Chapter 6; The Hunt for a Witness

Location; Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome

"You have returned to the real world. Welcome back." The app said as they were catching their breath. Right now Ren, Ryuji and Aqua were in an alleyway. Ryuji then said to them. "...Thank god. We're back. I dragged you guys around a lot, huh? …Sorry, man."

"It's all good." Aqua said before Ren said. "And how are you holding up?"

"Ugh, I'm dead tired… How are you holding up?" Ryuji said before Aqua said. "I'm a little tired."

"Same." Ren said and then Ryuji said. "How come?"

"If I had to guess, it must have been that Persona you summoned that caused you to feel tired." Aqua said before Brionne grabbed her skirt. "Oh no I forgot to return Brionne to her Pokeball." Aqua said turning around and Ryuji said. "Now if what we did was real, this is gonna get good! I totally remember the faces of the guys Kamoshida was treating like slaves. Once we make them fess up to any physical abuse, Kamoshida will be done. "So… wanna help me look for those guys or any witnesses?"

"I'm in." Ren said before Aqua said. "Me too, but our company should be our first priority." Aqua said as they turned around and saw Rockruff and Shinx. "Looks like they followed us out of the castle." Ren said as Shinx got closer to Ryuji and Rockruff got closer to him. "What do we do with them now?"

"We can't put the in an animal shelter, so lets take care of them." Ren said before Aqua said. "That's not a bad idea, since they have even picked their partners."

"But how are we supposed to keep them a secret? Tell everyone they are stuffed animals?" Ryuji said as Aqua dug out two more Pokeballs. Aqua gave them the balls and said. "Just put them in here."

"I thought you didn't have any more Pokemon?" Ryuji said as Aqua gave them the Pokeballs. "I don't. These are empty Pokeballs, which means you can catch wild Pokemon with them." Aqua said as they looked at the Pokeballs. Ren then said to Aqua. "Shouldn't you catch them and care for them?"

"There are two reasons why I can not. One, a Trainer can only hold up to six Pokemon at any given time, any more and they will be trapped inside the Pokeball until I can change my party. And I doubt these will be the only Pokemon that join us."

"Ok and the other reasons?" Ren said, looking at Rockruff. Aqua smiled and said. "They have picked you to be their partners. So I can't catch them anyway."

"You want to be with us?" Ryuji said, looking at Shinx. Both Rockruff and Shinx nodded yes and Ryuji said to Aqua. "So how does this work?"

"Just have the Pokeball touch the Pokemon and you'll see." Aqua said as they touched the Pokemon with the Pokeballs and were surrounded by a red and blue light. The Pokeball landed on the ground and shocked three times before a bunch of little stars appeared. Ren then said to Aqua. "Did we do it?"

"Yes, now to let them out, throw it into the air and say their names. And if you want to return them to the Pokeball, just point the Pokeball to your Pokemon and call out its name. Like this. Brionne return." Aqua said as she returned Brionne to her Pokeball. Aqua then said to them. "And press the button to shrink it." Aqua said as she shrunk the Pokeball. Aqua then said to them. "Now we need to get you guys some supplies for the Pokemon."

"With what money? I don't have any." Ryuji said as Aqua pulled out the card she got from her house yesterday. She then said to them, "With this money. You see my Pokemon found it at my ous and it came with a note. And after I read it during lunch, I learned that the account gets money from beating Shadows, so I just need to check it out and see how much money it has."

"Cool, but before we get supplies, can we get something to eat? I'm starving." Ryuji said as all of their stomachs growled. "Not a bad idea. Do you have a place in mind?"

"Yeah, follow me." Ryuji said as they started to walk to the train. Aqua was behind them and Ryuji said to Ren. "Hey, so… If you're thinking of laying low cause you got a record, I don't think that'll help. Everyone already knows. They totally got you pegged as a criminal."

"I guess Kamoshida told everyone."

"You are right."

"But why?"

"No one else besides a teacher could've leaked it that fast! It doesn't matter if it's a student or a club; that asshole just wrecks things he doesn't agree with. Just like he did with me! No one'll take anything I say seriously. Still, those rumors about him getting physical might be real. And after seeing Kamoshida's distorted-heart things in person, there's no way I can just sit back!"

"Of course."

"I'm counting on you! Don't worry– I'm hyped about this too!" Ryuji said as they arrived at the train. After riding the train, they arrived at a Ramen Shop in Shibuya. As Ryuji was eating his second bowl, Aqua said to Ren. "So why do you have a criminal record anyway?"

"I was trying to help a lady, who was being harassed by a drunk man. I got the man off her, but he fell and hurt himself. But he blamed me and got me arrested."

"WHAT!?" Ryuji yelled, catching the attraction of the other customers. "Ryuji keep it down." Aqua said as the customers returned to their food. Ryuji then said to put down his food. "But how the hell can someone be that much of an asshole!?"

"It's in the past, even if I still get mad about it when I think about it." Ren said before eating more of his food. Aqua then said to them. "Still I have heard of jerks before, but not one like that."

"So you had assholes in your world Aqua?" Ryuji said and Aqua said to him. "Oh yeah, but the worst would have to be a Team that is trying to ruin my world or a Hunter that is trying to catch and sell Pokemon."

"So your world isn't perfect." Ryuji said and Aqua said. "Of course it isn't. Now if you have finished your food, let's go shopping." Aqua said, asking for the check. Ren then said to Aqua. "By the way, why did you leave your world?"

"Not by choice. My Pokemon gave me this watch that can teleport me to locations. And when I used it, that person in red grabbed me and my Pokemon and the next thing I knew, we were outside the castle." Aqua said as she got the check. Ryuji then said to Ren. "The place you're living now is in… Yongen, right?"

"Not just me, Aqua too."

"Well, it's rush hour on the subways. I subways. I suggest that if we are doing the shopping, now would be a good time."

"And I had just paid for the food, so let's go shopping." Aqua said as she and Ren got up. "Wait, let me finish this bowl first." Ryuji said before he finished his bowl with great speed. They then went to a pet shop and got a bed for the Pokemon, along with healthcare producers, and Aqua gave Ryuji and Ren recipes and ingredients for Pokemon food. "Thanks for the help Aqua." Ryuji said, holding a bag in his hands. Aqua then said as Ryuji train arrived and opened the doors. Ryuji then said stepping onto the train. "Just you wait, Kamoshida… Tomorrow at the rally we will find the people you think of as slaves and take you—" The doors then shut and the train left the station. Ren then said to Aqua as their train arrived. "That ruins the mood." They then got onto the train and went home.

Location; Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome

Back at school, Takamaki was talking to a girl about her age, with a black hair in a ponytail, a white long sleeve shirt, the school uniform skirt, and a legging on her right leg. "I-I haven't been sleeping well lately…Whenever I close my eyes, I keep thinking about too many things…" The girl said to Takamaki. Takamaki turned to her. "Shiho…"

"Nationals are coming up soon, so I keep thinking… Should someone like me really be on the starting lineup?"

"Don't worry. Just be confident in yourself! Your skills have been recognized! It's all because you work harder than anyone else!"

"... Yeah… Volleyball's all I have, after all."

"More importantly, was that injury okay? It looked really swollen."

"No, it's nothing. It's normal… Especially since a meet's coming up…" Shiho said and Takamaki didn't say anything. Then a guy with dark blue hair, a white long sleeve shirt, the school uniform pants, and had bruises all over his face. "Sorry to interrupt, Suzui. Um… Mr. Kamoshida told me to get you." The guy said to Shiho and that scared her. She then said to the guy. "What does he want?"

"He didn't say…" The guy said and Shiho got up. She then said Takamaki's first name. "Ann, I…"

"...It'll be fine! I bet it's a meeting about the starting lineup or something."

"...Yeah. Well, I better go…"

"Yup. Good luck!" Ann said Shiho left with the guys. Ann was worried for Shiho, but she knew things were going to be ok.

Location; Leblanc, Yongen-Jaya

"We're back." Aqua said as she and Ren entered Leblanc. "...Oh, your back." Sojiro asked who was doing a crossword puzzle. Aqua then said to Sojiro, who didn't notice the bag in Ren's hand. "Sorry, we're late, can I make the curry tomorrow?"

"Sure. Now, I take it you actually went to school today?"

"Of course." Ren said before Sojiro said. "I guess you learned your lesson after what happened yesterday. Eh, as long as you're not getting into trouble, it's fine by me. I don't know what you've been up to, but trust me, you'll be going if you start causing problems. In case you forgot, your life is not a free one right now."

"I know." Ren said before Ryuji texted him and Aqua. The text was to check if Ryuji got the right numbers, and to meet up during the rally tomorrow. "...Sheesh, are you even listening to me? Just stay away from bad influences, okay?" Sojiro said before Aqua said to Sojiro. "Don't worry Sojiro. I'll keep an eye on him."

"Whatever. I'm gonna head home for the night. I'll lock the store up, don't go wandering out." He then looked at Aqua. "And let me know if you get the job tomorrow." Sojiro said, walking out with Aqua. Sojiro locked the door and Ren went to his room. Once Ren was in his room, he let Rockruff out and gave him some food. As Rockruff ate the food, Ren got his bed ready. Once Rockruff was done eating, he jumped onto Ren and rubbed his neck against Ren's neck. Ren liked it, because he knew Rockruff was having fun, and didn't like it, because the rock around Rockruff's neck was scratching his neck. Rockruff stopped when Ren's phone rang. Ren opened it and saw that it was text from Ryuji, letting Ren and Aqua know that he now has the Metaverse Navigator on his phone too. Ren then went to sleep, and Rockruff joined him, but decided to sleep on Ren's bed instead of his own.

Location; Location; Velvet Room

Ren woke up and found himself in the Velvet Room. "Welcome to the Velvet Room." Igor said as Ren got up and grabbed the cell bars. Igor then said to Ren. "I thought about resuming our previous conversation tonight. That is why I have summoned you. What are your thoughts? Are you becoming accustomed to this place?"

"More or less."

"Ah, glad to hear it. It seems you have nerves of steel. The goal of your rehabilitation is to thwart the fated ruin. However, such a feat cannot be done by you alone. Today, you entered a partnership with someone who awoke to the same power, did you not?"

"Do you mean Ryuji?"

"Involving yourself with others is an important foundation for your recovery. You've done well. That said, I am not advising the formation of superficial relationships. It must not be of frivolity, but a ring of those who would, by morals or faith, lend you their strength. In other words, they are bonds with those who have been robbed of their places to belong. The expansion of said ring will, in return, help you mature as well."

"Personas are the strength of heart… The stronger the bonds that surround you, the more power your Persona will gain." Justine said before Caroline said. "There are countless people in the city who have talents that a weakling like you doesn't. You better rack that noggin of yours and get them on your side. We'll change that into power."

"Indeed. You should be prepared to use even myself, or your ambitions will not come to fruition. We have a deal then." Igor said laughing. Ren then felt like Igor had high expectations for him. "Well, you will understand it all in due time… Continue devoting yourself to your rehabilitation." Igor said before Caroline said. "Now, this conversation's over! Get lost, Inmate!" Ren then woke up in his bed.

Location; Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome

The following day at school. It was the Volleyball Rally, which had Kamoshida and a few of the teachers facing off against the boy volleyball team, and the teachers were winning. While some people were cheering for one side of the game, or talking with one another, Ren, Ryuji and Aqua were sitting in the corner. Ryuji looked away and said out loud. "Still sticks out… Hasn't changed a bit."

"Who?" Aqua said and Ryuji then pointed to Ann, who was playing with one of her pigtails. "Pretty boring right?" Ryuji said before Ren and Aqua nodded yes. Because the whole game was just Kamoshida showing off and to people that knew it, hurt the members of the volleyball team. When Kamoshida hurt one of them, he acted like a good coach, but Ren, Ryuji and Aqua knew the truth. Ryuji then said as the ball rolled over to them. "He'll pay soon enough…"

"Yeah." Ren said as Ryuji threw the ball back to them. They then went to the roof and let their Pokemon out, but Aqua only had Phanpy. Ren then said to her. "Hey where's Brionne and Fletchinder?"

"After what happened in the castle yesterday, Fletchinder needs some rest and Brionne is making sure that he gets that."

"I'm glad to see they care for one another." Ren said and did not know that back at Aqua's house, Fletchinder was trying to fly out of the house and Brionne had him trapped in a lot of bubbles to stop him. "So are we going to destroy that king now?" Ryuji said and Ren said. "Yeah, but Aqua I want you to talk to the girl volleyball members."

"Why them? We didn't see them in the cell getting abused like the others." Ryuji said and Aqua said. "No, but if he is abusing the boy's team, then he might be doing it to the girls team too."

"Ok. Then we'll meet back here in a few minutes." Aqua said before she left. But Ryuji stopped her and said. "What about the Pokemon?"

"Let them be outside for a little while. It won't take us that long." Aqua said as they left. Soon Phanpy said to the other Pokemon. [So how was it at your new home?]

[I love it. Ryuji's mom loves me. She brushes me and gives me a nice spot to sleep. What about you, Rockruff?] Shinx said and Rockruff said. [It's ok, but I can't believe Ryuji showed you to his mom?]

[Ryuji isn't really good at keeping secrets.] Shinx said as the door opened and the Pokemon thought it was their trainers, but it was some other kids, four boys to be precise. "See I told you no one is here."

"Whoa look at these toys?" One of the boys said as Phanpy, Rockruff, and Shinx froze. "Get rid of them." Another boy said and three of them picked them up. "Man this elephant is heavy." The kids then brought them to the Lost and Found and put Phanpy on top of Shinx. When no one was around, Phanpy got off of Shinx and started to cry. Rockruff then said to Phanpy. [Why are you crying?]

[One of those guys called me fat.]

[But you are heavy.] Shinx said, causing Phanpy to cry more and run away. Rockruff then hit Shinx on the head and said. [Nice going idiot.]

[Sorry.]

[You can say that to Phanpy after we find her.] Rockruff said as they went after Phanpy. While that was happening, Aqua was talking to girl volleyball members, but was having no luck finding someone, and right now she was going to find Shiho, the girl who was one of the lead players. Aqua found her talking with Ann and heard her say. "Everyone's saying terrible things about the new boy in your class."

"I know. Such stupid rumors. And they keep getting embellished." Ann said throwing something away and returning to Shiho. Shiho then said to Ann. "I hope he'll be okay. Maybe it doesn't bother him…"

"Oh it doesn't." Aqua said letting Shiho and Ann know she was here. "And I'll let him know that you are worried about him." Aqua said before they looked at one another and Ann said. "Who are you?"

"I am Aqua Kangofu. A third year and I would ask Shiho some questions." Aqua said, looking at Shiho. Ann then said to Aqua. "What do you want to know, Kangofu-senpai?"

"Why does everyone call me senpai? Look, call me Aqua and I want to hear what Shiho knows about the rumor involving Kamoshida and the volleyball teams?" Aqua said, causing Ann to get up and say. "Hey! Where do you get off spreading rumors, Kangofu-senpai?! What about the volleyball club?!"

"Calm down and let me talk to Shiho."

"No. Don't involve her in any nonsense. Shiho is working hard to get to nationals."

"I don't know what nationals means, but I have to ask? Are you ok with what you had to deal with to get there?"

"Hey! You're not making sense! Let's go, Shiho. Don't listen to this." Ann said taking Shiho away and Aqua said. "Man, that girl is stubborn." Aqua then looked at the roof and saw the four guys. The color drained from her face and she ran to the roof. The guys were having the same luck, and now they were going to try talking to Mishima, the kid who was in Ren and Ann's class, and the kid Kamoshida hurt during the game and was the same guy the talked to Shiho yesterday. They found Mishima, just as he was going to leave school. "Hey got a second!" Ryuji said to Mishima. Mishima stopped and turned to them. He was surprised to see them. Ryuji then said to him. "We wanna chat. Kamoshida's been "coaching" you, huh? Are you sure it's not just physical abuse?"

"Certainly not!"

"What're you talking all polite for? Anyways… We saw him spike you today. Right in the face."

"That was just because I'm not good at the sport…"

"...Still, that doesn't explain all the other bruises you've got."

"They're from practice…!"

"Is he forcing you to keep quiet?" Ryuji said and Mishima went quiet. Ren then said. "He is, isn't he?" Mishima stayed quiet. Ren then said. "That is a yes. Why don't you say anything to your parents or at least some of the teachers?"

"Because it won't matter. Don't be a pain. You don't understand what I'm going through."

"What's going on here?" Kamoshida said as he appeared in front of them. He then said to Mishima. "Mishima, isn't it time for practice?"

"I-I'm not feeling well today…"

"What? Maybe you're better off quitting then. You're never going to improve that crappy form unless you show up to practice." Kamoshida said and Ryuji was going to yell at him, but they stopped when a bunch of kids ran right past them. "What's going on?" Kamoshida said go after them. Mishima took this chance and left. Aqua then found them and said. "Guys we have a problem."

"What is it?" Ryuji said and Ren said. "And why are you panicking?"

"Some kids found our Pokemon and thought they were toys and put them in the Lost and Found."

"So they are at the Lost and Found?" Ryuji said and Aqua said. "They weren't there! They are somewhere in the school!"

"Come on, there is a baby elephant in the open area." A girl said to her friends and Ren said. "Looks like we found them." They then followed the girls. They all ran to the open area and saw all of the students taking pictures of Phanpy. Phanpy hid in a bush, but her crying drew some kids. Phanpy tried to run away, but more kids appeared and surrounded her. Rockruff and Shinx jumped in between Phanpy and the students. Growling at them, so they would say away from Phanpy. Then Kamoshida appeared and said. "What's going on here?"

"Some students found what looks like an elephant and now a weird dog and cat are protecting it." One of the teachers said to Kamoshida. Kamoshida then said to them. "Then call animal control. So they can take these animals away." That worried the Pokemon and Rockruff said to them. [We need to get out of here.]

[I can blind them.] Shinx said and Phanpy said. [And I can make a hole in the wall.]

[Then let's get out of here and meet up with our partners.] Rockruff said before Shinx said. [Roger, Flash!] Shinx then created a big light that blinded everyone. [Rollout!] Phanpy said as she turned into a ball, making a path and making a hole through the school wall. [Go Shinx. I have something to do.] Rockruff said as he ran at Kamoshida. Shinx ran to the hole and Rockruff said. [This is for yesterday, Crush Claw!] Rockruff's paw then glowed and he slashed down on Kamoshida's chest. Not cutting him open, but definitely hurting them. As everyone got their sight back, Rockruff had already run to the hole. "Ow, my ribs, I think they're broken." Kamoshida said as some teachers helped him up and others called animal control. Phanpy then said as they were all together in a hallway. [Nice escape, but how are we going to find our partners?]

[Look behind you.] Rockruff said as Phanpy and Shinx turned around and saw Aqua, Ren and Ryuji. They then went to the partners and they picked them up. They then heard footsteps of teachers and found somewhere to hide. One of the teachers then said, "Where did those animals go?"

"How should I know?" Another teacher said before they ran again. "Well that was ruff." Aqua said as they were hiding in a janitor's closet with the Pokemon. Aqua then said as she petted Phanpy. "So how did your talks go?"

"Pretty bad. Not one person wanted to help us stop Kamoshida." Ryuji said before Ren said to Aqua. "Yeah, and I got the impression that a lot of teachers and parents know about this and are helping keep it quiet."

"So talking with them was a waste of time." Aqua said before Ryuji said. "...I'll try one more time to persuade the other guys. That's… all I can do."

"And I'll do the same with the girls." Aqua said as Phanpy clamed down. "Good luck." Ren said as they returned their Pokemon and left the room. Ren and Aqua went to Leblance and Ryuji stayed behind trying to get the information they needed.

Location; Leblanc, Yongen-Jaya

At Leblanc, Aqua made curry for Ren and Sojiro. Ren and Sojiro eat it and after that, Sojiro said to her. "Not bad, but you still have a lot to learn. Still I could use a hand."

"So I am hired?"

"Yeah, you are hired." Sojiro said with a smile. Ren gave her a high five.

Location; Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome

The next day at school, some of the kids were talking about Pokemon, trying to figure out what they were and where they came from. After school, Ann and Shiho were talking with one another. "Shouldn't you be heading to volleyball?"

"Practice is on hold until Kamoshida gets better." Shiho said as they heard some people fixing the hole that Phanpy made. Ann then said to Shiho. "Yeah, those animals caused a big scene."

"You wouldn't think something that cute would be that dangerous." Shiho said before Ann's phone rang. "Shouldn't you take that?"

"It's probably just my part-time job… I think."

"I should leave and let you take it."

"Shiho… Are you sure you're okay?" Ann said and Shiho didn't say anything as she left her. When Shiho was gone, Ann picked it up and was discussed by who called her. She did answer it, but came up with an excess. As she left the school, she heard some guys talking about some rumors Ann wishes would die. Ren was going to meet up with Aqua and Ryuji, but ran into Shiho. She was blocking the door, so Ren said to her. "Excuse me?"

"...What? Oh… I'm in the way, aren't I? Sorry…"

"Don't worry about it."

"Hm, you don't look familiar. Could you be that transfer student from Class D?"

"I am."

"Um, this might not be any of my business, but don't let the rumors get to you, okay?"

"They don't bother me."

"I'm glad to hear that. …My best friend is often misunderstood too, all because of her looks… Ah, sorry. I didn't mean to drag on like that. I'll see you around." Shiho said before leaving. Ren did wonder who her friend was, but he still had to meet up with his friends. "Dammit. What the hell…" Ryuji said and Ren said to Aqua. "What's wrong?"

"All of the people Ryuji talked to didn't want to be our witness."

"All of them kept saying the same shit. Mishima was able to prove Aqua idea right, but he still won't help." Ryuji said, punching the vending machine. Aqua then said to Ren. "And all of the girls are keeping quiet. Kamoshida must have an iron grip on his volleyball teams."

"At this rate… Looks like we'll have to go to him directly…" Ryuji said before Ren said. "I don't think that will work."

"I agree with Ren. Confronting him will likely get us in trouble and Ren will get arrested." Aqua said before Ryuji said. "I know. Do you have any other ideas?" Ren then thought about it and said. "Well we can't go to the cops, and a sneak attack would only help Kamoshida, not the victims of his crimes."

"Then do you have any other ideas?" Ryuji said and Ren said. "Well the only other idea is to take down the king."

"The king…? You mean that other world's Kamoshida? I didn't think of that, but… Is there any meaning to–"

"I finally found you!" An unknown voice said and they looked around and didn't see anyone. Ryuji looked at Aqua and said. "...Did you say something?"

"Do I sound like a boy?" Aqua said as a black cat, with a yellow collar, blue eyes, white fur on its paws, tail and around its mouth, jumped onto the table. "Don't think you can get away with not paying me back for helping you." The cat said to them, surprising them at first, but then they realized who that cat was. "That voice… Is that you, Morgana!?" Ryuji said to the cat, who was Morgana. Rockruff and Shinx then came out of his Pokeballs and Rockruff said to Morgana. [Where is Nicada?]

"He's back at the castle, waiting for us. And how dare you three, up and leaving me the other day!" Morgana said and Ryuji said as he and Ren returned their Pokemon to their Pokeballs. "The cat's talking!?"

"I am NOT a cat! This is just what happened when I came to this world! It was a lot of trouble finding you three."

"Wait… You came to our world!? Does that mean you've got a phone!?"

"You don't need one when you're at my level. I did get pretty lost making my escape though…"

"That aside, why can you talk!? You're a cat!"

"How should I know!?"

"You two hearing this too?" Ryuji said to Ren and Aqua. "Meow?" Ren said as a joke, Aqua figured it out and said. "Meow."

"This is no time to be joking around!" Ryuji said as he yelled at them. Morgana then said to them. "You guys are having a rough time with this, hm? I heard you mention something about witnesses."

"Oh, shuddup."

"You know, I could tell you a thing or two about what to do about Kamoshida. Ren was pretty close just a moment ago."

"God, that condescending attitude! This thing's gotta be Morgana!"

"You were still doubting me!?"

"Ack! Quiet down!" Ryuji said as teachers came around looking for a cat. That cat was Morgana, but they couldn't find him and only heard him meowing, not talking. Aqua then said to them. "I guess if you've been to the castle, you can hear him talking."

"Does that mean only us two can understand what you're saying?" Ryuji said to Morgana and Morgana said. "Looks like it."

"What the hell's going on?"

"How about we take this somewhere else." Aqua said and Ryuji said. "Agreed." Ryuji said before picking up Morgana by the collar. He then said to Ren. "Here, stick it in your bag for now! It should be just small enough to fit!

"Hey! How dare you treat me like—" Morgana said but stopped as Ryuji put Morgana into Ren's bag. They then went to the roof and let a mad Morgana out of the bag. "...Don't be so rough with me!"

"Enough of that! You said you know how we can do something about Kamoshida, right?" Ryuji said to Morgana and he said to them. "It has to do with what this guy was talking about earlier. You'll need to attack his castle."

"How does attacking his castle affect him?" Aqua said and Ren said. "I'm sure Morgana knows what he is talking about."

"I do. That castle is how Kamoshida views this school. He doesn't realize what happened there, but it's deeply connected to the depths of his heart. Thus, if the castle disappears, it would naturally impact the real Kamoshida." Morgana said before Ryuji said. "What'd happen?"

"A Palace is a manifestation of a person's distorted desires. So, if that castle were no more…" Morgana said before Ren said. "He'd become an honest man."

"Precisely! You sure pick up things fast!" Morgana said and Aqua gave him a look. Ryuji then said to Morgana. "For real!? H-He's gonna turn good!? But… is that really getting back at him?"

"Erasing a Palace essentially means forcing the owner to have a change of heart. However, even though their wrapped wants disappear, the crimes they committed remain. Kamoshida will become unable to bear the weight of those crimes, and he'll confess them himself!"

"You for real!? That's possible!?"

"And since the Palace will no longer exist, he'll forget what we did there as well. Not only will we be able to bring Kamoshida down, but there won't even be a trace of our involvement."

"That's amazing!" Ryuji said before Aqua said to Morgana. "Yeah, too amazing, what is the catch?"

"While, we need to steal the Treasure hidden with a Palace. I'll tell you more once you all agree to go ahead with this. It's my most valuable secret plan, after all."

"Stealing this Treasure, doesn't sound like the real catch. So Morgana, what is the real catch?"

"If we erase a Palace, there is no doubt that the person's distorted desires will be erased as well. But desires are what we all need in order to survive. The will to sleep, eat, fall in love— those sorts of things." Morgana said before Ryuji said. "What're you getting at?"

"If all of those yearning were to vanish, they'd be no different than someone who has shut down entirely. They may even die if they're not given proper care. So…"

"We might kill him!? Are you crazy!?" Aqua yelled at Morgana and Morgana said to them. "It is a risk, but if you want to take Kamoshida down, then you have to take that risk. And besides, it's not like anyone will ever find out."

"That is not the point! A life is precious, even if it belongs to a jerk like Kamoshida. And even if no one will know, we will."

"Too bad, this is your only option?" Morgana said and before Aqua could say something Ryuji said. "I agree with Morgana."

"RYUJI!?" Aqua yelled and Ryuji said to him. "We can't find a witness and Kamoshida will keep up his shit."

"And if we kill him, then we are no better than him." Aqua said as she and Ryuji were ready to fight. Ren then got in between them and said. "Guy, guy, guy! Calm down." Aqua and Ryuji backed off and Ren said. "Look guys, it's getting late. Why don't we all go home, and tomorrow. We discussed this. Does that sound ok?"

"Fine!" Both Aqua and Ryuji said as they grabbed their bags and left the school. "I'll come back tomorrow. Make sure you made your decision by then." Morgana said as he left Ren. And for Ren, he had to make the choice, to go along with Morgana plan or not.

And done. Now I'll do the Confidant sence for a later chapter and you'll see why, when I do it.