The next morning I woke up with a smile on my face. How could I not?

Yesterday me and the boys went out and got shit done. The way to stop Kamoshida is within our grasp, heavily laced with possible moral connotations which I do not care about, but within our grasp.

In Mr. Ushimaru's class that day Morgana had peeked out of Ren's bag to ask him if he had decided yet.

How did that cat get there, to begin with?

Ren whispered "Don't talk." to Morgana.

And nobody noticed.

After an embarrassing few seconds of Mr. Ushimaru showing us his ability to make assumptions is below that of a toddler, I asked and was granted permission to go to the bathroom, all the while Ryuji sent a message to the group chat.

IM-Ryuji (SKL): It's no use... I can't think of any other way...

IM-Ren (JKR): You cutting class?

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Can't deal with that shit right now. I mean, what're we gonna do about Kamoshida?

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Do we just go along with what that cat says?

IM-Y/N: Yes, we do. Who cares about what happens to Kamoshida? He might just make a student try to kill herself for all we know.

IM-Ryuji (SKL): Well yeah, but killing people is wrong.

IM-Y/N: Hold on. Something's wrong, I can feel it. Shiho is going to the roof.

As she climbs the stairwell, so do I. Until we reached the actual rooftop, I hung back and did not make any attempt to interact with her.

When we did reach it, Shiho immediately went to a little hole in the fence that surrounded the rooftop. I made myself known at that moment.

"Shiho, how are you doing?"

She froze and looked back at me, her eyes red and swollen, and her face had another discrepancy, a new bruise.

"Y-Y/N. .... Hi."

"Hello again, Shiho. Do you ...uh... mind coming back through that hole in the fence?"

She didn't answer me. I approached her, slowly and carefully, but still casually, like I was just having a very long and slow greeting with an old friend.

"I know what you're trying to do Shiho. Come back down, we can talk about it. You're my friend, and I wouldn't want this to happen to you. I talked to Ann yesterday, she told me everything about Kamoshida and what he did to her. We both sat down and talked through it, I want to offer you the same thing. If you just come back down, we can talk about what's happening to make you wanna do this. My treat."

"Ann? She told you about me, didn't she? How could I fail so badly? Not only did I make her worry but I also wasn't there when she needed the help..."

"Shiho, please, listen to me.

Ann wasn't mad that you weren't there at the moment, in fact, after we talked I managed to convince her to stand up to Kamoshida, I'm sure she told you to do the same thing."

She started sobbing, her eyes probably were numb from crying at this rate.

"I can help you Shiho I give you my word that by Sunday Kamoshida will have been dealt with."

"I don't think you can manage that Y/N! I don't mean to call you a liar, but Kamoshida h-h-he's...."

"I'm giving you my word Shiho, Kamoshida will be dealt with by Sunday, but I want you to be there to see it. It won't be as great when he gets escorted out by the police if you aren't there."

She didn't answer, the only thing I heard was her sniffling.

Before she came back down and hugged me with all her might. Still sniffling all the way through. I hugged back with the same speed, rubbing circles

"It's okay, Alright? I'm here, I got you."

-I did my best to soothe her but she still did not stop crying.-

Let's do a breathing exercise to help you calm down, okay? We'll do it together."

Breathe in through the nose and exhale through the mouth, alright?

-She nodded while still hugging me-"

Breathe in, breathe out.

Inhale, exhale.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes...."

"That's good to hear, don't wanna see a frown on that pretty little face now, do we?"

She blushed. Ha, cute.

"Why?"

She asked. I feigned ignorance.

"Why what?"

"Why do you care? Why go through all the trouble of helping me?"

She looked up at me, not breaking out of the hug.

Now was my turn to sigh.

"Well... When this happened to me, I had no one.

For months I'd lose the drive to do most things, and no one was there to help.

My parents didn't notice a thing, my friends didn't notice a thing. And I was too scared to look weak, so I never spoke up about it.

I had to come out of it alone, it was horrible, and I realized shortly thereafter that I had never really crawled my way out.

So I promised myself to always help a person in need. I didn't have a shoulder to cry on, I didn't have anyone to hold me. That's I decided to be the shoulder to cry on from there onwards.

That's also why I want to help you Shiho...

It was like looking into a mirror.

Like looking back at when I was still down in that slump."

I never looked away from her eyes the whole time.

She broke down in tears again and I hugged her even tighter. Reassuring her I wouldn't leave her alone.

"Hey... Don't worry, alright? I'm here. You can let it out."

And we stayed there for a bit. I still hugged her and waited until she would be ready to talk.

___________________________________

"So he really did try to..."

She only nodded. Not daring to look up at me.

"Look, I'm going to call Ann up here, alright? So we can tell her about this and so she knows how to help you as well, ok?"

"Ok..."

I messaged Ann, and within a minute she was there.

"Shiho!"

She came forward and hugged her with all her might.

"Hey, Ann..."

"When Y/N sent me that message, I didn't know what to think... You have no idea how happy I am that you didn't jump..."

Shiho looked ashamed of herself. She looked at the ground and then at me. I stepped forward and put my hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring nod.

"I-I'm sorry Ann. It's that Kamoshida
He... He...

...

..."

She went silent and closed her eyes whilst clenching her hand and holding her elbow.

Her resentment was clear.

The message she wanted to pass to Ann?

Even clearer.

"Kamoshida!?"

Ann didn't even have the force to scream. Her voice cracked in the middle of the sentence, like a hushed whisper being uttered too loudly. Shiho nodded silently.

They just hugged each other. I... stood there. Awkwardly. Not knowing if I should just walk away now or not.

They separated from each other a few seconds later.

Ann looked at me like I was an angel, her eyes portrayed an immense amount of gratitude toward me.

Shiho looked at me the same way, but with hope mixed in there as well.

She was hoping I'd help her solve her problems, hopeful that she could count on me and Ann in the future if she needed someone to lift her up.

I will help her and keep my promise to her. Like my parents sometimes told me: 'Combinado não é caro.'

They both surprised me with a tight hug. Since I was taller than both of them they reached just about the top of my chest.

"Thank you Y/N... I don't know what would've happened if you weren't there to help her."

Shiho nodded.

"Yes, thank you very much Y/N.
I owe you my life..."

I nodded, not being too good with compliments.

"Don't worry about it. Least I could do."

On the outside, I held a soft smile and just hugged them back. Like a big-ass care bear.

On the inside, I was ecstatic. I was able to help someone on such a big level. I was good enough to help someone.

I'm sure they'd be proud of me right about now... If only they knew.

____________________________________

Ann had stayed with Shiho so they could talk together. I swapped numbers with Shiho so we could all keep in contact.

I hugged them one last time and went down the stairs.

I told Ryuji and Ren about what I had found out when I met them at the bottom of the stairwell.

Mishima, who was nearby at the time and heard us, was frozen in place.

Only muttering in disbelief.

Like he blamed himself for something. As if he was personally responsible for what happened.

Ryuji and Ren noticed that as well. They capitalized on it and cornered Mishima, where we coaxed him to fess up about what he knew.

He admitted to the corporal punishments. Stating they were random and depended solely on if Kamoshida was in a bad mood or not.

He called them 'Coaching sessions'

Shiho was recently called in for one of those 'sessions'.

It was as rapey as it sounded.

Predictably enough, Ryuji blew a fuse and rushed off to confront Kamoshida. To what end? I don't know. But I know I'm probably going to get roped into it too.

We all followed him. Even Mishima.

When we got there Ryuji had already burst in on a lonely professor Kamoshida.

"...Huh?"

"You bastard! What the hell did you do to that girl!?"

"What are you talking about?"

Ryuji stepped forward and kicked a chair out of the way.

"Don't play dumb with me!"

Kamoshida began to get agitated as well.

"That is enough!"

Mishima was the next one to speak up.

"What you did... Wasn't coaching...!"

We all looked at him, surprised.

Even Kamoshida was surprised.

"What did you say?"

But that quickly faded into anger.

"You... You ordered me to call Suzui here...

I can only imagine what you did to her...!"

"You're going on and on about things you have no proof of...

Basically, you're simply making these claims because you can't be a regular on the team, right?"

"That's not what this is about...!"

"Even if it is exactly as you imagine it to be, hypothetically speaking...
What can you do?

No one would dare speak up against the king of this school. Even the principal is in my pocket!"

He struck a dramatic pose, mocking us.

"No... That can't be..."

We all were agitated now. And we all knew where this was going, but not how it was going to end.

"You goddamn..!"

Kamoahida stepped forward.

"This, again...?

Does this mean we need to have yet another case of 'self-defense'?"

"It means the universe wants you to get a beating on your way home."

My stature made it so I was naturally more imposing than most.

But the "king" doesn't like to be challenged by others.

"I am proficient in self-defense, whatever rapscallion that tries to mug me will get what he deserves for going against me. Isn't that right Sakamoto?"

Ryuji almost punched Kamoshida, but Ren stopped him.

"Why're you stopping me...!?"

"Don't let him get to you."

"But still!"

Kamoshida felt the need to mock us once more.

"Oh? You're stopping him? What a surprise.

There's no need to hold back. - He goaded whilst smiling - Why not attack me?

Ohhhhh you caaaaan't. Hahaha, but of course you can't! - He leers and then proceeds to sneer at us as well. -

Everyone present right now will be expelled. I'm reporting all of you at the next board meeting."

Surprise ran amok among us.

"Wha-"

Mishima stepped in.

"You can't make a decision like that!"

"Who would seriously consider what scum like you have to say?

You threatened me too, Mishima, so you're just as responsible."

"Huh...?"

"To think you didn't know why I kept someone as talentless as you on the team.

You act like you're a victim, but you leaked his criminal records, didn't you?

It's all over the Internet correct?
How terrible."

Ryuji, wide-eyed, turns toward Mishima.

"Mishima...?"

"He told me to do it. I had no choice..."

Is the only answer he gives as he succumbs to the floor.

Kamoshida then shoos us away as if we were nothing but a nuisance to him.

"Now are we finished here? You're all expelled!

You're done for. Your futures are mine to take. Now get out of my sight."

Ryuji is outraged.

"I can't believe this asshole is getting away with this..."

"He'll eat his words."
Ren reassures him.

"Huh...

Oh right. We have that!"

"Have you lost your minds?

You worthless kids aren't making any sense, but sure, go ahead and try.

After all, you'll have plenty of time to kill until expulsion..."

We all get out of there immediately afterward, meeting up by the same vending machines in the courtyard from before.

"We can't waste any time...

We gotta hurry up and go to that world and beat the shit outta that asshole!"

"We're not beating him up. We're stealing his distorted desires.

Can I assume that you've made your minds up about this- about how he might suffer a mental shutdown?"

"My mind was made up since the beginning.

There's no space or time anymore for pussyfooting around this issue.

He almost made Shiho commit suicide, now he wants to get rid of us.

It is us or him.

I ain't about to lay down and let that cunt walk all over me.

We go in there now and get shit done. Or we sit around and get fucked while he continues playing king.

Who's with me!?"

Ryuji and Ren both nod determined to end this.

"....Then it's settled."

That is Morgana's answer.

"Is it true that you're getting expelled?"

We all turn to the right, to see Ann and Shiho looking at us, mostly me, with worried looks.

"Everyone's talking about it..."

Says Shiho.

"That asshole's at it again!

So you came all this way to tell us that?"

Ryuji still had a grudge against Kamoshida.

"If you're going to deal with Kamoshida... Let us in on it too.

Neither of us can sit back after what happened to Shiho!"

"This has nothing to do with you.
Don't butt your head into this..."

"But it does! Shiho's my-"

"I said don't get in our way!"

Ann and Shiho are shocked by Ryuji's brash answer.

"...That was harsh Ryuji. Too harsh."

I respond, trying to not lash out at him at the moment.

"They have a right to do this too, you know that!?"

"No! They don't!"

He screams back at me.

"Today Shiho would've killed herself, probably be in a coma by now, all because of Kamoshida. If anyone deserves to get back at him, it's her.

Don't even get started with Ann as well. She's been constantly avoiding his sexual advances toward her while trying to help her friend get a permanent position on the team.

Your attitude sure ain't helping either of them with shit.

So Shut. The. Fuck. Up."

Ryuji backs down after that.

"Look man I'm sorry, okay? But we can't take them somewhere like that."

"I hope they don't do anything too crazy..." Is Morgana's mutter, likely not wanting to get between us.

I knew just how right Morgana was then.

___________________________________

"They really are going to do something."

"They're doing something on their phone.

A name... School?"

There are two audibly feminine gasps.

"Huh...!?"

The world starts to turn hazy and purple.

And then we are back on the metaverse.

The three of them were huddled by the entrance to the castle. I had lagged behind a bit, looking back and winking at the two bold as-hell women who were looking for revenge, before walking towards the others.

"All right! Time to bust on through!"

"You're right Ryuji. It's time..."

They all turn toward me.

"Woah man! That's your outfit!? Cool!"

I chuckle

"Thanks, bro. I like yours as well."

(Source: PeakPx Wallpapers)

"What is this!?"

All of us turn around, me being the only one not surprised.

"T-Takamaki!? Shiho!?"

"That voice... Sakamoto!? And... Are you Amamyia-Kun? Y/N, you as well?"

"Wh-Wh-Why are you here?"

Shiho answers this time, much calmer than Ann.

"We don't know. We heard you do something on your phone and now we're here..."

"What's going on? Where are we!? Isn't this the school!? Y/N, answer me."

"Ann, calm down. I know you're agitated about the whole situation, but there's no need to shout. We're friends after all, right?"

She calms down a little.

"All right... But please, explain this to us."

"I think she was pulled in by that app thing. If it brings multiple people in at once, it stands to reason it'll pull anyone nearby."

Morgana thinks aloud, interrupting me in the process.

"For real?"

"Wait, so THIS is related to Kamoshida!?"

"Anyway, you two better leave right now."

"No!" They both answer at the same time.

"The shadows will find you if you make a scene..."

"Oh my god!"

Shiho is shocked by Morgana's ability to talk. Ann picks up on her reaction quickly as well.

"No way... it talked? That thing's a monster cat!"

"Monster...?"

Man, she really hurt their feelings...

"You better explain what's going on!"

"We won't leave until you do!"

Ann and Shiho both state, their request is more than fair in all honesty.

Ryuji sighs.

"Looks like we gotta force 'em...

But.. How are we supposed to do that?"

He finishes, looking at Morgana, hoping they know the answer.

"Just take them back to where we came in. That's how it worked last time, right?"

Ryuji suddenly remembers.

"O-oh yeah.

-He then looks at Ren-

Can you lend me a hand?"

Ren on the other hand looks conflicted.

"We can't deal with Kamoshida if we don't!"

Ann and Shiho looked very confused.

"What're you-"

"We'll explain after everything is over!"

"No need, I'll give them a quick rundown of everything. - I then look at them both- But you have to leave afterward."

They both nod at me, agreeing to the deal.

"We are in the multiverse, the place built by humanity's emotions and desires.

This place behind us is what we like to call a palace, palaces are places made by someone's very strong and distorted desires.

They change the area and reflect what the palace owner thinks of the place and themselves.

I believe you can guess whose palace is behind us.

-They nod again, still processing what happened.-

We are going to steal his distorted desires and make him come clean about his wrongdoings. Or go braindead, either or, really.
That's all, goodbye."

"Wait! But how-"

Ryuji and Ren step forward and make them exit the metaverse.

"We better be careful when using that app from now on..."

"You should've checked the tools you used! Why do I the one who was watching, know more about it than you three!?"

I had to come to my defense in this situation. I ain't gonna be talked down to by no cat-looking-thing.

"Because you only assumed how it worked after you saw the result. Besides, it's not like we've been using it every day nonstop, we only used it once or twice."

Ryuji seemed more preoccupied with something else, however.

"Ah geez, Takamaki, and Suzui found out right when we were startin' off... We gotta deal with this fast!"

Morgana seems to have reached an epiphany.

"That girl's name is Ann Takamaki, right?

Lady Ann..."

Oh god, the cat is simping for her now...

_______________________________

"The shadows have noticed us.
You better brace yourselves, got it?"

He then looks at Ren.

"We're counting on you, Joker!"

I simply smirked. Looks like I was right. Good to know for the future...

Ryuji was confused by Morgana's new name for Ren.

"Joker? That a nickname or something?"

"Don't refer to it in such a lame way!
It's a code name.

What kind of stupid phantom thief would use their real name!? I'm not down for that!

And there's no telling what kind of effect yelling our real names out will have on the palace...

It's just a precaution."

"Uh-huh. A precaution and a little fantasy of yours. I getcha. But I'll play along, why not?"

I throw a little bit of banter in there, all this talking is boring the hell out of me, especially when a good fight is so close.

Ryuji asks a question to Morgana.

"So, uh, why's he, Joker?"

"Because he's our trump card when it comes to fighting strength."

"That's embarrassing..."

Humble as always Ren, that is respectable.

"Just go with it!
You're Joker!"

Ryuji feels the need to support Ren.

"It ain't too bad, yeah?"

"Next up is you, Ryuji. You'll be... Let's see...

Thug."

Ryuji is rightfully pissed off by being called a thug.

"Are you picking a fight with me!? I'll choose it myself!

Hm... When it comes to me, it's gotta be this mask. - I immediately sigh as loudly as I can, making Ryuji protest. - What!? I haven't even picked my code name yet!"

"I know what you're going to say; 'Honestly I kinda like it. What if we named me after this?' Like, come on man! You really want your code name to be Skull?"

"I-uh... I don't see you offering a better name!"

"Just because I can't give you a better one on the spot, doesn't mean it's not bad."

"Well it is his code name, if he wants it to be Skull, then it's up to him.

Moving on, my codename will be Mona, what about yours Y/N? What do you think your code name should be?"

I raise my hand and cupped my chin in thought. What name would fit me?

...
...
...

Ah! I got it.

"Minuano. The cool southern Brazilian wind."

"What!? How's your name any better than mine?"

"It is a name based on my heritage and life experience, you'll get it when you see me fight."

"Alright then, from here on out we're Joker, Skull, Mona, and Minuano. We need to be absolutely thorough about the use of these code names from now on!"

Hearing that I couldn't help myself but smile.

This is where it all begins...

___________________________________

We moved with an earnest speed and determination toward the vent cover that was still left open, despite the amount of time we'd been away for.

As Ren or Joker, as he's now known climbed up and inside, Morgana asked all of us if we were ready for this. None of us hesitated.

The path we took was cut short when we saw a great number of Kamoshida's soldiers, presumably high-ranking members of his army, all congregated in the main hall.

Kamoshida himself was not too far, as he was on top of the stairs, making a grand speech about how he had the biggest dick or something like that. I don't really know, wasn't paying attention.

Ryuji looked like he had an idea and promptly vocalized it to the rest of us.

"Hey, guys. Can't we just beat the crap outta him and call it a day?"

Morgana answered him, exasperated at Ryuji's lackluster intelligence as always.

"Look at all those soldiers, idiot! It'd be suicide. And I'm sure you don't want a repeat of last time.

Besides don't you want him to confess his sins?

There's no point beating him up. We need to steal his materialized desires...

The Treasure."

Annoyance and disappointment filled Ryuji's face, he had obviously gotten happy with the opportunity to quickly beat up Kamoshida and solve this whole thing in one fell swoop.

"Fiiine, so where is it?"

"It has to be somewhere in the depths of this castle.

Let's infiltrate further while he's out here!"

We move away from the door that leads to the main hall and instead went to another one to our left.

As Joker opens the door he is met with a guard that has his back turned to him, quickly stumbling and backing out he moves behind cover.

"Attack it. This might be a chance to teach you something else."

Joker moves forward and attacks the shadow. However, instead of it being damaged, what happens instead is that the shadow turns into a pixy.

That's different from what would happen if I did that, maybe I have some other power I don't know of.

I mean, I thought it was that only a backstab or removing the mask would do that, but I guess not.

I'll think about that later, for now, I had more pressing matters to resolve. Like the fact that the shadow pixie thing got sucked into Ren's mask.

Even Morgana was surprised at this.

We had no time to stipulate upon what this could mean, however, as another guard had found us and attacked.

Ren summoned his persona, but it was not Arsène like we expected, it instead was the Pixie from before, and this time it fought for us.

Joker had sealed its appearance and utilized it as a persona, according to Morgana. He's a wildcard, with that power of his he does not need help in any way, since he could counter all attacks and exploit all weaknesses.

I would not want to go against that OP shit.

"Hmm, he can pull shadows, but can he pull some bitches?"

A voice I knew all too well spoke beside me. I smirked at his comment.

"Hello, Pedro."

All the other members of the party were startled at his sudden appearance and his close resemblance to me.

"Is that your persona Y/N?"

"Yes Joker, he is. Meet Whirlwind Pedro. Pedro, meet my friends, Joker, Skull, and Morgana."

"I already know their names dumbass, I'm you, remember?"

"Formalities are still a thing dumbass, remember?"

I was bullshitting him. I had completely forgotten about how he knew everything I knew, but I just couldn't let him show me up like that.

"Dude, that's so COOL! Your persona is a cyborg samurai that acts and talks freely!?"

"I know right?"

I chuckled at Ryuji's reaction, leave it to him to be the childish one in these situations.

I had a feeling of urgency however, we had to get a move on.

"Alright, now that introductions are out of the way, let's get going."

We moved forward and reached what seemed to be a smaller storage room that had 4 gigantic pillars near the walls, with 3 guards patrolling it.
At one of the corners, there was a chest, I literally could hear the glint on that thing.

Deciding to give them a demonstration of my abilities, I told them to hang back and let me deal with this.

Albeit hesitantly, they agreed.

I turned left and went for the closest guard who had its back facing me.

My right hand rested upon the futuristic scabbard of my sword which lay on the same side of my body.

Always being one for theatrics, I tapped the guard's shoulder, making him turn around in confusion, which quickly turned to shock at seeing me, an intruder.

I pointed to my scabbard and he looked down at it. Like a moron, he fell for the oldest trick in the book.

Quick as lightning is pulled the trigger on the sheath, the sword launching out with a loud bang and hitting the shadow straight on its mask, hilt-first.

There was so much force behind the impact that he flew upwards along with my sword, which, due to the impact, was now upright.

A perfect position for me to grab it, if I could jump on the guard mid-air and use his body as spring to boost me up high enough to reach it.

So I did exactly that.

My first jump lifted me high enough to use his knee as a stepping stone, and the second allowed me to use his shoulder.

Finally, within reach, I grasped my katana's handle with both my hands and used all of my momenta to swing it downwards brutally cutting the guard in half.

I landed perfectly in a crouched position, Pedro warned me that the other two shadows in the room had heard and spotted me and were both moving in for the kill.

One behind me, another in front.

I quickly swung my sword in a 360° arc, catching the one behind me by his midsection.

All of his movement ceased afterward, only the one in front of me remained now.

Pedro was behind that last guard, I dashed forward and my sword still in hand.

Like our minds were connected, we knew exactly what to do.

He crouched into a low position and did a quickdraw by utilizing sheath's ability to shoot the sword out and chopped one of the shadow's legs off, utilizing his momentum to pivot his body around and deliver a devastating kick to its back.

As the guard helplessly flailed in the air, I swung 3 times, cutting him into 3 pieces.

The two of us sheathed our swords and fist-bumped.

"You didn't fuck up. Nice one Pedro."

"Ha, I should be the one telling you that."

The others now moved toward us, Joker being the first to speak.

"That was brutal. Nice."

"Good to know you're not squeamish about this stuff."

"Dude, you have to teach me that shit."

"Maybe one day Ryuji, let's move on now, I don't like wasting time."

Everyone listened and we all moved forward, eventually reaching another safe room.

__________________________________

"Aren't there even more shadows here than before?

Just getting this far's been a real pain in my ass!"

"Quit your bitching Ryuji, we barely did anything since we got here.

I for one am looking for more fights - I took my sword out of my scabbard and twirled it for a moment - Gets the blood pumping you know?"

"It's all because you guys provoked Kamoshida, you know.

Still.. he seems to be awfully on guard..."

Ryuji brushed it off, nothing we could do about it now anyways, and asked Morgana a question.

"Anyways, how're we supposed to steal that Treasure Thing?"

"By committing theft Ryuji. How else?"

I snarked at him.
It's always fun to do that.

"Shuddup!"

"Don't be so hasty. First, we secure an infiltration route."

I looked at Ren beside me and lightly hit him with my elbow twice, gaining his attention.

"Secure the route today, no balls."

Behind that mask, his eyes narrowed at me, and he gave me a cocky smirk.

"Alright, bet."

"Honestly, we have enough manpower to do this - we quickly refocused on the conversation between Ryuji and Morgana at that point - but still... One or two more people would be nice. We could swap them in if some of us are feeling tired."

Ryuji's mouth frowned in suspicion.

"Hey, you say you don't got your memories and all, but somehow you still know about that kinda stuff?

-He turns to us-

Y'all think this thing's really got amnesia?

"I believe in Mona."
Was Joker's answer.

"Don't know, don't care."
Was mine.

Morgana looked at Ren, happy with the trust put forth from him.

"At least you're a step above that moron."

"Don't call me a moron!
-Ryuji's slightly offended protest rings out-

You sure talk big, but what if it turns out you were just a stray cat in the end?"

I smirked, maybe I should get Ryuji to tell me my lotto numbers. Idiot's luck and all that.

Acting like a cat, Morgana's ears drooped and its eyes became slightly beady.

"That can't be..."

I feel like I forgot something very important...

...

...

...

"Still, why was the princess in such an odd place? Acting like that servant was her friend no less..."

Ai, merda.

"Princess...?"

Skull's whisper is barely audible, something I'm thankful for since we're so close to the door.

"I could've sworn we were pursuing the readings of an intruder..."

"It doesn't matter now - Interrupted another guard - we've thrown the servant in the dungeons for daring to touch the princess. We now must bring her back to King Kamoshida!"

Morgana went to take a look at it solo, and Ryuji and Ren made some idle chit-chat in the meantime.

"Stuff like the castle and that navigation app are both mysterious... But Morgana's got 'em both beat."

"Remember, code names."

"Crap, sorry!

What was I again...? Oh, yeah-Skull!"

Morgana came back right after that, a look of alarm on their face.

"This is bad!"

"That was fast!"

Skull's comment is ignored, due to Morgana's simp nature, if something involves Ann, he is only able to focus on her.

"Your friend... Lady Ann!

She's been taken by shadows!"

They were confused, 'had she not been sent home earlier?' Is the thing that likely went through their minds.

"If Lady Ann does indeed have the app, it could be possible."

Ryuji is struck with a blow of clarity.

"Oh no... Don't tell me it got put on hers just like mine!?

Wait, if she got it, then that must mean-"

"That Shiho has it as well. And that must mean that the "servant" they threw in the dungeons was her."

"Damnit! We let them out for their own safety, and they just came back in back in by themselves!

Damnit, we don't got time to be taking a break!"

"We need to hurry and rescue her!"

Morgana is clearly only focusing on Ann, which means that they will likely get after her first and then Shiho.

"I'll go after Shiho, you guys go after Ann."

They look at me, bewildered by the idea.

"Dude, no way! Did you see the amount of guards around here!?

If you go alone you'll get killed!"

Pedro appears on my side again at that moment, leaning on me.

"As you can see, I'm not alone."

I look at Ren, knowing that his opinion is the most valued of the group, and try to convince him.

"I made a promise to Shiho, I told her I'd help her if she needed it. I don't break my promises man."

He only nodded, his face had nothing but trust in it.

"I know. Now go bro, we'll meet here, or at the other place by the entrance hall."

As we go back toward both the entrance hall and where they took Ann, I notice how close by she really is.

"Joker, I'll help you out a bit with her but then I'll be on my way to the dungeons."

He nods at me and we all move toward the end of the hall which had armor decorating it, one of them being knocked over.

We barge in, only to see Ann strapped to some sort of BDSM thing, both her arms and legs are spread in an X position.

"What's this about, where's Shiho!?
Seriously, I'm gonna call the cops!"

To our unanimous disgust, and Ann's hate we hear the voice of the one and only...

"So, this is the intruder."

Shadow Kamoshida, 10X the pervert, 20X the punchable face, 30X the small dick energy.

"Kamoshida!?"

He moves closer to Ann. The shadow version of her steps forth as well, making her even more confused and angry.

Shit, imagine seeing yourself in such slutty clothing acting like a stupid whore around the man you like. Must suck.

"Who's that?

More importantly, what is this place!? Why's the school turned into something like this!?"

Kamoshida completely ignores her in favor of monologuing to his guards about the difference between slutty Ann and normal Ann.

"I can't believe you mistook my Ann For someone like her. -He lets out a scumbag laugh-

Are you afraid?"

"What is that outfit? Have you lost your mind?"

Ann is either fearless or too confused to give a fuck.

"I do as I please here. After all, this is my castle... The world of my desires."

"What the-!? Is this some red light district!?"

Nope, she's just too confused to give a fuck.

"What a lively slave."

"This isn't funny! Enough of the bullshit, Kamoshida!"

Kamoshida simply smirks and turns around to ask slut Ann what she thinks.

"The girl's decided to tell me off. What do you think of that?"

"Talking back is, like... Totally unforgivable..."

Wow, she even speaks like a dumb slut, cause goddamn Kamoshida really is convinced that's what she is like, or this is what he wants her to be like, which brings even more questions into the mix since Ann is 16.

"In that case... She should be executed.

Now then, how should I play with you? Shall I tear you into little pieces?"

"Are you kidding me?"

She is completely hopeless now.

"This is effed up... - Ryuji says, looking at the female members of the basketball team who were lying on the floor, wearing revealing clothing- Is this what he thinks of the girls on the volleyball team!?"

"Yeah... Look no time to think about that, let's intervene."

I point to Ann on the other side of the room.

We all rush forward, me at the head.

"Ann!"

"Just when I was about to start enjoying myself..."

He mutters.

"What's the deal with this guy!?"

Yelled out Ann, tugging at her restraints to no avail.

"You little..."

Skull barely manages to contain his rage, probably wanting to strangle Kamoshida right now.

"...How many times are you gonna come back?

I bet you're just like those thieves huh? You came because you're pissed at me, huh?

But, ah... I forget that chick's name, but it's your fault she's down in the dungeons, you know. Said someone was coming to help her, that we would all see her knight in shining armor. No one came... So I moved up here to interrogate this one. I'm surprised she didn't kill herself honestly."

"Huh?"

"You were so reluctant to throw yourself onto me that I had her take your place."

"You bastard!"

Ann is now horrified. It was one thing hearing it from Shiho, but hearing it here, from the man himself all the while he wore a smug smile on his face?

That must've been maddening for her.

"No!"

Ryuji's, now loud, outcry of protest rang out across the chamber as he took a step forward.

I simply gripped my scabbard tighter, my finger ready to pull the trigger at any moment.

"Take one more step forward and I'll kill her on the spot."

Kamoshida acts decisively and quickly, both of his soldiers crossing their swords under Ann's neck to reinforce his point.

"Damnit...!"

"Just sit back and enjoy the dismemberment show."

"No! Don't!"

I don't know if she cried out for us to do something and not watch, or if it was in protest of her likely imminent death.

"Maybe I'll start with her clothes..."

I want to act here, I really do, but this is a great opportunity for something else.

We just have to give her the Will of Rebellion, as cringe and cookie-cutter as it sounds, it will help her, and us, a lot more in the long run.

"*giggle* You're such a perv!"

"H-hey what are we gonna do!?"

Skull looks back at us, hoping for a plan. I just give him the signal to wait.

"Is this... My punishment for what happened to Shiho?"

"That's more like it. You should've looked at it like this from the start."

"Shiho... I'm so sorry..."

"You're just going to listen?"

I move forward, putting myself directly in her field of view.

"Huh...? - When she spots me looking at her with a disappointed stare, her emotions change and her resolve to fight back hardens -

No... I don't want that."

"Fight back Ann. Fight back like I told you to."

"...You're right.

Letting this piece of shit toy with me...

What was I thinking!?"

"It's like I always say. Slaves should just behave and-"

"...Shut up!

I've had enough of this...

You've pissed me off you son of a bitch!"

I smile, she's got it now...

The process of unlocking a persona is agonizingly painful. It's not different for her.

"You're right, no more holding back!"

A mask of a fox appears on her face, and she musters incredible strength to break free of her restraints.

Ann then rips off her mask and summons her persona, changing into the outfit that reflects her inner self.

(Source: https://mobile.twitter.com/ffdart/status/1398305645170810884 Original Art by: DAT)

She rushes the guard on her left, kicking him in the face and kicking the flat side of his sword, sending it high up in the air.

She jumps, grabs it, and lands, cutting down the other version of her which vanishes into black smoke.

"You know what? I'm not some cheap girl you can toy with... you scumbag."

"Bitch...!"

We all advanced toward Kamoshida now, his soldiers shielding him from us, I was right beside Ann with Ren to my right and Ryuji to her left, and Morgana was beside Ryuji.

All of this was accompanied by the blue glow of her summoning her persona for the first time.

Honestly, I'd say we looked pretty badass.

"You stole almost everything from Shiho... You tried to destroy her... Now it's your turn!

I will rob you of everything!"

"How dare you! - The guard's captain says - Enough of your insolence!"

"No, I've had enough of you!

No one's gonna stop me now!

-She lowers her stance into a crouch-

Let's go, Carmen!"

(Source: Megami Tensei Wiki Fandom)

Ann's first move is to use a fire attack against the shadow, which is a giant ogre sitting on the toilet for some reason, it is super effective and knocks it flat on its ass.

We all simultaneously move in for an All-Out-Attack.

Slashing relentlessly but precisely, the shadow is all but finished.

For the finishing touch, I rush forward, and my quickdraw on it twice, she rushes past me and blasts it with fire creating an explosion.

Ann and I jump back at the same time, I'm crouched on her right, and she is standing to my left.

We move in tandem, I leave my crouch and move to her left, as she moves behind me. We're back to back and a rose slowly falls out of the sky into my hands. She leans her head back and smiles as I offer her the rose.

'Would you like a dance?'

________________________________

"Oh, shit...!"

Kamoshida's shadow yells out as he scampers away like a coward.

"Wait...!"

"Why'd you come here, man? And more importantly, how!?"

Ryuji had to speak his mind out again, while Ann could barely even stand up.

"Man, back off, for now, she can barely stand up..."

"Are you alright, Lady Ann!?"

Morgana interrupted me, his crush on Ann making him worry about her even more.

"Lady Ann?

Wait what is this thing? Is it alive?

How can it talk?

And this is what Kamoshida thinks of the school, of me!?"

"Ann, I know this is bad but just calm down for a bit."

"How am I supposed to calm down!?

-She looked down at herself, gasping at her current outfit.-

H-huh?

Why am I dressed like this!? When did I-

Ugh, what's with this!?"

"Ann, look, I know this shit is confusing right now. But I just need you to calm down for a bit, alright?

There should be reinforcements arriving soon, so we have to move, but I'll explain things to you when I have time."

I moved back and patted Ren on the shoulder, he knew what I was going to do.

"Catch up when you can, yeah?"

He grinned at me before nodding.

"Leave some for me then."

I nodded back and rushed out of the room, making my way over to our point of entry and then walking across the hall to the stairs that lead down to the dungeons.

I had promised I'd help her, and this situation was no different.

_____________________________________

I moved swiftly, all knights who stood in my way had their throats slit or their heads cleanly chopped off.

I had no time to stop and actually fight, as well as no reinforcements.
I needed to be quick as the wind and kill silently like a frigid blizzard.

My path was cut short when I spotted a congregation of soldiers on the other side of the river, guarding a cell.

There were 5 of them. This was gonna be easy, after all, I killed just about 4 monsters with nothing but a pipe once.

How hard can it be to kill 5 knights in armor?

Jumping across the river, I moved, fleet of foot and quick as a radscorpion, my sword found purchase on one of the knight's neck.

Gripping the hilt of the sword, I pulled it out, swinging wide and bisecting the knight that was ready to swing at my backside.

The remaining three knights stood opposite to me.

I positioned myself, they had to approach me first, that's the easiest way this might go.

They moved in tandem, making a shield wall and keeping their flank covered. There was no real way to go through it, to my left was the river and to my right was the cell Shiho was in, curled up in the corner and crying silently.

Feet stomping, movement slow but unwavering, the knights slowly encroached upon me.

My thinking had to be quick.

Swimming would be stupid, no telling what could be in the river, and it would be very easy to simply watch the ledge and kill me as I come up.

The cells had no holes in the wall to escape through, and rushing in would simply get me locked up.

But the cells were my answer. Just in a different way than you'd think.

I sheathed my sword, and ran to the wall to my right, immediately turning left and beginning to wall run.

I was close to reaching them when I jumped from the wall, their swords thrust out to the spot I was once on.

My hand gripped the hilt of my sword and my aim was true as my feet hit the head of one of the knights, the two of us tumbling before I came out on top and stabbed downwards, piercing his face mask and killing him immediately.

The other two knights were agitated, clearly on edge after their friend was killed in a single strike and their formation broken in seconds.

They needed just a little push to go over the edge.

"Ha...! Wide Open!"

One of them turned red screaming in outrage and immediately moving to strike me down, he swung with all of his might and weight.

Unfortunately for him, when you swing too hard you might lose your balance.

So when I dodged his swing, it was very easy to kick him into the river. The only thing to resurface from it was its mask.

That left me and one lone soldier.

It wasn't long before he turned red as well.

He jumped in the air, putting everything he had behind the swing of both his longsword and shield.

It was all too easy to dodge it and bisect him. The top half of his body fell into the river like his comrade before him.

"Good workout boys. Pity, y'all just had to be so stupid."

"Y/N?"

I smiled upon hearing her voice again, full of hope once more.

"Hey, Shiho. - I moved to the cell door and slashed it in half, opening the remaining part of the door and beckoning her to me. - I'm here to break you out, let's go."

She moved to me and hugged me, I hugged her and patted her back.

When I pulled away from her it became noticeable she was still crying.

"Hey now... Come on Shiho, - I reached up to her and wiped the tears from her face - don't let some tears ruin that pretty face of yours, yeah?"

She smiled and nodded while looking up at me.

"You up for some ice cream when we get out of here?"

"S-sure, that sounds nice..."

"Alright, the-..."

I was interrupted by a tremor in the earth.

We both stood deathly still, wondering what could've been the origin of it.

The silence our stillness had perpetuated throughout the room was soon broken by the sound of something breaking the surface of the river's water.

I turned around alarmed, pushing Shiho behind me instinctively and protectively, unsheathing my sword quickly and lowering myself into a combat stance even quicker.

The monster was like a hydra, its body was not visible because of the water, but the tendril-like heads that peeked out were a deep green color, akin to that of algae.

The 3 heads must've been at least 7 feet in height, however, they did not end in what you'd assume a head would be for a monster like this.

They instead ended in what looked like bird beak-shaped clam shells, or perhaps, more simply, teeth that were shaped like the beak of a bird, their top covered by moss.

Nothing else was visible, the rest of its possibly insurmountable body size hidden beneath the flowing waters of a river in someone's twisted view of a japanese prep school.

Crazy shit, I know...

The 3 heads moved in tandem, the beaks opening simultaneously to roar at us.

The sound produced was so strong the air closest to them suffered visible distortions, my own hearing had begun to give me a severe migraine as a result.

Even through the smoke and mirrors they had thrown, I was able to determine their intentions rather quickly.

My hand gripped Shiho's and I pulled her in front of me and threw myself forward, bringing both of us down to the floor.

The tendrils attacked the place where we stood on seconds before, I swung my sword with all my body weight behind that same swing, cutting deep into the middle tendril and throwing myself off the top of her at the same time.

They pulled back my attack having a severe effect, the head in the middle barely attached to the remainder of the body.

That seemed to make the other two enraged, however. Their focus was solely on me, and not at all on poor Shiho who still lay cowering on the floor.

Once more they struck in tandem, all 3 heading towards me like a drill trying to bore through an oil reserve.

I leaped into the air dodging their attacks, in a move that should be my signature at this rate and sheathed my sword.

As my descent began and the three heads still tried to untangle themselves I began to pull the trigger of my scabbard.

This time, however, something different occurred.

I began to glow red, and gravity seemed to be nonexistent until I finally put the final bit of pressure, and my still unnamed katana shot out with more speed than ever before.

My hand had laid upon the hilt of the sword before, after, and during the quickdraw move. Incredibly, I moved forward with it, my momentum increased and the slash was so powerful that I managed to cut through the middle head entirely, leaving the other two severely wounded.

That shit was amazing, I couldn't even contain the chuckle I'd just let out. My gun sheath seemed to be overworked however, smoke poured out from its exit. I exhaled on it like a cowboy from the wild west, blowing away the light smoke, and stood up.

The hydra look alike backed off again, possibly planning another strategy for its attack since the first one had failed miserably.

I was proven to be correct, as one of the tendrils launched toward me and I effortlessly dodged it, the second one swooped in as well, feinting its attack to get me to dodge and subsequently catching me in the middle of it with a sideswipe.

That same attack sent me flying backward, my legs hit the body of the other tendril which had yet to move and it sent me tumbling to the ground.

Amid the spins and the pain I lost the grip on my sword, it flew away and stood upright with its blade stuck in the dirt, like the universe was taunting me at how easy it would be to pick it up again.

When my body had stooped spinning and instead laid on the floor, I waited for a brief second before rolling away, the hydra struck the spot I was on not a second after.

I found my footing and quickly used its head as a stepping stool to launch myself toward the sword.

I landed short of the sword, and they were quick to capitalize on it by blocking my path forward and roaring at my face once more.

This time, however, I was much closer. The effect of the sound wave was magnified and I could barely withstand it.

Colors seemed to blend and blur together, my hearing was plagued by a constant high-pitched ringing noise and my footing was shaky at best.

The sound was so loud my stomach churned, not as a reaction to it, but because the vibrations had affected it to such an extent.

I had to close my eyes as it felt like the only thing to keep them from flying out of their sockets was my eyelids.

Soon enough it stopped, but its attack had left my ears bleeding and my eyes were still shut tightly.
That left me wide open for its next move.

It darted forward, hitting me square on the chest and sending me flying back. The other tendril sideswiped me into a wall, I hit it hard enough to cave in the material it was made of.

"...Shiho! I need some help here...!"

I looked around for her and found her cowering inside the cell I had previously taken her out of.

One of its heads darted toward me, opening its maw and trying to chomp down on my sides. I held it back barely by using my hands.

"I need your help here Shiho!"

"I can't help you! I don't have your powers... I'm useless..."

"You just gotta have the will to fight back! To rebel!

You're not useless Shiho, you just have to try and fight back!

Don't you think that what happened to you was unfair?

Don't you want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else and also make sure Kamoshida doesn't get away with it!?"

I saw her nod her head, but she was still hesitant, fear was still written across her face.

I went to speak some more corny motivational shit to try and get her to unlock her persona but was interrupted by the hydra's other head almost decapitating me. I barely managed to duck down in time to evade it, but that made it harder for me to hold back the other's maw.

My grip faltered momentarily, it used this opportunity to throw me in the air and try to eat me whole midair.

"Ayo, I ain't for this vore shit, get the fuck off of me!"

I fought back and trashed around with all my might, genuine disgust being the driving factor behind my actions.

It was futile however, its beak was closed and I couldn't see much of anything.

Oxygen would soon run out as I was inside it now, and the smell was so bad I wanted to throw up a dozen times over.

I began to loose hope, as I had no clue wether or not Shiho had managed to unlock her persona.

Heh, maybe seeing a friend get swallowed hole by an off brand version of an ancient greek monster might've had an effect on her.

Maybe she even has a crush on me, who knows...?

As I mentioned before, hope was slim.

But like all cliches, I was saved in the nick of time, as what looked like a spear pierced through it's throat right beneath me, giving me a foothold for a brief second before being removed and chopping the rest of it off.

I got a breath of fresh air before I got a lungful of water. Panic soon set in, I was in to deep and did not have enough air.

Thrashing my way to the surface, I realized too late I would not be able to surface. My movements slowed, my vision darkened, and I felt despair once more.

But just as I started to close my eyes, the same spear haft from before broke through the water and stopped in front of me, I grasped the lifeline with all the remaining strength in my body and was pulled out of the water in the next second.

I didn't know wether to begin hacking my lungs out or if I should take a long breath of air.

Chaos reigned around me as swirling blue flames surrounded someone who stood protectively over me, in defiance of the last remaining hydra head.

"Benzaiten! By the Flowing Rivers of Time, Perish!"

I settled for taking in a lung full of air and then coughing out any water afterwards.

Someone, who I assumed was Shiho, approached me and kneeled beside me gently patting my back in a symbolic gesture of help.

"Shit... Thanks for the help Shiho."

"I'm glad to have been able to help Y/N."

I chuckled and shook my head at her.

"You saved my life, and you're still being humble? My, you're a lost cause..."

I turned to look at her, the outfit she now wore surprised me, in a good way.

(Source: R/ForFashion - GeorgianScotch)

"You saved my life as well... And after that you asked only to be able to help me more.

Don't expect it to change either, I owe you lot still..."

"Stop with the mushy stuff - I smiled - you're gonna make me blush.

- I got a light chuckle as a response from her. -

Let's go, I think the others might've already left the palace and I'm in too tired a mood to deal with any of the remaining shit this place has to throw at me."

She nodded and stood to my side so I could lead us out of there.

__________________________________

"Wait, where's Y/N and Shiho!?"

"We're both right here."

Ann looked at two of us, her eyes brightening up, and rushed to give the two of us a hug.

"Oh my god! I'm so glad the two of you are fine! You have no idea how worried I was, especially about you Shiho..."

Shiho just gave her a soft smile and patted my arm.

"Well I had Y/N to protect me, of course I'd be fine. But... thanks."

Ren, Ryuji and Morgana joined us.

"Anyone up to go out and get something to eat? I'm starving and I think it'd be easier to share our stories with some food accompanying it."

I threw the idea out there, hoping I'd be able to find somewhere with Boba Tea or Ice cream.

They agreed, and we ended up on one of the station lines, hanging around with some sodas in our hands.

I had bought 3, one for myself, one for Shiho and a Non-carbonated drink for Ann.

"Here you two go. For you Shiho, I got some cream soda, and for you Ann I got some orange juice."

"Oh, thanks Y/N! How'd you know I prefer stuff that isn't carbonated?"

"Well you look like you could be a model, so I assumed you had some healthier preferences than the rest of us ugly mortals..."

She blushed and I think I saw Shiho deflate slightly out of the corner of my eye...

Morgana popped its head out of Ren's bag and looked at me.

"What about me?"

"You're a cat, our beauty standards don't apply to you."

"No you idiot I meant the soda!"

"You're a cat, our drinking standards don't apply to you."

"... Have you calmed down, Lady Ann?"

"Um... Morgana, right?

I really am talking to a cat... This feels so strange...

Oh, sorry! You're not a cat, right?"

"It's only natural that you're confused. - Morgana used a soft tone of voice while talking to her, the fucking simp. - Demanding that you understand all of this right after what you went through is asking too much."

Hmm I think I distinctly remember them asking exactly that of me, Ren and Ryuji when we first met.

"Honestly, I still can't believe what happened...

And that power... My persona..."

"It is the will of your rebellion, Lady Ann. With it, you'll be able to fight in that other world."

Shiho interjected asking a more than valid question.

"So then, if what you said is true. That you're able to make him confess his crimes, could we use our personas to help?"

"Of course. - I said, seeing no problem with letting the two of them join our merry little band. -

But you need to understand that we're only doing this because we have no other options, if any of us try and complain about him, we'll just get shot down and ignored.

Also, he might just die from this."

Their eyes widemed

"W-What!?"

"Yeah, we're going to be stealing his distorted desires. Thing is, no one's ever done this before... So we might end up stealing all his desires. The desire to eat, sleep, hell even the desire to take a dump.

It might make him have a complete mental shutdown..."

"That's fine. - Said Shiho, with hate defining her once soft features. - I don't care if he dies or not. He's a scumbag who deserves to rot in prison or die a slow and miserable death alone in his apartment."

Everyone, especially Ann, was surprised at her blunt hatred toward Kamoshida. She was just a soft spoken girl after all...

I put my hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes, a slight red color forming on her cheeks.

"I... Agree wholeheartedly to your statement. - I then looked to Ryuji and Ren - Well boys, what do you say? They've got the drive, and with just a little bit of training we'd be well on our way to kicking Kamoshida's ass."

Ryuji and Ren look at each other for a second before nodding in tandem, although Ryuji still looked a bit unsure.

"They'll be great."

"Alright, but just a quick FYI, Ren is the leader here. Listen to what he tells you in battle."

Ryuji followed up on Ren's comment, and the girls nodded in response.

Ann with a hardened resolve declares:

"I'll make Kamoshida atone for what he did."

Shiho continued.

"For everything he's done. I won't let anyone else suffer because of him as I have."

They then both spoke at the same time...

"We'll do whatever it takes!"

I smiled. It was great seeing such strong resolve from them.

....

...Ah there's the clock again.
Be careful so you don't break the pointers fast forwarding like that....

"Just let me know when you're heading back in.... Oh wait! We don't have each other's info.

Hey give me your number and chat ID. And, um..."

Ren shared his info with her.

"I'll be counting on you, then.

Same goes for you Y/N."

She smiled, lighting up the place.

Shiho swapped her contact information with them as well and left soon after with Ann. I watched them leave.

Shiho looked back and smiled at me, waving goodbye. I responded in kind,, although I could've sworn she put extra sway in her hips afterwards...

"Dude."

"Quê?"

I looked at Ryuji, now out of my little daydream.

"You know, it'd be better this group could get together quick from now on..."

"True - says Morgana - Our best option would be to make hideout were we could discuss these things."

"A hideout huh? I like the sound of that."

"The school rooftop would work...

It seems like nobody goes up there.
For the time being, that will make the perfect hideout.

I can't contact you from inside a palace, so I'll stay in this world.

That being said, I'll need someone to take care of me.

I'm personally nominating you.
You should feel honored."

"... This is all you. There's no way I can at my place."

Ren looked alarmed, he quickly looked at me and threw Morgana in my direction. I catched him easily and set him on my shoulder.

"We share a room, dumbass."

He visibly deflated after that.

__________________________________

When we arrived at the café we were quickly greeted by Sojiro telling us to fuck off upstairs...

And a beautiful goth woman sitting in one of the booths.

I obviously asked Boss about her after she left, apparently she's a doctor at a clinic down the street.

Rumours surround her closely, as she apparently gives crappy examinations and weird homemade medicine.

I looked at Ren, we nodded to each other. The same exact thought went through our heads at the same time.

Hot goth gf.

Oh yeah, she's also a doctor so the medication could be useful...

Meh I'm too tired to care. Me and Ren will likely plan things out in regards to sourcing our resources and who does what soon enough.

Today was a good day. We got more people to join us, and I feel as if we're getting close to finally finishing Kamoshida's palace.

Wait a minute...

We didn't get to the treasure room today...

That means Ren has no balls!

Hehe....

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Well, 11k words for you to read through. I didn't update for the last week or so because I had some stuff to do irl since my summer break is almost over.

So, as an apology, I gave you this 11k words chapter.

Honestly, it's the biggest one I've ever seen or written.

Have a good day, night or evening.

Constructive criticism is appreciated, don't be afraid to point out grammatical or continuity errors.

Never forget that Jetstream Sam barely had any Cyborg enhancements.
His biggest and (likely) only enhancement was the arm he got replaced because Armstrong chopped it off.

Man is chad, what else can you say?

11116 words.
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