"Does this damn thing have to hurt so much!?"
"That will happen when alcohol meets an open wound. Also, watch your foul language!"
Ren gave his father the best 'are you serious?' gaze he could have formed. He couldn't form the gaze at it's fullest effect since his wounds were getting treated/tortured by the foul healing essence that was alcohol.
Damn that stupid liquid.
Now, what caused the son of Aphrodite to be on the receiving end of a collection of critical injuries?
Long story short, he and the rest of the Phantom Thieves have finished today's tasks of making Tokyo a better place for the decent via changing the malicious desires of those that enjoyed hurting the decent through the alternate world of the Metaverse.
And while they succeeded in changing the hearts of the corrupt individuals of today, they were unfortunate enough to confront, albeit briefly, with the terrifying Shadow known as The Reaper.
The Phantom Thieves may have grown stronger in numbers, alongside possessing a better variety of Persona abilities, but they still had a long way to go if they even wanted to face The Reaper without fear taking control.
Ren held back his urge to say a swear word. He and a half of his team could have escaped without any serious injuries. But the bastard had to wield a abnormally large pair of revolvers.
How lucky that none of those homing bullets hit any vital points…
"How did you receive this gunshot wound, Ren?"
God, Ren did not need a reminder as to why he hated hearing his father's voice have an undertone of fear. But it was a futile thing to think about since he'll hear it whenever he received another batch of injuries.
The uncomfortable air hanging around father and son died when Ren released a deep breath that was supposedto ease his nerves.
"Me and my team came across this powerful Shadow called The Reaper while we were trying to find our way back to the exit."
Aphrodite's mind instantly came to the conclusion that this creature was bad news. Any living being that held the title "Reaper" was someone that should never be taken with a grain of salt. After all, ending lives was a reapers' daily routine.
"So this Reaper wields a firearm?"
"Two of them, and they aren't average sized."
Aphrodite had to quickly use a calming breath as his nerves were starting to flare.
"I'm glad that you and your friends decided to run rather than fight."
A scoff was shot from Ren's mouth. "As if we'll fight that thing while we're still in our rookie stage."
"While that is relieving for me to hear, you cannot flee from that thing all the time. Soon, you and your friends will have to fight him."
A defeated sigh was Ren's response. He couldn't deny that his father was right. None of them could avoid The Reaper for however long this Phantom Thief business lasted.
The question is: how will they be able to grow stronger until that day comes?
Aphrodite's hand gently clasped the trembling hand of his son. He hated seeing his son look so scared and frustrated by the unexplainable circumstances he was in.
Just why did his little ray of sunshine have to be forced into the darkest pits of this cruel reality?
The father couldn't bear the weight of the situation any longer and brought his son into a comforting embrace. "It will be alright, Ren. Me and your mother are here now. So whatever problems you have with this Metaverse or your probation, do not hesitate to come to us." He whispered into his ear as his hand gently traded across a bush of curly locks.
Ren emitted a sharp sniff as his emotions were taking over. "I know… and I am so glad that you and mom are here with me."
The comforting embrace was tightened by the father. He didn't break the formation until their consciousness drifted into a peaceful slumber.
The little one rested on top of his father's chest throughout the entire night.