All of them together! <3

@dernovo Hello this is for you

This is Yuri BTW

princess Haru appointing her knight 👑🗡️

Trans Dude Makoto stuff

It's. He figures it out with the thieves. It's during the Kaneshiro Palace that he's having, uh, "girls night" with Ann and says something like "aha but all girls wish they'd been born different society right" and Ann stops and just, hand on their knee, and

"Hey, have you ever heard of being trans?"

"What? Yeah, but- no, everyone thinks that way-"

"Makoto,,"

"...no,,"

"I'm sorry I brought it up-"

"How am i- no, i-"

That first panic of someone who was refusing to accept they weren't just experiencing the same struggle everyone else was but was weaker

Ann hugs them, asks softly if they want to talk more about it, and Makoto just crumbles, sobs into her shoulder,

Ann: you should tell the guys. I'm sure they'd love to help you discover yourself

Makoto: I don't, want them to hate me,

Ann: they wouldn't, and if they do? Fuck em. We can get by without them

Makoto: thank you,,,

It starts small. They refer to him with male pronouns in the group chat, and they all notice it's having an affect on his metaverse self, and Ann softly calls him King one day, and Makoto's lip wobbles cause it feels so much better,,

Spare clothes kept at Leblanc so he can feel more like a guy during Thieves hang outs. Akira and Ann come together and order him some binders, and Ryuji gets him a hat, so he can fuck his hair up and he crushes them all in hugs

Yusuke helps him with voice training tips, and just shrugs and says his roommate at the dorms does it as a CIS man to sound more manly, so clearly there should be no issue with Makoto doing it too

Futaba, newly recovered: wassup t boy

Makoto: ...what did you just call me?

Futaba: you wreak of trans boy swag, Mako. Oh, has anyone ordered you a dick yet?

Makoto: Uhm. I'm overwhelmed. Please slow down

Futaba: ...OH whoops my b lmao

And. He eventually has to tell his sister. He knows this. He can't be jumpy when doing his laundry cause he's afraid she'll see his new boxers, or anything, and he's starting to crave having them when he's home, and he doesn't wanna just have them stashed at Leblanc-

But the timing sucks. It sucks so bad, so, he sucks it up, and the others do notice, of course they do. It's just after the summer trip, they're all tense cause they're gonna have to go after Okumura, and he doesn't wanna be a burden

But. Ryuji offers him a place to sleep if he needs it. Boys nights, if he wants. Ann is willing to lie to Sae if need be, anyways

So. His stuff moves, to Ryuji's, where he spends any night Sae isn't home, which gets more and more frequent

Ryuji's Ma? Adores Makoto. She punches his cheek after Ryuji's, gives both boys a kiss on the head, and never messes up on his pronouns. She's a "Woke Warrior" mom all the way. She asks Makoto one morning, while Ryuji is showering, if they're dating. Makoto stutters out that no, he likes girls, and she just smiles, and thanks Makoto for being friends with her son

With each passing day, his metaverse self gets more and more masculine. He wears his binder when they go in and BAM. flat chest. He starts when he realizes hes wearing it, and struggles in his leather fucking suit, but he laughs out with tears in his eyes. The perception stuff? Man. He's got a fully flat chest. And he nearly jumps around like a lunatic when he packs in the Metaverse for the first time

Morgana: this is just more proof you've found your true self, King

Makoto: thanks, Mona,,,

He starts looking into HRT on his own, during the Okumura palace. Part of it is he knows he wants to transition physically when he's in college, and able to survive without Sae if she disproves. But, part of it is, he wants to become the man the others all see him as.

And. Maybe part of it is he wants Haru to keep calling him handsome,,,

The thieves are all so hella supportive of him, and he feels so fucking loved,

It's during a Gal and Pal night (he and Ann didn't wanna stop their hanging out and renamed it), he asks her if she thinks he has a chance with a girl "like Haru" and Ann just gasps and shakes her hands all "OH MY GOD YOU *DO* LJKE HER"

Makoto: i-its not a big deal, I've liked girls before-

Ann: but still!!! Oh my god, I'm going to be the best wingwoman ever, you are going to woo her panties off, mister!

Makoto: ...take it down a notch? I, just wanna make her smile,

Ann: fine, but we'll get there!

Meanwhile.

Haru: so. Tell me everything you know about Mako-kun and what he likes.

Ryuji: huh? Why'd you need to know that?

Haru: oh, no reason. I just want to ask him out, kiss him-

Ryuji: oh eff, now I have to give you the shovel talk! I'm his honorary brother, but you're damn scary in the Metaverse, Eff,,,

Haru: I love your beanie, Mako-kun

Makoto: thanks, Ryuji got it for me, since I can't get my hair cut without alerting the school, or Sis

Haru: I think it makes you look so handsome~

He gushes to Ann with a red face and gooey smile, and she just chuckles and ruffle his hair,

"Dear brother, you've got it bad, huh?"

Ryuji tries to be sly and ask him about it, to feed info to Haru, but he ends up sitting on his bed while Makoto just rambles on about how pretty she is and how nice she is and he just sends a text that says "yeah. You got this girl"

Makoto finds it easier to flirt as King. King is his idealized self, along with his sense of rebellion, all bundled up into this spiky, leather bundle. It's easier to feel more confident in himself when he *feels* like himself in his body, and he believes it easier when Noir trails fingers down his shoulders and calls him handsome as she thanks him for holding open the Mona-van door for her

They don't date for *months*. It's only during the third semester that things come to a head

Makoto is still just Makoto. He never told Maruki about being trans. That's what ticks him off; his dysphoria is *gone*

He calls Haru in a panic and "I feel like a girl. And I don't hate it. What's going on"

The illusion shatters for them both, and while Akira is tossing and turning on it, they bond. Spend nights together, talking, and Haru calls him him, head on his shoulder, and he admits he's *mad* Akira is taking so long. Making Haru act like things are okay with Akechi, and she just. Stares at him.

"You're, thinking about that? About me?"

"Of course,,,"

And. It's what breaks the dam. She kisses him, and he flounders for a moment, but when she pulls away and *looks* at him, he just pulls her in again

They're kissing, up on the roof at the Niijima place, and Makoto laughs a little between kisses, as Haru gasps a little,,

"I've been wanting to do this for *months*,"

"Oh, silly boy,, me too,"

He's got his beanie on. She's cupping his face, fingers dancing over the slight freckles, and they both look so, so in love,

She sleeps over. She has been for a while, cause she can't stand Being in that home, with, him,, But that night, it's the first time the two of them cuddle up. She kisses at his jaw, sleepy, and he presses his cheek to her hair,

Haru: there is one thing I want to do, before we go back to our real reality

Makoto: is it something with, your dad?

Haru: no, no. It's, with you. I want to spend a night, in the Metaverse. Just, me and you. If, you get what I mean,,

Makoto: h-huh?

Haru: just,,, it'll be a long time before you have a body you love that much, and- I want our first time to be, when you're most comfortable. Most you,

Makoto: Haru,,,

Haru: I just want you to, get that. Experience it,

Makoto: thank you,,, I'll ask Akira when he plans to do it, and hopefully,, we can find a night we're both ready for?

Haru: of course,,,

And they have one special night, in a cognition room somewhere, where no shadows threaten them, and then the world is brought back. There is no more Metaverse, (for now), and, they both have college to prep for, but it means the world to him that Haru suggested it. He got to have such a special first time, and he made sure she had just as good a time,, a

Makoto proudly telling the others just before Akira leaves that he's finally getting on T, and that Sae has been reading so many books and reports on trans people and how best to support him, and he's so happy,,

Plus, he gets a single room in his new dorm, which will be perfect for having his girlfriend over

Ann: wait. GIRLFRIEND

Haru: oh, we forgot to tell them, didn't we

Ryuji: NO WAY, NO EFFIN WAY

They get bear hugged, and Makoto laughs so freely, and gosh,, just a year ago he was so alone, and probably depressed, and repressing so much,,, and now, here he is. With a best friend, a pseudo brother, and a girlfriend,

And then there's the summer Makoto,,, with his voice cracking all over the place, a splash of acne, and he looks so *happy*, A fresh hair cut, 6 months on T, he's doing AMAZING

Plus, he and Haru are still doing great,, she sleeps over in his dorm a few times a week, and they have study dates, and regular dates, and they both seem so much more, settled. Haru is staying with the Niijima's while they're back in Tokyo for the holiday, and the first night there Makoto takes her to have dinner with the Sakamotos, and Haru ends up nodding off while Makoto and Ryuji catch up and game

He shows up for summer in a leather jacket, white t-shirt, a small spiked choker, and black khaki shorts, with his big stompy boots. He ditches the jacket a lot when theyre not indoors, since, well, it hot and he finds he's sweating more, and just. He and Haru have matching earrings, and she's wearing a collection of nice rings, and he beams when he holds her hand in public, fingers entwined just right, and Man. This is the life,,,

His first time back in the Metaverse? He pauses, pats at his chest with a smile, and. Stares down at himself.

Ryuji: you good, bro?

Makoto: y-yeah,,, never been better,

Futaba, who has no tact: BOYS GOT HIS DICK BACK

King feels much more at ease with shorter hair, too. Riding on Johanna is exhilarating when he can feel the wind rushing by along his scalp better,,

Plus, now Haru isn't as reserved about cuddling close to his back as they ride together. He definitely missed getting to have flirty banter with Noir,,

Oh, and when he stretches after a long stretch of driving? His "baby" happy trail shows as his shirt lifts up

Ann: damn, boy

Haru: mmm, *I know*,

Akira: down, girl. We're all still here

Haru: can you blame me? Look at my guy,,

When he and Haru come back to Tokyo for the summer break, Sae smiles at him at the door, and hugs him tight.

Haru: thank you for letting me stay with you, Sae-san,

Sae: I should be thanking you for taking such good care of my little brother

She ruffles his hair as he squawks, and his voice breaks, and they both grin at that,

--

I have more. I have lots but this is the base. Sometimes you gotta just trans that Makoto, you know?

I want that twink obliterated

I'm actually so emotional about Makoto's gentleness with Futaba and Akane

She was the one taking the lead in making Futaba comfortable during their interrogation through the door, made sure she was ok when she appeared at the top of the pyramid and was being emotionally attacked by her cognition and then after the change of heart she did her damn best to try and help Futaba out of her shell. She ultimately failed but I love so much that she even tried doing so.

And then with Akane she tells her about her own experiences with her father when the conflict with Zenkichi and Akane comes up, and even reassures her that her fanatism for the Phantom Thieves is nothing to be ashamed of with the uttermost kindness.

Makoto's the ultimate big sister I swear and I NEED people to talk about this more

wow this is just the fucking autism convention over here

I'm actually so emotional about Makoto's gentleness with Futaba and Akane

She was the one taking the lead in making Futaba comfortable during their interrogation through the door, made sure she was ok when she appeared at the top of the pyramid and was being emotionally attacked by her cognition and then after the change of heart she did her damn best to try and help Futaba out of her shell. She ultimately failed but I love so much that she even tried doing so.

And then with Akane she tells her about her own experiences with her father when the conflict with Zenkichi and Akane comes up, and even reassures her that her fanatism for the Phantom Thieves is nothing to be ashamed of with the uttermost kindness.

Makoto's the ultimate big sister I swear and I NEED people to talk about this more

they chose chaos for this game and i’m living

Be the skeleton fish main you want to see in the world

dump of nemopen stuff

God I miss them so much

Really cute stuff! Are the Chibimona and Pennito drawings inspired by T-Nooki's fic?? I'm a friend of hers and she was curious if it was related

Ofc you could just have had a same braincell moment but I digress

AI Heart

The Final Heist: Chapter 4

Life was busy, so each thief couldn't really agree on a set time. Because of this everyone mostly showed up one by one. This wasn't a detail that anybody minded though, it gave everyone a chance to catch up while they all waited. There was even a point where every thief had arrived, but everyone was so caught up in conversation that they hardly noticed.

First, there was Ren and Ryuji, the group's bestfriend duo. Ren took his place as the barista, making everyone coffee and curry as always. Ryuji was sitting on a barstool, arms stretched over the counter as he lazily flopped foward. "Whats your reason for vistin' Tokyo anyway?" He curiously asked.

Ren half-mindedly washed a cup, he tilted his head back and forth as he thought on an answer. "Life's been a bit hectic, I thought it might be a nice break to see everyone again."

'Hectic,' Ryuji thought. The blond was exeriencing similarities with the going ons of his life as well. He probably needed this too. "I'm with ya there man, collage has been killin' me."

"I don't mean for this to come across as offensive or anything, but I'm honestly surprised you went the collage route," pondered Ren. Out of all the gang, Ren pinned Ryuji the LEAST likely to go to collage. Not that it would have been bad or anything. From what Ren understood, there were plenty of content non-collage routes you could take in life.

"Don't worry about it, I'm honestly surprised too. I think if I never met everyone I probably wouldn't have." Answered Ryuji as he twiddled his thumbs.

Ren did one final head tilt, "oh?" Everything about his position resembled that of a curious cat.

"Life as whole woulda been different without you guys, I don't think I'd be happy." After hearing Ryuji say that feelings of warmth overcame Ren's chest. Knowing that he was able to contribute to his friend's happiniess... Things like that meant a lot to Ren. "How about you?" Ryuji continued, "any plans for a collage life, Ren-Ren?"

Not only did having his criminal record make getting a job or apartment difficult, it also made getting into collage difficult. But Ren's difficulty's weren't ever something he wanted to let on. He just wanted his friends to enjoy their lives in peace. "Haven't put much thought into yet," he lied.

Sitting a gap of chairs past Ryuji was Akechi and Sumire. Sumire had her phone propped up against some of the coffee making equipment so Akechi could see it. "Hi, Goro!" Greeted Sophia from Sumire's phone. "Can I call you Goro? I heard Ren-Ren call you that yesterday."

In some weird sort of remarkable way, Akechi felt like he didn't have it in him to be rude to the sweet little a.i. He couldn't pinpoint why, and it even started to bother him. But shoving down feelings of resistance, Akechi merely sighed. "Do whatever you please."

"It's weird seeing you so tame again, Akechi-san. Did Sophie cause a change of heart in you?" Joked Sumire.

"As a Phantom Thief, changing hearts is my job!" Added Sophia, she had taken Sumire's statement more seriously than intended. Adding onto his previous sigh, Akechi let out a more elongated and annoyed sigh. He knew a fight against the Phantom Thieves cheerful red-heads would be redundant. He simply tried his best to ignore them.

In the booth behind them sat Yusuke and Ann, both had been staring at Morgana sleeping on the table. "Aww," cooed Ann, "he's honestly cute when he's all curled up like that."

Yusuke put his hands up, he did that thing artists do when they make a box with their hands. Within Yusuke's small frame, he framed Morgana. "He'd make an excellent subject for a candid shot."

Morgana's ears flickered as he heard Yusuke hear those weirds. But in his half asleep state he ended up wrongly assuming. "I'm NOT shaving my fur off for a nude portrait!"

"Umm, I don't think that's what he--"

But Yusuke jolted up, interupting Ann's defense of him. "That's a brilliant idea!"

In the booth behind THEM was Futaba, Haru, and Zenkichi. They were all playing Tycoon. And judging by the commotion being caused, it was clear who was winning... Futaba stood up, slamming down a card. She hadn't even noticed Yusuke behind her standing up at the same time. Her hand free of cards, she victoriously cheered, "welcome to beggerhood, Gramps!"

Zenkichi put up his hands in surrender, "in my defense, I'm still not even sure I have a good grasp on the rules."

"Don't worry, Gramps-san! We'll make sure to go easy on you next time!" Cheered Haru with that hauntingly innocent voice of her's.

"Well when you put it like THAT it just stings."

And behind them stood Makoto and Toshiro, the pair had been positioned standing next to LeBlanc's door. They had both been remenicsing on their student counsel past. "I can't believe you had to deal with all the Phantom Thieves while you were president, I had my hands full enough with Eri." Of course, Toshiro meant that lovingly. There was never a dull second with Eri and he loved that.

"It was mostly just Ryuji and Ann who caused me trouble; Ren was pretty studious, to a fault even. The amount of times I caught him dozing off due to exhaustion..." Makoto cast an affectionoate glance Ren's way, "he always did so much for us..."

"I always got that impression from Amamiya, he seems like the type to overwork himself."

"Says you," Makoto snickered in return, "we've been seeing you all over the news, internet, everything. You sure have been putting your all in."

"I have to. After all, I made a promise, didn't I?"

Ren was finally able to take notice that everyone was here. The leader of the Phantom Thieves excused himself from his conversation with Ryuji. He stood just past the counter, in front of every thief in hopes to get their attention. "Now that everyone's here," he called out, "It's time to make a game plan."

All eyes were now on Ren. "We've got a long day ahead of us," he continued, "particularly, we have some investigating that needs to get done." Ren walked fully past the counter so everyone could get a full view of him. "While we don't technically know what it is we're dealing with here, all evidence is pointing to a Palace. Until we get more information, that's the assumption we'll be working off of. The goal today will be to split into groups and investigate where the source of corruption could be."

"In other words," Morgana joined Ren, he'd hopped up on the barstool beside Ren to gain some height. "We're going to look into who could be the possible Palace owner, that way we can find a keyword."

"Actually," Sumire stood out of her own barstool to get Ren's attention. "I was thinking of seeking out Dr. Maruki today, maybe he'd know something?"

"Good idea," Ren nodded.

"As for me," now it was Yusuke speaking, "I can examine for anybcorruption within the art world!"

"I could always check for any political scandals," added Toshiro.

"Leader! You should let me see if I can find the keyword here at the hideout!" Futaba rose out of her seat and began frantically waving her hand around.

Ren grinned at the optimism of the group. "Sounds like you all already know what you wanna do. Okay--" Ren clapped his hands, "now that's settled, we should add onto each group."

"I can go with Toshiro, maybe I can see if I can spot any fashion scandals on the way?" Said Ann as she twirled a picktail.

Ryuji's eyes lit up at the word 'fashion', not because he was into fashion though. Probably for less moral reasons. "I'll join Ann and Pops!"

"I think I'd like to join Yoshizawa, I want to see this Maruki fellow for myself." Leaned Zenkichi back casually.

Makoto and Haru exchanged knowing glances. After doing so Makoto made it a point to say. "Me and Haru will join you two just in case you need backup."

Morgana stood up, yawning and stretching his paws out. "I'll stay back and join Futaba here at the hideout."

"I'd like to join Futaba too!" While saying that, it had completely slipped Sophia's mind that she was still tied to Sumire's phone.

Luckily, Futaba noticed the inconsistency immediately. "Could I borrow your phone so Sophie can join us, Sumi?" Although it was a bit hesitant, Futaba passed her own phone off to Sumire. "You can borrow mine in the meantime for emergency."

"Oh, of course!" The two traded off phones. Now Sophia was in Futaba's hands.

"I'll go with Yusuke on his venture into the art world," Ren hummed. "As for Akechi..." Ren turned his attention the detective's ways. "I think you're better off joining me and Yusuke. I don't think anyone will recognize you within the world of art."

"My favorite part was when you actually let me get a say in it," was only how Akechi replied. But he ended up coming to terms with the situation. Ren was probably the only person here he'd be able to slightly tolerate anyway. "But fine, it's not looking like I have a choice regardless."

"Alright, now that we have a plan. Phantom Thieves..." Ren sprung a dramatic hand to his face, "It's showtime!"

MAKOTO NIJIMA - HARU OKUMURA- SUMIRE YOSHIZAWA - ZENKICHI HASAGAWA

The gang lingered in Shibuya, unsure of where to start. "I will admit..." Sumire began to chew her thumbnail, "I'm not sure where to find Dr. Maruki."

But similar to their convenience of wishing to leave the Metaverse, a taxi pulled up. "Did anyone here call a taxi?" It was...

"Dr. Maruki!" Sumire gasped. She readjusted herself, trying not to seem so flabbergasted at the doctor's appearance. "Umm, well, actually-- We have a few things we'd like to talk to you about!"

Maruki poked his head out of the car. He saw some more Phantom Thieves, including an older man he didn't recognize. "Then we better do it in a more secure place; hop in." And so they did. All three girls got into the back while Zenkichi got into the front. "You're from the Thieves most recent adventure I suppose?"

Zenkichi nodded, "that'd be correct. Zenkichi Hasagawa."

"Takuto Maruki, despite what Yoshizawa-san said, I'm not really a doctor anymore."

"I've heard a few things about you, something about altering reality?" Zenkichi couldn't help but ask.

"That's true--" Makoto chimed in from the back, "but it's honestly a long story."

Haru decided to help with the explanation. "Dr. Maruki created a reality where everyone was happy, people were even brought back from the dead."

"Well," Maruki awkwardly chuckled, "you guys jump straight to the point. But yes... I did do that..." a shameful tone of voice arose in his latter response.

Zenkichi scratched his goatee. The idea itself wasn't entirely awful, but it gave off the same issues as the EMMA incident did. "But I'm assuming humanity no longer had any control."

"Yes... That was the biggest issue," replied Maruki slowly.

Sumire poked her head out from the backseat. "But we're not here to make you feel bad, doctor! I mean, sorta... We just, umm, had a few questions about the Metaverse."

"The Metaverse?" It'd been over a year since he heard that term directly. His surprise at hearing it showed on his face. "Why, did something happen?"

"It came back. We couldn't help but wonder if you were involved." Makoto went straight for the throat with the bluntness of her question.

"Me? No, not this time. I know you don't have reason to trust me, but I can promise you I haven't done anything."

Sumire fell back into her seat, "that's what we were hoping to hear."

"Well, I 'have' been working with someone who has experience with the cognitive world... But I don't think we've done anything to bring it back."

Zenkichi was suspicious of such a response, so much so that he raised an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"

Like another lucky cue, Maruki's phone started going off. "Looks like that's her right now." He leaned over to his phone, which had been tucked away into the glove compartment, and answered it. "Takoto Maruki speaking."

"Maruki!" A chipper voice rang from the other side. A chipper voice that was hauntingly familiar to the likes of Makoto, Haru, and Zenkichi... "Did you have any time to meet up today?"

Zenkichi was outwardly surpirsed. A surprise easy to see when he gasped, "you're working with Ichinose!?"

"Oh? Are those the Phantom Thieves I hear in the background?"

Maruki himself had to do a double take, "hang on, you all know each other?"

"Yes, we met during the EMMA incident of last year," Haru elaborated. Though she conviently forget to mention that Ichinose was the source of said EMMA incident.

"I heard everything about the Metaverse from Sophia, if there's anything I can help you guys with just let me know."

Makoto leaned closer to the phone to say her piece. "If there's any information you have, that'd be great."

Eyes still on the road, Maruki started to speak again. "I don't have any solid evidence to back this up... But I may have a theory." Makoto, Haru, Sumire, Zenkichi, and even Ichinose all opened their ears to hear what he had to say. "Everytime you guys finish a fight, you think that's it, the Metaverse is over. But it somehow keeps coming back, right?"

Makoto gave a hesitant nod, unsure of where the doctor was going. "Yes."

"While it can still mostly dissappear, maybe there's one thing keeping it alive. Somehow one person, thing, whatever it may be, is holding that sliver of the Metaverse within themselves."

The Thieves in the car all kind of felt a resounding "ah" within themselves. The theory sounded plausible, but there was currently no way to prove it. "Any clue what that thing or person might be?" Zenkichi asked.

"I have no idea, figuring out that part would be up to you guys. I myself don't want to go anywhere near the Metaverse again..."

After recalling everything both he and her went through, Sumire understood where he was coming from. "I get that, thank you for helping us though."

"Of course."

"Before we split our ways, I'm curious Ichinose-san-- What is it that you and Dr. Maruki are working on?" Haru politely asked from the back seat.

"Oh! I decided to get the help of a cognitive scientist to help me work on ways to get Sophia out of just one phone!"

"Hey, wasn't Futaba working on something like that?" Makoto pondered, "you two should talk to her about that."

Abruptly ending the conversation was the car making its stop. Feeling like the talk came to its conclusion, Maruki brought the group back to LeBlanc. "I wish you all luck."

The Thieves got out of the car, waving the doctor goodbye. Sumire gave a polite "thank you," at his wish of goodluck. They weren't able to gather much information. But at least it was something.

RYUJI SAKAMOTO - ANN TAKAMAKI - TOSHIRO KASUKABE

Once they got off the train, they strategized just outside the train station. "I will admit, narrowing it down to just one political scandal will prove to be difficult," Toshiro made sure to mention. "First there was everything with Shido, then me and my father, then after that it was last year's Owada."

"But that was all ages' ago, man. Shouldn't we be lookin' at something more recent?"

Ryuji made a good point. If it was anything to cause a Palace to surface NOW, it'd have to be a more recent scandal. Or at least a more recent politician to the political world. "Fair point. But I honestly can't think of any recent scandals."

Ann had been twirling her picktails in thought, but Toshiro's words caused her to stop. "But that's good though, right?"

"Generally, yes. It means our political system is taking a turn for the better. It doesn't help us in our current situation though."

"Excuse me, I couldn't help but over hear you speaking about politics." It had been the older man Toshiro met yesterday. Once again, Toshiro recognized the man, but he still couldn't pinpoint why.

Ryuji recognized the older man as well. "Aren't you that politician guy that Ren-Ren helped?"

It wasn't hard for the older man to figure out that "Ren-Ren" was "Ren Amamiya". "Why, yes, I am. I presume you're his friends?"

Returning to her picktail twirling ways, Ann replied with a peppy, "yep!"

"If you don't mind me asking, who are you?" Inquired Toshiro.

"My apologies, I'm Toranosuke Yoshida."

And there it was, the realization that Toshiro had been desperately seeking out. Yoshida, a man who USED to be one of the political world's biggest scandals. Everyone assumed him to be a fraud, Toshiro among them, but after everything that happened to him, he knew to assume different now. Yoshida had been proven innocent the year prior as well, he was now a Diet member again and climbing the ranks.

"Judging by the way you were all whispering..." Yoshida leaned in closer to whisper, "I'd assume this is Phantom Thief work?"

"Woah!" Ann jolted back, "how did you know!?"

"You're not gonna turn us in or anything, are ya?" Huffed Ryuji, now on the defence.

Yoshida let out a jovial laugh, "nothing of the sort! I simply knew thanks to my time working with Amamiya-kun. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

"In that case..." Toshiro put one of his hands in the other, a look of contemplation on his face. "As someone higher in the ranks of the political world, would you happen to know of any recent scandals?" He had a feeling the question would be a dead end, but it was worth a shot.

"Strangely enough, I can't think of any at the moment. The world of politics has been more peaceful then ever."

"Man, that means we've hit a wall." Ryuji grumbled, crossing his arms.

"Maybe it just means the Palace owner isn't tied to the political world? Mika's doing a shoot around here, I could always ask her about anything going on in the modeling world."

"As in Mika-Rin?! Sounds like a plan to me!" Ryuji replied 'way' too enthusiastically.

"Ugh, I'm not letting you anywhere near her," gagged Ann.

Before going off with the others, Toshiro gave a polite bow to Yoshida. "Thank you for your help."

"Any time, and don't forget what I said yesterday."

Toshiro smiled at the older gentlemen. He prepared to say something in response to him, but was quickly pulled away by Ann and Ryuji. "Come on, Pops! Unless you wanna lag behind?"

So the three swiftly made their way over to a nearby fashion shop that lurked in Shibuya's streets. Ryuji desperately wanted to see Mika, but Ann wouldn't let him near her. Meanwhile, Toshiro lingered back with Ryuji, as he hadn't a clue about the modeling world.

"Ann? What are you doing here, this isn't you're shoot." Practically hissed Mika.

"Don't worry Mika," Ann giggled, "I'm not here to take your spotlight or anything. I just have a question to ask."

"Well, whatever it is, make it quick. Can you not see how busy I am?"

Toshiro, who was watching from afar, found the entire scenario curious. "Are we sure SHE isn't the source of corruption?" He leaned over and whispered to Ryuji.

"Nah, that's just an act Mika-Rin puts on to shield her soft heart!"

"Right..."

Back to Ann and Mika, Ann shot her question. "I haven't been paying much attention, has there been any, like, major scandals in the modeling world?"

"Other than the fact that I'm 'not' on more fashion magazines? No, not that I can think of."

To Ann, that settled that. Most other's wouldn't have, but Ann trusted Mika. Mika had been manuplitive, sure, but she worked hard as a model. And Ann admired her for that. Unfortunately, that also meant they hit yet another wall. As Ann returned to Ryuji and Toshiro, she gave them a defeated shrug. "Nothing."

Ryuji returned her defeated shrug, "I guess we'll just have to report back empty handed."

"If it's alright, I'd like to be heading back soon. I, ah... Well, I have to meet someone for dinner tonight."

Now engrossed in the drama, Ann got all up in Toshiro's space. "Pops got a dinnerdate!? Who's the lucky lady?"

"It's with Eri, actually. After everything that happened, I was able to reunite with her."

"Good for you, Pops!" Ryuji playfully elbowed Toshiro, "you gotta remember to introduce, man."

Toshiro softly chuckled at that, "will do."

MORGANA - FUTABA SAKURA - SOPHIA - ERINA

Futaba felt a sense of resounding defeat in her. After ages of internet hunting, she couldn't find a single clue. "This is so strange, I can't dig up anything on the internet!"

Following along with a melancholy tone, Sophia sighed. "I can't find anything either..."

"I hope Joker and the others are having better luck..." Whined Morgana as he temporarily lifted his head from his paws. It was funny, he slipped into that old habit of calling Ren "Joker," while even in the real world.

"LeBlanc's feeling like a prison while we figure out this whole Metaverse theater thing..." Futaba grumbled.

But surprisingly to them, the next thing they knew that familiar feeling of distortion waved over them. "Waaaah, wuh-- Kitty! What did you say?" Futaba exclaimed, turning on her heel to face the Metaverse form version of Morgana.

"Me? I didn't say anything!"

"I didn't expect to see you guys back so soon!" Both Futaba and Morgana turned to face the voice. It had been Erina.

"Erina!?" The two had gasped in unison.

Morgana followed it up by saying, "I didn't know you could exist in the Metaverse without Toshiro!"

She merely shrugged, "me either, it wasn't a thing until now, honestly."

"I think despite being Toshiro's persona... You're a little bit like me, a being created by human cognition but still one with its own will."

"While I love theorizing--" interrupted Futaba, "I don't think we're ever gonna get a solid answer on Erina's exitisance, we gotta do some investigating into that theater right now!"

Morgana shook his abnormally sized head, "Futaba's right, Erina--" Morgana turned back to face the purple haired rebel, "have you seen anything weird while we were gone?"

Erina put a thoughtful hand to her face, "I 'was' going to charge into that theater, but some weird egg-kid stopped me."

"Egg-kid?" Morgana questioned.

You could see a sparkle form in Futaba's eyes, despite the large goggles obscuring them. "Does she mean Jose!?"

"Hey, guys!" Jose rode in on his little cart. When he hopped off he opened his arms to greet the Thieves. "It's so nice to see you all again!" The egg-like boy tilted his head in curiosity at Sophia, "and someone I've never met, too!"

"Hi, Jose! I'm Sophia, humanity's companion!"

Jose expression contorted a bit at that. His head tilted and his eyebrow raised. "Humanity's companion?" The boy questioned back.

"You know, now that I think about it-- Jose and Sophie had some pretty similar goals, huh?" Futaba outwardly thought.

"Wowwie, first that purple haired rebel lady, and now a companion of humanity. You Phantom Thieves sure are something!"

Erina got a good laugh out of Jose's "purple haired rebel lady" comment. "I'd say that's a pretty accurate description."

Morgana, like always, was the first to get back on track. "Why'd you stop Erina from going inside, Jose?"

"Because it's dangerous in there! The owner of this Palace isn't any normal shadow, he's super strong!"

Erina gave a bit of a confident hair flip, "pfft, I'm sure I would have been fine!"

Instead of letting the conversation derail like usual, Futaba picked up on something specific that Jose said. "Woah, woah, hold the phone! So it's official then, this is a Palace?"

Sophia's display lit up with sparkles. "I've only heard of Palaces, I've never seen one before!"

Erina placed a thoughtful hand on her hip. "Same here, it'll be pretty exciting getting to join in on some real Phantom Thief work!"

"Meh, don't get too excited. Usually Palaces mean there's some stuck up jerk involved," reminded Futaba.

"This one's different," all heads now turned Jose's way. "This Palace owner isn't evil or anything... He's just lost."

That particular sentence seemingly struck a chord in Futaba, as now she had begun sheepishly kicking the ground. "Lost, huh? That sounds a whole lot like mine..."

"Do you know who it is, Jose?" Asked Morgana.

Jose nodded, "I do. But I don't really think it's my place to tell you."

Now that just seemed odd to everyone involved. Morgana, Futaba, Sophia, and Erina just exchanged confused glances with one and other. "Oh, umm, okay. Well thanks for the information you could give us," Morgana finally said.

"Of course! I wish you Phantom Thieves good luck!"

"Should we report back to the others now?" Inquired Futaba.

"I'd say so, yeah. I don't think we can get much more information without going inside, and you heard Jose, it's dangerous."

"Oh... I guess I'll see you guys when you're back," shrugged Erina meekly.

"I can stay here and keep you company, Erina!" Chirped Sophia. She was innocently teetering back and forth on her heels.

Erina gently smiled and laughed, "It's alright, don't worry about me! I've got the weird egg-kid to keep me company."

Continuing her teetering, Sophia replied with, "if you're sure..."

"We'll be back soon, Erina!" Waved Futaba. And with that, the group left the Metaverse. But it honestly felt like they had more questions than answers...

REN AMAMIYA - YUSUKE KITAGAWA - GORO AKECHI

Ren planted a hand on his hip, his head tilted as his eyebrows scrunched up. "So, uh, Yusuke-- Mind telling me what we're doing in Tokyo's backalleys?"

In dramatic Yusuke fashion, the blue haired teen rose a dramatic hand to his face. "There's a specific street artist who's recently arose to popularity, I can't help but wonder if they have ties to any of this."

Akechi bore a sour face, one of discontent and annoyance. "And do 'you' mind telling me what we're doing following the idiot around?"

"Hey-- Yusuke's not an idiot. I trust him with this," defended Ren. Akechi simply rolled his eyes. "About this street artist..." Ren turned his attention back to Yusuke, "What's their name?"

"Their name is Geurnica-- A street artist who paints murals with a heart of rebellion. I can't help but admire their work, it reminds me of what we do as Phantom Thieves."

"Geurnica..." Ren hummed, "why does that sound vaguely familiar?"

"I'm getting the same feeling..." Akechi agreed.

"Well, they are quite well known, that might be why," Yusuke elaborated.

Ren and Akechi exchanged a quick glance. Something about the name felt more familiar to them... But they couldn't pinpoint why.

"What'dya need me for?" Ren, Yusuke, and Akechi all turned around to see a blue haired young woman. She wore simple clothes with a paint splatter design. She placed a hand on her hip, "I don't usually reveal myself out in the open, but something feels familiar about you guys."

"Geurnica in the flesh!" Yusuke's fangirl senses went off. "To think I'd see the day!"

Ren and Akechi both had to clutch their heads as a shot of pain spiked through them. Following this pain was an overflow of memories, memories that the sight of the young woman before them sparked to come back. Yusuke saw this and immediately jumped to Ren's side, completely ignoring Akechi. "Ren, are you alright?!"

As the pain washed away, Ren nodded. "I'm good, but I think...

"The Streets..." Akechi mumbled next to him.

"And Jerri," Ren finished.

Geurnica look terrified by the mention of the name Jerri. Unlike the Thieves, she retained her memories of those events a year ago. "How do you... Are you guys the Phantom Thieves!?"

"Geurnica knows who we are!?" Said Yusuke, completely appaled.

"It was thanks to a little event that occurred over a year ago. It was me, Akechi, and Sumire I think... Now that I think about it-- Everything with Jerri was really similar to Salmael..." Ren trailed off.

"English, please. Who on earth is Salmael?" Hissed Akechi.

"It's nothing, I'll talk about it later with the other Thieves."

Geurnica gawked at Akechi for a few moments. Like she had something to say but didn't know how to say it. Akechi took notice of her sights on him, "do you need something?" He snarled.

"You look a lot like Crow, but you sure don't act a thing like him." Geurnica only got to witness Akechi while he was putting up his princely facade, she wasn't used to seeing him like this.

"Oh, don't worry about it. Crow's just embraced his true self--" Ren cast a quick glance to Akechi before looking back to Geurnica, "--it just so happens that he's feral."

"I will admit, I'm feeling rather behind on the conversation here," confessed Yusuke.

"So I'm assuming you're Joker then..." Geurnica pointed at Ren. "But who's this guy?" She now pointed at Yusuke.

"That's Fox, he's another Phantom Thief that you just haven't met," Ren answered. "And Yusuke, I'll explain everything to you and the other Thieves later."

Yusuke nodded, "I appreciate that, but Geurnica, it seems to me that you have experience with the cognitive world?"

Geurnica just stared at Yusuke confused, "the cogni-what?"

"It's the place within one's heart," explained Akechi shortly. "For example, The Streets."

"Oh, in that case, yeah, I do."

"Fantastic. Have you experienced any more cognitive world relayed oddities?" Continued Yusuke.

"No, at least not that I've noticed. Why-- Did something happen?"

Ren gave a subtle nod, "yeah, but you don't need to stress about it; we'll take care of it."

"This does lead us to a dead end though, and--" Yusuke looked at the setting sun, "it is getting late as well."

"Looks like we'll need to report back to the other Thieves, thanks for the help, Geurnica--"

Geurnica wasn't sure what exactly it was she did to help, but she accepted Ren's thanks anyways. "Anytime, and if you need any more help in the future, you can always come to me."

Ren gave her a brisk but determined nod.

"Someone, please, anyone help!" A voice cried out.

Immediately rushing out of the alleyway, Ren was the first on the scene. Yusuke reached out his hand to stop the leader of the Phantom Thieves, but to no avail. "Whats the matter!?"

Akechi picked up on what was going on, he gave a disappointed head shake and grumbled, "that idiot..!" But of course, he still followed.

Back to Ren, the screaming he followed led him to a neighboring alleyway. Inside was a young woman being assaulted by skinny thug. Despite the visual difficulty, it was a sight all too familiar. The idea of things happening the way they did again got Ren's heart racing. But his own well being was never something he'd put over others. With a final gulp, he got in between the man and woman.

"What're you doing punk? Does this look like any of your buisness?"

"It does when clearly this woman doesn't look like she wants to be touched."

The man may have been skinny, but he was still tall. Using his advantage in height, he loomed over Ren. "You step away, or I'll get the cops involved. Who are they gonna believe, an adult or some punk?"

Technically Ren was of legal adult age, but he bit back on the urge to be witty in light of the serious situation. He simply stood his ground, glaring the thug straight on.

"Luckily for you, the police overheard everything," came a soothing voice. It was a voice Ren recognized, but not one he'd heard in ages. Into the alleyway came the second coming of the Detective Prince himself. Or more accurately, what Ren knew to be the 'persona' of the detective prince.

"Goro Akechi? Ain't nobody seen you in ages!" Replied the thug. But of course the presence of the police, or what he thought was the police, stressed him out.

"I was simply out on undercover police business," Akechi lied. Drawing closer to the thug, he prepared to whisper in his ear. He completely dropped the facade, hissing, "and if you tell anyone of my presence here tonight, I'll make you regret it."

This had successfully intimidated the thug, looking pale as a ghost, he scurried right on out of there. Ren threw his hands up in disbelief, "how come you were able to intimidate him and I wasn't? We've got practically the same build!"

Akechi merely ignored Ren's comment, "trying to get arrested the same way you did the first time, I see. What do you have, some kind of death wish?"

"You know just as well I as I do that I couldn't just ignore someone in need like that."

"And why is that, Amamiya? What is it in that you makes constantly need to play the role of hero?"

The young woman Ren saved, though timid, stepped up, "umm, excuse me." Both Ren and Akechi looked to her. "Sorry to interupt, but I wanted to thank you both, for saving me I mean."

Ren smiled, but the woman left before he could reply. He looked back to Akechi, "and there's your answer."

Yusuke, who'd actually gone after the two, finally caught up. "There you are, I was worried about you!"

"Don't worry about it Yusuke. It's probably about time we headed back, anyways."

But then it happened, Ren felt that infamous phone buzz against his leg.

Toshiro: Hey, guys. Would it be alright if we met back up tomorrow instead? I have somewhere I need to be tonight.

Ann: Hehe, Pops has a date!

Futaba: What!? Since when!? And how come nobody told me the dirty deets?!

Makoto: Ryuji should probably being doing his collage homework, as well.

Ryuji: Whaaaat!? What're you singling me out for!?

Haru: I actually have some homework I need to work on too!

Zenkichi: And I've got some police paper work to fill out.

Ren: Don't worry about it. Meeting up tomorrow is just fine.

Makoto: Try not to forget the information we all learnt today, everyone.

Sumire: I'll make sure to write it down!

Futaba: Suummii, you still gotta stop by so we can trade phone's back.

Sumire: My bad!! I almost forgot!

Ren: See you all tomorrow.

Ren stuffed his phone back into his pocket, looking up to face Akechi and Yusuke who he was sure knew what was going on. He gave a little salute goodbye, "cya guys tomorrow."

Akechi gave a very brisk and subtle nod. But Yusuke returned Ren's warmth with a smile of his. "Very well then, you two rest well."

Hey, I just found out about this fic and read the four currently available chapters, I think this Is really cool stuff!! I hope you keep going because I'm really excited to know where this is going! Also take your time, peak doesn't make itself over time

Anyways I hope you're having a great day