Confidant Chapter 2; Ann

Location; Integration Room

Sae stopped Ren and said to him. "I doubt something as dangerous as your group could've been pulling off with orthodox methods. It wouldn't be odd if you had someone that was proficient in deceiving the eyes of others… If you're listening, then answer me!"

Location; Dinner in Shibuya

Ren had taken Ann, who looked distressed about something, to a dinner after school. Morgana had left them and at the dinner Ann said to Ren. "Hey, um… There's something I want to talk to you about, Ren."

"About what, Ann?"

"...It's Shiho."

"Is she ok?"

"Yes, but… Well… I went to visit her in the hospital. She… She said she was sorry. Sorry for not telling me about Kamoshida… about all the things he was doing to her… But it was my fault too. I didn't realize how much trouble she was in… I wasn't there for her… So, I apologized as well."

"She's so strong."

"Isn't she? Shiho really is a great girl. I'm glad I finally got to tell her everything I couldn't bring myself to say before. And, um… remember how Kamoshida threatened to take Shiho off the team if I didn't sleep with him?"

"Yeah."

"I had only agreed to it so that I wouldn't ruin Shiho's dreams… But now that I think about it, he never would have put her on the bench and cost his team games… I seriously should have dared him to try and take her starting spot. …But in the end, maybe I just didn't believe in her ability."

"You can't blame yourself."

"You think so…?"

"Yes I do."

"But… it all happened because I was weak. That's why I believed Kamoshida's authority outweighed Shiho's own ability to earn her starting spot. Ren, do you remember the last time I talked to you like this? When I got that phone call from Kamoshida… and cried."

"Yes I do."

"I felt so alone… scared, even… But because you were there for me, I decided not to go. I was a little surprised at how pushy you were about it… but I see now you wanted to help. …Thanks."

"I couldn't just ignore you."

"You're so kind, Ren. Back then, people used to call me all sorts of names… "Prissy bitch" "Kamoshida's girl"... I got tired of it pretty quickly. But to tell you the truth, someday I want to be able to take labels like that in stride, Hey, um… Personas are the power of the heart, right? That means if my heart gets stronger, my Persona will too."

"It's possible."

"So… I want to strengthen my heart. And I want to use that strength to help the people around me. I hope we can save people from trouble, just like we did when we changed Kamoshida's heart. Though honestly… I don't even know what "strong" is. But I'm going to find answers, I promise."

"I'll help."

"...Really!? Thanks! I feel like I'm a little stronger already! I guess that doesn't really count though, huh? Well… I'll be relying on you. Let's train together and make our hearts super strong! A strong heart… Hmmm… How about this: I won't get any refills on fountain drinks! I mean, they're free, so not getting any would mean you have a strong heart!" Ren laughed a little before Ann said. "...Is that not right?"

"I really don't think so."

"Then I'll have to come up with something. I'll see you later."

Location; Inokashira Park

After a while, Ann had come up with an idea to strengthen her heart and took Ren and their Pokemon to Inokashira Park. They were one of the few people there, so they were able to let out their Pokemon to play while Ann talked with Ren. "Man, big open places like this are great! I think my training's going to go super well today! So, remember how I said before that I want to strengthen my heart?"

"Yes, I do."

"Well, I came up with a way to do it!"

"How's that?"

"I think having a strong heart means you don't let anything get under your skin. So basically, I want you to say stuff to me, and I'll try not to get fazed by it!"

"What kind of stuff…?"

"We've already started! I won't let that hesitation shake me!" Ann said and Ren started to say things to Ann. After a while of saying things to Ann. Ren said to her. "Ann, I don't think this will help your heart."

"You know… I kinda feel like this won't make our Personas stronger."

"I told you." Ren said before Ann's phone rang. She picked it up and said after seeing the I.D. "Oh, sorry. I just got an email from my agency. The next shoot is… really far. Wait, what's this at the end?"

"Uh? What?"

"It's a notice saying to pay extra attention to the time and place they tell you. Apparently some models haven't been showing up at all lately. Then when asked why they didn't come, the models all say they heard there was a change in schedule. It sounds like shoots have been real hectic with all the scrambling they've had to do for substitutes."

"Has that happened to you?"

"No, I haven't missed a single shoot so far. It probably really confuses the staff to see a sub showing up too. Hopefully it doesn't happen to me… Though actually, my first modeling gig as a sub."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Back when I was still in Finland. My parents didn't have enough models for their event."

"What event were your parents doing that retired models?"

"Oh, haven't I told you? My parents are both fashion designers who put on some seriously extravagant shows. They jump from country to country, so I only see them for half of the year."

"That must be lonely."

"I'm used to it by now. It was rough when I was little though… It was just me and our live-in caretaker. I didn't really have any friends… But now I have Litleo and Ponyta. Oh, and all of you guys, too."

"Glad to see there is light at the end of that story. But I do have one more question."

"What is it?"

"Why do you model?"

"Honesty, when I'm modeling… it almost feels like I'm connecting with my parents somehow. It's a nice hobby to have… but I don't think I'd want to make a living out of it. After all, that's where Kamoshida first spotted me… and that's how our class started those rumors… Besides, the Phantom Thieves are more important to me right now. Nobody can be my substitute there… That's why I need to get stronger!"

"I understand that." Ren said and they both smiled.

Location; Yongen-Jaya Main street.

For the next few days, they would go to Inokashira Park and Ren would listen to anything Ann wanted to talk about while their Pokemon played around. But today they were checking out some of the shops in Yongen-Jaya when Ann's agency called her. They called me because they needed a substitute. It was going to wrap up soon and it was close by. So Ann asked Ren if he wanted to come. Ren said yes and they both went to the meeting spot. At the meeting spot as the others were having a pre-shot briefing, a girl with long brown hair and eyes, and wearing a dark gray dress walked up to Ann and said. "Ann-senpai! I'm so pumped to get to work with you today! After I saw you in last year's show, I just… *sniff* Oh, I think I'm gonna cry…"

"U-Um, it really wasn't a big deal… That fashion show was tiny…"

"By the way, I'm Mika. And please, no honorifics. I might be older, but you have loads more experience, Ann-senpai."

"All right, M-Mika… Haha, it feels a little weird saying it like that… Oh, and you don't need to use "senpai" with me. A-Anyway, uh… it's nice to meet you?"

"Likewise, Ann-chan. *giggle* You're so nice. Hey, can you teach me how to be a better model? You know, your everyday routines, stretches…"

"Routines? You mean like… singing in the shower…?"

"O-Oh, is that all you do…? Then, what kinda stuff do you eat? I've been looking all over for a place to import some organic green almonds… Plus I'm getting suuuper tired of eating quinoa. Do I need to like, boil it in water or something?"

"Um, almonds? I only ever eat those when they're covered in chocolate… And hard water? Isn't it kinda tough to boil ice…?"

"... Do you weigh yourself?"

"Oh, of course! Once a year for the health examinations at school."

"... So… you're gonna keep it all a secret from me, huh? I get it. I guess it's hard trusting someone you just met…"

"Th-That's not it! I just don't really think about that stuff…! It has nothing to do with not trusting you. It's more that modeling is like a hobby for me."

"...What? Ann-senpai, that's so horrible…! What do you mean you don't care about modeling for these guys!?"

"...You said that, Ann-chan?" The Phoroshoot Assistant said as everyone looked at Ann. Ann then said in a panic. "W-Wait, I…"

"I love this magazine! Everyone tries so hard to make sure their product is the best…!" Mika said, making a scene. The cameraman then said to Mika. "Mika-chan, just calm down. Don't worry, we all know that you're giving it your all here."

"But… you guys work so much harder than me… and I'm still the one getting comforted…" Mika said as she was crying, and then Ann said. "H-Hold on…"

"Ann-chan, the truth is, we had both you and Mika-chan come down as substitutes for our missing model. We wanted both of you on the cover, but if you're not really interested…" The Photoshoot Assistant said before Ann said. "H-Hey, I didn't…"

"Don't worry, I… can do it alone! I read the concept docs on my way here…" Mika said, still crying, but the moment she turned away, she let out an evil laugh and smile. That told Ann, Ren, and their Pokemon that they were faking it. "You faker…" Ann said to Mika and Mika said to Ann. "Y-You're so mean, Ann-chan…! Do you really hate me that much!?"

"Keep it civil, you two. Anyway, are you good to go, Mika-chan? Sorry about all this, Ann-chan. We won't be needing you today. We'll reimburse your transportation expenses though, and even throw in a little extra for your trouble." The Cameraman before they all left with Mika. Ann was a little sad about the shoot, but it did make her realize that she didn't actually invest in modeling.

Location; Asakusa, Sky Tower

After that, the only things Ann could think or talk about was how Mika played her, Shiho getting stronger everyday and her weak heart. Ren and her Pokemon have tried to make her feel better, but it wasn't really working. And today, Mika asked Ann if she could come to a shoot at the Sky Tower in Asakusa. Ann had also invited Ren to join them, because he was with her during the call. Once they reached the Sky Tower, Ann said, looking around. "All right, we made it! Wait, where's Mika…?"

"Oh, so you came for my special." Mika said as she appeared in front of them, but with a purple dress this time and had more confidence. Ann turned to Mika and said. "You asked for me, right? Wow… I barely recognize you. Did you lose weight…? Or maybe change your makeup?"

"The theme for today's shoot is "the elegance of woman." So, I conditioned my body to be more elegant."

"Wh-What do you mean?"

"Controlling what you eat, how you move… That's all. It may sound easy, but it's pretty tough. You have to write down everything you eat, making sure to check the nutritional and caloric content. I even hired a personal trainer to take special note of my diet and oversee my exercise regimen."

"Whoa… That's amazing! Does that mean you don't get to eat double chocolate crepes?"

"... Of course I don't! I'd get fat with just one bite of that stuff! Not to mention the other stuff I do! I take herbal medication, wear warm socks, do pilates and yoga… Day after day… How many squats do you think I do in a week!? Ugh, a natural beauty like you could never understand how much work I put into my modeling!"

"You know, it's kinda embarrassing getting complimented like that…"

"Sorry, did I say natural beauty? What I meant was a natural airhead."

"Who are you calling an airhead!?"

"Eeek! Ann-snepai, stop ittt! You're scaring me!" Mika said using her trick again. And to make matters worse Mika was doing everything to be the star of the shoot. When Ann asked Mika why she was doing this, Ann learned that Mika really hated working with amateurs and that Mika was the classic sweet face girl with the rotten center.

Location; Inokashira Park

After the shoot, Ann and Ren went to the park. There Ann let out Litleo and Ponyta out and said to everyone. "Why did Mika ask for me…?"

"She must hate you for being a natural beauty."

"Is that why she was mad at me? Wait, so the real reason she requested me was just so she could be mean…? If that's the case, I probably deserved everything she did…"

"Are you ok?"

"Ok!? I'm so pissed off! Mika had to work super hard every day to get where she is now. She worked out, watched her diet, made friends with everyone…! She couldn't rely on connections like I did… She didn't become a model just for the heck of it. Her resolve, her knowledge, her fashion sense… They're all on a totally different level from me! Mika is amazing. Mika is… Mika is strong! But me? I'm nothing! Just thinking about that makes me so angry… I feel like I could explode! This whole time, I've just been pretending to model. It was like the clothes were wearing me… I mean, that's what I always thought being a model meant! …But I was totally wrong. A real model draws out the beauty of the clothes they wear… casts a stunning magic on them… A real model is flexible, beautiful… and strong. Well, I've had enough pretending! I want to be a real model…!"

"Go get them, tiger." Ren said, and Ann Pokemon were also getting fired up. "Right! I'll give it my all! I'm gonna take the world by storm… Just you all watch." Ann said, still mad.

Location; Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome

After that day, Ann had been keeping up a diet and thanks to Ryuji help, has been keeping a good workout routine. But things were not going well for her modeling jobs. And to add salt to the wound, everyone was loving Mika, even Ryuji. But today wasn't a day to think about it. Today, Shiho was released from the hospital. Ann and Ren were there too, but after she was out, she asked her Mom to take them to Shujin Academy. Everyone was worried, but they took her there. There Ann and Ren took Shiho to the roof, and on the roof, Shiho said to Ann and Ren. "Thank you both for being here."

"It's no problem." Ren said with a smile. Shiho laughed and she said to Ann. "You were right Ann. Ren is super reliable."

"I told you." Ann said before Shiho walked to the fence wall. "We're so high up…" Shiho said, looking over the edge. Ren walked up to her and said to Shiho. "Why did you want to come here?"

"I think… to settle things. To tell you the truth… I wanted to reenact that moment. Wearing these clothes, standing here again… I wanted to know what it would feel like."

"...What about back then? What were you thinking?" Ann said to Shiho and Shiho said to them. "I… I didn't want to die. I wanted to take Kangofu-Senpai's hand. But I just needed to escape… It was like another person inside of me was screaming, telling me to come up here… It almost felt like that person was trying to kill me… But I know that person was part of me too… My weakness. So, I wanted to see if she would show up again now."

"She won't be here, but I am." A new voice said, causing them all to notice the area had turned red and then they all looked at the person in red staining on the roof of the door. "Hello everyone." The person in red said before jumping down. Ann and Ren pushed Shiho behind them and Ann said to her. "What do you want?"

"Why am I here to give you and Shiho a gift?" The person in red said pulling out two Pokeballs. "Wait, are those Pokeball that hold Pokemon, Ann?" Shiho said to Ann and Ren looked at Ann. Ann laughed and said. "Yeah, I told her about the creatures that saved her and Aqua, plus I showed off Litleo and Ponyta."

"And that makes my job easy. Catch." The person in red said throwing the Pokeballs at Ann and Shiho. Both of them caught them and then out came two Pokemon. The one in front of Ann was a small brown rabbit with yellow fur. And in front of Shiho was a Pokmeon that looked like a pink ball, an egg pouch and it had an egg inside that pouch. "That is a Buneary, The Rabbit Pokemon. The reason it keeps one ear rolled up is so it can launch a swift counterattack if it's attacked by an enemy." The Person in Red said pointing at Ann's new Pokemon. "And that is a Chansey, The Egg Pokemon. It is said to deliver happiness. Being compassionate, it shares its eggs with injured people." The Person in Red said pointing at Shiho Pokemon. Ren then said to the Person in Red. "Why are you doing this?"

"Because after what they went through, I thought you could use some friends. Especially since Shiho is going to a new school and Ann is going to be a real model."

"How did you know that?" Ann said to the person in red. The person in red laughed before she disappeared and the area turned to normal. After Shiho petted Chansey, she said to Ann. "Ann? I'm sorry… for deciding to transfer schools…"

"Shiho… I'm… I'm going to become a real model! That way you'll be able to keep seeing me… and keep giving life your all… I'm gonna be in a bunch of magazines, and I'll say tons of good stuff in interviews… So… So… Stay healthy. Work hard, but not too much… and keep in touch. Just… take care of yourself…" Ann then started to cry. Shiho and Chansey gave Ann a hug and said. "Ann… I love you… Once I can smile again from the bottom of my heart, I'll come visit…"

"Y-Yeah…"

"Yeah." Shiho said before returning Chansey to her Pokeball. After Ann returned Buneary to her Pokeball. They all went back to the car and saw Shiho off. Ann kept up a big smile as Shiho left, but was crying the whole time.

Over the next few days, things have started to turn around for Ann. She and Shiho were calling one another mostly everyday. And the agency figured out that Mika was posing as one of them and telling the other models that the shoot location had changed. The agency had heard rumors that she might have been doing that, but they thought people were just jealous of her. Because each shoot made Mika more popular. Mika did say she was sorry, and the agency believed her. But that was a lie. Mika didn't regret her actions. She want to take control of her own luck, and Ann respected that a little. Still they both did the photo shoot and Ann was doing better then last time. After the shoot, Ren and Ann had some fun and watching them from a distance was the Person in Red. "You don't seem to disappoint, Joker. I can't wait to see what you will give me next time." The Person in Red said holding a card for the Lovers Arcana in her hand.