Persona 5: The Phantom Files

by sithlorde1988

Will cover the events of Persona 5 Royal, with the sequel set to cover Strikers. What happens when in addition to Ren being sentenced to go live in the care of Sojiro Sakura for a year after being sued for assault, his younger brother is also ordered to go and oversee him? How will this extra character change things? Read to find out! More info in chapter 1! Read and review! Enjoy!

88. Sumire's Resolve! Reality Check part 3

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! Before we proceed much further, I got a guest review in a previous chapter that needs replying to (since as I've already mentioned, it's otherwise impossible to reply to a guest review, which is unfortunate, as there are times, like this review, where it'd be easier to be able to directly reply to the reviewer). But anyways, the review goes as thus:

the OCs are holding this back lmao

Literally, that's all the reviewer wrote. And to their point, I say this. Can you elaborate more on what you mean by this? And possibly also specify which OCs in particular (if it's not all of them) you're referring to with this? I appreciate the opinion, but I wouldn't mind if you'd elaborated on your remark more, if only to give me a better idea of how to at least somewhat fix this issue. But thanks for the review just the same, I suppose.

That being said, I suppose I should do the disclaimer now so it's out of the way, so here goes.

Disclaimer: I, sithlorde1988, do not own the Persona series in ANY way, shape, OR form (excluding the OCs Kusa/Draconis, Somasi/Slim, Kyori, Lumine, Mimille, Akira, Minako, Sinocard, and any other OCs that appear in the story, all of whom are made and therefore owned by me, unless I state otherwise at a later point), and the actual ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Sega and Atlus, along with Koei Tecmo to a point (mainly where it comes to certain spinoff games, like Strikers), so all credit to them!

And with that done, I can't really think of a lot else to add here, so let's go ahead and start the chapter! Keep an eye out afterwards, since I'll probably find stuff to say in the end-of-chapter A/N. On with the chapter!

Chapter 88- Infiltrating Maruki's Palace, A Violet's Awakening, and More! Reality Check part 3

(In the attic of Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

Ren saw Morgana laying on the ledge by the steps and spoke up.

"What's your take on today's events, Morgana?" Ren asked Morgana, who looked up and spoke up.

"That's a loaded question, to be honest. But for the most part, they were pretty eventful. But for real? I can't believe he'd control Mementos just to achieve his ambitions! This guy's different than the others. Hmm, but then again, maybe I can believe it, given he has our brother as his prisoner. That said, I'm sure Maruki's going to be a tough one to take down, so we need to be adequately prepared, Ren." Morgana said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. But I don't think we can do much of that prep tonight." Ren said as he went to get comfortable and lay down, hearing Morgana speak up as he did so.

"Hey, hey! This isn't going to be easy, Ren! Let's keep our guard up." Morgana said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I agree. But I suppose for now, all I can do is hit the hay to rest up and build my strength. Night, Morgana." Ren said as he laid down for the night...

(The next afternoon, in class with Ren, Ann, and Morgana)

As Ren and Ann sat in class, their phones went off with a group chat with Ryuji, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, and for the first time in a while, Akechi, with Ryuji sending the first response.

"We're heading to the Palace today, yeah?" Ryuji sent as Haru sent a response.

"A good idea, I'd say. Although we mustn't rush, of course." Haru sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Yeah, that sounds like something Kusa would say. Honestly, if we wanna accomplish anything, we gotta get out there." Futaba sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I agree. Is that all right, Leader?" Yusuke sent as Ren sent a response.

"I agree we should go, but also, we should be careful. After all, this time we're up against someone who literally has the powers of a god at his disposal, so we cannot afford to take him lightly or underestimate him." Ren sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Hell yeah! We got this!" Ryuji sent as Akechi sent a response.

"I see. In that case, let's meet at the hideout after school." Akechi sent as Ren put away his phone and Morgana spoke up.

"Okay. All right, the hideout after school, then. Should we tell Sumire? Well, she did ask for space, so we should probably still leave her alone for now." Morgana said as Ren nodded his agreement while the rest of class passed uneventfully...

(After school, in class with Ren and Morgana)

"Tell everyone to meet at the hideout. We should all talk this over before we infiltrate the Palace." Morgana said as Ren nodded, summoning everyone to the hideout...

(A short time later, in the lower level of Leblanc, with Morgana, Futaba, Haru, Ann, Sojiro, Ryuji, Akechi, Yusuke, Makoto, and Ren)

"Indeed. It seems everyone has arrived. Let us begin." Yusuke said, ignoring the winces on Ren and Futaba's faces at the implication of the full team being present, despite there clearly being two members missing. But before either could begin to voice this, Ryuji spoke up.

"Right. February 3rd is the date we agreed on with Doctor Maruki yesterday. We've gotta go find that Treasure already. Once that date passes, it's over. We all get that, right?" Ryuji asked as the others nodded and Akechi spoke up, smirking at the unimpressed frown Ren gave Ryuji for calling Maruki by his title, which Akechi agreed with Ren wasn't deserved.

"Hmph, well put, Sakamoto. But not entirely correct. We'll have to discover a route by February 2nd, to be more precise." Akechi said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Oops, right. Forgot that part. My bad. But that's another way to look at it! And nice, you actually remembered?" Ryuji asked as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"You're surprised, Ryuji? This is Akechi we're talking about! The man has a better memory than an elephant, and at least triple the charisma of one too." Ren said with a smirk as Akechi huffed and spoke up dryly.

"Funny, Amamiya the elder. But you're not wrong. And Sakamoto? Of course I did. Still, it wouldn't be a terrible idea to secure our route sooner rather than later, if possible. We must be deliberate, however. We have no idea what's going to happen." Akechi said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Right! Yeah, well said, Akechi. Maruki's pretty much got the power of a god. As a result, I don't think anything's going to go smoothly. We'd better not let our guard down." Morgana said as the group nodded and went back into the Metaverse to begin infiltrating Maruki's Palace...

(Inside the Metaverse, with Mona, Panther, Joker, Crow, Skull, Oracle, Fox, Queen, and Noir)

As the group went to enter the Palace, they found their way blocked by a familiar red-headed female, making Mona gasp and speak up.

"Oh, it's her." Mona said as Sumi turned around to face the group as she spoke up.

"Hello, everyone." Sumi said as Joker blinked and spoke up.

"Sumi!? Why are you here? Not that I mind, but I was under the impression you asked for space to sort things out? But more importantly, is something wrong?" Joker asked in confusion. Sumi spoke up.

"I did ask that, but that's not important right now. You're going to fight Doctor Maruki, yes? If that's true, then I have a request for you all. Please, allow me to rejoin the Phantom Thieves and go with you!" Sumi asked as Mona spoke up with a wince.

"I guess we could, since you are still one of us. However, as you should well remember, you can't go in dressed like that, Sumi. If you do, you run the risk of being affected by this Palace's distortions, since your garb isn't that of a Phantom Thief just now." Mona said as Sumi spoke up.

"I realize that, Mona. But please? I'm done running away. I realize now that Joker was right before when he said I had to confront my past head-on, and embrace what I've been through rather than try to reject it. And I'm done dishonoring Kasumi's memory by pretending to be her." Sumi said before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a familiar ribbon that she tied around her hair to pull it into the familiar ponytail that she'd sported while pretending to be Kasumi, making her Phantom Thief attire re-appear in a flash of light as she kept speaking, now properly dressed.

"More to the point, I can't keep relying on others to bail me out, like Joker-senpai so often does for me. I have to be able to stand on my own two feet and pull my own weight. Otherwise, how much help can I really be to others? Also, I am done pretending to live as Kasumi! From here on, I want to live as Sumire!" Sumi said resolutely as Mona chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, color me impressed." Mona said as Skull nodded and spoke up.

"I agree, Mona! Looks like she'll do just fine here." Skull said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed, Skull." Joker said before turning to face Sumi as he kept speaking.

"Sumi? I'm glad you've come to your senses. I hope you realize I don't enjoy any of what I had to do to you the last time we were in here, but Crow was right when he said I had to show you a bit of tough love to get through to you." Joker said as he turned to face Crow as he kept speaking.

"Thank you for that, by the way. Your insight is appreciated, Crow. I'm glad you're on our side again, even if it's only temporarily like before." Joker said before turning to face Sumi again as he kept speaking.

"That being said though, you've always been welcome to tag along. You're one of us, after all. And you've been one of us since back in Shido's Palace. So let's do this." Joker said kindly to Sumi, who gave him a closed-eye smile for the first time in some time as she spoke up.

"Thank you!" Sumi said as Mona spoke up.

"Well, in that case, I think we need to address your code-name, Sumi. While that's a good temporary name, I think we can all agree that now that you've embraced your true name and identity, Sumi is no longer the best code name for you, no matter that it makes an adorable pet name for you, which is Joker's call." Mona said as Sumi spoke up in shock.

"Oh, right! That would make sense that Sumi might not be the most accurate code name for me anymore. Plus, I'm sure some of you have been secretly annoyed at how simple and similar to my 'real' name it was. So I agree we need to change it up." Sumi said as Skull spoke up.

"To be fair, you liked that code name! But you can't use it anymore. And as Mona once said, a Phantom Thief doesn't run around shouting their real name. It's just not professional, nor is it cool. So, yeah, I suppose out with the old and in with the new, y'know?" Skull said as Sumi gave Skull a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"Oh, you're right, Skull-senpai!" Sumi said as Mona turned to Joker and spoke up.

"Heh, let's defer to our leader for now. Joker, got any suggestions?" Mona asked Joker, who smiled and nodded as he spoke up.

"Indeed I do. Granted, to be fair, this was originally Panther's idea, so the credit for this suggestion belongs to her. Anyways, she mentioned that Violet could've been a good code name for Sumi, even if Sumi rejected it at the time on the basis that it was her sister's name in English. But now that she's living as her true self again, maybe now she's less opposed to allowing that to be her code name? What say you, Sumi?" Joker said. Panther blinked at being called out before wryly smiling as she spoke up.

"Oh, that's right! I did suggest that! And I stand by what I said back then! 'Sumire' in English is 'Violet', so yeah I still agree with that name as I did then! Yeah, it still sounds awesome!" Panther said. Sumi blinked at the suggestion and spoke up.

"Hm. 'Violet', eh? I admit that I turned it down back then, but Joker-senpai has a point that I was still trying to run from myself back then. Now that I'm resolved to embrace my true name, I think the time is right for me to finally accept that suggestion. So yes, let's go with that! I think Kasumi would be proud of me for embracing myself finally." The now-renamed Violet said as Oracle pumped a fist and spoke up.

"Mwehehe, excellent! Now remember everyone, 'Violet'! Not 'Violent', 'Violet'!" Oracle said as Crow huffed and spoke up.

"Hmph. Pretty sure none of us would've confused those two, Oracle. But I suppose your point is still well made, regardless." Crow said bluntly as Violet spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Yes, thank you for clarifying, Oracle!" Violet said as Crow groaned and shook his head while he spoke up so only he could hear.

"Ugh, how is it that I find myself surrounded by absolute fools? I honestly wish Draconis were here. Even if he is a bit of a long-winded prick at times, at least he has some semblance of sense." Crow muttered to himself before he kept speaking at a level the others could hear.

"So, are we done? We should probably get moving." Crow said dryly as Skull grinned and spoke up while rotating his shoulder.

"Calm down, Crow! I know, I know. Geez! C'mon, Violet, now that you're back in the fray, let's roll!" Skull said as Joker nodded his agreement, as did Violet, who spoke up with a closed-eye smile that had Joker smirking as he saw it.

"Yeah!" Violet said as she kept speaking.

"Um, so I get that we're supposed to be infiltrating the Palace, but do we start from the place we went last? Or how do we start in this instance? What're we supposed to do now, Joker?" Violet asked as Mona spoke up.

"We do it as we always have, Violet! First, we secure a route to the Treasure. We've gotta know where it is before we can steal it, after all. We've already checked most of the places on the map though, based on what Joker and Crow told us. So, it looks like we'll need to go even deeper into the Palace, being sure to watch for hidden downward passages as we go, in case we can figure out how to reach the lowest levels, which is where Draconis might be being held.

Imagine if we can find and save him, and then get him back in the fray? It'd be the first time that all 11 of us are together at once if we managed it. And honestly, that would be rather poetic, having the entire group all together for our likely final job. At least, I'm hopeful it'll actually be our final job this time, unlike the last like three times we thought that." Mona said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Right, Mona. But hold on, lemme take a look real quick with my analysis skills." Oracle said before pointing to a door in the '? Corridor' section of the map as she kept speaking.

"Ah, here we go. There's a locked security door here. I'd say this's the best place to investigate. Except, I'm getting some weird Shadow readings, sooo we should be wary of those. But in all seriousness, let's be careful. Joker! Just so you know, that door seems to be over in front of the auditorium. Let's get going." Oracle said as Joker spoke up.

"Very well, but first, let me address the matter of our front lines for this infiltration. As you all know, we've not had to do one of these in a bit, so our front lines might be a bit jumbled from the lack of coordination. For now, I say that we have Fox, Mona, and Violet on the front lines, while the rest of you are our second wave, and can be ready to jump in as needed, if I don't just summon you into battle.

After all, we all agree that with any luck, this should be our final mission as the Phantom Thieves, so why bother with sticking to four at a time all the time? When it comes to minor battles, we'll obey that rule. But when it comes to mini-bosses and the Palace Ruler, we might waive that rule. But we'll see. For now, are we agreed on a front line made up of myself, Fox, Mona, and Violet going forward?" Joker asked as the others nodded. After getting into the locked door that Oracle had marked, Skull spoke up as the group took in the room they'd stepped into, which was very golden and shiny.

"Aight, just a little more to go." Skull said as Noir turned to Violet and spoke up.

"Hey, Violet? Are you holding up okay?" Noir asked Violet, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, I'm okay! Thank you for your concern though, Noir-senpai! Sorry, it's just that even though I'm resolved to live as Sumire, I still feel just a little off somehow." Violet said as her outfit disappeared at that point, leaving her in her normal attire, making her gasp and blink in shock as she kept speaking.

"Oh! My outfit!" Violet said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"Hm, looks like it's not stable yet, probably because you're still getting re-acclimated to Phantom Thieving as your true self. So it'll be a bit of an adjustment process. I think we can all forgive you a bit of difficulty as you adjust." Joker said as Violet looked at him and nodded, her Phantom Thief attire re-appearing in a flash of blue. She then spoke up.

"I see. Sorry, Joker. I let my guard down for a second, but I swear I'm fine! So sorry for making you all worry." Violet said as Crow spoke up.

"That's fine and all, but don't hold us back, either. After all, if you push yourself harder than you're capable of handling, you'll endanger everyone on your side, too." Crow said as Oracle cut in at that point.

"You make a good point and all Crow, but I have to interject here. Security level: Crazy! Enemies approaching! They're fast, too! I dunno what the heck they are, but we'd better move it." Oracle said as Mona spoke up.

"I see. Should we get back to it, then? If things start looking bad, we'll retreat right away. Until then, we'll back you up with everything we've got!" Mona said as the others nodded and kept moving. After navigating a couple more passages, the group stopped as they heard the sounds of something dropping from above, making Oracle gasp and speak up.

"Oh! Look out, everyone! Above us!" Oracle said as a bunch of Shadows started dropping down, making everyone gasp, even as an utterance of 'Shit!' was clearly heard from Skull. But rather than Skull, it was Violet who found herself surrounded and cut off from the others, making Crow wince at the similarities this view had to the last time he saw something like this, as it was when he could do little more than watch as Draconis was swarmed and subdued by a group of similar looking Shadows and dragged off unconscious as Crow was forced to flee for his own safety. Fox blinked at this before he spoke up.

"Oh? Violet!" Fox called out as Violet reached for her mask and thrust it upwards, speaking up as she did so.

"Don't worry about it, everyone! I've got this. COME! CENDRILLION!" Violet said, tossing her mask upwards with a flourish. However, instead of Cendrillion appearing, nothing happened as her mask reappeared on her face in a flash of blue, leaving Violet to gasp as she kept speaking.

"Wh-What!?" Violet said as the others gasped at the lack of response from Cendrillion, making Mona speak up.

"Oh, no! Her Persona's not responding! Did we accidentally destroy it when we had to fight it before?" Mona asked as Joker winced, hoping that wasn't the case. Skull saw the wince and scowled as he spoke up.

"Ugh! NOT ON MY WATCH!" Skull said as he raced towards Violet to help her, Queen close behind. But before they could get to her, Violet spoke up.

"Please, stay back! I appreciate it, but allow me. After all, I chose to stand on my own and fight. As such, it's time I stop being helpless!" Violet said as she kept speaking.

"I hung my head low and took your hand without question or complaint, Joker. But I knew all along, deep down inside of me? Pretending to be Kasumi was not the right way to do things at all. Ngh, guh. Aaagh! And so, I'm making a new vow, here and now! The weak, insecure Sumire? She exists no longer! That me dies today!" Violet said as she tore her mask off her face, revealing a splatter of blood over her eyes where her mask had been, to everyone's shock. Noir spoke up in shock, her eyes widened at the visible blood splotch on Violet's face where her mask had been..

"Violet, I had no idea you felt that way?" Noir said as Violet spoke up, her eyes gazing upwards towards where she believed her Persona to be, making Joker and Crow both gasp as they realized that when Violet had been speaking before, even despite saying Joker's name before, she was in fact addressing her speech to Cendrillion. Violet spoke up, ignoring the two gasps.

"You were the one I made that pact with! The only one, other than Joker and Crow, who stayed true to yourself! Come, Cendrillion! If you don't answer my call now, in front of all these witnesses, how else can we make our dream come true!?" Violet said as a flash of light blinded everyone's view before a familiar voice spoke up.

"Hm. Such tenacity in your voice, Sumire." Cendrillion said as she appeared, reaching a hand out towards Violet as she kept speaking.

"Still, I must say, it seems to fit you better than ever before. The glass slippers are the icon of glory, they say." Cendrillion said before her visage briefly flickered to be replaced by a visage of the real Kasumi, who smiled at Sumire, mouthing her name with a closed-eye smile on her face that Sumire returned as she reached out her hand towards Cendrillion, who kept speaking as another flash blinded the group again.

"And not just for you, but for the other girl within you as well. You see, she might be gone, but a part of her lives on within you, which makes sense with you and her being twins and all. That said, let us proceed to re-forge our pact. I am thou, thou art I...Tell me. Are you prepared for your debut? The ball awaits." Cendrillion said as the Shadows began shifting into their monster forms as Violet spoke up in a determined tone, ignoring the fact that the two flashes of light had somehow removed the blood from her face as she spoke.

"Certainly!" Violet said with a determined expression as she charged into battle alongside Cendrillion. At the start of the fight, Violet spoke up.

"Hm, that's it. I get it now. And I meant what I said before. I'm done running away from myself!" Violet said resolutely as Skull spoke up from nearby as Joker, Fox, and Mona charged in to stand alongside Violet.

"Yeah, you tell 'em!" Skull said as Joker smiled at Violet before speaking up.

"Heh, well said, beautiful. I knew there was a fighter in there somewhere. Well done proving me right. Shall we?" Joker said as Violet smiled prettily and merely nodded, not trusting herself to speak, though both Panther and Oracle saw the small traces of red on her face and smirked, both knowing she still loved Joker, but choosing not to call her out on it during the fight. The latter of the two cheered as she spoke up.

"Whoo! Go, Violet! Give 'em hell!" Oracle said as Violet smiled and nodded, doing a graceful twirl with her rapier in hand as she spoke up.

"Yes! Let's do this, Cendrillion! Time to strike down the enemy! FOR KASUMI!" Violet said resolutely as the fight started. She then spoke up.

"LET'S DANCE, CENDRILLION!" Violet said as Cendrillion nodded, waving one hand to make a rain of powerful Bless energy cascade down on the enemy, destroying them in a rain of holy light, quickly ending the battle. From the ensuing EXP gain, both Fox and Noir hit level 78. After the fight, Violet sighed before speaking up without turning to face the others.

"Um, sorry for troubling you. I'll be fine now." Violet said as Mona spoke up while hopping up and down, ignoring the unimpressed huff Joker gave at what he said next.

"You were as impressive as always out there. Well done, Violet!" Mona said as Violet turned to face Mona with a smile on her face, gently leaning down to pat the not-cat on the head as she spoke up.

"Thank you. Even after being a Phantom Thief as long as I have, I still have a lot to learn, I see. I promise I'll do my best not to slow you all down!" Violet said as Panther gave Violet a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"C'mon, you don't have to be so formal with us." Panther said as Violet weakly chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, you're right. Sorry." Violet said before turning to look Joker in the eyes as she spoke up.

"And the same goes for you too, Joker-senpai. I'll do my best to prove myself worthy of you, so that one day in the hopefully not-too-distant future, I can hold my head up high and say I'm worthy of your love and affection. That said, I hope you'll still continue to be there for me while I figure things out. I might not always have said so, but I do appreciate how unconditionally you're there for me, always being willing to help me back up when I stumble. I've always admired that about you." Violet said as Joker nodded, getting a sense of a renewed resolve within Violet, as for the first time in quite some time, a familiar voice spoke up inside his head...

"I am thou, thou art I...My vow stands renewed in pursuit of the truth. In breaking free of uncertainty and doubt, the chains that bind thee, is thy strength made manifest. With the rebirth of the Faith Persona, thou has obtained the winds of blessing leading to the furthest depths of Faith's secrets." Joker heard in his head as much like what had happened before some time prior with Kusa's Confidant link, the 'Faith' card appeared in his mind's eye, the black lining along the edges flashing before changing to white, as the link expanded to fit five more stars on the 'Faith' link, and the name registered under the 'Faith' Confidant updated to show that it was now properly formed with Sumire Yoshizawa, rather than her assumed alias of her deceased elder sister, Kasumi.

Joker smiled as he felt the Faith Confidant unlock itself for him once more, knowing that he could finally get proper progression going with his girlfriend's Confidant link once more, shaking himself to remind himself that for now, he was supposed to dial back the romantic stuff per Violet's request. Afterwards, Skull spoke up with a grin while rotating his shoulder.

"Heh. All right, let's kick some ass!" Skull said as Violet nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, let's press onward!" Violet said confidently as Oracle spoke up.

"Yes. So, the Shadows were behaving unusually because of that ambush, were they? Well, we may have been run through the wringer, but we have a mission here! Let's check out that door." Oracle said as Violet blinked and spoke up.

"Hm? Ah yes, you're right, Oracle! My apologies. I'd completely forgotten about that for a moment with all that just happened." Violet said as Joker fondly shook his head as the group kept moving. As the group went to examine the door, Joker stuck an arm out and spoke up.

"Hold on, you guys. I think this is an authentication device next to it." Joker said as Oracle walked over to examine it. Eventually, she spoke up.

"Hmm, hmm, I see. Joker, I took a look around, but it looks like it was built so it couldn't be accessed anywhere else. Therefore, you'll need an ID for the door." Oracle said as Skull chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, heh. That lock means there's gotta be somethin' important in there, though! So let's go get an ID!" Skull said as Violet spoke up.

"True, but first we need some sort of clue to go on." Violet said as Oracle blinked and spoke up while examining the authentication device again.

"Hm? Oh! Look!" Oracle said as the camera panned to an area up above where a Shadow in a lab coat was speaking into a communication device, most likely an earpiece.

"Yes, their ambush attempt failed. Now they're examining the authentication device. They're not getting anywhere without this ID, though. And even if they did, they still have a lot of this place to cover before they come close to reaching either you or your Treasure, my lord. And I very much doubt they'll find the hidden passage to the detention level without a bit of luck, so we have no fear of them saving the prisoner. As such, this is surely the end of the line for them." The Shadow in a lab coat said. Back with the group, Skull looked at Oracle and spoke up.

"Hm? Wassup, Oracle?" Skull said as Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"Hmhm! Oh, not much. I intercepted some communication between the Shadows just now, which confirms three things for us. First of all, it confirms what I thought before. We will need an ID to get past this door. Secondly, it confirms we have a long way to go before we find the Treasure. And finally, it indirectly confirmed the existence of some secret passages leading to a 'detention level', as the communications referred to it.

And if I were a betting woman, I'd be laying good money on this detention level probably being where Draconis is being held. So we need to keep an eye out for that passage as we go. But back on topic, our ID hunt's finally come to an end. That Shadow over there has one." Oracle said as Skull winced and spoke up.

"Y-Yeah. Looks like your snooping, err, I mean your tech skills came in handy again. I didn't even spot that Shadow at all." Skull said as Oracle smirked and spoke up.

"Mwehehe, naturally. Also, I don't think he knows I heard him. Why don't you ambush him for the ID? However, you can't reach him from in here, though. You'll have to go around the back and through the auditorium." Oracle said as Violet nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, understood. We need to take that hall up ahead. Let's go!" Violet said as the group kept moving. After finding and destroying a Treasure Demon, the ensuing EXP gain brought Mona to level 77. After defeating another Shadow, Violet hit level 76, Skull hit level 77, and Queen hit level 78. After eliminating more Shadows, Joker hit level 78 while Oracle hit level 79. Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Nice. Slowly getting stronger as my level grows." Joker said as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"As much as I like that you're more subdued in your level ups Joker, maybe you can be a tad more energetic about it. Granted, I'm sure Crow approves of this more subdued level up, but to be honest? It seems a tad bit depressing to hear after a few times." Violet said honestly to Joker, ignoring the dry glare Crow aimed at her as Joker spoke up.

"That's fair. I'm just trying not to be as much of a show-off. After all, I can't always be showboating. I am the leader of this team, and so have to try to show at least some semblance of maturity and reliability. Plus, I realize it can be a tad childish to always brag about a level up." Joker said wisely as Crow gave an approving nod while Violet nodded and spoke up.

"That's fair, Joker. But I suppose it also means we both have things we need to improve about ourselves. Heh, I suppose we really are human after all, aren't we?" Violet said as Joker nodded, subtly taking Violet's hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze of comfort, not caring who saw. Violet blinked at the gesture, but smiled as she returned it, the two softly smiling at one another as Joker's level increased.

After ambushing and eliminating some Shadows, Panther hit level 77. While jumping a strong enemy and defeating it with Fox and Skull's Showtime, the ensuing influx of EXP brought Violet to level 77, Crow, Skull, Mona, and Panther to level 78, Fox, Queen, and Noir to level 79, and even leveled up two of Joker's Personas in 'Unicorn' and 'Quetzalcoatl', who hit levels 72 and 75, respectively. Afterwards, Joker spotted a locked chest, which when opened, yielded the 'Decisive Rapier' weapon. Joker smirked at this as he turned to Violet and spoke up.

"Heh, a rapier, eh? Correct me if I'm wrong Violet, but isn't that your preferred type of weapon?" Joker asked Violet, who spoke up as she did a closed-eye smile that Joker found himself grinning to see, even as his heart started beating faster briefly as he got to see his girlfriend's brilliant smile again while she spoke.

"True. And to be honest, this looks more powerful than what I'm currently using for battle, so would you mind if I try it out?" Violet asked as Joker spoke up.

"Heh, not at all. Go right ahead, Violet." Joker said, presenting her the rapier as if he were offering her a bouquet of flowers or something similar, making Mona and Oracle quietly snicker, the former speaking up.

"I see. So one can tame a Joker. But, it seems one cannot break his instinctive impulses to make romantic-type overtures to his girlfriend, hm? Mwehehe, rather interesting, wouldn't you say Oracle?" Mona asked Oracle teasingly, smirking at the identical red faces Joker and Violet were both sporting as Oracle spoke up.

"I would indeed say that, Mona. I was right before, you're a not-cat, or would it be just cat now? Either way, you're a Phantom Thief after my own heart." Oracle said, lightly patting Mona on the head as Joker huffed and spoke up while Violet tried out the 'Decisive Rapier'.

"Very funny, you two. Remind me to have Violet help me tease Oracle like that when we finally reunite her with Draconis, and then do the same to you if you ever get a girlfriend, Mona." Joker said, shaking his head and grumbling under his breath about instigating younger siblings, ignoring the giggles from Panther, Violet, and Noir, all of whom had heard what he'd said. Violet then turned a brilliant closed-eye smile in Joker's direction as she spoke up.

"Wow, thank you so much, Joker! This is sure to be of assistance!" Violet said as Skull turned to Oracle and Noir before quietly speaking up.

"Hey, you guys, I've got 5000 yen here that says those two are still hot for one another, and end up finally doing the deed when they make up. Any takers?" Skull said so only Noir and Oracle could hear, the latter speaking up so only Noir and Skull could hear.

"Done. Noir, you in on this?" Oracle said as Noir nodded her agreement, the three shaking hands to seal their bet. Queen just shook her head fondly, already being used to bets being made around her. She then turned to Panther, who was closest and spoke up.

"How is it that, even without Draconis around, we still have bets being made?" Queen asked Panther, who shrugged and spoke up.

"Good question. My guess is that his influence allows his antics to ensue even when he's not around? Also, one of those three IS his girlfriend, so she's bound to have picked up on a few of his tendencies with how much time she spent with him." Panther said as Queen blinked but nodded while speaking up.

"That's actually a fair point, Panther. I didn't think of that." Queen said as Crow groaned, muttering darkly to himself under his breath about how he was surrounded by juvenile imbeciles, having one thought run through his mind at that point.

"I have no idea how you handled these fools for so long without going nuts, Draconis. But I think I have even more respect for you now than I did before. And if I'm being honest, you were the one that I had the most tolerance for in this group, aside from maybe Joker. Ugh, I hope we find you soon, before the inane shenanigans around me drive me up the damn wall." Crow thought as the group kept moving.

After navigating a grappling hook puzzle where the group had to go from platform to platform while eliminating the occasional Shadows along the way, the group found the door to the next area, which when they went through brought them to the ledge from before, where they could see a Shadow waiting at the end of a long hallway. After moving forward, Violet spoke up.

"Joker, there's that Shadow. What would you like to do? Should we go for it?" Violet asked as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"We should indeed. After all, Oracle said that's the only way we can get the ID we need to move ahead, so there's no sense putting it off, yeah? Let's do it." Joker said confidently. Oracle spoke up.

"Wait, hold up! He's communicating with another Shadow. Let me see if I can intercept his comms again. If so, I might be able to intercept some more info, potentially of the useful nature." Oracle said as Joker nodded as the group listened in to the Shadow speaking to a Shadow down below the group.

"You should head back to your post. You're supposed to be in the observation room reliving the Shadow there, so they can go and relieve the Shadow standing guard in the detention level. Honestly, why our lord felt it necessary to post a guard over an area filled with little more than rotting corpses perplexes me, but far be it from me to question his wisdom and benevolence. As it is, I'm baffled as to why those intruders seem to insist on denying our lord's generous offer. It's as he said before, it seems defying him is becoming a fad. And with that having been said, stick with the plan. Don't go acting on your own." The patrolman Shadow said as the guard Shadow he was speaking to spoke up.

"I understand. But you should know that I'm only trying to eliminate any potential risks for our master. After all, why send an over-sized tin can that flees at the first sign of danger to do a Shadow's job? I get that our lord created that thing as an anti-Phantom Thief defense system, but still, did he have to give him such cowardly tendencies!? I heard he fled from battle when the Malefactor took damage. But I suppose, that's more the fault of the Malefactor itself.

According to some specs I read once, it has relatively low maximum durability for what it is, and for some reason has multiple elemental weaknesses, such as Elec, Curse, Bless, and Psy. Why he has so many weaknesses, I have no idea. But back on topic, I suppose I shouldn't keep my ID on me out here like this. Ugh, fine. I'll return to my post. It's not like there's anyone around, right?" The guard Shadow said as Oracle gasped and spoke up.

"Wha-!? Sorry, Joker. I shouldn't have stopped you. We did get some good info on a few things, though I have no clue what this 'Malefactor' is the guard mentioned." Oracle said, not seeing the significant glance Joker and Crow exchanged at the mention of the 'Malefactor', but she kept speaking before either of the two could say a word.

"But never mind that now! That Shadow's about to head out! Ambush him! Quick! Go, go, go!" Oracle said as the Shadow shifted forms and made to leave, only for Joker to grapple the group down to the shocked shadows, of which the Guard Shadow spoke up.

"What the-? Phantom Thieves! I must've been followed!" The guard Shadow said as the Patrolman Shadow spoke up.

"See? Dammit! I told you! Now we have to eliminate them! For our masterrr!" The Patrolman Shadow said as the two Shadows shifted forms into beings Joker didn't recognize as the fight began! As the group stared down the two enemies, Joker spoke up.

"Fox! Concentrate on finding their physical affinities! Mona, Panther, you try their Wind and Fire affinites and/or heal! I'll try to get the rest of their magical affinities! The rest of you, help out where you can! Oracle, try and get an analysis if you can while you help!" Joker said, looking at the others, who nodded as they charged forward, calling out their respective Personas to attack.

The ensuing onslaught ended up causing a rain of damage to pour down on the stunned enemies, the Curse damage destroying the 'Deformed Lion God' outright, and leaving the other enemy unaffected. The rest of the attacks came together to form an orb of energy that tore through the remaining enemy, reducing it to black mist as the fight ended. The ensuing EXP gain lifted Joker to level 79. Joker blinked at this turn of events before he spoke up.

"Well, well. My level increases. Kind of surprising for how little we got from those Shadows." Joker said as his level went up, Crow nodding as he spoke up.

"I concur. But at least you're getting stronger, which is good. I'd rather not have my rival falling too far behind, yeah?" Crow said as Joker nodded. After the fight, Joker noticed the Shadows had dropped something, leaning down to scoop it up and smirking as he spoke up.

"What have we here? Oracle can check this to confirm, but I believe we just got ourselves an ID!" Joker said as Oracle nodded to confirm Joker's thought before Violet spoke up.

"Good, we got the ID! Now we just have to figure out how to use it to proceed." Violet said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. It sure feels like we're one step closer to both the Treasure and Draconis. Eh, might as well try the ID out on that door now." Oracle said as Joker nodded, trying the ID on the door, and the display above it, which had previously flashed red with the words 'ACCESS DENIED', now flashed a mix of teal and blue with the word 'OPEN' over the door. Violet smiled at Oracle as she spoke up.

"We did it! It opened! More specifically, you did it, Oracle-sen...err, I mean Oracle-chan!" Violet said as Oracle chuckled and spoke up.

"I heard what you almost said, Violet. Oracle-senpai, was it? Mwehehehe, I like the sound of that!" Oracle said as Joker spoke up.

"Aren't you younger than her, though? So I would think if anything, you should be calling her senpai? Assuming that's how that works?" Joker said as Oracle shrugged and spoke up.

"Eh, I dunno. But if she wants to call me 'senpai', I won't stop her. Heh, nor will I be shy about noticing her either. Mwehehe-OW!" Oracle said, the 'OW' being in response to Joker lightly karate-chopping the top of Oracle's head in annoyance as he spoke up.

"I get that you're having a potential bi-curious phase, Oracle. But not only is that MY job to notice her, but I don't think she wants anything like that just now. So behave, yeah?" Joker lightly rebuked Oracle, who winced and nodded as she spoke up.

"Fiiine, I'll be good. That said, we can't ease up now! From here on out, we're off the map. Keep your guard up, everyone!" Oracle said as the group proceeded through the open door. Once through, the group looked around, as the area they'd entered reminded them of a storage room of sorts. Skull bilnked at this and spoke up.

"Hm? Is this some kinda storage area? Ugh, we go through the hassle of gettin' this ID, and THIS is where we wind up?" Skull asked as Queen spoke up.

"But, sweetie, calm down. Also, don't be too disheartened just yet. After all, each new room we enter increases the chances of us finding either the Treasure, or a path to finding our missing teammate." Queen said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Well put, Queen. And considering the size of the room, there are most likely multiple exits. Thus, Oracle will have to be extra on-point in her navigation to allow for that. Furthermore, if we can make our way through here, I believe we'll be much closer to the Palace's central area." Crow said as Skull spoke up.

"I see. Sooo, basically, we just gotta keep chargin' on! Yeah! Well, then let's hurry and get the hell outta here!" Skull said as Mona frowned and spoke up.

"Skull! Being psyched is fine and all, but we don't have the best visibility here. Stay on guard, all right?" Mona said as the group kept moving. After eliminating a nearby Shadow, Joker's 'Arsene' Persona hit level 39. *1*

After defeating some Shadows, Violet hit level 78. After taking out a double-wave of Shadows, including a strong Shadow in 'Fafnir', who Joker successfully recruited, the ensuing EXP gain brought Skull to level 79 and Oracle to level 80. To the surprise of the group, the level-ups actually yielded a new move for Oracle, whose 'Saruman' Persona acquired the heavy-tier Psy skill 'Psiodyne', making her smirk as she spoke up.

"Mweheheh, wow. A new move!? I guess you can teach an old Thief new tricks? Sweet." Oracle said as Violet frowned and spoke up.

"I would hardly call you old in any sense of the word, Oracle-senpai. But that is a good move to get. I bet Draconis would be proud if he were with us now." Violet said as Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"I know he is, Violet. I can feel it in my heart." Oracle said simply as Saruman acquired 'Psiodyne'. After defeating more Shadows, Mona and Panther hit level 79 and Joker's 'Quetzalcoatl' Persona hit level 76. After finding another area, Skull spoke up.

"Oh! Hey, look!" Skull said as the camera panned to an area with lights on it. Skull then kept speaking.

"Looks like it goes over there!" Skull said as Queen frowned and spoke up.

"I see. But is that the exit? If so, shall we go? Let's wrap this up, Joker." Queen said as Joker spoke up.

"Indeed we shall." Joker said. After beating more Shadows, Noir hit level 80. After defeating a strong Shadow, Joker's 'Unicorn' Persona hit level 73, Joker himself along with Fox, Queen, and Skull hit level 80, and both Violet and Crow hit level 79. Joker smirked and spoke up.

"I can feel it! Power courses through me!" Joker said as Crow groaned and spoke up.

"Well, it's not AS cocky and annoying as it was, but I can see Joker's slightly starting to regain his show-offy tendencies. And let the record show I blame the two of YOU for that." Crow said, aiming a dead-pan glare at a sheepish Violet and Oracle, the latter of whom stuck her tongue out childishly at Crow, making Skull, Joker, and Mona all laugh at the dumbfounded look on Crow's face at the childish reaction while Violet frowned and spoke up.

"Oracle-senpai, be nice! I know Crow was rude just now, but two wrongs don't make a right. Besides, do you really want to be pissing him off? We saw how easily he took down Draconis before, and even if he's on our side, I doubt he'd hesitate to strike you down if you anger him. So think before you taunt." Violet rebuked Oracle, who pouted at the scolding but could say nothing as Crow laughed and spoke up.

"Heh, you can relax, Violet. I might be annoyed at you all now and again, but I wouldn't harm any of you, if only as a gesture of respect for Draconis. But you are right that I won't put up with being razzed like Oracle just did." Crow said, a warning look on his face as Oracle spoke up.

"Eh, mwehehe? Sorry." Oracle said contritely as Crow just nodded his acceptance of the apology while Joker spoke up.

"Crow, do you REALLY have to scare them like that? You know they're just trying to lighten the mood." Joker pointed out. Crow huffed and spoke up.

"That might be true Joker, but even so, that does NOT mean that they get carte blanche to do so at my expense. And don't act like that's a surprise. After all, we both know Draconis is the same way, and he and I are brothers, even if it's only half-brothers. So it's not that surprising he and I have similar tendencies in some respects." Crow said wisely as Joker's level went up.

After finding an elevator at the end of the hall, the group rode it upwards to a hallway filled with lots of high-tech gadgets and stuff, but Oracle blinked as she spotted a nearby Safe Room, which Joker hustled the group into to add the 'Monitoring Room' to his Fast-Travel list. Joker used that to go check on the Fusion Alarm he'd tripped while fighting Shadows. While going into the Velvet Room, Igor spoke up.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room." Igor said, making Joker blink as he saw that his prison door was open. Lavenza saw Joker's confused look and spoke up.

"Welcome back, Trickster. I have been waiting. You see, the state of the Velvet Room reflects the state of your own heart. Therefore, the room's changes reflect your showing the spirit of rebellion to the entity that binds your future, along with those of your friends, and your still-captive brother." Lavenza said as Igor spoke up.

"Indeed. Your change in appearance must also be due to the rebellious spirit you've harbored for so long. Be warned, though. The time is drawing near for one of your teammates to grasp the full truth of themselves, and in so doing, you may be blessed with the rise of the full might of the Chaos Drake himself." Igor said as Lavenza spoke up.

"My master is correct. But more importantly, you seem to have mastered yourself a great deal. And with that spirit, you appear to have grasped a new possibility as well, Trickster." Lavenza said as Joker blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? A new possibility, you say? What do you mean by that, might I ask?" Joker asked. Lavenza spoke up with an unreadable look on her face.

"Simple, really. Just as your Personas gain strength in response to overcoming hardships and beating enemies, so too do you grow in the face of overcoming adversities, such as the one you helped the one you now call Violet through. And as a result, the current you should be capable of fusing new Personas, SHOULD being the key word there. So please, make good use of this to keep the ruin at bay." Lavenza said as Joker nodded before Igor spoke up.

"Excellent. So you wish to continue honing yourself? Very well, we will continue to provide aid on your perilous journey. And we wish you the best of luck in rescuing your captive brother/teammate. Now, to your business that you came here for." Igor said as Joker nodded.

After the Fusion Alarm, which only lasted long enough for Joker to fuse a couple of Personas, notably including 'Atlas', the ultimate Persona of the World Arcana, and then it broke when he attempted an itemization of his 'Sandalphon' Persona to get Violet's ultimate rapier, instead giving him a 'Nirvana LU' incense.

After finishing his business in the Velvet Room, he returned to the previous Safe Room he'd left from, the 'Monitoring Prep Room' Safe Room. Once there, he saw that Fox, Skull, Oracle, and Queen all had stuff to say. Joker walked over to Skull first and spoke up.

"Yo Skull, what's bonkin', man?" Joker asked as Skull spoke up while fist-bumping Joker.

"Not much. But wait, that warehouse was huge! I wonder what it's storin' in there?" Skull said as Joker spoke up.

"Good question. Knowing Maruki, though, it's probably crap related to his actualizations, and possibly whatever equipment he might need." Joker said before walking over to Fox and speaking up.

"You seem a bit on edge, Fox. What's up?" Joker asked as Fox spoke up.

"I am merely keeping my guard up, that's all. Incidentally, are there more Shadows here now? Be sure to proceed with caution, Joker." Fox said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"I will, Fox. Incidentally, I know this is hardly the time or place, but any chance you can use your duplication abilities to duplicate a 'Growth 3' skill card for me?" Joker asked as Fox nodded, accepting the 'Blank Card' and 'Growth 3' cards before chuckling as he spoke up.

"Hahahahaha, my brush is aflame! It's as if it has a mind of its own! Heh, beautifully executed! This turned out quite magnificently. Here, take it." Fox said as he handed Joker both the 'Growth 3' cards back. Joker nodded before walking over to Oracle and speaking up.

"How're you holding up, little sis? I know all that talk of Draconis couldn't have been easy for you to hear." Joker said as Oracle looked at Joker and spoke up.

"Eh, I'm used to it. Besides, I have a feeling in my heart, as well as my gut, that he's still alive in here. So I'm concentrating on getting us through this Palace as efficiently as possible so we can be able to keep our eyes open for the way to him, in the hopes of finding him. But on a different note, that warehouse was so full of boxes, big bro! It kinda reminded me of how my room was." Oracle said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"I can imagine. Welp, I'll leave you to it for now. But don't get comfy. Once I talk with Queen, we're getting back to it." Joker said, getting an understanding nod from Oracle as Joker walked over to Queen and spoke up.

"Why're you standing in the corner by yourself like this, Queen? Surely you could've gotten a seat by Skull or someone at the table?" Joker asked as Queen shrugged and spoke up.

"Eh, all the seats were claimed. Besides, I don't mind standing. That said, how suspicious. This whole place feels different beyond the warehouse, so we should be on guard." Queen said as Joker nodded and headed towards the door of the Safe Room. Mona noticed Joker by the door and spoke up.

"Ah, ready to get back to it?" Mona asked as Joker nodded. Mona then kept speaking.

"I see. Let's go, then." Mona said as the group kept moving. After walking down the hall and opening the door, the group saw a room filled with monitors, display towers, and all sorts of high-tech surveillance equipment. Queen blinked as she spoke up.

"Hold on, everyone. Look over there!" Queen said as she noticed a rather imposing silhouette behind one of the monitors. Fox saw it, frowned, and spoke up.

"I see. Security is even tighter here, apparently. Why else would they deploy massive sentry robots?" Fox asked as Crow and Joker blinked at this, turned, and both gasped as they recognized the outline of the Malefactor behind the center monitor, which was also flanked by two tough looking Shadows. Crow then spoke up.

"That's no sentry, Fox. If that's here, that means this place must be important. Let's take them out whenever we're ready." Crow said as the group kept moving, Joker discreetly having Panther swap out for Crow as the group headed down the steps towards the tough Shadows. Once they reached the bottom part of the steps, Fox spoke up.

"Joker, be aware that once we finish going down these steps, we will surely be walking into a fight. That said, have you finished your preparations?" Fox asked as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, I think we're all set. Let's do this." Joker said. Fox nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed? I see. Very well. Let's go!" Fox said as the group charged down the steps, drawing the attentions of the Guard Shadows, one of which spoke up.

"So, you dare to defy His Excellency!" The guard Shadow said as Joker huffed and spoke up.

"And what if we do? Outta the way." Joker said as the other Guard Shadow spoke up.

"Who are YOU to give me orders!?" The other Guard Shadow said as the voice of the Malefactor's pilot spoke up to answer the Guard Shadow's question.

"He's a damned effing fool, is who he is. But then, I can't say that I'm at all surprised to see that he and Crow made it this far. They'd have to be made of some pretty damn flimsy stuff not to have gotten this far. Still, the fact they got past some of the stronger defenses is worth commending them for. But it matters not! Their luck has just run out! Between your talents and my firepower, they're not making it any further." The voice of the Malefactor's pilot rang from the cockpit of the massive battle suit, as it strode up to stand with the guard Shadows.

This action had the result of letting the group get a good look at it, noticing the impressively placed gatling guns on the arms of the robot, as well as the sparkling platinum plating all along the exterior of the Malefactor, other than the helmet, which was a dark green, and in the shape of a horned cap. Joker blinked when he briefly confused the helmet of the Malefactor for a dragon's head.

The Guard Shadows nodded and shifted forms into beings that Joker recognized from his fusions as 'Scathach' and 'Cu Chulainn', having fused the former and seen the latter. The fight then began! At the start of the fight, the Malefactor's pilot spoke up once more.

"I told you two we'd meet again, Joker and Crow. And this time, I've had the limiter adjusted for this armor so that it won't flee so readily. So you'd best expect this will be much harder for you than last time, even with your backup helping you. So prepare to taste my wrath!" The Malefactor's pilot said, taking aim with his gatling gun arms, and firing a few rounds which forced the Thieves to scatter. After Joker smacked an enemy with Unicorn's flames, Crow spoke up.

"Heh, want me to kill these guys, Joker?" Crow asked as Joker nodded, making Crow smirk as he brandished his blade and charged a wave of purple and black energy, which hit the 'Scathach' and 'Cu Chulainn' for good damage and Critical hits, while landing a minimal-damage 'Critical' on the Malefactor, allowing the group to launch an All-Out Attack. At that point, the Malefactor winced and spoke up.

"Impressive. But not nearly good enough! Even if you manage to overpower these two, you won't be rid of me so easily! Let me give you a demonstration of my power!" The Malefactor said as he managed to charge up his power, setting up for a physical attack on a later turn. After Mona landed two more Criticals with Diego's 'Miracle Rush', the group hit another All-Out Attack which destroyed the 'Chu Chulainn' and weakened both 'Scathach' and the Malefactor, as the latter's pilot spoke up.

"Well, well. Seems you all have some backbone after all! I'm impressed. Now here's my response!" The Malefactor's pilot said as he smirked at the gathered group from inside the cockpit before hitting some buttons, making the Malefactor fire a spread shot with one arm and a rocket fist with the other. The spread shot only scattered the group, but unfortunately for both Oracle and Violet, they both leaped right into the path of the rocket fist, which connected with both of them, knocking them backwards to the ground. Skull saw this and raced to the downed girls' side with Mona in tow.

"Shit! Mona, we gotta heal them before they take any more damage! That last attack was a hard hit!" Skull said as Mona nodded and went to work healing the girls as Skull glared at the Malefactor and spoke up.

"What the eff, man? Are you that sort of coward that specifically targets girls? Real mature. Let me show you what I think of what you just did to Futaba and Sumire!" Skull said, ignoring the simultaneous cries of 'SKULL! CODE NAMES!' from Joker, Queen, and Crow. Skull then kept speaking.

"SEITEN TAISEI! Let's show this fool our own rocket fist! GO FORTH AND PILLAGE THAT THING'S FACE!" Skull said pointing at the stunned Malefactor, prompting Seiten Taisei to nod as he fired a rocket fist of his own via his 'God's Hand' attack, which connected solidly with the Malefactor, pushing it backwards as the pilot spoke up.

"GAH! I felt that one! Not bad. But did you just say Futaba and Sumire!? Ugh, why do those names strike a chord with me? Never mind! Time to end this!" The Malefactor's pilot said, turning his guns onto Skull as he charged up for his next attack. Mona and Fox nodded, combining their Persona's skills to hit 'Scathach' for good damage. After that, Crow looked at Joker and spoke up.

"Joker! I'm getting a warm, tingly feeling from ALL THIS POWER! Let's use it to take out that overgrown tin can before he can do any more damage!" Crow said as he pointed at the Malefactor, getting a nod from Joker as he spoke up.

"Agreed! We need to get him outta here before he can destroy Skull! So I'm with you, Crow!" Joker said as Crow nodded and the two spoke up as one.

"IT'S SHOWTIME!" Crow and Joker said, surprising Violet, who happened to come to in time to hear Joker and Crow speak as one. Crow cackled as the Showtime started.

"OUTTA MY WAY!" Crow said as he charged at the enemy, sword out. Joker then ziplined past, over Crow's head, and dove down at the Malefactor, knife drawn as he called out.

"CROW! AIM FOR A WEAK POINT!" Joker called as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"I'll do my best! But then again, I LIVE FOR THIS! AHAHAHAHAHA!" Crow said sadistically as he hacked at the Malefactor repeatedly, making it skid backwards a bit under the onslaught before Joker landed next to Crow, took aim at the cockpit and fired a shot at the window, smirking smugly on seeing the cockpit window crack and threaten to shatter as he spoke up.

"Try and see through that!" Joker said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Oh, a head shot? Very edgy, Joker! I didn't think you had it in you. I'm impressed. And this thing is pathetic!" Crow said as he and Joker strode off from the now-reeling Malefactor, at the same time that Mona and Fox managed to use their Physical attacks to eliminate the 'Scathach'. At that point, a voice spoke up from in the cockpit of the now-sparking Malefactor, a different voice than the Malefactor's.

"DANGER! DAMAGE LIMIT EXCEEDED ON THE MALEFACTOR! EMERGENCY EXIT SUBROUTINES WILL NOW ACTIVATE. PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE EXTRACTION FROM THE BATTLEFIELD! ALL PERSONNEL IN THE AREA MOVE TO SAFETY." The group heard from the computer as the pilot of the Malefactor spoke up again.

"DAMMIT! AARGH! NOT AGAINNNNN! WHY IS IT ALWAYS WHEN I HAVE YOU ON THE RUN!? AND JOKER? CROW? CONSIDER YOURSELVES ON MY HIT LIST! I MIGHT HAVE TO FLEE FOR NOW, BUT THE NEXT TIME WE MEET WILL BE THE LAST! AND DON'T EXPECT THE DAMNED EMERGENCY EXIT SUBROUTINES TO SAVE YOU A THIRD TIME! UNTIL THEN, FAREWELL." The pilot of the Malefactor yelled as the Malefactor turned and fled the battlefield, ending the battle.

From the ensuing EXP gain, Joker's 'Quetzalcoatl' Persona hit level 77, while Panther hit level 80. After the fight, the group looked around, relaxing when there was no sign of further enemies. Crow then spoke up.

"Well, I believe that takes care of that." Crow said as Skull spoke up.

"So, where are we now? And why did that giant robot call you two out by name, Joker and Crow? He sure seemed to have a beef with the two of you." Skull said as Joker spoke up.

"That was the 'Malefactor', as Maruki's Shadow called it. And he's angry because that's now twice Crow and I have bested him in battle, with our Showtime both times as it happens. But I'm more concerned about how he seemed to recognize Oracle and Violet's true names when you called them out. It's not hard for Maruki to have programmed them into the Malefactor, but the fact that he specifically knew Violet's real name is a bit more suspect, since not counting all of us, only four other people know that information, those being Draconis, Maruki's Shadow, and Violet's parents.

So since I doubt very much Maruki's Shadow can be in two places at once, we can rule him out. And I highly doubt Violet's parents can get into the Metaverse, so unfortunately that only leaves one possibility, and one I don't want to consider, since there's no good explanation for it if it is him. Granted, it is possible that this is another by-product of Maruki's Shadow using his actualization powers, but I dunno that we can count on that. So we should be prepared for the next time we see the Malefactor, just to be safe." Joker said as Noir spoke up.

"Agreed. And back on topic, this room seems very different to the rest of the Palace, and I don't think it's inaccurate to note that it was more heavily guarded as well." Noir said as Queen blinked and spoke up.

"Well, given all the monitoring devices here, I have an idea. Could this be, by chance, some sort of surveillance room? As I can see, the monitors are displaying various rooms within the Palace." Queen said as Oracle blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? I wonder if I can use that to try and find that hidden passage we read about in that letter before?" Oracle mused, ignoring the confused looks on the faces of Joker, Violet, and Crow, who all mouthed 'letter?' under their breaths as Panther gasped and spoke up with wide eyes.

"Wait, hold on, WHAT!? We were being watched this whole time?" Panther asked as Oracle spoke up.

"I dunno about that, Panther." Oracle said as she walked over and examined the nearby control panels before speaking up.

"Hm, mmhmm. Ah, I see. Yep! I knew it. This room's more of a mainframe than a monitoring system. All sorts of information's being collected here from across the Palace and getting converted into raw data." Oracle said as Fox blinked and spoke up with wide eyes.

"Data collection? But, what for?" Fox asked. No one answered his question, instead looking around and noting in annoyance that this room appeared to be a dead end. Skull spoke up.

"Wait. Y'know, this room ain't got any sorta way forward. Think we gotta find another path somewhere else?" Skull asked as the others shrugged before Mona blinked, looked around and spoke up, seeing something behind the group as he spoke up.

"Actually, it looks like there's a path beyond those cables. But we're sure not using it as it is, though." Mona said as some of the monitors switched to a different view, making the group blink as Panther spoke up.

"Oh! What is it now?" Panther asked as Fox blinked and spoke up.

"Correct me if I'm wrong on this, but is that place on the screen Mementos?" Fox asked as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Yup, yup! I've tracked the location all the data is being sent to! And sure enough, looks like it's going straight into Mementos. That being said, we might be able to make some headway if we investigate this location." Oracle said as Queen blinked and spoke up.

"Oh, that's right. That reminds me, Lavenza did tell us something about Mementos before. She mentioned how Maruki is utilizing Mementos to distort all of reality. Even still, I wonder. Are those really data cables?" Queen asked as Joker spoke up.

"Good question, Queen. I think our next move is clear. Let's go check Mementos." Joker said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. Sticking around here isn't going to help us any. As it is, these monitors only confirm the existence of a detention level to this place, but have no footage of how to get to it. So for now, we remain unable to reach Draconis or the Treasure." Oracle said with a huff as Skull grinned and pumped a fist as he spoke up.

"Alright, let's get outta here for now. Let's see if a Mementos trip does us any good!" Skull said as the group nodded and exited the Metaverse at that point. As they left, Mona spoke up.

"Hm. We got some exploration done today. But I don't really think we're at a turning point yet, per se." Mona said as Noir spoke up.

"Um, you're not wrong, Mona-chan. Hm, I feel like we're finally beginning to understand the structure of this place. That said, let's keep up the hard work, Joker! Please notify me when you want to come here next." Noir said as the group exited the Metaverse...

(That evening, in the attic of Leblanc, with Morgana and Ren)

"Hm. I knew I made the right choice with Sumire. I've got an eye for talent. Yup. Good work today, but you've got school tomorrow. Don't stay up too late and end up dozing off. That said, there's still a lot we don't know, but we're not totally helpless here. Let's rest up so we're ready for tomorrow, Ren." Morgana said as Ren nodded, laying down on his bed after getting changed into his pajamas. As he did so, Morgana spoke up again.

"Yup, we're gonna get pretty busy. Let's rest well and prepare for tomorrow." Mrogana said as Ren nodded, but as he went to lay down, his phone went off with a group chat from Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, Akechi, and surprisingly so, even Sumire was in the chat, with Sumire being the one to send the first response.

"I'd just like to thank everyone for giving me the space I needed to figure myself out so I could properly re-join the team. I'm glad to be back! I'll do my best to pull my weight!" Sumire sent as Haru sent a response.

"We're glad to have you back in chat, Sumire-chan. Now we're only missing one person, and the whole gang's here." Haru sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Right. We need to get Kusa back here, where he belongs. I think we can agree that the chat isn't nearly the same as it was with him in it. Not to say it's not great, because it is. But I think we can all agree that it had a certain extra vibrance to it with him in chat." Futaba sent as Ann sent a response.

"Hang in there, Futaba. We just have to figure out what Mementos has to do with that blockade in Maruki's Palace, then we can find that path to the detention level and save our teammate. Also, yeah, what Haru said! Welcome back, Sumire! But you can go ahead and loosen up a bit, yeah? No need to worry about formalities around us, Sumire. Well, except for maybe with Akechi. I get the sense he's not one for loosening up that much. Plus he doesn't usually let anyone call him by first name that I know of. Although I think we did hear him refer to Kusa by name a few times, so maybe he has that right?" Ann sent as Akechi sent a response.

"Very funny, Takamaki. And if you MUST know, no, not even Kusa gets to call me by my first name. Though we did discuss the possibility of changing that, but if we do, it's only because he and I are brothers, and I can see a certain logic in not being on a last name basis with one's family. As for the rest of you, I might consider letting some of you call me by name, but I'm undecided for now. We'll see if this deal ends up more long-term first, I think." Akechi sent as Sumire sent a response.

"I see. So Akechi-kun is testy about people trying to be on a less formal basis with him. Duly noted. And sorry, Ann-senpai! I'll try to address that in the future!" Sumire sent as Futaba sent a response.

"I dunno. Still sounds pretty dang stiff to me, if you ask me. Then again, maybe once we have the whole group together, she'll be less formal. If nothing else, I know she's not that formal with Kusa, from what I recall. And I think Ren almost has her on a less formal basis with him?" Futaba sent as Ren sent a response.

"Perhaps, but need I remind you that she and I are still technically dating, even if we're taking a break from the more romantic aspects of our relationship at her request? So of course she's going to be on a less formal basis with me, even if she does still call me 'Senpai' a lot. But I allow it, since it's kind of her pet name for me." Ren sent as Sumire sent a response.

"Ren is correct. We are trying to scale back the romantic stuff for the time being while I learn to love myself again. Also, a thousand pardons!" Sumire sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"And now she sounds like some kind of samurai." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Hey, either way, we're back up to having ten teammates again! That's awesome! Once we have Kusa back with us, we'll have all eleven of the Phantom Thieves together in the same chat finally. Kinda feels like we're on the precipice of everything coming together, if you think about it." Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Indeed. And that's very wise of you, sweetie. Maybe you're starting to learn something? Also, we're glad to have you back as well, Sumire-san." Makoto sent as Sumire sent a response.

"Well, as long as we're dropping the formalities in here, you guys don't need to bother with the honorifics. If it's okay, I'd just like everyone to call me Sumire, and treat me as an equal, or at least close to one?" Sumire sent as Makoto sent a response.

"If you're sure. In that case, let me revise my previous greeting. And once again, welcome back to the fold, Sumire." Makoto sent as Sumire sent a response.

"Thank you! Oh, about tomorrow, was the plan for us all to go to that Mementos place? (I think that was the name? I know I had it wrong when I accidentally called it 'Memeworld' once, even if I did give Ren a good chuckle in the process.)" Sumire sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"That's an option, yes. But we still have plenty of time. We don't need to attempt an infiltration if we're not wholly prepared." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Yeah, that's our leader's call! So we'll be counting on you more than ever, Ren!" Ryuji sent as Ren sent a response.

"I get it. I got your backs, guys! And Yusuke? To address your mention of being wholly prepared, other than a few minor things, I feel I'm about as prepared as I'll ever be. Besides, I get the sense that Futaba might be getting anxious at our lack of results in saving our missing comrade. As such, I propose that while we can take a small bit of prep time here for the sake of being ready for a Mementos run, we save the larger prep period for after we secure the Treasure route, so that way we have a lot of time to allow Kusa the chance to rest up and recover his strength if he needs it, which if he's been through what I think he has, he's going to need a lot of rest, plus he'll have a lot to catch up on." Ren sent. Sumire sent a response.

"I see. That's a fair point, Ren. Well, whatever you decide, I'm ready any time!" Sumire sent as Ren put his phone away while Morgana spoke up.

"Hm. We've got more firepower now that we have Sumire back in action, but our target this time is so much more powerful than any we've faced so far. We should probably ensure that we're all, not just you, but all of us, as ready as possible, like Yusuke suggested." Morgana said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"True. That's why I suggested moving the prep period to after we secure the Treasure route so we can have a lot of time to prep for battle before sending the calling card. After all, I wouldn't want to keep Futaba waiting to reunite with Kusa longer than I have to." Ren said wisely as Morgana nodded, the two laying down for the night...

(The next morning, betwee trains to school with Ren and Morgana)

While Ren went to change trains, he found his path blocked as Mishima walked over and spoke up.

"Morning! Oh, good morning, Amamiya. About the Phan-Site requests. If I find any this year, I'll be sure to pass the info on to you!" Mishima said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Sounds good, Mishima." Ren said simply. Mishima chuckled and spoke up.

"Thought you might say that. Sure, there aren't as many posts now, but it looks like there are still plenty of people in trouble. We're counting on you, Phantom Thieves! Dispense justice!" Mishima said as Morgana spoke up so only Ren could hear.

"Hm. There are still people in trouble out there, huh? I see. That could mean there are still some targets left in Mementos. Whether there are or not, we'd better be prepared for anything. After all, who knows what might happen." Morgana said as Ren nodded, continuing the walk to school with Mishima in silence...

(A bit later, in the hallway of Shujin, with Ren, Mishima, Morgana, and Ann)

"Oh. Morning, Ren, Mishima-kun. Um, if it's okay with you, then can I see you after school? I'll be in the usual spot." Ann said as Ren nodded and Ann kept speaking, a closed-eye smile on her face as she spoke up.

"All right. Thanks." Ann said as Mishima winced and spoke up.

"Uh, I'm still here. I can go on ahead if you two want to be alone." Mishima said as Ann blinked and spoke up.

"First of all, ew! Ren and I are like siblings. Secondly, I'm already spoken for. Oh, but sorry for making you feel uncomfortable. We're all good now!" Ann said to Mishima before turning to Ren and speaking up.

"I'll be counting on you then, bro. I'm gonna get going. See you later!" Ann said as Ren nodded and headed to class...

(At lunchtime, with Ren and Morgana)

"Attention. Amamiya-kun the elder, please come to the Student Guidance Office. Repeat, Amamiya-kun the elder, please come to the Student Guidance Office." Ren heard Kawakami say over the intercom, making Morgana blink as he peeked out of Ren's bag to speak up.

"Hey! That sounded like Kawakami. I wonder what's up with her?" Morgana asked as Ren shrugged and headed to the Student Guidance Office to see what Kawakami wanted...

(In the Student Guidance Office, with Ren and Kawakami)

"Sorry to pull you out of class, but it's about Takase-kun's guardians, the ones you met when you came to see me the other night. I told them how I felt. I told them that I'm not going to pay them any more money! Also, I'm quitting my part-time job too! Although I'm still in talks with my boss about it. I'm going to devote myself to being a great teacher! And no matter what others might say, I won't waver. So, thank you for giving me such good advice. I just thought you should be the first to know about my decision." Kawakami said as a female teacher spoke up.

"Um, sorry to interrupt. Miss Kawakami, you have guests. The Takases are here to see you." A female teacher said as Kawakami and Ren blinked, the former speaking up.

"They're here? At school, when there's students around!?" Kawakami said in shock as the Takases walked in, the male relative speaking up.

"How long are you gonna make us wait!?" The male Takase relative asked as the female sneered at Ren and spoke up.

"Tch, him again?" The female Takase relative said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"You know it, lady. Besides, it's kinda hard for me NOT to be around when you barge in like this while Miss Kawakami was in the middle of giving me important guidance." Ren said dryly. The female Takase relative scoffed and spoke up.

"Tch, how rude you are. I guess a student is only as good as his teacher. Obviously you lack a proper education." The female Takase relative said, making Ren glare at her but say nothing, as he knew he had to keep his temper in check, for Kawakami's sake. The male Takase relative then yelled at Kawakami.

"You thought you could just call and say you're not going to pay anymore? Who do you think you are?" The male Takase relative said as Kawakami spoke up.

"You know, you are in the middle of a public school yelling all these things. Think about that before you say much else. Also, it's what I decided, for Takase's sake. I'm going to make sure there won't be anymore students like him, who work themselves into the ground and then end up in an accident." Kawakami said as the female Takase relative spoke up.

"So you're just trying to get out of your responsibility? I bet you don't even care about Taiki! Honestly, how are you still a teacher? Maybe we really should sue the Board of Education? Are you okay with that? A teacher who caused her student to die would surely cause a scandal." The female Takase relative said, but before Ren could cut in to yell at her about a lack of evidence, Kawakami gave him a warning look to keep him silent before speaking up.

"I'm not going to run or hide! I'm going to spend my time taking care of my students. So if you want to take legal action, then go ahead. Regardless, I'll continue teaching. I've decided that's the best apology I can make to Takase-kun. Paying money to you two is not the solution, to say the least!" Kawakami said as the male Takase relative spoke up.

"Hmm, is that so? Maybe along with suing you, I should tell everyone about your little secret side profession. Surely you know the one I mean? If you don't, I'm talking about your stint as a sex worker." The male Takase relative said as both Ren and Kawakami's eyes widened as the latter spoke up.

"Wha-WHAT!? How did you-!?" Kawakami asked as the male Takase relative spoke up.

"Oh? So I'm right, am I?" The male Takase relative asked as Kawakami spoke up.

"What!?" Kawakami asked as the male Takase relative spoke up.

"Think about it. I mean, the amount of money you're paying us can't possibly come from just a teacher's salary. Well? Shall we head on over to the faculty office?" The male Takase relative said as Kawakami seemed to visibly deflate as she spoke up.

"Stop talking so loud, please." Kawakami said as the male Takase relative laughed and spoke up.

"Hah! A teacher working in the sex industry? You've definitely done it this time. How unfortunate for you that you thought you could just leave Taiki's matter unsettled like that. You know what you have to do now, right? Pay up! And don't ever call us again with this garbage about stopping the payments!" The male Takase relative said as the two relatives stormed out of the guidance office, leaving Ren and Kawakami alone, as the latter winced at the former and spoke up.

"Haha, that just happened. Well, I guess I can't quit my part-time job just yet." Kawakami said as Ren spoke up with a frown.

"You can't give up just like that, Miss Kawakami. Screw what those jerks said! They clearly care more about your money than about their dead family member! And that's not okay at all!" Ren said as Kawakami spoke up.

"I know! But what am I supposed to do, Amamiya-kun the elder? Ugh. What about the Phantom Thieves I hear the students talking about? Would they even help someone like me? No, that's impossible, isn't it? Haha, I'm just kidding myself." Kawakami said, making Ren frown as he could see that Kawakami appeared to be deeply hurting from what the Takases said to her. Ren knew he needed to do something to help his teacher out, but he wasn't sure what. Kawakami then spoke up to interrupt Ren's musings.

"I can't do this anymore, Amamiya-kun the elder." Kawakami said as Ren spoke up.

"What are their names again, Miss Kawakami?" Ren asked, making Kawakami blink as she spoke up.

"Uh, what? Who? The Takases? The husband is Toshio-kun, and the wife is Hiromi-san. Why do you ask? Haha, I could never forget them. I send them money every week without fail. Uh, wait. Why? You don't intend on doing something do you?" Kawakami asked, her eyes suddenly wide. She then kept speaking.

"Please don't. A Shujin teacher asking the Phantom Thieves for help would be unusual." Kawakami said as she kept speaking.

"I'm sorry. I was so excited to tell you what I had decided to do, and then it ended up like this, with me being black-mailed into continuing to pay them. Just forget everything, okay? If you think about it, I'm right back where I started when I first met you. Ugh. Well, I guess I'll never be able to change, will I? Y-Yeah, haha, that's true. Class is about to start soon, so I need to go." Kawakami said as Ren frowned, deciding he needed to do something about the Takases for Kawakami, and soon.

At that point, the group's phones, minus the still-missing Kusa's, pinged with a 'REQUEST RECEIVED' notification to signify the receipt of a Mementos request titled 'A Teacher Maid to Suffer'. After that, the two left the Student Guidance Office...

(That afternoon, in class with Ren, Ann, and Morgana)

As Ren and Ann sat in class, their phones went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, Akechi, and Sumire, with Haru sending the first response.

"Does the school's atmosphere seem, I dunno, different to anyone else?" Haru sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"And when you say that, you mean that with the context of 'atmosphere' being what, precisely?" Yusuke sent as Haru sent a response.

"The general mood, I suppose. Everyone seems so happy now. Some of them seem like entirely new people, even." Haru sent as Ann sent a response.

"I've been seeing it too. You think this is Maruki's influence?" Ann sent as Akechi sent a response.

"If their stories and circumstances seem radically different from before, it's a safe bet." Akechi sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Shit. This is all so crazy now. Ren, let us know if you want to go to Mementos. I can be at the hideout anytime." Ryuji sent as Sumire sent a response.

"And by hideout, you mean the place we usually gather?" Sumire sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Yeah. What's up?" Ryuji sent as Sumire sent a response.

"So we're all going to gather at Leblanc, then? Because as far as I know that's where we've been gathering. Just wanted to make sure that hasn't changed in the short time I was out of the chat." Sumire sent as Ren sent a response.

"Correct, Sumi. We're gathering at Leblanc. And Ryuji, that's honestly good timing that you bring up Mementos, since there's a good chance we're making a trip there today. I think we have enough targets to justify a run. And even if we didn't, something's come up that requires us to act urgently. I can't say much over chat, but suffice it to say it pertains to a certain someone those of us who attend Shujin at least know of in passing, as she teaches one of the classes there." Ren sent as Sumire sent a response.

"I had a feeling. I'm honestly impressed Boss is so cool about letting us gather there. After all, it is a public cafe, where customers could come and go at any time." Sumire sent as Futaba sent a response.

"It's cool, Sumire. Sojiro always closes up when we tell him we need the shop to discuss business. He's pretty supportive that way. I think that might be the fact that he owes the Phantom Thieves for saving me, but it might also be out of a sense of respect for Ren and Kusa, even if the latter's not around right now. Besides, no customers come around most of the time, anyway." Futaba sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Besides, we're always there anyways." Ryuji sent as Ann sent a response.

"Then it's settled! We'll all meet up at Leblanc!" Ann sent as Sumire sent a response.

"Okay! I will see you all there!" Sumire sent as Ren put his phone away while Morgana spoke up.

"HEY! Make sure we're all stocked up on important supplies. We don't want to run out of something when we need it most." Morgana said as Ren nodded while the rest of class passed uneventfully...

(After school, in class with Ren and Morgana)

"Now then. We have until February 3rd. Let's stay focused here." Morgana said, as the 'MISSION START!' prompt appeared on the chalkboard before Morgana kept speaking.

"Hey, hey! Oh, that's right. Didn't it seem like Lady Ann had something she wanted to say? I think she's at the Underground Mall right now. Why don't you go check up on her?" Morgana said to Ren, who spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"I could, but I think we have more important things to worry about right now, like our mission. I'll hear her out when we have free time." Ren said as Morgana nodded and went back into Ren's bag. Ren then headed to the Velvet Room to do some Persona management, coming away from it with a handful of really powerful Personas at his disposal, a handful of them being the ultimate Personas of their respective Arcanas.

Ren knew he needed to wait for the next Fusion Alarm to itemize some of them, as a quick scan showed that many of the 'ultimate' Personas were capable of turning into the ultimate weapons of the various Phantom Thieves. Thus far, Ren had already gotten ahold of one of his two ultimate pistols, Ryuj's ultimate mace, Yusuke's ultimate rifle, and little else. However, he'd identified the Personas that turn into both of Akechi's ultimate weapons, Kusa's ultimate staff, Sumire's ultimate rapier, both of Makoto's ultimate weapons, possibly Ann's ultimate whip, and that was it.

Ren also knew he hadn't identified the Personas that could become Yusuke's ultimate Katana, Ryuji's ultimate shotgun, Ann's ultimate SMG, Morgana's ultimate scimitar, both of Haru's ultimate weapons, Sumire's ultimate sawed-off shotgun, and Kusa's ultimate throwing knives. After mulling this over, Ren shrugged, before opening up a group chat with the others to summon them to the hideout for the Mementos run...

(A short time later, in the lower level of Leblanc, with Ann, Haru, Futaba, Morgana, Sumire, Ren, Makoto, Yusuke, Ryuji, Akechi, and Sojiro)

"How are you, Senpai? Also, hi! We're about to enter Mementos, is that correct? Um, I'm aware I only accompanied you all there the once, but I'll make sure not to slow the group down. Looking forward to making this trip with you all." Sumire said politely as Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"Really? No way, man! I keep tellin' you, you don't gotta be so formal! But if you want, I can get you up to speed with what you missed during your brief hiatus from the team, Sumire." Ryuji said as both Ren and Akechi chuckled at this, the former looking at Sumire as he spoke up.

"Don't take him up on that. He wouldn't give a very accurate summary. If you're after that, you're better off asking myself or Morgana, since we can give better summaries. Akechi probably could do it too, but I know he doesn't like to be asked stuff, so that's why I say me or Morgana are your best bets." Ren said as Morgana spoke up while giving Ren an approving nod.

"HEY! Sorry to interrupt you two, but I already got Sumire back up to speed while we waited on the others." Morgana said as Ryuji blinked and spoke up.

"Huh? So she's already aware of everything she missed out on, more or less?" Ryuji asked as Sumire smiled while nodding.

"That's right. Morgana-senpai filled me in on what I missed. Including a certain someone trying to slip back into her old habits." Sumire said, turning to give a very pointed look at a now-sheepish looking Futaba, who winced and spoke up.

"Eh, oops? But in my defense, you'd have possibly retreated into your shell too if it'd been Ren who was captured instead of Kusa, and we both know it. So don't try to act like you can judge me for how I handled it." Futaba said to Sumire, who merely nodded, realizing that this discussion was derailing things. Ryuji then spoke up.

"O-Oh, I see. Yeah, okay then." Ryuji said as Futaba giggled and spoke up.

"Mwehehe. Guess you missed your chance to become a senpai, eh Ryuji?" Futaba said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"Wha? Sh-Shuddup! Wasn't even aimin' for that anyways! Besides, I know damn well she's Ren's girl, and I follow the bro code." Ryuji said. Sumire winced and spoke up.

"Oh, I-I'm so sorry, Ryuji-senpai! I didn't mean to ruin your chance to become a senpai. And for the record, you do realize that I call everyone on the team, aside from Kusa and Akechi at least, senpai?" Sumire said to Ryuji, who nodded, before wincing at the twin glares aimed at him by Akechi and Makoto for derailing the conversation as the latter spoke up with a sigh.

"I feel for you, sweetie, but this is just a waste of time. Well then, let's get back on topic." Makoto said as Akechi spoke up.

"Indeed. We should begin by investigating Mementos. But I'd prefer to avoid dying in vain due to a lack of preparations if possible. Therefore, it's more important than ever that you all be in your best shape before proceeding." Akechi said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"You're right. As usual, we'll let Ren handle how we should proceed. Once we're all prepared, let's head into Mementos." Makoto said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. But to address Akechi's concerns, I just got done investing a ton of my money into more healing supplies for the group, so we'd be more prepared to handle any injuries that should arise. Also, I'm in the midst of making preparations to get some really powerful weapons sourced for our usage. But it will take a bit, since some of them have to be acquired in very specific circumstances, so it's going to be a significant investment of my time.

So I appreciate everyone's patience in that regard. That said, since we're discussing Mementos, Morgana and I actually have another batch of requests for everyone's perusal. Morgana, if you'd be so kind as to run the others through them?" Ren said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Right. Well then, we have some new intel on a handful of Mementos targets today. We'll start with this one first, I think. This intel is on a malicious producer in the showbiz world. Supposedly, he's been using the dreams of young women for his own personal profit. If I were a betting cat, I'd bet countless women have succumbed to his plot already, and likely even more are succumbing as we speak." Morgana said as Ann frowned and spoke up.

"Huh. So there are other guys out there just like Kamoshida, hm? This is unforgivable. We need to change his heart at once." Ann said as the other girls nodded their agreement while Yusuke spoke up.

"Very well, I will go along with this." Yusuke said as Morgana spoke up.

"Seems like it's more or less unanimous. But that's not all. Now we move on to the next target. Listen up! This intel is on the human incarnation of greed who borrows money and runs off with it. He's changed his name and even had surgery to change his face. Not even the police can catch him at this point." Morgana said as Makoto sighed and spoke up.

"When greed has gone that far, the only thing I can feel is pity. As such, it seems it would be best if we helped change his heart." Makoto said as Ann spoke up.

"Heh, I'm on board! I'm for doing this too! We need to trigger a change of heart in them." Ann said as Morgana spoke up.

"And that's not all. Now for the next target. And this one is a significant one, so listen up! This is from the owner of the Central Street airsoft shop. Apparently an acquaintance is threatening him. This acquaintance, Tsuda, is for lack of a better term, a professional. IF we don't hurry, Iwai will be in serious danger." Morgana said as a wide-eyed Ryuji spoke up.

"What the hell!? That man's pretty freakin' scary, as I recall. So if this is a guy threatening him, he must be bad! In any case, this time we're goin' up against a real criminal. Therefore, he'll surely be a worthy opponent." Ryuji said as Ann nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. It seems tough, but I think we can accomplish this if you say we can!" Ann said as Morgana spoke up.

"Nice! Okay, it looks like we're all ready to do this! I already left the calling card at our target's home. But that's not all of our targets. Now we move on to the fourth of today's five targets, so listen up! This intel is on the couple related to a former student of the one some of you call Miss Kawakami. They are quite the foul pair of people. They're using the incident where that child died to try and extort money from Kawakami." Morgana said as Sumire and Ann gasped, the former speaking up.

"What!? Someone's threatening Kawakami-sensei!?" Sumire asked in shock as Ann growled and spoke up.

"What the hell? Threatening her is bad enough by itself, but using a deceased child to do it as well? That's just too much. We have to do this." Ann said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Mm-hm. I'll show off my skills in front of Lady Ann." Morgana said as Akechi huffed and spoke up.

"Seriously? You're still hung up on a girl you have no chance with, Morgana? Ignoring your current form for the moment, how many times have you had it made abundantly clear to you that Ann has a girlfriend she's happy with? Give it up already. And I thought you were focused on Haru nowadays?" Akechi said, making Ren and Ryuji both blink before exchanging smirks at the almost-unnoticeable hint of jealousy in Akechi's words as he mentioned Morgana being focused on Haru. But Morgana spoke up before either Ren or Ryuji could open their mouths to tease Akechi.

"Ugh, I hate that you have a good point on this, Akechi. But you are right. Anyways, nice! Okay, it looks like we're all set to do this! As is routine, I've already posted the calling card at our target's residence. However, there's still one last target to go over, so on to the final target of this batch. And this one is really bad, so listen up! This intel is about a womanizer. He believes that, to use his words, 'All women should be conquered', and enjoys turning girls against each other for his own amusement. Apparently, there've been incidents that resulted in injuries, and even a girl who had to quit school." Morgana said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"Oh, c'mon! For real!? Damn, this guy's messed up, isn't he?" Ryuji said as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"I concur. He's just about as bad as Kamoshida and that one noble that you had the girls model swimsuits for during Shido's Palace. Which, while I'm on the topic, REALLY!? Why would you have the girls show themselves off like that!? What if you'd ended up making that guy just jump them all, instead of what inevitably happened? I know you're not the smartest one here, but really Sakamoto? That's just asinine." Akechi said, not seeing all the present females, plus Sojiro, blink at his rant. Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, I knew Akechi was waiting to take Ryuji to task for that. Also, yes that guy's messed up! In case anyone here forgot, we respect women in this group!" Ren said as Ann frowned and spoke up.

"Right, Ren!? This guy's a jerk! We absolutely have to change his heart!" Ann said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Yeah, I agree, but think about it. Morgana said this guy thinks all women are meant to be conquered, right? Might be kinda dangerous for the girls in the room, yeah?" Ryuji said, wincing at the five pissed-off glares he got from the females in the room as Ann spoke up.

"Ugh! No way! Ugh, but I guess you can't be so sure in Mementos. Let's be careful out there." Ann said as Sumire smiled and spoke up.

"Agreed. But also, I think we can relax somewhat, Ann-senpai. After all, the guys will have our backs. And I know that Ryuji-senpai, Ren-senpai, and Morgana-senpai won't let anyone lay a finger on any of us. And if he were here, Kusa-kun would probably pummel anyone who even looked at Futaba-senpai funny." Sumire said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"All right! That's the spirit! I don't like anyone who treats other people like crap either. Let's hurry up and change his heart." Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up.

"Agreed. There's no objections, right? Mm, I'll take the silence as a no. So we're good to go if you're okay with it. That's a unanimous decision! Okay, all that's left now is to take down the target in Mementos!" Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"True. But let's not forget that in addition to these targets, we also are going to Mementos to try and find out what connection the place has to Maruki's Palace, so as to hopefully remove that roadblock we ran into yesterday. After all, I'm sure some of us are waiting not-so-patiently for the day we can secure the Treasure route, along with reuniting the group with its missing teammate." Ren said wisely before he turned serious and spoke up.

"That said, let's head on in to Mementos, everyone!" Ren said. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Amamiya-kun the elder. Hm, let us consider our target total before we go in. We know of 5 currently within Mementos, yes? Let's go." Akechi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I agree. Let's do this!" Ren said. Akechi nodded.

"Good. Now, let us depart." Akechi said as the group headed into Mementos...

(Inside Mementos, with Crow, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Joker, Oracle, Violet, Mona, and Skull)

"Hm, I see. So you guys said before that Mementos is also someone's Palace, was it?" Violet said, trying to recall the explanation she'd gotten of Mementos before. Panther blinked as she spoke up.

"Oh yeah, that's right. This is technically Violet's first trip into Mementos as a full-fledged Phantom Thief, since when she came here before, it was before she was formally inducted into the group." Panther said as Skull spoke up with a smirk.

"Right. Well then, check this shit out, Violet! this place is actually EVERYONE'S Palace." Skull said as Violet frowned for a moment before seeming to pump her fists happily as she turned to give Skull a closed-eye smile as she spoke up, not seeing the subtle glance Joker gave her as he spoke up, nor the soft smile that crossed his face at the sight of her happy expression.

"Ah, so that's what that means. I'm not exactly sure of the significance of that, even if I'm almost certain the whole 'Everyone's Palace' bit isn't meant to be taken literally, but I do get the sense that it's important! So, thanks for explaining, Skull-senpai!" Violet said as Skull spoke up with a grin and a pumped fist.

"Heh, good job catchin' up, Violet!" Skull said as Joker and Queen both just put their heads in their hands, shaking said heads in a mix of fondness and exasperation. The rest of the group sweatdropped as Panther spoke up.

"Is this place different to how it was before, somehow? I mean, it seems the same from here. Buuut, doesn't it feel like the place has also changed, somehow? Or was it always like this?" Panther asked as Skull huffed and spoke up.

"Think so? Looks the same as usual to me." Skull said as Queen sighed and spoke up.

"Oh my god. Really, sweetie? You're kidding, right? This place has always looked rather bizarre, but the massive cables are a recent addition." Queen said as Skull winced and spoke up with an embarrassed look on his face, ignoring the quiet giggles/snickers coming from Joker, Mona, Oracle, and Crow as he spoke up.

"O-Oh, yeah? Is that right, babe? I knew that." Skull said as Crow huffed and spoke up.

"Uh-huh. Sure you did, Skull. And I'm also sure that Mona totally cuddled with Joker during his brief stint in human form." Crow said dryly, ignoring the identical gaping expressions of mixed horror and mortification on both Joker and Mona's faces as he kept speaking.

"Anyways, back to the important topic, they appear to be the same cables as those we found in Maruki's Palace. Therefore, it looks like our theory about them affecting this place was accurate." Crow said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, we nailed that one all right! And better than we thought we did, too. I'm getting strong readings all the way down to the depths. It leads all the way to where we found the Holy Grail." Oracle said as the others all blinked at this in shock, turning to face Oracle as Noir spoke up in concern.

"Oh? But the God of Control isn't there anymore, right?" Noir asked as Joker spoke up.

"I hope not. I barely defeated him the last time, and that only through the intervention of the masses and Satanael. I haven't been able to summon him since then, though. I've had to rely on Arsene in his place." Joker said as Mona spoke up.

"Hm. Well, why don't we check it out ourselves? Besides, I've got something I want Violet and Crow to see, too." Mona said as Violet and Crow blinked, the former speaking up.

"Us?" Violet asked, Crow nodding his agreement to her question." Rather than reply, Mona walked over and spoke up.

"Precisely. I think Crow might've seen this the once when he was with us during Sae's Palace, but never hurts to refresh him on it. Anyways, Morganaaa, transfoooooorm!" Mona called out, making Joker and Queen blink in shock at Mona once again breaking the 'No real names in the Metaverse' rule while he leapt up and turned into his Mona-bus form and spoke up.

"How's about THAT!?" Mona asked as Joker spoke up.

"Please tell me you expanded your interior, Mona. We barely fit six people in you during Oracle's Palace, so how do you expect us to fit ten if your interior is still that cramped?" Joker asked as Violet blinked and spoke up.

"Oh, so Mona is our ride? Hm, I see. I remember this from the time I came with you all to Mementos before, but I was still too stunned that I was helping Joker out to really take it in then. But, hm. I was expecting, I dunno, more?" Violet said with a shrug as Panther frowned and spoke up.

"Wow. Talk about a low-key reaction, right?" Panther said. Violet spoke up.

"Sorry, Panther-senpai. But, well? It really wasn't out of my depth to imagine a cat turning into a car, or rather a tour bus as Draconis once called it." Violet said as Mona sweatdropped and spoke up.

"What!? No way! But, but, what about my transformation!?" Mona said, clearly sounding upset by Violet's lack of reaction. Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Get over it, Mona. Not everyone's going to be impressed with a cat that can turn into a tour bus. Hell, you can't even get your crush to turn straight for you, so what shot do you have at impressing people by turning into a tour bus? Heh, how far the so-called 'hope of humanity' has fallen." Crow said dryly as Skull blinked and spoke up, preventing the Mona-bus from doing more than glaring at Crow for his dig at him.

"Wow, Mona's growing up. He actually let several people get away with calling him a cat. And he let the 'cat' part of Violet's remark slide that time. Maybe it's because she's Joker's girlfriend, but I feel like that's a lot of respect he just showed." Skull said as Noir nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, and it's that ability to imagine it so easily that allows Mona-chan to transform in the first place." Noir said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"That's true. Now, let's go already. Standing around here's a waste of time." Crow said bluntly as Mona spoke up.

"I know, I know! B-But my main point is, I'm in a totally different league than those other cars." Mona said as Skull smirked and spoke up.

"You mean because those other cars are actual cars, while you're just a cat turned car/tour bus?" Skull joked as Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, that was actually a rather witty comeback, Skull. Not bad." Crow said with a nod as Mona spoke up.

"Come on, hop in, everyone! You'll see what it's like riding in a high purr-formance vehicle!" Mona said as Joker, Crow, Oracle, Skull, and Fox all facefaulted at the bad pun, while Violet frowned and spoke up.

"Really? Was that pun absolutely necessary, Mona-senpai? I think you're lucky that Draconis ISN'T here right now. I seem to recall that he literally rolled up his rat tail and whacked the last guy that cracked a pun in front of him on the nose, repeatedly. Granted, it was Fox-senpai who was that unlucky guy, but my point is that Draconis has no tolerance for bad puns." Violet said as Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"Oh, really? I missed Draconis smacking someone? Damn. I bet it was quite the sight, too." Crow said as the group filed into the Mona-bus while Skull spoke up.

"All right, it's time to work!" Skull said as the group commenced their run through Mementos. While running down Shadows, Oracle hit level 81. While riding around looking for the first target, Oracle spoke up.

"While navigating you all around is fun, I never thought I'd end up dreaming about it." Oracle said as Violet smirked impishly and spoke up.

"You're sure it was the navigating you were dreaming about, rather than a certain brown-haired teammate of ours who helped you awaken to said navigational skills? Hee hee!" Violet said as Oracle gaped at Violet's not-so-subtle teasing remark, but Queen spoke up before Oracle could do more than do a wonderful fish impression, ignoring the laughs from Joker and Skull as she spoke.

"Violet, don't tease Oracle like that. You don't see her teasing you about Joker, do you? That said, that's not a bad thing, Oracle. That just goes to show how well you fit the role! You're a natural!" Queen said comfortingly as Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"Heh, you're right, Queen. And Violet, so what if Draconis may or may not have featured in those dreams? That's not your concern. Besides, I guarantee you Joker features often enough in your dreams, regardless of if said dreams are PG-13 or not." Oracle said, throwing her own subtle dig back at Violet, who flushed and spoke up.

"Th-That's just-! SHUT UP!" Violet said, sighing as she apologized to Oracle before crossing her arms and huffing cutely while the group kept driving. After a bit, Crow spoke up.

"If you're looking for a good way to train your body and mind, I highly recommend bouldering." Crow said as Joker gave Crow a confused look, never having heard of bouldering in his life. Surprisingly, Skull huffed and spoke up.

"What? For real!? C'mon, man. Nothing beats a good sweat at the gym! Everyone knows that!" Skull said, ignoring the near-simultaneous cries of 'EWW!' from Oracle, Panther, and Violet behind him as Joker spoke up.

"Um, I've never heard of that before, Crow. So I'll take your word for it. But Skull also has a point." Joker said as the group kept moving. After a bit, Mona spoke up.

"Hm!? Wait, I can sense the target up ahead! Do you want to head in?" Mona said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Yup, sure do. Let's go." Joker said as the group drove into the portal to chase the target. Oracle gasped as she spoke up.

"There they are. The Shadows of the guardians of the student named Takase." Oracle said as Skull huffed and spoke up.

"Those two look pretty sure of themselves. Real smug lookin'." Skull said as Fox spoke up.

"So they're blackmailing that teacher, Kawakami, by using that incident where their child died." Fox said as Panther frowned and spoke up.

"True. But Miss Kawakami did nothing wrong, right? We have to help her!" Panther said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"No shit we have to help her! You have no idea how much restraint I had to show before while they were talking down to Miss Kawakami. I was literally THIS close to hauling off and breaking the male Takase's nose, and then luring the female outside so I could get Queen to give the female Takase her Fists of Justice." Joker said grumpily, making Violet smile and pat Joker on the shoulder reassuringly as she spoke up.

"Aw, cheer up, Joker-senpai. You did the right thing in showing restraint. Also, I forgot that Queen-senpai actually called her All-Out Attack the Fist of Justice. Hee hee!" Violet said as Queen huffed and spoke up.

"You're lucky this is serious, or I'd be smacking you right now for that, Joker!" Queen said as Mona spoke up.

"Simmer down, everyone! Save that anger for the targets! Are you ready? Let's go." Mona said. The others nodded and ran up to the Takases' Shadows. As they approached, Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Hahaha! Money, money, money! Hurry and pay us your money! It's your 'responsibility'!" Mister Takase's Shadow said as Miss Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Clothes, handbags, makeup, accessories, and so on. There's too many things I want!" Miss Takase's Shadow said as Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Wait, who the hell are you? Ohhh, I get it. Are you one of those phantom thief guys? There's no reason for me to be targeted, though. I don't need no change of heart! That incompetent teacher is so worthless! She should be grateful to be a source of income for me!" Mister Takase's Shadow said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"You shut your mouth! Miss Kawakami is not worthless! If anyone's worthless, it's the two of you!" Joker snapped, ignoring the shocked looks Mona, Crow, and Violet exchanged behind him at his outburst as Mister Takase's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"Wh-What!? You little twit! Shut up! Kawakami got in my way! I was going to use what happened to my son to get back at people! I'm not gonna lose now! I won't lose to elitists like you!" Mister Takase's Shadow said as he and Miss Takase's Shadow shifted forms into a Oberon and Titania respectively, starting a fight! At the start of the fight, Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"I don't like your attitude!" Mister Takase's Shadow said as Miss Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Agreed! Take them down!" Miss Takase's Shadow said. Joker frowned and spoke up.

"SHUT UP! I don't have to listen to YOUR attitudes! COME, NEBIROS! Smite these two with your Almighty rage!" Joker said as Nebiros was summoned, nodding as she lifted her arms, making a gigantic orb of Almighty energy appear, dropping it right onto the 'Oberon' and 'Titania', destroying both in one attack, to the shock of the group. Joker blinked and spoke up after wincing at how one-sided that fight had been.

"Uh, did I over-charge that, by chance?" Joker said sheepishly as Crow smirked and spoke up with a rather amused grin on his face, clearly impressed with how efficiently Joker wrapped up the battle.

"Not at all. If anything that was rather ruthless, efficient, and expedient. Well done." Crow said as Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Ugh! Y-You bastards! How dare you use such a strong move!" Mister Takase's Shadow said as Miss Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"They're too much, dear! They took us down so easily." Miss Takase's Shadow said as the fight ended. Despite the less-than-stellar EXP gains, it was still enough to lift Mona to level 80. After the fight, the Takases' Shadows returned to normal form and Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"You're looking down on me, too? Deep down inside, you're laughing at me, aren't you? AREN'T YOU?" Mister Takase's Shadow said as Miss Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Ugh, I wish this would stop! Name brands, beauty regimens, aesthetic appointments, all of it. Without them, people will laugh at us." Miss Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"What are you talking about? And even if that is true, that's no excuse for how you've been behaving recently!" Joker said as Mister Takase's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"You're right, of course. We're terrible human beings. Our son, Taiki, and his real parents were different from us. His parents were both high level elites at big name corporations. Always looking at us coldly, like they were better than us. That's why I let our son experience what it's like to be forced to grovel!" Mister Takase's Shadow said as Crow growled and spoke up.

"What!? How dare you? I can get you wanting revenge on his real parents, but that's no call to hold the sins of the parents against the son! You sicken me." Crow said as Miss Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Say what you will, but it felt nice to see him gradually break down from working so much all the time." Miss Takase's Shadow said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"That's so petty. And I agree with Crow, you shouldn't hold what Taiki's real parents did against him! And you damn sure shouldn't drag his teacher into it! Surely you realize that she is in no way to blame for what happened to Taiki!? It was a tragic accident." Joker said irately, before blinking as he felt an arm lightly patting him on the shoulder to comfort him, making him turn and smile at Violet, who'd been the one to pat him on the shoulder. As he smiled at Violet, Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Perhaps, but were we really wrong to feel the way we did? To be honest, I'm not sure now if his birth parents really looked down on us or not." Mister Takase's Shadow said as Miss Takase's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. I was happy as long as I was with Toshio, but I forgot all about it. I became obsessed with money, and living in luxury." Miss Takase's Shadow said as Mister Takase's Shadow spoke up.

"Right? You know, Taiki really was a good kid when all was said and done." Mister Takase's Shadow said as the Takases' Shadows vanished in a flash of light to return to their true selves, leaving behind the bud of their Treasure, which Joker seized to get the 'Envy Chain' whip. Joker then blinked as he realized that the Takase couple had a change of heart, figuring that he should call Kawakami to his room at some point to tell her. At that point, the group's phones pinged to signify that the Mementos request 'A Teacher Maid to Suffer' was now marked as 'REQUEST COMPLETED'! The group turned to continue their exploration when Crow spoke up.

"This is amazing! I expected nothing less from the Phantom Thieves. Well, what now? Do you want to keep exploring?" Crow asked as Mona spoke up.

"There are no more targets in this area. What's our next move, Joker?" Mona asked as Joker spoke up.

"If this area is clear, let's head back to the entrance for a moment so we can re-group and probably shuffle the front lines around some. Plus I have other things to tend to while we're in Mementos." Joker said. Crow spoke up with a smirk.

"Calling it a day already?" Crow said as Joker spoke up while giving Crow a dry yet unimpressed glare.

"Hardly. We're only going back for now. We're not leaving Mementos, though. We have a lot more still to do here today. So shut it." Joker said bluntly as the group was whisked back to the entrance. As the group gathered at the entrance of Mementos after Joker handled the Fusion Alarm that had been tripped, Joker spoke up.

"Well, now that we've defeated our first target, let's switch up the front lines. Mona, you'll stay up front, while I have Fox and Skull tag out for Crow and Panther so they can get up front for a bit. The rest of you will remain in reserves for now. Understood?" Joker said as the group nodded and the necessary tagouts were made so that Crow and Panther joined Joker and Mona on the front lines. While exploring the next area for targets, Panther spoke up.

"I just love riding on the Ferris wheel. It's so nice, relaxing and taking time to take in the sights." Panther said as Queen nodded and spoke up with a smile.

"I know what you mean. It's always fun to bring someone along to appreciate the view with." Queen said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Uh-huh. And I'm certain you two aren't both speaking of your respective significant others when you say that. Because there is data supporting the idea that bringing one's boyfriend/girlfriend on a Ferris Wheel is likelier to bring the two closer to one another." Crow said with a smirk as Violet and Oracle giggled, the former speaking up.

"Wow, who knew Crow-senpai had such a funny and caring side? I'm impressed." Violet said as Oracle spoke up.

"Right!? Mwehehe, methinks he's trying to show off perhaps. After all, he might not admit to it, but I think most of us have seen him sneaking idle glances at a certain someone while he thought no one was looking. I can't say I blame him for keeping his attentions on the down low, though. After all, no one wants to be caught checking out a girl with a fiance." Oracle said as both Crow and Noir's eyes widened at Oracle's observation as the latter of the two wide-eyed Thieves flushed and spoke up.

"Wh-What!? Oracle, why would you say that!? Besides, I seem to recall that Crow-kun said before that it wouldn't work out between us? So why you bring up a moot point?" Noir asked as Crow spoke up.

"Technically, I said it wouldn't work out if you had feelings for me. I never said we couldn't work out as teammates, and maybe friends. Also, if by fiance, Oracle means that loser Sugimura, I'm not bothered by a pissant like him. I could probably eliminate him easily if I wanted to." Crow said huffily, glad in that moment that his Black Mask helmet covered most of his face, so no one could see how red his face was at that moment from Oracle's teasing comment. Joker huffed and spoke up.

"Enough, Oracle. I told you not to tease them! If they decide they want to take a shot with one another, that's entirely their business, and not for us to comment on." Joker said bluntly as the group kept moving, no one seeing the smile on Crow's face at Joker coming to his defense, or the grateful smile on Noir's face at Joker breaking up the teasing as the group kept moving. As the group kept moving around in the Mona-bus, Violet spoke up.

"It's been so cold lately. I have to be super-careful not to get sick." Violet said as Panther nodded and spoke up.

"Right? I feel you on that. Also, it's so dry out too. Ugh, I have to be careful not to let my skin get all flaky." Panther said as Oracle spoke up.

"Mwehehehe! Isn't that what bathhouses are for? Failing that, I'm sure that's why they invented moisturizing cream." Oracle said as Joker spoke up.

"This is true, but I don't know that Panther has ready access to such things. And to Violet's point, I can see how you getting sick would pose a problem given your goals. But even if you did, you have plenty of people who'd be willing to nurse you back to health if necessary." Joker remarked, ignoring the smirks on Mona and Skull's faces at the soft, kind tone of his voice as he spoke, as well as the amused giggles from Oracle and Noir at the obvious signs that Joker still has feelings for Violet, despite having fallen for her when he thought she was Kasumi.

The group kept moving at that point, none of them seeing the very soft, genuine smile on Violet's face, nor the subtle hints of a blush on her face at Joker's kind words. After running down a really strong Shadow, Crow hit level 80. After a bit, the group saw Jose pulled over in a corner of the current floor, so they stopped so Joker could get out and speak to him.

"Oh, Mister! Good job! You've got a whole lot of stamps now! The more stamps you get, the more stuff you can do in Mementos, so keep it up! Oh! And don't forget to keep bringing me Mementos flowers too, okay? Ah! Oh, that's right. I was able to go to a new area, so I went around and picked up some stuff. If you traded any flowers you've found for this stuff, I'd be so happy! While running over some Shadows, Noir hit level 81. After a bit of moving around, Crow frowned and spoke up.

"Personally, as someone used to working under the constraints of a time limit, I'd appreciate it if we could be a little more efficient." Crow said as Noir spoke up.

"I understand that Crow-kun, but wouldn't having a time limit be all the more reason to take our time and make sure we do things right?" Noir asked as Oracle spoke up.

"I think that was slightly contradictory, but I get what you meant, Noir." Oracle said as Violet spoke up.

"What Noir-senpai means is that despite the time limit, we'd be hurting ourselves if we move too fast. We should keep a slightly slowed pace to make sure we don't miss anything." Violet said as the group kept moving. After running down a Shadow, Queen hit level 81. After entering the portal of the next target, Oracle gasped as she saw the Shadow in front of the group, eventually speaking up.

"Whoa, it's Tsuda's Shadow." Oracle said as Skull spoke up.

"Hey! Somethin' about this guy tells me he's nuts. I guess I shouldn't be surprised." Skull said as Queen spoke up.

"You really shouldn't be, sweetie. He's threatening Iwai, after all. He's doing this because he's getting desperate, right Joker?" Queen asked Joker, who nodded before Fox spoke up with wide eyes.

"Still, he seriously intends to kill someone. We'd better change his heart immediately." Fox said as a wide-eyed Panther spoke up.

"R-Right! It's scary, but we gotta do it!" Panther said as the group moved forward towards Tsuda's Shadow. As the group approached Tsuda's Shadow, he spoke up.

"Huh? Hey! Who the hell said you could come in here!? This is my territory! I'm the Hashiba Clan's second-in-command! Don't come in without my say-so! Don't talk, don't breathe, not without my permission. You guys aren't yakuza, so you obey me! You hear me? Those are the rules of the world!" Tsuda's Shadow said as Joker spoke up.

"There are no such rules that I know of. And I can say for a fact those are not the rules of the world." Joker said. Tsuda's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"Hey, you're not the one who gets to decide the rules! No one takes me seriously! You, the Hong Kong mafia, Iwai, even the guys in the Hashiba Clan! Well, forget that! I'm not a joke! I'll show you alllll!" Tsuda's Shadow said as he shifted forms into a Belphegor, much to the girls' disgust as the fight started. At the start, Tsuda's Shadow spoke up.

"I'll kill you if that's what it takes! Don't underestimate me, brats!" Tsuda's Shadow said as the fight began! However, like with the fight against the Takases' Shadows, Joker ended it with a single attack from Nebiros. As he crumpled to the ground, Tsuda's Shadow spoke up.

"Goddammit, you guys are strong!" Tsuda's Shadow said as the fight ended. After the fight, Tsuda's Shadow returned to normal and he spoke up.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have threatened Iwai! There wasn't any other way out, that I could think of. Once they find out I've been letting them down, I'll be demoted from second-in-command, at the very least. Besides, I'm just a relic from a bygone era. The young college grads in the Hashiba Clan laugh behind my back. Hehehe, I realize it now. Even the world of the yakuza's been taken over by the intellectuals.

That's why I had to make this transaction work, no matter what. Even if it meant taking advantage of my subordinate and close friend, Mune, to do so. The Hong Kong mafia pulled the carpet under me. It's what I get for breaking the yakuza code." Tsuda's Shadow said as Joker spoke up in a surprisingly kind tone.

"If that's the case, maybe you should start over, and try to earn your spot legitimately?" Joker suggested. Tsuda's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, good idea. You're right. I'm done with being pathetic. Sorry, Mune. I let you down. I wish I could have have a drink with you one more time." Tsuda's Shadow said as he vanished to return back to his real self, leaving behind the bud of his Treasure, which Joker seized to get the 'Weird Wrap' armor. Joker then noted that Tsuda seemed to have had a change of heart, deciding to go check in on Iwai later to confirm this. At that point, the group's phones pinged to signify that the Mementos request titled 'Shady Deal In The Shadows' was now marked as 'REQUEST COMPLETED'. The group turned to leave, at which point Crow spoke up.

"Hmph. Another target taken care of. So, what next? Do we keep exploring?" Crow asked as Mona spoke up.

"There are no more targets in the area. What's the call, Joker?" Mona asked as Joker spoke up.

"For now, let's return to the entrance and re-group before we head to the next area to check for targets. We still have 3 more targets to deal with, plus we have to get back to the depths to check on the reading Oracle got." Joker said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Understood." Crow said as the group headed back to the entrance. As the group regrouped and continued to the next area to hunt more targets, Oracle spoke up.

"Wouldn't it be cool to mod the grappling hook so the cord was electrified?" Oracle asked as Fox spoke up, ignoring the mutual winces on the faces of Joker, Crow, and Violet as he spoke.

"Fascinating idea. And what would power the cord?" Fox asked as Violet spoke up warily.

"Never mind that, Fox-senpai. How would we ensure Joker-senpai didn't get himself electrocuted every time he used it in that instance?" Violet asked with a frown as Oracle smirked and spoke up.

"That's easy, Violet! Joker wears mostly rubber! And rubber can't conduct electricity to my awareness." Oracle said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"As amusing as that would be to see, wouldn't it be simpler just to have Joker equip an electricity-proof Persona? After all, he IS a Wild Card. So housing a Persona that has resistance to electricity should be child's play for him." Crow said smugly as the group kept moving, only Joker noting the adorably placed blush on Violet's face at Oracle's 'wears mostly rubber' comment as the group kept going. After a bit, Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Oh, anyone ever try the ramen over in Tsukushima? Man, their stuff is LEGIT!" Skull said eagerly as Noir smiled and spoke up.

"Yes, that's true, Skull-kun. I hear their stuff is world-famous for the quality of their ingredients and such. But I have tried it." Noir said as Crow turned to Joker and spoke up.

"Does Skull always get that excited about ramen?" Crow asked Joker, who shuddered and spoke up.

"Believe me Crow, you don't wanna know the answer to that. I do, and I've found myself wishing I didn't every day ever since." Joker said as Crow blinked and spoke up.

"Ah. I see? Forget that I asked, then." Crow said as the group kept moving. While running down Personas, Joker's 'Sandman' Persona, which he'd gotten while running over Shadows, hit level 24 and gained the support skill 'Sukunda', making Skull grin as he spoke up.

"Ooh, show me that move sometime!" Skull said as Sandman acquired 'Sukunda'. After a bit, Noir spoke up.

"Um, truth be told? Sometimes I still have dreams about doing phantom thief things with Mona-chan." Noir said as Oracle spoke up.

"True, I think those of us who were on the team at the time were all a bit lonely without Mona around, and to a point Draconis too, but that's all a distant memory now." Oracle said as Violet smiled and patted Oracle on the shoulder comfortingly as she spoke up.

"There, there, Oracle. We'll get through this Mementos run swiftly enough so we can get back to the Palace. So chin up. You'll hopefully be reunited with him before you know it." Violet said to Oracle, who smiled at Violet before shocking most everyone present by walking over and wrapping her in a hug, smiling as she spoke up.

"Heh, you're probably right, Violet. Ooh, but dang. Who knew gymnastics kept you this in shape? Heh, I think I see why Joker likes checking you out so much." Oracle said teasingly as a red-faced Joker lightly karate-chopped Oracle over the head, making her dramatically flop over face-down onto Violet's chest, making Violet blush profusely at the rather sudden turn of events before frowning at Joker as she spoke up.

"R-Really, Joker-senpai? Did you HAVE to chop her while she was hugging me? Now I have Oracle passed out on my chest. Also, I had no idea she was such a naughty brat." Violet said, pouting adorably as Joker smiled and spoke up.

"Heh, sorry about that, beautiful. I forgot she was wrapped around you, or I'd have waited. But she's mostly harmless. Besides, she's committed to Draconis, so I doubt her cuddling you like that means anything. I suppose if it really bothers you though, I can have Crow pry her off you, since he's closest to her." Joker said as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"No, that's okay. I don't mind her cuddled into me like this. It's actually kinda adorable, once I get past the embarrassment of having another girl's face in my cleavage." Violet said, her blush going down clear to her neck at her own usage of the word cleavage. Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Good, I don't have to waste my energy then. Granted, I'd have probably tossed her out the window afterwards for the sake of room preservation, but that's irrelevant." Crow said, as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"Is it bad that I can't tell if you were serious or not there, Crow? Either way, no throwing our navigator out the window, unless you're offering to both take over as navigator and explain her disappearance to her pissed off Coffee Daddy." Joker lightly reprimanded Crow as Oracle muttered under her breath.

"Mmm...so soft and comfy. Who knew Violet was such a soft pillow? Mwehehe." Oracle mumbled in her half-unconscious state, making Joker roll his eyes and lightly poke her in the cheek as he spoke up.

"Quit faking it, Oracle. I know I didn't chop you that hard. You're just playing it up to be a brat. Now kindly get yourself off of my girlfriend's chest." Joker said dryly, ignoring the flush on Violet's face at his referring to her as his girlfriend. On one hand, Violet was pleased Joker still thought of her as his girlfriend. On the other, she still was unsure if she was truly worthy of the love and care he shows her, given how long she spent lying to him about her name. Oracle pouted and sat up while speaking up.

"Fiiine. Way to kill my fun, big bro. You're just salty because you've had to restrain yourself from jumping Violet's bones for so long." Oracle huffed, making both Joker and Violet's eyes widen comically at the subtle dig at Joker, while Skull fist-bumped Oracle and spoke up.

"Truth, Oracle! Even I can tell Joker's restraining himself from taking that next step with Violet. And honestly? I think deep down, some part of Violet wants him to take her and be done with it." Skull said as Violet's face blushed even more, if that were possible. Joker smirked at the thought that Violet's blush probably went clear down the front of her by this point, even as he glared at Skull for his crass reference to his relationship with Violet.

The group kept moving at that point, even as Violet huffed adorably and crossed her arms with a cute pout, ignoring the feeling of Joker lightly patting her on the head comfortingly, though she did smile slightly at his touch. While driving around to find the target, Mona spoke up.

"Heh, I'm always so entranced by Panther's whip technique." Mona said as Panther smiled and spoke up.

"Thanks! I'm just getting started, though." Panther said as Skull and Joker looked at each other as the former of the two spoke up.

"Uh, Joker? Should we be worried that the cat has a whip fetish or something?" Skull joked as Joker spoke up.

"Maybe, but I'd be more worried about you still calling him 'the cat', Skull. Sure, he might actually be one now, but still, that's not a very professional way of addressing Mona. But yes, that is bit worrying. Though I'm sure you'd find that kinky if it were Queen doing the whip techniques instead, am I right?" Joker teased Skull, who grinned and fist bumped Joker while speaking up so only the two of them could hear.

"Hell yeah, Joker! Also, I don't think Oracle trying to snuggle your girlfriend's cleavage was that big of a deal. Or are you not a guy who finds girl on girl action totally hot?" Skull asked Joker, who flushed slightly before he spoke up while keeping his voice down.

"Of course I find lesbians hot, Skull! But I'm also more of a gentleman than to refer to it in such a crass manner. Plus, you forget that Oracle is Draconis' girlfriend. And I dunno how he'd react if the first thing he returns to is his girlfriend getting cozy with my girlfriend. Granted, the more hormonal part of him will probably approve, but the gentleman in him would be conflicted. But then, to be fair, we also know that Mona is an unrepentant Panther simp, and probably will be such for the rest of his days." Joker said as Skull nodded while Violet blinked at Joker and spoke up.

"Oh? I didn't know you were into that sort of thing, Joker-senpai?" Violet asked Joker, whose face flushed behind his mask as he spoke up.

"That's because I don't usually mention it in polite company. Plus, I don't want you to feel like you have to act a certain way to impress me, because you totally don't. I like you fine just the way you are." Joker said honestly to Violet, who smiled and nodded as the group kept moving. After the group finally found the portal and exited the Mona-Bus, Oracle gasped and spoke up.

"Oh! There it is, everyone! Akitsu's Shadow." Oracle said as Queen blinked and spoke up.

"Hm? I could be wrong, but I get the impression that it looks a little anxious." Queen said as Fox spoke up.

"Well, it's not surprising. I hear he's been repeatedly changing his name and face with plastic surgery to escape debt." Fox said as Panther frowned and spoke up.

"Hmph. The police will never catch him, so it's up to us." Panther said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Yeah. Let's go!" Skull said as the group approached Akitsu's Shadow, who then spoke up.

"Phantom thieves, huh? Since we're both always on the run, I can give you pointers on hiding." Akitsu's Shadow said as Skull frowned and spoke up.

"Huh? Hey, we'd never accept any help from a guy as bad as you." Skull said as Queen nodded and spoke up.

"What he said! You'd better return all the money you stole!" Queen said as Akitsu's Shadow spoke up.

"Shut up! Why should I? Banks are always taking money from people unfairly. I'm stealing back from the people who stole first. I'm doing what's right! I'm carrying out justice!" Akitsu's Shadow said as Fox frowned and spoke up.

"I disagree. You've been running away, always hiding behind a new name and face." Fox said as Akitsu's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"How stupid! Hmm? You guys hide your identities too. You know what? That makes all of you hypocrites! I'm gonna take off those masks and see who you guys really are!" Akitsu's Shadow said as he shifted forms into that of a being Joker was unfamiliar with. Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"Let's do this!" Morgana said as the fight started! As it started, Akitsu's Shadow spoke up.

"Haha! I live true to my desires. I'll tear off those masks of hypocrisy!" Akitsu's Shadow said as the fight started! After the fight, in which neither side did much at first until Panther and Joker's magic attacks tore big strips off of the enemy's energy, at which point Mona finished it off with Diego's 'Miracle Punch' to end the fight. After the fight, Akitsu's Shadow returned to normal and spoke up.

"No, this can't be? I lost!? I can't believe it ends like this! This whole time, I haven't been carrying out justice?" Akitsu's Shadow said as Joker spoke up.

"Hmph, I guess you've finally realized it. It took you long enough." Joker said. Akitsu's Shadow spoke up.

"I see. This whole time, rather than being a hero, I was actually a bad guy." Akitsu's Shadow said as Panther spoke up.

"So, you were saying the Phantom Thieves were hypocrites?" Panther said as Akitsu's Shadow spoke up.

"I take it back. I was wrong to have said that. I've realized my own mistakes, thanks to all of you. I'm ashamed of myself. I've worked so hard to fool the world, living only for my own greed. I've changed my face and name many times, but for the first time in a long time, my heart has been changed." Akitsu's Shadow said as it faded away to leave behind the bud of its Treasure, which Joker seized to acquire a 'Thermopylae' Skill card. At that point, Fox spoke up.

"From now on, live your life with an open heart and nothing to hide." Yusuke said to the air where Akitsu's Shadow had been, as the group's phones pinged to signify that the Mementos request 'Man of Many Faces and Debts' was marked as 'REQUEST COMPLETED'. The group turned to leave, at which point Panther spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Hey! That went well! What should we do now? Keep exploring?" Panther asked as Mona spoke up.

"We can, but be aware that there are no more targets in this area. What's our next move, Joker?" Mona said as Joker spoke up.

"If this area is clear, let's go back to the entrance and jump to the next area." Joker said as the others nodded and Panther spoke up.

"Makes sense to me! Well, let's go." Panther said as the group headed back to the entrance. While running down Shadows in the next area with targets, Violet hit level 80 while Fox hit level 81. The level-ups granted Violet the support skill 'Brave Step', making her smile as she spoke up.

"Wow, I learned a new skill!" Violet said as Joker spoke up.

"Well done, Violet. I had a feeling one of us still had a skill left to learn, and I was right. So other than our missing teammate, we all have our learnsets maxed out, other than a few of my Personas." Joker said as the others nodded while Cendrillion acquired 'Brave Step'. While running over Shadows, Joker's 'Unicorn' Persona hit level 75. While driving around, Mona smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, I'd be willing to bet Joker's skilled enough to use throwing knives." Mona said as Queen spoke up.

"I've seen street performers use those. Do you think they could be useful against Shadows?" Queen asked as Joker huffed and spoke up.

"First of all, can you not talk about me as if I'm not right here? Secondly, while I DO have some skill with throwing knives, we both know I'm not the Amamiya sibling you want to speak to about them. And speaking of which, did you not see all the times Draconis cut Shadows in half with his throwing knives, Queen? Also, let us not forget that he pinned a Shadow to a paper cut-out by their hands and feet with JUST his throwing knives during his Showtime with Crow." Joker pointed out wisely as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Ah yes, I'd forgotten we did that. Good times, for sure. Though I wonder if our Showtime will have changed since his Persona evolved?" Crow mused as the group kept moving. While hitting Shadows on the next floor, Joker hit level 81 and spoke up.

"Heh, not bad. I've grown stronger." Joker said as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"See? That's not too bad of a level-up brag, Joker. Not too subdued, but not too show-offy. It's just right, don't you agree Crow?" Violet said as Crow blinked and spoke up.

"Hm? Oh, yes. That was rather good by Joker's standards." Crow said as Joker's level increased. As the group kept moving, Noir spoke up.

"I've been thinking about learning more about the world, but I'm not sure how best to go about it." Noir said as Panther smiled and spoke up.

"Well, they say part-time jobs are a great way of going about it, but I'm not sure if you need to go that far with it." Panther said as Crow spoke up.

"Heh, you never know, Noir. Maybe we'll all get the chance to go on a road trip someday and see the sights. You could learn a great deal about the world from that, if nothing else." Crow said as Noir smiled and spoke up.

"Yes, that's actually a great suggestion, Crow-kun. Thank you." Noir said, smiling gratefully at Crow, missing the subtle hints of red on his face as she turned away while the group kept moving, no one acknowledging the smirks on Joker and Skull's faces at how blatantly obvious it was that Crow was, at the very least, attracted to Noir. After running another Shadow over, Skull hit level 81. While driving around, Queen spoke up.

"Heh, I might know aikido, but I'm a total beginner when it comes to using my fists." Queen said as Mona spoke up.

"Well, I guess you'll just have to improvise and use what you already know." Mona said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Perhaps. Or, once he's back with us and up to it, maybe I can have Draconis give her some martial arts lessons. I know some of those involved fist-fighting, so he would at least be able to help you get slightly better with your fists, Queen. I'd suggest Skull, but is he really a good teacher?" Joker teased, ignoring the indignant 'HEY!' of protest from the Phantom Thief in question as Queen giggled and spoke up.

"That's a good point, Joker. And sorry, sweetie, but it is true. You might be good at running, but I doubt you'll make a good teacher as you are now. However, if you were to apply yourself to getting better, that might change." Queen said, leaning over to apologetically kiss Skull on the cheek, making them both flush slightly as Skull grinned and fist-bumped a smirking Joker. Crow huffed and spoke up.

"Really? Can we not have such sickening displays in closed quarters? What was that saying people have for stuff like that? Oh, I remember now. GET AN EFFING ROOM!" Crow said dryly as Joker laughed and spoke up.

"Calm down, Crow. I get that you're not good with social situations, but try to understand that those two don't seem to show each other affection that often." Joker said as Crow shrugged and the group kept moving. After finding the portal and going inside, Mona spoke up.

"There! No doubt about it, that's Arihara's Shadow." Mona said as Panther huffed and spoke up.

"Ugh. 'All women should be conquered', was it? I think that was what he said. We should be careful either way. We've got to change his heart no matter what!" Panther said as the group charged at Arihara's Shadow, who laughed tauntingly and spoke up.

"HAHAHA! Hm, what's this? Ah, you guys must be the Phantom Thieves. But I haven't done anything wrong. They all brought it on themselves. I bet you they're all saying stuff like, 'I'm so glad to serve him', or 'OMG, Arihara's such a manly man! I'm glad he noticed me!', right?" Arihara's Shadow said as Panther frowned and spoke up.

"WHAT!? Don't be ridiculous! If they are, it's because that's what you make them think!" Panther said as Violet spoke up.

"Right, Panther-senpai!? This man is a disgrace to all men! And that's saying something considering we had a pretty big disgrace to men going through the halls of Shujin not that long ago." Violet said wisely as Joker, Panther, Queen, Noir, and Skull all blinked before realizing Violet meant Kamoshida, and nodded their agreement. Arihara's Shadow huffed and spoke up.

"What? That's terrible! C'mon. Don't talk to me like that, baby. Pretty please?" Arihara's Shadow said as Panther shuddered and spoke up.

"Wh-What!? This has to be a joke! Whoa, how weird. I just got chills. So that's how you get girls wrapped around your finger?" Panther said as Skull frowned and spoke up.

"So I guess you're not all talk!" Skull said as Arihara's Shadow chuckled and spoke up.

"Hee hee, it's not something you'd understand if you're not popular with women. There's nothing better than seeing the moment her life is shattered before your eyes, or that rush of feeling like you control everything in her life and can mold it to your liking. If you're going to get in my way, then I'm not going to go easy on you guys, okay?" Akitsu's shadow said before shifting forms into a being Joker didn't recognize as a fight began!

At the start of the fight, Arihara's Shadow spoke up.

"Heh, I've got women falling for me left and right, and I don't even have to lift a finger. I wonder who my next slave will be, heh." Arihara's Shadow said as he used a skill called 'Womanizing' to hit Panther with the 'Brainwash' status ailment, chuckling as he spoke up.

"Heh, watch this! Now, observe my talent." Arihara's Shadow said as a wide-eyed Mona spoke up.

"For real!? I can't believe this guy can do that!" Mona said as the fight began. As the fight continued, Arihara's Shadow kept spamming 'Womanizing' to force the 'Brainwash' ailment on Panther, even though Mona and Crow kept healing it. After the fifth or sixth time of having to de-brainwash Panther, Mona glared at Arihara's Shadow before turning to Panther and speaking up while Joker and Crow attacked Arihara's Shadow.

"Hey, Panther! What say we finish this jerk off together!?" Mona asked as Panther smiled and spoke up.

"Thought you'd never ask, Mona! Let's get him!" Panther said as the two spoke up in unison.

"HA! IT'S SHOWTIME!" Panther and Mona said as their Showtime began! Mona held out a bouquet of flowers to Panther as he spoke up.

"For you, Lady Panther! A gift as beautiful as you!" Mona said as Panther smiled and spoke up, both her and Mona's faces briefly replaced with super anime looking faces as she spoke.

"Wow, thanks! SUCH GREAT TASTE!" Panther said as she reached for the bouquet and pulled out her SMG and pelted the shocked Arihara's Shadow with bullets, swirling around in a circle before she and Mona leapt up in the air and spoke up together.

"WOO-HOO!" Panther and Mona said as Mona kept speaking as he pulled out a bomb and hurled it at Arihara's Shadow.

"THIS ONE'S FREE!" Mona said as he lobbed the bomb in Arihara's Shadow's direction, smirking as it hit his face and blew up, making him sway back and forth before slumping over to his knees to end the battle. After the battle, Arihara's Shadow returned to normal and spoke up.

"I messed up! What have I done this whole time? I deceived and manipulated all those women, and for what?" Arihara's Shadow said as Panther sighed and spoke up.

"Yeah, that's right. Countless lives were ruined because of you. Please, wake them up from their dreams. Don't let any more people become your puppets." Panther said as Arihara's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry, everyone. I have to give them back their lives before any more girls fall victim." Arihara's Shadow said before fading away to return to his real self, leaving behind the bud of his Treasure, which Joker seized to receive the 'Agitation Crown' accessory. At that point, the group's phones pinged to signify that the Mementos request 'The Lady-Killer's Ballad' was now marked as 'REQUEST COMPLETED'. As the group turned to exit the portal, Panther spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Hey! I'm glad we were able to put that jerk in his place! So what now? Do we keep exploring?" Panther asked as Mona spoke up.

"For reference, there are no more targets in this area. So what's the call, Joker?" Mona asked as Joker spoke up.

"Back to the entrance for now while we pinpoint which area our last target is in, and if we can't find them, it's off to the depths to see what we can find about these cables." Joker said decisively. Panther nodded and spoke up while still giving off a closed-eye smile.

"Right! Let's regroup for now." Panther said as the group headed back to the entrance so Joker could handle a Fusion Alarm that had gone off while finding the most recent target. After the Fusion Alarm, in which Joker got a powerful new Persona in 'Yoshitsune', as well as itemizing a couple of ultimate weapons, including the 'Sword of Sinai II', or Violet's ultimate rapier, and strengthened a couple of his Personas, Joker led the group to the depths after seeing that the last target wasn't anywhere on the map.

Eventually, after racing through the door to the depths, a new path marked as 'Hall of Grail' was added to the map, wherein Joker grappled the group down to where the Holy Grail previously was, making everyone blink as a huge mass of cables gathered over what appeared to be a pathway forward. Noir blinked and spoke up.

"Huh? Excuse me?" Noir said as Queen spoke up.

"This room is different than it was before, I'm sure of it." Queen said as Joker spoke up.

"Even so, it brings back memories, even if they're not necessarily good ones, since I doubt very much a single one of us here has any good memories of that overgrown golden eyesore we destroyed here." Joker said. Fox nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed, Joker. I could never forget. But this is all different from what I remember." Fox said as Violet spoke up.

"Hm. These are all more of those cables, right? They must be coming from all over Mementos and gathering in this spot for some reason." Violet said as Oracle shook her head and spoke up.

"Nah, that's not right, Violet. Actually? It's the opposite. They're not gathering in Mementos, so much as they're spreading. This is the point of origin." Oracle said as the others blinked before Mona spoke up.

"Oracle's right. After all, this place is the core of the masses' consciousness. If you want to manipulate Mementos, there's nowhere better to start than the very heart of it, the 'point of origin', as Oracle put it." Mona said as Crow frowned and spoke up.

"I still can't believe you were able to defeat that thing. But never mind that for now. So, it intends to reach its roots from here to every corner of civilization, hm? That's such a desperate move, it makes me sick." Crow said as Joker spoke up.

"You say that like Maruki trying to make the masses forget Draconis exists isn't also a sickeningly desperate move, though." Joker pointed out as Panther blinked and spoke up with wide eyes.

"Hey, look at that!" Panther said, pointing to the glowing pillar in the center of the mass of cables, making Fox frown and speak up.

"I see. The central cable, if it's a cable, seems familiar to me." Fox said as Mona spoke up.

"That's because that's the one handling all the data from Maruki's Palace." Mona said before turning to Joker and speaking up.

"What're your thoughts? What's our next move, Joker? Should we follow where it leads?" Mona asked as Joker spoke up.

"Yes, but let's proceed with caution. After all, who knows what sort of booby traps Maruki laid on the path going forward to protect his little gathering network." Joker pointed out wisely. Skull chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, you said 'booby trap'. OW!" Skull said while rubbing the back of his head, the 'OW!' being in response to Oracle not-so-subtly flicking the back of his head as she spoke up dryly.

"Oh, come on! Grow up, Skull! You're the only one who chuckles over childish stuff like that!" Oracle rebuked Skull as the group kept moving. After finding a set of steps in the back of the room, Joker took the group upwards, at which point the Meta-Nav spoke up.

"A new area has been confirmed. Updating guidance information." The Meta-Nav said from Joker's phone as the Mementos map was updated to show a long flowing path of roots going up the structure of Mementos, making Skull speak up in surprise.

"Whoa, everything got all different." Skull said as Violet looked around, before blinking as she saw what appeared to be a flower in a bubble and speakig up.

"Hm? What's that?" Violet said as a familiar vehicle pulled up as an equally familiar person spoke up.

"Hey, good job." Jose said as Panther spoke up in surprise.

"Oh, Jose." Panther said as Violet blinked and spoke up.

"Wait, is this for real? A kid? Driving?" Violet said as Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, nice to see I'm not the only one that's skeptical of that." Crow said in amusement. Violet ignored Crow to look at the others as she spoke up.

"And you all happen to know him already? Is there anybody you don't know?" Violet asked as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Oh, I'm sure there're plenty of folks we don't know, Violet. There's a whole huge world out there, after all. But as far as people in the Metaverse go, I know quite a few people, yes." Joker said by way of explanation, getting a satisfied nod from his girlfriend as Jose spoke up.

"There's a flower here, eh? Interesting. Very convenient, but this one smells a bit different from the others. Let's see how it tastes." Jose said as he reached out to the flower and converted it into a drink before taking a sip and shuddering as he spoke up.

"Gah! Hmm, not what I was expecting. Aw, I guess I shouldn't be picky. Well, I'm going to move on further. Are you guys doing the same?" Jose asked as Joker spoke up.

"Not sure yet, but most likely." Joker said. Jose nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Whether or not you do, let me know if you find any more flowers. I'll reward you well for them. Well, good job." Jose said as he drove off. After he was gone, Violet blinked and spoke up.

"Heh, what an odd kid." Violet said as Crow spoke up.

"True, but then again it would be much odder if the Metaverse were as logical as the real world is." Crow said as Oracle spoke up.

"Be that as it may, be careful if you're going any further, all right? I'm getting all sorts of strange readings, and strange Shadows too." Oracle said as the group kept moving. While running over the Shadows in the new area, Panther hit level 81. While running enemies over, Noir hit level 82 and Mona hit level 81. After hitting Shadows on the next floor, Oracle and Queen hit level 82. While running down Shadows, Crow hit level 81. After a bit, Joker found Jose waiting and got out to speak to him.

"Fancy seeing you here, Jose." Joker said as Jose nodded and spoke up.

"Hey, Mister! Good job. Looks like this area was formed somewhat recently. I haven't learned much of anything about this place yet, so I need to drink some more flowers." Jose said as he reached out to the nearby flower and consumed it, smiling afterwards as he kept speaking.

"Ahh! Hmm, the flavor has this, how do I put it? No, I'm here for my studies." Jose said as he looked at Joker, who had a seat by him as Jose kept speaking.

"Hi. Oh, sorry. So, did you want to trade flowers or change the cognition in Mementos?" Jose asked as Joker traded a bunch of flowers for useful items, eventually nodding as he spoke up.

"Thank you for that. I don't think I have enough stamps to make it worth changing anything yet. But I still have a lot of this place to cover, so maybe if we meet again while we're in this area, I'll have more stamps to make it worth it at that time. But for now, I should get going." Joker said as Jose nodded and spoke up.

"Good job! Hope to see you again sometime!" Jose said as Joker kept moving. After a bit, Panther spoke up.

"To be honest, it always bothers me when foreign movies take too many liberties with the subtitles or leave things out." Panther said as Skull blinked and spoke up.

"Really? It doesn't really bother me at all, so long as it's close to what's happenin' onscreen." Skull said as Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"Heh, Draconis thought the same thing. He was more worried about the movie than the subtitles more often than not. Which is ironic given the fact he was considering being a writer himself at one point. You'd think he'd be more particular about proof-reading subtitles as a result." Oracle said as Violet spoke up.

"True, but you're forgetting something, Oracle. Draconis is also a laid-back guy, even if his temperament doesn't necessarily suggest such is the case. But then I think you'd know better than the rest of us, aside from maybe Joker, that there's more to Draconis than meets the eye? Hee hee." Violet said as Oracle groaned and spoke up.

"Violet? You're lucky you're so adorable, or I'd have to cringe at that bad reference you made just now. That, and I don't need Joker karate-chopping me on the head again. He keeps that up, he might turn me into a female Skull! Um, no offense to you, Skull." Oracle said as Skull spoke up.

"Wait, wha?" Skull said as Joker spoke up.

"Ignore her, Skull. And Oracle, don't lie about me like that! You know I don't actually hit you. And of course Violet's adorable. She's my girlfriend, so of course she's adorable. And save the foreplay for when we're not on a mission." Joker said, ignoring the blush that was spreading over Violet's face as she registered the implications of Joker's comments, particularly his 'foreplay' remark. Eventually, Violet got an idea and turned to Joker, smirking slyly as she spoke up.

"Oh? But I'd think you want me to learn about foreplay, Senpai? After all, what's the fun in us getting serious if we can't play the mood up right? Besides, I seem to recall you told me once that you like it when I talk dirty to you?" Violet said with a suggestive wink, making Joker, Crow, Mona, Skull, and Fox's jaws all simultaneously drop in shock at the surprisingly suggestive remark from the usually shy, respectful Violet. Oracle, for her part, laughed and spoke up while smirking.

"Heh, nice one Violet! You broke the guys! And considering it's difficult to break Crow, that's saying something. Though, maybe try not to break Crow or Skull too often, lest Noir and Queen start to have issues with you. Mwehehe." Oracle said as Violet blinked and spoke up sheepishly.

"Ohh. Umm, oops. Sorry everyone, I was just putting Joker in his place. I apologize for unnerving people." Violet said formally as Skull found his voice and spoke up.

"Ah-ah! I thought we said no more being formal, Violet! You gotta work on that more!" Skull said as Violet spoke up.

"Oh, right. Thank you for the reminder, Skull-senpai." Violet said as the group kept moving. After running down more enemies, Violet hit level 81 and Fox hit level 82. While eliminating Shadows on the next floor, Joker's 'Quetzalcoatl' Persona hit level 78. After eliminating a stronger Shadow, Skull and Joker hit level 82, and Joker's 'Chimera' Persona hit level 76. Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Excellent. My strength grows with my level." Joker said as Violet smirked and spoke up.

"I like that you're trying new things out, Joker-senpai. You'll find a good tagline eventually. Hee hee." Violet said encouragingly as the level up granted Joker's 'Chimera' Persona the support skill 'Marakunda', making Fox smirk as he spoke up.

"Impressive. Our range of tactics continues growing ever larger." Fox said as 'Chimera' acquired 'Marakunda'. After hitting more Shadows, Panther hit level 82. While eliminating Shadows on a later floor, after the next floor yielded a rest area that added 'Da'at Area 5' to Joker's fast-travel list, Noir hit level 83. As the group kept moving, Mona hit level 82, Queen hit level 83, and Joker's 'Odin' Persona hit level 91. As the group kept going, Panther spoke up.

"Heh, I'm amazed at how long I can be on the phone. One time, me and Shiho were talking, and before we knew it, we'd been talking for three whole hours." Panther said as Skull blinked and spoke up.

"For real? That's nuts! I can usually only go like twenty minutes, tops!" Skull said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"True, but you're not what one would consider the conversationalist of the team, Skull. I recall one time Draconis spent around two to two and a half hours talking with Shiho on the phone while planning Panther's birthday party, and another time that he and Oracle spent I think it was either four or five hours on the phone with each other before she started letting him hang out with her in person more." Joker said as Oracle flushed and spoke up.

"Gah! Joker! Quit exaggerating! It was only like three hours, tops! We both know Coffee Daddy would never let me stay on the phone for four or more hours, especially with a boy!" Oracle said, her face slightly red with embarrassment as Violet giggled and spoke up.

"Aww, that's sweet that Oracle used to be that smitten with Draconis before the two finally got together. I bet a lot of the others were like, 'About time!', when you two got together. Hee hee!" Violet said as Oracle pouted childishly and spoke up.

"Violet? I hate you right now. You and Joker both." Oracle said, turning away with her nose stuck upwards, ignoring the amused giggles from Panther and Noir at her childish display as Queen sighed and spoke up.

"Ugh, can we please not pick on each other while we're on a mission? Jeez! And Noir, I thought you were the mother figure of the group! Don't encourage them!" Queen rebuked everyone else aside from Mona and Crow as the group kept moving. After hitting another Shadow, Crow and Violet hit level 82 while Oracle hit level 83. After a bit, Skull spoke up.

"Aren't knives kinda hard to use? I personally prefer my own shit." Skull said as Fox spoke up.

"While that is true, they can be quite useful for someone agile. Take Joker, for instance. With his agility and maneuverability, he can make pretty good usage of them." Fox said as Joker smirked before speaking up.

"You're not wrong, Fox. But let's not forget who the real knife expert is in this team. While I can wield a singular knife with ease, I recall that Draconis was able to dual-wield them as his ranged weapon, AND he was able to cut a Shadow literally in half with them at one point." Joker pointed out as Oracle smirked and spoke up.

"Yep. Draconis is definitely the full package. Witty, strong, sexy, badass, even sensitive. What's not to love? Mwehehe. And unless I'm mistaken, I recall Violet was getting quite into that lap dance she got from Draconis the night we all played the King's Game. I think that was actually a command from Mona or possibly me, not sure which? Either way, kudos to whoever made that command!" Oracle said as both Joker and Violet glared at the smirking red-head, the former speaking up.

"Gee, thanks for bringing that up, little sis. I was trying to block out the mental image of my brother giving my girlfriend a drunken lap dance. And you're remembering it wrong. Violet was more embarrassed than anything during that whole sequence of events. Besides, if I recall right, she's not the one who was super eager to follow the command to yank her boyfriend's shirt off and have their shirt yanked off in turn.

Refresh my memory, Oracle. Did you end up flashing Draconis that night? I forget. I know that the only one who didn't get at least one kiss that night was probably Fox." Joker said as Violet tried to sink into her seat out of embarrassment at both Joker and Oracle teasing her. Crow smirked at this and spoke up.

"Ah, what's this? Trying to practice sinking into the floor, Violet? Interesting." Crow said as Violet frowned and spoke up.

"No. I'm just trying to curl up in a ball and hide so I don't have to look at Joker-senpai or Oracle-senpai right now." Violet said petulantly as Oracle frowned at Joker and spoke up.

"That's rich of you to bring up flashing, Joker! As I recall, you were the one who made a show of laying on Violet's chest after she flashed you that night. At least everyone else playing got to see the show when we played Strip Tycoon." Oracle said as Joker spoke up.

"Heh, that's because Violet wanted me to see them. And I wanted to enjoy every bit of her I could lay my eyes on because she's that beautiful. And you have no room to talk about intimate displays, little sis. Way I heard it from Mona, you got rather hot and heavy with Draconis that night. So don't step to me and talk about stuff you can't handle." Joker said smugly while crossing his arms, ignoring the frowns that both Mona and Oracle gave him as the group kept moving, Violet smiling gratefully at Joker for shutting Oracle up. While hitting more Shadows, Fox hit level 83. A short time later, Skull hit level 83 while running over Shadows. After a bit, Violet spoke up.

"It's hard to think that Palaces exist, and after believing that, there's a massive one right under Tokyo." Violet said as Oracle spoke up.

"That's because the Tokyo subway system is bonkers!" Oracle said as Joker spoke up with a frown.

"That's interesting, especially coming from the girl who only started leaving her room after we had to take a very great risk to change her heart." Joker said as Oracle childishly stuck her tongue out and spoke up.

"You know you love me though, big bro. And you say that like I didn't learn that from riding the subway with Draconis so often." Oracle pointed out as the group kept moving. After hitting another Shadow, Joker hit level 83 and spoke up.

"Heh, impressive. I leveled up." Joker said as Fox spoke up.

"Very warrior-like, Joker. I approve." Fox said as Queen sighed and spoke up.

"Fox, don't encourage him, please." Queen said as Noir spoke up.

"Heh, I thought Joker-kun's level up antics were adorable." Noir said as the group kept moving.

After hitting more Shadows, Joker's 'Yoshitsune' Persona hit level 91. On the next floor, Joker's 'Unicorn' Persona hit level 76 after hitting a bunch of Shadows. After hitting a bunch more Shadows, Panther hit level 83 and Noir hit level 84. After hitting another Shadow, Queen hit level 84. A short time later, Violet hit level 83 and Joker's 'Quetzalcoatl' Persona hit level 79 off of destroying Shadows. After running down the next Shadow the group saw, Mona hit level 83 and Joker's 'Chimera' Persona hit level 77, the level ups giving 'Chimera' the passive skill 'Fire Amp', making Skull smirk as he spoke up.

"Oh, another new move! Sweet! Show it to me sometime!" Skull said as 'Chimera' acquired 'Fire Amp'. After running more Shadows down, Fox hit level 84 and Crow hit level 83. After a bit, Panther spoke up.

"Wow, whenever my relatives come over, they always seem to rave about the Japanese food here." Panther said as Mona smirked and spoke up.

"It's gotta be because of the sushi! I know I'd be okay with it if I had to go the rest of my whole life eating nothing but sushi." Mona said as Joker spoke up.

"Which would never happen, since I intend to keep you on a balanced diet, if only so Draconis won't be tempted to skin us both for getting you on a screwed-up diet when we save him." Joker said as the group kept moving. After a bit, Crow spoke up.

"So, be honest with me, everyone. Do you prefer this outfit or my previous one? After all, I feel like my maneuverability is better in this outfit." Crow said as Noir smiled and spoke up.

"They were both nice, but I like this one better I think, especially after seeing the way you fight." Noir said as Joker spoke up.

"Yeah, the Black Mask outfit suits you better, Crow. Besides, call me crazy, but I have a feeling your old outfit might be getting repurposed in the near future. Just a hunch I have." Joker said as the group kept moving. On the next floor, the first Shadow the group ran over brought Oracle to level 84. After a bit, Queen smiled and spoke up.

"Are you guys' grades doing all right? I know being a phantom thief is important, but don't let your grades fall behind." Queen said as Mona spoke up.

"Right! Be careful not to let either aspect of your life fall behind the other." Mona said as Oracle spoke up.

"Boring! And not all of us go to your school, y'know. I seem to recall myself, Fox, and Crow all aren't Shujin students, along with Mona." Oracle pointed out as Crow spoke up.

"Yes, well, technically I'm about to graduate soonish, so I'd say I have a good handle on my grades." Crow said as Joker spoke up with a smirk.

"Heh, we got it under control. So no need to grade-grub, Queen. Or are you still trying to play the prim and proper good girl?" Joker joked as Skull smirked and spoke up.

"Truth, Joker! And I had no idea you watched Academy of Metal!? That's awesome, man!" Skull said as Joker smirked and spoke up. *2*

"You'd be surprised at some of the movies Draconis and I have watched, Skull." Joker said as the group kept moving. After hitting another Shadow, Skull hit level 84. After a bit, the group eventually hit another rest area, at which point Violet spoke up.

"Wow, a rest area! Finally, we can rest for a bit! I think some of us were starting to go a bit stir-crazy in that cramped space! Er, no offense to you at all, Mona-senpai. Your interior is lovely. But, it's not made for a large group of people to fit in comfortably for long periods of time." Violet said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Agreed, Violet. Granted, I think most of us were comfortable with the arrangements we decided on, even if it was probably a bit awkward for Fox and Oracle. After all, other than Panther, the rest of us had to have someone sit in our laps. If I recall right, Noir sat in Crow's lap, Oracle sat in Fox's lap, and I was the lucky one who got Violet in their lap." Joker said, ignoring the subtle hints of red in Violet's face as Panther spoke up.

"Yep, I got a seat section to myself. Though if she'd been here, I'd have probably let Shiho sit in my lap. Hee hee! But still, who knew Queen was such a good driver?" Panther said as Queen smiled and spoke up.

"Heh, thanks. Sis insisted I learn when I turned 16, so I did. Who knew it'd actually come in so handy, though?" Queen said as the group had seats in the booth to take a load off and recharge a bit...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And there we go, another chapter done and dusted! Who knew I'd manage to get so far into the third semester in just three parts? Granted, we're not quite at the half-way point for said plot yet, since there's still a LOT of Maruki's Palace left to explore in the coming chapters, and that's not factoring in the several chapters of filler-esque shenanigans that will ensue after the Treasure route is secured. So there's still a lot to go.

But focusing on the immediate future, next chapter should be the rest of the Mementos run, probably the return to Maruki's Palace, and maybe, MAYBE, if time permits, I might throw a certain someone's return to the fray in there as well, since the group isn't too far off of that point. We'll see what happens. That said, thanks to all those who've been supporting the story, whether that support merely be in the form of follows/favorites, reviews, or PMs. I appreciate all the support I've been getting so far!

As of this point, Phantom Files has eclipsed 33,000 total views, and is inching closer to 34,000 as we speak. There's a slim chance, not a great one, but a slim chance, that Phantom Files might hit 40,000 total views by the end of the story, which as of now is a mere 6,225 views away. So we'll see what happens with that, but thanks to all the people who've viewed the story so far! Your support means a lot to me.

As always, I enjoy hearing from my readers, so don't be shy about either leaving a review with your thoughts/feedback/constructive criticism/opinions on the story, or even PMing it to me if you don't feel you can post it in reviews for whatever reason. I welcome hearing from my readers either way! Until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

**SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD FOR THE THIRD SEMESTER. SKIP TO THE PART MARKED *END OF SPOILER ALERTS*, OTHERWISE YOU READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! SPOILERS START NOW!**

*1* - Despite the fact that Joker evolved Arsene to Satanael against Yaldabaoth, that's the only time Satanael appears in Royal in a fresh playthrough. HOWEVER, I've heard (Not confirmed this for myself, mind!) that you can fuse Satanael in an NG+ run of Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal, which is the only way of getting Joker's ultimate knife, due to what Satanael itemizes into, or so I hear.

As such, Joker gets to keep Arsene around even after the battle with Yaldabaoth, which is helpful since Arsene is a key piece of achieving Joker's Tier 3 Persona (YES, Joker gets a Tier 3 Persona like the others! Technically, his is summonable DLC, but that's the coward's way of getting him, in my opinion.) Naturally, I have a plan for a sequence where Joker naturally evolves Arsene to his Tier 3 form, which may or may not involve a certain currently-absent sibling of his. But that's not for a few chapters yet.

**END OF SPOILER ALERTS. CONTINUE READING FROM HERE IF YOU SKIPPED THE PRECEDING SECTION**

*2* - Couldn't resist this reference. When I saw a dialogue in Mementos where Queen berates the other Phantom Thieves about not letting their grades suffer for their Phantom Thieves work, I had such a strong throwback to the part in 'School of Rock' where Jack Black's character, Dewey, makes a rather snarky comment to a character played by Miranda Cosgrove (I think her name is Summer, but if I'm wrong, please correct me in reviews and I'll credit whoever does), where he says, and I quote, 'HEY! If you grade-grub one more time, I'm gonna send you back to the first grade!' Not gonna lie, I legit laughed my ass off when I heard that line the first time.

Incidentally, if you've not seen School of Rock, watch it. It's a great movie, with a kick-ass soundtrack. Pretty sure School of Rock SHOULD be on Netflix still as of the time of this A/N, but again please feel free to correct me in reviews if this isn't the case.

*3* - Even if it's not acknowledged as such, the game implies that each of the Phantom Thieves gets an extra rank-up skill tied to their Tier 3 Personas, which is referred to in the skills list as 'Second Awakening R'. I know this for a fact since I saw it listed under Morgana/Mona's rank-up skills when skimming through my Confidant skill list out of boredom at one point. So presumably, all of the Phantom Thieves will have this skill in their Confidant rank-up skill list, bar Joker, who can't have a rank-up with himself to my awareness.

As a result, I consider the max Confidant rank with every Phantom Thief except Joker to be rank 11 (or the 'bonus' rank-up events pretty much every Phantom Thief has in the third semester), hence Rank MAX (11) for Mona/Morgana in the Confidant Ranks list.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 88

FOOL (Prison Master/Yaldabaoth) - Rank MAX (10)

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank MAX (11) *3*

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank 9

EMPRESS (Haru/Noir) - Rank 8

EMPEROR (Yusuke/Fox) - Rank MAX (10)

HIEROPHANT (Sojiro/Boss/Coffee Daddy) - Rank MAX (10)

LOVERS (Ann/Panther) - Rank MAX (10)

CHARIOT (Ryuji/Skull) - Rank MAX (10)

JUSTICE (Akechi/Crow/Black Mask) - Rank MAX (10)

HERMIT (Futaba/Taba/Oracle) - Rank MAX (10)

FORTUNE (Chihaya/Fortune Teller) - Rank 7

STRENGTH (Lavenza) - Rank MAX (10)

HANGED-MAN (Iwai/Weapons Dealer) - Rank 7.5

DEATH (Takemi/Back-Alley Doctor) - Rank 8

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami/Becky) - Rank 8.5

DEVIL (Ohya) - Rank 6

TOWER (Shinya/Skilled Gamer/The King)- Rank 4

STAR (Hifumi) - Rank MAX (10)

MOON (Mishima) - Rank MAX (10)

SUN (Yoshida/Man Of The People) - Rank MAX (10)

JUDGEMENT (Sae/Prosecutor) - Rank MAX (10)

FAITH (Sumire/Sumi/Violet) - Rank 5

COUNCILLOR (Maruki/Doc) - Rank MAX (10)

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank MAX (10)

MAXED-OUT LINKS: FOOL, MAGICIAN, EMPEROR, HIEROPHANT, LOVERS, CHARIOT, JUSTICE, HERMIT, STRENGTH, STAR, MOON, SUN, JUDGEMENT, COUNCILLOR, WORLD

LINKS NOT MAXED OUT: PRIESTESS, EMPRESS, FORTUNE, HANGED-MAN, DEATH, TEMPERANCE, DEVIL, TOWER, FAITH