First Mate Violet: Hello students, I am glad to have received such a warm welcome. Blues is getting better. He's working through his grief and will probably be back at the helm of his ship in a chapter or two. Also, did you all this fic has a Tv Tropes page? Someone DMed me and I was stunned. I don't think any of my AO3 fics have a whole TV Tropes page.
I now have a goal!
But, hopefully, that page gets updated soon. Until that time, let's keep this boat going!
Persona V: Reversing the Wheel of Fate
Chapter Forty-Nine
[Opening Scene: The Dorm Building (Morning)
[Theme of Dorm: Iwatodai Dorm from Persona 3]
"Welcome to our new hideout," Haru announced as the Phantom Thieves walked into the three-story brick-made dorm building. "My father approved of giving it to me, free of any obligations. This place has ten modest-sized bedrooms with a full bathroom in each of them. There is also cable and internet here and it's all fully furnished."
"Man, this is pretty dope," Ryuji said. "Never did I think we would wind up like this."
"Same here," Ren added. "Haru, you know you didn't have to do this, right?"
"I know, but truthfully, I want to help in any way possible," Haru responded with a smile. "I have the money to help, so I'm going to help. Besides, it's all for the greater good."
"The greater good," Ryuji and Ren chorused in unison, only to grin at one another.
"Before they get on their one brain-cell mode," Ann interjected. "You said the rooms are fully furnished?"
Haru nodded.
"Wow, to think your dad was nice enough to try and give fully furnished housing to his employees," Makoto murmured.
"He was," Haru mumbled.
Hifumi could see that Haru had gotten uncomfortable and immediately stepped in. "But that's enough of that. For now, this is our new meeting/hangout spot. What should we name it?" Hifumi questioned.
"Name it?" Morgana asked with a tilt of his head. "I mean, it's a building. Why does it need a name?"
"I mean, why do we decorate our rooms with boy band posters and other things we like?" Ann countered. "To make it our own."
"Oh…." Morgana drawled.
"I have an idea," Yūki announced. "Why don't we name the building "The Phantom Sanctuary?" I mean, considering it's our hideout where we can freely plan without worrying."
"You just want to name it that because that's the name of our DnD group," Shiho teased as she pinched Yūki's blushing cheek.
"It's not a bad name, but we should keep our DnD stuff out of our real dungeon-crawling adventures," Ren said. "How about the "Cloak Haven?" Considering all the cloak and dagger stuff we're doing."
"The Cloak Haven sounds nice," Shiho said as Ryuji and Makoto nodded in agreement.
"Hm, that could be the second option," Morgana said.
"Oh! How about the "Burning Heart?" Since we steal hearts that are burning with sin?" Hifumi offered.
"That sounds more like an attack from Fist of the North Star," Makoto said. "Not that I'm opposed to that."
"I have a suggestion," Yusuke spoke up.
The group turned to their newest member, interest written on their faces. "How about something "The Crazy Diamond." Since diamonds are often the most stolen jewel when it comes to thievery," Yusuke said. "Plus, when we ever have to say it in public, most wouldn't bat an eye. They would think we're talking about a song or a show."
"I like it," Ann said.
The others murmured in agreement.
"Then it's settled," Haru said. "Phantom Thieves: Welcome to the Crazy Diamond!"
The group cheered in excitement.
"Well, now that we have that done," Morgana said. "Perhaps we should christen this place with our first team meeting."
"Agreed," Ren said.
[Theme of Meeting: Paulownia Mall from Persona 3]
The Phantom Thieves immediately took their seats at the large circular dining table that sat in the middle of the room. Skull, Panther, and Ren sat at the head of the table, with Lioness, Beauty Thief, and Mage sitting on the left, and Champ, Yusuke, and President sitting on the right.
And sitting on Joker's lap was Mona.
"First thing's first, Yusuke, we name a codename," Joker began.
"Codename?" Yusuke questioned.
"Yeah," Skull told him. "You see, shadows are alternate reality versions of people we know, in the real world. We don't need Madarame finding out we're Phantom Thieves with just a gut feeling."
"I see," Yusuke murmured. "Well, I assume since the appendage that I have on my pants resembles a fox's tail and my mask is that of a fox, my codename will be "Fox." Simple, yes?"
"We're down," Skull said. "Welcome to the game, Fox."
"Thank you kindly," Fox replied.
"Now, here is the current situation," Joker began. "We took an assignment from previous target Natsuhiko Nakanohara regarding Madarame, a famous artist who plagiarizes his work from his students."
"Natsuhiko-san was the one who instigated all of this?" Fox asked, surprised.
"Yeah," Panther said. "Joker and I met him after we met you."
"What a strange coincidence," Fox said. "Perhaps, when this is done, I will reach out and thank him. He was very kind to me during his time there…."
"I'll put you in touch," Mage promised with a smile, which Fox returned.
"He's caused one to commit suicide and one, maybe many more, to give up their dreams after using his influence to ruin them. We were able to save Fox from becoming another one of his victims, but now we have the spotlight on us."
President nodded, stood from her chair, and said, "My sister, Niijima Sae, and detective Hasegawa Zenkichi are investigating the mental shutdowns and have targeted the Phantom Thieves after Kamoshida was taken down. Same with Shujin's Principal, Kobayakawa Takuo, who is having me hunt down who the Phantom Thieves are."
"There is also the ongoing situation with President, Beauty Thief, and Champ," Mona said. "We learned from all of them, including Mage and Lioness, that a Shadow version of themselves are actively harming them."
"Ah, the same thing occurred to me," Fox announced. "He would belittle me and earn my ire and the ire of Madarame-sen…." Fox paused then mumbled, " Forgive me… I meant to just say Madarame."
"Really?" Mage asked.
"Yes, it was quite confusing and painful at times," Fox admitted. "But, there is something I need to reveal. Madarame contacted me shortly before we met at LeBlanc's to come here."
"What happened?" Panther asked.
"Well, he informed me that while he doesn't know why or how we all got away when we were four teens. He explained that he is going to pursue legal action against us."
"Oh fuck," Skull groaned. "So, Panther, Lioness, President, and you, Fox, are in the hot seat."
"However, he is acting desperately," Champ said. "He is showing his hand far too easily. It means he must have something more to hide."
"I agree," President said. "Fox, how long do you think it will take for him to act?"
"In the few times he's pursued legal actions, it is usually quick. However, anytime he's had a legal issue during an exhibit, he would wait until after its conclusion to strike," Fox explained. "I asked him why once, and he told me that any scandal during his shows would be disastrous."
"And considering two of the "Shujin Six" is a part of this, it could turn dark for us, especially if my sister decides to strike at us all with the opening," President said.
"So it seems we have quite the plateful," Beauty Thief murmured. "Madarame's Palace, a prosecutor, a detective, and a principal, and our shadow selves. Seems like there is a lot to handle."
"There is," Joker said. "But with the Shadow selves, the only ones that can deal with the three of them, are you three alone."
Beauty Thief, President, and Champ nodded.
"Right now, there are ten Phantom Thieves. It's time to make use of our numbers. Fox, Panther, Skull, and Lioness, We're going full throttle into the palace today. We must get to his treasure and end this swiftly," Joker commanded.
The four nodded.
"Meanwhile, Mona and Mage. You two will find out everything you can about Niijima Sae, Hasegawa Zenkichi, and Kobayakawa Takuo. The latter two especially since they are true unknowns."
"And that leaves me, Beauty Thief and Champ to not only find out exactly what my sister is working on but to deal with our Shadows as well," President said.
"Yes. Our three missions are admittedly dangerous, so don't take unnecessary risks. Stay safe and watch out for one another," Joker said.
"You guys ready?" Panther asked.
The group nodded.
"Well, let's bust some heads, guys!" Skull shouted.
[Scene Change: Shibuya – Niijima Residence (Morning)
Theme of Niijima Residence: Way of Life ~Deep Inside My Mind Mix~ From Persona P3P]
It was the heavy weight on her chest that woke Sae up from a deep and much-needed slumber.
She opened her eyes and met the sleeping of her longest friend and smiled. She never expected to find herself in this situation with the blue-haired woman.
They had been friends since their days at Gekko High School, along with Kirijo Mitsuru, and kept the contact throughout their busy days afterward.
'If only Mitsu could see us now,' Sae thought as she reached up and brushed a stray hair out of Tae's face. To think, there was a time she hated the woman in front of her. And now, she had slept with her.
And it had been otherworldly.
Sae slowly slid out of bed, threw on a black tank top and gray pajama pants, and crept out of the room to allow her friend to rest. She walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone to order breakfast, only to stare at the phone.
It was foolish for her to order food when she could make it. She was sure Tae would appreciate that far more than just ordering.
Makoto always did at least.
Sae frowned.
Makoto, her wayward, rebelling sister.
Truthfully, Sae should have expected it. She had been needlessly cruel to Makoto lately, from never being home due to working on the Mental Shutdown and Phantom Thieves case to her outburst for Makoto asking a single question.
She had ostracized her sister, and in turn, her sister fell in with the "Shujin Six" as the news dubbed them.
Sae sighed as she pulled out the ingredients for Soufflé Pancakes and Tamagoyaki (Rolled Omelette) and started to cook.
Maybe she should spend more time with her to make up for all the damage she's caused to their sisterly relationship. As Sae cooked, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind and a pair of warm lips press against the base of her neck.
"For someone shorter than me, you make me feel that you're taller," Sae noted as Tae chuckled behind her.
"Cooking I see," Tae mumbled. "And here I thought you cooked for special occasions."
"It is a special occasion," Sae noted as she turned around to face the amused doctor. She noticed that Tae was wearing one of her button-down blouses, which made her stomach flutter in delight at the sight.
"Oh, is it?" Tae coyly asked.
"Of course, it is," Sae said. "After years of everyone teasing me about my virginity, the main perpetrator of that teasing has taken it."
Tae grinned.
"It was a mutual taking," Tae replied. "So I take it that you enjoyed yourself?"
"Of course I did. It was like a heavy workout after a stressful day. All the muscles I haven't been able to train for weeks have been pushed to their limits," Sae admitted. "What about you?"
"It was great. My body is going to be quite sore for a while. A good sore, I should clarify," Tae answered.
Sae smiled.
"So, does the good prosecutor wish to engage further in this friends with benefits deal?" Tae questioned with a coy smile.
Sae opened her mouth to answer, only for the front door to open to reveal Makoto, Hifumi, and Haru.
"So, Sae-nee should still be—" Makoto stopped dead in her tracks as Sae and Tae stared at the trio.
"O-Oh," Makoto squeaked. "I was very wrong."
Sae pinched the bridge of her nose, but when Tae grinned, she loosened up and smiled, trying to ease the uncomfortable awkward air. "You three want to join us for breakfast?" Sae asked.
First Mate Violet: And that got awkward quick for our three semi-Phantom Thieves. The next chapter will involve Morgana and Yūki getting information, the awkward breakfast, and updates on Hifumi's mother and Akane. Also, after discussing it with Captain Blues, we decided to name their hideout "The Crazy Diamond" after Billy Kametz, the voice actor for Josuke Higashikata from JJBA and our very own Doctor Maruki Takuto, who passed away due to cancer. A little tribute to him.
Also, It's a short, fluffy chapter before the heavy we get into pasts and battles, so a little breather should be nice. Also I hope someone savvy enough at TV Tropes can update our page. So many new tags should be added.