Next chapter where the group returns to Mementos. Enjoy ^^

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this

Persona 5 Royal Fanmake Lysandre Arc Chapter 24

Mementos Dive 1

The next day Aqua was waiting for the train at the Beacon line when she is approached by Uzi.

"What's up." Uzi said approaching "By the way, the exhibit's till the end of this week, huh…We did what we could, and now we wait for the results."

"Want to head out then?" Aqua suggests.

"True, it's important to take a breather after some hard work." Uzi said with a smile. "But I feel like my body'll be weaker if I play around too much…"

"Agreed" Aqua said as they board the train.

Soon Aqua makes it into her class as they begin class with Takanuva giving a lesson.

"I've actually gotten into fishing lately, although it's just pond fishing from time to time." Takanuva said to the class smiling "I can't go sea fishing because I get seasick. So much for my dream of being a sailor. Oh right. When people think of sailing the high seas, they tend to think of pirates."

Takanuva continued saying "Even though they're ruffians who plunder other ships and coastal settlements though force…For some reason, they ended getting romanticized."

"Now then, Aqua." Takanuva said at Aqua who sits up at attention. "Do you know which peg-legged, parrot toting historical figure's appearance became visual shorthand for pirates?"

"I believe it would be John Silver." Aqua said thinking.

"That is correct." Takanuva said smiling and clapping. "The answer is Long John Silver, a character from 'Treasure Island.' The story of Long John Silver informed much of our modern view of pirates. Unfortunately, he only exists in fiction in terms of nonfictional pirates, well…Captain William Kidd made quite a name for himself, I'd say. Maybe you're familiar with the story of his execution? How he declared that he hid all his treasure in one place?"

The rest of the class as well as Gatomon were amazed Aqua got it right. Aqua smiles as she feels her knowledge improve.

"Though research seems to indicate that he didn't actually have much…" Takanuva said thinking "Still, several novels were written based on his legend, and people still look for his treasure today. By the way, I've heard that there's an island in Kyushu where Kidd's treasure is said to sleep…"

"Kidd's secret treasure, huh…" Gatomon said thinking. "Regardless of its actual worth, there's still value in letting that many people dream about it."

"Agreed" Aqua said nodding.

Soon Aqua walks the halls and hear people talking about how Ventus actually came to the clean up event and how they feel about him, their feeling about events like that and if they'd do it again next year.

At the end of the school Gatomon informed Aqua how bad the pollen in the air is, noting that Shadows in Mementos will no doubt suffer from people suffering from it.

Aqua nods and decided now is the time to begin an excursion into Mementos and calls for a meeting with the rest of the Dragon Gems to tackle the two requests they got.

She sees Carly and apporches her "Hey Carly, what's new?"

"Well, I'm investigating Ventus now, but…like the rumors say, he really has his act together." Carly said thinking. "Honor students were exempt from cleaning, but he volunteered because he didn't want to be treated differently."

"How noble." Aqua said smiling.

"Yeah, it is." Carly said smiling "I think he respected as both an athlete and a student. You know, maybe you should follow his example. People will probably stop being suspicious of you."

"If only it was that easy." Aqua said and begins heading to the exit

However as she was on way to the school entrance to leave she notice J following her and looks to her. J sees her and said "Ah….Wh-what is it? I was just so engrossed in my book I didn't notice you…Oh, I almost forgot! I have a student council meeting to attend."

"Alright then" Aqua said nodding letting her go.

"Are we done here..? Well then, see you." Aqua said and walks off.

Aqua sighs and heads to the hideout.

As she was heading their she over heard talking from an Imp in a track suit and a Loan Shark in gangster suit talking.

"That old man stopped taking my calls…" The Loan Shark said "Well, I squeezed him for all he's worth, so I guess it makes sense."

"So that's why you're taking this stuff more seriously." The Imp said nodding "I'll let them know."

"Keep an eye out for young ones, like we been doing they make the best 'customers.'" The Loan Shark said

Aqua shudders and goes to the hideout. When everyone was gathered Aqua said "I think it's time we head into Mementos to tackle the requests."

"Let's see, how many targets do we have…? 2 of them? Should we get going?" Alexis said thinking.

"Let's go then" Aqua said as she and the others nod and they head to Mementos.

Aqua and the others are in the main entrance to Mementos and already to go.

"Oh yeah…I have something for you before we head in there." Gatomon said and hands 2 Gobo-M and said "Those were the last I had. You're on your own now, okay?" He then sneezes and groans "The pollen's out of control today…It'll definatly have an impact on Mementos…"

"Huh? What do you mean?" Uzi asked.

"Well, Mementos is affected by the emotions of the public." Gatomon explained.

"Wait, so you're saying…weather changes people's feelings, and that in turn changes Mementos?" Alexis asked surprised.

"Not just Mementos. The Shadows inside too." Gatomon said smiling. "The type of change will depend on what kind of weather it is. This might turn out to be useful."

"Well, what happens when there's a ton of pollen?" Uzi asked curious.

"I'm not too sure…but the impact on Mementos is determined by how the public is feeling." Gatomon said thinking. "How have other people been seeing to you?"

"Come to think of it, some of the kids in my and Aqua's class have bad allergies." Alexis said and Aqua nods in agreement. "They all seem really out of it. Apparently the medicine makes them feel sleepy…"

"I see…There might be a similar effect in Mementos then…" Gatomon said nodding.

"So, it'll probably be easier to beat Shadows or ignore them completely." Uzi said smiling "Come on, let's go find out." Uzi said grinning.

They teleport to the spot they stopped last time.

"Hey, this is where we came last time, right?" Uzi asked.

"Yeah. And just as I expected, the path ahead is still open. All right, time to check it out!" Gatomon said.

Aqua nods and they descend down to the next floor.

Once they made it down they heard a voice saying "Hey, good job." It was Tokoyami in his car with Dark Shadow. "That one closed-up door's finally opened. Are you the one who did that?"

"Sure am" Aqua said nodding.

"We knew it! Mementos filled us in on it…" Dark Shadow said smiling.

"But thank you, we should be able to find more flowers deeper down." Tokoyami said nodding. "Well, we should get going."

"Good job!" Tokoyami said giving a thumbs up as they drive off.

Aqua gets in to the drivers seat and Uzi said "We bumped into those guys again. Uh, what were their names…"

"You mean Tokoyami and Dark Shadow, right?" Alexis said smiling "They are nice and Dark Shaodw is so adorable, isn't it?"

"Prima?! I'm adorable too, you know!" Gatomon said nervous while in van now.

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, he said he was looking for flowers and wanted our help, right?" Alexis said thinking. "Sounds like he'll reward us too. Doesn't it seem like helping him would be worth it?"

"I guess." Uzi said shrugging "I am kind of curious about what we'll get…Why don't we go look for him? He's probably still around here."

"Looking for him is fine and all, but remember that it's risky to stay in one area for too long." Gatomon said nervous. "There's this one really fearsome Shadow in Mementos…if we hang around too long, it'll hunt us down."

"Huh?! The robot hell're you talking about?!" Uzi said shocked "Why didn't you tell us this before?!"

"The Reaper…the most dangerous one of us to exist." Captain Kidd said

"He walks alone, serving no master but his duties are to ensure no invades to the Metaverse stay too long." Goemon said Zorro nodding in agreement.

"It's advised to avoid him at all costs." Carmen added.

"Agreed, though not invincible, he is insanely powerful. We should heed Gatomon's advise" Arsene said nodding.

"When he is on the floor, listen for chains, they will be your warning." Zorro added

'He really has you and my other Persona's spooked, warning taken' Aqua thinks.

"We should be finem if we find him quickly. All right, let's get going." Gatomon said.

They look for Tokoyami in the area while battling the Shadow Batlings and Aqua picks up a new Shadow known as Kodoma temperarly for now. But they soon find him and Aqua apporches them

"Oh, good job" Tokoyami said nodding.

Dark Shadow then notices the item in Aqua's possession "Hm, what you got there? That's really neat.

'Tokoyami and Dark Shadow are looking at my Crystal of Lust…' Aqua thinks and hands it to them.

"Wow, this is amazing. I recognize it from my studies!" Tokoyami said amazed "I'm feeling strong mortal desires coming from this accessory…But, it still hasn't reached its full portential"

"May I see it? I won't do any damage to it. I promise." Dark Shadow said. He takes it and begins working on it "If I just do this…and then this…Done!" He does the same to the Crystal of Vanity.

"Here you go, miss." Tokoyami said handing them back "Now those accessories can use their full potential." Aqua receives the Ring of Lust and Ring of Vanity.

"Let me know if you fins any others like it, okay?" Dark Shadow said. "Leaning about desires also teaches us more about mortals."

Aqua nods and sits down.

"Oh, that's right here, before we forget" Tokoyami said handing Aqua a stamp book. "Remember when I told you we'd come up with a fun game for us to play in Mementos?"

"I thought of this after seeing the subway in the other world" Dark Shadow said. "This'll also prove that you're checking for flowers in all sorts of places here."

"The stamps have different rewards than the flowers, so try to get as much of both as you can!" Tokoyami points out. "Also the flowers you get will disappear if you leave Mementos so take it into account

Aqua nods and leaves to get the stamps and she noticed how Mementos works with the floors changing when she went from the floor above and back down again. They continue there decent until they reach the second floor to this area.

"You know, this Palace's security level doesn't seem to change, even if the enemies spot you." Alexis notes.

"Mementos is different." Gatomon said and explained "While other Palaces exist because of just one person, this one's from the public. From that perspective, it'd take more than a few intruders to make a mark on the security level. You'd have to do something so bad that the entire public sees you as an enemy. So…be careful okay, Circuit?"

"Bite me!" Uzi said annoyed.

"Anyway I can sense one of our targets somewhere in this area!" Gatomon said thinking "Let's scour this floor for them!"

Aqua drives the van and finds the portal and drives into it

They enter the area and see Shadow Jo standing there in the middle of the arena wearing her Citadel Academy uniform with blue pants rather than blue skirt, the Shadow Batling were looking down on the group watching.

"That's Jo's Shadow, huh?" Gatomon said looking.

"This girl's bullying is really bad." Uzi said glaring. "From what I hear, it's mostly blackmail, taking money from people, that kind of thing."

"If we don't make her have a change of heart, her bullying might get even worse." Alexis said with a nod.

"Let's go." Uzi said in agreement.

Aqua runs up with the group to Shadow Jo. The Shadow looks at them and said glaring with her yellow eyes "It's not my fault! It's theirs for not standing up for themselves!"

"That's no reason!" Uzi said glaring "How's it their fault when you don't give them any choice, huh?"

"You're the lowest of the low." Alexis said arms folding "Bullying people weaker than you, knowing they can't fight back!"

"The hell?! You're all ganging up on me, too!" Shadow Jo said with anger "Are you phantom thieves some kind of gang?! Protectors of justice, my butt! Don't act high and mighty with me when you don't know anything!" Shadow Jo then transforms forming a snowman like creature with a blue hat and was wearing a grey tracksuit and sneakers.

"You're the one who doesn't know anything!" Uzi said glaring "Let's get them!"

Aqua, Gatomon, Alexis and Zane lead the charge as the fight begins.

"I already told you, I didn't do anything wrong…Listen to me, dammit!" Shadow Jo said in anger.

Zane opens up with a strike with his sword, Aqua uses Shiki-Ouji with Mazio. Shadow Jo does Evil Touch on Aqua and it works making her scared. Gatomon uses Garu on Shadow Jo. Alexis uses a Relax Gel on Aqua to cure her.

Zane and Aqua move and strikes Shadow Jo, Strikes Jo attacks Zane with Lucky Punch knocking him down and then she attacks Alexis. Gatomon then strikes Shadow Jo and Alexis finishes her by shooting her dazing her.

Shadow Jo transforms back to her human look and said nervous "B-But if I don't do it, they're going to hurt me. I don't want people taking my money from me anymore!"

"What are you talking about?" Uzi asked confused.

"If I don't go after him, I'm the one who's gonna get bullied!" Shadow Jo said sadly "I can't take it, I just can't!"

"Oh, I get it now." Alexis said realizing what was going on "There's an even bigger bully ordering this girl around who's behind all this."

"Hey! Didn't you just say it's people's own fault for not standing up for themselves?" Uzi said to Shadow Jo.

"That's…er…Please, help me!" Shadow Jo begged.

"All right, we will" Aqua said nodding. Even if Jo did wrong like Sunstreker the cause of her distortion oof the heart was another person's actions.

"Thank you! On, thank you, you wonderful phantom thieves!" Shadow Jo said smiling.

"This girl…Fickle gal, isn't she?" Gatomon said.

"I'm counting on you…You guys promised." Jo said nodding.

"Fine, but you better apologize to those people you bullied!" Uzi told her as Shadow Jo fades away leaving her seedling behind.

"All right, we got a Treasure!" Gatomon said smiling. Aqua grabs it, it was a Protein item.

"Impressive leadership…Well, what's next? Do you want to continue exploring?" Zane asked.

"How many targets left in this area? 1? Okay, then what's our next move, Waterwave?"

"Let's keep going." Aqua said.

"Let's do that. There must be more places to explore." Zane said nodding.

They keep moving leaving the area.

They keep moving battling the Shadow Batling as they descending down the Path of Aiyatsbus area. When they get to to the next level it was very dark.

"Whoa! What the heck happened?! It's so dark!" Uzi asked surprised

"Mementos is an amalgamation of the people's cognition." Gatomon explained "This can affect the environment, as well as the structure. It hasn't been like this in a long time, but it seems like the darkness won't be the only thing we'll have to deal with."

"You mean we even more stuff to worry about?" Alexis asked concerned.

"In a way…I can sense rare Shadows all around us." Gatomon points out. "We should explore this area for a bit despite the darkness."

"Be terrifying running to Reaper down here in this darkness" Aqua said as she drives.

"Yeah I don't really want to stick around here, but if you say so, then I guess we can go for it…" Uzi admits. "Waterwave just…drive extra safe or something!"

"Got it" Aqua said nodding.

"Oh, mister!" Dark Shadow is heard. "When you get flowers bring them to us! I'll go ahead of you guys!" He and Tokoyami drive off.

They drive and find Tokoyami's shop and bought some items and also trades in the stamps to up the money rewards and items.

"You want us to change Momentos? Sure." Tokoyami said nodding. He then feels the ground and them marks a spot "Here we go, go ahead Dark Shadow."

"What are you doing?" Aqua asked.

"Just watch" Dark Shadow said and readies his fist "We learned all about this. You see, the cognition flowing through Momentos…"

"It's got these things that a similar to what you mortals call 'pressure points.' So if Dark Shadow does this…" Dark Shadow punches the spot the ground stars coming out of his fists and after a while the world around them shakes.

"There. That should've changes it for you, don't believe me?" Dark Shadow said smiling "Just take a look for yourself on your Metaverse app."

Aqua looks and sees the changes done. She bids farewell to them and carries out going down to the next level

The next level was different as it was all a station platform, and they see a load of people through the wall on the other side.

"Huh…? Those are…" Alexis said seeing them. "They're people…right?"

"Well, I'd say they're most likely Shadows…" Gatomon said thinking.

"What're Shadows doing here? It's not like they're going to be catching a train or…" Uzi began to say only to stop when an actual train stops for the Shadows "I-It stopped…?" The train then goes again and the shadows waiting for it were gone.

"They got in…" Alexis notes.

"Hey…Where's that go?" Uzi asked Gatomon.

"If I had to guess…I'd say into the deepest part of Mementos." Gatomon said thinking.

"What? This place seriously don't make any sense…" Uzi said sighing. Then looks to a seating box and asked "Also, what's that on the platform?"

"Isn't it a waiting room? I didn't expect there'd be one here too…" Alexis said thinking.

"It looks like we'll be able to use this to take a break." Gatomon said thinking "Make sure to utilize it well, Waterwave."

"Then let's rest for a bit." Aqua said and the group relax.

"But seriously…what's up with this place? Shadow's ain't gonna attack us here?" Uzi asked as they rested.

"Mm…It seems like this is some kind of safe zone separate from the other areas." Gatomon said thinking.

"So how is everyone?" Aqua asked.

"I'm curious about those Shadow's taking the train down into the depths of Mementos, yeah?" Uzi said thinking "Wouldn't it make our lives easier if we just hopped on with them?"

"Even if we could, there's no knowing what await us down there." Gatomon points out. "At the very least, I'd assume there are powerful Shadows in the depths. To put it frankly, it'd be suicide."

"Th-Then can't you just drive on those rails instead of out in Mementos like normal?" Uzi asked gulping.

"As ashamed as I am to say it, I can't run at that high a speed." Gatomon said looking down. "And it'd be game over if we encountered another train along the way."

"It soulds like it would be better to just explore by normal methods…" Alexis said sighing.

"Geez…And I thought I actually had a pretty good idea for once." Uzi said sighing

"It was good thinking." Aqua said and the group continue to head down.

When they get to the next floor Gatomon after transforming said "Oh, Waterwave. I almost forgot to mention…In Mementos, sometimes the road will be unnaturally blocked. The walls are pretty weak in those spots. I should be able to break through them no problem. If you see any while we're exploring, try busting right through them!"

"Got it" Aqua said nodding.

"Uh, just let us know before you do that…" Alexis said "Don't go crashing into any walls before we can buckle up."

Aqua keeps going they get another new Persona known as Obariyon. They keep on going and move down to the next level.

"Hey…The next area has a different feel to it somehow." Gatomon said thinking. "What is this…? No, we should focus on what's in front of us for now. I feel the presence of the target ahead…Let's search the whole area."

Aqua nods and drives until she finds the portal and goes into it knowing it will lead to the area housing Selina Kyle.

They emerge in the arena where Shadow Selina stood there wearing a fancy winter coat while the Shadow Batlings watch on from above.

"There! That's Selina Kyle." Gatomon said pointing at her "Let's change her heart for the sake of all the cats of Metru-Nui!" Aqua nods and the group approach her.

"Selina Kyle? You're gonna let all the cats in Metru-Nui go." Uzi said glaring.

"No!" Shadow Selina said in anger and worry "Without me, Charcoal and all the other kittens won't be happy and safe!"

"'Other kittens'…?" Gatomon said confused. "Hey, what are you talking about?"

"Charcoal?!" Shadow Selina said upon seeing Gatomon and smiles "Come here, kitty! You've got to come over, too!" She then transforms to her true form where was a Neko cat woman her outfit was a black latex outfit with a white and red lense goggles as the fight. She said "I'll be the one to protect the charcoals! I won't let anyone stand in my way!"

"Oh no you don't Matador!" Aqua said and has him doing a wind attack knocking Shadow Selina off her feet and the group surround her.

"Please! Stop it!" Shadow Selina said punching the ground and glaring up at them in anger. "If I'm gone, there won't be anyone protecting the charcoals!"

"Waterwave, it seems there's something going on with this one." Gatomon said to Aqua "Maybe we should try talking to them."

"I agree, it doesn't seem her distorted heart comes from any malice or evil" Aqua said nodding.

"Okay, here's what we know about her." Gatomon said thinking. "She's calling the cats she catnapped 'snowballs,' the catnapped cats are 'stressed out'…And lastly, 'the pet owners are giving up.'" Aqua nods and looks at Shadow Selina.

"All I want to do is protect the charcoals." Shadow Selina yelled to Aqua "I have to protect them; I just HAVE TO PROTECT THEM!"

"Come on, calm down, Miss. Kyle." Aqua said to her.

"I am calm…Of course I'm calm…" Shadow Selina said calming down. "I need to stay calm for the charcoals."

"What does she mean by charcoals? That's so weird." Gatomon said confused. "Are all the cats charcoals?!"

"Charcoals are charcoals…" Shadow Selina said.

"Are there a lot of charcoals?" Aqua asked her.

"That's right…They're all charcoals I have to protect them." Shadow Selina said holding herself with a fearful smile "As long as I protect them, the charcoals will be happy…"

"But they're unhappy like this." Aqua said to her.

"W-well that's…" Shadow Selina said thinking and shakes her head "But if I don't keep an eye out for the charcoals, they'll die too…"

"They'll die 'too'?" Gatomon said thinking. "So the real Charcoal is already gone?"

"Most likely" Aqua said realizing what was the catalyst for her distorted heart was the trauma of losing the real Charcoal.

"Okay, I think we've got this." Gatomon said "She's calm enough for us to talk to her now. Go for it Waterwave."

Aqua nods and goes to Shadow Selina who remains quiet. Aqua kneels down and hugs her and said "I'm sorry Selina but…you need to accept the fact that…Charcoal is gone…"

"You're…right." Shadow Selina cries and hugs Aqua. Aqua smiles and helps her up and Shadow Selina up when she calmed down and reverted to her human form and explained "I found this black kitten and took it home, but it wandered outside while I wasn't looking. And then…I saw it get run over by a car. The car just kept driving, even after it ran over the kitten…Since then, I see that kitten in every cat. I always think 'I have to protect it this time'…!"

"It's brought you a lot of suffering, huh…" Gatomon said sadly to her.

"No…The people who really suffered are the owners and their cats." Shadow Selina said sighing.

"It's all right." Gatomon said smiling "You realized your mistake…Just don't do something like this again."

"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Kitten." Shadow Selina said smiling "Um…I have a lot of cat food at my place. So please come over sometime."

"I am NOT a cat!" Gatomon said but then added awkwardly "But…that sounds nice."

"Thank you…" Shadow Selina said and returns to her real self, leaving her treasure seed. Aqua takes it and it was a Cat Brooch.

Aqua smiles and they continue their exploration of the area and reach the final floor.

"Hey, that wall…" Gatomon said reaching the floor which was like the one in Qimranut. Including the wall at the end.

"It's the same type of wall we opened up last time…Does this one open, too?" Alexis said smiling.

"Let's check it out, Waterwave." Gatomon said.

Aqua goes to it and looks at it 'It doesn't look like it's going to open…'

"…I didn't expect this wall to still be here." Gatomon said sighing.

"The robot hell? I thought we got all this stuff open because we like, influence the public or whatever." Uzi said annoyed.

"The first wall, yes. However, it looks like we won't get this one open without expanding upon that." Gatomon said sighing. "…I think."

"Gaon, you said influence comes from people believing in us, right?" Alexis asked. "Maybe this one would open too if we can get more people to accept us."

"Perhaps…" Gatomon said unsure.

"Why're you being so darn vague about all this…?" Uzi asked annoyed.

"It's fine. In any case, it doesn't change our goal." Alexis said nodding. "We'll just have to work hard enough to open this wall!"

"Then I guess we're going to be holding off on whatever's past there until then." Uzi said nodding.

Aqua then goes back to the entrance spending what he can at Tokoyami and Dark Shadows store and then leave Mementos.

Aqua and Gatomon make it back inside LeBlanc exhausted but feeling fulfilled.

"Did you notice on the way home? The cats are back in Metru-Nui!" Gatomon said happily. "Also I overheard the owners talking…It sounds like Selina turned herself in. Once she pays for her crimes, apparently, she's going to volunteer to take care of stray cats."

"I hope things go well for her." Aqua said with a smile.

"I agree!" Gatomon said with a smile. "…I doubt she remembers me, but maybe I'll go visit her someday. I made a promise, after all."

Aqua nods and does the crossword and study in the middle booth to improve the Knowledge and once she's done that she heads to bed to sleep.

Here we go, Memento is done for now but we will return at a later time for more quests.

Please read, review and suggest. Thank you.