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Chapter Text

This whole fic idea just stemmed from me wanting to write some cute ideas early for a fic I'm writing based on P5 with OC's, but to do them I need to get to the specific section first for those ideas to work and be cohesive, so for now, I'll write these ideas here, PLEASE be aware some of the ideas here will be reused when the time is right for me to write them in my main fic, if you're interested in that fic btw, just check out my profile, I promise you'll find SOMETHING interesting there.

Key: Ch._, "Title" Relationships featured in the story

Ch.2, "A Father's Instinct" Ren & Sophia, Ren & Zenkichi, Ren/Sumire

Ch.3, "Why Am I Still Here?" Akechi & The Phantom Thieves

Ch.4, "I'm Her Bodyguard" Haru &(/(?)) Akechi

Ch.5, "Phantom Thief AMA" The Phantom Thieves

Ch.6, "Phantom Antics" The Phantom Thieves

Ch.7, "A Malnourished Wild Card" Ren & Akechi, Ryuji & Akechi, Akechi & Loki, Akechi & Robin Hood, Akechi & @@!#!@%!*$

Ch.8, "Uncle Wars" Ryuji & Akechi, Ryuji & Sophia, Akechi & Sophia, Scenario made by The_Keeper_of_Worlds *IN PROGRESS, #7 will setup Ryuji and Akechi's friendship*

Submit scenarios, questions, or fanart at my Tumblr!

If you like my stories and want more, check out my profile!

More Persona 5 and Miraculous stories await!

Chapter Text

Being forcefully pulled into the Metaverse was a new thing for the Thieves, but they quickly made their way through the new Jail as they were left with very few options. Joker nor any of the other thieves were expecting to find Ichinose waiting for them at the end of the Jail.

When Sophie fell to her knees after Ichinose said something similar to a voice command, Joker was the first to run towards her, followed by Violet and Crow. Joker couldn't lie and say he didn't see the AI as his surrogate daughter, after all, he thought her about the human heart and offered her a place to stay until she found out more.

Violet did have a striking resemblance to Sophie as well, they even were both proficient with bless-type attacks. Sophie even took the liberty to call Joker and Violet, papa and maman after their Persona's French origins.

Crow had the benefit of Sophie not knowing who he was or what he did before he joined the thieves, but when she found out she still wanted to learn more about him. It ended up with Crow teaching the AI that people are complex and have the ability to redeem themselves. Surprisingly, the used to be murderer took pride in being called the AI's uncle.

When Joker knelt next to Sophie with Violet beside him and Crow on Sophie's vacant side he whispered, "Sweetie...?" What the Persona-users didn't expect was for Sophie to attack them. Crow was able to dodge with his four years of experience, but Joker was hit with such force that he was pushed back with Violet. When Violet saw Joker's face she simply muttered, "Senpai!" Joker reached up to his face and felt blood oozing out from underneath his mask.

The thieves "battled" Sophie, who went for Joker after a few moments, who didn't move when he saw a bless attack by Pithos coming towards him. "Move!" Joker heard Crow shout as he was tackled to the side, both of them nearly dodging the attack. Crow nagged Joker, "I'm using Loki right now. And you have Arsene equipped right now right?! If you stood there any longer or if I was any slower, we would've been done for!" Joker only responded with, "Right." The thieves quickly gathered against Sophie, who saw Joker's face that was dripping with blood. Sophie's eyes started to flicker between red and blue as she lowered her hands and dropped the yo-yos she'd been using to fight.

Sophie started walking backward when she grabbed her head in pain. "Sophie!" Joker shouted as he ran towards the AI, who as she fell off the edge, said this, "I'm sorry... papa..." Joker watched Sophie fall of the edge, and just before he could dive after her, Skull grabbed him.

The thieves watched as Joker struggled to get out of Skull's grasp as he shouted, "LET ME GO, RYUJI, LET ME GO!!! I CAN SAVE HER!!!" Both Crow and Violet grabbed Joker's arms so he couldn't grab his mask, Violet looked to her boyfriend and shook her head as she cried like he was. Joker stopped squirming and surprised everyone, including himself, with how loud he shouted, "SOPHIA!!!"

Later on, when the thieves were blasted off the edge, they awoke further underground. Joker questioned, "Where's Sophie?!" Oracle was the one who pointed out Sophie's body laying not too far from them. They all agreed that they needed to get further up and face Ichinose again. When Skull started to lift Sophie onto his back, Joker insisted that he would be the one to do it. This led to Crow taking a temporary lead as Joker stayed in the back to keep an eye on Sophie. Eventually, Wolf head to the back of the group to speak to the young thief.

"So, when did you get all defensive of her?" Was the opening question Wolf used. Joker only replied with, "Honestly, I don't even know, it... Kinda just happened... Is this how it's like to watch over Akane?" Wolf laughed slightly, "I already told you all, I'd die for her without a second thought." Joker nodded in response, he followed up with, "I know exactly what you mean now. Violet, Sophie, everyone on this team is just one big family, let's make sure no one hurts them." Wolf nodded before Crow called him into the front lines.

Joker was hesitant to leave Sophie in the room before they fought Ichinose again but after a lot of convincing, he laid her body against a wall. The thieves decided to have Oracle try to hack Ichinose's cannon-esque diamond. After they fought, it was all for naught as Ichinose was about to fire another blast at the thieves. Oracle had shouted Joker's code name and before he knew it, Sophie was blocking the attack with Pithos.

Things quickly escalated to the point where Sophie was shouting in pain after denying Ichinose's commands. Pithos started circling the AI as a voice spoke to her. Soon all the boxes that made Pithos stacked on top of each other as Sophie shouted, "PANDORA!!!"

"Hell yeah sweetie!" Joker said as he enveloped Sophie in a hug after her declaration to steal Ichinose's twisted desires. "We're so proud of you honey!" Violet joined their little hug as Sophie squirmed, "Papa! Maman! Is now really the right time?!" Crow walked up to them, "All the time is the right time for your parents Sophie." Even though Crow said this in a darker tone of voice, there was a big smirk on his face.

Ichinose spoke, "How...?! She's just an AI! How can she have a heart?! She can never truly be your daughter, she's merely a tool!" Skull ran up to the group, "You may have made 'er, but the people that thought her about the world was us, 'specially Joker an' Violet!" Joker nodded at his right-hand man's words, "You may be the person who wrote her code," Violet continued her beloved's words, "But you didn't make her the person she is!" Crow spoke next, "She's a living person through and through, if she didn't want to be your damn puppet, she damn well doesn't need to be. And I would know all about being a puppet, and I can tell you it. Fucking! SUCKS!!!" As Ichinose summoned a boss shadow to fight them, the thieves prepared their weapons.

After the whole fight with EMMA, Ren returned to LeBlanc with Morgana and Sophia.

What none of them knew was, as they slept, Ren and Sophia's Persona's talked in the night.

As Pandora surveyed her new surroundings, she heard the booming voice of Arsene, "Beautiful isn't it? The moon casting its light unto the world." Pandora kept looking around, "It truly is father, but I and my user still have much to learn from it." Arsene laughed, "I'm so proud of you." Pandora turned to the demonic thief, "Why?" Arsene simply laughed again, "You managed to steal a great treasure," Arsene pointed to his chest, "My heart."

"I thought I was the one who stole that my dear." Both Personas looked up to the owner of the voice, Cendrillon. Arsene once again laughed, "You still have my beloved, but our daughter has shown she is more than capable at thievery."

Pandora interrupted her parent's flirting, "If it's not a bother, I'd like to know more about this world, my user can be a better companion if we both were to know more about humanity." Arsene obliged his daughter's wishes, "Then come, the night is still young, there is much to see." As he finished his words, Arsene flew into the night sky. Cendrillon laughed and turned to her daughter, "Come along, your father likes to fly fast." Pandora laughed as she quickly said these words, "As do I." Pandora flew up to join her father as Cendrillon laughed and flew up as well.

The Personas flew off, exploring the streets of Tokyo until dawn broke.

Chapter Text

"Why... Am I still here?"

The question cut through the noise of the meeting the Phantom Thieves were having. All the participants turned to the person who asked it, Goro Akechi. "Why, do you all expect me not to hurt you again?" Goro asked the team, who all remained silent. Ren was the one who finally answered, "Because, I don't think you want to hurt anyone anymore." Goro's jaw hung open a bit from the answer. How did this piece of trash always know exactly what he was thinking? "What do you know Amamiya? I've killed countless people, and most likely won't be charged for it in reality, I could easily kill again."

Ryuji was actually the one to talk second, "Well, you could've told Shido about all of this shit already, but you haven't. I... Would know better than most, how it feels to have a shitty dad." Goro looked to Ryuji, he wasn't aware of his past, in fact, he really didn't know about any of their pasts. Futaba cut in next, "When we were leaving the boat, you said sorry to me and Haru before you passed out like your health was barely at one..." Goro looked to the girl he orphaned, and for the first time in a long while, he felt remorse and guilt. 'It was always there, and we both know it, my trickster.' Loki told to his user. Goro spoke again, "I... I didn't know..." Makoto decided to press further on Goro's words, "You didn't know what?"

Goro continued, "I didn't know, that killing her Shadow, would, in turn, kill her, Wakaba Isshiki I mean." The thieves stayed silent, letting Goro continue, "When I had heard that she had thrown herself into the street, or whatever had happened,... I couldn't fathom what I had done, Loki tried talking to me, but his words didn't register. If I had known that I was going to orphan a child, or murder a woman, I... I... I-I don't know what I would've done." The thieves could see Goro start to tear up as his voice started cracking. He continued, "I know, you could never forgive me for killing your parents, so, I still don't know why, you decided to save me, and are even letting me join your team again."

Morgana continued next, "The Phantom Thieves' goal is to help the weak and crush the strong, you fit into the former category." Yusuke continued next, "What that means to us is saving the victims of unfortunate circumstances, even if you turned into what you are today, even though you still have responsibility for your actions, you were still prompted to do so by someone worse than you." Goro nodded, taking in the information. Ann spoke next, "There was this topic in class the other day, and for some reason, it stuck with me. It was a hypothetical where if someone killed another with a gun, who would you blame, the bullet, the gun, the person who shot it, or the people who made it. All of them have some blame on them but are also innocent at the same time." Goro put his hands on his head.

Haru spoke next, "While I don't know if I'll forgive you, ever, I still understand that you wouldn't have killed my father if Shido hadn't told you to do so. We want to help you Akechi-Kun." Goro seemed to be shaking a bit now. Ren tried to wrap all their words up as best he could, "Yes, you've killed people, and you are still guilty for that, but, you were still made into the person you are by Shido, no matter how much you don't want to hear that, but the same is true for me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that prick, but I'm glad I met the people I did while I was here, that includes you Akechi. You've been alone for all your life, you aren't anymore, I can't speak for everyone else here but, you'll always have a friend, a rival, in me. We're offering you a second chance, it's your choice whether to take it or not, you can back out and live your life like the way the public sees you, or you can help us take down the guy who dicked us over, you more than me."

Goro removed his head from his hands, the thieves could see his tear-ridden face, it was an odd look for the detective to have, eyes red and everything as he spoke, "I-I still think you are all... Out of your minds, but... I'll help. Let's take down that bastard." Ren nodded, "Good, now for the calling card,"

Goro knew now why he was still here, it was because he wanted to stay. These thieves were willing to help him, even after all the things he did, some of them were even willing to be his friends. He knew why he wanted to stay now, it was because these were the people, who were the closest thing Goro ever had to a family, and he'd be damned if he let his bastard of a father separate them from him again.

In the streets of Tokyo, the Phantom Thieves' latest calling card was being broadcasted, courtesy of the Futaba Cannon. When the calling card was finishing up, the camera moved from their, still alive, leader Joker, to a new figure, one who seemed to be wearing a helmet and mask that made him look like a bird. "All of the mental shutdowns and psychotic breakdowns that have occurred through the previous years, were all orchestrated by the bastard we are sending this message to, and I... Was foolish enough to commit the deeds for him, but no longer will I be a puppet. I've found my people, and now, this crow will take you down Shido, enjoy your last moments on the top, for you will fall faster than you can imagine."

Chapter Text

Goro was sitting in his empty apartment when he got a call on his phone. The user ID read 'Attic Piece Of Shit', he answered it and said, "Make this quick Amamiya, I'm occupied right now." Goro could hear the Wild Card's smirk as he spoke, "So we're back to family names huh, I thought we were closer than that Goro." Goro scoffed, Ren continued before he could say anything, "So, I heard you quit the detective gig, what are you going to do now?" Goro walked to the lobby of his apartment to drop off his key as he talked to Ren, "Don't act like I'm a clueless child Ren, I know what I'm doing, besides I already have another job to sustain myself." Ren spoke as Goro gave the key to the receptionist, "Alright then, what are you going to do?" Goro was going to explain as a black car with tinted windows rolled up in front of him, "I'll explain later, or better yet, talk to Okumura, she'll tell you everything." Goro hung up as he entered the car.

As soon as he buckled in, Loki manifested next to him. All of the Phantom Thieves were able to talk to their Persona this way, the Persona themself would be shrunk down to human size and be able to speak to their user. The Personas were invisible to anyone who hadn't awakened and were able to speak to any Persona-User when in 'physical form'. When the Persona and user wanted to speak privately they would simply talk to them in their head, or reflections, using either their body or their user's, only with glowing yellow eyes.

Loki spoke to Goro, his voice was Goro's, as all Persona's voices were their users, the Persona said, "So, no more tricks hmm? We're playing it safe now?" The Persona's voice was slow and slimy, you could compare it to how Goro sounded when he went psychotic. Goro responded, "If you want to put it that way yes." Goro's reflection in the window changed into Robin Hood, he spoke, "With our Trickster's new profession, he'll be able to sustain himself Loki, we don't want to ruin the one chance we've been given." Robin was... A unique Persona. Goro himself was a wild card, just like Ren, but due to circumstances, his wasn't used enough, it wasn't prioritized, so it evolved to be able to still be used.

When Ren first met Goro, they both made a link with each other, in their minds, the other represented 'Justice'. Goro remembers the day he gained Robin Hood. He was fighting in the Metaverse less efficiently than his usual brutality. Until a voice spoke to him. It was Ren's, but not, at the same time. Robin was born from Goro's bond to Ren, the only bond he ever made. The theory the Thieves made, or more accurately Makoto and Goro made, was that since he never negotiated a Shadow into being a Persona, his Wild Card was 'malnourished', unlike Ren's, who started gaining Personas from the get-go. And with that 'malnourishment', his Wild Card latched onto the first thing it could, Goro's cognition of Ren. Goro saw the Thieves, or more accurately, Ren, as a hero against the law, someone who did bad things for the greater good, a modern-day superhero, Robin Hood. Unlike him, a master manipulator and trickster, a living embodiment of Loki. And, just like when he awoke to Loki, he gained a suit of rebellion, how Goro perceived Ren's rebellion became the 'Prince' outfit, as dubbed by Ryuji.

Goro spoke, "Robin is correct Loki, this will be our source of income for the foreseeable future, I just didn't expect it to be a bodyguard position." Loki laughed, "It's quite ironic isn't it, you protecting that Okumura girl?" Goro shifted in his seat, "She's fully capable of protecting herself if our experience in the Metaverse is anything to go by, but I have knowledge of underground criminals and Yakuza members, and besides, I owe her my life at the very least." Robin Hood nodded in the reflection, "Spoken like a true hero young Goro." Loki scoffed, "Tch, more like a love-sick puppy!" Goro immediately turned to look at his true Persona, "What?!" Loki laughed again, "Might as well add clueless to that, you're clearly infatuated with Okumura, though I will admit, that Milady is quite the dame, I can't say I disapprove of your interest." Goro had turned red as Robin spoke, "I can't say you're wrong there Loki, I have seen the way you look at her when she takes joy in slashing shadows apart Goro." Goro had stopped talking as he ran things through his head, it didn't help that Loki was having a laughing fit while repeatedly saying, "Look at him, look at him! Look at his face!"

Goro had forgotten about it by the time he arrived at Haru's house, her newly hired butler rang him in and guided him to his new room, he'd be running a 24/7 job. Thankfully Haru was insistent with many, many, break days for him when he needed his own time. Goro found it only necessary to find where his new protectee was as he hadn't seen her at all yet today. He expected to find Haru tending to her garden, but he found her in both an expected yet unexpected place. She was out chopping wood with an ax, akin to the one she'd use in the Metaverse.

Loki's words from earlier caused Goro to think while he watched her. He had difficulty looking away at the definition her arms had, to stop himself he called out to her as she split a log in half. "I believe your sadism is making you a bit too comfortable Okumura, you may want to put down the ax." Haru turned to him, Goro only now noticed that her hair was in a ponytail. 'Pretty, isn't she, my trickster?' Loki prodded at Goro from within his mind, Goro quickly barked back, 'Silence!' Haru spoke, "Glad to see you made it, dinner should be finished soon. And if you're going to be living here, then please, call me Haru." Goro nodded, "Then you may refer to me as Goro. Thank you once again for the job offer, especially after everything." Haru nodded, "Just make sure I don't regret it, and we won't have problems, you know how skilled I am with an ax." Goro said nothing but swiftly nodded. Haru spoke, "Allow me to change, and I'll meet you at the dining table." She walked off without waiting for an answer.

As Haru walked down the halls, Milday spoke in her mind, 'Already flirting with him, my dear princess?' Haru quickly turned pink as she responded, 'Th-That wasn't flirting Milady!' Haru could hear her Persona giggle as she manifested herself in front of her, "Call it whatever you wish, I'm going to go have a discussion with that devilishly handsome Loki." Haru nodded as she and Milady walked in different directions. It was only after she turned the corner in front of her as she realized what the Persona had said, she turned the corner again and exclaimed, "Wait, WHAT?!" But her words fell on deaf ears, as Milady had already left.

Haru already regretted hiring Goro.

Chapter Text

Ren was rushing his morning a bit, as he usually did now since Morgana lived with him, but today was a special case. Mishima had face timed him and asked if the Phantom Thieves would be willing to answer questions by their fans. It took him a while to agree, but then came the case of contacting everyone so they could make it happen.

That call happened three months ago.

Now all the Phantom Thieves were on a video call with Mishima, their face cams were off, their voices were changed thanks to Futaba, or Oracle as they told Mishima to refer to her since he only knew that Ren was the leader.

Once they were all settled Mishima started the event.

ADMIN: Hello everyone! Welcome to the Phantom Thieves AMA! Before we get started, there is one simple rule, do NOT ask who they are, you will be instantly banned if you do so! Now, I'll allow the Thieves themselves to introduce themselves!

Joker: I guess I'll start, as you all probably know our leader came back from the dead those few years ago. I'm him.

Joker: That's me, I'm the leader, anyway I'm done, Skull you next.

Skull: why do you gotta shove this on me man

Skull: well im no one special, just the right hand man to joker here

Crow: Truly a poet aren't you?

Skull: SHUT IT

Joker: Anyway, there's another member named Mona, but he doesn't understand computers all that well so send questions for him through me.

Panther: Well, I'm Panther! Glad to meet all of you! <3

Fox: I am Fox as you can tell. I'm the artist of the group I designed our logo along with Skull. It was in dire need of an artist's viewpoint.

Skull: i wish i could say youre wrong, but youre right. i thought the first logo was cool tho

Queen: Hello everyone, as you can see I am Queen, and like the admin said, please no compromising questions, or else Oracle might find ways to hurt you.

Oracle: Oh don't worry, I already have deets on 100 of the people here!

Oracle: Image: [y'allarescrewd]

Joker: Yeah, trust me, she can hurt you, anyways, next.

Noir: Greetings everyone! I truly hope we can get along, please go easy on me with questions! Crow has only just thought me how to use a computer.

Crow: Hello.

Skull: youre shittin me right?

Crow: What do you mean?

Joker: You said you'd play nice Crow.

Oracle: Image: [don'tbesaltybro]

Noir: Crow.

Crow: ...

Noir: Please.

Crow: Fine.

Crow: I'm the smartest person here along with Joker and Queen, glad to make your acquaintance.

Noir: Thank you!

Crow: ...

Crow: You're welcome.

ADMIN: What just happened?!

Sophie: Noir, Joker, Violet, and I are usually the only ones who can get Crow to do something he doesn't want to, I hope that helps Admin!

Violet: Well, hello everyone! I hope we all have a great time!

Sophie: Hello everyone, I am humanity's companion, Sophie!

Wolf: Hey everyone, sorry but I can't stay for long. Unlike the others, I have a job that I can't skip. I'll stay for as long as I can though.

Joker: Ok, that should be everyone Admin, open the gates.

ADMIN: On it!

THE CHAT IS NOW OPEN TO GUESTS

So who are you guys? :Some_Dude

Some_Dude HAS BEEN BLOCKED

Crow: Lovely.

Joker: Oracle.

Oracle: Doxxing him now.

Wow, you guys really DON'T play around, do you? :ANON

Wolf: Ok, even I thought that's going a bit too far Oracle.

Queen: I've tried stopping her, it never works.

Oracle: Image: [ggezlol]

K, imma just dip so nothing happens, byeeee. :ANON

Hello, I just wanna ask, when I saw your outfits when you made the calling card to Shido, I absolutely fell in LOVE with the designs! Who made them?! :F4shionista_gurl

@F4shionista_gurl, IKR, I wouldn't mind dressing up as one of you thieves for Halloween! :ANON

Joker: I have a lot of connections, and an old pal of mine gladly made them for us. Fox drew the concepts up and we got them in less than a week. They're surprisingly comfortable, so we wear them on our missions.

Panther: Yours might be comfortable, but mine's fairly constrictive.

Oracle: I can submit the drawings Fox made, he even made some for Sophie and Wolf.

YES, PLEASE, I NEED TO SEE THEM!!! :KOSPLAYKING

Oracle: Inari you made sure not to put your actual name on the drawings right?

Fox: Of course not, share away, the world must see the beauty of our outfits!

Crow: I still don't know why I stick with this group.

Oracle: Images: [joker_outfit], [skull_outfit], [mona_mech], [panther_outfit], [fox_outfit], [queen_outfit], [oracle_outfit], [noir_outfit], [prince_outfit], [crow_outfit], [violet_outfit], [sophie_outfit], [wolf_outfit]

WOAH, MONA GETS A MECH?! Joker, how do you get your 'connections' to make a FUCKING MECHSUIT?!?!?! :Giga-Phan

Queen: Actually it's more of a remote-controlled robot.

Joker: Mona's actually the youngest of us, he wanted to help us, but we didn't want to put him in danger, so Oracle came up with the idea of a remote control robot for him to use while he's at a safe location wearing a motion capture suit and wires for jumping.

Morgana read the message and immediately turned to Ren, "I am NOT the youngest you know!" Ren chuckled as he muted his mic, "Mentally yeah, but the point is we needed a cover-up, how are we going to explain to the populous that we're teammates with a talking cat?" Morgana was going to retort, but couldn't find a comeback, so he just quietly mumbled as he sat back down while Ren turned his mic back on.

Wait, who's 'Prince'??? :ANON

Crow: He's not important.

Crow: Let's move on.

Wait, yeah, was he an old team member? :Giga-Phan

oOoOoOo, is there some sweet DRAMA between Crow and Prince?! C'mon hon, what's the tea? :SnoopmcLoop

Crow: I just don't like him, end of story.

Skull: well i mean...

Skull: if they wanna talk to the guy

Crow: no

YES, I wanna talk to the guy with the sexy prince suit! :Simpmaster420

Crow: ...

Crow: Can I kill them?

Joker: No, from me and Mona.

Skull: nah man

Panther: Crow no.

Crow: Crow yes.

Fox: I'd prefer if you didn't Crow.

Queen: I will punch you so hard your helmet will shatter Crow.

Oracle: Image: [OHGODPLEASENO]

Violet: Please don't Crow-senpai.

Sophie: Murdering is against the law in many countries Crow, I'd advise against it.

Wolf: NO!

Crow: ...

Crow: I'm going to do it anyway.

@Noir, PLEASE SAVE ME!!! :Simpmaster420

Crow: Coward.

Noir: Crow...

Crow: ...yes?

Noir: ...

Crow: ok, I won't kill them Noir.

Noir: Thank you!

Methinks the real simpmaster is Crow... :ANON

ADMIN: OK, Joker has asked me to end this so Crow won't make anymore death threats. Thank you P-Thieves for joining, we'd love to have you back one day!

THE CHAT HAS BEEN CLOSED

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING

Chapter Text

"Joker, NO!!!"

It was a few days before the Final Heist of Maruki's Palace, and the Thieves were dealing with the last few Mementos requests. And Joker had made a bet with Crow, which they've been doing recently, and Joker was going to attempt to fight one of the Shadows by himself. Skull looked at his leader after he stated what he was going to do, "Are you effin' crazy?!" Violet added to Skull's words, "Senpai, please don't tell me this is another bet between you and Crow-Senpai." Crow bluntly stated, "Oh it is, I want to see him get destroyed." Queen spoke next, "Even if you were to do this, do you even have the necessary skills on hand?"

Joker smirked and chuckled, "Oh Queen, you fool,

I HAVE 70 ALTERNATIVE PERSONAS!!!"

Joker was quickly smacked in the back of the head by Oracle, "You're letting your crazy out again." Fox quickly added, "And from my count, you normally have ten different Personas on you at a time, though I don't know why Crow can hold more." Panther turned to Crow, "How does that work anyway?" Crow shuffled in his seat, "I'm able to have four Personas per Arcana, along with one Charge Persona. Arcanas are like types for that Pocket Monster franchise, Loki is the Charge Persona for my Fool Arcana Personas, while Robin Hood is the Charge for the Justice Personas. Charge Personas are ones I awaken to, the other four I gain from negotiation, but it's one or the other for how I use them, I always start with Loki when I enter the Metaverse, and I'm able to switch to another Charge Persona or an Arcana, in general, to switch between the four, but I'm stuck with them until after a certain amount of time, then I'm able to switch again. And that's not mentioning the temporary fusions Loki can do with the other Charge Personas."

The thieves just stared at Crow after he was done explaining. Crow just slouched as he stated, "It's complicated." Joker spoke up, "Any way we're here, I'm going to go fight this guy." The leader quickly got out of the MonaBus they'd been driving in before anyone could object. Noir gave a quick, "Good luck!" Joker confidently walked up to the Shadow. They conversed before the Shadow transformed. Oracle had set up a radio so they could hear what Joker was saying as he went to summon his first Persona. The raven-haired thief spoke, "Heh, behold, a weapon so cursed that it will make your very heart bleed!" All the thieves, other than Crow and Violet, had their faces go white as they remembered that sentence that Joker had spoken many times before summoning a very specific Persona. The seven thieves that realized what he was doing quickly shouted, "JOKER NO!!!" Crow asked, "The hell is he going to do?!" The thieves couldn't answer as Joker continued talking,

"Behold, my ultimate weapon,..."

Joker ripped off his mask as a phallic-shaped Persona took shape.

"DICK ON A CHARIOT!!!"

The thieves watched blankly as Joker immediately got his ass handed to him. Crow was going to speak, but Violet took the words out of his mouth,

"I'm going to kill him."

"Hee-mother-fucking-ho"

The thieves were standing in the Sapporo Jail as a horde of Jack Frosts ran past them. They had a quick discussion and were about to take their leave, but before that Joker had said, "Hee-ho!"

Sophie, wanting to copy her father figure, shouted, "Hee-ho!"

Violet clapped her hands as she said, "Hee-ho!"

Oracle looked at the little family like they were infected and asked, "Hee-ho?"

Noir followed along with the trend and did a short jump, while she grabbed Crow's arm, and said, "Hee-ho!"

Skull put his hand on Joker's shoulder and enthusiastically shouted, "Heeee-haww!"

Fox put a hand to his chest, while the other made a fist as he pumped it into the air, as he claimed, "Hee-ho!"

Panther looked at the team terrified as she said, "They're infected!" She turned to Crow and said, "We need to do something!"

Crow slowly turned to look at the blonde, who slowly backed away in fear, "No..."

Crow spoke, "Hee..."

Panther looked like she was about to cry, "I know you're better than this Goro!"

"Mother..."

"I believed in you, you bastard!"

"Fucking..."

"Please, snap out of it!"

"...Ho."

Panther dramatically fell back onto Queen as she chuckled at Panther's acting. Joker spoke, "Alright everyone, I think it's time we hee-go." Skull sadly said, "Ho-kay..."

"Accidentally Dating"

Ren and Ann were standing on the Shujin rooftop after Shiho had left, and Ann had started to cry. Ren knew he had to say something, so he quickly thought things through with Arsene. 'So, how are you going to go about this petit voleur.' 'Well, I want to comfort her, and I feel like if I say exclusively that the others will have her back, it'll make her think that I don't, so, let's try more personal.' 'As you wish petit voleur.'

Ren walked up to Ann and gave her a reassuring hug and said, "You have me." After Ann repeated his name a few times, she said quietly, "...I love you." Ren had taken a step back, "Uh, w-what'd you say?" Ann blushed as she said, "O-Oh, you didn't? Huh..." The blonde smacked Ren on the shoulder as she said, "Pay more attention, dammit!" Ann continued, "I'm only gonna say it one more time, all right?!" The world seemed to slow for Ren as Ann spoke, "I really love you! Like, REALLY really!"

Ann continued while Ren was frozen, "I-I guess we're more than just friends now..." Ren came back to reality and rushed out, "I- Uh- Seeyouinhistory!" Ren ran down into the stairway and closed the door behind him quickly. Ren needed to talk to someone about his accidental romance with Ann, Morgana was out of the question so...

"..."

Ren yelled before he ran out of the school, "RYUJI!!!"

Chapter Text

Goro exited the subway station, he was on his way to meet Ryuji. He was hesitant and uncomfortable as he walked to the ramen shop, but he kept up the 'Detective Prince' facade as he walked past the crowds. Unfortunately for Goro, some fans were more persistent than others, most commonly the fangirls.

"Look, it's Akechi!" Goro sighed as he quickly put up his act once more. Goro turned around to see a fangirl run up to him, she seemed to be in high school as far as he could tell. Goro spoke, "Oh hello! Do you need anything? I'm actually in a rush to meet a... Friend?" The fangirl didn't seem to notice his statement turn into a self-directed question as she spoke, "Can I get an autograph?!" Goro quietly pulled out a pen, as soon as he did the girl took out a professionally shot photo of him, Goro kept up his facade as he signed his name, "If that's all, I really must be going-" As Goro tried to leave, the girl grabbed his wrist, "Wait! Forget your friend, wouldn't you rather go on date?" Goro hated these types of questions, he hasn't had any interest in anyone other than H- Ever... He hasn't been interested in anyone, ever, period. Before Goro could respond he heard a familiar voice.

"HEY!!!"

Ryuji quickly ran up to Goro and the fan, "Can't you see you're making him uncomfortable?!" The fan seemed to recognize Ryuji, Goro simply assumed she also went to Shujin, the girl quickly let go of the detective's arm, "You're friends with that transfer student right?! I-I'll leave, don't hurt me!" The girl ran off as Ryuji spoke, "Damn, dunno how you can handle that shit, how you holding up Akechi?" Goro let his facade drop as he dusted off his sleeve, "I'm fine, there are worse than her I've handled... Thank you, for the assistance Sakamoto." Ryuji put his hand on Goro as they started to walk into the ramen shop, "Eh, not a big deal, and you can call me Ryuji, I don't really do formalities." Goro nodded as they sat down.

(small time skip time : D)

The two's food arrived, and neither of the two had said a word since they entered. Goro decided to break the ice, "So are you going to tell me the reasoning for why you invited me of all people out or are you just going to sit and not talk at all." Ryuji scrambled to answer the sarcastic comment as he swallowed the piece of meat in his mouth, "Well uh... I dunno actually, I just wanted to talk but, guess we both dunno how to go about it." Goro picked at his food as Ryuji spoke again, "How... Did your awakening go, to that Loki guy I mean? He's your actual Persona right?" Goro stared at Ryuji like he'd grown a second head, the blonde spoke again, "Uh, y-you don't need to answer, I was just curious-" Goro cut him off, "No, might as well, I've got nothing better to talk about. You've said before that you've seen most of the others awakenings first hand correct? Mine wasn't so different."

"It was a while after I learned that Shido was my father, I had found the MetaNav on my phone, and I happened to guess the right words, soon enough, I was cornered..."

A younger Goro laid on the ground, he had just been beaten to a pulp by these,... Whatever they were! Goro barely managed to sit as these creatures looked just about ready to stop playing with their food. Goro feared the worst, his last thoughts ran through his head. "This is how it ends?! I never even got a chance to fight... I guess it's only fitting, a bastard child never had a place in a world like this... Everyone, they never cared, all those heroes I saw in movies, shows, there was never a hero that came for me... It's not fair! WHY?!?!?! WHY DID I NEVER BELONG, I WAS JUST ANOTHER,... MISFIT IN THEIR EYES!!!"

And what's so wrong with that?

Goro paused his thoughts as he heard a voice similar to his own, but it was more slippery, more cunning, more mischievous, more... Evil.

You are a creation of mischief, after all, the son of a homewrecker. Hehe, you never, would have belonged.

Goro spoke to the voice, "What's your point, I get it! I'm a mistake!" The creatures looked confused as the young boy spoke.

Who needs heroes? Who needs mercy? No one else gave it to you, and no one gave it to me either, we're the same, fools.

And only fools, give up when everything is lost. Are you going to stay a fool? You worked this hard to get here, and only to die in the end? Pathetic.

Goro spoke with unbridled rage, whether it was directed at him, the voice, the creatures, the world, it was indistinguishable, "NO, I WILL NOT LET THIS BE MY END!!! NO HEROES CAME FOR ME, AND THEY NEVER WILL!!! I REFUSE TO ROT IN SOME NARCISSIST'S BOAT!!!"

Perfect! WE HAVE A DEAL THEN!!!

Goro grabbed his head as sudden pain came to him.

MISFITS AND HEROES ARE ONE IN THE SAME, WOULDN'T YOU AGREE?!?!?!

Goro struggled to stand as he spoke, "Yes! YES!!! GIVE IT TO ME, I CAN FEEL THE POWER YOU'RE HOLDING BACK!!!"

We're going to get along just fine, my trickster, NOW, LET IT BE KNOWN, THROUGH ALL PUNISHMENTS, WE WILL ALWAYS RETURN TO BRING THE FINAL DAY TO OUR ENEMIES!!! I am thou, thou art I, now CALL MY CURSED NAME!!!

Goro emitted a strong gust of wind as a black mask appeared on his face. The wind blew away all the creatures surrounding him, none could have hoped to stop what would happen next.

Goro ripped off the mask, as skin ripped off of his face, he felt immense relief. Blue flames erupted from his blood-ridden face which quickly surrounded him. The blue flames left Goro's body, leaving him in an outfit that was striped grey and dark blue, he also wore a helmet that covered all of his head, leaving his face visible.

The blue flames took the shape of a person. More flames solidified themselves as a red hot sword. The sword quickly flew around the body of flames, solidifying it. The flames revealed a creature striped black and white, with a sadistic smile with sharp yellow teeth with horns resting atop its head, as black braids flowed behind its head, with several smaller red braids. The creature's feet were hooves.

Goro laughed as the creature made quick work of the opposing monsters, once there was only one left, the creature returned to Goro as he spoke, "HAHAHA!!! DESTROY THEM,"

"LOKI!!!"

Ryuji looked on at Goro as he spoke, "You... Really had no one huh?" Goro ate a piece of meat before he spoke, "No, it was just me, then when I had Loki, I finally had someone to talk to, someone who cared about me, even if it was technically me talking to myself." Ryuji spoke again, "So for three years you just made people, well, y'know." Goro knew what the blonde meant. He spoke, "It was all a tactic to get closer to Shido to enact my revenge, but you know how that went." Ryuji had a solemn look on his face, "I- You- I can't exactly blame you I guess." Goro looked at the blonde, "What do you mean, I... Disposed, of people, all for the name of rage, you should be mad at me dammit!" Goro's voice raised a bit, but not enough to where people would look at him oddly.

Ryuji spoke, "I'm not saying you're completely in the right, 'cuz you're totally not! But, I mean, I can't say I wouldn't have ended up like you." Goro stayed silent as Ryuji continued, "I mean, if I was able to get Kidd back when my dad was 'round, I... I don't know man, but it definitely wouldn't have been good." Goro spoke, "I- I didn't know about your life all that much Sakamoto, but it sounds like we're more alike than I thought." Ryuji nodded, then another look of curiosity appeared on his face, Goro asked, "Spit it out, what do want to ask me now?" Ryuji had a look of surprise as he talked, "Huh, guess I shouldn't be surprised you're able to read me like a book, anyways, you got Loki, who's your main man, but, how'd the other dude come around, Raven Head right?" Goro scoffed, "Robin Hood. Get it right. As for the story of Robin, it's a bit odd..."

"It was after the 'Pancake Incident', as you won't let me forget, when Robin Hood came to me. When you had left Ren to his own devices, I and him talked, and the moment he and I shook hands, something in the back of my mind wouldn't stop irritating me. It was like a voice tried calling out into the void that was my mind. That 'noise' led to me losing my edge in the Metaverse, that's when he finally spoke to me..."

As soon as Goro had left the TV studio, he went to the Metaverse, something was off. He didn't know what, but after that one damned handshake with Ren, something bothered him. Goro had assumed it was the straightforward deception that he was planning on that was setting him off, but even he knew that wasn't the answer. Goro quickly shot a shadow from behind. As Goro ripped the shadows apart, he noticed his attacks were, weaker. 'What is happening to me?!' Goro decided to finish these weaklings in one of his most favorite ways, he reached up to his mask and ripped it off as he yelled, "MANIFEST!!!" ...

Loki was nowhere to be seen. 'What?!' Goro didn't have time to think as he was knocked down. Goro was only in this situation once before, and it irritated him that he was in it again. 'What the hell?! Why wouldn't Loki work?! Not only can that... Thief, summon more than one Persona, BUT NOW I CAN'T EVEN SUMMON MY OWN!!! WHY?!?!?! WHY AM I INFERIOR?!?!?!'

Do you truly believe that?

Goro heard a voice, not just any voice, Ren's voice. But it sounded more, prideful, honorable, more heroic. Maybe a bit boastful as well. "Impossible! Where are you?!"

In a world like this, I don't think any boundaries need to be broken for something to be considered 'impossible'.

Goro grew angrier, where could that trench-coat-wearing idiot be hiding?! "Show yourself Amamiya, I'm not afraid of you!"

You say you're not afraid of him, so, therefore, you're not afraid of me, I am your cognition of him after all.

Goro grew confused, "My cognition, but that's... I don't have a palace! I've checked!"

That's true, you gaining Loki would've destroyed any palace you may have had. But that doesn't stop you from seeing people a certain way.

Goro spoke, "What's your point, are you only here to mock me in what may very well be my final moments?!"

No, I'm here to answer your question. To me, you're not inferior, unbeknownst to you, you have the same power that Ren does, you've simply malnourished it.

Goro spoke, "Well thanks, I'll carry that information to the grave, I've been through this process before, SO ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE ME POWER OR NOT?!?!?!"

I will, you wanted a hero so long ago, and I can tell you still do, with your weapons being a laser gun and beam sword, even if you try to conceal it with darker colors. We have a contract.

Goro felt pain in his head, it was familiar, almost comforting to feel it again, he definitely didn't scream as much as last time.

I am thou's perception given form, and thou's perception will change and grow stronger with time, for now, use my power for honor!

Goro laughed as his mask was replaced with a red one, very similar to his black one, but it felt like what a hero would wear, rather than a rebel, at least to him it felt like.

No hero came for you, and I am deeply sorry that happened, but now as you don my mask, you can be your own hero! Now call my name!

As Goro ripped off the red mask, a familiar-sounding ripping noise was heard. Blue flames erupted from the blood once more. The flames wrapped Goro quickly and left him in a red-white-and-gold princely attire, severely different from his true outfit. It had some similarities to it. A button on each shoulder, a short cape on his back, and cuffed ends on his arms and legs, compared to the flared-out disintegrated look on his other suit.

The flames that left Goro's body formed into a human shape and formed into a copy of Ren, who wore a confident smirk on his face. The cognitive clone quickly broke apart into flames and reformed itself into a bigger shape. This new creature looked very akin to a comic book superhero. It had abnormally large muscles, it wore a suit of white with a short cape. On its chest was blue with big white letters spelling, 'RH'. The figure grabbed some leftover flame and snapped its wrist which turned the flames into a golden bow and arrow, with its name on the sides of it.

This new Persona, as it seemed, pulled back an arrow out of nowhere and aimed it at the shadows. The arrow glew as it seemed to be made out of pure light. Goro softly chuckled as he commanded this new Persona. "NOW,"

"ROBIN HOOD!!!"

The two left the ramen shop as Goro finished his story. Ryuji spoke first, "Damn, I- I can't tell if I think that's really effin' cool, or just painful that you had to that again. I mean if I could do the things you an' Ren can, well, I dunno." Goro shrugged, "It wasn't as bad as you'd think, definitely hurt less. Thank you, for listening, I, haven't told anyone those stories." Ryuji nodded and spoke, "Well, uh, thanks for coming out Akechi, I'll see you next meeting." As Ryuji walked off, Goro stuttered out, "Sakamoto. Goro, call me Goro, please." Ryuji stopped when he heard Goro speak, but then he turned and smirked, "Well, then call me Ryuji, I know I'm not the brightest in the team, but don't think I noticed you kept up with the formalities, we got a deal?" Ryuji held out his hand as he asked the question. Goro didn't say a word as he took the blonde's hand and shook it.

As soon as their handshake ended, Goro felt a buzzing in the back of his head, it felt similar to... The feeling he had before Robin Hood was awakened. But this feeling, it was more, 'loud', to put it into words. Robin Hood's voice was more calm, just a constant presence that irked Goro off. But this one, it was almost impossible to think of anything else, like it had an urgency to be heard rather than having the patience to wait for the right moment.

The moment that the voice made itself known, it felt like Goro was having the beginning of a migraine. Ryuji noticed the stumble that Goro had, but before he could ask what was wrong, both of the thieves' phones beeped. Both the boys pulled out their phones, they had gotten a message from Ren in the group chat.

Ren: We're heading into Mementos today, planning on getting me and Goro some new Personas.

Crow was having difficulty processing, just about anything. He barely even noticed when his clothes changed from his casual wear to his Metaverse outfit. The noise inside Crow's head only got worse as they moved through Mementos. The worse part was that he didn't have the time to have this issue, the current team was Joker, Skull, Noir, and himself. Skull turned to look at Crow, who was sitting in the back of the Monabus, before Skull could try to convince Joker to stop, the leader said, "Shadow up ahead, prepare for an ambush." Before the thieves knew it, Mona ejected the current team from himself.

Crow barely managed to stick his landing, the voice kept getting louder and louder, it wouldn't relent. Joker attacked the shadows, knocking one down, the leader yelled, "Skull, to you!... Skull?" Joker turned to see his right-hand man kneeling down next to Crow. Skull spoke to his teammate, "Hey man, it's me, Skull, what's going on, you okay?" Crow barely registered that someone was next to him, he struggled to speak, "A-Another, v-v-voice. It- It won't-" Crow inhaled sharply as he grabbed his head in pain, Skull spoke, "Eff it, I'm making a call switch out with Fox, FOX GET YOUR ASS OVER 'ERE CROW NEEDS HELP!!!" Before Fox could even make a move, the team heard Joker yell, "Skull, behind you!" Skull barely had time to turn around as one of the shadows they had been fighting snuck up on him, and knocked him to the side, what was worse was that it was a wind attack. The shadow left Crow behind to keep attacking the blonde. Crow barely managed to speak as he saw the shadow looming over his teammate. "Ryu-ji!"

Such mutiny.

Suddenly, all the pressure on Crow's mind vanished as the new voice spoke. As Crow regained his breath, he took a moment to analyze the voice. It sounded very much like Skull, but it had more, murderous undertones, even more so than Loki.

You're a part of his crew, he decided to trust you again, and where'd that lead him? Right to Davy Jones' locker.

Crow spoke as he stood, "No, I won't let anyone die, not now, not ever!"

Such grit, it's fitting for a leader with such malice, you've convinced me enough, we have a deal.

Crow barely grunted as he felt pain in his head once more.

Hm, a strong one too, you're making me like you more by the second. I am thou's perception given form, and thou's perception will change and grow stronger with time. Now, call my name, AND SPREAD FEAR INTO ALL WHO HEAR IT!!!

Crow's black mask was replaced with one made of sheet metal in a burst of blue flame. The glass pieces that were positioned on his eyes seemed to be covered in cinders. The edges of the mask were red and emitted a strong amount of heat. Crow reached up and prepared to rip off the mask.

These seas are ours, AND OURS ALONE, PLUNDER THE BOATS OF THOSE WHO DARE TRESPASS, THEN PLUNDER THEIR CORPSES!!!

Crow swiftly ripped of the burning metal, blue flames burst from his blood-ridden face once more, quickly wrapping him in their warmth, and leaving him just as quickly. The flames changed Crow's outfit. It looked similar to a scoundrel's outfit, and the ends of his sleeves and pant legs had scorch marks. Most of the suit was colored a dark brown with black accents, the short cape this outfit had seemed to be seaweed colored black with ink. The two buttons on Crow's shoulders were made of metal as well, and also seemed to be burning red hot. The coat he wore had a collar that extended to his ears and had scorch marks as well.

The blue flames formed into a copy of Ryuji, who wore a malicious and crazed smile on his face. The cognitive clone broke apart into flames, which quickly formed into a machete, the sword plunged downwards into more flames, which quickly manifested into a rock. More flames grabbed a hold of the handle, which quickly manifested into a black-gloved hand. The flames continued to manifest into the remains of the body. The body wore an outfit seemingly pieced together with rags, it had a coloring of dark browns and black, if one looked closely on the sword and brown rags, they'd see blood splatters ingrained into the fabric and metal. With the Persona newly made, it kept its back towards the shadow Crow was facing. The rest of the team was in awe of Crow's awakening, or rather, manifestation, of the new figure.

Crow spoke, "Well, what are you waiting for, you said we'd plunder, them correct?" The new Persona pulled the machete out of the rock and turned around swiftly to reveal a cindered face with a malicious smile, adorned with golden teeth, and a beard that needed a lot of overdue maintenance. The Persona raised its arms and swung down the machete as its eyes flashed red. The slash cut the shadow that was standing in front of Skull clean in half. The Persona returned to its idle stance as Crow turned to the rest of the shadows, "NOW THIS, IS SOME POWER I CAN GET BEHIND, LET'S PULVERIZE THEM!!!"

"BLACKBEARD!!!"

Soon after the thieves ended their trip, Goro explained to them all the concept of his manifestations, which is what they seemed to be calling them now. Ryuji quickly spoke up, "Dude, you totally saved my ass back there, and effin' Blackbeard!? That's a sick Persona! You were dressed like some sorta, scoundrel! Wait, that's it? That's what we call it, you got the white one which we already call it 'Prince', why not give them all code names, we already got the other two named, what about it?!" The thieves quickly agreed with Ryuji's idea, they all turned to Goro to confirm it.

Goro spoke, "'Scoundrel' huh? Hm..."

The Personas in Goro's head spoke.

"I'm okay with it, as long as I get my fair share of slaughter."

"More assistance will aid you well dear Goro."

"As long as the title rings fear into the enemy."

Goro put on the cynical smile the other thieves had grown accustomed to and spoke,

"We like it."