AN: I've been thinking about changing the story's format again. I was inspired to write this fanfic by stories like "Fate/Reach Out," "Thieves Can Be Heroes!" & "Timeless Academia" (crossover stories on where MCs from other works take the place of protagonists), which cover a lot of story without feeling like a cheap copy.
However, I don't feel like I have done a good job of emulating that style of story. I feel like I have too many scenes where the differences from canon are superficial at best.
My current plan is to divide the future chapters up to focus on chunks of the game, skipping around on the days. I would have things like "Museum of Vanity – Part 1" or "Lovers Confidant" as entire chapters, with the latter being divided up based on Confidant Ranks rather than listing specific dates. I am open to suggestions, though.
Anyway, regardless of what I decide on, I hope you enjoy this chapter (which is in the current format).
AO3 – Thank you SaulAxel and Arbandu. SaulAxel, it's funny you should mention that, because reading about Rozemyne's morning routine is what gave me the idea to have Morgana play a similar role here. Arbandu, thanks for letting me know. I've gone back and fixed the mistake.
April 29 – Friday
Makoto Niijima's PoV
Makoto arrived at Leblanc early in the morning. Possibly a little too early considering a half-hour passed before Ryuji and Ann arrived, even if that was partially because they were late.
Makoto spent the extra time helping Urano, Morgana, and Futaba clean the attic — or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that they helped her, since she took charge and did the most work. Nevertheless, it wasn't long before the room gained the not-cat's seal of approval as a hideout for the Phantom Thieves.
Also, despite their previous unwillingness to let Makoto and the others get involved, the three of them seemed relieved to have her around. Keeping the Mementos mission a secret must have been weighing heavily on them.
"Before we enter the Metaverse, there's a matter I would like to discuss," began Makoto once everybody had arrived and settled in. "If we're going to be stealing peoples' hearts, then we need to establish a process for selecting our targets."
While everyone agreed that Kamoshida and Futaba's uncle deserved to be targets, that might not always be the case. What the Phantom Thieves needed was a method of ensure that they didn't steal the hearts of innocents or fall prey to infighting over whether or not to target somebody. Such a process would have to be rigorous, yet not ignore anyone's opinions.
"A process?" repeated Ryuji, confused. "Don't we just need to all agree on stealing a person's heart?"
Makoto and the others considered the former athlete's words.
"Hm, a unanimous decision," contemplated Morgana. "That doesn't sound half bad."
"I like it!" agreed Ann enthusiastically. "It's like we're making some kind of pact!"
"It should help stop us from going after innocent people," observed Urano.
"Plus, nobody will be forced to help steal any hearts they don't want to," added Futaba.
In hindsight, perhaps Makoto had been overthinking things.
"Then it's settled," stated the student council president. "All Metaverse targets must be chosen by unanimous decision."
"Speaking of targets…" began Urano, who proceeded to tell the others about the woman from Shinjuku with the abusive boyfriend.
One quick vote later, 'Yuya Uchimura' joined 'Youji Isshiki' as a target. Futaba (who Urano had asked to find the boyfriend in advance) used her hacking skills to ensure that the two of them received warning messages that would make their Shadows appear in Mementos.
With their preparations complete, the Phantom Thieves activated the MetaNav.
Urano Motosu's PoV
Mementos was a subway system. That wasn't what I was expecting from the collective unconscious.
Regardless, while Morg… while Mona and Queen re-explained Mementos and the collective unconscious to Skull and Panther, I took the opportunity to visit the Velvet Room and manage my Personas.
While there, I was able to complete my second assignment from the Velvet Twins – a Shiisaa with Frei.
AN: Isis + Jack-o'-Lantern = Makami (has Frei). Makami + Jack Frost = Shiisaa with Frei.
"It is commendable that you have chosen to work so diligently toward your rehabilitation," praised Justine.
"Hmph," went Caroline, ever the tsundere. "I guess at least you've got the will to work."
"Of course I do," I replied confidently. I would always give it my all when it mattered to me.
(Granted, before meeting Futaba and the others, the only thing that mattered to me was my reading time being in danger. Although, until recently, I'd also never been in a situation where people were in danger and I could save them.)
"Don't gimme that smug little attitude!" snapped Caroline, which felt pretty hypocritical given her own smugness right now. "This is your duty, Inmate!"
"That said, you have completed the task surprisingly easily," added Justine, always the carrot to her sister's stick.
"You might actually be worth our time after all," said Caroline. "Justine, tell her the next task. It's on that list, right?"
"Indeed…"
"There's a list?" I interjected. If there was, then why didn't they just show me the whole thing from the start? Wouldn't that be simpler than revealing the items one by one?
"You don't have the right to be asking questions!" yelled Caroline, slamming her baton onto the bars of my cell. "Your only response should be, 'Yes, ma'am!'"
"Eep! Y-yes, ma'am!"
"Is something the matter?" spoke Igor, startling all three of us. He had been completely silent up until now, only acknowledging my existence because he had something to tell me (like usual). "It's quite noisy over there."
"N-not at all, Master," replied Caroline. "The inmate was just being disrespectful…"
Hey! Way to throw me under the bus, Caroline!
"Our apologies," added Justine.
Wait, were they… scared of Igor?
"…Very well," he accepted. "Continue on with the rehabilitation."
The twins turned back to face me, a fire lit under them.
"Listen up, Inmate," started Caroline energetically. "We're going outta our way to help you here. So you'd better give this everything you've got! Are we clear!?"
Never mind. Rather than fear, it looked like they respected their master and didn't want to disappoint him. I could empathize with that, even if I didn't understand why they thought so highly of Igor.
.
Rank Up!
Confidant: Caroline and Justine. Arcana: Strength. Rank: 2.
.
"Yes, ma'am!" I replied emphatically, keeping my thoughts about Igor to myself.
He might have been nice to me, granting me the MetaNav, Third Eye, and Persona fusion, but it was frustrating how unnecessarily cryptic he could be. Plus, it felt a bit like Igor was only invested in my growth and didn't care what I was doing with my powers.
Then again, even if he looks apathetic, he must care. I mean, why else would he be so focusing on helping me to prevent the approaching 'ruin'?
(Which he still hadn't explained.)
Morgana's PoV
Once Harlequin returned from her mystery room, everyone boarded the Morgana-mobile and entered Mementos. Queen took the wheel, and Oracle rode shotgun to navigate.
They drove around in search of the targets' Shadows, fought random enemies that they came across (with Harlequin recruiting a few), and – with the aid of Oracle – discovered treasure. After fifteen minutes of searching, they finally found what they were looking for.
"Dude, the hell is this…?" asked Skull, gawking at the distorted red portal before them. "It's all wavy and shit."
"Necro is sensing a strong enemy through there," stated Oracle.
"This is the place," declared Mona with certainty. "I sense one of the targets up ahead."
The not-cat refused to think about why he knew that the Shadow belonged to one of their targets when nobody else, not even Oracle, could. He buried the intrusive thoughts next to his mixed feelings about Skull and the others' presence, where they wouldn't get in the way. "Now, are you ready Harlequin?"
"Let's do it," she confirmed.
Queen stepped on the gas, driving Mona into the Shadow's territory. There, they found the abusive boyfriend, who transformed into an unfamiliar Shadow that Oracle identified as Fuu-Ki. Frustratingly, Fuu-Ki drained Wind and resisted both Physical and Gun attacks.
(Muda! Why did Mona have to keep being useless!?)
It took a fair bit a time to wear him down, but they eventually succeeded. The Shadow reverted to his humanoid appearance, apologized and promised to reform, and returned to his true self, leaving behind the bud of a Treasure – a glowing ball of light that transformed into a weapon called the Sleep Stick when Harlequin touched it.
With one Shadow down, they returned to exploring Mementos for their second target. While Queen was driving Mona around, Harlequin gave Skull the Sleep Stick to replace his current, weaker weapon.
The Phantom Thieves made their way deeper into Mementos, until they reached a subway station. After answering the others' questions about why the trains were running, Mona led them to the second area of Mementos.
In the past, this area had only contained an immovable wall that blocked the not-cat from progressing deeper into Mementos. Mona hoped that stealing two Treasures would change that, allowing them to move forward.
However, before he or the others could inspect the wall, they would have to defeat the Shadow that blocked their way. The Shadow they had come here for. The Shadow of Oracle's uncle… her uncle… uhh…
…What was his name again?
Futaba Sakura's PoV
"Money, money, money~" sang her uncle's Shadow gleefully. "It doesn't matter who gives it to me. Just give me money. Hey, did you bring me money!? Why don't you sell that stupid shop and give me the money? It's consolation money! It's reparations! You have to… You have to give me your money~!"
Oracle felt digusted by the Shadow and his money song. Memories of his real self's abuse bubbled up, but she forced them back down. The hacker couldn't afford to be distracted, not when her uncle's Shadow was much stronger than that abusive boyfriend's.
"We're not giving you any money!" declared Harlequin.
"If I have enough money, I can keep gambling until I hit another jackpot!" proclaimed the Shadow, no longer singing. "If you won't give me any money, then I'm going to destroy you!"
With that, the Shadow transformed into a large, fat, anthropomorphic elephant that – according to Necronomicon – was called a Girimekhala. He towered over them, but Oracle refused to be intimidated. Not when Sojiro needed her help.
"Let's go, everyone!" she shouted, granting the others an attack buff.
"Kouga!" yelled Harlequin, using Liesel.
"Zionga!" bellowed Skull.
"Freila!" roared Queen.
"Agilao!" screamed Panther.
"Garu!" shouted Mona.
"Gah! You brats!" cried Girimekhala. However, Futaba's sensors told her that not only did he still have most of his health left, none of the attacks had been his weakness. "Take this! Tarukaja!"
As the Shadow powered himself up, the others continued their assault. Queen and Panther unloaded their guns on him, while Mona and Skull charged in to deliver physical attacks. As for Harlequin, she began cycling through her Personas, testing Girimekhala for weaknesses.
"Giant Slash!" thundered the Shadow, striking Skull with enough force to send him flying back.
"Panther, heal Skull!" directed Harlequin as she continued to fire attacks. "Queen, buff Mona's defense with Rakukaja! Oracle, have you figured out his weakness?"
"It looks like he doesn't have one!" answered the hacker, grimacing at Necronomicon's data. Harlequin mirrored her sentiment with a 'come on!' "Worse, he's still got over half his HP left!"
"Lucky Punch!" yelled Mona, though Zorro's attack failed to deliver a critical hit.
"Pathetic!" jeered Girimekhala. "How can you call that an attack? THIS is an attack! Megido!"
"Crap!" cursed Oracle as the whole party was blasted with Almighty damage. She quickly sent out a mass heal to the others as they recovered from the attack.
"Seriously!?" cried Harlequin, incredulous. "Why is he so strong!? He's the Shadow of a debt-riddled, money-obsessed scumbag, for crying out loud!"
"Wait… Harlequin, that's it!" exclaimed Queen with an 'I have an idea' face. "Money!"
Harlequin looked at her with confusion, then realized what Queen was getting at. Oracle also figured it out and felt a sense of sadistic glee.
"Hey, scumbag!" Harlequin yelled at the Shadow, reaching into her bag. "Take this!"
"Fools! Nothing you try… can…"
Girimekhala's taunt trailed off as several coin clattered on the ground in front of him.
"Money, money, money~! Don't mind if I do…"
Forgetting where he was, the Shadow bent down to pick up the coins.
"Everyone, now! All-Out Attack!" declared Harlequin.
Girimekhala only had enough time to look up with a dumbfounded expression before the Phantom Thieves dogpiled him.
The Shadow withstood the barrage of blows (and Oracle's bomb), so the fight continued a little bit longer. However, with the amount of damage that Girimekhala took, his fate was sealed.
Once defeated, Oracle's uncle returned to his humanoid form and stuck around long enough to explain that his obsession with money and jackpots stemmed from envy toward her mother. Neither she nor the others felt any sympathy toward him.
As the Shadow disappeared, Oracle felt a weight lift off of her shoulders. Sojiro was (probably) safe!
Her uncle's Treasure bud became a Venture Saber, a weapon that Mona immediately claimed.
The not-cat also checked the wall behind the Shadow, which opened to reveal a pathway leading deeper into Mementos. Everyone was tired, though, so Harlequin decided that they would leave exploring it for next time. Mona was reluctant to leave, staring at the pathway longingly, but he ultimately acquiesced.
Toranosuke Yoshida's PoV
Miss Motosu attended yet another of his speeches, although she wasn't the only familiar face. Councilman Matsushita also showed up, and while he and Toranosuke bickered a little, it was still nice to see him again. It brought back memories of the better moments of No-Good Tora's time in office.
Also, it felt good when Miss Motosu praised well of his speaking skills. Without his realizing, she had become someone whose opinion mattered to Toranosuke.
.
Rank Up!
Confidant: Toranosuke Yoshida. Arcana: Sun. Rank: 3.
.
Miss Motosu seemed a bit tired, though — likely from spending the holiday having fun with her friends — so he bit her farewell not long after.
Although, as he packed up his things and returned home for the night, Toranosuke couldn't help but wonder what Matsushita wanted his opinion on. Could it have to do with old man Kuramoto? He certainly hoped not…
April 30 – Saturday
Sojiro Sakura's PoV
It started out as an ordinary afternoon. Sojiro and the girls were at LeBlanc. Urano was working, while Futaba was lounging at the counter.
Then, two serious-looking people in suits – a man and a woman – entered the café. With a bad feeling in his gut, Sojiro greeted them.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"Sojiro Sakura, I presume?" responded the woman in a strict tone.
"Our apologies for coming in unannounced," said the man, more mild-mannered. "We're investigators from the domestic affairs court."
"We received a report that you assaulted one of your customers," stated the woman. "Moreover, this report stated that you are abusing your children… Urano and Futaba."
Ah, so that was what this was about. That scumbag followed through on his threat.
Sojiro tried to stay calm, but he couldn't stop his heart from beater faster. He supposed he was doing better than Urano and Futaba, though, given how they looked freaked out and were whispering to one another.
"However, the anonymity of the report has led us to question the validity of its contents," continued the man. "May we have a word?"
"…Fine by me," answered Sojiro, relaxing somewhat. His daughters still seemed a bit nervous, although it was understandable given the situation. "I've got nothing to hide." He gestured to a table. "Please, take a seat. Urano, can you flip the sign out front to 'closed'?"
The conversation went smoothly. Sojiro explained how the report was falsified, how Futaba was family and had stopped being a shut-in under her own power (plus some support from Urano), and how Urano had overcome her own grief and was doing well in school.
Amusingly, when the investigators brought up that they'd looked into Urano's current reputation at school and learned that, while there were no issues, she was considered a book-obsessed weirdo, Urano's response was to proudly confirm that it was true.
When the talk turned to what the girls thought of living with Sojiro, they had nothing but praise. It warmed his heart to hear, especially when Futaba called him her dad.
The investigators concluded that the report was false and saw themselves out. All in all, things went well.
…Of course, Futaba's thoughts immediately turned to dinner, so she didn't hear Sojiro when he tried to bring up how she called him her dad. And Urano still hadn't call him 'Dad' once.
…
But Sojiro didn't mind (that much). Because, whether they said it or not, Urano and Futaba were and always would be his daughters.
.
Rank Up!
Confidant: Sojiro Sakura. Arcana: Hierophant. Rank: 7.
.
After having a dinner of curry (obviously Futaba's idea), Sojiro decided to take his girls on a long overdue church trip.
Urano Motosu's PoV
"I always think about Wakaba on the anniversary of her death… but it's been a while since I visited," admitted Sojiro. "I've been so busy with the shop and all…" He paused. "No, that's not it… The guilt is what kept me from coming. I thought Wakaba would be angry with me…"
I doubt it. From what Futaba's told me, her mother would've understood. Considering everything Futaba was struggling with, I'd say Sojiro did quite well.
"But now that I managed to get Futaba over here, I can finally meet her with my head held high. I sure kept her waiting… but it felt good to tell her about how much Futaba has improved lately."
I could certainly understand that. While he'd been talking to Wakaba, I'd been telling Shuu about everything I'd gotten up to. Finding a magic app and a talking not-cat, becoming a phantom thief and a big sister, stopping bad guys from hurt people… I'd definitely changed from the girl who spend all of her time reading without a care for the world around her.
"Oh… I told her about you too." Sojiro paused, considering something. "Huh… This is the first time the four of us are all together."
.
Rank Up!
Confidant: Sojiro Sakura. Arcana: Hierophant. Rank: 8.
.
Jeez, we'd only known one another for about a month, yet I was already as important to him as Futaba and Wakaba were. There was only one thing I could say in response to that.
"Thank you," I told him wholeheartedly.
If it weren't for him taking in the daughter that he never knew he had, I would've never grown so much and met so many people who'd become irreplaceable to me. And that included Sojiro himself.
"I'd never really cared that it was just Mom and me before," I continued, the words bubbling up. "But now I can tell that I only felt that way because I didn't know what I was missing. Even if the reason it started was terrible, I'm glad that I have this chance to live with you, Dad."
Sojiro stared at me with his jaw dropped.
.
Rank Up!
Confidant: Sojiro Sakura. Arcana: Hierophant. Rank: 9.
.
I guess he felt the same way.
"…Can you…" started Sojiro after he eventually recovered from what I had said. "…call me that again…?"
"Hm?" I went, confused. Then it dawned on me what I'd finally called him. "Okay… Dad."
.
I am thou, thou art I…
Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.
.
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion
And break the yoke of thy heart.
.
Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of
The Hierophant, granting thee infinite power…
.
Rank Up!
Confidant: Sojiro Sakura. Arcana: Hierophant. Rank: 10.
.
Wow, just how badly had he wanted me to call him 'Dad'? I honestly felt a bit guilty that I'd taken so long.
Also… what the hell is a blood vow!? It sounds so heavy! And what did the disembodied voice mean by 'infinite power'!? Will this happen whenever one of my Confidants reaches Rank 10!?
While I was busy thinking about all of that, Dad told me about he'd always be there for me and would teach me everything he could. Even with my mind preoccupied, I appreciated it.
However, I was snapped out of my reverie when Dad told me that Futaba's uncle had called him while he'd been preparing dinner, apologized for everything, and told Dad that he had already contacted the family court and retracted his report.
…Had the change of heart worked? If so, why was Kamoshida still hiding away? Did Mementos just work faster… maybe because the people there were less distorted? Or do people just react differently to having their desires stolen?
Urgh, now I had even more questions than ever! Hopefully, something would happen soon with Kamoshida. At least then I'd get a few answer…
Hifumi Togo's PoV
"…Can I help you?" asked Hifumi. An unfamiliar girl had just sat down next to her. Was she a fan, or – more likely – a critic?
"Hm?" went the girl, looking at Hifumi with confusion. She then glanced down at the shogi board Hifumi had been practicing on. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realize someone was sitting here." The girl got up. "I can sit somewhere else."
It seemed the girl had just wanted to rest my legs. Hifumi felt a bit embarrassed for assuming that the girl had sat there because of her.
"No, it's fine," Hifumi told the girl, causing her to stop. "I'm simply practicing moves by myself."
"Ah, I see," replied the girl, sitting down. She gave Hifumi a smile completely devoid of the hostility she had grown used to receiving. "You must really like shogi."
"Indeed," said Hifumi, returning the girl's smile.
"My sister decided to try out confessional, so I'll probably be here for a bit. I've only played shogi a few times before, none of them recently, but if you want an opponent…"
Hifumi considered the girl's offer. She knew that she should be preparing for her next match, not having fun. But, outside of the professional shogi world, so few people would play shogi with her. And most of those who were willing were boys with ulterior motives.
Yet, this girl seemed completely sincere. What should she do?
"Okay," Hifumi ultimately decided. "A quick game sounds nice. Twenty seconds per move… if that's all right with you."
"Sure," agreed the girl.
"I'll start."
"So this is your skill level, huh?" spoke Hifumi dramatically. "The dragon which governs the blue sky has fallen into my hands. How do you intend to survive this?" She moved a piece, making a loud 'clack' sound as she slammed it down. "Check!"
The game hadn't been long or difficult, but Hifumi had enjoyed herself. Urano (which was the girl's name) was a pleasant person to be around.
"…It's checkmate no matter how you look at it," Hifumi told Urano, returning to her normal, polite tone. "Please concede."
"Concede?" repeated Urano, confused.
Hifumi supposed that it was a natural reaction, though, given the girl's self-admitted inexperience with shogi.
"To concede is an act of admitting that you have lost, with grace," explained Hifumi. "It is a custom that any aspiring shogi player must learn." Urano nodded in acceptance and surrender. "Thank you for playing…"
"I had a good time, too," responded Urano. "I feel like I learned something about tactics by playing with you."
Hifumi was happy to hear that. She really liked Urano and hoped that they could be friends. Because of her mo… shogi career, Hifumi didn't have anyone she was close to at Kosei.
"If that is the case, then may I request another match sometime?" asked the shogi player, though her request wasn't just about making a friend. "I feel… a gambler's spirit emanating from you. Which is strange, since you style of play is that of a complete novice…"
"Sorry I'm a beginner," muttered Urano.
"Huh…!?" faltered Hifumi. She didn't mean to insult Urano. Please, please, don't tell her she already ruined her chance at friendship! She had to apologize, and fast! "Oh, I-I'm sorry… I just meant…"
"It's fine," waved off Urano, fortunately not too bothered by Hifumi's comment. The shogi player sighed in relief. "I know I'm a total amateur. I just didn't expect you to say it so bluntly…"
"Actually, your inexperience will be helpful," Hifumi told her. "It makes your playing style harder to predict, which will assist me in researching new moves… I-if being my playing partner is agreeable, that is."
It would also give her an excuse to keep her mother from meddling.
"It seems like a fair trade, considering that I'd be learning tactics from you."
"Well then, it's a deal," asserted Hifumi happily. "I'll teach you about playing shogi, and you'll assist me with my new moves."
.
I am thou, thou art I…
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
.
With the birth of the Star Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
Shall lead to freedom and new power…
.
Confidant: Hifumi Togo. Arcana: Star. Rank: 1.
.
"Hey, big sis, it's time to go!" called a girl with orange hair. The man beside her, most likely her father, facepalmed.
"I guess that's my cue to leave," said Urano, looking like she also wanted to facepalm. "See you later, Hifumi."
"Goodbye, Urano. I look forward to playing shogi with you again."
AN: Funnily enough, I didn't realize that the first Shadow was immune to Gun and Wind attacks until I started writing this chapter. Lucky coincidence, I guess.
Also, Sojiro's Confidant would've immediately shot up to Rank 10 if Urano had started calling him 'Dad' earlier. He really cares about his kids.
That's all for now. Bye!
Confidants: Morgana (Magician, Rank 5), Igor (Fool, Rank 3), Sojiro Sakura (Hierophant, Rank 10), Ryuji Sakamoto (Chariot, Rank 4), Tae Takemi (Death, Rank 3), Futaba Sakura (Hermit, Rank 3), Makoto Niijima (High Priestess, Rank 3), Shinya Oda (Tower, Rank 1), Caroline and Justine (Strength, Rank 2), Toranosuke Yoshida (Sun, Rank 3), Ann Takamaki (Lovers, Rank 2), Haru Okumura (Empress, Rank 1), Sadayo Kawakami (Temperance, Rank 1), Hifumi Togo (Star, Rank 1).