A spy.

A spy who came out of the cold.

"... You're a w-what!?" Ann was in disbelief. She was only beginning to register what had just happened.

"... I'm a spy." Kaplan calmly repeated. "I'm a secret agent, intelligence officer, black operative, whatever you want to call me."

"..." Ann's brain had given way, it was too overwhelmed."... You're a spy…. L-like James Bond?" She stammered.

"...You got that right." The spy confirmed. "Take your time with this, he didn't take it too well either." He gestured vaguely at Ren.

To which Ann turned, mouth agape.

"... He's telling the truth," Ren gave an apologetic expression to Ann, who next looked to Morgana for answers.

"..You heard what he said, Lady Ann." The feline answered, tail swishing about.

"Okay…okay.." Ann rubbed her temples. "You say you're an American spy, and you apparently know about my grandpa, my life, and the metaverse…"

"Essentially." Kaplan spoke. "It's kinda my job to know things. You're not an intelligence officer without intelligence."

"...Hold on, hold on." Ann realized. She pointed accusingly at Ren.

"... You've set up this entire thing, didn't you?" Ann shot at Ren. "You brought us here, sent Ryuji out So there aren't any witnesses."

"You were also in this." Ann shot at Morgana.

"...Oh boy…" Morgana muttered.

"...So what, are you gonna… silence me? Arrest me for what we did to Kamoshida?" Ann pressed as she glanced towards the spy. "...Are you!?" Her tone grew harsher.

"Oh, quite the contrary." The spy spoke in an assuring tone. "I want to recruit you as an agent."

"E-excuse me?" Ann was stumped at yet another change in the conversation.

"I'm offering you a deal.." The spy explained. "Once in a lifetime, exclusive and limited, but first, a little context."

"You see, you kids aren't the only people who know about the metaverse, as you would've clued in by now."

"Oh I have." Ann deadpanned.

"When there are anomalous occurrences such as the metaverse, governments tend to want to keep track of them, and of course as an intelligence officer of the United States, that's why I'm here, but we're not the only group that has eyes here."

"...The Russians are too."

"..Of course they are." Ann replied. "Who else?"

"Well, if you're asking, the Chinese, North Koreans, Iran maybe? Off the top of my head." Kaplan mused. "Anyways, I know you're not one for lectures, so I'll keep this brief."

"I do believe it's about time you ought to know about the truth of the metaverse, Ann Takamaki."

"...Now that you say it, it makes a lot of sense that it's a weapon, with the mental shutdowns and all….." Ann rubbed her temples. "But also… bat shit insane."

"There's that aspect of it of course." Kaplan spoke as Ren walked over and handed another cup of coffee to Ann.

"...Thanks." She muttered as she took the cup. On her lap beneath the table, was Morgana, who was currently serving as a comfort pillow.

"So… why are you telling me all of this now?" Ann questioned. "Like, why bring me in?"

"...Well, for starters, there's only three of you." Kaplan spoke. "And I already got Ren here."

"..And no offense, but I don't trust Mister Sakamoto's ability to keep his lips shut."

"...So you're saying you think Ryuji will blab everything?"

"Yes." The spy replied. "Also if he started ranting about all of this, and considering his reputation, I wouldn't be surprised if he was sent to a mental institution."

"...Fair enough." Ann agreed. "..Can we move on about recruiting me as a spy?"

"Of course." Kaplan spoke. "So I've been keeping track of you for some time, with help from Ren, and a little digging on your background."

"I've come to the conclusion that you would make an excellent agent for current and future operations, not only because you don't have a criminal record like Ren and Ryuji,"

"But because your modeling job can put you into contact with persons of interest."

"...Okay… So, say if I agree." Ann began. "What do I get?"

".. I'm glad you asked," Kaplan smirked. "Payment, to the tune of five to twenty thousand U.S dollars or more, depending on the mission at hand."

"...And if I decline?" Ann pressed.

"Well, we'll just find another candidate." Kaplan answered. "We won't bother you, we only silence the folks we don't like."

"But if you blab, and become one of those folks, well, that goes without saying."

"...I see…" Ann sighed.. "If that is the case, Mister Kaplan,"

" It's too late now, I'm too deep in this."

"I accept. What are our terms?"

"... A wise decision, Miss Takamaki. Welcome to the party." The spy spoke. "Your first assignment will be a crucial, but relatively simple one."

"It involves a certain Makoto Nijima."

"The student council president!?" Ann inquired.

"The one and only." The spy cleared his throat. "We have good reason to believe Makoto Nijima is investigating what happened to Kamoshida, on behalf of the Principal."

"Kobayakawa?"

"Yes, and she's very likely onto you, or at least that's what he says." The spy gestured towards Ren.

"When we left after the Kamoshida mission, we happened to pass by where we planted the calling cards." Ren stepped up. " She was there, looking over them."

"...I didn't see her." Ann spoke.

"You were already past that hall when I did." Ryuji can confirm." Ren supplied. "He thought it was nothing to worry about."

"And it is if we play our cards right." The spy quipped. "I understand you've been offered an invitation to rub elbows with the student council?"

"Y-yeah." She confirmed. "You didn't set that up, right?"

"No, we didn't, but they did." The spy explained. "The president's on to you."

"..Well, Kamoshida did directly acknowledge me and Shiho…" Ann thought. "Well, that figures."

"I'm guessing you want me to do… something with her." Ann spoke. "That's what a spy would want me to do… I think.."

"Exactly." The spy spoke. "Now listen closely."

"I understand you're… the people person of your group," The spy stated matter-of-factly, "That aspect is gonna be in high demand for this."

"I need you to cozy up to the student council. I know you're a people person, so try to make friends with the President as fast as you can."

"Once you accomplish that, I know the President will likely probe you with questions regarding your involvement with Kamoshida, from there, we'll put our plan into action."

"From there, you have several objectives." The spy began to lay them out.

"One. Figure out what the President knows, and by extension, what the Principal knows."

"Two. Spread Disinformation. We want to confuse and obfuscate their knowledge of what we're doing. You'll be answering the President's questions with a mix of misinformation and genuine information that is either too late to be useful, or valueless. I'll be teaching you how to do this."

"Three. Gauge and assess what kind of person Makoto Nijima is. If possible, we could go the extra mile and 'flip' her to our cause. I'll explain more about this as you get the hang of it."

"I believe, if we want to do all of this, it's important to gain the President's trust, and what better way than to make her think you're a weak link in our little group of thieves." He told Ann.

"For lack of a better word, I'd say, adopt a Persona." The spy advised. "Sell yourself as incompetent, ditzy, gullible, easily manipulatable, put on an act. Play into stereotypes."

Ann leaned back in her seat. "That's… uh, a lot to take in.." She rubbed her eyes as she processed what she was told.

"I'm sorry to dump all of that on you this fast, but uh, speed is a necessity in our line of work." The spy apologized. "

"...So, let me get this straight." Ann demanded. "I need to put on an act, and use that to spy on the student council president, all the while revealing myself as a phantom thief."

"Essentially." The spy answered coolly. "In short, you need to go into the cold. Don't be too genuine with anyone beyond our exclusive club here, so we can sell this little act better."

"Gain the President's trust, but ah, a little betrayal and deceit may be required down the line. Do all of that, with a little coaching and help from me and Ren here, and you've earned a nice paycheck."

"..Okay…" Ann nodded with a sigh. "...So, how do we do this?"

The spy reached into a pocket and pulled out a small object.

"Earpiece, we'll be in touch. When you get to school tomorrow, act natural and go meet the President for a little heart to heart as she wants. That's when the plan kicks into gear."

"Oh, uh, another thing." The spy added as the blonde accepted the item. "I know this is a little abrupt, but I need you to come to the cafe again, because before we made the decision to approach you, we already arranged a meeting with my higher ups after school tomorrow, and I'd think it'd be best for you to tag along."

"Wait, what?" Ann was shocked by yet another development. "Hold on… Tomorrow?"

"Well, you see, most people don't tend to build spy networks on sixteen year olds that are untrained and rather inexperienced, so some face to face would reassure them you guys are the right people for the job."

"Plus, it's easier to assess and organize your activities after your first day on the job, so we can give more… direct feedback."

"...Hold on, so first…" Ann put a stop to the flurry of information. "..Are we meeting at the cafe? And for how long, I have a schedule, y'know." She inquired.

"Oh we're going on a little trip, and don't worry, I'll be driving. It'll be Just a quick dinner at the U.S embassy here." The spy explained. "Cafeteria's relatively nice."

"We'll try to condense this all to an hour or less."

"...Okay… I see." Ann sighed, satisfied with the answer. " What the fuck…" She muttered under her breath, facepalming.

"Hey…" Ren asked. "...Are-are you okay?" He asked with concern.

"...Do I look okay?" Ann spoke.

"...You're looking cool, panther." Morgana responded. "I can't say about okay, though…"

"...Morgana, not now…" Ann groaned. "...Anyways, what was that about checking on Ryuji?"

"...R-right!" Ren snapped, remembering what he said earlier. "So uh, well, that Doctor might be a little more than Ryuji can handle…"

"...How so..?" Ann asked, with concern creeping into her voice.

"Oh you'll see." Kaplan chuckled, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"...What do you mean by that?" Ann pressed as both teens turned to face the spy.

"Ah, the doc you see.." The spy began. "She's a bit out there."

"...First thing she said to me," Ren began. "Was that I would make a good test subject."

"...Ah, of course." Ann deadpanned. "Totally normal, nothing out of the ordinary there."

"Indeed," The spy agreed. "We're burning daylight. I can drive you all to the clinic if you'd like."

"Aight, this should be it. Unfortunately, I can't give you a lift back. I got some stuff I need to address."

The Toyota came to a rolling stop as Ann and Ren got out.

"Thanks, we appreciate it." Ren replied.

"Anytime." The spy assured, before shifting the stick back into drive, and speeding off.

"...So this is it, huh." Ann remarked. "... You know, I have some questions if her clinic is in a back alley…"

"Well, doctors ain't cheap these days." Ren answered. "Granted, I do get paid well as an agent, but still."

"...Fair enough." Ann responded. "...I don't really like walking through these areas at this hour." Ann began pulling her jacket hood up, tucking her blonde hair away. "Last thing I need is some creep approaching me."

"We're in luck then, I do have some contingencies in that scenario." Ren eyed the pair of 'pens' which stuck out of his shirt pocket.

He then took his coat and reversed it inside out before putting it back on, concealing the Shujin academy logo.

"What are you doing?" Ann inquired.

"I'd hate for us to get identified as Shujin students and get expelled for creeping about at this hour, especially after we got rid of Kamoshida."

"Good point." Ann followed suit.

To further conceal themselves, Ren removed and put away his glasses, and hastily swept his hair back, while Ann pulled her hood further down, concealing her eyes as much as possible without hindering vision.

Once they were finished, they set off into the cold night.

"Alright, feel free to put your clothes back on." The doctor told Ryuji.

"So, how bad is it doc?" Ryuji asked. "You coulda been gentler with the needles… oww." He shuddered.

"You're overall looking pretty good. Pulse's normal, blood test is normal… But here's where the problem begins.."

She pulled up an x-ray scan.

"It's not looking too good. The tibia is a bit misaligned, which is the source of your leg issues."

"...Is it?" Ryuji asked as he pulled his jacket on. "Can you fix it?"

"...Unless you give your consent to me doing surgery on you, no." Tae explained. "Or you could go to the hospital and ask them to do it."

"...Hospital?" Ryuji spat. "First of all, that ain't cheap, second of all, those bastards did this to me in the first place!"

"Well, if that's the case.." The doctor scratched her chin, before pulling open a drawer and reaching in.

"I can give you some medication. It won't solve the problem, but it should ease the pain."

She pulled out a bottle of pills.

"Ibuprofen. Standard, over the counter, should help with inflammation and pain ." She handed the bottle over. "Take in moderation, it takes an hour to kick in."

"...That's it?" Ryuji spoke. "...Seems..Kinda, underwhelming…"

"..Hmmh... I might have something else, but…" The doctor got up from her chair and walked over to a cabinet.

"...Here take this." She tossed a small bottle to the fake blonde.

"What's this?" Ryuji examined the bottle. It lacked the more official labeling that the ibuprofen did.

"It's a sort of Adrenaline pill, I haven't named it yet." She explained. "It should give you more energy and help you power through any possible pain."

"It acts fast, about a minute to take effect. I would recommend you take it three times a day maximum, whenever the pain is incredibly bad."

"...How bad?"Ryuji requested clarification.

"When it hurts to even stand, but you absolutely must move fast." Tae explained.

"... Would have absolutely helped back in the palace…" Ryuji noted mentally.

"There will be some side effects," The doctor moved on rapidly. "Your blood pressure will go up, and heart rate too. It's also worth mentioning that you'll get a sort of 'crash' effect when it runs out, which is about after five hours."

"...Okay.." Ryuji paused to absorb everything… "Got it, so don't take it when I don't need it, and I'll be really tired after."

"...That's the gist of it." Tae confirmed.

BANG

BANG
BANG

"Ryuji! We're here!" The voice of a young woman beckoned.

"Must be your friends." Tae moved to open the door.

"Hey! Sorry we're late." Ren walked in with Ann behind. "Is it going well?"

"It's going alright." Tae replied.

"Yeah, it is." Ryuji agreed. "So, uh, I learned several things…"

"..So, good news or bad news first?" He offered to Ren and Ann.

"...Let's cut to the chase." Ann demanded. "Bad news."

Ryuji turned to look at Tae.

"Ahem." The doctor cleared her throat. "We did x-rays, and it is confirmed that Mr. Sakamoto's tibias are misaligned. They healed improperly."

"Damnit.." Ann cursed under her breath. "That doctor…"

"Surgery would be my recommendation, but I have neither the equipment nor experience for that kind of work, not to mention the high cost, so the second best option is ibuprofen and some medication of my own creation."

"They should help dull the pain and keep him in good condition."

"That's good to hear." Ren smiled.

"Indeed, but please do remember my instructions on using them." Tae reminded Ryuji. "But In case you forget…"

The printer in the office corner whirred, and the doctor removed the freshly inked paper.

"There they are on paper." She handed it over to Ryuji.

'Thanks." Ryuji accepted.

"...So that about wraps it up. Payment is already sorted out." She looked at Ren.

"Are we good?" Ren asked Ryuji.

"We are." The fake blonde answered, as Ren and Ann extended their arms and helped Ryuji lift up.

"Thanks for everything Doc." Ryuji spoke to Tae.

"No problem, come by anytime you need my services."

And thus, the door slammed shut, and the three disappeared, out into the cold of the alleys.

As the doctor began closing down, a thought drifted into her mind. She had forgotten to ask Ryuji about those strange fresh bruises on his body.

"Welcome to your first day on the job." The earpiece crackled to life as Ann slid it into her ear.

"How is it working for you?" Ren asked as Ann adjusted the earpiece.

"Just fine." Ann replied.

"Good, we remember the plan?"

"Meet with the student council, then move from there." She spoke as she approached the stairs, preparing to leave the roof and descend into the school.

"Exactly, Ren will be keeping an eye on you if things get outta hand." The spy explained as Ren gave a thumbs-up silently. "It shouldn't, but you can't be too careful in this kind of work."

"Gotcha." She spoke as she ran downstairs.

" Before this really kicks into gear, tell me, what do you know about this Makoto Nijima?" The spy asked. " What kinda person is she, specifically? Like is she a cold calculating type? Or just kicked upwards? "

" ...Well she isn't a social butterfly, that's for sure." Ann answered. "She's actually not that popular, I've heard a few nasty rumors about her here and there. Mostly because she did nothing when Kamoshida was around."

" So I'm leaning into kicked upwards.." The spy spoke. " I'd still be a bit on guard, if her sister is anything to go by."

"...Her sister is a prosecutor, right? If I recall what Ren told me." Ann spoke.

" Indeed, she's damn sharp too, one of the highest conviction rates with all her cases." The spy added. " That or she's been tampering with them. Regardless, I'd still say the only thing holding her back from rising to the top is her lack of experience."

" ...Let's see if this Niijima lives up, then." Ann declared. "I'm gonna go silent soon."

"Good luck." And the earpiece went dead.

Ann sighed, as she approached the yellow door of the student council room.

BANG

BANG

BANG

"Come in!" A voice beckoned from behind the door.

Ann twisted the knob, and walked in.

"Ah, earlier than expected."

A young woman sat on the table in the middle of the room, obviously expecting Ann's arrival.

"Hi! I'm Makoto Niijima." She began.

"Yes, the student council president." Ann gave the most genuine fake smile she could muster. "It's nice to meet you."

"A-ah, so my reputation precedes me…" Makoto nodded and smiled back awkwardly.

" Yep , not a social butterfly.." Ann mentally recapped. "You were the one who wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes, please have a seat." Makoto offered.

"Of course." Ann nonchalantly pulled out a chair.

"So, first of all, thank you for accepting my invitation." Makoto began. "You must have a busy schedule."

"Oh it's alright," Ann assured. "It's good to have someone address the whole Kamoshida incident."

"Yes, speaking of him, this is a matter I've been looking to address for a very, very long time." Makoto explained. "I'm aware of how it seems that we've sat idly whilst Mr. Kamoshida committed his… transgressions," She spoke with an ever so slight hint of nervousness, "But I've had my hands tied during that time. So, this is my way of trying to make amends."

"...I see." Ann answered. "... Hands tied? More like sucking up…."

"... She's looking to get something out of you." The earpiece suddenly crackled. " ...Turn the tables, ask Little Miss perfect here what she means by hands tied.."

"...What do you mean by hands tied?" Ann asked. "Was it like the faculty didn't let you do anything, did Kamoshida himself do something to you, or did you just not know the full extent of his action?"

"..." Makoto suddenly leaned in close to Ann. "I didn;t say this, but,"

"...J-just between you and me, yes, the faculty blocked any and all attempts to remove Kamoshida."

" She;s telling you this to gain your trust, it's probably true, but she has no reason to say this otherwise." The earpiece spat out.

"...As I thought…" Ann scowled. "...W-well, thanks for telling me, I'm glad to hear that at least someone cared." She sighed. "It must be a big risk for telling me that."

"It is." Makoto confirmed. "But please don't tell anyone else about this, not now at least."

"My lips are sealed." Ann nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

"...Thank you." Makoto sighed. "N-now, if you don't mind, can you give me a timeline of how long Kamoshida's crimes have been going on? I understand if it's… uncomfortable."

" Tell her what she wants to hear, it'll help us gain her trust." The earpiece crackled. "Feel free to leave out or lie some parts, but you need to be consistent, and most importantly, don't give anything that will tie you to the Phantom Thieves."

"W-well, if it will help others, and stop similar events in the future, I will." Ann replied. "So, do you remember that girl that jumped off the roof?"

"A-and then she s j-jumped!" Ann sniffled loudly.

" Good, good, ham it up." The earpiece advised. " If she thinks you're the sensitive type, it will get her to open up."

"I-I couldn't go on after that…" She continued.

"...I'm sorry.." Makoto offered more tissues.

"...It's too late to change anything now…" Ann lamented with a tear.

" Excellent performance, the best lies have a little truth stirred into them." The earpiece crackled.

"...If.. it helps… " Makoto began. "I know what it feels like to have a friend being manipulated and used, but you're unable to help them."

" This is some juicy stuff, see if you can get her to reveal some details…."

"Really?" Ann spoke. "That's terrible!"

"Y-yeah… I've been trying to do something to help, but I-I admit I'm a little out of my depth on this.." Makoto spoke.

"Out of depth how?" Ann asked. "...Maybe I can help?"

"...She works at a café in the red light district, but I'm concerned that she's getting with the 'wrong' crowd. I tried talking to her, but I'm not getting through."

"...You're speaking to the right person then." Ann smiled. "Talking to people is kinda my specialty…"

"Thanks for the offer, but I don't wanna drag you into my problems…" Makoto politely refused.

"But this problem isn't yours only." Ann reminded. "It's your friend's too, even if she doesn't know it yet."

"...I'm sorry, but I'll need to reject your offer." Makoto insisted. "If anything, I should be trying to help you more, for my inaction against Kamoshida.."

'...How about we make a deal?" Ann spoke. "You're good with grades, you don't become the student council president for nothing. I'm not good with grades, but I know how to talk and hold an audience."

"Where are you heading with this?" Makoto questioned.

"We should work together, you help me study and learn, while I help with your friend's situation. We both get what we want, and cover our weaknesses." Ann beamed.

'...Well, it is kind of my duty to help a fellow student…." Makoto scratched her chin.

"And, I don't want to see a repeat of Kamoshida with another girl." Ann answered. "So…."

"...I-I accept, Ms. Takamaki."

"Aww, no need for formality." Ann patted Makoto's back gently. "Call me Ann."

"Okay… Ann." Makoto smiled awkwardly, clearly unfamiliar with this level of intimacy. She then glanced at the clock on the wall. "Ahem. Before we're out of time…"

"I almost forgot." Makoto composed herself. "What are your thoughts on the whole Phantom Thieves situation?"

"...Well, they seem a bit sketchy, but they did act when no one else did…. No offense.." Ann spoke.

"...None taken.."

"And, well, I kinda owe them for ending my and Shiho's ordeal, so I can't really hold it against them too much." Ann continued.

"I can understand." Makoto nodded. 'Thank you for your time."

"No problem." Ann agreed. "So, when are you available to meet again? I'm kinda busy after school…"

"Oh, pretty much anytime." Makoto answered. "I'm usually at the library…"

"Well, see you there then." Ann began to rise from her seat. "Take care."

"Goodbye." Makoto answered as Ann opened the door and left, out into the cold.

" That was some excellent, Oscar worthy acting there." A voice called from the earpiece. "You've netted yourself twenty grand American."

"For the record, I intend on helping her as much as I can while doing the job." Ann spoke.

" And that's totally fine." The earpiece assured. " I'm gonna scope out the district this weekend."

" Anyways, there's been a slight change in plans. My car is in the parking lot. Head there. Ren is already waiting for you."

"We're heading directly to the embassy."

So hey! I'm not dead (yet) Life has kept me quite busy, so I've been short on time to write.

In the vanilla persona game, you can more or less only pursue one confidant route, but I intend on playing with the idea of giving other characters routes of another, mostly for the sake of espionage, but I'll see how it goes.

I think Ann was the perfect person for the set up with Makoto, because Ann is perfect for outplaying Makoto in that exact Scenario. While Makoto is more book smart, Ann is better with talking and convincing, as well as lying. Useful skills and tools for a spy.

While I do think Makoto could have also seen through some of Ann's act, there's also Kaplan coaching Ann so Makoto's perception is more or less nullified.

Overall, I'd like to hear more opinions on this fic. I also might write a sort of prequel to this fic, but it will take place in another franchise, because 1. I started reading it. 2. I noticed some similarities, and I could use that to tie those two together.

Nonetheless, Espionage is a dangerous game.

-Joesephi