Doitsu096: Technically he could easily be a house husband, considering his lovers include a cop, a detective, an idol, the head of a hotel and hot spring and a weather lady.
nsilver: Trust us, we have something planned.
Galcian: Good instincts you have there.
The Blue Phoenix Mage: Glad you've enjoyed our ideas and the exacution of it so far.
UltimateCCC: I am happy to finally get to see him move on.
Demon dark mezzo sangue: Well it is currently avalable for the PS4, PS5, XBox, PC and Nintendo Switch. Plenty of ways to enjoy Persona 5 Royal. Glad you've liked the story enough to bindge read it THAT thoughrally. I will say this, the Confidants are a big part of the story so I don't get why people wouldn't focus on them. And as for the romance, you are right. Especially for harem's. Because most people see it as a fantasy, which is part of why the Persona Games actively punish you for going the harem route. So we fixed it by using options that the game would obviously NOT be able to do.
Temporal King: Yeah, it IS a relationship. It goes both ways.
welltall44: Panther, Mona and Queen are all Healers. But you are right that they do not have a DEDICATED Healer. Partially because game play wise that would be tough to impliment, or potentially too broken. Especially with stuff like SP Adhesives.
Have a Little Feith: One of us forgot the 'W' and my spellchecker picked it up as the computer company. And Shiho has had a solo lemon, yes. However we are saving the last stage of her Social Link
Quatermass: Yep, you got the definition right. Ghost and I have a people in the Health Indistry so we know a few sites for research, mainly Ghost though.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: He is just determined to protect the others. And he is only caring for this year, not the future.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Beowolf 43: You say that, just wait to see what happens.
s. taylor2517: You'll have to read and find out.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yeah, it might not be a full monster mash, but it'll be a big problem.
Quatermass: It's not a common term, I looked on a few websites for reference. But just Google for the explanations.
Temporal King: Yeah, there was a lot of character growth in this chapter.
Demon dark mezzo sangue: Holy crap, that's amazing dedication, thank you. Yeah, you'd probably be better off watching walkthroughs on YouTube rather than watching the anime. Thank for the praise.
UltimateCCC: Yeah, fighting one doctor with another doctor. And... it's like seeing Iron Man at the end of Endgame. He can rest now. wipes tear from eye
The Blue Phoenix Mage: I'm glad you've been enjoying this story.
Galcian: You won't be wrong.
Doitsu096: Busy. That's what his job has been. chuckle
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Newest chapter! Yeah!
Thanks for letting us have the time off guys, I needed it. The break was very much needed.
Hope you all enjoy as we get back into the swing of things! Uploaded once a month, the last weekend of every month! The last Saturday every month!
Also, the 'Persona sealing' of our current journey? It is a reference to a past Persona game. Whoever can guess, you get a cookie!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 43
Learning On The Off Days
Ren was up and ready for the day, this was going to be a full day today. And he had to be ready to do it. It was time for him to meet up with the others. Another shopping trip. Selling stuff and just spending the time gathering items. No gear, no weapons, just supplies.
"Okay, Ren. You've got this. You're in control. Not the impulse." He hyped himself up in the mirror to straighten his head out. "Phoo... Okay."
"You okay?" Morgana asked
"Yeah, I'm just psyching myself up. I'm alright." He answered. "Yesterday's... spending spree and telling me off hit hard."
"Yeah... that makes sense. I'm coming with you." Morgana responded, leaping into the bag.
"It's going to be me and the girls, remember." Ren commented.
"I know. But it's been a while since I've been out with you." Morgana answered. "It might be fun."
"It's your choice." Ren sighed as he carried his bag and headed out. "I'm going out now."
"Don't be too late, Ren." Sojiro commented as he was making coffee for some customers. It seems that the number of people coming in had increased.
"I'll try not to be." Ren responded as he left and signalled the girls on his phone.
'Hi girls, I'm on my way to the train station. I'll meet you in the city.'
Bzz!
Bzz!
Bzz!
'Okay, we'll meet you there.' Ann responded.
'I'll see you there.' Makoto added.
'I'll see you all there winky emoji.' Shiho added.
'Busy with work. But I might be able to swing round.' Kawakami stated
And from Tae?
Silence
"Oh, no. Is she okay?" He whispered as he looked at the lack of response from Tae. If this was related to Dr Oyamada, it was serious. She had been closing herself off for a while.
"What's wrong, Ren?" Morgana asked.
"It's Tae. I'm worried about her." He admitted. "I'm gonna stop by her shop on the way out."
"That sounds like a good idea." Morgana nodded, sitting back within Ren's bag "Good luck." He joked
"Thanks." He rolled his eyes, walking down the street. It was a short walk, just heading on down the road and around a corner. Literally no time at all, and he was at the clinic of his favourite doctor. He took a quick deep breath and wanted to head inside, he didn't see any sign that said he couldn't go in so he thought that the clinic was still open. "Dr Takemi?" He spoke out, thinking people would be inside... but there was no-one. He frowned, talking in calmly "Hello? Tae? Where are you?" He walked inside, closing the door behind him as he looked around and expected at least one person there. He looked at the door leading to the doctor's office and saw that it was ajar, he slowly opened it and saw Tae, sleeping on the table with a waste paper bin filled with tissues and an empty box. "Tae..." He sighed sadly, walking over to her. It wasn't hard to work out what had happened, especially with her messed up make up. Ren gently ran his fingers through her hair, kissing her forehead
Tae's eyes flickered as she felt the touch of warmth on her forehead, slowly waking up through red eyes as she saw the white and dark grey of Ren's shirt and jacket. "... Ren...?" She whispered.
"Hey." He said softly, taking his jacket off and resting it over him. Placing it on her like a blanket "Rough night?"
"Yes." She whispered tiredly. "I just...I can't."
Ren held her cheek gently, giving her a quick kiss "Calm down. It's okay. I'm sorry if me being here upset you."
"I'm a mess, Ren." She frowned. "I let her down. I'm a sorry excuse for a girlfriend; right?"
Ren sat next to her, holding her close "You are amazing Tae."
"Yeah. And I'm the adult." She sighed "Meanwhile, here you are comferting ME."
"Because I care. I know... I know what it's like to be in a deep low." He reassured her.
"You? You do?" She asked.
"I do." He nodded. "So, you're not alone. You have us." He gave her a gentle kiss on the lips, letting her rest against him
Tae's eyes fluttered gently as she rested with Ren; Morgana stayed quiet as he heard all of this and smiled, this was the Trickster and Joker that he knew in the previous timeline shining through.
"Tae. Are you feeling up for going out today?" Ren asked gently as he held her close, an arm around her waist. Lightly running his fingers across her arm that was pressed against his side "We all understand if you aren't up for it. It is up to you."
Tae looked to the ground and then back at Ren. "I've... been crying the past two days." She admitted. "I'm not exactly 'presentable'. But... do you think you would mind if I came?"
"Of course, I wouldn't mind, Tae. You're my girlfriend and everyone will be happy to see you." Ren explained, holding her hand gently. "I can wait outside if you want to change into something more casual?" He offered gently
"Why? It's not like you haven't seen it before." She teased, the 'normal' Tae peaking out for a moment
"... Very true." He nodded gently as she began to take off her lab coat. Ren stepped back a little, giving Tae some room to get changed and started to pick up the used tissues to put into the bin. As he cleaned up, Tae changed into her casual outfit. And good god did she look just as good in that attire
Tae was dressed in her dark green dress with her red belt around her waist, her black platform sandals, the black and silver-stud choker around her neck, and a silver necklace with an orange and black pendant. "How do I clean up?" She asked.
"You look great." Ren answered.
"I hope the others think so. It's been a while." She admitted as she looped her arms with him.
Ren smiled and walked slowly with her down the street, just to help her get the feeling back in her legs to walk.
'Well done, Ren.' Morgana thought to himself.
*Elsewhere*
"Hi girls." Makoto waved as she saw her friends.
"Hey, ready for the day?" Shiho asked.
"Yeah, I can't wait." Makoto nodded as she saw them.
"Hnn... hmm... I wonder what's taking Ren?" Futaba asked as she stretched... and wearing her hoodie up.
"Not sure. Expected him to come with you, honestly." Ann shrugged
"Yeah, I thought he was too. But I rode the bus here myself." Futaba responded.
"Don't you mean 'train'?" Shiho asked.
"Po-tay-to, po-tah-to." Futaba waved off.
"We are really proud of you, Futaba." Makoto smiled
"Hee-hee. Thanks." Futaba chuckled.
"Hey, guys." Ren spoke as he walked with Tae. "Sorry for the wait!"
"Hey, Tae! You're here." Ann waved as she looked over at Ren.
"Hi Kitten, you good?" Tae smiled weakly
"Yeah, we're okay. Are you?" Ann asked, noting the tone in her voice.
"Been better." she admitted
"It's good to see you again." Makoto added. "I hope you're ready for a 'girl's day out'."
"Girls, yeah." Ren chuckled
"You know what we mean, Ren." Shiho responded, tugging his arm playfully.
"Right, right." He laughed
"I hope you're ready for 'shop-time'!" Ann added as Futaba stood next to her.
"I think I might be." Tae responded as she walked with the others.
"Please don't go too crazy with money." Ren laughed softly, following them
*time skip*
The day was going peacefully, Ren was sitting on a chair waiting for his girlfriends while Morgana had his head poking out of the bag. "You good, Ren?" Morgana asked
"Yeah, I'm good. Just waiting." He answered. "How was your nap?"
"You know. Enjoyable." He stretched, going back into the bag quickly before poking out. "So... what's up?"
"Nothing, but... It's weird being told off by several people because they're worried about me." Ren admitted as he still felt guilty about the other day
"Yeah, it was harsh... but they mean well." Morgana answered. "It's better than... you know."
"Yeah, I know." Ren nodded solemnly. "But now... I. We have a second chance."
"Yeah." Morgana nodded
"I wonder how long the girls will be?" Ren pondered, changing the subject.
fwoosh~!
And the curtains where open, the girls emerging in new outfits
"Haaa...?" Ren's jaw dropped as he looked at the sight of them.
Ann was wearing a red summer dress, flat sandals and a round-rimmed summer hat.
Makoto was wearing a thin blue jacket, a grey crop top shirt, and three quarter length shorts with her normal shoes, but she had a pair at home that worked well with it.
Futaba was wearing a green hoodie, a short-sleeved black shirt with green circuitry, khaki three-quarter length shorts and wearing her normal sneakers.
Shiho was wearing a white long summer dress, a pair of sunglasses and espadrille shoes.
Last, but certainly not least, was Tae; walking out with a pair of black shorts, wooden soles sandals, dark green crop-top with black sunglasses. "I feel... kind of exposed." She admits "I've gotten too use to wearing jackets."
"You look GREAT?" Shiho assured
"Thanks." Tae smiled gently. "... Are the glasses too much?" She gestured to them.
"No way, TOTALLY stylish. Fits your astetic, to." Ann assured
Tae rubbed the back of her neck from embarrassment and nodded. "Thanks."
"... Is Morgana in your bag?" Shiho whispered.
"Yeah." Ren nodded
"Cute. You're such a total 'cat dad'." She giggled.
"I'm a what?" He blinked.
"You want to pay for these?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah, that's fine." Ann nodded.
"Err." Ren muttered before Shiho stopped him.
"Our turn, Ren." She responded.
"Next stop!" Futaba followed up, cheering a little.
"... Where are we going next?" He asked.
"Getting you some things." Ann pointed.
"Oh god." Ren deadpanned.
*time skip*
We spend an hour with Ren trying on various clothing, switching around some comfortable suits and shirts, trousers and shorts. All the scenery changed as they all were sitting in the park and enjoying the sunshine.
"Wow~, such a nice breeze." Tae whispered as she sat down on a bench with the others, enjoying the sun.
"It's a nice step towards going to the beach soon." Shiho commented.
"Thinking that far ahead, are we?" Makoto asked. "How're you, Futaba?"
"Hss! The light! Natural light!" She playfully remarked as she pretended to be a vampire while wriggling in Ren's lap.
"Are you really a gremlin? Or a vampire?" Ren deadpanned, but he's smiling about it. "Just look at Morgana."
"Prrr~" The black cat was sleeping in the sun in a doughnut shape.
...
'Cute.' They all thought as they looked at Mona, and Tae stroked the fluffy kitty's belly.
"Nya~."
Tae's smile at Morgana's fluffiness and cuteness was making her heart lighten, this day out was something she needed.
"So, where do we want to go next?" Ren asked.
"I think we know." Ann nodded.
"To the cafe!" Shiho rose her hand.
"Nya!" Morganana woke up in shock and looked around before he leapt into the bag.
"Shiho." Tae frowned as Morgana left into the bag.
"... It's alright." She sighed but knew the pussy cat didn't run into the park.
"So... the cafe. That sounds great." Ren answered. "... Futaba, can you get off my lap now?"
"No!" She pouted as she remained.
"If not, we can't go to-" Ann reminded.
"I'm up!" She answered, getting off his lap.
Ren chuckled, getting himself up. "Alright, let's go." And slung his bag over his shoulders. "Sorry, Morgana." The group all got up and headed back into Shibuya, where they all had to make sure they didn't get separated, which Ren had trouble doing because it was a choice between Futaba, Shiho, Ann, Tae and Makoto. Two arms, are not enough.
They headed into the cafe and all sat down in one of the booths, with Futaba being nestled between Tae and Ren. "Kinda snug, right?" Makoto asked.
"Well, it's not like they didn't think this out for large groups." Ann responded.
"So, aside from having some late lunch; what can we do?" Tae asked.
"I'm telling you, it's fun." A couple of friends from the table behind them were getting a little raucous.
"Seriously? 'The King's Game'? You sure you won't do anything stupid?" The other friend commented.
"... Err... Should we?" Shiho asked, almost suggesting that.
The group looked at each other and in unison "Nah."
*Time Skip*
Ren, Tae and Futaba were back home back to Yongen-Jaya after a wonderful time out, Ann and Shiho were walked with Makoto taking the next train. "Thanks for a great day out." Ren spoke out and also over text.
"No problem, kinda our treat for you." Futaba answered.
"Thanks for getting me back out, Ren." Tae added.
"Of course." He responded.
"Well, I better head home. Thanks for a great day." Tae added as she hugged the both of them.
"Any time, Tae." Ren responded as they separated to both LeBlanc and to Tae's home.
"We're home." Both Ren and Futaba spoke as they entered LeBlanc.
"Ah, you're home. Did you have a good day?" Sojiro asked as he saw them. "... The heck do you have there?"
"A lot of stuff." Ren admitted.
"I'm gonna head back home, just wanted to let you know I was back, Sojiro." Futaba spoke as she waved.
"Care for some curry?" Sojiro asked.
Grumble...
"Dang it, you know I can't resist it." Futaba's stomach betrayed her and she sat down.
Bzz
bzz
"Sorry, I've got to take this." Ren apologised, looking at his phone.
"Sure, no problem." Sojiro answered as Futaba was eating.
Ren quickly opened his messanger, looking at the message
'Hi, can we meet up? I want to talk. Same place.' A message from Hifumi Togo. She wanted to talk in private.
"Dang." He whispered and went back inside. "Sorry, I've got to go out again."
"Hmm? Really?" Futaba hummed after swallowing some curry.
"Don't make a habit out of this, Ren. You've been pushing yourself a lot lately." Sojiro answered.
"I won't be too late." Ren reassured. "Bye."
"Bye, Ren." Futaba waved as she saw him leave.
*time skip*
Ren took the next train to the church, he was worried about her. As he entered the church, he saw Hifumi standing with a woman with long brown hair and wearing a blue patterned dress. "...That's right, your next opponent will finally be a professional." The woman spoke. "My client's a big shot in the Pro Shogi Players' Assosiation, so I worked really hard to set it up."
Hifumi looked down a little and responded quietly. "But..."
Ren approached as he saw them, the woman turning to Ren's direction. "Oh, is this a fan of yours, Hifumi?"
"No, mother. He's my shogi friend... I told you about him; remember?" Hifumi clarified.
"Your shogi friend, hm?" The woman, now introduced as Hifumi's mother, observed Ren. "Let me say this. I hope you're not harbouring any weird feelings for Hifumi."
"Mother!" Hifumi defended as she was being accused alongside Ren.
"As I'm sure you're aware, you're not allowed to date, young lady." Mrs Togo reminded sternly. "You've started to attract a number of new male fans with all of your photo spreads."
"... Yes, Mother." Hifumi obeyed obediently, almost like a trained dog.
Ren saw this and sighed heavily. This... was overbearing.
"Besides." Mrs Togo looked at Ren with her eyes. "You can get fifty guys like him, once you're famous. I need you to accomplish the things I was never able to."
That caught Ren's attention... was Mrs Togo living her life or dreams through Hifumi?
"Now, I'm going to work. Don't wait up for me." Mrs Togo informed.
"Of course, mother." Hifumi whispered and nodded. As Mrs Togo left, she gave one last look at Ren and almost snubbed her nose at him again.
Ren shook his head and walked over. "Hey, I got your message."
"Yes, thank you. I apologise. That must've been quite the shock." Hifumi apologised.
"'You're not allowed to date'? Does she think you're an idol?" Ren asked.
"Yes, that's right. It's my mother's rule because the majority of shogi fans are men." Hifumi responded, before looking sad. "... My father is ill and unable to work, my mother supports us. She used to be a local TV announcer, but she had to quit to take care of my father... He was a pro shogi player."
"Ah, I see." He nodded.
"He's usually calm, but when he played you could feel his spirit." She explained. "He never hesitated when making a move, like a king. I really admired him, so I started playing shogi too... But he collapsed one day and... In my mother's eyes, she saw shogi stealing her dream and her husband." She continued sadly. "And yet, she tells me to keep playing. She wants me to achieve her dreams. I should be working to help support us."
Ren continued to listen and process this as Hifumi continued to confess. Very apt considering where they were.
"I want to become a professional to earn enough money to ease my parents' burden." Hifumi continued. "That's why I do those interviews and photoshoots to hopefully make enough money...but it's honestly quite difficult for me."
"Have you told your mother?" Ren asked, trying to be a good friend.
"Well, she's certainly enjoying dealing with the media again after such a long time. However... no-one sees me as a shogi player anymore. They no longer recognize my skills. I'm not playing shogi in order to become an idol. I simply love my family, and I want to support them in any ways I can." Hifumi frowned, leaning on her hand. "... tsk, this isn't good. I shouldn't be focusing on such negative topics before a match. Well, today I'm going on the offensive. So be prepared. This'll help you get out of disadvantageous situations."
"Bring it on." Ren smiled as the pieces were placed on the board.
Star: Rank 5.
*Time Skip*
August 24th.
The group had gathered together once again and were ready to dive deep into Mementos. But this time, they had someone new to join them. "I don't think I'm going to get used to that transition." Fleur commented as she was with the group.
"You're just not used to it, Fleur. It gets easier." Skull responded.
"Indeed, I wasn't used to it for a while." Fox added.
"It feels good to be back." Arachne, Fleur's Persona, commented as she stretched.
"It is lovely to have you back, my lady." Arsene flirted
"Y'arr, it might be time to dive deep into the fathoms of Mementos once again." Captain Kidd followed up.
"When did you start using 'Pirate Speak' again?" Goemon asked.
Arachna was a large Persona, close to the size of Necronomicon honestly. It was clearly a woman, a humanoid woman, who's skin was a pale blue colour, almost ghostly white. Her lower torso was that of a large black spider with a red webbing pattern on her abdomen in the shape of an hourglass, her legs looked like they were long thin silver thread dominatrix leather boots. The joint where her human torso met her spider carapace was protected by a black dominatrix bustier and a cloth that covered her womanly front.
The black bustier was tied up with red threads that hugged her hourglass-shaped body and ample frame. Along her arms were coated in silver threaded elbow-length gloves with spider-web designs. Her hair flowed down her back like it was the thread she weaved and her face was covered in a full face mask that had six small red eyes around two large eyes where normal eyes would go.
Fleur, Sadayo Kawakami's Phantom thief attire, was a maid based outfit. On her face was her own mask, much like the others. It was a black mask, a large solid circular black mask that covered her entire face. It was solid black and featureless, with just holes for the eyes. Peaking out at the very top, emerging from the hairline of her mask, where twinned red spider-legs bent and pointed upwards like a pair of 'W's.
The rest of her outfit was, again, maid like and stylish. However while it had the feeling of a maid, it also had the energy of a Dominatrix in a way. She wore a normal black maid dress, although it was a sexy maid look as the skirt ended halfway down her thighs. The dress ended at the shoulders, white latex running down her arms with black silk gloves that reached her wrists. Meanwhile her legs where covered in stylish diamond cut fishnets. Her legs where encased with black leather boots with slight heels, the boots going up to her mid-shins with white lacing criss-crossing up the front of said boots. Around her waist was a black corset which hugged her waist, emphasizing her sensual curves. And finally her hairstyle was slightly changed, slightly curvier and pulled behind her hair ears
"Is it wrong that I've missed seeing Fleur in her attire?" Oracle whispered to Joker.
"... No. But maybe keep quiet about it." He whispered back "Unless you want her using that Riding Crop on you."
"... Maybe later." She whispered back, shuddering a little.
"What was that?" Fleur asked
"Nothing." Both Joker and Oracle answered.
"Which floor are we headed to?" Dove asked.
"We've got a few floors to visit along the way... especially one with a certain cheetah in a cape." Joker explained.
"You figured a way to take that guy out?" Queen asked.
"Yep, he's going down." Joker nodded.
"Then let's get going. Morgana~! Henshin!" Mona proclaimed as he leapt into the air and turned into a bus again.
"Let's ride." Joker smirked. The group all entered the cat bus and herd him purr, riding through the multiple levels of Mementos.
*time skip*
"Is that where your money comes from?" Fleur asked as they had come to that floor. The one with the infamous cheater.
"Yeah, it's pretty much infinite when I can get it." Joker admitted as he stretched "Mona and I come here a few times."
"That's putting it lightly." Mona chuckled.
"So, back here again." Dove frowned as she looked at the gate towards the jail inside.
"Yeah, once more into the breach." Joker agreed.
"You think we'll be able to beat him this time?" Skull asked, carrying Mjolnir on his back.
"I know it this time." Joker answered, gripping his Tyrant Pistol "Let's just say I've picked up a little... Anti-cheat trick."
"Let's see if it's gonna work." Panther responded as they entered the 'jail' and saw the cheater, in the guise of the humanoid leopard, wielding two swords and a cape.
"Oh my goodness." Fleur blinked. "He's in a speedo!"
"You get over it with things like this." Dove reassured.
"Ah. Back again, Phantom Thieves?" The person proclaimed. "Here to die for reals?"
"No, we're not." Joker answered, stepping forward. "We're taking you down."
"Please, you can't even hit me!" He mocked
Click!
BANG!
...
"ARGH!" He screamed as he was shot, grabbing his arm.
Joker had jumped around, shooting a series of shots so fast it was almost like they where fired at once. Their angle slipping through the 'absolute defence'. It found the hole in the glotch. The Shadow screamed in pain, being peppered with shots as the group slashed and thwacked their enemy.
"For real?! This shit's working!" Skull gasped... and laughed "Alright!"
"Finally. This is for your scathing remarks!" Fox followed up, slashing and parrying the Shadow's sword.
"And for that stupid ego!" Dove followed up, disarming the second blade.
"GAH-HA!" The Shadow grunted in pain as he fell down... only to see Fleur's boots inches from his face, Riding Crop over her head. And then bringing the weapon down to strike
"Looked down on my students. Their friends. You. De. Ser. Ve. To. Be. Pun. Ished." Fleur spoke as she emphasized each syllable with a slash iof her riding crop.
"O-Oh god." The Shadow looked up in fear and worry. "Y-You. You're. You're gonna attack me from the front?"
"No. No. No. No. No." One by one, each Persona spoke.
"F-From behind?"
"No. No. No. No. No. No."
"Th-the sides?" He squeaked in terror.
"No. No. No. No. No. No."
"A-A-All at once?" He mumbled in horror
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! YES!"
"A-And you'll do that A-All Out Attack thing?" The Shadow stuttered, biting his claws
"YES YES!" Oracle called, facepalming "Oh My God! ... And we just had to do that reference!"
Joker felt a blue flame burn inside his heart, the World reacting as the group burst forth together
YOU'LL NEVER SEE IT COMING~!
The Phantom Thieves leapt into the air and struck down, Oracle landing a soft kick, followed up by Queen's punch with Nosferatu.
Next was Skull's slam with Mjolnir then sliced with Fox's Heaven's Gate as they broke the first sword.
Panther's Snow-Queen's Whip cracked as Dove's Dwarrow Iron slashed and shattered the second one.
Fleur slapped him with her riding crop weapon... as Joker used the slap as cover to fire with his Tyrant Pistol.
BANG!
SLAP!
PUNCH!
PUNCH!
SLICE!
STRIKE!
BOP!
CRASH!
Each Thief landed in a circle, surrounding the Shadow as it bulged and undulated before exploding in a fountain of blood.
THE SHOW IS OVER!
The Shadow's Persona self transformed back into the normal human self, kneeling on the ground and groaning. "I. I just wanted. To win."
"You can't really win while you cheat. You have to do it with hard work and errors." Fox informed.
"You only cheat yourself out of true experiences." Joker agreed.
"Y-You... you're right. I. I'll try... to be better." He whispered as he began to fade away.
Joker span his gun softly, slipping it into his holster as he looked out at the Shadow, taking a few steps forward. The Shadow looked up at Joker, seeing him in his blurred vision. "If you cheat." Joker said softly "Are you really the best? You want to win. But winning steals the very point of the game. You can do better, I believe in you."
The Shadow of the man looked up at Joker and smiled genuinely and nodded slowly. "I. Understand." And then he faded away, faded back to himself.
"Finally, we can move on!" Oracle cheered as she began to relax.
"Technically we ALWAYS could but... pride." Fox shrugged
"Let's get going!" Mona cheered, changing once more
"Hell yeah!" Fox cheered... "Who's Driving?"
"I am!" Joker and Queen rose their hands at the same time, both looking at each other as they wanted to drive, but they were having the 'daddy/mummy is right' situation.
"Damn it Fox! Not again!" Skull groaned
"I swear, they need to work out a system. This fighting is getting ridiculous." Panther mumbled
"Can anyone else drive?" Dove asked.
"Um... I can." Fleur responded, basically deadpanning, as she waved her hand
...
"Huh?" They asked.
"I can drive." She clarified. "I drive to work every day. I AM an adult, most of your teacher, remember?"
"All in favour of Fleur driving, say-" Panther spoke up, trying to keep things democratic.
"Aye." Dove, Oracle, Skull, Fox and Mona responded.
"Guys..." Makoto groaned.
"Come on." Joker facepalmed.
"The 'ayes' have it." Panther answered.
"Wait... I was not volunteering to drive!" Fleur snapped with shock covering her face, happy her mask covered most of it
"Too late, teach. You've been nominated." Skull responded. "Just remember to not slam your feet on Mona's pedals."
"I am most certainly NOT driving! ESPECIALLY with these heels on!" She snapped, huffing
"Great. Then I'll drive." Joker nodded
"Oh NO you won't!" Queen snapped "You don't have a license!"
"Queen! We are in the SUBWAY in an alternate state of REALITY from peoples SUBCONSCIOUS! I don't think licenses matter down here!" Joker shot back
"And~ here we go again." Dove huffed
"Um. Not to pry; but, does this happen often?" Fleur whispered to Mona.
"Yeah, it's a chore." Mona sighed and nodded. "Unfortunately, we don't have popcorn this time."
...
"Okay." Fleur frowned, clapping her hands "The rest of you need to learn to drive, then!"
"For real?!" Skull asked in shock.
"Yes. It's the only way you'll learn." Fleur answered.
"... I can't drive. I'm the car." Mona frowned and pointed to himself.
"And a cat." Fleur commented as she got into the passengers seat
"Yeah, that too." Mona groaned.
"So... does this mean I can drive?" Skull asked.
"Sure." Fleur nodded "Everyone else, get in."
"Huh? What's happening?" Queen and Joker asked.
...
"What're you doing in my seat?" They snapped.
"Fleur said that it was okay!" Skull answered, getting a feel of the wheel.
"Panther. Hold me." Dove whispered.
"I will." She nodded.
"I don't think we'll be in much trouble. After all, I believe Skull will-" Fox spoke as they entered the car.
*Two minutes later*
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
"GYAAAAAAAA!" They screamed as Skull was 'drifting' in Mementos.
"WHOOO!" He cheered as he did a tight slide through a corner. "Hell yeah! This is AWESOME!"
"GAAAAHHHHH! SKULL!" Mona screamed as he felt his paws... wheels, 'burn' from the excessive drifting.
"Is this what it's like for you, Joker?" Skull smiled as he drove.
"Not really!" Joker panicked.
"SHADOW!" Panther called out, pointing straight as Skull was drifting around.
"WHAT?!"
SMASH!
And the Shadow was ran over, reduced to pulp. Crashing down into the floor was a group of slimes, slowly forming into their 'solid' shapes, dripping and oozy.
"Shadows!" The group answered, Mona turning back to normal.
CRASH!
And as Mona had still been driving when they had rushed out... They fell all over each other, tumbling to the ground
"Ow. My ass... That hurt." Oracle groaned as she landed atop the pile
"Skull. If we live past this. I'll kill you." Panther groaned.
'Slimes.' Joker thought with a frown, quickly thinking about how to deal with them
"Look out!" Dove called out as the Slimes leapt across straight at them for a quick attack.
"Get BACK!" Fleur and Fox proclaimed, slicing and striking them as they got up the quickest.
"Joker, what's a slime's weakness again?" Skull asked.
"I'm thinking!" He answered, reeling through his mind. "Fire and Wind! Panther, Mona!"
"Right!" They both nodded
"HECATE!/MERCURIUS!"
The two Persona erupted from their masks in blue flames and glared down at the weak Persona.
"MARAGION!/MAGARULA!" They proclaimed, using their flames and winds to combine into a powerful firestorm that evaporated the Slimes away.
Was it over kill? Probably. But they didn't want to deal with the Slimes, not today
"Urgh..." Skull groaned as he was lying flat on the floor.
"No more driving for you." Fox frowned.
"It wasn't-"
SHINK!
"If you say 'it wasn't that bad', Skull. I'll aim this a little bit closer to your head!" Dove warned him as she stabbed her broadsword into the ground next to his ear.
"Got it." He squeaked as Joker helped him up.
"Okay, who's next?" Fleur asked.
"I guess I could give it a go?" Panther shrugged "I mean, how hard could it be?"
*Time skip*
"Urgh...!" The group groaned as they felt car sick. After, SOMEHOW, Panther was driving backwards...
...
While she was screaming.
...
As Mona was driving as fast as when Skull had been at the wheel.
...
"I didn't think. It was possible. TO do that." Mona groaned.
"Sorry, I'm not used to the controls." Panther apologised.
"Not to be mean or sexist. But please learn the difference between 'Reverse' and 'Gears'." Fox asked.
"Oh god... Think I'm gonna be sick..." Queen mumbled
"I don't think those boots help, either." Dove commented to her best friend
"Fleur? Maybe you can-?"
"Fox is next. If that's alright. Boy, girl, boy, girl?" She explained.
"Sure. Whatever." Joker mumbled, somehow sitting in his chair upside down after all the chaos
"Very well. I will... do my best." Fox gulped nervously as he took the driver's seat.
"My turn next." Oracle grumbled in her seat next to Joker.
*Time Skip*
As the Team were reaching down to the lower floors... it was... boring. Sure, they saw some Shadows along the way, but Fox?
"Can't you go any faster?" Queen asked.
"I'm sorry, but after the last two excursions, I don't want to crash." Fox explained as he was driving Mona at a steady pace, that, for the last two drivers, was a slow crawl. "Indicate left."
Tick
Tock
Tick
Tock
"We're in Mementos! You don't have to use the blinkers!" Skull groaned.
"I didn't complain when you were driving like a maniac," Fox answered. "You drive how you want, I will drive as sensibly as I can."
chink!
"D-Did you hear that?" Queen gulped.
"No, what did you hear?" Fox asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
"I thought I heard chains." Panther responded.
"Is that bad?" Fleur asked.
chink!
"There it is again!" Panther panicked.
"Very funny, you're just annoyed because I'm trying to follow Queen's and Fleur's directions." Fox responded.
"Fox, this isn't a joke. I heard it too!" Oracle answered.
The group slowly turned around, looking out of Mona's backwindow... where a glowing red eye was shimmering through the darkness
...
"It's the Reaper, it's the Reaper, it's the Reaper!" Skull panicked
"Swap! Swap! Swap! Swap now!" Queen ordered.
"Yes! My turn!" Oracle cheered as she leapt into the front seat, pushing Fox out of the way
"Oh god, no!" Skull panicked.
"It's going to be 'us' again!" Panther added.
"Oracle, wait!" Queen ordered as Joker sat there patiently.
"Heh-heh! Watch out, Reaper! Eat my-! E-eat my... Hnn! I can't. I can't reach. My legs are too small." Oracle cheered before fumbling, feeling small... because of her stature.
"Okay, Oracle. Dove's turn." Joker informed.
"But I didn't even get a turn!" She whined.
Chink!
...
"Okay, Dove. You can drive. Just go, no, go, GO!" Oracle quickly changed her tune as she heard the rattling of chains.
"I-! O-Okay, I'm going!" Dove panicked as she hit the pedal to the metal, driving off quickly. But it wasn't maddening like Skull or Panther, but it wasn't as refined as Queen or Joker.
"Oka, okay, that's good. We can't hear it." Joker reassured.
"Stupid question; what is a 'Reaper'?" Fleur asked.
"A big. Mean. Scary Shadow. Like tattered cloth with chains holding two really long barrel guns!" Skull explained.
"It is WAY too much for us! It's final boss level!" Oracle panicked
"... very well. I'll try and be vigilant." Fleur responded
"Well, it only appears if we're stationary, or in Fox's case, if we were driving at a crawl." Joker commented. "No offence."
"Some taken." He shrugged.
"Wow, you're pretty good at this, Dove." Mona commented.
"I've been watching Joker and Queen. I might've picked up a few things along the way." She responded.
"I still did good." Skull grumbled
"Yeah, if I need an expert on Tokyo drifting, I'll call you." Dove responded.
Joker had to laugh. He was currently in the middle section, surrounded by Oracle on his left and Skull on his right. These sort of moments... They felt so right. Like something he had been missing for oh so long.
"Okay, which floor are we going to next? My wheels are throbbing." Mona commented.
"We should be near a rest floor. Would be good to habe a break." Queen commented
"Okay, Dove. Take this next right and-" Joker spoke as he was trying to be helpful
"I've got it, Dad." Dove responded, before blinking and blushing from her response.
"... What did you-?" Panther asked.
VRRRR!
"Sorry! Can't hear you! Door coming!" Dove panicked as she rammed the next door.
SMASH!
As it revealed the path to the safe zone.
She jumped ouf of Mona, quickly rushing down the escalator to the safe floor
...
"Do you have something to say, Joker?" Queen asked.
"Kinky." Oracle joked
"It's not what it sounds like!" Joker defended.
"Oh, really?" Fleur asked.
"It's probably because were the 'dad' and 'mum' of the group. Me and Queen." He tried to explain. "Right? That's what Futaba says, right? Right?"
"Hmm?" The others stared at him.
"Yeah, okay. That makes sense." Skull responded as they left the car one by one.
"Still. Should probably check if it is bedroom related." Oracle joked
"It isn't." Panther blushed and tried to brush it off. "I'm going to check on her."
"Guys, can we talk about this outside of my car form, please?" Mona asked.
"Right." They nodded, slipping out
Poof!
"Ah~, back to my normal self." Mona sighed in relief, soothing his paws.
"We should definatly talk to Dove, to see if she's... Into that." Fleur said to Joker "It is good to be honest to each other about that stuff."
"Yep, yeah. Okay, I'll go talk to her." Joker pointed and left.
"... Okay, we don't need to be here for that. Fox?" Skull asked as he pulled out a manga.
"Oh, yes." He nodded.
Joker walked over to Dove, seeing Panther comforting her. "God, why did I say that?" She whined.
"Is this something we need to talk about?" Panther asked.
"I just. It's not. He's the 'team dad'. You know?" SHe responded.
"Oh, is that why you called me that?" Joker asked as he heard them. "It IS the real reason, right?"
"Joker!" Dove yelled, blushing
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Dove." He assured gently
"I just. Ugh, I'm embarrassed." She groaned, covering her masked face. "I don't WANT the others to think it's a... That thing. I don't want our friendship to be all weird because of our relationship and everything and..."
Joker knelt down and held her hand. "Dove, it's okay. I understand. It was a family term, not a kinky thing." He rubbed her hand with her thumb, smiling at her "A slip of the tongue. Nothing more."
"Yeah, that's all it was." She nodded, feeling relieved.
Joker nodded, giving her a soft kiss "Great driving back there." He added.
"Thanks, it's... it was all in the observing." Dove admitted.
"Now we have someone to get those two to behave." Panther Joker
"Yeah, that makes sense." Joker nodded as he sat next to them, although he glared at Panther a little bit while she winked at him. "You feeling better?"
"Yeah, I think so. I was just embarrassed." Dove answered. "How's Mona?"
"Oh, y'know. Soothing his paws." Joker pointed. "After some... Chaotic driving."
"I wasn't that-"
"Backwards. Driving." The two instantly responded with a deadpan tone.
...
"Meanies." She pouted.
*time skip*
Time ticked by, the group going further and further into Mementos. Deeper into the shared unconsciousness of the human race, of the Japanese people.
"Are you kidding me? How long have we been here?" Skull groaned, feeling his butt go numb from sitting so long. "How do you do this, Oracle?"
"What, sitting? Years of practice." She answered. Activating her headset, Oracle hummed as she looked at the flashing lights before her eyes "We are nearly at another safe floor."
"Let's get there, then head back." Joker commented
"Thank god, I was worried we'd be here until tomorrow." Panther commented as she slumped against the chairs inside Morgana
"Zzz..." Fox was slowly dozing off, the sounds of Mona's purrs and the rocking of the car were slowly getting to him.
Fleur chuckled softly to herself, eating a small pot of curry that Joker had brought with. 'Hmm, this is delicious. Better than what I can cook.' She thought internally.
BOOM!
"GYAAAA!" the group yelled, Mona's tiers screeching as they span out. Behind them a powerful Shadow grew out, growling from the ground
"What's going on?" Fox jerked awake. "What's happened?"
"Something big! Oh god!" Mona panicked.
"The hell is that?!" Skull yelled as they saw the large Shadow looming over them. It was a hellish blob of a Shadow, with multiple arms and hundreds of masks that looked like eyes.
"JOKER!" Queen panicked.
"The hell..." Joker blinked in shock and horror. What... What in the hell was that thing?
"Mona, can you burn rubber?" Skull asked, slamming his hands on the back of the seat.
"This is as fast as I can go!" Mona answered.
The shadow's hands reached out towards the cat bus, being mere inches from them almost grabbing Mona's tail.
THUD!
"Gurargh!" The Shadow was stopped in its tracks by a powerful shield, held up by a strange person. A woman. Dressed all in blue.
Mona came to a screeching halt as the shadow roared in anger, before whimpering away as it fled back into Mementos.
The woman walked slowly towards the Phantom Thieves with a confident stride. She wore high-heeled blue shoes, long black stockings, wearing a dark blue coat with golden rings going up and a golden buckled belt around her waist. A black collared neck with long dark blue sleeves, medium length wavy platinum blonde hair held back by a simple black headband, golden yellow eyes and carrying a black book with golden elegant lettering.
"Um, who's that?" Oracle asked.
"You shouldn't be here." The woman spoke clearly. "It's much too early for you."
"Not to sound rude but; who are you?" Fox asked politely.
"It is nearly time." The woman said simply as she looked into Joker's eyes, before vanishing in a flash of blue
Joker panted slowly as he saw the woman and felt a pang of heavy guilt in his heart. He was going too fast, his team wasn't ready. He wasn't ready. But that woman... it was her. ''It's nearly time'?' He thought to himself.
Oh crap. That was Lavenza's sister.
...
...
Oh crap.
Margaret, that was it. The whole situation made him forget.
...
Oh crap.
...
"What... What's that?" Dove asked the obvious question, pointing at where the Shadow had come from
"A Shadow escaping Mementos to form a Palace." Mona explained
"You mean we just narrowly escaped being destroyed by a final boss?" Fleur asked nervously.
"Exactly." Mona nodded.
"What do we do now?" Panther asked.
"... we head home." Joker informed. "We can't be here."
"Yeah." Oracle nodded "My sensors show that the next few levels aren't that tough, but who knows when that Shadow might crawl back. It still hadn't changed into it's Cognitive form yet. We where basically running from a generic ghost sprite before you gained a key item to reveal their true form."
"Okay, back home and... maybe some curry?" Panther asked.
"Really?" Fleur blinked. "You keep eating that and it'll go right to your hips."
"You SEEN Panther's hips?" Oracle giggled "I can't see her getting 'bigger'."
"Oracle." Panther glared
"Yeah, I think so." Joker agreed. "We should be near a safe-zone and can teleport back to the beginning."
"Just need to break on through." Fox frowned, looking on with an almost dark look
"Fox? Something on your mind?" Fleur asked in concern
"It is just... the strange happenings. The past two Palaces, that Shadow. Something about it feels... off compared to our adventures before hand." he admitted
"Yeah, I guess that kinda makes sense." Panther admitted.
"It IS weird." Queen frowned
"Does this mean we're going back out? Considering what just happened?" Fleur asked.
"Probably for the best." Oracle nodded.
"Eventually." Joker nodded
"Hmm..." Mona whimpered a little, feeling his paws hurt from all the driving.
"We NEED to get out of here." Skull frowned, opening the app
"Are we close to the exit?" Dove asked.
"Yeah, we're through that door and we can go." Oracle reassured.
"Alright then, let's go!" He answered as he kicked the door opened
"Everyone back home!" Skull called out as they crossed that threshold, as Skull pressed the app and headed back home.
*Time Skip*
"Ahh..." The group groaned as they returned back to LeBlanc.
"So tired..." Futaba whimpered
"My poor paws." Morgana groaned, curled up in Shiho's lap.
"It's alright, you're okay." She stroked him gently.
"I hope everyone's hungry. I've made curry." Ren spoke as he plated up some piping hot delicious curry.
"Hmm~, that smells delicious." Ms Kawakami sniffed the air and hummed.
"I've had a lot of practice with this recipie." Ren admitted. He set out the plates in front of everyone, smiling proudly "Eat up. We've deserved it after yesterday."
They each took the curry with a look of deep hunger in their eyes. "Thanks for the meal." They each spoke and dug in.
"And here's some salmon for you, Morgana." Ren responded, giving a bowl of salmon to his best buddy.
"YES!" Morgana cheered, jumping lightly
"Hmm~! Best dish ever!" Futaba hummed happily as she was eating with her mouth half full.
"Better than Soujiro's?" he joked
"Hck! Um. Well." Futaba hiccupped as she was caught off guard before she shovelled more food to not talk about it.
"Hmm~, this is delicious." Yusuke sighed contently as he was getting full.
Ren laughed, sitting down with a grin.
"So... what's the plan?" Ryuji asked
...
"The plan?" Ren asked
"The plan." Ryuji stared simply "With the Doctor's Palace."
"Oh, the plan." Ren muttered as he felt, not cornered, just at a lost.
"What's the problem?" Kawakami asked
"I don't know the medical terms to access the deeper rooms." Ren explained. "None of us do. These protective doors are locking us out from getting any deeper unless we answer this quizzes."
"Have you spoken to Tae?" Kawakami asked "Maybe ask her to join the Palace with you?"
"If we bring Tae... She'll be dragged into our problems and also be in danger." Ren commented.
"So we're stuck. Bring her but we'll protect her from danger. Leave her alone and we're stuck on level one." Ryuji commented.
"We haven't got any other option, Ren." Makoto pointed out
Ren sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll ask her later. She trusts us and... if I explain what's going on, she might not 'freak out' as much."
"Good luck." Ann mumbled
"I'm gonna need it." Ren admitted, leaning back in his chair.
"Good luck, we need it." Shiho added.
"Thanks, I just hope she understands what I'm asking of her." Ren added.
"Well, for now, enjoy!" Yusuke urged
"Oh yeah. Seconds please!" Futaba responded as both she and Sadayo asked for seconds making Ren laugh
*Time skip*
It was the next day, as Ren walked towards the nearby clinic 'Okay. You can do this.' He thought to himself as he walked inside. "Hello?"
"Ren, what brings you here?" He saw Tae up and about. It seems that time with the girls helped.
"Can we talk in private? It's something important." Ren asked.
"Alright." She nodded slowly as the two walked into the office.
Ren was ready to talk to her, ready to bring her to the Metaverse. He had gone over this in private to get Tae to join. He opened his mouth ready to speak, but he was interrupted.
"Ren, you should not be with me anymore." Tae spoke sadly and simply. "We need to break up. If you are with me, your future will be destroyed."
Ren was stunned, was this actually happening? "Tae. What're you saying?"
"I'm saying, that if you are seen with me. If you're associated with me or even just turn up to this clinic, you'll be considered a victim or even a criminal." Tae answered. "Your whole life will be gone because of me."
Ren wanted to say something, trying to figure something out; he didn't want to leave her, but her mind seemed to be set.
"Tae." He frowned "Do you... Do you really think I'd abandon you? I know what you're trying to say. But I know of I was being sent to juvie, you'd be there for me."
"There's. There's a difference between you being near me, than I going to see you." She frowned.
"I don't see-" Ren began to talk again.
"Ren. Please, this last kindness. Leave me alone and forget about me." She asked...almost begging.
Ren saw that she was set in her way, there wasn't anything he could say that could change her mind right now.
"I am going to fix this." He said passionately as he grasped her cheeks gently, looking deep into her eyes "I promise." he sweared, pulling Tae into a soft kiss before pulling back calmly "It'll all be okay. But for now... Just know I love you."
Tae's eyes widened and seem to water a little, this conviction in his voice... this emotion she was feeling. How could he fix something this big?
And Ren was suddenly sprinting out of the office, focus in his eyes
Tae fell back into her chair as she saw that conviction... and her phone lit up with a strange new app.
Ren rushed out the clinic and through the streets of Yongen-Jaya. He was going to save her and their futures. They were going conquer that Palace and stop Dr Oyamada from destroying their lives. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't. Everyone was depending on him. He rounded to the corner, towards a glowing blue door.
In several parts of the city there was a glowing blue door, a door that looked like one to a prison cell. A door of bars with a dark mist, watched by Justine and Caroline. The Prison Velvet Room, the one used by fake Igor.
But there was one different than all of these. Placed in case of emergencies, near the Sakura household. A much more elegant and ornate door. Ren rushed right towards, almost slamming it open as he passed through...
Into the ClockTower Velvet Room, as Joker of the Phantom Thieves
"IGOR! LEVENZA!" he called out
"Ah, Ren. Welcome back." Igor spoke calmly, seeing Ren rush through.
"I need... I need..." He panted "I need help..."
The two looked at each other and then back at Ren. "How can we be of service, Ren?" the long nossed being asked in concern
"This. This new. Palace. How? How do I-?" Ren asked.
"Begging for my little sister's help so soon?" A newly familiar voice asked Ren.
Ren looked to the side, seeing the woman from inside Mementos. And... a group of other women with her.
The first on the woman's right was a long black haired woman with brown eyes, wearing a long-sleeved red shirt to cover her C-Cup chest, a pair of shin-length jeans and black mary-jane shoes.
Next to the long black haired woman was a short brown-haired woman wearing a green and yellow vest that covered her D-Cup chest, a pair of blue shorts and green-white sneakers. On the woman's hip was a police badge and a set of handcuffs.
On the left of the blonde-haired woman, was a long dark-blue-haired woman wearing a dark brown detective coat, a white button shirt with a black tie, covering her body, long black trousers and polished dark-blue shoes.
And the furthest on the left was a famous woman that Ren saw in advertisements. Long copper hair, brown eyes, DD-Cup breasts covered by a white summer dress, blue espadrille shoes and a couple of bracelts.
Most of the women were wearing wedding rings on their hands, meaning that they might be all married to each other... but how could they be here in the Velvet Room?
"Will you stop gawking? It's not nice to stare." The blonde woman asked. The blonde woman, Margret, took a step forwards
"Sister. I see you brought most of your lovers already. But I do not see your guest, nor the one connected to the fog." Lavenza said
"Huh, you're Margret's little sister? Cute!" the girl wearing green and yellow said with a cheerful grin
"They're currently engaged, they'll be here shortly." 'Margaret' responded.
"Y-You're Rise Kujikawa." Joker's eyes widened behind his mask, recignising the brunette. Not just from being a fan, but the multiple posters of her all over the place!
"Awww~! The little guy's a fan!" the pop idol giggled, striking a small pose "Hey~, Mr Joker! Nice to meet ya~! But I haven't been Rise Kujikawa for a while. Rise Narukami, please, I'm a married woman."
"Sorry." Joker chuckled
"I'm Yukiko Amagi-Sakonata. And this is my wife and best friend, Chie Amagi-Sakonata." The red-shirt-wearing woman introduced herself.
"'Officer' Chie Sakonata." Chie corrected and smiled as she was praised like that, hugging Yukiko's arm
"O-Officer?" Ren gulped as he heard that, getting into a slightly defensive stance
"And Detective Naoto Shirogane." The woman in the detective coat added. "Although, I'll be changing that to Naoto Narukami in the coming months."
"'Naru'-? You and Rise are-?" Ren asked, pointing at both the famous actress and the detective.
"Married to the same great man. Or at least going to." Rise smirked.
"Then why-?" Ren asked, turning to Chie and Yukiko.
"Oh, we're all friends, but we're also engaged with the same guy. Your predecessor. Yu Narukami." Chie explained. "But Yukiko and I have been friends for years, we had these feelings, and... well, we decided to tie the note before we do so with our man."
"Predecessor is a bit of the wrong word, Chie." Margret commented calmly "My husband is coming soon."
"I... do we have to do this now?" Ren asked, Joker asked, as he clenched his fist
"Unfortunately yes, Joker." Igor answered calmly. "The situation calls for it." He placed his chin atop his folded arms, a sigh slipping out of his lips "Margret has already declared the challenge. And their arrival? I am afraid, it is time. Time, Joker, to face... the truth."
And just like that, a powerful pulse of blue energy filled the air as two figures entered the Velvet Room. A man and a woman.
"Sorry that we're late." The man apologised.
The man had bowl-shaped silver hair and grey eyes, wearing a white button shirt and a black rolled sleeved jacket, black trousers with a yellow design and black shoes with white soles and yellow laces. This was Yu Narukami.
"We were just getting some things in order." The woman followed up.
The woman was wearing a sleeveless button shirt holding her D-Cup breasts back, a loose black tie with some grey hairpins clipped onto it, wearing a red collar with a small yellow padlock, red and black striped fingerless upper-arm length gloves, a plaid skirt, black and white striped stockings, black shin-high boots, a black silver-studded belt with a golden winged-heart buckle, a blue satchel and officer hat which both had a golden circle with the letter 'V' emblazoned on it.
"So... you're the latest 'Wild Card'." Yu smiled as he looked at Ren. "I'm Yu. Nice to met ya."
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 8
Hierophant: Rank 7
Death: Rank 7
Temperance: Rank 6
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
Devil: Rank 6
World: Rank 5
Emperor: Rank 5
Fortune: Rank 5
Moon: Rank 5
Star: Rank 5
High Priestess: Rank 4
Empress: Rank 4
Tower: Rank 4
Hermit: Rank 3