I know what I said about the next chapter but I feel the trip deserved it's all chapter

Disclaimer: I own nothing in this.

Persona 5 Royal Fanmake Crimson Arc Chapter 4

Day Before the Trip

The next day Aqua rode the train and overhears people talking about the Phan-Site as well as a famous person from TV being seen on the train. As she was walking to school she hears two female students talking

"Hey, that calling card sent to the Lysandre exhibit. Do you think…" a Gentle Girl said to her friend.

"Yeah, I think it's just like the one sent to Gaston." Rumor-Loving Girl said thinking "People online are saying the Phantom Thieves are behind this. There's already a Phan-Site with a bunch of requests posted on it."

"I can't believe there are real-life superheroes." The Gentle Girl said giggling. "If it's happened twice, it's probably going to happen again. Can't wait to see who's next."

Aqua smiles hearing that. She then reaches class and the lesson was with Starlight Glimmer.

"Sounds like a lot of people are going to be on that trip to the studio tomorrow. DO you guys get to see the show too?" Starlight asked smiling "I wouldn't mind seeing that. I like talk shows…ooh, and variety shows! Wonder if they'll talk about the Phantom Thieves. They certainly get plenty of attention on TV and the internet."

"Though I'm a little worried about what might happen if the media gets people too riled up…" Starlight said sighing. "Oh, that reminds me. Have you guys covered totalitarianism yet? It's a governmental structure that unites its people under a single ideology and authoritarian control of the masses. In theory, it brings the people together under one ideal. That definitely comes with logistical benefits…But it also means forcing ideals on people. Assimilating the unwilling. And that's how wars get started."

"All right, Aqua. Here's a question." Starlight said getting Aqua's attention "Where does totalitarianism take things a step further than authoritarianism?"

"I think it's controlling public thought." Aqua said thinking.

"Wow! I'm surprised you knew that." Starlight said smiling "Yes, a totalitarian government tries to control the culture, morals, and even thoughts of its people. To minimize dissidence, they try to assimilate everyone into one ideology. Even reading the room can be seen as a form of personal assimilation. You all do that too, right? I try to, though I'm not great at it. It's not a bad skill to have. It can even help you survive the modern world." She sighs "But you can't do it too much. If you make an echo chamber, then the people whose opinions differ might get hurt."

The class and Gatomon were again impressed Aqua got it right. Aqua smiles as she feels herself smarter due to this.

"I'd like to remind you all to keep a strong sense of self and an open mind, so we can disagree and still live in harmony." Starlight said smiling and checks the time "…I guess class is almost over. That's it for today."

"A strong sense of self, huh…?" Gatomon said thinking "We need to make sure we don't lost sight of what we believe in, too."

"True that" Aqua said nodding.

We come to lunchtime where Alexis is in the courtyard going to the vending machines and as she is deciding she overhears two girls talking.

"Sounds like the principal's trying to get info on the students. Why do you think he's doing that?" a Loud Student asked.

"It's probably became Mr. LeGume, right? Considering what happened with Aoi…" a Sharp Student said thinking.

"Hm…?" Alexis lets out and listens more closely.

"I heard Principal Lionheart knew about the sexual harassment too and just turned a blind eye to it." the Sharp Student added. "I bet he wants to snuff out any rumors now. Even the volleyball team was told to keep quiet…

"That's the worst…So that's what he's using J for?" the Loud Student asked surprised. Alexis was surprised hearing that.

"Oh yeah, rumor has it she knew as well. Isn't that horrible? She acts all noble about it too." the Sharp Student said to that.

"J knew…?" Alexis said to herself in surprise and thought. She clenches her hand and storms off.

We then come to Principal Leo Lionhearts office where J was meeting with the principal about the notice.

"What is the meaning of this, Principal Lionheart? Why did you post that notice?" J asked him.

"It was all for your sake." Leo said with a smile. "I thought the more information you had, the easier your investigation would become. And? Did any information arise about the case I asked you to look into?"

J sighs and said "Nothing yet. I will pass the details if anything comes up. Right now, there is a more pressing issue…" She stands at attention "It appears there are students at Citadel who are being threatened by a criminal organization." Leo eyes widen in shock. "A student who saw your posting came to us looking for help…I'd like to request a countermeasure."

"Isn't this some sort of mistake? I can't believe this would happen to the students of our academy." Leo said to this. "Now is no time for such problems. There is still lingering concern regarding the Phantom Thieves…"

"But we received a request for help…" J said to him.

"I-I'm rather bust at the moment. If you wish to do something, you will need to act on your own." Leo told him panicked.

"…Sir?!" J said to that shocked. "Are you sure about this? I am still investigating your case as well…"

"Y-Yes, that's correct. It works out perfectly!" Leo said with a smile. "My intention have borne fruit. This criminal organization must be the connecting factor. If you pursue this criminal issue, you'll surely find clues about the Phantom Thieves!"

"But that's absurd…" J said to that.

"So…let's say this rumor is true. Do you intend to ignore those students in trouble?" Leo asked her with a firm look.

"I…" J said looking down not sure what to say.

"Your sister would have solved this easily if she were in your position." Leo said with a smile. "My expectations of you are very high. I hope you don't disappoint."

J looks down sadly and rubs her arm conflicted.

We come to Aqua and Alexis in class during the afternoon and a notification comes in the Dragon Gems group chat so they get their phones out.

"So, what kind of person would be a bigger target than Lysandre?" Uzi asked in the messages.

"Hmmm…." Alexis messages. "I wonder…I guess it'd have to be someone who's the talk of the town?"

"That's quite a vague prerequisite…" Zane points out. "Don't we have any more specific ideas?"

"Hmmmm maybe a famous celebrity?" Aqua messages.

"Ooh, that might be a good one!" Alexis said to that suggestion.

"Either way, we'll need a lead before we can begin anything." Zane said to that.

"We'll just have to look for that as we go…" Alexis said.

"If only there was a big target just lying around for us…" Uzi said and that was the end of the messages.

Soon with was the end of school and Aqua was getting ready to leave.

"Hey, tomorrow's field trip is to the TV Station, isn't it?" Gatomon said to Aqua smiling "Maybe our next target will be a celebrity?"

Aqua nods in agreement then gets a IM from Ventus which read "Senpai, do you have time today? I was thinking I need to make good on our deal. No time like the present, right? We can start hammering those basics into you anytime!"

"It would be nice to get started on building the Faith Card." Phoenix said with a smile.

"True, but still why is it black and only has five stars." Aqua said nodding and responds with "Sure."

"Thank you!" Ventus replies "Then how about we meet in Everfree Park?" There was a part where he was typing but a delay as he then puts "Oh. Sorry, I never know when this phone is actually working…Anyway, Everfree Park, then. I'll see you there!"

"He really needs a new phone I feel." Aqua said smiling and heads for Everfree Park.

Aqua meets up with Ventus but in their gym clothes and they have trained a bit already.

"Not bad, Aqua. You're pretty flexible, and you catch on so fast!" Ventus said smiling. "At this rate, you'll have the fundamentals down in a heartbeat."

Aqua nods but sweats a bit as she think 'My body is aching just from mimicking Ventus' poses…'

"It's all about the harmony between the internal and external oblique muscles…I can't get enough of it!" Ventus said nodding.

"We're just getting started." Aqua said

"Indeed, it's just the beginning" Phoenix said in agreement.

"Well! Feisty, are we? I'm glad to hear it!" Ventus said with a smile. "Expert-level gymnastics are beautiful, but they demand a lot of stretching. All right! Let's continue!"

The two continue as Aqua stretches with Ventus. Soon the two go to a nearby bench and sit down to rest.

"I think that's enough stretching for now. Good effort, Senpai!" Ventus said relaxing. "And, um…I'd like to continue with out training, but…I'm actually not doing so great at the moment, so I'm not sure I could manage anything too strenuous."

"Next time, then." Aqua said to him.

"I agree no need to rush" Pheonix said with a nod

"Thank you for understanding." Ventus said with a smile. He sighs and says "Do you remember how I said I wanted to talk to you about something? I've been feeling like…I'm stuck in this slump. No matter how much I practise, I just can't get any better. I went to my coach about it, but…He told me to take some time off from gymnastics. According to him, I need to think about who I really am. The idea's not to stop doing gymnasticsd, just…she wants me to take a break."

"I see." Aqua said thinking.

"It is understandable" Pheonix said nodding.

"I've never had an issue that practice couldn't solve. But now…I have no idea what to do." Ventus said sighing. "So…Um…I want you to help me, Aqua." He smiles "Even if we're not doing gymnastics, will you still keep going out with me?!"

"No problem." Aqua said smiling.

"Yeah, no harm in that." Pheonix said in agreement.

"R-Really?! Thank you so much!" Ventus said to that. "I've heard my coach praising me. He says, 'Ventus' greatest weapons has always been his boldness.' And honestly, that used to be true. I was totally fearless, confident…Gymnastics was a fun challenge." He sighs "But ever since I started high school, I've been in a slump. I got taller, for one, and there were some other…complications. I can't move who I want anymore. Like it's not even my own body. I kind of fell into a depression. It got pretty bad."

Ventus smiles and said "But when you helped me in Beacon, something occurred to me…When I saw how fearless you are, how confident you are…I knew you were the right one for the job! If I stick with you, Senpai, I think I can learn how to be confident again!"

"Well then just leave it to me" Aqua said smiling

"Yes, we will help you get confident again." Pheonix said with a nod.

"Great! Thank you!" Ventus said with a smile and chuckles "You're a strange one, Senpai. I didn't think you'd accept. Well, I'll try and return the favor through our deal!"

Aqua nods sensing Ventus' appreciation…indeed and notices the Faith card going up to rank 2 and a new ability Tumbling which allows Aqua to avoid being surrounded by enemies in Palaces.

"Oh, excuse me." Ventus said getting his phone out when it was dinging. He then said "I should get going. I have a meeting with my coach! I need to get going for today…but I'll make sure you don't regret this!" He stands up and bows to her before leaving.

Aqua smiles as thanks to Ventus' training, she feels like her stamina increased, meaning she can feel like she can take more damage. She watches as Ventus rushes off to the distance and heads home herself.

As she approaches Leblanc, her phone rings as she answers it and heard Ventus said "Thank you very much for joining me today, Aqua. Are you feeling sore after all that? You placed stress on muscles that you don't use very often! Please remember to massage them out before you sleep. But I'm so glad you accepted my request!"

"I was so relieved, I suddenly got really hungry…and then my stomach would stop growling in my meeting." Ventus added chuckling.

"Impressive." Aqua said to that

"Yeah, don't hear that everyday" Phoenix said nodding.

Ventus chuckles and said "Thank you very much. Though I don't know that's really worth any praise…An excessive diet tends to make most people feel sick, but it seems to have an opposite effect on me. But since you're helping me out, I'll do whatever it takes to maintain my shape!"

"Understandable." Aqua said with a nod.

"I hope you can help me next time, Senpai! I'll be reaching out again soon." Ventus said smiling. "Well then, I'll talk to you soon!"

Aqua nods and ends the call and enters Leblanc.

After Aqua got in her phone messenger dings and she looks at the Dragon Gems chat.

"You know how we're going to that TV station tomorrow, yeah?" Uzi messages "I'm thinking we might find our next target there."

"Oh, that's right!" Alexis said in agreement "We're always hearing gossip about the dark sides of celebrities…"

"You're absolutely right." Aqua messages nodding.

"With that much money, they've probably go their fingers in all sorts of dirty business." Uzi points out.

"Hm…" Zane messages thinking "That phrasing has quite the immoral ring to it…"

"Geez, you always react to the weirdest stuff…" Uzi messages.

"Anyway, we get to observe a live recording of a show, right?" Alexis asked moving the conversation around.

"Ooh, maybe we're going to be on TV!" Uzi message excited.

"We'll just be in the crowd, remember? Any TV appearance would be for like, two seconds." Alexis points out.

"Hm. Try not to pull any fanciful stunts to garner attention, okay?" Zane messages and that was the end.

Aqua gets dressed and then heads to Beacon to meet up with Penny there.

"The Phantom Thieve have finally made their big primetime debut!" Penny said to Aqua when she sees her "Info has stated pouring into the Phan-Site too. I'm going to be a busy bee! So you did the request I asked you to do. Thanks!"

"Hey, so I figured out another way I can help as your strategic image management representative." Penny tells her smiling "It's a great deal for you, of course. Are you free today?"

"Sure, I am willing to hang out." Aqua said nodding.

"We'll be going to an expensive buffet over in Beacon." Penny said smiling and chuckles "Don't worry about the price though! Come on, follow me!"

Aqua follows Penny and they arrive at the buffet she, Alexis and Uzi formed the Dragon Gems officially at.

"Heheh, today's my treat!" Penny said with a smile. "Phantom Thieves are all about fancy stuff like this, right? That's why we're here! Oh, and it's just the two of us, so don't be afraid to go all out! What do you want to eat?"

"Well steak sounds good." Aqua said thinking on it.

"Doesn't it? Meat's perfect for tough girls like us!" Penny said smiling. "By the way, this place is all-you-can-eat, so let's make sure we get our money's worth. Anyway, I posted on the Phan-Site that I had connections to you guys. The Phandom really ate that up."

"Wait, huh?" Aqua said surprised and concerned.

"Don't worry though! I didn't say anything that would point to my real identity." Penny said smiling "I did end up talking about how expensive it is to run our little organization though. The donations I got after that were pretty…generous to say the least. The donations I got after that were pretty…generous, to say the least."

"That much?!" Aqua said surprised

Penny nods and said "But I guess our loving sponsors just wanted to show some support! Not bad for strategic management, huh?"

"You're amazing Penny." Aqua said to her.

"Eh, it was a piece of cake for someone as skilled as me." Penny said with a smile "Let's take advantage of this windfall as much as we can! Oh, and it's okay to consider this meal as organized expense, right?" She thinks then realizes something "…Wait a minute! I've seen on the news that using donations for stuff other than what's publicized is a serious crime…Food is definitely an acceptable business expense…but can the same be said of an expensive buffet…?"

"Hmmm…" Aqua lets out thinking

"The more I think about this whole thing, the less I think we should use the donations here." Penny said pondering it "I mean, people would get mad at a politician for using tax money for personal affairs. The same probably applies to the Phantom Thieves. I guess returning the money would be the best choice…"

"You're right." Aqua said with a nod.

"Yeah. We really need to make sure we keep the image of the Phantom Thieves clean in our fans' minds." Penny said nodding. "I think I'll return the money and thank the Phandom for their generosity. They'll love that! It might be a waste of some nice resources, but it's all good as long as it boosts our popularity, right?"

"Man, maybe I was born to do this strategy stuff. I'm honestly getting pretty good at it." Penny said thinking "Don't worry, I'm still gathering info on the forum too. I actually have a few solid leads right now. Everything so far has been close to home, but these next ones are going to blow your socks off!"

Aqua smiles feeling Penny was particularly enthusiastic today. She then sees the Moon Card rank up to 4 stars.

"So, if we're returning the money…how are we going to cover our meal?" Penny asked and sighs "I'm flat broke…" Aqua sweat drops "I guess let's just go home."

Aqua agrees and heads home. When she nears Leblanc her phone rings, it was from Penny and she answers it.

"Oh, Aqua? Sorry for dragging you out for no reason again…" Penny said sighing "As strategic image management rep for the Phantom Thieves, I wanted to splurge a little to boost morale, but…I guess it ended up being pretty good for our PR in the end, right?"

"Yep" Aqua said with a nod.

"Yeah! Right?" Penny said in agreement "It was kind of rough avoiding the employees' glares on the way out, but…we go to stay positive! There's still so much I have to do for you guys. I'll work even harder. I want to be a real asset to the Phantom Thieves! Okay, bye!"

"See you Penny" Aqua said and ends the call, tomorrow was the trip to the TV station, so she should get plenty of rest.

Well that was fun some boosts to Faith and Moon and next time (for real) a meeting of rivals.

Please Read, Review and Suggest. Thank you.