Crazm Andorand: I am really glad you have been enjoying it. And hope you still are.
Guest chapter 47 Aug 10: One, a character like Futaba WOULD bring up Hentai. The girl is a full on Neat. Second, we try and get the characters voices as close to the canon ones as possible. You have no idea how long we just listen to the mementos random chatter. Third, yes I am autistic and fuck you for using that language. And finally, I am NOT into guys but wow you are really showing how 'mature' you are for using such language... *holds up middle finger* As we say here in the UK, sit on it and turn to the left.
Neo Infinity: How many times... have we said... we are NOT DOING P5R shit! At least every chapter! At most we make references to it!
Xerzo LotCN: You 1000% misinterprited that scene. Joker was holding back in that he was still treating his friends with kids gloves, still was not fully accepting their help. Still thinking that he can do the 'same old same old' and limiting himself creatively and emotionally.
Apex616: No. Most of their designs sucked IMO, and the Picaro's where in the base game.
R3qu13m0f50ul5: Except it would NOT WORK since we don't have the time to set it all up.
Shadowkanji: Yeah, being DLC/extra there was obviously nothing to them beyond being... there. So it was fun to write a story around them and give them focus. Hence the whole Yu/P4 set up we had been doing.
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Silvanium: He had to, there was a lot going on.
Tony Anderson: Had to reference Violet in some way in this story.
Temporal King: Thanks, we try our best.
keyblade master cole: Glad you enjoyed it.
Neo Infinity: Err, not really. P5R isn't a thing in this story, but references are allowed.
Tsubame Nozomi: chuckle glad you enjoyed it.
Guest, chapter 47, Aug 10: First, it's for world-building and flavour. It's for fun. Second, that sort of language is NOT allowed here.
peanut032201: Thanks very much for your kind words. And I'm glad you've been enjoying it.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Howdy one and all!
We be back!
...
AND IT IS GHOST'S BIRTHDAY! WISH HIM A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
WAHOOOOO~!
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 48
The Strength Of The Priestess
"Ah~, sweet warmth." The group moaned happily, Joker's homemade curry was warming them up as they tried to thaw and relax.
"Is everyone okay? Any more coffee or curry?" Joker asked, being like 'mother hen'.
"We're fine." Panther chuckled
"He is such a house husband." Seacole smiled softly into her smile
'And that's a bad thing?' Mona thought to himself, though answering Panther.
"Okay, so what do we do now?" Dove asked. "We're stuck on this floor... trap."
"Well, there's the room that Joker beat that Shadow in. Maybe there was something there he couldn't get through?" Queen commented.
"It is a dead end." Oracle responded, shaking her head
Joker sighed and looked up at the ceiling... and saw something. "A... vent?"
"Huh?" the others all asked, to which he pointed up and showing a vent going somewhere.
"You think that goes anywhere?" Seacole asked. "Anywhere useful, at least."
"It is our only option. We checked everywhere else." Fox commented
"Is there a way up there?" Dove asked.
"... Take the stairs?" Skull suggested, pointing to some chairs and the tables to make a rudimentary staircase.
...
"I hate that pun but sure." Mona deadpanned, nodding
"Alright, but if we have to vertical climb in that vent-" Panther asked.
"We know, we know." Fox and Skull waved it off.
"We need a grappling hook or something to help us ascend." Queen thought
"Good luck with the heels." Dove added, looking at her feet and flinching
"Alright, does anyone have one?" Seacole asked.
"We have a cat." Joker answered, smiling at Mona.
...
"Oh, screw you." Mona pouted
"That's what WE do." Oracle giggled
"Oracle!" The girls snapped, not thinking she would expose that. The gremlin of a girl snickering as the guys sighed, the group getting to work
*A few minutes later*
The group piled up the tables and chairs in as sturdy a fashion as possible to reach the vent and opened the grate, but saw a ladder drop down which made this so much easier. The group travelled through the vent, heading up and out not to the next level, but the one above. They were now on the fifth floor!
"No way!" Skull gasped
"Did we take the right turn at Shinjuku?" Oracle quipped.
"I think we skipped the fourth floor entirely." Queen commented.
"A fake floor." Fox hummed "A good mental defence."
"Meaning we've got a straight shot to somewhere safe now." Panther commented.
"Hopefully." Queen nodded
Each member helped the other out from the vent and Oracle began to scan the floor. "Alright, here we go." She spoke as she opened up Necronomicon's computers.
"So what happened back there? That Shadow?" Queen asked as Oracle worked.
"That Shadow was the one responsible for the ice trap. It as definitely stronger than I anticipated." He admitted, rubbing a bruise on his cheek.
"A stronger... Like... that Slime from Kamoshida's palace?" Skull asked.
"'Slime'? Like from those video games?" Seacole asked.
"Kind of, but not as cute." Panther answered.
"Big, green, slimy, red eyes and a black hole for a mouth," Dove added.
"Yeah, the first time we fought one it was hard. Others after that were easy." Skull clarified.
"Meaning that this 'white furred Shadow' will make an appearance again." Fox agreed.
"Albeit weaker than before." Queen agreed.
"Floor scanned, we've got doors, vents, a safe-room and a straight shot to his Treasure Room!" Oracle smirked as she worked her magic.
"Not weaker. We are just stronger." Mona boasted
"Yeah, 'stronger'." Joker agreed, breathing deeply.
The group noted Joker getting tired; after all, soloing a Guardian Shadow on his own was draining on him.
"You doing okay, Joker?" Queen asked.
"I'll be fine. We need to get to his Treasure Room." Joker reassured. "We're almost... There."
"Yes, almost there." Fox agreed, reassuring their leader.
"Okay, this way is a dead-room, but there might be something inside." Oracle pointed to a door.
"I'll lead the charge." Skull assured
"Are you sure?" Panther asked.
"Hey, who's the longest-serving Phantom Thief here?" He asked with a smirk.
"Mona/me." The group answered in unison jokingly.
"Ah! Come on!" He groaned though he flowed with the joke. "Who's the longest serving Phantom Thief member with opposable thumbs?"
"Joker/me." The others repeated, smiling at him
...
"Who's got the big ass hammer?" Skull responded, stepping forwards to be the 'tank'.
"Just go, Skull. We trust you." Queen smiled
Joker went to say something... before he just gave a thumbs up and a nod. He did trust them. And he had to remember that.
"Thank you!" He answered, wanting to kick the door open... but just used the handle instead. He pushed the door open calmly, sneaking a peek into the room.
Inside looked to be quite quiet, having a treasure chest inside and a wandering Shadow Doctor. 'Okay. What do we do?' he thought
"What's it look like in there, Skull?" Dove asked.
"One Shadow and a treasure chest." Skull informed.
"Could we take him out sneakily?" Seacole asked
Skull looked through the door again, seeing the Shadow walking with its back turned, before closing it again. "Yeah. Catch him with the back turned, bonk him on the head, we'll get there."
"Short. Simple. To the point." Mona smirked. "You're learning, Skull."
"Can we stop dunking on me, please?" He deadpanned, as they went through the door and quickly struck the Shadow doctor, striking it in the back and summoning the Shadows it was housing.
Joker stayed back as he saw his team striking forwards while he stayed back for a while. It was so nice to see them fight in their own ways.
Skull brought down his lightning on the High Pixies, Fox slashing with his katana, Panther and Dove double-teaming a pair of Shadows, Seacole and Oracle buffing and healing the team while Queen punched the ones that were in their way.
"Now for the finisher!" Seacole called as the Shadows where all staggered
"Take us home, Seacole!" Dove called out.
Seacole leapt forwards, flanked by the Phantom Thieves as they each struck hard and fast against the group of Shadows and beat them up in stylish fashion.
THE DOCTOR IS IN!
It was like they were in a doctor's office for a few seconds, the shadows atop an operating table . Seacole landing calmly as she looked at a clipboard dismissively before throwing it away, the Shadows exploding behind her
"Heh." She smiled confidently behind her mask.
"Whoa! That it was awesome!" Skull commented.
"Thank you." She responded. "Joker, we might need your expertise here."
"I think you guys handled that well. The chest is yours." Joker pointed as the chest didn't have a large lock on it.
"Sweet! I call dibs!" Oracle cheered as she and Skull went for the chest together.
Mona looked up at Joker and smirked, giving a thumbs up.
"We've still got the rest of this floor to go through, we don't know what's here, but it's not going to be easy." Panther answered.
"Meaning we've got more Shadows to beat down." Dove agreed.
"The next door's coming; are you ready, Joker?" Fox asked.
"Heh." He smirked and pushed his mask slightly. "Always."
The Phantom Thieves continued to scour the floor, then headed straight for the Treasure Room; it looked like the floor to an operating room. It was a series of winding corridors, with odd shapes and turns. But eventually... They found it.
"How does anyone find their way around these places?" Fox asked as they were finally there.
"With a lot of practice." Seacole answered. "Although hospitals can feel like mazes."
"Oh, good. So it's not just me." Dove sighed in relief.
"But we made it." Panther agreed.
"And it's a good thing we also found the close Safe Room for inst-travel." Oracle added.
"... Where in the hospital are we?" Joker asked
Seacole looked around... and felt a wave of nostalgia. She knew what this room was. "His office." She stated simply. "His 'throne room'."
"I guess that makes sense." Fox hummed
"And why is there a ghost of a hospital above us? He probably sees the rest of the hospital as pointless." Queen pointed out bitterly
"He never did treat others well." Seacole frowned.
"... No safe room?" Oracle blinked
"Looks like it's Oracle's own palace. Where we need to rush through this last bit again to get the treasure." Joker pointed out
"No one said this was gonna be easy." Mona commented.
"But at least we're here." Skull answered.
"Right." The others nodded
"Should we head back?" Dove asked
"Yeah, I don't think there's much we can do here." Fox answered.
The group nodded, turning their backs on the glowing white orb of desire floating in the room.
*time skip*
The group emerged from the Metaverse, Ren rubbing his neck softly "Hmm... hnn..."
"Something wrong with your neck?" Ryuji asked.
"Just a bit stiff." He admitted.
"Yeah, I get that way with my leg." Ryuji responded.
"Jeez, is that the time?" Ann asked.
"Huh?" Shiho blinked
Ann pointed to the clock in LeBlanc and everyone saw that it was late into the afternoon.
"I should head back to the dorms." Yusuke commented
"Yeah, my mum's gonna be wondering where the hell I am too." Ryuji added.
"Yeah. I'll see you guys later." Ren answered.
"My sister will be worried." Makoto whispered
"Hey, it'll be alright. Want us to back you up?" Shiho asked.
"It might be nice to see Sae again." Tae added.
"... You know her?" Ryuji asked
"We went to college together." Tae censored herself, trying not to give too much away.
"Wow, you know everyone." Ryuji rubbed the back of his head. "Later, Ren."
"Bye, guys." Ren waved, seeing Futaba making herself comfy on the cafe's comfy bench.
"Ah~, I've missed these seats." Futaba muttered.
"You were only here this morning." Ren answered.
"That frozen morgue was hard on me, okay?" She pouted.
"Chilly legs?" He chuckled, patting her head. "Want some coffee?"
"Please." She grinned
The raven haired theif chuckled but got to work. Back into the life of the mundane...
*Time Skip*
Ren had fully rested up from the mission last night, though his muscles still felt a little sore. "How're you feeling?" Morgana asked as he saw their leader.
"Pretty good, all things considered." He answered.
"So, you going out again?" The cat asked, stretching on the floor.
"I think so. I want to-" Ren spoke before his phone buzzed.
"Huh? Makoto?" he blinked
Hi Ren, it's me.
Eiko has agreed to do the double date with us, so we can see this 'boyfriend' of hers.
Her message began to explain.
I'm in
"Later Morgana!" Ren smiled
"Wh-hey!" Morgana called out, as he saw Ren leave. "... Ah, dang it."
*time skip*
Ren arrived with Makoto, who was waiting outside of their school. "Hey!" She waved over to him.
"Sorry, were you waiting long?" Ren asked as he hurried over, giving her a kiss on the cheek
"No, not really." She answered, blushing from that kiss.
"So, the planned double date?" He asked.
"Well, I sent a picture of you to her... she thinks you're 'a little lame'." Makoto admitted. "That you're not on the same level as Tsukasa."
"I don't know whether to be insulted or glad." Ren muttered.
"I think she'll change her mind when she sees you in person." Makoto answered. "I'll back you up."
"Brilliant." He nodded as she got a reply from her phone.
"Ah, she's texted back… and they're at the diner." Makoto commented.
"Well, let's go. And I can show her how amazing my girlfriend is while you look out for your female friend." Ren said with a smirk, wrapping an arm around her
"Ren..." she mumbled with a blush
"By the way, did Tae and Sae meet last night?" Ren asked curiously as they began their walk
"No." Makoto shook her head "Sis wasn't in. She was still at work when I got back. I missed her call saying she was late..."
"Damn." he flinched, "Gonna be an awkward talk eventually."
"One way or another." Makoto chuckled bitterly.
"Ren?"
"Still worried about Sae's Palace?" he asked quickly, making her eyes go wide
"How did you know?"
"Because I know you." he responded calmly "Don't worry. We will deal with it. I tried to get in but no go yet."
"Darn it." she whispered
"Hey, don't worry. We will help her eventually." he encouraged "Now, we've got a double date and I do not want you to be miserable." he grinned
"You have a way with words, Mr Amamiya." she responded with a smirk
"Of course. Now, please, lead the way Ms Nijima." he winked
*time skip*
Ren and Makoto were at the diner, where Eiko was sitting... with a vastly ostentatiously dressed man. Down dyed blonde-brown hair, wearing a bright white suit with a red button shirt with the top buttons open, showing a pair of golden chains with small pendants, a large blue flower on his left pectoral, white suit trousers and smart brown shoes.
This had to be Tsukasa.
"Yo. My name's Tsukasa. Tsukasa spoke as he had his arm around Eiko. "I heard a lot about you two from Eiko. So, I heard that you're the student council prez, Makoto? I totally wish I could be one of your council members."
"Y-Yes. I am. Totally." Makoto flinched.
Ren frowned, glaring, as he saw how Tsukasa was looking at Makoto. He hasn't noticed it the first time, just seeing Makoto as a friend and having been keeping his eyes on Eiji as well as how Tsukasa treated her. But now?
Oh, now he noticed.
He knew how beautiful Makoto was, after all. But this guy's Pervy eye was angering Ren. The way he looked at her toned thighs, her wide hips and her impressive bust. Almost undressing her with his eyes. Or worst, as he saw the darker glint in said eyes
Ren looped an arm around Makoto's waist, pulling her close. Almost trying to protect her, as well as keep himself calm "Heya, I'm Ren. Ren Amamiya. Nice to meet you. Makoto's only said good things since you two became friends, Eiko. Thanks for having us." He said with a fake smile
"Is that right?" Tsukasa asked as he leaned back a little. "Hmm. You've got a little bit of a love level. You two dating?"
"Love comes in many forms, Tsukasa." Ren answered. "Yes, we are daing."
"Right. We're not clingy all the time." Makoto followed up.
"Oh, I get it. You don't show a lot of affection, as much as us." Tsukasa spoke as he gestured to himself and Eiko. Eiko just hummed happily, letting his hand squeeze her shoulder a little. "Hey, babe. Did you do something different? I don't remember you being this sexy." Tsukasa spoke.
"Oh~, Tsukasa~!" Eiko mewed cutely to him.
'Bleck.' Both Ren and Makoto thought of each other.
"Oh, sorry. I have to use the powder room quickly." Eiko apologised as she started to get up.
"Later lovebird." He responded, before turning to Makoto and Ren.
"There's... something I want to ask you. Are you serious about pursuing a relationship with Eiko?" Makoto asked.
Tsukasa sighed a little as he flicked his hair a little. "Aha, there's the honour student who's showing her colours! That reminds me, Eiko was pumped up about you gettin' to know me. Why's that?"
"I wanted to make sure you're good enough for her." Makoto answered seriously.
"Da~mn girl, you really care about your friends!" Tsukasa responded. "Good stuff. I always say, friends're like, super important and shit."
'This guy is full of it.' Ren thought.
"Speaking of which, a friend of my GF is totally a friend of mine. How about you tell me your digits?" Tsukasa asked.
"I-" she began, but Ren took over
"Sorry dude." He said calmly "Not on the first hang out. Her sis is super protective, it's where she gets it from. She's a laywer. Don't want her 'baby sis' interacting with 'weird guys'. Took me until our third date before her sis let me visit her house. You get it, right?" He lied smoothly with a grin disgusted with the situation but easily playing the part
"Alright, fine." He answered with a dramatic huff, but without a hint of suspicion on Ren "Anyway, Eiko already gave me yours, Mako. We're good." Tsukasa waved off.
'Then why the hell did you ask?' Ren thought.
"I do have one more question. You're not going to bring Eiko to your club, are you?" Makoto frowned, ignoring the nickname
"What, you suspecting me? I wouldn't dream of it." He responded, being 'slightly insulted'. "It's a damn shame people think of hosts're just flirts. But my love for Eiko is pure as snow. Don't twist the story."
Eiko soon walked back, her hands drying as she waved them a little. "Huh? Is something wrong?"
"Oh, just getting to know your friend, honey." He answered. "I should get to work."
"Ah, me too!" Eiko added. "Bye!"
The two headed out of the diner, leaving Ren and Makoto alone.
Makoto sighed heavily as she saw this, realising this might be bad. "I hope he isn't tricking her. I don't have proof, but I want Eiko to be happy. Am I just getting in the way?"
Ren shook his head. "No, you're being considerate." He answered.
"I suppose so, but I can't help but worry. In the end it's a hunch, but my dad always said to trust hunches."
Beep, beep.
"Huh? Seems like he already sent me something." Makoto spoke, opening her phone.
'Already?' He thought.
...
"What the hell is this? It's just all emojis. 'It's meee, Tsukasa. heart emoji. I no-' short spelling. 'we just met, but i cudn't wait 2. phone emoji. u. I'm so haP to b friends with u MakoC. clapping emoji twice and a hot springs emoji'...how can anyone read that incomprehensible mess? But I'll need to use that to help Eiko. Thanks for being with me, Ren."
"Of course." He answered, holding her close. Ren could feel Makoto's trust in him growing as they sat there.
Priestess Rank: 6
"Just be careful." Ren encouraged as he held her hand "This guy... He's a creep. Don't let your guard down. I know you won't do anything, but if you give even a shred of something he could blackmail you with... I just don't want him to hurt you."
"Thank you, Ren. I mean it." She answered, holding him close. Ren nodded before leaning forwards, kissing her on the lips. "Hmm~, thank you." She whispered as she felt his warmth. They leaned against the diner's booth a bit, Ren almost hovering atop Makoto. One hand holding her cheek softly, the other on her side and slowly lowering itself down to her hip "Ren~, really? Right here?" She muttered, tittering gently even though they weren't the centre of attention.
They were away in a small corner, ignored by the rest of the place
"What can I say? You're beautiful." he grinned
"Later. Maybe." she responded, slapping his chest playfully
"Alright. Later." He answered, letting her slap him. He gave her one last kiss, grinning "So, grabbing lunch? Or should I head out?"
"I think I can get a bite to eat." She smiled as she picked up the menu "My treat." she added, seeing him reach for his wallet
"Fine." he sighed
*time skip*
"Ah~, brilliant." He muttered, patting his stomach gently. He was walking through Shibuya's main street. 'Alright. Let's see...' He thought as he noticed Caroline waiting outside of the Jail, where she was waiting patiently. He grinned, heading towards her. He could use a lineup change. And it had been a while since he'd seen the two for a prolonged period of time... "Hey." He waved
"Oh, Trick... Inmate." Caroline spoke as she looked at him. "It's been a while." She was blushing a bit as she looked at him, trying not to look him in the eye while gripping her baton
"Hey. Yeah." He chuckled
"Are-? Are you coming?" She asked as she pointed to the jail door.
"Yep. Missed you two." He smiled
"Sh-shut up." She muttered, letting him go as she soon followed. As Ren entered the jail, his clothes turned to his prisoner's garb, tattered and in disrepair; but it seemed to look like they were a little cleaner than before. But the weight of the ball and chains on his wrists and ankles still kept him in his cell.
Luckily the fake Igor was not there.
'Thank god. This might be easier now.' He thought to himself.
"Welcome back, Trickster." Justine, the calm one of the twins, spoke clearly and calmly as she held her clipboard.
"Hello, Justine." Joker spoke, reaching for the bars.
Caroline pulled out her baton from her belt out of reflex...but she didn't use it. It was just on instinct. "Hands off the bars, Trick... Inmate."
Ren confidently removed his hands from the bars and backed off. "Okay, okay." He smiled as he sat down. "Guess you don't want to hold hands." He teased
"Th-that's not it." Caroline blushed a little, mumbling as she looked at Justine."I must ask, do you have the persona we requested of you?" Justine asked.
"Ah, yeah I do." He nodded. "'Bugs' wasn't it?"
"Correct." Justine answered.
"And 'Samarecarm'. This one was tricky to get right." Ren responded as he summoned the Persona. Appearing in a plume of dark fire, a powerful Persona that required three different Personas to fuse. Hariti, Pixie and Pisaca; their combined result was... a teddy bear.
Floating before the three, was a plain brown teddy bear. Short stumpy arms and legs, a beige belly and muzzle, with clear amber eyes and a black nose and an open smiling mouth. It looked quite cute... save for the blood dripping from its maw and its stomach cut open that was crammed with skulls and barely strung closed with white thread.
"Ah, yes. This is it." Carolien commented as they examined it. "... And with the correct skill."
"And it's kinda ugly." He chuckled
"Not all of them can be winners, Trickster." Justine responded. "But this one is the right one." She looked down at her clipboard, frowning again
"Justine? What's wrong?" Ren asked.
"It's none of your business Inmate!" Caroline snapped, slapping her baton against the bars ... Before turning to Justine "... Is everything okay, Sister?" She whispered
"This list... I just keep thinking... Where did... It come from?" The calmer twin asked herself
"Hasn't it always been with us?" Caroline asked.
"Exactly." she frowned
"Maybe it's to do with your missing memories?" Ren asked.
"Possibly." Justine answered. "Trickster... may I tell you a story?" She asked.
"Justine." Caroline whispered.
"Sure, what is it?" He asked.
"The story of the Tarot. The Fool embarks on a pilgrimage through the numbers, overcoming death and eventually obtaining the world." Justine informed. "In short, it is the tale of one's journey through life."
Ren nodded as he looked at the twins. He knew that his 'journey' ended with his 'death', but he was continuing forwards and going to claim 'The World'.
"If you are the 'Wild Card', the potential of The Fool, that proves that you're a traveller." Caroline added.
"The stronger you become, it will lead us in the right direction." Justine followed up. "That may be the meaning of rehabilitation. Or perhaps something more."
"More?" he asked
"Yes, the one thing we can be sure of, is that this list is being completed by your dedication and hard work." Justine added.
"It's also given us something more to learn. About ourselves and of you." Caroline continued.
"Well, that's good to hear." Ren smiled as he heard that.
"Because of your influence, we have continued to grow. And we will help you and grow closer because of it." Justine added.
"You hear that, right? Take responsibility for us!" Caroline blushed.
Strength Rank 9
"Oh? Are you two asking me out on a date?" Ren smiled "You do know I have girlfriends, right?"
Both sisters blushed, with Caroline hitting the bars with her baton. "Sh-shut up! We know that!"
"Oh? So should we head out?" Ren chuckled
"I mean... I-If you're not doing anything later." Caroline mumbled, twirling her bunned hair.
"Forgive my sister." Justine apologised calmly... though she too was flustered.
"Sure." Ren nodded, "I can spare some time for you two." he winked
"Good. Y-You better take us somewhere nice though!" Caroline added dramatically, even if you could literally see the steam flowing from her ears
"Sure I will." He nodded.
"But before that. There's still one last Persona we want you to create." Justine added.
"And that is?" He asked with a confident smile.
"Seth. With 'High Counter'." Justine answered, making his smile disappear.
'Oh. Right, that one.' he thought with a flinch
"Don't leave us waiting, Trickster. We have high hopes for you." Justine responded.
"Thanks. Glad to know you care." he smiled
"Time for you to head back." Caroline pointed out. "You've still got half the day left."
"Trying to get rid of me so quickly?" He asked casually
"You probably have a lot on your plate. With this latest Palace." Justine responded coolly while hiding her blush
"Yeah, I do. But it doesn't mean I can't just abandon you two." Ren answered. "But... I guess you're right. I'll be back soon."
...
"Can I ask something before I go?" he smiled
"What is it?" The twins asked.
"Can I give you both kisses on the cheek?" He smiled, offfering it with a wink
The two attendants blushed like a pair of red tomatoes as they heard him ask that.
"Well?"
"F-Fine!" Caroline answered, stomping her foot.
"But just a quick one." Justine answered.
"Right." He chuckled, and quickly did so. A quick kiss to Justine's cheek, followed by another to Caroline's
The two touched their cheeks where Ren kissed them, it was so quick and gentle it was like a little touch of cotton. The two squeaked a little as they felt the tender touch, just as Ren began to leave and give them a pleasant memory to think on.
"Later." He waved, emerging from the prison cell. Entering the real world once more.
...
"Wait... Am I in the red light district?" He blinked
"R-Ren?" Chihaya asked as she saw him walking out from an alleyway.
"Huh? Oh, Chihaya! Hey!" Ren grinned, waving at her
"What are you doing here? Not that it's not good to see you." Chihaya asked.
"Just... Going on a stroll." He chuckled
"Oh, I-I see." the blonde blinked "I... Can we talk?" She asked.
"Yeah, sure." He nodded as he approached and sat down at her table. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing well." She answered with a smile. "Recently, my reputation has skyrocketed and a lot of my clients are leaving happy too! I even used my powers to change the fates that once seemed inevitable." She tugged her hair a little. "I suppose all you really need is a strong will to change your fate. Like what you have; I wish I could do more."
"Are you on break, Ms Mifune?" A pompous man asked as he waited outside the alley where she set up.
"M-Mr Fukurai?" Chihaya asked in shock.
"So, you're the 'apprentice' I've heard so much about?" Mr Fukurai asked as he walked to them. He was wearing a pair of white leather shoes with black soles and laces, white cleanly pressed trousers held up by a black belt, a clean white buttoned shirt under a white suit and a sky blue tie in a Windsor knot. He had a clean face and brown eyes with combed brown hair.
Ren thought that this guy looked like, to give an approximate description, a telemarketer or televangelist; someone who kept himself clean while exposing Chihaya to others. He did not like this guy. Especially after meeting that Tsukasa guy.
"I've been wondering; why are you so interested in Ms Mifune?" Fukurai asked.
"She's really cool." Ren answered, giving his honest answer.
"'Cool'? You're a strange one." He answered. "That aside, I commend your judgement in choosing Ms Mifune. Her fortunes are a light, guiding lost lambs through the unending darkness ahead."
"By the way, Ren. This man is Mr Fukurai, he's the... um. Chairman of the ADP." Chihaya informed me. "Oh right, the ADP stands for-"
"Assembly of Divine Power." Fukurai answered for Chihaya. "Our goal is to relieve the hearts and minds of today's weary souls via healing events and seminars."
'Televangelism by another name, right.' Ren thought to himself, almost discarding what he was saying.
"We also sell Holy Stones, the well from which our divine power springs. They are a large part of our business." Fukurai continued.
"Um, M-Mr Fukurai." Chihaya spoke gently.
"That reminds me, Mr Yokoda has told me that you've been acting a little 'strange' recently." He looked at Chihaya. "More importantly, it seems you've started falling behind on your Holy Stone sales quota. Is everything okay?"
"Y-Yes." Chihaya began to shrink into herself a little more. "I'll cover the decrease in revenue with my fortune-telling fees." That made him smile a little, which Ren noticed. "Um, Mr Fukurai... I'm not sure how effective the Holy Stones really are."
"Excuse me?" He asked with some disgust in his voice.
"Well..." She mumbled.
"Do you remember who showed you the way when you arrived from the countryside, lost and confused?" He asked, almost holding this over her head. "Do you remember who saved you when you were stuck in a seedy club with no place to turn?"
'He's really laying it on thick.' Ren thought as he balled his hand to a fist, and out of Fukurai's line of sight.
"It was me. Are you saying you no longer have trust in someone who has done so much for you?"
"Th-that's not it." She lowered her head.
"That's enough of this scepticism. Just focus on continuing your role as the Maiden of Relief. Read the futures of those unfortunate souls who come to us and lead them to salvation with the Holy Stones." He ordered her gently.
"Oh... this has to be a joke." Ren rolled his eyes as he could just feel the hypocrisy and greed coming from this man. He was just a businessman using the word 'religion' to line his pockets. This man wasn't a priest, he was just a predator who finds people desperate enough to make them believe his lies.
"Hmph. There is no salvation for those who joke." He answered back at Ren.
"I..."
"You don't want to go back to how things were; do you, Ms Mifune?" He turned to her again. "Don't you remember breaking down in front of me? How did everyone called you a 'monster'? If you don't carry your weight as the Maiden of Relief, you'll be exactly that. A monster"
"Leave her alone." Ren stood up and glared at him, just... finally having enough. He had been too cautious last time to get involved the first time, and he refused to do such a thing now.
"Ren..." She whispered as she saw him stand up for her.
"... Fine. If you want to spend your time fooling with this child, go right ahead. But don't forget Ms Mifune: the ADP is the only place you'll ever belong." And Fukurai left, leaving Ren and Chihaya on their own, having the last word.
Moments later, Ren sat back down and sighed heavily... as Chihaya began to laugh. "I-I've never actually worked in a nightclub! I did get tricked walking into one though. The chairman is known for exaggerating details."
"Obviously." Ren calmed down and empathised.
"You must think I'm weird, huh? Being called a 'monster' and a 'maiden'." She asked.
"You're just Chihaya to me." He answered kindly.
"Huh? N-Nobody's ever treated me so nicely before." She admitted. "By the way, it was pretty amazing how we stood up to the chairman back there. I would never have been able to talk about the Holy Stones had I been alone. But your strength helped *me* speak up. I need to be strong like you more often." She smiled.
Ren chuckled gently as he looked at her... and felt a deeper connection with her.
Fortune: Rank 6
"Even so, the chairman seems serious about the whole Holy Stone issue. He'll make me pay a fine if I don't meet my quotas. And there's a huge penalty for resigning my post. I suppose it's impossible to change my fate after all." She shook her head gently. "I should close up for today!"
"Okay, it'll be okay. I promise." He reassured her. "Tell me, did you sign a contract?" He asked "Or did you just agree?"
"It was... a verbal agreement. At first. But I did sign a contract, 'for as long as I was needed'. It said." She frowned.
"Hmm." He frowned
"I appreciate your help, Ren. Truly." She answered. "But maybe we can talk about this later?"
"Of course." He nodded "I'll see you later."
"Have a good evening." She answered as he left her booth and another customer walked up for their own fortune read.
Ren left the area and headed for the train, he didn't know what to tell Morgana about where he had been.
Knowing the cat, he'll probably laugh
"Urgh..." He sighed as he headed home.
*Time Skip*
"NYWAHAHAHAHA!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, Morgana." Ren sighed as he was right on the mark while he worked at his workbench.
"Only you, Ren. Only you would have this level of lady troubles." The cat laughed before calming down. "Ah~, so... are you going to tell your other girlfriends?"
"Of course, I am; I'm just trying to find the best time to tell them. I mean what am I going to say? 'Hey, in addition to dating all of you, I'm dating two girls who exist in the Metaverse'?" Ren lemented
"... You're dating Lavenza, aren't you?" Morgana responded.
"... Touche." He deadpanned. 'And now probably Futaba knows about this.'
beep
Beep
"Oh, speak of the Hacker." He whispered as he answered his phone.
This a time travel thing?
Ren sighed as he saw the message and rubbed his forehead. "No, not time travel..." He began to type before erasing it. "Sort of. Justine and Caroline are the two halves of Lavenza. The whole of the two." He rubbed his neck as he sat down "And she has to stay hidden. And our secret. ... BECAUSE of a time travel thing and... Look. You know I have to , and hate that I have to, keep a bunch of secrets because of the time travel thing. And this is one of them."
Futaba's response was a little later, Ren thinking that this was going to be a lot to take in.
Alright. I'll keep this secret. But you better keep this promise to make sure they ALL know afterwards.
And one more thing...are they cute? wink emoji
"Dang it, Futaba." He sighed and shook his head, knowing her gremlin nature. 'What the hell am I going to do with you?' He thought to himself as he slumped in his chair. "You met the twins already." he added with a grumble and closed his eyes.
Wishing he could just... tell everyone.
But when one of your big secrets is 'I travelled through time. I knew all of you super intimately before we even met.' you sound like a crazy person, and a creep. And a manipulative asshole.
If... if they knew...
...
Would they all leave him?
A looming shadow grew across the wall behind Joker, looking down on him...
With it's yellow eyes...
*the next day*
Ren was ready to head out once again, with his bag filled with tricks for the Metaverse and his wallet looking healthier, he headed out for the day. Having a quick trip into the Metaverse, some money made and a few assholes beaten, he was happily relaxing... when his phone suddenly buzzed
"Huh? Makoto?" He asked as he answered his phone. "What's wrong?"
"Ren. We need to talk. I... I need your help." she spoke to him "Can... we meet at the school? We can... talk in the Student Council office."
"Of course!" Ren nodded in concern "I'll be right over!"
"Thank you." she nodded and ended the call
Ren ended the call, sighing as he slipped his phone into his pocket "This sounds bad." Morgana spoke from his place inside Ren's bag
"If this is to do with Eiko, we need to get there now." He agreed and almost ran out of LeBlanc.
"And we JUST got back." Morgana groaned, the two having been in Momentos all morning...
*time skip*
Ren soon found himself in that familiar little room. The student council office, a hand running through his hair as he took a seat
"Thank you for coming." Makoto responded. "I wouldn't have called if it wasn't important."
"No, of course. What's wrong?" He asked, as she reached for her phone and clicked it off.
"Eriko's boyfriend, Tsukasa, he's been texting me non-stop." Makoto said with a slight frown
"What? Already?" He asked in shock, feeling himself grow a bit over-protective.
"He says 'good morning' in the middle of the night, because of his work." She admitted. "And does the same in the evening. Texting me with all these messages that make me feel... a bit uncomfertable."
"Does Eiko know about this?" Ren asked, a bit more interested than he had been the past this had happened
"I'm not sure, but I'll definitely tell her if he asks me out on a date." She admitted. "But... these texts, 'how's ur bf?' and 'hope u had a gr8 day 2day'. Do you think that their relationship is serious? Or do you think I'm being biassed to think that he wants Eiko's money?"
Ren shook his head and pointed to her phone. "He's definitely suspicious. No guy who's dating someone does this. He is clearly flirting with you, despite having a girlfriend and you are dating someone."
"You're one to talk." she teased, a small smile spreading across her face for just a moment
"Situations are different, and you know that." he laughed. Although he did think about his... other girl problems, and deciding he needed to speak about it. The two sharing a quick break of levity... before the serious air returned
"It just feels like a TV show; a lying host that tricks women into debt and then forces them to sell their bodies... But those things actually happen in reality. Immoral hosts, human trafficking rings. My father even mentioned to me about gangs of men who find depressed women in Shinjuku. Taking advantage of the loneliness they feel and forcing them into abusive situations. They ensure the girls are in crippling debt and have them pay with their bodies. They even go so far as blackmail and illegal immigration."
Ren raised his hand and touched Makoto's shoulder in response, worried that this was weighing too much on her.
"So many ways...and countless gangs. My father went after a particularly notorious one when he..." She frowned before she sat down on the sofa. "In the course of the investigation, he was hit by an errant truck. The impact killed him instantly." She confessed.
"Makoto." Ren sympathised with her as he sat down.
"At first I thought it was an accident... but at the funeral, I overheard my father's supervisor talking to my sister. Saying that was most likely assassinated. They suspected the driver was hired by the gang." She wiped her eyes.
"Who was the leader?" He asked.
"I don't know, the driver died in the impact too... they found drugs in his bloodstream." She answered. "Either way, they had been pushed back into the shadows because of the Shinjuku Clean-Up operation. I'm not sure any of that would have happened without my father."
"It sounds like... he was a noble man." Ren answered, thinking back to the police who hurt and abused him beforehand.
"He truly was." She smiled as she looked at him. "I wish I could be a little like him. But I've been hesitant. That's why Sae became a prosecutor to begin with. She couldn't stand by and let evil prevail over justice. That passion came from our father. Our mother died years ago, so when our father was killed, we had to survive on our own."
Ren frowned and hugged Makoto over her shoulders to let her talk it out.
"That responsibility, the pressure just fell on her. She sometimes talks about him negatively, saying 'death is the same as surrender'. But I still look up to him. I was lonely for how long he spent at work, but everything he did was nothing short of incredible. That's why he did it, to bring justice to the world around him."
"I'm sure he was happy." Ren reassured.
"Yeah. There was something he used to say all the time. 'The most important part of your life is how you choose to live it'. How have I chose to live? And how do I want to live?"
"You can figure that out now." Ren responded, pulling back a little to look into her eyes.
"Now? You're right. I can change my future going forward." She answered. "To be honest, I've been determined to follow my sister's laid path; I wanted to lighten the burden as much as possible... Oh, oh god. I called you here about Eiko."
"It's alright." Ren chuckled a little, knowing Makoto needed to get this off her chest.
"I went way off topic. You're the only person who I've told about my father." She answered. "It's a painful memory to look back on. But thank you, thank you for listening to me."
Ren smiled as he felt the depth of their bond grow.
Priestess: Rank 7
beep, beep
"Oh, it's Eiko gloating again." Makoto looked at her phone. "'Maybe I'll skip college n just get married 2 Tsukasa insted.' I guess... she's choosing how to live too. As long as she's sure she'll be happy."
Ren nodded at that, having a feeling Eiko was riding her 'love high'.
"Another message?" Makoto blinked. "'U serious abt Amamiya? Wanna hav a double wedding?'"
Ren blinked in shock at that. "Refuse her, please." He almost begged.
"Right, we need to make sure she doesn't reserve a wedding hall for us." She answered. "I can't imagine being married at this point in my life." She sent the message back. "Do you think we can do these dates more? Just to keep tabs on Tsukasa and Eiko? It's the best plan we've got."
"Sure, no problem." He agreed. "But... are you saying you DON'T want to date me normally?" he smirked
"Are you saying you don't want to MARRY me?" she shot back with an equal smirk
"Touché, Queen." he smirked, bringing his face close to hers "I have to say. I might be a bit jealous at how much that Tsukasa guy is messaging you."
"Oh really? You think I should jab my thumb into his neck?" She smirked. "Like so?" As she brought her hand to the back of Ren's neck and pushed him close.
Ren grinned and kissed her deeply as she pulled him close. Feeling her soft lips against his he let out a groan, kissing her as one of his hands placed itself against her shoulder to support himself. His other hand resting at her side on the sofa
'Wow, talking about friends, family and now making out. I'm glad I came now.' Morgana thought to himself as he slipped out of the bag, rushing into the school and hiding away to give the two some privacy
Ren and Makoto shifted, letting Makoto lay on the couch and Ren hovered over her. Kissing her deeper and deeper 'Was that-?' She thought, before Ren 'distracted' her as his hands held her close. His hands held her hips, pulling her closer. Keeping their waists close, as he broke the kiss. And instead going down to kiss her neck "Ah~, oh Ren." She gasped as she felt his lips caress her skin as she couldn't help it.
"Yeah?" He asked, his hands tracing her thighs
"B-Be gentle. And I'll try and be quiet." She whispered. "W-We don't want to get into trouble."
"It's still the holidays. If anyone shows up, it'll be Sadayo." He whispered back "Tell me to stop, and we'll stop."
"Thank you." She whispered as she kissed him on his forehead as he continued. He reached down and began to undo her top, popping button after button. Makoto blushed brightly as she felt her clothes coming undone, feeling her heart thump in her ears as she was being 'exposed'. Her shirt slowly pulled away, revealing her breasts covered in a rather plain but simple and sturdy bra
"Wow, I didn't think that you'd wear something like this." He teased, gently groping her chest.
"What? Did you expect me to wear something frilly and slutty like Ann?" she asked, not talking bad about her fellow harem member of course just that the two had clearly different fashion senses
"No, of course not. Just a little surprised, that's all." He smiled as he slipped his hands under her sided and along her back, unhooking her bra
Makoto shuddered as she felt her bra being unhooked, getting more and more nervous as this happened. "W-wait." She asked.
"What?" he asked softly
"I. This is embarrassing." She admitted. "It. It's my first time... showing them to anyone that wasn't my sister."
"Oh." He blinked "Do you want me to stop?"
Makoto nodded gently as she was getting embarrassed, a little ashamed that she wasn't quite there yet to take that next step. She felt ashamed. This was the second time she and Ren had tried to get heavier. And she kept stopping it. She knew he had slept with Ann, Shiho and Tae. As well as Ann and Tae at the same time.
Was she making him angry about this? Was she a bad girlfriend for being scared?
"Hey, hey, it's okay." He soothed, kissing her forehead softly "We'll take our time and it'll be wonderful when it happens." He reassured. "And... Well, I need to speak to all you girls anyway. Before we go back to school tomorrow."
"Yes, exactly. Very true." She nodded as Ren got off her and helped button and hook her shirt and bra back up.
"We should meet up at Tae's, if she's free." Ren smiled
"Alright, I think that would actually be fine." Makoto answered as she brushed herself off. "Must be important if every girlfriend is there."
"Yeah." He nodded
...
"It's about other girls, isn't it?" She sighed
...
"Yeah..." He sighed in admittance and lowered his head. "I'm sorry. Especially considering what we where talking about earlier..."
Makoto looked at him and could see that Ren was being honest and felt ashamed for 'hiding' something like this. But taking responsibility for his actions and talking to his girlfriends about this situation meant that this could work. "It's okay." She smiled, kissing his cheek
The two began to leave the room... And came across a familiar floofy haired girl carrying a familiar black cat
"Oh, h-hello." Haru spoke as she carried Mona. "Is he yours?"
"Nya~" Mona mewed as he was being carried in her arms and stroked gently.
"Yeah, thank you, Haru." Ren answered as they saw him. "Looks like he wanted a wander."
"I think Morgana likes me." Haru admitted as the cat was enjoying the pets.
"You look like a supervillain, holding him like that." Ren joked.
"I-I wha-?" Haru double-took in shock as she looked at herself.
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding." He reassured her. "Come here, Morgana."
"Nya." Morgana looked away as a joke before leaping into Ren's bag.
'I need to apologise to him later.' He thought. "W... What are you two doing here at the school? A-A-Alone an-and together... N-Nijima? Ren?" Haru asked a few moments of thought, blushing deeply as realised what might be going on
Makoto and Ren both blushed a bit, letting out small laughs "Oh, just... getting ready for school starting again tomorrow?" Ren lied
"Exactly." Makoto nodded, looking away
"I-I see." Haru mumbled, feeling embarrassed herself as well as sad
'Wait... don't tell me...' Makoto thought
"Sorry Haru, but we gotta head out." Ren smiled, "I'll see you later."
"Okay." she smiled "I will see you later." she waved
"Bye!" he waved, the group hurrying off
"Goodbye Okumura." Makoto bowed softly
Haru sighed as she watched the two round the corner, frowning 'Was I... too late?' she thought sadly
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 9
Strength: Rank 9
Hierophant: Rank 8
Death: Rank 7
Devil: Rank 7
High Priestess: Rank 7
Temperance: Rank 6
Hanged-Man: Rank 6
World: Rank 6
Fortune: Rank 6
Emperor: Rank 5
Moon: Rank 5
Star: Rank 5
Empress: Rank 5
Tower: Rank 5
Hermit: Rank 4