Here's the next chapter everyone. Hope you enjoy it and tell me how I did. It'd really mean a lot to me.

But I do apologize for me not updating any of my stories, it's just been really busy, I got work, drama, and personal life too. Still...I thank all those who have been reading.

So in the meantime, I'll stop talking and you all enjoy this. :)

Chapter 8

Everyone's Palace, Mementos

Poll: "Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves, or not?" 6.7%

Location: Shujin Academy

May/ 6th.

Time: Lunchtime

Weather: Cloudy.

The group had made themselves official, The Phantom Thieves of Hearts. They knew what to do, they were ready for their next target. Only problem was that they'd have yet to find one.

We now see the group gathered outside of Ren's classroom.

" So have we been finding anything lately? " Zach inquired as Ryuji was examining his phone.

" It ain't much, but we've been gettin' more postings on the Phantom Aficionado Website. "

" Well? What do we got then? "

" 'I want to make my friend apologize for not returning the stuff I lent to him.' Ugh, deal with that yourself! " Ryuji exclaimed in annoyance as Zach peered over to read another.

" 'Make my dad stop bugging me to clean my room.'? That's just stupid. " The scarred teen commented as Ann noticed something.

" Hey, those girls..." They all divert there attention to the same girls who started the rumors about Ann.

" You know that Phantom thieves rumor about stealing Kamoshida's heart? I wonder if it's true. '

" It's gotta be made up. Do you seriously think they exist? "

" But look what happened to Kamoshida. "

" He probably couldn't keep hiding after that girl tried to kill herself. "

" Yeah, you might be right. I guess there's no way they really exist. "

" Most importantly, it seriously sucks that our school is gonna be known for stuff like this! "

" I wonder if it'll affect our college entrance... " With their talking done they continued walking.

" Eh, that's how it is in the beginning...People won't start believing in things right away. " Zach noted.

" Yeah, true. But...they'll see soon enough. " Ryuji exclaimed with a smirk. " If we can take care of two or more three famous guys, people'll have to believe we exist. "

" So about those big shots... " Ann spoke up. " We don't have any leads yet, right? Plus there's that rumor about you three threatening Kamoshida too... "

" And how exactly are they gonna prove that? " Zach inquired as Morgana came out of Ren's bag.

" Looks like you'll just have to live a normal, honest school life for the time being. Still, make sure you stay prepared just in case anything comes up, all right? " The cat advised.

" I'll keep an eye out for info on any big shots that might be comin' around. " Ryuji said.

" And I'll try to dig up some dirt online. " Ann added.

" We went and formed the Phantom Thieves group, but we can't even find a target... " The former track star exclaimed in a depressed tone.

" There, there... " Ann patted his shoulder.

" Well what'd you expect? " Zach asked. " Things aren't always gonna go are way. It takes time. "

" Zach is right. We just have to be patient. " Ren said agreeing with what he said.

Time: Afternoon

As of right now Zach was in class with the teacher currently out using the restroom. As this happened Zach's phone buzzed.

RS: The police are really here...I saw 'em at the entrance.

AT: I saw them too! They were talking to the teachers!

ZA: Same here. They've also started talking with the members of the volley ball team.

RS: That change of heart thing's seriously amazing, huh?

AT: I hope they don't find out we're responsible...

ZA: Doubt it...

ZA; They don't have any form of proof that we did it...

RS: Yeah, we'll be fine.

RA: We don't need to worry.

AT: You sound so sure of yourself...

AT: But I mean, haven't rumors been going around how you guys threatened Kamoshida?

RS: This world's Kamoshida shouldn't know anything about what actually happened to him though.

AT: Still...

RS: We did what was right. Don't go freaking out over some label.

ZA: Exactly right.

ZA: What's done is done.

AT: I guess that's true...

RS: Man, I really can't wait to keep living this double life!

RS: Alright Ren! We're all counting on you!

Just in the nick of time as he finished the teacher had returned to continue their lesson.

The Next Day...

5/7 Saturday

Time: After School.

Weather: Sunny

Location. School Rooftop

" None of these posts are any good. " Ryuji said in annoyance as he scrolled on his phone. " Everyone's just bitchin' about their parents or their boyfriends. There ain't even a hint of a hint of a hint about a new Palace... "

" We can't get everything online... " Ann said. " Finding a post with a name and a location is asking a lot... "

" That it is. " Zach agreed.

Ryuji gives off a sigh. " Guess we just gotta find one ourselves then! "

" Are you seriously suggesting we look for a target that even the police have overlooked? " Morgana questioned.

" He's right you know. " Zach added. " Plus, guys we got exams coming up, plus were supposed to lay low. We can't have any red flags up. "

" Yeah, your both right. " Ryuji admitted. " We'll hold off 'till exams are done with, huh? We can wait and see for a little longer, then worry about comin' up emptyhanded if it happens... " All the sudden the door is heard opening up getting everyone attention and making Morgana use Ryuji's head as a jump pad to get someplace higher.

As for who it was, it was none other then the schools school counsel president Makoto Nijima. " This place is off limits, you know. "

Hearing this made Ryuji groan in annoyance. " We'll get outta here once we're done chattin'. " Zach gave the blonde a hard flick in the head making him shut up.

" Don't mind him. So, what do we the owe the pleasure Miss Council President? " She over looked the group.

" The troublemaker, the girl of rumor, the scarred one, and the infamous transfer student...Interesting combination. " Ann scoffed at hearing this.

" Great way to start a conversation... " She mumbled.

" Hey, what can I say, us odd balls stick together. " Zach said gesturing to his friends. " Don't you think? "

" I suppose so. " She said and turns her attention towards Ren. " By the way...It seems as though, you got to know Mr. Kamoshida pretty well. "

" Somewhat. " He replies.

" Anyone who attends this school would have interacted with him, whether they liked it or not. " Ann said in his defense.

" Hm... " She hummed in thought. " I heard Mr. Kamoshida used a volleyball team member to spread details about your past record. Don't you hate him? Mr. Kamoshida I mean. " Hearing this made Zach laugh a bit. " Did I say something amusing? "

" Actually yes. Do you seriously believe in those rumors? How we supposedly threatened Kamoshida? " He air quoted. " That's just a stupid rumor someone started. Never thought that would interest you. "

" Many students have been shaken up by what happened with Mr. Kamoshida. The rumors about that odd, calling card-eque posting aren't going away either. "

" I didn't expect someone like you would care about that tactless stuff, Nijima-senpai. "

" I dunno that it was tactless... " Ryuji muttered. " Anyways, we done here? We can't leave if you keep talkin' to us. "

" At least try to understand my position. Being forced to deal with this horseplay... " She said in an annoyed tone.

" Horseplay!? " Ann exclaimed in surprise and anger as she calmed down.

" Ah yes, by the way...It's been decided that this place will be closed off due to the incident. I heard some people are coming up here without permission, after all. " She then walked off. " I'm sorry to have interrupted you. " The student council president then left the rooftop closing the door behind her.

" What was that about? " Ann asked in a ticked off tone as Morgana came back down from his hiding spot.

" She's on to us. " The cat said in a concerned tone. " That girl seems rather sharp. We should be cautious of her. " He advised.

" She really pisses me off! " Ryuji said.

" All the more reason for use to be careful. " Ren noted making Ryuji scoff.

" Talk about a pain in the ass... "

" That reminds me... " Morgana said. " Study hard. Especially you, Ryuji. There are bound to be traps that will need to be solved with brains. Keep in mind that everything you do in your daily lives has an impact on your abilities. "

" True, studying won't be so bad if we just think of it as helping us prepare to be phantom thieves... "

" I guess you got a point... " Ryuji admitted. " But man, it's just so lame...I wall fired up about helpin' people, not about stuudyin'... "

" Then how are you gonna keep your double life balanced then? " Zach questioned.

" Well, I do have somewhere interesting to show you beforehand. " Morgana said. " You guys did originally promise to help me out with my mission after all.

" Huh? Mission? " Ryuji was confused as was the rest of the group.

" Follow me. " Morgana instructed.

TAKE YOUR TIME...

The group had now arrived at Shibuya right near the station that would take them down into the main street.

" What're you brining us here for? " Ryuji questioned.

" Just do as I told you. " Morgana said with Ryuji tampering his phone.

" All right, I've got the Phantom Aficionado Website up. Now what? "

" Look for a full post with a full name in it. " The cat said.

" I already said there's no info on any big shots. Don't you remember? But man, people go put someone's real name on here. That's some scary shit... "

" I'll say... " Zach agreed browsing on his phone including Ann.

" 'He won't listen to what I say'...No wait, there's no name on this one."

" 'Someone's bad-mouthin' me in online chatrooms'...This one's got a name. "

" Ignore those. " Morgana said. " Aren't there any posts about more serious trouble? "

" 'I don't know what to do about my ex who's stalking me. " Ann said reading out one of the posts. " His name is Natsuhiko Nakanohara. It also says he's a teller at City Hall. "

" A government worker's stalkin' someone? " Ryuji questioned.

" That doesn't sound good. This sounds like a suitable target, wouldn't you agree Morgana? " Zach questioned.

" Yes it does. " The cat confirmed. " All right, now get the Meta-Nav ready. "

"We're just gonna jump into a Palace? Fine by me! " Ryuji said without questioning.

" Hey, what happened to all that talk of 'unanimous decision?' " Ann questioned. " What do you think we should do, Ren? "

" I say we should check it out. " He answered.

" That's what I'm talkin' about! "

" Alright, is that my que for me to go then? " Zach questioned.

" Actually, you'll be going with us this Time Zach. " Morgana said. " It's important for you to know this too. "

" Are you sure? "

" Positive. There's four of us, so you should be fine. " He exchanged a brief look with the others who nodded their heads.

" Ok then. Let's go. " Ann said.

" We need a name and a place, right? So the name... "

" Actually, we don't need a location this time. " Morgana said. " Just enter exactly what I say. The keyword is...'Mementos'. "

" Mementos? " Zach was confused. " What is that supposed to be? "

" Yeah, what're you tryin' to pull? " Ryuji added.

" Just listen to me. It should work...I think. "

" Geez, that again... " He said before entering the keyword onto the nav. " Uhhh...'M-e-m-e-n-t-o-s,' was it? "

" Candidate found. " A voice said taking Ryuji by surprise sitting up.

" We got a hit!? "

" Just as I thought. " The cat said before the area around them began to distort and before long something bizarre happened.

" Everyone disappeared!? " Ann was in shock because it was true, it was almost like every single person around them had just vanished into thin air.

" Yeah, what the hells going on!? " Zach added.

" It this that Nakanohara guy's Palace? " Ryuji questioned.

" That's half right, but half wrong. " Morgana said making them even more confused. " This is a type of Palace, but it's different from the normal ones. Come on, let's down, the Shadows lurk underground. I don't quite understand why,It may be because they're drawn to something. "

" Underground? " Ann repeated what she heard. " How are we going to get there? "

" How? " Morgana returned. " You use it every day on your way to school. Follow me! " With that he went down the escalator.

" Ah! " Ryuji freaked out watching him do so. " Wait up cat! " With that said the group quickly made their way down. As they were doing so, the very air became ominous. As they transcended down the very entry to the subway was covered in blackish red growth resembling vines all over the place going straight down.

" Okay...this is spooky... " Zach commented.

" Yeah. The hell is this place? " Ryuji questioned at the odd appearance of the place itself he then turned around and was shocked by what was seen. " Wait, our clothes changed!? "

Zach looked over and he was right, Ryuji had on his signature Skull mask with Ren wearing his Joker mask. As for Ann, well he completely didn't expect her to wear such an outfit, considering it made her look like a cross between a dominatrix and cat woman if she ever had a red costume.

Ann looked to Morgana who had transformed with a shocked look on her face. " The Shadows know we're here!? "

" Since the moment we stepped in. " The cat said sounding almost too calm in the situation they were in.

" You should've told us! " Ryuji stomped his foot glaring at him.

" We're still safe right here. " Morgana said still showing how calm he was.

" How do you know this? " Ren inquired.

" I've come to investigate this place a number of times. Shadows never come up to this floor. " Morgana answered. " But it's a different story once you go down. This place is simply teeming with them. "

" More importantly, what is this Mementos!? " Ann exclaimed demanding an answer. " It's about time you start explaining. "

" Mementos is..."everyone's" Palace. " Morgana said slightly turning away from them and paused adding a dramatic effect.

" Huh? " Ryuji was confused. " Whaddya mean "everyone's"? " Morgana then began to explain.

" A Palace as grand as the previous castle only forms when a person's wishes are extremely distorted. So, instead of many individual Palaces, the general public has one gigantic shared Palace. That's where we are now...Mementos. "

" Now that you mention it, this place feels a bit different from Kamoshida's Palace... " Ann commented looking around their surroundings.

" When you say shared...you mean they're all put together? Even though they're just strangers? " Ryuji asked trying to piece it all together.

" Think of it as the collective unconscious..." He began but then stopped. " No, never mind. You wouldn't understand that. "

" I think I know what he means... " Zach spoke up. " The Metaverse psychically allows us to go into peoples hearts, Kamoshida's castle was his hearts physical manifestation. So that means Mementos comes in the form of the Subway. It kind of makes since because, its what everyone uses to get around through the whole city. The only difference is that everyone's desires has molded itself into one single heart. " He said before looking to the cat. " Am I getting this right? "

" Huh... " Morgana said turning his head looking to Zach with a surprised look. " That was a pretty good guess on what Mementos is, I'm impressed Zach. "

" So what you're both saying is..." Ann began. " Using this place, we can even change the hearts of people who don't even have a Palace? "

" Correct! " The cat exclaimed smiling happily at her. " The steps to do so are slightly different though. "

" But, this place looks really huge. " Ryuji commented looking down the stairs into the thick darkness. " Are we gonna be able to get around just by walkin'? "

" Yeah, we don't even know how deep this place goes. " Zach added as Morgana jumped off from his spot and ran over to an opening.

" It seems the time has finally come... " He said in a serious tone confusing everyone as he began to mimic Kamen Rider Ichigou's transformation stance. " Morganaaa... transfoooooorm! " He then jumps into the air and in a puff of smoke and mixed noises he transformed into a van themed after himself making a cat noise. If it didn't take everyone by surprise the vehicle spoke. " Come now, Panther. Ladies first. "

" A car!? " Ann's jaw dropped in disbelief from what just happened.

" No way! " You could tell from Ryuji's voice his mind couldn't comprehend from what he just saw. The car jumped as he continued to speak.

" This comes from the way cognition materializes in the Metaverse, plus a bit of extra training. It's not dissimilar to how you guys transform. " He explained.

" You turnin' into a cat is totally different than or clothes changin'! " Ryuji argued.

" Yeah, what he said. " Zach added. " But Morgana how come you can turn into a car? "

" For some reason, 'cats turning into buses' is an extremely widespread cognition among the general public. " The vehicle replied.

" Why a bus though? " Ann questioned.

" No idea... " Morgana replied back.

" Wait, why didn't you do this at the castle!? " Ryuji questioned stomping his foot in anger.

" I would have if I could! " The van replied jumping up. " But that castle was cramped, there were tons of stairs, and no way this fits on top of a chandelier! " With that said Ryuji ran forward heading inside with Ann right behind him and began to argue like a bunch of little kids.

" Hey, Skull! Ladies first! "

" Stop pullin' me! That dangerous! "

" Panther! " The bus jumps up for a moment. " Please be gentle! "

Zach then looks towards Zach. " How did you guys not manage to get caught again? "

Ren shrugged his arms. " Luck I guess? " He answers as they got inside with Zach taking shotgun.

" All aboard! " Ryuji said getting comfy in the back. " Let's go! "

" Uh, guys... " Zach spoke up. " He's a car. How's he supposed to go by himself? "

" At least someone notices. " Morgana said. " I'm not going anywhere unless someone drives me. "

" You can't drive yourself!? " Ryuji asked in disbelief.

" Of course he can..." Zach started. " No what the hell do think stupid!? "

" Do you know how to drive? " Ann asked.

" Hey, I would, but I'm one hand short...But in this case...arm... " Zach replies pointing to his empty long sleeve and looks over to Ren. " What about you Ren? "

The black frizzy haired teen gained a smirk and then cracked his fingers. " Time to show off my moves... " This made everyone nervous.

" Um, safety first, OK? " Ann asked nervously.

" You better not smash up my beautiful face, you hear me!? " Morgana added sounding just as nervous.

" Okay. Now get up here in the drivers seat. " Zach told his friend who exited out of the back and made his way around with Skull closing the door.

" Now start the engine! You can't drive if it's not running! " Morgana said as Ren got behind the wheel.

" Geez, what a pain... " Ryuji said as he and Ann leaned forward. " Where's the key to this thing? "

" Just move the switch down there. " Zach said pointing down. " Right by the steering wheel. " Ren reached down making the van laugh.

" That tickles! Lower, lower! " He pushes the switch starting up the engine making it giving off a purring like noise. " Oh there...That feels soooo goooood... "

" Eh, the cat turns into a car and it purs like one. I ain't impressed. " Zach commented. " Let's hit it. "

" Don't underestimate my meowtary engine. " Morgana said using a cat pun. " We're going full throttle! It's time to fly! " With that said the group drove their way down to the darkness of Mementos. Which would only start the first of many trips inside this bizarre place and the secret it holds deep inside.

Upon arriving down the very area was defiantly different from a subway and the very air was thick being sucked into the darkness within with only the front lights of the van letting them see. Just like on top the whole entire place was covered in red and blackish growth resembling both vines and veins all headed in different directions.

" Man...This place totally does feel like a Palace... " Skull said.

" Yeah, I guess it'd be strange driving on the tracks like this in the real world... " Panther added.

" Something's up with it... " Zach said looking around their surroundings. " Whatever it is, it's my skin crawl...I'm telling you right now, there's something not right with this place. Okay, so this Naanohara guy's Shadow is in this place somewhere. What makes this place so different from a Palace Mona? "

" Shadows like this are in a segment of their own creation. But don't worry, it won't be the size of a Palace. Our next step is to find the segment. "

" And what's this entrance gonna look like? " Skull questioned.

" I have no idea, but strong distortions should be a pretty obvious visual clue. "

" In other words we'll know when we see it. " Zach summarized as Joker stepped on the gas starting there search.

" So we just gotta go wanderin' around for it then? What a goddamn pain in the ass... " Skull complained and it was then they all noticed large black figures with multiple masks all over there bodies and for some reason they were just squatting down. " Whoa...Those Shadows look weird... "

" Keep your voices down! " Mona advised as they drove through at a slow pace. " Right now they're sleeping, so we'll be fine for the moment. " He explained as they entered a large empty room and turned around to continue looking.

" Mona? Does the state of Menentos reflect on the public in general? "

" Yes it does actually... " He replied as they made a turn bashing into a gate smashing the chains on it making the door open and continued on. " It can be random sometimes, but the shadows to become effected. "

" How? " Joker questioned keeping his eyes on the road driving carefully around some sleeping shadows.

" Well, it mostly depends on the weather actually...Like if it was a hot scorching day then the shadows would get burned. " He answered. " But we should stay focused on the task at hand. I'll give you all more details later. "

All the sudden Zach called out to them. " Guy's stop, stop... " The van stopped.

" What is it? " Joker asked with Zach pointing to their right.

" I think that's it right there.. " Zach said pointing to the right. They then drove up to what Zach was seeing. It was a red and black vortex with a few rails sucked into it ripped off the ground going right into it. This was the weirdest thing they've ever seen so far.

" Dude, the hell is this? It's all wavy and shit. "

" This is the place... I sense the target up ahead. " Morgana told the group. " Are you ready Joker? "

" Let's go. " The car was backed up and then sped forward jumping through the portal. Once they were out they emerged in some sort of strange small room with what looked like veins hanging in the ceiling.

" Geez, this place is creepy... " Zach commented.

" Hey, something's there! " Skull said pointing on ahead.

" That seems to be Nakanohara's Shadow. " Morgana guessed.

" Lemme see. Some front desk guys at City Hall become a stalker, right? " Skull asked.

" Yeah. " Zach confirmed.

" I don't know how much evil he's done, but we have to do something if he's bothering other people. " Panther said.

" All right, we'll go talk to him. " He looks back to Zach. " Zach, you stay here. "

" No argument there. " The scarred teen said as the team went over to confront the Stalkers Shadow. As they got closer they heard him muttering to himself.

" She's mine...All mine... " He turns around to face the group. " Who are you!? "

" Are that stalker!? " Ann questioned. " Haven't you stop to consider how your ex feels? "

" She's my property! " The shadow spat out. " I can do whatever I want with her! It's not like she didn't treat me like a plaything! What's wrong with me doing the same!? "

" You can't treat someone like shit just 'cause they did it to you! " Skull returned. " What a load of crap... " He stomps forward slightly. " We're gonna change the hearts of all the bastards like you! "

" There are millions of people far worse than me! " Nakanohara said. " What about Madarame? He stole everything from me, but you're letting him off the hook!? "

" Madarame? The hell's this guy goin' on about? " Skull questioned and in the back Zach's curiosity was flaring up.

" Hmmm...interesting... " As he did this the shadow transformed into a purple haired red skinned demon that was dancing.

" Get ready! Here he comes! " Morgana warned the group as the battle began.

TAKE YOUR TIME...

Zach had watched the whole battle take place and it was there he got to see Ann's Persona Carmen the legendary femme fatal which seemed to sui her perfectly. During the battle Ren had used more then one Persona much more different then the one he'd seen him obtain. The scarred teen was defiantly curious to know just how his friend had this strange power, but on the other hand it defiantly came in handy in the long run when facing tougher enemies.

Finally after a bit of a struggle Nakanohara's Shadow reverted back to his human form kneeling down.

" I-I was wrong...Please forgive me... " Zach then stepped forward and kneeled down to his level curious about something and wanted to ask some questions.

" Tell me Nakanohara, who is this Madarame? What did he do to you? "

" That evil teacher used, then threw me out on the street. " He answered. " That's what caused my fixiation on her..,...I never meant harm, I just didn't want anyone to throw me out again... "

" So some selfish bastard was you suffer too... " Panther said and sighed. " Still, you shouldn't have dragged an related woman into your mess. "

" She's right. It's her choice to go back to you, you can't force that. " Zach added

" Yes. I know. I'll put an end to my love for her... " He then looked at the group. " Hey, you can change people's hearts, right? "

" That is what we attend to do. " Ren answered.

" I see...in that case...Won't you change Madarame's heart!? Before more people fall victim to him..."

" We will try... " Zach answered back making the shadow smile as he was enveloped in light.

" Thank you... " With that he turned into small glowing orb.

" Change...Madarame's heart? " Panther was still confused on what he meant by that.

" Hm? What's that shinin' thing? " Skull questioned.

" It's the bud of a Treasure. " Mona said before explaining. " Had we left it be, it very well may have blossomed into a Palace. " Zach then grabbed the orb and upon doing so it turned into a pearl necklace.

" So Nakanohara had a change of heart, right? " Skull questioned as they all gazed at the object.

" Most likely. " Mona said

" But how are we supposed to know if we succeeded? " Panther questioned.

" That lady posted the dude's name online. If he really does change, she'll prolly comment again. "

" Skull does have a point... " Zach admitted making him chuckle.

" Either way, trainin' against Shadows down here's the best! It's great prep for our next target! "

" It's also nice to be able to give courage to the people who post their problems online. " Panther commented.

" On top of that, we can sell whatever treasure we get for some cold, hard cash! " Mona added.

" Sounds like things are goin' pretty great for us! All right, we did it! " Skull exclaimed pumping his arm into the air happily.

" Hold on. " Mona spoke up. " There's somewhere I want to show you guys before we leave. "

" What, there's more? " Skull groaned.

" Don't worry, it wont take long. " Mona reassured him making everyone exchange a look with one another before nodding in agreement.

" So what do you want to do? " Ren asked his partner in crime.

" There's something I'd like to check in an area further down. First off, we should look for a platform that'll let us descend "

" Wait, you've been here before right? Don't you got like a map or something? " Skull inquired.

" That would hold no meaning in this place. The layout changes every time you enter. " Mona said making Panther gasp.

" Wait, so our path changes too!? "

" This place is the fused cognition of a countless number of people, it's constantly shifting. Even so, our destination should be pretty close. "

" Well what are we waiting for then? Let's go. " Zach encouraged the group with Mona turning into a van once again.

TAKE YOUR TIME...

The group had now arrived down at a spot where in real life the trains would stop and allow the passengers to get off or come on. However in this case, the trains just kept going giving off an creepy red glow. At the end was a wall that seemed to be covered in red and blackish growth and weird markings.

" What is this place? " Panther questioned. " It's kinda creepy. "

" And a dead end at that. " Skull commented. " Why's it even exist? "

" I don't think that's a wall guys... " Zach said as went up to it. " It looks like a door to me. Is that it is Mona? "

" I'm not exactly sure. " The cat admitted before walking up to it. " But if my hunch is correct... " He presses up against it causing the area to shake. The wall then shifted splitting apart opening into a new set of stairs.

" It was a door! " Panther noted in shock.

" A new area has been confirmed in the depths. Updating guidance information. " The meta nav informed.

" See!? " The cat jumped happily. " It's just as I thought! "

" What do you mean? " Panther questioned.

" That wall wouldn't budge when I came here by myself before. But it'd be weird for the deepest part of Mementos to be some normal place like this, wouldn't it? "

" So you were thinkin' there's gotta be more? " Skull guessed.

" Yeah! Now that Kamoshida's Palace is gone and people are actually starting to talk about us...I knew something had to have changed down here! "

" How deep is it? Should we try going further down? " Panther questioned with Mona shaking his head.

" Let's not. That's not why we're here today, remember? We've accomplished our goal. We should head back and I'll explain once we're home. "

" Mona's right. We should leave now. " Joker said in agreement as they then made their way back to the overview of Mentos and returned to reality.

TAKE YOUR TIME...

After trekking through Mementos the group had arrived back to the same spot they were before going in.

" Mementos, huh? I still don't really get that place. " Ryuji said. " And that door thing at the end. "

" And it looks like we unlocked it too. " Zach said.

" Zach might be onto something, it unlocked granting us passage to another depth. " Morgana said. " If Mementos is the public's Palace though...it might be affected by the general public's belief in us. "

" Why do you know so much about it, Morgana? " Ann questioned.

" My memories are a little foggy in that regard... " The cat questioned. " However, I need to know what lies in the depths of Mementos, no matter what. "

" Why? " Zach questioned.

" Mementos is not just everyone's Palace, it's the source of all Palaces. It used to be that Palaces like Kamoshida's with one ruler simply didn't exist. So if we can do something about the greatest cause of distortions, I'm certain that my appearance will... "

" Change you back to being human. " Ren finished realizing it all an effort for him to regain his memories.

" And you wanted someone to help you too... " Ann added.

" I-I just needed pawns. " Th cat stuttered sounding embarrassed.

" I see...So that's why you came pokin' your nose around with us. " Ryuji said in understanding.

" I'll help you. I hope you can regain what you've lost. " Ann told the cat with a kind smile

" I'll...be relying on you guys. "

" By the way Morgana...are you a boy? Or might you be a girl? " Ann questioned.

" Defiantly a boy. " Ren spoke up.

" Yeah, I agree...I wanted to make sure though, just in case. " Ann said.

" Really? I was pretty sure Morgana was a she, considering the name belongs to a famous sorceress. " Zach said. " You sure your a boy? "

" Yes I am! The cat quickly replied back.

" Hey could turn out to be pretty ancient. " He then gasps. " What if he smells like an old person? "

" Stop that..." The cat said. " In any case, of course I'm male! I mean, I... " He pauses.

" What is it? " Ann asked in concern.

" No...it's nothing. We're done talking about that! Anway, we now know that we can perform minor changes of heart in Mementos. If we come across any eye-catching leads, it may be worth dealing with them for a bit of combat practice. "

" There weren't any outstanding ones...though... " Ann commented.

" I bet we'll get tons of 'em if we can change someone famous and make the Phantom Thieves well-known. The big fish are our main targets after all. "

" Don't forget, we can't always deal with big shots, were not in this for popularity. " Zach said as a reminder.

" I agree with Zach. But first Ryuji needs to find a way to get through your exams. " Morgana said.

" I gotta study... " The blonde said sulking his head down making the group laugh a little at his antics all while they were unaware that someone was watching them from the distance.

TAKE YOUR TIME...

Location: Kibo No Su Apartment Complex

Time: Evening

Zach is in his room eating a late snack a red apple. As he finished he headed to his desk and brought out what he needed to help him study. Before doing so, his phone buzzed meaning the group was texting meaning they were talking.

RS: Man, that Nakanohara guy was a piece of cake!

RS: If we can take down some kinda big target next, we're totally gonna get famous.

AT: Hey! We're trying to help people, not get famous!

ZA: As usual we gotta remind him that...

RS: But if people don't know who we are, how're we gonna give them any courage?

RA: Unfortunately he's right.

RS: See?

AT: I don't think you're necessarily wrong...

AT: But should we really be doing this at all if we don't have a reason like with Kamoshida?

ZA: Yeah, I get what you're saying...

ZA: It was personal to all of us, considering the position were put in at the time and what transpired. We had to do something to stop that sick bastard.

RS: Yeah, but why shouldn't we be sticking our noses into other people's business?

RS: I dunno, man. If someone's in trouble, it's only natural to wanna help them out!

AT: I mean, I agree with that.

AT: And I guess I was glad we were able to solve the stalker case.

ZA: Yeah, that could've gotten worse.

RS: Plus, what good are our Personas if we don't use 'em for good?

RS: Don't you agree, Ren? "

RA: Definitely.

AT: Yeah...You're right.

ZA: But!

ZA: No matter what, we don't get carried away...

ZA: There's always gotta be a line drawn.

RS: I know, I know.

RS: But we don't got much time to be arguing over this either. That Madarame(?) guy bothers me.

ZA: Yeah...And that's our lead to finding another target...No doubt about it...

RA: I agree. We have a name, but we don't know who this person is.

RA: It can be anyone in Japan.

RA: But for now...Let's get our exams done with.

AT: Yeah and don't do anything to stand out like failing your exams.

ZA: Hear that? Better start hitting the books.

RS: Oh crap! Speaking of that, I haven't studied at all...

ZA: Have fun :p...~

Zach chuckled knowing he was gonna have a struggle, so ultimately he decided to follow his own advice and start hitting the books as well.

To be continued

Now replying back to reviewers

quangnguyentran720

The next chapter is almost done, have a bit more patience, I'm doing what I can.

ROCuevas

Thank you as per usual