#and since kamoshida is just spreading rumors

[bitterseaproduction]

Me: *sits up straight in sickbed out of nowhere*

Me: That ‘akeshu bond as children but they don’t recognize each other in P5’ idea, but it works because, as detective prince and criminal transfer, they’re both using pseudonyms. 😳

Housemate: ???

[chronicparagon]

Not to be nosy but can you tell us a bit about her P5 AU? Is she a phantom thief? Have you decided on persona, element? Etc?

[ Hey, Anon! Thank you for the ask.

I can give the info based on your questions. The AU is taking this long because irl stuff and I want to try to tell the information in an immersive manner. I played the game before a long time ago and I would like to again but I don't have the right console. However, I have some knowledge about it.

I had thoughts of her being a phantom thief but in the end, I decided against it. This was a decision I made years ago. Everyone has the right to decide on whether their muse is a Phantom Thief or not. No one should tell them otherwise.

For Harmony, there won't be a persona or element. I also believe she shouldn't have a persona. I understand this can limit any encounters for that AU but I want to remain respectful and not step on any toes.

She would know of the Phantom Thieves since they were shown by media in that world. Not only would Harmony be a supporter, but I had an idea of her parents also being supportive of them. I have an idea of her being something else, which is more like a hidden heroine.

The following is just exposition of what I have so far, but can change and I'm open to suggestions and ideas.

In fact, in my post setting up that verse, her parents were one of the very few who went against Kamoshida's influence after finding out Harmony trying to save others including the girls who were his targets. She would have been spared the most severe abuse because of my headcanon about Kamoshida being not only misogynistic and a class-A creep who has absolutely no business with kids (which is canon) but also finds Harmony unattractive for who she is and her scars.

However, she becomes a thorn in his side because she makes it her mission to stop him from being alone with other students including the girls. This caused problems for her like the rumors spread about her and her family backed into a corner when they tried to fight back or get her out of there. The rumors would have made students not trust Harmony and paint her as a basically a desperate pick-me girl who wanted to remove competition for Kamoshida's attention. But the reality is: She's trying to save his targets.

Harmony wouldn't be safe from some of Kamoshida's abuse like the insults, rumors, sabotage, and the most severe offense being physical abuse (such as being beaten up until she can't stand and fight back anymore.) However, nothing sexual is ever going to happen. I'm not going to let it happen.

This storyline is only a small fraction of P5's entire gameplay but was one that set the gears in motion. She wouldn't be involved in every single event that included other antagonists. In some events where she would only depend on whether interactions include them or drabble/fic requests involving them.

The post of this AU is only going to serve as basic background like where Harmony fits in and will be built up by interactions. Some are during the events of P5 and other interactions are into adulthood, which I will indicate in tags.

She would like to become one herself but I'm not going to force that on anyone. I like her to have a role with Phantom Thieves as a support role but that is only going to happen if I have permission through interactions and ooc discussion. Otherwise, Harmony is just someone who tries to do good in any injustice she witnesses.

But you know, it's okay to be one of the hidden heroes. Not all heroes wear capes and not all heroes are Phantom Thieves.]

[staravya]

au of an au where the thieves have their powers plays a lil differently. im just gonna. think it through bc it's inchresting to me.

it would LOOK like an accomplice au at the start where shido has somehow caught akira (spyware he was spreading detected the metanav or mentions thereof on his phone) but akira has never been to the metaverse before and is all but being blackmailed into learning the hitman ropes from akechi, who in turn is very aware that this is a "youre not as unique and indisposable as you think you are" move from shido.

incidentally, akira's being blackmailed through his squeaky clean no-incidents record. he's "perfect", and shido is threatening that. thats the first clue that its a leverage au disguised as an accomplice au lmao.

they go to mementos and varied palaces to practice and the whole time akechi is weirdly disappointed by how mid akira and his persona, arsene, are lmao. no matter how much he pushes, akira seems unable to evolve his persona or summon a second. akechi doesnt know WHY it annoys him that this soft-spoken and quiet yet occasionally witty/observant guy is only performing to expectation rather than exceeding it but it does and he's mad about it. he takes it out on poor akira who is all wide-eyed innocent about it. theres a moment where akechi is downed but rescued by a stray shot that downs the shadow, and when he looks, akira is fumbling/dropping his gun and trying to pick it up, hyperventilating. it's almost like any glimpse of competence he finds is immediately smeared into oblivion.

the first time akechi finds a crack is the first time he tries to get akira to kill a shadow (reluctantly, at shido's urging). akira balks, of course, at first playing at soft-and-sentimental-oh-no-its-murder, but as akechi tries to force him into it, he finally finds akira's spine and is bizarrely thrilled by it. through a series of events, akechi gets concussed, but the shadow dissolves on the other end of akira's knife, and all seems to be going as planned. after, akira is very Out Of It, and eventually makes quiet references to "hey do you think the phantom thieves of hearts do what we do and also dont you wish we could join them instead"

in the background, phantom thieves are a rumor on the wind. vague references to the resolution of canon palaces are sprinkled in (kamoshida, madarame, juneshiro) but general consensus is they aren't real. this is in part because the arrested parties keep yapping about how some phantoms are responsible for their arrests even though clearly they were merely hoisted by their own petards. clearly kaneshiro's just embarrassed about having accidentally sent incriminating evidence straight to a public prosecutor and blaming boogeymen about it.

blah blah events happen, at some point akira butt-dials akechi during a shido meeting and akechi learns his plans are all for naught and akira gets murked by the cleaner, oh no! sad boy hours.

... except. this is a leverage au. and ren has been playing this role for a whiiiile. akira is just his cover bc ren DOES have a record and shido wouldve remembered that name lmao. so. the phantom thieves made a plan about it. oracle gave one of shido's goons the spyware to distribute, ensuring it would pick up on ren's alias. ren plays along. the shadow he "killed" was phantom showed (hi secret stash of personas that includes raoul) or goho-m'd and the real person taken into protection, akechi's concussion was definitely on purpose, as was all the times ren played clumsy or stupid to throw the guy off his tail. the whole song and dance about joining the phantom thieves was a really unsubtle push lmao. anyway akechi goes to them since he has no other choice etc etc take down shido together happy ending. yay. this is probably really thin but look im just getting the words down.

[foryoumyheroes]

Kuroo’s S/O is a Phantom Thief

[Persona 5 x Haikyuu!!]

A/N: asdfgh I’m sorry Haikyuu has just been taking over every corner of my mind. This is so self-indulgent, this is my own version of emergency requests because today was a sad day and I didn’t do so well on my quiz.😔 It’s been a while since I’ve refreshed a lot of my memory on P5 BUT IM STILL OBSESSED WITH IT , so apologies if I get anything wrong! This also uses Akira as the Protag’s name. 

Warnings: This uses they/them pronouns as usual, but if you are familiar with P5 canon, it does hint that Kuroo’s S/O is afab because of how Kamoshida is and how he acts :// Also, especially if you aren’t familiar with P5, hints of harassment, violence, and sexual assault might come up until the bullet point “Now that the context is over.” There’s nothing explicit, but you guys deserve that warning! 

Here’s some ✨backstory✨: 

He was probably just an huge fan of Kamoshida, your school’s volleyball coach and former Olympic medalist, growing up. So much so that he almost went to Shujin but ultimately decided on Nekoma in the end. 

That’s probably how the two of you met. You were on your school’s vball team and your schools were having practice matches with one another. His eyes probably went 👁️👁️ while his brain went brrr when he first saw you and you spiked a ball in his face because he was too busy staring at you and your form to notice the ball come flying at his nose at 5000 mph. Like oh my god are you an angel. Your form is so fluid yet strong and your jumps take you so high--BAM!  

You two ended up trading contact info as you took him to the nurse’s office and ✨the rest is history✨

Used to fangirl over Kamoshida every time he came to pick you up at your school and got you to introduce him. He got an autograph and hung it up in his room. 

That being said he does think it’s kind of strange that Shunjin Academy has such a weak volleyball team. He’s like asdfghj he feels so bad for saying it, but some of your teammates get knocked back from a single receive and you get bruises all over? At first he thinks it’s because Kamoshida legitimately tries to work you guys to the bone and then as years go by you get more solemn and quiet about your team.  

You do that stubborn Y/N Main Character Thing™ where you keep everything to yourself because you don't want to worry anyone and it drives Kuroo insane. 

He’s the type that tries to take care of the people that he values (as seen when he nags/checks up on Kenma) and seeing you physically hurt or emotionally closed off would honestly affect him personally. He wants to help and he wants you to confide in him, but all he can do is nag you about taking care of yourself the moment you see him because you’re becoming more distant. 

After a while, he thinks that it’s his fault because his parents’ history still affects him. 

Then one day it comes crashing down when you come crying your eyes out to him that you’ve been kicked off the volleyball team because you fought back against Kamoshida and ran off and Kuroo sees red. He’s shaking with anger. 

He’s a scorpio so of course all of his emotions are at full force when he hears you crying loudly on the couch after Kamoshida’s attempt and he’s split between wanting to commit murder on your former coach and comforting you. 

You tell him everything: how Kamoshida abuses the team, how he always molests the girls, how he started out nice to you because of your skills but recently everything escalated and Kuroo’s heart just drops. 

He says, “We need to tell the authorities!! Your principal!!” and that just makes you cry harder because no one would believe you and that your principal is already covering for Kamoshida. 

Kuroo honestly thinks that he failed you because he didn’t do anything earlier. He was expecting something, but never took the first steps and he legitimately ties to make up for it by hovering over you the next few weeks. 

That night he immediately rips up his Kamoshida autograph and throws it in the shredder. 

He moves practice to an hour later to have time to pick you up and take you to Nekoma, he takes you straight to your home every night, and spends his weekends and free time with you. This was routine for several months until tournaments turn up and he has to regretfully spend time away from you.  

Legitimately almost beat up Mishima because he was spreading rumors about you but you held your 188 cm cat back. 

[One day he walks to Shujin and to your classroom because you weren’t at the gates waiting for him strangely? You turn around and he sees you with three other people which puts him on edge because after Kamoshida people in your school avoided you like the plague. 

You just turn when you hear him open the door and you actually smile at him genuinely. 

“Hey, Tetsu, this is Ann and Ryuji -- they’re victims of Kamoshida too. And this is Akira, the new kid. They’re my new friends.”]

Then you spend more time away from him while he busies himself with upcoming competitions and he swears that something’s up, but you’ve promised to be honest with him now and he’s too busy with the Nekoma team to really press it out of you. He’s going to “accidentally” hit  Kamoshida’s face the next time he sees him on the court. 

And then Kamoshida voluntarily publicly admits to his crimes, resigns, and goes to jail and while he thinks it’s strange he celebrates with you. 

Afterwards, Kuroo swears that you’re a new person. Not changed, but definitely different, and he doesn’t complain because you’re smiling again, and you feel more confident and free. As long as you’re happy and your abuser is behind bars, then he’s happy. 

Now that the context is over. 

He doesn’t think much of the Phantom Thieves. He just jokes around whenever people talk about them because he thinks that it’s things out of a fairy tale. Refuses to believe their existence for the longest time while Lev is like :oooo BUT THEY ARE REAL SENPAI!! 

You even try to lay low by agreeing with him that they don’t exist. 

Kuroo: why are kids nowadays talking about these edgy power rangers. 

He feels very bittersweet when you get your new friends. In one hand, he tried very hard to have you get along with his team because in Shujin he knows that you struggled with making friends, but after you made your new friends -- which he’s happy for, he really is!! -- he can’t help but feel like you’re disappearing off the grid? 

Like you’re a lot happier now, and he’s glad that your new friends are able to bring you this freedom, but you’re becoming more busy and he’s :((( 

He suspects that something’s up though. One day he jokingly punches you in the arm and HIS FIST HURT. He thinks that you’ve been going to the gym without him and you could’ve been spotting each other this entire time. 

He gets jealous of Akira the most. Like sure, you get along with the others really well and Ryuji makes you laugh and Yusuke is pretty, you said, but you gush about your team leader the most since he’s the most skilled and Kuroo inwardly feels :/// at the sound of you praising another guy.

You’ve been dropping a lot of dates to fight in the Metaverse and Palaces and so he feels very neglected. He’s mf’ing needy!! He needs attention! 

You guys were already long distance and you’ve made it work so far, but as the Phantom Thieves became more popular as time went on, you spent more time with your friends. He misses you, but he doesn’t want to be seen as the possessive, clingy bf so he keeps his opinions to himself, especially since these were your first real friends in a while. 

Your first big fight happened when you texted him that you were busy at a study group with your friends, but he just so happened to be in the Sangenjaya district for karaoke with the owl and cat teams and as they’re walking home he sees you emerge from the bathhouse with Akira laughing your asses off. 

[”Hey, Kuroo, isn’t that [Name?],” one of his teammates say, pointing across the street at you with Akira. He gulps first and Kenma’s eyes worryingly flash to Kuroo before falling on your figure. Isn’t it suspicious that you were in a bathhouse with another guy after you said you were busy? 

YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND IT WAS FOR THE SOCIAL LINK KUROO 

“Guess you weren’t stressing over your physics exam, huh?” a voice suddenly says, beside you.

“Tetsu?”] 

You guys ended up fighting all night, but it was getting late so per your rules that you established when you first started dating, you both said sorry to each other and went to bed. Yet, the doubt never leaves. 

Honestly, after a while he does think that you might be a better match for Akira because you both lived in the same area, went to the same school, and were both terrorized by the same person. “Birds of a feather” and all that. He loves you but just wants what’s best for you 😢

He’s smart but...yeah. I’m gonna refrain from further comment. It’s that scorpio brain. He would never get that you’re a Phantom Thief until you clearly tell him. 

It either comes out when you guys are fighting again and your relationship is on the line, or you either forgot another date with him and he walks into Leblanc to see you talking with your friends. 

He tries to take your conversation outside, but you guys were discussing really urgent and couldn’t go with him, and then you guys start arguing in front of your friends and that’s ;;; awkward as hell. When it starts to escalate either you end up letting it slip that you’re a Phantom Thief or Ryuji. 

You can practically see the !!!! on top of everyone’s heads when it comes out. 

Everyone scrambles to talk over each other to cover it up but the damage was already done 😔

[Futaba: we can knock him out and pretend that he dreamed up the entire thing!! 

Everyone: Futaba, no 

Futaba yes.]

When it finally sinks in he’s embarrassed af ;;; like the entire time he was doing the provoking act on Akira and for what??? 

Then he feels relieved. He thought that you were bored of your relationship and that’s why you’ve been busier and distancing yourself.

Kuroo: thank god [Name] has just been fighting crime this entire time instead of wanting to leave me. 😊😊 (but if you did want to leave he would’ve let you go he’s not toxic!!)

Your friends were iffy about him at first, but he does prove himself to be a reliable person! They think y’all r so lovey-dovey it’s gross. 

Ryuji: every time he steps into the room for [Name] I feel 10x more single.

If he hears other students of Nekoma try to talk trash about the Phantom Thieves, he’ll legit puff out his chest, walk up to them and go, “HAAAH? WHAT DID YOU SAY?? SAY THAT TO MY FACE.”  

When you try to explain Palaces and Mementos he legit tries to argue with you 🙃🙃

Kuroo: BUT THAT DOESNT MAKE S E N S E WHERE’S THE SCIENCE BEHIND THIS. There has to be an explanation make it make sense!! 

Damn he thought you were hot before now he thinks that you’re a literal GOD ON EARTH. 

[You: [beats up a multi-millionaire in a Palace]. 

Kuroo: [tears up] real hot girl shit.]

Does your homework for you when you’re too tired after fighting Shadows all day. 

He loves Morgana the most out of all your friends!! Because... he’s a not cat. Like c’mon. 

In all truth, he’s so supportive of you!! Yeah, he was kinda disappointed that you didn’t tell him sooner, especially since he was there for you when it first started, but he truly understands your reasoning and why you kept it to yourself. He’s worried every time he knows that you’re going to fight Shadows, but can’t help but feel the sense of pride every time you come back to him. 

Kuroo wants to gloat to his team that he has such a badass S/O so much, but every time he praises you he has to cut so many details out so he just sounds like a crazy person. 

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 21: A Beacon of Hope

(Slight warning: There’s a bit near the end where Ren describes her initial experience with Kamoshida. If it’s too much for you, the section you should skip begins with the words “She looked down” and ends after the three paragraphs.)

May 2nd. The day Shiho was going to burn down the school, and with it, all of her fears and insecurities. Yet the three human Phantom Thieves stood in front of the school (with Morgana residing in Ren’s bag). “Yep. It’s still there” Ryuji said.

Ann was a little nervous. Ren took notice. “Are you OK?”

Ann still hesitated. She sighed. “I just thought Kamoshida would have confessed by now. We did all of that, and yet…”

“It’ll happen Lady Ann,” Morgana said from the bag. “I guarantee it.”

Ann smiled slightly. “Thanks Morgana.”

Ryuji looked around and saw something that surprised how. “Is that?”

The two girls looked where Ryuji looked. “Shiho?!” Ann said with surprise.

Shiho timidly walked up to them. “Hey everyone,” she said, quietly. After a period of silence, she just let out an “I’m sorry.”

“Shiho!” Ann said again, tears bursting out of her. She rushed to Shiho and hugged her. “I’m SO glad you’re OK.”

Shiho was surprised. She then smiled and hugged Ann back. “Thank you Ann.” The two of them stopped hugging. Shiho was still nervous, though understandably so. “Well, I guess we should go in.”

“Yeah” Ren nodded, smiling. The four of them headed in.

When they got to class, Morgana made his way into Ren’s desk. “You seem a little more cheerful than you were this morning,” he remarked.

Ren grinned at him. “You’ve noticed. Well, this is just a guess, but if Shiho is well enough to come to school, and her and Kamoshida were linked in the metaverse, I’m thinking we might get our confession today.”

Serendipitously, the announcements came on. “Attention. This is Suguru Kamoshida. I am advising everyone to come to the auditorium for a special announcement. Please. I beg of you.”

As the class murmured on what this could be, Morgana looked at Ren and said “You were saying?”

Ren giggled. “Let’s go.”

Kawakami sighed. “Alright. Settle down. Kamoshida told us about this this morning, so we made time for it. Now please, everyone in a single file line.” The class was restless, but did as Kawakami said, since they figured it was the easiest way to figure out why Kamoshida was calling this meeting.

Soon, the whole school was lined up in the auditorium. Kamoshida was standing at the front of the room. Everyone waited with bated breath, wondering what this proverbial king would say. He approached the mic and began speaking. “I...have been reborn.”

The crowd was more curious. Kamoshida continued. “During my tenure, I was not an adequate instructor. I gave in to my own self-interest, and pushed my distorted desires on the children I was supposed to teach. I’ve overworked my students. Physically abused my students. And” he let out a long, deep sigh, “sexually harassed several female students.”

The students were all in a frenzy. The teachers were unsure of what to do. And Principal Kobayakawa sweated enough bullets to load a chaingun. And yet, Kamoshida went on. “I have done various things to manipulate my students to get what I want. I have pressured them. I have spread rumors. I've even made outright threats. I can no longer live with the sins bearing on my soul.”

Kamoshida got down on his hands and knees. “I am a terrible teacher. A terrible coach. And a terrible person. Please. Someone. Kill me and put me out of my misery.” Soon there was an uproar in the auditorium. Kamoshida not only admitted his crimes, but also begged to be killed. Right there. In front of everyone.

Ren, Ryuji, and Ann were confused and a little outraged. They had ventured into the metaverse to prevent this, and yet he’s just going to give up and die? However, before any of them had a chance to speak, Shiho found her courage. “Don’t run you bastard!” she shouted, gaining the attention of everyone. They all saw the fire in her eyes. “You sent ALL of your students to Hell and back! And yet, we’re all still standing! Because we never gave up! No matter how much you made our lives agony! You have no right to run from this!”

The auditorium remained quiet until Kamoshida chuckled. “You’re right,” he said. “You’re absolutely right. Someone. Call the cops. I’m going to turn myself in and pay for my crimes.”

The crowd was chattering with themselves while the teachers tried to maintain order. There was some noticeable speculation on whether or not this was the doing of the Phantom Thieves who brazenly sent Kamoshida a calling card not too long ago. Some people thought that stealing hearts would be impossible, but others pointed out that no other explanation makes sense for Kamoshida’s sudden change in behavior.

The principal ran up to the target and took the microphone. He was clearly nervous about what just transpired here. “Well, um, in light of what just happened, I’m, um, cancelling classes for the rest of the day while we sort this all out.” There was a noticeable amount of contempt for Kobayakawa from the crowd after he said that. Still, the teachers were organizing efforts to leave, but a few decided to stick around anyways.

Notably, Ren, Ann, and Ryuji. “Man, that was something else” Ryuji commented.

“I’ll say,” Ren said. “I mean, I knew he was going to confess, but I wasn’t expecting it to be a spectacle like that.”

“Yeah,” Ann said. “But what really surprised me was Shiho.”

“Yeah” Ryuji agreed. “I mean, I was getting ready to say something like that, but I think it felt more powerful coming from her.”

“Speaking of,” Ren said. She turned in the direction of Shiho. “Let’s go.” The three of them walked over. “Hey,” Ren said, gaining Shiho’s attention. “That was really brave of you.”

“You...think so?” Shiho asked.

“Totally!” Ann answered. “You were AMAZING!”

Shiho smiled and blushed slightly. “Thanks.”

“Takamaki!” some girls called out.

The group turned to the girls. “Oh” Ann said. “What’s up?”

One of the girls began. “We’re so sorry!”

“Yeah, we believed and spread those horrible rumors about you and Kamoshida.”

“We had no idea he was pressuring you to do his bidding.”

“We’re so sorry.”

Ann smiled. “It’s OK. I was also caught up in Kamoshida’s bullshit. I know how hard it can be to see through it all. It’s not your fault.”

“But we treated you so terribly,” one of the girls said.

“How are you so willing to look past that?” the other asked.

“Well…” Ann began. “I realized something. Everything that happened was all Kamoshida’s fault. If I let how he made people think of me get to me, then he’s won. So instead, I’ve decided to not care what people think. I’m going to be myself. And if people don’t like it, then why should I care?”

“Wow” said one of the girls.

“Well, thanks anyway” the other one said. The two walked off.

“That was inspiring,” Ren said.

Ann chuckled. “I learned that from you” she said, giving Ren a light shove.

“Me?” she asked.

Ann nodded. “Yeah. You’re one of the strongest people I know.” Shiho looked at the floor. Everyone else took notice. Ann grabbed Shiho’s hand. “Shiho” Shiho looked up. “You’re also one of the strongest people I know.”

Shiho was shocked. “But...I was…”

“We know,” Ann said. “But it would be hard not to think to do that in your shoes.”

“Yeah” Ryuji said. “I almost went along with it, but something inside me said I shouldn’t.”

“You’re amazing Shiho,” Ann said. “The way you stood up to Kamoshida today. That was amazing.”

“She’s right,” Ren said. “Everyone of us was thinking that, but you summoned the courage to speak out.”

Shiho was stunned. “I guess I did,” she said.

“Shiho. You’re amazing” Ann said. “As your best friend, I’m not going to let you think otherwise.”

Shiho smiled. “Thanks Ann.” She stood silently for a second. “Alright. That’s it.” The three thieves were surprised. “I’m determined to stand on my own two feet. I’m going to bring this school’s volleyball team to nationals.”

“Woah wait, hold on” Ryuji said. “Don’t you think with Kamoshida gone, there might be some problems with that?”

“I don’t care,” Shiho said. “I’m not going to let that stop me. Kamoshida may have dragged the team down, but I will raise it up. I love volleyball, and I am determined to not let Kamoshida take that away from me anymore”

Ren smiled. “Way to go!”

“You can do it Shiho!” Ann cheered.

“Alright! I feel ya” Ryuji added.

There were some sirens blaring. Ann looked around. “We should probably head out.

“Yeah” Ryuji said. He and Ann left.

Ren started to leave, but felt Shiho grabbing her harm. “Wait,” she said. Ren turned to her as Shiho let go. “I know Ann and Ryuji well, but you’re new here. And I feel like I didn’t make a good first impression. And I’ve seen and heard how great of a friend you are to those two. So I want a second chance to make a good first impression.” She reached out her hand. “Friends?”

Ren smiled, shook Shiho’s hand, and said “Friends.”

I am thou... Thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow...

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Hope Persona I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power

Hope-Shiho Suzui: Rank 1

“Oh. There you are” Ann said. Ren turned to see Ryuji and Ann walk back up to her.

“Uh, right,” Ryuj said. “There’s something else we need to discuss,” Ryuji said. “The usual place?”

Ren looked at Shiho. “It’s OK. I’ll be fine on my own. Ren smiled, knowing that she actually meant it, and headed off with her gang of thieves.

They all met on the roof. “Well, today sure was something,” Ryuji said.

“You can say that again,” Ann remarked.

Morgana hopped out on the table. “Yeah, but this is all good news. We got Kamoshida to confess, Shiho didn’t burn down the school, and I don’t know if you've heard, but people are already talking about the Phantom Thieves.”

“Yeah,” Ren said. “Overall, I’ve gotta say today was pretty good.”

“I guess you’re right,” Ryuji said. “So, does that mean we get to hawk the medal?” He began looking up stuff on his phone.

“I guess we should,” Ann said, “but wouldn’t the buyer get a little suspicious?”

“Don’t worry,” Ren said. “I think we have a prospective buyer who won’t ask too many questions.”

“Woah!” Ryuji said. “This thing can get up to 30,000 yen?!”

The thieves were shocked. “Remember that time I loaned you some money and you didn’t pay me back?” Ann asked.

“What?!” Ryuji screeched. “It wasn’t 30,000!”

“Yeah, but with interest…” Ann said.

“That’s bullshit!” Ryuji said.

“...Why don’t we do something with the money as a unit?” Morgana said, trying to cool tensions.

“Oh, I like that!” Ann said. “There’s this buffet I’ve been meaning to try. We can go and celebrate!”

“Alright, now you’re speaking my language!” Ryuji said. “A celebration of the Phantom Thieves by stuffing our faces! I love it!”

Ren grinned. “Well, I guess that’s settled.”

“So, when should we do it?” Ann asked.

“Oh, let’s go on the 5th, Children’s day!” Ryuji said. “It’s the last day of Golden Week, so it’ll be celebratory, non-conspicuous, and it’ll give us a chance to sell the medal.”

“Wow, that’s actually pretty smart of you” Ren remarked.

“Heh heh, I try,” Ryuji said. “So, that’s the plan then.”

“I think so,” Ann said.

“We’re all in agreement there,” Morgana said.

Ren nodded. “You just leave selling the medal to me.” The four left the rooftop and started heading down. Ren went to one of her jobs early, since she wanted to keep out of Sojiro’s hair. When she got back in the evening, she got a group message.

Ann: I can’t WAIT to try out this place.

Ryuji: You keep talking it up.

Ann: Sorry.

Ann: I’ve been meaning to go with Shiho, but…

Ryuji: Um, do you think she would want to come?

Ann: I already asked. She says she might be ready to go to school, but she needs time to do more things.

Ryuji: Gotcha.

Ryuji: Still, whether we can go depends on whether or not the medal is sold.

Ren: Do you not trust me?

Ryuji: It’s not that.

Ryuji: I’m just not sure I can trust someone willing to buy it off a high schooler.

Ryuji: I mean, 30,000 yen is a lot.

Ann: Especially if you rack up interest.

Ryuji: This again?

Ryuji: Look, I’m sorry I haven’t paid you back yet.

Ren: Why did you borrow money in the first place?

Ann: He REALLY wanted that dolphin.

Ren: Dolphin?

Ryuji: We were on a school field trip to an aquarium.

Ann: He bought a souvenir and didn’t have enough money for the bus back.

Ryuji: I bought it because my mom really wanted it.

Ann: ...Well, if you bought it for your mom, then I guess I can give you a pass this time.

Ann: The next time I lend you money, I expect to be paid back in full.

Ryuji: ...Thanks.

Ren: That’s a lovely story.

Ren: Well, goodnight.

Ryuji: G’night.

Ann: Goodnight.

Ren put her phone away and went to bed.

The next day she was about to leave to sell the medal when Sojiro stopped her. “Hey. Since you’re off, would you mind helping out around the cafe?”

Ren paused. Morgana whispered to her. “It should be alright. You do owe him a little, and we can always sell this tomorrow.” Ren smiled, nodded at Sojiro, and prepared herself to help out. She let Morgana roam around the neighborhood.

As the evening was drawing near, a report about the Kamoshida incident appeared on TV. “Tonight: A former Olympian medalist turned teacher was arrested after admitting to serious abuse and sexual harassment.” The TV cut to interviews with students who said various things on the subject. “While the teacher is now behind bars, there are still some questions that linger. Most notable of which was a calling card sent to Mr. Kamoshida days before he confessed to everything.”

Sojiro looked at the TV. “Hey, isn’t that your school?”

“Huh? Yeah” Ren said.

“Hm” Sojiro said. “Well, it’s a good thing he got arrested before anything happened to you, huh.”

“Yeah,” Ren said.

Sojiro paused for a moment. “Oh. Son of a BITCH!”

“What?” Ren said.

“He DID try to harass you!” Sojiro 

Ren was surprised. “What makes you say that?”

Sojiro glared. “I could tell by your voice.” He sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

Ren steeled herself. “What makes you think I would?”

“I’m your guardian” he answered. “I’m supposed to protect you.”

“Psh. Only for my probation” Ren snarked. “What makes you think I should be able to trust you with this kind of thing? You don’t trust me with your house. You don’t trust me with a key to this place. Hell, you don’t even trust that I’m not a criminal.”

Sojiro glared at her. “Alright. We’re doing this.” Sojiro whipped up some coffee for the two of them. “Sit down.”

Ren was unsure of where this commanding aura was going to lead, but for now she at least trusted Sojiro enough to believe he didn’t mean her harm. She sat down across from him. “What is this then?” she asked.

Sojiro looked at her intently. “I’ve only heard the police report. What’s your side of the story?”

Ren was surprised. Would he believe me? Well, this is my chance. He’s at least willing to listen, so why not? “Some guy was trying to force a woman into his car. I stepped in between them to split them up. He was pretty drunk so he fell over. He then said he was going to sue me for assault.

Some police officers came by, and appeared to recognize him. He coerced the woman he was with to say that I had attacked him. He also asked the officer to leave his name out of it. And that’s how I got arrested.” Ren put her head in her hand. “So the question is do you believe that?”

Sojiro stared at her silently for a few seconds. He sighed. “I’ve known many people like the man you just described. I also have less faith in the system than it might appear. Your story is believable, and I don’t think you would lie to me at this point.”

Sojiro took a sip of his coffee. “So, I believe you when you say you aren’t a criminal. Now, I need you to trust me on a few things. You don’t HAVE to, I’m just asking here.” Ren nodded, sipping her coffee. Sojiro sighed. “I need you to believe me when I tell you that things at my house are complicated. I can’t fully explain why unless it becomes an absolute necessity.

BUT I also need you to believe that I have your best interest in mind. Of course I don’t want you to cause trouble, but I don’t want you to get in trouble either. If you ever get backed into a corner, I want you to know that I’ll be there. What do you say?”

Ren looked at Sojiro. His tone seemed stern, but his expression seemed pained. To Ren, it seemed like he was an authority on what would happen if you had no one to rely on. He was willing to listen to her, and he was willing to help her out in different circumstances since she got here. Just as he believed her, she needed to believe him.

She looked down. “On my first day going to school, Ann and I had met at the same intersection. That man, Mr. Kamoshida, pulled up and invited the two of us in his car. Ann told me it was alright, but I sensed hesitation in her voice. I came along just to make sure everything would be OK.

Afterwards, Ann and I got acquainted, and then I met her friend Shiho. After school, Mr. Kamoshida called me to his office.” Ren began to shake. “He wanted the two of us to get intimate, and he threatened to reveal the fact that I got arrested if I didn’t comply. But before anything could happen, Ann and Shiho found us and helped me escape.”

Ren took off her glasses and cleaned them a little bit. “The whole thing was surprising to say the least. I couldn’t imagine how brazen he could be. And, in all honesty, I felt trapped between a rock and a hard place. I honestly have no clue what I would have done if Ann and Shiho hadn’t rescued me.”

Sojiro looked at her. “If I knew anyone I trusted in prison, I’d pay them to just beat the living shit out of this person.”

Ren was curious. “So, you know people in prison?”

“That’s...not the point right now,” Sojiro said. “The point is, I’m glad you were able to open up with me like that. It couldn’t have been easy, but…”

Ren smiled. “I getchu,” she said.

Sojiro chuckled. “You’re pretty strong. After going through everything you did, you seem to be still standing well on your own.”

“Well, here’s the thing,” Ren said. “I’m not on my own. I have my friends, and I have you.”

Sojiro was surprised. “Eheh. Well, thank you.” Sojiro smiled. “I know that when the time is right, I’ll have you as well. Here” he said, sliding a key towards her. “I had this made yesterday. I was going to give it to you regardless, but I think after our talk, now’s the time to give it to you.”

Ren picked up the key and smiled. “Thanks.”

Hierophant-Sojiro Sakura: Rank 3

Ren finished her coffee, and went upstairs to her bed.

[wildfluffyappeared]

Anyway my post about Maruki from P5R and Monika from Doki Doki Literature Club reminding me of each other kinda inspired me so uhh have a short little thing I’m writing abt a certain AU I’m cooking up

“Oh, hello Mr. Amamiya!” Dr. Maruki said politely, gesturing for Ren to enter her office and sit down.

Ren had heard the rumors about Dr. Maruki, which had been spreading since the school meeting in which she came to the school after Kamoshida’s confession. She herself was a Shujin Academy alumnus. Monika Maruki, the brighest and best girl in her class. Athletic, intelligent, and beautiful. Her reputation had been stained, however, during her third year at Shujin. Monika had attempted to form a literature club at the school with only four other members: Sayori Fukushima, Natsuki Takahashi, Yuri Nakamura, and a fifth boy whose identity was a mystery due to the circumstances. Over the course of a month, each other member besides Monika and the boy died. Sayori and Yuri both died by suicide, while Natsuki was injured in an altercation with her father and lost her life. As those closest to the others, Monika and the boy were both questioned about what could have led to this. However, the real mystery lay in the fact that the boy seemed to have no memory of the other girls at all, just Monika. The boy was admitted to a mental hospital in the wake of this, and his name kept a secret to protect his and his family’s identity. Nothing was ever proven, but heavy suspicion was spread in rumors about Monika.

It was almost as if, Ren thought, that the other girls had been deleted somehow from the boy’s cognition. And as a Phantom Thief with a vested interest in cognition, Ren was VERY interested in how Dr. Maruki could have achieved this.

[jokerrenwriting]

Deal With Me - Drabble

A/N: Me: *can’t think of a whole lot to write for this idea* Also Me: *remembers drabbles exist so it doesn’t have to be one-shot-sized* Me: AWWW YISS!

“Hey baby,” another student said, trapping me against the wall of the hallway by putting his elbow on the wall next to my head, his hand down close to my neck to twirl some of my hair around his fingers. “You’re looking particularly lovely today.”

The saccharine smile made me nauseated. “Dude,” I deadpanned, letting my face drop into my default expression---a rather angry-looking one that tended to scare people off.

But not this guy apparently. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” he asked.

“Your flirting needs work,” I said. I reached up and snatched his wrist, forcing his forearm closer to his body. “And you should know that touching my hair without my permission is a biiig no-no if you want to keep that hand.” My last few words were ground out through a clenched jaw as I tightened my grip around his wrist before shoving it away from me.

“Why, you stuck up bi---”

Before he could finish his insult, a hand landed on his shoulder and whirled him to face a newcomer. A pair of glasses flashed as they reflected the hallway’s overhead lights.

“Don’t you dare even think about putting your hands on her again,” a familiar voice snarled.

“Ooh. Amamiya,” the student hitting on me taunted. “Do you really think it’s a good idea to go around picking fights? You are on probation aren’t you?”

“Ren,” I warned softly.

Both boys ignored my warning.

“If I ever see you anywhere near her, you’ll have to deal with me,” Ren spat at the other student.

He shoved the boy away from me, making him stumble several paces down the hallway. Ren moved closer, his fingertips gently resting on my shoulder. His other hand was holding the straps of his bag casually. Like nothing interesting happened.

“You alright?” he asked softly.

I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks,” I said.

“If he bothers you again, let me know, okay?”

“Uh... sure.”

Ren and I weren’t exactly “friends.” He hung out with Ryuji and Ann a lot. The three of them and I didn’t run with the same crowds. I was more of the Goody-Two-Shoes type and all three of them had been branded troublemakers by the other students---and some of the administration and teachers too. But... despite the rumors of probation and his criminal record, Ren had only ever been nice to me with a good heart in the few times we interacted.

I wondered how everyone got him so wrong.

“Yeah. Sure. Thanks.” My second attempt came out much more confident.

He smiled and wandered off into the hallways.

*^*^*^*^*

“I figured you out, Amamiya,” I said, approaching Ren.

“Did you now? What did you figure out about me?”

“You can’t just sit by while bad stuff is happening. That’s why you got in trouble with the court system and why you defended me. Everyone else only sees the legal mumbo-jumbo but... I saw your heart yesterday. It’s good and it’s kind but there’s also fury and rebellion looming right under the surface. I’ll be interested in seeing where a heart like that takes you.”

Ren smiled. “That right? Guess you better stick around then,” he said.

“Guess I better. Who else is going to keep creeps away from me?” I joked.

He chuckled. “You could do it all on your own. I think it was just that guy yesterday who was too stubborn.”

I sighed. “Unfortunately, some guys only take other guys seriously and don’t listen to girls. So when that happens, I might need a friend to tell them to back off.”

“I can be your friend,” he remarked.

I smiled. “Thanks.”

“Wanna come sit with me and my friends at lunch?”

“Sure!” I knew it could be a bad move---the Goody-Goody hanging out with the troublemakers---but I’d gone so long without too many friends. I couldn’t be so alone anymore.

*^*^*^*^*

It turned out to be a decent move, actually. My reputation took a small hit but the guys I went to school with stopped hitting on me.

Mostly because rumors immediately spread around the school that Ren and I were dating. I thought Ren would jump at the chance to immediately deny such baseless accusations---but he didn’t. When I asked him why, he just said, “Let them believe what they want. Doesn’t affect us.”

He had a point but it was still gnawing at my anxiety that this would somehow come back to bite me. I figured everyone would eventually figure out that we were just friends.

The rumors did push us closer together though since people tended to steer clear of Ren given his criminal record had been leaked and the few “friends” I spent time with immediately backed away from me. I didn’t mind much. I started spending more time with Ren, Ryuji, and Ann. They were actually pretty nice.

I spent so much time around them, in fact, that I found out their secret---they were Phantom Thieves and trying to force Mr. Kamoshida to change his heart. Which I fully supported---but didn’t want to get involved with. Leave the thievery to them.

Eventually, Ren and I did start dating. But in secret so the rumors stayed “rumors.” It was kind of fun. I’d never had a secret relationship before. There was a sense of playful danger to it.

Stealing affection when no one was looking was like a game.

It gave me an opportunity to joke about being a Phantom Thief myself---because I’d stolen Joker’s heart.

Ren thought I was funny.

[megashadowdragon]

the reason for  each phantom thiefs metaverse outift, weapons ,names of their personas  ( including the evolved personas

The appearance of each character's Phantom Thief costume is supposed to reflect their idea of a rebel. The truth of that really hits home when you take a close look at the party members and their costume:

Joker starts the show with his black coat and outfit. A bit non-specific, but perfect for blending in with the shadows in order to get away with whatever you want. Take a closer look and you'll see his outfit even has a bit of a tuxedo feel with the undershirt, coattails, and shoes. Now who was wearing a fancy suit when they falsely accused Joker and started this whole mess?

Ryuji is a former track star who's been branded as a punk by society. His outfit certainly reflects that with the metal plates, leather jacket, and club-like weapons like a back-alley street thug.

Ann grew up admiring a cartoon super villainess for her free spirit. Little wonder her costume basically looks like an Expy for Catwoman's.

Morgana's outfit looks like it might not fit, given he appears like a mascot character. It fits in with his thoughts that he is a human, and thus is "rebelling" against the idea that he is truly a cat.

Yusuke is an artist and (partially due to his poverty) takes a rather old-fashioned view of things. His rebel persona therefore has the tight jumpsuit and flashy mask of a romanticized period-drama ninja thief.

Makoto is the prim-and-proper, reason-over-emotion head of the student council. What else would reflect a rebel to her but a hot-blooded biker chick?

Tech-savvy Futaba is almost deceptively easy to place as a black hat hacker, but take a closer look. With all the high-tech gizmos and powers her persona grants and the fact that she's always riding inside of it instead of being on the battlefield with the others she's like the final boss from a video game!

Haru's own persona calls her a "princess", and she's desperate to break that role. Hence her outfit reflects nobility, but looks more like it's meant for a gentleman burglar than a female courtier like Milady's dress.

Akechi follows a similar theme to Haru. A white outfit that just screams disgraced/exiled noble (which he sort of is being Shido's bastard son). His true costume reveals another side to the rebel, though: The stripes on his outfit look like a prison uniform, like the countless people he's helped lock up. It also serves as a hint that he, like Joker, is a prisoner of the Demiurge.

   .  (mystech-master . tumblr . com/post/183038928970/cincosechzehn-everyones-outfits-in-the#notes  

 everyone’s outfits in the metaverse are supposed to represent what rebellion from “fate” is supposed to look like and all i can think of is how goro’s outfit is a princely regal look with a light saber and a raygun    rebellion for him was being acknowledged as a legitimate heir and being allowed to be a child )

The thief outfits and weapons also represent how others perceive them.

Ren is thought of as shifty criminal and some of the rumors you see in the hallway even imply the students think he is carrying a knife on him, just by reputation, his awakening manifests a knife as well for him to fight with.

Ryuji is perceived by others at school as a violent no-good thug after his altercation with Kamoshida, the outfit and lead pipe make him look the part, he even mentions after his awakening "Kamoshida's cognition ain't changing, so I'll act like the troublemaker I am!"

For Ann, around school people see her as a shameless flirt who uses men, like she's a femme fatale, the sexy catsuit and whip makes her looks like a woman who dominates men.

Morgana looks like a miniature mascot, hard to see and easy to miss, with weapons he can easily use. Igor probably meant to make Morgana an ally and give him some things that wouldn't be hard to use due to his miniature size.

Yusuke is seen as a quiet cold artist, who's quick to draw his weapon/brush in a flash when the moment strikes. His outfit also has white, black and blue, frequently seen as cold/winter colors.

Makoto is harder to pin, but she is seen as the enforcer of the principle or like his loyal knight, her mask looking very knight-like, her knuckles could be seen as almost word play of her "knuckle down and follow orders" personality she gave off initially.

Futaba was really interacted with by Sojiro, he saw her as a strange but exceptional girl, like a high tech specialist, her persona being a UFO also represents how alien she is to everyone, strange but fantastic.

Haru has a refined elegant look, but is armed with a brutal axe and grenade launcher, many saw her as a proxy of her father and perhaps perceived as being capable of being as ruthless and aggressive as he is as a business man.

Akechi is seen by all his fans as a hero and all around "pleasant boy" even as the second Prince detective, his outfit being very princely, his weapons being fantastical, his fans believing him to be capable of doing impossible things just by being star struck by his charisma. His Black Mask outfit also fits, given it looks like the in universe Neo Featherman series outfits, mashed with a prisoner theme: Shido and Yaldabaoth see him as nothing more than a doll to be used and thrown away when it bores them.

The appearance or namesakes of the Phantom Thieves Personas are also rather fitting concerning their circumstances or how they rebelled from society.

Akira/Ren has Arsene, based on the fictional character Arsene Lupin. Arsene was written as a force of good, but often found on the wrong side of the law, which is well symbolized by Arsene's Gentleman Thief combined with his angelic black wings, who is also Chained by Fashion. Akira/Ren had just recently found themselves on the wrong side of the law and branded a criminal for something he didn't do, but is still a good person.

Ryuji has Captain Kidd, based on the real life figure William Kidd. William Kidd was a pirate, who are often stereotyped as having eyepatches, golden teeth, and peg legs. The third is actually very fitting, considering Ryuji's leg was broken by Kamoshida and thus he'd have a bum leg for awhile. Kidd was also notably tried and executed, and Ryuji's fit of rage caused the Track Team to get disbanded, effectively "executing" Ryuji.

Ann has Carmen, based on the character that the same play is based around. Carmen is a known heartbreaker and deconstruction of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope. This is fitting because Ann has been trying to keep away from Kamoshida, never confronting him while his cognition of Ann shows that he wants her to be his Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Carmen is shown having two broken hearted men in chains with herself, which befits how Ann not only stops running away from Kamoshida to fight against him, but also destroying his cognition of her, in essence intending to break his heart.

Morgana has Zorro, based on the fictional character of the same name. His character was seen as a savior who defends the commoners of the indigenous peoples of California from tyrants and villains who seek to control them. He hides his fighting abilities when pretending to be a commoner, instead opting to look like a coward and a fop. He also has a horse named Tornado. Fittingly enough, Morgana specializes in Wind/Garu spells, and his cat form has been used more than once to innocuously spread calling cards. Morgana was also created by Igor to find Persona users to help him and defeat/overthrow Yaldabaoth, therefore being a "Savior" to Igor and the rest of Japan.

Yusuke has Goemon, who is based off of the real life figure Ishikawa Goemon. Goemon's supposed earlier life involved the death of his parents while he was very young which lead to him swearing revenge upon the killers, which befits how Yusuke's mother was left to die by Madarame and he in turn swore revenge upon him. Goemon's acts of stealing from the rich and giving to the oppressed poor is also fitting in the sense that he's stealing Madarame's fame and giving it back to the oppressed artists he's long since subdued. Goemon's appearance is also fitting, looking like a Japanese ink wash painting brought to life, and Yusuke is an artist!

Makoto has Johanna, who is based on the supposedly fictional Pope Joan. Pope Joan was said to have disguised herself as a man to infiltrate the church and have risen up to the Papacy, only to be ousted as a woman and killed when she had delivered her child in full view of everyone else. Makoto similarly tried infiltrating the Phantom Thieves at the behest of the Principal, which lead her to the point of finding Kaneshiro's hideout who was intent on making her into a sex slave (aka "with child"?). Her awakening could be seen as her "Death" (which in the Tarot symbolizes change) and rebirth into a Phantom Thief. And what better way to ride out of your old life than on an awesome supernatural motorcycle!?

Futaba has Necronomicon, a fictional Tome of Eldritch Lore in the Cthulhu Mythos by H. P. Lovecraft. It's fictional author was said to be "Mad Arab" Abdul Alhazred, which gives a nice connection to Futaba's Pyramid Palace theme. Not to mention the factor that the Necronomicon is said to be a book of forbidden and eldritch powers fits Futaba. Afterall, what better Persona for a girl who indulges in the illegal art of hacking? Furthermore, it's UFO appearance hits in the sense that Futaba has alienated herself from everyone else, but has been trying to make contact with others like aliens in urban legends do.

Haru has Milady, based on the fictional character Milady De Winter from The Three Musketeers. Milady De Winter is known as a spy and criminal, who had married into royalty but was nearly killed by her husband when her status was found out. And after she manages to survive and tries to get vengeance, she is found out and later executed by beheading. This fits Haru as she willingly joins the Phantom Thieves in hopes of reclaiming her father's heart, and that her fiance is a Domestic Abuser intent on using her as his plaything. And while Haru succeeds in her "vengeance" of stealing her father's heart, he gets killed and essentially leaves heading the company to Haru who doesn't know the first thing of being a CEO, essentially being left headless. The loads of guns within Milady's dress is also fitting, because when faced with the idea of a future with someone like her Fiance, that's exactly the kind of protection you'd want to keep him away.

Akechi has Robin Hood and Loki, based on a fictional story of the same name and the god of deceit and lies in Norse Mythology. Robin Hood's appearance fits with Akechi's desired public image, and his story fits as stealing from the rich to give to the poor. But when the rightful king returns, Robin Hood gives up being a thief and is knighted by the King...which is essentially what Akechi does the moment he's done working with the Phantom Thieves, going back to being Shido's lapdog. Loki is fitting in the sense that he's one of the parties responsible for instigating Ragnarok, the all out war at the end of the world in Norse Mythology. He killed a beloved figure, insulted the gods over their past misdeeds and gave a Motive Rant to how he did all of his, and even fathered a few of the monsters responsible for tearing up the world when Ragnarok comes. This all fits how Akechi intends to build Shido up (killing a "beloved" figure), oust The Conspiracy (insult the gods on their misdeeds) and even testify of all of his own to further break down Shido (Motive Rant to how he did all of this). And that "Fathering Monsters" bit also helps in the fact that Loki has the power to make Shadows go berserk, essentially turning them into vicious monsters! As well, one of Loki's most noted powers is shapeshifting. Akechi has the ability to change his Metaverse Outfit, and uses the false facade of a "Detective Prince" to hide his inner darkness.

The appearance and stories of the evolved Persona's of the party members is also fitting.

Ren/Akira/The PC has Satanael at the end game, who is said in game to be a Gnostic representation of Lucifer before he fell from grace.

Ryuji has Seiten Taisei, the titular Monkey King in Journey to the West.

Ann has Hecate, the Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, Crossroads, and Necromancy.

Morgana has Mercurius, the Roman God of Commerce, Luck, Travelers and Thieves. Mercurius is much more lean in build, wears more rougeish attire and wields a cadaseus in stark contrast to Zorro who had a bulkier build, armor and wielded a sword. This shows how Morgana has embraced his lifestyle as a thief and is a general benefactor/guide to the Phantom Thieves as a whole.

Yusuke has Kamu Susano-o, the Japanese God of Storms.

Makoto has Anat, a goddess of War that has appeared in several northwestern Semitic Religions.

Futaba has Prometheus, the Greek Titan who gave mankind fire.

Haru has Astarte, the Mesopotamian Goddess of Love and War.

Akechi has Loki, the trickster god from Norse Mythology.

His wings go from feathered to black bat wings, as he is draped in armor that looks fine, as well as a dark halo, representing how the PC is willing to embrace being a criminal if it means it's for the good of mankind.

He represents a more beneficial representation of Lucifer, how he freed mankind from ignorance and gave them free will. The Protagonist's endgame at this point is to free humanity (or at least the general public of Japan) from Yaldabaoth's influence. Notably, Satanael isn't shown in actual places as being a good being. This could be interpreted that the PC is no longer going by societal expectations, but creating his own meaning in the world.

He rides a living cloud and wields a staff weighing 800K, which shows how Ryuji is able to work under the pressure and go wherever he pleases at the same time.

"Seiten Taisei" is noted to be a title Sun Wukong gave himself when trying to entice the residents of Heaven. After extending his own life, he was found by Buddha and crushed underneath the Five Fingered Mountain for 500 years until freed by a Monk, who he then followed. Ryuji had notably changed his image after the incident with Kamoshida, going from a good kid to a delinquent to fit where he was at. He was crushed by Kamoshida's own hands, and was going to be executed by Kamoshida's Shadow. While Ren/Akira/The PC isn't exactly a monk, he does free Ryuji, and Ryuji proceeds to follow Akira loyally.

Carmen's twindrills have turned into wicked hair with eyes in them, she wears some armor on her upper body and the two broken hearted men have become rabid dogs at Hecate's command. This well represents that while Ann does have very good looks, she won't let herself be defined by them and that she knows how to look out for, reject and control those who would seek to get to her via her looks.

Hecate is also known as being more at home at the fringes of greek society, how she defies boundaries, eludes definition, and is even seen as a savior by some. Ann became a Phantom Thief by accidentally stumbling onto the Cognitive World, and finds a place she can belong in the Phantom Thieves. As a model, she also eludes definition, and is in with the other protagonists in starting the Phantom Thieves, in essence becoming "saviors" to the oppressed populace.

Susano-o is now a Walking Shirtless Scene with tattoos covering his skin, baggy pants, stark white hair and a scarf with an actual sword compared to Goemon's over the top traditional wear, black pompadour and his sword looking like a huge pipe. This befits how Yusuke seems to be getting more in touch with modern society and the people around him.

Susano-o was known for rampaging through Heaven when he lost to Amaterasu, and was eventually thrown out. He then finds out about the Orochi from a grieving family who lost 7 daughters and are about to lose the last one. Susano-o proceeds to kill it, take a sword from it's innards, and gift them and two other items to Amaterasu as an apology. This seems to befit how Yusuke has embraced the lifestyle of a Phantom Thief, going from a possible enemy of them to someone who helps venerate them. He even creates the calling cards past the 3rd palace.

Anat is a Transforming Mecha of a Motorcycle, plated in steel. The calm face of Johanna has been replaced by an angry visage of a woman with horns. This represents how Makoto won't let society's labels define what she can or can't do, and how she can be or go wherever she wants to if she puts the effort into it.

Anat is known in multiple stories to have avenged her fallen brother by killing Mot, and dragging him back from the underworld. This befits how Makoto was "dragged into reality" by the Phantom Thieves, as well as her desired purpose in life by the end of her Confidant by becoming a Police Comissioner. It also befits how protective she is of her sister, Sae, when she becomes the object of the Conspiracy's fancy.

Prometheus appears like a ball engraved with rainbows and having what appears to be a smiling face emoticon. This seems to befit how Futaba now views life, instead of a lifeless wasteland, there is possibility, vibrancy and color that she has come to experience from her time with the Protagonist.

Prometheus is known as the titan who gave mankind fire and knowledge, which had incurred Zeus's wrath. He was to be chained to a rock, an eagle ripping out his liver each day, only for it to regrow in the night, to which the cycle would continue ad infinitum. He was freed by the hero Hercules during the 12 Labours. This befits how Futaba was tormented by her own self-loathing thanks to the men in black sent by a "god" (aka Shido), and it wasn't until "heroes" saved her (aka the Phantom Thieves) that she started to get better.

Astarte appears to be a black silhouette of a woman with her hair let loose, wearing nothing but lengerie, a large crescent moon symbol on her forehead, and her bottom half is concealed by what appears to be a constantly rotating triple headed skull that faces three directions. One with it's eyes open, the next with them half open and the last with them shut. It also appears to have a rotating halo like thing around itself. This seems to befit on how Haru is able to be more open to people in spite of her status, being able to open her eyes to everything around her.

Astarte is known as having multiple associations, mainly with Goddesses like Aphrodite or Ishtar. She is known as the "Queen of Heaven" in some contexts, but she's also been known to have been demonized into Astaroth, one of the three dukes of Hell. Haru was well known for her high status as Okumura's daughter, but after her father confesses and dies, and she falls in with the Phantom Thieves, it befits how she's become one of the forces for criminals, which society in game could perceive as "Hell".

When one looks at Loki, he has Dazzle Camouflage, a type of camouflage used on ships to mislead onlookers as to what direction they're going. Furthermore, its legs seem to shift into horse's legs at the knee down, his fingers turning into claws and the braids on its head turning a fiery red at the tips. It has horns and wears a malicious smile on his face. In a way, Loki's appearance shares a lot of similarities with Arsene, given they share the smiling face, horns and fingers. Both are the intial Personas of their respective users, but while Arsene is known to be a good guy, Loki is well known for being a malicious troll. Both Akira/Ren and Akechi were put into positions where they were dehumanized by society, but while Akira/Ren tries to make the best of his situation, Akechi wallows in it and becomes more corrupted. It even shows in how Loki is becoming more monstrous in appearance, like how Akechi has become a monster as well. The factor that Dazzle Camouflage is used on ships also details his relationship to Shido: he's trying to misdirect people from hurting Shido, at least not until he can sink the ship himself.

Loki is known as a trickster god in Norse Mythology, who usually got people into as much trouble as much as he got people out of it. However, after Balder's death and during a night the other Aesir were being cruel to him, Loki drunkenly ranted about how he caused Balder's death and how much everyone else sucked. In retaliation, they killed his children, tied him to a stone and make venom drip into his eyes. When Ragnarok happened, he was one of the confirmed casualties. This befits how Akechi was doomed to fail or die no matter what he did, be it by his father's cognition of him, a death sentence for all the murders Akechi did, or fail to defeat Joker as the two couldn't help but fight each other as per Yaldabaoth's game. And unlike the rest of the Phantom Thieves's Personas, Loki was demonized by Christianity marking him as a villain, much like how Akechi was demonized by society for being a bastard child and for saying the Phantom Thieves aren't justice. @nenilein

[nonamemon]

mega long list of rumors that get spread about the p5 protagonist during the first month of the game because i have no life:

“What if you get wrapped up in something because of him? It’s probably best to stay away.”

“I hear he hides a bunch of dangerous stuff in his bag...”

“Isn’t he a criminal that’s gotten into all sorts of stuff...?”

“I heard that he’s a super problem child, and no other school will take him.”

“Did you see what people were saying on that one site? It’s him...”

“I’ve heard some pretty crazy rumors about him...”

“Let’s just stay away from him. That guy’s nothing but trouble.”

“That guy’s life is over. He should just disappear already.”

“I heard someone who got charged with assault transferred to our school as a second-year...”

“Is he the one who got charged with assault?”

“So that’s him? That’s the guy with the criminal record?”

“Drinking, smoking, theft...I heard this guy’s done it all.”

“So, he’s the transfer student people were talking about online...”

“That transfer student’s gotten involved in all sorts of shady things, right?”

“I heard he got arrested for assault. He’s an actual criminal.”

“He looks harmless, but he’s done some crazy stuff, right?”

“Wait, is that the guy who assaulted someone?”

“That transfer student actually committed some crimes, right?”

“Hey, that’s him, isn’t it? The one people were talking about online...”

“I heard we have a second-year senpai who’s a criminal...”

“I hear this guy drinks and smokes, it’s like he just doesn’t care...”

“Is that the transfer student? The one who assaulted a guy? I read about him online...”

“If the rumors online are true, I don’t feel safe going to the same school as him...”

“My senpai told me that some criminal transferred here as a second-year.”

“I heard that some guy who committed assault transferred here as a second-year...”

“Did you see what people were saying on that one site? It’s him...”

“I think that’s the transfer student, the one people online were saying was a criminal...”

“So that’s the transfer student with a criminal record? And he’s coming to school here?”

ON + AFTER 4/13:

“I heard he does drugs...how much worse can you get?”

“Someone told me he’s killed before...”

“He’s killed a few people before, right? That dude’s freakin’ terrifying...”

“If you get involved with that guy, who knows what will happen...?”

“Let’s just stay away from him. That guy’s nothing but trouble.”

“I heard he always carries a knife on him. That’s so scary...”

“I heard he pulls out knives on people without any warning. This guy is a loose cannon.”

“I hear that anyone who makes eye contact with him has to be sent to the hospital...”

“So, he’s the transfer student people were talking about online...”

“Wait, is that the guy that assaulted someone?”

“Everyone’s saying that he uses weapons to threaten people...”

“Hey, that’s him, isn’t it? The one people were talking about online...”

“Don’t look him in the eye! He’ll beat you to near-death...”

“I heard that transfer student is real hot-headed, and gets into fights all the time.”

“Make sure you stay away from that guy. You never know when he might knife you.”

“People say he’s a short fuse. It doesn’t take much before he blows up. Let’s be careful...”

“I feel like, if you look him in the eye for too long, he’ll just punch you out...”

“Committing assault is pretty serious...”

ON/AFTER 4/18:

“Getting expelled isn’t something that happens every day...”

“Even the teachers have given up on him.”

“He’s already started causing trouble?”

“The rumors were right...he does look really dangerous...”

“He’s getting expelled? That guy must not have any remorse for his crimes at all...”

“I don’t want to get involved with him...he’s scary.”

“He’s getting expelled already? That’s kind of impressive, in a way.”

“If he gets expelled, I’d feel so relieved...”

“That transfer student’s already getting kicked out of school!”

“He really is dangerous, isn’t he?”

“He’s not going to suddenly just start attacking people, is he?”

“There’s no way to tell when he might snap. We should steer clear of that guy...”

“Mr. Kamoshida’s got it rough. I mean, he has to deal with problem students like him...”

“Hey, look. That’s him, isn’t it? The idiot that got on Mr. Kamoshida’s bad side.”

“I’m so glad I don’t have to be in the same class as him...”

“I heard that delinquent Sakamoto and the transfer student will get expelled...”

“I heard he’s getting expelled soon since he’s already causing trouble...”

“He looks like the kind of guy who’d just stab you if you make him mad...”

“He really does have a criminal record, doesn’t he?”

“He looks pretty normal, but...”

“If he’s a delinquent, he should act more like one and not come to our school.”

“If you fall in with someone like him, you’re bound to be on the losing end in life.”

“I heard he actually made Mr. Kamoshida mad...”

“So the people getting expelled are him, Sakamoto, and…who else was it?”

“He might be calm and quiet now, but there’s no way to tell when that guy’ll make trouble.”

“Is it true that those two problem students are getting expelled from school?”

“Don’t make eye contact with him. You don’t know what he might do to us...”

“Things should quiet down and go back to normal after they’re expelled, right?”

“He’s got some nerve, just walking in here all casually like that...”

“Aren’t they expelling that delinquent Sakamoto and the transfer student?”

“I heard that him and Sakamoto are both getting expelled...”

“Wait, he’s getting expelled? What the heck did he do?”

“We’d better stay out of his way. Who knows what the guy’ll do...”

“I heard he pissed off Mr. Kamoshida, so he’s gonna get expelled...”

“I hope he’ll just leave everyone else alone until he’s expelled...”

“He’s still coming to school? Just how shameless can he be?”

“I get scared, just knowing he’s close by...”

“I heard him and Sakamoto are getting expelled...”

VOICED LINES FOR WHISPERS:

“He’s so scary...”

“Who does he think he is?”

“It’s the transfer student...”

“Get lost, loser.”

“He’s apparently a psycho.”

“Is that true...?”

“Everyone’s scared of him.”

“He might kill you...”

“What? Isn’t that him?”

“Don’t get involved!”

“You shouldn’t get involved with him...”

“Why’s HE here?”

“H-He’s a criminal, isn’t he?”

“He did something...bad...”

“Even the teachers bailed on him.”

“Wow, he’s really here?”

“He got arrested for hurting someone, I think.”

“Huh? So that’s him?”

“Hey, isn’t that him?”

“Don’t wander around...”

“Hey, that’s him...!”

“Yikes, he’s coming this way...!”

“No wonder he got expelled.”

“He’s a piece of shit anyway, right?”

“The rumors are pretty terrible...”

“He’s gonna make the whole school look bad.”

“I prefer to avoid people with criminal records.”

“I wish he’d just go away already.”

BONUS (LIBRARY):

“Isn’t that the kid with the criminal record? What the heck is he doing in a library?”

“Hey, isn’t that the transfer student? What’s he doing here?”

BONUS (AFTER CHANGING KAMOSHIDA’S HEART):

“I wish he’d just disappear along with Kamoshida.”

“Walking around here like he owns the place...he should’ve gotten expelled.”

“Just leave him alone...he might not let you off this time.”

“Maybe he wasn’t expelled, but he’s still got that criminal record...”

“I hear that the transfer student isn’t getting expelled anymore...”

“You should stay away from him. There’s no telling what he might do to you.”

“The part about him being violent and getting into fights is true, isn’t it?”

“That dude is definitely scary...”

“That guy is just too scary...”

“He’s acting quiet for now, but there’s no way to tell when he’ll cause trouble.”

“It looks like that guy who got in trouble with Kamoshida got off lucky.”

“That guy is still just scary...”

“Did he do something? He has been hanging out with Sakamoto...”

“Just kick him out of school before he causes any problems...”

“Kamoshida’s gone, so I guess he won’t be getting expelled...”

[winterune]

A Persona 5 Fanfiction - Something Perfectly Normal

Word count: 3838

Summary: The second week of Ren’s transfer, the second Sunday. It’s his birthday and he doesn’t know what he should do.  

A/N: a self-indulgent fic I write for my birthday. So, this is a present from me to me, featuring Ren^^ (since Ren doesn’t have an official birthday). Set right after Ren transferred to Shujin Academy, so he’s still adapting to his new environment. It also contains some allusions to another p5 fic I’m currently writing about Ren’s past (the mentions of his mother and foster parents), and it’s my headcanon of who Ren is (helps me in writing his character too). I don’t delve too deep about them here though. 

The hum of the television filled the background. Another recap news of the recent psychological breakdowns. Ren was sitting on the counter with the usual serving of curry Sojiro gave him every morning.

“Do you have plans for today?” the middle-aged man asked from behind the counter.

The same question he posed last Sunday. Ren wasn’t sure if he meant well or he just wanted him away from café every day he had off. But his reluctant guardian hadn’t once looked at him, and he had his back to him. Indifferent. As long as Ren didn’t create any trouble, Sojiro didn’t care less what he did.

Ren shrugged. “I’ll go somewhere,” he said quietly.

Sojiro gave a noncommittal grunt.

Ren brought another spoonful of his curry into his mouth. It melted immediately and it was a struggle not to finish everything so quickly. Despite his attitude toward him, Sojiro’s really was the best curry Ren ever ate. Not to mention the coffees he brewed.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Sojiro seemed to notice Ren’s reaction to his breakfast. His lips stretched into a small smile though he didn’t comment on it.

On the floor to the side, Morgana was eating his own breakfast from a bowl Ren had bought at a nearby pet store. Filled with more of Sojiro’s cooking, of course. The cat had also preferred it to the cat food Ren had bought.

“You know…” Morgana said between mouthfuls. “I can never…get tired of this.”

Ren grinned. “Don’t talk while you’re eating, Morgana,” he said.

“Yeah…”

Sojiro chuckled. “Seems like he loves it.”

Ren’s grin faded. “He does.”

Sojiro glanced at him. “Make sure you bring him with you when you go out.”

“I will.” Ren finished his food and drink. “Thanks for the food.”

***

“Where are you going?” Morgana asked from inside Ren’s bag as they headed outside. The café had just opened but it was still too early for anything else to be open—except for the local stores.

“Somewhere,” Ren mused.

“Aren’t we going to head to the Palace today?” Morgana asked again.

“Not today.”

Morgana was silent for a moment, before asking again, “Then, what are you going to do today?” just as Ren stopped before the stairs up to a batting cage in the neighborhood. Morgana popped his head from Ren’s bag and peaked his head over his shoulder. “A batting cage,” he read the sign. “You’re going to a batting cage?”

Ren shrugged. “No harm in it.” He walked up the stairs, only to find the door to the batting cage closed.

“It’s closed,” Morgana commented.

I can see that, Ren thought to himself. There was a sign posted on the door.  “Opens at noon,” he read.

Ren didn’t move. To be honest, he didn’t have anything in mind—where to go, what to do. The Palace? They hadn’t prepared enough. Maybe he should just spend the day preparing for their infiltration.

“So, what are you going to do?” Morgana asked again.

Ren glanced at the cat staring at him from behind his shoulder. “Do you have fun riding in my bag?”

“Wha—”

Ren smirked.

And maybe because Morgana wasn’t exactly a cat, but Ren could see the slight stretch of his mouth to a reluctant smirk as he huffed. “Well, I’m going wherever you go,” he said and went back inside the bag.

“You’re heavy, Morgana,” Ren commented again.

“Shut up!”

***

His phone vibrated as Ren waited at the station for a train to Shibuya. It was Ryuji, asking when they were going to go to the Palace. Why was everyone asking him that?! Ren replied it wouldn’t be today.

“I’ll be hanging out in Shibuya if you changed your mind,” Ryuji replied Ren’s text.

Well, good thing Ren was going to Shibuya too. Maybe he’d see Ryuji for a while.

It didn’t take long to reach Shibuya and even in the morning, these parts were already so crowded. It had been two weeks since he moved here and he hadn’t had the chance to explore much of the city. With everything that went on at school, Kamoshida, and the discovery of the Metaverse, not to mention how everyone kept bugging him when to go, when to go, when to go every single time they saw him… Maybe he should take the time to explore today.

The stairs from the subway led to an underground station and somewhere in it, Ren saw a crowded drink stand. He had noticed the drink stand a couple times but it was never as crowded as it was today. As he approached it, he saw how the people behind the counter looked so busy and the queue was so long. A sign read “Sunday Special Drink”—and it was expensive. Not worth it.

Ren spent most of the day wandering aimlessly, Morgana sometimes giving unnecessary comments on whatever caught Ren’s interest. Unnecessary, but still a welcome nonetheless. It made him feel less lonely. He hadn’t felt this lonely in years. On this particular day. Maybe he should just buy something and be done with it. He could spend the rest of the day in his room. Sojiro wouldn’t mind that, right?

He did just that and went inside the first store he saw in the underground mall. A music store. Racks of CDs lined the wall. The store clerk greeted him as the door slid open for him. There were only a few customers beside him inside. He took a look around, but didn’t find anything that interested him.

“Do you have somewhere you want to go, Morgana?” Ren asked as he exited the store.

“Hmm… nothing in particular,” Morgana replied. “Though I wouldn’t mind going to Mementos.” Even from behind his shoulder, Ren could feel Morgana narrowing his eyes at him. “You promised you’d help me recover my memories.”

Ren sighed. “I promise, but not today, okay?”

“Hmph, yes well, it’s still a while before your expulsion. There’s no harm in taking a break once in a while.”

Ren nodded. “It doesn’t do well to rush things.”

Still, that didn’t answer his initial question. Where should they go? Ren wandered around the mall for a while, checking every store. Everything was so expensive. He had noted a store that sold things that might be helpful for their Palace infiltration. But he didn’t have that much money. Maybe he should look for a job? There was some part-time job adds outside if he wasn’t mistaken.

He was just finished looking around a flower shop when he spotted a familiar face walking down one of the corridors. Ann… in casual clothes. At the same moment, Ann noticed him there and her face broke into a grin.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, right hand reaching high in a wave.

Ren smiled and wove back.

Morgana, hearing Ann’s voice, immediately popped his head from the bag and climbed onto Ren’s shoulder. “Lady Ann!” to which Ren cringed slightly but couldn’t help the grin on his face every time he saw Morgana reacted to Ann.

“Hi, Morgana,” Ann returned his greeting with a bright smile, then shifted her gaze back to Ren. “What are you doing here, Ren?”

Ren shrugged. “Just walking around.”

“This guy can’t make up his mind where to go,” Morgana added.

“Oh! You haven’t had the time to explore, have you?” Ann asked. “Want me to take you around?”

“Where do you have in mind?”

“Umm… well…” Ann thought for a moment. “There’s a sweet shop, and a diner in Central Street… a buffet that’s rumored to be super good but super expensive, so that’s out of the question. Oh! They sell the best crepes just outside the diner! It’s really good. You have to try some!”

Ren chuckled. “Everything you’ve listed are all food.”

“Sweets, mind you,” Ann corrected. “And deserts.”

“Aren’t they the same?” Ren laughed.

“I’m interested in those crepes,” Morgana said. “What are they?”

“Oh, they’re—”

“You just ate, Morgana,” Ren said. “You’ll get fat if you eat too much.”

“Say what?!”

Ren laughed again. Really, it’s so easy to forget everything and enjoy himself when he was with his friends. “Do you know some place where you can just stroll around?”

“Hmm… there’s this park that I like to go to,” Ann began. “But it’s a ways away. Not anywhere near Shibuya. You need to take the train there.”

“Oh…” Ren thought for a moment. A park sounded good. “What’s this park called.”

“Inokashira. Want me to go there with you?”

Going there with Ann… if anyone saw them together, no doubt more rumors would spread. Half of him thought adding more false rumor to the already existent false rumor wouldn’t change his situation. But another half of him just wanted all this crap to die down soon and for people to leave him alone.

“I’ll pass. Maybe I’ll look around Central Street.”

Ann nodded, but she looked unconvinced. “Well, I’ll be here if you need anything. Just text me.”

Ren nodded. He waved her goodbye.

“You okay, Ren?”

Her question caught him off guard. Did his face betray his emotions? Or was Ann that observant?

Ren put on his usual smile. “I’m fine.”

***

Central Street was as packed as ever. Ren monitored his way through the sea of people and found himself in front of a bookstore. Just the thing he was looking for.

“Don’t you still have that book you borrowed from the library?” Morgana asked.

“I’m just going to browse,” Ren said before he entered the store.

That was indeed his initial intention. But being in the bookstore itself was another thing all together and in no time, he already had several books he wanted to buy in his hand.

“Aren’t those too many?” Morgana asked.

Three books. Not really. But maybe Morgana was right. He didn’t have that much allowance to begin with. It was easy to lose himself when he’s shopping for books.

“Why don’t you choose this for the moment?” Morgana asked, nodding at the cheapest one. It was thin—probably not even two-hundred pages. He’d finish it in a day.

“Nah, I’ll choose this one,” Ren said, going with a book about a dog. He didn’t really know what present to give himself. This should do.

***

“Oh! An arcade!”

Ren eyed the building, then eyed Morgana. “You can’t even play it.”

“Shut up, Ren!” Morgana snapped, but his eyes glowed again as he looked at the building in red. “Let’s go inside.” His eyes were practically bulging out.

Ren sighed and did as he was told.

Well, Ren had never played in an arcade before either. Never wanted to. Never had the time to. Never had a friend who asked him to. He never went inside one—had only just looked at it from outside. And… inside was exactly as how he imagined it to be. Aisles of game machines, children and teens of all ages—even adults—were using every single one, loud.

He didn’t like the place. Morgana didn’t seem to.

“Let’s go,” Ren said. And Morgana nodded his assent.

And just as they turned around to leave, they spot a slouched figure leaning against the vending machine. Purple jacket, blonde-dyed hair.

“Ryuji?”

Ryuji looked up at Ren’s voice. His eyes grew wide.

“What are you doing here?”

Ren approached his friend as he shrugged. “Just walking around.”

“He’s been walking around since morning,” Morgana popped up from the bag.

Ryuji jumped in surprise. “Dude! You’re still carrying the cat in your bag?!”

“Mor-ga-na!��� Morgana emphasized each syllable of his name. “I’m not a cat! How many times do I have to tell you until you understand, blondie?”

“What was that?!”

“Can you two please quiet down?” Ren hissed. “Look!”

There was a sign on the wall that clearly said no pets allowed. Both boys looked at Morgana simultaneously. Despite what the cat said, it was still a cat, and it was meowing quite loud. So Ren decided to pull out before anyone could catch them and Ryuji followed suit.

“You shouldn’t have yelled so loud, Morgana!” Ryuji complained.

“What? Who was picking a fight in the first place?!”

“Gaahh!! Now they’re going to keep an eye on me for sure!”

“You weren’t even playing anything in there!”

“What were you doing there?” Ren asked.

Ren noticed Ryuji’s slight stiffening of his body. “Nothing.” His voice was unusually quiet.

Morgana poked his head over Ren’s shoulder again. “Let me guess!”—and he was grinning from ear to ear in a way a cat would grin—“You were bored so you just decided to go someplace in random.”

“Hey! I wasn’t—” Ryuji shouted, to which Ren immediately shushed. “—bored…”

His voice trailed off and Ren could detect the desperate attempt to hide his embarrassment. He couldn’t help the slight laugh that escaped his lips.

“Oh, come on! Not you too!”

And that just made Ren laugh louder. Ryuji looked exasperated, but no sooner did he join Ren’s laugh and even Morgana was chuckling.

Both of them had nothing to do and it was nearing lunch time. Ren had actually planned to go to the Inokashira Park alone and enjoy his present, but Ryuji invited him to go have lunch. A ramen restaurant he knew that had the best ramen Ren just had to try it. The price was also very affordable for a high schooler’s wallet.

Morgana was hungry too, though he wasn’t that enthusiastic for ramen either. “They probably won’t allow pets in there, either,” he mentioned. He was right.

As they were musing where to go and what to do, a call drew their attention to an incoming figure, rushing down the street and through the crowd, blonde pigtails flying in the air.

“Heeeeyyy!!!”

Ann was running toward them, waving her hand high up.

Ann had a sudden craving for those crepes she’d talked about when she spotted them across the street. Hearing their story and their plan to go to a ramen restaurant, Ann agreed they wouldn’t let Morgana inside.

“I think there are no pet restrictions at the diner,” Ann said.

“The one in Central Street?” Ryuji asked.

Ann nodded. “Want to head there together?”

***

The diner wasn’t much, but it was a really nice place to hang out. A nice place to study too, Ren noted. The warm atmosphere, the polite hummed background noise. It would be the perfect place to retreat when it rained too, said Morgana.

It was fun being with them. This was probably the first time the four of them ever hung out like this. And Ren watched as Ryuji and Ann laughed and joked about as if nothing weighed their mind.

His phone vibrated. It was his foster mother.

What are you doing? Are you having fun? Did you get our present? Happy birthday again! We love you.

Present…

Even after what Ren did to them, the trouble he had caused… they still thought of him as their son. And they went to all the trouble to send a present to him. And despite the guilt he was feeling, he couldn’t help the smile spreading across his face.

He didn’t realize Ryuji and Ann had stopped joking around. He didn’t realize they had a funny look on their faces. And he didn’t realize Ryuji had sneaked up beside him. And just as Ren was about to type something, Ryuji grabbed his phone from his hand and flipped through the email.

“Hey—”

“Let’s see, what made our leader smile so bright like that…”

But Ren was too late and his phone was already in Ryuji’s hand and Ryuji had already read his foster mother’s email.

He caught the word Ryuji was mouthing.

Birthday.

Saw the understanding clicked in.

Saw the surprise registering as he whipped his head at Ren and Ren wanted to shut his eyes and turned back time.

“Is it your birthday today?”

“What?” Ann whipped her own head at him.

“Birthday?!” Morgana did too.

And Ren would have laughed but he had no energy to laugh and he wanted to hide from the embarrassment.

The silence stretched on.

“Dude!” Ryuji exploded. “Why didn’t you tell us it was your birthday?”

“Because there’s nothing to tell,” Ren said, grabbing his phone from Ryuji’s slackening grip to hide his embarrassment. “It’s just a birthday.”

“Just a birthday?” Ryuji was aghast. “Dude! It’s your birthday! Of course we should celebrate it!” And he called in a waited.

“So that’s why you didn’t want anything to do with the Palace today,” Morgana mused.

“Happy birthday, Ren!” Ann said, beaming.

“Yeah! Happy birthday!” Ryuji was clasping his shoulder and beaming too.

Everyone was beaming and Morgana was grinning and the aura was toxic and Ren found himself beaming back.

The waiter came and asked for orders.

“We should splurge a bit,” Ann said as she scanned the menu.

“Don’t worry. We got it covered, okay?” Ryuji was following Ann’s example.

And Ren wanted to stop them, because this was embarrassing and there was no stopping them both as they began adding one order after another.

He never had friends. The only celebration he had ever done was with his mother, and his foster parents after his mother passed away. Even then, they had always had a simple celebration. More so when his mother was still alive, because his mother was always busy though somehow she had managed to always be there with him on his birthday with a small cake and slightly more extravagant dinner.

And seeing Ann and Ryuji doing this, as if they had done this countless times, as if this was perfectly normal…

He felt something small pressed against his side when the waiter finally left. Morgana was pressing his body against him, a small warmth, the most comfort the cat had ever given him ever since they met.

And Ren couldn’t help the smile as he said, “Thanks, guys.”

And he meant it.

***

Even with the splurge, they still had a lot of money to spare. They insisted to buy him a present, to which Ren declined because them being with him that day was already a present for him. Ryuji consented, but Ann wouldn’t take no for an answer. So in the end, Ann brought them to the underground mall and there was a photo booth there. And Ryuji was reluctant though and Ren was just watching from behind as Ann forcefully pushed Ryuji into the box.

“Ren?” She looked back and Ren grinned at her scowl. He rose both hands and entered the box without a fight.

They took some photos, which turned out surprisingly good.

It wasn’t much. But really, this was the best thing he had ever received from a friend.

***

He arrived at LeBlanc that night, exhausted from being dragged around by Ann. There were still customers inside—the old couple and someone who claimed to be a critic—so Ren immediately made his way to the stairs at the back of the store after greeting Sojiro. But Sojiro called him back before he got past the counter and said there was a package for him today.

“Your parents sent you something,” Sojiro said.

Foster parents, Ren wanted to say, as he set his bag down and Morgana poked his head out.

“Thank you.”

A small box. Seemed fragile. He’d look inside it later. But then he noticed the letter written on the box. And they were clearly spelled “Happy Birthday”.

Damn it. Does that mean Sojiro now knows too?

Well, he probably wouldn’t care even if he saw it.

He took the box upstairs without another look at his guardian.

He set the bag on the table and Morgana leaped out. He stretched his body. “Finally I’m free!”

“That’s why you should walk on your own once in a while,” Ren commented with a laugh.

Morgana acted like he hadn’t heard and Ren scoffed.

“What did they send you?” the cat inquired as Ren took a seat on his bed and began unwrapping the simple brown box.

A locket. And inside was a photo of his mother, his real mother, tucked neatly into the crevices. And his mother was smiling. Beautiful.

There was a note inside.

You may have only been our son for four years, but we have watched you grow since you were small. We love you, Ren. And we want you to know that it wasn’t your fault. It never was. You did the right thing helping that woman. And we want you to remember that. Just like your mother would have wanted you to.

It had broken their hearts when they found out about Ren’s trial. And it was the only thing they could do to stop him being sent to the detention center. Sent to probation. And Ren couldn’t stop feeling guilty yet grateful for all they had done for him.

“Hey, kid!”

It was probably an hour or two later when Sojiro suddenly called him down. All the customers were gone and Sojiro had cleaned the place up. Yet on the counter was a slice of cake and a candle on top. And Ren stopped on his tracks.

Sojiro noticed his pause. And a rare smile graced his lips.

“What are you doing? Come on and sit down here.”

“What…is this?”

The old man scoffed. “Today’s your birthday, isn’t it? Have a sit and have your birthday cake.”

Ren was still unsure. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen. At least, he didn’t think it was.

Noting Ren’s hesitation, Sojiro sighed. “For the love of—sit down!”

The stern tone caused Ren to quicken his footstep and take the seat before the cake.

“How old are you today?”

“Seven...teen,” Ren replied warily.

Sojiro grunted. And maybe it was because of the sudden change of attitude, but Ren suddenly found the grunt was Sojiro’s way to show his affection.

Ren didn’t do anything. His gaze kept shifting from the cake to Sojiro to everywhere else, wondering if maybe this was a dream or he was imagining things.

“Well? Make a wish and blow the candle.”

“Oh—uh—yeah…”

Ren stared at the glowing candle. The fire dancing. It was a simple slice of chocolate cake with a single candle. Feeling nothing would go wrong with blowing the candle, Ren did just that.

And as the fire sputtered out, Sojiro smiled. A genuine beaming smile Ren hadn’t seen before.

“Happy birthday, kid.”

“Uh…thanks…”

Sojiro snorted. “What kind of response is that?”

“It’s just… not like you.”

“Did you think I was some kind of cold, heartless bastard?” his guardian asked with a scoff.

“I…did, actually.”

A silence. Then Sojiro laughed. A hearty laugh that came from his stomach. And it made Ren want to laugh too because maybe this was who Sojiro really was.

“I’m sorry if I gave you that impression, kid. But a birthday is a birthday. It’s perfectly normal for us to celebrate it.”

And Sojiro smiled again, a warm smile this time, and maybe, Ren could learn to love this place.

~ END ~

Thanks for reading^^

More of my Persona 5 fanfic here 

[i-w-p-chan]

Deicide

Summary: Akechi Goro and Kurusu Akira are just two reincarnated souls who simply go about their life while life happens to them.

OR

AU!Akechi Goro and AU!Kurusu Akira are reincarnated in P5 ‘verse. Crack happens.

Note: This is basically a vent fic where I write crack just for the sake of winding down after having four final exams in two days. One right after the other. So this is a mess…

Warnings: Crack, Self-Indulgence To The Extreme, This Is A Mess, Zero Effort Went Into This, Things Finals Make Me Do, Reincarnation AU, Mentions Of Kamoshida And Kamoshida-esque Asshole-ness (By Which I Mean: Very Brief Mention Of Past Attempted Sexual Assault. It’s Very Tiny And Not Detailed), Akechi And Akira Be In An Open Relationship, Implied Sin, Brief Discussion Of Sugar Daddy-hood And Sugar Baby-hood, Insufferable!Akechi To Akira’s Sane Man, Too Much Fun With Warning Tags.

Disclaimer: Don’t own P5.

.

Akira stared pensively at the TV screen, taking in the features of the ‘second coming of the Detective Prince’; brown hair, reddish-brown eyes, a sweet smile, a gentle demeanor.

No wonder he already had fans.

Akira sighed.

The door to the apartment he lived in opened and a voice called out, “Honey, I’m home!”

Akira merely grumbled under his breath.

He could easily hear the footsteps approaching the living room where he was currently, and come up behind him.

“Oh, you’re watching that? The Detective Prince thing? My, oh my~ Do you have a thing for cute, brown-haired high school detectives?”

Akira huffed as a body climbed over the back of the couch to drop into his lap and wrap arms around his neck.

“Aren’t I just mysterious?” Akechi Goro purred, fluttering his eyelashes up at Akira.

Akira deadpanned and poked Goro’s cheek with a finger.

Goro sighed forlornly, “My sweet, charming beloved won’t even pay me any attention.”

“Attention whore.” Akira rolled his eyes and Goro gasped dramatically.

“Oh, woe is me~ My beloved just called me a. A. An attention whore! How scandalous! What if someone heard you?”

“You didn’t seem that concerned about it last week when we went to that new restaurant and called me an attention whore out loud because I was trying to get the waiter’s attention for my order.”

Goro’s eyes glinted mischievously, “Your order was, as I recall, ‘one hot waiter spread out for me on the table please’ with a wink added at the end for good measure.”

“Details.”

“Oho?” Goro raised himself up to press his body flush against Akira’s as he looked at him through half-lidded eyes, “Well, I know what you can have spread open for you on your bed~”

Akira poked Goro’s cheek again, “Not today, not in the mood.”

“Oh, darn.” Goro pouted and climbed off Akira’s lap, “You know where to find me in case you change your mind~” With a wink thrown over his shoulder, he sashayed his way to the bedroom.

Akira sighed for what must have been the umpteenth time that day and fished around the couch’s pillows, looking for the TV’s remote.

(At least Goro didn’t make any comment about having the body of a fifteen year old giving him more stamina and energy to go for a long while, this time.)

He let out a small victorious nose as he wrenched the remote from between the couch’s cushions and flipped through the rest of the TV channels. He blinked as his eyes caught sight of the new episode of the TV drama, Steal Yo’ Hearts and cranked the volume up to its highest settings as he settled down to watch.

Goro was bound to be finished messing around with himself by the time the episode was done.

He could hear the sounds of his neighbors as they scrambled about to increase the volume of their own TVs and music players to the highest setting possible.

Their next door neighbor living in the apartment on their right screamed, “GOD, NO! DON’T START YET! AT LEAST GIVE ME A FIVE-MINUTE HEADSTART!”

Akira could then hear her slam open the door to her apartment and storm outside, her footsteps loud as she rushed to the elevators.

If Goro found out he basically had the neighbors, uh, trained to his moods, he’d be even more insufferable.

Did he have to be so loud?

.

At some point during the episode, Goro had slipped out of the bedroom and into the bath to clean up, emerging fully showered after the episode ended and the credits were rolling, and heading straight to the kitchen.

“Akira! We don’t have food in the fridge and I hunger!”

“Tough luck! Remember it’s your turn to get groceries!”

“Ugh. I’ll get them later. I’ll just go get some food now.”

Akira called out as he heard Goro head to the door, “That food better not be paid for by one of your sugar daddies!”

“I don’t have sugar daddies!” Goro shouted as he was leaving the apartment.

“Tell that to the guy living a couple of blocks over!”

“Oh, come on!” Goro shouted again as he closed the door behind him, leaving to get food.

Akira sighed yet again, and then he straightened and his eyes flew open in shock before he vaulted over the back of the couch, rushing to the bedroom.

Goro had better not have left a mess on the bed behind! Akira slept on that bed!

.

.

.

Akira had lived a whole life in the company of Akechi Goro. Heck, he even followed him after death, reborn into a new life and a new world, and met him yet again, only to be sucked into Goro’s life again with disturbing ease.

(Not that Akira minded, but he thought he was the hurricane of the duo, not Goro.)

(It was probably the rebirth process that was making Goro a bit more… unrestrained.)

Besides, it wasn’t like it wasn’t fun to tease Goro and poke fun at him from time to time (okay, most of the time).

“You graduated from being a sugar baby to having a sugar baby?” Akira asked, amused, as he watched Goro pose for a Kosei student who wanted to (nay, needed) Goro to become his model.

His nude model.

“I told you.” Goro sniffed indignantly, “I didn’t, still don’t, have sugar daddies! And similarly, I’m not anyone’s sugar daddy let alone Yusuke’s.” Goro blinked and frowned contemplatively, “Not that Yusuke won’t benefit from me becoming his sugar daddy… actually…”

“And that’s your cue to stop right there, honey,” Akira drawled as he saw the wide-eyed look on Yusuke’s face.

“Don’t mind Goro, kiddo.”

Yusuke’s face scrunched, “But aren’t we the same age, Akira-san?”

“I see you haven’t dropped the –san yet.” Akira pouted, “But, yes, we are. I just have more Goro-based seniority.”

Yusuke blinked, “Alright, senpai.”

Akira pouted harder and Goro had to restrain the urge to laugh out loud, “Congratulations, Aki-kun, you’re now a recognized senpai.”

Akira let his eyes droop to half mast and leaned towards Goro, “Well,” He purred, “You’re still senpai, senpai.”

Goro blushed and chuckled breathlessly.

“Well, aren’t you a flirt?”

“Always have been, babe.”

The two turned their attention at Yusuke when he hummed thoughtfully, “Would you model for me as well, senpai?”

Akira blinked, “Me?” His plain ass?

Goro nudged him in the side. Hard.

(Akira highly suspected that Goro had a sixth sense for every time Akira called himself plain-looking.)

“Yes.” Yusuke nodded, “It seems your presence brings out another side of Akechi-san. You complement each other.” Yusuke looked deep in thought as he added, “Like you are each other’s foils.”

Goro cocked his head to the side with amusement, and Akira had to repress a chuckle.

“Akechi-san. Your pose.” Yusuke snapped out of his thoughts to send Goro an absolutely adorable reprimanding look.

.

.

.

When Akira had managed to convince his parents to let him move to Tokyo after he finished middle school, he applied and was accepted to Shujin, while Goro attended Kosei.

Goro had suggested that Akira apply for Kosei, but Akira had shot that idea down fast.

(Goro with his usual insufferable self would make some dramatic scene with him and cause rumors to spread about the whole school grounds, so no thank you.)

The decision to apply to Shujin turned out to have some unexpected… not exactly upsides but…

Let it be known that Akira did not tolerate people like Kamoshida Suguru, and the mere thought of what he could do in Shujin if left to run unsupervised due to how lax the principle was, made Akira shudder in disgust and rage.

Akira had never stopped nursing a grudge the size of the universe against sexual offenders since he was fifteen back in his previous life and had seen a temple priest attempt to drag Goro off to a secluded corner; since he was fifteen and had thrown himself at the priest, all claws and teeth to get him away from Goro, uncaring that the priest could literally call forth heavenly wrath to strike him where he stood.

Kamoshida was no temple priest, he had no access to any magic whatsoever, and had no contact with any deity he could seek protection from. Akira would tear him a new one, and he’d make him regret-

.

“-speaking of strange incidents.” The show hostess smiled blindingly, “There is the news of what happened with Kamoshida Suguru, former Olympic medalist and current teacher at Shujin Academy. What are your thoughts, Akechi-kun?”

Goro smiled back at the hostess, just as blindingly, “I have seen his face, and it looks like he ended up in a spat with a cat. A cat with quite the impressive set of claws; the scratches looked deep.”

“A cat?” The host chuckled, “You believe it’s a cat.”

“It’s highly likely, as anyone who’d seen his face could guess. Besides, I’ve had my fair share of scratches from my cat as well.”

“My!” The host honed in on the new bit of information, “A cat, you said? You own a cat?”

Goro chuckled, “I own the cat and the cat owns me, we have a mutual understanding between each other. He’s such an adorable, handsome floof with sharp eyes. Unfortunately he’s camera shy.” Goro pouted slightly.

.

“You called me a cat! On TV! I can’t believe you called me a cat!”

“But it’s the truth!”

.

.

.

Goro frowned and pressed his lips together into a displeased line, dragging Akira closer to him to bury his head into Akira’s messy hair.

He felt Akira turn around in bed to face him and wrap him in his arms, “Bad dream?”

Goro grumbled and let one of his eyes crack open slightly, “It’s that dream again. The one with the blue room and short man with long nose.”

Akira raised his hands to tangle them in Goro’s hair before he raised himself to press his forehead against Goro’s, letting their mental link open up and allow the memories to flood into Akira’s mind.

The two only rarely used their mental link due to the risk of information overload that could happen to either or both of them, but the recurring dreams Goro had been seeing for a year now about that very same blue room and the long-nosed man were worrying, as they seemed to press heavily on Goro’s mind, as if they were attempting to influence it in some way.

Akira was willing to take the risk to use the mental link to see for himself, so that they could find clues because Goro could never remember any other details. Hell, it was lucky he even recalled the few details he did.

Akira pulled back with a frown, unfortunately, the memories were already slipping from Goro’s mind, and so Akira couldn’t find anything he didn’t already know.

Goro took one look at Akira’s face and his frown deepened, “Nothing new, yeah?”

Akira nodded, “I think we should start actively looking for the cause.”

Goro pressed a hand to his own forehead and closed his eyes, digging deep into his psyche, if they were looking to confront whatever asshole trying to but in on their lives, then…

This world didn’t have the obstacles that demanded the two use their skills from their previous life to counter them; this world didn’t have people who could use magic, period.

And so, both Goro and Akira never had to call on to the power lying dormant in their cores.

But now…

.

.

.

“The word of the day is deicide.” Goro declared as he sat down on Sae’s desk and started flipping through the file in his hand.

Sae looked up at him, eyebrow raised, “If you’re referring to the mess with Shido, then I’d like to tell you that it’s completely inaccurate as Shido is no god and no one had killed him, not even in the metaphorical sense. Someone leaked information about his immoral dealings, true, but it’s the outrage of the public that’s causing the problems for Shido more than anything else.

“Now, get back to work on Madarame’s file, you personally asked to take care of his case and I indulged you, so you better not disappoint me.”

“Oh, that’s not what I mean.” Goro chuckled before he gestured towards the screen in the office, broadcasting a news coverage about a protest calling for Shido to go down, “It looks like someone killed the god of apathy, and suddenly, everyone cares.”

Sae snorted, “I told you to get back to work, didn’t I?”

Goro saluted her, “Yes, ma’am.”

.

End

[electricea-a]

Has Ryuji's reputation in school gotten at least a little better since the Kamoshida incident, or after Yaldabaoth was defeated?

The optimistic part of me wants to say yes but the realistic part of me also can’t help but wonder if Kamoshida incident would really help his reputation much - I mean, perhaps it might help others gain more sympathy and understanding for him once they realized the extent of Kamoshida’s abuse and what he did to the track team.  The fact of the matter is though, whether it was ruling by respect, authority or fear - Kamoshida had an iron grip on that school.  He managed to make the Protagonist into a pariah not even a week into his new school - yeah, the Protagonist’s previous criminal charges didn’t help matters but going against Kamoshida probably tanked his reputation even further.

If I had to guess, I would imagine that is Kamoshida’s primary tactic - to isolate his victims and make them into outcasts, to make them appear as a pariah to the school - as someone who will only cause trouble and anyone who associates with them or sympathizes with them would probably only have their reputation dragged down in turn and because Kamoshida seems to have such an iron grip on the school like I mentioned above, I imagine it wouldn’t be at all difficult for him to spread a rumor about ‘this person hanging out with Sakamoto’ and quickly turn that person into an outcast in turn.

I’d like to think that people would sympathize with him more after Kamoshida was gone, perhaps try to empathize with him or at the very least understand his point of view.  Influence isn’t just something that magically fades away though - even if Kamoshida does leave, that doesn’t undo all of the damage he did - that can be the frightening part about people with influence.  Even after they’re gone, their influence can still hover over you like a dark cloud.  Whether or not they choose to believe in Ryuji is only up to them.  Some might, for whatever reason, still be loyal to Kamoshida or genuinely believed the rumors he’d spread - it’s sad but that is a possibility.

I think his reputation would be more of a ‘gradually repairing’ sort of thing - he can’t magically undo the damage done to it or suddenly become this popular kid or school icon like he was before but I would imagine that Ryuji would still keep trying to walk his own path, go his own way and do what he believes is the right thing.  If people happen to take notice of that? That’s just fine - but I don’t think he would actively seek to repair his reputation.  I think that’s just sort of a part of his storyline - not putting too much stock into what others think of him.

But the optimistic part of me genuinely would like to believe that his reputation would gradually improve and he might be able to move past what happened to him.

[shsl-shipper-gamer-fangirl]

Phantom Confidants AU

In an alternate universe, I actually write about a P5 AU where the non-party social links are the phantom thieves of that universe. So Mishima, Hifumi, Shinya, Sojiro, Toranosuke, Iwai, Takemi, Ohya, Chihaya, Kawakami and even Sae. Honestly I would have loved to have an animal in the group but Morgana is the only animal social link and he's an original member. But hey it's still a pretty diverse group considering it's a mix of mostly adults, some teens, and a kid. They've got a pretty badass lineup to be honest so here's how I think it'll go. 

Full plot, codenames, and Mementos chats under the cut: 

(SPOILERS AHEAD) 

Plot Your Heart Out!

So first up, who would be the new protagonist? At first I figured Mishima because he's got that work-in-progress good guy vibes. But then I checked the list and realized that most of the group are adults and not really sure if Mishima can handle the leadership role. So who else? Then it hit me. Best dad Sojiro. Think about it. He had a direct connection with Wakaba who started this whole metaverse discovery. It's the perfect setup! He helped Wakaba with her research from time to time and during one of the experiments, they had discovered the metaverse. Maybe. I'm making this up as I go. Anyways! 

The general premise is that Sojiro was the first Phantom Thief in his youth and became an urban legend later on when he retired. When he took in Futaba, he promised he'd devote himself full time into raising her so he quit the calling card business. Except fast forward many years later, he was forced to wear/rip off his mask again. 

In this AU, Sojiro already changed Futaba's heart early on so Futaba was able to enroll at Shuujin Academy. It's all fine at first until she comes home and brings up Kamoshida and how no one not even adults can lay a hand on him. Her concerns bring out his instinct protect his child from such monster. When conventional methods failed and the rumors of sexual assault is less farfetched from the truth, he didn't hesitate to start stealing hearts again. 

During the infiltration he'll most likely be able to recruit Mishima and Kawakami (both obviously carry good reasons to get back at Kamoshida). Mishima has average stats which makes him a good support member. He gets stronger with baton pass! Someone give this child a confidence booster and he will plow you. Kawakami has the best buffs which makes life so much easier. They succeed and the school becomes safe so he thought his comeback was just a one time thing. Oh he was sorely mistaken. 

At this point, gossip about the Phantom Thieves have spread and such news have even reached our local back alley doctor. During the weeks before Kamoshida's confession, Sojiro had been striking up unethical deals for medicine from her and so she connects the dots. She confronts him at the cafe during a slow night. She doesn't plan on ratting him out however she wants in. She wants him to change the heart of this one doctor and gives him a deadline (she doesn't say at first that it's because of that one girl patient although they find out anyway during the confrontation in the palace). She somehow ends up joining them during infiltration, awakens and joins the team. She is probably the closest friend/acquaintance that Sojiro had among the group before they were phantom thieves. 

Then comes my favorite arc temporary title Guns Ablaze. They're somehow managing in the metaverse but medicine can only go so far. They need good equipment and when they realized that model guns were effective in the metaverse (courtesy of Mishima experimentally bringing one with him once because real guns are illegal), they decide to shop at Untouchable. Only to somehow get roped into his yakuza blackmail drama. 

Sojiro develops a camaraderie with Iwai because they're both single parents trying hard to raise their adopted child. Definitely share the father of the year award. He joins them at the first day of infiltration because this is his fight and he will settle this with them. Hell, he doesn't even hesitate to bring a real gun with him and shoot a shadow even without a persona. Turns out the shadow yakuza is stronger than a few bullets but he faces him head on and awakens. He is Sojiro's best bro and they talk about parenting a lot. 

Halfway through though they get stuck because the shadows are surprisingly agile. Gun attacks are effective but they keep missing their shots. And you guessed it. They're going to have a kid teach them how to shoot a gun. It's embarrassing really at first, especially for the adults, but they respect Shinya for his sharpshooting skills. They hang out with Shinya a couple of times and the kid grew on to them. One time though they decided to head to the palace after training/hanging out with him but they didn't know that Shinya followed them due to some undecided plot device. He wouldn't awaken in the palace tho but he's still in awe. Some time later, the mother issue happens and he asks for their help. He asks to join them when they decide to change her heart and that's how he awakens. He is best boy. They dote on him a lot. 

Meanwhile the Phantom Thieves are gaining popularity, hence a greater demand in media. Ohya being one of those journalists assigned to write about them, accidentally discovers more than just your average article. However, good journalism is confirming facts before publishing half-truths and so she investigates further regarding Sojiro's group. She ends up frequenting either the cafe or the clinic (she tried the airsoft shop but that was too obvious). She ends up being a regular of Sojiro's curry and of Takemi's medicine (altho she just goes there to flirt err fish info). It takes a while, weeks even, but at some point, someone slips. She gets her evidence on them being Phantom Thieves but she has no plans on outing them just yet. She asks them to change the heart of her boss and they do, with her help even. She insists on tagging along and they couldn't shake her off so she comes with them. She awakens when she confronts her boss' shadow. From there on, she's been helping the team with selecting their targets because who better than a journalist? 

Recruiting Hifumi was probably the most obscure accident, mostly because I honestly can't think of a good connection just yet. There's the fact that she goes to church and Wakaba's grave is near there but even that is grasping straws. Maybe Hifumi put in a mementos request? Somehow got dragged by proximity when they went to mementos and she was just on her way to catch the late train home? I don't know. Someone help me. Chihaya too. I was thinking that Chihaya gets involved with Ohya's arc. Maybe they're friends since they both frequent the red light district. Yeah let's go with that. Chihaya is obviously the navigator of the group so she's a must have party member and Hifumi is the strategist also a must have. They work hard okay. 

Moving on! At some point they try to target the politician from Toranosuke's social link. But it becomes their shortest case ever. Tora had somehow figured that his old acquaintance could be targeted by the phantom thieves and he wants to stop the, but he has no way of contacting them. One day he went to visit that guy's place but coincidentally it was his place of distortion. Coincidentally, the phantom thieves were there and unaware of Tora's proximity. He gets pulled in with them. They never did manage to beat the Palace ruler. Instead Tora just talks it put with the shadow and the palace crumbles after negotiations succeed. Everyone's confused as to what just happened but they're not against it. Tora awakens on his own the next time he joins them, probably in Mementos. He refuses to fight but he always steps up to talk with shadows willing to negotiate. 

At this point, the phantom thieves reputation is skyrocketing. The hype is so strong that Sojiro gets a warrant of arrest. Sae hadn't confirmed it yet but she has made enough connections to point Sojiro as a suspect phantom thief. They do their own research to find out the best way to get out of this. During their investigation, they find out that there's been a suspicious pressure to have the phantom thieves arrested, abnormally so. They deduce that although Sae was an immediate threat, she was just being pulled by the strings. 

They needed to see the bigger picture and to so that, perhaps Sae was the key. They need her cooperation and to have that, they need her to have a change of heart except without the excessive guilt to render her incapacitated. They tried talking it out with her but when that failed they had no choice but had her face the facts, or rather face her shadow self. Sae awakens in her own palace, realizing how twisted her desires had become. When they escape, she asks if she could join their cause and they gladly welcome her. 

Shido is the last palace not just because of him being a corrupt prime minister but also considering the motherfucker had Wakaba murdered which makes this personal for Sojiro. After all, not only did Sojiro love Wakaba (romantically or not) but she was also the reason he was able to become a Phantom Thief in the first place. That fucking dildo Shido is long overdue to be brought down by Sojiro so that Wakaba can have some semblance of justice. Oh and Japan gets saved too I guess. (Yaldabaoth who?) 

>>Oh yeah, although Futaba isn't a thief here, it's not because she doesn't know. It's only because Sojiro forbade her and his word is law so she's still mad about that. She still helps as Alibaba though. Honestly best non-party member confidant of Sojiro and that's not just father bias talking. Okay maybe a little father bias but he's a proud dad okay. 

>>Also Morgana is a social link of Sojiro's. Except it's really just Sojiro being a softie with the cat. He has no idea what Morgana's meows mean (does he even talk/transform in this au?) but he is a good landlord and sometimes he feeds the cat better than he does Akira. 

>>Originally I didn't want Sojiro to be a Wild Card but due to Persona Tradition, in order to be a protagonist one must be a special snowflake with lots of facades inside. So I guess his velvet room would look like a cafe only without the coffee because Caroline and Justine (or just Lavenza) are kids and coffee is bad for them. Sojiro feels so uncomfortable with Igor behind the counter because for a barista to not touch them coffee beans at all, that's pretty suspicious. 

—

Codenames 'subject to change' 

Sojiro Sakura - Solo (single shot of espresso) 

Yuuki Mishima - Wolf (talk about wolf in sheep's clothing or is it the other way around?) 

Hifumi Togo - Jade or General (because shogi) 

Shinya Oda - Trigger (guns guns guns)

 Munehisa Iwai - Gecko (his tattoo) 

Tae Takemi - Witchdoctor or Plague (she protec but she also attac) 

Ichiko Ohya - Rebel (fight the power!) 

Sadayo Kawakami - Burnout (teachers have no chill) 

Chihaya Mifune - Tarot (fortune telling duh) 

Toranosuke Yoshida - Tiger (his name) 

Sae Niijima - Empress or Judge (her personality)

—

Mementos Chats: 

Ohya: No matter how much I drink every night, my body still gets hangovers sometimes. Hey, Takemi. You're a doctor, right? Know any good medicine for this? 

Takemi: I can actually prescribe you with the best medicine. Prevention. "Drink moderately" is an effectively proven motto to live by. 

—

Toranosuke: I tried checking this "phansite" and I keep seeing the "pound sign heart stolen", could you explain to me what that means? 

Mishima: ...Did you mean hashtag? I think I'll be explaining to you more than just that. 

—

Shinya: Are all adults like this? Stressed? I've been thinking about how I'm not growing up fast enough but now I think I just want to be a kid forever. 

Iwai: Smart move, kid. But don't let us get to you. Us adults are fun too, heh, when we're not too buried in bills and taxes.

— 

Iwai: Hey, know any good places to bring your kid? 

Sojiro: Depends on what he likes and the occasion. From what I heard, your kid already likes you enough so just go out and have fun with the kid. 

—

Mishima: Between studying and phantom thieving, I think I just might be better with the latter. 

Kawakami: Why? Last time I checked, your grades seem pretty okay. Are you having difficulties with any of your subjects recently? You know you can always ask me to teach you. 

—

Kawakami: I know I signed up for this but this is too exhausting! I don't even have the energy to check papers after. When I get home, I just collapse on my bed! 

Ohya: I know what you mean. I can't even make a pit stop at my favorite bar! 

—

Chihaya: I've seen shadows in my fortune tellings but to think that I'll be using it against literal shadows. The city sure is amazing ain't it. 

Hifumi: I'm not sure if it is exclusive to the city. Nevertheless, it is always fascinating to watch you work, Chihaya-san. 

—

Hifumi: Despite this group being composed mostly of adults, I find myself strangely at ease... 

Sae: Even as an adult, I agree with that sentiment. This is... a wonderful group to belong to.

—

Sae: I've been meaning to ask this but how do you juggle Phantom Thief work with your real world jobs? I honestly didn't think you had any free time to spare. As a case example, I myself only get by with four hours of sleep on slow days.

Takemi: We seriously need to reevaluate your working schedule... That or quit your job. Can't have you dying from exhaustion on us. 

—

Takemi: I may be a doctor but you all need to look after yourselves better. If any of you collapse, I'm not footing your hospital bills. 

Sojiro: What's this? Free medical advice? You've gotten soft. 

—

Sojiro: So you've been hanging out with Akira and Futaba lately? Those two can't be good influences on you. 

Shinya: They're cool, I guess. Heh, so what if they're bad influences? I hang out enough with you guys at night so that should balance it out, right?

—

Some other trivia: 

Since most of the group are adults with full time jobs, they do most of the phantom thief stuff at night 

They also work out a schedule because they have a lot of responsibilities outside phan stuff 

Still, since Sojiro is a veterinarian at this, they usually accomplish a lot in an hour or two so that helps 

Mishima and Hifumi are forbidden to do any phantom thief activities during exams week 

Meanwhile Kawakami excuses herself for the week after finals week (checking papers is exhausting okay) 

Kawakami is at the forefront of "long weekends do not touch" and "holidays touch them and you die" because teachers need those okay 

Kawakami volunteers to clean the dirty armor they find but on the condition that she gets first dibs on good armor 

Mishima still manages the phansite and he's super proud about the work they do 

Mishima visits the cafe a lot and eventually befriends Akira and Futaba 

Hifumi still speaks dramatically when giving orders or planning strategies in the metaverse 

Hifumi is actually very extra but they just let her be 

Toranosuke can't really fight much but damn he's good at them shadow negotiations 

Toranosuke can't join much because he campaigns at night but he makes it a point to be present at least once a week and during important meetings 

Shinya can't stay too late either so they either go in earlier sometimes or make up an excuse in unexpected cases 

You'd think Shinya would get teased a lot but he's actually doted upon 

Gee Shinya, how come you get to have three dads? 

Iwai and Sojiro are best dad friends and you can't tell me otherwise 

Iwai only cancels on them for father-son bonding and he usually gives them prior notice 

Ohya is the type who cancels at the last minute or arrives late 

Ohya is also the one who invites the adults out for drinks after 

Sojiro offers coffee as an alternative for those who want or may need it 

Takemi is the strict mom friend who doesn't let anyone get sick on her watch 

Takemi forbids anyone to do anything further the moment the first signs of exhaustion show 

Takemi has a special skill that makes her immune to status ailments (unlockable with social link rank up) 

Chihaya does their fortunes upon request with or without persona (she still uses her tarot cards either way) 

Chihaya still slips in her accent sometimes especially when they get ambushed 

Sae is super conscious about used to having a palace (and the only one in the team who had one) but the squad is understanding and she feels happy to be accepted even still 

Sae actually gets along pretty well with them despite their previous conflicts, which are all water under the bridge 

Sae is probably the most OP out of all of them, maybe it's because she had to face her own shadow, hmmm 

The women of the group do hang, sometimes even go out for drinks 

Hifumi joins mostly on weekends because those are in the mornings and Takemi forbids alcohol as long as the sun is out so they just window shop mostly or eat out 

More often than not, those hang outs extend into evenings so Hifumi excuses herself and Ohya now drags the rest to Crossroads 

Meanwhile the guys just chill at Cafe Leblanc, sometimes Iwai even brings his son 

They do have outings with the whole squad (sometimes plus Futaba!) 

They are a good squad, and god I love this AU

—

I uhhhh wanted to write down everything, like codename, outfit, persona, awakening scene, skills, mementos chats with each other, and all but I didn't have the time. Maybe I'll do them in another post? Maybe. Just know that I love them confidants and this au stole my heart. 

If anyone wants to add, draw, write for the Phantom Confidants AU then feel free to do so! Have fun with this idea and enjoy!!

[jououpansa]

“The boring days started to shine suddenly since the day you appeared.”

queen utada starters

The sudden deceleration caused Ann to look up, his voice breaking their peaceful silence. His eyes, usually shielded by those ridiculous fashion glasses were clear and un-shielded as he gazed at her. It was hard to imagine a time where they weren’t so familiar with each other, where just voice or presence alone was enough to calm her in bouts of not thinking straight. Unfortunately, she remembered those times before him, how dark and hopeless things felt. Ann felt so much time clawing her way out of the hole Kamoshida had built for them she only felt deeper and deeper until that darkness consumed her and everyone else. How no matter what she did, no matter how hard she fought, she couldn’t save anyone, not even herself. 

And then he showed up. That dark mass of curly hair and those unreadable eyes. To anyone else Ren might’ve looked unsuspecting, normal, boring. Even after the whirlwind of rumors surrounding him, she knew better than to accept them, with the hell she was in and how untrue and wild they spread about her and the people she knew. There was something so different about him, something new, lighter. He reminded her of caped crusaders from movies and shows, the tall, dark and handsome man lending a hand to the beautiful female protagonist. But she didn’t need to be whisked off her feet. She just need to be pulled back to them, and Ren was the perfect one to do that, thank God he did. With Ren around, it finally, finally felt like she could breathe again.

Breathing. She almost forgot to, so caught up in her thoughts, so caught up in him, it was so easy for him to enrapture her so easily, even with something so simple. Ann swallowed hard, her smile soft as she took his hand in hers. 

“You’re the one who brightened my days, you know,” she grinned, drawing patterns against his skin with her fingertips. “You...make me feel stronger.” A squeeze. “I wouldn’t -- couldn’t be Panther without you. You help make me who I am.” She leaned her head against his shoulder, intertwining their fingers, hoping their shakiness wasn’t too noticeable. 

“You burn brighter than the sun, Ren, even when things were dark...you were the light out of it. Thank you.”

[kotorirod]

Chapter Summary With no idea if the change of heart was happening to Kamoshida, Ren decides to go spend his Sunday to relax the best he can. Needless to say, things didn’t go according to plan. 

Notes So this one took awhile longer because I debated on what I would have Lucien (Simon) be focused on. Just a head’s up, he’s mostly going to be toying with Ren in the first couple of ranks before something happens :P

I had also wanted to put Victor’s (Zen’s) Confidant start in here but decided against it. He’ll be having his own chapter :D

Also I did art of one little scene because I was bored, thought it be fun :3  Enjoy the chapter! Pic here

5/1/XX - Daytime  

Ren finished the curry bowl that Sojiro was kind enough to make for him. It was one of the many perks he got while working some nights with his guardian, especially a tasty coffee to match. As the teenager finished the warm cup, Ren heard the bell ring. He could feel the urging daggers from his elder, making him rush to down the coffee so he could leave and let the man work. The teenager had grabbed his bag and slid off the stool, only to stop when he saw who the person was at the entrance. It was that man from before, the one who had been drinking with Dr. Takemi. What was his name? He knew the doctor had mentioned it once offhandedly before they discussed their deal.

Not that it mattered. 

Ren began to ponder on what his plans would be for today. Maybe he can head to the diner to try that one dish Kira had mentioned before. Ever since that afternoon, he and Kira would hang out every so often at school. Sure, people were still spreading rumors about him, but after taking the upperclassman's advice, they weren't as frequently heard. He remembered Kira and Ryuji mentioning about a movie called The Cake Knight Rises . It sounded corny, but for it to be a sequel of a rather highly-acclaimed film, he could give it a chance.

His thoughts stopped as Morgana meowed something, alerting him that the man hadn’t moved from the door. Thinking he was in the way, Ren had taken a step the side to let him pass him. However, the man never moved. Instead, he saw that his smile and gaze was focused on him as the man asked, “Amamiya-san, right?”

”Um... yes?” Ren answered with some uncertainty.

”Ah, good,” the man spoke. “I was looking for you.”

Ren kept his face from going pale. Wait, why was this guy looking for him? Was he someone that worked at school, maybe? Maybe he worked with Kamoshida, and this was how they were going to be silenced by outside means.

Oh great, Ryuji’s crazy theories were suddenly rubbing off on him.

As if reading what was on his mind, the man chuckled and stated, “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. I had wanted to thank you for helping Takemi-san.”

”Is he troubling you?” Sojiro’s stern voice broke through, making Ren look behind him to see that his guardian was ready to scold him. Even with the times that they had worked together, he knew he still had to earn the full trust of his caretaker.

”No, it’s alright, Sakura-san,” the man assured him. “This young man has been helping a friend of mine, and I wanted to thank him.”

Although his expression softened, Ren did see that there was still distrust in his eyes. Although, he felt that it was less aimed at him and more at the would-be customer. It seemed his plans weren’t going to be done by his lonesome as the man suggested he treat him to a meal. At least he could probably get a chance to try to that item at the diner.

-+-+-+-

5/1/XX - Daytime  

The meal was excellent, and he was able to sneak a few bites to Morgana, who softly mewled in thanks. He smiled down at him before he heard the man ask, "Do you always carry your cat everywhere?"

Ren looked up, staring at the man who was Simon Gentou. They had traded a few words on the way to Shibuya, mostly what felt like the older man trying to get information on what Takemi-san was working on. It may not have been said, but he wasn't going to break her trust. She helped him get the best medicine they needed to fight the Shadows in the Palace and Mementos. Plus, she was a kind woman.

So now, the topics have been more revolving on him or more so, Morgana.

"I can't really leave him be at the cafe," Ren confessed. "Sakura-san may have fatten him up when I'm not looking."

He ignored the glower from his feline friend and the soft chuckle from Gentou-san.

"He does seem to do that with the strays around Yogenjaya," Gentou-san agreed.

Ren watched him rest one of his arms on the table, chin resting on the hand before the older man stated, "I'm unsure what to make of you, Amamiya-san. With the way Sakura-san spoke of you, you seemed the kind to keep to your own devices, but for you to go out of your way to help Takemi-san on whatever she is working on... I must say, I am thankful for your assistance."

With that said, the older man bowed his head, taking Ren a bit aback by this. He wasn't sure what to make of the guy. Was he really thanking him or poking at him to figure him out? 

"Do you... know what she is working on?" Ren asked carefully.

Gentou-san just smiled before asking, "Do you? It seems rather reckless for you to help someone who could be altering your body for nefarious reasons."

Okay, so that meant that Gentou-san was aware of Takemi-san's research. This means he was trustworthy, right? Unless it was a lucky guess. 

"She and I have a deal," Ren confessed. "I help her with her research, and she gives me medication for my entrance exams."

There was a long pause between them as Ren reached with the hand hidden by the table edge to pat Morgana's head for comfort. After a while, he watched Gentou-san relax in his seat and relayed, "My apologies, Amamiya-san. I simply wanted to be sure that my colleague wasn't being used. She is a close friend and has been through a lot."

Up until this point, Ren felt he was walking on eggshells around this man. With that confession, he felt the conversation's weight finally lifted as he listened to the older man continue.

"I'm not sure what she has told you about herself so far, so I won't go into detail. That's her story to tell, but I was there when she was taken away from her calling. She used to be someone who had a strong drive to help people, even after all that's happened. I'd hate for someone to toy with her when she's getting closer and closer to her goal."

Ren didn't miss the subtle warning in the man's words. He nodded his head and replied, "Although we have a deal, I genuinely want to help Takemi-san on her research. She can help a lot of people if it is completed."

Nodding his head, Lucien tilted his head to the left and smiled. "So, I would also like to propose a deal with you, Amamiya-san."

"A deal?"

Gentou-san laced his fingers together, resting his chin on it before smiling almost too innocently.

"I'd like your help with a research project of my own."

The teenager stared blankly at him, waiting for the older man to explain. The next couple of minutes were filled with information about mental health and cognitive research. Ren blinked at the last part, finding it somewhat surprising that the word "cognitive" has been thrown everywhere lately. At least, around him, he heard it used. 

"So, I would like you to accompany me when we are both free on Sundays," Gentou-san requested.

Ren blinked a few times, thinking carefully about this. It'll probably help to have another adult help him, especially if it's to understand the cognitive world. 

"What exactly am I supposed to do?"

"We'll figure that out in a second," he told the young man, pressing the call button to end the meal.

They stepped outside together as Ren patted his stomach. He realized he had eaten a lot in just a small span of a few hours. The teenager shouldn't have eaten the curry, but Ren didn't plan to eat so soon, especially with Gentou-san. Still, the meal was worth it, something he'll have to tell Kira tomorrow if he saw him at school.

The two stood out in Central Street, people walking around them to get by. Ren turned to Gentou-san as he asked, "What do you want to do?"

For the next few hours, Ren walked with the man around Shibuya, namely the station's underground mall. They hopped between shops, some of which Ren took note that he could apply for some jobs. As the day went on, he noticed that Gentou-san had been buying some trinkets here and there that were in small bags that he had placed in his carrier. Morgana had pointed out such every so often, but neither made a verbal inquiry towards the older man about it.

-+-+-+-

5/1/XX - Evening  

The sun was starting to set, disappearing behind the 109 department building of Shibuya. It always astonished him how almost no matter the time of day, the city was still lively. 

Ren and Gentou-san were at the entrance that led to the J Line as the older man took a few of the bags. After situating everything into a more manageable container, he smiled at Ren and stated, "Thank you for a fun day. It was quite interesting."

The teenager glowered behind his glasses, looking at him before stating, "I felt more like this was some weird shopping spree, and I was your carrier."

Gentou-san looked slightly surprised before he let out a soft chuckle. "Is that what you think happened today?"

Ren continued to observe the man before Gentou-san reached out, grabbing the teenager's wrist so that the palm was facing upward. He then placed the bag of all the trinkets and items into his grasp and making him grasp the handle. 

A long moment of silence emitted from them as Gentou-san just held an innocent smile on his face. 

"Who said these were for me?" 

Ren kept holding a skeptical look on his face as he felt Morgana move about in the bag that was slung on his shoulder. He stared down at the items in the bag, seeing assort knick-knacks, little figures, and posters. One was of that famous singer that was shown across the electronic billboards and pillars. There was even a small Jack Frost plushie, something he remembered staring at in the little store selling stuff animals. As he looked, even more, he realized why all the items were sticking out to him even more.

They were all items he had stared with some interest while walking with Gentou-san in the Underground Mall. 

"Wait..."

Several assumptions were now going through his mind. After a while, one stood out, but that was impossible and the most unlikely. He didn't say it out loud, only returning his gaze to Gentou-san's smile. 

"So, what do you think happened today, Amamiya-kun?"

Keeping his composure the best he could, Ren lifted his shaking hand to his glasses to keep them still on his face. He felt that the sudden realization of the past few hours have made him shrink as he felt smaller in Gentou-san's presence. Ren could feel his face warming up, a blush growing on his face as he reached up to play with the bangs of his black hair.

"Uh... I mean... I guess this could be..."

He couldn't get himself to say the last two words, averting his eyes towards the ground as he continued to play with his bangs. Gentou-san finally chuckled, shaking his head as he stated, "I'm sorry, Amamiya-kun. I just wanted to see what sort of conclusion you would think of, and I can tell what you are thinking right now."

Ren was probably looking red as an apple at this point, keeping his eyes at the ground. He nearly jumped from where he stood when he saw Gentou-san's face appearing before him, having bent down to match his avoiding gaze. Despite the sudden closeness, Ren stood in place and stared back with little confidence. His red ears and cheeks weren't helping, given that Gentou-san looked extremely amused. If only he was in the Metaverse, he could easily stare down this man. He could feel the temptation to rip off his glasses like it was his mask, hoping Arsene or one of the other persona he collected would appear.

The older man just continued to smile before standing up straight and heading towards the turnstiles. "I hope you'll be free next weekend, Amamiya-kun," he called back at him.

The teenager was left standing dumbfounded as he felt a swelling sensation in his chest.

[kotorirod]

Chapter Summary Kiro finally gets the chance to talk with Ren, despite the rumors of expulsion on the rise.

Notes So, I'm sure if you've been reading this, you might be wondering what happened to the original Chapter 2. I didn't like it tbh so I took it down. Here's the new chapter 2. I usually have timelines for these but I'm mostly going on the fly atm As mentioned in update of chapter 1, I converted the names to the ones they go by in the Japanese version.

Victor = Zen

Lucien = Simon

Gavin = Haku

Kiro = Kira

I lol'd a bit at Kiro's because... Light Yagami? Enjoy :B

4/23/XX - After School   

Ren couldn't suppress the yawn he was holding any longer. Finally, the school day ended, and he was ready for the weekend. However, he thought back to the few texts he got from Ann and Ryuji. They wanted to deal with Kamoshida as soon as possible. Yesterday, they had finally found his treasure, or at least where it was going to be. That meant they had a straight secure route to it once they sent the calling card. Ryuji said he had been working on it all night, ready to post it all over the school.

However, the teenager didn't want to have to face whatever could be guarding the treasure once that happened on a Sunday. He had hoped to relax and breathe for once away from everything. The past few weekends had been filled with preparing for the move and also dealing with the threat of expulsion. Still, Ann and Ryuji were right. The sooner it's done, the less likely they'll procrastinate until the board meeting date. They only had a week or so more before Kamoshida will tell the other teachers of the "assault" he and Ryuji "committed". Then he would be carted off to juvenile detention.

It would just be another notch on the belt he was forced to wear, all because he wanted to protect someone. Kamoshida was just another person falsely accusing him. His silver eyes narrowed down at the bag, nearly forgetting that Morgana was there. 

"You okay, Joker?" the cat asked in concern. The cat's voice was still a hard thing to get used to. The fact that Morgana could speak out here like he could in the Metaverse was astonishing and probably grounds for him to go to an insane asylum. Hell, a lot has happened in the past two weeks as he wondered if he had just lost his mind. Still, it felt good to do this, to do the right thing again and not feel regretful when doing it. Feeling that drive returning, Ren lifted his phone and was about to text the others they could send the calling card tonight.

Before he hit send, Ren heard his name. Someone was calling out to him. He looked up while Morgana quickly ducked back into his bag, trying to see who in the classroom was asking for him. It seemed the rest of the class who was present was curious as well as everyone was now staring upon one of the entrances into the classroom, and there stood a familiar blond third-year student.

"Hikaru-senpai?" Ren announced to himself. 

-+-+-+-

Kira was beaming with a big smile. It had taken some time, especially with his friends from the volleyball team, urging him to avoid making contact with Amamiiya-kun. The third-year smiled brightly before walking up to him, carrying his bag in tow. He wasn't blind to those who were shocked at him approaching the infamous transfer student. He had heard the rumors, but they were outlandish at minimum. If he really wanted to get to know the guy, he would listen to it from his mouth instead of everyone else.

Once Kira got close enough, he leaned forward and asked, "You wanna hang out, Amamiya-san?"

For a moment, he thought Amamiya-kin was going to reject his offer. He watched his mouth open and close while those silver eyes were darting everywhere to avoid meeting his teal eyes. Finally, the raven-haired kouhai answered, "I... sure?"

With that, Kira leaned back away to give him space and announced, "Then I'll see you at the school gates!"

He turned and left, already planning to wait until for him as long as possible. As he stepped out of the classroom, he saw Sota running up to him with a rather peeved expression on his face. 

"Don't tell me you actually asked the guy," Kira heard his friend speak like he was giving an accusation. 

Kira sighed as he explained, "You can't just judge people just because of what other people say, Sota."

"You don't even know the guy."

"And that's why I asked him to hang with us today," Kira boastfully stated. Though, the smile he was sporting dulled just a bit when he saw Sota rubbing his own forearm. His eyes glanced down at the bruises and cut lip on his friend's face. The aversion of his gaze also was telling as the blonde chuckled, "Ah, is it practice today?"

"Y-yeah," Sota relayed. "Kamoshida really wants us to get ready since we lost one of our starters."

By that, he had meant the incident with Suzui Shiho. Kira was bothered by the event, as were many who had witnessed the girl jump. 

"Well, shouldn't you be taking a break?" Kira asked, reaching for his friend's bandaged hand. Sota quickly jerked away from his reach as his friend stated, "Not all of us have it easy like you, Kira."

The words didn't hurt as Kira knew that Sota didn't intend them to. Instead, he just heard Sota give his farewell and mentioned that Teru wasn't going to make it either. With that, he was left to head downstairs alone. Guess he'll just be hanging out with Ren by himself. That wasn't too bad, in his opinion. He just had hoped he could get his friends to join and hopefully help Ren.

-+-+-+-

4/23/XX - After School

"Ah, man!" Kira groaned in defeat.

The score on the screen read that Red Player won the game by the highest score, while Blue was just a couple points behind. Kira stared at the points contrasting with each other as Ren triumphantly fixed his glasses. "Surprised someone like you is pretty good with rhythm games, Amamiya-san," the third-year complimented as they stepped off the dancing machine so the next person in line could play.

"I just had a lot of practice," Ren spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. He didn't want to detail that his parents had put him in a lot of dance classes upon his request as a kid, and he had considered joining the club back at his old school.

"Must have a pretty neat arcade back where you come from," Kira commented as they headed for some room away from the arcade machines. With it being a Saturday afternoon, many of the high school students in the area had come out here to start their weekend early. They were able to find a wall that gave them some space from the other arcade attendees.

The blonde handed Ren an unopened bottle of water. Eagerly taking it to drink it up, Ren listened to Kira.

"Thanks for coming out to hang with me. I was worried you were going to decline."

A guilty look appeared on his face as Ren closed the bottle, handing it back to him. His companion gave a small smile before stating, "If you're worried about me getting caught up on whatever the rumors are, you don't have to worry about that."

Ren watched him look ahead, staring at the new player on the dance machine as the upperclassman continued, "When I started my freshman year, I had rumors going around me as well. People thought this was dyed hair, and others claimed I was part of a gang abroad, escaping from some plot that killed my parents."

A question immediately raised in his head as Ren almost asked him. Thankfully, to avoid the tactless inquiry, Kira answered already, "My parents died when I was little. I don't remember much before my uncle took me in. We moved around a lot since his work took him everywhere, but I enjoyed it."

Kira then pulled at one of his bangs before stating, "And this is my real hair color."

"You said that rumors were spread about you," Ren commented. "Did they ever stop?"

"Eventually," Kira answered. "It took a while, and what really helped was that I didn't really care about what people said about me."

Kira turned his gaze to look at Ren.

"And you should do the same."

Was he really that much of an open book? Then again, anyone would get bothered by rumors being spread about themselves from day one. He would lower his head as if hoping ducking down would stop people from talking about him.

The rumors got worse when he and Ryuji started hanging out, mostly out of necessity, on infiltrating Kamoshida's Palace. When Ann joined their escapades, people assumed they were helping her get back by cheating on Kamoshida. That wasn't helping matters, and it was clear the volleyball coach wasn't going to bother clearing things up. It was all just evidence against them once the board meeting happens, should they fail. 

There were times he wondered if he just kept to himself, if Ren kept his nose out of it, he probably would have been fine. Though, that wasn't him. He wasn't going to let someone get hurt when he was around, even if it costs him so much. 

"Uh... sorry if I spoke out of turn," Kira's voice spoke, pulling him out of his thoughts. He had a confused look on his face as Kira explained, "Well, I thought you were mad that I was telling you to ignore them, and really you should. They don't know you and not bothering to even try to."

"Is that what you are doing now, senpai?" Ren asked.

"Hey, I wanted to get to know you ever since I met you," the blonde spoke ecstatically. Again, Kira was smiling brightly, almost enough to illuminate the arcade. It was addictive as Ren felt his lips curving into a nervous smile before saying, "I don't want to trouble you."

"If you were trouble, then you should mug me right now."

The black-haired teen watched as the bright smile turned into one of a joking sneer. Kira leaned closer to him, a little too close to be, in fact. The smirk grew as their noses were almost touching.

"Well?"

Ren was baffled before he pointed out, "I think I might be the one going to get mugged here."

After a couple seconds of tension, Kira finally let out of a guffaw of laughter and leaned back to give Ren space. The younger teen was confused, watching Kira lean back against the wall while taking a quick swig of water.

"Man, the face you made just now! Just another confirmation that you aren't some delinquent like the rumors said."

Ren felt something swell in his heart, almost like when he and Ryuji first went jogging together. He could feel something connecting with this guy, urging him to continue to do so from here on. He couldn't help smiling again, feeling content as he looked ahead at the people playing in the arcade.

-+-+-+-

4/23/XX - Evening

Ren was looking up at his ceiling, letting Morgana roam around the room as he looked at his cellphone. There were a couple of messages, mostly the group chat he shared with Ryuji and Ann. He then saw a text message from Kira. He tapped on it, reading the "thank you" note along with wishes they could hang out again some time. 

He will admit that it was nice to have another person he could hang out with that wasn't involved in this mess. Ren could only hope that Kira wasn't going to get dragged into it.