1,909Chibi-Uzami: No. We are not redoing this story, to put it simply
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Yep. She gets all the head pats and cookies
UltimateCCC: Yes it did. Because Ren, at least in his current mind set after going through this once and the year in near isolation and then the half a year of doing this again... he is basically work obsessed and not looking after himself. Over relying on Morgana a bit.
Codename-ShadowFox: Is a bit of drama, is also an excuse to get Ren out of the way, is basically Ren and Morgana trying to force Ryuji to grow up a bit... but also Ren just isn't caring about himself. He's relied a bit too heavy on Morgana and caught up in his own head
Nexus240: Just ask Lucifer
Majestic Star Arceus: He put his foot in it more or less the same way in the game. We just amped it partially because Morgana HAS been more mellow to him in this playthrough
Obiki Doragon: Big agreed. Just wanted to smack both Ryuji AND Morgana around the head
Here are some reviews answered by Ghost:
Obiki Dagon: Yeah, it was hard for us too. Especially in hindsight with watching walk-throughs.
Tony Anderson: that's true, we've given Shiho more agency than the main games.
Majestic Star Arceus: Well, this is the butterfly effect and how things have changed for The Phantom Thieves.
Nexus240: Yep! I bet that was a surprise for many of you.
Neo Infinity: don't worry about it. There are things I forget about our stories.
StevieBond: Yep, one of the original rebels.
UltimateCCC: Err, yeah. Ren has essentially an alarm clock with Morgana. It's been keeping him focused.
Shooting Star Dragon 3000: Well, it also doesn't help that Morgana antagonises him. Des Shinta's review has been pointing that out for me.
DragonReaperKing: Holy moly, I thought I was a fast reader.
Fluffydragon: thank you for re-reading our story. I hope we've kept you entertained.
Disclaimer: We do not own Persona 5. That belongs to Atlus.
Co-written by GhostKaiser23
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Heya guys. I am posting this a week later because of IRL stuff, lol
I hope you all enjoy the chapter
Persona 5 New Game Plus, Joker's Second Chance
Chapter 57
Repairing What Was Broken
The Phantom Thieves found themselves outside the Metaverse, back in the train station as they where all panting "That. Sucked." Ryuji panted as he leaned against the railing.
"How. Many. Shadows?" Shiho asked.
"Too many." Oracle agreed.
"My legs. Feel like jelly." Ann frowned.
"A mutual feeling." Yusuke agreed.
"Where's? Where's Makoto?" Shiho asked.
"Right here. Urgh." Makoto groaned as she stood up after a deep breath.
The group collected themselves as they caught their breaths. "Anyone for a drink?" Futaba offered, trying to think of something to do.
"I'll take a soda." Ryuji rose his hand.
'You!' Shiho frowned before sighing. "We need to regroup. Because I don't know what else to do."
"Alright, we'll regroup. Where to? The nearby cafe or back to LeBlanc?" Makoto asked.
"I don't think the booths are big enough to accommodate all of us." Yusuke commented.
"LeBlanc is safer." Futaba muttered, still having some of her anxiety but also knowing they could speak more openly. "Or my house."
"Will it be busy at LeBlanc?" Yusuke wondered.
Futaba shrugged. "Better there or my house than speaking about it here."
"I suppose so. Where's Ann?" Makoto asked.
"Oh, she grabbed Ryuji and said something about the vending machines." Shiho responded.
'Oof.' The group collectively thought.
"I suppose we do need some refreshment. The trip back was exhausting." Yusuke agreed.
"When Morgana comes back, I'm gonna appreciate him more for how much travel exhausts him." Futaba admitted.
"Hey, we've got drinks." Ann spoke up as she carried two bottles, while Ryuji was carrying about six and looked defeated.
"Why did you convince me to carry these?" Ryuji groaned.
'Retribution, probably.' Makoto thought as she took a drink.
"We're just deciding to head back to LeBlanc. Ren might be awake and we need to get out of here." Futaba informed.
"I hope we won't intrude." Yusuke apologised to Futaba.
"Sojiro knows you guys. It'll be fine." She responded.
*At LeBlanc*
Sojiro was at his station, brewing up a kettle of newly ground coffee, the smell of the fresh brew permeated the air and was getting attention by the current patrons. "How's the coffee?" He asked his patrons.
"Hmm~, delicious. Just what I need." Tae answered calmly. "New blend?"
"Hawaiian." He chuckled. "Courtesy of Ren."
"Is that right?" Tae smiled.
Ding
Ding
"Welcome-, oh it's you kids." Sojiro spoke as he heard the bell and saw the kids. "Back from your errand?"
"Y-yeah. That's right." Futaba responded.
"You kids okay? You look exhausted." He asked while Tae noted them.
"Oh, Ryuji took us on a run." Ann lied.
"Y-Yeah." Ryuji chuckled nervously. "Took them the long way round."
"I see." Sojiro answered while Tae calmly drank her coffee.
"Delicious, Mr Sakura." Tae smiled as she sipped.
'What's Tae doing here?' Shiho wondered in worry.
"Dr Takemi, um. Wh-why're you here?" Ann asked politely.
"Enjoying my break." She answered as she put the cup down on its saucer. Looking over the group with a rather neutral look "Sojiro, could you give us a moment?" Tae asked.
"Sure, I need a break. You kids play nice." Sojiro spoke as he left the cafe.
The group were worried, being in the cafe with only Tae inside... and her smile was very unnerving. "So~, 'exercise'. Is that right?" Tae asked.
"It... was more Mementos." Makoto answered honestly.
"I see." She answered as she got to her feet, quietly stepping towards them with controlled steps. "Why wasn't Ren with you?"
'Red flag!' Futaba thought to herself.
"He. He's not feeling well." Ann answered.
"Right. Right. 'Not feeling well'. So why didn't anyone tell ME about that fact?" She glared, anger born out of worry and concern coming straight from her voice.
"We just got busy!" Ryuji quickly defended. "Besides, Ren didn't tell any of us!"
"Is that true? He didn't tell you?" Tae inquired.
"Yes, we all just busy with our lives and-" Ann explained, the group almost backed into the corner from Tae's intense questioning.
"Your health is my priority. I don't care what you think about your health. 'Oh, it's just the sniffles', 'I'm a little tired', 'It's just a bruise'. You come to me because this is my job! Got it?"
"Yes ma'am." Futaba squeaked, with the other girls looking at the punk-rock doctor with reverence and some arousal.
"Good. Now that we've cleared that up. Tell me what's happened." She asked calmly as she sat down at the nearby booth.
"Alright, you may need to have another coffee... it's a week-long story in the works." Ann admitted.
"I have time." She answered.
*Upstairs*
Up in the atic of the coffee shop, Ren could hear them talking. All of it. He had woken up because of Tae's passionate yelling, it was as good as an alarm clock... despite missing a few days of school.
'What time is it?' He wondered as he felt his head being less sluggish and more rested. Hie eyes felt heavy as he slowly stood up. He was still in his bed as he didn't want to get out just yet. But he also wanted to know how Morgana was, he missed his little buddy.
He felt his body was a little stiff, but he crawled out of bed to loosen his muscles up. He needed to just to stay limber.
'I wonder if Sojiro's still in?' He thought as he walked to a folded pile of clothes to get changed. It wouldn't do the cafe much good if he walked around in his pyjamas. He could hear the others, they were talking about Mementos. The cafe must be closed up and that gave them time to talk. He groaned, slowly walking down the stairs...
SMACK!
And the sound of a palm against wood echoed out dramatically, Ren's eyes widening as he rushed down even faster. Finding Ryuji sat at his chair with wide eyes, Tae standing tall with her hands against the table with her brown irises like daggers. Her hands having smashed to the large table inches away from Ryuji's own, which had caused him to fall from his chair
"Ow." Ryuji whimpered, rubbing his ass
"Ryuji?! Tae?! What... What's going on?!" Ren asked as he hurried down
"Ah, Mr Amamiya. I'm glad you're awake." Tae said, speaking like a professional as she glared at Ryuji a bit "The team told me about what they had just done. Going into Mementos, to contront Morgana and this Beauty Thief. To apologise to him and to try and get him back... And how Mr Sakamoto made the entire thing pointless by not even TRYING at an apology but also INSULTING Morgana."
"What?! I-Ryuji!" Ren blinked "Really?!"
"Maybe. Wasn't my fault." He grumbled, rubbing his cheek "The cat is always pushing me."
'Not as much as last time.' Ren thought, remembering how much the two use to argue. But Morgana had mellowed out before the time slip, the two got along but often attacked one another. With Morgana honestly starting it more often than not. But the cat of hope had calmed down a lot. Not it had stopped the fighting, of course...
"And that is not right, it is not fair, but it does not justify what you did." the doctor continued/countered before adressing the others "And I am a bit disappointed in the rest of you." Tae added "Because, the second those words left Mr Sakamoto's mouth you should have taken over and reassuring your hurt friend that he was not speaking for all of you."
"You are right." Makoto flinched and nodded
"And after your explanation was given... what did Mr Sakamoto say?" Tae asked rhetorically
"It's the stupid cats fault and who needs him?" Ryuji repeated with another grumble
"And you show how insensitive you are Mr Sakamoto!" Tae added with a deeper glare
"The hell?! I didn't do anything wrong! It's the damn cats fault!" Ryuji snapped
"Is that really what you think?" Ren asked, suddenly catching Ryuji off guard
"W-What?! What... What do you mean, dude?!" The dyed blonde stutteted out
"To me... You sound like a terrible friend." Tae frowned "You, Skull, are not some protagonist in a TV show or a video game. The world is not twisting it's morals around to make you right. You have insulted, and belittled, your friend all for your own damn ego! When he was feeling neglected and useless! And when the others where ready to put their own feelings aside to apologise for making him feel that way... What do you do?! You double down!"
"I was just-" he stammered out
"Only thinking about yourself." She frowned "Just as when you where pointing everyone at Okumara."
"Like how you keep screaming about being a Phantom Thief." Ren added, as he saw what Tae was doing "How you keep talking about getting girls, or how awesome and powerful you are."
"Hey-Hey! All-All of you back off!" Ryuji snapped, pointing at them and darting his head around. Seeing everyone's heads lowered, silently agreeing with Tae and Ren "W-What?! C-Come on guys! I'm your friend! And-And you're making me feel worthless here!"
"And that's exactly how you made Morgana feel!" Tae snapped simply
And you could almost hear a plate shatter as Ryuji's eyes widened. As everything seemed to finally -click- for him
"Oh... god." The dawning realisation came on him. "I'm such a friggin idiot."
"That's some good introspection, Mr Sakamoto. If you work on it you might be able to apologise to Morgana." Tae answered with profesionalism and softness
"Yeah." Ryuji said sullenly.
"Ren, you're back up." Ann spoke as the whole situation got them caught off guard.
"Yeah, not 100% but... getting there." He admitted.
"Speaking of." Tae spoke as she looked at him. Her eyes turning cold "Why aren't you in bed?"
"Hearing you guys talk and the slap woke me up." He admitted.
"Hmm. Alright. I expect you to head back to bed." She answered.
"You gonna take me there?" He teased with a wink
Tae chuckled gently and patted his chest. "Maybe later." She whispered as she guided him. "You lot, stay down here."
"Yes, Doc." They answered as they sat down.
As Ren and Tae went upstairs, she could see his room was... not as bad as she thought it would be given his condition. "Seems you can still clean up after yourself." she noted
"I'm...kinda good at cleaning." He admitted as he sat down in his bed.
"Now. Doctor's orders: rest. If you're not up to snuff, you won't be good for anyone." She ordered him, but having the twinge of worry in her voice.
"I'll be alright." He smiled and then yawned. "But thank you."
"No problem. I take it that you've not been keeping up with your schoolwork?" She teased.
"I think Sadayo is keeping track." He answered.
"Remind me to thank her for being a good teacher." Tae responded, booping his nose playfully.
"Can you go easy on my friends?" He asked back with a gentle smile "This is... kinda all my fauly anyway."
She chuckled gently before speaking seriously. "No."
"Can't blame a boyfriend for trying." He joked lightly. "Do you think Morgana will come back?"
"When Ryuji properly apologises... And maybe if you're there with them." Tae answered. "Which means... You have to rest up. So... Get in that bed, buster."
"I was exhausted and passed out. I've got plenty of rest." He shot back with a frown, hating to hide his and Morgana's plan from everyone "If anything... I have too much energy."
"You drive your body to exhaustion. Just because you've caught up on sleep doesn't mean the rest of your body has properly recovered." She instructed while double checking his health
"Have you had to do this before?" He asked.
"Many times. Especially with salary workers." She answered. "And... Once or twice with myself." She admitted
"Tae." He frowned as he heard that before sighing.
"I've managed to find a better balance than before. So I can speak from experience." Tae answered.
Outside of Ren's window, having it open just to let some fresh air in, they could hear something. "YOU?"
Jerking to their feet, both Ren and Tae left the room, rushing downstairs and out of the cafe, they were worried something bad had happened. "What's happened? Is everyone okay?" Ren called out.
"Yeah, we're fine, just-" Makoto informed as they saw-
"Hello, I didn't know you were around here." Haru spoke as she stood there next to their cat.
"Why are you here?" Yusuke asked them both.
"Well, I wanted to go for a little trip through town, Morgana told me that there was a quaint little cafe here that does good coffee." Haru explained.
As Ren heard that, his mind began to whir as he looked at Morgana, who seemed to be curling around Haru's leg. 'Did... Did you come to check up on me?' He thought to himself.
Ryuji stepped forward, looking sullen as he looked down at the cat. "Morgana."
"What is it?" He frowned.
And much to the cat's shock, Ryuji was bowing in apology to him. Bending at his waist, bowing deeply. Lowering himself as low as possible. "I'm sorry. I've been a right asshole to you."
Morgana's mouth dropped open as he heard that, shocked to hear Ryuji apologising.
"You're more than the crap that I said. I'm just... a fucking idiot that got caught up in the hype. I'm really sorry." He answered sincerely.
"Ryuji. I-Th-Thank you." Morgana began to respond calmly "Thank you. I'm sorr-"
"So this is where you are!" A vitriolic man's voice spoke as he almost swayed himself towards Haru. He had straight brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a white business suit and violet undershirt. He seemed to be an adult compared to her, almost Sadayo's or Tae's age. "Do you know how long I've been looking for you? And it turns out you're hanging around these back alley hovels?" The man snapped at her.
"Sugimura." She frowned.
"Hey, who the heck are you?" Shiho asked.
"I am Haru's fiance!" 'Sugimura' responded as he didn't bother turning to address them. "Haru, come. You're needed back home and this ridiculousness can stop!"
"Grr! Get away from-!" Morgana hissed, leaping at Sugimura only to be met by-
KICK!
"Hurgh!" The poor cat grunted as he was kicked away and into the nearby wall.
"Morgana!" Futaba called out.
"Sugimura, stop this! I am not going with you! And you don't control my life!" Haru answered.
"What did you say? Don't forget your father arranged this! You're going to be my wife!" He snapped at her.
"You can say whatever to me, but you are not going to insult or harm-!" She glared at him only to be met with the back of his hand.
SLAP!
"Now look what you made me do." Sugimura frowned.
"You sonuvabitch!" Ryuji glared.
"If you trash people make one move against me, I'll have you strung up in court and drowning in so much debt you'll be begging to work for me at Okumura Foods!" Sugimura informed.
"I don't think so." Tae frowned as she glared at him, not afraid as she was an older person and not taking this crap.
"Who the hell are you?" Sugimura asked.
"An adult, and apparently the only one here. And if you don't apologise and back off, I'll send the security camera footage to the police. And then we'll see whose evidence will be chosen. Your verbal threats, or the video evidence against these assaults." She threatened.
"You wouldn't dare." He glared.
"Oh, I dare. And I'm a doctor, so I know what assault marks look like. Even more evidence." Tae answered, giving credible means to make him back off.
"Tch, whatever. You'll be hearing from my lawyer." Sugimura informed and walked off, as Haru was being helped up by Makoto and Ann.
"Are you alright?" Ann asked kindly and while Haru was being tended too, Futaba was cradling Morgana.
"As... As if a shitty place like this had any!" He argueved, clearly looking nervous
Ren room a clear breath as he remembered a similar situation like this. Oh so long ago. A drink Shido, and the spiral that had left to
And seeing Haru the way she was. On her knees in the floor, close to tears as she hugged Morgana like a life line, he took a step forwards
"I'm on probation." Ren said calmly and simply "I'm staying at this cafe, while I go to school. To make sure I'm following the rules here, you think there -aren't- cameras?" He lied
"You... You-" Sugimura stuttered as his fists clenched, shaking...
"What's going on here?!" A familiar voice called... As Sojiro rounded the corner. The older man rushing around the corner in a clear panic
"Oh, Sojiro. Glad you're here." Tae smiled. "Just a little... disagreement, between 'adults'."
Sojiro looked at this, seeing Haru and Morgana. "I see."
"Out of my way." Sugimura ordered as he pushed past them.
"Now hold on a minute." Sojiro glared, sounding like a protective father, but also a strict police officer as he heard of a recent crime.
"I'm alright." Haru reassured them, rubbing her cheek.
"Morgana? Are you okay?" Futaba asked as she held him.
"Hnn, I'll be fine." He reassured. "Tougher than I look." Though Sojiro and Sugimura could only hear mews.
"See? She's fine. Let's not make a scene." Sugimura informed.
"There's already a scene. But I don't want to see you here again." Sojiro warned.
'You won't.' Sugimura thought as the group saw this being dealt with by the adults.
"Come on, let's get inside." Ren asked. He and the other Phantom Thieves brought Morgana and Haru into Le Blanc while Tae and Sojiro to deal with the ass. "Here, this'll help." Ren offered a cold compress to Haru.
"Thank you." She answered, taking the compress and putting it on her cheek. Futaba, however, wasn't letting go of Morgana on her lap.
"Er... Okumara?" Makoto asked, speaking formally to Haru. Outside Ren and Morgana, the rest not really knowing her "May we ask... How you met Morgana? And... Everything? I don't mean to pry if this topic is sensitive."
"No, it's fine." Haru answered. "I found Morgana when he was wandering the streets. I saw him teleporting into the Metaverse so... I followed. I saw my father's Palace and was stunned. I took him home and he helped me start to become Beauty Thief."
"I see, that means he's been looking out for you to save your father." Yusuke thought to himself.
"Something like that." Morgana answered.
"It's good seeing you again, Morgana." Ren whispered, stroking his head.
"Yeah, well. We've got a Palace to deal with. Mr Okumura might be on guard from what's been going on." Morgana answered, moving his head to try and be aloof.
"Meaning what?" Shiho asked.
"Well. We'll have to work together." Morgana answered. "It's the only way to get to Mr Okumura's Treasure."
"Are you sure? I thought we could handle this together." Haru suggested.
"Haru, we might be able to get through the biometrics in the Palace, but there is strength in numbers." Morgana informed.
"Yeah, I mean... don't take this the wrong way." Ryuji began to speak. "What's gonna happen if you get cornered by Shadows you can't beat? You're gonna need backup."
'Wow, Ryuji's being thoughtful.' Morgana thought to himself.
'Tae really did a number on him.' Ann thought.
"I-I'll be strong enough. I know I can be..." Haru whispered with a rather shakey voice
'MiLady still hasn't fully awakened...' Ren thought in realisation, still confused by Haru's situation. Having a Phantom Thief form, but her Persona not having awakened yet. His only guess was Haru knew what she had to do, wanted to do, but her self doubt was overwhelming her
"Well, I think teaming up is the best course of action." Makoto spoke up.
"Indeed" Yusuke added. "We can help each other and look out for our weaknesses."
"Okay." Haru nodded softly
"Looks like we've got a plan then. Work together and get into the Palace." Shiho agreed.
"That's great." Ren answered. "... So can I have my bed back please?" He joked, making everyone laugh. As the group laughed a bit, Sojito entered with a deep sigh
"Well, that was an annoyance." He deadpanned
"Sojro? What happened?" Futaba asked.
"A lot of warnings, threats of suing and even complaints to politicians." Sojiro sighed.
Haru stood up and bowed. "I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't mean to bring you into my problems."
"It's fine. You where in danger in front of my establishment..." Sojiro started before groaning, looking at Ren "You are a bad influince on me."
"You're welcome." He smiled
"Luckily no one touched him and we have camera footage." Sojiro responded before looking at Futaba, the red head nodding
"I'll send a copy to him. A silent warning how it won't work out for him to try anything stupid." Futaba responded calmly
"You can do that?" Haru blinked.
"Never underestimate the skill of a teen with pro-hacker skills!" Futaba smirked with pride and a gremlin grin.
"Ahem." Sojiro cleared his throat, he was still in the room after all, which made Futaba chuckle nervously. "Well, I suppose that asking you to stay for dinner is out of the question, if you need to get back home that is."
Haru was stunned as she was offered this hospitality. "Thank you very much, but I think my father might be worried about me if I don't return."
"How about some curry for the road?" Ren offered.
"Aure you're up for that?" Sojiro asked.
"Um, Dr Takemi said I should rest up." He admitted, keeping Tae's profession in mind since he didn't know if Sojiro knew.
"I see. Well, let's check on Morgana. From what I heard, he might need some tending to." Sojiro informed.
"Can someone tell Sojiro that I'm okay?" Morgana meowed.
"He needs some TLC and a soft bed." Futaba lied.
"Futaba, c'mon." Morgana groaned.. Haru noted that; not knowing what Futaba was planning. But it was probably her being worried about Morgana's safety. She could agree with that.
"We'll see you tomorrow, Ms Okumura?" Makoto asked, trying to be polite in front of Sojiro since Haru is the daughter of a rich man.
"Yes, I'll see you tomorrow." Haru nodded. "Lovely to meet you all. And thank you for coming to my aid."
"Anytime." He answered.
"Ren." Morgana mewed.
"Could you... look after Morgana for tonight, please? He seems to like you." Ren asked.
"Oh, yes, of course." She nodded.
"Are you sure?" Sojiro asked.
Morgana gave a subtle nod, hoping no one else could see it.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Futaba did say he needs TLC." Ren answered. Futaba huffed a little as she passed Morgana to Haru who carefully carried him in her arms and let him crawl up to her shoulder if he wanted to.
"Nya." Morgana mewed and leaned over Haru's shoulders.
"Seems he's found a new lying spot." Shiho commented, almost joking.
"We'll see you tomorrow. Thank you again." Haru bowed and carried Morgana out.
"Well, with this settled. Who's for some curry?" Sojiro asked, noting Futaba's frown.
*Time Skip*
It was the following day, Ren was feeling better after a long rest and was texting the others to meet up. They had to get a good start to the day if they wanted to get through the Palace with Haru's help. 'Alright, let's do this.' Ren thought to himself as he texted, feeling more refreshed and eager to get back into the fight.
Morning, all. When should we meet up? Ren asked.
Morning, Ren. Were most responses.
Sorry for yesterday, dude. Ryuji apologised.
"Ryuji, it's fine. Stuff happens." Ren responded.
At least you've apologised to Morgana. That is an important thing. Yusuke added.
You don't have to remind me. Ryuji responded, sounding embarrassed by his actions.
Do you think Haru will agree to work together? Makoto wondered.
If it's to save her father, I think so. Ann answered.
Guys, it's too early. Can we get breakfast first? Futaba asked as she put some groaning emoji's in her text.
Ren chuckled at that, knowing how Futaba was and they did wake up first thing in the morning. "Sure, no problem."
I hope Morgana's okay. Shiho admitted.
I'm sure he's fine. Haru seemed to be a good carer for him while he's been away. Makoto added.
*With Haru*
Haru had looked after Morgana during the evening and the young cat had healed up properly and resting on the queen sized bed "Good morning, Morgana." Haru spoke as she had awoken earlier.
"Hmm~, good morning." He stretched, still a little sore but better.
"Did you sleep well?" She asked as she looked at herself in her mirror.
"Yeah, I did." He answered.
"I am Beauty Thief." She spoke to herself as she did a 'transformation pose' or the tipping of her hat.
Morgana looked at her and smiled, seeing how she was pushing herself... but was worried that she hadn't Awakened her Persona yet. 'We need to Awaken her, I can't let her get hurt.'
"Ha! Hoo! Hum!" Haru posed in the mirror to practice her Phantom-Beauty Thief stance. "Oh gosh, I need to get dressed."
"Alright, I need to get ready too." Morgana agreed as he lept off the bed. "We need to meet up with the others after all."
"Yes, that's right. This'll be our first team-up." Haru agreed as she headed to the shower to get herself ready.
'I just hope that the others will be ready.' Morgana thought to himself. A few minutes passed and Haru left her bedroom, fully clean and dressed, going downstairs to the dining room for breakfast where her father was there sitting in his seat and talking on the phone.
"Yes, good." the older man spoke calmly and simply, nodding lightly at the other person on the call
"Good morning, father." Haru spoke.
"Ah, Haru. You're here." He spoke as he noted her coming own.
"Hello, Father." She responded, seeing him on the phone.
"I understand, I'll tell her." Mr Okumura spoke through the phone.
Haru was concerned by this, hearing her father speak dismissively towards her and focused more on the conversation on his phone. She readied herself as she saw her father dismiss her and talk about her and not to her.
Beep
"That was your fiance's family." Mr Okumura informed. "He wants you to apologise."
"'Apologise'?" She asked in shock.
"Yes, and I agree. You were hanging around a dangerous criminal and hoodlums." He answered. "You are the heir to Okumura Foods and betrothed, you should learn your place and not be around those sorts of people."
"Father, Sugimura-." Haru began to answer.
"Sugimura is your fiance!" He answered, getting up. "And I expect that you do your duty and marry him."
Haru felt a knot in her stomach as she stood there... and she put her foot down. "N-No."
"What did you say?" the older man asked with a frown, narrowing his eyes
"I said 'no'. I am not going to marry him. I won't be just a puppet." She answered.
"You are my daughter!" He began to yell. "Don't you want this family to succeed? This is my next step into greater things!"
Haru stiffened as she heard that. Heard that she was just his tool to make his goals come to pass. He was growing in his greed. "I want us to be happy. Like we use to be." She all but mumbled before she ran away. Rushing out of the lavish apartment
"Haru!" Mr Okumura called out, seeing her run and out of their home.
Morgana heard this and frowned, knowing that he had to go find her. And luckily, the window was open from last night. "Haru, where are you going?" Morgana called out, trying to find and follow her, running as fast as his paws could carry him.
Haru ran out of the apartment, running down the street to get some air. She stood by a bus stop, panting heavily as she gave her thoughts on the situation... and she took out her phone. She was sniffing and wiping her tears away, her father... was becoming not her father. She was losing faith and trust in him.
Morgana saw this and rubbed against her leg. "Haru?"
"I. I need there help." She whispered and called them. "My father. He needs to be stopped."
"Yeah. I understand." He nodded as she called the group.
"Hello?" Ren's voice spoke through.
"Hello, Ren. It's Haru." She introduced herself.
"Haru? How'd you get my number?" Ren asked.
"Morgana told me." She responded. "In case of emergencies and after what happened last night."
"He's always been considerate." Ren spoke with a smile. "Do you need somewhere to come?"
"May I come to your house?" She asked, almost timidly.
"Yes, of course." He answered honestly.
"I'll see you soon. I... I might be a little while though." She admitted.
"Of course, take your time." Ren reassured.
Beep
"I guess it went well?" Morgana asked.
"Yeah, he's asked me to come over." She answered, feeling a blush on her cheeks.
Morgana took note of this and nodded, seeing her blush when she mentioned Ren. "Something you want to get off your chest?"
"I. I um." Haru muttered as she looked around and realised that it would be strange for a girl to be talking to a cat in the middle of a street. "C-Come on."
Morgana nodded and followed, the two going to somewhere private where they could talk. They headed to a karaoke bar, knowing it would be empty this time of day and she paid for a booth, knowing that would be enough privacy for them. "You remember no one can hear me, right?" Morgana chuckled "What's wrong, Haru?"
"I. I just wanted to be careful. Since meeting Ren, I've been feeling. Things. Nice things." She admitted.
Morgana looked at her and just sat down and listened.
"Since meeting him. And you. I've felt not as alone." She continued. "And becoming... Well. You know. It's made me feel more than who I was."
"Becoming Beauty Thief." Morgana nodded and whispered.
Haru contemplated more as she wanted to continue. "And Ren... he. He just feels special to me. And what the fortune teller, Chihaya, said. Her predictions have just stuck with me."
"You think that Ren is that 'special someone'?" Morgana asked, to which she nodded. The small cat stifled laughter and a smile as he heard that; how many more girlfriends would his 'brother' get?
"Do you think it's silly of me wanting to like him?" She asked.
"N-ahem! No, of course not." Morgana cleared his throat. "In fact, I think you should do it."
"You're sure? It won't be a problem if we're working together?" She asked.
"Nah, I'm sure they wouldn't mind." Morgana slipped up a little.
"'They'?" Haru asked.
"I-I mean, the group. They wouldn't mind." Morgana 'corrected' himself with a little nervous laugh
"Oh, I see. Do you think I'd be stepping on their feet if I started dating Ren?" She asked, not quite picking up Morgana's nervous response.
Morgana coughed a little. "No, I mean, it's Ren's love life. And I don't think the others would mind, Ryuji and Yusuke aren't that bothered, I would think."
"Oh, I see." She answered and steepled her fingers. 'I hope the other girls will be alright with it.'
"Should we head out now? I doubt the owner's gonna complain if there's not much music being played." Morgana commented.
"Yeah, you're right." She agreed standing up to go. "Come on."
"Don't want to give me a lift?" Morgana joked.
...
"Come here." She opened her arms out and he leapt into her arms.
"Prr-eow." And was cuddled by her.
*With Ren*
'Alright, everyone should be hear by now.' Ren thought to himself. 'We need to be ready.'
"Good morning, Ren." Sojiro spoke as he saw Ren cleaning dishes. "You're feeling better, it seems."
"I needed a good rest." Ren admitted. "Doctor's orders."
"I don't know why people disregard Dr Takemi." Sojiro admitted, hearing some things of younger adults not doing as she tells them.
"People disregard her?" Ren asked.
"It's that whole 'i NeEd A sEcOnD oPiNiOn' excuse." He admitted.
Ren nodded in understanding as he heard that. "My friends should be coming soon."
"Are you sure about that? It's only been two days since you fell unconscious." Sojiro commented.
"I'm fine, I've gotten enough sleep and I need to get moving. Otherwise, Ms Kawakami is going to send a tonne of homework my way." Ren responded.
"Alright, but don't have too much fun." Sojiro answered as the door opened and the group began to pour in.
"Morning, Sojiro." Futaba waved as she entered.
"Hi, Mr Sakura." Makoto added.
"Ah, good morning; I hope you don't get too late for school." Sojiro spoke.
"Yeah, we don't want that." Ryuji muttered, but didn't want to be the asshole again.
Thump
Yusuke bumped his elbow into Ryuji's side. "Sorry." He muttered instantly, while also nodding at Yusuke. Thanking him for calling him out
"We've got it covered, Mr Sakura." Ann reasured.
"Alright. Kids, don't have 'too much fun'." Sojiro answered. "I need to go out for some errands." And with that Sojiro left, walking out as Ren and the group sat down and waited.
"So, what's the plan?" Ryuji asked.
"Haru's coming, we need to go through the plan with her." Ren explained.
"You think she'll agree to the team-up?" Shiho asked.
"I don't see why not. This is her father she's going against." Makoto answered.
Knock
Knock
"Hello?" They asked as they heard the door and soon, walking in was Haru carrying Morgana.
"I am sorry if I'm intruding." Haru apologised.
"No, not at all." Ren reassured.
"Ppr-eow. Hup. Thanks, Haru." Morgana leapt from her arms and landed on the floor.
"Did you carry Morgana all the way here?" Shiho asked.
"I offered." She answered honestly.
'Nyeh-heh-heh.' Morgana chuckled to himself as he jumped upon a stool. "So, entering Mr Okumura's Palace. Seems our interests align."
"We have the numbers, but you have the access." Makoto commented.
"Yes, that's right." Haru nodded. "I know it's presumptuous of me, but will you help me save my father?"
The Phantom Thieves looked at each other and then at Haru. They had already made their minds up. "Of course we will." Shiho answered.
"It's what we do." Makoto added.
"Yeah, pretty sure you're dad's decent under all the Palace stuff." Ryuji followed up.
"That. Is very kind of you to say, Ryuji." Haru was taken aback by that kind comment.
"So, are we to head out?" Yusuke asked
"We're all here, so, yeah." Futaba answered.
"Let's do this." Ren spoke up, looking at his friends. He pulled out his phone and tapped the app for them to transport into the Metaverse and into Mr Okumura's Palace.
WHOOSH!
The group had appeared in the Palace entrance. It was the only place they all could enter without problem.
"Looks like we're still 'not welcome' here." Panther spoke as they arrived.
"Yes, but now we have a chance to push forward and get deeper." Oracle answered.
"Hmm, I missed being on two feet." Mona commented, stretching a little.
"Ready to get going, Mona?" Joker asked as he felt better in his costume.
"Yeah, let's do this." Mona nodded.
The group headed into the Palace, the futuristic spaceship was still vast to them despite it being all in one location. Much like how Joker thought of Kaneshiro's Palace and how he viewed all of Tokyo as his Palace.
"Hey, before we continue... we should work out a proper code name for Haru." Skull pointed out "I mean... She is part of the team now, right?"
"A new code name?" Haru asked. "What's wrong with 'Beauty Thief'?"
"Well. It's. 'Too wordy'." Skull responded. "All of us have one-word names."
"I hate to admit it, but Skull's right." Queen sighed. "For example, I'm 'Queen'."
"Panther." the latex clad red head nodded
"Dove." the cheerful woman winked
"Fox." Each one of the other Phantom Thieves shows off their codenames.
"Oh, I see." Haru frowned.
"We can give you another one. If you want it." Joker offered.
"I'd." Haru spoke before pondering. "I think I'd like you to give me a name, Joker."
"Alright." He answered, pretending to think about it.
'This oughta be good.' Skull thought.
Joker snapped his fingers and smiled. "Noir." Giving the first true naming for Haru's codename. He acted as if it was a sudden insperation but... No. Nothing else fit Haru. Noir... It was perfect.
"'Noir'?" Panther and Dove asked.
Haru blinked in shock, seeing how easy it was for Joker to make a codename for her. But...it felt right. "Very well. I am 'Noir'."
"There you go." Fox responded.
"So, ready to kick some ass?" Oracle asked.
"I believe so." She nodded. "But, not too hard for my father."
"Ehh... no promises." Skull and Oracle shrugged.
"They're kidding, we'll be careful." Queen reassured.
The group headed into the next rooms, seeing the security systems had grown more active since their last excursion.
"It seems father's Palace has become more reinforced." Noir whispered.
"Yeah, it does." Joker answered. "Gotcha." He focused on a guard and rushed over. "Show me our true self!" He grabbed the mask and ripped it off its body as it transformed into three Shadows.
Joker's eyes widened in shock as he saw this. And felt a pang of nostalgic fear come over him briefly.
There were two red starfish Shadows with a single eye in the centre of its body and black eyeliner on the left and right of the field with a jewel-like back. And in the centre was a large dark blue clay-doll-looking Shadow, bulbous shoulders with thin-fingered hands, hefty hips and small feet, an oval-shaped head with thin red eyes and a tower-like crown on the top of its head.
'Decarabia! Arahabaki!' He thought as he backed off.
"Okay, here we go!" Skull called out as he rushed forward with his hammer and attacked. "Time to smash some pots!"
"Skull, wait!" Joker called out.
"Whazza-?" He asked before-
CLANG!
Skull's hammer connected on the large clay-doll Demon Arahabaki... and it reflected right back at him! "BWAH!" He screamed as he was hurt and blasted back into the floor.
SHINE!
Barriers were erected by Decarabia and Arahabaki, and one of them was now destroyed. But Arahabaki floated there without any issue.
"The fuck was that?!" Skull groaned as he got up.
"Tetrakarn and Makarakarn. That's their moves." Joker answered.
...
"The hell are those?" Skull asked, blinking
"Tetrakarn is a skill that summons a shield to repel physical and gun-based attacks. Makarakarn is the same but with magic. Decarabia is weak to physical attacks, while Arahabaki is weak to some forms of magic." Joker explained.
"Okay and how do you know that?" Skull questioned again.
"Have you forgotten how many Persona Joker has?" Mona asked with a cheeky grin as he patted Skull's back "Oh, and Skull? ... Sorry."
"Thanks buddy." Skull whispered "Same to you."
Vwoop!
Joker pulled out from his inventory, a large purple iron hammer with a green 'T' emblazoned on it with some glass-like design. "Heh-heh."
"And what is that?" Oracle asked.
"'Tetra Hammer'. And I'll show you what it does, right now!" Joker leapt up, spun in the air to get momentum and attacked Decarabia.
"JOKER, NO!" Panther panicked.
SHATTER!
The Decarabia that he attacked, eye widened in fear, as the Tetrakarn Shield protecting him shattered into pieces.
"Attack now!" Joker proclaimed.
SHINK!
"At once!" Fox answered, rushing in and slashing one of the Decarabia, knocking it down by using its weakness.
"You got a second hammer?" Dove asked.
"Here!" Joker answered, throwing a large green iron hammer with a purple 'M' emblazoned on it with broken glass markings.
"Sweet!" She smiled, using the hammer and smashing through the defences of Arahabaki.
"Oracle, weaknesses!" Queen asked as she darted to the side, even darting forth while reaching for her mask
"I'm on it!" She answered. "It's weak to Nuclear and Psycho attacks!"
"JOHANNA!" Queen answered as she summoned her Persona.
"Noi-" Joker began as he turned back, looking at Haru... who was shaking and looking on in fear. His eyes hardening, reminding himself of the state of the world, he quickly turned back to the fight as he saw Makoto racing at the Shadow. The Queen letting out a roar as her attack hit their foe hard and exploded
Arahabaki was downed like the first Decarabia, leaving the first one up. But Joker couldn't focus in that and just saw his terrified friend... and how he wasn't being one right now. So he rushed to her side. Almost scooping her in his arms as he jumped to the side, dodging the attacks suddenly sent their way from their two foes 'I've got you, Haru.' He thought protectively as the Shadows fell, fading away as the battle ended.
Noir blinking as she looked up at Joker, blushing and stars forming in her eyes for a second... before shame. She had been too scardd to do anything. To help.
She was so weak...
She...
...
She had to be stronger!
Fool: Rank 10
Magician: Rank 10
Lovers: Rank 10
Chariot: Rank 10
Sun: Rank 10
Lust: Rank 10
Strength: Rank 9
Hierophant: Rank 8
Devil: Rank 8
Death: Rank 7
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