Welcome to part 3 of Second Chance! I hope you enjoy this travel through Strikers!
Prologue: Summer Plans.
July 17th, 2017.
Police meetings. Boring affairs, to be sure, but important, nonetheless. Even more so for PubSec, keeping watch on the coming and going within Japan. Especially after the fiasco with the SIU, Tokyo police, military and Diet corruption scandal from Shido and Yoshiki.
How tyrants like them came to power baffled all of them. As well as shamed them that they failed to even see it coming. And that it took a group of unknown vigilantes to bring them down, who they couldn't even identify. It was a tough pill to swallow for a good majority of PubSec.
Yet one man seemed to not mind as he sat in this meeting, watching the slides go by before the speaker became serious.
"…Next on our agenda list is a series of incidents involving unusual behaviour in public. First, we have the Vice-Minister of Finance. As you are all aware, he had some sort of episode during a Diet Session Q&A and abruptly confessed to document tampering. Thankfully, he was not appointed by Yoshida-san, and his popularity remains strong."
An older woman sitting at the front keeps a hard glare on the picture, as the slide continues on.
"Soon after that, three Sapporo Central Council men confessed to bribery and publicly resigned. Next, the well-known author, Mr. S. He announced at a press conference that he was retiring from writing, returning his books' awards and deeming his body of work garbage. Then a newscaster suddenly got down on one knee, confessed his love to his co-anchor on live T.V., proposed to her… and was shot down."
The man hid a wince at that. The poor lad must have been heartbroken.
"Lastly… the Director-General of Criminal Affairs unexpectedly stripped off his clothing and ran around H.Q. until successfully detained." That got a chuckle out of the man, earning himself the ire of the astute woman.
"Something amusing you, Inspector Hasegawa?" She asks with no amusement in her voice.
"It's nothing, ma'am. Just had to clear my throat for a moment." Hasegawa deflects, clearing his throat. The Meeting facilitator does the same as he continues on with the meeting.
"The vast majority of these cases have been interpreted as nothing more than bizarre outbursts. But, time and again, every instance involves a sudden change in personality. Furthermore, none of the individuals involved had any known psychological issues before these incidents. Therefore, we can summarise that these cases are the result of external influences."
Murmurs spread through the room, a very uncomfortable feeling settling on everyone's shoulders.
"Aren't these just coincidences? Are you really implying someone out there's using mind control?" One of the officers asks with slight worry.
"The cases I have listed are only a small sample of this behaviour. Which appears to be happening across the entire nation." The Meeting facilitator replies with a grim look, highlighting just how severe the situation is.
"Hmmm… Sounds like the Phantom Thieves to me." Inspector Hasegawa comments, eliciting a surge of rumours in the room.
"I want silence." The austere woman commands, ending the murmurs before turning to the facilitator. "Proceed with the report."
"Thank you, Commissioner Kaburagi." He tells her before turning back to the room. "As you may have realised, or some of you have, these cases are very reminiscent of last year's Change of Heart epidemic. The top brass have thus concluded that this is indeed the work of the Phantom Thieves. While some believe that the recent advancements in medicine due to Cognitive Psience are to blame, neither of these incidents had any relation to that particular field of medicine. And so that possibility has been shot down."
"But what evidence is there!? There is no established pattern!" One of the inspectors calls out. "And if it is the Thieves, shouldn't there be Calling Cards?"
"Not only that, we don't have a motive! So far, doing it for kicks is the only thing that can explain it. Hardly fits with the Thieves MO." Another one calls out. "That and the complete silence we've had from them since Shido."
"Which is why you will investigate these for yourselves." Kaburagi tells them. "As quickly as possible. What I expect from you is two things. One: is to assemble enough legal evidence to make a case. Two: to do it as quickly as humanly possible. The higher-ups are hellbent on closing this case, even threatening to use illegal evidence and false charges. I do not know why they are so desperate, nor do I agree with such extreme measures, but it doesn't matter. What I need are results so we can avoid incarcerating innocent people on false charges."
"But we don't have any suspects on the Phantom Thieves! No one has been able to figure out their identity." Another inspector says with a frown. But Kaburagi smiles at him.
"We may not have solid evidence, as the SIU files had all been deleted from a virus. But we do have one single piece to go off of." As she says that, a single picture appears on the screen. Showing eleven teens and a single cat hanging out at a park in Tokyo. "This is the only thing to survive the wipe, and as it stands, our main suspects to the Phantom Thieves. However flimsy it may be. Show me a thorough investigation of their lives. Their identities and connections. Leave no stone unturned. I want us to be completely sure that they have either zero connections or are the Thieves themselves before we make a move."
The room falls silent as every member takes in the faces of the group, with Hasegawa focusing on the man with shaggy black hair and the woman with short brown hair and matching headband.
"So, the Phantom Thieves rise again… But why, after over half a year of silence?" He asks quietly, memorising each face in the picture. "One thing is for sure… This will be a busy summer."
July 18th, 2017
Another hot day in summer. Not that it surprised Sojiro, working away in the cafe. To anyone else, he would have seemed like a normal café owner with three adopted kids. But he had a secret hidden under his visage. And glancing at the door leading to his adoptive son's room, he couldn't help but crack a smile at how he became the same as them in February.
Up above in the attic, a room decorated with red and black walls with small hints of blue, proper living amenities and a ceiling was a group of eleven teens and a black and white cat. All were sitting around a table chatting to each other with grins on their faces.
"Who would have imagined we would be allowed to go on summer break six days early, huh?" Ryuji asks, wearing a red sleeveless vest and long black shorts.
"Well, Kawakami-sensei did vouch for us. And we all did come in the top ten at school." Mishima replies, wearing a sleeveless blue t-shirt and similar coloured shorts.
"Yeah, after you guys put us through those study sessions." Ann comments, wearing a white t-shirt exposing her stomach and very short blue denim shorts with sunglasses on her head.
"It worked, didn't it?" Shiho asks, wearing a sleeveless green t-shirt and white jogging shorts. "Now we get an extra six days to enjoy summer."
"What should we do then?" Hifumi asks, wearing a purple shirt and black trousers. "It would be boring to stay in Tokyo for the entire holiday."
"I second that." Ren suddenly says. Himself wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans. His fake glasses were long gone, but he instead had a pair of sunglasses on his head. For the summer, of course. "Sure, Tokyo is nice, but I've been here for over a year now. Two if you include our time-travelling adventure. I'm itching to get out and see something else for a change."
"I share that." Makoto replies, brushing some hair back. Wearing a short black leather jacket over a white shirt and black leather trousers. "Anyone have any suggestions?"
"How about a camping trip?" Sumire asks, wearing an outfit similar to Hifumi but silver a silver top instead, with a cream short-sleeved top over it. "We could do a mini trip around the Kanto region."
"In that case, how about a trip to Kyoto as well?" Yusuke suggests. He was wearing a designer black top with a silver tree and white trousers. Although he also had a long grey zip hoody on top. Despite the heat outside. "I'm sure to find inspiration if we tour each temple and shrine."
"Same old Yusuke… Never change, man…" Morgana quips, loafing on the table. His yellow scarf is forever with him.
"C'mon, Inari! Not all of us want to go temple watching." Futaba replies, shaking her head. Wearing a yellow T-shirt and black shorts, with a cap nearby to shield against the sun. But like Yusuke, she was also wearing a green overcoat on top. Ren couldn't help but wonder if either of them felt the heat. Then again…Yusuke did have an ice Persona… Not that it explained Futaba…
"I think a camping trip sounds wonderful." Haru agrees. She was wearing a long pink dress and a clear white top while a large hat rested on her lap. "We all need to get out of Tokyo."
"We could go hiking during the day and throw a barbeque during the night!" Ann says with a wide grin, one that was matched on everyone in the room. Apart from one.
"B-B-Barbeque!? Aren't those always b-big gatherings for people who socialise IRL?" Futaba asks with a nervous look. At least, that is what it would look like to anyone else.
"Come on, Futaba. We've saved the world three/four times already. I think you're over this by now." Ren replies, shaking his head with a smile. "Besides, it would only be us. No one else." Futaba sticks her tongue out at him as the group chuckles at them.
"In that case, you can leave the firewood chopping to me." Haru says with a sweet smile. Yet everyone felt a small chill gown down their spines. Even in real life, Noir still scared them.
"By the way, I wonder if we can get Boss to come with us? He's been cooked up in the café for who knows how long." Ryuji comments, looking between Hifumi, Futaba and Ren. "Think either of you could convince him?"
"Dunno." Futaba replies, shrugging her shoulders.
"But it's worth a try. We should bring Isara along with us. It would be rude to leave her here by herself." Hifumi admits.
"I second that. Either way, we have a plan." Ren comments, leaning forward. "Let's start getting everything ready."
"All right, I've got just the thing!" Futaba announces, pulling her phone out. "Hey, EMMA, list recommended camping gear."
"I have compiled a list of items recommended for camping. There is a sporting and travel goods store near the 705 in Shibuya. Customer reviews rate this as the best relevant store in your area."
"Thank ye kindly." Futaba replies, scrolling through her phone while everyone else watches on.
"What's that Futaba? Another creation you've made?" Morgana asks, trying to get a look at her phone.
"Nope. It's a new app that's been out for a while. The virtual assistance app, EMMA. You guys haven't heard of it?"
"I think we have." Shiho replies, nodding her head. "It knows everything, right? While also finding out what is best for you?"
"Yeah. It's got this eye that thinks for it, right?" Ryuji asks jokingly, although he was shot a 'look' from Futaba. Who did not find the joke funny.
"I think you mean 'A.I.', senpai… seriously." Sumire replies with a sweat drop. "If Isara was here, she would not be happy." Ryuji chuckles in embarrassment, knowing that the now sentient model could and would tear into him. She really was a second Futaba.
"Anyway, Ryuji's bad joke aside, that's right, Sumi. It stands for 'Artificial Intelligence'. And EMMA is sort of like Isara in a way. Only Isara is fully sentient. EMMA, not so much." Futaba confirms with a happy smile. "It can search all kinds of databases, conduct navigation, manage your schedule, even talk out logic problems and stuff with you. The makers go on about how you can ask it anything and it will give you the best possible answer."
"That sounds very handy." Ann comments. "It might even be useful for our camping trip."
"Don't take my word for it. Download it and give it a try. It's just like downloading a normal app as well, so no freakiness like with the Meta-nav." As one, the group pulled their phones out and downloaded the app. Noting that its creator was Madice. Futaba sent friend requests to everyone the moment they all created accounts. It was surprising how fast and easy it was to get it all sorted.
"This is impressive…" Hifumi comments, looking at the recommended products. "These are all high-end equipment while also being reasonably priced as well."
"That's not all, sis. It also takes into account the weather, the season, your personal profile and even your location. All to give you the best options to you." Futaba tells her with a wide grin.
"Damn…. That's scary when you think about it." Mishima remarks, looking at his phone. "But there is a lot on here. We should split up to get what we need."
"Alright, in that case." Ren comments, looking around. "Ryuji, Morgana and Yuuki will come with me to the 705 building. Makoto can go with Hifumi, Futaba and Sumire to get the food we need, while Ann, Yusuke, Haru and Shiho can grab the other items that we need."
"Divide and conquer. I like it. But that can all wait until tomorrow." Makoto comments, leaning back. "We've only just started our holiday today. No need to rush things."
Agreeing on that, the group stayed upstairs, chatting with each other and playing games or watching films as the hours ticked on. Before they eventually came for them to head their separate ways for the night, Sojiro watched them come downstairs with a glint in their eyes.
"I see that glint in your eyes. What are you kids up to? Something happen with the Shadow Operatives?" He asks in good nature as everyone piles in downstairs. It was empty, so he was running no risk of asking about it. But it was a surprise when he learned that the Phantom Thieves were recruited to this secret organisation to tackle anything related to the Metaverse all the way back in March when they visited Inaba. With him and the other confidants with invitations to join if they ever feel like it. But so far, all it functioned as was an easy way for all three groups of Persona users to get in touch.
"Nah, nothing like that. We're going on a camping trip and are getting supplies tomorrow." Ryuji comments with a grin, with Sojiro stroking his beard.
"A camping trip, you say? That sounds nice. But how will you get around?"
"Well, Ren-kun, Mako-chan and I have our licenses. Maybe we could get a camper van?" Haru suggests, missing the look she was getting from Ren and Makoto. "Although… There is a problem of finding one that can fit all of us."
"We could get multiple vehicles, but that could lead to problems down the road," Makoto remarks with a worried look, but Sojiro already has an idea.
"You leave that to me. I think I have something that can work." Sojiro tells them with a smile. "If not, then I'm sure Kirijo-san can help. You kids do remember the support she was giving us, right?"
"Of course we do. Thanks, Dad." Ren replies. "By the way, do you want to come with us? It would be a nice change of venue than staying Leblanc all summer." Sojiro looks at them, seeing the eager faces on all of them before heaving a sigh.
"Sorry, kids, but I can't." The Thieves groan in sadness at the answer before Sojiro gives them a smile. "But next year will be different." The group cheer to themselves for the quasi-win while Sojiro shakes his head in good nature. One by one, each of the members of the Phantom Thieves leaves the café, with Makoto and Ren sharing a single goodbye kiss before separating. Leaving him and Morgana alone in his room.
"So, we're taking a couple of days off camping, huh? It'll be nice getting out of Tokyo. Talk about a nice way to start our summer vacation."
"Yeah." Ren replies, looking out the window. "I won't lie. While I really do love living here, part of me does want to see some nature for a change. And not in a park."
"Definitely." Morgana replies before hopping off the bed for his own cat bed. "Anyway, let's get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow. Good night, Ren."
"Good night, Morgana." Ren replies before letting his head hit the pillow, letting sleep take him in seconds. Something was telling him this would be a summer to remember.
The sound of a piano playing gently around him while the soft vibrations of a train wake Ren from his slumber. Opening his eyes, he finds himself once more in the Velvet Room, taking on the form of a train sailing through a starry sky.
"It's been a while, hasn't it." A soft voice echoes from the front of the train. Looking to the far end, Ren smiles as he stands, looking at two very familiar people once more.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room." Igor greets softly. "It pleases me to see you doing well, Ren."
"The same to you. Igor, Lavenza." Ren replies, giving the two a nod. "But something tells me this isn't a social call like the other times."
"I am afraid not." Lavenza says with a frown. "We have come to warn you of the danger that threatens to once more consume both yourself and the world, which you have all worked tirelessly to change and save."
"A most loathsome prison it is." Igor confirms. "And, even though the Velvet Room does not show it, you and your family have become 'prisoners of fate' once more."
"So much for a relaxing summer vacation." Ren comments, shaking his head. "Then again, we Persona users are the only ones who can stop this. So, what is it this time?"
"We are not sure." Lavenza replies. "Even now, someone plots to lure you all into a disastrous fate. But whether this evil is influenced by Nyarlathotep or some other force is still unknown to us. At the very least, we are sure that there is no 'Domination' ahead of you."
"Thank the Arcana for that." Ren comments. That memory of Maire still haunted them.
"Indeed." Igor replies. "So, tell me, Ren. Have you the resolve to defy such a fate and face the distortions that yet again threatens your world?" Ren looks at him before smirking with his usual confidence while folding his arms.
"You already know the answer. We did it three times, and we sure can do it for a fourth time. No matter what." Ren replies confidently as Lavenza smiles with gratitude, and Igor claps his hands.
"Magnificent. I knew you would not let us down, Ren."
"Yes. That is the Trickster we know and love." Lavenza agrees with Igor. "What awaits you ahead are more of the same—no, even greater hardships than before. However, you must never forget. We are always by your side, Ren."
"We know." Ren replies with a smile, hearing the whistle blow of the train. "Time to wake up. I'll be sure to let everyone know tomorrow. We won't get caught unprepared like with Salmael."
"That we are sure of. I shall visit the other Wild Cards and inform them of what is happening. Whether they will be able to help is an entirely different matter." Igor replies, folding his arms. "We shall meet again, but until then, sleep well, Ren." And with that, Ren's vision goes dark as he returns to his sleeping body. Prepared for whatever comes next.