Chapter 2: Changes

"So you've come, Inmate." Caroline tells Ren with an annoyed tone.

"The you in reality is currently fast asleep. You are only experiencing this as a dream." Justine adds with unusual calm.

Don't need to remind me, you two. Ren mentally replies, looking between the twins as he grasps onto the bars of his cell. And I CERTAINLY did not miss these damn bars!

"You're in the presence of our master. Stand up straight!" Caroline orders Ren before she and her sister turn to look at 'Igor'. He chuckles at the scene before him, his head resting on one hand as the other gently taps on the oak table.

"Welcome. I am delighted to make your acquaintance." He holds a hand out in greeting as his large eyes gaze into Ren. "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room that only those bound by a 'contract' may enter. I am Igor, the master of this place. Remember it well."

Oh, I certainly do, Yaldabaoth… Ren internally seethes while keeping as much of a neutral expression as he can muster. Might as well play along while I can. "Why am I here?" Caroline whacks her stun baton against the cell, annoyed at Ren's tone of voice, yet 'Igor' simply chuckles softly.

"I summoned you to speak of important matters. It involves your life as well." Igor pauses in his speech, turning his gaze around to the empty cells lining the room around him. "Still, this is a surprise… The state of the room reflects the state of your own heart. To think a prison would appear as such."

How much is that the Velvet Room showing my heart, and you force it to be like this? Ren tightens his grip around the bars, resisting the urge to scowl. Although he could feel his gaze narrow a tiny bit at the 'prisoner of fate' jab.

"In the near future, there is no mistake that ruin awaits you." 'Igor' predicts with his wide grin. Ren's mind flashes back to their final battle with Yaldabaoth, the vow they swore to uproot that final verdict. It would not end the same way. Not this time. "Your silence is understandable. However, there is a means to oppose such a fate. You must be 'rehabilitated'. Rehabilitated towards freedom… That is your only way to avoid ruin."

Bullshit. You just want me as your pawn. Taking a deep breath, Ren straightens himself up, locking eyes with the disguised god. Calm down, Ren. Can't let this guy get suspicious of me. "So, what do you want me to do?" Ren's response somehow made 'Igor's' grin wider as he leaned forward in his chair.

"It is simple. Change the distortion of the world. Allow me to observe the path of your rehabilitation." He motions to the twins in front of the bars as they turn to face Ren with their signature looks. "Forgive me for not introducing the others. On your right is Caroline; to your left, Justine. They serve as wardens here." Ren absentmindedly nods as he notices the faint silhouette of a blue butterfly hovering between the two before vanishing. "I shall explain the roles of these two at another occasion." An alarm rings through the room, drawing all eyes to the speakers hanging from the ceiling of the prison.

"Now then, it would seem the night is waning… It is almost time. Take your time to slowly come to understand this place. For we will meet again, eventually..." 'Igor' chuckles darkly as the room goes dark, with 'Igor's' smile gleaming through the darkness.

Chatroom: Return of the Phantoms!

Joker: It looks like Yaldabaoth is unaware of us going back in time. We're in the clear for now.

Queen: That's reassuring. Also, we have succeeded in rescuing Mona.

Joker: Glad to hear! I knew you guys would be fine!

Skull: It was no sweat, Joker! Although Queen DID show off.

Queen: SKULL!

Panther: She managed to jump on a Shadow and rip its mask off! She even quoted you as well!

Joker: Queen, I am so proud. *heart*

Queen: I am dying of embarrassment. Anyway, we can't be reckless. If we act too fast, we may blow our cover before we are even ready to fight. Which brings us to how we deal with our targets after Kamoshida.

Skull: What's there to discuss? We hit them the same way we did the first time, right?

Noir: I think what Queen means is not the order, but how fast.

Panther: What do you mean?

Queen: Think about it. We know who to target and who the end goal is. But they are under the assumption that WE don't know. If we go too fast, we may end up alerting them and bringing Shido's men on us faster than last time. And according to Panther, we are only as strong as we were when we first entered Oracle's Palace.

Oracle: Yikes! That's a big power drop! (o.o) Then again, I need to reawaken mine, what with having a Palace again and all… Why am I always the complicated one?

Fox: That is also not including our leader's lack of persona. No offence to Arsène, of course.

Joker: None taken Fox. But Queen is right. That is why I suggest we wait for the same amount of time as the first time. Yes, I know we would rather take them down now, but we can't be reckless.

Fox: I do not mind waiting. For we will need to devise a plan for the door in Madarame's house. The one that is blocking the way to the Treasure.

Panther: So long as we DON'T do it the way we did last time.

Fox: Heavens above, no! I have learned my lesson!

Noir: What exactly happened?

Skull: You don't need to know Noir.

Joker: Moving on, we are all planning to start infiltrating the Palace on Monday after school, right?

Queen: That's the plan. Meet up on the school roof before heading to the alley. Just don't be late this time, okay?

Joker: So long as Skull doesn't say the keywords on the way there.

Skull: HEY!

Joker: I'm joking.

Oracle: BTW Queen. Did Sae have any reactions to Mona? Sojiro asked if he and Joker had already met. He also seems to be acting nicer than he did the first time.

Queen: You know, she did. She said that Mona looked familiar to her. Kawakami-sensei said the same thing. I cannot help but think this is what Philemon was talking about.

Joker: Let's hope Akechi is not included in that. Otherwise, we are in trouble.

Oracle: Better get ready, Bro. Sojiro is about to head out.

Joker: Right. See you all on Monday.

April 10th, 2016

The ride over to Shujin went the same as it did the first time. As was Sojiro's little talk before they entered the campus proper. Seeing the walking boiled egg at the principal desk was strange, considering that the last he heard about him, he was ran over by a truck. Kawakami standing by his side, looking just as tired as when he first arrived. Although the look she gave him almost caught him off guard.

It was the same one that Sojiro had given him.

But the other surprise in the room was Makoto. Standing on the other side with her hands by her side and a cat carrier by her feet. The moment they made eye contact, Ren had to force himself not to move to her side. The last they saw each other was in the Velvet Room after they died after all. And judging by how Makoto was flexing her hands, she was stopping herself from doing the same.

"Ah, you're here Sakura-san." Kobayakawa says, folding his hands together before looking at Ren. "And you must be the transfer student. Ren Amamiya, was it?"

"Yes, sir." Ren replies, bowing to the Principal while hiding the frown on his face. "Thank you for taking me in." Kobayakawa sniffs as he leans forward, glaring hard at Ren. But compared to the stares he had seen before, it was a pathetic attempt at looking intimidating.

"Just so you know, the schools' reputation is staked on this. If I hear any problems about you, you will be immediately expelled. No questions asked." He leans back before pushing some paperwork forward. "Sakura-san, if you can so kindly sign this."

"Yeah, yeah." Sojiro replies, irritated but composed. As Sojiro signs, Kobayakawa leans back in his seat, eyes locked on Ren.

"As far as I am concerned, you are just another liability. But we have our circumstances to consider… Whatever you may have gotten away with in your home town… those days are gone. And if you are thrown out of our school, there will be no place for you to go. Remember that well, young man." He then turns his head to Kawakami. "This is the teacher in charge of your class…" He pauses in his speech before frowning. "Miss Kawakami? Are you with us?"

His voice seems to jolt her out of her stupor before she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, sir, I had a long night." She explains, but both Ren and Makoto could tell she was lying. They could see it in her eyes. She looks at Ren, straightening her posture. "I'm Sadayo Kawakami. Here is your student ID." She places it on the table, along with a flyer for a maid service, which she quickly snatches back before Kobayakawa notices. "Be sure to read the school rules. Any violations will send you straight to the guidance office. And if by chance you cause any problems, I won't be able to protect you."

Like being late or storming Kamoshida's office? Won't happen this time. Ren silently nods as he grabs his ID. Placing the ID into his pocket, he looked back to the Principal, who had once again laced his fingers.

"There is one more thing we have to give you. Nijima-san, if you please?" Kobayakawa asks Makoto. She nods stiffly before picking up the cat carrier, eliciting a small meow from its occupant. At least to the non-thieves, anyway.

"H-Hey! Watch it, Queen!" Morgana moans as Makoto carries the carrier to Ren. Both of them managed to stifle chuckles as Ren took hold of the carrier, looking in to see the familiar black and white cat with wide blue eyes. Complete with a yellow scarf.

"A cat?" Sojiro asks with an eyebrow raised.

"Indeed, Sakura-san. It was Nijima-san's idea to give him a Therapy Cat. In order to keep him out of trouble. I assume it won't cause any problems?" Sojiro looks between the two before sighing while rubbing the back of his head.

"No. No, it won't. So long as he knows that he's going to take care of it and keep it upstairs. Expect no help from me." He picks up his hat from the table before looking back at the Principal. "If that is all, mind if we get going. I've got a store to run."

"Of course, Sakura-san. Thank you for your time." Kobayakawa thanks as Makoto and Kawakami bow politely as the two men leave. "I am surprised he accepted the cat without issue. You would think a restaurant owner would take issue with that."

"Perhaps he is not like other owners." Makoto replies. "If you don't mind, but I need to get going as well. I have some things to look over in the Student Council Room before heading home."

"Allow me to join you, Nijima-chan." Kawakami offers. Makoto accepts her offer before the two leave Kobayakawa alone. Walking to the student council room, Makoto took the chance to ponder about Kawakami's actions.

She definitely must have felt a familiar feeling from Ren that Morgana did. Sojiro had the same look when he saw me. And I know that my sister has not mentioned anything about me until we met just before the summer break. Opening the door to the staff room, Makoto just caught a glimpse of Kamoshida walking past the connecting hallway between the two halves of the school. She surpasses an urge to scowl as she enters the room. She could take her anger out on him in the Metaverse.

"Urgh, traffic is not moving at all…" Sojiro groans as he, Ren and Morgana are stuck in a traffic jam halfway back to Leblanc. "You're taking the train tomorrow." Ren silently nods as he looks out the window, his mind far away. Morgana spent his time napping in the cat carrier, as comfy as he could.

"So, how was it?" Sojiro asks, breaking the silence. "The school, I mean. Think you can handle it." Ren places a hand on his chin in mock contemplation. He already knew what was in store for him.

"I think I'll manage. So long as the teachers don't leak my record to the students. But something tells me they'll find out anyway." Ren replies. Sojiro raises an eyebrow at the student's remark but remains quiet. Commenting that Ren did bring it on himself. An uneasy silence filled the car as they waited fro the traffic to move as the news reported about a sudden subway incident closing all lines, with casualties still being listed from the crash.

"So that explains this…" Sojiro moans before turning thoughtful. "These incidents seem to be only getting worse. In fact, there was a really sad one just last month." Ren turns to look at Sojiro with a mixture of curiosity of surprise.

He's never said this last time…

"It happened before you arrived. Or perhaps before your incident. If I remember right, the girl who passed away was only fifteen. Can only imagine how her family took it."

"Hopefully better than how mine have ever treated me…" Ren mumbles to himself. "Still, these have been happening in Tokyo for the past two years, right? You'd think they would have figured out what has been causing all this."

"You'd think so, huh." Sojiro responds thoughtfully, eyes turning back to the road. He hums to himself before turning in his seat to stare at the cat carrier. "Why does that cat feel so familiar? Either way, you'll be taking care of him." Ren nods again, playing the part of the obedient student while his mind races with thoughts.

Was this another victim of the Mental Shutdowns? Or was a freak accident mixed in? Either way, no point in worrying about it.

It was already evening by the time they returned to Leblanc. A fact that Sojiro was not happy with, complaining about the traffic holding them up. He tells Ren to head upstairs to bed before handing him his probation journal.

"You may be under probation, but there's no special limitations on what you can do in particular. Besides following the law, that is." Ren had to fight the urge to smirk at that. At least he makes Sojiro suspicious of him. Or kick him out. It was at that moment that Sojiro's phone rang, prompting him to answer it. Ren already knew who was on the other end as he watched Sojiro turn and leave. But not before calling him out.

"Sojiro-san. Is the sign turned to close?" Sojiro turns to look at Ren before donning a thinking expression.

"Hmmm, I think it isn't. Thank you for reminding me. Make sure you're up early tomorrow, and plan your route. Who knows how long it will take to get the trains running again." As Sojiro walks away, Ren heads upstairs to his cleaned-out room before sitting at the workbench and begins writing in his journal as Morgana walks over to him after finishing off a plate of fish.

"Already writing an entry?" Morgana asks with a cat smirk. Ren grins before giving him a gentle pat on the head.

"Got to keep up the illusion somehow. At least until Boss remembers us." Ren pauses for a moment before thinking back to the office. "Kawakami-sensei definitely looked like she recognised me. Boss had the same expression when he looked at Makoto."

"Then it is all a matter of unlocking those memories. Maybe hearing about the Phantom Thieves will help unlock them." Morgana pauses for a moment before looking back at Ren. "What about the Velvet Room? Yaldabaoth has to have seen the links you have made with your confidants. Do you think he really does know but is dismissing it?"

"I can't say, Morgana. I know my bonds with you and the others are still as strong as ever, but I can feel my bond with Boss is being shackled in a way." Ren replies as he closes the book before moving to change. "If Yaldabaoth does know, then that's all the more reason for us to be cautious. But still…" He turns back to Morgana. "I can't shake the feeling that something else is happening. Boss never talked about that incident before."

"Maybe you forgot about it. Considering what's happening tomorrow." Morgana stretches before curling up into a ball on Ren's futon bed. "It's getting late. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Ren nods before climbing into bed and bringing the covers over him. While a small part of him worried about the future, another part of him roared with excitement.

He falls asleep with a smirk plastered on his face.

April 11th, 2016

Waking up and getting ready, Ren's nerves were on edge. Even with the knowledge of what was to come, he couldn't help but feel the anxiety eating away at him. It was strange, feeling like this despite what he had gone through.

"You ready, Joker?" Morgana asks near Ren's bag. Two umbrellas sat next to his bag, one for him and one for Ann in case she forgot hers, despite him typing in the morning chat for both her and Ryuji to remember them.

"Ready, Mona." Joker replies, picking the bag up as Morgana hops inside. Walking down, he found Sojiro at the counter, watching the TV while a plate full of curry with coffee sat on top of the counter. He sees Joker coming down the stairs as he turns to greet him.

"So, you're actually going to school, huh?" He pushes the plate forward. "Here. I'll feed you. Just make sure to finish it before the customers arrive." Ren glances at the plate of steaming curry, fond memories surfacing at his stable meal.

"Thank you very much, sir." Ren replies before sitting down to eat. It tasted just as great as ever. Soon, both the plate and coffee cup were empty. "That was delicious." Ren compliments as he stands with a smile.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Sojiro responds with a small grin before motioning to the door. "Now get going. You don't want to be late on your first day. Oh, and flip the sign over for me as you leave for me, please." With a court nod, Ren leaves the café and flips the sign over. The moment he does, he heads straight for the train station.

The journey to Aoyama-Itchome went as crowded as it did the first time. And stuffy as well. Exiting the train, Ren reaches into his bag for one of the umbrellas as he heads for the stairs. Morgana was already making himself at home in the bag.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Ren was greeted by a cascade of rain as he opened the umbrella and made for a small, sheltered spot. He had only stood there for a few seconds before a familiar figure had joined him under the cover.

"I can't believe I forgot about the rain!" Ann complains as she pushes her hood off her head. Ren chuckles at her, drawing her attention as she breaks into a smile. "Glad to see you too, Ren. I hope you have a spare…"

"We've only just reunited, and you're already asking for a favour?" Ren jokingly asks as Morgana pushes an umbrella out of the bag. Ren grabs it before handing it to Ann and returning the smile. "Good to see you too, Ann. Ryuji should be arriving soon…" He trails off as a familiar car approaches them. The window rolls down, revealing the driver to be none other than Kamoshida as his eyes roll all over Ann.

"Good morning. You want me to give you a lift to school? Don't want to be late." Kamoshida asks in his faux-friendly voice. Ann reins herself in as she opens the umbrella given to her before replying to him.

"Sorry, but I'm good with walking." Ann's reply was not what Kamoshida was expecting, as he frowned slightly before rolling the window up and driving away.

"HAH! Take that, Kamoshida!" Ryuji's voice echoes behind the two as he runs up to them. Dripping with water and resting his hands on his knees, he looks up to the duo before them with a shark-like grin. "That's got to hurt his ego!" Morgana pops his head out from Ren's bag, a smirk on his lips.

"Well, Ren did give me a valid excuse." Ann replies, twirling the umbrella around before giving Morgana a scratch on the head. Ryuji gives Ren a fist bump as the trio begin making their way to the school, calm as can be. "Still, I hope this won't make him go after Shiho sooner than when he..." She stops while closing her eyes, not wanting to finish that sentence. Ryuji wraps her in a one-arm hug as the three Thieves and non-cat make their way through the alley towards Shujin.

"It won't happen, Ann. Not this time." Ren replies determinedly as they make the final turn, Morgana pulling his head back into the bag. He may have been cleared by the faculty, but it was more comfortable for him to lie down in the bag. "We brought the King down once. We can do it again." Ann and Ryuji smirk at him as they follow him into school, on time. The moment he did, he could hear the rumours flying around him almost instantaneously.

"Better head up to the faculty. Kawakami-sensei will be expecting you." Ryuji tells Ren as he and Ann head to their classes. Ren mentally sighs as he heads to the second floor to see his homeroom teacher. Only to catch her as she was leaving the room.

"Ah, Amamiya-kun. Nice to see you are on time." She tells him with no small hint of surprise. Before her eyes gaze around the roaming students. "If you will follow me to your classroom." Ren nods as he follows after her, mentally preparing himself for the gossip that is to follow around him.

With the last chime of the bell, the day drew to a close as Ren went for the rooftop. Even though he had arrived on time, the rumours around him did not diminish in the slightest. Although they seemed to be paying more attention to Morgana in his bag than him for now. Much to the non-cats annoyance. He breathes out slowly as he approaches the door to the roof before slowly opening it.

"Here he is, the man of the hour." Ryuji's voice travels across the roof as he leans on one of the large air vents. Ann was sitting on one of the spare chairs lining the roof while Haru was nearby, tending to her plants. While Makoto was busy looking through a book before looking up at Ren with a loving smile. "Just the Joker we were waiting for."

"What about me, bonehead?" Morgana asks as he jumps out of the bag and hops onto a table. "You didn't forget about me, did you?"

"Aw, come on. Who could forget about you furball." Ryuji snarks back as the two glare at each other. Ann sighs as she shakes her head while Haru chuckles at the two before turning back to her plants.

"Some things never change." Makoto comments as she walks up to Ren and gives him a swift kiss on the lips. "I've been wanting to do that since yesterday." She admits as Ren wraps her in a hug.

"It's been the same with me." He replies before a cough from Morgana reminds the two of why they were there.

"If you two are done catching up, we have a Palace to infiltrate." Morgana begins as the Thieves gather around. "We already have a general path from our first time, but we still need to re-secure the route. Not only that, but we need to make sure that the treasure is located in the same spot as last time."

"What are the chances of it being in a different place?" Haru asks as she takes Morgana into her lap and strokes his back.

"Possibly zero, but it never hurts to be safe." Ren replies. "We have been given a second chance at this. While we have memories of what's to come, that does not mean we can take them at face value. We need to secure the route to the treasure as though we are doing it the first time."

"At least we won't be wasting time going to the dungeon today." Ryuji adds before stretching his back. "By the way, have you seen Mishima today?" He asks Ren and Ann, grabbing their attention. "Normally, I see him hovering around near the PE faculty for obvious reasons, but I've not seen him at all."

"Now that you mention it, he did seem different in class today." Ren adds, bringing a hand to his face. "His face was still covered in bruises, but his eyes seemed to hold a spark of light in them. I remember them looking dull and void before we took down Kamoshida."

"Shiho also seemed a bit different." Ann chimes in, leaning forward. "She was also asking me about you guys as well. I suppose it would come as a shock, seeing me acting all familiar with two third years out of nowhere."

"That doesn't surprise me. You two have always been close. But I heard that Mishima actually stood up to Kamoshida on Saturday." Ryuji then scratches the back of his head before glancing around. "Do you think they are on to us?"

"It is possible… Mishima-kun was one of our confidants, after all. Maybe he has retained some of the confidence we managed to give him." Haru says, tilting her head. "Does Suzui-chan know that you came up here, Ann-chan?" Ann shakes her head as Haru places Morgana on the ground. "I see."

"Regardless, it's time we head in." Makoto picks up her bag before turning back to Ren. "The sooner we change his heart, the sooner we can rest easy."

"Agreed. Even if we don't storm into his office like last time, Kamoshida will find some way to get rid of me and Ryuji. And I would rather not let him have the chance to make up some excuse." Ren picks up his own bag with Morgana nestled inside. "Let's go." The Thieves leave the rooftop, not noticing two figures following after them. Heading outside, the group heads into the small alleyway and ready themselves to enter the Metaverse. Unaware that their two followers were peaking around the corner.

"What is Ann doing?" Shiho asks quietly to Mishima as they look around the corner, thankful they have not been spotted yet. "And, what were they talking about?"

"I don't know…" Mishima replies wearily. "But I'm sure we can find out if we ask them. I just don't understand how they became so close with Nijima-senpai and Okumura-senpai. Let alone the transfer student." He grimaces before looking to the ground with a guilty look. "I should apologise to him for that…"

"It was not your fault, Mishima." Shiho comforts him as they back away from the corner, wincing a bit as a sudden uncomfortable feeling envelops her mind. "Kamoshida forced you to do that. You had no choice…" She looks away as she sits down on the ground. "We have no choice." Mishima looks at her before sitting down himself, his own thoughts swirling in his mind. Not helped by the weird feeling he felt in his head a few seconds ago. Before Mishima could ponder further, footsteps echoed from the alleyway next to them. He pulls Shiho to her feet before dragging her to a hidden spot just as the Thieves enter into the light. A group of six, each wearing a different mask that seemed to cast their faces in shadow, even their hair. The two students stood still, watching them pass by and enter the Academy.

But it was only then that they realised that Shujin Academy had changed into a castle.

"W-what is going on?" Shiho whispers as they stare at what used to be their school. "Where are we?"

"I…I don't know." Mishima replies, himself equally taken aback by the castle before them. Looking around, they found themselves to be the only people around. No other students or teachers. But looking up at the castle, he could feel something inside him pushing him to explore. But the other half was telling him to stay put. To not put himself in any danger.

"Do you think…Ann is in there?" Shiho hesitantly asks as the two slowly approach the draw bridge.

"What makes you think that?" Mishima asks back. Shiho looks at him before turning back to the castle, her dull and void eyes having the tiniest bit of light in them.

"It's just a feeling I have. And…" Shiho glances at where the group vanished. "I think Ann was one of those masked people." Mishima looks at her before turning back to the castle and sighing to himself.

"Well, if you want to look around…I'll join you. Safety in numbers." He replies. "And, I'll admit, part of me wants to explore this place as well." Shiho smiles at him as the two make their way up the drawbridge, finding themselves in a vast courtyard.

Standing before it now, they could see it had all the hallmarks of a typical European castle. Although it was jarring to see the sign for Shujin Academy right next to the drawbridge.

"This place is huge…" Mishima breathes as he looks up at the tower dominating the sky. "Where do we even start looking for them?" Shiho turned to answer him, but before she could utter a word, the doors were swung open.

"Princess? What are you doing out here?" Several guards come rushing out, their masked faces hiding their emotions, led by a knight in golden armour and red head crest. Yet the tone of their voices told all. "You! How dare you kidnap one of the princesses! You will pay with your life, slave!" The shadow swings his sword, missing Mishima by a hair, as two more Shadow knights emerge from the entrance. Moving to surround the two students.

Shiho feels her legs freezing as the knights surround them, fear clutching her heart as one of the knights moves to grab her. Before Mishima grabs her wrist and pulls her through a gap between the knights.

"Stop him! Inform Lord Kamoshida we have an intruder kidnapping the second princess!"

"So, you still have the ability to absorb free personae despite Yaldabaoth not giving it to you yet?" Queen asks as the Thieves hang out in a safe room. Joker nods at her as he leans on a chair, looking over the knife he found himself with.

"Yeah. It's an inherited part of being a Wild Card, so I don't have to worry about that. Still, it sucks not having the Third Eye ability. I think I've grown too dependent on it." Joker shrugs sheepishly at the fact as Queen shakes her head fondly.

"Isn't this still good for us though? I mean, Joker's already working on his roster." Panther inquiries. "Even if it's Pixie, Jack-o-Lantern and Bicorn at the moment. Do you even know what to fuse them into? Or what you can find?"

"You don't need to worry. I've already listed what personae are available in each palace and what to fuse them into." Joker replies with a smirk, pulling out a notepad. "Just need to make sure I visit the Velvet Room with them at least once so that the twins will register them. Wish they could do so the minute I grab them." So far, things were going smoothly. The Shadows had no idea about their presence, making them easy to ambush. Now that Joker thought about it, the Shadows were more spread out than the first time they infiltrated.

Maybe it was due to the fact that Kamoshida's Shadow had no idea they were here, thus leading equally to a less Shadow presence. It made sense to him since they hadn't had a confrontation in the dungeons like last time. Even if Palace Rulers were supposed to always know what was happening in their own homes. If so, it just showed how overconfident Kamoshida was from the very beginning.

The stomping of Shadows running past the safe room door, however, broke that thought.

"What was that?" Noir asks as all eyes turn to the door.

"Let me go check." Mona replies before sneaking out the door, leaving the five alone.

"Hey, Joker…" Skull asks with trepidation. "Doesn't this give you some Déjà Vu?"

"What do you mean?" Joker asks, leaning on the wall, hands in pockets.

"I mean, didn't Mona do this exact same thing before we found out Panther had been captured?" Skull's question was met by a small jab at his ribs from Panther as Ren thoughtfully nodded.

"Yeah. You also had a hard time remembering about codenames as well. You even forgot about yours." The girls broke out into small chuckles as Skull stared at Joker with a betrayed look before the boys joined the girls in laughter. Only for Mona to burst back into the room with wide eyes.

"This is bad!" Mona's voice broke the atmosphere like glass, turning worried heads to the non-cat.

"What's wrong, Mona-chan?" Haru asks gently. Mona looks between them with wide eyes before delivering news no one wants to hear.

"It's Mishima and Shiho! They're in the Palace being chased by Shadows!"

"WHAT!?" Panther and Ryuji scream as Joker and Queen's eyes narrow. "How did they get dragged in here?!"

"They must have been nearby when we crossed over… Damn it, we should have checked before activating the Nav." Queen grimaces. "We need to find them before Kamoshida's Shadow gets them." Haru turns back to Mona, eyes filled with determination.

"Mona-chan, where are they now?"

"They went to the place where Panther was taken to last time!"

"Then that's where we are going." Panther speaks with anger in her voice. "I don't know why Shiho and Mishima are here, but I don't care. I am NOT letting Kamoshida get his filthy hands on my sister!"

"None of us are, Panther." Joker replies, steel in his voice. "Let's move Thieves!" Bursting out of the safe room, Joker leads the Thieves back towards the small storage room just as voices can be heard echoing down the hall.

"Suzui! This way!" Mishima calls out, running down a hallway with suits of armour lining the sides. Rose petals lined the carpet floor.

"Why are they still chasing us!?" Shiho asks, glancing back at the armoured knights chasing them. Mishima only grunts in reply as he opens the door with his shoulder before slamming it shut as Shiho runs in. Only for her eyes to widen in shock at the room they were in. A picture of Kamoshida wearing nothing but a robe with hearts and a crown hung behind an X-shaped rack with shackles for wrists and ankles, candles lining the floors. The same rose petals outside littered the tiled floor and red carpet, while in the corner were topless girls wearing gym shorts lying on the floor. Giggling incoherently. "W-what is this room?"

Mishima turns around before noticing the room, averting his eyes from the topless girls. The knights bang on the door, forcing the two away as the door is forced open. Four guards rush inside, pointing blades at the two young adults as they back into the wall.

"So this is the commotion you were talking about? A couple of rats scurrying about my castle?" A distorted, familiar voice echoes from the door as two more knights enter. What entered next caused the two hearts to plummet while more questions rose in their minds.

The one who entered was Kamoshida. Dressed in the same robe as in the portrait, along with the crown, while wearing a pair of sandals on his feet. But the most striking aspect was his eyes.

Glowing a piercing yellow.

"K-Kamoshida?" Mishima whispers, standing in front of Shiho, arm raised. He was quite surprised at how he was acting, maybe due to the adrenaline rushing through his veins. But it was clear on both of their faces that they were afraid.

"Well, well. If it's not Mishima. What are you doing here, you snivelling worm? Finally mustered the courage to stand against me? How pathetic." Shadow Kamoshida scoffs at Mishima before his eyes fall on Shiho. "Really now, I can't believe you mistook my Shiho for someone like her. Isn't that right, ladies?" Kamoshida raises both arms, revealing that under the robe he was wearing nothing but bright pink pants with very hairy legs. The sight made the two students cringe in disgust before their eyes went wide at the sight of two more figures joining Kamoshida.

"A-Ann!? What are you doing?!" Shiho asks in horror, seeing Ann latching onto Kamoshida in a black and purple bikini with a cat-eared tiara. While on Kamoshida's other side, was herself. Wearing a bunny outfit covering her hips and chest, while a pair of rabbit ears extended from a tiara on her own head. "What is going on!?"

"Do you not like it, Shiho? This is my castle. I do as I please." Kamoshida says while he wraps his arms around the two cognitions.

"Wh-what are you talking about?!" Mishima asks with false bravery, keeping him standing even as he feels his knees shake.

"Did I give you permission to speak, worm?" Kamoshida sneers. "Why do I even keep you around? I should have gotten rid of you ages ago. Along with that loudmouth Sakamoto. But I suppose I can fix one problem…." He snaps his fingers, drawing the gaze of the golden knight. "Strap the girl to the cross. I'll have some 'fun' with her before disposing of her. As for the boy, do as you please."

"At once, Lord Kamoshida." The knight saults as the silver knights point their swords towards the students. Fear ran at an all-time high as Kamoshida looked on with deranged glee.

Before, the door was blasted down by a ball of fire.

"SHIHO!" Panther yells as she and the Thieves burst into the room. "Kamoshida!" Panther snarls as the Thieves stand beside her, while Queen and Noir cringe at seeing Kamoshida's outfit. Joker pats Queen on the shoulder with a grimace of his own, silently telling her he does not want to see this again. Kamoshida, the Shadows, Mishima and Shiho look at the masked intruders with varying responses.

"Who the hell are you!? Shadow Kamoshida demands, failing to recognise the Thieves. But the Thieves were not focused on Kamoshida.

"Mishima! Suzui! You two okay!?" Skull yells as he and the others ready themselves for a fight before locking eyes with the Palace Ruler. "Let them go, Kamo-shit-head!" He swings his iron pipe at the ground, shattering the floor from the impact as Panther angrily whips her whip at the air in front of her. The snap of the whip frightens the two cognitions as they cower behind Kamoshida.

"You barge into my castle, break down my door, and then have the gal to demand me!? You will learn your place, miserable rats!" While Kamoshida glared at the Thieves, along with several of the Shadows, Shiho was staring at Panther. Recognition on her face.

"That voice… Ann? Is that you?" She asks hesitantly. Kamoshida glances at her before looking back to Panther, and his eyes widen in realisation.

"Well, now. Is that not interesting? And if that's the case…" He glances at Skull with a deranged smile. "Is that you, Sakamoto? I always knew you were a thug, but now you actually look like one! And…" He looks between Noir and Queen, a lustful look in his eyes. "Nijima and Okumura? My, my, don't I have quite the selection tonight? Although…" He turns to look at Joker and Mona, a distasteful look in his eyes. "I could do without the criminal and cat."

"I am NOT a cat!" Mona shouts back in anger. Joker walks forward, his gaze not breaking with Kamoshida's. Looking at the first Palace Ruler, he couldn't help but notice how…pathetic he looked. Compared to the ones they fought later on. Especially compared to Yaldabaoth. Did they really let him have that much fear over them?

"We're not here to play games, Kamoshida." Joker says cool, flicking out his knife. "Let them go." Kamoshida growls before smirking as he snaps his fingers. Several more Shadows bursts from the pools of red and black, forming a wall between the Thieves and Kamoshida.

"Did you really think I would bow so easily? This is MY castle. And I can do whatever the hell I please! Just like with you, Mishima." He turns to look at the beaten boy with cold eyes. "You're just the type of minion I need. Subservient and cowardly. No spine whatsoever. It's your fault that all those people got expelled, you know?" Mishima freezes before taking a step back. "All I have to do is give you an order, threaten you with violence, and you find the information I need. And thanks to you, that unwanted student will never escape his past. All because of you."

"N-no…I didn't…" Mishima tries to argue, but his words die in his throat as he looks to the ground, dejected. Seeing him broken, Kamoshida turns his gaze to Shiho.

"And then there's you. Did you ever wonder why Ann threw herself at me? It was because of you." Shiho looks at Kamoshida with wide eyes as Panther growls in anger. "All I had to do was threaten to remove you from the team. She was so determined to protect you that she willingly made appearances with me. And if she doesn't give me what I want? Well…" A lustful glaze covers his eyes as he stares into Shiho's soul. "Then I'll just take it out on you…"

Shiho hugs herself as she looks at the ground, silent at Kamoshida's words. She couldn't find the words to confront him, her mind falling into a pool of darkness. But as Kamoshida revels in his breaking of minds, a voice rings out.

"Don't you dare let him win!" Panther's voice echoes across the room. "You're stronger than this, Shiho! No matter what was thrown your way, you continued to press one regardless!"

"Kamoshida only controls you if you let him, Suzui-Chan! Fight back against him! Don't let him control your life anymore!" Noir yells.

"You are Lady Ann's longest friend! You already knew why she was doing this! Are you going to let this slime do whatever he wants!?" Mona adds, jumping on the spot to make himself known.

"Mishima! I never blamed you for what happened to the track team! Everything that happened, all the shit I went through, was because of Kamoshida. And him alone!" Skull shouts out, pointing a hand at the Shadow.

"Are you going to just stand here and let him dictate your path? Or are you going to grasp your future with your own hands?" Queen asks gently but firmly. Shooting a Nijima-Death Stare at Kamoshida, causing the Shadow to shrink back under the gaze.

"Life may be unfair at times. I know that better than anyone." Joker begins, looking at the two students. "But life can change. Shake off the chains and grab the future. Even if you have to rebel, your life is your own! Not the pawn of corrupt adults who fuel their own ego!"

As the words rang out in their minds, something stirred within them. A flame, small and weak, began to grow. Slowly and gently, it grew into a raging fire as the light returned to their eyes. A burning will fill their veins as they straighten their backs before looking at Kamoshida.

The frightened look they once wore was replaced by one of anger.

"They are right." Mishima says quietly, his face burning in anger. "It's true that I was forced to do your bidding, Kamoshida. But not anymore. I have had it being someone else's tool! A throwaway whose only use is being a punching bag to a coward! I am DONE being your puppet, you asshole!"

"It's true that Ann was doing that to protect me, but you still abused me like anyone else. If my fate was to be nothing but your play-doll, then I want no part of it! I am tired of being the damsel in distress!" Shiho glares at Kamoshida, an anger she had not felt filling her veins.

So, have you finally made your choice?

A sharp pain pulses through their heads as Mishima and Shiho grab their hair as the Thieves stare in shock. They knew what was happening, wincing in sympathy as the two struggled against the pain in their minds.

The gruff male voice echoed in their minds before being joined by a melancholic female.

Staying as a slave is no means for a living. Forcing yourself into a role you never wanted.

Mishima falls to his knees as the pain grows, screaming in agony as Shiho falls to one knee, tears threatening to leave her eyes. Shadow Kamoshida looks on, bewildered, yet finds himself unable to do anything. The voices alternate, pounding in their heads as their skulls threaten to snap open.

Break from the chains that bind you. Let yourself be open and free.

Let them see the true you.

If you wish to be free, let our contract be your guide.

This is the call of your other self, the one that you have all but forgotten…

I am thou, thou art I…

Show the world your true self.

And bring vengeance upon your enemies!

The moment the voices stopped, the pain in their heads vanished. Accompanied by blue flames fanning over their faces before morphing into masks as their eyes glow yellow. Shiho's mask was shaped like a deer's, the eye holes located where the deer's eyes would be, coloured white with yellow swirls encircling the eyes. The material of the mask seemed to be wood, as though the mask was carved.

Mishima's mask looked like a cross between Joker's and Noir's, pointing down like Joker's but curving at the sides like Noir's. It was coloured a deep earthly brown, while it looked to be made of cloth.

The two raise to their feet as though they had just risen from bed before grasping the sides of their masks. And pulled.

The masks refused to pudge, glued to the skin as the two fought to rip them off. Uncaring as their very skin ripped away, with blood flying from their face as they, with one final terrific scream, tore the masks from their faces.

And were engulfed in pillars of fire. The shockwave from the blast nocks the Shadows away from them as Kamoshida cowers in fear. While the Thieves look on with proud smiles. Panther, most of all, as the fires fade away, healing them of not only the wounds they had from outside but the skin they had peeled off with the masks.

And revealing them in new garb.

A wide brown cowboy hat rested on Mishima's head while a deep brown duster coat reached to his knees. A black shirt rested underneath the coat, strapped down by a belt racing from his shoulder to his waist. Black baggy pants race down to his feet, encased in deep brown mountain boots, while brown gloves encase his hands. A red bandana with white highlights hangs around his neck, coming up to just under his chin.

At a glance, Shiho's outfit looked similar to Panther's, coloured in white but lacking the zippers and exposed chest. While she didn't have a tail, she did have a deep green scarf wrapping around her neck, while a sash went around her chest, over her right shoulder and around her waist. Guards coloured a similar green protected her knees and elbows. Silver gloves cover her hands up to her elbows, while similar coloured boots protect her feet, reaching her knees.

But it was the figures hovering behind them that drew everyone's attention, with the signature blue chains surrounding them.

Behind Mishima stood a tall man wearing a black poncho with silver lining covering a similar black vest. Belts filled with bullets lined his chest, waist and legs, while his hands, made up of formless black mist, held two gleaming revolvers. His face could not be seen, only a black mist from where two blue eyes peered out from the darkness under a wide-brimmed hat. Two knives were held in holsters near his knees, wrapped around in brown leather over the black slacks, disappearing into deep brown boots.

While behind Shiho stood a woman with pale green skin. Vines races over her while her brown hair falls over her shoulders like a waterfall. A deep white toga robe flowed over her, connected on the straps by golden lily flowers. In her hand, she held a round red fruit, with six red seeds hovering around it, while her other hand held a flower blooming into life. A crown of ivy and flowers adorn her head, with the flowers a deep, icy blue.

"I'm done living as a slave. I'm taking my future back with my own hands!" Mishima calls out, two twin swords appearing in his hands. On his back, a hunting rifle materialised out of the thin air.

"You thought you could chain me down, mould me into your perfect toy. But no longer." Shiho speaks as a spear materialises next to her. A bow and quiver appear on her back. "I'm ending your tyranny, here and now!" She points the spear at Kamoshida, who cowers near the back of the wall with the two cognition.

"You filthy bitch…" He seethes before glaring at the golden knight. "Kill them!" The knight complies, transforming into an Archangel with two Angels floating by its side. While the other remaining knights transform into Bicrons and Agathons.

"Lord Kamoshida's word is the law! Your life ends here!" The Archangel bellows, pointing its sword at the two, who stare back in open defiance.

"Kamoshida no longer controls us! We decide our own path, and we will take it." Mishima speaks before grinning as he twirls the two swords. "Let's go, Drifter!" Mishima's Persona, Drifter, aims its two guns at the Angels. "Snap!" Drifter fires one of the Angels, knocking her down. The second one tries to retaliate before it is peppered by bullets from Panther as she leaps to Shiho's side, quickly followed by Joker. The two girls glance at each other, beaming smiles as Joker pacts Mishima on the shoulder.

"Not bad, Mishima. Nocked it down in one go." Joker compliments before looking at the Archangel as it buffs itself. "Unless you have a bless skill, he's not going down so easily."

"I think I have just the thing. Ready, Kore?" Shiho asks her Persona, who nods in reply before pointing her spear at the Archangel. "Kouha!" A blast of light shoots from Kore's hands, slamming into the Archangel's face as it falls to the floor.

"Now! All-out Attack!" Joker calls as the four leap into the fight, attacking from all angles. The Angels quickly fall under the barrage as the Archangel staggers back from the attack.

"Impossible…how can mere rats…stand up to…Lord Kamoshida…?" The Archangel asks before falling to the ground, vanishing into black mist. Kamoshida looks on, aghast at seeing his minions fall so easily. He looks around, panic filling his shadowy veins before rushing out of the room, the cognitions close behind. Mishima and Shiho try to chase him but are struck by a sudden blast of exhaustion, and they fall to their knees.

"What…happened?" Mishima breathes as Joker helps him to his feet, with Skull moving to support him, while Queen helps Panther with Shiho.

"We'll tell you later. Right now, we need to get you out of here." Joker tells him, silencing any more questions they have. Moving the two back to the entrance, thankfully shadow-free, Noir activates the Nav and returns them to the real world. The five Thieves then helped the two towards the Shibuya Mall, moving to an out-of-the-way spot as they got drinks for the two. And silently debate on what to tell the new Persona users.

"Here, Shiho. This will help." Ann passes her a soft drink, which she readily accepts with a smile. "I bet you have a lot of questions right now."

Shiho takes a good drink of the beverage before turning tired eyes, now full of life, towards her best friend. "Yes. I do. But I don't even know where to start." She glances around, locking eyes with each of the Thieves. "Please, tell me everything. What happened on Saturday? What were those powers we obtained? What was that place? Please, Ann. I want to know." The group look at each other, pondering what they can say and what they can't.

"We can't tell you everything. At least, not until we're done with Kamoshida." Ann states, looking away. "Believe me, Shiho. We don't want to hide anything. You're both like us now. You deserve to know. But I don't even know what we can tell you without sounding crazy." Shiho looks at Ann, studying her face. She could see the conflict on not only her face but the others as well. Whatever it was that they knew, it was not easy to discuss.

"Can you at least tell us what you can?" Mishima asks after finishing his drink. "And why are you exploring that place anyway?"

"That we can explain no problem." Morgana says, leaping out of Ren's bag to sit in front of the two. Their reaction was as expected.

"Did that cat talk?"

"It did. Are we going crazy?"

"I am NOT a cat!" Morgana ignored the stifled laughter from the other Thieves as he shook his head before looking back to the surprised students. "Anyway, that place you two were in was called the Metaverse. Otherwise known as the cognitive world."

"Metaverse?" Shiho asks, visibly confused.

"Think about it as a world based on what the person thinks. For example, Kamoshida thinks of Shujin Academy as a Castle, so in his mind, it actually is a Castle with him as king." Haru informs, hoping to remove some of the confusion.

"The powers you awoke are called a Persona. They are the reflection of your true self, your will of rebellion, so to speak. Since you have awoken your Persona, you can now venture into the Metaverse without having to worry about falling to the distortions. As the outfits you wore indicated." Makoto informs.

"About that, why do we look like that? And how do we know how to use those abilities?" Mishima asks, rightfully confused at knowing how to fight when he has just awakened to whatever was inside him.

"Basically, that outfit represents what your idea of a rebel is. That's all there is to it. As for knowing how to fight, that's basically your Persona telling you what to do. It is you, after all." Ryuji states before looking at Shiho. "Though I got to admit, I'm surprised at how similar yours is to Ann."

"Please don't talk about it. I hate my outfit." Ann pleads. Shiho shakes her head with a smile before looking at her longtime friend.

"Well, we have been friends for a long time. I guess my will of rebellion is similar to Ann's. And I'm not surprised. You did always like dominatrix-type villains as a kid." Shiho chuckles at Ann's expression before she frowns slightly as a thought comes to her. "But, when did you awaken to your Persona? Was it on Saturday? But…" She looks to Ren with a tilted head. "That doesn't explain him…"

"That's…complicated." Ann replies, hiding a grimace as Ryuji pats her on the shoulder. Shiho wanted to ask more but decided against it.

"As for the place you were in, we call that a Palace." Ren chimes in, drawing the two's attention. "To put it simply, it is the manifestation of a person's distorted desires. That version of Kamoshida you saw? That is what he really is, hidden deep underneath. Since it is his Palace, he has no reason to hide." A smirk crawls on his lips, one that sends a chill down the two's spines. "But there is a flaw that can be exploited."

"At the centre of any Palace, there is what we call a Treasure. The physical manifestation of what caused the person's desires to become twisted in the first place. If we remove that core, the Palace comes crashing down, and the person has a change of heart."

"Change of heart?" Shiho asks Morgana. The non-cat smirks as he nods with a proud look.

"Yep. The person will become so consumed with grief and disgust at what they have done that they will willingly expose everything they have done to the public. No matter how powerful they are."

"And that's why you are going through this, 'Metaverse'? To make Kamoshida have a change of heart and make him confess all he has done?" Mishima asks, eyes wide at the implications of a change of heart. The Thieves nod as Haur folds her arms.

"It is the only way. Kamoshida is too powerful in the real world. He has the backing of several powerful people, including the Principal." Haru's expression falls through as she unfolds her arms. "However, we need to be careful. If we act too rashly, we may end up causing a Mental Shutdown."

"Huh?" The two ask, eyes widening.

"You remember Kamoshida's Shadow? The one with glowing eyes?" Ren asks, earning a nod from the two. "He's not just a Palace Ruler or a cognition like the two fakes wrapping their arms around him. He is also the mind of Kamoshida. If he dies, he dies in the real world as well." The two stare in shock at the revelation. "We are immune because our Personas are our Shadows, physically joined with us. But to everyone else…"

"Then, all those deaths happening for the past two years…" Mishima states, looking to the ground.

"Were caused by someone abusing the Metaverse for their own gain." Makoto interjects. "We only obtained this power on Saturday. As for the reason why, we can't say. At least, not yet." Silence fills the corner as the bustling of people passes by from a distance.

"I want to help." Shiho suddenly says, standing on her feet. "I mean what I said back then. I am tired of being Kamoshida's toy. Tired of seeing the abuse, harassment, all of it. If I can help bring an end to this and save everyone on the Volleyball team, then I'll do it." The Thieves stood, not surprised by her request, even as Mishima stood alongside her.

"Count me in too. I have a lot to make up for after being his mole. But I swear I will fix my mistakes." The group look at each other, a silent conversation playing between them, before looking back with warm smiles.

"You are more than welcome to help." Ren replies, holding a hand out to them. Mishima shook his hand enthusiastically while Shiho took a more gentle approach. Just as they shook hands, in Ren's eyes, a card appeared over Shiho's head, spinning in place as a single star glowed above it, along with a familiar voice echoing in his mind.

I am thou, thou art I…

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion

That breaketh thy chain of captivity.

With the birth of the Charity Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that

Shall lead to freedom and new power…

Ren mentally smiles as the Charity Tarot card spins above Shiho's head. Curiosity getting the better of him, he glances at Mishima only to find a surprise. Last he remembered, the Moon card that Mishima held was at the maximum rank, but with them back in time, he assumed it would be back at one.

But instead, it was locked at rank nine. The tenth star was wrapped in chains.

That's interesting… I need to check my other confidants. See if their Tarot cards are the same. Really wish I had the Third Eye back…

"By the way, do you guys have a name?" Mishima asks, head tilted. The group look between each other, smirks forming on their faces as they turn back to their newest members.

"The Phantom Thieves of Heart."