Requiem of the Trickster

By FeaganofLegends

My re-imaginging of Persona 5 Royal! Enjoy!

Story Legend:

Locations- Bold/Underlines

Thoughts- Italics

Normal Text- Actions

"Normal Text in Parenthesis"- Dialogue

Bold and Italicized- Persona-related dialogue

Prologue: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Someplace in rural Japan

A year ago

Ren sighed as he checked his phone. "Damn it! I'm going to be late!" He then hurried along down the street towards his house.

The sound of a woman's scream suddenly drew his attention. He jerked his head in the direction of the scream. That sounds like a woman. She seems to be in trouble. He then changed direction and headed towards the direction of the woman's scream. As he got closer and closer…he began to get a glimpse of what the commotion was all about.

The car lights from the abandoned car helped illuminate the situation.
There was a young woman dressed in a ironed white blouse and and a black pencil min-skirt. She had on stylish black heels.

There was a bearded older man near her. From the looks of it, Ren could tell that he had been drinking. "Come on! Stop wasting my damn time and get in the damn car already!" He had his hands drunkenly roaming all over the woman's body. He was trying…and failing to get a grasp of her white blouse. "Stop! Leave me alone! Let me go!" The woman cried.

As Ren got closer…he heard her again.

She was trying desperately to wriggle out of his grasp. "I'll call the police!"

The drunken man snickered. "Go ahead! I own the town! I own the damn police! They are all my bitches!" He then continued to fondle and grab at her body.

Ren finally caught up to the two of them. "Hey! Let her go!" His voice was loud enough to draw both their eyes to him.

The woman let out a sigh in relief as she turned to him. "Please…help…me…"

Ren then landed a punch across the man's cheek. This caused him to drop the woman as he staggered back a bit. Blood pooled from his forehead.

The brunette woman then rushed over to Ren and hid behind him cowering a bit. "Please! You must protect me! He's trying to assault me!"

Ren gave her a nod and pulled out his phone. "Don't worry. I'll keep you safe miss."

The would-be rapist again glared at Ren and began spouting drunkenly. "Hey…who d'you think you are punk? Getting in on my fun?"

Ren then glared his grey eyes at him and raised his phone screen at him. "One call asshole…and the cops will be here in any minute."

The drunken man lurched forward a bit, forced himself to straighten up, and laughed out loud. "D'you…even realize who you are talking to kid? I'm a politician. An important man You are nothing but a spec of dust to me."

Ren stiffened but did not back down.

The drunken man swayed a bit again and then growled. "Ungrateful bastards. You should all just sit down, shut the fuck up, and do what I tell you. I'm the one who runs this damn country."

The woman, finally garnering some courage, took a step and glared at the older man. She was shaking all over. "I-I'll squeal. About everything I've seen you do."

The man then flashed his nameplate at them.

Ren couldn't see much of it. But could see it looked important. "No you won't. Say one word and I'll ruin you."

The woman cowered back again man then glared at Ren. "You. You just assaulted an important man. I'm going to bury you. I'm going to charge you with assault."

Ren blinked. "Not when I tell the reason why. All I need to do is make the phone call. There is a witness."

Shido then chuckled. "That's what you think." He then stared the woman down. "One peep about this and I will run your reputation down to the ground bitch. Here's what you're going to do. The cops are going to come. You are going to tell them that this…" He scowled again at Ren, "...delinquent…assaulted me without cause and reason. You are going to tell them everything or so help me I will ruin you!"

The woman cowered in fear again and glanced between Ren and the older drunken man. Soon the sound of police sirens was heard.

Two uniformed officers rushed up to the three of them. "We got a report of a disturbance up here. What's going on?" Their eyes widened when they saw the drunken man. They then saluted him. "Sir!"

The drunken man gave them an acknowledging nod. He turned to the young woman with a venomous smile and adopted a shocked tone as he held bleeding forehead. "Tell them. Tell them what happened."

Ren just blinked in shock. What? What is going on? I don't understand what is going on.

The woman then turned to the drunken man and then to Ren. She then shook her head and spoke in a low tone only Ren could hear. There was an apologetic look in her brown eyes. "I'm sorry. For what its worth…I'm so sorry. I need my job." He blinked and gasped, "What?"

She then turned to the officers and pointed to Ren. "This…young man violently attacked…." She then pointed to the drunken man, "...This man and beat him down. I saw it all go down myself." Ren was speechless. What? No. I tried to save you. I tried to help. I…" He then spoke up out of fear. "What? No! She was being attacked! She was…" He wasn't able to get anymore words out as the two cops quickly surrounded him.

One then forced his hands behind his back and cuffed him, speaking in a cold tone. "Save it kid. We got a witness. Hope you enjoy jail."

Ren tried to resist the arrest even trying to pull away from them but this was a futile effort. The men began dragging him off to their squad car. He was now flailing and shouting to anyone who could hear. "No! This is bullshit! This is bullshit! Let me go!"

The woman glanced at him, wiped the tears from her eyes and shook her head. I'm so sorry. Shido just grinned at her. And so they all fall in line…as they should.

Chapter I: Welcome to Leblanc

A year later

Leblanc, Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo, Japan

Ren let out a long sigh as he approached the door to Leblanc. Well this seems to be the place. This day couldn't get possibly get any worse. He grunted with anger as he pushed his way through the door. The sound of a bell jingle rang in his ears. As he looked around, he spotted a much older man dressed in an white apron. His face was aged and he sported a black goatee. "So I tell you…she was quite the looker…"

The door closed drawing the man's attention to Ren. His cheerful expression left his face. "Oh right. The delinquent." He then turned to his customer and sighed, "Sorry about that. I forgot hired a part timer."

The other man then nodded. "Not a problem. Thanks for the coffee Sojiro." He then left his tip and walked off and out the door.

This left Ren alone with the strange man. He already didn't like the way he was looking at him. Wow. He just looks like a judgemental prick. This is going to be so much fun.

Sojiro then sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Alright. Let's get this over with. My name is Sojiro Sakura. I happen to be the fool who was been unlucky enough to take you in." He then sighed and shook his head. "I've also read your case. Criminal record. Charged with assault. All because you tried to protect a woman from getting assaulted." He then shook his head and grunted, "That will teach you to meddle into the affairs of adults.

Ren said nothing and just glared with his gray eyes. Sojiro nodded. "Not much of a talker. Heh. I suppose that is to be expected." He then beckoned Ren with a hand speaking coldly. "Anyways. Follow me. I'll show you to your room. Don't touch anything." He then walked up the stairs. Ren followed.

Attic, Leblanc, Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo, Japan

Ren and Sojiro stood there in the attic not saying a word to each other. There was clutter all around the room.

Finally, Sojiro cleared his throat. "Okay. Rules are simple. Stay out of trouble and don't steal anything from the store. Need I remind you that you are on probation? You give me the slightest bit of trouble and I call the cops and kick your ass out of here. Capiche?"

Ren spoke, his tone cold, "Loud and clear Sakura-sama" Sojiro studied Ren with a questioning look and then sighed, "Good. We're going tomorrow to enroll you into Shujin Academy." He then sighed, "Try not to misbehave alright? This is your last shot. I doubt you'll have any options for an education if you get expelled from this one."

Ren again nodded with an angry look in his eyes. "Yes sir." Sojiro just let out a rueful sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Good. Glad we got all that out of the way." He then started to walk but stopped at the head of the stairs. "Get some rest. You're…gonna need it kid." His phone then went off. "Yes?" He chuckled as a female voice answered. "I'll be right there." He then continued to walk down the steps.

Ren just sat himself down on the bed and ran his hands over his face. A new school. Fun. Just fun. He then laid on the bed..

Shujin Academy, Aoyama-Itchome, Tokyo, Japan

The next morning

Ren and Sojiro stood in front of Principal Kobayakawa and Ms. Kawakami.

The portly principal then put his hands together focusing his gaze on Ren. "Okay Amamiya-kun. You do have a full understanding of your situation correct? We know of your record. One mistake and you are out of here."

Ren just stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded, speaking in a muted tone. There was a cold glare in his eyes. "As I told Sakura-sama…I understand perfectly Kobayakawa-sensei. I'm not looking to start trouble. I just want to graduate and be done with school."

Mr. Kobayakawa nodded and spoke coolly, "Good man. Keep your head low and you will do just fine here."

Ren muttered under his breath. "Yeah. Like you really mean that."

Mr Kobayakawa then gestured to Ms. Kawakami. "This is Sadayo Kawakami. She…" He paused for effect. "...is going to be your homeroom teacher for the school year. She is one of the finest instructors we have at this academy. Please be sure to not give her a hard time."

Ren then met Sadayo's eyes for the first time. He blinked and forced a bow sighing. "An honor to meet you Kawakami-sensei."

The woman blinked at him. He actually called me sensei. That…is…unexpected….from a delinquent. The woman was pretty, young, of medium height and of a slender build. She had dark brown unkempt hair, dark brown eyes and what one would call a long and sleepy face. Sadayo sighed in exasperation as she looked upon him. "Principal Kobayakawa…why me? Shouldn't Amamiya-kun be with a male teacher?"

Principal Kobayakawa turned to her and grinned. "Ah Kawakami! You sell yourself short! You're a great teacher!" He then shook his head grinning again, "Besides your class was the only class that wasn't full."

Sadayo turned to the older man and muttered under her breath. Right. Of course. She then sighed in frustration. She met Ren's eyes for a minute then looked away. "I…understand Principal Kobayakawa. I will do my best."

Ren just glared at her saying nothing.

Sojiro let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his head. "Right. Okay. So…we done here? I've got a cafe to run."

Principal Kobayakawa gave him a understanding nod. "Yes. Thank you for taking the time out of your important day to visit us Sakura-san." His face then hardened. "Please be sure to let Amamiya-kun know of the stakes."

Sojiro nodded impatiently, "I will." He then turned to Ren, "Alright kid. Let's get a move on." He then walked out of the room.

Ren said nothing and followed him.

Sadayo's eyes focused on Ren for a moment and her lower lip trembled. Why him? What have I done to deserve this? A student with a criminal record…in my class. She then sighed and called out to Ren in a forced, professional tone, "Amamiya-kun."

Ren turned to her, his eyes still cold and detached. He was barely able to hide the frustration and anger in his voice as he turned to face her. He then forced himself to bow. She could hear it in his voice. "Yes Kawakami-sensei?"

She sighed. A part of her felt a bit guilty for being so cold and detached to him. It wasn't everyday that a student referred to her by her professional title. Or even bowed in respect to her. She shook her head as she crossed her arms at him. "Two things. Please be sure to come by the faculty lounge so I can introduce you to the class tomorrow." She then raised a finger in the air. "Second and please…keep this in mind….if you break any of the rules here at Shujin Academy…I can't keep you from being expelled."

Ren just glowered at her but sighed and bowed again. "Yes. Kawakami-sensei." He then stormed off. Principal Kobayakawa grunted. "Seems he understands his circumstances. Good."

Sadayo said nothing and just crossed her arms sighing.

Hallway, Shujin Academy, Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo, Japan

Sadayo was walking back to her classroom when she came face to face with Mr. Kamoshida. Seguru then smiled brightly at her. "Kawakami-sensei. How are you today?"

She forced a smile, "Fine Kamoshida-sensei."

He nodded. His face then darkened, "I hear you took in the student who got charged with assault. Sorry to hear."

Sadayo just crossed her arms and sighed inwardly. "Yes. I keep hoping he won't show up to school tomorrow." She then shook her head.

Seguru growled in annoyance, "I hear Principal Kobayakawa is doing it to brighten the school's reputation." He scoffed. "You'd think with all the success I've had with the volleyball team that such actions would be unnecessary."

Sadayo nodded numbly , "Yes. Of course." He sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "If it were up to me…scum like him wouldn't be allowed ten feet into this fine institution."

Sadayo gave him a nod. "Of course." I really wish he would just shut up sometimes. Such a sanctimonious asshole. Seguru sighed loudly and exasperatedly as he let down his shoulders. "Guess it can't be helped though." He then grinned at her. "Anways…I got a volleyball practice to run. Be seeing you." He then walked off.

She sighed inwardly, not meeting his eyes, "Be seeing you."

Somewhere near Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo, Japan

Sojiro grumbled as he hit the horn, "Come on! Hurry it up!" He then growled and turned to Ren, who was in the backseat. "You're taking the train starting tomorrow you hear me?"

Ren said nothing to him and just nodded.

Sojiro sighed as he leaned back in the car seat. "Ah…it's all those damn train accidents. People have decided to drive themselves today. Great." The radio suddenly went off. Tokyo News today. We are reporting that trains are still being repaired in Shibuya due to the unfortunate crash that occurred yesterday. There will be a delay of twenty minutes. That will be all.

Sojiro grunted, "Speak of the devil." He shook his head. "Might as well change the subject. How do you feel about all this now? Think you're going to do okay?"

Ren just crossed his arms and coldly nodded speaking in a bitter tone, "I think so. Like I said…I just want to graduate at this point."

Sojiro nodded, "Good. Very good. You got a criminal record. The cards are all stacked against you y'know. Best not to gamble around too much." The older man then focused his eyes on the road and no conversation was held afterwards.

Leblanc, Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo, Japan

Later that day

Sojiro and Ren walked up to the attic.

Sojiro then sighed. "Alright. I recommend you clean this stuff up and get some rest. You got school tomorrow. It would be unwise of you to ditch."

Ren said nothing and just gave Sojiro a nod. He looked all around. The clutter was all over the place. Great! I'll have to clean this all up!

Sojoro's phone then went off. "Hello."

The man then smiled, "Don't worry. I'm on my way." He then hit the end button and put the phone in his pocket. "Alright. I'm going. Try not to burn the place down while I'm gone." He then walked off down the stairs.

Ren just grunted and sat on the bed. Life is great. Just great.

Leblanc, Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo, Japan

Thirty minutes later

Ren was about to go to sleep when he heard a phone ring. He quickly reached into his pocket and blinked. My phone isn't blinking. So what is making that ringing? He then began walking down the steps and spotted what was making the noise.

It was a yellow payphone on the cafe counter.

He sighed and picked it up. "Hello?"

To his displeasure…it was Sojiro. "Hey kid. I forgot that I didn't flip the sign to CLOSED. Can you do that for me?"

Ren sighed in frustration. I could tell you to go eat shit but that would just get me into more hot water. Fine old man. I'll do it. He then cleared his throat and nodded. "I hear you sir. I'll do it right away."

For the first time…he heard Sojiro chuckle. "Heh…thanks kid. You know you may not be so bad after all. You've got manners after all. Maybe I was a bit too hard on you today. I'll see you in the morning."

Ren nodded barely controlling his frustration , "See you in the morning sir."

He then put the phone on the receiver and facepalmed.

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