-Tokyo-
A young boy with reading glasses and his cat companion used a train station to reumite with his friends to celebrate New Year's Eve.It is now December 31st, 2017. The Phantom Thieves will have a gathering at LeBlanc Cafe. "Almost two years since we went to Tokyo. Can't wait to meet with everyone else." Ren said in a cool manner.
Ren Amamiya, also known as the leader of the Phantom Theievs with the codename: Joker. Once a teenager framed by a politician, Masayoshi Shido, he unlocked his persona to help those who cannot help themselves.
"Yeah, yeah! I can't wait to see everyone. Especially, Lady Ann." The cat chuckled.
Morgana – codename: Mona – is one of the four founders of the Phantom Thieves. The forst being Joker and his friend Skull encountered who navigates the ways in the metaverse. He was also created to aid Joker and their friends.
"Graduation will be coming up soon. This means there will be lots to do." Ren said.
Morgana seemed down. Ren notices and pats him gently on the head. He seemed to have missed being on patrol with the others to steal the hearts of the corrupt.
"Still thinking about this summer?" Ren asked.
"To be honest. I was wondering on what we should do if the Phantom Thieves aren't around anymore." Morgana stated. Now that he mentioned it, this also got Ren thinking. While he understands that the Phantoms Thieves can't be around forever. And maybe the next generation will come up. He had been thinking about the future for a little while.
"I guess you are onto something. Since you mentioned it, I do have some college plans about...photography to say the least. Maybe to write a blog of some kind." Ren said.
Morgana has a point. Sometimes I wonder what will happened if the Phantom Theievs can't be around anymore. Then again, the rest of the team might have plans of their own. Maybe when the time comes, I should probably talk to Makoto about it.
"Huh, a blog? Sounds interesting. I wonder what will you write on." Morgana adds. "Oh, maybe cover more on Lady Ann's modeling career. That should give her a raise on it. Or maybe one of Yusuke's masterpiece of his art."
"Let's not put it pass us." Ren said. "We should make the most of it while we can." He said.
"We are now stopping at Yogen-Jaya. I repeat. Yogen-Jaya."
The train stopped, so, Morgana and I got off. It was many people to pass by. But we have gone through it before. One place after the other, memories flooded.
"It has been so long since we have been to LeBlanc! I miss that fruit curry Sojiro has there!" Morgana exclaimed excitedly. His tail waving.
Then the two finally arrived at LeBlanc. Awating them was Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, and Zenkichi Hasegawa. And Sophia, humanity's companion in her creator – Kuon Ichinose's cellphone. Alongside them, there is also Makoto's elder sister, Sae. And the owner of LeBlanc, Sojiro Sakura.
"Ren-Ren! How have you been, man!" Said Ryuji. He greeted his best friend and comrade.
Ryuji Sakamoto – codename: Skull – an aspring track runner with a rebellious spirit. He is Amamiya's first friend and ally after transferring to Shujin Academy. He is raised by a single mother, whom he plans to support in college.
"It's great to see you, Ryuji. What about you, Ann?"
Ann Takamaki – codename: Panther – a model. Though beneath her looks is a fierce personality. She hopes to inspire girls to pursue their dreams and goals in the world of modeling.
"It was great! My parents had been coming to my photoshoots now and then. They offered their outfits they made for the fashion shows I will be modeling after graduation." Ann said. Then she sees Morgana and pets him. "Don't worry, I haven't forgot about you, Morgana." Morgana purred being petted by Ann.
"Has everything been alright...on your hometown?" Asked Yusuke.
Yusuke Kitagawa – codename: Fox – an aspiring artist who is a former appentice to self-proclaimed artist, Madarame. After becoming a Phantom Thief, he hopes to use his experieces for inspiration of his art.
"Everything is okay for the least. To be honest, I felt more at home with you guys. I kinda felt like a stanger after going back home the first time." Ren replied. "I was still doing some catching up."
"Well, you're stuck with us for the winter!" Said Futaba said.
Futaba Sakura – codename: Oracle. The adopted daughter of LeBlanc's owner, Sojiro Sakura. She is the daughter of deceased cognitive psience researcher, Wakaba Ishiki. A skilled hacker, Futaba acts as a navigator and provides backup for the other Phantom Thieves to analyze enemy weaknesses.
"We missed the gathering in LeBlanc, so we planned the party before you arrived." Said Haru.
Haru Okumura – codename: Noir – is the heiress of Okumura Foods. A company formerly founded by her grandfather prior to her father becoming the CEO. After becoming a shareholder of Okumura Foods, Haru plans to open a cafe for both empolyees and customers find happiness.
"You guys are right about one thing. This place is great to kick back and relax. And a good place for a secret headquarters. Plus all the good curry in the world." Said Zenkichi.
Inspector Zenkichi Hasegawa – codename: Wolf – an officer of Public Security who helped solve the case of Jun Owada's schemes of brainwashing people with the EMMA app. Following the death of his wife, Aoi, Zenkichi becomes a member of the Phantom Thieves to bring criminals to justice. And promised to be present in his daughter, Akane's life.
"Glad you like it, Zenkichi. You should hang with us more often. Akane seems happy for it too." Said Makoto. She is dressed in a uniform since she is now a member of a police force. And to her credit, she is one of the youngest members with the skills of a detective.
Makoto Niijima – codename: Queen. A young woman aspired to become a police officer following the death of her father. Once a student council president at Shujin Academy who found out the identities of the Phantom Thieves, Makoto joined them in order to expose the schemes of a mafia boss.
"Heck yeah, Big Sis! This curry is great!" Said Akane Hasegawa, who is now a first-year student of Shujin Academy. She looks up to Makoto since she met the group, but has no idea they are the Phantom Thieves, especially her father becoming one of them. Since then, Makoto had been coming over to see how Zenkichi and Akane are. And Akane would call her "Big Sis."
"Um? Are you sure it's not too spicy for you, Akane?" Zenkichi asked his daughter. Akane is having fruit curry for dinner since they are celebrating New Year's Eve.
"What?! It's not so bad. In fact, it's also sweet. No wonder my friends come to this place some time after school." Akane said taking a bite of her curry.
"Heh heh. Glad, you like it, kiddo. You and your old man should have some the next time you have takeouts." Sojiro said.
"With some fruit mixed into the curry, chances are that it will provide some calcium and vitamin C into the body." Said the AI, Sophia.
Sophia – codename: Sophie, an A.I. and humanity's companion. Created by Kuon Ichinose to learn about the Human Heart. After joining the Phantom Thieves, Sophia grew fond of them on their journey together. And thanks to this, she learned more about human emotions to the point of reaching out to her creator.
"Hmm, now I am starting to catch on the whole feeling at home thing. All this time, I had forgotten what the purpose of a cafe was for." Ichinose said.
"Hmm. Well, it helps make us feel stress-free. I come here when I was a senior of Shujin. There was another one from Gekkoukan High that I met years prior." Sae said in a somber tone. Makoto blinked as she grew concerned for her elder sister's reminiscing.
"Sis?" Makoto asked. Sae shook her head. "It's nothing, Makoto. Sorry." She assures her younger sister.
"So, I heard your new law firm will be opening after Janurary. Congrats." Ryuji said in excitement.
"It took a while. But it was worth the wait. My final papers will be delivered to the office after tonight." Sae said.
"Only ten minutes before the clock strikes 12." Ann reminded them.
"Hell yeah! Party time!" Ryuji shouted.
"Oh, boy! Oh, boy!" Morgana said.
"I've already made some hotpot for everyone as well. In case anyone is still hungry." Yusuke said.
But then, Zenkichi was interrupted by a call from the commisioner of PubSec. "Hasegawa here." He responded. "What?! At this time of night?! Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes."
Judging by Zenkichi's reaction, Ren can tell it is an emergency and have to head out.
I overheard Zenkichi's reaction over the phone. Probably the commissioner of Public Security. Whatever he got called for, it must be urgent.
"Is something wrong, Zenkichi?" Asked Ren.
"It's an emergency from the commissioner. I'll admit it was frustrating to get called for an investigation while in the middle of a celebration." Zenkichi admits. On the one hand, he knew it was necessary to see what was happening. On the other hand, he doesn't want to upset his daughter to leave for work. Since he wants to spend more time with her.
But then Akane spoke up. "Sheesh! Come on, Dad. If it's your case, just go for it already!" Akane said in a stern tone. Zenkichi was surprised by this reaction. He expected her to get upset. "Look, don't worry about it. Just finish your job. Once it's done, we can go out for sightseeing since it's winter break now." Akane assured him.
Zenkichi thought of it less than a minute before nodding. "Okay. I'll take some time when I am done with the case. You sure you will be okay, Akane?" He asked.
Akane nods in assurance. "Yeah." Zenkichi turned to the group. "I'm sorry to ask you guys too much. But can you all hang out with Akane for tonight? I got called for a case."
"You want any of us to come with, just in case?" Asked Haru.
"It's nice of you guys to offer it. But I can't. Considering the circumstances, I can't involve you all. Not right now." Zenkichi remembers with EMMA eliminated, the Metaverse is no longer available to enter. Meaning the Phantom Thieves can't help anyone as of now.
"Well, I will be coming with. I am a member of the police force as of now. So I will be assisting you if you need a hand." Makoto said. "I got called in as well."
"Want me to come with as well, Makoto?" Sae asked. Even if her younger sister is now a grown woman to make choices of her own, it still worries her. Since their father is a police officer who was killed in an investigation, Sae was still shaken. And fears her sister will meet the same fate as their father had. Makoto is the only family she has left.
"I'm fine, Sis. Just enjoy the party. I'll let you know if something happens." Makoto insisted.
Sae was reluctant. Because part of her feels guilty for thinking of her younger sister as a burden. But in the end, she still cares and loves her. "Alright. Just be careful." Sae told her.
Zenkichi and Makoto left for the upcoming investigation. Leaving us to ponder what might be going on.
Morgana's expression changed to suspicion and worrying. Ren sees this. "Something wrong?"
"I can't help but feel something doesn't feel right. This pressure is starting to feel...abnormal." Morgana deduced.
I guess no matter if we are in the Metaverse or not. There will still be shadows among the city. Morgana and I have this conversation after our last visit to the Velvet Room. According to Lavenza, there are rare shadows might be roaming around. She even said that besides us, there are others before us.
"Hey, Ren?" Futaba is the first to apprach them. She has that similar feeling as Morgana. "Come to the attic. We need to talk. Same goes with you, Morgana." Futaba adds.
"Is it urgent?" Morgana asked.
"More than that." Futaba replied.
"Is something up?" Ryuji asked.
"It's important. But you guys just continue with the party. We'll fill you on it later." Futaba said.
Just like that, Futaba, Morgana and I went to the attic. I am getting a feeling there is a warning.
At the attic, Ren, Morgana and Futaba are having a conversation about a new disaster about to strike. "Is something wrong, Futaba? It sounded like it was an emergency." Ren said.
"Truth to be told. It is. Remember when I told you about my mom's cognitive research being erased?" Futaba asked.
"Yeah, what of it?" Ren asked. Leaning against the shelf.
Curiousity grew when Futaba speaks about her mother's research. It was destroyed by a former candidate for Prime Minister, Masayoshi Shido. But something new came up.
"While you were away for a few months, I recovered some of my mom's notes. And there is something interesting in regards to Cognitive Psience. I found a few files that wasn't there before."
That was when she opened a file about new additions to Wakaba Isshiki's research. It seems she saved a few more files before Shido could get his hands on them. As Futaba showed me this, the articles dated back to 2009.
"Apathy Syndrome Case? I think I read some newspaper about this back in middle school." Ren points out.
Apathy Syndrome is a case that spreads like an epidemic. When fallen into apathy, such as disress, or despair, or having lost the will, that is when someone is rendered into a vegetative state. Alive, but unable to move, eat, or sleep.
"So you heard too? It was similar to the mental shutdown cases we have taken care of last year. And there's more. Ever heard about the explosion thst took place in Tatsumi Port Island?" Futaba asked.
"I heard about the accident. But what of it?"
"Port Island was created by the Kirijo Group. It wasn't just for products being made. But it was also scientifically advanced. Turns out there is more to the story in my mom's research than we expected. It was passed down by a friend of hers. It was passed down by her mother who was a scientist working there at the time. And one of the few survivors at the incident. Wonder why."
"Mind if I interrupt?" Ichinose knocked on the wall and brought Sophia with her. Ren and Futaba turned to them.
"We cannot help but overhear about the Apathy Syndrome case. But there is something you might want to see. I'll upload the news here." Sophia said as she searched the internet and already she found the news about a new incident.
"Zenkichi called and said that the case he and Makoto were called for was already on the news." Sophia asked. "It s urgent."
Ren was sent a notification about the news Sophia send to him. He opens it and they watched the news.
"A new incident has occurred in Shibuya Station. A young girl around the age of 14, was found in a vegetative state after collapsing on the floor. Police stated that it could be a new case of Apathy Syndrome. After medics found the symptoms. The Public Security team has advised that those who are in distress, or signs of emotional turmoil, to seek help as a warning about apathy."
"What? The Apathy Syndrome resurfacing? How...what...?" Ichinose speaks. She turned away, her face paled. Futaba notices and decided to ask her some questions.
"Ichinose-san? Was it you that send me the files?" Futaba asked. She must've know at least a little something about the 2009 case.
"Well...the thing is...I did send you the files. But I didn't hold those. A former colleagues of mine was the one that sent me the drive and told me to send it to you."
A hours before the party, Ichinose interacted with a former colleague who, for some reason, is scared for her life.
"Take this to the Phantom Thieves. I don't have much time before some thugs find me."
"And just like that, she left. The way she asked me, it sounded urgent. So I sent the files to Futaba." Ichinose explained. "Come to think of it, I remembered her mother was a researcher for the Kirijo Group. Makes me wonder if she was targeted because of this?"
"Hold on, there's more in those files. Child experiments. Orchestrated by the previous founder, Kouestu Kirijo. Artificial Persona Users? What on Earth?" Futaba then unlocks some more files about Artificial Persona Users.
It seems we are not alone. But what is this about the Kirijo Group having experimenting on children? Could this mean there is more to the story before we became Persona users?
Then Ichinose's phone beeped for a notification. "Incoming call from Zenkichi." Sophia notified. "Thanks, Sophia." Ichinose then picks up the call. "Ichinose here."
"Turn on the news, it's urgent."
Then Ren takes his own phone out and turned on the news.
"We have more reports tonight before New Years. There is a report from the police that a 35-year-old woman, identified as Dr. Mayoi Riniko, was shot to death."
The four reacted with shock. Ichinose recognized that name. And she happened to be the former colleague she was speaking about. "Mayoi?" Ichinose spoke with concern.
"Authorities said that they tried to identified the killer through a CCTV footage. But to no avail as the culprit somehow remained unseen from the areas that has cameras plaaced."
"No, this can't be..."
"Ichinose?" Sophia spoke in concern for her creator. Ichinose shaken as the feeling of fear runs through her skin. It had been many years since she coped with her emotions.
"This...this is why she sent me the files..."
Ren, Futaba and Morgana looked at each other. Trying to process the situation. Ren then turned to Ichinose. "I'm sorry. Your friend did what she could. We promise you. Whoever did this will be brought to justice." Ren promised.
"He's right, Ichinose. We will catch whoever did this to your friend." Sophia promised. Morgana and Futaba nod in agreement.
"We need to gather with the others before..." Just as Morgana was about to finished, the clock then strikes 12. There would've been a shout for 'Happy New Year.' But instead, it was met with a blackout.
"Hmm?" Ren looked around to see the lights were out.
"What the heck?!"
"Who the hell turned off the lights?!"
The lights went out. And it's not just LeBlanc. But the entire city of Tokyo. As Futaba went to check out the window.
"Whaah!" Futaba screamed in horror. Ren, Morgana and Ichinose then ran to thw spot to check it out as well. "Huh?"
"What is this?!" Morgana exclaimed.
As they peek outside. There are coffins sitting around the streets. There is also light fog. And the sky is green. And the moon is abnormal. Morgana is feeling the same pressure he was sensing earlier.
"This pressure. I knew it!" Morgana said.
"Where did those coffins came from?" Ren asked.
"Hey, it's midnight. Right?" Asked Ichinose. Her expression lit as if some idea came to her.
"Yes...Why?" Futaba asked.
Then Ryuji rans up to the others to warn them. "Are you guys seeing this too?"
"Yeah. We saw."
We went to meet with the others.
They went back downstairs. The others are waiting for. The party had came to a halt. All were in a shock since the blackout started "You guys are seeing this too?" Ren asked.
"The sky. It changed. And so did the moon. It was as if the sceneary was giving off some sort of incoming disaster." Yusuke said.
"The weirdest part. Everyone passing by was turned into coffins." Akane points out. "Are Dad and Big Sis okay?"
"I know the Metaverse existed. But this..."
Sae then paused as she felt a slight headache. "Wait. The sky...and the coffins. I think I have seen this before."
"Niijima-san?" Ren inquired.
"Sorry. There was something about the sky that felt familiar. But nothing came up yet. I just hope Makoto is okay. Wherever she is."
Ann then checked if her cellphone is working. But to no avail due to the blackout. "I can't make any calls or texts. My phone isn't working."
"Dammit! My phone isn't working either!" Ryuji exclaimed, tapping his phone many times. But it was futile.
"This...this has happened before..." Sae muttered.
Judging by Sae's reaction to the surroundings. It seemed she had remembered something from the past. Like this has happened before. Could this be related to the occurrence?
"Niijima-san? Did you know something about this?" Ann asked. Hoping it would give at least a clue. Ichinose tried to talk to Sophia, but because there is a blackout, she can't appear either. "Sophia? Can you hear me? The blackout is not letting her talk to us! I have to modify few things to get her back online."
"I don't remember too much. I thought this was a nightmare. But to think it was real..." Sae's breathing was becoming heavy. Sojiro and Akane cauaght her before she can faint. "Miss Niijima?" Akane asked. Sae regained her senses and then turned to Sojiro. "Sakura, I'm gonna have to ask for a favor. Take Akane to your home and watch over her till her father and my sister get back." Sae said.
"What?! Wait a minute! What about you guys. I can't just sit there and leave you all alone! Let me help!" Akane insisted. She doesn't know the identities of the Phantom Thieves. But to play it safe, she has to keep out of it. Especially if her father is part of the team now.
"Akane, we know. But for your dad's sake, you need to wait here. We'll check on him if it helps." Ren insisted. His voice of reasoning can put to good use. Akane reluctantly agree. And just gave it a nod. "Alright. But you guys better be safe too."
"I'll come with just in case." Futaba volunteered.
"Alright then. Let's go you two." Sojiro said as the three left the cafe to his house to wait until the disaster is averted. Leaving the Phantom Thieves and Sae, and Ichinose to plan out.
"Okay, they left. This way Akane won't know about our secret identities, for her safety." Morgana said. "Now we need to find Makoto and Zenkichi. Ichinose, see if you can try to reactivate Sophia again." He commanded.
"I'll see what I can do." Ichinose nodded.
"Niijima-san. About what you said just now. Do you have any recollection of this blackout?" Yusuke asked. "Judging by your reacrion to this, it seemed like it came from a long time ago?"
"All I can remember was that it happened in Tatsumi Port Island. Back when the case of Apathy Syndrome occurred. But there was an attack back then. I was 17 at the time. And Makoto was 10 back then. We were both on a vacation. Then some creatures came out of nowhere." Sae recalled the events. "It happened every night at the strike of 12. No power, water turns to blood, and people turned into coffins. As for Makoto, she turned into one of them. But has no recollection as she was one of the few unaware. But when midnight passed, everyone turned to normal, as of to them, it never happened. I told nobody about this, because again, I thought it was the same nightmare every night."
"So those who aren't active in midnight turned into coffins. Perhaps it was because they weren't wary enough to see through. But us? We're just fine. Could it be because we have Personas?" Yusuke theorized.
"When you put it that way, it was most likely." Said Ren.
"Hold on! Niijima-san, Ichinose-san, Sojiro-san and Akane-chan don't have any Personas, how are they still active?" Haru asked.
"I wish I am certain. But I am not. But it might have something to do with the Apathy Syndrome Case. It was as if they were targeted for something. I think this can relate to something." Sae then takes out her pistol from her hilt and readied it.
"Niijima-san? You have a weapon?" Ryuji asked. Shocked to see her weiding a weapon.
"You did mention something about the creatures called shadows. If what I saw were the things you fought in the Metaverse, I can't go unprepared." Sae said. She may be an aikido fighter, like Makoto. But to think she is also a sharpshooter, it never crossed the minds of the Phantom Thieves.
"I know as Phantom Thieves, you all are willing to fight for what's right. But because you don't have access to the Metaverse as of now, I can't let you all risk your lives. Your safety is just as important as Makoto's and Hasegawa's. So I am coming with." Sae insisted.
"Whoa, hot and so badass." Ryuji muttered, amazed. Earning a glare from Ann. "Ryuji!" She whispered harshly.
"We appreciate it, Niijima-san." Ren said. But concerned for the safety of those who don't have any Personas, especially Makoto's older sister. "But please be sure to be safe too."
Sae nodded.
"Whoa!" They all turned to see Morgana on his two feet and mask. He is in his Metaverse form. "Morgana, you're form!"
Morgana looked though a window to see his reflection. He is now Mona. "Hey, I'm in my Metaverse form again. But how?"
"Hey, our clothes!" Haru exclaimed. The team see each other and noticed that they are in their Phantom Thief clothes.
Author's note: I want to see if there will be a Persona 5 Arena going on. But nothing happened. There might be some returning characters.
Sae Niijima happened to recalled sonething in 2009. So she happened to be around the same age as Mitsuru Kirijo, Akihiko Sanada and Shinjiro Aragaki.
Tis fanfic took place around New Year's morning in 2018. But time has stopped.
I do not own Persona or its characters. As they belonged to Atlus.