--???, ???, 20XX, ???--Interrogation Room-- Present

Akira was done with his explanation and we both turned back to Niijima-san.

"Skillful infiltrations and escapes to all manner of places... There's even the possibility that you used special tools and had someone who manufactured them... Answer me!"

"... We did.", I stated.

"Who might that be?", Niijima-san questioned.

"Well, let us explain further.", Akira sighed and continued the events.

--April, 15th, 20XX, evening--subway-- Past

"I'll lecture you about the infiltration tools over time. By the way, the powers you two used in the Palace was seriously amazing. The stronger those powers get, the more reliable they will be as trump cards. All right, I'm gonna stick with Akira wherever he goes from today on.", Morgana announced.

"Sucks to be you.", I laughed at my unfortunate brother.

"Why can't you go with her?", Akira sked Morgana with a whiny tone.

"A woman needs her privacy.", Morgana stated.

"... Fine.", Akira sighed.

"Good. Personas are the strength born from one's heart. Depending on what kind of life experience you gain, I bet it'll affect that power as well! And if you become acquainted with capable people, you might learn various, useful skills too... This is all part of our deal, got it? I expect great things from you. Don't let me down, OK? Also, I'll accompany you when you go out. Don't worry, it's free of charge. Getting around in cat form sounds pretty inconvenient, though... Well, it is what it is. I'll just have to deal with being carried in that bag of yours.", Morgana explained.

So, if I want to be stronger, I need to be more social... Igor said the same thing... Ugh, fine...

I looked at my phone and saw that Ann texted me a few minutes ago and was waiting for a reply.

----------------------------------

Unknown: Thanks for everything today.

Change name? Yes No

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: You saved me, and I didn't even thank you properly.

You: Don't worry about it😗

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: I can't.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Anyway, I wanted to let you know at least.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: See you tomorrow.

You: Bye.

-------------------------------

I sighed and felt like the weight of the entire universe crashed down on me. I flopped onto Akira's bed and groaned. I heard shuffling and felt the bed sink next to me. I looked behind me to see Akira looking at me with a small smile.

"What is it, Akira?", I asked.

"Actually, it's what YOU want, Rika.", Akira sighed. He looked back at Morgana, who was already snoring away on the bed.

"...What I want?", I mumbled.

"You look stressed and tired. Do you need anything?", Akira asked with a soft smile.

"...Nothing.", I grumbled.

"Nothing, you say? You know, I heard that the best way to get rid of stress is hugging someone close to you.", Akira stated while opening his arms out to me. Akira loved getting hugs from anyone he knows. His parents, friends, even me. I sighed and wrapped my arms around him while resting my head on his chest and listening to his heartbeat. Akira played with my hair lightly.

"See? Doesn't this feel relaxing?", Akira whispered.

"... I guess.", I mumbled.

"... Hey, Rika?", Akira caught my attention by resting his head on mine lightly. He would do that when he was worried about something and wanted to talk.

"Yeah?", I urged.

"Will... Will things get any better? You know, how we are stuck here now?", Akira asked.

"... To tell you the truth, I don't know. But... I'm sure that if you keep moving forward, you can make it. Just don't give up and keep doing what you always do, OK?", I encouraged.

"... You always knew what to say.", Akira sighed.

"You think?", I smiled softly.

"I know. You remember how you would always tell me to stand up to my bullies and never stay quiet?", Akira reminded me.

"... You remember that?", I was surprised.

"Of course I do. You helped me, after all.", Akira said with a small blush on his face and a grin.

"... Stop being so sentimental. You're weirding me out.", I chuckled and flicked Akira's forehead.

 He winced and pouted as he rubbed the red spot on his head. I pulled away from the hug and sighed.

"... Thanks, Akira. I needed that. Now, I'm off to bed. Goodnight.", I greeted Akira farewell with a wave and climbed up to my room.

--???, ???, 20XX, ???--Interrogation Room-- Present

I finished explaining and turned back to Niijima-san.

"Now, this doesn't have to do with Akira Kurusu, but Rika Koga.", Niijima-san pointed at me.

"Well, this is new.", I mumbled.

She usually questions both of us...

"Rika, your reputation has taken a weird turn ever since the incidents. You went from being quiet and calm, slightly rude and cruel may I add, to being social and slightly more energetic. You were also spotted in multiple areas by cameras but the footage shows that you never leave the buildings. How did you do it? Secret ducts? Inside people working with you? It was like you just teleported to and from places without a trace! How did you do it and why?", Niijima-san pressed. I stayed quiet, but I smirked at Niijima-san's cracked composure.

"I told you, it was from the Metaverse Teleporter. Take it or leave it. Oh, and by the way, you two are the first person I told about the Metaverse Teleporter. Akira, Niijima-san, you should feel honored."

"Even YOU didn't know about this?", Niijima-san asked Akira.

"This is a first for me. She left the shop a lot with no explanation. I thought it was for her spying hobby, but I guess she did things that really helped us in the long run.", Akira praised me.

"Enough! I will judge if this "app" thing is true or not. Keep going with your explanation.", Niijima-san demanded.

--April, 15th, 20XX, evening--Leblanc-- Past

I climbed up to my room and collapsed onto my bed. I was out like a light in seconds.

--April, 16th, 20XX, Afternoon--Shujin Academy-- Past

I was sitting in class when I got a text from the group chat.

--------------------------

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Hey, we're meeting up at the hideout after school, right?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Don't text now. We're in class.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Whoa! You mean you're actually listening to all this crap?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Yeah, but none of it is really sticking today...

Troublemaker Blondie💀: I know, right?

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Anyways, hideout after school?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Where exactly is this "hideout"?

Troublemaker Blondie💀: The school roof.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Wait, we can still go up there?

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Yeah, I'll let you in.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Welp, I'll be waiting. Just come on up once school's over.

🤓The Ultimate Bro🤓: Gotcha.

You: Don't be late.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Don't worry, I'm gonna fine anyone who's late!

---------------------------------

I suddenly heard someone call my name.

"Hey, Koga!", it was the teacher and he was pretty pissed off.

"...Yeah?", I questioned.

"Pay attention! Is that how you listen when someone's talking to you!?", the teacher picked up a piece of chalk and gave me murderous look.

Does he want to throw it? Really? What a waste of time...

The moment he threw it and it almost hit my face, I caught it in midair and crushed it in my hand with a bored look. Everyone looked shocked at my calm demeanor.

"You know Sir, you shouldn't waste chalk like that. How much does a pack of chalk cost? A lot more than before, I can confirm that. Now can we get back to the lesson please?", I asked with a sigh.

"... Grr! Just don't get distracted again!", the teacher growled.

"No promises.", I replied with a wink. Everyone started laughing at my remark.

--After school--

We were all sitting on the abandoned tables and chairs on top of the school rooftop.

"Looks like we're all here. Mkay, let's get goin'!", Ryuji said with a determined look.

"Hold on, it's still too early for us to head to the Palace.", Morgana warned.

"But why? Don't we just gotta steal that treasure thing?", Ryuji asked.

"Don't underestimate the dangers of that place. We need to prepare.", Morgana declared.

"Ain't that Persona shit we got enough to deal with it?", Ryuji questioned.

"That's exactly what I mean when I say don't underestimate it. You'll die if you mess up in there. So again, we need to prepare before we head in.", Morgana explained.

"But... How exactly are we supposed to do that?", Ann asked.

"I'm glad you asked, Lady Ann. First, we'll need to find better equipment for all of you.", Morgana stated.

"You talkin' about weapons? I know a kick-a*s place!", Ryuji boasted.

"No guns for me, though.", I reminded.

"Got it!", Ryuji nodded.

"In that case, you can handle that side of things. The only other thing would be stocking up on medicine. Fatigue is unavoidable in a Palace...", Morgana warned.

"And where can we get medicine?", Ann questioned.

"Hmm... I know just the place. I'll take care of the business with the medicine. Akira and Morgana. do you guys need anything else?", I asked.

"Akira and I will search around Yongen for any facilities we can take advantage of, so you guys should go on ahead. OK, let's get a move on!", Morgana cheered. I got up and headed to the streets of Yongen. I stood in front of the doors to the clinic in Yongen-Jaya, thinking to myself while pacing.

Now, if the doctor asks why I'm there, what do I say...? A headache? No, the medicine isn't strong enough for the Palace. Nightmares? No, the doctor might blow me off with that... Ah, I could say I need fatigue medicine for my exams! I mean, it is true that people stay late up at night to study AND in the Palace, we are prone to fatigue! Perfect!

I relaxed my nerves and walked in. The clinic office was pretty shabby, with run down chairs, torn up flyers in the newspaper rack and pretty weird poster lining the walls. Behind the reception desk, the punk-rock doctor, Tae Takemi, was filling out paperwork. She was wearing a lab coat of sorts that covered her blue dress, but she still had the vibe of the rocker emanating from her. I walked up to the window and cleared my throat. The doctor looked back at me with a blank look.

"... Is this your first visit? Hm? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before..."

"I was the girl at Leblanc. You know, the one that was told to go upstairs because I was "Annoying you"? That's me...", I joked lightly. The doctor smiled for a second before going back to her monotone voice.

"So, what are you here for today?"

"I'm feeling very fatigued lately...", I mumbled.

Hope this works...

"...Fine. Please head to the exam room.", the doctor motioned to the blue door at the back. I nodded and went inside. The exam room looked just as run down as the rest of the place, but who am I to complain? I sat down on a red stool as the doctor walked in with a clipboard. She began to ask me a few questions and I answered based on my previous experience with fatigue symptoms.

"... In a case like yours, it's usually just due to stress. I'm going to prescribe you some pain relievers, OK?", the doctor explained. A few seconds later, she looked a bit downcast all of a sudden.

"Actually, I still need to restock those... So let's go with sleeping pills instead. Sleep is the best medicine anyway. Which type of pill do you want, a sweet-tasting one or a bitter one?", the doctor asked.

Shit, I don't want to SLEEP in the Palace! Think, Rika, think!

"I came here to relieve pain, doctor. I took sleeping pills before, and it's not working.", I bluffed. the doctor stayed quiet for a second before looking at me with a straight face.

"All right, why don't we stop beating around the bush... You're not sick at all, are you? I'm not as dumb as I look, you know... I'm guessing you're here because you heard the rumors about me, huh?", the doctor questioned. I felt like I was going to run for it, but I kept my cool.

"What rumors are you talking about, doctor? I came to Yongen a few days ago, maybe a week. Are these rumors about this place true anyways?", I asked.

"Who's to say? But as a result, all I get are patients with ulterior motives now. I guess high school kids have it tough nowadays too, huh? Well, fine. I'll prescribe you some medication. But only medication that will help you recover your health. I guess it's fine. You seem pretty earnest, and you don't look like you'll be any trouble. This is my practice. All the medicine I dispense is original. I have a license to make my own formulas. You've likely seen them being sold at various hospitals. It's your responsibility to take care of yourself. So if that's OK with you, stop by anytime. By the way, what's your name again?", the doctor asked with one knee over the other and had an interested look on her face. I blushed slightly at her gaze but answered anyways.

"Rika Koga... It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the offer, doctor."

"No need for you to call me doctor. Just Takemi will do fine.",Takemi said with a bored look.

"Alright then.", I nodded.

"Great. It's nice that you're so quick on the uptake... Saves me the hassle. You're a pretty weird kid, you know? I wonder what you're going to use the medicine for... Well, as long as you don't cause me any trouble, it's not my problem...", with that remark, Takemi pulled out a bunch of medicines from the cabinet and gave me the permission to pick out what I want and buy them. I bought what I thought was useful and bid Takemi farewell. I walked out of the room and saw a ticked off man waiting outside the examination room. I moved a bit to the side to give him some space so that he could enter. I was about to leave when I heard Takemi and the man arguing. I stood by the door to listen in and took my chance to hear what was going on. I pulled out my voice recorder and turned it on, just in case.

"April 16th, Takemi's clinic. Conversation between Tae Takemi and unknown man.", I whispered into the recorder.

(Takemi - Man)

"...What's the reason for your visit? Do you have a cold? Stomachache? Athlete's foot? Whatever it is, you'll need to take a number..."

"... Enough of this! You're the only one who could have developed that type of medicine."

"That" medicine...?

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you're talking about..."

"Don't play dumb with me. Rumor has it, it's a drug so potent it can give a person unlimited power."

"Really That's news to me."

"Developing experimental drugs, medicine, and herbal remedies violates all health regulations. Are you attempting to create a super-stimulant? A drug like that will only become a social issue."

Super-stimulant...? That sounds good AND bad at the same time...

"You're really persistent, you know that? I'm just a quack..."

"The police may not be taking action, butI imagine the media will soon pick up on it. You intend to ruin my reputation again, huh? You're a disgrace to the medical community."

"... Tsk!"

"What's with the look? That was your mistake, was it not? I won't be responsible for your criminal actions. Dispose of that "medicine" immediately and resign. The name "Tae Takemi" will never-- Wait, I feel like someone's listening in..."

Shit, leg it!

I turned off the voice recorder and slipped out the door, booking it out of the alleyway. I leaned on one of the store walls and sighed.

That was close... That medicine... If it's real, I might be able to use it for the Palace... I need to come back when the man isn't there.

I felt my phone vibrate in my skirt pocket. I pulled it out and saw that it was the group chat.

-----------------------------------

Troublemaker Blondie💀: You know there's a shop in Shibuya that sells model guns.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: I'd be glad to take you there if you want.

You: Ryuji, who are you asking out? 😉

Troublemaker Blondie💀: No one! I'm just asking if anyone wants to come with!

You: Whatever you say...Besides, a gun shop is a pretty weird place for a first date😋

Troublemaker Blondie💀:😳 Anyways...

🤓The Ultimate Bro🤓: Sounds good, I'm coming🙃

You: I'm coming too✔

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Sweet.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Welp, let's figure out where to meet.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: You at least know how to get to Shibuya Station, yeah?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Hey, I can't make it. Can I trust you guys to check the place out for me?

Troublemaker Blondie💀: You can't come?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Not tomorrow.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: I made plans to go see Shiho in the hospital.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Ah, gotcha.

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Don't worry, we got this

Troublemaker Blondie💀: Well, seeya in Shibuya, Rika and Akira! I'll be in front of the station!

------------------------------

I turned off my phone and went back to the cafe. I entered and made my way up to my room. I collapsed onto bed and looked out the small window to see the skyscrapers towering over me.

Last time I felt this small... No, not now, Rika! You need your rest for tomorrow! Tomorrow is Sunday, which means I have the whole day free to go see that gun shop with Akira and Ryuji... Too bad Ann couldn't come, such a shame. Well, I should buy her something to cheer her up!

I sighed and fell asleep soon after, looking out the window with a soft smile.

--April, 17th, 20XX, Daytime--Station Square-- Past

I just arrived with Akira to see Ryuji in the middle of the Station Square, waiting for him to point us in the right direction. I wore a simple outfit that I wouldn't stand out too much in the crowd.


"Looks like you guys made it. Mkay, let's get goin'. The shop's over this way!", Ryuji pointed towards a bunch of buildings past the Square. We began to walk and we stopped when we saw a man giving a speech. He looked like a politician. He had slicked-back black hair, dark brown eyes and thick eyebrows. He wore a black business suit, white dotted red tie, white gloves and a green sash that reads "friendly society, bright future" in Japanese.

"Everyone, wake up! This country is twisted!", the man called out to anyone passing by, but no one was giving the guy the time of day.

"This politician's actually saying some decent things, but not many people are stopping to listen...", Morgana, who was hiding in Akira's bag, suddenly spoke up with his head peeking out of the bag.

"You brought Morgana with you?", I asked Akira.

"Yeah, I thought he might help give us some insight on the weapons we need.", Akira whipered.

"Eh, people give speeches all the time. Plus, politics are pretty boring, anyways. We're almost there. Just don't get lost in the crowd.", Ryuji warned. I looked back at the politician before walking away.

Maybe I'll come back another time.

We walked through the huge crowds until we were at a long street filled with small shops and fast food areas.

"Follow me. The shop can be pretty confusin' to find sometimes.", Ryuji called after me and Akira as he led us into a dark alleyway. We turned a corner and found a small shop with the words "AIRSOFT" as a sign for the place. I stopped in front of the shop and pulled out a face mask.

"What's that for?", Ryuji asked.

"You never know what might happen in these shops, so it's best to make your identity unknown. The best method is to stay mysterious so that people will be less likely to mess with someone who they can't read.", I explained as I put the mask on.

(Just imagine one of those cute black masks with white fangs and pink blush. uwu)

"That mask doesn't LOOK intimidating...", Akira mumbled.

"... Shut up, it was all I could find.", I grumbled, thanking whatever high and mighty being out there that my mask covered my blush.

"Oh yeah, now that we're here... You guys know anything about military stuff?", Ryuji asked us. Akira and I shook out heads no.

" I guess worst comes to worst we can just ask the shopkeep what they recommend. C'mon, let's go.", Ryuji said as he opened the door to the shop and guided us in. The place was cluttered and cold as hell, with things like fake guns and ammo scattered on the table. One surly manager sat behind the counter with a magazine in his hand, looking bored as hell. He was a middle-aged man with gray hair, faint stubble, sideburns and earrings. A tattoo of a gecko was on the left side of his neck near the back. He had a lollipop in his mouth. He wore a gray hat with yellow ear defenders, a black turtleneck sweater, a long gray coat with a red peace symbol on it, blue jeans and dark boots. I walked up to the manager and cleared my throat. The manager looked up at me and grumbled.

"You know what you want yet?", the manager's voice was rough, but it sounded a little bit intentional.

"We're looking for recommendations. Got any?", Akira asked clearly, trying not to sound nervous as hell. I , on the other hand, was looking at him like he was the biggest chicken on this planet.

"... You lookin' for recommendations?... I dunno, just buy whatever looks interestin' to you.", the manager dismissed us.

"Ugh, some customer service...", Ryuji grumbled. The manager looked up from his magazine and sighed.

"Fine, whaddya want? An automatic? A revolver?"

"Uh, automatic...? Dude, why're you talkin' about cars now!?", Ryuji asked. I facepalmed and shook my head in utter disbelief at Ryuji's unintentional antics.

"See that chick reaction? Same here. Listen, this here's an enthusiast shop. My regulars'll be mad if I let a casual like you hang around.", the manager explained, looking back at his magazine with an annoyed expression.

"I'm not a freakin' casual! I bought shit from here like, last week!", Ryuji shot back.

"Huh, can't remember you.", the manager replied without a care.

"You bastard...", Ryuji grumbled.

"And you? Lookin' for somethin'?", the manager asked me.

"Something that looks realistic.", I said as I pulled at my hair lightly.

"...Oh? You guys plannin' a nice big bank robbery or somethin'?", the manager asked with a smirk. Ryuji was about to say something, but I covered his mouth before he could talk and replied for him.

"We're planning to scare a few people, nothing to concern you or anyone else, correct?", I said as I pulled down my mask and gave the manager a sly smile that meant "I mean business.". The manager stared at me for a second before a small smirk graced his face.

"Alright then... You shoulda said before you three're enthusiasts. I'm always up for helpin' fresh faces. Some precautions first though. Don't go 'round pointing 'em at other people. Keep 'em in a bag or somethin' if you're outside. Oh, and don't let the fuzz catch wind of you having 'em. I don't need them comin' around here.", the manager instructed.

"We hate the cops.", Akira chimed in, trying to act tough in the process. I turned around and put a hand on his shoulder.

"...You tried.", I said with a smile. Akira blushed and pouted at my remark.

"You're mean.", Akira mumbled.

"I care about you too, bro.", I patted his back and turned back to the manager.

"Now, if you look close, you'll be able to tell these're models. Real guns feel... Different. Maybe someday I'll show you the real good stuff though... If you got the guts for it, of course... But for now, you get the beginner selection. Just sit tight, I'll bring 'em out.", the manager said as he got up from his seat and walked to the back of the store.

"...We did it, guys. We totally gotta go for some fancy shit, right? I want 'em to shine! Oh, and here's the cash for mine. Pick me out something good!", Ryuji gave me 5000 yen to work with.

"I have enough money to buy stuff for us all. You don't have to pay me extra.", I mumbled. The manager came by with a large selection realistic model guns, melee weapons, and armor. I grabbed the most useful weapons I could find, but I skipped on the gun for myself. No way in hell was I going to use one of those. I handed everyone their equipment and took my own equipment as well as Ann's gear. I thanked the manager and left the group back at the shop as I made my way back to the cafe.

--Later that evening--

I entered the shop to see Sojiro and another man talking with each other.

(Sojiro - Man)

"Boss, did you hear? Apparently that subway driver from the accident was acting really odd during his testimony hearing."

Odd...?

"You talking about that psychotic whatever thing people're going on about?"

Psychotic Breakdowns, Sojiro...

"Yeah, I heard it completely alters your personality. The news is saying the driver couldn't even speak when they tried asking him questions."

That DOES sound odd, but the driver could be faking it... Maybe they're a terrorist...?

"There's no way a preposterous story like that could be true. Oh and sorry, but we're closing soon."

"Hmph, how rude. This must be why you don't get many customers. Your coffee's actually not half bad. The beans must be lamenting the sorry state of this store..."

I don't know who the rude one is here anymore...

I grabbed the apron that was folded on the counter, put it on, and walked up to the man. I picked up the man's cup and gave him a smile that clearly showed my actual feelings; anger.

"The Boss said we are closing. Thanks for stopping in. Please come again."

The man looked away from me and got up with his hands in his pockets.

"Hmph. I only say this out of politeness, but... Thanks for the coffee.", with that, the man walked out of the cafe and I let out a sigh.

"Honestly, who has time to waste on being salty? You were being nice enough to warn him and he didn't even like it! Those types of people really piss me off, going around the place, acting like they own the joint.", I ranted. Sojiro looked back at me and scratched the back of his neck.

"Can't agree with you more. Sheesh, what a pain... If you're bored, go wash some dishes or something.", Sojiro grumbled.

"Is this how business usually goes?", I asked.

"Doesn't concern you. It's all good as long as the shop doesn't fail. I'm not gonna go wearing a fake smile.", Sojiro stated with a determined look.

"Is that a motto of yours? Or just something you subconciously do?", I asked with an interested look. Sojiro looked a bit surprised at my sudden interest.

"Why are you asking anyways?", Sojiro questioned.

"I like hearing about the behind the scenes of small companies. Shows you where they began and how far you've come.", I explained as I pulled out a chair and listened.

"... No, it's nothing like that. As long as I'm here, the world leaves me be. No annoyances or troublesome people to deal with. It's like my own personal hideaway. I'd be kinda screwed if I lost it, but I guess you would be too. So, you better at least try and be useful around here. Anyway, I'm leaving now. Don't cause any trouble.", Sojiro explained as he began to walk out.

"Will do, Boss!", I called after Sojiro as I ran upstairs. I climbed up to my room and sat down on the bed with a sigh. I got a text from Ann.

---------------------

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: So, I went to see Shiho in the hospital...

You: How was she? Is she Ok up until now?

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Her condition is stable.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: They don't know when she'll regain consciousness though.

You: I'm sure she'll be up and kicking in no time🏃‍♀️

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Yeah☺️

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: She'll get better, I know it.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: I just need to believe in her.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: But... I'll never forgive Kamoshida. He's going to pay for what he did, no matter what.

You: Stick it to the old guys!👴

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: 😂

You: BTW, I have your gear with me. Pick it up the next time we go to the Palace.

Red Kitty🐱💃💋: Got it!

---------------------

END OF CHAPTER 7!