I do not own Persona

It is owned by Atlus

I just own my OC's

Enjoy!

Date: 4/14/20XX

Day: Thursday

Time of Day: Evening

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Leblanc Cafe

Ren stepped into the cafe and was met with the questioning yet irritated face of Sojiro. He stopped in front of the older man who gave Ren a stern look from his crossword puzzle.

"You're late," Sojiro said. "Where have you been?"

Ren knew in his mind that Sojiro wouldn't believe him if he told him he was with a girl. This was true since Ren was speaking to Ann earlier about her problems with Kamoshida. Ren thought of something else to tell him.

"I got lost," Ren sighed at his quick excuse. Sojiro gave Ren an incredulous expression. Ren figured the cafe owner wouldn't believe that judging by the glare he gave him.

"How directionally challenged can you be?" Sojiro asked. "By the way, you haven't been hanging around any bad influences, have you?"

"Are you asking if I made any friends?" Ren nodded with a smile. "Then, yeah. I actually made two friends." Ren was talking about Ryuji and Hiro since they were pretty much the only people who even talk to him at Shujin and because of their current objective.

"They've gotta be pretty strange to want to spend time with you," Sojiro quipped. "Just make sure you know who your friends are. If you don't want them ruining your life."

"I'm trying to be careful," Ren declared. "I'll behave."

"Look at the time," Sojiro yawned as he looked at the clock. "Seriously, think about how I feel having to stay up here waiting for you." Sojiro put his newspaper down on the counter. "I'm leaving. In the future, try not to come back so damn late. Understood?"

"Understood," Ren nodded and went up to Leblanc's attic to get ready for bed. Ren set down his bag as his phone sounded off letting him know he has a message and pulled it from his pocket.

[Chat IM]

[Ryuji S.]: So, whaddya guys think about what Morgana told us?

[Ryuji S.]: I dunno if I get all that stuff about stealing desires...

[Ryuji S.]: And Kamoshida's gonna turn like, brain dead if we mess up, right?

[Ryuji S.]: I mean, sure I'm pissed at him...

[Ryuji S.]: But I dunno if I really wanna kill the guy...

[Yasuhiro I.]: Same for me, too...

[Ren A.]: Yeah, that's too much.

[Ryuji S.]: For sure.

[Ryuji S.]: I mean, maybe I'm just freaking out, but I don't wanna end up a murderer cause of this shit.

[Ren A.]: Neither of us do, Ryuji...

[Yasuhiro I.]: Morgana's idea is an option but it's the riskiest one...

[Ryuji S.]: Oh well...

[Ryuji S.]: I'll try and see if I can come up with some other way tonight...

Ren could tell that neither Hiro nor Ryuji couldn't find any other way to deal with Kamoshida. Going with Morgana's option to steal his heart meant that he could die if not given the proper care. Ren was all for taking down Kamoshida now after what Takamaki had told him today. Takamaki's tearful eyes were still etched into his mind. Ren saw the confusion and hurt as she asked him what she should do. Hopefully, tomorrow Hiro, Ryuji, and himself will figure something out.


Date: 4/15/20XX

Day: Friday

Time of Day: Early Morning

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Shujin Academy

"You wanna hang out after school before heading home?" Hiro asked Makoto as they walked down the path leading to Shujin.

"Sure, I don't mind," Makoto replied. "Sis told me she's not going to be home the next few nights."

"Really?" Hiro questioned. "How long does Sae stay gone for?"

"Because of her work, she usually stays gone for quite a while," Makoto sighed.

"So, you're home alone then?" Hiro frowned. His Dad would also stay gone for a long time due to work. Luckily, his Dad would cook plenty of leftovers for him and Hamuko to eat. In return Hiro and Hamuko do the cleaning, taking turns handling the dishes and laundry. Makoto must be all alone at her home since Sae is busy working.

"It's alright, really," Makoto assured. "While sis is away I cook dinner and clean in return. It's not all bad, Hiro. Don't worry about me."

"I know," Hiro said. "Listen, how about one of these days you come to my house? You can spend time with Hamuko and have some of Dad's cooking. So, how about it?"

"I'd like that," a smile spread across Makoto's face. "Just let me know when's a good time."

"It's a plan," Hiro smiled back. Their attention was brought to a pair of Shujin girls talking in front of them.

"I can't believe Suzui-senpai missed such an important meeting. I wonder what happened."

"Mr. Kamoshida asked to see her. I've been hearing rumors about how Mr. Kamoshida and Suzui-senpai stay late together..."

"I wonder what's going on... You don't think they're...? Nah, it couldn't be..."

"Man, It's been nothing, but bad news lately. I'm worried about the future..."

"Oh, that reminds me. Apparently, a guest is coming to school today. Some young guy I think..."

"Oh? Tell me more..."

What the two girls mentioned before caused Hiro's face to pale. He talked to Shiho when she asked him how it feels to not be on the Volleyball team anymore. Hiro was feeling that way due to him awakening Mordred and fighting back against the Kamoshida from the castle. He had no clue how she took him saying he was 'refreshed' which was how he could put it into words.

Did Suzui-san meet with Kamoshida after they talked yesterday? Hiro was still at school studying with Makoto, so he could have prevented her from going to Kamoshida.

Dammit, Kamoshida... Hiro thought angrily. You better not had done anything to hurt Suzui-san.

"Hiro...?" Makoto's voice called as Hiro was brought out of his head. She might've been trying to get his attention and wasn't listening to her.

"You look pale?" Makoto questioned. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Hiro assured but the face Makoto probably figured he wasn't telling the truth. He couldn't help but be concerned for Suzui-san. Hopefully, she's at school so he can talk to her again. Once at school, Hiro and Makoto stopped by their lockers to grab the textbook for their first class. He took out his phone and started to message Ryuji.

[Chat IM]

[Yasuhiro I.]: Ryuji, you at school?

[Ryuji S.]: Yeah, I'm trying to catch some extra Z's before class...

[Yasuhiro I.]: You and Suzui-san share the same class, right?

[Ryuji S.]: Yeah?

[Ryuji S.]: Dude, she ain't gonna talk. I already tried...

[Yasuhiro I.]: Is she in the classroom right now?

[Ryuji S.]: Now that you mention it, no she isn't...

[Ryuji S.]: She's usually already in by the time I get here.

[Yasuhiro I.]: Okay...

[Yasuhiro I.]: Let me know if you have seen her.

[Ryuji S.]: Okay, but why...?

[Yasuhiro I.]: Because she might be in trouble.

[Ryuji S.]: You don't think Kamoshida...

[Yasuhiro I.]: I'm not deciding anything yet.

Hiro shoves his phone in his pocket and heads to his classroom with Makoto. Makoto's seat was the second seat in the fourth row. Hiro's seat was also in the same row but was the fourth seat. He sat at his desk and this would be when he pulls out any necessary books he uses for class but he couldn't focus. Hiro was worried if anything happened to Shiho. Hiro took his phone back out and messaged Ryuji.

[Chat IM]

[Yasuhiro I.]: Anything...?

[Ryuji S.]: Nah, she still ain't here.

[Ryuji S.]: She could be fine. She sometimes comes in late anyways...

[Ryuji S.]: If Kamoshida did do something to Suzui, I just might go through with Morgana's plan...

[Yasuhiro I.]: Same, honestly.

[Yasuhiro I.]: She might be alright. Sorry for freaking out like this...

[Ryuji S.]: It's all good. I feel the same.

Shiho hasn't shown up to her classroom yet. Hiro was still concerned about her. Maybe he needs to find someone who might know her whereabouts and who is better than her best friend. Hiro scooted out of his seat and started heading toward the door. On his way there, he was halted in his tracks by someone taking him by the wrist. He saw the curious look of Makoto staring at him.

"Where are you going?" Makoto asked.

"Oh, I'm just off to the bathroom," Hiro came up with an excuse.

"Right now...?" Makoto questioned with a surprised expression. "You do know class is about to start in five minutes."

"Of course, that's why I'm going to be quick," Hiro promised. "I'm gonna be back before class begins." Hiro gently took her hand off his wrist. "I'll be back soon," Hiro reassured promptly left the classroom.


Ann was on her way to her class. Yesterday she was feeling awful due to that phone call with Kamoshida. But she was happy there was someone willing to listen. Ren Amamiya was a mystery. Ann had heard plenty of rumors about him. Like him carrying a gun, a knife, and doing drugs. None of those were true, especially the drug one. But no, the Amamiya-kun she talked to yesterday was nothing like those rumors.

After Ann talked to Ren she tried to call Shiho but got no answer. She tried calling a few times but again she got nothing. Ann took to sending texts to Shiho but didn't receive any back.

[Chat IM]

[Ann T.]: Shiho! You there...?

[Ann T.]: I tried calling you...

[Ann T.]: I've been doing some thinking.

[Ann T.]: I wanna tell you over the phone so call back when you can.

[Ann T.]: Shiho?

[Ann T.]: Are you there?

[Ann T.]: I'm getting really freaked out here...

[Ann T.]: If you see this please call me!

[Ann T.]: I need to hear your voice...

Ann was getting worried here that Shiho hasn't responded to anything. Ann will keep trying hoping Shiho will eventually let her know she's alright.

"Hey, Takamaki-san,"

Ann turned and saw Isamashi-senpai making his way toward her. Most of the time she's seen Isamashi-senpai he was a pretty calm person at Shujin. But as of right now, he looked worried.

"Hey, Isamashi-senpai," Ann greeted. "You look... worried. Is something wrong?"

"I wanted to ask if you've seen Suzui-san?" Hiro asked. "You're her best friend so I was hoping you would know."

"Actually, no," Ann shook her head sadly. "I've been trying but she hasn't responded to any of my calls or texts."

"Oh, I see," Isamashi-senpai frowned.

Isamashi-senpai was another who has rumors spread about him but he seemed to ignore them. He was on the Volleyball team but quit which is what made him a target for the said rumors. Ann didn't agree with those rumors since Shiho seemed to really admire Isamashi-senpai which made him seem alright to Ann herself. He recently started hanging around Amamiya-kun and Sakamoto, it was understandable since they each had stories about them.

"Sorry for bothering you, Takamaki-san," Isamashi-senpai apologized.

"It's alright, Senpai," Ann replied.

"Thank you," Senpai nodded. "I'll see you around."

"Yeah," Ann said as Isamashi-senpai walked away. Ann stepped inside her classroom ignoring the eyes sent her way as she made her way to her desk by the window. She saw Amamiya-kun already in his seat, he was busy staring out the window with his chin rested in his palm.

"Good morning," Ann greeted him as she walked to her desk and placed her bag on it. Ren turned his head from the window to look at her.

"Morning," Ren addressed her as she started going through her bag. Ann stared at him as he returned his focus to the window. Ann was grateful to him. It was nice to actually get all of that off her chest to someone since she had no one else to talk to about it to.

"Thanks for yesterday," Ann said to him.

"Don't mention it," Amamiya smiled. "Glad I could help."

"I'll make it up to you one of these days," Ann promised.

"No need," Amamiya shook his head. "It's fine." Ann thought it was nice Amamiya wasn't one of those people to expect things in return.

"Still though..." Ann said as she sat down. "I won't forget it."

"I didn't do much," Amamiya said. "All I did was lend an ear."

"Would you just let me say 'thank you'?" Ann smirked.

"Fine, 'you're welcome,'" Ren rolled his eyes playfully. "That better?"

"Yep, better," Ann laughed.

"Hear Takamaki's giggle? What a whore." a couple of girls were talking from the next row.

"I know, right? She dates Mr. Kamoshida and now she's hooking up with the transfer student. Not surprised she's into bad boys..."

Ann ignored what the two girls were talking about. It was always like this, so she was used to but it was still pain. She looked at Amamiya who kept his gaze at the window though she knows he had to have heard what those girls said.

"Don't worry about things like that, okay?" Ann told him with a small smile as Ren looked at her.

"Right," Ren said with a nod.


Hiro was never one to skip out on class. Here he was, hiding out in the second-floor bathroom. Ryuji mentioned Suzui sometimes came in late for class so it was sort of important he wait and see if that was true. He'll have to apologize to his teacher for ditching class. Hiro sighed as he remembered he'll have to do the same apology to Makoto after he promised he would be back before the bell rang. He was already getting constant messages sent which were obviously from Makoto.

Way to go, Hiro... he thought.

Thankfully, his patience was about to pay off. Hiro heard footsteps slowly ascending up the steps. He peeked out from the bathroom and his eyes widened once he saw Shiho Suzui. Hiro was pleased to see her but something seemed off about her. Hiro hid behind the bathroom doorway as he caught a glimpse of her face. Her eyes looked completely devoid of life. She wasn't heading to her class was making her up the next set of stairs leading to the third floor.

Somethings wrong... thought Hiro. I need to follow her.

Once Shiho left his sight up the steps, Hiro carefully went after her and tried his best to not make any noise so she wouldn't hear him. He peered around the corner and saw her ascending the next set of stairs which brought her to the school's upper floor.

But those lead to the roof... why is she going there?

Hiro went up the steps and heard Shiho open the door that led to the school roof and leaving it wide open. He watched her approach the fence that surrounded the roof. Hiro's eyes widened as he saw her start climbing the fence and hoped she was not about to do what he thought she was. Hiro knew that if he stormed out there she might get spooked and let go of the fence. He felt the need to contact someone. Anyone who can hopefully help.

Hiro reached for his phone and thought about texting Ren and Ryuji until caught sight of the messages that come from Makoto. This was a student emergency so contacting her would be a good idea. If Suzui-san really was going to go through with what she was doing then he knew Makoto would definitely want to help.

[Chat IM]

[Makoto N.]: Hiro, why are you not in class?

[Yasuhiro I.]: This is important. Suzui-san is at the school.

[Yasuhiro I.]: She's on the roof climbing over the fence! I'm afraid she might jump!

[Makoto N.]: Are you serious!

[Yasuhiro I.]: Can you help?

[Makoto N.]: Hiro, keep Suzui-san busy and talk to her until I get there...

[Makoto N.]: I'm on my way!

Hiro breathed out as he walked onto the roof. He saw Shiho had already made it over the fence and only stared at the ground below. Hiro used a slow approach not wanting to spook Shiho and wanted to help her any way he can. He swallowed a lump in his throat and finally spoke.

"Suzui-san..." Hiro said. Shiho quickly turned her head her eyes wide eas she noticed him.

"Isamashi-senpai," Shiho murmured. "W-Why are you here...?"

"I was around hoping I'd run into you..." Hiro mentioned as he rubbed the back of his head. "Climb back over..." Hiro walked toward her. "I'll catch-"

"Stay away!" Shiho warned as Hiro halted in his tracks. "Don't come any closer..."

"Suzui-san, why are you doing this...?" Hiro wondered.

"I-I..." she choked out. "I just can't take it anymore. K-K-Ka-" her voice shook as she couldn't seem to get the word out.

"Kamoshida," Hiro finished as he noticed the painful expression in her eyes. He could barely see her face but heard her quiet sobs as they were the only noise that filled the silence on that rooftop. Hiro didn't know what Kamoshida had done to this poor girl but the very thought of whatever it was caused something in him to boil and clenched his fist so hard his knuckles turned white.

Damn you, Kamoshida... Hiro thought. What did you do this time!

"Suzui, please don't do this..." Hiro tries to reason. "If you do, think about your family would if you do this and think about how Takamaki-san would feel. She's your best friend and you should confide in her." Shiho clasped a hand over her mouth as she sobbed, likely at the mention of her friend. "Look, whatever happened, I'm very sorry you went through that. I've been through it, too. I was serious when I said if you want to talk I'd be willing to listen and that time is now. Please, climb over that fence and let me help you."

Hiro noticed Shiho seemed to be thinking about her options even though she was turned away from him. If she is doing this, then whatever Kamoshida had done must have been worse. Hiro hoped she would come to her senses come back over the fence.

"You're so strong, Senpai," Shiho said. "When we talked yesterday, I could tell you're the same strong person you always were. Not just that, you were able to keep going after what you went through on the volleyball team. If I ever were to quit volleyball just like how you did, I felt that maybe I could feel the same way. I really appreciate you coming to help me... though I feel any help is beyond me at this point."

Shiho turned her head to look at Hiro with tears leaking from her eyes. Hiro saw the hurt in her eyes and voice. He couldn't find any more words to say as the poor girl standing at the edge of the building has seemed to have completely given up on life. Hiro figured he had to say something, reason with her more so she can see that there's always a better way. But what else can he say?

"Suzui, I'm begging you..." Hiro pleaded. "Please. Don't do this."

"Thank you... Isamashi-senpai," Shiho Suzui murmured with a tearful smile before she stepped off the ledge.

"SUZUI!" Hiro shouted as he reached for her.


Moments before this occurred...

"So, I assume all of you know about the separation of powers? There are three branches in our government."

Ren's class was listening to Mr. Ushimaru's lecture. Mr. Ushimaru was a stern instructor and seems to take his job seriously. If he caught a student not paying attention whatsoever he would chuck a piece of chalk in the middle of the student's forehead. Ren paid attention as the teacher kept going on about the branches of the government.

"The National Diet is legislative, the Cabinet is executive, and the Supreme Court is judiciary," Ushimaru explained. "This division of power provides checks and balances, which ensures no one branch becomes unstoppable."

Ren couldn't help but hear some shuffling from the hole in his desk. He looked down and saw a familiar shade of blue eyes, black fur, and yellow collar as Ren held in the gasp from his lips.

"Have you made up your mind?" Morgana questioned. "No matter how much thinking you do, there's only one option. You'd be better off just listening to me."

"Why are you in there?" Ren whispered back. "And be quiet. People will hear you.

"Did I just hear a cat just now?" Ushimaru wondered.

"M-M-Meow!" Morgana blurted out which caused Ren to frown at the cat.

Really... Ren thought with an incredulous look toward Morgana.

"Could that rumored cat be somewhere nearby?" Ushimaru said. "Settle down! We're in the middle of an important lecture!"

The teacher went back to write something on the board. Morgana was lucky Ushimaru was so focused on his lecture than him being in the classroom. Ren felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out found a message from Ryuji.

[Chat IM]

[Ryuji S.]: It's no use... I can't think of any other way...

[Ren A.]: You should concentrate on class.

[Ryuji S.]: I can't deal with that shit right now. I mean, what're we gonna do about Kamoshida?

[Ryuji S.]: Do we just gotta go along with what that cat says?

[Ryuji S.]: Urgh, that stupid furball...

"If he only knew I'm reading this too..." Morgana commented as Ren pocketed his phone.

"Hey... What's that...!?" a male student alerted as he stood from his seat.

"Enough!" Ushimaru ordered. "This is a classroom!"

"Wait..." said a female student. "She's going to jump!"

"Suzui...?" Mishima called in surprise as he stood from his chair.

"Shiho...?" Ann was now put on alert hearing her best friend's name. Students were hopping out of their seats and leaving the classroom.

"Hey! Stay in your seats!" Ushimaru was trying to keep order but the students ignored him. Ann herself darted out of the classroom as Ren sprinted after her. Ann planted her hands on the window as she saw Shiho. She was standing dangerously close on the edge of the roof opposite their building. From across the way, when Ren squinted he saw someone else behind Shiho.

"Is that Isamashi-senpai...?" a female student wondered. "What's he doing on the roof with Suzui?"

"You don't think he's over there telling her to jump, do you?" another asked.

Ren knew that was not the case. From what Ren knew about Hiro, he knew he wasn't the type to tell someone to do something like that. Hiro was a pretty honorable guy as Ren figured he had to be trying to help Suzui. Ren saw Hiro trying to talk to Shiho but she seemed to not be listening. Shiho said something to him and dropped from the ledge. Every student screamed as Ren heard Ann's audible gasp as Shiho hit the ground in the school courtyard.

"Calm down!" Ushimaru commanded but went unheard. "Back to your seats!"

"No... Why?" Ann choked as she backed away from the window. "Shiho...!" Ann pushed past Ren and ran down the hall. Ren was about to follow her until Ryuji approached him.

"Hey! What's goin' on!?" Ryuji questioned. "We should head to the courtyard too!"

"Then let's go!" Ren decided as he and Ryuji made their way downstairs.


Once Shiho stepped off the edge, Hiro felt as if time stopped. He collapsed on his knees as his shoulders slumped with his hands falling to his sides. Hiro hoped this wasn't real and he was going to wake up and find out this was all a bad dream.

But it wasn't...

"Hiro!" he heard Makoto's shaky voice signaling that she ran all the way here. "Hey, Hiro...? Where is Suzui-san?" Makoto managed to quickly put together what happened. "Oh, Suzui-san...!" Makoto gasped as she cupped a hand over her mouth. "I couldn't get here in time. By the time I reached the second-floor students flooded the halls." Makoto walked and stopped just behind Hiro. "What happened, Hiro? Did... did you talk to her?"

"I tried..." Hiro said shakily. "I tried to talk to her but I couldn't stop her from... from..." Hiro turned his head only to the shocked/worried expression written all over her face. Hiro ultimately failed to try and save Suzui who felt she was beyond saving. Hiro felt a single tear leak from one of his eyes. He didn't think this would affect him that much as he and Suzui weren't the best of friends but he wished they could've been.

"Hiro..." Makoto murmured as she approached him. Hiro tore his head away as he didn't want Makoto to see him like this. It's been a while since he shed tears. He must look vulnerable and weak to her right now. Hiro's hand balled into a fist as he raised it and punched the ground below him.

"Dammit!" Hiro cursed as his hand hit the ground. It never cracked like when he awakened Mordred but he didn't have that kind of strength in the real world. It isn't like that really mattered right now as a girl had just fallen off a building and Hiro could do nothing to stop it.

"Dammit!" Hiro struck the ground once more. He was so angry at himself that he had to do it again. Hiro stopped altogether as he felt something press against him from behind and felt a pair of arms wrap around his torso. He turned his head and found Makoto kneeling and embraced him. Hiro felt a sense of calm wash over him from Makoto's hold.

"Stop it..." she pleaded. "Being angry with yourself won't change anything." Makoto's head pressed against his back. "I know you did all you could, Hiro."

Hiro didn't feel like he did all he could. But he was calming down thanks to Makoto. He felt lucky to have a friend like her. Leave it to her to be someone to tell him to get it together. Hiro touched her hand and patted it gently as Makoto looked at him.

"Are you... okay now?" Makoto asked slowly.

"I wouldn't say that..." Hiro sighed. "But I do feel a bit relaxed..." Makoto released her arms from around as she stood. She made her way around to his front to give him a hand up. Hiro took it as she brought him to his feet. "Come on, we should get down there."

"Right," Makoto agreed. Hiro raced down the steps with Makoto trailing behind.

"You sure you can keep up?" he wondered.

"Don't worry about me," Makoto promised. "We need to hurry anyhow!"

Hiro was impressed that Makoto kept up with him all the way down the steps. He remembered she did Aikido. Or did she still do it? Hiro had to keep the focus on the current situation. Hiro and Makoto reached the first floor and headed to the door that leads out the courtyard. The only problem was that it was packed with students trying to get a look at what was happening outside.

"Did she really jump? I can't see!"

"I wanna get a closer look!"

Hiro couldn't help but shake his head at the students crowding the entrance making comments like that. It was downright sickening that they felt the need to say things openly like that.

You can only say that because it didn't happen to you... Hiro thought. Hiro looked back at Makoto and saw the distressed expression on her face. She was probably wondering how awful this whole thing was and why Suzui would do this.

"Mako, don't blame yourself," Hiro told her.

"How could I not?" Makoto frowned. "A student was suffering and I didn't do anything to help. I feel bad that I didn't try hard enough to help Suzui-san..."

"You still can," Hiro told her as Makoto stared at him with wide eyes.

"Uh, I don't follow..." Makoto tilted her head.

"Just stay close," Hiro said as he took Makoto by the wrist. He pulled her along which caused her to release a surprised gasp from her mouth.

"I-Is this really necessary...?" Makoto questioned as she was pulled along by Hiro.

"Pardon me," Hiro said as he weaved through the students.

"Hey!"

"Coming through,"

"Watch it!"

"Make way,"

"Excuse you!"

"Student Council emergency," Hiro stated leading Makoto through the crowd.

"Please, excuse us," Makoto murmured.

Hiro reached the front of the crowd with Makoto. They saw the paramedics have arrived on the scene and were placing Shiho on a stretcher. Hiro's breath hitched as he laid eyes on her. It hurt to see Shiho like that knowing he could have done something or said anything else to help her. Looking around, he saw people with phones out taking pictures and videos, teachers trying to explain that class is still in session, he also saw Ann with tears in her eyes for her face for her best friend and found Ren and Ryuji behind her.

"What the hell's wrong with these people!?" Ryuji questioned.

I know, Hiro thought. It's disrespectful that they think recording this whole thing is okay.

"We need someone to go with her..." called a paramedic once they secured Shiho in the stretcher. "Are there any teachers around?"

"I'm not in charge of her class though..." a teacher said.

"We should leave this to Principal Kobayakawa..." suggested another. A distraught Ann makes eye contact with Ren who's in the crowd. Ren nodded his head as Ann returned the gesture and turned to face the paramedic.

"I'll go!" Ann decided.

"Please hurry!"

Ann rushed to Shiho's side and knelt to her level. She wiped her tears but that didn't stop them from leaking from her eyes. Hiro sighed at the scene as this whole thing must be awful for Ann. Hiro turned his eyes toward Makoto who's likely upset about not being able to help. Hiro touched her shoulder which caused her to slightly jump as she stared at him.

"Hiro...?" Makoto mouthed.

"Look at all these people," was all Hiro said. "What are you going to do, Miss President?" Makoto seemed shocked by his words. Hiro saw her face steel with determination as Makoto stepped in front of the crowd with her arms out blocking the scene.

"Everyone!" Makoto announced loud enough for the crowd to hear. "I ask that you please put away your phones! Members of Student Council: I need your assistance! Immediately!"

"Hey!" a nosey male student called at her. "Out of the way!" he was one of the many students recording this whole ordeal. Hiro couldn't stand by and stood in the way of the students' camera. "Hey, what the-"

"Do as she says," Hiro told him.

"Says who...?" the student scoffed. Hiro's only response was to step closer to the student. Hiro wasn't one to use his height for intimidation but it seemed to work since the student seemed to have backed off and put his phone away as did others but that didn't mean everyone listened.

Hiro brought his eyes back to Makoto who had managed to get the other members of the student council to form a line covering the scene. Makoto returned the look as she gave him an appreciative smile. Hiro nodded and stepped through the crowd and headed toward Ren and Ryuji. Hiro brought his attention to Shiho with Ann beside her. He couldn't hear what they were saying but he heard Ann drop Kamoshida's name.

"No, Shiho!" Ann shouted before Shiho passed out. They put Shiho in the ambulance as Ann climbed inside with her and left the school grounds.

"The volleyball team..." Ryuji murmured.

"Guys!" Hiro called as he approached them.

"Hiro!" Ren said.

"Return to your classrooms at once!" a teacher called trying to keep order and get students' attention. Hiro along with Ren and Ryuji saw Mishima make a dash through the crowd.

"Mishima..." Hiro muttered.

"Yeah, he was acting weird, wasn't he?" Ryuji wondered.

"Definitely," Ren stated. "He knows something."

"We're gonna make him talk this time," Ryuji decided as they went after Mishima.


Once the ambulance left, which allowed the student council members to relax. Makoto still wished she could have done more to help Suzui-san. As the ambulance drove off Principal Kobayakawa showed up. Makoto couldn't believe it took the principal this long to arrive on the scene. If there's a student in danger he should have been here a lot sooner. Like she was any better, all she did was try to stop people from taking photos.

"Teachers, return to your classrooms for the time being!" Kobayakawa exclaimed. "Please do not let any students go home yet!"

"That's right," a voice said. It sounded familiar to Makoto. She turned around and her eyes widened when she saw Akitoshi. She saw a bit of grey in his dark hair and found that he did resemble an older version of Hiro, albeit the hair a different color. "We need to ask the teachers and students questions regarding what happened." Akitoshi addressed the officers with him. "Get to questioning them while I have a chat with the principal."

The officers dispersed to speak to the teachers and students. Makoto approached Akitoshi as he talked to the principal.

"I'll answer any questions you have," Kobayakawa said. "I don't think I'll be to tell you much-"

"That's fine," Akitoshi stated. "Can we talk in your office?"

"O-Of course," Kobayakawa stammered. "Please, follow me." The principal walked as Akitoshi followed. Makoto made her way up to Akitoshi as soon as he could leave. He was currently working but she wanted to talk to him.

"Um, Aki-san...?" Makoto said meekly as she approached Akitoshi. Makoto was a bit shy at first once he stared at her and smiled.

"Makoto-chan," Akitoshi greeted as he rubbed the back of his head. "You're likely too old for me to call you that anymore, huh?"

"I don't mind," Makoto smiled with a shake of her head. "It's been some time, hasn't it?"

"You're right about that," Akitoshi commented. "You've grown since I last saw you. Looks like you have gotten taller," he remarked with a small chuckle.

"Maybe a little," Makoto replied. "Though, not as much a Hiro." Makoto has noticed Hiro had become quite tall since she now had to look up at him.

"That's true, he's tall as me now," Akitoshi mentioned as he looked amongst the crowd of students.

"Is something wrong?" Makoto wondered.

"I was hoping I'd run into Hiro here," Akitoshi said. "You know where he is?"

"I might," Makoto stated as she cupped her chin. She saw Hiro running away with Sakamoto-kun and transfer Amamiya-kun. Makoto herself wondered where Hiro might've gone."I didn't see where he went but he stepped away some time ago."

"I see," Akitoshi nodded. "If you see him, tell him I was looking for him. And if you want, feel free to come over to the house. I'm surprised Hiro hasn't invited you over yet."

"I've been busy," Makoto sighed. "But I'd like to."

"You're more than welcome," Akitoshi smiled. "Stop by for dinner some time. Been trying to get Sae to but she claims she's also busy. Anyway, I need to talk to the principal. See you around?"

"Of course," Makoto nodded with a smile.


Once the boys caught up with Mishima, Ryuji dragged him by his wrist inside the school. Ren was impressed Ryuji was able to catch up with Mishima even with a bad leg, but that means you don't underestimate a former track athlete. They led Mishima to an empty spot with some lockers and a vending machine.

"That hurts!" Mishima grimaced as he rubbed his wrist.

"Why'd you run like that!?" Ryuji questioned.

"I didn't run..." Mishima murmured. Ryuji slammed his fist into a nearby locker causing Mishima to flinch.

"She jumped and tried to kill herself!" Ryuji exclaimed angrily.

"L-Leave me alone..." Mishima stammered. Mishima was becoming nervous from Ryuij's forceful questioning. Ren knew that they didn't have time and it was best to get down the chase.

"Mishima," Ren spoke pushing up his glasses. "It's obvious you know something. Just tell us."

"We ain't tryin' to get you busted," Ryuji said. "We won't say you talked either."

"Mishima, I was there," Hiro mentioned. "On the roof. With Suzui-san. I tried to stop her but she wouldn't listen."

"I saw him," Ren confirmed. "He was trying to help her." Ren looked at Hiro and gave him a nod. Hiro was definitely trying to save Suzui and figured it was something Hiro would do. With Hiro and Suzui on the volleyball team, it made sense that they would know each other. Ren wasn't sure if they were friends or not but they seemed close enough for Hiro to try and save her.

"When I dropped Kamoshida's name that struck something inside Suzui," Hiro said.

"That bastard got something to do with this, doesn't he?" Ryuji grunted.

"Suzui was called out by Mr. Kamoshida!" Mishima gripped his hair in frustration. "I was called a number of times too... to the teacher's room. It wasn't just me or Suzui. He'd nominate someone when he was in a bad mood... and hit them."

"So the physical punishment thing was for real..." Ryuji figured.

"That's just awful," Ren commented and noticed to glower on Hiro's face. Hiro also had to endure being hit by Kamohida when on the team. Ren only imagined how that must have all been for him.

"But yesterday, he called Suzui out of the blue," Mishima said. "She didn't make any mistakes or anything. Mr. Kamoshida seemed really irritated that day, so it must've been... worse than usual..."

Ren's eyes widened when Mishima mentioned 'yesterday'. Yesterday Ren was talking to Ann, who was distraught because if she didn't do what he wanted, he would take Suzui-san's starting position. This meant Kamoshida used Shiho instead since Ann never showed up.

"He didn't...!" Ryuji's eyes widened.

"Suzui-san...!" Hiro shook with anger.

"That son of a bitch!" Ryuji shouted as he ran off. Ren, Hiro, and Mishima watched as he stormed down the hall. Ren looked at Hiro as they nodded to each other and gave Mishima a final look before running after Ryuji as Mishima followed them.

"I bet... Sakamoto's going to find Mr. Kamoshida..." Mishima said.

"Yeah, he'll likely be in the PE faculty office," Hiro mentioned. "It's on the 2nd floor." The three went up the steps to the middle floor and caught Ryuji running down to the right and into supposedly where the PE faculty office was.

"He went into the PE faculty office!" Mishima stated. "Let's hurry, we have to go after him." They went in and stopped just behind Ryuji. The blonde clenching his fist in anger staring at Kamoshida. The coach was seated at a desk and turned his head as he noticed the four of them.

"You bastard!" Ryuji cursed. "The hell did you do to that girl!?"

"What are you talking about?" Kamoshida dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"Don't play dumb with me!" Ryuji growled as he kicked over a nearby chair.

"That is enough!" Kamoshida yelled.

"What you did..." Mishima spoke. "Wasn't coaching...!"

"What did you say?" Kamoshida questioned.

"Exactly what he said," Hiro said as Kamoshida glared at him.

"You... You ordered me to call Suzui here..." Mishima mentioned. "I can only imagine what you did to her...!"

"You're going on and on about things you have no proof of..." Kamoshida stated as he stood from his seat folding his arms. "Basically, you're simply making these claims because you can't be a regular on the team, right?"

"That's not what this is about...!" Mishima exclaimed.

"Even if it is exactly as you imagine it to be, hypothetically speaking..." Kamoshida said. "What can you do? We just received a call from the hospital. Suzui's in a coma... and her chances of recovery are slim... How would someone like that make a statement?"

"A coma...?" Hiro repeated as the color seemed to have drained from his face.

"There's no chance of her getting better, I hear..." Kamoshida sighed. "The poor girl."

"No..." Mishima gasped. "That can't be..."

"Damn you," Hiro muttered. "It's all your fault why this happened."

"Actually, it won't be my fault," Kamoshida smirked at Hiro. "From what I heard, Isamashi, you were up on the roof with Suzui. I can just get the word around about how my former player told Suzui to jump out of spite because I wouldn't let him rejoin the team. Oh, and wouldn't that just ruin your reputation, Isamashi. You can kiss your hopes goodbye of getting into a college."

"How can you go about doing something like that?" Ren glared. "Hiro didn't do anything wrong. He was trying to help Suzui-san."

"That's not what the school will believe," Kamoshida smirked deviously.

Kamoshida truly was despicable. He was going to ruin Hiro's chances of getting into college because of this whole situation. Ren was really starting to see similarities between this Kamoshida and the other back at the castle. They were exactly one and the same. Ren knew they couldn't do anything about the Kamoshida in front of them and knew they had to go after the other one like he figured yesterday.

"You goddamn...!" Ryuji shook with anger.

"This, again...?" Kamoshida wondered. "Does this mean we need to have yet another case of 'self-defense'?"

"Just shut your mouth, you son of a bitch!" Ryuji seemed to have had enough and reeled back a fist.

"Ryuji, no!" Ren called as he reached out and snatched Ryuji's wrist.

"What the hell, Ren!?" Ryuji shouted. "Why're you stoppin' me...!?"

"I understand how you feel, Ryuji," Ren told him. "But you can't let him get to you."

"Ren's right, Ryuji," Hiro stated. "Kamoshdia's trying to rile you up like back then." Ryuji yanked his arm from Ren.

"But still...!" Ryuji kept his glare toward Kamoshida.

"Oh, you're stopping him?" Kamoshida asked in mock surprise. "What a surprise." he smiled folding his arms. "There's no need to hold back. Why not attack me? Oh, you can't. Hahaha, but of course you can't!" Kamoshida went back to his desk. "Everyone present right now will be expelled. I'm reporting all of you at the next board meeting."

"Wha-" Ryuji muttered with wide eyes.

"Can he even do that?" Ren wondered.

"You can't make a decision like that...!" Mishima argued.

"Who would seriously consider what scum like you say?" Kamoshida retorted. "You threatened me too, Mishima, so you're just as responsible."

"Huh?" Mishima mouthed.

"What are you talking about...?" Hiro questioned. "Mishima didn't do anything."

"Oh, but he did," Kamoshida said. "To think he didn't know why I kept someone as talentless as you on the team. Mishima acts like a victim, but he was the one who leaked Amamiya's criminal records. It's all over the internet, correct? How terrible."

"Mishima...?" Ryuji wondered as he looked at the meek boy.

"It was you who leaked my record?" Ren asked. "Why would you do that?"

"Kamoshida made you," Hiro mentioned. "Didn't he?"

"I-I'm so sorry, Amamiya," Mishima apologized as he fell on his knees. "I had no choice."

Ren wasn't mad at Mishima as it wasn't his fault. Kamoshida made him leak his record to the school which was how the other students found out. It also showed Kamoshida was willing to ruin his school life even though he just got to Shujin. He tried to force himself onto Ann and made Suzui try to kill herself. Kamoshida is a horrible man and he must be stopped and there was one way to do it.

"You really are as terrible as Ryuji and Hiro say," Ren glared at Kamoshida as the man only laughed as he had won.

"Now, are we finished here?" Kamoshida questioned. "You're all expelled! You're done for; your futures are mine to take. Now get out of my sight."

"I can't believe this asshole's gettin' away with this...!" Ryuji exclaimed angrily.

"He isn't," Ren shook his head. "He's going eventually to eat his words."

"Huh?" Ryuji questioned but soon realized. "Oh right. We have that!"

"Wait, are you talking about...?" Hiro asked but figured what Ren meant. "I know what you have in mind, Ren."

"Have you lost your minds?" Kamoshida glared at them. "You worthless punks aren't making any sense, but sure, go ahead and try. After all, you'll have plenty of time to kill until expulsion."


"So, you don't know the reason behind Suzui jumping from the school's roof?" Akitoshi asked the principal. He had been at this for at least ten minutes and wasn't getting anywhere. Akitoshi wasn't particularly fond of Kobayakawa. He didn't even like the man, so he just tolerated him since he happened to be the principal of the school his son is enrolled in.

"N-No, I didn't," Kobayakawa insisted. "Isamashi-san..."

"It's Detective," Akitoshi corrected with a raised hand. "You will only address me as Isamashi-san when we're discussing my son's education at this school."

"Of course," Kobayakawa smiled. "In fact, if you must know, your son has been doing exceptionally well academically. Although, as of late he's been causing trouble for Mr. Kamoshida."

"What do you mean 'causing trouble'?" Akitoshi wondered. "That doesn't sound like Yasuhiro and there should be no way he's talking to Mr. Kamoshida since he quit the volleyball team." Akitoshi makes a mental note to speak to Hiro about that. "But that's not what we're talking about. Would it be okay if I speak to Mr. Kamoshida? Suzui's apart of his volleyball team, correct?"

"Absolutely not!" Kobayakawa exclaimed which caused Akitoshi's brows to raise. "I mean-" the principal cleared his throat. "That won't be necessary."

"Why is that?" Akitoshi questioned. "He can't spare a few minutes?"

"Mr. Kamoshida is much too busy to answer questions," Kobayakawa mentioned. "He is focused on training the volleyball team for this year's nationals."

"I see," Akitoshi said as he folded his arms. He found the rotund principal of Shujin dropping beads of sweat on his forehead. Unless he was always this much of a nervous wreck. Akitoshi noticed he seemed rather defensive once the idea of questioning Mr. Kamoshida was brought up. Maybe the coach really is busy as the principal says or there's a chance Kobayakawa could be making an excuse to keeping him from talking to Kamoshida. It might be because Kamoshida made Shujin Academy as popular as it was thanks to the volleyball team.

"Fine," Akitoshi nodded. "I'll take your word on that." even though he didn't believe the principal. "Thank you for your time, Principal Kobayakawa. Hopefully the next time I speak to you will be as a parent."

"Certainly," Kobayakawa smiled. "I look forward to it."

Akitoshi could blatantly tell that smile was forced. Kobayakawa was more looking forward to him leaving his office. Akitoshi had no problem with that. There's a chance he won't have to talk to Kobayakawa ever again once Hiro graduates and he won't be the principal by the time Hamuko reaches high school. Akitoshi left the office and pulled out his phone. He was about to send a message to Hiro until he received a phone call from Sae.

"Yeah?" Akitoshi answered his cell.

"Is the situation really bad at Shujin?" Sae asked. "Of course it is. A high school girl jumped 30ft off the roof. You ever learn the reason why she did it?"

"Nah," Akitoshi shook his head. "Not unless I hear the reason from the girl. Though, I hear her condition isn't good."

"Did you speak to the principal?"

"Just finished our chat," Akitoshi said. "He isn't telling me squat. He's hiding something but I don't know what."

"You think he's hiding something?" she wondered.

"I do," Akitoshi stated. "He got nervous once I mentioned the volleyball coach, Mr. Kamoshida. He won't let me talk to him. Don't worry, I'm not giving up yet. I'm going to keep looking into this."

"Speaking of, I could use your assistance," Sae said.

"You have a case right now?" Akitoshi asked. "I guess I can spare some time."

"I hate to keep you away from home for so long," Sae mentioned. "You are a father, after all."

"Hiro and Hamuko will be fine," Akitoshi stated. "Meet you at the station?"

"Sounds good," Sae agreed. "See you then." Sae was first to hang up as Akitoshi went to send a quick text to Hiro and Hamuko.

[Chat IM]

[Akitoshi I.]: I'm probably going to be at the station late tonight. Finish the leftovers in the fridge. I'll make it up to you both soon.


Date: 4/15/20XX

Day: Friday

Time of Day: After School

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Shujin Academy, Courtyard

Ryuji was furious after what had happened and slammed a fist into a nearby vending machine in frustration. Ren, Hiro, and Morgana watched as the blonde tapped his foot irritably.

"We can't waste any time," Ryuji stated. "We gotta hurry up and go to that world and beat the shit out of that asshole!"

"We're not beating him up," Morgana reminded. "We're simply stealing his distorted desires. Can I assume you've made up your minds about this-about how he might suffer a mental shutdown?"

"I have," Ryuji already decided. "Someone almost died because of him! I don't give a rat's ass what happens to him anymore!"

"Same," Hiro spoke as he folded his arms. "Kamoshida has to be stopped. But... if he does have a mental shutdown, I'm willing to accept what happens."

"And you?" Morgana said looking at Ren.

"I agree," Ren nodded. "There's no other way to handle this. Kamoshida needs to go down."

"There you have it," Morgana said.

"By the way, is getting rid of a palace hard?" Ryuji asked. "You've tried it before, right?"

"When did I ever say that?" Morgana tilted his head. A look of confusion came upon Ryuji's face as his eyes widened.

"WHAT!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "Were you just pretendin' to know!?"

"That's odd since you seem to know a lot, Morgana?" Hiro wondered. "I would have thought you have at least gotten rid of a palace before."

"W-Well, I just know how it's done, that's all," Morgana mentioned.

"That's alright," Ren spoke as he pushed up his glasses. "If push comes to shove, we'll figure it out as we go along." Ren heard someone approaching behind him.

"Is it true that you're getting expelled?" that someone turned out to be Ann as the boys and cat turned to her. "Everyone's talking about it."

"That's asshole's at it again!" Ryuji growled angrily. "So you came all this way to tell us that?"

"Takamaki-san..." Hiro frowned. "Whatever you heard I had nothing to do with Suzui-san..."

"Yeah, he didn't do it," Ryuji shook his head. "It's all that bastard Kamoshida's fault."

"I know that," Ann spoke as she turned her head away. "I wasn't going to blame Isamashi-senpai..."

"Then why are you really here, Takamaki-san?" Ren wondered. He saw Ann was quiet for a while until she looked at each of them with a determined look on her face.

"If you're going to deal with Kamoshida..." Ann said. "Let me in on it too..." what she said caused everyone's eyes to widen. "I can't just sit back and do nothing after what happened to Shiho!"

"This has nothing to do with you..." Ryuji told her. "Don't butt your head in into this..."

"But it does!" Ann argued. "Shiho's my-"

"I said don't get in our way!" Ryuji exclaimed.

"Takamaki-san, we-" Ren started.

"Amamiya-kun, you need to let me help!" Ann pleaded as she approached Ren. "I want to get back at Kamoshdia for what he did to Shiho! I can't let him get away with this! So if you guys have a plan against him then let me in on it!"

"You ain't gonna give up, are you...?" Ryuji asked Ann.

"Let's leave it to Ren," Hiro stated clutching his bandana. "She's asking you." Hiro nodded at Ren. "It's your call."

Ren looked at Ann in her bright blue eyes that were just pleading to let her join them. She has every right to want to go after Kamoshida, especially after what he just did. That would mean showing the castle to Ann but if she's brought there, she'll have nothing to defend herself with or even a Persona.

"Please, Amamiya-kun..." Ann begged once more. Ren sighed to ready for what he was about to say.

"I'm sorry," Ren spoke. "But you can't come, Takamaki-san. Remember when I told you yesterday Kamoshida could be dealt with? This is what I meant."

"So you were being serious about that," Ann remarked. "Then if you got something then let me help." Ren only shook his head at her. "Why not?"

"The thing is, it's going to be dangerous," Ren mentioned.

"I don't care if it's dangerous!" Ann exclaimed. "I can take care of myself!" Ann gasped as Ren took her by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

"I'm telling you this because I don't want you getting hurt!" Ren shouted as what he said caused a look of surprise on Ann's face. "You get it now? Just understand that this for you and Suzui-san. I know it's not much but just know Kamoshida will be dealt with. Everything's going work out."

Ren noticed what he said seemed to have worked. He released Ann's shoulders and watched as she turned her head. Ren felt terrible as he saw her eyes water. This whole thing must be hard for her. Just yesterday she was telling him everything about her phone call with Kamoshida and now her best friend attempts suicide. This must be a terrible day for Ann and there's no doubt she wants to get back at Kamoshida but this was different.

"When we talked yesterday..." Ann said. "I thought you'd at least understand, Amamiya-kun. But I guess I was wrong. I wanted to believe I could trust you..."

"Takamaki-san, I..." Ren spoke but Ann had turned away and left the courtyard. Ren reached for her but she was already gone. What she said hurt him inside and he wished he could tell her what their plan was but it was better this way.

"You did the right thing," Morgana told Ren. "You did a good letting her off easy."

"I get why she wants to help," Hiro stated. "But I also understand why we can't bring her."

"Yeah, she'd only get in the way," Ryuji said. "We can't take her somewhere like that."

"I hope she doesn't do anything too crazy," Morgana mentioned. "Woman can be much bolder than men at times."

"We just gotta hurry up and deal with Kamoshida," Ryuji stated. "Let's go already!" Ren nodded in agreement with Hiro and Morgana as they left the courtyard. They made their way to the alleyway prepared themselves for the mission.

"The moment we cross over, we'll treat each other like phantom thieves, so I hope you're ready." Morgana smiled.

"Phantom thieves?" Hiro wondered.

"Those who covertly sneak in and stylishly steal Treasure-that is what we become!" Morgana remarked proudly.

"Not bad," Ren said as he pushed up his glasses. "I like the sound of that."

"I do, too," Hiro smiled in agreement.

"That sounds kinda cool!" Ryuji chuckled. "So, we just gotta say the school, Kamoshida's name, and... "castle"? Then we end up in bizarro world." Ryuji pulled out his phone. " How the hell's all this work? Someone make it?"

"Maybe?" Hiro said. "The fact that an app like that exists is an odd thing."

"Of course someone made it," Ren mentioned. Igor was the one who gave him, Ryuji, and Hiro the app in the first place. But Ren won't tell them about Igor and the Velvet Room. He doubts they would believe him.

"That's kinda creepy, but eh, seems useful," Ryuji shrugged. "We'll show that effin' Kamoshida!" Ryuji declared with a roll of his shoulders.

"Let's go!" Morgana said.

"I'm ready," Hiro nodded.

"Okay, here it goes," Ren said tapping on his phone. Ren, Hiro, and Ryuji were in their costumes the second the school turned into a castle while Morgana changed to his other form in this world. They stood just out of the castle gate and were ready to head inside and steal Kamoshida's desires.

"All right!" Ryuji exclaimed. "Time to bust on through!"

"What is this!?"

Ren hoped that was not who he thought it was. Each of the guys turned to the source of the voice. Ren's eyes widened as he found a scared and confused Ann.

"Takamaki-san...!?" Ren exclaimed as this was the last thing he wanted for her, in a place like this without protection. Ren watched as Ann approached him and the others. She looked about the area and stared at the castle.

"T-Takamaki!?" Ryuji stuttered as he saw Ann.

"That voice... Sakamoto!?" Ann said with wide eyes.

"Did she really follow us in here?" Hiro shook his head as Ann looked at him.

"Wait! Is that you Isamashi-senpai!?" Ann asked and finally looked at Ren, the two of them locked eyes as Ann squinted to get a good look at him. "Are you... Amamiya-kun!?"

"Yes, Takamaki-san..." Ren sighed as he twirled one of his bangs. "It's me."

"What the hell is all this...!" Ann exclaimed as Ren assumed she was obviously in shock by what she was seeing.

"Why are you here!?" Ryuji asked.

"How should I know!?" Ann retorted. "What's going on? Hey, where are we!? Isn't this the school!?"

"Well, she isn't too far off base, right Morgana?" Ren asked but didn't get an answer. "Morgana?" Ren looked at Morgana to find him gazing with widened eyes. He seemed almost starstruck just by looking at Ann. Ren couldn't help but feel just a bit bothered by it but let it go once Morgana the stare he was giving Ann.

"I see," Morgana finally spoke. "Perhaps she was dragged in because of that app thing."

"Was she brought in because she was nearby?" Hiro wondered as he put a hand on his hip.

"Precisely," Morgana nodded. "If multiple people can enter with the person who uses it, it stands to reason it'll pull anyone nearby."

"For real?" Ryuji said.

"Wait, so THIS is related to Kamoshida!?" Ann questioned.

"Anyways, you gotta leave!" Ryuji told her.

"No!" Ann said.

"The Shadows are going to find us if you make a scene," Morgana explained making his presence known to Ann. Ann's reaction to him seemed like a pretty standard reaction.

"No way!" Ann shouted. "It talked!? Oh my god, it's a monster cat!"

"Monster...!" Morgana repeated as he seemed almost dejected.

"Maybe you should just let us handle this and talk to her..." Hiro suggested to Morgana.

"You better explain what's going on!" Ann stated. "I won't leave until you do!"

"Think we can send her back the way we came in?" Ren questioned.

"Yeah, you can," Morgana mentioned. "That's how it worked last time."

"Yeah, sending Takamaki-san back would be best," Hiro agreed.

"Hiro, Ryuji send Takamaki-san back to the real world," Ren suggested. "Just be gentle, alright?"

"What're you-" Ann wondered as Hiro and Ryuji approached her.

"Please excuse us," Hiro said.

"We'll explain after everything's over!" Ryuji stated. Both boys took Ann by the arms and effortlessly dragged her to where they entered.

"H-Hey!" Ann protested. "A-And where do you think you are touching!?"

"Whoa, s-sorry, I-I didn't mean-" Ryuji apologized.

"Takamaki-san, please stop making such a fuss," Hiro stated.

"H-How can I not!?" Ann questioned.

"Hold on a sec, guys," Ren spoke before they sent Ann back to the real world.

"Amamiya-kun...?" Ann wondered as Ren approached her. Ren lifted his mask off his eyes. It was probably his imagination but he noticed Ann's eyes widen. She was probably surprised since this is the first time she's seen him without his glasses as Ren flashed her a determined gaze.

"I get you're confused..." Ren told her. "But I promise I'll explain later. Remember you wished for something to change Kamoshida's mind? This is what will do it. Just trust me, alright?" Ren placed a hand on Ann's shoulder.

"Wait-" Ann tried to talk but was stopped as Ren lightly shoved Ann back. "Amamiya-kun!" Ann screamed as she vanished and was sent back to the real world.

"Looks like we need to be more cautious about where we use the app," Hiro figured.

"Right," Ryuji agreed with a nod. "We don't anything like that happenin' again?" Morgana only sent a glare their way.

"You should've checked the tools you used!" Morgana stated. "Why do I-the one who was just watching-know more about it than you three!?"

"We'll be more careful in the future," Ren nodded.

"Agreed," Hiro said.

"Ah geez, Takamaki found out right when we were startin' off..." Ryuji sighed. "We gotta deal with this fast!"

"That girl's name is Ann Takamaki, right?" Morgana asked. "Lady Ann..." Morgana remarked dreamily.

Ren assumed Morgana was developing a sort of infatuation with Ann. Ren can tell where he coming from as Ann was beautiful but something about the way Morgana said Ann's name annoyed him.

"Anyway..." Ren drawled getting everyone back on track. "Shall we get going?"

"We shall!" Morgana agreed. "The Shadows have already noticed us. You better brace yourselves, got it?" Morgana turned to Ren with a smile. "We're counting on you, Joker!"

"Excuse me...?" Ren wondered as he looked at Morgana.

"Joker?" Ryuji questioned. "That a nickname?"

"Don't refer to it in such a lame way," Morgana proclaimed. "It's a code name. What kind of stupid phantom thief would use their real name!? I'm not down for that! And there's no telling what kind of effect yelling our real names will have on the Palace. It's just a precaution."

"Code names, huh?" Hiro said. "Interesting..."

"So, uh, why's he Joker?" Ryuji pointed at Ren.

"Because he's out trump card when it comes to fighting strength," Morgana explained.

"Joker, eh?" Ren repeated with a smile as he actually sort of liked the name. Made him feel like a trickster as Igor had called him. "Not bad."

"It's settled then," Morgana smiled. "Next up is you, Ryuji. You'll be... Let's see..." Morgana thought for a second. "'Thug.'"

"He does act like one sometimes," Hiro commented as Ren chuckled.

"Are you pickin' a fight with me!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "Quit laughin', 'Joker'! I'll choose it myself! When it comes to me, it's gotta be this mask. Honestly, I actually kinda like it. What if we named me after this?"

"Fine..." Morgana sighed. "Why not 'Skull' then?"

"That sounds awesome!" Ryuji exclaimed excitedly. "I'm Skull!"

"Okay, now it's his turn," Morgana looked at Hiro. "What should Hiro's code name be? Might be a tricky one. Any ideas?"

"How about 'Captain'?" Ren suggested.

"Is there a reason why?" Hiro questioned with a tilt of his head.

"You were the captain volleyball team," Ren reminded. "So I just thought..." Ren soon realized that name to be a mistake. "Nevermind. It might be a bit confusing since Ryuji's Persona is called Captain Kidd."

"It's fine," Hiro said. "I was going to reject that idea anyway. You guys got anything else?" everyone turned to Ryuji who snapped his fingers.

"Why don't we just go ahead call you 'bandana' since you wear that thing every day," Ryuji suggested folding his arms.

"I wear my bandana because it's a memento," Hiro remarked. "It belonged to my mom..." he mentioned sadly. "She passed away when I was a kid."

"Oh, for real..." Ryuji said rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry to hear that, dude. That's tough..."

"Sorry for your loss," Ren nodded.

"It's alright," Hiro assured whilst tugging on his bandana.

"About your bandana...?" Morgana asked.

"What about it?" Hiro wondered.

"Nothing," Morgana shook his head. "You got good fashion sense," he commented touching his own yellow bandana around his neck.

"Oh, thanks," Hiro smiled. "I like yours, too. Clashes well with your fur."

"Okay, enough about your bandanas," Ryuji sighed.

"We need to keep coming up with a code name for him," Morgana nodded. "Think you got an idea, Joker?"

"Maybe...?" Ren said as he observed Hiro's outfit. The outfit he wore was a trench coat, it wasn't as long as Ren's own coat. What stood out the most was the pieces of armor that were on it. The weapon that Hiro's Persona had given him was a longsword that resembled one from medieval times. The medieval part stuck with Ren as he figured out Hiro's codename.

"I got it," Ren smirked. "Let's call him 'Knight'."

"Knight, huh?" Hiro grinned. "You know, that seems fitting. Let's go with that. Call me Knight."

"It's settled," Ren nodded.

"Now that we got ours, what do we do about this one's code name?" Ryuji gestured to Morgana.

"I figured out Knight's, so do you wanna take care of this one, Skull?" Ren suggested.

"How 'bout 'Mona'?" Ryuji announced with a smirk.

"Well, it seems simple and easy to remember," Ren shrugged.

"Well, if Joker thinks it's easier to call me that, then I'll go with it," Morgana said. "All right, from here on out, we're Joker, Skull, Knight, and Mona. We need to be absolutely thorough about using those code names from now on!"

"I'll remember," Knight nodded. "Let's do this."

"All right!" Skull announced seeming pumped. "Time to go steal this Treasure thing! Let's make a dash for it!"

"Joker, you mind leading the way?" Mona asked. "Through that window you guys escaped out of the first time you came here."

"Yeah, follow me," Joker said.

"It's convenient for us to use," Knight added. "Since the Shadow's don't know about this entrance."

"Joker, Skull, Knight..." Mona said. "Are you ready? Let's go!" The quartet took turns jumping through the window and found themselves in the castle's central hall. Joker walked as the others followed him through the open door. On their right was another door that was to the main hall. It was crowded with Shadows who were listening to the Shadow Kamoshida.

"Hey, look!" Skull alerted. "Ain't that..."

"Quiet down," Knight shushed. "Let's listen in." Joker and the others hid on either side of the entrance. Skull and Mona on the left, Joker and Knight on the right.

"Those intruders from the other day were quite entertaining," said Kamoshida. "However, I can't allow that trash to ransack my castle! Strengthen the security! Kill them on sight! I'll reward whoever brings me their heads."

"Praise be to King Kamoshida!" cheered a gold soldier. "Death to the intruders!"

"Looks like we really made quite an impact," Joker noted.

"Seems that way," Knight agreed.

"Hey, Mona," Skull said. "Can't we just beat the crap outta him and call it a day!"

"Skull..." Knight frowned. "Do you see how many enemies there are? We'd get squashed."

"Exactly," Mona concurred. "It'd be suicide. And I'm sure you guys don't want a repeat of last time. We need to get him to confess his sins. We need to steal his materialized desires... The treasure."

"Fiiiine," Skull groaned. "So, where is it?"

"It has to be somewhere in the depths of this castle," Mona figured. "Let's infiltrate further while he's out here. Joker, mind taking point again?"

"Not at all," Joker said. "Follow me, maybe we can go through this door here" he ran back the other way to the said door. Joker opened it to find a Shadow inside with its back turned as it didn't notice or hear him walk in. Joker scampered behind the wall and got the others to do the same.

"Dammit, there's a guard over here too..." Skull muttered. "Whaddya wanna do? Should we kick its ass?"

"Hold on..." Mona said.

"What is it, Mona?" Knight wondered.

"This might be a good opportunity to teach you something..." Morgana mentioned.

"Teach us?" Knight asked. "What do you have in mind?"

"Just watch," Mona stated with a wink. "All right, Joker! Are you ready to take it down?"

"Leave it to me," Joker said. Joker went to go along with Mona's idea and knew he was going to teach him about a new technique. Joker leaped from cover and struck the shadow with his knife as the shadow morphed into a 'Beguiling Girl'.

"Remember how I taught you guys Hold Ups and All-Out Attacks?" Morgana reminded the guys. "I'll teach you their practical use now. There's another use for Hold Ups besides simply defeating enemies."

"What else is there to know?" Joker questioned.

"You see, Shadow's are beings born from people's hearts, so naturally, they can talk too," Mona informed. "In other words, you can communicate with them. Get it?"

"I got it," Joker nodded.

"Good," Morgana smirked. "Also, if you talk to them when they're cornered, they might offer money or items since they don't want to die. In fact, talking has a better chance of scoring something great, as opposed to just offing them."

"Noted," Joker said. "What do I do first? Try to knock the enemy down?"

"Right," Mona stated. "Do that, and perform a Hold-up!"

"Here goes!" Joker said as he aimed the same handgun Skull had given him before. He fired a shot at the Shadow knocking it on its knees. The 'Beguiling Girl' looked at the four as they surrounded her.

"Seriously!?" the Shadow shrieked. "YOU guys are the intruders that King Kamoshida was talking about!? It can't get worse than this... What're you going to do with me!?"

"That depends if you comply with our demands..." Joker mentioned. "Whether it's cash or items. Better give us what you got fast or else you'll learn you messed with the wrong enemy." the way Joker spoke to the Shadow was much different than how he talked to others. It must've been due to this world but he felt he was exuding confidence he never knew he had before. Joker noticed a blush cover the Shadow's cheeks as it blinked at him.

"You'll let me go if I give you some money?" the Shadow asked.

"Well, something along those lines..." Mona said. "Now let it be money or items. Just cough it up!"

"W-Well, I didn't expect this..." the Shadow shivered. "I actually don't have anything on me... I-I usually do though, you know!?"

"W-Wait, what!?" Mona stuttered. "This isn't how I was planning this to go." Morgana regained his composure. "If that's the case... I guess it's time for you to go to hell."

"Wait!" the Shadow screamed in terror.

"Sorry, but we're in a hurry," Mona smiled.

"Can't we just work something out?" the Shadow pleaded. "Don't kill me, please! Won't you let me go?"

"You chose the wrong enemy," Joker remarked coolly. The Shadow seemed to swoon as its hands clasped either side of its face.

"Wow!" the Shadow squealed. "You're actually a cool guy. I think we would get along really well."

"I think so, too," Joker said charmingly. "What's say you and I strike a deal, beautiful." the Shadow's eyes widen as its hand landed on its chest.

"Whoa, I feel different!" the Shadow exclaimed. "Something's happening!"

"What the hell is happening...?" Knight questioned.

"What's going on!?" Morgana asked.

"Oh yeah, I remember now!" the Shadow said. "I don't belong just to King Kamoshida..." the Shadow giggled. "I'm an existence that drifts about in the sea of humanity's souls. My real name is... 'Pixie'! From now on, I'll live on inside your heart!"

'Pixie' bursts into a flash of light and transformed into a transparent mask similar to Joker's domino mask. The mask quickly drifts to Joker and fuses into his mask. Morgana seemed confused as to what happened and didn't seem to expect something like that to happen.

"What was that just now...?" Morgana wondered. "What happened...!?" Knight and Skull approached Joker and were also likely wondering how Joker managed what he did.

"Wh-What the hell was that about?" Skull asked. "The enemy got sucked into Joker's mask!"

"I-I have no idea!" Mona said. "I wasn't expecting that either..."

"Well, whatever it was, it was useful," Knight noted. "Although, your method of how you did it was a bit... strange. I didn't think you would openly flirt with a Shadow like that. Didn't think you had that side in you, Joker."

"Neither did I," Joker shrugged. "I just felt that it would work I suppose." the group wasn't alone for long as a single Shadow stormed inside.

"Intruders!?" the Shadow exclaimed. "Halt!"

"Looks like it's time for a fight!" Knight figured as the Shadow shifted into dark red ink and split into two and took shape of Dirty Two-Horned Beasts. Joker reached for his mask to summon his Persona but now Arsene wasn't his only one.

"Come, Pixie!" Joker called out as his newly acquired Persona. Pixie fluttered about above Joker not as an enemy but as an ally. "Zio!" Joker glared at his target and blasted it with an electric attack and caused the Shadow to get knocked off its feet.

"I-Is that the Shadow from earlier!?" Mona asked. "Don't tell me... Did you take in the Shadow's appearance and powers as a Persona!?"

"As a matter of fact, I did," Joker remarked. "Pixie, again! Zio!" This time Joker went after the second Shadow and weakened it beside the first. "Enemies down, boys! Time for an All-Out-Attack!"

"I've been waiting to hear you say that!" Knight announced as he seemed eager to do his first group attack. Joker and the other three came at the two Shadows from all sides.

"Show's over!" Joker remarked with a grin as the Shadow's behind him gushed dark ink from their bodies.

"Holy..." Mona was still in shock by what Joker managed to do. "Does that mean you can wield multiple Persona's?"

"H-Hey, Mona!" Skull said. "What was that about!? What did Joker do?"

"He sealed the enemy's appearance and powers into his mask," Mona explained. "And made it his new Persona. Is such a feat even possible? Even I've never seen anyone pull that off!"

"Certainly full of surprises, aren't you?" Knight stated to Joker.

"So, this has to be a good thing, right?" Joker asked.

Are you kidding?" Mona questioned. "Of course it is! Only one heart exists per person, so normally a person can only have one Persona! Incredible! That ability will give us a huge advantage in battle! Try to do that more if the opportunity arises! Skull, Knight? You guys better help out too!"

"You got it," Knight smiled.

"Hell yeah!" Skull agreed. "We'll hold every last one of 'em up!"

"I like you even more now!" Mona chuckled. "I really do have something special after all! Anyway, let's keep looking for the treasure!"

Joker led the others through a door that had racks lined with swords, halberds, and spears. Joker noticed two Shadow's patrolling the room. Luckily, they were able to be evaded thanks to the large pillars which allowed the thieves to avoid being spotted. Joker carefully opened the door on the other side of the room which took them into a hallway.

"Hey, look," Skull pointed as he ran ahead with the others following. "It's another hazy-lookin' door! This is that thing... Uh, what was it called...?"

"A safe room," Knight mentioned.

"Yep," Morgana said. "In there, we can discuss our strategy inside. There are a lot of places even I don't know about in here..."


Not long after Amamiya-kun and the others pushed her out of that weird world, Ann heard her phone let out a sound in her pocket. She wondered who that could've been and checked her phone. What Ann found was an app? It looked like an app but being her curious self decided to press it. The same thing happened when Ren used it, around her everything went red and Ann found herself again in that world with the castle.

"This is that place from earlier!" Ann exclaimed as she approached the castle. "What's up with this app?" she wondered staring at her phone. "I just said the words Amamiya-kun said, and I ended up-"

"Princess!?" an unfamiliar voice alerted Ann as she looked up.

"Huh?" was all Ann said before she saw three knights approaching her.

"Take the princess to King Kamoshida!"

"King-wha!?" Ann murmured as the knights surrounded and grabbed her. "Aaaaaaah!"


While in the saferoom, Knight was once again checking his outfit. He liked the addition of the jacket, it wasn't a coat similar to Joker's but it was stylish in it's own way. Knight noticed the pockets on the belt that reached around the jacket. He wondered what they could be for but Knight was sure he'll figure it out eventually. Knight's thoughts on his outfit were interrupted by the groan made by Skull.

"Aren't there even more Shadow's here than before?" Skull wondered. "Just gettin' this far's been a real pain in my ass!"

"They seem to be in full force," Knight said. "Luckily, we managed to get away rather than fight to conserve energy."

"The reason why there's more Shadow's cause you guys provoked Kamoshida, you know," Mona reminded. "Still... he seems to be awfully on guard..."

"Anyways, how're we supposed to steal that Treasure thing" Skull questioned.

"First, we need to secure an infiltration route," Mona mentioned.

"A what...?" Skull said confusingly.

"A path that leads to the treasure location," Joker chimes in. "Right?"

"That's it!" Mona smiled. "Once again, Joker's on top of things."

"Impressive," Knight commented to Joker. "You sure you haven't done this before?"

"Not at all," Joker shook his head.

"With the four of us, we have the right manpower to complete the mission..." Morgana stated. "But we could always recruit more assuming they have the will and rebellion, of course."

"Hey, you say you don't have your memories and all, but somehow you still know about that kinda stuff?" Skull asked. "You guys think this thing really got amnesia?" he said to Knight and Joker.

Knight crossed his arms at Skull's question. Mona claimed to have no memory but had the knowledge when it came to this world. Not that Knight was suspicious of him as without Mona they wouldn't have made it out the castle the first time.

"I believe in Mona," Joker nodded.

"If Joker says so, then I agree," Knight said. "Mona is alright in my book."

"At least you two are a step above that moron," Mona smiled.

"Don't call me a moron!" Skull exclaimed. "You sure talk big, but what if it turns out you're just some stray cat in the end?"

"That can't be..." Mona murmured.

"Why was the princess in such an odd place?" a Shadow wondered from outside the saferoom.

"Princess...?" Skull repeated.

"I could have sworn we were persuing the readings of an intruder..."

"It doesn't matter now. We must take her back to King Kamoshida!"

"Who's this princess they're talkin' about?" Skull asked.

"No clue," Joker said. "Bet we'll find out eventually."

"It's probably not even important," Knight stated. "And if it was, it won't help us find the treasure."

"Not true, Knight," Mona claimed and opened the door and left the saferoom. "I'll look into this. You guys wait here." Skull lets out an exasperated sigh.

"And yet another question goes unanswered..." said Skull. "Stuff like the castle and that navigation app are mysterious... but Morgana's got 'em both beat."

"You meant Mona, right?" Joker corrected. Knight nodded his head in agreement.

"Yeah," Knight said. "Codenames, remember?"

"Crap, sorry!" Skull muttered. "What was I again...? Oh, yeah-Skull!" Knight saw Mona step into the safe room. Mona's eyes were wide and alert as if something had happened.

"Something wrong, Mona?" Joker questioned.

"This is bad!" Mona said. "Your friend... Lady Ann! She's been taken by Shadows!"

"What!?" Joker's voice seemed to raise once he heard that. Knight noticed the almost frantic look in his eyes. Maybe he was worried about his classmate and they might have spoken. Whatever the case was Joker seemed concerned for Takamaki-san.

"She's here!?" Skull questioned. "We sent her home earlier."

"The only way she can come back here is if she has the app," Knight figured.

"That's possible," Mona agreed.

"Oh no... Don't tell me it got put on hers just like ours!?" Skull said to Knight. "Dammit! We let her out for her own safety, and she just came back in by herself!"

"Guys!" Joker got everyone's attention. "We don't have time to play the blame game! Takamaki-san needs our help! We're not going to let her suffer to this world's Kamoshida!"

"I'm with Joker!" Mona nodded.

"We can't let this slide," Knight said. He wasn't able to stop Suzui-san from jumping but he could at least help Takamaki-san.

"Let's hurry and rescue her!" Mona stated.

"Alright!" Joker said and walked out of the saferoom as the guys followed him.


"Hang tight, Takamaki-san," Joker muttered. "I'm on my way."

"You seem concerned about her," Knight noted as stepped beside Joker.

"Do I...?" Joker wondered. It was true he was worried about her. Joker didn't think he would be this concerned. It was mainly due to the fact he didn't want to see her hurt and his promise that Kamoshida will be taken care of. Plus, they both felt they were looked down on by the people at school. Ann because of her looks and him because of his record, feeling like they didn't belong anywhere.

"Well, it might be because she and I spoke yesterday," Joker mentioned. "She was upset and I couldn't ignore her."

"I see," Knight said deciding to leave it at that. Mona ran ahead of the guys and turned to them.

"Follow me, I'll guide you," Mona stated. "She's just past that dining room-looking place! Let's go!" They made their way to the open doorway ahead of them and stopped as they heard Takamaki's voice.

"Is this some kind of filming!?" Ann's confused voice demanded. "Who's in charge here!?"

Joker knew she must be confused as to what's going on. It was an understandable reaction but this was definitely the last thing he wanted for her. Joker, Knight, and Skull followed Mona through the dining hall and through a hallway. Joker heard an audible gasp coming from a door down a hallway with a red carpet leading to it. The gasp came from Ann herself as Joker felt himself becoming worried once more.

"This way!" Mona snapped him out of his thoughts as the guys followed Mona to the door.

"Look, I'll apologize for touching the armor without permission!" Ann snapped.

"She totally doesn't get what's going on!" Skull sighed.

"No surprise there," Knight remarked.

"She needs our help," Joker stated.

"Let's hurry!" Mona said. "We have to save her!"


Ann didn't see this happening in her day. She didn't think anything like this castle could exist. The soldiers in black armor bound her wrist and ankles so she couldn't escape no matter how hard she tried to get out.

"What's all this about!?" Ann questioned. "Seriously, I'm gonna call the cops!"

"So, this is the intruder." Ann heard a low and familiar voice. She saw who arrived and her eyes widened.

"Kamoshida!?" Ann exclaimed. It was indeed Kamoshida but the coach wore a different outfit. Ann's confusion went ten-fold as another stepped in beside Kamoshida. But this other person LOOKED just like her. The other 'Ann' was clad in a leopard bikini, pink pumps, and cat ears on her head.

"Who's that!?" Ann wondered. "W-What's going on here? More importantly, what is this place!? Why has the school turned into something like this!?"

"I can't believe you mistook my Ann for someone like her," Kamoshida chuckled. "Are you afraid?"

"What is that outfit?" Ann asked as she could barely focus. "Have you lost your mind?"

"I do as I please here," Kamoshida grinned. "After all, this is my castle... The world of my desires."

"What the-!?" Ann said. "Wait... Is this some red-light district!? Let me out of this!"

"What a lively slave," Kamoshida commented.

"This isn't funny!" Ann glared. "Enough of the bullshit, Kamoshida!" Kamoshida scoffed as he turned to the other 'Ann'.

"The girl's decided to tell me off," Kamoshida remarked. "What do you think of that?" The other 'Ann' giggled girlishly.

"Talking back is, like... totally unforgivable~..." the other 'Ann' said in a ditsy way. Kamoshida looked back at Ann with a snarl.

"In that case... she should be executed," Kamoshida said.

Ann gasped once she heard that. It meant she was going to die right here. And without so much as another word to Shiho who is now in hospital. A golden soldier approached her with a sword in hand.

"Now then, how should I play with you?" Kamoshida gave a sick grin. "Shall I tear you into little pieces?"

"Are you kidding me?" Ann questioned with a shaky voice.


Joker and the guys stepped into the room and came across a very disturbing scene. All around them, they saw face-less girls wearing gym shorts and performing sensual poses.

"What the hell...?" Knight murmured.

"This is effed up..." Skull muttered. "Is that what he thinks of the girls on the volleyball team!?"

"Sick," Knight commented with a glare. "Isn't it?"

"Hey, that's-!" Mona alerted them as they turned their attention elsewhere. Joker followed where Mona pointed and felt relief wash over him once he saw Ann. But worry set in once more as he saw her bound to a cross with Kamoshida, soldiers, and the cognition of her. Joker immediately ran over with the other three following.

"Takamaki-san!" Joker called.

"Takamaki!" Skull shouted.

"We're here to help!" Knight promised. Kamoshida growled in disgust once he saw the four of them.

"Just when I was about to start enjoying myself..." Kamoshida said.

"What's the deal with this guy!?" Ann exclaimed.

"You little..." Skull growled.

"How many times are you gonna come back?" Kamoshida questioned them. "I bet you're just like those thieves," he said to Ann. "You came because you're pissed at me, huh? But, ah... I forgot that chick's name, but it's your fault she jumped, you know."

"Huh?" Ann wondered.

"You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me that I had her take your place," Kamoshida mentioned.

"You bastard!" Ann cursed but gasped once the gold soldier started to approach her.

"No!" Skull tried to charge but paused his advance once a soldier held its shield to block him.

"Take one more step and I'll kill her on the spot," Kamoshida threatened.

"Dammit..." Skull said in irritation.

"Just sit back and enjoy the dismantlement show," Kamoshida smiled.

"No!" Ann pleaded. "Don't!"

"Maybe I'll start with her clothes~..." Kamoshida said slowly as he leered at Ann's body.

"You're such a perv!" 'Princess' Ann giggled.

"Mona, any suggestions?" Knight questioned as Mona could only shake his head in response. The gold knight stepped closer to Ann with its sword drawn.

"Takamaki!" Skull could only shout in vain.

Joker felt useless just standing her while Ann needed help. She was still hurting because of what happened to Suzui-san. Joker knew she blamed herself and she shouldn't as it wasn't her fault.

"Is this... my punishment for what happened to Shiho?" Ann asked herself.

"That's more like it," Kamsohida remarked. "You should've looked like this from the start."

"Shiho..." Ann uttered. "I'm so sorry..."

"You're just going to listen to him?" Joker blurted. "Ann... What happened to Suzui-san wasn't your doing! It was the man in front of you that was the cause of it! He's the one that made Suzui jump, not you! Don't give in and let him make you believe that! Stand up for yourself and rebel against the one that hurt your best friend! I know you can do it!"

"Huh...?" Ann's brought her head up to stare at Joker.


Amamiya's words perked something within Ann. She felt it was her fault why Shiho jumped but Amamiya was right, it wasn't. It was Kamoshida's and Ann felt it was time to make Kamoshida pay for what he did.

"You're right," Ann gave Amamiya a determined look. "Letting this piece of shit toy with me... what was I thinking!?"

"It's like I always say," Kamoshida said. "Slaves should just behave and-"

"Shut up!" Ann cut him off with a fierce expression. I've had enough of this... You've pissed me off, you son of a bitch!"

[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Awakening]

"My... It's taken far too long." A voice that sounded similar to Ann's expressed. Ann gasped as her head reeled as her blue eyes changed to a golden yellow. "Tell me... Who is going to avenge her if you don't?" Ann squirmed in her restraints as the voice in her head spoke. "Forgiving him was never the option... Such is the scream of the other you that dwells within..." Ann could only writhe as she felt intense pain as the voice continued but she felt herself agreeing with the voice. "I am thou, thou art I... We can finally forge a contract..."

"I hear you... Carmen," Ann said. "You're right." Ann glared defiantly as she brought up her head and in a flash of blue flames, a red mask similar to a cat appeared over her eyes. "No more holding back!" Kamoshida's eyes widened as he stared at Ann.

"There you go... Nothing can be solved by restraining yourself," the voice mentioned as Ann tore from her restraints with the assistance of the blue flames. "Understand? Then I'll gladly lend you my strength." Ann reached for the mask on her face and quickly tore it off. Blood sprayed into the air as she let out a short yell and burst into blue flames.

[BGM: Persona 5 OST: Willpower]

The flames faded as Ann was shown in a new outfit. It consisted of a skin-tight red latex catsuit with the cleavage cutout and zippers, pink gloves worn on her hands, dark red thigh-high boots, and the addition of a clip-on tail on the back of the latex suit.

Behind Ann was a towering figure that resembled a female dancer. She wore a red dress that revealed her cleavage and held the dress by its hem, a belt of roses in different sizes around her waist. Similar to Ann, she had pigtails and wore a cat-like mask, and a cigar in her mouth. She also carried two men with heart-shaped heads on either side of her held by vines. The first floated in the air while the other was on its knees with her high-heel pressed into his back.

Ann felt a power she had never felt before. Ann ran at a distracted guard and quickly kicked the sword out of his hand. The sword spiraled in the air as Ann leaped to meet it. She took it in her hands and cut down a disgusting sight that she couldn't stand looking at anymore. The fake her that was all over Kamoshida. Ann sliced down the fake as it let out a faint scream and faded from existence. Kamoshida backed away fearfully as the gold soldier stepped in front of him.

"You know what?" Ann asked glaring at Kamoshida. "I'm not some cheap girl you can toy with... you scumbag."

"Bitch...!" Kamoshida spat.

"You stole everything from Shiho..." Ann mentioned as she dropped the sword. "You destroyed her..." she stepped forward as the other four followed beside her. "Now it's your turn!" Ann jabbed a finger at Kamoshida. "I will rob you of everything!"

"How dare you!" the gold soldier exclaimed. "Enough of your insolence!" the gold soldier along with two others each fell apart into a dark red ink and started to take shape. The being before the five had formed into a horned demon that sat on a toilet and glared down at the group.

"No, I've had enough of you," Ann remarked. "No one's gonna stop me now!" Ann's Persona reached into her own dress and yanked out a whip and tossed it to Ann. Ann caught it and uncoiled the whip and cracked it against the ground.

"Let's go, Carmen!" Ann shouted.

"How dare you deny King Kamoshida's love, you selfish lass!?" the demon roared. "Pay for this insolence with your life!"

"That dirtbag just sees women as sexual outlets!" Ann retorted. "Don't make me laugh with that "love" bullshit! C'mon, Carmen! Let's give 'em hell!"

"I'll send you there first!" screamed the guard captain. The shadow hurled a ball of ice at Ann but feeling more agile she avoided the attack. Ann tore off her mask bringing out Carmen.

"My turn! Dance, Carmen!" Ann commanded as Carmen sent an Agi at the guard captain causing it to shout in pain. It fell on the ground as its body slumped over. Ann approached the shadow with a slow stride as she cracked her whip against the ground. The shadow's eyes were filled with fear from what Ann was about to do. Ann slashed at the guard captain with her whip causing it to howl in pain. Then another slash, and another until Ann went on a complete rampage with her whip.

"Enough, you bitch!" the shadow had had enough and charged at Ann.

"Arsene, Cleave!" The guard captain never came close to Ann as she saw a red and black-winged being in front of her. The guard captain was sent backward from the attack. Ann turned her head as Ren stepped beside her. "That's no way speak to a lady," Amamiya remarked as his domino mask reappeared on his face and turned to look at Ann.

"Sorry for the interference," Amamiya stated. "We'll help out, but this fight is yours to finish." he smiled at her as Ann's lips curled in a smirk. She noticed his smile soon fade as the guard captain readied for an attack.

"You pathetic trash!" the shadow yelled. "This fight is at its end!" the guard captain attacked with another ball of ice at the two of them. The ice never reached them as an armored figure holding a sword obliterated the ice with a single cut.

"Thanks a lot, Knight!" Amamiya said as Isamashi-senpai made his way next to them without the mask on his face. "I suppose I should thank Mordred as well." Hiro's mask reappeared in a small flash of blue flames.

"Don't mention it," Isamashi remarked. "It's not a good idea to just stand around but we got your backs." Meanwhile, Sakamoto and the 'cat' had taken to attacking the guard captain.

"Captain Kidd, Lunge!" Sakamoto shouted as a tall pirate standing on a ship went to attack the shadow which avoided the attack.

"Now Zorro, Garu!" the cat called as a burly figure in black wielding a sword sent a blast of wind at the shadow. The guard captain was able to dodge that attack as well.

"Is this all you can manage!?" the shadow mocked.

"Just hold still, dammit!" Sakamoto growled.

"Think you can lend a hand?" Amamiya asked Ann. "I noticed your Persona was able to hurt it. Think you can do that again?"

"Yeah, you can count on me," Ann assured with a nod.

"Good," Amamiya smiled and turned to Sakamoto, Isamashi, and the cat who had each taken to attacking the guard captain. "Guys, keep it distracted!" Amamiya ordered and ran in whilst pulling out a handgun and firing a few shots at the shadow. The final shot was a direct hit to the guard captain's forehead which brought its focus to Ren who only smirked.

"Don't get cocky thinking you have already won!" the shadow was gearing up to attack Ren.

"Actually, we already have," Amamiya stated. The shadow wasn't prepared for the blast of fire that struck it. The guard captain screamed as its body slumped over. Ann approached with Carmen floating beside her. "Shadow's down, everyone!" Amamiya announced. "Time to rush in for an All-out attack!"

"An all-out what...?" Ann wondered what Ren was talking about.

"It's just when we attack the enemy altogether," Amamiya explained. Ann joined in the All-out attack as it was exactly as Amamiya said. The five struck the shadow from all sides as it was powerless to stop them. Ann whilst in the air coiled her whip around one of the shadow's horns. Ann flipped over the guard captain's head and used the momentum of her somersault and slammed the shadow into the ground as Ann landed on her feet. The guard captain wasn't beaten yet as it slowly propped itself up.

"I think you should have the honors," Amamiya remarked to Ann. She gave him a nod and sauntered toward the shadow. The shadow stared at Ann with fearful eyes as she sent a glare through her mask. The mask faded with flames as Carmen appeared at her side.

"Carmen, Agi!" Ann commanded as the shadow burst into flames and melted into a cloud of dark dust. The only enemy left was Kamoshida whose fear was shown on his face.

"Oh shit...!" Kamoshida sweated as he bolted to the exit.

"Wait...!" Ann called after Kamoshida as she fell on one knee as the exhaustion hit her.

"Takamaki, are you okay?" Amamiya asked with concern in his voice.

"Why'd you come here, man!?" Sakamoto questioned. "And more importantly, how!?"

"Hey! Is that how you speak to a woman!?" the cat corrected. "Lady Ann, are you alright?"

"Lady Ann...?" Ann wondered as she looked at the cat. "Wait, what is this? Is it alive? How can it talk? And where in the world are we!?"

"After what you just did that's all you're concerned about?" Isamashi-senpai remarked.

"J-Just calm down," the cat said. "Everything's going to be okay; don't worry."

"How am I supposed to calm down!?" Ann exclaimed while using the cat's head as a crutch to stand herself up. At this moment she noticed her outfit. "Why am I dressed like this!?" Ann felt exposed and crossed her arms over her chest. "When did I-" she fell to her knees in an attempt to cover herself. "Ugh, what's with this!?"

"If it's any consolation, I think you look great," Amamiya mentioned.

"Huh?" Ann's cheeks flushed. "What are you talking about!? What the hell are you thinking!?"

"I just said you look nice, that's all," Amamiya said twirling one of his bangs.

"I don't think you're helping, Joker?" Isamashi wondered.

"Well, I'm stumped..." the cat stated.

"Mona, think it's about time we left?" Isamashi asked.

"A search party will be coming for us soon," the cat mentioned. "There's no time to explain. We don't have a choice. Let's retreat for now!"

"We were just gettin' fired up, and you had to go and get in the way..." Sakamoto groaned. "Rgh, fine..." he approached Ann. "You take the other side."

"Yeah," Amamiya nodded and put Ann's arm over his neck.

"I-I can walk..." Ann tried to protest.

"It's okay," Amamiya assured her. "Just let us help you for now. Knight, Mona, take point in case shadows try to stop us from leaving."


Date: 4/15/20XX

Day: Friday

Time of day: After School

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Shujin Academy, front gate

Ren was thankful they were able to leave the castle with no problems. No trouble, no shadows to stop them. Once they were out, they were in the alleyway that leads to the front gate of Shujin Academy. With it being Ann's first time, she was the only one leaning on her knees.

"Thanks..." Ann said.

"Looks like we made it back-hey, are you okay?" Ryuji asked Ann.

"Well, pretty much," Ann said but sighed. "Wait, I lied-I'm still confused about all of this."

"It's okay to feel that way," Ren mentioned.

"You may be safe now, but a lot sure did happen back there..." Morgana stated.

"I think we should find somewhere else to talk," Hiro suggested. "There are too many eyes." he gestured to the Shujin students leaving the building.

"Yeah, we stand out too much here," Morgana agreed. "Relocating to a safer spot would be better." everyone nodded in agreement and left and explained everything they know. Ryuji and Hiro left to buy drinks. Ryuji bought a couple of soda's and Hiro held a bottle of green tea. They came back with their selected drinks as Ryuji presented the drinks he was holding.

"Which one you want?" Ryuji asked Ann.

"Whichever's not carbonated," Ann said.

"Uh, they're both actually," Ryuji mentioned.

"Then..." Ann took the red-colored drink.

"Here ya go," Ryuji handed the other drink to Ren.

"Thanks," Ren nodded in appreciation.

"Hey," Hiro said to Ann to get attention. "Here, you want this instead." he was talking about the bottle of green tea he held. "I haven't opened it yet, I'll trade you."

"Didn't you buy that for yourself?" Ann questioned.

"It's alright," Hiro shrugged. "Just take it."

"Okay," Ann said. "Thank you." Hiro traded his green tea for Ann's soda. Morgana poked his head out of Ren's bag and peaked over his shoulder.

"What about me?" Morgana asked wondering where his drink was.

"You're a cat," Ren smirked back at him. "You aren't supposed to have drinks like this." This caused Ann to let out a small chuckle.

"Have you calmed down, Lady Ann?" Morgana asked.

"Um... Morgana, right?" Ann said slowly. "I really am talking to a cat... This feels so strange..." she shook her head. "Oh, sorry! You're not a cat, right?"

"It's only natural that you're confused," Morgana said. "Demanding that you understand all of this right after what you went through is asking too much."

"Honestly, I still can't believe what happened..." Ann sighed.

"We couldn't believe it ourselves the first time we saw it," Ren stated.

"And that power..." Ann said. "My Persona..."

"Your Persona is the will of your rebellion," Ren explained.

"And with it, you'll be able to fight in that other world," Morgana added.

"So if what you told me is true, we can make Kamoshida have a change of heart, right?" Ann questioned. "Is it really possible? Can we actually force him to confess his crime?"

"The volleyball team's keepin' quiet about this, while teachers and parents turn a blind eye," Ryuji mentioned.

"Since I used to be on the team, I'm not allowed to say one word about the practice," Hiro stated. "Or else I'll be expelled."

"You'll be expelled regardless, remember?" Ren reminded. "The board meeting."

"Yeah, I know," Hiro sighed.

"If guys like us try and complain, they're just gonna shoot us down," Ryuji said. "Goin' all in on this plan is the only choice we got."

"Then let me help too," Ann decided. "I want to make him pay for what happened to Shiho. He just keeps going like nothing happened, even after what he did to her... I'll never forgive him."

"Wait, did you just say, 'let me help'?" Ryuji asked. "You mean, you want us to take you along?"

"Don't act like I"m going to drag you down," Ann argued. "Weren't you watching? I can fight too."

"You handled yourself rather well," Ren complimented. "It was impressive." The comment caused Ann's cheeks to turn pink.

"Hey... What should we do?" Ryuji questioned Ren.

"I think Ann will be a great asset to the team," Ren nodded as he pushed up his glasses.

"I agree," Hiro nodded.

"Same here," Morgana said. "With the five of us, we can definitely steal Kamoshida's desires. Don't worry, I'll protect her."

"I don't think she'll need protection," Ren assured.

"Even if you said no, I'd just go in alone," Ann added.

"Oh right, she can go by herself..." Ryuji figured. "I guess it'd be more dangerous turnin' her down... Rgh, fine..."

"Looks like we got a member," Hiro said. "Welcome to the team."

"Then it's decided," Ann smiled. "I hope we get along!" her expression became serious. "I'm going to make Kamoshida atone for what he did. Not just for Shiho's sake... but for everything he's done. I won't let any more people suffer because of him. I'll do whatever it takes!"

"That's all we ask," Ren nodded. "We'll make Kamoshida pay, all of us." Ann gave Ren a nod, seeming to believe his promise. He sensed a will to fight inside her as time slowed.


Location: Interrogation Room

"A group like yours must have relied on subtlety and misdirection," Sae explained. "Otherwise, you'd never survive. Some of you might even have been hiding behind a 'public face' their entire lives."

Ren exactly who she was speaking about. Ren would never rat out his teammates, including her. Just the thought of these suits catching her made his blood boil. Instead, Ren decided to give the public prosecutor a vague response just to protect the girl he calls 'his girlfriend.'

"Everyone hides behind a public face..." Ren smiled. "I would assume someone in your line of work would know that."

"You're not wrong..." Sae said. "But you DO know someone."


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 Lovers Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall

lead to the freedom and new power...

Lovers? Ren thought while blinking. Interesting... Everything went back to normal as Ann gave another nod.

"Just let me know when you're heading back in..." Ann said. "Oh wait! We don't have each other's info. Hey, give me your number and chat ID. And, um..." the four teens pulled out their smartphones and got Ann's information.

"This will make things easier," Hiro mentioned. "It's how we keep in touch and discuss our plan."

"I'll be counting on you, then," Ann stated. "Same goes for you, Morgana."

"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Ann," Morgana smiled.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow," Ann remarked. "Let's do our best." with that, she left the boys to wait for her train. Ren watched Ann leave as she got further away. He couldn't help but stare as Ann went on her way. Ren couldn't tell why he can't take his eyes off her. Could it be because of this Lovers persona that voice spoke about? It couldn't mean anything as Ren hardly knows Ann, there's no way he can be attracted to her. Ren will admit, he was starstruck when he first saw her that first time but it could have been anything.

Ren's thoughts were interrupted by Morgana who made a long sigh. His feline eyes fixed on the blonde-haired girl.

"What a kind girl..." Morgana said. "Such admirable consideration for others... And the innocence to cast herself into the jaws of death to achieve her goal..." Morgana conveyed. "She cares about her friends, and she's beautiful to boot... What a girl! She's captured my heart..."

"You don't say..." Ren muttered not knowing what has him bothered all of a sudden.

"Dude..." Ryuji himself couldn't believe the nonsense Morgana was spouting.

"Anyway..." Hiro drawled to change the subject. "Anything else we need to discuss before we head home for the day?"

"It'd be better if this group could get together quick from now on..." Ryuji mentioned.

"True," Morgana agreed. "Our best option would be to make a secret hideout where we could discuss these things."

"A hideout, huh?" Ryuji smiled at the idea. "I like the sound of that."

"The school rooftop would work," Morgana suggested. "It seems like nobody goes up there. For the time being, that will make the perfect hideout. I can't contact you from inside a Palace, so I'll stay in this world. That being said, I'll need someone to take care of me." Morgana pats Ren on the shoulder. "I'm personally nominating you, Ren. You should feel honored."

"Should I...?" Ren wondered and peered at both Ryuji and Hiro.

"This is all on you," Ryuji said. "There's no way I can at my place."

"I think Morgana should stay with you tonight, Ren," Hiro stated. "Anything's gotta be better than being in Kamoshida's castle."

The train will be arriving soon. the station PA system announced.

"Well, we now have our hideout, so let's meet there tomorrow!" Ryuji grinned as he ran to catch his train.

"See you guys tomorrow," Hiro waved as he left to get to the train as well. Once they left, Morgana patted Ren's shoulder with a paw.

"Okay!" Morgana exclaimed. "Let's go look at my new residence for this world."

"Of course," Ren remarked. "You're gonna love it. It's quite luxurious."

"Ooh, I can't wait," Morgana purred. Ren rolled his eyes as Morgana didn't seem to catch on the sarcasm in his voice. He was in for a bit of a surprise when they get to the cafe.


Date: 4/15/20XX

Day: Friday

Time of day: Evening

Weather: Cloudy

Location: Isamashi Residence

Hiro unlocked his front door and closed and locked it as he stepped inside. He left his shoes by the door and made his way through his home. Hiro heard the tv from the living room and went in there to find Hamuko sitting on the couch and said nothing as he approached. Hamuko smiled sweetly at him as she noticed him.

"Hey," Hamuko greeted.

"Scoot over," Hiro said as he set his bag on the floor and sat as Hamuko made room on the couch. Hiro sighed palming his face as Hamuko stared at him.

"You look tired, bro," Hamuko noted. Hiro was exhausted from the palace exploration, that was true. Though, he was upset because of what happened to Shiho. The worst part is that by the next board meeting, Hiro along with Ren and Ryuji will be expelled. But he didn't feel the need to go into detail with his kid sister even though she'll sooner or later if Kamoshida's heat isn't changed.

"I didn't exactly have a great day," Hiro stated. "Something terrible happened at school today."

"Are... Are you talking about that girl?" Hamuko wondered. "It was on the news earlier."

"That's right," Hiro nodded. "I knew her. She was on the volleyball team."

"Was she your friend?" Hamuko asked.

"I don't think we were that close," Hiro shrugged. "But we spoke sometimes." Hiro frowned and leaned back on the couch. "I..." he let out a soft sigh. "I wish there was something I could've done to help her."

"Oh, I see," Hamuko said. Hiro turned and saw the sad look was giving him. He realized it was his fault for making Hamuko look at I'm like that. Hiro couldn't take her sad 'puppy dog' eyes. Hiro was about to say something to hopefully reassure her that he's fine but stopped when Hamuko scooted beside him and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Hamuko murmured as she nestled into his shoulder. Hiro knew Hamuko figured out he was distressed because of what happened to Shiho. He's always known Hamuko is a smart girl for her age and now know's she's good at reading people, especially her older brother. Hiro reached an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close as they sat on the couch.

"Me too, kiddo," Hiro muttered. "Me too."


Been a while, hasn't it? It's been almost a year since I last posted a chapter for this story. Originally, I wrote two chapters that were to be posted separately but I just decided to collide them together which is why this is so long. Normally, I do reviews at the end but since it's been so long we'll just end it here.

I'll hopefully see you next time!

Later!