's annoyance.

" Ugh, will you please shut up!? You're gonna make me forget everything I memo- " She then paused and looked through the corner of her eye. " Am I imagining things? "

Ren noticed. " What's wrong? "

" What, you see a groper or something? " Ryuji asked.

" Geez, you really gotta say that outloud dude? " Zach questioned with an irritated look.

" No, that's not it. It's...nothing. " She answered trying to reassure them but Morgana didn't buy it. The train had now arrived and they had all got on board so that they could get to Shujin. Before long they had gotten off but kept their eyes open for anything that looked suspicious. They then went up the escalator and Ann turned around nervously and recoiled in shock.

" Oh my god, that guy got off! " Ren turned around to see what was going on while Zach and Ryuji continued looking forward. " Isn't this bad? "

Ryuji then gave off a yawn and stretched his arms into the air immediately making her angry for his response. " Hey! At least act like you care! " She said making Ren chuckle at their interaction.

" Fine... " Ryuji groaned rubbing the back of his head and got a more determined look and began to walk up the escalator. " Come on. "

" Huh? " Ann was confused.

" Just play along. " The scarred teen instructed as he picked up the pace and followed them. They then instructed Ann to stay a few feet away from the station and once her 'stalker' emerged they would confront him and have a small 'chat' with him. The sound of keys clinging. The clinging then stopped for a moment. It then began to pick up once more as this person walked closer and closer to Ann with their hand reaching out towards her. Within a few more feet Ann turned around with Ren, Ryuji and Zach stepping in the nick of time to confront this individual.

The individual then stopped retracting his hand back and tilted his head in confusion. He appeared to be well over between the age of 16 to 17. he had dark blue hair with parted bangs slightly covering his left eye and gray eyes. His clothing consisted that of a white gakuran-style shirt embroidered with a fleur-de-lis, fitted black pants and black loafers. A silver ring, that holds multiple keys, is attached to his belt loop.

" Uh... " They were all confused with Ryuji eyeing the guy before they all looked at Ann. " Hey, uh...are you sure it's him? Or are you just that self-conscious? " Ryuji asked making Ann blush in anger growling at him with Zach clearing his voice cutting her off.

" Is there something you want? " He asked before she pushed passed them and jabbed her finger straight into his face making him back up a bit do to personal space.

" That's my line! " She said with anger in her voice. " You were the one stalking me! "

" Stalking you? " The polite teen was confused and brushed a few bangs out of his eyes. " That's outrageous. "

" I know you've been following me! " She wouldn't let up. " Ever since the train! "

" If what she says is true, then anwser the question. " Zach demanded. " Why are you following her? "

" That's because..." He started to speak but was cut off because a black car rolled up grabbing their attention. As it stopped one of cars back black windows rolled down revealing a much older gentlemen sitting inside.

" My goodness...I had wondered why you left the car. " He said looking towards the individual sounding amused. " So this is where your passion led. All is well that ends well. " He then began to laugh not knowing he was getting a few awkward looks from the other teens. Once he was done laughing the strange boy brought a hand to his chest.

" I saw you from the car...and I couldn't help myself from chasing after you. I didn't even notice the calls from Sensei...But thank goodness, I caught up to you. "

" Ok... " Ann was still on edge but was very confused by where he was going with this.

" What? " Ryuji was just as confused.

" Uh...You've lost us... " Zach said while Ren stayed silent continuing to watch before the guy began to babble on in a weird way.

" You're the woman I've been searching for all this time! Please, won't you- "

" W-Wait a minute... " Ann said completely taken by the sudden turn of events thinking that this was something out of a cheap romance movie from Zach's guess. " I- "

He threw his arm aside. " Be the model for my next art piece!? " Everyone then calmed down upon hearing this but was still confused.

" M-Model? " The said girl was lost while the strange teen lowered his arm.

" All that I've drawn till now has been lacking, but I feel a passion from you unlike anyone else. "

" This man's highly suspicious! " Morgana cried out from inside Ren's bag.

" You just jelly... " Zach replied back.

" Ain't this a recruit for some shady business? " Ryuji asked not entirely sure of what to think.

" Will you cooperate with me? " He asked leaning forward. " What do you say? " Seeing this made Ryuji stomp his foot out preventing him from moving any further.

" Whoa! Hold your horses! Who're you anyways? " Ryuji questioned.

" Yeah, that'd be nice to know, considering you popped out of nowhere! " Zach added with the teen leaning back straightening himself.

" Oh, where are my manners? I'm a second-year at Kosei High's fine-art's division. My name is Yusuke Kitagawa. " He then pushes Ryuji aside. " I'm Madarame-sensei's pupil, and I am being allowed residence at his place. I'm striving to become an artist. " Zach instantly perked up upon hearing that name.

" Huh!? " Ann sounded shocked to hear this. " Do you mean THAT Madrame? The one who was on "Good Morning Japan" the other day? "

" The very same. " Yusuke confirmed getting a look from Ryuji.

" You know who that is? "

" He was introduced as a super-famous Japanese-style artist who's been recognized all over the world. " She explained before realizing something. " But we heard that name the other day- " She was cut off by Zach elbowing her not to say it out loud. The sound of a window rolling down was heard.

" Yusuke! "

" I'm sorry, Sensei. I'll be right there! " The teen said replying back to his teacher.

" That old guy's Madarame? " Ryuji questioned in confusion as Yusuke turned his attention back towards her.

" Madarame-Sensei's exhibition will begin at the department store near the station tomorrow. I'll be there to help out on opening day. Please come by. It'd be great if you could give me your answer in regard to being a model then... " He then brought out a few pieces of paper and glared at Ryuji, Ren and Zach " I bet you have no interest in the fine arts, but I'll give you tickets too. " Ann accepted them and put them into her school bag. He then walked towards the car and paused before turning his head over. " Well then, I hope to see you there tomorrow! " He then got into the car and went off with Zach giving it the bird showing it was meant for Yusuke.

" I have feeling I ain't gonna like that guy... " Zach commented lowering his middle finger.

" Yeah he's as easy to read as a book... " Ryuji added. " You're not plannin' on goin', are you? "

" I think I will. " She said before her phone buzzed making her look check it out and immediately panicked. " Crap! Look at the time! I'll see you later! " She then ran off in a hurry.

" How dare he go after Lady Ann... " Morgana growled. " I've memorized that face of yours, Yusuke! "

Zach gave the cat a flat unimpressed look. " You know it's not that kind of way right? "

TAKE YOUR TIME...

Time: After School.

Location: Shujin Academy.

As of the moment Zach and Max had just gotten drinks from the vending machines.

Both teens opened up their drinks and took big swigs of what they bought both of them sighing in content.

" Oh my god...It's finally over... " Max said in relief. " I thought I was gonna die..." He opened his drink and took a swig.

" Dude, take it easy... " Zach said plainly. " It's done and over with, and you my friend owe me. Big time. "

" Hey, no worries my brother, I plan to repay you ten fold! " The long raven haired teen replied with a grin. " At least I stood a chance thanks to you, it's the least I can d- " All the sudden Max paused freezing in place.

" Damn right you...do... " He noticed his friends state. " Max you okay? Max? " He still wouldn't reply and so he looked to where he was looking. Walking past them was a girl with brown hair in a bob cut with blunt bangs and a French-braid styled headband that matches her hair color and had very adnormal red eyes. She clearly went to their school since she was wearing the uniform. Everyone knew who she was, Makoto Nijima, the student council president.

" Wow... " Max said in a daze as he watched her leave out of sight.

" Huh? " Zach was confused and then pieced it together. He gave his friend a dumbfounded look. " Wait you? Oh no...Max are you serious? "

" What? " He turned to him.

" You're head over heels for Nijimia-senpai? Out of all the girls in this school you could possibly into, it's her? "

" N-No! " He replied quickly while staggering a bit with a light blush on his cheeks. " What gave you that impression!? "

Zach gained a smirk. " Now its starting to make since. I've seen you look at her every single chance you get. What's up with that? "

" I don't know...what you're talking about... " Max replied looking away before Zach used his metal arm to pull his ear. Normally, it would defiantly hurt, but with Zach's prosthetic it was even worse. " Oooooowwww! Ow, ow! Okay, uncle, uncle! " He said patting his friends arm rapidly until he let go. " Ow... " He rubbed his sore ear. " That hurt... "

" Aannnnd? " Zach said wanting his friend to spill the beans. " Have you even talked to her? "

" Eh...Sometimes... " He said fidgeting his fingers together.

" Is there more to this? " Zach raised an eyebrow.

" No. "

" Come on Max, I love you like a brother man. And I'm just gonna say this, with all honesty. That's a load of bullshit "

" Okay, okay... " Max finally admitted defeat. " I've known her since middle school... "

The scarred teen gave him a dumbfounded look and urged him to continue. " How come you never told me this? "

" It was kind of personal to me...Up till now that is... " He grumbled the last part. " I was once going to try and talk to her, but then, there was your accident. "

" Oh... " Hearing that made Zach glance down at his prosthetic feeling kind of bad for ruining his friends chance at trying to talk to his crush. " That makes a little sense. But why don't you just go talk to her then? " Zach questioned.

" I...I...I don't know what to say... "

Zach sighed upon hearing this. " Dude, you've gotta get out more... "

" Easy for you to say, you never had a girlfriend or even a love interest. "

" Yeah, so? It just never really caught my attention. " Zach gained a solemn look. " Plus, I'm just repeating words my old man would say... "

Max chuckled lightly. " Yeah, he did always say stuff didn't he? "

" I wish he was still here... " Zach said gazing up at the sky. " He'd know what to say to you right now...Probably both of us for that matter... "

" Yeah he would've. "

Zach looked at his watch. " Well, my times up. I gotta go run an errand for mom. "

" Oh, okay. Hey, Zach, you think we could possibly maybe hang out tomorrow? "

" Yeah, we'll see what happens. Take it easy Max. "

" Later Zach. "

TAKE YOUR TIME...

Location: Shibuya Station

As of the moment Zach had a small bag of groceries and was currently with the group. Now he didn't lie to Max. He did in fact had to run an errand for his mom he just didn't mention he'd be hanging out with other people on that same day so technically he didn't lie.

" Mmmmmmm, it's over! " Ann exclaimed happily stretching her arms over her body happily.

" It's over... " Ryuji added sounding not very happy and looked over to Ren and Zach. " How 'bout you guys? " He asked.

" I'm feeling confidant. " Ren answered straihtening his glasses with a smirk.

" Eh, about the same. " The scarred teen answered in a flat tone.

" You...traitors! " Ryuji exclaimed dramatically making Zach hold back his laughter. " Anyways, can we stop talkin' about the exams? Like it or not they're gonna come back graded next week. " He then brought out his phone. " Rather than focus on stuff that's over with... "

" What're you looking at? " Ann asked.

" The usual site. " Ryuji answered. " It's no use. There ain't any useful info. The number of posts are gettin' less and less too... "

" I am not letting this end as a one-hit wonder, okay? " Morgana said popping out of Ren's bag.

" I'm with him on that one. " Zach agreed.

" Well, there's no point in getting antsy about it. " Ann said before getting an idea. " I know! Why don't we go eat lunch somewhere? We still have some money left over from the other day "

" I want sushi then! " Ryuji instantly spoke up liking the suggestion. " Or domestic-raised eel! "

" We don't have THAT much left. Oh right. There are those tickets to Madarame's exhibit! " She then paused in realization. " Wait...that's tomorrow. "

" Don't tell me... " Morgana said sounding worried and frightful. " Was it love at first sight with that Yusuke guy? "

" It's not like that. " She replied in an annoyed tone.

" O-Of course not... " The cat said sounding very relieved to hear.

" When I was watching that special on TV, his artwork was pretty nice. Plus we've got free tickets. Besides, this could be related to what we heard in Mementos. "

" You know, now that were on the subject, that's actually been on my mind all day. " Zach spoke up grabbing their attention. " What Nakanohara said is still fresh in my head. And today we meet a guy named Madarame. "

" It might've been just a coincidence though. " Ryuji said.

" Hrmmm... " Morgana hummed in thought as he was curious about this as well. " Actually, Zach maybe onto something here... "

" Yeah. Don't you all remember what he said? " Zach added in more. " He said how his teacher he stole everything from and threw him out into the street. We gotta look into this. "

" I agree. " Ren spoke up. " First the tip we got from Mementos, and now we have someone who has the same last name? Were defiantly going to. "

" We will. " Ann said. " But that, aside, what should I do about the other two tickets? Want to go appreciate some fine arts for once? "

" Fine Arts huh... " Ryuji said sounding not entirely invested into the whole thing.

" I suggest, we should all go together! " Morgana spoke up. " Appreciating the fine arts builds character. A phantom thief who can't identify an original is lame. "

" Uh guys... " Zach spoke up but Ryuji beat him to the punch.

" Well, if everyone's going... "

" Guys... " He continued trying to speak but kept getting cut off.

" It's settled then! " Ann.

" Guys... " He was slowly starting to get irritated.

" I'm looking forward to it. " Ren said.

" Hello... " Zach tried to get their attention but they kept ignoring him.

" Just the phrase 'going to an art exhibit' sounds kinda mature. " Anne continued.

" GUYS! " He yelled finally getting their attention. " Finally... " He said in relief. " Yeah, listen about the whole art exhibit, I'm not gonna be able to make it. "

" Why? " Ren questioned.

" I promised my friend Max we'd hang out tomorrow. "

" What!? Just change your plans! " Ryuji said.

" No! " The scarred teen replied back. " He's been sick for weeks, and he just better. Plus, I gotta do this so it doesn't raise suspicion! "

" Zach does have a point. " Morgana said. " We are trying to keep our identity's a secret. Besides we're doing the infiltration ourselves. Until he awakens his Persona, it'll be okay. "

" Are you sure that you can't make him change his mind? " Ann asked.

" It wasn't just him. My little brother and sister too. It's supposed to be a fun day for all of us. "

" I have no objections of him not coming. " Ren spoke up and looked over to him nodding his head. " It's alright Zach, we'll be okay, but we'll be sure to keep you updated. "

" I'll keep you guy's word on that. See ya. " With that said he made his way out.

To be continued

Now replying back to reviewers

ROCuevas.

Thank you very much man. And sorry for the wait.