I woke up back in the Velvet Room. "About time you've come to. On your feet, Inmate!" Caroline's voice rang as I sat up and walked to the bars. "Our master wishes to speak with you. It's for your own sake to take his words to heart." Okay, Justine. You're probably the one I should be scared of between you and your... sister? I'm guessing they're sisters. "First off, let us celebrate our reunion. Oh...? You've awakened to your powers-- and special ones at that. Your rehabilitation can finally begin." Rehabilitation? "Please, explain. What is this rehabilitation?" He chuckled at my question. "There is no need to understand it all for the time being. You will be training your power of Persona, which you have awakened to. Personas are, in other words, a 'mask'-- an armor of the heart when confronting worldly matters. I have high expectations of you." I still don't get any of this, so I asked him to explain more. "There is no need to worry. You will learn when the time comes. By the by... have you come to appreciate the Metaverse Navigator? Using it will allow you to come and go between reality and Palaces." Does he mean that app on my phone that I can't delete? Bitch, that app is wasting my storage... I think, I don't know, I need to check if it's taking my phone's memory. "Palaces?" I quizzed. Does he mean that castle? "... I bestowed it to you as a means to train you as a thief." A thief? So this is what my magical destiny is about? "The Metaverse Navigator is a gift from our master! You better take care in using it, Inmate!" Got it, Caroline. No need to yell at me. "Devote yourself to your training so that you may become a fine thief." Justine calmly told me. "It must be disheartening to make use of the Metaverse Navigator alone. Should there be others who would prove beneficial to you, I will grant it to them as well. This is all for you to grow as a most excellent thief...". The bell started to ring, "Hmph, it's time. Go back and enjoy whatever rest you might have." Caroline's words were the last things I heard before my vision grew cloudy.

4/12

I got up and started getting changed into my uniform. Nose's words about the app makes my head wander from idea to idea. I should just leave the app as it is until destiny comes and bites me in the ass. I walked downstairs and saw Sojiro placing a plate of curry and a cup of coffee on the bench. He signals for me to go ahead and eat, which I did, before heading out. I took the train to Shibuya and was waiting for the Ginza line with a bunch of other people, mainly fellow Shujin students. A few of those students were talking a little too loudly, however.

"Look, isn't that her?"

"You mean the one with the red ribbon? Uh, I guess so?"

"She's so thin... it's not fair, I've got my hair in a ponytail too..."

"Okay, and what's that gotta do with being thin?"

Someone's a little jealous. I looked ahead and saw the girl with the red ribbon in her hair. She had deep crimson hair, making her ribbon stand out from the ribbon being bright. The train came and we all squished into the car. Ugh, I hate being squished between people in a train... I was standing next to a man in a suit and an older woman. My eyes then noticed the girl with crimson hair was sitting nearby. She looked up to the older woman, "Please, take my seat. My station's coming up.". "Are ya sure? Then..." As the girl tried to move for the old woman to sit, the man next to me rushed to sit in the seat. Wow, rude. "Oh wow, what speed! I mean-- Excuse me! That seat was for this lady..." She tried to explain but the man fell 'asleep'. "Oh..." The girl looked conflicted for a second as I decided to speak up. "Want me to 'wake him up'?" I asked, making it clear that what I meant by 'wake him up' that I would yank him out of the seat. "It's all right. I can understand his position as well. I'm sorry that I couldn't be any help." The younger girl apologised to the older woman as she forgave her. "Please allow me to carry your luggage, at least." Wow, she has a heart of gold. "Thank you! Ain't it heavy, though?" The girl just smiled at her senior, "Not at all! I train plenty.". The train came to a stop as I got off the train. "Pardon me..." I heard from behind me as I turned around. It was that crimson haired girl with the ribbon in her hair. "Thank you so much for earlier." She bowed. What is she talking about? "With what?" I asked, "For speaking up when I offered my seat on the train." Oh that, it wasn't a big deal. "You're a second-year at Shujin Academy, correct? I'm a first-year there myself. Thanking you totally slipped my mind back on the train, and I didn't wanna be rude to my senpai." So she's my kouhai? Good to know there's at least one good underclassman I know. "Please, excuse me!" And with that, she bowed and made her way to school. I did the same, and didn't see a castle on the way. Maybe the Nose is right about that app leading me to another world...

~Timeskip~

"I'm the social studies teacher Mr. Ushimaru. I will be teaching you the rules of society this year." the obese teacher begins. Sounds promising enough. "Hmph... you all look like you've been spoiled growing up. Can't wait to see who disappoints me the most this year. A certain dictionary defines a year as 'a period of 365 disappointments.'" . I was wrong. "THe book's title is about as cynically satirical as the rest of it. It's 'The Devil's Dictionary,' by Ambrose Bierce. Hey, new kid." Oh, I hate you now. Fuck you, Ushimaru. "Tell me what the Devil's Dictionary defined as the chief factor in the progress of the human race." His gaze focused on me as I just kept my expressionless mask on. This is pretty simple, if it's about something called 'The Devil's Dictionary'. "Villains," I said before returning to doodling in the corner of my book. "Correct. 'Malefactors,' to be specific." His praise went unnoticed by me as I started to zone out. It only lasted a moment as students began talking about me. Asking stuff like, 'Is she really a delinquent?' or, 'Maybe she's actually serious about studying?'.

~Timeskip~

The whole day was boring. I don't know why Japan makes their school system boring as fuck. "Hey there, Takamaki," I hear as I exit the classroom. It was Kamoshida talking to the foreigner. "You looking for a ride home? Things have been really dangerous lately with all those accidents." His arm reaches over her shoulder as she shudders. "Sorry I have a photoshoot today. It's for the special summer issue, so I can't afford to miss it..." Takamaki fiddles with her hands as if to keep her mind off him. "Hey, now... being a model's fine and dandy, but don't work your pretty little self to the bone. You mentioned that you weren't feeling well, right? Something about appendicitis?" His worry seemed fake but the comment before he said that seemed true. Just judging by his tone and mannerisms, I can get a feeling that he's a pedophile. "Yes, I keep planning to go to the hospital, but I've been too busy... sorry to worry you." I can also tell that Takamaki is uncomfortable about him looming over her. "You must feel lonely too. I feel bad for keeping your best friend at practice so often. That's why I asked you to go out with me in the first place. Oh, and... be careful around that transfer student. She's got a criminal record, after all. She may look innocent but, if something were to happen to you..." He trails off as she nods. "...Thank you. Please excuse me." And with that, he allowed her to leave. He gives a pissed off look and leaves.

I took this chance to leave, I hate that guy so much. The moment I stepped out of the gate, I heard something to my right. "Yo," It was Ryuji with his shit-eating grin. "What's up, dude?" I asked as his grin softened, "I wanna talk about that castle from yesterday. I tried tellin' myself it was all just a dream... but I couldn't do it. I can't act like nothing happened . It's all connected to that bastard Kamoshida, after all. I wanna find out what's up with that place, no matter what. And y'know, you're the only one I can rely on with this stuff. So, you in?". I knew destiny would bite me in the ass. "I was actually thinking about finding a way in there again. I guess you can tag along." I lied as his eyes lit up. The two of us began to retrace our steps from yesterday while I got bored of it quickly. "Huh? We're at school... There wasn't anything out of place along the way, right? I didn't see no castle either... we must've made a wrong turn somewhere. Let's try again." WE'RE DOING THIS SHIT TWICE! I could've just used the app earlier but I wanted to know if destiny would do it again. Wrong choice. We retraced our steps again but we ended up back at the school. "Is it smaller than we think it is? What do you think Akano?" Ryuji sighs inwardly and I just collapse on my ass. I don't care, my legs are aching. You know what, fuck destiny. "I got a weird app on my phone. Care to check it out Ryuji?" I unlock it and push it into his hand. "What does that have to do with this?" He asks as it looks like a lightbulb turned on, "Wait, phone... didn't you have a navigation app on this back then?" Yes, he caught onto it. "Look for it. You got my phone." Yawning, I fall on my back as he looks through my phone.

Snickers and chuckles escaped from his mouth and I glared at him, "What are you looking at?" My tone was cold and annoyed and he showed me what was on my phone. He was in my gallery, LOOKING AT ALL MY PHOTOS OF MY ANIME BOYFRIENDS!? "Hey! I said look for the app! Not my gallery!" I try to take my phone off of him but he just holds it up above his head. Damn my short stature. "Haha! I had a feeling you were an otaku, didn't think you were this obsessed over it." His teasing went too far. I kicked him in his balls, making him drop my phone and clench his junk. I grabbed my phone before it could hit the pavement as I watched Ryuji grovel in pain. "You've crossed the line, Ryuji." I folded my arms and faced away from him as he began to apologize profusely while moaning and groaning in pain. Great, now I feel bad. "I'll let you off the hook if you forget what you saw on my phone and look for that app. It appears in random places everyday." I helped him up and handed him the phone. He does so, still tensed but regaining strength to stand still, as his eyes widen. "Um... what's this red eyeball-looking thing?" He questions meekly as I looked on the phone. Yep, that's the one. But, I want to mess with him a bit. "Cute logo, huh?" I nudged him as he shuddered. "If you think cute is what I think creepy is, I'm scared to find out what you think creepy is." Ryuji clicked on the app as it displayed a basic navigation setup. He praised himself while I just sigh. He started the navigation.

Kamoshida....... Shujin Academy....... Pervert....... Castle.......

The world around us warps into the place from before. We're in the Metaverse, as Nose calls it. "Look! It's the castle from yesterday!" And with that, my bleach haired friend rushes up to the door and I follow. "We made it back... that means what happened yesterday was real too..." his body turns around but immediately jumps back. "Yeargh! Those clothes...!" I look at my arms, legs, and chest and see that I'm not in my uniform. Guess I have to get used to it. "That happened last time too, huh? What's with that outfit!?" Ryuji looks at me up and down with a weird look. Time for my last bit of pay back. "Does this outfit make me look hot?" I did a quick sexy pose that made him go red from ear to ear, which made me giggle. "Hey." A familiar voice popped up. It was Morgana. "Stop making a commotion." He scolded Ryuji as he got taken aback. "The shadows started acting up so I came here wondering what it could be... to think you two would come back to the entrance after you barely managed to escape." Ryuji began questioning the cat figure about the castle which led to Morgana saying the same shit twice. This castle is how Kamoshida views the school and he sees himself as the king of it all. Fucking pedophile asshole thinks he can do this shit!? "Lady Akano, did you get it?" Morgana looks at me with hope in his eyes, "'Lady' Akano? Meh, whatever floats your boat. Anyway, I did get it. In simpler terms, so Ryuji can get it, the bitch sees him as the king of the school so the school is a castle in this world." My explanation makes Morgana get all giddy. "I knew that Lady Akano would get it!" Just then, a loud moan came from the castle followed by multiple. They sound like they're in agony.

The blonde student began to question it as Morgana told us it was the slaves here. The feline explains this is a part of the castle on a daily basis which twitches both Ryuji's and my anger. He starts banging on the door, taunting Kamoshida to come out to no avail. An idea popped into the blonde boy's head, "Hey, Monamona!". Pretty sure that isn't his name. "It's Morgana!" Knew it. "Do you know where those voices are comin' from?" He asked the cat, "You want me to take you to them...? Well, I guess I could guide you there. But only if Lady Akano comes with us." More of destiny barging in and beating me senselessly. I nod as the three of us traversed through the castle. The cat taught us skills of how to be a phantom thief like all out attacks, sneaking up on enemies, and that fake guns that look real will act as normal guns. I say that because Ryuji handed me a toy gun that didn't have an orange tip and it worked like a charm. One thing I noticed was that Ryuji was limping, I'm worried about him. I don't think his pride would want me to help him out and I'm not here to destroy a boy's pride. After some time, we made it to a place called, 'Kamoshida's Training Hall Of Love'. The name of the place is enough for both Ryuji and I to feel disgusted. We entered and saw a gruesome scene. Giant cells that looked like mini volleyball courts. What was in every cell were students getting beaten relentlessly by guards. The first one had the students hanging on the net like they wet towels by their feet and the guards punching them, leaving them with dark bruises. The second one had students running on a large treadmill with spikes on the end where the treadmill was heading and a teapot was hanging from the ceiling. Third and last one was the horrible one. The student was hanging from the ceiling from his feet and being hit by volleyballs being shot out of a cannon. I couldn't believe it. The scene made me want to vomit out Sojiro's curry, it was so disturbing.

"Dammit! This is bullshit!" Ryuji screamed as I just stood in place with my eyes wide open, glued to the scene. The feline companion scolded him for yelling but didn't listen. "But this is beyond messed up! How do I open this...?" He started pulling on the bars, trying to pull them out of their places. "Stop it...!" A bruised student walked up to us while holding his arm, it looked swollen. "Leave us alone... it's useless..." The young boy's plea was soft, hurt, and weak all at the same time. Another one came and stood in front of Ryuji, on the brink of falling. "If we stay obedient, we won't be executed like you guys!" He tried to pry Ryuji's hand off the bars but to no avail as he couldn't get a good grip on his fingers. "You're tellin' me you wanna stay in a place like this!?" Morgana started to get annoyed. "Wait a minute... Were you planning on taking these guys out of here?" That was his plan? Really? "Ryuji. We can't save them... I know how you feel but they aren't real. Remember what Morgana said that this is how he views the school? Well, this is how he must see the students..." The thought of that bastard hurting others like this is unacceptable. "Lady Akano is right, Ryuji. This is his cognition of the students, different from the two of you. You can say that these are extremely similar-looking dolls. Still, this is horrible. It must mean he treats them as slaves in the real world too." Morgana jumped on my head and I just stood there, with anger boiling. "How dare that bastard!? No one deserves such a fate!" Ryuji saw the anger in my eyes as he told me to calm down.

He tried to pull out his phone camera but it didn't work. Looks like the only app that works is the nav. "I'm gonna memorize these guys' faces. We'll get to the bottom of this and make sure that asshole pays." And with that, he went to every cell and observed the students. His face was calm but I know he's spitting with rage. "Lady Akano, how're you holding up?" Morgana asked, still on top of my head, as I shrug. "I can't explain how much I wanna puke. Looks like I was right to think he was dangerous..." I trailed off, taking Morgana off of my head and hugging him close. "Er... Lady Akano..." His effort was useless. I kept clinging to him tight. I don't know why I'm doing this but I feel a sense of familiarity from hugging him.

"I'm done, let's- Am I interrupting something?" Ryuji towered over me and Morgana with a questionable expression. "No, it's fine. I just needed to hug something soft to get my mind off this stuff." I answered while letting go of my feline friend. "A-Anyways, let's get out of here before the shadows come here." And with Morgana's word, the three of us left. We had to go through the main hall to get to the open vent. I wish we didn't need too. The other Kamoshida was there along with three guards, blocking our path. "...You knaves again? To think you'd make the same mistake again. You're hopeless!" His taunt was the weakest shit I've ever heard. "The school ain't your castle! I've memorized their faces real good. You're goin' down!" Ryuji huffed as I took my knife out of its holster. "It seems it's true when they say 'barking dogs seldom bite'. How far the star runner of the track team has fallen." This comment really got under skin as he got visibly angry.

"I speak of the 'Track Traitor' who acted in violence, ending his teammates' dreams. Oh, I can only imagine the pain of the others who were dragged under with your... selfish act." His words sent alarm bells in my head. "Ryuji... what is he talking about...? Track traitor... violence...!?" I looked at him with a look saying, 'Tell me the truth', but he just turned his head away in shame. "What a surprise. So you're accompanying him without knowing anything at all? He betrayed his teammates and crushed their hopes, yet he still carries on as carefree as ever." My gaze was still focused on Ryuji. He was just standing there, taking this bullshit. "Ryuji! Tell me, please! Please tell me what's going on!?!" I ran up to him, shaking his shoulders as he did nothing. Tears slowly started to fall. "... -ot true..." He mumbled as my anger filled gaze turned to Kamoshida. "You've come along with this fool and now you're going to end up dead. How unlucky are you... unless you decide to come with me and leave him be..." What a disgusting man. My glare intensifie while he sighs. "Go. Kill them all. Don't sully my castle with garbage." And with Kamoshida's words, two of the guards turned into horses with two horns. What the fuck. "Ryuji, move!" Morgana pushes him away as more horses surround us. They charged at us, starting with Morgana, then me.

"Rgh... you piece of-" He was cut off by a guard stepping on his small back. "Ugh... Morgana!" I reached out to him but was stopped by two guards. They held my arms while stepping on my feet so I wouldn't move. "I bet you simply came here on a whim and ended up like this. Isn't that right?" Kamoshida walks towards me while keeping his gaze on Ryuji. "You know, my offer still stands..." His dirty hands trailed along the edge of my face. "Go fuck yourself." I spat as he grunted and punched my gut. "Ugh! You fucking bitch..." I groaned and fell on the floor. One of the guards that held me up stepped on my back, preventing me from crawling away. "No... Akano..." Ryuji muttered as he looked into my eyes. They were filled with tears from the pain. "What a worthless piece of trash, getting emotional so quickly. How dare you raise your hand at me. Though it was only temporary, have you forgotten my kindness in supervising track practice?" Kamoshida smirks, changing places with the guard that held Morgana down. "Wasn't no practice - it was physical abuse! You just didn't like our team!" The only real human who wasn't confined in one spot started groveling. "It was nothing but an eyesore! The only one who needs to achieve results is me! That coach that got fired was hopeless too... had he not opposed me with a sound argument, I would've settled it with only breaking his star's leg." Wait, don't tell me... Ryuji had the same exact face plastered on him. "Do you need me to deal with your other leg too? The school will call it self-defense anyway!" No wonder why Ryuji would fall behind or limp, this motherfucker broke his leg! "Dammit... am I gonna lose again...? Not only I can not run anymore... the track team is gone too because of this asshole...!" Ryuji... no... "Once these two are dealt with, you're next."

He maniacally laughed while stomping on Morgana more. "Ryuji!" The cat called, drawing the ex-runners attention. "Don't let this asshole win, Ryuji! Stand up for yourself!" I yelled as loud as I can but my head was shot to floor because of the guard. "... You're right. Everything that was important to me was taken by him... I'll never get them back!" He tried standing up. "Stay there and watch. Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing because they sided with trash like you!". Ryuji stepped up on both of his feet, with a look on his face that wasn't gonna take anymore shit from him. "No... that's what you are... all you think of is using people... you're the really scumbag Kamoshida!" With a little limp, he walked forward while ignoring Kamoshida's words after. With his finger pointed directed into the bastard's face, he spat,"Stop looking down on me with that stupid smile on your face!"

3rd Person POV

"You made me wait quite a while."

The blonde student fell to the floor with an intense headache. Eyes begin to glow yellow.

"You seek power, correct? Then let us form a pact. Since your name has been disgraced already, why not hoist a flag and wreak havoc...? The other you within desires it thus..."

Rolling even more, the voice continues.

"I am thou, thou art I... there is no turning back... the skull of rebellion is your flag henceforth!"

A skull mask appears on his face. The guard readys his sword, about to cut off the young girl's head. "What can you do? Cower in fear and watch!"

"Aah... nnnngh... HRAAAAAAAAAGH...!" With the ripping of his mask, blue flames were blasted from him, sending everyone who was standing flying. Once the blue flames dissolved, it revealed a figure of a pirate riding a skateboard. Beneath that was Ryuji Sakamoto, dawned with an outfit meant for modern pirates. Jerking his head up, it sent fear into the supposed 'King' and his knights. "Right on... wassup, persona... this effin' rocks! Now that I got this power, it's time for payback... yo, I'm ready... bring it!" The three persona users looked at their enemies with an intense exasperation. "Ngh... don't mock me, you brat!" One of the guards transmogrified into a dark night on a horse. "Blast them away... Captain Kidd!" and so the battle begins.

Akano's POV

So Ryuji had a persona, huh? Ugh, no time to think of it! We have to fight! Immediately, the shadow summons one of those horse things but it was knocked down by Ryuji hitting it with it's weakness, electricity. We continued to duke it out until the shadow faded. "How 'bout that?" Ryuji smirked in Kamoshida's direction as he just scoffed. "Even if you apologize now... I ain't forgivin' you..." My new fellow Persona user was panting heavily as I came to pat his back and keep him from falling. "I told you that this is my castle. It seems you still don't understand..." As soon as he said that, a figure appeared. It was a girl wearing pink heels, a pink leopard print bikini, pink cat ears, and a pink tiara. Her hair was blonde and in two giant pigtails which complemented her bright blue eyes. Wait, the foreigner, Takamaki! "Wh- Takamaki!?" Ryuji's face went beet red as Morgana awed at her. She began rubbing herself onto him which made me pissed. This is how he sees her!? You've got to be pulling my fucking leg, SHE'S ONLY 16!?!?!?!?! "What's going on...!?" Ryuji questioned, still looking at the girl in a bikini. The teacher reached out for her chin and held it up as he wrapped his arm around her figure. "Hey! Let go of her, you perv!" He was about to rush in and tear them away but I stopped him. "Ryuji, that isn't Takamaki. It's another doll." I reassured him as he reluctantly gave a slight nod. More guards appeared which made the three of us run for the vent.

Eventually, we made it out of the castle and stood in front of the gate. Ryuji started to question his attire as Morgana tried to get him to shut up while explaining it. "It suits you Ryuji," I wink at him as his face turns pink. Hehe, I think I might keep on doing this. "Wait, we're in deep shit!" He gasped as Morgana looked on, very annoyed at him. "We might've gotten away here, but we're still screwed with the Kamoshida at the real school..." And thus, Ryuji asks a stupid question. Morgana explains we're safe since Kamoshida doesn't know what's going on in his palace. That's a little reassuring. "Now, I guided you as promised. It's your turn to cooperate with me. That's why I was so nice to teach you Ryuji about this stuff. Lady Akano is an exception due to the fact that she knows more stuff than you." Morgana says as he jumps on my head again. I'm getting used to it, he isn't heavy either. Ryuji just looks dumbfounded at him. "Don't you remember? I originally came here for an investigation. I need to erase the distortion from my body and reclaim my real form! Which is why we must delve deep into Mementos and-" The cat was interrupted by Ryuji asking what he was saying. This left him annoyed as he looked up at me, "Lady Akano, I know I shouldn't be asking a lady this but, you're the only Persona user I know who looks promising. So please, would you help me?" Before I could answer, Ryuji gripped my arm and dragged me away from Morgana.

"You have returned to the real world, welcome back."

We somehow got back to reality. Meh, best not to question it. "Sorry Akano... I just felt like you should accept that cat's request. You don't owe it anything, like me." Ryuji apologized while releasing my arm from his grasp. "It's all good. You didn't even held on hard anyway." I told him as his shit-eating grin returned. "Ugh... I'm dead tired... how're you holding up?" He looked at me and I yawned. "That answers my question. But damn, if what we saw was for real, this is gonna get good. I totally remember the faces of the guys Kamoshida was treatin' like slaves. Once we make 'em fess up to any physical abuse, Kamoshida will be done. So, wanna help me look for those guys or any witnesses?" His question was sincere. He held his hand out for me to shake and I accepted it, "You're gonna stick with me through the year, huh? Well, through thick and thin, dude!" I smiled as he returned it. "Hey, so... you thinking of laying low 'cause of your record, huh? I don't think that will change though. School's have you pegged as a criminal, everyone knows about it." that just irks me. How do these motherfuckers know this quick!? "How did that happen?" I ask as his face turned. Apparently it was that asshole. "What the fuck!?! He's a teacher, why would he go on and do shit like that?" "I don't know why, but only a teacher could've leaked that fast! It doesn't matter if it's a student or a club; that asshole just wrecks things he doesn't agree with. Just like he did with me...!" I couldn't help but stare at his leg, I can tell which leg was broken, too. His left one. "No one'll take anything I say seriously. Still, those rumors about him gettin' physical might be real. And after seein' Kamoshida's distorted-heart thing in person, there's no way I can just sit back!" His eyes flared with determination. He's right. I know how it feels to be hurt. If I have the chance to stop the from getting hurt, I'll take it no questions asked. Even if the situations are different, that doesn't mean shit. "Of course. We have to do something about this, Ryuji." My eyes flared with the same determination as his. "Thanks for helping me. I'm counting on you! Don't worry; I'm hyped about this too!" He gives me a reassuring smile which warms my heart.

I can sense a bond of trust from Ryuji...

Back to the interrogation room...

Sae's brown eyes burned into my soul. "Acting as a Phantom Thief would've been more efficient alone. You could've gone about it that way... however, you did not. There are merits to having associates... that's what you've decided. Am I wrong?"

Back to the game...

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

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

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

Chariot? Where have I heard that from? I know I know about it but I just can't fully remember.

*GRUMBLE*

"What the-" I started as Ryuji clenched his stomach. "Oh... Right. I haven't eaten anything since lunch. It'd be weird splittin' off now, so why don't grab a bite somewhere?" Now that I think about it, I didn't pack lunch. Plus, I don't say no to food when someone offers. "Sure, why not? I don't care what Sojiro tells my probation officer so, where we headin'?" I ask as he smirks. "You'll see. C'mon! Plus, I want to know about your past!" He's excited for nothing. Anyway, I'm hungry so I don't care if I tell him how the fuck I'm here. I just hope he doesn't make a scene...

Shibuya Central Street, Ore no Beko...

"WHAT!? The hell, man! How shittier can that asshole get!?" Ryuji overreacted, the one thing I didn't want him to do. "Calm down. You're making a scene..." I looked around as a few eyes locked onto us, "I don't care! You got a criminal record just from helping someone! If it was me, I wouldn't calm down until I punched that dick in the face!" He... really thinks that? Seriously...? "So... you left your hometown, and... now you're livin' here now, huh?" I don't know what pisses me off more. Him yelling or him talking while eating. "We might be more alike than I originally thought." He said as he swallowed the food in his mouth. I cracked an egg on my second beef bowl while giving him a confused look, "What did you do?" I don't know why my tone sounds so harsh, but it does. "I don't got a record like you do. I mean, that's not the point. I guess it's how we're treated like a pain in the ass by the people around us, like we don't belong. I did something stupid at school before, too." He finishes his beef bowl and plants his bowl on the counter. "The place you're livin' now is in... Yongen, right? It's rush hour on the subways. I suggest you kill some time before headin' home. Wait, what the hell, man. You barely touched your food." He began putting ginger on my beef bowl.

"Hey! I can do that myself... plus, what are you talking about? This is my second bowl. I'm gonna go for a third one!" I smacked his hand away and began eating fast. "Okay. I'll pay for your third one, too." What? I get three beef bowls for free? Eh, I don't have any money so I can't say no. "Thanks..." I mumbled loud enough for him to hear as he smiled. I'll pay him back when I get cash. "Anyways, I got your back like you got mine from tomorrow on, Aka~Tan!" My face flushed when he said 'Aka~Tan'. Where the hell did that come from... "Aka~Tan? You okay...?" He had to use 'Aka~Tan' again. Ugh! Why do I care about what he calls me? "I-I'm fine Ryuji!" I gave him a wryly smile as he nodded. "As long as we do something about Kamoshida, I'm sure we'll both feel better about bein' at school. Oh, yeah! Give me your number and chat ID too! This way we can talk without being there physically." We exchanged numbers as he bought me a third beef bowl. He waved goodbye and I did the same. I asked the guy if I could take it to go as he obliged and placed the food in a disposable container, then in a plastic bag, and handed it to me. Hmm, Ryuji said I should kill some time before getting home. Should I look at the underground mall? Meh, might as well.

Confidants

Fool Arcana= Rank 0

Magician Arcana= Rank 0

Priestess Arcana= Rank 0

Empress Arcana= Rank 0

Emperor Arcana= Rank 0

Hierophant Arcana= Rank 0

Lovers Arcana= Rank 0

Chariot Arcana= Rank 1

Justice Arcana= Rank 0

Hermit Arcana= Rank 0

Fortune Arcana= Rank 0

Strength Arcana= Rank 0

Hanged Man Arcana= Rank 0

Death Arcana= Rank 0

Temperance Arcana= Rank 0

Devil Arcana= Rank 0

Tower Arcana= Rank 0

Star Arcana= Rank 0

Moon Arcana= Rank 0

Sun Arcana= Rank 0

Judgement Arcana= Rank 0