Chapter 25: School Festival and awakened Justice.

October 22nd, 2016.

"That's another Akechi pile…How is this guy still popular?" Ryuji asks with disdain, seeing the two piles in front of him.

"Maybe it has to do with the fact he isn't taking as hard a stance against the Thieves as he once did? Or maybe its Yaldabaoth influencing people." Ann comments, looking at her own pile. "But still, it's surprising how many people asked for him."

"He wants things to go as he wants them too. No doubt he is furious we escaped the Okumura trap, but I feel he has another waiting for us." Ren comments, looking through his phone.

"What other trap?" Shiho asks, concern on her face.

"The SIU Director." Ren replies with a hard face. "There's no way Shido won't think that we won't target him, especially after we brought down Okumura."

"Meaning that Sho will be waiting for us again. Or try and kill the SIU director after we changed his heart. He may even bring his apprentice with him…" Makoto agrees with a hard face. "Well, seeing how Akechi has one, again, I'll see if I can get anything out of him. Because of how we left Okumura's palace this time, I don't think he has any pictures of us leaving."

"Better not count our chicken until they hatch." Mishima comments, glancing to Ren. "You sending him a message?"

"Just did. Waiting for a reply, if any." Ren comments, before a blip comes from his phone. "He just got back. Says he should be available for the festival."

"I have mixed feelings about this." Haru admits. "While this Akechi appears to not be the same murderer of our timeline, I still can't help but feel on edge around him."

"Not much we can do. Unless we have ourselves appear as the Phantom Thieves." Makoto comments, pointing at the pile of paper voting for them. Easily out classing Akechi.

"Yeah….no thanks." Ren replies, slumping his shoulders.

"Ren? What's wrong?" Ann asks, noting the behaviour. "You've been acting distant for a good part of the day now." Ren shakes his head leaning forward.

"It's nothing, just remembering that my Jester Rank with him reached level 9 recently. Nothing came out of it, apart from the usual cryptic messages. I think he's given up trying to pry information out of me. But what has me thinking are the twins."

"Lady Justine and Lady Caroline? What's wrong with them?" Morgana asks, his ears perking up as he lying on a pile of cards.

"For a while now, when ever Yaldabaoth drags me into the Velvet Room, they have been strangely quiet. Even when I go and visit them for the odd look at the compendium, they keep on giving me these side eyed looks." Ren tells them, folding his hands. "It's something that caught Yaldabaoth's attention, as he brought it up to them when I hit Rank 9 with him."

"That sounds worrying…" Makoto says with a frown.

"Yeah, but not much we can do until we take the fight to him." Ryuji says with a shake of his head. "All we can do is take one day at a time." Everyone turned to him, raising their eyebrows at him at the sagely remark. "What? I can say smart things."


October 26th, 2016

Second day of the School Festival, and everything was going the same as last time. Although, Akechi did not show up yesterday, which did not help the nerves of the Thieves in anyway. Although Mishima did end up eating the red teriyaki, turning him as red as Ren's gloves. As well as Yusuke and Hifumi managing to have a nice proper chat with Maruki.

But now, standing on the floor overlooking the gym hall, the team, including Kasumi, looked at the stand as Akechi stood at the panel. Dressed in his formal clothes and showing no sighs of injury. At least from where they were standing.

It was different for Makoto, standing next to Akechi ready to give out the questions. Despite the attempt to cover it up, she could see the faint markings of a bruise on Akechi's cheek. And now she had an idea on who was giving him these injuries.

"Well then, we now begin today's panel." She says into the microphone, putting the thought out of her mind. "Our guest of honour is Goro Akechi." With a respectable applause, Akechi bows to the audience with a smile.

"I feel kind of bad, considering how many people have gathered here… I'm sure you all would have been happier to have a singer or a mascot appear, wouldn't you say?" Akechi comments, turning to Makoto.

"Well, as it so happens, the winner was actually the Phantom Thieves. But since no one knows who they are or where they are, let alone any way to contact them, you won as our second runner-up." Makoto tells him.

"I see… Always stealing the show are they not?" Akechi quips with good humour which, to Makoto, seemed complete sincere.

"Speaking about them, we would appreciate you tell us about your experience with the Phantom Thieves. Considering how you were initially against them, you seem to have recently softened your stance on them." Makoto speaks, reading the first question. "Please tell us as much as you are allowed to say."

"Getting right to the point I see, but I can't blame you. I admit, my stance has softened considerably on the Thieves. Particularly after Kobayakawa's admission of guilt, but most recently was that of Okumura's. The fact he was arrested on air, just as he was about to reveal 'critical information' is not a coincidence. From that, it is fair to say that these Thieves, whoever they are, know exactly what their justice is. And that they refuse to take a life."

"I see. And what leads you to believe that?" Makoto questions.

"It all boils down to the calling card they send. Why send it at all? They could easily change people's hearts and no one would be non the wiser. But it is because they send these cards that makes me believe they refuse to take a life. Every card they have sent has resulted in a change of heart, and no deaths. At this point, it is clear to me that they have no connections to the Mental Shutdowns."

This feels way to easy…is he trying to get us to lower our guards? "That is an interesting point to make Akechi-kun. I would never have thought of it like that." Makoto says, masking her concern.

"It all comes down to their targets. Every person whose heart's they've changed have truly been criminals. It is an undeniable fact. But I suppose you are all wondering who these mysterious Thieves are? Well, on that front the police have no idea. Even the SIU are struggling to find their identities."

"Well, they do call themselves Phantoms. It would be a let down if they were easy to identify." Makoto says, hiding her smug grin.

"I completely agree. But I have my own conclusions about the true identities of the Phantom Thieves. Do you want to know?" Murmurs sweep through the crowd, everyone wondering what Akechi knew.

"Akechi…" Kasumi whispers. "Is it wrong for me to hope we can convince him to join us?" She asks the others, all looking down at him with different looks.

"I don't know. But honestly, I hope we do." Ren says, having all eyes turn to him. "There is nothing worse than having childhood friends fight each other."

"Are you sure that's wise, Akechi-kun? Won't telling us derail your investigations?" Makoto asks, putting on her best surprised look. Although if she was honest, she wasn't. She knew this would be coming.

"It is quite alright. Both the police and SIU have disregarded my theory, claiming that I am looking in the wrong place." Akechi reveals. "While I cannot say I have found them out individually, I believe that their age is around the students of this school. Weather they are actually apart of this school, I cannot say, but I believe that they are within the age range. But, that is all I have managed to deduce. Truly, the identity of the Phantom Thieves is a great mystery."

At that moment, Akechi's phone goes off, alerting him to an incoming phone call. The name appearing on the phone causing him to wince. "My apologies, it would seem I have a very important call to take. Would you mind if I step away for a few moments."

"It is quite alright. I'm terribly sorry everyone but we will be taking a short break. We will resume the panel when Akechi comes back." Makoto tells the audience, as Akechi walks past her. She was expecting him to whisper to her to gather the others to meet him.

But he doesn't.

Instead, he walks away, taking his phone and answering the incoming call.

"Look's like he hasn't found out about us yet." Yusuke points out, as the team give out sighs of relief.

"Thank goodness. I was starting to shake for a moment." Haru admit, clenching and un clenching her hands.

"Still, who do you think is phoning him?" Mishima asks.

"Probably either Shido or the SIU. Asking why his stance on the Thieves is going soft." Hifumi says, twirling some of her hair.

"Still, let's not do anything crazy. We've managed to keep the SIU's eyes off Shujin. Let's keep it that way." Ren tells the others, glancing at Kasumi. "Sorry about this."

"It's okay. I knew I would be possibly going against Akechi when joining you. But to be honest, he has been acting strange ever since April. I can't help but worry about him. Helping you guys makes me feel I can get closer to finding out what's wrong with him." Kasumi admits, watching as Akechi comes back to the stage. A sullen look on his face. "I don't like seeing him like this…"

"I'm sorry about the sudden break. An urgent matter came up. So, I truly apologise for this… But I'll have to end things here for today." Akechi informs the crowd, much to their disappointment.

"It is a shame, but there's nothing we can do. To make up for the time that was planned for this panel, the rakugo research club will instead be—" Makoto informs the crowd, only for Akechi to cut her off.

"There is one more thing I can say about the Phantom Thieves investigation. I feel that another great stride will occur again soon. I hope you all continue to pay attention to what happens." If Makoto or any of the other Thieves were concerned by his last comment, they did not show it.

"Let's give a big round of applause for today's guest, Goro Akechi." With a loud cheer, Akechi walks off the stage to a respectable applause once more. While Makoto vanishes behind the backstage to regroup with the others, gathering in the Student Council room. And to get away from the party.

"Well, what do you guys think?" Morgana asks, hoping out of Ren's bag.

"This might be me being biased, but I don't think Akechi is against us." Kasumi says with some hesitance. "Or maybe that's me being hopeful."

"No one would blame you, Kasumi. Like Ren said, fighting against your friends sucks." Futaba replies, patting her on the arm.

"Still, we managed to get some good info out of him. The SIU and police and completely skimmed over us." Ryuji says with a grin.

"That may be true. But it could also be a deflection tactic. Make us believe that we are not suspects and have us act more rashly." Hifumi counters. "It is very possible that they consider the SIU Director as our next target."

"Meaning that they may be planning a second trap. Instead of trying to kill us, they want to capture us." Makoto says. Before catching Ren's shaking left hand out of the corner of her eye. "Ren? Are you alright?" She asks, drawing all eyes to him.

"Ren-senpai? Your hand…." Kasumi asks, concern on her face as Ren grasps his wrist.

"Sorry…bad memories…" Ren comments.

"Bad memories? From when you were arrested from your false charge?" Kasumi asks. All the Thieves look at each other before sighing in unison. They couldn't keep this a secret from her.

"Not…exactly." Makoto says with a grimace. "Kasumi, have you ever wondered how we seem to be three steps ahead of Shido?"

"Well…I have wondered it a few times yes." Kasumi admits. "It's like you guys know the future…" Kasumi stops, her eyes going wide before looking back at the Thieves. "Wait…do you mean you saw the future when you became Persona users?"

"We wish…" Futaba replies, bringing her knees up. "We actually came back in time." Kasumi's jaw drops at Futaba's remark, her mind processing what she had just heard. It was then that the Thieves told her everything. About what really happened, how Kobayakawa was supposed to die. How they died fighting the one who caused all of this from the start. How she and Dr. Maruki never existed in their timeline. And…

"…Akechi was behind the Mental Shutdowns in your timeline?" Kasumi asks, tears threatening to spill.

"Yes." Ren replies with his own grimace. "In our timeline, Akechi lost his mother at a very young age. Probably around the age when you brought him and his mom into your home. Without anyone else to guide him, he became twisted, turning into a monster all so he could take revenge on his father, Shido."

"So it's true…Shido is his father…" Kasumi comments, looking at the table. "That explains a lot, even if it can be hard to believe…but why is your hand shaking Ren-senpai? What happened?"

"It wasn't just Kobayakawa who was killed, Kasumi-chan. My father was also killed right as we changed his heart." Haru tells her, her own tears threatening to spill. "With his death, the public turned on us. Saying that we were the ones causing the Mental Shutdowns. And Akechi found out about us, putting us into the most dangerous gamble of our lives."

"We had to steal the Treasure of my sister, Sae, on November 20th or risk being exposed by Akechi." Makoto says next, her own face contorting into a grimace. "But it was a trap. He waited for it so that he would teleport the police and a SWAT team into the metaverse to capture us. While we did plan to escape it, Ren allowed himself to get captured so he could convince my sister to join us…But not without a cost…"

"The bastards tortured him." Ryuji says with a frown, shocking Kasumi. "Even worse, they drugged him up, so his memories were almost messed up. It's a miracle that he managed to stay sane." Kasumi paled at the brief description, turning to look at Ren as his hand stopped shaking.

"And…that's why your hand was shaking?" Kasumi asks.

"Yes. I've been fine so far, but the closer we get to that day, the more frequent these shakes get. I'm just glad it's in my left hand and not my right." Ren admits, his hand calming down. "It's strange. My body is free of injuries, yet my mind remembers. Trauma is a powerful beast."

"I would recommend Dr. Maruki to help, but I don't think he'll believe time travel. I'm struggling to believe it myself, but the evidence is here." Kasumi admits, glancing around the room. "I'm guessing that we're not going to let that happen again?"

"Damn right." Ann comments with a nod.

"We'll scout it out on the 29th with Sis to get a feel of the Palace. Infiltration begins on the 30th. With any luck, we can find out how Shido is combining his Palace with others." Makoto tells the team before glancing at the clock. "It's getting late. Who wants to stay for the dance or head home?"

"I'll head home. I have a kitten to look after." Shiho replies, standing up. "What to come with me, Yuuki?"

"Sure." Mishima replies, following after her. Slowly, each of the Thieves left in either groups or alone. Each heading to do their own thing. Some went to dance, while others headed home, while Ren and Makoto went to the roof.

"Hard to believe we're almost there again." Ren comments, leaning on one of the Ac units.

"Yeah." Makoto agrees, standing next to him. "It's strange. Back then, we were all full of desperation. Looking for anything to get out of the trap, we fell into it. And when we came up with that plan…I admit I wanted to look for something else." She leans on him. "I hated that we had to put you through that. That you came home covered in bruises, drugged up on who knows what… I still have nightmares about that."

"It's the same with me." Ren comments, wrapping an arm around her. "I admit, I was scared. Who wouldn't be? But it was either that or risk seeing all of you thrown into jail on false charges. And I could never live with myself if that happened." He hugged her tighter. "If I were to choose to sacrifice myself to save all of you or risk losing one of you, I would sacrifice myself."

"Would that include giving yourself in so Sae could get the verdict we need to put Shido away?" Makoto asks with a quiet voice as Ren looks at her. "It's what she told me when she remembered everything. Even with his confession, it would still be hard to put him away. She planned to ask you when we defeated Yaldabaoth, as much as she hated the idea of doing so." Ren stayed silent, looking up at the sky. "That's why she wants to help with the SIU Director. And the ones we know are in Shido's Palace. With them confessing, she won't need you to turn yourself in. In her own words, 'You've suffered enough already'."

"Makoto…" Ren breathes, hugging her closer. "I won't do that. I won't turn myself in. Maybe I would have done that in the original timeline. But not this one. If Sae-san needs more people, then we shall give her them. Especially Black Mask. And I appreciate what she's doing to help as well."

"You're right." Makoto replies, a smile forming on her face. "We will make it work." The two continue to sit in peaceful silence, looking up at the starry sky. Until the rooftop door is opened.

"Nijima-san? Why are you up here? And with the delinquent?" The Vice-Principal asks, looking down on Ren.

"We're just admiring the sky. Is that not alright?" Makoto asks, keeping as neutral of a face as possible. The VP twists his face in response to her question.

"Well, not really. But I come here to ask you to step away from the delinquent." He says, shooting a look at Ren. The both of them resist sighing in annoyance at the man.

"And may I ask why?" Makoto asks, unaware that a group of students were looking in on them from the stairs.

"Need I spell it out? He's a violent delinquent! A dangerous criminal! Kobayakawa may have put up with you hanging around him, but I won't! The honour of Shujin demands it." He spits, folding his arms. Makoto and Ren could feel their anger building, their Persona wanting to lash out at the man and his baseless accusations. However, Makoto had another idea.

"Dangerous criminal, you say?" Makoto repeats slowly and calmly. Before putting on a Joker smirk. "Well, if he was a supposedly dangerous criminal, would I do this?" She says before spinning around, grabbing Ren by the shirt of his collar and pulling him into a kiss. Not that he resisted.

How very bold of you, Makoto. I approve. Anat sings in her heart as the VP looks on with a stupefied look.

And I thought it was us gents who were to knock our ladies' feet out. Well played. Arsène comments as Makoto pulls away. Before dragging Ren from the roof.

"Let's go, Ren. It's getting late." Makoto says simply with a very pleased smile on her face. All the while, Ren chuckles good-naturedly, walking side by side with her, hand in hand.

"As you command."

Leaving behind a confused and shocked Vice Principal. As for the students who saw… well, the rumours would be running wild in the morning.


"The mass media has been causing quite the commotion lately." The SIU Director laments. "'Thieves are the true hammer of justice.' 'Police are terrible at their jobs.' 'Corruption at the very top.' They're saying whatever they want."

And not the ones you want them to say. Sae internally monologues, keeping a calm poker face up.

"So, how's the investigation progressing? Any clues yet?"

"Nothing that leads to a firm conclusion yet…" Sae replies. Doesn't help that I'm sabotaging it as best as I can.

"What's going on here? Didn't you say that you were sure about closing this case?" The SIU Director asks, unamused at Sae's answer. "And I thought I told you that failure won't be tolerated."

"It is not that we haven't found anything. It is that all that we have found has been erased." Sae replies honestly. Thanks to a little USB from Futaba. That girl can be scary.

"What? Do you mean to say that we have been compromised?" The Director asks, shock evident on his face.

"Indeed. However, all other files have been untouched. But anything related to the Phantom Thieves themselves has all been erased." Sae tells him. The Director groans, leaning back in his chair as he rubs his head. "We have been set back by quite a lot, for all our backups have also been struck."

"These Thieves are more devious than we thought. Find any and all paperwork related to the Thieves and recite what you can from memory. But not on our computers. We may have a virus in our systems." The Director shakes his head. "You are free to go. But I expect results before the December election. Failure is not permitted. Am I understood?"

We shall see. "Understood, sir. By your leave." With that, Sae leaves the room. While the Director leans in his chair, a scowl forms over his face. In a second, the room turns black, with the director now covered by a cloak with a hood covering his face.

"I will show them. I will not be in anyone's shadow any more. This time, the Thieves WILL be brought down! And their heads will roll!" The room returns to normal as he picks up his phone and dialling a number. Bringing it to his ear, it was only a few seconds later that he was picked up.

"What is it?" A voice asks, clearly irritated.

"Sir, I regret to inform you that all our information on the Thieves has been wiped out. They somehow got into our databanks." The Director informs, hearing a huff of disappointment from the other end.

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. They have always been a step ahead of us. Even figuring out we planned to kill both Okumura and Kobayakawa. It would seem your plan to frame them has fallen through…"

"So it would seem." The Director replies, leaning back in his chair. "Any attempts to hack the website have also failed. We have no idea who they will target next."

"I believe I do." The man replies, and the Director can hear him grinning. "And I have a plan we can use to capture them."

The Director leans forward, an evil grin crossing his features. "I am listening, Shido…"


October 29th

The Prosecution office loomed over them with an imposing figure, standing opposite of the courthouse. It was strange, it's a different timeline, yet they still ended up here at the end of October. But unlike last time, they didn't have a traitor in their ranks.

"I'll be honest, I'm feeling pretty nervous standing here." Mishima comments as the team move away to a nearby corner. "I've never been this close to a courthouse before."

"Don't be. They won't drag you in without any reason." Sae comforts, before glancing at Kasumi. "I'm still surprised that you joined us Kasumi-chan. Considering what Makoto and the others told me about your relation with Akechi-kun."

"Honestly, Sae-san. I just want to know why Akechi changed in April. And taking down Shido for everything he's done is an added bonus." Kasumi says, before thinking to herself. "You've worked with him, did you notice anything?" Sae hums to herself, placing a hand on her chin.

"Now that I think about it, he did seem stressed during April. Not helped by the injuries he started to gain at random intervals. But out of respect for privacy I never asked him." Sae replies. "Although, there's a chance he wouldn't even say anything."

"We can worry about what's going on with Akechi later. Right now, we have a Palace to infiltrate." Ren says, brining his phone out. "Everyone ready? Here we go." And with a press of a button, they enter the Metaverse. Hiding behind the corner, they see the people around them vanish as the sky suddenly becomes dark and foreboding. A flash of lightning rips through the sky, illuminating them as they jump in fright.

"Oookay…never encounter a thunderstorm in a Palace before…" Panther comments, looking over herself. "And we have our outfits on already."

"This is what you look like in the Metaverse? Ren-kun's descriptions did not do them justice." Sae comments, looking at the Thieves before looking at Queen and Joker. Or more accurately, Joker holding Queen like Scooby Doo. "Ummm, Makoto?"

"Eep!" Queen squeaks, jumping out of Joker's arms. "I'm okay!"

"And we're already off to a great start." Oracle comments with a grin.

"Are you sure you'll be okay Queen? These kind of situations are never your strong suit." Fox comments with a frown.

"I'll be fine. The lightning just got me off guard is all." Queen replies as another flash rocks the sky. "See? Perfectly fine."

"If you say so. Having said that…" Sae comments, looking over Queen's outfit. "This is your image of a rebel?"

"I didn't ask for it to be like this…" Queen groans, putting her face into her hands.

"Ditto…" Panther replies.

"Hey, that's how the dice roll." Mona speaks up, drawing Sae's attention. "Glad to finally speak to you, Sae."

"So, you really are a talking cat." Sae replies, hand on mouth.

"I AM NOT A CAT! How many times do I have to say it!?" Mona cries as the team laugh at his expense. "Anyway, before we go in, we'll need to tell you our codenames. I'm sure you already figured them out when you interrogated Joker originaly, but a refresher always helps." He then points his paw to each of the Thieves. "Joker, Queen, Skull, Panther, Fox, Noir and Oracle. And for those who have joined us in this time line, Spring, Outlaw, Shadow and Violet."

"I see." Sae replies neutrally. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." She looks around, eyeing the area. "Shall we see what the Directors' heart truly looks like?"

"We shall. Let's move team." Joker commands as the Thieves move out, with Sae in the middle. While she did have the same self-defence teachings like Queen, she understood that she was vulnerable here. But none of them expected what lay around the corner.

While the courthouse remained the same, the prosecution's office had been replaced by what could be described as a very evil-looking version of the Tower of London. Cages hung from the walls, holding skeletons, while crows and ravens flew about in swarms alongside black metal spikes jutting both outward and upward. The stone walls were a cold black, framed by icy blue and cold silver.

While next to it, jutting to the side, looked to be a stone prison complex connected to one of the walls.

"So, this is his Palace…" Sae mummers as the team approaches it. A scream echoes from the inside as thunder crashes above, startling some ravens as they fly away.

"Did we walk right into a Dark Souls game?" Oracle asks, looking up at the wooden drawbridge. It was rotten through, only held up by the black metal around it. Suddenly, it is gradually lowered down, allowing the Thieves to enter the Palace.

"Well, this is an obvious trap." Outlaw deadpans.

"Not like we have any other option right now." Shadow comments. With no other option, the team crossed over the draw bridge, entering through a portcullis and finding themselves near an open courtyard.

"Okay, now where is the Treasure…" Skull comments, looking around the area.

"Where are the Palace Shadows? It's way to quiet." Spring comments, looking at the walls around them.

"I don't know, but I'm sensing that the Treasure is close. Really close." Mona comments before pointing to the left. "There's a tunnel over there. I'm sensing the Treasure coming from down there."

"There's no way its this easy." Panther comments as the team moves through the dark shade. Lightning thunders above, illuminating the ground not covered by shade. Ignoring the weather, the team plus Sae head towards the tunnel slowly. But just as they reached it, a black iron gate slammed shut. The metal echoed out across the yard.

"It's a trap!" Noir cries as they hear exploding puddles behind them. Turning around, they find three Palace Shadows blocking them. Dressed as medieval guards.

"The Thieves are here! Capture them alive!" The leader shouts, before dissolving into a pool of liquid and reforming itself as a Ose with two Jatayus behind it.

"Anat! Mafrelia!" Queen shouts, summoning her other self, much to Sae's surprise. The nuclear spell easily knocks down the two Jatayus before she quickly baton passes to Violet.

"Cendrillon! Kouga!" Violet commands, slamming light into the Ose and sending it to the floor, with the team launching an All-Out assault to eliminate the foes. But no sooner do they take a breather, a bell from one of the four towers rings out. Alerting every Shadow present to the Thieves intrusion.

"We've done our scouting! Let's leave!" Joker shouts, running for the exit. Only for the drawbridge to raise itself up, blocking their escape. As more Shadows spawn behind them.

"Great! What now!" Skull shouts, gripping his mace in his hands.

"There's a flight of stairs we can use!" Fox calls, pointing to a set of stairs leading to the rampart.

"Works for me!" Violet says as the team rush for it. Heading up the stairs, they find more Shadows waiting for them as several more rush up the stairs. Trapping them with their backs against the rampart.

"Well, now. That was far easier than I expected." A voice echoes from the back as two Shadows part away. "I thought Thieves would be more smart than barging through the front door." The SIU Director gloats, walking up to them. His eyes glowed yellow from under his black hood, while his get-up was styled after a medieval executioner. Complete with a set of finger torture racks along his belt.

"Director…" Sae speaks with a low voice, drawing his eyes.

"Sae Nijima? So, you've thrown your lot in with the Phantom Thieves. I take it YOU were the one behind the sabotage in the real world?" The Director asks, very unhappy.

"And if I was?" Sae replies neutrally.

"Then you have disappointed me for the last time." The Director comments with a shake of his head. "Did you not want a promotion? Why throw it all away with some brats?"

"A promotion at the cost of innocents is not worth anything." Sae replies, eyes narrow.

"And what good does that do anyone? We, prosecutors, exist solely to bring those on trial the guilty verdict they deserve. None of this 'truth' or 'self-righteous' crap. All that matters is results! Do you want to end up the same as your father?" Silent gasps echo from Queen and Sae as all the Thieves turn to look at the Director with wide eyes.

"What did you say?" Sae whispers.

"Everything always went his way. Always getting results without even trying. And me? I bent backwards for everything to get my results! Me! The Director of the SIU!" The Director shouts to the sky in anger, turning his eyes towards Sae. "That's why I had him killed. A thorn in my side that got too close to the truth."

"You…ordered my father's death?" Sae whispers, tightening her grip on her arms.

"It served him right. A by the book cop like him only got in my way. Oh, how he would weep to hear that his eldest daughter became a prosecutor under my tutelage. He would be so disappointed in you." The Director mocks even as the Thieves bristled in anger. Queen especially. "But I suppose I can give you one more chance. Hand the Thieves over now, and I'll let you go. I may even double your promotion if I feel like it." He grins darkly as the Shadows around him move forward, pointing spears at the Thieves.

"So…that's how it is." Sae says slowly, eyes glued to the ground. "I've been the pawn, not only of a madman bent on becoming a tyrant, who uses an assassin to climb the ranks. But also the pawn of a man envious of others. Who will kill those who have more talent than he." Her words were calm and collected before looking up at him. "Tell me, you planned for me to die after Okumura. Didn't you?"

"Yes." The Director replies with no hesitation. Sae lets out a slow breath, turning her gaze back to the ground.

"I see. That's all I needed to hear." She says calmly. Before kicking up a random spear on the ground with her feet and throwing it directly at the Shadow next to the Director. Impaling it and sending it flying off the edge of the rampart. "Consider that my replay! AND my resignation, you asshole!" She shouts with full anger, startling the Director.

So, are you ready to break free of your bonds?

"I am." Sae replies simply, eyes locked on the Directors Shadow.

Well, how long I've waited to hear that.

A pulse rips through Sae's mind, bringing a hand to her head as she stumbles forward but refuses to fall. Lightning rumbled across the sky.

They say justice can be blind, but only you can determine what it means.

Tell me, are you content with letting those trample all over?

To force their own twisted justice on your own, regardless of your morals?

Or will you carve out your own in stone? Even in the face of tyranny?

"I lost my way once. I will never allow it to happen again." Sae replies, her eyes glowing gold as she glares at the Director. In a flash of blue, a mask forms on her face. Styled in the same shape as Queens with sharp pointed wings on the side, but black as night with silver marks around the eyes. While a decorative silver band wraps around the bottom of the mask.

As I hoped.

I am thou…thou art I

Let us reset the scales of balance.

And carve out these poisonous snakes once and for all!

With a sharp tag from her hands, Sae rips the mask off her face, engulfing herself in a pillar of blue fire. Soon, the flames part, revealing Sae's new outfit. A short black leather coat with sleeves that ran up to her elbows, with a silver shield emblem with a twin S symbol in the centre, with two brown leather holsters holding two pistols similar to Joker's. Underneath, a white short-sleeved shirt, with a black corset and red tie. Black leather trousers hug her legs, disappearing into black thigh-high boots. While her hands were encased in white and black gloves.

And hovering behind her, with a silver set of scales in one hand and a spear in another, was her Persona. A body seemingly made out of marble and wearing a silver toga with golden accessories. Blue cloth flowed from underneath as though it was the sea reaching out from land while a silver blindfold covered her eyes. Golden hair flowed to her back, while a crown of seven spikes flowed upwards in gleaming azure.

All the while, the Thieves stare in awe at the blue glow emanating from Sae's Persona. All the while, Queen smiled with pride and happiness for her sister.

"Nijima! What have you done!?" The Director asks, shock and fear in his eyes as Sae stands calmly. Glowing silver tonfas appear in her hands as she stares down the Director with a cold glare.

"I am forging my own path. From this day forward, I will not allow injustice to pass by my eyes. I will seek them out and see them resolved, no matter what! Right, Justitia!?" Sae shouts, as he Persona raises the scales above her head. "Taste the wrath of those you have ruined! Megidola!"

With a single tilt of the scales, the blast of Almighty magic slams into the lines surrounding the Thieves. Sending Shadows flying as the Director cowers behind his guards.

"Kill her!" The Director shouts, with two guards moving forward to engage. Each forming into a Power and a Ranga. As the other remaining guards charge the Thieves, Joker, Makoto and Morgana move to stand with Sae.

"I won't let this stop me!" Sae shouts, pointing a hand forward. "Hamon!" She shouts, sending the instant kill bless spell right at the Ranga, killing it instantly. Before switching targets to the Power. "Mudoon!" Quickly following up with the curse version, the Power quickly fell to the strike. Joker couldn't help but smirk at seeing the spells from Sae. She was like how Akechi was with Robin Hood. Only this time, she was on their side.

"Joker! We have to leave! There's too many of them for us to fight!" Mona shouts, slicing a guard in two with his falchion.

"In that case, let's try out our new move, Fox!" Skull shouts, batting a guard away.

"Very well." Fox replies with a nod as the star in Joker's pocket begins to glow.

"It's Showtime!"

Once more, the red curtains fall on the field, changing it before sliding away to reveal Fox standing at a bar, with Skull walking up to the counter with a hand on his stomach.

"I'll have…the usual." Skull says in a deep voice.

"Of course." Fox replies before eloquently and quickly filling a ramen bowl with sauce, meat, and topping. "My heart…my soul…into this bowl!"

Skull happily takes the bowl of ramen, grabbing some of the meat with his chopsticks as he readies to eat it. While Fox finger frames him. "Now that's what I'm talking about—!"

Suddenly, the door is barged open, with a group of Shadow Guards looking inside. The shock from the doors slamming on the wall causes the meat to fall off Skull's chopsticks as he slowly places the bowl on the counter. Fox stands, shocked glancing between the open door and a very angry Skull who slowly glares at the door.

"I'M TRYING TO EAT HERE!" Skull shouts as he whips out his shotgun while Fox grabs his assault rifle. What followed was a hail of bullets, shotgun pelts, and even a few tables, chairs and kitchenware as the guards were pelted constantly. Before Skull finally takes out a grenade and arms it. "And chew on this!" He shouts, throwing it outside as Fox zeros in on the grenade. He hits it twice, causing it to explode right in the middle of the guards, taking the whole group out.

The two share a fist bump before Skull starts devouring the ramen while Fox looks on, happy as a clam.

"Who! You sure were hungry!" Oracle comments from above, seeing as the Showtime threw the guards into complete disarray. "They're breaking! Let's bolt!"

With the guards in disarray, Shadow removes a smoke bomb from her robe and throws it to the ground, enveloping the Thieves in a cloud of thick smoke. By the time it dissipated, the Thieves had vanished.

"Sneaky rats…" The Director growls before stepping away to the tower. He moves through its dark halls, walking past cells with groaning prisoners before arriving at a secret room. Entering inside, he walks to a similar device that Kobayakawa's Shadow had, taking a seat before a screen. "I should really thank Lord Shido for developing this. If only he fused my Palace with his, I wouldn't be like this…" He mumbles as he activates the device. It wasn't long before Shido's Shadow appeared on the monitor, shrouded in Shadows.

"Director. The fact you are calling me means that the Thieves have found you?" Shido asks.

"Yes, they have. I had almost captured them as well, if not for a new member awakening to some strange power." The Director says with a frown.

"A shame, but it makes no difference. Yours will be the last Palace they will attack." Shido replies with indifference. "Did you manage to find out their identities?"

"Unfortunately, no." The Director replies with a shake of his head. "For some reason, their faces were cloaked in shadows. Even their voices sounded distorted to my ears."

"What about the one who had awakened? Can you remember them?" The Director moved to answer, but as he tried to speak, his mind fell into a blank.

Wh-what is this!? How can I not remember!? I just saw her awaken! The Director shakes his head, a frown and irritation written on his face. "I…can't remember. Which should be impossible! I JUST saw them!"

"It would seem that the Thieves' desire to remain unknown is more powerful than we imagined. The only way we can find out who they are is if they are only willing to reveal themselves." Shido surmises. "Very interesting… What power did this one awaken to?"

"She summoned some form of spirit behind her, with blue chains circling around their feet. Called it Justitia."

"A Persona…Just as my other self has deduced. So, they really are like Sho…" Shido remarks, as a grin could be seen forming on his face. "Very interesting…"


"You alright, sis?" Makoto asks a slouching Sae. The team had secluded themselves in an alleyway unseen by the public or police. The last thing they needed was to be caught this close to the courthouse.

"I'm fine…just a bit tired, is all." Sae responds. "Honestly, I never thought I'd experience such pain before. It felt like my head was about to split open."

"That's how it was for all of us." Ren replies. "Including the post-awakening fatigue. You'll feel better after sleeping it off." Sae nods as Makoto helps her to stand properly.

"I suppose I will. Having said that, I admit that I feel different than before." She brings up her hand, clenching it before releasing it. "As though that a part of me that had long been forgotten has been reunited with me. Like meeting an old friend. The other side is more calming than I ever imagined." She looks at the Thieves, noting the smiling looks they were giving her. Seeing them around, she came to another decision. "If it is alright with you, I would want to join you from here on. I have the power, same as all of you. And I would never forgive myself if I didn't do anything to help."

"I don't see why we shouldn't." Kasumi says, looking around.

"Yeah. Besides, I think Makoto would be ecstatic to have you with us." Ryuji agrees, looking at the beaming sister.

"It's you call Ren." Morgana says, snugly back in Ren's bag. He didn't even think twice before extending his hand out to her.

"It would be our honour to have you with us, Sae-san." Sae smiles, grabbing Ren's hand and shaking it.

"And it would be mine." Sae smiles, dropping her hand. "At this point, you would decide what my codename would be, correct?" At the team's nod, she continues. "Well, I believe I already have one that I can use."

"What is it, Sis?" Makoto asks, eager to hear what Sae has decided on. With a calming breath, Sae met each of the eyes of the Thieves, placing a hand on her hip.

"You may call me Athena."


Yeah, I reused Fox and Skull's Showtime attack. Couldn't think of a different one.