peanut032201: The cheese is fun, lol.
SaturnNova21: We do not do requeats. And we are not doing a fanfiction on a "Free-To-Play" mobile gatcha game.
gavin1010: Well... we can not draw. But if someone wants to draw them, we would happily shout them out.
AnimeFan1231: We are NOT redoing Persona 4. We have already said that. Persona games are fuck long, and there is very little to change. We may do one shots based around other Persona series, but no other full stories after this one.
Firem78910: Faust... you know, the 'deal with the devil' guy? That Faust? Him? Hello?
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
peanut032201: Well, the cheese helps make the world real. But that's kind of the point.
UltimateCCC: He's got a 'unique' power that all Wild Cards have. chuckle
Silvanium: Wait and see, we've got plans.
SaturnNova21: No, for two reasons. One: it'd be too lore heavy and too much for any story we could do. Two: I've never played the game.
Neo Infinity: Well, she's an experienced adult. She knows what she wants.
Edrick Twilight Legend: We have plans involving Sae later on in the story, she'll play into the narrative later.
AnimeFan1231: bangs head on table We're not doing P4 or P4G, it's taken us... Ages just to get to this point in the story of Persona 5. They're not short games. Plus P4 had a solid ending with its story, there's no point for us to just write P4 AGAIN. But basically, we can sum it up as: Yu Narukami got his 'Perfect Men' stats the first time round.
M Starr: The Persona talk off screen some times, but it's only if the Phantom Thieves are generally all together.
Nexus240: Okay, just a quick thought on why Yoshida and Mishima won't be joining. Mishima: he'd enjoy the attention, but he'd be WAY in over his head at this point in the story. Yoshida: He's a politician and an older gentleman. He hasn't got the constitution or athletic skill to go on these dangerous missions.
Firem78910: Yeah, I learned about Mary Seacole through Horrible Histories. That show really opened my eyes. And Faustus is from Johann Faust, the namesake of the 'Faustian Bargain' or the more commonly named 'Deal with the devil'.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Wwell, hey guys! This chapter is coming out a bit early!
Why?
Because it is my birthday!
Yay~!
Hope you all enjoy it!
Next upload is on June 30th!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 46
Bonds Of Hardships, Grow Stronger Together
It was the following day, Ren, Tae, Ann and Shiho had woken up and felt the after-effects of their 'little escapade' last night, feeling somewhat embarrassed but they felt closer. But luckily for them, they had a full of being together with the group. "I'll see you girls later." Ren said, giving them all kisses on their cheeks as they stood outside of Le Blanc
"Bye, Ren." They waved back, leaving him at the cafe.
Ren took a deep and happy sigh as he had his first foursome... and something he would never forget. Although he did hope he might be able to make more memories such as those in the future
"Hey, Ren. Enjoy yourself last night?" Morgana asked as he strolled up to the cafe.
"Yes Morgana." He chuckled nervously "You didn't hear did you?"
"What? No. I was across the street." Morgana answered with a puckish response.
"Good." He sighed "I've got a few things to sort out, meet a few people... maybe I'll go to the bathhouse to chill." Ren answered.
"Sounds lovely. We need a break after all that action." Morgana purred
"You're telling me. Some days it feels like my legs are gonna fall off from all this stress." Ren admitted.
"Definitely need a bath." The two said together
Vrr, vrr!
"Who's texting?" Ren asked as he pulled out his phone and saw Makoto asking him something.
"Huh?" He blinked, reading the message from his girlfriend
"Hi Ren, I hope you slept well." Makoto wrote.
'Heh, 'slept'.' He thought to himself, seeing some humour in Makoto's text as he continued to read.
"I was wondering if you could help me out with my classmate Eiko, again. I'm worried she might be getting too involved with someone." Makoto's text continued.
"Makoto, it's fine. I'll help."
"Fantastic! Thank you. I'll meet you in Shinjuku." She responded.
"It's a date."- he responded cheekily
Elipses were there on his phone for a moment as she responded and hung up.
"Yeah. A date."
Click.
"She's so cute now that she's not as uptight." Ren chuckled. "And when she's nervous."
"You just know how to push her buttons in the right places." Morgana remarked as he wiped his face with his paw.
"Seems like it." Ren laughed "Let's go."
*Time skip*
"Thanks for coming over, Ren." Makoto spoke as she stood outside. She was dressed in a white blouse with a brown belt around her waist, back long trousers and black flat shoes.
"Not at all. So, what's wrong with Eiko?" He asked.
"Well... Eiko has started dating a host of a club near her work. I guess he... um. 'Hit on her' after her shift and that was that. Since then, he's the only thing she'll talk about. She even sent me a picture of them on a date at Destinyland." Makoto explained in concern.
"Hmm...He sounds suspicious." Ren commented.
"You think so as well?" She asked.
"Considering who we've been dealing with, it's become second nature." Ren answered.
"Well, for now it seems he hasn't forced her to spend any money at his club, so I'm still nervous." Makoto expressed. "Beyond that, he calls her 'Princess' and constantly tells her how 'special she is'. It's making me sick to my stomach."
'Red flag.' Ren thought to himself, thinking that if that was all he called her it meant he didn't care about her name.
"But Eiko refuses to listen to me. She said the idea of all hosts are bad people is outdated. She even said she was shocked to be getting advice from someone who'd quote 'totally flunk a test about love'... end quote."
Ren shook his head as Eiko sounded like she was on a 'love high' right now. And that meant it would be easy for someone to take advantage of her.
"Besides, tests about love aren't a thing though...and even if they were, I would most certainly wouldn't flunk them!" Makoto proclaimed.
"Yeah, you would." Ren smiled knowing Makoto would crush it.
Makoto blushed gently at that, getting a little flustered. "I'm just probably being biased towards him. I mean, I don't have any proof that he's untrustworthy. But that's why I want to meet him and see what kind of person he really is. And..."
"And you want me to come with you?" Ren asked. "Sure, I'll take this seriously."
"You will? Oh, thank goodness." Makoto sighed in relief. "Since we're dating, she might be more inclined to listen to me. And... I might've made plans for a double date with her and us." She admitted.
"Oh?" Ren asked with a puckish smile.
"D-Don't take it like that. But thank you, this is going to help so much." Makoto hugged him.
Ren smiled as he hugged back, the connection between them growing stronger.
Priestess Rank 5!
"How could I take it any ither way when my lovely girlfriend has a date all planned for us?" Ren asked her, teasinly blowing into her ear
"R-Ren!" She blushed as she shuddered from that teasing, almost wanting to push him away. "Knock it off!"
"Yeah, what are ya gonna do?" he teased, pulling back "Anyway, I gotta go."
"Alright, I'll see you then." Makoto answered. "I'll text you the time we need to meet up."
"Till then." he nodded, kissing the back of her hand
Makoto blushed as she felt his kiss on her hand as the two parted, with Ren heading back to LeBlanc.
"Ladies man." Morgana commented as he emerged from Ren's bag
"What? I have to treat my girlfriends well." Ren responded as he gave his cat-brother a scratch behind the ear
Vrr!
Vrr
"I'm gonna run out of text messages this month if this keeps up." Ren muttered to himself as he answered his phone.
"Hey, Ren. I was hoping we could hang out." Futaba wrote to him.
...
"On my way back to LeBlanc, will meet you outside."
"Right, okay. It's so I can the next thing on my list." Futaba responded.
"On my way."
Beep.
"You're a busy guy, Ren." Morgana commented.
"Yeah, and this exercise is gonna kill me." Ren sighed.
*time skip*
"Hey, Ren!" Futaba waved as she was waiting outside for Ren to come back.
"Sup, 'Taba." he waved back "So, what's next on your promise list?"
"Well, it's 'go to school'." She answered.
"Oh, I see." He nodded. "... You're not gonna be wearing a schoolgirl costume, will ya?" he joked
"Awe~, no fair." Futaba joked, before frowning nervously. "It's a big step for a second boss. And it's gonna be harder knowing people are there too."
"It'll be fine. You'll be with me." Ren reassured.
"Yeah, I know. Let's get going." Futaba nodded. The two linked arms and headed to the station to get to Shujin Academy, where some weekend classes were taking place. "Well...Here we are. School." Futaba whispered as she held Ren's arm. "I feel like my heart's gonna beat out of my chest."
"It'll be alright." Ren answered.
"Ren? Futaba?" A familiar voice called out.
"Huh?" The two asked as they saw Makoto walking by.
"Makoto? What're you doing here?" Futaba asked.
"I'm taking supplementary lessons." Makoto clarified. "Why're you both here?"
"C-Can we talk in private?" Futaba asked. "It's personal." A few moments passed as Futaba explained the promise list and came with Ren.
"I see. It's a promise list you used to do with your mother. Would you like to come in?" Makoto offered.
"U-um... Can I use a Goho-M instead?" She asked jokingly, but her nerves were getting to her.
"Let's do this together, Futaba." Ren answered.
"I was hoping you'd say that." Futaba smiled at him.
"You'll be fine, most of the students have left and the teachers are in a meeting." Makoto clarified. "I'll join you if you want. I'll use my position as student council president to make sure there aren't any problems."
"You're incredible!" Futaba cheered. "With you two here, I can beat this like a trash mob!"
"... I'm not sure what that is, but it sounds good." Makoto responded. "Come on, I'll show you around."
"Let's go." Ren agreed as he stayed with Futaba and Makoto as they went around the school.
Time ticked on as Makoto soon lead Futaba to the cafeteria, showing the kitchen and drinks dispensers. "Here's the cafeteria, where some students come for lunch." Makoto informed.
"Lunch...This reminds me when I was the only kid without a pudding with their meal." Futaba reminisced sadly. "Another time I had a strawberry with some ketchup on it. I didn't notice because they were both red... it was really gross." Both Ren and Makoto felt a bit uncomfortable as they heard that, realising that Futaba had such a bad experience.
"U-Um, anyway. The cafeteria's pretty boring, huh? Let's move on." Makoto offered to quickly move things along as she soon brought them to the library.
'Oh wait, do I have any leftover books?' Ren thought to himself.
"This is the school library; we've got all the regular academic fare here: textbooks, encyclopedias, study guides." Makoto continued. "There are some manga and light novels at the request of some especially vocal students."
"So many books..." Futaba's eyes widened as she saw them.
"Do you like to read, Futaba?" Makoto smiled as she found something to connect with her.
"Mm-hm. Back in elementary school, I memorized the titles of all the books on the shelves at just one glance." She began to frown. "Other kids thought I was making it up when I told them."
"Futaba..." Ren and Makoto frowned as they heard that.
"When I recited them to prove it, they all laughed and called me a freak." Futaba frowned. "Am I weird, Ren?" She asked him.
"Of course not, you're talented." He reassured her.
"... I don't want to be talented if it's gonna creep people out." Futaba answered as she pushed her glasses up her nose. "School is the worst."
"... S-Should we move along?" Makoto asked. "The only rooms left are the classrooms, though we should pass those for today. Do you want to head back to the entrance?"
"Yes, please." Futaba nodded as she hugged Ren's arm.
The trio headed back to the entrance where Makoto was apologetic to Futaba, realising that this brought up bad memories. "I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable, Futaba." Makoto stated, bowing in apology
"No, it's my fault. I remembered all that sad stuff on my own." She admitted. "I guess I have a bad habit of dwelling on the past."
"Everyone does it, Futaba." Ren answered. "You're not on your own."
"Yeah? Do they?" Futaba looked up at him.
"Yes, and it also means that you've improved such a great deal. You wouldn't have worried about this before." Makoto clarified.
"Really?" Futaba blinked with a sparkle of slight excitment in her eyes, even as she felt confused
"What I mean is, worrying about something is the first step towards changing it. Coming to school like this is a huge breakthrough, you're going great; right, Ren?" Makoto said catiously, looking at the team leader to try and help her out
"Absolutely." He nodded and rubbed her head.
"Wait, you're happy with me even though I got totally depressed?" Futaba asked. "Is this what they say about life and lemons? Maybe I could make lemonade for the Phantom Thieves! ... Figuratively speaking."
"That'd be wonderful." Makoto agreed.
"Hell yeah!" Futaba fist-pumped.
Ren smiled as he saw her getting enthusiastic as she hugged him.
Hermit Rank 4!
"You two are really like the mother and father of the team, thanks both of you." Futaba smiled, hugging them tight
"Err, um. Thanks." Both Makoto and Ren blushed.
"Oh, by the way. Did you have fun~ last night, Ren?" the red head added
"Hck! Y-you heard that?" Ren asked as they were still in private, and Makoto was still right next to them.
"I'm just going to..." Makoto blushed as she pointed to get away. "I'll see you later."
"Oh, I not only heard it." Futaba smiled, giving a puckish wink.
...
"You recrded it, didn't you?" he huffed
"Well, I wouldn't be a computer genius if I couldn't so something that simple." Futaba praised herself. "Also, wow."
"Futaba..." Ren grumbled with a twitching eye "Get ready, because I am going to spank that spats covered backside if I catch you. 1... 2..."
"Oh no!" Futaba squeaked as she ran. "Makoto, help!"
"Ren..." Makoto mumbled
"3! 4!" Ren continued
"He's gonna get me!" Futaba whimpered as she got behind Makoto.
"DID you record him and the others doing... that?" Makoto asked
"Er..." Futaba blinked
Futaba panted and moaned as she sat in her gamer chair. Wearing only her glasses and her thigh-high stockings she had her legs resting over the arm rests. The red heads legs spread wide across the arm rests of her chair, her toes curling and unclenching within her stockings. On the screen in front of her, it showed the video feed of Ren's room. Her hand between her thighs, rubbing herself. A few fingers eagerly slamming in and out of her hole, her face flush as she panted at her voyeristic show...
"Nooooooooooo~" she mumbled, bright red
"... Ren, I'll hold her down." Makoto sighed as she narrowed her crimson gaze
"Thank you." Ren responded, as Makoto brought Futaba into an empty classroom.
"Noooo!" Futaba whined.
"5, 6, 7, 8, 9!" Ren quickly counted as he rushed after her.
*time skip*
"Hurry up Futaba." Morgana waved as they and the red head went their where heading back to LeBlanc, the red head falling behind
"Leave me alone..." Futaba mumbled as she followed them. She was massaging her backside, grumbling to herself as she rubbed her backside, glad her black lycra spats hid the bright red cheeks
"You deserved it. And I swear, with some of those noises you made, you liked it to." Ren teased, chuckling as they approached the coffee shop
"Shut up." she mumbled, the red head brushing her hair back as she grumbled under her breath
"Hehehe... Ouch. Damn, my wrist is killing me." Ren grumbled, rolling his wrist
"That's what you get for spanking her over fifteen times." Morgana commented, stretching.
"Need to work on my wrist strength then, I feel like I might need to do it more often." Ren whispered with a laugh "Hey Sojiro." he waved as he saw the older man working
"Oh, hey. Have you and Futaba had fun with your day out?" Sojiro asked as he poured a cup of coffee
"Yeah, I did." He nodded.
"SOJIRO! Curry!" Futaba whined as she got onto a stool... and imediatly jumped off, rubbing her backside "Ouchi!" she hissed
"Whoa, what happened to you?" Sojiro asked.
"She's just had a... sore experience." Ren answered.
"Did something happen?" He asked defensively for her.
"Just... a bad sit down." She admitted, trying to sit down a little easier. "Curry."
"Okay, I'm on it." Sojiro answered as Ren put on an apron.
"Let me help." Ren offered.
"Thank you, Ren. Oh, Futaba, if you were to add anything to the menu; what would it be?" Sojiro asked.
"Hmm... Oh, Curry Udon, curry pasta, curry croquettes and curry pizza!" Futaba answered, thinking only of Sojiro's curry.
"She's a creature of habit." Ren shrugged with a smile.
"I suppose. What would you like on the menu, Ren?" He asked.
"Hmm... Something with curry." Ren chuckled without even looking and a cheeky grin
"You're hooked on it too?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Of course, he's got great taste." Futaba chuckled while giving Ren a playful poke in the arm as the front door opened.
"Why have you been ignoring my calls?" Futaba's uncle stormed in, looking angrier than before.
Futaba froze as she saw her biological uncle, all while Ren glared at him from behind his glasses.
"Leave now, or I'm calling the police." Sojiro ordered, knowing he wouldn't leave without them. "I'm not giving you a penny."
"What was that?" The uncle glared. "Quit fucking with me!" He slammed his foot.
"S-Stop it! Sojiro hasn't done anything wrong!" Futaba stood up as she turned to her uncle.
"Shut your mouth, brat! It's your fault I'm in this mess!" He glared at her, making Futaba back up into Ren.
"That's enough! Futaba's my daughter. You may be her uncle, but you have no connection to her anymore!" Sojiro answered as he walked right in front of the uncle. "We can take it to court if you want. Don't underestimate how far I will go for her!"
"Wh-what?" He flinched.
"Not only do you have massive debt, but I heard you failed in your latest 'business venture'." Sojiro pointed. "How do you think court would respond when they know you're wasteful with money?"
"God damn it!" He flinched, turning to Futaba. "This is your fault, you little bitch!" He roared at her, making her hide behind Ren. The dark haired man moving on instinct, pushing Futaba further behind him "You cursed little-!" He stepped forwards as Ren took a step forward as to got between him and her to protect her... and the uncle fell flat on his face after tripping on his own feet.
SLAM!
"Futaba!" Sojiro went to protect her.
"Urgh... Th-this is assault! I'll sue!" The uncle cowardly remarked, seeing a golden opportunity.
"What the hell are you talking about? You clearly fell on your own feet!" Ren answered, not realising what this could mean.
"You're a delinquent! You're clearly dangerous!" The uncle answered. "This cafe's finished! You hear me?! I won't let you get away with this!" As he rushed towards the door.
Sojiro sighed heavily, realising that Ren's position as a 'known criminal' got him into more trouble. "God damn... what a pain in the ass. Don't you have enough problems already?" He sympathised with Ren.
"I was just protecting Futaba. Anyone would." Ren answered.
"Nobody's saying you did anything wrong. To be honest I should've been the one to stop him." Sojiro commented "Futaba, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine." She frowned. "But he said he'll sue."
"Don't worry, no matter what happens, I won't let them lay a finger on either of you two." Sojiro reassured. "I'm your guardian after all, I have a duty to protect you both. And Ren, try to not pull this sort of thing again. I appreciate the spirit you showed though."
Ren nodded as he felt closer to Sojiro and realised his connection growing stronger.
Hierophant Rank 8
"You two head to bed. I'll close up the shop and get you both some curry." Sojiro spoke, trying to keep things light.
Futaba looked at Ren and mumbled. "R-Ren... I'll message you later." As she left for the house.
"Futaba." Ren felt horrible as he saw Futaba leave. "Futaba!" he called, chasing after her. Running after her, out of the LeBlanc...
...
And he found her curled up against the outside of the building, holding back tears
"Futaba..." he mumbled and knelt down, a hand running over her shoulder and neck softly "It's okay. I'm here..."
"I-I don't want to leave Sojiro." She whimpered. "Or you. I don't-I don't want him to take us away."
"He won't. We'll... figure something out." Ren responded as Morgana walked up and rubbed against Futaba's legs to be some support. He pulled her close, giving a soft kiss to the back of head soothingly.
Futaba accepted the kiss on the forehead as she was slowly calming down at why couldn't she be left alone with the people she cared about. Why couldn't her uncle see how horrible-? "I-I think. I have an idea."
"An idea? What is it?" Ren asked
"We give him a Calling Card." Futaba sniffed as she spoke seriously.
Ren blinked at this, realising that this was Futaba stepping up as a Phantom Thief. "Are you sure about this?" He asked.
"Yes. I can send it anonymously through a shell e-mail account and get him to notice. Then, we take his Heart." Futaba answered, sounding kind of dark in her seriousness.
"You're serious about this." Ren asked.
"I am." She nodded. "I won't let him hurt Sojiro." she frowned
"Neither will I. Do you need help with the Calling Card?" He asked.
"No. This is something I want to do on my own. I have a few things I want to say to him." Futaba answered simply "You, look him up on the app."
"Alright." Ren nodded as he pulled out his phone. "What's his name?"
"Youji Isshiki." She answered, with a bit of venom in her voice.
Ping
"He's there." Ren answered.
"He's probably not a Palace Owner yet. We might be able to take him out in Mementos." Morgana spoke up. "I'll get the others and-"
"No, Morgana." Futaba interrupted. "This is something we have to do."
"Right... Am I just gonna be the bus or..." Morgana asked
"We're going to need the cat-bus." Futaba answered stroking his head. "But this fight... it shoudl just be the two of us. Sorry Mona."
"Alright, I'll stay out of it." Mona reassured. "You've got this."
"Then... let's go." Joker grinned as they entered the Metaverse
The world around them changed, bringing both Oracle and Joker to the entrance of the Metaverse, seeing the warped world around them all while Oracle was making a Calling Card to her un- To Youji Isshiki.
*time skip*
Joker frowned as he drove, steering down the rails of Mementos with Oracle sat in the passanger seat.
"How's it feel sitting in the passenger's seat?" Mona asked as the silence was... hard to get through, trying to keep some levity despite the seriousness of this mission
"Fine, I guess." she mumbled gently
"We're going to end this, Oracle, I promise." Joker reassured as he held her hand tightly
"Thank you, Joker." She whispered as she felt his hand on hers as she looked forwards.
Beep
Beep
"Here we go. We're getting close." Mona spoke up.
"Let's do it." Joker said seriously, parking the vehicle
"I'll be with you guys on the sideline." Mona spoke as Joker and Oracle exited the bus and into the portal.
"Thanks Mona." they nodded, passing through
...
And seeing Youji Isshiki. He was covered in shadow, his greed and desire seeping out as he was standing there. "It's her fault. I'll sue. I'll sue them all!"
"H... HEY!" Oracle yelled out
"Huh?" Youji glared as he turned to them. "What are you doing here?"
"Didn't you get our card?" Joker asked, spinning his knife
"Your card? That was you?!" Youji glared. "I'll destroy you! I'll sue you for everything!"
"Tough shit, I've spent it all!" Joker... well, joked... as he saw Youjir morph and change
"You? SPENT IT?!" He roared out, turning into a large cycloptic elephant humanoid, blue-skinned with grey-brown stripes along its stomach, a faded grey sash around his waist with a brass disc, golden bangles on his wrists and ankles and two long tusts. "I'lL kIlL yOu! YoU dAmN bRaTs!"
"Oracle!" Joker called out.
"I'm here." She answered as she entered Necronomicron
"Tell me its weakness and we'll take it out!" Joker called out as he jumped, dodging attacks thrown at him
"gRaRgH!" The Shadow Isshiki roared out as he slashed at Joker.
'Alright, Shadows of People are different to normal Shadows.' Joker thought, recalling various other Shadows from before. 'I need to fight back with my head.'
"rIsInG sLaSh!" Shadow Isshiki roared out, using his large curved blade to strike at Joker.
"TETRAKARN!" Joker called out, summoning a large shield to protect himself, reflecting the damage right back at the Shadow. "Okay... Who do I use?" He whispered as he jumped back, flipping away before opening fire with his gun
Isshiki's Shadow grunted in pain, the bullets shooting through him as he took the hits. It was more like he was a walking tank of health than anything, just taking the hits as he goes before he came back to slash at Joker again.
"ORACLE!" he called out, taking the hit and being thrown back "Any time now!"
"I'm looking, I'm looking!" Oracle answered, typing away to search for any weaknesses, but she did give Joker a power boost to protect him.
"GrArGh! LeT mE sMaSh YoU!" Isshiki roared, buffing himself up with an ability, his blade getting sharper.
"Oracle!" Joker called out.
"I've got something! He's weak to Bless!" She called out.
"'Bless'?" Joker asked as he tried to think of his Persona in his team. 'Do I even HAVE any Bless? I tend not to need it...' he thought as his mind was arush
"GrArGh!" Youji roared as he slammed his blade down onto the ground to try and attack Joker.
"Any other weaknesses?" Joker asked.
"Yeah, he's strong against Fire and immune to Curse, hit him with either Ice, Elec or Wind!" Oracle answered, healing Joker.
"Okay, those I can bring out!" He answered, cursing his lack of planning, as he reached up and gripped his mask, knowing he had to act fast
"HuH?" Youji blinked as he saw Joker pull out his Persona.
"OBERON! ZIODYNE!" Joker proclaimed as he summoned his Persona, a humanoid figure with large black butterfly wings, wearing white pantaloons, black boots and a red royal jacket; his face was a plain white mask with blue eyes, long black hair that reached to his shoulders and a golden crown set with rubies upon his brow. Coming from Oberon's blade he pulled out a sabre and fired off a lightning bolt straight at the overweight elephant demon.
BOOM!
"Next!" Joker called, shifting Persona again. Not slowing for a second "KALI!" Joker proclaimed as he ripped off his mask. Summoned forth from his mask was a red-skinned woman with greying black slicked back hair, six arms wielding scimitars with skulls for guards, a white bustier with black string wrapped around her chest, a golden belt around her navel, a skull buckled golden bead belt that held up a grey and black skirt which had a snake-like body under the buckle, around the hem of her dress were skulls all connected by golden beads and over a light-and-dark blue striped skirt and her two bare feet that had black bangles on them. "PSIODYNE!" Joker proclaimed, shooting out a powerful psychic-based attack at Youji, which affected him.
"BuWaH! uRgH! uRgH!" He began to stumble around, feeling his mind being affected and also his body weakening.
'Come on, come on! More!' Joker thought
"Joker, take this!" Oracle called out buffing him even more. An aura of colours surrounded Joker as he felt lighter and stronger. But he had to keep the pressure on.
'Come on, Joker! THINK! What has 'Bless'?' He thought to himself as the oncoming swords were ready to strike.
Flash!
"Argh!" Joker grunted as he was struck, being forced back as he was hit pretty hard.
"Joker!" Oracle called out in fear.
"dIe! AlL oF yOu WiLl DiE!" Youji roared out as he hit Joker.
"I'm. Not. Done. YET!" Joker answered as it finally clicked, realising the Persona he could use, grabbing his mask and ripped it off. "Come forth, HORUS!" Erupting from Joker's mask was a beautiful golden falcon, illuminating the dark realm of this cage as the Girimehkala-infused Shadow backed up in fear.
The Shadow screeched out powerfully as Joker was ready to command him. "Sinner against family, know your PLACE!"
"KOUGAON!" Joker proclaimed, as Horus outstretched his wings and struck the Shadow with a powerful blast of 'Bless' energy, shooting right through its stomach.
"gWaRgH!" Youji screamed out as he was hit with his weakness and fell to his knees.
"ORACLE!" Joker called out, letting her know.
"I'm coming!" Oracle responded, leaving Necronomicon and landed next to him.
"Let's end it!" Joker growled
The two leapt up and struck at him fiercely and swiftly, the two bypassing the Shadow's natural defences... as it was Showtime.
Oracle, after doing some intense typing using Necronomicon's hyper-advanced computer, summoned a large digital green bomb which landed next to Youji and between Oracle. 'Futaba!' Joker thought as he saw it, before-
KABOOM!
Oracle leapt through the air like a curled-up frog with her tongue sticking out, a yellow star appearing in her eye as she winked and in large pixel words with a digital skull and crossbones underneath reading 'GIT GUD!'
"Get reckt, Youji!" She called out as she 'exploded' landing in Joker's arms.
Youji appeared before the two, defeated as he knew he was beaten back. "W-Wakaba... she was always so smart. So talented. I'm just. A loser."
Oracle looked at him in shock. "Y-You were thinking about mum?"
"Even back then, I thought being normal was good. Then, I won at gambling... and everyone who laughed at me was now jealous." Youji answered. "I couldn't forget the feeling, it made me feel competent, like Wakaba."
"No, you're just a gambling addict." Joker frowned, having to recall the days when his parents stole his money because of his 'criminal past'.
"Heh, you're right. But maybe I've realised that too late." Youji answered, his Shadow eyes weeping. "Futaba... I'm sorry. Wakaba, forgive me."
"Youji..." Oracle whispered as she looked at him, seeing him disappear into light.
"That apology..." Joker whispered, frowning
"Do you believe him?" Oracle asked sadly as she saw her biological uncle's heart had changed.
"It is your choice." he responded softly
"I think... I can't forgive him. But I'll accept the apology." She admitted. "Can we go back now?"
"Of course." he nodded, hugging her close as he pressed his lips against her forehead "Let's hope Mona hasn't caused much trouble."
"What did you say about me?" Mona asked as he was tucked away in a corner and out of Mementos Proper for a while.
"Didn't fancy waiting outside?" Joker asked.
"And let the Reaper grab me? No thanks!" Mona answered.
"Let's get going." Joker said, a soft chuckle filling the air
"Hup!" Mona called out, transforming into the bus and they drove back to LeBlanc.
*Time Skip*
The world blurred around them as both Joker and Oracle returned to the real world, Ren and Futaba walking side by side "Oof, my body feels stiff." He admitted.
"Yep, totally agree." Futaba nodded as she hugged his arm.
"You okay?" He asked her softly
"Just tired, it's over for now." She answered. "He won't come back to harass us."
"Yeah, I hope so." Ren agreed. "Let's go home."
"Can you stay with me?" She asked.
"If I did that, Sojiro would kill me." Ren chuckled with a deadpan snark.
Futaba chuckled gently as he said that. "He'll have to get through me first."
"Why would I need to go through anyone?" Sojiro asked, suddenly standing behind them
"Eep!" The two froze in fear, realising that they might have been caught now.
"Well?" He asked, looking down at the two of them
"How did he get behind us?" Futaba squeaked.
"I don't know!" Ren whispered back. "Quick, lie!"
"N-Nothing, Sojiro!" Futaba answered.
"Is that right?" He responded, not believing them.
"We were just... hanging out." He answered.
"Hanging out?" Sojiro asked.
"Yep." Futaba nodded, not turning around.
"At this time of night?" Sojiro continued.
"An evening walk." Ren carried on.
"Without telling me?" Sojiro raised his eyebrow.
...
"Sorry!" They both apologised.
"Head home. Both of you." The guardian stated simply.
"Yes, sir!" The two answered, heading back to their respective homes. For Futaba, the Sakura residence and Ren, back into the attic of LeBlanc. But at least life seemed to be going okay for now...
*Time Skip*
The following day was a little awkward because Sojiro had his eyes on both Ren and Futaba since last night. But since neither of them had broken their story about being on a walk, he decided to drop it. And Yongen-Jaya was a small area, a small walk around wasn't that too bad; he was just being protective.
"So, you're not in trouble?" Morgana asked.
"No, we're fine." He responded. "Sojiro didn't blow up at us too much." As he stroked Morgana's head.
"So what's gonna happen today?" Morgana continued.
"Well, I was hoping to meet up with Haru." Ren answered as he flipped open his phone. "I haven't heard from her in a while."
"It's Sunday. You sure she'll be there?" Morgana asked
"Probably. She cares about her plants." Ren noted as he rubbed his cheek
"Well, I'm coming with you. I've been meaning to catch up with everyone." Morgana smiled.
"Just don't cause any trouble." Ren asked, typing away on his phone.
*time skip*
Ren arrived at the school, wearing his casual clothing as he went upstairs to meet Haru. He was heading to the roof calmly, humming softly as his hands where resting in his pockets. Upstairs, he saw her. Curly auburn-haired, brown eyes, wearing school-issued jogging clothes for gardening. She was kneeling as she tended to her vegetable garden. She was on her own, given permission to be there. Ren grinned, the Joker coming through a bit as he snuck up slowly. Approaching behind her, he rubbed his hands together... before he suddenly reached down, tickling the heiress' sides
"GYAH! Ha-ha-ha!" Haru squeaked as she soon laughed, jerking upwards and away from her plants as Joker tickled her, making her stiffen up as she was caught off guard.
"Hi Haru!" he smirked, his face being covered by her poody hair as he laughed with her.
"R-R-Ren! Oh my gosh! What are you doing up here?" She asked, coming down from her tickle attack as she looked at him.
"I wanted to see you." he shrugged and smiled at his friend
"O-Oh, I see." She mumbled as she brushed herself off. "It's... good to see you too. How have you been?" As she finished talking... Haru blushed as she remembered.
Not too long ago, she had gone to a Fortune teller in the Red Light District. Oh, she had been so embareced to go but she was told the woman's predictions where 100% accurate. And after getting a less than fortunute fortune, the teller gave her instructions. Her fate would remain unchanged if she did nothing. And by thinking, by deciding to pursue her heart, her second reading changed and gave her a brighter future.
...
She knew to get that happyness she had to pursue her heart. To romantically pursue Ren.
...
'How do I do that?!' she thought in panic, this being the first time she had seen him since the reading
"Haru? Earth to Haru? You alive Noir?" he asked, Ren waving his hand in front of her eyes. Snapping her from her memories
"I'M FINE!" she squaked "I-What did you call me?"
"Nothing." Ren quickly lied, laughing "I told you I was fine, but you spaced out. It was like five minutes."
"R-Really? Five minutes?" She stammered, tucking her hair behind her ear as she looked at him. "S-Sorry. Lost in thought."
"It's fine, it's fine." He nodded with a smile
"What brings you to the school? W-Was it my garden?" She asked.
"Yeah. Or you. To hang out." Ren shrugged and chuckled
"Oh, S-sure. Yes." She nodded as she blushed a little. "D-Do you have a place in mind?"
"Nothing fancy, but I think it can be sorted out." He smiled.
"Okay, let me just. Just out of these clothes." Haru asked as she looked at herself.
"Don't worry, take your time." Ren reassured.
'I wonder what's up with her.' he thought, worried about his friend
*Time skip*
Ren and Haru were down in Big Bang Burger, the local fast food restaurant as they felt more at ease there. Plus, it being a more public and loud place, it meant their conversations could be muffled a bit. "Oh... Here?" Haru asked sadly but accepting it.
"Sorry, but this might be a good place to just talk." Ren apologised as they could sit down as just normal teens. 'Normal.' he thought, holding back a laugh. The two walked inside, got a couple of drinks and soon sat down at a table.
"You didn't gave to buy these for us." Haru commented.
"I know, I wanted too." He answered calmly. Haru smiled a little as she took a sip of her drink, both of them getting some of the store's coffee. Kind of bitter, but it was a decent drink for what you pay for it. "How're you doing? It's been a while." Ren asked.
"It has." Haru sipped her coffee and looked at how cool Ren looked right now. "I'm doing fine, just... been looking after my garden. If. If you don't mind, what have you been up to?"
Ren blinked a little as he put his cup down. "Well, I've been saving up, working at LeBlanc, studying. Not much really to admit too."
"You look good." She commented.
"So do you, you seem to be getting a bit of a tan." Ren smiled, complimenting Haru.
"Natural sunlight." She admitted, tucking her hair behind her ear and smiled at Ren.
"I'm guessing that you've had a lot of time to work on your garden, it looks well." Ren praised her. "You have a real green thumb."
"Thank you, it... it feels like we don't spend too much time with each other." She confessed.
"It's alright. I should apologise too. Life has been... busy. For both of us." Ren answered.
"You don't have to apologise. It's all been, it doesn't matter." She responded, taking her cup and drinking it. "I just hope I can grow some coffee beans in my garden."
"Hey, I'm sure LeBlanc would enjoy stocking them." Ren praised.
"Please, that would be a good dream." Haru admitted. "If only the company would allow me."
"What do you mean?" He asked.
"Some of the board want me to be independent." She explained. "But...some not so much."
"Well, you are a strong indipendent woman." Ren smiled
Haru tittered at that, seeing the flattery. "That's kind of you to say." She answered. "But it's also a little embarrassing." She ran her hands together, her head lowered "Considering... The contract."
"The what?" Ren asked. His voice tense. Oh, he rembered this bullshit alright. Not that he could tell her.
"I...am under a contract. To be married." She admitted.
"What?! Those still exist?!" He gasped in horror, trying to still sound shocked
"Unfortunately, yes." She nodded. "My father set it up with Takakura. He says it's to 'help make connections'."
"That's disgusting. It can't be legal." Ren responded.
"It's still a thing." She answered. "And my father and some members of the board think that it's a good idea for me to get married." She explained.
"But what do you want?" He asked. "You'd be a great gardener."
Haru smiled gently at that, stroking her hair behind her ear again. "Thank you, that means a lot." She blushed a little.
"Of course." He grinned
Haru wanted to confess her heart out to Ren, wanting to tell him that she wanted to go out with him. Anything to change that bad future she was destined to have because of Chihaya's fortune telling.
...
"I do not love him." She spoke as she stood up, walking around the table a bit
"I'm sorry?" Ren asked as he saw Haru get up.
Haru tried to focus, to think. About all she could do, could be... She tried to place a away on her hips and a strut in her step, trying to get his attention drawn to her body while she kept her modest outfit
Ren continued to look at her, seeing her sway as she tried to walk like a supermodel on a runway. And he was dating Ann, so he was definitely familiar with said look 'Haru, are you trying to flirt?' He thought to himself as he watched her try and 'seduce' him. He'd never seen her like this before. It was strange.
She leaned down to look into Ren's eyes as she was giving off this air of confidence. "We can't miss this chance." Haru purred.
"Th... This chance?" He asked blinked
"Yes." She whispered. "I want to tell you this." She reached out, cupping his cheek slightly "I don't love him." she stressed, whispering to him
"I-I-" Ren blinked in confusion. Good god, this was taking him so off guard. He had never imagined her acting like this before it was setting his mind whirling a mile a minute. And then... he remembered something.
"Why is it that I get a shiver of excitement whenever the Shadows plead for their lives?"
It was the familiar voice of Haru, with all her sweetness and kindness. All the gentle elogancy... despite what she was talking about. And his imagination went wild as his eyes almost closed, thinking about Haru in a way never before.
She was standing in front of him in his bedroom, the heiress wearing a black latex thong, a black corset, a cute little hat, a black collar, black and red gloves and matching stockings while holding a riding crop
Ren shuddered a bit as he opened his eyes, looking into Haru's
It was like looking into an auburn mirror, seeing her standing there... and he wanted to be with her.
A thought he had never had before, he had to admit. "Haru..." he mumbled, shuddering. Good god, she radiated so much dominant energy. He never imagined this before~! He suddenly reached up, clasping her hand and pulling her back a bit 'Ann. Shiho. Tae. Makoto. Futaba. Kawakami. I can't... betray them. I can't be kissing... random girls. Even if I like them.' he told himself. Looking into her eyes he saw a moment of hurt fill them, and he quickly caught himself. Speaking quickly "I am sure you will find someone better, someone deserving your love." Ren said with a gentlemans respect, kissing the back of her hand softly "And if you are sending me a message... we can talk about it later. But you said you where... under contract? I don't want you getting hurt because of it."
"R-Right. You're right." Haru nodded, backing off and feeling embarrassed. "Thank you. I took too big a step. I can exchange numbers." She soon pulled her phone out.
"Of course." Ren nodded with a smile "Saves me sneaking in to get to the roof." He joked, passing his phone over
"Right." She blushed, typing away 'Stupid, stupid, Haru! Why would he -' she berated herself, handing the phone back as she smiled happily "Here you go."
"Thank you." He smiled, kissing her cheek. Making his upper classmen turn bright red "I will see you later."
"Y-Yes. Yes, later." She stammered as she felt his lips on her cheek, the small affection he gave her was making her heart thump.
Empress Rank: 5
"Bye." She squeaked.
As the two left, Morgana popped from Ren's bag as they were alone. "Okay, what was that?"
"What do you mean?" Ren responded, not looking at him.
"I heard what Haru said. And I could just about see through the bag." He answered with a cattish smile. "Noir came through, didn't she?"
"I think so, maybe." Ren smiled
"Nya-ha-ha! The team's almost complete!" Morgana laughed happily, realising their group would be whole once again.
"Yeah, almost." Ren nodded. "But there's still some more I have to do."
"What do you mean?" Morgana asked.
Ren was silent as he looked into the air, his hands in his pocket.
*Time skip*
Ren was back at the arcade, he saw Shinya sitting down on his own and looking down in the dumps. "Shinya? Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh, it's you." Shihya looked at Ren with slightly red eyes.
Ren sat down next to him. "What's wrong?" He offered to the grade schooler.
"I... I can't stop thinking about my battle with Takekuma. I mean, I couldn't do anything to him. There's just no way."
Ren tried to recall the match, remembering that 'Takekuma' slaughtered Shihya at his favourite arcade game. "It was pretty weird."
"Right, I knew you'd understand!" Shinya looked at him. "I've been practising a lot, after all. Rumours say that Takekuma uses cheat armour! You know what that is, right? He totally broke the rules by equipping it. I bet that's why my normal shots don't work against him! That has to be the reason!"
Ren could see that Shinya was getting heated up, hearing rumours and gossip about a player who may use 'cheat armour'. He was about to say something... but he saw Shinya looking at his hands.
"But the next time we play, I'm definitely... I'm definitely gonna demolish him!" Shinya proclaimed.
"Heh." Ren smirked. "I'm sure you can do it."
"Yeah, even the Phantom Thieves have victories against all odds, right?" Shinya responded. "I'm gonna win next time! Just watch!"
'Atta boy.' Ren thought.
"But the thing is... I told my mum about what happened with Takekuma. But... She didn't really care. All she said was 'okay'." Shinya answered.
"Oh, buddy." Ren frowned.
"She probably doesn't like kids who lose." Shinya explained. "She told me that once. We need to be strong because it's just the two of us. She said, 'no-one helps the weak. They just get preyed on'. That's why I want to get stronger. Strong enough so we won't get preyed on, so we'd be the predators. That's exactly who the Phantom Thieves are. They're the strongest, who can prey on anyone."
Ren felt a little flattered but worried by Shinya's comment. He was worried it would be taken the wrong way.
"Once I become the strongest, my mum will be able to count on me." Shinya continued. "The only way I win is through games, that's why I can't lose." Ren could see how much this meant to Shinya. He could just imagine this kid making it big as a professional gamer. "What should I do about Takekuma's armour?" He wondered. "The strategy I used last time didn't work."
"You need a new strategy." Ren answered, coming from experience.
"You're right! That's what I'm gonna do next time! And I'm gonna win!" Shinya smiled. "Thanks. You're like a big bro I can talk to about anything. I heard that's what it's like to have a sibling."
"Anytime, Shinya." Ren smiled as he felt a brotherly connection with Shinya grow, feeling a more confident self blooming.
Tower Rank: 5
'Say, little bro, fancy lunch? I'll pay." Ren offered
"... Are you serious?" Shinya asked in shock as he heard that. "Yeah! My choice of lunch though!"
"Alright. What do you want?" He smirked.
*time skip*
It was some hours later, Ren was back at LeBlanc sweeping up as he was now relaxing back at home. "Ahh. That was a good rest." Ren commented, putting away a new box of infiltration tools
"I bet." Morgana purred as he stretched
beep
"Huh?" Ren blinked as he picked up his phone "Ohya?"
"Hey, glad you picked up. Could you meet me at our regular place? I want someone to talk to." Ohya's voice asked as she sounded like she was already in the bar. However she didn't sound drunk, even slightly. And of course that worried him to an extent, while also making him happy.
"Sure." He blinked... And blushed as he remembered the last time he had seen her, Ohya sitting herself onto his lap and marking out with him while she was drunk
"Thanks, this means a lot. I'll see you in Crossroads. Don't keep me waiting." She asked kindly as she hung up.
"Sounds like you're going out again." Morgana commented.
"You're not coming?" Ren asked.
"Are you kidding? Of course, I'm coming." The cat responded. "Someone's gotta look after ya!"
"Alright, but don't complain if you smell booze and start getting woozy." Ren followed up.
"I'll be fine." Morgana responded, leaping into the bag. "Let's go."
"Alright." He nodded. "Sojiro, I'll be heading out."
"Right, right." Sojiro nodded, doing some cleaning calmly "Come back at a reasonable time."
"Okay, I'll try." Ren answered, going out to Yongen-Jaya and then to the train.
*Time Skip*
Ren had arrived at the Crossroads in Sinjuku, Ohya's favourite haunt and walked inside. "Good evening, Lala."
"Ohya, your boy-toy's here." Lala, the bartender, commented as she was drying a glass. "You be careful dear. I don't want her getting you in trouble." She whispered
"Thanks for the warning, Lala." Ren nodded.
"Hey, you made it." Ohya waved as she saw him, having a glass of water by her side.
"Is... That water?" He blinked
"Well, I wasn't going to pre-game was I?" She joked. "Thanks for coming."
"No problem." He answered as they sat down. And an awkward silence filled the air between the two of them.
Both of them knowing it
Knowing what happened between them
Ren tried to start, but his voice was caught in his throat.
...
"I'm sorry." Ohya sighed "I'm sorry for last time."
Ren blinked at Ohya taking the initiative. "It. It's fine-"
"No, it's not. You're a minor and I was drunk." Ohya answered, her hand on her forehead as she leaned down. "I... Look. A while ago I... I went to a fortune teller close to here. Things happened. Don't wanna get into it. Found out I could change said future for a better one. And... And it's with you." as she finished, her voice turned soft and gentle
...
"Y-you went to see Chihaya?" Ren asked as he heard her.
"You know her?" Ohya asked.
"I've seen her around. And I've helped her out from time to time." Ren responded. "She's famous around Shinjuku."
"Yeah, she is." Ohya nodded
"So, she said that if you get to know me more, things end better for you?" Ren asked.
"In so many words." She nodded. "If I got with you as a couple. And I got... So eager."
Ren froze as he heard that. How many women wanted to get with him right now? Was this the blessing/curse of being the Wild Card? Because right now? Holy crap!
Ann. Shiho. Tae.
Futaba. Makoto. Kawakami.
Haru. And now Ohya.
Not to mention the complicated Lavenza and the twins situation.
'At least Sae, Chihaya and Hifumi aren't like this.' he thought only for a shudder to rush down his spine 'Wh-What was that?"
"Is everything alright?" She asked. "I didn't say too much?"
"No! No, no, no. Of course not." He reassured while giving a laugh
"Good. I didn't want to share you off." She grinned, resting her chin on her palm while her eyes fluttered closed giving him some bedroom eyes
In the bag, Morgana was listening in...and he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"It's fine. How is your investigation going? Last time we met, you seemed to be excited about it." Ren responded.
"... Well..." She sighed, taking a sip of her drink "Because of my quota, and that bastard chief... I've managed to make some progress on my personal investigation. I've also been looking into the Phantom Thieves. I'm thinking that they're the real deal."
'Because we are.' He thought to himself.
"No internal power struggles, no dirty money exchanging hands." She continued. "Any recent negative press about them is just fabricated to make them look bad. No proof of their crimes. You're still a fan right?"
Ren nodded as he took a drink and agreed. "Of course, I am."
"Honestly, the more I read about them, the more I understand them." Ohya added.
"Really?" He asked.
"They're sincere in what they do. It reminds me of how I used to be." She answered. "They're fighting the evils of society and doing a thankless job. I know what it's like... I feel like we share the same passion."
Lala began to chuckle as she heard that. "I never thought I'd hear you talk about passion, Ichiko. Maybe it's because of the Phantom Thieves or this kid who has influenced you."
"Maybe." She answered. "I mean, you're a big fan of theirs, right?" She asked Ren before her phone rang. "Oh, sorry."
"Don't worry about it." He reassured, feeling flattered a bit.
"Yes, this is Ohya. That's right... What?" She answered the phone and was shocked to hear from the other side. "You found Kayo?!"
Both Lala and Ren looked at Ohya who got to her feet in shock.
"Where is she?" She asked... only to be given a distasteful answer. "What do you mean 'you can't tell me'? Why the hell not? What's going on? Wait!"
click
The phone call ended, leaving Ohya on her own. "Kayo..."
"Could it be?" Ren asked.
"One of my journalist friends. He thinks he's found Kayo." Ohya answered. "He followed a string of pretty far-stretched rumours for me, but now he said that he doesn't want to get involved. Damn it! What the hell is going on?! I can't give up now!" She slammed her glass of water on the desk.
"A-At least that's progress! You didn't even know if Kayo was alive or not before." Lala reassured.
Ding!
Ding!
"Stop right there!" A man's voice called out, entering the bar. The man had short black hair, black-framed glasses, a blue jacket, black trousers, a grey shirt and black shoes.
"Huh? Chief?" She asked in shock.
"I knew it! You've been looking into Kayo's case behind my back!" The chief answered. "No more! I'm cutting off all your resources!"
"You can't just-!"
"Furthermore, I suggest that you drop this investigation if you don't want to face the consequences!" The chief continued.
"Wait... You're the one who pressured my contact to stay quiet!" Ohya pointed at him.
"I told you: this is where the wild goose chase ends." The chief brushed himself off. "Oh, and I'm doubling your workload. No more personal investigations! Got it?"
"Are you trying to kill me?!" She snapped.
"Mr Chief, can you really do that?" Lala asked in shock, realising that it was an ungodly amount of work for one person to do.
"I don't think that it's any of your concern, bitch!" The chief demeaned Lala before turning to Ohya. "Unless you want to end up like your stupid friend, Ohya. You'll give this up!"
Ohya's hands balled into fists as she heard that. "Don't you dare talk about Kayo like that! If you even think about talking shit again, I won't hesitate to beat the living crap out of you!"
"Whoa, hold on!" The chief backed up as he was threatened.
"Take back everything you just said, I am gonna do worse." Lala threatened.
"It's too late now. The higher-ups have decided to put the incident to rest, that is what we're doing!" The chief answered. "You understand? Drop it!" And he walked out, slamming the door behind him.
Ren saw this and sighed heavily, knowing that this was definitely something to do with the mental shutdowns.
"That spineless little bastard only thinks about himself!" Lala growled.
Ohya hit her fist onto the bar as she was still angry. "Shit! This had to happen just as I got my lead on Kayo. What should I do? Knock him the hell out?"
"Let's think of another way." Ren answered, stopping Ohya from making a mistake.
She sighed heavily. "Easy for you to say." She took a seat and leaned toward her drink. "Calm... I need to be calm. I can't give him another reason to fire me. Argh! This sucks! And now this even bigger quota is gonna be a problem... I can't give up now! I won't give up fighting! I'll make another great article! 'Exclusive: The Phantom Thieves Changing Hearts and Saving Lives!'" She smiled, giving her future artical.
Ren just smiled as she was calming down and now focussing.
"Sorry, I guess this ruined the day." She apologised.
"No problem" Ren asked as he felt his connection with her grow.
Devil Rank: 7
"I'm still frustrated though. All that bullshit he said has gotten to me." She admitted. "I wish I was good at controlling my emotions like you are."
"You're charming as you are." Ren reassured.
"... Huh?" She backed up a little. "W-Wow, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard."
"More importantly, Ichiko; how're you going to manage with that doubled quota?" Lala asked.
"Well, I'll work twice as hard. And I've always got my sources here." She answered. "That reminds me... can you give me the scoop from the Phantom Thieves?" She asked, getting a little closer to Ren.
"Of course." He chuckled... And was backed into a wall 'W-Wow, she's. She's close.' He thought as he looked at her.
Lala sighed gently and turned on the 'closed' sign.
"Well then. It's time for an 'interview~'." Ohya grinned...
sprits!
sprits!
"Done girl." Lala frowned
Ohya hissed like a cat as she was sprayed and backed off from Ren.
"Get outta here kid." Lala encouraged
"Right, thanks! Bye, Ohya!" Ren answered, waving goodbye and headed out.
"Pppbt! Nya-ha-ha! Nya-ha-ha! W-what was that?" Morgana laughed out loud in Ren's bag as Ren ran home.
"Oh god, Morgana." Ren blushed as he felt embarrassed now. He had a thing for 'strong women' rising within him.
"I bet Futaba's gonna enjoy hearing this." Morgana chuckled.
"Please don't tell her about this." He groaned.
"Well, you're gonna need to tell her." Morgana countered "And the others. Same with Haru. Unless you are planning on turning them down."
Ren flinched as he heard that, realising that if he strung them along...he would be trash. "Alright. I'll tell them. I just... I need time to think."
"Yeah yeah, of course." he stretched calmly and gently
"... In the morning. It's pretty late out already." Ren added.
*Time Skip*
"Everyone ready?" Ren asked, the team gathered outside of the clinic It was the next day, the team standing side by side.
"Yep, slept well. Well fed. And geared up." Ryuji smirked as everyone were all together.
"Reluctantly." Yusuke joked
"It'll be good to finally stop my old 'colleague'." Tae agreed as she flexed her fingers.
"Well then..." Ren commented as he held his hand up, the world warping around them. One by one their outfits began to change, the Metaverse's red and black existence taking hold as it painted the world
click!
"It's Showtime!" Joker called proudly, as the Phantom Thieves where ready once more!
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 8
Hierophant: Rank 8
Death: Rank 7
Devil: Rank 7
Temperance: Rank 6
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
World: Rank 6
Emperor: Rank 5
Fortune: Rank 5
Moon: Rank 5
Star: Rank 5
High Priestess: Rank 5
Empress: Rank 5
Tower: Rank 5
Hermit: Rank 4