After a hiatus we continue on kicking off the second arc of the game but before we get to the gritty some more Gaston arc aftermath.

Disclaimer: I only know the Phantom Thief looks for these characters

Persona 5 Royal Fanmake Lysandre Arc Chapter 1

Back to School

We return to the past we see Aqua is back in her room at LeBlanc with Gatomon as she was feeding Bio-Nutriants to her plant she got a message on the Phantom Thieves group chat from Uzi.

"The Phantom Thieves, huh…I'm liking the sound of that!" Uzi messaged.

"I hope we can really help people." Alexis said "I'm curious about that Phantom Aficionado Website too. I wonder who made it…"

"No, clue. More importantly, you see the survey on there?" Uzi asked "I don't know how I feel about it."

"Yeah, there was this approval rating thing, but it was only at like six percent…." Alexis notes

"That's better than I expected." Aqua messages

"I guess it's not so bad if you put it that way…" Alexis said.

"But don't you just wanna get it higher than that?" Uzi points out "I bet it'll go up tons if we keep taking down big targets. It's pretty damn exciting if you try and think about it like that."

"You know, you're actually right." Alexis messages "Well then, let's keep working hard from this point on!"

"Agreed" Aqua said smiling and then noticed a new message from Uzi and checks it

"Oh yeah, let me send the celebratory pick I took for today!" Uzi said "Celebrating the founding of the Phantom Thieves! And celebrating us crashing that classy buffet!"

She then submits a photo of the group as they enjoyed the buffet, of course Alexis' eyes were closed as she focused on eating some cake.

"You can cool it with all the 'celebrating; any time now…" Alexis messaged but then messaged "Wait, you took that while I was eating?! Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Uh, I did. You just never stopped eating." Uzi points out. "Anyway, this is our start as the Phantom Thieves! We're gonna take the world by storm! All the lousy adults in the world better watch out for us!"

"Amen then" Aqua said nodding and decides to watch the rest of the Wraith with Gatomon and her Personas.

"Was that ghost telling the truth?" Gatomon asked watching "I'm on the edge of my seat here…"

"I know I would be on the edge of my horse if it was in here" Berith said.

"I just hope it doesn't get spooky" Pixie said hiding behind Aqua.

With finishing watching that Aqua felt her kindness from watching it go up, she will have to remember to return the DVD to the rental shop as soon as she can. Feeling tired she and Gatomon went to bed, there was a big day tomorrow.

However soon Aqua woke up in the Velvet room, guess Yen Sid wanted to talk. She gets up from the bed and goes to the cell door but was surprised to see not only Yen Sid, Galla and Gardine there but walk around several Hengemen as well

"What the…?" Aqua said

"That was our reaction too" Mandrake said

"First off…I'd like to begin by congratulating you." Yen Sid said smiling.

"To think our master would give words of praise…" Gardine said simply.

"You better treasure this moment, Inmate!" Galla told her

"Umm…why are there some of Gaston's soldiers here?" Aqua asked.

"These are ones who found themselves here, they have yet to remove there false shells bur we allowed them to remain in the halls of the Velvet Room" Gardine said "They are grateful to you however"

"I see" Aqua said.

"Be nice for them not trying to kill us" Pixie said.

"Now to main business…" Yen Sid said "You have encountered allies who share your ideals, and you have found your place in reality. The time has come…Your rehabilitation will soon begin."

"You said that before what rehabilitation?" Aqua asked

"I am curious on that too" Arsene said nodding.

"Don't worry, I shall explain it to you now…." Yen Sid said smiling "You have a special potential. However, that must be refined into a useful power. It is weak now, but refining it shall grant you the strength to stand against the coming ruin…. That is the rehabilitation cast upon you."

"Coming ruin?" Aqua asked.

"This raised more questions" Berith said.

"There are various means by which you may gain the power to resist the ruin." Yen Sid explained "Fighting Shadow and gaining experience is one way. The fusion process I taught you prior is another."

"This is all possible because of our master's guidance, Inmate!" Galla told Aqua

"Though it may be presumptuous of us, we have words of wisdom as well." Gardine explained.

"When you're out in reality, you better hone your relationships with those you have contracts with!" Galla added.

"Spending time with those people…will lead to the cultivation of your relationships with them." Gardine said nodding.

"If you've got time to waste, you'd better visit your contractors, Inmate!" Galla said sternly.

"That is another source of power to evade the ruin that our master has mentioned." Gardine said with a nod.

"I agree, talking with them will make your stronger and more skilled as well" Arsene said nodding.

"Understood" Aqua said with a nod.

"Thanks to the contracts you've formed, your heart is steadily gaining the power of opposition." Yen Sid said smiling. "It seems the rehabilitation is going well. This is a truly joyous occation…I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift. May the devotion to your rehabilitation grow even deeper, I have high hopes for you."

Aqua feels her bond with Yen Sid grow deeper and sees the Fool Card get a third star and felt a new ability Power Stock

"Ah, I feel like your heart can carry 8 Personas now, you will be more equipped now" Arsene said smiling

"That's good to hear" Aqua said smiling.

Gardine hears the bell sounds and said "…The time has come. Return your brief moments of rest"

"And don't forget to go talk to your contractors, Inmate!" Galla told her

"I got it, see you soon" Aqua said going to sleep.

It was the morning of Friday the sixth and as she was heading for the train she had a talk on the phone with her parents, they were allowed to call her once a month just to make sure she was okay. Aqua had told them how she was adjusting and her new friends, leaving out talk on the Metaverse.

Of course they heard about the news on Gaston and were concerned but Aqua assured them she was fine and all he did was try and get her expelled. After the call Aqua got on the crowded train to head to Citadel Academy. As she rode on the train, she overheard a conversation.

"I wish I had money." A broke college student said "I'd kill for a real breakfast…."

"Why about Joyful Big Bang Burger?" An energetic college student suggested "The one on Central Street is holding a contest right now. The Big Bang Challenge or whatever. If you go at night, you can eat for only 500 credits"

"You got to eat one of their giant burgers though, right? How can anyone actually finish that?" The broke college student said in disbelief. "Still…500 credits is a steal."

"A huge burger, huh? Interesting." Gatomon said thinking in Aqua's bag "I bet giving that a go will increase your Guts."

"Oh boy…." Aqua said with a sigh.

They carry on heading to school.

Soon Aqua was in her class with Alexis as Yor began to explain what is happening today.

"Like you heard last week, gym class is cancelled today." Yor told the class. "Instead, I'm supposed to give you some guidance. The gist is, don't go around talking about the incident. That's all. The Stormtrooper Corp police are still investigating Mr. LeGume so I can't say anything myself."

Yor sighs looking down and admits "As a teacher though, I'm ashamed for not having noticed that a student was suffering like that…I'm not defending him, but as a colleague, he just seemed like…well, a normal person. Honestly, it still doesn't feel real I guess people can have multiple sides to them…"

"The teachers have it rough, huh…?" Gatomon said in his usual spot in Aqua's desk. Aqua nods in agreement

"Oh yeah, I just remembered something I learned about psychology." Yor said thinking on something. "They say that humans have several different personalities hidden in their subconcious."

"Different personalities…?" Gatomon said intrigued by this. Aqua perks up to look at Yor

"Oh, to be clear, I'm not talking about multiple personality disorder." Yor points out and explained "These different personalities can be a different gender or a different age from you. I mean, if you think about how gods and monsters in myths were first based on the human image…if you actually saw one of those personalities with your own eyes, it might look like a monster."

"Mm-hmmm…" Gatomon said nodding

"That makes it sound like the Personas and Shadows" Aqua said thinking

"It does seem to a scientific viewpoint for us" Pixie said nodding.

"Hm? You all seem more alert than usual." Yor said surprised seeing all the class focusing on her and smiles "Did I finally talk about something that interests you? Well, I'm just saying what I've heard. It feels like I just now understood what I learned long ago."

Aqua nods understanding, knowing this made her smarter and improves her Knowledge. Around lunchtime she meets with Aqua and Uzi out in the hall, the drone girl looking at her phone.

"It ain't much, but we've been getting more postings on the Phantom Aficinardo Website…" Uzi said smiling and reads one of them "'I wanna make my friend apologize for not returning the stuff I lent him' Ugh, bite me, deal with that yourself!"

"Hey, those girls…" Alexis said seeing two girls walk out of the classroom.

"You know that Phantom Thieves rumour, about stealing Gaston's heart? I wonder if it's true." The long-haired student said.

"It's got to be made up." The short-haired student said "Do you seriously believe they exist?"

"But look what happened to Gaston." The long-haired girl points.

"He probably just couldn't keep hiding it after that girl tried to kill herself." The short-haired girl explained.

"Yeah, you might be right." The long-haired girl said nodding "I guess there's no way they really exist."

"Most importantly, it seriously sucks that our school is going to be known for stuff like this!" The short-haired girl said.

"I wonder if it'll affect our college entrance…" The long-haired girl said thinking as they walk off.

"That's probably a normal reaction for now, but…they'll see soon enough!" Uzi said after hearing that and smiles "If we can take care of two or three famous guys, people will have to believe we exist."

"So, about those big shots…We don't have any leads yet, right?" Alexis asked. "Plus, there's that rumour about you two threatening Gaston too…"

"Looks like you'll just have to live a normal, honest school life for the time being." Gatomon points out. "Still, make sure you stay prepared just in case anything comes up, all right?"

"I'll keep an eye our for info on any big shots that might be coming around." Uzi said with a nod

"And I'll try to dig up some dirt online" Alexis said smiling.

"And I will keep an ear out on any rumours floating around on the streets" Aqua said smiling

"We went and formed the Phantom Thieves group, but we can't even find a target…" Uzi said sighing.

"There, there…" Alexis said patting the drone girl's head.

Uzi bats it way gently and said "I guess sometimes things just don't go the way we want them to…"

The three then head to the cafeteria for lunch.

We come to Principal Leo Lionheart's office where the drone girl J enters and approaches the principal who was sitting at his desk.

"Excuse me" J said to Lionheart "Did you wish to see me, Principal Lionheart?"

"You saw the state Gaston was in, didn't you?" Leo asked her seriously "It's as if his personality has completely changed. Something is defiantly wrong here."

"I'm not sure I follow…" J said confused.

"From what I've heard, it appears as though some students were meddling in his business." Leo told J. "If they did something to him…, Who could they be?"

J thinks on it and asks, "Are you saying that these students may have caused Mr. Gaston to change?"

"That is what I wish to know…Even if it takes some probing into student matters…" Leo explained to her and then asked, "I would like you to look into this for me."

"It is true that there, are many rumours regarding Mr. Gaston, but…Do you mean all of this about those Phantom Thieves?" J asked the principal.

"It is undeniable that Mr. Gaston has changed in some way. I'd like to have a grasp of the cause." Leo said with a sigh. "This shall also ensure that I handle the mass media and Stormtrooper police in the correct fashion."

"Oh…" J said nodding understanding.

"I will continue speaking to Mr. Gaston myself." Leo told her. "Unless you find whoever did this, these irresponsible rumours will likely never die down. Don't you agree?"

Leo looks at J as he explained "You have been at the top of your class since day one. Your conduct is good, and teachers favor you." He smiles and adds "I could write you a recommendation for any college of your choosing, Serial Designation J"

"Th-Thank you…" J said surprised "and I already said I prefer just going by J."

"I understand but your lineage must certainly play a part in this excellence." Leo said smiling looking at the trophy case next to him "Your sister is still young, yet she holds an admirable position at the Public Prosecutor's Office, right?" J looks up surprised at the conversation turning to her sister "if something disappointing were to happen here, that wouldn't reflect very well on your sister…Do you understand?"

J looked down ashamed, that was no doubt a subtle threat and it would be her fault if that happened. She looked down and said "…Yes."

"Haha, how wise. It's no wonder you're our student council president." Leo said with a chuckle still having that smile. "I'd appreciate if you'd look into this as soon as possible. I ask that you begin at once."

"Yes. If you'll excuse me then." J said nodding and turns to leave on her assignment

Leo nods and watches her leave. He then sighs in relief and gets out a holocommunicator and opens it up it was an old model so we couldn't see who he was talking to though.

"It's me, sir. My apologies for troubling you at such a busy time…" Leo said to the person on the other end.

"Is this about the matter we discussed?" The figure said there voice disorted.

"Yes it is about that" Leo said nodding and smiles "I have all bases covered. The investigation will begin immediately…"

"Good, we will expecting a report on your findings and it being sorted." The figure said.

"Mhm, of course…Yes I will get the results…I should be able to update you soon…" Leo said happy but nervous

"I don't need to remind you Leo it was our influence and connections that got you that cushy principal job at that school." The figure said "If you fail us, we will take more then it away. Also get a new godforsaken communicator I am tired of it always like this."

"Well then, I must be going." Leo said nod "Thank you very much for your time…." Leo hangs up sand sighs nervous

Back in class Aqua and Alexis were having a lesson with Miss Finster and both got a message from Uzi.

"The police are really here…I saw them at the entrance." Uzi messaged

"I saw them too! There were talking to the teachers!" Alexis messaged

"That change of heart thing's seriously amazing, huh?!" Uzi states

"I hope they don't find out we're responsible…" Alexis said concerned.

"I'm pretty sure we'll be fine." Uzi said "There's no proof it was us."

"Yeah, we don't need to worry" Aqua posts.

"You sound sure of yourself…" Alexis posts "But I mean, haven't rumors been going around about how you guys threatened Gaston?"

"This world's Gaston shouldn't know anything about what actually happened to him though." Uzi explains

"Still…" Alexis said

"We did what was right. Don't go freaking out over some label." Uzi told her.

"I guess that's true…" Alexis puts down

"Man, I really can't wait toi keep living this double life!" Uzi writes excited "All right, Aqua! We're going to be counting on you!"

"Right" Aqua writes out.

"Hey, Strife!" Miss Finster called out making Aqua jump and look up as the teacher looks at her "You! Pay attention! Is that how you listen when someone's talking to you?!"

Aqua felt a familiar murderous intent…! She sees Finster hurl the chalk and she moves her head to the side to avoid it.

"Whoa! That was an epic dodge!" A female student said impressed at the students murmur in surprise and amazement

"I can't believe she dodged Finster's throw….Is she a ninja?" A male student asked.

"Tch….Well, whatever. Moving on." Finster said a bit annoyed Aqua avoided her throw but was a bit impressed.

Gatomon noted the entire class were focused on Aqua for that and Aqua felt her own Charm has increased. The lesson continued and it was soon after class.

Aqua was checking her phone and she noticed Penny approach her, the red and blue haired girl with the Eevee backpack was looking a lot better all her bruises were now gone.

"…Hey." Penny said to Aqua.

"Oh hey Penny, you looking a lot better" Aqua said smiling

"Yeah, thanks. Say have you seen Phantom Aficinado Website?" Penny asked her.

"Yeah, I have heard of it." Aqua said nodding.

"Well, I'm the one who started it." Penny told her simply.

"Wait, what?!" Aqua said surprised.

"Um…" Penny said getting close to Aqua "…You guys are the Phantom Thieves, aren't you?"

"Um…Penny can I have some space." Aqua said awkwardly.

"…Sorry." Penny said backing off a bit but smiles "Although…if things really are as I think, I should keep it a secret." She sighs "Gaston used me, and I did some horrible things to you guys. This isn't much of a way for me to apologize for it…" She then looks firmly "But if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know!"

"That's great, but…" Aqua said but Penny cuts her off.

"I'm glad to hear that." Penny said smiling and looks out the window looking serious "It's not just Gaston…There are tons of evil adults out there. But I'm sure the Phantom Thieves will do something…They can't let this end after just one target." She smiles a bit "That's why I wanted to make a forum where people could post their problems."

Penny looks at Aqua "There are probably a lot of people who have high hopes for the Phantom Thieves next move. So I've also implemented an anonymous poll on the site" She pulls out her phone and shows Aqua the poll "Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves or not?" It was sitting at 6.7% for the Yes "I want to work on this forum so eventually it'll be packed with tons of supportive posts. I'd really like to help out in the Phantom Thieves acts of justice! Can I, please?"

Aqua thinks on it and said "Sure, sounds like fun."

Penny smiles nodding and puts her phone away "I'll live up to your expectations…I promise."

Aqua could sense an abundantly high expectation from Penny

We come back to present day as Aqua was still interrogation with Windblade and the two Law Purge Troopers Jess and Jacob

"Besides the public's reaction to your group, there were others who supported you." Jess said to her. "…Someone who enthusiastically cheered the Phantom Thieves on. Perhaps they were quite close…"

"…What do you have to say to that?" Windblade asked Aqua.

We return to the past as Aqua feels a bond forming with Penny

"I am thou, thou art I…Thou hast acquired a new vow." The Female voice said "I shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity. With the birth of the Moon Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall to freedom and new power."

The card book appears and Aqua sees the card Confidant marked with Penny's name that depects a moon shining down on the ground with wolves and spiders attacking farmers and Aqua got an ability known as Penny's support.

"…See you." Penny said nodding and runs off.

Aqua sweat drops as Uzi and Alexis approaches her. "We heard all that." The drone girl told her. "Geez…It was a little awkward trying to figure out when to walk over here."

"So that forum is Penny's…" Alexis said surprised "Well she always seemed like the computer wiz so make sense."

"Has she figured out our identitites?" Gatomon asked concerned.

"She seemed to suspect I am one of them." Aqua said nodding

"Even so, I think it'll be fine." Alexis said thinking "She seemed to be playing it cool."

"I guess we should have a little chat about this later." Uzi said with some thought.

Gatomon smiled as he said "I will say though…a forum where people can pout problems may prove unexpectedly useful."

Uzi and Alexis looking at him confused but the drone girl said "Anyways, we got to get looking for a new target."

"And we need to stat sharp until we manage to find one." Alexis added nodding. "Once we do, we'll have to head into another Palace, so we should prep our equipment and-"

"Wait, oh SNAP!" Uzi said shocked remember something."

"What's with you?!" Alexis asked in surprise.

"Don't we have an exam coming up?!" Uzi asked concerned.

Alexis sighs and said "…Judging by that reaction, I'd assume you're going to struggle this time too?"

"Hey, don't rub it in just cause you're quite studious when it comes to subjects like…English!" Uzi said with a glare.

"Well, I have be studious then bad at every subject!" Alexis said to the drone girl.

"I bet even your Japanese is questionable at best, Uzi" Gatomon said with a grin.

"What's questionable is whether you're really even a human." Uzi said to the white cat. She smiles at Aqua "Ha! Good comeback, huh?"

"Eh…5 out 10" Aqua said shrugging.

"…Let's discuss this with our fists!" Gatomon said in anger.

"Bring it!" Uzi said ready to literally fight a cat.

"Will you two stop it?!" Alexis said annoyed.

Aqua sighs her daily life is going to be much more lively with this group of friends. But she should take time to get ready for the exams while waiting for their next target.

We got a new confidant but now Aqua has to study down and focus on her exams to show she is doing well in school

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