The Phantom Justice (Persona 5 Royal & Strikers / Young Justice: Outsiders)

Chapter 11: N.O.W.H.E.R.E.

Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

August 2nd, 2018 3:45 PM JST

"Oh, yes...! This is truly transcendent indeed!"

"Seriously, Inari. I don't get how watching yourself eating a hamburger is gonna give you inspiration."

Futaba and Yusuke are seen walking away from Big Bang Burger as it was getting close to late afternoon in Shibuya. Yusuke currently has his eyes locked on his phone's screen, as he's watching the video that Futaba had taken with his phone of him eating a hamburger in the restaurant. Futaba was walking with him on his right, and was making sure that he wouldn't have any accidents from focusing more on his phone and not what was currently in front of him, much to Futaba's chagrin. After several more minutes of walking, the area around the Buchiko Statue gets in sight.

"Oh, there's the Buchiko Statue!" Futaba pointed out. "Let's hurry up and find Ren. We were over at the Big Bang Burger for almost an hour after all." She continued, before running ahead of Yusuke.

Yusuke gets surprise by how fast she's moving. "Futaba!? Wait!" He yelled while struggling to keep up. He started wondering if having that burger was not such a good idea.

Futaba eventually stops at the Buchiko Statue. "Made it!" She exclaims before turning back to see Yusuke struggling to keep up. "Come on, Inari! I know you're not a slow poke!" She called out to him.

Yusuke finally catches up with her, and is out of breath. "Honestly, Futaba... Did you have to run?" He said while panting.

Futaba just gives Yusuke a light smirk. "Well, if you didn't just have a burger to eat recently, you would've been able to keep up with me." She said while looking around. "But on the upside, it looks like we're the first ones here!" She cheered.

Yusuke stops panting and looks up and around them, seeing that they are the first ones of the group at the Buchiko Statue. However, he also notices something else. Something, or rather someone, that appears to be missing. "So it would seem, but... Where's Ren?" He questions.

Futaba blinks before looking around the area around the Buchiko Statue, finding that there was no sign of Ren around. "Huh. That's weird. Ann's text did say that he'd be here." She said.

"Aww, man! They beat us here!" The familiar voice of Ryuji exclaims

Both Futaba and Yusuke turn to see the rest of the Thieves approaching, with bags in their hands, which consist of Ann, Makoto, Haru, Ryuji, and Morgana, whom was riding in the bag of Ren's that Ryuji was carrying.

"Oh, you're all here." Said Yusuke.

Futaba smirks. "What up? How did your shopping at 705 go?" She asked.

"Whew, we weren't even in there for a whole hour, but it was one helluva time." Morgana said, exhausted.

"Oh, it was a blast in there!" Ann said in glee.

"We've managed to an amazing deal on clothes." Haru said.

"Of course, that's mainly because there was a 50% Off sale going on in the clothing section." Makoto said.

"And lucky for me, some sportswear shoes that I've been saving up for were on sale for a sweet price too!" Ryuji exclaimed with a big smile, before noticing that there was still one person in the group missing "Where's Renren?" He asked.

Futaba and Yusuke grimaced a bit at that. "Err, yeah. Problem regarding that... We can't seem to find him anywhere around here." Futaba simply says.

"Bu-But, I texted you saying that he would be here." Said Ann.

Yusuke the spoke up. "Well, he is clearly not here, so something is afoot." He said.

"Why don't some of us try calling him and see where he's at?" Morgana suggested from Ren's bag.

That suggestion got their attention. "Oh, yes. He probably just had to go somewhere nearby quickly." Makoto said.

"Yeah, he's probably just trying to use the restroom somewhere." Ryuji guessed while pulling out his phone. "Let me call him." He begins calling Ren's phone, but all it did was go to voicemail. "Huh? It went straight to voicemail." He said.

The slowly start getting on edge at this. "Let me try." Futaba said as she started to call Ren as well. However, like with Ryuji, it went straight to voicemail. "Uh, it went to voicemail for me too." She said uneasily.

Haru then had an idea. "Why don't we try asking around if anybody's seen him?" She suggested.

Makoto spoke up. "Yes, of course. Surely someone around here must have seen him." She said.

"Then let's get to it then." Morgana meowed.

Just like that, they got to work, asking around if anybody has seen their leader. They even gave a physical of him, as well as show what he looks like from pictures of him on their phones. However, to their dismay, nobody in the area seems to have seen him.

"Argh, the hell! Even asking around didn't do shit!" Ryuji complained.

Ann was also upset. "There's no way! Surely someone around here had to have seen him when within the hour wee were gone." She exclaimed.

Makoto then thought for a moment. "That is, unless right after we all left the area, he either went somewhere or something happened to him around the beginning of the hour." She said.

Yusuke then looked around. "Well, if he weren't around here for about an hour or so, then those that did see him probably would have left the area by now." He said.

"In other words, unless some people would bother to stick around longer, we would have had better luck with asking." Morgana scowled.

Haru sighed. "There's no way it could have been a kidnapping. With so many eyes around, there would have still been witnesses, along with more police officers around here." She said.

Futaba in particular looks pretty downcast, before perking up when Haru mentioned the 'eyes' term. "Hold up!" She exclaims, getting their attention. "If I recall correctly, several months ago, some live-stream cameras were set up around here! Maybe they can give us a better picture of what happened to Ren since over an hour ago?" She suggests while pulling out her phone.

"That could work... Since cameras like those are constantly filming, even for over 24 hours, they must've caught what could have possibly happened to Ren!" Makoto said.

Yusuke agreed. "Yes, of course! Surely they can provide us with a better picture." He said.

Morgana smirked. "So, I take it you're gonna hack into the livestream surveillance footage?" He asked Futaba.

Futaba nodded. "You know it. And all from my phone too!" She said while gesturing to her phone.

Haru put her hands together in happiness. "Perfect! But let's find a place to sit down for a bit while she does that." She suggested.

They all eventually managed to find some empty spots around the Buchiko Statue to rest at. After a few moments of hacking from her phone, Futaba shoots right up. "Aaaaand I'm in!" She exclaimed.

Ann was surprised. "Oh, wow! I didn't think it would take you this soon with just your phone, Futaba." She said.

Ryuji agreed with her. "She's been working out with both her brain and thumbs!" He exclaimed.

"Just what you'd expect from an expert hacker such as yourself, Futaba." Morgana exclaims from Ren's bag.

Futaba grins at that comment "Aw, thanks Morgana!" She said, before returning her attention to her phone. "Now, let's see here... What the-!?" She exclaims in confusion. "You have got to be kidding me!" She yells under her breath.

The others are instantly worried.

"Uh... Futaba?" Ann asked.

"There's just no way! I mean, this is just too coincidental!" She said while holding her phone's contents up closer to her face. "According to this, the entire system of live stream cameras around here has been down since over an hour ago!"

The others were utterly shocked by this. "Are you effin' serious!?" Ryuji exclaims.

"For over an hour, you say!?" Yusuke also exclaims.

""But... That would be around the time we all parted ways and left him here!" Exclaimed Ann.

Haru looks stricken. "B-But then... This means that there's no way of knowing what could have possibly happened to him." She mutters.

"Oh god... Well, it couldn't have been a kidnapping. There's just too many witnesses around in a busy place like this." Makoto says while struggling to keep calm.

Morgana's eyes narrowed. "I dunno. But whatever has happened to him, I wonder if it has anything to do with our recent heist in Markovia?" He said.

They all looked at each other with worried expressions, wondering what could have possibly happened to Ren Amamiya.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ren woke up to the familiar sight of his cell in the Velvet Room. After his last meeting with Lavenza, he expected regular meetings. But this is odd because it usually happens when he falls asleep or when he needs to fuse his Personas. The last thing he remembered was putting on his Goode Goggles to play a game by the Buchiko Statue while his friends were out doing their own thing in Shibuya. So, when did he fall asleep?

"Welcome back to the Velvet Room," Igor greeted. Standing next to the desk is Lavenza. This time, Ren walked out of the cell to meet them.

"I see that you are confused," Igor states as a matter of fact.

"That's one way of putting it," Ren said. "Did I fall asleep without knowing?"

"It is much worse than that my trickster," Lavenza said. She looked concerned. "I'm afraid that you are in mortal danger. Even as we speak, outside forces hold your life in their hands."

"What do you mean?" Ren asked. He didn't like the way she worded it. Something told him that it can only grow worse. He was right.

"I mean that we are at a crossroads, guest," Igor said. As if by magic, he conjured a card. It was the Hanged Man arcana. "Remember your reading? I'm afraid we have arrived at the crossroads. Everything that happens will depend on what you do upon your return to the waking world."

Ren remembered his tarot reading back in Markovia. Igor mentioned that he had to make a sacrifice to ensure the world doesn't fall to ruin. For his future to be free once more. What kind of sacrifice would he have to make?

"What kind of sacrifice would I have to make?" Ren asked.

"Are you sure you want to know?" Igor asked cryptically. "To obtain something, you must give something in return. Sometimes, the price can be steep. It may cost you your very life."

Ren gulped at that. Igor spun the card in his hand. The Hanged Man is instantly replaced by the image of a reaper chopping a man's head off.

"The thirteenth Arcana…Death," Igor states. "Don't be so biased, my guest. It's easily misunderstood due to its name. Humanity has always associated this with the inevitable end to their lives."

"While death is what lies at the end of the road, it has another meaning," Lavenza said. "Metamorphosis and deep change, regeneration and cycles. With life comes death and with death comes life."

"Honestly…I would prefer if you had chosen death…" Lavenza said with honest regret. "While it is my duty to watch over your progress and protect you without interfering…I can't help but be concerned about you. What awaits you ahead will be filled with pain and suffering that will make you beg for the sweet release of death."

"Lavenza…"

"I'm sorry…I should know better than to lose confidence in you. No matter what you choose, I will stand by your side until the end. But…I want you to stay alive…"

Without warning, Ren knelt down and hugged her. Lavenza was cut off guard by this sudden action. But then that surprise slowly gave way to warmth as she returns it. After a few moments, they separated.

"It's alright," Ren soothed. "Whatever happens, I will face it head on. Like I always do. Thank you for worrying about me."

"I…thank you," Lavenza said, smiling brightly. "Your confidence reassures my faith in you. I promise, it will never waver again."

Just then, the bell rang.

"It's seems our time has come…" Lavenza spoke sadly. "I hope that we meet again. Do your best my trickster."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

?

Unknown Date & Time

Ren woke up gasping for air. His clothes were wet, and his hair is matted and sticking to his head. His arms had been restrained in some kind of advanced hand cuffs. But what set him off was the blazing pain aching throughout his body. He realized that he had been submerged underwater. But why?

Still gasping for breath, he saw found himself trapped in a Plexiglas cell. It looked to be recently filled with water as the cell was being drained. When he looked up to see what was outside of what he was in, his eyes widened in surprise. Standing outside, at an impressive height, was a hulking gray gorilla with silver streaks in its fur. It had a robust and muscular build that showcased immense strength befitting its species, and was wearing red pants and silver wrist guards. However, it was its yellow eyes that made it different from any other gorilla. They are filled with intensity and intelligence, that would pierce anyone with a gaze, and were focused on what was currently being displayed on a red high tech-looking transparent tablet. Ren knew one thing that was for certain.

This wasn't the area around the Buchiko Statue, or Shibuya for that matter.

"This is quite vexing." The gorilla muttered, much to Ren's surprise that it could talk, with a hint of frustration. "Nothing seems to be working with this one."

At that moment, the door opened behind him, as he turned to see who it was that was walking in. Light shone behind the figure, casting his form in shadow. What Ren could make out from his view was that it was man, and the light shining was reflecting off of the man's spectacles. It gave him an ominous feeling.

"Have you been able to make any progress Silverback?"

"Unfortunately no, Templar," The gorilla, now known as Silverback, replied. "No matter what I do, his metagene won't activate."

"Perhaps it is because he was unconscious, no?" The man, now known as Templar, said darkly. "Has it never occurred to you that he would've died in your attempt to activate it by drowning him?"

"My apologies…"

Ren could've sworn he saw the darkness of Templar writhing. Then, Templar seems to have calmed down. He glared back at Ren.

"But then again, perhaps a little more duress is required," Templar said, looking down at him. As Ren struggled to get up, every bone in his body aching, Templar seemed to have an idea. "I know… Why don't we have him participate in the Culling."

"The Culling?" Silverback asked, slightly startled, before smirking. "Hmm, I see. Perhaps that will put enough pressure on this subject." He then frowned slightly. "However, are you sure that is wise of you?" He asked.

"Did I misspeak, Gerard?"

"I would very much appreciate it if you did not refer to me by that name." Silverback said with his eyes narrowed, before continuing. "Furthermore, it is uncertain that he will survive," He said. "Not to mention that it is not your call to make. What do you suppose our esteemed leader would say regarding this?"

"You know the answer to that," Templar said calmly but with ice. "Since the previous head has… stepped down… I am officially in charge of this facility. Our leader considers it a failure. Which means in his eyes, I am a failure. Do you think I am a failure?"

Silverback locks eyes with Templar for a few moments, before looking away. "Of course not, sir." Silverback simply says.

"Then get to work," Templar said, turning around. "Throw him in with the others. It's almost time to begin the Culling so do it quickly. We'll see if he becomes meta-active… or dies."

Templar's words hanged in the air as he left. Silverback pressed a button on the side that lifted the Plexiglas upward. Immediately, two guards in white BDU's and gray fatigues entered. Their faces are covered by ballistic masks with three red eyes. They grabbed Ren by the arms.

"Do not do anything to harm this subject," Silverback warns them as they escorted him out of the cell. Ren said nothing in order to not give them a reason to use these weapons. But that didn't give him the opportunity to observe his surroundings. If he had to guess, he must be inside some kind of facility. From what he heard it looks like this one is another metahuman trafficking one.

Could he have been kidnapped? Or worse, did they know who he was and wanted revenge for the Markovia heist?

The guards brought him to another door and typed in a code. When it opened, they push him inside. Ren stumbled to regain his footing as the door closes behind him. He hissed in pain as his limbs flared up

"Oh, look. We've got another one. Welcome to the club."

Ren realized he wasn't the only one in the room. Looking up, he saw more people his age. They sat in different parts of the room, apart from each other, eyeing him with suspicion. Some of them are wearing worn out clothes, like it's their only attire.

"Hello…" Ren waved as much as his restraints could allow him. They only turned away or scowled at him in response.

"I'm sorry about their behavior," A red-haired girl apologized. She is dressed in a green and purple suit that showed off a muscular body which appealed to her beauty. Ren noticed that she is slightly taller than him when she walked over. If he had to describe her, she would be a supermodel.

"Are you alright?" She asks in concern. "You look like you've been through hell."

"I'm alright," Ren said. "Where is here, exactly?"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Ren realized he was speaking in his native tongue. He switched to English. "I just wanted to know where I am?"

"Damn, you must be new if you don't know," A scruffy young man scoffed. His bare torso shows off a skull with wings spread wide. To Ren's comfort, he was wearing torn up pants. "What are you supposed to be? Chinese?"

"I'm Japanese," Ren corrects, offended by his comment.

"Can it, Grunge," A light brown girl wearing a red and green suit snaps. Grunge quiets down as she focuses on Ren. "Let me give you a piece of advice. They're always listening to everything we say. Whatever you do, don't give them *$# ."

"Noted," Ren said before turning back to the redhead. "So, about my question?"

"Damn...this guy has some serious balls," A black-haired woman whispers to Grunge. Her bangs are dyed pink. She wore a black leather jacket over a purple suit.

"Long story short, we're in a place called N.O.W.H.E.R.E.," the red head explains. "I know, the name sounds stupid, but if you knew even half the shit they've done to us, then you wouldn't be laughing."

"Let me guess," Ren said, recalling the conversation between the gorilla Silverback and Templar. "They kidnap people and turn them into metahumans? By various means that could result in death?"

The red head replied with a simple nod before continuing. "Not only that, but from what some of us here heard what the name stands for, it makes it even more absurd, but also pretty deadly. Networked Organization for Worldwide Human Experimentation and Righteous Evil." She finished as several moments of silence followed.

"Well, that's just great," Ren muttered.

"Aren't you a little too calm?" The redhead asked.

"I get that a lot," Ren admits. "Plus, the only thing I would get out of panicking is a hurt larynx. Which would definitely give our captors peace and quiet now would it?"

Everyone stared at him for a few moments. Then, they burst out laughing, the tension in the room dying down. Ren smirked at this little joke.

"Okay, I like this guy already," A guy with a blonde crew cut guffawed. He wore a red suit with a matching hoodie. "I haven't laughed like that in a long time."

"Me neither," the red head admitted. She extended a hand. "My name is Fairchild. With me, if you follow the order of who spoke, are Grunge, Rainmaker, Freefall, and Burnout."

"I'm…Joker," He replied, deciding to use his metaverse codename. It was painfully obvious that they aren't giving their real names. At least he could tell from everyone except Fairchild.

"Seriously? As in the maniac who blows kids birthday parties for fun?" Grunge asked.

"I'm well aware of who that is but it is the name I stand by. Nor am I him. Last I heard, he was locked up in Arkham Asylum," Ren answered, leaving no room for argument. They repecfully backed off his decision. "So, are we the only ones here?"

"Nope. There are others like us," Freefall answered. "How did you get dumped with us?"

"It looked like I was a last-minute acquisition," Ren said with a frown. "From what I heard, they had to close up shop in Markovia."

"Didn't you say that you were from Japan?" Grunge asked.

"I am," Ren confirmed. "As far as I can remember, I only just got back a day ago. Next thing I know, I was almost drowning in a cell. I'm guessing that from the pains I'm feeling all over my body, they have been trying to turn me into a metahuman."

"You wouldn't be here if you're not metahuman," Rainmaker said. "You're lucky that you were spared from the pain at least temporarily."

"I can't believe you were asleep when they experimented on you," Grunge complained. "Do you know how much pain they put us through to make us meta-active?"

"Believe me, you don't want to know," Freefall said. Their faces look sorrowful, as if remembering bad memories. He looked at Fairchild, who had the same expression. She knew he was going to ask about how they ended up here.

"Let's just say that they prefer their subjects to be children who wouldn't be missed," she said. "Homeless. Orphans. Sometimes…they would make sure you wouldn't be missed. Friends, family…anyone who knows you and every trace of you is wiped off the face of the Earth."

Ren felt his stomach twist inside out at that. He had a gut feeling on what happened to them that they ended up here. It reminded him of his situation with Shido. Prosecuted with nobody thinking twice. But this is worse than that.

Yet why would they abduct him? Futaba's app made it clear that he and the others tested negative for the metagene. Is this some kind of sick revenge for Baron Bedlam's downfall? But how would they know that he was a Phantom Thief?

"Well, my parents were shitty to begin with," Freefall said, plopping down on her butt. She looked around as if expecting someone to be listening. "So, any idea on how long they're going to keep us in here?"

"I overheard them," Ren said. "This guy named Templar said that they are about to begin the Culling soon."

The whole room seem to freeze up at those words. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Ren could see their faces become white with fear.

"Did you say that they're about to begin the Culling?" Freefall asked in a small voice.

"Yeah," Ren takes note of their reactions. "I'm convinced that things are going to get worse for us."

"What tipped you off? The fact that the word 'Culling' is used?" Burnout asked sarcastically. "If what you said is true, then you're a dead man walking. Especially if Templar is involved."

"Templar? What can you tell me about him?"

"Let's just say that he's the reason none of us try to escape," Rainmaker answered cryptically. She held up her restrained hands for emphasis. "Even if we get our hands out of these power-dampening cuffs."

Before Ren could ask any more questions, the doors opened up. Waiting outside is a platoon of guards armed with the same rifles. Immediately, the occupants of the cell stood up.

"What's up boys?" Fairchild asked playfully. "Did you miss seeing me?"

"Shut your trap and get in line," One of the guards ordered. Knowing that they are in no position resist, they complied. The guards escorted them out of the cell in silence. Ren wondered what could've scared them into not making a break for it. He recalled what they said about Templar. About how he is the reason that nobody tries to escape. Wisely, he chose to comply to avoid finding out.

Finally, the reach another set of doors. The guard punched in a code, and they entered a wide room. There were more people inside with the same restraints. The guards had them line up in rows and stood at attention. After a few minutes, the doors behind them open again. From the corner of his eye, he saw the silhouette of Templar walking pass the rows of victims. He reached the other side of the room, he turned back around. Even from the darkness of the wall, they could make out his silhouette and his spectacles.

"Some of you may be familiar with me," He spoke. "Some of you were hastily brought over from Markovia so I will introduce myself. I am Doctor Zaniel Templar. I am the head of this facility. You are here because you are the thirteenth batch of metahumans we have produced."

He let the silence drag on. Ren could tell that nobody would dare speak a word about the pain this man and his cronies put them through. But there was no doubt that they would be killed on the spot.

"However, there is one small problem," Templar said. "We only need the best of the best out of this batch. That is where the Culling come in. Should you pass, you get to go free."

Ren tensed at those words. Here it comes. Behind Templar, a holographic image appeared onscreen. It displayed an archipelago in an ocean that Ren cannot pretend to know. It was made up of multiple individual biomes. Marine estuaries, wetlands, arboreal forests, snow-capped mountains, fjords, active volcanoes, and even abandoned cities.

"This is the crucible," Templar explains. "After this discussion, you will be transported to to there for the Culling. For the next forty-eight hours, you will rely on your wits to survive. Those that live will be able to leave the island."

"What do you mean, those that live?" Someone in the crowd dared ask.

"Exactly what I mean," Templar replied. "You will be required to do everything you can to survive the crucible. The phrase kill or be killed sound familiar?"

Ren suddenly realized what he wanted them to do. He's pitting them against each other so that they will kill each other. That is if the environment or wildlife don't kill them first. The Thief highly doubted that any of the victims are prepared for this thing.

"Screw you!" a bold teenager shouted out. "You expect us to just up and kill each other?"

Two guards started to move but Templar waves them off. He directed his gaze at the teenager. Ren had a bad feeling that something ugly is about to happen. Before he could move, he felt two pairs of hands on each of his shoulders. They belonged to Rainmaker and Fairchild respectively.

"Don't," Rainmaker warned. "Before you ask why, take a quick peek behind you. The guy leaning against the door."

Ren turned his head. Sure enough, he spotted the guy she was talking about. Leaning against the door with one leg propped up is a man wearing a bandanna with a purple costume with skeletal motifs. As if to punctuate it, the ribcage gave of a purple glow. He was scanning the crowd, a devious smirk on his face.

"That's Leash," Fairchild explains. "One of Templars lackeys. When the situation calls for it, the guy can create psionic wires that can bind you before you can blink. Give him enough reason and the psycho can put you into a violet shock. Templar uses him to transport people with him when he's teleporting."

"Not to mention that Templar can handle himself," Rainmaker said. "And that fool is about to find out how gruesome he can be."

At that moment, they heard a scream. Everyone was backing away from the guy that dared to challenge Templar. From out of the darkness, black serpentine creatures were mauling him. Swift as snakes, the stuck him viciously with blood-thirsty strikes. Ren couldn't see it, but he could tell that the man was enjoying asserting his power. But there was nothing he could do about it as the teenager was mutilated in front of them.

It reminded him back when Ryuji and he stumbled into Kamoshida's palace. If this was in the Metaverse, he would be wiping the floor with Templars thanks to the Personas at his command. But here in the real world, he was just a regular guy. He was powerless.

"I understand that your mind is delayed when grasping the reality of your situation," Templar says calmly as the serpents retreated into the darkness. "I am always patient. But when my patient runs out…I lose control."

The teenagers body hits the floor. With a snap of his fingers, two guards lifted the body and carried it out. Everyone watched with wide eyes. Any further thoughts of rebellion died on their throats.

"Unlike the young man here, I understand that none of you would wish to participate," Templar said. "We'll make this simple. If any of you want to go back to the Colony, raise your hand."

Despite what seemed to be an empty promise, nobody obliged. They stood their frozen in hear. It seemed that the mention of the colony brought terror to them. Yet Ren was unaffected because he didn't know what that was.

"Fairchild. What's the colony?" Ren whispered.

"Let's just say that you'd better by lying dead than go to the Colony," Fairchild says quietly. "Trust take it from someone who's experienced it. That is the one place you don't want to be at. It's hell on Earth."

"No one wants to back out?" Templar asked, spreading his arms wide. "Still no one? Very well then. Normally, this would be the part where we give an empty platitude wishing you luck. There is no such thing as luck. To those who have joined us, you better pray that you become meta-active. Leash, if you would."

"You got it," Leash sneers as he cracks his fingers. His eyes glowed a bright purple. "Alright kiddos!"

From his hands, multiple purple wires shot out. Ren felt the wire wrap around his body, binding him further. Around him, more people are being bound by wires.

"One last thing…" Templar spoke. "The moment you arrive, your restraints will deactivate in five minutes. That should give you a headstart."

"Joker…" that came from Grunge. "If we ever meet, I just want you to know…no hard feelings, okay."

What?

"Sorry Joker, but I'm with him," Burnout said. "You seem like a great guy, so I'll try to make your death as painless as I could."

"I'm sorry too Joker," Freefall said sadly. She held her sides. "B-but we can't g-g-go back to the colony, and we don't want to die."

"Please understand Joker," Rainmaker said. "To them, this is a game. In it, everyone is a potential enemy. If you want to live, cast aside morality so you can survive."

Ren was stunned that they were willing to kill him. Yet, he can't help but understand their fear. He only just met them today, so he can't blame them for this predicament. Whatever horrors that they experienced in the Colony had traumatized them greatly. It made them desperate

"I'm sorry too," Ren said to their surprise. "I can tell that you seem like good people too. The only thing I wish that our meeting could've been under different circumstances."

"Same here," Fairchild said before she leaned over. "You don't seem like the guy who would want to kill. So, the moment you get to the island. Run. Just run. While you run, find a way to escape the island."

"What about all of you? We could escape together," Ren points out. They all slumped their shoulders in shame.

"It's too late for us," Fairchild said somberly. "We have nowhere else to go that they won't find us. Not after what they made us do."

"Take them away Leash."

At Templars command, purple energy gathered around Leash. A few seconds later, a bright light flashed from him. Ren could feel himself being pulled through a tube as he and the others vanished. Despite what awaits him, he remains calm and composed. His face set in determination.

Determination to survive and get back to his friends.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Templar watched as Leash teleported the subjects away, with Red X by his side. Despite being short a subject, the Culling was proceeding as scheduled. This will separate the strong from the weak, who will make excellent agents for the Networked Organization for Worldwide Human Experimentation and Righteous Evil. Otherwise known as N.O.W.H.E.R.E.

They were fortunate enough to acquire the last of Bedlam's test subjects. But the Markovian authorities had seized the tar used to activate their meta-gene. Thus, they had to resort to putting their victims under duress. Hopefully, they will activate them during the culling. If not… just another loss.

He felt something vibrate in his pocket. Reaching into it, he pulled out what appeared to be a small, hi-tech, communicator and held it up to his ear.

"Hello?" He spoke. "Oh, it's you sir. Yes, everything is proceeding as according to schedule. Oh, they have arrived. Excellent, I will be giving them their assignment now. Hail to you, sir."

The second he puts away his communicator, the doors opened. In walked a group of people, who are in their teens but carried themselves with professionalism. Both Templar and Red X stared at them before speaking again.

"You are here because you have been selected as the crème of the crop," Templar speaks. "You will be acting as the unseen hand of the will of the Light. Of course, the Light may complain about the somewhat crude methods of completing your assignments, but they will not be able to do anything regarding that. Today you will be heading to Japan with one objective. A new enemy has emerged and must be taken out before they become a thorn in our side."

Behind him, a holographic screen flickered to life. Displayed is a black and red ringed background. Emblazoned at the center is a top hat over a mask with a flaming eye. Beneath the logo are newspaper cutouts that spell out 'Take Your Heart'.

"You are to go to Japan…and eliminate the Phantom Thieves of Hearts."


Aaaaaaaaaaand... That's this chapter done. Although it feels like a bit of a rush job. As you can see, I've replaced Dr. Umber with Silverback, who's physical appearance is basically the same as that other version of him that appeared in Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts. As for why Templar called Silverback "Gerard"... Let's just say that you'll have to figure that out yourselves. Although, a hint is mentioned in one of the previous chapters before this one. All you gotta do is find it. Also, I have to thank I Am The Prophet for helping me out with Silverback's physical appearance. While I'm at it, I also have to thank I Am The Prophet for helping me come up with what N.O.W.H.E.R.E. stands for: Networked Organization for Worldwide Human Experimentation and Righteous Evil.

Anyways, it's basically time for classes to start back up at the college near me, so I won't be able to update as often, mainly due to college work and writer's block. Of course, you can all message me some ideas that can help the story progress. So, feel free to!

Oh, and before I forget, I kinda need some help on deciding what persona's to introduce and/or move to the Apostle and Hope Arcana's.