Been quite some time again, I apologize for the delay. From school kicking my ass, to being a beta for Darkbetrayer's stories, to playing Persona 5 Strikers, I was avoiding writing for a bit but got my rhythm back to write. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter and as always leave any suggestions or criticisms you guys may have, I take them all to heart.
JeaSonDash: I felt that as well, I really don't like to dwell on events more than I need to and decide to just keep moving forward in the story. Thank you for still liking the chapter.
Blankow: I will list his stock later in this chapter so read away to find out. He can use the compendium if he needs to, but this Ren has powered certain Personas to his liking so he might just hold off on fusing or looking back on the compendium. Ren and Saten will definitely have closer scenes in the future with their antics for Misaka and Touma. Accelerator and Ren will definitely get closer because of his coffee. As for the rest, you'll just have to keep reading.
Persona-14: I understand that, but in my fic, the age gap is 18 to 14 and I just don't feel comfortable writing that, hope you can understand. Ren being alone could also work.
TheNotSoFantastique: You don't sound stuck up at all, in fact, I appreciate you commenting on this. As for Touma's memory, I will leave that up to you guys if you want it restored or not.
craytherlay: Helping with his homework is definitely on the top of his list. My focus is Ren, this is his story in the Toaruverse, but having him and Touma always around is a cheat code, no one would be able to beat them.
Corwinzero: Misaka belongs to no one... yet. Ren is also a massive flirt, hopefully, that doesn't bring any bad consequences.
kurokitsune028: This comment actually made me start working on this chapter so I appreciate your words very much. I'm glad you enjoy it and hope you continue to enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Persona 5 Royal or Toaru Majutsu no Index.
"Everyone, go now!" Ren shouted.
The blue flames transfigured the high school boy back into the Trickster as he stared down at the angel-like monster across the warehouse.
"They've really let a clown run all over them?" The sandy blond-haired boy mocked. "The fact that someone who isn't even a Level 5 and still managed to do all this is disgusting." the boy then turned his attention to the first and third-ranked Level 5's. "I see Accelerator and the third-ranked are here too; this will be a great showing as to why I should be a Level 6!"
"Then it'll be unfortunate that it's gonna be a Level 0 that's gonna bring you down," Joker said calmly.
"Pff...BWAHAHA!" the blond cackled. "You must want to die if you think a piece of shit like you has any chance against my Dark Matter!"
Ren turned around and realized that the entire group was still there. Accelerator still had his electrode turned on and Touma and Misaka were in a fighting position. Ren knew for sure that he would be able to beat the Number Two Level 5 in a fight one on one. Persona was the ultimate power in the universe, he was sure that an Esper developed with drugs wouldn't even come close in terms of power and ability. However, he didn't know how the others would fare with Last Order being around.
"You really think you deserve that shit!" Accelerator barked. "You want some sort of title? A pat on the fucking back for being the so-called greatest? No one gives a fuck about that!"
Kakine turned his face towards Accelerator with extreme anger that could put a demon to shame. The wings on his back began to grow and cast a shadow over his victims in a crescent shape.
"Shut the hell up you crippled bitch! We all know that you aren't worthy of being Number One anymore, Accelerator! Ever since you took that bullet to the head, that made me far stronger than you, and I've been waiting to show that off to Aleister ever since!"
Touma and Misaka remained silent. Both had looks of anger on their face from being attacked, but they had never seen him in action. Ren knew that the boy's name was Kakine Teitoku, Dark Matter, and the Second Ranked Level 5 of Academy City. Considering that his power was made of matter that doesn't exist, and that was something that troubled Ren. Then again, he had faced demons that technically shouldn't exist so he cast the thought aside.
"All of you get out of here, now!" Ren ordered as he clenched his fist. "I'll take care of him myself."
"Like hell you are!" Accelerator shouted in annoyance. "I have a personal grudge against this obsessed weakling, so if anyone should leave it should be all of you. You seem to actually give a damn about that brat, four eyes, so just take care of her."
Ren noticed that Accelerator looked at Last Order and gave her a reassuring smile. Ren assumed Accelerator wanted to be the hero in front of her to prove that he had what it took to protect her. The boy's face revealed everything to Ren. Ren didn't know the extent of Accelerator's brain damage, but he seemed confident to take him down... Ren truly debated on healing him but didn't want to go against what he had said earlier.
"Wouldn't it just be easier if we all attacked him together and stopped arguing about who should go at him?" Touma said, walking up to the arguing boys.
"Tch, damn hero, really wanting to fight another Level 5. How you're not dead yet is beyond me."
"I'll help too," Misaka added while discharging electricity. Her own sisters were all part of this sick experiment for one person to become a Level 6. If Dark Matter wanted to become a Level 6, it would also spell doom for her sisters. "I'm sick of hearing all this Level 6 talk, it's time that I do my part and end it here too."
Ren looked at all of them and realized that all these people trusted him as friends and as a new team. He had so desperately wanted to do everything on his own but realized that everyone here, excluding Last Order, was incredibly strong in their own right. He knew he had no right to order them and decided that he could trust them to fight alongside him.
"Alright then everyone," Ren said. "Follow my lead and this will be over in an instant. It's showtime!"
Ren put a hand to his mask and let a cheeky smile erupted from his face. The other four seemed to be a bit unnerved listening to a really suave laugh come out of the Trickster's mouth.
"If you really think all four of you together will be able to beat me, you are sorely mistaken."
"Oh is that so?" Accelerator said.
"I feel extremely sorry for all of you really," Kakine continued. "My Dark Matter is superior to all of your abilities!"
Kakine immediately shot forward and aimed for Mikoto who was a bit further than the rest of the group. Misaka reacted quickly and dodged just in the nick of time. Instantaneously, Touma stepped in front of Misaka with his right and in front as an assurance to her not to get hurt. Kakine immediately lunged back and tried to gain distance so as to not be surrounded by all of them.
Accelerator lunged forward with an incredible speed and started to pressure Kakine and Ren followed suit.
However, while on the move Ren was suddenly overwhelmed by a blue flash. When his vision returned he had found himself inside the Velvet Room. Confused, he turned his gaze to the room's proprietor sitting at his usual spot in the middle of the room.
"Do not fear Trickster," Igor said. "You will return to the fight soon enough. However, it seems you have finally realized something, have you not?"
"It's something that has prevented you from achieving the potential you had before." Lavenza added.
They were right. Although Ren was sure he could destroy the universe if he really set his mind to it, he still felt like there was a portion of power missing. Strangely, he felt stronger back in Maruki's Palace than now, which didn't really make sense to him until now. He had questioned it a lot since arriving at Academy City but had tried to put it in the back of his mind.
"You are finally willing to allow your Confidants to fight alongside you. May I ask why it took you so long to accept that?"
Ren wasn't even sure how to respond to that. He had fought with Touma before, but there was always something that was subconsciously telling him to not let him and to just keep him out of harm's way. He had felt it was his duty to do everything on his own. Ren believed it was his fault that there was Ruin in this world and he didn't want to involve anyone in his duty.
"It's ok Trickster, you do not need to answer now, I already know." Igor ended his sentence with a giggle.
"Apologies for questioning you like this, my Trickster," Lavenza said. "We only called you here to let you know of a new power that you've developed."
Ren hadn't spoken at all since he entered but finally found the words to say aloud.
"I thought Igor said he wasn't going to give me another gift?"
"And I'm not," the Velvet Room master answered. "You have nurtured this power on your own, but to say that I did not see it coming would be a lie."
"Then may I ask what this power is?"
"Of course," Lavenza said. "It allows you to stop the perception of time as well as your confidants. Think of it as a slight upgrade to your Heightened Sensation."
"So I will be able to plan with them and it will seem as if no time has passed for them either?"
"That is correct. It will also allow you to telepathically communicate with them, regardless of where they are."
Ren was surprised that his Heightened Sensation was already beginning to grow and was certain it was because of his new view of his friends.
"Remember, this will only work once you have formed a Bond with someone, it won't work on people you are not good enough terms with. I've told you once but will say it again, please avoid superficial relationships."
Ren nodded and was grateful for the timing of the power.
"Remember, my Trickster, we will always be here for you," the Velvet Room assistant said. "I wish you luck, not that you need it of course. Goodbye for now."
The second Lavenza finished her sentence, Ren opened his eyes back to the fight at hand and decided to try his new ability instantly.
"You two stay back and be Last Order's protection!" Ren said to Touma and Misaka telepathically. "When Accelerator and I draw him close, I'll go on the defensive and let you know when to attack him."
"Just leave this fight to me, coffee boy!" Accelerator shouted. "I don't need any help!"
Ren wanted to slap some sense into him and tell him to just accept their help. He himself had just gotten some sense knocked into him, so it was hypocritical to think of something like that. Kakine was clearly nowhere near a sane person and that could lead to an extreme amount of collateral damage.
"We do this together," Ren said to the albino. "If all goes well maybe you'll see that I'm not a third-string."
Ren gave Accelerator a smirk while the albino boy clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. Ren was surprised that the albino boy agreed so easily. Maybe it was the excitement for someone who could challenge him, maybe it was because he was warming up to him.
"Are you guys gonna shut up or continue with this sappy friendship crap?" the Dark Matter wielder said.
Ren shot forward and caught Kakine off guard with his blinding speed. The blond was still able to dodge it but was surprised at how quickly Ren was keeping up with him.
"What the fuck!" Kakine growled. "You shouldn't even be close to my level! What the hell is your ability?!"
Ren summoned Vishnu within himself and willed forth a Panta Rhei behind Kakine. A strong gust of wind formed behind Kakine which resulted in the boy being shot right toward Accelerator who saw the newly formed attack redirected the wind again and shot Kakine towards the ground with it. Kakine was looking completely outclassed with only Ren and Accelerator alone.
"Misaka now!" Ren said telepathically.
Mikoto was ready for his words as she immediately fired a bolt of electricity to the downed Kakine. His wings wrapped around his body making the attack useless. Mikoto cursed at herself for her attack.
"Really Number Three, that's it?" Kakine howled. "You guys have got great chemistry, but now the fun begins!"
Multiple feathers erupted from the white wings and Ren was forced to shield everyone once more. He felt his energy being taxed a little bit, but due to Maruki teaching him how to focus and increase his mentality, he knew that it wouldn't ever be a problem for him again.
Kakine flew up and looked down at all of them and began to laugh maniacally once more.
"What's so funny?" Touma called out.
"I just realized something so simple to take all of you out," Kakine said. "I almost feel bad for coming up with the idea. The only person who might survive is Accelerator, but even then I still think this will kill him too. But… let's first start with that little girl."
Accelerator was beyond pissed. He was clenching his teeth so hard that blood began to run down his lip.
Kakine sent multiple Dark Matter feathers straight towards Last Order and Ren pulled out his pistol and filled every bullet with curse energy as he shot each of them before they reached the girl.
Accelerator looked in horror as he thought he would be unable to reach her. The white-haired boy began to shiver and he started to growl and snarl. Black wings began to come out of Accelerator's back and seemed to be a raw power that was extremely condensed. They looked like tornadoes but seemed to obey only Accelerator's will.
"You won't hurt her!" Accelerator screamed.
The black wings seemed to be something new that Accelerator had managed to conjure up. The power that was in them was extreme and Ren sensed that it could be used to turn the tide of the battle. He did notice a sheer amount of malice radiating off of Accelerator though. Ren had hoped that the albino boy would be able to keep it under control.
"It's too late Accelerator! You're all as good as dead! Hahaha!"
Ren used his Third Eye and noticed that Kakine was injecting matter into normal vectors and turning them into lethal ones to bypass Accelerator's reflection as he wouldn't be able to compute the new vectors while killing the rest of them in a flash as they had no sort of defense against it. Ren willed Arsène forward and covered his face as his mask was no longer a part of him. Arsène's large black wings sprouted out of his back. He lunged toward his party and used the wings to cover everyone.
Ren focused his power and let it flow through everyone else as suddenly time was put to a stop.
"What the heck is going on?" Mikoto said, completely dumbfounded.
"I slowed down our perception of time," Ren responded. "I want to end this bastard and we will need a plan to do so."
"At this point is there anything you can't do? Also how the hell is this working on me?" Touma questioned.
"As long as you don't touch your brain directly with your right hand, it seems my mental abilities can still work on you… I think. Anyway now's not the time, I have a plan and it's going to require everyone's power and attention."
"I'm all ears, coffee boy." Accelerator barked.
"I'm on defensive duty with my wings right now, so I'm going to need all of you to disrupt his calculations so that will allow me to finish him."
"What exactly do you need from us?" Mikoto asked.
"A quick distraction from Accelerator should do the trick. If you shoot your black wings at Touma and he deflects it towards Kakine with his right hand, it will make him lose focus and stop the impending attack."
"Wouldn't my right hand just cancel the attack though?" Touma questioned while scratching the back of his head with his left hand.
"Yeah, also, this plan sounds like it doesn't involve me." Misaka said, downtrodden.
"Let me finish. I noticed this during the Daihasei, but if the power source you're trying to negate has a constant output, then your right hand won't instantly negate it, which theoretically means you should be able to redirect the attack wherever you want. I just hope your arm doesn't get torn off again."
"I feel like we don't have much of a choice… so I'll do it! Better to try and help than to do nothing at all." Touma said with a determined look.
"When Touma deflects the wing, that's when Misaka comes in. I want you and Accelerator to combine your attack and make sure the impact is amplified. Both of you can combine your powers to ensure the attack is successful, but the tricky part is calculating the disruption of the E-field and the amount of space that comes with it. You can't mess up the calculations otherwise you'd probably electrocute all of us to death and we need to make sure that the attack doesn't go off the rails. Think you guys are smart enough to do that?" the Trickster said with a grin.
"Who do you think I am?" Accelerator and Mikoto both said at the same time.
They looked at each other in what appeared to be distrustful looks, both of them had a history after all. This lasted for less than a second and both put their attention back to Ren.
"We should be able to pull that off, but what are you doing to put him out of commission?" Touma asked while still looking around the time stopped world.
"Yeah! Misaka Misaka really wants to know! Says Misaka Misaka as she jumps into the conversation unannounced."
Everyone looked at her as if they forgot she was there. She had been so quiet and was hardly moving which made everyone get somewhat scared when she suddenly raised her voice.
"You guys are just gonna have to trust me and see."
"In that case, we will just have to run with it." Touma sheepishly laughed.
"I'm gonna make this third-string eat shit!" Accelerator spat while wearing a scary smile.
"I have to stay like this to make sure you guys don't get hurt, so let's continue the show!" Ren said.
Everyone gave each other a nod and readied themselves.
"On three, you guys do your thing."
"One."
"Two."
"Three."
Accelerator focused his dark wing towards the spiky-haired boy. Kakine noticed this and had a look of utter confusion. Ren sensed Kakine's attack being stopped which meant they were in the clear. Touma extended his right hand and forcefully redirected the dark wing towards Kakine. Touma did have a bit of fear and shock on his face while having difficulty redirecting the dark tornado-like wing. However, he did pull through and sighed a relief when his task was finished successfully. Mikoto instantly followed up by sending her electricity towards the black wing and a bright blue beam formed and shot straight towards the confused Dark Matter user.
"Agh!" Kakine shouted in pain.
The blond boy hit the ground with great impact, but not long after was already beginning to stand up. He was much more durable than he looked and everyone knew this was the right time to strike.
Which is why they were surprised when Ren was casually walking towards Kakine.
Ren put his hand forward and out of his back, white wings had sprouted. Kakine had a look of horror on his face when he saw this. Ren had just summoned Raphael and he would inflict fear in any of his opponents.
"Y-you bastard!"
Ren heard this and cast a Debilitate ailment on Kakine. The ailment decreased strength, speed, and defense, anyone who was on the receiving end would surely feel the crippling effects of it.
"What the fuck! Why do I feel so weak!? What did you do to me!?"
Fear was all that was plastered on the Dark Matter user's face and Ren could only smile at this result. This bastard deserved it and now it's time to put an end to this.
"There's no way you're a Dark Matter user! Just what the hell are you!?"
"It's not what I am Teitoku," Ren said with his cocky usual cocky voice. "It's who I am."
Ren crouched down and looked Kakine straight in his eyes. He activated his Third Eye which made his eyes turn red.
"Joker."
"How in the world did you grow wings? Misaka Misaka asks, no longer being able to hold in her curiosity!"
"Cut it out brat." Accelerator said irritated.
"To be honest, I'm curious how you did that too." Mikoto said with a curious look on her face.
"I also can't say I'm not surprised," Touma said. "I only thought that you could control that dragon and have some abilities, but you only keep showing more and more."
Ren noticed the stares from the group as they were getting seated in a booth. The waitress left some menus and left all of them to decide what to get to drink.
'Dammit. I don't know how I keep ending up in all of these restaurants.' Ren thought.
"I remember you saying you're not an Esper, but if you're not one then what are you?" Mikoto asked.
Touma looked like he wanted to say something but ultimately didn't speak up. He was probably going to ask if he was a magician which would also not be true.
"I promise to tell all of you the whole truth soon," Ren said. "And by soon, I mean after this meal, that fight left me famished."
"Didn't we just eat before that though?" Accelerator spat.
"I had to answer the door and couldn't finish my food. You at least got to eat."
"Tch."
Ren began to dig into a large hamburger he had ordered while Touma started eating his chicken alfredo. Ren paid for it, of course, but that was a minute detail.
"I'm still wondering how you didn't even touch that bastard and he still got knocked out." Accelerator pointed out.
"Guess I was so scary he just fainted." Ren said with a chuckle.
Accelerator rolled his eyes as Ren continued to devour his hamburger.
"How did you know what his plan was and how to distract him though?" Mikoto asked.
Instead of answering her question with words, Ren took off his glasses and stared directly into Misaka's eyes and made them glow a scarlet red.
"How the heck did you do that?" Misaka looked somewhat scared at the sight of somewhat demonic-looking eyes.
"Can I pleeash finih mah hamborgar?"Ren said with a full mouth.
"Ugh, you're so annoying."
Mikoto picked up Ren's glasses and put them on and began to let her eyes wander around the room before looking back at Ren.
"You look cute, little sis." Ren said with an infectious grin.
"Thanks, big bro," Mikoto said with a chuckle. "By the way, why the heck are you wearing fake glasses?"
"Makes me look unassuming," Ren responded. "It works doesn't it?"
"I guess you're right about that. That glare sure makes you look menacing."
Touma had finished his plate of food and wiped his mouth and began to speak again.
"That was pretty damn cool," Touma said. "The color makes you look a bit demonic, but cool nonetheless. Also, big bro? Little sis? What have I missed?"
Misaka began to blush as she looked away from Touma and outside the window.
Ren went for his drink and began to lay back on the chair as he had finally finished his meal. He stood and gestured for everyone to follow him.
"Come on, I'll show you everything and answer all the questions you guys have."
After a bit of walking, the group managed to go to the abandoned field where Misaka and Ren had their first battle. The sun was beginning to set, and no one was in sight or would show up. Ren knew that for a fact.
"So why did you bring us to a field coffee boy?"
"So I won't draw any attention or destroy anything." Ren responded.
Ren began to walk away from the group and as he did familiar blue flames began to cover his entire body. The phantom thief suit had materialized on the boy, turning him into his alter ego, Joker.
"What do you guys think of my suit?"
"It looks cool! Says Misaka Misaka as she wonders what kind of magic trick you used to make the suit appear."
"Is it... some kind of magical cosplay? It does resemble the gentleman thief in Magical Powered Kanamin."
"It looks strange… maybe if you use a Gekota mask..."
"What the fuck are you even wearing?"
Ren laughed at everyone's remark and tapped his mask with his hand.
"Persona!"
The domino mask on the boy's face seemed to disintegrate as it was engulfed in flames and behind him, Arsène appeared in all of his greatness.
"Woah, how cool is that! Misaka Misaka says, showing her excitement."
"I am Arsène, the rebel soul that resides within the Trickster. It seems he trusts all of you enough to show you what he is truly capable of. Remember, however, if any of you decide to break the Bond you share, it will be the last thing you do."
"Oh! It talks." Touma pointed out while pretending to be surprised. "Although that last part about breaking bonds does sound a bit heavy."
"Arsène..." Mikoto said while holding her chin. "I could just be assuming, but I'm sure it's based on Arsène Lupin right? The gentleman thief that helps the weak and fights for good even though he doesn't follow the law. Now that I think about it, Kuroko did mention a man in a weird thief costume that managed to escape her before questioning."
"So you can summon creatures from stories and whatever they can do, you can do as well?" Accelerator questioned. "Damn it, just saying that out loud sounds idiotic."
"I'm what's called a Persona-user. The power comes from my soul and my Wild Card ability allows me to use multiple Personas. That's how I used a dragon during the Daihasei and summoned Arsène just now. I have more, but I don't see the need to show you guys."
"Please show us all of them begs Misaka Misaka wanting to see all of them!"
Ren gave her a light smile and felt forced to oblige.
Ren cycled through his current Personas and everyone looked in awe as completely different people and creatures were shown.
Arsène, Allilat, Zeus, Vishnu, Raphael, Satan, Lucifer, Surt, Fafnir, Siegfried, and Metatron.
He felt Satanael in his soul but knew it wasn't a good idea to summon a Persona as big as a skyscraper.
"Are those all you have?" Mikoto asked.
"Nope," Ren said popping the p. "I have over a hundred more, but what I showed you are the main ones I use."
"Over a hundred?! Misaka Misaka says surprised as she now wants to see all of them!"
Accelerator raised his hand and lightly smacked Last Order on her head.
"Ow, Misaka Misaka cries out while faking her pain."
"Stop being so annoying you little brat."
"That still… it doesn't help answer how you knew how Kakine was going to attack us and how you were able to stop time for all of us." Mikoto said.
"Remember when my eyes turned red?" Ren said. "That's my Third Eye ability. It allows me to perceive things the naked eye can't see and gives me the ability to see uses in things that would just seem mundane. As to my stopping time? I don't actually do that. I made all of our brains process information so fast that it only seemed that time was stopped. That's due to my Heightened Sensation."
"Just how the hell are you so strong?" Mikoto asked.
"I've been fighting for a long time, I guess it's only natural."
"Wait!" Mikoto looked like she had an epiphany. "You said your power comes from your soul right? Wouldn't that mean that everyone has the ability to become a Persona-user, even us?"
Ren knew about people needing to have the so-called 'potential' to be a Persona-user, but he didn't really know anything more than that. Maybe they did have the potential, but with no Metaverse to help them call out to their Persona, there would be no way for them to become Persona-users.
"While you guys may have the potential to become Persona-users, it's impossible for you guys to actually awaken a Persona considering there isn't a Metaverse on this planet."
"Wait," Accelerator decided to speak out. "What do you mean this planet?"
"Oh yeah, I'm also from an alternate version of Earth. That might've been a good thing to add."
"Hmm… so that confirms that the Multiverse theory is true."
Ren was surprised at how well Accelerator was taking their conversation. He assumed the white-haired boy would just start howling in laughter before saying he was crazy.
"I... guess? I haven't really looked into it. For example, on my Earth, Academy City doesn't exist and Espers, in general, don't exist either. The Metaverse is an alternate dimension on my Earth and it doesn't exist here on yours. That's why I'm saying it would be impossible for you guys to be Persona-users as there is no way for you guys to actually unlock your potential if you had it."
Mikoto looked a bit disappointed hearing Ren's words. Ren felt the girl's pain as he felt her longing for more power. He wanted to teach her new things, but considering her genius, he wasn't even sure he'd be any help.
Ren was once again enveloped in flames and returned to his normal clothing. He walked back towards the group and took out his phone and gestured for everyone else to do so. He made sure to get Accelerator's contact information and put them all in a group chat.
"Why did you make a group chat? Touma asked.
"We're all friends, right? Why not?" Ren answered. "And just in case any of us need anything or just want to talk, we can share it with everyone."
Ren had missed this feeling. Talking to others and having friends to talk to, just seemed like such an integral part of his life. This would also be an opportunity to create a new Phantom Thief group.
"Don't expect me to respond or start a conversation," Accelerator barked. "But I might as well, maybe read it."
"Aww, so you do care! Says Misaka Misaka trying to get an entertaining response."
"Be quiet brat."
Touma and Mikoto chuckled at Last Order's remark and took about a minute to regain their composure.
"I only have one last question left," Touma said. "How did you knock out Kakine without touching him?"
The other three nodded their heads and waited for Ren to give his response. Ren thought that they would just conjure up an assumption based on his Personas, but it seemed like they wanted a specific explanation.
Ren put his right hand to his mouth and cleared his throat. He extended his right hand out and pointed a finger gun straight at Mikoto.
"Dormina."
"Wh-"
The Tokiwadai middle schooler began to fall and Touma instantly caught her before she fell.
"I simply just put her to sleep."
"That's cool and all, but can you wake her up?" Touma asked while unconformably holding the brown-haired girl like a princess.
"I mean, you wanted to know and now you have to face the consequences. Besides, I don't have a spell to wake people up." Ren was trying his hardest to hold back a laugh.
"I didn't tell you to give us a demonstration!" The spiky-haired boy shouted. "At least help me carry her back."
"Actually," Ren said and looked at the rest of the group. "Accelerator, Last Order, and I have somewhere to be. I trust you to not… try anything funny with her."
"Huh? Try wh-" The information then began to sink into Touma and his face immediately turned red.
"No! I wou- I would never do anything like that!"
"In that case, I can trust you, now if you'll excuse us."
Ren took out a Goho-M and Ren gave Touma a sinister smile.
"What are you-"
Ren cut off Accelerator so as to not ruin his plan.
"Take good care of her, lover boy. Patra!"
Ren threw the sphere on the ground the moment he finished saying the word. Smoke appeared around them and when it was gone they were in front of Ren's and Touma's dorm. Accelerator and Last Order stood in a bit of a shocked state.
"We are back at your dorm?! Says Misaka Misaka as she is surprised you also can teleport."
"Yes we are, I used that sphere just now for that to happen."
"I see! But what does Patra mean? asks Misaka Misaka as she doesn't know the meaning of the word."
"It's the spell I use to wake people up from sleep." Ren said while making a cheeky smile.
Accelerator began to laugh after hearing Ren say what the spell did.
"Oooh man," Accelerator said, wiping a tear from his eye. "You really do know how to fuck over that hero, don't you coffee boy?"
"Ren, you damn traitor!"
Ren shifted his focus from the conversation he was having with Fukiyose and saw Touma charge straight at him. Ren was doing his best to stifle his laughter, but the feeling was wiped off his face when Fukiyose stepped in front of Ren and threw a mean punch right at Touma's gut.
The spiky-haired boy fell flat on his back and the agony on his face was very apparent.
"Owwwww."
"Damn your rotten luck?" Ren casually asked while tilting his head.
"Don't make fun of me, you know what you did."
"May I ask why it looked like you intended to assault Amamiya here Kamijou? You know that's against the school rules."
Ren was pretty sure that right now Fukiyose was the only one that had violated the school rules, but he decided not to point that out.
"I wasn't going to assault him… I was going to show him my new recipe for a knuckle sandwich."
"Oh come on," Ren said, pretending to be insulted. "I gave you the opportunity to make a move on Misaka and you should've capitalized on it!"
"Make. A. Move?!" Touma shouted. "When she woke up I had to run for my life!"
"Eh? Are you shitting me?" Ren asked, genuinely concerned.
"No! She was angry at me for letting you put her to sleep. She threw lighting at me AND also chased me through half the city! Once she calmed down I explained the situation. Surprisingly she did apologize and said that she was going to punish you later… Now tell me, Ren Amamiya, how are you going to compensate me for this near-death experience."
"Wait, so what you're saying is that Amamiya knocked a girl out, left her with you, and that she woke up being upset at both of you? She seems to be in the right…" The big-breasted girl then glared at Ren. "So, you actually assaulted a girl Amamiya?"
Even with all of his Persona's, Ren felt one drop of sweat flowing down his face.
"No! My good buddy here is very bad at explaining what happened, and I will now go talk to him in private."
Ren extended his hand to Touma and picked him up as the boys proceeded to escape towards their classroom.
"I hope you haven't been corrupted already Amamiya." Fukiyose said while glaring down at the two boys.
"I promise I'm not corrupted Fukiyose."
"I'm not convinced? You two seem to have a great knack for causing trouble." The girl now had a frown on her face.
Both boys were about to disprove the girl until a certain blond individual joined the conversation.
"What's up Kami-yan! Amami-yan!"
Tsuchimikado shouted their names as they finally entered the classroom. The blond spy was already with Aogami and both boys seemed to be waiting for the black-haired boy duo. For them, it had felt like forever since they were in a classroom setting.
Both black-haired boys quickly sat at their chairs.
"Sooooo," Aogami began. "Did any of you pick up any new fetishes since the last time we've spoken?"
Touma looked like he wanted to punch the blue-haired boy for his remark but ultimately refrained from doing so as Komoe walked through the door.
The group shut their mouths and went to their seats, as they didn't want to say anything to get them in trouble. Sure the boys were beyond dumb together, but they weren't stupid enough to upset their homeroom teacher with their language and subject matter.
"Hey, Ren," Touma whispered. "This has been really bothering me and I don't know what to think anymore. Do you think we made the right choice letting Kakine go? I know you have some sort of crazy power that might make him never hurt people again, but I can't help but think that letting him go was the wrong choice."
"Why are you having second thoughts?" Ren whispered back.
Ren didn't think Touma was the type of person to have second thoughts, especially when it came to giving someone a second chance. He didn't know why the boy was doubting himself.
"Normally I'd agree with giving someone a second chance, but I can't stop this gnawing feeling in my stomach."
"Listen to me. Even if we didn't let him go, where would we take him? Let Judgment or Anti-Skill handle it? Or would you rather we killed him?"
"No, but…"
"Exactly. Even if you think it was the wrong choice, it was the best choice we had. Plus, there is the chance he might turn a new leaf because of the mercy we showed. FORMULA has for sure taken a massive blow with this loss, I'm sure everything will turn out fine."
Touma gave Ren a nod as the Trickster had comforted his anxiety and reaffirmed his belief in the decision.
"Are you two finished talking?" Komoe said with a smile, yet had a threatening aura.
"Anyway, as I was saying. I'm getting an assistant for this class! The school board deemed it a good opportunity for all of you to learn from someone who has experience with their ability. They will be arriving very shortly so I hope all of you treat them very kindly."
'Touma's gonna be shocked.' Ren said, smiling at his own thoughts.
"Is it a girl?!" Aogami shouted.
"You'll have to see for yourself." Komoe replied.
As the entire class exchanged looks and began to talk to one another, Touma and Tsuchimikado started to talk to each other.
"Who do you think it is?"
"I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see."
As the class grew quiet, Ren felt tension in the air, which was strange considering it was just a new person arriving in their class.
Footsteps were heard down the hall and they began to get louder as they approached the classroom. Entering the door was someone that made Touma's jaw drop. Tsuchimikado also had a look of sheer shock on his face.
The boy walked to the front of the class, looked at everyone, and gave a deep bow. He was well mannered, looked excited at the sight of all the students. The boy's demeanor was nothing like Ren and Touma had seen a few days ago. It was almost as if the boy had a change of heart.
"My name is Kakine Teitoku, nice to meet you all."
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I will do my best to update as much as I can. Please bear with me if I take the time to upload a new chapter.
Thank you to HelixPenn for reviewing my fic, it seems I owe him lunch now.