Pre-chapter notes: To address some things I will say that, for this story, I am using Persona 4 Golden but not Persona 5 Royal. The reason for this is, though the final boss for Persona 5 Royal would be an awesome attribute, it wouldn't work for the story I'm trying to create. Unfortunately, I can't use them or the new characters in Royal. Trust me, I tried, but it wouldn't work without destroying the mystery or drastically altering the story I have planned.

As for the glasses, I know Ren doesn't need glasses. The point of the bad eyesight is to get Yu to feel all the more powerless in his new body. It's intentional and will be explained as to why it exists later in the third book if I can get to it. I wasn't trying to demean Ren.

Chapter 13

Joker and Skull stared down at their feline mentor in a daze. Ann was in the castle and the shadows have her?

Skull shook his head. "Wait, what? We sent her home earlier."

"'Lady' Ann?" Joker scratched his head.

"Dude! Stick with the program!"

Ignoring Joker, Mona continued, "If Lady Ann does indeed have the app, it could be possible."

"Oh no… Don't tell me it got put on hers just like mine!?"

"Being pulled in is the trigger." Joker nodded. The same thing with the TVs. Though the Investigation Team never confirmed if others who were pulled in got the power or if it was exclusively persona users. In this case it was apparently the former.

"Dammit! We let her out for her own safety, and she just came back in by herself!"

"To be fair, we never explained how it was dangerous."

"Like she'd believe us!"

"It doesn't matter right now." Mona jumped up and down. "We need to hurry and rescue her! Follow me! I'll guide you!" The cat spun around and back out the door.

Joker and Skull yanked the door open and pelted after the cat. Shadows were in the large room they came from. They leapt behind corners and waited for their time to move. Ann's voice echoed from a distance behind the door, "Is this some kind of filming!? Who's in charge here?!"

With an opening found the three dashed across the room and through the door. They tore down the hallway and stopped at a turn. The hallway changed from marble floor to red carpet with several empty armors on each side leading up to a door. The spear-like gates that closed this path off earlier were now open. Ann's voice came from the door down the way. "Look. I'll apologize for touching the armor without permission!"

Skull sighed. "She totally doesn't get what's goin' on!"

"Let's hurry! We have to save her!"

Joker tore on ahead and rammed through the door, the two behind him right on his heels. They skidded to a halt at the scene. Several faceless girls with only short-shorts on were sprawled around the whole floor. Skull balked at the sight. "This is effed up. Is that what he thinks of the girls on the volleyball team!?"

"Hey! That's-!" Mona pointed on the other side of the room. He didn't need to finish his thought. Ann was there as well as Shadow Kamoshida, a Cognitive Ann, two armors, and one golden armor. Ann's wrists and ankles are chained to a strange x-stand underneath an overly dramatic picture of Shadow Kamoshida. All the shadows were surrounding her, pointing their swords at her. The 'king' and his 'princess,' no doubt, just stood idly by looking far to perverse for Joker's liking.

"Takamaki!" Skull shouted, diving in.

Joker and Mona hissed at his impulsive shouting, they lost the element of surprise. With nothing left to lose they rushed in behind him.

The 'king' turned around with a sour expression. "Just when I was about to start enjoying myself."

"What's the deal with this guy!?" Ann shouted at them.

Skull glowered at the Shadow Kamoshida. "You little…!"

The 'king' crossed his arms. "How many times are you gonna come back?" He looked over at Ann with a smug grin. "I bet you're just like those thieves. You came because you're pissed at me, huh? But, ah… I forget that chick's name, but it's your fault she jumped, you know."

Joker snarled. Of course, it'd go down that route. Kamoshida was a sadistic prick, through and through.

Ann could only blink. "Huh?"

"You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me that I had her take your place."

The girl didn't look remotely surprised. Instead, her fists clenched, and her eyes warped. "You bastard!"

In response the golden armor stormed up and planted its blade against her collar, causing the girl to gasp.

Skull stepped forward. "No!"

The other shadows lunged their swords forward, bringing the edges against Ann's neck. Shadow Kamoshida snarled at the trio. "Take one more step and I'll kill her on the spot."

Growling, Skull retreated back. "Dammit!"

"Just sit back and enjoy the dismantlement show."

Joker bit his finger, so she was going to die either way. This felt like… Nanako and Namatame. In other words, they were going to have to do something. Back in Inaba he tried Naoto's method of talking down the threat, but they ended up charging Namatame anyway. If he can't think of something fast it'll be a slow death, but if he goes in now it will be instant death. Damn! Was he going to have to throw away more moral standards? This new life sucked!

Ann struggled on her bindings, wiggling against the metal bonds. "No! Don't!"

The 'king' flushed as he stared at her. "Maybe I'll start with her clothes."

The Cognitive Ann made a sickening giggle. "You're such a perv!"

Skull looked to his team. "H-hey, what're we gonna do!?" Mona just shook his head, despair written over his helpless features. Seeing there were going to be no help, Skull looked on at the scene. "Takamaki!"

Ann just bowed her head, beads of tears tricking from her eyes. "Is this… my punishment for what happened to Shiho?"

Maybe… Joker released his finger from his teeth. It worked for Ryuji, just maybe it'll work for Ann. Again, a gamble, but it was a hundred times better than waiting here.

Shadow Kamoshida laughed, "That's more like it. You should've looked like this from the start."

"Shiho… I'm so sorry."

"You're just going to listen?" Everyone turned to Joker. The teen just had his hands in his pockets, glaring at Ann. "You're just going to let him do what he wants? Like he did to Shiho?"

"Huh?" She blinked at him. The despondency in her eyes vanished. "You're right. Letting this piece of shit you with me… What was I thinking!?"

Sensing the danger, the 'king' scowled, hurriedly trying to keep her down. "It's like I always say. Slaves should just behave and-."

"Shut up!" The girl snapped. "I've had enough of this. You've pissed me off, you son of a bitch!"

With a jolt Ann's head snapped back with a gasp. Her body trembled, spasmed. She twisted and turned against the metal frame holding her. Her eyes shut as sweat dripped from her brow. Pain flew from her mouth as she tried holding back the screams.

Skull stepped back. "What's happinin'?!"

Joker grinned. "It worked."

With a final scream Ann collapsed, limping from the bindings on her limbs. "I hear you Carmen." Blue flames ignited on her face, a red feline mask took its place. She looked up at the group. "You're right. No more holding back!"

The Shadow Kamoshida stumbled back as Ann strained on the bindings. Blue flowed from her core and into her limbs and in a flash of flame her hands tore themselves free and her legs kicked off their shackles. Her hands clasped the mask on her face and tore it off. Blood shot to the sky followed by a pillar of blue. Within the blue flame a feminine figure appeared. The persona wore a long wavy dress with sleeves. In its left hand were vines wrapped around what looked like a suited man with a heart-shaped head. Under its right foot was another suited, heart-shaped-head man. Ann stood up beneath it, her body in a skin-tight, red latex costume with pink gloves, thigh high boots, and a long cat tail on her hind.

The three Phantom Thieves looked on in shock at the sight. Joker turned to Skull. "Is she kinky or something?"

"Why're you askin' me!?"

In a blur of red, Ann kicked the sword from the grip of a shadow. The blade spun into the sky. Ann leapt up after it and came down with a scream. She swung the blade upon the fake Ann. The cognitive being faded to black mist. Shadow Kamoshida fretted back behind his golden armor shadow.

Ann scowled at the cowering man. "You know what? I'm not some cheap girl you can toy with… you scumbag."

The 'king' snarled. "Bitch!"

Joker, Skull, and Mona rushed behind Ann all in battle positions. Ann tossed the large blade aside. "You stole everything from Shiho… You destroyed her… Now it's your turn!" She shoved a finger at the 'king.' "I will rob you of everything!"

The golden armor waved its sword. "How dare you! Enough of your insolence!"

With a vulgar squishing noise all the shadows in the room erupted into goo. A figure then formed from the substance and towered over them. A demon with goat horns and a beard sitting on top of a toilet seat.

Rather undeterred, Ann sneered. "No, I've had enough of you. No one's gonna stop me now!" She dropped to a hand, ready to pounce. "Let's go, Carmen!"

Ann's Persona flung out its hand. Flames danced off its fingers and flew at the demon. In an explosion the demon toppled down to the ground. The three guys leapt at it. In a whirlwind they sliced and batted it. For several seconds they pounded it as it screamed in agony. It threw them off it. Joker caught himself with his hand. He landed on his feet and tore of his mask. "Jack-O-Lantern!"

The persona flew out of the mask. It bellowed out flames, striking the demon. With a roar the shadow exploded into mist. The Jack flew back into Joker's face. The mask back with its master.

Joker turned to the 'king,' tugging on his gloves tighter while Skull cracked his knuckles and Mona rushed over to Ann who was bracing herself on her knees. Shadow Kamoshida staggered back, defenseless. "Oh shit!" He then turned on his heels and rushed out of the room.

Seeing that, Ann tried pushing herself up, but collapsed on her knees. "Wait!"

Skull walked up to her. "Why'd you come here, man!? And more importantly, how!?"

"Hey! Is that how you speak to a woman!?" Mona yelled back. "Are you alright Lady Ann?"

"Lady Ann?" Ann stared at the cat, perplexed.

"That's what I was asking." Joker replied.

Skull shot him a look. "He's been callin' her that since he first saw her!"

"Did he?"

"How out of it are you!?"

Ann snapped her fingers at them. "Wait, what is this thing? Is it alive? How can it talk? And… where in the world are we!?"

Taking all the rapid fire questions, Mona waved his arms like a frantic mother. "J-just calm down. Everything's going to be okay. Don't worry."

"How am I supposed to calm down!?" Ann planted her hand on Mona's head and pushed herself up with him. As she did she spotted what she was wearing. "H-huh? Why am I dressed like this!? When did I-!?" Looking at everyone she bowed back down trying to cover her body. "Ugh, what's with this!?"

"You look great." Joker extended his hand to her.

She stared up at him like he just put on a clown's nose. "What are you talking about!? What the hell are you thinking!?"

"Well." Mona tossed his arms up in the air. "I'm stumped."

Joker shrugged. "I'm mostly thinking… was that thing on a toilet?"

Skull shot him a look. "Is that really important right now?"

"It's bugging me. Was it taking a dump?"

Mona slapped himself on the face. "Why did I have to get stuck with these idiots?" Shaking it off he bounced up and down to get their attention. "A search party will be coming for us soon. There's no time to explain. We don't have a choice. Let's retreat for now!"

Skull pressed his fingertips on his mask, suppressing a growl. "We were just getting' fired up," Peering down on Ann he continued, "and you had to go and get in the way… Rgh, fine. Here… gimme your arm." He bent down to take Ann's arm. "You take the other side."

Joker nodded, following his example. They threw her arms over their shoulders and took off back down the hall, with Mona ahead of them as scout.

\|/

The train station was as lively as ever. People walking left and right nonstop, paying no head to the small ragtag group of teenagers looking more worn out than marathon runners. Ann sat on one of the benches on the wall while Yu stood over her, making sure she didn't pass out. They almost had to drag her out of the Metaverse and the moment they were in the alley she passed out. The awakening and the emotional turmoil she suffered today must have exhausted her to no end. When she was out it had them all in a panic.

Morgana's infatuation with her had him concerned for her health while the two teens were frantically checking there were no onlookers. Two delinquents in an alley with a rather charming, and unconscious mind you, young girl with no one else around? Yeah, the police would have tazed them and sent them off to prison before they could plead for mercy. Luckily, she woke up long enough for them to help her to this seat. They still got suspicious looks on the way, but it was better than the alternative.

Yu didn't even realize it's only been a few days since he got here, yet he almost feels like it's been a month. Pushing in his glasses he bent down to eye level. "You good?"

Hearing that, Morgana struggled from the bag to rest his paws on Yu's shoulders. "Lady Ann?"

She looked up at them, then down again with a nod. "Yeah. I'm good. Just give me a moment." She struggled to her feet and leaned against the wall.

Ryuji then walked up with two bottles in his hand, one black the other orange. "Which one you want?" He lifted both options to Ann.

Exasperated she just lifted her hand. "Whichever's not carbonated."

"Uh, they're both actually."

"…Then…" She took the black one, taking the cap off and tipping the lid into her parched throat.

Ryuji handed off the last bottle to Yu. "Here ya go."

Yu was taken back by the gesture. He took the bottle, "Thanks. Here." He fished into his pocket for his wallet.

Ryuji waved him down. "It's on me."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. No biggie."

Morgana perked up. "What about me?"

"Huh? But you're a cat."

Ann chuckled at the display, her dump in higher spirits. Smiling at the improvement, Morgana addressed her. "Have you calmed down, Lady Ann?"

"Um… Morgana, right? I really am talking to a cat… This feels so strange."

"Try talking to one hiding in your desk."

Ryuji reeled his head. "He did that?!"

Ann hesitantly looked over at the feline. "Sorry. You're not a cat, right?"

Morgana shot the other two a contemptuous look. "It's only natural that you're confused. Demanding that you understand all of this right after what you went through is asking too much."

"Honestly, I still can't believe what happened. And that power… my Persona…"

"It's the will of your rebellion, Lady Ann. With it, you'll be able to fight in that other world."

"First awakening to it wipes out the user. It's why you feel so exhausted." Yu took a sip of his bottle. Ryuji and Morgana looked over at him, dubious expressions over their faces. Looking between them Yu felt judged. "What?"

Moving on, Ann pressed for further information. "So if what you told me is true, we can make Kamoshida have a change of heart, right? Is it really possible? Can we actually force him to confess his crimes?"

Ryuji stepped back, thumbs looping through his belt. "The volleyball team's keepin' quiet about this, while teachers and parents turn a blind eye. If guys like us try and complain, they're just gonna shoot us down. Goin' in on this plan is the only choice we got."

"Then let me help too. I want to make him pay for what happened to Shiho. He just keeps going like nothing happened, even after what he did to her… I'll never forgive him."

Yu stepped back, uncomfortable. He grasped his neck and twisted his head side to side. This was sounding less like 'doing the right thing' and more of a vengeance thing. He wasn't doing this to get back at the bastard. He just wanted his reign of terror to fall. If anything, he was taking this as more of an act of rebellion against the status quo than a personal vendetta. Personal matters may be a factor in motivation, but it isn't the foundation. Still, their goals aligned, and he could use their help.

Ryuji blinked. "Wait, did you just say, 'let me help'? You mean, you want us to take you along?"

"Don't act like I'm going to drag you down. Weren't you watching? I can fight too."

"Hey," The blond looked over at Yu, "what should we do?"

Yu smiled. "She'll be great. It's not like we've been doing it for very long either." Again, Ryuji and Morgana gave him a look, one that lasted a little too long for his taste. "Could you guys stop staring at me like that."

Morgana turned to Ann. "I agree as well. We are lacking in manpower, after all. Don't worry, I'll protect her."

"Even if you said no, I'd just go in alone." Ann huffed.

Ryuji rubbed the back of his hand against his mouth. "Oh right, she can go by herself… I guess it'd be more dangerous turnin' her down. Rgh, fine."

"Then it's decided. Well, I hope we get along!" She turned to Yu. "I'm going to make Kamoshida atone for what he did. Not just for Shiho's sake… but for everything he's done. I won't let any more people suffer because of him. I'll do whatever it takes!"

Hearing that sent relief flooding down Yu's spine. He offered out his hand to her. "Then let's make it official. Welcome to the team."

She grinned, taking his hand and shaking it firmly.

Yu then raised his other arm. "So, can I have your number?" His hand held his phone.

"WhA!" Ryuji and Morgana bellowed with bulging eyes.

Ann's face flooded with red before she blinked and relaxed. "Oh, right. Can't work together if we don't have each other's numbers. Sure. Here." She let go and surfed into her pockets for her phone. "I'm guessing you'll also want my chat ID. And, um…hmm, what else?"

With a buzz, their phones automatically sent their contact information between the three. Yu lifted the device in awe. Convenient.

Ann nodded to him. "I'll be counting on you, then. Same goes for you, Morgana."

"Uh, yeah. The pleasure is all mine, Lady Ann." She smiled at him before walking off toward the exit. The cat rested his chin on Yu's shoulder, admiring her retreating form. "What a kind girl… Such admirable consideration for others. And the innocence to cast herself into the jaws of death to achieve her goal." Ryuji and Yu looked over at each other as he went on. "She cares about her friends, and she's beautiful to boot… What a girl! She's captured my heart." He then sat up and glared at Yu. "Looks like I am not alone in recognizing her pure heart."

"Huh?"

Ryuji shook his head. "Dude. Who goes around askin' girl's for their number? And she just gave it to you like that, outta nowhere. How'd you do that?"

"I only asked for her number."

"Yeah! That's what I'm sayin'!"

Morgana grumbled, burying himself into Yu's bag. "If only I had a phone."

Yu rubbed the underside of his nose. "You've got something dripping under there."

"Huh?" Morgana rubbed his paw against his nose. "Did I get it?"

"No."

In all seriousness, now that he thought about it, if Yosuke ever saw him asking Chie or Yukiko that question he'd probably react just like this. Though, Morgana's rather blatant crush reminded him of Kanji and Naoto. Kanji had an obvious crush on the younger detective. He did try to hide it, but everyone knew, except, ironically enough for multiple reasons, Naoto. With this all coming up, his heart began feeling very heavy.

"Anyways. It's not a bad idea," Ryuji cut him off, "it'd be better if this group could get together quick from now on."

"True." Morgana agreed. "Our best option would be to make a secret hideout where we could discuss these things."

"A hideout, huh? I like the sound of that."

Yu looked down. "Junes."

"Junes?" Ryuji scratched his head in thought. "I don't think so. Too crowded, man."

"There's a Junes here!?"

"Huh? Why'd you offer that if you didn't know?"

"Well… my old friends would meet up at Junes. I was just… reflecting. Don't mind me."

Ryuji cast him a sympathetic look. Morgana peered over Yu's shoulder. "The school rooftop would work. It seems like nobody goes up there. For the time being, that will make the perfect hideout."

"Great. I'll let Ann know." Yu quickly typed out the text and sent it.

Ryuji sighed. "Could I get her number too? It'd be best if we'd all talk."

"Sure. I'll ask her." He shot out a second text.

Morgana hissed, "Stop showing off!"A small bap hit the back of his head. With a sigh the cat continued his previous discussion. "I can't contact you from inside a Palace, so I'll stay in this world. That being said, I'll need someone to take care of me. Ryuji, you're up."

"Me!?" The blond quickly waved off the idea. "There's no way! We can't have pets in our house."

"What?! Why?!"

"Allergies. My mom can't handle 'em. Why not bunker with him?" Ryuji patted Yu's shoulder. "Well, we now have our hideout, so let's meet there tomorrow!" With that the blond rushed off as the train began slowing down to their station.

Nervously, Morgana laughed, looking toYu. "So, uh… I'll be… sleeping with you, huh?"

Yu looked away, pushing his glasses back in place. "About that."

"Y-yes?" Morgana squirmed back into the bag.

"Mind if I grab some sushi first?"

"…Huh?"

\|/

Morgana sat on Yu's bed as the boy laid out the sushi before him. "What's… all this?"

Yu sighed, sitting back on his toes. He bowed his head toward the cat. "I'm truly sorry."

"What?"

Yu sat back up, pushing his glasses in. "When we were at the castle, and you asked if we would help you. I just yelled. I was in a dark place. Still am. I didn't mean to take my anger out on you. I'm having the worse time of my life. All my friends are gone and… I used to have a girlfriend… I don't want to get into it, but I will say that I probably won't see them again. I assure you. I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

"Wh-whatever do you mean. My feelings weren't-."

"You don't need to lie."

Morgana stopped, averting his gaze. "Look, if you're having a bad time, it's understandable to be a little sensitive."

"There's sensitive and then there's cruel." Yu sat back, crossing his legs. "I've made a bad impression. Now you don't want to be near me. I can't blame you. I've been too aggressive lately." He stood up, pushing his hands into his pockets. "If you think I'm losing my cool or not thinking properly… just tell me. Even hit me. Hit me right now if you want. I won't retaliate. It's what I'd deserve."

The cat laid down, looking over the sushi. Tenderly he bit into one of them, chewing it. He looked up at Yu with hopeful eyes. "Get me fatty tuna and we'll call it even."

A grin flashed over Yu's face. First impressions are never so easily dismissed, but it's most certainly a good start to reforming a relationship. "It's a deal."