Ignis Aurum Probat: If you want more of the Persona 5 gang, all I can recomend is the spin offs. Persona 5 Strikers and Persona 5 Dancing In Starlight
gleamfang chapter 14: Thank you for those kind words and I hope that you have continued to enjoy the story as you've kept reading. All Ghost and I hope is that you keep enjoying.
Devad the Detective Overlord: SEES are kinda busy. And they are a mix of 'agree' and 'trouble makers'
StevieBond: We DID set it up.
Silent Master of Winds: Well, I am evil.
R3qu13m0f50ul5: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeell...
Guest chapter 43: Good guess. But personally, I would not consider Nightingale a rebelious figure. Also, Ghost and I are following the 'awakened' Persona's thematic for adult members of the team, because they are already at the state of self actualisation even if they don't have an awakened rebelious spirit.
Neo Infinity: Was much easier to farm him in the OG game. Grab him on a day where the demons are afflicted with depression, guard for three turns, and free level ups.
Wolf: The Chad. Not Door-Kun or Door-Chan, just the Chad.
Temporal King: Why would we be using Persona that are already in the game for Tae's inner self? Let alone generic ones like those?
And no, Futaba is not petit... but she IS short. She comes up to Ren's shoulders, she is not tall enough to drive a car unless she has it customised a bit. Don't worry, give her a year or so.
SG138: Yeah, you can see how we have the deck stacked against our Trickster.
Firem78910: Yes we are, yes we did, what was this review?
Now... for a little Grey rant.
Have a Little Feith: Dude... knock it the fuck off. Are there errors? YES! I admit that. I try my FUCKING best. But you going on like this EVERY. FUCKING. CHAPTER! As proven a few times, with errors that are not actually THERE. Is not HELPING! I can not use Grammerly on my computer, especially since I have to pay for any of the useful features. And you are also pointing out the SMALLEST OF MISTAKES each time! I forgotten letter here or there, or the wrong one. I know the origin of the Velvet Room attendents names, both "Margret" and "Margaret" are names. 'Not' and 'knot' are both words. And you are giving NO INPUT to the chapters beyond errors that I DO MY BEST not to leave in.
You make me fucking paranoid AND piss me off! Because you aren't being helpful, you are not being thoughtful, you are being a CONDESCENDING ASSHOLE!
You do this again and I am fucking blocking you.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Shadow Joestar: Oh, you don't know half of it.
Tony Anderson: Yeah, we needed the break.
Nexus240: Yep, the King Vs The Wild Card. You'll have to wait and see what we've got for Tae.
SG138: You think we're gonna let Ren die to Yu? Give us some credit.
Temporal King: We're not gonna give Tae those Persona, we're giving her her own.
Neo Infinity: Yeah, 'Don't Mess With The Reaper' indeed.
Xerzo LotCN: Thanks. We had fun writing this.
Silent Master of Winds: "We're back, bitches!" Anyone gets this reference, you get a cookie.
Devad the Detective Overlord: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up a sec, okay? We've got plans, don't jump the gun.
carpenterzac7: sighs sweet merciful crap... Persona Games are 500+ hours each! If you think we'll do a P4 game like this, you're mistaken.
GreatLight432: Yeah... we just did the most likely scenario that would play out.
Ignis Aurum Probat: I'm so happy that you've been enjoying our story. We hope that you continue to read this.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
March has been a rough month for me, let me tell you. Massive head aches
April is looking to be the same to
Hope you guys enjoy this.
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 44
Lessons And Sparing, Past To Present
"So... you're the latest 'Wild Card'." Yu smiled as he looked at Ren. "I'm Yu. Nice to meet ya."
"I'm Ren. Nice to meet you too." Ren awkwardly extended his hand, since there was a detective and a police officer in the immediate vicinity. He felt almost trapped. The last time he was close to this many... well, not as many, was the previous timeline. But the difference there was they didn't have Persona.
"Don't be so stiff, we're all Guests here." Yu reassured.
"Right, sorry. It's just a little intimidating seeing my senior and also having two cops here." Ren admitted.
"Huh?" Naoto and Chie blinked at his admittion, looking at each other
"What're you talking about?" Yukiko asked.
"Ah, I think this needs explaining. Our Guest, Ren Amamiya here, is a quote 'former criminal' end quote. So his trust of police officers or detectives might be triggering for him." Igor explained, tro clear the air.
"Former criminal?!" Chie gasped
"Quote, unquote." Lavenza repeated "Wrongly accused."
"Not surprised. There is a lot of corruption recently." Naoto frowned "And those who are not corrupt like ourselves don't even know who to trust, or if we are playing into some rich monsters desires."
"And that's why you're flinching at Chie and Naoto. Okay, that makes sense." Marie nodded in understanding.
"Why are you all here?" Ren asked.
"Because of what you have done." Margaret answered.
"What I've-"
"She means me, Trickster." Lavenza flinched
"Right. That argument you two had." Ren sighed "I knew that's why Yu is here. But... all of you?"
"Margaret." Yu frowned, facepalming "You said your SISTER was the one to declare the challenge. You where antagonising your sibling again, weren't you?"
"I... It was just some sibling teasing." Margaret answered, deflecting the answer.
"It's always the same." Yu sighed as he shook his head. "Elizabeth... Theodore... What am I going to DO with you?"
"You mean we got called here because you pushed your family's buttons... again?" Naoto glared at Margaret.
"... Can we talk about how this Guest was going too deep into the Public's Palace? And how he's woefully unprepared?"
...
"What's a palace?" Yukiko asked
"I..." Margaret blinked
"He did not go deeper than he could handle. They just bad bad luck, as a Palace Ruler was escaping." Lavenza frowned
"Look. This all doesn't matter." Ren snapped, pushing his mask to his forehead as he took a seat on the Velvet Room's couch. He let out a sigh, shaking a bit
"I think that it does." Naoto answered. "What's wrong?"
"There's this Palace. It's filled with... anti-Persona serums and medical questions that trigger alarms and render us normal." Ren explained. "I have to find some way to get into there without having to backtrack every time to get our powers back."
"Tell me; have you been getting cocky in your fights?" Yu asked as he sat next to Ren.
"No, not really." He shrugged "At least, I don't think I was."
"Alright, but I'm guessing that you need help from someone who isn't part of your group?" Yu pondered.
"Yeah." He nodded "It's... Complicated. My girlfriend is being forced to shut down her clinic. We need to stop the corrupt doctor from doing this by stealing his heart. But we can't get through. She's heart broken and is trying to push us all away to protect us... It's killing me."
"Well, we know how that feels." Chie explained. "Yu helped a nurse who was dealing with problems herself."
"... How old is this girlfriend?" Yukiko asked as she caught Ren's answer.
"Huh?" He blinked
"You said it's 'her clinic'. Does that mean she's an adult?" Yukiko asked.
Yu's wives and girlfriends looked at Ren, wanting a straight answer from the boy.
"... She's... late twenties." He admitted. "She's a doctor."
"... Nice." Yu nodded simply.
slap!
"Okay, I deserved that." Yu admitted.
"You're dating an adult?" Rise asked. "You're dating. An adult."
"Yeah, I know how that sounds." Ren nodded. "I'm legal, though. I know most people don't like it, but the age gap isn't too big."
Naoto sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as she heard that. Was this something that all Wild Cards had?
"To be fair. How much older is Margaret, and technically Marie." Yu commented
SLAP!
SLAP!
The two slapped Yu, causing Ren to flinch at that, seeing the two leaving red marks on his cheeks. "Ow." He whispered.
"Just because you are technically correct, does not mean you have to say it." Margaret frowned
"Yea. Stupidbloodybakaasshole,gonnagetyoubackforit." Marie added, stomping her foot a bit as she snapped so quickly her words kind of... blurred together. "Loveyoubutyoucanbeadick."
"... Do I want to know what she just said?" Ren asked.
"No." The others responded.
"Ohay... Hnn. You're having trouble?" Yu asked, rubbing his cheeks.
"Yeah." Ren nodded
"Well. My simple advice, all I can give, is... trust those around you." was Yu's simple phrases "Our adventures... they are not comparable. Not in the same way. It'd be stupid for me to give you direct instructions. You are a fellow Wild Card, but you are in no way succeeding me. You are not walking the same path as me, not continuing my mission, not furthering the plot I went down. You are your own person. On your own journey. I had different goals and different methods than you. Different connections and different strengths and different weaknesses. Honestly, I am as stumped as you. But one thing we have in common?"
Ren blinked as blue light shone from Yu's chest... and suddenly he could see it. Large, glowing blue Tarot Card's glowing behind him.
"What are..." Ren muttered, looking at the cards
Fool
Magician
Priestess
Empress
Emperor
Hierophant
Lovers
Chariot
Justice
Hermit
Fortune
Strength
Hunger
Hanged-Man
Death
Temperance
Devil
Tower
Star
Moon
Sun
Judgement
Aeon
The World
Twenty Four glowing cards, flouting there giving off a sapphire blue glow
"We have friends, family. We have people we care about deeply." Yu explained "THEY are our power. They have their own words, own methods, own ideas. Sometimes, you need to step back. Because you can trust them, you know. You can trust them. And they won't let you down. As you wouldn't let them down."
As he spoke, Yu's wives and lovers smiled. Most of the cards faded, but a few remained. Flouting over the girls for a few moments.
The Priestess, the Arcana he knew Makoto symbolised, hung over Yukiko Amagi-Sakonata.
Above Margaret Narukami was the Empress Arcana, the one he knew Haru by
The Lovers, which to himself represented the lovely Ann, stood above Rise Narukami
Chie Amagi-Sakonata stood under the Chariot, the Arcana he knew was held by his best friend Ryuji
Fortune, Chihaya's card, was above Naoto Narukami
And finally, the only card he did not recognize, was the Aeon Arcana that stayed above Marie Narukami.
Thinking about the girls in front of him, as well as the friends and loved ones they where like. Some of them, he could see similarities with. Others, it was harder. And there where also clear, vast, differences between said similar users.
...
Joker smirked and chuckled under his breath as the Arcana cards faded away, Joker pulling himself to his feet "Good god, you are damn right." he commented, slipping his hands into his pocket "I almost really fucked up there. So focused on myself and my feelings, trying to do everything myself. Thanks for that, Mr Narukami."
"Any time." Yu reassured. "And please, Mr Narukami was my father. Call me Yu, please."
"Now, another thing we have to contend with." Margaret added.
...
"You aren't letting this fight thing go, are you?" Joker sighed, turning his back to the group
"Nope." Margaret, Marie, Yu and Lavenza answered, with the last frowning as she didn't want this to happen, while Marie and Yu gave a small frown at Margaret
"Fine then!" Joker grinned as he span around, his jacket fluttering around him as he had the famous Joker smirk in place, Tyrant Pistol in hand as he opened fire on Yu
"WHOA!" Yu backed off with a swift motion, while protecting Marie. "Okay, if that's how you want to play!"
...
"That is a model gun." Naoto pointed out
...
"And this is now useless." Joker huffed, throwing the weapon aside into Lavenza's hands. Drawing his knife instead.
SLASH!
"Whoa! Hey! Whoa!" Yu backed off and dodged the slashes coming his way. He kicked Joker's wrist away, doing a roll to get further back.
"Catch!" Margaret called, throwing a katana to Yu
"Thanks, love!" He responded, brandishing the katana proudly and strongly.
Ren saw this and drew his knife wouldn't get him the reach or attack power he needed. It was too great a distance. But, he could make some changes, if needed. After all, he had another special option... "Arsene!" He roared, ripping his mask off as he charged forwards
Arsene erupted from the blue flames of Ren's rebellion, forming solid in the Velvet Room.
Though Yu's lovers were looking at the Persona like it was a somewhat amazing formm the Velvet Room attendants and Yu simply just smiled. "Oh, that's your Persona? Okay then. Two can play at that game." Yu smiled, opening his hand as a glowing blue card came out before shattering it. "Come, Izanagi!"
"Wow!" Joker called as he jumped back, this Persona emerging not with flames but with wind and light.
Erupting from the elements was a lanky humanoid Persona. Wearing a pair of lofty silver and black platform shoes that went up to his kneecaps, black trousers, a silver codpiece, a long black duster jacket with silver clasps near the bottom with a grey middle that went up to his neck and a popped collar to mirror the silver clasps at the bottom. Grey rings on the shoulders, a golden sun with two military 'V', black gloves with silver studs and nails, a white mask with two medium-length 'ears', yellow eyes and a long silver bandanna around his head that went down to his feet. And finally in his hand was a long black spear-like sword with bandages along the hilt with a pommel that had three silver studs.
"'Izanagi'?" Arsene asked as he looked upon him
"Of course." Izanagi responded as lightning rushed around his blade for a moment "I know of you, 'Arsene'."
"Oh? My reputation preceeds me, it seems~" Arsene smirked as he bowed, cursed energy flowing around him
"Electric? Alright then." Ren frowned, spinning his knife, before charging in
"Heh." Yu smirked as he held the Katana tightly and rushed.
CLANG!
CCKZKCKCZ!
Sparks began to fly off their weapons, Ren's closer proximity against Yu's experience and length of weapon; their strength was showing to both of them. It was clear that Yu was physically stronger and had more reach, but Ren was faster
SHINK!
Ren pushed back, using the momentum of Yu's swing to give himself room before lunging with his knife.
SLASH!
"Gah! Not a bad hit." Yu commented. He reached up and clenched his fist, Izanagi raising his sword "Zionga!" he roared, crushing the card as a large lightning bolt rushed through the air. Izanagi span his spear-sword in his hands before launching a bolt of powerful lightning right at Arsene.
Arsene screamed out in pain as the lightning coursed through his body and crashed into the floor.
"GAAAAAAH!" Ren yelled in pain, felt his body trembling from the inside out. His very soul. "Damn it..." he hissed, re-summoning his mask "Change!" he cried out, shifting his Persona. The blue flames quickly taking shape as his white and black mask before gripping it tightly
"Oh? What are you going to-?" Yu asked as Ren ripped off his mask again.
"SHIVA!" Ren proclaimed, summoning a purple-skinned multi-armed man wearing a white tiger pelt for a skirt, a green snake for a belt to hold it in place, bare-footed, another snake around his neck, black-haired with a golden horn held in place.
"... Oh, that's just cheating." Yu blinked, remembering his own use of this Persona
"PSYCHO FORCE!" Ren called out as the mighty Persona let out a roar, striking out with a powerful psychic attack
Both Yu and Izanagi grunted in pain, feeling their minds getting rattled by the sheer force of the power of Ren's Persona. "GAH! Hnn! Nice. Try!" the silver haired Wild Card smirked
"Thanks." Ren said as he span his knife
"Been a while since I got rattled like that." Yu praised while smiling. "Let's keep going, CROSS SLASH!" He proclaimed. Izanagi roared as he rushed forth, giving two quick and harsh slashes that cut into his opponents Persona
"GAH!" Ren yelled as he was thrown away... "HA!" he yelled, throwing his knife
Time slowed down as it soared through the air, Yu moving to the side to dodge the attack. The knife sliding against his cheek, cutting his flesh just enough for blood to be spilled but nothing too serious. The moment the knife was gone, Yu was prepared to preform another strike
And Ren was gone
Joker appeared behind Yu, using the speed he used to sprint from dark corner to dark corner in order to avoid Shadow's, and grabbed his knife. Twisting it, he brought the weapon down with a mighty yell... and Yu blocked it
Yu simply smiled as he blocked the knife, both struggling to both block and attack.
"This is like a scene from a video game." Chie commented.
"How do you mean?" Naoto asked.
"Yu's a 'Fighter', using katana and really defensive. Ren's a 'Rogue', going for swift and precise attacks but doesn't have much defence." Chie explained.
"Huh, every day's a school day." Naoto responded.
"Kick his butt, honey!" Margaret cheered.
"You can do it, my Trickster! Serve him his backside!" Lavenza cheered
"I have never seen Margaret so... childish?" Yukiko blinked
"Her siblings seem to pull out that side of her..." Marie agreed
"Well, it's Yu. Of course, she's going to be a bit 'childish'." Rise answered. "Go for it, Yu! You can do it baby!"
"You're... good." Yu said, struggling to keep his blade steady
"You to." Joker smirked
"I think it's time." Yu smiled.
"To go 'All Out'!" Ren agreed.
Both reached up and grabbed their respective item. Ren with his mask and Yu with his card.
"PERSONA!"
Arsene and Izanagi burst out of their partners, clashing with might as energy almost sparked off their forms
"Time for some real power!" Yu commented, the clashes almost shaking the Velvet Room
"Real Power?" Joker frowned
"Our powers grow as we fight, as you know." Yu said simply "But growth knows no limits! And when your wife is a warrior of power... you learn some special tricks!" Yu kicked Ren away and gained some distance, blue winds spiraling around him as the Seeker of Truth pointed his blade forwards "Izanagi, it's time... NARUKAMI!" he roared. The powerful Persona raised his sword as lightning surrounded it, spinning the blade masterfully... before he stabbed it into the ground
Joker's eyes widened, looking around in panic. Trying to work out what might happen...
And suddenly a pillar of lightning burst from the ground, enveloping he and Arsene as they yelled in pain
Both Ren and Arsene screamed as they were electrified horribly, forced into the air before falling to the ground, smoking as his Phantom Thief attire was barely recognisable and his mask was cracked.
"YES! In your-!" Margaret cheered before she was kicked in the knee by Lavenza who ran over to Ren in fear.
"Trickster!" she yelled, rushing towards his side... only for Ren to hold up his hand
"I'm not... done yet." Ren panted, pulling himself up. His grin every present. And he laughed
"Oh, having fun are you?" Yu smirked, reaching up and summoning a new card "Then how about I show you... some of the power of Bonds. Ms Kurijo, if you would please." The Tarot card within Yu's hand seemed to change colour, from blue to yellow. As he clenched the card it shattered... and turned into a gun made out of golden light, which he held against his head
"Wait... what are you-" Joker asked, his eyes widening "Dude, stop! Don't do whatever you're gonna do! Don't do it! Don't kill-"
"Come forth... Artemisia!" Yu roared and pulled the 'trigger', his eyes flashing yellow while Izanagi vanished in a golden storm
The lights erupted around Yu as they formed a new Persona. A full humanoid woman.
Long green high-heeled boots with golden buttons along the outside of her legs, a long flowing blue dress with a white interior; a brass coloured crown-motif belt-like waist guard with a scowling gargoyle head for a belt buckle. A black bodice with brass going up to the breasts with black spikes down by the hips, with the left breast cup having a cross riveted down while the right breast was simply black metal. Her shoulders had the same crown-motif shoulder guards protecting her with spikes protruding from the top, a flowing pale neckerchief by her blue popped collar; long blue sleeves with white cuffs and in her hand was a metal spiked whip. Lastly was her face, a porcelain robot with a red domino mask with a long pointed nose that covered her nose to her forehead and blonde metallic hair.
"W-What?" Ren blinked in shock... especially as the Persona began to glow golden once more
"Now... Artemisia Shinjitsu!" Yu called out as the Persona changed slightly
Her red mask had turned a snow white, her dress turning black with a slight yellowed checkered pattern to it, her boots turned yellow, the skirt grew a bit shorter on one side while the left side extended so the skirt was now lopsided, her spikes vanished and a long black and yellow silk scarf wrapped around her shoulders and arms.
"Arsene! We need to hit hard!" Ren called as he ripped off his mask "Eigaon!"
Arsene raised his arms into the air, a large ball of black and purple energy forming before roaring and throwing his hands forwards. A large ball, a near bomb of energy, came rushing towards the older Wild Card
"Artemisia Shinjitsu, use Angelic Grace!" Yu called as his Persona surrounded them by an aura of light, the attack Ren threw at them just easily passing by them
"I-I missed?" Joker asked in shock
"Now, change!" Yu called, the golden card quickly forming. Shattering it he cried out "Help me out, Labrys! Ariadne!"
Ariadne was silver and silvery-blue robotic humanoid woman. She had shin-high silver boots, her upper shins to her kneecaps and the inside of her thighs were silvery-blue, a silver flowing skirt that was attached to her hips by dark silver attachments, a silver dress that exposed her silvery-blue stomach, a silver swirled bust, a rounded collar with what looked like vents, robotic silver-blue and silver arms; a dark silver metal neck, a plain silver woman-face shaped mask with red eyes, a pair of 'headphones' made from the same dark silver metal and teal green flowing long hair.
"Which Persona are these?" Ren asked.
"Persons of my friends, of journeys and bonds. Morphed by who I am, as we indluince each other. Take shape! Ariadne! Shinjitsu!" Yu said, his Persona shifting just like how Artemisia had not too long ago
Ren looked on at Yu, seeing him have those powerful Personas with him. How far did he have to grow to obtain *them and become better. 'G-Get up.' He told himself, pushing on his knees to straighten up. Based on what Yu said? Possibly years. Stuff he would develop as he got older, and his bonds continued to grow. The ability to summon other people's Persona is definitely a fact that confused and intrigued him.
...
Joker smirked as he readied himself, Arsene crouched ready to battle. "You ready? Partner?" Joker asked with his maddening grin.
"I'm surprised you even asked." Arsene responded as he readied his claws and stance. "For I am thou..."
"And thou art I." Joker finished as he span his knife. The two of them readying themselves as they clearly channeld their power, helish energy flowing around them "Come on, one last try-"
"One last push!" they yelled out together, charging
"Mind Charge." Yu said simply, an aura rushing around him as he prepared for a super powerful magic attack
'We must hurry!' Ren thought as he moved himself as fast as he could, bolting towards Yu. He had to go faster, he had to hit him before-
"Now..." Yu commented, crushing a blue card with his hand once again. His Persona fading in a rush "Izanagi-No-Ookami."
Both Ren and Arsene's eyes widened as they heard that name. "'Izanagi-No-Okami'?"
In a burst of brilliant radiant light, some of Izanagi's clothes turned white. His shin-high boots turned white with golden platforms, his black coat was bleached with a red interior, his trousers remained black and his silver codpiece remained the same, a white belt with a golden clasp formed around his waist, a golden tie on a white shirt, golden shoulder pads and clawed hands with white and black gloves. His face was covered by a white mask that had covered his red eyes but gave the impression that he had four eyes and two long antennae ears that looked like swords. And finally, in his hand, a white and silver sword-spear that was encircled by a golden ring. The spear of creation. Myriad Truths.
A spear, an attack, that was being preformed before Joker's eyes, causing them to widen
"REN!" Lavenza screamed at the sight
...
FLASH!
...
Ren was on the floor, looking up... As Yu had purposefully missed the attack, shooting it into the air at nothing
"I guess I won?" Yu smirked down at him, holding out a hand
"Yeah. You won." Ren grabbed his hand and was pulled up.
The two Wild Cards looked at each other with respect, knowing that they were going 'all out' in this fight, they smiled.
Lavenza leapt into Ren's arms out of worry, almost on the verge of tears. "Ren! You're okay! I'm so sorry!" She bawled.
"Hey, it's okay, Lavenza." He reassured her. "I'll be alright. I'm a quick healer."
"But you almost died!" She frowned.
"Wouldn't be the first time." Ren held her close.
Yu sighed and smiled as he looked at them. "Well that's dealt-"
"Yu...!" Naoto, Yukiko, Chie, Marie and Rise growled as their faces went dark, their eyes turned into death glints and in their hands were very large harisen.
"U-um. Mercy-?"
SLAP!
SLAP!
SLAP!
SLAP!
SLAP!
Yu was laid out on the floor with tweety birds fluttering around his head. "Duh..." All the while Igor was casually sitting behind his desk and having a glass of water.
"You idiot!" Chie snapped at him. "What would've happened if you killed the kid?"
"He didn't... he's fine." He groaned.
"There's 'having an all-out spar' to 'a full on death match'!" Naoto added.
"I didn't hit." Yu mumbled.
"That's still getting carried away!" Rise added.
"I got caught up in the moment, didn't you see him smiling?" Yu asked, pointing at Ren who was holding Lavenza.
"And then there's Margaret." Yukiko added.
"Um, Master Igor. I think now might be time to advocate peace." Margaret asked.
"I advocate that you duck." Igor responded simply, looking at her with a 'this is your fault' look.
SLAP!
SLAP!
SLAP!
SLAP!
SLAP!
Ding
Both Margaret and Yu were on the floor in a daze now.
"Wow, that's a first." Lavenza commented as she saw her sister knocked down.
"Seeing your sister on the ground like that?" Ren asked.
"Yeah... It's nice." She answered as Margaret grumbled. "Seeing her put in her place like that." she chuckled
"I think I needed that; thank you, Mr Narukami." Ren responded.
"No problem." Yu answered as he and Margaret got back up.
"Is everyone calmed down now?" Igor asked.
"Yeah, we're good." Marie answered.
"Good; now Ren, I hope you can learn more than you have right now. And learn to grow further." Igor added.
"Yeah, I do and will." Ren nodded. "I still need help with the medical questions." Ren looked down at his hands, seeing some blue sparkles around it for a moment, as he smiled "But now... Now I know what to do."
"That's good." Yu nodded
"Now... I have a question." Joker said seriously
"Ask away, Trickster." Igor asked respectfully.
"Is this sort of thing... 'normal' for us?" Ren asked as he pointed at Yu's wives and lovers, looking at the older Wild Card
"Oh. Do you mean? Well, to put it simply? Yes." Yu nodded. "My predecessor had a harem as well."
"Really?!" Ren blinked
"Yes. And as my sister likes to brag, he had seven women in his harem." Margaret said, back to her formal and stylish older woman self
"Then having six means..." Ren counted off.
"Yep, second place. Not that I like to brag." Yu admitted.
"Sheesh." Ren rubbed his forehead.
"And let's not forget what Nanako called you." Margaret added.
"Hck! Only because she parroted what you told her!" Yu flinched
"Even our brothers female guest had a harem of male lovers." Lavenza added casually
"What did she call you?" Ren asked, trying not to focus on the 'reverse-Harem' aspect that was just mentioned
"'Man Whore'." The girls responded in unison.
"Oh god, Am I one too?" Ren pondered to himself.
"Probably, if you've got more than one relationship with a girl." Rise answered.
...
"You've got a harem relationship; don't you?" Marie deadpanned.
...
"Yeah." He sighed
"How many so far?" Yukiko asked
"I'm sorry?" Ren asked.
"How many girls?" Chie asked.
"Lavenza, Ann, Shiho, Sadayo, Tae, Makoto." Ren listed off the women he knows and thought of his relationship with them. "And Futaba makes six. But I think I might have more coming, honestly. I do not mean that in a bad way, but there are certain girls who I am REAL sure that they like me."
Yu looked at Ren and took a deep breath. "The title of 'man whore' might be yours soon." he said with all seriousness, and the tone of a proud father
...
"I-what?" Ren blinked
"So that puts Ms Minako Yuki in last place, with a harem of four males and one female robot." Lavenza said, suddenly having a clipboard she was writing notes on "My Trickster and Mr Narukami are currently tied at 6. And Mr Makoto Yuki as number 1 with six human female lovers and one female robot."
"There are robots?" Ren looked in confusion and shock. "Like, full proper robots out there?! AI controled 'living' machines and all that!"
"Yeah, it's not that strange." Rise answered.
"Nothing wrong with it, it's just... there are robots that can use Persona?" Ren asked. "I'm assuming it can use a Persona."
"Morgana." Lavenza answered simply.
...
"Okay, yeah, you've got me there." Ren nodded. "I bet Futaba would go on a field day if she met her..."
"Or her sister." Naoto commented "Hmm. I wonder who Labrys is doing. We have not spoken to her or the Shadow Operatives for a few months."
"'Labrys'? Is that who Ariadne's 'owner' is?" Ren asked.
"Yes." Yu nodded, his hands slipping into his pockets
"Okay, just one thing. You summon your Persona by breaking a card; right?" Ren asked.
"Yeah." Yu nodded.
"I ripped off my mask to summon mine... the first time there was blood. It was a whole thing." Ren added.
"You what?" Naoto asked.
"And Labrys and... whoever she was with, Makoto? They use a gun to the head to summon their's?" Ren added.
"No no, Labrys is the SISTER of who was with Makoto. Aigis was the robot girl he was with." Yu explained, realising the Joker had gotten the conversation a bit mixed up
"Yep." Yukiko answered.
"Well, no." Naoto flinched "Aigis didn't. She was a robot and could just summon it. Makoto and Mitsuru Kirijo, the owner of Artemisia, did. And it wasn't really a gun, it was a fake gun likes yours. Only theirs where tech and... I still don't fully get it myself."
"... Why do you get a pass? Just breaking a card and all that! Who came up with that system?!" Ren snarked.
"Hey, those cards are made of glass or something. They hurt to break." Yu shot back with a huff
"Is this a 'pain measurement' contest right now?" Yukiko asked.
"I dunno, boys will be boys." Chie sighed and shook her head.
Lavenza smiled at Ren, glad to see him cheered up. Seeing him bonding.
The Velvet Room glowed, as she felt closer to him. Seeing him so free.
World: Rank 6
*Time skip*
Ren huffed an hour or two later, falling onto his bed "Hmm..." He groaned as went face first into his pillow. "I'm... Exhausted..." He mumbled before his phone beeped, it was a message from the girls
-Hi, Ren. How're you doing?- Asked Ann.
-It's been a long day, have you made any progress?- Makoto followed up.
-Did she say yes?- Shiho added
...
Ren sighed softly, smiling weakly
-No. I didn't even get to ask her. She's... She's really fucked up. Not letting me say a word. Just trying to push me away so we don't get hurt. Girls... Can I ask a favour?-
-Anything.- They each responded almost at the same time.
-... Within reason.- Shiho followed up.
"They are all amazing." Ren whispered with a smile as Morgana jumped onto his bed, the leader of the Phantom Thieves quickly going and scratching the cat behind the ear
"Mrow~!" he purred
*time skip*
Tae was in her office, sighing as she was running s oen across paper. Doing... Well, paper work. A cup of instant coffee next to her, as her eyes showed her sadness
'I don't have anything left.' She thought sadly. 'I have to start over... if I should even bother trying again in the first place...'
BANG!
And the door suddenly slammed open.
Ann, Shiho, Makoto and Futaba where standing there, some glaring at her.
"Gah! Wh-what're you doing here?" Tae panicked as she thought she was being attacked.
"Tae... What the fuck are you thinking?!" Ann snapped
"Wh-what?" Tae asked in confusion as she was snapped at.
"You're turning us away!" Futaba added
"I-" she began
"Please, Tae, let us talk." Makoto frowned
Tae looked at the four, thinking this was going to be an 'intervention' of sorts as she continued to sit in her chair. "Technically, I don't have to listen." she said simply "I am an adult, this is my establishment and I have the right ignore you if I wanted."
"However, you are our girlfriend!" Ann snapped "We have had good times, bad times! You helped us get use to, and understand, the feeling of a shared relationship! You do not get to just push us out like that! Not without talking to us!"
"Did you not say that relationships are all about compromise, putting your faith in each other and helping each other?" Shiho added "If you do not even listen to us, then are you not going against everything you've 'taught' us about relationships?"
...
"Damn you girls." Tae huffed, but nodded. Relenting. "Fine. Talk away."
"We know you are doing this to protect Ren, to protect all of us. And yourself, to an extent." Makoto commented "But you are saying, by doing that, we cannot be there for you when you need us. Did you expect us to be okay with that?"
Tae sighed and rubbed the collar on her neck, she hadn't thought about them and how they would react. She thought she could protect them. "You're... right." she sighed "I WAS being selfish, not wanting to face you. I was thinking about you in what I was doing... but when you know you'll hurt the ones you care about, you can sometimes be a coward."
"And we get that." Ann nodded "Really, we do. Partially because there is something, ALL of us, have been hiding from you."
"Hiding from m-what are you talking about?" Tae frowned
"Before that, here." Futaba said, typing away at her phone. Suddenly Tae's pinged, seeing a message. One sent by Sadeyo Kawakami, sent to her through Futaba. "Dick move blocking all of us, by the way." Futaba added casually
"How did you-?" Tae whispered. "I'm sorry. I really am." Picking up the phone, she answered the message
Tae Takemi
Look, I do not fully understand what you are going through emotionally. When I went through something sort of similar, I was single. Just friends and battling my feelings for Ren. And before the BS was over, I was part of the relationship.
I felt more confident, powerful, and it helped me greatly.
I can not tell you what to do, obviously. However I can recommend.
Trust us. Trust them
They want to, and can, help.
Because they care for you.
We all know you won't listen to Ren. Not about this. Seeing him as being too kind, thinking with his feelings and not his head. Honestly, besides Ann and Shiho, we are all closer to him than we are with each other.
Hence why you want to protect him so much. And why you will not listen to him when he tries to help.
So let the girls take care of you for now.
Sadayo Kawakami.
PS, when this is all done... Call this number and ask for Betty. We really should try and spent more time together
"'Betty'?" She mouthed gently before looking up at them. "Alright, I'll listen."
"Good." Ann nodded as she pulled out her phone "Shiho, Makoto? Mind grasping Tae's arms, to keep her close. I'm shifting to Mementos."
Almost immediately the two grabbed Tae's arms and pinned her down. "Hey! What're you-? 'Mementos'?"
Click
"What are you-?" Tae panicked as the whole world shifted.
Whoosh~!
The group appeared within Mementos, the four Phantom Thieves appeared in their gear while Tae was stunned in shock.
...
"What the kinky hell...?" Tae blinked
"Now, will you come with us? We've got some things to show you." Panther informed.
"Yeah, and you can see what we've been trying to do." Oracle added.
"I-What is going on?!" Tae asked in confusion, looking at the four girls
"Yeah, it's a lot, we know." Dove answered as she and Queen released Tae from their grip. They held onto her JUST to bring her to the Metaverse, after all.
"Well, I must say ... You all look good." Tae sighed, adjusting her lab coat "So... Now what?"
"The others are waiting outside." Oracle shrugged
"... Let me guess. Mr Sakamoto and Mr Kitagawa?" Tae asked as she looked at herself in the mirror, pulling out her make up "As well as my Guinea Pig?"
"How-" Queen muttered
"Oh. The check ups. One plus one equals two." Dove nodded as the group quickly realised what was going on.
"So... That's what all this is about, right?" Tae asked, touching up her eye shadow as she stood around casually. Like she wasn't bothered "You all... The Phantom Thieves. Fighting for the right by doing wrong, changing the hearts of monsters some how to save people from becoming new victims."
"That's right." Panther nodded
"And now... You are changing the heart of Doctor Oyamada." Tae added, applying some more of her pale pink lipstick "Right?"
"That's exactly right." Queen nodded.
"Well." She put away the lipstick. "Let's go change his heart."
...
"Really?" Oracle blinked "You... Agreeing? Just like that?"
"I do not think I deserve a second chance." She admitted "I do not think my clinic deserves to stay open after my failure. Or if I am strong enough to CONTINUE after said failure. And if you are doing this just for my sake, I'd tell you to stop."
"But?" Queen asked
"But. If he is a legitimate target, if he is like those other people you've stopped, and you need my help?" She said, putting her make up away "If he is treating other doctors the way he has ALWAYS treated me? Then I'd be a fool to NOT help you." The doctor span around and face them, her lab coat fluttering for a moment as she slipped her hands into her pockets. It was honestly an act that reminded them a LOT of their boyfriend, honestly. "It is a doctor's oath to help those in need." She said simply "If he is hurting others, if his dark heart is some sort of disease, then I must help to cleanse it."
"Well then. Welcome to the team, Tae." Dove responded, putting her hand on Tae's shoulder.
"I just have one question." Tae asked.
"Yeah?" Panther asked.
"Is Ren's costume as attractive as your own?" Tae smirked playfully as she gave a casual slap to both Panther and Dove's backsides, making both girls blush
...
"It's stylish as all hell!" Oracle grinned
"I can't wait to see it." Tae smiled as she walked outside to meet them.
*Meanwhile*
Outside were the remaining members of the Phantom Thieves were waiting. "You think she's gonna help after seeing all this?" Skull asked, ready and raring to go.
"I think so." Joker answered confidently. He was leaning against Morgana's bus form, his hands in his pockets "I believe in the girls. And in her."
"That's good to know." Tae commented as she walked out of her clinic, treating everything as normal. Not just the whole Metaverse situation, but between her and Joker. She walked, hands in pockets with a casual smile "Hmm~, I must say. That IS a lovely look~! Not the most kinky, but it looks GOOD."
"Heh. Thanks." Joker smiled as she came into view.
"It's finally good to see you here, Dr Takemi." Fox commented.
"I just hope I can be helpful for this, Yusuke." Tae responded.
"Eh, I'm sure you will. You're an expert with this sorta thing." Skull praised her.
"What sort of thing?" Tae asked
"We will explain in more detail when we get there." Joker explained "But basically, we need to break into this thing called a Palace. It is Doctor Oyamada's view on the world, and he guards his heart. However, we can not progress because he has doors requiring us to answer medical questions to pass through and go deeper."
"So you need someone who knows their shit to act as a cheat code." she joked
"Basically, yes." They responded, even Morgana.
"... Did the bus just speak?" Tae blinked, tilting her head
"We will explain on the way there." Joker said as he opened the door and took a seat in the Driver's seat, holding his hand out to her "You coming?"
Tae was silent for a moment, looking at Joker's red gloved hand... and smiled, placing her hand in his "Of course." she smiled, looking into his eyes lovingly
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 6
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