AN: Alright, just a few little logistic things in this chapter, then we start getting into the meat of things. And y'all, the stuff I got planned for after this arc...I'm so excited.

Chapter 6: Preparations

11/20/20XX

"Wait, hold on." Sa cutted Jolyne off. "So let me get this straight. On your first day of school, you just 'happened' to wander into another world. While inside this other world, you and two others awoke special powers that were sleeping inside of you. This other world, this…Metaverse…is one generated by the hearts and minds of those with distorted desires. Am I right?" She got a nod. "And this was all explained to by-and this is the part I'm having trouble believing-a 'talking cat'?"

"Hey, I told ya this was gonna get bizarre." Jolyne answered, scratching her right arm, before seemingly to catch herself and pulling the sleeve of the blazer down.

"That's quite the story, Cujoh-San. In fact, it may be a little too bizarre." The inspector stated. "For all I know, you're either selling me some ridiculous story you made up to hide the truth, or they drugged you to the point of hallucination."

"And?" Jolyne retorted, and Niijima glared at her before sighing.

"And yet…it does make a certain amount of sense. The presence of this 'Metaverse' does line up with my theory that you used unorthodox methods to enact a 'change of heart.'" Sae replied, before narrowing her eyes at Jolyne. "So let's say I believe all that. The four of you still had to make your way through this 'Palace' to steal Kamoshida's 'Treasure.' Now, even with these…Personas?"

"Right."

"Thank you. Even with these 'Personas', it would not have been an easy task fighting through all those enemies."

"It wasn't. Where are you going with this?" Jolyne asked.

"That requires weapons, special medicines. Things that high schoolers and 'talking cats' such as yourselves would have been unable to acquire on your own."

"I dunno, we just figure it out."

"Then why don't you explain to me exactly how you went about this." Sae ordered more so than asked, getting another sigh.

"Alright, where was I?"

Saturday, 4/16/20XX

Jolyne was sitting on the train to Aoyame-Ichitome, clutching the bag with Morgana in it close to her chest. "Can't see this growing old any time fast…"

"I agree. Maybe you could start bringing a book or something?" He suggested, when they overheard two students in uniforms from another school talking next to them.

"Ugh, I feel terrible. It's not even allergy season yet…" One groaned out.

"Maybe you should head to a doctor? I bet they can prescribe you something that can help."

"Maybe…" Morgana turned to Jolyne.

"Hey, wasn't that customer the other day a doctor?"

"The weird hot goth lady? I think so. What about it?" Nothing weird to see here. Just a girl talking to a cat in her bag.

"Well, Boss mentioned that she supposedly has all sorts of weird medicines. Maybe we could get some of that to use in the Palace."

"I'll think on it." Jolyne said, as they continued to ride the train.

Afternoon

Ann and Jolyne were sitting in class, with Morgana inside of Jolyne's desk, when their phones vibrated with a message.

RS: We're meeting at the hideout today, right?

AT: Don't text now. We're in class.

RS: Wait, you're actually paying attention to this crap?

JC: Not really. It's English, literally the one thing here I don't have to worry about.

AT: I'm trying, but none of it's really sticking.

RS: Anyway, hideout after school!

AT: And where is that exactly?

JC: The school rooftop.

AT: Can we still go up there?

RS: Yeah, checked this morning.

RS: You'd think they'd have locked it after…yknow.

RS: See you guys there.

The rest of the school day passed by in a blur, and soon Ann and Jolyne met Ryuji at the entrance of the roof. They pushed it open, only to find a third year with fluffy pink hair wearing a sweater over her uniform. "Ryuji, I thought you said her plants were almost done!" Jolyne whispered.

"Hey, I thought she was! I ain't a gardener or whatever." He protested, and the the third year looked over to the sound of the commotion.

"Hm? Oh, hello there." She greeted with a smile, and Ann smiled back.

"Sorry for intruding, Senpai. We thought there was no one up here."

"It's fine. I was just about to move my garden anyway. After the…incident…yesterday, it doesn't feel appropriate to keep them up here." Her voice was polite and soft, with a sophisticated tone to it. The girl picked up the container with the plants, and began walking past them. "I should be going. My ride is here."

"You need any help with those?" Jolyne offered, and she shook her head.

"No thank you. Have a pleasant day." She said, leaving the rooftop.

"Well, that was…awkward. It worked out though." Ryuji said, as Jolyne opened her bag to let Morgana out.

"We would've been in big trouble otherwise." Morgan's stated as he hopped onto an air conditioning unit.

"They usually hold board meetings at the beginning of the month. The next one should be held at the start of May." Ann explained.

"So we don't have any time to waste. Let's go!" Ryuji said, getting out his phone.

"Hold on. It's still too early for us to enter the Palace." Morgana stated, and the false blonde's brow furrowed.

"Whaddya mean? We've only got a few weeks."

"We can't underestimate the dangers of the Palace. We need to prepare."

"That Persona shit has been enough so far."

"But that may not always be the case. True, your Personas are powerful, but we can't always rely on those. In any event, our priorities should be weapons and medicine."

"Where are we supposed to get weapons?" Ann asked.

"Ryuji, where'd you get the gun I use?" Jolyne asked.

"Some place in Shibuya. I think it's called Untouchable." He answered. "Whole place is lined with real looking guns."

"Good, then it looks like you have that covered. Morgana and I'll handle the medicine." Jolyne stated, and Ann raised an eyebrow.

"Where are you gonna get stuff like that? I don't think they'll sell what we need to minors." She asked.

"Let us worry about that, Lady Ann." Ann was still curious, but didn't pry any further.

"Well, we should get going, Morgana. I'll text you guys afterwards."

Yongen-Jaya

Jolyne stood in front of a door with 'Takemi Medical Clinic' written on it. "Well, this is definitely the place." Morgana stated. "What're you gonna say?"

"Well, I was thinking 'hey lady, give me drugs so me and my friends can fight supernatural monsters in another world', but that might be a little heavy handed. So, I'll just wing it." Jolyne said, and entered the clinic. Inside was an empty waiting room, with the doctor sitting behind a reception desk lazily reading a magazine. She looked up and saw Jolyne.

"Is this your first visit?" She asked, before squinting. "Wait…you're that girl from Leblanc, right?" Jolyne nodded.

"Jolyne Cujoh. Pleasure to meet you, Doctor." She greeted, and Takemi put up her magazine.

"So, what can I help you with?"

"I uh…I have chronic nightmares. Just, awful nightmares. I'll wake up screaming in a cold sweat, and it's getting to the point where I can't get a good night's rest. Do you have anything that can help?" She knew it was an awful lie. Hell, she came up with it and she didn't buy it.

"Very well. Head into the exam room, and I'll look you over." Takemi instructed, and they entered the exam room, Jolyne sitting across from the strange doctor. "In most cases like this, the nightmares are often brought on by stress. When your body's all wound up, it tends to have an adverse effect on the mind. I'm going to prescribe you some pain relievers, ok? Now, do you want a sweet tasting pill or a bitter one?" Jolyne thought for a moment.

"Dealer's choice."

"Well then how about a stinky one then? I call it 'Bullshit.' Now, why don't we stop beating around the bush?" Takemi stated, and Jolyne gulped. "You're not sick at all. I'm not as dumb as I look."

"Crap, she saw right through us!" Morgana winced, and Takemi crossed her legs as she evaluated Jolyne.

"You came here because you heard those rumors about me and my medicine, huh?" Takemi interrogated, and Jolyne searched for her words.

"…are the rumors true?" She asked, and the goth doctor shrugged.

"Who's to say? All I know is that I have a patient with ulterior motives, who thinks she can walk in here, cook up some crazy story, and get some drugs." Takemi stated. "You think doctors are just chumps who pass out pills like candy?"

"Not at all. My uncle's a doctor, so I knew you wouldn't give me anything without a reason." Takemi raised an eyebrow at this.

"Anyone I might know?"

"Josuke Higashikata." Jolyne replied, and Takemi's eyes widened as her jaw dropped.

"Tall, with weird hair? Practices in a small town?"

"That's the one. Though uh, maybe don't mention the hair whenever you see him." Takemi snapped her fingers.

"That's why you looked familiar. To think I'd run into his niece here of all places…" She mused, and chuckled. "Seems fitting, I suppose."

"You know my uncle?"

"Only enough to call him an acquaintance. We've met at a few conferences here and there. I mainly know of him through his reputation." Takemi explained, and pursed her lips as she thought. "Well, I suppose I can prescribe you something." Jolyne and Morgana's eyes widened.

"Wait, really?" Jolyne asked, and Takemi nodded.

"I remember what it was like to be your age. High schoolers have it rough, between exams and what not. Besides, you seem earnest enough. I don't think I'll have to worry about a drug ring popping up anytime soon." Takemi said, and began unlocking her medicine cabinet. "All my formulas are original, so you'll have to come back here when you run out. Assuming you can pay, of course." Jolyne smiled as Takemi out several bottles in a paper bag.

"Thank you very much, Doctor Takemi." She said, taking the bag from the doctor.

"Just don't take it all at once, alright?" Jolyne nodded, picked up her school bag, and left the exam room. However, when she entered the reception area, she was greeted with a stern faced man in a suit. He stormed past Jolyne, slamming the exam room door shut behind him.

"…reason for your visit?" Takemi's muffled voice asked. "Please take a number, and-"

"Enough of this! You're the only one capable of producing that type of medicine!" The man's voice yelled, catching Jolyne and Morgana's attention. Her curiosity getting the better of her, Jolyne began unraveling a string from her finger, sending it under the door and closing her eyes to focus on what they were saying.

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about, sir."

"Don't play dumb with me. Word is you're developing a powerful, experimental drug, one that could give someone unlimited power!" Jolyne heard Takemi laugh at this.

"Unlimited power? I'm afraid you read too much manga, sir."

"You know that developing experimental medicines on your own violates all known health regulations. Are you attempting to create some new sort of hyper stimulant?"

"You're awfully persistent. I'm just a back alley quack, sir. I have no idea what you're talking about." Takemi's voice remained polite, yet Jolyne could hear a tinge of annoyance and anger in her voice.

"You trying to ruin my reputation again, is that it? Just try it, and I'll sue your ass! You're a disgrace to the medical community!" Through her string, Jolyne could hear Takemi sharply inhale. "Struck a nerve, did I? It was your mistake, was it not?"

"…sir. For the last time, I have no idea what you're talking about." Anger now threatened to overtake Takemi's polite voice.

"I won't have you drag my name through the mud. Dispose of that medicine and resign immediately. The name 'Tae Takemi' shall never-" the man stopped talking for some reason. "Is someone at there?!" Jolyne's eyes widened, and she quickly retracted the string and left, exiting the clinic just as the exam room opened.

"That was close…" She sighed out, and Morgan's nodded in agreement.

"He didn't seem happy. I could barely make out what he was saying. Were you able to hear anything?"

"Something about a super drug. She seemed pretty adamant that it didn't exist, though." The Phantom Thief replied, and the cat in her bag furrowed his brow.

"I wonder…if a drug like that really existed, that would really help us out inside the Palace."

"It could, but it still seems kinda sketchy. I don't want to grow a third eye or something. If it even exists." Jolyne replied, and her phone chimed.

AT: How'd it go?

JC: Went down alright. Got us some stuff that should help.

JC: What about you, Ryuji?

RS: I was on my way to Shibuya when my mom called.

RS: Said she needed my help around the house, so I had to head straight home.

JC: We've got tomorrow off, right?

RS: Yeah.

JC: So why don't we all head there tomorrow?

AT: I'm planning on visiting Shiho in the hospital tomorrow.

AT: I'll try to head over there and meet you guys if I can.

JC: Don't sweat it.

RS: Yeah dude.

RS: Do what you need to.

AT: Thanks, you guys.

"Yesterday must have been hard for Lady Ann. First watching her friend try to take her own life, and then finding out about the Metaverse. She's stronger than she thinks…" Morgana observed, reading the messages as Jolyne walked to Leblanc.

Sunday, 4/17/20XX, Afternoon

Jolyne and Morgana stepped off the train into Shibuya. She was now dressed in a light green jacket that had 'Lucky Land' written across the back in white letters over a light blue tank top that had white stripes on it, with dark blue pants. "Yo!" A voice called, and see turned to see Ryuji waving at her. He was now dressed in the same yellow shirt as always, but now he had on a purple hoodie that had '777' written on the back and black track pants.

"Hey, Ryuji." Jolyne greeted as she walked over to him. "You heard from Ann?" Ryuji frowned and shook his head.

"Not since yesterday, no. Think she'll be fine?"

"All we can do is hope so." Jolyne replied as they began to walk. "So what exactly is this place we're headed to?"

"It's a place that specializes in realistic guns. They got a few other real looking weapons, too. Knives, brass knuckles. I think it even has a few swords." Ryuji explained as they entered Central Street. "Word is that the guy who runs it used to be pretty high up in the yakuza."

"Seriously?! Gimme a break…" She groaned out as they entered a back alley. Ryuji led her to a small store that had a neon green sign that read 'Untouchable' above the door. Entering the store, Jolyne saw that her friend hadn't been exaggerating. From wall to wall was all sorts of realistic weaponry, ranging from pistols to assault rifles to grenade launchers. "Guns…lots of guns…" She muttered out as Ryuji started looking around.

"Hey, start looking around. We need to pick out something for Ann. The realer lookin', the better." Ryuji suggested, and Jolyne began looking around. He wasn't kidding when he said this place specialized. It all looked so real, and it was so varied too. Pistols, revolvers, grenade launchers, mini guns, flintlocks, shotguns, sniper rifles…if it fired a bullet, there was a model of it here.

"You weren't kidding. This place is insane." Jolyne whispered to her friend as they perused the wares.

"Right? And check out these prices too." The former track star gestured at the price tags. The cheapest variation of each gun was about 3,000 yen, while the most expensive had so many zeroes they almost seemed to run together.

"This could get expensive…" Morgana muttered from inside the bag, peeking out from the partially open zipper. After a few minutes, Ryuji picked up a model shotgun, testing its weight, the pump, and the trigger.

"I kinda like this one." Jolyne was mostly satisfied with her pistol, and so she focused her efforts on finding a weapon for Ann. Eventually, she settled on a small sub machine gun, one that could be held in one hand.

"Think she'll like this?" She asked, and Ryuuji looked the gun over.

"Looks like a good fit for her. C'mon, let's hurry up and get out of here. This place give me the creeps…" He said, and the two approached the counter. The shopkeeper looked up from the magazine, a look of slight annoyance on his face.

"The hell do you want? This ain't a place for kids to hang out." He asked, his gruff voice carrying a tone of indifference. He was a middle aged man wearing a grey hat with yellow goggles over his grey hair, with a grey coat over a black turtleneck. A gecko tattoo was visible on his neck, partially hidden by his turtleneck.

"We'd like to buy these." Jolyne answered, setting the shotgun and the sub machine gun on the counter. Grumpy Shopkeep simply raised an eyebrow as he looked over their selection.

"Mind if I ask what you two are plannin' to do with these?"

"It's for…our cosplay group. We heard this is the best place to get stuff like this." Jolyne answered, and the Shopkeep turned his lollipop over in his mouth as he thought over her answer.

"Whatever. None of my business anyway. Just don't go pointing this stuff at people. Last thing I need is a buncha dead kids with my merchandise on 'em." Grumpy Shopkeeper answered as he rung them up.

"Yes sir. We'll be extra careful." Jolyne answered, Ryujj nodding in agreement as they paid for the 'weapons.'

"Well that was easy." Morgana remarked as they left the store, sticking his head out of Jolyne's bag.

"I'll say. I just hope none of these things break. Replacin' them could get expensive." Ryuji said, and Jolyne nodded in agreement. Ryuji was carrying his shotgun in a paper bag, while Jolyne carried the sub machine gun they had bought for Ann.

"Between the guns and the medicine, we should be just about set." Morgana stated. "We've got a lot of ground to cover in the Palace, and not a lot of time to do it."

"Our deadline's the start of May. If we can't change Kamoshida's heart by then, not only will we be expelled, but I'll have violated the terms of my parole. There's no telling what'll happen to me." Jolyne stated, and Ryuji groaned.

"That's right, I forgot you're on probation. So we'll have to be sure we take care of it by then." Ryuji replied as they walked to Shibuya Square, heading towards the station. "So, sounds like we've got some kinda schedule. See you tomorrow?"

"Sounds good. Make sure you rest up and-"

"-we must take action for ourselves!" A voice yelled out, and the three looked to see a man standing on a soapbox outside the entrance to the subway. He was in his early 50's, with slicked back dark hair, thick eyebrows, and brown eyes, wearing a black business suit with a green sash that had 'friendly Society, bright future' written on it in kanji. "The Ruling Party has become too subservient to their own interests, prioritizing its own wants over the needs of our citizens! Why, the subway accident earlier this month could have been avoided had the Ministry of Transport made sure that the tracks were safe, rather than lining its own pockets! We must take action, and elect officials who place the needs of Japan's citizens above their own!" The man yelled to a small crowd that had gathered around him.

"Who's that?" Jolyne asked Ryuji, who simply shrugged as they resumed walking

"Not sure. Likes to stand out here and give speeches, though. I think my mom said he used to be some big shot politician or something. I dunno." He answered, and they entered the station. "Well, suppose I better start getting rested up for tomorrow. See ya."

"Later." Jolyne said, and the two went their separate ways.

Later

Jolyne entered the attic of Leblanc, setting her bags on the desk and allowing Morgana to hop out. "Well, this was a productive weekend, wouldn't you say?" Morgana stated as he stretched.

"Yep. Bought drugs from a weird goth chick, and bought guns from a scary ex-Yakuza guy. All so we can fight supernatural monsters in an attempt to change an asshole's heart." Jolyne lamented as she took off her jacket, and Morgana adopted a quizzical expression as he saw something on his caretaker's body.

"What's that on your back? Some kind of tattoo?" He asked.

"Hm? Oh, you mean this." She pointed to the star shaped mark on her left shoulder blade, just below her neck. "Nah, it's just a birthmark. Everyone on my dad's side of the family has one just like it." She explained, and Morgana's brows furrowed as he looked closer at it. "Is there something wrong?"

"Not really. It is making something in my head itch, though. Almost as if it's something important…" he mumbled, before sighing. "It's no use. I can't remember anything."

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure it'll come to you when we find your memories." Jolyne reassured him as she scratched behind his ears, although it did ring a few alarm bells in her head.

The first night she'd arrived in the Velvet Room, Igor had said she was of a 'prestigious bloodline,' mentioning something about 'Joestar blood.' Could her father's side of the family have something to do with the Metaverse? Family history had always seemed to be a sore subject on that side, with her grandmother and Josuke being reluctant to even discuss it. The only person willing to discuss it with Jolyne was her great grandfather Joseph. However, whenever she asked, he'd always ramble about 'Pillar Men', and 'Caesar', talk about something called 'the Ripple', and go into long, curse filled rants about someone called 'Dio.' Jolyne couldn't figure out what an American heavy metal band had to do with an old Englishman-turned-real estate mogul, so she just brushed them off as dementia fueled delusions. And it wasn't like her father was around to answer any questions…

Jolyne simply brushed it aside. If there was an answer to all of this, it more than likely sat at the end of her 'rehabilitation'. She'd just have to be patient.

Jolyne was shaken out of her thoughts when her phone chimed, signaling a message.

AT: Hey.

AT: So I saw Shiho today…

JC: How's she doing?

AT: She's stable. The doctor's say the worst is behind us.

AT: She still hasn't woken up though…

JC: I'm sure she'll be ok.

AT: Thanks.

AT: All I can do is believe in her.

AT: I'll make sure Kamoshida pays for this.

JC: I know you will.

JC: See you tomorrow.

"So, what should we do for the rest of the day?" Morgana asked,

"Well, it's too early for bed, and I don't feel like going back into Shibuya. I guess I'll just work on some of this homework." Jolyne stated, and she did just that.

Hours passed as she worked on her assignments. Math, Social Studies, Japanese, English, History…it all blended together as Jolyne poured over the homework, with Morgana providing occasional assistance. It was late when they finished, and with nothing left to do, Jolyne and Morgana went to bed.

The clinking of chains above Jolyne's head woke her, and she sat up and turned to Igor and the Twins. "I was wondering where you three were. Miss me?" Jolyne asked, while Igor gazed at a series of files laid out in front of him.

"Your rehabilitation is progressing smoother than I anticipated. You have already formed contracts with more confidants than I expected in such a short time." Igor snapped his fingers, and the files began floating off the table over towards Jolyne's cell. Jolyne saw pictures of Ann, Morgana, and Takemi, each with their own separate folder, and read the words.

'Ann Takamaki: The Lovers.'

'Morgana: The Magician.'

'Tae Takemi: Death.'

"What exactly does all this mean?" Jolyne asked, looking at each file.

"By forming bonds with others around you, you can forge a contract with them in order to gain power and become stronger. The deeper your bond is with a particular arcana, the more power you will acquire from the bond." Igor explained as the files floated into Justine's hands. "That is the power of the Wild Card." Jolyne's brow furrowed at this.

"Wild Card? What exactly is that?"

"The Wild Card grants one the power to weird multiple Personas, rather than just the one naturally born of your will of rebellion." Igor explained, referring to Arsene. "Over time, as both your own strength and the bonds you hold grow stronger, the strength of the Personas you control shall also increase." Jolyne thought over this. Now that he mentioned it, upon meeting Ryuji, welcoming Ann and Morgana to the group, and forming her deal with Takemi, she had felt a tingle pass through her body.

"So how do I use this 'Wild Card' thing?" She asked, and the hook nosed man chuckled.

"That is for you to discover on your own."

"Of course it is. Because nothing can be simple…" she groaned, and Caroline smacked her baton on the bars.

"Be grateful we bothered to explain it to you at all, Inmate. Personally, I would've preferred watching you fumble around blindly." She snapped, but Jolyne ignored her as Igor spoke again.

"For the time being, this shall be the last time I summon you here myself. From now on, you will be able to visit us under your own power."

"So I'll be able to get a good night's sleep without you pulling me here? However shall I survive?" Jolyne snarked, and Justine simply sighed and shook her head as the bell began to ring.

"We will appear to you when the time is right." Igor stated, and snapped his fingers. In his hand appeared a glowing tarot card that read 'the Fool.' "I look forward to observing your progress. Farewell, and good luck, Trickster." He said, as Jolyne's vision darkened.

Monday, 4/18/20XX, After School

Jolyne's school day was as normal as any other day, with none of her teachers even mentioning the word 'expulsion.' However, the rumors that swirled about her, which Jolyne had gotten used to, had undergone a slight change.

"Apparently Cujoh and Sakamoto tried mugging Mr. Kamoshida yesterday!"

"Oh they're totally gone. No way Mr. Kamoshida's gonna let them get away with assaulting him."

"I saw Cujoh talking with Suzui the day before she jumped…"

"Seriously?! I can't believe she did that to Suzui!"

"I can. I could tell she was trouble the minute she walked in. Good riddance, I say."

Jolyne listened to the whispers as she made her way to the roof. So Kamoshida had put out a warped version of the truth. Jolyne couldn't say she was surprised. Putting it out of her mind, she arrived at the roof with Morgana, where Ryuji and Ann were already waiting for her. "Everyone's already talking about you two. Especially you, Jolyne." Ann stated as Jolyne let Morgana out of the bag.

"So it's same old same old, then." Jolyne replied. "Same shit, different words. I don't let it get to me, though."

"Good. We need everyone completely focused inside the Palace." Morgana said, and Jolyne took the Submachine gun out of her bag and handed it to her.

"Hope you like it." Ann took the weapon, turning it over in her hands.

"And this'll work just like a real gun inside the Palace, as long as the Shadows think it's real?"

"Yup. Don't ask me how though. I try not to think too hard about any of this." Ryuji answered, and Morgana rolled his eyes.

"Of course you don't…" he muttered, and Jolyne looked at the rest of the group.

"Is everyone ready?"

"Hell yeah!"

"I am. He needs to pay for what he did to Shiho."

"Ready whenever you are, Joker." Once she got her friend's answers, Jolyne nodded. The group went down to the alley in front of the school, pulled out their phones, and activated the Meta-Nav. The world around Shujin darkened and began to distort, ripples spreading aross the school. When it settled, the group stood in front of the castle under that sinister red sky, now wearing their Phantom Thief attire. Joker cracked her knuckles as they looked at the castle.

"Let's go."