Sorry for the long wait. I got hit with a strong sense of writer's block. You might be able to find the spot especially since I wasn't sure how to implement it in the story.

Chapter 22

"Hmm." A tall boy with smooth dark hair caressed his chin with his forefinger, lost in thought. "It would appear there are more undergoings occurring at your school than we originally presumed. Curious. That is what this Makoto alluded to, correct?"

The whole group had decided to hold an emergency meeting of sorts, deciding to include Yusuke in the discussion was vital as the Phantom Thieves. Station Square was the impromptu assembly they gathered at. It was the most convenient location, it twanged his heart, but Ren had to admit this was the ideal location under these circumstances. As separate schools, it would be weird if they met up in front of just one of the schools, people would notice. In this case, they took separate trains that all centrally came here. No one would think twice, they'd just assume they were all childhood friends separated by academic reasons. Not to mention, being a loud location made it too difficult to eavesdrop on their discussions.

At first Yusuke assumed they were going to be discussing Akechi's comments about the Phantom Thieves, even bringing up the mix reactions on the Phansite himself when he first arrived. Instead, they told him everything they heard from Makoto only a few hours ago.

Ryuji nodded. "Yeah. Looks like more shit is hurtin' everyone real bad. Don't know what's up, but this guy here's gotta plan."

Yusuke turned to look at Ren. "I presumed we would be discussing the accusations of the Detective Goro Akechi or perhaps your infatuation with this Detective 'Prince' Naoto Shirogane," Ren sniffed, lips perched from a suppressed fluster. The teen boy continued, ignorant to the shift in their leader, "but I must admit this issue is far more pressing. Would this happen to be the Arsenes' newest target?"

"Not yet. We're just looking into it." Ann shrugged.

"I see. What is this plan, exactly?"

Ren pushed in his glasses, looking around the whole group. "Has anyone here ever played detective?"

"Nah, sounds like a pain." Ryuji shrugged

"Kamoshida?"

"Oh... right. Never mind."

Ann shook her head, casting a sideways glance at her blond peer. "Maybe as a kid, but I never took it seriously."

Yusuke nodded. "Neither have I. I focused more on my paintings and art."

As expected, they were young so they didn't have such experience. Not to mention they were all on the 'near' opposite path of a sleuth. He knows firsthand why having a detective on your team was awesome, they had the right knowledge and had all the answers. Doing it yourself ismuch harder than one would initially think. Even Yu appreciates Naoto's profound ability for deductive reasoning, it got them out of jams more than once. That being said, he was still so satisfied with solving their case before she did.

The memory brought a smile to their leader. "It's rather simple, really. We're going to ask questions around school and see what we can find."

Ryuji scratched his head. "Is that gonna work? When we tried, we got shrugged off."

"That was because they feared Kamoshida's wrath, and at the time we already knew what was happening, we were just trying to find evidence for it. In this case it's the opposite. We're trying to figure out what is happening. Even if they fear whoever is involved, we might get a name. That's all we need after all."

Yusuke hummed. "True, but that suggests entering their palace without a unanimous vote."

Morgana popped up. "No, we vote on if we agree that stealing their heart is for the best. Since many people hide their distorted hearts it's best to understand what it's like before making a decision. We did that with Madarame before you joined up."

"I see, but how should I assist? Am I to procure a Shujin Uniform?"

Ren shook his head. "No, we'd attract too much attention, especially since we got our student council president stalking us. She'd recognize you as Madarame's pupil and use it against us. We're going to have to do this without you, but we'll keep you posted."

"Very well."

Ren rubbed the back of his neck. As relieved as he felt they were going to leave their newest member out of this, he still felt guilty. There had to be something so that they weren't just abandoning him. "How about this. You could try coming up with reasons as to why we're all together. That'll undoubtedly come up once the police notice our get-togethers. And yes, they're going to notice. So, we're going to have to explain why without it sounding scripted. Can you do that?"

"Hmm… would not our first interaction make for a good segue? We could say you all developed a fascination for art."

"Absolutely not! I'm not that kind of model!" Ann snarled.

"Yes, you've mentioned that. I was only saying you-."

"No! Think of something else!"

"Very well. I will strive to come up with a better story. In the meantime, what will you four be doing?"

Ren looked back at his bag. "Morgana can try snooping around the school and listen to any rumors being kicked up by our questions. Ann can ask around the female students about any problems going around. Ryuji can try asking around the males, but I don't know how cooperative they'll be. Try to be patient."

"You don't gotta make me sound like some delinquent."

"You're not a delinquent. You're just gung-ho. If you're too passionate they'll get scared off."

"Fiiiine. But, what about you? What're you gonna do?"

Ren sighed. "I'll go to Makoto."

"Seriously? That a good idea?"

"She knows what's going on already, so we know for certain she has what we need. I've done this before so I'm the most experienced and we can't just dismiss her."

Yusuke nodded. "Makes sense. Right now, we are seeking only information that may lead toward our next target. I wasn't expecting to find one so soon."

Ann frowned. "We haven't found one just yet."

Ryuji threw his fist out and stomped his foot with a smile. "Yah, but we're gettin' close. I can feel those assholes taking it to that Akechi. By the way, what's up with that luggage?"

Everyone's eyes glanced at the dolly holding a large briefcase and some blank canvases with a large canvas, wrapped in a velvet cloth, leaning against it. Yusuke rested his hand on the dolly's handle, facing the whole group. "Oh, I decided to leave the school dorms. They were not only filthy, but too noisy as well… No true art could come from such a place." He sounded almost disgusted at the thought.

"What're you gonna do then? You can't go back to that shack, right?"

The old house Madarame once lived. Or what many thought he lived in anyway. It was the physical location that represented his palace. Ren could understand why Ryuji would be dubious at the thought Yusuke of all people would go live there.

"I was planning on staying at Takamaki-san's- I mean, Ann's house."

While Ann looked like she was about to murder someone, Ren had to suppress a laugh.

The artist continued, not noticing the whole groups differing reactions, "I've even prepared a thank-you gift. I hope it's to your parents' liking."

"WHAT?!" Ann finally snapped.

"Introduce him as your boyfriend." Ren grinned.

"Like hell he is! There's no way he's staying at my house!"

The way Yusuke staggered at the proclamation. It was as if he thought she'd never refuse. "Impossible…"

"You're the impossible one!" Ryuji countered.

"No! He is!" Ann shot Ren a nasty look, but that only made the boy snicker further.

"But I spent everything I had on these delectable Japanese sweets…" Yusuke planted an exasperated hand on his head.

"That's not the issue here. And stop laughing already!"

Ren coughed, cleared his throat before standing straight. "Sorry. If Ann's out of the question, Ryuji?"

"Mine's too small. Plus, my mom'd never agree to it."

"Well," Morgana sung as he popped out of the bag like a mischievous little leprechaun, "seeing as Yusuke is an important member of our team… I'll lend a hand!"

"No." Ren tried intervening.

"Come stay at our place! It's dirty, but at least you'll have somewhere to sleep!"

God damn cat!

"Why're you the one calling the shots?" Ryuji chastised.

Ann however looked happier than she's ever been before. "I don't know, I think it's a good idea. Isn't it a café? I've always wanted to go visit. Yongen's not too far, is it? That makes it perfect."

Damn woman! Sure, he deserves it, but damn her!

Undeterred by the evil glint in the girl's eye, Morgana bobbed his head. "Yep! I'm glad you approve, Lady Ann. It's only a minute walk from the station, too."

"That's great! How about we go there now? We can have a party to celebrate Madarame's change of heart!"

"Ooh, good idea! We can make it a welcome party for Yusuke too!"

Ann grinned manically at Ren, clapping her hands together with a pseudo air of innocence. "All right, it's decided!" Then immediately strolled off down the stairs to the train with Ryuji close behind her.

Ren sniffed. There was no point arguing, was there. Ann's attack was a critical strike and the all-out-attack from everyone else was just the finishing blow. Nice play, Ann, nice play.

Yusuke watched the two stroll off, but he remained where he was. He looked over at the leader and said, "Sorry to cause you trouble."

Yusuke, you're such a kind soul. I'm so sorry for being so critical of you.

"By the way… I prefer sleeping on a futon."

"You're getting the couch!" Ren growled.

"I see. If I must." Yusuke trailed after the two ahead of them.

Morgana beamed over from Ren's shoulder. "It'll be up to you to convince the chief."

"You're getting dry cat food!"

"WHA! What'd I do!?"

\/

The smell of hot pot, filled the air, the open lid of the large pot wafted the smell into the noses of everyone gathered at the table. Though all stomachs were full, the potent aroma still pleased Ren's nostrils. He was able to convince the Sojiro into letting Yusuke stay overnight, and even paid the café manager a couple thousand yen for the inconvenience. Startled by the teen's generosity, Sojiro just handed the bills back saying he'd just let it go just this once, especially since Yusuke had nowhere else to go.

With that off his shoulders, Ren was able to ask for the large pot while everyone else went out to buy the ingredients for their celebratory meal. Thanks to all, they gorged themselves to their heart's content leaving satisfied stomachs all around. It was one of the more peaceful times Ren's had the past few months. In that bliss, Ann was asleep, Ryuji was full of food, Yusuke content (though oddly dissatisfied with the lack of udon and porridge), and Morgana fascinated with watching the sleeping form of the girl on the sofa. Why he expected that to last, Ren will never know.

Yusuke looked up from the table. "By the way, Ryuji… how do you know Ann?"

"Huh? Oh, we went to middle school together."

Morgana perked up, "What was Lady Ann like back then?"

"Not so different from now. Once we got to high school, we ended up in different classes and stopped talkin'. I don't think she had many friends. I mean, she grew up overseas, plus there's her looks. The popular kids hate her; the quiet ones stay away."

"I see…" Yusuke leaned forward in deep thought.

A sense of foreboding clawed its way into Ren's chest.

"So, what about you two?" Yusuke waved a hand between Ren and Ryuji.

Ryuji looked over at Ren, "Us?"

"This is a great opportunity to get to know each other better. You know every detail of my past at this point. It's only fair you tell me every detail of yours."

"Well…" Ryuji shot a cautious glance toward Ren. Ren didn't meet his eye. The blond tried shrugging, looking unimpressed. "Well, my story is just about a rotten kid. It's not that interestin'."

"Ditto."

"Dude, your past is nothin' like mine."

"Ditto."

"What's that supposta mean?"

"Ditto is what ditto does."

"What?!"

"It's simple logic, Ryuji."

"You're trynna confuse me, aren't you!"

Yusuke rubbed his chin. "I believe he is attempting subterfuge to divert the subject off course. Is the past a rather sensitive subject for you, Ren?"

You suck! Ren cleared his throat and pushed in his glasses. "Something like that."

"Hey, guys!" Morgana pounded his paws on the table. "We really shouldn't try pushing this! He's made it clear before that he'd prefer not to discuss it!"

"Normally I would concur, however our heist in Madarame's Palace has brought to light that he has more experience than one would expect from an amateur. Especially when one considers you have all stated your very first palace was your former teacher, Kamoshida. How is it he could recognize the strengths and weaknesses of Madarame's paintings as if it were second nature when he begun around the same time as all of you?"

"Well... that's..."

"Is it not only fair we are given some clarity if he has any knowledge of this metaverse?"

Ryuji nervously scratched the back of his neck, sending Ren a few sideways glances. "I mean... It's kinda weird, you know. How's it you know so much 'bout that place? You even shouted 'Persona' when we first got in Kamoshida's Palace. Yet you said it was your first time in one."

"It was." Ren muttered darkly.

"Then what's with when you got Arsene? You even shocked Morgana with all that skill."

"Beginner's luck."

"Against one or two, maybe, but you took out a whole load of shadows. And on your own?"

"Baffling beginner's luck."

"Get serious!"

"Hey." A small voice spoke up from the couch. Everyone stopped to stare at Ann as she pushed herself up to face them all. Her eyes averted from Ren's for a brief moment. Then her gaze hardened before looking up at him. "We do deserve to know more about you by now. You've learned everything about us, can't you just say something?"

Ren let out a sigh, crossing his arms and leaning back. "I... you could say I have... memory issues so... it's not that I don't want to I'm just... confused and stuff." What was he supposed to say? That's the clearest he could explain it without them going off on him for 'joking around some more' or 'avoiding the subject again.'

"Like amnesia?"

"More like dissociative fugue."

"Like what?"

"Uhh- it's nothing. I'm just saying that my past confuses me and I'm still sorting it out. It's not that I don't want to share it, I just can't really explain it."

"I see." Ann stared down at the floor for a moment then looked back up, her face softening. "Could I ask you about something then? About something I've noticed."

That she's noticed? He's thought he's been doing a good job at hiding it, and since it's so completely abstract there'd be no way Ann could have had some modicum of revelation. However, his... Yu intuition was firing off warning sirens that shook him to his bones. Swallowing his nerves, he pushed in his glasses, "I... guess."

Ann opened her mouth, then she closed it in hesitation. With a new found resolve she looked straight into his eyes and said, "What is... your relationship with Shirogane, the Detective Prince?"

Ren's jaw clenched and he could feel a twitch flicking away under his eye. Out of anything- ANYTHING she could have asked she had to hit the nail on the head of his sorest spot. The other three looked confused looking at her then each other before resting on him.

With an indignant cough he shoved his glasses roughly back up his nose. "That's a rather strange question, don't you think? Just because I hold her in high regard doesn't mean I know her personally."

"That's what I thought at first, but..." She peered down at something in his hand.

Looking himself, he could see the bandage still wrapped tightly around his finger. Grimacing he tucked the injured hand under his arm to hide it from her.

Ann sighed, casting him a listless expression of exasperation. "Ever since Akechi was introduced as the Detective Prince you got... so angry. I mean... you didn't even notice you were chewing your finger off till after the whole recording was over. And that's not including the way you defended her against everyone's backtalk either. You really care about her."

For some reason, for some inexplicable reason, the rage he felt, the anger swelling within, vanished. Hearing her say that... if felt... like someone got him. His posture sagged and his hardened gaze fell to the table. His vision grew hazy and his heart heavy. All the energy he had resisting them dissipated leaving his consciousness in a foggy haze.

A trembling hand came up and he repositioned his glasses. "I... I..." Unable to take it he took off his glasses and massaged his two fingers on the bridge of his nose, fighting the streams clawing their way forth from the corners of his eyes. Taking a deep breath through his nose the raven-haired boy pulled his hand away and nested his glasses back on his face. Without looking up to see their expectant faces he nodded his head. "Yeah... Yeah, I guess... I could tell you all that of all things."

Everyone's posture changed, more attentive and giving him their undivided attention. Their silence was appreciated, as the ball was rolling and if it stopped, Yu might just not be able to get it rolling again. "To be honest... I... I met her in... Inaba. There were these murders... Strange deaths, you all know of them right? I mentioned them."

"Yeah, you did. I also read how Naoto Shirogane was a part of that case. I was wondering if there was a connection." Ann replied softly.

Yu nodded. "The murders attracted her and since the police were so confused she wanted to... prove herself by solving it. At the time everyone thought she was a boy and she... well... you get it, that's where the Detective Prince came from."

"Makes sense." Yusuke nodded.

"That's where I met her."

"Did she save you from the killer or somethin'?" Ruyji asked eagerly.

Yu snorted, a genuine smile gracing his lips as he peered up at the ceiling. "No... actually... I was the one who saved her."

"Huh?" everyone's faces distorted in perplexion, but he couldn't blame them. He did tell everyone she was the one who saved him.

"The killer kidnapped her and tossed her into the metaverse. I ran in and was able to get her out, that's when I found out she was female. We worked together and... we were able to figure out the killer was Adachi. During the whole ordeal we got closer and... well..."

"You fell in love." Ann finished for him.

He shrugged. "Yeah. I ended up confessing to her and everything. She got all flustered and ran off... never expected her to come back and..."

"Wait! What?!" Ryuji jumped. "But she's gotta be... like five years older than you! She's been dating a kid the whole time?"

Ren paused, the jovial cloud that had been casting a light upon him this fleeting moment was blown away by reality. He forgot. He wasn't Yu, he was Ren. Naoto wasn't his girlfriend... she never was... and still she held such a special place in his heart... he wasn't going to accept their relationship wasn't real. Out of everything he couldn't lose that. Not that. In his heart he still had her badge, still had her watch. He wasn't going to let these emotions go.

Taking a deep breath, Ren jumped to his feet and clapped his hands together, "Well. I think that's enough talking about that. I've got some laundry to do. Still got all those dirty rags from Madarame's Palace and everything. You guys can continue the party, make sure to finish all the... food... yeah." Ren then spun around and snatched up the laundry basket before rushing down the stairs leaving his stuned teammates behind.

Ann turned and glared. "Way to go, Ryuji. Just when we finally got him to open up."

"What? It was a legit question. Isn't it a little creepy some teen girl would date a kid that much younger than-?"

"What's it to you?! It clearly mattered to him! You only made him feel self-conscious about it!"

"Yeah, yeah. My bad." Ryuji hung his head, scratching his hair.

"I'm not sure this helps, but I've acquired a photo of our scandalous sleuth." Yusuke lifted his phone.

"See! I'm not the only one thinkin' it's weird!"

Ann's cold glare silenced any further retort from the blond.

Morgana leapt up onto the table and jogged up to their newest member, "May I?"

Yusuke turned the screen for the non-cat to view. Morgana's whiskers bobbing up and down as he appraised the photo. The photo was a female resting her hand on her hip and speaking to a police officer at what appeared to be a crime scene. Her slender frame was wrapped in a tight blue coat. Adorning her bluish-hued hair was a blue cap with a dark rim. The only indicator that she was female was her rather petite physique and feminine face.

Ann leaned in, appraising the photo as well. "She's pretty cute."

Ryuji cocked his head to the side. "She's not really having those assets though." Looking at her chest everyone could see it was as flat as the male officer she was speaking to.

Ann deadpanned the boy, "A person's more than their body you know."

"Yeah, I know. I'm just sayin', if she looks like that it explains why everyone thought she was a dude."

"She's probably just wearing a chest binder. Something to flatten her chest."

"Why'd she do somethin' like that? Wouldn't that be painful?"

"Well... it depends on her size... look, I don't know why she would wear one, I'm only saying she might be."

While the two bickered, Morgana continued staring at the photo in silence. For some reason his friend cares deeply for this woman. For better or for worse, the least he can do is respect her just as much. Tte best way he could do that was to learn more about her. In fact, it was all he can do, especially as the team's analyst.

\/

"Mhh...MMMMM" Ren sat up in bed, stretching his arms up to the sky. He rubbed the sleep form his eyes as he threw his legs over the edge of bed. Again... another 'dream' with that' Igor.' The imposter was going on about how interesting the relationship he had with his friends and how similar they were. That annoyed him to no end, but he was able to keep his tongue. It grew harder when the long-nosed freak gave him a 'gift.' Now Ren can hold more personas than before. It wasn't much of a gift considering Yu never had to go through that. It was never a 'gift.' Just how condescending was this bastard going to be?

Grumbling, the teen stood up from bed. A black blur stepped up to him. "You're finally awake."

He blinked down at the cat... non-cat. "I'm hungry."

He saw the blur drop its head. "That's the first thing you have to say to me? You guys sure do eat a lot. That reminds me, I haven't seen Yusuke around. Maybe he already went downstairs?"

Yusuke? Ren took his glasses off the shelf and put them on. He looked back at the now clear-looking cat curiously. Then his memory caught up with him. There was a momentary compulsion to apologize, but he drowned that out quickly. He still didn't want to reopen that discussion.

However, the temporary resident was already downstairs? He got up before the cat-alarm? Wait, why was there no cat-alarm? He should not question it. Tomorrow's may be worse than ever.

Ren quickly changed into his casual clothes and skipped on down the stairs, but only to an empty café. He quirked a brow and looked over at Sojiro who turned around from his display of coffee beans to look at him. "You're finally up. You know it's past noon."

Ren shot a look at his bare wrist, grumbled and looked up at the clock on the wall. How'd he sleep in so much? Morgana was too generous today. That is a scary thought.

Ignoring the mannerisms, Sojiro stared over at the door, rubbing the end of his beard with his hand. "That kid ended up going back to his dorms. He left this painting before he took off, though. Supposedly to thank us for taking care of him."

Ren looked over, his eyes landing on the painting in question next to the clock. "Sayuri." He muttered. The painting that was Madarame's treasure and the heart of his distorted desires. Not to mention, the painting that Yusuke's mother made which Madarame stole just to become as famous as he was. The subject in question was a woman looking down at a newborn baby with such care and love in her eyes. Yusuke's mother holding Yusuke after he was born. A painting of a mother's love.

"It's rare to see a kid acting so grateful these days." Sojiro chuckled. "And this painting is amazing. Not only is the mother stunning, but the expression on her face... the regulars will probably freak out when they see it in here. Still... I feel like I've seen it somewhere. It's a bit different from how I remember it though."

Ren looked at the painting again, but not as the Sayuri. A mother figure... it made him think of... not Yu's mother like he used to think on, but Ren's. He still couldn't picture the woman's face but... a memory came forward. A loving memory. He was sick, so sick he could hardly move. He was confused, battered, scared. She was there, laying him on her lap and stroking his head with such warmth. She hummed something and stayed with him all night. The pain was gone the next morning, and he could see her smile. A warm smile, but... it wasn't motherly. It was something else.

A dark hand wrapped around his heart. The seize made him shut his eyes as his breathing ramped up. He forced a deep breath and settled his startled chest. Whatever happened, it was over in a flash. He rubbed his face and blinked away the fog in his eyes. Sojiro was there, staring at him with a strange look in his eyes. "You alright? You suddenly spazed out."

"I'm good."

"In that case, I opened shop hours ago, so go take the cat out somewhere."

Ren blinked, then sighed. Speaking of parental affection, he felt such fatherly love from this man.

Post Note: If you couldn't tell where the block was it was with the group going into Ren's past. I knew I wanted him to discuss something and the most relevant fact still keeping him grounded is Naoto (Also, I know in the true ending of Persona 4 she begins wearing female clothing in the epilogue, but she's wearing the same outfit as she did throughout the game for a specific reason. I thought this out and am not neglecting that fact.)

Knowing I want him to talk about Naoto I wasn't sure what he would say, how it would be discussed, or how it would even be brought up at all. I was able to pull this out so I hope this was good enough, but I wouldn't mind some recommendations if any of you can think of a better course. For the moment this is the best I have and I've already taken too much time just to write this one small, time-sucking section of this story.